Senna alexandrina extract supplementation reverses hepatic oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic effects of cadmium chloride administration in rats

Antihyperglycemic activity of a novel polyherbal formula (HF344), a mixture of fifteen herb extracts, for the management of type 2 diabetes: Evidence from in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo studies

Antihyperglycemic effects of a novel polyherbal formula (HF344), comprising fifteen Thai herbal extracts, were elucidated for pharmacological mechanisms and potential for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus, by employing in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo approaches. LC/MS analysis of HF344 extract revealed several phytoconstituents, with piperine identified as the major active compound. HF344 extract significantly enhanced insulin secretion in RINm5F cells in vitro and inhibited glucose uptake into the everted sacs of the mouse small intestine ex vivo in a concentration-dependent manner compared to the control (p < 0.05). It exhibited potent α-glucosidase inhibition in vitro, with an IC50 of 96.74 μg/mL. Moreover, HF344 extract upregulated mRNA levels of GLUT1 in L6 skeletal myoblasts, suggesting increased glucose uptake into skeletal muscle. In addition, in vivo antihyperglycemic effects were assessed in streptozotocin (STZ)-nicotinamide (NA)-induced diabetic mice. Acute oral toxicity testing confirmed the HF344 extract's safety, with an LD50 exceeding 2000 mg/kg. Oral administration of HF344 extract (500 and 1000 mg/kg) in STZ-NA-induced diabetic mice significantly reduced the area under the fasting blood glucose (FBG)-time curve (AUC) in the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) model and treatment for 28-day reduced the FBG levels as compared with control (p < 0.05). This was accompanied by increased serum insulin levels and improved insulin resistance. HF344 extract also demonstrated a concentration-dependent inhibitory effect on malondialdehyde (MDA) production in vitro, with an IC50 of 7.24 μg/mL. Oral treatment with HF344 extract decreased MDA production in the homogenized muscle ex vivo collected from STZ-NA-induced mice. Furthermore, pretreatment with HF344 extract effectively restored the survival of RINm5F cells from STZ-induced damage. These findings suggest that HF344 is a promising polyherbal formula for managing blood glucose levels, enhancing insulin production, and providing antioxidant benefits in T2DM. Further research is required to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety profiles of HF344.

Naringenin blocks hepatic cadmium accumulation and suppresses cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity via amelioration of oxidative inflammatory signaling and apoptosis in rats

Liver is one of the targets of cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation for hepatic damage and pathologies via oxidative inflammation and apoptosis. The current study explored whether the citrus flavonoid naringenin (NAR) could prevent hepatic accumulation of Cd and Cd hepatotoxicity in a rat model. Rats in group 1 received normal saline; group 2 received NAR (50 mg/kg body weight); group 3 received CdCl2 (5 mg/kg body weight); group 4 received NAR + CdCl2, for four consecutive weeks. Assays related to markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were carried out using liver homogenate. Blood and liver sample analyses revealed significant elevation of blood and hepatic Cd levels coupled with prominent increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, whereas the albumin and total protein levels were decreased considerably. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GPx) activities diminished significantly compared to control followed by marked increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and dysregulation in caspase and cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10) levels. However, it was found that in the rats administered NAR + Cd, the levels of Cd, hepatic enzymes, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspases-3/-9 were prominently reduced compared to the Cd group. The hepatic SOD, CAT, GPx, IL-4, IL-10, albumin, and total protein were markedly elevated along with alleviated hepatic histopathological abrasions. Taken together therefore, NAR is a potential flavonoid for blocking hepatic Cd bioaccumulation and consequent inhibition of Cd-induced oxidative inflammation and apoptotic effects on the liver of rats.

Rat Hepatocytes Protect against Lead-Cadmium-Triggered Apoptosis Based on Autophagy Activation

