Objectives: The present study was an attempt at investigating whether the aqueous extract of Emblica officinalis may have an ameliorative effect on ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the kidney and liver of mice. Methods: Adult male albino mice were orally administered 50 μg (LD, low dose) and 100 μg (HD, high dose) of ochratoxin/0.2 ml of olive oil/animal/ day for 45 days. Results: The results revealed a significant (p < 0.05), dose-dependent increase in lipid peroxidation as well as a decreased activity of enzymatic antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and glutathione transferase) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione and total ascorbic acid) in both the organs, as compared to the findings for olive oil-treated control group. Administration of Emblica officinalis aqueous extract (2 mg/animal/day) and ochratoxin for a period of 45 days caused a significant amelioration in the ochratoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver and kidney.

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The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of ascorbic acid on in vitro maturation of caprine oocytes under normal and elevated temperatures. Goat ovaries were collected at slaughter and both A and B grade cumulus-oocyte-complexes (COCs) were aspirated out and were matured in vitro under normal (38.5°C) and elevated temperatures (41°C). On the basis of cumulus expansion and nuclear maturation, the maturation competencewere compared with and without ascorbic acid supplementation (100 µM). Heat stress significantly (P£ 0.01) reduced cumulus expansion, maturation rate and lowered metaphase stage II of nuclear maturation. Ascorbic acid improved developmental competence of oocytes during heat stress (41 °C) and ascorbic acid supplemented COCs demonstrated significantly (P£ 0.05) higher maturation rates when compared to non-supplemented groups.