Luteolin supplementation ameliorates cobalt-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by suppressing NF-кB/Kim-1 signaling in the heart and kidney of rats

Combined diosmin and bisoprolol attenuate cobalt chloride-induced cardiotoxicity and endothelial dysfunction through modulating miR-143-3P/MAPK/MCP-1, ERK5/CXCR4, Orai-1/STIM-1 signaling pathways

Even while accelerated cardiomyocyte apoptosis is one of the primary causes of cardiac damage, the underlying mechanism is still mostly unknown. In addition to examining potential protective effects of bisoprolol and diosmin against CoCl2-induced cardiac injury, the goal of this study was to identify potential mechanisms regulating the hypoxic cardiac damage caused by cobalt chloride (CoCl2). For a period of 21 days except Cocl2 14 days from the first day of the experiment, rats were split into the following groups: Normal control group, rats received vehicle only (2 ml/kg/day, p.o.), (Cocl2, 150 mg/kg/day, p.o.), bisoprolol (25 mg/kg/day, p.o.); diosmin (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) and bisoprolol + diosmin + Cocl2 groups. At the end of the experimental period, serum was taken for estimation of cardiac function, lipid profile, and pro/anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, tissue samples were collected for evaluation of oxidative stress, endothelial dysfunction, α-SMA, PKC-α, MiR-143-3P, MAPK, ERK5, MCP-1, CXCR4, Orai-1, and STIM-1. Diosmin and bisoprolol, either alone or in combination, enhance heart function by reducing abnormalities in the electrocardiogram and the hypotension brought on by CoCl2. Additionally, they significantly ameliorate endothelial dysfunction by downregulating the cardiac expressions of α-SMA, PKC-α, MiR-143-3P, MAPK, ERK5, MCP-1, CXCR4, Orai-1, and STIM-1. Bisoprolol and diosmin produced modulatory activity against inflammatory state, redox balance, and atherogenic index concurrently. Together, diosmin and bisoprolol, either alone or in combination, significantly reduced all the cardiac alterations brought on by CoCl2. The capacity to obstruct hypoxia-induced α-SMA, PKC-α, MiR-143-3P/MAPK/MCP-1, MiR-143-3P/ERK5/CXCR4, Orai-1/STIM-1 signaling activation, as well as their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties, may be responsible for these cardio-protective results.

Associations of occupational exposure to micro-LiNiCoMnO2 particles with systemic inflammation and cardiac dysfunction in cathode material production for lithium batteries

Micro-LiNiCoMnO2 (MNCM), a cathode material with highest market share, has increasing demand with the growth of lithium battery industry. However, whether MNCM exposure brings adverse effects to workers remains unclear. This study aimed to explore the association between MNCM exposure with systemic inflammation and cardiac function. A cross-sectional study of 347 workers was undertaken from the MNCM production industry in Guangdong province, China in 2020. Metals in urine were measured using ICP-MS. The associations between metals, systemic inflammation, and cardiac function were appraised using a linear or logistic regression model. Bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR) and generalized weighted quantile sum (gWQS) models were used to explore mixed metal exposures. The analysis of interaction and mediation was adopted to assess the role of inflammation in the relation between urinary metals and cardiac function. We observed that the levels of lithium (Li) and cobalt (Co) were positively associated with systemic inflammation and heart rate. The amount of Co contributed the highest weight on the increased systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) (59.8%), the system inflammation response index (SIRI) (44.3%), and heart rate (65.0%). Based on the mediation analysis, we estimated that SII mediated 32.3% and 20.9% of the associations between Li and Co with heart rate, and SIRI mediated 44.6% and 22.2% of the associations between Li and Co with heart rate, respectively. This study demonstrated for the first time that MNCM exposure increased the risk of workers' systemic inflammation and elevated heart rate, which were contributed by the excessive Li and Co exposure. Additionally, it indicates that systemic inflammation was a major mediator of the associations of Li and Co with cardiac function in MNCM production workers.

