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Shafiey SI, Ahmed KA, Abo-Saif AA, Abo-Youssef AM, Mohamed WR. Galantamine mitigates testicular injury and disturbed spermatogenesis in adjuvant arthritic rats via modulating apoptosis, inflammatory signals, and IL-6/JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:405-418. [PMID: 37429998 PMCID: PMC10907493 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01268-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/17/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) affects the joints and the endocrine system via persistent immune system activation. RA patients have a higher frequency of testicular dysfunction, impotence, and decreased libido. This investigation aimed to evaluate the efficacy of galantamine (GAL) on testicular injury secondary to RA. Rats were allocated into four groups: control, GAL (2 mg/kg/day, p.o), CFA (0.3 mg/kg, s.c), and CFA + GAL. Testicular injury indicators, such as testosterone level, sperm count, and gonadosomatic index, were evaluated. Inflammatory indicators, such as interleukin-6 (IL-6), p-Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB p65), and anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 (IL-10), were assessed. Cleaved caspase-3 expression was immunohistochemically investigated. Protein expressions of Janus kinase (JAK), signal transducers and activators of transcription (STAT3), and Suppressors of Cytokine Signaling 3 (SOCS3) were examined by Western blot analysis. Results show that serum testosterone, sperm count, and gonadosomatic index were increased significantly by GAL. Additionally, GAL significantly diminished testicular IL-6 while improved IL-10 expression relative to CFA group. Furthermore, GAL attenuated testicular histopathological abnormalities by CFA and downregulated cleaved caspase-3 and NF-κB p65 expressions. It also downregulated JAK/STAT3 cascade with SOCS3 upregulation. In conclusion, GAL has potential protective effects on testicular damage secondary to RA via counteracting testicular inflammation, apoptosis, and inhibiting IL-6/JAK/STAT3/SOCS3 signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sara I Shafiey
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, 12211, Egypt
| | - Ali A Abo-Saif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt
| | - Amira M Abo-Youssef
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
| | - Wafaa R Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, 62514, Egypt.
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Galvão NA, Cordeiro F, Bernardi MM, Kirsten TB. Ivermectin prevents stress-induced testicular damage in juvenile rats. Tissue Cell 2024; 86:102292. [PMID: 38159533 DOI: 10.1016/j.tice.2023.102292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 12/13/2023] [Accepted: 12/16/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
Ivermectin is a popular antiparasitic drug used in veterinary and human medicine. Studies by our group have shown that therapeutic doses of ivermectin induce some brain and behavioral impairments, especially in the reproductive sphere. So far, the studies were focused in adulthood. Considering that juveniles are more susceptible to drugs during developmental stages and both farm/domestic animals and humans have been medicated with ivermectin in youth, it is necessary to evaluate the possible harm effects in youth. The stress variable is also important, as it potentially influences the effects produced by ivermectin. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate morphofunctional and hormonal reproductive aspects of juvenile rats exposed to ivermectin and/or stressed. Prepubertal male rats were treated with 0.2 or 1.0 mg/kg of ivermectin (a therapeutic dose and a higher dose, respectively). Rats were also submitted to a restraint stress session. The testis morphology and histology were analyzed and plasma testosterone levels were measured. The two doses of ivermectin did not induce a biologically relevant effect on testis and testosterone levels of rats. However, restraint stress impaired macroscopic and microscopic morphometric and stereological parameters, as well as the histology of the testis: it increased the relative testis weight, the tubular diameter, the tubular luminal diameter, and the tubular cellular index, and injured the interstitial area. Previous treatment of juvenile rats with ivermectin prevented most of the stress-induced testes injuries. In conclusion, in addition to be a remarkable antiparasitic agent, ivermectin prevented stress-induced testes injuries in juvenile rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nathalia A Galvão
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Flora Cordeiro
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Maria M Bernardi
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil
| | - Thiago B Kirsten
- Psychoneuroimmunology Laboratory, Program in Environmental and Experimental Pathology, Paulista University, São Paulo, Brazil.
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Lu CS, Wu CY, Wang YH, Hu QQ, Sun RY, Pan MJ, Lu XY, Zhu T, Luo S, Yang HJ, Wang D, Wang HW. The protective effects of icariin against testicular dysfunction in type 1 diabetic mice Via AMPK-mediated Nrf2 activation and NF-κB p65 inhibition. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155217. [PMID: 37992492 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155217] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/19/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/24/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Owing to the early suffering age and the rising incidence of type 1 diabetes (T1D), the resulting male reproductive dysfunction and fertility decline have become a disturbing reality worldwide, with no effective strategy being available. Icariin (ICA), a flavonoid extracted from Herba Epimedium, has been proved its promising application in improving diabetes-related complications including diabetic nephropathy, endothelial dysfunction and erectile dysfunction. Ensuring the future reproductive health of children and adolescents with T1D is crucial to improve global fertility. However, its roles in the treatment of T1D-induced testicular dysfunction and the potential mechanisms remain elusive. PURPOSE The purpose of this present study was to investigate whether ICA ameliorates T1D-induced testicular dysfunction as well as its potential mechanisms. METHODS T1D murine model was established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ with or without treated with ICA for eleven weeks. Morphological, pathological and serological experiments were used to determine the efficacy of ICA on male reproductive function of T1D mice. Western blotting, Immunohistochemistry analysis, qRT-PCR and kit determination were performed to investigated the underlying mechanisms. RESULTS We found that replenishment of ICA alleviated testicular damage, promoted testosterone production and spermatogenesis, ameliorated apoptosis and blood testis barrier impairment in streptozotocin-induced T1D mice. Functionally, ICA treatment triggered adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) activation, which in turn inhibited the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor kappa B p65 (NF-κB p65) to reduce inflammatory responses in the testis and activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2(Nrf2), thereby enhancing testicular antioxidant capacity. Further studies revealed that supplementation with the AMPK antagonist Compound C or depletion of Nrf2 weakened the beneficial effects of ICA on testicular dysfunction of T1D mice. CONCLUSION Collectively, these results demonstrate the feasibility of ICA in the treatment of T1D-induced testicular dysfunction, and reveal the important role of AMPK-mediated Nrf2 activation and NF-κB p65 inhibition in ICA-associated testicular protection during T1D.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao-Sheng Lu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Chen-Yu Wu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yi-Hong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Qing-Qing Hu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Rong-Yue Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Min-Jie Pan
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Xin-Yu Lu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; The First Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Ting Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Shuang Luo
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Treatment and Life Support for Critical Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Hong-Jing Yang
- Key Laboratory of Intelligent Treatment and Life Support for Critical Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Dan Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China; Key Laboratory of Intelligent Treatment and Life Support for Critical Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China.
