Impact of Spirulina on Propylthiouracil - Induced Hypothyroidism in Albino Rats, a histological, immunohistochemical and biochemical approach

Abstract

Background: Hypothyroidism is a decrease in the production of the thyroid hormones and leads to gland dysfunction. Spirulina used as an antioxidant and supposed as antihypothyroidic agent. Objective: This study was carried out to investigate the impact of Spirulina on PTU-induced hypothyroidism in rats. Materials and Methods: The rats were divided into six groups, control group (G1), hypothyroid group (G2), SP-500 treated group (G3), SP-1000 treated group (G4), PTU+SP-500 treated group (G5) and PTU+SP-1000 treated group (G6). Thyroid gland was examined using biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical studies. Duration of treatments were for 14 days. Results: A significant decline in the body weight gain was exhibited. Biochemically, a significant decrease in T3 and T4 hormone levels in the PTU-group and a substantial increase in groups treated with Spirulina alone. While PTU+ Spirulina treated groups revealed normal hormonal levels more or less similar to the control group. Histological changes such as congestion of the blood capillaries, follicular dilatation, and vacuolar degeneration of some follicular cells were exhibited in hypothyroid group G2 and Spirulina treated-groups (G3andG4). Hyperplastic cells with hyperchromatic nuclei, depleted vacuolated-thyroglobulin, and a significant increase in the epithelial heights and the follicular diameters, were observed. Immunohistochemically, low expression of the proliferative cellular marker KI-67 was expressed in the PTU and PTU+Spirulina treated groups. While negative expression of KI-67 in Spirulina treated groups was recorded. Conclusion: Administration of Spirulina alone displayed signs of hyperactivity on the thyroid gland, but it has a mild protective role in the PTU-induced hypothyroidism groups. Therefore, caution should be used in extrapolating these results to the human being situation within different doses and durations.

Attenuating effect of Chlorella Vulgaris against acrylamide intoxication on thyroid gland

“…In this study, CV treatment with 300 mg/kg for 30 days revealed a rebalance through TSH elevation besides decreased level of T3 and T4 in ACR-induced toxicity groups. Our results are clearly in line with previous study of [57][58][59] who all indicated similar results after treatment with different doses of Spirulina. A considerable imbalance between the activity of peroxidation processes and the antioxidant defense system was obvious in thyroid tissue [60].…”

Ashwagandha Roots Extract Attenuate Some Anatomical and Behavioral Outcomes in Rat’ Pups After Early Postnatal Induction of Hypothyroidism

“…On the other hand, we observed higher locomotor activity during the first minute of the open field test, this might be due to greater anxiety level and, as a result, prominent escape behavior during the initial minutes of the test [24]. These findings significantly support the concept that appropriate thyroid hormones in early postnatal life are vital to the development of the central nervous system, which is required for emotion and motor control [27]. The relationship between thyroid hormone abnormalities, particularly early hypothyroidism, and alterations in anxiety-related behaviors is widely documented but not entirely understood [35].…”

“…This decrease could be attributed to the decline in levels of T3 and T4 that have a potential effect on the metabolism and homeostasis in animal body. Also, certain study referred to the previous result of impairment in energy metabolic processes along with a decrease in the basal metabolic rate [27]. On another hand, it would seem that the drug's more direct impact on the adrenal cortex is what is causing these alterations.…”

The Potential Protective Impact of Spirulina on Cisplatin Induced-Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: Histological, Immunohistochemical and Biochemical Study

“…Group I-b (positive control): Four rats received spirulina (500 mg/kg) body weight orally by using a gastric tube for 8 days (18) . Group II (cisplatin-treated group): The animals were administrated a single dose of cisplatin 6 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneal (19) .…”