Metabolic Derangement by Arsenic: a Review of the Mechanisms

Studies have implicated arsenic exposure in various pathological conditions, including metabolic disorders, which have become a global phenomenon, affecting developed, developing, and under-developed nations. Despite the huge risks associated with arsenic exposure, humans remain constantly exposed to it, especially through the consumption of contaminated water and food. This present study provides an in-depth insight into the mechanistic pathways involved in the metabolic derangement by arsenic. Compelling pieces of evidence demonstrate that arsenic induces metabolic disorders via multiple pathways. Apart from the initiation of oxidative stress and inflammation, arsenic prevents the phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and Thr308, leading to the inhibition of PDK-1/Akt insulin signaling, thereby reducing GLUT4 translocation through the activation of Nrf2. Also, arsenic downregulates mitochondrial deacetylase Sirt3, decreasing the ability of its associated transcription factor, FOXO3a, to bind to the agents that support the genes for manganese superoxide dismutase and PPARg co-activator (PGC)-1a. In addition, arsenic activates MAPKs, modulates p53/ Bcl-2 signaling, suppresses Mdm-2 and PARP, activates NLRP3 inflammasome and caspase-mediated apoptosis, and induces ER stress, and ox-mtDNA-dependent mitophagy and autophagy. More so, arsenic alters lipid metabolism by decreasing the presence of 3-hydroxy-e-methylglutaryl-CoA synthase 1 and carnitine O-octanoyl transferase (Crot) and increasing the presence of fatty acid-binding protein-3 mRNA. Furthermore, arsenic promotes atherosclerosis by inducing endothelial damage. This cascade of pathophysiological events promotes metabolic derangement. Although the pieces of evidence provided by this study are convincing, future studies evaluating the involvement of other likely mechanisms are important. Also, epidemiological studies might be necessary for the translation of most of the findings in animal models to humans.

ReSleeve or revisional one anastomosis gastric bypass for failed primary sleeve gastrectomy with dilated gastric tube: a retrospective study

BACKGROUND

Revisional bariatric surgery (RBS) has been increasingly performed due to weight loss failure (WLF). Many revisional procedures have been proposed after primary laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (pLSG) failure, including ReSleeve gastrectomy (ReLSG), and laparoscopic one anastomosis gastric bypass (LOAGB). Choosing the RBS post-pLSG failure represents a challenge. WLF without gastric tube (GT) dilation is undoubtedly converted to a malabsorptive procedure, but the presence of GT dilation makes it more difficult to select a RBS. This study aimed to compare two relatively simple revisional procedures after pLSG failure with dilated GT to help decision making on which procedure better done to which patient.

METHODS

Data of 52 patients who completed one year follow-up (FU) after their RBS (ReLSG: 27 or LOAGB: 25) for their failed pLSG were collected, assessed, correlated to weight loss (WL) and compared.

RESULTS

Mean operative time was 97 ± 18.4 min. with revisional LOAGB (RLOAGB) and 62 ± 11 min. with ReLSG. Six patients (11.5%) had seven postoperative procedure-specific complications. Significant hemorrhage occurred in three patients. Two cases of leakage were encountered with each procedure. LOAGB Patients had lower mean final weight (76.2 ± 10.5 vs 85.3 ± 13), lower mean Final BMI (26.4 ± 2.5 vs 29.7 ± 2.9) and higher mean percentage of excess weight loss (EWL%) (83.6 ± 13.5% vs 60.29 ± 14.6%). All RLOAGB patients and 77.8% of ReLSG patients had EWL% > 50%. RLOAGB patients had higher EWL% compared to ReLSG (p < 0.001). Insufficient WL (IWL) patients had higher EWL% compared to weight regain (WR) patients (p = 0.034).

CONCLUSION

Both procedures (RLOAGB and ReLSG) were relatively safe and effective in terms of WL. RLOAGB led to higher WL compared to ReLSG in all types of patients despite higher Caloric intake. IWL patients had more WL compared to WR patients. WL was not related to GT dilation type. Large-scale longer-FU studies are still needed.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

PACTR202310644487566 (retrospectively registered).

