Turkish propolis protects human endothelial cells in vitro from homocysteine-induced apoptosis

Biochemical, morphological and molecular assessments of n butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera L. following exposure to inorganic mercury on the liver of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Mercury chloride (HgCl2) damages tissues it comes in contact with in sufficient concentration. This study evaluated the protective effects of n-butanol fraction of Phoenix dactylifera (BFPD) on mercury-triggered liver toxicity in Wistar rats. 25 male rats were divided into 5 groups of 5 rats each. Group I was administered 2 ml/kg of distilled water; group II was administered 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group III was administered 500 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2; group IV was administered 1000 mg/kg of BFPD + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2, while group V was administered 100 mg/kg of silymarin + 5 mg/kg of HgCl2. orally for 2 weeks. The rats were euthanized and liver tissue blood samples were collected for histological, histochemical, stereological, immunohistochemical, molecular, and biochemical studies.

RESULTS

The results revealed that HgCl2 induced oxidative stress in the rats evident by histoarchitectural distortions and altered levels of liver enzymes, proteins, and oxidative stress biomarkers when compared to the control. However, BFPD treatment restored these changes. Glutathione peroxidase levels decreased (p < 0.05) in the HgCl2-treated group when compared to the control and BFPD-treated groups. HgCl2 group revealed reduced reactivity with histochemical and immunohistochemical stains (Masson's Trichrome and B cell Lymphoma 2) when compared to the control, with a significant decrease in quantified liver Bcl-2 stain intensity when compared to the silymarin-treated group. BFPD administration revealed normal staining intensity comparable to the control. HgCl2 administration revealed a remarked decrease in the number of hepatocytes when compared to the control, BFPD, and silymarin groups. BFPD preserved (p < 0.05) the stereological features when compared to the HgCl2-treated group. GPx activity in the liver decreased (p < 0.05) with HgCl2 administration when compared to the control and silymarin-treated groups. BFPD attenuated GPx gene activity to levels similar to the control indicating some level of amelioration against HgCl2-induced toxicity.

CONCLUSIONS

The ability of BFPD to mitigate HgCl2 triggered liver alterations could be attributed to the antioxidant property of its flavonoid content. Therefore, BFPD may be a potential candidate for treating and managing liver-induced mercury intoxication.

Assessment of methomyl-induced adrenal gland disruption in rat fetuses and pups: Potential protective effects of propolis supplementation

The present study aimed to unravel the possible adverse effects of methomyl on the developing adrenal gland of rat fetuses and pups. Additionally, this study explored the potential improving effects of propolis against these possible hazards induced by methomyl exposure. To achieve that, pregnant rats were divided into four groups: control group, received 1 mL distilled water, propolis group, received 1 mL propolis at a dose of 300 mg/kg, methomyl group, received 1 mL methomyl at a dose of 2 mg/kg, and combined group, received 1 mL methomyl followed by 1 mL propolis, an hour later at the same previous doses. The results revealed that methomyl exposure, during pregnancy and lactation, induced many histological and ultrastructural changes, caused DNA damage and downregulated the expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory (StAR) and CYP11B2 genes in the adrenal glands of both rat fetuses and pups. Interestingly, propolis supplementation demonstrated a remarkable ability to mitigate these deleterious effects and restored the histology and ultrastructure architecture of the adrenal glands of both fetuses and pups, as well as decreased DNA damage and upregulated the expression of StAR and CYP11B2 genes in the adrenal gland of rat fetuses and pups. In conclusion, our study highlights the potential hazardous impact of methomyl exposure during pregnancy and lactation on the development of the adrenal gland in rat fetuses and pups, moreover, the study presents a new approach to alleviate these effects through propolis administration which could be used as a dietary supplement to mitigate the adverse effects of methomyl exposure.

Deciphering prognostic indicators in AQP4-IgG-seropositive neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder: An integrative review of demographic and laboratory factors

BACKGROUND

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorder (NMOSD) is a group of inflammatory diseases affecting the central nervous system, characterized by optic neuritis and myelitis. The complex nature of NMOSD and varied patient response necessitates personalized treatment and efficient patient stratification strategies.

OBJECTIVE

To provide a comprehensive review of recent advances in clinical and biomarker research related to aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-immunoglobulin G (IgG)-seropositive NMOSD prognosis and identify key areas for future research.

METHODS

A comprehensive review and synthesis of recent literature were conducted, focusing on demographic factors and laboratory investigations.

