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Abd El-Aal SA, El-Sayyad SM, El-Gazar AA, Salaheldin Abdelhamid Ibrahim S, Essa MA, Abostate HM, Ragab GM. Boswellic acid and apigenin alleviate methotrexate-provoked renal and hippocampal alterations in rats: Targeting autophagy, NOD-2/NF-κB/NLRP3, and connexin-43. Int Immunopharmacol 2024; 134:112147. [PMID: 38718656 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2024.112147] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2024] [Revised: 04/16/2024] [Accepted: 04/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/03/2024]
Abstract
The neuronal and renal deteriorations observed in patients exposed to methotrexate (MTX) therapy highlight the need for medical interventions to counteract these complications. Boswellic acid (BA) and apigenin (APG) are natural phytochemicals with prominent neuronal and renal protective impacts in various ailments. However, their impacts on MTX-provoked renal and hippocampal toxicity have not been reported. Thus, the present work is tailored to clarify the ability of BA and APG to counteract MTX-provoked hippocampal and renal toxicity. BA (250 mg/kg) or APG (20 mg/kg) were administered orally in rats once a day for 10 days, while MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered once on the sixth day of the study. At the histopathological level, BA and APG attenuated MTX-provoked renal and hippocampal aberrations. They also inhibited astrocyte activation, as proven by the inhibition of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). These impacts were partially mediated via the activation of autophagy flux, as proven by the increased expression of beclin1, LC3-II, and the curbing of p62 protein, alongside the regulation of the p-AMPK/mTOR nexus. In addition, BA and APG displayed anti-inflammatory features as verified by the damping of NOD-2 and p-NF-κB p65 to reduce TNF-α, IL-6, and NLRP3/IL-1β cue. These promising effects were accompanied with a notable reduction in one of the gap junction proteins, connexin-43 (Conx-43). These positive impacts endorse BA and APG as adjuvant modulators to control MTX-driven hippocampal and nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarah A Abd El-Aal
- Department of Pharmacy, Kut University College, Al Kut, Wasit 52001, Iraq.
| | - Shorouk M El-Sayyad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | - Amira A El-Gazar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | | | - Marwa A Essa
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | - Heba M Abostate
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Ghada M Ragab
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr University for Science and Technology, Giza 12585, Egypt
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Ghorat F, Sepidarkish M, Saadattalab F, Rezghi M, Shahrestani S, Gholamalizadeh M, Doaei S. The clinical efficacy of Olibanum gum chewing in patients with Mild-to-Moderate Alzheimer disease: A randomized Parallel-Design controlled trial. Neuropsychopharmacol Rep 2024; 44:109-114. [PMID: 38069542 PMCID: PMC10932771 DOI: 10.1002/npr2.12398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/18/2023] [Revised: 10/20/2023] [Accepted: 10/31/2023] [Indexed: 03/14/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alzheimer's disease is a common neurodegenerative disorder in elderly with progressive decline in cognitive functions. This study aimed to investigate the possible memory-improving effects of Olibanum on patients with Alzheimer's disease. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHOD This double-blind, randomized clinical trial was carried out on 72 participants aged 50-75 years. The intervention group (n = 36) received 1.6 g/day of olibanum chewing gum for 18 weeks. The placebo group (n = 36) received chewing gum without olibanum. Neuropsychological assessments were performed at baseline, every 4 weeks, and after 18 weeks of the intervention. RESULTS There was no significant difference between (MD: 0.84, 95%CI: -1.10 to 2.78, p = 0.392) at baseline. Both groups had linear improvements over time. There was no significant difference between two groups regarding the improvements after the intervention (F = 0.157, p = 0.693). There were no significant differences between the groups for MMSE score (Mini-Mental State Examination) after the intervention (F = 0.141, p = 0.708). CONCLUSIONS This study revealed that 18 weeks of gum chewing with Olibanum did not change the neuropsychological status. More clinical studies are needed to confirm these findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fereshteh Ghorat
- Non‐Communicable Diseases Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | - Mahdi Sepidarkish
- Department of Biostatistics and Epidemiology, School of Public HealthBabol University of Medical SciencesBabolIran
| | - Farzaneh Saadattalab