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Mo P, Zhao Z, Ke X, Fan Y, Li C. Effects of clinical medications on male fertility and prospects for stem cell therapy. Front Cell Dev Biol 2023; 11:1258574. [PMID: 37791073 PMCID: PMC10543686 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2023.1258574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/07/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023] Open
Abstract
An increasing number of men require long-term drug therapy for various diseases. However, the effects of long-term drug therapy on male fertility are often not well evaluated in clinical practice. Meanwhile, the development of stem cell therapy and exosomes treatment methods may provide a new sight on treating male infertility. This article reviews the influence and mechanism of small molecule medications on male fertility, as well as progress of stem cell and exosomes therapy for male infertility with the purpose on providing suggestions (recommendations) for evaluating the effect of drugs on male fertility (both positive and negative effect on male fertility) in clinical application and providing strategies for diagnosis and treatment of male infertility.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Yong Fan
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
| | - Chaohui Li
- Key Laboratory for Major Obstetric Diseases of Guangdong Province, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Key Laboratory of Reproduction and Genetics of Guangdong Higher Education Institutes, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, China
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Arab HH, Fikry EM, Alsufyani SE, Ashour AM, El-Sheikh AAK, Darwish HW, Al-Hossaini AM, Saad MA, Al-Shorbagy MY, Eid AH. Stimulation of Autophagy by Dapagliflozin Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats: The Role of AMPK/mTOR and SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2023; 16:1006. [PMID: 37513918 PMCID: PMC10386496 DOI: 10.3390/ph16071006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2023] [Revised: 07/08/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant that triggers testicular dysfunction. Dapagliflozin is a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor with notable antioxidant and anti-apoptotic features. It has shown marked cardio-, reno-, hepato-, and neuroprotective effects. Yet, its effect on Cd-evoked testicular impairment has not been examined. Hence, the goal of the current study was to investigate the potential positive effect of dapagliflozin against Cd-induced testicular dysfunction in rats, with an emphasis on autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative insult. Dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg/day) was given by oral gavage, and testicular dysfunction, impaired spermatogenesis, and biomolecular events were studied via immunohistochemistry, histopathology, and ELISA. The current findings demonstrated that dapagliflozin improved relative testicular weight, serum testosterone, and sperm count/motility and reduced sperm abnormalities, signifying mitigation of testicular impairment and spermatogenesis disruption. Moreover, dapagliflozin attenuated Cd-induced histological abnormalities and preserved testicular structure. The testicular function recovery was prompted by stimulating the cytoprotective SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis, lowering the testicular oxidative changes, and augmenting cellular antioxidants. As regards apoptosis, dapagliflozin counteracted the apoptotic machinery by downregulating the pro-apoptotic signals together with Bcl-2 upregulation. Meanwhile, dapagliflozin reactivated the impaired autophagy, as seen by a lowered accumulation of SQSTM-1/p62 and Beclin 1 upregulation. In the same context, the testicular AMPK/mTOR pathway was stimulated as evidenced by the increased p-AMPK (Ser487)/total AMPK ratio alongside the lowered p-mTOR (Ser2448)/total mTOR ratio. Together, the favorable mitigation of Cd-induced testicular impairment/disrupted spermatogenesis was driven by the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and pro-autophagic actions of dapagliflozin. Thus, it could serve as a tool for the management of Cd-evoked testicular dysfunction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal Mohammad Fikry
- Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)-Formerly NODCAR, Giza 12654, Egypt
| | - Shuruq E Alsufyani
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 13578, Makkah 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azza A K El-Sheikh
- Basic Health Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hany W Darwish
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdullah M Al-Hossaini
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, King Saud University, P.O. Box 2457, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Muhammed A Saad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Muhammad Y Al-Shorbagy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Gulf Medical University, Ajman 4184, United Arab Emirates
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA)-Formerly NODCAR, Giza 12654, Egypt
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Ali MIM, Imbaby S, Arafat HEK, Maher SA, Kolieb E, Ali SM. Cardioprotective and renoprotective effects of venlafaxine on cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in rats. Life Sci 2023; 320:121561. [PMID: 36898429 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2022] [Revised: 02/26/2023] [Accepted: 03/02/2023] [Indexed: 03/10/2023]
Abstract
AIM The current work aims to demonstrate the potential defensive function of venlafaxine (VLF) in cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin (CP), that could be by modulating extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)1/2 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NAPDH) oxidase NOX4 pathways. MAIN METHODS Five groups of rats were used, as follow: three control groups (control, carboxymethyl cellulose, and VLF), CP group got CP once (7 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, i.p.), and (CP+ VLF) group got CP once then after 1 h they got VLF {50 mg/kg daily, orally for 14 days}. At the end of the study; electrocardiogram (ECG) was recorded for anaesthized rats then blood samples and tissues were taken for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Caspase 3, a marker of cellular damage and apoptosis was detected by immunohistochemistry. KEY FINDINGS CP treatment significantly impaired cardiac functions as evidenced by changes in rats' ECG. Cardiac enzymes, renal markers and inflammatory markers were increased with decreased activities of the total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Also, ERK1/2 and NOX4 were upregulated with histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations of heart and kidney. While, VLF markedly alleviated CP-induced functional cardiac abnormalities and improved ECG pattern. It reduced both cardiac and renal biomarkers, oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokine with ERK1/2 and NOX4 downregulation, improved the histopathological and immunohistochemical changes induced by cisplatin in heart and kidney. SIGNIFICANCE VLF treatment impedes cardiotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by CP. This beneficial effect was mediated through reduction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis by targeting the ERK1/2 and NOX4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha Ismail Mohammed Ali
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt.
| | - Samar Imbaby
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt.
