Carvacrol exerts nephroprotective effect in rat model of diclofenac-induced renal injury through regulation of oxidative stress and suppression of inflammatory response

Activation of sirtuin 3 and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis by artemisinin protect against diclofenac-induced kidney injury in rats

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID)-induced kidney injury is one of the most common causes of renal failure. The exact pathogenesis of NSAID induced kidney injury is not fully known and the treatment is still challenging. Artemisinin (ART) gains more attention by its potent biological activities in addition to its antimalarial effect. In our research, we evaluated the preventive and therapeutic effects of ART in Diclofenac (DIC) induced kidney injury through its effect on mitochondria and regulation of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Thirty adult male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into five groups: control, ART, DIC, DIC + ART prophylactic, and DIC followed + ART therapeutic groups. At the end of the study, animals were scarified and the following parameters were evaluated: serum urea and creatinine, renal malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitrate. SIRT3 was detected by western blotting and real-time PCR. Mitochondrial related markers (PGC-1α, Drp1, and mitochondrial ATP) were detected by immunoassay. Caspase-3 and LC3 II expression in kidney tissues were demonstrated by immune-histochemical staining. The kidney specimens were stained for H&E and PAS special stain. Electron microscopy was done to detect mitochondrial morphology. ART improved renal function test, oxidative stress, SIRT3 level, mitochondrial function, LC3 II expression and decrease caspase-3. Histopathological examination confirmed ART alleviation as determined by light or electron microscopy. ART can modulate biochemical and pathological changes in DIC-induced kidney injury and can be considered a new possible therapeutic approach for DIC-induced kidney injury through its effect on SIR3 and maintenance of mitochondrial homeostasis.

Modulation of VEGF/eNOS/TGF-β Axis by Piracetam as a New Avenue to Ameliorate Valproic Acid-Induced Placental Toxicity and Teratogenicity in Rats

Valproic acid (VPA) is a very effective therapy used to treat generalized epilepsy, but it must be avoided during pregnancy as it leads to a high risk of teratogenesis. Its teratogenic effect is believed to be due to its placental toxic effect, altering angiogenesis and inducing oxidative stress. Piracetam (PIRA) is a derivative of the neurotransmitter γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) and has anti-oxidative and pro-angiogenic features. However, its effects against Valproic acid-evoked placental toxicity and abnormal fetal development have not been mechanistically examined. Herein, the present study targets angiogenesis and oxidative stress by Piracetam to investigate the potential modulation of Valproic acid-induced placental toxicity and abnormal fetal development in rats. After administration of Valproic acid (500 mg/kg/day, orally) and/or piracetam (500 mg/kg/day, orally) from the 6th to 15th of gestation, fetuses and placenta were obtained for analysis. The present findings revealed that Piracetam improved the histopathological lesions in the placenta and restored the labyrinth zone area percent. Moreover, it improved the intra-uterine growth retardation (IUGR) via restoring fetal body weight and length and also ameliorated all external malformations (subcutaneous hemorrhage, fore limb, and hind limb anomalies) and additionally amended the skeletal lack of ossification. These favorable effects of Piracetam were mediated by the enhancement of placental angiogenesis via the VEGF/eNOS/TGF-β pathway and attenuating placental oxidative stress, which appeared as decreased MDA content and increased GSH and TAC levels. In conclusion, activation of placental angiogenesis via the VEGF/eNOS/TGF-β axis alongside inhibition of oxidative stress by Piracetam can ameliorate Valproic acid-evoked placental toxicity and, subsequently, fetal malformations in rats.

