Ameliorative impacts of Glycyrrhiza glabra root extract against nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin in mice

Protective role of citronellol on antioxidant enzymes and oxidative damage induced by gentamicin in experimental nephrotoxic rats

BACKGROUND

Gentamicin leads to nephrotoxicity with increasing oxidative stress. In the present research the role of citronellol on oxidative damage induced by gentamicin in nephrotoxic rats was evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Forty-twomale Wistar rats were randomly divided into seven equal groups; healthy control, gentamicin, DMSO, citronellol 50, citronellol 100, citronellol 200 and vitamin E. The animals were anesthetized after 12 days of treatment. Kidney and serum samples were received for biochemical, histological changes, and gene expression assessments. The levels of serum glutathione (GSH), serum and kidney glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and the expression of GPX gene against gentamicin group were increased in citronellol treatment groups. The levels of serum and kidney malondialdehyde (MDA), urine protein, serum creatinine and the gene expression of inflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and Interleukin 6 (IL-6) against gentamicin group were decreased in these groups. Moreover, recuperation in histological alterations was shown in three groups receiving citronellol compared to the gentamicin group.

CONCLUSIONS

Citronellol with its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties can decrease kidney damage caused by nephrotoxicity induced by gentamicin.

Baicalin-2-ethoxyethyl ester alleviates gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury via NF-κB signaling pathway

Drug nephrotoxicity has high fatality rates and complications. To study this conditional, traditionally, Gentamicin (GM) is used to induce acute injury and establish a nephrotic syndrome model. Baicalin, a flavonoid derived from baicalin with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activity, has been used to treat various inflammatory diseases. This study aims to investigate the process of baicalin-2-ethoxyethyl ester (BAE) synthesis and its therapeutic effect on GM-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Briefly, baicalin was processed by various reactions to yield BAE. A GM-induced AKI model was established for in vivo evaluation of the protective effect and mechanism of BAE. The results indicated that BAE reduced serum creatinine and urea nitrogen levels and improved pathological alterations, inflammatory responses, and oxidative stress in renal tissues. Furthermore, it was revealed that BAE might exert anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative responses during AKI via the NF-κB signaling pathway regulation. The findings imply that BAE has a protective impact on the kidneys and might serve as a potent medicine for treating renal damage.

A prospective review of the health-promoting potential of Jing Si Herbal Tea

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has gained considerable attention over the past few years for its multicomponent, multitarget, and multi-pathway approach to treating different diseases. Studies have shown that TCMs as adjuvant therapy along with conventional treatment may benefit in safely treating various disorders. However, investigations on finding effective herbal combinations are ongoing. A novel TCM formula, "Jing Si Herbal Tea (JSHT)," has been reported recently for their health-promoting effects in improving overall body and mental health. JSHT is a combination of eight herbs recognized in Chinese herbal pharmacopoeia for their anti-viral, anti-aging, and anti-cancer properties as well as protective effects against cardiovascular, metabolic, neural, digestive, and genitourinary diseases. Thus, to better understand the beneficial effects of the ingredients of JSHT on health, this review intends to summarize the preclinical and clinical studies of the ingredients of JSHT on human health and diseases, and possible therapeutic effects with the related mode of actions and future prospects for their application in complementary therapies.

The efficacy of natural products for the treatment of nasopharyngeal carcinoma

Nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) is a malignant tumor originating in the nasopharyngeal epithelium with a high incidence in southern China and parts of Southeast Asia. The current treatment methods are mainly radiotherapy and chemotherapy. However, they often have side effects and are not suitable for long-term exposure. Natural products have received more and more attention in cancer prevention and treatment because of their its high efficiency, low toxic side effects, and low toxicity. Natural products can serve as a viable alternative, and this study aimed to review the efficacy and mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of NPC by examining previous literature. Most natural products act by inhibiting cell proliferation, metastasis, inducing cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis. Although further research is needed to verify their effectiveness and safety, natural products can significantly improve the treatment of NPC.

