Carvacrol Downregulates Lysyl Oxidase Expression and Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Rats with Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis

Carvacrol prevents acrylamide-induced oxidative and inflammatory liver damage and dysfunction in rats

Background: Acrylamide causes hepatotoxicity with the effect of oxidative stress and inflammatory processes. Carvacrol is a monoterpenic phenol with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aims: To determine the effects of carvacrol on oxidative liver injury induced by acrylamide administration in rats. Methods: Rats were divided into three groups of six animals each: healthy group acrylamide group (ACR), and acrylamide + carvacrol group (TACR). First, carvacrol (50 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally to the CACR group. One hour later, acrylamide (20 mg/kg) was given orally to the ACR and CACR groups. This procedure was performed for 30 days, after which the animals were sacrificed. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and total glutathione (tGSH) levels, total oxidant (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa b (NF-κB) were measured in the excised liver tissues. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were determined in blood serum samples. Liver tissues were also examined histopathologically. Results: In the ACR group, malondialdehyde, TOS, ALT, AST levels, and NF-κB, IL-1β, and TNF-α levels were found to be high, and tGSH and total antioxidant status levels were low. In addition, diffuse degenerative changes and necrosis in hepatocytes, and moderate inflammation in the portal region were detected in the liver tissues of the ACR group. While carvacrol prevented the biochemical changes induced by acrylamide, it also alleviated the damage in the histological structure. Conclusion: Carvacrol may be used for liver damage caused by acrylamide.

Carvacrol hinders the progression of hepatic fibrosis via targeting autotaxin and thioredoxin in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rat

Fibrosis is a common outcome of nearly all chronic diseases of liver that results in changes of its functions which requires medical attention. The current research aims to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic efficacy of Carvacrol against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in male rats using Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) as a reference anti-fibrotic product. Carvacrol (25 and 50 mg/kg) markedly declined TAA-increased serum liver enzymes; alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) as well as total bilirubin (TB) and direct bilirubin (DB) levels as well as increased levels of total protein (TP) and albumin. Carvacrol significantly reduced glutathione depletion (GSH), Nitric oxide (NOX) and malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation in liver tissue. Additionally, its anti-oxidant effect brightened up via affecting markers of stress found in the cell as nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) where it still had high content and decreased Thioredoxin (Trx) level. The anti-inflammatory effect of Carvacrol was confirmed by decreasing nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) contents. Carvacrol showed anti-fibrotic effect clarified by turning down fibrosis-related markers; TGF-β1, matrix metalloproteinase-3 and 9 (MMP-3 and 9) and Autotaxin (ATX) contents. Furthermore, it decreased alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and caspase-3 immune-expression. The overall outcome of aforementioned markers results showed that Carvacrol suppresses the progression of liver fibrosis via its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic effect and its ability in lowering Thioredoxin and Autotaxin; hence it can be categorized as a hepatoprotective natural substance.

Effects of progesterone nanoparticles on the sperm capacitation and acrosome reaction in asthenozoospermia men

Low motility is one of the causes of male infertility. In this study, the effects of progesterone solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) on sperm capacitation, acrosome reaction, oxidative stress and expression of SPACA1 and MAPK way genes were investigated. Progesterone SLNs were synthesized using the solvent emulsification evaporation method. Twenty asthenozoospermia samples were selected, and sperm and acrosome membrane integrity, acrosome reaction, sperm motility, viability, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidative status tests and PKA, PTK, P38MAPK and SPACA1 gene expressions were assessed. The synthesized nanoparticles were prepared with the size (187.6 nm), PDI (0.184), EE (85.82%), LP (3.43%) and ZP (-23.5mV). Progesterone SLNs increased sperm and acrosome membrane integrity and TAC (p < .05). Also, the expression of P38MAPK, PKA, PTK, and SPACA1 genes in this group showed a significant increase (p < .001). Progesterone SLNs increased acrosome reaction, sperm capacitation and TAC. Also, it increased the expression of PTK PKA, SPACA1 and P38MAPK genes.

Modulatory effects of carvacrol against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by molecular targeting regulation

AIM

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic heavy metal that causes severe toxic effects on different tissues including liver and kidney. Therefore the research for alternatives to reduce the damage caused by Cd has substantial importance. This study was performed to examine the possible modulatory effects of carvacrol (CRV) against Cd-induced hepatorenal toxicities and the possible mechanisms underlying these effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, 35 male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 5 groups. The rats were treated with Cd (25 mg/kg) and treated with CRV (25 and 50 mg/kg body weight) for 7 consecutive days.