Lead and cadmium are foodborne contaminants that threaten human and animal health. It is well known that lead and cadmium produce hepatotoxicity; however, defense mechanisms against the co-toxic effects of lead and cadmium remain unknown. We investigated the mechanism of autophagy (defense mechanism) against the co-induced toxicity of lead and cadmium in rat hepatocytes (BRL-3A cells). Cultured rat liver BRL-3A cell lines were co-cultured with 10, 20, 40 μM lead and 2.5, 5, 10 μM cadmium alone and in co-culture for 12 h and exposed to 5 mM 3-Methyladenine (3-MA), 10 μM rapamycin (Rapa), and 50 nM Beclin1 siRNA to induce cellular autophagy. Our results show that treatment of BRL-3A cells with lead and cadmium significantly decreased the cell viability, increased intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential levels, and induced apoptosis, which are factors leading to liver injury, and cell damage was exacerbated by co-exposure to lead-cadmium. In addition, the results showed that lead and cadmium co-treatment induced autophagy. We further observed that the suppression of autophagy with 3-MA or Beclin1 siRNA promoted lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis, whereas enhancement of autophagy with Rapa suppressed lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis. These results demonstrated that co-treatment with lead and cadmium induces apoptosis in BRL-3A cells. Interestingly, the activation of autophagy provides cells with a self-protective mechanism against induced apoptosis. This study provides insights into the role of autophagy in lead-cadmium-induced apoptosis, which may be beneficial for the treatment of lead-cadmium-induced liver injury.

Cassia Angustifolia Primed ASCs Accelerate Burn Wound Healing by Modulation of Inflammatory Response

BACKGROUND

Thermal traumas impose a huge burden on healthcare systems. This merits the need for advanced but cost-effective remedies with clinical prospects. In this context, we prepared a regenerative 3D-construct comprising of Cassia angustifolia extract (SM) primed adipose-derived stem cells (ASCs) laden amniotic membrane for faster burn wound repair.

METHODS

ASCs were preconditioned with SM (30 µg/ml for 24 h), and subsequently exposed to in-vitro thermal injury (51 °C,10 min). In-vivo thermal injury was induced by placing pre-heated copper-disc (2 cm diameter) on dorsum of the Wistar rats. ASCs (2.0 × 105) pre-treated with SM (SM-ASCs), cultured on stromal side of amniotic membrane (AM) were transplanted in rat heat-injury model. Non-transplanted heat-injured rats and non-heat-injured rats were kept as controls.

RESULTS

The significantly upregulated expression of IGF1, SDF1A, TGFβ1, VEGF, GSS, GSR, IL4, BCL2 genes and downregulation of BAX, IL6, TNFα, and NFkB1 in SM-ASCs in in-vitro and in-vivo settings confirmed its potential in promoting cell-proliferation, migration, angiogenesis, antioxidant, cell-survival, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing activity. Moreover, SM-ASCs induced early wound closure, better architecture, normal epidermal thickness, orderly-arranged collagen fibers, and well-developed skin appendages in healed rat-skin transplanted with AM+SM-ASCs, additionally confirmed by increased expression of structural genes (Krt1, Krt8, Krt19, Desmin, Vimentin, α-Sma) in comparison to untreated-ASCs laden-AM transplanted in heat injured rats.

CONCLUSION

SM priming effectively enabled ASCs to counter thermal injury by significantly enhancing cell survival and reducing inflammation upon transplantation. This study provides bases for development of effective combinational therapies (natural scaffold, medicine, and stem cells) with clinical prospects for treating burn wounds.

Cadmium exposure disturbs myocardial lipid signature and induces inflammation in C57BL/6J mice

Cadmium is a highly ubiquitous environmental pollutant that poses a serious threat to human health. In this study, we assessed the cardiotoxicity of Cd exposure and explored the possible mechanisms by which Cd exerts its toxic effects. The results demonstrated that exposure to Cd via drinking water containing CdCl2 10 mg/dL for eight consecutive weeks induced cardiac injury in C57BL/6J mice. The histopathological changes of myocardial hemolysis, widening of myocardial space, and fracture of myocardial fiber were observed. Meanwhile, elevated levels of cardiac enzyme markers and up-regulation of pro-apoptotic genes also indicated cardiac injury after Cd exposure. Non-targeted lipidomic analysis demonstrated that Cd exposure altered cardiac lipid metabolism, resulted in an increase in pro-inflammatory lipids, and changed lipid distribution abundance. In addition, Cd exposure affected the secretion of inflammatory cytokines by activating the NF-κB signaling pathway, leading to cardiac inflammation in mice. Taken together, results of our present study expand our understanding of Cd cardiotoxicity at the lipidomic level and provide new experimental evidence for uncovering the association of Cd exposure with cardiovascular diseases.

