Downregulation of redox imbalance and iNOS/NF-ĸB/caspase-3 signalling with zinc supplementation prevents urotoxicity of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

Comparative toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles and zinc salts in male mice: Hematological, biochemical, and histopathological impacts

The aim of this study was to investigate the toxicity of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) compared to different zinc salts (ZnSO4, Zn(NO3)2, and ZnCl2) in male mice. For this purpose, 45 male mice were divided into five groups of nine (one control group). Mice were exposed to ZnO NPs and various zinc salts for 28 days, while the control group remained unexposed. After the exposure period, the mice were euthanized, and hematological, biochemical, enzymatic, and histopathological changes were recorded. Most hematological (RBC, WBC, Hb, Ht counts), biochemical (cholesterol, triglyceride, glucose, total protein, and albumin), and enzymatic parameters alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) were significantly different in exposed mice compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The number of erythrocytes in mice exposed to ZnCl2 for 28 days (7.84 ± 1.41 × 106 mm3) was significantly lower than in the control group (10.11 ± 1.14 ×106 mm3) (p < 0.05). Additionally, mice exposed to ZnCl2 had significantly lower white blood cell (WBC) counts, hemoglobin (Hb), and hematocrit (Ht) levels than the control group (p < 0.05). Zn-exposed mice developed deformed erythrocytes, including dacrocytes, keratocytes, and ovalocytes, likely due to cytogenetically damaged RBC precursors. ZnO NPs and its various salts caused degeneration in hepatocytes, thickening and inflammatory cell infiltration in the renal capsule, congestion in the blood vessels of the lungs, and swelling of goblet cells in the intestine. Adding to the wealth of literature on the toxicity of ZnO NPs and zinc salts, especially ZnCl2, our study highlights the ecotoxicity of these compounds in mice. Effective and timely measures should be taken to reduce the use of ZnO NPs and its various salts worldwide.

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.

Trace elements and metal nanoparticles: mechanistic approaches to mitigating chemotherapy-induced toxicity-a review of literature evidence

Anticancer chemotherapy (ACT) remains a cornerstone in cancer treatment, despite significant advances in pharmacology over recent decades. However, its associated side effect toxicity continues to pose a major concern for both oncology clinicians and patients, significantly impacting treatment protocols and patient quality of life. Current clinical strategies to mitigate ACT-induced toxicity have proven largely unsatisfactory, leaving a critical unmet need to block toxicity mechanisms without diminishing ACT's therapeutic efficacy. This review aims to document the molecular mechanisms underlying ACT toxicity and highlight research efforts exploring the protective effects of trace elements (TEs) and their nanoparticles (NPs) against these mechanisms. Our literature review reveals that the primary driver of ACT toxicity is redox imbalance, which triggers oxidative inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and dysregulation of signaling pathways such as PI3K/mTOR/Akt. Studies suggest that TEs, including zinc, selenium, boron, manganese, and molybdenum, and their NPs, can potentially counteract ACT-induced toxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress-mediated pathways, including NF-κB/TLR4/MAPK/NLRP3, STAT-3/NLRP3, Bcl-2/Bid/p53/caspases, and LC3/Beclin-1/CHOP/ATG6, while also upregulating protective signaling pathways like Sirt1/PPAR-γ/PGC-1α/FOXO-3 and Nrf2/HO-1/ARE. However, evidence regarding the roles of lncRNA and the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ACT toxicity remains inconsistent, and the impact of TEs and NPs on ACT efficacy is not fully understood. Further research is needed to confirm the protective effects of TEs and their NPs against ACT toxicity in cancer patients. In summary, TEs and their NPs present a promising avenue as adjuvant agents for preventing non-target organ toxicity induced by ACT.

Mesoporous zinc-polyphenol nanozyme for attenuating renal ischemia-reperfusion injury

Aim: To target the reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and renal tubular epithelial cell (rTEC) death in renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), we constructed a nanoparticle that offers ROS scavenging and rTEC-death inhibition: mesoporous zinc-tannic acid nanozyme (ZnTA).Materials & methods: After successfully constructing ZnTA, we proceeded to examine its effect on ROS accumulation, cellular ferroptosis and apoptosis, as well as injury severity.Results: Malondialdehyde, Fe2+ amounts and 4-HNE staining demonstrated that ZnTA effectively attenuated rTEC ferroptosis. TUNEL staining confirmed that Zn2+ carried by ZnTA could effectively inhibit caspase 3 and caspase 9, mitigating apoptosis. Finally, it reduced renal IRI through the synergistic effect of ROS scavenging and cell-death inhibition.Conclusion: This study is expected to provide a paradigm for a combined therapeutic strategy for renal IRI.

