Protective Effects of Apocynin on Cisplatin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Apocynin exerts neuroprotective effects in fumonisin b1-induced neurotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative stress and apoptosis in an animal model

The Fusarium verticillioides produces a mycotoxin, that is, fumonisin b1 (Fb1), which commonly infects corn and agricultural commodities. The Fb1 showed hepatotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and carcinogenicity in animals. Hence, the present investigation aimed to evaluate the effect of apocynin (AP) on Fb1-induced neurotoxic effects and its mechanism in the mice model and cell line. The male Balb/c mice, with the 6.75 mg/kg bwt of Fb1 were injected subcutaneously for 5 days to induce neurotoxicity. A significant elevation of serotonin (5-HT) was observed in mice treated with Fb1 in the whole brain showing biogenic amines may reflect Fb1 neurotoxicity, but the negatively regulated mechanisms were attenuated by the pretreatment of AP. In addition, AP pretreatment normalized apoptotic changes in histology and immunohistochemistry studies. In Western blotting studies, apoptotic genes were upregulated and oxidative stress genes were downregulated due to Fb1 treatment; while treating with AP, these gene expressions were rectified. Further cell cytotoxicity was investigated by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays in SH-SY5Y cell line. MTT and LDH assays indicated the IC50 value to be 150 µM of Fb1, which was protected by 100 µg of AP. The electron microscopy evaluated the Fb1-induced apoptotic conditions and its cell morphology recovery by AP. These results suggest that nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate hydrogen oxidase-mediated reactive oxygen species is the primary upstream signal leading to increased Fb1-mediated neurotoxicity in mice. The use of the antioxidant AP reversed the toxin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis by its antioxidant potency.

Does apocynin increase liver regeneration in the partial hepatectomy model?

BACKGROUND

Hepayocyte loss may develop secondary to liver surgery and at this point liver regeneration plays a significant act in terms of liver reserve. The purpose of this research was to investigate the efficacy of apocynin on liver regeneration and preservation after partial hepatectomy in rats.

METHODS

A total of 32 rats, have been divided into 4 groups (n: 8) for hepatectomy model. Inflammatory and antiinflammatory parameters were measured from blood and liver tissue samples. In addition, the effects of apocynin were examined immunohistochemically and histopathologically from liver tissue.

RESULTS

In liver tissue samples, a significant difference has been found in glutathione peroxidase, total nitrite, catalase, oxidative stress index, total antioxidant and total oxidant status between sham and hepatectomy groups. A significant difference has been achieved between hepatectomy and posthepatectomy-Apocynin in terms of glutathione peroxidase and oxidative stress index. Total antioxidant status, oxidative stress index, and total oxidant status were significantly different only between the sham and the hepatectomy groups. Statistical differences were found between sham and hepatectomy groups and between hepatectomy and pre+post-hepatectomy-Apocynin groups in terms of serum glutathione, malondialdehyde, total nitrite, and L-Arginine. There were significant differences between the sham and hepatectomy groups, between hepatectomy and posthepatectomy-apocynin groups, between posthepatctomy-apocynin and pre+posthepatectomy-apocynin groups in terms of sinusoidal dilatation, intracytoplasmic vacuolization and glycogen loss (p < 0.001), in all histopathologic parameters except sinusoidal dilatation (p < 0.05). However, significant Ki-67 increases have been elaborated in hepatectomy, posthepatectomy-apocynin, and pre+posthepatectomy-apocynin groups compared to sham group (p < 0.001), in pre+posthepatectomy apocynin group compared to hepatectomy and posthepatectomy-apocynin groups (p < 0.001).

DISCUSSION

Histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemistry results of this study revealed that apocynin has a protective effect on enhancing liver regeneration in partial hepatectomy cases in rats.

Apocynin and its chitosan nanoparticles attenuated cisplatin-induced multiorgan failure: Synthesis, characterization, and biological evaluation

Cisplatin (CDDP) is an effective chemotherapeutic drug that has been used successfully in treating various tumors. Although its higher antineoplastic agent activity, CDDP exhibited severe side effects that limit its use. CDDP-induced toxicity is attributed to oxidative stress and inflammation. Apocynin (APO) is a bioactive phytochemical with potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, pharmaceutical experts face significant hurdles due to the limited bioavailability and quick elimination of APO. Therefore, we synthesized a chitosan (CTS)-based nano delivery system using the ionic gelation method to enhance APO bioactivity. CTS-APO-NPs were characterized using different physical and chemical approaches, including FTIR, XRD, TGA, Zeta-sizer, SEM, and TEM. In addition, the protective effect of CTS-APO-NPs against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity in rats was evaluated. CTS-APO-NPs restored serum biomarkers and antioxidants to their normal levels. Also, histopathological examination was used to assess the recovery of heart, kidney, and liver tissues. CTS-APO-NPs attenuated the oxidative stress mediated by Nrf2 activation while it dampened inflammation mediated by NF-κB suppression. CTS-APO-NPs is a potentially attractive target for more therapeutic trials.