Harnessing the power of Arctium lappa root: a review of its pharmacological properties and therapeutic applications

Arctium lappa, widely recognized as burdock, is a perennial plant that is employed in the realm of traditional Chinese medicine for a wide range of medicinal applications. The herb is rich in bioactive metabolites with therapeutic potential, encompassing polyphenolic antioxidants in its leaves, and flavonoids and fructo-oligosaccharides in its underground parts. Nutraceuticals originating from botanical sources such as Arctium lappa provide supplementary health advantages alongside their nutritional content and have demonstrated effectiveness in the prevention and management of specific ailments. The utilization of Arctium lappa root extract has exhibited encouraging outcomes in addressing hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium, lead, chromium, and acetaminophen, ameliorating liver damage and oxidative stress. Additionally, the root extract displays properties such as antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, aphrodisiac, anti-rheumatic, anti-Alzheimer, and various other pharmacological actions.

Luteolin: A promising multifunctional natural flavonoid for human diseases

Natural products are closely associated with human health. Luteolin (LUT), a flavonoid polyphenolic compound, is widely found in fruits, vegetables, flowers, and herbs. It is noteworthy that LUT exhibits a variety of beneficial pharmacological properties and holds significant potential for clinical applications, particularly in antitumor, anti-convulsion, diabetes control, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotection, anti-oxidation, anti-cardiovascular, and other aspects. The potential mechanism of action has been partially elucidated, including the mediation of NF-κB, toll-like receptor, MAPK, Wnt/β-catenin, PI3K/Akt, AMPK/mTOR, and Nrf-2, among others. The review that aimed to comprehensively consolidate essential information on natural sources, pharmacological effects, therapeutic and preventive potential, as well as potential mechanisms of LUT. The objective is to establish a theoretical basis for the continued development and application of LUT.

Protective effect of cinnamon extract against cobalt-induced multiple organ damage in rats

Background

The role of oxidative stress and inflammation in cobalt (Co) toxicity has been the focus of previous studies. Cinnamon and its main components have been reported to have protective effects in various tissues with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Aims

In this study, the protective effect of cinnamon extract (CE) against possible Co-induced heart, kidney, and liver damage in rats was investigated biochemically.

Methods

Eighteen albino Wistar-type male rats were categorized into three groups (n = 6 per group): control (CG), CoCL2-administered (CoCL2), and CE + CoCL2-administered (CE + Co) groups. The CE + CoCL2 group was administered CE (100 mg/kg), and the CoCL2 and CG groups were administered distilled water orally by gavage. One hour after the administration, Co (150 mg/kg) was administered orally to the CE + CoCL2 and CoCL2 groups. This procedure was repeated once daily for 7 days. Then, biochemical markers were studied in the excised heart, kidney, and liver tissues.

Results

CoCL2 increased oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines and decreased antioxidants in heart, kidney, and liver tissues. Heart, kidney, and liver tissue were affected by Co damage. CE treatment suppressed the CoCL2-induced increase in oxidants and proinflammatory cytokines and decrease in antioxidants in heart, kidney, and liver tissues. CE treatment has been shown to attenuate cardiac damage by reducing serum troponin I (TpI) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), renal damage by reducing creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and liver damage by reducing alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST).

Conclusion

Co induced the production of oxidants and proinflammatory parameters and antioxidant depletion in heart, kidney, and liver tissues of rats. Our experimental results show that CE protects heart, kidney, and liver tissues against oxidative and inflammatory changes induced by CoCLl2.

