Effect of Thymoquinone on Oxidative Stress in Escherichia coli-Induced Pyelonephritis in Rats

Investigation of the Effects of N-acetylcysteine and Selenium on Vesicoureteral Reflux Nephropathy: An Experimental Study

INTRODUCTION

This study aimed to investigate the effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and selenium (Se) on vesicoureteral reflux (VUR) nephropathy.

METHODS

A total of 44 rabbits in 7 groups, namely group 1 (Control), group 2 (VUR + sterile urine), group 3 (VUR + sterile urine + NAC), group 4 (VUR + sterile urine + Se), group 5 (VUR + infected urine), group 6 (VUR + infected urine + NAC) and group 7 (VUR + infected urine + Se), were used. 99mTc Dimercaptosuccinic acid renal scan (DMSA), cystogram and urine culture were performed both at the beginning and end of the study. Left VUR was created surgically, and E. coli was inoculated in infected urine groups. NAC and Se were administered daily for 21 days. Malondialdehyde (MDA) measurement, inflammatory response scores (IRSs), and cicatrization response scores (CRSs) in renal tissues were evaluated.

RESULTS

VUR did not reduce left renal uptake values in neither group 2 nor group 5. MDA levels of the left kidney were significantly higher in group 5 compared to group 1 (p = 0.001). There was no significant difference in MDA levels between group 5 and group 6, and between group 5 and group 7. Left kidney IRSs were found to be higher in all other groups except group 2 compared to the control group (p < 0.001). Left kidney CRSs were significantly higher in group 5 compared to group 2 (p = 0.026), group 6 (p < 0.001) and group 7 (p = 0.006).

CONCLUSION

A decrease in renal functions was not observed in VUR, even if there was infection. When CRSs were evaluated, NAC and Se had protective effects in terms of scar formation in VUR nephropathy.

TYPE OF STUDY

Experimental animal study.

LEVELS OF EVIDENCE

N/A.

An investigation into the usage of black cumin derivatives against cancer and COVID-19 as the nature medicine

Black cumin has been used as a spice and food preservative for years. Thymol, thymoquinone, thymohydroquinone and dihydrothymoquinone are the most important natural agents in black cumin. In order to determine the most active compound in black cumin the theoretical calculations have been carried out in different phases by using the density functional theory (DFT). The inhibition effect of black cumin derivatives on Histone deacetylase 2 (HDAC2) has been determined and supported the experimental studies without losing time and matter. The chemical activity, stability and solubility of the active substances in black cumin have been theoretically calculated. The chemical active compounds had been investigated in the black seeds when extracted with water. Their stability and polarity in blood and water are important parameters. HDAC2- dihydrothymoquinone interaction has been investigated. It has been determined that the active substances found in black cumin are very effective in protecting ACE2 against COVID-19 and by comparing the docking results of important receptors and selected ligands on COVID-19.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Effect of Thymoquinone on Renal Damage Induced by Hyperlipidemia in LDL Receptor-Deficient (LDL-R-/-) Mice

Hyperlipidemia is a well-established risk factor for kidney injury, which can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active ingredients in Nigella sativa seeds. It has various beneficial properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. TQ also exerts positive effects on doxorubicin- (DOX-) induced nephropathy and ischemia-reperfusion-induced kidney injury in rats. Therefore, in this study, we investigated the possible protective effects of TQ against kidney injury in low-density lipoprotein receptor-deficient (LDL-R^-/^-) mice. Eight-week-old male LDL-R^-/^- mice were randomly divided into the following three groups: normal diet (ND group), high-fat diet (HFD group), and HFD combined with TQ (HFD+TQ group). The mice were fed the same diet for eight weeks. After eight weeks, we performed serological analysis of the mice in all three groups. We histologically analyzed the kidney tissue and also investigated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in the kidney tissue. Metabolic characteristics, including total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (LDL-C), and creatinine (CRE) levels, were lower in the LDL-R^-/^- HFD+TQ mice than in the HFD mice. Periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining revealed excessive lipid deposition and collagen accumulation in the kidneys of the LDL-R^-/^- HFD mice, which were significantly reduced in the LDL-R^-/^- HFD+TQ mice. Furthermore, macrophages and levels of proinflammatory cytokines were lower in the kidney tissues of the LDL-R^-/^- HFD+TQ mice than in those of the LDL-R^-/^- HFD mice. Moreover, profibrosis- and oxidative stress-related protein expression was lower in the kidney tissues of the LDL-R^-/^- HFD+TQ mice than in those of the LDL-R^-/^- HFD mice. These results indicate that TQ may be a potential therapeutic agent for kidney damage caused by hyperlipidemia.

