Infliximab Modulates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Comparative Analysis of Epigallocatechin-3-Gallate and TNF-Alpha Inhibitors in Mitigating Cisplatin-Induced Pancreatic Damage Through Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Pathways

Oxidative stress and inflammation caused by cisplatin, which is frequently used in the treatment of many cancers, damage healthy tissues as well as cancer cells. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effect of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) and infliximab (INF) administration on pancreatic endocrine cells in rats treated with systemic cisplatin (CDDP). The rats were randomly divided into 6 groups: group 1 (control group), group 2 (EGCG group), group 3 (CDDP group), group 4 (EGCG + CDDP group), group 5 (CDDP + INF group), and group 6 (EGCG + CDDP + INF group). The study's findings demonstrated that EGCG and INF effectively reduced the cellular damage induced by CDDP in histopathologic investigations of the pancreas. EGCG and INF, whether used individually or in combination, demonstrated a significant reduction in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels in the rat pancreas compared to the CDDP group. Immunohistochemically, the enhanced presence of insulin and glucagon positivity in the EGCG and INF groups, along with the absence of TUNEL immunopositivity, indicate that both treatments reduced CDDP-induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the observed lack of immunopositivity in TNF-α and 8-OHdG in the groups treated with EGCG and INF, compared to those treated with CDDP, indicates that these substances can inhibit inflammation. EGCG and INF, whether provided alone or together, can potentially reduce the damage caused to pancreatic islet cells by cisplatin. This effect is achieved through their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties during the early stages of the condition.

The beneficial effects of l-carnitine and infliximab in methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity: Emphasis on Notch1/Hes-1 signaling

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity is a serious adverse effect that may limit its use. Therefore, eligible drugs to ameliorate MTX-induced hepatotoxicity are required. l-Carnitine (LC) is a natural molecule with beneficial metabolic effects and infliximab (INF) is an anti-inflammatory monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Recently, Notch1/Hes-1 signaling was found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver injury. However, its role in MTX-induced hepatotoxicity is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of LC or INF on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and to explore the underlying mechanism with emphasis on the Notch1/Hes-1 signaling pathway. Sixty rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10): (1) control (saline); (2) MTX (20 mg/kg MTX, intraperitoneal [ip], once); (3) LC group (500 mg/kg ip, 5 days); (4) INF (7 mg/kg INF ip, once); (5) MTX+LC (20 mg/kg ip, once, 500 mg/kg ip, 5 days, respectively); (6) MTX+INF (20 mg/kg ip, once, 7 mg/kg INF ip, once, respectively). Oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and Notch1/Hes-1 were investigated. MTX induced the expression of Notch1 and Hes-1 proteins and increased the levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the liver. Cotreatment with LC or INF showed apparent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly, the downregulation of Notch1 and Hes-1 expression was more prominent in LC cotreatment as compared with INF. In conclusion, LC or INF attenuates MTX-induced hepatotoxicity through modulation of Notch1/Hes-1 signaling. The LC ameliorative effect against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity is significantly better than that of INF. Therefore, LC cotreatment may present a safe and therapeutically effective therapy in alleviating MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxic Evaluation of N-(2-Hydroxyphenyl)-2-Propylpentanamide: A Novel Derivative of Valproic Acid for the Treatment of Cancer

Valproic acid (VPA) is a drug that has various therapeutic applications; however, it has been associated with liver damage. Furthermore, it is interesting to propose new compounds derived from VPA as N-(2-hydroxyphenyl)-2-propylpentanamide (HO-AAVPA). The HO-AAVPA has better antiproliferative activity than the VPA in different cancer cell lines. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the liver injury of HO-AAVPA by acute treatment (once administration) and repeated doses for 7 days under intraperitoneal administration. The median lethal dose value (LD50) was determined in rats and mice (females and males) using OECD Guideline 425. In the study, male rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 7), G1: control (without treatment), G2: vehicle, G3: VPA (500 mg/kg), and G4: HO-AAVPA (708 mg/kg, in equimolar ratio to VPA). Some biomarkers related to hepatotoxicity were evaluated. In addition, macroscopic and histological studies were performed. The LD50 value of HO-AAVPA was greater than 2000 mg/kg. Regarding macroscopy and biochemistry, the HO-AAVPA does not induce liver injury according to the measures of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase activities. Comparing the treatment with HO-AAVPA and VPA did not show a significant difference with the control group, while malondialdehyde and glutathione-reduced levels in the group treated with HO-AAVPA were close to those of the control (p ≤ 0.05). The histological study shows that liver lesions caused by HO-AAVPA were less severe compared with VPA. Therefore, it is suggested that HO-AAVPA does not induce hepatotoxicity at therapeutic doses, considering that in the future it could be proposed as an antineoplastic drug.

