Radioprotective Effects of Carvacrol and/or Thymol against Gamma Irradiation-Induced Acute Nephropathy: In Silico and In Vivo Evidence of the Involvement of Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1) and Calcitonin Gene-Related Peptide

Radiotherapy (RT) is an effective curative cancer treatment. However, RT can seriously damage kidney tissues resulting in radiotherapy nephropathy (RN) where oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are among the common pathomechanisms. Carvacrol and thymol are known for their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and radioprotective activities. Therefore, this study investigated the nephroprotective potentials of carvacrol and/or thymol against gamma (γ) irradiation-induced nephrotoxicity in rats along with the nephroprotection mechanisms, particularly the involvement of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP). Methods: Male rats were injected with carvacrol and/or thymol (80 and 50 mg/kg BW in the vehicle, respectively) for five days and exposed to a single dose of irradiation (6 Gy). Then, nephrotoxicity indices, oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptotic biomarkers, and the histopathological examination were assessed. Also, IGF-1 and CGRP renal expressions were measured. Results: Carvacrol and/or thymol protected kidneys against γ-irradiation-induced acute RN which might be attributed to their antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. Moreover, both reserved the γ -irradiation-induced downregulation of CGRP- TNF-α loop in acute RN that might be involved in the pathomechanisms of acute RN. Additionally, in Silico molecular docking simulation of carvacrol and thymol demonstrated promising fitting and binding with CGRP, IGF-1, TNF-α and NF-κB through the formation of hydrogen, hydrophobic and alkyl bonds with binding sites of target proteins which supports the reno-protective properties of carvacrol and thymol. Collectively, our findings open a new avenue for using carvacrol and/or thymol to improve the therapeutic index of γ-irradiation.

Poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors in the treatment landscape of triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC)

OBJECTIVE

Chemotherapy is the mainstay for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) patients. Over the years, the use of chemotherapy for these patients has demonstrated many adversities, including toxicity and resistance, which suggested the need to develop novel alternative therapeutic options, such as poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase inhibitors (PARPi). Herein, we provide an overview on PARPi, mechanisms of action and the role of biomarkers in PARPi sensitivity trials, clinical advances in PARPi therapy for TNBC patients based on the most recent studies and findings of clinical trials, and challenges that prevent PARP inhibitors from achieving high efficacy such as resistance and overlapping toxicities with other chemotherapies.

DATA SOURCES

Searching for relevant articles was done using PubMed and Cochrane Library databases by using the keywords including TNBC; chemotherapy; PARPi; BRCA; homologous recombination repair (HRR). Studies had to be published in full-text in English in order to be considered.

DATA SUMMARY

Although PARPi have been used in the treatment of local/metastatic breast malignancies that are HER2 negative and has a germline BRCA mutation, several questions are still to be answered in order to maximize the clinical benefit of PARP inhibitors in TNBC treatment, such as questions related to the optimal use in the neoadjuvant and metastatic settings as well as the best combinations with various chemotherapies.

CONCLUSIONS

PARPi are emerging treatment options for patients with gBRCA1/2 mutations. Determining patients that are most likely to benefit from PARPi and identifying the optimal treatment combinations with high efficacy and fewer side effects are currently ongoing.

In vivo and In silico evidence of the protective properties of carvacrol against experimentally-induced gastric ulcer: Implication of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic mechanisms

Gastric ulcer is a serious disease that affects millions of individuals worldwide. Alcohol consumption is a major contributor to the disease pathogenesis and ethanol-induced ulcer in rats closely recapitulates the clinical pathology of ulcer. In this study, rats were pretreated with carvacrol (CAR,50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) 1 h before absolute ethanol administration to induce gastric ulcer. CAR prevented ethanol-induced increases in gastric volume and acidity while restored mucin content. The gastro-protective activity of CAR, particularly the higher dose (100 mg/kg), was further supported by histopathological examination, as manifested by reduced gastric lesions. Interestingly, oxidative stress is linked to early stages of ulcer development and progression. In this study, ethanol administration upregulated the levels of ROS-producing enzymes, NADPH oxidase homologs 1 and 4 (Nox1 and Nox4) and lipid peroxides while depleting the antioxidant defense mechanisms, including GSH, Glutathione Peroxidase (GPX) and catalase. Interestingly, these alterations were significantly ameliorated by CAR pretreatment. Additionally, CAR possesses anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. Pretreatment with CAR blunted ethanol-induced increases in inflammatory cytokines (NF-κB and TNF-α) and rectified the apoptosis regulator (Bax/Bcl2 ratio) in gastric tissue. Moreover, the docking simulation of CAR illustrated good fitting and interactions with GPX, Nox1 and TNF-α through the formation of hydrogen and hydrophobic (pi-H) bonds with conservative amino acids, thus, further supporting the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects underlying the gastroprotective effects of CAR. In conclusion, this study elucidates, using in silico and in vivo models, that the gastroprotective activity of CAR is attributed, at least in part, to its mucin-secretagogue, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms.

