Protective effects of pomegranate peel against hematotoxicity, chromosomal aberrations, and genotoxicity induced by barium chloride in adult rats

Effect of Ba(II), Eu(III), and U(VI) on rat NRK-52E and human HEK-293 kidney cells in vitro

Heavy metals pose a potential health risk to humans when they enter the organism. Renal excretion is one of the elimination pathways and, therefore, investigations with kidney cells are of particular interest. In the present study, the effects of Ba(II), Eu(III), and U(VI) on rat and human renal cells were investigated in vitro. A combination of microscopic, biochemical, analytical, and spectroscopic methods was used to assess cell viability, cell death mechanisms, and intracellular metal uptake of exposed cells as well as metal speciation in cell culture medium and inside cells. For Eu(III) and U(VI), cytotoxicity and intracellular uptake are positively correlated and depend on concentration and exposure time. An enhanced apoptosis occurs upon Eu(III) exposure whereas U(VI) exposure leads to enhanced apoptosis and (secondary) necrosis. In contrast to that, Ba(II) exhibits no cytotoxic effect at all and its intracellular uptake is time-independently very low. In general, both cell lines give similar results with rat cells being more sensitive than human cells. The dominant binding motifs of Eu(III) in cell culture medium as well as cell suspensions are (organo-) phosphate groups. Additionally, a protein complex is formed in medium at low Eu(III) concentration. In contrast, U(VI) forms a carbonate complex in cell culture medium as well as each one phosphate and carbonate complex in cell suspensions. Using chemical microscopy, Eu(III) was localized in granular, vesicular compartments near the nucleus and the intracellular Eu(III) species equals the one in cell suspensions. Overall, this study contributes to a better understanding of the interactions of Ba(II), Eu(III), and U(VI) on a cellular and molecular level. Since Ba(II) and Eu(III) serve as inactive analogs of the radioactive Ra(II) and Am(III)/Cm(III), the results of this study are also of importance for the health risk assessment of these radionuclides.

Pomegranate peel extract, N-Acetylcysteine and their combination with Ornipural alleviate Cadmium-induced toxicity in rats

Cadmium is a major environmental pollutant and a highly toxic metal. It was aimed to determine the effects of pomegranate peel extract (PPE), N-acetylcysteine (NAC) alone and along with Ornipural on cadmium-induced toxicity. Forty-six Wistar Albino male rats were divided into 6 groups and the groups were formed into healthy control, Cadmium group (5 mg/kg/day, oral), Cadmium + Pomegranate peel extract (500 mg/kg, oral), Cadmium + N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg, oral), Cadmium + Pomegranate peel extract (500 mg/kg, oral) + Ornipural (1 mL/kg, subcutaneous) and Cadmium + N-acetylcysteine (100 mg/kg, oral) + Ornipural (1 mL/kg, subcutaneous). Cadmium accumulated heavily in both liver and kidney tissue. The administration of N-acetylcysteine and pomegranate peel extract alone reduced cadmium levels in both tissues. N-acetylcysteine treatment prevented the increase in ALT and MDA levels by cadmium damage. N-acetylcysteine + Ornipural treatment inhibited the increase in liver 8-OHdG level in the liver. N-acetylcysteine and N-acetylcysteine + Ornipural treatments prevented the reduced serum MMP2 level. N-acetylcysteine and Pomegranate peel extract + Ornipural treatments significantly reduced the increased liver iNOS level in the liver. In conclusion, NAC therapy may be a successful treatment option for cadmium toxicity. However, further research is needed on the effects of PPE and Ornipural combinations for the treatment of cadmium toxicity. In future studies, various doses of these treatment options (with chelators) should be investigated for cadmium toxicity.

