Allicin mitigates hepatic injury following cyclophosphamide administration via activation of Nrf2/ARE pathways and through inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic machinery

Allicin attenuates the oxidative damage induced by Aflatoxin B1 in dairy cow hepatocytes via the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to inhibit growth, and inflict hepatic damage by interfering with protein synthesis. Allicin, has been acknowledged as an efficacious antioxidant capable of shielding the liver from oxidative harm. This study aimed to examine the damage caused by AFB1 on bovine hepatic cells and the protective role of allicin against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In this study, cells were pretreated with allicin before the addition of AFB1 for co-cultivation. Our findings indicate that AFB1 compromises cellular integrity, suppresses the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, allicin attenuates oxidative damage to bovine hepatic cells caused by AFB1 by promoting the expression of the Nrf2 pathway and reducing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of this study will help advance clinical research and applications, providing new options and directions for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

Ameliorative effect of total ginsenosides from heat-treated fresh ginseng against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury in mice

This study evaluated the effect of heat treatment on the conversion of ginsenoside and the ameliorative effect of heat-treated total ginsenoside (HG) from fresh ginseng on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced liver injury. LC-MS analysis revealed that the content of rare ginsenosides increased markedly after heat treatment. HG significantly attenuated CTX-induced hepatic histopathological injury in mice. Western blotting analysis showed that untreated total ginsenoside (UG) and HG regulated the Nrf2/HO-1 and TLR4/MAPK pathways. Importantly, these results may be relevant to the modulation of the intestinal flora. UG and HG significantly increased the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs)-producing bacteria Lactobacillus and reduced the LPS-producing bacteria Bacteroides and Parabacteroides. These changes in intestinal flora affected the levels of TNF-α, LPS and SCFAs. In short, UG and HG alleviated CTX-induced liver injury by regulating the intestinal flora and the LPS-TLR4-MAPK pathway, and HG was more effective. HG has the potential to be a functional food that can alleviate chemical liver injury.

Ameliorative effects of rutin and rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on testicular oxidative stress and histological damage induced by cyclophosphamide in male rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is broadly used to kill various tumor cells; however, its repeated uses have been reported to cause reproductive dysfunction and infertility. Natural flavonoid, rutin (RUT), possesses strong antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity that is attributed to ameliorate the reproductive dysfunction induced by CP. Many previous studies proved that the formulation of flavonoids in nanoemulsion has a promising perspective in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of RUT and RUT-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RUT-CH NPs) against CP-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats. For this aim, thirty-six male albino rats were randomly allocated into six groups as follows: control, RUT, RUT-CH NPs, CP, CP + RUT, and CP + RUT-CH NPs. In the CP groups, a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (150 mg/kg bwt) was administered on the first day of the experiment. RUT and RUT-CH NPs were orally administered either alone or with CP injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg bwt per day for 60 days. The results revealed that CP administration caused significant testicular oxidative stress damage through increasing the nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels as well as decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione contents. It also impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis via altering the transcription levels of CYP11A1, HSD-3b, StAR, Bax, bcl-2, and Nrf-2 genes. Otherwise, the oral intake of either RUT or RUT-CH NPs with CP injection effectively attenuated these alterations and significantly improved the microscopic appearance of testicular tissue. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of RUT either free or NPs in mitigating CP-induced testicular dysfunction via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Interleukin-35 and Thymoquinone nanoparticle-based intervention for liver protection against paracetamol-induced liver injury in rats

Paracetamol (PAR) is a commonly used antipyretic and analgesic agent, but its excessive usage can induce liver damage and major health consequences. Interleukin-35 (IL-35) is utilized to treat immunological disorders, intestinal illness, arthritis, allergic disease, hepatitis, and cancer. Thymoquinone (THYO) is also effective against a wide range of disorders. Consequently, this study sought out to explore the ameliorative effects of IL-35 and THYO against PAR-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sixty male rats were separated into six groups (10 rats/group): I control (0.5 mL NaCl, 0.9%/rat via oral gavage); II (IL-35), and III (TYHO) received intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Group IV (PAR) received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally; V (PAR + IL-35) and VI (PAR + TYHO); rats received 600 mg/kg of PAR orally and i.p injection of IL-35 (200 ng/kg) or THYO (0.5 mg/kg), respectively. Administration of IL-35 or THYO markedly mitigated the increasing in the levels of liver parameters triggered by PAR and noticeable enhancement of antioxidant and immunological markers were observed. Additionally, IL-35 or THYO decreased TNF-α, NF-κB, IL-10, IL-6 and IFN-γ in contrast to the PAR control group. Moreover, levels of Capase-3, and cytochrome C were significantly reduced by THYO or IL35, while, levels of Bcl-2 were markedly increased. Furthermore, significant downregulation of IL1-β, TNF-α, TGF-β, and Caspas-3 genes, as well as significant upregulation of Bcl-2 and IL-10 expression were detected. In conclusion, IL-35 and THYO insulated liver from PAR toxicity by mitigating oxidative stress, tissue damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of allicin in the kidney of an experimental model of metabolic syndrome

