Amelioration of renal and hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammation and histopathologic damages by Malva sylvestris extract in gentamicin induced renal toxicity

Eucalyptol regulates Nrf2 and NF-kB signaling and alleviates gentamicin-induced kidney injury in rats by downregulating oxidative stress, oxidative DNA damage, inflammation, and apoptosis

Gentamicin, an aminoglycoside antibiotic, is nowadays widely used in the treatment of gram-negative microorganisms. The antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities of eucalyptol, a type of saturated monoterpene, have been reported in many studies. The aim of this study was to examine the possible effects of eucalyptol on gentamicin-induced renal toxicity. A total of 32 rats were divided into 4 groups; Control (C), Eucalyptol (EUC), Gentamicin (GEN), and Gentamicin + Eucalyptol (GEN + EUC). In order to induce renal toxicity, 100 mg/kg gentamicin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) for 10 consecutive days in the GEN and GEN + EUC groups. EUC and GEN + EUC groups were given 100 mg/kg orally of eucalyptol for 10 consecutive days. Afterwards, rats were euthanized and samples were taken and subjected to histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and real-time PCR examinations. The blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CRE) levels were significantly decreased in the GEN + EUC group (0.76 and 0.69-fold, respectively) compared to the GEN group. The glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities were significantly increased in the GEN + EUC group (1.35 and 2.67-fold, respectively) compared to the GEN group. In GEN group, Nuclear factor kappa B (NF-kB), Interleukin 1-beta (IL-1β), Inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), Caspase-3, 8-Hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression levels were found to be quite irregular. GEN + EUC group decreased the expressions of NF-kB, IL-1β, iNOS, TNF-α, Caspase-3, and 8-OHdG (0.55, 0.67, 0.54, 0.54, 0.63 and 0.67-fold, respectively), while it caused increased expression of Nrf2 (3.1 fold). In addition, eucalyptol treatment ameliorated the histopathological changes that occurred with gentamicin. The results of our study show that eucalyptol has anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiapoptotic, nephroprotective, and curative effects on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Development of a sensitive direct competitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay for gentamicin based on the construction of a specific single-chain variable fragment-alkaline phosphatase fusion protein

A sensitive chemiluminescent enzyme immunoassay (CLEIA) was established for the determination of gentamicin (GEN) residue levels in animal tissue. This assay is based on a fusion protein of single-chain variable fragment (scFv) and alkaline phosphatase (AP). Initially, VL and VH derived from anti-gentamicin monoclonal antibody were linked by a short peptide to construct a scFv. Subsequently, the constructed scFv sequence was accessed into the pLIP6/GN vector, and a soluble scFv-AP fusion protein was generated. The scFv-AP fusion protein was used to develop a direct competitive CLEIA (dcCLEIA) for the determination of gentamicin. In the dcCLEIA, the half inhibitory concentration (IC50) and limit of detection (LOD) were 1.073 ng/mL and 0.380 ng/mL, respectively. The average recoveries of gentamicin spiked in animal tissue samples ranged from 78% to 96%. These results showed a strong correlation with ultra performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). The above results suggest that the anti-GEN scFv-AP fusion protein is suitable for detecting gentamicin residues in edible animal tissues.

Appraisal of anti-arthritic potential of Coronopus didymus (L.) Sm. aqueous extract and its safety study in Wistar rats

The current study aimed to find out the anti-arthritic activity and safety study of Coronopus didymus aqueous extract (CDAE) as well as its chemical characterization by HPLC-DAD. Safety study including acute and subacute toxicity studies of the plant aqueous extract was also performed. In complete Freund's adjuvant-induced arthritic model (CFA), 0.15 ml CFA was injected in the left hind paw at day 1 in all rats except normal rats. Treatment with CDAE at 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg and methotrexate (1 mg/kg) was administered at day 8 and continued till 28th day using oral gavage. The CDAE considerably (p < 0.05) reduced the paw swelling and arthritic score, and reinstated the body weight and blood parameters. The CDAE considerably modulated superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and malondialdehyde level in liver homogenate in contrast to disease control. The CDAE at 400 mg/kg considerably reduced IL-6, IL -1β, COX-2, and NF-ĸβ, whereas elevated IL-10, IL-4, and I-kappa β as equated to disease and standard groups. The LD50 of CDAE > 2000 mg/kg. In subacute toxicity study, CDAE at 200-800 mg/kg did not exhibit clinical signs of toxicity, mortality, hematological, biochemical, and histological alteration in the liver heart, kidney, and lungs in contrast to the normal group. It was concluded that the presence of delphinidine-3-glucoside, diosmetin, 3-feruloyl-4,5-dicaffeoyl quinic acid, and gallic acid in CDAE might be accountable for its anti-arthritic activity and safe use for a long period.

Impact of GSM-EMW exposure on the markers of oxidative stress in fetal rat liver

The current study investigated the effects of 24 h/day prenatal exposure to global system for mobile communication electromagnetic fields (GSM-EMFs), 900 MHZ-induced electromagnetic radiation (EMR), on oxidative stress (OS) status, apoptotic, and inflammatory changes in liver of rats during their fetal development period. Fifty-two Sprague-Dawley pregnant rats were equally divided into control and exposed groups. Whole embryos were removed at 7.5 dpc (days post coitus), while liver tissues were extracted from embryos at 11.5, 15.5, and 19.5 dpc. For exposed animals, results showed an increased OS reflected by high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), a decrease in cytosolic superoxide dismutase (cytoSOD) activity, in mitochondrial superoxide dismutase (mitoSOD) levels and catalase (CAT) mRNA expression but also in hepatic nuclear factor erythroïd 2-related Factor 2 (Nrf-2), protein kinase B (Akt1), and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) mRNA expression at 15.5 dpc. Moreover, GSM-EMR exposure was shown to significantly decrease mitoSOD and CAT activities at almost all studied ages. Thus, rat embryos may be protected by their mothers from OS, apoptotic, and pro-inflammatory responses till a sensitive developmental stage, during a continuous prenatal EMR exposure. This protection could be then created from the embryos themselves.