RESULTS

Demographic factors, such as age, ethnicity, and sex, influence NMOSD prognosis. Key biomarkers for NMOSD prognosis include homocysteine, antinuclear antibodies, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio, thyroid hormone levels, neurofilament light chain levels, and serum glial fibrillary acidic protein might also predict NMOSD attack prognosis.

CONCLUSION

Further investigation is required to understand sex-related disparities and biomarker inconsistencies. Identification and understanding of these factors can aid in the development of personalized therapeutic strategies, thereby improving outcomes for NMOSD patients. Future studies should focus on unifying research design for consistent results.

Coenzyme Q10-Loaded Albumin Nanoparticles Protect against Redox Imbalance and Inflammatory, Apoptotic, and Histopathological Alterations in Mercuric Chloride-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Exposure to mercuric chloride (HgCl2), either accidental or occupational, induces substantial liver and kidney damage. Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is a natural antioxidant that also has anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Herein, our study aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of CoQ10 alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles (CoQ10NPs) against HgCl2-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. Experimental animals received CoQ10 (10 mg/kg/oral) or CoQ10NPs (10 mg/kg/oral) and were injected intraperitoneally with HgCl2 (5 mg/kg; three times/week) for two weeks. The results indicated that CoQ10NP pretreatment caused a significant decrease in serum liver and kidney function markers. Moreover, lowered MDA and NO levels were associated with an increase in antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD, GPx, GR, and CAT), along with higher GSH contents, in both the liver and kidneys of intoxicated rats treated with CoQ10NPs. Moreover, HgCl2-intoxicated rats that received CoQ10NPs revealed a significant reduction in the hepatorenal levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB, and TGF-β, as well as an increase in the hepatic level of the fibrotic marker (α-SMA). Notably, CoQ10NPs counteracted hepatorenal apoptosis by diminishing the levels of Bax and caspase-3 and boosting the level of Bcl-2. The hepatic and renal histopathological findings supported the abovementioned changes. In conclusion, these data suggest that CoQ10, alone or loaded with albumin nanoparticles, has great power in reversing the hepatic and renal tissue impairment induced by HgCl2 via the modulation of hepatorenal oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis. Therefore, this study provides a valuable therapeutic agent (CoQ10NPs) for preventing and treating several HgCl2-induced hepatorenal disorders.

Clinical and Radiological Characteristics of Children and Adults With First-Attack Myelin Oligodendrocyte Glycoprotein Antibody Disease and Analysis of Risk Factors for Predicting the Severity at Disease Onset in Central China

Objective

To analyze and compare different clinical, laboratory, and magnetic resonance imaging characteristics between pediatric and adult patients with first-attack myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein antibody disease (MOGAD) and to explore predictive factors for severity at disease onset.

Methods

Patients diagnosed with MOGAD at the First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2013 to August 2021 were enrolled in this retrospective study. Age at disease onset, sex, comorbidities, laboratory tests, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) characteristics, and Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) scores were collected and analyzed. The association between risk factors and initial EDSS scores at disease onset was analyzed using logistic regression models and Spearman correlation analyses. A receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to evaluate the predictive ability of the uric acid and homocysteine (Hcy) levels for the severity of neurological dysfunction at the onset of MOGAD.

Results

Sixty-seven patients (female, n=34; male, n=33) with first-attack MOGAD were included in this study. The mean age at onset was 26.43 ± 18.22 years (range: 3–79 years). Among patients &lt;18 years of age, the most common presenting symptoms were loss of vision (36.0%), and nausea and vomiting (24.0%), and the most common disease spectrum was acute disseminated encephalomyelitis (ADEM) (40.0%). Among patients aged ≥18 years, the most common presenting symptoms were loss of vision (35.7%), paresthesia (33.3%), and paralysis (26.2%), and the most common disease spectrum was optic neuritis (35.7%). The most common lesions were cortical gray matter/paracortical white matter lesions in both pediatric and adult patients. Uric acid [odds ratio (OR)=1.014; 95% confidence interval (CI)=1.006–1.022; P=0.000] and serum Hcy (OR=1.125; 95% CI=1.017–1.246; P=0.023) levels were significantly associated with the severity of neurological dysfunction at disease onset. Uric acid levels (r=0.2583; P=0.035) and Hcy levels (r=0.3971; P=0.0009) were positively correlated with initial EDSS scores. The areas under the ROC curve were 0.7775 (95% CI= 0.6617‒0.8933; P&lt;0.001) and 0.6767 (95% CI=0.5433‒0.8102, P=0.014) for uric acid and Hcy levels, respectively.

