Acacia senegal gum attenuates systemic toxicity in CCl4-intoxicated rats via regulation of the ROS/NF-κB signaling pathway

A comparative study on the protective effects of cuminaldehyde, thymoquinone, and gallic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced pulmonary and renal toxicity in rats by affecting ROS and NF-κB signaling

CCl4 toxicity is a fatal condition that can cause numerous organ dysfunctions. We evaluated and compared the protective effects of cuminaldehyde (CuA), thymoquinone (TQ), and gallic acid (GA) on CCl4-induced pulmonary and renal toxicity in rats. The impacts of these compounds on CCl4-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and morphological alterations were examined. The results showed that the compounds under investigation prevented CCl4 from significantly increasing pulmonary and renal lipid peroxidation and NO levels, as well as massively depleting GSH levels and GPX and SOD activities. Moreover, they suppressed the CCl4-induced increase in mucus secretion in the lung and upregulated the gene expression of pulmonary and renal NF-ҡB, iNOS, TNF-α, and COX-2. The heatmap cluster plots showed that GA and TQ had better protective potencies than CuA. The external organ morphology, histopathological results, and chest X-ray analysis confirmed the toxicity of CCl4 and the protective influences of the tested compounds in both the lungs and kidneys of rats. These compounds displayed predicted competitive inhibitory effects on iNOS activity and may block the IL-13α2 receptor, as revealed by molecular docking analysis. Thus, CuA, TQ, and GA, particularly the latter two, are prospective protective compounds against the pulmonary and renal toxicity caused by CCl4.

Attenuation of carbon tetrachloride-induced nephrotoxicity by gum Arabic extract via modulating cellular redox state, NF-κB pathway, and KIM-1

The current study investigated the ameliorating impact of GA water extract (GAE) on CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity in renal cells and tissue by comparing its effectiveness with the Ketosteril (Ks) drug in restoring oxidative stress and necroinflammation. The cell morphology, necrosis, and redox state were evaluated in Vero cells. The influence of GAE on CCl4-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and necrosis was examined in rats. The predicted inhibitory mechanism of GAE phenolic constituents against COX-2 and iNOS was also studied. The results revealed that GAE contains crucial types of phenolic acids, which are associated with its antiradical activities. GAE improved CCl4-induced Vero cell damage and restored renal architecture damage, total antioxidant capacity, ROS, TBARS, NO, GSH, GPX, SOD, and MPO in rats. GAE downregulated the gene expression of renal NF-κB, TNF-α, iNOS, and COX-2, as well as kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) in rats. The GAE improved blood urea, creatinine, cholesterol, and reducing power. The computational analysis revealed the competitive inhibitory mechanism of selected phenolic composites of GAE on COX-2 and iNOS activities. The GAE exhibited higher potency than Ks in most of the studied parameters, as observed by the heatmap plots. Thus, GAE is a promising extract for the treatment of kidney toxicity.

The black Vitis vinifera seed oil saponifiable fraction ameliorates hepatocellular carcinoma in vitro and in vivo via modulating apoptosis and ROS/NF-κB signaling

To date, no total curative therapy for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is available. This study aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of black Vitis vinifera (VV) seed oil saponifiable (Sap) fraction (BSap) using five different cancer cell lines. The apoptotic and anti-inflammatory impacts of BSap on the cell line with the highest cytotoxic effect were studied. Furthermore, its therapeutic effect on p-dimethylaminoazobenzene (p-DAB)-induced HCC in mice was investigated. The phenolic and vitamin content, as well as the antiradical activities of BSap, were assessed. BSap demonstrated a greater cytotoxic effect on HepG-2 cells (lowest IC50 and highest SI values) than did the other tested cell lines. BSap showed superior anticancer efficacy to 5-FU on all examined cancer cells, particularly HepG-2 cells, by inducing apoptosis and downregulating NF-κB. In HCC-bearing mice, BSap reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and boosted GSH levels due to its potent antiradical activities and high reducing power. In addition, it had an apoptotic effect by upregulating p53 and BAX and downregulating Bcl-2 fold expression. Moreover, BSap lowered the fold expression of various crucial HCC-related genes: CD133, ALAD1α1, COX-2, ABCG1, AKT1, Gli, Notch1, and HIF1α. Liver function markers and histopathology showed significant improvements in HCC-bearing mice after BSap administration compared to 5-FU. In silico analysis revealed that the most abundant phenolic and fatty acid ingredients of BSap exhibited competitive inhibitory effects on valuable HCC-associated enzymes (NADPH oxidase, histone deacetylase 1, and sepiapterin reductase). Thus, BSap fraction may be a promising treatment of HCC.

