Premna odorata extract as a protective agent on neurotoxic effect of aluminum: neurochemical, molecular, and histopathological alterations

The effects of TiO2, ZnO, IONs and Al2O3 metallic nanoparticles on the CYP1A1 and NBN transcripts in rat liver

Introduction

Metal oxide nanoparticles are currently used widely in many aspects of human and animal life with broad prospects for biomedical purposes. The present work was carried out to investigate the effects of orally administrated TiO2NPs, ZnONPs, IONs and Al2O3NPs on the mRNA expression level of CYP 1A1 and NBN in the rat liver.

Materials and Methods

Four groups of male Albino rats were given their respective treatment orally for 60 days in a dose of 1/20 of the LD50 TiO2NPs (600 mg/Kg b.wt/day), ZnONPs (340 mg/Kg b.wt/day), IONs (200 mg/kg b.wt/day) and Al2O3NPs (100 mg/Kg b.wt/day) and a fifth group served as a control group.

Rresults

The mRNA level of CYP 1A1 and NBN showed up-regulation in all the NPs-treated groups relative to the control group. ZnONPs group recorded the highest expression level while the TiO2NPs group showed the lowest expression level transcript. Conclusion:The toxic effects produced by these nanoparticles were more pronounced in the case of zinc oxide, followed by aluminum oxide, iron oxide nanoparticles and titanium dioxide, respectively.

Combined laser-activated SVF and PRP remodeled spinal sclerosis via activation of Olig-2, MBP, and neurotrophic factors and inhibition of BAX and GFAP

A single injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or stromal vascular fraction (SVF) in treating neurological ailments suggests promise; however, there is limited evidence of the efficacy of combination therapy. This trial aimed to determine whether combining SVF and PRP could provide further therapeutic effects in treating multiple sclerosis (MS). Fifteen Persian cats were separated into three groups (n = 5): group I (control negative), and group II (control positive); EB was injected intrathecally into the spinal cord and then treated 14 days later with intrathecal phosphate buffered saline injection, and group III (SVF + PRP), cats were injected intrathecally with EB through the spinal cord, followed by a combination of SVF and PRP 14 days after induction. Therapeutic effects were evaluated using the Basso-Beattie-Bresnahan scale throughout the treatment timeline and at the end. Together with morphological, MRI scan, immunohistochemical, transmission electron microscopy, and gene expression investigations. The results demonstrated that combining SVF and PRP successfully reduced lesion intensity on gross inspection and MRI. In addition to increased immunoreactivity to Olig2 and MBP and decreased immunoreactivity to Bax and GFAP, there was a significant improvement in BBB scores and an increase in neurotrophic factor (BDNF, NGF, and SDF) expression when compared to the positive control group. Finally, intrathecal SVF + PRP is the most promising and safe therapy for multiple sclerosis, resulting in clinical advantages such as functional recovery, MRI enhancement, and axonal remyelination.

Ethanol extract of Andrographis paniculata alleviates aluminum-induced neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment through regulating the p62-keap1-Nrf2 pathway

BACKGROUND

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most prevalent neurodegenerative and remains incurable. Aluminum is a potent neurotoxin associated with AD. The main pathological features of AD are extracellular amyloid-β protein deposition and intracellular hyperphosphorylated Tau protein. A body of evidence suggest that oxidative stress and autophagy are involved in the pathogenesis of AD. Andrographis paniculata (AP) is a native plant with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative stress, and regulation of autophagy properties. AP significantly alleviated cognitive impairments, reduced Aβ deposition and has neuroprotective effect. However, its effects on aluminum-induced AD model have not been studied much. In this study, we investigated whether AP protect against aluminum-induced neurotoxicity through regulation of p62-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1(Keap1)-Nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway and activation autophagy in vivo and in vitro.

METHODS

UPLC-ESI-qTOF-MS/MS was used to identify the chemical constituents of AP ethanol extract. The mice with cognitive deficit were established by injecting aluminum chloride and D-galactose, and treated with either AP extract (200, 400, or 600 mg/kg/d) or andrographolide (2 mg/kg/2d).The spatial memory ability was detected by Morris water maze, HE staining were used to detect in brain tissue,Oxidative stress indexs and SOD activity in both serum and brain tissue were detected by kit.The expression of p62-Nrf2 pathway proteins were measured via western blotting. Furthermore, the neurotoxicity model was induced by aluminum maltolate (700 µM) in PC12 cells. Following AP and andrographolide treatment, the cell viability was detected. The relevant mRNA and protein expressions were detected in cells transfected with the p62 siRNA.

