Metabolic profile and hepatoprotective effect of Aeschynomene elaphroxylon (Guill. & Perr.)

Ameliorative effects of date palm kernel extract against fenpropathrin induced male reproductive toxicity

BACKGROUND

The purpose of this work was to examine the fundamental mechanisms of reproductive toxicity in rat models following exposure to Fenpropathrin (FNP). Furthermore, our study explores the novel impacts of Date palm kernel extract (DPK) on these detrimental outcomes.

METHODS

Thirty male Wistar rats were used in the investigation. They were split into six groups: one group received corn oil as a control; two groups received DPK at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg; a group received FNP at 4.7 mg/kg; and two combination groups received DPK and FNP at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively for 60 days.

RESULTS

FNP caused oxidative stress, reduced sperm count, and impaired motility. FNP decreased the expression of the StAR gene and reduced serum testosterone levels. We assessed the histological alterations. In a dose-dependent way, the concurrent administration of DPK extract successfully decreased all the toxicological parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

When taken orally, DPK extract may protect against FNP-induced male reproductive toxicity.

Nano Spirulina platensis countered cisplatin-induced repro-toxicity by reversing the expression of altered steroid hormones and downregulation of the StAR gene

Cisplatin is a commonly utilized chemotherapy medication for treating different sarcomas and carcinomas. Its ability interferes with cancer cells' DNA repair pathways and postpones unfavorable outcomes in cancer patients. The current investigation's goal was to ascertain if nano Spirulina platensis (NSP) might shield rat testicles from cisplatin damage by assessing the expression of the StAR and SOD genes, sex hormones, 17ß-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase(17ß-HSD), sperm profile picture, oxidative condition of testes, testicular histology, and DNA damage. Four equal and random groups of 28 adult male Wistar rats were created; the control group was given saline for 8 weeks. An extraction of NSP at a concentration of 2500 mg/kg body weight was administered orally for 8 weeks to the NSP group. For the first 4 weeks, the cisplatin group was intraperitoneally injected with 2 mg/kg/body weight of cisplatin, and for the next 4 weeks, they were given a dosage of 4 mg/kg/body weight. The cisplatin + NSP group was given both NSP and cisplatin. The results of the experiment showed that intake of NSP and cisplatin improved sperm profile; re-established the balance of oxidizing agents and antioxidant state; enhanced testicular histology; promoted the histometric parameters of seminiferous tubules including epithelial height, their diameter, and Johnsen's score, decreasing DNA breakage in testicular tissue; increased testosterone level; decreased 17ß-HSD concentration; and upregulated both the StAR and SOD gene expression in testicles compared to rats exposed to cisplatin alone. These results demonstrate that NSP is a promising agent for improving cisplatin-induced testicular injury and infertility.

Chemical Composition and Antibacterial, Antioxidant, and Cytotoxic Activities of Essential Oils from Leaves and Stems of Aeschynomene indica L

The objective of this study was to analyze the chemical composition and evaluate the biological capabilities of the essential oils (EOs) extracted from leaves and stems of wild Aeschynomene indica L. plants by the hydrodistillation method. By using GC-FID/MS, fifty-six and fifty-five compounds, representing 95.1 and 97.6% of the essential oils in the leaves and stems, respectively, were characterized. The predominant constituents of A. indica EOs were (E)-caryophyllene, linalool, viridiflorol, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, trans-verbenol, and α-guaiene. The antibacterial and synergistic activities of the EOs were assessed by microdilution and checkerboard assays. The results revealed a potent inhibition and bactericidal activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis with MICs of 0.312-0.625 mg/mL. When combined with traditional antibiotics, the essential oils of A. indica possessed excellent synergistic effects against all tested bacteria. Additionally, the EOs of A. indica leaves showed higher antioxidant activity (IC50 = 0.11 ± 0.01 µg/mL) compared to the stem oil (IC50 = 0.19 ± 0.01 µg/mL) using the ABTS radical scavenging assay. The in vitro cytotoxicity of EOs against human cancer cell lines HepG2, MCF-7, A-549, and HCT-116 was examined, and MTT assays showed that the EOs possessed a significant cytotoxic potential against MCF-7 breast cancer cells, with IC50 values of 10.04 ± 1.82 and 15.89 ± 1.66 μg/mL, and a moderate cytotoxic activity against other tested cells. In conclusion, the A. indica EOs could be considered a potential source of pharmacologically active compounds.

