Cardioprotective effects of curcumin and carvacrol in doxorubicin-treated rats: Stereological study

Bone Healing via Carvacrol and Curcumin Nanoparticle on 3D Printed Scaffolds

Carvacrol is a potent antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory agent, while curcumin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. These phytochemicals have poor solubility, bioavailability, and stability in their free form. Nanoencapsulation can reduce these limitations with enhanced translational capability. Integrating nanocarriers with 3D-printed calcium phosphate (CaP) scaffolds presents a novel strategy for bone regeneration. Carvacrol and curcumin-loaded nanoparticles (CC-NP) synthesized with melt emulsification produced negatively charged, monodispersed particles with a hydrodynamic diameter of ≈127 nm. Their release from the scaffold shows a biphasic release under physiological and acidic conditions. At pH 5.0, the CC-NP exhibits a 53% release of curcumin and nearly 100% release of carvacrol, compared to 19% and 36% from their respective drug solutions. At pH 7.4, ≈40% of curcumin and 76% of carvacrol releases, highlighting their pH-sensitive release mechanism. In vitro studies demonstrate a 1.4-fold increase in osteoblast cell viability with CC-NP treatment. CC-NP exhibit cytotoxic effects against osteosarcoma cells, reducing cell viability by ≈2.9-fold. The antibacterial efficacy of CC-NP evaluated against Staphylococcus aureus (SA) and Pseudomonas aeruginosa (PA) exhibiting 98% antibacterial efficacy. This approach enhances therapeutic outcomes and minimizes the potential side effects associated with conventional treatments, paving the way for innovative applications in regenerative medicine.

The Protective Effects of Carvacrol Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity In Vitro and In Vivo

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a remarkable chemotherapeutic agent, however, its adverse effect on DOX-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) is a rising concern. Recent research has identified carvacrol (CAR), an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent, as a promising natural compound for protecting against DIC. This study aims to investigate the potential cardioprotective effects properties of CAR in vitro and in vivo. The cardioprotective effect of CAR was assessed by pretreating H9c2 cells with non-toxic CAR for 24 h, followed by co-treatment with DOX (10 μM) for an additional 24 h. The cell viability was determined using an MTT assay. For the in vivo study, male Sprague-Dawley rats (200-250 g) were randomly divided into three groups: control, cardiotoxicity (DOX), and treatment (CAR + DOX) groups. CAR (50 mg/kg, BW) was administered orally to the CAR + DOX groups for 14 days. Then, a single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg/i.p, BW) was administered on day 15 for DOX and CAR + DOX groups. The rats were allowed to recover for 3 days before being sacrificed. Our results demonstrated that DOX (10 µM) significantly reduced H9c2 cell viability by 50% (p < 0.0001), and CAR (0.067 µM) protected H9c2 cells from DIC (p = 0.0045). In the rat model, CAR pretreatment effectively mitigated DOX-induced reductions in systolic pressure (p = 0.0007), pulse pressure (p = 0.0213), hypertrophy (p = 0.0049), and cardiac fibrosis (p = 0.0006). However, the pretreatment did not alter the heart function, oxidative stress, and antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, our results indicate that CAR could potentially serve as an adjuvant to reduce cardiotoxicity by ameliorating myocardial fibrosis and hypertrophy.

Carvacrol alleviates LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasome in cardiomyocytes

BACKGROUND

Sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction (SIMD) may contribute to the poor prognosis of septic patients. Carvacrol (2-methyl-5-isopropyl phenol), a phenolic monoterpene compound extracted from various aromatic plants and fragrance essential oils, has multiple beneficial effects such as antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. These attributes make it potentially useful for treating many diseases. This study aims to investigate the effects of CAR on LPS-induced myocardial dysfunction and explore the underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

H9c2 cells were stimulated with 10 µg/ml LPS for 12 h, and c57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 10 mg/kg LPS to establish a septic-myocardial injury model. Our results showed that CAR could improve cardiac function, significantly reduce serum levels of inflammatory cytokines (including TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6), decrease oxidative stress, and inhibit cardiomyocyte apoptosis in LPS-injured mice. Additionally, CAR significantly downregulated the expression of TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in LPS-injured mice and H9c2 cells. It also inhibited the upregulation of inflammasome components (such as NLRP3, GSDMD, and IL-1β) in H9c2 cells triggered by LPS.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, CAR exhibited potential cardioprotective effects against sepsis, which may be mainly attributed to the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway and the NLRP3 inflammasome.

