Inhibitory Effects of ECQ on Indomethacin-Induced Gastric Damage in Rats

Protective effect of valerian extract capsule (VEC) on ethanol- and indomethacin-induced gastric mucosa injury and ameliorative effect of VEC on gastrointestinal motility disorder

CONTEXT

Valerian extract capsule (VEC) is an effective Chinese patent medicine used for gastrointestinal (GI) diseases.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the detailed pharmacological activity for VEC clinical effects in GI diseases.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups: control, model, and drug-treated (VEC-L, VEC-M, VEC-H, and teprenone). Rats were orally administered VEC (124, 248, 496 mg/kg) and teprenone (21.43 mg/kg) for 3 consecutive days. After 1 h, the five groups (except the control group) were orally given ethanol (10 mL/kg) for 1 h or indomethacin (80 mg/kg) for 7 h. The spasmolytic activity of VEC (0.01-1 mg/mL) on ACh/BaCl₂-induced New Zealand rabbit smooth muscle contraction was performed. The C57BL/6 mice carbon propelling test evaluated the effects of VEC (248-992 mg/kg) on intestinal motility in normal and neostigmine/adrenaline-induced mice.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, VEC treatment reduced the gastric lesion index and mucosal damage. Further experiments showed that the pathological ameliorative effect of VEC was accompanied by augmentation of the enzymatic antioxidant system and cytoprotective marker (COX-1, p < 0.01; PGI2 p < 0.05;), along with the alleviation of the levels of MPO (ethanol: 15.56 ± 0.82 vs. 12.15 ± 2.60, p < 0.01; indomethacin: 9.65 ± 3.06 vs. 6.36 ± 2.43, p < 0.05), MDA (ethanol: 1.66 ± 0.44 vs. 0.81 ± 0.58, p < 0.01; indomethacin: 1.71 ± 0.87 vs. 1.09 ± 0.43, p < 0.05), and inflammatory mediators. VEC decreased the high tone induced by ACh/BaCl₂ and promoted intestinal transit in normal and neostigmine/adrenaline-induced mice.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

VEC showed a potential gastroprotective effect, suggesting that VEC is a promising phytomedicine for the treatment of GI diseases.

Berberine protects against diclofenac sodium-induced testicular impairment in mice by its anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic activities

Objectives

This study was designed to investigate the effect of berberine (BBR) on diclofenac sodium-induced testicular impairment in mice.

Materials and Methods

Eighteen male mice were divided randomly and equally into three groups for three weeks. One group was kept as control, the second group was injected intraperitoneally with diclofenac sodium (DS) at a dose of 10 mg/kg BW daily during the second and third weeks. The third group received daily oral administration of BBR at a dose of 50 mg/kg BW throughout the whole period of the experiment in parallel with the injection of the above-mentioned dose of DS during the second and third weeks. Plasma testosterone as well as testicular lipid peroxides (LPO), nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were evaluated. In paraffin-embedded testicular tissues, histological examination, immuno-expression of glutathione reductase (GR), and TUNEL assay were carried out.

Results

Testosterone levels were within the normal range in all groups. BBR decreased testicular LPO and induced SOD and GSH without marked changes in CAT and NO. The histology of testis was improved and, regularity and integrity of seminiferous tubules basement membranes, and distribution and amount of peritubular collagen fibers were normalized. BBR treated group showed few positive GR immuno-expression in spermatogenic cells and negative GR immuno-expression in interstitial cells of Leydig along with a few apoptotic spermatogenic cells.

Conclusion

BBR is effective in protecting against DS-induced testicular dysfunction by improving oxidant/anti-oxidant balance and blocking the apoptotic cascade.

