Modulatory effect of zingerone against cisplatin or γ-irradiation induced hepatotoxicity by molecular targeting regulation

Hepatoprotective effects of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: A biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical study

BACKGROUND

Alpinia officinarum is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae), which is widely cultivated in Asia and traditionally used for its anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, and antihyperlipidemic qualities. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of Alpinia officinarum rhizome extract (AORE) on cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

Forty-four male rats were divided into six groups including the control group, AORE control group, CP control group, and three groups of CP (7 mg/kg dose, on the 10th day) with AORE (at concentrations of 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, daily for 14 days). After 14 days, the rats' livers were removed and their liver function was assessed using biochemical marker enzymes including serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activities and albumin, total protein, and total bilirubin (T. bilirubin). Oxidative stress was assessed by evaluating malondialdehyde concentration and hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, histopathological and immunohistochemical tests were also conducted.

RESULTS

Results demonstrated that treatment with AORE reduced the toxicity in levels of the hepatic biomarkers in cp-induced groups. AORE treatment decreased oxidative stress and improved histopathological indexes. Furthermore, immunohistochemical (IHC) investigation showed the B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) upsurging and p53 downregulating expression exhibiting the recovery following AORE administration.

CONCLUSION

The founding suggested that AORE administration has positive biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical impacts on the ameliorating of hepatotoxicity in CP-induced rats.

Understanding the role of zingerone on biochemical and behavioral changes in rat brain inflicted with C6 glioma cells

Malignant glioma is the deadliest form of brain cancer. Zingerone (ZO), a polyphenolic compound found in ginger, offers pharmacological properties that make it a promising agent for containing the growth of glioma cells. The present study was conducted to understand the efficacy of ZO in containing the growth of C6 glioma cells. The study also assessed the prophylactic role of ZO on rat brain glioma induced by C6 cell lines by addressing its antioxidative action on biochemical, behavioral, and histoarchitectural indices. For dose optimization, the animals were pretreated with different doses of ZO for a period of 2 weeks before the inoculation of glioma cells (1 × 105 /10 µL phosphate-buffered saline) in the caudate region of rat brain and the treatment with ZO continued for 4 more weeks post implantation. In vitro studies were done to assess the radical scavenging activity of ZO and also to determine its effects on viability of C6 glioma cells at different concentrations. Glioma-bearing rats showed significant alterations in memory; exploratory and muscular activities which were appreciably improved upon simultaneous supplementation of ZO administered at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight and were also visible even at a higher dose. Glioma-bearing rats revealed a significant increase in reactive oxygen species, protein carbonyl contents, and lipid peroxidation, but showed a significant decrease in reduced glutathione and antioxidative enzymes in the brain tissue. Interestingly, all the biochemical indices and altered brain histoarchitecture displaying cellular atypia and hyperplasia showed appreciable improvement when supplemented with ZO at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight.

Promising influences of zingerone against natural and chemical toxins: A comprehensive and mechanistic review

Zingerone is a flavor phytochemical present in ginger, a flowering plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family used as a condiment and herbal remedy. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and also exhibits protective effects against radiation, chemicals, biological toxins, and oxidative stress. The current comprehensive literature review was performed in order to assess the therapeutical and protective properties of zingerone against various chemical and natural toxins by considering the mechanisms of action. Extensive searches were performed on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Zingerone lessens oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It prevents alginate production, which increases the cell's susceptibility to macrophages, serum, and antibiotics and dramatically lowers the generation of proinflammatory cytokines brought on by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cytokine production, MAPK, and NF-κB activation are all inhibited dose-dependently by zingerone. Zingerone also reduces 8-OHdG over-expression in the liver tissue and the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and iNOS mRNA level), decreases macrophage inflammatory protein cytokines and eliminates free radicals. It also suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 during tumor progression, showing its anti-angiogenic activity. Strong radioprotective properties of zingerone are demonstrated against radiation-induced toxicity. The authors hope this review gives researchers some insight into conducting novel clinical and preclinical studies on pharmaceutical applications and the efficiency of zingerone in cancer treatment, and drug adverse effects.