Carvacrol-conjugated 3-Hydroxybenzoic Acids: Design, Synthesis, cardioprotective potential against doxorubicin-induced Cardiotoxicity, and ADMET study

Carvacrol (CA) is a phenolic monoterpene renowned for its diverse pharmacological benefits, particularly its cardioprotective effects. Concurrently, phenolic acids have also demonstrated promise in mitigating drug-induced cardiotoxicity. Focusing on combating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC), the research aims to synthesize novel cardioprotective agents by combining CA with 3-hydroxybenzoic acid (3HA). Doxorubicin, an anticancer drug, poses cardiovascular risks as its adverse effect, prompting the exploration of hybrid compounds. Various linker molecules, including alkyl and acyl with different carbon lengths, were investigated to understand their impact on bioactivity. In vitro testing on the DOX-induced H9c2 cell death model revealed the effectiveness of a CA conjugate in preserving cardiomyocyte viability. In silico analysis highlighted favorable drug-like properties and low toxicity of the conjugate. This study sheds light on molecular hybridization's potential in developing cardioprotective agents, emphasizing CA's pivotal role in combating DIC.

Enhancement of cardiac angiogenesis in a myocardial infarction rat model using selenium alone and in combination with PTXF: the role of Akt/HIF-1α signaling pathway

Ischemic heart diseases such as myocardial infarction (MI) are a global health problem and a leading cause of mortality worldwide. Angiogenesis is an important approach for myocardial healing following ischemia. Thus, this study aimed to explore the potential cardiac angiogenic effects of selenium (Se), alone and in combination with the tumor necrosis factor-alpha inhibitor, pentoxifylline (PTXF), via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. MI was induced in rats using two subcutaneous doses of isoprenaline (ISP) at a 24-h interval (150 mg/kg). One week later, rats were orally given Se (150 µg/kg/day), PTXF (50 mg/kg/day), or Se/PTXF combination. ISP-induced myocardial damage was evident by increased HW/TL ratios, ST segment elevation, and increased serum levels of CK-MB, LDH, and troponin-I. ISP increased the cardiac levels of the lipid peroxidation marker MDA; the pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-6, IL-1β, and TNF-α; and the pro-apoptotic protein Bax and caspase-3. In contrast, the cardiac levels of the antioxidant markers GSH and SOD and the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 were reduced. Furthermore, ISP markedly increased the cardiac levels of p-Akt and HIF-1α proteins and the cardiac gene expression of ANGPT-1, VEGF, and FGF-2. Treatment with Se both alone and in combination with PTXF ameliorated the ISP-induced myocardial damage and further increased cardiac angiogenesis via Akt/HIF-1α signaling. Se/PTXF combined therapy was more beneficial than individual treatments. Our study revealed for the first time the cardiac angiogenic effects of Se both alone and in combination with PTXF in myocardial infarction, suggesting that both may be promising candidates for clinical studies.

Myclobutanil induces cardiotoxicity in developing zebrafish larvae by initiating oxidative stress and apoptosis: The protective role of curcumin

Myclobutanil (MYC) is a common triazole fungicide widely applied in agriculture. MYC extensively exists in the natural environment and can be detected in organisms. However, little is known about MYC-induced embryonic developmental damage. This study aimed to unravel the cardiotoxicity of MYC and the underlying mechanisms, as well as the cardioprotective effect of curcumin (CUR, an antioxidant polyphenol) using the zebrafish model. Here, zebrafish embryos were exposed to MYC at concentrations of 0, 0.5, 1 and 2 mg/L from 4 to 96 h post fertilization (hpf) and cardiac development was assessed. As results, MYC reduced the survival and hatching rate, body length and heart rate, but increased the malformation rate and spontaneous movement. MYC caused abnormal cardiac morphology and function in myl7:egfp transgenic zebrafish, and downregulated cardiac developmental genes. MYC promoted oxidative stress through excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and suppressed the activities of antioxidant enzymes, triggering cardiomyocytic apoptosis via upregulated expression of apoptosis-related genes. These adverse toxicities could be significantly ameliorated by the antioxidant properties of CUR, indicating that CUR rescued MYC-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis. Overall, our study revealed the potential mechanisms of oxidative stress and apoptosis in MYC-induced cardiotoxicity in zebrafish and identified the cardioprotection of CUR in this pathological process.

Protective effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction - A comprehensive review

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are a class of illnesses that affect the heart or blood vessels, leading to the most common causes of death worldwide. In 2017, CVD caused approximately 17.8 million deaths that were increased approximately to 20.5 million deaths in 2021, globally. Also, nearly 80% of worldwide CVD deaths occur in some countries. Some herbs and their constituents due to their several pharmacological activities have been used for medicinal purposes. Carvacrol is a phenolic mono-terpenoid found in the oils of aromatic herbs with several biological properties. The possible therapeutic effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction were summarized in the current study. The data from this review article were obtained by searching the terms including; "Carvacrol", "Hypertension", Hypotensive, "Cardiac dysfunction", "Ischemia", "Lipid profile", and Oxidative stress in several web databases such as Web of Sciences, PubMed Central, and Google Scholar, until November 2023. The results of the reviewed studies revealed that carvacrol inhibits acetylcholinesterase (AchE) activity and alters lipid profiles, reducing heart rate as well as systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP). Carvacrol also decreased the proinflammatory cytokine (IL-1β), while increasing secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10). Moreover, carvacrol improved oxidative stress and mitigated the number of apoptotic cells. The pharmacological effects of carvacrol on CVD might be through its antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The mentioned therapeutic effects of carvacrol on lipid profile, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction indicate the possible remedy effect of carvacrol for the treatment of CVD.

