The Protective Effect of Baicalin Against Lead-Induced Renal Oxidative Damage in Mice

Colorimetric-SERS dual-mode sensing of Pb(II) ions in traditional Chinese medicine samples based on carbon dots-capped gold nanoparticles as nanozyme

Peroxidase (POD)-mimicking nanozymes have got great progress in the sensing field, but most nanozyme assaying systems are built with a single-signal output mode, which is vulnerable to the effect of different factors. Thus, establishment of a dual-signal output mode is necessary for acquiring dependable and durable performance. This work described an Fe doped noradrenaline-based carbon dots and Prussian blue (Fe,NA-CDs/PB) nanocomposite as a POD-like nanozyme and modified gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) for the colorimetric and surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) dual-mode sensor of Pb(II) in traditional Chinese medicine samples. With 2,2'-azino-bis-(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid) (ABTS) and 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) as the substrates, it was found that the addition of Pb(II) inhibited the POD-like activity of Fe,NA-CDs/PB and AuNPs, so it was used for colorimetric and SERS dual-mode assays. The POD-like activity was shown to be a "ping-pong" catalytic mechanism, whereas the addition of Pb(II) produced noncompetitive inhibition with modulatory effects on Fe,NA-CDs/PB. The linear response range for colorimetric and SERS sensor detection of Pb(II) was 0.01-1.00 mg/L with the detection limit of 5 μg/L and 8 μg/L, respectively. This dual-mode detection system shows excellent selectivity. More importantly, the Pb(II) in traditional Chinese medicine samples have successfully assayed with good recovery from 90.4 to 108.9 %.

Baicalin Exhibits a Protective Effect against Cisplatin-Induced Cytotoxic Damage in Canine Renal Tubular Epithelial Cells

Renal failure is a common chronic disease in dogs that substantially affects both their quality of life and longevity. The objective of this study was to assess the protective mechanisms of baicalin in cisplatin-induced Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells' apoptosis model and explore the impacts of baicalin at varying doses on various indexes, such as cisplatin-induced MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, and inflammatory factors. (Methods) MDCK cells in the logarithmic growth phase were randomly divided into a control group, a model group (20 μmol/L cisplatin), and a baicalin-protection group (20 μmol/L cisplatin + 50, 25 μmol/L baicalin) and received the corresponding treatments for 24 h. The effects of cisplatin on MDCK cell apoptosis, oxidation and antioxidation, inflammatory factors, and other indicators were studied, and the relieving effect of baicalin on cisplatin-induced MDCK cell damage was explored. Calcein/PI staining and Annexin V-FITC/PI staining showed that cisplatin induced the apoptosis of MDCK cells, while baicalin effectively reduced the damage caused by cisplatin. The ELISA results demonstrated a significant elevation in the nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels within the MDCK cells following treatment with cisplatin (p < 0.01). In addition, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), and catalase (CAT) activities remarkably declined (p < 0.01), while tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression within the MDCK cells were apparently elevated (p < 0.01). However, baicalin treatment resulted in opposite changes in these factors. The findings suggested that baicalin exhibits potential in mitigating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in MDCK cells. As revealed with the Western blot results, cisplatin promoted P62, P53, and BAX protein levels, increased mTOR phosphorylation, inhibited AMPK phosphorylation, and reduced Beclin1 and BCL-2 protein levels. However, a contrasting trend was observed following baicalin treatment. Cisplatin can inhibit the activity of MDCK cells, lead to abnormalities in oxidation and antioxidation functions and cell inflammatory factors, and accelerate cell apoptosis. Moreover, baicalin can significantly alleviate the damage of cisplatin to MDCK cells.

Protective effects of Emblica officinalis polysaccharide against lead induced liver injury in mice model

Heavy metal contamination especially lead (Pb) causes a serious threat to global public health. In the current study, we explored the protective and regulating effects of Emblica officinalis polysaccharide (EOP) in the liver against Pb-induced toxicity. According to our findings, EOP decreased the Pb-induced pathological lesions of liver and overall weight index in mice (p < 0.05). Following treatment with EOP, the levels of biological biomarkers for liver hepatic function (i.e., ALT and AST) were significantly decreased (p < 0.01) in a dose-dependent manner, consisted with histopathological changes. The key proteins involved in hepatic oxidative stress and apoptosis, including Nrf2, HO-1, Bcl-2, and Bax were quantified, which indicated EOP as an effective approach in protecting against the liver injury. Moreover, EOP treatment ameliorated the negative changes of liver metabolic profile (i.e., metabolites concentrations and metabolic patterns). In conclusion, EOP could protect the liver against oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by Pb poisoning, associated with the efficacy of ameliorating the negative changes in liver metabolic profile. Hence, the current findings recommend EOP as an efficient way for alleviating liver injury in lead poisoning.

Lead toxicity and potential therapeutic effect of plant-derived polyphenols

BACKGROUND

Due to its unique physical and chemical properties, lead is still used worldwide in several applications, especially in industry. Both environmental and industrial lead exposures remain a public health problem in many developing and rapidly industrializing countries. Plant polyphenols are pleiotropic in their function and have historically made a major contribution to pharmacotherapy.

