Fisetin ameliorates methotrexate induced liver fibrosis

OBJECTIVE

Methotrexate (MTX), a widely used chemotherapeutic and immunosuppressive agent, is associated with hepatotoxicity, leading to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. This study explores the regenerative and reparative effects of fisetin, a flavonoid with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, on MTX-induced liver fibrosis in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar albino rats were divided into normal, MTX and saline, and MTX and fisetin. Liver injury was induced in the latter two groups using a single intraperitoneal dose of MTX (20 mg/kg). Fisetin (50 mg/kg/day) or saline was administered intraperitoneally for ten days. After sacrifice, liver tissues were subjected to histopathological evaluation and biochemical analyses, including Transforming Growth Factor-β1 (TGF-beta), sirtuins-1 (SIRT-1), malondialdehyde (MDA), cytokeratin 18, thrombospondin 1, and alanine transaminase (ALT) levels.

RESULTS

MTX administration significantly increased liver injury markers, including TGF-beta, MDA, cytokeratin 18, thrombospondin 1, and ALT, while reducing SIRT-1 levels. Fisetin treatment attenuated these effects, demonstrating its potential therapeutic impact. Histopathological analysis confirmed that fisetin mitigated MTX-induced hepatocyte necrosis, fibrosis, and cellular infiltration.

CONCLUSIONS

This study proves that fisetin administration can alleviate MTX-induced liver damage in rats. The reduction in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, along with the histological improvements, suggests fisetin's potential as a therapeutic agent against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Further investigations and clinical studies are warranted to validate these findings and assess fisetin's translational potential in human cases of MTX-induced liver damage.

Evaluation of the healing and protective properties of adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells from cisplatin-induced liver and kidney damage

OBJECTIVE

The occurrence of nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity as a result of cisplatin administration is a major concern in clinical practice. This study examined the potential protective effects of administering mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) on the renal and hepatic damage caused by cisplatin. Moreover, the study investigated the potential protective effects of administering Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSC) to counteract the harmful effects of cisplatin-induced kidney and liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into three groups: normal control, cisplatin + saline, and cisplatin + ADMSC. Cisplatin was administered to induce toxicity, and ADMSC was administered intravenously as a potential therapeutic intervention. Biochemical parameters and histopathological changes were assessed in the kidney and liver tissues. Statistical analyses were performed using a one-way ANOVA.

RESULTS

Cisplatin increased malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alfa (TNF-alfa), IL-6, alanine transaminase (ALT), creatinine, Galectin-3, Tissue growth factor beta 1 (TGF-beta 1), compared to the normal control group. Cisplatin-MSC reduced these levels. Histopathology showed that cisplatin caused kidney tubular epithelial necrosis, luminal necrotic debris, tubular dilatation, interstitial inflammation, liver sinusoidal and central vein dilatation, congestion, necrosis, and cytoplasmic vacuolization. ADMSC administration significantly reduced histopathological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings highlight the potential therapeutic benefits of mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) administration in mitigating cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. MSC treatment demonstrated protective effects by reducing oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and histopathological alterations. Further investigations are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanisms underlying these protective effects and evaluate their clinical implications for managing cisplatin-induced organ damage.

Candesartan protects from cisplatin-induced kidney damage via the GDF-15 pathway

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of candesartan against cisplatin-induced kidney damage, with a specific focus on the growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF-15) pathway.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

24 adult female Wistar rats, with a weight range of 200-210 grams, were enrolled in the study. Eight rats were included as a normal control group and did not receive any medication. 16 rats were administered cisplatin at a dosage of 2.5 mg/kg/day twice a week for 4 weeks (total dose 20 mg/kg). Then, they were randomly divided into two groups and treated with 1 ml/kg/day tap water or 8 mg/kg/day candesartan via oral gavage daily for 4 weeks. At the end of the treatment period, animals were sacrificed, and their kidneys were assessed histologically. In addition, plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), creatinine, and GDF-15 levels were assessed.

RESULTS

Treatment with candesartan resulted in a significant rise in serum GDF-15 levels and a significant reduction in levels of serum MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and creatinine compared to the cisplatin and saline group. Candesartan treatment effectively protected the kidney injury, and histopathological examinations of the kidneys confirmed these results.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that candesartan alleviates cisplatin-induced renal toxicity by further increasing GDF-15, downregulating inflammatory markers, and reducing oxidative stress.