The Combined Effect of Licorice Extract and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells on Cisplatin-Induced Hepatocellular Damage in Rats

Drug-induced liver damage is a life-threatening disorder, and one major form of it is the hepatotoxicity induced by the drug cisplatin. In folk medicine, Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra (is used for detoxification and is believed to be a potent antioxidant. Currently, the magically self-renewable potential of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) has prompted us to explore their hepatoregenerative capability. The impact of G. glabra extract (GGE) and BM-MSCs alone and, in combination, on protecting against hepatotoxicity was tested on cisplatin-induced liver injury in rats. Hepatic damage, as revealed by liver histopathology and increased levels of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and malondialdehyde (MDA), was elevated in rats by received 7 mg/kg of cisplatin intraperitoneally. The combination of GGE and BM-MSCs returned the enzyme levels to near the normal range. It also improved levels of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) and reduced MDA levels. Additionally, it was found that when GGE and BM-MSCs were used together, they significantly downregulated caspase9 (Casp9), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β), which are involved in severe proinflammatory and apoptotic signaling cascades in the liver. Moreover, combining GGE and BM-MSCs led to the normal result of hepatocytes in several examined liver histological sections. Therefore, our findings suggest that GGE may have protective effects against oxidative liver damage and the promising regenerative potential of BM-MSCs.

Retinoic Acid Potentiates the Therapeutic Efficiency of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (BM-MSCs) against Cisplatin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

(1) Background: Hepatotoxicity is a common health problem, and oxidative stress plays a crucial role in its underlying mechanisms. We inspected the possible effect of retinoic acid (RA) in the potentiation of hepatoprotective effect of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) against Cisplatin (Cis)-induced hepatotoxicity. (2) Methods: 60 male Sprague Dawley rats (SD) were separated randomly and designated to six main equal groups as follows: (1) Control group, (2) Cis group (rats got Cis 7 mg/Kg i.p.), (3) Cis + vehicle group (as group 2, but rats received the (vehicle) culture media of BM-MSCs), (4) Cis as in group 2 + BM-MSCs (1x106), (5) Cis as for group 2 + RA 1 mg/Kg i.p., and (6) Cis and BM-MSCs as for group 3 + RA as for group 4. Liver injury was assessed by measuring liver enzymes (ALT, AST), while liver toxicity was evaluated by histopathological examination. Apoptotic marker caspase-3 protein was detected immunohistochemically. Real time PCR was performed to detect NADPH oxidase and TNF-α at transcription levels. Oxidative stress was investigated by colorimetric measurement of MDA, GSH and catalase. (3) Results: Contrary to the Cis group (p < 0.05), BM-MSCs/RA supplementation resulted in a substantial decrease in serum levels of hepatic impairment indicators such as ALT, AST and oxidative stress markers such as MDA, as well as an increase in hepatic GSH, Catalase, and a decrease in expression of TNF-α and downregulation of NADPH oxidase. The improvement after therapy with BM-MSCs/RA was confirmed by histopathological examination. Moreover, the downregulation of caspase-3 in liver tissue after BM-MSCs/RA treatment was validated by immunohistochemistry investigation. (4) Conclusions: BM-MSCs and RA attenuated Cis induced hepatotoxicity through downregulation of oxidative stress resulted in modulation of anti-inflammatory TNF-α and apoptosis caspase-3 indicating a promising role in hepatotoxicity.

