Introduction: Age related changes in the hepatic and gastric tissues have been discovered and are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the effect of garlic as a prophylactic or a therapeutic tool against age related changes in the liver and stomach. Materials and Methods: 80 male albino rats were used. Classified into four groups: group 1: 15 rats served as control adult, group 2: 15 rats served as control aged, group 3: 25 adult rat treated with Tomax in a dose of 100 mg/kg orally daily till aging and group 4: 25 aged rats treated with Tomax in the same previous dose for 4 months. Animals were sacrificed and specimens from the liver and stomach were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver and stomach of group 1 revealed the normal structure. Age related changes were detected in group 2 in the form of vacuolation of cells lining the gastric glands and disturbed hepatic architecture. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes in parietal and chief cells were observed. Hepatocytes showed variable sized nuclei with marginated hetero chromatin clumps, areas of rarified cytoplasm, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and interrupted cell membrane. Tomax treatment in group 3 greatly improved the aging changes in liver and gastric mucosa. Decreased vacuolation of gastric epithelial cells and restored hepatic architecture were observed. Ultrastructural degenerative changes were less pronounced in both tissues. In group 4 there was no obvious improvement but they were more or less similar to group 2. Conclusion: It could be concluded that garlic could be used as a prophylactic measure against age induced structural changes in the liver and stomach rather than being used as a therapeutic one.

Introduction: Age related changes in the hepatic and gastric tissues have been discovered and are considered to be implicated in the pathogenesis of some diseases. Aim of the Work: To evaluate the effect of garlic as a prophylactic or a therapeutic tool against age related changes in the liver and stomach. Materials and Methods: 80 male albino rats were used. Classified into four groups: group 1: 15 rats served as control adult, group 2: 15 rats served as control aged, group 3: 25 adult rat treated with Tomax in a dose of 100 mg/kg orally daily till aging and group 4: 25 aged rats treated with Tomax in the same previous dose for 4 months. Animals were sacrificed and specimens from the liver and stomach were prepared for light and electron microscopy. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver and stomach of group 1 revealed the normal structure. Age related changes were detected in group 2 in the form of vacuolation of cells lining the gastric glands and disturbed hepatic architecture. Ultrastructurally, degenerative changes in parietal and chief cells were observed. Hepatocytes showed variable sized nuclei with marginated hetero chromatin clumps, areas of rarified cytoplasm, fragmented endoplasmic reticulum and interrupted cell membrane. Tomax treatment in group 3 greatly improved the aging changes in liver and gastric mucosa. Decreased vacuolation of gastric epithelial cells and restored hepatic architecture were observed. Ultrastructural degenerative changes were less pronounced in both tissues. In group 4 there was no obvious improvement but they were more or less similar to group 2. Conclusion: It could be concluded that garlic could be used as a prophylactic measure against age induced structural changes in the liver and stomach rather than being used as a therapeutic one.

Introduction: Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. Aim of the Work: The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1served as control. Group 2 received malathion (1000 mg/kg body weight) once orally. Group 3 received malathion + vit.C (200 mg/ kg) once i.p. Group 4 received malathion + vit. E (150mg/kg) once i.m. Group 5 received malathion + alpha- lipoic acid (25mg/kg) once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C + vit.E + alpha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrifi ced after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress indices), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infi ltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a signifi cant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion,while combined treatment resulted in a signifi cant degree of recovery. There was signifi cant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, E or α lipoic acid). Conclusion: Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately.

Introduction: Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. Aim of the Work: The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1served as control. Group 2 received malathion (1000 mg/kg body weight) once orally. Group 3 received malathion + vit.C (200 mg/ kg) once i.p. Group 4 received malathion + vit. E (150mg/kg) once i.m. Group 5 received malathion + alpha- lipoic acid (25mg/kg) once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C + vit.E + alpha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrifi ced after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress indices), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infi ltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a signifi cant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion,while combined treatment resulted in a signifi cant degree of recovery. There was signifi cant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, E or α lipoic acid). Conclusion: Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately.

Introduction: Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. Aim of the Work: The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1served as control. Group 2 received malathion (1000 mg/kg body weight) once orally. Group 3 received malathion + vit.C (200 mg/ kg) once i.p. Group 4 received malathion + vit. E (150mg/kg) once i.m. Group 5 received malathion + alpha- lipoic acid (25mg/kg) once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C + vit.E + alpha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrifi ced after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress indices), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infi ltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a signifi cant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion,while combined treatment resulted in a signifi cant degree of recovery. There was signifi cant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, E or α lipoic acid). Conclusion: Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately.