- Non‐Communicable Diseases Research CenterSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | | | - Shamim Shahrestani
- Student Research CommitteeSabzevar University of Medical SciencesSabzevarIran
| | | | - Saeid Doaei
- Department of Community Nutrition, Faculty of Nutrition and Food Technology, National Nutrition and Food Technology Research InstituteShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Lu X, Mao J, Wang Y, Huang Y, Gu M. Water extract of frankincense and myrrh inhibits liver cancer progression and epithelial‑mesenchymal transition through Wnt/β‑catenin signaling. Mol Clin Oncol 2023; 19:77. [PMID: 37719039 PMCID: PMC10502803 DOI: 10.3892/mco.2023.2673] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/19/2023] Open
Abstract
Wnt/β-catenin signaling is associated with epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT), which serves an important role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) invasion and metastasis. Frankincense and myrrh (FM) are antitumor agents commonly used in clinical practice. The present study aimed to investigate the effect and mechanism of water extract of FM on the progression of liver cancer cells. FM was applied to study its effects on HCC cell proliferation. Cell migration and invasion were evaluated by wound healing and Transwell assays. In addition, western blot was used to study the protein levels associated with EMT and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. The nuclear translocation of β-catenin was detected by immunofluorescence assay. A non-toxic dose of FM significantly inhibited invasion and metastasis of liver cancer cells. Furthermore, FM promoted expression of EMT marker E-cadherin, while decreasing expression of vimentin and N-cadherin. Finally, the protein and the nuclear staining levels of Disheveled 2 and β-catenin were both suppressed by water extract of FM. The water extract of FM inhibited the migration and invasion of liver cancer cells and inhibited EMT by suppressing activation of the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xian Lu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Jialei Mao
- Department of Oncology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yaodong Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Yonggang Huang
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
| | - Maolin Gu
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, Kunshan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunshan Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Suzhou, Jiangsu 215300, P.R. China
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Abu-Elfotuh K, Selim HMRM, Riad OKM, Hamdan AME, Hassanin SO, Sharif AF, Moustafa NM, Gowifel AM, Mohamed MYA, Atwa AM, Zaghlool SS, El-Din MN. The protective effects of sesamol and/or the probiotic, Lactobacillus rhamnosus, against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats: Modulation of Wnt/β-catenin/GSK-3β, JAK-2/STAT-3, PPAR-γ, inflammatory, and apoptotic pathways. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1208252. [PMID: 37601053 PMCID: PMC10436218 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1208252] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 07/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Aluminium (Al) is accumulated in the brain causing neurotoxicity and neurodegenerative disease like Alzheimer's disease (AD), multiple sclerosis, autism and epilepsy. Hence, attenuation of Al-induced neurotoxicity has become a "hot topic" in looking for an intervention that slow down the progression of neurodegenerative diseases. Objective: Our study aims to introduce a new strategy for hampering aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced neurotoxicity using a combination of sesamol with the probiotic bacteria; Lactobacillus rhamnosus (L. rhamnosus) and also to test their possible ameliorative effects on AlCl3-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Sprague-Dawley male rats were randomly divided into five groups (n = 10/group) which are control, AlCl3, AlCl3 + Sesamol, AlCl3 + L. rhamnosus and AlCl3 + Sesamol + L. rhamnosus. We surveilled the behavioral, biochemical, and histopathological alterations centrally in the brain and peripherally in liver. Results: This work revealed that the combined therapy of sesamol and L. rhamnosus produced marked reduction in brain amyloid-β, p-tau, GSK-3β, inflammatory and apoptotic biomarkers, along with marked elevation in brain free β-catenin and Wnt3a, compared to AlCl3-intoxicated rats. Also, the combined therapy exerted pronounced reduction in hepatic expressions of JAK-2/STAT-3, inflammatory (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB), fibrotic (MMP-2, TIMP-1, α-SMA) and apoptotic markers, (caspase-3), together with marked elevation in hepatic PPAR-γ expression, compared to AlCl3 -intoxicated rats. Behavioral and histopathological assessments substantiated the efficiency of this combined regimen in halting the effect of neurotoxicity. Discussion: Probiotics can be used as an add-on therapy with sesamol ameliorate AlCl3 -mediated neurotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Heba Mohammed Refat M. Selim
