Differential effect of CCl4 on renal function in cirrhotic and non-cirrhotic rats

Ameliorative effect of chitosan nanoparticles against carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

CONTEXT

Chitosan is a biocompatible polysaccharide that has been widely exploited in biomedical and drug delivery applications.

OBJECTIVE

This study explores the renoprotective effect of chitosan nanoparticles in vivo in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Chitosan nanoparticles were prepared via ionotropic gelation method, and several in vitro characterizations were performed, including measurements of particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index, Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) imaging. Wistar rats were divided randomly into four groups; negative control, CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity (untreated), and two groups receiving CCl₄ + chitosan NPs (10 and 20 mg/kg) orally for 2 weeks. The renoprotective effect was assessed by measuring oxidative, apoptotic, and inflammatory biomarkers, and via histopathological and immunohistochemical examinations for the visualization of NF-κB and COX-2 in renal tissues.

RESULTS

Monodisperse spherical nanosized (56 nm) particles were successfully prepared as evidenced by dynamic light scattering and TEM. Oral administration of chitosan nanoparticles (10 and 20 mg/kg) concurrently with CCl₄ for 2 weeks resulted in 13.6% and 21.5% reduction in serum creatinine and increase in the level of depleted reduced glutathione (23.1% and 31.8%), respectively, when compared with the positive control group. Chitosan nanoparticles (20 mg/kg) revealed a significant (p ˂ 0.05) decrease in malondialdehyde levels (30.6%), tumour necrosis factor-α (33.6%), interleukin-1β (31.1%), and caspase-3 (36.6%).

CONCLUSIONS

Chitosan nanoparticles afforded significant protection and amelioration against CCl₄-induced nephrotoxicity. Thus, chitosan nanoparticles could afford a potential nanotherapeutic system for the management of nephrotoxicity which allows for broadening their role in biomedical delivery applications.

Determination of in vivo biological activities of Dodonaea viscosa flowers against CCL4 toxicity in albino mice with bioactive compound detection

Dodonaea viscosa L.Jacq. is an evergreen shrub and native to Asia, Africa, and Australia. It has been used as traditional medicine in different countries. The foremost objective of the current study was to discover the protective potential of D. viscosa flowers Methanol (DVM) and Chloroform (DVC) extracts against CCL₄ induced toxicity in mice. This study was intended to identify phytochemicals through HPLC, GCMS, and FT-IR, as well as in vitro antioxidant and in vitro anti-tuberculosis activity. Our comprehensive findings indicate that Dodonaea viscosa is valuable and widespread herbal medicine through therapeutic potentials for curing various ailments. Dodonaeaviscosa flowersare found to have a protective effect against oxidative stress produced by CCL₄ in the liver, kidney, and spleen. The intake of DV extracts restored the level of hepatic enzymes (ALP, AST ALT, and Direct bilirubin), hematological parameters (RBCs, WBCs, and Platelets), total protein, and liver antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) after a decline in levels by CCL₄. Histopathological results discovered the defensive effect of 300 mg/kg of DVM extract against CCL₄ induced damage, thus having an improved protective effect compared to DVC and control. As a result of metabolite screening, the total flavonoids and total phenolics were present in abundance. A phytochemical investigation by HPLC identified gallic acid, epicatechin, cumeric acid, flavonoids, while GCMS estimated oleic acid (Octadecenoic acid) (C₁₈H₃₄O₂), Stearic acid (C₁₈H₃₆O₂), Ricinoleic acid (C₁₈H₃₄O₃), and Cedrol (C₁₅H₂₆O). DVM extract exhibited resistance against in vitro Mycobacterium tuberculosis strains. So this study proposed that the protective effect of DV against oxidative damage induced in the liver, kidney, and spleen can be correlated to the antioxidant compounds.