Schisandra B, a representative lignan from Schisandra chinensis, improves cisplatin-induced toxicity: An in vitro study

Schisandrin B (Scheme B) is the most abundant and active lignan monomer isolated from Schisandra chinensis. At present, most reports focus on its cardioprotective and hepatoprotective effects, however, the related reports on gastrointestinal protective effects are still limited. The study aims to evaluate the protective effect of Scheme B on cisplatin-induced rat intestinal crypt epithelial (IEC-6) cell injury and the possible molecular mechanisms. The results showed that Scheme B at 2.5, 5 and 10 μM could inhibit dose-dependently the reduction of cell activity induced by cisplatin exposure at 1 μM, decrease the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA), while increasing glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) to alleviate oxidative stress injury in IEC-6 cell lines. Meanwhile, Scheme B could relieve cisplatin-induced apoptosis by regulating PI3K/AKT and the downstream caspase signaling pathway. The results from flow cytometry analysis and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) staining also demonstrated the anti-apoptosis effect of Scheme B. Furthermore, Scheme B was found to reduce the inflammation associated with cell damage by evaluating the protein expressions of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Importantly, Wnt/β-catenin, as a functional signaling pathway that drives intestinal self-recovery, was also in part regulated by Scheme B. In conclusion, Scheme B might alleviate cisplatin-induced IEC-6 cell damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and repairing intestinal barrier function. The present research provides a strong evidence that Scheme B may be a useful modulator in cisplatin-induced intestinal toxicity.

Calcium Dobesilate Ameliorates Cisplatin-induced Hepatotoxicity by Inhibiting Liver Oxidative Stress in Mice

Background

Cisplatin has potent antitumor properties. It has several toxic side effects, such as hepatotoxicity. It is thought that hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin is caused by oxidative stress.

Objectives

It has shown that calcium dobesilate (CD) has potent antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to assess CD protective effects on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Methods

In this study, 28 mice were selected randomly and were divided into four groups, including control, cisplatin (20 mg/kg, i.p., only on the first day of the experiment), Cisplatin+CD 50 (50 mg/kg CD, orally), and Cisplatin+CD 100 (cisplatin with 100 mg/kg CD, orally). A 4-day oral gavage of CD was applied to the treated groups. The mice were sacrificed on the 5th day, and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzyme activity levels in liver tissue were evaluated. Histopathological evaluation was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin-stained liver tissue sections.

Results

The results indicated that there was a significant increase in GSPT, SGOT, ALP, and MDA and also a significant reduction in the liver activity of SOD and GPx in cisplatin-treated animals. Treatment with CD (100 mg/kg) remarkably attenuated the GSPT, SGOT, ALP, MDA, and ROS levels. Moreover, CD (100 mg/kg) elevated the SOD and GPx activity in the liver tissue of cisplatin-treated mice.

Conclusions

The findings showed that CD has a protective effect against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, at least by improving the antioxidant parameters.

The possible beneficial impacts of evodiamine on hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin

In this, it was aimed to determine the possible beneficial effects of evodiamine on hepatotoxicity induced by experimental cisplatin administration in rats. For this purpose, experimental animals were divided into four groups (n=6). Groups were designed as control, evodiamine (EVO), cisplatin (CIS), and evodiamine+cisplatin (EVO+CIS) groups. All experimental processes were applied according to rules of ethical. Rats were sacrificed by high-dose anesthesia. Considering the biochemical results of this study, it can be said that lipid peroxidation level increased and antioxidant enzyme activities decreased in the CIS group comparing to control and only EVO groups. But in the EVO+CIS group, antioxidant activities increased and lipid peroxidation decreased. Moreover, immunohistochemically caspase 8 and TNF-α expressions were severe in the CIS group, whereas, in the EVO+CIS group, these expressions attenuated. According to all our findings, it can be expressed that evodiamine has beneficial effects against hepatotoxicity induced by experimental cisplatin administration.

