Bradykinin potentiating factor isolated from Buthus occitanus venom has a protective effect against cadmium-induced rat liver and kidney damage

Bradykinin attenuates NiSO4-induced autophagy in MIN6 cells and protects islet function in mice by regulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway

Previous studies have shown that nickel sulfate (NiSO4) increases autophagy in thyroid cells and tissues. As an important organ of the endocrine system, the pancreas not only contributes to the exocrine function of digestion but also has the endocrine function of regulating blood sugar. However, it remains unknown whether NiSO4 increases pancreatic autophagy. Bradykinin (BK) is an important component of the kallikrein-kinin system (KKS) and has many biological functions, such as reducing autophagy. The purpose of the present study was to explore the effects of BK on NiSO4-induced changes in pancreatic endocrine function. The present results demonstrate that NiSO4 increases fasting blood glucose (FBG) within a certain range and decreases insulin levels in mice. Moreover, NiSO4 triggers incomplete autophagy in MIN6 cells by upregulating microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II (LC3II) and Beclin 1 but downregulating p62. Mechanistically, NiSO4 leads to abnormal activation of autophagy by inhibiting the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Moreover, BK decreases FBG and increases insulin secretion in mice exposed to NiSO4. Light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) analyses revealed that BK pretreatment partially restores MIN6 cell viability and decreases the number of autophagic bodies. BK significantly upregulates the protein levels of LC3II and Beclin1 but downregulates p62 in NiSO4-induced MIN6 cells. In addition, BK increases the levels of phosphorylated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (P-PI3K), phosphorylated protein kinase B (P-AKT) and mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR). Most of these effects of BK are reversed by treatment with the HOE140 B2R inhibitor. The present results suggested that BK ameliorates NiSO4-induced pancreatic β-cell dysfunction through B2R-mediated activation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and inhibition of autophagy.

Flubendiamide provokes oxidative stress, inflammation, miRNAs alteration, and cell cycle deregulation in human prostate epithelial cells: The attenuation impact of synthesized nano-selenium using Trichodermaaureoviride

Flubendiamide (FBD) is a novel diamide insecticide extensively used with potential human health hazards. This research aimed to examine the effects of FBD on PrEC prostate epithelial cells, including Oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory responses, modifications in the expression of oncogenic and suppressor miRNAs and their target proteins, disruption of the cell cycle, and apoptosis. Additionally, the research investigated the potential alleviative effect of T-SeNPs, which are selenium nanoparticles biosynthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride, against the toxicity induced by FBD. Selenium nanoparticles were herein synthesized by Trichoderma aureoviride. The major capping metabolites in synthesized T-SeNPs were Isochiapin B and Quercetin 7,3',4'-trimethyl ether. T-SeNPs showed a spherical shape and an average size between 57 and 96.6 nm. FBD exposure (12 μM) for 14 days induced oxidative stress and inflammatory responses via overexpression of NF-κB family members. It also distinctly caused upregulation of miR-221, miR-222, and E2F2, escorted by downregulation of miR-17, miR-20a, and P27kip1. FBD encouraged PrEC cells to halt at the G1/S checkpoint. Apoptotic cells were drastically increased in FBD-treated sets. Treatment of T-SeNPs simultaneously with FBD revealed its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities in counteracting FBD-induced toxicity. Our findings shed light on the potential FBD toxicity that may account for the neoplastic transformation of epithelial cells in the prostate and the mitigating activity of eco-friendly synthesized T-SeNPs.

Scorpion bradykinin potentiating factor mitigates lung damage induced by γ-irradiation in rats: Insights on AngII/ACE/Ang(1-7) axis

The goal of this research is to study the mitigating impact of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF) found in scorpion Androctonus bicolor venom on irradiation-induced lung damage as a new functional target for angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors (ACEIs). Male rats were exposed to 7 Gy of γ-radiation as a single dose, with a biweekly intraperitoneal injection of 1 μg/g BPF. Gamma irradiation not only boosted the ACE activity and angiotensin II (Ang II) level, in lung tissue but also significantly depressed the angiotensin (1-7) (Ang (1-7)) that, lead to lung toxicity through a significant elevation of pulmonary levels of CXC-chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity with a marked disruption in oxidative stress markers, via a reduction in the level of total thiol (tSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity associated with an elevation in protein carbonyl (PCO) contents. In addition, apoptotic consequences of gamma irradiation were evidenced by raising the levels of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), C-Jun N-Terminal Kinases (JNK), and cleaved caspase-3. BPF administration leads to ACE inhibition, consequently sustaining decreased Ang II alongside increased Ang (1-7) production. Those sensitive molecules reduce irradiated lung issues. In conclusion, BPF significantly diminished the biochemical and histopathological consequences of radiation through renin-angiotensin system (RAS) control and ACE suppression in the lung.