The preventive effect of aqueous extract of Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) leaves against the nephrotoxicity of carbon tetrachloride in mice

The present study aimed to evaluate the performance effect of aqueous extract of Rosmarinus officinalis (AERO) against the kidney toxicity induced by CCl₄ in mice. The results showed that the renal damage induced by CCl₄ was associated with a rise in oxidative stress monitored by a significant increase of TBARS and PCO levels (+89% and +136% respectively, p < .001) and a significant decrease of GSH level (-68%, p < .001) and antioxidants enzymes such as SOD, CAT, and GPX activities (-41.7%, -47.8%, and -50.5%; p < .001, respectively). Also, the nephropathology parameters including creatinine, BUN, and urea (+68.9%, +47%, +48·6% respectively, p < .05) were remarkably increased. These findings were substantiated by histological study. Pretreatment with Rosemary extract significantly attenuated the CCl₄ related toxic effects via more than one mechanism such as the inhibition of lipid peroxidation, the stimulation of the synthesis of cellular antioxidants, the decrease of the biomarker kidney and the correction of the kidney structure. We can conclude that the Rosemary is efficient in the prevention of kidney function against CCl₄ toxicity.

Liver fibrosis affects the targeting properties of drug delivery systems to macrophage subsets in vivo

Myeloid immune cells promote inflammation and fibrosis in chronic liver diseases. Drug delivery systems, such as polymers, liposomes and microbubbles, efficiently target myeloid cells in healthy liver, but their targeting properties in hepatic fibrosis remain elusive. We therefore studied the biodistribution of three intravenously injected carrier material, i.e. 10 nm poly(N-(2-hydroxypropyl)methacrylamide) polymers, 100 nm PEGylated liposomes and 2000 nm poly(butyl cyanoacrylate) microbubbles, in two fibrosis models in immunocompetent mice. While whole-body imaging confirmed preferential hepatic uptake even after induction of liver fibrosis, flow cytometry and immunofluorescence analysis revealed markedly decreased carrier uptake by liver macrophage subsets in fibrosis, particularly for microbubbles and polymers. Importantly, carrier uptake co-localized with immune infiltrates in fibrotic livers, corroborating the intrinsic ability of the carriers to target myeloid cells in areas of inflammation. Of the tested carrier systems liposomes had the highest uptake efficiency among hepatic myeloid cells, but the lowest specificity for cellular subsets. Hepatic fibrosis affected carrier uptake in liver and partially in spleen, but not in other tissues (blood, bone marrow, lung, kidney). In conclusion, while drug carrier systems target distinct myeloid cell populations in diseased and healthy livers, hepatic fibrosis profoundly affects their targeting efficiency, supporting the need to adapt nanomedicine-based approaches in chronic liver disease.

Carbon tetrachloride induced hepato/renal toxicity in experimental mice: antioxidant potential of Egyptian Salvia officinalis L essential oil

The present research designed to assess the protective role of Salvia officinalis essential oil (SO) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver and kidney damage in mice. This is evidenced by estimation of antiradical scavenging activity of SO using DPPH assay, biochemical markers, histological investigation of liver and kidney sections, and comet assay. Mice were given CCl₄ (1.2 mL/kg for 24 h or 0.8 mL/kg for 2 weeks, 3 times/week) and with or without SO (0.1, 0.2, and 0.4 mL/kg, for 2 week, 5 times/week). The findings demonstrated that both acute and subacute treatment with CCl₄ alone had adverse side effects on liver and kidney of mice. These effects were evidenced by a significant increase in serum hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST, ALP, LDH, and G-GT), bilirubin, and renal function markers (blood urea, creatinine). Toxic effect of CCl₄ was accompanied by a decline in the serum total protein, albumin, globulin, and prothrombin (%). CCl₄ induced oxidative stress as evidenced by increasing serum lipid peroxidation (LPO) along with decreasing serum total glutathione S transferase (GST). A remarkable increase in hepatic DNA strand breakages and histopathological distortion in liver and kidney specimens were observed in CCl₄-intoxicated groups. Ultrastructurally, hepatocytes exhibited irregular nuclei, vacuolated cytoplasm, and distorted microorganelles. Essential oil form S. officinalis possessed antiradical scavenging (EC₅₀ = 4602 μg/mL) lower than ascorbic acid (EC₅₀ = 5.9 μg/mL). This oil was effectively exhibited hepato-nephroprotective activity especially at its higher concentrations in co-treated groups (SO plus CCl₄). The activity of SO was associated with lowering the liver enzymes, bilirubin, urea, and creatinine, along with increasing total protein, albumin, globulin, and prothrombin. The increase in GST content and the decrease in LPO and DNA breakage levels, alongside repairing the histo-architectural distortions further confirmed the protective activity of SO. SO is a potential candidate for counteracting hepato/renal injury associating CCl₄. This effect may occur via antioxidant defense mechanism which in part related to the complexity of its chemical constituents.