Centella asiatica extract protects against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of Centella asiatica (CA) on cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the underlying mechanism by biochemical, molecular, immunohistochemical, and histopathological analyses. Rats were pre-treated with two doses of CA (100 and 200 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 consecutive days. Then, on the 15th day, hepatotoxicity was induced by a single cisplatin injection (10 mg/kg i.p.). On the 18th day, the rats were euthanized. CA effectively alleviated cisplatin-induced hepatic injury via reduction in AST, ALT, and ALP enzymes and a decrease in oxidative stress (decreased MDA and ROS, and increased SOD, CAT, and GSH). CA also mitigated the inflammatory damage by the inhibition of TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB. The liver expression of caspase-3 and Bax was downregulated, while Bcl-2 was upregulated. Moreover, immunohistochemical results confirmed the recovery with CA by downregulation of iNOS and 8-OHdG expression. These results showed that with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, CA could help alleviate the hepatotoxic effects of cisplatin chemotherapy.

The role of natural antioxidants in cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity

Cisplatin is a potent platinum-based anticancer drug approved by the Food Drug Administration (FDA) in 1978. Despite its advantages against solid tumors, cisplatin confers toxicity to various tissues that limit its clinical uses. In cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity, few mechanisms have been identified, which started as excess generation of reactive oxygen species that leads to oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage and apoptosis in the liver. Various natural products, plant extracts and oil rich in flavonoids, terpenoids, polyphenols, and phenolic acids were able to minimize oxidative stress by restoring the level of antioxidant enzymes and acting as an anti-inflammatory agent. Likewise, treatment with honey and royal jelly was demonstrated to decrease serum transaminases and scavenge free radicals in the liver after cisplatin administration. Medicinal properties of these natural products have a promising potential as a complementary therapy to counteract cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review concentrated on the protective role of several natural products, which has been proven in the laboratory findings to combat cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Protective effects of apocynin against ionizing radiation-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Radiation hepatotoxicity is thought to be due to free oxygen radicals. We investigated the protective effects of apocynin (APO) against ionizing radiation induced oxidative stress in liver tissue following whole body ionizing radiation. We divided rats into four groups. The control group was injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with saline for five consecutive days. A second group was injected i.p. with saline for 5 days and after 24 h, a single-dose of radiation (800 cGy) was administered to the whole abdomen. A third group was injected i.p. with 20 mg/kg APO for 5 days. A fourth group was injected i.p. with APO for 5 days and after 24 h, the rats were exposed to radiation. Ionizing radiation induced hepatotoxicity was demonstrated biochemically by significant changes in oxidative and antioxidant parameters. Our findings suggest that APO treatment may be protective against radiation induced hepatic injury by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant activity.

Alleviation of cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity by gliclazide: Involvement of oxidative stress and caspase-3 activity

AIMS

Cisplatin (CP), as an effective alkylating agent, is widely used in cancer treatment, while hepatotoxicity is one of its side effects. Gliclazide (GLZ), as an oral hypoglycemic drug, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study was designed to investigate the protective effect of GLZ against CP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 64 adult male mice randomly were allocated into eight groups (8 mice/group). Control, GLZ (5, 10, and 25 mg/kg, orally), CP (10 mg/kg, single dose, intraperitoneally), and CP+GLZ (in three doses). GLZ was administrated for 10 consecutive days. CP was injected on the 7th day of the study. At the end of the experiment, hepatotoxicity was evaluated by serum and tissue biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical assessments.

RESULTS

The data were revealed that CP increased oxidative stress (increased MDA and reduced GSH), liver damage enzymes (ALT, AST, and ALP), and immunoreactivity of caspase-3 in liver tissue of CP-injected mice. Also, CP induced histopathological changes such as eosinophilic of hepatocytes, dilatation of sinusoids, congestion, and proliferation of Kupffer cells. GLZ administration significantly ameliorated serum functional enzyme and hepatic oxidative stress markers in CP-injected mice. In addition, the histological and immunohistochemical alterations were ameliorated in GLZ-treated mice. Of the three doses, 10 and 25 mg/kg were more effective.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GLZ with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities, can be suggested as a promising drug in the treatment of CP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Ameliorative effect of betanin on experimental cisplatin-induced liver injury; the novel impact of miRNA-34a on the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway

The anticancer agent, cisplatin (CIS), is associated with hepatotoxic effects related to activation of oxidative stress and inflammation pathways. CIS-induced oxidative DNA damage reduces sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) activity, which in turn, modulates the activity of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC-1α). Moreover, microRNA-34a (miRNA-34a) was shown to hinder both SIRT1 and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activity. Thus, targeting such a pathway can alleviate CIS-induced hepatotoxicity. Betanin (BET) is a natural red glycoside food dye obtained from beets, which is reported to exhibit antioxidant function. However, its role in CIS-induced liver injury and the molecular mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Thus, the aim of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effect of BET on CIS-induced acute hepatotoxicity through the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling pathway and illustrate the impact of miRNA-34a. Seventy-two rats were divided into six equal groups: (1) Control, (2) BET, (3) CIS, (4) CIS/BET, (5) CIS/EX527, and (6) CIS/BET/EX527. CIS-induced liver injury was evidenced by deregulated BAX and BCL2 levels, decreased levels of AMP-activated protein kinase and PGC-1α expression, and decreased SIRT1 activity. Consequently, reduced levels of Nrf2 and the expression of associated heme oxygenase-1 and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit were observed. Intriguingly, BET succeeded in reducing the CIS-induced liver injury through reducing miRNA-34a expression and enhancing the SIRT1/PGC-1α pathway. These findings coincide with the molecular docking results and the histopathological picture. In conclusion, the current research provided novel findings of the BET ameliorative effect on CIS-induced liver injury through modulating miRNA-34a expression and the SIRT1/PGC-1α signaling cascade.

Protective effect of dexpanthenol on cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CIS) is an antineoplastic agent used for treating solid organ tumors. Toxic side effects of CIS treatment include nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, ototoxicity, myelosuppression and hepatotoxicity. Dexpanthenol (DEX) exhibits antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and protective effects against free oxygen radicals. We investigated the protective effects of DEX on CIS induced nephrotoxicity. Animals were divided into four groups of 10. The control group was given saline. The DEX group was treated with DEX for 10 days. The CIS group was treated with a single dose of CIS. The DEX + CIS group was given a single dose of CIS followed by DEX for 10 days. We found increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine, while superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) levels were decreased in the CIS group. MDA, BUN and creatinine levels were decreased, while SOD, CAT, GPx and MPO levels were increased in the DEX + CIS group. Renal tubule damage, inflammation and histopathology scores were significantly higher in the CIS group than the control. The DEX + CIS group exhibited less renal tubule damage and inflammation, and lower histopathological assessment scores than the CIS group. Significant cortical tubule damage and interstitial inflammation were observed in the CIS group. Tubule damage was slightly less, and mild tubule dilation and less cast formation were observed in the DEX + CIS group; also, inflammation was less severe than for the CIS group. DEX may have therapeutic potential for treating CIS induced nephrotoxicity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

L-Carnitine Mitigates Oxidative Stress and Disorganization of Cytoskeleton Intermediate Filaments in Cisplatin-Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in Rats

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most active medications in cancer treatment and has some adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The present research was planned to determine the protective effects of L-carnitine (LC) against CP-induced hepato-renal oxidative stress in rats, via investigating of some serum biochemical and tissue oxidative/antioxidant parameters, histological alterations, and immunohistochemical expressions of two different intermediate filaments (IFs) proteins; vimentin (VIM) and cytokeratin 18 (CK18). Twenty-eight rats were divided into four groups (7 rats each). Groups I and II were orally administered saline and LC (100 mg/kg body weight), respectively, once daily for 30 consecutive days. Group III received saline orally once daily and a single dose of CP on the 27th day of the experiment [7.5 mg/kg, intraperitoneal (IP)]. Group IV received both LC and CP. Injection of CP significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and creatinine and urea levels, while serum total protein, albumin, and globulin concentrations significantly (P ≤ 0.05) decreased. In addition, CP induced a dramatic increase in the Malondialdehyde (MDA) level along with a substantial decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) in the hepato-renal tissues. Histologically, both liver and kidney of the CP treated group revealed marked degenerative changes. Moreover, overexpression of both VIM and CK18 in hepato-renal tissues were noted after CP injection. On the other hand, the administration of LC in the CP injected group (Group IV) restored the biochemical parameters, histological, and immunohistochemical pictures toward the normalcy. In conclusion, LC may be supplemented for chemotherapy with CP to ameliorate its oxidative stress and restore the normal organization of IFs, especially VIM and CK18 within the CP intoxicated hepato-renal cells.

Protective effects of apocynin on damaged testes of rats exposed to methotrexate

Background/aim

Methotrexate (MTX), widely used as a drug in cancer, has many adverse effects on tissues. Apocynin (APO) is a NADPH oxidase inhibitor and is known with many antioxidant properties. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the adverse effects of MTX on testicular tissue and the protective effects of APO at two different doses (20 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg) on MTX-induced testicular damage.

