Therapeutic potential of beta-caryophyllene against aflatoxin B1-Induced liver toxicity: biochemical and molecular insights in rats

In vitro and in vivo assessment of AFB1 and OTA toxic effects and the beneficial role of bioactive compounds. A systematic review

The purpose of this review was to investigate the current knowledge about aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and ochratoxin A (OTA) toxicity and the possible beneficial role of bioactive compounds by using in vitro and in vivo models. Although AFB1 and OTA were tested in a similar percentage, the majority of studies focused on nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, immune toxicity and neurotoxicity in which oxidative stress, inflammation, structural damage and apoptosis were the main mechanisms of action reported. Conversely, several biological compounds were assayed in order to modulate mycotoxins damage mainly in the liver, brain, kidney and immune system. Among them, pumpkin, curcumin and fermented whey were the most employed. Although a clear progress has been made by using in vivo models, further research is needed to assess not only the toxicity of multiple mycotoxins contamination but also the effect of functional compounds mixture, thereby reproducing more realistic situations for human health risk assessment.

Aflatoxin B1-induced early developmental hepatotoxicity in larvae zebrafish

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a ubiquitous mycotoxin that causes oxidative damage in various organs. At present, the research studies on AFB1 are primarily focused on its effects on the terrestrial environment and animals. However, its toxicity mechanism in aquatic environments and aquatic animals has not been largely explored. Thus, in this study, zebrafish was used as a model to study the toxicity mechanism of AFB1 on the liver of developing larvae. The results showed that AFB1 exposure inhibited liver development and promoted fat accumulation in the liver. Transcriptome sequencing analysis showed that AFB1 affected liver redox metabolism and oxidoreductase activity. KEGG analysis showed that AFB1 inhibited the expression of gsto1, gpx4a, mgst3a, and idh1 in the glutathione metabolizing enzyme gene pathway, resulting in hepatic oxidative stress. At the same time, AFB1 also inhibited the expression of acox1, acsl1b, pparα, fabp2, and cpt1 genes in peroxidase and PPAR metabolic pathways, inducing hepatic steatosis and lipid droplet accumulation. Antioxidant N-Acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) preconditioning up-regulated gsto1, gpx4a and idh1 genes, and improved the AFB1-induced lipid droplet accumulation in the liver. In summary, AFB1 induced hepatic oxidative stress and steatosis, resulting in abnormal liver fat metabolism and accumulation of cellular lipid droplets. NAC could be used as a potential preventative drug to improve AFB1-induced fat accumulation.

Beta-caryophyllene mitigates the cognitive impairment caused by repeated exposure to aspartame in rats: Putative role of BDNF-TrKB signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase activity

Aspartame (ASP) is a common sweetener, but studies show it can harm the nervous system, causing learning and memory deficits. β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural compound found in foods, including bread, coffee, alcoholic beverages, and spices, has already described as a neuroprotector agent. Remarkably, ASP and BCP are commonly consumed, including in the same meal. Therefore, considering that (a) the BCP displays plenty of beneficial effects; (b) the ASP toxicity; and (c) that they can be consumed in the same meal, this study sought to investigate if the BCP would mitigate the memory impairment induced by ASP in rats and investigate the involvement of the brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF)/ tropomyosin receptor kinase B (TrKB) signaling pathway and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity. Young male Wistar rats received ASP (75 mg/kg; i.g.) and/or BCP (100 mg/kg; i.p.) once daily, for 14 days. At the end of the treatment, the animals were evaluated in the open field and object recognition tests. The cerebral cortex and hippocampus samples were collected for biochemical and molecular analyses. Results showed that the BCP effectively protected against the cognitive damage caused by ASP in short and long-term memories. In addition, BCP mitigated the increase in AChE activity caused by ASP. Molecular insights revealed augmented BDNF and TrKB levels in the hippocampus of rats treated with BCP, indicating greater activation of this pathway. In conclusion, BCP protected against ASP-induced memory impairment. AChE activity and the BDNF/TrkB signaling pathway seem to be potential targets of BCP modulatory role in this study.

Pitaya Juice Consumption Protects against Oxidative Damage Induced by Aflatoxin B1

Mycotoxins are toxic fungal metabolites and are responsible for contaminating several foods. The intake of foods contaminated by these substances is related to hepatotoxicity and carcinogenic effects, possibly due to increasing oxidative stress. The current study evaluated Pitaya fruit juice's antioxidant effects on oxidative damage aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced. Rats received 1.5 mL of Pitaya juice via gavage (for 30 days), and on the 31st day, they received AFB1 (250 µg/kg, via gavage). Forty-eight hours after the AFB1 dose, rats were euthanized for dosages of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP); dosage of oxidative markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS), reactive species (RS)) and antioxidant defenses (catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), Glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities and Glutathione (GSH)) levels in the liver; and detection of Heat shock protein 70 (Hsp-70) and nuclear factor- erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) immunocontent in the liver. Our results indicated that the Pitaya juice reduced ALP activity. Further, rats exposed to AFB1 experienced liver damage due to the increase in TBARS, RS, and Hsp-70 and the reduction in CAT, GSH, and Nrf2. Pitaya juice could, however, protect against these damages. Finally, these results indicated that pre-treatment with Pitaya juice was effective against the oxidative damage induced. However, other aspects may be elucidated in the future to discover more targets of its action against mycotoxicosis.

