The effect of subacute co-exposure to carbon tetrachloride and diclofenac on the liver of male wistar rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a potent liver toxin. Diclofenac (Dic), leading adverse effects on the liver, is used among the employees of the industries that use CCl₄. The increased use of CCl₄ and Dic in industrial workers has prompted us to investigate their synergistic effect on the liver using male Wistar rats as a model. Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups (n = 6), and the exposure was by intraperitoneal injection for 14 days as follows. Group 1: Control, 2: Olive oil, 3: CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)), 4: Normal saline, 5: Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day per day), 6: Olive oil with normal saline, 7: CCl₄ (0.8 mL/kg/day (3 times per week)) and Dic (1.5 mg/kg/day daily). At the end of day 14, the heart blood was collected to measure the liver enzymes, alanine-aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate-aminotransferase (AST), blood alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), direct bilirubin, and total bilirubin. A pathologist examined the liver tissue. Prism software was used to analyze data using ANOVA and Tukey statistical tests. ALT, AST, ALP, and Total Bilirubin enzymes were increased significantly in the co-administered CCl₄ and Dic group, while the ALB levels decreased (p < 0.05). The histological findings reported liver necrosis, focal hemorrhage, adipose tissue change, and lymphocytic portal hepatitis. In conclusion, using Dic while exposed to CCl₄ may exacerbate hepatotoxicity in rats. Therefore, it is suggested that more severe restrictions and safety regulations be placed on using CCl₄ in the industry, and caution is advised to these industry workers to use Diclofenac.

Inhibition of notch signalling and mesangial expansion by combined glucagon like peptide-1 agonist and crocin therapy in animal model of diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the devastating complications in diabetes mellitus (DM). Glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) is one of the incretins secreted from L cells in the intestine. Crocin (a carotenoid component of saffron) has antioxidants properties. We investigated the renal effects of Exendin-4 as a GLP-1 agonist and Crocin in DN.Thirty male rats were divided into five groups: control, type II DM, type II DM + Exendin-4, type II DM + Crocin ‏ and type II DM + Exendine-4 + Crocin. At the end of the experimental period, systolic and diastolic blood pressures were measured, and GFR was calculated. Blood and urine samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Tissue samples were collected from the kidney for histological examination and biochemical measurements of protein expression.Treatment with GLP-1 agonist or Crocin caused a significant improvement in renal function. Better results were achieved with simultaneous administration of both drugs with inhibition of notch signalling pathway and the related proteins.

Protective effect of Sophora pachycarpa seed extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the Sophora pachycarpa (S. pachycarpa) seed extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity on body organs, blood, and biochemical factors. In this investigation, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I was used as control, group II received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (IP, 1 mL/kg) on day 21, group III and group IV received S. pachycarpa seed extract at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21, group V received silymarin (300 mg/kg) for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21. CCl₄ showed an increase of serum renal and hepatic markers creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, it significantly increased MDA level, and decreased CAT, FRAP, GSH, and SOD in the liver and kidney tissues. These changes and also hematological and histopathological alterations were significantly ameliorated by S. pachycarpa seed extract before CCl₄ administration. In conclusion, the data obtained in our investigation confirm the protective effect of S. pachycarpa against acute exposure to CCl₄-induced organ toxicity in rats.