The potential role of upregulated PARP-1/RIPK1 expressions in amikacin-induced oxidative damage and nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats

This study aimed to investigate the gene expression levels associated with nephrotoxic action of amikacin, as well as the post-treatment effect of diuretics on its nephrotoxic effects. Sixty male rats were divided equally into six groups, including the control group receiving saline intra-peritoneally (ip), and the five treated groups including therapeutic and double therapeutic dose groups, injected ip (15 and 30 mg/kg b.wt./day) respectively for seven days, and another two rat groups treated as therapeutic and double therapeutic dose groups then administered the diuretic orally for seven days and the last group received amikacin ip at a rate of 15 mg/kg/day for seven days, then given free access to water without diuretics for another seven days and was kept as a self-recovery group. Amikacin caused kidney injury, which was exacerbated by the double therapeutic dose, as evidenced by abnormal serum renal injury biomarkers, elevated renal MDA levels, inhibition of renal catalase and SOD enzyme activities, with renal degenerative and necrotic changes. Moreover, comet assays also revealed renal DNA damage. Interestingly, amikacin administration markedly elevated expression levels of the PARP-1, RIP1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and iNOS genes as compared to the control group. However, compared to the self-recovery group, post-amikacin diuretic treatment modulates amikacin-induced altered findings and alleviates amikacin nephrotoxic effects more efficiently. Our findings suggested the potential role of PARP-1 and RIPK1 expressions that influence the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β and TNF-α by exaggerating oxidative stress which may contribute to the pathogenesis of amikacin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Profile and potential bioactivity of the miRNome and metabolome expressed in Malva sylvestris L. leaf and flower

Malva sylvestris L. (common mallow) is a plant species widely used in phytotherapy and ethnobotanical practices since time immemorial. Characterizing the components of this herb might promote a better comprehension of its biological effects on the human body but also favour the identification of the molecular processes that occur in the plant tissues. Thus, in the present contribution, the scientific knowledge about the metabolomic profile of the common mallow was expanded. In particular, the phytocomplex of leaves and flowers from this botanical species and the extraction capacity of different concentrations of ethanol (i.e., 95%, 70%, 50%, and 0%; v/v in ddH2O) for it were investigated by spectrophotometric and chromatographic approaches. In detail, 95% ethanol extracts showed the worst capacity in isolating total phenols and flavonoids, while all the hydroalcoholic samples revealed a specific ability in purifying the anthocyanins. HPLC-DAD system detected and quantified 20 phenolic secondary metabolites, whose concentration in the several extracts depended on their own chemical nature and the percentage of ethanol used in the preparation. In addition, the stability of the purified phytochemicals after resuspension in pure ddH2O was also proved, considering a potential employment of them in biological/medical studies which include in vitro and in vivo experiments on mammalian models. Here, for the first time, the expressed miRNome in M. sylvestris was also defined by Next Generation Sequencing, revealing the presence of 33 microRNAs (miRNAs), 10 typical for leaves and 2 for flowers. Then, both plant and human putative mRNA targets for the detected miRNAs were predicted by bioinformatics analyses, with the aim to clarify the possible role of these small nucleic acids in the common mallow plant tissues and to try to understand if they could exert a potential cross-kingdom regulatory activity on the human health. Surprisingly, our investigations revealed that 19 miRNAs out of 33 were putatively able to modulate, in the plant cells, the expression of various chromosome scaffold proteins. In parallel, we found, in the human transcriptome, a total of 383 mRNAs involved in 5 fundamental mammalian cellular processes (i.e., apoptosis, senescence, cell-cycle, oxidative stress, and invasiveness) that theoretically could be bound and regulated by M. sylvestris miRNAs. The evidence collected in this work would suggest that the beneficial properties of the use of M. sylvestris, documented by the folk medicine, are probably linked to their content of miRNAs and not only to the action of phytochemicals (e.g., anthocyanins). This would open new perspectives about the possibility to develop gene therapies based on miRNAs isolated from medicinal plants, including M. sylvestris.

Remnants from the Past: From an 18th Century Manuscript to 21st Century Ethnobotany in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy)

BACKGROUND

This project originated from the study of an 18th century manuscript found in Valle Imagna (Bergamo, Italy) which contains 200 plant-based medicinal remedies. A first comparison with published books concerning 20th century folk medicine in the Valley led to the designing of an ethnobotanical investigation, aimed at making a thorough comparison between past and current phytotherapy knowledge in this territory.

METHODS

The field investigation was conducted through semi-structured interviews. All data collected was entered in a database and subsequently processed. A diachronic comparison between the field results, the manuscript, and a 20th century book was then performed.

RESULTS

A total of 109 interviews were conducted and the use of 103 medicinal plants, belonging to 46 families, was noted. A decrease in number of plant taxa and uses was observed over time, with only 42 taxa and 34 uses reported in the manuscript being currently known by the people of the valley. A thorough comparison with the remedies in the manuscript highlighted similar recipes for 12 species. Specifically, the use of agrimony in Valle Imagna for the treatment of deep wounds calls back to an ancient remedy against leg ulcers based on this species.