Identification of effective anti-HCV and anti-HIV royal jelly constituents and their acute toxicity evaluation in Albino rats

Few studies on royal jelly's (RJ) antiviral activities and toxicity have been conducted. Here, we investigated the antioxidant properties of RJ that was fractionated into soluble fraction (SF), non-soluble fraction (NSF), water-soluble protein fraction (crude protein fraction, CPF), PF30, PF40, PF50, and PF60. The PFs were identified by SDS-PAGE, and phenolic constituents of SF were detected by HPLC. The qualitative anti-HCV, immunomodulatory, and predicted impact of the studied fractions on ERK2/MAPK14 (activated by HCV) were investigated. The influences of RJ fractions on HIV CD4, reverse-transcriptase, and integrase were examined. The acute toxicity of RJ, SF, NSF, and CPF-PF50 (all CPF except PF50) was tested. Results showed that RJ had potent antioxidant efficiency, and its SF contains functional phenolic compounds. PF30, PF40, and PF50 only showed anti-HCV potency, and PF50 had an immunomodulatory effect against HCV and predicted inhibitory influence on ERK2/MAPK14. RJ-PFs, particularly PF60, showed the most effective anti-HIV ingredients. A single ip injection of RJ fractions at different concentrations revealed that SF was the safest one. Whereas NSF was the most toxic at 700-5000 mg/kg b.w., its toxicity was reversed spontaneously after seven days. Thus, this study provides valuable information about the antiviral activities and toxicity of RJ constituents.

Synergistic Antigenotoxic and Antioxidant Action of Gum Arabic and Eugenol in Rat Liver Following Induction of Colorectal Carcinogenesis

OBJECTIVE

Much research has been conducted to identify natural antioxidant and antimutagenic compounds capable of preventing, reverting or treating conditions caused by oxidative stress and genotoxicity. In this study we evaluated the effects of 10% gum arabic (GA) and eugenol (EUG) on hepatic oxidative stress and genotoxicity induced by dimethylhydrazine (DMH) in rats.

METHODS

The prevention arm of the study included 4 control groups and 4 experimental groups. Once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline s.c. while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg s.c. During the same period and for an additional 9 weeks, the animals received either water, 10% GA , EUG or 10% GA + EUG  by gavage. The treatment arm of the study included 4 control groups and 4 experimental groups. Once a week for 20 weeks, the controls received saline s.c. while the experimental groups received DMH at 20 mg/kg s.c. During the subsequent 9 weeks, the animals received either water, 10% GA, EUG or 10% GA + EUG  by gavage. Finally, the livers were harvested for histopathological study with HE, measurement of genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

RESULT

Genotoxicity and oxidative stress were found to be significantly lower in Group XII (animals treated concomitantly with GA and EUG). This is the first study to observe the synergistic action of GA and EUG administered concomitantly in this scenario.

CONCLUSION

Indicating a synergistic antigenotoxic and antioxidant effect on liver cells in rats with DMH-induced colorectal carcinogenesis.

Gentiopicroside ameliorates CCl4-induced liver injury in mice by regulating the PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and NF-κB/IκB signaling pathways

OBJECTIVE

This study explored the mechanisms by which gentiopicroside protects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury.

METHODS

Male mice were randomly assigned to the control; CCl4; bifendate 100 mg/kg; or gentiopicroside 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg groups. Both vehicle and drugs were administered intragastrically for 7 days. Mice were administered CCl4 intraperitoneally 1 hour after the last drug dose. After 24 hours, we collected blood and liver samples for testing.

RESULTS

Gentiopicroside significantly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities with corresponding reductions in hepatocyte denaturation and necrosis. Gentiopicroside enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and glutathione levels and reduced heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) activity and malondialdehyde levels in the liver, and these effects were attributed to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-γ/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Meanwhile, gentiopicroside significantly downregulated HO-1 and upregulated SOD and GSH-Px at the mRNA level in the liver. Furthermore, gentiopicroside significantly suppressed serum tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β secretion, which was associated with the inhibition of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB)/inhibitor of NF-κB (IκB).

CONCLUSIONS

Gentiopicroside ameliorated CCl4-induced liver injury in mice via the PPAR-γ/Nrf2 and NF-κB/IκB pathways.

