Biochemical and morphological evaluation of the effects of propolis on cisplatin induced kidney damage in rats

In vivo anti-inflammatory activity of BACCHARIN from BRAZILIAN green PROPOLIS

Baccharin is one of the major compounds found in Brazilian green propolis and its botanical source, Baccharis dracunculifolia. Considering the biological effects of propolis and B. dracunculifolia, this study aims to evaluate the analgesic and anti-inflammatory potential of baccharin. The neurodepressor potential was performed by the open field test, analgesia by mechanical stimulation with Dynamic Plantar Aesthesiometer, and by thermal stimulation with Hargreaves apparatus. In addition, the anti-inflammatory potential was achieved by the paw edema assay, histopathological evaluation, and NF-kB expression. Doses of 2.5, 5, and 10 mg/kg of baccharin were evaluated. After euthanasia, plantar tissue was collected and prepared for histology. As a result, analgesic activity was observed at a dose of 10 mg/kg of baccharin in thermal stimulation under an inflammatory process and anti-inflammatory potential at a dose of 5 mg/kg of baccharin from the second hour in the paw edema test. A decrease in cellular infiltrate and down-modulation of NF-kB, besides the reduction of edema in the histopathology was observed. There was no evidence of kidney and liver toxicity and neurodepressive potential at the doses tested. Thus, baccharin has a promising anti-inflammatory effect possibly associated with antiedematogenic activity by inhibiting mediators such as prostaglandins, inhibiting the migration of polymorphonuclear cells, and modulating NF-kB expression.

An integrated view of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity: characteristics, common molecular mechanisms, and current clinical management

Cisplatin (CP) is a chemotherapy drug widely prescribed to treat various neoplasms. Although fundamental for the therapeutic action of the drug, its cytotoxic mechanisms trigger adverse effects in several tissues, such as the kidney, liver, and heart, which limit its clinical use. In this sense, studies point to an essential role of damage to nuclear and mitochondrial DNA associated with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the pathophysiology of tissue injuries. Due to the limitation of effective preventive and therapeutic measures against CP-induced toxicity, new strategies with potential cytoprotective effects have been studied. Therefore, this article is timely in reviewing the characteristics and main molecular mechanisms common to renal, hepatic, and cardiac toxicity previously described, in addition to addressing the main validated strategies for the current management of these adverse events in clinical practice. We also handle the main promising antioxidant substances recently presented in the literature to encourage the development of new research that consolidates their potential preventive and therapeutic effects against CP-induced cytotoxicity.

An Examination of the Effects of Propolis and Quercetin in a Rat Model of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy

The purpose of this study was to reveal the combined effects of propolis (P) and quercetin (Q) against diabetic peripheral neuropathy developing with streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats. Sixty-four adult male rats were divided into eight equal groups: control, P (100 mg/kg/day), Q (100 mg/kg/day), P + Q (100 mg/day for both), diabetes mellitus (DM) (single-dose 60 mg/kg streptozotocin), DM + P, DM + Q, and DM + P + Q. The rats were sacrificed, and blood and sciatic nerve tissues were collected. Blood glucose and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels increased, while IL-6 and total antioxidant status decreased in the DM group (p = 0.016 and p = 0.047, respectively). Ultrastructural findings showed degeneration of the axon and myelin sheath. The apoptotic index (AI %), TNF-α, and IL-1β immunopositivity increased significantly in the DM group (p < 0.001). Morphological structures approaching those of the controls were observed in the DM + P, DM + Q, and DM + P + Q groups. Morphometric measurements increased markedly in all treatment groups (p < 0.001), while blood glucose and MDA levels, AI (%), TNF-α, and IL-1β immunopositivity decreased. In conclusion, the combined effects of propolis and quercetin in diabetic neuropathy may provide optimal morphological protection with neuroprotective effects by reducing hyperglycemia, and these may represent a key alternative supplement in regenerative medicine.

