CORM-A1 Alleviates Pro-Atherogenic Manifestations via miR-34a-5p Downregulation and an Improved Mitochondrial Function

Atherogenesis involves multiple cell types undergoing robust metabolic processes resulting in mitochondrial dysfunction, elevated reactive oxygen species (ROS), and consequent oxidative stress. Carbon monoxide (CO) has been recently explored for its anti-atherogenic potency; however, the effects of CO on ROS generation and mitochondrial dysfunction in atherosclerosis remain unexplored. Herein, we describe the anti-atherogenic efficacy of CORM-A1, a CO donor, in in vitro (ox-LDL-treated HUVEC and MDMs) and in vivo (atherogenic diet-fed SD rats) experimental models. In agreement with previous data, we observed elevated miR-34a-5p levels in all our atherogenic model systems. Administration of CO via CORM-A1 accounted for positive alterations in the expression of miR-34a-5p and transcription factors/inhibitors (P53, NF-κB, ZEB1, SNAI1, and STAT3) and DNA methylation pattern, thereby lowering its countenance in atherogenic milieu. Inhibition of miR-34a-5p expression resulted in restoration of SIRT-1 levels and of mitochondrial biogenesis. CORM-A1 supplementation further accounted for improvement in cellular and mitochondrial antioxidant capacity and subsequent reduction in ROS. Further and most importantly, CORM-A1 restored cellular energetics by improving overall cellular respiration in HUVECs, as evidenced by restored OCR and ECAR rates, whereas a shift from non-mitochondrial to mitochondrial respiration was observed in atherogenic MDMs, evidenced by unaltered glycolytic respiration and maximizing OCR. In agreement with these results, CORM-A1 treatment also accounted for elevated ATP production in both in vivo and in vitro experimental models. Cumulatively, our studies demonstrate for the first time the mechanism of CORM-A1-mediated amelioration of pro-atherogenic manifestations through inhibition of miR-34a-5p expression in the atherogenic milieu and consequential rescue of SIRT1-mediated mitochondrial biogenesis and respiration.

miRNAs Signatures In Patients With Acute Liver Injury: Clinical Concerns and Correlations

Non-coding RNAs can be highly exploited for their biological significance in living systems. miRNAs are in the upstream position of cellular regulation cascade and hold merit in its state. A plethora of information is available on a wide variety of miRNAs that undergo alterations in experimentally induced models of liver injuries. The underlying mechanisms governed by these miRNAs have been inferred through cellbased experiments but the scientific knowledge on miRNA signatures in patients with liver injury are primordial and lack scientific clarity. Hence, it is crucial to get insight into the status and synergy of miRNAs in patients, with varying degrees of acute toxic manifestations in the liver. Though some miRNAs are being investigated in clinical trials, a major research lacuna exists with regard to the functional role of other miRNAs in liver diseases. This review article is a meticulous compilation of disease based or drug/alcohol based acute liver injuries in patients and resultant alteration in their miRNA profile. Investigative reports on underlying miRNA-liver crosstalk in cell-based or murine models are also discussed herein to draw a correlation with clinical findings.

Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-A1 improves nonalcoholic steatohepatitis via Nrf2 activation mediated improvement in oxidative stress and mitochondrial function

