Cyclophosphamide induced oxidative stress, lipid per oxidation, apoptosis and histopathological changes in rats: Protective role of boron

Role of parthenolide in paclitaxel-induced oxidative stress injury and impaired reproductive function in rat testicular tissue

The chemotherapeutic agent paclitaxel (PTX) causes testicular toxicity due to oxidative stress. Parthenolide (PTL), the active ingredient of the Tanacetum parthenium plant, is used to treat inflammation, dizziness, and spasms. In the present study, we evaluated the therapeutic effect of PTL on PTX-induced testicular toxicity in rats and its role in reproductive function. To this end, 6 groups were formed: control, PTX, sham, T1, T2, and T3. After testicular toxicity was induced in rats with 8 mg/kg PTX, the rats were treated with 1 mg/kg, 2 mg/kg, and 4 mg/kg PTL for 14 days. GSH and MDA levels were measured in rat testicular tissue after the last dose of PTL was administered. To determine the damage caused by PTX to testicular tissue by detecting 8-OHdG and iNOS, sections were prepared and examined histopathologically and immunohistochemically. Furthermore, the gene expressions and enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GST, and GR were investigated in all groups. After PTL treatment, MDA, 8-OHdG, and iNOS levels decreased while GSH levels increased in testicular tissue. Increased levels of antioxidant genes and enzymes also reduced oxidative stress. Additionally, the expression levels of the Dazl, Ddx4, and Amh genes, which are involved in gametogenesis and sperm production, decreased in case of toxicity and increased with PTL treatment. The data from this study show that PTL may have a therapeutic effect in the treatment of testicular damage by eliminating the oxidative stress-induced damage caused by PTX in testicular tissue, providing an effective approach to alleviating testicular toxicity, and playing an important role in reproduction/sperm production, especially at a dose of 4 mg/kg.

SIRT1 as a potential key regulator for mediating apoptosis in oropharyngeal cancer using cyclophosphamide and all-trans retinoic acid

Although cyclophosphamide (CTX) has been used for recurrent or metastatic head and neck cancers, resistance is usually expected. Thus, we conducted this study to examine the effect of adding all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) to CTX, to increase efficacy of CTX and reduce the risk of resistance developed. In this study, we investigated the combined effect of ATRA and CTX on the expression of apoptotic and angiogenesis markers in oropharyngeal carcinoma cell line (NO3), and the possible involved mechanisms. ATRA and CTX in combination significantly inhibited the proliferation of NO3 cells. Lower dose of CTX in combination with ATRA exhibited significant cytotoxicity than that of CTX when used alone, implying lower expected toxicity. Results showed that ATRA and CTX modulated oxidative stress; increased NOx and MDA, reduced GSH, and mRNA expression of Cox-2, SIRT1 and AMPK. Apoptosis was induced through elevating mRNA expressions of Bax and PAR-4 and suppressing that of Bcl-xl and Bcl-2, parallel with increased caspases 3 and 9 and decreased VEGF, endothelin-1 and CTGF levels. The primal action of the combined regimen on inflammatory signaling highlights its impact on cell death in NO3 cell line which was mediated by oxidative stress associated with apoptosis and suppression of angiogenesis.

Therapeutic role of boron on acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and testicular toxicity in rats: Effects on Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling pathway and oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide (ACR) is a heat-related carcinogen used in cooking some foods as well as in other thermal treatments. The present study aims to investigate the possible protective effect of boron (BA) against ACR-induced toxicity of kidney, brain, heart, testis, and bladder tissues in rats.

METHODS

Rats have been divided into 5 equal groups: Control (saline), ACR (38.27 mg/kg), BA (20 mg/kg), BA+ ACR (10 mg/kg + ACR), and BA+ ACR (20 mg/kg BA+ACR). Kidney tissue from rats was collected and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured. In addition, the kidneys of these animals, as well as the brain, heart, testes, and bladder tissues were examined for possible histological changes. Total Nrf2 and Keap-1 protein expression in kidney, heart, and testis tissues was examined by immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

While significant increases in MDA levels were observed in the kidneys of rats receiving ACR alone, significant decreases in antioxidant markers (SOD and GSH) were observed. Besides, kidney, brain, heart, and testicular tissues were analyzed and damage was observed in the groups receiving ACR. However, no significant histologic changes were noted in the bladder tissue. Both dosages of BA in combination with ACR improved the changes in ACR-induced antioxidant tissue parameters. Despite the fact that MDA levels were decreased with these two dosages, histological structural abnormalities were found to be greatly improved.

CONCLUSION

Our results show that BA has a strong protective effect on ACR-induced multi-organ toxicity. The study results show that BA could be a potential element to reduce ACR toxicity to which we are often exposed.