Polyphenols as Potential Protectors against Radiation-Induced Adverse Effects in Patients with Thoracic Cancer

Radiotherapy is one of the standard treatment approaches used against thoracic cancers, occasionally combined with chemotherapy, immunotherapy and molecular targeted therapy. However, these cancers are often not highly sensitive to standard of care treatments, making the use of high dose radiotherapy necessary, which is linked with high rates of radiation-induced adverse effects in healthy tissues of the thorax. These tissues remain therefore dose-limiting factors in radiation oncology despite recent technological advances in treatment planning and delivery of irradiation. Polyphenols are metabolites found in plants that have been suggested to improve the therapeutic window by sensitizing the tumor to radiotherapy, while simultaneously protecting normal cells from therapy-induced damage by preventing DNA damage, as well as having anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory or immunomodulatory properties. This review focuses on the radioprotective effect of polyphenols and the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects in the normal tissue, especially in the lung, heart and esophagus.

Biomedical role of L-carnitine in several organ systems, cellular tissues, and COVID-19

Carnitine is a conditionally necessary vitamin that aids in energy creation and fatty acid metabolism. Its bioavailability is higher in vegetarians than in meat-eaters. Deficits in carnitine transporters occur because of genetic mutations or in conjunction with other illnesses. Carnitine shortage can arise in health issues and diseases-including hypoglycaemia, heart disease, starvation, cirrhosis, and ageing-because of abnormalities in carnitine control. The physiologically active form of L-carnitine supports immunological function in diabetic patients. Carnitine has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of Alzheimer's disease, several painful neuropathies, and other conditions. It has been used as a dietary supplement for the treatment of heart disease, and it also aids in the treatment of obesity and reduces blood glucose levels. Therefore, L-carnitine shows the potential to eliminate the influences of fatigue in COVID-19, and its consumption is recommended in future clinical trials to estimate its efficacy and safety. This review focused on carnitine and its effect on tissues, covering the biosynthesis, metabolism, bioavailability, biological actions, and its effects on various body systems and COVID-19.

Orally administered zingerone does not mitigate alcohol-induced hepatic oxidative stress in growing Sprague Dawley rat pups

Neonatal alcohol exposure (NAE) can induce oxidative stress. We determined whether zingerone (ZO), a phytochemical with anti-oxidant activity, can mitigate the negative impact of neonatal alcohol-induced oxidative stress. Seventy ten-day-old Sprague-Dawley rat pups (35 male, 35 female) were randomly assigned and administered the following treatment regimens daily from postnatal day (PND) 12-21: group 1 - nutritive milk (NM), group 2 - NM +1 g/kg ethanol (Eth), group 3 - NM + 40 mg/kg ZO, group 4 - NM + Eth + ZO. Growth performance, blood glucose and plasma triglycerides (TGs), total cholesterol, HDL-cholesterol, leptin and insulin concentration were determined. Cytochrome p450E21(CYP2E1) and thiobarbituric acid (TBARS); markers of hepatic oxidative stress and catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and total glutathione (GSH), anti-oxidant markers of the pups were determined. Oral administration of ethanol (NM + Eth), zingerone (NM + ZO) and combined ethanol and zingerone (NM + Eth + ZO) did not affect the growth performance and insulin and leptin concentration of the rats (p > 0.05). Ethanol significantly reduced plasma TGs concentration of female rats (p = 0.04 vs control). However, ethanol and/or its combination with zingerone decreased hepatic GSH (p = 0.02 vs control) and increased CYP2E1 (p = 0.0002 vs control) activity in male rat pups. Zingerone had no effect (p > 0.05 vs control) on the rats' CYP2E1, GSH, SOD and catalase activities. Neonatal alcohol administration elicited hepatic oxidative stress in male rat pups only, showing sexual dimorphism. Zingerone (NM + ZO) prevented an increase in CYP2E1 activity and a decrease in GSH concentration but did not prevent the alcohol-induced hepatic oxidative stress in the male rat pups.

The role of natural antioxidants in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a potent platinum-based anticancer drug approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Despite its advantages against solid tumors, cisplatin confers toxicity to various tissues that limit its clinical uses. In cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, few mechanisms have been identified, which started as excess generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the liver. Various natural products, plant extracts and oil rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids were able to minimize oxidative stress by restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Likewise, treatment with honey and royal jelly was demonstrated to decrease serum transaminases and scavenge free radicals in the liver after cisplatin administration. Medicinal properties of these natural products have a promising potential as a complementary therapy to counteract cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review concentrated on the protective role of several natural products, which has been proven in the laboratory findings to combat cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Amelioration of Cisplatin-induced Liver Injury by Extract Ethanol of Pometia pinnata

