Protective potential of Black grapes against lead induced oxidative stress in rats

Allium sativum Essential Oil Supplementation Reverses the Hepatic Inflammation, Genotoxicity and Apoptotic Effects in Swiss Albino Mice Intoxicated with the Lead Nitrate

Prolonged lead (Pb) exposure impairs human health due to its interference with physiological and biochemical processes. Therefore, it is necessary to investigate natural therapeutics to alleviate Pb-induced intoxication. In the current investigation, essential oil extracted from the fresh bulbs of Allium sativum was considered as a natural remedy. Initially, in vitro antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity of A. sativum essential oil (ASEO) were explored. The results reported that ASEO exhibits potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Additionally, an in vivo study was conducted to elucidate its preventive role against Lead-nitrate (LN)-induced hepatic damage in Swiss albino mice. The experimental mice were allocated into six groups: Control, LN-intoxicated group (50 mg/kg), LN + ASEO (50 mg/kg), LN + ASEO (80 mg/kg), LN + Silymarin (25 mg/kg), and LN + vehicle oil control group. The entire duration of the study was of 30 days. From the results, it was determined that LN exposure elevated the Pb content in hepatic tissues which subsequently increased the serum biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines (NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-6) as well as apoptotic factors (caspase-3, BAX), all of which contribute to DNA damage. Meanwhile, it reduced anti-inflammatory (IFN-γ and IL-10) and anti-apoptotic factors (Bcl-2). Furthermore, Pb accumulation in hepatic tissues changed the histological architecture, which was linked to necrosis, central vein dilation, inflammatory cell infiltration and Kupffer cell activation. In contrast to this, ASEO administration decreased the Pb content, which in turn reduced the level of serum biomarkers, inflammatory and apoptotic factors. At the same time, it increased the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic factors, thereby reduced DNA damage and restored the hepatic histology. In conclusion, exhaustive research is of the utmost demand to elucidate the precise defense mechanisms of ASEO against LN-induced hepatotoxicity.

Combined Effects of Cadmium and Lead on Growth Performance and Kidney Function in Broiler Chicken

Cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) are heavy metals prevalent in the environment and feed, and they reduce production performance of domestic animals, as well as they result in residue in animal tissues. The kidney is the target tissue for Cd and Pb. And the kidney is crucial for the reabsorption of calcium (Ca), which consequently influences bone strength. However, there are relatively few studies related to the effects of Cd and Pb exposure on performance, bone strength and kidney damage in livestock. The purpose of this experiment was to explore the combined effect of Cd and Pb on growth performance and renal impairment and the possible underlying mechanism. For this, 168 1-day-old Ross 308 broilers were randomly divided into four groups of six birds each, with seven replicates in each group: control group, 50 mg Cd/kg body weight group, 200 mg Pb/kg body weight group and 50 mg Cd/kg body weight + 200 mg Pb/kg body weight group. Feed intake was recorded daily and body weight was recorded weekly. The results show that at the end of the 3rd and 6th week, one broiler from each replicate was randomly selected for sampling. Boilers co-exposed to Cd and Pb for 3 weeks and 6 weeks had significantly decreased average daily feed intake (ADFI) and average daily body weight gain (ADG) than the control group, and the ratio of feed-to-weight gain (F/G) significantly increased after 6 weeks of co-exposure to Cd and Pb. Microscopic picture and ultrastructure analyses of the kidneys showed that Cd and Pb caused kidney damage to broiler chickens, and the damage was more serious in the Cd + Pb group, which was manifested by increased renal tubular epithelial degeneration and increased interstitial stasis points. Dietary exposure to Cd and Pb impaired production performance and induced renal oxidative damage in broilers. The combined effects of Cd and Pb on the kidneys are greater than their effects alone. The PERK-ATF4 pathway mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress participates the renal oxidative damage during chronic Cd and Pb exposure.

Aging, oxidative stress and degenerative diseases: mechanisms, complications and emerging therapeutic strategies

Aging accompanied by several age-related complications, is a multifaceted inevitable biological progression involving various genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. The major factor in this process is oxidative stress, caused by an abundance of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated in the mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum (ER). ROS and RNS pose a threat by disrupting signaling mechanisms and causing oxidative damage to cellular components. This oxidative stress affects both the ER and mitochondria, causing proteopathies (abnormal protein aggregation), initiation of unfolded protein response, mitochondrial dysfunction, abnormal cellular senescence, ultimately leading to inflammaging (chronic inflammation associated with aging) and, in rare cases, metastasis. RONS during oxidative stress dysregulate multiple metabolic pathways like NF-κB, MAPK, Nrf-2/Keap-1/ARE and PI3K/Akt which may lead to inappropriate cell death through apoptosis and necrosis. Inflammaging contributes to the development of inflammatory and degenerative diseases such as neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, chronic kidney disease, and retinopathy. The body's antioxidant systems, sirtuins, autophagy, apoptosis, and biogenesis play a role in maintaining homeostasis, but they have limitations and cannot achieve an ideal state of balance. Certain interventions, such as calorie restriction, intermittent fasting, dietary habits, and regular exercise, have shown beneficial effects in counteracting the aging process. In addition, interventions like senotherapy (targeting senescent cells) and sirtuin-activating compounds (STACs) enhance autophagy and apoptosis for efficient removal of damaged oxidative products and organelles. Further, STACs enhance biogenesis for the regeneration of required organelles to maintain homeostasis. This review article explores the various aspects of oxidative damage, the associated complications, and potential strategies to mitigate these effects.

Impact of plant extracts on hepatic redox metabolism upon lead exposure: a systematic review of preclinical in vivo evidence

The liver is a central target organ of heavy metals toxicity, and secondary metabolites of several plant species are suggested to attenuate lead (Pb)-induced hepatotoxicity through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. We used a systematic review framework to map the impact of plant extracts and bioactive secondary metabolites on immunological markers and liver redox metabolism in preclinical models of Pb exposure. This is a systematic review performed according to PRISMA guidelines. The structured research of publications was done through PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Embase databases, selecting and analyzing 41 original studies included via the eligibility criteria. Evidence indicates that Pb-exposure increases reactive oxygen/nitrogen species (ROS/RNS) production by δ-aminolevulinic acid auto-oxidation, xanthine dehydrogenase, and xanthine oxidase upregulation. Pb exposure also inhibits antioxidant enzymes, potentiating ROS/NOS levels and reactive cell damage. Plant extracts rich in flavonoids, tannins, alkaloids, anthocyanins, and vitamins exerted hepatoprotective effects by chelating and decreasing Pb bioaccumulation. In addition, plant extracts reinforce exogenous and endogenous antioxidant defenses, attenuating liver oxidative stress and cell death. The lack of blinded evaluators and randomized experimental groups were the main sources of bias identified, which need to be controlled in toxicological studies aimed at identifying natural products applied to the prevention or treatment of Pb poisoning.