Donepezil protects against cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in mice: A focus on proinflammatory cytokines and NLRP3/TLR-4/NF-κB interplay

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Cyclophosphamide (CP) chemotherapy is a significant iatrogenic component of premature ovarian failure (POF). The aim of this work was to evaluate the potential protective effects of donepezil, a centrally acting acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitor, on CP-induced POF in mice.

METHODS

40 female Swiss albino mice were split into 5 equal groups: group 1 (control), group 2 (CP-POF); induced by intraperitoneal injection of CP on 8th day of the experiment, and group (3-5); mice received oral donepezil daily (1, 2, or 4 mg/kg, respectively) 8 days before CP injection. Mice were euthanized after 24 h of CP injection, and blood samples were collected to assay serum anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH) levels. Ovarian tissues were dissected, and the right ovary was processed for further assays of nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interlukin-6 (IL-6), nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor family, the Pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, and Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4), while the left one was processed for histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of nuclear factor-Kappa beta (NF-κB) and caspase-3.

RESULTS

Donepezil, in a dose-dependent manner particularly (4 mg/kg), has an inhibitory action on NO (40 ± 2.85 vs. 28.20 ± 2.23, P < 0.001), proinflammatory cytokines (P < 0.001), the TLR-4/ NF-κB / NLRP3 inflammasome pathway (P < 0.001), and apoptosis (P < 0.001), with a significant elevation in the AMH levels (4.57 ± 1.08 vs. 8.57 ± 0.97, P < 0.001) versus CP-POF group.

CONCLUSION

Donepezil may be a potential protective agent against CP-induced POF in mice, but further research is needed to fully understand its therapeutic function experimentally and clinically.

In-vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential along with p.o. pharmacokinetic profile of key bioactive phytocompounds of Snow Mountain Garlic: a comparative analysis vis-à-vis normal garlic

Snow mountain garlic (SMG) is a trans-Himalayan medicinal plant used in the traditional medicine system for several ailments, including inflammatory arthritis. Research studies are insufficient to validate its folk medicinal applications. In the present study, the comparative abundance of its key bioactive phytocompounds, viz., S-allyl-L-cysteine (SAC), alliin, and S-methyl-L-cysteine (SMC) against normal garlic were assessed using the LC-MS/MS-MRM method. In addition, the study also explored the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potency of crude extract of SMG and purified signature phytocompounds (i.e., SMC, SAC, and alliin) in comparison with normal garlic and dexamethasone in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 macrophage cells. The LC-MS/MS-MRM study revealed significant differences among SMG and normal garlic, viz., alliin 22.8-fold higher in SMG, and SMC could be detected only in SMG. In the bioassays, SMG extract and purified signature phytocompounds significantly downregulated oxidative damage in activated macrophages, boosting endogenous antioxidants' activity. SMG extract-treated macrophages significantly suppressed NF-κB expression and related inflammatory indicators such as cytokines, COX-2, iNOS, and NO. Notably, the observed anti-inflammatory and antioxidant bioactivities of SMG extract were comparable to signature phytocompounds and dexamethasone. In addition, SAC being uniformly found in SMG and normal garlic, its comparative pharmacokinetics was studied to validate the pharmacodynamic superiority of SMG over normal garlic. Significantly higher plasma concentrations (Cmax), half-life (t1/2), and area under curve (AUC) of SAC following SMG extract administration than normal garlic validated the proposed hypothesis. Thus, the abundance of bioactive phytocompounds and their better pharmacokinetics in SMG extract might be underlying its medicinal merits over normal garlic.

