Unfolding the mechanism of cisplatin induced pathophysiology in spleen and its amelioration by carnosine

Bioconcentration, oxidative stress and molecular mechanism of the toxic effect of acetamiprid exposure on Xenopus laevis tadpoles

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid commonly detected in aquatic ecosystems, with residual concentrations of up to 0.41 mg/L in surface water, posing a threat to the health of nontarget aquatic organisms. However, studies on the potential toxicity and underlying mechanisms of action of acetamiprid on nontarget aquatic organisms are limited. This study investigated the acute and short-term toxicity of acetamiprid to Xenopus laevis tadpoles. A 96-h acute toxicity test determined the LC50 of acetamiprid to be 32.1 mg/L. After 28 days of exposure to 1/10 and 1/100 LC50 concentrations, tadpole samples were collected for bioconcentration elimination analysis, biochemical analyses, transcriptomics, and metabolomics studies to comprehensively evaluate the toxic effects of acetamiprid and its underlying mechanisms. The results, indicating bioconcentration factors (BCFs) < 1, suggest that acetamiprid has a low bioconcentration in tadpoles. Additionally, oxidative stress was observed in treated Xenopus laevis tadpoles. Transcriptomic and nontargeted metabolomic analyses identified 979 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and 95 differentially metabolites in the 0.321 mg/L group. The integrated analysis revealed that disruption of purine and amino acid metabolic pathways potentially accounts for acetamiprid-induced toxic effects in tadpoles. The disruptive effects of acetamiprid on valine, leucine and isoleucine biosynthesis; and aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis metabolic pathways in tadpoles were validated through targeted metabolomics analysis. These findings are crucial for assessing the risk of acetamiprid to nontarget aquatic organisms.

Fluorescence-Guided Spatial Drug Screening in 3D Colorectal Cancer Spheroids

The limited recapitulation of critical cancer features in 2D cultures causes poor translatability of preclinical results from in vitro assays to in vivo tumor models. This contributes to slow drug development with a low success rate. 3D cultures better recapitulate the tumor microenvironment, enabling more accurate predictions when screening drug candidates and improving the development of chemotherapeutics. Platinum (Pt) (IV) compounds are promising prodrugs designed to reduce the severe systemic toxicity of widely used Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-approved Pt(II) drugs such as cisplatin. Here, this work presents spatiotemporal evaluations in 3D colorectal cancer (CRC) spheroids of mitochondria-targeting Pt(IV) complexes. CRC spheroids provide a greater pathophysiological recapitulation of in vivo tumors than 2D cultures by a marked upregulation of the ABCG2 chemoresistance marker expression. Furthermore, new 3D-staining protocols are introduced to evaluate the real-time decrease in mitochondria membrane potential (ΔΨ) in CRC spheroids, and a Pt-sensing dye to quantify the Pt mitochondrial accumulation. Finally, this work demonstrates a correlation between in vitro results and the efficacy of the compounds in vivo. Overall, the CRC spheroids represent a fast and cost-effective model to assess the behavior of Pt compounds in vitro and predict their translational potential in CRC treatment.

Bioconjugate based on cisplatin and bacterial exopolysaccharide with reduced side effects: A novel proposal for cancer treatment

BACKGROUND

In the search for alternatives that attenuate the toxicity associated to oncologic treatment with cisplatin (CDDP) and considering the potential health-beneficial properties of exopolysaccharides (EPS) produced by lactic acid bacteria, it was aimed on this study to evaluate the cytotoxic, toxicologic and antitumoral efficacy of a bioconjugate based on CDDP and EPS, on the experimental tumor of sarcoma 180.

METHODS

After the synthesis of the cis-[Pt(NH3)2(Cl)2] complex and of the conjugate containing Lactobacillus fermentum exopolysaccharide was tested both in vitro and in vivo for evaluating the acute toxicity.