Materials and methods

Fifty adult male Wistar albino rats (8 weeks old and weighing 200–250 g) were divided into five groups of 10 rats each: 1. saline control, 2. dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) control, 3. MTX, 4. APO-20 + MTX, and 5. APO-50 + MTX. All injections were performed intraperitoneally. At the end of day 28, all rats were sacrificed under anesthesia. The testes were evaluated histologically and the blood samples were analyzed biochemically.

Results

According to histological and biochemical analyses, there was no significant difference between the DMSO and control groups. In terms of the histological findings, MTX group was significantly the worst affected group compared to the others, and in this group, apoptotic cell number (P = 0.011) was significantly increased in comparison with the control group. Except MTX, there was no significant difference in apoptotic cell number of the other groups compared to the control group. In the MTX group, malondialdehyde (MDA, P = 0.017) and myeloperoxidase (MPO, P < 0.001) levels were significantly increased in tissue and in blood (MDA P < 0.001, MPO P < 0.001), while tissue glutathione (GSH, P < 0.05) and serum testosterone levels (P < 0.01) were decreased compared with the control group. APO + MTX treatment groups exhibited better testis morphology, and apoptotic cells were also significantly decreased compared to MTX group (P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Our results suggest that MTX induced defects on testis via oxidative stress and APO reversed the effects of MTX with its antioxidant properties.

Crocin attenuates cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity via TLR4/NF-κBp50 signaling and BAMBI modulation of TGF-β activity: Involvement of miRNA-9 and miRNA-29

TLR4-induced mitigation of the BMP down-regulation and activin membrane bound inhibitor (BAMBI) and the consequent enhancement of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) profibrogenic signaling has not yet been studied in cisplatin (CIS)-induced hepatotoxicity. miRNA-9 and29 have been previously reported to modulate TLR4 signaling via either tempering the expression of nuclear factor kappa-B p50 (NF-κB p50) or downregulation of extracellular matrix genes respectively. Hence we aimed to investigate the involvement of TLR4-induced modulation of TGF-β receptor 1 (TGF-βR1) signaling as well as the implication of miRNA-9 and 29 in CIS-induced hepatotoxicity. Moreover, we examined the ability of the phytochemical; crocin (CROC); to interact with either TLR4 or TGF-βR1 through a molecular docking study and subsequently explore its capability to attenuate CIS-induced hepatotoxicity. CROC pretreatment ameliorated the CIS-induced enhancement of TLR4 and TGF-β signaling and enhanced the expression of BAMBI, miRNA-9 and 29. Accordingly, it may be assumed that the protective effect of CROC against CIS-induce hepatotoxicity is mediated via the crosstalk of TLR4/NF-κBp50 signaling and BAMBI modulation of TGF-β1 activity in addition to the up-regulation of miRNA-9 and 29. These findings came in alignment with our molecular docking results; emphasizing the molecular antagonistic activity of CROC in both TLR4 and TGF-βR1.

Histopathological and biochemical assessment of liver damage in albino Wistar rats treated with cytotoxic platinum compounds in combination with 5-fluorouracil

INTRODUCTION

Chemotherapy-induced hepatotoxicity in cancer patients often results in cessation of therapy and prevents completion of the treatment plan. The entire pathological description and comparison of hepatic damage induced by oxaliplatin or cisplatin in combination with 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is not adequately reported. This study reports histopathological assessment of hepatotoxicity of a non-tumor bearing organ in rats treated with 5-FU, oxaliplatin and cisplatin (CDDP).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Changes in hepatic biochemical profile of 36 albino Wistar rats equally divided into different treatment groups with cisplatin, oxaliplatin, 5-FU, cisplatin plus 5-FU and oxaliplatin plus 5-FU were compared with a group of rats treated with normal saline (control group). At the end of treatments, hepatic tissues were taken for blinded histopathological assessment by light microscopy.

RESULTS

Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase and serum glutamic-oxaloacetic transaminase levels were disrupted in rats treated with 5-FU alone and in combination with cisplatin or oxaliplatin. Hepatocellular injuries, e.g. sinusoidal dilatation, venular fibrosis and centrilobular vein injury induced by oxaliplatin were intensified in treatment groups also receiving 5-FU, manifested as massive architectural distortion, periportal fibrosis, hepatic cord degeneration and cystic lesions with demarcated margins. Hepatocellular degenerative sequence and abnormally dilated central hepatic vein was shown in the cisplatin plus 5-FU treatment group with hemorrhage and blood filled sinusoids.