Thymoquinone's Antiviral Effects: It is Time to be Proven in the Covid-19 Pandemic Era and its Omicron Variant Surge

The COVID-19 pandemic has impacted every country in the world. With more than 400 million cases and more than 5.5 million deaths. The FDA either approved or authorized the emergency use for three vaccines against COVID-19. The treatment options of COVID-19 are very limited. Multiple complementary and alternative medicine modalities were suggested to be efficacious in the treatment of COVID-19 such as Thymoquinone. The effects of Thymoquinone have been examined and multiple studies indicate a promising beneficial effect. However, the current body of research is limited in terms of its scope, quality, and quantity. While higher-quality studies are required, physicians do not routinely recommend the use of marketed supplements of natural products, including Thymoquinone for COVID-19. Given the numerous suggested positive effects of Thymoquinone, including anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial properties, additional research is required to confirm or refute these promising benefits. Complementary and alternative medicine is an area that requires additional evidence-based practice and research to confirm effects observed in clinical practice.

Thymoquinone: A Tie-Breaker in SARS-CoV2-Infected Cancer Patients?

Since the beginning of the SARS-CoV-2(severe acute respiratory syndrome-coronavirus-2) pandemic, arace to develop a vaccine has been initiated, considering the massive and rather significant economic and healthcare hits that this virus has caused. The pathophysiology occurring following COVID-19(coronavirus disease-2019) infection has givenhints regarding the supportive and symptomatic treatments to establish for patients, as no specific anti-SARS-CoV-2 is available yet. Patient symptoms vary greatly and range from mild symptoms to severe fatal complications. Supportive treatments include antipyretics, antiviral therapies, different combinations of broad-spectrum antibiotics, hydroxychloroquine and plasma transfusion. Unfortunately, cancer patients are at higher risk of viral infection and more likely to develop serious complications due to their immunocompromised state, the fact that they are already administering multiple medications, as well as combined comorbidity compared to the general population. It may seem impossible to find a drug that possesses both potent antiviral and anticancer effects specifically against COVID-19 infection and its complications and the existing malignancy, respectively. Thymoquinone (TQ) is the most pharmacologically active ingredient in Nigella sativa seeds (black seeds); it is reported to have anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects in various settings. In this review, we will discuss the multiple effects of TQ specifically against COVID-19, its beneficial effects against COVID-19 pathophysiology and multiple-organ complications, its use as an adjuvant for supportive COVID-19 therapy and cancer therapy, and finally, its anticancer effects.

Inhibition of TGF-β Signaling in Gliomas by the Flavonoid Diosmetin Isolated from Dracocephalum peregrinum L

