Ameliorative effect of hesperidin on streptozotocin-diabetes mellitus-induced testicular DNA damage and sperm quality degradation in Sprague-Dawley rats

Allicin and hesperidin protect sperm production from environmental toxins in mice

This study investigates the protective effects of Allicin (A), a bioactive compound from garlic, and Hesperidin (HSD), a citrus flavonoid, against reproductive damage induced by para-nonylphenol (p-NP), an environmental pollutant, in mice. Fifty 8- to 10-week-old NMRI mice were divided into five groups: a control group, a group exposed to p-NP, and three groups treated with p-NP plus either Allicin, Hesperidin, or both. Treatments lasted for 35 days. Researchers analyzed sperm count, viability, motility, DNA damage, and morphology, alongside testicular parenchyma markers like antioxidant capacity (TAC), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Hormone levels (testosterone, LH, and FSH), testicular histopathology, apoptosis-related gene expression, and fertility indices were also evaluated. Results showed that mice treated with Allicin, Hesperidin, or both had reduced abnormal sperm morphology and DNA damage, with improvements in sperm motility, viability, and membrane integrity compared to the p-NP group. Antioxidant enzyme activities (TAC, SOD, GPx) and hormone levels increased, while MDA levels decreased, indicating reduced oxidative stress. Furthermore, expression of pro-apoptotic genes Bax and caspase-3 declined, while anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 expression rose. Treated mice demonstrated higher fertility indices and hormone levels. These findings suggest Allicin and Hesperidin mitigate p-NP-induced testicular damage by enhancing antioxidant defenses and regulating cell death pathways.

Hesperidin as a bioactive compound in citrus fruits reduces N-ethyl-N-nitrosourea-induced mortality and toxicity in mice: as a model for chronic lymphocytic leukemia

The current study is aimed at determining the preventive effects of hesperidin against death, weight changes, cellular damage, and oxidative stress in mice induced by n-ethyl-n-nitrosourea as a chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) model. Female mice were pretreated with hesperidin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally, daily for 30 days). Next, the animals received a single intraperitoneal injection of 80 mg/kg ENU on the 30th. Changes in weight and mortality were monitored for 120 days, and then the animals were sacrificed and parameters such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial dysfunction, lysosomal membrane integrity, oxidized/reduced glutathione (GSH/GSSG), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were analyzed in isolated lymphocytes. Hesperidin significantly increases the survival of mice up to 86% and delay in death time and prevents weight changes after exposure to ENU. Also, hesperidin improved cellular toxicity parameters such as ROS formation, MMP collapse, lysosomal membrane destabilization, and lipid peroxidation in isolated lymphocytes. These results promisingly showed that pretreatment with hesperidin increases delay in death time and reduces mortality cellular toxicities consistent with the carcinogenicity of alkylating compounds. This study confirms that the consumption of hesperidin and citrus most likely inhibits alkylating agents-induced carcinogenicity and toxicity.

In silico approach uncovers the shared genetic landscape of type 2 diabetes mellitus and asthenozoospermia

Asthenozoospermia (AZS) is one of the most common types of male infertility. Current evidence revealed that type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely associated with declining semen quality, especially for poor sperm motility. This study aimed to uncover the genetic interrelationships and important biomarkers between AZS and T2DM. Transcriptome data regarding AZS and T2DM were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. We performed GO and pathway analysis, and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction for T2DM-related differentially expressed genes (DMRGs). Moreover, we calculated receiver operator characteristic (ROC) curve and conducted external independent validation. Expression of hub DMRGs was assessed for patients using the qPCR method. MiRNA interaction and immune infiltration were subsequently characterized. A total of 554 overlapping DMRGs were identified between the AZS/T2DM and healthy groups. These overlapping DMRG participated in the DNA damage-, energy metabolism-, and immune-related biological pathways. Module function analysis discovered that the top three PPI modules were tightly correlated with DNA damage-related processes. After external validation in other independent datasets, two hub DMRGs (TBC1D12 and SCG5) were obtained. ROC analysis revealed that TBC1D12 and SCG5 had good diagnostic performance (area under the curve > 0.75). Immune infiltration profile showed that the level of T cell co-stimulation and CD8+_T_cells were negatively related to the hub DMRGs expression. Mirna interaction analysis showed 15 significant hub DMRGs-miRNA interactions. The qPCR results showed that expression of TBC1D12 and SCG5 were significantly different between sperm samples from diabetic patients with AZS and controls. The present study revealed molecular signatures and critical pathways between the AZS and T2DM, and identified two hub DMRGs of TBC1D12 and SCG5. The data would provide novel understandings of shared pathogenic mechanisms in T2DM-associated AZS.