Candesartan Protects Against Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Syndrome by Affecting Nrf2, NF-κB, Bax/Bcl-2/Cyt-C, and Ang II/Ang 1-7 Signals

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious pollutant in the environment. Candesartan is an angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist with promising diverse health benefits. The current study is planned to investigate the hepatorenal protective effects of candesartan against Cd-induced hepatic and renal intoxication. Our results demonstrated that candesartan effectively attenuated Cd-induced hepatorenal intoxication, as evidenced by improving hepatic and renal function biomarkers. Besides, candesartan reversed hepatic and renal histopathological abrasions induced by Cd toxicity. Candesartan antioxidant effect was mediated by Nrf2 activation. Also, candesartan suppressed hepatorenal inflammation by modulating NF-κB/IκB. Moreover, candesartan attenuated Cd hepatorenal apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and Cyt-C proteins. Interestingly, these effects are suggested to be an outcome of modulating of Ang II/Ang 1-7 signal. Overall, our findings revealed that candesartan could attenuate Cd-induced hepatorenal intoxication through modulation of Nrf2, NF-κB/IκB, Bax/Bcl-2/Cyt-c, and Ang II/Ang 1-7 signaling pathways.

Qingdu decoction can reduce LPS induced ACLF endotoxemia by regulating microRNA-34c/MAZ/TJs and microRNA-122a/Zonulin/EGFR signal pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qingdu Decoction (QDT) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that was derived from Xiaochengqi Decoction, a famous decoction documented in the book of Treatise on Exogenous Febrile Disease in the Eastern Han Dynasty. According to our years of clinical application, QDT showed satisfactory efficacy in the treatment of endotoxemia in acute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF). However, the underlying molecular mechanisms remain largely unknown.

AIM OF STUDY

In this study, we aimed to systematically evaluate the intervention effect of QDT on endotoxemia in rats and further clarify its potential regulatory mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rat model of ACLF endotoxemia was induced by TAA and LPS + D-Gal. Then the rats were treated with clinical doses of QDT and lactulose. The rats were divided into four groups: CG, MG, QG and LG. The target microRNA was screened by high-throughput sequencing. The rat weight, liver index, hepatointestinal phenotype, serum biochemical indexes, mast cell activity, and hepatointestinal histopathology were used to evaluate the intervention effect. Western blot analysis was used to detect the expression levels of MAZ and its downstream genes ZO-1 and Occludin, and the expression levels of Zonulin and its downstream gene EGFR in colon. Finally, the expression of the miR-34c, MAZ, ZO-1, Occludin, miR-122a, Zonulin, and EGFR in colon was detected by qRT-PCR to further confirm the mechanism of the miR-34c/MAZ/TJs pathway and the miR-122a/Zonulin/EGFR pathway.

RESULTS

The rat weight, liver index, liver and colon phenotype, and serum biochemical indexes showed that QDT could significantly reduce liver and intestine injury and inhibit the progress of ACLF and endotoxemia. Toluidine blue staining and cytokine indexes showed that QDT could inhibit the activity of MCs and reduce the release of inflammatory factors. Mechanistically, QDT can inhibit the activity of MCs, activate miR-34c/MAZ/TJs pathway and miR-122a/Zonulin/EGFR pathway in colon, promote the recovery of intestinal barrier homeostasis, reduce and restore the damage of endotoxemia.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggested that QDT can significantly reduce rat ACLF endotoxemia by regulating the miR-34c/MAZ/TJs pathway and the miR-122a/Zonulin/EGFR pathway in colon.

Antioxidant capacity of N-acetylcysteine against the molecular and cytotoxic implications of cadmium chloride leading to hepatotoxicity and vital progression

Many studies have reported that cadmium (Cd) can induce liver cell injury; however, the toxicity mechanisms of Cd on the liver have not been fully explained. Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group orally as effervescent instant sachets with a concentration of 200 mg dissolved in distilled water and dosage was 200 mg/kg body weight freshly prepared, the cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) group (treated with 3 mg/kg orally), and the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) + cadmium chloride group (treated with 200 mg/kg orally post to CdCl₂) for 60 days. The NAC alone did not make notable changes in most of the parameters. The CdCl₂ alone, compared to control, induced significant alterations in oxidative stress markers (increment in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) and antioxidant defense system (decrement in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), which resulted in a downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 and upregulation of anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) protein as well as the survival fate of hepatic cells. Post-administration of NAC to CdCl₂ resulted in a reduction in oxidative stress markers, shifting of cells from the G₂/M phase to the G₀/G₁ inhibiting signal-regulated kinase activation, and impairment of the anti-apoptotic signaling pathway when compared to the CdCl₂ group alone. Accordingly, the Bcl2/Bax ratio was reduced to 1.17-fold change, as an adaptive process to hepatic tissue injury. These findings demonstrated that NAC would attenuate the possibility of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of hepatic tissue induced by CdCl₂.

