Nephroprotective potential of Panduratin A against colistin-induced renal injury via attenuating mitochondrial dysfunction and cell apoptosis

Direct exposure with exogenous mitochondria reduce colistin-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and cellular damages in isolated rat renal proximal tubular cells

Kidney damage caused by colistin (polymyxin E) can bring about a decrease in creatinine clearance, potential proteinuria, cylindruria and oliguria in treated patients. It is therefore imperative to develop a new therapeutic strategy for reducing kidney damage after treatment with colistin. Mitochondrial damage is one of contributing factors in colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Given the therapeutic benefits of mitochondrial transplantation by exogenous healthy mitochondria, we hypothesized that this strategy would be capable of ameliorating renal proximal tubular cells damage following exposure with colistin. For this purpose, we isolated rat renal proximal tubular cells (RPTCs) form kidney and exposed them with toxic concertation of colistin with/without rat healthy isolated mitochondria for 4 h. Cellular parameters such as lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), caspase 3 activation, lysosomal damage, glutathione and ATP content were measured. The results showed that administration of isolated mitochondria could improve colistin-induced nephrotoxicity and reduce mitochondrial dysfunction. Exogenous mitochondria reduced the activity of LDH, production of ROS, ATP and GSH depletion, loss of MMP, lysosomal damages and cell death. To the best of our knowledge, these results provide the first direct experimental evidence that direct exposure with exogenous mitochondria is capable of ameliorating cellular damage following treatment with colistin. These findings support that mitochondrial transplantation may be a promising therapeutic strategy for colistin-associated mitochondrial dysfunction in kidney cells.

Traditional usages, chemical metabolites, pharmacological activities, and pharmacokinetics of Boesenbergia rotunda (L.) Mansf.: a comprehensive review

Boesenbergia rotunda: (L.) Mansf. (family Zingiberaceae), also known as fingerroot, is a medicinal and food plant that is widely distributed in southern China, Southeast Asia, and South Asia. It is a traditional herb and spice that is also known for its beneficial effects on Qi, appetite, stagnation and pain relief. The objective of this study is to conduct a comprehensive and systematic review of the botanical characteristics, traditional applications, phytochemical metabolites, pharmacological properties, toxicology, quality control measures, pharmacokinetics, and clinical applications of B. rotunda. A bibliometric analysis of current studies on B. rotunda was also conducted to facilitate further exploration and utilization of B. rotunda in the functional food and pharmaceutical industries. These data were collected from PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, China National Knowledge Infrastructure doctoral and master's theses and other books and scientific databases by searching the keywords Boesenbergia rotunda. Phytochemical analysis has revealed the presence of flavonoids, monoterpenes, alkaloids, aromatic metabolites, phenols, and other metabolites in B. rotunda, exhibiting a wide range of biological activities such as anti-cancer, nephroprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, hepatoprotective, anti-obesity, and anti-oxidant effects, both in vivo and in vitro. In this paper, the research of B. rotunda is discussed in depth by combining traditional application and modern pharmacological research, aiming to provide valuable reference for the future research and practical application of B. rotunda.

The power of trans-sodium crocetinate: exploring its renoprotective effects in a rat model of colistin-induced nephrotoxicity

