Effects of nitrite graded doses on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, histopathological alterations, and activation of apoptosis in adult rats

Linagliptin mitigates lipopolysaccharide-induced acute kidney injury in mice: Novel renal BDNF/TrkB/NRF2-dependent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication associated with sepsis, yet no effective treatment is currently available. The primary mechanisms involved in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced septic AKI are oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. This study aimed to investigate the potential renoprotective effects of linagliptin, an antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase (DPP)-4 inhibitor, against LPS-induced AKI with special emphasis on renal brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) axis. Mice were divided into control, LPS, LPS + linagliptin, and LPS + linagliptin+ANA-12 (tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrkB) antagonist) groups. Our results revealed that linagliptin, partially through BDNF augmentation, ameliorated AKI, evidenced by the improved histological structure and function of the kidney where serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, cystatin C, and renal kidney injury molecule-1were decreased with increased serum albumin. These improvements result from glucagon-like peptide-1/BDNF/TrkB-mediated NRF2 activation, enhancing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic pathways. Linagliptin, through NRF2 augmentation, suppressed renal myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, NLR Family pyrin domain-containing 3 inflammasome, nuclear factor-kappaB, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2)-associated X protein, while boosting the antioxidant glutathione and the antiapoptotic Bcl2 contents. The administration of ANA-12 before linagliptin partially reversed these beneficial effects. Accordingly, our results suggest that linagliptin has therapeutic potential in managing LPS-induced AKI. Furthermore, they provide insights into its underlying mechanisms, highlighting renal BDNF signaling as a potential therapeutic target through downstream NRF2 enhancement and its associated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects.

Impact of chlorogenic acid on submandibular salivary gland and liver of albino rats exposed to sodium nitrite

AIM

The aim of the present study is to show how sodium nitrite alters the histology of submandibular salivary glands and livers of Albino rats, as well as how chlorogenic acid may have therapeutic benefits.

METHODS

A sample size of thirty male Sprague Dawley Albino rats weighing between 100 and 150 g (5-6 weeks old) was randomly allocated into 3 equal groups. Group I: rats were used as controls and were given phosphate buffer solution, whereas Group II: rats were given an 80 mg/kg sodium nitrites (SN) daily dissolved in distilled water. The rats in Group III were given a daily dose of 80 mg/kg SN dissolved in distilled water and after 6 hours each rat received 50 mg/mL freshly prepared chlorogenic acid (CGA) every other day. For 12 weeks, all treatment modalities will be administered orally, every day. After the experiment, all rats were euthanized. Samples from salivary glands and livers were processed and stained with H&E and interleukin 6 (IL 6). Malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes were detected using an ELISA assay.

RESULTS

Groups III had nearly comparable findings to Group I regarding histological pattern with normal submandibular glands and livers features. Group III salivary gland treated with CGA exhibited higher SOD levels (20.60±4.81 U/g) in comparison to the SN group, and lower MDA levels (111.58±28.28 nmol/mg) in comparison to the SN treated samples. In comparison to the SN group, CGA treatment significantly reduced MDA levels in liver samples (167.56±21.17 nmol/mg) and raised SOD (30.85±6.77 U/g).

CONCLUSIONS

Chlorogenic acid has a protective effect against salivary gland and liver toxicity induced by SN in rats. This was mediated via the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of CGA and the restoration of oxidant/antioxidant balance in rat salivary gland and liver.

Co-exposure of microcystin-LR and nitrite induced kidney injury through TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis

The degradation of cyanobacterial blooms releases hazardous contaminants such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and nitrite, which may collectively exert toxicity on various bodily systems. To evaluate their individual and combined toxicity in the kidney, mice were subjected to different concentrations of MC-LR and/or nitrite over a 6-month period in this study. The results revealed that combined exposure to MC-LR and nitrite exacerbated renal pathological alterations and dysfunction compared to exposure to either compound alone. Specifically, the protein and mRNA expression of kidney injury biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), were notably increased in combined exposure group. Concurrently, co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite remarkedly upregulated levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, while decreasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Notably, MC-LR and nitrite exhibited synergistic effects on the upregulation of renal IL-1β levels. Moreover, MC-LR combined with nitrite not only elevated mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines but also increased protein levels of pyroptosis biomarkers such as IL-1β, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and Cleaved-GSDMD. Mechanistic investigations revealed that co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite promoted pyroptosis both in vivo and in vitro, possibly through the activation of the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Pretreatment with TLR4 inhibitor and NLRP3 inhibitor effectively suppressed pyroptosis induced by the co-exposure of these two toxins in HEK293T cells. These findings provide compelling evidence that MC-LR combined with nitrite synergistically induces pyroptosis in the kidney by activating the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Overall, this study significantly enhances our comprehension of how environmental toxins interact and induce harm to the kidneys, offering promising avenues for identifying therapeutic targets to alleviate their toxic effects on renal health.