PURPOSE

To summarize available pre-clinical and limited clinical evidence on plant polyphenols as potential antidotes against lead poisoning and discuss toxic mechanisms of lead.

METHOD

A comprehensive search of peer-reviewed publications was performed from core collections of electronic databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Google Scholar, and Science Direct. Articles written in English-language from inception until December 2022 were selected.

RESULTS

In this review, we review key toxic mechanisms of lead and its pathological effects on the neurological, reproductive, renal, cardiovascular, hematological, and hepatic systems. We focus on plant polyphenols against lead toxicity and involved mechanisms. Finally, we address scientific gaps and challenges associated with translating these promising preclinical discoveries into effective clinical therapies.

CONCLUSION

While preclinical evidence suggests that plant polyphenols exhibit bioprotective effects against lead toxicity, scant and equivocal clinical data highlight a need for clinical trials with those polyphenols.

The key role of proteostasis at mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane in vanadium-induced nephrotoxicity using a proteomic strategy

Excessive vanadium (V) contamination is an attracting growing concern, which can negatively affect the health of human and ecosystems. But how V causes nephrotoxicity and the role of mitochondria-associated endoplasmic reticulum membrane (MAM) in V-induced nephrotoxicity have remained elusive. To explore the detailed mechanism and screen of potential effective drugs for V-evoked nephrotoxicity, a total of 72 ducks were divided into two groups, control group and V group (30 mg/kg V). Results showed that excessive V damaged kidney function of ducks including causing histopathological abnormality, biochemical makers derangement and oxidative stress. Then MAM of duck kidneys was extracted to investigate differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) under V exposure using proteomics analysis. Around 4240 MAM-localized proteins were identified, of which 412 DEPs showed dramatic changes, including 335 upregulated and 77 downregulated DEPs. On the basis of gene ontology (GO), string and KEGG database analysis, excessive V led to nephrotoxicity primarily by affecting MAM-mediated metabolic pathways, especially elevating the endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) proteostasis related pathway. Further validation analysis of the detected genes and proteins of ER proteostasis related pathway under V poisoning revealed a consistent relationship with proteome analysis, indicating that V disrupted MAM-mediated ER proteostasis. Accordingly, our data proved the critical role for MAM in V-evoked nephrotoxicity, particularly with MAM-mediated ER proteostasis, providing promising insights into the toxicological exploration mechanisms of V.

Co-supplementation of Zinc and Calcium Suppresses Bio-absorption of Lead in Sprague Dawley Rats

Lead (Pb) is a widespread environmental toxicant and its toxicity causes huge health impacts. The present study was conducted to examine the protective role of zinc (Zn) and calcium (Ca) supplements against bio-absorption of Pb in blood and organs including the liver and kidney. Hence, Sprague Dawley rats were divided in to five groups. G₁ served as negative control and was provided with standard diet, G₂ as positive control receiving standard diet + PbAc (20 mg/kg BW), G₃ was provided with standard diet + PbAc (20 mg/kg BW) + ZnSO₄ (20 mg/kg BW), G₄ with standard diet + PbAc (20 mg/kg BW) + CaCO₃ (7.5 g/kg BW) whereas G₅ was fed on standard diet + PbAc (20 mg/kg BW) + ZnSO₄ (20 mg/kg BW) + CaCO₃ (7.5 g/kg BW). The salts were provided as solution, dissolved in 0.5 mL distilled water via orogastric tube. After 35 days, the overnight fasted rats were decapitated, and blood and organs were collected for analysis of levels of metals and liver and kidney function tests. The results depicted significant decrease in Pb concentration in blood and organs while increase in Zn and Ca absorption was observed as a result of Zn and Ca supplementation with Zn being better than Ca alone, specially however, combined effect of these supplements was more profound in improving liver and kidney stress biomarkers and maintained the normal architecture of renal and hepatic parenchyma. It was concluded that Zn and Ca co-supplementation hinder Pb absorption in blood, the liver, and kidney thus suggesting that their intake may protect from Pb toxicity.

Polysaccharide from Flammulina velutipes residues protects mice from Pb poisoning by activating Akt/GSK3β/Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway and modulating gut microbiota

Lead (Pb) can cause damages to the brain, liver, kidney, endocrine and other systems. Flammulina velutipes residues polysaccharide (FVRP) has been reported to exhibit anti-heavy metal toxicity on yeast, but its regulating mechanism is unclear. Therefore, the protective effect and the underlying mechanism of FVRP on Pb-intoxicated mice were investigated. The results showed that FVRP could reduce liver and kidney function indexes, serum inflammatory factor levels, and increase antioxidant enzyme activity of Pb-poisoned mice. FVRP also exhibited a protective effect on histopathological damages in organs of Pb-intoxicated mice. Furthermore, FVRP attenuated Pb-induced kidney injury by inhibiting apoptosis via activating the Akt/GSK3β/Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway. In addition, based on 16 s rRNA and ITS-2 sequencing data, FVRP regulated the imbalance of gut microbiota to alleviate the damage of Pb-poisoned mice by increasing the abundance of beneficial microbiota (Lachnospiraceae, Lactobacillaceae, Saccharomyces and Mycosphaerella) and decreasing the abundance of harmful microbiota (Muribaculaceae and Pleosporaceae). In conclusion, FVRP inhibited kidney injury in Pb-poisoned mice by inhibiting apoptosis via activating Akt/GSK3β/Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling pathway, and regulating gut fungi and gut bacteria. This study not only revealed the role of gut fungi in Pb-toxicity, but also laid a theoretical foundation for FVRP as a natural drug against Pb-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.