Background: Dracocephalum peregrinum L., a traditional Kazakh medicine, has good expectorant, anti-cough, and to some degree, anti-asthmatic effects. Diosmetin (3',5,7-trihydroxy-4'-methoxyflavone), a natural flavonoid found in traditional Chinese herbs, is the main flavonoid in D. peregrinum L. and has been used in various medicinal products because of its anticancer, antimicrobial, antioxidant, estrogenic, and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of diosmetin on the proliferation, invasion, and migration of glioma cells, as well as the possible underlying mechanisms. Methods: 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT), scratch wound, and Transwell assays were used to demonstrate the effects of diosmetin in glioma. Protein levels of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase-3, transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), E-cadherin, and phosphorylated and unphosphorylated smad2 and smad3 were determined by Western blots. U251 glioma cell development and progression were measured in vivo in a mouse model. Results: Diosmetin inhibited U251 cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro, the TGF-β signaling pathway, and Bcl-2 expression. In contrast, there was a significant increase in E-cadherin, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, it effectively reduced the tumorigenicity of glioma cells and promoted apoptosis in vivo. Conclusion: The results of this study suggest that diosmetin suppresses the growth of glioma cells in vitro and in vivo, possibly by activating E-cadherin expression and inhibiting the TGF-β signaling pathway.

Comparative Pharmacokinetics of Gallic Acid, Protocatechuic Acid, and Quercitrin in Normal and Pyelonephritis Rats after Oral Administration of a Polygonum capitatum Extract

Polygonum capitatum Buch.-Ham. ex D. Don is traditionally used by Hmong for the treatment of urinary tract infections and pyelonephritis. Information regarding the pharmacokinetic behavior of the extract in the condition of pyelonephritis is lacking. In the present study, we aimed to compare the pharmacokinetic properties of gallic acid (GA), protocatechuic acid (PCA), and quercitrin (QR)—the main bioactive constituents in the herb—in normal and pyelonephritis rats. The plasma samples were collected at various time points after administration of a single dose of Polygonum capitatum extract. The plasma level of GA, PCA, and QR at the designed time points was determined by ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) and drug concentration versus time plots were constructed to estimate the pharmacokinetic parameters. The AUC_(0-t), AUC_(0-∞), MRT_(0-t), and CL of GA, PCA, and QR in pyelonephritis rats was significantly different from those of the normal rats. The results indicated that the three constituents have higher rate of uptake and slower rate of elimination in the rats with pyelonephritis, suggesting altered rate and extent of drug metabolism.

The effect of Nigella sativa oil on serum levels of inflammatory markers, liver enzymes, lipid profile, insulin and fasting blood sugar in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver

Background

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the metabolic disturbances associated with inflammation. Nigella sativa (NS) seed oil has different chemical compounds including Thymoquinone (TQ), unsaturated fatty acids, and flavonoids. NSs are used as anti-inflammatory and antioxidants in medical sciences. This study aimed to investigate the effect of NS oil on several parameters in serum levels of patients with NAFLD.

Methods

Forty-four patients diagnosed with NAFLD participated in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Patients were randomly assigned into two groups; one receiving NS oil and the other receiving placebo (paraffin oil), for 8 weeks. Blood samples were taken from the patients at the beginning and the end of the study. Afterwards, liver enzymes (ALT, AST, and GGT), inflammatory markers (Hs-CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6), insulin, lipid profiles (total cholesterol, triglyceride, VLDL, LDL-C, and HDL-C), FBS, and blood pressure were measured.

Results

Consumption of NS seed oil as supplement decreased the FBS level, lipid profiles (TG, TC, LDL, VLDL), liver enzymes (AST and ALT), hs-CRP inflammatory marker, IL-6, TNF-α, while it increased the HDL-C levels, compared to the placebo group (P < 0.05). Receiving NS oil had no significant effect on serum levels of insulin, blood pressure, and GGT in comparison with the beginning of the study (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

NS seed oil supplements may decrease the liver enzymes and lipid profiles in the patients with NAFLD and play a protective role in the liver via reducing the inflammation in this group of patients.