KEY FINDINGS

CRV could modulate Cd-induced elevations of ALT, ALP, AST, urea, creatinine, MDA and enhance antioxidant enzymes' activities such as SOD, CAT, and GPx, and GSH's level. CRV also reversed the changes in levels of inflammatory biomarker and apoptotic genes that include NF-κB, Bcl-3, MAPK-14, iNOS, COX-2, MPO, PGE2, Bax, Bcl-2, P53, Caspase-9, Caspase-6 and Caspase-3 in both tissues. The levels of 8-OHdG in the Cd-induced liver and kidney tissues were modulated after CRV treatment. Furthermore, CRV treatment considerably lowered Cd, Na, Fe, and Zn content while increased K, Ca, Mg and Cu contents in both tissues as compared to the Cd-exposed rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

The results of the present study revealed that CRV supplementation could be a promising strategy to protect the liver and kidney tissues against Cd-induced oxidative damage, inflammation and apoptosis.

Morus nigra L. extract prolongs survival of rats with hepatocellular carcinoma

Morus nigra is a rich source of anthocyanins, phytochemicals that have anticancer effects. This study aimed to investigate the effects of M. nigra extract (MNE) on diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Male Sprague-Dawley rats were assigned into four groups (n = 10): control, DEN, and DEN +100 or 400 mg/kg of MNE. After 4 months, the DEN group showed a significant mortality rate, hepatic lipid peroxidation, dysplastic nodules in the cirrhotic liver, and an increase of blood bilirubin, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Also, the body weight gain, blood albumin and glucose, liver antioxidant capacity (thiol groups), and some hematological parameters (RBC, hematocrit, hemoglobin, and platelet) were significantly decreased in the DEN group. MNE significantly increased survival, reduced the size of HCC nodules, improved liver oxidant/antioxidant status, and prevented the above-mentioned changes in the blood (except ALP, glucose, and platelet). Quantitative real-time PCR showed that MNE decreased the expression of Wnt4 and β-catenin, while had no significant effect on PI3K, Akt, and PTEN expression. The MNE did not exhibit antiproliferative activity against HepG2 liver cancer cells. In conclusion, MNE exhibits a hepatoprotective effect through inhibiting oxidative stress and Wnt4/β-catenin pathway and therefore prolongs the survival of rats with HCC.

The antioxidant study proprieties of Thymus munbyanus aqueous extract and its beneficial effect on 2, 4-Dichlorophenoxyacetic acid -induced hepatic oxidative stress in albino Wistar rats

Herein, we investigated the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of thyme (Thymus munbyanus: AETM) on 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4 -D) - induced liver oxidative damage in rats. The phytochemical study of AETM revealed potent antioxidant properties owed to its richness in phenolic compounds including flavonoids, tannins, and phenolic acids. Further, in vivo animal study was conducted on 24 Wistar rats divided equally into control group and three treated groups, receiving orally AETM (10 ml/kg body weight (b.w), 2,4-D (5 mg/kg (b.w) and AETM + 2,4 - D (combined treatment) for 30 consecutive days. The results showed a significant increase in the enzymatic activity of transaminases (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyltransferase (γ-GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and carbonyl proteins (CPO), along with a significant decrease in plasma total protein, albumin, hepatic glutathione (GSH) contents, and the enzymatic activity of the hepatic antioxidant markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione- S- transferase (GST)) in 2,4- D treatment compared with control. Moreover, no significant changes in these parameters were noticed in AETM treated animals as compared to control, and hence the combined treatment (AETM + 2,4- D) showed a marked enhancement in the above altered hepatic functional and antioxidant parameters and liver histopathology. In conclusion, AETM, owing to its richness with phenolic compounds proved to be an efficient antioxidant against 2,4-D - induced liver oxidative damage, and hence complementary studies would be needed to appear the use of these compounds as supplements in treating liver impairment.

Anethum graveolens L‎. Alleviates Sperm ‎Damage by Limiting Oxidative Stress ‎and Insulin ‎Resistance ‎in ‎Diabetic Rats ‎

Background:

It has been reported that diabetes is associated with sperm ‎damage and infertility.

Objective:

The purpose of this experiment was to survey the effect of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) powder on sperm profiles, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and histological changes in male diabetic rats.

Methods:

Male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7); group 1: normal rats, 2: normal rats + 100mg/kg Dill, 3: normal rats + 300mg/kg Dill, 4: diabetic rats, 5: diabetic rats + 100mg/kg Dill, and 6: diabetic rats + 300mg/kg Dill. After 2 months of treatments, the sperm profile, anti-oxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde were measured. The histopathology of testis was evaluated. Hormonal changes and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:

Total anti-oxidant and SOD activity in diabetic rats significantly decreased, while MDA concentration was significantly increased in the testis and pancreas of diabetic rats compared with control. However, the use of Dill significantly normalized these profiles. The treatment of diabetic rats with Dill changed the sperm parameters. The levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH in diabetic rats were significantly reduced, but the treatment with Dill did not alter the level of these hormones. Dill also significantly normalized testis morphological changes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Conclusion:

The use of Dill normalized oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats that correlated with sperm profile and testis histological changes. The treatment of diabetic rat models with Dill did not show harmful effects on sperm profiles.