| | | | - Shymaa Ahmed Maher
- Medical Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Eman Kolieb
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Shrouk Mohamed Ali
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Suez Canal University, 41522 Ismailia, Egypt
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Xu ZJ, Liu M, Niu QJ, Huang YX, Zhao L, Lei XG, Sun LH. Both selenium deficiency and excess impair male reproductive system via inducing oxidative stress-activated PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis and cell proliferation signaling in testis of mice. Free Radic Biol Med 2023; 197:15-22. [PMID: 36731804 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2023.01.024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2022] [Revised: 01/20/2023] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
Abstract
Selenium (Se) deficiency or excess impairs testicular development and spermatogenesis, while the underlying mechanisms in this regard remain unclear. This study was designed to explore the molecular biology of Se deficiency or excess in spermatogenesis in mice. Three-week-old male mice (n = 10 mice/diet) were fed with Se-deficient diet (SeD, 0.02 mg Se/kg), adequate-Se diet (SeA, 0.2 mg Se/kg), or excess-Se diet (SeE, 2.0 mg Se/kg) for 5 months. Compared with SeA, SeD reduced (P < 0.05) the body weight (10.4%) and sperm density (84.3%) but increased (P < 0.05) sperm deformity (32.8%); SeE decreased (P < 0.05) the sperm density (78.5%) and sperm motility (35.9%) of the mice. Meanwhile, both SeD and SeE increased (P < 0.05) serum FSH concentrations (10.4-25.6%) and induced testicular damage in mice in comparison with the SeA. Compared with SeA, SeD increased (P < 0.05) the 8-OHdG concentration by 25.5%; SeE increased (P < 0.05) both MDA and 8-OHdG concentrations by 118.8-180.3% in testis. Furthermore, transcriptome analysis showed that there 1325 and 858 transcripts were altered (P < 0.05) in the testis by SeD and SeE, respectively, compared with SeA. KEGG pathway analysis revealed that these differentially expressed genes were mainly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway, which is regulated by oxidative stress. Moreover, western blotting analysis revealed that SeD and SeE dysregulated PI3K-AKT-mediated apoptosis and cell proliferation signaling, including upregulating (P < 0.05) caspase 3, cleaved-caspase 3, BCL-2 and (or) P53 and downregulating (P < 0.05) PI3K, p-AKT, p-mTOR, 4E-BP1, p-4E-BP1 and (or) p-p70S6K in the testis of mice compared with SeA. Additionally, compared with SeA, both SeD and SeE increased (P < 0.05) GPX3 and SELENOO; SeD decreased (P < 0.05) GPX1, TXRND3 and SELENOW, but SeE increased (P < 0.05) production of three selenoproteins in the testis. Conclusively, both Se deficiency and excess impairs male reproductive system in mice, potentially with the induction of oxidative stress and activation of PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis and cell proliferation signaling in the testis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zi-Jian Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Meng Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Qin-Jian Niu
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Yu-Xuan Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Ling Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China
| | - Xin Gen Lei
- Department of Animal Science, Cornell University, Ithaca, NY, 14853, USA
| | - Lv-Hui Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Agricultural Microbiology, Hubei Hongshan Laboratory, Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, College of Animal Sciences and Technology, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430070, China.
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8
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Elhemiely AA, Yahia R, Gad AM. Naringenin alleviate reproductive toxicity evoked by lead acetate via attenuation of sperm profile and biochemical alterations in male Wistar rat: Involvement of TGFβ/AKT/mTOR pathway. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 2023:e23335. [PMID: 36807407 DOI: 10.1002/jbt.23335] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 12/06/2022] [Accepted: 02/10/2023] [Indexed: 02/23/2023]
Abstract
Exposure to Lead -causes testicular dysfunction through oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis; however, naringenin (NGN) therapeutic impact against lead-evoked testicular dysfunction remains elusive. Herein, the point of the study was to examine the defensive impact of NGN on testicular dysfunction initiated by lead. Seventy-Two male Wistar rats were allotted into nine groups; control group, drug control groups, lead acetate group, as well as NGN treated groups (10, 25, and 50 mg/kg) respectively, given 5 days before lead acetate treatment. The result showed clearly the impact of lead on reduced sperm count, sperm motility as well as serum testosterone and LH levels. Additionally, it caused a significant rise in testicular inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1β, and TGFβ, effects that were accompanied by a reduction of AKT and mTOR levels. Lead acetate also caused degenerative changes in the testis, atrophy, and loss of spermatogenic series. Our findings revealed that NGN in a dose-dependent manner improved spermiotoxicity induced by lead acetate via restoration of the testicular function, preservation of spermatogenesis, halting inflammatory cytokines along with the enhancement of germ cell survival using upregulation of AKT/mTOR expressions. The present study discloses that NGN suppresses lead acetate toxicity that is involved in the antioxidant effect in a dose-dependent manner, besides its anti-inflammatory property.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alzahraa A Elhemiely
- The Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority, EDA, Formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Rania Yahia
- The Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority, EDA, Formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Amany M Gad
- The Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority, EDA, Formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt.,The Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University-Kantara Branch, Ismailia, Egypt
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Ren F, Xi H, Qiao P, Li Y, Xian M, Zhu D, Hu J. Single-cell transcriptomics reveals male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:944325. [PMID: 35938151 PMCID: PMC9355508 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.944325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Spermatogenesis holds considerable promise for human-assisted reproduction and livestock breeding based on stem cells. It occurs in seminiferous tubules within the testis, which mainly comprise male germ cells and Sertoli cells. While the developmental progression of male germ cells and Sertoli cells has been widely reported in mice, much less is known in other large animal species, including dairy goats. In this study, we present the data of single cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq) for 25,373 cells from 45 (pre-puberty), 90 (puberty), and 180-day-old (post-puberty) dairy goat testes. We aimed to identify genes that are associated with key developmental events in male germ cells and Sertoli cells. We examined the development of spermatogenic cells and seminiferous tubules from 15, 30, 45, 60, 75, 90, 180, and 240-day-old buck goat testes. scRNA-seq clustering analysis of testicular cells from pre-puberty, puberty, and post-puberty goat testes revealed several cell types, including cell populations with characteristics of spermatogonia, early spermatocytes, spermatocytes, spermatids, Sertoli cells, Leydig cells, macrophages, and endothelial cells. We mapped the timeline for male germ cells development from spermatogonia to spermatids and identified gene signatures that define spermatogenic cell populations, such as AMH, SOHLH1, INHA, and ACTA2. Importantly, using immunofluorescence staining for different marker proteins (UCHL1, C-KIT, VASA, SOX9, AMH, and PCNA), we explored the proliferative activity and development of male germ cells and Sertoli cells. Moreover, we identified the expression patterns of potential key genes associated with the niche-related key pathways in male germ cells of dairy goats, including testosterone, retinoic acid, PDGF, FGF, and WNT pathways. In summary, our study systematically investigated the elaborate male germ cells and Sertoli cells developmental patterns in dairy goats that have so far remained largely unknown. This information represents a valuable resource for the establishment of goat male reproductive stem cells lines, induction of germ cell differentiation in vitro, and the exploration of sequential cell fate transition for spermatogenesis and testicular development at single-cell resolution.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fa Ren
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Huaming Xi
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Pengyun Qiao
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Weifang Medical University, Weifang, China
| | - Yu Li
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Ming Xian
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Dawei Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
| | - Jianhong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Animal Genetics, Breeding and Reproduction of Shaanxi Province, College of Animal Science and Technology, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, China
- *Correspondence: Jianhong Hu,
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10
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Soliman NS, Kandeil MA, Khalaf MM. Leurieus quinquestriatus scorpion venom ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: Modulating JAK/STAT/RANKL signal transduction pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 108:108853. [PMID: 35605432 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.108853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/01/2022] [Revised: 04/17/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Leurieus quinquestriatus (LQ) is a type of Egyptian scorpions. Prior studies have established the potential use of scorpion venoms in treating several autoimmune diseases. Therefore, the current study investigates the possible pharmacological effect of LQ venom in CFA-induced arthritis - through different mechanisms - by assessing different serum and tissue parameters. This study was divided into two phases: phase I was conducted to determine the lowest therapeutic dose of LQ scorpion venom, whereas phase II investigated the potential therapeutic effect of the chosen dose of LQ venom on induced arthritis through different mechanisms. The Wistar albino rats were divided equally and randomly into normal control group, LQ control group, arthritis control group, infliximab-treated group, and LQ-treated group. On day 20, blood and tissue samples were collected for further analysis of serum and tissue biomarkers as well as histopathological examination. The results revealed a potential therapeutic effect of LQ venom on arthritic-induced rats through a significant decrease in Rheumatoid Factor, Janus Kinase, Signal transducers and activators of transcription, Receptor activator of nuclear factor Kappa-B ligand, Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha, Interleukin-6, Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells and Malondialdehyde by 57%, 66%, 64%, 62%, 75%, 59%, 38%, and 69%, respectively as well as a significant increase in reduced glutathione, and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 by 102% and 360%, respectively. Histopathological examination of knee joint and spleen also revealed a substantial improvement, indicating the possible utilization of LQ venom in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Mohamed A Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Khalaf
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Egypt.
