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Elkomy NMIM, El-Shaibany A, Elnagar GM, Abdelkhalek AS, Al-Mahbashi H, Elaasser MM, Raweh SM, Aldiyarbi MA, Raslan AE. Evaluation of acute oral toxicity, anti-diabetic and antioxidant effects of Aloe vera flowers extract. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 309:116310. [PMID: 36863642 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 02/17/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Aloe vera (L.) Burm.f. is widely used in various traditional systems of medicine worldwide. Since over 5000 years ago, several cultures have used A. vera extract medicinally for conditions ranging from diabetes to eczema. It has been shown to reduce the symptoms of diabetes by enhancing insulin secretion and protecting pancreatic islets. AIM OF THE WORK This research study aimed to investigate the in-vitro antioxidant effect, the acute oral toxicity, and the possible pharmacological in-vivo anti-diabetic activity with histological examination of the pancreas of the standardized deep red A. vera flowers methanolic extracts (AVFME). MATERIALS AND METHODS The liquid-liquid extraction procedure and TLC technique were used to investigate chemical composition. Total phenolics and flavonoids in AVFME were quantified by Folin-Ciocalteu and AlCl3 colorimetric methods, respectively. The present study involved evaluating the in-vitro antioxidant effect of AVFME using ascorbic acid as the reference standard, an acute oral toxicity study by using thirty-six albino rats and different concentrations of AVFME (200 mg/kg, 2, 4, 8 and 10 g/kg b.w.). Furthermore, the in-vivo anti-diabetic study was performed on alloxan-induced diabetes in rats (120 mg/kg, I.P.) and two doses of AVFME (200 and 500 mg/kg b.w., orally) were used as compared to glibenclamide (5 mg/kg, orally) as a standard hypoglycemic sulfonylurea medication. A histological examination of the pancreas was performed. RESULTS AVFME resulted in the highest phenolic content of 150.44 ± 4.62 mg gallic acid equivalent per gram (GAE/g) along with flavonoid content of 70.38 ± 0.97 mg of quercetin equivalent per gram (QE/g). An in-vitro study revealed that the antioxidant effect of AVFME was strong as ascorbic acid. The results of the in-vivo studies showed that the AVFME didn't cause any apparent toxicity signs or death in all groups at different doses which proves the safety of this extract with a wide therapeutic index. The antidiabetic activity of AVFME demonstrated a considerable drop in blood glucose levels as glibenclamide, without severe hypoglycemia or significant weight gain which is considered an advantage of AVFME over glibenclamide use. The histopathological study of pancreatic tissues confirmed the protective effect of AVFME on the pancreatic beta-cells. The extract is proposed to have antidiabetic activity through inhibition of α-amylase, α-glucosidase, and dipeptidyl peptidase IV (DPP-IV). Molecular docking studies were conducted to understand possible molecular interactions with these enzymes. CONCLUSION AVFME represents a promising alternative source of active constituents against diabetes mellitus (DM) based on its oral safety, antioxidant, anti-hyperglycemic activities, and pancreatic protective effects. These data revealed the antihyperglycemic activity of AVFME is mediated by pancreatic protective effects while significantly enhancing insulin secretion through increasing functioning beta cells. This suggests that AVFME has the potential as a novel antidiabetic therapy or a dietary supplement for the treatment of type 2 diabetes (T2DM).
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Affiliation(s)
- Nesreen M I M Elkomy
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Amina El-Shaibany
- Pharmacognosy Department, University of Sana'a, Pharmacy College, Yemen.
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed S Abdelkhalek
- Medicinal Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Hassan Al-Mahbashi
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, College of Medicine, Sana'a University, Sanaa, Yemen.
| | - Mahmoud M Elaasser
- The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, 11787, Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Salwa M Raweh
- Pharmacognosy Department, University of Sana'a, Pharmacy College, Yemen.
| | - Maha A Aldiyarbi
- Zagazig University Hospitals, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Ali E Raslan
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut, 71524, Egypt.