3-Hydroxyflavone is a mildly active and safe cobalt chelator while cobalt markedly enhances baicalein toxicity toward erythrocytes

Cobalt intoxication can occur after its release from metal-based prostheses, which is generally clinically severe. Therefore, there is a need for the development of a cobalt chelator since there are currently no approved drugs for cobalt intoxication. As flavonoids are known for their metal chelating properties and safety, the screening of cobalt chelating properties was performed in a total of 23 flavonoids by our recently developed new spectrophotometric assay. Further assessment of positive or negative consequences of cobalt chelation was performed both in vitro and ex vivo. Six and thirteen flavonoids significantly chelated cobalt ions at pH 7.5 and 6.8, respectively. Baicalein demonstrated a significant activity even at pH 5.5; however, none of the flavonoids showed chelation at pH 4.5. In general, baicalein and 3-hydroxyflavone were the most active. They also mildly decreased the cobalt-triggered Fenton reaction, but baicalein toxicity toward red blood cells was strongly increased by the addition of cobalt. Quercetin, tested as an example of flavonoid unable to chelate cobalt ions significantly, stimulated both the cobalt-based Fenton reaction and the lysis of erythrocytes in the presence of cobalt. Therefore, 3-hydroxyflavone can serve as a potential template for the development of novel cobalt chelators.

Associations of exposure to heavy metal mixtures with kidney stone among U.S. adults: A cross-sectional study

Assessing the effects of heavy metals (HMs) on kidney stone is often limited to analyzing individual metal exposures, with studies on the effects of exposure to mixtures of HMs being scarce. To comprehensively evaluate the relationship between exposure to mixed HMs and kidney stones, we analyzed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) from 2007-2016, which included 7809 adults. We used multiple statistical methods, including multiple logistic regression models, weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression, quantile g-computation (qgcomp) and bayesian kernel machine regression (BKMR), to assess the association between single HM and mixed exposure to HMs and kidney stones. Firstly, in single exposure analysis, urinary cadmium (Cd) and cobalt (Co) demonstrated a positive association with the risk of kidney stones. Secondly, various other approaches consistently revealed that mixed exposure to HMs exhibited a positive association with kidney stone risk, primarily driven by Cd, Co, and barium (Ba) in urine, with these associations being particularly notable among the elderly population. Finally, both BKMR and survey-weighted generalized linear models consistently demonstrated a significant synergistic effect between urinary Co and urinary uranium (Ur) in elevating the risk of kidney stones. Overall, this study provides new epidemiological evidence that mixed exposure to HMs is associated with an increased risk of kidney stones. Further prospectively designed studies are needed to confirm these findings.

Impact of HIF1-α/TGF-β/Smad-2/Bax/Bcl2 pathways on cobalt chloride-induced cardiac and hepatorenal dysfunction

Background

Cobalt chloride (CoCl2) is a ferromagnetic ubiquitous trace element extensively dispersed in the environment. Nevertheless, it may merit human hazard.

Aim

Excess cobalt can harm vital organs this paves the way to elucidate the toxic impact of CoCl2 on the liver, kidney and heart.

Method

CoCl2 was injected in a dose of (60 mg/kg, S.C.) proceeded via Carnosine (200 mg/kg) and/or Arginine (200 mg/kg) treatment 1 month, 24 and 1 h, prior to CoCl2-intoxication.

Results

CoCl2 significantly alleviated hemoglobin concentration and BCl2; meanwhile, protein expression of transforming growth factor (TGF-β), hypoxia-inducible factor (HIF-1α), Mothers against decapentaplegic (Smad-2), AKT protein expression and Bax/Bcl2 ratio was noticeably elevated.

Conclusion

The combination of the aforementioned antioxidants exerted a synergistic anti-apoptotic impact in all target tissues.