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11
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Arab HH, Abd El-Aal SA, Ashour AM, El-Sheikh AAK, Al Khabbaz HJ, Arafa ESA, Mahmoud AM, Kabel AM. Targeting inflammation and redox perturbations by lisinopril mitigates Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats: role of JAK-2/STAT-3/RANKL axis, MMPs, and VEGF. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1909-1926. [PMID: 35764864 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-00998-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disorders are major complications of rheumatoid arthritis (RA). Hence, finding effective agents that can target RA progression and its cardiovascular consequences is demanding. The present work aimed to explore the potential of lisinopril, an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, to mitigate adjuvant's-induced arthritis with emphasis on the pro-inflammatory signals, articular degradation cues, and angiogenesis alongside JAK-2/STAT-3 and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. METHODS Lisinopril (10 mg/kg/day) was administered by oral gavage for 3 weeks and the target signals were examined by biochemical assays, ELISA, histopathology, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS Lisinopril attenuated the progression of arthritis as proven by lowering paw edema, arthritic index, and gait scores alongside diminishing the immune-cell infiltration/aberrant histopathology in the dorsal pouch lining. These favorable actions were associated with curtailing the production of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and IL-17) and the pro-inflammatory angiotensin II alongside upregulating the anti-inflammatory angiotensin-(1-7) in the hind paw of arthritic rats. At the molecular level, lisinopril inhibited the upstream JAK-2/STAT-3 pathway by downregulating the protein expression of p-JAK-2/total JAK-2 and p-STAT-3/total STAT-3 ratio and the nuclear levels of NF-κBp65. Meanwhile, lisinopril curbed the downstream cartilage degradation signals matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-3 and MMP-9) and the bone erosion cue RANKL. Equally important, the protein expression of the angiogenesis signal VEGF was downregulated in the hind paw/dorsal lining. With respect to oxidative stress, lisinopril suppressed the paw lipid peroxides and boosted GSH and Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway. CONCLUSION Lisinopril attenuated adjuvant-induced arthritis via inhibition of inflammation, articular degradation cues, and angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif, 21944, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Sarah A Abd El-Aal
- Department of Pharmacy, Kut University College, Al Kut, Wasit, 52001, Iraq
| | - Ahmed M Ashour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Umm Al Qura University, P.O. Box 13578, Mecca, 21955, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azza A K El-Sheikh
- Basic Health Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh, 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hana J Al Khabbaz
- Biochemistry Division, College of Pharmacy, Riyadh Elm University, Riyadh, 11681, Saudi Arabia
| | - El-Shaimaa A Arafa
- College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences, Ajman University, 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates.,Center of Medical and Bio-Allied Health Sciences Research, Ajman University, 346, Ajman, United Arab Emirates
| | - Ayman M Mahmoud
- Physiology Division, Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt.,Department of Life Sciences, Faculty of Science and Engineering, Manchester Metropolitan University, Manchester, UK
| | - Ahmed M Kabel
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, 31527, Egypt
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12
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Dong Y, Zheng Y, Zhu L, Li T, Guan Y, Zhao S, Wang Q, Wang J, Li L. Hua-Tan-Sheng-Jing Decoction Treats Obesity With Oligoasthenozoospermia by Up-Regulating the PI3K-AKT and Down-Regulating the JNK MAPK Signaling Pathways: At the Crossroad of Obesity and Oligoasthenozoospermia. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:896434. [PMID: 35559247 PMCID: PMC9086321 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.896434] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2022] [Accepted: 03/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Oligoasthenozoospermia is the leading cause of male infertility, seriously affecting men's health and increasing the societal medical burden. In recent years, obesity-related oligoasthenozoospermia has attracted increased attention from researchers to find a cure. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Hua-Tan-Sheng-Jing decoction (HTSJD) in treating obesity with oligoasthenozoospermia, determine its active ingredients and identify its mechanism of action. Methods: The ingredients of HTSJD were determined by combining the ultra-performance liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and systems pharmacology approach. The common pathogenesis of obesity and oligoasthenozoospermia and the potential mechanism of HTSJD against obesity with oligoasthenozoospermia were obtained through target fishing, network construction, and enrichment analyses. Further, molecular docking of the key ingredients with the upstream receptors of the key signaling pathways of the potential mechanism was used to predict their affinity. Finally, high-fat-induced obesity with oligoasthenozoospermia rat model was constructed to determine the effects of HTSJD on semen concentration, sperm motility, body weight, and serum lipid metabolism. The key proteins were validated by immunohistochemistry (IHC). Results: A total of 70 effective components and 847 potential targets of HTSJD (H targets) were identified, of which 743 were common targets related to obesity and oligoasthenozoospermia (O-O targets) mainly enriched in the pathways related to inflammation, oxidative stress and hormone regulation. Finally, 143 common targets (H-O-O targets) for HTSJD against obesity with oligoasthenozoospermia were obtained. Combining the hub genes and the results of Gene Ontology (GO) functional and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis of H-O-O targets, PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways were identified as the key pathways. Molecular docking results showed that Diosgenin, Kaempferol, Quercetin, Hederagenin, Isorhamnetin may act on the related pathways by docking EGFR, IGF1R and INSR. The animal-based in vivo experiments confirmed that HTSJD improves the sperm quality of high-fat diet-fed rats by reducing their body weight and blood lipid levels, influencing the PI3K-AKT and MAPK signaling pathways and altering the corresponding protein expressions. Conclusion: HTSJD treats obesity with oligoasthenozoospermia by up-regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway and down-regulating the MAPK signaling pathway, which are at the crossroad of obesity and oligoasthenozoospermia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Dong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yanfei Zheng
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Linghui Zhu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Tianxing Li
- Institute of Basic Theory for Chinese Medicine, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Guan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China.,National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Shipeng Zhao
- Graduate School, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Qi Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Ji Wang
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lingru Li
- National Institute of TCM Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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13
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Mustafa S, Ijaz MU, ul Ain Q, Afsar T, Almajwal A, Shafique H, Razak S. OUP accepted manuscript. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2022; 11:475-485. [PMID: 35782651 PMCID: PMC9244725 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfac024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 04/07/2022] [Accepted: 05/04/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Shama Mustafa
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Umar Ijaz
- Department of Zoology, Wildlife and Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad 38040, Pakistan
| | - Qurat ul Ain
- Department of Zoology, Government College Women University, Sialkot 51310, Pakistan
| | - Tayyaba Afsar
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ali Almajwal
- Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia
| | - Huma Shafique
- Institute of cellular medicine, Newcastle University Medical School, Newcastle University, Newcastle NE17RU, United Kingdom
| | - Suhail Razak
- Corresponding author: Department of Community Health Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences, King Saud University, Riyadh 11451, Saudi Arabia.