Effects of carvacrol on ketamine-induced cardiac injury in rats: an experimental study

AIM

We aimed to investigate the preventive effects of carvacrol against ketamine-induced cardiotoxicity biochemically and histopathologically in an experimental model.

MATERIAL AND METHOD

The rats were divided into three groups; healthy control (HC), ketamine alone (KG), and ketamine + carvacrol (KCG) groups. Serum Creatine Kinase Myocardial Band (CK-MB) and Troponin I (TP I) levels were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), Glutathione (GSH), Superoxide Dismutase (SOD), Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin 1 beta (IL-1beta), and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) levels were measured in the heart tissues of the rats. Heart tissues were also evaluated histopathologically.

RESULTS

In the ketamine-treated group, tissue MDA, TNF-α, IL-1beta, and IL-6 levels increased while tissue GSH and SOD levels decreased significantly compared with the control group. However, in the ketamine plus carvacrol applied group, all those alterations were significantly less pronounced, close to the healthy controls. Severe mononuclear cell infiltrations, degenerated myocytes and hemorrhage were determined in the ketamine alone administered group, and these alterations were at a mild level in the carvacrol + ketamine administered group.

CONCLUSION

Prolonged exposure to ketamine resulted in induced oxidative stress in rat heart tissue; concomitant carvacrol application could counteract the negative effects of ketamine by protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation and decreasing the inflammatory response.

Carvacrol enhances anti-tumor activity and mitigates cardiotoxicity of sorafenib in thioacetamide-induced hepatocellular carcinoma model through inhibiting TRPM7

AIMS

Sorafenib (Sora) represents one of the few effective drugs for the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), while resistance and cardiotoxicity limit its therapeutic efficacy. This study investigated the effect of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7) inhibitor, carvacrol (CARV), on overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in thioacetamide (TAA) induced HCC in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

TAA (200 mg/kg/twice weekly, intraperitoneal) was administered for 16 weeks to induce HCC. Rats were treated with Sora (10 mg/Kg/day; orally) and CARV (15 mg/kg/day; orally) alone or in combination, for six weeks after HCC induction. Liver and heart functions, antioxidant capacity, and histopathology were performed. Apoptosis, proliferation, angiogenesis, metastasis, and drug resistance were assessed by quantitative real time polymerase chain reaction, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and immunohistochemistry.

KEY FINDINGS

CARV/Sora combination significantly improved survival rate, and liver functions, reduced Alpha-Fetoprotein level, and attenuated HCC progression compared with Sora group. CARV coadministration almost obviated Sora-induced changes in cardiac and hepatic tissues. The CARV/Sora combination suppressed drug resistance and stemness by downregulating ATP-binding cassette subfamily G member 2, NOTCH1, Spalt like transcription factor 4, and CD133. CARV boosted Sora antiproliferative and apoptotic activities by decreasing cyclin D1 and B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 and increasing BCL2-Associated X and caspase-3.

SIGNIFICANCE

CARV/Sora is a promising combination for tumor suppression and overcoming Sora resistance and cardiotoxicity in HCC by modulating TRPM7. To our best knowledge, this study represents the first study to investigate the efficiency of CARV/ Sora on the HCC rat model. Moreover, no previous studies have reported the effect of inhibiting TRPM7 on HCC.

Vanillin and pentoxifylline ameliorate isoproterenol-induced myocardial injury in rats via the Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling pathway

Myocardial infarction (MI) is a major health problem associated with high morbidity and mortality. Recently, angiogenesis has emerged as a novel therapeutic approach against ischemic diseases including MI. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the potential angiogenic effects of vanillin (Van) both alone and in combination with pentoxifylline (PTX), and to examine the molecular mechanisms through which Van and PTX may ameliorate cardiac injury induced in rats including their effects on oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis which play a key role in MI pathogenesis. MI was induced in rats using isoproterenol (ISO) (150 mg kg^-1, SC, twice at a 24 h interval). Then, rats were treated orally with Van (150 mg kg^-1 day^-1), PTX (50 mg kg^-1 day^-1) or Van + PTX combination. ISO-induced cardiac injury was characterized by cardiac hypertrophy, ST-segment elevation and elevated serum levels of troponin-I, creatine kinase-MB and lactate dehydrogenase. Cardiac levels of the antioxidant markers GSH and SOD and the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 were decreased. On the other hand, cardiac levels of the oxidative stress marker malonaldehyde, the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, the proapoptotic protein Bax, and caspase-3 were increased. Moreover, the cardiac levels of p-Akt and HIF-1α and the mRNA expression levels of the angiogenic genes VEGF, FGF-2 and ANGPT-1 were increased. Treatment with either Van or PTX ameliorated ISO-induced changes and further upregulated Akt/HIF-1α/VEGF signaling. Furthermore, Van + PTX combination was more effective than monotherapy. These findings suggest a novel therapeutic potential of Van and PTX in ameliorating MI through enhancing cardiac angiogenesis and modulating oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

A systematic review of nonclinical studies on the effect of curcumin in chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Various anticancer drugs are effective therapeutic agents for cancer treatment; however, they cause severe toxicity in body organs. Cardiotoxicity is one of the most critical side effects of these drugs. Based on various findings, turmeric extract has positive effects on cardiac cells.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to evaluate how curcumin as the main component of turmeric may affect chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity.