The Potential Effects of Quercetin-Loaded Nanoliposomes on Amoxicillin/Clavulanate-Induced Hepatic Damage: Targeting the SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Microbiota Modulation

Amoxicillin/clavulanate (Co-Amox), a commonly used antibiotic for the treatment of bacterial infections, has been associated with drug-induced liver damage. Quercetin (QR), a naturally occurring flavonoid with pleiotropic biological activities, has poor water solubility and low bioavailability. The objective of this work was to produce a more bioavailable formulation of QR (liposomes) and to determine the effect of its intraperitoneal pretreatment on the amelioration of Co-Amox-induced liver damage in male rats. Four groups of rats were defined: control, QR liposomes (QR-lipo), Co-Amox, and Co-Amox and QR-lipo. Liver injury severity in rats was evaluated for all groups through measurement of serum liver enzymes, liver antioxidant status, proinflammatory mediators, and microbiota modulation. The results revealed that QR-lipo reduced the severity of Co-Amox-induced hepatic damage in rats, as indicated by a reduction in serum liver enzymes and total liver antioxidant capacity. In addition, QR-lipo upregulated antioxidant transcription factors SIRT1 and Nrf2 and downregulated liver proinflammatory signatures, including IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NF-κB, and iNOS, with upregulation in the anti-inflammatory one, IL10. QR-lipo also prevented Co-Amox-induced gut dysbiosis by favoring the colonization of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, and Bacteroides over Clostridium and Enterobacteriaceae. These results suggested that QR-lipo ameliorates Co-Amox-induced liver damage by targeting SIRT1/Nrf2/NF-κB and modulating the microbiota.

Targeting Store-Operated Calcium Entry Regulates the Inflammation-Induced Proliferation and Migration of Breast Cancer Cells

Persistent challenges complicating the treatment of breast cancer remain, despite some recent undeniable successes. Sufficient evidence currently exists demonstrating the crucial role of inflammation, characterized by the enhanced activation of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and the COX-2/PGE2 pathway, in the migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Interestingly, the store-operated calcium entry (SOCE) pathway was shown to be essential for the TLR4 activity and COX-2 expression in immune cells such as macrophages and microglia. However, whether SOCE influences inflammatory signaling and the inflammation-induced proliferation and migration of breast cancer cells is still unknown. Thus, the current study intended to delineate the role of SOCE in the TLR4-induced inflammation, migration, and proliferation of breast cancer cells. To this end, MDA-MB-231 breast cancer cells were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to activate TLR4, BTP2 to inhibit SOCE, and Thapsigargin to induce SOCE. Following these treatments, several experiments were conducted to evaluate the proliferation and migration rates of the MDA-MB-231 cells and the expression of several inflammatory and oncogenic genes, including COX-2, PGE2, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF. Different techniques were used to achieve the aims of this study, including qRT-PCR, Western blotting, ELISA, MTT, and wound healing assays. This study shows that SOCE inhibition using BTP2 suppressed the LPS-induced migration and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Additionally, treatment with LPS caused approximately six- and three-fold increases in COX-2 mRNA and protein expression, respectively, compared to the controls. The LPS-induced elevations in the COX-2 mRNA and protein levels were suppressed by BTP2 to the control levels. In addition to its effect on COX-2, BTP2 also suppressed the LPS-induced productions of PGE2, IL-6, IL-8, and VEGF. Conversely, SOCE induction using Thapsigargin enhanced the LPS-induced inflammation, migration, and proliferation of breast cancer cells. Collectively, these results provide evidence for the potentially important role of SOCE in inflammation-induced breast cancer progression processes. Thus, we argue that the current study may provide novel targets for designing new therapeutic approaches for the treatment of breast cancer.