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Quillaja saponin mitigates methotrexate-provoked renal injury; insight into Nrf-2/Keap-1 pathway modulation with suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic/immunosuppressive drug, whose clinical use is impeded owing to its serious adverse effects; one of which is acute kidney injury (AKI). Most of MTX complications emerged from the provoked pro-oxidant-, pro-inflammatory- and pro-apoptotic effects. Quillaja saponaria bark saponin (QBS) is a bioactive triterpene that has been traditionally used as an antitussive, anti-inflammatory supplement, and to boost the immune system due to its potent antioxidant- and anti-inflammatory activities. However, the protective/therapeutic potential of QBS against AKI has not been previously evaluated. This study aimed to assess the modulatory effect of QBS on MTX-induced reno-toxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-two male rats were divided into 4-groups. Control rats received oral saline (group-I). In group-II, rats administered QBS orally for 10-days. In group-III, rats were injected with single i.p. MTX (20 mg/kg) on day-5. Rats in group-IV received QBS and MTX. Serum BUN/creatinine levels were measured, as kidney-damage-indicating biomarkers. Renal malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced-glutathione (GSH) and nitric-oxide (NOx) were determined, as oxidative-stress indices. Renal expression of TNF-α protein and Nrf-2/Keap-1 mRNAs were evaluated as regulators of inflammation. Renal Bcl-2/cleaved caspase-3 immunoreactivities were evaluated as apoptosis indicators.

RESULTS

Exaggerated kidney injury upon MTX treatment was evidenced histologically and biochemically. QBS attenuated MTX-mediated renal degeneration, oxidant-burden enhancement, excessive inflammation, and proapoptotic induction. Histopathological analysis further confirmed the reno-protective microenvironment rendered by QBS.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, our results suggest the prophylactic and/or therapeutic effects of QBS in treating MTX-induced AKI. Such reno-protection is most-likely mediated via Nrf-2 induction that interferes with oxidant load, inflammatory pathways, and proapoptotic signaling.

Dapagliflozin improves early acute kidney injury induced by vancomycin in rats: Insights on activin A/miRNA-21 signaling and FOXO3a expression

Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI) represents a potentially serious disorder associated with increased morbidity and mortality. The presented study investigated the ability of the oral antidiabetic agent, dapagliflozin (DAPA), to preserve the kidneys of rats subjected to vancomycin (VCM)-induced AKI. Rats were injected with VCM (400 mg/kg; i.p daily) for 7 successive days to induce AKI. Rats that received VCM were pretreated with DAPA at 5 or 10 mg/kg; p.o daily for 14 successive days. Vancomycin-treated rats depicted renal tubular damage, decline in renal function, and renal morphological alterations. Impairment of renal antioxidant machinery and propagation of renal cell apoptosis was apparent in the setting of VCM overdose. Pretreatment of VCM rats with DAPA, particularly at 10 mg/kg, effectively attenuated NADPH oxidase-4 (NOX4)-induced renal ROS, hampered activin A activation, and repressed miRNA-21/PTEN/pAKT signaling. These events were associated with impeding the expression of renal p-FOXO3a/t-FOXO3a ratio and promoting the nuclear localization of FOXO3a immnoexpression, enhancing renal antioxidant enzymes. At the same time, DAPA pretreatment improved renal function indices and alleviated the kidney injury markers, NGAL, and KIM-1, accompanied by restoring the normal renal histopathological structure. Regarding renal apoptosis, DAPA suppressed the expression of Bax/Bcl2 ratio and caspase-3. This study demonstrates that DAPA ameliorates VCM-induced AKI in rats via modulating renal oxidative stress, presumably by interfering with NOX4/activin A/miRNA-21 cascade and augmenting t-FOXO3a expression as well as dampening renal cell apoptosis.

