Benefit of Satureja khuzestanica in subchronically rat model of cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis

Modulatory Role of Quercetin in Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticle-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Background : Titanium dioxide (TiO₂) nanoparticles are among the largely manmade nanomaterials worldwide and are broadly used as both industrial and user products. The primary target site for several nanoparticles is the liver, including TiO₂ nanoparticles (TNPs), exposed directly or indirectly through ingestion of contaminated water, food, or animals and elevated environmental contamination. Oxidative stress is a known facet of nanoparticle-induced toxicity, including TNPs. Mitochondria are potential targets for nanoparticles in several types of toxicity, such as hepatotoxicity. Nevertheless, its causal mechanism is still controversial due to scarcity of literature linking the role of mitochondria-mediated TNP-induced hepatotoxicity. Aim : The objective of the current study was to evaluate the relation of mitochondrial oxidative stress and respiratory chain mechanisms with TNP-induced mitochondrial dysfunction in vitro, and explore the hepatoprotective effect of quercetin (QR), which is a polyphenolic flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables with known antioxidant properties, on TNP-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and disturbance in respiratory chain complex enzymes in the liver of rats. Results: Enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels, oxidative stress markers, and mitochondrial complexes were assessed with regard to TNP-induced hepatotoxicity. The depleted lipid peroxidation levels and protein carbonyl content, in mitochondria, induced by TNPs were restored significantly by pretreatment with QR. QR modulated the altered non-enzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants and mitochondrial complex enzymes. Conclusion : Based on the findings, we conclude that QR, which mitigates oxidative stress caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, holds promising capability to potentially diminish TNP-induced adverse effects in the liver.

α-Phellandrene attenuates tissular damage, oxidative stress, and TNF-α levels on acute model ifosfamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is the major dose-limiting adverse effect of the clinical use ifosfamide (IFOS). The incidence of this side effect can be as high as 75%. Mesna has been used to reduce the risk of HC, although 5% of patients who get IFOS treatment may still suffer from HC. In previous studies, our group demonstrated that α-phellandrene (α-PHE) possesses anti-inflammatory activity, which opens the door for its study in the attenuation of HC. The objective of this study was to investigate the potential uroprotective effect of the α-PHE in the mouse model of IFOS-induced HC. In order to analyze the reduction of the urothelial damage, the bladder wet weight, hemoglobin content, and the Evans blue dye extravasation from the bladder matrix were evaluated. To investigate the involvement of neutrophil migration and lipid peroxidation and involvement of enzymatic and endogenous non-enzymatic antioxidants, the tissue markers myeloperoxidase (MPO), malondialdehyde, nitrite/nitrate (NOx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH) were evaluated. TNF-α and IL-1β were measured by ELISA immunoassay technique. The results show that pretreatment with α-PHE significantly reduced urothelial damage that was accompanied by a decrease in the activity of MPO, MDA, and NOx levels and prevention of the depletion of SOD and GSH in bladder tissues. In the assessment of cytokines, α-PHE was able to significantly reduce TNF-α level. However, it does not affect the activities of IL-1β. These data confirm that α-PHE exerts potent anti-inflammatory properties and demonstrates that α-PHE represents a promising therapeutic option for this pathological condition.

Neuroprotective activities of curcumin and quercetin with potential relevance to mitochondrial dysfunction induced by oxaliplatin

Peripheral neurotoxicity is one of the serious dose-limiting side effects of oxaliplatin (Oxa) when used in the treatment of malignant conditions. It is documented that it elicits major side effects specifically neurotoxicity due to oxidative stress forcing the patients to limit its clinical use in long-term treatment. Oxidative stress has been proven to be involved in Oxa-induced toxicity including neurotoxicity. The mitochondria have recently emerged as targets for anticancer drugs in various kinds of toxicity including neurotoxicity that can lead to neoplastic disease. However, there is paucity of literature involving the role of the mitochondria in mediating Oxa-induced neurotoxicity and its underlying mechanism is still debatable. The purpose of this study was to investigate the dose-dependent damage caused by Oxa on isolated brain mitochondria under in vitro conditions. The study was also designed to investigate the neuroprotective effects of nutraceuticals, curcumin (CMN), and quercetin (QR) on Oxa-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and respiratory chain complexes in the brain of rats. Oxidative stress biomarkers, levels of nonenzymatic antioxidants, activities of enzymatic antioxidants, and mitochondrial complexes were evaluated against the neurotoxicity induced by Oxa. Pretreatment with CMN and QR significantly replenished the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation levels and protein carbonyl content induced by Oxa. CMN and QR ameliorated altered nonenzymatic and enzymatic antioxidants and complex enzymes of mitochondria. We conclude that CMN and QR, by attenuating oxidative stress as evident by mitochondrial dysfunction, hold promise as agents that can potentially reduce Oxa-induced adverse effects in the brain.

