Codeine exerts cardiorenal injury via upregulation of adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase and caspase 3 signaling

Mechanisms of ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic organ toxicity of chemotherapy: protective and therapeutic effects of ginger, 6-gingerol and zingerone in preclinical studies

Chemotherapy (CT) is one of the flagship options for the treatment of cancers worldwide. It involves the use of cytotoxic anticancer agents to kill or inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. However, despite its clinical efficacy, CT triggers side effect toxicities in several organs, which may impact cancer patient's quality of life and treatment outcomes. While the side effect toxicity is consistent with non-ferroptotic mechanisms involving oxidative stress, inflammation, mitochondrial impairment and other aberrant signalling leading to apoptosis and necroptosis, recent studies show that ferroptosis, a non-apoptotic, iron-dependent cell death pathway, is also involved in the pathophysiology of CT organ toxicity. CT provokes organ ferroptosis via system Xc-/GPX-4/GSH/SLC7A11 axis depletion, ferritinophagy, iron overload, lipid peroxidation and upregulation of ferritin-related proteins. Cisplatin (CP) and doxorubicin (DOX) are common CT drugs indicated to induce ferroptosis in vitro and in vivo. Studies have explored natural preventive and therapeutic strategies using ginger rhizome and its major bioactive compounds, 6-gingerol (6G) and zingerone (ZG), to combat mechanisms of CT side effect toxicity. Ginger extract, 6G and ZG mitigate non-ferroptotic oxidative inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction mechanisms of CT side effect toxicity, but their effects on CT-induced ferroptosis remain unclear. Systematic investigations are, therefore, needed to unfold the roles of ginger, 6G and ZG on ferroptosis involved in CT side effect toxicity, as they are potential natural agents for the prevention of CT toxicity. This review reveals the ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic toxicity mechanisms of CT and the protective mechanisms of ginger, 6G and ZG against CT-induced, ferroptotic and non-ferroptotic organ toxicities.

Silymarin attenuates post-weaning bisphenol A-induced renal injury by suppressing ferroptosis and amyloidosis through Kim-1/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling modulation in male Wistar rats

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a synthetic chemical used in producing polycarbonate plastics and epoxy resins and is commonly found in everyday items like water bottles and food containers. Although its usefulness cannot be overemphasized, the major challenge is its toxicity, including renal toxicity. BPA has been reported to induce ferroptosis and amyloidosis via the modulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling. On the other hand, silymarin activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, thus providing cellular defense. However, the effect of silymarin on BPA-induced renal toxicity is yet to be reported. This study investigated the potential impact of silymarin on renal structure and function following post-weaning BPA exposure. Twenty-four male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into four equal groups. The control was vehicle-treated, while the silymarin-treated received 100 mg/kg/day of silymarin and BPA-treated rats received 50 mg/kg/day of BPA. The BPA + silymarin-treated rats received treatments as BPA-treated and silymarin-treated. Silymarin diminished BPA-induced rise in serum urea, creatinine, BUN, and plasma kim-1 levels. Also, silymarin improved BPA-induced dyslipidemia. More so, silymarin abrogated toxic amyloid formation and improved renal histoarchitecture in BPA-exposed rats. These events were associated with the suppression of BPA-induced rise in renal iron, MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, and cytochrome c levels, and myeloperoxidase and caspase 3 activities by silymarin therapy. Furthermore, silymarin attenuated BPA-induced downregulation of Nrf2 and GSH levels, and HO-1, GPX4, SOD, catalase, GST, and GR activities. In conclusion, silymarin mitigated post-weaning BPA-induced renal toxicity by suppressing ferroptosis and amyloidosis through Kim-1/Nrf2/HO-1 modulation.

Estrogen replacement therapy reverses spatial memory loss and pyramidal cell neurodegeneration in the prefrontal cortex of lead-exposed ovariectomized Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Although menopause is a component of chronological aging, it may be induced by exposure to heavy metals like lead. Interestingly, lead exposure, just like the postmenopausal state, has been associated with spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration; however, the impact of hormone replacement therapy (HRT) on menopause and lead-induced spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration is yet to be reported.