The mollifying effect of Sambucus nigra extract on StAR gene expression, oxidative stress, and apoptosis induced by fenpropathrin in male rats

Fenpropathrin (FNP) is a man-made insecticide of to the pyrethroid class, commonly employed in agricultural and horticultural practices. However, it has a prolonged persistence in the environment. Sambucus nigra, also referred to as SN, is a botanical species recognized for its notable antioxidant characteristics. The objective of this study was to examine if SN extract could mitigate the reproductive toxicity induced by FNP in rats. A total of thirty rats were categorized into six distinct groups: a control group with no treatment, two groups getting SN extract at varying doses, a group receiving FNP, and two groups receiving both FNP and SN extract. The exposure to FNP led to a decline in the number and movement of sperm, lowered levels of testosterone, and reduced the activity of the StAR gene in the FNP group compared to the control group (p < 0.05). In addition, FNP resulted in a significant increase in malondialdehyde levels with a significant drop in GSH content compared to the control group (p < 0.05). Also, a significant increase in the expression of caspase 3. Nevertheless, the administration of SN extract alleviated these effects and reinstated spermatogenesis, thereby bringing the parameters closer to those observed in the control group. The data indicate that FNP can induce testicular harm and infertility, but SN extract can mitigate these detrimental consequences.

Bromelain mitigates liver fibrosis via targeting hepatic stellate cells in vitro and in vivo

Various therapeutic approaches are conducted for regression of liver fibrosis and prevent possible further carcinogenic transformation. This study was aimed to assess the prospective therapeutic potential of bromelain against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis using in-vitro and in vivo approaches. In vitro study, HSC-T6 cell line was used to evaluate the effect of bromelain on HSC-T6 cell viability and apoptosis. In vivo, Rats were treated by TAA for 6 weeks for induction of hepatic fibrosis followed by post treatment by different doses of bromelain and silymarin for further 4 weeks to assess the regression of hepatic fibrosis. The in-vitro findings indicated that bromelain hindered the proliferation of HSCs in concentration dependent manner compared with the untreated cells. The in vivo study revealed that treatment of TAA fibrotic rats with different doses of bromelain and silymarin induced a significant restoration in liver function biomarkers, attenuation of oxidative stress, upregulation of total antioxidant capacity and thereby decline of fibrotic biomarkers and improving histopathological and immunohistochemical changes. In conclusion, This study indicates that bromelain can regress TAA induced hepatic fibrosis in rats via inhibiting HSCs activation, α-SMA expression and the ECM deposition in hepatic tissue in addition to its antioxidants pathway, these findings prove the promising therapeutic potential of bromelain as a novel therapeutic approach for chronic hepatic fibrotic diseases.

The hepatoprotective candidates by synergistic formula of marine and terrestrial against Acetaminophen toxicity using in-vitro, in-vivo, and in silico screening approach

Background

One of the most regularly used hepatotoxic medicines is paracetamol (acetaminophen, N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP). It causes liver failure in overdoses but is safe at therapeutic dosages. Combination therapy combining many natural compounds with a synergistic impact as hepatoprotective agents has become an essential therapeutic method against various disorders.

Objective

Due to the lack of literature on paracetamol's effects on hematological and hepatic status parameters in male albino mice, the main goal of this study was to compare the hepatoprotective activities of a mixture of three marine-derived polyphenolics and polysaccharides (Sargassum vulgare Bacillus oceanisediminis, and alginic acids) to Chrysanthemum extract and the mixture of them.

