Antitumor Activity of Chitosan-Coated Iron Oxide Nanocomposite Against Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Animal Models

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is among the most prevalent and lethal cancers worldwide. Chitosan-coated iron oxide nanocomposite (Fe₃O₄/Cs) is a promising bio-nanomaterial for many biological applications. The objective of this research was to evaluate the anticancer efficacy of Fe₃O₄/Cs against HCC in animal models. Fe₃O₄ nanoparticles were prepared and added to chitosan solution; then, the mixture was exposed to gamma radiation at a dose of 20 kGy. Rats have received diethylnitrosamine (DEN) orally at a dose of 20 mg/kg body weight 5 times per week during a period of 10 weeks to induce HCC and then have received Fe₃O₄/Cs intraperitoneal injection at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight 3 times per week during a period of 4 weeks. After the last dose of Fe₃O₄/Cs administration, animals were sacrificed. DEN induced upregulation of PI3K/Akt/mTOR and MAPK (ERK, JNK, P38) signaling pathways and inflammatory markers (TLR4, iNOS, and TNF-α). DEN also decreases cleaved caspase-3 and increases liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGT) activities. Administration of Fe₃O₄/Cs significantly ameliorated the above-mentioned parameters.

Luteolin loaded on zinc oxide nanoparticles ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease associated with insulin resistance in diabetic rats via regulation of PI3K/AKT/FoxO1 pathway

OBJECTIVE

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a worldwide health problem with high prevalence and morbidity associated with obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and dyslipidemia. Nano-formulation of luteolin with Zn oxide in the form of Lut/ZnO NPs may improve the anti-diabetic property of each alone and ameliorate the insulin resistance thus management of NAFLD. This study aimed to measure the efficiency of Lut/ZnO NPs against insulin resistance coupled with NAFLD and T2DM.

METHODS

A diabetic rat model with NAFLD was induced by a high-fat diet and streptozotocin (30 mg/kg I.P). Serum diabetogenic markers levels, lipid profile, and activity of liver enzymes were measured beside liver oxidative stress markers. Moreover, the hepatic expressions of PI3K/AKT/FoxO1/SERBP1c as well as heme oxygenase-1 were measured beside the histopathological examination.

RESULTS

Lut/ZnO NPs treatment effectively reduced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, and ameliorated insulin resistance. Additionally, Lut/ZnO NPs improved the hepatic functions, the antioxidant system, and reduced the oxidative stress markers. Furthermore, the lipid load in the liver, as well as the circulating TG and TC, was minified via the suppression of lipogenesis and gluconeogenesis. Moreover, Lut/ZnO NPs activated the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway, hence inactivating FoxO1, therefore enhancing the hepatic cells' insulin sensitivity.

CONCLUSION

Lut/ZnO NPs have a hepatoprotective effect and may relieve the progression of NAFLD by alleviating insulin resistance, ameliorating the antioxidant status, and regulating the insulin signal pathway.

Low-Dose Gamma Radiation Modulates Liver and Testis Tissues Response to Acute Whole Body Irradiation

Aim

This work aims to investigate whether the pre-exposure to low dose/low dose rate (40 mGy, 2.2 mGy/hour) γ-radiation as a priming dose can produce a protective effect against the subsequent high one (4 Gy, .425 Gy/minute).

Methods

Rats were divided into Group I (control), Group II (L); exposed to 40 mGy, Group III (H); exposed to 4 Gy, and Group IV (L+H); exposed to 40 mGy 24 hours before the exposure to 4Gy. The molecular and biochemical changes related to oxidative stress, DNA damage, apoptosis, and mitochondrial activity in the liver and testis were studied 4 hours after irradiation.

Results

Exposure to 40 mGy before 4 Gy induced a significant increase in the levels of Nrf2, Nrf2 mRNA, TAC, and mitochondrial complexes I & II accompanied by a significant decrease in the levels of LPO, 8-OHdG, DNA fragmentation, TNF-α, caspase-3, and caspase-3 mRNA compared with H group.

Conclusion

Exposure to low-dose γ-radiation before a high dose provides protective mechanisms that allow the body to survive better after exposure to a subsequent high one via reducing the oxidative stress, DNA damage, and apoptosis-induced early after irradiation. However, further studies are required to identify the long-term effects of this low dose.

