Modulation of eNOS/iNOS by nebivolol protects against cyclosporine A-mediated nephrotoxicity through targeting inflammatory and apoptotic pathways

Nebivolol rescued the liver and kidney from the coadministration of rivaroxaban and cisplatin by targeting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in rats

Cisplatin is among the most frequently utilized drugs for addressing malignant tumors, yet it can lead to organ harm, especially hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Furthermore, the anticoagulant rivaroxaban could potentially cause injury to the liver and kidneys. This research aimed to examine the protective benefits of nebivolol, known for its pleiotropic and tissue-protective characteristics, against the harmful effects of rivaroxaban and cisplatin on the liver and kidneys. Male rats received cisplatin and/or rivaroxaban, and we evaluated hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by measuring serum concentrations of AST, ALT, LDH, albumin, bilirubin, creatinine, and blood urea. We also measured MDA, GSH, GPx, NO, TNF-α, and IL-6 in kidney and liver homogenates. Histopathological analysis was performed on liver and kidney tissue sections, and immunohistochemical detection of caspase 3 in liver tissue and NF-κB in kidney tissue was conducted. Our findings demonstrated that nebivolol supported the preservation of the liver and kidney structure and function by reducing the biochemical and pathological alterations caused by cisplatin and rivaroxaban. Nebivolol decreased the elevations in MDA, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels while maintaining GSH, GPx, and NO levels in liver and kidney tissues. Moreover, nebivolol lowered the levels of caspase-3 in the liver and NF-κB in the kidneys. In conclusion, our study indicates that nebivolol protects the liver and kidneys from the detrimental effects of cisplatin and rivaroxaban.

Potential ameliorative effect of Dapagliflozin on systemic inflammation-induced cardiovascular injury via endoplasmic reticulum stress and autophagy pathway

BACKGROUND

Dapagliflozin (DPG) is a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 inhibitor and is used in the treatment of diabetes. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of DPG on cardiotoxicity caused by systemic inflammation via endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Four groups of thirty-two Wistar Albino rats were created: Control (1 ml oral physiological saline for five days and intraperitoneal saline on the 5th day), LPS (1 ml oral physiological saline for five days and intraperitoneal 5 mg/kg of LPS on the 5th day), LPS + DPG (10 mg/kg of DPG orally for five days and 5 mg/kg of LPS intraperitoneally on the 5th day), and DPG (10 mg/kg of DPG orally for five days and 5 mg/kg of SF intraperitoneally on the 5th day). Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses were performed on heart and aorta tissues. ER stress and autophagy gene markers in heart tissues were evaluated by RT-qPCR. Oxidative stress in heart tissues and serum cardiac enzymes were analyzed by spectrophotometric method. The heart and aortic tissues of the LPS group showed increased expressions of Tumor Necrosis Factor-α (TNF-α) and Caspase-3 (Cas-3), along with mild hyperemia, slight inflammatory cell infiltrations, and myocardial cell damage. The heart tissues also showed genetically increased expressions of include binding immunoglobulin protein (BiP/ GRP78), protein kinase RNA-like ER Kinase (PERK), inositol-requiring enzyme 1 (IRE-1), activating transcription factors 4 (ATF-4), activating transcription factors 4 (ATF6), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP), and BECLIN 1. Furthermore, Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) and Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in blood tissue significantly increased, according to biochemical analysis. With DPG therapy, all of these findings were reversed.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, DPG protects against the cardiotoxic effect of systemic inflammation with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties by regulating ER stress and autophagy pathways.

Enhanced eNOS/nitric oxide production by nebivolol interferes with TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling and collagen I deposition in the kidney after prolonged tacrolimus administration

AIMS

Tacrolimus is an effective immunosuppressant commonly used post-transplantation and in certain autoimmune diseases. However, its long-term administration is associated with renal fibrosis through transforming growth factor-beta/suppressor of mother against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) signaling that could be partly attributed to endothelial dysfunction alongside decreased nitric oxide (NO) release. Our study aimed to investigate the prospective renal anti-fibrotic effect of enhanced NO production by nebivolol against tacrolimus-stimulated TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

To illustrate the proposed mechanism of nebivolol, Nω-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME); nitric oxide synthase inhibitor; was co-administered with nebivolol. Rats were treated for 30 days as control, tacrolimus, tacrolimus/nebivolol, tacrolimus/L-NAME, and tacrolimus/nebivolol/L-NAME groups.