Eucalyptol alleviates cisplatin-induced kidney damage in rats

This study was aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of eucalyptol on cisplatin induced kidney damage in Wistar albino rats. The animals were divided into four groups: sham (S), eucalyptol (E), cisplatin (C), and cisplatin + eucalyptol (CE) randomly, six animals in each group. Groups C and CE were received cisplatin (12 mg/kg, a single dose, intraperitoneally (i.p.)). Groups E and CE were treated with eucalyptol (100 mg/kg, for seven days, orally). The blood samples and kidney tissues were collected following sacrification and analyzed histopathologically and biochemically. Histopathological results revealed tubular degeneration and necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, tubular lumen dilatation, enlargement of bowman's space and hyaline cast were significantly irregular in the group C than group S. However, eucalyptol treatment (CE) modulated the alterations in the group C. Serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) were considerably higher in the group C compared to the other groups. There was no significant difference among the other groups statistically (except group C) in terms of BUN and CRE values. Eucalyptol treatment (at 100 mg/kg, for seven days) decreased the cisplatin induced increase in serum BUN and CRE levels and restored the reduced Vit C level and CAT activity of kidneys caused by cisplatin. Thus, eucalyptol's antioxidative, nephroprotective, and curative effects indicated the potential for future drug development.

Propolis ameliorates ischemia/reperfusion-induced testicular damage by reducing oxidative stress

PURPOSE

This study was performed to evaluate the effect of ethanolic extract of Turkish propolis (EEP) on testicular ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) damage in rats in terms of biochemistry and histopathology, for the first time.

METHODS

A total of 18 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups with six rats in each group: control, torsion/detorsion (T/D), and T/D+EEP (100mg/kg). Testicular torsion was performed by 720° rotating the left testicle in a clockwise direction. The duration of ischemia was 4h and orchiectomy was performed after 2h of detorsion. EEP was applied only once 30min before detorsion. Tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined using colorimetric methods. Oxidative stress index (OSI) was calculated by proportioning tissue TOS and TAS values to each other. Tissue glutathione (GSH) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels were determined using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Johnsen's testicle scoring system was used for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

In the T/D group, it was determined that statistically significant decreasing in TAS, GSH, GPx levels and Johnsen score, and increasing in TOS, OSI and MDA levels (p<0.05) compared with control group. EEP administration statistically significantly restored this I/R damage (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that propolis prevent I/R-induced testicular damage through its antioxidant activity. More comprehensive studies are needed to see the underlying mechanisms.

Thymoquinone enhances the antioxidant and anticancer activity of Lebanese propolis

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) are produced by multiple cellular processes and are maintained at optimal levels in normal cells by endogenous antioxidants. In recent years, the search for potential exogenous antioxidants from dietary sources has gained considerable attention to eliminate excess ROS that is associated with oxidative stress related diseases including cancer. Propolis, a resinous honeybee product, has been shown to have protective effects against oxidative stress and anticancer effects against several types of neoplasms.

AIM

To investigate the antioxidant and anticancer potential of Lebanese propolis when applied alone or in combination with the promising anticancer compound Thymoquinone (TQ) the main constituent of Nigella sativa essential oil.

METHODS

Crude extracts of Lebanese propolis collected from two locations, Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh, were prepared in methanol and the total phenolic content was determined by Folin–Ciocalteu method. The antioxidant activity was assessed by the ability to scavenge 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) free radical and to inhibit H₂O₂-induced oxidative hemolysis of human erythrocytes. The anticancer activity was evaluated by [3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide] MTT assay against HCT-116 human colorectal cancer cells and MDA-MB-231 human breast cancer cells.

RESULTS

The total phenolic content of propolis extract from Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh were 56.81 µg and 83.503 µg of gallic acid equivalent /mg of propolis, respectively. Both natural agents exhibited strong antioxidant activities as evidenced by their ability to scavenge DPPH free radical and to protect erythrocytes against H₂O₂-induced hemolysis. They also dose-dependently decreased the viability of both cancer cell lines. The IC₅₀ value of each of propolis extract from Rashaya and Akkar-Danniyeh or TQ was 22.3, 61.7, 40.44 µg/mL for breast cancer cells at 72 h and 33.3, 50.9, 33.5 µg/mL for colorectal cancer cells at the same time point, respectively. Importantly, the inhibitory effects of propolis on DPPH radicals and cancer cell viability were achieved at half its concentration when combined with TQ.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that Lebanese propolis extract has antioxidant and anticancer potential and its combination with TQ could possibly prevent ROS- mediated diseases.