Oxytocin mitigates peripheral nerve damage via Nrf2 and irisin pathway

OBJECTIVE

Peripheral nerve injuries present challenges in achieving full functional restoration, necessitating effective therapeutic strategies. Oxytocin, known for its neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory properties, has shown potential in nerve recovery. This study aims to elucidate the role of oxytocin in nerve recovery via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and irisin pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Adult male Wistar rats (n=30) were subjected to surgical dissection of sciatic nerves and divided into Control, Surgery and Saline Group, and Surgery and Oxytocin (OT) group. Electromyographic (EMG) recordings, inclined plane tests, and histological assessments were conducted to evaluate nerve function, and Nerve growth factor (NGF) immunoexpression and axonal parameters were measured. Plasma irisin levels, nerve NGF, and Nrf2 levels were quantified.

RESULTS

The Surgery and Saline Group exhibited impaired EMG latency, amplitude, and inclined plane score compared to Controls, while the Surgery and OT Group demonstrated improved outcomes. Histomorphometric analysis revealed increased NGF immunoexpression, axon number, diameter, and reduced fibrosis in the Surgery and OT Group. Plasma irisin levels were higher following oxytocin administration. Additionally, nerve NGF and Nrf2 levels were elevated in the Surgery and OT Group.

CONCLUSIONS

OT administration mitigated nerve injury effects, promoting functional and histological improvements. Elevated NGF and Nrf2 levels, along with increased irisin, indicated the potential interplay of these pathways in enhancing nerve recovery. The results align with OT's neuroprotective and anti-inflammatory roles, suggesting its potential as a therapeutic intervention for nerve injuries. OT's positive impact on nerve recovery is associated with its modulation of Nrf2 and irisin pathways, which collectively enhance antioxidant defense and neurotrophic support and mitigate inflammation. These findings underline OT's potential as a therapeutic agent to enhance nerve regeneration and recovery. Further research is needed to elucidate the intricate molecular mechanisms and potential clinical applications of OT in nerve injury management.

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cells mitigate methotrexate-induced liver cirrhosis (fibrosis) model

OBJECTIVE

Hepatic fibrosis is a severe liver condition characterized by abnormal fibroblast activity, excessive extracellular matrix deposition, inflammation, and structural alterations. Methotrexate (MTX), a pharmaceutical agent widely used for its therapeutic properties, is known to induce hepatotoxicity. However, the precise mechanisms underlying MTX-induced liver injury remain elusive. This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells (ADMSCs) in alleviating MTX-induced liver injury in a rat model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty male Wistar albino rats were employed in this study. Liver injury was induced in twenty rats by a single MTX dose, while ten rats constituted the control group. The MTX group was further subdivided into two cohorts, one receiving ADMSC treatment and the other saline solution. The treatment duration was 14 days. ADMSCs, isolated from adipose tissue, were characterized by CD13, CD29, and CD105 markers. Biomarker analysis, histopathological evaluations, and various measurements were conducted to assess ADMSCs' therapeutic efficacy.

RESULTS

MTX administration significantly increased Transforming Growth Factor-β (TGF-β), Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Plasma Cytokeratin 18, Plasma Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Liver MDA levels, with histopathological liver damage. ADMSC treatment notably lowered TGF-β, PDGF, Plasma Cytokeratin 18, Plasma MDA, and Liver MDA levels, accompanied by reduced liver damage observed histologically. Liver Enzyme ALT levels were also reduced in the MTX and ADMSC groups compared to the MTX and Saline groups.

CONCLUSIONS

ADMSCs exhibit significant potential in ameliorating MTX-induced liver injury, with notable anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic properties. These findings suggest that ADMSCs may effectively mitigate oxidative stress and inflammation associated with MTX-induced liver damage. Further research is essential to investigate the clinical application of ADMSCs in liver disease management and uncover the underlying therapeutic mechanisms.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of betaine protect against sepsis-induced acute lung injury: CT and histological evidence