KEY FINDINGS

Our results revealed that renal NO content was reduced in tacrolimus-treated rats, while treatment with tacrolimus/nebivolol enhanced NO content via up-regulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), but down-regulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression. That participated in the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad3 signaling induced by tacrolimus, where the addition of L-NAME abolished the defensive effects of nebivolol. Subsequently, the deposition of collagen I and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) was retarded by nebivolol, emphasized by reduced Masson's trichrome staining. In accordance, there was a strong negative correlation between eNOS and both TGF-β1 and collagen I protein expression. The protective effects of nebivolol were further confirmed by the improvement in kidney function biomarkers and histological features.

SIGNIFICANCE

It can be suggested that treatment with nebivolol along with tacrolimus could effectively suppress renal TGF-β1/Smad3 fibrotic signaling via the enhancement of endothelial NO production, thus curbing renal fibrosis development.

Drug pair of Cornus officinalis and Radix achyranthis bidentatae improves renal injury of hypertension by regulating metabolic reprogramming mediated by eNOS

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects and possible mechanisms of the drug pair Cornus officinalis and Radix achyranthis bidentatae (SYR-NX) on improving hypertensive kidney damage.

METHOD

SYR-NX, a formulation of Cornus officinalis and Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae with a dose ratio 1:2.5, was used in this experiment. We investigated the effects of SYR-NX on spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) fed with a high-salt diet and Human Kidney-2 (HK2) cells exposed to hypoxia. After 8 weeks of treatment with SYR-NX, blood pressure was tested, and β 2-Microglobulin(β2-MG), blood creatinine (S-cr), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH), M2 pyruvate kinase (PKM2), adenosine triphosphate (ATP), pyruvate, lactate, connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α)were measured. HK2 cells pre-treated with SYR-NX were cultured in a three-gas hypoxic incubator chamber (5 % CO2, 1 % O2, 94 % N2) for 12 h, and then eNOS, PKM2, NADPH, ATP, pyruvate, lactate, CTGF and TNF-α were assessed.

RESULTS

SYR-NX significantly reduced SBP, DBP, β2-MG, S-cr, PKM2, pyruvate, lactate, CTGF and TNF-α, and increased eNOS, NADPH, and ATP.

CONCLUSION

SYR-NX can regulate metabolic reprogramming through eNOS and improves hypertensive kidney injury.

Linagliptin ameliorates tacrolimus-induced renal injury: role of Nrf2/HO-1 and HIF-1α/CTGF/PAI-1

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus (TAC) is a frequently used immunosuppressive medication in organ transplantation. However, its nephrotoxic impact limits its long-term usage. This study aims to investigate the effect of linagliptin (Lina) on TAC-induced renal injury and its underlying mechanisms.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were treated with TAC (1.5 mg/kg/day, subcutaneously) and/or Lina (5 mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks. Histological examination was conducted, and serum and urinary biomarkers were measured to assess kidney function and integrity. Furthermore, ELISA, Western blot analysis and immunohistochemical assay were employed to determine signaling molecules of oxidative stress, profibrogenic, hypoxic, and apoptotic proteins. Tacrolimus caused renal dysfunction and histological deterioration evidenced by increased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), urinary cystatin C, and decreased serum albumin as well as elevated tubular injury and interstitial fibrosis scores. Additionally, TAC significantly increased the expression of collagen type-1, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1), and transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1) renal content. Moreover, TAC decreased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), and mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (SOD2). In addition, TAC increased protein expression of hypoxia-inducible factor1-alpha (HIF-1α), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), as well as nitric oxide (NO), 4-hydroxynonenal, caspase-3 and Bax renal contents. Furthermore, TAC decreased Bcl-2 renal contents. The Lina administration markedly attenuated these alterations.