Antitumor immunity and therapeutic properties of marine seaweeds-derived extracts in the treatment of cancer

Marine seaweeds are important sources of drugs with several pharmacological characteristics. The present study aims to evaluate the antitumor and antitumor immunological potentials of the extracts from the brown alga Padina pavonica and the red alga Jania rubens, inhibiting the Egyptian marine coasts. Hep-G2 cell lines were used for assessment of the antitumor efficacy of Padina pavonica and Jania rubens extracts in vitro, while Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells were applied to gain more antitumor immunity and antitumor insights of P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts in vivo. In vitro antitumor potentials of P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts were analyzed against human liver cancer Hep-G2 cells by MTT and trypan blue exclusion assays. In vivo antitumor immunological potentials of P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses were analyzed by blood counting and flow cytometry in mice challenged with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) cells. In vitro results revealed that P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts caused significant decreases in the number and viability of Hep-G2 cells in a dose-dependent manner as compared to untreated Hep-G2 cells or Cisplatin®-treated Hep-G2 cells. In vivo findings showed that P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts at low, high, and prophylactic doses significantly reduced the number and viability of EAC tumor cells accompanied by increases in EAC apoptosis compared to naïve EAC mouse. Additionally, P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts at low and prophylactic doses remarkably increased both the total WBC count and the relative numbers of lymphocytes and decreased the relative numbers of neutrophils and monocytes. Flow cytometric analysis showed that P. pavonica and J. rubens extracts at the treatment and the prophylactic doses resulted in a significant increase in the phenotypic expressions of CD4+ T, CD8+ T, and CD335 cells compared to naïve EAC mouse. Overall, both extracts P. pavonica and J. rubens possess potential antitumor and antitumor immunological effects with less toxicity, opening new approaches for further studies of the chemical and biological mechanisms behind these effects.

Centella asiatica extract protects against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the underlying mechanism by biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Rats were pre-treated with two doses of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Then, on the 15th day, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg i.p.). On the 18th day, the rats were euthanized. CA effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced hepatic injury via reduction in AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress (decreased MDA and ROS, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH). CA also mitigated the inflammatory damage by the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. The liver expression of caspase-3 and Bax was downregulated, while Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, immunohistochemical results confirmed the recovery with CA by downregulation of iNOS and 8-OHdG expression. These results showed that with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, CA could help alleviate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

Metabolic Profiling, Chemical Composition, Antioxidant Capacity, and In Vivo Hepato- and Nephroprotective Effects of Sonchus cornutus in Mice Exposed to Cisplatin

Sonchus cornutus (Asteraceae) is a wild. edible plant that represents a plentiful source of polyphenolic compounds. For the first time, the metabolic analysis profiling demonstrated the presence of anthocyanidin glycosides, coumarins, flavonoids and their corresponding glycosides, and phenolic acids. The total phenolic compounds were determined to be 206.28 ± 14.64 mg gallic acid equivalent/gm, while flavonoids were determined to be 45.56 ± 1.78 mg quercetin equivalent/gm. The crude extract of S. cornutus exhibited a significant 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl free radical scavenging effect with half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 16.10 ± 2.14 µg/mL compared to ascorbic acid as a standard (10.64 ± 0.82 µg/mL). In vitro total antioxidant capacity and ferric reducing power capacity assays revealed a promising reducing potential of S. cornutus extract. Therefore, the possible protective effects of S. cornutus against hepatic and renal toxicity induced by cisplatin in experimental mice were investigated. S. cornutus significantly ameliorated the cisplatin-induced disturbances in liver and kidney functions and oxidative stress, decreased MDA, ROS, and NO levels, and restored CAT and SOD activities. Besides, it reversed cisplatin-driven upregulation in inflammatory markers, including iNOS, IL-6, and IL-1β levels and NF-κB and TNF-α expression, and elevated anti-inflammatory IL-10 levels and Nrf2 expression. Additionally, the extract mitigated cisplatin alteration in apoptotic (Bax and caspase-3) and anti-apoptotic (Bcl-2) proteins. Interestingly, hepatic, and renal histopathology revealed the protective impacts of S. cornutus against cisplatin-induced pathological changes. Our findings guarantee a protective effect of S. cornutus against cisplatin-induced hepatic and renal damage via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptotic pathways.