A pharmacological and phytochemical overview on Satureja

CONTEXT

Satureja (Lamiaceae) species are used as flavoring compounds in food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries because of its sweetness and simple cultivation characteristics. They have traditionally been used as muscle pain relievers, tonic, and carminative agents to treat stomach and intestinal disorders such as cramps, nausea, indigestion, and diarrhea, due to their considerable phytochemical characteristics.

OBJECTIVE

This review evaluates some information published since 1989 on Satureja genus from a systematic perspective in terms of its pharmacological and phytochemical characteristics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Web of Science, PubMed, Scopus, and Google Scholar databases were searched up to March 2014. "Satureja" was used as a research term without narrowing or limiting research elements. After obtaining all reports from database (a total number is about 637), the papers were carefully analyzed in order to find data related to the topic of this review.

RESULTS

In this review, 453 reports were used which were published between 1989 and 2014. The study was compiled into two sections (Pharmacology and Phytochemistry). In the pharmacology section, more than 50 different activities were studied. In the second section, in addition to other compounds and inorganic substances, volatiles, phenolic acids, and flavonoids were discussed.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

According to our contemporary information, Satureja species have been evaluated for their wide range of biological activities. However, a small part of these studies have been carried out on the active principles. Therefore, in the future, more studies should be carried out to identify responsible phytochemicals for the various activities.

A Review of the Benefits of Satureja Species on Metabolic Syndrome and Their Possible Mechanisms of Action

Metabolic syndrome, also known as insulin resistance disorder, is the simultaneous manifestation of multiple metabolic disorders in an individual. The present-day complementary and alternative therapies suggest several medicinal herbs that may have the potential to improve one or multiple complications of metabolic syndrome. All of them have their own limitations in efficacy and unwanted effects. Therefore, we reviewed species of Satureja as widespread medicinal herbs and potentially good remedies for metabolic syndrome. We reviewed literature found in PubMed and the ISI Web of Knowledge with the key word Satureja in the title. The influence of any species of Satureja on any disease or syndrome, enzymatic, metabolic, or physiological pathways, in human, animals, or in vitro conditions related to any characteristics of metabolic syndrome were considered. The main outcomes of treatment with Satureja species were categorized, and the possible mechanisms of action are discussed in this article.

Characterization of Satureja khuzestanica leaf as a herbal medicine

Dried leaves of Satureja khuzestanica Jamzad are a popular herbal medicine and dental anesthetic among the nomadic inhabitants of southwestern Iran. The present study establishes criteria for identification of S. khuzestanica dried whole, fragmented and powdered leaves for specification as a herbal substance using macroscopic and microscopic characterization. Quantitative microscopy techniques were also considered. Macroscopically leaves exhibit a grayish-green color, are broadly ovate in shape with an acute apex, attenuate base, and ciliate margin and have a surface covered by an indumentum of glandular and non-glandular trichomes. Microscopically leaves have an isobilateral amphistomatic structure containing peltate glandular trichomes consisting of a multiseriate stalk (five cells) and an enlarged secretory head composed of 12 cells, capitate glandular trichomes of variable morphology together with two types of non-glandular trichomes. Oval-shaped hygromorphic diacytic stomata with an adaxial stomatal index of 13.54, collateral vascular bundles consisting of xylem, and three layers of sclerenchymatous tissue close to phloem together with cluster, prismatic and raphide calcium oxalate crystals were also identified as useful pharmacognostic parameters for identification of S. khuzestanica dried leaves.