Nuclear factor-erythroid 2 related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated signaling plays a central role in maintaining cellular redox homeostasis of hepatic cells. Carbon monoxide releasing molecule-A1 (CORM-A1) has been reported to stimulate up-regulation and nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in hepatocytes. However, the role of CORM-A1 in improving lipid metabolism, antioxidant signaling and mitochondrial functions in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is unknown. In this study, we report that CORM-A1 prevents hepatic steatosis in high fat high fructose (HFHF) diet fed C57BL/6J mice, used as model of NASH. The beneficial effects of CORM-A1 in HFHF fed mice was associated with improved lipid homeostasis, Nrf2 activation, upregulation of antioxidant responsive (ARE) genes and increased ATP production. As, mitochondria are intracellular source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and important sites of lipid metabolism, we further investigated the mechanisms of action of CORM-A1-mediated improvement in mitochondrial function in palmitic acid (PA) treated HepG2 cells. Cellular oxidative stress and cell viability were found to be improved in PA + CORM-A1 treated cells via Nrf2 translocation and activation of cytoprotective genes. Furthermore, in PA treated cells, CORM-A1 improved mitochondrial oxidative stress, membrane potential and rescued mitochondrial biogenesis thru upregulation of Drp1, TFAM, PGC-1α and NRF-1 genes. CORM-A1 treatment improved cellular status by lowering glycolytic respiration and maximizing OCR. Improvement in mitochondrial respiration and increment in ATP production in PA + CORM-A1 treated cells further corroborate our findings. In summary, our data demonstrate for the first time that CORM-A1 ameliorates tissue damage in steatotic liver via Nrf2 activation and improved mitochondrial function, thus, suggesting the anti-NASH potential of CORM-A1.

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CORM-A1 facilitates Nrf2 translocation and regulates cellular redox homeostasis in liver.

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CORM-A1 improves antioxidant status and lipid metabolism in liver.

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CORM-A1 induces mitochondrial biogenesis, improves energetics and cellular respiration in HepG2 cells.

Carbon monoxide releasing molecule A-1 attenuates acetaminophen-mediated hepatotoxicity and improves survival of mice by induction of Nrf2 and related genes

Acute liver injury is frequently associated with oxidative stress. Here, we investigated the therapeutic potential of carbon monoxide releasing molecule A-1 (CORM A-1) in oxidative stress-mediated liver injury. Overnight-fasted mice were injected with acetaminophen (APAP; 300 mg/kg; intraperitoneally) and were sacrificed at 4 and 12 h. They showed elevated levels of serum transaminases, depleted hepatic glutathione (GSH) and hepatocyte necrosis. Mice injected with CORM A-1 (20 mg/kg) 1 h after APAP administration, had reduced serum transaminases, preserved hepatic GSH and reduced hepatocyte necrosis. Mice that received a lethal dose of APAP (600 mg/kg), died by 10 h; but those co-treated with CORM A-1 showed a 50% survival. Compared to APAP-treated mice, livers from those co-treated with CORM A-1, had upregulation of Nrf2 and ARE genes (HO-1, GCLM and NQO-1). APAP-treated mice had elevated hepatic mRNA levels of inflammatory genes (Nf-κB, TNF-α, IL1-β and IL-6), an effect blunted in those co-treated with CORM A-1. In tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated HepG2 cells, CORM A-1 augmented cell viability, reduced oxidative stress, activated the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and anti-oxidant response element (ARE) genes. The molecular docking profile of CO in the kelch domain of Keap1 protein suggested that CO released from CORM A-1 mediated Nrf2 activation. Collectively, these data indicate that CORM A-1 reduces oxidative stress by upregulating Nrf2 and related genes, and restoring hepatic GSH, to reduce hepatocyte necrosis and thus minimize liver injury that contributes to an overall improved survival rate.

Phycoerythrin averts intracellular ROS generation and physiological functional decline in eukaryotes under oxidative stress

