Xanthine oxidase inhibitory activity of Euphorbia peplus L. phenolics

BACKGROUND

Various phenolics show inhibitory activity towards xanthine oxidase (XO), an enzyme that generates reactive oxygen species which cause oxidative damage.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the XO inhibitory activity of Euphorbia peplus phenolics.

METHODS

The dried powdered aerial parts of E. peplus were extracted, fractioned and phenolics were isolated and identified. The XO inhibitory activity of E. peplus extract (EPE) and the isolated phenolics was investigated in vitro and in vivo.

RESULTS

Three phenolics were isolated from the ethyl acetate fraction of E. peplus. All isolated compounds and the EPE showed inhibitory activity towards XO in vitro. In hyperuricemic rats, EPE and the isolated phenolics decreased uric acid and XO activity. Molecular docking showed the binding modes of isolated phenolics with XO, depicting significant interactions with the active site amino acid residues. Molecular dynamics simulation trajectories confirmed the interaction of isolated phenolics with XO by forming hydrogen bonds with the active site residues. Also, the root mean square (RMS) deviations of XO and phenolics-XO complexes achieved equilibrium and fluctuated during the 10 ns MD simulations. The radius of gyration and solvent accessible surface area investigations showed that different systems were stabilized at ≈ 2500 ps. The RMS fluctuations profile depicted that the drug binding site exhibited a rigidity behavior during the simulation.

CONCLUSION

In vitro, in vivo and computational investigations showed the XO inhibitory activity of E. peplus phenolics. These phenolics might represent promising candidates for the development of XO inhibitors.

Inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis by camel milk mitigates cyclosporine-induced nephrotoxicity: Targeting Nrf2/HO-1 and AKT/eNOS/NO pathways

Cyclosporine (CsA) is a widely used immunosuppressive agent that incurs marked nephrotoxicity in the clinical setting. Thus, there is a need for finding safe/effective agents that can attenuate CsA-induced kidney injury. Meanwhile, the underlying mechanisms for CsA-associated nephrotoxicity are inadequately investigated, in particular, the AKT/eNOS/NO pathway. Here, the present work aimed to explore the potential of camel milk, a natural product with distinguished antioxidant/anti-inflammatory actions, to ameliorate CsA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. The molecular mechanisms related to renal oxidative aberrations and apoptosis were studied, including Nrf2/HO-1 and AKT/eNOS/NO pathways. The kidney tissues were inspected using histopathology, ELISA, Western blotting, and immunohistochemistry. The present findings demonstrated that camel milk (10 ml/kg) significantly lowered creatine, BUN, and NGAL nephrotoxicity markers and the aberrant histopathology, with similar efficacy to the reference quercetin. Moreover, camel milk suppressed the renal oxidative stress, as evidenced by significantly lowering NOX-1 and lipid peroxides and significantly augmenting the renal antioxidant moieties (GSH, GPx, and SOD), thereby, driving the restoration of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Meanwhile, camel milk counteracted the pro-apoptotic reactions by significantly lowering Bax protein expression, caspase-3 activity/cleavage, and PARP cleavage, alongside significantly increasing the expression of the proliferation signal PCNA. Regarding the anti-apoptotic AKT/eNOS/NO pathway, camel milk activated its signaling by significantly increasing the protein expression of PI3Kp110, p-AKT(Ser473)/total AKT, and p-eNOS (Ser1177)/total eNOS besides significantly boosting the renoprotective NO levels. In conclusion, these findings reveal that camel milk may be a promising candidate for the alleviation of CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

Ghatti gum-base graft copolymer: a plausible platform for pH-controlled delivery of antidiabetic drugs