Therapeutic potential of hesperidin in diabetes mellitus-induced erectile dysfunction through Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Among erectile dysfunction (ED) caused by metabolic abnormalities, diabetes mellitus-induced ED (DMED) progresses rapidly, manifests with severe symptoms, and shows reduced responsiveness to conventional medications. Hyperglycemia in the corpus cavernosum has been linked to the induction of both ferroptosis and oxidative stress, which are mediated by nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2). Hesperidin (Hes), a flavonoid compound, has been revealed to activate Nrf2 in certain diabetic complications, yet the efficacy of Hes on DMED and the specific mechanism remain unclear.

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the potential mechanism and efficacy of Hes in regulating Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis and oxidative stress in DMED.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DMED rats were constructed through the intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ), partially supplemented with Hes. In parallel, in vitro research utilized human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), with glucose addition to simulating a high glucose (HG) environment, and induced with Hes or ML385 (an Nrf2 inhibitor). Penile tissues and HUVECs were harvested for subsequent analyses.

RESULTS

The results of this study indicate that Hes partially reversed the impaired erectile function. The expression of Nrf2, glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the corpus cavernosum elevated after supplementing with Hes, resulted in an inhibition in ferroptosis and oxidative stress. Moreover, the quantity and function of erectile effector cells were restored, and cavernous fibrosis was ameliorated. In HG-induced HUVECs, Hes ameliorated Nrf2-mediated ferroptosis and oxidative stress, effects which ML385 partially reversed.

CONCLUSIONS

Hes exerts a therapeutic effect on DMED rats and a regulatory mechanism on the Nrf2-HO-1/GPX4 axis, concurrently revitalizing endothelial and smooth muscle cells, and diminishing fibrosis. Our study provides robust preclinical evidence for employing Hes in treating DMED.

Hesperidin attenuates radiation-induced ovarian failure in rats: Emphasis on TLR-4/NF-ĸB signaling pathway

Young women suffering from premature ovarian failure after radiotherapy carry a huge burden in the field of cancer therapy including reproductive loss, emotional stress, and physical troubles that reduce their long-term quality of life. Hesperidin (HSP) exhibited antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. HSP enhanced in vitro follicular maturation and preserved in vivo ovarian stockpile. In this research, the role of HSP in radiation-induced POF in rats was investigated besides ascertaining its underlying mechanisms. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were arbitrarily allocated into four groups: control-group, ϒ-irradiated-group (3.2 Gy once on the 7th day), HSP-group (100 mg/kg, orally for 10 days), and HSP/ϒ-irradiated-group (ϒ-radiation was applied one hour after HSP). At the end of experiment, the whole ovaries were collected for histological and biochemical analyses. Administration of HSP preserved the ovarian histoarchitecture and follicular stock, retained ovarian weight, and conserved serum estradiol and AMH levels following radiation exposure. HSP ameliorated the ovarian oxidative damage mediated by radiation through augmenting the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase antioxidant enzymes. HSP exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity by downregulating the expression of ovarian TLR-4, NF-ĸB, and TNF-α. Moreover, HSP suppressed the apoptotic machinery triggered by radiation by reducing p53 and Bax while increasing Bcl-2 mRNA expressions alongside diminishing caspase-3 expression. Additionally, HSP regulated estrous cycle disorder of irradiated rats and improved their reproductive capacity reflected by enhancing pregnancy outcomes. Therefore, HSP represents an appealing candidate as an adjunct remedy for female cancer patients during radiotherapy protocols owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and hormone-regulatory effects.