Protective effect of propolis on the antioxidant enzymes activities, characteristics of epididymal spermatozoa and histopathological structure of testis from rats treated with cyclophosphamide

El objetivo de este estudio fue evaluar el posible efecto terapéutico del propóleo sobre la peroxidación lipídica testicular inducida por ciclofosfamida (CP) y sobre los cambios asociados en los parámetros espermatológicos en los espermatozoides epididimarios y la estructura histopatológica de los testículos de rata. Las ratas se separaron aleatoriamente en 4 grupos con 7 ratas en cada grupo. Se formaron grupos como; 1.er grupo: grupo control (ratas no tratadas), 2.º grupo: grupo tratado con propóleo, 3.er grupo: grupo tratado con CP y 4.º grupo: grupo tratado con CP+propóleo. Se administró propóleo a las ratas en una dosis de 200 mg·kg bw -1 mediante alimentación forzada durante 7 días (d). Se administró CP a las ratas en una dosis única de 150 mg·kg pc -1 por vía intraperitoneal. La administración de propóleo se inició 2 días antes de la administración de CP y continuó durante 7 días. Niveles de malondialdehído (MDA) y glutatión reducido (GSH), actividades de catalasa (CAT), glutatión peroxidasa (GSH-Px), glutatión S-transferasa (GST) y superóxido dismutasa (SOD), parámetros espermatológicos, peso de los órganos reproductivos. y se determinó la estructura histopatológica. En comparación con el grupo de control, los niveles de MDA y las actividades de SOD aumentaron significativamente; Si bien las actividades de CAT y GST disminuyeron, no se encontraron cambios en los niveles de GSH ni en las actividades de GSH-Px en el grupo CP. En el grupo tratado con CP, hubo una disminución en la motilidad de los espermatozoides del epidídimo, la densidad de los espermatozoides en los espermatozoides del epidídimo y el peso de los testículos, la próstata, el epidídimo y la vesícula seminal; mientras que hubo un aumento en la proporción de espermatozoides anormales en comparación con el grupo de control en los espermatozoides epididimarios. El propóleo normalizó los parámetros bioquímicos y espermatológicos en los espermatozoides epididimarios. El examen histopatológico del tejido testicular mostró que los cambios histopatológicos más significativos, como restos celulares, invaginación y degeneración, ocurrieron en el grupo CP. En la patogénesis de la toxicidad testicular inducida por la PC puede desempeñar un papel el deterioro del equilibrio oxidante-antioxidante y el propóleo puede reducir los efectos secundarios graves de las alteraciones inducidas por la PC.

Cuminum cyminum Ameliorates Urotoxic Effects of Cyclophosphamide by Modulating Antioxidant, Inflammatory Cytokines, and Urinary Bladder Overactivity: In vivo and in Silico Investigations

Interstitial Cystitis (IC) is a chronic inflammatory disease that lacks effective treatment. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of aqueous ethanol extract of Cuminum cyminum (AEECC) on oxidative stress, inflammation and overactivity of urinary bladder induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Female Sprague-Dawley rats received intraperitoneal administration of cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, i. p. 1st , 4th , and 7th days). To investigate the urothelial damage, the bladder weight, nociception behavior, and Evans blue dye extravasation method was used. The antioxidants CAT, GPX and NO were measured. ELISA determined the IL-6 and TNF-α levels. The spasmolytic effect of AEECC was investigated on isolated bladder strips and its mechanisms were determined. The enhanced nociception behavior, bladder weight, vascular permeability, edema, hemorrhage, nitric oxide, IL-6 and TNF-α levels by CYP administration were significantly reduced by AEECC (250 and 500 mg/kg). A significant increase in serum antioxidant system such as CAT and GPx was also observed in AEECC-treated rats. The AEECC (3 mg/ml) significantly reduced urinary bladder tone in the strips pre-contracted with carbachol in both control and CYP-treated rats. This relaxation was demolished by atropine, nifedipine, glibenclamide, and indomethacin but not with propranolol. The plant extract showed the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory phytochemicals. These results suggest that Cuminum cyminum offers uroprotective activity and can ameliorate CYP-induced bladder toxicity by modulating antioxidant parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels and bladder smooth muscle overactivity. The in silico binding interactions of antioxidant 2I3Y and anti-inflammatory protein 1TNF with various ligands from Cuminum cyminum seeds revealed potential bioactive compounds with promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, providing valuable insights for drug development and nutraceutical research.

Lactoferrin alleviates cyclophosphamide induced-nephropathy through suppressing the orchestration between Wnt4/β-catenin and ERK1/2/NF-κB signaling and modulating klotho and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

AIMS

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent with vast arrays of therapeutic activity. Currently, its medical use is limited due to its numerous adverse events, including nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to follow the molecular mechanisms behind the potential renoprotective action of lactoferrin (LF) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced renal injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For fulfillment of our aim, Spragw-Dwaly rats were orally administrated LF (300 mg/kg) for seven consecutive days, followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (150 mg/kg).