AFB1 Microbial Degradation by Bacillus subtilis WJ6 and Its Degradation Mechanism Exploration Based on the Comparative Transcriptomics Approach

Aflatoxin pollution poses great harm to human and animal health and causes huge economic losses. The biological detoxification method that utilizes microorganisms and their secreted enzymes to degrade aflatoxin has the advantages of strong specificity, high efficiency, and no pollution inflicted onto the environment. In this study, Bacillus subtilis WJ6 with a high efficiency in aflatoxin B₁ degradation was screened and identified through molecular identification, physiological, and biochemical methods. The fermentation broth, cell-free supernatant, and cell suspension degraded 81.57%, 73.27%, and 8.39% of AFB₁, respectively. The comparative transcriptomics analysis indicated that AFB₁ led to 60 up-regulated genes and 31 down-regulated genes in B. subtilis WJ6. A gene ontology (GO) analysis showed that the function classifications of cell aggregation, the organizational aspect, and the structural molecule activity were all of large proportions among the up-regulated genes. The down-regulated gene expression was mainly related to the multi-organism process function under the fermentation condition. Therefore, B. subtilis WJ6 degraded AFB₁ through secreted extracellular enzymes with the up-regulated genes of structural molecule activity and down-regulated genes of multi-organism process function.

Aflatoxin B1 exposure induced developmental toxicity and inhibited muscle development in zebrafish embryos and larvae

The prevalence of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), one of the most toxic mycotoxins that contaminates feedstock and food is increasing worldwide. AFB1 can cause various health problems in humans and animals, as well as direct embryotoxicity. However, the direct toxicity of AFB1 on embryonic development, especially foetal foetus muscle development, has not been studied in depth. In the present study, we used zebrafish embryos as a model to study the mechanism of the direct toxicity of AFB1 to the foetus, including muscle development and developmental toxicity. Our results showed that AFB1 caused motor dysfunction in zebrafish embryos. In addition, AFB1 induces abnormalities in muscle tissue architecture, which in turn causes abnormal muscle development in larvae. Further studies found that AFB1 destroyed the antioxidant capacity and tight junction complexes (TJs), causing apoptosis in zebrafish larvae. In summary, AFB1 may induce developmental toxicity and inhibit muscle development through oxidative damage, apoptosis and disruption of TJs in zebrafish larvae. Our results revealed the direct toxicity effects of AFB1 on the development of embryos and larvae, including inhibition of muscle development and triggering neurotoxicity, induction of oxidative damage, apoptosis and disruption of TJs, and fills the gap in the toxicity mechanism of AFB1 on foetal development.

Curcumin Alleviates Aflatoxin B1-Induced Liver Pyroptosis and Fibrosis by Regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 Signaling Pathway in Ducks

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a serious pollutant in feed and food which causes liver inflammation, fibrosis, and even cirrhosis. The Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducers and activators of the transcription 3 (STAT3) signaling pathway is widely involved in inflammatory response and promotes the activation of nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thus leading to pyroptosis and fibrosis. Curcumin is a natural compound with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. However, whether AFB₁ exposure leads to the activation of the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in the liver and whether curcumin can regulate this pathway to influence pyroptosis and fibrosis in the liver remains unclear. In order to clarify these problems, we first treated ducklings with 0, 30, or 60 µg/kg AFB₁ for 21 days. We found that AFB₁ exposure caused growth inhibition, liver structural and functional damage, and activated JAK2/NLRP3-mediated liver pyroptosis and fibrosis in ducks. Secondly, ducklings were divided into a control group, 60 µg/kg AFB₁ group, and 60 µg/kg AFB₁ + 500 mg/kg curcumin group. We found that curcumin significantly inhibited the activation of the JAK2/STAT3 pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome, as well as the occurrence of pyroptosis and fibrosis in AFB₁-exposed duck livers. These results suggested that curcumin alleviated AFB₁-induced liver pyroptosis and fibrosis by regulating the JAK2/NLRP3 signaling pathway in ducks. Curcumin is a potential agent for preventing and treating liver toxicity of AFB₁.