Antioxidant Activity, Phenolic Profile, and Nephroprotective Potential of Anastatica hierochuntica Ethanolic and Aqueous Extracts against CCl4-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Kaff-e-Maryam (Anastatica hierochuntica L.) is extensively used to treat a range of health problems, most notably to ease childbirth and alleviate reproductive system-related disorders. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of A. hierochuntica ethanolic (KEE), and aqueous (KAE) extracts on CCl₄-induced oxidative stress and nephrotoxicity in rats using the biochemical markers for renal functions and antioxidant status as well as histopathological examinations of kidney tissue. A. hierochuntica contained 67.49 mg GAE g⁻¹ of total phenolic compounds (TPC), 3.51 µg g⁻¹ of total carotenoids (TC), and 49.78 and 17.45 mg QE g⁻¹ of total flavonoids (TF) and total flavonols (TFL), respectively. It resulted in 128.71 µmol of TE g⁻¹ of DPPH-RSA and 141.92 µmol of TE g⁻¹ of ABTS-RSA. A. hierochuntica presented superior antioxidant activity by inhibiting linoleic acid radicals and chelating oxidation metals. The HPLC analysis resulted in 9 and 21 phenolic acids and 6 and 2 flavonoids in KEE and KAE with a predominance of sinapic and syringic acids, respectively. Intramuscular injection of vit. E + Se and oral administration of KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE at 250 mg kg⁻¹ body weight significantly restored serum creatinine, urea, K, total protein, and albumin levels. Additionally, they reduced malondialdehyde (MOD), restored reduced-glutathione (GSH), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE protected the kidneys from CCl₄-nephrotoxicity as they mainly attenuated induced oxidative stress. Total nephroprotection was about 83.27%, 97.62%, and 78.85% for KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE, respectively. Both vit. E + Se and A. hierochuntica extracts attenuated the histopathological alteration in CCl₄-treated rats. In conclusion, A. hierochuntica, especially KAE, has the potential capability to restore oxidative stability and improve kidney function after CCl₄ acute kidney injury better than KEE. Therefore, A. hierochuntica has the potential to be a useful therapeutic agent in the treatment of drug-induced nephrotoxicity.

Phytochemical, acute toxicity and renal protective appraisal of Ajuga parviflora hydromethanolic leaf extract against CCl4 induced renal injury in rats

Background

Degenerative kidney diseases are mostly associated with oxidative stress. Natural products are considered as the antioxidants enrich food that can restrict the progress of oxidative stress induced disorders. Therefore, the present study was aimed to evaluate the renal protective effect of Ajuga parviflora leaf extract in carbon tetrachloride intoxicated rats.

Methods

The hydromethanolic extract of A. parviflora leaves was obtained by extracting twice in 60% methanol. The principal bioactive constituents were detected by LC/MS analysis. Toxicity of plant extract was assessed using brine shrimp lethal toxicity test and acute toxicity model on healthy Sprague-Dawley male rats. Nephroprotective effects of plant extract were also evaluated on rats by inducing CCl₄ renal toxicity in comparison with positive control and naïve groups. The dose of A. parviflora administered to animal was 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg. All administrations were given orally on an alternate day basis for 30 days. Urine and serum biomarkers were analyzed, along with antioxidant enzymes. Finally, the DNA damages, lipid peroxides, hydrogen peroxides and nitrites were assessed in rat’s renal tissue. The histopathology alterations in renal tissues were further studied for kidney damages.

Results

The LC/MS analysis confirmed the presence of different important pharmacological compounds in A. parviflora methanolic leaf extract. The key bioactive compounds include pyocyanin, zonisamide, D Saccharic acid, altretamine, carbocyclic thromboxane A2, Sinapyl alcohol, and vitamin C. The important polypeptides identified include Lys-Tyr-Lys, His-His-Lys, Met-Asp-Arg, Phe-Val-Arg, and PyroGlu-Val-Arg. The LD₅₀ of A. parviflora was found to be > 1000 μg/mL. A. parviflora administration significantly subsides CCl₄ toxicity in rats, reduced the elevated level of RBCs, pus and epithelial cells. The abnormal elevated level of specific gravity, creatinine, urobilinogen, urea and albumin were also reduced to normal physiological level. The reduced urinary protein and pH were also normalized. The serum urobilinogen, urea and total bilirubin levels were also reversed to normal levels while the diminished albumin and total protein levels also came to normal. The important phase I and II enzyme levels were also reversed in A. parviflora administered rats. The H₂O₂, thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) and nitrite levels were significantly decreased. Furthermore, the damaged DNA and histopathological changes in CCl₄ exposed rats were also highly significantly reversed after the administration of A. parviflora. All effects were significant (P < 0.05) and highly significant (P < 0.005) at 100 and 300 mg/kg respectively.

Conclusion

The restored urine and serum profile of various parameters to normal physiological levels suggests that the A. parviflora has potential antioxidant and repairing potential in renal disorders.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03360-9.