Oral administration of vitamin C and histidine attenuate cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

Objectives:

Cyclophosphamide (CP), a widely used antineoplastic drug causes hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) mainly via induction of oxidative stress. Both vitamin C and histidine have antioxidant properties. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of oral (p.o.) administration of vitamin C and histidine on the CP-induced HC in rats.

Materials and Methods:

The animals were divided into two major groups I and II with four subgroups (a, b, c, and d) in each. Groups I and II were treated with intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections of normal saline and CP (200 mg/kg), respectively, thereafter, normal saline, vitamin C (200 mg/kg), histidine (200 mg/kg) and vitamin C plus histidine were p.o. administered in subgroups a, b, c, and d, respectively, three times (2, 6, and 24 h) after i.p. injections of normal saline and CP. Blood samples were assayed for total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Histopathological changes of bladder wall were investigated.

Results:

The decreased TAC and increased MDA levels of plasma and the severity of hemorrhages, congestion, edema, and leukocyte infiltration of bladder induced by CP were recovered with vitamin C and histidine treatments. Combined treatment with vitamin C and histidine showed a potentiation effect.

Conclusion:

The results indicated that vitamin C and histidine attenuated the CP-induced HC by reducing of free radical-induced toxic effects.

The ethanol extract of the inner bark of Caesalpinia pyramidalis (Tul.) reduces urinary bladder damage during cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis in rats

Hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) is a common side effect of cyclophosphamide therapy, which deserves new therapeutic strategies, such as those based on natural products. The ethanol extract of the inner bark of Caesalpinia pyramidalis (Tul.) (EECp) possesses anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, and antioxidant activities as previously showed by our group. We have investigated the effect of EECp on the cyclophosphamide-induced HC. Cystitis was induced in male Wistar rats by the injection of cyclophosphamide. These animals were pretreated with EECp (100-400 mg/kg), vehicle, or mesna. Myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde formation were measured in urinary bladder and other tissues. Bladder edema and histopathological alterations and serum nitric oxide metabolites concentration NOx- were also evaluated. Treatment with EECp (100-400 mg/kg) or mesna impaired the increase of myeloperoxidase activity in urinary bladder and the serum NOx- induced by cyclophosphamide but did not reduce edema in this tissue, as did mesna. Total histological score was reduced by EECp (100 mg/kg). Lung myeloperoxidase activity, which was increased by cyclophosphamide, was decreased significantly by EECp (400 mg/kg). EECp also diminished the malondialdehyde formation in bladder, lung, and spleen, although these parameters were not affected by cyclophosphamide. These results indicate that EECp reduced urinary bladder damage during cyclophosphamide-induced HC in rats.

Mitochondria-mediated mitigatory role of curcumin in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Cisplatin (CP) is one of the most potent chemotherapeutic anti-tumour drugs, and it has been implicated in renal toxicity. Oxidative stress has been proven to be involved in CP-induced toxicity including nephrotoxicity. However, there is paucity of literature involving role of mitochondria in mediating CP-induced renal toxicity, and its underlying mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, the present study was undertaken to examine the antioxidant potential of curcumin (CMN; a natural polyphenolic compound) against the mitochondrial toxicity of CP in kidneys of male rats. Acute toxicity was induced by a single intra-peritoneal injection of CP (6 mg kg(-1) ). We studied the ameliorative effect of CMN pre-treatment (200 mg kg(-1) ) on the toxicity of CP in rat kidney mitochondria. CP caused a significant elevation in the mitochondrial lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels and protein carbonyl (PC) content. Pre-treatment of rat with CMN significantly replenished the mitochondrial LPO levels and PC content. It also restored the CP-induced modulatory effects on altered enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants in kidney mitochondria. We hypothesize that the reno-protective effects of CMN may be related to its predisposition to scavenge free radicals, and upregulate antioxidant machinery in kidney mitochondria.

