Vitamin U has a protective effect on valproic acid-induced renal damage due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic properties

Biochemical and Histological Effects of Moringa oleifera Extract against Valproate-Induced Kidney Damage

Valproic acid is an effective treatment for generalized seizure and related neurological defects. Despite its efficacy and acceptability, its use is associated with adverse drug effects. Moringa oleifera leaves are rich in phytochemical and nutritional components. It has excellent antioxidant and ethnobotanical benefits, thus popular among folk medicines and nutraceuticals. In the present study, 70% ethanol extract of moringa leaves was assessed for its in vivo biochemical and histological effects against valproate-induced kidney damage. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I: control animals given physiological saline (n = 8); Group II: Moringa extract-administered group (0.3 g/kg b.w./day, n = 8); Group III: valproate-administered animals (0.5 g/kg b.w./day, n = 15); and Group IV: valproate + moringa extract (given similar doses of both valproate and moringa extract, n = 12) administered group. Treatments were administered orally for 15 days, the animals were fasted overnight, anesthetized, and then tissue samples harvested. In the valproate-administered experimental group, serum urea and uric acid were elevated. In the kidney tissue of the valproate rats, glutathione was depleted, antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and glutathione peroxidase) disrupted, while oxidative stress biomarker, inflammatory proteins (Tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6), histological damage scores, and the number of PCNA-positive cells were elevated. M. oleifera attenuated all these biochemical defects through its plethora of diverse antioxidant and therapeutic properties.

Combined effects of valproate and naringin on kidney antioxidative markers and serum parameters of kidney function in C57BL6 mice

Valproate is known to disturb the kidney function, and high doses or prolonged intake may cause serum ion imbalance, kidney tubular acidosis, proteinuria, hyperuricosuria, polyuria, polydipsia, and dehydration. The aim of this in vivo study was to see whether naringin would counter the adverse effects of high-dose valproate in C57Bl/6 mice and to which extent. As expected, valproate (150 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) caused serum hyperkalaemia, more in male than female mice. Naringin reversed (25 mg/kg bw a day for 10 days) the hyperkalaemia and activated antioxidative defence mechanisms (mainly catalase and glutathione), again more efficiently in females. In males naringin combined with valproate was not as effective and even showed some prooxidative effects.

Production of S-methyl-methionine using engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae sake K6

S-methyl-methionine (SMM), also known as vitamin U, is an important food supplement produced by various plants. In this study, we attempted to produce it in an engineered microorganism, Saccharomyces cerevisiae, by introducing an MMT gene encoding a methionine S-methyltransferase from Arabidopsis thaliana. The S. cerevisiae sake K6 strain, which is a Generally Recognized as Safe (GRAS) strain, was chosen as the host because it produces a significant amount of S-adenosylmethionine (SAM), a precursor of SMM. To increase SMM production in the host, MHT1 and SAM4 genes encoding homocysteine S-methyltransferase were knocked out to prevent SMM degradation. Additionally, MMP1, which encodes S-methyl-methionine permease, was deleted to prevent SMM from being imported into the cell. Finally, ACS2 gene encoding acetyl-CoA synthase was overexpressed, and MLS1 gene encoding malate synthase was deleted to increase SAM availability. Using the engineered strain, 1.92 g/L of SMM was produced by fed-batch fermentation.

ONE-SENTENCE SUMMARY

Introducing a plant-derived MMT gene encoding methionine S-methyltransferase into engineered Saccharomyces cerevisiae sake K6 allowed microbial production of S-methyl-methionine (SMM).

A comprehensive review on pharmacological applications and drug-induced toxicity of valproic acid

Valproic acid, a branching short chain fatty acid, is a popular drug to treat epilepsy and acts as a mood-stabilizing drug. The obstruction of ion channels and Gamma Amino Butyrate transamino butyrate GABA has been linked to antiepileptic effects. Valproic acid has been characterized as a Histone deacetylase inhibitor, functioning directly transcription of gene levels by blocking the deacetylation of histones and increasing the accessibility of transcription sites. Study has been extensively focused on pharmaceutical activity of valproic acid through various pharmacodynamics activity from absorption, distribution and excretion particularly in patients who are resistant to or intolerant of lithium or carbamazepine, as well as those with mixed mania or rapid cycling.