METHOD

Database search was performed up to April 2021 using "curcumin OR turmeric OR Curcuma longa" and "chemotherapy-induced cardiac disease," including all their equivalents and similar terms. After screening the total articles obtained from the electronic databases, 25 relevant articles were included in this systematic review.

RESULTS

The studies demonstrate lower body weight and increased mortality rates due to doxorubicin administration. Besides, cancer therapeutic agents induced various morphological and biochemical abnormalities compared to the non-treated groups. Based on most of the obtained results, curcumin at nontoxic doses can protect the cardiac cells mainly through modulating antioxidant capacity, regulation of cell death, and anti-inflammatory effects. Nevertheless, according to a minority of findings, curcumin increases the susceptibility of the rat cardiomyoblast cell line (H9C2) to apoptosis triggered by doxorubicin.

CONCLUSION

According to most nonclinical studies, curcumin can have the potential of cardioprotective effects against cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapy. However, based on limited, contradictory findings demonstrating the function of curcumin in potentiating doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity, well-designed studies are needed to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of treatment with new formulations of this compound during cancer therapy.

Effects of turmeric (Curcuma longa) and its constituent (curcumin) on the metabolic syndrome: An updated review

Metabolic syndrome (MS) involves people with the following risk factors: obesity, hypertension, high glucose level and hyperlipidemia. It can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The prevalence of MS in the world's adult population is about 20%-25%. Today, there is much care to use medicinal plants. Turmeric (Curcuma longa) as well as curcumin which is derived from the rhizome of the plant, has been shown beneficial effects on different components of MS. Thus, the purpose of this manuscript was to introduce different in vitro, in vivo and human studies regarding the effect of turmeric and its constituent on MS. Moreover, different mechanisms of action by which this plant overcomes MS have been introduced. Based on studies, turmeric and its bioactive component, curcumin, due to their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, have antidiabetic effects through increasing insulin release, antihyperlipidemic effects by increasing fatty acid uptake, anti-obesity effects by decreasing lipogenesis, and antihypertensive effects by increasing nitric oxide. According to several in vivo, in vitro and human studies, it can be concluded that turmeric or curcumin has important values as a complementary therapy in MS. However, more clinical trials should be done to confirm these effects.

Health benefits of spices in individuals with chemotherapeutic drug-induced cardiotoxicity

Cardio-oncology is an emerging field that mainly focuses on a series of cardiovascular diseases caused by chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In the history and culture of human nutrition, spices have been emphasized for their wide range of economic and medical applications in addition to being used as a food-flavoring agent and food preservative. Currently, an increasing number of studies have focused on the health benefits of spices in preventing cardiovascular diseases, particularly their antioxidant effects against cardiovascular damage. This review summarizes the cardioprotective effects of black pepper, cardamom, clove, garlic, ginger, onion, and other spices against chemotherapeutic drug-induced cardiotoxicity and the potential mechanisms. Here, we recommend dietary adjustments with spices for patients with cancer to prevent or mitigate the cardiotoxicity induced by chemotherapeutic agents.

Cardiomyocyte Atrophy, an Underestimated Contributor in Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity

Left ventricular (LV) mass loss is prevalent in doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and is responsible for the progressive decline of cardiac function. Comparing with the well-studied role of cell death, the part of cardiomyocyte atrophy (CMA) playing in the LV mass loss is underestimated and the knowledge of the underlying mechanism is still limited. In this review, we summarized the recent advances in the DOX-induced CMA. We found that the CMA caused by DOX is associated with the upregulation of FOXOs and “atrogenes,” the activation of transient receptor potential canonical 3-NADPH oxidase 2 (TRPC3-Nox2) axis, and the suppression of IGF-1-PI3K signaling pathway. The imbalance of anabolic and catabolic process may be the common final pathway of these mechanisms. At last, we provided some strategies that have been demonstrated to alleviate the DOX-induced CMA in animal models.

In Vitro and In Vivo Cardioprotective Effects of Curcumin against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity: A Systematic Review

Objective

This study aimed to review the potential chemoprotective effects of curcumin against the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity.

Methods

According to the PRISMA guideline, a comprehensive systematic search was performed in different electronic databases (Web of Science, PubMed, and Scopus) up to July 2021. One hundred and sixty-four studies were screened in accordance with a predefined set of inclusion and exclusion criteria. Eighteen eligible articles were finally included in the current systematic review.