Hematological Consequences of Polyethylene Microplastics Toxicity in Male Rats: Oxidative stress, Genetic, and Epigenetic links

Microplastics (MPs) pollution is a newly emerging environmental issue. MPs can accumulate within animals and humans, which can pose a serious health threat. Petroleum-based polyethylene (PE) is one of the most popular plastics. Accordingly, its exposure rates have steadily increased over the years. This study aimed to analyze the effects of PE-MPs on the hematological system of albino rats and the epigenetic effect. Five groups of adult male eight-weeks-old rats received either distilled water, corn oil, 3.75mg/kg PE-MPs, 15mg/kg PE-MPs, or 60mg/kg of PE-MPs, daily by oral gavage for 35 days. PE-MPs significantly increased the body weights of the rats and lipid peroxidation, with concomitant reduction of superoxide dismutase activity and depletion of reduced glutathione, thus adversely affecting oxidants/antioxidants balance. Moreover, PE-MPs increased the % of abnormal RBCs, irregular cells, tear drop cells, Schistocyte cells, and folded cells. The genotoxic effects on DNA were evident by increased DNA damage, confirmed by the comet assay, in addition to increased DNA methylation. The effects of PE-MPs have been shown to be dose correlated. In conclusion, this study provides evidence of dose-related PE-MPs-induced hematological, genotoxic, and epigenetic effects in mammals, and thus emphasizes the potentially hazardous health effects of environmental PE-MPs.

Boswellic acids ameliorate neurodegeneration induced by AlCl3: the implication of Wnt/β-catenin pathway

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a neurodegenerative disease (ND) that represents the principal cause of dementia. Effective treatment is still lacking. Without prevention, Alzheimer's disease (AD) incidence is expected to triple within 30 years. The risk increases in highly polluted areas and is positively linked to chronic aluminum (Al) exposure. Canonical Wingless-Int (Wnt)/β-catenin pathway has been found to play a considerable role in ND pathogenesis. Resins of Boswellia serrata (frankincense) have been used traditionally for their psychoactive activity, in addition to their memory-boosting effects. Boswellic acids (BA) are pentacyclic triterpenes. They have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and immunomodulatory activities. This study aimed to elucidate the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in BA protective activity against aluminum-induced Alzheimer's disease. For 6 weeks, rats were treated daily with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/i.p.) either alone or with BA (125 or 250 mg/kg PO). Results indicated that BA significantly improved learning and memory impairments induced by AlCl₃ treatment. Moreover, BA treatment significantly decreased acetylcholinesterase levels and reduced amyloid-beta (Aβ) expression. In addition, BA ameliorated the increased expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), inhibited lipid peroxidation, and increased total antioxidants in the brain. Indeed, BA significantly suppressed AlCl₃-induced decrease of brain-derived neurotrophic factor, pGSK-3β (Ser 9), and β-catenin. BA (250 mg/kg) showed a significant protective effect compared to a lower dose. The results conclude that BA administration modulated the expression of Wnt/β-catenin pathway-related parameters, contributing to BA's role against Al-induced Alzheimer's disease. Effect of Boswellic acids on AlCl₃-induced neurodegenerative changes. ChE cholinesterase, Ach acetylcholine, BDNF brain-derived neurotrophic factor, IL-1β interleukin-1β, TNF-α tumor necrosis factor-α.

Rifaximin Protects against Malathion-Induced Rat Testicular Toxicity: A Possible Clue on Modulating Gut Microbiome and Inhibition of Oxidative Stress by Mitophagy

Testicular dysfunction is caused by chronic exposure to environmental pollution, such as malathion, which causes oxidative stress, promoting cell damage. Autophagy is a key cellular process for eliminating malfunctioning organelles, such as the mitochondria (mitophagy), an eminent source of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Autophagy is crucial for protection against testicular damage. Rifaximin (RFX) is a non-absorbable antibiotic that can reshape the gut microbiome, making it effective in different gastrointestinal disorders. Interestingly, the gut microbiome produces short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in the circulation, which act as signal molecules to regulate the autophagy. In this study, we investigated the regulatory effects of RFX on gut microbiota and its circulating metabolites SCFA and linked them with the autophagy in testicular tissues in response to malathion administration. Moreover, we divided the groups of rats that used malathion and RFX into a two-week group to investigate the mitophagy process and a four-week group to study mitochondriogenesis. The current study revealed that after two weeks of cotreatment with RFX, apoptosis was inhibited, oxidative stress was improved, and autophagy was induced. More specifically, PINK1 was overexpressed, identifying mitophagy activation. After four weeks of cotreatment with RFX, there was an increase in acetate and propionate-producing microflora, as well as the circulating levels of SCFAs. In accordance with this, the expression of PGC-1α, a downstream to SCFAs action on their receptors, was activated. PGC-1α is an upstream activator of mitophagy and mitochondriogenesis. In this sense, the protein expression of TFAM, which regulates the mitochondrial genome, was upregulated along with a significant decrease in apoptosis and oxidative stress. Conclusion: we found that RFX has a positive regulatory effect on mitophagy and mitochondria biogenesis, which could explain the novel role played by RFX in preventing the adverse effects of malathion on testicular tissue.

