A Review on the Crosstalk between Insulin and Wnt/β-Catenin Signalling for Bone Health

A positive association between insulin resistance and osteoporosis has been widely established. However, crosstalk between the signalling molecules in insulin and Wingless (Wnt)/beta-(β-)catenin transduction cascades orchestrating bone homeostasis remains not well understood. The current review aims to collate the existing evidence, reporting (a) the expression of insulin signalling molecules involved in bone-related disorders and (b) the expression of Wnt/β-catenin signalling molecules involved in governing insulin homeostasis. The downstream effector molecule, glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta (GSK3β), has been identified to be a point of convergence linking the two signal transduction networks. This review highlights that GSK3β may be a drug target in the development of novel anabolic agents and the potential use of GSK3β inhibitors to treat bone-related disorders.

Revisiting Resveratrol as an Osteoprotective Agent: Molecular Evidence from In Vivo and In Vitro Studies

Resveratrol (RSV) (3,5,4'-trihydroxystilbene) is a stilbene found in abundance in berry fruits, peanuts, and some medicinal plants. It has a diverse range of pharmacological activities, underlining the significance of illness prevention and health promotion. The purpose of this review was to delve deeper into RSV's bone-protective properties as well as its molecular mechanisms. Several in vivo studies have found the bone-protective effects of RSV in postmenopausal, senile, and disuse osteoporosis rat models. RSV has been shown to inhibit NF-κB and RANKL-mediated osteoclastogenesis, oxidative stress, and inflammation while increasing osteogenesis and boosting differentiation of mesenchymal stem cells to osteoblasts. Wnt/β-catenin, MAPKs/JNK/ERK, PI3K/AKT, FoxOs, microRNAs, and BMP2 are among the possible kinases and proteins involved in the underlying mechanisms. RSV has also been shown to be the most potent SIRT1 activator to cause stimulatory effects on osteoblasts and inhibitory effects on osteoclasts. RSV may, thus, represent a novel therapeutic strategy for increasing bone growth and reducing bone loss in the elderly and postmenopausal population.

Overview on postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis: The therapeutic potential of phytoestrogens against alveolar bone loss

Osteoporosis and periodontitis are two major chronic diseases of postmenopausal women. The association between these two diseases are evident through systemic bone loss and alveolar bone loss. Both postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis impose a considerable personal and socioeconomic burden. Biphosphonate and hormone replacement therapy are effective in preventing bone loss in postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis, but they are coupled with severe adverse effects. Phytoestrogens are plant-based estrogen-like compounds, which have been used for the treatment of menopause-related symptoms. In the last decades, numerous preclinical and clinical studies have been carried out to evaluate the therapeutic effects of phytoestrogens including bone health. The aim of this article is to give an overview of the bidirectional interrelationship between postmenopausal osteoporosis and periodontitis, summarize the skeletal effects of phytoestrogens and report the most studied phytoestrogens with promising alveolar bone protective effect in postmenopausal osteoporosis model, with and without experimental periodontitis. To date, there are limited studies on the effects of phytoestrogens on alveolar bone in postmenopausal osteoporosis. Phytoestrogens may have exerted their bone protective effect by inhibiting bone resorption and enhancing bone formation. With the reported findings on the protective effects of phytoestrogens on bone, well-designed trials are needed to better investigate their therapeutic effects. The compilation of outcomes presented in this review may provide an overview of the recent research findings in this field and direct further in vivo and clinical studies in the future.

Therapeutic Potential of Polyphenol and Nanoparticles Mediated Delivery in Periodontal Inflammation: A Review of Current Trends and Future Perspectives

