Cyclosporine A induces testicular injury via mitochondrial apoptotic pathway by regulation of mir-34a and sirt-1 in male rats: The rescue effect of curcumin

The protective effect of vinpocetine against Estradiol-benzoate induced cervical hyperkeratosis in female rats via modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2, and NLRP3 inflammasome

The current study was assigned to determine the putative preventive role of vinpocetine (VIN) in cervical hyperkeratosis (CHK) in female rats. Estradiol Benzoate (EB) was utilized in a dose f (60 μg/100 g, i.m) three times/week for 4 weeks to induce cervical hyperkeratosis. VIN was administered alone in a dose of (10 mg/kg/day, orally) for 4 weeks and in the presence of EB. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), interleukin-18 (IL-18), IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were measured in cervical tissue. The expression of NLRP3/GSDMD/Caspase-1, and SIRT1/Nrf2 was determined using ELISA. Cervical histopathological examination was also done. EB significantly raised MDA, NOx, TNF-α, IL-18, IL-1β, and GSDMD and up-regulated NLRP3/Caspase-1 proteins. However, GSH, SIRT1, and Nrf2 levels were reduced in cervical tissue. VIN significantly alleviates all biochemical and histopathological abnormalities. VIN considerably mitigates EB-induced cervical hyperkeratosis via NLRP3-induced pyroptosis and SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Possible mechanisms involved in the protective effect of lutein against cyclosporine-induced testicular damage in rats

Oxidative stress and aberrant inflammatory response have important implications in cyclosporin-induced reproductive functions. Previous studies have shown that agents with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities might be beneficial in reversing cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment. Lutein is a naturally occurring compound with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, the effect of lutein against cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment remains in complete. Hence, we investigated the protective effect of lutein, specifically focusing on the role of nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/connexin-43 (Cx-43) upregulation system against cyclosporine-induced reproductive impairment. Six male Wistar rats were allotted into 5 groups and given daily gavage of cyclosporine (40 mg/kg) and/or lutein (30 mg/kg) for four (4) weeks or in combination, respectively. The testicular antioxidant scaffolds: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH), add to sulfhydryl (T-SH), non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S -transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), myeloperoxidase (MPO), testicular proinflammatory cytokines, apoptotic related protein, nucleic acids, sialic acid, testicular proton pump ATPase, stress responsive protein, BTB-related protein and total protein levels in the testes were assayed thereafter. Cyclosporin significantly increased NOX-1, TNF-α, IL-1β, MPO, caspase-3 and -9 levels, which were reversed by lutein. Lutein reversed cyclosporin-induced decreases in Nrf2, HO-1, BCL-2, cytochrome C, with corresponding increase in CAT, SOD, GSH, T-SH, NP-SH, GST, GR, GSH-Px, and Cx-43 levels compared to cyclosporin groups. Lutein also abates cyclosporin-induced alterations Na + -K + -ATPase activities. Our findings showed that lutein's protective effect against cyclosporin-induced reproductive impairment might be associated with mechanisms linked to its antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory properties, notably through up-regulation of Nrf2/HO-1/Cx-43 signaling and down-regulation of NOX-1 signaling.

Multi-omics reveals the protective effects of curcumin against AFB1-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory damage in duckling intestines

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most prevalent and toxic class of aflatoxins, which is considered a significant risk factor for food safety. Curcumin, a phytoconstituent with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, has potential therapeutic value for intestinal inflammatory diseases. In this study, the duckling model susceptible to AFB1 was selected for toxicity testing, aiming to explore the effect of curcumin on AFB1 enterotoxicity and its possible mechanism of action. The results showed that curcumin promoted the growth and development of ducklings and mitigated the changes in morphology and permeability serological index (DAO and D-LA) after AFB1 exposure. Curcumin also mitigated AFB1-induced oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2 pathway, and ameliorated intestinal inflammation by inhibiting the NF-κB/IκB signaling pathway and boosting intestinal autophagy. In terms of gut flora and their metabolites, we found that curcumin supplementation significantly increased the intestinal flora's abundance index and diversity index compared to the AFB1 group, mitigating the decline in the abundance of Actinobacteria and the rise in that of harmful bacteria Clostridia. Furthermore, untargeted metabolomic analysis revealed that the protective effect of curcumin on the intestine was mainly through the regulation of AFB1-induced disorders of lipid metabolism, involving linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, and glycerolipid metabolism. Overall, the enteroprotective effects of curcumin may be of significant value in the future for treating chronic AFB1 poisoning and also provide new therapeutic ideas for other mycotoxicosis.