Identification of Monomethyl Branched-Chain Lipids by a Combination of Liquid Chromatography Tandem Mass Spectrometry and Charge-Switching Chemistries

While various mass spectrometric approaches have been applied to lipid analysis, unraveling the extensive structural diversity of lipids remains a significant challenge. Notably, these approaches often fail to differentiate between isomeric lipids─a challenge that is particularly acute for branched-chain fatty acids (FAs) that often share similar (or identical) mass spectra to their straight-chain isomers. Here, we utilize charge-switching strategies that combine ligated magnesium dications with deprotonated fatty acid anions. Subsequent activation of these charge inverted anions yields mass spectra that differentiate anteiso-branched- from straight-chain and iso-branched-chain FA isomers with the predictable fragmentation enabling de novo assignment of anteiso branch points. The application of these charge-inversion chemistries in both gas- and solution-phase modalities is demonstrated to assign the position of anteiso-methyl branch-points in FAs and, with the aid of liquid chromatography, can be extended to de novo assignment of additional branching sites via predictable fragmentation patterns as methyl branching site(s) move closer to the carboxyl carbon. The gas-phase approach is shown to be compatible with top-down structure elucidation of complex lipids such as phosphatidylcholines, while the integration of solution-phase charge-inversion with reversed phase liquid chromatography enables separation and unambiguous identification of FA structures within isomeric mixtures. Taken together, the presented charge-switching MS-based technique, in combination with liquid chromatography, enables the structural identification of branched-chain FA without the requirement of authentic methyl-branched FA reference standards.

A review: Systematic research approach on toxicity model of liver and kidney in laboratory animals

Therapeutic experiments are commonly performed on laboratory animals to investigate the possible mechanism(s) of action of toxic agents as well as drugs or substances under consideration. The use of toxins in laboratory animal models, including rats, is intended to cause toxicity. This study aimed to investigate different models of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in laboratory animals to help researchers advance their research goals. The current narrative review used databases such as Medline, Web of Science, Scopus, and Embase and appropriate keywords until June 2021. Nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity models derived from some toxic agents such as cisplatin, acetaminophen, doxorubicin, some anticancer drugs, and other materials through various signaling pathways are investigated. To understand the models of renal or hepatotoxicity in laboratory animals, we have provided a list of toxic agents and their toxicity procedures in this review.

The protective effect of vitamin U on pentylenetetrazole-induced brain damage in rats

Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) is preferred for experimental epilepsy induction. PTZ damages brain and other organs by elevating oxidative substances. Vitamin U (Vit U) is sulfur derivative substance that proved to be an excellent antioxidant. The current study was intended to determine the protective role of Vit U on PTZ-induced brain damage. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were separated into four groups. The Control group (Group I), was given saline for 7 days intraperitoneally (i.p); Vit U (Group II) was given as 50 mg/kg/day for 7 days by gavage; PTZ was injected into animals (Group III) at a single dose of 60 mg/kg, by i.p; PTZ + Vit U group (Group IV) was administered PTZ and Vit U in same dose and time as aforementioned. After the experiment was terminated, brain tissues were taken for the preparation of homogenates. In the PTZ group, glutathione and lipid peroxidation levels, alkaline phosphatase, myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, acetylcholine esterase, antioxidant enzyme activities, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index, reactive oxygen species, and nitric oxide levels were increased. However, total antioxidant capacity was decreased in the PTZ group. Vit U ameliorated these effects in the PTZ-induced brain damage. Consequently, we can suggest that Vit U protected brain tissue via its antioxidant feature against PTZ kindling epilepsy.

