Ameliorative effect of Ananus comosus peel on 7, 12 dimethylbenz(α)anthracene induced mammary carcinogenesis with reference to oxidative stress

Nephroprotective effects of silymarin and its fabricated nanoparticles against aluminum-induced oxidative stress, hyperlipidemia, and genotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous element with proven nephrotoxicity. Silymarin (SM) is a mixture of polyphenolic components extracted from Silybum marianum and exhibited protective influences. However, SM bioactivity can be enhanced by its incorporation in chitosan (CS) through the use of nanotechnology. This work proposed to assess the protective influence of SM and its loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SM-CS-NPs) on aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Six groups were created randomly from 42 male Wistar rats and each one contains 7 rats (n = 7). Group I, acted as a control and received water. Group II received SM (15 mg/kg/day) and group III administered with SM-CS-NPs (15 mg/kg/day). Group IV received AlCl3 (34 mg/kg) and groups V and VI were treated with SM and SM-CS-NPs with AlCl3 respectively for 30 days.

RESULTS

AlCl3 administration significantly elevated TBARS, H2O2, and kidney function levels besides LDH activity. Whereas GSH, CAT, SOD, GPx, GST, and GR values were all substantially reduced along with protein content, and ALP activity. Additionally, significant alterations in lipid profile, hematological parameters, and renal architecture were observed. Moreover, TNF-α, TGF-β, and MMP9 gene expression were upregulated in kidney tissues. The administration of SM or its nanoparticles followed by AlCl3 intoxication attenuated renal dysfunction replenished the antioxidant system, and downregulated TNF-α, TGF-β, and MMP9 gene expression in renal tissues compared to the AlCl3 group.

CONCLUSION

SM-CS-NPs have more pronounced appreciated protective effects than SM and have the proficiency to balance oxidant/antioxidant systems in addition to their anti-inflammatory effect against AlCl3 toxicity.

Protective effect of bromelain on some metabolic enzyme activities in tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemic rats

Elevation of one or more plasma lipids, such as phospholipids, cholesterol esters, cholesterol, and triglycerides, is known as hyperlipidemia. In humans and experimental animals, bromelain, the primary active ingredient isolated from pineapple stems, has several positive effects, including anti-tumor growth, anticoagulation, and anti-inflammation. Hence, the purpose of this study was to determine the possible protective impact of bromelain on some metabolic enzymes (paraoxonase-1, glutathione S-transferase, glutathione reductase, sorbitol dehydrogenase [SDH], aldose reductase [AR], butyrylcholinesterase [BChE], and acetylcholinesterase [AChE]), activity in the heart, kidney, and liver of rats with tyloxapol-induced hyperlipidemia. Rats were divided into three groups: control group, HL-control group (tyloxapol 400 mg/kg, i.p. administered group), and HL+bromelain (group receiving bromelain 250 mg/kg/o.d. prior to administration of tyloxapol 400 mg/kg, i.p.). BChE, SDH, and AR enzyme activities were significantly increased in all tissues in HL-control compared to the control, whereas the activity of other studied enzymes was significantly decreased. Bromelain had a regulatory effect on all tissues and enzyme activities. In conclusion, these results prove that bromelain is a new mediator that decreases hyperlipidemia.

Anticancer role of mango (Mangifera indica L.) peel and seed kernel extracts against 7,12- dimethylbenz[a]anthracene-induced mammary carcinogenesis in female rats

