Phytochemical Properties of Crataegus azarolus Berries Decoction Extract and Evaluation of its Protective Activity Against Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of phyto-active compounds of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract against acetic acid-induced hepatorenal injuries in male rats

The present study evaluated the hepato-nephronal protective properties of Crataegus azarolus berries decoction extract (CAB-DE) on acetic acid (AA)-induced oxidative stress and metabolic disorders in rats. Animals (60 rats) were randomly divided into six groups (n = 10), with groups 1 and 2 being controls and groups 3, 4, and 5 given increasing doses of CAB-DE, group 6 were given gallic acid until ulcerative colitis was induced and then intoxicated by an acute intra-rectal infusion of AA. Our results showed that CAB-DE-oral administration had no signs of toxicity or abnormal behavior in rats, with a LD50 higher than 3500 mg/kg bw. In addition, CAB-DE protected against AA-induced nephropathy and hepatic damage in rats, as determined by an increase in organ weights and an alteration in the renal and liver parameters and functions. Moreover, extract co-administration reduced AA-induced liver and kidney lipoperoxidation, maintained non-enzymatic contents such as sulfhydryl groups (-SH) and reduced glutathione (GSH), and restored antioxidant enzyme activities, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Finally, CAB-DE might have a possible protective effect against AA-oxidative stress and dysfunction in the rat liver and kidney, suggesting that Crataegus azarolus berries may be beneficial for people suffering from liver issues and nephropathy.

GSK-3β/Notch-1 Activation Promotes Radiation-Induced Renal Damage: The Role of Gallic Acid in Mitigation of Nephrotoxicity

Despite the therapeutic advances in treating malignancies, the efficient radiotherapeutic approaches with deprived adverse reactions still represent a potential clinical inquiry. The current study aims to elucidate the role of gallic acid (GA) in modifying the hazardous renal cytotoxicity induced by acute exposure to radiation. The MTT test was used to evaluate the viability of Vero cells exposed to 2 Gy gamma radiation with or without incubation of GA. In an in vivo model, male Wistar rats were divided into four experimental groups (n = 6): Control, Irradiated (IRR, 5 Gy), GA (100 mg/kg, i.p.) + IRR, and Glycogen synthase kinase inhibitor (GSKI, 3 mg/kg, i.p.) + IRR. Based on the MTT toxicity assay, from 0 and up to 5 μM dosages of GA did not demonstrate any cytotoxicity to Vero cells. The optimal GA dose that could protect the cells from radiation was 5 μM. Furthermore, GA exerted a protective effect from gamma radiation on renal tissue as indicated by corrected renal functions, decreased LDH level in serum, and balanced oxidative status, which is indicated by decreased tissue contents of NOx and TBARS with a significant increase of reduced GSH. These outcomes were inferred by the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression. The overall molecular impact of radiation in damaging the renal tissue may be explained by modifying the upstream AKT activity and its downstream targets GSK-3β/Notch-1. Here, we concluded that the anticipated adverse reaction in the course of radiation exposure could be protected by daily administration of GA.

Persicaria lanigera (Polygonaceae) leaf extract exhibits antiulcerogenic and antiproliferative activities against acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis and cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue in rats

Objective:

To assess the effect of leaf extract of Persicaria lanigera on cotton pellet-induced granuloma tissue formation and acetic acid-induced ulcerative colitis.

Methods:

Rats were randomly divided into six groups: normal control, negative control, positive control (dexamethasone or sulfasalazine) as well as Persicaria lanigera (100-600 mg/kg)-treated groups. The effects of the extracts on body weight, antioxidant, and hematological parameters, as well as mast cell proliferation, were assessed. In addition, a histological evaluation was conducted.

Results:

Persicaria lanigera extract significantly decreased the mean exudate amount and suppressed granuloma tissue formation in a concentration-dependent manner in rats (P<0.05). Additionally, the extract significantly increased body weight, improved hematological profile, reduced the disease activity index score and malondialdehyde level, as well as enhanced catalase and superoxide dismutase activities (P<0.05). Histological evaluation showed Persicaria lanigera extract alleviated acetic acid-induced colonic damages, as evidenced by decreased cell necrosis, edema, and inflammatory cell infiltration.

Conclusions:

Persicaria lanigera extract possesses antiproliferative, antioxidative, and anti-colitis activities. However, its underlying mechanisms of action need further investigation.

Protective Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cell Active Factor Combined with Alhagi maurorum Extract on Ulcerative Colitis and the Underlying Mechanism

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a relapsing and reoccurring inflammatory bowel disease. The treatment effect of Alhagi maurorum and stem cell extracts on UC remains unclear. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective role of Alhagi maurorum combined with stem cell extract on the intestinal mucosal barrier in an intestinal inflammation mouse model. Sixty mice were randomly divided into a control group, model group, Alhagi group, MSC group, and MSC/Alhagi group. MSC and Alhagi extract were found to reduce the disease activity index (DAI) scores in mice with colitis, alleviate weight loss, improve intestinal inflammation in mice (p < 0.05), preserve the integrity of the ileal wall and increase the number of goblet cells and mucin in colon tissues. Little inflammatory cell infiltration was observed in the Alhagi, MSC, or MSC/Alhagi groups, and the degree of inflammation was significantly alleviated compared with that in the model group. The distribution of PCNA and TNF-alpha in the colonic tissues of the model group was more disperse than that in the normal group (p < 0.05), and the fluorescence intensity was lower. After MSC/Alhagi intervention, PCNA and TNF-alpha were distributed along the cellular membrane in the MSC/Alhagi group (p < 0.05). Compared with that in the normal control group, the intensity was slightly reduced, but it was still stronger than that in the model group. In conclusion, MSC/Alhagi can alleviate inflammatory reactions in mouse colonic tissue, possibly by strengthening the protective effect of the intestinal mucosal barrier.