Colistin, a multidrug-resistant gram-negative bacterial infection medication, has been associated with renal impairment and failure. Trans-sodium crocetinate (TSC), a saffron-derived chemical recognized for its antioxidant and nephroprotective properties, was studied in this study to determine its potential to alleviate the nephrotoxic effects of colistin. Forty-two male Wistar rats were randomly classified into seven groups (n = 6): (1) control (normal saline, 12 days, i.p.), (2) colistin (22 mg/kg, 7 days, i.p.), (3-5) colistin + TSC (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, 12 days, i.p., starting from 5 days before colistin), (6) TSC (100 mg/kg, 12 days, i.p.), (7) colistin + vitamin E (100 IU/kg, 12 days, i.p). On day 13, the rats were euthanized and the serum content of creatinine, BUN, Na+, and K+, as well as oxidative stress (GSH, MDA, SOD, CAT), inflammatory (IL-1β), apoptotic (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, 8, 9), and autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3) markers, NGAL, and histopathological changes in the kidney were measured. Colistin significantly increased serum creatinine, BUN, MDA, IL-1β, caspase-3,8,9, Bax, Beclin-1, LC3, and NGAL levels in kidney tissue. It also caused inflammation, focal necrosis of tubular epithelial cells, protein cast, and acute tubular necrosis. Furthermore, colistin decreased SOD, CAT, GSH, and Bcl-2 levels. TSC and vitamin E administration along with colistin restored most of the alterations induced by colistin. Overall, it could be concluded that colistin induces oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis, which can cause kidney injury. However, TSC can also be used as a therapeutic agent to reduce injuries caused by colistin.

Panduratin A mitigates inflammation and oxidative stress in DSS-induced colitis mice model

AIM

This study explored Panduratin A's protective effects against DSS-induced colitis in mice, focusing on reducing inflammation and oxidative stress in the colon.

METHODS

Mice were treated with dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) and Panduratin A (3, 6, 18 mg/kg), and changes in body weight, colon length, Disease Activity Index (DAI), histopathology, inflammation markers including tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α), Interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), Myeloperoxidase (MPO), and oxidative stress, Malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated.

RESULTS

Panduratin A significantly reversed DSS-induced symptoms, including body weight loss, colonic length shortening, and DAI increase, while reducing histopathological damage. It lowered inflammatory markers and oxidative stress, suppressed NF-κB activation, and enhanced Nrf2 and HO-1 expression.

CONCLUSION

Panduratin A shows promise as a colitis treatment, warranting further research for broader clinical application.

Enhancing effect of natural adjuvant, panduratin A, on antibacterial activity of colistin against multidrug-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii

Colistin- and carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii is a serious multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterium in clinical settings. Discovery of new antibacterial drugs against MDR is facing multiple challenges in drug development. Combination of known antibiotics with a robust adjuvant might be an alternative effective strategy for MDR treatment. In the study herein, we report an antibiotic adjuvant activity of a natural compound panduratin A from fingerroot (Boesenbergia rotunda) as a potent adjuvant to colistin. The present study investigated the antibiotic adjuvant effect of panduratin A against 10 colistin- and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Antibacterial activities were tested by broth microdilution method. Biofilm assay was used to determine the efficacy of panduratin A in biofilm formation inhibition on two representative strains Aci46 and Aci44. Genomic and transcriptomic analyses of colistin- and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii strains were used to identify potential resistance and tolerance mechanism in the bacteria. Panduratin A-colistin combination showed an increased effect on antibacterial in the A. baumannii. However, panduratin A did not improve the antibacterial activity of imipenem. In addition, panduratin A improves anti-biofilm activity of colistin against Aci44 and Aci46, the colistin- and carbapenem-resistant A. baumannii. Panduratin A markedly enhances bactericidal and anti-biofilm activity of colistin against colistin- resistant A. baumannii. Based on genome comparisons, single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) patterns in six genes encoding biofilm and lipid A biosynthesis were shared in Aci44 and Aci46. In Aci44, we identified a partial sequence of pmrB encoding a polymyxin resistant component PmrB, whereas a full length of pmrB was observed in Aci46. RNA-seq analyses of Aci44 revealed that panduratin A-colistin combination induced expression of ribosomal proteins and oxidative stress response proteins, whereas iron transporter and MFS-type transporter systems were suppressed. Panduratin A-colistin combination could promote intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation could lead to the cidal effect on colistin-resistant A. baumannii. Combination of panduratin A and colistin showed a significant increase in colistin efficacy against colistin- resistant A. baumannii in comparison of colistin alone. Genomic comparison between Aci44 and Aci46 showed mutations and SNPs that might affect different phenotypes. Additionally, based on RNA-Seq, panduratin A-colistin combination could lead to ROS production and accumulation. These findings confirmed the potency of panduratin as colistin adjuvant against multidrug resistant A. baumannii.