In the present study, we aimed to develop a novel pH-sensitive polymeric delivery system (GG-g-PMMA) for antidiabetic therapy via grafting ghatti gum (GG) with methyl methacrylate (MMA) chains. The free radical polymerization technique was adopted to graft ghatti gum with methyl methacrylate, using ceric ammonium nitrate (CAN) as a redox initiator. The impact on grafting parameters such as grafting percentage (G%) and grafting efficiency (GE), of monomer and initiator concentrations was evaluated. The batch with higher grafting efficiency and percentage grafting was selected and characterized by elemental analysis (C, H and N), DSC, FT-IR spectroscopy, XRD, 1H-NMR and SEM morphology study. In addition, the efficacy of GG-g-PMMA-based pellets loaded with the hypoglycemic agent, metformin hydrochloride, to sustain drug release was investigated. In vitro release studies demonstrated a pH-dependent sustained release of the drug from GG-g-PMMA pellets. In addition, acute oral toxicity studies and histopathological analysis suggested the safety and biocompatibility of the grafted gum. Most importantly, in vivo efficacy studies underscored the efficient hypoglycemic potential of the prepared formulation, which was comparable to that of a sustained release marketed formulation. These results suggest that the developed pH-sensitive polymeric delivery system (GG-g-PMMA) might represent a promising delivery vehicle for facilitated antidiabetic therapy.

Attenuation of diethyl nitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma by taxifolin and/or alogliptin: The interplay between toll-like receptor 4, transforming growth factor beta-1, and apoptosis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common form of liver malignancies worldwide. Alogliptin is an anti-diabetic that may have effective anticancer properties against many types of malignancies. Taxifolin is a flavonoid that has potent antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory properties. The objective of this study was to explore the impact of alogliptin and/or taxifolin on diethyl nitrosamine-induced HCC in rats. One hundred male Wistar rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: Control; HCC; HCC + Alogliptin; HCC + Taxifolin; and HCC + Alogliptin + Taxifolin group. The survival rate, liver function tests, tissue antioxidant enzymes, malondialdehyde (MDA), nuclear factor (erythroid derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were measured. Also, hepatic caspase 3, caspase 9, beclin-1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) in addition to serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and α-L-Fucosidase (AFU) were assessed. Specimens of the liver were subjected to histopathological examination. Alogliptin and/or taxifolin induced significant improvement of liver function tests with significant increase in the survival rate, tissue antioxidant enzymes, Nrf2, caspase 3, caspase 9, Beclin-1 and JNK activities associated with significant decrease in serum AFP and AFU, tissue MDA, TGF-β1, IL-1α and TLR4 expression compared to HCC group. These results were significant with taxifolin/alogliptin combination when compared to the use of each of these agents alone. In conclusion, taxifolin/alogliptin combination might be used as adjuvant therapy for attenuation of HCC.

Synthesis of Gold Nanoparticles by Using Green Machinery: Characterization and In Vitro Toxicity

Green synthesis of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) with plant extracts has gained considerable interest in the field of biomedicine. Recently, the bioreduction nature of herbal extracts has helped to synthesize spherical GNPs of different potential from gold salt. In this study, a fast ecofriendly method was adopted for the synthesis of GNPs using fresh peel (aqueous) extracts of Benincasa hispida, which acted as reducing and stabilizing agents. The biosynthesized GNPs were characterized by UV–VIS and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), and dynamic light scattering. In addition, the in vitro antibacterial and anticancer activities of synthesized GNPs were investigated. The formation of gold nanoparticles was confirmed by the existence of a sharp absorption peak at 520 nm, corresponding to the surface plasmon resonance (SPR) band of the GNPs. TEM analysis revealed that the prepared GNPs were spherical in shape and had an average particle size of 22.18 ± 2 nm. Most importantly, the synthesized GNPs exhibited considerable antibacterial activity against different Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. Furthermore, the biosynthesized GNPs exerted remarkable in vitro cytotoxicity against human cervical cancer cell line, while sparing normal human primary osteoblast cells. Such cytotoxic effect was attributed to the increased production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that contributed to the damage of HeLa cells. Collectively, peel extracts of B. hispida can be efficiently used for the synthesis of GNPs, which can be adopted as a natural source of antimicrobial and anticancer agent.