The prospective curative role of lipoxin A4 in induced gastric ulcer in rats: Possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway

This study purposed to examine the prospective curative role of lipoxin A₄ (LXA₄ ) in induced gastric ulcer in rats and explore the possible involvement of mitochondrial dynamics signaling pathway. Forty-eight male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: control, indomethacin (IND), IND + omeprazole (IND + Omez), and IND+ LXA₄ groups. At the end of the experiment, the gastric pH, gastric fluid volume, total gastric acidity, ulcer index, and curative index were estimated. The gene expression of mitochondrial related protein 1 and mitofusin 2 were determined. In addition, some mitochondrial parameters include mitochondrial transmembrane potential, complex-I activity and reactive oxygen species were measured. Also, some gastric biochemical parameters, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses of the gastric mucosa were determined. We found that IND induced gastric ulcer, as manifested by the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical analyses. Both Omez and LXA₄ treatment for 15 days alleviated the IND-induced gastric ulcer as explored by ameliorating the biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical findings. We concluded that LXA₄ mitigated the IND-induced gastric ulcer via improving the mitochondrial dynamic imbalance and mitochondrial dysfunction, in addition to its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties.

Silencing of LncRNA BDNF-AS attenuates Aβ25-35-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells by suppressing cell apoptosis and oxidative stress

OBJECTIVE

To explore the effects of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) brain-derived neurotrophic factor anti-sense (BDNF-AS) on the Aβ_25-35-induced neurotoxicity in PC12 cells.

METHODS

PC12 cells were induced by Aβ_25-35 to construct cell injury models of Alzheimer's disease (AD), and then transfected with siRNA-BDNF-AS. Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was employed to detect the expressions of BDNF-AS and BDNF. Besides, 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and Hoechst33342 staining were utilized to analyze the cell viability and apoptosis, respectively, Western blotting to evaluate the protein expressions, immunofluorescence to assess the Cytochrome C (Cyt C) release, and Rhodamine 123 (Rh123) to measure the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP).The evaluation of oxidative stress was conducted via the determination of the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT).

RESULTS

Aβ_25-35 apparently increased BDNF-AS but decreased BDNF in PC12 cells, which also reduced viability and induced apoptosis of PC12 cells. Silencing of BDNF-AS could significantly up-regulate BDNF in Aβ_25-35-induced PC12 cells, with the elevated cell viability. Moreover, silencing BDNF-AS inhibited the apoptosis of Aβ_25-35-induced PC12 cells, suppressed the release of Cyt C, reduced the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax, and lowered the mean fluorescence intensity (MFI) of Rh123, but it elevated the expression of Bcl-2. Besides, silencing BDNF-AS also reduced ROS intensity and MDA content, but enhanced the activities of SOD and CAT.

CONCLUSION

Silencing BDNF-AS exerts protective functions to increase the viability, inhibit the apoptosis and oxidative stress of Aβ_25-35-induced PC12 cells by negative regulation of BDNF.

ABBREVIATIONS

Aβ_25-35: amyloid beta peptide 25-35; AD: Alzheimer's disease; LncRNA BDNF-AS: long non-coding RNA brain-derived neurotrophic factor anti-sense; OS: Oxidative stress.

Prevention of renal ischemia/perfusion-induced renal and hepatic injury in adult male Albino rats by oxytocin: role of nitric oxide

BACKGROUND

Oxytocin (OT) has an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effect in the different inflammatory models. The current study aimed to evaluate the protective function of OT in renal and hepatic damages triggered by renal ischemia/reperfusion (IR) in rats. Moreover, the effect of NG-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (l-NAME) was investigated on the kidney and liver functions in renal IR model.

METHODS

Twenty-four rats were divided into four groups (six rats each) as follows: (1) Sham-operated group; (2) Renal IR group; (3) Renal IR+OT group; (4) Renal IR+OT+l-NAME. OT (1 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 30 min prior to the induced ischemia and was repeated immediately before the reperfusion period. l-NAME (10 mg/kg, i.p.) was given 45 min before IR injury.