CONCLUSIONS

The preliminary results of this study allow us to outline the partial passage through time fragments of ancient plant-based remedies once used in the investigated area.

Curcumin and Vitamin C Attenuate Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Modulating Distinctive Reactive Species

Gentamicin remains widely used in all age groups despite its well-documented nephrotoxicity; however, no adjuvant therapies have been established to counteract this side effect. Our study aimed to experimentally determine whether curcumin and vitamin C have nephroprotective effects and whether certain reactive species could be used as markers of early gentamicin nephrotoxicity. Wistar adult male rats were evenly distributed into four groups: control, gentamicin, curcumin and gentamicin, vitamin C and gentamicin (gentamicin: 60 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally, 7 days). We determined renal function (urea, creatinine), oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, 3-nitrotyrosine, total oxidative stress), and antioxidant and anti-inflammatory status (thiols, total antioxidant capacity, interleukin-10). Nephrotoxicity was successfully induced, as shown by the elevated creatinine levels in the gentamicin group. In contrast, supplementation with curcumin and vitamin C prevented an increase in urea levels while decreasing total oxidative stress levels compared to the gentamicin group. Moreover, vitamin C and curcumin distinctively modulate the levels of nitric oxide and malondialdehyde. Histological analysis showed more discrete lesions in rats that received vitamin C compared to the curcumin group.

Beneficial Effects of Flaxseed and/or Mulberry Extracts Supplementation in Ovariectomized Wistar Rats

Low endogenous estrogen action causes several injuries. Medicinal plants, such as flaxseed and mulberry, contain substances that have been shown to be effective to the organism. The aim was to verify the effects of flaxseed and/or mulberry extracts on ovariectomized Wistar rats. The animals received supplements of extracts and estrogen or saline by gavage for 60 days and were weighed weekly. Vaginal wash, blood, pituitary, uterus, liver, and kidneys were collected. Phenolic compounds and the antioxidant activity of the extracts, lipid profile, uric acid, liver enzymes, and pituitary weight were measured. Histomorphometric for uterine wall and histopathological analyses for liver and kidney were performed. Flaxseed and mulberry extracts showed great antioxidant activity and large amounts of phenolic compounds. The treatment with extracts had less weight gain, increased pituitary weight, the predominance of vaginal epithelial cells, and reduced TC, LDL-c and lipase activity, similar to estrogen animals. Estrogen or flaxseed + mulberry animals reduced VLDL-c and TAG. HDL-c, uric acid, and liver enzymes did not differ. Estrogen or extracts demonstrated trophic action on the endometrial thickness and have not shown hepatotoxicity or nephrotoxicity. We suggested the beneficial effects of flaxseed and mulberry extract as an alternative to reduce and/or prevent the negative effects caused by low estrogenic action.

Chemical Composition and Valorization of Broccoli Leaf By-Products (Brassica oleracea L. Variety: Italica) to Ameliorate Reno-Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Gentamicin in Rats

Broccoli (Brassica oleracea) is reported to possess antioxidant activity that could potentially prevent oxidative damage to tissues caused by many diseases. In the present study, we investigated the preventive effect of broccoli leaf by-product extract (BL) on gentamicin-induced renal and hepatic injury by measuring tissue antioxidant activities and morphological apoptotic changes. Broccoli leaf was thoroughly extracted with 70% methanol to yield the total methanol extract (TME). The total phenolic content (TPC) was determined. Thirty male rats were divided into five groups (six animals/group). Group I received phosphate-buffered saline orally, while group II was treated with gentamicin (100 mg/kg i.p. intraperitoneal) for ten days. Group III and group IV animals were given BL (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively) plus gentamicin treatment. Group V received L-cysteine (1 mmole/kg) plus gentamicin. Antioxidant and biochemical parameters, such as transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, and urea, and mRNA expression levels of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB) were determined in various groups, along with the quantification of inflammatory and apoptotic cells in hepatic and renal tissues. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels were determined in liver and renal samples. Histopathological studies of the liver and kidneys were also carried out. The TME was subjected to various and repeated techniques of chromatography to yield caffeic acid, gallic acid, and methyl gallate. The TPC was 6.47 mg Gallic Acid Equivalent/g of dry extract. Gentamicin increased the levels of serum AST, ALT, ALP, creatinine, and urea. The MDA and GSH contents and theactivity levels of the antioxidant enzyme SOD decreased in liver and kidney samples with gentamicin administration. BL administration dose-dependently prevented the alteration in biochemical parameters and was supported by low levels of tubular and glomerular injuries induced by gentamicin. This study valorizes the potential of BL as a preventive candidate in cases of gentamicin-induced liver and kidney toxicity and recommends further clinical studies using BL to validate its utilization for human consumption and as a source of phenolics for nutraceutical and pharmaceutical purposes.