Risk factors and prognosis for the development of acute kidney injury in patients using colistin in the intensive care unit: A retrospective cohort study

Colistin, an antibiotic of polymyxin group, has recently been increasingly used in the treatment of multidrug resistant gram-negative bacteria. However, it has serious adverse effects such as acute kidney injury (AKI). We aimed to determine the factors affecting the development of AKI due to colistin, which has serious adverse effects, such as nephrotoxicity and neurotoxicity. We retrospectively analyzed the data of patients who received colistin for multidrug resistant gram-negative sepsis in adult intensive care units between January 2020 and December 2022. Demographic data, blood test results, concomitant drug use, need for renal replacement therapy, and mortality were recorded. Kidney damage was assessed according to the Kidney Disease Improving Global Outcomes criterion. We obtained data from 103 patients, 45 (43.7%) of whom were women. The most common comorbidity was a neurological disorder. Renal damage developed in 59.2% of patients. Renal replacement was required in 50.8% of the patients. Among patients who received colistin, 64.1% died. The use of vasopressors, diuretics, nephrotoxic agents with colistin, advanced age, and hypoalbuminemia were more common in patients with renal injury. Multivariate regression analysis showed that vasopressor use, prior creatinine elevation, and diuretic use were independent risk factors for colistin-induced AKI. Vasoactive agent use, previous kidney injury, and furosemide use were independent risk factors for colistin-induced nephrotoxicity. Considering these factors may be instructive for better monitoring of patients when colistin is required in intensive care units.

Boesenbergia rotunda displayed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic efficacy in doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

This study evaluated the cardioprotective properties of Boesenbergia rotunda extract (BrE) against doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. Rats received oral gavage of BrE for 28 days and DOX (5 mg/kg/week for 3 weeks). Thereafter the animals were sacrificed, blood and cardiac samples were collected for biochemical, histological and immunohistochemical analyses. The results indicated that BrE attenuated DOX triggered body and cardiac weight loss and prevented against cardiac injury by mitigating histopathological alterations in cardiac tissues as well as serum cardiac function enzymes. BrE significantly reduced serum levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), troponin T (TnT) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) in DOX-treated rats. Furthermore, BrE alleviated cardiotoxicity by reducing DOX instigated oxidative stress and potentiating the level of glutathione, as well as the activities superoxide dismutase and catalase in cardiac tissues. In addition, BrE significantly decreased the characteristic indices of DOX-induced cardiac inflammation and apoptosis. Immuno-histochemical analysis revealed that BrE decreased the stain intensity of p53 and myeloperoxidase (MPO) proteins compared to the DXB alone group. In conclusion, our results indicated that BrE modulated oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis to attenuate DOX-induced cardiac damage.

Mitochondrial Modulators: The Defender

Mitochondria are widely considered the "power hub" of the cell because of their pivotal roles in energy metabolism and oxidative phosphorylation. However, beyond the production of ATP, which is the major source of chemical energy supply in eukaryotes, mitochondria are also central to calcium homeostasis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) balance, and cell apoptosis. The mitochondria also perform crucial multifaceted roles in biosynthetic pathways, serving as an important source of building blocks for the biosynthesis of fatty acid, cholesterol, amino acid, glucose, and heme. Since mitochondria play multiple vital roles in the cell, it is not surprising that disruption of mitochondrial function has been linked to a myriad of diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cancer, and metabolic disorders. In this review, we discuss the key physiological and pathological functions of mitochondria and present bioactive compounds with protective effects on the mitochondria and their mechanisms of action. We highlight promising compounds and existing difficulties limiting the therapeutic use of these compounds and potential solutions. We also provide insights and perspectives into future research windows on mitochondrial modulators.