In vitro antioxidant virtue and life-prolonging effect of phycoerythrin (PE; a pigment protein isolated from Phormidium sp. A09DM) have been revealed in our previous reports (Sonani et al. in Age 36:9717, 2014a; Sonani et al. in Process Biochem 49:1757-1766, 2014b). It has been hypothesized that the PE expands life span of Caenorhabditis elegans (bears large resemblance with human aging pathways) due to its antioxidant virtue. This hypothesis is tested in present study by checking the effect of PE on intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and associated physiological deformities using mouse and human skin fibroblasts, C. elegans, and Drosophila melanogaster Oregon R ⁺ and by divulging PE's structural attributes responsible for its antioxidant asset. PE treatment displayed noteworthy decrease of 67, 48, and 77 % in ROS level in mouse fibroblast (3T3-L1), human fibroblast, and C. elegans N2, respectively, arisen under chemical-induced oxidative stress. PE treatment delayed the development of paraquat-induced Alzheimer phenotype by 14.5 % in C. elegans CL4176. Furthermore, PE improved the locomotion of D. melanogaster Oregon R ⁺ under oxidative stress with simultaneous up-regulation in super-oxide dismutase and catalase activities. The existence of 52 Glu + Asp + His + Thr residues (having metal ion sequestration capacity), 5 phycoerythrobilin chromophores (potential electron exchangers) in PE's primary structure, and significant hydrophobic patches on the surface of its α- and β-subunits are supposed to collectively contribute in the antioxidant virtues of PE. Altogether, results support the hypothesis that it is the PE's antioxidant asset, which is responsible for its life-prolonging effect and thus could be exploited in the therapeutics of ROS-associated abnormalities including aging and neurodegeneration in eukaryotes.

Apoptotic potential of C-phycoerythrin from Phormidium sp. A27DM and Halomicronema sp. A32DM on human lung carcinoma cells

Phycobilisomes present in cyanobacteria are photosynthetic macromolecular protein complexes that are categorized into three types - phycoerythrins (high energy), phycocyanin (intermediate energy) and allophycocyanin (low energy). Structurally, they consist of α and β protein subunits and open chain tetrapyrrole prosthetic group (bilin chromophore), known for its antioxidant properties and therapeutic potential against a variety of physiological ailments. Phycoerythrins (C-PE) were purified from cyanobacterial strains Phormidium sp. A27DM and Halomicronema sp. A32DM and their respective apoptotic potentials were assessed on A549 human lung carcinoma cells. Both strains of cyanobacteria were cultured and the C-PE from each strain was extracted, quantified and characterized. C-PE accounted for a dose dependent decrement in cell viability, mitochondrial membrane potential and an increment in lactate dehydrogenase release. Higher doses of C-PE (of both strains) accounted for loss of cell viability and nuclear pycnosis. These findings were further substantiated with flow cytometry that revealed a cell arrest at G0/G1 phase and a high percentage of cells undergoing apoptosis following C-PE treatment. These results confirm the efficacy of C-PE from Phormidium sp. or Halomicronema sp. in triggering apoptotic cell death. This study is the first to report on apoptotic property of C-PE against A549 human lung carcinoma cells and warrants further studies to establish its anti-cancer potential.

Hepatoprotective potential of Tecomella undulata stem bark is partially due to the presence of betulinic acid

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Tecomella undulata (TU;` Family Bignoniaceae) is used in Indian Ayurvedic system of medicine for treating various diseases including hepatic ailments. It is also incorporated in various marketed hepatoprotective polyherbal formulations.

AIM

The present study was aimed at evaluating possible hepatoprotective role of isolated compounds from TU stem bark (TSB) using in vitro and in vivo experimental models.

METHODS

In vitro cytotoxicity and hepatoprotective potential of various extract, fractions and isolated compounds from TU stem bark were evaluated using HepG2 cells. Rats were pre-treated with TU methanolic extract (TSB-7) or betulinic acid (MS-2) or silymarin for 7 days followed by a single dose of CCl(4) (0.5 ml/kg, i.p.). Plasma markers of hepatic damage, hepatic antioxidants and indices of lipid peroxidation along with microscopic evaluation of liver were assessed in control and treatment groups.

RESULTS

TSB-2 and MS-1 accounted for significant cell death whereas; TSB-1, TBS-7, TSB-9, TSB-10 and, MS-2 did not register significant cytotoxicity. Further, non-cytotoxic components exhibited ascending grade of hepatoprotection in vitro (TSB-10<TSB-1<TSB-7<TSB-9<MS-2). Pre-treatment of TSB-7 or MS-2 to CCl(4) treated rats prevented hepatocyte damage as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological observations.