Insights into the role of PHLPP2/Akt/GSK3β/Fyn kinase/Nrf2 trajectory in the reno-protective effect of rosuvastatin against colistin-induced acute kidney injury in rats

OBJECTIVES

Oxidative stress-mediated colistin's nephrotoxicity is associated with the diminished activity of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) that is primarily correlated with cellular PH domain and leucine-rich repeat protein phosphatase (PHLPP2) levels. This study investigated the possible modulation of PHLPP2/protein kinase B (Akt) trajectory as a critical regulator of Nrf2 stability by rosuvastatin (RST) to guard against colistin-induced oxidative renal damage in rats.

METHODS

Colistin (300,000 IU/kg/day; i.p.) was injected for 6 consecutive days, and rats were treated simultaneously with RST orally at 10 or 20 mg/kg.

KEY FINDINGS

RST enhanced renal nuclear Nrf2 translocation as revealed by immunohistochemical staining to boost the renal antioxidants, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) along with a marked reduction in caspase-3. Accordingly, rats treated with RST showed significant restoration of normal renal function and histological features. On the molecular level, RST effectively decreased the mRNA expression of PHLPP2 to promote Akt phosphorylation. Consequently, it deactivated GSK-3β and reduced the gene expression of Fyn kinase in renal tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

RST could attenuate colistin-induced oxidative acute kidney injury via its suppressive effect on PHLPP2 to endorse Nrf2 activity through modulating Akt/GSK3 β/Fyn kinase trajectory.

TLR4/Inflammasomes Cross-Talk and Pyroptosis Contribute to N-Acetyl Cysteine and Chlorogenic Acid Protection against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (Cp) is an antineoplastic agent with a dose-limiting nephrotoxicity. Cp-induced nephrotoxicity is characterized by the interplay of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Toll-4 receptors (TLR4) and NLPR3 inflammasome are pattern-recognition receptors responsible for activating inflammatory responses and are assigned to play a significant role with gasdermin (GSDMD) in acute kidney injuries. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and chlorogenic acid (CGA) have documented nephroprotective effects by suppressing oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Therefore, the current study aimed to investigate the contribution of the upregulation of TLR4/inflammasomes/gasdermin signaling to Cp-induced nephrotoxicity and their modulation by NAC or CGA.

METHODS

A single injection of Cp (7 mg/kg, i.p.) was given to Wistar rats. Rats received either NAC (250 mg/kg, p.o.) and/or CGA (20 mg/kg, p.o.) one week before and after the Cp injection.

RESULTS

Cp-induced acute nephrotoxicity was evident by the increased blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine and histopathological insults. Additionally, nephrotoxicity was associated with increased lipid peroxidation, reduced antioxidants, and elevated levels of inflammatory markers (NF-κB and TNF-α) in the kidney tissues. Moreover, Cp upregulated both TLR4/NLPR3/interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and caspase-1/GSDMD-signaling pathways, accompanied by an increased Bax/BCL-2 ratio, indicating an inflammatory-mediated apoptosis. Both NAC and/or CGA significantly corrected these changes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study emphasizes that inhibition of TLR4/NLPR3/IL-1β/GSDMD might be a novel mechanism of the nephroprotective effects of NAC or CGA against Cp-induced nephrotoxicity in rats.

Successful Liver Transplantation After Neurologically Determined Death Donation Following Sodium Nitrite Poisoning

Sodium nitrite poisoning has been reported with increasing frequency since 2017 and popularized on social media as an effective means to commit suicide. Though accidental, non-intentional consumption has been reported, it is uncommon. Sodium nitrite is a colorless, odorless, yellowish-white crystalline material that resembles table salt, is easily ingested for self-harm, and is readily accessible through purchase from online portals at low cost. The chemical is used industrially as a curing agent for meat, fish, and cheese, as it inhibits Clostridium botulinum and prevents botulism. We herein report a successful case of liver transplantation from an organ donor who suffered brain death after intentional sodium nitrite consumption. Despite conflicting evidence on sodium nitrite's toxic versus protective effects on the liver, our transplant recipient showed normal graft function in the four months following liver transplantation. It would have been helpful and reassuring to have had access to similar positive case reports when deciding to use such a donor.

