trans-Anethole attenuated renal injury and reduced expressions of angiotensin II receptor (AT1R) and TGF-β in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Minocycline mitigates sepsis-induced neuroinflammation and promotes recovery in male mice: Insights into neuroprotection and inflammatory modulation

Sepsis is associated with brain injury and acute brain inflammation, which can potentially transition into chronic inflammation, triggering a cascade of inflammatory responses that may lead to neurological disorders. Minocycline, recognized for its potent anti-inflammatory properties, was investigated in this study for its protective effects against sepsis-induced brain injury. Adult male C57 mice pretreated with minocycline (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) 3 days before sepsis induction. An intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS was used to induce sepsis. Spontaneous locomotor activity (SLA) and weight changes were assessed over several days post-sepsis to monitor the recovery of the mice. The expression of inflammatory mediators and oxidative stress markers was assessed 24 h post sepsis. Septic mice exhibited significant weight loss and impaired SLA. Initially, minocycline did not attenuate the severity of weight loss (1 day) or SLA (4 h post-sepsis), but it significantly accelerated the recovery of the mice in later days. Minocycline dose-dependently mitigated sepsis-induced brain inflammation and oxidative stress. Our findings demonstrate that pretreatment with minocycline has the potential to prevent brain tissue damage and accelerate recovery from sepsis in mice, suggesting that minocycline may serve as a promising therapeutic intervention to protect against sepsis-induced neurological complications.

Anethole alleviates Doxorubicin-induced cardiac and renal toxicities: Insights from network pharmacology and animal studies

Doxorubicin (Dox) is widely used as a chemotherapy drug, while anethole (AN) is primarily known as the main aromatic component in various plant species. This research focused on the impact of AN on the cardiac and renal toxicity induced by Dox and to understand the underlying mechanisms. For cardiac toxicity, Wistar rats were categorized into four groups: a Control group; a Dox group, where rats received 2.5 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally every other day; and two Dox + AN groups, where animals were administered Dox (2.5 mg/kg/every other day, IP) along with 125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg of AN, respectively. The renal toxicity study included similar groups, with the Dox group receiving a single dose of 20 mg/kg of Dox intraperitoneally on the tenth day, and the Dox + AN groups receiving 125 mg/kg and 250 mg/kg of AN for two weeks, alongside the same dose of Dox (20 mg/kg, IP, once on the 10th day). Parameters assessed included ECG, cardiac injury markers (CK, CK-MB, and LDH), and kidney function tests (Cr, BUN, uric acid, LDL, Kim-1, NGAL, and CysC). Antioxidant activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammation, and apoptotic markers were also monitored in heart and renal tissues. Gene expression levels of the TLR4/MyD88/NFκB pathway, along with Bax and Bcl-2, were evaluated. Dox significantly altered ECG, elevated cardiac injury markers, and renal function markers. It also augmented gene expressions of TLR4/MyD88/NFκB, amplified oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic markers. Conversely, AN reduced cardiac injury markers and kidney function tests, improved ECG, diminished TLR4/MyD88/NFκB gene expression, and alleviated oxidative stress by increasing antioxidant enzyme activities and reducing inflammatory cytokines. AN also enhanced Bcl-2 levels and inhibited Bax and the cleavage of caspase-3 and 9. AN countered the lipid peroxidation, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by Dox, marking it as a potential preventive strategy against Dox-induced nephrotoxic and cardiotoxic injuries.

