Zingerone ameliorates gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Resveratrol relieves HFD-induced insulin resistance in skeletal muscle tissue through antioxidant capacity enhancement and the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Resveratrol has received much attention due to its beneficial effects including antioxidant activity. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects of resveratrol treatment on oxidative stress and insulin resistance in the skeletal muscle of high-fat diet (HFD)-fed animals.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A total of 30 six-week-old C57BL/6J mice were randomly allocated to three groups (10 animals in each group): The control group in which mice were fed a normal chow diet (NCD); the HFD group in which mice were fed an HFD for 26 weeks; and the HFD-resveratrol group in which HFD was replaced by a resveratrol supplemented-HFD (400 mg/kg diet) after 10 weeks of HFD feeding. At the end of this period, gastrocnemius muscle samples were examined to determine insulin resistance and the oxidative status in the presence of HFD and resveratrol. Resveratrol supplementation in HFD-fed mice reduced body and adipose tissue weight, improved insulin sensitivity, and decreased oxidative stress as indicated by lower malonaldehyde (MDA) levels and higher total antioxidant capacity. The supplement also increased the expression and activity of antioxidative enzymes in gastrocnemius muscle and modulated Nrf2 and Keap1 expression levels.

CONCLUSIONS

These results suggest that resveratrol is effective in improving the antioxidant defense system of the skeletal muscle in HFD-fed mice, indicating its therapeutic potential to combat diseases associated with insulin resistance and oxidative stress.

Curcumin mitigates gentamicin induced-renal and cardiac toxicity via modulation of Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB/iNOS and Bcl-2/BAX pathways

Gentamicin (GEN) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections. Our study aimed to explore curcumin's (CMN) protective role against GEN-induced renal and cardiac toxicity. Rats were randomly classified into 4 equal groups; Control (cont), GEN (100 mg/kg b.wt, i.p.) for seven days, CMN (200 mg/kg b.wt, orally) for 21 days, and CMN + GEN groups. GEN caused renal and cardiac dysfunctions; increased urea, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin C, CK-MB, LDH, and troponin I serum levels. MDA level was elevated significantly while activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH level were reduced significantly in renal and cardiac tissues. GEN-intoxicated rats showed up-regulation of NF-κB, IL-1β, Keap1, HMOX1, and BAX with down-regulation of Nrf2, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in renal and cardiac tissues. Also, GEN-induced up-regulation of renal mRNA expression of KIM-1, NGAL, and intermediate filament proteins [desmin, nestin, and vimentin] as well cardiac gene expression of cMyBP-C and H-FABP. GEN-induced toxicity was significantly attenuated by CMN co-treatment as CMN improved renal and cardiac biomarkers, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and reversed alterations in mRNA expression of all tested renal and cardiac genes. These outcomes indicated that CMN could protect renal and cardiac tissues against GEN-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Promising influences of zingerone against natural and chemical toxins: A comprehensive and mechanistic review

Zingerone is a flavor phytochemical present in ginger, a flowering plant belonging to the Zingiberaceae family used as a condiment and herbal remedy. It possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and also exhibits protective effects against radiation, chemicals, biological toxins, and oxidative stress. The current comprehensive literature review was performed in order to assess the therapeutical and protective properties of zingerone against various chemical and natural toxins by considering the mechanisms of action. Extensive searches were performed on Scopus, Web of Science, PubMed, and Google Scholar databases. Zingerone lessens oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and oxidative DNA damage by increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It prevents alginate production, which increases the cell's susceptibility to macrophages, serum, and antibiotics and dramatically lowers the generation of proinflammatory cytokines brought on by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Cytokine production, MAPK, and NF-κB activation are all inhibited dose-dependently by zingerone. Zingerone also reduces 8-OHdG over-expression in the liver tissue and the expression of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4), inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IFN-γ, IL-17, IL-6, COX-2, TNF-α, and iNOS mRNA level), decreases macrophage inflammatory protein cytokines and eliminates free radicals. It also suppresses matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) and MMP-9 during tumor progression, showing its anti-angiogenic activity. Strong radioprotective properties of zingerone are demonstrated against radiation-induced toxicity. The authors hope this review gives researchers some insight into conducting novel clinical and preclinical studies on pharmaceutical applications and the efficiency of zingerone in cancer treatment, and drug adverse effects.