Pioglitazone modulates immune activation and ameliorates inflammation induced by injured renal tubular epithelial cells via PPARγ/miRNA‑124/STAT3 signaling

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly a result of renal ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI), which produces clinical complications characterized by the rapid deterioration of renal function, leading to chronic kidney disease and increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. Currently, only supportive treatment is available. AKI, which is accompanied by immune activation and inflammation, is caused by proximal tubular injury. The present study investigated the role of tubular epithelial cells as drivers of inflammation in renal IRI and their potential function as antigen-presenting cells, as well as the molecular mechanisms by which peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) agonists [such as pioglitazone (Pio)] exert reno-protective action in renal IRI. A total of 50 Wistar male albino rats were divided into five groups: Sham + DMSO, Sham + Pio, IRI + DMSO, IRI + prophylactic preoperative (pre) Pio and IRI + postoperative Pio. The histopathological changes in renal tissue samples and the renal epithelial cell expression of CD86, miRNA-124, STAT3, pro-inflammatory cytokines, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Arginase-II were analyzed by immunohistochemistry, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR, western blotting and ELISA respectively. IRI was a potent inducer for CD86 immunoexpression. An ameliorative action of Pio was demonstrated via decreased CD86 immunoexpression, upregulation of miRNA-124, decreased STAT3 expression and beneficial anti-inflammatory effects. The tubular epithelium served a notable role in the inflammatory response in renal IRI. Pio exerted its anti-inflammatory effects via PPARγ/miRNA-124/STAT3 signaling.

Histopathology, pharmacokinetics and estimation of interleukin-6 levels of Moringa oleifera leaves extract-functionalized selenium nanoparticles against rats induced hepatocellular carcinoma

Background

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most dangerous cancers in all the world. This study focused on prevention and therapy of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) using Moringa oleifera extract combined with vitamin C and selenium in a nanoplatform (MO/asc.-Se-NPs).

Results

Full characterization of MO/asc.-Se-NPs was performed by using different analytical techniques (TEM, DLS, zeta-sizer), and its antioxidant capacity was measured by DPPH assay. Biodistribution study was performed with the aid of radiolabeling technique using technetium-99m in normal albino mice. HCC was induced in Wister albino rats to evaluate the efficiency of MO/asc.-Se-NPs in the treatment of HCC. The biomarker analysis (ALT, AST and ALB) shows improvement in its values in prevention and treated groups by using MO/asc.-Se NP. The levels of inflammatory marker interleukin 6 (IL6 tissue homogenate) was improved by decreasing its values in these two groups also. Histology section of tissue liver showed alleviation in treated and prevention groups.

Conclusions

In conclusion, MO/asc.-Se-NPs can be used as a potential agent for prevention and treatment of HCC after further preclinical studies.

Hepatoprotective, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potentials of Vit-E/C@SeNPs in rats: Synthesis, characterization, biochemical, radio-biodistribution, molecular and histopathological studies

This study aimed to synthesize a nano-structure between selenium, Vit. C, and Vit. E (Vit-E/C@SeNPs) as a promising protective and therapeutic agent for hepatocellular carcinoma. Vit-E/C@SeNPs were characterized using TEM and DLS and its zetapotential was measured to evaluate its stability. DPPH assay and SRB test were performed to estimate its antioxidant capacity and cytotoxicity, respectively. A radiosynthesis of ^99mTc-Vit-E/C@SeNPs was done for further in-vivo pharmacokinetic studies on normal and solid tumor induced mice. Further, in-vivo studies were conducted to investigate Vit-E/C@SeNPs efficacy against hepatocellular damage in Wistar albino rats induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) / Carbon Tetra chloride (CCl₄). The synthesis results showed spherical Vit-E/C@SeNPs with core size of 50 nm, radical scavenging activity (%RSC) of 75.9%, and IC₅₀ of 27.9 µg/ml. The biochemical analysis results showed that the lower liver function biomarker values (ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin and GGT) has gone for the Vit-E/C@SeNPs prevention and treated group, which also showed significant depletion of liver tissue l-MDA, and obvious increase in GSH concentration and CAT activity and marked improvement in the histological feature of liver tissue. Additionally, a significant up-regulation of mRNA gene expression levels of inflammatory gene (TGFβ1, NFκB, iNOS, PPAR-γ and TNFα) and Apoptotic gene (P53) were determined by using Quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The values down regulate and tend to normal in prevention and control group. All of these introduce Vit-E/C@SeNPs as a promising agent as protective and therapeutic agent against DEN/ CCl₄-induced hepatocellular damage (Hepatocellular carcinoma).