Background

Recent studies have suggested that metabolic syndrome (MS) encompasses a group of risk factors for developing chronic kidney disease (CKD). This work aimed to evaluate the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of allicin in the kidney from an experimental model of MS.

Methods

Male Wistar rats (220-250 g) were used, and three experimental groups (n = 6) were formed: control (C), metabolic syndrome (MS), and MS treated with allicin (16 mg/Kg/day, gastric gavage) (MS+A). MS was considered when an increase of 20% in at least three parameters (body weight, systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting blood glucose (FBG), or dyslipidemia) was observed compared to the C group. After the MS diagnosis, allicin was administered for 30 days.

Results

Before the treatment with allicin, the MS group showed more significant body weight gain, increased SBP, and FBG, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. In addition, increased markers of kidney damage in urine and blood. Moreover, the MS increased oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney compared to group C. The allicin treatment prevented further weight gain, reduced SBP, FBG, glucose intolerance, and dyslipidemia. Also, markers of kidney damage in urine and blood were decreased. Further, the oxidative stress and inflammation were decreased in the renal cortex of the MS+A compared to the MS group.

Conclusion

Allicin exerts its beneficial effects on the metabolic syndrome by considerably reducing systemic and renal inflammation as well as the oxidative stress. These effects were mediated through the Nrf2 pathway. The results suggest allicin may be a therapeutic alternative for treating kidney injury induced by the metabolic syndrome risk factors.

Neuroprotective effect of quercetin and nano-quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain: Role of Nrf2/ HO-1/Keap-1 signaling pathway

Quercetin (Qu) is a powerful flavanol antioxidant that is naturally found in plants and is part of the flavonoid family. Qu has a wide range of biological properties, such as neuroprotective, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and radical scavenging capabilities. However, the in vivo application of Qu is limited by its poor water solubility and low bioavailability. These issues could be addressed by utilizing Qu nanoformulations. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent that causes severe neuronal damage and cognitive impairment due to reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction. The present study aimed to explore the proposed neuroprotective mechanism of quercetin (Qu) and quercetin-loaded Chitosan nanoparticles (Qu-Ch NPs) against the brain oxidative damage induced by CP in male albino rats. For this aim, thirty-six adult male rats were randomly divided into six groups (n = 6). Rats were pretreated with Qu and Qu-Ch NPs orally in doses of 10 mg/kg bwt/day for 2 weeks, and CP (75 mg/kg bwt) was administered intraperitoneally 24 h before the termination of the experiment. After 2 weeks, some neurobehavioral parameters were evaluated, and then euthanization was done to collect the brain and blood samples. Results showed that CP induces neurobehavioral deteriorations and impaired brain neurochemical status demonstrated by a significant decrease in brain glutathione (GSH), serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serotonin (5-HT) levels while malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), Tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), and choline esterase (ChE) concentrations increased significantly compared to the control group. Pretreatment with Qu and Qu-Ch NPs showed a significant anti-oxidative, anti-depressive, and neuroprotective effect through modification of the above-mentioned parameters. The results were further validated by assessing the expression levels of selected genes in brain homogenates and histopathological investigations were done to pinpoint the exact brain-altered regions. It could be concluded that Qu and Qu-Ch NPs can be useful neuroprotective adjunct therapy to overcome neurochemical damage induced by CP.

Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 Attenuated Cyclophosphamide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice by Regulating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

Cyclophosphamide causes side effects in cancer patients, including hepatotoxicity. Probiotics have recently emerged as potential approaches for the administration of many diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effects of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury and elucidate the underlying mechanism. In this study, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 or Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG were pre-administered to mice with varying duration (1 week, 2 weeks, and 3 weeks) before being intraperitoneally injected with cyclophosphamide at a dose of 30 mg/kg/day for 7 days to induce liver injury. Results demonstrated that cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury was characterized by histopathological disorders, including irregular central venous shape and hepatic vascular rupture, as well as a severe inflammation response and oxidative stress. The administration of probiotics for 3 weeks exerted the most significant improvements in alleviating liver injury, oxidative stress, and inflammation when compared to the shorter intervention duration. Notably, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 exhibited more pronounced effects than Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG. Furthermore, Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 enhanced the antioxidant defense system by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway, ultimately alleviating hepatotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum P101 to alleviate cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity.