Thymol ameliorates 5-fluorouracil-induced intestinal mucositis: Evidence of down-regulatory effect on TGF-β/MAPK pathways through NF-κB

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a front-line cytotoxic therapy. However, intestinal mucositis is a well-known adverse event of 5-FU, which limits its therapeutic use. Indeed, thymol, which is a monoterpene component of the essential oil derived from thymus, has a potential anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the potential chemoprotective effect of thymol against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis. Rats were either exposed to two doses of 5-FU (150 mg/kg, ip) and/or treated with thymol (60 or 120 mg/kg). Oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as pathological changes, were assessed. 5-FU-induced severe intestinal damages as were evidenced by histopathological changes as well as oxidative and inflammatory responses. Thymol pretreatment inhibited 5-FU-induced oxidative stress by reducing lipid peroxidation and increasing intestinal levels of antioxidant systems. Moreover, inflammatory response markers, such as interleukin-6, prostaglandin E2, and COX-2 were also improved. The immunoblotting analysis also showed that thymol significantly inhibited the 5-FU-induced expression of nuclear factor-κB, tumor necrosis factor-α, and transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1), in addition to the suppression of p38 and phosphorylated c-Jun N-terminal kinases (p-JNK) mitogen-activated protein kinase proteins' expressions. Our study is the first to demonstrate the promising protective effect of thymol against 5-FU-induced intestinal mucositis through inhibition of oxidative, inflammatory pathways, and suppression of TGF-β/p38/p-JNK signaling.

Thymoquinone attenuates isoproterenol-induced myocardial infarction by inhibiting cytochrome C and matrix metalloproteinase-9 expression

Thymoquinone (TQ) is the main active constituent of Nigella sativa. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of TQ on apoptotic parameters and MMP-9 expression in isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial infarction (MI). TQ was given once daily for 7 days at doses of 10 and 20 mg/kg orally with ISP (86 mg/kg; s.c.) administered on the sixth and seventh days. TQ pre-treatment protected against ISP-induced MI as approved by normalisation of electrocardiogram (ECG) and b (CK)-MB, minimal histopathological changes, and reduction of the infarction size. Effects of TQ could be supported by its antioxidant activity, evidenced by the increase of cardiac reduced glutathione and total serum antioxidant capacity, and the inhibition of ISO-induced lipid peroxidation. TQ anti-inflammatory activity was associated with reduced expression of NF-κB and TNF-α. TQ ameliorated cardiomyocytes^, apoptotic pathways by inhibiting both the intrinsic pathway, via reducing cytoplasmic cytochrome C, and the extrinsic pathway, by inhibiting TNF-α and caspases, and the effect of TQ was dose-dependent. Moreover, TQ reduced the expression of metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, which is considered as a prognostic marker of ventricular remodelling, recommending that TQ can be used as a possible supplement to minimise post-MI changes. So, we conclude that TQ antiapoptotic activity and the inhibitory modulation of MMP-9 expression contribute to TQ protective effects in MI. To our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the effect of TQ on cytochrome c activity and MMP-9 expression in MI.