Plasmin-mediated cleavage of high-molecular-weight kininogen contributes to acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is associated with activation of coagulation and fibrinolysis. In mice, both tissue factor-dependent thrombin generation and plasmin activity have been shown to promote liver injury after APAP overdose. However, the contribution of the contact and intrinsic coagulation pathways has not been investigated in this model. Mice deficient in individual factors of the contact (factor XII [FXII] and prekallikrein) or intrinsic coagulation (FXI) pathway were administered a hepatotoxic dose of 400 mg/kg of APAP. Neither FXII, FXI, nor prekallikrein deficiency mitigated coagulation activation or hepatocellular injury. Interestingly, despite the lack of significant changes to APAP-induced coagulation activation, markers of liver injury and inflammation were significantly reduced in APAP-challenged high-molecular-weight kininogen-deficient (HK-/-) mice. Protective effects of HK deficiency were not reproduced by inhibition of bradykinin-mediated signaling, whereas reconstitution of circulating levels of HK in HK-/- mice restored hepatotoxicity. Fibrinolysis activation was observed in mice after APAP administration. Western blotting, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and mass spectrometry analysis showed that plasmin efficiently cleaves HK into multiple fragments in buffer or plasma. Importantly, plasminogen deficiency attenuated APAP-induced liver injury and prevented HK cleavage in the injured liver. Finally, enhanced plasmin generation and HK cleavage, in the absence of contact pathway activation, were observed in plasma of patients with acute liver failure due to APAP overdose. In summary, extrinsic but not intrinsic pathway activation drives the thromboinflammatory pathology associated with APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Furthermore, plasmin-mediated cleavage of HK contributes to hepatotoxicity in APAP-challenged mice independently of thrombin generation or bradykinin signaling.

Bradykinin-Potentiating Activity of a Gamma-Irradiated Bioactive Fraction Isolated from Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) Venom in Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity: Favorable Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory, Fibrogenic and Apoptotic Pathways

Although doxorubicin (Dox) is a backbone of chemotherapy, the search for an effective and safe therapy to revoke Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity remains a critical matter in cardiology and oncology. The current study was the first to explore the probable protective effects of native and gamma-irradiated fractions with bradykinin-potentiating activity (BPA) isolated from scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) venom against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. Native or irradiated fractions (1 μg/g) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice per week for 3 weeks, and Dox (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 21 at 1 h after the last native or irradiated fraction treatment. Electrocardiographic (ECG) aberrations were ameliorated in the Dox-treated rats pretreated with the native fraction, and the irradiated fraction provided greater amelioration of ECG changes than that of the native fraction. The group pretreated with native protein with BPA also exhibited significant improvements in the levels of oxidative stress-related, inflammatory, angiogenic, fibrogenic, and apoptotic markers compared with those of the Dox group. Notably, the irradiated fraction restored these biomarkers to their normal levels. Additionally, the irradiated fraction ameliorated Dox-induced histological changes and alleviated the severity of cardiac injury to a greater extent than that of the native fraction. In conclusion, the gamma-irradiated detoxified fraction of scorpion venom elicited a better cardioprotective effect than that of the native fraction against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.

Modulation of Superoxide Dismutase Activity by Mercury, Lead, and Arsenic

Arsenic, mercury and lead are the environmental toxicants which exert their toxic effects through binding with certain proteins including their structures and functions. The toxicity of these heavy metal results is associated to its interaction with the metalloenzymes. They replace the essential metals required for normal biochemical functions of enzymes. The superoxide dismutase (SOD), a metalloenzyme, requires certain cofactors such as Cu²⁺ and Zn²⁺ for their optimal activity. However, the studies on the in vitro kinetic characterization of SOD from the rat liver cytosolic fraction have not been reported. The main objective of this study concerns the determination of the effect of three heavy metals such as arsenic, mercury, and lead on the activity of cytosolic SOD isolated from post nuclear supernatant (PNS) of rat liver. The activity of SOD was calculated using pyrogallol as a substrate. The stability and the sensitivity of enzyme activity were measured by assaying the enzyme activity at different temperature conditions. In order to determine the IC₅₀ of the heavy metals, the enzyme activity was monitored in the presence of different concentrations of heavy metals. The values of all kinetic parameters including K_m, V_max, and K_cat were calculated by assaying SOD in the presence and absence of heavy metals. The results indicated that these heavy metals were able to significantly modulate the kinetic behavior of hepatic SOD. The data from present study could be utilized to develop suitable antidotes to mitigate the adverse effects of these heavy metals. Graphical Abstract.