CONCLUSIONS

Oxaliplatin-associated cystic lesions were intensified in rats treated with a combination of 5-FU and oxaliplatin.

Cisplatin-induced ototoxicity involves interaction of PRMT3 and cannabinoid system

This study investigated whether protein arginine methyltransferase (PRMT) and the cannabinoid system are involved in cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. Cisplatin increased cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein expression. This effect is indicative of an increase in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis signaling including cleavage of caspase-3, caspase-9, poly-adenosine diphosphate-ribose polymerase, and phospho-p53, as well as expression of PRMT3, PRMT4 and fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH)1 in House Ear Institute-Organ of Corti 1 (HEI-OC1) cells. In addition, overexpression of PRMT3 or PRMT4 increased the expression of FAAH1 expression, apoptosis, and ER stress signaling in HEI-OC1 cells, whereas PRMT3 or PRMT4 knockdown had the opposite effect. Furthermore, overexpression of FAAH1 increased apoptosis and ER stress, but expression of the PRMTs was unchanged. In addition, a cannabinoid 1 receptor agonist and FAAH inhibitor attenuated apoptosis and ER stress, while cisplatin increased the binding of PRMT3 with FAAH1. In the in vivo experiments, cisplatin was injected intraperitoneally at 6 mg/kg/day into C57BL/6 mice, and 7 days later, this study confirmed that PRMT3 and PRMT4 were upregulated in the organ of Corti of the mice. These results indicate that cisplatin-induced ototoxicity was correlated with PRMT3, PRMT4 and the cannabinoid system, and PRMT3 binding with FAAH1 was increased by cisplatin in HEI-OC1 cells. Therefore, this study suggests that PRMT3 mediates cisplatin-induced ototoxicity via interaction with FAAH1 in vitro and in vivo.

Scorpion Venom Causes Apoptosis by Increasing Reactive Oxygen Species and Cell Cycle Arrest in MDA-MB-231 and HCT-8 Cancer Cell Lines

Objectives.

The objective of this study was to examine the effect of scorpion venoms on cancer cell progression, apoptosis, and cell cycle arrest. Scorpion venoms are known to possess numerous bioactive compounds that act against cancer progression by inducing apoptosis. In this study, we have taken the venoms from the following 2 species of scorpion—Androctonus crassicauda and Leiurus quinquestriatus—and tested the anticancer properties of the venom against breast and colorectal cancer cell lines.

Methods.

Milking of scorpion venom and culturing the breast and colorectal cancer cell lines were done according to the standard procedure. The venom cytotoxicity was assessed by MTT methods, and the cellular and nuclear changes were studied with phase contrast and propidium iodide staining, respectively. The cell cycle arrest and accumulation of reactive oxygen species were analyzed on a Muse cell analyzer.

Results.

The venoms exerted cytotoxic effects on breast and colorectal cell lines in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Enhanced apoptotic cells, increase in reactive oxygen species, and cell cycle arrest were observed after challenging these cell lines with scorpion venoms.

Conclusions.

Scorpion venom induces apoptosis in breast and colorectal cell lines as reflected by the changes in the cell morphology and cell cycle studies. Furthermore, a high percentage of total reactive oxygen species as well as apoptotic cells also contribute to cell death as observed after venom treatments. To the best of authors’ knowledge, this is the first scientific evidence demonstrating the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest by these species of scorpion venoms.

Apocynin alleviates cisplatin-induced testicular cytotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate possible protective effects of apocynin (APO), an NADPH oxidase (NOX2) inhibitor, on cisplatin (CIS)-induced testicular damage. Four groups of Sprague Dawley rats were used: control, APO, CIS and CIS+APO. Following a single intraperitoneal dose of CIS (7 mg/kg), either dimethyl sulfoxide or APO (25 mg/kg) was administered orally for 5 days. Testis samples were evaluated microscopically for general histopathology and ultrastructure, proliferating and apoptotic cells, and NOX2 localization. Sperm parameters were evaluated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO) and 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) activities were analysed biochemically. The CIS group had a greater number of abnormal spermatozoa, atrophic seminiferous tubules, apoptotic and NOX2-immunoreactive cells; numerous large vacuole formations in the cytoplasm of germinal epithelial cells; degenerated intercellular tight junctions; higher MDA, 8-OHdG and MPO levels; decreased numbers of spermatozoa; and lower proliferative index and GSH and SOD levels. All these histologic and biochemical results were better in the CIS+APO group. CIS causes testicular damage by decreasing spermatogenic cell lines and increasing NOX2 activity and apoptosis through oxidative stress. APO prevents testicular damage, possibly by its antioxidant effects.

