Bisdemethoxycurcumin attenuates cisplatin-induced renal injury through anti-apoptosis, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory

Subjective biosafety assessment of bisdemethoxycurcumin from the rhizomes of Curcuma longa

Introduction/Background: Curcuma longa, a plant native to the Indian subcontinent has a variety of biological activities. Curcumin is the most abundant and biologically active compound with many therapeutic properties. Demethoxycurcumin (DMC) and bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) - the two other bioactive components present in Curcuma longa, besides curcumin, are collectively termed curcuminoids. Apart from the well-known curcumin, BDMC also has been reported to possess promising biological and pharmacological effects, but very little scientific evidence on its safety assessment has been published.Objective: The present study was undertaken to determine the safety of pure BDMC from Curcuma longa extract in rodents which comprises of general toxicity (both four weeks and three months duration), reproductive/developmental toxicity and genotoxicity studies.Methods: The Good Laboratory Practice studies were carried out in accordance with the test guidelines established by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development.Results: No treatment-related adverse findings were seen in general toxicity testing and a no observed adverse effect level (NOAEL) of 1000 mg/kg/day was established after four weeks (sub-acute) and three-months (sub-chronic) dosing. Evaluation of fertility, embryo-fetal, and post-natal reproductive and developmental parameters also showed no adverse findings with a NOAEL of 1000 mg/kg/day established. The results of genotoxicity as evaluated by in vitro reverse mutation assay, and in vivo micronucleus test in mice indicate that BDMC did not induce any genotoxic effects.Conclusion: Oral administration of BDMC is safe in rodents and non-mutagenic, with no adverse effects under experimental conditions.

IFN-β Pretreatment Alleviates Allogeneic Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell-Induced NK Cell Responses via the IRF7/HLA-E/NKG2A Axis

Immune checkpoint molecules are promising targets for suppressing the immune response but have received little attention in immune tolerance induction in organ transplantation. In this study, we found that IFN-β could induce the expression of HLA-E as well as PD-L1 on human renal tubular epithelial cell line HK-2 and renal tissue of the C57BL/6 mouse. The JAK/STAT2 pathway was necessary for this process. Upregulation of both HLA-E and PD-L1 was fully abrogated by the JAK1/2 inhibitor ruxolitinib. Signaling pathway molecules, including STAT1, STAT2, mTOR, Tyk2, and p38 MAPK, were involved in HLA-E and PD-L1 upregulation. IRF7 is the key transcription factor responsible for the activation of HLA-E and PD-L1 promoters. Through screening an epigenetic regulation library, we found a natural compound, bisdemethoxycurcumin, enhanced IFN-β-induced HLA-E and PD-L1 expression in vitro and in vivo. In PBMC-derived CD56+ NK cells, we found that NKG2A but not PD1 was constitutively expressed, indicating HLA-E/NKG2A as a more potent target to induce tolerance to innate immune cells. Pretreating HK-2 cells by IFN-β significantly attenuated the degranulation of their coincubated NK cells and protected cells from NK-mediated lysis. In conclusion, IFN-β pretreatment could activate HLA-E and PD-L1 transcription through the JAK/STAT/IRF7 pathway and then could protect renal tubular epithelial cells from allogeneic immune attack mediated by NK cells.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin, a curcumin derivative, ameliorates adjuvant-induced arthritis by suppressing inflammatory reactions and macrophage migration

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a highly prevalent and chronic inflammatory synovial joint disease manifested by hyperplasia and continuous inflammation. Curcumin (Cur) has been studied for alleviating RA. However, poor stability and oral bioavailability restrict its therapeutic value. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a curcumin (Cur) derivative, exerts better stability and oral bioavailability than Cur. However, the efficacy of BDMC on RA has not been fully clarified. The aim of the study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanisms of BDMC on RA. The in-vivo anti-arthritic activity of BDMC was determined via adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Paw swelling, body weight, arthritic index, and histopathological assessments were performed. RAW264.7 cell was stimulated by lipopolysaccharides (LPS) in vitro. The cell viability were determined by CCK8 assay, while the migration ability was determined using cell wound healing and transwell assays. Furthermore, in-vivo and in-vitro levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were assayed by ELISA, and that of IκBα, p-NF-κB, NF-κB, and COX-2 were assessed via Western blot or immunofluorescence. In AIA rat model, it suggested a higher anti-arthritic activity of BDMC than Cur, including amelioration of swelling in hind paws, reduced arthritic index, and alleviated histopathological injury in rats. Furthermore, BDMC also substantially decreased the levels of the aforementioned pro-inflammatory cytokines in both in-vivo and in-vitro, inhibited the IκBα degradation, down-regulated the COX-2 levels and p-NF-κB/NF-κB ratio in AIA rats and LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. Additionally, BDMC showed an inhibitory effect on the migration of LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells. BDMC could effectively ameliorate RA by suppressing inflammatory reactions and inhibiting macrophage migration, more potentially than Cur.

The Golden Spice for Life: Turmeric with the Pharmacological Benefits of Curcuminoids Components, Including Curcumin, Bisdemethoxycurcumin, and Demethoxycurcumins

BACKGROUND

Turmeric (Curcuma longa L.), belonging to the Zingiberaceae family, is a perennial rhizomatous plant of tropical and subtropical regions. The three major chemical components responsible for the biological activities of turmeric are curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin.