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14
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Chen WQ, Wang B, Ding CF, Wan LY, Hu HM, Lv BD, Ma JX. In vivo and in vitro protective effects of the Wuzi Yanzong pill against experimental spermatogenesis disorder by promoting germ cell proliferation and suppressing apoptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 280:114443. [PMID: 34302943 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2021] [Revised: 07/18/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Wuzi Yanzong pill (WZYZP) is a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula originated from the Tang dynasty. WZYZP has a long history of use for reinforcing kidney and alleviating male infertility in China. AIM OF THE STUDY The effect of WZYZP on male infertility and the mechanism underlying this effect was not clarified clearly. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the protective effect of WZYZP in experimental spermatogenesis disorder via in vivo and in vitro studies, to promote the use of this formula for the treatment of spermatogenesis disorder. MATERIAL AND METHODS Male SD rats were exposed to tripterygium glycosides to induce experimental spermatogenesis disorder, and WZYZP was subsequently administrated at different dosages for treatment. Sperm counts, sperm motility, and serum hormone levels were detected. HE staining and TUNEL staining were performed to evaluate the pathological lesions and apoptosis of testes, respectively. Next, germ cells were isolated from spermatogenesis disorder-model rats and treated with WZYZP- containing serum at different concentrations. CCK-8 assay and flow cytometry assay were performed to detect cell proliferation and apoptosis. Immunofluorescence assay, qRT-PCR and Western blotting analyses were performed to detect the expression of Beclin 1, LC3 and TGF-β-PI3k/AKT-mTOR pathway - related factors, including TGF-β, PI3K, AKT, mTOR, 4 EBP-1 and p70S6K. RESULTS In vivo experiments showed that WZYZP protected against spermatogenesis disorder in model rats by improving sperm count and motility, as well as restoring serum hormone levels. HE and TUNEL staining demonstrated that the pathological injuries and cell apoptosis in testes of the model rats were alleviated by WZYZP treatment. Moreover, in vitro experiments of germ cells isolated from spermatogenesis disorder-model rats showed that WZYZP treatment increased the cell proliferation, inhibited cell apoptosis and autophagy. qRT-PCR and Western blotting assay results showed that this protective effect was associated with the regulation of the TGF-β/PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. The expression levels of p-PI3K/PI3K, p-AKT/AKT, p-mTOR/mTOR, 4 EBP-1 and p70S6K were increased, while TGF-β was inhibited in the WZYZP treated groups. CONCLUSION The results showed that WZYZP could protect against experimental spermatogenesis disorder by increasing the germ cell proliferation and inhibiting their apoptosis. Our support the clinical use of this formula for the management of spermatogenesis disorder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang-Qian Chen
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Andrology, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, 100007, China
| | - Cai-Fei Ding
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Ling-Yi Wan
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Hui-Min Hu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine, Zhejiang Provincial Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Hangzhou, 310003, China
| | - Bo-Dong Lv
- Department of Urology Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou Zhejiang 310009, China.
| | - Jian-Xiong Ma
- Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital of Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China; The Second Clinical Medical College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
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15
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Ahmed SA, Mohammed WI. Carvedilol induces the antiapoptotic proteins Nrf 2 and Bcl 2 and inhibits cellular apoptosis in aluminum-induced testicular toxicity in male Wistar rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 139:111594. [PMID: 33878623 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111594] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/02/2021] [Revised: 03/24/2021] [Accepted: 04/05/2021] [Indexed: 10/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study was carried out to explore the protective effect of carvedilol (CARV) on aluminum chloride-induced testicular damage in Westar rats. Forty adult male rats, aged 8 weeks, were randomly divided into 4 groups (10 rats each). Group I (control group) received normal saline; whereas group II animals were supplemented with CARV in a dose of 10 mg/kg/day. Group III received AlCl3 (30 mg/kg/day) whereas group IV was co-administered CARV and AlCl3 as the same doses in group II and III respectively. The route of the application was oral gavage for CARV and I.P for AlCl3 for 20 successive days. Exposure of rats to AlCl3 for 20 consecutive days resulted in a significant decrease in serum and testicular superoxide dismutase and catalase activities, serum testosterone level, and sperm count and motility; on the other hand, an increase in nitric oxide, malondialdehyde, aluminum, and serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha levels. Furthermore, histopathological changes in the testis exhibited marked testicular damage. In addition, it revealed a significant up-regulation in the level of the expression for the apoptotic marker; Caspase-3, and down-regulation in antiapoptotic marker Bcl2 and Nrf2 genes. On the other hand, the co-administration of CARV modulated the biochemical parameters, saved sperm count and motility, and the histopathological findings, also, restored the observed changes in Caspase-3, Bcl2, and Nrf2 transcriptional genes. These data suggested that administration of CARV protects against AlCl3 induced testicular oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptosis damage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sanaa A Ahmed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt.
| | - Walaa I Mohammed
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt
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16
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Pavlidi P, Kokras N, Dalla C. Antidepressants' effects on testosterone and estrogens: What do we know? Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 899:173998. [PMID: 33676942 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173998] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Various antidepressants are commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders, and sex differences have been identified in their efficacy and side effects. Steroids, such as estrogens and testosterone, both in the periphery and locally in the brain, are regarded as important modulators of these sex differences. This review presents published data from preclinical and clinical studies that measure testosterone and estrogen level changes during and/or after acute or chronic administration of different antidepressants. The majority of studies show an interaction between sex hormones and antidepressants on sexual function and behavior, or in depressive symptom alleviation. However, most of the studies omit to investigate antidepressants' effects on circulating levels of gonadal hormones. From data reviewed herein, it is evident that most antidepressants can influence testosterone and estrogen levels. Still, the evidence is conflicting with some studies showing an increase, others decrease or no effect. Most studies are conducted in male animals or humans, underscoring the importance of considering sex as an important variable in such investigations, especially as depression and anxiety disorders are more common in women than men. Therefore, research is needed to elucidate the extent to which antidepressants can influence both peripheral and brain levels of testosterone and estrogens, in males and females, and whether this impacts the effectiveness or side effects of antidepressants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pavlina Pavlidi
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Nikolaos Kokras
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece; First Department of Psychiatry, Eginition Hospital, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Christina Dalla
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical School, National and Kapodistrian University of Athens, Athens, Greece.
