Mitigation of arsenic induced developmental cardiotoxicity by ferulic acid in zebrafish

Exposure to PFOA and its novel analogs disrupts lipid metabolism in zebrafish

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), a typical perfluoroalkyl group compound, has received worldwide attention due to its significant environmental toxicity. Following regulatory bans on the production and emission of PFOA, concerns have been raised about the potential health risks and the safety of novel perfluoroalkyl analogues. HFPO-DA (trade name Gen-X) and HFPO-TA are two perfluoroalkyl analogues known to be bioaccumulative, whose level of toxicity and whether they are safe alternatives to PFOA remain unclear. In the following study, the physiological and metabolic effects of exposure to PFOA and its novel analogues were explored in zebrafish using 1/3 LC₅₀ (PFOA 100 μM, Gen-X 200 μM, HFPO-TA 30 μM). At the same LC₅₀ toxicological effect, exposure to PFOA and HFPO-TA resulted in abnormal phenotypes such as spinal curvature, pericardial edema and aberrant body length, while Gen-X was little changed. Metabolically, PFOA, HFPO-TA and Gen-X all significantly increased total cholesterol in exposed zebrafish with PFOA and HFPO-TA also increasing total triglyceride levels. Transcriptome analysis showed that the number of differentially expressed genes in PFOA, Gen-X, and HFPO-TA treated conditions compared to control groups were 527, 572, and 3, 933, respectively. KEGG and GO analysis of differentially expressed genes revealed pathways and functions related to lipid metabolism as well as significant activation of the peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor (PPARs) pathway. Furthermore, RT-qPCR analysis identified significant dysregulation in the downstream target genes of PPARα, which is responsible for lipid oxidative catabolism, and the SREBP pathway, which is responsible for lipid synthesis. In conclusion, both perfluoroalkyl analogues HFPO-TA and Gen-X exhibit significant physiological and metabolic toxicity to aquatic organisms and their environmental accumulation should be closely regulated.

Protective mechanism of ferulic acid against neomycin-induced ototoxicity in zebrafish

Ototoxicity refers to damage of sensory hair cells and functional hearing impairment following aminoglycosides exposure. Previously, we have determined that ferulic acid (FA) protected hair cells against serial concentrations of neomycin-induced ototoxic damage. The aim of the present study is to assess the mechanism and effects of FA on neomycin-induced hair cells loss and impact on mechanosensory-mediated behaviors alteration using transgenic zebrafish (pvalb3b: TagGFP). We first identified the optimal protective condition as pre/co-treatment method in early fish development. Pretreatment of the larvae with FA significantly protected against neomycin-induced hair cells loss through preventing neomycin passed through the cytoplasm of hair cells, and subsequently decreased reactive oxygen species production and TUNEL signals in 4 day post-fertilization (dpf) transgenic zebrafish larvae. Moreover, preservation of functional hair cells correlated directly with rescue of the altered swimming behavior, indicates FA pretreatment protects against neomycin ototoxic damage in 7-dpf transgenic zebrafish larvae. Together, our findings unravel the otoprotective role of FA as an effective agent against neomycin-induced ototoxic effects and offering the theoretical foundation for discovering novel candidates for hearing protection.

Cardioprotective effects of Ferulic acid against various drugs and toxic agents

Background

Homeostatic regulation of cardiomyocytes is indispensable in maintaining the normal physiological activity of cardiac tissue. Cardiotoxicity induced by drugs may lead to cardiac abnormalities such as arrhythmia, myocardial infarction and myocardial hypertrophy. Moreover, drug-induced cardiotoxicity confines the additional use of the implicated drugs. Several studies have reported that consumption of phytochemicals on regular intervals shall protect humans against numerous diseases such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, inflammatory diseases and cancer.

Main body

Ferulic acid (FA) is a plant derived polyphenol abundantly found in vegetables, fruits and grains. FA is widely known for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, nephroprotective and hepatoprotective effects. FA has been well documented for its cardioprotective activity against various drugs and toxic agents as well. However, the cardioprotective action of FA have remained a challenge with regard to understanding its mechanism in health and diseases.

Conclusion

The main purpose of this review is to explore the cardioprotective mechanisms of FA against several drugs and chemicals to recommend further studies to investigate the potential protective effect of FA.

Recent Advances in Biological Activity, New Formulations and Prodrugs of Ferulic Acid

Trans-ferulic acid (FA) is a derivative of 4-hydroxycinnamic acid, which is found in many food products, fruits and beverages. It has scientifically proven antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antibacterial properties. However, its low ability to permeate through biological barriers (e.g., the blood-brain barrier, BBB), its low bioavailability and its fast elimination from the gastrointestinal tract after oral administration limit its clinical use, e.g., for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases, such as Alzheimer's disease. Therefore, new nanotechnological approaches are developed in order to regulate intracellular transport of ferulic acid. The objective of this review is to summarize the last decade's research on biological properties of ferulic acid and innovative ways of its delivery, supporting pharmacological therapy.