KEY FINDINGS

Treatment of CP-injured rats with LF significantly reduced the elevated creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), markedly upregulated Nrf2/HO-1 signaling with consequent increase in renal total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and decrease in renal malondialdehyde (MDA) level. Furthermore, LF treatment significantly reduced the elevated renal p-ERK1/2 expression, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNFα), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) levels in CP-treated animals. Interestingly, LF treatment downregulated Wnt4/β-catenin signaling and increased both renal klotho gene expression and serum klotho level. Furthermore, LF treatment reduced apoptosis in kidney tissue via suppressing GSK-3β expression and modulating caspase-3 and Bcl2 levels. Histopathological examination of kidney tissue confirmed the protective effect of LF against CP-induced renal injury.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present findings document the renoprotective effect of LF against CP-induced nephropathy, which may be mediated via suppressing ERK1/2/ NF-κB and Wnt4/β-catenin trajectories and enhancing klotho expression and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling.

Sulfhydryl functionalized hyaluronic acid hydrogels attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced bladder injury

Clinical management of cyclophosphamide (CYP) results in numerous side effects including hemorrhagic cystitis (HC), which is characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress damage. Intravesical hyaluronic acid (HA) supplementation, a therapeutic method to restore barrier function of bladder, avoid the stimulation of metabolic toxicants on bladder and reduce inflammatory response, has shown good results in acute or chronic bladder diseases. However, there are unmet medical needs for the treatment of HC to temporarily restore bladder barrier and reduce inflammation. Herein, sulfhydryl functionalized HA (HA-SH) and dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) were used to prepared a hydrogel system for optimizing the treatment of HC. We systematically evaluated the physicochemical of hydrogels and their roles in a rat model of CYP-induced HC. The prepared hydrogels exhibited outstanding gel forming properties, injectability, and biosafety. Swelling and retention studies showed that hydrogels were stable and could prolong the residence time of HA in the bladder. Histopathology and vascular permeability studies indicated that the hydrogels significantly attenuated bladder injury caused by CYP administration. Moreover, the hydrogels also showed excellent anti-inflammation and anti-oxidation properties. In conclusion, these data suggest that intravesical instillation of HA-SH/DMSO hydrogels reduces CYP-induced bladder toxicity and this work provides a new strategy for the prevention and early treatment of HC.

Protective effects of asperuloside against cyclophosphamide-induced urotoxicity and hematotoxicity in rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a highly efficacious chemotherapy drug for treating cancers and autoimmune disorders, but it is also notable for its deleterious side effects including urotoxicity in cancer patients, which has been extensively linked to CP-induced oxidative/inflammatory cascades. Herein, we investigated the protective effects of asperuloside (ASP) against CP-induced urotoxicity. Rats received oral administration of ASP (20 and 40 mg/kg bw/day) for 35 days and were injected with weekly CP (100 mg/kg bw, i.p.) for 4 weeks to induce acute bladder toxicity. CP acutely altered haematological parameters and significantly reduced body weight gain, bladder glutathione peroxidase, reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities. Furthermore, CP caused an upward surge in bladder malondialdehyde, nuclear factor-kappa B, tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and interleukin 6 concentrations. ASP supplementation ameliorated CP-induced haematological derangement and bladder urotoxicity through the restoration of oxidative and inflammatory parameters in CP-treated rats. These findings suggested that ASP could be valorised as a possible therapeutic agent against chemotherapy-related toxicities as well as oxidative damage disorders.

Protective effects of hydrogen sulfide pretreatment on cyclophosphamide-induced bladder dysfunction in rats via suppression of bladder afferent nerves

Cyclophosphamide (CYP), a broad-spectrum anticancer drug, causes serious side effects, such as haemorrhagic cystitis (HC). Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), an endogenous gasotransmitter, has physiological properties, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, and neuromodulation. In this study, we investigated the effects of NaHS (H₂S donor) pretreatment on bladder dysfunction in CYP-treated rats. Male Wistar rats were intraperitoneally pretreated with NaHS (3 or 10 μmol/kg) or vehicle once daily for 7 days before cystometry, and CYP (150 mg/kg) or saline was intraperitoneally administered 2 days before cystometry. After cystometry, the bladder tissues were collected for haematoxylin and eosin staining. In some rats, capsaicin (CAP), which can desensitise CAP-sensitive afferent nerves, was subcutaneously injected at 125 mg/kg 4 days before cystometry. CYP reduced intercontraction intervals (ICI) and bladder compliance (Comp) and increased the number of non-voiding contractions (NVCs) compared with the saline-treated control group. NaHS pretreatment dose-dependently improved the CYP-induced these changes. In bladder tissues, CYP increased histological scores of neutrophil infiltration, haemorrhage, and oedema, while NaHS had no effect on these CYP-induced changes. CAP showed a tendency to suppress CYP-induced changes in ICI. NaHS-induced improvement in CYP-induced changes in urodynamic parameters were not detected in CAP-treated rats. These findings suggest that NaHS pretreatment prevented bladder dysfunction in CYP-treated rats by suppressing CAP-sensitive bladder afferent nerves, but not by suppressing bladder inflammation. Therefore, H₂S represents a new candidate as a protective drug for bladder dysfunction induced by HC, a side effect of CYP chemotherapy.

Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin Exhibits Antioxidant Mechanism for Abrogation of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiac Damage and Oxidative Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a potent DNA-interactive anticancer drug; however, its clinical drawbacks are chiefly associated with induction of oxidative multi-organ toxicity. Sitagliptin (STG) is an antidiabetic dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor drug with antioxidant efficacy. Herein, we have explored whether STG could abrogate the CYP-induced oxidative stress-mediated cardiac and hepatorenal toxicities in male rats. Sitagliptin (20 mg/kg, o.p) was administered to rats for 5 consecutive days against organ toxicities induced by CYP (200 mg/kg, i.p) on day 5 only. CYP induced marked injuries in the liver, kidney and heart underscored by prominent increases in serum activities of ALT, AST, LDH, creatine kinase and levels of urea, uric acid and creatinine, while albumin level significantly decreased compared to normal control rats. Further, CYP considerably reduced the activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, and levels of GSH, whereas MDA level increased significantly in comparison to control rats. These biochemical alterations were confirmed by multiple histopathological lesions in the tissues. Interestingly, the STG pretreatment abrogated the biochemical and histopathological changes induced by CYP. These results provide first evidence that repurposing STG may protect the liver, kidney and heart from the oxidative deterioration associated with CYP chemotherapy.

Protective Effects of Shorea roxburghii Phenolic Extract on Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide: Impact on Oxidative Stress, Biochemical and Histopathological Alterations

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is one of the most commonly used alkylating agents for the treatment of various cancers; however, CTX-induced nephrotoxicity is one of the most prevailing side effects of the drug. Shorea roxburghii is a plant with diverse bioactivities including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects. This study investigated the nephroprotective effect of Shorea roxburghii phenolic extract (SRPF) against CTX-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The rats were treated with SRPF (100 and 400 mg/kg) for 5 weeks and were concomitantly administered with CTX. The results indicated that treatment with SRPF significantly decreased serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), uric acid as well as renal MDA, IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-kB and caspase-3 levels. Furthermore, SRPF augmented the activities of renal SOD, CAT, GSH and GPx. SRPF also improved renal histopathological damages caused by CTX administration. In conclusion, these results suggested that SRPF showed substantial protective effects against CTX-mediated renal toxicity via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Trimetazidine attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis by inhibiting TLR4-mediated NFκB signaling in mice

AIM

Cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced cystitis is a challenging clinical problem involving inflammation and dysfunction of bladder. Trimetazidine (TMZ) is an anti-anginal drug with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. We aimed to investigate the protective effects of TMZ in CP-induced cystitis via inhibiting TLR4/NFκB signaling.

MAIN METHODS

Balb/c mice were administrated TMZ (10 or 20 mg/kg/day) intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 5 consecutive days before CP. On day 6, cystitis was induced by a single dose of CP (300 mg/kg, i.p.). Mesna (2-mercaptoethane sulfonate sodium; 30 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 20 min before and at 4 and 8 h after the CP injection. After 24 h of cystitis induction, the bladders were removed for histopathological evaluation, contractility studies, biochemical analysis and western blotting. MTT assay was performed in a cancer cell line (MDA-MB-231) to evaluate the effect of TMZ on the cytotoxicity of CP.

KEY FINDINGS

CP-induced severe cystitis was confirmed by histological disturbances and the decrease in carbachol-evoked contractions of detrusor strips, which was partially improved by TMZ (20 mg/kg/day). SOD activity and GSH content were decreased whereas TNF-α and IL-1β levels were increased in the bladders of CP-treated mice, which were restored by TMZ or mesna. TMZ reduced the CP-induced increase in the protein expressions of caspase-3, TLR4 and phosphorylated-NFκB in bladder tissues. TMZ alone decreased the cell viability and TMZ also enhanced the cytotoxicity of CP.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study provides the first preclinical evidence that TMZ attenuates CP-induced urotoxicity by enhancing anti-oxidant capacity and suppressing inflammation possibly via downregulating TLR4-mediated NFκB signaling while augmenting the cytotoxicity of CP.