Demonstration of the protective effect of ghrelin in the livers of rats with cisplatin toxicity

Despite the various and newly developed chemotherapeutic agents in recent years, cisplatin is still used very frequently as a chemotherapeutic agent, even though cisplatin has toxic effects on many organs. The aim of our study is to show whether ghrelin reduces the liver toxicity of cisplatin in the rat model. Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats were chosen to be utilized in the study. Group 1 rats (n = 7) were taken as the control group, and no medication was given to them. Group 2 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 1 ml/kg/day of 0.9% NaCl, Group 3 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 10 ng/kg/day ghrelin, Group 4 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 20 ng/kg/day ghrelin for 3 days. Glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and liver biopsy results were measured in rats. It was determined that, especially in the high-dose group, the MDA, plasma ALT, and SOD levels increased less in the ghrelin group as compared to the cisplatin group, and the glutathione level decreased slightly with a low dose of ghrelin, while it increased with a higher dose. In histopathological examination, it was determined that the toxic effect of cisplatin on the liver was reduced with a low dose of ghrelin, and its histopathological appearance was similar to normal liver tissue when given a high dose of ghrelin. These findings show that ghrelin, especially in high doses, can be used to reduce the toxic effect of cisplatin.

The role of natural antioxidants in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a potent platinum-based anticancer drug approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Despite its advantages against solid tumors, cisplatin confers toxicity to various tissues that limit its clinical uses. In cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, few mechanisms have been identified, which started as excess generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the liver. Various natural products, plant extracts and oil rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids were able to minimize oxidative stress by restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Likewise, treatment with honey and royal jelly was demonstrated to decrease serum transaminases and scavenge free radicals in the liver after cisplatin administration. Medicinal properties of these natural products have a promising potential as a complementary therapy to counteract cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review concentrated on the protective role of several natural products, which has been proven in the laboratory findings to combat cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Nephroprotective effect of ethanol extract and fractions of a sea lettuce, Ulva fasciata against cisplatin-induced kidney injury in rats

Cisplatin is widely used in anticancer therapy, but a substantial percentage of patients who receive the therapeutic dose of cisplatin develop nephrotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity may also develop after a single dose or low repeated doses of cisplatin. Ulva fasciata is an edible seaweed, commonly known as sea lettuces have also been shown various biological activities. In this study, ethanol extract and its solvent fractions (n-hexane and chloroform) of U. fasciata were given (orally) to different groups of rats for 10 days. Injury to the kidney was induced by administrating cisplatin, intraperitoneally (i.p.) to rats at a dose of 7 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) dissolved in 1 mL saline, at 5th day of the experiment. At 10th day rats were sacrificed and kidney parameters (creatinine, urea, and blood urea nitrogen (BUN)) and electrolyte balance (Ca⁺⁺, Mg⁺⁺, K+, and Na⁺) in serum were determined, while oxidative stress markers glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and inflammatory cytokines, tumor necrosis factor (TNF α), and interleukin (IL-6) were determined in kidney tissues. Histological examination of the kidney was also performed to examine the changes in kidney tissues. Cisplatin caused adverse effects on blood parameters, antioxidants, and inflammatory markers with severe renal tubular injury in kidney tissues. Ethanol extract of U. fasciata and its fractions effectively improved these disorders and diminished the renal dysfunction. However, ethanol extract was found more effective in attenuating the adverse effect of cisplatin than its fractions. n-Hexane-soluble fraction that was subjected to GC-FID and GC-MS analysis revealed the presence of several compounds and some of them are new from this source. It could be concluded that the U. fasciata possesses nephroprotective effect and can attenuate cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction. Since U. fasciata is an edible seaweed, it may be used as a diet supplement.