Protection of cisplatin-induced spermatotoxicity, DNA damage and chromatin abnormality by selenium nano-particles

Cisplatin (CIS), an anticancer alkylating agent, induces DNA adducts and effectively cross links the DNA strands and so affects spermatozoa as a male reproductive toxicant. The present study investigated the cellular/biochemical mechanisms underlying possible protective effect of selenium nano-particles (Nano-Se) as an established strong antioxidant with more bioavailability and less toxicity, on reproductive toxicity of CIS by assessment of sperm characteristics, sperm DNA integrity, chromatin quality and spermatogenic disorders. To determine the role of oxidative stress (OS) in the pathogenesis of CIS gonadotoxicity, the level of lipid peroxidation (LPO), antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and peroxynitrite (ONOO) as a marker of nitrosative stress (NS) and testosterone (T) concentration as a biomarker of testicular function were measured in the blood and testes. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were equally divided into four groups. A single IP dose of CIS (7 mg/kg) and protective dose of Nano-Se (2 mg/kg/day) were administered alone or in combination. The CIS-exposed rats showed a significant increase in testicular and serum LPO and ONOO level, along with a significant decrease in enzymatic antioxidants levels, diminished serum T concentration and abnormal histologic findings with impaired sperm quality associated with increased DNA damage and decreased chromatin quality. Coadministration of Nano-Se significantly improved the serum T, sperm quality, and spermatogenesis and reduced CIS-induced free radical toxic stress and spermatic DNA damage. In conclusion, the current study demonstrated that Nano-Se may be useful to prevent CIS-induced gonadotoxicity through its antioxidant potential.

In vitro scolicidal effect of Satureja khuzistanica (Jamzad) essential oil

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the scolicidal effect of the Satureja khuzistanica (S. khuzistanica)essential oil from aerial parts of this herbal plant.

METHODS

The essential oil was obtained by hydrodistillation method. Gas chromatography (GC) and gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) were employed to determine the chemical composition of the essential oil. Protoscolices were collected aseptically from sheep livers containing hydatid cyst. Protoscolices were exposed to various concentrations of the oil (3, 5 and 10 mg/mL) for 10, 20, 30, and 60 min. Viability of protoscolices was confirmed by 0.1% eosin staining.

RESULTS

: A total of 19 compounds representing 97.6% of the total oil, were identified. Carvacrol (94.9%) was found to be the major essential oil constituent. Scolicidal activity of S. khuzistanica essential oil at concentration of 3 mg/mL was 28.58, 32.71, 37.20 and 42.02%, respectively. This essential oil at concentration of 5 mg/mL killed 51.33, 66.68, 81.12, and 100% of protoscolices after 10, 20, 30 and 60 min, respectively. One hundred scolicidal effect was observed with S. khuzistanica essential oil at the concentration of 10 mg/mL after 10 min (comparing with 7.19% for control group).

CONCLUSIONS

The essential oil of S. khuzistanica is rich in carvacrol and may be used as a natural scolicidal agent.

A clinical, microbiological and immunological comparison between subgingival irrigation with Dentol and chlorhexidine in advanced periodontitis

INTRODUCTION

The purpose of this study was to compare the clinical, microbiological and immunological effects of subgingival irrigation with Dentol(™) and 0.2% chlorhexidine in human advanced periodontitis.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Twenty cases of advanced periodontitis patients were randomly treated either with Dentol(™) (as test) or 0.2% chlorhexidine (as control) every other day for 29 days after primary scaling, root planing and oral hygiene instruction. Pocket depth (PD), bleeding on probing (BOP) and plaque index (PI) were considered as clinical parameters. Total counts of aerobic and anaerobic bacteria were measured in subgingival plaque. At the end, concentrations of TNF-α and IL-1β in gingival crevicular fluid were measured as inflammatory markers.

RESULTS

PD and BOP decreased in both groups on the 29(th) day and two weeks afterward. PI did not show any statistical difference either within or among groups (p > 0.05). Results indicate that both chlorhexidine and Dentol(™) diminished total count of subgingival anaerobic bacteria significantly (p < 0.05). Total count of subgingival aerobic bacteria increased in both groups, but the differences between the two groups were statistically significant in favour of Dentol(™) (p < 0.05). The level of IL-1β in the crevicular fluid was reduced in both groups but it was more significant in the test group (p < 0.05). The TNF-a level decreased in both groups but the statistical difference between the two groups was negligible (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Subgingivally irrigation with Dentol(™), containing 0.02% carvacrol, every other day for 29 days is equally or more effective than 0.2% chlorhexidine in reducing clinical and immunological inflammatory indices.