Antioxidant and Anti-inflammatory Properties Mediate the Neuroprotective Effects of Hydro-ethanolic Extract of Tiliacora triandra Against Cisplatin-induced Neurotoxicity

Background

Cisplatin (CDDP) is an efficacious anticancer agent used widely in chemotherapy despite its severe side effect related to neurotoxicity. Redox imbalance and inflammatory mechanism have been implicated in the pathophysiology of CDDP-induced neurotoxicity. Herein, we investigated whether Tiliacora triandra (TT) extract could inhibit  CDDP-induced redox-mediated neurotoxicity and behavioural deficit in rats.

Materials and Methods

CDDP-induced redox-mediated neurotoxicity and behavioral deficit in rats. Rats were administered TT for five consecutive weeks (250 and 500 mg/kg bw), while weekly i.p. injection of CDDP commenced on the second week (2.5 mg/kg bw) of the TT administration.

Results

CCDDP caused significant body weight reduction and cognitive diminution as revealed by Morris water maze and Y maze tests. In the CDDP-induced cognitive impairment (CICI) rats, there were remarkable increases in the brain levels of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β and malondialdehyde (MDA), whereas catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities considerably decreased compared to normal control. The brain acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity in CDDP control rats was significantly increased compared to the normal control. The expression of caspase-3 and p53 proteins was upregulated by CDDP injection, whereas Bcl2 was downregulated coupled with histopathological alterations in the rat brain. Interestingly, treatment with TT significantly abated neurobehavioral deficits, MDA and cytokine levels and restored CAT, GPx, GSH, SOD, and AChE activities compared to the CDDP control rats. Caspase-3 level as well as Bcl2 and p53 expressions were modulated with alleviated changes in histopathology.

Conclusion

The findings highlight neuroprotective and cognitive function improvement efficacy of TT against CICI via redox-inflammatory balance and antiapoptotic mechanism in rats.

Polyphenol-rich extract of Ocimum gratissimum leaves prevented toxic effects of cyclophosphamide on the kidney function of Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is one of the potent and low cost chemotherapy used in clinical setting against a variety of tumors. However, its association with nephrotoxicity limits its therapeutic use. Ocimum gratissimum leaf is a medicinal plant with numerous pharmacological and therapeutic efficacies, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptotic properties.

METHODS

The present study was designed to evaluate the protective effect of Ocimum gratissimum (OG) against CP-induced kidney dysfunction in rats. Rats were pre-treated with 400 mg/kg b.w. of leave extract of Ocimum gratissimum (Ocimum G.) for 4 days and then 50 mg/kg b.w. of CP was co-administered from day 5 to day 7 along with Ocimum G. Markers of renal function and oxidative stress, food and water intake, electrolytes, aldosterone, leukocytes infiltration, inflammation and histopathological alteration were evaluated.

RESULTS

Obvious renal inflammation and kidney injuries were observed in CP treated groups. However, administration of leave extract of Ocimum G. prevented oxidative stress, kidney injuries, attenuated inflammation, increased aldosterone production and reduced sodium ion and water loss in rats. The plasma creatinine, urea and urine albumin concentration were normalized after the administration of Ocimum G. extract in rats treated with CP. Ocimum G. also decreased the plasma concentrations of Interleukin-(IL)-6, C-reactive protein and activity of myeloperoxidase and malondialdehyde in CP treated rats.

CONCLUSION

Ocimum G. prevented kidney injury and enhanced renal function via inhibiting inflammation and oxidant-induced CP toxicity. The efficacy of Ocimum G. is related to the presence of various phytochemicals in the plant.

Intravesical CD74 and CXCR4, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) receptors, mediate bladder pain

Background

Activation of intravesical protease activated receptor 4 (PAR4) leads to release of urothelial macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). MIF then binds to urothelial MIF receptors to release urothelial high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1) and elicit bladder hyperalgesia. Since MIF binds to multiple receptors, we investigated the contribution of individual urothelial MIF receptors to PAR4-induced HMGB1 release in vivo and in vitro and bladder pain in vivo.