D-Galactosamine Intoxication in Experimental Animals: Is it Only an Experimental Model of Acute Liver Failure?

BACKGROUND

Short-term administration of Galactosamine to experimental animals causes liver damage and acute liver failure (ALF), as well as acute renal failure in some cases. The aim of our study was to describe kidney disorders that developed in the course of galactosamine-induced liver failure.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: a study group administered galactosamine intraperitoneally and a control group administered saline.

RESULTS

All the animals in the study group developed liver damage and failure within 48 h, with significant increase of alanine (p<0.001), aspartate aminotransferases (p<0.0001), bilirubin (p<0.004), and ammonia (p<0.005) and decrease of albumin (p<0.001) concentrations. Acute renal failure was observed in all test animals, with a significant increase in creatinine (p<0.001) and urea (p<0.001) concentrations and a decrease in creatinine clearance (p<0.0012). Moreover, osmotic clearance (p<0.001), daily natriuresis (p<0.003), and fractional sodium excretion (p<0.016) decreased significantly in this group of animals. The ratio of urine osmolality to serum osmolality did not change. Histopathology of the liver revealed massive necrosis of hepatocytes, whereas renal histopathology showed no changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Acute renal failure that developed in the course of galactosamine-induced ALF was of a functional nature, with the kidneys retaining the ability to concentrate urine and retain sodium, and there were no renal changes in the histopathological examination. It seems that the experimental model of ALF induced by galactosamine can be viewed as a model of hepatorenal syndrome that occurs in the course of acute damage and liver failure.

Effects of human Umbilical Cord Stem Cells and Granulocyte Colony- Stimulating Factor (G-CSF) on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Abstract

Background: Recently, stem cells have been used to facilitate healing in animal models of renal failure induced by acute ischemic and nephrotoxic damage. Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) has been reported to stimulate stem cell mobilization from bone marrow and these cells may contribute to renal repair.

Objectives: In the present study, the effects of G-CSF and stem cell administration as monotherapy or in combination, and the relation of these effects with the duration of therapy, have been investigated in an experimental rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced nephrotoxicity.

Materials and Methods: The fifty rats included in the study were distributed into 4 main groups, Group 1, 2, 3, and 4, and two subgroups for each group, except for Group 1. All rats received an intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄. Then at 6 h, Groups 1, 2a, 3a, and 4a were administered saline, stem cells, G-CSF, and stem cell plus G-CSF, respectively. At 24 h, Groups 2b, 3b, and 4b were administered stem cells, G-CSF, and stem cell plus G-CSF, respectively. All animals were sacrificed 48 h after the CCl₄ injections. Serum urea, creatinine, sodium, and potassium levels were measured from blood samples. Tissue α-glutathione S-transferase (GST) levels were also measured from renal tissues.

Results: Serum urea was reduced in all groups when compared to Group 1, but the decrease was statistically significant only in Group 3b (P = 0.04). Serum creatinine and sodium levels were similar in all groups (P > 0.05). Tissue GST levels were lower in all groups, but the reduction was significant only in Group 4a, which was administered stem cells + G-CSF at 6 h (P = 0.01). Tubular degeneration and/or tubular dilatation were the most common pathologic changes, and their incidence was similar in all groups (P > 0.05).

Conclusions: Although both stem cell and G-CSF monotherapy led to damage reduction, the effect was not significant. However, the reduced damage by the combined use of stem cells and G-CSF, particularly during the early period, was statistically significant.