Protective effect of Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract on liver and kidney injury induced by cisplatin in rats

Cisplatin (CP) has been used to cure numerous forms of cancers effectively in clinics, however, it could induce some toxic effects. Bee pollen is a natural compound, produced by honey bees. It is obtained from collected flower pollen and nectar, mixed with bee saliva. Bee pollen produced from Schisandra chinensis plants is described to exert potent antioxidant effects and to be a free radical scavenger. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of therapeutic treatment with Schisandra chinensis bee pollen extract (SCBPE) on liver and kidney injury induced by CP. The rats were intragastrically administrated with different doses of SCBPE (400mg/kg/day, 800mg/kg/day, 1200mg/kg/day) and vitamin C (400mg/kg/day, positive control group) for 12days, and the liver and kidney injury models were established by single intraperitoneal injection of CP (8mg/kg) at seventh day. The effect of SCBPE on CP toxicity was evaluated by measuring markers of liver and kidney injury in serum, levels of lipid peroxidation and antioxidants in liver and kidney, observing pathological changes of tissue, and quantified expression of NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6, cytochrome C, caspase3, caspase9, p53 and Bax in liver and kidney. Compared with the model group, the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and the content of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr) in serum all decreased in SCBPE high dose group. Meanwhile, the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver and kidney increased, and the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) decreased. In addition, the histopathologic aspects showed that the pathological changes of liver and kidney were found in the model group, and SCBPE group reduced to varying degrees. Moreover, the expression of NFκB, IL-1β, IL-6, cytochrome C, caspase3, caspase9, p53 and Bax in liver and kidney decreased. Therefore, SCBPE could reduce the damage of liver and kidney caused by CP by reducing the level of oxidative stress, and improving the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic capacity of the body.

Inhibition of NADPH oxidase by apocynin promotes myocardial antioxidant response and prevents isoproterenol-induced myocardial oxidative stress in rats

Preventive and/or therapeutic interventions for ischemic heart disease have gained considerable attention worldwide. We investigated the mechanism(s) underlying cardioprotection of apocynin (APO) and whether it attenuates isoproterenol (ISO)-induced myocardial damage in vivo. Thirty-two male Wistar Albino rats were randomised into four groups (n = 8 for each group): Group I (Control); Group II (ISO), ISO was given intraperitoneally (ip) (150 mg/kg/d) daily for 2 consecutive days; Group III (APO + ISO), APO was applied ip 20 mg/kg 30 min before the first ISO administration and continued for the next 2 d after the second ISO administration; Group IV (ISO + APO), after the ISO treatment on days 1 and 2, 20 mg/kg APO was given ip on days 3 and 4. Cardioprotective effects of APO were evaluated by biochemical values, histopathological observations and the antiapoptotic relative proteins. Mean blood pressure, heart rate, and electrocardiography (ECG) were also monitored. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), oxidative stress index (OSI), caspase-3 and connexin 43 levels were determined. Major ECG changes were observed in the ISO-treated rats. MDA, TOS, OSI and creatine kinase levels decreased and SOD, CAT, GSH and TAC levels increased, indicating that APO reduced cardiac injury and oxidative stress compared with controls. APO also decreased the number of cardiomyocytes with pyknotic nuclei, inflammatory cell infiltration, intracytoplasmic vacuolisation and myofibrils. APO provides preventive and therapeutic effects on ISO-induced myocardial injury in rats by inhibiting reactive oxygen species production, blocking inflammation and enhancing antioxidant status.

The Protective Effects of p-Coumaric Acid on Acute Liver and Kidney Damages Induced by Cisplatin

In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of p-Coumaric acid (PCA) on cisplatin (CIS)-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in Wistar adult rats for 24 h compared to untreated control groups. In this experiment, 40 Wistar adult rats were utilized and divided randomly into five groups. After 24 h of CIS administration, liver and kidneys were harvested and assessed by H&amp;E staining. Also, markers for oxidative stress and antioxidants were analyzed in theses tissues. Compared to the control group, accumulation of malondialdehyde was increased in groups treated CIS, whereas superoxide dismutase activities and glutathione levels were distinctly diminished in this group. The study's histopathological findings such as hydropic degeneration, vascular congestion, sinusoidal dilatation in hepatocytes and tubular necrosis in kidneys were in accordance with the results of markers for oxidative stress. PCA may prevent hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by increased antioxidant enzymes and reduced oxidant parameters.