Galangin attenuates diabetic cardiomyopathy through modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats

Cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of morbidity in diabetes. Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the development and progression of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). This study explored the cardioprotective effect of galangin (Gal), a natural flavonoid with radical-scavenging and anti-inflammatory activities, in diabetic rats. An experimental diabetic rat model was achieved by a single injection of 50 mg/kg streptozotocin. Gal (15 mg/kg) was administered daily for six weeks and the samples were then collected. Diabetic rats exhibited hyperglycemia, increased glycosylated hemoglobin, triglycerides and cholesterol levels and reduced serum insulin. Serum troponin I, CK-MB and LDH were increased in diabetic rats. Furthermore, hearts of diabetic rats were characterized by elevated malondialdehyde, protein carbonyl, NF-κB p65, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, IL-6, Bax, caspase-3 and 8-Oxo-dG, and decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced GSH, and Bcl-2. Gal ameliorated hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, and heart function markers, and prevented histopathological alterations in diabetic rats. In addition, Gal attenuated cardiac oxidative injury, inflammation and apoptosis, and boosted antioxidant defenses. In conclusion, Gal has a protective effect on cardiomyopathy by attenuating hyperglycemia, dyslipidemia, oxidative stress and inflammation in diabetic rats.

Linagliptin mitigates experimental inflammatory bowel disease in rats by targeting inflammatory and redox signaling

AIMS

Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) has been involved in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD), yet the underlying mechanisms remain inconclusive. The present study aimed to investigate the potential of linagliptin, a potent/selective DPP-4 inhibitor with marked anti-inflammatory actions, to attenuate trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-evoked colitis in rats; an experimental model of IBD, and the implicated molecular mechanisms. This may add to the clinical utility of linagliptin for the management of patients with coexisting IBD and diabetes mellitus. Notably, no former studies have linked JAK2/STAT3, HMGB1/NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling in TNBS-evoked colitis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Western blotting and ELISA were used to determine the levels of target signals.

KEY FINDINGS

Administration of linagliptin (1.5 mg/kg; p.o.) mitigated the colitis severity via diminishing the disease activity index, colon weight/length ratio, and macroscopic scores. Linagliptin also lowered the colonic histologic scores and leukocyte invasion. Notably, linagliptin inhibited the colonic DPP-4 activity and upregulated the expression of intestinotrophic GLP-2 without incurring hypoglycemia in animals. Linagliptin curbed inflammation through the suppression of colonic IL-6, TNF-α, and myeloperoxidase and upregulation of IL-10. It also inhibited the IL-6/JAK2/STAT3 pathway via downregulating p-JAK2/JAK2 and p-STAT3/STAT3 protein expression and HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB cascade through lowering HMGB1, RAGE, and p-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 protein expression. In the context of mucosal oxidative stress, linagliptin diminished lipid peroxides and augmented GSH, GPx, and total antioxidant capacity. It also activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

Linagliptin shows a promise for the management of IBD via targeting IL-6/JAK2/STAT3, HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB, and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Effect of dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine on solid tumor model in mice: The interaction between nitric oxide, transforming growth factor-beta 1, autophagy, and apoptosis

BACKGROUND

Nitric oxide was reported to play an essential role in various physiological and pathological processes in the body. Recent reports suggested that nitric oxide may affect the pathogenesis of cancer. Dapagliflozin is a sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor which is commonly used for type-2 diabetes mellitus management.

PURPOSE

The current work aimed to detect the potential impact of dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine on solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) in mice.

METHODS

Six equal groups of male BALB/c mice were divided as follows: Control; SEC; SEC + Dapagliflozin; SEC + L-arginine; SEC + carboxymethyl cellulose; and SEC + Dapagliflozin + L-arginine group. Tumor volume, survival rate, tissue total nitrate/nitrite, paraoxonase-1, interleukin 1 alpha (IL-1α), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) were determined. Also, caspase 3, beclin-1, and c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) activities were estimated in the tumor tissues. Sections of the tumor tissues were examined by histopathology and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

Dapagliflozin and/or L-arginine induced a significant increment of the survival rate, tissue total nitrate/nitrite, paraoxonase-1, caspase 3, beclin-1, and JNK activities, significant lowering of the tumor volume, tissue TGF-β1, and IL-1α expression alongside an improvement of the histopathologic findings, versus the SEC group. Notably, the combination of dapagliflozin/L-arginine exerted more pronounced effects versus each agent alone.