Anethole Prevents the Alterations Produced by Diabetes Mellitus in the Sciatic Nerve of Rats

Anethole is a terpenoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuronal blockade effects, and the present work was undertaken to study the neuroprotective activity of anethole against diabetes mellitus (DM)-induced neuropathy. Streptozotocin-induced DM rats were used to investigate the effects of anethole treatment on morphological, electrophysiological, and biochemical alterations of the sciatic nerve (SN). Anethole partially prevented the mechanical hyposensitivity caused by DM and fully prevented the DM-induced decrease in the cross-sectional area of the SN. In relation to electrophysiological properties of SN fibers, DM reduced the frequency of occurrence of the 3rd component of the compound action potential (CAP) by 15%. It also significantly reduced the conduction velocity of the 1st and 2nd CAP components from 104.6 ± 3.47 and 39.8 ± 1.02 to 89.9 ± 3.03 and 35.4 ± 1.56 m/s, respectively, and increased the duration of the 2nd CAP component from 0.66 ± 0.04 to 0.82 ± 0.09 ms. DM also increases oxidative stress in the SN, altering values related to thiol, TBARS, SOD, and CAT activities. Anethole was capable of fully preventing all these DM electrophysiological and biochemical alterations in the nerve. Thus, the magnitude of the DM-induced neural effects seen in this work, and the prevention afforded by anethole treatment, place this compound in a very favorable position as a potential therapeutic agent for treating diabetic peripheral neuropathy.

Exploring Folklore Ecuadorian Medicinal Plants and Their Bioactive Components Focusing on Antidiabetic Potential: An Overview

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a global health concern characterized by a deficiency in insulin production. Considering the systemic toxicity and limited efficacy associated with current antidiabetic medications, there is the utmost need for natural, plant-based alternatives. Herbal medicines have experienced exponential growth in popularity globally in recent years for their natural origins and minimal side effects. Ecuador has a rich cultural history in ethnobotany that plays a crucial role in its people's lives. This study identifies 27 Ecuadorian medicinal plants that are traditionally used for diabetes treatment and are prepared through infusion, decoction, or juice, or are ingested in their raw forms. Among them, 22 plants have demonstrated hypoglycemic or anti-hyperglycemic properties that are rich with bioactive phytochemicals, which was confirmed in several in vitro and in vivo studies. However, Bryophyllum gastonis-bonnieri, Costus villosissimus, Juglans neotropica, Pithecellobium excelsum, and Myroxylon peruiferum, which were extensively used in traditional medicine preparation in Ecuador for many decades to treat diabetes, are lacking in pharmacological elucidation. The Ecuadorian medicinal plants used to treat diabetes have been found to have several bioactive compounds such as flavonoids, phenolics, fatty acids, aldehydes, and terpenoids that are mainly responsible for reducing blood sugar levels and oxidative stress, regulating intestinal function, improving insulin resistance, inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase, lowering gluconeogenic enzymes, stimulating glucose uptake mechanisms, and playing an important role in glucose and lipid metabolism. However, there is a substantial lack of integrated approaches between the existing ethnomedicinal practices and pharmacological research. Therefore, this review aims to discuss and explore the traditional medicinal plants used in Ecuador for treating DM and their bioactive phytochemicals, which are mainly responsible for their antidiabetic properties. We believe that the use of Ecuadorian herbal medicine in a scientifically sound way can substantially benefit the local economy and industries seeking natural products.

(+)-Catechin ameliorates diabetic nephropathy injury by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress-related NLRP3-mediated inflammation

Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and chronic sterile inflammation are associated with the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Catechins are natural polyphenolic compounds found in green tea that possess some health benefits. However, whether (+)-catechin can reduce tubular injury in DN by regulating ER stress and NLRP3-associated inflammation remains uncertain. This study examined the effects of (+)-catechin on streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic mice and on palmitic acid (PA)-treated HK-2 cells. In vivo, a DN mouse model was generated by injecting STZ. The biochemical indicators of serum and urine, as well as renal histopathology and ultrastructure were analysed. To predict the mechanisms associated with (+)-catechin, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used. Finally, quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR), western blot analysis and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to measure the mRNA and protein expressions of specific targets in the renal tissue of DN mice and PA-treated HK-2 cells to validate the predicted results. (+)-Catechin significantly ameliorated renal function and pathological changes associated with tubular injury by inhibiting ER stress by downregulating of GRP78, PEAK, CHOP, ATF6 and XBP1. In addition, (+)-catechin inhibited renal inflammation by suppressing NLRP3 associated inflammation, which was characterized by the downregulation of NLRP3, ASC, AIM2, Caspase1, IL-1β and IL-18 in DN mice and PA-treated HK-2 cells. Collectively, these findings suggested that (+)-catechin exerted a renoprotective effect against DN by inhibiting ER stress and NLRP3-related inflammation to ameliorate tubular injury, suggesting the therapeutic potential of (+)-catechin.