Naringin protects against paclitaxel-induced toxicity in rat testicular tissues by regulating genes in pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK/MAPK signaling pathways

Paclitaxel (PTX), which is actively used in the treatment of many types of cancer, has a toxic effect by causing increased oxidative stress in testicular tissues. Naringin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid found in plants, and its antioxidant properties are at the forefront. This study aims to investigate the protective feature of NRG in PTX-induced testicular toxicity. Thirty-five male Sprague rats were divided into five groups: control, NRG, PTX, PTX + NRG50, and PTX + NRG100. Rats were administered PTX (2 mg/kg, BW) intraperitoneally once daily for the first 5 days. Then, between the 6th and 14th days, NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day. NRG reduced PTX-induced lipid peroxidation and increased testicular tissue antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). While NRG reduces the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, inducible-nitric oxide synthase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK)14, MAPK15, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, P53, Apaf1, Caspase3, Caspase6, Caspase9, and Bax in testicular tissues; it caused an increase in Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and Bcl-2 levels. NRG also improved the structural and functional integrity of testicular tissue disrupted by PTX. PTX-induced sperm damage was alleviated by NRG. NRG showed a protective effect by alleviating the PTX-induced testicular toxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Sinapic acid protects against lead acetate-induced lung toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress damage

Lead acetate (PbAc) is a compound that produces toxicity in many tissues after exposure. Sinapic acid (SNP) possesses many biological and pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SNP on the toxicity of PbAc in lung tissue. PbAc was administered orally at 30 mg/kg and SNP at 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7 days. Biochemical, genetic, and histological methods were used to investigate inflammatory, apoptotic, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress damage levels in lung tissue. SNP administration induced PbAc-reduced antioxidant (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx) and expression of HO-1 in lung tissue. It also reduced MDA, induced by PbAc, and thus alleviated oxidative stress. SNP decreased the inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1β levels induced by PbAc in lung tissue and exhibited anti-inflammatory effect. PbAc increased apoptotic Bax, Apaf-1, and Caspase-3 mRNA transcription levels and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in lung tissues. SNP decreased apoptotic damage by reversing this situation. On the other hand, SNP regulated these markers and brought them closer to the levels of the control group. PbAc caused prolonged ER stress by increasing the levels of ATF6, PERK, IRE1α, GRP78 and this activity was stopped and tended to retreat with SNP. After evaluating all the data, While PbAc caused toxic damage in lung tissue, SNP showed a protective effect by reducing this damage.

Testicular protective effects of hesperidin against chemical and biological toxicants

Toxic agents can adversely impact the male reproductive system mainly via activating oxidative stress affecting the seminiferous epithelia, spermatogenesis, sperms, and the testis. Toxic agents lead to the excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), such as hydroxyl radicals, hydrogen peroxide, and superoxide anions. ROS exert a cytotoxic effect and oxidative damage to nucleic acids, proteins, and membrane lipids. Hesperidin is a pharmacologically active phytoflavone abundantly occurring in citrus fruits, such as oranges and lemons. It has shown various pharmacological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic, analgesic, antiviral, anti-coagulant, hypolipidemic, and hypoglycemic effects. Hesperidin has been found to exert protective effects against natural and chemical toxins-induced organ toxicity. Considerable evidence has implicated the testicular protective effects of hesperidin against the toxicological properties of pharmaceutical drugs as well as biological and chemical agents, and in the present review, we discussed, for the first time, the reported studies. The resultant data indicate that hesperidin can exert testicular protective effects through antioxidant properties.