Conclusion

The clinical phenotype of MOGAD varies in patients of different ages. The most common disease spectrum was ADEM in patients aged&lt;18 years, while optic neuritis was commonly found in patients aged ≥18 years. The uric acid and Hcy levels are risk factors for the severity of neurological dysfunction at disease onset in patients with first-attack MOGAD.

Analysis of Predictive Risk Factors in Aquaporin-4-IgG Positive Highly Active Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSDs) are inflammatory diseases with a high risk of recurrence and progressive disability, and it is crucial to find sensitive and reliable biomarkers for prognosis and the early prediction of relapse. Highly active NMOSD is defined as two or more clinical relapses within a 12-month period. In this study, we analyzed independent risk factors among patients with aquaporin-4 (AQP4)-IgG positive highly active NMOSD. In this retrospective study, we analyzed the data of 94 AQP4-IgG positive patients with highly active NMOSD and 105 AQP4-IgG positive controls with non-highly active NMOSD. In order to rule out possible effects of previous treatments (such as glucocorticoids, immunoglobulin, and immunosuppressants), we focused on the first-attack NMOSD patients admitted to our hospital. Clinical data, including the age of onset, gender, comorbidities, and serum analysis and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis results, were collected, after which logistic regression models were used to determine the associations between the clinical factors and relapse outcomes. The prevalence of connective tissue disease and the proportion of antinuclear antibody (ANA)-positivity were higher in the highly active NMOSD group than in the control group. The leukocyte counts, homocysteine (Hcy) levels, CSF leukocyte counts, protein concentrations, IgG indexes, and 24h IgG synthesis rates were also higher in the highly active NMOSD group. The results of multivariate analysis indicated that connective tissue disease comorbidity (OR = 5.953, 95% CI: 1.221–29.034, P = 0.027), Hcy levels (OR = 1.063, 95% CI: 1.003–1.126, P = 0.04), and 24h IgG synthesis rate (OR = 1.038, 95% CI: 1.003–1.075, P = 0.034) may be independent risk factors for AQP4-IgG positive highly active NMOSD relapse after adjusting for various variables. Comorbidity of connective tissue disease, Hcy levels, and 24h IgG synthesis rate may be independent risk factors for AQP4-IgG positive highly active NMOSD.

Morin protects against acrylamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats: an investigation into different signal pathways

The presented study investigates the effects of morin against toxicity induced by acrylamide (ACR) in the brains of Sprague Dawley rats. In this study, neurotoxicity was induced by orally administering 38.27 mg/kg/b.w ACR to rats through gastric gavage for 10 days. Morin was administered at the same time and at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg/b.w) with ACR. Biochemical and Western blot analyses showed that ACR increased malondialdehyde (MDA), p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38α MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p53, caspase-3, bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), Beclin-1, light chain 3A (LC3A), and light chain 3B (LC3B) levels and decreased those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), b-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K), and protein kinase B (Akt) in brain tissue and therefore induced neurotoxicity by causing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. On the other hand, it was determined that morin positively affected the levels of these markers by displaying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic properties and had a protective effect on ACR-induced neurotoxicity. As a result, morin is an effective substance against brain damage caused by ACR, yet further studies are needed to use it effectively.

Serum Homocysteine Level Is a Predictor of Relapse and Prognosis in Patients With First-Attack Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders

Background: Many patients with neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) experience the adverse consequences of relapse and disability aggravation. Thus, it is necessary to identify sensitive and reliable biomarkers for early prognosis. This study investigated whether serum homocysteine (Hcy) level was associated with the risk of relapse or poor prognosis in first-attack NMOSD patients.

Methods: We enrolled 161 first-attack NMOSD patients in this retrospective study. We reviewed their medical records and evaluated their initial Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS). Clinical outcomes were measured by the final EDSS and the relapse rate. The association between Hcy levels and EDSS score at last follow-up was analyzed by binary logistic regression. The association between Hcy levels and relapse rate was assessed by Cox regression analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was used to predict the target value of Hcy reduction.