Scutellaria baicalensis and its constituents baicalin and baicalein as antidotes or protective agents against chemical toxicities: a comprehensive review

Scutellaria baicalensis (SB), also known as the Chinese skullcap, has a long history of being used in Chinese medicine to treat a variety of conditions ranging from microbial infections to metabolic syndrome and malignancies. Numerous studies have reported that treatment with total SB extract or two main flavonoids found in its root and leaves, baicalin (BA) and baicalein (BE), can prevent or alleviate the detrimental toxic effects of exposure to various chemical compounds. It has been shown that BA and BE are generally behind the protective effects of SB against toxicants. This paper aimed to review the protective and therapeutic effects of SB and its main components BA and BE against chemical compounds that can cause intoxication after acute or chronic exposure and seriously affect different vital organs including the brain, heart, liver, and kidneys. In this review paper, we had a look into a total of 221 in vitro and in vivo studies from 1995 to 2021 from the scientific databases PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science which reported protective or therapeutic effects of BA, BE, or SB against drugs and chemicals that one might be exposed to on a professional or accidental basis and compounds that are primarily used to simulate disease models. In conclusion, the protective effects of SB and its flavonoids can be mainly attributed to increase in antioxidants enzymes, inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reduction of inflammatory cytokines, and suppression of apoptosis pathway.

A review of molecular mechanisms linked to potential renal injury agents in tropical rural farming communities

The chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) is a global health concern primarily impacting tropical farming communities. Although the precise etiology is debated, CKDu is associated with environmental exposures including heat stress and chemical contaminants such as fluoride, heavy metals, and herbicide glyphosate. However, a comprehensive synthesis is lacking on molecular networks underpinning renal damage induced by these factors. Addressing this gap, here we present key molecular events associated with heat and chemical exposures. We identified that caspase activation and lipid peroxidation are common endpoints of glyphosate exposure, while vasopressin and polyol pathways are associated with heat stress and dehydration. Heavy metal exposure is shown to induce lipid peroxidation and endoplasmic reticulum stress from ROS activated MAPK, NFĸB, and caspase. Collectively, we identify that environmental exposure induced increased cellular oxidative stress as a common mechanism mediating renal cell inflammation, apoptosis, and necrosis, likely contributing to CKDu initiation and progression.

Watermelon rind ethanol extract exhibits hepato-renal protection against lead induced-impaired antioxidant defenses in male Wistar rats

Lead acetate associated tissue injury has been linked to altered antioxidant defenses, hyperuricemia and inflammation. We hypothesized that watermelon rind extract, would ameliorate lead acetate-induced hepato-renal injury. Thirty Male Wistar rats received distilled water, lead acetate (Pb; 5 mg/kg) with or without watermelon rind extract (WM; 400 mg/kg; WM + Pb; 15 days of WM pretreatment); Pb + WM (15 days of WM post treatment) and simultaneous treatment (WM-Pb) for 30 days. Lead toxicity led to elevated serum malondialdehyde, creatinine, urea, uric acid, lactate dehydrogenase, liver injury enzymes, as well as decreased body weight. Decreased serum levels of reduced glutathione, nitric oxide, total protein and glutathione peroxidase activity was also observed. However, these alterations were ameliorated by watermelon rind extract in lead acetate-treated rats. Watermelon rind ethanol extract protects against lead acetate-induced hepato-renal injury through improved antioxidant defenses at least in part, via uric acid/nitric oxide-dependent pathway signifying the health benefits of this agricultural waste and a potential for waste recycling while limiting environmental pollution.

Study on the Efficacy and Mechanism of Lycium barbarum Polysaccharide against Lead-Induced Renal Injury in Mice

Lead is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants in the environment. Prolonged exposure to lead will induce oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys, which in turn causes kidney injury. Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) is well known for its numerous pharmacological properties. This study aims to explore the efficacy and mechanism of LBP against lead-induced kidney damage in mice. Symptoms of renal injury were induced in mice by using 25 mg/kg lead acetate (PbAc₂), and different doses of LBP (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg BW) were orally administrated to PbAc₂-treated mice for five weeks. The results of the pharmacodynamics experiment showed that the renal pathological damages, serum creatinine (Cre), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney index of PbAc₂-treated mice could be significantly alleviated by treatment with LBP. Further, LBP treatment significantly increased the weight and feed intake of PbAc₂-treated mice. The dose effect results indicated that a medium dose of LBP was superior to high and low doses. The results of mechanistic experiments showed that LBP could attenuate oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the kidneys of mice with lead toxicity by activating the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway.

Lead-induced oxidative damage in rats/mice: A meta-analysis

BACKGROUND

Lead (Pb) is ubiquitous in the environment and is an environmental genotoxic metal. Pb accumulation in the body could cause the oxidative stress.

OBJECTIVE

This meta-analysis aimed to perform a systematic evaluation of the extent of oxidative damage in rats/mice induced by lead.