CONCLUSION

Dapagliflozin/L-arginine combination may confer a novel therapeutic line for cancer therapy.

Targeting ROS-Dependent AKT/GSK-3β/NF-κB and DJ-1/Nrf2 Pathways by Dapagliflozin Attenuates Neuronal Injury and Motor Dysfunction in Rotenone-Induced Parkinson's Disease Rat Model

Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has emerged as a promising neuroprotective agent in murine models of epilepsy and obesity-induced cognitive impairment through its marked antioxidant/antiapoptotic features. However, the impact of dapagliflozin on the pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) is lacking. Hence, the present study aimed at exploring the potential neuroprotective effects of dapagliflozin against PD-associated neurodegenerative aberrations/motor dysfunction in rotenone-induced PD rat model. Rotenone (1.5 mg/kg) was subcutaneously administered every other day for 3 weeks. The expression of target signals was investigated using qPCR, Western blotting, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry. Dapagliflozin (1 (mg/kg)/day, by gavage for 3 weeks) attenuated PD motor dysfunction and improved motor coordination in the open-field and rotarod tests without triggering hypoglycemia. It also diminished the histopathologic alterations and α-synuclein expression and augmented tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine levels. Dapagliflozin markedly alleviated neuronal oxidative stress via lowering lipid peroxides with consequent restoration of the disturbed DJ-1/Nrf2 pathway. Moreover, dapagliflozin counteracted ROS-dependent neuronal apoptosis and upregulated GDNF and its downstream PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β (Ser9) pathway. Meanwhile, it suppressed neuroinflammation via curbing the activation of NF-κB pathway and TNF-α levels. Together, these pleiotropic neuroprotective effects highlight the promising role of dapagliflozin in the management of PD.

Activation of autophagy and suppression of apoptosis by dapagliflozin attenuates experimental inflammatory bowel disease in rats: Targeting AMPK/mTOR, HMGB1/RAGE and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

Dapagliflozin, a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter 2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has featured marked anti-inflammatory effects in murine models of myocardial infarction, renal injury, and neuroinflammation. Yet, its potential impact on the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) has not been previously investigated. The presented study aimed to explore the prospect of dapagliflozin to mitigate 2,4,6 trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS)-induced rat colitis model which recapitulates several features of the human IBD. The molecular mechanisms pertaining to the dynamic balance between autophagy/apoptosis and colon injury were delineated, particularly, AMPK/mTOR, HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. The colon tissues were examined using immunoblotting, ELISA, and histopathology. Dapagliflozin (0.1, 1 and 5 mg/kg; p.o.) dose-dependently mitigated colitis severity as manifested by suppression of the disease activity scores, macroscopic damage scores, colon weight/length ratio, histopathologic perturbations, and inflammatory markers. More important, dapagliflozin enhanced colonic autophagy via upregulating Beclin 1 and downregulating p62 SQSTM1 protein expression. In this context, dapagliflozin activated the AMPK/mTOR pathway by increasing the p-AMPK/AMPK and lowering the p-mTOR/mTOR ratios, thereby, favoring autophagy. Moreover, dapagliflozin dampened the colonic apoptosis via lowering the caspase-3 activity, cleaved caspase-3 expression, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Furthermore, dapagliflozin attenuated the HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB pathway via lowering HMGB1, RAGE, and p-NF-κBp65 protein expression. Regarding oxidative stress, dapagliflozin lowered the oxidative stress markers and augmented the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Together, the present study reveals, for the first time, the ameliorative effect of dapagliflozin against experimental colitis via augmenting colonic autophagy and curbing apoptosis through activation of AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways and suppression of HMGB1/RAGE/NF-κB cascade.

Activation of autophagy by sitagliptin attenuates cadmium-induced testicular impairment in rats: Targeting AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways

AIMS

Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent environmental contaminant that incurs deleterious health effects, including testicular impairment. Sitagliptin, a selective dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP-4) inhibitor, has demonstrated marked cardio-, hepato-, and reno-protective actions, however, its impact on Cd-triggered testicular dysfunction has not been formerly investigated. Hence, the present study aimed to explore the probable beneficial impact of sitagliptin against Cd-evoked testicular impairment which may add to its potential clinical utility. The underlying mechanisms pertaining to the balance between testicular autophagy and apoptosis were explored, including the AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The testicular tissues were examined using histopathology, immunohistochemistry, Western blotting, and ELISA. Sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day, by gavage) was administered for 4 consecutive weeks.