AIM

The present study investigated the effect and associated mechanism of HRT on ovariectomized-driven menopausal state and lead exposure-induced spatial memory loss and neurodegeneration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty adult female Wistar rats were randomized into 6 groups (n = 5 rats/group); the sham-operated vehicle-treated, ovariectomized (OVX), OVX + HRT, lead-exposed, OVX + lead, and OVX + Lead + HRT groups. Treatment was daily via gavage and lasted for 28 days.

RESULTS

Ovariectomy and lead exposure impaired spatial memory deficit evidenced by a significant reduction in novel arm entry, time spent in the novel arm, alternation, time exploring novel and familiar objects, and discrimination index. These findings were accompanied by a marked distortion in the histology of the prefrontal cortex, and a decline in serum dopamine level and pyramidal neurons. In addition, ovariectomy and lead exposure induced metabolic disruption (as depicted by a marked rise in lactate level and lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase activities), oxidative stress (evidenced by a significant increase in MDA level, and decrease in GSH level, and SOD and catalase activities), inflammation (as shown by significant upregulation of myeloperoxidase activity, and TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (evidenced by a rise in caspase 3 activity) of the prefrontal cortex. The observed biochemical and histological perturbations were attenuated by HRT.

CONCLUSIONS

This study revealed that HRT attenuated ovariectomy and lead-exposure-induced spatial memory deficit and pyramidal neurodegeneration by suppressing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis of the prefrontal cortex.

Andrographis paniculata improves glucose regulation by enhancing insulin sensitivity and upregulating GLUT 4 expression in Wistar rats

CONTEXT

Although the hypoglycaemic effect of Andrographis paniculata (Burm.f.) Nees [Acanthaceae] has been documented, reports on its effect in an apparently healthy state are limited.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated whether or not A. paniculata exerts hypoglycaemic effect in a non-diabetic state. It also explored the impact of A. paniculata on glycolytic enzymes and GLUT 4 protein expression, as a possible mode of action.

METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into two groups (n = 10 rats/group). The control rats were vehicle-treated (0.5 ml of distilled water), while the A. paniculata-treated rats had 500 mg/kg of A. paniculata per os once daily for 35 days.

RESULTS

A. paniculata treatment led to improved insulin sensitivity evidenced by increased HOMA-β (88.08 ± 2.13 vs. 120.80 ± 1.52, p < 0.0001), HOMA-S (283.60 ± 8.82 vs. 300.50 ± 9.30, p = 0.0189), and reduced TyG index (4.22 ± 0.04 vs. 3.95 ± 0.07, p < 0.0002) and HOMA-IR (0.32 ± 0.01 vs. 0.25 ± 0.01, p < 0.0001) when compared with the control. It also improved glucose regulation as depicted by reduced fasting blood glucose (3.77 ± 0.10 vs. 3.24 ± 0.11, p < 0.0001) and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; 7.69 ± 1.15 vs. 5.95 ± 0.82, p = 0.0245), and atherogenic dyslipidaemia, including AIP (-0.12 ± 0.03 vs. -0.26 ± 0.03, p < 0.0001) and CRI-I (2.70 ± 0.29 vs. 1.84 ± 0.27, p < 0.0001). These findings were accompanied by enhanced hepatic and muscular redox state, increased activities of glycolytic enzymes, upregulated GLUT 4 (0.80 ± 0.27 vs. 6.20 ± 0.84, p < 0.0001), and increased circulating nitric oxide (5.45 ± 0.24 vs. 6.79 ± 0.33, p = 0.0002).