Oxidative brain and cerebellum injury induced by d-galactosamine: Protective effect of S-methyl methionine sulfonium chloride

The objective of this study was to examine the protective effects of S-methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC) against galactosamine (GalN)-induced brain and cerebellum injury in rats. A total of 22 female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups as follows: Group I (n = 5), intact animals; Group II (n = 6), animals received 50 mg/kg/day of MMSC by gavage technique for 3 consecutive days; Group III (n = 5), animals injected with a single dose of 500 mg/kg of GalN intraperitoneally (ip); and Group IV (n = 6), animals injected with the same dose of GalN 1 h after MMSC treatment. After 6 h of the last GalN treatment (at the end of the experiments), all animals were killed under anesthesia, brain and cerebellum tissues were dissected out. Reduced glutathione, total antioxidant status levels, and antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, and glutathione-related enzymes), aryl esterase, and carbonic anhydrase activities remarkably declined whereas advanced oxidized protein products, reactive oxygen species, total oxidant status, oxidative stress index levels, and myeloperoxidase, acetylcholinesterase, lactate dehydrogenase, and xanthine oxidase activities were significantly elevated in the GalN group compared with intact rats. In contrast, the administration of MMSC to GalN groups reversed these alterations. In conclusion, we may suggest that MMSC has protective effects against GalN-induced brain and cerebellar toxicity in rats.

Gastroprotective effect of vitamin U in D-galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity

Galactosamine (GalN) is a well-known agent for inducing viral hepatitis models in rodents, but it can cause toxicity on different organs. Vitamin U (Vit U) has been proved as a powerful antioxidant on many toxicity models. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Vit U on GalN-induced stomach injury. Rats were divided into four groups as follows: control (group I), Vit U given animals (50 mg/kg per day; group II), GalN administered animals (500 mg/kg at a single dose; group III), GalN + Vit U given animals (at the same dose and time, group IV). At the end of the 3rd day, animals were killed, and stomach tissues were taken. They were homogenized and centrifuged. In comparison to the control group, glutathione, total antioxidant capacity levels, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase, and Na⁺ /K⁺ -ATPase activities of GalN group were found to be decreased. On the contrary, lipid peroxidation, advanced oxidized protein products, hexose-hexosamine, fucose, sialic acid, reactive oxygen species levels, as well as the activities of myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and lactate dehydrogenase were elevated. Administration of Vit U reversed these abnormalities in the GalN group. It can be concluded that Vit U exerts its unique antioxidant effect and prevents GalN-induced gastric damage.

Beneficial impact of dietary methyl methionine sulfonium chloride and/or L-carnitine supplementation on growth performance, feed efficiency, and serum biochemical parameters in broiler chicken: role of IGF-1 and MSTN genes

The purpose of this study was to examine the effect of dietary supplementation with methyl methionine sulfonium chloride (MMSC), and L-carnitine (L-CAR) alone or in combination on the growth performance of broilers through their impact on the expression of IGF-1 and MSTN genes associated with growth in broilers. One-day-old female Ross 308 broiler chicks were allocated into four groups, each of which received a broiler starter diet and water daily ad libitum. The control group (group 1) was given drinking water without any additives. Group 2 received 0.25 g L-carnitine per liter of drinking water, group 3 received 0.25 g MMSC per liter of drinking water, and group 4 received 0.25 g of both L-carnitine and MMSC per liter of drinking water. Birds were given a starter diet to 21 days after which they received a broiler grower diet to 35 days when the experiment ended. There were five replicate groups of 12 birds per treatment. Body weights and feed intake were recorded weekly. Compared to the control group of birds, supplementation with MMSC either alone or in combination with L-carnitine resulted in an increase in growth rate or feed utilization efficiency; L-carnitine by itself had no effect. MMSC supplementation, again either alone or in combination with L-carnitine, increased jejunal and ileal villi height, increased serum total proteins and globulins, downregulated myostatin (MSTN) mRNA, and upregulated insulin growth factor-1 (IGF-1) mRNA expression. Supplementation with L-carnitine alone showed none of these effects. We conclude that MMSC supplementation improved growth performance through the upregulation of IGF-1 mRNA expression and downregulation of MSTN mRNA expression.