The aim of this research was to determine the anti-inflammatory effect of betaine on sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in rats through histopathological examination, radiologic imaging, and biochemical analysis. Eight rats were included in the control group, and no procedure was performed. Feces intraperitoneal procedure (FIP) was performed on 24 rats to create a sepsis-induced ARDS model. These rats were separated into three groups as follows: FIP alone (sepsis group, n=8), FIP + saline (1 mL/kg, placebo group, n=8), and FIP + betaine (500 mg/kg, n=8). Computed tomography (CT) was performed after FIP, and the Hounsfield units (HU) value of the lungs was measured. The plasma levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6, C-reactive protein, malondialdehyde (MDA), and lactic acid (LA) were determined, and arterial oxygen pressure (PaO2) and arterial CO2 pressure (PaCO2) were measured from an arterial blood sample. Histopathology was used to evaluate lung damage. This study completed all histopathological and biochemical evaluations in 3 months. All evaluated biomarkers were decreased in the FIP + betaine group compared to FIP + saline and FIP alone (all P<0.05). Also, the parenchymal density of the rat lung on CT and histopathological scores were increased in FIP + saline and FIP alone compared to control and these findings were reversed by betaine treatment (all P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that betaine suppressed the inflammation and ameliorated acute lung injury in a rat model of sepsis.

Trimetazidine provides protection against diabetic polyneuropathy in rats via modulation of soluble HMGB1

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to evaluate the neuroprotective efficacy of trimetazidine (TMZ) in a diabetic neuropathy model of the sciatic nerve.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed intraperitoneal (IP) single-dose streptozotocin (STZ) injection for a diabetes mellitus neuropathy model in 24 rats; 8 rats were in the control group, and no chemical administration was performed. 24 diabetic rats were randomly divided into 3 groups: Group 1 rats (n = 8; diabetes and saline groups) were given 1 ml/kg saline treatment. Diabetes and trimetazidine (TMZ)-treated rats (n = 8) were given TMZ 10 mg/kg/day i.p. in Group 2. Group 3 rats were given TMZ 20 mg/kg/day by i.p. for 4 weeks. At the end of the study, EMG and inclined plane testing were used, and blood samples were taken.

RESULTS

Amplitudes of CMAP increased significantly in the TMZ treatment group when compared with the group that had been given saline treatment. The latency of CMAP was significantly shortened in the TMZ treatment group as compared to the saline treatment group. When compared to the saline treatment group, 10 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg TMZ treatment significantly reduced HMGB1, Pentraxin-3, TGF-beta, and MDA levels.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated the neuroprotective effect of TMZ on diabetic polyneuropathy in rats via modulation of soluble HMGB1.

Sulfasalazine prevents lung injury due to intra-abdominal sepsis in rats: possible role of Nrf2 and angiopoietin-2

This study aimed to investigate the effect of sulfasalazine in preventing and treating intra-abdominal sepsis-induced acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in a rat model. Forty male Wistar albino rats were used. The rats were randomly divided into four equal groups, and sepsis was induced in 30 rats by intraperitoneal administration of a fecal saline solution prepared from rat feces. Group 1: normal control (n=10) [non-surgical], Group 2: fecal intraperitoneal injection (FIP) (n=10) [untreated septic group], Group 3: FIP+saline (placebo) (n=10) [saline administered intraperitoneally], Group 4 (n=10): FIP+sulfasalazine [250 mg/kg per day administered intraperitoneally]. Computed tomography was performed and blood samples were collected for biochemical and blood gas analysis. The lungs were removed for histopathological studies. Statistically significant reductions in interleukin (IL)-6, IL1-β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), and angiopoietin-2 (ANG-2) levels were observed in the sulfasalazine group compared to the FIP+saline group (P<0.001). Nrf2 levels were significantly higher in the sulfasalazine-treated group than in the FIP and FIP+saline groups (P<0.01). Lung tissue scores were significantly reduced in the sulfasalazine group compared to the other sepsis groups. The Hounsfield unit (HU) value was significantly lower in the sulfasalazine group than in the FIP+saline group (P<0.001). PaO2 values were significantly higher in the sulfasalazine-treated group than in the FIP+saline-treated group (P<0.05). Sulfasalazine was shown to be effective in preventing and treating ARDS.

THE THERAPEUTIC EFFECT OF ALLOPURINOL IN FATTY LIVER DISEASE IN RATS

Background

Hyperuricemia is associated with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Aim

We therefore aimed at evaluating the influence of allopurinol on the course of NAFLD in rats.

Study Design

We divided 21 mature albino Sprague Dawley rats into three groups: controls (n = 7, normal diet for 12 weeks); NAFLD rat models (by feeding water containing 30% fructose for first 8 weeks) treated with allopurinol subsequently for the next 4 weeks (n = 7); and similar case treated with placebo (saline) subsequently for the next 4 weeks (n = 7).