Protective role of hesperidin in finasteride-induced testicular toxicity in adult male Wistar rats: Insights into oxidative stress, apoptosis, and ultrastructure of seminiferous tubules

A negative impact of finasteride on fertility has been reported, in which over production of reactive oxygen species and apoptosis were implicated. Hesperidin, a plant-derived bioflavonoid with antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects, may mitigate these adverse effects. In order to investigate the possible protective role of hesperidin against finasteride-induced seminiferous tubules toxicity in adult male Wistar rats, 60 rats were randomized into five groups (I-V) receiving distilled water, 0.5% sodium carboxymethylcellulose solution, hesperidin, finasteride, and combined hesperidin and finasteride respectively. Testicular weight, sperm count and motility were determined. Testicular tissue homogenates were prepared to measure the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), reduced glutathione (GSH) and the gene expression of caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2). Testes were processed for light and electron microscopic evaluation. Johnsen score was calculated. Administration of finasteride resulted in significantly decreased testicular weights, sperm count and motility, Johnsen score, tissue levels of TAC and GSH together with significant increase in tissue MDA. Gene expression revealed significantly increased caspase-3 and decreased Bcl2. Furthermore, finasteride disrupted the seminiferous tubules, causing degenerative changes affecting Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells. Co-administration of hesperidin with finasteride resulted in improvement in testicular weights, TAC, GSH, Bcl2, Johnsen score, sperm count and motility as well as preservation of the structure of the seminiferous tubules. To conclude, hesperidin was found to have a protective potential on finasteride-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and testicular structural damage.

Roles of ferroptosis in type 1 diabetes induced spermatogenic dysfunction

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a widespread metabolic disease presenting with various complications, including spermatogenic dysfunction. However, the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. Ferroptosis, a novel type of programmed cell death, is associated with much metabolic diseases. Here, we investigated the role of ferroptosis in spermatogenic dysfunction of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced type 1 diabetic mice (diabetic mice), high glucose (HG)-treated GC-2 cells (HG cells) as well as testicular tissues of diabetic patients. We found an accumulation of iron, elevated malondialdehyde level and reduced glutathione level in the testis tissues of diabetic mice and HG cells. Histological examination showed a decrease in spermatogenic cells and spermatids within the seminiferous tubules as well as mitochondrial shrinkage in the testis tissues of diabetic mice. Ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1), the inhibitor of ferroptosis, mitigated ferroptosis-associated iron overload, lipid peroxidation accumulation and spermatogenic dysfunction of diabetic mice. Furthermore, we observed a downregulation of GPX4, FTL and SLC7A11 in diabetic mice and HG cells. Fer-1 treatment and GPX4 overexpression counteracted the effects of HG on cell viability, reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation and glutathione via inhibition of ferroptosis. Moreover, we found an elevation of ferroptosis in testicular tissues of diabetic patients. Taken together, our results identify the crucial role of ferroptosis in diabetic spermatogenic dysfunction and ferroptosis may be a promising therapeutic target to improve spermatogenesis in diabetic patients.

Protective effects of naringin on colistin-induced damage in rat testicular tissue: Modulating the levels of Nrf-2/HO-1, AKT-2/FOXO1A, Bax/Bcl2/Caspase-3, and Beclin-1/LC3A/LC3B signaling pathways

Antimicrobial agent resistance has become a growing health issue across the world. Colistin (COL) is one of the drugs used in the treatment of multidrug-resistant bacteria resulting in toxic effects. Naringin (NRG), a natural flavonoid, has come to the fore as its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. The aim of the present study was to determine whether NRG has protective effects on COL-induced toxicity in testicular tissue. Thirty-five male Spraque rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 7 per group): Control, COL, NRG, COL + NRG 50, COL + NRG 100. COL (15 mg/kg b.w., i.p., once per/day), and NRG (50 or 100 mg/kg, oral, b.w./once per/day) were administered for 7 days. The parameters of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagic damage were evaluated by using biochemical, molecular, western blot, and histological methods in testicular issues. NRG treatment reversed the increased malondialdehyde level and reduced antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione) levels due to COL administration (p < 0.001), and oxidative stress damage was mitigated. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2 pathway, one of the antioxidant defence systems, was stimulated by NRG (p < 0.001). NRG treatment reduced the levels of markers for the pathways of apoptotic (p < 0.001) and autophagic (p < 0.001) damages induced by COL. Sperm viability and the live/dead ratio were reduced by COL but enhanced by NRG treatment. Testicular tissue integrity was damaged by COL but showed a tendency to improve by NRG. In conclusion, COL exhibited toxic effect on testicular tissue by elevating the levels of oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, inflammation, and tissue damage. NRG demonstrated a protective effect by alleviating toxic damage.

