Diphenyl diselenide prevents hepatic alterations induced by paraquat in rats

Exploring Metabolic and Gut Microbiome Responses to Paraquat Administration in Male Wistar Rats: Implications for Oxidative Stress

In this study, we examined the metabolic and gut microbiome responses to paraquat (PQ) in male Wistar rats, focusing on oxidative stress effects. Rats received a single intraperitoneal injection of PQ at 15 and 30 mg/kg, and various oxidative stress parameters (i.e., MDA, SOD, ROS, 8-isoprostanes) were assessed after three days. To explore the omic profile, GC-qTOF and UHPLC-qTOF were performed to assess the plasma metabolome; 1H-NMR was used to assess the urine metabolome; and shotgun metagenomics sequencing was performed to study the gut microbiome. Our results revealed reductions in body weight and tissue changes, particularly in the liver, were observed, suggesting a systemic effect of PQ. Elevated lipid peroxidation and reactive oxygen species levels in the liver and plasma indicated the induction of oxidative stress. Metabolic profiling revealed changes in the tricarboxylic acid cycle, accumulation of ketone body, and altered levels of key metabolites, such as 3-hydroxybutyric acid and serine, suggesting intricate links between energy metabolism and redox reactions. Plasma metabolomic analysis revealed alterations in mitochondrial metabolism, nicotinamide metabolism, and tryptophan degradation. The gut microbiome showed shifts, with higher PQ doses influencing microbial populations (e.g., Escherichia coli and Akkermansia muciniphila) and metagenomic functions (pyruvate metabolism, fermentation, nucleotide and amino acid biosynthesis). Overall, this study provides comprehensive insights into the complex interplay between PQ exposure, metabolic responses, and gut microbiome dynamics. These findings enhance our understanding of the mechanisms behind oxidative stress-induced metabolic alterations and underscore the connections between xenobiotic exposure, gut microbiota, and host metabolism.

Effect of Prepartum Maternal Supplementation with Diphenyl Diselenide on Biochemical, Immunological, and Oxidative Parameters of the Offspring

This study aimed to assess the impact of prepartum maternal diphenyl diselenide (PhSe)2 supplementation on the development, biochemical, immune, and antioxidant parameters of calves. Eighteen Holstein breed calves were used, born to females who were or were not subjected to supplementation, at 42, 28, and 14 days prior to calving. The (PhSe)2 group (DDG) was administered 3 μmol/kg of (PhSe)2 in 4 mL of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), while the DMSO and NaCl groups were administered 4 mL of DMSO and 0.9% NaCl, subcutaneously. The calves were evaluated based on their weight, withers height, body condition score 24 h post-birth (0), as well on days 14, 28, 42, 56, 70. Blood samples were also taken to determine serum variables. Calves on the DDG showed higher average levels of total protein, albumin, and globulins on day 0, and the immunoglobulin G level was significantly higher than the other groups on days 0, 14, 56, 70. Maternal supplementation showed immunomodulatory effect on calves, evidenced by the exceptional rates of passive immunity transfer, as well as the enhancement of humoral immunity. Our research offers fresh insights into the immunomodulatory potential of (PhSe)2, making it a viable alternative in facing this challenging phase, rearing dairy calves.

Nilotinib alleviates paraquat-induced hepatic and pulmonary injury in rats via the Nrf2/Nf-kB axis

BACKGROUND

Paraquat (PQ, 1,1'-dimethyl-4-4'-bipyridinium dichloride) is a highly toxic quaternary ammonium herbicide widely used in agriculture. It exerts its toxic effects mainly as a result of its redox cycle via the production of superoxide anions in organisms, leading to an imbalance in the redox state of the cell causing oxidative damage and finally cell death. The aim of this study was to estimate the beneficial protective role of nilotinib (NIL) on PQ-induced hepatic and pulmonary toxicity in rats.

METHODS

Male wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups, namely control, PQ (15 mg/kg), PQ plus NIL (5 mg/kg) and PQ plus NIL (10 mg/kg). NIL (5 and 10 mg/kg/day) was taken by oral syringe for five days followed by a single intra-peritoneal administration of PQ (15 mg/kg) on sixth day.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with NIL relieved the histological damage in liver and lung tissues and improved hepatic biochemical markers. It significantly (p < 0.05) reduced serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, Y-GT and total bilirubin while increased that of albumin. Meanwhile, NIL significantly (p < 0.05) reduced oxidative stress markers via reduction of malondialdhyde (MDA) and elevation of glutathione (GSH) contents in liver and lung tissues. In addition, it significantly (p < 0.05) decreased the inflammation by reducing hepatic and pulmonary tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and nuclear transcription factor kappa B (NF-KB/p65) contents. Nilotinib also down-regulated apoptosis by reducing cysteinyl aspartate-specific proteinase-3 (caspase-3). Furthermore, it upregulated the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and microtubule-associated protein 1A/1B-light chain 3 II (LC3II) in liver and lung tissues.

