Possible Role of Kaempferol in Reversing Oxidative Damage, Inflammation, and Apoptosis-Mediated Cortical Injury Following Cadmium Exposure

The roles of MicroRNAs in cadmium toxicity and in the protection offered by plant food-derived dietary phenolic bioactive substances against cadmium-induced toxicity

Cadmium, a harmful food contaminant, poses severe health risks. There are ongoing efforts to reduce cadmium pollution and alleviate its toxicity, including plant-based dietary intervention. This review hypothesizes that microRNAs (miRNAs), as regulatory eukaryotic transcripts, play crucial roles in modulating cadmium-induced organ damage, and plant food-derived bioactive compounds provide protective effects via miRNA-mediated mechanisms. The review reveals that there are interplays between certain miRNAs and plant food-derived dietary bioactive substances when these bioactives, especially phenolics, counteract cadmium toxicity through regulating physiologic and pathologic events (including oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and inflammation). The review discusses common miRNA-associated physiologic/pathologic events and signal pathways shared by the cadmium toxicity and dietary intervention processes. This paper identifies the existing knowledge gaps and potential future work (e.g. joint actions between miRNAs and other noncoding RNAs in the fights against cadmium). The insights provided by this review can improve food safety strategies and public health outcomes.

The Protective Effect of the Supplementation with an Extract from Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries against Cadmium-Induced Changes of Chosen Biomarkers of Neurotoxicity in the Brain-A Study in a Rat Model of Current Lifetime Human Exposure to This Toxic Heavy Metal

Since even low-level environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) can lead to numerous unfavourable health outcomes, including damage to the nervous system, it is important to recognize the risk of health damage by this xenobiotic, the mechanisms of its toxic influence, and to find an effective protective strategy. This study aimed to evaluate, in a female Wistar rat model of current human environmental exposure to Cd (1 and 5 mg/kg of diet for 3-24 months), if the low-to-moderate treatment with this element can harm the brain and whether the supplementation with a 0.1% Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott berries (chokeberries) extract (AE) can protect against this effect. The exposure to Cd modified the values of various biomarkers of neurotoxicity, including enzymes (acetylcholinesterase (AChE), sodium-potassium adenosine triphosphatase (Na+/K+-ATPase), phospholipase A2 (PLA2), and nitric oxide synthase 1 (NOS1)) and non-enzymatic proteins (calmodulin (CAM), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1)) crucial for the functioning of the nervous system, as well as the concentrations of calcium (Ca) and magnesium (Mg) and some metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMPs) in the brain tissue. The co-administration of AE, partially or entirely, protected from most of the Cd-induced changes alleviating its neurotoxic influence. In conclusion, even low-level chronic exposure to Cd may adversely affect the nervous system, whereas the supplementation with A. melanocarpa berries products during the treatment seems a protective strategy.

Quercetin Supplementation Alleviates Cadmium Induced Genotoxicity-Mediated Apoptosis in Caprine Testicular Cells

Being a common environmental pollutant, cadmium causes detrimental health effects, including testicular injury. Herein, we document the ameliorative potential of quercetin, a potent antioxidant, against cadmium-induced geno-cytotoxicity and steroidogenic toxicity in goat testicular tissue. Cadmium induced different comet types (Type 0 - Type 4), indicating the varying degree of DNA-damage in testicular cells. The quantitative analysis at 50 and 100 µM cadmium concentration revealed the DNA damage with per cent tail DNA as 75.78 ± 1.49 and 94.65 ± 0.95, respectively, in comparison to the control group (8.87 ± 0.48) post 8 h exposure duration. Cadmium caused a substantial decrease in the activity of key steroidogenic enzymes' (3β-HSD and 17β-HSD) along with reduction of testosterone level in testicular tissue. Furthermore, cadmium treatment induced various types of deformities in sperm, altered the Bax/Bcl-2 expression ratio in testicular tissue and thus suggesting the apoptosis-mediated death of testicular cells. Simultaneous quercetin supplementation, however, significantly (p < 0.05) averted the aforementioned cadmium-mediated damage in testicular tissue. Conclusively, the cadmium-induced DNA-damage and decrease in steroidogenic potential results in death of testicular cells via apoptosis, which was significantly counteracted by quercetin co-supplementation, and thus preventing the cadmium-mediated cytotoxicity of testicular cells.