Minocycline mitigated enduring neurological consequences in the mice model of sepsis

AIM

Sepsis-associated encephalopathy is a frequently observed consequence of sepsis, often resulting in chronic brain inflammation and injury, ultimately leading to a range of behavioral abnormalities. This study explores the potential preventive effects of minocycline on the long-lasting outcome of sepsis in a mice model of sepsis.

METHODS

Adult male C57 mice were subjected to experimental sepsis through a single intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Minocycline administration via oral gavage (12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg) commenced three days before sepsis induction and continued on the day of induction. Mice underwent behavioral assessments one month post-sepsis, with subsequent brain tissue analysis to investigate oxidative stress markers and cholinergic function.

KEY FINDINGS

One month following sepsis induction, mice exhibited significant anxiety- and depressive-like behaviors as determined by assessments in the elevated plus maze (EPM), open field, and tail suspension test (TST). Additionally, they displayed impaired recognition memory in the novel object recognition (NOR) test. Brain tissue analysis revealed a notable increase in oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in septic mice. Notably, minocycline treatment effectively mitigated the long-term behavioral abnormalities resulting from sepsis, attenuated oxidative stress markers, and reduced AChE activity.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings underscore the potential of minocycline as a therapeutic intervention during sepsis induction to prevent the enduring behavioral and neurological consequences of experimental sepsis.

Fennel Essential Oil as a Complementary Therapy in the Management of Diabetes

Diabetes is a serious pathology that affects a significant number of people worldwide. Its progression is rapid and leads to serious complications if glycemic control is missing. The micro and macrovascular complications of diabetes produce disabilities over time that affect the daily lives of patients. The major challenge of diabetes therapy is to reach a stable glycemic state and to delay the onset of specific complications. Aromatherapy is considered an alternative or complementary therapy, but in recent years, there has been a tendency to overuse essential oils. The present study was designed to evaluate and compare the effects produced by the topical and oral administration of fennel essential oil to diabetic rats. Eighteen compounds in fennel essential oil were identified by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis. The major compounds were trans-anethole (64.6%) and fenchone (24.5%). The in vivo study revealed that after a four-week treatment with fennel essential oil, the rats' glycemic levels were significantly reduced (p ≤ 0.05). Furthermore, there were no differences between the two routes of administration. In addition, an ex vivo study underlined the potential effect of this essential oil in the prevention of cataract formation.

Gentisic acid protects against diabetic nephropathy in Nicotinamide-Streptozotocin administered male mice by attenuating oxidative stress and inflammation: The role of miR-200a/Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, renin-angiotensin system (RAS) and NF-кB

Oxidative stress and inflammation play a pivotal role in the pathogenesis of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Local renin-angiotensin systems (RAS) contribute to the pathogenesis and progression of DN by exacerbating oxidative stress and inflammation.Gentisic acid (GA), a phenolic compound and also a metabolite of aspirin, is reported to possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the protective effects of GA against DN remain to be elucidated. Nicotinamide (120 mg/kg) and streptozotocin (65 mg/kg) were used to induce diabetes in male mice. Oral administration of GA once daily for 2 weeks (100 mg/kg) ameliorated diabetes-induced renal injury by reducing plasma creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary albuminuria levels. Diabetic mice showed a significant increase in total oxidant status and malondialdehyde, along with decreased catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione peroxidase in the kidney tissue, which was ameliorated in the GA-treated mice. Histopathological analysis showed that GA treatment reduced diabetes-induced renal injury. Furthermore, GA treatment was associated with the downregulation of miR-125b, nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-кB), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and upregulation of interleukin-10 (IL-10), miR-200a, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) in the renal tissue. GA treatment also downregulated angiotensin-converting enzyme 1 (ACE1), angiotensin II receptor 1 (AT1R), and NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX 2) and upregulated angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2). In conclusion, the ameliorative effects of GA against DN may be attributed to its powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through the downregulation of NF-кB, upregulation of Nrf2, and modulation of RAS in renal tissue.