Histological and biochemical changes induced by gibberellic acid in the livers of pregnant albino rats and their offspring: ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa

Gibberellic acid (GA3), a plant growth regulator, is widely used in agriculture in many countries to accelerate the growth of fruits and vegetables. We designed histological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical studies to evaluate the deleterious effects of GA3 on the livers of adult pregnant rats and their offspring and to assess the possible ameliorative effect of Nigella sativa Linn. (NsL.oil) against these effects. Twenty-four pregnant albino rats were utilized, randomly divided into four groups: The first group was used as a negative control group, while the second group (positive control group) was provided NsL.oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg of bodyweight. Animals in the third group (GA3 group) were provided 200 ppm of GA3 dissolved in distilled water from the 7th day of pregnancy until 1 day after delivery. Animals in the last group (GA3 + NsL.oil group) were provided GA3 and NsL-oil at the same doses as mentioned above. One day after delivery, each group of lactating mothers and their pups were sacrificed. Liver specimens were subjected to histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical examinations. The livers of rats from the GA3 group showed various degenerative changes, being predominant in the livers of the mothers compared with the offspring. The pathological changes in the livers of the offspring suggested transplacental passage of GA3. The results reveal that GA3 ingestion induced a significant increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in the serum of both groups of mothers and their pups, with a significant increment in lipid peroxidation as evidenced by enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels with significant decrements in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymatic activities in comparison with control groups in the liver of mothers and their offspring. Histopathological examination showed hydropic degeneration and inflammatory cellular infiltration. Additionally, there was fibrosis around the portal area. Moreover, immunolocalization revealed downregulation of the expression of the antiapoptotic marker Bcl-2 in hepatocytes and upregulation of the expression of the apoptotic marker Bax in the treated group. Concomitant use of NsL.oil along with GA3 exerted a considerable reversing effect on histopathological and biochemical changes in the livers of mother groups and their pups. The results of the present study highlight the consequences of exposure to GA3 during pregnancy on hepatic tissue in both mothers and their offspring. Furthermore, the study suggests use of NsL.oil as a potential protective strategy against GA3-induced liver toxicity.

Protective effect of tetrahydrobiopterin on hepatic and renal damage after acute cadmium exposure in male rats

Cadmium (Cd) has been recognized as one of the most important environmental and industrial pollutants. This study investigated the impact of acute exposure to Cd on oxidative stress and the inflammatory marker interleukin-6 (IL-6) in the plasma of rats and the histological picture of liver and kidney, as well as to examine the potential protective effect of tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4).

METHODS

Rats were divided into control group, Cd group that received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) dose of 4 mg/kg b.w. of CdCl2 and BH4+ Cd group that received a single dose of BH4 (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and subsequently exposed to a single dose of Cd 24 h after the BH4 treatment.

RESULTS

Cd increased the plasma levels of hepatic enzymes (ALT and AST), urea, creatinine, malondialdehyde (MDA), and IL-6 and decreased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Also, it induced histopathological alterations in the liver with severe degeneration, especially in centrilobular zones. Renal tubular epithelium showed vacuolated cytoplasm and dense nuclei. VEGF expression was mild. Ultrastuctural changes were seen in some renal tubules. The nuclei appeared distorted with electron dense chromatin. Mitochondria with destructed cristae were observed. BH4 pretreatment had protective effects, since it significantly reduced the levels of IL-6 and ameliorated the alteration in oxidative status biomarkers induced by Cd. Improvement of histopathological alterations was observed in Cd-groups. The nuclei were vesicular euchromatic, intact mitochondria and normal appearance of the filtration membrane. Moderate expression of VEGF was noted.

CONCLUSION

This study has provided clear evidence for the protective efficacy of BH4 against experimental Cd toxicity.

