Activation of pCREB/Nrf-2 signaling mediates re-positioning of liraglutide as hepato-protective for methotrexate -induced liver injury (MILI)

Role of GLP‑1 receptor agonists in sepsis and their therapeutic potential in sepsis‑induced muscle atrophy (Review)

Sepsis‑induced myopathy (SIM) is a common complication in intensive care units, which is often associated with adverse outcomes, primarily manifested as skeletal muscle weakness and atrophy. Currently, the management of SIM focuses on prevention strategies, as effective therapeutic options remain elusive. Glucagon‑like peptide‑1 (GLP‑1) receptor agonists (GLP‑1RAs) have garnered attention as hypoglycemic and weight‑loss agents, with an increasing body of research focusing on the extrapancreatic effects of GLP‑1. In preclinical settings, GLP‑1RAs exert protective effects against sepsis‑related multiple organ dysfunction through anti‑inflammatory and antioxidant mechanisms. Based on the existing research, we hypothesized that GLP‑1RAs may serve potential protective roles in the repair and regeneration of skeletal muscle affected by sepsis. The present review aimed to explore the relationship between GLP‑1RAs and sepsis, as well as their impact on muscle atrophy‑related myopathy. Furthermore, the potential mechanisms and therapeutic benefits of GLP‑1RAs are discussed in the context of muscle atrophy induced by sepsis.

IL-1ra and CCL5, but not IL-10, are promising targets for treating SMA astrocyte-driven pathology

Spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) is a pediatric genetic disorder characterized by the loss of spinal cord motor neurons (MNs). Although the mechanisms underlying MN loss are not clear, current data suggest that glial cells contribute to disease pathology. We have previously found that SMA astrocytes drive microglial activation and MN loss potentially through the upregulation of NF-κB-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokines. In this study, we tested the ability of neutralizing C-C motif chemokine ligand 5 (CCL5) while increasing either interleukin-10 (IL-10) or IL-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1ra) to reduce the pro-inflammatory phenotype of SMA astrocytes. While IL-10 was ineffective, IL-1ra ameliorated SMA astrocyte-driven glial activation and MN loss in induced pluripotent stem cell-derived cultures in vitro. In vivo AAV5 delivered IL-1ra overexpression, and miR-30 small hairpin RNA knockdown of CCL5 made modest but significant improvements in lifespan, weight gain, MN number, and motor function of SMNΔ7 mice. These data identify IL-1ra and CCL5 as possible therapeutic targets for SMA and highlight the importance of glial-targeted therapeutics for neurodegenerative disease.

High Dose of Liraglutide Impairs Renal Function in Female Hypertensive Rats

ABSTRACT

Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists exhibit beneficial cardiovascular effects. However, the renal effects of different doses of liraglutide in an essential hypertension model have not yet been investigated. Female spontaneously hypertensive rats were treated for 30 days, twice a day, with saline (control) or liraglutide at low (0.06 mg/kg) and high (LH, 0.6 mg/kg) doses. Volume intake and excretion were monitored for a period of 24 hours. In renal tissue, nitrite, nitrate, advanced protein oxidation products, collagen deposition, creatinine (Cr), urea (U), sodium, and potassium were analyzed. Liraglutide reduced body weight gain in both groups. However, in the high dose, it increased urinary volume excretion and sodium/potassium ratio. Both doses reduced the urinary U/Cr ratio and LH increased the serum U/Cr ratio. Advanced protein oxidation products were reduced only in low liraglutide. LH augmented collagen and early markers of kidney injury (blood urea nitrogen, blood urea nitrogen/Cr). LH increased nitrate, reduced nitrite, and caused an aberrant increase in glomerular filtration rate. Both doses' effects were independent of blood pressure and glycemic control. Liraglutide appears to have distinct effects on the hypertensive female kidney depending on the dose, with higher doses impairing kidney function.

Mangiferin mitigates methotrexate-induced liver injury and suppresses hepatic stellate cells activation in rats: Imperative role of Nrf2/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling axis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Mangifera indica (family Anacardiaceae), often acknowledged as mango and renowned for being a plant of diverse ethnopharmacological background since ancient times, harbors the polyphenolic bioactive constituent, mangiferin (MNG). MNG is a major phytochemical of Mangifera indica and other plants with a wide range of reported pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. MNG has also been utilized in traditional medicine; it is reportedly a major bioactive element in over 40 polyherbal products in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and two prominent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and antiviral Cuban formulations. Despite the availability of evidence in support of MNG hepatoprotective properties, its hepatoprotective potential against MTX-induced liver injury and fibrosis has not been explored yet.