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin use in clinical practice has been associated with an increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). AIM: The aim of this study is to determine the hepatoprotective activity of extract ethanol Pometia pinnata on rats induced Cisplatin. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty rats were separated into six groups (five rats). Group I was received only carboxy methyl cellulose. Group II was received a 7 mg/kgbw Cisplatin injection on day 3. Group III-VI were extract groups (Vitamin C 1%, 100 mg/kgbb, 200 mg/kgbb, and 400 mg/kgbb) administered orally from day 1 to 7, followed by Cisplatin injection on day 3. On day 8, rats were injected with 1% ketamine, open the chest and draw blood directly from the heart and centrifugated 5000 RPM (10–15 min), take the supernatant layer for analysis AST, ALT, total protein, and LDH levels. RESULTS: The effect of extract ethanol of P. pinnata on liver injury biochemical markers AST, ALT, LDH, and total protein. Group negative had a significant increase (p < 0.05) in comparison to the normal that did not receive extract or Cisplatin. Meanwhile, there was a drop in biochemical parameters in the group given the extract in groups dose 100, 200, 400 mg/kgbw. Group VI of biochemical parameters statistically there is no significant different with group normal group (p > 0.05) that showing P. pinnata extract has hepatoprotective activity. CONCLUSION: In summary, extract ethanol of P. pinnata has hepatoprotective effect by reducing the level of AST, ALT, total protein, and LDH levels.

Synergistic protective effects of lycopene and N-acetylcysteine against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most frequently used chemotherapy agents. The objective of this design was to determine the ameliorative effect of lycopene (LP) and/or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in rats with hepatic and renal toxicity induced by CP. Rats were divided randomly into 7 groups (7 rats/group): control vehicle group (saline only), the LP group (10 mg/kg, orally), the NAC group (150 mg/kg, orally), the CP group (7.5 mg/kg, IP on day 27), the LP-CP group, the NAC-CP group, and the LP-NAC-CP group. The activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (APK), and levels of urea, creatinine, and lipids (cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol) increased after CP injection in the serum. Moreover, CP decreased levels of protein, albumin, and HDL cholesterol. Meanwhile, malondialdehyde significantly increased with a decrease in reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in the liver and kidney tissues. CP also induced some pathological lesions and increased the expression of caspase-3 in the liver and kidney tissues. Administration of LP and NAC alone or in combinations ameliorated hepatorenal toxicity and apoptosis induced by CP.

The protective role of Zingerone in a murine asthma model via activation of the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Asthma is one of the most common illnesses associated with chronic airway inflammation; however, there are currently no effective therapies apart from glucocorticoids. Zingerone (ZIN), an active compound isolated from ginger, has been reported to have a broad spectrum of pharmacological properties. In this study, Zingerone was administrated to H₂O₂-stimulated mouse airway epithelial cell line MLE12 cells and asthmatic mice. The concentration of cytokines was evaluated using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson staining were used for histological analyses. Protein levels in cells or lung tissues were determined using western blot, immunohistochemistry staining. The results showed that treatment with Zingerone dramatically inhibited oxidative stress and the inflammatory response in MLE12 cells stimulated with H₂O₂ and asthmatic mice. Furthermore, Zingerone treatment could decrease the expression of phosphorylated (p)-IκBα and p65 (nuclear) and increase the expression of phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) to alleviate oxidative damage and inflammation both in vivo and in vitro. In addition, Zingerone treatment reduced the exudation and infiltration of inflammatory cells and suppressed goblet cell hyperplasia in a murine asthma model. Treatment with Zingerone also decreased the level of interleukin (IL)-4, IL-5, IL-13, and increased the level of interferon gamma (IFN-γ) in the BALF and attenuated airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). However, inhibition of AMPK or Nrf2 suppressed the cellular protective, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory properties of Zingerone. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Zingerone possesses the potential to relieve asthma via upregulating the AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

Review of the Efficacy and Mechanisms of Traditional Chinese Medicines as a Therapeutic Option for Ionizing Radiation Induced Damage

Ionizing radiation damage refers to acute, delayed, or chronic tissue damage associated with ionizing radiation. Specific or effective therapeutic options for systemic injuries induced by ionizing radiation have not been developed. Studies have shown that Chinese herbal Medicine or Chinese Herbal Prescription exhibit preventive properties against radiation damage. These medicines inhibit tissue injuries and promote repair with very minimal side effects. This study reviews traditional Chinese herbal medicines and prescriptions with radiation protective effects as well as their mechanisms of action. The information obtained will guide the development of alternative radioprotectants.