Periodontitis is an oral inflammatory process involving the periodontium, which is mainly caused by the invasion of periodontopathogenic microorganisms that results in gingival connective tissue and alveolar bone destruction. Metabolic products of the oral pathogens and the associated host immune and inflammatory responses triggered are responsible for the local tissue destruction. Numerous studies in the past decades have demonstrated that natural polyphenols are capable of modulating the host inflammatory responses by targeting multiple inflammatory components. The proposed mechanism by which polyphenolic compounds exert their great potential is by regulating the immune cell, proinflammatory cytokines synthesis and gene expression. However, due to its low absorption and bioavailability, the beneficial effects of these substances are very limited and it hampers their use as a therapeutic agent. To address these limitations, targeted delivery systems by nanoencapsulation techniques have been explored in recent years. Nanoencapsulation of polyphenolic compounds with different carriers is an efficient and promising approach to boost their bioavailability, increase the efficiency and reduce the degradability of natural polyphenols. In this review, we focus on the effects of different polyphenolic substances in periodontal inflammation and to explore the pharmaceutical significance of polyphenol-loaded nanoparticles in controlling periodontitis, which may be useful for further enhancement of their efficacy as therapeutic agents for periodontal disease.

Phytochemical Analysis, Antioxidant and Bone Anabolic Effects of Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson

Blainvillea acmella (L.) Philipson [Asteraceae] (B. acmella) is an important medicinal plant native to Brazil, and it is widely known as a toothache plant. A plethora of studies have demonstrated the antioxidant activities of B. acmella and few studies on the stimulatory effects on alkaline phosphatase (ALP) secretion from bone cells; however, there is no study on its antioxidant and anabolic activity on bone cells. The study aimed to evaluate the phytochemical contents of aqueous and ethanol extracts of B. acmella using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GCMS) and liquid chromatography time of flight mass spectrometry (LCTOFMS) along with the total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid (TFC) contents using Folin-Ciocalteu and aluminum colorimetric methods. The extracts of B. acmella leaves were used to scavenge synthetic-free radicals such as 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) (ABTS), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assays. The bone anabolic effects of B. acmella extracts on MC3T3-E1 cells were measured with 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazoium bromide (MTT) at 1, 3, 5, and 7 days, Sirius-red and ALP at 7 and 14 days, and Alizarin Red S at 14 and 21 days. Comparatively, ethanol extract of B. acmella (BaE) contributed higher antioxidant activities (IC₅₀ of 476.71 µg/ml and 56.01 ± 6.46 mg L-ascorbic acid/g against DPPH and FRAP, respectively). Anabolic activities in bone proliferation, differentiation, and mineralization were also higher in B. acmella of ethanol (BaE) than aqueous (BaA) extracts. Positive correlations were observed between phenolic content (TPC and TFC) to antioxidant (ABTS and FRAP) and anabolic activities. Conversely, negative correlations were present between phenolic content to antioxidant (DPPH) activity. These potential antioxidant and bone anabolic activities in BaE might be due to the phytochemicals confirmed through GCMS and LCTOFMS, revealed that terpenoids of α-cubebene, cryophyllene, cryophyllene oxide, phytol and flavonoids of pinostrobin and apigenin were the compounds contributing to both antioxidant and anabolic effects in BaE. Thus, B. acmella may be a valuable antioxidant and anti-osteoporosis agent. Further study is needed to isolate, characterize and elucidate the underlying mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant and bone anabolic effects.

Osteoprotective Effects in Postmenopausal Osteoporosis Rat Model: Oral Tocotrienol vs. Intraosseous Injection of Tocotrienol-Poly Lactic-Co-Glycolic Acid Combination

