Protective effect of some plant oils on diazinon induced hepatorenal toxicity in male rats

The Novel Nephroprotective Activity of Flaxseed Oil on Diazinon-induced Kidney Damage in Male Rats

In male rats, the flaxseed oil (FS-oil) modulatory properties were investigated on diazinon (DZN)-induced nephrotoxicity. Adult male Wistar rats were divided randomly into five groups. To induce nephrotoxicity, animals received DZN (70 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Also, treatment groups received FS-oil (100 and 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.). The animal treatment was 28 consecutive days. On the 29th day, serum and kidney tissue samples were removed and serum levels of the creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT), were measured. Also, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was applied for histological studies. DZN significantly increased the BUN, creatinine, and MDA levels compared to the control group. Besides, DZN significantly decreased the GPx and CAT activity in the kidney tissue. However, the modulatory effects of FS-oil were observed by improving renal enzyme factors, inhibiting oxidative stress, and histological change. This study demonstrated that FS-oil ameliorated DZN-induced nephrotoxicity and can be used as a preventive agent against DZN toxicity because of the FS-oil antioxidant characteristics.

Alleviation of carbendazim toxicity effect by Moringa oleifera oil and Linum usitatissimum L. oil on testes of male rats: Physiological, histological and in silico study

Carbendazim (CBZ) is a widely used fungicide that is used to control the unwanted growth of fungi on fruits and vegetables. Sixty male rats were divided into six groups, each having ten. Group one served as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to CBZ in the measure of 200 mg/kg body weight (BW). In the third and fourth groups, rats were administered 800 mg/kg BW of Moringa oleifera (moringa oil) and Linum usitatissimum L. (flaxseed oil), plus CBZ with the same dose given to group two. Groups five and six were administered with moringa and flaxseed oils respectively for six weeks. A marked decline was seen in oxidative stress markers, reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and a rise in malondialdehyde (MDA) level in group two with severe histological disruptions. Moringa oil and flaxseed oil were used to alleviate these changes. In addition, a biocomputational molecular docking analysis of three proteins found in male rats was performed. In relation to CBZ (CID:10584007) the screened proteins namely testis-expressed protein (TX101_RAT), EPPI_RAT, and glutathione peroxidase 5 (GPX5_RAT) were docked, and their docking score were obtained (-5.9 kcal/mol), (-5.8 kcal/mol) and (-5.6 kcal/mol) respectively. By examining these interactions in 2D and 3D structures, a detailed understanding of the unique and specific binding affinity, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, ionic bonds, and water bonds were obtained. Structure-based virtual screening (SBVS) molecular docking analysis showed that protein interaction with CBZ causes reproductive complications in protein expression and functions by hampering their normal function and blocking active sites.

The hepato- and neuroprotective effect of gold Casuarina equisetifolia bark nano-extract against Chlorpyrifos-induced toxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

The bark of Casuarina equisetifolia contains several active phytoconstituents that are suitable for the biosynthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs). These nanoparticles were subsequently evaluated for their effectiveness in reducing the toxicity induced by Chlorpyrifos (CPF) in rats.

RESULTS

Various hematological and biochemical measurements were conducted in this study. In addition, markers of oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions quantified in liver and brain tissues were evaluated. Histopathological examinations were performed on both liver and brain tissues. Furthermore, the native electrophoretic protein and isoenzyme patterns were analyzed, and the relative expression levels of apoptotic genes in these tissues were determined. The hematological and biochemical parameters were found to be severely altered in the group injected with CPF. However, the administration of Au-C. equisetifolia nano-extract normalized these levels in all treated groups. The antioxidant system markers showed a significant decrease (P ≤ 0.05) in conjunction with elevated levels of inflammatory and fibrotic markers in both liver and brain tissues of the CPF-injected group. In comparison, the pre-treated group exhibited a reduction in these markers when treated with the nano-extract, as opposed to the CPF-injected group. Additionally, the nano-extract mitigated the severity of histopathological lesions induced by CPF in both liver and brain tissues, with a higher ameliorative effect observed in the pre-treated group. Electrophoretic assays conducted on liver and brain tissues revealed that the nano-extract prevented the qualitative changes induced by CPF in the pre-treated group. Furthermore, the molecular assay demonstrated a significant increase in the relative expression of apoptotic genes in the CPF-injected rats. Although the nano-extract ameliorated the relative expression of these genes compared to the CPF-injected group, it was unable to restore their values to normal levels.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrated that the nano-extract effectively reduced the toxicity induced by CPF in rats at hematological, biochemical, histopathological, physiological, and molecular levels, in the group pre-treated with the nano-extract.