CONCLUSION

It can be concluded that, hepatoprotective potential of Tecomella undulata stem bark is partially due to the presence of betulinic acid.

Anthocyanin-rich red cabbage (Brassica oleracea L.) extract attenuates cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress in rats fed an atherogenic diet

BACKGROUND

Oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species plays an important role in the aetiology of several diseases including atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. Anthocyanin-rich extracts have been shown to possess a variety of therapeutic roles, including antioxidant, cardioprotective and hepatoprotective properties. The present inventory was undertaken to evaluate the protective role of anthocyanin-rich red cabbage extract (ARCE) on an atherogenic (ATH) diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia and related cardiac and, hepatic oxidative stress in rats.

RESULTS

ARCE (100 mg kg(-1) body weight) treatment of rats fed the ATH diet significantly prevented elevation in serum and tissue lipids, circulating levels of cardiac and hepatic damage markers, and resulted in excretion of lipids through faeces. Also, the ARCE extract significantly attenuated alterations in the cardiac and hepatic antioxidants and lipid peroxidation, and histopathological changes in cardiac and hepatic tissue.

CONCLUSION

Thus, the present study provides the first scientific evidence for a protective role of ARCE against ATH diet-induced hypercholesterolaemia and cardiac and hepatic oxidative stress.

Amelioration of carbon tetrachloride induced hepatotoxicity in rats by standardized Feronia limonia. Linn leaf extracts

The hepatoprotective potential of standardized Feronia limonia (Family, Rutaceae) methanolic extract (FL-7) and chloroform soluble fraction (FL-9) were assessed against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced oxidative stress and hepatotoxicity in rats. Rats treated with CCl4 recorded significant elevation in plasma markers of hepatic injury, alteration in hepatic antioxidant status and histopathological damages. However, rats pretreated with FL-7 (200 or 400 mg/kg, p.o.) and FL-9 (100 or 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days and later administered CCl4 (0.5 ml/kg, i.p.) recorded lowered indices of the above mentioned parameters and minimal histological damage in a dose dependent manner. These results were comparable to that of CCl4+silymarin treated rats. The results obtained with FL-7 and FL-9 are attributable to their free radical scavenging potential due to high contents of polyphenols and flavonols recorded herein. Overall, this study establishes the efficacy of FL-7 and FL-9 as hepatoprotective agents against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Protective role of Brassica olerecea and Eugenia jambolana extracts against H₂O₂ induced cytotoxicity in H9C2 cells

This study assesses the efficacy of anthocyanin rich Brassica olerecea leaves (ARCE) and flavonoid rich Eugenia jambolana seed (EJSE) extracts as possible cardioprotective agents against hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) induced cytotoxicity in H9C2 cells. Presence of ARCE or EJSE resulted in a superior cell viability and cell integrity as revealed by cell viability and lactate dehydrogenase release assays and acridine orange and ethidium bromide staining of control and H(2)O(2) treated H9C2 cells. These extracts were also able to reduce the impact of H(2)O(2) induced lipid peroxidation and depletion of intracellular glutathione. Also, there was an increase in mitochondrial membrane potential and reduced generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species following ARCE or EJSE treatments. These results suggest that ARCE and EJSE are capable of cardioprotective activity due to the high number of anthocyanins and flavonoids in them that are instrumental in lowering intracellular oxidative stress, preventing depletion of cellular antioxidants and improving cell viability.

