A review: Systematic research approach on toxicity model of liver and kidney in laboratory animals

Therapeutic experiments are commonly performed on laboratory animals to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of action of toxic agents as well as drugs or substances under consideration. The use of toxins in laboratory animal models, including rats, is intended to cause toxicity. This study aimed to investigate different models of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in laboratory animals to help researchers advance their research goals. The current narrative review used databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase and appropriate keywords until June 2021. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity models derived from some toxic agents such as cisplatin, acetaminophen, doxorubicin, some anticancer drugs, and other materials through various signaling pathways are investigated. To understand the models of renal or hepatotoxicity in laboratory animals, we have provided a list of toxic agents and their toxicity procedures in this review.

Sulindac acetohydrazide derivative attenuates against cisplatin induced organ damage by modulation of antioxidant and inflammatory signaling pathways

This study aimed to explore the mechanisms of action of a sulindac acetohydrazide derivative, N'-(4-dimethylaminobenzylidene)-2-1-(4-(methylsulfinyl) benzylidene)-5-fluoro-2-methyl-1H-inden-3-yl) acetohydrazide, against anticancer drug cisplatin induced organ damage. Using a rodent model, various markers of organ function and signaling pathways were examined and validated by molecular docking studies. The study involves five groups of animals: control, DMSO, CDDP, CDDP + DMFM, and DMFM. Biochemical enzyme activity, histopathology, tissue antioxidant, and oxidative stress markers were examined. RT-PCR and western blot analyses were conducted for the expression of inducible cyclooxygenase enzyme (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB), p65, IL-1, TNF-α, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). Flow cytometry analysis of CD4 + TNF-α, CD4 + COX-2, and CD4 + STAT-3 cells in whole blood was performed. Structural and dynamic behavior of DMFM upon binding with receptor molecule molecular docking and dynamic simulations were performed using bioinformatics tools and software. Treatment with DMFM reversed cisplatin-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) induction, whereas the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the kidney, heart, liver, and brain tissues were increased. DMFM administration normalized plasma levels of biochemical enzymes. We observed a marked decline in CD4 + STAT3, TNF-α, and COX2 cell populations in whole blood after treatment with DMFM. DMFM downregulated the expression factors related to inflammation at the mRNA and protein levels, i.e., IL-1, TNF-α, iNOS, NF-κB, STAT-3, and COX-2. Dynamic simulations and in silico docking data supports the experimental findings. Our experimental and in silico results illustrated that DMFM may affect protective action against cisplatin-induced brain, heart, liver, and kidney damage via reduction of inflammation and ROS.

The Antioxidant Carrichtera annua DC. Ethanolic Extract Counteracts Cisplatin Triggered Hepatic and Renal Toxicities

Cisplatin is a powerful anti-neoplastic drug that displays multi-organ toxicity, especially to the liver and kidneys. Consumption of phytomedicines is a promising strategy to overcome the side effects of chemotherapy. Carrichtera annua extract proved to possess potent antioxidant activity. Its protective potential against cisplatin-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity was scrutinized. Moreover, a phytochemical study was conducted on C. annua ethyl acetate fraction which led to the isolation of five known phenolic compounds. Structure determination was achieved utilizing 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral analyses. The isolated phytochemicals were trans-ferulic acid (1), kaempferol (2), p-coumaric acid (3), luteolin (4) and quercetin (5). Regarding our biological study, C. annua has improved liver and kidney deteriorated functions caused by cisplatin administration and attenuated the histopathological injury in their tissues. Serum levels of ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly decreased. C. annua has modulated the oxidative stress mediated by cisplatin as it lowered MDA levels while enhanced reduced-GSH concentrations. More importantly, the plant has alleviated cisplatin triggered inflammation, apoptosis via reduction of INFγ, IL-1β and caspase-3 production. Moreover, mitochondrial injury has been ameliorated as remarkable increase of mtDNA was noted. Furthermore, the MTT assay proved the combination of cisplatin-C. annua extract led to growth inhibition of MCF-7 cells in a notable additive way. Additionally, we have investigated the binding affinity of C. annua constituents with caspase-3 and IFN-γ proteins using molecular simulation. All the isolated compounds exhibited good binding affinities toward the target proteins where quercetin possessed the most auspicious caspase-3 and IFN-γ inhibition activities. Our results put forward that C. annua is a promising candidate to counteract chemotherapy side effects and the observed activity could be attributed to the synergism between its phytochemicals.