Protective effects of Biebersteinia multifida on sub-chronic toxicity of DZN in male Wistar rats: biochemical, hematological, and oxidative stress indices

The protective effect of Biebersteinia Multifida on diazinon-induced toxicity in male Wistar rats was investigated over 8 weeks. Impacts of diazinon (10 mg/kg daily), Biebersteinia Multifida (500 mg/kg daily), and coadministration of them on oxidative stress parameters besides hematological and biochemical indices were assessed in various groups. The gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis was performed to identify the antioxidant components of plant extract by comparing the mass spectra and retention indices with those given in the literature. Pseudocholinesterase level demonstrated a significant attenuation in the Biebersteinia Multifida+diazinon-treated group in comparison to the diazinon group at the end of the 8th week. Statistical significant differences in hematological and biochemical indices were detectable when the diazinon group was compared to Biebersteinia Multifida+diazinon-treated rats. While diazinon destroyed hepatic and renal functions, Biebersteinia Multifida protected the liver and kidney from diazinon toxic effects by normalizing related function indices at the end of the 8th week. By diminishing malondialdehyde and enhancing the ferric-reducing power, Biebersteinia Multifida minimized the hazardous effect of diazinon-induced oxidative stress. Following these results, the beneficial effects of Biebersteinia Multifida in reducing the toxicity of diazinon should be taken into consideration.

Evaluating Silymarin Extract as a Potent Antioxidant Supplement in Diazinon-Exposed Rainbow Trout: Oxidative Stress and Biochemical Parameter Analysis

This study aimed to investigate the effects of diazinon on fish, focusing on hepatotoxic biomarkers and the potential protective effects of silymarin supplementation. One hundred eighty rainbow trout were randomly assigned to four groups: control, diazinon exposed (0.1 mg L-1), silymarin supplemented (400 mg kg-1), and diazinon + silymarin. Blood samples and liver tissue were collected after 7, 14, and 21 days of exposure to analyze biochemical parameters and oxidative biomarkers. Diazinon exposure in fish resulted in liver damage, as indicated by increased antioxidant enzyme activities in the hepatocytes. Silymarin showed the potential to mitigate this damage by reducing oxidative stress and restoring enzyme activities. Nevertheless, diazinon increased creatine phosphokinase activity, which may not be normalized by silymarin. Exposure to diazinon increased glucose, triglyceride, and cholesterol levels, whereas total protein, albumin, and globulin levels were significantly decreased in fish. However, silymarin controlled and maintained these levels within the normal range. Diazinon increased creatinine, urea, uric acid, and ammonia contents. Silymarin could regulate creatinine, urea, and uric acid levels while having limited effectiveness on ammonia excretion. Furthermore, diazinon increased malondialdehyde in hepatocytes, whereas administration of silymarin could restore normal malondialdehyde levels. Overall, silymarin showed potential as a therapeutic treatment for mitigating oxidative damage induced by diazinon in fish, but its effectiveness on creatine phosphokinase, glutathione reductase, and ammonia may be limited.

Role of biotransformation in the diazinon-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and antioxidant protection by tetrahydrocurcumin

Diazinon (DZN) is an insecticide extensively used to control pests in crops and animals. However, its indicriminated use may lead to liver damage in animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of DZN (25-150 µM) on human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells after 24 and 48 h of exposure and the role of its biotransformation on the toxicological potential. We also tested the protective effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an antioxidant agent, in the DZN-induced citotoxicity. DZN caused cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cells, inhibiting cell proliferation and reducing cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pre-incubation of HepG2 cells with chemical inducers of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital resulted in a further decrease of cell viability associated with DZN exposure. In addition, the metabolite diazoxon was more toxic than DZN. Our results also revealed that THC alleviated DZN-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the involvement of biotransformation in the mechanisms of DZN-induced cytotoxicity and suggest that amelioration of RONS accumulation might be involved in the protective effect of THC on DZN-induced liver injury.