Protective effect of dendropanoxide against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity via anti-inflammatory activities in Sprague-Dawley rats

Cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the body through contaminated foods or water and causes pathological damage to the liver via oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. This study was conducted to explore the effects of dendropanoxide (DPx) on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with CdCl2 (7 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for 14 days for the induction of liver dysfunction. The CdCl2-exposed rats were subjected to DPx (10 mg/kg) or silymarin (50 mg/kg). The animals were euthanized after 24 h of the last CdCl2 injection and the serum biochemical parameters, lipid content, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, apoptotic cell death and histopathology of the tissues were analyzed. Additionally, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), was measured. Compared to controls, Cd-injected rats showed significantly elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a remarkable decrease in SOD and CAT activities. Importantly, Cd-induced liver damage was drastically ameliorated by treatment with DPx or silymarin. Treatment with DPx protected the Cd-induced histopathological hepatic injury, as confirmed by the evaluation of TUNEL assay. DPx treatment significantly reduced Bax and caspase-3 expression in Cd-injected rats. Additionally, HO-1 and NRF2 expressions were significantly increased after DPx administration in the liver of Cd-injected rats. Our data indicate that DPx successfully prevents Cd-induced hepatotoxicity by emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Selenium-containing polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis alleviates Cd-induced toxicity in mice by inhibiting liver inflammation mediated by gut microbiota

Selenium-containing polysaccharide from Spirulina platensis (Se-SPP) has been demonstrated to help in inhibiting cadmium-induced injury in mice, but the underlying mechanism has not been determined. This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of Se-SPP on alleviating Cd-induced toxicity in mice by targeting liver inflammatory and gut microbiota. Se-SPP supplementation for 28 days in Cd-induced toxic mice significantly mitigated liver pathological damage and inflammation, which was correlated to the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity. Furthermore, Se-SPP effectively restored Cd-induced disruption of the intestinal barrier compared to model group, as indicated by the depletion of Muribaculaceae and the enrichment of Ruminococcaceae. Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the Se-SPP-altered microbes were highly correlated with inflammation-related indexes in Cd-induced toxic mice. Noteworthily, the modulation of Se-SPP on the Ruminococcaceae population contributed to the improvement of Cd-induced inflammation-related diseases by downregulating the tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) in the liver. These findings suggested that Se-SPP may act as prebiotics for ameliorating Cd-induced toxicity in mice by inhibiting liver inflammation mediated by gut microbiota, and target-specific microbiota of Cd-induced inflammation-related diseases deserve further attention.

Curative Potential of Substances with Bioactive Properties to Alleviate Cd Toxicity: A Review

Rapid urbanization and industrialization have led to alarming cadmium (Cd) pollution. Cd is a toxic heavy metal without any known physiological function in the organism, leading to severe health threat to the population. Cd has a long half-life (10-30 years) and thus it represents serious concern as it to a great extent accumulates in organs or organelles where it often causes irreversible damage. Moreover, Cd contamination might further lead to certain carcinogenic and non-carcinogenic health risks. Therefore, its negative effect on population health has to be minimalized. As Cd is able to enter the body through the air, water, soil, and food chain one possible way to defend and eliminate Cd toxicities is via dietary supplements that aim to eliminate the adverse effects of Cd to the organism. Naturally occurring bioactive compounds in food or medicinal plants with beneficial, mostly antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-aging, or anti-tumorigenesis impact on the organism, have been described to mitigate the negative effect of various contaminants and pollutants, including Cd. This study summarizes the curative effect of recently studied bioactive substances and mineral elements capable to alleviate the negative impact of Cd on various model systems, supposing that not only the Cd-derived health threat can be reduced, but also prevention and control of Cd toxicity and elimination of Cd contamination can be achieved in the future.

The mechanism of the cadmium-induced toxicity and cellular response in the liver

Cadmium is a toxic element to which man can be exposed at work or in the environment. Cd's most salient toxicological property is its exceptionally long half-life in the human body. Once absorbed, Cd accumulates in the human body, particularly in the liver. The cellular actions of Cd are extensively documented, but the molecular mechanisms underlying these actions are still not resolved. The liver manages the cadmium to eliminate it by a diverse mechanism of action. Still, many cellular and physiological responses are executed in the task, leading to worse liver damage, ranging from steatosis, steatohepatitis, and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. The progression of cadmium-induced liver damage is complex, and it is well-known the cellular response that depends on the time in which the metal is present, ranging from oxidative stress, apoptosis, adipogenesis, and failures in autophagy. In the present work, we aim to present a review of the current knowledge of cadmium toxicity and the cellular response in the liver.