Thymoquinone supplementation ameliorates cisplatin-induced hepatic pathophysiology

Hepatotoxicity is a major dose-limiting side effect of CP chemotherapy besides nephrotoxicity and gastrointestinal dysfunction. TQ, a principal Nigella sativa seed oil constituent, has been shown to improve hepatic functions in various in vivo models of acute hepatic injury. In view of this, the present study aimed to evaluate the effect of TQ against CP-induced hepatotoxicity. Rats were divided into four experimental groups; control, CP, CP+TQ and TQ. Animals in CP+TQ and TQ groups were administered TQ (1.5 mg/kg bwt, orally), with or without a single hepatotoxic dose of CP (6 mg/kg bwt, i.p.) respectively, for 14 days before and four days following the CP treatment. CP induced an upsurge in serum ALT and AST activities, indicating liver injury, as also confirmed by the histopathological findings. CP caused significant alterations in the activities of membrane marker enzymes, carbohydrate metabolic enzymes, and the enzymatic and nonenzymatic components of the antioxidant defense system. TQ supplementation ameliorated all these adverse biochemical and histological changes in CP-treated rats. Thus, TQ may have excellent scope for clinical applications in combating CP-induced hepatic pathophysiology.

Molecular docking, pharmacokinetic studies, and in vivo pharmacological study of indole derivative 2-(5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indole-3-yl)-N'-[(E)-(3-nitrophenyl) methylidene] acetohydrazide as a promising chemoprotective agent against cisplatin induced organ damage

Cisplatin is an efficient anticancer drug against various types of cancers however, its usage involves side effects. We investigated the mechanisms of action of indole derivative, 2-(5-methoxy-2-methyl-1H-indol-3-yl)-N'-[(E)-(3-nitrophenyl) methylidene] acetohydrazide (MMINA) against anticancer drug (cisplatin) induced organ damage using a rodent model. MMINA treatment reversed Cisplatin-induced NO and malondialdehyde (MDA) augmentation while boosted the activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). The animals were divided into five groups (n = 7). Group1: Control (Normal) group, Group 2: DMSO group, Group 3: cisplatin group, Group 4: cisplatin + MMINA group, Group 5: MMINA group. MMINA treatment normalized plasma levels of biochemical enzymes. We observed a significant decrease in CD4+COX-2, STAT3, and TNF-α cell population in whole blood after MMINA dosage. MMINA downregulated the expression of various signal transduction pathways regulating the genes involved in inflammation i.e. NF-κB, STAT-3, IL-1, COX-2, iNOS, and TNF-α. The protein expression of these regulatory factors was also downregulated in the liver, kidney, heart, and brain. In silico docking and dynamic simulations data were in agreement with the experimental findings. The physiochemical properties of MMINA predicted it as a good drug-like molecule and its mechanism of action is predictably through inhibition of ROS and inflammation.

Effect of Berberis vulgaris L. root extract on ifosfamide-induced in vivo toxicity and in vitro cytotoxicity

Ifosfamide is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent having broad-spectrum efficacy against several tumors. However, nephro, hepato, neuro cardio, and hematological toxicities associated with ifosfamide render its use limited. These side effects could range from organ failure to life-threatening situations. The present study aimed to evaluate the attenuating efficiency of Berberis vulgaris root extract (BvRE), a potent nephroprotective, hepatoprotective, and lipid-lowering agent, against ifosfamide-induced toxicities. The study design comprised eight groups of Swiss albino rats to assess different dose regimes of BvRE and ifosfamide. Biochemical analysis of serum (serum albumin, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, total cholesterol, and triglycerides) along with complete blood count was performed. Kidney, liver, brain, and heart tissue homogenates were used to find malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione S-transferase levels in addition to the acetylcholinesterase of brain tissue. The results were further validated with the help of the histopathology of the selected organs. HeLa cells were used to assess the effect of BvRE on ifosfamide cytotoxicity in MTT assay. The results revealed that pre- and post-treatment regimens of BvRE, as well as the combination therapy exhibited marked protective effects against ifosfamide-induced nephro, hepato, neuro, and cardiotoxicity. Moreover, ifosfamide depicted a synergistic in vitro cytotoxic effect on HeLa cells in the presence of BvRE. These results corroborate that the combination therapy of ifosfamide with BvRE in cancer treatment can potentiate the anticancer effects of ifosfamide along with the amelioration of its conspicuous side effects.

