Alpha-pinene neutralizes cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats through activation of Nrf2 pathway

Licorice attenuates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity by alleviating endoplasmic reticulum stress and apoptosis

Cisplatin (CP), a widely used antineoplastic drug, could induce hepatotoxicity and is also one of the most common reasons for drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Licorice (Chinese name GanCao, GC) is a commonly used herbal drug in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that has been shown to treat liver diseases and DILI. CP has been documented to induce apoptosis through the promotion of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. However, the exact role of ER stress in the pathogenesis of CP-induced hepatotoxicity remains unclear. A rat DILI model was constructed through intraperitoneal injection of CP, and the anti-DILI effect of GC was detected by liver coefficients, liver function tests, pathological staining, and oxidative stress indices. Additionally, the ER stress and apoptosis indices were investigated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), Western blotting, and immunofluorescence (IF) on CP-induced toxicity in rat liver tissues and LO2 cells. In the model group, liver function indicators significantly elevated, liver lesions more pronounced, and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in the liver increased, the expression of ER stress markers, apoptosis factors, and indicators related to the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase/activating transcription factor 4/C/EBP homologous protein (PERK/ATF4/CHOP) pathway significantly elevated. Treatment of the CP-induced toxicity in the rat model with GC significantly improved liver function, reduced liver lesions, decreased liver ROS. In addition, GC significantly inhibited the expression of ER stress markers, apoptosis factors, and indicators related to PERK/ATF4/CHOP pathway, demonstrating the anti-CP-induced hepatotoxicity effect of GC. In this study, we verified the protective effect of GC in CP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats and clarified its mechanisms related to ER stress and apoptosis.

The Effect of Thymoquinone on the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB Axis Against Cisplatin-İnduced Testicular Tissue Damage

One of the adverse effects of the antineoplastic drug cisplatin (CS) is damage to testicular tissue. This study aimed to examine the potential therapeutic effect of thymoquinone (TQ), a strong antioxidant, against testicular damage caused by CS. In the experiment, 28 rats were used, and the rats were randomly divided into four groups: control (n = 7), CS (n = 7), CS + TQ (n = 7), and TQ (n = 7). The experiment was called off after all treatments were finished on day 15. Blood serum and testicular tissues were utilized for biochemical, histological, immunohistochemical, mRNA expression, and gene protein investigations. The testosterone level decreased and oxidative stress, histopathological damage, dysregulation in mitochondrial dynamics, inflammation and apoptotic cells increased in testicular tissue due to CS administration. TQ supplementation showed anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects in response to CS-induced testicular damage. In addition, TQ contributed to the reduction of CS-induced toxic effects by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB pathway. TQ supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy against CS-induced testicular damage by regulating the TNF-α/OTULIN/NF-κB axis, inhibiting inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Bioactive Compounds Protect Mammalian Reproductive Cells from Xenobiotics and Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Distress via Nrf2 Signaling Activation: A Narrative Review

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. It poses a significant threat to the physiological function of reproductive cells. Factors such as xenobiotics and heat can worsen this stress, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis, ultimately decreasing reproductive efficiency. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress and protecting reproductive cells via enhancing antioxidant responses. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with infertility and suboptimal reproductive performance in mammals. Recent advancements in therapeutic interventions have underscored the critical role of Nrf2 in mitigating oxidative damage and restoring the functional integrity of reproductive cells. In this narrative review, we delineate the harmful effects of heat and xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress on reproductive cells and explain how Nrf2 signaling provides protection against these challenges. Recent studies have shown that activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway using various bioactive compounds can ameliorate heat stress and xenobiotic-induced oxidative distress and apoptosis in mammalian reproductive cells. By comprehensively analyzing the existing literature, we propose Nrf2 as a key therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative damage and apoptosis in reproductive cells caused by exposure to xenobiotic exposure and heat stress. Additionally, based on the synthesis of these findings, we discuss the potential of therapies focused on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve mammalian reproductive efficiency.

Syringic acid alleviates cisplatin-induced ovarian injury through modulating endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation and Nrf2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Reproductive toxicity is one of the most important side effects of cisplatin (CIS) and leading to discontinuation of treatment. Syringic acid (SA) is a phenolic acid whose industrial use has increased in recent years due to its antioxidant properties. Recent reports highlight the importance of the supressed Nrf2 pathway in the molecular pathogenesis of CIS toxicity. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of SA on CIS-induced ovotoxicity through the Nrf2 pathway for the first time.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Thirty female rats were divided into 5 groups: control, CIS, CIS+SA (5 and 10 mg/kg) and only SA (per se, 10 mg/kg). CIS was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/kg on the 1st day, injections of SA followed by three consecutive days in the rats. Serum anti-mullerian hormone (AMH) levels and ovarian oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis and Nrf2 pathway markers were determined colorimetrically. Histopathological examinations of the ovaries with hematoxylin and eosin staining were also used to evaluate CIS-induced ovotoxicity.

RESULTS

The CIS treatment depleted serum AMH levels, caused histopathological findings and increased OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis levels in ovarian tissue. However, treatments with SA significantly ameliorated CIS-induced biochemical and histopathological changes by activating Nrf2 pathway.

CONCLUSION

The promising adjuvant potential of SA to alleviate CIS-related ovarian damage should be supported by more comprehensive studies.

Evaluation of the therapeutic effects of arbutin on cisplatin-induced ovarian toxicity in rats through endoplasmic reticulum stress and Nrf2 pathway

Arbutin (ARB) is a glycosylated hydroquinone with potent antioxidant effects. Although cisplatin (CP) is widely used in chemotherapy, its toxicity in healthy tissues, including ovotoxicity, is an insurmountable problem. This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of ARB against CP-related ovototoxicity by including nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in rats for the first time. Rats treated one dose of CP (5 mg/kg) on the first day, followed by ARB (5 and 10 mg/kg) for three days. Serum reproductive hormone levels were determined using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis markers in ovarian tissue were also determined colorimetrically. In addition, how CP affects Nrf2 pathway and the effect of ARB on this situation were also addressed. ARB treatment reduced the levels of markers of OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis in ovarian tissue of CP-stimulated animals. ARB regenerated the depleted antioxidant system by triggering Nrf2 pathway in the ovarian tissues of animals stimulated by CP. Histological findings also supported the therapeutic efficacy of ARB. The results indicate that ARB may have therapeutic effects against CP-induced reproductive toxicity with its Nrf2 activator potential. ARB should be tested in more extensive studies as a new generation chemopreventive candidate molecule.