METHODS

The literature search included review articles, analytical studies, randomized control experiments, and observations, which have been gathered from various sources, such as Scopus, Google Scholar, PubMed, and ScienceDirect. A review of the literature was carried out using the keywords: turmeric, traditional Chinese medicine, traditional Iranian medicine, traditional Indian medicine, curcumin, curcuminoids, pharmaceutical benefits, turmerone, demethoxycurcumin, and bisdemethoxycurcumin. The main components of the rhizome of the leaf are α-turmerone, β-turmerone, and arturmerone.

RESULTS

The notable health benefits of turmeric are antioxidant activity, gastrointestinal effects, anticancer effects, cardiovascular and antidiabetic effects, antimicrobial activity, photoprotector activity, hepatoprotective and renoprotective effects, and appropriate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease and inflammatory and edematic disorders.

DISCUSSION

Curcuminoids are phenolic compounds usually used as pigment spices with many health benefits, such as antiviral, antitumour, anti-HIV, anti-inflammatory, antiparasitic, anticancer, and antifungal effects. Curcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, and demethoxycurcumin are the major active and stable bioactive constituents of curcuminoids. Curcumin, which is a hydroponic polyphenol, and the main coloring agent in the rhizomes of turmeric, has anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anticarcinogenic activities, as well as beneficial effects for infectious diseases and Alzheimer's disease. Bisdemethoxycurcumin possesses antioxidant, anti-cancer, and anti-metastasis activities. Demethoxycurcumin, which is another major component, has anti-inflammatory, antiproliferative, and anti-cancer activities and is the appropriate candidate for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease.

CONCLUSION

The goal of this review is to highlight the health benefits of turmeric in both traditional and modern pharmaceutical sciences by considering the important roles of curcuminoids and other major chemical constituents of turmeric.

Novel bisdemethoxycurcumin@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution: In vitro formulation appraisal and in vivo prompting rapid corneal wound healing evaluations

A simple and novel phytochemical-based nano-ophthalmic solution was developed for the treatment of eye diseases. This nanoformulation was produced from the mixture of the phytochemicals glycyrrhizin and alpha-glycosyl hesperidin, which serve as the phytonanomaterials that solubilize bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a promising phytochemical with strong pharmacological activities but with poor water solubility. This novel nanoformulation is a clear solution named as BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution, which was formulated using a simple preparation process. The BDMC@phytomicelles were characterized by a BDMC encapsulation efficiency of 98.37% ± 2.26%, a small phytomicelle size of 4.06 ± 0.22 nm, and a small polydispersity index of 0.25 ± 0.04. With the optimization of the BDMC@phytomicelles, the apparent solubility of BDMC (i.e., the loading of BDMC in the phytomicelles) in the simulated lacrimal fluid was 3.19 ± 0.02 mg/ml. The BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution demonstrated a good storage stability. Moreover, it did not cause irritations in rabbit eyes, and it facilitated the excellent corneal permeation of BDMC in mice. The BDMC@phytomicelles demonstrated a marked effect on the in vivo induction of corneal wound healing both in healthy and denervated corneas, as seen in the induction of corneal epithelial wound healing, recovery of corneal sensitivity, and increase in corneal subbasal nerve fiber density. These strong pharmacological activities involve the inhibition of hmgb1 signaling and the induction of VIP signaling. Overall, the BDMC@phytomicelle ophthalmic solution is a novel and promising simple ocular nano-formulation of BDMC with significantly improved in vivo profiles.

Sodium acetate ameliorates cisplatin-induced kidney injury in vitro and in vivo

Cisplatin is an effective chemotherapeutic drug against tumors. Studies often report on the improvement of kidney injury by probiotics or short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs); however, the effects of SCFAs on cisplatin-induced kidney injury are rarely studied. The aim of this study is to evaluate the function of sodium acetate on preventing cisplatin-induced kidney injury. Cell viability was detected by MTT assay. SA-β-gal staining was performed to investigate premature senescence. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was analyzed by H₂DCFDA staining. Propidium iodide (PI) staining was analyzed by cell cycle. Protein expression was determined by Western blot assay. Annexin Ⅴ/PI staining was used to investigate cisplatin-induced apoptosis. Tumor growth and kidney injury were evaluated in C57BL/6 mice. Sodium acetate ameliorated cisplatin-induced premature senescence and ROS production in SV40 MES-13 glomerular cells, NRK-52E renal tubular cells, and NRK-49F renal fibroblast cells. Cisplatin-induced cell cycle arrest was inhibited by sodium acetate in SV40 MES-13 and NRK-49F cells. Sodium acetate alleviated cisplatin-induced apoptosis in vivo and in vitro but not cisplatin-induced fibrosis. Our study demonstrated that sodium acetate inhibited cisplatin-induced premature senescence, cell cycle arrest, and apoptosis by attenuating ROS production. This strategy may be useful in the treatment of cisplatin-induced kidney injury.