Cadmium neurotoxicity: Insights into behavioral effect and neurodegenerative diseases

Cadmium (Cd) induced neurotoxicity has become a growing concern due to its potential adverse effects on the Central Nervous System. Cd is a Heavy Metal (HM) that is released into the environment, through several industrial processes. It poses a risk to the health of the community by polluting air, water, and soil. Cd builds up in the brain and other neural tissues, raising concerns about its effect on the nervous system due to its prolonged biological half-life. Cd can enter into the neurons, hence increasing the production of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) in them and impairing their antioxidant defenses. Cd disrupts the Calcium (Ca2+) balance in neurons, affects the function of the mitochondria, and triggers cell death pathways. As a result of these pathways, the path to the development of many neurological diseases affected by environmental factors, especially Cd, such as Alzheimer's Disease (AD) and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is facilitated. There are cognitive deficits associated with long exposure to Cd. Memory disorders are present in both animals and humans. Cd alters the brain's function and performance in critical periods. There are lifelong consequences of Cd exposure during critical brain development stages. The susceptibility to neurotoxic effects is increased by interactions with a variety of risk factors. Cd poses risks to neuronal function and behavior, potentially contributing to neurodegenerative diseases like Parkinson's disease (PD) and AD as well as cognitive issues. This article offers a comprehensive overview of Cd-induced neurotoxicity, encompassing risk assessment, adverse effect levels, and illuminating intricate pathways.

Reversal Effects of Royal Jelly and Propolis Against Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Rats

Heavy metal toxicity is an exponentially growing health problem. In this study, we aimed to assess the protective properties of propolis and royal jelly against cadmium adverse effects. Thirty-two adult male rats were included in our study; kidney and liver functions, histopathological changes, and the level of oxidative stress were evaluated in rats exposed to a daily dose of 4.5 mg cadmium per kilogram of body weight for 1 month and those cotreated simultaneously with either propolis (50 mg/kg/day) or royal jelly (200 mg/kg/day) with cadmium compared to control animals. Cadmium-mediated hepatorenal toxicity was manifested as per the increased oxidative stress, function deterioration, and characteristic histopathological aberrations. The supplementation of royal jelly or propolis restores most of the affected parameters to a level similar to the control group. However, the parameters describing the grade of DNA damage and the interleukin-1β expression in the liver, as well as the levels of malondialdehyde and metallothionein, were slightly elevated compared to controls, despite the regular use of royal jelly or propolis. It is worth noting that better results were found in the case of royal jelly compared to propolis administration. Most likely, the ability of both products to chelate cadmium and contribute in reducing oxidative stress is of great importance. However, further investigations are needed to complement the knowledge about the expected nutritional and medicinal values.

The Protective Impact of Aronia melanocarpa L. Berries Extract against Prooxidative Cadmium Action in the Brain-A Study in an In Vivo Model of Current Environmental Human Exposure to This Harmful Element

Cadmium (Cd) is a prooxidant that adversely affects human health, including the nervous system. As exposure of the general population to this heavy metal is inevitable, it is crucial to look for agents that can prevent the effects of its toxic action. An experimental model on female rats of current lifetime human exposure to cadmium (3-24-months' treatment with 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg diet) was used to test whether low-level and moderate intoxication can exert a prooxidative impact in the brain and whether supplementation with a 0.1% extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (Michx.) Elliott (AE; chokeberry extract) can protect against this action. Numerous parameters of the non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidative barrier, as well as total antioxidative and oxidative status (TAS and TOS, respectively), were determined and the index of oxidative stress (OSI) was calculated. Moreover, chosen prooxidants (myeloperoxidase, xanthine oxidase, and hydrogen peroxide) and biomarkers of oxidative modifications of lipids, proteins, and deoxyribonucleic acid were assayed. Cadmium dysregulated the balance between oxidants and antioxidants in the brain and led to oxidative stress and oxidative injury of the cellular macromolecules, whereas the co-administration of AE alleviated these effects. To summarize, long-term, even low-level, cadmium exposure can pose a risk of failure of the nervous system by the induction of oxidative stress in the brain, whereas supplementation with products based on aronia berries seems to be an effective protective strategy.