Hepatoprotective effect of arjunolic acid against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity: Targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Minimizing the adverse effects of chemotherapeutic agents remains a therapeutic challenge. Cisplatin (CP) induces hepatotoxicity through activation of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis cascades which is considered a significant drawback. Thus, this study aimed to highlight the possible hepatoprotective role of arjunolic acid (Arj) in a rat model of CP-induced hepatotoxicity. Four groups of rats were included; the normal control group, Arj control group, CP group which was injected with 7.5 mg/kg CP intraperitoneally to induce hepatotoxicity, and the treated group (Arj + CP), which was orally administered 20 mg/kg Arj for 10 days with a CP hepatotoxic dose on day 5. Blood and liver tissues were assembled for analysis at the end of the study. Pretreatment with Arj exhibited a marked improvement in liver function as well as histopathology when compared with the CP group. Moreover, Arj suppressed the oxidative stress in hepatic tissue by significantly decreasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents along with markedly elevating the levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione when compared with CP injected rats. Attenuation of hepatic inflammation and apoptosis was also reported with Arj treatment through the marked reduction in the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor α level as well as the apoptotic marker caspase-3 protein expression in comparison to the CP group. This study explored for the first time the Arj hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities.

Effects of TNF-α antagonist infliximab on fructose-induced metabolic syndrome in rats

Public health issues have been raised regarding fructose toxicity and its serious metabolic disorders. Deleterious effects of high fructose intake on insulin sensitivity, body weight, lipid homeostasis have been identified. The new millennium has witnessed the emergence of a modern epidemic, the metabolic syndrome (MS), in approximately 25% of the world's adult population. The current study aimed to investigate the effect of the TNF-α antagonist infliximab on fructose-induced MS in rats. Rats were administered fructose (10%) in drinking water for 12 weeks to induce the experimental MS model. infliximab (5 mg/kg) was injected once weekly intraperitoneally starting on the 13th week for 4 weeks. Increase in body weight, blood glucose level, serum triglycerides (TGs), adiponectin level and blood pressure were present in MS rats. They also prompted increases in serum of leptin, TNF-α, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Treatment with infliximab did not affect body weight, hyperglycemia or hypertension, but decreased serum TGs and increased serum HDL-c levels. Infliximab also decreased adiponectin levels. Surprisingly, infliximab increased MDA above its value in the MS group. These results reflect the fact that infliximab affects the manifestations of MS in rats. Though infliximab reduced TGs, increased HDL-c levels, reversed adiponectin resistance occurred by fructose, the drug failed to combat MS-mediated hyperglycemia, hypertension, and elevated MDA above the insult.

Polygonum minus essential oil modulates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity through inflammatory and apoptotic pathways

Oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis are thought as primary mediators of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. The objective of this study was to determine the protective effect of Polygonum minus essential oil in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. A total of forty-two male rats were randomly divided into seven groups: control, cisplatin, β-caryophyllene 150 mg/kg (BCP), PmEO 100 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO100CP), PmEO 200 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO200CP), PmEO 400 mg/kg + cisplatin (PmEO400CP) and PmEO 400 mg/kg (PmEO400). Rats in the BCP, PmEO100CP, PmEO200CP, PmEO400CP and PmEO400 group received respective treatment orally for 14 consecutive days prior to cisplatin injection. All animals except for those in the control group and PmEO400 were administered with a single dose of cisplatin (10 mg/kg) intraperitoneally on day 15 and all animals were sacrificed on day 18. PmEO100CP pretreatment protected against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity by decreasing CYP2E1 and indicators of oxidative stress including malondialdehyde, 8-OHdG and protein carbonyl which was accompanied by increased antioxidant status (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) as compared to cisplatin group. PmEO100CP pretreatment also modulated changes in liver inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-10). PmEO100CP administration also notably reduced cisplatin-induced apoptosis significantly as compared to cisplatin group. In conclusion, our results suggested that P. minus essential oil at a dose of 100 mg/kg may protect against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity possibly via inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Mechanistic perspective of protective effects of nilotinib against cisplatin-induced testicular injury in rats: Role of JNK/caspase-3 signaling inhibition

