The Effect of Thymoquinone on the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB Axis Against Cisplatin-İnduced Testicular Tissue Damage

One of the adverse effects of the antineoplastic drug cisplatin (CS) is damage to testicular tissue. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ), a strong antioxidant, against testicular damage caused by CS. In the experiment, 28 rats were used, and the rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 7), CS (n = 7), CS + TQ (n = 7), and TQ (n = 7). The experiment was called off after all treatments were finished on day 15. Blood serum and testicular tissues were utilized for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, mRNA expression, and gene protein investigations. The testosterone level decreased and oxidative stress, histopathological damage, dysregulation in mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation and apoptotic cells increased in testicular tissue due to CS administration. TQ supplementation showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in response to CS-induced testicular damage. In addition, TQ contributed to the reduction of CS-induced toxic effects by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB pathway. TQ supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy against CS-induced testicular damage by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB axis, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Protective potential of thymoquinone against cadmium, arsenic, and lead toxicity: A short review with emphasis on oxidative pathways

Heavy metals are among the most important environmental pollutions used in various industries. Their extensive use has increased human susceptibility to different chronic diseases. Toxic metal exposure, especially cadmium, arsenic, and lead, causes oxidative damages, mitochondrial dysfunction, and genetic and epigenetic modifications. Meanwhile, thymoquinone (TQ) is an effective component of Nigella sativa oil that plays an important role in preventing the destructive effects of heavy metals. The present review discusses how TQ can protect various tissues against oxidative damage of heavy metals. This review is based on the research reported about the protective effects of TQ in the toxicity of heavy metals, approximately the last 10 years (2010-2021). Scientific databases, including Scopus, Web of Science, and PubMed, were searched using the following keywords either alone or in combination: cadmium, arsenic, lead, TQ, and oxidative stress. TQ, as a potent antioxidant, can distribute to cellular compartments and prevent oxidative damage of toxic metals. However, depending on the type of toxic metal and the carrier system used to release TQ in biological systems, its therapeutic dosage range may be varied.

The Effects of Chronic Lead Exposure on Testicular Development of Japanese Quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological Damages, Oxidative Stress, Steroidogenesis Disturbance, and Hypothalamus-Pituitary-Testis Axis Disruption

Lead (Pb) becomes a global public health concern for its high toxicology. Birds are sensitive to environmental pollution and Pb contamination exerts multiple negative influences on bird life. Pb also impacts on avian reproductive system. Thus, in this study, we attempted to determine toxicological effects and possible mechanistic pathways of Pb on avian testicular development by using the model species-Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica). Male quail chicks of 1-week-old were exposed to 0, 50, 500, and 1000 ppm Pb concentrations in drinking water for 5 weeks when reaching sexual maturation. The results showed that high Pb doses (500 and 1000 ppm) induced testis atrophy and cloacal gland shrinkage. Microstructural damages of both hypothalamus and testis indicated the disruption of the hypothalamus-pituitary-gonadal (HPG) axis by Pb exposure. The decrease of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone (T) may also imply HPG axis disruption. Moreover, excess testicular oxidative damages featured by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreasing catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) indicated increasing risks of reproductive dysfunction by Pb. Furthermore, increasing apoptosis and upregulation of gene expression associated with cell death suggested testicular abnormal development. In addition, molecular signaling involved with steroidogenesis in the testis was disturbed by Pb treatment. The study showed that Pb could impair testicular development and reproductive function by morphological and histological injury, hormone suppression, oxidative stress, cell death, and HPG axis disruption.

Aqueous extract of Pedalium murex D. Royen ex L. leafy stem protects against lead induced testicular toxicity in Wistar rats

OBJECTIVES

Lead exposure seriously impairs male reproductive function. The protective capacity of Pedalium murex leafy stem and fruit aqueous extracts against lead testicular toxicity is evaluated to find herbals drugs able to improve semen quality.

METHODS

Phytochemical screening were performed according to classical methods. Twenty four male rats were divided into four groups of six rats each and received the following treatments via oral route: distilled water; 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water; 0.2% lead acetate in drinking water with 400 mg/kg P. murex aqueous leafy stem extract; 0.2% leaded water with 400 mg/kg P. murex aqueous fruit extract. Treatments were administered for 70 days. Body and reproductive organs weights, sperm parameters and testicular histological sections of each group were examined.