Protective effect of Ginkgo biloba extract on liver damage by a single dose of CCl(4) in male rats

Functional and morphological alterations were generated by p.o. (per os) administration of a single oral dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4); 0.125 mL/kg b.w., equivalent to 293 mg/kg) to adult male Wistar rats. CCl(4) significantly increased (p < 0.05) the serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT; 7478 ± 1044%) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST; 6964 ± 833%), compared to control rats; CCl(4) also significantly decreased serum concentration of albumin (23 ± 5.5%) and increased the concentration of malondialhdeyde (MDA) in liver (300 ± 33%). Furthermore, CCl(4) down-regulated the mRNA steady-state level of tumor necrosis factor a(TNF-a). CCl(4) produced necrosis in the central lobe area, extended to the periphery, nuclear alterations (pycnosis, karyolysis and karyorrhexis), and cytoplasmic acidophilia. The pretreatment with 4 mg/kg (p.o.) of Ginkgo biloba extract (GbE), for 5 days, prevented most of the damage caused by CCl(4): significantly decreased the serum activities of ALT and AST (54 and 65%, respectively), compared to CCl(4)-treated rats; GbE partially prevented the increase of liver MDA (55 ± 14%) and the decrease of albumin concentration to 12 ± 0.2%. This pretreatment prevented the down-regulation of TNF-a and up-regulated the interleukine 6 (IL-6) mRNA steady-state level. Moreover, the GbE reduced the amount of necrotic areas in the central lobe area, compared to CCl(4)-treated rats.

Renal dysfunction as a consequence of acute liver damage by bile duct ligation in cirrhotic rats

Renal failure is a common complication in patients with alcohol-induced cirrhosis who undergo a superimposed severe alcoholic hepatitis.

AIM

Our aim was to evaluate renal dysfunction established as a consequence of acute liver damage (ALD) induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in cirrhotic rats. Hepatic and renal functional assays were performed.

RESULTS

Hyperbilirubinemia and increased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase (p<0.05) in rats with BDL were observed since the first day of bile obstruction in cirrhotic rats. Urinary volume and urinary sodium concentration showed a significant reduction (p<0.05) on days 3 and 5 after BDL. Plasma renin activity, plasma renin concentration, serum creatinine, and BUN values increased (p<0.05) from day 1 to day 7 after BDL. Glomerular filtration rate was substantially decreased from day 1 to day 7. Histological changes became apparent since day 3 after BDL in which glomeruli with mesangial hypercellularity took place in the absence of tubular necrosis; with portal inflammation and proliferation of biliar conduits. Results of the present work demonstrate that ALD induced by BDL in cirrhotic rats produces changes in renal function. In conclusion, this experimental model demonstrates that an ALD of variable etiology, either surgical or induced by CCl(4), can cause important damage that eventually results in renal function deterioration. This experimental model may be suitable, to study the physiopathology of this syndrome, as well as for the evaluation of different pharmacological therapies.

Reduction of carbon tetrachloride-induced nephropathy by melatonin administration

The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of melatonin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced renal damage in rats. A total of 24 animals were divided into three equal groups: the control rats received pure olive oil subcutaneously, rats in the second group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml kg-1, s.c. in olive oil) and rats in the third group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml kg-1) plus melatonin (25 mg kg-1, s.c. in 10% ethanol) every other day for 1 month. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. The kidneys were removed and weighed. Urea and creatinine levels were determined in blood samples. Histopathological examination of the kidney was performed using light microscopic methods. Administration of CCl4 significantly increased relative kidney weight (g per 100 g body weight) and decreased serum urea levels compared to controls (p<0.01). Melatonin treatment significantly (p<0.01) reduced relative kidney weight, and it produced a statistically equal (p=0.268) relative weight with the kidneys of control rats. CCl4 administration alone also caused histopathologically prominent damage in the kidney compared to the control group. Glomerular and tubular degeneration, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, vascular congestion around the tubules, and interstitial haemorrhage in perivascular areas were observed in the renal cortex and cortico-medullary border. However, the affect of CCl4 on the medulla was limited. Melatonin provided protection against CCl4-induced renal toxicity as was evident by histopathological evaluation. In view of the present findings, it is suggested that melatonin protects kidneys against CCl4 toxicity.