Bioactivity of Falkenbergia rufolanosa Methanolic Extract: Assessment of Its Effect on Methyl-Thiophanate Induced Bone and Blood Disorders

This study aimed to evaluate the potentiality of a mineral and antioxidant-rich methanolic extract of the red marine alga Falkenbergia rufolanosa (FRE) against methyl-thiophanate (MT)-induced toxicity in adult rats. The animals were allocated into four groups: controls, MT (300 mg/kg), MT + FRE, and FRE-treated group for 7 days. Our results demonstrated severe mineral perturbations due to MT treatment, especially in calcium and phosphorus levels in plasma, urine, and bone. Similarly, the hematological analysis revealed increased red blood cells, platelets, and white blood cells associated with striking genotoxicity. Interestingly, a significant rise in lipid peroxidation and advanced oxidation protein products level in erythrocytes and bone were noted. Meanwhile, a depletion of the antioxidant status in both tissues occurred. These biochemical alterations were in harmony with DNA degradation and histological variation in bone and blood. In the other trend, data showed that treatment with alga improved MT-induced hematotoxicity, genotoxicity, and oxidative stress in the blood and bone. Osteo-mineral metabolism and bone histo-architecture were also noted. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that the red alga Falkenbergia rufolanosa is a potent source of antioxidant and antibacterial agents, as revealed by the in vitro analysis.

Potential of phenolic compounds from pomegranate (Punica granatum L.) by-product with significant antioxidant and therapeutic effects: A narrative review

The wealth of epidemiological evidence in the scientific world underscores the possibility that a plant-based diet can reduce the prevalence of common diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, and stroke. The therapeutic effects of plant sources are partly explained by phenolic secondary metabolites or polyphenolic compounds. Therefore, polyphenolic compounds, which are widely distributed in plants, are of great interest for the development of effective specific drugs with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, polyphenol compounds have no harmful effects due to their natural biocompatibility and safety. Numerous studies have highlighted the potential of some industrial food wastes from plant material processing, including apple peels and mashed potatoes, grape skins, tomato and carrot peels, pomegranate peels and seeds, and many others. These byproducts are considered low-cost sources of natural biological compounds, including antioxidants, which have beneficial effects on human health. The polyphenol complex of pomegranate peel (Punica granatum L.), which makes up half of the pomegranate fruit, has more pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties than other parts. And the most important active components of pomegranate peel, which are found only in this plant, are punicalagin, followed by ellagic acid and gallic acid. It is known that these polyphenolic compounds of pomegranate peel have the most pronounced therapeutic effect. Several studies have shown the protective effect of ellagic acid, punicalagin, against oxidative stress damage caused by free radicals. The potential of pomegranate peel as an antioxidant and therapeutic component in various biological systems is high, according to scientific sources. However, despite extensive research in recent years, a review of sources has shown that there is insufficient evidence to support the therapeutic effects of polyphenolic compounds from pomegranate peels. The role of pomegranate peel polyphenolic compounds, including flavonoids, as antioxidants in various biological systems also requires further research. Of particular importance are the mechanisms by which antioxidants influence the cellular response against oxidative stress. The purpose of this review was to report our current knowledge of plant polyphenolic compounds and their classification, and to evaluate the potential of phenolic compounds from pomegranate peels with significant antioxidant and therapeutic effects.

Mediterranean Food Industry By-Products as a Novel Source of Phytochemicals with a Promising Role in Cancer Prevention

The Mediterranean diet is recognized as a sustainable dietary approach with beneficial health effects. This is highly relevant, although the production of typical Mediterranean food, i.e., olive oil or wine, processed tomatoes and pomegranate products, generates significant amounts of waste. Ideally, this waste should be disposed in an appropriate, eco-friendly way. A number of scientific papers were published recently showing that these by-products can be exploited as a valuable source of biologically active components with health benefits, including anticancer effects. In this review, accordingly, we elaborate on such phytochemicals recovered from the food waste generated during the processing of vegetables and fruits, typical of the Mediterranean diet, with a focus on substances with anticancer activity. The molecular mechanisms of these phytochemicals, which might be included in supporting treatment and prevention of various types of cancer, are presented. The use of bioactive components from food waste may improve the economic feasibility and sustainability of the food processing industry in the Mediterranean region and can provide a new strategy to approach prevention of cancer.