RESULTS

The antitumoral study was performed using mice transplanted with sarcoma 180. The bioconjugate showed low to medium cytotoxicity for the cell lines tested, as well moderated acute toxicity. After determining the LD50, the following experimental groups were established for the antitumor assay: Control (NaCl 0,9%), CDDP (1 mg/kg), EPS and bioconjugate composition (200 mg/kg). The bioconjugate promoted a 38% regression in tumor mass when compared to the control, and a regression of 41% when compared to CDDP. Liver histopathological analysis revealed discrete alterations in animals treated with (CDDP + EPS) when compared to control. The bioconjugate also minimized changes in the renal parenchyma resulting from the tumor.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that when CDDP is associated with EPS, this composition was more biocompatible, showing itself as a potent chemotherapeutic agent and lower tissue toxicity.

Tiliacora triandra Leaf Powder Ethanolic Extract in Combination with Cisplatin or Gemcitabine Synergistically Inhibits the Growth of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and in Nude Mouse Xenograft Models

Background and Objectives: The treatments of cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) with Cisplatin (Cis) and Gemcitabine (Gem) often cause side effects and drug resistance. This study aimed to investigate the combined effects of Tiliacora triandra leaf powder ethanolic extract (TLPE) and Cis or Gem on CCA cells in vitro and in nude mouse xenografts. Materials and Methods: Antiproliferative activity was evaluated using MTT assay. Drug interaction was studied by Chou-Talalay method. Apoptosis induction and cell cycle arrest were analyzed by flow cytometry. Cell cycle and apoptosis regulating proteins were evaluated by western blot analysis. Results:Treatments with Cis or Gem in combination with TLPE significantly inhibited the growth of KKU-M213B and KKU-100 cells compared with single drug treatments. Synergistic drug interactions were observed with the dose reduction of Cis and Gem treatments. The safety of TLPE was demonstrated in vitro by the hemolytic assay. Synergistic combination treatments down-regulated Bcl2 and reduced the ratio of Bcl2/Bax in both CCA cells. TLPE enhanced tumor suppression of both Cis and Gem in nude mouse xenograft models. Combination treatments with Cis and TLPE reduced Cis toxicity, as demonstrated by the enhanced body weight change of the treated mice compared with the treatment with Cis alone. Furthermore, TLPE reduced hepatotoxicity caused by Gem treatment and reduced kidney and spleen toxicities caused by Cis treatment. Conclusion: These findings suggest that TLPE enhances the anticancer activity of Cis and Gem and reduces their toxicity both in vitro and in nude mouse xenograft models.

Serum levels of carnosine may be associated with the duration of MDD episodes

BACKGROUND

Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a recurrent disorder that incurs a high societal burden. However, the etiology of MDD remains unclear. The functioning of several systems associated with the etiopathogenesis of MDD, such as inflammatory and stress systems, is partially modulated by the dipeptide carnosine.

METHODS

The study comprised 99 MDD patients and 253 non-depressed controls aged 20-71 years. Fasting serum samples were analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry to determine the serum levels of carnosine and its constituent, histidine. We compared these metabolites in three different settings: 1) MDD patients vs. non-depressed controls and 2) remitted vs. non-remitted MDD patients, as well as 3) changes in the metabolite levels during the follow-up period within a) the remitted group and b) the non-remitted group. In addition, we assessed the possible effect of medications on the measured metabolites.

RESULTS

We observed higher serum levels of carnosine in the MDD group compared to the control group at baseline (OR = 1.895, 95%CI = 1.223-2.937, p = 0.004). Elevated serum levels of carnosine were also associated with a longer duration of the depressive episode (Z = 0.406, p = 0.001). However, the use of any antipsychotic medication (n = 36) was associated with lowered carnosine levels (p = 0.010 for use vs. non-use). At the follow-up, remitted and non-remitted participants displayed no significant differences in their carnosine levels (Z = -0.14, p = 0.891) or histidine (Z = -1.39 p = 0.164).

CONCLUSIONS

An increase in circulating carnosine may characterize depressive episodes and may represent a protective homeostatic reaction against MDD-related oxidative stress and inflammation.