Memantine, an NMDA receptor antagonist, protected the brain against the long-term consequences of sepsis in mice

AIMS

Long-term neuroinflammation and brain dysfunction have frequently been reported in sepsis survivors. In this study, the protective effect of memantine (an NMDA receptor antagonist) on the long-term consequences of sepsis on the brain was investigated in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty-five male C57 mice were included. Memantine was administrated through gavage at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg three days before sepsis and continued for three days after sepsis induction. Sepsis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg LPS. A cohort of mice was sacrificed on the 4th day post sepsis to measure NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β mRNA expression and oxidative stress markers in the brain. The second cohort was used for behavioral tests one month after sepsis induction and then sacrificed for oxidative stress markers and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity measurement.

KEY FINDINGS

MDA levels and mRNA expression of NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β ameliorated by memantine at the early days of sepsis induction, and total thiol content and SOD activity were increased. Post-septic mice showed significant disruption of recognition memory in novel object recognition (NOR) and depressive and anxiety-like behaviors in tail suspension test, elevated plus maze (EPM), and open field tests one month after sepsis. Memantine at 10 and 20 mg/kg dose-dependently ameliorated behavioral abnormalities, reduced AChE activity and MDA levels, and enhanced SOD activity and thiol content one month after sepsis.

SIGNIFICANCE

These findings suggest that early treatment of septic mice with memantine could ameliorate brain inflammation and oxidative damage and prevent long-term behavioral consequences of sepsis.

Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi formula relieves kidney damage and activates mitophagy in diabetic kidney disease

Introduction: Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula is an effective prescription in diabetic kidney disease treatment, we have confirmed the efficacy of Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng therapy in diabetic kidney disease through clinical trials. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula in the treatment of diabetic kidney disease. Methods: We used Vanquish UHPLC^TM to analyze the chemical profiling of Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula freeze-dried powder. We constructed diabetic kidney disease rat models induced by unilateral nephrectomy and high-dose streptozocin injection. We examined blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine, serum glucose, total cholesterol, triglyceride, serum total protein, albumin, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and 24 h urinary total protein in diabetic kidney disease rats. The renal pathological changes were observed by HE, Masson, PAS stanning and transmission electron microscopy. The levels of fibrosis-related proteins and mitophagy-related proteins were detected by western blot analysis. We also conducted an immunofluorescence co-localization analysis on podocytes to further investigate the effect of Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula treatment on mitophagy. Results: A total of 27 constituents in Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula were tentatively identified. We found PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy was inhibited in diabetic kidney disease. Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula treatment could raise body weight and reduce renal index, reduce proteinuria, improve glycolipid metabolic disorders, ameliorate renal fibrosis, and reduce the expression of Col Ⅳ and TGF-β1 in diabetic kidney disease rats. Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula treatment could also increase the expression of nephrin, activate mitophagy and protect podocytes in diabetic kidney disease rats and high glucose cultured podocytes. Conclusion: PINK1/Parkin-mediated mitophagy was inhibited in diabetic kidney disease, and Qing-Re-Xiao-Zheng-Yi-Qi Formula treatment could not only ameliorate pathological damage, but also promote mitophagy to protect podocytes in diabetic kidney disease.