Combination of DNA Damage, Autophagy, and ERK Inhibition: Novel Evodiamine-Inspired Multi-Action Pt(IV) Prodrugs with High-Efficiency and Low-Toxicity Antitumor Activity

Exploring multi-targeting chemotherapeutants with advantages over single-targeting agents and drug combinations is of great significance in drug discovery. Herein, we employed phytogenic evodiamine (EVO) and conventional Pt(II) drugs to design and synthesize multi-target EVO-Pt(IV) anticancer prodrugs (4-14). Among them, compound 10 exhibited a 118-fold enhancement in the IC₅₀ value compared to cisplatin and low toxicity to normal cells. Further studies proved that 10 significantly enhanced intracellular Pt accumulation and DNA damage, perturbed mitochondrial membrane potential, inhibited cell migration and invasion, upregulated reactive oxygen species levels, and induced apoptosis and autophagic cell death. Molecular docking assay revealed that 10 fits perfectly into the extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase (ERK)-1 pocket, which was verified to produce profound ERK suppression. Most strikingly, compound 10 exhibited superior in vivo antitumor efficiency and effectively attenuated systemic toxicity. Our results emphasize that functionalizing platinum drugs with the multi-target EVO could generate synergistically excellent anticancer activity with low toxicity and decreased resistance, which may represent a brand-new cancer therapy modality.

Effect of Chrysin on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in a Rat Model of Testicular Torsion

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this study was to evaluate the possible therapeutic effect of chrysin (CHS) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) injury in vivo through the mechanisms of oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS).

METHODS

Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups of six subjects in each group: control, T/D and T/D + CHS (100 mg/kg). To evaluate the degree of oxidative stress, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels were determined using colorimetric methods, while tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined using an ELISA kit. To evaluate the degree of ERS, tissue glucose regulatory protein 78 (GRP78), activating transcription factor 6 (ATF6) and C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) levels were determined using ELISA kits. Johnsen's testicle scoring system was used for histological evaluation.

RESULTS

In the T/D group, it is determined that statistically significant decreasing in the levels of TAS, SOD and Johnsen score, and increasing in TOS, MDA, GRP78, ATF6 and CHOP levels compared to control group (p < 0.05). CHS administration statistically significantly restored this T/D-induced damage (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

This is the first study to show that CHS prevent T/D-induced testicular damage through its ERS inhibitor activity. More comprehensive studies are needed to understand the underlying mechanisms.

Supplemental data for this article is available online at https://doi.org/10.1080/08941939.2021.2015489 .

Propolis antiviral and immunomodulatory activity: a review and perspectives for COVID-19 treatment

OBJECTIVES

Viral outbreaks are a frequent concern for humans. A great variety of drugs has been used to treat viral diseases, which are not always safe and effective and may induce adverse effects, indicating the need for new antiviral drugs extracted from natural sources. Propolis is a bee-made product exhibiting many biological properties. An overview of viruses, antiviral immunity, propolis safety and its immunomodulatory and antiviral action is reported, as well as perspectives for coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) treatment. PubMed platform was used for data collection, searching for the keywords "propolis", "virus", "antiviral", "antimicrobial" and "coronavirus".

KEY FINDINGS

Propolis is safe and exerts antiviral and immunomodulatory activity; however, clinical trials should investigate its effects on individuals with viral diseases, in combination or not with antiviral drugs or vaccines.

SUMMARY

Regarding COVID-19, the effects of propolis should be investigated directly on the virus in vitro or on infected individuals alone or in combination with antiviral drugs, due to its immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory action. Propolis administration simultaneously with vaccines should be analyzed, due to its adjuvant properties, to enhance the individuals' immune response. The search for therapeutic targets may be useful to find out how propolis can help to control COVID-19.

TUNEL Assay: A Powerful Tool for Kidney Injury Evaluation

Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) assay is a long-established assay used to detect cell death-associated DNA fragmentation (3'-OH DNA termini) by endonucleases. Because these enzymes are particularly active in the kidney, TUNEL is widely used to identify and quantify DNA fragmentation and cell death in cultured kidney cells and animal and human kidneys resulting from toxic or hypoxic injury. The early characterization of TUNEL as an apoptotic assay has led to numerous misinterpretations of the mechanisms of kidney cell injury. Nevertheless, TUNEL is becoming increasingly popular for kidney injury assessment because it can be used universally in cultured and tissue cells and for all mechanisms of cell death. Furthermore, it is sensitive, accurate, quantitative, easily linked to particular cells or tissue compartments, and can be combined with immunohistochemistry to allow reliable identification of cell types or likely mechanisms of cell death. Traditionally, TUNEL analysis has been limited to the presence or absence of a TUNEL signal. However, additional information on the mechanism of cell death can be obtained from the analysis of TUNEL patterns.