Immunomodulatory Effects of Chicken Broth and Histidine Dipeptides on the Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression Mouse Model

The carnosine and anserine, which represent histidine dipeptides (HD), are abundant in chicken broth (CB). HD are endogenous dipeptide that has excellent antioxidant and immunomodulatory effects. The immunomodulatory effect of CB hydrolysate (CBH) and HD in cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced immunosuppressed mice was examined in this study. CBH and HD were given to mice via oral gavage for 15 days, accompanied by intraperitoneal CTX administration to induce immunosuppression. CBH and HD treatment were observed to reduce immune organ atrophy (p < 0.05) and stimulate the proliferation of splenic lymphocytes (p < 0.05) while improving white blood cell, immunoglobulin M (IgM), IgG, and IgA levels (p < 0.05). Moreover, CBH and HD strongly stimulated interleukin-2 (IL-2) and interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) production by up-regulating IL-2 and IFN-γ mRNA expression (p < 0.05) while inhibiting interleukin-10 (IL-10) overproduction and IL-10 mRNA expression (p < 0.05). In addition, CBH and HD prevented the inhibition of the nitric oxide (NP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate-cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cGMP-cAMP)/protein kinase A (PKA) signaling pathway (p < 0.05). These results indicate that CBH and HD have the potential to prevent immunosuppression induced by CTX. Our data demonstrate that CBH can effectively improve the immune capacity of immunosuppressed mice similar to the same amount of purified HD, which indicates that CBH plays its role through its own HD.

Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Their Conditioned Media, and Olive Leaf Extract Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity by Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatic and renal damage is a cisplatin (Cis)-induced deleterious effect that is a major limiting factor in clinical chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

The current study was designed to investigate the influence of pretreatment with olive leaf extract (OLE), bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), and their conditioned media (CM-MSC) against genotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into six groups (six rats each) as follows: Control; OLE group, treated with OLE; Cis group, treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of Cis (7 mg/kg bw); Cis + OLE group, treated with OLE and cisplatin; Cis + CM-MSC group, treated with BM-MSC conditioned media and Cis; and Cis + MSC group, treated with BM-MSC in addition to Cis.

RESULTS

Cis resulted in a significant deterioration in hepatic and renal functions and histological structures. Furthermore, it increased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased glutathione (GSH) content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in hepatic and renal tissues. Furthermore, apoptosis was evident in rat tissues. A significant increase in serum 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a decrease in lysozyme activity were detected in Cis-treated rats. OLE, CM-MSC, and BM-MSC have significantly ameliorated Cis-induced deterioration in hepatic and renal structure and function and improved oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, with preference to BM-MSC. Moreover, apoptosis was significantly inhibited, evident from the decreased expression of Bax and caspase-3 genes and upregulation of Bcl-2 proteins in protective groups as compared to Cis group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that BM-MSC, CM-MSC, and OLE have beneficial effects in ameliorating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and genotoxicity in a rat model.

Eicosapentaenoic and docosahexaenoic acids attenuate methotrexate-induced apoptosis and suppression of splenic T, B-Lymphocytes and macrophages with modulation of expression of CD3, CD20 and CD68

Methotrexate (MTX) is a chemotherapeutic agent used for cancer and autoimmune disorders. MTX may cause multi-organ affections. However, few studies examined MTX-induced splenic suppression and therapeutic modalities against it. This is the first study to explore the efficacy of omega-3 fatty acids; Eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and Docosahexaenoic (DHA) against MTX-induced splenic suppression and its effect on splenic macrophages and lymphocytes. Five groups of Sprague Dawley rats were used. Group 1 received saline; group 2: omega-3 only; group 3: a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg); groups 4 and 5: MTX (20 mg/kg) + either omega-3 (150) or (300 mg/kg) once daily, respectively, given for two days before MTX and three days after it. Splenic tissues were then removed, evaluated for oxidative stress markers; GSH, MDA, and for mRNA expression of the apoptotic marker caspase-3, the anti-apoptotic marker Bcl-2 and the inflammatory cytokine TNFα. Moreover, H&E stain, Prussian blue stain for iron, and immunohistochemical staining for TNFα, T lymphocyte marker; CD3, B lymphocyte marker; CD20, and macrophage marker; CD68, were performed with morphometric analysis. EPA and DHA could decrease the MTX-induced increase in the histopathological injury score, splenic hemosiderin, splenic MDA, mRNA expression of TNFα, caspase-3 and could increase the MTX-induced decrease in Splenic GSH and mRNA expression for Bcl-2. It also decreased the MTX-induced elevation in the immunopositive area of TNFα, and increased the area percentage of CD3+, CD20+ and CD68+ cells. Therefore, omega-3 can be a promising adjuvant to help MTX action with prevention of its deleterious effects on spleen.