In vivo ESR imaging of redox status in mice after X-ray irradiation, measured by acyl-protected hydroxylamine probe, ACP

More detailed investigations on the in vivo redox status are needed to elucidate the mechanisms contributing to damage caused by ionizing radiation. In the present study, the in vivo redox status of mice was examined using in vivo electron spin resonance (ESR) imaging after an intraperitoneal injection of 1-acetoxy-3-carbamoyl-2,2,5,5-tetramethylpyrrolidine (ACP) as a probe. ACP is easily hydrolyzed to its hydroxylamine form in the mouse body, and the interconversion between hydroxylamine and the corresponding nitroxyl radical reflects the biological redox status. Liver damage, based on changes in liver weight and plasma aspartate aminotransferase levels, was detected in mice 4 days after X-ray irradiation at 7.5 Gy. ESR imaging showed that the signal intensity of the nitroxyl radical was high at the liver area in both damaged and healthy mice after administration of ACP. Whereas the signal decayed at the liver area for healthy mouse, the decay was negligible in damaged mice. Unlike healthy mouse, signal in the chest for damaged mouse increased with time. The distribution of the sum of hydroxylamine and the nitroxyl radical was similar in damaged and healthy mice. X-ray irradiation slightly lowered the reduction activity of the liver microsomal fraction for the nitroxyl radical. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the liver were higher in damaged mice than in healthy mice; however, no significant differences were noted in reduced glutathione. The present results indicate that the redox status of mice exposed to X-ray irradiation is more oxidative than that in healthy mice.

L-Carnitine Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Disorganization of Cytoskeleton Intermediate Filaments in Cisplatin-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most active medications in cancer treatment and has some adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The present research was planned to determine the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) against CP-induced hepato-renal oxidative stress in rats, via investigating of some serum biochemical and tissue oxidative/antioxidant parameters, histological alterations, and immunohistochemical expressions of two different intermediate filaments (IFs) proteins; vimentin (VIM) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18). Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups (7 rats each). Groups I and II were orally administered saline and LC (100 mg/kg body weight), respectively, once daily for 30 consecutive days. Group III received saline orally once daily and a single dose of CP on the 27th day of the experiment [7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)]. Group IV received both LC and CP. Injection of CP significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and creatinine and urea levels, while serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased. In addition, CP induced a dramatic increase in the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level along with a substantial decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in the hepato-renal tissues. Histologically, both liver and kidney of the CP treated group revealed marked degenerative changes. Moreover, overexpression of both VIM and CK18 in hepato-renal tissues were noted after CP injection. On the other hand, the administration of LC in the CP injected group (Group IV) restored the biochemical parameters, histological, and immunohistochemical pictures toward the normalcy. In conclusion, LC may be supplemented for chemotherapy with CP to ameliorate its oxidative stress and restore the normal organization of IFs, especially VIM and CK18 within the CP intoxicated hepato-renal cells.

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.

Otoprotective Effects of Zingerone on Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity

Previous studies have described the effects of zingerone (ZO) on cisplatin (CXP)-induced injury to the kidneys, liver, and other organs but not to the cochlea. This study aimed to investigate the effects of ZO on CXP-induced ototoxicity. Eight-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats were used and divided into a control group, a CXP group, and a CXP + ZO group. Rats in the CXP group received 5 mg/kg/day CXP intraperitoneally for five days. Rats in the CXP + ZO group received 5 mg/kg/day CXP intraperitoneally for five days and 50 mg/kg/day ZO intraperitoneally for seven days. Auditory brainstem response thresholds (ABRTs) were measured before (day 0) and after (day 10) drug administration. Cochlear histology was examined using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and cochlear whole mounts. The expression levels of cytochrome P450 (CYP)1A1, CYP1B1, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), and interleukin 6 (IL6) were estimated using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. The expression levels of heme oxygenase 1 (HO1) and caspase 3 were analyzed via Western blotting. The auditory thresholds at 4, 8, and 16 kHz were attenuated in the CXP + ZO group compared with the CXP group. The mRNA expression levels of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, iNOS, NFκB, TNFα, and IL6 were lower in the CXP + ZO group than in the CXP group. The protein expression levels of HO1 and caspase 3 were lower in the CXP + ZO group than in the CXP group. Cotreatment with ZO exerted otoprotective effects against CXP-induced cochlear injury via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities involving CYPs, iNOS, NFκB, and TNFα.