Osteoporosis, the most common bone disease, is associated with compromised bone strength and increased risk of fracture. Previous studies have shown that oxidative stress contributes to the progression of osteoporosis. Specifically, for postmenopausal osteoporosis, the reduction in estrogen levels leads to increased oxidative stress in bone remodeling. Tocotrienol, a member of vitamin E that exhibits antioxidant activities, has shown potential as an agent for the treatment of osteoporosis. Most studies on the osteoprotective effects of tocotrienols had used the oral form of tocotrienols, despite their low bioavailability due the lack of transfer proteins and high metabolism in the liver. Several bone studies have utilized tocotrienol combined with a nanocarrier to produce a controlled release of tocotrienol particles into the system. However, the potential of delivering tocotrienol-nanocarrier combination through the intraosseous route has never been explored. In this study, tocotrienol was combined with a nanocarrier, poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA), and injected intraosseously into the bones of ovariectomized rats to produce targeted and controlled delivery of tocotrienol into the bone microenvironment. This new form of tocotrienol delivery was compared with the conventional oral delivery in terms of their effects on bone parameters. Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into five groups. The first group was sham operated, while other groups were ovariectomized (OVX). Following 2 months, the right tibiae of all the rats were drilled at the metaphysis region to provide access for intraosseous injection. The estrogen group (OVX + ESTO) and tocotrienol group (OVX + TTO) were given daily oral gavages of Premarin (64.5 mg/kg) and annatto-tocotrienol (60 mg/kg), respectively. The locally administered tocotrienol group (OVX + TTL) was given a single intraosseous injection of tocotrienol-PLGA combination. After 8 weeks of treatment, both OVX + TTO and OVX + TTL groups have significantly lower bone markers and higher bone mineral content than the OVX group. In terms of bone microarchitecture, both groups demonstrated significantly higher trabecular separation and connectivity density than the OVX group (p < 0.05). Both groups also showed improvement in bone strength by the significantly higher stress, strain, stiffness, and Young's modulus parameters. In conclusion, daily oral tocotrienol and one-time intraosseous injection of tocotrienol-PLGA combination were equally effective in offering protection against ovariectomy-induced bone changes.

Potential Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Spilanthes acmella and Its Health Beneficial Effects: A Review

Oxidative stress and inflammation are two common risk factors of various life-threatening disease pathogenesis. In recent years, medicinal plants that possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were extensively studied for their potential role in treating and preventing diseases. Spilanthes acmella (S. acmella), which has been traditionally used to treat toothache in Malaysia, contains various active metabolites responsible for its anti-inflammatory, antiseptic, and anesthetic bioactivities. These bioactivities were attributed to bioactive compounds, such as phenolic, flavonoids, and alkamides. The review focused on the summarization of in vitro and in vivo experimental reports on the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of S. acmella, as well as how they contributed to potential health benefits in lowering the risk of diseases that were related to oxidative stress. The molecular mechanism of S. acmella in reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory targets, such as inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), transcription factors of the nuclear factor-κB family (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways were discussed. Besides, the antioxidant potential of S. acmella was measured by total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonid content (TFC), 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), and superoxide anion radical scavenging (SOD) and thiobarbituric acid reactive substance (TBARS) assays. This review revealed that S. acmella might have a potential role as a reservoir of bioactive agents contributing to the observed antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and health beneficial effects.

Association between Viral Infections and Risk of Autistic Disorder: An Overview

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental condition of the central nervous system (CNS) that presents with severe communication problems, impairment of social interactions, and stereotypic behaviours. Emerging studies indicate possible associations between viral infections and neurodegenerative and neurobehavioural conditions including autism. Viral infection during critical periods of early in utero neurodevelopment may lead to increased risk of autism in the offspring. This review is aimed at highlighting the association between viral infections, including viruses similar to COVID-19, and the aetiology of autism. A literature search was conducted using Pubmed, Ovid/Medline, and Google Scholar database. Relevant search terms included "rubella and autism", "cytomegalovirus and autism", "influenza virus and autism", "Zika virus and autism", "COVID-19 and autism". Based on the search terms, a total of 141 articles were obtained and studies on infants or children with congenital or perinatal viral infection and autistic behaviour were evaluated. The possible mechanisms by which viral infections could lead to autism include direct teratogenic effects and indirect effects of inflammation or maternal immune activation on the developing brain. Brain imaging studies have shown that the ensuing immune response from these viral infections could lead to disruption of the development of brain regions and structures. Hence, long-term follow up is necessary for infants whose mothers report an inflammatory event due to viral infection at any time during pregnancy to monitor for signs of autism. Research into the role of viral infection in the development of ASD may be one avenue of improving ASD outcomes in the future. Early screening and diagnosis to detect, and maybe even prevent ASD are essential to reduce the burden of this condition.