h r c s i a

The present study aimed to identify the possible effect of gentamicin (GEN) in Rats' Cervi. Estradiol Valerate (EV) was used to induce cervical hyperkeratosis. GEN was administered in absence of EV. Serum and cervical GEN concentration were determined. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrites/nitrate (NOx), reduced glutathione (GSH), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1) and nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factors (Nrf2) were measured in cervix tissue. Expression of BAX and Bcl2 were determined. Cervical histopathological examination was done. EV and GEN significantly increased MDA, NOx, TNF-α and BAX/Bcl2 ratio with decrease in GSH, Nrf2 and Sirt1 levels in cervical tissue. Histopathological picture of diffuse and marked hyperkeratosis was detected in EV and GEN groups. In conclusion, GEN-induced cervical hyperkeratosis via induction of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Natural Phytochemicals as SIRT Activators-Focus on Potential Biochemical Mechanisms

Sirtuins are a family of proteins with enzymatic activity. There are seven mammalian sirtuins (SIRT1-SIRT7) that are found in different cellular compartments. They are a part of crucial cellular pathways and are regulated by many factors, such as chemicals, environmental stress, and phytochemicals. Several in vitro and in vivo studies have presented their involvement in anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic processes. Recent findings imply that phytochemicals such as resveratrol, curcumin, quercetin, fisetin, berberine, and kaempferol may regulate the activity of sirtuins. Resveratrol mainly activates SIRT1 and indirectly activates AMPK. Curcumin influences mainly SIRT1 and SIRT3, but its activity is broad, and many pathways in different cells are affected. Quercetin mainly modulates SIRT1, which triggers antioxidant and antiapoptotic responses. Fisetin, through SIRT1 regulation, modifies lipid metabolism and anti-inflammatory processes. Berberine has a wide spectrum of effects and a significant impact on SIRT1 signaling pathways. Finally, kaempferol triggers anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects through SIRT1 induction. This review aims to summarize recent findings on the properties of phytochemicals in the modulation of sirtuin activity, with a particular focus on biochemical aspects.

Palliative Role of Zamzam Water against Cyclosporine-Induced Nephrotoxicity through Modulating Autophagy and Apoptosis Crosstalk

Cyclosporine (CsA) is considered one of the main components of treatment protocols for organ transplantation owing to its immunosuppressive effect. However, its use is very restricted due to its nephrotoxic effect. ZW is an alkaline fluid rich in various trace elements and has a great ability to stimulate antioxidant processes. This study aimed to investigate the possible mitigating effect of ZW on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and its underlying mechanisms. Forty rats were allocated into four groups (n = 10): a control group, ZW group, cyclosporine A group (injected subcutaneously (SC) with CsA (20 mg/kg/day)), and cyclosporine A+ Zamzam water group (administered CsA (SC) and ZW as their only drinking water (100 mL/cage/day) for 21 days). Exposure to CsA significantly (p < 0.001) increased the serum creatinine level, lipid peroxidation marker level (malondialdehyde; MDA), and the expression of apoptotic markers procaspase-8, caspase-8, caspase- 9, calpain, cytochrome c, caspas-3, P62, and mTOR in renal tissues. Meanwhile, it markedly decreased (p< 0.001) the autophagic markers (AMPK, ULK-I, ATag5, LC3, and Beclin-1), antiapoptotic Bcl-2, and antioxidant enzymes. Moreover, the administration of CsA caused histological alterations in renal tissues. ZW significantly (p < 0.001) reversed all the changes caused by CsA and conclusively achieved a positive outcome in restraining CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, as indicated by the restoration of the histological architecture, improvement of renal function, inhibition of apoptosis, and enhancement of autophagy via the AMPK/mTOR pathway.

