Influence ofα-tocopherol, propolis and piperine on therapeutic potential of tiferron against beryllium induced toxic manifestations

Modulating effect of tiron on the capability of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation in the brain of rats exposed to radiation or manganese toxicity

The brain is an important organ rich in mitochondria and more susceptible to oxidative stress. Tiron (sodium 4,5-dihydroxybenzene-1,3-disulfonate) is a potent antioxidant. This study aims to evaluate the effect of tiron on the impairment of brain mitochondria induced by exposure to radiation or manganese (Mn) toxicity. We assessed the capability of oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) through determination of mitochondrial redox state, the activity of electron transport chain (ETC), and Krebs cycle as well as the level of adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. Rats were exposed to 7 Gy of γ-rays or injected i.p. with manganese chloride (100 mg/kg), then treated with tiron (471 mg/kg) for 7 days. The results showed that tiron treatment revealed positive modulation on the mitochondrial redox state manifested by a marked decrease of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total nitrate/nitrite (NO_x) associated with a significant increase in total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione (GSH) content, manganese superoxide dismutase (MnSOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. Moreover, tiron can increase the activity of ETC through preventing the depletion in the activity of mitochondrial complexes (I, II, III, and IV), an elevation of coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) and cytochrome c (Cyt-c) levels. Additionally, tiron showed a noticeable increase in mitochondrial aconitase (mt-aconitase) activity as the major component of Krebs cycle to maintain a high level of ATP production. Tiron also can restore mitochondrial metal homeostasis through positive changes in the levels of calcium (Ca), iron (Fe), Mn, and copper (Cu). It can be concluded that tiron may be used as a good mitigating agent to attenuate the harmful effects on the brain through the inhibition of mitochondrial injury post-exposure to radiation or Mn toxicity.

Reversible Testicular Toxicity of Piperine on Male Albino Rats

Background:

Piperine was widely used in traditional medicine for inducing sterility and abortion.

Objective:

To evaluate the effect of the piperine on testis of male albino rats

Materials and Methods:

Adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 12). Group I (control): Rats were given vehicle p.o. i.e. 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose in normal saline daily for 60 days, Group II (ED): Rats received piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) daily, Group III (E4D): Rats received piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. on every 4^th day, Group IV (E7D): Rats received piperine at a dose of 10 mg/kg b.w. on every 7^th day. Half of the animals from each group were sacrificed after the treatment period (60 days), and the remaining were kept for drug-free withdrawal period (60 days) and then sacrificed.

Results:

Piperine significantly decreased the reproductive organ weights in groups ED and E4D. Piperine induced hormonal imbalance by altering the serum levels of follicle-stimulating hormone, luteinizing hormone, sex hormone binding globulin, serum, and testicular testosterone in groups ED and E4D. Furthermore, piperine decreased the activity of germ cell markers and Leydig cellular steroidogenic enzymes in the groups ED and E4D after 60 days. All the above-altered values returned to normal levels after withdrawal period. Histopathological findings also supported the above findings.

Conclusion:

From the above data, it can be concluded that piperine could be a good lead molecule for the development of reversible oral male contraceptive.

SUMMARY

Piperine was employed for the contraceptive purposes in traditional medicine

Piperine significantly impaired the spermatogenesis by decreasing the testicular hormone synthesis in groups ED and E4D

Piperine disrupted the testicular antioxidant system by promoting the ROS production and hydroxyl radical generation in rat testis in groups ED and E4D

Histopathological evidence supported the disruption of spermatogenesis by piperine

All the effects of piperine after the treatment period (i.e. 60 days) were back to normal after the withdrawal period (i.e., after 120 days).

Piperine and Its Various Physicochemical and Biological Aspects: A Review

Piper nigrumL. is examined as the king of species worldwide by virtue of its principle piperine. In Ayurveda, since from the ancient times, it is known as “Yogvahi”. It is one of the important alkaloids of Pepper fruits (Family Piperaceae) and has been found to have numerous medicinal properties such as antioxidant, antiplatelet, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, hepatoprotective, antithyroid, antitumor, antiasthmatic activity and also have significant role as fertility enhancer. The present review discusses the biosynthetic pathway, extraction process, chemistry and various analytical methods of piperine. It also describes the structural modification of piperine and its various effects on biological system. The utility of piperine as a bioenhancer for certain antibacterial- antibiotics and a potent inhibitor of drug metabolism are also discussed. Thus, review provides knowledgeable erudition on the piperine which paves way for further work.