Hyperhalophilic Diatom Extract Protects against Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress in Rats and Human HepG2 and HEK293 Cells

This work investigated the protective effects of microalga Halamphora sp. extract (HExt), a nutraceutical and pharmacological natural product, on human lead-intoxicated liver and kidney cells in vitro and in vivo in Wistar rats. The human hepatocellular carcinoma cell line HepG2 and the human embryonic kidney cell line HEK293 were used for the in vitro study. The analysis of the fatty acid methyl esters in the extract was performed via GC/MS. The cells were pretreated with HExt at 100 µg mL^-1, followed by treatment with different concentrations of lead acetate, ranging from 25 to 200 µM for 24 h. The cultures were incubated (5% CO, 37 °C) for 24 h. Four groups, each containing six rats, were used for the in vivo experiment. The rats were exposed to subchronic treatment with a low dose of lead acetate (5 mg kg^-1 b.w. per day). Pretreating HepG2 and HEK293 cells with the extract (100 µg mL^-1) significantly (p < 0.05) protected against the cytotoxicity induced by lead exposure. For the in vivo experiment, the biochemical parameters in serum-namely, the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)-were measured in the organ homogenate supernatants. HExt was found to be rich in fatty acids, mainly palmitic and palmitoleic acids (29.464% and 42.066%, respectively). In both the in vitro and in vivo experiments, cotreatment with HExt protected the liver and kidney cell structures and significantly preserved the normal antioxidant and biochemical parameters in rats. This study discovered the possible protective effect of HExt, which could be beneficial for Pb-intoxicated cells.

Curcumin-loaded cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles ameliorates lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats via attenuation of oxidative stress

A substantial global health burden is associated with neurotoxicity caused by lead (Pb) exposure and the common mechanism of this toxicity is mainly via oxidative damage. Curcumin has remarkable pharmacological activities but remains clinically constrained due to its poor bioavailability when orally administered. Currently, cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticle (CSCaCO3NP) is gaining more acceptance in nanomedicine as a nanocarrier to various therapeutics. This study aimed at investigating the ameliorative effect of curcumin-loaded CSCaCO3NP (Cur-CSCaCO3NP) on lead-induced neurotoxicity in rats. A total of 36 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. Each group consists of 6 rats apart from the control group which consists of 12 rats. During the 4 weeks induction phase, all rats received a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead while the control group received normal saline. The treatment phase lasted for 4 weeks, and all rats received various doses of treatments as follows: group C (Cur 100) received 100 mg/kg of curcumin, group D (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 50) received 50 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP, and group E (Cur-CSCaCO3NP 100) received 100 mg/kg of Cur-CSCaCO3NP. The motor function test was carried out using the horizontal bar method. The cerebral and cerebellar oxidative biomarker levels were estimated using ELISA and enzyme assay kits. Lead-administered rats revealed a significant decrease in motor scores and SOD activities with a resultant increase in MDA levels. Furthermore, marked cellular death of the cerebral and cerebellar cortex was observed. Conversely, treatment with Cur-CSCaCO3NP demonstrated enhanced ameliorative effects when compared with free curcumin treatment by significantly reversing the aforementioned alterations caused by lead. Thus, CSCaCO3NP enhanced the efficacy of curcumin by ameliorating the lead-induced neurotoxicity via enhanced attenuation of oxidative stress.

The Allium triquetrum L. Leaves Mitigated Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity Induced by Lead Acetate in Wistar Rats

The aim of this study was to scrutinize the possible mitigating role of leaves' Allium triquetrum L. against the toxicity of lead acetate on liver and kidney markers of Wistar rat. Lead acetate (Pb) and leaves' aqueous extracts (L) were orally administrated for 3 weeks. Rats were divided into the control, Pb group (500 mg/kg body weight/day), positive controls L (2g, 3g, 4g/kg BW/day), along with three combined groups of the same doses (Pb-L1, Pb-L2, Pb-L3). The levels of plasma aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total proteins (TP), albumin (ALB), urea, creatinine (Cr), and uric acid (UA), as well as the hepatic and the renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were estimated. Results exhibited a significant increase in plasma AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, uric acid, and MDA levels of the Pb group compared to the control, with the exception of TP, ALB, GSH levels, and GPx activities that were significantly diminished, though the co-administration of garlic extracts (Pb-L) revealed a significant decrease in all mentioned markers, excluding the TP, ALB, GSH, and GPx levels. Likewise, Pb caused histological injuries in the hepatic and renal tissues of rats, while the co-administration of leaves' wild garlic has reduced such effect. Thought, the Pb-L has attenuated the Pb-induced toxicity in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, the aqueous extracts of A. triquetrum have the potential to alleviate Pb hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity through the modulation of most biomarkers in Wistar rat.

Protective Effects of Wine Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress and Hepatotoxicity Induced by Acrylamide in Rats

In recent years, it has been increasingly suggested that the consumption of natural polyphenols, in moderate amounts, is beneficial for health. The aim of this study was to investigate the efficacy of a red wine (the administered dose of 7 mL/kg/day being equivalent to ~16.5 mg/kg/day total polyphenols) compared to a white wine (the administered dose of 7 mL/kg/day being equivalent to ~1.7 mg/kg/day total polyphenols), on the prevention of acrylamide-induced subacute hepatic injury and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Hepatic damage due to acrylamide intoxication (the administered dose being 250 µg/kg body weight, for 28 days, by intragastric gavage) was assessed by employing biochemical parameters (aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT)) and by histopathological studies. Markers of oxidative damage were measured in terms of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic Thiobarbituric Acid Reactive Substances (TBARS) and glutathione (GSH) levels, and liver antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) activities. Regarding hepatic enzyme activities, treatment with red wine significantly decreased the AST values (p < 0.05), while for the ALT values only a normalization tendency was observed. Treatment with red wine and white wine, respectively, significantly prevented the increase in MDA and TBARS levels (p < 0.05), as well as the depletion of GSH (p < 0.05). Red wine treatment normalized the activities of the antioxidant enzymes CAT and SOD in rats intoxicated with acrylamide, while supplementing the diet with white wine did not produce significant differences in the antioxidant enzyme activities. Histopathological findings revealed a moderate protective effect of red wine after four weeks of daily consumption. Our findings provide evidence that red wine, having a higher phenolic content than white wine, has a significant protective effect on oxidative stress and liver injury induced by acrylamide in rats, through its antioxidative activity.

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.

Toxicological assessment of low-dose bisphenol A, lead and endosulfan combination: chronic toxicity study in male rats

In the present study, toxic effects, both alone and combined, of bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb) and endosulfan (ES) in the low doses were investigated in rat liver and kidney functions. In the study, bisphenol A (BPA), lead (Pb) and endosulfan (ES) were chosen because although they are the chemicals people are most frequently exposed to, no combined toxic effect studies were conducted with these chemicals. Sixty-four male Wistar albino rats were used in the study, and they were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 8 per group); control, BPA (5 mg/kg), Pb (100 ppm), ES (0.61 mg/kg), BPA+Pb, BPA+ES, Pb+ES and BPA+P+ES. The rats were sacrificed after 65 days of treatment. Severe histopathological changes in the liver and kidney tissues were observed in the rats exposed to BPA+Pb+ES combination. Elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and decreased superoxide dismutase activity (SOD) in the kidney tissue were detected in the BPA+Pb+ES group compared to those of the control group. It was found that serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (CREA) levels were higher in the BPA+Pb+ES combination group than the control group. Also, combined exposure of BPA, Pb and ES caused apoptotic cell numbers and inducible nitric oxide (iNOS) to increase in the liver and kidney tissues. The results of the present study suggested that the BPA, Pb and ES caused more dramatic changes to both histological architecture and cell apoptosis in the liver and kidney tissues when there was a combined exposure.

