Aprepitant boasted a protective effect against olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome and its subsequent hepatic, renal, and ovarian dysfunction; Role of IGF1/p-AKT/FOXO1 and NFκB/IL-1β/TNF-α signaling pathways in female Wistar albino rats

Olanzapine-induced metabolic syndrome (MS) is a primary risk factor for insulin resistance, hepatorenal damage, and polycystic ovarian syndrome. The objective of the current study was to assess the protective effects of aprepitant (AP) against MS caused by olanzapine and the associated ovarian, renal, and liver dysfunction via modulation of IGF1/p-AKT/FOXO1 and NFκB/IL-1β/TNF-α signaling pathways. AP mitigated all biochemical and histopathological abnormalities induced by olanzapine and resulted in a significant reduction of serum HOMA-IR, lipid profile parameters, and a substantial decrease in hepatic, renal, and ovarian MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, NFκB, and caspase 3. Serum AST, ALT, urea, creatinine, FSH, LH, and testosterone also decreased significantly by AP administration. The FOXO 1 signaling pathway was downregulated in the AP-treated group, while GSH, SOD, and HDL cholesterol levels were elevated.

LCZ696 attenuates sepsis-induced liver dysfunction in rats; the role of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK1/2-P38 signaling pathways

AIM

Sepsis is a serious inflammatory response to infection with an annual incidence rate of >48 million cases and 11 million fatalities worldwide. Furthermore, sepsis remains the world's fifth-greatest cause of death. For the first time, the current study aims to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective benefits of LCZ696, a combination of an angiotensin receptor blocker (valsartan) and a neprilysin inhibitor prodrug (sacubitril), on cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis in rats.

MAIN METHODS

CLP was employed to induce sepsis. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-6 (IL-6), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and caspase 3 were assessed using ELISA. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) were also measured. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of JNK1/2 and P38 proteins. The histology of liver tissues was also examined.

KEY FINDINGS

CLP resulted in significant elevation of AST, ALT, MDA, IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and caspase 3 levels, and up-regulation of p/t JNK1/2, and p/t P38 proteins, as compared to the sham group. However, level of GSH, and SOD activity were reduced in CLP group. LCZ696 significantly improved all the previously mentioned biochemical and histological abnormalities better than using valsartan alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

LCZ696 substantially ameliorated CLP-induced liver damage, compared to valsartan, by reducing proinflammatory mediators, inhibiting the JNK1/2 and P38 signaling pathway, and attenuating apoptosis.

LCZ696 (sacubitril/valsartan) mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced premature ovarian failure in rats; the role of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 signaling pathway

AIM

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used to treat a variety of cancers and autoimmune illnesses. CP has been found to frequently cause premature ovarian failure (POF). The study's objective was to assess LCZ696's potential for protection against CP-induced POF in a rat model.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were randomly assigned into seven groups as follows: control, valsartan (VAL), LCZ696, CP, CP + VAL, CP + LCZ696, and CP + triptorelin (TRI). Ovarian malondialdehyde (MDA), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were assessed using ELISA. Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), estrogen, follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), and luteinizing hormone (LH) were also measured using ELISA. The expression of NLRP3/Caspase-1/GSDMD C-NT and TLR4/MYD88/NF-B P65 proteins was estimated using western blot assay. The histopathology of the ovaries was also investigated. The estrous cycle, body, and ovarian weights were also monitored.

KEY FINDINGS

CP treatment significantly elevated levels of MDA, IL-18, IL-1β, TNF-α, FSH, LH, and up-regulated TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 proteins, as compared to the control group, however, ovarian follicles count, and levels of GSH, SOD, AMH, and estrogen were reduced with CP administration. All the aforementioned biochemical and histological abnormalities were considerably alleviated by the LCZ696 therapy compared to valsartan alone.

SIGNIFICANCE

LCZ696 effectively mitigated CP-induced POF, offering promising protection that could be related to its suppression power on NLRP3-induced pyroptosis and TLR4/NF-B P65 pathway.