CONCLUSION

A. paniculata exerts positive effect on glucose metabolism and utilization by improving insulin sensitivity and upregulating the activities of glycolytic enzymes and GLUT 4 protein expression. This implies that A. paniculata may be beneficial in preventing insulin resistance and incident diabetes. Nonetheless, it should be used with caution to prevent hypoglycaemia in a non-diabetic state.

Acetate attenuates lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by targeting oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis

Lead exposure has been implicated in the aetiopathogenesis of male infertility via an oxidative stress-sensitive pathway. Conversely, acetate has been shown to confer cellular protection by improving the antioxidant defense mechanism. Yet, the effect of acetate on lead-induced testicular toxicity, viz., dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis, has not been reported. The present study probed the influence of acetate on lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis. In our study, a reduction in body weight gain and testicular weight was identified in lead-exposed rats. While histopathological results established distortion of testicular histoarchitecture, reduced germ cell count, and suppressed spermatogenesis, biochemical studies confirmed that lead-deregulated testicular steroidogenesis was associated with reduced circulating gonadotropin-releasing hormone and gonadotropins, as well as down-regulated testicular 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD activities. These findings were accompanied by increased testicular malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6, and reduced glutathione, thiol and non-thiol protein levels, total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In addition, lead exposure increased NFkB and Bax levels, as well as caspase 3 activity, but reduced Bcl-2 levels. However, co-administration of acetate ameliorated lead-induced alterations. Collectively, acetate attenuated lead-induced dysregulation of testicular steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis by targeting oxidative stress, NFkB-mediated inflammation, and caspase 3-driven apoptosis.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s43188-024-00250-3.

Metabolic Derangement by Arsenic: a Review of the Mechanisms

Studies have implicated arsenic exposure in various pathological conditions, including metabolic disorders, which have become a global phenomenon, affecting developed, developing, and under-developed nations. Despite the huge risks associated with arsenic exposure, humans remain constantly exposed to it, especially through the consumption of contaminated water and food. This present study provides an in-depth insight into the mechanistic pathways involved in the metabolic derangement by arsenic. Compelling pieces of evidence demonstrate that arsenic induces metabolic disorders via multiple pathways. Apart from the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation, arsenic prevents the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Thr308, leading to the inhibition of PDK-1/Akt insulin signaling, thereby reducing GLUT4 translocation through the activation of Nrf2. Also, arsenic downregulates mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3, decreasing the ability of its associated transcription factor, FOXO3a, to bind to the agents that support the genes for manganese superoxide dismutase and PPARg co-activator (PGC)-1a. In addition, arsenic activates MAPKs, modulates p53/ Bcl-2 signaling, suppresses Mdm-2 and PARP, activates NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-mediated apoptosis, and induces ER stress, and ox-mtDNA-dependent mitophagy and autophagy. More so, arsenic alters lipid metabolism by decreasing the presence of 3-hydroxy-e-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and carnitine O-octanoyl transferase (Crot) and increasing the presence of fatty acid-binding protein-3 mRNA. Furthermore, arsenic promotes atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial damage. This cascade of pathophysiological events promotes metabolic derangement. Although the pieces of evidence provided by this study are convincing, future studies evaluating the involvement of other likely mechanisms are important. Also, epidemiological studies might be necessary for the translation of most of the findings in animal models to humans.

Gut microbiota-gonadal axis: the impact of gut microbiota on reproductive functions

The influence of gut microbiota on physiological processes is rapidly gaining attention globally. Despite being under-studied, there are available data demonstrating a gut microbiota-gonadal cross-talk, and the importance of this axis in reproduction. This study reviews the impacts of gut microbiota on reproduction. In addition, the possible mechanisms by which gut microbiota modulates male and female reproduction are presented. Databases, including Embase, Google scholar, Pubmed/Medline, Scopus, and Web of Science, were explored using relevant key words. Findings showed that gut microbiota promotes gonadal functions by modulating the circulating levels of steroid sex hormones, insulin sensitivity, immune system, and gonadal microbiota. Gut microbiota also alters ROS generation and the activation of cytokine accumulation. In conclusion, available data demonstrate the existence of a gut microbiota-gonadal axis, and role of this axis on gonadal functions. However, majority of the data were compelling evidences from animal studies with a great dearth of human data. Therefore, human studies validating the reports of experimental studies using animal models are important.