Phenolic rich-extracts from Nauclea latifolia fruit restored Lead acetate-induced liver and kidney damaged in Wistar rats

Liver and kidney diseases are becoming order of the day in both developed and developing countries as a result of environmental pollutants such as lead. Restorative activities of methanol and methanol/acetone phenolic-rich extracts (MPR and MAPR, respectively) of the N. latifolia fruit (NLF) on lead acetate-induced liver and kidney damaged were assessed in Wistar rats. The antioxidant activities of both phenolic-rich extracts of NLF were also carried out using standard methods. Seven groups of Wistar rats comprising of 5 rats each were used for the study and 1000 mg/kg body weight (bw.) of lead acetate solution was administered orally to the 6 groups of animals to induce liver and kidney damage. The high and low dosages of 300 and of 150 mg/kg body weight (bw.) of both MPR and MAPR were administered orally to four groups for 14 days along positive (100 mg/kg bw. of silymarin), negative (treated with the placebo) and naïve control (non-induced). The percentage DPPH radical scavenging activities, ferric reducing antioxidant power and percentage inhibition of lipid peroxidation show high antioxidants activities dose-dependently. Furthermore, administration of lead acetate significantly (p > 0.05) reduces the weight gain and elevates the liver and kidney relative weight as well as their respective damage biomarkers with distortions in their histologies. However, treatment with MPR and MAPR resulted in significant (p < 0.05) improve in the percentage body weight gain, relative liver and kidney weight as well as restoration of the activities of the liver and kidney functions biomarkers of the treated animals. Likewise, lesser hepatic and renal cells injury were also observed in the treated groups with MAPR being more active at high dosage which significantly (p < 0.05) compared well with normal group. Hence, the phenolics content of the N. latifolia fruit can be exploited further for drug development for the management kidney and liver damage arise from lead-induced toxicity.

Effects of zinc on tissue uptake and toxicity of lead in Sprague Dawley rat

Lead (Pb) exposure occurs together with other metals including zinc (Zn). This study investigated the impact of Zn on Pb tissue accumulation and Pb-induced toxicities. Animals (n=6 rats per group) were exposed to lead acetate (PbAc) or a combination of PbAc and zinc acetate (ZnAc) under the following groups: control (deionized water), low PbAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day)], low PbAc-ZnAc [12 mg/kg PbAc (3 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 0.2 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr], high PbAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day)], and high PbAc-ZnAc [120 mg/kg (30 mg PbAc/rat/day) + 1 mg ZnAc/rat/48 hr] for 8 weeks. A significant reduction in body weight gain was observed in the high PbAc group relative to the control group. Muscles and testes both had reduced and increased Pb uptake in low PbAc-ZnAc and high PbAc-ZnAc groups compared to PbAc only groups, respectively. Bone Pb levels in the high PbAc-ZnAc group were lower than the high PbAc group. Zinc co-administration attenuated Pb-induced inhibition of delta aminolaevulinic acid dehydratase enzyme and enhanced catalase enzyme activity at a high level of exposure. Moreover, ZnAc seems to have minimized the effects of Pb-induced mRNA dysregulation in antioxidant and antiapoptotic enzymes encoding genes. Heme oxygenase-1 was downregulated in the kidney and brain in the low PbAc group. Liver glutathione peroxidase and thioredoxin reductase-1 were downregulated in the high PbAc group. These findings suggest that zinc co-administration with lead may partially mitigate against Pb-induced toxicities.

Experimental evidence and mechanism of action of some popular neuro-nutraceutical herbs

Brain and neuronal circuits constitute the most complex organ networks in human body. They not only control and coordinate functions of all other organs, but also represent one of the most-affected systems with stress, lifestyle and age. With global increase in aging populations, these neuropathologies have emerged as major concern for maintaining quality of life. Recent era has witnessed a surge in nutritional remediation of brain dysfunctions primarily by "nutraceuticals" that refer to functional foods and supplements with pharmacological potential. Specific dietary patterns with a balanced intake of carbohydrates, fatty acids, vitamins and micronutrients have also been ascertained to promote brain health. Dietary herbs and their phytochemicals with wide range of biological and pharmacological activities and minimal adverse effects have gained remarkable attention as neuro-nutraceuticals. Neuro-nutraceutical potentials of herbs are often expressed as effects on cognitive response, circadian rhythm, neuromodulatory, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities that are mediated by effects on gene expression, epigenetics, protein synthesis along with their turnover and metabolic pathways. Epidemiological and experimental evidence have implicated enormous applications of herbal supplementation in neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. The present review highlights the identification, experimental evidence and applications of some herbs including Bacopa monniera, Withania somnifera, Curcuma longa, Helicteres angustifolia, Undaria pinnatifida, Haematococcus pluvialis, and Vitis vinifera, as neuro-nutraceuticals.

In vivo toxicities of the hospital effluent in Mahdia Tunisia

Hospital effluent (HE) is one of the most important sources of pharmaceuticals released into the environment. This kind of pollution is a recognized problem for both human health and aquatic life. Consequently, in the present study, we assessed the effects of untreated hospital effluent on mice via biochemical and histopathological determinations. Female mice were given free access to water bottles containing untreated HE at different dilutions for 21 days. Then clinical biochemistry and histopathology evaluation were conducted. Serum biochemistry analysis showed the presence of significant increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, glycaemia and total bilirubin. However, phosphatase alkaline and urea activities have been significantly decreased compared to the control group. No significant variation was observed for the rest of the studied parameters (high-density lipoproteins; low-density lipoproteins and uric acid). Additionally, multiple alterations, including cellular necrosis, leucocyte infiltration and congestion, were observed in different tissues of mice exposed to the tested HE.

Curcumin-loaded cockle shell-derived calcium carbonate nanoparticles: A novel strategy for the treatment of lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats

Lead (Pb) toxicity affects the hepatic and renal systems resulting to homeostasis imbalance. Curcumin is a strong antioxidant but has restrained clinical applications due to its poor bioavailability. Nanomedicine showed promising potentials in drug delivery and has brought forth the use of cockle shell-derived aragonite calcium carbonate nanoparticles (CSCaCO₃NP) to enhance the effectiveness and targeted delivery of curcumin (Cur). Thus, this study aimed at evaluating the therapeutic effect of curcumin-loaded CSCaCO₃NP (Cur- CSCaCO₃NP) on lead-induced hepato-renal toxicity in rats. Thirty-six male adults Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned into five groups. All groups contained six rats each except for group A, which contained 12 rats. All rats apart from the rats in group A (control) were orally administered a flat dose of 50 mg/kg of lead for four weeks. Six rats from group A and B were euthanized after four weeks of lead induction. Oral administration of curcumin (100 mg/kg) for group C and Cur-CSCaCO₃NP (50 and 100 mg/kg) for groups D and E respectively, commenced immediately after 4 weeks of lead induction which lasted for 4 weeks. All rats were euthanized at the 8th week of the experiment. Further, biochemical, histological and hematological analysis were performed. The findings revealed a biochemical, hematological and histological changes in lead-induced rats. However, treatments with the Cur-CSCaCO₃NP and free curcumin reversed the aforementioned changes. Although, Cur-CSCaCO₃NP presented better therapeutic effects on lead-induced toxicity in rats when compared to free curcumin as there was significant improvements in hematological, biochemical and histological changes which is parallel with attenuation of oxidative stress. The findings of the current study hold great prospects for Cur-CSCaCO₃NP as a novel approach for effective oral treatment of lead-induced hepato-renal impairments.