KEY FINDINGS

Sitagliptin attenuated the testicular impairment via improvement of the relative testicular weight, sperm count/motility, sperm abnormalities, and serum testosterone. Additionally, sitagliptin counteracted Cd-induced histologic aberrations/disrupted spermatogenesis. Interestingly, sitagliptin augmented the defective autophagy as demonstrated by upregulating Beclin 1 protein expression and lowering p62 SQSTM1 protein accumulation. These effects were mediated via the activation of testicular AMPK/mTOR pathway as proven by increasing p-AMPK (Ser485, Ser491)/total AMPK and diminishing p-mTOR (Ser2448)/total mTOR protein expression. Additionally, sitagliptin suppressed the testicular apoptotic events via downregulating Bax and upregulating Bcl-2 protein expression. In tandem, sitagliptin suppressed the oxidative stress through lowering lipid peroxides and activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway via upregulating the protein expression of Nrf2, and the downstream effectors HO-1 and GPx.

SIGNIFICANCE

Sitagliptin attenuated Cd-induced testicular injury via boosting the autophagy/apoptosis ratio through activation of AMPK/mTOR and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Ellagic acid attenuates testicular disruption in rheumatoid arthritis via targeting inflammatory signals, oxidative perturbations and apoptosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Reduced male fertility has been regarded as a serious complication of rheumatoid arthritis. Phytochemicals have been described as protective agents against rheumatoid arthritis-linked testicular impairment. The current study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of ellagic acid on rheumatoid arthritis-evoked testicular dysfunction vis-à-vis the reference anti-inflammatory celecoxib.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Ellagic acid (50 mg/kg/day) and celecoxib (5 mg/kg/day) were administered orally for 20 days in adjuvant-induced arthritic rats.

KEY FINDINGS

Current data revealed that ellagic acid counteracted rheumatoid arthritis-evoked testicular histopathologic changes, disrupted sperm characteristics and low gonadosomatic index with comparable efficacy to celecoxib. Ellagic acid also enhanced the testicular steroidogenesis via upregulating the gene expression of 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, 17β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein with consequent boosting of serum testosterone. Notably, ellagic acid attenuated the testicular inflammatory responses through suppression of myeloperoxidase, tumor necrosis factor-α and cyclo-oxygenase-2 protein expression together with enhancing the anti-inflammatory signal interleukin 10. Ellagic acid also curbed the redox alterations via lowering the production of lipid peroxides and nitric oxide and elevation of the anti-oxidant reduced glutathione. In support of cell survival, ellagic acid combated testicular apoptosis through downregulating caspase-3 protein expression.

SIGNIFICANCE

The present work accentuates the beneficial actions of ellagic acid in rheumatoid arthritis-incurred testicular impairment and disrupted spermatogenesis via combating the inflammatory, oxidative and apoptotic aberrations.

Cadmium-induced hepatocellular injury: Modulatory effects of γ-glutamyl cysteine on the biomarkers of inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptotic cell death

Cadmium is an extremely toxic pollutant that reaches human body through intake of the industrially polluted food and water as well as through cigarette smoking and exposure to polluted air. Cadmium accumulates in different body organs especially the liver. It induces tissue injury largely through inflammation and oxidative stress-based mechanisms. The aim of the current study was to investigate the ability of γ glutamyl cysteine (γGC) to protect against cadmium-induced hepatocellular injury employing Wistar rats as a mammalian model. The results of the current work indicated that γGC upregulated the level of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and downregulated the levels of the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) in the cadmium-exposed rats. In addition, γGC reduced the liver tissues cadmium content in the cadmium-treated rats, suppressed the cadmium-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and oxidative modifications of cellular DNA, lipids, and proteins. Additionally, γGC enhanced the antioxidant potential of the liver tissues in the cadmium-treated rats as evidenced by a remarkable increase in the activity of the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase and significant increase in the levels of the total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione as well as a significant reduction in oxidized to reduced glutathione (GSSG/GSH) ratio. Moreover, it effectively improved liver cell integrity in the cadmium-treated rats as demonstrated by a significant reduction in the serum activity of the liver enzymes (ALT and AST) and amelioration of the cadmium-evoked histopathological alterations. Together, these findings underscore, for the first time, the alleviating effects of γGC against cadmium-induced hepatocellular injury that is potentially mediated through reduction of liver tissue cadmium content along with modulation of both hepatocellular redox status and inflammatory cytokines.