Role of endoplasmic reticulum stress in cadmium-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and the protective effect of quercetin

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most toxic environmental pollutants. Quercetin (Que) is a kind of natural flavonoid with neuroprotective, antioxidant, and free-radical scavenging pharmacological activities. However, whether Que has the protective effect of on Cd-induced rat hepatocyte injury is unclear. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of Que on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro. For in vivo, 36 4-week-old male SD rats were randomly divided into six groups and were treated with CdCl₂ (2 mg/kg b.w.) and/or Que (50 or 100 mg/kg b.w.). Four weeks later, the rats were sacrificed and livers were collected. The levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, glutathione, malondialdehyde, catalase, and superoxide dismutase were measured. Liver histopathological sections were made, and TUNEL method was performed to detect cell apoptosis. The mRNA and protein expression levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) signaling pathway-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were detected. For in vitro, BRL-3A rat cells were treated with CdCl₂ (12.5 μM) and/or Que (5 μM Que). The mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS signaling pathway-related factors and apoptosis-related factors were detected. Results showed that Cd led to liver injury, disorder of hepatocyte morphology and structure, decreased BRL-3A cells viabilities, increased oxidative damage. The mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS related factors GRP78, PERK, eIF2α, ATF4, CHOP, IRE1α, XBP1, and ATF6 increased. The mRNA and protein levels of apoptosis related factors Caspase12, Caspase3, and Bax increased, whereas Bcl2 decreased. It indicated that cadmium could activate PERK-eIF2α-ATF4-CHOP, IRE1α-XBP1, and ATF6-CHOP ERS-related signal pathways and lead to apoptosis. Moreover, Que can improve the vitality of hepatocytes, and effectively reduce hepatocytes damage, and reduce oxidative damage by Cd. As a result, the mRNA and protein expression levels of ERS related factors were reduced and hepatocyte apoptosis related factors decreased. Therefore, Que can be used as an effective component in daily diet to prevent Cd toxicity.

Rutin Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Necroptosis in the Chicken Liver via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and MAPK/NF-κB Pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a recognized toxic metal and exerts serious hepatotoxicity in animals and humans. Rutin (RUT) is a dietary bioflavonoid with strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. However, little is known about the alleviating effect of RUT against Cd-induced liver necroptosis. The aim of this study was to ascertain the ameliorative mechanism of RUT on necroptosis triggered by Cd in chicken liver. One hundred twenty-eight 100-day-old Isa hens were randomly divided into four groups: the control group, RUT group, Cd + RUT cotreated group, and Cd group. Cd exposure prominently elevated Cd accumulation and the activities of liver function indicators (ALT and AST). Furthermore, the histopathological results, the overexpression of genes (RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL) related to the necroptosis pathway, and low Caspase 8 levels in Cd-exposed chicken liver indicated that Cd intoxication induced necroptosis in chicken liver. Meanwhile, Cd administration drastically increased the levels of oxidizing stress biomarkers (ROS production, MDA content, iNOS activity, and NO generation), and obviously reduced the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GPx, and CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in chicken liver. Cd treatment promoted the expression of the main members of the MAPK and NF-κB pathways (JNK, ERK, P38, NF-κB, and TNF-α) and activated heat shock proteins (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90). However, RUT application remarkably alleviated these Cd-induced variations and necroptosis injury. Overall, our study demonstrated that RUT might prevent Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken liver by inhibiting oxidative stress and MAPK/NF-κB pathway.