Suppression of Cisplatin-Induced Hepatic Injury in Rats Through Alarmin High-Mobility Group Box-1 Pathway by Ganoderma lucidum: Theoretical and Experimental Study

Purpose

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most common cause of acute liver failure. The aim of this study was to investigate the molecular mechanisms by which Ganoderma lucidum mushroom (GLM) may ameliorate cisplatin (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity theoretically and experimentally.

Materials and Methods

Thirty-six male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups, two of them are normal and Ganoderma lucidum control groups. Liver injury was induced by a single dose of CP (12 mg/kg i.p) in four groups, one of them is CP control group. Besides cisplatin injection in day 1, rats in groups (4–6) were subjected to GLM (500 mg/kg/day) either every other day or daily oral dose or via i.p injection for 10 consecutive days.

Results

In this study, GLM supplementation caused significant reduction of elevated high-mobility group box-1 (HMGB-1) with a concurrent decline in TNF-α and upregulation of IL-10 compared to the CP group (P<0.05). The histopathological and fibrosis evaluation significantly confirmed the improvement upon simultaneous treatment with GLM. Moreover, immunohistochemical examination also confirmed the recovery following GLM treatment indicated by downregulation of NF-κB, p53 and caspase-3 along with upsurge of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expression (P<0.05). GLM treatment significantly decreased serum levels of hepatic injury markers; ALT, AST, T. bilirubin as well as oxidative stress markers; MDA and H₂O₂ with a concomitant increase in hepatic GSH and SOD. Also, the performed docking simulation of ganoderic acid exhibited good fitting and binding with HMGB-1 through hydrogen bond formation with conservative amino acids which gives a strong evidence for its hepatoprotective effect and may interpret the effect of Ganoderma lucidum.

Conclusion

GLM attenuated hepatic injury through downregulation of HMGB-1/NF-kB and caspase-3 resulted in modulation of the induced oxidative stress and the subsequent cross-talk between the inflammatory and apoptotic cascade indicating its promising role in DILI.

Combination of ω-3 fatty acids and cisplatin as a potential alternative strategy for personalized therapy of metastatic melanoma: an in-vitro study

The recently developed therapeutic strategies have led to unprecedented improvements in the control of metastatic melanoma and in the survival of specific subgroups of patients. However, drug resistance, low response rates, and undesired side effects make these treatments not suitable or tolerable for all the patients, and chemotherapeutic treatments appear still indispensable, at least for subgroups of patients. New combinatory strategies are also under investigation as tailored treatments or salvage therapies, including combined treatments of immunotherapy with conventional chemotherapy. On this basis, and in consideration of the antineoplastic properties of ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, we have here investigated the potential of these bioactive dietary factors to revert the resistance frequently exhibited by this form of cancer to cisplatin (CDDP, cis-diamminedichloroplatinum). We demonstrated that docosahexenoic acid (DHA, 22:6ω-3) sensitizes the cells to the CDDP-induced inhibition of cell growth and migration by reverting CDDP effects on DNA damage and ERCC1 expression, as well as on the DUSP6 and p-ERK expressions, which regulate ERCC1 activation upwardly. In line, DUSP6 gene silencing prevented the effect of DHA, confirming that DHA acted on the DUSP6/p-ERK/ERCC1 repair pathways to sensitize melanoma cells to the anticancer effect of CDDP. Similar effects were obtained also with eicosapentaenoic acid (20:5ω-3). Overall, our findings suggest that the combination of CDDP treatment with a dietary supplementation with ω-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids could potentially represent a new therapeutic strategy for overcoming CDDP resistance in metastatic melanoma.

Renoprotective Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has grown as an attractive biologic instrument in regenerative medicine for its powerful healing properties. It is considered as a source of growth factors that may induce tissue repairing and improve fibrosis. This product has proven its efficacy in multiple studies, but its effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity has not yet been elucidated. The present investigation was performed to estimate the protective impact of platelet-rich plasma against cisplatin- (CP-) evoked nephrotoxicity in male rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by right uninephrectomy followed by CP administration. Uninephrectomized rats were assigned into four groups: (1) control group, (2) PRP group, (3) CP group, and (4) CP + PRP group. PRP was administered by subcapsular renal injection. Renal function, inflammatory cytokines, and growth factor level as well as histopathological investigation were carried out. Treatment with PRP attenuated the severity of CP-induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by suppressed creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and N-acetyl glucosaminidase (NAG) levels. Moreover, PRP depressed intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), caspase-3, and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) levels, while enhanced the epidermal growth factor (EGF) level. These biochemical results were reinforced by the histopathological investigation, which revealed restoration of normal renal tissue architectures. These findings highlight evidence for the possible protective effects of PRP in a rat model of CP-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting a new avenue for using PRP to improve the therapeutic index of cisplatin.