Boswellic Acid Synergizes With Low-Level Ionizing Radiation to Modulate Bisphenol Induced-Lung Toxicity in Rats by Inhibiting JNK/ERK/c-Fos Pathway

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a low molecular weight chemical compound that has a deleterious effect on the endocrine system. It was used in plastics manufacturing with injurious effects on different body systems. Occupational exposure to low-level ionizing radiation (<1 Gy) is shown to attenuate an established inflammatory process and therefore enhance cell protection. Therefore, the objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of boswellic acid (BA) accompanied by whole-body low-dose gamma radiation (γ-R) against BPA-induced lung toxicity in male albino rats. BPA intoxication induced with 500 mg/kg BW. Rats received 50 mg BA/kg BW by gastric gavage concomitant with 0.5 Gy γ-R over 4 weeks. The immunoblotting and biochemical results revealed that BA and/or γ-R inhibited BPA-induced lung toxicity by reducing oxidative damage biomolecules; (MDA and NADPH oxidase gene expression), inflammatory indices (MPO, TNF-α, IL-6, and gene expression of CXCR-4). Moreover, BA and or/γ-R ameliorated the lung inflammation via regulation of the JNK/ERK/c-Fos and Nrf2/ HO-1 signaling pathways. Interestingly, our data demonstrated that BA in synergistic interaction with γ-R is efficacious control against BPA-induced lung injury via anti-oxidant mediated anti-inflammatory activities.

Anticancer and Apoptogenic Effect of Graviola and Low-Dose Radiation in Tumor Xenograft in Mice

Background: Annona muricata (graviola) has been claimed for its potential against various diseases including cancer. Objective: The present study aimed to investigate the anticancer effect of graviola extract on Ehrlich solid tumor (EST) mice along with or without a low dose of γ radiation (LDR). Methods: Mice were treated with graviola 50 mg/kg body weight orally for 30 days after EST induction and exposed to γ-ray (2 Gy/week for 3 weeks). Cell cycle, CD44, TGF-β, Bcl-2, and annexin V were determined in tumor tissue. Results: The result obtained showed a significant decrease (P < .05) of tumor size in 28 graviola-treated EST-bearing mice group (EG) or graviola-treated and irradiated EST-30-bearing mice (EGR) groups versus the EST group. The large number of cells in the sub-G0/G1 population and low cell number at S and M phases signify tumor cell apoptosis and inhibition of cell division in EG or EGR groups. Additionally, significant increases in the expression of CD44 and TGF-β were recorded in EST mice as compared with EG or EGR mice. Furthermore, EST mice exhibited a decrease in the apoptotic marker annexin v and increase in antiapoptotic Bcl-2 compared with EG and EGR mice. Conclusion: It could be suggested that graviola exerts its antitumor effect throughout the regulation of the tumor cell cycle as well as inducing apoptotic signals. The combined treatment of graviola and LDR augments their effect on tumor proliferation.

Effect of partial replacement of alfalfa hay with Moringa species leaves on milk yield and composition of Najdi ewes

The present study was carried out to investigate changes in milk yield and composition of Najdi ewes fed 25 % Moringa oleifera (MOD) or Moringa peregrina (MPD) leaf diets as a supplement to alfalfa hay diet (AHD). Thirty ewes (average 55 kg, 2 years old) were randomly sorted into three experimental groups with 10 animals each and were fed for a 6-week period with these diets (AHD, MOD, or MPD). Diets dry matter, crude protein, and crude fiber were comparable, while fat, nitrogen-free extract (NFE), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), acid detergent fiber (ADF), metabolizable energy (ME), total phenolic, and antioxidant activity varied (p ≤ 0.05) between the diets. Feeding ewes with MOD increased (p ≤ 0.05) the milk yield compared to those fed AHD while milk composition was similar (p ≤ 0.05) between treatments. The concentration of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the ewes' milk and serum was lower (p ≤ 0.05) for MOD, while the total antioxidant capacity, catalase activity, and vitamin C contents were increased (p ≤ 0.05). The serum cholesterol and glucose of the ewes were lower (p ≤ 0.05) for those fed MOD. Moringa diets increased (p ≤ 0.05) average daily weight gain of lambs compared to those fed alfalfa diets. The results obtained showed that the inclusion of Moringa, especially M. oleifera, in the diet of Najdi ewes can improve milk yield and quality.