Combination of metformin and hesperidin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Emerging role of PPAR-γ/Nrf-2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as an immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drug. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by its adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity. Both metformin (MET) and hesperidin (HES) have promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, the principal aim of the current study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of MET, HES, and their combinations on the CP-induced hepatotoxicity model. Hepatotoxicity was evoked by a single (I.P) injection of CP (200 mg/kg) on day 7. For this study, 64 albino rats were randomly categorized into eight equal groups; naïve, control vehicle, untreated CP (200 mg/kg, IP), and CP 200 groups treated with MET 200, HES 50, HES 100 or a combination of MET 200 with HES 50 and HES 100 respectively orally daily for 12 days. At the end of the study, the liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and caspase3 were assessed. CP significantly increased serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin, hepatic MDA, NO content, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Otherwise, albumin, hepatic GSH content, Nrf-2, and PPAR-γ expression decreased considerably compared to the control vehicle group. The combinations of MET200 with HES50 or HES100 induced pronounced hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on CP-treated rats. The possible explanation of such hepatoprotective effects may be mediated via upregulation of Nrf-2, PPAR-γ, Bcl-2 expression, hepatic GSH content, and marked suppression of TNF-α and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, the current study showed that combining MET and HES revealed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Protective effects of hesperidin in cyclophosphamide-induced parotid toxicity in rats

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is an alkylating agent that is used on a wide range as a treatment of malignancies and autoimmune diseases. Previous studies have shown the promising role of hesperidin (HSP) as an antioxidant agent against various models of toxic agents. The protective effect of the HSP against CYP-induced parotid damage was evaluated in this study. Forty rats (180-200 g) were divided into four equal groups: Group I (received normal saline), Group II (HSP-treated at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days), Group III (CYP-treated at a dose of 200 mg/kg single intraperitoneal injection on the 7th day of the experiment), Group IV (CYP + HSP); HSP-treated at a dose of 100 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days and CYP (200 mg/kg) single intraperitoneal injection on the 7th day of the experiment. Afterwards, the oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, the histopathological and immunohistochemical alterations of the parotid tissues in the studied groups were evaluated. CYP intoxication induced a significant parotid tissue injury represented by the elevation in the values of malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and decrease in the catalase activity and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Histologically, extensive histopathological alterations e.g., widely spaced serous acini with irregular shapes and congested blood vessels as well as downregulated ki-67 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunoexpression were induced by CYP. HSP administration markedly improved the biochemical and the histopathological studies. We can conclude that HSP elicited protective effects against the CYP-induced parotid toxicity.

The Allium triquetrum L. Leaves Mitigated Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity Induced by Lead Acetate in Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to scrutinize the possible mitigating role of leaves' Allium triquetrum L. against the toxicity of lead acetate on liver and kidney markers of Wistar rat. Lead acetate (Pb) and leaves' aqueous extracts (L) were orally administrated for 3 weeks. Rats were divided into the control, Pb group (500 mg/kg body weight/day), positive controls L (2g, 3g, 4g/kg BW/day), along with three combined groups of the same doses (Pb-L1, Pb-L2, Pb-L3). The levels of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), urea, creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA), as well as the hepatic and the renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were estimated. Results exhibited a significant increase in plasma AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and MDA levels of the Pb group compared to the control, with the exception of TP, ALB, GSH levels, and GPx activities that were significantly diminished, though the co-administration of garlic extracts (Pb-L) revealed a significant decrease in all mentioned markers, excluding the TP, ALB, GSH, and GPx levels. Likewise, Pb caused histological injuries in the hepatic and renal tissues of rats, while the co-administration of leaves' wild garlic has reduced such effect. Thought, the Pb-L has attenuated the Pb-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of A. triquetrum have the potential to alleviate Pb hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity through the modulation of most biomarkers in Wistar rat.