The Effect of VPA Treatment on Radiolabeled DOTATATE Uptake: Differences Observed In Vitro and In Vivo

Background: To improve peptide receptor radionuclide therapy (PRRT), we aimed to enhance the expression of somatostatin type-2 receptors (SSTR2) in vitro and in vivo, using valproic acid (VPA). Methods: Human NCI-H69 small-cell lung carcinoma cells were treated with VPA, followed by [¹¹¹In]In-DOTATATE uptake studies, RT-qPCR and immunohistochemistry analysis. Furthermore, NCI-H69 xenografted mice were treated with VPA or vehicle, followed by [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE injection. Biodistribution studies were performed, and tissues were collected for further analysis. Results: VPA significantly increased SSTR2 expression in vitro. In animals, a statistically significant increased [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE tumoral uptake was observed when VPA was administered eight hours before [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE administration, but increased tumor SSTR2 expression levels were lacking. The animals also presented significantly higher [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE blood levels, as well as an elevated renal tubular damage score. This suggests that the enhanced tumor uptake was presumably a consequence of the increased radiotracer circulation and the induced kidney damage. Conclusions: VPA increases SSTR2 expression in vitro. In vivo, the observed increase in tumoral [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE uptake is not caused by SSTR2 upregulation, but rather by other mechanisms, e.g., an increased [¹⁷⁷Lu]Lu-DOTATATE circulation time and renal toxicity. However, since both drugs are safely used in humans, the potential of VPA to improve PRRT remains open for investigation.

Vitamin U prevents valproic acid-induced liver injury through supporting enzymatic antioxidant system and increasing hepatocyte proliferation triggered by inflammation and apoptosis

The aim of this study was to investigate the cellular mechanisms that cause valproic acid (VPA)-induced liver damage and the therapeutic effect of Vitamin U (Vit U) on these mechanisms. Female Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups: intact control animals, animals that received Vit U (50 mg/kg/day), animals given VPA (500 mg/kg/day), and animals given both VPA and Vit U. The rats in the Vit U + VPA group were administered Vit U by gavage an hour before VPA administration every day for 15 days. Liver tissues were evaluated through histopathological, biochemical, immunohistochemical, and Western blotting techniques. Administration of Vit U with VPA resulted in (i) prevention of histopathological changes caused by VPA; (ii) blockage of the decrease in catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities; prevention of the elevation in gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) activity and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level; (iii) increased in the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), active caspase-3, and cytoplasmic cytochrome c; (iv) increase in cleaved poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) level and decrease in LC3B (II/I) ratio; (v) increase in the number of proliferating cells nuclear antigen (PCNA) positive hepatocytes. These findings show that Vit U prevents liver damage caused by VPA through increasing the antioxidant enzyme capacity and hepatocyte proliferation by triggering inflammation and apoptosis. These findings suggest that Vit U provides its protective effects against VPA-induced liver damage by stimulating homeostasis and regeneration.

The effects of edaravone, a free-radical scavenger in lung injury induced by valproic acid demonstrated via different biochemical parameters

In this study, we aimed to evaluate whether edaravone (EDA) has a protective role against valproic acid (VPA)-induced lung damage via its antioxidative activity. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were split into four groups. Control (n = 8) rats; rats given EDA (30 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ; n = 10); rats given only (VPA, 500 mg kg^-1  day^-1 ; n = 10); rats given VPA + EDA (in the same dose and time) for 7 days. EDA and VPA were applied intraperitoneally. After 8 days, lung tissues were immediately taken from the rats. In lung homogenates, reduced glutathione, total antioxidant status levels, and superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, sodium/potassium ATPase, paraoxonase1, and carbonic anhydrase activities significantly abated, whereas catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione-S-transferase activities insignificantly decreased in the VPA-treated group. In contrast, lipid peroxidation, reactive oxygen species, and total oxidant status levels, glycoprotein and protein carbonyl contents, nitric oxide, hydroxyproline levels, and xanthine oxidase, lactate dehydrogenase, arginase, and prolidase activities significantly increased in the VPA-given group. Administration of EDA caused the reverse effects. As a consequence, EDA prevented oxidative stress-mediated lung injury via its robust antioxidant effects.

Valproic Acid Protects Against Acute Kidney Injury in Hemorrhage and Trauma

INTRODUCTION

Trauma is the leading cause of death among young people. These patients have a high incidence of kidney injury, which independently increases the risk of mortality. As valproic acid (VPA) treatment has been shown to improve survival in animal models of lethal trauma, we hypothesized that it would also attenuate the degree of acute kidney injury.