RESULTS

The main active components of AP included andrographolide, neoandrographolide and deoxyandrographolide as identified. AP and andrographolide significantly improved the spatial memory ability of mice, attenuated pathological changes of hippocampal cells, reduced the level of malondialdehyde, and increased superoxide dismutase activity in serum or brain tissue as compared to model control. In addition, the Nrf2, p62 and LC3B-II proteins expression were increased, and p-Tau and Keap1 proteins were decreased in the hippocampus after AP and andrographolide treatment.Furthermore, AP increased aluminum maltolate-induced cell viability in PC12 cells. Silencing p62 could reverse the upregulation expression of Nrf2 and downregulation of Keap1 and Tau proteins induced by AP in aluminum maltolate-treated cells.

CONCLUSIONS

AP had neuroprotective effects against aluminum -induced cognitive dysfunction or cytotoxicity, which was involved in the activation of the p62-keap1-Nrf2 pathway and may develop as therapeutic drugs for the treatment of AD. However, this study has certain limitations, further optimize the protocol or model and study the molecular mechanism of AP improving AD.

Amelioration of aluminum-induced hepatic and nephrotoxicity by Premna odorata extract is mediated by lowering MMP9 and TGF-β gene alterations in Wistar rat

This study aims to investigate the effect of Premna odorata (P. odorata) (Lamiaceae) on the hepatic and nephrotoxicity induced by aluminum chloride (AlCl3) in rat. Wistar male rats were equally classified into four groups: control, P. odorata extract (500 mg/kg B.W.), AlCl3 (70 mg/kg B.W.), and P. odorata extract plus AlCl3 groups. All treatments were given orally for 4 weeks. Serum transaminases and some biochemical parameters, hepatic and renal antioxidant/oxidant biomarker; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); matrix metalloproteinase (MMP9) and transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) mRNA expression; histopathological examination of the liver, and kidneys were investigated. The obtained results revealed that AlCl3 significantly increased the activities of serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase as well as produced a significant increase in total cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, and creatinine concentrations, while there were no changes observed in the total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations. Also, aluminum administration significantly decreased the reduced glutathione content and increased the catalase activity, malondialdehyde, and TNF-α concentrations in the liver and kidney tissue. Moreover, AlCl3 results in congestion, degeneration, and inflammation of the liver and kidney tissue. Co-treatment of P. odorata extract with AlCl3 alleviated its harmful effects on the previous parameters and reduced the histopathological alterations induced by AlCl3. Therefore, Premna odorata may have a potent protective effect against oxidative stress induced by Al toxicity through downregulation of MMP9 and TGF-β gene expression.

Protective effect of rutin and β-cyclodextrin against hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by lambda-cyhalothrin in Wistar rats: biochemical, pathological indices and molecular analysis

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to assess hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity of Lambda-cyhalothrin (LCT) and the protective effect of rutin alone and in combination with β-cyclodextrin (β-CD).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Group 1: was used as a control and received a standard diet and water. Group 2, 3, 4 and 5 were orally administered with LCT (7.6 mg/kg body weight), rutin (200 mg/kg body weight) LCT and rutin (at the same doses as in Group 2 and Group 3), and LCT and a mixture of rutin with β-CD (400 mg/kg body weight), respectively. All experimental animals were orally gavaged 5 days/week for 60 days.

RESULTS

Our data revealed that LCT-induced liver and kidney injuries were related to the up-regulated expression of TNF-α and down-regulated expression of NRF-2 genes mRNA, whereas these effects were reversed with rutin treatment. LCT-induced oxidative stress altered the histological picture, and the hematological and biochemical parameters.

CONCLUSION

Treatment with a rutin-β-CD complex had preventive potential against LCT via suppression of oxidative stress and augmentation of the antioxidant defense system.

The Reproductive Injury and Oxidative Testicular Toxicity Induced by Chlorpyrifos Can Be Restored by Zinc in Male Rats

The current study aimed to evaluate the harmful effect of chlorpyrifos (CPF) on the reproductive functions and fertility in male rats and to assess the protective role of zinc (Zn) in improving the adverse effects of CPF on male fertility. Sixty mature male rats were divided into four groups: Group 1: The control group was orally administered with the corresponding dose of corn oil. Group 2 animals received chlorpyrifos (1 mg/kg, oral). Group 3 rats received oral zinc (25 mg/kg) daily. Group 4 animals received oral zinc treatment (25 mg/kg). CPF caused a significant decrease in the body and reproductive organs' weights, sperm count, sperm motility percent, serum testosterone, FSH, and LH. The CPF-treated group showed a significant increase in dead sperm percent and sperm abnormalities. CPF induced a significant internucleosomal DNA fragmentation and marked histological alterations in the testes of treated male rats. Conversely, co-treatment with Zn improved the reproductive organs weights, sperm characteristics, internucleosomal DNA fragmentation, and histological alterations of the testes. In conclusion, CPF triggered significant detrimental effects on male reproductive organs and functions and the co-treatment with zinc partly alleviate the injurious effects of CPF on male fertility.