SIGNIFICANCE

NIL suppressed PQ-induced inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis in liver and lung tissues by modulating Nrf2/Nf-kB axis.

Paraquat-induced acute kidney and liver injury: Case report of a survivor from Bangladesh

Despite high fatality following paraquat ingestion, a few percentages of patients survive even after organ damage appears. We need to focus more on careful clinical and laboratory monitoring. Early diagnosis and Supportive therapy are crucial.

Effect of paraquat on cytotoxicity involved in oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction: A review of mechanisms and ecological implications

Paraquat (PQ) is a cheap and an effective herbicide, which is widely being used worldwide to remove weeds in cultivated crop fields. However, it can cause soil and water pollution, and pose serious harm to the environment and organisms. Several countries have started to limit or prohibit the use of PQ because of the increasing number of human deaths. Its toxicity can damage the organisms with a multi-target mechanism, which has not been fully understood yet. That is why it is hard to treat as well. The current research on PQ focuses on its targeted organ, the lungs, in which PQ mostly trigger pulmonary fibrosis. While there is a lack of systematic research, there are few studies published discussing its toxic effects at systematic level. This review summarizes the major damages caused by PQ in different organisms and partial mechanisms by which it causes these damages. For this purpose, we consulted several research articles that studied the toxicity of PQ in various tissues. We also listed some drugs that can be used to alleviate the toxicity of PQ. However, at present, the effectiveness of these drugs is still being explored in animal experiments and the study of their mechanism will also help in understanding the poisoning mechanism of PQ, which will ultimately lead to effective treatment in future.

Toxicology and pharmacology of synthetic organoselenium compounds: an update

Here, we addressed the pharmacology and toxicology of synthetic organoselenium compounds and some naturally occurring organoselenium amino acids. The use of selenium as a tool in organic synthesis and as a pharmacological agent goes back to the middle of the nineteenth and the beginning of the twentieth centuries. The rediscovery of ebselen and its investigation in clinical trials have motivated the search for new organoselenium molecules with pharmacological properties. Although ebselen and diselenides have some overlapping pharmacological properties, their molecular targets are not identical. However, they have similar anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities, possibly, via activation of transcription factors, regulating the expression of antioxidant genes. In short, our knowledge about the pharmacological properties of simple organoselenium compounds is still elusive. However, contrary to our early expectations that they could imitate selenoproteins, organoselenium compounds seem to have non-specific modulatory activation of antioxidant pathways and specific inhibitory effects in some thiol-containing proteins. The thiol-oxidizing properties of organoselenium compounds are considered the molecular basis of their chronic toxicity; however, the acute use of organoselenium compounds as inhibitors of specific thiol-containing enzymes can be of therapeutic significance. In summary, the outcomes of the clinical trials of ebselen as a mimetic of lithium or as an inhibitor of SARS-CoV-2 proteases will be important to the field of organoselenium synthesis. The development of computational techniques that could predict rational modifications in the structure of organoselenium compounds to increase their specificity is required to construct a library of thiol-modifying agents with selectivity toward specific target proteins.

Toxicological impacts of herbicide paraquat dichloride on histological profile (gills, liver, and kidney) of freshwater fish Channa punctatus (Bloch)