Cytoprotective Effects of Cell-Permeable Bifunctional Antioxidant Enzyme, GST-TAT-SOD, against Cisplatin-Induced Cell Damage

GST-TAT-SOD, a cell-permeable bifunctional antioxidant enzyme, is a potential selective radioprotector. This study aimed to investigate the cytoprotective activity of GST-TAT-SOD against cisplatin-induced damage. The current study showed that cisplatin induced the formation of reactive oxygen species in normal L-02 cells. GST-TAT-SOD (2000 U/mL) executed its antioxidant role by directly scavenging excess intracellular free radicals and augmenting cellular antioxidant defense such as reducing MDA level, enhancing the SOD activity, GST activity, and T-AOC. Thus, it suppressed the growth inhibition and apoptosis of cisplatin-treated normal cells. Meanwhile, the growth inhibition of tumor cells (SMMC-7721) caused by cisplatin was unaffected by GST-TAT-SOD pretreatment. GST-SOD, as a comparison, seemed to be powerless for related indicators as it could not enter into cells without cell-permeating peptide. These results suggest that GST-TAT-SOD might be a potential cytoprotective agent for cisplatin-induced side effects.

The selective tyrosine kinase-inhibitor nilotinib alleviates experimentally induced cisplatin nephrotoxicity and heptotoxicity

This work tested the action of nilotinib, selective inhibitor of tyrosine kinase on cisplatin (CP)-induced damage of kidney and liver in rats. Rats were assigned to 4 groups, control, nilotinib, CP, and CP plus nilotinib. Assessment of kidney and liver function, lipid peroxidation and antioxidant markers, anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2, nuclear factor- kappa B (NF-κB) immunoreactivity, and caspase 3 activity were done. CP-induced damage evidenced by histopathological changes, deterioration of renal and liver function, imbalance in oxidants/antioxidants markers, decreased Bcl2, increased caspase 3 activity, and NF-κB nuclear expression in both organs. Nilotinib treatment with CP restored kidney and liver oxidants/antioxidant levels also increased Bcl2 and decreased NF-κB immunoreactivity were evident with nilotinib treatment. In conclusions these results demonstrated a protective effect of nilotinib in experimentally induced CP kidney and liver damage that could be mediated through combating oxidative stress, reducing inflammation and anti-apoptosis in the two organs.

Modulatory influence of Acacia hydaspica R. Parker ethyl acetate extract against cisplatin inveigled hepatic injury and dyslipidemia in rats

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) is recommended as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent for solid tumors, however its usage outcomes in severe adverse effects. Acacia hydaspica possesses various phytochemicals and pharmacological activities. The current study aimed to investigate the protective effect of A. hydaspica ethyl acetate extract (AHE) against CP induced aberrations in lipid profile and hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Rats were randomly separated into six groups (n = 6). Group 1 (control) received distilled water orally for 21 days. Groups 2 (CP control) received a single dose of CP (7.5 mg/kg bw, i.p) on day 16, group 3 (Plant control) received AHE (400 mg/kg b.w, oral) for 21 days, group 4 (post treated group); CP received on day 16 and AHE (400 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o.) was administered after CP till day 21, Group 5 (pretreated group) received AHE (400 mg/kg b.w/day, p.o.) for 21 days and CP (7.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) on day 16, group 6 (Silymarin + CP) received 100 mg/kg b.w., p.o. (11 doses/21 days) and CP (7.5 mg/kg b.w., i.p.) on day 16. Lipid profile, liver functional tests, oxidative stress markers, antioxidant enzymes status and histopathological changes were examined.

