Nephroprotective effect of gelsemine against cisplatin-induced toxicity is mediated via attenuation of oxidative stress

Multi-Mechanistic and Therapeutic Exploration of Nephroprotective Effect of Traditional Ayurvedic Polyherbal Formulation Using In Silico, In Vitro and In Vivo Approaches

Based on traditional therapeutic claims, NEERI KFT (a traditional Ayurvedic polyherbal preparation) has been innovatively developed in recent time on the decades of experience for treating kidney dysfunction. Due to the lack of scientific evidence, the present investigations are needed to support the rationale use of NEERI KFT. Considering the facts, the study investigated the nephroprotective effect of NEERI KFT against kidney dysfunction using in silico, in vitro and in vivo approaches. In this study, phytochemical and network pharmacology studies were performed for the developed formulation to evaluate the molecular mechanism of NEERI KFT in the amelioration of kidney disease. In vitro nephroprotective and antioxidant effect of NEERI KFT was determined on HEK 293 cells against cisplatin-induced cytotoxicity and oxidative stress. In vivo nephroprotective effect of NEERI KFT was determined against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar rats, via assessing biochemical markers, antioxidant enzymes and inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-1β, CASP-3, etc. The results showed that the compounds such as gallic acid, caffeic acid and ferulic acid are the major constituents of NEERI KFT, while network pharmacology analysis indicated a strong interaction between polyphenols and several genes (CASPs, ILs, AGTR1, AKT, ACE2, SOD1, etc.) involved in the pathophysiology of kidney disease. In vivo studies showed a significant (p < 0.05) ameliorative effect on biochemical markers and antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH, etc.), and regulates inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β, CASP-3) expression in kidney tissue. Hence, it can be concluded that NEERI KFT subsequently alleviates renal dysfunction mediated by cisplatin via attenuating oxidative and inflammatory stress, thus preserving the normalcy of kidney function.

Gelsemine relieves the neuropathic pain by down-regulating DPP4 level in rats

BACKGROUND

Based on the previous findings on the relieving role of gelsemine in neuropathic pain, this research aims to further investigate the relevant regulatory mechanism.

METHODS

Targets of gelsemine were predicted using SwissTargetPrediction. The peripheral neuropathic pain rat model was established by ligating spinal nerves, and then gelsemine (10 μg for one day) or dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP4) oligonucleotides (5 μg/day, for 7 days) was injected into intrathecal bolus of rats. The mechanical threshold (0, 1, 2, 4 h after the last injection) was examined to evaluate the mechanical allodynia of rats. After the mechanical threshold measurement, the rats were anesthetized with isoflurane and then sacrificed by cervical dislocation. IBA1- and DPP4-positive cells in the spinal dorsal horn of rats were determined using immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence assays. The expressions of DPP4, IL-1β and TNF-α in the spinal dorsal horn of rats were measured by Western blot and quantitative real-time PCR.

RESULTS

DPP4 was one of the targets of gelsemine. Gelsemine could elevate the down-regulated mechanical threshold, and lessen the up-regulated IBA1- and DPP4-positive cells and expressions of DPP4, IL-1β and TNF-α in the spinal dorsal horn of rats with neuropathic pain. DPP4 overexpression reversed the role of gelsemine in neuropathic pain.

CONCLUSION

Gelsemine relieves neuropathic pain by down-regulating DPP4 level in rats, providing a novel drug candidate and biomarker for neuropathic pain treatment.

Gelsemine Exerts Neuroprotective Effects on Neonatal Mice with Hypoxic-Ischemic Brain Injury by Suppressing Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Given that the role of Gelsemine in neuroinflammation has been demonstrated, this research aimed to investigate the effect of Gelsemine on neonatal hypoxic-ischemic (HI) brain injury. An in vivo HI brain injury neonatal mouse model and an in vitro oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) cell model were established and pretreated with Gelsemine. The brain infarct volume, neuronal loss and apoptosis, as well as spatial learning and memory were examined by TTC staining, Nissl's staining, TUNEL staining and Morris water maze test. Immunohistochemical staining was applied to detect the microglia cells and astrocytes in the mouse brain tissue. The cell viability was analyzed by CCK-8 assay. The levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 were determined via ELISA. The lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level in OGD-treated cells were detected by colorimetry and DCFH-DA staining. Nrf2, HO-1, and inflammation-related factors were analyzed by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, or western blot. Gelsemine reduced the infarct volume and neuronal loss and apoptosis, yet improved spatial learning and memory impairment of HI-injured mice. Gelsemine inhibited the elevated MDA, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, LDH and ROS levels, promoted the reduced SOD level and viability, and strengthened the up-regulation of HO-1 and Nrf2 in brain tissues and OGD-treated cells. However, Nrf2 silencing reversed the effects of Gelsemine on the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, inflammation, and oxidative stress in OGD-treated cells. Gelsemine produces neuroprotective effects on neonatal mice with HI brain injury by suppressing inflammation and oxidative stress via Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Nephroprotective effect of polyphenol-rich extract of Costus spicatus in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats

Costus spicatus (spiked spiralflag ginger) is traditionally utilised for its advantages such as antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, diuretic, antimicrobial, and anticancer properties. However, there is no scientific evidence on the nephroprotective potential of this plant. Thus, this study tested the nephroprotective effect of the polyphenol-rich extract of Costus spicatus leaves (PCSL) using preclinical models, including the HeK cell line and Wistar albino rats against cisplatin-induced toxicity. It also determined the polyphenolic compounds using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC). PCSL showed significant (p < 0.05) nephroprotective potential against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in HeK cells. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed significant (p < 0.05) amelioration in serum biochemical markers and antioxidant enzymes against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. PCSL significantly inhibited the level of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β. Moreover, PCSL restored the damage of the kidney tissues and ameliorated interstitial haemorrhage, congestion in capillaries, inflammatory cell infiltration, vacuolated cytoplasm, and tubular epithelial injury with widened Bowman's space. In addition, HPTLC analysis revealed that PCSL comprised polyphenolic compounds such as caffeic acid, quercetin, and ferulic acid. In conclusion, PCSL exerted nephroprotective potential by modulating the expression of inflammation, oxidative stress, and histological architecture of kidney tissues.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13205-022-03233-z.

Rosinidin Protects against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity via Subsiding Proinflammatory and Oxidative Stress Biomarkers in Rats

BACKGROUND

Rosinidin is a flavonoid anthocyanin pigmentation found in shrub flowers such as Catharanthus roseus and Primula rosea. The molecular docking studies predicted that rosinidin has adequate structural competency, making it a viable medicinal candidate for the treatment of a wide range of disorders. The current study intends to assess rosinidin nephroprotective efficacy against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oral acute toxicity tests of rosinidin were conducted to assess potential toxicity in animals, and it was shown to be safe. The nephroprotective effect of rosinidin 10, and 20 mg/kg were tested in rats for 25 days with concurrent administration of cisplatin. Several biochemical parameters were measured to support enzymatic and non-enzymatic oxidative stress such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH). Likewise, changes in several non-protein-nitrogenous components and blood chemistry parameters were made to support the theory linked with the pathogenesis of chemical-induced nephrotoxicity.

RESULTS

Cisplatin caused significant changes in biochemical, enzymatic, and blood chemistry, which rosinidin efficiently controlled.

CONCLUSIONS

The present investigation linked rosinidin with nephroprotective efficacy in experimental models.

Several Alkaloids in Chinese Herbal Medicine Exert Protection in Acute Kidney Injury: Focus on Mechanism and Target Analysis

Objectives

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a loose set of kidney diseases accompanied by a variety of syndromes, which is a serious threat to human life and health. Some alkaloids are derived from various Chinese herbs have been widely concerned in the improvement of AKI. This review provides the research progress of alkaloids in AKI experimental models and discusses the related molecular mechanisms. Key Findings. Alkaloids can protect AKI through various mechanisms including antioxidant stress, improvement of mitochondrial damage, reduction of cell death, induction of autophagy, and inhibition of inflammation. These mechanisms are mainly related to the activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway, inhibition of ferroptosis and apoptosis, regulation of PINK1/Parkin pathway, inhibition of TLR4/NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammatory bodies, upregulation of Klotho protein level and so on. In addition, there are a few alkaloids that have certain toxicity on the kidney.

Conclusion

Alkaloids have been shown to significantly improve AKI, but only in pharmacological studies. This paper summarizes the main experimental models currently used in AKI research and describes some representative alkaloids based on recent research. Their potential roles in the prevention and treatment of AKI through different mechanisms are highlighted.