Recent Advances in Nanoencapsulation Systems Using PLGA of Bioactive Phenolics for Protection against Chronic Diseases

Plant-derived polyphenolic compounds have gained widespread recognition as remarkable nutraceuticals for the prevention and treatment of various disorders, such as cardiovascular, neurodegenerative, diabetes, osteoporosis, and neoplastic diseases. Evidence from the epidemiological studies has suggested the association between long-term consumption of diets rich in polyphenols and protection against chronic diseases. Nevertheless, the applications of these phytochemicals are limited due to its low solubility, low bioavailability, instability, and degradability by in vivo and in vitro conditions. Therefore, in recent years, newer approaches have been attempted to solve the restrictions related to their delivery system. Nanoencapsulation of phenolic compounds with biopolymeric nanoparticles could be a promising strategy for protection and effective delivery of phenolics. Poly(lactic-co-glycolic acid) (PLGA) is one of the most successfully developed biodegradable polymers that has attracted considerable attention due to its attractive properties. In this review, our main goal is to cover the relevant recent studies that explore the pharmaceutical significance and therapeutic superiority of the advance delivery systems of phenolic compounds using PLGA-based nanoparticles. A summary of the recent studies implementing encapsulation techniques applied to polyphenolic compounds from plants confirmed that nanoencapsulation with PLGA nanoparticles is a promising approach to potentialize their therapeutic activity.

The use of selective estrogen receptor modulators on bone health in men

Selective estrogen receptor modulators (SERMs) represent a class of drugs that act as agonist or antagonist for estrogen receptor in a tissue-specific manner. The SERMs drugs are initially used for the prevention and treatment of osteoporosis in postmenopausal women. Bone health in prostate cancer patients has become a significant concern, whereby patients undergo androgen deprivation therapy is often associated with deleterious effects on bone. Previous preclinical and epidemiological findings showed that estrogens play a dominant role in improving bone health as compared to testosterone in men. Therefore, this evidence-based review aims to assess the available evidence derived from animal and human studies on the effects of SERMs on the male skeletal system. The effects of SERMs on bone mineral density (BMD)/content (BMC), bone histomorphometry, bone turnover, bone strength and fracture risk have been summarized in this review.

The Effects of Chemical Castration with Degarelix on Bone Turnover: Densitometric and Biomechanics Bone Properties of Male Rats

BACKGROUND

Gonadotropin releasing hormone (GnRH) antagonists may cause chemical castration in males by suppressing the pituitary-gonadal axis, hence reducing testosterone level. There are limited data on the effects of degarelix, a newer series of potent and long acting GnRH antagonist on bone.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed at determining the effects of degarelix on bone turnover, bone densitometry, and bone mechanical strength in male rats.

METHODS

Eighteen male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into sham (SHAM), orchidectomized (ORX), and degarelix-induced (DGX) groups. Chemical castration was performed by subcutaneous degarelix injection (2 mg/kg) at the scapular region. The rats were scanned for baseline bone mineral area (BMA), bone mineral content (BMC), and bone mineral density (BMD) using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA). Following six weeks of experimental period, BMA, BMC, and BMD were measured again with DXA and blood was collected for testosterone and bone biomarkers (osteocalcin and C-terminal of type I collagen crosslink (CTX-1)) measurements. The rats were euthanized and femora were dissected for bone biomechanical strength analysis.

RESULTS

Bilateral orchidectomy and degarelix administration significantly lowered serum testosterone level, decreased whole body BMC, femoral BMA, femoral BMC, and femoral BMD (P < 0.05) compared with the SHAM group. However, no significant changes were observed in bone biochemical markers and bone mechanical strength in all experimental groups.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, degarelix administration had comparable effects on bone as bilateral orchidectomy. Administration of degarelix provides an alternative method of inducing testosterone deficient-osteopenia in male rats without need for removing the testes.