CONCLUSION

Lina ameliorated TAC-induced kidney injury through modulation of oxidative stress, hypoxia, and apoptosis related proteins.

Cyclosporine-induced kidney damage was halted by sitagliptin and hesperidin via increasing Nrf2 and suppressing TNF-α, NF-κB, and Bax

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is employed for organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders. Nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect that hampers the therapeutic use of CsA. Hesperidin and sitagliptin were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective properties. We aimed to investigate and compare the possible nephroprotective effects of hesperidin and sitagliptin. Male Wistar rats were utilized for induction of CsA nephrotoxicity (20 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally for 7 days). Animals were treated with sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days) or hesperidin (200 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days). Blood urea, serum creatinine, albumin, cystatin-C (CYS-C), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glucose were measured. The renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase, and SOD were estimated. Renal TNF-α protein expression was evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunostaining study of Bax, Nrf-2, and NF-κB were performed. Sitagliptin or hesperidin attenuated CsA-mediated elevations of blood urea, serum creatinine, CYS-C, glucose, renal MDA, and MPO, and preserved the serum albumin, renal catalase, SOD, and GSH. They reduced the expressions of TNF-α, Bax, NF-κB, and pathological kidney damage. Nrf2 expression in the kidney was raised. Hesperidin or sitagliptin could protect the kidney against CsA through the mitigation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Sitagliptin proved to be more beneficial than hesperidin.

Role of p38 MAPK, Akt and NFκB in renoprotective effects of nebivolol on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in rats

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I-R) injury is a complex pathophysiologic condition characterized by oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. We investigated the potential renoprotective effect of nebivolol, a β1 adrenergic receptor blocker, against renal I-R injury. We focused on the role of nebivolol in activating p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling, Akt (protein kinase B) and nuclear factor-κB (NFκB) transcription factors, which contribute to oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis during renal I-R. We divided 20 adult male Wistar albino rats into three experimental groups. Group 1 was a sham control in which only laparotomy was performed. Group 2 was the I-R group in which both kidneys were made ischemic for 45 min, then reperfused for 24 h. Group 3 was the I-R + nebivolol group in which 10 mg/kg nebivolol was administrated by gavage for 7 days before I-R. We measured Inflammation, oxidative stress and active caspase-3 as well as activation of p38 MAPK, Akt (protein kinase B) and NFκB transcription factor. Nebivolol significantly reduced oxidative stress and increased superoxide dismutase levels during renal I-R. We found that nebivolol significantly decreased interstitial inflammation, and TNF-α and interleukin-1β mRNA expression. Nebivolol significantly reduced active caspase-3 and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expressions. Nebivolol also significantly decreased activation of p38 MAPK signaling and NFκB, and induced Akt activation during renal I-R. Our findings suggest that nebivolol may be useful for management of renal I-R injury.

From Physiology to Pathology: The Role of Mitochondria in Acute Kidney Injuries and Chronic Kidney Diseases

Background

Renal diseases remain an increasing public health issue affecting millions of people. The kidney is a highly energetic organ that is rich in mitochondria. Numerous studies have demonstrated the important role of mitochondria in maintaining normal kidney function and in the pathogenesis of various renal diseases, including acute kidney injuries (AKIs) and chronic kidney diseases (CKDs).

Summary

Under physiological conditions, fine-tuning mitochondrial energy balance, mitochondrial dynamics (fission and fusion processes), mitophagy, and biogenesis maintain mitochondrial fitness. While under AKI and CKD conditions, disruption of mitochondrial energy metabolism leads to increased oxidative stress. In addition, mitochondrial dynamics shift to excessive mitochondrial fission, mitochondrial autophagy is impaired, and mitochondrial biogenesis is also compromised. These mitochondrial injuries regulate renal cellular functions either directly or indirectly. Mitochondria-targeted approaches, containing genetic (microRNAs) and pharmaceutical methods (mitochondria-targeting antioxidants, mitochondrial permeability pore inhibitors, mitochondrial fission inhibitors, and biogenesis activators), are emerging as important therapeutic strategies for AKIs and CKDs.