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17
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Kong L, Wu Y, Hu W, Liu L, Xue Y, Liang G. Mechanisms underlying reproductive toxicity induced by nickel nanoparticles identified by comprehensive gene expression analysis in GC-1 spg cells. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 275:116556. [PMID: 33588191 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.116556] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2020] [Revised: 01/04/2021] [Accepted: 01/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
The public around the world is increasingly concerned about male reproductive health. The impact of nickel nanoparticles (Ni NPs) on male reproductive toxicity including sperm production, motility and fertilizing capacity has been confirmed by our previous researches. In the current study of Ni NPs-inducing toxicity, the expression profiles of piRNAs and their predicted target genes associated with male infertility, were obtained. The results showed that piR-mmu-32362259 was the highest differential expression multiples in both the testis tissues of male mice and GC-1 cells similarly. Notably, piR-mmu-32362259 target gene was significantly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. All these results suggest that piR-mmu-32362259 may affect the occurrence and development of injury in the mouse spermatogenesis process by regulating the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. In order to verify the result, piR-mmu-32362259 low-expression lentivirus was used to transfect GC-1 cells to establish a stable transfected cell model. The effects of piR-mmu-32362259 on the viability, cycle and apoptosis as well as related protein expression levels of GC-1 cells induced by Ni NPs were detected using CCK8, flow cytometry and western blot assay, respectively. The results showed that low expression of piR-mmu-32362259 could not only alleviate the decrease of GC-1 cell viability, affect the cell cycle and reduce the apoptosis rate, but also significantly affect the expression levels of key proteins and their downstream molecules of PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Collectively, our current results provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the molecular regulatory mechanism of male reproductive toxicity induced by Ni NPs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Kong
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Yongya Wu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Wangcheng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Lin Liu
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Yuying Xue
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
| | - Geyu Liang
- Key Laboratory of Environmental Medicine Engineering, Ministry of Education, School of Public Health, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, PR China.
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18
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Hassanein EHM, Abdel-Wahab BA, Ali FEM, Abd El-Ghafar OAM, Kozman MR, Sharkawi SMZ. Trans-ferulic acid ameliorates cisplatin-induced testicular damage via suppression of TLR4, P38-MAPK, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2021; 28:41948-41964. [PMID: 33792844 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-021-13544-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Testicular damage has been described as a common side effect of cisplatin (CDDP), which limits its clinical uses. Since oxidative injury and inflammatory response are the most pathological impact, estimation of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents like trans-ferulic acid (TFA) could protect against CDDP-induced testicular damage. In the current investigation, rats were assigned into four groups: normal, TFA (50 mg/kg/day, P.O), CDDP (10 mg/kg) as single intraperitoneal (I.P) injection at the end of the 5th day, and TFA+CDDP where TFA was administered 5 days before CDDP injection and 5 days after. Interestingly, TFA significantly restored testosterone levels and abrogated oxidative stress injury. Additionally, TFA effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokines. It also counteracted the inflammation via downregulation of TLR4 and IRF3, P38-MAPK, NF-κB-p65, JAK1, STAT3, ERK1, and ERK2. Besides, TFA can modulate AKT and p-AKT protein expressions. In parallel, TFA mitigated the histopathological aberration of the testis and prevented spermatogenesis disruption. On the other hand, TFA augmented the in vitro CDDP cytotoxicity on Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, TFA enhanced the cytotoxic effect of CDDP via apoptosis induction in both the early and late stages of apoptosis. Collectively, TFA exhibited a potential protective effect against CDDP-induced testicular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress as well as TLR4/IRF3/INF-γ, P38-MAPK/NF-κB-p65/TNF-α, and JAK1/STAT-3/ERK1/2 inflammatory signaling pathways with enhancing its in vitro cytotoxic activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emad H M Hassanein
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt
| | - Basel A Abdel-Wahab
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Najran University, P.O. 1988, Najran, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, College of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Fares E M Ali
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut Branch, Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
| | - Omnia A M Abd El-Ghafar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Magy R Kozman
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Souty M Z Sharkawi
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Zheng YC, Feng YL, Wang YH, Kong LJ, Zhou MS, Wu MM, Liu CY, Weng HC, Wang HW. Islet transplantation ameliorates diabetes-induced testicular interstitial fibrosis and is associated with inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad2 pathway in a rat model of type 1 diabetes. Mol Med Rep 2021; 23:376. [PMID: 33760134 PMCID: PMC7985996 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2020] [Accepted: 02/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Islet transplantation (IT) is considered the most effective endocrine replacement therapy for diabetes mellitus (DM). Studies have demonstrated that IT can repair testicular structural injury caused by inflammatory and oxidative stress in a diabetic rat model. However, highly effective exogenous antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drugs can achieve this effect. Testicular interstitial fibrosis caused by long-term hyperglycemia is however difficult to reverse or recover. Thus far, there are no effective drugs that prevent or relieve testicular interstitial fibrosis. Therefore, it is necessary to explore the potential benefit of IT on testicular interstitial fibrosis induced by DM and its underlying molecular mechanisms. In the present study, Wistar rats were used to establish a DM model by intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin. The diabetic models then underwent IT or received insulin treatment after 12 weeks. IT was more effective than insulin treatment in ameliorating diabetic-induced testicular interstitial fibrosis, Leydig cells apoptosis, testosterone deficiency and poor sperm motility. IT and insulin treatment both significantly inhibited the upregulation of TGF-β1 and phosphorylated Smad2 in DM, with IT being more effective than insulin. The present study's findings proved that IT effectively protects diabetic-induced testicular interstitial fibrosis probably by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling pathway, which offers hope in male patients with DM complicating with testicular interstitial fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Cai Zheng
- Department of Urology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Ling Feng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Yi-Hong Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Li-Jun Kong
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Ming-Shi Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Min-Min Wu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Cheng-Yang Liu
- Department of Surgery, Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104-5160, USA
| | - Hua-Chun Weng
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
| | - Hong-Wei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325000, P.R. China
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20