Anticancer and Radiosensitization Efficacy of Nanocomposite Withania somnifera Extract in Mice Bearing Tumor Cells

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the anticancer and radio-sensitizing efficacy of a Withania somnifera extract/Gadolinium III oxide nanocomposite (WSGNC) in mice. WSGNC was injected to solid Ehrlich carcinoma-bearing mice via i.p. (227 mg/kg body weight) 3 times/week during 3 weeks. Irradiation was performed by whole body fractionated exposure to 6Gy, applied in 3 doses of 2 Gy/week over 3 weeks. Biochemical analyses as well as DNA fragmentation were performed. Treatment of solid Ehrlich carcinoma bearing mice with WSGNC combined with γ-radiation led to a significant decrease in the tumor size and weight associated with a significant decrease in mitochondrial enzyme activities, GSH content and SOD activity as well as a significant increase in caspase-3 activity, MDA concentration and DNA fragmentation in cancer tissues. Combined treatment of WSGNC and low dose of γ-radiation showed great amelioration in lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status (GSH content and SOD activity) in liver tissues in animals bearing tumors. It is concluded that WSGNC can be considered as a radio-sensitizer and anticancer modulator, suggesting a possible role in reducing the radiation exposure dose during radiotherapy.

Inter-related effects of dietary fat and protein level on growth performance in rabbits

Isoenergetic substitution of dietary corn oil for dietary carbohydrates enhances growth in rabbits. It was hypothesized that identical amounts of metabolizable energy in the form of corn oil are more effective than those of carbohydrates in reducing protein catabolism and thus sparing it for growth, which would imply that the fat effect is greater on a marginal than normal protein diet. Young growing rabbits were fed semi-purified diets either relatively high (21.6 energy % protein) or low in casein (13.0 energy % protein) to which extra corn oil (21.1 instead of 5.3 energy %) was added at the expense of an isoenergetic amount of corn starch and dextrose. The addition of corn oil to the diet with 21.6 energy % protein indeed increased weight gain, but the addition to the diet with 13.0 energy % protein left weight gain unchanged. These results refute our hypothesis, because the low-protein intake was not limiting growth. The enrichment of the high-protein diet with extra corn oil did not affect nitrogen retention, whereas urinary nitrogen excretion was increased. These observations also are at variance with the idea that additional fat would spare nitrogen for growth.

Ascorbic acid concentrations in milk from Sudanese camels

The present study in Sudanese camels was done to describe the associations between vitamin C concentrations in milk, and either breed, stage of lactation, parity or the presence of mastitis. A total of 2586 camels were sampled. Arabi camels had higher ascorbic acid levels in milk than did either Anafi or Bishari camels. Milk ascorbic acid levels were higher for camels more than 180 days in lactation than for those earlier in lactation. Multiparous vs. primiparous camels had higher ascorbic acid concentrations in their milk. The ascorbic acid content of colostrum was higher than that of milk. Mastitis was associated with a decrease in the ascorbic acid content of both milk and blood plasma.

The Zinc and Copper Content of the Plasma of Sudanese Camels (Camelus dromedarius)

A study was undertaken to investigate the variations in the content of zinc and copper in the plasma of Sudanese camels (Camelus dromedarius). A total of 993 Arabi camels, aged 0.5-8 years, were used to assess the effect of season, age, sex and physiological status on the plasma concentrations of copper and zinc. There was an increase in the concentration of Cu and a decrease in the concentration of Zn in the plasma with age. The concentrations of both Cu and Zn in the plasma were higher in the rainy season than in the dry season. The plasma copper concentrations in pregnant, low-lactating and high-lactating camels were 81.3 +/- 4.7, 59.7 +/- 6.1 and 61.3 +/- 5.5 microg/100 ml, respectively. The corresponding values for zinc were 51.0 +/- 8.9, 53.4 +/- 6.4 and 67.1 +/- 5.5 microg/100 ml, respectively. However, there was no effect of sex on the content of these minerals in the plasma.

Ascorbic acid content of blood plasma, erythrocytes, leukocytes and liver in camels (Camelus dromedarius) without or with parasite infections

Healthy camels (Camelus dromedaris) and those naturally infected with trypanosomiasis, sarcoptic mange, and helminthiasis were compared as to ascorbic acid (vitamin C) contents of red blood cells, white blood cells, whole blood, plasma, and liver. The camels were kept under natural grazing conditions in Sudan. Reduced levels of vitamin C were found in camels with parasite infections, especially in animals with trypanosomiasis. It is suggested that the low vitamin C status in infected camels is caused by increased utilization and/or decreased synthesis of vitamin C.