Cytoprotective effects of cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon against cyclophosphamide-induced cardio-renal toxicity in rats: Insights into oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent used in the treatment of various types of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Unfortunately, cyclophosphamide usage is limited in clinical situations due to its cardio-renal toxicity. The current study investigates the protective effects of cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon against cyclophosphamide-induced cardio-renal toxicity. 24 adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were assorted in a random manner into 4 groups; control, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide+cinnamaldehyde (90 mg/kg) and cyclophosphamide+adipoRon (25 mg/kg), rats treated with cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon for 10 days and on the 7th day of the experiment, rats were given a single I.P. injection of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg). Thereafter, specimens of heart and kidney tissues were used for biochemical, immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis. Cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon attenuated the cardio-renal intoxication induced by cyclophosphamide which was manifested by a marked decrease in cardiac-renal injury markers (CK-MB, LDH, cTnI, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen) accompanied with normalization of histopathological changes. Moreover, cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon reversed cardio-renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis as they have significantly decreased 8-OHdG levels, MDA contents, NF-κB, TNF-α and caspase-3 expression. On the other hand, cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon have upregulated antioxidant biomarkers; GSH concentration, Nrf2 expression as well as the anti-inflammatory cytokine; IL-10 and the antiapoptotic; BCL2. In conclusion, these cytoprotective effects of cinnamaldehyde and adipoRon suggesting the possibility of using them in combination with cyclophosphamide treatment protocols to minimize their unwanted side effects.

Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides improved reproductive oxidative stress injury in male mice treated with cyclophosphamide

Polysaccharides from Dendrobium officinale polysaccharides (DOPs) are the main bioactive components of Dendrobium officinale, which have the functions of antioxidation and immune regulation. However, it is not clear whether DOPs have any effect on the prevention of reproductive disorders induced by oxidative stress. The purpose of this study was to explore the protective effect of DOPs on reproductive oxidative stress injury in male mice and its possible mechanism. In this study, the mouse model of reproductive injury was established by intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (CTX). The reproductive function was evaluated by relative testicular mass, sperm parameters, and sex hormone levels. The oxidative stress level of male mice with reproductive injury treated with DOPs was analyzed by the levels of 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) in sperm. The expression of follicle-stimulating hormone receptor (FSHR) mRNA, androgen-binding (ABP) mRNA, and c-kit mRNA was detected by quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) to explore its mechanism. After CTX administration, the sperm density, sperm motility, normal sperm morphology, and sex hormone levels in mice were significantly lower than those in the control group (P < 0.05). At the same time, the expression of p53 protein was upregulated, and the expression of Bcl-2 protein was downregulated (P < 0.05). In addition, the expression of FSHR and ABP mRNA on Sertoli cells was also significantly inhibited (P < 0.05). DOPs can effectively reduce the oxidative stress injury of testicular tissue. After DOP treatment, the sperm quality and sex-related hormone levels of mice were significantly improved and positively correlated with the dose of DOPs (P < 0.05). Administration of DOPs can reduce the damage caused by oxidative stress by reducing the level of oxidative stress, improving the hormone environment in testes, and regulating the expression of specific genes in Sertoli cells and spermatogenic cells.

Blood molecular profile to predict genotoxicity from exposure to antineoplastic drugs

Genotoxicity is an important information that should be included in human biomonitoring programmes. However, the usually applied cytogenetic assays are laborious and time-consuming, reason why it is critical to develop rapid and economic new methods. The aim of this study was to evaluate if the molecular profile of frozen whole blood, acquired by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, allows to assess genotoxicity in occupational exposure to antineoplastic drugs, as obtained by the cytokinesis-block micronucleus assay. For that purpose, 92 samples of peripheral blood were studied: 46 samples from hospital professionals occupationally exposed to antineoplastic drugs and 46 samples from workers in academia without exposure (controls). It was first evaluated the metabolome from frozen whole blood by methanol precipitation of macromolecules as haemoglobin, followed by centrifugation. The metabolome molecular profile resulted in 3 ratios of spectral bands, significantly different between the exposed and non-exposed group (p < 0.01) and a spectral principal component-linear discriminant analysis (PCA-LDA) model enabling to predict genotoxicity from exposure with 73 % accuracy. After optimization of the dilution degree and solution used, it was possible to obtain a higher number of significant ratios of spectral bands, i.e., 10 ratios significantly different (p < 0.001), highlighting the high sensitivity and specificity of the method. Indeed, the PCA-LDA model, based on the molecular profile of whole blood, enabled to predict genotoxicity from the exposure with an accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity of 92 %, 93 % and 91 %, respectively. All these parameters were achieved based on 1 μL of frozen whole blood, in a high-throughput mode, i.e., based on the simultaneous analysis of 92 samples, in a simple and economic mode. In summary, it can be conclude that this method presents a very promising potential for high-dimension screening of exposure to genotoxic substances.

Redox Mechanisms Underlying the Cytostatic Effects of Boric Acid on Cancer Cells-An Issue Still Open

Boric acid (BA) is the dominant form of boron in plasma, playing a role in different physiological mechanisms such as cell replication. Toxic effects have been reported, both for high doses of boron and its deficiency. Contrasting results were, however, reported about the cytotoxicity of pharmacological BA concentrations on cancer cells. The aim of this review is to briefly summarize the main findings in the field ranging from the proposed mechanisms of BA uptake and actions to its effects on cancer cells.

Boron exhibits hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic pathways in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1

BACKGROUND

Aflatoxins are one of the important environmental factors that pose a risk to living organisms. On the other hand, it has been indicated in research that boron intake has beneficial effects on organisms. In this study, the effect of boron was disclosed in rats exposed to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), which poses a toxicological risk.