METHODS

All relevant articles in English or Chinese were retrieved from Embase, PubMed, Web of Science, Medline, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, and Chinese Biological Medicine databases from their inception date until July 22, 2018.

RESULTS

A total of 108 eligible articles were included in this study. The indicators of oxidative stress included malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione disulfide (GSSG), reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione-s-transferase (GST). The meta-analysis showed that lead significantly increased oxidants levels, such as MDA, GSSG, ROS, and H₂O₂ (P < 0.05), and significantly reduced the level of antioxidants, such as CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, SOD, and GST (P < 0.05). The intraperitoneal mode was more effective than water drinking mode in reducing the levels of CAT, GPx, GSH, and SOD (P < 0.05). Other factors that influenced the overall oxidative stress, including species of animals, type of tissues, and intervention dosage and time, were comprehensively evaluated.

CONCLUSION

The results of meta-analysis indicated that mice were more sensitive to lead than rats, and intraperitoneal mode was an effective intervention mean. High doses and long periods of lead treatment can cause serious oxidative damage. Moreover, testicular was more vulnerable to lead than other tissues. These results provided scientific evidence for preventing and treating lead toxicity.

Protective effects of spirulina against hemato-biochemical alterations, nephrotoxicity, and DNA damage upon lead exposition

The current study was aimed at exploring the protective efficacy of spirulina against the hemato-biochemical alterations and nephrotoxicity induced by lead (Pb). Female rats aged 12 weeks were treated for 4 weeks with Pb (0.344 g kg^-1 bw) associated or not with spirulina (5.3 g kg^-1 bw). Renal damage induced by Pb was related to a severe anemia, increases of oxidative stress-related parameters (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) (+29%), protein carbonyl (PCO) (+66.3%), and advanced oxidation protein product (AOPP) (+110%)), plasma lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) (+80%), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid concentration in urine, as well as genotoxic changes (+89.3% and +60% for DNA and mRNA levels, respectively). Conversely, LDH and antioxidant enzyme activities in kidney were decreased, as well as the levels of plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea levels. Spirulina-supplemented rats exhibited normal peripheral blood and renal parameters and renal histology. It can be suggested that Arthrospira platensis alleviates damages induced by Pb, thanks to its high phenolic content and antioxidant capacity.

Protective effect of Vitamin D3 against lead induced hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress, immunosuppressive and calcium homeostasis disorders in rat

Lead (Pb) is an extremely poisonous, non-essential trace element and toxicity develops in humans following frequent exposure to the heavy metal in polluted environmental and occupational settings. Pb induces hepatic damage through the depletion of the antioxidant system, enhancing cellular oxidative stress and stimulation of proinflammatory cytokines. Although the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions of vitamin D₃ (VD₃) are well-established, a minority of studies measured the protective actions of VD₃ against Pb toxicity. Therefore, this work studied the effects of vitamin VD₃ therapy on the fundamental molecular basis underlying hepatic injury induced by chronic Pb toxicity. Twenty-four adult male rats were distributed equally into the negative controls (NC), positive controls (PC) and VD3 groups. While both the PC and VD3 groups received Pb-acetate in drinking water (1000 mg/L) for four weeks, the latter group also received intramuscular VD3 injections (1000 IU/kg; 3 days/week) simultaneously with Pb. The liver enzymes together with the serum and hepatic tissue Pb concentrations increased markedly in the PC group compared with the NC group. Pb toxicity also drastically induced hepatocyte apoptosis/necrosis, increased the hepatic tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TGF-β, IL-4 & TNF-α) as well as reduced the anti-oxidative enzymes (GSH, GPx & CAT) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10, compared with the NC group. Pb also significantly decreased the serum concentrations of VD3 and Ca²⁺. Additionally, the hepatic expressions of VD receptor, Cyp24a1 enzyme, L-type Ca²⁺-channel, calbindin-D_28k & -D_29k, calmodulin and calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II were significantly upregulated, whereas the VD binding protein, CYP2R1 enzyme and T-type Ca²⁺-channel were markedly inhibited at the gene and protein levels following Pb intoxication. VD3 alleviated the hepatic damage, inhibited the oxidative stress and pro-inflammatory molecules as well as upregulated the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory markers and restored the expression of the VD/Ca²+ regulatory molecules compared with the PC group. VD3 supplementation discloses promising protective effects against Pb-induced hepatic damage, through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions as well as by modulating the hepatocyte calcium homeostatic molecules.