Identification of Molecular Targets and Underlying Mechanisms of Xiaoji Recipe against Pancreatic Cancer Based on Network Pharmacology

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is applied in the anticancer adjuvant therapy of various malignancies and pancreatic cancer included. Xiaoji recipe consists several TCM materials with anticancer activities. In our work, we intended to analyze the molecular targets as well as the underlying mechanisms of Xiaoji recipe against pancreatic cancer. A total of 32 active components and 522 potential targets of Xiaoji recipe were selected using the TCMSP and SwissTargetPrediction databases. The potential target gene prediction in pancreatic cancer was performed using OMIM, Disgenet, and Genecards databases, and totally, 998 target genes were obtained. The component-disease network was constructed using the Cytoscape software, and 116 shared targets of pancreatic cancer and Xiaoji recipe were screened out. As shown in the protein–protein interaction (PPI) network, the top 20 hub genes such as TP53, HRAS, AKT1, VEGFA, STAT3, EGFR, and SRC were further selected by degree. GO and KEGG functional enrichment analysis revealed that Xiaoji recipe may affect pancreatic cancer progression by targeting the PI3K/AKT and MAPK signaling pathways. Moreover, we performed in vitro assays to explore the effect of Xiaoji recipe on pancreatic cancer cells. The results revealed that Xiaoji recipe suppressed the viability and migration and promoted the apoptosis of pancreatic cancer cells via the inactivation of PI3K/AKT, MAPK, and STAT3 pathways. The findings of our study suggested the potential of Xiaoji recipe in the targeting therapy of pancreatic cancer.

Rotational constriction of curcuminoids impacts 5-lipoxygenase and mPGES-1 inhibition and evokes a lipid mediator class switch in macrophages

Polypharmacological targeting of lipid mediator networks offers potential for efficient and safe anti-inflammatory therapy. Because of the diversity of its biological targets, curcumin (1a) has been viewed as a privileged structure for bioactivity or, alternatively, as a pan-assay interference (PAIN) compound. Curcumin has actually few high-affinity targets, the most remarkable ones being 5-lipoxygenase (5-LOX) and microsomal prostaglandin E2 synthase (mPGES)-1. These enzymes are critical for the production of pro-inflammatory leukotrienes and prostaglandin (PG)E2, and previous structure-activity-relationship studies in this area have focused on the enolized 1,3-diketone motif, the alkyl-linker and the aryl-moieties, neglecting the rotational state of curcumin, which can adopt twisted conformations in solution and at target sites. To explore how the conformation of curcuminoids impacts 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition, we have synthesized rotationally constrained analogues of the natural product and its pyrazole analogue by alkylation of the linker and/or of the ortho aromatic position(s). These modifications strongly impacted 5-LOX and mPGES-1 inhibition and their systematic analysis led to the identification of potent and selective 5-LOX (3b, IC50 = 0.038 µM, 44.7-fold selectivity over mPGES-1) and mPGES-1 inhibitors (2f, IC50 = 0.11 µM, 4.6-fold selectivity over 5-LOX). Molecular docking experiments suggest that the C2-methylated pyrazolocurcuminoid 3b targets an allosteric binding site at the interface between catalytic and regulatory 5-LOX domain, while the o, o'-dimethylated desmethoxycurcumin 2f likely binds between two monomers of the trimeric mPGES-1 structure. Both compounds trigger a lipid mediator class switch from pro-inflammatory leukotrienes to PG and specialized pro-resolving lipid mediators in activated human macrophages.

Antiproliferative Ruthenium Complexes Containing Curcuminoid Ligands Tested In Vitro on Human Ovarian Tumor Cell Line A2780, towards Their Capability to Modulate the NF-κBTranscription Factor, FGF-2 Growth Factor, and MMP-9 Pathway

So far, the polyphenolic components of turmeric have shown a significant pharmacological preventative activity for a wide spectrum of diseases, including oncological disorders. This type of natural product could be of great interest for the inhibition of cancer cell proliferation, displaying less side effects in comparison to classical chemotherapeutics. The poor bioavailability and quick metabolism of such natural compounds require new investigative methods to improve their stability in the organisms. A synthetic approach to increase the efficiency of curcuminoids is to coordinate them to metals through the beta-dicarbonyl moiety. We report the synthesis and the biological attempts on human ovarian carcinoma A2780 of ruthenium(II) complexes 1–4, containing curcuminoid ligands. The cytotoxicity of complexes 1–4 proves their antiproliferative capability, and a correlation between the IC50 values and NF-κB transcription factor, FGF-2, and MMP-9 levels was figured out through the principal component analysis (PCA).

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Attenuated Renal Injury via Activation of Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway in High-Fat Diet-Fed Mice

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC), a principal and active component of edible turmeric, was previously found to have beneficial effects on metabolic diseases. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may benefit from its potential therapeutic use. Using a high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mouse model, we examined the effects of BDMC on renal injury and tried to determine how its associated mechanism works. A number of metabolic disorders are significantly improved by BDMC, including obesity, hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia and inflammation. Further research on renal histopathology and function showed that BDMC could repair renal pathological changes and enhance renal function. Moreover, decreased serum malondialdehyde (MDA), elevated superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and the inhibition of renal reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction revealed the alleviation of oxidative stress after BDMC administration. In addition, renal Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Keap1/Nrf2) pathway was activated in BDMC-treated mice. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated BDMC as a potential therapy for HFD-induced CKD via the activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway.

