Indigofera linifolia ameliorated CCl4 induced endoplasmic reticulum stress in liver of rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Indigofera linifolia (L.f.) Retz. is used in subcontinent for liver disorders, in wounds, febrile eruption and as diuretic.

AIM OF STUDY

The current study evaluates the protective effects of the methanol extract of Indigofera linifolia (ILM) on CCl₄-induced endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in liver of rat.

METHODS

ILM was analyzed for phytochemical classes, total phenolic (TPC) and flavonoid content (TFC) as well as multidimensional in vitro antioxidant assays. Male (Sprague Dawley) rats were dispersed into seven groups (6 rats/group) receiving 0.9% saline (1 ml/kg bw), CCl₄ (1 ml/kg bw) diluted in olive oil (3:7 v/v), silymarin (200 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ (30% v/v), ILM (150 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ (30% v/v), ILM (300 mg/kg bw) + CCl₄ and ILM alone (either 150 mg/kg bw or 300 mg/kg bw).

RESULTS

ILM extract was constituted of different phytochemical classes. Co-administration of ILM along with CCl₄ to rat revert the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total bilirubin in blood serum and antioxidant parameters in liver. Further, CCl₄ increased the level of ER stress markers and inflammatory mediators while decreased level of GCLC and Nrf-2 in liver tissues of rat. CCl₄-induced histopathological variations were reduced with ILM co-administration in liver tissues.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that active phyto-constituents of I. linifolia might be responsible for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and gene-regulating activities.

Vincetoxicum arnottianum ameliorate inflammation by suppressing oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory mediators in rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Aerial parts of Vincetoxicum arnottianum (Wight) Wight (Family Apocynaceae) are used by local communities for inflammation, healing of wound and injuries and also for urticaria.

AIM OF STUDY

Extract/fractions of V. arnottianum were evaluated for potential anti-inflammatory activity in rat.

METHODS

Methanol extract of aerial parts of V. arnottianum (VAM) was partitioned on polarity for n-hexane (VAH), ethyl acetate (VAE), butanol (VAB) and aqueous (VAA) fractions. The extract/fractions were evaluated during in vitro assay for protection against heat induced protein denaturation and Carrageenan induced paw inflammation in rat. VAM and VAE were evaluated for anti-inflammatory potential against formalin and Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA) induced inflammation in paw of rat while croton oil induced inflammation in ear of rat, respectively. The level of inflammatory mediators; IL-17, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and nitric oxide (NO) was estimated in serum of rat.

RESULTS

All the extract/fractions used in this study exhibited anti-inflammatory activity. However, VAE (300 mg/kg) exhibited potential anti-inflammatory activity in carrageenan (78.06 ± 4.6%), formalin (54.71 ± 0.34%) and croton oil (73.12 ± 1.9%) induced edema in rat. In FCA induced inflammation model VAM and VAE showed admiring proficiencies against alteration of body weight and organ weight indices, paw edema and histological studies. In serum increased level of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-17) and NO during adjuvant-induced inflammation were more efficiently restored with VAE treatment to rat. Presence of polyphenolics; rutin, gallic acid, caffeic acid, apigenin, myricetin and quercetin was indicated in VAE.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest the presence of anti-inflammatory constituents in V. arnottianum.

Gonadoprotective ability of Vincetoxicum arnottianum extract against bisphenol A-induced testicular toxicity and hormonal imbalance in male Sprague Dawley rats

Vincetoxicum arnottianum (Wight) of family Apocynaceae is a rich source of therapeutic alkaloids, phenolics and flavonoids. Study aims to evaluate the protective potential of methanol extract of Vincetoxicum arnottianum (VAM) on bisphenol A (BPA)-induced testicular toxicity in male Sprague Dawley rat. Quantitative analysis of VAM for total phenolic (TPC), total flavonoid (TFC) and total alkaloid content (TAC) along with HPLC analysis for polyphenolics was carried out. BPA-induced testicular toxicity was determined through analysis of antioxidant enzymes, DNA damages and testicular histopathology along with reproductive hormones in serum of rat. VAM was constituted of TFC (382.50 ± 1.67 μg GAE/mg), TPC (291.17 ± 0.82 μg RE/mg), TAC (16.5 ± 0.5%), ferulic acid (2.2433 μg/mg) and vanillic acid (2.1249 μg/mg). VAM co-administration to BPA-treated rats attenuated the toxic effects of BPA and restored the body and testis weights. Altered level of luteinizing hormone (LH), testosterone and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) in serum, and level of antioxidants (GSH, POD, CAT and SOD) and nitric oxide in testis tissues of BPA-induced toxicity were significantly restored by VAM. Histological and comet assay studies also sanctioned the protective potential of VAM in BPA-intoxicated rats. The presence of polyphenols and alkaloids might contribute towards the scavenging and ameliorative potential of VAM in testicular toxicity induced by BPA.