Toxicity of carbon tetrachloride, free radicals and role of antioxidants

Several chemicals, including environmental toxicants and clinically useful drugs, cause severe cellular damage to different organs of our body through metabolic activation to highly reactive substances such as free radicals. Carbon tetrachloride is an organic compound of which chemical formula is CCl₄. CCl₄ is strong toxic in the kidney, testicle, brain, heart, lung, other tissues, and particularly in the liver. CCl₄ is a powerful hepatoxic, nephrotoxic and prooxidant agent which is widely used to induce hepatotoxicity in experimental animals and to create hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis and liver injury, chemical hepatitis model, renal failure model, and nephrotoxicity model in recent years. The damage-causing mechanism of CCl₄ in tissues can be explained as oxidative damage caused by lipid peroxidation which starts after the conversion of CCl₄ to free radicals of highly toxic trichloromethyl radicals (•CCl₃) and trichloromethyl peroxyl radical (•CCl₃O₂) via cytochrome P450 enzyme. Complete disruption of lipids (i.e., peroxidation) is the hallmark of oxidative damage. Free radicals are structures that contain one or more unpaired electrons in atomic or molecular orbitals. These toxic free radicals induce a chain reaction and lipid peroxidation in membrane-like structures rich in phospholipids, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. CCl₄-induced lipid peroxidation is the cause of oxidative stress, mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress. Free radicals trigger many biological processes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. Recent researches state that the way to reduce or eliminate these CCl₄-induced negative effects is the antioxidants originated from natural sources. For normal physiological function, there must be a balance between free radicals and antioxidants. If this balance is in favor of free radicals, various pathological conditions occur. Free radicals play a role in various pathological conditions including Pulmonary disease, ischemia / reperfusion rheumatological diseases, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, hypertension, eye diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes and aging. Free radicals are antagonized by antioxidants and quenched. Antioxidants do not only remove free radicals, but they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antithrombotic, antiviral, and anti-carcinogenic activities. Antioxidants contain high phenol compounds and antioxidants have relatively low side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The antioxidants investigated in CCI₄ toxicity are usually antioxidants from plants and are promising because of their rich resources and low side effects. Data were investigated using PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, DOAJ, Scopus and Google Scholar, Carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity, oxidative stress, and free radical keywords. This study aims to enlighten the damage-causing mechanism created by free radicals which are produced by CCl₄ on tissues/cells and to discuss the role of antioxidants in the prevention of tissue/cell damage. In the future, Antioxidants can be used as a therapeutic strategy to strengthen effective treatment against substances with high toxicity such as CCl₄ and increase the antioxidant capacity of cells.

Antioxidant properties of Klunzinger's mullet (Liza klunzingeri) protein hydrolysates prepared with enzymatic hydrolysis using a commercial protease and microbial hydrolysis with Bacillus licheniformis

Antioxidant activity of Klunzinger's mullet (Liza klunzingeri) muscle hydrolysates obtained using Bacillus licheniformis fermentation and enzymatic hydrolysis was determined. Hydrolysates obtained after 6 days of fermentation with B. licheniformis showed the highest free radical scavenging activity, metal chelating ability and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (P ≤ 0.05). Microbial fermentation led to a higher percentage of small peptides and higher solubility compared with Alcalase hydrolysis (P ≤ 0.05). Hydrolysates showing the highest antioxidant properties attenuated serum, liver, and kidney oxidative stress biomarkers in male Wister rats stressed by carbon tetrachloride (P ≤ 0.05). At 300 mg/kg oral administration, hydrolysates increased serum, renal, and hepatic total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (P ≤ 0.05) and reduced their elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO^•), and serum liver enzymes (AST, ALP, and ALT) (P ≤ 0.05). The hydrolysates were able to ameliorate hepatic damage by reducing necrosis, fatty changes, and inflammation. Results showed the antioxidant and hepato-toxic protective activities of Klunzinger's mullet muscle hydrolysates obtained using microbial fermentation, which may, therefore, potentially be considered as a functional food ingredient.