Results

According to the in vitro and in vivo findings, it was found that doxorubicin administration leads to decreased cell survival, increased mortality, decreased bodyweight, heart weight, and heart to the bodyweight ratio compared to the control groups. However, curcumin cotreatment demonstrated an opposite pattern in comparison with the doxorubicin-treated groups alone. Other findings showed that doxorubicin significantly induces biochemical changes in the cardiac cells/tissue. Furthermore, the histological changes on the cardiac tissue were observed following doxorubicin treatment. Nevertheless, for most of the cases, these biochemical and histological changes mediated by doxorubicin were reversed near to control groups following curcumin coadministration.

Conclusion

It can be mentioned that coadministration of curcumin alleviates the doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. Curcumin exerts these cardioprotective effects through different mechanisms of antioxidant, antiapoptosis, and anti-inflammatory. Since the finding presented in this systematic review are based on in vitro and in vivo studies, suggesting the use of curcumin in cancer patients as a cardioprotector agent against cardiotoxicity mediated by doxorubicin requires further clinical studies.

The Protective Effects of Coenzyme Q10 and Lisinopril Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats: A Stereological and Electrocardiogram Study

Doxorubicin (DOX) is used as an anticancer drug despite its several side effects, especially its irreversible impacts on cardiotoxicity. Coenzyme Q10 (Q10) as a powerful antioxidant and lisinopril (LIS) as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor seem to provide protection against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the cardioprotective effects of Q10 and LIS against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into the control, LIS, Q10, DOX, DOX + LIS, and DOX + Q10 groups. On day 21, ECG was recorded and the right ventricle was dissected for evaluation of catalase activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration. Additionally, the left ventricle and the sinoatrial (SA) node were dissected to assess the stereological parameters. The results of ECG indicated bradycardia and increase in QRS duration and QT interval in the DOX group compared to the control group. Meanwhile, the total volumes of the left ventricle, myocytes, and microvessels and the number of cardiomyocyte nuclei decreased, whereas the total volume of the connective tissue and the mean volume of cardiomyocytes increased in the DOX group. On the other hand, the SA node and the connective tissue were enlarged, while the volume of the SA node nuclei was reduced in the DOX group. Besides, catalase activity was lower and MDA concentration was higher in the DOX-treated group. Q10 could recover most stereological parameters, catalase activity, and MDA concentration. LIS also prevented some stereological parameters and ECG changes and improved catalase activity and MDA concentration in the DOX group. The findings suggested that Q10 and LIS exerted cardioprotective effects against DOX-induced cardiac toxicity.

Stereological analysis of liver, spleen and bone of Leishmania infantum-experimentally infected hamsters

Leishmaniasis is remaining as one of the important health problems of many countries around the world. The histopathology of the disease and the effects of the parasite on various tissues have not yet been fully elucidated. The current study aimed to evaluate the stereological features of the liver, spleen, and bone of hamsters infected with Leishmania infantum. In this experimental study, the L. infantum parasite was mass cultivated in a culture medium. Then, 15 golden hamsters were selected, of which 5 animals were considered as controls and another 10 animals were injected intravenously, with 1 × 10⁸ promastigotes of L. infantum. Four months later, the hamsters were euthanized and impression smears were prepared from the liver and spleen. Moreover, pathology slides were prepared from the spleen, liver, and femur. The orientated method was used to obtain isotropic uniform random (IUR) sections. For stereological evaluation, the tissues were fixed with formalin buffer, and sections (4 and 25 μm thick) were prepared and stained with Heidenhain's AZAN trichrome and hematoxylin-eosin, respectively. The tissue samples were examined by stereological methods and all changes in the samples of the infected hamsters were compared with the control group. The number of hepatocyte and their nuclei volumes were significantly decreased in the Leishmania-infected group, compared to the control group. The number of Kupffer cells and their volume in the liver of the Leishmania-infected group was higher than that of the control group, and the differences were statistically significant. The volume of trabeculae and central arteries in the spleen of the Leishmania-infected group was lower than that of the control group and the number of lymphocytes and macrophages in the spleen of the Leishmania-infected group was increased compared to the control group. The trabecular volume and the number of osteoblasts and osteoclasts of the femur in Leishmania-infected animals decreased, whereas the volume of bone marrow was significantly raised. Leishmaniasis leads to changes in tissue structure and their function in the host by the involvement of various organs of the immune system including the liver, spleen, and bone. Understanding these changes are important in identifying the effective mechanisms of the parasite and host interaction.

Protective effects of curcumin on chemical and drug-induced cardiotoxicity: a review

Cardiotoxicity is a major adverse effect that can be induced by both therapeutic agents and industrial chemicals. The pathogenesis of such cardiac damage is multifactorial, often injuring the cardiac tissue by generating free radicals, oxidative stress, and/or inflammation. Curcumin (CUR) is a bright yellow chemical produced by Curcuma longa plants. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Administration of CUR has been reported to ameliorate the chemical and drug-induced cardiac injury in several studies. CUR has been suggested to act as an effective candidate against oxidative stress and inflammation in heart tissue via regulation of Nrf2 and suppression of p38 MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes. The anti-apoptotic properties of CUR have also been reported to modulate the AMPK, Akt, JNK, and ERK signaling pathways. This review explores the potential protective effects of CUR regarding the detrimental effects often observed in cardiac tissue following exposure to several chemicals including drugs.