Phytochemical Profile and Biological Activities of Tendrils and Leaves Extracts from a Variety of Vitis vinifera L

Winery industry by-products have a great reuse potential in the pharmaceutical and cosmetic fields due to their bioactive compounds. This study investigates the phytochemical profile and the bioactivity of Vitis vinifera variety Fetească neagră tendrils extract (TE) and leaves extract (LE), intended to be used in oral hygiene products recommended in periodontal disease. The evaluation of the phenolic content was performed by colorimetric analysis. Liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry was used to determine the chemical profile of the two extracts obtained from V. vinifera. Moreover, the antioxidant activity of the extracts was determined by spectrophotometric methods, as well as on human gingival fibroblasts (HGF) cell line. The cytocompatibility and cytoprotective effect against nicotine-induced cytotoxicity were tested, as well as the anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial effects. The TE showed higher total polyphenolic content, rich in rutin, compared to the leaves extract that displayed important amounts of isoquercitrin. The antioxidant effect was confirmed by both non-cellular and cellular tests. The cytocompatibility of the extracts was confirmed at a wide range of concentrations. The cytoprotective effect was demonstrated in HGF exposed to cytotoxic doses of nicotine; 300 µg/mL of both tested extracts decreased nicotine toxicity by approximately 20%. When challenged with E. coli polysaccharides, in HGF cells co-exposed to TE and LE, a reduction in the release of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-8, IL-6 and IL-1β) was observed. The extracts were both able to reduce the levels of reactive oxygen species and inflammatory cytokines, and had notable antimicrobial effects on pathogenic bacteria associated with periodontitis.

Luteolin protects against lead acetate-induced nephrotoxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metal pollutants affecting living organisms. It induces nephrotoxicity with significant alterations in renal structure and function. Luteolin (LUT) a flavonoid present in various plant products is well known for exhibiting numerous pharmacological properties. We evaluated the protective efficacy of LUT against Pb-induced renal injury in male Wistar rats. Four experimental groups: control, LUT (50 mg/kg, orally), PbAc (20 mg/kg, i.p.), LUT + PbAc (at the aforementioned doses) were maintained for 7 days. PbAc administration significantly increased renal Pb accumulation, urea, and creatinine levels in serum, and induced renal histological alterations. Additionally, compared to the control rats, PbAc-treated rats exhibited significantly low levels of antioxidant enzyme activity and expression (SOD, CAT, GPx and GR), as well as high MDA levels. Moreover, PbAc exposure downregulated Nfe212 and Homx1 mRNA expression and significantly increased inflammatory marker (TNF-α, IL-1β and NO) levels in renal tissue. PbAc significantly upregulated the synthesis of apoptotic related proteins and downregulated antiapoptotic protein expression. Notably, LUT pretreatment of PbAc-treated rats provided significant nephroprotection and reversed the alterations in the abovementioned parameters. In conclusion, LUT provided significant protection against PbAc intoxication via antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.

The effects of chronic lead exposure on the liver of female Japanese quail (Coturnix japonica): Histopathological damages, oxidative stress and AMP-activated protein kinase based lipid metabolism disorder

Lead (Pb) is one of the most toxic metals to human and wildlife. It also had multiple negative influences on birds with physical, neurological and hematological clinical signs. However, the impacts of lead on bird liver lipid metabolism are still unclear. In this study, female Japanese quails were used to examine the effects of chronic lead exposure on liver histology, oxidative stress and AMPK (AMP-activated protein kinase) based lipid metabolism. Quails were randomly divided into 5 groups and each group was respectively fed with 0, 50, 250, 500 and 1000 ppm lead solution for 49 days. The result showed that exposure to 250, 500 and 1000 ppm Pb induced severe histopathological damages characterized by liver lipid vacuoles and accumulation, hepatic cytoplasmic hyalinization and vacuolization, hepatocytes necrosis, hepatic sinusoid congestion, and it also caused ultrastructural alterations featured by swelling and vacuolar mitochondria, the depolymerization of polyribosome, and lipid droplets accumulation. Moreover, significant decrease of activities of GPx (glutathione peroxidase), SOD (superoxide dismutase), CAT (catalase) and level of T-AOC (total antioxidant capacity) while significant increase of MDA (malondialdehyde) content were found in livers of all Pb groups. In addition, the expressions of genes related to fatty synthesis were significantly upregulated in livers of all Pb groups while the expressions of genes related to fatty β-oxidation were significantly downregulated in livers of 250 ppm Pb group. The present study indicated lead exposure does cause bird health damages through inducing liver microstructural and ultrastructural injury, oxidative damages and lipid metabolism disorder.

Deciphering the in vivo redox behavior of human peroxiredoxins I and II by expressing in budding yeast

Peroxiredoxins (Prxs), scavenge cellular peroxides by forming recyclable disulfides but under high oxidative stress, hyperoxidation of their active-site Cys residue results in loss of their peroxidase activity. Saccharomyces cerevisiae deficient in human Prx (hPrx) orthologue TSA1 show growth defects under oxidative stress. They can be complemented with hPRXI but not by hPRXII, but it is not clear how the disulfide and hyperoxidation states of the hPrx vary in yeast under oxidative stress. To understand this, we used oxidative-stress sensitive tsa1tsa2Δ yeast strain to express hPRXI or hPRXII. We found that hPrxI in yeast exists as a mixture of disulfide-linked dimer and reduced monomer but becomes hyperoxidized upon elevated oxidative stress as analyzed under denaturing conditions (SDS-PAGE). In contrast, hPrxII was present predominantly as the disulfide in unstressed cells and readily converted to its hyperoxidized, peroxidase-inactive form even with mild oxidative stress. Interestingly, we found that plant extracts containing polyphenol antioxidants provided further protection against the growth defects of the tsa1tsa2Δ strain expressing hPrx and preserved the peroxidase-active forms of the Prxs. The extracts also helped to protect against hyperoxidation of hPrxs in HeLa cells. Based on these findings we can conclude that resistance to oxidative stress of yeast cells expressing individual hPrxs requires the hPrx to be maintained in a redox state that permits redox cycling and peroxidase activity. Peroxidase activity decreases as the hPrx becomes hyperoxidized and the limited protection by hPrxII compared with hPrxI can be explained by its greater sensitivity to hyperoxidation.

The remedial effect of Thymus vulgaris extract against lead toxicity-induced oxidative stress, hepatorenal damage, immunosuppression, and hematological disorders in rats

The Thymus vulgaris (T. vulgaris) has been used in foods for the flavor, aroma, and preservation and in folk medicines. The objective of the present work was to determine the antioxidant and protective effects of T. vulgaris extract against lead (Pb)-intoxicated rats. A thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley were randomly assigned into 4 equal groups and treated for six weeks as follows: group I (GP-I), served as negative control; GP-II, -III, and -IV received either Pb acetate in drinking water (500 mg/L), T. vulgaris extract (500 mg/kg/day) by oral gavage or Pb acetate with T. vulgaris extract, respectively. Blood samples were collected at the end of the study week 6 to measure the hepatic and renal biochemical markers, complete blood count alongside the serum levels of interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL-10, tumor necrosis (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ. Additionally, liver and kidney tissue specimens were collected for histopathology as well as to measure the antioxidant-reduced glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) alongside the lipid peroxidation marker, malonaldehyde (MDA). The results indicated that Pb toxicity increased the serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, whereas IL-10 and IFN-γ were reduced. The results showed disturbed liver and renal functions; increased serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, total bilirubin, creatinine, and urea; and decreased total protein, albumin, and calcium. The GSH, Gpx, and CAT levels were significantly decreased in the Pb-administrated group, while MDA was increased. However, regarding the hepatorenal markers, those animals treated with T. vulgaris alone did not induce any significant changes. Moreover, the combined treatment with T. vulgaris extract together with Pb showed significant improvement in Pb-induced toxicity in all the tested parameters compared to the negative control group. We investigated the potential protective effects of the medicinal plant T. vulgaris in vivo, since there are no publications that address the potential protective effect of this leaf extract against Pb-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Our studies concluded that the T. vulgaris extract reduces Pb overload in hepatorenal tissues, and that this has a potential immunomodulatory role, antioxidant activity, and a protective effect against Pb toxicity.