Metabolite Profiling and Biological Activity Assessment of Casuarina equisetifolia Bark after Incorporating Gold Nanoparticles

OBJECTIVE

Casuarina equisetifolia bark is rich in various active metabolites and selected to be studied due to limitation of the synthetic antioxidants that have adverse side effects. The present study aimed to enhance efficiency of the most effective extract by incorporating gold nanoparticles (Au-NPs).

METHODS

The phytochemical and biological measurements were carried out in total methanolic extract and its successive fractions. Moreover, these measurements were assayed in the most effective extract after incorporating Au-NPs.

RESULTS

The study revealed that total methanolic extract exhibited the highest biological and cytotoxic activities as compared to other fractions. Therefore, it is considered as good candidate for nano-extract preparation. The methanolic extract incorporated with Au-NPs showed higher antioxidant, scavenging and cytotoxic activities in addition to higher inhibitory effect against α-amylase activity as compared to native extract itself. To pinpoint active agents in total methanolic extract, the secondary metabolite profiling via HPLC-MS showed that 33 and 17 metabolites were annotated in the extract before and after incorporating Au-NPs, respectively. The median lethal dose (LD50) showed that gold total methanolic nano-extract is safer than total methanolic extract.

CONCLUSION

This study concluded that total methanolic C. equisetifolia bark extract is a valuable bioresource to synthesize an eco-friendly Au-NPs with health-enhancing effect as antioxidant, antidiabetic and cytotoxic agents. The present study is considered as the first report on utilization of C. equisetifolia bark in synthesis of Au-NPs by mean of green nanotechnology and investigation of its biological activity in relation to its metabolite fingerprint.

Predominance of Antioxidants in Some Edible Plant Oils in Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Testicular Toxicity Induced by Malathion

Malathion (MAL) is an insecticide that has been linked to reproductive system damage in both humans and animals. In the present investigation, the antitoxic effects of coffee and olive oils on MAL-induced testicular dysfunctions were evaluated. MAL-intoxicated rats were supplemented with coffee and olive oils (400 mg/kg) for 7 weeks. Exposure to MAL resulted in statistically altered antioxidant enzymes and histopathological findings of necrotic seminiferous tubules and spermatogenetic arrest in rats after seven weeks of treatment. The effects of MAL intoxication on physiological and histopathological changes were improved by the use of these oils. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) was found to interact well with chlorogenic acid and oleuropein, two compounds from coffee and olive oils, respectively. Coffee oil and olive oil were found to be promising therapeutic agents for MAL-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative damage.

The protective effect of carvacrol on acetaminophen-induced renal damage in male rats

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen overdose causes renal injury via oxidative stress and apoptosis induction. Carvacrol has several pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammation and anti-apoptotic effect. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effect of carvacrol on acetaminophen-induced renal damage in rats.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly divided to five groups (n = 8) including control, carvacrol 10 mg/kg, acetaminophen, acetaminophen + carvacrol 5 mg/kg, and acetaminophen + carvacrol 10 mg/kg. Animals received a single dose of acetaminophen (500 mg/kg), then were treated with carvacrol for 1 week (daily). Afterwards, renal blood flow (RBF), mean arterial pressure, renal perfusion pressure, renal vascular resistance (RVR), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine were measured. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity levels were measured in the kidney tissue. Hematoxylin and eosin method was used for histological assessment. The Western blotting analysis was used to determine the Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase-3 proteins expression level in the kidney tissue. Carvacrol (10 mg/kg) significantly increased the RBF, GPx and SOD activities and also reduced the RVR, serum creatinine, BUN, and MDA in the acetaminophen + carvacrol 10 mg/kg group versus acetaminophen group (P < 0.05). Also, carvacrol significantly decreased the cleaved caspase-3, Bax proteins expression level, and kidney tissue damage score in the acetaminophen + carvacrol 10 mg/kg group versus acetaminophen group (P < 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

This study showed that carvacrol can attenuate the acetaminophen induced acute kidney damage via suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis biochemical factors.