The Effects of Quassinoid-Rich Eurycoma longifolia Extract on Bone Turnover and Histomorphometry Indices in the Androgen-Deficient Osteoporosis Rat Model

Male osteoporosis is associated with higher rates of disability and mortality. Hence the search for suitable intervention and treatment to prevent the degeneration of skeletal health in men is necessary. Eurycoma longifolia (EL), a traditional plant with aphrodisiac potential may be used to treat and prevent male osteoporosis. The skeletal protective effect of quassinoid-rich EL extract, which has a high content of eurycomanone, has not been studied. This study aimed to determine whether EL could prevent skeletal deteriorations in gonadal hormone-deficient male rats. Ninety-six male Sprague⁻Dawley rats were randomly assigned to baseline, sham-operated (Sham), orchidectomised or chemically castrated groups. Chemical castration was achieved via subcutaneous injection of degarelix at 2 mg/kg. The orchidectomised and degarelix-castrated rats were then divided into negative control groups (ORX, DGX), testosterone-treated groups (intramuscular injection at 7 mg/kg weekly) (ORX + TES, DGX + TES), and EL-supplemented groups receiving daily oral gavages at doses of 25 mg/kg (ORX + EL25, DGX + EL25), 50 mg/kg (ORX + EL50, DGX + EL50), and 100 mg/kg (ORX + EL100, DGX + EL100). Following 10 weeks of treatment, the rats were euthanized and their blood and femora were collected. Bone biochemical markers, serum testosterone, osteoprotegerin (OPG), and receptor activator of nuclear factor kappa β-ligand (RANKL) levels and histomorphometric indices were evaluated. Quassinoid-rich EL supplementation was found to reduce degenerative changes of trabecular structure by improving bone volume, trabecular number, and separation. A reduction in the percentage of osteoclast and increase in percentage of osteoblast on bone surface were also seen with EL supplementation. Dynamic histomorphometric analysis showed that the single-labeled surface was significantly decreased while the double-labeled surface was significantly increased with EL supplementations. There was a marginal but significant increase in serum testosterone levels in the ORX + EL25, DGX + EL50, and DGX + EL100 groups compared to their negative control groups. Quassinoid-rich EL extract was effective in reducing skeletal deteriorations in the androgen-deficient osteoporosis rat model.

Effects of standardized quassinoid-rich Eurycoma longifolia extract in a rat model of osteoporosis due to testosterone deficiency: A densitometric, morphometric and biomechanical study

BACKGROUND

Eurycoma longifolia (EL) is a well-known aphrodisiac herb for men. Recently, the crude extract of EL was reported to possess anti-osteoporotic activities.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the bone protective effects of the standardized quassinoid-rich EL extract in testosterone-deficient rat model.

METHODS

Ninety-six intact male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into baseline, sham, orchidectomized, and chemically castrated groups. Chemical castration was performed via subcutaneous injection of degarelix at 2 mg/kg. The orchidectomized and degarelix-induced rats were administered with vehicle, intramuscularly injected with testosterone once a week, or orally supplemented with EL extract at doses of 25 mg/kg, 50 mg/kg or 100 mg/kg daily for 10 weeks. Bone mass, microarchitecture and strength were analyzed by dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DEXA), micro-CT and three-point bending test.

RESULTS

Whole body bone mineral density and femoral bone mineral content significantly increased in testosterone groups (p <  0.05). Micro-CT analysis revealed that trabecular bone volume, number, separation and connectivity density were significantly improved by testosterone administration. However, the structural model index was only improved in degarelix group supplemented with 100 mg/kg EL extract (P <  0.05). The improvement of cortical thickness by EL extract was similar to that of testosterone groups (p <  0.05). Biomechanically, EL extract supplementation was able to improve stiffness, strain and modulus of elasticity in degarelix-induced groups, while stress parameter was significantly improved in orchidectomized groups (p <  0.05).

CONCLUSION

Quassinoid-rich EL extract enables to protect against bone loss due to testosterone deficiency. The protective effect on cortical thickness and biomechanical parameters is comparable to testosterone group.

