Butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid induces oxidative stress in mice liver--an in vivo study

Present study focuses on the evaluation of butyl p-hydroxybenzoic acid (butylparaben CAS No: 94-26-8) exerted hepatotoxicity in mice. Oral administration of three different doses of butylparaben (40, 20 and 13.33 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/kg b.w./day) for 30 days has resulted in marked increase in lipid peroxidation. The effect was dose-dependent. Biochemical analysis revealed significant (p < 0.05) and dose-dependant reduction in non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid content. Significant (p < 0.05) reduction in enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione transferase were also observed in butylparaben treated groups as compared to control. Our findings prove that the oxidative stress induced by butylparaben plays the central role in the toxicity.

Phyllanthin of Standardized Phyllanthus amarus Extract Attenuates Liver Oxidative Stress in Mice and Exerts Cytoprotective Activity on Human Hepatoma Cell Line

BACKGROUND

Phyllanthus amarus, a traditional herbal liver-protecting medicine, is known to contain an active ingredient phyllanthin. Many research studies and clinical trials performed in the past using this plant have given contentious results which clearly accentuates the need for the standardization of the extracts.

AIM

In this study, P. amarus extract was standardized for phyllanthin content by high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC) and high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The preventive role of a standardized extract of P. amarus against CC14-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro using mice model and human hepatoma HepG2 cell line, respectively, was investigated.

METHODS

Phyllanthin was used as a marker phytochemical for the standardization of P. amarus extract. The extracts were verified for phyllanthin content by HPTLC and HPLC. Female mice were orally administered with CCl4 either with or without standardized P. amarus extract in three different doses. Similarly, the cytoprotective role of the standardized extract in vitro was studied in HepG2 cell line.

RESULTS

Oral administration of CCl4 resulted in increased oxidative stress, decreased antioxidative defense, and liver injury. Treatment with P. amarus along with CCl4 significantly mitigated the increase in activities of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation, and bilirubin content. It also increased the antioxidant enzymatic and non-enzymatic defense parameter levels. The results of the in vitro study conducted in HepG2 cells indicated that the hepatotoxin lowered 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (Mil) metabolism and increased the release of transaminases which were corrected with co-incubation with P. amarus.

CONCLUSION

The study established a significant liver-protecting role of standardized P. amarus extract due to the presence of active ingredient phyllanthin.

Prognostic significance of molecular markers in oral squamous cell carcinoma: a multivariate analysis

BACKGROUND

Multiple marker accumulation impacts tumor progression and biologic phenotypes affect clinical outcome of patients with head and neck cancer. Hence, this study investigated a battery of molecular markers that may help to reflect biologic aggressiveness and predict prognosis.

METHODS

Epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), Stat3, H-ras, c-myc, p53, cyclin D1, p16, Rb, Ki-67, and Bcl-2 were localized immunohistochemically in 135 oral squamous cell carcinoma patients to assess prognostic value.

RESULTS

In univariate analysis of total patients, p53, Stat3, and p16 predicted both relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS). In Cox multivariate analysis, after adjusting for tumor size, nodal status, and lymphatic permeation, p53 was independently associated with RFS and OS, and p16 with RFS only. In only early-stage patients, in univariate analysis, nuclear Stat3 was significant for RFS and OS.

CONCLUSION

Immunostaining of p53, p16, and Stat3 might serve as potential adjuncts in pathologic evaluation of oral tumors to predict risk of relapse.

Mitigation of carbon tetrachloride-induced damage by Phyllanthus amarus in liver of mice

Liver disease has become a global concern worldwide. In absence of reliable liver protective drugs in modem medicine, a large number of medicinal preparations are recommended for the treatment of liver disorders as they are believed to be harmless based on their natural origin. The aim of the present study was to determine the hepatoprotective activity of Phyllanthus amarus plant extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4-induced liver damage in female mice. Carbon tetrachloride administration caused a significant increase in liver and serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and acid phosphatase (ACP), while total protein content significantly decreased as compared to vehicle control. The effect was dose-dependent. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Phyllanthus amarus along with carbon tetrachloride caused significant mitigation of CCl4-induced changes.