Protective Effect of Liposomal Epigallocatechin-Gallate in Experimental Gentamicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Our study aimed to assess the effect of liposomal epigallocatechin-gallate (LEGCG) compared with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) solution on hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin (G) administration in rats. Five groups were evaluated, a control group (no G administration) and four groups that received G (1 mL, i.p, 80 mg/kg b.w. (body weight/day), for 7 days) to which we associated daily administration 30 min before G of EGCG (G-EGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.), LEGCG (G-LEGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.) or silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w./day). The nitro-oxidative stress (NOx), catalase (CAT), TNF-α, transaminases, creatinine, urea, metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9, and liver histopathological changes were evaluated. LEGCG exhibited better efficacy than EGCG, improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance (p = 0.0125 for NOx and 0.0032 for CAT), TNF-α (p < 0.0001), MMP-2 (p < 0.0001), aminotransferases (p = 0.0001 for AST and 0.0136 for ALT), creatinine (p < 0.0001), urea (p = 0.0006) and histopathologic liver changes induced by gentamicin. Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of EGCG with superior results of the liposomal formulation for hepatoprotection in experimental hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin.

Protective Effect of Liposomal Epigallocatechin-Gallate in Experimental Gentamicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Our study aimed to assess the effect of liposomal epigallocatechin-gallate (LEGCG) compared with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) solution on hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin (G) administration in rats. Five groups were evaluated, a control group (no G administration) and four groups that received G (1 mL, i.p, 80 mg/kg b.w. (body weight/day), for 7 days) to which we associated daily administration 30 min before G of EGCG (G-EGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.), LEGCG (G-LEGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.) or silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w./day). The nitro-oxidative stress (NOx), catalase (CAT), TNF-α, transaminases, creatinine, urea, metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9, and liver histopathological changes were evaluated. LEGCG exhibited better efficacy than EGCG, improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance (p = 0.0125 for NOx and 0.0032 for CAT), TNF-α (p < 0.0001), MMP-2 (p < 0.0001), aminotransferases (p = 0.0001 for AST and 0.0136 for ALT), creatinine (p < 0.0001), urea (p = 0.0006) and histopathologic liver changes induced by gentamicin. Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of EGCG with superior results of the liposomal formulation for hepatoprotection in experimental hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin.

Protective Effect of Liposomal Epigallocatechin-Gallate in Experimental Gentamicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Our study aimed to assess the effect of liposomal epigallocatechin-gallate (LEGCG) compared with epigallocatechin-gallate (EGCG) solution on hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin (G) administration in rats. Five groups were evaluated, a control group (no G administration) and four groups that received G (1 mL, i.p, 80 mg/kg b.w. (body weight/day), for 7 days) to which we associated daily administration 30 min before G of EGCG (G-EGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.), LEGCG (G-LEGCG, 2.5 mg/0.1 kg b.w.) or silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w./day). The nitro-oxidative stress (NOx), catalase (CAT), TNF-α, transaminases, creatinine, urea, metalloproteinase (MMP) 2 and 9, and liver histopathological changes were evaluated. LEGCG exhibited better efficacy than EGCG, improving the oxidant/antioxidant balance (p = 0.0125 for NOx and 0.0032 for CAT), TNF-α (p < 0.0001), MMP-2 (p < 0.0001), aminotransferases (p = 0.0001 for AST and 0.0136 for ALT), creatinine (p < 0.0001), urea (p = 0.0006) and histopathologic liver changes induced by gentamicin. Our study demonstrated the beneficial effect of EGCG with superior results of the liposomal formulation for hepatoprotection in experimental hepatic toxicity induced by gentamicin.

A Flavonoid-Rich Extract of Sambucus nigra L. Reduced Lipid Peroxidation in a Rat Experimental Model of Gentamicin Nephrotoxicity

The use of gentamicin (GM) is limited due to its nephrotoxicity mediated by oxidative stress. This study aimed to evaluate the capacity of a flavonoid-rich extract of Sambucus nigra L. elderflower (SN) to inhibit lipoperoxidation in GM-induced nephrotoxicity. The HPLC analysis of the SN extract recorded high contents of rutin (463.2 ± 0.0 mg mL−1), epicatechin (9.0 ± 1.1 µg mL−1), and ferulic (1.5 ± 0.3 µg mL−1) and caffeic acid (3.6 ± 0.1 µg mL−1). Thirty-two Wistar male rats were randomized into four groups: a control group (C) (no treatment), GM group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM), GM+SN group (100 mg kg−1 bw day−1 GM and 1 mL SN extract day−1), and SN group (1 mL SN extract day−1). Lipid peroxidation, evaluated by malondialdehyde (MDA), and antioxidant enzymes activity—superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPX)—were recorded in renal tissue after ten days of experimental treatment. The MDA level was significantly higher in the GM group compared to the control group (p < 0.0001), and was significantly reduced by SN in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p = 0.021). SN extract failed to improve SOD, CAT, and GPX activity in the GM+SN group compared to the GM group (p > 0.05), and its action was most probably due to the ability of flavonoids (rutin, epicatechin) and ferulic and caffeic acids to inhibit synthesis and neutralize reactive species, to reduce the redox-active iron pool, and to inhibit lipid peroxidation. In this study, we propose an innovative method for counteracting GM nephrotoxicity with a high efficiency and low cost, but with the disadvantage of the multifactorial environmental variability of the content of SN extracts.

Gallic acid protects against isoproterenol-induced cardiotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

Gallic acid (GA) is a polyphenolic agent with interesting pharmacological impacts on the cardiovascular system.

OBJECTIVE

The present study purposed to study the protective effects of GA at 25 and 50 mg/kg against isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac damage in ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) in rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were randomly assigned into six groups: Control, Control treated with GA at 25 mg/kg (GA25), Control treated with GA at 50 mg/kg (GA50), Hypertrophic rats induced by ISO (ISO), Hypertrophic rats treated with GA at 25 mg/kg (ISO+GA25), and Hypertrophic rats treated with GA at 50 mg/kg (ISO+GA50). Heart isolation was performed to induce a cardiac I/R injury model. Cardiac hemodynamic parameters were recorded. Serum Lactate Dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatine Kinase-MB (CK-MB) and cardiac Superoxide dismutases (SOD) levels were evaluated. The gene expression of Sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca²⁺-ATPase (SERCA2a) was assessed.