Cisplatin is an effective anticancer used widely in treatment of solid and germ cell tumors, however, the immense toxicity on healthy tissues discourages cisplatin use in prolonged treatment protocols. Testicular toxicity is amongst its undesired adverse effects. Nilotinib is a second generation multityrosine kinase inhibitor which is used as an anticancer agent with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. In the present study, a single dose of cisplatin (7 mg/kg, I.P) to rats induced a significant testicular injury. Daily administration of nilotinib (20 mg/kg, orally) 24 h post cisplatin injection for 10 days ameliorated testicular damage. Nilotinib significantly increased serum testosterone and sperm concentration outside frame of oligospermia with simultaneous full recovery of sperm viability. Nevertheless, biomarkers of apoptosis such as JNKs and Caspase -3, were significantly reduced. Moreover, improved antioxidant status of the testes was inferred by significant elevation of GSR, SOD and TAC alongside with reduction in lipid peroxidation biomarkers; MDA and 4-HNE. Flow Cytometry analysis of the cell cycle confirmed a significant increase in the percentage of testicular cells present in G2/M phase and a significant decrease in the percentage of apoptotic testicular cells after nilotinib administration. Histopathologically, nilotinib preserved testicular architecture showing significant numbers of sperm and spermatids within lumens of seminiferous tubule. Furthermore, nilotinib enhanced testicular expression of Ki67 significantly, providing evidence of testicular regeneration. In conclusion, nilotinib refinement of cisplatin induced testicular toxicity is attributed to enhancing antioxidant capabilities, decreasing apoptotic signals and restoring regenerative capacity of testes suggesting nilotinib to be used in conjunction with cisplatin in treatment protocols to avoid cisplatin induced long term testicular toxicity.

Inhibition of NF-κB and the oxidative stress -dependent caspase-3 apoptotic pathway by betaine supplementation attenuates hepatic injury mediated by cisplatin in rats

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin is a major anti-cancer drug commonly used in the treatment of various cancers; nevertheless, the associated hepatotoxicity has limited its clinical application. The aim of this investigation is to test the impact of betaine supplementation on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Animals were allocated into four groups; normal control group (control betaine group (250 mg/kg/day, po for twenty six days), cisplatin group (single injection of 7 mg/kg, ip) and betaine + cisplatin group (received betaine for twenty one days before cisplatin injection and daily after cisplatin for five days).

RESULTS

Cisplatin-induced liver injury was confirmed by increased alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Cisplatin elevated lipid peroxides, and reduced the concentrations of reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in hepatic tissues. Cisplatin increased the inflammatory mediators; nitrite and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF- α) in hepatic tissues. Increased gene expressions of the apoptotic marker, caspase-3 and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) were observed in hepatic tissues of cisplatin-treated rats. All these changes were further confirmed by histopathological findings in cisplatin group. Pre-treatment with betaine reduced serum aminotransferases (ALT and AST), and lowered hepatic concentrations of lipid peroxides, nitrite and TNF-α while increased SOD, GSH, catalase, and GSH-Px concentrations. Moreover, the histological and immunohistochemical changes were improved.

CONCLUSION

The suppression of NF-κβ-mediated inflammation, oxidative stress, and caspase-3 induced apoptosis are possible mechanisms to the observed hepatoprotective effect of betaine.

Advances in Toxicological Research of the Anticancer Drug Cisplatin

Cisplatin is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents for various solid tumors in the clinic due to its high efficacy and broad spectrum. The antineoplastic activity of cisplatin is mainly due to its ability to cross-link with DNA, thus blocking transcription and replication. Unfortunately, the clinical use of cisplatin is limited by its severe, dose-dependent toxic side effects. There are approximately 40 specific toxicities of cisplatin, among which nephrotoxicity is the most common one. Other common side effects include ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, gastrointestinal toxicity, hematological toxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. These side effects together reduce the life quality of patients and require lowering the dosage of the drug, even stopping administration, thus weakening the treatment effect. Few effective measures exist clinically against these side effects because the exact mechanisms of various side effects from cisplatin remain still unclear. Therefore, substantial effort has been made to explore the complicated biochemical processes involved in the toxicology of cisplatin, aiming to identify effective ways to reduce or eradicate its toxicity. This review summarizes and reviews the updated advances in the toxicological research of cisplatin. We anticipate to provide insights into the understanding of the mechanisms underlying the side effects of cisplatin and designing comprehensive therapeutic strategies involving cisplatin.