Chlorogenic acid relieves lead-induced cognitive impairments and hepato-renal damage via regulating the dysbiosis of the gut microbiota in mice

Lead (Pb), a heavy metal which is widely recognized as an environmental toxicant, is transported from the earth's crust into the human body to a significant extent. To control and reduce the hazard of Pb burdens in the human body, chlorogenic acid (CGA) has been used to antagonize Pb-induced cognitive impairments, and hepatic and renal toxicity in the present study. Seven-week-old male Kunming mice were treated with PbCl2 (1.34 g L-1 in drinking water) and/or CGA (30 mg per kg mouse per day) by gavage administration for 8 weeks. In this study, we evaluated behavior tests, serum biochemical parameters, biomarkers of oxidative stress, and community structure of gut microbiota in mice to explore the potential mechanism of the protective effect. Based on our results, CGA appreciably prevented memory impairment, the release of serum biomarkers, and oxidative stress caused by Pb intake. CGA significantly inhibited Pb-induced increase of cytoplasmic NF-κB, Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase-9 protein expressions. Furthermore, Pb + CGA treatment had a remarkable reversion effect of the gut microbiota composition change induced by Pb, for example increasing the ratio of Helicobacter from 2.95% (Pb) to 11.24% (Pb + CGA) and decreasing the ratio of the Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_ group from 7.09% (Pb) to 2.68% (Pb + CGA), which suggests that CGA is a superior natural product to eliminate Pb-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity.

Platelet-rich plasma as a potential therapeutic approach against lead nitrate- and/or gamma radiation-induced hepatotoxicity

Because of the potential regenerative and cytoprotective effects of its content of numerous bioactive growth factors and cytokines, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) became an attractive biomaterial for therapeutic purposes. Therefore, the current study was designed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of PRP against lead nitrate- and/or γ-radiation-induced hepatotoxicity. To do so, hepatotoxicity was induced in rats by intraperitoneal administration of lead nitrate (7.5 mg/kg) thrice weekly for two consecutive weeks and/or a whole-body γ-irradiation at a single dose of 6 Gy. Activated PRP (0.5 ml/kg) was injected subcutaneously 24 h after the last dose of lead nitrate and/or γ-irradiation and continued twice weekly for three successive weeks. Lead nitrate intoxication and/or γ-irradiation resulted in a significant elevation of serum alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase activities accompanied with a significant decrease in serum levels of total protein and albumin. Further, a significant increase in malondialdehyde level and nitric oxide content accompanied with a significant decrease in the reduced glutathione content and the enzyme activities of glutathione-S-transferase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were observed. Additionally, hepatic extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) and Akt signaling pathways were stimulated. PRP treatment notably ameliorated the induced cell injury, reduced the intracellular oxidative and interestingly increased the upregulation of phosphorylated ERK1/2 and Akt. Moreover, PRP treatment relieved lead nitrate and/or γ-radiation-induced hepatic histological damages. In conclusion, this study sheds the light on a probable therapeutic role of PRP against lead nitrate- and/or γ-radiation-induced hepatotoxicity which might attribute to its ability to activate ERK and Akt signaling pathways.

Synergistic therapeutic effects of Vitis vinifera extract and Silymarin on experimentally induced cardiorenal injury: The pertinent role of Nrf2

BACKGROUND

Cardiorenal crosstalk has gained growing scientific curiosity recently. Clinical observations have approved that heart and kidney performances are intimately interrelated; acute or chronic dysfunction of either is inevitably mirrored on the other. This coexistence usually has the poor prognosis and worsened outcome.

METHODS

We designed this study to explore therapeutic potentials of combined Vitis vinifera and Silymarin extracts on histopathological alterations of experimentally induced cardiorenal injury model. Moreover, to examine the pertinent role of Nrf2 in their bio-molecular actions. Sixty adult male Wistar albino rats were utilized, further subdivided into control, doxorubicin (DXR), DXR + Silymarin, DXR + Aqueous Vitis, DXR + Ethanolic Vitis, DXR + Ethanolic Vitis + Silymarin. Left ventricle and renal cortex sections from all groups were processed for histopathological examination, biochemical estimation of serum Urea, Creatinine, BUN, lipid profile and hs-CRP and real-time PCR of Nrf2 expression in cardiac and renal tissue homogenate were performed.

RESULTS

Our results proved that combined ethanolic extract of Vitis vinifera and Silymarin restored normal renal and cardiac histomorphology. Significant improvement of Creatinine, BUN, lipid profile and hs-CRP cardiac and renal biochemical indicators confirmed our results. Moreover, significant elevation of mRNA expression levels of Nrf2 proved that combined Vitis vinifera and Silymarin action was directly related to the redox-sensitive regulator pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that synergistic therapeutic effect of Vitis vinifera extract and Silymarin on experimental cardiorenal injury model owes principally to promoting activation of the Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Potential protective effects of the edible alga Arthrospira platensis against lead-induced oxidative stress, anemia, kidney injury, and histopathological changes in adult rats

Oxidative damage has been proposed as a possible mechanism involved in lead toxicity. This study investigated the possible protective effect of dietary Arthrospira platensis supplementation against lead acetate-induced kidney injury in adult male rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: normal rats (control rats), rats treated with spirulina, rats treated with lead (Pb) (0.344 g/kg body weight), and rats treated with Pb and spirulina. The exposure of rats to Pb for 30 days provoked renal damage with significant increases in hematological parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters (i.e., thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl content, advanced oxidation protein products, and hydrogen peroxide), creatinine and urea levels in plasma, and uric acid level in urine. Conversely, antioxidant enzyme activities (i.e., catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and superoxide dismutase) and levels of nonprotein thiols, plasma uric acid, and urinary creatinine and urea decreased. The administration of spirulina to Pb-treated rats significantly improved weight, peripheral blood parameters, oxidative stress-related parameters, renal biomarker levels, and antioxidant enzyme activities. Also, rats treated with Pb and spirulina had normal kidney histology. These healing effects are likely the result of the high phenol content and significant antioxidant capacity of A. platensis. Our data strongly suggest that spirulina supplementation improves kidney function and plays an important role in the prevention of complications of Pb intoxication.

Berry Phenolic Antioxidants - Implications for Human Health?