RESULTS

We found that GA at 50 mg/kg was significantly increased cardiac function at post I/R period in ISO-induced hypertrophic hearts. Moreover, it suppressed cardiac hypertrophy, the serum LDH and CK-MB levels in ISO injected rats. Administration of GA at 50 mg/kg was significantly increased SOD level and SERCA2a gene expression in the hypertrophic hearts.

CONCLUSION

GA at 50 mg/kg could improve cardiac performance possibly by increasing antioxidant defense enzymes, reducing cell damage, and enhancing SERCA2a gene expression in hypertrophic heart induced by ISO in I/R injury conditions.

Protective Effect of Honey and Propolis against Gentamicin-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatorenal Damages

Bee products are a promising source of phenolic compounds with strong antioxidant activity. The present study was designed to explore the protective effect of honey, propolis, and their combination on gentamicin-induced oxidative stress and hepatorenal dysfunction. This study was conducted on male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injections of gentamicin (120 mg/kg BW/day, i.p.) or normal saline (1 ml/kg BW/day, i.p.) for 10 consecutive days. Honey (2 g/kg BW), propolis (100 mg/kg BW), or their combination were given daily by gavage to normal and gentamicin groups. Honey and propolis samples were evaluated for their phytochemical composition and antioxidant capacity. The in vitro investigations showed that the evaluated samples especially propolis extract have high antioxidant power associated with the presence of several phenolic compounds such as flavonoids, flavan-3-ols, hydroxybenzoic acids, hydroxycinnamic acids, and stilbenes, while honey contains only hydroxybenzoic acids and hydroxycinnamic acids. It was also shown that simultaneous treatment with honey or propolis extract alone or in association prevented changes caused by gentamicin administration and improved hepatic and renal functions. Changes caused by gentamicin administration, observed by in vivo experiments, include significant elevation of uric acid, urea, creatinine, and hepatic enzyme levels (ALT, AST, and ALP) and kidney biochemical changes (an increase of urea, uric acid, and creatinine and a decrease of albumin and total protein) as well as remarkable changes of renal and liver oxidative stress markers (CAT, GPx, and GSH) and elevation of MDA levels. Overall, it can be concluded that honey and propolis might be useful in the management of liver and renal diseases induced by xenobiotics.

A Review on Health Benefits of Malva sylvestris L. Nutritional Compounds for Metabolites, Antioxidants, and Anti-Inflammatory, Anticancer, and Antimicrobial Applications

The utilization of medicinal plants and their derivatives in treating illnesses is more appropriately recognized as herbal remedy than traditional medicine. For centuries, medicinal herbs have been used for the treatment of diseases in many countries. Malva sylvestris L. is a kind of mallow derived from Malvaceae species and is recognized as common mallow. This amazing plant has antimicrobial, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties and is considered as one of the most promising herbal medicinal species. This plant's traditional use in treating many diseases and preparing pharmaceutical compounds can show us how to know in depth the plant origin of drugs used to produce antibiotics and other therapeutic agents.

Polyphenols in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: An update of preclinical and clinical studies

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the most urgent problems to be solved. To date, only a lifestyle modification related to diet and physical activity is considered for these patients. Polyphenols are a group of plant natural products that when regularly consumed has been related to a reduction in the risk of several metabolic disorders associated with NAFLD. In this study, we aimed to present an overview of the relationship between polyphenols and NAFLD with current approaches.

METHODS

We performed a comprehensive literature search for articles on polyphenols and NAFLD published in English between January 2018 to August 2020. Keywords included in this review: "Phenolic" OR "Polyphenol" AND "Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease". The editorials, communications and conference abstracts were excluded.

RESULTS

Different polyphenols decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines in both serum and liver that contribute to a decrease in fatty liver dysfunction. Additionally, polyphenols may improve the regulation of adipokines and prevent hepatic steatosis. According to human clinical studies, polyphenols are promising for NAFLD patients and associated diseases that lead to NAFLD.

CONCLUSION

Preclinical and clinical studies suggest that various polyphenols could prevent steatosis and its progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, as well as ameliorate NAFLD. However, more clinical studies are needed to confirm this hypothesis.

Cinnamic acid ameliorate gentamicin-induced liver dysfunctions and nephrotoxicity in rats through induction of antioxidant activities

This study was the first to evaluate the possible protective effects of cinnamic acid (CA) against Gentamicin (GM) induced liver and kidney dysfunctions in rats. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly assigned to 4 equal groups (n = 8): Control group (saline, 0.5 ml/day), CA group (CA, 50 mg/kg/day), GM group (GM, 100 mg/kg/day), and GM + CA group (100 & 50 mg/kg/day). Following 12 days of treatments, blood and 24 h urine samples were collected and kidneys were taken out for biochemical, histopathological, and molecular studies. Following CA treatment, renal function markers and transaminases activities including serum urea (59.92%) and creatinine (50.41%), protein excretion rate (43.67%), and serum activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) (54.34%) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (47.26%) significantly reduced in the treated group as compared with the GM group (P < 0.05). Also, CA could significantly ameliorate the levels of triglyceride (29.70%), cholesterol (13.02%), very low-density lipoprotein (29.69%) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (7.28%). CA could also attenuate oxidative stress through a decrease of serum malondialdehyde (MDA) (50.86%) and nitric oxide (NO) (0.85%) and an increase of renal catalase (CAT) (196.14%) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX) activities (45.88%) as well as GPX mRNA expression (44.42-fold) as compared with the GM group (P < 0.05). Moreover, histopathological evaluations revealed attenuated tubular damages and reduced inflammatory cellular infiltration in CA treated animals. Overall, CA alleviates GM-induced nephrotoxicity and alterations in transaminases activities in rats through its antioxidant activities.