Thymol co-administration abrogates hexachlorobenzene-induced reproductive toxicities in male rats

This present study was designed to investigate ameliorating potential of thymol (THY) on hexachlorobenzene (HBC)-induced epididymal and testicular toxicities in adult male rats. Forty adult male rats were orally treated by gavage daily for 28 consecutive days and divided into four groups; control group administered with corn oil, HBC-treated group (16 mg/kg b. wt), thymol-treated group (30 mg/kg b. wt), and HBC + THY-treated group. The results revealed that HBC exposure caused a significant decrease in the body weight change, organ weights, sperm functional parameters, serum testosterone level with widespread histological abnormalities. Furthermore, HBC-treated rats showed increased in the serum levels of luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), epididymal and testicular myeloperoxidase activity, tumor necrosis-α, interleukin-1β level and caspase-3 activity, induced oxidative damage as evidenced by elevated malondialdehyde (MDA), reactive oxygen species (RONS) levels and significant reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities and reduced glutathione (GSH). However, co-treatment of THY with HBC alleviated the HBC-induced epididymal and testicular toxicities. Our findings revealed that HBC acts as a reproductive toxicant in rats and thymol could be a potential remedial agent for HBC-induced reproductive toxicity.

Tigecycline and Gentamicin-Combined Treatment Enhances Renal Damage: Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory Reaction, and Apoptosis Interplay

Although the combination of antibiotics is generally well-tolerated, they may have nephrotoxic effects. This study investigated whether tigecycline (TG) and gentamicin (GM) co-administration could accelerate renal damage. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six experimental groups: the control, TG7 (tigecycline, 7 mg/kg), TG14 (tigecycline, 14 mg/kg), GM (gentamicin, 80 mg/kg), TG7+GM, and TG14+GM groups. The combination of TG and GM evoked renal damage seen by the disruption of kidney function tests. The perturbation of renal tissue was mainly confounded to the TG and GM-induced oxidative damage, which was exhibited by marked increases in renal MDA (malondialdehyde) along with a drastic reduction in GSH (reduced-glutathione) content and CAT (catalase) activity compared to their individual treatments. More obvious apoptotic events and inflammation were also revealed by elevating the annexin-V and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, aside from the upregulation of renal PCNA (proliferating cell nuclear antigen) expression in the TG and GM concurrent treatment. The principal component analysis indicated that creatinine, urea, annexin-V, IL-6, and MDA all played a role in discriminating the TG and GM combined toxicity. Oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and apoptosis were the key mechanisms involved in this potentiated toxicity.

Gallic acid ameliorates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular injury in adult mice

Background: Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a well-known endocrine-disrupting compound inducing degeneration of testes. Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenol with various pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.Purpose: This research evaluated effects of different doses of GA on DEHP-induced testicular injury in adult mice.Research Design: Male mice were randomly divided into five groups and treated with agents for two weeks; group (I) received normal saline and corn oil (5 mL/kg/day, p. o.), group (II) received DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p. o.), groups (III, IV, and V) received DEHP + GA (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg/day, p. o.). Body and testes weights, serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were evaluated. The number of sperms and sperm motility and viability were analyzed in the cauda epididymis. Histological changes, oxidative/nitrosative stress markers, and inflammatory cytokines levels were examined in testes.Results: Body and testes weights, the number of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and early spermatid, and late spermatid and sperm vitality, and progressive motility were significantly reduced in mice exposed to DEHP. Serum testosterone level decreased and serum LH and FSH levels increased in DEHP-exposed mice. These alterations were associated with the increased oxidative stress level and inflammatory responses in testicular tissue. Treatment with GA (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) attenuated DEHP-induced alterations in oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines and reversed abnormality in sperm characteristic and number, tissue structure, and serum hormones levels.Conclusions: Results indicated that GA might be a promising agent against male gonadal toxicity induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals including DEHP.