Nicorandil abates arthritic perturbations induced by complete Freund's adjuvant in rats via conquering TLR4-MyD88-TRAF6 signaling pathway

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, systemic autoimmune inflammatory disease which poses a need to explore effective yet safe pharmacotherapeutic options. The current work aimed to study the therapeutic role of nicorandil in controlling RA.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis model was applied by injecting 400 μL of CFA in the right hind paw at day 0 and day 7. Four groups of rats were used as follows: normal-control (CTRL), CFA-induced arthritis (ART), CFA-induced arthritis treated with diclofenac (DIC) and CFA-induced arthritis treated with nicorandil (NIC). Both NIC and DIC were administered at day 14 for two weeks. Paw volume, knee joint diameter, pain behavior assessment as well as body weight were all periodically recorded throughout the experimental period. Following the sacrifice of animals at day 28, gene expressions of TLR-4, MyD88 and TRAF6 as well as extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB) were quantified in hind paws tissue. Finally, the serum levels of the inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) together with the histopathological examination of sections in the rat hind paw were recorded.

RESULTS

Both NIC and DIC proved promising anti-arthritic potential mediated, at least in part through switching off TLR4-MyD88-TRAF6 axis as well as downstream TRAF6 dependent activated MAP kinases and NF-κB.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Nicorandil, via interfering with TLR4 signaling, sheds light on a potential clinical role of the drug in pursuit for safe and effective regimens for RA.

Camel milk attenuates methotrexate-induced kidney injury via activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling and intervention with oxidative aberrations

Methotrexate (MTX) is a classical chemotherapeutic agent with nephrotoxicity as the most disturbing adverse effect. So far, its underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly PI3K/Akt/eNOS transduction, are inadequately explored. Several antioxidant modalities have been characterized to ameliorate MTX-induced renal injury. In this regard, Camel milk (CM) is a natural product with recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory features. Thus, the current study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorating effects of CM in MTX-induced kidney injury in rats. Renal tissues were studied in terms of renal injury markers, histopathology, oxidative stress, apoptosis and PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling. CM was orally administered (10 ml kg-1) and the renal injury was induced by a single i.p. injection of MTX (20 mg kg-1). Interestingly, CM dose-dependently attenuated MTX-triggered increase of BUN and serum creatinine and renal Kim-1 expression and mitigated the renal histopathological changes. CM counteracted renal oxidative stress as manifested by lowering of lipid peroxides, restoration of NOX-1 levels and augmentation of the antioxidant defenses e.g., GSH, SOD, GPx and total antioxidant capacity. With respect to apoptosis, CM curbed the cleavage of PARP and caspase-3, downregulated p53, Bax and Cyt C proapoptotic signals and enhanced Bcl-2 and PCNA levels. In the same context, CM activated the prosurvival PI3K/Akt/eNOS pathway via enhancing PI3K p110, phospho-Akt and phospho-eNOS levels. Equally important, CM preconditioning did not interfere with MTX cytotoxicity in TK-10 or PC-3 cancer cells. Together, the current findings demonstrate, for the first time, the renoprotective effects of CM in MTX-induced kidney injury via activation of PI3K/Akt/eNOS signaling and combating oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Troxerutin down-regulates KIM-1, modulates p38 MAPK signaling, and enhances renal regenerative capacity in a rat model of gentamycin-induced acute kidney injury

Troxerutin enhances renal tissue regeneration, improves renal function, and decreases renal tissue injury in gentamycin-treated rats.