Synergistic effects of Ficus Carica extract and extra virgin olive oil against oxidative injury, cytokine liberation, and inflammation mediated by 5-Fluorouracil in cardiac and renal tissues of male albino rats

Cardiotoxicity Associated With a Low Doses of 5-FU Promotes Morphoquantitative Changes in the Intrinsic Cardiac Nervous System

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapeutic that is used to treat solid tumors. However, 5-FU is associated with several side effects, including cardiotoxicity. Considering the importance of the intrinsic cardiac nervous system (ICNS) for the heart and that little is known about effects of 5-FU on this nervous system plexus, the purpose of the present study was to evaluate effects 5-FU at a low dose on the ICNS and oxidative and inflammatory effects in the heart in Wistar rats. The rats were divided into two groups: treated and 5-FU (n = 6/group). The control group received saline only. The treated group received the following clinical doses of 5-FU: 15 mg/kg for 4 consecutive days, followed by 6 mg/kg for 4 days alternated with non-treatment days, and finally 15 mg/kg as the last dose on day 14. On day 15, the rats were euthanized and underwent thoracotomy. The atria were used for histological analysis, and the ventricles were used for biochemical analysis. The results showed an increase in neuronal density and a decrease in ganglionic and neuronal area in the ICNS. Furthermore, tissue inflammation was observed, indicated by an increase in proinflammatory factors and the enzymatic activity of myeloperoxidase and n-acetyl-glucosaminidase. Oxidative stress was also observed, confirmed by a reduction of endogenous antioxidant defenses and the presence of lipoperoxidation. Treatment with 5-FU also caused cardiac atrophy and fibrosis. These findings indicate that cardiotoxicity is present with 5-FU treatment and affects the morphometric aspects of the ICNS.

Lycopene alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity by modulating PPAR-γ, Nrf2/HO-1, and NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6 signals

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the most used anticancer drugs. However, its nephrotoxicity-associated drawback is of clinical concern. Lycopene (LYC) is a red carotenoid with remarkable anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties. In this study, rats were divided randomly into five groups: control, lycopene (10 mg) (10 mg/kg/day; P.O), 5-FU (30 mg/kg/day; i.p.), Lycopene (5 mg) + 5-FU (5 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg/day), and lycopene (10 mg) + 5-FU (10 mg/kg + 30 mg/kg/day). LYC attenuated the loss of renal function induced by 5-FU in a dose-dependent manner. Rats co-treated with LYC had lower serum urea, creatinine, uric acid and KIM-1 levels, and a higher serum albumin level than those receiving 5-FU alone. Furthermore, co-treatment with the high dose of LYC maintained renal oxidant-antioxidant balance by ameliorating/preventing the loss of antioxidants and the elevation of malondialdehyde. Rats treated with 5-FU had markedly lower renal levels of PPAR-gamma, HO-1, Nfr2, and Il-10 and higher levels of NF-kB, TNF-alpha, and IL6 compared to the control rats. Co-treatment with LYC attenuated the reduction in PPAR-gamma, HO-1, Nfr2, and IL-10 levels and moderated the elevated levels of NF-kB, TNF-alpha, and IL-6. The kidneys from rats co-treated with lycopene (10 mg) + 5-FU did not show the degenerative changes in the glomerular tufts and tubules observed for the rats treated with 5-FU alone. In conclusion, LYC is a promising therapeutic strategy for attenuating 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity through the restoration of antioxidant activities and inhibition of inflammatory responses by modulating PPAR-γ, Nrf2/HO-1, and NF-κB/TNF-α/IL-6, signals.

Use of Olives-derived Phytochemicals for Prevention and Treatment of Atherosclerosis: An Update

Mediterranean diet is frequently associated with longevity and a lower incidence of adverse cardiovascular events because of the biological activities and health effects of olives - its key component. Olive oil, olive leaf extract, fruits and different by-products contain many bioactive components that exert anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities. In this review, we focus on the recent studies exploring molecular mechanisms underlying the cardioprotective properties of different olive oils, olive leave extracts, and specific micro-constituents (such as oleuropein, tyrosol, hydroxytyrosol and others) in vitro on rodent models and in clinical trials on human subjects. Particularly, hydroxytyrosol and oleuropein were identified as the major bioactive compounds responsible for the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-platelet aggregation and anti-atherogenic activities of olive oil. In total, the discussed results demonstrated a positive association between the consumption of olive oil and improvement in outcomes in atherosclerosis, diabetes, myocardial infarction, heart failure, hypertension and obesity.