METHODS

A total of 36 male Sprague Dawley rats were separated into 6 groups and 0.125 mg/kg bw AFB1 and 5, 10, or 20 mg/kg bw doses of boron were given orally for 21 days. End of the experiment, biochemical, molecular, and histopathological analyses were performed.

RESULTS

AFB1 treatment increased liver enzyme activities (AST, ALT, and ALP) and malondialdehyde level; on the other hand, it caused a decrease in glutathione level, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. In addition, the mRNA expression levels of apoptotic (Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-8, Caspase-9, and p53) and pro-inflammatory (TNF-α and NFκB) genes increased and the mRNA expression of the anti-apoptotic gene (Bcl-2) decreased in liver tissue. Also, AFB1 treatment increased DNA damage and caused histopathological alterations in the liver tissue. Additionally, boron applications at doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg bw given with AFB1 reversed these negative changes.

CONCLUSIONS

As a result, boron exhibited hepatoprotective effect together with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects against AFB1-induced liver damage.

A study to assess the health effects of an anticancer drug (cyclophosphamide) in zebrafish (Danio rerio): eco-toxicity of emerging contaminants

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used for treating various kinds of cancer. Because of its high intake, metabolism and excretion, these anticancer medications have been detected in the aquatic environment. There is very limited data on the toxicity and effects of CP on aquatic organisms. The present study aims to assess the toxic effect of CP on certain oxidative stress biomarkers (superoxide dismutase-SOD, catalase-CAT, glutathione peroxidase-GPx, glutathione-GSH, glutathione S-transferases-GST and lipid peroxidation-LPO), protein, glucose, metabolising enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase-AST, alanine aminotransferase-ALT), and ion-regulatory markers (sodium ions-Na⁺, potassium ions-K⁺, and chloride ions-Cl^-), and histology in the gills and liver of Danio rerio at environmentally relevant concentrations (10, 100 and 1000 ng L^-1). Exposure to CP for 42 days led to a significant decrease in SOD, CAT, GST, GPx and GSH levels in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish. The level of lipid peroxidation in the gills and liver tissues of zebrafish was significantly increased compared to the control group. Chronic exposure significantly changes protein, glucose, AST, ALT, Na⁺, K⁺ and Cl^- biomarkers. Fish exposed to different levels of CP showed necrosis, inflammation, degeneration and hemorrhage in the gills and hepatic tissues. The observed changes in the studied tissue biomarkers were proportional to both dose and time. In conclusion, CP at environmentally relevant concentrations causes oxidative stress, energy demand, homeostasis disturbances, and enzyme and histological alterations in the vital tissues of zebrafish. These alterations were similar to the toxic effects reported in mammalian models.

Evaluation of functional candidate biomarkers of non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenicity in human liver spheroid co-cultures

Validated in vitro assays for testing non-genotoxic carcinogenic potential of chemicals are currently not available. Consequently, the two-year rodent bioassay remains the gold standard method for the identification of these chemicals. Transcriptomic and proteomic analyses have provided a comprehensive understanding of the non-genotoxic carcinogenic processes, however, functional changes induced by effects at transcriptional and translational levels have not been addressed. The present study was set up to test a number of proposed in vitro biomarkers of non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenicity at the functional level using a translational 3-dimensional model. Spheroid cultures of human hepatocytes and stellate cells were exposed to 5 genotoxic carcinogenic, 5 non-genotoxic carcinogenic, and 5 non-carcinogenic chemical compounds and assessed for oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. The spheroid model could capture many of these events triggered by the genotoxic carcinogenic chemicals, particularly aflatoxin B1 and hydroquinone. Nonetheless, no clear distinction could be made between genotoxic and non-genotoxic hepatocarcinogenicity. Therefore, spheroid cultures of human liver cells may be appropriate in vitro tools for mechanistic investigation of chemical-induced hepatocarcinogenicity, however, these mechanisms and their read-outs do not seem to be eligible biomarkers for detecting non-genotoxic carcinogenic chemicals.

Glutathione and selenium nanoparticles have a synergistic protective effect during cryopreservation of bull semen

Introduction

In the present study, the synergistic protective effect of co-supplementation of glutathione (GSH) with selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) on the cryopreservation efficiency of bull semen was analyzed.

Methods

After collection, the ejaculates of Holstein bulls were subsequently diluted with a Tris extender buffer supplemented with different concentrations of SeNPs (0, 1, 2, and 4 μg/ml), followed by semen equilibration at 4°C and assessment of sperm viability and motility. Subsequently, the ejaculates of Holstein bulls were pooled, split into four equal groups, and diluted with a Tris extender buffer supplemented with basic extender (negative control group, NC group), 2 μg/ml SeNPs (SeNPs group), 4 mM GSH (GSH group), and 4 mM GSH plus 2 μg/ml SeNPs (GSH + SeNPs group). After cryopreservation, motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane integrity, acrosome integrity, concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and ability of frozen-thawed sperm cells to support in vitro embryonic development were evaluated.