Sodium acetate ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiac injury via upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulation of NFkB-mediated apoptotic signaling in Wistar rats

Despite the effectiveness of doxorubicin (DOX) in the management of a wide range of cancers, a major challenge is its cardio-toxic effect. Oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis are major pathways for the cardiotoxic effect of DOX. On the other hand, acetate reportedly exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. This particular research assessed the impact of acetate on cardiotoxicity induced by DOX. Mechanistically, acetate dramatically inhibited DOX-induced upregulation of xanthine oxidase and uric acid pathway as well as downregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and its upstream proteins (reduced glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione, and catalase, glutathione reductase). In addition, acetate markedly attenuated DOX-driven rise inTNF-α, NFkB IL-6 and IL-1β expression, and myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, acetate significantly ameliorated DOX-led suppression of Bcl-2 and Ca2+-ATPase activity and upregulation of Bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 actions. Improved body weight, heart structural integrity, and cardiac function as depicted by cardiac injury markers convoyed these cascades of events. Summarily, the present study demonstrated that acetate protects against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and downregulating NFkB-mediated activation of Bax/Bcl-2 and caspase signaling.

Acetate attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced cardiac injury via inhibition of NF-kB signaling and suppression of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis in Wistar rats

AIM

The goal of the current study was to examine the potential therapeutic effects of sodium acetate on cardiac toxicities caused by cyclophosphamide in Wistar rats. The possible involvement of NF-kB/caspase 3 signaling was also explored.

MAIN METHODS

Thirty-two male Wistar rats were divided into four groups at random. (n = 8). The control animals received 0.5 mL of distilled water orally for 14 days, the acetate-treated group received 200 mg/kg/day of sodium acetate orally for 14 consecutive days, and cyclophosphamide-treated rats received 150 mg/kg /day of cyclophosphamide i.p. on day 8, while cyclophosphamide + acetate group received sodium acetate and cyclophosphamide as earlier stated.

KEY FINDINGS

Results showed that cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity, which manifested as a marked drop in body and cardiac weights as well as cardiac weight/tibial length, increased levels of troponin, C-reactive protein, lactate, and creatinine kinase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities in the plasma and cardiac tissue. Histopathological examination also revealed toxic cardiac histopathological changes. These alterations were associated with a significant increase in xanthine oxidase and myeloperoxidase activities, uric acid, malondialdehyde, TNF-α, IL-1β, NFkB, DNA fragmentation, and caspase 3 and caspase 9 activities in addition to a marked decline in Nrf2 and GSH levels, and SOD and catalase activities in the cardiac tissue. Acetate co-administration significantly attenuated cyclophosphamide cardiotoxicity by its antioxidant effect, preventing NFkB activation and caspase 9/caspase 3 signalings.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study shows that acetate co-administration may have cardio-protective effects against cyclophosphamide-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting NF-kB signaling and suppressing caspase-3-dependent apoptosis.

Zinc protects against lead-induced testicular damage via modulation of steroidogenic and xanthine oxidase/uric acid/caspase 3-mediated apoptotic signaling in male Wistar rats

AIM

This study evaluated the effect of lead, with or without zinc co-administration, on steroidogenic and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA)/caspase 3-mediated apoptotic signaling in the testis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups at random; vehicle-treated control, zinc-treated, lead-treated, and lead + zinc-treated groups.

RESULTS

Lead exposure significantly lowered overall weight gain, testicular, epididymal, seminal vesicle, and prostate weights. Also, lead decreased sperm count, viability and motility but increased the fraction of sperm with aberrant morphology. In addition, lead caused a marked rise in the level of UA and XO activity but a decrease in nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities. Furthermore, lead increased the testicular levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NFkB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and tumour necrotic factor-alpha (TNF-α), which were associated with an increase in testicular caspase 3 activity and DNA fragmentation as well as a decline in circulating gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH), luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone, and testicular 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (17β-HSD). These were associated with lead-induced degenerative changes in testicular tissues evidenced by shrunken seminiferous tubules, degeneration and sloughing of germ cells. Co-administration of zinc prevented lead-induced testicular injury by ameliorating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation through downregulation of XO/UA/caspase 3 pathway and upregulation of testicular 3β-HSD/17β-HSD.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrated that zinc protected against lead-induced testicular toxicity via the downregulation of XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling.

Zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats via the upregulation of erectogenic enzymes and maintenance of redox balance

PURPOSE

HAART has been shown to impair sexual function and penile erection via perturbation of penile redox balance, while zinc has been established to exert antioxidant activity. Therefore, this study focused on the role and associated molecular mechanism of zinc in HAART-induced sexual and erectile dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly grouped into four (n = 5 rats per group); the control, zinc-treated, HAART-treated, and HAART + zinc-treated groups. Treatments were per os daily for eight weeks.

RESULTS

Zinc co-administration significantly improved HAART-induced increase in the latencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. Zinc also attenuated HAART-induced reduction in the motivation to mate, penile reflex/erection, and frequencies of mount, intromission, and ejaculations. In addition, zinc co-treatment improved HAART-induced decline in penile NO and cGMP, dopamine, and serum testosterone. More so, zinc prevented HAART-induced rise in penile activities of monoamine oxidase, acetylcholinesterase, phosphodiesterase-5, and arginase. Furthermore, concomitant treatment with zinc ameliorated HAART-induced penile oxidative stress and inflammation.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our present findings show that zinc improves sexual and erectile function in HAART-treated rats by upregulating erectogenic enzymes via the maintenance of penile redox balance.

Atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury

Background

Oxidative damage is critical in the pathogenesis of ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, and statins have been reported to exert antioxidant activity. However, the role of VCAM-1 and xanthine oxidase (XO)/uric acid (UA) in ovarian I/R injury is not known. Also, whether or not atorvastatin exerts antioxidant activity like other statins is unclear.

Objectives

This study investigated the involvement of VCAM-1 and XO/UA in ovarian I/R injury and the likely protective role of atorvastatin.

Methods

Forty female Wistar rats were randomized into sham-operated, ischaemia, ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R), ischaemia and atorvastatin, and I/R and atorvastatin.

Results

In comparison with the sham-operated group, atorvastatin blunted ischaemia and I/R-induced distortion of ovarian histoarchitecture and follicular degeneration. Also, atorvastatin alleviated ischaemia and I/R-induced rise in XO, UA, and malondialdehyde, which was accompanied by inhibition of ischaemia and I/R-induced reductions in reduced glutathione level, enzymatic antioxidant activities and increase in myeloperoxidase activity and TNF-α and IL-6 levels by atorvastatin treatment. Additionally, atorvastatin blocked ischaemia and I/R-induced increase in VCAM-1 expression, caspase 3 activity, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine level and ovarian DNA fragmentation index.

Conclusion

For the first time, this study revealed that atorvastatin-mediated downregulation of VCAM-1 and XO/UA/caspase 3 signaling averts oxidative injury, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by ovarian ischaemia/reperfusion injury.

Impact of COVID 19 on erectile function

Purpose: COVID-19, a novel infection, presented with several complications, including socioeconomical and reproductive health challenges such as erectile dysfunction (ED). The present review summarizes the available shreds of evidence on the impact of COVID-19 on ED.Materials and methods: All published peer-reviewed articles from the onset of the COVID-19 outbreak to date, relating to ED, were reviewed. Results: Available pieces of evidence that ED is a consequence of COVID-19 are convincing. COVID-19 and ED share common risk factors such as disruption of vascular integrity, cardiovascular disease (CVD), cytokine storm, diabetes, obesity, and chronic kidney disease (CKD). COVID-19 also induces impaired pulmonary haemodynamics, increased ang II, testicular damage and low serum testosterone, and reduced arginine-dependent NO bioavailability that promotes reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and endothelial dysfunction, resulting in ED. In addition, COVID-19 triggers psychological/mental stress and suppresses testosterone-dependent dopamine concentration, which contributes to incident ED.Conclusions: In conclusion, COVID-19 exerts a detrimental effect on male reproductive function, including erectile function. This involves a cascade of events from multiple pathways. As the pandemic dwindles, identifying the long-term effects of COVID-19-induced ED, and proffering adequate and effective measures in militating against COVID-19-induced ED remains pertinent.