Ameliorative effects of ginger extract on paraben-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice

We have evaluated the ameliorative effect of ginger extract on paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid)-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice. Adult female albino mice were orally administered with 2.25 or 4.50 mg of paraben in 0.2 mL olive/animal/day (67.5 and 135 mg/kg of body weight) for 30 days. The results revealed significantly higher (p < or = 0.05) lipid peroxidation in the liver of paraben-treated mice than that of controls. As compared with the controls, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants: glutathione and ascorbic acid, as well as the enzymatic antioxidants: superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly (p < or = 0.05) lowered in the liver of paraben-treated mice. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale (3 mg/animal/day) along with paraben for 30 days (Groups 6 and 7) caused significant (p < or = 0.05) amelioration in paraben-induced lipid peroxidation and increased significantly (p < or = 0.05) the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and contents of non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbic acid) antioxidants in the liver of mice, as compared with those given paraben alone (Groups 4, 5). Thus, oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale along with paraben significantly (p < or = 0.05) ameliorates paraben-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice.

The ameliorative effect of black tea extract and quercetin on bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity

The purpose of our study was, to explore the possible ameliorating effects of black tea extract and quercetin, against bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity. For this, human red blood corpuscles (RBC) were taken as the model. Blood samples collected in EDTA vials from healthy adults were used for preparation of RBC suspension. This suspension was treated with bisphenol A (0-150 microg/mL) with and without black tea extract or quercetin (0-200 microg/mL). The results showed that addition of bisphenol A causes concentration-dependent increase in rate of hemolysis. Addition of black tea extract or quercetin alone to RBC suspension did not cause any significant reduction. However, concurrent addition of bisphenol A (0-150 microg/mL) and black tea extract or quercetin caused concentration-dependent amelioration in bisphenol A-induced cytotoxicity.

Curcumin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in SDH and ATPase activities in liver and kidney of mice

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced changes in activities of succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) and adenosine triphosphatase (ATPase) in liver and kidney of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India. Young adult male albino mice were orally administered with low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight) aflatoxin with and without curcumin (2 mg/0.2 mLolive oil/animal/day) for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation and organs were removed to prepare homogenates for measuring changes in enzyme activities such as succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase. The results showed that in liver and kidney of mice activities of both the enzymes succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were found to be reduced in the groups treated with low dose and high dose of aflatoxin, which were ameliorated by the treatment of curcumin along with aflatoxin in other groups. Thus, curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in succinate dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase activities in liver and kidney of mice.

Vitamin E ameliorates aflatoxin-induced alterations in the epididymis of mice

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the effect of aflatoxin on biochemical and histopathological changes in the epididymis of mice and its possible amelioration on pre-treatment with vitamin E. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 and 50 mg of aflatoxin/animal/day (750 and 1500 mg/kg body weight) for 45 days. Epididymis was isolated and processed for biochemical analysis. As compared with the control, absolute and relative epididymal weights were significantly reduced in aflatoxin-treated mice. Aflatoxin treatment caused significant, dose-dependent reduction in protein and sialic acid contents in caput and cauda epididymis than that of vehicle control. While activities of succinic dehydrogenase and adenosine triphosphatase were significantly reduced, acid phosphatase activity was significantly higher in caput and cauda epididymis of aflatoxin-treated mice than that of vehicle control. Pyknosis of epithelial cell nuclei, disorganization of epithelium, clumping of stereocilia and lumen devoid of sperms in caput and cauda epididymis were observed. Thus, pre-treatment with vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/ animal/day) significantly ameliorated aflatoxin-induced changes, measured by biochemical and histopathological parameters.

Curcumin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid-peroxidation in liver and kidney of mice

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of mice. Aflatoxin was obtained by growing Aspergillus parasiticus in SMKY liquid medium. Pure curcumin (97% purity) was purchased from Hi-Media Laboratories Pvt. Ltd., Mumbai, India. Young adult male albino mice were orally administered with low dose and high dose (750 and 1500 microg/kg body weight) with and without curcumin (2 mg/0.2 mL olive oil/animal/day) for 45 days. On 46th day the animals were sacrificed by cervical dislocation. Liver and kidney were removed and weighed. Homogenates were prepared for measuring lipid-peroxidation along with changes in catalase, superoixide dismutase, glutathione, glutathione-peroxidase and total ascorbic acid. The results revealed concentration dependent increase in lipid peroxidation along with reduction in enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Treatment with curcumin along with aflatoxin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver and kidney of mice by ameliorating both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants.