METHODS

We analyzed data from two separate experiments where swine were subjected to lethal insults.  Model 1: hemorrhage (50% blood volume hemorrhage followed by 72-h damage control resuscitation). Model 2: polytrauma (traumatic brain injury, 40% blood volume hemorrhage, femur fracture, rectus crush and grade V liver laceration). Animals were resuscitated with normal saline (NS) +/- VPA 150 mg/kg after a 1-h shock phase in both models (n = 5-6/group). Serum samples were analyzed for creatinine (Cr) using colorimetry on a Liasys 330 chemistry analyzer. Proteomic analysis was performed on kidney tissue sampled at the time of necropsy.

RESULTS

VPA treatment significantly (P < 0.05) improved survival in both models. (Model 1: 80% vs 20%; Model 2: 83% vs. 17%). Model 1 (Hemorrhage alone): Cr increased from a baseline of 1.2 to 3.0 in NS control animals (P < 0.0001) 8 h after hemorrhage, whereas it rose only to 2.1 in VPA treated animals (P = 0.004). Model 2 (Polytrauma): Cr levels increased from baseline of 1.3 to 2.5 mg/dL (P = 0.01) in NS control animals 4 h after injury but rose to only 1.8 in VPA treated animals (P = 0.02). Proteomic analysis of kidney tissue identified metabolic pathways were most affected by VPA treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of VPA (150 mg/kg) offers significant protection against acute kidney injury in swine models of polytrauma and hemorrhagic shock.

Melatonin attenuates branch chain fatty acid induced apoptosis mediated neurodegeneration

Valproic acid (VPA)-a short branched chain fatty acid (BCFA), is widely recognized as an anticonvulsant and a mood-stabilizing drug, but various adverse effects of VPA have also been investigated. However, the impact of BCFAs aggregation on brain cells, in the pathogenesis of neurodegeneration remains elusive. The objective of this study is to understand the cellular mechanisms underlying VPA-induced neuronal cell death mediated by oxidative stress, and the neuroprotective role of exogenous melatonin treatment on VPA-induced cell death. Neurotoxicity of VPA and protective role exerted by melatonin were assessed in vitro in SH-SY5Y cells and in vivo in the cerebral cortex and cerebellum regions of Wistar rat brain. The results show that melatonin pre-treatment protects the cells from VPA-induced toxicity by exerting an anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effect by regulating apoptotic proteins and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The findings of the present study emphasize novel insights of melatonin as a supplement for the prevention and treatment of neuronal dysfunction induced by VPA.

Ellagic acid attenuates liver toxicity induced by valproic acid in rats

Valproic acid is a commonly used drug for many psychiatric disorders, particularly for epilepsy. However, it has been reported that its use is associated with possible side effects including hepatotoxicity. The present study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of ellagic acid against valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Ellagic acid (60 mg/kg/day; p.o) was treated for one week, followed by concomitant injection of valproic acid (250 mg/kg/day; i.p.) for another 14 consecutive days to induce hepatocellular damage in adult Sprague-Dawley rats. Valproic acid showed a marked increase in serum enzyme activities, AST, ALT, ALP and GGT. In addition, it significantly increased MDA and NO along with a marked decline in reduced GSH content. At the same time, valproic acid administration resulted in marked elevation in hydroxyproline, TNF-α production and NF-kB expression. These results were confirmed by histopathological examination. Treatment with ellagic acid markedly attenuated valproic acid-induced hepatic injury in rats.