Polyherbal and Multimodal Treatments: Kaempferol- and Quercetin-Rich Herbs Alleviate Symptoms of Alzheimer's Disease

Alzheimer's Disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder impairing cognition and memory in the elderly. This disorder has a complex etiology, including senile plaque and neurofibrillary tangle formation, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and damaged neuroplasticity. Current treatment options are limited, so alternative treatments such as herbal medicine could suppress symptoms while slowing cognitive decline. We followed PRISMA guidelines to identify potential herbal treatments, their associated medicinal phytochemicals, and the potential mechanisms of these treatments. Common herbs, including Ginkgo biloba, Camellia sinensis, Glycyrrhiza uralensis, Cyperus rotundus, and Buplerum falcatum, produced promising pre-clinical results. These herbs are rich in kaempferol and quercetin, flavonoids with a polyphenolic structure that facilitate multiple mechanisms of action. These mechanisms include the inhibition of Aβ plaque formation, a reduction in tau hyperphosphorylation, the suppression of oxidative stress, and the modulation of BDNF and PI3K/AKT pathways. Using pre-clinical findings from quercetin research and the comparatively limited data on kaempferol, we proposed that kaempferol ameliorates the neuroinflammatory state, maintains proper cellular function, and restores pro-neuroplastic signaling. In this review, we discuss the anti-AD mechanisms of quercetin and kaempferol and their limitations, and we suggest a potential alternative treatment for AD. Our findings lead us to conclude that a polyherbal kaempferol- and quercetin-rich cocktail could treat AD-related brain damage.

Kaempferol, a potential neuroprotective agent in neurodegenerative diseases: From chemistry to medicine

Neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) encompass a range of conditions that involve progressive deterioration and dysfunction of the nervous system. Some of the common NDDs include Alzheimer's disease (AD), Parkinson's disease (PD), Huntington's disease (HD), and amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Although significant progress has been made in understanding the pathological mechanisms of NDDs in recent years, the development of targeted and effective drugs for their treatment remains challenging. Kaempferol is a flavonoid whose derivatives include kaempferol-O-rhamnoside, 3-O-β-rutinoside/6-hydroxykaempferol 3,6-di-O-β-d-glucoside, and kaempferide. Emerging studies have suggested that kaempferol and its derivatives possess neuroprotective properties and may have potential therapeutic benefits in NDDs. Here, we aimed to provide a theoretical basis for the use of kaempferol and its derivatives in the clinical treatment of NDDs. We systematically reviewed the literature in the PubMed, Web of Science, and Science Direct databases until June 2022 using the search terms "kaempferol," "kaempferol derivatives," "NDDs," "pharmacokinetics," and "biosynthesis" according to the reporting items for systematic review (PRISMA) standard. Based on combined results of in vivo and in vitro studies, we summarize the basic mechanisms and targets of kaempferol and its derivatives in the management of AD, PD, HD, and ALS. Kaempferol and its derivatives exert a neuroprotective role mainly by preventing the deposition of amyloid fibrils (such as Aβ, tau, and α-synuclein), inhibiting microglia activation, reducing the release of inflammatory factors, restoring the mitochondrial membrane to prevent oxidative stress, protecting the blood-brain barrier, and inhibiting specific enzyme activities (such as cholinesterase). Kaempferol and its derivatives are promising natural neuroprotective agents. By determining their pharmacological mechanism, kaempferol and its derivatives may be new candidate drugs for the treatment of NDDs.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking-based investigation on traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus membranaceus in oral ulcer treatment

To analyze the mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus (AM) in molecular level in the oral ulcer (OU) treatment with reference to network pharmacology. Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database was used in screening the AM active components and AM action targets; GeneCards database was used to screen OU targets; the common target were screened by Venny online tool; Cytoscape software was applied to construct the target gene regulation map of AM active components; STRING database was used to construct the protein-protein interaction network and the key targets were screened as per degree value; gene ontology enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment of interactive genes were calculated through David database. There were 17 active ingredients and 429 target spots in Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform database. There are 606 target genes for OU in GeneCards database. There are 67 common targets, including 10 key targets: IL10, IL6, TNF, IL1B, CXCL8, CCL2, TLR4, IL4, ICAM1, and IFNG. It involves 30 gene ontology terms and 20 KEGG signal channels. The molecular docking results showed that quercetin and kaempferol had a good binding activity with IL6, IL1B, TNF, and CCL2. Network pharmacological analysis shows that AM can regulate multiple signal pathways through multiple targets to treat OU.