Cyst Reduction by Melatonin in a Novel Drosophila Model of Polycystic Kidney Disease

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) causes progressive cystic degeneration of the renal tubules, the nephrons, eventually severely compromising kidney function. ADPKD is incurable, with half of the patients eventually needing renal replacement. Treatments for ADPKD patients are limited and new effective therapeutics are needed. Melatonin, a central metabolic regulator conserved across all life kingdoms, exhibits oncostatic and oncoprotective activity and no detected toxicity. Here, we used the Bicaudal C (BicC) Drosophila model of polycystic kidney disease to test the cyst-reducing potential of melatonin. Significant cyst reduction was found in the renal (Malpighian) tubules upon melatonin administration and suggest mechanistic sophistication. Similar to vertebrate PKD, the BicC fly PKD model responds to the antiproliferative drugs rapamycin and mimics of the second mitochondria-derived activator of caspases (Smac). Melatonin appears to be a new cyst-reducing molecule with attractive properties as a potential candidate for PKD treatment.

In vitro antioxidants and hepatoprotective effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium on carbon tetrachloride-treated rats

Objectives This study has characterized the phytoconstituents and evaluated the in vitro antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of Pleurotus tuber-regium induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In vitro antioxidant assay of ethanol extract of P. tuber-regium and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analyses to identify the phytoconstituents were carried out. Methods Sixty rats were divided into six groups of 10 animals in each group and treated as follows for 13 weeks. Group I (control) received 3 mL/kg olive oil intraperitoneal twice weekly in addition to feed and water ad libitum. Group II received CCl4 3 mL/kg twice weekly. Groups III, IV and V received 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg wild edible P. tuber-regium mixed with feed by ingestion daily in addition to 3 mL/kg CCl4 twice weekly, respectively. Group VI received 500 mg P. tuber-regium daily. Liver and body weights were recorded. Liver function tests, oxidative stress biomarkers, bilirubin, ascorbic acid and α-tocopherol were assayed. Histopathology of the liver was carried out. The gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy analysis yielded 10 antioxidants. Results CCl4 increased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin and malondialdehyde from 24±1.778 iu/L, 53±3.7 iu/L, 257±19 iu/L, 0.45±0.03 mg/dL and 1.90±0.42 μmol/L in the control group to 48±2.5 iu/L, 81±2.10 iu/L, 495±38 iu/L, 1.20±0.09 mg/dL and 14.0±2.6 μmol/L in the treated group, respectively. Conclusions P. tuber-regium prevented the necrosis, edema and vein congestion observed in the CCl4-only group. P. tuber-regium is effective in protecting the liver against CCl4-induced damage.

The protective effect of cinnamon and ginger hydro-alcoholic extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced testicular damage in rats

Sexual dysfunction of men is one of the most serious problems in human society. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cinnamon and ginger extract on testicular damages induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6): 1. Normal control; 2. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); 3. CCl4 + Cinnamon; 4. CCl4 + Ginger; 5. CCl4 + Cinnamon and Ginger; and 6. Cinnamon + Ginger. CCl4 (1 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on the 14th day, and cinnamon (50 mg/kg, orally) and ginger (250 mg/kg, orally) were administered daily for 14 days. Fifty hours after the CCl4 injection, the testicles and epididymis were separated and examined as to histological alterations and oxidative stress markers. CCl4 significantly increased malondialdehyde level and decreased total antioxidant capacity when compared to the normal control group (p < .05). In addition, degenerative alterations in the testicular and epididymal tissue were observed in CCl4 group. The pre-treatment with ginger and cinnamon extract significantly improved these parameters when compared to the CCl4 group (p < .05). The results of this study indicated that co-treatment of ginger and cinnamon reduces the damages induced by CCl4 in testicular tissue by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation.

Two different melatonin treatment regimens prevent an increase in kidney injury marker-1 induced by carbon tetrachloride in rat kidneys

Acute kidney injury is a frequent disorder that can be mimicked by the application of different nephrotoxic agents, including carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), where kidney injury marker-1 (KIM-1) has been recognized as a highly specific marker. Melatonin is one of the most powerful natural antioxidants and has numerous beneficial properties. We evaluated the nephroprotective potential of 2 melatonin treatment regimens (pre- and post-intoxication) in a CCl₄-induced acute kidney injury model based on the standard serum parameters, kidney tissue antioxidative capacity, KIM-1 levels, and kidney tissue morphological changes. The two treatment regimens were found to preserve kidney function, as judged from the evaluated standard serum parameters. Only when administered after the intoxication, melatonin preserved total kidney antioxidant capacity; pre-treatment melatonin only preserved reduced glutathione levels. An increase in tissue KIM-1 level was found to be prevented by both treatment regimens, which correlated with the morphological changes seen in the kidney tissues of animals treated with melatonin and CCl₄. The findings of our study are in agreement with the known actions of melatonin in relieving kidney tissue oxidative burden, but also contribute to the understanding of its action by preventing an increase in KIM-1.