Glutamine prevents upregulation of NF-kB signaling and caspase 3 activation in ischaemia/reperfusion-induced testicular damage: An animal model

AIM

Testicular ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury is a major consequence of testicular torsion with possible attendant risk of male infertility. Glutamine, on the other hand, is a known antioxidant with anti-inflammatory potential. The present study evaluated whether or not glutamine would improve I/R-induced testicular injury in torsion/detorsion (T/D). The possible associated mechanisms were also investigated.

METHODS

Wistar rats were randomly allotted into four groups (n = 10); sham-operated, glutamine-treated, T/D, and T/D + glutamine. Testicular torsion was induced and reperfusion established after two and a half hour under ketamine/xylazine anaethesia. Glutamine was administered one hour before reperfusion and continued daily for 3 days. At the end of the study, animals were euthanized, blood samples obtained, epididymal sperm suspension collected, and the testes harvested for biochemical and histopathological assays using established methods.

RESULTS

Glutamine prevented T/D-driven I/R-induced reduced sperm quality, impaired testicular histoarchitecture, and suppressed circulating testosterone. Also, glutamine abated I/R-induced oxidative stress (evidenced by reduced hydrogen peroxide and MDA generation and enhanced concentrations and activities of antioxidants), inflammation (evidenced by suppression of TNF-α and IL-1β), and apoptosis (evidenced by reduced DNA fragmentation) by down-regulating NF-kB and caspase 3 activity.

CONCLUSION

For the first time, this study demonstrated that glutamine administration improved testicular I/R injury in T/D rat model by maintaining testicular redox balance, and testicular integrity and function via inhibition of I/R-induced upregulation of NF-kB signaling and caspase 3 activation.

Suppression of glutathione system and upregulation of caspase 3-dependent apoptosis mediate rohypnol-induced gastric injury

Objectives: This study investigated the impact of rohypnol on gastric tissue integrity.

Methods: Forty male Wistar rats were randomized into control, low dose rohypnol-treated, high dose rohypnol-treated, low dose rohypnol-treated recovery and high dose rohypnol-treated recovery groups.

Results: Rohypnol caused significant rise in gastric malondialdehyde (MDA), oxidized glutathione (GSSG), nitric oxide (NO), tumour necrotic factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels. Also, rohypnol caused reductions in gastric reduced glutathione (GSH) (as well as GSH/GSSG), and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione-S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), cyclo-oxygenase (COX-2). Furthermore, rohypnol upregulated caspase 3 activity and induced gastric DNA damage, evident by a rise in 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and DNA fragmentation index (DFI) in gastric tissue. These alterations were coupled with reduced gastric weight and distorted gastric cytoarchitecture. Cessation of rohypnol caused a significant but not complete reversal of rohypnol-induced gastric damage.

Conclusion: This study revealed that rohypnol induced gastric injury by suppressing glutathione content and COX-2 activity, and upregulating caspase 3-dependent apoptosis, which was partly reversed by rohypnol withdrawal.

Glutamine restores testicular glutathione-dependent antioxidant defense and upregulates NO/cGMP signaling in sleep deprivation-induced reproductive dysfunction in rats