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, AlMaarefa University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omnia Karem M. Riad
- Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ahmed M. E. Hamdan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk, Saudi Arabia
| | - Soha Osama Hassanin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Asmaa F. Sharif
- Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Tanta University, Tanta, Egypt
- Clinical Medical Sciences Department, College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nouran Magdy Moustafa
- Basic Medical Science Department, College of Medicine, Dar Al Uloom University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Medical Microbiology and Immunology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayah M.H. Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa Y. A. Mohamed
- Biology Department, Faculty of Science, Imam Mohammad Ibn Saud Islamic University (IMSIU), Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed M. Atwa
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sameh S. Zaghlool
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mahmoud Nour El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Sadat City (USC), Menoufia, Egypt
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA, Gomaa MA. Glycyrrhizin and boswellic acids, the golden nutraceuticals: multitargeting for treatment of mild-moderate COVID-19 and prevention of post-COVID cognitive impairment. Inflammopharmacology 2022; 30:1977-1992. [PMID: 36136251 PMCID: PMC9493173 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-022-01062-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Breakthrough infections have been reported in fully vaccinated persons. Furthermore, rebound symptoms have been reported following the new FDA granted emergency use to combat SARS-CoV-2. Glycyrrhizin (GR) and boswellic acids (BAs) combination has been shown to have highly successful actions against COVID-19 in our recent clinical trial. However, the study is limited by the small sample size, and therefore, the aim of this article is to comprehensively evaluate recent evidence on the efficacy of GR and BAs in preventing the development of COVID-19 in patients with mild and moderate infections and in preventing post-COVID-19 cognitive impairment, which is the most important symptom after recovery from Covid-19 disease. We have reviewed and discussed information published since the outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic until July 2022 on preclinical (in vivo, in vivo and bioinformatics) and clinical studies related to the antiviral, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activity of Gr and BAs. Sixteen studies were performed to determine the efficacy of GR against SARS-CoV-2. Ten studies were used primarily for in vitro and in vivo assays and six used molecular docking studies. However, the antiviral activity of BAs against SARS-CoV-2 was determined in only five studies using molecular modeling and bioinformatics. All these studies confirmed that GR n and BAs have strong antiviral activity and can be used as a therapeutic agent for COVID-19 and as a protective agent against SARS-CoV-2. They may act by inhibiting the main protease SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) responsible for replication and blocking spike protein-mediated cell entry. Only seven rigorously designed clinical trials regarding the usefulness of GR, BAs or their combinations in the treatment of COVID-19 have been published as of July 2022. Although there is no clinical study regarding the treatment of cognitive impairment after COVID-19 that has been published so far, several preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated the potential effect of GR and BAs in the prevention and treatment of cognitive impairment by inhibiting the activity of several molecules that activate inflammatory signaling pathway. In conclusion, the findings of our study documented the beneficial use of GR and BAs to treat SARS-CoV-2 and its variants and prevent post-COVID cognitive impairment. However, it warrants further studies with a larger randomized sample size to ensure that the studies have sufficient evidence of benefits against COVID-19 and post-COVID-19 symptoms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt.
| | | | - Mohamed A Gomaa
- Department of Plastic Surgery, Faculty Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
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