Methods

Sargassumvulgare, Bacillus Oceanisediminis, and alginate, as well as Chrysanthemum ethanol extracts, were tested for APAP-induced liver damage. Group 1 received saline solution subcutaneously, while Group 2 received 500 mg/kg body weight/day APAP intraperitoneal. Group 3 got 200 mg/day algal extract i.p. As in group 3, group 4 got an i.p. dose of 200 mg of algal extract before the APAP dose. This group was protected by Sargassum vulgare extract. Group 5: Received 200 mg/100 g/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extracts i.p. for one week. Group 6: Received 200 mg/body of Bacillus oceanisediminis extract i.p. for one week before APAP treatment. Alginate (p200 mg/body weight/day) was given to Group 7. As in group 7, group 8 received 200 mg/body weight/day alginate extract i.p. before APAP. Group 9: Chrysanthemum extracts 200 mg/day for a week. Group 10: got an i.p. dose of Chrysanthemum extracts for one week before the APAP dose. Group 11: Four mixed extracts (Bacillus Oceanisediminis, Sargassum vulgare, Chrysanthemum, and alginate) were i.p200 mg/day for one week as a positive (+ve) control group. Group 12: Received i.p200 mg/kg combination extract for one week before APAP.

Results

Due to their synergistic antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions, marine extracts and combinations of marine-derived extracts demonstrated a great effect against APAP toxicity, demonstrating hepatoprotective potential against APAP-induced liver damage.

Conclusion

The synergy of the three marine-derived combinations may lead to novel liver toxicity prevention agents.

Cisplatin-induced azoospermia and testicular damage ameliorated by adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells

BACKGROUND

The testes are highly susceptible to the adverse effects of chemotherapy and radiation at all stages of life. Exposure to these threats mainly occurs during cancer treatment and as an occupational hazard in radiation centers. The present study investigated the regenerative ability of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells (ADMSCs) against the adverse effects of cisplatin on the structure and function of the testes.

METHODS

New Zealand white rabbits (N = 15) were divided into three groups of five: a negative control group (no treatment), a cisplatin group (single dose of cisplatin into each testis followed three days later by a PBS injection), and a cisplatin + ADMSCs group (cisplatin injection followed three days later by an ADMSC injection). On day 45 post-treatment, serum testosterone levels were evaluated, and the testes and epididymis were collected for histology, oxidative stress examination, and epididymal sperm analysis.

RESULTS

Cisplatin caused damage to the testicular tissue and decreased serum testosterone levels, epididymal sperm counts, and oxidants. An antioxidant imbalance was detected due to increasing malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in testicular tissue. The ADMSC-treated group displayed a moderate epididymal sperm count, adequate antioxidant protection, suitable hormone levels, and enhanced testicular tissue morphology.

CONCLUSIONS

ADMSCs treatment repaired damaged testicular tissue, enhanced biochemical parameters, and modified pathological changes caused by cisplatin.

In Vivo Antihypertensive Activity and UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS Profiling of Cuphea ignea A. DC

Cuphea ignea A. DC. is an ornamental tropical plant belonging to the family Lythraceae. The aim of this study is to verify the in vivo antihypertensive potential of C. ignea A. DC. and to explore its metabolic profile using a UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS technique. The results revealed that the ethanolic extract of the leaves in two doses (250 and 500 mg/kg b.wt.) significantly normalized the elevated systolic blood pressure in N(G)-nitro-l-arginine-methyl ester-induced hypertension in rats. An angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) concentration was significantly decreased by the high dose extract compared to lisinopril. Nitric oxide (NO) level was significantly restored by both doses. Concerning the oxidative stress parameters, both doses displayed significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) level while the high dose restored elevated glutathione level. These biochemical results were clearly supported by the histopathological examination of the isolated heart and aorta. A UHPLC-Orbitrap-HRMS study was represented by a detailed metabolic profile of leaves and flowers of C. ignea A. DC., where 53 compounds were identified among which flavonoids, fatty acids, and hydrolysable tannins were the major identified classes. This study established scientific evidence for the use of C. ignea A. DC., a member of genus Cuphea as a complementary treatment in the management of hypertension.