The Protective Effects of Vitamin B Complex on Diclofenac Sodium-Induced Nephrotoxicity: The Role of NOX4/RhoA/ROCK

Diclofenac sodium (DIC) is a widely used non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Unfortunately, its prolonged use is associated with nephrotoxicity due to oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. We aimed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of vitamin B complex (B1, B6, B12) against DIC-induced nephrotoxicity and its impact on NOX4/RhoA/ROCK, a pathway that plays a vital role in renal pathophysiology. Thirty-two Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (1) normal control; (2) vitamin B complex (16 mg/kg B1, 16 mg/kg B6, 0.16 mg/kg B12, intraperitoneal); (3) DIC (10 mg/kg, intramuscular); and (4) DIC plus vitamin B complex group. After 14 days, the following were assayed: serum renal biomarkers (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, kidney injury molecule-1), oxidative stress, inflammatory (tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6), and fibrotic (transforming growth factor-β) markers as well as the protein levels of NOX4, RhoA, and ROCK. Structural changes, inflammatory cell infiltration, and fibrosis were detected using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome stains. Compared to DIC, vitamin B complex significantly decreased the renal function biomarkers, markers of oxidative stress and inflammation, and fibrotic cytokines. Glomerular and tubular damage, inflammatory infiltration, and excessive collagen accumulation were also reduced. Protein levels of NOX4, RhoA, and ROCK were significantly elevated by DIC, and this elevation was ameliorated by vitamin B complex. In conclusion, vitamin B complex administration could be a renoprotective approach during treatment with DIC via, at least in part, suppressing the NOX4/RhoA/ROCK pathway.

Protective role of melatonin against diclofenac-induced acute kidney injury

Diclofenac (DF), a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, is commonly used to relieve pain and inflammation. High doses of DF might induce acute kidney injury (AKI), particularly in elderly, a known vulnerable population.

AIM

We aimed to assess the protective role of melatonin (Mel) on DF-induced AKI in aged rats and to highlight the underpinning mechanisms include, oxidative stress and inflammation focusing on microRNA-34a (miR-34a), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2/hemeoxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) and NLR family-pyrin domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathways, and to elucidate the possibility of epithelial sodium channel (ENaC) involvement.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty old male Wistar rats were allocated randomly into 3 groups: Control, DF and Mel-DF groups.

KEY FINDINGS

Melatonin provided nephroprotective effects against DF-induced AKI via attenuating the expression of renal miR-34a and subsequently promoting the signaling of Nrf2/HO-1 with elevation of the antioxidant defense capacity and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasomes. Melatonin alleviated DF-induced hypernatremia via decreasing the ENaC expression. Renal histopathological examination revealed significant reduction in vascular congestion, mononuclear infiltration, glomerulo-tubular damage, fibrosis and TNF-α optical density.

SIGNIFICANCE

It can be assumed that melatonin is a promising safe therapeutic agent in controlling DF-induced AKI in elderly.

Investigating the teratogenic potential of diclofenac sodium on chick embryos: A warning for pregnant women

Teratogenic and embryotoxic effect of diclofenac sodium (DS) on different developmental stages of the chick-embryos was investigated by examining different parameters such as its mortality rate, hatching, morphological measurements, weighing its internal organs and calculation of different indices. Experiment was divided into four trials with different dose (0.1 mL, 0.2 mL, 0.3 mL in groups A, B, and C, respectively and group D received 0.3 mL saline solution (0.9% NaCl) and group E remained un-injected) administration and observation. Results of first and second trial showed statistically (p<0.01) significant difference in bodyweight, body-length, forelimb and hindlimb length between experimental and control groups. In third trial, diclofenac sodium administration showed a statistically (p<0.01) significant difference in the bodyweight, body-length, forelimb, hindlimb length, liver weight, egg weight (EE ratio) and kidney somatic index (KSI). The beak-size, heart weight, kidney weight, cardiac somatic index (CSI) and hepato somatic index (HSI) were not significant (p>0.05) when compared with the control groups. In trial 4, forelimb, hindlimb length, heart weight, CSI and HSI were statistically (p<0.01) significant. Body-length and liver weight were significant (p<0.05). While bodyweight, beak size, kidney weight and KSI were non-significant (p>0.05). The mortality rate was increased with increase dose of DS and also affected the hatching. DS effect on chick embryos can be applied to humans because the early development of mammals and birds are closely related. So, it was concluded that DS should be used with caution during pregnancy especially during first trimester of pregnancy.