The remedial effect of Thymus vulgaris extract against lead toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, immunosuppression, and hematological disorders in rats

The Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) has been used in foods for the flavor, aroma, and preservation and in folk medicines. The objective of the present work was to determine the antioxidant and protective effects of T. vulgaris extract against lead (Pb)-intoxicated rats. A thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups and treated for six weeks as follows: group I (GP-I), served as negative control; GP-II, -III, and -IV received either Pb acetate in drinking water (500 mg/L), T. vulgaris extract (500 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage or Pb acetate with T. vulgaris extract, respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study week 6 to measure the hepatic and renal biochemical markers, complete blood count alongside the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ. Additionally, liver and kidney tissue specimens were collected for histopathology as well as to measure the antioxidant-reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) alongside the lipid peroxidation marker, malonaldehyde (MDA). The results indicated that Pb toxicity increased the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas IL-10 and IFN-γ were reduced. The results showed disturbed liver and renal functions; increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea; and decreased total protein, albumin, and calcium. The GSH, Gpx, and CAT levels were significantly decreased in the Pb-administrated group, while MDA was increased. However, regarding the hepatorenal markers, those animals treated with T. vulgaris alone did not induce any significant changes. Moreover, the combined treatment with T. vulgaris extract together with Pb showed significant improvement in Pb-induced toxicity in all the tested parameters compared to the negative control group. We investigated the potential protective effects of the medicinal plant T. vulgaris in vivo, since there are no publications that address the potential protective effect of this leaf extract against Pb-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Our studies concluded that the T. vulgaris extract reduces Pb overload in hepatorenal tissues, and that this has a potential immunomodulatory role, antioxidant activity, and a protective effect against Pb toxicity.

Chlorogenic Acid Ameliorates Lead-Induced Renal Damage in Mice

Lead (Pb) exposure is a global environmental problem and its exposure can lead to serious renal damage by disturbing the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance and facilitating inflammation. Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is one of the most abundant polyphenols in the diet and has been reported to have many biological properties such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective efficacy and mechanism of CGA against Pb-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The results showed that CGA inhibited Pb-induced bodyweight loss, reduced kidney coefficients, and alleviated renal function and structure. Exploration on the potential mechanism demonstrated that CGA suppressed Pb-induced inflammation in the kidney by regulating NF-κB pathway activation. Furthermore, CGA significantly increased Pb-induced reduction in the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, and reduced Pb-induced increase in the content of MDA. The expression of Bax and Bcl-2 associated with apoptosis was also significantly regulated by CGA. These data indicated that CGA may play a potential treatment strategy for Pb toxicity.

Anti-bacterial activity of baicalin against APEC through inhibition of quorum sensing and inflammatory responses

Avian pathogenic Escherichia coli (APEC), collectively known as causative agent of extraintestinal infections, is an important cause of morbidity and mortality in poultry. Currently, quorum sensing (QS), biofilm formation and virulence factors are considered as novel prospective targets for antimicrobial therapy to control APEC invasion. In addition, inflammatory responses are also served as the major pathological features of APEC invasion. This study was aimed to explore the effect of baicalin on APEC and APEC-induced inflammatory responses. After treatment with baicalin, we mainly examined the AI-2 secretion, biofilm formation, expression of virulence genes of APEC, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, as well as the expression of NF-κB pathway. Our results showed that baicalin significantly inhibited the QS via decreasing the AI-2 secretion, biofilm formation, and the expression of virulence genes of APEC such as LsrB, LsrK, LuxS, pfs, H-NS, fimA, fimB, fyuA, csgA, csgB, and rpoS. Moreover, baicalin significantly attenuated the release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the adhesion of APEC to chicken type II pneumocytes to reduce cell damage. Furthermore, baicalin also inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation. Thus, our data revealed that baicalin could interfere with the quorum sensing, biofilm formation and virulence genes expression to relieve the APEC pathogenicity. Additionally, baicalin decreased the inflammatory responses of chicken type II pneumocytes induced by APEC. Taken together, these data provide a novel potential pharmaco-therapeutic approach to chicken colibacillosis.

Application of Herbal Traditional Chinese Medicine in the Treatment of Acute Kidney Injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a clinical syndrome characterized by a rapid loss of renal function, which may further develop into chronic kidney damage (CKD) or even end-stage renal disease (ESRD). AKI is a global health problem associated with high morbidity and costly treatments, and there is no specific or effective strategy to treat AKI. In recent years, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has attracted more attention, with lines of evidence showing that application of TCM improved AKI, and the mechanisms of action for some TCMs have been well illustrated. However, reviews summarizing the progress in this field are still lacking. In this paper, we reviewed TCM preparations and TCM monomers in the treatment of AKI over the last 10 years, describing their renal protective effects and mechanisms of action, including alleviating inflammation, programmed cell death, necrosis, and reactive oxygen species. By focusing on the mechanisms of TCMs to improve renal function, we provide effective complementary evidence to promote the development of TCMs to treat AKI. Moreover, we also summarized TCMs with nephrotoxicity, which provides a more comprehensive understanding of TCMs in the treatment of AKI. This review may provide a theoretical basis for the clinical application of TCMs in the future.

Protective effects of a Lachnum polysaccharide against liver and kidney injury induced by lead exposure in mice

This study was designed to investigate the liver and kidney protective efficacy of a Lachnum polysaccharide (LEP) against Pb-induced toxicity in mice. The results showed that LEP decreased the Pb-induced bodyweight loss and organ index. Moreover, biochemical analysis showed that treatment of LEP could improve antioxidant status (CAT, GSH-Px and MDA) and the injury of tissues (liver and kidney). In addition, the histopathological observations indicated that LEP could attenuate liver and kidney cell injury induced by Pb. For further studies, key proteins involved in hepatic and kidney apoptosis, including cleaved caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, TGF-β1 and α-SMA, were quantified. The present findings demonstrated that LEP is strongly effective in protecting against the liver and kidney injury induced by Pb. We hope this research can offer a theoretical base for development of polysaccharide based on nutraceutical food in future.