α-Bisabolol Attenuates NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Activation and ER-Stress-Mediated Apoptosis by Invoking Nrf2-Mediated Antioxidant Defense Systems against Doxorubicin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Rats

The present study investigated the effects of α-bisabolol on DOX-induced testicular damage in rats. Testicular damage was induced in rats by injecting DOX (12.5 mg/kg, i.p., single dose) into rats. α-Bisabolol (25 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered to the rats along with DOX pre- and co-treatment daily for a period of 5 days. DOX-injected rats showed a decrease in absolute testicular weight and relative testicular weight ratio along with concomitant changes in the levels/expression levels of oxidative stress markers and Nrf2 expression levels in the testis. DOX injection also triggered the activation of NF-κB/MAPK signaling and increased levels/expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and inflammatory mediators (iNOS and COX-2) in the testis. DOX triggered apoptosis, manifested by an increment in the expression levels of pro-apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2, cleaved caspase-3 and -9, and cytochrome-C) and a decline in the expression levels of anti-apoptotic markers (Bcl-xL and Bcl2) in the testis. Additionally, light microscopy revealed the changes in testicular architecture. α-Bisabolol rescued alterations in the testicular weight; restored all biochemical markers; modulated the expression levels of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses, NF-κB/MAPK signaling, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, and apoptosis markers in DOX-injected testicular toxicity in rats. Based on our findings, it can be concluded that α-bisabolol has the potential to attenuate DOX-induced testicular injury by modifying NF-κB/MAPK signaling and the ER-stress-mediated mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis by invoking Nrf2-dependent antioxidant defense systems in rats. Based on the findings of the present study, α-bisabolol could be suggested for use as an agent or adjuvant with chemotherapeutic drugs to attenuate their deleterious effects of DOX on many organs including the testis. However, further regulatory toxicology and preclinical studies are necessary before making recommendations in clinical tests.

SIRT1 Protects Against Particulate Matter-Induced Oxidative Stress in Human Corneal and Conjunctival Epithelial Cells

Purpose

Sirtuin1 (SIRT1) as a hot therapeutic target for oxidative stress-associated diseases that has been extensively studied. This study aimed to determine the changes in SIRT1 expression in particulate matter (PM)-induced corneal and conjunctival epithelial cell damage and explore potential drugs to reduce PM-associated ocular surface injury.

Methods

Immortalized human corneal epithelial cells (HCECs) and human conjunctival epithelial cells (HCjECs) were exposed to an ambient PM sample. Cytotoxicity was evaluated by water-soluble tetrazolium salt-8 assay. SIRT1 expression was measured by Western blot analysis. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, cell apoptosis, mitochondrial function, and cell senescence were assessed by using 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein diacetate assay, annexin V apoptosis assay, tetramethylrhodamine ethyl ester assay, and senescence β-galactosidase staining, respectively.

Results

PM-induced cytotoxicity of HCECs and HCjECs occurred in a dose-dependent manner. Increased ROS production, as well as decreased SIRT1 expression, were observed in HCECs and HCjECs after 200 µg/mL PM exposure. In addition, PM induced oxidative stress-mediated cellular damage, including cell apoptosis, mitochondrial damage, and cell senescence. Interestingly, SRT1720, a SIRT1 activator, increased SIRT1 expression and decreased ROS production and attenuated PM-induced cell damage in HCECs and HCjECs.

Conclusions

This study determined that SIRT1 was involved in PM-induced oxidative stress in HCECs and HCjECs and found that ROS overproduction may a key factor in PM-induced SIRT1 downregulation. The SIRT1 activator, SRT1720, can effectively upregulate SIRT1 expression and inhibit ROS production, thereby reversing PM-induced cell damage. This study provides a new potential target for clinical treatment of PM-associated ocular surface diseases.

Regulation of Gene Expression through Food—Curcumin as a Sirtuin Activity Modulator

The sirtuin family comprises NAD⁺-dependent protein lysine deacylases, mammalian sirtuins being either nuclear (SIRT1, SIRT2, SIRT6, and SIRT7), mitochondrial (SIRT3, SIRT4, and SIRT5) or cytosolic enzymes (SIRT2 and SIRT5). They are able to catalyze direct metabolic reactions, thus regulating several physiological functions, such as energy metabolism, stress response, inflammation, cell survival, DNA repair, tissue regeneration, neuronal signaling, and even circadian rhythms. Based on these data, recent research was focused on finding molecules that could regulate sirtuins’ expression and/or activity, natural compounds being among the most promising in the field. Curcumin (1,7-bis-(4-hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-1,6-heptadiene-3,5-dione) can induce, through SIRT, modulation of cancer cell senescence, improve endothelial cells protection against atherosclerotic factors, enhance muscle regeneration in atrophy models, and act as a pro-longevity factor counteracting the neurotoxicity of amyloid-beta. Although a plethora of protective effects was reported (antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, etc.), its therapeutical use is limited due to its bioavailability issues. However, all the reported effects may be explained via the bioactivation theory, which postulates that curcumin’s observed actions are modulated via its metabolites and/or degradation products. The present article is focused on bringing together the literature data correlating the ability of curcumin and its metabolites to modulate SIRT activity and its consequent beneficial effects.