In Vitro Antioxidant Activity of Litsea martabanica Root Extract and Its Hepatoprotective Effect on Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxicity in Rats

In Thailand, people in the highland communities whose occupational exposure to pesticides used the root of Litsea martabanica as a detoxifying agent. However, the scientific data to support the traditional use of this plant are insufficient. This study aimed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and anti-pesticide potential of L. martabanica root extract. Antioxidant properties were investigated by 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) assay, superoxide radicals scavenging assay, 2,2′-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS) assay, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), and total phenolic content determination. In all assays, L. martabanica extracts and their fractions exhibited high antioxidant activities differently. The water extract is traditionally used as a detoxifying agent. Therefore, it was chosen for in vivo experiments. The rats received the extract in a way that mimics the traditional methods of tribal communities followed by chlorpyrifos for 16 days. The results showed that acetylcholinesterase activity decreases in pesticide-exposed rats. Treatment with the extract caused increasing acetylcholinesterase activity in the rats. Therefore, L. martabanica extract may potentially be used as a detoxifying agent, especially for the chlorpyrifos pesticide. The antioxidant properties of L. martabanica may provide a beneficial effect by protecting liver cells from damage caused by free radicals. Histopathology results revealed no liver cell necrosis and showed the regeneration of liver cells in the treatment group. L. martabanica extract did not cause changes in behavior, liver weight, hematological and biochemical profiles of the rats.

Comparative immuno-modulatory effects of basil and sesame seed oils against diazinon-induced toxicity in rats; a focus on TNF-α immunolocalization

Diazinon (DZN), a common organophosphorus insecticide (OPI), has hazardous effect to human and animals with its ubiquitous use. Considering the implication of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the OPIs toxicity, the present study was aimed to evaluate the ameliorative properties of basil (BO) and sesame (SO) seed oils against the toxic effect of DZN. Forty adult male albino rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 10 rats/group); control, DZN (10 mg/kg b.w/day), DZN + BO (5 ml/kg b.w/day), and DZN + SO (8 ml/kg b.w/day) groups, treated for a period of 4 weeks. DZN-exposed animals showed significant elevation in serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) with a significant decline in testosterone level compared with control. On the other hand, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant decreases in ALT, AST, BUN, and Cr with a significant increase in testosterone level when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Oxidative/antioxidant indices revealed significant increases of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels along with significant decreases of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), and catalase (CAT) activities among DZN-treated rats compared with control. Distinctly lower levels of MDA and increased activities of SOD, Gpx, and CAT were evident in both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups when compared with DZN-exposed animals. Inflammatory and immuno-modulatory markers assessment showed a significant increase in TNF-α with a significant decline in IL-10 level in DZN group; meanwhile, both DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups revealed significant declines in levels of TNF-α with significant increases in IL-10. Corresponds immunohistochemistry, the total scores (TS) of TNF-α immunostainings in hepatorenal, testicular, and epididymal tissues of control, DZN + BO and DZN + SO groups were significantly lower than those values of DZN group. Additionally, the examined tissues of DZN + BO group revealed significant lower TS of TNF-α immunostaining compared with DZN + SO group. The overall data suggested that both BO and SO can be efficiently used as preventive herbal compounds against DZN-induced oxidative stress with special reference to their possible antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and free radical activities. However, BO has more potent protective effect against DZN-induced tissue injury at both immunohistochemical and molecular levels.

Protective effect of Catharanthus roseus plant extracts against endosulfan and its isomers induced impacts on non-targeted insect model, Drosophila melanogaster and live brain cell imaging