RESULTS

Flavonoids, tannins, coumarins, alkaloids, and lignans were found in both extracts. Lead intoxication reduced sperm motility and count but increased the percentage of morphologically abnormal sperms. The germinal epithelium of seminiferous tubules histoarchitecture was disorganized by lead. The leafy stem extract was effective in reducing lead induced testicular disruption whereas fruit has not shown any beneficial effect.

CONCLUSIONS

P. murex leafy stem aqueous extract is effective against semen alterations caused by lead.

Histological analysis of the effects of thymoquinone on testicular damage in pentylenetetrazole-induced temporal lobe epilepsy model

In this study, it was aimed to investigate possible ameliorating effects of thymoquinone on testicular damage in an epilepsy model. Adult male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. The animals in sham-operated groups were given saline or thymoquinone (s.c.); and the animals in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) group were applied PTZ. The animals in PTZ+thymoquinone group were given thymoquinone (i.p) for 6 days after applying PTZ. Hematoxylin-eosin, periodic acid-Schiff and TUNEL staining and PCNA, StAR, inhibin β-B immunohistochemistry and ZO-1 immunofluorescence methods were applied. Staining intensity and cell numbers were determined. Degeneration of seminiferous tubules was observed in PTZ group. Most of the tubules showed normal morphology in the PTZ+thymoquinone group. Apoptotic cell index was found to be increased and proliferative index decreased in PTZ group. Thymoquinone administration decreased apoptotic index and increased proliferation index. In PTZ group, ZO-1, StAR and inhibin β-B immunohistochemical staining intensity was observed to be decreased and after thymoquinone application, ZO-1 was increased. StAR and inhibin β-B-positive cell numbers were decreased in PTZ group and increased in the PTZ +thymoquinone group. In this study, it was observed that PTZ-induced epileptic seizures caused testicular damage in the rat and thymoquinone ameliorated these effects.

Hepato-protective effects of thymoquinone and beta-aminoisobutyric acid in streptozocin induced diabetic rats

We investigated the hepato-protective effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA). We used five groups of 8-week-old male rats: untreated control group, streptozotocin (STZ) diabetic group, STZ + TQ group, STZ + BAIBA group, and STZ + TQ + BAIBA group. After experimental diabetes mellitus (DM) was established using STZ, TQ was given to the STZ + TQ group, BAIBA to the STZ + BAIBA group, and TQ and BAIBA to the STZ + TQ + BAIBA group. In the STZ group, body weight, relative liver weight, and glutathione, blood albumin and insulin levels were decreased compared to the control. Also, water and food consumption, tumor necrosis factor-α expression, malondialdehyde, blood glucose, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and gamma glutamyl transferase levels were increased the STZ group compared to the control group. In the STZ group, sinusoid congestion and dilation, monocyte and lymphocyte infiltration and microvesicular steatosis were observed in the liver tissue. Pathological changes caused by DM were reduced significantly in the STZ + TQ, STZ + BAIBA and STZ + TQ + BAIBA groups. The protective effect of BAIBA was greater than for TQ; the greatest protective effect was observed following combined use of TQ + BAIBA. We suggest that our findings for the STZ + TQ, STZ + BAIBA and STZ + TQ + BAIBA groups were due to the antioxidant effects of TQ and BAIBA. TQ and BAIBA appear to be potential therapeutic agents for ameliorating hepatic damage due to DM.

The ameliorative effects of thymoquinone and beta-aminoisobutyric acid on streptozotocin-induced diabetic cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a cardiac dysfunction observed in a patient with diabetes that may lead to heart failure. No specific treatment has yet been tested in DCM. Therefore, in this study, it was investigated that the potential of thymoquinone (TYM) and beta-aminoisobutyric acid (BAIBA) to treat DCM. Five groups (n = 7) were formed, namely control, diabetes, TYM, BAIBA and TYM + BAIBA, with a random selection from 35 adult male rats. Diabetes mellitus was induced by intraperitoneal administration of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin to all groups except the control. After establishing experimental diabetes, TYM (20 mg/kg/day) and BAIBA (100 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination with other groups other than the control and diabetes groups for five weeks by gavage. Serum aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, and tissue malondialdehyde levels increased significantly, and tissue glutathione levels decreased in the diabetes group compared to the control group. An increase in the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α in the myocardium and the rate of fibrosis and apoptosis were found in the histopathological analysis. In the TYM and BAIBA groups, all pathological changes observed in the diabetes group improved significantly. The therapeutic effects of these agents on DCM are probably due to their antihyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. The present results suggested that TYM and BAIBA have the potential therapeutic effects on DCM that were used alone or combined.