Results: Compared with the high Hcy group, the final EDSS score in the low Hcy group was significantly lower (median: 0.5 vs. 2.5, P < 0.001). The relapse rate differed significantly between these groups (30.6 vs. 50.0%, P = 0.023). Multivariate analysis showed that the initial EDSS score (odds ratio [OR] 3.03, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.07–4.45, P < 0.001) and serum Hcy level (OR 1.13, 95%CI 1.04–1.22, P = 0.002) were significantly associated with poor prognosis in NMOSD patients. Additionally, multivariate analysis showed that serum Hcy level (hazard ratio 1.06, 95%CI 1.04–1.09, P < 0.001) was an independent predictor of the risk for relapse in NMOSD. The 12-month relapse rate of the high Hcy group was 34.8%, and 50% of high Hcy patients relapsed within 35 months after the first onset. A serum Hcy level exceeding 14.525 μmol/L indicated a high risk of relapse, with a sensitivity of 43.7%, specificity of 90.0%, and area under the ROC curve of 0.674 (95%CI 0.59–0.76, P < 0.001).

Conclusion: Serum Hcy level is an independent predictor of relapse and poor prognosis in first-attack NMOSD patients. Early monitoring and reduction of serum Hcy levels may be of great significance in the prevention of disease relapse and severe disability.

Suppression of apoptosis in vascular endothelial cell, the promising way for natural medicines to treat atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis, a chronic multifactorial disease, is closely related to the development of cardiovascular diseases and is one of the predominant causes of death worldwide. Normal vascular endothelial cells play an important role in maintaining vascular homeostasis and inhibiting atherosclerosis by regulating vascular tension, preventing thrombosis and regulating inflammation. Currently, accumulating evidence has revealed that endothelial cell apoptosis is the first step of atherosclerosis. Excess apoptosis of endothelial cells induced by risk factors for atherosclerosis is a preliminary event in atherosclerosis development and might be a target for preventing and treating atherosclerosis. Interestingly, accumulating evidence shows that natural medicines have great potential to treat atherosclerosis by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis. Therefore, this paper reviewed current studies on the inhibitory effect of natural medicines on endothelial cell apoptosis and summarized the risk factors that may induce endothelial cell apoptosis, including oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), reactive oxygen species (ROS), angiotensin II (Ang II), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), homocysteine (Hcy) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). We expect this review to highlight the importance of natural medicines, including extracts and monomers, in the treatment of atherosclerosis by inhibiting endothelial cell apoptosis and provide a foundation for the development of potential antiatherosclerotic drugs from natural medicines.

Research progress on radioprotective effects of bee products

Radiation exposure is an on going and serious threat in military and public health concern. There is an unmet need for effective preventative or mitigative treatments against radiation-induced injuries. The handful of Food and Drug Administration in the US approved radiation protection agents cannot be widely used due to their side effects. Some natural nontoxic compounds such as bee products have been reported to prevent and treat radiation-induced injuries (e.g. scavenging free radicals, inhibiting cell apoptosis and reducing DNA damage), indicating that they may be a potential option as a safe radioprotective agent. Bee products are nontoxic and have no known side effects on the human body, and are effective in the field of radiation protection. They are expected to be interesting drug candidates for preventing and treating radiation-induced injuries. This article reviews the prevention and treatment of bee products on radiation-induced injuries.

4'-O-methylpyridoxine: Preparation from Ginkgo biloba Seeds and Cytotoxicity in GES-1 Cells

Ginkgo biloba seeds are wildly used in the food and medicine industry. It has been found that 4′-O-methylpyridoxine (MPN) is responsible for the poisoning caused by G. biloba seeds. The objective of this study was to explore and optimize the extraction method of MPN from G. biloba seeds, and investigate its toxic effect on human gastric epithelial cells (GES-1) and the potential related mechanisms. The results showed that the extraction amount of MPN was 1.933 μg/mg, when extracted at 40 °C for 100 min, with the solid–liquid ratio at 1:10. MPN inhibited the proliferation of GES-1 cells, for which the inhibition rate was 38.27% when the concentration of MPN was 100 μM, and the IC₅₀ value was 127.80 μM; meanwhile, the cell cycle was arrested in G2 phase. High concentration of MPN (100 μM) had significant effects on the nucleus of GES-1 cells, and the proportion of apoptotic cells reached 43.80%. Furthermore, the Western blotting analysis showed that MPN could reduce mitochondrial membrane potential by increasing the expression levels of apoptotic proteins Caspase 8 and Bax in GES-1 cells. In conclusion, MPN may induce apoptosis in GES-1 cells, which leads to toxicity in the human body.