Emodin protects mice against radiation-induced mortality and intestinal injury via inhibition of apoptosis and modulation of p53

The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of emodin, a plant-derived anthraquinone, against gamma radiation-induced mortality and intestinal injury in mice, and to investigate the radioprotective molecular mechanism. C57BL/6 male mice were pre-treated with emodin for 7days via oral gavage before gamma radiation. We found that pretreatment with emodin prolonged mice survival time after 9Gy total body irradiation (TBI). Mice were sacrificed at 1 week after 7Gy TBI, we found that emodin attenuated intestinal morphological changes and increased villus height, crypt numbers, and reduced villus and crypt apoptosis as well as inhibited the expression of p53. MTT assay, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33258 staining, real-time PCR, and Western blotting indicated that emodin pretreatment can effectively increase human umbilical venous endothelial cells (HUVECs) viability and attenuate cell apoptosis; it also inhibited the expression of p53, Bax, and Caspase3 in HUVECs after irradiation. In summary, these results suggest the potential of emodin as an effective radioprotectant against radiation-induced intestinal injury.

Apocynin influence on oxidative stress and cardiac remodeling of spontaneously hypertensive rats with diabetes mellitus

PURPOSE

Although increased oxidative stress is a major component of diabetic hypertensive cardiomyopathy, research into the effects of antioxidants on cardiac remodeling remains scarce. The actions of antioxidant apocynin include inhibiting reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation by nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidases and ROS scavenging. We evaluated the effects of apocynin on cardiac remodeling in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) with diabetes mellitus (DM).

METHODS

Male SHR were divided into four groups: control (SHR, n = 16); SHR treated with apocynin (SHR-APO; 16 mg/kg/day, added to drinking water; n = 16); diabetic SHR (SHR-DM, n = 13); and SHR-DM treated with apocynin (SHR-DM-APO, n = 14), for eight weeks. DM was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg, single dose). Statistical analyzes: ANOVA and Tukey or Mann-Whitney.

RESULTS

Echocardiogram in diabetic groups showed higher left ventricular and left atrium diameters indexed for body weight, and higher isovolumetric relaxation time than normoglycemic rats; systolic function did not differ between groups. Isolated papillary muscle showed impaired contractile and relaxation function in diabetic groups. Developed tension was lower in SHR-APO than SHR. Myocardial hydroxyproline concentration was higher in SHR-DM than SHR, interstitial collagen fraction was higher in SHR-DM-APO than SHR-APO, and type III collagen protein expression was lower in SHR-DM and SHR-DM-APO than their controls. Type I collagen and lysyl oxidase expression did not differ between groups. Apocynin did not change collagen tissue. Myocardial lipid hydroperoxide concentration was higher in SHR-DM than SHR and SHR-DM-APO. Glutathione peroxidase activity was lower and catalase higher in SHR-DM than SHR. Apocynin attenuated antioxidant enzyme activity changes in SHR-DM-APO. Advanced glycation end-products and NADPH oxidase activity did not differ between groups.

CONCLUSION

Apocynin reduces oxidative stress independently of NADPH oxidase activity and does not change ventricular or myocardial function in spontaneously hypertensive rats with diabetes mellitus. The apocynin-induced myocardial functional impairment in SHR shows that apocynin actions need to be clarified during sustained chronic pressure overload.

Histopathological and ophthalmoscopic evaluation of apocynin on experimental proliferative vitreoretinopathy in rabbit eyes

The aim of the current study was to evaluate the effect of apocynin (APO) on the development of proliferative vitreoretinopathy (PVR). New Zealand-type male rabbits were randomly grouped into three as follows: (1) Sham group rabbits which were applied intraperitoneal (i.p.) vehicle without PVR; (2) PVR group rabbits where PVR was created and an i.p. vehicle was administered for 21 successive days; (3) PVR + APO group rabbits where PVR was created and i.p. APO was administered for 21 successive days. Fundus examination was conducted with an indirect ophthalmoscope before starting the experiments and at each visit afterwards. At the end of the work, the rabbits were sacrificed under high-dose anesthesia and then eye tissues were taken for histopathological analyses. In the PVR + APO group, histopathologic and ophthalmoscopic examination revealed significant decrease in PVR formation. As the result, it has been observed that APO at least partially inhibits PVR formation.