KEAP1/Nrf2 pathway in sodium fluoride-induced cardiac toxicity and the prophylactic role of vitamin C versus platelet-rich plasma

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of vitamin C versus platelet-rich plasma against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced cardiotoxicity and cell death in rats' myocardium. Previous studies suggest that NaF decreased cellular viability and intracellular antioxidant power. The present study revealed that NaF administration caused histological alterations in the cardiac muscle and increased the accumulation of intracellular reactive oxygen species, the expression of iNOS and PCNA as well as collagen deposition in cardiac tissue. As supported by colorimetric analysis, an elevation in MDA level and a decrease in both SOD and TrX levels were seen, whereas molecular analysis revealed a decrease in Keap1 and an increase in Nrf2 and HO-1 gene expression. Pretreatment with vitamin C and PRP prior to NaF administration significantly improved the altered parameters and enhanced the cellular antioxidant capability of myocardium resulting in protection of cardiac muscle from NaF-induced cytotoxicity and apoptotic cell death. The cyto-protective activity of PRP was found to be comparable to that of the known antioxidant, vitamin C.

Cyanocobalamin and/or calcitriol mitigate renal damage-mediated by tamoxifen in rats: Implication of caspase-3/NF-κB signaling pathways

AIM

Tamoxifen (TAMO) is a chemotherapeutic drug used for the treatment of breast cancer. Nevertheless, there is a lack of information available in regarding its nephrotoxicity. The purpose of this work was to investigate the impact of cyanocobalamin (COB) and/or calcitriol (CAL) injections on TAMO-induced nephrotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

Animals were allocated into five groups as follows: normal control group; TAMO (45 mg/kg) administered group; TAMO+COB (6mg/kg, i.p) treated group; TAMO+CAL (0.3 μg/kg, i.p) treated group; TAMO+COB+CAL combination groups.

KEY FINDINGS

Renal injury induced by TAMO was confirmed by the alteration in renal function parameters in the serum (urea and creatinine), as well as in the urine (creatinine clearance, total protein and albumin). These results were supported by histopathological examination. Upregulation of renal inflammatory parameters; tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6, C-reactive protein (CRP); and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 as well as in protein expression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and cleaved caspase-3 were observed to a greater extent in the TAMO-treated rats compared with the control. Renal fibrosis was also evidenced by a elevation in renal L-hydroxyproline level as well as by histomorphological collagen deposition in TAMO-treated groups compared to the control group. Administration of COB and/or CAL concurrently with TAMO significantly ameliorated the deviation in the above-studied parameters and improved the histopathological renal picture.

SIGNIFICANCE

Inhibition of NF-κβ-mediated inflammation and caspase-3-induced apoptosis are possible renoprotective mechanisms of COB and/or CAL against TAMO nephrotoxicity, which was more noticeable in the TAMO group treated with the combination of the two vitamins in question.

Sesame oil mitigates memory impairment, oxidative stress, and neurodegeneration in a rat model of Alzheimer's disease. A pivotal role of NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF/PPAR-γ pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sesame (Sesamum indicum, L., Family: Pedaliaceae) is a notable folk medicine in Middle East, Asia and Africa. Many traditional and pharmacological studies have documented the unique nature of sesame oil (SO). SO has been reported to have many pharmacological effects related to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capacity of its components. Neuroinflammation and oxidative stress have been the predominant pathogenic events in Alzheimer's disease (AD) which is one of the most common neurodegenerative diseases.

AIM OF STUDY

we aimed to explore the neuroprotective effect and the probable mechanisms of SO against aluminium chloride (AlCl3)-induced AD symptoms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were treated daily with AlCl3 (100 mg/kg/i.p.) either alone or with SO (two different doses) for six weeks. Behavioral (Open-field and Morris water maze tests), histopathological, and biochemical examinations were used to evaluate the neuroprotective effect and the underlying mechanisms of SO against AlCl3-induced AD symptoms.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that SO significantly improved learning and memory impairments induced by AlCl3. Indeed, SO treatment significantly restored the elevated level of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and amyloid beta (Aβ) overexpression. Moreover, AlCl3 treatment afforded histopathological changes, increase the expression of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) in addition to mitigation of oxidative stress status in the brain. SO abolished all these abnormalities. Meanwhile, AlCl3 induced activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38MAPK) and decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) which were inhibited by SO. Furthermore, SO administration modulated the expression of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPAR-γ) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB).

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the neuroprotective effect of SO involved the modulation of different mechanisms targeting oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and cognitive functions. SO may modulate different molecular targets involved in AD pathogenesis by alterations of NF-κB/p38MAPK/BDNF/PPAR-γ signalling and this may be attributed to the synergistic effect of their active components.