AIM

To unravel the hepatoprotective potential of MNG against MTX-induced hepatic injury and fibrosis and elucidate the possible underlying molecular mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were, randomly, distributed into five groups; two of which were administered MNG 50 mg/kg and MNG 100 mg/kg intraperitoneally (i.p.) for ten days, and a single i.p. injection of MTX 40 mg/kg on the seventh day to establish hepatotoxicity. Blood and liver tissue samples were retrieved from all study groups and analyzed for liver functions, histopathological alterations, and oxidative stress, inflammatory, and fibrotic biomarkers.

RESULTS

MNG restored the MTX-induced degenerations in hepatic architecture and function. Moreover, it combated the MTX-elicited oxidative stress evidently by the significantly attenuated hepatic tissue levels of malondialdehyde, and the significantly elevated reduced glutathione and Nrf2 levels. MNG also halted inflammation depicted by the downregulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome axis. It further demonstrated anti-fibrogenic potential as evidenced by the significant reduction in fibrous tissue deposition and hepatic expression of α-SMA.

CONCLUSION

The current study proved the hepatoprotective, and anti-fibrogenic effects of MNG against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity via the downregulation of NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome signaling axis, preceded by the amelioration of oxidative stress and Nrf2 signaling upregulation.

Nrf2 Pathway and Oxidative Stress as a Common Target for Treatment of Diabetes and Its Comorbidities

Diabetes is a chronic disease that induces many comorbidities, including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, and liver damage. Many mechanisms have been suggested as to how diabetes leads to these comorbidities, of which increased oxidative stress in diabetic patients has been strongly implicated. Limited knowledge of antioxidative antidiabetic drugs and substances that can address diabetic comorbidities through the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway calls for detailed investigation. This review will describe how diabetes increases oxidative stress, the general impact of that oxidative stress, and how oxidative stress primarily contributes to diabetic comorbidities. It will also address how treatments for diabetes, especially focusing on their effects on the Nrf2 antioxidative pathway, have been shown to similarly affect the Nrf2 pathway of the heart, kidney, and liver systems. This review demonstrates that the Nrf2 pathway is a common pathogenic component of diabetes and its associated comorbidities, potentially identifying this pathway as a target to guide future treatments.

Infliximab Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Experimental Rat Model: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Mitochondrial Biogenesis, Apoptotic and Autophagic Machineries

Accumulating data confirms that Methotrexate (MTX), a well-known immunosuppressive and anticancer drug, causes nephrotoxicity. Infliximab (INF), the inhibitor of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), was proven to have anti-inflammatory properties. Thus, it may have potential in preventing MTX-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to inspect the prospective nephroprotective effect of INF on MTX-induced rat nephrotoxicity through investigating the possible molecular mechanisms, including its interference with different death routes, oxidative stress as well as mitochondrial biogenesis. Rats received an INF intraperitoneal single dose of 7 mg/kg 72 h prior to a single 20 mg/kg MTX injection. MTX nephrotoxicity was demonstrated by significantly increased serum levels of the renal indicators urea and creatinine as well as renal inflammatory markers TNF-α and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and the renal oxidative stress marker malondialdehyde (MDA), while renal antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) was significantly decreased compared to control. INF injection prior to MTX markedly reversed these MTX-induced effects. Besides, MTX impaired mitochondrial biogenesis, while INF attenuated this impairment, as indicated by increased expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α). Finally, MTX triggered apoptotic and autophagic cascades in renal tissues as evidenced by reduced anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein expression as well as elevated expression of the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and both key regulators of autophagy; beclin-1 and LC-3, whereas INF pretreatment counteracted these apoptotic and autophagic effects of MTX. Summarily, these results suggest that INF provides protection against MTX-induced nephrotoxicity which could be elucidated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic and anti-autophagic effects as well as upregulating mitochondrial biogenesis.