An Integrative Transcriptomic Analysis of Systemic Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis for Identifying Potential Genetic Markers and Drug Candidates

Systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis (sJIA) is a rare subtype of juvenile idiopathic arthritis, whose clinical features are systemic fever and rash accompanied by painful joints and inflammation. Even though sJIA has been reported to be an autoinflammatory disorder, its exact pathogenesis remains unclear. In this study, we integrated a meta-analysis with a weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) using 5 microarray datasets and an RNA sequencing dataset to understand the interconnection of susceptibility genes for sJIA. Using the integrative analysis, we identified a robust sJIA signature that consisted of 2 co-expressed gene sets comprising 103 up-regulated genes and 25 down-regulated genes in sJIA patients compared with healthy controls. Among the 128 sJIA signature genes, we identified an up-regulated cluster of 11 genes and a down-regulated cluster of 4 genes, which may play key roles in the pathogenesis of sJIA. We then detected 10 bioactive molecules targeting the significant gene clusters as potential novel drug candidates for sJIA using an in silico drug repositioning analysis. These findings suggest that the gene clusters may be potential genetic markers of sJIA and 10 drug candidates can contribute to the development of new therapeutic options for sJIA.

Pharmacokinetic Study of Multiple Components of Gelsemium elegans in Goats by Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography Coupled to Tandem Mass Spectrometry

Gelsemium elegans (G. elegans) has been used in traditional Chinese medicine. This plant is highly toxic to humans, but can promote the growth of pigs and goats in the veterinary clinic. It is a very complex mixture containing tens or hundreds of different components. Therefore, multiple-component pharmacokinetic studies of G. elegans are a major challenge due to the lack of authentic standards of the components. The purpose of this study was to investigate the plasma pharmacokinetics of multiple components after a single oral dose of G. elegans in goat using a sensitive ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to tandem mass spectrometry method for the simultaneous semiquantification of multiple alkaloids without standards. The method was validated in terms of the specificity, LOD, LOQ, linearity, accuracy, precision and matrix effects. To validate the global pharmacokinetic characteristics, the results obtained from the semiquantitative analysis of three authentic compounds (gelsemine, koumine and humantenmine) were compared with the absolute quantification from our recently published method. The results showed that the two methods had similar analytical results, and the obtained values of Tmax, T1/2 and MRT0-t of the three alkaloids were similar between the two methods. In addition, the values of Cmax and AUC0-t of the three alkaloids after normalization were close to the real values, which indicated that this semiquantitative method could be used in the pharmacokinetic study of multiplecomponents. Then the pharmacokinetic parameters of 23 other G. elegans alkaloids in goats were obtained. The results suggested that the gelsedine-type alkaloids were the major active ingredients that predict and explain the efficacy and toxicity of G. elegans.

Comparative toxicokinetic profiles of multiple-components of Gelsemium elegans in pigs and rats after a single oral administration

Gelsemium elegans Benth (G. elegans) is highly toxic to humans and rats, but has insecticides and growth promoting effects on pigs and goats. G. elegans is widely used in livestock, but its in vivo dynamics are entirely unknown. Hence, we investigated the toxicokinetic profiles of G. elegans alkaloids after a single oral dose of G. elegans to pigs (1.0 g/kg) and rats (0.1 g/kg). The results indicated that rats were more susceptible to the toxicity of G. elegans than pigs. The toxicokinetic parameters of 22 and 6 components were obtained in pigs and rats, respectively. The components included 9 and 5 gelsedine-type alkaloids in pigs and rats, respectively. The T_max results of the 5 gelsedine-type alkaloids indicated that these alkaloids were rapidly absorbed in pigs and rats. The T_1/2 values of the 5 gelsedine-type alkaloids indicated that the elimination rates of these alkaloids in pigs were slower than those in rats. In addition, the C_max and AUC results indicated that the degrees of absorption and exposure of most alkaloids in pigs were higher than those in rats except GS-2. However, the C_max value of GS-2 (11-methoxy-14-hydroxygelsenicine) in rats was greater than that of pigs, and the C_max value of 14-hydroxygelsenicine in pigs was merely greater than 3 times that of rats. The present results suggested that the cause of the toxicological differences species of G. elegans might be related to the degrees of absorption and exposure of gelsedine-type alkaloids, especially for the 14-hydroxygelsenicine and GS-2 in different animals.