Assessment of Chemotherapy-Induced Organ Damage with Ga-68 Labeled Duramycin

PURPOSE

Evaluation of [⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-duramycin as a positron emission tomography (PET) tracer of cell death for whole-body detection of chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity.

PROCEDURES

Tracer specificity of Ga-68 labeled NODAGA-duramycin was determined in vitro using competitive binding experiments. Organ uptake was analyzed in untreated and doxorubicin, busulfan, and cisplatin-treated mice 2 h after intravenous injection of [⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-duramycin. In vivo data were validated by immunohistology and blood parameters.

RESULTS

In vitro experiments confirmed specific binding of [⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-duramycin. Organ toxicities were detected successfully using [⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-duramycin PET/X-ray computed tomography (CT) and confirmed by immunohistochemistry and blood parameter analysis. Organ toxicities in livers and kidneys showed similar trends in PET/CT and immunohistology. Busulfan and cisplatin-related organ toxicities in heart, liver, and lungs were detected earlier by PET/CT than by blood parameters and immunohistology.

CONCLUSION

[⁶⁸Ga]NODAGA-duramycin PET/CT was successfully applied to non-invasively detect chemotherapy-induced organ toxicity with high sensitivity in mice. It, therefore, represents a promising alternative to standard toxicological analyses with a high translational potential.

Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Diabetic Rats: Ameliorative Effect of Resveratrol

The molecular mechanism underlying diabetes-induced testicular damage has not been thoroughly elucidated. The present study was conducted to elucidate the role of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis in diabetes-induced testicular dysfunction in rats and to explore the ameliorative effect of resveratrol. Diabetes suppressed sperm count, motility, and viability and increased sperm abnormalities. It decreased serum testosterone level and testicular mitochondrial membrane potential. The level of Bax and caspase-3 and -9 activities were increased in the testicular cytosol, while the level of Bcl-2 was decreased. Diabetes increased the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. The cytochrome C level was decreased in the mitochondrial fraction, while its level was increased in the cytosol, a result that was supported by the immunohistochemistry of cytochrome C. Diabetes resulted in deleterious alterations in the architecture of testicular tissue, suppressed antioxidant enzymes, and increased H2O2 production, protein carbonyl content, and lipid peroxidation. However, administration of resveratrol at a dose of 50 mg kg/day for 4 successive weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated the testicular dysfunction. In conclusion, these findings strongly reveal that diabetes induces testicular damage, at least in part, by inducing mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress. Administration of resveratrol to diabetic rats improves the diabetes-induced testicular damage. These impacts could be mediated through resveratrol antioxidant and anti-apoptotic effects.

Anticancer Melatplatin Prodrugs: High Effect and Low Toxicity, MT1-ER-Target and Immune Response In Vivo

Multitargeted therapy could rectify various oncogenic pathways to block tumorigenesis and progression. The combination of endocrine-, immune-, and chemotherapy might exert a highly synergistic effect against certain tumors. Herein, a series of smart Pt(IV) prodrugs 3-6, named Melatplatin, were rationally designed not only to multitarget DNA, MT1, and estrogen receptor (ER) but also to activate immune response. Melatplatin, conjugating first-line chemotherapeutic Pt drugs with human endogenous melatonin (MT), significantly enhanced drug efficacy especially in ER high-expression (ER⁺) cells, among which 3 presented the most potent cytotoxicity toward ER⁺ MCF-7 with nanomolar IC₅₀ values 100-fold lower than cisplatin. Melatplatin could bind well to melatonin receptor (MT1) according to molecular docking. Besides, 3 evidently increased intracellular accumulation and DNA damage, upregulated γH2AX and P53, and silenced NF-κB to induce massive apoptosis. Most strikingly, 3 effectively inhibited tumor growth and attenuated systemic toxicity compared to cisplatin in vivo, promoting lymphocyte proliferation in spleen to achieve immune modulation.