Sida rhomboidea.Roxb aqueous extract down-regulates in vivo expression of vascular cell adhesion molecules in atherogenic rats and inhibits in vitro macrophage differentiation and foam cell formation

The present study evaluates efficacy of Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) leaves extract in ameliorating experimental atherosclerosis using in vitro and in vivo experimental models. Atherogenic (ATH) diet fed rats recorded significant increment in the serum total cholesterol (TC), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), very LDL (VLDL), autoantibody against oxidized LDL (Ox-LDL), markers of LDL oxidation and decrement in high-density lipoprotein (HDL) along with increment in aortic TC and TG. The ex vivo LDL oxidation assay revealed an increased susceptibility of LDL isolated from ATH rats to undergo copper mediated oxidation. These set of changes were minimized by simultaneous co-supplementation of SR extract to ATH diet fed rats. Histopathology of aorta and immunolocalization studies recorded pronounced atheromatous plaque formation, vascular calcification, significant elastin derangements and higher expression of macrophage surface marker (F4/80), vascular cell adhesion molecule-1 (VCAM-1) and p-selectin in ATH rats. Whereas, ATH+SR rats depicted minimal evidence of atheromatous plaque formation, calcium deposition, distortion/defragmentation of elastin and accumulation of macrophages along with lowered expression of VCAM-1 and P-selectin compared to ATH rats. Further, monocyte to macrophage differentiation and in vitro foam cell formation were significantly attenuated in presence of SR extract. In conclusion, SR extract has the potency of controlling experimental atherosclerosis and can be used as promising herbal supplement in combating atherosclerosis.

Hepatoprotective activity of Feronia limonia root

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential of a methanolic extract and of marmesin isolated from the root bark of Feronia limonia.

METHODS

Activity levels of aspartate aminotransaminase (AST) and alanine aminotransaminase (ALT), cell viability and cell death were evaluated in HepG2 cells (human liver hepatoma cells) treated with CCl₄ in the presence or absence of F. limonia extract or marmesin. Plasma activity levels of AST, ALT, bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase, protein, hepatic antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and histopathological evaluations were carried out in rats treated with CCl₄ alone or co-supplemented with F. limonia extract or marmesin in a dose-dependent manner.

KEY FINDINGS

In-vitro co-supplementation of F. limonia methanolic extract or marmesin significantly minimized alteration in levels of AST and ALT and improved cell viability. Oral administration of F. limonia methanolic extract or marmesin significantly prevented CCl₄-induced elevation in the plasma markers of hepatic damage and hepatic lipid peroxidation and a decrease in hepatic antioxidants. In-vivo hepatoprotective potential of F. limonia methanolic extract and marmesin was evident from the minimal alterations in the histoarchitecture of liver.

CONCLUSIONS

This has been the first scientific report on the hepatoprotective potential of F. limonia root bark methanolic extract and marmesin.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology of Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb--a review

Present review for the first time provides a complete botanical description and information on ethnomedicinal uses of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG; Fam, Verbenaceae). Recent studies conducted from our laboratory provide pharmacological evidence for its anti-hypertensive, anti-diabetic and anti-obesity potentials. Further, its beneficial potential in preventing in vitro and in vivo non-alcoholic steatohepatitis and atherosclerosis and potent hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging abilities along with its acute and sub-chronic toxicological evaluations are also reported from our laboratory. In keeping with its traditional uses, CG extract was capable of ameliorating experimentally induced hypertension, diabetes and obesity. Its beneficial potential against NASH induced oxidative stress and atherosclerosis can be attributed to its potent free radical scavenging potential. Non-toxic nature of CG leaf extract further provides added merit to its reported pharmacological properties. The present review summarizes the pioneering scientific evidence for the pharmacological effects of CG against related metabolic disorders like hypertension, diabetes and obesity along with anti oxidant potential and beneficial effects against non alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Cytotoxicity evaluation and antimicrobial studies of starch capped water soluble copper nanoparticles

Water soluble monodisperse copper nanoparticles of about 10nm diameter were prepared by microwave irradiation using starch as green capping agent. The resulting Cu-starch conjugate were characterized by FTIR and energy dispersive X-ray analysis (EDX). The study confirmed the presence of copper embedded in polysaccharide matrix. The aqueous solution of starch capped copper nanoparticles (SCuNPs) exhibited excellent bactericidal action against both gram negative and gram positive bacteria. The in vitro cytotoxicity evaluation of the nanoparticles was carried out using mouse embryonic fibroblast (3T3L1) cells by MTT cell viability assay, extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and dark field microscopy imaging. The capped nanoparticles exhibited cytotoxicity at much higher concentration compared to cupric ions. Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) of SCuNPs was well below the in vitro cytotoxic concentration. Statistical analysis demonstrated p<0.05 for significant results and p>0.05 for non-significant ones as compared to untreated cells. The non-cytotoxic green Cu-starch conjugate offers a rational approach towards antimicrobial application and for integration to biomedical devices.