Results and discussion

No side effect of SeNPs concentrations applied in the current study on the motility and viability of equilibrated bull spermatozoa was found. Meanwhile, supplementation of SeNPs significantly promoted the motility and viability of equilibrated bull spermatozoa. Furthermore, the co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs effectively protected bull spermatozoa from cryoinjury as expressed by promoting semen motility, viability, mitochondrial activity, plasma membrane integrity, and acrosome integrity. Finally, the enhanced antioxidant capacity and embryonic development potential in the frozen-thawed bull spermatozoa cryopreserved by co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs further confirmed the synergistic protective effect of co-supplementation of GSH with SeNPs on the cryopreservation of bull semen.

Ameliorative Effect of Citrus Lemon Peel Extract and Resveratrol on Premature Ovarian Failure Rat Model: Role of iNOS/Caspase-3 Pathway

Premature ovarian failure (POF) is described as a loss of oocytes and the absence of folliculogenesis and is considered an adverse effect of chemotherapeutic drugs, which leads to infertility. Subsequently, the existing inquiry was achieved by exploring the potential suspicious influences of lemon peel extract (LPE), and resveratrol (RES) on cyclophosphamide (CPA) induced-POF. The results showed that CPA-induced POF significantly decreased serum estradiol (E2) and progesterone levels, along with a considerable rise in serum luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) levels. Moreover, CPA administration to rats significantly increased the serum level of Malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly lowered the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD); in addition, it increased nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) levels, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2) with the spread expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) mRNA levels and caspase-3 (Casp3) levels in ovarian tissues versus the control rats. However, treatment with LPE and RES suppressed the triggering of NF- κB pathways, evidenced by a considerable reduction in Casp3 & iNOS mRNA expression level and significant ameliorative effects in all evaluated parameters, as confirmed by the histological and immunohistochemical investigation when comparing the model group. In overall findings, both lemon peel extract and resveratrol can mitigate the adverse effects of CPA-induced POF. Most crucially, its combination therapy is a promising pharmacological agent for this disease.

The role of Bax/Bcl-2 and Nrf2-Keap-1 signaling pathways in mediating the protective effect of boric acid on acrylamide-induced acute liver injury in rats

INTRODUCTION

This study aims to investigate whether boric acid (BA) can protect rats from acrylamide (AA)-induced acute liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

AA was used to induce acute liver injury. Thirty rats were divided into five group including Group 1 (saline), Group 2 (AA), Group 3 (20 mg/kg BA), Group 4 (10 mg/kg BA+AA) and Group 5 (20 mg/kg BA+AA). Their blood and liver were harvested to be kept for analysis. Liver function enzyme activities were performed by spectrophotometric method. Catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde levels were determined by colorimetric method. The in-silico studies were performed using the "blind docking" method.

RESULTS

Administration AA to rats, biochemical parameters, liver histology, and expression levels of apoptotic markers were negatively affected. However, after the administration of BA, the altered biochemical parameters, liver histology, and expression levels of apoptotic markers were reversed. Moreover, the mechanisms of AA-induced deterioration in the levels of SOD, CAT, and Nrf2-Keap-1 and the mechanisms of the protective effect of BA against these deteriorations were explained by in silico studies.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the present study could explain the interactions between AA and thiol-containing amino acid residues of Keap-1, the effect of BA on these interactions, and the biochemical toxicity caused by the AA. In this sense, this work is the first of its kind in the literature. Based on the biochemical, histopathological, and in silico results, it can be suggested that BA has the potential to be used as a protective agent against AA-induced liver injury.

Immunomodulatory effect of protocatechuic acid on cyclophosphamide induced brain injury in rat: Modulation of inflammosomes NLRP3 and SIRT1

Modulation of the inflammasome NLRP3 and SIRT1 are new combat strategy for brain injury protection. The inflammasome activates proinflammatory cytokines releasing interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 which in turn affect the toxins release from immune cells. In addition, SIRT1 controls many biological functions, such as immune response and oxidative stress. Protocatechuic has versatile biological activities and possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and neuroprotective effects. So this work aims to study immunomodulatory effect of protocatechuic acid on cyclophosphamide chemotherapy drug-induced brain injury via modulation of inflammosomes NLRP3 and SIRT1. Rats were randomly assigned to four experimental groups. Normal control group was injected with a single i.p injection of saline. Cyclophosphamide group was injected with a single i.p injection of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg). Protocatechuic acid groups were orally administered (50 &100 mg/kg) once daily for 10 consecutive days after cyclophosphamide injection. Protocatechuic acid administration exhibited improvements of the cognition function and memory, a reduction in brain contents of MDA, NLRP3, IL-1 β, NF-κB, IKBKB and Galectin 3 and an elevation of GSH and SIRT1 compared to cyclophosphamide group. In addition, protocatechuic acid administration ameliorated the elevation of caspase 3 and iNOS gene expression and alleviated the neuron degeneration caused by cyclophosphamide. In conclusion, the therapeutic action of protocatechuic acid and its cellular and molecular mechanisms are new insights against various human ailments, especially, neuroprotective disease as brain injury induced by cyclophosphamide chemotherapy drug in rats through modulation of inflammosomes NLRP3 and SIRT1.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced damage in mouse ovarian tissue via suppressing inflammation, apoptosis, and expression of phosphorylated Akt, FOXO3a and rpS6