Sodium acetate ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulation of NFkB-mediated apoptotic signaling in Wistar rats

Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX) in the management of a wide range of cancers, a major challenge is its cardio-toxic effect. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are major pathways for the cardiotoxic effect of DOX. On the other hand, acetate reportedly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This particular research assessed the impact of acetate on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Mechanistically, acetate dramatically inhibited DOX-induced upregulation of xanthine oxidase and uric acid pathway as well as downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and its upstream proteins (reduced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase, glutathione reductase). In addition, acetate markedly attenuated DOX-driven rise inTNF-α, NFkB IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, acetate significantly ameliorated DOX-led suppression of Bcl-2 and Ca2+-ATPase activity and upregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 actions. Improved body weight, heart structural integrity, and cardiac function as depicted by cardiac injury markers convoyed these cascades of events. Summarily, the present study demonstrated that acetate protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulating NFkB-mediated activation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase signaling.

L-Arginine abrogates maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced impaired spermatogenesis and sperm quality by modulating the levels of mRNA encoding spermatogenic genes

INTRODUCTION

Although, codeine has been demonstrated to lower sperm quality; the effects of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on male offspring is yet to be reported. In addition, the effect of arginine on codeine-induced decline in sperm quality has not been explored. This study investigated the impact of maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure on spermatogenesis and sperm quality in F1 male Wistar rats to study the effect that codeine may have during recreational use in humans. Also, the effect of arginine supplementation on codeine-induced alteration in spermatogenesis and sperm quality was evaluated.

METHODS

Female rats were treated with either 0.5 ml distilled water or codeine orally for eight weeks, and then mated with male rats (female:male, 2:1). The F1 male offsprings of both cohorts were weaned at 3 weeks old and administered distilled water, codeine, arginine, or codeine with arginine orally for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Prepubertal codeine exposure in rats whose dams (female parents) were exposed to codeine delayed puberty and reduced the weight at puberty. Prepubertal codeine exposure exacerbated maternal codeine exposure-induced reduced total and daily spermatid production, sperm count, sperm motility, and normal sperm form, as well as impaired sperm plasma membrane integrity and increased not intact acrosome and damaged sperm DNA integrity. These perturbations were accompanied by a decrease in mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes, testicular testosterone and androgen receptor (AR) concentrations, and upregulation of sperm 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG). Prepubertal arginine supplementation mitigated codeine-induced alterations.

DISCUSSION

This study provides novel experimental evidence that maternal and prepubertal codeine exposure reprogramed spermatogenesis and sperm quality of male FI generation by decreasing mRNA levels encoding spermatogenic genes and AR via oxidative stress-mediated signaling, which was abrogated by prepubertal arginine supplementation.

Proton Pump Dysfunction and Upregulation of Caspase-3 Activity via Oxidative-Sensitive Signaling Mediate Rohypnol-Induced Testicular Toxicity