Effects of Acute Diquat Poisoning on Liver Mitochondrial Apoptosis and Autophagy in Ducks

Diquat (DQ) is an effective herbicide and is widely used in agriculture. Due to persistent and frequent applications, it can enter into aquatic ecosystem and induce toxic effects to exposed aquatic animals. The residues of DQ via food chain accumulate in different tissues of exposed animals including humans and cause adverse toxic effects. Therefore, it is crucial and important to understand the mechanisms of toxic effects of DQ in exposed animals. We used ducks as test specimens to know the effects of acute DQ poisoning on mechanisms of apoptosis and autophagy in liver tissues. Results on comparison of various indexes of visceral organs including histopathological changes, apoptosis, autophagy-related genes, and protein expression indicated the adverse effects of DQ on the liver. The results of our experimental trial showed that DQ induces non-significant toxic effects on pro-apoptotic factors like BAX, BAK1, TNF-α, caspase series, and p53. The results revealed that anti-apoptotic gene Parkin was significantly upregulated, while an upward trend was also observed for Bcl2, suggesting that involvement of the anti-apoptotic factors in ducklings plays an important role in DQ poisoning. Results showed that DQ significantly increased the protein expression level of the autophagy factor Beclin 1 in the liver. Results on key autophagy factors like LC3A, LC3B, and p62 showed an upward trend at gene level, while the protein expression level of both LC3B and p62 reduced that might be associated with process of translation affected by the pro-apoptotic components such as apoptotic protease that inhibits the occurrence of autophagy while initiating cell apoptosis. The above results indicate that DQ can induce cell autophagy and apoptosis and the exposed organism may resist the toxic effects of DQ by increasing anti-apoptotic factors.

Protective Effect of Red Okra (Abelmoschus esculentus (L.) Moench) Pods against Sodium Nitrite-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Vegetables, drinking water, and preserved meats may contain sodium nitrite (NaNO2), which causes liver disease by inducing oxidative stress. Phytochemicals are highly recommended as an alternative to synthetic drugs and affordable medicines to treat liver disease because they have fewer or no side effects. Therefore, this study aims to determine the antioxidant and hepatoprotective potential of red okra fruit ethanol extract against NaNO2-induced liver damage. Thirty-six male mice were separated into six groups. The normal control group (WA) was given distilled water only, and the NaNO2 (SN) group was given only 50 mg/kg BW NaNO2. The other four groups (P1, P2, P3, and P4) were given NaNO2 and red okra ethanol extract at doses of 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg BW, respectively. Gavage was administered orally for 21 consecutive days. Commercial kits define all biochemical parameters according to the manufacturer's instructions. Liver tissue staining followed standard protocols using hematoxylin and eosin. The study revealed that NaNO2 induction causes oxidative stress and damages the liver. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) significantly increased in the groups treated (P2-P4) with ethanol extract of red okra (p < 0.05). Besides, the oxidants (malondialdehyde, F2-isoprostanes, and nitric oxide) in the liver homogenate significantly decreased in the P4 group, which were given red okra ethanol extract (p < 0.05). Likewise, red okra pods decreased significantly for the serum biochemical parameters of liver damage (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and alanine aminotransferase) in the P3 and P4 groups (p < 0.05). Then, it led to a restoration of the histological structure compared to exposed mice (SN), as the pathological scores decreased significantly in the P3 and P4 groups (p < 0.05), as well as the number of the necrotic and swollen liver cells was reduced. Hepatocytes returned to normal. The results showed that the ethanol extract of red okra fruit could be helpful as an affordable medicine. It is an antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent to protect the liver from damage caused by NaNO2.