Prophylactic and curative effects of Carica papaya Linn. pulp extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

Several chemicals and medications induce cellular damage in various organs of the body by activating reactive substances' metabolism leading to various pathological conditions including liver disease. In this study, we evaluated the prophylactic and curative effects of Carica papaya Linn. pulp water extract (PE) against CCl4-induced rat hepatotoxicity. Five groups of rats were created, control, PE, CCl4, (PE-CCl4): The rats were administered with PE pre and during CCl4 injection, and (PE-CCl4-PE): The rats were administered with PE pre, during, and after CCl4. The markers of oxidative stress ("OS": oxidant and antioxidants), inflammation [nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6], fibrosis [transforming growth factor-β], and apoptosis [tumor suppressor gene (p53)] were evaluated. Additionally, liver functions, liver histology, and kidney functions were measured. Also, PE characterization was studied. The results showed that PE, in vitro, has a high antioxidant capacity because of the existence of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and minerals. Otherwise, the PE administration [groups (PE-CCl4) and (PE-CCl4-PE)] exhibited its prophylactic and therapeutic role versus the hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 where PE treatment improved liver functions, liver histopathology, and renal functions by decreasing oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis induced by CCl4. Our study elucidated that PE contains high amounts of phenolics, flavonoids, tannins, terpenoids, and ascorbic acid. So, PE exerted significant prophylactic and curative effects against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4. These were done by enhancing the markers of antioxidants and drug-metabolizing enzymes with reductions in lipid peroxidation, inflammation, fibrosis, and apoptosis. PE administration for healthful rats for 12 weeks had no negative impacts. Consequently, PE is a promising agent for the prohibition and therapy of the toxicity caused by xenobiotics.

Biochemical Pilot Study on Effects of Pomegranate Seed Oil Extract and Cosmetic Cream on Neurologically Mediated Skin Inflammation in Animals and Humans: A Comparative Observational Study

The presence of phenobarbital and formaldehyde in drugs, food, and beverages can lead to various health issues, including inflammation, oncogenesis, and neurological distress. Psychological stress leads to mood fluctuations and the onset of skin inflammation. Skin inflammation has a range of causes, including chemicals, heavy metals, infection, immune-related disorders, genetics, and stress. The various treatments for skin inflammation include medical and cosmetic creams, diet changes, and herbal therapy. In this study, we investigated the effects of Avocom-M and pomegranate seed oil extract (PSOE) against phenobarbital- and formaldehyde-induced skin biochemical changes in rats. We analyzed the constituents of PSOE using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. We also observed biochemical changes in the skin of human volunteers with and without TROSYD and PSOE as a skin cream. We compared the biochemical changes in human volunteers' skin before treatment and 21 days after the treatment stopped. The outcomes showed an improvement in the rats' biochemical status, due to PSOE and Avocom-M treatment. The human volunteers treated with TROSYD and PSOE showed substantial amelioration of skin inflammation. PSOE, Avocom-M, and TROSYD produced beneficial effects by reducing the levels of cyclooxygenase-2, lipid peroxidation, tyrosinase, hyaluronidase, elastase, collagenase, and nitric oxide in the animals tested on and in human volunteers.

Ameliorative Effects of Propolis and Royal Jelly against CCl4 -Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ) is known to have hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects. During the two-month CCl₄ exposure of Wistar rats, propolis extract (PE) and royal jelly (RJ) were added in order to test the potential protective effect against hepato-renal injury. Ketonuria, proteinuria, high creatinine and urea levels are the result of CCl₄ -induced nephrotoxicity. Severe disorders of hematological indicators indicate anemia; high values of leukocytes indicate inflammatory condition. Cytogenetic impairments in hepatocytes, aggregation of platelets, and hypoproteinemia indicate severe liver impairment. Results suggest a more significant protective role of RJ compared to PE. Both extracts regulated proteinuria, ketonuria, hypoproteinemia and reduced platelet aggregation in the hepatic circulation. The increase in the number of erythrocytes (RBC) suggest protective effects against anemia; the decrease in the number of leukocytes can be linked to anti-inflammatory effects. PE and RJ have a beneficial effect against hepato-renal injury, anemia and anti-inflammatory conditions caused by CCl₄ .

Targeting apoptosis in MCF-7 and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells by saponifiable fractions from green and black Vitis vinifera seed oil

Grape seed (GS) oil is one of the potential functional foods. For the first time, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of GS oil saponifiable (Sap)-fraction from black (BSap) and green (GSap) grapes on MCF-7 cells and Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) in mice. The fatty acid composition of BSap and GSap was determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. Approximately twelve distinct fatty acids were detected in BSap and eleven in GSap. BSap showed a greater cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells than GSap did by inducing apoptosis and reducing inflammation, while both grape fractions had superior potency to 5-FU. Furthermore, BSap massively boosted apoptosis and lowered redox potential (E_h) and CD44⁺ cells in EAC cells of EAC-bearing mice more than GSap, and both fractions were more efficient than 5-FU. Blood tests and liver histopathology revealed significant improvement in EAC-induced pathological alterations with these fractions. The in silico analysis implied the competitive inhibitory impacts of the most abundant fatty acid composites in BSap and GSap on cancer-metastasis-associated proteases (cathepsin B and MMP9). Also, this analysis predicted that the apoptotic action of these Sap fractions is independent of the 5'AMP-activated protein kinase. Therefore, grape Sap-fraction, especially BSap, may be a useful agent for cancer prevention.