Rohypnol is a benzodiazepine that is used for its anxiolytic, anticonvulsant, muscle relaxant, and hypnotic properties, but commonly abused. It has been reported to induce sexual dysfunction; however, its effect on testicular integrity and sperm quality is yet to be documented. This study evaluated the impact of Rohypnol on testicular integrity, circulatory testosterone, spermatogenesis, and sperm quality. The likely role of oxidative stress-dependent pathway as well as testicular proton pumps and caspase-3 activity in Rohypnol-induced modulation of male reproductive function was explored. In this study, adult male rats were randomized into six groups of six rats each: the control received 1 ml of distilled water as vehicle, while the low- and high-dose Rohypnol-treated groups received 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of Rohypnol for four weeks. The control-, low-, and high-dose recovery groups received 2 mg/kg and 4 mg/kg of Rohypnol for four weeks, respectively, which was followed by a 4-week drug-free recovery period. Rohypnol treatments led to impaired steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis and low sperm quality. This was accompanied by a rise in the markers of testicular injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Also, the activities of testicular enzymatic antioxidants and proton pumps were significantly reduced. Although the impacts of low-dose Rohypnol treatment were partially reversible, those of the high-dose Rohypnol treatment were not. Histopathological findings on the testicular tissues were in tandem with the biochemical alterations. Thus, it is safe to infer that Rohypnol induces testicular damage by the suppression of Na+/K+-ATPase and Ca2+-ATPase and the activation of caspase-3 through an oxidative-sensitive signaling pathway.

Atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury

BACKGROUND

Oxidative damage is critical in the pathogenesis of ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and statins have been reported to exert antioxidant activity. However, the role of VCAM-1 and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA) in ovarian I/R injury is not known. Also, whether or not atorvastatin exerts antioxidant activity like other statins is unclear.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated the involvement of VCAM-1 and XO/UA in ovarian I/R injury and the likely protective role of atorvastatin.

METHODS

Forty female Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operated, ischaemia, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischaemia and atorvastatin, and I/R and atorvastatin.

RESULTS

In comparison with the sham-operated group, atorvastatin blunted ischaemia and I/R-induced distortion of ovarian histoarchitecture and follicular degeneration. Also, atorvastatin alleviated ischaemia and I/R-induced rise in XO, UA, and malondialdehyde, which was accompanied by inhibition of ischaemia and I/R-induced reductions in reduced glutathione level, enzymatic antioxidant activities and increase in myeloperoxidase activity and TNF-α and IL-6 levels by atorvastatin treatment. Additionally, atorvastatin blocked ischaemia and I/R-induced increase in VCAM-1 expression, caspase 3 activity, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine level and ovarian DNA fragmentation index.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this study revealed that atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative injury, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Ten Years Milestones in Xanthine Oxidase Inhibitors Discovery: Febuxostat-Based Inhibitors Trends, Bifunctional Derivatives, and Automatized Screening Assays

Xanthine oxidase (XO) is an enzyme involved in the oxidative process of hypoxanthine and xanthine to uric acid (UA). This process also produces reactive oxygen species (ROS) as byproducts. Both UA and ROS are dangerous for human health, and some health conditions trigger upregulation of XO activity, which results in many diseases (cancer, atherosclerosis, hepatitis, gout, and others) given the worsened scenario of ROS and UA overproduction. So, XO became an attractive target to produce and discover novel selective drugs based on febuxostat, the most recent XO inhibitor out of only two approved by FDA. Under this context, high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and capillary electrophoresis (CE) have been successfully applied to rapidly and easily screen for bioactive compounds, isolated or in complex natural matrixes, that act as enzyme inhibitors through the use of an immobilized enzyme reactor (IMER). This article’s goal is to present advances comprising febuxostat-based XO inhibitors as a new trend, bifunctional moieties capable of inhibiting XO and modulating ROS activity, and in-flow techniques employing an IMER in HPLC and CE to screen for synthetic and natural compounds that act as XO inhibitors.

L-Arginine reverses maternal and pre-pubertal codeine exposure-induced sexual dysfunction via upregulation of androgen receptor gene and NO/cGMP signaling

BACKGROUND

Although codeine has been reported to enhance sexual activity by improving penile reflexes, it has been shown to impair fertility indices. Also, codeine impairs ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis. Nonetheless, whether or not codeine exerts an epigenetic effect remains unclear. On the other hand, arginine has been speculated to enhance penile reflexes by upregulating NO/cGMP Signaling.

AIM

The study evaluated the effect of maternal codeine exposure and prepubertal codeine and arginine treatments on F1 male sexual function and fertility indices, as well as the outcome of F2 progenies. In addition, the epigenetic programming mechanism was also explored.