Exploring the pharmacological versatility of ficus carica: Modulating classical immunometabolism and beyond

The burden of metabolic disorders is alarmingly increasing globally. On the other hand, sustainability is the key project of the 21st century. Natural products offer a coherent option for the complementary management of both these challenges. Ficus carica (FC), commonly known as the fig fruit, has an experimentally proven potency for the modulation of cell cycle, immunity, inflammation, metabolism, and oxidative stress. Here, we review the potential of FC-derived products (FCDP) in slowing down the progression of cancers, acute/chronic inflammation-related conditions, infections, metabolic disorders, toxicities, neurological and neuromuscular diseases, gastrointestinal disorders, vascular diseases, and skin-stressing conditions, as well as, in boosting normal healthy functions of the endocrine, immune, metabolic, and nervous systems. It reveals a variety of cellular and molecular targets for FCDP: cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12, IL-18, IFN-γ), chemokines (CCL2), other inflammatory mediators (CRP, PGE2), immune receptors (TLR-2, TLR-4, FcεRI), oxidative stress-related markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, GPx, catalase, ROS, NO, protein carbonyls), kinases (MAPKs, hexokinase, G6Pase, FBPase, PEPCK, Akt, AMPK, GSK3, CDKs), other enzymes (COX-2, iNOS, MMPs, caspases), growth factors/receptors (VEGF, EGFR), hormones (DHEAS, prolactin, GnRH, FSH, LH, estradiol, DHT, insulin), cell death-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Bak, FasL, gasdermins, cytochrome C), glucose transporter protein (Glut4), and transcription factors (NF-κB, HNF-4α, Foxo, PGC-1α, PPAR-γ, C/EBP-α, CREB, NFATC1, STAT3). FCDP cause both activation and inhibition of AMPK, MAPK, and NF-κB signaling to confer condition-specific advantages. Such a broad-range activity might be attributed to different mechanisms of action of FCDP in modulating functions within the classical immunometabolic system, but also beyond.

In Vitro and In Vivo Anti-Psoriasis Activity of Ficus carica Fruit Extracts via JAK-STAT Modulation

Psoriasis, a chronic and autoimmune inflammatory disorder of the skin, has been often underdiagnosed and underestimated despite its prevalence and considerable negative effects on the quality of life. In this study, the anti-inflammatory activity of Ficus carica fruit extract (FFE) was investigated against LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. The in vitro results showed that FFE reduced the production of nitric oxide (NO) and iNOS expression. Moreover, FFE reduced the level of β-hexosaminidase released with histamine in allergic reactions. However, the MAPK and NFκB signaling molecules associated with the inflammatory response were not significantly regulated by FFE. In contrast, the phosphorylation of JAK1 and STAT3 in the JAK-STAT signaling pathway was dramatically reduced by FFE treatment. Psoriasis-like skin lesions were induced in BALB/c mice using imiquimod (IMQ) to test the feasibility of FFE as a treatment for psoriasis. The efficacy of FFE was evaluated based on phenotypic and histological features. FFE was effective in relieving the symptoms of psoriasis-like skin lesions, such as erythema, dryness, scales, and thick epidermis. Notably, STAT3 modulation was also contributable to the in vivo ameliorative activity of FFE. Taken together, FFE with anti-psoriasis activity in vitro and in vivo through the JAK-STAT modulation could be developed as a therapeutic agent against psoriasis.

Phytochemical Composition and Health Benefits of Figs (Fresh and Dried): A Review of Literature from 2000 to 2022

With their rich history dating back 6000 years, figs are one of the oldest known plants to mankind and are a classical fruit in the Mediterranean diet. They possess a diverse array of bioactive components, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, carotenoids, and tocopherols, which have been used for centuries in traditional medicine for their health-promoting effects addressing gastrointestinal, respiratory, inflammatory, metabolic, and cardiovascular issues. This review summarizes the updated information on the phenolic composition, antioxidant capacity and other functional properties of fresh and dried figs cultivated in various parts of the world, highlighting variation in phenolic composition based on cultivar, harvesting time, maturity stage, processing, and fig parts. Additionally, the review delves into the bio-accessibility and bio-availability of bioactive components from figs and their potential influence on cardiovascular health, diabetes, obesity, and gut/digestive health. Data suggest that the intake of figs regularly in the diet, alone or with other dried fruits, increases select micronutrient intake and is associated with higher diet quality, respectively. Research in animal and human models of health and disease risk provide preliminary health benefits data on figs and their extracts from fig parts; however, additional well-controlled human studies, particularly using fig fruit, will be required to uncover and verify the potential impact of dietary intake of figs on modern day health issues.