Trichoderma asperellum Extract Isolated from Brazil Nuts (Bertholletia excelsa BONPL): In Vivo and In Silico Studies on Melanogenesis in Zebrafish

Endophytic fungi are those that present part of their life cycle in healthy tissues of different plant hosts in symbiosis without causing harm. At the same time, fungus-plant symbiosis makes it possible for microorganisms to synthesize their own bioactive secondary metabolites while in the stationary stage. To accomplish this, the endophytic fungus Trichoderma asperellum was isolated from Bertholletia excelsa (Brazil nut) almonds. The fungus was cultivated and extracted with ethyl acetate, obtaining AM07Ac. Then, using HPTLC (High-performance thin-layer chromatography) and nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), β-amyrin, kaempferol, and brucine were identified as major compounds. Further in vivo assays in zebrafish demonstrated the activity of AM07Ac on melanogenesis by producing a concentration-response inhibitory effect, which, through an in silico study, proved to be related to the noted major compounds known to inhibit tyrosinase activity. The inhibition of tyrosinase prevents melanin accumulation in skin. Therefore, these results imply the importance of investigating microorganisms and their pharmacological activities, in particular the endophytic fungus Trichoderma asperellum as a generator of active metabolites for melanogenesis modulation.

Antioxidant capacity of N-acetylcysteine against the molecular and cytotoxic implications of cadmium chloride leading to hepatotoxicity and vital progression

Many studies have reported that cadmium (Cd) can induce liver cell injury; however, the toxicity mechanisms of Cd on the liver have not been fully explained. Thirty-two male albino rats were divided into four groups: the control group, the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) group orally as effervescent instant sachets with a concentration of 200 mg dissolved in distilled water and dosage was 200 mg/kg body weight freshly prepared, the cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) group (treated with 3 mg/kg orally), and the N-acetylcysteine (NAC) + cadmium chloride group (treated with 200 mg/kg orally post to CdCl₂) for 60 days. The NAC alone did not make notable changes in most of the parameters. The CdCl₂ alone, compared to control, induced significant alterations in oxidative stress markers (increment in lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO)) and antioxidant defense system (decrement in superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)), which resulted in a downregulation of pro-apoptotic Bcl2-associated X protein (Bax) and caspase-3 and upregulation of anti-apoptotic B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) protein as well as the survival fate of hepatic cells. Post-administration of NAC to CdCl₂ resulted in a reduction in oxidative stress markers, shifting of cells from the G₂/M phase to the G₀/G₁ inhibiting signal-regulated kinase activation, and impairment of the anti-apoptotic signaling pathway when compared to the CdCl₂ group alone. Accordingly, the Bcl2/Bax ratio was reduced to 1.17-fold change, as an adaptive process to hepatic tissue injury. These findings demonstrated that NAC would attenuate the possibility of oxidative stress and cytotoxicity of hepatic tissue induced by CdCl₂.

Environmental exposure of the general population to cadmium as a risk factor of the damage to the nervous system: A critical review of current data

Nowadays, more and more attention has been focused on the risk of the neurotoxic action of cadmium (Cd) under environmental exposure. Due to the growing incidence of nervous system diseases, including neurodegenerative changes, and suggested involvement of Cd in their aetiopathogenesis, this review aimed to discuss critically this element neurotoxicity. Attempts have been made to recognize at which concentrations in the blood and urine Cd may increase the risk of damage to the nervous system and compare it to the risk of injury of other organs and systems. The performed overview of the available literature shows that Cd may have an unfavourable impact on the human's nervous system at the concentration >0.8 μg Cd/L in the urine and >0.6 μg Cd/L in the blood. Because such concentrations are currently noted in the general population of industrialized countries, it can be concluded that environmental exposure to this xenobiotic may create a risk of damage to the nervous system and be involved in the aetiopathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease, as well as worsening cognitive and behavioural functions. The potential mechanism of Cd neurotoxicity consists in inducing oxidative stress, disrupting the activity of enzymes essential to the proper functioning of the nervous system and destroying the homoeostasis of bioelements in the brain. Thus, further studies are necessary to recognize accurately both the risk of nervous system damage in the general population due to environmental exposure to Cd and the mechanism of this action.