Punica Granatum Peel Waste- An Underutilized Substrate of Therapeutic Potential: An Overview

India is the second largest consumer and producer of fruits globally. It leads to ample solid waste per year from fruit processing industries that have been proven hazardous to the surroundings. Punica granatum (Pomegranate) belongs to the Lythraceae subfamily Punicoideae, which exhibits immense nutritional properties and delicious flavoring components. The weight of this fruit mainly consists of peel, i.e., 50%, followed by 40% of arils and 10% of seeds. Thus, the major byproduct is a peel that holds many valuable bioactive compounds in higher concentrations viz saponins, carotenoids, steroids, polyphenols, quercetin derivatives, caffeic acid, phenolic acids, flavonoids, ellagitannins, p-coumaric acid, chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, anthocyanidins, triterpenoids, glycosides, tannins, and many more. Consequently, it results in wide-ranging therapeutic applications, including antioxidative, anti-microbial, antihypertensive, anti-carcinogenic, anti-genotoxic, anti-inflammatory, glucoregulation, cardio-protective, hepato-protective and nephroprotective effects along with prebiotic potential. Considering their nutritional and therapeutic aspects, these peels can be used for many purposes rather than being disposed of. With a value-added approach, it is utilized in many food and non-food sectors. So, this review aims to explore the therapeutic potential of P. granatum peel and enlighten its diverse applications in the food industry.

Ongoing and potential novel trends of pomegranate fruit peel; a comprehensive review of its health benefits and future perspectives as nutraceutical

Pomegranate is an ancient shrub, globally distributed nowadays. It has been used in the middle east as a medicinal food and traditional medicine for thousands of years. Pomegranate peel (PP) constitutes about 50% of the total fruit, however, it has been previously regarded as a waste. Recent research points to PP as a rich source of phenolics (e.g., ellagitannins, flavonoids, and anthocyanins), polysaccharides, in addition to its biotransformed metabolites viz. urolithins making it a valuable waste with promising pharmacological actions. Compared to the pulp and the juice, PP exhibited stronger antioxidant and antimicrobial activities. Besides, it inhibited inflammation in several conditions, including colitis, arthritis, hepatitis, contact dermatitis, and lung inflammation. Moreover, it displayed anti-osteoporosis, anti-hyperglycemic, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, vasculoprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and immunomodulatory effects. Additionally, it was effective as a prebiotic and in obesity control, besides it promoted wound healing. Furthermore, PP demonstrated anticancer effects against different cancer types, for example, colon, liver, thyroid, uterine, breast, bladder, prostate, leukemia, and osteosarcoma. Despite PP safety, it may interfere with the metabolism of other drugs because it inhibits cytochromes (CYP) changing their bioavailability, effectiveness, and toxicity. PP biowaste valorization not only avoids against its environmental and economic burden but can also provide a promising platform to produce novel or improved nutraceuticals. This study provides a comprehensive overview of PP biological activities with the reported action mechanisms related to its phytochemicals and further biotransformed metabolites inside the body. Future research prospects to unravel the merits of such waste and optimize its use are discussed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Pomegranate is widely distributed throughout the world. Although its peel was previously considered a waste, recent research regards it as a rich source of bioactive compounds with promising biological activities. Its recycling not only overcomes the bio-waste problems, but also provides a source of valuable compounds with several health benefits. In recent years, PP has been demonstrated to exhibit excellent pharmacological bioactivities, for example, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial, antiosteoporosis, antihyperlipidemic, and anticancer activities. Its health-promoting power is mostly attributed to the phenolic and polysaccharide content, in addition to its amazing biotransformed metabolites. The underlying action mechanisms of such pharmacological activities are discussed and related to its chemical content. This review presents the latest research progress on the role of PP in the prevention and treatment of various chronic diseases, and its protective health effects for future research to be used in nutraceuticals.