RESULTS

The present study revealed that CP caused body weights loss and increase liver index. CP significantly increased serum total lipid, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol levels. Conversely, it significantly decreased serum HDL-cholesterol level. CP induced marked deteriorations in serum liver function biomarkers, reduced antioxidant enzymes in tissue, while elevated tissue oxidative stress markers along with morphological injuries compared to control rats. Treatment with AHE ameliorated CP induced alterations in lipid profile, serum ALT, AST, ALP and total bilirubin levels and liver weight. Furthermore AHE treatment improved the total protein and antioxidant enzymes levels while decreased the level of MDA, H2O2, and NO. The altered parameters were returned to the control level with AHE pretreatment. Histopathological analysis also supported the biochemical findings. Pretreatment seems to be more effective compared to post treatment indicating protective effect.

CONCLUSION

These results reveal that treatment of AHE may be useful in the prevention of CP induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant potential and polyphenolic constituents.

Ameliorative effect of Apodytes dimidiata on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

Context Nutraceuticals possessing antioxidant potential have been used to alleviate side effects exerted by many chemotherapeutics, including cisplatin. Since Apodytes dimidiata E. Mey. Ex Arn. (Icacinaceae) shows antioxidant potential, it may possess significant chemoprotective effects. Objectives The study investigated whether A. dimidiata could attenuate cisplatin-induced renal damage. Materials and methods Nephrotoxicity was induced by cisplatin (single i.p., 16 mg/kg b wt.) in Wistar rats. Methanolic leaf extract of A. dimidiata (AMF) was administered at a dose of 250 mg/kg b. wt. orally for 5 consecutive days before/after cisplatin administration. Blood and renal parameters were analysed. Total phenolic and flavonoid content in AMF and its NO scavenging effect was determined. Results Significant protective effect of AMF on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was observed in pre-treated animals. The reduction of urea, creatinine and lipid peroxidation was 58.31%, 42.19% and 60%, respectively, and the increase in haemoglobin and leucocyte count was 28.25% and 42.91%, respectively. The increase calculated for GSH, GPx, SOD and catalase was 35.64%, 18.14%, 74.42% and 35.46%, respectively. Tissue architecture of kidney was almost normal in AMF treated animals. The results were comparable to the standard drug, silymarin. AMF contained high level of polyphenols and flavonoids and was found to scavenge NO radicals (IC50 121.8 μg/mL). Discussion and conclusion AMF can effectively counteract cisplatin mediated renal acute toxicity possibly by scavenging reactive oxygen and nitrogen species. Accordingly, the study suggests that AMF can ameliorate free radical-induced damage associated with chemotherapeutic drugs.

Ameliorative effect of flaxseed oil against thiacloprid-induced toxicity in rats: hematological, biochemical, and histopathological study

The present study was carried out to evaluate the hematological, biochemical, and histopathological changes due to thiacloprid toxicity, and the potential protective role of flaxseed oil in male Wistar albino rats. Subacute thiacloprid intoxication induced a significant increase in RBCs, Hb, PCV, and WBCs count, and bone marrow micronucleus (MN) formation. Moreover, there was a significant increase in serum biochemical parameters related to hepatic injury: alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Serum total protein and albumin levels were significantly reduced. Thiacloprid increases tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukine-2(IL-2). There was a significant decrease in glutathione-S-transferase, while the lipid peroxidation (MDA) and cytochrome P450 activity were significantly increased. Flaxseed oil coadministration partially retrieved the changes in all studied parameters. Thiacloprid induced histopathological liver damage, which was minimized as a result of flaxseed oil treatment. In general, it was concluded that, flaxseed oil able to protect against thiacloprid-induced hepatoxicity.

Origanum majorana Attenuates Nephrotoxicity of Cisplatin Anticancer Drug through Ameliorating Oxidative Stress

Despite the fact that cisplatin is an important anticancer drug, its clinical utilization is limited by nephrotoxicity during long term medication. Combined cisplatin chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. This study evaluated the effect of Originum majorana ethanolic extract (OMEE) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups as follows: a control group, a group treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg body weight), and a group that received both cisplatin and OMEE (500 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. Cisplatin induced a significant increase in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. However, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly diminished. Conversely, OMEE significantly modulated the renal and oxidative markers negatively impacted by cisplatin. OMEE significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin-induced changes in renal and oxidative markers, possibly through its free radical scavenging activity. Thus, OMEE may be combined with cisplatin to alleviate nephrotoxicity in cancer chemotherapy.