Plant Monoterpenes and Essential Oils as Potential Anti-Ageing Agents: Insights from Preclinical Data

Ageing is a natural process characterized by a time-dependent decline of physiological integrity that compromises functionality and inevitably leads to death. This decline is also quite relevant in major human pathologies, being a primary risk factor in neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, cardiovascular diseases and musculoskeletal disorders. Bearing this in mind, it is not surprising that research aiming at improving human health during this process has burst in the last decades. Importantly, major hallmarks of the ageing process and phenotype have been identified, this knowledge being quite relevant for future studies towards the identification of putative pharmaceutical targets, enabling the development of preventive/therapeutic strategies to improve health and longevity. In this context, aromatic plants have emerged as a source of potential bioactive volatile molecules, mainly monoterpenes, with many studies referring to their anti-ageing potential. Nevertheless, an integrated review on the current knowledge is lacking, with several research approaches studying isolated ageing hallmarks or referring to an overall anti-ageing effect, without depicting possible mechanisms of action. Herein, we aim to provide an updated systematization of the bioactive potential of volatile monoterpenes on recently proposed ageing hallmarks, and highlight the main mechanisms of action already identified, as well as possible chemical entity-activity relations. By gathering and categorizing the available scattered information, we also aim to identify important research gaps that could help pave the way for future research in the field.

Chrysin mitigates diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats

BACKGROUND

Diclofenac (DF) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) generally prescribed for the treatment of pain. In spite of the widespread use of DF, hepatotoxicity has been reported after its administration. The current study discloses new evidence as regards of the curative effects of chrysin (CHR) on DF-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress.

METHODS

The animals were separated into five different groups. Group-I was in control. Group-II received CHR-only (50 mg/kg bw, p.o.) on all 5 days. Group-III received DF-only (50 mg/kg bw, i.p.) on 4th and 5th day. Group-IV received DF (50 mg/kg bw) + CHR (25 mg/kg, bw) and group-V received DF (50 mg/kg, bw) + CHR (50 mg/kg, bw) for 5 days.

RESULTS

DF injection was associated with increased MDA while reduced GSH level, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase and mRNA levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 in the liver. DF injection caused apoptosis and autophagy in the liver by up-regulating caspase-3, Bax, LC3A, and LC3B levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. DF also caused ER stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of ATF-6, IRE1, PERK, and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that DF administration up-regulated MMP2 and MMP9. However, treatment with CHR at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg considerably ameliorated oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and ER stress in liver tissue.

CONCLUSION

Overall, the data of this study indicate that liver damage associated with DF toxicity could be ameliorated by CHR administration.

Carvacrol preserves antioxidant status and attenuates kidney fibrosis via modulation of TGF-β1/Smad signaling and inflammation

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) with diverse aetiologies is emerging as a challenging kidney disorder associated with inflammation and interstitial fibrosis. Carvacrol (CVL) is a bioactive monoterpenoid found abundantly in oregano, thyme, and bergamot, having diverse pharmacological benefits. However, the effect of CVL against fibrotic changes in the kidneys is poorly defined. In the current study, a robust mouse model of renal fibrosis induced through unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) is used to investigate the anti-fibrotic activity of CVL. The mice were treated with two different oral doses of CVL (25 mg kg^-1 and 50 mg kg^-1 body weight) for 14 consecutive days. The UUO induction resulted in impaired renal function, severe histological damage, and collagen deposition in the obstructed kidney. Our findings revealed profound activation of transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and NF-κB (p65) signaling along with the downregulation of antioxidant proteins, nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the obstructed kidney. CVL administration markedly recovered antioxidant proteins and kidney histological changes. In addition, CVL blunted the NF-κB (p65) phosphorylation and reduced the levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) compared to the UUO control group. CVL also alleviated the increased fibrotic protein levels of TGF-β1, pSmad2/3, collagen I, collagen III, fibronectin, and myofibroblast activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers, including alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), E-cadherin, and vimentin in the kidneys. Findings from in vitro study also confirmed that CVL inhibits the EMT process in TGF-β1 stimulated renal tubular epithelial cells (NRK 52E cells). Collectively, our findings indicate that CVL administration attenuates kidney fibrosis by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.