The beneficial effects of antioxidants combination on cardiac injury induced by tetrachloromethane

The purpose of this research was to evaluate the efficacy of carsil (CAR) either alone or in combination with α-tocopherol (α-TOCO) and/or turmeric (TUMR) against tetrachloromethane (TCM)-induced cardiomyocyte injury in rats. Administration of CAR either alone or in combination with α-TOCO and/or TUMR post-TCM injection, significantly mitigated the increases in serum troponin T, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP). They also decline the elevation of caspase-3, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) protein expression as well as DNA damage in cardiac tissues induced by TCM. The biochemical results were confirmed by histopathological investigation. Conclusion: The combination of the three antioxidants showed greater cardioprotective potential, compared to individual drugs. Therefore, this combination may be recommended as a complementary therapy to antagonize cardiac injury induced by different insults.

Organophosphate toxicity: updates of malathion potential toxic effects in mammals and potential treatments

Organophosphorus insecticides toxicity is still considered a major global health problem. Malathion is one of the most commonly used organophosphates nowadays, as being considered to possess relatively low toxicity compared with other organophosphates. However, widespread use may lead to excessive exposure from multiple sources. Mechanisms of MAL toxicity include inhibition of acetylcholinesterase enzyme, change of oxidants/antioxidants balance, DNA damage, and facilitation of apoptotic cell damage. Exposure to malathion has been associated with different toxicities that nearly affect every single organ in our bodies, with CNS toxicity being the most well documented. Malathion toxic effects on liver, kidney, testis, ovaries, lung, pancreas, and blood were also reported. Moreover, malathion was considered as a genotoxic and carcinogenic chemical compound. Evidence exists for adverse effects associated with prenatal and postnatal exposure in both animals and humans. This review summarizes the toxic data available about malathion in mammals and discusses new potential therapeutic modalities, with the aim to highlight the importance of increasing awareness about its potential risk and reevaluation of the allowed daily exposure level.

Oleuropein Reverses Repeated Corticosterone-Induced Depressive-Like Behavior in mice: Evidence of Modulating Effect on Biogenic Amines

Depression is still one of challenging, and widely encountered disorders with complex etiology. The role of healthy diet and olive oil in ameliorating depression has been claimed. This study was designed to explore the effects of oleuropein; the main constituent of olive oil; on depression-like behaviors that are induced by repeated administration of corticosterone (40 mg/kg, i.p.), once a day for 21 days, in mice. Oleuropein (8, 16, and 32 mg/kg, i.p.) or fluoxetine (20 mg/kg, positive control, i.p.1) was administered 30 minutes prior to corticosterone injection. Sucrose consumption test, open-field test (OFT), tail suspension test (TST), and forced swimming test (FST) were performed. Reduced Glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation, and biogenic amines; serotonin, dopamine, and nor-epinephrine; levels were also analyzed in brain homogenates. Corticosterone treatment induced depression-like behaviors, it increased immobility time in the TST, OFT, and FST, decreased the number of movements in OFT, and decreased sucrose consumption. Corticosterone effect was associated with depletion of reduced glutathione and increase of lipid peroxidation, in addition to modification of biogenic amines; decreased serotonin and dopamine. Oleuropein or fluoxetine administration counteracted corticosterone-induced changes. In conclusion, oleuropein showed a promising antidepressant activity, that is evident by improving corticosterone-induced depression-like behaviors, and normalizing levels of biogenic amines.

Cross Talk Between TGF-β and JAK Expressions and Nepherotoxicity Induced by Tetrachloromethane: Role of Phytotherapy

The aim of the current study is to assess the effectiveness of milk thistle seeds (Mth) in combination with Taraxacum officinale (Tof) and/or Camellia sinensis (Csin) against tetrachloromethane (Tcm) renotoxicity in rats. Tetrachloromethane was injected in a single dose, followed by 1-month treatments with Mth, Tof, and Csin alone or in combination. Serum urea, uric acid, and creatinine levels were significantly increased matched with the control group. Masson trichrome stain revealed increase in the deposition of fibrous tissue in the interstitium between the tubules and the renal corpuscles. Immunohistochemical analysis of kidney tissues revealed that Tcm induced an increase in the immune response of tumor growth factor β (TGF-β) and Janus kinase (JAK) protein expressions and cysteine–aspartic acid protease 3 (caspase 3), while B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) was downregulated. Treatment with the antioxidants in question either alone or in combination ameliorated all kidney function parameters and showed mild immune reactivity toward TGF-β and JAK protein expressions in blood vessels and glomeruli in the kidney tissues and downregulated caspase 3 and activated Bcl2 protein expression. The combination regimen of the 3 antioxidants showed the most significant renoprotective effect. This was also confirmed histopathologically. It was concluded that the antioxidant mixture is considered as a promising candidate toward renal dysfunction and immune reactivity induced by Tcm and other toxicants.