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Elseweidy MM, Elnagar GM, Elsawy MM, Zein N. Azelastine a potent antihistamine agent, as hypolipidemic and modulator for aortic calcification in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats model. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:1611-1618. [PMID: 32615812 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2020.1786129] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
AIM Our study aimed to illustrate the effect of the antihistaminic drug azelastine on aortic calcification in diabetic hyperlipidemic (DH) rats along with the underlying molecular mechanism. METHODS Twenty-four male albino Wistar rats were categorised into four groups. One group received normal rodent chow (normal group), while the other groups were rendered diabetic and hyperlipidemic; one received no drugs and served as a positive control while the other two groups received either azelastine (4 mg/kg) or 10-dehydrogingerdione (10 mg/kg) orally and daily for 8 weeks. RESULTS Azelastine significantly reduced blood glucose, HbA1c and serum ALP, OCN, downregulated apo B, improved the lipid profile (LDL-c decrease and HDL-c increase), attenuated calcium deposition and aortic calcification as compared to control group. 10-DHGD showed comparatively lower effect. CONCLUSION Anti-calcifying effect of azelastine might be related to upregulation of apo A (HDL-c) and downregulation of apo B mRNA expression indeed good modulator of aortic calcification. IMPACT STATEMENT Many studies have indicated that high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-c) is inversely correlated with atherosclerotic plaque progression and could reduce cardiovascular disease risk. An anti-calcifying effect of HDL-c has been reported and targeting this lipoprotein may therefore be a valuable approach to vascular calcification control. Azelastine is a selective H1 antagonist that was identified to increase mRNA expression of apolipoprotein A. This encouraged us to investigate the effect of azelastine on lipid profile and markers of aortic calcification in DH rats. Our findings showed that azelastine ameliorated aortic calcification and increased apoA expression along with a decline in apo B. This may represent the underlying mechanism while the histopathological findings offered a significant support to the collected biochemical data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elseweidy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Elsawy
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nabila Zein
- Biochemistry Division, Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Elnagar GM, Elseweidy MM, Elkomy NM, Keshawy MM, Fathy OM, Sobh MS, Mahmoud YK. Policosanol ameliorates renal inflammation and pyroptosis in hypercholesterolemic rabbits via modulation of HMGB1/PI3K/mTOR/NLRP3/Caspase-1 pathway. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2022] Open
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Elseweidy MM, Elawady AS, Sobh MS, Elnagar GM. Lycopene ameliorates hyperlipidemia via potentiation of AMP-activated protein kinase and inhibition of ATP-citrate lyase in diabetic hyperlipidemic rat model. Life Sci 2022; 308:120934. [PMID: 36075470 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120934] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2022] [Revised: 08/28/2022] [Accepted: 09/02/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
AIM The present study aimed mainly to demonstrate the metabolic effects of lycopene (LYC) or atorvastatin (ATOR) in diabetic hyperlipidemic rat model. MAIN METHODS Rats were randomly classified into four groups; the first was fed normal chow diet (NC) while the other three groups received streptozotocin (STZ) along with CCT-diet. The second group received no treatment (diabetic hyperlipidemic control, DHC), the third one received ATOR (50 mg/kg/day) while the fourth one received LYC (20 mg/kg/day). Serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations. KEY FINDINGS DHC rats demonstrated significant hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, increased hepatic fatty acid synthetase (FAS), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), 3-hydroxy 3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase and ATP citrate lyase (ACLY). However, hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and phosphorylated form of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK-P) activities showed significant decreases. ATOR or LYC administration induced hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects; decreased hepatic levels of MDA, TNF-α, HMG-CoA reductase, ACLY and FAS along with GSH and AMPK-P increases. Histopathological findings showed clear correlation with the biomarkers results. SIGNIFICANCE LYC demonstrated favorable significant effects regarding the biomarkers studied as compared to ATOR and may be expressed as a potent therapeutic agent of natural origin for hyperlipidemia complications either alone or in combination with other hypolipidemic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elseweidy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Alaa S Elawady