BMP-2 alleviates heart failure with type 2 diabetes mellitus and doxorubicin-induced AC16 cell injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated pyroptosis

Chronic heart failure (CHF) and diabetes mellitus are associated with morbidity and mortality. CHF and diabetes generally simultaneously occur, resulting in adverse outcomes. Diabetes complicates cardiomyopathy and exacerbates heart failure conditions. An increase in natriuretic peptides, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), and another endsogenously generated peptide, brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), serves an essential role in CHF. The aim of this study was to explore the molecular regulation between bone morphogenetic protein-2 (BMP-2) and ANP or BNP in diabetes-associated cardiomyopathy. In total, 25 serum samples were collected from patients with CHF with or without type 2 diabetes mellitus to compare with 25 controls. Cardiomyopathy and hyperglycemia were induced in rats by doxorubicin and streptozotocin, respectively. AC16 cells were used to study molecular mechanisms. BMP, ANP and BNP concentration in patients and rats were measured by ELISA. Flow cytometry was performed to analyze cell pyroptosis and ROS production. Reverse transcription-quantitative PCR and western blotting were used to examine mRNA and protein expression of NOD-, LRR- and pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3), pro-caspase-1, caspase-1 (p20) and gasdermin D. BMP-2 was negatively correlated with ANP and BNP in CHF patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. Similar results were obtained in rats and AC16 cells. BMP-2 decreased the NLRP3 inflammasome activation and cell pyroptosis. The present study found evidence that the cardioprotective effects of BMP-2 act through ANP and BNP both in vivo and in vitro. BMP-2 inhibits inflammasome formation. The results suggested that BMP-2 may serve as a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of diabetic heart conditions.

Modulatory effects of carvacrol against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by molecular targeting regulation

AIM

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that causes severe toxic effects on different tissues including liver and kidney. Therefore the research for alternatives to reduce the damage caused by Cd has substantial importance. This study was performed to examine the possible modulatory effects of carvacrol (CRV) against Cd-induced hepatorenal toxicities and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The rats were treated with Cd (25 mg/kg) and treated with CRV (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days.

KEY FINDINGS

CRV could modulate Cd-induced elevations of ALT, ALP, AST, urea, creatinine, MDA and enhance antioxidant enzymes' activities such as SOD, CAT, and GPx, and GSH's level. CRV also reversed the changes in levels of inflammatory biomarker and apoptotic genes that include NF-κB, Bcl-3, MAPK-14, iNOS, COX-2, MPO, PGE2, Bax, Bcl-2, P53, Caspase-9, Caspase-6 and Caspase-3 in both tissues. The levels of 8-OHdG in the Cd-induced liver and kidney tissues were modulated after CRV treatment. Furthermore, CRV treatment considerably lowered Cd, Na, Fe, and Zn content while increased K, Ca, Mg and Cu contents in both tissues as compared to the Cd-exposed rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results of the present study revealed that CRV supplementation could be a promising strategy to protect the liver and kidney tissues against Cd-induced oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis.

A Stereological Study of Mouse Ovary Tissues for 3D Bioprinting Application

Introduction

The use of 3D-bioprinted ovaries has been proven to be a promising technique for preserving fertility. Stereology is an accurate method to obtain quantitative 3D information and the stereological data is the basis for 3D bioprinting ovaries.

Methods

In this study, six female mice were used to acquire the ovarian tissues. One of the two paraffin-embedded ovaries of each mouse was cut into 5 µm sections, and the other was cut into 15 µm sections and then subjected to haematoxylin and eosin staining and anti-follicle stimulating hormone receptor antibody immunohistochemistry. The volume and volume fractions of ovaries were measured by the Cavalieri method. Then, the numerical densities and total numbers of ovarian granulosa cells (OGCs) and primordial, preantral and antral follicles in serial sections were estimated using design-based stereology.

Results

The ovarian volume was 2.50 ± 0.32 mm³. The volume fractions of the cortex, medulla, follicles and OGCs were 86.80% ± 2.82, 13.20% ± 2.82%, 5.60% ± 0.25% and 81.19% ± 2.57%, respectively. The numerical densities of OGCs, the primordial, preantral and antral follicles were 2.11 (± 0.28) × 10⁶/mm³, 719.57 ± 18.04/mm³, 71.84 ± 3.93/mm³ and 17.29 ± 3.54/mm³, respectively. The total number of OGCs and follicles per paraffin-embedded ovary were 5.26 (± 0.09) × 10⁶ and 2013.66 ± 8.16.