Paraquat dichloride is a broad-spectrum herbicide used worldwide. It is very fast acting and used to kill a wide range of grasses and broad-leaved weeds. Paraquat dichloride gets run off to aquatic water bodies, and its presence has been reported by various researchers, where its effect is certain on aquatic organisms. Fish are vulnerable to aquatic pollutants as they are in direct contact with their environment. Therefore, our study was designed to evaluate the effects of herbicide paraquat dichloride on histology of vital organs (gills, liver, and kidney) of the fresh water fish Channa punctatus (Bloch). Toxicity effects are evaluated under static renewal test conditions, and histological alterations were detected microscopically. Fish were exposed to acute dose (96hLC_50/2 = 32.93 mg/L) for 96 h of paraquat dichloride. Simultaneous control was also maintained. Principal histopathological alterations in gills during acute exposure showed curling of secondary lamellae, aneurysm, gill bridging, and enlargement of the cartilaginous core. The tissue damages like melanomacrophage centers, pyknotic nucleus, large sinusoidal congestion, and cell fusion are some histological alterations observed in the liver after acute exposure. The changes in histoarchitecture observed in the kidney include an increase in Bowman's space, necrosis of glomeruli, and damage to collecting duct at acute exposure. The histopathological changes were more prominent with the duration of exposure in the experimental groups. The present study demonstrated that the vital organs exhibited significant damage, among all gill histology specifically got altered being directly exposed to paraquat dichloride. Paraquat dichloride exposure affects the histology of gills, liver, and kidney, thus impairing the vital functions like respiration, excretion, and metabolic regulation which in turn will affect the fish health and is a serious threat. Histopathological alteration in gills, liver, and kidney can be regarded as sensitive biomarkers of paraquat dichloride toxicological manifestations and thus can be utilized for ecotoxicological biomonitoring of aquatic bodies. Graphical abstract.

Hydrogen Sulfide Plays an Important Role by Influencing NLRP3 inflammasome

Inflammasome is a complex composed of several proteins and an important part of the natural immune system. Nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is composed of NLRP3, apoptosis associated speck like protein (ASC) and pro-caspase-1. It plays an important role in many diseases. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) is an important signaling molecule that regulates many physiological and pathological processes. Recent studies indicated that H₂S played anti-inflammatory and pro-inflammatory roles in many diseases through influencing NLRP3 inflammasome, but its mechanism was not fully understood. This article reviewed the progress about the effects of H₂S on NLRP3 inflammasome and its mechanisms involved in recent years to provide theoretical basis for in-depth study.

A review of the hepatoprotective effects of hesperidin, a flavanon glycoside in citrus fruits, against natural and chemical toxicities

OBJECTIVES

Liver is the most important and functional organ in the body to metabolize and detoxify endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. The major goal of the present narrative review is to assess the hepatoprotective properties of hesperidin against a variety of natural and chemical hepatotoxins via different mechanisms.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Scientific databases such as Scopus, Medline, Web of Science and Google scholar were thoroughly searched, based on different keywords.

RESULTS

A variety of natural hepatotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A and microcystins, and chemical hepatotoxins such as ethanol, acrylamide and carbon tetrachloride have been shown to damage hepatocytes as well as other liver cells. In addition to hepatocytes, ethanol can also damage liver hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells. In this regard, the flavanone hesperidin, occur in the rind of citrus fruits, had been demonstrated to possess widespread pharmacological properties. Hesperidin exerts its hepatoprotective properties via different mechanisms including elevation in the activities of nuclear factor-like 2/antioxidant response element and heme oxygenase 1 as well as the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of high-mobility group box 1 protein, inhibitor of kappa B protein-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and C-reactive protein are some other important hesperidin-derived hepatoprotective mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Based on several research papers, it could be concluded that hesperidin is able to protect against liver damage from inflammation and/or oxidative stress-mediated natural and chemical toxins.

Hydrogen Sulfide Protects against Paraquat-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats by Regulating Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Function, and Inflammation

In addition to the lung, the liver is considered another major target for paraquat (PQ) poisoning. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has been demonstrated to be effective in the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of exogenous H₂S against PQ-induced acute liver injury. The acute liver injury model was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of PQ, evidenced by histological alteration and elevated serum aminotransferase levels. Different doses of NaHS were administered intraperitoneally one hour before exposure to PQ. Analysis of the data shows that exogenous H₂S attenuated the PQ-induced liver injury and oxidative stress in a dose-dependent manner. H₂S significantly suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and the elevation of malondialdehyde content while it increased the ratio of GSH/GSSG and levels of antioxidant enzymes including SOD, GSH-Px, HO-1, and NQO-1. When hepatocytes were subjected to PQ-induced oxidative stress, H₂S markedly enhanced nuclear translocation of Nrf2 via S-sulfhydration of Keap1 and resulted in the increase in IDH2 activity by regulating S-sulfhydration of SIRT3. In addition, H₂S significantly suppressed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and subsequent IL-1β excretion in PQ-induced acute liver injury. Moreover, H₂S cannot reverse the decrease in SIRT3 and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome caused by PQ in Nrf2-knockdown hepatocytes. In summary, H₂S attenuated the PQ-induced acute liver injury by enhancing antioxidative capability, regulating mitochondrial function, and suppressing ROS-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation. The antioxidative effect of H₂S in PQ-induced liver injury can at least partly be attributed to the promotion of Nrf2-driven antioxidant enzymes via Keap1 S-sulfhydration and regulation of SIRT3/IDH2 signaling via Nrf2-dependent SIRT3 gene transcription as well as SIRT3 S-sulfhydration. Thus, H₂S supplementation can form the basis for a promising novel therapeutic strategy for PQ-induced acute liver injury.