Kolaviron: A Biflavonoid with Numerous Health Benefits

BACKGROUND

The increasing interests on the healing properties of medicinal plants have led to a paradigm shift from the use of synthetic drug to the search of natural medicines for the treatment and management of several diseases. Like other phenolics flavonoids have been continuously explored for their medicinal benefits, with their potent antioxidant activity being a major interest. Kolaviron (KVN) is a biflavonoid isolated from Garcinia kola Heckel, which has been reported for its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These properties have been explored in several disease models including reproductive toxicity, cardiotoxicity, diabetes mellitus, gastrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was aimed to review the reported medicinal properties of KVN in order to provide some guidelines and direction to researchers on KVN research.

METHODS

A literature search was conducted with the aim of identifying peer-reviewed published data on KVN and their biological activities. Different academic and/or scientific search engines were utilized including but not limited to Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect and so on.

RESULTS

Among all the studied disease models obtained from the literatures, the effect of KVN on reproductive toxicity was the most studied as it represented 25% of all the studies, followed by neuroprotective, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective activities of Kolaviron. From our identified studies, KVN has been shown to have antidiabetic, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, hematoprotective, nephroprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective activities. KVN also has effects on malaria and reproductive health, which can be explored for novel drug and nutraceutical developments for related ailments. Unfortunately, while toxicity data are lacking, most studies are limited to in vitro and/or in vivo models, which may impede translation in this area of research.

CONCLUSION

Based on data gathered from the literature search, it is evident that KVN possesses numerous health benefits, which can be attributed to its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. However, more studies are required in this area of research to validate the medicinal value of kolaviron, which may positively influence the economic value of plant, Garcinia kola.

NADPH Oxidase Inhibition in Fibrotic Pathologies

Significance: Fibrosis is a stereotypic, multicellular tissue response to diverse types of injuries that fundamentally result from a failure of cell/tissue regeneration. This complex tissue remodeling response disrupts cellular/matrix composition and homeostatic cell-cell interactions, leading to loss of normal tissue architecture and progressive loss of organ structure/function. Fibrosis is a common feature of chronic diseases that may affect the lung, kidney, liver, and heart. Recent Advances: There is emerging evidence to support a combination of genetic, environmental, and age-related risk factors contributing to susceptibility and/or progression of fibrosis in different organ systems. A core pathway in fibrogenesis involving these organs is the induction and activation of nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NOX) family enzymes. Critical Issues: We explore current pharmaceutical approaches to targeting NOX enzymes, including repurposing of currently U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved drugs. Specific inhibitors of various NOX homologs will aid establishing roles of NOXs in the various organ fibroses and potential efficacy to impede/halt disease progression. Future Directions: The discovery of novel and highly specific NOX inhibitors will provide opportunities to develop NOX inhibitors for treatment of fibrotic pathologies.

Critical pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic drug-herb interactions in rats between warfarin and pomegranate peel or guava leaves extracts

BACKGROUND

In-depth information of potential drug-herb interactions between warfarin and herbal compounds with suspected anticoagulant blood thinning effects is needed to raise caution of concomitant administration. The current study aimed to investigate the impact of co-administration of pomegranate peel and guava leaves extracts, including their quality markers namely; ellagic acid and quercetin, respectively, on warfarin's in vivo dynamic activity and pharmacokinetic actions, in addition to potential in vitro cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYP) inhibition.

METHODS

Influence of mentioned extracts and their key constituents on warfarin pharmacodynamic and kinetic actions and CYP activity were evaluated. The pharmacodynamic interactions were studied in Sprague Dawley rats through prothrombin time (PT) and International Normalized Ratio (INR) measurements, while pharmacokinetic interactions were detected in vivo using a validated HPLC method. Furthermore, potential involvement in CYP inhibition was also investigated in vitro on isolated primary rat hepatocytes.