Conclusions

The study had obtained the stereological data of the mice ovaries, which contribute to a deeper understanding of the structure of the ovaries. Meanwhile, the data will supply information for 3D bioprinting ovaries.

Shengxian decoction decreases doxorubicin‑induced cardiac apoptosis by regulating the TREM1/NF‑κB signaling pathway

Shengxian decoction (SXT) is a traditional Chinese medicine that is clinically used for treating cardiovascular diseases. It is known for its beneficial effect on cardiomyocyte injuries, some of which can be induced by anticancer agents including doxorubicin (DOX). To determine the molecular mechanisms involved in the cardioprotective effects of SXT, DOX‑induced H9c2 cells were analyzed for apoptosis and expression levels of apoptosis biomarkers. Cell viability and apoptosis were measured by CCK‑8 and flow cytometry. Triggering receptors expressed on myeloid cells 1 (TREM1), cleaved caspase‑3, survivin and NF‑κBp65 expression levels were measured by reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR and/or western blotting. A total of 30 adult male Sprague‑Dawley rats were randomly allocated into five groups (n=6 each); control group receiving 0.9% saline, 1 DOX group receiving 2.5 mg/kg of DOX and 3 DOX + SXT groups, receiving a DOX dose equivalent to the DOX‑only group and either 0.4, 0.8 or 1.6 g/kg of SXT. It was found that DOX increased apoptosis and NF‑κB activation of H9c2 cells by increasing TREM1 expression and that SXT inhibited apoptosis and NF‑κB activation of H9c2 cells induced by DOX or Trem1 overexpression. SXT also significantly reversed DOX‑induced cardiotoxicity in rats. The results suggested that the protective effects of SXT against DOX‑induced apoptosis may be attributed to its downregulation of TREM1.

Progress in Natural Compounds/siRNA Co-delivery Employing Nanovehicles for Cancer Therapy

Chemotherapy using natural compounds, such as resveratrol, curcumin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide, doxorubicin, and camptothecin, is of importance in cancer therapy because of the outstanding therapeutic activity and multitargeting capability of these compounds. However, poor solubility and bioavailability of natural compounds have limited their efficacy in cancer therapy. To circumvent this hurdle, nanocarriers have been designed to improve the antitumor activity of the aforementioned compounds. Nevertheless, cancer treatment is still a challenge, demanding novel strategies. It is well-known that a combination of natural products and gene therapy is advantageous over monotherapy. Delivery of multiple therapeutic agents/small interfering RNA (siRNA) as a potent gene-editing tool in cancer therapy can maximize the synergistic effects against tumor cells. In the present review, co-delivery of natural compounds/siRNA using nanovehicles are highlighted to provide a backdrop for future research.

Highly bioavailable curcumin preparation with a co-grinding and solvent-free process

Curcumin (Cur.) is a natural product isolated from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, with a variety of biological and pharmacological activities in food and pharmaceutical products. However, curcumin's poor solubility in water greatly limits its bioavailability and clinical applications. In this study, co-grinding curcumin with food additives produced a mixture, which was evaluated for the solubility in water, dissolution, material morphology, in vivo bioavailability, cell uptake and entry mechanism. We tested 9 food additives in total and found that poloxamers performed the best. The 2 co-grinding mixtures Cur./Kolliphor® P407 and Cur./Kolliphor® P188 with high drug loading at 65.5% significantly improved the curcumin aqueous solubility, subsequently increased its intestinal epithelial cell uptake and oral bioavailability. The relative bioavailabilities for the 2 co-grinding mixtures were 309% and 163%, respectively, compared with curcumin API. Co-grinding process has a broad application prospect and is suitable for industrial production.

Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Terpenes in Experimental Models (2010-2020): A Review

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) refer to a group of disorders characterized by inflammation in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, which mainly comprises Crohn’s disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). IBDs are characterized by inflammation of the intestinal mucosa, are highly debilitating, and are without a definitive cure. Their pathogenesis has not yet been fully elucidated; however, it is assumed that genetic, immunological, and environmental factors are involved. People affected by IBDs have relapses, and therapeutic regimens are not always able to keep symptoms in remission over the long term. Natural products emerge as an alternative for the development of new drugs; bioactive compounds are promising in the treatment of several disorders, among them those that affect the gastrointestinal tract, due to their wide structural diversity and biological activities. This review compiles 12 terpenes with intestinal anti-inflammatory activity evaluated in animal models and in vitro studies. The therapeutic approach to IBDs using terpenes acts basically to prevent oxidative stress, combat dysbiosis, restore intestinal permeability, and improve the inflammation process in different signaling pathways.