Eurycoma Longifolia as a potential adoptogen of male sexual health: a systematic review on clinical studies

Eurycoma longifolia (EL) has been well recognized as a booster of male sexual health. Over the past few decades, numerous in vivo animal studies and human clinical trials have been conducted across the globe to explore the promising role of EL in managing various male sexual disorders, which include erectile dysfunction, male infertility, low libido, and downregulated testosterone levels. The aim of the present review is to analyze and summarize the literature on human clinical trials which revealed the clinical significance and therapeutic feasibility of EL in improving male sexual health. This systematic review is focused on the following databases: Medline, Wiley Online Library, BioMed Central, Hindawi, Web of Knowledge, PubMed Central and Google Scholar, using search terms such as "Eurycoma longifolia", "EL", "Tongkat Ali", "male sexual health", "sexual infertility", "erectile dysfunction", "male libido", and "testosterone levels". Notably, only human clinical studies published between 2000 and 2014 were selected and thoroughly reviewed for relevant citations. Out of 150 articles, 11 met the inclusion criteria. The majority of articles included were randomized placebo-controlled trials, multiple cohort studies, or pilot trials. All these studies demonstrated considerable effects of EL on male sexual health disorders. Among them, 7 studies revealed remarkable association between the use of EL and the efficacy in the treatment of male sexual disorders, and remaining 4 studies failed to demonstrate sufficient effects on male sexual health. In summary, there is convincing evidence for the prominence of EL in improving the male sexual health. The review also substantiates the use of current methodology in the development of novel and more rationale natural herbal medicines for the management of male sexual disorders.

Palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction attenuates testicular toxicity induced by fenitrothion via an oxidative stress mechanism

Palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction reduced the testicular toxicity effects of fenitrothion by its antioxidant properties, involved in the synthesis of DNA repairing enzymes as well as blocking the HSP70 gene transcription.

Effects of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction on biochemical and morphological alterations of liver in fenitrothion-treated rats

Indiscriminate application of organophosphate (OP) pesticides has led to environmental pollution and severe health problems. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) on biochemical and morphological changes of the liver in rats treated with fenitrothion (FNT), a type of OP pesticide. A total of 28 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups; control group, TRF-supplemented group, FNT-treated group and TRF+FNT group. TRF (200 mg/kg) was supplemented 30 minutes prior to FNT (20 mg/kg) administration, both orally for 28 consecutive days. Following 28 days of treatment, plasma biochemical changes and liver morphology were evaluated. The body and absolute liver weights were significantly elevated in TRF+FNT group compared to FNT group. TRF administration significantly decreased the total protein level and restored the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in TRF + FNT group. In contrast, total bilirubin level, γ-glutamyltranferase (GGT) and cholinesterase activity in TRF + FNT group did not significantly differ from FNT group. Administration of TRF also prevented FNT-induced morphological changes of liver as observed by electron microscope. In conclusion, TRF supplementation showed potential protective effect towards biochemical and ultrastructural changes in liver induced by FNT.

Fenitrothion alters sperm characteristics in rats: ameliorating effects of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction

Exposure to organophosphate insecticides such as fenitrothion (FNT) in agriculture and public health has been reported to affect sperm quality. Antioxidants may have a potential to reduce spermatotoxic effects induced by organophosphate. The present study was carried out to evaluate the effects of palm oil tocotrienol-rich fraction (TRF) in reducing the detrimental effects occurring in spermatozoa of FNT-treated rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups: a control group and groups of rats treated orally with palm oil TRF (200 mg/kg), FNT (20 mg/kg) and palm oil TRF (200 mg/kg) combined with FNT (20 mg/kg). The sperm characteristics, DNA damage, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and protein carbonyl (PC) were evaluated. Supplementation with TRF attenuated the detrimental effects of FNT by significantly increasing the sperm counts, motility, and viability and decreased the abnormal sperm morphology. The SOD activity and GSH level were significantly increased, whereas the MDA and PC levels were significantly decreased in the TRF+FNT group compared with the rats receiving FNT alone. TRF significantly decreased the DNA damage in the sperm of FNT-treated rats. A significant correlation between abnormal sperm morphology and DNA damage was found in all groups. TRF showed the potential to reduce the detrimental effects occurring in spermatozoa of FNT-treated rats.