Antioxidants present in the diet may have a significant effect on the prophylaxis and progression of various diseases associated with oxidative stress. Berries contain a range of chemical compounds with antioxidant properties, including phenolic compounds. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of such phenolic antioxidants, and to discuss whether these compounds may always be natural gifts for human health, based on both in vitro and in vivo studies. It describes the antioxidant properties of fresh berries (including aronia berries, grapes, blueberries, sea buckthorn berries, strawberries and other berries) and their various products, especially juices and wines. Some papers report that these phenolic compounds may sometimes behave like prooxidants, and sometimes demonstrate both antioxidant and prooxidant activity, while others note they do not behave the same way in vitro and in vivo. However, no unwanted or toxic effects (i.e., chemical, hematological or urinary effect) have been associated with the consumption of berries or berry juices or other extracts, especially aronia berries and aronia products in vivo, and in vitro, which may suggest that the phenolic antioxidants found in berries are natural gifts for human health. However, the phenolic compound content of berries and berry products is not always well described, and further studies are required to determine the therapeutic doses of different berry products for use in future clinical studies. Moreover, further experiments are needed to understand the beneficial effects reported so far from the mechanistic point of view. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the development of well-controlled and high-quality clinical studies in this area.

Beneficial effects of consumption of acerola, cashew or guava processing by-products on intestinal health and lipid metabolism in dyslipidaemic female Wistar rats

This study assessed the effects of diet supplementation with industrial processing by-products of acerola (Malpighia emarginataD.C.), cashew (Anacardium occidentaleL.) and guava (Psidium guajavaL.) fruit on the intestinal health and lipid metabolism of female Wistar rats with diet-induced dyslipidaemia. Female rats were randomly divided into five groups: healthy control, dyslipidaemic control and dyslipidaemic experimental receiving acerola, cashew or guava processing by-products. Fruit processing by-products were administered (400 mg/kg body weight) via orogastric administration for 28 consecutive days. Acerola, cashew and guava by-products caused body weight reduction (3·42, 3·08 and 5·20 %, respectively) in dyslipidaemic female rats. Dyslipidaemic female rats receiving fruit by-products, especially from acerola, presented decreased faecal pH, visceral fat, liver fat and serum lipid levels, as well as increased faecal moisture, faecal fat excretion, faecalBifidobacteriumspp. andLactobacillusspp. counts and amounts of organic acids in faeces. Administration of the tested fruit processing by-products protected colon and liver from tissue damage (e.g. destruction of liver and colon cells and increased fat deposition in hepatocytes) induced by dyslipidaemic diet. Dietary fibres and phenolic compounds in tested fruit by-products may be associated with these positive effects. The industrial fruit processing by-products studied, mainly from acerola, exert functional properties that could enable their use to protect the harmful effects on intestinal health and lipid metabolism caused by dyslipidaemic diet.

Hepatoprotective efficacy of Spirulina platensis against lead-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity in catfish; Clarias gariepinus

Lead (Pb) is a toxic environmental pollutant that induces a broad range of biochemical and physiological hazards in living organisms. We investigated the possible hepatoprotective effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) in counteracting the Pb-induced oxidative damage. Ninety-six adult African catfish were allocated into four equal groups. The 1st group (control) fed basal diet while the 2nd group (Pb-treated) fed on basal diet and exposed to 1mg Pb(NO₃)₂/L. The 3rd and 4th groups fed SP-supplemented basal diets at levels of 0.25% and 0.5%, respectively and exposed to Pb. Serum samples were used to analyze hepatic function biomarkers, electrolytes, and oxidant and antioxidant status. Lipid peroxidation and DNA fragmentation were determined in the liver tissues. Pb exposure induced hepatic dysfunction, electrolytes (Na⁺, K⁺, Ca⁺², and Cl^-) imbalance, as well a significant decrease in GSH content, and LDH, AChE, SOD, CAT and GST enzymes activity. SP supplementation reverted these biochemical and genetic alterations close to control levels. This amelioration was higher with 0.5% SP and at the 4th week of exposure, showing concentration- and time-dependency. Thus, the current study suggests that SP could protect the catfish liver against lead-induced injury by scavenging ROS, sustaining the antioxidant status and diminishing DNA oxidative damage. The dietary inclusion of SP can be used as a promising protective agent to counteract oxidative stress-mediated diseases and toxicities.

Alleviation of lead-induced oxidative stress and immune damage by selenium in chicken bursa of Fabricius

We investigated lead (Pb)-induced oxidative stress and immune damage in the chicken bursa of Fabricius (BF) and the ameliorative effect of selenium (Se). Seven-day-old male chickens were randomly divided into four groups and were provided standard diet and drinking water, Na₂SeO₃ added to the standard diet and drinking water, standard diet and (CH₃COO)₂Pb added to drinking water, and Na₂SeO₃ added to the standard diet and (CH₃COO)₂Pb added to drinking water for 30, 60, and 90 days. The presence of Pb inhibited total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities; decreased glutathione (GSH) content; increased malondialdehyde (MDA) and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) contents; inhibited interleukin (IL)-2 and interferon-γ (IFN-γ) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression; and increased IL-4, IL-6, IL-10, IL-12β, and IL-17 mRNA expression. The presence of Se relieved all of the above Pb-induced changes. There were close correlations among GSH, CAT, T-AOC, SOD, GPx, MDA, and H₂O₂ and among IL-2, IL-4, IL-6, IL-12β, IL-17, and IFN-γ. Our data showed that Pb caused oxidative stress and immune damage in the chicken BF. Se alleviated Pb-induced oxidative stress and immune damage in the chicken BF.

Protective role of silymarin and D-penicillamine against lead-induced liver toxicity and oxidative stress

This study was performed to assess hepatotoxicity and alterations in liver antioxidant defence in acute lead (Pb) exposure and the protective effects of silymarin in comparison to D-penicillamine in rats. Forty eight Albino rats were divided in eight groups and received the following treatments in a 10-day experiment – group 1: normal saline as control; group 2: 25-mg/kg Pb acetate, intraperitoneally (IP) for the last 5 days; group 3: 100-mg/kg D-penicillamine, IP for the last 5 days; group 4: 200-mg/kg silymarin, orally for 10 days; and groups 5, 6, 7 and 8: in addition to Pb, they received D-penicillamine, for the last 5 days, silymarin for 10 days, a combination of silymarin for 10 days and D-penicillamine for the last 5 days and silymarin for the last 5 days, respectively. Pb acetate exposure induced significant elevation in serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activities in group 2 compared to control group. Significant reductions in serum total protein and albumin in all Pb-exposed groups and in serum glucose in groups 2, 6 and 8 were also observed. Liver tissue superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase were significantly lower in groups 2 and 8 compared to control group. Silymarin pretreatment and D-penicillamine administration in groups 5, 7 and 8 could significantly lower ALP, ALT and AST and improve liver antioxidant enzymes. Thus, acute Pb exposure induced hepatotoxicity with suppression of liver antioxidant defence system and silymarin, as an antioxidant could alleviate this effect.

Protective effect of Allium sativum (garlic) aqueous extract against lead-induced oxidative stress in the rat brain, liver, and kidney

The present investigation was undertaken to evaluate the ameliorative activity of Allium sativum against lead-induced oxidative stress in the brain, liver, and kidney of male rats. Four groups of male Wistar strain rats (100-120 g) were taken: group 1 received 1000 mg/L sodium acetate and group 2 was given 1000 mg/L lead acetate through drinking water for 2 weeks. Group 3 and 4 were treated with 250 mg/kg body weight/day of A. sativum and 500 mg/kg body weight/day of A. sativum, respectively, by oral intubation for a period of 2 weeks along with lead acetate. The rats were sacrificed after treatment and the brain, liver, and kidney were isolated on ice. In the brain, four important regions namely the hippocampus, cerebellum, cerebral cortex, and brain stem were separated and used for the present investigation. Blood was also drawn by cardiac puncture and preserved in heparinized vials at 4 °C for estimation of delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) activity. The results showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation products (LPP), total protein carbonyl content (TPCC), and lead in the selected brain regions, liver, and kidney of lead-exposed group compared with their respective controls. Blood delta-ALAD activity showed a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in the lead-exposed rats. However, the concomitant administration of A. sativum resulted in tissue-specific recovery of oxidative stress parameters namely ROS, LPP, and TPCC. A. sativum treatment also restored the blood delta-ALAD activity back to control. Overall, our results indicate that A. sativum administration could be an effective antioxidant treatment strategy for lead-induced oxidative insult.