Therapeutic Potential and Pharmaceutical Development of Thymoquinone: A Multitargeted Molecule of Natural Origin

Thymoquinone, a monoterpene molecule is chemically known as 2-methyl-5-isopropyl-1, 4-benzoquinone. It is abundantly present in seeds of Nigella sativa L. that is popularly known as black cumin or black seed and belongs to the family Ranunculaceae. A large number of studies have revealed that thymoquinone is the major active constituent in N. sativa oil this constituent is responsible for the majority of the pharmacological properties. The beneficial organoprotective activities of thymoquinone in experimental animal models of different human diseases are attributed to the potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Thymoquinone has also been shown to alter numerous molecular and signaling pathways in many inflammatory and degenerative diseases including cancer. Thymoquinone has been reported to possess potent lipophilicity and limited bioavailability and exhibits light and heat sensitivity. Altogether, these physiochemical properties encumber the successful formulation for the delivery of drug in oral dosages form and restrict the pharmaceutical development. In recent past, many efforts were undertaken to improve the bioavailability for clinical usage by manipulating the physiochemical parameters. The present review aimed to provide insights regarding the physicochemical characteristics, pharmacokinetics and the methods to promote pharmaceutical development and endorse the clinical usage of TQ in future by overcoming the associated physiochemical obstacles. It also enumerates briefly the pharmacological and molecular targets of thymoquinone as well as the pharmacological properties in various diseases and the underlying molecular mechanism. Though, a convincing number of experimental studies are available but human studies are not available with thymoquinone despite of the long history of use of black cumin in different diseases. Thus, the clinical studies including pharmacokinetic studies and regulatory toxicity studies are required to encourage the clinical development of thymoquinone.

Angelica polysaccharides inhibit the growth and promote the apoptosis of U251 glioma cells in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Angelica sinensis (Oliv) Diels (Apiaceae) is a traditional medicine that has been used for more than 2000 years in China. It exhibits various therapeutic effects including neuroprotective, anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory activities. Angelica polysaccharides (APs), bioactive constituents of Angelica have been shown to be responsible for these effects; however, the utility of APs for the treatment of glioma and their mechanism of action remain to be elucidated.

PURPOSE

In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of APs on a glioma cell line and their molecular mechanism of action.

STUDY DESIGN

U251 cells were utilized to confirm the effects of APs on glioma.

METHODS

The human glioblastoma cell line U251 was utilized for both in vitro and in vivo models, in which we tested the effects of APs. Flow cytometry, gene expression analysis, western blotting, and MTT assays were used to elucidate the effects of APs on cell proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that APs significantly inhibited the growth and proliferation of U251 cells and induced their apoptosis. Furthermore, APs effectively reduced the expression of several cell cycle regulators: cyclins D1, B, and E. The apoptosis suppressor protein Bcl-2 was also downregulated, and the expression of pro-apoptotic proteins Bax and cleaved-caspase-3 increased. Additionally, APs inhibited the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β signaling pathway and stimulated the expression of E-cadherin, thus prohibiting cell growth.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, the results indicate that APs attenuate the tumorigenicity of glioma cells and promote their apoptosis by suppressing the TGF-β signaling pathway. The present study therefore provides evidence of the inhibitory effects of APs against glioma progression, and proposes their potential application as alternative therapeutic agents for glioma.

Thymoquinone reduces kidney damage in apolipoprotein E-deficient mice fed a high-cholesterol diet

Hypercholesterolemia is a well-established risk factor for kidney injury that can lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD). Thymoquinone may be a potential therapeutic agent for kidney damage from hypercholesterolemia.

Inactivation of Cronobacter sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula by combination of thymoquinone and mild heat

AIMS

The objective of this study was to determine the combined effect of thymoquinone (TQ) and mild heat on Cronobacter sakazakii in reconstituted infant formula.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Reconstituted infant formula samples inoculated with a mixture of four C. sakazakii strains (approx. 6·5 log CFU ml(-1) ) were prepared with various concentrations of TQ (0, 5, 10, 20 and 30 mmol l(-1) ) and were heated to 45, 50 and 55°C for 0, 10, 20, 30, 60 and 120 min, and the surviving populations of C. sakazakii at each sampling time were enumerated. To elucidate the mode of action of TQ, membrane integrity and changes in cell morphology were examined by LIVE/DEAD(®) BacLight(™) bacterial viability kit and field emission scanning electron microscope respectively. TQ at 30 mmol l(-1) reduced the pathogen to undetectable level in between 60 and 120 min at 45°C, 60 min at 50°C and 10 min at 55°C respectively.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that the combined treatments significantly reduced (P < 0·05) the population of C. sakazakii, compared to the control. Cronobacter sakazakii numbers were reduced much more rapidly with higher temperatures and increased concentrations of TQ. And combined treatment inactivated pathogen partly by causing cell membrane disruption.