Co-administration of adjuvants along with Moringa oleifera attenuates beryllium-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in rats

CONTEXT

Moringa oleifera Lam. (Moringaceae) is a rich source of antioxidants. All parts of the plant are medicinally important and have been used as traditional medicine for a variety of human ailments in India.

OBJECTIVE

Therapeutic efficacy of adjuvants with M. oleifera (MO) root extract was investigated against beryllium-induced oxidative stress.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hydroalcoholic (50% v/v) root extract of M. oleifera (150 mg/kg, p.o.) alone and combinations of M. oleifera with either piperine (2.5 mg/kg, p.o.) or curcumin (5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) daily for 1 week were administered in experimental rats against beryllium toxicity (1.0 mg/kg, i.p. daily for 5 weeks). Oxidative stress parameters including blood sugar, G-6-Pase in liver, and DNA damage were analyzed. Histopathological changes in liver and kidney were also observed.

RESULTS

Beryllium enhanced lipid peroxidation (LPO), depleted reduced glutathione (GSH) and antioxidant enzymes activities, decreased blood sugar and G-6-Pase activity, and did not damage DNA. Histologically, liver was observed with structural loss and disintegration of hepatocytes, heavy vacuolation in hepatocytes, and kidney was observed with constriction of glomeruli and hypertrophy in epithelial cells of uriniferous tubules. Therapy of M. oleifera with piperine was effective; however, combination of M. oleifera with curcumin showed better therapeutic effect by reduction of LPO, elevated GSH level, maintained antioxidant enzymes activities, restored blood sugar, and G-6-Pase activity in liver together with almost normal histoarchitecture of liver and kidney.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Curcumin enhanced therapeutic efficacy of M. oleifera root extract and showed better antioxidant potential against beryllium toxicity.

The ameliorative effect of propolis against methoxychlor induced ovarian toxicity in rat

A study was designed to evaluate ameliorative effect of propolis against methoxychlor (MXC) induced ovarian toxicity in rat. The organochlorine pesticide (MXC) is a known endocrine disruptor with estrogenic, anti-estrogenic, and anti-androgenic properties. To investigate whether chronic exposure to MXC could cause ovarian dysfunction, two groups of Sprague-Dawley adult female rats were exposed to MXC alone in a dose of 200mg/kg, twice/weekly, orally or MXC dose as previous plus propolis in a dose of 200mg/l/day, in drinking water for 10 months. Another two groups of rat were given corn oil (control) or propolis. Multiple reproductive parameters, ovarian weight, serum hormone levels, ovarian oxidative status and ovarian morphology were examined. In MXC-exposed group, there is a significant decrease in body and ovarian weight vs. control. MXC decreases serum estradiol and progesterone levels. A significant increase in the levels of lipid peroxidation was obtained while a significant decrease of the total antioxidant was recorded. Ovarian histopathology showed primary, secondary and vesicular follicles displaying an atretic morphology. Increase in the ovarian surface epithelium height accompanied with vacuolated, pyknotic oocytes were obtained. The previous toxic effects were neutralized by the administration of propolis in MXC+propolis group. The present results suggest that propolis may be effective in decreasing of MXC-induced ovarian toxicity in rat.

Bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin: an overview

Recently, the use of herbal medicines has been increased all over the world due to their therapeutic effects and fewer adverse effects as compared to the modern medicines. However, many herbal drugs and herbal extracts despite of their impressive in-vitro findings demonstrates less or negligible in-vivo activity due to their poor lipid solubility or improper molecular size, resulting in poor absorption and hence poor bioavailability. Nowadays with the advancement in the technology, novel drug delivery systems open the door towards the development of enhancing bioavailability of herbal drug delivery systems. For last one decade many novel carriers such as liposomes, microspheres, nanoparticles, transferosomes, ethosomes, lipid based systems etc. have been reported for successful modified delivery of various herbal drugs. Many herbal compounds including quercetin, genistein, naringin, sinomenine, piperine, glycyrrhizin and nitrile glycoside have demonstrated capability to enhance the bioavailability. The objective of this review is to summarize various available novel drug delivery technologies which have been developed for delivery of drugs (herbal), and to achieve better therapeutic response. An attempt has also been made to compile a profile on bioavailability enhancers of herbal origin with the mechanism of action (wherever reported) and studies on improvement in drug bioavailability, exhibited particularly by natural compounds.