Docosahexaenoic acid-acylated curcumin diester alleviates cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by regulating the effect of gut microbiota on the lipopolysaccharide- and trimethylamine-N-oxide-mediated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway in mice

An increasing number of studies have reported the effects of curcumin (Cur) and docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) on alleviating acute kidney injury (AKI). In this work, we have performed a comparative investigation to determine the effect of dietary DHA-acylated Cur esters, ester derivatives of Cur, and recombination of curcumin and DHA on alleviating acute kidney injury in a mouse model induced by a single intraperitoneal injection with cisplatin (20 mg kg^-1). The results showed that the DHA-acylated Cur diesters significantly decreased the abnormally increased blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO) in serum caused by AKI. Histopathological results confirmed that DHA-acylated Cur diesters clearly reduced the degree of renal tubular injury. The renal protective effect of the DHA-acylated Cur diester was better than that of the monoester and the recombination of Cur and DHA. Notably, we found that the DHA-acylated Cur diester treatment remarkably changed the relative abundance of microbiota related to LPS and TMAO/trimethylamine (TMA) metabolism. Moreover, dietary DHA-acylated Cur diesters clearly reduced the MDA content and elevated GSH levels in the kidney of AKI mice, as well as changed the fatty acid composition in the kidney. Further mechanism studies showed that DHA-acylated Cur diesters significantly inhibited inflammation, apoptosis and oxidative stress by preventing the LPS and TMAO-mediated PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway. The above results indicate that DHA-acylated Cur diesters are a potentially novel candidate or targeted dietary pattern to prevent and treat drug-induced acute kidney injury.

Physiological Alterations of Subchronic Lead Exposure Induced Degeneration of Epithelial Cells in Proximal Tubules and the Remedial Effect of Curcumin-III in Meriones shawi: a Possible Link with Vasopressin Release

At the industrial working conditions, lead exposure could induce several alterations for the human body. Subchronic lead exposure is linked with several injuries including cerebral and renal dysfunctions. The present work discusses the effects of subchronic lead toxicity (3 g/l) in drinking water during the period of treatment (6 weeks) on vasopressin system and epithelial cells in proximal tubules. Also, we aimed to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin-III administered orally by gavage (30 mg/kg BW), against subchronic Pb exposure in Meriones shawi. The biochemical and histopathological examinations demonstrate renal damages induced by lead toxicity. In addition, the behavioral and immunohistochemical studies revealed that Pb neurotoxicity exhibited an anxious behavior with a significant elevation of the vasopressin (AVP) staining within the paraventricular nuclei. The study showed also curcumin-III restored the renal alterations with an anxiolytic effect. Moreover, it restored the AVP level in the studying nuclei. Our work supports a possible link between AVP release and epithelial degeneration in the proximal tubules, and shows a new pharmacological effect of curcumin-III as an anxiolytic agent against lead toxicity.

Network Pharmacology Prediction and Molecular Docking-Based Strategy to Discover the Potential Pharmacological Mechanism of Wen-Yu-Jin against Pulmonary Fibrosis in a Mouse Model

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a devastating lung disease, resulting in gas exchange dysfunction until death. The two drugs approved by the FDA, pirfenidone and nintedanib, have obvious side effects. Wen-yu-jin (WYJ), one of the commonly used herbs in China, can treat respiratory diseases. The potential effects and the underlying mechanism of WYJ against PF are unclear.

PURPOSE

Employing network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo and in vitro experiments to explore the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of WYJ in the treatment of PF.

METHODS

Ultra-high pressure liquid chromatography combined with linear ion trap-orbital tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-LTQ-orbital trap) was used to identify compounds of WYJ. We got PF-related targets and WYJ compounds-related targets from public databases and further completed critical targets exploration, network construction, and pathway analysis by network pharmacology. Molecular docking predicted binding activity of WYJ compounds and critical targets. Based on the above results, in vivo and in vitro experiments validated the potential effects and mechanisms of WYJ against PF.

RESULTS

23 major compositions of WYJ were identified based on UHPLC-LTQ-Orbitrap. According to the results of network pharmacology, STAT3, SRC, IL6, MAPK1, AKT1, EGFR, MAPK8, MAPK14, and IL1B are critical therapeutic targets. Molecular docking results showed that most of the compounds have good binding activities with critical targets. The results of in vivo and in vitro experiments showed that WYJ alleviated the process of fibrosis by targeting MAPK and STAT3 pathways.

CONCLUSION

Network pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vivo and in vitro experiments showed the potential effects and mechanisms of WYJ against PF, which provides a theoretical basis for the treatment of WYJ with PF.