METHODS

Forty three-week-old female rats were randomized into two groups (n = 20 rats/group); the control that received 0.5 ml of distilled water and the codeine-treated that received 5 mg/kg of codeine via gavage for eight weeks. Afterward, the female rats were paired for mating with sexually mature male rats. Rats were maintained on their pre-pregnancy treatments throughout pregnancy and lactation. FI progenies from each cohort (control and codeine-treated cohorts) were weaned at three weeks and randomized into four groups; the control, codeine-treated, L-arginine-treated (300mg/kg), and codeine + L-arginine-treated (n = 10 rats/group). Administration commenced a week post-weaning and lasted for eight weeks via gavage.

KEY FINDINGS

Maternal codeine exposure did not alter body weight, but significantly reduced anogenital distance and anogenital index of F1 male offspring. Also, maternal codeine delayed preputial membrane separation, impaired male sexual competence, and penile reflexes of F1 male offsprings. These were associated with reduced dopamine, gonadotropins, and testosterone levels as well as suppressed expression of androgen receptor mRNA. In addition, maternal codeine downregulated NO/cGMP signaling, impaired fertility indices, and reduced the litter size, weight, and survival of F2 progenies. These alterations were observed to be aggravated by prepubertal codeine exposure but improved by prepubertal arginine treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, codeine programmed sexual dysfunction by suppressing the levels of dopamine and testosterone, as well as repressing the expression of androgen receptor mRNA. In addition, codeine-induced epigenetic reprogramming was expressed in the F2 offsprings as reduced litter size and weight, and survival rate. Notably, these observations were worsened by prepubertal codeine exposure, but dampened by prepubertal arginine treatment.

Upregulation of Uric Acid Production and Caspase 3 Signalling Mediates Rohypnol-Induced Cardiorenal Damage

The global prevalence of illicit drug use is on the increase with attendant complications like cardiorenal collapse. One such substance of abuse is rohypnol. Despite its ban in most countries, it remains a popular substance of abuse. Whether or not rohypnol induces cardiorenal injury and the associated mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of rohypnol on cardiorenal integrity and functions, and glucolipid metabolism. Forty-eight male Wistar rats randomized into six groups (n = 8/group) received (per os) vehicle, low-dose (2 mg/kg) and high-dose (4 mg/kg) rohypnol once daily for twenty eight days, with or without a cessation period. Data revealed that rohypnol exposure irreversibly caused insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia. This was accompanied by reduced cardiorenal mass and impaired cardiorenal cytoarchitecture and function. Furthermore, rohypnol treatment promoted oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, and decreased cardiorenal activities of Na+-K+-ATPase, Ca2+-ATPase, and Mg2+-ATPase. These alterations were associated with enhanced uric acid generation and caspase 3 activity in the cardiorenal complex. Thus, this study reveals that rohypnol exposure triggers cardiorenal toxicity with incident insulin resistance, glucolipid and cardiorenal proton pump dysregulation, altered redox state, and inflammation via enhancement of uric acid generation and caspase 3-dependent mechanism.

Codeine alters female reproductive function by targeting ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis via the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

The rise in the abuse of codeine raises concerns about its impact on the health of users, and little has appeared on its effect on the female reproductive function. Therefore, this study evaluated the impact of codeine on female reproductive function. We administered codeine at low (2 mg/kg) and high (5 mg/kg) doses to female animals prior to mating for 8 weeks. In comparison with a vehicle-treated group, we then assessed the impact of codeine on body weight gain and ovarian weight, female sexual behaviour, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. The role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were also evaluated. Codeine at either dose elicited a profound deficit in the absolute and relative ovarian weight, indicative of ovarian toxicity. Also, codeine induced female sexual dysfunction, and suppressed ovarian steroidogenesis and folliculogenesis, with degeneration of the ovarian cytoarchitecture and follicles. The effects of codeine were associated with a rise in ovarian hydroxyl radical generation and oxidative stress, evident by an increase in ovarian malondialdehyde, a reduction in reduced glutathione, and a decline in the activities of ovarian enzymatic antioxidants. In addition, codeine triggered an increase in the ovarian concentration of inflammatory cytokines, TNF-α and IL-1β, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, codeine caused an increase in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8OHdG), ovarian DNA fragmentation, and caspase-3 activity, suggestive of genotoxicity and apoptosis respectively. The current study provides some of the first evidence for the adverse effects of prolong codeine use on female sexual function, ovarian steroidogenesis, and folliculogenesis. It also emphasizes the reproductive health consequences of drug abuse.