Polychemotherapy with Curcumin and Doxorubicin via Biological Nanoplatforms: Enhancing Antitumor Activity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent extensively applied in the field of cancer therapy. However, similar to other chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide and oxaliplatin, cancer cells are able to obtain chemoresistance that limits DOX efficacy. In respect to dose-dependent side effect of DOX, enhancing its dosage is not recommended for effective cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, different strategies have been considered for reversing DOX resistance and diminishing its side effects. Phytochemical are potential candidates in this case due to their great pharmacological activities. Curcumin is a potential antitumor phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with capacity of suppressing cancer metastasis and proliferation and affecting molecular pathways. Experiments have demonstrated the potential of curcumin for inhibiting chemoresistance by downregulating oncogene pathways such as MMP-2, TGF-β, EMT, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and AP-1. Furthermore, coadministration of curcumin and DOX potentiates apoptosis induction in cancer cells. In light of this, nanoplatforms have been employed for codelivery of curcumin and DOX. This results in promoting the bioavailability and internalization of the aforementioned active compounds in cancer cells and, consequently, enhancing their antitumor activity. Noteworthy, curcumin has been applied for reducing adverse effects of DOX on normal cells and tissues via reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The current review highlights the anticancer mechanism, side effects and codelivery of curcumin and DOX via nanovehicles.

Obstacles against the Marketing of Curcumin as a Drug

Among the extensive public and scientific interest in the use of phytochemicals to prevent or treat human diseases in recent years, natural compounds have been highly investigated to elucidate their therapeutic effect on chronic human diseases including cancer, cardiovascular disease, and neurodegenerative disease. Curcumin, an active principle of the perennial herb Curcuma longa, has attracted an increasing research interest over the last half-century due to its diversity of molecular targets, including transcription factors, enzymes, protein kinases, growth factors, inflammatory cytokines, receptors, and it's interesting pharmacological activities. Despite that, the clinical effectiveness of the native curcumin is weak, owing to its low bioavailability and rapid metabolism. Preclinical data obtained from animal models and phase I clinical studies done in human volunteers confirmed a small amount of intestinal absorption, hepatic first pass effect, and some degree of intestinal metabolism, might explain its poor systemic availability when it is given via the oral route. During the last decade, researchers have attempted with new pharmaceutical methods such as nanoparticles, liposomes, micelles, solid dispersions, emulsions, and microspheres to improve the bioavailability of curcumin. As a result, a significant number of bioavailable curcumin-based formulations were introduced with a varying range of enhanced bioavailability. This manuscript critically reviews the available scientific evidence on the basic and clinical effects and molecular targets of curcumin. We also discuss its pharmacokinetic and problems for marketing curcumin as a drug.

Curcumin as a preventive or therapeutic measure for chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced adverse reaction: A comprehensive review

Curcumin has attracted much attention for medicinal purposes in wide range of illnesses including cancer. In some studies, its efficacy is evaluated against chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced adverse reaction and also as adjuvant to cancer treatment. Here we have tried to present a comprehensive review on protective and therapeutic effect of curcumin against these side effects. METHOD: The data were collected by searching Scopus, PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane database systematic reviews, using key words "nephrotoxicity", "cardiotoxicity", "genotoxicity", "ototoxicity", "hepatotoxicity", "reproductive toxicity", "myelosuppression", "pulmonary toxicity", "radiotherapy induced side effect" with "turmeric" and "curcumin". Although curcumin has low bioavailability, it has shown brilliant profile on prevention and management of chemotherapy and radiotherapy induced adverse reactions, particularly based on in vitro and in vivo studies and limited number of human studies on radiotherapy adverse reactions. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of the curcumin are the main proposed mechanism of action for management and prevention of adverse reactions. One of the major points regarding the protective effect of curcumin is its wide tolerable therapeutic range of dose with minimal side effects. Furthermore, new nano-formulations help to improve the bioavailability, increase in efficacy and lower the adverse effects. In conclusion, based on the present knowledge, curcumin has significant supportive potential in patients receiving chemotherapy or radiotherapy and may be suggested as adjutant with cancer treatments. Further well-designed human studies are recommended.

Vanillin Prevents Doxorubicin-Induced Apoptosis and Oxidative Stress in Rat H9c2 Cardiomyocytes

Doxorubicin (doxo) is an effective anticancer compound in several tumor types. However, as a consequence of oxidative stress induction and ROS overproduction, its high cardiotoxicity demands urgent attention. Vanillin possesses antioxidant, antiproliferative, antidepressant and anti-glycating properties. Therefore, we investigated the potential vanillin protective effects against doxo-induced cardiotoxicity in H9c2 cells. Using multiparametric approach, we demonstrated that vanillin restored both cell viability and damage in response to doxo exposure. Contextually, vanillin decreased sub-G1 appearance and caspase-3 and PARP1 activation, reducing the doxo-related apoptosis induction. From a mechanistic point of view, vanillin hindered doxo-induced ROS accumulation and impaired the ERK phosphorylation. Notably, besides the cardioprotective effects, vanillin did not counteract the doxo effectiveness in osteosarcoma cells. Taken together, our results suggest that vanillin ameliorates doxo-induced toxicity in H9c2 cells, opening new avenues for developing alternative therapeutic approaches to prevent the anthracycline-related cardiotoxicity and to improve the long-term outcome of antineoplastic treatment.