Osteoinductive activity of bisdemethoxycurcumin and its synergistic protective effect with human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells against ovariectomy-induced osteoporosis mouse model

Osteoporosis is a common disease characterized by skeletal fragility and microarchitectural deterioration. However, existing conventional drugs exhibit limited efficacy and can elicit severe adverse effects; moreover, and novel stem cell-based therapies have not exhibited sufficient therapeutic efficacy. Our hypothesis is that an appropriate osteogenic inducer may improve their therapeutic efficacy. In this study, we found that bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) stimulates the differentiation of human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) into osteoblasts without inducing cytotoxicity. Here BDMC enhances calcium deposition in hAMSCs, while promoting the expression of early and late markers of osteoblast differentiation, including ALP, runt-related transcription factor 2, osterix, COL1-α1, osteocalcin, and osteopontin at the transcriptional and translational levels. Mechanistically, BDMC was found to activate the JAK2/STAT3 pathway; whereas AG490 (JAK2/STAT3 pathway inhibitor) inhibited BDMC functioning. Subsequently, we found that the combinatorial therapy of BDMC and hAMSC had a positive synergistic effect on osteoporotic mouse model induced by bilateral ovariectomy, including inhibiting bone loss and bone resorption and improving bone micro-architecture. Moreover, BDMC inhibited production of the bone resorption markers C-terminal telopeptide of type I collagen, and tartrate resistant acid phosphatase, while promoting serum levels of bone formation markers OCN, and procollagen I N-terminal propeptide. BDMC also improved liver and kidney function in osteoporotic mouse model. Collectively, BDMC improved osteoporosis by enhancing hAMSC osteogenesis and exhibited a protective effect on liver and kidney function in an osteoporotic mouse model. Hence, BDMC may serve as an effective adjuvant, and combined therapy with hAMSCs is a promising new approach toward osteoporosis treatment.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Induces Cell Apoptosis and Inhibits Human Brain Glioblastoma GBM 8401/Luc2 Cell Xenograft Tumor in Subcutaneous Nude Mice In Vivo

Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) has biological activities, including anticancer effects in vitro; however, its anticancer effects in human glioblastoma (GBM) cells have not been examined yet. This study aimed to evaluate the tumor inhibitory effect and molecular mechanism of BDMC on human GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro and in vivo. In vitro studies have shown that BDMC significantly reduced cell viability and induced cell apoptosis in GBM 8401/luc2 cells. Furthermore, BDMC induced apoptosis via inhibited Bcl-2 (anti-apoptotic protein) and increased Bax (pro-apoptotic proteins) and cytochrome c release in GBM 8401/luc2 cells in vitro. Then, twelve BALB/c-nude mice were xenografted with human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cancer cells subcutaneously, and the xenograft nude mice were treated without and with BDMC (30 and 60 mg/kg of BDMC treatment) every 3 days. GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenografts experiment showed that the growth of the tumors was significantly suppressed by BDMC administration at both doses based on the reduction of tumor size and weights. BDMC did not change the body weight and the H&E histopathology analysis of liver samples, indicating that BDMC did not induce systemic toxicity. Meanwhile, treatment with BDMC up-regulated the expressions of BAX and cleaved caspase-3, while it down-regulated the protein expressions of Bcl-2 and XIAP in the tumor tissues compared with the control group. This study has demonstrated that BDMC presents potent anticancer activity on the human glioblastoma GBM 8401/luc2 cell xenograft model by inducing apoptosis and inhibiting tumor cell proliferation and shows the potential for further development to the anti-GBM cancer drug.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin alleviates vandetanib-induced cutaneous toxicity in vivo and in vitro through autophagy activation

High incidence of cutaneous toxicity ranging from 29.2% to 71.2% has been reported during clinical use of vandetanib, which is a multi-target kinase inhibitor indicated for the treatment of unresectable medullary thyroid carcinoma. The cutaneous toxicity of vandetanib has limited its clinical benefits, but the underlying mechanisms and protective strategies are not well studied. Hence, we firstly established an in vivo model by continuously administrating vandetanib at 55 mg/kg/day to C57BL/6 for 21 days and verified that vandetanib could induce skin rash in vivo, which was consistent with the clinical study. We further cultured HaCaT and NHEK cells, the immortalized or primary human keratinocyte line, and investigated vandetanib (0-10 μM, 0-24 h)-caused alteration in cellular survival and death processes. The western blot showed that the expression level of apoptotic-related protein, c-PARP, c-Caspase 3 and Bax were increased, while the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl2 and MCL1 level were decreased. Meanwhile, vandetanib downregulated mitochondrial membrane potential which in turn caused the release of Cytochrome C, excessive production of reactive oxygen species and DNA damage. Furthermore, we found that 5 μM bisdemethoxycurcumin partially rescued vandetanib-induced mitochondria pathway-dependent keratinocyte apoptosis via activation of autophagy in vivo and in vitro, thereby ameliorated cutaneous toxicity. Conclusively, our study revealed the mechanisms of vandetanib-induced apoptosis in keratinocytes during the occurrence of cutaneous toxicity, and suggested bisdemethoxycurcumin as a potential protective drug. This work provided a potentially promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment of vandetanib-induced cutaneous toxicity.

The nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

The overuse of cisplatin (>50 mg/m2) is limited to nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, gastrotoxicity, myelosuppression, and allergic reactions. The objective of this study was to investigate the nephroprotective effects of Daucus carota and Eclipta prostrata extracts on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in Wistar albino rats. The study involved male Wistar albino rats of 8 weeks weighing 220-270 g. A single injection of 5 mg/kg was injected into the rats for nephrotoxicity. Rats were divided into four groups based on dose conentrations. Blood and urine samples of rats were collected on the 0, 7th, 14th, and 21st days for nephrological analysis. The results showed that Cis + DC/Cis + EP (600 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) increased the body weight and reduced the kidney weight of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats (p < 0.001) as compared to Cis group. The results showed that 600 mg/kg administration of Cis + DC/Cis +EP successfully (p < 0.005) improved the urine and plasmin creatinine, Na, and K level compared to the Cis group. Histopathological results confirmed that Cis + EP/Cis + DC effectively improved the renal abnormalities. It is concluded that the co-administration of Cis + EP extract showed exceptional nephroprotective effects at a dose rate of 600 mg/kg.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Protects Small Intestine from Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mitochondrial Dysfunction via Activating Mitochondrial Antioxidant Systems and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Broiler Chickens

Bisdemethoxycurcumin is one of the three curcuminoids of turmeric and exhibits good antioxidant activity in animal models. This study is aimed at investigating the effect of bisdemethoxycurcumin on small intestinal mitochondrial dysfunction in lipopolysaccharide- (LPS-) treated broilers, especially on the mitochondrial thioredoxin 2 system and mitochondrial biogenesis. A total of 320 broiler chickens were randomly assigned into four experimental diets using a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement with diet (0 and 150 mg/kg bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation) and stress (saline or LPS challenge) for 20 days. Broilers received a dose of LPS (1 mg/kg body weight) or sterile saline intraperitoneally on days 16, 18, and 20 of the trial. Bisdemethoxycurcumin mitigated the mitochondrial dysfunction of jejunum and ileum induced by LPS, as evident by the reduced reactive oxygen species levels and the increased mitochondrial membrane potential. Bisdemethoxycurcumin partially reversed the decrease in the mitochondrial DNA copy number and the depletion of ATP levels. Bisdemethoxycurcumin activated the mitochondrial antioxidant response, including the prevention of lipid peroxidation, enhancement of manganese superoxide dismutase activity, and the upregulation of the mitochondrial glutaredoxin 5 and thioredoxin 2 system. The enhanced mitochondrial respiratory complex activities in jejunum and ileum were also attributed to bisdemethoxycurcumin treatment. In addition, bisdemethoxycurcumin induced mitochondrial biogenesis via transcriptional regulation of proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1alpha pathway. In conclusion, our results demonstrated the potential of bisdemethoxycurcumin to attenuate small intestinal mitochondrial dysfunction, which might be mediated via activating the mitochondrial antioxidant system and mitochondrial biogenesis in LPS-treated broilers.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin Reduces Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Expression of Virulence-Related Exoproteins and Inhibits the Biofilm Formation

Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is a major pathogen of nosocomial infection, which is resistant to most antibiotics. Presently, anti-virulence therapy and anti-biofilm therapy are considered to be promising alternatives. In the current work, we investigated the influence of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) on the virulence-related exoproteins and the biofilm formation using a reference strain and clinic isolated strains. Western blotting, quantitative RT-PCR, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF) release assay were performed to assess the efficacy of BDMC in reducing the expression of Staphylococcus enterotoxin-related exoproteins (enterotoxin A, enterotoxin B) and α-toxin in MRSA. The anti-biofilm activity of BDMC was evaluated through a biofilm inhibition assay. The study suggests that sub-inhibitory concentrations of BDMC significantly inhibited the expression of sea, seb, and hla at the mRNA level in MRSA. Moreover, the expression of virulence-related exoproteins was significantly decreased by down-regulating accessory gene regulator agr, and the inhibition of biofilms formation was demonstrated by BDMC at sub-inhibitory concentrations. Consequently, the study suggests that BDMC may be a potential natural antibacterial agent to release the pressure brought by antibiotic resistance.

Bisdemethoxycurcumin attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal damage through improving barrier integrity, suppressing inflammation, and modulating gut microbiota in broilers

Bisdemethoxycurcumin has good antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and has been widely used as food and feed supplements in the form of curcuminoids. However, the beneficial effect of individual bisdemethoxycurcumin on preventing lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflamed intestinal damage is unclear. The present study aimed to investigate whether dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation could attenuate LPS-induced intestinal damage and alteration of cecal microbiota in broiler chickens. In total, 320 one-day-old male Arbor Acres broiler chickens with a similar weight were randomly divided into four treatments. The treatments were designed as a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: basal diet (CON); 150 mg/kg bisdemethoxycurcumin diet (BUR); LPS challenge + basal diet (LPS); LPS challenge + 150 mg/kg bisdemethoxycurcumin diet (L-BUR). Results showed that dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation attenuated the LPS-induced decrease of average daily feed intake. LPS challenge compromised the intestinal morphology and disrupted the intestinal tight junction barrier. Dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation significantly increased villus length:crypt depth ratio and upregulated the mRNA expression of intestinal tight junction proteins. Moreover, a remarkably reduced mRNA expression of inflammatory mediators was observed following bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation. The cecal microbiota analysis showed that bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation increased the relative abundance of the genus Faecalibacterium while decreased the relative abundance of the genera Bacteroides and Subdoligranulum. In conclusion, dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation could counteract LPS-induced inflamed intestinal damage in broiler chickens by improving intestinal morphology, maintaining intestinal tight junction, downregulating pro-inflammatory mediators, and restoring cecal microbiota.