Oxidative stress has been linked with sleep deprivation (SD)-induced pathological conditions and reproductive dysfunction. On the other hand, glutamine has been established to have antioxidant property. However, the impact of SD, with or without glutamine, on male reproductive function is yet to be elucidated. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the role of SD, with or without glutamine, on male reproductive function and possible associated mechanisms. Ten-week old male Wistar rats weighing 175.6 g± 0.42 were randomly assigned into vehicle that received per os (p.o.) distilled water, glutamine (1 g/kg; po), SD, and SD + glutamine that received treatments as glutamine and SD. Treatment/exposure lasted for 72 h. The results showed that SD led to reduced body weight, seminiferous luminal and epididymal sperm density, low sperm quality, increased testicular and epididymal malondialdehyde, uric acid, DNA fragmentation, and testicular injury markers. In addition, SD caused a reduction in reduced glutathione level and activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase. Also, SD increased tumor necrotic factor-α, interleukin-1β, and nuclear factor-kappa B levels. Furthermore SD led to impaired libido and erectile dysfunction, and suppression of circulatory nitric oxide, gonadotropins and testosterone, and penile cGMP. However, glutamine attenuated the effects induced by SD. Taken together, the findings of this study demonstrate that SD induces reproductive dysfunction via glutathione-dependent defense depletion and down-regulation of NO/cGMP signaling, which was abolished by glutamine supplementation.

Upregulation of Uric Acid Production and Caspase 3 Signalling Mediates Rohypnol-Induced Cardiorenal Damage

The global prevalence of illicit drug use is on the increase with attendant complications like cardiorenal collapse. One such substance of abuse is rohypnol. Despite its ban in most countries, it remains a popular substance of abuse. Whether or not rohypnol induces cardiorenal injury and the associated mechanism is yet to be elucidated. Therefore, the present study investigated the effect of rohypnol on cardiorenal integrity and functions, and glucolipid metabolism. Forty-eight male Wistar rats randomized into six groups (n = 8/group) received (per os) vehicle, low-dose (2 mg/kg) and high-dose (4 mg/kg) rohypnol once daily for twenty eight days, with or without a cessation period. Data revealed that rohypnol exposure irreversibly caused insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, and dyslipidaemia. This was accompanied by reduced cardiorenal mass and impaired cardiorenal cytoarchitecture and function. Furthermore, rohypnol treatment promoted oxidative stress, inflammation, genotoxicity, and decreased cardiorenal activities of Na⁺-K⁺-ATPase, Ca²⁺-ATPase, and Mg²⁺-ATPase. These alterations were associated with enhanced uric acid generation and caspase 3 activity in the cardiorenal complex. Thus, this study reveals that rohypnol exposure triggers cardiorenal toxicity with incident insulin resistance, glucolipid and cardiorenal proton pump dysregulation, altered redox state, and inflammation via enhancement of uric acid generation and caspase 3-dependent mechanism.

Omega-3 fatty acid rescues ischaemia/perfusion-induced testicular and sperm damage via modulation of lactate transport and xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling

This study aimed to explore the potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of omega 3 fatty acid (Ω-3) in a rat model of testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D). Under ketamine/xylazine anaesthesia, age-matched adult male Wistar rats of comparable weight underwent sham-operation or testicular torsion by fixing the left testis rotated at 720° for two and half hours. After detorsion, animals were treated with either olive oil as vehicle or Ω-3 subcutaneously for three days. On post-operative day 3, rats were culled and the ipsilateral and contralateral testes, as well as obtained blood samples, were analyzed. Our findings revealed that T/D led to significant poor weight gain, distorted gross anatomy, and cytoarchitecture of the testes, low sperm quality, redox imbalance, and inflammation of the ipsilateral and contralateral testes. This was accompanied by reduced circulatory testosterone, a decline in testicular lactate metabolism and transport, upregulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling, and increased testicular DNA fragmentation. Administration of Ω-3 attenuated T/D-induced damage to the testes and sperm cells with a significant rise in the level of serum testosterone. Enhancement of lactate transport and down-regulation of xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling by Ω-3 may be beneficial in protecting against T/D-related oxido-inflammatory damage and male infertility.

Co-administration of HAART and antikoch triggers cardiometabolic dysfunction through an oxidative stress-mediated pathway

Background

Antikoch and highly active anti-retroviral therapy are effective drugs in the management of tuberculosis and Human Immunodeficiency Virus, respectively. However, these cocktails have been independently associated with the aetiopathogenesis of metabolic syndrome. This study investigated whether or not the co-administration of antikoch and anti-retroviral, as seen in tuberculosis/Human Immunodeficiency Virus co-infection, will produce a similar effect. Also, it evaluated the role of glutathione and adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid signaling in antikoch/anti-retroviral-induced cardiometabolic dysfunction.

