This study investigated the antidiabetic activity of Cinnamomum cassia (C. cassia, Cc) silver nanoparticles (CcAgNPS) and effects of C. cassia on the kidneys of rats with induced type 2 diabetes. Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats weighing 250 ± 20 g were induced with diabetes by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 60 mg/kg). Animals were randomly assigned to one of four groups (n = 6) and treated for eight weeks with normal saline (control, group A), 5 mg/kg of CcAgNPs (group B), 10 mg/kg of CcAgNPs (group C), or 200 mg/kg of Cc (group D). Body weight and fasting blood glucose (FBG) was measured weekly and fortnightly, respectively. At the end of experiments, animals were euthanized, blood and kidney tissue samples were collected for biochemistry (oxidative stress markers and renal function parameters) and kidneys were harvested for histology (PAS and HE staining). Body weight was significantly higher in group B and C vs. control (p < 0.05), while no significant differences were observed in the kidney-to-body weight ratio between groups. FBG, glutathione, malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, serum urea and creatinine were significantly lower in group B, C and/or D vs. control (all p < 0.05). In group A, severe distortion of the glomerular network was observed, marked by the loss of capsular integrity, thickened basement membrane, tubular cells with pyknotic nuclei, vacuolization, and interstitial space with infiltrations. These adverse effects were mitigated by 5 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg of CcAgNPs. Our study confirms structural and functional damage to kidneys caused by diabetes. CcAgNPs have a regenerative potential in diabetes-induced kidney damage and may be used as an antidiabetic agent.

This study investigated the toxic effects of silver on the kidneys and livers of Sprague-Dawley rats after administering multiple doses of silver nanoparticles synthesized using extracts of Cinnamomum cassia (CcAgNPs). Twenty-four Sprague-Dawley rats (250 +/- 20 g) were randomly assigned to four groups (A-D) of six animals per group and treated for 8 weeks. Group A was administered 200 mg/kg of Cinnamon Cassia extract (Cc), group B 5 mg/kg of CcAgNPs, group C 10 mg/kg of CcAgNPs, and group D normal saline. Body weight was measured weekly and fasting blood glucose was measured fortnightly. At the end of the experiment, animals were euthanized and organs (livers and kidneys) were fixed in neutral buffered formalin and processed for light microscopy (H&E). Body weight differences were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the low-dose Cc group and the kidney to body weight ratio was not significant. Renal function analysis of proteins and ketones showed a significant increase in CcAgNP-treated rats (P < 0.05). Kidney and liver histology showed distortions in hepatocytes and sinusoidal linings with infiltrations especially in the higher dose groups. Kidney histology mirrored degenerative changes in glomerular and Bowman's capsules with fibrillary mesangial interstitium. CcAgNPs impairs renal and hepatic morphology and function after a long period of administration.

Estimation of body length has been achieved from the measurements of the scapular with relative accuracy by researches in recent times. This research hypothesized that the landmarks on the scapular and on the x-ray radiographs could be used to predict scapular length and elucidated the landmarks that best estimate the scapular length. A total of 600 scapulae and 600 anterior-posterior x-ray radiographs were used for the study. Positive correlation was observed between the measured variables and the scapular length with the males showing significantly higher mean length compared to females. The length of axillary boarder of the scapula was the best predictor of the scapular length. No significant difference (P>0.05) existed in the mean length derived from the scapular and the x-ray radiographs of scapular. We therefore conclude that measurements from the radiographs of scapular were as reliable in estimating scapular length as those from the scapular bones.