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Arab HH, Eid AH, Mahmoud AM, Senousy MA. Linagliptin mitigates experimental inflammatory bowel disease in rats by targeting inflammatory and redox signaling. Life Sci 2021; 273:119295. [PMID: 33667522 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119295] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Revised: 02/16/2021] [Accepted: 02/21/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) has been involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of linagliptin, a potent/selective DPP-4 inhibitor with marked anti-inflammatory actions, to attenuate trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-evoked colitis in rats; an experimental model of IBD, and the implicated molecular mechanisms. This may add to the clinical utility of linagliptin for the management of patients with coexisting IBD and diabetes mellitus. Notably, no former studies have linked JAK2/STAT3, HMGB1/NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in TNBS-evoked colitis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Western blotting and ELISA were used to determine the levels of target signals. KEY FINDINGS Administration of linagliptin (1.5 mg/kg; p.o.) mitigated the colitis severity via diminishing the disease activity index, colon weight/length ratio, and macroscopic scores. Linagliptin also lowered the colonic histologic scores and leukocyte invasion. Notably, linagliptin inhibited the colonic DPP-4 activity and upregulated the expression of intestinotrophic GLP-2 without incurring hypoglycemia in animals. Linagliptin curbed inflammation through the suppression of colonic IL-6, TNF-α, and myeloperoxidase and upregulation of IL-10. It also inhibited the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway via downregulating p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 protein expression and HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB cascade through lowering HMGB1, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression. In the context of mucosal oxidative stress, linagliptin diminished lipid peroxides and augmented GSH, GPx, and total antioxidant capacity. It also activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression. SIGNIFICANCE Linagliptin shows a promise for the management of IBD via targeting IL-6/JAK2/STAT3, HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ayman M Mahmoud
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt; Biotechnology Department, Research Institute of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud A Senousy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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21
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Arab HH, Safar MM, Shahin NN. Targeting ROS-Dependent AKT/GSK-3β/NF-κB and DJ-1/Nrf2 Pathways by Dapagliflozin Attenuates Neuronal Injury and Motor Dysfunction in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease Rat Model. ACS Chem Neurosci 2021; 12:689-703. [PMID: 33543924 DOI: 10.1021/acschemneuro.0c00722] [Citation(s) in RCA: 69] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has emerged as a promising neuroprotective agent in murine models of epilepsy and obesity-induced cognitive impairment through its marked antioxidant/antiapoptotic features. However, the impact of dapagliflozin on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is lacking. Hence, the present study aimed at exploring the potential neuroprotective effects of dapagliflozin against PD-associated neurodegenerative aberrations/motor dysfunction in rotenone-induced PD rat model. Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered every other day for 3 weeks. The expression of target signals was investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Dapagliflozin (1 (mg/kg)/day, by gavage for 3 weeks) attenuated PD motor dysfunction and improved motor coordination in the open-field and rotarod tests without triggering hypoglycemia. It also diminished the histopathologic alterations and α-synuclein expression and augmented tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels. Dapagliflozin markedly alleviated neuronal oxidative stress via lowering lipid peroxides with consequent restoration of the disturbed DJ-1/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, dapagliflozin counteracted ROS-dependent neuronal apoptosis and upregulated GDNF and its downstream PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β (Ser9) pathway. Meanwhile, it suppressed neuroinflammation via curbing the activation of NF-κB pathway and TNF-α levels. Together, these pleiotropic neuroprotective effects highlight the promising role of dapagliflozin in the management of PD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H. Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa M. Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Nancy N. Shahin
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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Arab HH, Gad AM, Reda E, Yahia R, Eid AH. Activation of autophagy by sitagliptin attenuates cadmium-induced testicular impairment in rats: Targeting AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. Life Sci 2021; 269:119031. [PMID: 33453244 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119031] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2020] [Revised: 01/03/2021] [Accepted: 01/07/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent environmental contaminant that incurs deleterious health effects, including testicular impairment. Sitagliptin, a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has demonstrated marked cardio-, hepato-, and reno-protective actions, however, its impact on Cd-triggered testicular dysfunction has not been formerly investigated. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the probable beneficial impact of sitagliptin against Cd-evoked testicular impairment which may add to its potential clinical utility. The underlying mechanisms pertaining to the balance between testicular autophagy and apoptosis were explored, including the AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS The testicular tissues were examined using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day, by gavage) was administered for 4 consecutive weeks. KEY FINDINGS Sitagliptin attenuated the testicular impairment via improvement of the relative testicular weight, sperm count/motility, sperm abnormalities, and serum testosterone. Additionally, sitagliptin counteracted Cd-induced histologic aberrations/disrupted spermatogenesis. Interestingly, sitagliptin augmented the defective autophagy as demonstrated by upregulating Beclin 1 protein expression and lowering p62 SQSTM1 protein accumulation. These effects were mediated via the activation of testicular AMPK/mTOR pathway as proven by increasing p-AMPK (Ser485, Ser491)/total AMPK and diminishing p-mTOR (Ser2448)/total mTOR protein expression. Additionally, sitagliptin suppressed the testicular apoptotic events via downregulating Bax and upregulating Bcl-2 protein expression. In tandem, sitagliptin suppressed the oxidative stress through lowering lipid peroxides and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating the protein expression of Nrf2, and the downstream effectors HO-1 and GPx. SIGNIFICANCE Sitagliptin attenuated Cd-induced testicular injury via boosting the autophagy/apoptosis ratio through activation of AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, Taif University, P.O. Box 11099, Taif 21944, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.
| | - Amany M Gad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El Ismailia, Egypt; Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Enji Reda
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sinai University, El Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Rania Yahia
- Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology, Egyptian Drug Authority (EDA), formerly NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
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Wang JL, Wang Y, Gao TT, Liu L, Wang YJ, Guan W, Chen TT, Zhao J, Zhang Y, Jiang B. Venlafaxine protects against chronic stress-related behaviors in mice by activating the mTORC1 signaling cascade. J Affect Disord 2020; 276:525-536. [PMID: 32871684 DOI: 10.1016/j.jad.2020.07.096] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2020] [Revised: 07/02/2020] [Accepted: 07/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Recent studies have suggested the role of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) in the pathophysiology of depression. Although venlafaxine was thought to be a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI), its pharmacological mechanism remain elusive. In this study, the effects of venlafaxine on the mTORC1 system were studied in both chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) and chronic social defeat stress (CSDS) models. METHOD First, we examined whether repeated venlafaxine treatment reversed the effects of CUMS and CSDS on the mTORC1 signaling cascade in both the hippocampus and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC). Second, several selective pharmacological inhibitors of the mTORC1 system, including rapamycin, LY294002 and U0126, were used together to determine whether the protective effects of venlafaxine against the CUMS and CSDS models were prevented by mTORC1 system blockade. Finally, genetic knockdown of mTORC1 by mTORC1-shRNA was further adopted to test whether mTORC1 was necessary for the anti-stress effects of venlafaxine in mice. RESULT Our results showed that the decreasing effects of CUMS and CSDS on the mTORC1 signaling cascade in the hippocampus and mPFC were restored by venlafaxine, and the use of rapamycin, LY294002, U0126 and mTORC1-shRNA fully abolished the anti-stress actions of venlafaxine in mice. CONCLUSION The mTORC1 system is involved in the pharmacological mechanism of venlafaxine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Liang Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuan Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Gao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ling Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ying-Jie Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Wei Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ting-Ting Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jie Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Sixth People's Hospital of Nantong, Nantong 226011, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China
| | - Bo Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, Jiangsu, China; Provincial key laboratory of Inflammation and Molecular Drug Target, Jiangsu, China.