This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effects of epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) against ovarian toxicity in cyclophosphamide-treated mice and to verify the possible involvement of phosphorylated Akt, FOXO3a and rpS6 in the EGCG actions. Mice received saline solution (i.p.; control) or a single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) or mice were pretreated with N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg body weight, i.p.; positive control) or with EGCG (5, 25 or 50 mg/kg body weight, i.p.) once daily for three days followed by injection with single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg body weight, i.p.). Thereafter, the mice were euthanized, and the ovaries were harvested and destined to histological (follicular morphology and activation), immunohistochemistry (cleaved caspase-3 and TNF-α) and fluorescence (mitochondrial activity and GSH concentrations) analyses. Furthermore, we examined the participation of p-Akt, p-FOXO3a and p-rpS6 in the protective effects of EGCG in cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage by immunohistochemical staining. The results showed that pretreatment with N-acetylcysteine or EGCG at 25 and 50 mg/kg before cyclophosphamide administration preserved the normal follicular morphology, prevented primordial follicle loss, reduced atresia, inflammation, and mitochondrial damage, and increased GSH concentrations compared to the only cyclophosphamide treatment. Additionally, pretreatment with 25 mg/kg EGCG regulated phosphorylated Akt, FOXO3a and rpS6 after cyclophosphamide treatment. In conclusion, short-time pretreatment with 25 mg/kg EGCG can prevent follicle loss in cyclophosphamide-treated mice by reducing oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis, and regulating of p-Akt, p-FOXO3a and p-rpS6.

Effects of dietary boron supplementation on the testicular function and thyroid activity in male goats: involvement of CYP17A1 gene

The physiological effects of dietary boron (B) supplementation for farm animals specifically goat on male fertility are still scarce and need deep investigation. Thus, the current study was designed to investigate how adding B to the diet of male goats affected their testicular and thyroid activity. For that purpose, twelve male goats were divided randomly into two groups (6 animals each); control group that was feed on the basal diet and B group that was fed the basal diet containing 70 mg B/kg diet for 6 months. Serum samples were collected at different intervals, while testicular biopsies were obtained at the end of the experiment. The results showed that 6 months of dietary B supplementation resulted in a significant increment in serum B concentration. The results of repeated measure analysis showed that there were significant GROUP and TIME x GROUP interactions effects on blood testosterone levels (F= 119.408, p=0.000, and F= 6.794, p=0.013, respectively), demonstrating that compared to control, B supplementation caused a significant rise in serum testosterone levels over time. However, the mean animal body weights and the serum levels of triiodothyronine (T3) and thyroxine (T4) were kept comparable to the control ones at the different time points. The most striking finding is that B supplementation increased significantly the mRNA expression of the CYP17A1 which is essential for steroidogenesis (P<0.001). In addition, a histological examination of testicular tissue corroborated our findings and demonstrated that B supplementation had a positive effect. As a result, B might be considered an excellent food supplement that could be safely added to the male goats' diet at the current dose to improve their reproductive capacity.

Salvadora persica extract attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatorenal damage by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

OBJECTIVE

Salvadora persica (SP) is used as a food additive and is a common ingredient in folk medicine. This study investigates the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and beneficial effects of SP against cyclophosphamide (CYP) toxicity in rats.

METHODS

In a 10-day study, 32 male rats were equally allocated into 4 groups (8 rats/group) as follows: the normal control (NC group), normal rats that only received oral aqueous extract of SP (100 mg/[kg·d]; SP group), animals treated with intraperitoneal CYP injections (30 mg/[kg·d]; CYP group), and the CYP + SP group that concurrently received CYP with SP aqueous extract. Serum samples were collected to measure the liver and renal biochemical profiles, as well as antioxidant and oxidative stress markers and the concentrations of interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Hepatic and renal tissues were also harvested for histopathology and to measure apoptosis using the terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling technique, alongside tissue levels of oxidative stress markers.

RESULTS

Liver enzymes, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea, as well as serum IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and NF-κB increased significantly, whilst total protein, albumin, calcium, IL-10 and AMPK declined in serum of the CYP group relative to the NC group. The hepatorenal concentrations of glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase declined markedly in the CYP group, whereas malondialdehyde, protein adducts, and apoptosis index increased compared with the NC group. By contrast, the hepatorenal biochemistry and apoptosis index of the SP group were comparable to the NC group. Interestingly, the CYP + SP group had significant improvements in the liver and renal biochemical parameters, enhanced anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory effects, and marked declines in hepatic and renal apoptosis relative to the CYP group. Moreover, all monitored parameters were statistically indistinguishable between the CYP + SP group and the NC group.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that the aqueous extract of SP could be a potential remedy against CYP-induced hepatorenal damage and may act by modulating the AMPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and promoting anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory activities.