Potential protective effects of the edible alga Arthrospira platensis against lead-induced oxidative stress, anemia, kidney injury, and histopathological changes in adult rats

Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity. This study investigated the possible protective effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis supplementation against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in adult male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal rats (control rats), rats treated with spirulina, rats treated with lead (Pb) (0.344 g/kg body weight), and rats treated with Pb and spirulina. The exposure of rats to Pb for 30 days provoked renal damage with significant increases in hematological parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl content, advanced oxidation protein products, and hydrogen peroxide), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid level in urine. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and levels of nonprotein thiols, plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea decreased. The administration of spirulina to Pb-treated rats significantly improved weight, peripheral blood parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters, renal biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, rats treated with Pb and spirulina had normal kidney histology. These healing effects are likely the result of the high phenol content and significant antioxidant capacity of A. platensis. Our data strongly suggest that spirulina supplementation improves kidney function and plays an important role in the prevention of complications of Pb intoxication.

Flavonoids in Kidney Health and Disease

This review summarizes the latest advances in knowledge on the effects of flavonoids on renal function in health and disease. Flavonoids have antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and antiinflammatory effects, among other therapeutic activities. Many of them also exert renoprotective actions that may be of interest in diseases such as glomerulonephritis, diabetic nephropathy, and chemically-induced kidney insufficiency. They affect several renal factors that promote diuresis and natriuresis, which may contribute to their well-known antihypertensive effect. Flavonoids prevent or attenuate the renal injury associated with arterial hypertension, both by decreasing blood pressure and by acting directly on the renal parenchyma. These outcomes derive from their interference with multiple signaling pathways known to produce renal injury and are independent of their blood pressure-lowering effects. Oral administration of flavonoids prevents or ameliorates adverse effects on the kidney of elevated fructose consumption, high fat diet, and types I and 2 diabetes. These compounds attenuate the hyperglycemia-disrupted renal endothelial barrier function, urinary microalbumin excretion, and glomerular hyperfiltration that results from a reduction of podocyte injury, a determinant factor for albuminuria in diabetic nephropathy. Several flavonoids have shown renal protective effects against many nephrotoxic agents that frequently cause acute kidney injury (AKI) or chronic kidney disease (CKD), such as LPS, gentamycin, alcohol, nicotine, lead or cadmium. Flavonoids also improve cisplatin- or methotrexate-induced renal damage, demonstrating important actions in chemotherapy, anticancer and renoprotective effects. A beneficial prophylactic effect of flavonoids has been also observed against AKI induced by surgical procedures such as ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) or cardiopulmonary bypass. In several murine models of CKD, impaired kidney function was significantly improved by the administration of flavonoids from different sources, alone or in combination with stem cells. In humans, cocoa flavanols were found to have vasculoprotective effects in patients on hemodialysis. Moreover, flavonoids develop antitumor activity against renal carcinoma cells with no toxic effects on normal cells, suggesting a potential therapeutic role in patients with renal carcinoma.

Vitamin D alleviates lead induced renal and testicular injuries by immunomodulatory and antioxidant mechanisms in rats

This study measured the effects of vitamin D (VD) supplementation on the underlying molecular pathways involved in renal and testicular damage induced by lead (Pb) toxicity. Thirty two adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups that were treated individually or simultaneously, except the negative control, for four weeks with lead acetate in drinking water (1,000 mg/L) and/or intramuscular VD (1,000 IU/kg; 3 days/week). Pb toxicity markedly reduced serum VD and Ca²⁺, induced substantial renal and testicular injuries with concomitant significant alterations in the expression of VD metabolising enzymes, its receptor and binding protein, and the calcium sensing receptor. Pb also significantly promoted lipid peroxidation and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and TNF-α) in the organs of interest concomitantly with declines in several anti-oxidative markers (glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and catalase) and the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. The co-administration of VD with Pb markedly mitigated renal and testicular injuries compared with positive controls. This was associated with restoration of the expression of VD related molecules, promotion of anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory markers, but tissue Pb concentrations were unaffected. In conclusion, this report is the first to reveal potential protective effects for VD against Pb-induced renal and testicular injuries via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms.

Protective effects of Huangqin Decoction against ulcerative colitis and associated cancer in mice