RESULTS

Preparations of pomegranate peel guava leaf extract, ellagic acid and quercetin in combination with warfarin were found to exert further significant increase on PT and INR values (p < 0.01) than when used alone (p < 0.05). Pomegranate peel extract showed insignificant effects on warfarin pharmacokinetics (p > 0.05), however, its constituent, namely, ellagic acid significantly increased warfarin Cmax (p < 0.05). Guava leaves extract and quercetin resulted in significant increase in warfarin Cmax when compared to control (p < 0.01). Furthermore, guava leaves extract showed a significant effect on changing the AUC, CL and Vz. Significant reduction in CYP2C8, 2C9, and 3A4 was seen upon concomitant use of warfarin with ellagic acid, guava leaves and quercetin, unlike pomegranate that insignificantly affected CYP activities.

CONCLUSION

All combinations enhanced the anticoagulant activity of warfarin as the results of in vivo and in vitro studies were consistent. The current investigation confirmed serious drug herb interactions between warfarin and pomegranate peel or guava leaf extracts. Such results might conclude a high risk of bleeding from the co-administration of the investigated herbal drugs with warfarin therapy. In addition, the results raise attention to the blood-thinning effects of pomegranate peel and guava leaves when used alone.

The impact of multiple stressors on the biomarkers response in gills and liver of freshwater breams during different seasons

Biomarkers attract increasing attention in environmental studies, as a tool for detection of exposure and effects of pollution, from both natural and anthropogenic sources. This study aims to assess the impact of multiple stressors during distinctive seasons, covering also extreme hydrological events (extensive flooding in the mid May 2014), on different levels of biological organization in the liver and gills of three closely related freshwater breams. Our previous study on DNA damage in blood cells of these specimens showed increased DNA damage in June 2014, one month after the flooding event. As a continuation of that research, the present study was conducted. As a biomarker of exposure DNA damage was measured by applying the alkaline comet assay, while histopathological alterations were monitored as a biomarker of effect. Additionally, concentrations of metals and metalloids in gills, liver and muscle were assessed. Sampling of fish tissues was performed in 2014, during winter (January and February), spring (March and early June) and summer (late June, July and August). Significant seasonal difference in DNA damage was observed for both tissues. During spring and summer the level of DNA damage in gills was significantly higher when compared to the liver. Histopathological analyses showed higher frequency of alterations in gills during spring, and in liver during summer, but without a significant seasonal difference. Gills had the highest concentration of metals and metalloids during the spring and summer, and liver during winter. Muscle was the least affected tissue during all three seasons. This study highlighted the importance of the multiple biomarker approach and the use of different fish tissues in assessment of surface water pollution.

Oxidative stress and glutathione S-transferase genetic polymorphisms in medical staff professionally exposed to ionizing radiation

PURPOSE

Ionizing radiation (IR) is considered as a diagnostic and therapeutic tool in medicine. However, chronic occupational exposure of medical staff to IR may affect the antioxidant status and, as a result, DNA damage and cancers as well. The objective of our study was to evaluate the oxidative stress profile caused by IR in 29 Tunisian medical staff from radiology and radiotherapy departments, and to find an association between the GSTM1 null, GSTT1 null, and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms and oxidative stress biomarkers.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The oxidant biomarkers malondialdehyde (MDA) and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) and the activities of the antioxidant superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) enzymes were spectrophotometrically determined in erythrocytes hemolysates. The analysis of GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null, and GSTP1 Ile105Val polymorphisms was determined for each participant using PCR methods.

RESULTS

A significant increase of white blood cell (WBC) numbers (p < .05) and a significant decrease by 11% of hemoglobin (Hb) (p < .01) were noted in the exposed subjects in our study. Moreover, we report a significant increase of MDA level and the activities of SOD and CAT enzymes of the IR-exposed group compared to controls (p < .001). Interestingly, a close association was noted between the genotypes GSTP1 low active, GSTT1 null, GSTM1 null, and both GSTT1/GSTM1 null and oxidative stress biomarkers, especially with MDA level, SOD, and CAT activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the medical staff exposed to low IR levels were under risk of significant oxidative stress that was enhanced by their glutathione S-transferase (GST) polymorphisms.