N-Acetylcysteine Reduces miR-146a and NF-κB p65 Inflammatory Signaling Following Cadmium Hepatotoxicity in Rats

We performed a thorough screening and analysis of the impact of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the miR146a/NF-κB p65 inflammatory pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction in male albino rats. A total of 24 male albino rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a CdCl₂-treated group (3 mg/kg, orally), and a CdCl₂ + NAC-treated group (200 mg/kg of NAC, 1 h after CdCl₂ treatment), for 60 consecutive days. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of miR146a, Irak1, Traf6, Nrf1, Nfe2l2, Pparg, Prkaa, Stat3, Tfam, Tnfa, and Il1b, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels were assessed using ELISA, and NF-κB p65 was detected using western blotting. A significant restoration of homeostatic inflammatory processes as well as mitochondrial biogenesis was observed after NAC and CdCl₂ treatment. Decreased miR146a and NF-κB p65 were also found after treatment with NAC and CdCl₂ compared with CdCl₂ treatment alone. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CdCl₂ caused mtDNA release because of Tfam loss, leading to NF-κB p65 activation. Co-treatment with NAC could alleviate Cd-induced genotoxicity in liver tissue. We concluded that adding NAC to CdCl₂ resulted in a decreased signaling of the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.

Sennoside A alleviates inflammatory responses by inhibiting the hypermethylation of SOCS1 in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is the consequence of chronic liver injury and is a major challenge to global health. However, successful therapy for liver fibrosis is still lacking. Sennoside A (SA), a commonly used clinical stimulant laxative, is reported to improve hepatic disease, but the underlying mechanisms remain largely elusive. Here, we show for the first time that SA enhanced suppressor of cytokine signaling 1 (SOCS1) expression in a DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1)-dependent manner and thereby attenuated liver fibrosis. Consistently, SA inhibited the expression of the liver fibrogenesis markers α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and type I collagen alpha-1 (Col1α1) and suppressed inflammatory responses in vivo and in vitro. Coculture experiments with macrophages/hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) revealed that SA suppressed HSC proliferation by downregulating proinflammatory cytokines in macrophages. Mechanically, SA promoted the aberrant expression of SOCS1 in liver fibrosis. However, blocking SOCS1 expression weakened the inhibitory effect of SA on HSC proliferation, indicating that SOCS1 may play an important role in mediating the antifibrotic effect of SA. Furthermore, SA inhibited DNMT1-mediated SOCS1 and reduced HSC proliferation by inhibiting inflammatory responses in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) -induced liver fibrosis.

Comparison of nanoparticle-selenium, selenium-enriched yeast and sodium selenite on the alleviation of cadmium-induced inflammation via NF-kB/IκB pathway in heart

Cadmium (Cd) has been confirmed as an environmental contaminant, which potential threats health impacts to humans and animals. Selenium (Se) as a beneficial element that alleviates the negative effects of Cd toxicity. Se mainly exists in two forms in food nutrients including organic Se usually as (Se-enriched yeast (SeY)) and inorganic Se (sodium selenite (SSe)). Nanoparticle of Se (Nano-Se), a new form Se, which is synthesized by the bioreduction of Se species, which attracted significant attention recently. However, compared the superiority alleviation effects of Nano-Se, SeY or SSe on Cd-induced toxicity and related mechanisms are still poorly understood. The purpose of this study was to compare the superiority antagonism effects of Nano-Se, SeY and SSe on Cd-induced inflammation response via NF-kB/IκB pathway in the heart. The present study demonstrated that exposed to Cd obviously increased the accumulation of Cd, disruption of ion homeostasis and depressed the ratios of K⁺/Na⁺ and Mg²⁺/Ca²⁺ via ion chromatography mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detecting the heart specimens. In the results of histological and ultrastructure observation, typical inflammatory infiltrate characteristics and mitochondria and nuclear structure alterations in the hearts of Cd group were confirmed. Cd treatment enhanced the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) activities and NOS isoforms expression via NF-kB/IκB pathway to promote inflammation response. However, the combined treatment of Cd-exposed animals with Nano-Se was more effective than SeY and SSe in reversing Cd-induced histopathological changes and iNOS activities increased, reducing Cd accumulation and antagonizing Cd-triggered inflammation response via NF-kB/IκB pathway in chicken hearts. Overall, Se applications, especially Nano-Se, can be most efficiently used for relieving cardiotoxicity by exposed to Cd compared to other Se compound.