Intermittent Exposure to Aflatoxin B1 Did Not Affect Neurobehavioral Parameters and Biochemical Markers of Oxidative Stress

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most common toxic mycotoxin that contaminates food. The treatment of its intoxication and the management of contaminations are a constant subject of health agendas worldwide. However, such efforts are not always enough to avoid population intoxication. Our objective was to investigate whether intermittent exposure to AFB1 would cause any impairment in biochemical and behavioral parameters, intending to simulate an irregular consumption. Male Wistar rats received four AFB1 administrations (250 μg/kg) by intragastric route separated by a 96-h interval. Toxicity was evaluated using behavioral tests (open field, object recognition, nest construction, marble burying, and splash test), biochemical markers of oxidative stress (cerebral cortex, hippocampus, liver, and kidneys), and plasma parameters of hepatic and renal functions. The intermittent exposure caused no modification in body weight gain as well as in organ weight. Both control and AFB1 groups presented similar profiles of behavior to all tests performed. Furthermore, AFB1 administrations alter neither antioxidant defenses nor markers of oxidation in all assayed tissues and in the plasma markers of hepatic and renal functions. Therefore, AFB1 intermittent administration did not cause its common damage from exposure to this toxicant, which must be avoided, and additional studies are required.

Repeated co-exposure to aflatoxin B1 and aspartame disrupts the central nervous system homeostasis: Behavioral, biochemical, and molecular insights

Several studies demonstrated the toxicity of aspartame (ASP) and aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁ ) in preclinical models. Although the majority of these reports assessed the toxic effects of each substance separately, their concomitant exposure and hazardous consequences are scarce. Importantly, the deleterious effects at the central nervous system caused by ASP and AFB₁ co-exposure are rarely addressed. We evaluated if concomitant exposure to AFB₁ and ASP would cause behavioral impairment and alteration in oxidative status of the brain in male rats. Animals received once a day for 14 days AFB₁ (250 µg/kg, intragastric gavage [i.g.]), ASP (75 mg/kg, i.g.), or both substances (association). On day 14, they were subjected to behavioral evaluation, and biochemical and molecular parameters of oxidative status were measured in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus. In the open field test, AFB₁ and combination treatments modified the motor, exploratory, and grooming behavior. In the splash test, all treatments caused a reduction in grooming time compared to the control group. An increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances content induced by AFB₁ and combination treatments was observed. The antioxidant defenses (vitamin C, nonprotein sulfhydryl, and ferric reducing antioxidant power) were impaired in all groups compared to control. Regarding molecular evaluation, mitochondrial superoxide dismutase-2 immunoreactivity decreased after AFB₁ or ASP exposition in the hippocampus. Thus, co-exposure to ASP and AFB₁ was potentially more toxic because it aggravated behavioral impairments and oxidative status disbalance in comparison to the groups that received only ASP or AFB₁ . Therefore, our data suggest that those substances caused a disruption in brain homeostasis.

Crocin averts functional and structural rat hepatic disturbances induced by copper oxide nanoparticles

Background

Exposure to nanoparticles became inevitable in our daily life due to their huge industrial uses. Copper oxide nanoparticles (CuONPs) are one of the most frequently utilized metal nanoparticles in numerous applications. Crocin (CRO) is a major active constituent in saffron having anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Objectives

We designed this study to explore the probable defensive role of CRO against CuONPs-induced rat hepatic damage.

Materials and methods

Therefore, 24 adult rats were randomly distributed into 4 equal groups as negative control, CRO, CuONPs, and co-treated CuONPs with CRO groups. All treatments were administered for 14 days. The hepatotoxic effect of CuONPs was evaluated by estimation of hepatic alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes, hepatic oxidative malondialdehyde and antioxidant glutathione reduced, serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1-beta, and nuclear factor kappa B), and expression of the apoptotic BAX in hepatic tissues; in addition, histopathological examination of the hepatic tissues was conducted.

Results

We found that concurrent CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats significantly averted functional and structural rat hepatic damage as documented by decreased hepatic enzymes activities, restored hepatic oxidant/antioxidant balance, decreased serum levels of inflammatory biomarkers, reversed BAX-mediated apoptotic cell death in hepatic tissues along with repair of CuONPs-induced massive hepatic structural and ultrastructural alterations.

Conclusions

It is concluded that combined CRO supplement to CuONPs-treated rats improved hepatic function and structure by, at least in part, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms.