Delayed death following paraquat poisoning: three case reports and a literature review

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning is principally reported in developing countries. However, most fatalities occur elsewhere due to the induction of multi-organ failure. PQ poisoning can hardly be managed by clinical practice, and no specific antidote has come into existence yet. Here three cases, including 17-, 20-, and 23-year-old men, who were poisoned with PQ, have been reported. Furthermore, the literature regarding biological mechanisms, clinical manifestation, and treatment of PQ-induced toxicity was reviewed. Patients who, either intentionally or accidentally, ingested PQ earlier were initially found to be stable at the emergency department (ED). Therefore, they were discharged from the hospital under a follow-up. However, after several days, the patients were referred to the hospital for the second time and despite cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR) efforts, they suddenly expired. The delayed death following exposure to PQ was reported for inducing gradual progressive pulmonary fibrosis, metabolic acidosis, neurotoxicity, renal failure, and liver injury in poisoned patients. Therefore, PQ-intoxicated patients should be supervised for up to several weeks, and kept in the hospital for a longer period of time. Clinical manifestations and laboratory findings are beneficial markers that act as useful predictors of PQ poisoning.

Joint toxicity on hepatic detoxication enzymes in goldfish (Carassius auratus) exposed to binary mixtures of lead and paraquat

Compared to single exposure, chemical mixtures might induce joint toxicity including additive, synergistic and antagonistic effects on both organisms and environment. Owing to the specific toxicity of oxidative stress and binding to proteins, lead (Pb) is generally recognized a non-essential and threatening heavy metal to animals and human. Paraquat (PQ) is a widely used herbicide in agriculture and can trigger oxidative stress as well as Pb. Little information was available about joint effects of the two chemicals on toxicological responses in organisms, especially in fish. In our present study, goldfish (Carassius auratus) were randomly exposed to single and combined experiments with different concentrations of Pb and PQ for 28 days. Activities of four enzyme biomarkers in liver, ethoxyresorufin-O-deethylase (EROD), 7-benzyloxy-4-trifluoromethyl-coumarin-O-debenzyloxylase (BFCOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and UDP-glucuronosyltransferase (UGT) were evaluated in each experimental group on day 14 and 28. The results showed four enzyme levels were markedly reduced with the increase of concentrations in mixtures and prolonged exposure. The inhibitory EROD and BFCOD activities were not significantly changed in goldfish following PQ-treated groups with or without 0.5 mg/L Pb, which indicated PQ has more inhibitory toxicity on CYP450 enzymes than Pb in co-exposure groups. However, the reduced values of GST were observed only in the combinations containing high doses of Pb or PQ during experimental periods. Although the responses of UGT activity were similar to GST on 14th day, all combinations of Pb and PQ generated stronger inhibitions on UGT activities compared to individual Pb and PQ-treated group. These results suggested that combined exposure of Pb and PQ have more inhibitory toxicity on phase I enzymes than phase II enzymes.

Distribution of selenium in sheep treated with dipheny diselenide

ABSTRACT The aim of the present study was to report the in vivo distribution of selenium in sheep. For this, animals were allocated into two groups (control group and treated group) and kept in metabolic cages for a period of 37 days. The treated group received a single dose (6µmol/kg) of Diphenyl Diselenide, intravenously. Plasma and erythrocytes samples were collected at different times. Adipose tissue, muscles (latissimusdorsi, semitendinosus, and supra-scapular) heart, liver, lung, kidney, intestine and brain were sampled at 30 days post-treatment, in order to determine the selenium concentration. The results demonstrated that the selenium, from the Diphenyl Diselenide group, was higher in erythrocytes (4.8mg/L, six hours post-treatment) when compared with the control sheep. The deposition of selenium occurred in the liver (7.01µg/g), brain (3.53µg/g) and kidney (2.02µg/g). After 30 days of a single intravenous injection of Diphenyl Diselenide, liver was the main organ of selenium deposition.