Methanol extract of Iphiona aucheri ameliorates CCl4 induced hepatic injuries by regulation of genes in rats

We have investigated the protective potential of methanol extract of Iphiona aucheri (IAM) on the expression of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress associated genes and inflammatory genes on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced hepatic toxicity in rats. Hepatic damage markers: aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin were elevated while the content of antioxidants: catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD) and reduced glutathione (GSH) were decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in CCl4 treated rats as compared to the control group. The CCl4 intoxication induced a higher expression of glucose-regulated protein 78 kDa (GRP78), X-box-binding protein 1 total (XBP1t), spliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1s), unspliced X-box-binding protein 1 (XBP1u), C/EBP homologous protein (CHOP) and genes involved in inflammation and fibrosis: tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), mothers against DPP homolog 3 (SMAD3), alpha skeletal muscle actin (αSMA) and collagen type I alpha 1 chain (COL1A1). The intoxicated rats showed a low expression of the glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2) like-2 (Nrf2). The administration of IAM to intoxicated rats restored the expression of ER stress, inflammatory, fibrosis and antioxidant genes in a dose dependent manner. Our results indicated that IAM can impede the ER stress and inflammatory genes and it could be a complementary and alternative therapeutic agent for oxidative stress associated disorders.

Evaluation of anti-inflammatory potential of the leaves of Wendlandia heynei (Schult.) Santapau & Merchant in Sprague Dawley rat

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The leaves of W. heynei (family: Rubiaceae) are used by the folklore in swelling, wounds and body aches. In this study anti-inflammatory potential of W. heynei leaves has been evaluated during in vitro studies and in rat.

METHODS

Methanol extract of the leaves of W. heynei (WHLM) and its fractions; n-hexane (WHLH), chloroform (WHLC), ethyl acetate (WHLE), n-butanol (WHLB) and residual soluble aqueous (WHLA) were screened for phytochemical analysis and several active constituents (alkaloids, flavonoids, saponins, tannins, terpenoids, β-carotene and lycopene) were also quantified. Heat induced albumin denaturation assay and in vitro cell cultures was carried out for in vitro anti-inflammatory activity, while various in vivo assays like TPA induced ear edema, croton oil induced anus edema, formalin and carrageenan-induced hind paw edema was investigated in Sprague-Dawley rats. Alterations on levels of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), IL-6 and prostaglandins (PGE₂) induced with WHLE was studied in serum after carrageenan induced paw edema in rat. Meanwhile, the dose dependent WHLE inhibition of NFκB pathway via regulation of the phosphorylation of IKKs, IκBα, and p65 subunit was studied in LPS-induced rat peritoneal macrophages. On account of marked anti-inflammatory activity of WHLE its bioactive components were analyzed by HPLC-DAD analysis.

RESULTS

The phytochemical analysis yielded alkaloids, saponins, tannins, coumarins, glycosides, quinones and vitamin C in WHLM and in all fractions. Fraction (WHLE) was enriched with alkaloids (20.20 ± 2.5%), flavonoids (25.26 ± 2.11%) and tannins (307.2 ± 2.03 mg of GAE/g of extract), while terpenoids (21.60 ± 1.65%) were the major constituents of WHLH. Ethyl acetate fraction convincingly protected heat induced albumin denaturation. WHLE exhibited highest edema inhibition in models of TPA-induced ear edema (74.51 ± 2.05) and croton oil-induced anal edema (75.38 ± 2.83). The pretreatment with WHLE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the paw edema with formalin (78.99 ± 2.26%) assessed after 6 h and in carrageenan (75.71 ± 4.46%) was detected after 4 h. Level of anti-inflammatory markers; IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α and PGE₂ in carrageenan induced paw edema in serum of rat was significantly (p < 0.001) decreased with WHLE pretreatment to rat. WHLE significantly inhibited the NFκB by reducing the phosphorylation of IKKs, IκBα, and p65 subunit in LPS-induced inflammation in rat peritoneal macrophages. HPLC-DAD analysis of WHLE indicated the presence of rutin, gallic acid, catechin, caffeic acid and myricetin.

CONCLUSIONS

It is concluded that WHLM fractions have marked anti-inflammatory activity and this study endorsed the folklore use of W. heynei leaves for swelling related disorders.

Wound healing potential of oil extracted from Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana (Decne) Rehder

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Oil extracted from Parrotiopsis jacquemontiana stem traditionally used for wound healing, body aches and dermatitis. In this study we have evaluated oil for its phytoconstituents, antioxidant, antimicrobial and wound healing activities.