Ameliorative effect of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp2 against cyclophosphamide-induced liver injury in mice

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is a widely used anticancer drug that can cause liver injury, but there is no effective treatment available at present. The antioxidant properties of Lactobacillus plantarum Lp2 in vitro and its effect on CTX-induced liver injury in mice were investigated thoroughly. The order of antioxidant capacity of the fermentate of Lp2 was as followed: fermented supernatant > cell-free extract > intact cell. BALB/c mice were intraperitoneally injected with 80 mg/kg BW/d CTX for 3 days to build a liver injury model, then treated with Lp2 fermented supernatant (Lp2-s) and Lp2 culture broth (Lp2). After 10 days, the indicators of oxidative stress and liver injury were measured. Both Lp2-s and Lp2 restored the levels of T-SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, MDA, GSH, ALT, and AST. The western blotting results showed that Lp2-s and Lp2 ameliorated CTX-induced oxidative damage and hepatocyte apoptosis via inhibiting MAPKs pathway and strengthening Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1 antioxidant defense system, thus inhibiting the mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis pathway. Therefore, both Lp2-s and Lp2 had similar protective effects on CTX-induced liver injury.

Allicin attenuated hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice by regulating PPARγ-IRAK-M-TLR4 signal pathway

Background: Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury to the liver is a significant cause of morbidity and mortality following liver surgery, trauma, and hemorrhagic shock. It was reported that allicin, a type of garlic compound, had a protective effect against other hepatic diseases. Allicin's ability to protect against liver injury caused by ischemic reperfusion remains unknown. As a result, we conducted this study to determine allicin's effects and mechanism of action in hepatic I/R injury. Method: The liver I/R injury model was established by clamping the blood supply to the left and middle liver lobes. Three days prior to the hepatic I/R injury, different concentrations of allicin were gavaged. Then, hepatic function, histological changes, apoptosis markers, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cytokines were measured, and the molecular mechanisms were evaluated using western blot. Another separation experiment used IRAK-M knockout mice and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma (PPARγ) inhibitor to deduce the molecular mechanisms. Results: Pretreatment with allicin prior to hepatic I/R injury reduced liver damage by inhibiting aminotransferase activity and alleviating liver injury. It significantly decreased cell apoptosis, interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) production, and hepatic oxidative stress. Furthermore, this study demonstrated that GW9662 (inhibitor of PPARγ) abrogated allicin's positive effect by inhibiting PPARγ expression while suppressing IRAK-M expression. Thus, the depletion of IRAK-M cannot influence the expression of PPARγ. The down-regulation of PPARγ-IRAK-M disabled the protection of allicin in I/R injury. Conclusion: Allicin protects against hepatic I/R injury via dose-dependent regulation of the PPARγ-IRAK-M-TLR4 signaling pathway, and it may be a potential drug in future clinical treatment.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates liver injury in mice induced by cyclophosphamide

The current study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced liver injury in mice. The liver injury model was established by injecting mice with CTX (80 mg/kg/day). Liver function indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. In addition, protein expression levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways in the liver tissues were determined using western blot. The results indicated that PQQ decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissues. Moreover, PQQ enhanced the activities of oxidative stress markers to alleviate CTX induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were significantly increased, and the expression levels of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase alpha (IKKα) were significantly decreased after PQQ administration, suggesting that PQQ alleviated CTX-induced liver injury via activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response pathway, and inhibiting the NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathway. Therefore, PQQ can be potentially used as a dietary supplement or functional foods for alleviating the CTX-induced liver injury.

Allicin Improves Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function and Prevents LPS-Induced Barrier Damages of Intestinal Epithelial Cell Monolayers

Gut barrier disruption is the initial pathogenesis of various diseases. We previously reported that dietary allicin improves tight junction proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum stressed jejunum. However, whether the allicin benefits the gut barrier within mycotoxin or endotoxin exposure is unknown. In the present study, IPEC-J2 cell monolayers within or without deoxynivalenol (DON) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenges were employed to investigate the effects of allicin on intestinal barrier function and explore the potential mechanisms. Results clarified that allicin at 2 μg/mL increased the viability, whereas the allicin higher than 10 μg/mL lowered the viability of IPEC-J2 cells via inhibiting cell proliferation. Besides, allicin increased trans-epithelial electric resistance (TEER), decreased paracellular permeability, and enhanced ZO-1 integrity of the IPEC-J2 cell monolayers. Finally, allicin supplementation prevented the LPS-induced barrier damages via activating Nrf2/HO-1 pathway-dependent antioxidant system. In conclusion, the present study strongly confirmed allicin as an effective nutrient to improve intestinal barrier function and prevent bacterial endotoxin-induced barrier damages.