Oxidative stress induced apoptosis of human lung carcinoma (A549) cells by a novel copper nanorod formulation

This study elucidates the process of synthesis of copper (Cu) nanorods using almond skin extract as stabilizing cum capping agent. These nanorods were (about 200 nm long and 40 nm wide) characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Further, cytotoxicity potential of these nanorods was evaluated in A549 cells (Human lung carcinoma cell line) via cell viability assay and extracellular lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release. Also, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), cellular oxidative stress (Rhodamine 123 florescence) and apoptosis (Annexin V FITC/Propidium iodide staining) were also investigated in control and treated cells. Results indicated that Cu nanorods induced apoptotic death of cancer cells by induction of oxidative stress, depletion of cellular antioxidants and mitochondrial dysfunction. This study reports a novel process of synthesis of almond skin extract capped Cu nanorods and its potential as an anticancer agent against A549 lung carcinoma cells.

Sida rhomboidea. Roxb leaf extract down-regulates expression of PPARγ2 and leptin genes in high fat diet fed C57BL/6J Mice and retards in vitro 3T3L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation

Sida rhomboidea. Roxb leaf extract (SRLE) is being used by the populace of North-East India to alleviate symptoms of diabetes and obesity. We have previously reported its hypolipidemic and anti-diabetic properties. In this study, we report the effect of SRLE on (i) in vivo modulation of genes controlling high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity and (ii) in vitro 3T3L1 pre-adipocyte differentiation and leptin release. Supplementation with SRLE significantly prevented HFD induced increment in bodyweight, plasma lipids and leptin, visceral adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy. Also, SRLE supplementation reduced food intake, down regulated PPARγ2, SREBP1c, FAS and LEP expressions and up-regulated CPT-1 in epididymal adipose tissue compared to obese mice. In vitro adipogenesis of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes was significantly retarded in the presence of SRLE extract. Also decreased triglyceride accumulation, leptin release and glyceraldehyde-3-Phosphate dehydrogenase activity along with higher glycerol release without significant alteration of viability of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes, was recorded. Our findings suggest that prevention of HFD induced visceral adiposity is primarily by down regulation of PPARγ2 and leptin gene expression coupled with attenuation of food intake in C57BL/6J mice. SRLE induced prevention of pre-adipocytes differentiation, and leptin release further substantiated these findings and scientifically validates the potential application of SRLE as a therapeutic agent against obesity.

Anti-obesity potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf aqueous extract

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf aqueous extract (CG) is traditionally used by people of North-East India to alleviate symptoms of diabetes, obesity and hypertension. Previous study from our laboratory have documented anti-diabetic and anti-hypertensive properties of CG extract but, till date there are no pharmacological studies available on its anti-obesity potential. This inventory investigates the underlining molecular mechanism/s of CG induced regulation of in vivo HFD induced obesity and in vitro adipocyte differentiation.

AIM

To evaluate effects of CG extract on (i) expression of genes regulating visceral adiposity and (ii) in vitro adipocyte differentiation and LEP release.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Body weight, lee index, plasma lipids and LEP, mRNA expression of PPARγ-2, SREBP1c, FAS, CPT-1 and LEP in epididymal adipose tissue of control and experimental groups were evaluated. Also, potential of CG extract on in vitro adipocyte differentiation and LEP release was assessed.