Combined effects of gallic acid and propolis on beryllium-induced hepatorenal toxicity

The combined effect of gallic acid (3,4,5-trihydroxy benzoic acid; GA; 50 mg kg(-1) i.p.) and propolis (200 mg kg(-1) p.o.) was evaluated against beryllium-induced biochemical and morphological alterations in the liver and kidney. Female albino rats were exposed to beryllium nitrate (1 mg kg(-1) i.p.) daily for 28 days followed by treatment with the above mentioned therapeutic agents either individually or in combination for five consecutive days. Exposure to beryllium increased its concentration in the serum, liver and kidney and caused significant alterations in cytochrome P450 enzymes, microsomal lipid peroxidation and protein contents. Beryllium administration significantly altered the aspartate aminotransaminase, alanine aminotransaminase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-grutamy1 transpeptidase, bilirubin, creatinine and urea in serum, and the activity of acid phosphatase, alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase, glucose-6-phophatase and succinic dehydrogenase, triglycerides, cholesterol, protein contents, glycogen contents, lipid peroxidation and glutathione level in the liver and kidney. Beryllium exposure induced severe alterations in hepatorenal morphology, revealing its toxic consequences at a cellular level. Individual administration of GA and propolis reduced the effects on the studied parameters to a degree. Interestingly, GA in conjunction with propolis reversed the alterations in all of the variables examined, highlighting the beneficial effects of combined therapy over monotherapy in the alleviation of beryllium-induced systemic toxicity.

Reversal of vanadium-induced toxicity by combination therapy of tiferron and α-tocopherol in rat during pregnancy and their fetuses

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to analyze the effect of tiferron (sodium 4, 5-dihydroxybenzene-1, 3-disulfonate) per se and combination with α-tocopherol against vanadium induced developmental toxicity. Vanadium, as vanadyl sulphate pentahydrate, was evaluated for embryotoxic/fetotoxic effect in female albino rats (Sprague Dawley).

METHODS

The compound was administered by gavage to pregnant animals at a dose of 15 mg/kg/day, p.o. on day 6-15 of pregnancy (organogenesis). Tiferron was given on day 16-18 as chelating agent. Cesarean sections were performed on day 19 of gestation.

RESULTS

Maternal toxicity was observed, the level of sugar in the blood decreased, while we observed an increase in serum protein, serum alkaline phosphatase and serum transaminase activity. Level of lipid peroxidation showed enhances value in fetal and maternal liver. Vanadium induced inhibition in glycogen contents. Protein contents were decreased in vital organs where as increased in uterus and placenta. There was increased activity of acid phosphatase with the concomitant decline in alkaline phosphatase, adenosine triphosphatase and succnic dehydrogenase after vanadium intoxication. Toxicant caused severe alteration in histopathological observation of maternal and fetal liver, kidney, uterus and placenta proving its toxic consequences at cellular level. Tiferron along with α-tocopherol dramatically reversed alterations of all variables towards control rather than individual treatment.

CONCLUSION

The combination therapy of tiferron and α-tocopherol played a beneficial role in reducing vanadium induced developmental toxicity.

Therapeutic influence of zinc and ascorbic acid against lead induced biochemical alterations

The influence of co-administration of zinc (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [ip]) and ascorbic acid (10, 20 and 30 mg/kg, ip) against lead (lead acetate; 35 mg/kg, ip for 3 days) induced biochemical alterations was studied in young albino rats. The results revealed significant fall in hemoglobin content, on the other hand significant raise in the activity of serum transaminases and serum alkaline phosphatase after lead administration. Significant increase in lipid peroxidation and decreased level of reduced glutathione in liver showed oxidative stress due to lead exposure. Total protein content in liver and kidney were diminished after lead exposure. Activity of acid phosphatase in liver and kidney and alkaline phosphatase in kidney was increased significantly. Zinc and ascorbic acid treatment showed moderate therapeutic efficacy when administered individually, whereas more pronounced protective effects were observed after combined therapy of zinc and different doses of ascorbic acid. The results thus, suggested that co-administration of zinc and ascorbic acid may be useful in restoration of lead induced biochemical alterations.

Safety evaluation of Trikatu, a generic Ayurvedic medicine in Charles Foster rats

Chemical characterization and acute and sub-acute toxicity study of Trikatu, a generic herbal formulation of Indian system of medicine, was carried out in Charles Foster (CF) rats for safety profiling. In acute toxicity experiment, Trikatu at 2,000 mg/kg body weight once orally was well tolerated by the experimental animals (both male and female) and no changes were observed in mortality, morbidity, gross pathology, gain in weight, vital organ weight, hematological (total white blood cells (WBC) and red blood cells (RBC) count), biochemical parameters such as serum creatinine, serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum lipid profile and tissue biochemical parameters such as reduced glutathione and malonaldehyde content as oxidative stress markers. In sub-acute experiment, Trikatu was administered at 5, 50 and 300 mg/kg body weight once daily for 28 days in female CF rats, and non-significant changes were found in most of the parameters studied such as acute experiment except significant increase in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol level at 50 and 300 mg/kg body weight, decrease in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol level at 300 mg/kg body weight, increase in SGPT activity at 50 mg/kg body weight and decrease in WBC count at 300 mg/kg body weight on 28(th) day post treatment.