An overview of spirooxindole as a promising scaffold for novel drug discovery

Introduction: Spirooxindole, a unique and versatile scaffold, has been widely studied in some fields such as pharmaceutical chemistry and synthetic chemistry. Especially in the application of medicine, quite a few compounds featuring spirooxindole motif have displayed excellent and broad pharmacological activities. Many identified candidate molecules have been used in clinical trials, showing promising prospects.Areas covered: This article offers an overview of different applications and developments of spirooxindoles (including the related natural products and their derivatives) in the process of drug innovation, including such as in anticancer, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antimalarial, and antiviral activities. Furthermore, the crucial structure-activity relationships, molecular mechanisms, pharmacokinetic properties, and main synthetic methods of spirooxindoles-based derivatives are also reviewed.Expert opinion: Recent progress in the biological activity profiles of spirooxindole derivatives have demonstrated their significant position in present-day drug discovery. Furthermore, we believe that the multidirectional development of novel drugs containing this core scaffold will continue to be the research hotspot in medicinal chemistry in the future.

Blocking LPA-dependent signaling increases ovarian cancer cell death in response to chemotherapy

The paradoxical role of reactive oxygen species in cell death versus cell survival establishes a delicate balance between chemotherapy efficacy and management of detrimental side effects. Normal proliferative signaling requires that cells remain inside a redox range that allows reversible protein oxidation to occur. Shifting the redox environment toward highly reducing or oxidizing states leads to cellular stress and cell death. Reactive oxygen species produced in response to Taxol and cisplatin treatment are necessary for effective cancer cell killing but the same ROS leads to damaging side effects in normal tissues. Combining antioxidants with chemotherapeutics to alleviate the unwanted side effects produces variable and often undesirable effects on cancer treatment. Here, we describe a more targeted method to improve ovarian cancer cell killing without the need for antioxidants. In ovarian cancer cells, lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a prominent growth factor that contributes to tumor survival and proliferation. We find that blocking LPA-dependent signaling with a specific receptor antagonist consistently increases cell death in response to both Taxol and cisplatin. We propose that inhibiting the upregulated growth factor-dependent signaling in cancer cells will target chemo-insensitivity, potentially lowering the necessary dose of the drugs and preventing harmful side effects.

Simvastatin attenuates renal ischemia/reperfusion injury from oxidative stress via targeting Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury of the kidneys is commonly encountered in the clinic. The present study assessed the efficacy of simvastatin in preventing I/R-induced renal injury in a rat model and investigated the corresponding molecular mechanisms. Rats were divided into 3 groups, including a sham, I/R and I/R + simvastatin group. The results revealed that in the I/R group, the levels of blood urea nitrogen, serum creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase were significantly higher than those in the sham group, which was significantly inhibited by simvastatin pre-treatment. I/R significantly decreased superoxide dismutase activity compared with that in the sham group, which was largely rescued by simvastatin. Furthermore, I/R significantly increased the malondialdehyde content compared with that in the sham group, which was reduced by simvastatin. Hematoxylin-eosin staining revealed no obvious morphological abnormalities in the sham group, while I/R led to notable tubular cell swelling, vacuolization, cast formation and tubular necrosis, which was rescued by simvastatin. A terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end labeling assay demonstrated that I/R significantly increased the number of apoptotic cells compared with that in the sham group, which was significantly inhibited by simvastatin. Western blot analysis demonstrated that simvastatin upregulated I/R-induced increases of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and anti-oxidant enzyme heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). Reverse-transcription quantitative PCR indicated that changes in the mRNA levels of Nrf2 and HO-1 were consistent with the western blot results. It was concluded that simvastatin treatment led to upregulation of HO-1 protein levels through activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to ultimately protect the kidneys from I/R-associated oxidative damage.

Protective effect of rutin supplementation against cisplatin-induced Nephrotoxicity in rats

Background

Cisplatin (CP) is commonly used in the treatment of different types of cancer but nephrotoxicity has been a major limiting factor. Therefore, the present study aimed to study the possible protective effect of rutin against nephrotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

Methods

Forty male Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into 4 groups. Rats of group 1 control group intraperitoneal (i.p.) received 2.5 ml/kg, group 2 CP group received single dose 5 mg/kg cisplatin i.p. group 3 rutin group orally received 30 mg/kg rutin group 4 (CP plus rutin) received CP and rutin as in group 2 and 3. Kidneys were harvested for histopathology and for the study the gene expression of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK), Mitogen-activated protein kinase 4 (MKK4), MKK7, P38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (P38), tumor necrosis factors alpha (TNF-α), TNF Receptor-Associated Factor 2 (TRAF2), and interleukin-1 alpha (IL-1-α).