Panax notoginseng saponins reduces the cisplatin-induced acute renal injury by increasing HIF-1α/BNIP3 to inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis pathway

Cisplatin (CDDP) may induce apoptosis of renal tubular epithelial cells (RTEC) and cause CDDP-induced acute kidney injury (CAKI) during cancer treatment, but yet lack of preventive measures and effective treatment. As a new Chinese herbal preparation, Panax notoginseng saponins (PNS) has been found to mitigate CDDP-induced CAKI through elevating the expression of HIF-1α in the rat model, according to the data from our previous works. However, the underlying link between HIF-1α and apoptosis has not been well elucidated. The current study as a follow-up work, was aimed to reveal if PNS improves CAKI through HIF-1α-dependent apoptosis. A stably HIF-1α-knockdown human proximal tubular epithelial cell (HK-2) line was established by transfecting a HIF-1α-siRNA into HK-2 cells. Cell viability, mitochondrial function, cell apoptosis ratio and the expression of apoptosis-associated proteins (Cyt C, Bcl2, Bax, caspases 3) were determined. In order to elucidate the underlying mechanism, the expression of HIF-1α and BNIP3 were assessed. Our results showed that treatment of PNS rescued the cell viability of CDDP-injured HK-2 or HIF-1α-knockdown HK-2 cells, and increased the expression levels of ATP and MMP in HK-2 or HIF-1α-knockdown HK-2 cells which were reduced by CDDP. Moreover, PNS treatment decreased the CDDP or CDDP plus HIF-1α-knockdown-induced elevation of apoptosis and apoptosis-associated protein expressions. These findings demonstrate that PNS reduces CAKI through increasing HIF-1α to inhibit mitochondrial apoptosis pathway. Hence, we suggest PNS as a protective and therapeutic new drug for CDDP treatment of cancers, which might have significant meaning of further research and application potential.

Protective effects of natural products against drug-induced nephrotoxicity: A review in recent years

Drug-induced nephrotoxicity (DIN) is a major cause of kidney damage and is associated with high mortality and morbidity, which limits the clinical use of certain therapeutic or diagnostic agents, such as antineoplastic drugs, antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and contrast agents. However, in recent years, a number of studies have shown that many natural products (NPs), including phytochemicals, various plants extracts, herbal formulas, and NPs derived from animals, confer protective effects against DIN through multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms, such as inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis, and necroptosis, regulation of autophagy, maintenance of cell polarity, etc., by regulating multiple signaling pathways and novel molecular targets. In this review, we summarize and discuss the protective effects and mechanisms underlying the action of NPs against DIN found in recent years, which will contribute to the development of promising renal protective agents.

Dietary bisdemethoxycurcumin supplementation attenuates lipopolysaccharide-induced damages on intestinal redox potential and redox status of broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the beneficial effects of bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDC) on growth performance, glutathione (GSH) redox potential, antioxidant enzyme defense, and gene expression in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-challenged broilers. A total of 320, male, 1-day-old broilers were randomly assigned to 4 treatment groups including 8 replicates with 10 birds per cage in a 2 × 2 factorial arrangement: BDC supplementation (a basal diet with 0 or 150 mg/kg BDC) and LPS challenge (intraperitoneal injection of 1 mg/kg body weight saline or LPS at 16, 18, and 20 d of age). Results showed that dietary BDC supplementation prevented the LPS-induced decrease in ADG of broilers (P < 0.05). Compared to the saline-challenged group, LPS-challenged broilers showed higher jejunal and ileal malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PC), and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation alleviated LPS-induced increases in jejunal 8-OHdG, ileal MDA, and PC contents (P < 0.05). LPS challenge impaired the small intestinal antioxidant system, as evident by the decreases of GSH and total thiol contents, as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase (GR), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities. On the other hand, LPS challenge also increased GSH redox potential and oxidized glutathione (GSSG) contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation increased jejunal and ileal GSH contents, SOD activities, jejunal GR activity, and ileal GST activity, while it decreased jejunal and ileal redox potential, and jejunal GSSG contents (P < 0.05). Dietary BDC supplementation significantly alleviated the downregulation of mRNA expression levels of jejunal and ileal copper and zinc superoxide dismutase, catalytic subunit of γ-glutamylcysteine ligase, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2, heme oxygenase 1, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, and jejunal catalase and GR induced by LPS challenge (P < 0.05). In conclusion, BDC demonstrated favorable protection against LPS-induced small intestinal oxidative damages, as indicated by the improved growth performance, decreased GSH redox potential, enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities, and upregulated antioxidant-related gene expression.

Inhibition of hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β contributes to cisplatin nephrotoxicity via regulation of nf-κb pathway

Cisplatin nephrotoxicity has been considered as serious side effect caused by cisplatin‐based chemotherapy. Recent evidence indicates that renal tubular cell apoptosis and inflammation contribute to the progression of cisplatin‐induced acute kidney injury (AKI). Hepatocyte nuclear factor 1β (HNF1β) has been reported to regulate the development of kidney cystogenesis, diabetic nephrotoxicity, etc However, the regulatory mechanism of HNF1β in cisplatin nephrotoxicity is largely unknown. In the present study, we examined the effects of HNF1β deficiency on the development of cisplatin‐induced AKI in vitro and in vivo. HNF1β down‐regulation exacerbated cisplatin‐induced RPTC apoptosis by indirectly inducing NF‐κB p65 phosphorylation and nuclear translocation. HNF1β knockdown C57BL/6 mice were constructed by injecting intravenously with HNF1β‐interfering shRNA and PEI. The HNF1β scramble and knockdown mice were treated with 30 mg/kg cisplatin for 3 days to induce acute kidney injury. Cisplatin treatment caused increased caspase 3 cleavage and p65 phosphorylation, elevated serum urea nitrogen and creatinine, and obvious histological damage of kidney such as fractured tubules in control mice, which were enhanced in HNF1β knockdown mice. These results suggest that HNF1β may ameliorate cisplatin nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo, probably through regulating NF‐κB signalling pathway.