Key Messages

Mitochondria play a critical role in the pathogenesis of AKIs and CKDs. This review provides an updated overview of mitochondrial homeostasis under physiological conditions and the involvement of mitochondrial dysfunction in renal diseases. Finally, we summarize the current status of mitochondria-targeted strategies in attenuating renal diseases.

Protective role of nebivolol via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway: nephrotoxicity caused by methotrexate in a rat model

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antineoplastic and anti-inflammatory agent, which is used in severe diseases. Its use should be limited due to side effects such as nephrotoxicity, myelotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. Nebivolol (NBV), which is a beta-blocker used in the treatment of hypertension, also contributes to vasodilation in tissues by activating the endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) enzyme. The purpose of this study is to research the effect of NBV on MTX-induced nephrotoxicity through the AKT1/hypoxia-inducible factor 1-alpha (Hif-1α)/eNOS signaling pathway. The rats were randomly divided into three groups of eight each. The groups were control, MTX, and MTX + NBV. A single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX was given intraperitoneally to the rats on the first day of the study and 10 mg/kg NBV was given orally to the treatment group for 7 days. At the end of the study, rats' blood and kidney tissues were taken for histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. MTX administration significantly decreased the expression levels of AKT1, eNOS, and Hif-1α compared with the control group (p < 0.001 for all), and NBV treatment increased these values compared with the MTX group (p < 0.001 for all). In conclusion, NBV treatment ameliorated the MTX-induced nephrotoxicity via AKT1/Hif-1α/eNOS signaling pathway.

Palliative Role of Zamzam Water against Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity through Modulating Autophagy and Apoptosis Crosstalk

Cyclosporine (CsA) is considered one of the main components of treatment protocols for organ transplantation owing to its immunosuppressive effect. However, its use is very restricted due to its nephrotoxic effect. ZW is an alkaline fluid rich in various trace elements and has a great ability to stimulate antioxidant processes. This study aimed to investigate the possible mitigating effect of ZW on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Forty rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10): a control group, ZW group, cyclosporine A group (injected subcutaneously (SC) with CsA (20 mg/kg/day)), and cyclosporine A+ Zamzam water group (administered CsA (SC) and ZW as their only drinking water (100 mL/cage/day) for 21 days). Exposure to CsA significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum creatinine level, lipid peroxidation marker level (malondialdehyde; MDA), and the expression of apoptotic markers procaspase-8, caspase-8, caspase- 9, calpain, cytochrome c, caspas-3, P62, and mTOR in renal tissues. Meanwhile, it markedly decreased (p< 0.001) the autophagic markers (AMPK, ULK-I, ATag5, LC3, and Beclin-1), antiapoptotic Bcl-2, and antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the administration of CsA caused histological alterations in renal tissues. ZW significantly (p < 0.001) reversed all the changes caused by CsA and conclusively achieved a positive outcome in restraining CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, as indicated by the restoration of the histological architecture, improvement of renal function, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

Nebivolol elicits a neuroprotective effect in the cuprizone model of multiple sclerosis in mice: emphasis on M1/M2 polarization and inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome activation

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is a demyelinating neurodegenerative inflammatory disease affecting mainly young adults. Microgliosis-derived neuroinflammation represents a key hallmark in MS pathology and progression. Nebivolol (Neb) demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective properties in several brain pathologies. This study was conducted to investigate the potential neuroprotective effect of Neb in the cuprizone (Cup) model of MS.

METHODS

C57Bl/6 mice were fed 0.2% Cup mixed into rodent chow for 5 weeks. Neb (5 and 10 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage during the last 2 weeks.