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Sobh
- Pathology Department, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
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Elseweidy MM, Elesawy AE, Sobh MS, Elnagar GM. Ellagic acid ameliorates high fructose-induced hyperuricemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver in Wistar rats: Focusing on the role of C1q/tumor necrosis factor-related protein-3 and ATP citrate lyase. Life Sci 2022; 305:120751. [PMID: 35780841 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120751] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Revised: 06/26/2022] [Accepted: 06/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
AIMS High-fructose intake (HF) represents an inducible risk factor for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Present study aimed to illustrate the effect of HF diet (HFD) on the induction of NAFLD, hyperuricemia and role of ellagic acid as modulator. MAIN METHODS Twenty-four adult male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups (6/each). The first group received normal chow diet only while the others received 60 % HFD for 4 weeks and subdivided later into 3 groups. The first and second groups received allopurinol and ellagic acid, respectively while the third group received HFD only for extra 4 weeks. KEY FINDINGS Rats fed on HFD for 8 weeks displayed body weight gain, insulin resistance (IR), hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, hyperuricemia with increased oxidative stress and hepatic lipogenic enzymes such as ATP citrate lyase (ACL), aldolase B, and fatty acid synthase (FAS), sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 (SERBP-1c). C1q /tumor necrosis factor-related protein -3 (CTRP3), and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) however showed significant decreases. Ellagic acid or allopurinol administration significantly decreased serum lipids, uric acid, glucose, insulin levels and hepatic contents of enzymes. Malondialdehyde (MDA), FAS, aldolase B, SERBP-1c, and xanthine oxidase (XO) hepatic contents showed significant decreases along with glutathione (GSH) increase as compared to fructose group where ellagic acid was more remarkable compared to allopurinol. SIGNIFICANCE Our findings indicated that ellagic acid had alleviated HFD-induced hyperuricemia, its associated NAFLD pattern as mediated through activation of CTRP3 and inhibition of ACL activities in a pattern more remarkable than allopurinol.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ahmed E Elesawy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Badr University in Cairo)BUC), Egypt
| | - Mohammed S Sobh
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Egypt
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Al-Gabri N, Elnagar GM, Saghir SAM, El-Shaibany A, Alnomasy SF, Althafar ZM, Elkomy NMIM, Elaasser MM, Abdoh MS, Yosri M. Preliminary Study of Gastroprotective Effect of Aloe perryi and Date Palm Extracts on Pyloric Ligation-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Experimental Rats. Biomed Res Int 2022; 2022:9246785. [PMID: 35111849 PMCID: PMC8803418 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9246785] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 12/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE The present study was aimed at investigating the possible antiulcer activities of some natural phytochemicals Aloe perryi leaf extract (APLE) and flower extract (APFE) in addition to the date palm seed extract (DPSE) and the oily samples of DPSE in a pylorus ligation-induced ulcer model using ranitidine as a standard antiulcer drug. BACKGROUND Peptic ulcer is a prevalent gastrointestinal disorder due to hypersecretion of gastric acid. It affects four million people worldwide, and 2-10% of these ulcers are perforated and cause bleeding. This increases the risk of morbidity and mortality. So we aimed to introduce a primary study alternatively safe method for treating peptic ulcer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty-two Wistar Albino rats of either sex were randomly divided into seven groups (6/each). The pylorus ligation was done to induce ulcer in pretreated albino rats. The antiulcer activities of extracts were estimated at different dose levels (250 and 500 mg/kg) using ranitidine as a standard drug (50 mg/kg). Gastric volume, pH, and total and free acidity as well as ulcer index and percentage of ulcer inhibition were measured to elucidate the antiulcerogenic effects. Histological examination of gastric ulcer was also performed. Statistical analysis for the results was done where P < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Pylorus ligation for 6 h in control rats resulted in gastric ulcer which was indicated by the accumulation of gastric secretion and increased total acidity and decreased pH. The pretreatment of rats with APLE, APFE, and DPSE in addition to the oily samples of DPSE significantly inhibited the ulcers induced by pylorus ligation. These effects were attributed to significant reductions in total and free acidity, ulcer index, and gastric volume while there is a marked decrease in gastric pH (the antisecretory) as well as mucosal strengthening properties of these phytochemicals. CONCLUSION These findings give these extracts the potential to be a promising tool for the management of gastric ulcer after performing further clinical and experimental studies. Our study demonstrated the promising antiulcer activity of extracts and oils in pyloric ligation-induced gastric ulcer. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to explore the antiulcer activity of these extracts; however, further investigations may be recommended for full details about this antiulcerogenic capacity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naif Al-Gabri