Idebenone regulates sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway with inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in testicular torsion/detorsion in juvenile rats

Testicular torsion is an emergency, mainly in newborn and adolescent males, resulting in testicular ischemia. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of Idebenone (IDE) on testicular torsion/detorsion (T/D) in juvenile rats. Thirty-two rats were randomized into: (1) the sham group: rats received sham operations with no other interventions; (2) the IDE group: rats received idebenone (100 mg/kg, i. p) without T/D; (3) the T/D group: rats underwent torsion for 2 h and detorsion for 4 h; and (4) the IDE+ T/D group: rats received IDE 1 h before T/D. Testicular malondialdehyde (MDA), total nitrite/nitrate (NOx), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3, sirtuin type 1 (Sirt1), serum interleukin-1β (IL-1β), total cholesterol, and testosterone were measured. Histological changes, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like-2 factors (Nrf2), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immuno-expressions were assessed. T/D displayed an increase in MDA, NOx, TNF-α, caspase-3, IL-1β, and total cholesterol with a significant decrease in TAC, Sirt1, and testosterone and strong positive Nrf2 and negative PCNA immuno-expressions. IDE could improve all oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic indicators. Therefore, IDE significantly reduced testicular ischemia-reperfusion injury in the juvenile rat testicular T/D model by limiting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the Sirt1/Nrf2/TNF-α pathway.

Avocado Seeds Relieve Oxidative Stress-Dependent Nephrotoxicity but Enhance Immunosuppression Induced by Cyclosporine in Rats

Cyclosporine A's (CsA) immunosuppressive effect makes it an ideal drug for organ transplantation. However, CsA's uses are restricted due to its side effects. We investigated the effects of avocado seed (AvS) powder on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity and immunosuppression in rats. The injection of CsA (5 mg/kg, subcutaneously, for 10 days) increased serum levels of creatinine, uric acid, and urea, and the renal levels of the malondialdehyde. It decreased creatinine clearance and the renal activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase) and Na⁺/K⁺ ATPase. The administration of CsA also significantly downregulated the renal expression of interferon-gamma, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin 1 beta, monocyte chemotactic protein 1, intercellular adhesion molecule-1, and vascular cell adhesion molecule 1 genes, and increased renal DNA damage. Histopathological examination confirmed the biochemical and molecular alterations that accompanied CsA nephrotoxicity. All CsA-induced deleterious effects, except immunosuppression, were ameliorated by feeding rats on a basal diet supplemented with 5% AvS powder for 4 weeks. Importantly, AvS also maximized CsA's immunosuppressive effect. These findings suggest a potential ameliorative effect of AvS on CsA-induced nephrotoxicity, and AvS enhances CsA's immunosuppressive effect. Therefore, AvS might be used in combination with CsA in transplantation treatment to relieve the CsA-induced nephrotoxicity.

Elucidation of SIRT-1/PGC-1α-associated mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Background

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) can lead to chronic liver diseases associated with mitochondrial damages. However, the exact mechanisms involved in the etiology of the disease are not clear.

Methods

To gain new insights, the changes affecting sirtuin 1 (SIRT-1) during liver fat accumulation was investigated in a NAFLD mouse model. In addition, the in vitro research investigated the regulation operated by SIRT-1 on mitochondrial structures, biogenesis, functions, and autophagy.

Results

In mice NAFLD, high-fat-diet (HFD) increased body weight gain, upregulated serum total cholesterol, triglycerides, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, blood glucose, insulin levels, and liver malondialdehyde, and decreased liver superoxide dismutase activity. In liver, the levels of SIRT-1 and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator -1α (PGC-1α) decreased. The expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-α and Beclin-1 proteins was also reduced, while p62/SQSTM1 expression increased. These results demonstrated SIRT-1 impairment in mouse NAFLD. In a well-established NAFLD cell model, exposure of the HepG2 hepatocyte cell line to oleic acid (OA) for 48 h caused viability reduction, apoptosis, lipid accumulation, and reactive oxygen species production. Disturbance of SIRT-1 expression affected mitochondria. Pre-treatment with Tenovin-6, a SIRT-1 inhibitor, aggravated the effect of OA on hepG2, while this effect was reversed by CAY10602, a SIRT-1 activator. Further investigation demonstrated that SIRT-1 activity was involved in mitochondrial biogenesis through PGC-1α and participated to the balance of autophagy regulatory proteins.