Impact of Thymus vulgaris extract on sodium nitrite-induced alteration of renal redox and oxidative stress: Biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical study

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herbal plant with pleiotropic medicinal properties. In this study, we examined the possible protective effect of an ethanolic extract of thyme leaves against the renal oxidative stress induced by sodium nitrite (NaNO₂ ). Male Swiss mice received either saline or thyme extract for 15 days (0.5 g/kg body weight, orally). NaNO₂ (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at Day 14. The protective group received the thyme extract for 15 days and NaNO₂ on Day 14. Blood and kidney samples were taken from all groups to measure serum urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum, tissue antioxidant activity, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of kidney injury marker-1 (Kim-1), TNF-α, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), all of which are associated with kidney redox and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with thyme extract reduced the effects of NaNO₂ on urea, BUN, and creatinine, and reversed its effect on tissue and serum antioxidants. NaNO₂ -induced nephritis as demonstrated by the upregulation in mRNA expression of Kim-1 and TNF-α, which was, however, recovered and protected by pretreatment with thyme extract. Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was upregulated by treatment with thyme extract and downregulated by NaNO₂ intoxication. NaNO₂ -induced congestion in glomeruli and dilatation of the renal tubules, conditions that were restored in the group pretreated with thyme extract. NaNO₂ upregulated Bax immunoreactivity and caused apoptosis in renal structures. Thus, thyme extract is effective in managing the renal toxicity associated with oxidative stress and renal redox. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from this study have shown that use of thyme extract may promote better health due to its high antioxidant activity. For instance, it could be ingested to alleviate the symptoms of renal inflammation and oxidative stress associated with nitrite toxicity. Thyme extract regulated renal redox, oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and inflammation-associated genes at the molecular, biochemical, and cellular immunohistochemical levels.

Hepatoprotective effect of Thymus vulgaris extract on sodium nitrite-induced changes in oxidative stress, antioxidant and inflammatory marker expression

The herb thyme (Thymus vulgaris) has multiple therapeutic uses. In this study, we explored how T. vulgaris leaf extract protects liver cells against sodium nitrite-(NaNO₂) induced oxidative stress. Mice were divided into four groups; each group received one of the following treatments orally: saline; T. vulgaris extract alone; NaNO₂ alone; or T. vulgaris extract + NaNO₂. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and total proteins were measured in serum using standard methods. TNF-α, hemooxygenase-1 (HO-1), thioredoxin, SOD, and GSH synthase, all of which are linked to oxidative stress, were measured using quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). In mice treated with T. vulgaris extract, the effect of NaNO₂ on ALT and AST levels and total proteins was reduced, and its effect on antioxidant levels was reversed. Normally, NaNO₂ causes hepatocyte congestion and severe hepatic central vein congestion. Tissues in the mice treated with T. vulgaris were restored to normal conditions. Our results demonstrate that NaNO₂-induced hepatic injury is significantly reduced by pretreatment with T. vulgaris extract, which protects against hepatic oxidative stress and its associated genes at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels.

Alogliptin attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity: a novel therapeutic approach through modulating MAP3K/JNK/SMAD3 signaling cascade

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as a chemotherapy against various types of cancers. However, CP is accompanied with multiple organ toxicity due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of inflammation and consequently apoptosis. Alogliptin (Alo) is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV) inhibitor, which is booming as an antidiabetic agent. Interestingly, gliptins are currently studied for their counter-regulatory effects against oxidative stress and inflammation via multiple pathways, among which is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. This cascade can reduce inflammation via mitigating the activity of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and c-Jun. However, Alo effect against CP-induced kidney injury has not been previously elucidated. This tempted us to investigate the possible beneficial effect of Alo against CP-induced kidney injury via modulating the MAP3K/JNK/SMAD3 signaling cascade. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. CP-treated group received a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg; i.p.). Alo-treated group received Alo (20 mg/kg/day; p.o.) for 7 days with single CP injection on day 2. Marked decrease in renal injury was observed upon Alo treatment, as evidenced through declined serum kidney function markers, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers, MAP3K expression, phospho (p)-SMAD3, p-JNK, and p-c-Jun levels. These cellular effects were reflected in reduced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) fibrotic and inflammatory mediators, coinciding with improved histopathological portrait. In conclusion, the current study provides novel application of Alo as a therapeutic modality against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.