Zingerone Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Background: Methotrexate (MTX) is mainly used for the chemotherapy of different types of malignancy and some autoimmune diseases like rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The MTX application is limited by its severe side effects, including several types of hepatic injury. Objectives: In this study, we decided to evaluate if zingerone (the main constituent of ginger) can reduce the hepatic side effects of MTX. Methods: Thirty-five rats were divided into five groups: Control group receiving normal saline (N/S), once daily, by gavage, for 10 days, and N/S intraperitoneally (i.p.), a single dose on the ninth day; Methotrexate (MTX) group receiving N/S, once daily, by gavage, for 10 days, and MTX (i.p.), a single dose (20 mg/kg) on the ninth day; Groups 3 (ZG25), 4 (ZG50), and 5 (ZG100) receiving zingerone (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, respectively), once daily, by gavage, for 10 days, and MTX (i.p.), a single dose (20 mg/kg) on the ninth day. Results: The results showed a significant decrease in serum AST, ALT, and ALP, as well as the hepatic content of MDA, NO, PC, TNF-α, and IL-1β, in the ZG groups compared with the MTX group. The activity of SOD, CAT, and GPX, as well as the hepatic content of GSH, showed a significant increase in the ZG groups compared with the MTX group. Histopathological improvement in the hepatic tissue of ZG groups compared with the MTX group confirmed all other findings. Conclusions: It is concluded that zingerone can improve hepatic injury induced by MTX in rats regarding the redox system features, inflammation, and histological changes. This can make humans hopeful for using Ginger in the future for attenuating the hepatic side effects of MTX when used chronically.

Lovastatin attenuates glyoxal-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria

Alpha-dicarbonyls such as glyoxal (GO) trigger mitochondrial dysfunction resulting in the development of different diabetic complications. The present study investigated the effects of lovastatin against GO-induced toxicity on rat liver mitochondria. The rat liver mitochondria (0.5 mg protein/mL) were treated with various concentrations of lovastatin (1, 5, 10 µM) at 37°C for 30 min and then exposed to GO (3 mM) at 37°C for 30 min. Oxidative stress markers including MDA, reactive oxygen species (ROS), glutathione (GSH) and protein carbonylation (PC) level were measured. Mitochondrial complex II activity and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were assessed for evaluating mitochondrial function. Glyoxal significantly increased the level of ROS, PC and MDA. This effect was associated with the reduction of MMP, complex II activity and GSH content. Pre-treatment with lovastatin potentially reversed GO-induced mitochondrial toxicity. These results suggest that lovastatin have a protective effect against GO-induced toxicity in isolated rat liver mitochondria.

The potential antioxidant bioactivity of date palm fruit against gentamicin-mediated hepato-renal injury in male albino rats

Gentamicin (GM) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial drug used for treatment of infections but associated hepatic and renal complications restrict its efficacy. Overproduction of free radicals and inflammation are involved in GM-induced hepato-renal damage. Date palm is renowned to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive composites. In this context, the current research was purposed to assess the ameliorative influence of date palm extract (DE) supplementation against GM-induced hepato-renal injury. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect the bioactive constitutes in DE. The protective action of high and low doses of DE was assessed alongside the GM remediation (80 mg/kg) in rats. GM evoked significant alterations in liver and kidney function biomarkers (aminotransferases, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea). Furthermore, notable elevations in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increment expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) along with reduction in catalase (CAT) activity were observed in both organs after GM treatment. Oxidative stress was the main modulatory mechanism in GM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. However, DE could mitigate the GM-inflicted liver and kidney damage, in a dose-response pattern, due to its high content of phenolics and flavonoids.

The ameliorative effect of ellagic acid on di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced testicular structural alterations, oxidative stress, inflammation and sperm damages in adult mice

BACKGROUND

Phthalates such as di (2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) are well known exogenous substances, disrupting reproductive system function and structure. The current research demonstrated the effect of ellagic acid (EA) on DEHP-induced testicular injury in mice.

METHODS

Thirty-five healthy adult male mice were randomly divided to five groups; normal saline receiving group, DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p.o.) receiving group, DEHP (2 g/kg/day, dissolved in corn oil, p.o.) and EA receiving groups (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day, p.o.). Treatment duration of animals was 14 days. Body and testes weights and sperm characteristics and histological changes of testes were evaluated. Serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels were analyzed. In the testicular tissue, oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and inflammatory cytokine levels were measured.

RESULTS

Ellagic acid significantly reduced DEHP-induced reduction of body and testes weights. The DEHP-induced reduction of spermatogonia, primary spermatocyte and sertoli cells numbers as well as reduction of sperm vitality and progressive motility were reversed by EA. Furthermore, EA inhibited DEHP-induced alterations in serum hormone levels. These effects were associated with the reduction of DEHP-induced increased level of oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

CONCLUSIONS

Ellagic acid considerably inhibits testicular toxicity of DEHP through reducing oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory responses. Our data suggest that EA may be considered as a promising agent to inhibit male reproductive toxicity induced by endocrine disrupting chemicals such as DEHP.