Curcumin ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and testis of mice--an in vitro study

The present investigation was an attempt to evaluate the possible ameliorative effect of curcumin on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in liver, kidney and testis of mice in vitro. Tissues were collected from healthy Swiss strain male albino mice Mus musculus weighing 30-35 g. The homogenates were treated with aflatoxin (2-10 mg/mL) with and without curcumin (25-200 mg/mL). The results revealed that addition of aflatoxin (2-10 mg/mL) to homogenates caused significant increase in lipid-peroxidation which was maximal at 6 mg/mL aflatoxin concentration. However, concurrent addition of aflatoxin (6 mg/mL) and curcumin ((25-200 mg/mL) caused concentration-dependent amelioration in aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation.

Amelioration by black tea of sodium fluoride-induced changes in protein content of cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum and medulla oblongata in brain region of mice

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF, 6 and 12 mg/kg body weight/day) to Swiss strain male albino mice for 30 days caused significant dose-dependant reduction in the content of acidic, basic, neutral, and total protein in cerebral hemisphere, cerebellum and medulla oblongata region of brain. After 30 days of NaF treatment, followed by withdrawal of treatment for 30 days, partial but significant amelioration occurred. Administration of 2% black tea extract alone for 30 days did not cause any significant effect. However, concurrent administration of NaF and black tea extract for 30 days caused significant amelioration in all parameters studied.

Ginger extract ameliorates paraben induced biochemical changes in liver and kidney of mice

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the effect of paraben (p-hydroxybenzoic acid) on acidic, basic, and neutral proteins content, as well as carbohydrate and cholesterol contents in liver and kidney of mice. Adult female albino mice were orally administrated with 2.25 and 4.5 mg of paraben in 0.2 mL of olive/animal/day for thirty days. The results revealed dose dependent, significant reduction in acidic, basic, and neutral protein, carbohydrate contents and an increase in cholesterol content of the investigated liver and kidney. Oral administration of aqueous extract of Zinziber officinale (3 mg/animal/day) along with paraben for thirty days caused significant amelioration in all the protein types, carbohydrate and cholesterol of liver and kidney.

Toxicological effects ofCarica papaya seed extract on spermatozoa of mice

Investigations were carried out on epididymal spermatozoa of male mice to study the effects of high dosages (100, 200 and 300 mg kg(-1) bwt) of aqueous Carica papaya seed extract. The results revealed a significant dosedependent suppression of cauda epididymal sperm motility coinciding with a decrease in sperm count and viability. When tested 45 days after the withdrawal of treatment, complete normalcy was restored, proving that the induced effects were transient.

Ameliorative effects of black tea extract on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice

We have evaluated the ameliorative effect of black tea extract on aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice. Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 and 50 microg of aflatoxin in 0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day for 30 days. Results revealed dose-dependent and significantly (p<0.05) higher lipid peroxidation in the liver of aflatoxin-treated mice than that of vehicle control. As compared with vehicle control, the levels of non-enzymatic antioxidants such as glutathione and ascorbic acid, as well as the enzymatic antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase were significantly (p<0.05) lowered in the liver of aflatoxin-treated mice. Oral administration of two percent aqueous black tea extract along with aflatoxin for 30 days (groups 6 and 7) caused significant (p<0.05) amelioration in aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation by increasing significantly (p<0.05) the activities of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, catalase) and contents of non-enzymatic (glutathione and ascorbic acid) antioxidants in the liver of mice as compared with those given aflatoxin alone (groups 4 and 5). Thus, oral administration of black tea along with aflatoxin significantly (p<0.05) ameliorates aflatoxin-induced lipid peroxidation in the liver of mice.