Ascorbic acid supplementation suppresses cadmium-derived alterations in the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe

Cadmium (Cd) a highly toxic environmental pollutant, that does not have any physiological function in the organism, represents a great concern for human health as it can be easily transported from its environmental sources to the food chain. Food, water, and air are the major sources of Cd exposure to the population. Cd-mediated impairments of the basic cellular properties largely depend on its ability to enhance the formation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thus triggers oxidative stress to the cell. With the use of fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe (S. pombe) as the model organism, we have analyzed the impact of Cd on the cell growth intensity, as it represents the fundamental feature of all living organisms. Cells were incubated with different Cd concentrations for 3, 6, and 9 hours to investigate the effect of Cd on cell growth in a time and dose-dependent manner. Further possible Cd-derived alterations, as the peroxidation of membrane lipids or the functional impairment of the enzymatic antioxidant protection mechanisms, were investigated by determination of the MDA content and via catalase (CAT) activity detection. Moreover, ascorbic acid (AsA) pre-treatment was subjected to investigate the assumed positive effect of AsA against Cd toxicity. We show here on one hand that cells suffer under the influence of Cd, but on the other hand, they substantially profit from AsA supplementation. Because S. pombe is known to shares many molecular, and biochemical similarities with higher organisms, the effect of AsA in cadmium toxicity elimination might be expected to a similar extent also in other cell types.

Possible Role of Kaempferol in Reversing Oxidative Damage, Inflammation, and Apoptosis-Mediated Cortical Injury Following Cadmium Exposure

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal of considerable toxicity, inducing a number of hazardous effects to humans and animals including neurotoxicity. This experiment was aimed to investigate the potential effect of kaempferol (KPF) against Cd-induced cortical injury. Thirty-two adult Sprague-Dawley rats were divided equally into four groups. The control rats intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with physiological saline (0.9% NaCl), the cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-treated rats were i.p. injected with 4.5 mg/kg of CdCl2, the KPF-treated rats were orally gavaged with 50 mg/kg of KPF, and the KPF + CdCl2-treated rats were administered orally 50 mg/kg of KPF 120 min before receiving i.p. injection of 4.5 mg/kg CdCl2. CdCl2 exposure for 30 days led to the accumulation of Cd in the cortical tissue, accompanied by a reduction in the content of monoamines and acetylcholinesterase activity. Additionally, CdCl2 induced a state of oxidative stress as evidenced by the elevation of lipid peroxidation and nitrate/nitrite levels, while glutathione content and the activities of glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were decreased. Moreover, CdCl2 mediated inflammatory events in the cortical tissue through increasing tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta levels and upregulating the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase. Furthermore, pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3) were elevated, while Bcl-2, the anti-apoptotic protein, was decreased. Also, histological alterations were observed obviously following CdCl2. However, KPF pretreatment restored significantly the examined markers to be near the normal values. Hence, the obtained data provide evidences that KPF pretreatment has the protective effect to preserve the cortical tissues in CdCl2-exposed rats by restraining oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis, neurochemical modulation, and improving the histological changes.

The Alleviative Effects of Quercetin on Cadmium-Induced Necroptosis via Inhibition ROS/iNOS/NF-κB Pathway in the Chicken Brain

Cadmium (Cd), a ubiquitous environmental pollutant, has neurotoxicity to humans and animals. Quercetin (QE), the main component of flavonoids, has strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. However, little is reported about the influence of Cd exposure on necroptosis in the chicken brain and the antagonistic impacts of QE against Cd-induced brain necroptosis. The aim of this study was to ascertain the alleviative mechanism of QE on Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken brain. Two hundred 3.5-month-old Isa hens were randomly divided into four groups, control group, QE group, Cd group, and Cd + QE co-administration group. The histopathological analysis indicated that necrosis features were observed in the Cd-intoxicated chicken brains. Meanwhile, the expression levels of RIPK1, RIPK3, and MLKL were elevated and the level of Caspase 8 was reduced in the Cd group, which further testified Cd triggered the occurrence of necroptosis in the chicken brain. Cd exposure obviously increased Cd accumulation, ROS generation, and MDA level; weakened the activities of antioxidase (SOD, GPx, and CAT); enhanced iNOS activity and NO production; promoted the expression of inflammatory factors (NF-κB, TNFα, COX-2, iNOS, PTGEs, and IL-1β); and activated HSPs (HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90). But, these Cd-caused variations were obviously attenuated in the Cd + QE group. This study indicated that QE had an alleviative effect on Cd-induced necroptosis in the chicken brain through inhibition ROS/iNOS/NF-κB pathway.