To bee or not to bee? The bee extract propolis as a bioactive compound in the burden of lifestyle diseases

Propolis is a polyphenolic plant resin collected by bees to protect hives against pathogens and temperature drop. It exhibits antibacterial, antioxidant, and antiinflammatory properties. Propolis has been reported to possess antidiabetic properties and display beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease, gut dysbiosis, and chronic kidney disease. It has an excellent clinical safety profile, with no known toxic effects described so far. In this review, we discuss the salutogenic effects of propolis, with particular reference to modulating notable features of chronic kidney disease, notably those involving cardiovascular risks.

High hydrostatic pressure enhances the anti-proliferative properties of lotus bee pollen on the human prostate cancer PC-3 cells via increased metabolites

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The beneficial effects of bee pollen on prostate diseases are well known. Clinicians confirm that, in nonbacterial prostate diseases, bee pollen improves the condition of patients effectively. However, there is insufficient evidence to rate effectiveness of bee pollen on prostate cancer.

AIM OF THE STUDY

High hydrostatic pressure (HHP), an effective non-thermal technique to improve the nutritional quality and bio-functionality of plant-based foods, was used to increase the anti-proliferative properties of Lotus (Nelumbo nucifera) bee pollen (LBP) in prostate cancer PC-3 cells via enhancement of bioactive compounds.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Freeze-dried lotus bee pollen produced from Fu Zhou city, Jiangxi province, China, was processed by high hydrostatic pressure (HHP). The anti-proliferative activities, apoptosis of ethanol and methanol extracts in prostate cancer PC-3 cells was evaluated using MTT method and Annexin-V/PI cell apoptosis assay kit, respectively. The changes of metabolites were determined using UPLC-Triple-TOF-MS analysis platform.

RESULTS

HHP treatment enhanced anti-proliferative activities, cell apoptosis, cell cycle disruption, glutathione-depletion in prostate cancer PC-3 cells. The metabolomics analysis showed that some metabolites such as chaetoglobosin A, glutathione oxidized, cyanidin 3-rutinoside, brassicoside, sophoranone, curcumin II, soyasaponin II were significantly increased (p < 0.05) after the HHP treatment, PCA results shown that these bioactive components have quite correlation with anti-proliferative activities of lotus bee pollen on the PC-3 cells. The results indicated that HHP enhances the anti-prostate cancer activity of lotus bee pollen via increased metabolites.

Hyperhomocysteinemia and Endothelial Dysfunction in Multiple Sclerosis

Endothelial dysfunction is recognized as one of the leading factors in the pathogenesis of diseases of the central nervous system of various etiologies. Numerous studies have shown the role of hyperhomocysteinemia in the development of endothelial dysfunction and the prothrombogenic state. The most important condition in the development of multiple sclerosis (MS) is a dysregulation of the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and transendothelial leukocyte migration. It has been proven that homocysteine also contributes to the damage of neurons by the mechanism of excitotoxicity and the induction of the apoptosis of neurons. These processes can be one of the factors of neurodegenerative brain damage, which plays a leading role in the progression of MS. This review describes the pleiotropic effect of homocysteine on these processes and its role in MS pathogenesis.

Zingerone attenuates vancomycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats through regulation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

AIM

Vancomycin (VCM) is a glycopeptide antibiotic widely used to treat serious infections caused by methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus and has been associated with some severe side effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism of VCM-induced hepatotoxicity is not yet fully understood. Therefore, the current study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of zingerone (Zin) against VCM-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VCM was intraperitoneally administered at a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) for 7 days alone and in combination with the orally administered Zin (25 and 50 mg/kg b.w).

KEY FINDINGS

Zin treatment significantly improved VCM-induced hepatic lipid peroxidation, glutathione depletion, reduced antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase) activities and liver function markers (aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and alanine aminotransferase). Histopathological integrity and immunohistochemical expression of 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) in the VCM-induced liver tissue were ameliorated after Zin administration. In addition, Zin reversed the changes in levels and/or activities of inflammatory and apoptotic parameters such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), p53, cysteine aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3), cysteine aspartate specific protease-8 (caspase-8), cytochrome c, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in the VCM-induced hepatotoxicity.

SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, these results reveal probable ameliorative role of Zin against VCM-induced hepatotoxicity.