Arsenic toxicity in mice and its possible amelioration

Oral administration of arsenic trioxide (3 and 6 mg/kg body weight/d) for 30 d caused, as compared with vehicle control, dose-dependent significant reductions in body weight, absolute weight, protein, glycogen, as well as, total, dehydro and reduced ascorbic acid contents both in the liver and kidney of arsenic-treated mice. Succinic dehydrogenase (SDH) and phosphorylase only in the liver activities were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner. Acid phosphatase activity was significantly decreased in the liver of low dose arsenic-treated animals; however, significant rise in its activity was observed in high dose group. As compared with vehicle control, treatment also caused significant dose-dependent reductions in SDH, alkaline phosphatase and acid phosphatase activities in the kidney of mice. Vitamin E cotreatment as well as, 30 d withdrawal of arsenic trioxide treatment with or without vitamin E caused significant amelioration in arsenic-induced toxicity in mice. Administration of vitamin E during withdrawal of treatment also caused significant amelioration as compared from only withdrawal of the treatment. It is concluded that vitamin E ameliorates arsenic-induced toxicities in the liver and kidney of mice.

Sodium fluoride-induced hypoproteinemia and hypoglycemia in parental and F(1)-generation rats and amelioration by vitamins

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (NaF; 40 mg/kg body weight) daily from day 6 of gestation to day 21 of lactation caused, compared with the distilled water control (group 2), significant reductions in body weight and feed consumption as well as concentration of glucose and protein in the serum of P- and F(1)-generation rats; however, sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum were significantly higher than those of the vehicle control (group 2). Administration of either vitamins C (50 mg/kg body weight/day), D (2 ng/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) or a combination of vitamins C+D+E along with NaF caused significant amelioration in body weight and feed consumption, as well as glucose, protein, sodium and potassium concentrations in the serum of P- and F(1)-generation rats compared with the NaF-only treated group. Withdrawal of NaF treatment during lactation caused significant amelioration in feed consumption (days 15-21 only), sodium, potassium, glucose and protein concentrations in the serum of both P- and F(1)-generation rats. Co- treatment with vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) caused significant amelioration in body weight (days 15 and 20 of gestation only), sodium, potassium, glucose (only in P-generation females) and protein (only in P-generation female) concentrations in the serum of rats than in NaF-treated rats alone. It is concluded that co-treatment with vitamins C, D and C+D+E were found more effective in ameliorating NaF-induced effects than vitamin E and withdrawal of NaF treatment during lactation.

Kinetic and mechanistic investigations on reductions of aflatoxins by lactic acid

The kinetics of reduction of AFB(1) to AFB(2) and AFG(1) to AFG(2) by lactic acid has been investigated in dilute aqueous acidic solutions (pH 3.35-4.50) as a function of the concentrations of lactic acid, AFB(1), AFG(1) and hydrogen ion at 37 degrees C. The rate of the reaction was found to be first order with respect to the concentrations of lactic acid and aflatoxins and independent on hydrogen ion concentration. The experimental results are interpreted in terms of mechanisms involving an initial formation of transient oxonium intermediate, which tends to polarize the olefinic (C=C) carbon, which in turn causes the hydride abstraction from alpha-carbon atom of lactic acid in rate determining step. The proposed mechanisms involve an overall transfer of two protons and two electrons from lactic acid to AFB(1) and AFG(1) to give the corresponding reduced less toxic products AFB(2) and AFG(2) and the oxidised product pyruvic acid.

Effect of aflatoxins on testicular steroidogenesis and amelioration by vitamin E

The potential of aflatoxin to affect testicular steroidogenesis and its amelioration by vitamin E was assessed in the present investigation. Oral administration of aflatoxin (25 and 50 microg/animal/day) for 45 days to adult mice caused, as compared with control, a dose-dependent significant rise in cholesterol content. However, the activities of 3beta- and 17beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenases and serum testosterone levels were significantly reduced in aflatoxin-treated mice as compared with the controls. Pretreatment with vitamin E (2 mg/animal/day, orally) significantly ameliorated aflatoxin-induced changes as compared with aflatoxin treatment alone. The present investigation clearly indicates that vitamin E ameliorates aflatoxin-induced changes in steroidogenesis.