Preparation of biocompatible wound dressings with dual release of antibiotic and platelet-rich plasma for enhancing infected wound healing

The ever-growing threats of bacterial infection and chronic wound healing have provoked an urgent need for novel antibacterial wound dressings. In this study, we developed a wound dressing for the treatment of infected wounds, which can reduce the inflammatory period (through the use of gentamycin sulfate (GS)) and enhance the granulation stage (through the addition of platelet-rich plasma (PRP)). Herein, the sustained antimicrobial CMC/GMs@GS/PRP wound dressings were developed by using gelatin microspheres (GMs) loading GS and PRP, covalent bonding to carboxymethyl chitosan (CMC). The prepared dressings exhibited high water uptake capability, appropriate porosity, excellent mechanical properties, sustain release of PRP and GS. Meanwhile, the wound dressing showed good biocompatibility and excellent antibacterial ability against Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. Moreover, in vivo experiments further demonstrated that the prepared dressings could accelerate the healing process of E. coli and S. aureus-infected full-thickness wounds in vivo, reepithelialization, collagen deposition and angiogenesis. In addition, the treatment of CMC/GMs@GS/PRP wound dressing could reduce bacterial count, inhibit pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6), and enhance anti-inflammatory factors (TGF-β1). The findings of this study suggested that biocompatible wound dressings with dual release of GS and PRP have great potential in the treatment of chronic and infected wounds.

Quercetin-loaded F127 nanomicelles: Antioxidant activity and protection against renal injury induced by gentamicin in rats

Quercetin (Q) is formulated into oil-in-water F127 microemulsions to improve its bioavailability. The size of the Q-loaded microemulsions system was about 8 nm by dynamic light scattering analysis. To compare antioxidant activity of bulk solution and microemulsion of Q, free radical scavenging activity was evaluated against 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). The IC50 values were 56.77 and 187.68 μM, respectively. The drug in the bulk form released 16.34 times faster than microemulsion form. Although gentamicin (GM) has potent efficacy against gram-negative bacteria, it induces renal toxicity. Poor solubility and low bioavailability of Q as a bioflavonoid with potent antioxidant activity, limit its therapeutic application. We aimed to compare the effect of free Q and nanoencapsulated (NEQ) against GM-induced renal damage in Wistar rats. Forty-two animals were divided into six groups. Control and GM groups received apo-nanomicelles and GM (100 mg/kg) for 10 days. Two groups received Q (50 mg/kg, i.g.) and NEQ (50 mg/kg, i.g.) respectively for 10 days. Remaining two groups received Q and NEQ (50 mg/kg, i.g.) plus GM (100 mg/kg, i.p.) simultaneously for 10 days. After the experiments, serum and kidneys were used for biochemical, molecular and histological examinations. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to explore kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) expression as a specific protein biomarker of renal injury. Our findings indicated oxidative stress and altered histological features in renal tissue with deviated serum renal biomarkers in GM-treated rats. Although Q treatment in GM group tried to protect against GM-induced nephrotoxicity, but there were still differences compared to control rats. However, NEQ administration corrected elevations in the levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid and decrements in serum total proteins of GM group. Meanwhile, NEQ restored renal oxidative injury in GM rats through attenuation of lipid peroxidation and enhancement of antioxidant defense systems, glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase. NEQ could also normalize GM-induced abnormal renal histology features including fibrosis. Furthermore, the result of immunohistochemistry study confirmed these findings by undetecting KIM-1 expression in NEQ treated GM group, meanwhile showing this renal biomarker in GM and Q treated GM groups. Therefore, NEQ seems to be useful in protecting against renal oxidative stress and kidney damage in a rat model of GM nephrotoxicity which deserve further evaluations.

Protective Effects of Liposomal Curcumin on Oxidative Stress/Antioxidant Imbalance, Metalloproteinases 2 and -9, Histological Changes and Renal Function in Experimental Nephrotoxicity Induced by Gentamicin

BACKGROUND

Our study aimed to assess the efficiency of Curcumin nanoformulation (LCC) on experimental nephrotoxicity induced by Gentamicin in rats.

METHODS

Six groups of seven rats were used: C-(control group) received saline solution i.p. (i.p. = intraperitoneal), G-gentamicin (G, 80 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)), GCC1 and GCC2-with G and CC solution (single dose of 10 mg/kg b.w.-CC1, or 20 mg/kg b.w.-CC2), GLCC1 (10 mg/kg b.w.) and GLCC2 (20 mg/kg b.w.) with G and LCC administration. Oxidative stress parameters (NOx = nitric oxide, MDA = malondialdehyde, TOS = total oxidative stress), antioxidant parameters (CAT = catalase, TAC = total antioxidant capacity), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), and renal function parameters (creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urea) were measured. Kidneys histopathologic examination was made for each group.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with CC and LCC in both doses had significantly alleviating effects on assessed parameters (NOx, MDA, TOS, CAT, TAC, MMP-2, and -9) as compared with the untreated group (p < 0.006). Histopathological aspect and renal function were significantly improved in CC and LCC groups. Liposomal formulation (LCC) showed higher efficiency on all examined parameters compared to CC (p < 0.006).