Melatonin and vitamin E alleviate homocysteine-induced oxidative injury and apoptosis in endothelial cells

A relationship exists between hyperhomocysteinemia and cardiovascular diseases, although the underlying mechanisms are still incompletely defined. One possibility involves a homocysteine (Hcy)-induced increased oxidative stress. Melatonin (Mel) and vitamin E (vitE) are important anti-oxidants. The main purpose of this study was (1) to compare the effect of treatments with Mel, vitE or both, on Hcy-induced apoptosis in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), and (2) to investigate the underlying mechanisms. Cell proliferation assay was carried out by Water Soluble Tetrazolium-1 (WST-1) assay kit. Apoptotic index was calculated by TUNEL Assay. Anti-oxidant parameters were studied by measurement of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels. mRNA and protein expression levels of apoptotic and anti-apoptotic genes and proteins were studied by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting experiments respectively. The results showed that treatments with Mel, vitE or Mel + vitE suppressed Hcy-induced cell death, with a higher efficiency for the Mel and Mel + vitE treatments. Our results suggests that the mechanisms by which these anti-oxidants protected endothelial cells include the decrease in ROS and LPO levels, an increase in cell migration, the downregulation of pro-apoptotic proteins Cas 3, Cas 9, Cyt C and Bax and the upregulation of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl 2. Collectively, these results revealed the protective role of vitE and Mel against Hcy-induced cell apoptosis, which may add insight into therapeutic approaches to Hcy-induced damages.

Extraction, Antioxidant Capacity, 5-Lipoxygenase Inhibition, and Phytochemical Composition of Propolis from Eastern Canada

Soxhlet (SE), microwave-assisted (MAE) and ultrasound-assisted (UAE) extraction were compared using ten extraction solvents for their efficiency to extract phenolic and flavonoid antioxidants from Eastern Canada propolis. Extracts were compared for total phenolic (TPC) and total flavonoid (TFC) content, and radical scavenging activities. Anti-inflammatory activity through inhibition of 5-lipoxygenase (5-LO) products biosynthesis in HEK293 cells was also evaluated. The results showed that SE extracts using polar solvents had the highest TPC and TFC. Extracts obtained with ethanol, methanol and acetone were effective free radical scavengers, and showed 5-LO inhibition similar to zileuton. UAE was an effective extraction method since the extracts obtained were comparable to those using SE and the MAE while being done at room temperature. With UAE, extracts of less polar solvents showed similar free radical scavenging and 5-LO inhibition to extracts of much more polar solvents such as methanol or ethanol. Reversed-phase liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry confirmed the presence of 21 natural compounds in the propolis extracts based on the comparison of intact mass, chromatographic retention time and fragmentation patterns derived from commercial analytical standards. The current study is the first of its kind to concurrently investigate solvent polarity as well as extraction techniques of propolis.

Protective effects of morin against acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity: A multi-biomarker approach

Acrylamide (ACR) is a heat-induced carcinogen substance that is found in some foods due to cooking or other thermal processes. The aim of present study was to assess the probable protective effects of morin against ACR-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats. The rats were treated with ACR (38.27 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) alone or with morin (50 and 100 mg/kg b.w., p.o.) for 10 consecutive days. Morin treatment attenuated the ACR-induced liver and kidney tissue injury by diminishing the serum AST, ALP, ALT, urea and creatinine levels. Morin increased activities of SOD, CAT and GPx and levels of GSH, and suppressed lipid peroxidation in ACR induced tissues. Histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expressions of p53, EGFR, nephrin and AQP2 in the ACR-induced liver and kidney tissues were decreased after administration of morin. In addition, morin reversed the changes in levels of apoptotic, autophagic and inflammatory parameters such as caspase-3, bax, bcl-2, cytochrome c, beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B, p38α MAPK, NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and COX-2 in the ACR-induced toxicity. Morin also affected the protein levels by regulating the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway and thus alleviated ACR-induced apoptosis and autophagy. Overall, these findings may shed some lights on new approaches for the treatment of ACR-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Neuroprotective Effects of Chrysin on Diclofenac-Induced Apoptosis in SH-SY5Y Cells

Accumulating evidences demonstrated that Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) may lead to serious damages to numerous cellular biomolecules, consequently resulting in the development of several neurological diseases. Diclofenac (Dic), the most widely preferred non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) induces apoptosis by an alteration in function of mitochondria and creation of ROS. Chrysin (Chr) is a naturally active component that is found in numerous plants and bee products and retains strong neuroprotective and antioxidant properties. However its effect of Dic induced injury on SH-SY5Y neuron cells have not been investigated to date. The goal of present research was to study the molecular mechanisms of Chr protection from oxidative injury caused by Dic in SH-SY5Y cells. Dic induced significant toxicity on the cells and this effect was reversed by pre-treatment with Chr. Dic triggered a noteworthy increase in the cellular ROS and Lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and decrease in Total antioxidant status (TAS) level while pre-treatment with Chr reversed these effects. Dic induction increased the Bax, cytochrome c, cas-3, cas-8 and p53 expression at gene transcription level. Elevated levels of these genes considerably decreased by Chr pre-treatment revealing the defensive effects of Chr. The results obviously presented that exposure of SH-SY5Y with Dic resulted in oxidative stress and apoptosis while pre-treatment of neuron cells with Chr protects the cells against apoptosis triggered by Dic induction.