Increased Intestinal Absorption of Vitamin U in Steamed Graviola Leaf Extract Activates Nicotine Detoxification

Graviola leaves contain much vitamin U (vit U), but their sensory quality is not good enough for them to be developed as food ingredients. Addition of excipient natural ingredients formulated alongside vit U as active ingredients could enhance not only its sensory quality but also its bioavailability. The objectives of this study were to measure the bioaccessibility and intestinal cellular uptake of bioactive components, including rutin, kaempferol-rutinoside, and vit U, from steamed extract of graviola leaves (SGV) and SGV enriched with kale extract (SGK), and to examine how much they can detoxify nicotine in HepG2 cells. The bioaccessibility of vit U from SGV and SGK was 82.40% and 68.03%, respectively. The cellular uptake of vit U in SGK by Caco-2 cells was higher than that in SGV. Cotinine content converted from nicotine in HepG2 cells for 120 min was 0.22 and 0.25 μg/mg protein in 50 μg/mL of SGV and SGK, respectively, which were 2.86 and 3.57 times higher than the no-treatment control. SGK treatment of HepG2 cells upregulated CYP2A6 three times as much as did that of SGV. Our results suggest that graviola leaf extract enriched with excipient ingredients such as kale could improve vit U absorption and provide a natural therapy for detoxifying nicotine.

Mechanism of valproic acid-induced Fanconi syndrome involves mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in rat kidney

AIM

Drug-induced kidney proximal tubular injury and renal failure (Fanconi syndrome; FS) is a clinical complication. Valproic acid (VPA) is among the FS-inducing drugs. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the role of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in VPA-induced renal injury.

METHODS

Animals received VPA (250 and 500 mg/kg, i.p., 15 consecutive days). Serum biomarkers of kidney injury and markers of oxidative stress were assessed. Moreover, kidney mitochondria were isolated and mitochondrial indices, including succinate dehydrogenase activity (SDA), mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial permeability transition pore (MPP), reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), mitochondrial glutathione, and ATP were determined.

RESULTS

Valproic acid-treated animals developed biochemical evidence of FS as judged by elevated serum gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine (Cr), and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) along with hypokalaemia, hypophosphataemia, and a decrease in serum uric acid. VPA caused an increase in kidney ROS and LPO. Renal GSH reservoirs were depleted and tissue antioxidant capacity decreased in VPA-treated animals. Renal tubular interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and atrophy were also evident in VPA-treated rats. Mitochondrial parameters including SDA, MMP, GSH, ATP and MPP were decreased and mitochondrial ROS and LPO were increased with VPA treatment. It was found that carnitine (100 mg/kg, i.p.) mitigated VPA adverse effects towards the kidney.

CONCLUSIONS

These data suggest that mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress contributed to the VPA-induced FS. On the other hand, carnitine could be considered a potentially safe and effective therapeutic option in attenuating VPA-induced renal injury.

Renal dysfunctions/injury in adult epilepsy patients treated with carbamazepine or valproate

OBJECTIVES

Clinical and subclinical laboratory evidence of renal proximal tubular dysfunction had been reported in children with epilepsy as an adverse effect of some antiepileptic drugs (AEDs). This study aimed to determine kidney function in adult patients with monosymptomatic epilepsy of unknown etiology and treated with valproate (VPA) or carbamazepine (CBZ).

METHODS

This study included 60 patients [mean age of 33.97 ± 6.70 years and treated with VPA (n = 24) or CBZ (n = 36) for mean duration of treatment of 6.03 ± 2.81years. Measurements of serum creatinine (sCr), urinary creatinine, creatinine clearance (CrCl) and serum kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1), markers of renal dysfunction/injury were done.

RESULTS

Compared to controls, patients had higher sCr, KIM-1 and lower CrCl levels. Compared to patients on VPA, those on CBZ had relatively higher KIM-1 and lower CrCl levels. We reported only significant correlations between KIM-1 with sCr (r = 0.324, p = 0.001) and duration of treatment with AEDs (r = 0.301, p = 0.02).

CONCLUSION

Chronic VPA and CBZ therapy may be associated with subclinical renal glomerular and/or proximal tubular dysfunctions or injuries. The treating neurologist have to consider this while selection of AED on start treating patients or modifying the AED for patients at high risk of kidney injury.