Endosulfan has been recognized as a highly controversial pesticide due to its acute toxicity, potential bioaccumulation, persistency, and long-range atmospheric transport. Several plant extracts act as antioxidant agents against wide-range of pesticide toxicity hazards through the free radicals scavenging properties. Plants' secondary metabolites are considered as efficient protective agents against various cellular toxic injuries. Understanding these properties of botanicals, several researchers currently focused on the detoxification and ameliorative potency of plant extracts against highly toxic chemicals. In our studies, we focused on the endosulfan total and its isomers (alpha and beta) induced changes on Drosophila melanogaster and their ameliorative effects by co-administrated with methanolic and aqueous extracts of Catharanthus roseus whole plant. We selected the 1/5th EC₅₀ concentration of alpha-endosulfan, beta-endosulfan, and endosulfan (total) and co-administrated with 1/50th EC₅₀ concentration of aqueous and methanolic extracts and evaluated their ameliorative effects, in terms of verifying the life stage activities, protein profiling and also by using live brain cells imaging. We finally concluded that, the methanolic and aqueous extracts inhibit the toxic impacts caused by endosulfan and its isomers and also increasing the survival rate of the test organism.

The protective role of alpha-lipoic acid on the appearance of fibronectin and laminin in renal tubules following diazinon exposure: An experimental immunohistochemical study

Extracellular matrix (ECM) exerts a major role in maintaining the structure and developmental processes of tissues. To form the tubular basement membrane in the kidney, sulfate proteoglycans, collagen, laminin, fibronectin, and other glycoproteins congregate in the ECM. As an insecticide, diazinon (DZN) may alter the proportion of ECM by cholinesterase activity inhibition and oxidative stress. The naturally, alpha-lipoic acid (ALA) plays an effective and therapeutic role in the treatment of toxicities and diseases in the body. In the current study, an attempt was made to evaluate the impacts of alpha-lipoic acid on the distribution of fibronectin and laminin in the renal tubules of male Wistar rats following exposure to diazinon. In this study, the animal groups comprised 30 adult male Wistar rats (almost three months old) randomly distributed into the following groups; control, DZN (40 mg/kg), DZN + ALA (40 mg/kg+100 mg/kg), ALA (100 mg/kg), and sham. The rats were anesthetized after six weeks. Blood sampling was performed, and kidneys were removed for immunohistochemistry study. Diazinon reduced the distribution of fibronectin and laminin and significantly inhibited cholinesterase activity in the renal tubules. Furthermore, urea and creatinine levels were higher in diazinon than in other groups. ALA in the co-treatment group enhanced cholinesterase activity and distribution of both glycoproteins in the renal tubules. Urea and creatinine levels were meaningfully diminished in the DZN + ALA group. The nephrotoxic effect of diazinon in vivo was the reduced distribution of laminin and fibronectin, probably induced by cholinesterase activity inhibition. As an antioxidant with specific properties, ALA reduces the nephrotoxic effects of diazinon by multifarious mechanisms.

Chemical characterization and antibacterial efficacy of Saudi sesame oil against human pathogenic bacteria

Bacterial infection and its resistance is a major health issue that affects millions of people throughout the world. There is always a need to search forth new and safest drug from natural resources to fight these challenges. Sesame seed essential oil is a rich source of protein with high medicinal value since the ancient time peoples are using for several remedies in Saudi Arabia.Therefore, the current study is aimed to discover the potential activity of the locally available sesame oil for antibacterial action based on ethnobotanical knowledge and traditional utilization as a therapeutic agent to treat several kinds of health problem in Saudi culture. Gas chromatography / mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis of sesame essential oil extracted from locally available sesame seeds represented 39 different chemical compounds. Sesamin and sesamol were the principal components alongwith fatty acids and triglycerides. Results indicated that the locally available sesame oil was found rich in sesamin contents (24.45%). The spectrum of antibacterial effect of sesame seed essential oil was exhibited significantly against Escherichia coli followed by Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pyogenes, Klebsiella pneumoniae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa respectively. The results indicate that sesame oil was found most effective against three bacteria i.e. E. coli, S. aureus and S. pyogenes.