Promising influences of hesperidin and hesperetin against diabetes and its complications: a systematic review of molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects

Hesperidin and hesperetin, two flavonoids with potential therapeutic value, have been extensively studied in the context of diabetes management. The main objective of this research is to ascertain their potential as therapeutic options for managing diabetes and its complications. The present study utilized a systematic review methodology and comprehensively explored relevant literature from databases, including PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science, from inception until July 2023. The review summarized the outcomes related to the molecular, cellular, and metabolic effects of hesperidin and hesperetin in diabetes and its complications. Hesperetin exhibits a potential treatment for preventing diabetes and its associated complications through modulation of inflammatory cytokine release and expression via the pathway of signaling through Toll-like receptor/Myeloid differentiation factor 88/Nuclear factor-kappa B. Hesperidin shows promise as a biomolecule for treating diabetic neuropathy, primarily through activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), as an antioxidant-response element signaling, leading to neuroprotective effects. Both compounds demonstrated the ability to normalize blood glucose levels and reduce serum and liver lipid levels, making them potential candidates for managing hypoglycemia and hypolipidemia in diabetes. Hesperidin also showed potential benefits against diabetic nephropathy by suppressing transforming growth factor-β1-integrin-linked kinase-Akt signaling and enhancing renal function. Furthermore, hesperidin's antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-depressant effects in diabetic conditions expanded its potential therapeutic applications. This systematic review provides substantial evidence supporting the consideration of hesperidin and hesperetin for diabetes and its complications. It offers exciting possibilities for developing novel, cost-effective treatment options to enhance diabetes management and patient outcomes.

Effect of syringic acid on oxidative stress, autophagy, apoptosis, inflammation pathways against testicular damage induced by lead acetate

BACKGROUND

Heavy metals are one of the environmental pollutants. Lead (Pb) is one of the most common of these heavy metals. In this study, it was aimed at investigating the effects of syringic acid (SA) against testicular toxicity in rats administered lead acetate (PbAc).

METHODS

In the present study, a total of 35 Sprague-Dawley rats, 7 in each group, were used. The rats were divided into 5 groups, with 7 male rats in each group. Rats were given PbAc and SA orally for 7 days. The effects of PbAc and SA on epididymal sperm quality and apoptosis, inflammation, oxidative stress and histopathological changes in testicular tissue were determined.

RESULTS

While PbAc disrupted the seminiferous tubules and produced atrophic images, SA corrected these histological abnormalities. PbAc adminisration significantly reduced the levels of SOD, GSH, GPx, CAT, NRF-2 and NQO1 and significantly increased the levels of MDA and 8-OHdG in the testicular tissue of rats, while SA improved this situation. NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, NLRP3, RAGE, ATF6, PERK, IRE1, CHOP, and GRP78 genes expression levels increased with PbAc administration, however these levels decreased with SA administration. In addition, PbAc increased the levels of apoptotic markers Bax, Caspase-3 and APAF-1 and decreased the level of Bcl-2, while SA improved this situation. It was observed that PbAc significantly reduced sperm quality in rats, while SA positively affected sperm quality.

CONCLUSION

As a result, SA administered against PbAc-induced testicular dysfunction in rats can provide effective protection at doses of 25 mg/kg/bw and 50 mg/kg/bw.

The Palliative and Antioxidant Effects of Hesperidin against Lead-Acetate-Induced Testicular Injury in Male Wistar Rats