Protective role of thymoquinone against paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Paraquat is a common and effective herbicide; although its poisoning could lead to severe oxidative organ damages and its main target organs are the lungs, kidneys, heart, and liver. Thymoquinone is the active ingredient of Nigella sativa which is traditionally used in herbal medicine; recent studies have shown that thymoquinone could inhibit oxidative stress. This study explores protective effects of thymoquinone on paraquat-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Accordingly, adult male mice were randomly divided into nine groups for three continuous days intraperitoneal injection treatment: (1) control; (2) solvent; (3) 20 mg/kg vitamin E; (4) 20 mg/kg thymoquinone; (5) 20 mg/kg paraquat and Groups 6, 7, 8, and 9 received 20 mg/kg of vitamin E and 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg of thymoquinone, respectively. The last four groups, received 20 mg/kg paraquat just 24 h after pretreatments. We assessed serum liver enzymes activities, liver histopathology changes, oxidative (lipid peroxidation) and antioxidative (ferric reducing antioxidant power) potential, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activity, and total thiol groups content after administration of the poison and treatments. Pretreatment with 10 mg/kg thymoquinone inhibited, safely, the elevations in levels of liver function tests (LFTs) and lipid peroxidation, restored the activity of SOD, and ameliorated the histopathological alterations induced by paraquat. Eventually, our results indicate that thymoquinone performs its hepatoprotective role in mice by prevention of SOD suppression mediated by paraquat.

Resveratrol and Montelukast Alleviate Paraquat-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice: Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

Paraquat (PQ) is one of the most used herbicide worldwide. Its cytotoxicity is attributed to reactive radical generation. Resveratrol (Res) and montelukast (MK) have anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. The protective effects of Res, MK, or their combination against PQ-induced acute liver injury have not been investigated before. Therefore, we explored the protective potential of Res and/or MK against PQ hepatic toxicity in a mouse model. Mice were randomly assigned to five groups: group I served as the normal control and group II received a single dose of PQ (50 mg/kg, i.p.). Groups III, IV, and V received PQ plus oral Res (5 mg/kg/day), MK (10 mg/kg/day), and Res/MK combination, respectively. Res and/or MK reduced PQ-induced liver injury, evidenced by normalization of serum total protein, ALT, and AST. Res and/or MK significantly reversed PQ-induced oxidative stress markers glutathione and malondialdehyde. Res and/or MK significantly reduced PQ-induced inflammation reflected in TNF-α levels. Furthermore, Res and/or MK reversed PQ-induced apoptosis assessed by differential expression of p53, Bax, and Bcl-2. Histopathologic examination supported the biochemical findings. Although Res and MK displayed antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities, their combination was not always synergistic.

Effects of diphenyl diselenide on growth, oxidative damage, and antioxidant response in silver catfish

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of dietary diphenyl diselenide [(PhSe)2] at different concentrations (1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg) on growth, oxidative damage and antioxidant parameters in silver catfish after 30 and 60 days. Fish fed with 5.0 mg/kg of (PhSe)2 experienced a significant decrease in weight, length, and condition factor after 30 days and these parameters increased after 60 days. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyl (PC) decreased in the liver of silver catfish supplemented with (PhSe)2 after 30 days at all concentrations, while after 60 days these parameters decreased in liver, gills, brain, and muscle. Supplementation with (PhSe)2 induced a decrease in catalase (CAT) activity from liver only after 60 days of feeding. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased at 5.0 mg/kg after 30 and 60 days and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) was enhanced at 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg after 30 and 60 days. Silver catfish supplemented for 30 days showed a significant increase in liver glutathione S-transferase (GST) at 3.0 mg/kg, while after 60 days GST activity increased in liver at 1.5, 3.0, and 5.0 mg/kg and in gills at 3.0 and 5.0 mg/kg of (PhSe)2. After 30 days, non-protein thiols (NPSH) did not change, while after 60 days NPSH increased in liver, gills, brain, and muscle. In addition, ascorbic acid (AA) levels after 30 days increased in liver at three concentrations and in gills and muscle at 1.5 mg/kg, while after 60 days, AA increased at all concentrations in all and tissues tested. Thus, diet supplemented with (PhSe)2 for 60 days could be more effective for silver catfish. Although the concentration of 5.0 mg/kg showed decreased growth parameters, concentrations of 1.5 and 3.0 mg/kg, in general, decreased oxidative damage and increased antioxidant defenses.