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated improving renal function and kidney cytoarchitecture, oxidative stress/antioxidant/balance, and MMPs plasma concentrations with better dose-related efficacity of LCC than CC.

Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC08 protects rats from lead-induced oxidative damage by regulating the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE pathway

In this experiment, Lactobacillus fermentum CQPC08 (LF-CQPC08) isolated from traditionally fermented pickles was used to study its mitigation effect on lead acetate-induced oxidative stress and lead ion adsorption capacity in rats. In vitro experiments showed that the survival rate in artificial gastric juice and the growth efficiency in artificial bile salt of LF-CQPC08 was 93.6% ± 2.2% and 77.2% ± 0.8%, and the surface hydrophobicity rate was 45.5% ± 0.3%. The scavenging rates of hydroxyl radical, superoxide anion, and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) were 47.8% ± 0.9%, 63.9% ± 1.2%, and 83.6% ± 1.5%, respectively, and the reduction power was 107.3 ± 2.8 μmol L-1. LF-CQPC08 could not only adsorb 76.9% ± 1.0% lead ions in aqueous solution but also reduce the lead content in serum, liver, kidneys, and brain tissue of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats, as well as maintain the cell structure and tissue state of the liver and kidneys. In addition, by examining the indicators of inflammation and oxidation in the serum, liver, and kidneys of SD rats, we found that LF-CQPC08 can reduce the proinflammatory factors interleukin (IL)-1 beta (1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and interferon gamma in the body, increase the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, enhance the activity of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase and catalase and glutathione levels in serum and organ tissues, and reduce the production of reactive oxygen species and accumulation of lipid peroxide malondialdehyde. LF-CQPC08 can also activate the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway to promote high-level expression of the downstream antioxidants heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), NAD(P)H : quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS). As food-grade lactic acid bacteria, LF-CQPC08 has great potential and research value in removing heavy metals from food and alleviating the toxicity of heavy metals in the future.

Using Medicinal Plants in Valmalenco (Italian Alps): From Tradition to Scientific Approaches

This ethnobotanical survey was carried out in Caspoggio (Valmalenco, SO, Italy) with the purpose of investigating the traditional uses of medicinal plants. Moreover, a bibliographic research meant to validate or refute the uses, focusing on the potentially responsible compounds, was performed. Fifty-nine species, attributable to 30 families (Asteraceae, Pinaceae, Malvaceae, and Lamiaceae the most cited), were mentioned. Arnica montana, anti-inflammatory for traumas and musculoskeletal pains; Pinus mugo, expectorant; Malva sylvestris, anti-inflammatory and soothing; Achillea moschata, digestive. The compounds, responsible for the therapeutic activities, are often polyphenols and terpenoids: helenanin in A. montana, α-pinene, δ-3-carene, and limonene in P. mugo, gossypin and malvin in M. sylvestris, luteolin and apigenin in A. moschata. Scientific evidence for at least one of the traditional activities described was found for 50 species but only in 26 out of 196 works consulted, it is possible to make a comparison between investigated extracts and traditional preparations. This study is thus a stimulus to new phytochemical investigations, mimicking as much as possible the traditional preparations. This work is part of the European Interreg Italy-Switzerland B-ICE project, aimed at creating a management model for the ongoing climate change and searching for new sources of territory valorization as attractions for tourists.

Anthocyanins: From the Field to the Antioxidants in the Body

Anthocyanins are biologically active water-soluble plant pigments that are responsible for blue, purple, and red colors in various plant parts-especially in fruits and blooms. Anthocyanins have attracted attention as natural food colorants to be used in yogurts, juices, marmalades, and bakery products. Numerous studies have also indicated the beneficial health effects of anthocyanins and their metabolites on human or animal organisms, including free-radical scavenging and antioxidant activity. Thus, our aim was to review the current knowledge about anthocyanin occurrence in plants, their stability during processing, and also the bioavailability and protective effects related to the antioxidant activity of anthocyanins in human and animal brains, hearts, livers, and kidneys.

Ursodeoxycholic acid abrogates gentamicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats: Role of NF-κB-p65/TNF-α, Bax/Bcl-xl/Caspase-3, and eNOS/iNOS pathways

AIM

The present study focused on the possible underlying protective mechanisms of UDCA against GNT-induced hepatic injury.

METHODS

For achieving this goal, adult male rats were allocated into 4 groups: normal control (received vehicle), GNT (100 mg/kg, i.p. for 8 days), UDCA (60 mg/kg, P.O. for 15 days), and GNT + UDCA (received UDCA for 15 days and GNT started from the 7th day and lasted for 8 days).

RESULTS

The results revealed that UDCA significantly improved GNT-induced hepatic injury, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. Interestingly, UDCA inhibited apoptosis by marked down-regulation of the Bax gene, Caspase-3, and cleaved Caspase-3 protein expressions while the level of Bcl-xL gene significantly increased. Moreover, UDCA strongly inhibited the inflammatory response through the down-regulation of both NF-κB-p65 and TNF-α accompanied by IL-10 elevation. Furthermore, the obtained results ended with the restored of mitochondria function that confirmed by electron microscopy. Histological analysis showed that UDCA remarkably ameliorated the histopathological changes induced by GNT.