Results

The cisplatin single dose administration to rats induced nephrotoxicity associated with a significant increase in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and serum creatinine and significantly increase Malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney tissues by 230 ± 5.5 nmol/g compared to control group. The animal treated with cisplatin showed a significant increase in the expression levels of the IL-1α (260%), TRFA2 (491%), P38 (410%), MKK4 (263%), MKK7 (412%), JNK (680%) and TNF-α (300%) genes compared to control group. Additionally, histopathological examination showed that cisplatin-induced interstitial congestion, focal mononuclear cell inflammatory, cell infiltrate, acute tubular injury with reactive atypia and apoptotic cells. Rutin administration attenuated cisplatin-induced alteration in gene expression and structural and functional changes in the kidney. Additionally, histopathological examination of kidney tissues confirmed gene expression data.

Conclusion

The present study suggested that the anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effect of rutin may prevent CP-induced nephrotoxicity via decreasing the oxidative stress, inhibiting the interconnected ROS/JNK/TNF/P38 MAPK signaling pathways, and repairing the histopathological changes against cisplatin administration.

Addition of Whey Protein in Bread-Making: Textural Parameters and Antioxidant Potential of Leavened and Unleavened Bread

The purpose of the study was to determine (1) whether baking process (a unit operation) – applied to produce leavened (LFB) and unleavened bread (UFB) – modifies the bioactivity of whey protein (WP) added in these portions and (2) how whey protein can change the textural parameters of these formulations. Reducing power activity (antioxidant potential) in food matrix was evaluated using phosphomolybdenum method. Textural parameters – hardness, cohesiveness, springiness, resilience, chewiness and gumminess – were carried out on a texture analyzer. In addition, this study demonstrated that the biofunctionality of whey protein was maintained in UFB 10 % WP. Nonetheless, this same formulation showed high values of textural parameters (hardness, chewiness and gumminess). Regarding the LFB formulations, the antioxidant potential was restricted after baking process in LFB 10 % WP. In conclusion, addition of bioactive additive in food matrix may not be sufficient to turn it into a functional food considering the effect of unit operations on bioactivity of some potential additives.

Antioxidant and Nephroprotective Activities of the Extract and Fractions of Homonoia riparia Lour

BACKGROUND

Homonoia riparia is a plant, which is widely used in the indigenous system of medicine for the treatment of urolithiasis, renal disorders and inflammatory conditions. This is the first report on the antioxidant and nephroprotective activities of whole plant of H. riparia.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aims at investigating the in vitro antioxidant and nephroprotective activity of the methanol extract and its different fractions of H. riparia.

METHODS

Petroleum ether (HRPE), Ethyl acetate (HREA), Butanol (HRBU), aqueous fractions (HRAQ) were prepared from the crude methanol extract of H. riparia (HRM) using liquid partitioning. Total phenolic content, flavonoid content and antioxidant activity assay were performed according to suitable methods. Nephroprotective activities were evaluated by MTT assay using Human Embryonic Kidney cells against cisplatin induced toxicity. Quantification of gallic acid was performed using validated HPTLC method.

RESULTS

The studies showed that extract and fractions possess significant nephroprotective activity against cisplatin induced renal toxicity. All the extracts/fractions of whole plant of Homonoia riparia was found to be significantly reducing cisplatin induced toxicity (< 0.05). The highest activity was observed with HRBU and HRAQ with a percentage viability of 293.09 ± 4.3 and 345.07 ± 3.2 at a concentration of 200 µg/ml. Gallic acid was detected in the HRM/fractions using HPTLC.

SUMMARY

Cisplatin (8 μg/ml) exhibited 50 % inhibition in cell viability in HEK 293 cellsButanol and aqueous fractions of Homonoia riparia showed significant nephroprotective activity against cisplatin induced cell damage in HEK cells.Gallic acid was detected and quantified in the extract and fractions of whole plant of Homonoia ripariaAbbreviations used: HPTLC: High Performance Thin Layer Chromatography, DPPH: 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl, ABTS: 2,2'-azino-bis(3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid) diammonium salt, MTT: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazolyl-2-yl)-2,5- diphenyl tetrazolium bromide, GAE: Gallic acid equivalents, QE: Quercetin equivalents, HEK: Human Embryonic Kidney, HRM: Methanol extract of H. riparia, HRPE: Petroleum ether fraction of H. riparia, HREA: ethyl acetate fraction of H. riparia, HRBU: Butanol fraction of H. riparia, HRAQ: Aqueous fraction of H. riparia, DMEM: Dulbecco's minimum essential medium, FBS: Foetal bovine serum, DMSO: Dimethyl sulfoxide, ANOVA: One way analysis of variance.