A comprehensive and mechanistic review on protective effects of kaempferol against natural and chemical toxins: Role of NF-κB inhibition and Nrf2 activation

Different toxins, including chemicals and natural, can be entered from various routes and influence human health. Herbal medicines and their active components can attenuate the toxicity of agents via multiple mechanisms. For example, kaempferol, as a flavonoid, can be found in fruits and vegetables, and has an essential role in improving disorders such as cardiovascular disorders, neurological diseases, cancer, pain, and inflammation situations. The beneficial effects of kaempferol may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress, attenuation of inflammatory factors such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. This flavonoid boasts a wide spectrum of toxin targeting effects in tissue fibrosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress thus shows promising protective effects against natural and chemical toxin induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, lung, and intestinal in the in vitro and in vivo setting. The most remarkable aspect of kaempferol is that it does not focus its efforts on just one organ or one molecular pathway. Although its significance as a treatment option remains questionable and requires more clinical studies, it seems to be a low-risk therapeutic option. It is crucial to emphasize that kaempferol's poor bioavailability is a significant barrier to its use as a therapeutic option. Nanotechnology can be a promising way to overcome this challenge, reviving optimism in using kaempferol as a viable treatment agent against toxin-induced disorders.

Using green biosynthesized kaempferol-coated sliver nanoparticles to inhibit cancer cells growth: an in vitro study using hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2)

The ongoing loss of human life owing to various forms of cancer necessitates the development of a more effective/honorable therapeutic approach. Moreover, finding a novel green-synthesized anti-cancer therapy is vital because of the induced drug resistance against the commonly used drugs. Collecting the advantage of the nanometer size of nanoparticles with the biosafety of plant-based substances might potentiate the anticancer effect with minimal toxic effect. In the current study, we aimed to green-synthesize using kaempferol (flavonoid) as a coating the silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and investigated their anti-cancer activity in hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cell line. First of all, kaempferol-coated AgNPs characters were well-defined using Fourier transmission infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), zetasizer, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The results showed their 200 nm size, spherical shape, less aggregation with high stability characteristics. Then, the cytotoxic effect of both 1/3 and 1/2 LC50 of AgNPs, and doxorubicin (DOX, anticancer drug) on HepG2 cells was evaluated by dimethylthiazolyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay and release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage percent. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) and apoptotic markers were also analyzed, along with the migration and invasion of HepG2 cells were recorded. Our findings showed that kaempferol-coated AgNPs could induce cytotoxic effects and reduce the viability of HepG2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. LDH leakage % was significantly increased in cells treated with kaempferol-coated AgNPs confirming their cytotoxic effect. ROS generation and lipid peroxidation could significantly increase in HepG2 cells treated with kaempferol-coated AgNPs along with the exhaustion of antioxidant Glutathione (GSH) marker revealing the induced oxidative damage. Oxidative damage-mediated apoptosis was confirmed by the elevated levels of the pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Cyt-c, P53, and caspase-3) and the reduced level of anti-apoptotic marker (Bcl-2) using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, kaempferol-coated AgNPs could suppress the migrating and invading ability of HepG2 cells showing their antimetastatic effect. To end up, kaempferol-coated AgNPs can induce a potential anti-cancer effect in HepG2 cells via oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis.

Apigenin attenuates molecular, biochemical, and histopathological changes associated with renal impairments induced by gentamicin exposure in rats

Gentamicin (GM) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat bacterial infections. However, its application is accompanied by renal impairments. Apigenin is a flavonoid found in many edible plants with potent therapeutic values. This study was designed to elucidate the therapeutic effects of apigenin on GM-induced nephrotoxicity. Animals were injected orally with three different doses of apigenin (5 mg kg-1 day-1, 10 mg kg-1 day-1, and 20 mg kg-1 day-1). Apigenin administration abolished the alterations in the kidney index and serum levels of kidney-specific functions markers, namely blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, and KIM-1, NGAL, and cystatin C following GM exposure. Additionally, apigenin increased levels of enzymatic (glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and non-enzymatic antioxidant proteins (reduced glutathione) and decreased levels of lipid peroxide, nitric oxide, and downregulated nitric oxide synthase-2 in the kidney tissue following GM administration. At the molecular scope, apigenin administration was found to upregulate the mRNA expression of Nfe2l2 and Hmox1 in the kidney tissue. Moreover, apigenin administration suppressed renal inflammation and apoptosis by decreasing levels of interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor kappa-B, Bax, and caspase-3, while increasing B-cell lymphoma-2 compared with those in GM-administered group. The recorded data suggests that apigenin treatment could be used to alleviate renal impairments associated with GM administration.