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Arab HH, Saad MA, El-Sahar AE, Al-Shorbagy MY. Mechanistic perspective of morin protection against ketoprofen-induced gastric mucosal injury: Targeting HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, DJ-1/Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/mTOR pathways. Arch Biochem Biophys 2020; 693:108552. [DOI: 10.1016/j.abb.2020.108552] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2020] [Revised: 08/13/2020] [Accepted: 08/21/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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25
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Ding X, Ge B, Wang M, Zhou H, Sang R, Yu Y, Xu L, Zhang X. Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide ameliorates impaired reproductive function caused by Toxoplasma gondii infection in male mice via regulating Nrf2-PI3K/AKT pathway. Int J Biol Macromol 2020; 151:449-458. [PMID: 32084465 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2020.02.178] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/09/2019] [Revised: 02/09/2020] [Accepted: 02/16/2020] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
Abstract
This study was carried out to investigate the effects of Inonotus obliquus polysaccharide (IOP) on impaired reproductive function and its mechanisms in Toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii)-infected male mice. Results showed that IOP significantly improved the spermatogenic capacity and ameliorated pathological damage of testis, increased serum testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicular-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels in T. gondii-infected male mice. IOP effectively up-regulated testicular steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR), P450scc and 17β-HSD expressions. IOP also significantly decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO), but increased the activities of antioxidant enzyme superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH). Furthermore, IOP up-regulated the expressions of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NADPH quinoneoxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), and suppressed the apoptosis of testicular cells by decreasing Bcl-2 associated x protein (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 expressions. IOP further enhanced testicular phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K), phospho-protein kinase B (p-AKT) and phospho-mammalian target of rapamycin (p-mTOR) expression levels. It demonstrates the beneficial effects of IOP on impaired reproductive function in T. gondii-infected male mice due to its anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis via regulating Nrf2-PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ding
- College of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Bingjie Ge
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Meng Wang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Hongyuan Zhou
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Rui Sang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Yifan Yu
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China
| | - Lu Xu
- College of Agriculture and Forestry Science, Linyi University, Shuangling Road, Linyi, Shandong 276005, China
| | - Xuemei Zhang
- Agricultural College of Yanbian University, Gongyuan Street, Yanji, Jilin 133002, PR China.
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Wang X, Gong S, Pu D, Hu N, Wang Y, Fan P, Zhang J, Lu X. Up-regulation of miR-365 promotes the apoptosis and restrains proliferation of synoviocytes through downregulation of IGF1 and the inactivation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in mice with rheumatoid arthritis. Int Immunopharmacol 2020; 79:106067. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2019.106067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2019] [Revised: 10/11/2019] [Accepted: 11/18/2019] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
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Arab HH, Gad AM, Fikry EM, Eid AH. Ellagic acid attenuates testicular disruption in rheumatoid arthritis via targeting inflammatory signals, oxidative perturbations and apoptosis. Life Sci 2019. [DOI: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/06/2022]
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28
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Arab HH, Gad AM, Fikry EM, Eid AH. Ellagic acid attenuates testicular disruption in rheumatoid arthritis via targeting inflammatory signals, oxidative perturbations and apoptosis. Life Sci 2019; 239:117012. [PMID: 31678279 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2019.117012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2019] [Revised: 10/22/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Reduced male fertility has been regarded as a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytochemicals have been described as protective agents against rheumatoid arthritis-linked testicular impairment. The current study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of ellagic acid on rheumatoid arthritis-evoked testicular dysfunction vis-à-vis the reference anti-inflammatory celecoxib. EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH Ellagic acid (50 mg/kg/day) and celecoxib (5 mg/kg/day) were administered orally for 20 days in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats. KEY FINDINGS Current data revealed that ellagic acid counteracted rheumatoid arthritis-evoked testicular histopathologic changes, disrupted sperm characteristics and low gonadosomatic index with comparable efficacy to celecoxib. Ellagic acid also enhanced the testicular steroidogenesis via upregulating the gene expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein with consequent boosting of serum testosterone. Notably, ellagic acid attenuated the testicular inflammatory responses through suppression of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α and cyclo-oxygenase-2 protein expression together with enhancing the anti-inflammatory signal interleukin 10. Ellagic acid also curbed the redox alterations via lowering the production of lipid peroxides and nitric oxide and elevation of the anti-oxidant reduced glutathione. In support of cell survival, ellagic acid combated testicular apoptosis through downregulating caspase-3 protein expression. SIGNIFICANCE The present work accentuates the beneficial actions of ellagic acid in rheumatoid arthritis-incurred testicular impairment and disrupted spermatogenesis via combating the inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic aberrations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hany H Arab
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR Unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Amany M Gad
- Department of Pharmacology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal Mohammad Fikry
- Department of Pharmacology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
| | - Ahmed H Eid
- Department of Pharmacology, National Organization for Drug Control and Research, NODCAR, Giza, Egypt
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29
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Wang L, Shi W, Gao X, SreeHarsha N, Zhang D. Cardioprotective role of metformin against sodium arsenite‐induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. IUBMB Life 2019; 72:749-757. [PMID: 31587475 DOI: 10.1002/iub.2174] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2019] [Accepted: 09/04/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Department of EndocrinologyQingdao central hospital Qingdao China
| | - Wenbin Shi
- Department of PharmacyQingdao Municipal Hospital Qingdao China
| | - Xuewei Gao
- Department of Hepatobiliary Internal MedicineQingdao Hiser Medical Center Qingdao China
| | - Nagaraja SreeHarsha
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical PharmacyKing Faisal University Al‐Ahsa Saudi Arabia
| | - Daisong Zhang
- Department of PharmacyQingdao Hiser Medical Center Qingdao China
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30
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Habib R, Wahdan SA, Gad AM, Azab SS. Infliximab abrogates cadmium-induced testicular damage and spermiotoxicity via enhancement of steroidogenesis and suppression of inflammation and apoptosis mediators. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2019; 182:109398. [PMID: 31276887 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2019.109398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2019] [Revised: 06/22/2019] [Accepted: 06/27/2019] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
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31
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Arab HH, Salama SA, Eid AH, Kabel AM, Shahin NN. Targeting MAPKs, NF‐κB, and PI3K/AKT pathways by methyl palmitate ameliorates ethanol‐induced gastric mucosal injury in rats. J Cell Physiol 2019; 234:22424-22438. [DOI: 10.1002/jcp.28807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2019] [Revised: 04/22/2019] [Accepted: 04/24/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Hany H. Arab
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University Taif Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University Cairo Egypt
| | - Samir A. Salama
- Biochemistry Division and GTMR unit, Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University Taif Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Al‐Azhar University Cairo Egypt
| | - Ahmed H. Eid
- Department of Pharmacology National Organization for Drug Control and Research Cairo Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. Kabel
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy Faculty of Pharmacy, Taif University Taif Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmacology Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University Tanta Egypt
| | - Nancy N. Shahin
- Department of Biochemistry Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University Cairo Egypt
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