Qiangjing tablets repair of blood-testis barrier dysfunction in rats via regulating oxidative stress and p38 MAPK pathway

Background

The blood-testis barrier (BTB) is a physical barrier of the testis to prevent various exogenous substrates from entering apical compartments and provides immune privilege for spermatogenesis, which is essential for normal spermatogenic function of testis. It has been shown that oxidative stress can damage BTB by activating the p38 MAPK pathway. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qiangjing tablets (QJT) improve spermatogenesis and increase pregnancy rates. Previous studies have confirmed that QJT can improve sperm quality and have obvious antioxidant effects. In this study, we explore whether QJT contributes to recovery from BTB dysfunction in rats.

Methods

BTB dysfunction was induced in rats by 1% Cyclophosphamide (CP). The CP-induced rats in the treatment group were given a dose of QJT (0.45 g/kg·d) by gavage. Testis tissues were collected for histopathological and biochemical analysis, and the testis weight was estimated. Levels of BTB-related proteins and antioxidant enzyme were analyzed in the testis tissues.

Results

QJT resolved the pathological injury of rats testis induced by CP. Furthermore, MDA levels were significantly reduced, and the levels of SOD markedly increased in the testicular tissue after QJT treatment. In addition, QJT down-regulated the expression of p38 protein in rat testis and up-regulated the expressions of key proteins ZO-1, occludin and F-actin in BTB.

Conclusion

These results demonstrate that QJT exerts protective effects on CP-induced rats with BTB dysfunction, likely by regulating the oxidative stress-mediated p38 MAPK pathway.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-022-03615-z.

Role of JNK, ERK, and p38 MAPK signaling pathway in protective effect of sildenafil in cyclophosphamide-induced placental injury in rats

AIMS

Chemotherapeutic agents; cyclophosphamide (CYC) is used for treatment of cancer and autoimmune diseases. Grievously, CYC is non-selective as it affects both tumor and healthy cells resulting in systemic toxicity including placenta. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitor, sildenafil (Sild) on CYC-induced placental injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two female Wister rats were randomly divided into 4 experimental groups. Group 1: control pregnant group; Group 2: Sild-treated pregnant rats; Group 3: pregnant rats received CYC; Group 4: pregnant rats received Sild and CYC. Placental malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), platelet growth factor (PlGF), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and cleaved caspase-3 were measured. Histological changes, Nuclear Factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B (NF-κB), Connexin 43 (GJA1) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno-expressions were also evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

CYC showed significant decrease in placental GSH, NOx, PlGF, GJA1 and PCNA immuno-expressions but significant increase in placental MDA, TNF-α, JNK, P38MAPK, ERK, caspase-3 and NF-kB immuno-expression. Sild showed significant improvement in all oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic parameters.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sild is a promising protective drug against placental injury induced by CYC through antagonizing MAPK (JNK, ERK, and p38) signaling pathway with anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects.

Protective role of irbesartan against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular damage in rats via up-regulating PPAR-γ signaling and ameliorating NF-κB/NLRP3/IL-18 inflammatory axis

BACKGROUND

Cancer and its therapies can impact fertility in various ways, and therefore a growing number of cancer survivors face fertility as a significant concern. The cytotoxic alkylating agent cyclophosphamide (CP) is commonly used as an antineoplastic agent; unfortunately, its use is significantly associated with male infertility and damage to the reproductive system.

AIM

The present study aimed to assess the possible beneficial effects of Irbesartan (IRB) in a rat model of CP-induced testicular toxicity.

MAIN METHODS

The effects of treatment were assessed by measuring peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) expression via qRT-PCR, the immunohistochemical (IHC) assessment of apoptotic markers, NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), determination of the count and viability of epididymal sperm, oxidative stress markers via biochemical analysis, serum testosterone, caspase-1, and interleukin-18 (IL-18) levels via ELISA, histopathological assessment, and fibrosis by Masson's trichrome (MT) stain.

KEY FINDINGS

There was a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA), caspase-1, and IL-18 contents, NF-κB, NLRP3, Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), caspase-3, and MT staining in testicular tissue after CP administration compared to the normal control group. Whereas reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), PPAR-γ expression, B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) staining, serum testosterone, and the count and viability of epididymal sperm were decreased compared to the normal control group. The IRB treatment has reversed CP-induced testicular toxicity.

SIGNIFICANCE

It is possible to conclude that IRB revealed a significant testicular protective effect against CP via antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Sheng Jing Decoction Can Promote Spermatogenesis and Increase Sperm Motility of the Oligozoospermia Mouse Model

Sheng Jing Decoction (SJD), as a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, is mainly be used to treat male infertility. However, the pharmacological functions and molecular mechanisms of SJD are poorly understood. In this study, we investigated the functions of SJD on spermatogenesis and sperm motility and explored the potential mechanisms involved. Here, we demonstrated that high, medium, and low doses of SJD are effective in restoring the impairments of the whole body and testicular tissue by cyclophosphamide inducing and to rescue the damage of testicular tissue cells including Sertoli cells and germ cells. SJD can partly restore the decrease in sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate in oligozoospermic mouse models. Ki67 staining analyses confirm SJD can promote testicular tissue cell proliferation. Real-time RT-PCR analyses also reveal that SJD can upregulate the expression of proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and differentiation-associated genes Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8. SJD can also reduce the impairment of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and sperm plasma membrane integrity by cyclophosphamide inducing. Our results reveal that SJD is effective in improving both sperm quantity and quality by increasing the sperm concentration, sperm vitality, sperm motility, and normal sperm morphology rate. SJD can promote spermatogenesis by upregulating the expression of the proliferation-associated gene Lin28a and the differentiation-associated genes (Kit, Sohlh2, and Stra8). SJD can sustain MMP and sperm plasma membrane integrity to increase sperm motility.