RESULTS

Supplementation of CG extract to HFD fed mice significantly prevented HFD induced increment in bodyweight, lee index, plasma lipids and LEP, visceral adiposity and adipocyte hypertrophy. Also, CG extract supplementation resulted in down regulation of PPARγ-2, SREBP1c, FAS and LEP expression along with up-regulation of CPT-1 in epididymal adipose tissue compared to HFD fed mice. In vitro study recorded significant anti-adipogenic effect of CG extract that resulted in decreased adipogenesis, TG accumulation, LEP release, G3PDH activity along with higher glycerol release without significantly altering viability of 3T3L1 pre-adipocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb extract prevents adipocyte differentiation and visceral adiposity by down regulation of PPARγ-2 related genes and Lep expression thus validating its traditional therapeutic use in controlling obesity.

Protective effect of Clerodendron glandulosum extract against experimentally induced metabolic syndrome in rats

CONTEXT

Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become one of the major health burdens worldwide. To date, no single pharmacological agent has been developed to correct metabolic abnormalities associated with MetS. Use of indigenous medicinal plants as alternative medicines against MetS could be beneficial due to multiple therapeutic usage, easy availability, and relatively few side effects.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect of Clerodendron glandulosum Coleb. (Verbenaceae) aqueous leaf extract (CgE) against experimentally induced MetS in rats.

METHODS

Changes in body weight, food and fluid intake, plasma glucose, insulin, fasting insulin resistance index (FIRI), plasma total lipid profile, free fatty acids (FFA), oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), blood pressure and vascular reactivity have been investigated in various experimental groups.

RESULTS

Fructose+CgE groups recorded significant decrement (P <0.05) in plasma glucose, insulin, FIRI, total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL, VLDL and FFA, whereas plasma HDL level was significantly increased (P <0.05) along with an efficient clearance of glucose during OGTT and lowered area under curve values. FRU+CgE groups also showed significantly decreased (P <0.05) mean arterial blood pressure along with decreased vasoconstriction and increased vasorelaxation in response to administration of various pharmacological agents. These results were comparable with metformin treated rats.

DISCUSSION

C. glandulosum leaf extract ameliorates experimentally induced MetS by improving dyslipidemia and insulin resistance.

CONCLUSION

This study provides the first pharmacological evidence for the protective role of C. glandulosum leaves against experimentally induced MetS. Thus, therapeutic use of C. glandulosum in controlling MetS is indicated.

Sida rhomboidea.Roxb leaf extract ameliorates gentamicin induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sida rhomboidea.Roxb (SR) known as "Mahabala" in Ayurveda and marketed as "Shahadeyi" is used in ethnomedicine to treat ailments such as dysuria and urinary disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate nephroprotective potential of SR against gentamicin (GM) induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Nephrotoxicity was induced in rats with GM (100 mg/kg bodyweight (i.p.) for 8 days) and were treated with SR extract (200 and 400 mg/kg bodyweight (p.o.) for 8 days) or 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (vehicle). Plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants along with lipid peroxidation were evaluated in various experimental groups.

RESULTS

GM treatment induced significant elevation (p<0.05) in plasma and urine urea, creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant decrement (p<0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SR treatment to GM treated rats (GM+SR) recorded significant decrement (p<0.05) in plasma and urine urea and creatinine, renal lipid peroxidation along with significant increment (p<0.05) in renal enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

CONCLUSION

SR leaf extract ameliorates GM induced nephrotoxicity and renal dysfunction and thus validates its ethnomedicinal use.