Oxidative stress responses in Wistar rats on subacute exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater

Water pollution has been a major concern for agrarian societies like Pakistan. Pharmaceutical industries are amongst the foremost contributor to industrial waste. Present study addresses the generation of oxidative stress caused by 2 months exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater in rats and their response to oral treatment with vitamin E, a potent antioxidant. The rats were randomized into five groups (n = 5) named as negative control, pharmaceutical wastewater (PEW) 100 %, PEW 10 %, PEW 1 %, and PEW 100 % + vitamin E. Oxidative damage in rats was evaluated by estimation of the activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), catalase (CAT), and the concentration of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in the liver, kidney, and blood/plasma. Exposure to pharmaceutical wastewater significantly decreased the activities of T-SOD and CAT and concentration of H₂O₂ in the liver and kidney and blood/plasma. Exposure to 100 % pharmaceutical wastewater exhibited a maximum decline in T-SOD activity, and activity was reduced to only 63.57 U/mL, 32.65, and 43.57 U/mg of protein in the plasma, kidney, and liver, respectively. Exposure to wastewater minimized activity CAT to 89.25 U/g of hemoglobin, 54.36, and 62.95 U/mg of protein in the blood, kidney, and liver, respectively. Treatment with vitamin E significantly increased the activity of T-SOD and CAT. However, increase in concentration of H₂O₂ was also observed in vitamin E exposed rats. Histopathology of the kidney revealed coagulative necrosis of renal epithelial cells and peritubular congestion. Endocardium showed infiltration of inflammatory cells and cellular breakdown in some areas. Lung sections exhibited atelectasis and emphysema of alveoli suggesting decline in lung function. The anatomy of the liver was also compromised due to severe degeneration and cellular swelling. The present study concluded that pharmaceutical wastewater induced severe oxidative stress in Wistar rats and ensued in histopathological lesions in several vital organs suggesting its high toxicity. Non-enzymatic antioxidant vitamin E may ameliorate oxidative stress induced by pharmaceutical wastewater.

Nephrotoxic effects of lead nitrate exposure in diabetic and nondiabetic rats: Involvement of oxidative stress and the protective role of sodium selenite

Heavy metals are known to be toxic to organisms. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of sodium selenite against lead nitrate (LN)-induced nephrotoxicity in diabetic and nondiabetic rats. Animals were divided into eight groups where the first was served as a control, whereas the remaining groups were treated with sodium selenite (1 mg/kg b.w.), LN (22.5 mg/kg b.w.) and a combination of LN and sodium selenite and diabetic forms of these groups. Changes in antioxidant enzyme activities, malondialdehide levels, serum urea, uric acid, creatinine levels, body, and kidney weights and histopathological changes were determined after 28 days. LN caused severe histopathological changes, increment in urea, uric acid, creatinine, and MDA levels, also decreasing in antioxidant enzyme activities, body, and kidney weights. In sodium selenite + LN group, we observed the protective effect of sodium selenite on examining parameters. Also diabetes caused alterations on these parameters compared with nondiabetic animals. We found that sodium selenite did not show protective effect on diabetes caused damages. As a result, LN caused nephrotoxicity and sodium selenite alleviated this toxicity but sodium selenite did not protect kidneys against diabetes mediated toxicity. Also, LN caused more harmfull effects in diabetic groups compared with nondiabetic groups. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1229-1240, 2016.

Effect of Ankaferd Blood Stopper on Skin Superoxide Dismutase and Catalase Activities in Warfarin-Treated Rats

AIM

Ankaferd Blood Stopper (ABS) is a new promising local hemostatic agent, and its mechanism on hemostasis has been shown by many studies. However, the effects of ABS on skin superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities have not been investigated before. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of this new generation local hemostatic agent on warfarin-treated rats focusing on its the antioxidant potential in short-term soft tissue healing.

METHODS

Twelve systemically warfarin treated (warfarin group) and 12 none treated Wistar Albino rats (control group) were selected for the trial. Rats in the warfarin group were treated intraperitonally with 0.1 mg/kg warfarin, and rats in the control group were given 1 mL/kg saline 3 days earlier to surgical procedure and continued until killing. All rats had incisions on dorsal dermal tissue, which was applied ABS or no hemostatic agent before suturing. Six of each group were killed on day 4, and the other 6 were killed on day 8. Blood and skin samples were taken. Prothrombin time (PT) in blood samples, CAT, and SOD activities in skin samples were determined.

RESULTS

Warfarin treatment dose was found to be convenient and warfarin treatment increased the PT levels as expected. Warfarin treatment decreased CAT activity significantly compared to the control group. The ABS treatment significantly increased SOD activities in the warfarin group at the end of the eighth day.

CONCLUSION

Ankaferd Blood Stopper acted positively in short-term tissue healing by increasing SOD activity in warfarin-treated rats. Therefore, ABS may be suggeted as a promoting factor in tissue healing.

The detrimental effects of lead on human and animal health

Lead, a chemical element in the carbon group with symbol Pb (from Latin: Plumbum, meaning “the liquid silver”) and has an atomic number 82 in the periodic table. It was the first element that was characterized by its kind of toxicity. In animal systems, lead (Pb) has been incriminated in a wide spectrum of toxic effects and it is considered one of the persistent ubiquitous heavy metals. Being exposed to this metal could lead to the change of testicular functions in human beings as well as in the wildlife. The lead poising is a real threat to the public health, especially in the developing countries. Accordingly, great efforts on the part of the occupational and public health have been taken to curb the dangers of this metal. Hematopoietic, renal, reproductive, and central nervous system are among the parts of the human body and systems that are vulnerable toward the dangers following exposure to high level of Pb. In this review, we discussed the massive harmful impact that leads acetate toxicity has on the animals and the worrying fact that this harmful toxicant can be found quite easily in the environment and abundance. Highlighting its (Pb) effects on various organs in the biological systems, its economic, as well as scientific importance, with the view to educate the public/professionals who work in this area. In this study, we focus on the current studies and research related to lead toxicity in animals and also to a certain extent toward human as well.

Protective effect of thymoquinone against lead-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Lead (Pb) intoxication is a worldwide health problem which frequently affects the liver. This study was carried out to investigate the potential protective effect of thymoquinone (TQ), the major active ingredient of volatile oil of Nigella sativa seeds, against Pb-induced liver damage. Adult male rats were randomized into four groups: Control group received no treatment, Pb group was exposed to 2000 ppm Pb acetate in drinking water, Pb-TQ group was cotreated with Pb plus TQ (5 mg/kg/day, per orally), and TQ group receiving only TQ. All treatments were applied for 5 weeks. Results indicated that Pb exposure increased hepatic Pb content, damaged hepatic histological structure (necrotic foci, hepatic strands disorganization, hypertrophied hepatocytes, cytoplasmic vacuolization, cytoplasmic loss, chromatin condensation, mononuclear cell infiltration, congestion, centrilobular swelling), and changed liver function investigated by plasma biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, ALP, γ-GT, LDH). Pb treatment also decreased total antioxidant status level and increased lipid peroxidation in the liver. Supplementation with TQ remarkably improved the Pb-induced adverse effects without significantly reducing the metal accumulation in the liver. In conclusion, our results indicate, for the first time, a protective effect of TQ against Pb-induced hepatotoxicity and suggest that this component might be clinically useful in Pb intoxication.