Unravelling the Protective Effects of Emodin Against Cyclophosphamide Induced Gonadotoxicity in Male Wistar Rats

Background

Over the past few decades, cyclophosphamide (CP) has been extensively used as a broad-spectrum alkylating agent for the treatment of various cancers and solid tumors. However, the therapeutic actions on CP are not limited to only cancer cells, as it simultaneously exerts significant toxicities on healthy cells through the instigation of oxidative stress and oxidative damages. CP induced testicular toxicity is associated with impaired spermatogenesis, reduced sperm functionality, reproductive hormone and testicular weight. This study was aimed at unravelling the protective effects of emodin (EMD) on testicular toxicity following CP treatment.

Methods

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were allotted into 4 groups as normal control group (NCG), CP control group (CPCG), EMD25+CP (25 mg/kg in 5% tween 80) and EMD50+CP groups (50 mg/kg in 5% tween 80). EMD was orally administered for 35 consecutive days, while four doses of CP (100 mg/kg/week) were administered intraperitoneally from the second to fifth week of treatment. Thereafter, the animals were sacrificed and histopathological examination of the testes as well as serum/testicular biochemical assays were conducted.

Results

The results revealed that CP significantly impeded sperm function parameters including sperm count, viability and motility as well as decreased reproductive hormones (testosterone, LH and FSH) levels. In addition, CP enhanced testicular oxidative stress and proinflammatory markers (MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α), while simultaneously decreasing testicular antioxidant enzymes (GSH, GPx, SOD and CAT). Evidence of marked histopathological alterations was also observed in the H&E stained testicular tissues of CP treated rats. EMD significantly prevented these CP induced negative effects.

Conclusion

This study provides a basis for the potential use of EMD in counteracting chemotherapy induced testicular toxicity. The results further suggest that EMD testicular protective effects in CP-treated rats may be mediated through its modulatory role on oxidative stress and inflammation.

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells and possible ameliorating impact of antioxidants

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Boric acid as a promising agent in the treatment of ovarian cancer: Molecular mechanisms

PURPOSE

The aim of this study is to determine the therapeutic effects of boric acid cell proliferation, invasion, migration, colony formation, cell cycle and apoptosis mechanisms in ovarian cancer cell line under in vitro conditions.

METHODS

MDAH-2774 ovarian cancer cells were employed. Real-time PCR test was used to investigate changes in genes and proteins of cell cycle and apoptosis and identified miRNAs under the addition of boric acid. The apoptosis rates were calculated by TUNEL assay. Matrigel invasion, colony formation and Wound healing tests were used to determine invasion and migration. Oxidative stress index value was calculated for oxidative stress.

RESULTS

Boric acid inhibited cell proliferation, invasion, migration and colony formation, but induces apoptosis and oxidative stress. Also, the expression of miRNA-21, miRNA-200a, miRNA-130a and mi-RNA-224 (which are indicators of poor prognosis of ovarian cancer) decreased significantly.

CONCLUSION

The potential of boric acid as a natural molecule may supports its effectiveness in reducing adverse effects arising from conventional ovarian cancer treatments.

Mechanism of the Immunomodulatory Effect of the Combination of Live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus on Immunocompromised Rats

Immunodeficiency is a very common condition in suboptimal health status and during the development or treatment of many diseases. Recently, probiotics have become an important means for immune regulation. The present study aimed to investigate the mechanism of the immunomodulatory effect of a combination of live Bifidobacterium, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Bacillus (CBLEB), which is a drug used by approximately 10 million patients every year, on cyclophosphamide-immunosuppressed rats. Cyclophosphamide (40 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to induce immunosuppression in a rat model on days 1, 2, 3, and 10. Starting from day 4, the rats were continuously gavaged with CBLEB solution for 15 days. The samples were collected to determine routine blood test parameters, liver and kidney functions, serum cytokine levels, gut microbiota, fecal and serum metabolomes, transcriptomes, and histopathological features. The results indicated that CBLEB treatment reduced cyclophosphamide-induced death, weight loss, and damage to the gut, liver, spleen, and lungs and eliminated a cyclophosphamide-induced increase in the mean hemoglobin content and GGT, M-CSF, and MIP-3α levels and a decrease in the red blood cell distribution width and total protein and creatinine levels in the blood. Additionally, CBLEB corrected cyclophosphamide-induced dysbiosis of the gut microbiota and eliminated all cyclophosphamide-induced alterations at the phylum level in rat feces, including the enrichment in Proteobacteria, Fusobacteriota, and Actinobacteriota and depletion of Spirochaetota and Cyanobacteria. Furthermore, CBLEB treatment alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced alterations in the whole fecal metabolome profile, including enrichment in 1-heptadecanol, succinic acid, hexadecane-1,2-diol, nonadecanoic acid, and pentadecanoic acid and depletion of benzenepropanoic acid and hexane. CBLEB treatment also alleviated cyclophosphamide-induced enrichment in serum D-lyxose and depletion of serum succinic acid, D-galactose, L-5-oxoproline, L-alanine, and malic acid. The results of transcriptome analysis indicated that the mechanism of the effect of CBLEB was related to the induction of recovery of cyclophosphamide-altered carbohydrate metabolism and signal transduction. In conclusion, the present study provides an experimental basis and comprehensive analysis of application of CBLEB for the treatment of immunodeficiency.