SIGNIFICANCE AND IMPACT OF THE STUDY

These findings suggested that TQ, together with mild heat, may have potential application in infant formula to control C. sakazakii before consumption and therefore is a possible way to prevent infections associated with C. sakazakii in infant formula.

Evaluation of oxidant-antioxidant balance and total antioxidant capacity of serum in children with urinary tract infection

Background:

Urinary tract infection (UTI) is the most common bacterial infections in children. This studyaimed to investigate the oxidative and antioxidate status of plasma in patients with UTI and to compare them with those of the controls.

Methods:

This case–control study of 50–75 children in the given order was performed in 2013 at the Pediatric Clinic of infections in Zahedan Hospital of Ali Ibn Abi Talib. The antioxidative status of plasma were evaluated by measuring the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) The oxidative status of samples was assessed by measuring the total peroxide and the oxidative stress index (OSI) levels. The means of the parameters were compared and the relationship among them was determined. Data were analyzed using SPSS 20 (IBM Corp. Released 2011. IBM SPSS Statistics for Windows, Version 20.0. Armonk, NY: IBM Corp). Student's t-test and Mann–Whitney U-test were applied in various situations of our questions; 95% confidence interval was considered for the level of significance.

Results:

The results showed that total oxidant serum status in UTI patients was higher compared to controls when total antioxidant serum was lower. The balance of oxidant-antioxidant serum was in favor of oxidant serum and this term was confirmed by OSI.

Conclusion:

Our results showed that the plasma levels of TAC in patients with UTI were decreased compared to controls, and oxidant-antioxidant balance and OSI caused increased OS in patients.

Investigation of the anti-glioma activity of Oviductus ranae protein hydrolysate

Oviductus Ranae is the dry oviducts of Rana temporaria chensinensis, and it has been reported to have a range of biological activities. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Oviductus Ranae protein hydrolysate (ORPH) on human glioma C6 cell proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Following in vitro treatment, cell viability and colony formation assays showed that ORPH inhibited C6 cell proliferation. In addition, the results of western blotting also demonstrated that ORPH effectively regulated the expression of the apoptosis related proteins, cleaved caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2, DNA staining and flow cytometry analysis demonstrated that ORPH significantly promoted apoptosis in this cell line, a finding that was confirmed in vivo using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling. Further investigation demonstrated that ORPH increased apoptosis by modulating the release of inflammatory cytokines and the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/AKT signaling pathway; this was demonstrated using a PI3K/AKT inhibitor (NVP-BEZ235). In summary, the present study suggested that ORPH promoted apoptosis and inhibited glioma cell proliferation by influencing the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Black cumin (Nigella sativa) and its constituent (thymoquinone): a review on antimicrobial effects

Nigella sativa seeds have wide therapeutic effects and have been reported to have significant effects against many ailments such as skin diseases, jaundice, gastrointestinal problems, anorexia, conjunctivitis, dyspepsia, rheumatism, diabetes, hypertension, intrinsic hemorrhage, paralysis, amenorrhea, anorexia, asthma, cough, bronchitis, headache, fever, influenza and eczema. Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the most active constituent and has different beneficial properties. Focus on antimicrobial effects, different extracts of N. sativa as well as TQ, have a broad antimicrobial spectrum including Gram-negative, Gram-positive bacteria, viruses, parasites, schistosoma and fungi. The effectiveness of N. sativa seeds and TQ is variable and depends on species of target microorganisms. The present review paper tries to describe all antimicrobial activities that have been carried out by various researchers.