Reversal of acetaminophen induced subchronic hepatorenal injury by propolis extract in rats

The ethanolic extract of propolis (200mg/kg, p.o.) was evaluated against acetaminophen (APAP; 20mg/kg, p.o.) induced subchronic hepatorenal injury in rats. Administration of APAP significantly increased the release of serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin and serum proteins, whereas concomitantly decreased hemoglobin, blood sugar and albumin. Hepatorenal reduced glutathione and activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase, hepatic CYPs i.e., aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase were significantly decreased after APAP intoxication. Lipid peroxidation showed significant elevation in both organs significantly after APAP assault. Total proteins, glycogen contents and the activities of certain metabolic enzymes i.e., adenosine triphosphatase, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase were altered after APAP administration. Propolis extract exhibited curative effects by reversing APAP induced alterations in blood biochemical variables, CYP enzymes and markers of oxidative stress. Histopathological analysis of liver and kidney was consistent with the biochemical findings and led us to conclude the curative potential of propolis against APAP induced hepatorenal injury.

Study on the effects of nitrilotriproprionic acid and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulphonate on the fractionation of beryllium in human serum using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Background

Occupational exposure to beryllium may cause Chronic Beryllium Disease (CBD), a lung disorder initiated by an electrostatic interaction with the MHC class II human leukocyte antigen (HLA). Molecular studies have found a significant correlation between the electrostatic potential at the HLA-DP surface and disease susceptibility. CBD can therefore be treated by chelation therapy. In this work, we studied the effect of two complexing agents, nitrilotriproprionic acid (NTP) and 4,5-dihydroxy-1,3-benzene disulphonate (Tiron), on the fractionation of beryllium in human serum analysed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS).

Results

We found the average serum beryllium concentration of fourteen non-exposed individuals to be 0.53 (± 0.14) μg l^-1, with 21 (± 3)% of the beryllium mass bound to the low molecular weight fraction (LMW), and 79 (± 3)% bound to the high molecular weight fraction (HMW). The addition of Tiron increased the beryllium mass in the HMW fraction, while NTP was not seen to have any influence on the fractionation of beryllium between the two fractions. NTP was, however, shown to complex 94.5% of the Be mass in the LMW fraction. The beryllium GFAAS detection limit, calculated as three times the standard deviation of 10 replicates of the lowest standard (0.05 μg L^-1), was 6.0 (± 0.2) ng L^-1.

Conclusion

The concentration of beryllium or its fractionation in human serum was not affected by sex or smoking habit. On average, three quarters of the beryllium in serum were found in the HMW fraction. Of the two ligands tested, only Tiron was effective in mobilising beryllium under physiological conditions, thus increasing the Be content in the HMW fraction.

Multiple treatment of propolis extract ameliorates carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury in rats

Propolis, a resinous wax-like beehive product has been used as a traditional remedy for various diseases due to a variety of biological activities of this folk medicine. In the present investigation, an attempt has been made to validate hepatoprotective activity of ethanolic extract of propolis (50-400mg/kg, p.o.) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4,) 0.5 ml/kg, p.o.) induced acute liver injury in rats. Silymarin, a known hepatoprotective drug was used as a positive control. Administration of CCl(4) altered various diagnostically important biochemical variables. Multiple treatment of propolis significantly prevented the release of transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase, urea and uric acid in serum; improved the activity of hepatic microsomal drug metabolizing enzymes, i.e., aniline hydroxylase and amidopyrine-N-demethylase; significantly inhibited lipid peroxidation and markedly enhanced glutathione in liver and kidney as well as brought altered carbohydrate contents (blood sugar and tissue glycogen), protein contents (serum, microsomal and tissue protein) and lipid contents (serum and tissue triglycerides, serum cholesterol, total and esterified cholesterol in tissue) towards control. Propolis treatment also reversed CCl(4) induced severe alterations in histoarchitecture of liver and kidney in a dose dependent manner. Hepatoprotective activity of propolis at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg was statistically compared to silymarin and found that propolis exhibited better effectiveness than silymarin in certain parameters, concluded its hepatoprotective potential.