Natural products for the prevention of antibiotic-associated kidney injury

Drug-induced acute kidney injury (AKI), especially from exposure to antibiotics, has a high prevalence secondary to their frequent prescription. Typically, drug-induced AKI results from acute tubular necrosis or acute interstitial nephritis. While some risk factors for the development of AKI in individuals treated with antibiotics are modifiable, others such as concomitant drug therapies to treat comorbidities, age, and pre-existing chronic kidney disease are not modifiable. As such, there is an urgent need to identify strategies to reduce the risk of AKI in individuals requiring antibiotic therapy. Natural products, especially those rich in active constituents possessing antioxidant properties are an attractive option to mitigate AKI risk. Given that mitochondrial dysfunction precedes AKI and natural products can restore mitochondrial health and counter the oxidative stress secondary to mitochondrial damage investigating their utility warrants further attention. The following review summarizes the available preclinical and clinical evidence that provides a foundation for future study.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Panduratin A against LPS-Induced Microglial Activation

Uncontrolled and excessive microglial activation is known to contribute to inflammation-mediated neurodegeneration. Therefore, reducing neurotoxic microglial activation may serve as a new approach to preventing neurodegeneration. Here, we investigated the anti-inflammatory effects of panduratin A against microglial activation induced by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in the SIMA9 microglial cell line. We initially examined the anti-inflammatory properties of panduratin A by measuring LPS-induced nitric oxide (NO) production and the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6). Panduratin A significantly reduced NO levels and pro-inflammatory cytokines’ production and secretion. In addition, panduratin A enhanced the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4 and IL-10. The anti-inflammatory effects of panduratin A are related to the suppression of the NF-κB signaling pathway. Together, these results demonstrate the anti-inflammatory properties of panduratin A against LPS-induced microglial activation, suggesting panduratin A has the potential to be further developed as a new agent for the prevention of neuroinflammation-associated neurodegenerative diseases.

Sustainable Release of Propranolol Hydrochloride Laden with Biconjugated-Ufasomes Chitosan Hydrogel Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Sciatic Nerve Damage in In Vitro/In Vivo Evaluation

Peripheral nerve injuries significantly impact patients' quality of life and poor functional recovery. Chitosan-ufasomes (CTS-UFAs) exhibit biomimetic features, making them a viable choice for developing novel transdermal delivery for neural repair. This study aimed to investigate the role of CTS-UFAs loaded with the propranolol HCl (PRO) as a model drug in enhancing sciatica in cisplatin-induced sciatic nerve damage in rats. Hence, PRO-UFAs were primed, embedding either span 20 or 60 together with oleic acid and cholesterol using a thin-film hydration process based on full factorial design (24). The influence of formulation factors on UFAs' physicochemical characteristics and the optimum formulation selection were investigated using Design-Expert® software. Based on the optimal UFA formulation, PRO-CTS-UFAs were constructed and characterized using transmission electron microscopy, stability studies, and ex vivo permeation. In vivo trials on rats with a sciatic nerve injury tested the efficacy of PRO-CTS-UFA and PRO-UFA transdermal hydrogels, PRO solution, compared to normal rats. Additionally, oxidative stress and specific apoptotic biomarkers were assessed, supported by a sciatic nerve histopathological study. PRO-UFAs and PRO-CTS-UFAs disclosed entrapment efficiency of 82.72 ± 2.33% and 85.32 ± 2.65%, a particle size of 317.22 ± 6.43 and 336.12 ± 4.9 nm, ζ potential of -62.06 ± 0.07 and 65.24 ± 0.10 mV, and accumulatively released 70.95 ± 8.14% and 64.03 ± 1.9% PRO within 6 h, respectively. Moreover, PRO-CTS-UFAs significantly restored sciatic nerve structure, inhibited the cisplatin-dependent increase in peripheral myelin 22 gene expression and MDA levels, and further re-established sciatic nerve GSH and CAT content. Furthermore, they elicited MBP re-expression, BCL-2 mild expression, and inhibited TNF-α expression. Briefly, our findings proposed that CTS-UFAs are promising to enhance PRO transdermal delivery to manage sciatic nerve damage.