Allicin, an Antioxidant and Neuroprotective Agent, Ameliorates Cognitive Impairment

Allicin (diallylthiosulfinate) is a defense molecule produced by cellular contents of garlic (Allium sativum L.). On tissue damage, the non-proteinogenic amino acid alliin (S-allylcysteine sulfoxide) is converted to allicin in an enzyme-mediated process catalysed by alliinase. Allicin is hydrophobic in nature, can efficiently cross the cellular membranes and behaves as a reactive sulfur species (RSS) inside the cells. It is physiologically active molecule with the ability to oxidise the thiol groups of glutathione and between cysteine residues in proteins. Allicin has shown anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant properties and also serves as an efficient therapeutic agent against cardiovascular diseases. In this context, the present review describes allicin as an antioxidant, and neuroprotective molecule that can ameliorate the cognitive abilities in case of neurodegenerative and neuropsychological disorders. As an antioxidant, allicin fights the reactive oxygen species (ROS) by downregulation of NOX (NADPH oxidizing) enzymes, it can directly interact to reduce the cellular levels of different types of ROS produced by a variety of peroxidases. Most of the neuroprotective actions of allicin are mediated via redox-dependent pathways. Allicin inhibits neuroinflammation by suppressing the ROS production, inhibition of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, P38 and JNK pathways. As an inhibitor of cholinesterase and (AChE) and butyrylcholinesterase (BuChE) it can be applied to manage the Alzheimer's disease, helps to maintain the balance of neurotransmitters in case of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and attention deficit hyperactive syndrome (ADHD). In case of acute traumatic spinal cord injury (SCI) allicin protects neuron damage by regulating inflammation, apoptosis and promoting the expression levels of Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2). Metal induced neurodegeneration can also be attenuated and cognitive abilities of patients suffering from neurological diseases can be ameliorates by allicin administration.

Nrf2 Pathway Ameliorates Bladder Dysfunction in Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis via Suppression of Oxidative Stress

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the protective effect and molecular mechanism of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in interstitial cystitis (IC).

METHODS

We established a mouse model of IC by cyclophosphamide (CYP) in wild-type mice and Nrf2 gene knockout mice. We examined the histological and functional alterations, the changes of oxidative stress markers, and the expression of the antioxidant genes downstream of Nrf2 pathway.

RESULTS

After CYP administration, the mice showed urinary frequency and urgency, pain sensitization, decreased contractility, bladder edema, and oxidative stress disorder. Notably, the Nrf2-/- CYP mice had more severe symptoms. The mRNA and protein levels of antioxidant genes downstream of Nrf2 pathway were significantly upregulated in the Nrf2+/+ CYP mice, while there were no significant changes in the Nrf2-/- CYP mice.

CONCLUSION

Nrf2 pathway protects bladder injury and ameliorates bladder dysfunction in IC, possibly by upregulating antioxidant genes and inhibiting oxidative stress.

Effects of Green cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum Maton) and its combination with cyclophosphamide on Ehrlich solid tumors

Background

Cardamom (Elettaria cardamomum) is a spice and exhibits potent antioxidant and biological activities through distinct molecular mechanisms. However, the anticancer effect of cardamom was not explored yet in Ehrlich solid tumor (EST)-bearing mice.

Objectives

This investigation was aimed to evaluate the anti-cancer effects of green cardamom (GCar) alone or combined with the anti-cancer drug cyclophosphamide in an in vivo model to explore its mechanistic role in tumor cell death in EST-bearing mice.

Methods

Ehrlich ascites tumor cells were injected in the mice and 5 days later the animals treated with GCar and/or cyclophosphamide for 10 days. Twenty-four hours from the last treatment, animals were sacrificed for the different measurements.

Results

Data recorded for tumor size, percentage of tumor growth inhibition, tumor growth delay and mean survival time of EST-bearing mice demonstrated the effective role of GCar alone or combined with CPO as a promising anti-cancer agent because it reduced tumor size. GCar elevated the mean survival time of EST-bearing mice compared to that of untreated EST and EST + CPO groups. Analysis of qPCR mRNA gene and protein expression revealed that GCar alone or combined with CPO were promising anticancer agents. After the treatment of EST with GCar, the apoptotic-related genes and proteins were significantly modulated. GCar induced markedly significant decreases in oxidative stress biomarkers and a significant increment in glutathione levels and that of antioxidant enzymes. With a marked diminish in liver and kidney function biomarkers.

Conclusion

The results revealed that GCar could serve as an apoptotic stimulator agent, presenting a novel and potentially curative approach for cancer treatment, inducing fewer side effects than those of the commercially used anti-cancer drugs, such as CPO.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12906-021-03305-2.