Individuals with ulcerative colitis (UC) are at a high risk for developing colorectal cancer (CRC). Huangqin Decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medicinal formula chronicled in the Shang Han Lun, is commonly used to treat gastrointestinal symptoms. However, experimental evidence for supporting the clinical practice is lacking. This study used modern biomedical approaches to investigate the protective/preventive effects of HQD in dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced acute/chronic UC and azoxymethane (AOM)/DSS-induced CRC in mice. HQDs were prepared in 4 different ways: HQD-1 and HQD-2 were prepared in boiling water, whereas HQD-3 and HQD-4 were prepared in heated ethanol (70%). For HQD-1 and HQD-3, the 4 constituent herbs were processed together, whereas for HQD-2 and HQD4, these herbs were processed individually and then combined. The mice were administered 9.1 g/kg HQD via oral gavage daily. HQD-1 significantly inhibited DSS-induced acute UC, whereas HQD-3 and HQD-4 exhibited mild ameliorative effects; but HQD-2 had no protective effect and resulted in a higher mortality rate. This higher mortality rate may be due to the greater abundance of baicalein and wogonin in HQD-2 than HQD-1. Furthermore, HQD-1 protected against DSS-induced chronic UC and significantly inhibited AOM/DSS-induced CRC in mice. HQD-1 also inhibited the production of inflammatory cytokines and increased antioxidant capacity both in chronic DSS and AOM/DSS treated mice. Overall, HQD-1 inhibits the development of acute/chronic colitis and prevents colitis-associated CRC, possibly by inhibiting inflammation and preventing oxidative stress induced cellular damage.

Selenium against lead-induced apoptosis in chicken nervous tissues via mitochondrial pathway

To investigate alleviative effect of selenium (Se) on lead (Pb)-induced apoptosis in chicken nervous tissues, 7-day-old chickens were randomly divided into four groups. The control group was fed a standard diet and drinking water. In the Pb and Se/Pb groups, (CH₃OO)₂Pb was dissolved in drinking water. In the Se and Se/Pb groups, Na₂SeO₃ was put into the standard diet. Embryonic neurocytes were divided into the control, Se (containing Na₂SeO₃), Pb (containing (CH₃COO)₂Pb), and Se/Pb (containing Na₂SeO₃ and (CH₃COO)₂Pb) groups. The following contents were performed: Morphologic observation for 90 days in brain tissues and for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours in embryonic neurocytes; and antioxidant indexes, messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of twenty-five selenoproteins, and mRNA and protein expression of five apoptosis-related genes for 30, 60, and 90 days in brain tissues and for 12, 24, 36, and 48 hours in embryonic neurocytes. The results indicated that Se alleviated Pb-caused morphological changes; the decrease of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), GPx1, GPx2, GPx3, GPx4, thioredoxin reductases (Txnrd)1, Txnrd2, Txnrd3, iodothyronine deiodinases (Dio)1, Dio2, Dio3, selenoprotein (Sel)T, SelK, SelS, SelH, SelM, SelU, SelI, SelO, Selpb, selenoprotein (Sep)n1, Sepp1, Sepx1, Sepw1, 15-kDa selenoprotein, and selenophosphate synthetases 2, and B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2); the increase of malondialdehyde, p53, Bcl-2 associated X protein, cytochrome c, and Caspase-3. Pb had time-dependent effects on GPx4, SelM, and malondialdehyde in the brain tissues; and on SelU in the embryonic neurocytes. Our data demonstrated that Se alleviated Pb-induced apoptosis in the chicken nervous tissues via mitochondrial pathway.

The Effects of Baicalin on Myoglobinuric Acute Renal Failure in Rats

Background:

Myoglobinuric acute kidney injury is a uremic syndrome that develops due to damage of skeletal muscle. Free radicals and nitric oxide play an important role in the pathogenesis of myoglobinuric acute kidney injury. Baicalin has multiple bioactivities, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and is a potent free radical scavenger.

Aims:

To investigate the nephroprotective mechanism of baicalin on myoglobinuric acute kidney injury.

Study Design:

Animal experimentation.

Methods:

In our study, male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups. Control (n=8), Baicalin (n=8), myoglobinuric acute kidney injury (n=10) and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury + baicalin (n=10). The rats were deprived of water for 24 hours before receiving intramuscular injection. The control and baicalin groups were injected intramuscularly with saline (8 ml/kg), and the myoglobinuric acute kidney injury and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury + baicalin groups were given 50% glycerol 8 ml/kg. One hour later, the control and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury groups received saline intraperitoneally, and the baicalin and myoglobinuric acute kidney injury + baicalin groups were given 200 mg/kg baicalin. Twenty-four hours after the glycerol injection, urine and blood samples were taken, and the kidneys of the rats were harvested under intraperitoneally injections of anaesthesia.

Results:

We found that the levels of creatinine, urea, nitric oxide, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatine kinase in serum samples, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and endothelial nitric oxide synthase concentrations in renal tissue were increased in the myoglobinuric acute kidney injury group compared with the control group (p<0.05). The nitric oxide and glutathione levels in the kidney were significantly decreased in the myoglobinuric acute kidney injury + baicalin group compared with the myoglobinuric acute kidney injury group (p<0.05). There were no significant differences between any other parameters.

Conclusion:

Our results did not show any protective effect of baicalin on myoglobinuric acute kidney injury, possibly because the different effective factors in the pathogenesis of experimental myoglobinuric acute kidney injury used in this experiment deviate from other experimental models. Moreover, detailed studies are needed to clarify the effects of baicalin in different doses and treatment durations in glycerol-induced acute kidney injury model.