Puerarin attenuates cisplatin-induced rat nephrotoxicity: The involvement of TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway

Puerarin was a major isoflavonoid derived from the Chinese medical herb radix puerariae (Gegen). In present study effect of puerarin on cisplatin nephrotoxicity was evaluated. Rat model of nephrotoxicity was established by a single intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7mg/kg). Puerarin was administrated through caudal vein injection once per day at the dose of 10mg/kg, 30mg/kg and 50mg/kg. Biochemical assays showed that after cisplatin treatment the serum urea and creatinine increased significantly compared with control (P<0.05). Cisplatin treatment significantly increased xanthine oxidase (XO) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) formation, and significantly decreased the levels and /or activities of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants (GSH, GPx, GST, GR, SOD, CAT), in the kidney tissues. Renal levels of TNF-α and IL-6, two important inflammatory cytokines, were also upregulated by cisplatin. Histopathological examination indicated that cisplatin treatment resulted in severe necrosis and degeneration, hyaline casts in the tubules, intertubular hemorrhage, congestion and swelling in glomerulus and leukocytes infiltration in the kidney tissues. Western blot results demonstrated that cisplatin increased TLR4 and NF-κB protein expression in the kidney tissues. However, all these changes induced by cisplatin were significantly attenuated by puerarin treatment in dose-dependent manner, which indicated the renal protective effect of puerarin. Cell culture experiments illustrated that puerarin alone treatment concentration-dependently inhibited COLO205 and HeLa tumor cell growth and dose-dependently promoted the antitumor activity of cisplatin in COLO205 and HeLa tumor cells. The promotion effects might be attributed to suppression of cisplatin-increased NF-κB p65 expression by puerarin. Taken together, findings in this study suggested that puerarin exhibited renal protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity via inhibiting TLR4/NF-κB signaling, with no inhibition but promotion effect on the antitumor activity of cisplatin. Puerarin might be a promising adjuvant agent for cisplatin chemotherapy.

Failure of Elevating Calcium Induces Oxidative Stress Tolerance and Imparts Cisplatin Resistance in Ovarian Cancer Cells

Cisplatin is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug, used for the treatment of malignant ovarian cancer, but acquired resistance limits its application. There is therefore an overwhelming need to understand the mechanism of cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer, that is, ovarian cancer cells are insensitive to cisplatin treatment. Here, we show that failure of elevating calcium and oxidative stress tolerance play key roles in cisplatin resistance in ovarian cancer cell lines. Cisplatin induces an increase in oxidative stress and alters intracellular Ca(2+) concentration, including cytosolic and mitochondrial Ca(2+) in cisplatin-sensitive SKOV3 cells, but not in cisplatin-resistant SKOV3/DDP cells. Cisplatin induces mitochondrial damage and triggers the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway in cisplatin-sensitive SKOV3 cells, but rarely in cisplatin-resistant SKOV3/DDP cells. Inhibition of calcium signaling attenuates cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and intracellular Ca(2+) overload in cisplatin-sensitive SKOV3 cells. Moreover, in vivo xenograft models of nude mouse, cisplatin significantly reduced the growth rates of tumors originating from SKOV3 cells, but not that of SKOV3/DDP cells. Collectively, our data indicate that failure of calcium up-regulation mediates cisplatin resistance by alleviating oxidative stress in ovarian cancer cells. Our results highlight potential therapeutic strategies to improve cisplatin resistance.

Stereoselective synthesis of spirooxindole derivatives using an organocatalyzed tandem Michael–Michael reaction

A highly efficient and stereoselective method for the synthesis of functionalized spirooxindole derivatives was realized using enamine catalysis.

[Mechanism of Platinum Derivatives Induced Kidney Injury]

Platinum derivatives are the most widely used chemotherapeutic agents to treat solid tumors including ovarian, head and neck, and testicular germ cell tumors, lung cancer, and colorectal cancer. Two major problems exist, however, in the clinic use of platinum derivatives. One is the development of tumor resistance to the drug during therapy, leading to treatment failure. The other is the drug's toxicity such as the cisplatin's nephrotoxicity, which limits the dose that can be administered. This paper describes the mechanism of platinum derivatives induced kidney injury.