Florfenicol causes excessive lipid peroxidation and apoptosis induced renal injury in broilers

In order to study the effects and mechanism of florfenicol (FFC) on the kidney function of broilers, 180 1-day-old broilers were randomly divided into 6 groups, 30 in each group. Except for the control group, different doses of FFC were added to drinking water in the other 5 groups (0.15 g/L, 0.3 g/L, 0.6 g/L, 1.2 g/L and 1.8 g/L). After continuous administration for 5 days, renal histopathological changes, serum renal function indicators, renal peroxidation products and antioxidant factors, and apoptotic factors were detected in broilers aged 21 and 42 days. The results showed that compared with the control group, the kidney tissue structure was disordered, the glomerulus was atrophic, the cystic cavity was enlarged, and the epithelial cells of renal tubules were seriously vacuolated in broilers of treatment groups. And with the growth of broilers, the kidney injury of broilers in the low-dose FFC group was relieved. FFC significantly increased the contents of uric acid (UA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE) in serum and malondialdehyde (MDA) in kidney of broilers, but significantly reduced the levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in kidney. FFC significantly inhibited the mRNA relative transcriptional levels of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate: quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), and increased the mRNA and protein expression levels of p53, Caspase-3 and Caspase-6 in kidney tissue of broilers. It is concluded that FFC has certain nephrotoxicity to broilers, and its effect on kidney is dose-dependent and reversible. FFC causes intense lipid peroxidation in broiler kidney by inhibiting the expression of related factors in the downstream signal pathway of Nrf2. FFC can also up-regulate the expression of pro-apoptotic factors and accelerate the abnormal apoptosis of renal cells, thus seriously affecting the renal function of broilers.

Enhanced oral bioavailability of Bisdemethoxycurcumin-loaded self-microemulsifying drug delivery system: Formulation design, in vitro and in vivo evaluation

In this study, we sought to overcome the poor solubility and bioavailability of bismethoxycurcumin (BDMC) by fabricating a BDMC-loaded self micro-emulsifying system (BDMC-SMEDDS). Solubility and compatibility tests, pseudo-ternary phase diagrams (PTPDs) as well as d-optimal concept was applied to design the formulation. The assessment of the prepared BDMC-SMEDDS in-vitro mainly included droplet size (DS) and entrapment efficiency (EE) determination, morphology, drug release and stability testing. Besides, the in vivo behavior was also evaluated after oral administration of BDMC-SMEDDS to rats. The optimal formulation was found to compose of Kolliphor EL (K-EL, emulsifier, 645.3 mg), PEG 400 (co-emulsifier, 147.2 mg), ethyl oleate (EO, oil, 207.5 mg) and BDMC (50 mg). The BDMC-SMEDDS with satisfactory stability had a mean size of 21.25 ± 3.23 nm and EE of 98.31 ± 0.32%. Roughly 70% of BDMC was released from BDMC-SMEDDS within 84 h compared with <20% from the free BDMC. More importantly, the in-vivo behavior of BDMC-SMEDDS showed that the AUC_(0-12h) and plasma concentration of BDMC increased substantially as compared to the free BDMC. Altogether, BDMC-SMEDDS has the potential to enhance the solubility and bioavailability of BDMC and could be applied in the clinics.

Roles of Nrf2 in Protecting the Kidney from Oxidative Damage

Over 10% of the global population suffers from kidney disease. However, only kidney replacement therapies, which burden medical expenses, are currently effective in treating kidney disease. Therefore, elucidating the complicated molecular pathology of kidney disease is an urgent priority for developing innovative therapeutics for kidney disease. Recent studies demonstrated that intertwined renal vasculature often causes ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), which generates oxidative stress, and that the accumulation of oxidative stress is a common pathway underlying various types of kidney disease. We reported that activating the antioxidative transcription factor Nrf2 in renal tubules in mice with renal IRI effectively mitigates tubular damage and interstitial fibrosis by inducing the expression of genes related to cytoprotection against oxidative stress. Additionally, since the kidney performs multiple functions beyond blood purification, renoprotection by Nrf2 activation is anticipated to lead to various benefits. Indeed, our experiments indicated the possibility that Nrf2 activation mitigates anemia, which is caused by impaired production of the erythroid growth factor erythropoietin from injured kidneys, and moderates organ damage worsened by anemic hypoxia. Clinical trials investigating Nrf2-activating compounds in kidney disease patients are ongoing, and beneficial effects are being obtained. Thus, Nrf2 activators are expected to emerge as first-in-class innovative medicine for kidney disease treatment.