Rubus sanctus protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rat isolated hepatocytes: isolation and characterization of its galloylated flavonoids

OBJECTIVES

Rubus sanctus Schreb., known from the Bible as 'holy thorn bush', grows wild in Egypt. Rubus sanctus aqueous alcoholic extract (RE) contains a complicated phenolic mixture (ellagitanins, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives). In this study, the phytochemical investigation of the plant was re-evaluated. Herein, we report on the isolation and identification of three galloylated flavonoids, namely kaempferol-3-O-(6''-O-galloyl)-(4)C(1)-beta-d-galactopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(6''-O-galloyl)-(4)C(1)-beta-d-galactopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-(6''-O-galloyl)-(4)C(1)-beta-d-galactopyranoside for the first time from the Rubus genus. We further aimed at evaluating the potential protective effects of RE against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.

METHODS

Based on an initial concentration-response experiment, a concentration of 100 mug/ml was selected to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of RE.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment with RE afforded protection as indicated by counteracting CCl(4)-induced cell death, and reduced glutathione depletion. In addition, RE ameliorated CCl(4)-induced enzyme leakage by 40% for lactate dehydrogenase, 30% for alanine aminotransferase and 20% for aspartate aminotransferase as compared with CCl(4)-treated cells. Moreover, RE counteracted CCl(4)-induced lipid peroxidation and inhibited spontaneous lipid peroxidation in the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, RE protects against CCl(4)-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Rubus sanctus protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rat isolated hepatocytes: isolation and characterization of its galloylated flavonoids

Objectives

Rubus sanctus Schreb., known from the Bible as ‘holy thorn bush’, grows wild in Egypt. Rubus sanctus aqueous alcoholic extract (RE) contains a complicated phenolic mixture (ellagitanins, flavonoids and caffeic acid derivatives). In this study, the phytochemical investigation of the plant was re-evaluated. Herein, we report on the isolation and identification of three galloylated flavonoids, namely kaempferol-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-4C1-β-d-galactopyranoside, quercetin-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)-4C1-β-d-galactopyranoside and myricetin-3-O-(6″-O-galloyl)- C1-β-d-galactopyranoside for the first time from the Rubus genus. We further aimed at evaluating the potential protective effects of RE against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Methods

Based on an initial concentration-response experiment, a concentration of 100 μg/ml was selected to investigate the hepatoprotective activity of RE.

Key findings

Pretreatment with RE afforded protection as indicated by counteracting CCl4-induced cell death, and reduced glutathione depletion. In addition, RE ameliorated CCl4-induced enzyme leakage by 40% for lactate dehydrogenase, 30% for alanine aminotransferase and 20% for aspartate aminotransferase as compared with CCl4-treated cells. Moreover, RE counteracted CCl4-induced lipid peroxidation and inhibited spontaneous lipid peroxidation in the control group.

Conclusions

In conclusion, RE protects against CCl4-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes.

Gastric mucosal Helicobacter pylori distribution and its implications

In tile present study the clinicopathological aspects of H. pylori infection in different parts of the stomach were investigated in 36 patients. The results showed that 28 patients (77.8%) were H. pylori positive and 8 patients (22.2%) were H. pylori negative by histopathology and confirmation with modified Giemsa stain. There was no statistically significant difference belween H. pylori positive and negative patients regarding dyspeptic symptoms or intestinal metaplasia histopathologically. Histopathological examination revealed chronic gastritis with mononuclear cell infiltration in all studied patients. According to the degree of cell infiltration, chronic gastritis was graded as mild, moderate and severe. There was a statistically significant difference between H. pylori positive and H. pylori negative patients regarding both severity and activity of chronic gastritis in the antrum and body compared to the fundus. Also, there was significant correlation between the grade of H. pylori colonization and the grade of chronic active gastritis on one hand and between H. pylori infection and atrophic gastritis. The serum anti-H. Pylori - IgG positive cases who were H pylori negative by history, showed atrophic gastritis acid intestinal metaplasia. This may be due to the fact that the mucosa has become inhospitable for H. pylori.