Regulation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and IL-13 in asthmatic rats by aerosol inhalation of the combined active constituents of Punica granatum juice and peel

Bronchial asthma is a chronic inflammatory airway illness. For the first time, we evaluated the proposed anti-asthmatic protective and therapeutic potency of inhaling Punica granatum juice (PJE) and peel (PPE) extract mixture (PM). Rats were challenged with ovalbumin (OVA) for 23 days and aerosolized with PM before each OVA challenge (protected group) or following the final OVA challenge for 3 days (therapeutic group). Considerable concentrations of phenolics were detected in PJE and PPE. Therefore, PM demonstrated synergistic scavenging abilities of NO and DPPH radicals. It also showed synergistic anti-inflammatory activities against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation in the white blood cells by lowering the gene expression of CXCR1, CXCR2, IL-6, and IL-8. In addition, PM increased IL-10 gene expression while decreasing NO and TNF-α levels in LPS-exposed cells. Regarding the rats that were protected with PM, they exerted pulmonary pro-oxidant effects but prevented the OVA-induced upregulation of NF-κB, IKK, TNF-α, COX-2, iNOS, IL-13, and COL1A1, as well as MUC5AC and mucin over-secretion. While PM in the therapeutic group improved reactive oxygen species levels and normalized most of the investigated inflammatory and fibrotic mediators and mucin formation, but slightly improved the antioxidant indices. In addition, OVA-induced morphological alterations were massively improved after PM inhalation for short or long periods. Thus, PM inhalation prevented and treated OVA-induced pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis, while the inhalation period between 3 and 23 days needs to be optimized to acquire a better impact on the antioxidant indices.

Zinc-loaded whey protein nanoparticles alleviate the oxidative damage and enhance the gene expression of inflammatory mediators in rats

BACKGROUND

Zinc (Zn) is an essential trace element required for the function of the immune system. However, Zn fortification of food has faced some challenges, although excess Zn may be induced obesity and other related. This study aimed to use Zn-loaded whey protein nanoparticles (Zn-WPNPs) to enhance the immunomodulatory activity of Zn in rats treated with CCl₄.

METHODS

Zn was loaded to WPNPs at a level of 14 mg/g. Four experimental groups of male albino Wistar rats were treated for 30 days including the control group, CCl₄-treated group (0.5 ml/100 g b.w), Zn plus CCl₄-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w), and CCl₄ plus Zn-WPNPs-treated group (50 mg/kg b.w). Blood and tissue samples were collected for different assays and histological examinations.

RESULTS

The results revealed that CCl₄ disturbs the serum biochemical, hematological, and immune indicators in different organs besides the liver as a target organ. Animals that received CCl₄ showed a significant increase in oxidative stress markers, cytokines, and the mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators in the lung and spleen accompanied by a significant decrease in the hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes along with histological changes in the liver, kidney, spleen, and lung. Zn or Zn-WPNPs could improve these parameters and the histological picture of the tested organs and Zn-WPNPs were more effective than Zn alone.

CONCLUSION

WPNPs induced synergistic immune-modulating effects which may control Zn release and may be a suitable candidate to enhance the immune system during any pandemic or the exposure to any chemicals that affect the immune system.

Arabic Gum Could Alleviate the Aflatoxin B1-provoked Hepatic Injury in Rat: The Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Pathways

Aflatoxin B₁ (AF) is an unavoidable environmental pollutant that contaminates food, feed, and grains, which seriously threatens human and animal health. Arabic gum (AG) has recently evoked much attention owing to its promising therapeutic potential. Thus, the current study was conducted to look into the possible mechanisms beyond the ameliorative activity of AG against AF-inflicted hepatic injury. Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: Control, AG (7.5 g/kg b.w/day, orally), AF (200 µg/kg b.w), and AG plus AF group. AF induced marked liver damage expounded by considerable changes in biochemical profile and histological architecture. The oxidative stress stimulated by AF boosted the production of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level along with decreases in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Additionally, AF exposure was associated with down-regulation of the nuclear factor erythroid2–related factor2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) protein expression in liver tissue. Apoptotic cascade has also been evoked following AF-exposure, as depicted in overexpression of cytochrome c (Cyto c), cleaved Caspase3 (Cl. Casp3), along with enhanced up-regulation of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65) mRNA expression levels. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents of AG may reverse the induced oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in AF-exposed animals.