Methanolic extract of Ephedra alata ameliorates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity through reducing oxidative stress and genotoxicity

Cisplatin (CP) is a powerful anticancer agent used in the treatment of a diverse type of cancers. Oxidative stress is one of the most important side effects limiting the use of cisplatin. The protective effects of methanolic extract (ME) and ephedrine (EP), major compound, of Ephedra alata on CP-induced damages were here assessed. Treatment with CP-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity characterized by biochemical alterations. In fact, using CP reduced significantly glutathione (GSH) levels, enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and increased malondialdehyde (MDA) content. Nonetheless, CP-treatment induced DNA damage at renal, hepatic, and blood cells and increased interferon gamma (IFNγ) level in serum. Co-treatments of mice with ME normalized relative kidney/body weight, restored biochemical and oxidative stress parameters, reduced DNA damage and IFNγ level. In conclusion, ME exhibited the best protective effect against CP damage compared with ephedrine. This is could be attributed to the presence of polysaccharides, organic acids, flavonoids, and tannins in addition to ephedrine alkaloids. These compounds were reported to play a major role in inhibiting and scavenging free radicals, providing an effective protection against CP- induced oxidative damage. Graphical abstract.

GDF15 Induces Anorexia through Nausea and Emesis

Growth differentiation factor 15 (GDF15) is a cytokine that reduces food intake through activation of hindbrain GFRAL-RET receptors and has become a keen target of interest for anti-obesity therapies. Elevated endogenous GDF15 is associated with energy balance disturbances, cancer progression, chemotherapy-induced anorexia, and morning sickness. We hypothesized that GDF15 causes emesis and that its anorectic effects are related to this function. Here, we examined feeding and emesis and/or emetic-like behaviors in three different mammalian laboratory species to help elucidate the role of GDF15 in these behaviors. Data show that GDF15 causes emesis in Suncus murinus (musk shrews) and induces behaviors indicative of nausea/malaise (e.g., anorexia and pica) in non-emetic species, including mice and lean or obese rats. We also present data in mice suggesting that GDF15 contributes to chemotherapy-induced malaise. Together, these results indicate that GDF15 triggers anorexia through the induction of nausea and/or by engaging emetic neurocircuitry.

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy-part 2: focus on the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neurotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is regarded as one of the most common dose-limiting adverse effects of several chemotherapeutic agents, such as platinum derivatives (oxaliplatin and cisplatin), taxanes, vinca alkaloids and bortezomib. CIPN affects more than 60% of patients receiving anticancer therapy and although it is a nonfatal condition, it significantly worsens patients' quality of life. The number of analgesic drugs used to relieve pain symptoms in CIPN is very limited and their efficacy in CIPN is significantly lower than that observed in other neuropathic pain types. Importantly, there are currently no recommended options for effective prevention of CIPN, and strong evidence for the utility and clinical efficacy of some previously tested preventive therapies is still limited.

METHODS

The present article is the second one in the two-part series of review articles focused on CIPN. It summarizes the most recent advances in the field of studies on CIPN caused by oxaliplatin, the third-generation platinum-based antitumor drug used to treat colorectal cancer. Pharmacological properties of oxaliplatin, genetic, molecular and clinical features of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy are discussed.

RESULTS

Available therapies, as well as results from clinical trials assessing drug candidates for the prevention of oxaliplatin-induced neuropathy are summarized.

CONCLUSION

Emerging novel chemical structures-potential future preventative pharmacotherapies for CIPN caused by oxaliplatin are reported.