Lucrative antioxidant effect of metformin against cyclophosphamide induced nephrotoxicity

Cyclophosphamide is anticancer drug with a well-Known nephrotoxicity. This work was applied to study the lucrative antioxidant influence of metformin as co-therapy on the nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in the treatment of different cancer diseases. Four groups of male Sprague Dawley rats were used; Control group (C) received single I.P. injection of 0.2 ml saline, Metformin (MET) group received daily gavage of 200 mg/kg metformin for two weeks, Cyclophosphamide (CP) group received single I.P. injection of 200 mg/kg CP, Protector group (CP.MET) received daily gavage of 200 mg/kg metformin for two weeks and single I.P. injection of 200 mg/kg CP at day 7. By day 14 rats were euthanized. Samples were collected from kidney tissues and blood for kidney function evaluation, histopathological and assessment of oxidative stress markers. The results disclosed that CP yields many functional and structural damage to the kidney, worsened oxidative stress markers and kidney function indicators. The protector group displayed better kidney tissue morphology, acceptable kidney function indicators as well as satisfactory oxidative stress markers.

In assumption, metformin could be combined with CP owing to its lucrative effect counter to CP persuaded nephrotoxicity.

Investigation of polyphenol profile, antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Aconogonon alpinum (All.) Schur roots

Liver plays vital role in detoxification of exogenous and endogenous chemicals. These chemicals as well as oxidative stress may cause liver disorders. This study was aimed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of various fractions of Aconogonon alpinum methanolic extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver toxicity in mice. First, hepatoprotective potential of various fractions of A. alpinum was assessed and then antioxidant activity and profiling of polyphenolic compounds were assessed. A total of 78 male albino mice (BALB/c) were randomly divided into 13 groups (n = 6); Group I (normal control), Group II (CCl4 only), Group III (CCl4 + silymarin 100 mg/kg) and Groups IV–XIII (CCl4 + various fractions [200 and 400 mg/kg]). Hepatic biochemistry and liver injury were assessed by analysis of serum levels of hepatic enzymes and histopathological analysis, respectively. Results showed that polar fractions (ethyl acetate, n-butanol and aqueous fractions) exhibited highly significant (P < 0.01) reduction in increased level of liver biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner with consistent histopathological findings. Likewise, these fractions revealed strong antioxidant potential and polyphenolic compound contents. In conclusion, the present work has revealed promising antioxidant activity, polyphenolic profiling and potential hepatoprotective efficacy. Thus, the significant results unveil the study as a step forward towards evidence-based phytomedicine.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory activity of Justicia secunda Vahl leaf extract using in vitro and in vivo inflammation models

Background

Justicia secunda Vahl. is a medicinal plant used in ethnomedical practice as therapy to manage inflammation. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of methanol extract of J. secunda leaves (MEJSL) using in vitro and in vivo inflammation models.

Methods

Seventy-percent MEJSL was prepared following standard procedure. In vitro anti-inflammatory assays were performed using heat-induced bovine serum albumin (BSA) denaturation and erythrocyte membrane stabilization assays. Carrageenan and formaldehyde induced inflammation in rat models were used to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activity of MEJSL in vivo. Diclofenac sodium was used as a reference drug. In addition, liver and kidney function assays and hematological analysis were carried out.

Results

Data revealed that varying concentrations of MEJSL significantly (P < 0.05) inhibited heat-induced BSA denaturation and stabilized erythrocyte membrane against hypotonicity-induced hemolysis when compared with diclofenac sodium in a concentration-dependent manner. In vivo study showed that 10 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) diclofenac sodium, 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w. MEJSL suppressed carrageenan-induced paw edema at the sixth hour by 71.14%, 83.08%, and 89.05%, respectively. Furthermore, 10 mg/kg b.w. diclofenac sodium, 100 and 300 mg/kg b.w. MEJSL inhibited formaldehyde-induced paw edema by 72.53%, 74.73%, and 76.48%, respectively. Animals treated with varying doses of MEJSL had reduced plasma aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activities; urea and creatinine concentrations; and modulated hematological parameters when compared with the untreated control group.