Metabolic changes in rat urine after acute paraquat poisoning and discriminated by support vector machine

Paraquat is quick-acting and non-selective, killing green plant tissue on contact; it is also toxic to human beings and animals. In this study, we developed a urine metabonomic method by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry to evaluate the effect of acute paraquat poisoning on rats. Pattern recognition analysis, including both partial least squares discriminate analysis and principal component analysis revealed that acute paraquat poisoning induced metabolic perturbations. Compared with the control group, the levels of benzeneacetic acid and hexadecanoic acid of the acute paraquat poisoning group (intragastric administration 36 mg/kg) increased, while the levels of butanedioic acid, pentanedioic acid, altronic acid decreased. Based on these urinary metabolomics data, support vector machine was applied to discriminate the metabolomic change of paraquat groups from the control group, which achieved 100% classification accuracy. In conclusion, metabonomic method combined with support vector machine can be used as a useful diagnostic tool in paraquat-poisoned rats.

Natural antioxidant betanin protects rats from paraquat-induced acute lung injury interstitial pneumonia

The effect of betanin on a rat paraquat-induced acute lung injury (ALI) model was investigated. Paraquat was injected intraperitoneally at a single dose of 20 mg/kg body weight, and betanin (25 and 100 mg/kg/d) was orally administered 3 days before and 2 days after paraquat administration. Rats were sacrificed 24 hours after the last betanin dosage, and lung tissue and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected. In rats treated only with paraquat, extensive lung injury characteristic of ALI was observed, including histological changes, elevation of lung : body weight ratio, increased lung permeability, increased lung neutrophilia infiltration, increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, reduced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, reduced claudin-4 and zonula occluden-1 protein levels, increased BALF interleukin (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels, reduced BALF IL-10 levels, and increased lung nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) activity. In rats treated with betanin, paraquat-induced ALI was attenuated in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, our results indicate that betanin attenuates paraquat-induced ALI possibly via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. Thus, the potential for using betanin as an auxilliary therapy for ALI should be explored further.

Effect of diselenide administration in thioacetamide-induced acute neurological and hepatic failure in mice

Hepatic encephalopathy is a common complication of severe acute hepatic failure and has been associated with high short-term mortality rates.

Diphenyl-diselenide suppresses amyloid-β peptide in Caenorhabditis elegans model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common and devastating neurodegenerative disease. The etiology of AD has yet to be fully understood, and common treatments remain largely non-efficacious. The amyloid hypothesis posits that extracellular amyloid-β (Aβ) deposits are the fundamental etiological factor of the disease. The present study tested the organoselenium compound diphenyl-diselenide (PhSe)2, which is characterized by its antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties and has shown efficacy in several neurodegenerative disease models. We employed a transgenic Caenorhabditis elegans AD model to analyze the effects of (PhSe)2 treatment on Aβ peptide-induced toxicity. Chronic exposure to (PhSe)2 attenuated oxidative stress induced by Aβ1-42, with concomitant recovery of associative learning memory in C. elegans. Additionally, (PhSe)2 decreased Aβ1-42 transgene expression, suppressed Aβ1-42 peptide, and downregulated hsp-16.2 by reducing the need for this chaperone under Aβ1-42-induced toxicity. These observations suggest that (PhSe)2 plays an important role in protecting against oxidative stress-induced toxicity, thus representing a promising pharmaceutical modality that attenuates Aβ1-42 expression.

Betanin attenuates paraquat-induced liver toxicity through a mitochondrial pathway

We attempted to determine whether betanin (from natural pigments) that has anti-oxidant properties would be protective against paraquat-induced liver injury in Sprague-Dawley rats. Paraquat was injected intraperitoneally into rats to induce liver toxicity. The rats were randomly divided into four groups: a control group, a paraquat group, and two groups that received betanin at doses of 25 and 100mg/kg/day three days before and two days after they were administered paraquat. We evaluated liver histopathology, serum liver enzymatic activities, oxidative stress, cytochrome P450 (CYP) 3A2 mRNA expression, and mitochondrial damage. The rats that were injected with paraquat incurred liver injury, evidenced by histological changes and elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels; paraquat also led to oxidative stress, an increase of cytochrome P450 3A2 mRNA expression, and mitochondrial damage, indicated by mitochondrial membrane swelling, reduced mitochondrial cytochrome C, and apoptosis-inducing factor protein levels. Pathological damage and all of the above mentioned markers were lesser in the animals treated with betanin than in those who received paraquat alone. Betanin had a protective effect against paraquat-induced liver damage in rats. The mechanism of the protection appears to be the inhibition of CYP 3A2 expression and protection of mitochondria.