The ameliorative effect of kaempferol against CdCl2- mediated renal damage entails activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of NF-kB

This study evaluated the nephroprotective effect of kaempferol against cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) -induced nephropathy in rats. It also investigated if activation of Nrf2 is a common mechanism of action. Adult male rats ((150 ± 15 g) were divided into 4 groups (n = 8/each) as a control (1% DMSO, orally), control + kaempferol (200 mg/kg, orally), CdCl₂ (50 mg/l in drinking water), and CdCl₂ + kaempferol (200 mg/kg)-treated rats. All treatments were conducted for 8 weeks. Kaempferol significantly attenuated CdCl₂-induced weight loss, reduction in kidney weights, and the injury in the glomeruli, proximal tubules, and distal tubules in the treated rats. It also significantly lowered serum levels of urea and creatinine, increased urine output and urinary creatinine levels and clearance but reduced urinary levels of albumin urinary albumin exertion (UAER), and urinary albumin/creatinine ratio (UACR) in these rats. In parallel, kaempferol downregulated renal levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bax and unregulated those of Bcl2. In the kidney tissues of the control animals and CdCl₂ rats, kaempferol significantly attenuated oxidative stress, inflammation and significantly boosted levels of manganese superoxide dismutase and glutathione. Also, and in both groups, kaempferol suppressed the nuclear levels of NF-κB p65, downregulated Keap1, and stimulated the nuclear activation and protein levels of Nrf2. In conclusion, kaempferol is a potential therapeutic drug to prevent CdCl₂-induced nephropathy due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects mediated by suppressing NF- NF-κB p65 and transactivating Nrf2.

Kaempferol: A flavonoid with wider biological activities and its applications

Kaempferol and its derivatives are naturally occurring phytochemicals with promising bioactivities. This flavonol can reduce the lipid oxidation in the human body, prevent the organs and cell structure from deterioration and protect their functional integrity. This review has extensively highlighted the antioxidant, antimicrobial, anticancer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activity of kaempferol. However, poor water solubility and low bioavailability of kaempferol greatly limit its applications. The utilization of advanced delivery systems can improve its stability, efficacy, and bioavailability. This is the first review that aimed to comprehensively collate some of the vital information published on biosynthesis, mechanism of action, bioactivities, bioavailability, and toxicological potential of kaempferol. Besides, it provides insights into the future direction on the improvement of bioavailability of kaempferol for wide applications.

Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Exploring the Pharmacological Mechanism of Honeysuckle (Lonicer japonica Thunb.) against Newcastle Disease

Objective

Newcastle disease causes huge economic losses in the global poultry industry. An efficient treatment is needed to deal with the variable immunogenicity of the Newcastle disease virus (NDV). This study utilized network pharmacology to study the potential therapeutic targets of Honeysuckle (Lonicer japonica Thunb.) against Newcastle disease.

Methods

Venny online analysis was used to analyze the potential overlapping targets of Honeysuckle and Newcastle disease. Hub genes were obtained using the STRING database and Cytoscape 3.8.2 software. Gene Ontology (GO) functions and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomics (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis using the DAVID online tool were performed on these targets.

Results

Twenty-five overlapping targets were identified. The PPI network construction results included 23 nodes of 25 genes and 95 edges. It was found that the IL-6 node had the largest degree. STAT1 and IRF1, CASP9, and CASP3 had the same as well as strongest interaction strengths. GO functions, such as “cytokine activity,” had a regulatory effect on NDV. The “Toll-like receptor signaling Pathway” “Nod-like receptor signaling pathway,” “RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway,” and “Apoptosis,” which were obtained using KEGG analysis, also indicated that these pathways can act on NDV to enhance immune function.

Conclusions

In this study, the potential targets and mechanisms of action of Honeysuckle against Newcastle disease were explored through network pharmacology, which provided a theoretical basis for the treatment of Newcastle disease and provided new ideas for the development of traditional Chinese medicine for the poultry industry.