Breast cancer is the second leading cause of cancer death among women. The present study is an effort to reveal the antiproliferative and antioxidant actions of mango seed kernel extract (KE), peel extract (PE), and their combination (KEPE) on mammary tumors induced by 7,12 dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA). Seven groups of adult female Sprague-Dawley rats were prepared, including C: (control), DMBA: (rats were administered with DMBA), (DMBA-KE), (DMBA-PE), and (DMBA-KEPE): rats were administered with DMBA and then treated with KE, PE, and (both KE and PE), respectively, (KE) and (PE): rats were administered with KE and PE, separately. The study focused on the assessment of markers of endocrine derangement [serum 17-β estradiol (E2)], apoptosis [caspase-3 and deoxyribonucleic acid fragmentation (DNAF)], and oxidative stress [lipid peroxidation and antioxidants (glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase)]. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical expression of caspase-3 and estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) in mammary gland tissues (MGTs) were determined, as well as the characterization of mango extracts. The results showed that DMBA administration induced mammary tumors by increasing cell proliferation and evading apoptosis. In addition, DMBA administration caused oxidative stress by the production of reactive oxygen species, which increased lipid peroxidation and decreased cellular antioxidants, allowing cancer to progress. In contrast, treatment with DMBA-KE, DMBA-PE, or DMBA-KEPE diminished mammary tumors induced by DMBA, where they reduced oxidative stress via increased antioxidant parameters including reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, total glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione S-transferase. Also, different treatments decreased proliferation through the reduction of E2, and ER-α expression levels. However, these treatments increased the apoptosis of unwanted cells as they increased caspase-3 activity and DNAF. All these changes led to the prevention of breast injuries and the reduction of mammary tumors. This demonstrates that the contents of mango extracts, especially phenolics and flavonoids, have an important role in mammary tumor treatment through their potential antioxidant, antiproliferative, proapoptotic, and anti-estrogenic effects. KE and PE administration for 4 weeks had no adverse effects. Conclusion: Each of KE, PE, and KEPE has a therapeutic effect against DMBA-induced mammary tumors via induction of apoptosis and reduction of each of the OS, proliferation, and estrogenic effects. So, they can play an important role in the pharmacological tole.

Bromelain Modulates Liver Injury, Hematological, Molecular, and Biochemical Perturbations Induced by Aluminum via Oxidative Stress Inhibition

Aluminum (Al) is an important factor in the environment as it is used in agriculture and several industries leading to hazardous effects via oxidative stress. Bromelain is a cheap extract from the byproduct waste of Ananas comosus stem. It has been used in several biological and therapeutic applications. So, this study was undertaken to assess the hepatoprotective potential of bromelain versus oxidative stress induced by aluminum chloride in rats. Results revealed that administration of AlCl₃ reduced the body and liver weights and increased Al concentration in the blood and liver tissue. Also, AlCl₃ caused valuable changes in hematological parameters and increased TBARS and H₂O₂ concentrations in rat liver. Enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST) and nonenzymatic (GSH) antioxidants and protein content were significantly decreased. Furthermore, alterations in liver biomarkers such as bilirubin level and enzyme activities in both serum and liver homogenate (LDH, ALP, AST, and ALT) were detected. AlCl₃ also caused inflammation as indicated by upregulation of the inflammation-related genes [interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β)], tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), as well as matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9), and downregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2 (Nrf2) expression. In addition, histopathological examination showed significant variations in the liver that confirms the biochemical results. Otherwise, bromelain intake alone slumped lipid peroxidation and gotten better antioxidant status significantly. Moreover, supplementation with bromelain before AlCl₃ intoxication restores enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as well as biochemical indices and tissue architecture with respect to the AlCl₃ group. In conclusion, bromelain proved its remarkable protective power to abolish AlCl₃ toxicity. So, it might represent a new strategy in the therapy of metal toxicity by its antioxidant capacity.

Nephroprotective role of Echinacea purpurea against potassium dichromate-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

Environmental and occupational exposure to chromium compounds, especially hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)], is widely recognized as a potential nephrotoxic in humans and animals. Its toxicity is associated with the overproduction of free radicals, which induces oxidative damage. Echinacea purpurea (L.) Moench is an herbaceous perennial plant rich in phenolic components and frequently used for its medicinal benefits. The current work evaluated the effectiveness of E. purpurea (EP) against oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity induced by potassium dichromate in male rats. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, E. purpurea (EP; 50 mg/kg; once daily for 3 weeks), hexavalent chromium (Cr(VI); 15 mg/kg; single intraperitoneal dose), and EP + Cr(VI) where rats were pretreated with EP for 3 weeks before receiving CrVI, respectively. Results revealed that rats exposed to Cr(VI) showed a significant increase in PC, TBARS, and H₂ O₂ , kidney function biomarkers (Urea, creatinine, and uric acid), lactate dehydrogenase activity (LDH), TNF-α, IL-18, nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), and IGF-1 (Insulin-like growth factor-1) levels as well as a considerable decline in metallothionein (MT), glutathione (GSH) content, enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities, and protein content. Cr(VI) induced apoptosis in kidney tissues as revealed by upregulation of Bax and caspase 3 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Furthermore, EP treatment ameliorated the Cr(VI)-induced histopathological and ultrastructure variations of kidney tissue, which was confirmed by the biochemical and molecular data. It is clear from the results of this study that EP exerts nephroprotective effects by improving the redox state, suppressing inflammatory reaction and cell apoptosis as well as ameliorating the performance of kidney tissue architecture, which is eventually reflected by the improvement of kidney function in rats.

Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil modulates renal toxicity and oxidative stress induced by potassium dichromate in rats

BACKGROUND

Chromium hexavalent (CrVI) is known as a toxic contaminant that induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in humans and animals. Rosmarinus officinalis is a perennial herb rich in biologically active constituents that have powerful antioxidant properties. So, the current work evaluated the effectiveness of Rosmarinus officinalis essential oil (REO) against alterations induced by potassium dichromate in the kidney of male rats.

METHODS

GC-MS analysis, in vitro total phenol contents, and DPPH scavenging activity of REO were estimated. Thirty-five Wistar male rats were categorized into 5 groups. The first group was the control, the second one was orally administered rosemary essential oil (REO; 0.5 mL/kg BW), the third group was injected intraperitoneally with hexavalent chromium (CrVI; 2 mg/kg BW) for 14 days, the fourth group used as the protective group (REO was administrated 30 min before i.p. injection of CrVI) and the fifth group applied as the therapeutic group (rats injected with CrVI 30 min followed by oral administration of REO), respectively.

RESULTS

Twenty-nine components were detected with high total phenolic contents and high DPPH scavenging activity. Results revealed that CrVI- intoxicated rats showed a valuable increase in oxidative stress profile (TBARS and H₂O₂) and a notable decline in glutathione (GSH), total protein content, and enzymatic antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, and GST). Furthermore, serum kidney functions biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) were increased significantly. Also, the administration of CrVI showed histological and immunohistochemical (PCNA-ir) changes in rat kidney tissue. Otherwise, administration of REO pre or post-treatment with CrVI significantly restored most of the biochemical parameters in addition to improvement in kidney tissue architecture. Moreover, individual intake with REO exhibited an amendment in oxidative stress markers.

CONCLUSION

Conclusively, REO had a potential antioxidant capacity in ameliorating K₂Cr₂O₇-induced nephrotoxicity, especially in the protection group.

Panax ginseng modulates oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and inflammations induced by silicon dioxide nanoparticles in rats

Silicon dioxide nanoparticles (SiO₂ NPs) are extensively used in cosmetics, food, and drug delivery. The main mechanism of SiO₂ NPs toxicities depends on oxidative stress. Ginseng (Panax ginseng Meyer) is used in various medicinal applications because of its antioxidant efficiency. Therefore, the present study was carried out to investigate the possible combated role of ginseng against SiO₂ NPs toxicity in rat liver. Thirty-five male rats (160-180 g) were allocated into five groups of seven rats each, randomly. The first group was used as a control while groups 2, 3, 4, and 5 were treated orally with ginseng (Gin; 75 mg/kg, 1/10 LD₅₀ ), SiO₂ NPs, (200 mg/kg, 1/10 LD₅₀ ), Gin + SiO₂ NPs (protection group), and SiO₂ NPs + Gin (therapeutic group) for 5 weeks, respectively. Treatment with SiO₂ NPs increased lipid peroxidation, liver function enzymes, and decreased antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GST) activity and non-enzymatic antioxidant (GSH) level. SiO₂ NPs administration motivated liver apoptosis as revealed by the upregulation of the apoptotic genes, Bcl2-associated x protein (Bax), and Beclin 1 and downregulation of the anti-apoptotic gene, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) as well as increase in DNA damage. Also, SiO₂ NPs administration caused inflammation as indicated by upregulation of the inflammation-related genes (interleukin 1 beta [IL1β], tumor necrosis factor-alpha [TNFα], nuclear factor kappa B [NFκB], cyclooxygenase 2 [Cox2], transforming growth factor-beta 1 [TGFβ1]) as well as cell cycle arrest in the G0/G1 phase of liver cells. Moreover, histopathological examination proved the biochemical and molecular perturbations occurred due to SiO₂ NPs toxicity. On the other hand, ginseng caused a significant modulation on the deleterious effects induced by SiO₂ NPs in rat liver. In conclusion, ginseng has a potent preventive effect than the therapeutic one and might be used in the treatment of SiO₂ NPs hepatotoxicity.