METHODS

Phytochemical characterization of oil was determined by standard qualitative procedures, gas chromatography mass spectrometry technique (GC-MS) and Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR). The in vitro antioxidant aptitude was determined by scavenging of DPPH radical, hydroxyl ion, nitric oxide, inhibition of β-carotene bleaching assay and iron chelation power assay. The antimicrobial potential of oil was investigated by disc diffusion method against multidrug resistant (MDR) bacterial isolates and fungal strains. Wound healing was performed in vivo with determination of wound contraction rates, histopathology, hemostatic potential and hydroxyproline estimation.

RESULTS

GC-MS analysis indicated that oil was constituted mainly of 2, 6-dimethyl-8-oxoocta-2, 6-dienoic acid, methyl ester (18.2%), syringol (17.8%), catechol (12.4%), guaiacol (5.2%), p-cresol (5.4%) and phenol, 2-propyl- (3.7%). FT-IR analysis revealed several important functional groups in its chemical composition especially phenolic O-H compound stretching. Scavenging of DPPH radical, hydroxyl ion, nitric oxide, inhibition of β-carotene oxidation and iron chelation power assays indicated strong antioxidant activities of oil. Further it efficiently inhibited growth of multidrug resistant isolates of Staphylococcus aureus, S. lugdenesis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Escherichia coli, Coagulase -ve staphylococci and Pseudomonas aeruginosa. The minimum inhibitory concentrations ranged between (32-256) (μg/mL) of oil. The oil also strongly inhibited the growth of various fungal isolates with low level of minimum inhibitory concentrations (64-256) μg/mL. Remarkable rate for wound closure and epithelization, hemostatic potential and marked increase (p < 0.05) in hydroxyproline content was observed for oil during wound healing in rat.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that oil can be used as a potential source of wound healing therapeutics.

Interplay of N acetyl cysteine and melatonin in regulating oxidative stress-induced cardiac hypertrophic factors and microRNAs

Early and specific diagnosis of oxidative stress linked diseases as cardiac heart diseases remains a major dilemma for researchers and clinicians. MicroRNAs may serve as a better tool for specific early diagnostics and propose their utilization in future molecular medicines. We aimed to measure the microRNAs expressions in oxidative stress linked cardiac hypertrophic condition induced through stimulants as Endothelin and Isoproterenol. Cardiac hypertrophic animal models were confirmed by BNP, GATA4 expression, histological assays, and increased cell surface area. High oxidative stress (ROS level) and decreased antioxidant activities were assessed in hypertrophied groups. Enhanced expression of miR-152, miR-212/132 while decreased miR-142-3p expression was observed in hypertrophic condition. Similar pattern of these microRNAs was detected in HL-1 cells treated with H₂O₂. Upon administration of antioxidants, the miRNAs expression pattern altered from that of the cardiac hypertrophied model. Present investigation suggests that oxidative stress generated during the cardiac pathology may directly or indirectly regulate anti-hypertrophy pathway elements through microRNAs including antioxidant enzymes, which need further investigation. The down-regulation of free radical scavengers make it easier for the oxidative stress to play a key role in disease progression.

In vitro antioxidant efficacy and the therapeutic potential of Wendlandia heynei (Schult.) Santapau & Merchant against bisphenol A-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The aim of present study was to access the antioxidant and ameliorative efficacy of Wendlandia heynei stem bark's crude methanol extract (WHBM) against bisphenol A (BPA)-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat moel. WHBM and its derived fractions exhibited promising activity for the scavenging of DPPH, hydroxyl and nitrite radicals, iron chelation, and for the inhibition of β-carotene oxidation. The administration of BPA to Sprague Dawley rats (25 mg kg-1) for 28 days resulted in an elevated (p < 0.01) level of aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, and globulin, and at the same time a decrease (p < 0.01) in the level of total protein and albumin in the serum of the rats. In hepatic samples, the levels of catalase, peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione were decreased (p < 0.05), whereas thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, and the nitrite content were increased (p < 0.05) with BPA treatment to the rats. The administration of WHBM to BPA-intoxicated rats restored the altered levels of these parameters toward the control animals. Histopathological alterations of the hepatic tissues induced with BPA were restored with WHBM co-treatment to the rats. HPLC-DAD analysis ensured the occurrence of rutin, catechin, and caffeic acid in WHBM and WHBE. The results of this study suggested that the presence of phenolics and flavonoids in W. heynei bark might be responsible for it exhibiting antioxidant potential during the in vitro and in vivo studies and hence it has potential to be used as a therapeutic agent against oxidative stress associated diseases.