Oral administration of Nigella sativa oil ameliorates the effect of cisplatin on membrane enzymes, carbohydrate metabolism and oxidative damage in rat liver

Cisplatin (CP) is a potent anti-cancer drug widely used against solid tumors. However, it exhibits pronounced adverse effects including hepatotoxicity. Several strategies were attempted to prevent CP hepatotoxicity but were not found suitable for therapeutic application. Nigella sativa has been shown to prevent/reduce the progression of certain type of cardiovascular, kidney and liver diseases. Present study investigates whether N. sativa oil (NSO) can prevent CP induced hepatotoxic effects. Rats were divided into four groups viz. control, CP, NSO and CPNSO. Animals in CPNSO and NSO group were administered NSO (2 ml/kg bwt, orally) with or without single hepatotoxic dose of CP (6 mg/kg bwt, i.p.) respectively. CP hepatotoxicity was recorded by increased serum ALT and AST activities. CP treatment caused oxidant/antioxidant imbalances as reflected by increased lipid peroxidation and decreased enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Furthermore, the activities of various carbohydrate metabolism and membrane enzymes were altered by CP treatment. In contrast, NSO administration to CP treated rats, markedly ameliorated the CP elicited deleterious alterations in liver. Histopathological observations showed extensive liver damage in CP treated animals while greatly reduced tissue injury in CPNSO group. In conclusion, NSO appears to protect CP induced hepatotoxicity by improving energy metabolism and strengthening antioxidant defense mechanism.

Pu-erh tea powder preventive effects on cisplatin-induced liver oxidative damage in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy is one of the major means for control of malignancies, with cisplatin (CDDP) as one of the main agents, widely used for the treatment of various malignant solid tumors. However, prevention of hepatotoxicity from cisplatin is one of the urgent issues in cancer chemotherapy. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of pu-erh tea on hepatotoxicity through body weight and tissue antioxidant parameters like, liver coefficient, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), malondialdehyde(MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and light microscopic evaluation by histological findings.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into five groups: Control (n=10), cisplatin (3 mg/kg p.i., n=10), cisplatin+pu-erh (0.32 g/kg/day i.g., n=10), cisplatin+pu-erh (0.8 g/kg/day i.g., n=10) and cisplatin+pu-erh (1.6 g/kg/day i.g., n=10). Pu-erh tea powder was administrated for 31 consecutive days. The rats were sacrificed at the end on the second day after a single dose of cisplatin treatment for measuring indices.

RESULTS

Pu-erh tea powder exhibited a protective effect by decreasing MDA and GSH and increasing the SOD and GSH-PX levels and GSH-PX/MDA ratio in comparison with the control group. Besides, pu-erh tea was also able to alleviate the pathological damage to some extent.

CONCLUSION

Pu-erh tea powder is protective against cisplatin-induced liver oxidative damages, especially at the medium dosage (0.8 g/kg/d).

Cisplatin hepatotoxicity mediated by mitochondrial stress

CONTEXT

Chemotherapy has long been the keystone of cancer regimen, and comprehensive research has been done on the development of more potent and less toxic anti-cancer agents. Cisplatin (CP) is a potent and extensively used chemotherapeutic agent. There is paucity of literature involving role of mitochondria in mediating CP-induced hepatic toxicity, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Oxidative stress is a well-established biomarker of the mitochondrial toxicity.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the dose-dependent effects of CP-induced mitotoxicity under in vitro conditions, using mitochondria from rat liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The aim of our study was to determine the effect of CP with different concentrations in isolated liver mitochondria as an in vitro model.

RESULTS

CP exposure showed significantly compromised level of non enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants with higher extent of lipid and protein oxidation. CP also caused significant alterations in the activity of respiratory chain enzymes (complex I-III and V) in liver mitochondria.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

It is suggested that mitochondria can be employed as a model for future investigations of anticancer drug-induced hepatotoxicity under in vitro conditions. Studies with selected pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals might certainly play a definite role in deciphering cellular and molecular mechanisms of CP-induced hepatotoxicity and its amelioration.