Aminooxyacetic acid hemihydrochloride leads to decreased intracellular ATP levels and altered cell cycle of prostate cancer cells by suppressing energy metabolism

The second most common cancer among men is prostate cancer, which is also the fifth leading reason for male cancer deaths worldwide. Bone metastases are the main factor affecting the prognosis of prostate cancer. Consequently, antitumor and anti-prostate cancer-induced bone destruction medicines are urgently needed. We previously discovered that aminooxyacetic acid hemihydrochloride (AOAA) suppressed bone resorption and osteoclast growth by decreasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and limiting oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Here, we evaluated the impacts of AOAA on prostate cancer RM-1 cells in vitro. It's found that AOAA significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration, and invasiveness, decreased ATP levels, increased ROS, halted the cell cycle phase, and triggered apoptosis. AOAA also decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and the ability to uptake glucose, suggesting that the antitumor effects of AOAA were expressed through the inhibition of OXPHOS and glycolysis. Furthermore, we assessed the effects of AOAA in vivo using a prostate cancer-induced bone osteolysis mice model. AOAA also delayed tumor growth and bone destruction in vivo. On the whole, our findings imply that AOAA may potentially have therapeutic effects on prostate cancer and prostate cancer-induced osteolysis.

Canagliflozin alleviates experimentally induced benign prostate hyperplasia in a rat model: exploring potential mechanisms involving mir-128b/EGFR/EGF and JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathways through in silico and in vivo investigations

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) poses a significant health concern amongst elderly males. Canagliflozin (Cana), a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has a powerful anti-inflammatory influence. Nevertheless, its role in treating BPH has not been clarified. Therefore, the study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effect of Cana on experimentally induced BPH in rats and explore the underlying mechanisms compared to the standard finasteride (Fin). The study employed histological analysis, biochemical assays using ELISA, and western blotting. Animals were categorized into four groups: Control (2.5 ml/kg CMC, orally + 3 ml/kg olive oil, subcutaneous), BPH (3 mg/kg testosterone, subcutaneous + CMC orally), Fin-treated BPH (5 mg/kg, orally), and Cana-treated BPH (5 mg/kg, orally), for 28 days. The BPH group showed obvious BPH manifestations including an increase in prostate weight (PW), prostate index (PI), dihydrotestosterone (DHT) level, and histological aberrations compared to control. Fin and Cana therapy had a comparable impact. Cana treatment significantly reduced PW and PI, besides it improved prostatic biochemical, and histopathological features compared to BPH, consistent with in silico study findings. Cana was associated with downregulation of the androgen axis, increased miR-128b expression, with a lowered expression of epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its receptor. Phosphorylation of STAT3 and its downstream proliferative markers were significantly reduced suggesting apoptotic activity. Cana markedly rescued the BPH-induced upregulation of IL-1β, and iNOS levels. Altogether, the current study demonstrates that Cana could impede BPH progression, possibly by modulating miR-128b/EGFR/EGF and JAK2/STAT3 pathways and downregulating AR, cyclin D1, and PCNA immunoreactivity.

Manjari Medika Grape Seed Extract Protects Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic Inflammation: Involvement of NF-κB/NLRP3 and Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling System

Objective

Grape Seed Extract is a natural source of various polyphenols, which have been shown to possess potent antioxidant and free radical-scavenging activities. The earlier studies have reported that grape seed extract exhibits broad-spectrum pharmacological activities. Therefore, studying the hepatoprotective effects and elucidation of mechanisms of action of the Indian Variety, Manjari Medika grape seed extract (GSE), may give an insight into therapeutic benefits. Methotrexate (MTX) is the first-line pharmacological therapy for different rheumatic diseases. The major adverse events such as hepatotoxicity are evident even in the low doses used for the treatment. The present study investigated the role of MTX on hepatic damage in murine liver and the plausible protective effects of the Indian grape variety, Manjari Medika grape seed extract, in ameliorating it.

Methods and Results

To assess the hepatological modulation, mice were divided into eight groups to investigate the ameliorative potential of this GSE (75 and 125 mg/kg) and correlate the experimental findings. The active components of the extract were assessed through UPLC-(ESI)-QToF-MS analysis. On the other hand, various biochemical and immunological indices were carried out to correlate the experimental data. The result demonstrated that the prophylactic administration of GSE reduced MTX-induced hepatic toxicity indices, which subsequently restored the hepatic morphological architecture. Moreover, the application of GSE in a dual dosage (75 and 125 mg/kg) suppressed MTX-induced reactive oxygen species generation, followed by lipid peroxidation and cellular nitrite formation. MTX-induced inflammasome activation through the redox-assisted cascade of TLR4/NF-κB signaling was further reduced by applying the GSE. The results showed that the activation of cytoprotective transcription factor Nrf2 enhanced the level of endogenous antioxidants. Furthermore, through the regulation of TLR4/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 axis, this extract could reduce the MTX-mediated hepatic damage.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that Manjari Medika seed extract could be used as a therapeutic agent to relieve the side effects of MTX and other hepatic disorders.