RESULTS

The results revealed that OT significantly attenuated the IR-induced elevations in the serum urea, creatinine, liver transaminases, and TNF-α levels, while nitric oxide (NO) and Bcl-2 levels were significantly increased compared with the IR group. OT also significantly compensated the decrease in the total antioxidant capacities (TAC) and lowered the elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels that were observed with renal IR in the renal and hepatic tissues.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, OT ameliorates renal and hepatic damages triggered by renal IR, and this defense involves the suppression of inflammation and apoptosis with regulation of oxidant-antioxidant status. In addition, administration of l-NAME prior to OT partially reversed the protective effect of OT ensuring that one of the protective effects of OT was through the NO production.

Genistein-attenuated Gastric Injury on Indomethacin-induced Gastropathy in Rats

Objectives:

To investigates the mucoprotective effect of genistein on gastric injury in rats with indomethacin (IMN)-induced gastropathy.

Methods:

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups. Group 1 (control; n = 6) was given distilled water (DW). Group 2 (IMN; n = 6) was given indomethacin (IMN) 150 mg/kg dissolved in 5% sodium bicarbonate (NaHCO₃^-) 1 mL/rat via intragastric tube at time 0 and 4 h. Group 3 (genistein; n = 6) was given genistein 100 mg/kg dissolved in 0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) plus IMN 150 mg/kg at time described as group 2. Four hours after the second dose, the stomach was removed to examine iNOS western blot expression, malondialdehyde (MDA), and histopathologic examination. Serum was collected to determine TNF-alpha and prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂) levels using ELISA technique.

Results:

Tissue MDA and serum TNF-alpha were significantly increased in the IMN group, as compared to the control group (9.70 ± 0.40 vs. 1.56 ± 0.14 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000; 210.28 ± 0.98 vs. 126.4 ± 0.13 pg/mL, P = 0.000, respectively) and decreased in the genistein group when compared to the IMN group (2.87 ± 0.37 vs. 9.70 ± 0.40 nmol/mg protein, P = 0.000; 156.59 ± 0.10 vs. 210.28 ± 0.98 pg/mL, P = 0.000, respectively). Serum PGE₂ level in IMN group was decreased significantly compared with control group (152.83 ± 0.10 vs. 303.33 ± 2.16 pg/mL, P = 0.000) and increased in the genistein group compared to the IMN group (247.65 ± 0.01 vs. 152.83 ± 0.10 pg/mL, P = 0.000). Expression of tissue iNOS was increased in the IMN group and improved in genistein groups. Most of the rats in the IMN group developed moderate to severe gastric erosion and ulcers. Gastric erosions and neutrophil infiltration score were significantly decreased in the genistein group.

Conclusions:

Genistein attenuated IMN-induced gastropathy in rats by reducing inflammation, decreasing oxidative stress, restoring mucoprotective function, and improving gastric histopathology.

SUMMARY

This is an experimental study of the effect of NSAIDs in gastropathy. This study demonstrated the efficacy of genistein in treatment of NSAIDs-induced gastropathy. Genistein efficacy is reflected in the attenuation of histological alterations, with improvement in key biological parameters involved in the pathogenesis of NSAIDs gastropathy.

Abbreviations used: NSAIDs: Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs; IMN: Indomethacin; COX: Cyclooxygenase; TNF: Tumor necrosis factor; ICAM: Intercellular adhesion molecule; iNOS: Inducible nitric oxide synthase; MDA: Malondialdehyde; CINC: Cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant.

The effect of synthetic ceramide analogues on gastritis and esophagitis in rats

The effects of ceremide analogues on esophagitis and gastritis in rats were examined. Gastritis induced by indomethacin was significantly reduced after CY3325 and CY3723 treatment, whereas other analogues had no effect. The amount of malondialdehyde in gastritis was significantly reduced by CY3325 or CY 3723. CY3325 or CY 3723 decreased the glutathione levels in gastritis. The myeloperoxidase level in gastritis is increased, and its increment was decreased by CY3325 and CY3723. In reflux esophagitis, the ulceration was decreased by CY3325, CY3723. The gastric volume and acid output are reduced, whereas the pH value is increased by CY3325 or CY3723 after esophagitis. These results suggest that ceramide analogues, CY3325 and CY3723, can prevent the development of gastritis and reflux esophagitis in rats.