Hypocalcaemia in parental and F1 generation rats treated with sodium fluoride

The potential of sodium fluoride (NaF) to affect serum cations was assessed in the parent (P) and F1 generation rats. The sperm-positive pregnant experimental female rats received 40 mg NaF/kg body weight from day 6 of gestation either up to 21 days of lactation or only up to gestation followed by withdrawal of the treatment during lactation. On day 21 of lactation, blood samples were collected from P and F1 generation rats, allowed to clot and centrifuged at 1000 g for 10 min to obtain serum for analysis of various cations. Statistically significant increases in the concentrations of sodium and potassium in the serum of P and F1 generation rats were observed in the NaF-treated group; however, calcium and phosphorus concentrations were significantly lower than their vehicle control. Withdrawal of NaF treatment during lactation caused significant recovery in sodium, potassium and phosphorus concentrations in P and F1 generation rats as compared with NaF-treated animals. Although statistically significant recovery was not observed, the calcium concentration in P and F1 generation rats was comparatively higher on withdrawal of NaF treatment than in the NaF-treated group. It is concluded that the exposure of 40 mg NaF/kg body weight in pregnant female rats caused significant alterations in cationic concentration which recovered significantly (except calcium) on withdrawal of the treatment.

Effect of papaya seed extract on contractile response of cauda epididymal tubules

AIM

To evaluate the administration of Carica papaya seed extract on the contractility of cauda epididymal tubules in male rats.

METHODS

Adult male albino rats were administered intramuscularly papaya seed extract at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg/day for 7 days. Animals were killed, cauda epididymal tubules of 5 cm length were isolated and the contractile response to different concentrations of adrenalin (1-500 microg/25mL) was examined. In another group of animals, the contractile response was assayed 3 months after withdrawal of the treatment.

RESULTS

Papaya seed extract brought about a significant decrease in the contractile response of epididymal tubules as compared with the control. After three months of papaya withdrawal, a nearly normal pattern of contraction was regained.

CONCLUSION

Papaya seed treatment reversibly reduces the contractile response of cauda epididymal tubules.

Vitamin C ameliorates fluoride-induced embryotoxicity in pregnant rats

Oral administration of sodium fluoride (40 mg/kg body weight) from day 6 to 19 of gestation caused, as compared to control, significant reductions in body weight, feed consumption, absolute uterine weight and number of implantations. Significantly higher incidence of skeletal (wavy ribs, 14th rib, <6 sternal centre, dumbell-shaped second and fifth sternebrae, incomplete ossification of skull and thickening of tibia) and visceral (subcutaneous haemorrhage) abnormalities were also observed in NaF-treated dams than that of control. Oral administration of vitamin C (50 mg/kg body weight) and vitamin E (2 mg/0.2 ml olive oil/animal/day) from day 6 to 19 of gestation along with NaF significantly ameliorates NaF-induced reductions in body weight, feed consumption, absolute uterine weight (only with vitamin E treatment) and number of implantations. As compared with NaF-treated alone, the total percentage of skeletal and visceral abnormalities were significantly lowered in fluoride plus vitamin C-treated animals. Vitamin E was less effective. These findings suggest that vitamin C significantly reduced the severity and incidence of fluoride-induced embryotoxicity in rats.

Vitamin E ameliorates aflatoxin-induced biochemical changes in the testis of mice

AIM

To assess the effect of aflatoxin on biochemical changes in the testis of mice and the possibility of amelioration by vitamin E treatment.

METHODS

Adult male albino mice were orally administered with 25 or 50 microg of aflatoxin/animal/day (750 or 1500 microg/kg body weight) for 45 days. The testis was isolated and processed for biochemical analysis.

RESULTS

There was a significant, dose-dependent reduction in DNA, RNA, protein, sialic acid contents and the activities of succinic dehydrogenase, adenosine triphosphatase and alkaline phosphatase in the testis of aflatoxin-treated mice as compared to the vehicle control. However, the acid phosphatase activity was significantly increased in the aflatoxin-treated mice. Vitamin E (2 mg/animal/day) treatment significantly ameliorated the aflatoxin-induced changes, except the acid and alkaline phosphatase activities in the high dose group.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin E treatment ameliorates the aflatoxin-induced changes in the testis of mice.