Lead (Pb)-induced reprotoxicity is a detrimental consequence of Pb exposure, which results in abnormal spermatogenesis, testicular degeneration, and pathogenic sperm changes. The association between impaired male reproductive function and Pb-induced oxidative stress (OS) has been demonstrated, with consequent testicular antioxidant deficiency. The current study investigated the protective role of the natural antioxidant hesperidin (HSD) against lead-acetate (PbAc)-induced testicular toxicity. Male Wistar rats (n = 40) were randomly divided into four experimental groups: Group I (negative control) received 2.0 mL/kg BW 0.9% saline; Group II received 100 mg/kg BW PbAc; Group III received 100 mg/kg BW HSD; and Group IV received HSD two hours before PbAc using the abovementioned doses. The treatments were administered daily for 30 consecutive days. The results showed that HSD treatment significantly restored PbAc-induced decrease in body, epididymal, and testicular weights as well as in semen parameters, reproductive hormones, and testicular markers of OS. Reduced MDA levels and improved testicular histopathological findings were also observed. Collectively, this study sheds light on the preventive role of HSD against PbAc-induced testicular injury, which is mediated via the suppression of OS and the modulation of reproductive hormones as well as the plausibility of HSD being used as a supplementary therapeutic option for recovery.

Curcumin-based nanoformulations alleviate wounds and related disorders: A comprehensive review

Despite numerous advantages, curcumin's (CUR) low solubility and low bioavailability limit its employment as a free drug. CUR-incorporated nanoformulation enhances the bioavailability and angiogenesis, collagen deposition, fibroblast proliferation, reepithelization, collagen synthesis, neovascularization, and granulation tissue formation in different wounds. Designing nanoformulations with controlled-release properties ensure the presence of CUR in the defective area during treatment. Different nanoformulations encompassing nanofibers, nanoparticles (NPs), nanospray, nanoemulsion, nanosuspension, nanoliposome, nanovesicle, and nanomicelle were described in the present study comprehensively. Moreover, for some other systems which contain nano-CUR or CUR nanoformulations, including some nanofibers, films, composites, scaffolds, gel, and hydrogels seems the CUR-loaded NPs incorporation has better control of the sustained release, and thereby, the presence of CUR until the final stages of wound healing is more possible. Incorporating CUR-loaded chitosan NPs into nanofiber increased the release time, while 80% of CUR was released during 240 h (10 days). Therefore, this system can guarantee the presence of CUR during the entire healing period. Furthermore, porous structures such as sponges, aerogels, some hydrogels, and scaffolds disclosed promising performance. These architectures with interconnected pores can mimic the native extracellular matrix, thereby facilitating attachment and infiltration of cells at the wound site, besides maintaining a free flow of nutrients and oxygen within the three-dimensional structure essential for rapid and proper wound healing, as well as enhancing mechanical strength.

Hesperidin has a protective effect on paclitaxel-induced testicular toxicity through regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and endoplasmic reticulum stress

Paclitaxel (PTX) is widely used to treat a number of malignancies, although it has toxic side effects. Hesperidin (HES) has a wide range of biological and pharmacological properties, including anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. This research aims to investigate the role of HES in PTX-induced testicular toxicity. For 5 days, 2 mg/kg/bw i.p. of PTX was administered to induce testicular toxicity. Rats were administered oral dosages of 100 and 200 mg/kg/bw HES for 10 days after PTX injection. The mechanisms of inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and oxidants were investigated using biochemical, genetic, and histological techniques. As a result of PTX administration, decreased antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) activities and increased malondialdehyde level were regulated, and the severity of oxidative stress was reduced. NF-κB, IL-1β and TNF-α levels, which are among the increased inflammation parameters caused by PTX, decreased with HES administration. Although AKT2 gene expression decreased in PTX administered rats, it was determined that HES administration up-regulated AKT2 mRNA expression. Anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 decreased with PTX administration, and apoptotic Bax and Caspase-3 increased while HES administration reverted these effects towards control level. As a result of toxicity, the increase in ATF6, PERK, IRE1α, GRP78 levels caused prolonged ER stress, and this activity was diminished with HES and tended to regress. While all data were evaluated, Paclitaxel caused damage by increasing inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress and oxidant levels in testicular tissue, and Hesperidin showed a protective effect by correcting the deterioration in these levels.

