Protective effects of melatonin and L-carnitine against methotrexate-induced toxicity in isolated rat hepatocytes

Protective efficacy of ramelteon on methotrexate-induced DNA damage

Ramelteon (RMLT) is a melatonin receptor agonist that it has antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects associated with DNA damage through different mechanisms of action. In this regard, we investigated the potential usefulness of RMLT as a protective agent against methotrexate (MTX)-induced DNA damage. Four groups were constituted from 32 Wistar albino rats: Negative control, RMLT, MTX, and MTX + RMLT. Twenty mg/kg MTX (i.p., single dose) and RMLT 10 mg/kg (oral, 7 days) was administered. Comet assay was used and the parameter %TailDNA was used to detect DNA damage. %TailDNA was 4.90 ± 0.19 in the control group, 7.85 ± 0.33 in the MTX group, 5.49 ± 0.24 in the RMLT group, and 5.86 ± 0.23 in the MTX + RMLT group. While there was a significant increase in DNA damage in the MTX-treated group compared to the control group, there was a significant reduction in DNA damage in the MTX + RMLT group, compared to the MTX group (p < 0.001). In conclusion, it was observed that combined treatment with RMLT significantly reduced MTX-induced DNA damage.

Melatonin and cisplatin co-treatment against cancer: A mechanistic review of their synergistic effects and melatonin's protective actions

Combination chemotherapy appears to be a preferable option for some cancer patients, especially when the medications target multiple pathways of oncogenesis; individuals treated with combination treatments may have a better prognosis than those treated with single agent chemotherapy. However, research has revealed that this is not always the case, and that this technique may just enhance toxicity while having little effect on boosting the anticancer effects of the medications. Cisplatin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic medicine that is commonly used to treat many forms of cancer. However, it has major adverse effects such as cardiotoxicity, skin necrosis, testicular toxicity, and nephrotoxicity. Many research have been conducted to investigate the effectiveness of melatonin (MLT) as an anticancer medication. MLT operates in a variety of ways, including decreasing cancer cell growth, causing apoptosis, and preventing metastasis. We review the literature on the role of MLT as an adjuvant in CDDP-based chemotherapies and discuss how MLT may enhance CDDP's antitumor effects (e.g., by inducing apoptosis and suppressing metastasis) while protecting other organs from its adverse effects, such as cardio- and nephrotoxicity.

The beneficial effects of l-carnitine and infliximab in methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity: Emphasis on Notch1/Hes-1 signaling

Methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity is a serious adverse effect that may limit its use. Therefore, eligible drugs to ameliorate MTX-induced hepatotoxicity are required. l-Carnitine (LC) is a natural molecule with beneficial metabolic effects and infliximab (INF) is an anti-inflammatory monoclonal antibody against tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α). Recently, Notch1/Hes-1 signaling was found to play a key role in the pathogenesis of liver injury. However, its role in MTX-induced hepatotoxicity is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the modulatory effects of LC or INF on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity and to explore the underlying mechanism with emphasis on the Notch1/Hes-1 signaling pathway. Sixty rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10): (1) control (saline); (2) MTX (20 mg/kg MTX, intraperitoneal [ip], once); (3) LC group (500 mg/kg ip, 5 days); (4) INF (7 mg/kg INF ip, once); (5) MTX+LC (20 mg/kg ip, once, 500 mg/kg ip, 5 days, respectively); (6) MTX+INF (20 mg/kg ip, once, 7 mg/kg INF ip, once, respectively). Oxidative stress, inflammatory markers, and Notch1/Hes-1 were investigated. MTX induced the expression of Notch1 and Hes-1 proteins and increased the levels of TNF-α, interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1β in the liver. Cotreatment with LC or INF showed apparent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Interestingly, the downregulation of Notch1 and Hes-1 expression was more prominent in LC cotreatment as compared with INF. In conclusion, LC or INF attenuates MTX-induced hepatotoxicity through modulation of Notch1/Hes-1 signaling. The LC ameliorative effect against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity is significantly better than that of INF. Therefore, LC cotreatment may present a safe and therapeutically effective therapy in alleviating MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Male Infertility and Oxidative Stress: A Focus on the Underlying Mechanisms

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) play a critical role in defining the functional competence of human spermatozoa. When generated in moderate amounts, ROS promote sperm capacitation by facilitating cholesterol efflux from the plasma membrane, enhancing cAMP generation, inducing cytoplasmic alkalinization, increasing intracellular calcium levels, and stimulating the protein phosphorylation events that drive the attainment of a capacitated state. However, when ROS generation is excessive and/or the antioxidant defences of the reproductive system are compromised, a state of oxidative stress may be induced that disrupts the fertilizing capacity of the spermatozoa and the structural integrity of their DNA. This article focusses on the sources of ROS within this system and examines the circumstances under which the adequacy of antioxidant protection might become a limiting factor. Seminal leukocyte contamination can contribute to oxidative stress in the ejaculate while, in the germ line, the dysregulation of electron transport in the sperm mitochondria, elevated NADPH oxidase activity, or the excessive stimulation of amino acid oxidase action are all potential contributors to oxidative stress. A knowledge of the mechanisms responsible for creating such stress within the human ejaculate is essential in order to develop better antioxidant strategies that avoid the unintentional creation of its reductive counterpart.