Phytochemical investigation and nephroprotective potential of Sida cordata in rat

BACKGROUND

Plants are an efficient source of natural antioxidant against free radicals causing kidney damages. Sida cordata ethyl acetate fraction has been reported for strong in vitro antioxidant potency, previously. In the present study, our objective was to evaluate its in vivo antioxidant potency against CCl4 induced nephrotoxicity and investigates the bioactive phytochemicals by HPLC-DAD analysis.

METHODS

Phytochemical analysis was performed by HPLC-DAD methodology. For in vivo study, 42 male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with alternatively managed doses for 60 days. Group I animals were remained untreated. Group II animals were treated with vehicle (1 mL of olive oil) by intragastric route on alternate days. Group III was treated with 30% CCl4 (1 mL/kg b.w.) i.p. Group IV was treated with 30% CCl4 (1 mL/kg b.w.) i.p and silymarin intragastric. Group V and VI rats were treated with 30% CCl4 and SCEE (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w., respectively) intragastric. Group VII animals were treated with SCEE (300 mg/kg b.w.) intragastrically. Blood parameters, Serum proteins and urine profile were investigated. Activities of tissue enzyme i.e. catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, GSH and γ-GT were evaluated. Histopathological observations, total protein contents, lipid peroxidation, DNA damage and relative weight were also analyzed.

RESULTS

Gallic acid, catechin and caffeic acid were identified in SCEE fraction by HPLC-DAD. Decrease in the count of red blood cells, neutrophils, eosinophils and concentration of hemoglobin whereas increase in lymphocyte count and estimation of sedimentation rate (ESR) with 1 mL CCl4 (30% in Olive oil) administration (30 doses in 60 days) was restored dose dependently with co-treatment of SCEE (150 and 300 mg/kg b.w.). Treatment of rats with CCl4 markedly (P < 0.01) increased the count of urinary red blood cells and leucocytes, concentration of urea, creatinine and urobilinogen and specific gravity whereas creatinine clearance was reduced. Serum level of total protein, albumin, globulin, nitrite, creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) was significantly increased (P < 0.01) by CCl4 treatment. The activity of antioxidant enzymes; catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione-S-transferase and glutathione reductase and content of reduced glutathione was decreased (P < 0.01) significantly. However, increased concentration (P < 0.01) of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and histopathological injuries were noticed in the renal tissues of rats after the treatment with CCl4. Co-administration of SCEE, dose dependently, protected the alterations in the studied parameters of rats at 150 and 300 mg/kg b.w. The present study revealed that SCEE could be used as a possible remedy for renal toxicity abnormalities.

CONCLUSION

These results are an evidence of the renal protective role of S.cordat ethyl acetate fraction against CCl4 induced nephrotoxicity in rats which may be due to its antioxidant compounds.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. Whole Plant on Carbon Tetrachloride Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Mice

Cuscuta seeds and whole plant have been used to nourish the liver and kidney. This study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Cuscuta campestris Yunck. whole plant (CC_EtOH). The hepatoprotective effect of CC_EtOH (20, 100 and 500 mg/kg) was evaluated on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced chronic liver injury. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and cholesterol were measured and the fibrosis was histologically examined. CC_EtOH exhibited a significant inhibition of the increase of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, triglyceride and cholesterol. Histological analyses showed that fibrosis of liver induced by CCl₄ were significantly reduced by CC_EtOH. In addition, 20, 100 and 500 mg/kg of the extract decreased the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and enhanced the activities of anti-oxidative enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GRd) in the liver. We demonstrate that the hepatoprotective mechanisms of CC_EtOH were likely to be associated to the decrease in MDA level by increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx and GRd. In addition, our findings provide evidence that C. campestris Yunck. whole plant possesses a hepatoprotective activity to ameliorate chronic liver injury.