Methods

Male rats of Wistar strain were randomized into four groups: the control, which had 0.5 mL of distilled water as a vehicle, anti-Koch-treated rats that were administered a cocktail of anti-Koch, HAART-treated rats that had a combination of anti-retroviral drugs, and anti-Koch + HAART-treated rats that had treatments as anti-Koch-treated and HAART-treated rats. The treatment was once daily and lasted for eight weeks. One way-analysis of variance followed by Tukey’s posthoc test was used to test for significance and pairwise comparisons respectively.

Results

Although no changes in body weight gain and cardiac weight were noted, it was found that antikoch and/or HAART caused insulin resistance and elevated blood glucose level. In addition, antikoch and/or HAART led to dyslipidaemia, increased atherogenic indices, and elevated cardiac injury markers. These were accompanied by increased plasma and cardiac concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide, C-reactive protein, and myeloperoxidase activity, as well as suppressed activities of glutathione peroxidase and glutathione-S-transferase, and a fall in reduced glutathione level. The observed alterations were more pronounced in animals that received a combination of antikoch and HAART.

Conclusions

This study provides the first evidence that antikoch and/or HAART induce cardiometabolic dysfunction via glutathione suppression and up-regulation of adenine deaminase/xanthine oxidase/uric acid-dependent oxidative stress and inflammatory response. These events were associated with dyslipidaemia and increased atherogenic indices. This infers that regular monitoring of glucose level, insulin sensitivity, lipid profile, and oxido-inflammatory markers is important in patients on antikoch and/or HAART for prompt diagnosis and management of cardiometabolic disorder if it ensues.

HAART exacerbates testicular damage and impaired spermatogenesis in anti-Koch-treated rats via dysregulation of lactate transport and glutathione content

Highly active anti-retroviral therapy (HAART) is an effective anti-retroviral cocktail. Similarly, anti-Koch is highly potent against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, these drugs have been shown to impair male fertility. This study investigated the impact of HAART and anti-Koch, when used alone and co-administered, on testicular and sperm integrity. Thirty-two adult male Wistar rats were assigned randomly into four groups (n = 8), namely normal control, HAART-treated, anti-Koch-treated, and HAART + anti-Koch-treated. The doses of drugs were the human equivalent doses for rats. Administration was once daily per os and lasted for eight weeks. HAART aggravated anti-Koch-induced reduction in testicular and penile weights. In addition, anti-Koch also led to a distortion of testicular cytoarchitecture, disturbed spermatogenesis, and caused low sperm quality, including sperm dysmotility. More so, anti-Koch led to a significant elevation of uric acid and dysregulation of testicular lactate transport and glutathione content. These events were accompanied by enhanced lipid peroxidation and inflammation of the testicular tissue and reduced testicular and sperm DNA integrity. These adverse effects of anti-Koch were aggravated by co-administration of HAART. Thus, our results infer that HAART exacerbates anti-Koch-induced impairment of spermatogenesis and testicular and sperm toxicity through up-regulation of uric acid generation and dysregulation of lactate transport and glutathione system.

Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla var. flavescens (Swiss chard): flavonoids, hepatoprotective and hypolipidemic activities

The novel flavonoids, 2",2"'-di-O-α-rhamnopyranosyl-vicenin II, a di-C-glycosyl flavone, and herbacetin 3-O-β-xylopyranosyl- (1"' --> 2")-O-β-glucopyranoside, were isolated from the leaves of Beta vulgaris subspecies cicla L. var. flavescens, an edible plant which is consumed in the Mediterranean areas, additional to the known flavonoids, 6-C-glucosyl isoscutellarein, vitexin-(1"' --> 2")-O-β-xylopyranosyl, vitexin-(1'" --> 2")-O-α-rhamnopyranosyI and vitexin. All metabolites were established by conventional methods of analysis and their structures were confirmed by spectroscopic analysis, including 1 D and 2D-NMR and by HR-ESIMS, as well. The extract of the plant leaves shows hepatoprotective effects in rats intoxicated by administration of acetaminophen and exhibits hypolipidemic activity in rats with high-fat-diet induced hypercholesterolemia. The evaluation was done through measuring the liver function enzymes (aspartate and alanine aminotransferases and alkaline phosphatase, the lipid profile (total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, low density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides) and histopathological analysis of liver slides.