A survey of the secondary exposure to organophosphate and organochlorine pesticides and the impact of preventive factors in female villagers

Organophosphates (OPs) and organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) are two main types of pesticides that are widely used worldwide, and their toxicities have been reported in high-risk individuals, such as farmers and their wives. The aim of this study was to evaluate the levels of mentioned pesticides in farmers' wives (FWs) and compare them with the control group; we also aimed to assess the effect of personal health factors on the biochemical parameters. This case-control study was conducted on two FWs and control groups, consisting of 124 and 62 individuals, respectively. Serum levels of OCPs were measured using gas chromatography (GC) method. In addition, the activity of acetylcholine esterase (AChE), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serum levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated in all participants. Additionally, the observance of personal health guidelines was assessed. Serum levels of OCPs in the FWs group were significantly higher than the controls. In addition, AChE activity in FWs was significantly lower than the controls. Moreover, it was found that higher levels of education lead to a better observation of most individual health guidelines, which results in reducing the biological adverse effects of pesticides. The results of this study indicated that the use of OCPs, as an illegal pesticide with known toxic and carcinogenic effects, has spread to southern Iran, which may have biological toxic effects. Also, observing the personal health points significantly reduced these complications and it is, therefore, recommended that more attention should be paid to this issue.

The effects of abamectin on oxidative stress and gene expression in rat liver and brain tissues: Modulation by sesame oil and ascorbic acid

The present work was designed to assess the modulatory effects of sesame oil (SO) and ascorbic acid (AA) on abamectin (ABM)-induced oxidative stress and altered gene expression of hepatic cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP-2E1), p38 MAPK, and caspase-3 and cerebral P-glycoprotein (Abcb1a receptor). Male rats were distributed into five groups (6 rats/group), receiving distilled water, ABM 2 mg/kg bwt 1/5 LD₅₀ orally for 5 days, ABM + AA 100 mg/kg bwt orally, ABM + SO 5 ml/kg bwt orally, or ABM + SO + AA at the aforementioned doses. Nineteen compounds were identified in the SO sample by GC-MS analysis, including tetradecane,2,6,10-trimethyl, octadecane, 1-hexadecanol,2-methyl, and octadecane,6-methyl. Abamectin significantly upregulated the hepatic CYP-2E1 expression with excess generation of oxidative radicals, as evident by the significant depletion of reduced glutathione and elevation of malondialdehyde concentration (p ≤ 0.05) in rat liver and brain tissues. Further, ABM significantly increased TNF-α concentration, the expression of caspase-3 and p38 MAPK in the liver, as well as p-glycoprotein and GABA-A receptor in the brain. These results were in line with the observed histopathological changes. Sesame oil and/or AA supplementation alleviated ABM-induced cell damage by modulating all tested parameters. In conclusion, ABM induces oxidative stress and increases the expression of CYP-2E1, caspase-3, and p38 MAPK in the liver, as well as P-gp and GABA-A receptor in the brain. These effects could be ameliorated by SO and AA, alone and in combination, probably due to their anti-oxidant, anti-apoptotic, and gene-regulating activities.

Modulatory effects of artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) leaf extract against oxidative stress and hepatic TNF-α gene expression in acute diazinon-induced liver injury in rats

Background Diazinon (DZN) causes serious liver damage in both humans and animals. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects of Cynara scolymus L. leaf extract against DZN-induced liver injury were examined. Methods Forty male rats were divided into five groups. The control group received a normal diet. The DZN group received DZN only (25 mg/kg, po). The DZN + Syl group received DZN (25 mg/kg, po) and silymarin (Syl) (50 mg/kg, po). The DZN + Art group received DZN (25 mg/kg, po) and artichoke (Art) leaf extract (1500 mg/kg, po). The Art group received Art leaf extract only (1500 mg/kg, po). After 15 days, serum tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lipid profile, protein carbonyl content, serum and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic TNF-α gene expression, hepatic catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and vitamin C (Vit C) were measured and histopathological examination was performed. Results DZN caused a significant elevation in serum ALP, AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, protein carbonyl, hepatic MDA, and TNF-α gene expression in the DZN group as opposed to the control group. Also, DZN led to the reduction of hepatic CAT, SOD, and Vit C in the DZN group relative to the control group. The administration of Art extract resulted in not only a significant reduction in serum ALP, AST, ALT, MDA, TNF-α, and protein carbonyl but also an improvement of liver histopathological changes and hepatic CAT and SOD activities as opposed to the DZN group. Conclusions This study confirmed that Art leaf extract has liver protective effects and causes downregulation of oxidative stress in acute DZN-induced liver injury in rats.