Vitamin C concentrations in blood plasma, tissues and urine of camels (Camelus dromedarius) in Sudanese herds

There is suggestive evidence that a low status of ascorbic acid in ruminants is related with decreased disease resistance. In a first attempt to identify conditions in camels that could affect their health, an inventory was made of ascorbic acid (vitamin C) concentrations in plasma and tissues as related to breed, gender, sexual activity and season. A total of 3429 camels were studied and sub-samples were used for selected comparisons. The highest concentrations of ascorbic acid were found in adrenals (152 mg/100 g wet tissue) and the lowest in heart (8 mg/100 g), the levels being unrelated with season. Arabi camels had higher plasma concentrations of ascorbic acid (6.42 microg/ml) than did Anafi and Bishari camels, the latter breed showing the lowest concentrations (3.24 microg/ml). Female camels of the Anafi breed had higher concentrations urinary ascorbic acid than did their male counterparts. It is suggested that in camels the main elimination route of vitamin C is with urine. Female and male Arabi camels that were sexually active had 52 and 23% lower plasma ascorbic acid concentrations than did their sexually inactive counterparts. It is suggested that especially Bishari camels during the breeding season might be sensitive to disease.

The protective effect of glutathione administration on adriamycin-induced acute cardiac toxicity in rats

Adriamycin (ADR) is a potent antitumor antibiotic drug known to cause severe cardiac toxicity. Although ADR generates free radicals, the role of these radicals in the development of cardiac toxicity is still not well understood. In the present study, we evaluated the effect of glutathione (GSH) supplementation or depletion on ADR-induced cardiotoxicity in male Wistar rats. Cardiac toxicity was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of ADR (20 mg kg(-1)) and manifested by an increase in heart rate, blood pressure elevation, and increased serum creatine kinase (CK) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). The extent of lipoprotein oxidation, lipid peroxide measured as malondialdhye (MDA), total homocysteine (tHcy), lipid profile, and atherogenic index were markedly elevated, whereas cardiac GSH content was dramatically decreased in ADR rats. Pre- and co-treatment of ADR rats with GSH (5 mm kg(-1)) (ADR +GSH) markedly reduced the levels of CK, LDH, lipoprotein oxidation susceptibility, cardiac MDA, tHcy and atherogenic index, and elevated GSH levels in cardiac tissues. In contrast, GSH depletion through administration of l-buthionine-(S,R)-sulfoximine (BSO) (15 mm kg(-1)) before and after ADR injection (ADR +BSO) greatly exacerbated ADR cardiotoxicity compared to the control and ADR groups. Finally, there were also severe cardiac histopathological changes in ADR and ADR +BSO groups, which were nearly restored by GSH treatment. These results suggest that GSH inhibits ADR cardiotoxicity and might serve as a novel combination with ADR to limit free radical-mediated organ injury.

Vitamin C attenuation of the development of type I diabetes mellitus by interferon-alpha

Interferon alpha (IFN-alpha) inhibits insulin release and may be cytotoxic to pancreatic islets. Increased free radical activity may be implicated in the cytotoxic action of IFN-alpha and development of diabetes mellitus. Therefore we measured markers of free radical activity (lipid peroxides and the non-peroxide-conjugated diene isomer of linoleic acid [PL-9,11-LA']) along with some pancreatic variables in male albino rats treated with IFN-alpha, as well as the possible protective effect of two antioxidants, vitamin C and mannitol. Compared to untreated rats, it was shown that IFN-alpha induced an increase in plasma glucose. Pancreatic and serum insulin, as well as serum C-peptide, were increased after 1 week, then their levels were reduced after 2 weeks. Plasma lipids peroxides and (PL-9,11-LA') were markedly elevated, while linoleic acid was reduced. These changes in the studied parameters were attributed, in part, to the superoxide and free radical generation during IFN-alpha treatment. Plasma glucagon was increased after 2 weeks. Administration of vitamin C along with IFN-alpha succeeded in modulating most of the altered parameters affected during IFN-alpha. The hyperglycaemic effect of IFN-alpha was greatly ameliorated and the negative effect on pancreatic and serum insulin and serum C-peptide were nearly abolished. The elevated levels of lipid peroxide and (PL-9,11-LA') and the reduction in linoleic acid being normalised. The only persistent effect was the increase in plasma glucagon. Concurrent administration of mannitol with IFN-alpha caused no changes in the parameters studied compared to that induced by treatment with IFN-alpha alone.