Conclusions

Findings from this study showed that MEJSL exhibited substantial anti-inflammatory actions in the in vitro and in vivo models. It also indicated that MEJSL anti-inflammatory mechanisms of action could be through interference with phase 2 inflammatory stressors, upregulation of cytoprotective genes, stabilization of inflammatory cell membranes and immunomodulatory activity.

Combination of metformin and luteolin synergistically protects carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity: Mechanism involves antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway

Liver diseases are one of the fatal disorders due to the vital role of the liver. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ) is the most perceived chemical substance utilized in developing models of hepatic damage. Metformin (Met) is a potent antidiabetic and redox modulatory agent that has shown anticancer and protective effects on various organs. Therefore, addition of therapy with natural antioxidative agents or herbal extracts shows defensive impacts against different injuries inside the body. Luteolin (Lut) can be found in several customary Chinese remedies. It has been reported for various pharmacological actions such as antitumor, antioxidative, and anti-inflammatory impacts. Here, the liver injury rat model was established using CCl₄ (1.00 mL/kg body weight) in vivo. The protective roles of Met and Lut separately or in combination were observed in hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄ . The result was shown that both Met and Lut, while individually used, were normally active in diminishing CCl₄ -caused hepatotoxicity. The combination of two drugs performed synergistically to improve liver damage caused by CCl₄ , as shown by the considerably improved liver dysfunction. Met and Lut showed highly antioxidative effects on CCl₄ -treated rats moderately by increasing the activities and expression of the antioxidant enzymes. Along with this, a combination of Met and Lut significantly suppressed inflammatory responses, which is evidenced by the reduced level of inflammatory cytokines together with interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Additionally, CCl₄ -agitated apoptosis was intensely reduced by Met and Lut through reducing cleaved caspase-3 and Bax (pro-apoptotic factor) while increasing Bcl-2 (antiapoptotic factor) signaling pathways. Cotreatments of Met and Lut upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in the CCl₄ -intoxicated rat's liver. The above result recommended that combination of Met and Lut may have a substantial potential and synergizing impact against CCl₄ -induced hepatotoxicity.

Toxicopathological and immunological studies on different concentrations of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles in rats

Background

Much consideration has been paid to the toxicological assessment of nanoparticles prior to clinical and biological applications. While in vitro studies have been expanding continually, in vivo investigations of nanoparticles have not developed a cohesive structure. This study aimed to assess the acute toxicity of different concentrations of chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles (Ch-AgNPs) in main organs, including liver, kidneys, and spleen.

Materials and methods

Twenty-eight male albino rats were used and divided into 4 groups (n=7). Group 1 was kept as a negative control group. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were treated intraperitoneally with Ch-AgNPs each day for 14 days at doses of 50, 25, and 10 mg/kg body weight (bwt) respectively. Histopathological, morphometric and immunohistochemical studies were performed as well as oxidative stress evaluations, and specific functional examinations for each organ were elucidated.

Results

It was revealed that Ch-AgNPs induced dose-dependent toxicity, and the repeated dosing of rats with 50 mg/kg Ch-AgNPs induced severe toxicities. Histopathological examination showed congestion, hemorrhage, cellular degeneration, apoptosis and necrosis in hepatic and renal tissue as well as lymphocytic depletion with increasing tangible macrophages in the spleen. The highest levels of malondialdehyde, alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase (MDA, ALT, AST) and the lowest levels of reduced glutathione, immunoglobulin G, M and total protein (GSH, IgG, IgM, TP) were observed in this group. On the other hand, repeated dosing with 25 mg/kg induced mild to moderate disturbance in the previous parameters, while there was no significant difference in results of pathological examination and biochemical tests between the control group and those treated with 10 mg/kg bwt Ch-AgNPs.

Conclusion

Chitosan-coated silver nanoparticles induce dose-dependent adverse effects on rats.