Bromelain from Ananas comosus stem attenuates oxidative toxicity and testicular dysfunction caused by aluminum in rats

BACKGROUND

Aluminum (Al) has been reported to induce testicular injury via oxidative stress. Ananas comosus stem extract is an inexpensive byproduct waste rich in bromelain which is a group of sulfur-containing enzymes known for its biological activities and medicinal applications. So, the current investigation aims to evaluate the efficacy of bromelain in counteracting oxidative injury and testicular dysfunction stimulated by aluminum in rats.

METHODS

Male adult Wistar rats were divided into four groups. The first group used as control, however, the second and third groups were received bromelain (250 mg/kg) and AlCl₃ (34 mg/Kg, 1/25 LD₅₀), and the fourth group supplemented with bromelain one hour before AlCl₃ intoxication, respectively. Bromelain was administered daily while AlCl₃ was given every other day by oral gavages for one month.

RESULTS

Al intoxicated animals revealed an elevation in lipid peroxidation (TBARS and H₂O₂) level and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity. However, reduced glutathione (GSH) and protein contents, antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST), phosphatases (ALP, AcP) and aminotransferases (AST, ALT) activities were significantly reduced. Additionally, considerable amendments in hormonal levels (testosterone, luteinizing and follicle-stimulating hormone) and sperm characteristics were spotted. Further, histological variations in the testes section were detected and this supports the biochemical observations. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain alone diminished TBARS and H₂O₂ and augmented mostly other parameters. Furthermore, supplementation with bromelain before Al intoxication in rats exhibited worthy betterment in oxidative stress markers, hormones, and sperm quality compared to Al treated group.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, bromelain had a powerful protective role against Al-induced testicular dysfunction so, it represents a novel approach in metal toxicity processing.

Nephroprotective role of bromelain against oxidative injury induced by aluminium in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bromelain against oxidative stress stimulated by aluminium chloride in rats. Rats were grouped as follows; group one was used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated orally with bromelain (250 mg/kg, daily), aluminium chloride (AlCl₃; 34 mg/kg BW, every other day) and bromelain plus AlCl₃ for 30 days, respectively. Administration of AlCl₃ caused a significant reduction in rats' body and kidney weights, and increased Al accumulation in kidney tissue. Also, AlCl₃ treatment elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, kidney functions biomarkers levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity. While enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants, protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly decreased. In addition, significant alterations in lipid and protein profiles were detected. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical variations were seen in kidney sections supporting the obtained biochemical changes. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain singly declined lipid peroxidation and improved most of the studied parameters. Moreover, rats pretreated with bromelain followed by AlCl₃ intoxication showed significant alleviation in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status and biochemical indices with respect to AlCl₃ treated group. Conclusively, bromelain has beneficial protective effects and has the capability to counteract the toxic influence of AlCl₃. So, bromelain might represent a novel approach in the therapy of metal toxicity because of its antioxidant and chelating properties.

Vitex doniana Leaves Extract Ameliorates Alterations Associated with 7, 12-Dimethyl Benz[a]Anthracene-Induced Mammary Damage in Female Wistar Rats

Vitex doniana leaves are used traditionally in West Africa for the treatment of swellings and cancer. We investigated if Vitex doniana leaves extract could ameliorate 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene (DMBA)-induced mammary damage. Female Wistar rats aged 52 ± 2 day were administered 80 mg/kg DMBA. After monitoring for 150 day, rats were administered 0, 50, 100, 200 mg/kg Vitex doniana and 20 mg/kg Tamoxifen for 14 day. Serum estrogen receptor-α, IL-1β and TNF -α levels were determined using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress markers in mammary tissue homogenates were determined using standard spectrophotometric methods. Histopathological examination was done using hematoxylin and eosin staining and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression using immunohistochemistry. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was used to determine components present in the extract. Although tumors were not observed, significantly (p < 0.05) lower estrogen receptor-α, malondialdehyde, IL-1β and TNF -α levels, significantly (p < 0.05) higher glutathione and catalase activity, attenuation of malignant epithelial hyperplasia and mild COX-2 expression were observed in rats administered Vitex doniana when compared to DMBA-induced untreated control. Liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis of the V. doniana extract revealed the presence of 4,5-dihydroxy-7-methoxy-6-methylflavone and vanillylamine, which are compounds with reported antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Collectively, treatment with Vitex doniana ameliorated some derangement observed in DMBA-induced rats.