Cobalt exposure and dyslipidemia in elderly population: the mediating role of systemic inflammation and lipid peroxidation

Heavy metal exposure has been reported to be correlated with lipid profile alteration and dyslipidemia. While the associations between serum cobalt (Co) with lipid profile levels and risk of dyslipidemia have not been explored in elderly population, and the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. All eligible 420 elderly people were recruited in three communities of Hefei City in this cross-sectional study. Peripheral blood samples and clinical information were collected. The level of serum Co was detected through ICP-MS. The biomarkers for systemic inflammation (TNF-α) and lipid peroxidation (8-iso-PGF2α) were measured with ELISA. Each 1-unit increase of serum Co was related with 0.513 mmol/L, 0.196 mmol/L, 0.571 mmol/L, and 0.303 g/L in TC, TG, LDL-C, and ApoB, respectively. Multivariate linear and logistic regression analyses indicated that the prevalence of elevated TC, elevated LDL-C, and elevated ApoB were gradually increased according to tertiles of serum Co concentration (all P trend < 0.001). The risk of dyslipidemia was positively correlated with serum Co (OR = 3.500; 95% CI 1.630 ~ 7.517). Moreover, the levels of TNF-α and 8-iso-PGF2α were gradually risen in parallel with elevating serum Co. The elevation of TNF-α and 8-iso-PGF2α partially mediated Co-caused elevation of TC and LDL-C. Environmental Co exposure is associated with elevated lipid profile levels and dyslipidemia risk among elderly population. Systemic inflammation and lipid peroxidation partially mediate the associations of serum Co with dyslipidemia.

Naringin abrogates angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) activity and podocin signalling pathway in cobalt chloride-induced nephrotoxicity and hypertension

PurposeThe persistent and alarming rates of increase in cardiovascular and renal diseases caused by chemicals such as cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) in mammalian tissues have led to the use of various drugs for the treatment of these diseases. This study aims at evaluating the nephron-protective action of Naringin (NAR), a metal-chelating antioxidant against CoCl₂-induced hypertension and nephrotoxicity.MethodsForty-two male Wistar rats were randomly distributed to seven rats of six groups and classified into Group A (Control), Group B (300 part per million; ppm CoCl₂), Group C (300 ppm CoCl₂ + 80 mg/kg NAR), Group D (300 ppm CoCl₂ + 160 mg/kg NAR), Group E (80 mg/kg NAR), and Group F (160 mg/kg NAR). NAR and CoCl₂ were administered via oral gavage for seven days. Biomarkers of renal damage, oxidative stress, antioxidant status, blood pressure parameters, immunohistochemistry of renal angiotensin-converting enzyme and podocin were determined.ResultsCobalt chloride intoxication precipitated hypertension, renal damage, and oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry revealed higher expression of angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) and podocin in rats administered only CoCl₂.ConclusionTaken together, the antioxidant and metal-chelating action of Naringin administration against cobalt chloride-induced renal damage and hypertension could be through abrogation of angiotensin-converting enzyme and podocin signalling pathway.

Phytochemicals, Biological Activities, Molecular Mechanisms, and Future Prospects of Plantago asiatica L

Plantago asiatica L. has been used as a vegetable and nutritious food in Asia for thousands of years. According to recent phytochemical and pharmacological research, the active compositions of the plant contribute to various health benefits, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, and anticancer. This article reviews the 87 components of the plant and their structures, as well as their biological activities and molecular research progress, in detail. This review provides valuable reference material for further study, production, and application of P. asiatica, as well as its components in functional foods and therapeutic agents.

Renoprotective Effects of Luteolin: Therapeutic Potential for COVID-19-Associated Acute Kidney Injuries

Acute kidney injury (AKI) has been increasingly reported in critically-ill COVID-19 patients. Moreover, there was significant positive correlation between COVID-19 deaths and renal disorders in hospitalized COVID-19 patients with underlying comorbidities who required renal replacement therapy. It has suggested that death in COVID-19 patients with AKI is 3-fold higher than in COVID-19 patients without AKI. The pathophysiology of COVID-19-associated AKI could be attributed to unspecific mechanisms, as well as COVID-19-specific mechanisms such as direct cellular injury, an imbalanced renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, pro-inflammatory cytokines elicited by the viral infection and thrombotic events. To date, there is no specific treatment for COVID-19 and its associated AKI. Luteolin is a natural compound with multiple pharmacological activities, including anticoronavirus, as well as renoprotective activities against kidney injury induced by sepsis, renal ischemia and diverse nephrotoxic agents. Therefore, in this review, we mechanistically discuss the anti-SARS-CoV-2 and renoprotective activities of luteolin, which highlight its therapeutic potential in COVID-19-AKI patients.