Antioxidative and Anti-Inflammatory Protective Effects of β-Caryophyllene against Amikacin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rat by Regulating the Nrf2/AMPK/AKT and NF-κB/TGF-β/KIM-1 Molecular Pathways

Herein, the molecular pathogenic pathways implicated in renal injury triggered by amikacin (AK), together with the alleviating actions of β-caryophyllene (BCP), were investigated. Adult male Wistar rats (n = 32) were disseminated to the four following groups (n = 8/group): normal group, positive control animals (PC) that received AK intraperitoneal injections for 14 days (500 mg/kg/day), and rats that received AK simultaneously with small (200 mg/kg/day) and high doses (400 mg/kg/day) of BCP. The PC renal tissues revealed abnormal histology alongside increased apoptosis and significantly elevated serum creatinine and urea with marked proteinuria and oliguria relative to the normal rats. Moreover, renal tissues from the PC animals also showed substantial upregulations in NF-κB/TGF-β/KIM-1, whilst Nrf2/AMPK/AKT/PCNA declined, at the gene and protein levels in comparison to the normal rats. Additionally, the levels of markers of oxidative stress (MDA/H₂O₂/protein adducts) and inflammation (TNF-α/IL-1β/IL-6/IL-18/TLR/HSP25) were substantially higher in the PC renal specimens, whereas the antioxidants (GSH/GPx/SOD1/CAT) and interleukin-10 decreased, relative to the NC group. Both BCP protocols improved the biochemical markers of renal functions, alleviated renal histopathology and apoptosis, and decreased NF-κB/TGF-β/KIM-1 alongside the concentrations of oxidative stress and proinflammatory markers, whilst promoting Nrf2/AMPK/AKT/IL-10/PCNA and the targeted antioxidants. However, the improving effects in the high-dose regimen were markedly stronger than those observed in animals treated with low dose of BCP. In conclusion, the present report is the first to connect NF-κB/TGF-β/KIM-1 proinflammatory and Nrf2/AMPK/AKT antioxidative stress pathways with the pathogenesis of AK-induced nephrotoxicity. Additionally, the current report is the first to disclose alleviating activities for BCP against AK-triggered nephrotoxicity by modulating multiple antioxidative stress with anti-inflammatory molecular pathways.

Potential protective effect of beta-caryophyllene against cadmium chloride-induced damage to the male reproductive system in mouse

Cadmium is a metal that can affect the male reproductive process, possibly leading to infertility. In contrast, beta-caryophyllene (BC) is a sesquiterpene that has shown antigenotoxic, anticancer, and antioxidant properties. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to determine the protective effect of BC against the deleterious effects of cadmium chloride (CC) on various mouse testicular and sperm parameters. We tested three doses of BC (20, 200, and 400 mg/kg) given before and during exposure to 3 mg/kg CC (six days after a single administration). Our results show significant alleviation of the damage induced by CC after the three doses of BC. Regarding the sperm concentration and morphology, the protection with the high dose was complete, and regarding sperm mobility and viability, the protection was more than 74%. In the comet assay, the highest dose showed a reduction of 92.5% in the damage induced by CC, and regarding the number of micronuclei in the spermatids, the reduction was 83.3%. In the oxidative evaluation, regarding sperm lipoperoxidation, the improvement was complete with the high dose, and in the ABTS^.+ test, the improvement in the response to the BC high dose was 26.3%. Regarding testicular lipoperoxidation and protein oxidation, the protective effects of the high BC dose were 87.6% and 89.9%, respectively. We also found that BC protected against the histological and morphometric alterations induced by CC. Therefore, our study clearly demonstrates the beneficial, chemopreventive effect of BC against the mouse sperm and testicular alterations induced by CC.

β-Caryophyllene Ameliorates Cyclophosphamide Induced Cardiac Injury: The Association of TLR4/NFκB and Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 Pathways

Background: β-caryophyllene (BCP), a natural sesquiterpene, is extensively present in the essential oils of several plants. Cyclophosphamide (CYC) is an anticancer drug. However, its clinical usage is inadequate due to its cardiotoxicity. The aim of this study was to study the effects of BCP on cardiac injury induced by CYC exposure, and to identify the underlying mechanism of action. Methods: Five groups of Wistar rats were allocated. Group I (Normal), II (BCP), and III (CYC) acted as controls. Group IV, V (CYC + BCP) received BCP in two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg, orally, respectively) for 14 days after CYC challenge. CYC groups received 200 mg/kg, i.p. of the drug once on the first day of experiments. Results: CYC group displayed numerous ECG and histological irregularities and cardiac markers elevation. CYC induced lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress intensification, as well as inflammatory and apoptotic markers escalation. Treatment with BCP resulted in modified ECG traces and histological sections. BCP mitigated cardiac markers and lipid peroxidation whereas intensified antioxidant capacity. BCP activated Nrf2, with subsequent HO1 and NQO1 amplification. BCP diminished TLR4/NFκB pathway, which consequently lessened the inflammatory and apoptosis responses. Conclusion: BCP administration was associated with activated Nrf2/HO1/NQO1 and inhibited TLR4/NFκB pathways with subsequent enhanced anti-oxidative capacity and diminished inflammatory and apoptosis responses.