Methodology/Principal findings

We tested the effect of intravesical pre-treatment with individual MIF or MIF receptor (CD74, CXCR4, CXCR2) antagonists on PAR4-induced HMGB1 release in vivo (female C57/BL6 mice) and in vitro (primary human urothelial cells) and on PAR4-induced bladder hyperalgesia in vivo (mice). In mice, PAR4 induced HMGB1 release and bladder hyperalgesia through activation of intravesical MIF receptors, CD74 and CXCR4. CXCR2 was not involved in these effects. In primary urothelial cells, PAR4-induced HMGB1 release through activation of CD74 receptors. Micturition parameters in mice were not changed by any of the treatments.

Conclusions/Significance

Urothelial MIF receptors CD74 and CXCR4 mediate bladder pain through release of urothelial HMGB1. This mechanism may set up persistent pain loops in the bladder and warrants further investigation. Urothelial CD74 and CXCR4 may provide novel targets for interrupting bladder pain.

Antinociceptive, Anti-Hyperalgesia and Antiallodynic Activities of Polyphenol Rich Extract from Shorea roxburghii against Cyclophosphamide Induced Peripheral Neuropathy

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a widely used antineoplastic and immunosuppressive drug, however, despite its efficacy, it has shown extensive multiple organ toxicities, including peripheral neuropathy which significantly affects the quality of life of cancer patients. This study elucidated the protective properties of Shorea roxburghii polyphenol extract (SLPE) in CYP-induced peripheral neuropathy. Rats were treated with SLPE (100 and 400 mg/kg) for five weeks plus CYP once a week from the second week of SLPE treatment. Using UHPLC-QTOF-MS, 54 polyphenolic compounds were identified in SLPE extract. After the treatment period the antinociceptive, anti-hyperalgesia and antiallodynic effects was evaluated using formalin paw edema, acetic acid abdominal writhing, hot plate, tail immersion and von Frey filament tests. While the locomotive and motor coordination effects were evaluated by open field and rotarod tests. The administration of CYP led to significant increases in mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, in addition to hyper-nociceptive responses in the formalin and acetic acid writhing tests. CYP also significantly reduced locomotive activity and motor coordination. SLPE significantly protected against CYP-induced mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia. Furthermore, SLPE displayed robust antinociceptive effect by counteracting formalin and acetic acid induced hyper-nociception. In addition, SLPE increased the locomotive activity as well as the grip and motor coordination of the CYP treated rats. In conclusion, these results revealed the protective effects of SLPE against CYP-induced peripheral neuropathy and could be an effective therapeutic remedy for chemotherapy induced peripheral neuropathy.

Antidiabetic and Nephroprotective Effects of Polysaccharide Extract from the Seaweed Caulerpa racemosa in High Fructose-Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Nephropathy

BACKGROUND

Nephropathy is a frontline complication of diabetes mellitus (DM) associated with impaired redox-inflammatory networks. The study investigated the antidiabetic and nephroprotective potentials of PCR against diabetic nephropathy (DN) in rats.

METHODS

DN was induced in rats using a combination of a high fructose solution for 4 weeks and an intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Diabetic rats were treated with PCR (100 and 400 mg/kg body weight) for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters as well as renal oxidative stress parameters, proinflammatory cytokines, Western blot and histopathological analyses were evaluated.

RESULTS

There were significant increases in fasting blood glucose, urinary albumin, serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), and low-density lipoproteins (LDL-C) levels in diabetic rats compared to the non-diabetic control rats. DM-induced DN prominently depressed renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities, whereas renal malondialdehyde (MDA) level was markedly increased. Furthermore, renal inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β, were considerably elevated compared to non-diabetic control rats. Additionally, DN rats showed a significant increase in renal fibrosis, as evidenced by increased expression of TGF-β1, collagen-1, fibronectin and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the kidneys. Histopathological lesions were consistent with tubule thickening and glomerular hypertrophy. Conversely, PCR treatment exerted significant attenuation of hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia and renal oxidative stress indicators. The increased renal levels of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and TGF-β were also notably reversed dose-dependently with alleviation of nephropathic histology. Furthermore, PCR reduced the expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, collagen-1 and TGF-β1 in the renal tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that PCR displayed antidiabetic and nephroprotective effects against DN by impeding oxidative stress and inflammation. As such, PCR has potentials as a food supplement for alleviating renal dysfunction caused by diabetes.