Current Update on Role of Hesperidin in Inflammatory Lung Diseases: Chemistry, Pharmacology, and Drug Delivery Approaches

Inflammation is a common feature of many respiratory diseases, such as pneumonia, asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), lung cancer, acute lung injury, and COVID-19. Flavonoids have demonstrated their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects by influencing inflammation at different stages and majorly impacting several respiratory diseases’ onset and development. According to current studies, hesperidin, one of the most abundant polyphenols, can inhibit transcription factors or regulatory enzymes essential for controlling inflammation-linked mediators, including nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). It also improved cellular antioxidant defences by activating the ERK/Nrf2 signalling pathway. Therefore, this review provides the latest studies on the effect of hesperidin in different respiratory diseases, its pharmacokinetic profile, and innovative drug delivery methods.

Synergistic properties of garlic and Citrullus colocynthis on reproductive injury caused by diabetes in male rats: Structural and molecular evidence

This study evaluates the synergistic effect of garlic and Citrullus colocynthis on diabetic reproductive damage by suppressing the AGEs/RAGE/Nox-4 signaling pathway. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (n = 7/group): Control, Diabetic, Diabetic+G (Garlic, 1 mL/100 g b.w), Diabetic+C (C. colocynthis, 10 mg/kg b.w) and Diabetic+GC (Garlic, 1 mL/100 g b.w and C. colocynthis, 10 mg/kg b.w) groups. At the end of the experimental period (30 days), in diabetic rats, glucose increased, and body & testis weight, luteinizing hormone (LH) and testosterone levels, and sperm count decreased significantly and histopathological injuries were observed. In addition, they have increased testicular apoptosis and oxidative stress. Also, the mechanism based on advanced glycation end products (AGEs)/receptors for advanced glycation end products (RAGE)/NADPH oxidase-4 (Nox-4) was activated in diabetic rats. Separate consumption of garlic and C. colocynthis in Diabetic+G and Diabetic+C groups alleviated the negative adverse effect of diabetes to some extent, but when they were used in the combination form (Diabetic+GC) improvement was profound. Testis histopathology, increased body and testis weight, and enhanced capacity in protecting diabetic reproductive injury was seen. Decreases in testosterone and LH concentration and sperm count in diabetic rats were also reversed by combined administration of garlic and C. colocynthis. It regulated oxidative stress markers, meanwhile reducing caspase-3 immunoexpression. In addition, overexpression of RAGE, Nox-4 and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) was inhibited by the combination of garlic and C. colocynthis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diabetes mellitus is wide spread all around the world with variety of complications in body including reproductive system in which patients suffer from physical and psychological aspects. Despite many efforts in providing agents for controlling diabetes and its complications, economic conditions of some countries make it difficult for people to provide costly medicine and as a result, they have to bear the complications until they pass away. However, traditional medicine is still finding its way, especially in poor countries with emphasis on medicinal plants. There have been many studies on plants to alleviate diabetes or its side effects. But, using one plant for long term, may be not so effective. Here, we attempted to find whether two plants from two different species can show more efficacy than each one alone. We noticed garlic and Citrullus colocynthis despite having beneficial effects when used alone, they could show synergistic effects in combination.

Evaluation of protective effects of quercetin against cypermethrin-induced lung toxicity in rats via oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Cypermethrin (CYP), a type II synthetic pyrethroid, is the most widely used insecticide worldwide. Inhalation of it may cause side effects. This study is aimed to examine potential protection of quercetin (QUE) which is a well-known antioxidant in CYP-induced lung toxicity. Accordingly, 35 Spraque Dawley male rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: I-Control group, II-QUE group (50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), III-CYP group (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP), IV-CYP + QUE 25 (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 25 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), V-CYP + QUE (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE) were treated with oral gavage throughout 28 days. CYP intoxication was associated with increased malondialdehyde level while glutathione concentration, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase reduced. CYP adminisitration caused of apoptosis in the lung by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. CYP also caused of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that CYP administration activated IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway and levels of IL-1β, NF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS in the lung tissue. Therefore, it was determined that CYP administration triggered autophagy by upregulating LC3A and LC3B mRNA transcript levels. Moreover, the protein levels of NF-κB, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and cytochorme-c were examined by Western blot analysis. However, co-treatment with QUE at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg considerably protective oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress, autophagy, and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway in lung tissue. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that lung damage associated with CYP toxicity could be protected by QUE administration.