Rutin ameliorates mercuric chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats via interfering with oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

Mercury is a global environmental pollutant and is responsible for several organ pathophysiology including oxidative stress-induced liver disorders. Therefore, the present study was conducted to evaluate the potential ameliorative effects of rutin on mercury chloride (HgCl₂)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male rats.

METHODS

HgCl₂ was intraperitoneally injected at a dose of 1.23 mg/kg body weight for 7 days alone or in combination with the orally rutin (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight).

RESULTS

Rutin treatment significantly improved liver function tests [alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)], and increased activities of antioxidant defense system [catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)] and glutathione (GSH) content. The histological alterations and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) expression in the HgCl₂-induced liver tissues were decreased by administration of rutin. Furthermore, rutin reversed the changes in levels of apoptosis and inflammation related proteins involving p53, Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), cytochrome c, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), B-cell lymphoma-3(Bcl-3) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and inhibited p38α mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and cysteine aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3) activations.

CONCLUSION

The data of the present study suggest that rutin effectively suppress HgCl₂-induced hepatotoxicity by ameliorating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Morin attenuates ifosfamide-induced neurotoxicity in rats via suppression of oxidative stress, neuroinflammation and neuronal apoptosis

Ifosfamide (IFA), a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, has been frequently associated with encephalopathy and central nervous system toxicity. The present study aims to investigate whether morin could protect against acute IFA-induced neurotoxicity. Morin was administered to male rats once daily for 2 consecutive days at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight (BW) orally. IFA (500 mg/kg BW; i.p.) was administered on second day. The results showed that morin markedly inhibited the production of acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase (CA), glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) induced by IFA. Morin ameliorated IFA-induced lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) depletion, and decrease antioxidant enzyme activities, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expressions of c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and c-Fos in the IFA-induced brain tissues were decreased after administration of morin. Furthermore, morin was able to down regulate the levels of inflammatory and apoptotic markers such as nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), p53, cysteine aspartate specific protease-3 (caspase-3) and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). Taken together, our results demonstrated that morin elicited a typical chemoprotective effect on IFA-induced acute neurotoxicity.

Evaluation of the antioxidant profile and cytotoxic activity of red propolis extracts from different regions of northeastern Brazil obtained by conventional and ultrasound-assisted extraction

Propolis is a complex mixture of resinous and balsamic material collected from the exudates of plants, shoots, and leaves by bees. This study evaluated red propolis extracts obtained by conventional (ethanolic) extraction and ultrasound-assisted extraction of six samples from different regions of northeastern Brazil. The total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, in vitro antioxidant activity, concentration of formononetin and kaempferol and the cytotoxicity against four human tumor cell lines were determined for all twelve obtained extracts. Significant variations in the levels of the investigated compounds were identified in the red propolis extracts, confirming that the chemical composition varied according to the sampling region. The extraction method used also influenced the resulting propolis compounds. The highest concentration of the compounds of interest and the highest in vitro antioxidant activity were exhibited by the extracts obtained from samples from state of Alagoas. Formononetin and kaempferol were identified in all samples. The highest formononetin concentrations were identified in extracts obtained by ultrasound, thus indicating a greater selectivity for the extraction of this compound by this method. Regarding cytotoxic activity, for the HCT-116 line, all of the extracts showed an inhibition of greater than 90%, whereas for the HL-60 and PC3 lines, the minimum identified was 80%. In general, there was no significant difference (p>0.05) in the antiproliferative potential when comparing the extraction methods. The results showed that the composition of Brazilian red propolis varies significantly depending on the geographical origin and that the method used influences the resulting compounds that are present in propolis. However, regardless of the geographical origin and the extraction method used, all the red propolis samples studied presented great biological potential and high antioxidant activity. Furthermore, the ultrasound-assisted method can be efficiently applied to obtain extracts of red propolis more quickly and with high concentration of biomarkers of interest.