Development of S-Methylmethionine Sulfonium Derivatives and Their Skin-Protective Effect against Ultraviolet Exposure

In a previous study, we have demonstrated that S-methylmethionine sulfonium (SMMS) confers wound-healing and photoprotective effects on the skin, suggesting that SMMS can be used as a cosmetic raw material. However, it has an unpleasant odor. Therefore, in the present study, we synthesized odor-free SMMS derivatives by eliminating dimethyl sulfide, which is the cause of the unpleasant odor and identified two derivatives that exhibited skin-protective effects: one derivative comprised (2S,4S)- and (2R,4S)-2-phenylthiazolidine-4-carboxylic acid and the other comprised (2S,4R)-, (2S,4S)-, (2R,4R)-, and (2R,4S)-2-phenyl-1,3-thiazinane-4-carboxylic acid. We performed in vitro proliferation assays using human dermal fibroblasts (hDFs) and an immortalized human keratinocyte cell line (HaCaT). The two SMMS derivatives were shown to increase hDF and HaCaT cell proliferation as well as improve their survival by protecting against ultraviolet exposure. Moreover, the derivatives regulated the expression of collagen type I and MMP mRNAs against ultraviolet exposure in hDFs, suggesting that these derivatives can be developed as cosmetic raw materials.

The effect of antiepileptic drugs on the kidney function and structure

INTRODUCTION

Long-term use of antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) is associated with number of somatic conditions. Data from experimental, cross-sectional and prospective studies have evidence for the deleterious effect of some AEDs on the kidney. Areas covered: This review summarized the current knowledge of the effect of AEDs on the kidney including evidence and mechanisms. Fanconi syndrome was reported with valproate (VPA) therapy in severely disabled children with epilepsy. Renal tubular acidosis and urolithiasis were reported with acetazolamide, topirmate and zonisamide, drugs with carbonic anhydrase inhibition properties. Increased levels of urinary N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) to urinary creatinine (U-NAG/UCr), urinary excretion of α1-micrglobulin, β-galactosidase activity; and urinary malondialdehyde to creatinine (MDA/Cr), markers of renal glomerular and tubular injury, were reported with chronic use of some AEDs (VPA, carbamazepine and phenytoin). The mechanism(s) of kidney dysfunction/injury induced by AEDs is unknown. Experimental and clinical studies have shown that VPA induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial deficits, carnitine deficiency and inflammation and fibrosis in renal tissue in mice and in vitro studies. Expert commentary: It seems reasonable to monitor kidney function during treating patients with epilepsy at high risk of kidney injury (e.g. on combined therapy with more than one AED, severely disabled children, etc).

Protective effects of fennel oil extract against sodium valproate-induced hepatorenal damage in albino rats

Foeniculum vulgare (Apiaceae) is commonly known as fennel. This herb is well-known worldwide and traditionally used as curative herbal therapy for the treatment of epileptic disease, seizurescarminative, digestive, lactogogue, diuretic, treating respiratory and gastrointestinal disorders. The aim of present study is to investigate the possible effect of fennel oil against the toxicity of Sodium-Valproic (SVP) in albino rats. In order to assess the protection of fennel oil on SVP induced hepato- and nephro-toxicity, male albino rats were treated with 1 ml/kg b.w fennel oil 3 days/week for 6 weeks. The biochemical analyses of hepatic enzymes were evaluated by estimating blood biomarkers of liver and renal damage along with histological examination. The results obtained from this work showed that treating animals with SVP lead to many histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissues. The effect appeared in the liver tissue include leukocyte infiltrations, cytoplasmic vacuolization of the hepatocytes, fatty degeneration and congestion of blood vessels. This commonly used chemical (SVP) caused some unwanted effects on the kidney cortex which histologically observed as degeneration in renal tubules, atrophy of the glomeruli and edema. Biochemical results also revealed an abnormal increase in the enzyme level of AST, SAT, ALP, bilirubin, creatinine and urea-nitrogen, with a noticed decrease in total protein content. However, the results of treated rats with SVP plus fennel oil showed some positive histopathological changes in both the liver and kidney tissues. These results have confirmed that fennel oil has positive effects on the histological structure of the liver and kidney and the biochemical levels of AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin, total proteins, creatinine and urea. It is concluded that fennel oil has various pharmacological properties including antioxidant, anti-cancer activity, anti-inflammatory. These valuable effects might be due to the presence of aromatic compounds trans-anethole. This useful properties of fennel plant could be due to its antioxidant activity that prevents the toxicity of SVP.