Naringin ameliorates 5-fluorouracil induced cardiotoxicity: An insight into its modulatory impact on oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic parameters

5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is an efficacious fluoropyrimidine antimetabolite anticancer drug, however, its clinical utility is constrained due to side effect toxicity on delicate organs, including the heart. This study thus aimed at exploring the cardioprotective potentials of naringin (NRG) against 5-FU-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. We divided Wistar rats into four experimental groups (n = 6) for the administration of NRG (100 mg/kg bw, orally) and/or 5-FU (150 mg/kg bw, intraperitoneal). NRG was administered for 10 days, while 5-FU was injected on the 8th day only. Serum troponin-I (cTn-I) and creatine kinase (CK) were estimated. Cardiac activities/level of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor-ĸB (NF-κB) and caspase-3 were determined. 5-FU markedly increased cTn-I, CK, cardiac inflammatory mediators and caspase-3 expressions, whereas antioxidant mediators decreased appreciably when compared to the control groups. Interestingly, the prophylactic administration of NRG prominently inhibited the 5-FU-provoked oxidative stress, pro-inflammation and apoptosis in the heart of rats. Histopathology confirmed the biochemical results of the heart. Therefore, NRG is a potential natural flavonoid for mitigation of 5-FU cardiotoxicity in rats.

Ficus carica (Linn.) Leaf and Bud Extracts and Their Combination Attenuates Type-1 Diabetes and Its Complications via the Inhibition of Oxidative Stress

The current work was designed to evaluate the antioxidant activity and antidiabetic effect of Ficus carica L. extracts. For that, the leaves and buds of Ficus carica L. were analyzed to determine their polyphenolic and flavonoid contents and antioxidant activity. Diabetes was induced by a single dose of alloxan monohydrate (65 mg/kg body weight), then diabetic rats were treated with a dose of 200 mg/kg body weight of the methanolic extracts of Ficus carica leaves or buds or their combination for 30 days. Throughout the experiment, blood sugar and body weight were measured every 5 and 7 days respectively. At the end of the experiment, serum and urine were collected for analysis of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, total cholesterol, triglycerides, creatinine, uric acid, urea, proteins, sodium, potassium, and chloride. Pancreas, liver, and kidney were removed to estimate catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione activities; lipid peroxidation products were also determined. The results obtained revealed that alloxan has induced hyperglycemia, increased liver and renal biomarkers levels, reduced antioxidative enzymes, and induced lipid peroxidation. However, the treatment with Ficus carica leaf and bud extracts, especially their combination, has attenuated all pharmacological perturbations induced by alloxan.

Protective effect of quercetin against 5-fluorouracil-induced cardiac impairments through activating Nrf2 and inhibiting NF-κB and caspase-3 activities

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) is a chemotherapy used to treat many types of cancer. Cardiotoxicity is one of the common drawbacks of 5-FU therapy. Quercetin (Qu) is a bioflavonoid with striking biological activities. This research aimed to assess the ameliorative effect of Qu against 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity. Thirty-five rats were allocated into five groups: control group (normal saline), 5-FU group (30 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), Qu group (50 mg/kg, oral), 25 mg/kg Qu+5-FU group, and 50 mg/kg Qu+5-FU. The experimental animals were received the above-mentioned drugs for 21 days. Results showed that 5-FU significantly elevated creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, serum cholesterol and triglyceride, and upregulated troponin and renin mRNA expression. Additionally, cardiac oxidant/antioxidant imbalance was evident in elevated oxidants (malondialdehyde and nitric oxide) and depleted antioxidants (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). 5-FU also downregulated the gene expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2. Furthermore, 5-FU significantly increased cardiac pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-1 beta) and upregulated gene expression of nuclear factor kappa-B. 5-FU significantly enhanced cardiac apoptosis through upregulating caspase-3 expression and downregulating B-cell lymphoma 2. Immunohistochemical and histopathological examinations verified the above-mentioned findings. However, all these changes were significantly ameliorated in Qu pre-administered rats. Conclusively, Qu counteracted 5-FU-mediated cardiotoxicity through potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

The Effects of Ficus carica on Male and Female Reproductive Capabilities in Rats

The basic purpose of pharmacology is to look into the benefits of natural remedies and make them available to the general populace. Herbal medicines are now considered to be the future of humanity. The current study explored the effects of Ficus carica (FC) extract in rats of two-generation F₀ (parents) and F₁ (offspring) in either sex. The F. carica extract was initially tested for acute and sub-chronic toxicity. Extracts were also tested for fertility assessment and effects on reproductive hormones like follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), estradiol, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), dehydroepiandrosterone-sulfate (DHEAS), insulin, progesterone, and prolactin. The antioxidant activity of the extract was also evaluated by testing mRNA expressions of SOD2, GPX1, CAT, and GR in male testes and female ovaries. The animals treated with 100 mg/kg FC extract produced a more pronounced fertility effect in both genders. Expression of CAT, SOD2, GPX1, and GR was found to be increased in the reproductive organs of both sexes. Histology of the testes reveals increased spermatogenesis and increased folliculogenesis in ovaries. The hormone profile showed an increase in FSH, DHT, estradiol, and DHEAS levels in males and FSH, LH, estrogen, and DHEAS in females. The results of the study establish the effectiveness of natural products in improving fertility issues in either sex.