Systems Pharmacology-Based Strategy to Investigate Pharmacological Mechanisms of Total Flavonoids in Dracocephalum moldavica on Chronic Heart Failure

Heart failure (HF) is a clinical syndrome of cardiac insufficiency caused by abnormalities in cardiac structure and function that arise for various reasons, and it is the final stage of most cardiovascular diseases’ progression. Total flavonoid extract from Dracocephalum moldavica L. (TFDM) has many pharmacological and biological roles, such as cardioprotective, neuroprotective, anti-atherogenic, antihypertensive, anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, etc. However, its effect on HF and its molecular mechanism are still unclear. In this study, we used systems pharmacology and an animal model of HF to investigate the cardioprotective effect of TFDM and its molecular mechanism. Eleven compounds in TFDM were obtained from the literature, and 114 overlapping genes related to TFDM and HF were collected from several databases. A PPI network and C-T network were established, and GO enrichment analysis and KEGG pathway analysis were performed. The top targets from the PPI network and C-T network were validated using molecular docking. The pharmacological activity was investigated in an HFpEF (heart failure with preserved ejection fraction) mouse model. This study shows that TFDM has a protective effect on HFpEF, and its protective mechanism may be related to the regulation of proinflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related genes, fibrosis-related genes, etc. Collectively, this study offers new insights for researchers to understand the protective effect and mechanism of TFDM against HFpEF using a network pharmacology method and a murine model of HFpEF, which suggest that TFDM is a promising therapy for HFpEF in the clinic.

Protective effect of luteolin against chemical and natural toxicants by targeting NF-κB pathway

Humans are continuously exposed to environmental, occupational, consumer and household products, food, and pharmaceutical substances. Luteolin, a flavone from the flavonoids family of compounds, is found in different fruits and vegetables. LUT is a strong anti-inflammatory (via inhibition of NF-κB, ERK1/2, MAPK, JNK, IL-6, IL-8, and TNF-α) and antioxidant agent (reducing ROS and enhancement of endogenous antioxidants). LUT can chelate transition metal ions responsible for ROS generation and consequently repress lipoxygenase. It has been proven that NF-κB, as a commom cellular pathway plays a considerable role in the progression of inflammatory process and stimulates the expression of genes encoding inducible pro-inflammatory enzymes (iNOS and COX-2) and cytokines including IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. This review summarizes the available literature discussing LUT and its potential protective role against pharmaceuticals-, metals-, and environmental compounds-induced toxicities. Furthermore, the review explains the involved protective mechanisms, especially inhibition of the NF-κB pathway.

Computational Systems Pharmacology, Molecular Docking and Experiments Reveal the Protective Mechanism of Li-Da-Qian Mixture in the Treatment of Glomerulonephritis

Background

Glomerulonephritis is a common urinary system disease among children. Growing evidence suggests that traditional Chinese medicine has potential in treating glomerulonephritis, such as Li-Da-Qian mixture. Although its anti-glomerulonephritis and alleviating hematuria effects have been reported, the exact mechanism of Li-Da-Qian mixture devoting to glomerulonephritis remains unexplored. It was necessary to explore the mechanism of Li-Da-Qian mixture against glomerulonephritis using modern technology, such as Chinese medicine database and molecular biological experiments.