Introduction: Malathion is one of the most popular organophosphorous insecticides. Free radical damage is an important direct or indirect factor involved in malathion poisoning. Aim of the Work: The objective of the present study was to estimate the role of vitamin C, vitamin E and alpha-lipoic acid either individually or in combination, in amelioration of acute hepatic toxicity induced by malathion. Materials and Methods: Sixty adult male albino rats were divided into six equal groups. Group 1served as control. Group 2 received malathion (1000 mg/kg body weight) once orally. Group 3 received malathion + vit.C (200 mg/ kg) once i.p. Group 4 received malathion + vit. E (150mg/kg) once i.m. Group 5 received malathion + alpha- lipoic acid (25mg/kg) once i.p. Group 6 received malathion+ vit. C + vit.E + alpha-liopic acid. Animals of all groups were sacrifi ced after 24 hours. Histological examination of the liver was performed. Biochemical assay of superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiols as antioxidant indices, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) as an index of lipid peroxidation (oxidative stress indices), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), total protein, albumin and globulin as liver function tests was done. Results: Light and electron microscopic examination of liver of group 2 exhibited foci of altered cells with dense nuclei and vacuolated cytoplasm, mononuclear cell infi ltrations in portal areas, electron lucent areas in the cytoplasm of the hepatocytes, marginaton of nuclear chromatin. Biochemical analysis showed a signifi cant increase in the serum levels of SOD, total thiols, TBARS, AST, ALT, total protein and globulin as compared to control. Treatment by any of the antioxidants variably reduced the hepatic structural changes induced by malathion,while combined treatment resulted in a signifi cant degree of recovery. There was signifi cant decrease in serum levels of all biochemical parameters when treated with one or combination of antioxidants (vitamin C, E or α lipoic acid). Conclusion: Combination of the previous antioxidants could be used as helpful therapeutic line in treatment of acute hepatic toxicity with malathion rather than their use separately.

Background Aspartame is the most popular artificial sweetener consumed by many individuals worldwide. Yet, there is still a debate on its consumption as an alternative to sugar. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of aspartame on pancreas morphodynamics. Aim of the study The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic aspartame administration on the histological structure of rat pancreas. Materials and methods Twenty male albino rats aged 3 months were divided into two equal groups: a control group (group I) and an experimental group (group II), which included rats that received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame once daily for 6 months. The pancreatic tails were processed for light and electron microscopy. The pancreatic islets were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain for the identification of insulin-secreting β cells. Results In group II, binucleated acinar cells, prominent nucleoli, and a relative decrease in secretory granules were observed. Some islet cells showed an acidophilic granular cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. A strong positive immunoreaction for insulin was observed in β cells. Ultrastructurally, acinar cells showed euchromatic nuclei with multiple nucleoli. The proliferation and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum had occurred with disturbed cell polarity. Secretory granules were deficient in most acinar cells. β Cells showed an apparent increase in the amount of secretory granules, especially immature ones, and a variable degree of vacuolation. Conclusion Chronic administration of aspartame to adult rats could exert a hyperstimulatory effect on pancreatic acinar and β cells, leading to the risk of development of pancreatitis and/or diabetes

Background Aspartame is the most popular artificial sweetener consumed by many individuals worldwide. Yet, there is still a debate on its consumption as an alternative to sugar. Further studies are warranted to assess the effects of aspartame on pancreas morphodynamics. Aim of the study The present study aimed to evaluate the effects of chronic aspartame administration on the histological structure of rat pancreas. Materials and methods Twenty male albino rats aged 3 months were divided into two equal groups: a control group (group I) and an experimental group (group II), which included rats that received 250 mg/kg/day aspartame once daily for 6 months. The pancreatic tails were processed for light and electron microscopy. The pancreatic islets were evaluated by immunohistochemical stain for the identification of insulin-secreting β cells. Results In group II, binucleated acinar cells, prominent nucleoli, and a relative decrease in secretory granules were observed. Some islet cells showed an acidophilic granular cytoplasm and deeply stained nuclei. A strong positive immunoreaction for insulin was observed in β cells. Ultrastructurally, acinar cells showed euchromatic nuclei with multiple nucleoli. The proliferation and dilatation of rough endoplasmic reticulum had occurred with disturbed cell polarity. Secretory granules were deficient in most acinar cells. β Cells showed an apparent increase in the amount of secretory granules, especially immature ones, and a variable degree of vacuolation. Conclusion Chronic administration of aspartame to adult rats could exert a hyperstimulatory effect on pancreatic acinar and β cells, leading to the risk of development of pancreatitis and/or diabetes