Aloin alleviates pathological cardiac hypertrophy via modulation of the oxidative and fibrotic response

AIMS

Pathological cardiac hypertrophy is a characteristic feature in many cardiovascular diseases (CVDs). Aloin is an anthraquinone glycoside from Aloe species, and the effect of aloin on cardiac hypertrophy and associated fibrotic changes have not been elucidated. This study investigated the effect of aloin against the isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac hypertrophy in rats.

MAIN METHODS

Cardiac hypertrophy experimental model was induced in rats by subcutaneous injection of ISO for 14 days. Meanwhile, the animals were administered orally with aloin at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/day. On the 15th day, cardiac echocardiography was performed, the heart was collected and subjected for histopathological, gene expression, and immunoblot studies. Additionally, the effect of aloin on ISO-induced hypertrophic changes in H9c2 cells was investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

Aloin markedly alleviated ISO-induced heart injury, reduced cardiac hypertrophy, improved cardiac function, and histological alterations in the heart. Mechanistically, aloin attenuated ISO-induced fibrosis via inhibition of the levels of collagen I, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), fibronectin, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and pSmad2/3 proteins in the heart. Aloin alleviated ISO-induced myocardial oxidative damage and up-regulated the levels of antioxidant transcription factor nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) proteins. Moreover, aloin treatment attenuated ISO-induced hypertrophic changes and the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in H9c2 cells in vitro.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our findings demonstrated that aloin alleviated ISO-induced cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis via inhibiting TGF-β/pSmad2/3 signaling and restoring myocardial antioxidants, and therefore has promising therapeutic potential against cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis.

The ameliorative effect of N-acetylcysteine against penconazole induced neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders in rats

Penconazole (PEN) is a widely used systemic fungicide to treat various fungal diseases in plants but it leaves residues in crops and food products causing serious environmental and health problems. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor of the antioxidant glutathione in the body and exerts prominent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to explore the mechanistic way of NAC to ameliorate the PEN neurotoxicity in male rats. Twenty-eight male rats were randomly divided into four groups (n = 7) and given the treated material via oral gavage for 10 days as the following: Group I (distilled water), Group II (50 mg/kg body weight [bwt] PEN), Group III (200 mg/kg bwt NAC), and Group IV (NAC + PEN). After 10 days all rats were subjected to behavioral assessment and then euthanized to collect brain tissues to perform oxidative stress, molecular studies, and pathological examination. Our results revealed that PEN exhibits neurobehavioral toxicity manifested by alteration in the forced swim test, elevated plus maze test, and Y-maze test. There were marked elevations in malondialdehyde levels with reduction in total antioxidant capacity levels, upregulation of messenger RNA levels of bax, caspase 3, and caspase 9 genes with downregulation of bcl2 genes. In addition, brain sections showed marked histopathological alteration in the cerebrum and cerebellum with strong bax and inducible nitric oxide synthetase protein expression. On the contrary, cotreatment of rats with NAC had the ability to improve all the abovementioned neurotoxic parameters. The present study can conclude that NAC has a neuroprotective effect against PEN-induced neurotoxicity via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effect. We recommend using NAC as a preventive and therapeutic agent for a wide variety of neurodegenerative and neuroinflammatory disorders.

Ameliorative effect of ZnO-NPs against bioaggregation and systemic toxicity of lead oxide in some organs of albino rats

Lead is one of the major environmental pollutions worldwide, particularly in developing countries. Though, various occupational and public health measures have been undertaken to control lead exposure. The present study is designed to investigate the role of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) to reduce the bioaggregation of lead in the brain, liver, and kidneys and prevent these organ oxidative damage and apoptosis. Twenty male Wistar rats were grouped into 4 gatherings and exposed to the following materials daily on the skin for 2 weeks: 1-normal saline, 2-ZnO-NPs, 3-PbO, and 4-ZnO-NPs+ PbO. Topical application of PbO to rats increased lead contents in blood and different organs causing remarkable oxidative stress damage, apoptosis, and histopathological alterations in these organs. Moreover, PbO-receiving group showed strong positive caspase-3 protein expression with up-regulation of mRNA levels of BAX and COX-2. Co-treatment of ZnO-NPs with PbO could diminish the toxicologic parameters and the above-mentioned immune marker and gene expression levels. Our data suggest the role of ZnO-NPs cream to reduce the risk of lead dermal exposure via preventing absorption and accumulation of it in the internal organs so that it protects these organs from further damage.