Abundance, distribution and dispersal time of Paederus fuscipes (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae) and its association to human settings

Rove beetle (Paederus spp.) is of medical interest because it causes nasty skin lesion in humans known as Paederus dermatitis. In addition, Paederus is gaining notoriety as urban pests in human-populated areas. This study aimed to determine some factors and conditions controlling the beetle's abundance, distribution and dispersal time along with the rice field towards human setting. Flight dispersion of P. fuscipes towards a light trap was studied for two cycles of the rice cultivation phase; main rice season (October 2013 - March 2014) and off rice season (March 2014 - October 2014) at an infestation-prone area in Mainland Penang, Malaysia. The effects of rice cultivation phases and variable environmental conditions were considered to further understand the abundance, distribution and dispersal time of P. fuscipes. As shown in the present work, the number of beetles was higher in warmer and humid months, especially during the off season of the rice cultivation phase. The greatest abundance of the beetle towards residential premises was primarily seen during the rice harvesting stage. Peak time of P. fuscipes flight was observed starting at 20:45 hours, with threshold temperature 25-27°C and relative humidity 84-94% RH. P. fuscipes were capable of flying under marginally windy conditions. However, windless night favour most P. fuscipes flights.

Investigations on anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of Alnus nitida Spach (Endl). stem bark in Sprague Dawley rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Stem bark of Alnus nitida (Spach) Endl. (family Betulaceae) is used by local communities in northern areas of Pakistan as a remedy for swelling, injuries and pain. However no pharmacological study of this plant has been reported to confirm these activities. In this study anti-inflammatory and analgesic effect of A. nitida stem bark have been evaluated.

METHODS

Powder of the stem bark of A. nitida was extracted with methanol (ANBM) and partitioned in escalating polarity to get the n-hexane (ANBH), chloroform (ANBC), ethyl acetate (ANBE) and the residual soluble aqueous (ANBA) fractions. The methanol extract and derived fractions were evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity by using in vitro heat induced albumin denaturation assay and various in vivo assays; carrageenan-induced hind paw edema method, Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema in Sprague Dawley rat. The extracts/fractions were also evaluated for analgesic effects by using hot plate analgesic test and acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. The ANBM composition was analyzed by HPLC-DAD and GC-MS analysis.

RESULTS

Results of heat induced albumin denaturation activity indicated that among the extract/fractions ANBC at concentration range of 100-500µg/ml remarkably protected the heat induced albumin denaturation. The pretreatment with ANBC significantly reduced the carrageenan induced edema with 90.81±1.6% after 4h, comparing with 86.63±3.42% reduction produced by the reference drug diclofenac potassium. Histopathological alterations of the gastric and hind paw were decreased with the extract/fractions. Furthermore, anti-inflammatory effects of ANBC were evident in Freunds' complete adjuvant induced arthritis, histamine induced paw edema and xylene induced ear edema. The latency time in hot plate analgesic assay with ANBC (61.59±0.38%) after 90min was comparable to standard drug morphine (69.31±2.67%) and aspirin (67.24±2.08%). Similarly ANBC significantly (p<0.01) inhibited the pain sensation in acetic acid induced writhing test in rat. HPLC-DAD analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of gallic acid, catechin and rutin while the GC-MS analysis of ANBM indicated the presence of 30 compounds predominantly of neophytadiene, 3,7,11,15 tetramethyl-2-hexadecen-1-ol, phytol, vitamin E and linalool.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study suggested that the presence of polyphenols, sterols, terpenoids and other constituents might contributed towards the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities of the crude methanol extract of A. nitida bark and its derived fractions. This study endorsed the folklore use of A. nitida bark for inflammation related disorders.

Association between Serum 25 (OH) Vitamin D Concentrations and Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) Activity

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are immune mediated diseases affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Several environmental factors in concert with genetic susceptibilities can trigger IBDs. Recently, one of the important environmental factors contributing to the development of autoimmune diseases is vitamin D (VitD) deficiency. Furthermore, some new evidence points to VitD deficiency and its receptor dysfunction as an underlying factor for the emergence experimental IBDs. The aim of the current study was to evaluate the correlation between serum 25(OH)D concentrations and IBD activity in patients with ulcerative colitis or Crohn's disease. Sixty patients with confirmed diagnosis of IBD were recruited for a cross sectional study. Most of the identified confounders affecting serum VitD concentrations were excluded. Disease activity was assessed using validated questionnaires, including Truelove for Ulcerative Colitis and Crohn Disease Activity Index (CDAI) for Crohn disease. Serum 25(OH)D concentrations were determined by chemiluminescent assay. Serum 25(OH)D≤10 (ng/ml) was considered as VitD deficiency and 11≤25(OH)D<29(ng/ml) as VitD insufficiency. Mean serum 25(OH)D value was 13.1 ± 11.1(ng/ml) in IBD patients. Almost 95% of patients were vitamin D insufficient or deficient. Forty one percent of IBD patients had active disease. VitD deficiency was not associated with IBD activity (p=0.23). However, VitD deficiency was significantly associated with a history of IBD related intestinal surgery (p=0.001). In conclusion, this cross-sectional prospective study suggested that there is no association between vitamin D deficiency and disease activity in a relatively small number of IBD patients in a short period of time.