Trans-anethole exerts protective effects on lipopolysaccharide-induced acute jejunal inflammation of broilers via repressing NF-κB signaling pathway

This study aimed to explore the effects of trans-anethole (TA) on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute jejunal inflammation model of broilers. A total of 160 one-day-old broilers (male; Arbor Acres) were randomly allocated into four treatment groups with 8 replicates of 5 birds each. On d 20, the dose of 5 mg/kg body weight LPS solution and the equal amount of sterile saline were intraperitoneally injected into LPS-challenged and unchallenged broilers, respectively. Compared with the control group, LPS decreased (P < 0.05) the villus height (VH) and the ratio of villus height to crypt depth (VCR) but increased (P < 0.05) the crypt depth (CD), meanwhile, enhanced (P < 0.01) the levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) but decreased (P < 0.01) the level of interleukin-10 (IL-10). The group supplemented with 600 mg/kg of TA had lower (P < 0.01) CD and higher (P < 0.01) VCR than the LPS group. TA increased (P < 0.01) the level of IL-10 and decreased (P < 0.01) the level of IL-1β. The mRNA expression levels of IL-6, nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), TNF-α were up-regulated (P < 0.05) and the levels of IL-10 and inhibitor of NF-κB alpha (IκBα) were down-regulated (P < 0.05) by LPS as compared with the control group. TA down-regulated (P < 0.05) the increased mRNA expression levels of genes caused by LPS, as well as up-regulated (P < 0.05) the levels of IL-10 and IκBα. Furthermore, LPS down-regulated (P < 0.05) and up-regulated (P < 0.05) the protein expression levels of IκBα and NF-κB p65, respectively. TA up-regulated (P < 0.05) the level of IκBα and down-regulated (P < 0.05) the level of NF-κB p65. The conclusion of this study is that TA could exert protective effect on the LPS-induced acute jejunal inflammation of broilers via repressing the activation of NF-κB and the 600 mg/kg is the optimal dose against LPS-induced acute jejunal inflammation of broilers.

Trans-anethole attenuates diet-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through suppressing TGF-β-mediated fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) is the most severe type of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and one of the most common chronic liver diseases, leading to the increased risk of liver failure, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Trans-anethole was reported to have anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity and anti-diabetic activities. However, its role in NASH remains unknown. Therefore, we aimed to explore the effect of Trans-anethole on NASH.

METHODS

Eight-week-old C57BL/6 mice were fed on a methionine- and choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 8 weeks to induce NASH in mice, and on the meanwhile, mice were also orally administrated with or without 100 mg/kg Trans-anethole daily to evaluate the effect of Trans-anethole on NASH.

RESULTS

Trans-anethole dose-dependently ameliorated liver injury in MCD diet-fed mice, then the most effective dose of Trans-anethole 100 mg/kg was chosen. Trans-anethole significantly attenuated hepatic steatosis, inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in MCD diet-induced NASH mice. Moreover, Trans-anethole reduced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway both in vivo and in vitro.

CONCLUSION

Trans-anethole effectively ameliorated NASH in MCD diet-fed mice, which suggested that Trans-anethole might serve as a therapeutic strategy for NASH.

The Protective Effect of Anethole against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion: The Role of the TLR2,4/MYD88/NFκB Pathway

Background: Anethole is the principle essential oil component of anise and fennel. Renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is one of the utmost imperative reasons for acute kidney injury and often associated with high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of anethole on RIR status, exploring the involved mechanisms. Methods: RIR was accomplished by bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min, after which the clamps were removed to achieve the reperfusion phase. Rats were randomized into five groups; Sham, Sham + anethole, RIR, and finally RIR + anethole (125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg) groups. Animals were given anethole (in specified groups in doses) for 14 days before RIR. Results: RIR-experienced animals developed renal injury evidenced by diminished renal function and histopathological alteration. RIR induced severe oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic status within renal tissue. Pre-RIR management with anethole enhanced renal morphology and improved renal function. Anethole amplified GSH content and SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and lowered MDA. Anethole reduced gene and protein expression levels of HMGB1, TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, and NFκB. Anethole distinctly dropped TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 levels, increased IL-10, and diminished caspase 3 and 9, reflecting its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Conclusion: Anethole displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic actions against RIR-induced injury. Anethole exhibited renal protective actions, which could be through inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR2, 4/MYD88/NFκB pathway. These results could suggest anethole as a protective agent against RIR.