Glutamine restores testicular glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense and upregulates NO/cGMP signaling in sleep deprivation-induced reproductive dysfunction in rats

Oxidative stress has been linked with sleep deprivation (SD)-induced pathological conditions and reproductive dysfunction. On the other hand, glutamine has been established to have antioxidant property. However, the impact of SD, with or without glutamine, on male reproductive function is yet to be elucidated. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the role of SD, with or without glutamine, on male reproductive function and possible associated mechanisms. Ten-week old male Wistar rats weighing 175.6 g± 0.42 were randomly assigned into vehicle that received per os (p.o.) distilled water, glutamine (1 g/kg; po), SD, and SD + glutamine that received treatments as glutamine and SD. Treatment/exposure lasted for 72 h. The results showed that SD led to reduced body weight, seminiferous luminal and epididymal sperm density, low sperm quality, increased testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde, uric acid, DNA fragmentation, and testicular injury markers. In addition, SD caused a reduction in reduced glutathione level and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Also, SD increased tumor necrotic factor-α, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor-kappa B levels. Furthermore SD led to impaired libido and erectile dysfunction, and suppression of circulatory nitric oxide, gonadotropins and testosterone, and penile cGMP. However, glutamine attenuated the effects induced by SD. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that SD induces reproductive dysfunction via glutathione-dependent defense depletion and down-regulation of NO/cGMP signaling, which was abolished by glutamine supplementation.

Viral Infections and Male Infertility: A Comprehensive Review of the Role of Oxidative Stress

Viral infections have been a part of human existence to date, though viruses have posed a huge threat with various outbreaks lately. These threats are associated with reproductive health challenges, especially male infertility. The prime focus of this review is to highlight the mechanisms associated with viral infection-induced male infertility/subfertility and identify new treatment strategies with the aim to preserve male fertility. The reviewed data showed that viral infections stimulate inflammatory responses, resulting in the release of proinflammatory cytokines, which induces oxidative stress. This oxido-inflammatory cycle could continue in a vicious cycle and threaten male fertility. Existing data from human and experimental studies show that viral infection-induced oxido-inflammatory response results in testicular damage, atrophy of the seminiferous tubules and Sertoli cells, and reduced Leydig cell mass. This is accompanied by reduced circulatory testosterone, impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm motility, lipid peroxidation, DNA fragmentation and apoptosis of the sperm cells. Based on the available pieces of evidence, antioxidant therapy, in vivo and in vitro, may be beneficial and protects against the potential risk of male infertility from viral infection. It is, however recommended that more clinical studies be conducted to demonstrate the possible protective roles of antioxidants used as adjuvant therapy in viral infections, and in the in vitro treatment of semen samples for those utilizing semen washing and artificial reproductive techniques.