Methods

Online databases were used to look up ingredients and predict targets of Li-Da-Qian mixture against glomerulonephritis. The intersecting targets of Li-Da-Qian mixture and glomerulonephritis were selected for enrichment analysis. Cytoscape software was applied to establish network and MCODE analysis. Molecular docking was used for the primary validation. Furthermore, we examined the function of the core compounds analyzed from Li-Da-Qian mixture to rescue LPS-induced inflammation in vivo and vitro. We also explored whether the core compounds can alleviate TGFβ1-induced renal fibrosis in mouse proximal tubular cells.

Results

Network pharmacological analysis of Li-Da-Qian evaluated 20 active ingredients including baicalein, luteolin and quercetin. A total of 113 key targets were screened, including IL6, VEGFA, TP53, EGF, MMP2, etc, and they were enriched in AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications, TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways. Moreover, the core ingredients succeeded in binding to the main targets via molecular docking, further identifying the anti-glomerulonephritis effects and improvement of vascular injury. Western blotting and qPCR also suggested that baicalein and luteolin can improve inflammation and restore disturbance of mesangial cells or kidney induced by LPS. In addition, baicalein and luteolin inhibited renal fibrosis in vitro.

Luteolin Improves Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cystitis through TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB Pathways

Hemorrhagic cystitis is an important complication of cyclophosphamide chemotherapy, and current therapies for the disease are limited. The natural flavonoid luteolin (LUT) has significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its protective effect on cyclophosphamide (CYP)-induced bladder toxicity has yet to be evaluated. This study aims to explore the protective effect of LUT on CYP-induced acute cystitis in rats. Female Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly assigned to the control (CON) group, CON + LUT group, CYP group, and CYP + LUT group. A single intraperitoneal injection of CYP was administered to establish an acute hemorrhagic cystitis model. HE staining was performed to detect the degree of bladder tissue damage, and TUNEL staining was performed to count apoptotic cells. Oxidative stress indicators were measured using commercial kits, and bladder surgery was performed to assess urinary function. The levels of inflammatory cytokines, apoptosis-related indicators, TXNIP/NLRP3 pathway, and NF-κB pathway were detected by western blot. We found that LUT treatment reduced bladder bleeding, congestion, and edema caused by CYP. Compared with the CYP + LUT group, the level of apoptosis was more highly expressed in the CYP group. We also found that caspase-3, caspase-8, and Bax were significantly upregulated and Bcl-2 was downregulated after LUT treatment. In addition, LUT inhibited the activation of NF-κB signal pathway in the rat bladder tissue after CYP exposure. LUT treatment can also reduce the NLRP3 inflammasome (NLRP3, ASC, and caspase-1) and TXNIP in the bladder. Finally, LUT can reduce the increase in the urination frequency and maximum urination pressure caused by cystitis. These results indicate that LUT displays effective anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and antiapoptotic properties in CYP-induced acute hemorrhagic cystitis rats by inhibiting the TXNIP/NLRP3 and NF-κB pathways. LUT may be a potent therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hemorrhagic cystitis.

The Potential Role of Polyphenols in Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Gut Microbiota in Alzheimer's Disease

Gut microbiota (GM) play a role in the metabolic health, gut eubiosis, nutrition, and physiology of humans. They are also involved in the regulation of inflammation, oxidative stress, immune responses, central and peripheral neurotransmission. Aging and unhealthy dietary patterns, along with oxidative and inflammatory responses due to gut dysbiosis, can lead to the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative diseases, especially Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although the exact mechanism between AD and GM dysbiosis is still unknown, recent studies claim that secretions from the gut can enhance hallmarks of AD by disturbing the intestinal permeability and blood-brain barrier via the microbiota-gut-brain axis. Dietary polyphenols are the secondary metabolites of plants that possess anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties and can ameliorate gut dysbiosis by enhancing the abundance of beneficial bacteria. Thus, modulation of gut by polyphenols can prevent and treat AD and other neurodegenerative diseases. This review summarizes the role of oxidative stress, inflammation, and GM in AD. Further, it provides an overview on the ability of polyphenols to modulate gut dysbiosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation against AD.