Ferulic acid influences Nrf2 activation to restore testicular tissue from cadmium-induced oxidative challenge, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

Here, we examined the protective effect of ferulic acid (FA) on cadmium chloride (CdCl₂ )-mediated reproductive toxicity in male rats. Animals were divided into four groups: control, FA (20 mg/kg), CdCl₂ (6.5 mg/kg), and FA + CdCl₂ . CdCl₂ treatment evoked a significant increase in testis cadmium concentration in addition to obvious increase in testosterone, luteinizing hormone, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. Moreover, CdCl₂ -induced oxidative damage through exhausting the cellular defenses (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione) and downregulating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression accompanied by increases of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide contents. Testicular inflammation was evident indicated by increased levels of interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor-α in CdCl₂ -treated rats. CdCl₂ exposure also decreased the expression of the proliferating cell nuclear antigen and augmented apoptotic events associated with prominent histopathological alterations. However, FA coadministration mitigated the impaired hormonal level, apoptotic and inflammatory injuries elicited by CdCl_2, and maintained the oxidant/antioxidant balance in testicular tissue via Nrf2 activation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Cadmium is an environmental toxicant and known to cause adverse effects including reproductive toxicity. However, antioxidant application has been found to protect against heavy metals-mediated toxic effects. Here, we examined the potential protective efficacy of ferulic acid against cadmium-mediated testicular impairments through estimating the amount of cadmium in the testis, hormonal profile, oxidative status, inflammatory response, apoptotic and proliferating markers in addition to the histopathological alterations. The obtained findings revealed that ferulic acid supplementation was able to abolish the testicular damages coupled with cadmium exposure. The protective efficiency of ferulic acid may correlated with its strong antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities; suggesting that ferulic acid may be used to ameliorate cadmium-induced testicular deficits.

Hesperidin ameliorates hepatic dysfunction and dyslipidemia in male Wistar rats exposed to cadmium chloride

The ever-increasing human population with attendant industrialization poses serious global health challenge. Cadmium (Cd) with other heavy metals contribute greatly to environmental pollutions and humans are daily exposed to them, leading to diverse ailments. We explored whether Hesperidin (HSP) could protect against hepatic damage and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats exposed to Cd. Forty wistar rats were randomly assigned into five groups (n = 8). Group 1 received 2 mL/kg body weight of normal saline; Group 2 received 100 mg/kg body weight of HSP while Group 3 received 5 mg/kg body weight of Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2) for 28 days. Group 4 received 100 mg/kg body weight of HSP and after 90 min, CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) body weight was administered for 28 days. Group 5 received 50 mg/kg body weight of HSP and after 90 min, CdCl2 (5 mg/kg) body weight was administered for 28 days. The serum lipid profiles, hepatic dysfunction and oxidative stress markers were determined using standard methods. Cd toxicity in rats prominently elevated serum activities of AST, ALT, ALP and levels of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, cholesterol, LDL-C and malondialdehyde with decreased levels of HDL-C, triglycerides, superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione and body weights. The pre-treatment of HSP before Cd intoxication prevented the dysregulated activities of liver enzymes and levels of lipid profiles, enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and other biomarkers investigated, thus suggesting anti-hyperlipidemic and hepato-protective potentials. HSP may have great potentials for development of therapeutics that could enhance the management of dyslipidemia and liver disorders associated with heavy metal exposure.

Exposure to arsenite and cadmium induces organotoxicity and miRNAs deregulation in male rats

Sodium arsenite (NaAsO₂) and cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) are two prime examples of un-biodegradable compounds that accumulate in the ecosystems causing great threats to human health and produce severe adverse effects. However, their joint toxicities are poorly understood in mammals. This study aimed to identify the effect of exposure to NaAsO₂ (5 mg/kg, by oral gavage) and CdCl₂ (1 mg/kg injected interperitoneal, i.p.) either alone or in combinations after 14 and 28 days on oxidative stress, antioxidant enzyme activities, and histopathological changes. The results revealed a downregulation of miR-146a also, in miR-let7a after 14 days and a notable upregulation after 28 days. However, administrations of their combinations for 14 days caused downregulated miR-146a and miR-let7a. However, upregulation miR-let7a was observed only after 28 days. Organotoxicity of liver results in a remarkable increase in oxidative stress biomarkers by the two metals either alone or in combinations. A remarkable decrease was noted in an antioxidant enzyme activity indicating a defect in the antioxidant defense system. Also, CdCl₂ alone showed remarkable liver histopathological changes. This study concluded that there was a close relationship of high epigenetic changes as deregulation of both miR-146a and miR-let7a as a result of the joint toxicity of both compounds, and ultimately major changes in hepatic tissues that may lead to cell transformations. However, further studies are needed to investigate the target genes for those miRNAs.