N-Acetylcysteine Reduces miR-146a and NF-κB p65 Inflammatory Signaling Following Cadmium Hepatotoxicity in Rats

We performed a thorough screening and analysis of the impact of cadmium chloride (CdCl₂) and N-acetylcysteine (NAC) on the miR146a/NF-κB p65 inflammatory pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis dysfunction in male albino rats. A total of 24 male albino rats were divided into three groups: a control group, a CdCl₂-treated group (3 mg/kg, orally), and a CdCl₂ + NAC-treated group (200 mg/kg of NAC, 1 h after CdCl₂ treatment), for 60 consecutive days. Real-time quantitative PCR was used to analyze the expression of miR146a, Irak1, Traf6, Nrf1, Nfe2l2, Pparg, Prkaa, Stat3, Tfam, Tnfa, and Il1b, whereas tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, and cyclooxygenase-2 protein levels were assessed using ELISA, and NF-κB p65 was detected using western blotting. A significant restoration of homeostatic inflammatory processes as well as mitochondrial biogenesis was observed after NAC and CdCl₂ treatment. Decreased miR146a and NF-κB p65 were also found after treatment with NAC and CdCl₂ compared with CdCl₂ treatment alone. Collectively, our findings demonstrate that CdCl₂ caused mtDNA release because of Tfam loss, leading to NF-κB p65 activation. Co-treatment with NAC could alleviate Cd-induced genotoxicity in liver tissue. We concluded that adding NAC to CdCl₂ resulted in a decreased signaling of the NF-κB p65 signaling pathway.

Neuroprotective effect of green and roasted coffee bean extracts on cerebral ischemia-induced injury in rats

Stroke is a lethal event with a high incidence in Egypt. Quick early intervention can be lifesaving. Transient global ischemia (TGI), a type of ischemic stroke, is mainly instigated by cardiac arrest. Ischemia followed by reperfusion causes further neuronal cell damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of green (GCBE) and roasted (RCBE) coffee bean water extract against transient global ischemia-induced via a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (CAO) in rats. Before CAO, 1.5 ml/kg body weight/day of GCBE or RCBE was administered for 14 days by oral gavage. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and sham groups were treated with a vehicle. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activities, such as MDA, NO, GSH, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB, and BDNF were investigated. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, in addition to heme oxygenase 1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 were determined. Apoptotic markers, including Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3, in addition to the vascular endothelial growth factor-a, were investigated, followed by an examination of hippocampal histopathology. Pre-administration of GCBE and RCBE improved neurological function and neuronal survival, suppressed the spread of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and reversed most of the pathological changes. However, green coffee bean extract was more effective than roasted coffee bean extract, perhaps due to the roasting process, which may affect active compounds. In conclusion, GCBE and RCBE represent a potential clinical strategy for pre-ischemic conditioning.

The protective effect of nnano-selenium against cadmium-induced cerebellar injury via the heat shock protein pathway in chicken

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the toxic environmental heavy metals that poses health hazard to animals due to its toxicity. Nano-Selenium (Nano-Se) is a Nano-composite form of Se, which has emerged as a promising therapeutic agent for its protective roles against heavy metals-induced toxicity. Heat shock proteins (HSPs) play a critical role in cellular homeostasis. However, the potential protective effects of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar toxicity remain to be illustrated. To investigate the toxic effects of Cd on chicken's cerebellum, and the protective effects of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar toxicity, a total of 80 male chicks were divided into four groups and treated as follows: (A) 0 mg/kg Cd, (B) 1 mg/kg Nano-Se (C) 140 mg/kg Cd + 1 mg/kg Nano-Se (D) 140 mg/kg Cd for 90 days. We tested heat shock protein pathway-related factors including heat shock factors (HSFs) HSF1, HSF2, HSF3 and heat shock proteins (HSPs) HSP10, HSP25, HSP27, HSP40, HSP60, HSP70 and HSP90 expressions. Histopathological results showed that Cd treatment caused degradation of Purkinje cells. In addition, HSFs and HSPs expression decreased significantly in the Cd group. Nano-Se co-treatment with Cd enhanced the expression of HSFs and HSPs. In summary, our findings explicated a potential protective effect of Nano-Se against Cd-induced cerebellar injury in chicken, suggesting that Nano-Se is a promising therapeutic agent for the treatment of Cd toxicity.