Anti-inflammatory effect of selenium on lead-induced testicular inflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in chickens

Lead (Pb) is a deleterious environmental pollutant that is toxic to testes. Selenium (Se) possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Nucleotide-binding domain, leucine-rich-containing family, pyrin-domain containing-3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in inflammatory response. However, the function of NLRP3 inflammasome in antagonistic effect of Se on inflammation caused by Pb remains unknown. The purpose of this research is to identify anti-inflammatory role of Se on testicular toxicity induced by Pb with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and NLRP3 signaling pathway in chicken. In present study, sixty seven-day-old Hyline male chickens were assigned into four groups. The feeding program consisted of a commercial diet (0.49 mg/kg Se), a Se-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se), a Pb-supplemented diet (0.49 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb) and a Se-supplemented and Pb-supplemented diet (1 mg/kg Se and 350 mg/kg Pb), respectively. On the 12th week, blood was collected to measure serum testosterone level and testicular tissues were removed to determine Se and Pb concentrations, testicular function, histological structure, oxidative stress indicators and inflammation-related factors (Nuclear factor-kappaB, tumor necrosis factor-α, cyclooxygenase-2, NLRP3, apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, interluekin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-18 and interferon-γ). The experimental results showed that after Pb administration, testicular injury was confirmed via histological assessment; testicular dysfunction were further indicated by decreased testosterone level and mRNA expression of steroidogenic acute regulatory protein, cytochrome P450 side-chain cleavage, 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase. Moreover, NLRP3 signaling pathway activated by Pb-caused oxidative stress was up-regulated accompanied by promotion in reactive oxygen species, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase and malondialdehyde and reduction in antioxidants including glutathione peroxidase and glutathione s-transferase. Se administration ameliorated testicular tissue injury, testicular function, oxidative stress and inflammation. In conclusion, Se exhibited antagonistic role in Pb-induced testicular injury via enhancing antioxidant system and inhibiting inflammation in chickens.

Lead-induced oxidative damage in rats/mice: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in the environment and is an environmental genotoxic metal. Pb accumulation in the body could cause the oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to perform a systematic evaluation of the extent of oxidative damage in rats/mice induced by lead.

METHODS

All relevant articles in English or Chinese were retrieved from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biological Medicine databases from their inception date until July 22, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 108 eligible articles were included in this study. The indicators of oxidative stress included malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). The meta-analysis showed that lead significantly increased oxidants levels, such as MDA, GSSG, ROS, and H₂O₂ (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the level of antioxidants, such as CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, SOD, and GST (P < 0.05). The intraperitoneal mode was more effective than water drinking mode in reducing the levels of CAT, GPx, GSH, and SOD (P < 0.05). Other factors that influenced the overall oxidative stress, including species of animals, type of tissues, and intervention dosage and time, were comprehensively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The results of meta-analysis indicated that mice were more sensitive to lead than rats, and intraperitoneal mode was an effective intervention mean. High doses and long periods of lead treatment can cause serious oxidative damage. Moreover, testicular was more vulnerable to lead than other tissues. These results provided scientific evidence for preventing and treating lead toxicity.

Effect of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound on type 2 epithelial to mesenchymal transition: a systematic review

BACKGROUND

Nigella sativa or commonly known as black seed or black cumin is one of the most ubiquitous complementary medicine. Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) of type 2 is defined by the balance between wound healing and tissue fibrosis, which is dependent to the state of inflammation. This systematic review is conducted to provide an overview regarding the reported effect of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound on the type 2 EMT.

METHODS

A search was done in EBSCOHOST, OVID and SCOPUS database to obtain potentially relevant articles that were published between 1823 and August 2019. This review includes studies that focus on the effect of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound on the events related to type 2 EMT.