The protective effect of Ferula elaeochytris on age-related erectile dysfunction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Ferula elaeochytris Korovin (FE) is a perennial medicinal plant of Apiaceae family. Ferula elaeochytris Korovin, known as 'Çakşır' in Anatolia, is widely used as an aphrodisiac as well as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-diabetic.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Erectile dysfunction (ED) is a serious public health problem that has a high prevalence and negatively affects the quality of life in elderly men. In the treatment and prophylaxis of many diseases, because of widely increasing use of plant extracts as therapeutic agents, preclinical studies related to plant extracts are becoming more important by the day. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of Ferula elaeochytris Korovin (FE) root extract on age-related ED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Seventy-two male Wistar albino rats were equally divided into four groups: 4-month aged rats (Y), 24-month aged rats (AG), and FE-administered (20 and 40 mg/kg/day; oral gavage; over 8 weeks) 24-month aged rats (AG + FE). The measurements included: changes in smooth muscle cells and collagen fibrils, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), penile neuronal nitric oxide synthase (nNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression, serum testosterone concentrations (ST), neurogenic- and endothelial-dependent relaxations of the corpus cavernosum (CC), intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP), area under the curve (total ICP), total antioxidant status (TAS), and total oxidant status (TOS) on corpus cavernosal tissue.

RESULTS

These results have an important role in the development of ED. ICP/MAP, total ICP, eNOS/nNOS expressions and ST levels increased in AG+40 mg FE group compared to the AG group, whereas TNF-α levels decreased and oxidative and antioxidant parameters balanced.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings show that FE may have a useful effect on decelerating the development of age-related ED.

Proximal Tubular Development Is Impaired with Downregulation of MAPK/ERK Signaling, HIF-1α, and Catalase by Hyperoxia Exposure in Neonatal Rats

Supplemental oxygen therapy (hyperoxia) is a widely used treatment for alveolar hypoxia in preterm infants. Despite being closely monitored, hyperoxia exposure is believed to undermine neonatal nephrogenesis and renal function caused by elevated oxidative stress. Previous studies have mostly focused on the hyperoxia-induced impairment of glomerular development, while the long-term impact of neonatal hyperoxia on tubular development and the regulatory component involved in this process remain to be clarified. Here, we examined tubular histology and apoptosis, along with the expression profile of mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signaling, hypoxia-inducible factor 1α (HIF-1α), and catalase, following hyperoxia exposure in neonatal rats. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining revealed the early disappearance of the nephrogenic zone, as well as dilated lumens and reduced epithelial cells, of mature proximal tubules following neonatal hyperoxia. A robust increase in tubular cell apoptosis caused by neonatal hyperoxia was found using a TUNEL assay. Moreover, neonatal hyperoxia altered renal MAPK/ERK signaling activity and downregulated the expression of HIF-1α and catalase in the proximal tubules throughout nephrogenesis from S-shaped bodies to mature proximal tubules. Cell apoptosis in the proximal tubules was positively correlated with HIF-1α expression on the 14th postnatal day. Our data indicates that proximal tubular development is impaired by neonatal hyperoxia, which is accompanied by altered MAPK/ERK signaling as well as downregulated HIF-1α and catalase. Therapeutic management that targets MAPK/ERK signaling, HIF-1α, or catalase may serve as a protective agent against hyperoxia-induced oxidative damage to neonatal proximal tubules.

Evaluation of antiviral effect and toxicity of total flavonoids extracted from Robinia pseudoacacia cv. idaho

In this study, we aimed to evaluate the antiviral effect of total flavonoids extracted from Robinia pseudoacacia cv. idaho (RPTF) in vivo and its toxicity on rats with oral gavage. RPTF was prepared by percolation with 70% ethanol for 24 h and its antiviral effect on different kinds of viruses was evaluated in vitro by MTT staining. The long-term toxicity of RPTF on rats was evaluated through the detection of general behavior, body weight, food intake and related organ tissue sections of experimental animals. We found that RPTF produced significantly inhibitory effects on HSV-1 and EV-71 viruses with the therapeutic index TI values 113.8 and 46.2, respectively. Moreover, toxicity evaluation in vivo showed no significantly adverse effects in rats, indicating that RPTF was safe in use. In conclusion, we demonstrated that RPTF, natural compounds in the Chinese traditional medicine, could act as promising and effective antiviral therapeutics with relative safety in use.