Review of the Pharmacological Effects of Vitis vinifera (Grape) and its Bioactive Constituents: An Update

Vitis vinifera fruit (grape) contains various phenolic compounds, flavonoids and stilbenes. In recent years, active constituents found in the fruits, seeds, stems, skin and pomaces of grapes have been identified and some have been studied. In this review, we summarize the active constituents of different parts of V. vinifera and their pharmacological effects including skin protection, antioxidant, antibacterial, anticancer, antiinflammatory and antidiabetic activities, as well as hepatoprotective, cardioprotective and neuroprotective effects in experimental studies published after our 2009 review. Clinical and toxicity studies have also been examined. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.

Grape pomace extract exerts antioxidant effects through an increase in GCS levels and GST activity in muscle and endothelial cells

In a previous study, we demonstrated that a grape pomace extract (GPE) exerted antioxidant activity in endothelial (EA.hy926) and muscle (C2C12) cells through an increase in glutathione (GSH) levels. In the present study, in order to elucidate the mechanisms responsible for the antioxidant activity of GPE, its effects on the expression of critical antioxidant enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD)1, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and gamma-glutamylcysteine synthetase (GCS) were assessed in EA.hy926 and C2C12 cells. Moreover, the effects of GPE on CAT, SOD and glutathione S-transferase (GST) enzymatic activity were evaluated. For this purpose, the C2C12 and EA.hy926 cells were treated with GPE at low and non-cytotoxic concentrations (2.5 and 10 µg/ml for the C2C12 cells; 0.068 and 0.250 µg/ml for the EA.hy926 cells) for 3, 6, 12, 18 and 24 h. Following incubation, enzymatic expression and activity were assessed. The results revealed that treatment with GPE significantly increased GCS levels and GST activity in both the C2C12 and EA.hy926 cells. However, GPE significantly decreased CAT levels and activity, but only in the muscle cells, while it had no effect on CAT levels and activity in the endothelial cells. Moreover, treatment with GPE had no effect on HO-1 and SOD expression and activity in both cell lines. Therefore, the present results provide further evidence of the crucial role of GSH systems in the antioxidant effects exerted by GPE. Thus, GPE may prove to be effective for use as a food supplement for the treatment of oxidative stress-induced pathological conditions of the cardiovascular and skeletal muscle systems, particularly those associated with low GSH levels.

Effects of lead nitrate and sodium selenite on DNA damage and oxidative stress in diabetic and non-diabetic rat erythrocytes and leucocytes

The adverse effects of lead nitrate (LN) and the preventive role of sodium selenite were investigated in diabetic and non-diabetic rat blood by measuring trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity (TEAC), ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) also by evaluating DNA damage with comet assay. LN increased the levels of MDA, tail DNA%, mean tail length and tail moment, decreased the enzymes activities, FRAP and TEAC values. In sodium selenite+LN group, we observed the protective effect of sodium selenite on examining parameters. Diabetes caused alterations on these parameters, too. We found that sodium selenite did not protect against diabetes caused damages. As a result, LN caused toxic effects on blood cells and sodium selenite alleviated this toxicity but it did not show preventive effect against diabetes. Also, LN caused more harmfull effects in diabetic groups than non-diabetic groups.

Insight into the oxidative stress induced by lead and/or cadmium in blood, liver and kidneys

Besides being important occupational hazards, lead and cadmium are nowadays metals of great environmental concern. Both metals, without any physiological functions, can induce serious adverse health effects in various organs and tissues. Although Pb and Cd are non-redox metals, one of the important mechanisms underlying their toxicity is oxidative stress induction as a result of the generation of reactive species and/or depletion of the antioxidant defense system. Considering that the co-exposure to both metals is a much more realistic scenario, the effects of these metals on oxidative status when simultaneously present in the organism have become one of the contemporary issues in toxicology. This paper reviews short and long term studies conducted on Pb or Cd-induced oxidative stress in blood, liver and kidneys as the most prominent target organs of the toxicity of these metals and proposes the possible molecular mechanisms of the observed effects. The review is also focused on the results obtained for the effects of the combined treatment with Pb and Cd on oxidative status in target organs and on the mechanisms of their possible interactions.

Failure of recovery from lead induced hepatoxicity and disruption of erythrocyte antioxidant defence system in Wistar rats

Lead acetate (PbA) is one of the major environmental contaminants with grave toxicological consequences both in the developing and developed countries. The liver and erythrocyte antioxidant status and markers of oxidative were assessed. Exposure of rats to PbA led to significant decline (p < 0.05) in hepatic and erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione S-transferase (GST), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) content. Similarly, malondialdehyde (MDA) and H(2)O(2) concentrations were significantly (p < 0.05) elevated. Histopathology and immunohistology of liver of rats exposed to PbA showed focal areas of necrosis and COX-2 expression after 6 weeks of PbA withdrawal. Taken together, hepatic and erythrocytes antioxidant defence system failed to recover after withdrawal of the exposed PbA for the period of the study. In conclusion, experimental animals exposed to PbA did not recover from hepatotoxicity and disruption of erythrocyte antioxidant defence system via free radical generation and oxidative stress.

Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Potential of Organic and Conventional Grape Juices in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet

The objective of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effect of the chronic use of conventional (CGJ) or organic (OGJ) grape juice from the Bordeaux variety grape on oxidative stress and cytoarchitecture in the liver of rats supplemented with a high-fat diet (HFD) for three months. The results demonstrated that HFD induced an increase in thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), catalase (CAT) activity and 2′,7′-dihydrodichlorofluorescein (DCFH) oxidation and a decrease in sulfhydryl content and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities. HFD also induced hepatocellular degeneration and steatosis. These alterations were prevented by CGJ and OGJ, where OGJ was more effective. Therefore, it was concluded that HFD induced oxidative stress and liver damage and that the chronic use of grape juice was able to prevent these alterations.

Recent advances and uses of grape flavonoids as nutraceuticals

Grape is one of the oldest fruit crops domesticated by humans. The numerous uses of grape in making wine, beverages, jelly, and other products, has made it one of the most economically important plants worldwide. The complex phytochemistry of the berry is characterized by a wide variety of compounds, most of which have been demonstrated to have therapeutic or health promoting properties. Among them, flavonoids are the most abundant and widely studied, and have enjoyed greater attention among grape researchers in the last century. Recent studies have shown that the beneficial health effects promoted by consumption of grape and grape products are attributed to the unique mix of polyphenolic compounds. As the largest group of grape polyphenols, flavonoids are the main candidates considered to have biological properties, including but not limited to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, antimicrobial, antiviral, cardioprotective, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Here, we discuss the recent scientific advances supporting the beneficial health qualities of grape and grape-derived products, mechanisms of their biological activity, bioavailability, and their uses as nutraceuticals. The advantages of modern plant cell based biotechnology as an alternative method for production of grape nutraceuticals and improvement of their health qualities are also discussed.