Tocotrienol rich fraction prevents fenitrothion induced pancreatic damage by restoring antioxidant status

Fenitrothion (FNT) is extensively used as pesticide and may induce oxidative stress in various organs. Tocotrienol, a form of vitamin E found in palm oil, reduces oxidative impairments in pathological conditions. This study aims to investigate the effects of palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on fenitrothion-induced oxidative damage in rat pancreas. Forty male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control group, FNT group, TRF group and FNT+TRF group. Regimens FNT (20 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) and TRF (200 mg kg(-1) b.wt.) were force-fed for 28 consecutive days with control group only receiving corn oil. Chronic administration of fenitrothion significantly (p < 0.05) induced oxidative damage in pancreas of rats with elevated malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl level. Depletion of glutathione and significant (p < 0.05) reduction in antioxidant enzyme activities in pancreas homogenate additionally suggested induction of oxidative stress. Despite these changes in pancreas of intoxicated rats, no significant (p < 0.05) changes in blood glucose and pancreas histology were observed. Co-administration of FNT with TRF alleviated these oxidative changes and significantly (p < 0.05) restored antioxidant status. Enzymatic activities of Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT) were normalized. In conclusion, tocotrienol rich fraction of palm oil prevents fenitrothion-induced pancreatic oxidative damage in rats.

Antioxidant Activity of Tocotrienol Rich Fraction Prevents Fenitrothion-induced Renal Damage in Rats

Fenitrothion (FNT) is an organophosphate compound widely used as pesticide in Malaysia. The present study aims to investigate effects of palm oil tocotrienol rich fraction (TRF) on the renal damage of FNT-treated rats. A total of 40 male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups randomly, the control, TRF, FNT and FNT+TRF groups. FNT (20 mg/kg b.w.) and TRF (200 mg/kg b.w.) were given orally for 28 days continuously. Rats from the FNT+TRF group were supplemented with TRF 30 minutes prior to administration of FNT. Rats were sacrificed after 28 days, and the kidneys were removed for determination of oxidative stress and histological analysis. Plasma was collected for determination of blood creatinine and urea level. Statistical analysis showed that palm oil TRF has a protective effect against renal oxidative damage induced by FNT. In the FNT+TRF group, malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels were significantly lower, while the glutathione level as well as superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were significantly higher compared with the FNT-treated group (p<0.05). As for renal function, there was a markedly lower urea level (p<0.05) in the FNT+TRF group compared with the FNT-treated group, but there was no significant difference in creatinine level. Besides, total protein also showed no significant difference for all groups of rats (p>0.05). Histological evaluation also revealed that the FNT+TRF group had less glomerulus and renal tubule damage than the FNT-treated group. In conclusion, palm oil TRF was able to reduce oxidative stress and renal damage in FNT-treated rats.

Fenitrothion induced oxidative stress and morphological alterations of sperm and testes in male Sprague-Dawley rats

OBJECTIVE

Fenitrothion residue is found primarily in soil, water and food products and can lead to a variety of toxic effects on the immune, hepatobiliary and hematological systems. However, the effects of fenitrothion on the male reproductive system remain unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of fenitrothion on the sperm and testes of male Sprague-Dawley rats.

METHODS

A 20 mg/kg dose of fenitrothion was administered orally by gavages for 28 consecutive days. Blood sample was obtained by cardiac puncture and dissection of the testes and cauda epididymis was performed to obtain sperm. The effects of fenitrothion on the body and organ weight, biochemical and oxidative stress, sperm characteristics, histology and ultrastructural changes in the testes were evaluated.

RESULTS

Fenitrothion significantly decreased the body weight gain and weight of the epididymis compared with the control group. Fenitrothion also decreased plasma cholinesterase activity compared with the control group. Fenitrothion altered the sperm characteristics, such as sperm concentration, sperm viability and normal sperm morphology, compared with the control group. Oxidative stress markers, such as malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, total glutathione and glutathione S-transferase, were significantly increased and superoxide dismutase activity was significantly decreased in the fenitrothion-treated group compared with the control group. The histopathological and ultrastructural examination of the testes of the fenitrothion-treated group revealed alterations corresponding with the biochemical changes compared with the control group.

CONCLUSION

A 20 mg/kg dose of fenitrothion caused deleterious effects on the sperm and testes of Sprague-Dawley rats.