Contraceptive potential of Andrographis paniculata is via androgen suppression and not induction of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats

Andrographis paniculata has been shown to be associated with male reproductive dysfunction, although the available data are scarce and inconsistent, and the associated mechanisms are elusive. Hormonal mechanism via hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis, and non-hormonal mechanism primarily through oxidative stress, are involved in the modulation of male reproductive function. We therefore, hypothesized that suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-testicular axis and/or oxidative stress is involved in Andrographis paniculata-induced reproductive dysfunction. Male Wistar rats received either vehicle or Andrographis paniculata in varying doses of 250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg body weight daily for 8 weeks. Treatment with Andrographis paniculata led to reduced sperm count, motility, and viability. Andrographis paniculata treatment also resulted in distorted spermatogenesis and reduced serum testosterone. On the other hand, Andrographis paniculata led to reduction in the testicular content of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, TNF-α, and IL-6, and testicular activities of xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase, but raised testicular levels of reduced glutathione content and enhanced activity of super oxide dismutase. However, body weight gain, and absolute and relative reproductive organ weights were similar across all the groups. These findings demonstrate that Andrographis paniculata induces reproductive toxicity via suppression of testosterone and not induction of oxidative stress. Therefore, Andrographis paniculata could be a potential and safe male contraceptive.

Co-administration of HAART and antikoch triggers cardiometabolic dysfunction through an oxidative stress-mediated pathway

BACKGROUND

Antikoch and highly active anti-retroviral therapy are effective drugs in the management of tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, respectively. However, these cocktails have been independently associated with the aetiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether or not the co-administration of antikoch and anti-retroviral, as seen in tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection, will produce a similar effect. Also, it evaluated the role of glutathione and adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling in antikoch/anti-retroviral-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction.

METHODS

Male rats of Wistar strain were randomized into four groups: the control, which had 0.5 mL of distilled water as a vehicle, anti-Koch-treated rats that were administered a cocktail of anti-Koch, HAART-treated rats that had a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, and anti-Koch + HAART-treated rats that had treatments as anti-Koch-treated and HAART-treated rats. The treatment was once daily and lasted for eight weeks. One way-analysis of variance followed by Tukey's posthoc test was used to test for significance and pairwise comparisons respectively.

RESULTS

Although no changes in body weight gain and cardiac weight were noted, it was found that antikoch and/or HAART caused insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose level. In addition, antikoch and/or HAART led to dyslipidaemia, increased atherogenic indices, and elevated cardiac injury markers. These were accompanied by increased plasma and cardiac concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as suppressed activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, and a fall in reduced glutathione level. The observed alterations were more pronounced in animals that received a combination of antikoch and HAART.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides the first evidence that antikoch and/or HAART induce cardiometabolic dysfunction via glutathione suppression and up-regulation of adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid-dependent oxidative stress and inflammatory response. These events were associated with dyslipidaemia and increased atherogenic indices. This infers that regular monitoring of glucose level, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and oxido-inflammatory markers is important in patients on antikoch and/or HAART for prompt diagnosis and management of cardiometabolic disorder if it ensues.

Apoptotic inducement of neuronal cells by codeine: possible role of disrupted redox state and caspase 3 signaling

BACKGROUND

Codeine, a common drug of abuse, has been reported to induce organ damage; however, there are scanty available data on the effects of codeine on the brain.

OBJECTIVE

Thus, we tested the hypothesis that redox dysregulation and inflammation of the brain induced by codeine exposure is 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent.

METHODS

New Zealand White rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus) received vehicle (control; n = 7), low-dose codeine (4 mg/kg/day p.o; n = 6), or high-dose codeine (10 mg/kg/day p.o; n = 6) for six weeks. Body weight was checked before and after the study.

RESULTS

Findings showed that codeine exposure resulted in redox dysregulation (evident by elevated MDA and H2O2 accompanied by reduced enzymatic antioxidant activities), elevated MPO activity, and distorted cytoarchitecture of the brain tissue. The observed codeine-induced redox imbalance and brain inflammation was accompanied by depletion of neuronal and purkinje cells, reduced AchE activity, and elevated 8-OHdG levels and caspase 3 activity.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study demonstrates that chronic codeine use induces oxido-inflammatory response and apoptosis of the brain tissue that is associated with neuronal and purkinje cells injury, and impaired AchE activity through 8-OHdG and/or caspase 3-dependent pathway.