RESULTS

Neb prevented Cup-induced weight loss and motor deficits as evidenced by increased latency to fall in the rotarod test and enhanced locomotor activity as compared to Cup-intoxicated mice. Neb reversed Cup-induced demyelination as confirmed by Luxol fast blue staining and myelin basic protein western blotting. Administration of Neb modulated microglial activation status by suppressing M1 markers (Iba-1, CD86, iNOS, NO and TNF-α) and increasing M2 markers (Arg-1 and IL-10) as compared to Cup-fed mice. Furthermore, Neb hindered NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-18 inflammatory cascade and alleviated oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation, as well as increasing catalase and superoxide dismutase activities.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest the potential neuroprotective effect of Neb in the Cup-induced model of MS in mice, at least partially by virtue of shifting microglia towards M2 phenotype, mitigation of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and alleviation of oxidative stress.

2-Methoxyestradiol TPGS Micelles Attenuate Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats through Inhibition of TGF-β1 and p-ERK1/2 Axis

The immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CSA) has been linked to serious renal toxic effects. Although 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) possesses a wide range of pharmacological abilities, it suffers poor bioavailability after oral administration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of 2ME loaded D-ɑ-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) micelles to prevent CSA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A 2ME-TPGS was prepared and showed particle size of 44.3 ± 3.5 nm with good entrapment efficiency and spherical structures. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, namely: Control, Vehicle, CSA, CSA + 2ME-Raw, and CSA + 2ME-Nano. CSA was injected daily at a SC dose of 20 mg/kg. Both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano were given daily at oral doses of 5 mg/kg. Treatments continued for three successive weeks. 2ME-TPGS exerted significant protective effects against CSA nephrotoxicity. This was evidenced in ameliorating deterioration of renal functions, attenuation of pathological changes in kidney tissues, exerting significant anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects together with significant anti-apoptotic effects. Western blot analyses showed both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano significantly inhibited protein expression of TGF-β1 and phospho-ERK (p-ERK). It was observed that 2ME-TPGS, in almost all experiments, exerted superior protective effects as compared with 2ME-Raw. In conclusion, 2ME loaded in a TPGS nanocarrier possesses significant protective activities against CSA-induced kidney injury in rats. This is attributable to 2ME anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities which are mediated at least partly by inhibition of TGF-β1/p-ERK axis.

Adrenergic Blockade by Nebivolol to Suppress Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma Growth via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Mitochondria Dysfunction

Adrenergic nerve fibers in the tumor microenvironment promote tumor growth and represent a potential target for cancer therapy. However, the effectiveness of targeting adrenergic nerve fibers for oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) therapy needs to be evaluated by preclinical data. Herein, the 4NQO-induced and orthotopic xenograft OSCC mice models were established. We demonstrated that using 6OHDA chemical denervation as well as using nebivolol adrenergic blockade could halt the oral mucosa carcinogenesis. Our preclinical studies suggested that nebivolol, which is widely used to treat cardiovascular diseases, can be repositioned as a potential candidate to treat OSCC. Remarkably, we revealed the precise effect and mechanism of nebivolol on OSCC cells proliferation, cell cycle, and cell death. Administration of nebivolol could activate the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress signaling pathway through increasing the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase, which subsequently triggers the integrated stress response and cell growth arrest. Simultaneously, ER stress also induced mitochondrial dysfunction in OSCC cells. We found that the accumulation of dysfunctional mitochondria with the impaired electron transport chain caused increasing reactive oxygen species production, which ultimately resulted in OSCC cell death. Altogether, our finding suggested a novel therapeutic opportunity for OSCC by targeting adrenergic nerve fibers, and repurposing nebivolol to treat OSCC can be represented as an effective strategy.

Inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis by camel milk mitigates cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity: Targeting Nrf2/HO-1 and AKT/eNOS/NO pathways

Cyclosporine (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent that incurs marked nephrotoxicity in the clinical setting. Thus, there is a need for finding safe/effective agents that can attenuate CsA-induced kidney injury. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms for CsA-associated nephrotoxicity are inadequately investigated, in particular, the AKT/eNOS/NO pathway. Here, the present work aimed to explore the potential of camel milk, a natural product with distinguished antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, to ameliorate CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The molecular mechanisms related to renal oxidative aberrations and apoptosis were studied, including Nrf2/HO-1 and AKT/eNOS/NO pathways. The kidney tissues were inspected using histopathology, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The present findings demonstrated that camel milk (10 ml/kg) significantly lowered creatine, BUN, and NGAL nephrotoxicity markers and the aberrant histopathology, with similar efficacy to the reference quercetin. Moreover, camel milk suppressed the renal oxidative stress, as evidenced by significantly lowering NOX-1 and lipid peroxides and significantly augmenting the renal antioxidant moieties (GSH, GPx, and SOD), thereby, driving the restoration of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Meanwhile, camel milk counteracted the pro-apoptotic reactions by significantly lowering Bax protein expression, caspase-3 activity/cleavage, and PARP cleavage, alongside significantly increasing the expression of the proliferation signal PCNA. Regarding the anti-apoptotic AKT/eNOS/NO pathway, camel milk activated its signaling by significantly increasing the protein expression of PI3Kp110, p-AKT(Ser473)/total AKT, and p-eNOS (Ser1177)/total eNOS besides significantly boosting the renoprotective NO levels. In conclusion, these findings reveal that camel milk may be a promising candidate for the alleviation of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

Camel Milk Mitigates Cyclosporine-Induced Renal Damage in Rats: Targeting p38/ERK/JNK MAPKs, NF-κB, and Matrix Metalloproteinases

Renal damage is a devastating adverse effect for cyclosporine; a widely used immunosuppressant drug. The present work examined the potential of camel milk, a natural agent with marked anti-inflammatory/antioxidant properties, to attenuate cyclosporine-induced renal injury. The kidney tissue was examined with the aid of Western blotting, immunohistochemistry, biochemical assays, including colorimetric and ELISA kits. The present findings revealed that camel milk (10 mL/kg/day; for 3 weeks by gavage) significantly lowered serum creatinine, BUN, and KIM-1 renal dysfunction markers. Mechanistically, camel milk inhibited renal inflammation, as seen by significant decrease of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (MCP-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-18) and extracellular degradation signals (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and enhanced the generation of the anti-inflammatory IL-10. Moreover, it inhibited the upstream pro-inflammatory p38/ERK/JNK MAPK pathway by lowering the phosphorylation of the 3 subfamilies of MAPKs (p38 MAPK, JNK1/2, and ERK1/2). Furthermore, camel milk curbed the NF-κB pathway activation by downregulating the protein expression of activated NF-κBp65, p-NF-κBp65, and p-IκBα proteins. Additionally, camel milk inhibited renal oxidative stress by lowering the MPO activity and augmenting the reduced/oxidized glutathione ratio and total antioxidant capacity. These findings propose that camel milk may be a promising agent that inhibits cyclosporine-triggered renal inflammation via curtailing the p38/ERK/JNK MAPK and NF-κB pathways, matrix metalloproteinases, and pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Nicorandil prevents the nephrotoxic effect of cyclosporine-A in albino rats through modulation of HIF-1α/VEGF/eNOS signaling