The antagonistic effect of selenium on lead-induced apoptosis via mitochondrial dynamics pathway in the chicken kidney

Selenium (Se) is known to have antagonistic effects against lead (Pb) toxicity in animal. The aim of this study was to evaluate the roles of mitochondrial dynamics on Pb-induced apoptosis in the chicken kidney and investigate the antagonistic effect of Se. In the present study, brown layer chickens were randomly allocated to four groups, and each group were exposed to a basic diet (0.2 mg kg^-1 Se and 0.5 mg kg^-1 Pb), a Se-adequate diet (1 mg kg^-1 Se and 0.5 mg kg^-1 Pb), a Se and Pb compound diet (1 mg kg^-1 Se and 350 mg kg^-1 Pb) or a Pb supplemented diet (0.2 mg kg^-1 Se and 350 mg kg^-1 Pb). On the 90^th day, the kidney was removed to determine the activities of mitochondrial respiratory chain complexes, ATPases and oxidative indexes. The expression levels of mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis-related genes were also determined. The results showed that Pb treatment significantly decreased the activities of mitochondrial complexes and ATPases, and increased oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dynamics and anti-apoptosis-related genes had a lower expression, whereas mitochondrial pro-apoptosis related genes presented higher expressions in the Pb group compared with control group (P < 0.05). However, the co-treatment of Se and Pb significantly alleviated those changes compared with the Pb group (P < 0.05). In conclusion, we speculated that Pb could increase the oxidative stress and promote the apoptosis via regulating mitochondrial dynamics and apoptosis-related genes, and Se exhibited antagonistic roles against the Pb-induced apoptosis in the kidney of chickens.

Chronic Kidney Disease and Exposure to Nephrotoxic Metals

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a common progressive disease that is typically characterized by the permanent loss of functional nephrons. As injured nephrons become sclerotic and die, the remaining healthy nephrons undergo numerous structural, molecular, and functional changes in an attempt to compensate for the loss of diseased nephrons. These compensatory changes enable the kidney to maintain fluid and solute homeostasis until approximately 75% of nephrons are lost. As CKD continues to progress, glomerular filtration rate decreases, and remaining nephrons are unable to effectively eliminate metabolic wastes and environmental toxicants from the body. This inability may enhance mortality and/or morbidity of an individual. Environmental toxicants of particular concern are arsenic, cadmium, lead, and mercury. Since these metals are present throughout the environment and exposure to one or more of these metals is unavoidable, it is important that the way in which these metals are handled by target organs in normal and disease states is understood completely.

Identification of NF-κB as Determinant of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Its Inhibition by the Chinese Herbal Remedy Free and Easy Wanderer

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder developing after exposure to traumatic events. Although psychotherapy reveals some therapeutic effectiveness, clinically sustainable cure is still uncertain. Some Chinese herbal formulae are reported to work well clinically against mental diseases in Asian countries, but the safety and their mode of action are still unclear. In this study, we investigated the mechanisms of Chinese remedy free and easy wanderer (FAEW) on PTSD. We used a reverse pharmacology approach combining clinical data to search for mechanisms of PTSD with subsequent in vitro verification and bioinformatics techniques as follows: (1) by analyzing microarray-based transcriptome-wide mRNA expression profiling of PTSD patients; (2) by investigating the effect of FAEW and the antidepressant control drug fluoxetine on the transcription factor NF-κB using reporter cell assays and western blotting; (3) by performing molecular docking and literature data mining based on phytochemical constituents of FAEW. The results suggest an involvement of inflammatory processes mediated through NF-κB in the progression of PTSD. FAEW was non-cytotoxic in vitro and inhibited NF-κB activity and p65 protein expression. FAEW's anti-inflammatory compounds, i.e., paeoniflorin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside and ononin were evaluated for binding to IκK and p65-RelA in a molecular docking approach. Paeoniflorin, albiflorin, baicalin, isoliquiritin and liquiritin have been reported to relieve depression in vivo or in clinical trials, which might be the active ingredients for FAEW against PTSD.

Reno-protective effect and mechanism study of Huang Lian Jie Du Decoction on lupus nephritis MRL/lpr mice

BACKGROUND

Huang Lian Jie Du Decoction (HLJDD), a very famous traditional Chinese medicinal prescription, has been used for heat dissipation and detoxification in China. This study was aimed to evaluate the reno-protective effects of HLJDD against lupus nephritis (LN) in vivo in MRL/lpr mice.

METHODS

Animals were administered orally every day for eight consecutive weeks except the mice of normal group and model group. Organ indexes, serum interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and the anti-double stranded DNA (anti-dsDNA) antibody were tested, respectively. Creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and urine protein were measured for renal function evaluation. The expression of phosphorylated signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (p-STAT 3) in kidney tissue was observed by western blot (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) method. Meanwhile, histopathological changes in the renal were studied by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining.

RESULTS

The mice of HLJDD-treated group exhibited a significant reduced mortality (p < 0.05), serum anti-dsDNA level (p < 0.05) and renal immune complex deposition (p < 0.05), compared with the untreated MRL/lpr mice. In addition, HLJDD treatment remarkably reduced the levels of BUN, Cr, proteinuria (p < 0.01) and the levels of inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-10 and IFN-γ (p < 0.01). Moreover, HLJDD significantly suppressed the phosphorylations of STAT 3 (p < 0.05) and the renal pathological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

The study implied that HLJDD may be a potential agent for the therapy of LN, and the down-regulated p-STAT 3 expression suggesting that it may be one of the LN therapy targets for HLJDD.