Samul-tang ameliorates oocyte damage due to cyclophosphamide-induced chronic ovarian dysfunction in mice

Samul-tang (SM), a traditional herbal medicine, has been used to treat menstrual irregularities and infertility in women. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying the effects of SM remain elusive. We investigated the potential protective effect of SM against chronic ovarian dysfunction and used bioinformatics analysis to identify its underlying mechanism in a mouse model of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced diminished ovarian reserve. Female C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with CP three times a week, followed by oral administration of distilled water (CP group) or SM (CP + SM group) for 4 weeks. Four weeks later, the effect of SM was assessed by ovarian tissue histological analysis, steroid hormone measurement, oocyte quality, and mRNA and microRNA microarray analysis in the ovaries. Although SM administration did not prevent CP-induced follicle loss in mice, the quality of oocytes was better in CP + SM mice than in CP mice. Gene expression analysis revealed that the expression of fertilisation- and ovarian follicle development-related genes was altered by CP treatment but normalized after SM administration. Further bioinformatics analysis showed possible interactions between differentially expressed mRNAs and microRNAs. Therefore, we demonstrated the protective effects of SM on ovarian function and oocyte maturation against CP-induced damage via multiple epigenetic mechanisms.

Investigation into the protective effects of Hypericum Triquetrifolium Turra seed against cyclophosphamide-induced testicular injury in Sprague Dawley rats

For centuries, Turkey has been a significant location here around 80 species of Hypericum with differing names widely occur, which is also known as Turkish folk medicine in treating some bacterial diseases as well as stomach and intestine inflammation. Recent studies have reported this herb family to contain numbers of bioactive compound contents. The study aims to investigate the protective effects of Hypericum triquetrifolium Turra (HT) upon oxidative stress and apoptosis in a rat model in which testes injury was induced by CP. The testicular injury was caused using CP (150 mg/kg). The rats were treated with a single dose (100 mg/kg) of methanol extract of HT to investigate various biochemical markers in the serum and plasma of blood samples apart from assessing the prognosis of CP-induced testicular damage. Added to that, histological analyses were performed to identify possible structural changes and apoptotic indicators, like Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2. In CP Group, there was a rise in the levels of total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidative stress index (OSI), Caspase-3, and Bax while superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), Bcl-2, and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) all decreased. Also, our histological analysis showed damaged testes. On the other hand, neither biochemical nor histological analysis showed testicular damage in HT Alone Group. In CP + HT Group, a significant number of the negatives changes due to CP were observed to have improved remarkably following an HT treatment. This study results suggest that HT could help improve CP-induced testicular injury thanks to its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties.

Biochemical and histomorphological findings in Swiss Wistar rats treated with potential boron-containing therapeutic - K2[B3O3F4OH]

BACKGROUND

Boron and boron containing compounds are known for their biological and protective roles being non-toxic and non-mutagenic in low concentrations. Male rats were exposed to halogenated boroxine (HB), dipotassium-trioxohydroxytetrafluorotriborate K₂[B₃O₃F₄OH], a potential new boron-containing therapeutic, aiming to determine concentrations with no adverse effects on selected serum biochemical parameters and histomorphological features.

METHODS

HB was prepared by reacting potassium hydrofluoride (KHF₂) with boric acid in molar ratios 2:3 at room temperature and its primary structure contains 4 fluorine atoms substituted in 6-membered ring. In concentrations of 10, 25, 35 and 45 mg/kg, HB was administered intraperitoneally as a single dose. Biochemical parameters were observed 24 and 96 h following the treatment. Effects of HB on biochemical blood parameters were also observed 24 h following continuous nine days application in concentrations of 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally and 50 mg/kg per os. Histomorphological observation of kidneys, liver, spleen, lungs and heart was performed for all treated animals.

RESULTS

Administration of single high dose of HB (35 mg/kg-45 mg/kg) effected high levels of urea and creatinine, which indicated renal injury that appeared to be temporary. Possible cause of concern is pancreatic injury indicated by elevated levels of serum amylase in the groups of animals that received the highest dosages of the substance. Histopathological examination of selected tissues revealed mild to moderate lesions in the kidneys and livers associated with administration of HB.

CONCLUSION

Observation of biochemical serum parameters or histopathology of examined tissues revealed no adverse effects of HB either after the administration of single dose lower than 35 mg/kg or following repeated administration at 10 mg/kg. These dosages should be further considered for potential therapeutic applications.