Nigella sativaand its Derivatives as Food Toxicity Protectant Agents

Exposure to food toxins generate multiple adverse health effects. Heavy metals, antibiotics residue, mycotoxins, pesticides and some food additives are examples of the most important food toxins. The common mechanism of toxicity and carcinogenicity effects of food toxins is the generation of oxidative stress that leads to DNA damages. Moreover, based on epidemiologic evidence unhealthy eating habits and food toxicities are associated with cancers occurrence. Therefore, application of bioactive food additives as harmless or safe components in food industry is expensive. Nigella sativa L. is a broadly used herb-drug for various diseases all over the world and has been used as preservative and food additive. Based on various studies N. sativa has shown various pharmacological activities including therapeutic efficacy against different human diseases and antioxidant anti-inflammatory effects against environmental toxins. N. sativa decreases the adverse health effects induced by mentioned food toxins via modulating the action of antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase catalase and act as reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavengers in different organs. Besides, N. sativa and thymoquinone (TQ) have protective effects on food products through removal and inhibition of various toxic compounds. Therefore, in the present review we will describe all protective effects of N. sativa and its main constituents, TQ, against food induced toxicities.

Protective effects of glycyrrhizin on sub-chronic diazinon-induced biochemical, hematological alterations and oxidative stress indices in male Wistar rats

The aim of this study was to elucidate the protective effect of glycyrrhizin on diazinon-induced changes in body and organ weights, blood hematology, lipid profile, biochemistry parameters and tissue markers of oxidative stress in male Wistar rats over a 7-week period. Rats were orally given sublethal dose of diazinon (10 mg/kg daily; 0.008 LD50), while glycyrrhizin (25 mg kg^-1 daily) was given alone or in combination with diazinon. At the end of 7th week, statistically significant decrease of pseudocholinesterase activity was detected when diazinon- and glycyrrhizin + diazinon-treated groups were compared to the control group. Diazinon treated rats showed weight loss and organ weight changes which were comparable to other groups. There was a statistically significance in hematological indices except mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH) when diazinon treated group was compared to glycyrrhizin + diazinon treated rats. Glycyrrhizin protected the liver and kidney from diazinon toxic effects with significantly decrease in serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase and lactate dehydrogenase activities as well as ameliorated hepatic and renal function indices (such as bilirubin, total protein, albumin, BUN, creatinine glucose). In addition, glycyrrhizin minimized the hazardous effect of diazinon on plasma lipids and lipoproteins. The protective effects of glycyrrhizin were confirmed by tissue markers of oxidative stress analysis as glycyrrhizin in combination diminished malondialdehyde and glycyrrhizin alone or in combination enhanced thiol group and the ferric reducing power. In accordance to these results, our observations demonstrated the beneficial effects of glycyrrhizin in reducing the toxicity of diazinon.

Protective effect of thymoquinone, the main component of Nigella Sativa, against diazinon cardio-toxicity in rats

Several studies have shown that oxidative stress and cell damage can occur at very early stages of diazinon (DZN) exposure. The present study was designed to determine the beneficial effect of thymoquinone (Thy), the main component of Nigella sativa (black seed or black cumin), against DZN cardio-toxicity in rats. In the present experimental study, 48 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control (corn oil gavages), DZN gavages (20 mg/kg/day), Thy gavages (10 mg/kg/day) and Thy + DVN gavages (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg/day). Treatments were continued for 28 days, then the animals were anesthetized by ether and superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), lactate dehydrogenize (LDH) and glutathione peroxide (GPX) activity was evaluated. In addition, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) the heart tissue and creatinephosphokinase-MB (CPK-MB) and troponin (TPI) levels and cholinesterase activity in the blood were evaluated. DZN-induced oxidative damage and elevated the levels of the cardiac markers CK-MB, TPI, MDA and LDH and decreased SOD, CAT and cholinesterase activity and GSH level compared with the control group. Treatment with Thy reduced DZN cardio-toxicity and cholinesterase activity. The success of Thy supplementation against DZN toxicity can be attributed to the antioxidant effects of its constituents. Administration of Thy as a natural antioxidant decreased DZN cardio-toxicity and improved cholinesterase activity in rats through the mechanism of free radical scavenging.