Ethanolic extract of Algerian propolis decreases androgen receptor transcriptional activity in cultured LNCaP cells

Antiandrogens have a peculiar place in the treatment of metastatic prostate cancer by blocking the androgen receptor (AR). Unfortunately, aggressive tumors could rapidly develop into a castration resistant state. It is therefore essential to look for new molecules that are more effective, affecting not only the androgen signaling and with minimum undesirable effects. Natural products are an interesting source of new therapeutics, especially for cancer therapy as 70% of them have botanical origin. Based on an ethnobotany screening, we evaluated the effects of ethanolic extract of propolis (EEP) from Algeria on LNCaP cells. Results pointed out that EEP reduces the survival of LNCaP cells with an IC₅₀ of 0.04 mg/ml, induces the apoptosis and blocks the cell cycle at G0/G1 phase. Interestingly, EEP decreased the accumulation of AR suggesting some anti-androgen activity. Indeed, secreted amount of the androgen target protein PSA was decreased when LNCaP cells were incubated with EEP, starting after 4 h of treatment. This anti-androgen activity was also shown on the androgen target genes Fkbp5 and Sgk1. Finally, the capacity of EEP to block AR functioning was demonstrated in transient transfections with human AR and the reporter gene ARE-tk-Luc. Propolis antagonizes the induction of the luciferase activity induced by the natural androgen DHT (10^-8M) or the synthetic AR agonist R1881 (10^-7M). Altogether, these results highlight the potential pharmacological effects of EEP in future treatments of prostate cancer.

Hyperhomocysteinaemia and vascular injury: advances in mechanisms and drug targets

Homocysteine is a sulphur-containing non-proteinogenic amino acid. Hyperhomocysteinaemia (HHcy), the pathogenic elevation of plasma homocysteine as a result of an imbalance of its metabolism, is an independent risk factor for various vascular diseases, such as atherosclerosis, hypertension, vascular calcification and aneurysm. Treatments aimed at lowering plasma homocysteine via dietary supplementation with folic acids and vitamin B are more effective in preventing vascular disease where the population has a normally low folate consumption than in areas with higher dietary folate. To date, the mechanisms of HHcy-induced vascular injury are not fully understood. HHcy increases oxidative stress and its downstream signalling pathways, resulting in vascular inflammation. HHcy also causes vascular injury via endoplasmic reticulum stress. Moreover, HHcy up-regulates pathogenic genes and down-regulates protective genes via DNA demethylation and methylation respectively. Homocysteinylation of proteins induced by homocysteine also contributes to vascular injury by modulating intracellular redox state and altering protein function. Furthermore, HHcy-induced vascular injury leads to neuronal damage and disease. Also, an HHcy-activated sympathetic system and HHcy-injured adipose tissue also cause vascular injury, thus demonstrating the interactions between the organs injured by HHcy. Here, we have summarized the recent developments in the mechanisms of HHcy-induced vascular injury, which are further considered as potential therapeutic targets in this condition.

LINKED ARTICLES

This article is part of a themed section on Spotlight on Small Molecules in Cardiovascular Diseases. To view the other articles in this section visit http://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1111/bph.v175.8/issuetoc.

Protective effect of Propolfenol® on induced oxidative stress in human spermatozoa

The propolis extract was shown to possess the capacity to protect sperm membrane from the deleterious action of oxidative attack. Oxidative stress can induce propagation of a lipid peroxidation (LPO) chain reaction because spermatozoa contain high concentration of unsaturated fatty acids. This study aimed at evaluating in vitro the possible toxicity and/or the antioxidant properties of Propolfenol^® in ejaculated human spermatozoa. A colorimetric assay determined the total flavonoid content by spectrophotometry and a high-performance liquid chromatography-diode array detection analysis the quantity of galangin, pinocembrin and caffeic acid phenylethilic ester (CAPE). Sperm parameters such as motility, vitality and DNA integrity were assessed utilising optical microscopy. The antioxidant properties Propolfenol^® against LPO induced by tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide were evaluated using the C11-BODIPY581/591 probe. Chemical analysis of Propolfenol^® revealed low quantities of galangin, pinocembrin and CAPE; cyclic voltammetry experiments showed that Propolfenol^® may exert an antioxidant activity. A protective action of Propolfenol^® (20 and 100 μg/ml) on induced LPO in human spermatozoa was detected. Propolfenol^® may be proposed as the supplement in media for sperm preparation techniques or cryopreservation to counteract the increased presence of reactive oxygen species generated by these methods.