Review on Pharmacology of Cisplatin: Clinical Use, Toxicity and Mechanism of Resistance of Cisplatin

Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic drug that has been used in the treatment of various types of human cancers such as ovarian, lung, head and neck, testicular and bladder. Cisplatin has demonstrated efficacy against various types of cancers such as germ cell tumors, sarcomas, carcinomas as well as lymphomas. The current study presents a pharmacological review on the drug including its mechanism of action, resistance mechanism, and toxicity as well as its clinical applications. The mechanism of action of cisplatin has been associated with ability to crosslink with the urine bases on the DNA to form DNA adducts, preventing repair of the DNA leading to DNA damage and subsequently induces apoptosis within cancer cells. However, the drug exhibits certain level of resistance including increased repair of the damaged DNA, reduction in the accumulation of the drug intracellular and cytosolic inactivation of cisplatin. The drug is also characterized by various toxic side effects including nausea, nephrotoxicity, Cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. Due various side effects as well as drug resistance, other anti-cancer drugs that contain platinum such as carboplatin and oxaliplatin among others have been used in combination with cisplatin in chemotherapeutic treatment of cancer. Strong evidence from research has demonstrated higher efficacy of combination of chemotherapies of cisplatin together with other drugs in overcoming drug resistance and in reducing toxic effects as well. Future studies that explore combinational techniques that target various mechanisms such as reduction in the uptake of cisplatin as well as inflammation could enhance efficacy of cisplatin.

Protective effect of dexpanthenol against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of dexpanthenol (Dexp) against cisplatin (Cis)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups: Control group (n=8), Dexp group (n=8, 500 mg/kg/ip/daily single dose/3 days Dexp), Cis group (n=8, 7 mg/kg/ip/single dose Cis) and Cis+Dexp group (n=8, 500 mg/kg/ip/daily single dose/3 days Dexp +7 mg/kg/ip/single dose Cis). MDA, CAT, GSH, GSH-Px, TOS, TAS, OSI, Total Nitrit, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α levels were analyzed in liver tissue samples. After paraffinization of liver tissue samples, histopathological (congestion, loss of glycogen, number of Kupffer cells) and immunohistochemical (caspase-3 expression) parameters were assessed on the paraffinized liver sections. GSH, TAS, TOS, OSI, Tot Nit, L-Arginine, ADMA and SDMA levels were measured in the serum samples. Statistically significant differences were found between the groups in terms of all liver tissue biochemical parameters, with the exception of IL-1β and TNF-α levels. GSH, CAT, GSH-Px, TAS and Tot Nit levels were significantly higher in the Cis+Dexp group compared to the Cis group, whereas MDA, TOS, OSI and IL-6 levels were higher in the Cis group. Similarly, serum GSH, TAS, Tot Nit levels were higher in the Cis+Dexp group whereas TOS, L-Arginine, ADMA and SDMA levels were higher in Cis group. There were statistically significant differences between Control and Cis groups in terms of congestion increase, increase of glycogen loss, increase of Kupffer cell number and increase of caspase-3 expression (P<0.001). There was a statistically significant difference between the Cis and the Cis+Dexp groups in terms of histopathologic parameters, with the exception of congestion (P<0.001). To conclude, histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biochemical results of this study demonstrated that Dexp has a protective effect against Cis-induced hepatotoxicity.

The side effects of platinum-based chemotherapy drugs: a review for chemists

The platinum-based drugs cisplatin, carboplatin and oxaliplatin are regularly prescribed in the treatment of cancer and while they are effective, their use is limited by their severe, dose-limiting side effects (also referred to as adverse effects/events). In total, a cancer patient can experience any combination of around 40 specific side effects. The dose-limiting side effect for cisplatin is nephrotoxicity, for carboplatin it is myelosuppression, and for oxaliplatin it is neurotoxicity. Other common side effects include anaphylaxis, cytopenias (including leukopenia and neutropenia, thrombocytopenia, and anaemia), hepatotoxicity, ototoxicity, cardiotoxicity, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, mucositis, stomatitis, pain, alopecia, anorexia, cachexia, and asthenia. The side effects may require patients to be prescribed dose reductions in their platinum drugs of between 25 and 100%. Furthermore, patients require extensive monitoring of their biochemistries, kidney and liver function, and depending on the drug, hearing tests. Finally, patients are commonly co-prescribed additional non-chemotherapy based drugs to treat the side effects which can include antiemetics, antibiotics and myeloid growth factors, mannitol, propafenone, saline hyperhydration, magnesium supplements, monoclonal antibody cytokine blockers, and antioxidants.