Febuxostat alleviates Arsenic Trioxide-Induced renal injury in Rats: Insights on the crosstalk between NLRP3/TLR4, Sirt-1/NF-κB/TGF-β signaling Pathways, and miR-23b-3p, miR-181a-5b expression

Febuxostat (FBX), a xanthine oxidase inhibitor, is known to improve renal function and can show promise as a therapeutic agent for preventing drug-induced nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of FBX in preventing renal damage caused by arsenic trioxide (ATO) toxicity and uncover the underlying mechanisms. The researchers examined how FBX (10 mg/kg, orally) affected ATO-induced kidney injury (5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) in rats. Kidney function and toxicity parameters in serum and oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokine levels in renal tissue were measured. H&E staining was used to detect histopathological changes in the kidney. Network the molecular mechanisms of FBX in improving kidney injury were investigated using Western blotting and PCR techniques. The findings showed that FBX improved kidney function by inhibiting the pathological changes seen in H&E staining, decreasing levels of probed kidney function and toxicity measures in serum and tissue, and exhibiting antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. FBX decreased MDA, MPO, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-II, and NADPH oxidase levels, while increased GSH, GPx, SOD, and IL-10 levels. FBX also reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, TLR4, and micro-RNA 181a-5b while increased the expression of IKBα, Sirt-1, and micro-RNA 23b-3p, according to Western blotting and PCR results. In conclusion, FBX can play a vital role in reducing kidney injury in cases of ATO-induced nephrotoxicity, though more clinical research needs to be conducted.

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma: The popular occurrence of herbal medicine applied in classical prescriptions

Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma is a well-known herbal medicine with a wide range of pharmacological functions that has been used throughout Chinese history. This review presents a comprehensive introduction to this herb and its classical prescriptions. The article discusses the resources and distribution of species, methods of authentication and determination chemical composition, quality control of the original plants and herbal medicines, dosages use, common classical prescriptions, indications, and relevant mechanisms of the active content. Pharmacokinetic parameters, toxicity tests, clinical trials, and patent applications are discussed. The review will provide a good starting point for the research and development of classical prescriptions to develop herbal medicines for clinical use.

Diosmin Mitigates Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats: Insights on miR-21 and -155 Expression, Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB Pathways

Gentamicin (GNT) is the most frequently used aminoglycoside. However, its therapeutic efficacy is limited due to nephrotoxicity. Thus, the potential anticipatory effect of Diosmin (DIOS) against GNT-prompted kidney damage in rats together with the putative nephroprotective pathways were scrutinized. Four groups of rats were used: (1) control; (2) GNT only; (3) GNT plus DIOS; and (4) DIOS only. Nephrotoxicity was elucidated, and the microRNA-21 (miR-21) and microRNA-155 (miR-155) expression and Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB pathways were assessed. GNT provoked an upsurge in the relative kidney weight and serum level of urea, creatinine, and KIM-1. The MDA level was markedly boosted, with a decline in the level of TAC, SOD, HO-1, and Nrf2 expression in the renal tissue. Additionally, GNT exhibited a notable amplification in TNF-α, IL-1β, NF-κB p65, and p38-MAPK kidney levels. Moreover, caspase-3 and BAX expression were elevated, whereas the Bcl-2 level was reduced. Furthermore, GNT resulted in the down-regulation of miR-21 expression along with an up-regulation of the miR-155 expression. Histological examination revealed inflammation, degradation, and necrosis. GNT-provoked pathological abnormalities were reversed by DIOS treatment, which restored normal kidney architecture. Hence, regulating miR-21 and -155 expression and modulating Nrf2/HO-1 and p38-MAPK/NF-κB pathways could take a vital part in mediating the reno-protective effect of DIOS.

Metabolite profiling and nephroprotective potential of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. roots against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to investigate the phytochemical analysis and demonstrate the nephroprotective potential of root extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra L. against cisplatin (CP) -induced nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The HPTLC analysis and UPLC-MS were carried out for standardizing and metabolite profiling of methanolic extract of roots of G. glabra (GGE). Further, in vitro studies were conducted in human embryonic kidney (HEK)-293 cells to evaluate the cytotoxicity and anti-oxidant potential of GGE with CP as a toxicant and ascorbic acid as standard. Also, in vivo nephroprotective potential at doses of 31.5, 63, and 126 mg/kg/day on CP (6 mg/kg, bw, IP) induced nephrotoxicity was evaluated on rodents.