Phenolics from Caesalpinia ferrea Mart.: antioxidant, cytotoxic and hypolipidemic activity

Nine phenolics were isolated from the aqueous ethanol extract of the leaves of Caesalpinia ferrea. The isolates were characterized for the first time from that plant. The structures of all isolates (1-9) were elucidated by conventional methods, spectroscopic analysis, including 1 D and 2D NMR, and by HR-ESIMS as well. The antioxidant capacities using the ORAC method and the cytotoxic activity using the neutral red assay (NRU) for that extract and three major isolates have been evaluated. In addition, the hypolipidemic activity (in vitro and in vivo) of the extract has been assessed.

Effects of black seed oil on resolution of hepato-renal toxicity induced bybromobenzene in rats

OBJECTIVE

Volatile halocarbon, bromobenzene (BB), is frequently encountered in table-ready foods as contaminants residues. The objective of this study was to investigate whether black seed oil could attenuate hepato-renal injury induced by BB exposure.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The evaluation was done through measuring liver oxidative stress markers: reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Hepatic succinate dehydrogenase (SDH), lactate dehydrogenases (LDH) and glucose-6-phosphatase (G-6-Pase) were estimated. Serum aspartate and alanine aminotransferases (AST, ALT) and alkaline phosphatase were also evaluated. Kidney function indices; blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum protein, nitric oxide (NO), Na-K-adenosine triphosphatase (Na+-K+-ATPase) and phospholipids were done. Liver and kidney histopathological analysis and collagen content were analyzed for results confirmation.

RESULTS

Treatment with black seed oil (BSO) alleviated the elevation of GSH, SDH, LDH, G-6-Pase, serum protein, NO, Na+-K+-ATPase, phospholipids levels and attenuated MDA, SOD, AST, ALT and ALP. Diminution of collagen content and improvement in liver and kidney architectures were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

BSO enhanced the hepato-renal protection mechanism, reduced disease complications and delayed its progression. Further studies are needed to identify the molecules responsible for its pharmacological effect.  

Malachite green induces genotoxic effect and biochemical disturbances in mice

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Malachite green (MG) is a triarylaminmethane dye used in the fish industry as an anti-fungal agent. Concern over MG is due to the potential for consumer exposure, suggestive evidence of tumor promotion in rodent liver, and suspicion of carcinogenicity based on structure-activity relationships. In order to evaluate the risks associated with exposure to MG, we examined the mutagenicity and biochemical effect of MG.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For genotoxic effect we use the doses 27, 91, 272 and 543 mg/kg b.wt. for different period of time (7, 14, 21 and 28 days) to evaluate chromosomal aberrations in mouse somatic and germ cells as well as sister chromatid exchanges in bone marrow cells. For DNA fragmentation assay from mouse liver the same doses of MG were used for 28 days. For measuring biochemical parameters such as glycolysis and gluconeogenesis enzyme pathways, antioxidant indices, hepatic marker enzymes, total protein, glucose, glycogen levels and liver function enzyme activities were evaluated. Mice were treated orally up to 28 days with the two high doses of MG 272 and 543 mg/kg b.wt.

RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS

Our results show that MG induce elevation in the percentage of SCE's and chromosomal aberrations (p < 0.01) after treatment with the high doses for long period of time. MG also induces DNA damage in mice liver in a dose dependent manner. Beside, MG treatment either in low or high doses causes biochemical disturbances in the major glucolytic-gluconeogenic pathways, hepatic marker enzymes, depleted glutathione and increased free radical as determined by increasing lipid peroxide. Histopathological observations revealed that MG induced sinusoidal, congestion, focal necrosis and degenerating in hepatic cells, hypertrophy and vacuolization followed by necrosis and cirrhosis.