RESULTS

A total of 1393 research articles were found to be potentially related to the effect of Nigella sativa and its bioactive compound, thymoquinone on Type 2 EMT. After screening was done, 22 research articles met inclusion criteria and were included in this review. Majority of the studies, reported better wound healing rate or significant prevention of tissue inflammation and organ fibrosis following Nigella sativa or thymoquinone treatments. In terms of wound healing, studies included reported progression of EMT related pathological changes after treatment with Nigella sativa or thymoquinone. Alternatively, in terms of fibrosis and inflammation, studies included reported reversal of pathological changes related to EMT after treatment with Nigella sativa or thymoquinone.

CONCLUSION

Through this review, Nigella sativa and thymoquinone have been associated with events in Type 2 EMT. They have been shown to promote wound healing, attenuate tissue inflammation, and prevent organ fibrosis via regulation of the EMT process.

Thymoquinone attenuates testicular and spermotoxicity following subchronic lead exposure in male rats: Possible mechanisms are involved

AIMS

The testis is one of the main target organs for lead (Pb) toxicity. The current study was investigated the mechanism (s) of the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ), the active principle of Nigella sativa seed, against testicular toxicity following subchronic Pb exposure in the light of cytopathic effects, apoptotic signaling pathways, oxidative stress, serum sex hormones levels and testicular aromatase gene expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly allocated into control, PbAc (20 mg PbAc/kg bwt, orally), TQ (5 mg TQ/kg bwt dissolved in corn oil, orally), and PbAc + TQ groups for 56 successive days.

KEY FINDINGS

PbAc-treated rats showed significant decrease of testes and epididymes weights, sperm count, motility and viability, spermatogenesis score and serum FSH, LH, testosterone and estradiol levels, as well as a significant decreased testicular antioxidant molecules (Superoxide dismutase enzyme and reduced glutathione), and a significant elevation of sperm abnormalities, oxidative biomarkers (Malondialdehyde and Nitric oxide) compared to a control group. In addition, Pb induced significant downregulation of aromatase gene expression, activation of Bax and Caspase-3 apoptotic pathways. Moreover, Pb caused complete seminiferous tubules hyalinization (38%), germinal epithelium sloughing (15%) and hypocellularity (8%). However, administration of TQ with PbAc improved sperm quality, testicular histology and oxidative/antioxidative status, and serum levels of LH, testosterone and E2 with respect to PbAc group. Additionally, TQ with PbAc significantly lessen the staining intensity and the area of Bax and Caspase-3 immunoexpression.

SIGNIFICANCE

TQ might exert its acceptable therapeutic potential against Pb-induced testicular and spermotoxicity via anti-oxidative, endocrine and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Protective effect of diallyl sulfide against lead-mediated oxidative damage, apoptosis and down-regulation of CYP19 gene expression in rat testes

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a natural component of garlic (Allium sativum), in the improvement of lead (Pb)-induced testicular toxicity and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly divided into control, PbAc (20 mg lead acetate/kg bwt, orally), DAS (200 mg/kg bwt, orally), and PbAc + DAS groups for 49 successive days. The investigation based on the following criteria: Paired testes and epididymides weights, epididymal sperm analysis, level of serum sex hormones (Testosterone and17β-estradiol (E2)), aromatase (CYP19) expression, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH), testicular histopathology, spermatogenesis score and apoptosis detection (Caspase-3 immunoexpression).

KEY FINDINGS

Pb caused significant decline in epididymal sperm count and motility, testes and epididymes weights, spermatogenesis score and serum testosterone and1E2, as well as a significant decrease in SOD and GSH level, and a significant elevation of MDA and NO compared to a control group. In addition, Pb induced significant downregulation of CYP19 gene expression, increase of Caspase-3 immunoreactivity, various testicular degenerative and necrotic changes. Whereas, co-treatment of rats with DAS improved sperm analysis, and testicular histology and antioxidative status. Furthermore, DAS co-administration regulated testicular CYP19 and Caspase-3 expressions.

SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, DAS seemed to be a promising agent for protection against Pb-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidative properties, beside regulation of testicular apoptosis and aromatase expression.