- Veterinary Department, Faculty of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Thamar University, Dhamar, Yemen
- Laboratory of Salam Veterinary Group, Buraydah, Al-Qassim, Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehad M. Elnagar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt
| | - Sultan A. M. Saghir
- Department of Medical Analysis, Princess Aisha Bint Al Hussein College of Nursing and Medical Analysis, Al-Hussein Bin Talal University, Ma'an, Jordan
| | - Amina El-Shaibany
- Pharmacognosy Department, University of Sana'a, Pharmacy College, Yemen
| | - Sultan F. Alnomasy
- Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ziyad M. Althafar
- Department of Medical Laboratories Sciences, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Al-Quwayiyah, Shaqra University, Al-Quwayiyah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | | | - Mahmoud M. Elaasser
- The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, 11787 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maisa Siddiq Abdoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, Faculty of Applied Medical Sciences, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Center of Excellence in Genomic Medicine Research, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohammed Yosri
- The Regional Center for Mycology and Biotechnology, Al-Azhar University, 11787 Nasr City, Cairo, Egypt
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Elseweidy MM, Elnagar GM, M Elsawy M, Ali AA, Zein N. Losartan and azelastine either alone or in combination as modulators for endothelial dysfunction and platelets activation in diabetic hyperlipidemic rats. J Pharm Pharmacol 2020; 72:1812-1821. [PMID: 32880967 DOI: 10.1111/jphp.13363] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
AIM The present study aimed mainly to demonstrate the effect of the antihistamine azelastine (AZ) and Angiotensin receptor blocker ( ARB), represented by losartan (LOS) either alone or in combined form on certain metabolic aspects, endothelial dysfunction and platelets activation markers in diabetic hyperlipidemic rat model. METHODS Rats were randomly classified to five groups: One group fed normal chow diet (NC). Four groups received alloxan and CCT-diet. One group received no treatment (DHC while the other three groups received AZ, LOS and their combination form, respectively for 8 weeks. Serum and tissue samples were collected for biochemical and histological evaluations. RESULTS DHC rats demonstrated significant hyperglycaemia, dyslipidemia, disturbances in endothelial and platelet activation markers. AZ or LOS administration demonstrated hypoglycaemic and hypolipidemic effects. VCAM-1 and sE-selectin (Endothelial function markers) along with CD63 (Platelet activation marker) showed significant decrease as compared to control group. AZ administration exerted little prominent effects than that of LOS, while their combination demonstrated remarkable changes compared to monotherapy. Histopathological findings were in agreement to certain extent with the biomarkers results. CONCLUSIONS Both drug categories may be expressed as suitable therapeutic tools for atherosclerotic complications either alone or along with other hypolipidemic drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elseweidy
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Elsawy
- Chemistry Department (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Abdelmoneim A Ali
- Pathology Department, Faculty of veterinary medicine, Zagazig university, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Nabila Zein
- Chemistry Department (Biochemistry Division), Faculty of science, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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Elseweidy MM, Mohamed HE, Elrashidy RA, Atteia HH, Elnagar GM, Ali AEM. Potential therapeutic roles of 10-dehydrogingerdione and/or pentoxifylline against calcium deposition in aortic tissues of high dietary cholesterol-fed rabbits. Mol Cell Biochem 2018; 453:131-142. [PMID: 30173373 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-018-3438-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Accepted: 08/24/2018] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The present study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of 10-dehydrogingerdione (10-DHGD) and pentoxifylline (PTX) either individually or in combined form on calcium deposition in high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed rabbits as compared to atorvastatin (ATOR), and to clarify the underlying mechanisms. Three-months-old male New Zealand white rabbits received either normal chow or HCD for 12 weeks. The latter group was subdivided into five groups and concurrently treated either with vehicle (dyslipidemic control), ATOR, 10-DHGD, PTX or combined 10-DHGD and PTX. Blood samples and aortic tissue were collected for biochemical and histological analyses. HCD-fed rabbits displayed dyslipidemia, inflammation, atherosclerotic lesions, and calcium deposition in aortas as compared to normal group. This was associated with up-regulation of bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2), wingless-type MMTV integration site family 3A (Wnt3a) mRNA levels and osteopontin expression in their aortic tissue, along with higher serum alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin levels. Furthermore, a marked decrease in osteoprotegerin, along with a significant increase in receptor activator of NF-κB(RANK) levels, was found in aortic tissue of dyslipidemic rabbits. 10-DHGD and PTX monotherapy significantly modulated the afore-mentioned calcification markers and attenuated aortic calcification to greater extent than ATOR. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX exerted more anti-calcifying effect than either individual drug. Our findings suggested therapeutic roles of 10-DHGD and PTX against aortic calcium deposition in dyslipidemic rabbits, likely mediated by HDL-raising effect and attenuation of associated inflammation. Combination of 10-DHGD and PTX may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for aortic calcification associated with atherosclerosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M Elseweidy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.
| | - Hoda E Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Rania A Elrashidy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah H Atteia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt.,Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
| | - Gehad M Elnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
| | - Abd El-Monem Ali
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, 44519, Egypt
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Elseweidy MM, Mohamed HE, Elrashidy RA, Atteia HH, Elnagar GM. Inhibition of Aortic Calcification by Policosanol in Dyslipidemic Rabbits Is Enhanced by Pentoxifylline. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2018; 23:551-560. [PMID: 29742924 DOI: 10.1177/1074248418775377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Policosanol (POL) is a hypocholesterolemic drug of natural origin and has been shown to reduce circulating levels of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) in healthy participants. Recently, we have reported that POL can attenuate aortic calcification in diabetic dyslipidemic rats; however, the underlying mechanism is not fully elucidated. We aimed to investigate the effect of POL on aortic calcification and whether PCSK9 has a contributory role and also to examine whether the combination of POL with pentoxifylline (PTX) as anti–tumor necrosis factor α would offer additional benefits. Thirty adult male New Zealand rabbits weighing 1.5 to 2 kg were randomly assigned to 5 groups. One group received standard chow diet and served as normal control group (NC). The other 4 groups received 0.5% wt/wt cholesterol-rich diet for 12 weeks and concurrently treated with placebo, POL, PTX, or a combination of POL and PTX. Sera samples and aortic tissue were collected for biochemical measurements and histological assessment. Rabbits fed a cholesterol-rich diet demonstrated dyslipidemia, increased inflammatory state, and elevated serum levels of PCSK9, compared to the NC group. Aortic calcification was evident in dyslipidemic rabbits, represented by increased calcium deposition and osteopontin expression in aortic tissue, along with elevated serum levels of alkaline phosphatase and osteocalcin. Dyslipidemic rabbits showed a significant upregulation of wingless-type MMTV integration site family 3A and bone morphogenetic protein 2 genes in their aortic tissue. Policosanol significantly reduced circulating PCSK9 levels, suppressed calcification markers, and attenuated aortic calcification. Combination of POL with PTX alleviated aortic calcification to a greater extent than either monotherapy, which may be attributed to further suppression of PCSK9 and calcification markers. These findings suggested that POL exerted anticalcifying effect partly via inhibition of PCSK9. Combination of POL and PTX offered additional benefits and might represent a promising therapeutic option for aortic calcification.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed M. Elseweidy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hoda E. Mohamed
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Rania A. Elrashidy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Hebatallah H. Atteia
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Gehad M. Elnagar
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
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