RESULTS

Phytochemical analysis by HPTLC and UPLC-MS revealed the presence of glycyrrhizin, glabridin, and liquiritin along with other bioactive constituents. The in vitro assay of GGE showed significant (P<0.001 nephroprotective, cellular anti-oxidant potential and improvement in morphological changes induced by CP. Further, administration of CP caused significant (P<0.001) elevation in biochemical, inflammatory, oxidative stress, caspase-3, as well as histopathological changes in kidney tissue. Pre-treatment with GGE attenuated the elevated biochemical markers significantly, improved histopathological damage, and showed a comparable result to ascorbic acid and α-ketoanalogue.

CONCLUSION

Present study concluded the nephroprotective potential of GGE which supports the traditional claim of G. glabra roots in various kidney and its related disorders. The nephroprotective activity may be attributed to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptosis effects. Thus, it holds promising potential in management of nephrotoxicity.

Nephroprotective Effect of Asparagus africanus Lam. Root Extract against Gentamicin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Swiss Albino Mice

The kidney is the organ most vulnerable to nephrotoxic drugs such as gentamicin. Nephrotoxicity is a rapid deterioration of kidney function due to various factors. Gentamicin causes nephrotoxicity, which was manifested by an increase in serum kidney biomarkers. Asparagus africanus is one of the ethnomedicinal plants used as traditional medicine for treating various ailments, including kidney disease in Ethiopian society. Thus, the aim of this study is to evaluate the nephroprotective effect of A. africanus root extract on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity. Using maceration techniques, 100 g of dried plant powder was extracted in 1 L of ethanol. The physicochemical screening of plant extracts revealed the presence of flavonoids, phenols, tannins, saponins, and steroids. The nephroprotective activity of A. africanus crude extract was evaluated on male Swiss albino mice. The crude ethanolic extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg doses showed strong nephroprotective effects by restoring biomarkers such as creatinine, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen, which were damaged by gentamicin (p < 0.05) in a dose-dependent manner. The mice treated with higher doses (400 mg/kg) had a comparable nephroprotective effect compared to the positive control group (200 mg/kg silymarin; p > 0.05). The histopathology of the control group showed normal glomeruli, normal parenchyma, distal convoluted, and no tubular damage. The toxicant-induced group showed damage to glomeruli and inflammatory infiltration. Therefore, A. africanus root extract has a nephroprotective activity by retarding the gentamicin toxicity in male Swiss albino mice.

The genus Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae family) and its active constituents as protective agents against natural or chemical toxicities

Licorice is the dried roots and rhizomes of various species of the genus Glycyrrhiza (Fabaceae) that have been used in folk medicine from ancient times. Many important research projects have established several beneficial effects for this medicinal herb, including antiinflammatory, antimicrobial, antiviral, antiprotozoal, antioxidant, antihyperglycemic, antihyperlipidemic, hepatoprotective, and neuroprotective. Licorice contains important bioactive components, such as glycyrrhizin (glycyrrhizic, glycyrrhizinic acid), liquiritigenin, liquiritin, and glycyrrhetinic acid. The protective effects of licorice and its main chemical components against toxins and toxicants in several organs including the brain, heart, liver, kidney, and lung have been shown. In this comprehensive review article, the protective effects of these constituents against natural, industrial, environmental, and chemical toxicities with attention on the cellular and molecular mechanism are introduced. Also, it has been revealed that this plant and its main compounds can inhibit the toxicity of different toxins by the antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties as well as the modulation of Inhibitor of kappaB kinase (IKK), Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinase1/2 (ERK1/2), p38, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways. More high-quality investigations in both experimental and clinical studies need to firmly establish the efficacy of licorice and its main constituents against toxic agents.