Toxicological evaluation and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb leaf extract

This inventory evaluates toxicological effects and hepatoprotective potential of Clerodendron glandulosum.Coleb (CG) aqueous extract. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests were performed using Swiss albino mice as per the guideline of Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD). Also, hepatoprotective potential of CG extract was examined in experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl 4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Acute and subchronic toxicity tests revealed that CG extract is non-toxic and its median lethal dose (LD50) value is >5000 mg/kg bodyweight. Also, rats pretreated with CG extract followed by administration of CCl4 recorded significant decrement in plasma marker enzymes of hepatic damage, total bilirubin content and hepatic lipid peroxidation. While, hepatic reduced glutathione, ascorbic acid content, activity levels of superoxide and catalase and plasma total protein content were significantly increased. Microscopic examination of liver showed that pretreatment with CG extract prevented CCl4-induced hepatic damage in CG + CCl 4 group. CG extract has hepatoprotective potential by modulating activity levels of enzymes and metabolites governing liver function and by helping in maintaining cellular integrity of hepatocytes that is comparable with that of standard drug silymarin. CG extract exhibits potent hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage but does not exhibit any toxic manifestations.

Cardioprotective effect of Sida rhomboidea. Roxb extract against isoproterenol induced myocardial necrosis in rats

The present study investigates cardioprotective effect of Sida rhomboidea. Roxb (SR) extract on heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and membrane bound ATPases against isoproterenol (IP) induced myocardial necrosis (MN) in rats. Rats treated with IP (85 mg/kg, s.c.) recorded significant (p<0.05) increment in heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes of cardiac damage, cardiac lipid peroxidation (LPO) and activity levels of Ca(+2) ATPase whereas there was significant (p<0.05) decrease in plasma HDL, cardiac endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and Mg(+2) ATPase. Pre-treatment with SR extract (400 mg/kg per day, p.o.) for 30 consecutive days followed by IP injections on days 29th and 30th, showed significant (p<0.05) decrease in heart weight, plasma lipid profile, plasma marker enzymes of cardiac damage, cardiac lipid peroxidation, Ca(+2) ATPase and significant increase in plasma HDL, cardiac endogenous enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, Na(+)-K(+) ATPase and Mg(+2) ATPase compared to IP treated group. Hence, this study is the first scientific report on cardioprotective effect of SR against IP induced MN in rats.

Effect of short photoperiod on organ growth kinetics and serum hormone profile in pullets of domestic fowl, Gallus gallus domesticus

Effect of short photoperiod (SP; LD 6:18) treatment on serum hormone profile and growth rate of adrenal, thyroid, ovary, oviduct, liver and lymphoid organ was studied in rearing pullets (RIR breed) of 1 to day 90 old. Body weight and growth index of SP pullets were lesser as compared to pullets reared under LD 12:12. Except for ovary (recorded marginal increment), weights and growth indices of thyroid, adrenal and oviduct decreased under SP. Weight of liver and lymphoid organs was higher at 30 and 90 days, in SP pullets as compared to LD 12:12. Histometric data suggested that the transition from small to big follicles was slow in ovary of SP pullets, and also reduced follicular atresia was noted in SP pullets. Except for higher corticosterone level at 30 days and higher progesterone level at 30 and 60 days, relative levels of all the hormones at all other ages were lower in SP pullets. In general, the present observations suggested intraovarian changes in pullets exposed to SP.

Effect of dexamethasone and corticosterone on activity levels of ATPase, phosphomonoesterases and phosphodiesterase in liver, muscle and testis of post-hatched White Leghorn chicks

Muscle ATPase activity did not show much change with any of the treatments, while hepatic total and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPase activities were decreased with low dose of dexamethasone (DXM(L) and enzyme activity in general was increased with both high dose of DXM(H) and corticosterone. Total and Ca(2+)-Mg(2+)-ATPases were increased in testis of corticosterone treated chicks. Acid phosphatase activity of testis was increased with DXM(H) and decreased with DXM(L) while the enzyme activity in all the three tissues was increased with corticosterone. Muscle alkaline phosphatase activity was decreased with DXM treatments while that of testis was decreased with both DXM(H) and corticosterone treatments. Hepatic PDE activity was decreased with DXM and increased with corticosterone while muscle PDE activity was decreased under both DXM(H) and corticosterone treatments. The results suggest that both hypo. and hypercorticalism can induce tissue specific differential alterations in phosphomonoesterases, ATPases and PDE during early phases of post-natal development of chicks.