The Genus Rumex: Review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The approximately 200 species of the genus Rumex (sorrel, Polygonaceae) are distributed worldwide (European, Asian, African and American countries). Some species have been used traditionally as vegetables and for their medicinal properties. Based on the traditional knowledge, different phytochemical and pharmacological activities have been at the focus of research. This review aims to provide an overview of the current state of knowledge of local and traditional medical uses, chemical constituents, pharmacological activities, toxicity, and safety of Rumex species, in order to identify the therapeutic potential of Rumex species and further directions of research.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The selection of relevant data was made through a search using the keyword "Rumex" in "Scopus", "Google Scholar", "Web of Science", "PubMed", and "ScienceDirect" databases. Plant taxonomy was validated by the databases "The Plant List", and "Mansfeld's Encyclopedia". Additional information on traditional use and botany was obtained from published books and MSc dissertations.

RESULTS

This review discusses the current knowledge of the chemistry, the in vitro and in vivo pharmacological studies carried out on the extracts, and the main active constituents, isolated from plants of genus Rumex. Although, there are about 200 species in this genus, most of the phytochemical and pharmacological studies were performed on up to 50 species. The aerial parts, leaves and roots of the plants are used as vegetables and for the treatment of several health disorders such as mild diabetes, constipation, infections, diarrhoea, oedema, jaundice, and as an antihypertensive, diuretic and analgesic and in case of skin, liver and gallbladder disorders, and inflammation. Many phytochemical investigations on this genus confirmed that Rumex species are rich in anthraquinones, naphthalenes, flavonoids, stilbenoids, triterpenes, carotenoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, it draws the attention that high level of oxalic acid in some species can cause toxicity (kidney stones) if consumed large quantity.

CONCLUSIONS

This review confirms that some Rumex species have emerged as a good source of the traditional medicine for treatment of inflammation, cancer and different bacterial infections and provides new insights for further promising investigations on isolated compounds, especially quercetin 3-O-glucoside, emodin, nepodin, torachrysone, and trans-resveratrol to find novel therapeutics and aid drug discovery. In addition, hepatoprotective, antiviral and antidiabetic activities should have priority in future pharmacological studies. However, for applying species to prevent or treat various diseases, additional pharmacological studies are needed to find the mechanism of actions, safety and efficacy of them before starting clinical trials.

Oxytocin ameliorates remote liver injury induced by renal ischemia-reperfusion in rats

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) causes remote liver damage. Oxytocin has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The main purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective function of oxytocin (OT) in remote liver damage triggered by renal IR in rats. Twenty four rats were randomly divided into four different groups, each containing 8 rats. The groups were as follows: (1) Sham operated group; (2) Sham operated+OT group (3) Renal IR group; (4) Renal IR+OT group. OT (500µg/kg) was administered subcutaneously 12 and 24 hours before and immediately after ischemia. At the end of experimental procedure, the rats were sacrificed, and liver specimens were taken for histological assessment or determination of malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant status (TAS), paraoxonase (PON-1) activity and nitric oxide (NO). The results showed that renal IR injury constituted a notable elevation in MDA, TOS, Oxidative stress index (OSI) and significantly decreased TAS, PON-1 actvity and NO in liver tissue (p<0.05). Additionally renal IR provoked significant augmentation in hepatic microscopic damage scores. However, alterations in these biochemical and histopathological indices due to IR injury were attenuated by OT treatment (p<0.05). These findings show that OT ameliorates remote liver damage triggered by renal ischemia-reperfusion and this preservation involves suppression of inflammation and regulation of oxidant-antioxidant status.