Despite that cyclosporine-A (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive drug, its nephrotoxic effect limits its long-term administration. Herein we tried to investigate its renal effect on endothelial dysfunction targeting the hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α) / vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) / endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) pathway and the possible modulation by nicorandil. Eight groups of adult male Wistar rats were included: (1) control; (2) vehicle group (received oil); (3) glibenclamide 5 mg·kg-1·day-1 administered orally; (4) nicorandil 10 mg·kg-1·day-1 administered orally; (5) CsA 25 mg·kg-1·day-1 administered orally; (6) combined administration of CsA and nicorandil; (7) glibenclamide was added to CsA; and (8) both CsA and nicorandil were combined with glibenclamide. The treatment continued for six weeks. Combined nicorandil with CsA improved renal function deterioration initiated by CsA. CsA decreased the renal expression levels (P < 0.001) of HIF-1α, eNOS, and VEGF, inducing endothelial dysfunction and triggering inflammation, and upregulated the profibrotic marker transforming growth factor (TGF-β). Nicorandil fixed the disturbed HIF-1α/VEGF/eNOS signaling. Nicorandil corrected the renal functions, confirmed by the improved histological glomerular tuft retraction that was obvious in the CsA group, without significant influence by glibenclamide. Proper protection from CsA-induced nephrotoxicity was achieved by nicorandil. Nicorandil reversed the disturbed HIF-1α/VEGF/eNOS pathway created by CsA.

Nebivolol Prevents Up-Regulation of Nox2/NADPH Oxidase and Lipoperoxidation in the Early Stages of Ethanol-Induced Cardiac Toxicity

Changes in redox state are described in the early stages of ethanol-induced cardiac toxicity. Here, we evaluated whether nebivolol would abrogate ethanol-induced redox imbalance in the heart. Male Wistar rats were treated with a solution of ethanol (20% v/v) for 3 weeks. Treatment with nebivolol (10 mg/kg/day; p.o. gavage) prevented the increase of both superoxide (O2•-) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) in the left ventricle of rats chronically treated with ethanol. Neither ethanol nor nebivolol affected the expression of Nox4, p47phox, or Rac-1. Nebivolol prevented ethanol-induced increase of Nox2 expression in the left ventricle. Superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity as well as the concentration of reduced glutathione (GSH) was not altered by ethanol or nebivolol. Augmented catalase activity was detected in the left ventricle of both ethanol- and nebivolol-treated rats. Treatment with nebivolol, but not ethanol increased eNOS expression in the left ventricle. No changes in the activity of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)2 or in the expressions of MMP2, MMP9, and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)1 were detected after treatment with ethanol or nebivolol. However, ethanol increased the expression of TIMP2, and this response was prevented by nebivolol. Our results provided novel insights into the mechanisms underlying the early stages of the cardiac injury induced by ethanol consumption. We demonstrated that Nox2/NADPH oxidase-derived ROS play a role in ethanol-induced lipoperoxidation and that this response was prevented by nebivolol. In addition, we provided evidence that MMPs are not activated in the early stages of ethanol-induced cardiac toxicity.

Protective effects of nebivolol on ovarian ischemia-reperfusion injury in rat

AIM

Ovarian torsion is a common gynecological emergency of reproductive ages, occurring at rates of 2.7-7.4%. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant effects of Nebivolol (NEB) and histopathological changes in experimental ischemic (I) and ischemic-reperfusion (I/R) injury in rat ovaries.

METHODS

Forty-eight adult female rats were randomly separated into six groups as group 1 (control) receiving an oral saline solution for 3 days; group 2 (I) that underwent ischemia for 3 h with the application of atraumatic vascular clips; group 3 (I/R); group 4 (I + NEB) receiving 10 mg/kg NEB by oral gavage 30 min prior to the ischemia induction; group 5 (I/R + NEB) receiving 10 mg/kg NEB, and group 6 (control + NEB) receiving oral 10 mg/kg NEB for 3 days before ischemia induction followed by consequent reperfusion. Ovarian tissue damage was scored by histopathological analysis. Ovarian tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured biochemically.

RESULTS

The levels of MDA and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and TUNEL assay positivity scores increased in the I and I/R groups. GSH levels decreased in all case groups (P < 0.05). The oral administration of NEB (10 mg/kg) to the I- and I/R-groups reduced the levels of MDA and TNF-α and TUNEL assay immunopositivity scores (P < 0.05). GSH levels increased in the treatment groups.

CONCLUSION

The current experimental ovarian torsion study suggests a protective role for NEB against I and I/R injury in rat ovaries. NEB may be a novel agent for decreasing ovarian I/R injury.