Hepatic encephalopathy complications are diminished by piracetam via the interaction between mitochondrial function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and locomotor activity

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.

Unveiling thioacetamide-induced toxicity: Multi-organ damage and omitted bone toxicity

Thioacetamide (TAA), a widely employed hepatotoxic substance, has gained significant traction in the induction of liver failure disease models. Upon administration of TAA to experimental animals, the production of potent oxidative derivatives ensues, culminating in the activation of oxidative stress and subsequent infliction of severe damage upon multiple organs via dissemination through the bloodstream. This review summarized the various organ damages and corresponding mechanistic explanations observed in previous studies using TAA in toxicological animal experiments. The principal pathological consequences arising from TAA exposure encompass oxidative stress, inflammation, lipid peroxidation, fibrosis, apoptosis induction, DNA damage, and osteoclast formation. Recent in vivo and in vitro studies on TAA bone toxicity have confirmed that long-term high-dose use of TAA not only induces liver damage in experimental animals but also accompanies bone damage, which was neglected for a long time. By using TAA to model diseases in experimental animals and controlling TAA dosage, duration of use, and animal exposure environment, we can induce various organ injury models. It should be noted that TAA-induced injuries have a time-dependent effect. Finally, in our daily lives, especially for researchers, we should take precautions to minimize TAA exposure and reduce the probability of related organ injuries.