Methods

We compared the histopathological scores, IL-1 and IL-2 immunoexpression levels across the groups. Liver histopathological score was determined by observing the steatosis (the percentage of liver cells containing fat): <25% = 1+, 25% - 50% = 2+, 51% - 75% = 3+, >75% = 4+; inflammation and necrosis: 1 focus per low-power field = 1+; and 2 or more foci = 2+. The number of liver IL-1 and IL-2 positive cells was measured by systematically scoring at least 100 hepatocyte cells per field in 10 fields of tissue sections by a magnification of 100.

Results

Xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and lipid peroxidation was significantly different in the allopurinol group compared to the saline group (XO; 0.098 ± 0.006 mU/mg vs. 0.162 ± 0.008 mU/mg, p = 0.01, 0.116 ± 0.040 nmol malondialdehyde/mg versus 0.246 ± 0.040 nmol malondialdehyde /mg, p = 0.01). The allopurinol group had lower histopathological scores, IL-1 and IL-2 immunoexpression levels in the liver compared to the saline group (2.13 ± 0.35 against 5.45 ± 0.24, p = 0.003, IL-1; 5.76 ± 0.43 against 12.85 ± 3.26, p = 0.023, IL-2; 8.55 ± 1.14 against 56.23 ± 7.12, p = 0.002).

Conclusions

Allopurinol has a therapeutic role against the progression of NAFLD of the rats.

The effect of sulfasalazine in pentylenetetrazole-induced seizures in rats

We aimed to reveal the anti-convulsant effects sulfasalazine and its mechanism in pentylenetetrazole (PTZ)-induced seizures in rats. Forty-eight male Wistar albino rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into two groups: 24 for electroencephalography (EEG) recording (group A) and 24 for behavioral studies (group B). About 70 mg/kg PTZ was used for behavioral studies after sulfasalazine administration and 35 mg/kg PTZ was used for EEG recording after sulfasalazine administration. Electrodes were implanted on the dura mater over the left frontal cortex and the reference electrode was implanted over the cerebellum for EEG recording. Racine's convulsion scale, first myoclonic jerk onset time, spike percentages, brain malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and prostaglandin F2α (PGF2α) levels were evaluated between the groups. First myoclonic jerk onset time was significantly shorter in the saline group than both 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups (P<0.05). Racine's convulsion scores were significantly lower in the 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups than the saline group (P<0.05, P<0.001). The two sulfasalazine groups had lower spike percentages than the saline group (P<0.05). Significantly lower MDA and PGF2α levels were observed in the 250 and 500 mg/kg sulfasalazine groups compared with the saline group (P<0.05, P<0.001, respectively). SOD increased significantly in both sulfasalazine groups compared with the PTZ+saline group (P<0.05). Our study demonstrated that sulfasalazine had protective effects on PTZ-induced convulsions by protecting against oxidative and inflammatory damage associated with PTZ.

Demonstration of the protective effect of ghrelin in the livers of rats with cisplatin toxicity

Despite the various and newly developed chemotherapeutic agents in recent years, cisplatin is still used very frequently as a chemotherapeutic agent, even though cisplatin has toxic effects on many organs. The aim of our study is to show whether ghrelin reduces the liver toxicity of cisplatin in the rat model. Twenty-eight male Sprague Dawley albino mature rats were chosen to be utilized in the study. Group 1 rats (n = 7) were taken as the control group, and no medication was given to them. Group 2 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 1 ml/kg/day of 0.9% NaCl, Group 3 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 10 ng/kg/day ghrelin, Group 4 rats (n = 7) received 5 mg/kg/day cisplatin and 20 ng/kg/day ghrelin for 3 days. Glutathione, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, and liver biopsy results were measured in rats. It was determined that, especially in the high-dose group, the MDA, plasma ALT, and SOD levels increased less in the ghrelin group as compared to the cisplatin group, and the glutathione level decreased slightly with a low dose of ghrelin, while it increased with a higher dose. In histopathological examination, it was determined that the toxic effect of cisplatin on the liver was reduced with a low dose of ghrelin, and its histopathological appearance was similar to normal liver tissue when given a high dose of ghrelin. These findings show that ghrelin, especially in high doses, can be used to reduce the toxic effect of cisplatin.