PGE2 alleviates kidney and liver damage, decreases plasma renin activity and acute phase response in cirrhotic rats with acute liver damage

In this study, we evaluated the effect of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) on renal and hepatic function using an experimental cirrhosis model plus acute liver damage (ALD). Male Wistar rats treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks were used for the cirrhosis model. Cirrhotic rats were further exposed to an additional acute dose of CCl4 to induce ALD and then treated with PGE2 intramuscularly twice a day for 7 days (200 microg/Kg/day). PGE2 administration started 3 h after the additional dosing of CCl4 and PGE2 effect on hepatorenal function was examined on days 1, 2, 3, and 7. PGE2-treatment ameliorated the decrease in urinary sodium excretion, and normalized serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and plasma renin observed in cirrhotic rats with ALD. In addition, PGE2-treatment decreased mean arterial pressure, glomerular hypercellularity and thickening of the kidney capillary wall, and liver steatosis and cellular necrosis. Also, PGE2 increased the number of regenerative nodules. Finally, PGE2-treatment inhibited the increase in Alpha 1-acid glycoprotein (pAGP), fibrinogen, and Apo A-1 mRNA expression by 83%, 59%, and 77%, respectively. These results suggest that PGE2 administration may decrease the expression of acute phase proteins. In conclusion, PGE2-treatment improved hepatic and renal function and may be useful to down-regulate the acute phase response in cirrhotic rats presenting ALD induced by CCl4.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester protects kidneys against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rats

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), an active component of propolis produced by honeybees, exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of CAPE on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced renal damage in rats. A total of 24 animals were divided into three equal groups: the control rats received pure olive oil subcutaneously, rats in the second group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg, s.c. in olive oil) and rats in the third group were injected with CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg) plus CAPE (10 micromol/kg, i.p.) every other day for one month. At the end of the experimental period, the animals were sacrificed and blood samples were collected. Serum urea and creatinine levels and renal malondialdehyde (MDA) contents were determined. Histopathological examination of the kidney was also performed using light microscopic methods. It was found that kidney MDA levels were increased significantly following CCl4 exposure and this increase was significantly inhibited by CAPE treatment, while no significant changes were observed in serum urea and creatinine levels. CCl4 administration alone also caused histopathologically prominent damage in the kidney compared to the control group. Glomerular and tubular degeneration, interstitial mononuclear cell infiltration and fibrosis, and vascular congestion in the peritubular blood vessels were observed in the renal cortex. With exception of rare vascular congestions, these histopathological changes were disappeared in rats treated with CCl4 plus CAPE. In view of the present findings, it is suggested that CAPE protects kidneys against CCl4 toxicity.

Nitric oxide synthases inhibition results in renal failure improvement in cirrhotic rats

Nitric oxide (NO) has been implicated in cirrhosis and might be implicated in renal failure end-stage cirrhosis.

AIM

Our aim was to evaluate NO role in renal failure induced during decompensated cirrhosis, using the following inhibitors: aminoguanidine (AG), a specific inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) inhibitor and NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME), a nonselective blocker of NOS isoforms.

METHODS

Endothelial (eNOS) and iNOS gene expression was analyzed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. Cirrhotic rats received a single intragastric dose of CCl(4) to induce acute liver damage (ALD).

RESULTS

After ALD, aspartate aminotransferase highest levels were observed in rats treated with AG and ALT in rats treated with L-NAME. Inhibitors decreased creatinine serum levels to normal values and serum sodium levels re-established after the third day of ALD. L-NAME diminished (P<0.05) eNOS RNA renal expression. Renal iNOS with no inhibitor was overexpressed but was down-regulated by AG treatment. Liver eNOS RNA expression had a decreased expression before ALD in cirrhotic rats, but L-NAME treatment down-regulated eNOS after ALD. AG induced an important iNOS liver decrease.

CONCLUSION

Both inhibitors improved renal function, although AG displayed a better effect and did not aggravate liver function. We concluded that NOS isoforms are implicated in the renal pathophysiologic events induced by ALD.