Anti-stress effects of the glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist liraglutide in zebrafish

Stress-related disorders are extremely harmful and cause significant impacts on the individual and society. Despite the limited evidence regarding glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor (GLP-1R) and mental disorders, a few clinical and preclinical studies suggest that modulating this system could improve symptoms of stress-related disorders. This study aimed to investigate the effects of liraglutide, a GLP-1R agonist, on neurobehavioral phenotypes and brain oxidative status in adult zebrafish. Acute liraglutide promoted anxiolytic-like effects in the light/dark test, while chronic treatment blocked the impact of unpredictable chronic stress on behavioral and physiological parameters. Taken together, our study demonstrates that liraglutide is active on the zebrafish brain and may counteract some of the effects induced by stress. More studies are warranted to further elucidate the potential of GLP-1R agonists for the management of brain disorders.

Lapatinib ditosylate rescues memory impairment in D-galactose/ovariectomized rats: Potential repositioning of an anti-cancer drug for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) signaling plays a substantial role in learning and memory. The upregulation of EGFR has been embroiled in the pathophysiology of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Nevertheless, most of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (EGFR-TKIs) have been extensively studied for non-CNS diseases such as cancer and rheumatoid arthritis. TKIs targeting-based research in neurodegenerative disorders sounds to be lagging behind those of other diseases. Hence, this study aims to explore the molecular signaling pathways and the efficacy of treatment with lapatinib ditosylate (LAP), as one of EGFR-TKIs that has not yet been investigated in AD, on cognitive decline induced by ovariectomy (OVX) with chronic administration of D-galactose (D-gal) in female Wistar albino rats. OVX rats were injected with 150 mg/kg/day D-gal ip for 8 weeks to induce AD. Administration of 100 mg/kg/day LAP p.o. for 3 weeks starting after the 8^th week of D-gal administration improved memory and debilitated histopathological alterations. LAP decreased the expression of GFAP, p-tau, and Aβ 1-42. Besides, it reduced EGFR, HER-2, TNF-α, NOX-1, GluR-II, p38 MAPK, and p-mTOR. LAP increased nitrite, and neuronal pro-survival transduction proteins; p-PI3K, p-AKT, and p-GSK-3β levels. Taken together, these findings suggest the role of LAP in ameliorating D-gal-induced AD in OVX rats via activating the pro-survival pathway; PI3K-Akt-GSK-3β, while inhibiting p-mTOR, NOX-1, and p38 MAPK pathways. Moreover, this research offered a significant opportunity to advance awareness of the repositioning of TKI anti-cancer drugs for the treatment of AD.

Abrogating doxorubicin-induced chemobrain by immunomodulators IFN-beta 1a or infliximab: Insights to neuroimmune mechanistic hallmarks

Chemobrain is a well-established clinical syndrome that impairs patient's daily function, in particular attentiveness, coordination and multi-tasking. Thus, it interferes with patient's quality of life. The putative pharmacological intervention against chemobrain relies on understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying it. This study aimed to examine the potential neuroprotective effects of two immunomodulators: Interferon-β-1a (IFN-β-1a), as well as Tumor necrosis function-alpha (TNF-α) inhibitor; Infliximab in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced chemobrain in rats. Besides, the current study targets investigating the possible molecular mechanisms in terms of neuromodulation and interference with different death routes controlling neural homeostasis. Herein, the two immunomodulators IFN-β-1a at a dose of 300,000 units; s.c.three times per week, or Infliximab at a dose of 5 mg/kg/week; i.p. once per week were examined against DOX (2 mg/kg/w, i.p.) once per week for 4 consecutive weeks in rats.The consequent behavioral tests and markers for cognitive impairment, oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, apoptosis and neurobiological abnormalities were further evaluated. Briefly, IFN-β-1a or Infliximab significantly protected against DOX-induced chemobrain. IFN-β-1a or Infliximab ameliorated DOX-induced hippocampal histopathological neurodegenerative changes, halted DOX-induced cognitive impairment, abrogated DOX-induced mitochondrial oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic stress, mitigated DOX-induced autophagic dysfunction and finally upregulated the mitophagic machineries. In conclusion, these findings suggest that either IFN-β-1a or Infliximab offers neuroprotection against DOX-induced chemobrain which could be explained by their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, pro-autophagic, pro-mitophagic and antiapoptotic effects. Future clinical studies are recommended to personalize either use of IFN-β-1a or infliximab to ameliorate DOX-induced chemobrain.