Targeted delivery of quercetin via pH-responsive zinc oxide nanoparticles for breast cancer therapy

Naturally occurring bioactive compounds are gaining much importance as anti-tumor agents in recent times due to their high therapeutic potential and less systemic toxicity. However, different preclinical and clinical studies have noted significant shortcomings, such as nonspecific tumor targeting and low bioavailability which limit their usage in therapeutics. Therefore, a safe and compatible nanoparticle mediated controlled drug delivery system is in high demand to enable effective transport of the drug candidates in the tumor tissue. Herein, we have synthesized phenylboronic acid (PBA) conjugated Zinc oxide nanoparticles (PBA-ZnO), loaded with quercetin (a bioflavonoid widely found in plants), with zeta potential around -10.2 mV and diameter below 40 nm. Presence of PBA moieties over the nanoparticle surface facilitates targeted delivery of quercetin to the sialic acid over-expressed cancer cells. Moreover, Quercetin loaded PBA-ZnO nanoparticles (denoted as PBA-ZnO-Q) showed pH responsive drug release behavior. Results suggested that PBA-ZnO-Q induced apoptotic cell death in human breast cancer cells (MCF-7) via enhanced oxidative stress and mitochondrial damage. In line with the in vitro results, PBA-ZnO-Q was found to be effective in reducing tumor growth in EAC tumor bearing mice. Most interestingly, PBA-ZnO-Q is found to reduce tumor associated toxicity in liver, kidney and spleen. The cytotoxic potential of the nanohybrid is attributed to the combinatorial cytotoxic effects of quercetin and ZnO in the cancer cells. Overall, the presented data highlighted the chemotherapeutic potential of the novel nanohybrid, PBA-ZnO-Q which can be considered for clinical cancer treatment.

Sulphur dioxide ameliorates colitis related pathophysiology and inflammation

Colitis is an inflammatory disease of the gastrointestinal tract. Inflammation, oxidative stress and cell death constitute the backbone of colitis. Most of the drugs prescribed for inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) have various side effects. In this scenario, we would like to determine the therapeutic role sulphur dioxide, a gaso-transmitter produced through the metabolism of cysteine in colitis. Colitis was induced through intrarectal administration of 2,4,6-trinitrobenzenesulfonic acid (TNBS) in male Wistar rats. Rats were administered with 0.9% saline containing Na₂SO₃ and NaHSO₃ (3:1 ratio; i.e., 0.54 mmol/kg and 0.18 mmol/kg body weight) orally 1 h after colitis induction followed by the administration of the same solution after each 12 h for 72 h. TNBS administration resulted in increased oxidative stress, NF-ĸ B and inflammasome activation, ER stress and autophagy. Moreover, TNBS administration also resulted in activation of p53 and apoptosis. SO₂ reversed all these alterations and ameliorated colitis in rats. Administration of an inhibitor of endogenous SO₂ production along with TNBS exacerbated colitis. Results suggest that down-regulation of SO₂ / glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase pathway is involved in IBD. The protective role of SO₂ in colitis is attributed to its anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant nature. Down-regulation of SO₂/glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase pathway is involved in IBD. Since SO₂ is not toxic at low concentration and endogenously produced, it may be used with prescribed drugs for synergistic effect after intensive research. Our result demonstrated the therapeutic role of SO₂ in colitis for the first time.

Taurine ameliorates oxidative stress induced inflammation and ER stress mediated testicular damage in STZ-induced diabetic Wistar rats

One of the major consequences of diabetes is reproductive dysfunction but the fundamental mechanisms are still poorly known. The objective of the present study was to explore the beneficial role of taurine against streptozotocin induced testicular dysfunctions in diabetic male Wister rats and understanding the underlying intricate molecular mechanisms. Exposure to streptozotocin (50 mg kg^-1 body weight, i.p., once) elevated blood glucose level, induced testicular histological alterations and reduced testis-to-body weight ratio, serum testosterone, testicular markers and activity of antioxidant enzymes. Generation of ER stress (increased expression of calpain-1, caspase-12 and upregulation of CHOP, GRP78 via eIF2α signaling), translocation of NF κB in the nucleus (leading to the upregulation in the levels of inflammatory cytokines), activation of mitochondria dependent apoptotic pathway and DNA fragmentation were revealed from this study. However, administration of taurine at a dose of 100 mg kg^-1 body weight for 6 weeks post diabetic induction, successfully ameliorated all these adverse effects. Thus, taurine, as a potential therapeutic agent, may hold promise in preventing oxidative and ER stress mediated diabetic testicular complications in rats.