Alterations in antioxidant function and cell apoptosis in duck spleen exposed to molybdenum and/or cadmium

To investigate the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and/or cadmium (Cd) on antioxidant function and the apoptosis-related genes in duck spleens. Sixty healthy 11-day-old ducks were randomly divided into six groups of 10 ducks (control, low Mo group, high Mo, Cd, low Mo + Cd, and high Mo + Cd groups). All were fed a basal diet containing low or high dietary doses of Mo and/or Cd. Relative spleen weight, antioxidant indices, apoptosis-related gene mRNA expression levels, and ultrastructural changes were evaluated after 120 days. The results showed that the relative spleen weight decreased significantly in the high Mo + Cd treatment group which compared with control group. Malondialdehyde levels increased and xanthine oxidase and catalase activities decreased in the Mo and/or Cd groups compared with levels in the control group. Bak-1 and Caspase-3 expressions were upregulated in the high Mo + Cd group, while Bcl-2 was downregulated. In addition, mitochondrial crest fracture, swelling, vacuolation, deformed nuclei, and karyopyknosis in both Mo + Cd treated groups were more severe than in the other groups. The results suggest that Mo and/or Cd can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis of spleen via effects on the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Moreover, the results indicate the two elements have a possible synergistic relationship.

Biological activities of ginger against cadmium-induced renal toxicity

Our aim was to evaluate the protective and antioxidant effects of ginger extract against cadmium-induced renal toxicity in animal models and to support the use of ginger as anti-renal failure natural remedy. Seventy rats were examined in a 4-week experiment to evaluate the effect of Ginger (Zingiber officinale) at doses of 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight on molecular DNA content, antioxidant status, and renal function in rats intoxicated with cadmium at dose of (5 mg/kg) using biochemical and histological analysis. Renal dysfunction, kidney tissue damage, and oxidative effect were evident in cadmium intoxicated rats as estimated by significant increase in (creatinine, urea), decrease in (creatinine clearance and reabsorption rate of urine albumin), increase in MDA, decrease in total antioxidant status (TAC), reduction in DNA content, and histopathological changes of kidneys' tissues compared to control rats. Treatment with ginger resulted in significant restoring of renal function biomarkers, TAC, molecular DNA, and histological improvements which occurs via free radical scavenging and regenerative mechanisms. The activity of ginger was supported by estimation of bioactive phenolic and falvinods constituents. Twenty-eight polyphenolic compounds were estimated in ginger extract; [6]-gingerol, [6]-shogaol, citral and pyrogallol were the highest amounts in ginger, and supposed to be responsible for its major antioxidant and free radical scavenging activity as shown by In vitro DPPH/β-carotene-linolic acid assay tests. Consequently, ginger extracts could have a potent protective effects against nephrotoxicity induced by various toxicants.

Hepato- and nephroprotective effects of bradykinin potentiating factor from scorpion (Buthus occitanus) venom on mercuric chloride-treated rats

Bioactive peptides such as bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF), have, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory and ameliorative effects in chronic diseases and play a potential role in cancer prevention. It is known that the liver and kidney accumulate inorganic mercury upon exposure, which often leads to mercury intoxication in these organs. In this study, we investigated the effect of bradykinin potentiating factor (BPF), a scorpion venom peptide, on mercuric chloride-induced hepatic and renal toxicity in rats. We used 20 adult male Albino rats divided into four equal groups: the first group was injected with saline (control); the second group was administered daily with mercuric chloride (HgCl₂) for 2 weeks; the third group was administered with BPF twice weekly for 2 successive weeks, while the fourth group was exposed to BPF followed by HgCl₂. We observed that HgCl₂ treated rats had a significant increase in serum ALT, AST, ALP, creatinine and urea levels compared to control. Furthermore, HgCl₂ treated rats showed a marked decrease in total proteins, albumin and uric acids compared to control. The previously studied parameters were not significantly changed in BPF pretreated rats compared to control. Moreover, a significant decrease in the activities of glutathione perioxidase (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), in addition to a significant increase in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) were observed in hepatic and renal tissues of rats after HgCl₂ treatment. In contrast, the HgCl₂/BPF treated rats showed a significant elevation in the activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT accompanied with a significant regression in the level of MDA compared to the HgCl₂ exposed rats. We conclude that treatment with BPF is a promising prophylactic approach for the management of mercuric chloride-induced hepato- and nephro-toxicities.