SIGNIFICANCE

UDCA may be a promising agent that can be used to prevent hepatotoxicity observed in GNT treatment. This effect could be attributed to, at least in part, the ability of UDCA to modulate NF-κB-p65/TNF-α, Bax/Bcl-xl/Caspase-3, and eNOS/iNOS signaling pathways.

Malva species: Insights on its chemical composition towards pharmacological applications

Malvaceae family is typical from the Mediterranean region, contains 240 genera and more than 4,200 species. They are most commonly used as ornamental plants, although they can also be conceived as a food resource and remedy for various diseases, such as digestive, respiratory, genitourinary, throat infections, and skeletal and skin disorders, as also injuries where they are profoundly applied for skin care and as antiseptic and demulcent. They also possess diuretic, lenitive, spasmolytic, and laxative effects, besides to be used as antidiarrheal. Thus, the present review provides in-depth data on Malva spp. potential applications and phytochemical composition for food and pharmaceutical industries. Habitat and cultivation conditions and the clinical reports related to its biological effects are also emphasized. Malva spp. possess a wide variety of chemical constituents (such as polysaccharides, coumarins, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, terpenes, and tannins) found in different plant organs, especially in leaves and flowers, connected to their biological activity. In general, Malva spp. have rather moderate antimicrobial activity, high antiinflammatory and wound healing activities, strong antioxidant activity, and anticancer properties. Results from in vitro and in vivo experiments encourage more in-depth studies, namely clinical trials, towards to improve knowledge on the use of Malva spp. for the treatment of various health conditions in humans.

Ammonia toxicity in the mud crab (Scylla paramamosain): The mechanistic insight from physiology to transcriptome analysis

Ammonia is a major aquatic environmental pollutants. However, the underlying molecular mechanism of ammonia-induced toxicity is not fully understood. In this study, we investigated the physiological response and molecular mechanism in mud crab (Scylla paramamosain) exposed to the acute total ammonia (30 mg L^-1) for 48 h. The results shown that ammonia exposure induced oxidative stress, and subsequently led to cytological damage and DNA damage. Transcriptome analysis was applied to investigate the key genes and pathways involved in the responses to ammonia exposure. A total of 722 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) (526 up-regulated and 196 down-regulated) were identified. DEGs mainly involved in pathways including metabolism, cellular processes, signal transduction and immune functions. Additionally, transcriptome analysis revealed that ATM/p53-Caspase3 pathway involved in apoptosis induced by ammonia stress. These results provided a new insight into the mechanism of the potential toxic effects of ammonia on crustaceans.

Anti-inflammatory and nephroprotective activity of Juglans mollis against renal ischemia-reperfusion damage in a Wistar rat model

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress and the inflammatory process are involved in ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. Juglans mollis has been reported as having antioxidant activity, which could attenuate the damage caused by I/R. We evaluated whether a methanolic extract of Juglans mollis (JM) exhibits nephroprotective activity in a Wistar rat model of I/R injury.

METHODS

Four groups of six rats were used: Sham, I/R, JM, and JM + I/R. Two groups were dosed with JM (300 mg/kg) for 7 days before I/R. I/R injury was induced by clamping the renal hilums for 45 min and then reperfusing the kidneys for 15 h. Blood samples were taken to evaluate the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α).

RESULTS

The levels of creatinine, ALT, MDA, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were lower in JM + I/R than in I/R rats, whereas SOD level only was higher in JM + I/R than in Sham rats. No biochemical or histological damage was observed in JM rats compared with Sham rats; however, less histological damage was observed in JM + I/R rats compared with I/R rats.

CONCLUSIONS

To our knowledge, this is the first report of nephroprotective activity of J. mollis against damage induced by I/R. This activity may be related to decreased levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and modulation of oxidative stress markers (SOD and MDA) observed in the present study.

Protective effect of piperine in ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injury through inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress

Background and aim

Renal ischemia-reperfusion is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress. As a major compound in black pepper, piperine has anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In present study, the protective effects of oral administration of piperine in renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) induced acute kidney injuries (AKI) were investigated.

Experimental procedure

Male Wistar rats received piperine (10 or 20 mg/kg.bw) or vehicle for 10 days. The artery and vein of both kidneys were then clamped for 30 min, followed by a 24-h reperfusion period. Concentrations of creatinine and urea-nitrogen in descending aorta blood were measured, and malondialdehyde (MDA) and ferric reducing/antioxidant power (FRAP) levels were measured in kidney tissue to evaluate the oxidative stress. Inflammation was evaluated by measuring the TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expression levels in renal cortical tissue using Real Time PCR method and counting leukocytes infiltration to interstitium. Further measured were tissue damages in H & E stained sections.

Results

Renal IR reduced FRAP, while increasing the plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea-nitrogen, tissue MDA level, TNF-α and ICAM-1 mRNA expressions, leukocyte infiltration and histopathologic injuries. Piperine administration significantly reduced the plasma concentrations of creatinine and urea-nitrogen, expression of pro-inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and renal histopathologic injuries. It is to be noted that 20 mg/kg dose was more effective.

Conclusion

Our results suggest piperine protects the kidney against ischemia-reperfusion induced acute kidney injuries by its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties.

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Renal ischemia-reperfusion increased the inflammation and oxidative stress parameters.

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Ischemia-reperfusion increased histopathological damages and functional parameters.

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Piperine pretreatment significantly reduced the inflammation and oxidative stress.

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Piperine administration ameliorated renal function and histopathologic damages.