Estradiol and zinc-doped nano hydroxyapatite as therapeutic agents in the prevention of osteoporosis; oxidative stress status, inflammation, bone turnover, bone mineral density, and histological alterations in ovariectomized rats

Osteoporosis (OP) is a serious health problem, and the most popular therapeutic strategy for OP is hormone replacement (estrogen); however, it increases the risk of reproductive cancers. Hydroxyapatite (HA) nanoparticles have a similar chemical structure to the bone mineral component and can be used as a new remedy for OP. This study was designed to investigate the osteoporosis-protective potential of nano zinc hydroxyapatite (ZnHA-NPs) and/or estradiol (E2) combined therapy. A total of 35 adult female rats were assigned into five groups (n = 7): 1) control group; 2) ovariectomized group (OVX); 3) OVX received oral estradiol replacement therapy (OVX/E2); 4) OVX received ZnHA replacement therapy (OVX/ZnHA); and 5) OVX received both estradiol and ZnHA-NPs combined therapy (OVX/E2+ZnHA). After 3 months of treatment, serum bone markers and estrogen level, oxidative/antioxidant, and inflammatory cytokines were determined. Additionally, femoral expression of estrogen receptors alpha and beta (ESR1; ESR2), receptor activator of nuclear factor-kappa B (RANKL) ligand, osteoprotegerin (OPG), bone mineral density (BMD), histological alterations, and immunohistochemical expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were assessed. ALP, PINP, Ca, and P concentrations improved significantly (p < 0.05) in all treatment groups, especially in the OVX/E + ZnHA group. MDA and NO were higher in OVX rats, while SOD activity and GSH were lower (p < 0.05). E2 alone or with ZnHA-NPs restored the estimated antioxidant molecules and cytokines toward normal levels in OVX rats (p < 0.05). On the other hand, E2 and ZnHA increased OPG and OC expression in femurs while decreasing ESR1, ESR2, and NF-kB expression (p < 0.05). The combination treatment was superior in the restoration of normal femoral histoarchitecture and both cortical and trabecular BMD (p < 0.05). Overall, the combined therapy of OVX/E2+ZnHA was more effective than the individual treatments in attenuating excessive bone turnover and preventing osteoporosis.

Preparation and Evaluation of Animal Models of Cardiotoxicity in Antineoplastic Therapy

The continuous development of antineoplastic therapy has significantly reduced the mortality of patients with malignant tumors, but its induced cardiotoxicity has become the primary cause of long-term death in patients with malignant tumors. However, the pathogenesis of cardiotoxicity of antineoplastic therapy is currently unknown, and practical means of prevention and treatment are lacking in clinical practice. Therefore, how to effectively prevent and treat cardiotoxicity while treating tumors is a major challenge. Animal models are important tools for studying cardiotoxicity in antitumor therapy and are of great importance in elucidating pathophysiological mechanisms and developing and evaluating modality drugs. In this paper, we summarize the existing animal models in antitumor therapeutic cardiotoxicity studies and evaluate the models by observing the macroscopic signs, echocardiography, and pathological morphology of the animals, aiming to provide a reference for subsequent experimental development and clinical application.

Nanogold Particles Suppresses 5-Flurouracil-Induced Renal Injury: An Insight into the Modulation of Nrf-2 and Its Downstream Targets, HO-1 and γ-GCS

The development of the field of nanotechnology has revolutionized various aspects in the fields of modern sciences. Nano-medicine is one of the primary fields for the application of nanotechnology techniques. The current study sheds light on the reno-protective impacts of gold nano-particles; nanogold (AuNPs) against 5-flurouracil (5-FU)-induced renal toxicity. Indeed, the use of 5-FU has been associated with kidney injury which greatly curbs its therapeutic application. In the current study, 5-FU injection was associated with a significant escalation in the indices of renal injury, i.e., creatinine and urea. Alongside this, histopathological and ultra-histopathological changes confirmed the onset of renal injury. Both gene and/or protein expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) and downstream antioxidant enzymes revealed consistent paralleled anomalies. AuNPs administration induced a significant renal protection on functional, biochemical, and structural levels. Renal expression of the major sensor of the cellular oxidative status Nrf-2 escalated with a paralleled reduction in the renal expression of the other contributor to this axis, known as Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1). On the level of the effector downstream targets, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS) AuNPs significantly restored their gene and protein expression. Additionally, combination of AuNPs with 5-FU showed better cytotoxic effect on MCF-7 cells compared to monotreatments. Thus, it can be inferred that AuNPs conferred reno-protective impact against 5-FU with an evident modulatory impact on Nrf-2/Keap-1 and its downstream effectors, HO-1 and γ-GCS, suggesting its potential use in 5-FU regimens to improve its therapeutic outcomes and minimize its underlying nephrotoxicity.