Conclusion

In conclusion, in high-fat conditions, SIRT-1 regulates multiple cellular properties by influencing on mitochondrial physiology and lipid autophagy via the PGC-1α pathway. The SIRT-1/PGC-1α pathway could be targeted to develop new NAFLD therapeutic strategies.

Investigating the Role of the microRNA-34/449 Family in Male Infertility: A Critical Analysis and Review of the Literature

There is a great body of evidence suggesting that in both humans and animal models the microRNA-34/449 (miR-34/449) family plays a crucial role for normal testicular functionality as well as for successful spermatogenesis, regulating spermatozoa maturation and functionality. This review and critical analysis aims to summarize the potential mechanisms via which miR-34/449 dysregulation could lead to male infertility. Existing data indicate that miR-34/449 family members regulate ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules epithelium. Upon miR-34/449 dysregulation, ciliogenesis in the efferent ductules is significantly impaired, leading to sperm aggregation and agglutination as well as to defective reabsorption of the seminiferous tubular fluids. These events in turn cause obstruction of the efferent ductules and thus accumulation of the tubular fluids resulting to high hydrostatic pressure into the testis. High hydrostatic pressure progressively leads to testicular dysfunction as well as to spermatogenic failure and finally to male infertility, which could range from severe oligoasthenozoospermia to azoospermia. In addition, miR-34/449 family members act as significant regulators of spermatogenesis with an essential role in controlling expression patterns of several spermatogenesis-related proteins. It is demonstrated that these microRNAs are meiotic specific microRNAs as their expression is relatively higher at the initiation of meiotic divisions during spermatogenesis. Moreover, data indicate that these molecules are essential for proper formation as well as for proper function of spermatozoa per se. MicroRNA-34/449 family seems to exert significant anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties and thus contribute to testicular homeostatic regulation. Considering the clinical significance of these microRNAs, data indicate that the altered expression of the miR-34/449 family members is strongly associated with several aspects of male infertility. Most importantly, miR-34/449 levels in spermatozoa, in testicular tissues as well as in seminal plasma seem to be directly associated with severity of male infertility, indicating that these microRNAs could serve as potential sensitive biomarkers for an accurate individualized differential diagnosis, as well as for the assessment of the severity of male factor infertility. In conclusion, dysregulation of miR-34/449 family detrimentally affects male reproductive potential, impairing both testicular functionality as well as spermatogenesis. Future studies are needed to verify these conclusions.

Voluntary exercise improves spermatogenesis and testicular apoptosis in type 2 diabetic rats through alteration in oxidative stress and mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway

OBJECTIVES

This research was designed to demonstrate the impact of voluntary exercise on sperm parameters including sperm count, morphology, motility, viability, testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress, and the mir-34a/SIRT1/p53 pathway in type 2 diabetic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

32 Wistar male rats were separated into four groups: control (C), voluntary exercise (VE), diabetic (D), and diabetic rats that performed voluntary exercise (VED). To induce diabetes, animals were injected with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg) after receiving a high-fat diet. The testicular protein levels of SIRT1 and P53, miR-34a expression, MDA, GPx, SOD, catalase, and sperm parameters were evaluated.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused increased testicular MDA content, miR-34a expression, acetylated p53 protein expression, and the percent of immotile sperm (P<0.01 to P<0.001) as well as reduced testicular GPx, SOD and catalase activities, SIRT1 protein expression, and sperm parameters (P<0.05 to P<0.001). Voluntary exercise reduced testicular MDA content, miR-34a, and acetylated p53 protein expression compared with the D group (P<0.001), however, GPx, SOD, catalase activities, and sperm parameters in voluntarily exercised rats were elevated compared with diabetic rats (P<0.05 to P<0.001).

CONCLUSION

It seems that voluntary exercise has significant positive impacts that can be employed to reduce the complications of type 2 diabetes in the testis of male rats.