Flax and flaxseed oil: an ancient medicine & modern functional food

Flaxseed is emerging as an important functional food ingredient because of its rich contents of α-linolenic acid (ALA, omega-3 fatty acid), lignans, and fiber. Flaxseed oil, fibers and flax lignans have potential health benefits such as in reduction of cardiovascular disease, atherosclerosis, diabetes, cancer, arthritis, osteoporosis, autoimmune and neurological disorders. Flax protein helps in the prevention and treatment of heart disease and in supporting the immune system. As a functional food ingredient, flax or flaxseed oil has been incorporated into baked foods, juices, milk and dairy products, muffins, dry pasta products, macaroni and meat products. The present review focuses on the evidences of the potential health benefits of flaxseed through human and animals' recent studies and commercial use in various food products.

Models of hepatotoxicity and the underlying cellular, biochemical and immunological mechanism(s): a critical discussion

Liver is a primary organ involved in biotransformation of food and drugs. Hepatic diseases are a major worldwide problem. Hepatic disorders are mainly caused by toxic chemicals (alcohol), xenobiotics (carbon tetrachloride, chlorinated hydrocarbons and gases CO₂ and O₂) anticancer (azathioprine, doxorubicin, cisplatin), immunosuppressant (cyclosporine), analgesic anti-inflammatory (paracetamol, thioacetamide), anti-tubercular (isoniazid, rifampicin) drugs, biologicals (Bacillus-Calmette-Guerin vaccine), radiations (gamma radiations), heavy metals (cadmium, arsenic), mycotoxin (aflatoxin), galactosamine, lipopolysaccharides, etc. Various risk factors for hepatic injury include concomitant hepatic diseases, age, gender, alcoholism, nutrition and genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P450 enzymes have also been emphasized. The present review enumerates various in vivo animal models and in vitro methods of hepatic injury using diverse toxicants, their probable metabolic pathways, and numerous biochemical changes viz. serum biomarkers enzymes, liver function, oxidative stress associated events like free radicals formation, lipid peroxidation, enzyme antioxidants and participation of cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α, transforming growth factor-β, tumour necrosis factor-related apoptosis inducing ligand), and other biomolecules (Fas and C-jun N-terminal kinase) are also discussed. The underlying cellular, molecular, immunological, and biochemical mechanism(s) of action responsible for liver damage (toxicity) are also been discussed. This review should be immensely useful for researchers especially for phytochemists, pharmacologists and toxicologists working on hepatotoxicity, hepatotoxic chemicals and drugs, hepatoprotective agents and drug research organizations involved especially in phytopharmaceuticals and other natural products.

Crocin attenuates cisplatin-induced liver injury in the mice

Cisplatin (CDDP) is one of the most frequently used antitumor agents, but its application is significantly limited by its hepatotoxicity. In the present study, we investigated the effects of crocin against CDDP-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver of Kunming mice. Crocin was administered to the mice once daily for 7 consecutive days at the doses of 6.25 and 12.5 mg/kg body weight orally. On day 1, a single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP was given at the dose of 10 mg/kg body weight. Crocin treatment significantly improved CDDP-induced hepatic damage as indicated by serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels. Crocin relieved CDDP-induced oxidative stress by reducing malondialdehyde level and recovering the levels of glutathione and antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase. In addition, liver histopathology indicated that crocin alleviated CDDP-induced focal necrosis. Immunohistochemical staining and Western blot analysis showed that crocin significantly decreased the levels of phospho-p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), tumor protein 53 (p53), and cleaved caspase-3. Taken together, our data suggest that crocin provides protective effects against CDDP-induced hepatoxicity by attenuating oxidative stress and inhibiting the activation of p38 MAPK, p53, and caspase-3.

Mitochondria-mediated mitigatory role of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic anti-tumour drugs, and it has been implicated in renal toxicity. Oxidative stress has been proven to be involved in CP-induced toxicity including nephrotoxicity. However, there is paucity of literature involving role of mitochondria in mediating CP-induced renal toxicity, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the antioxidant potential of curcumin (CMN; a natural polyphenolic compound) against the mitochondrial toxicity of CP in kidneys of male rats. Acute toxicity was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection of CP (6 mg kg(-1) ). We studied the ameliorative effect of CMN pre-treatment (200 mg kg(-1) ) on the toxicity of CP in rat kidney mitochondria. CP caused a significant elevation in the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and protein carbonyl (PC) content. Pre-treatment of rat with CMN significantly replenished the mitochondrial LPO levels and PC content. It also restored the CP-induced modulatory effects on altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in kidney mitochondria. We hypothesize that the reno-protective effects of CMN may be related to its predisposition to scavenge free radicals, and upregulate antioxidant machinery in kidney mitochondria.