Liquorice plant extract reduces ochratoxin A-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Aspergillus awamori attenuates ochratoxin A-induced renal and cardiac injuries in rabbits by activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and downregulating IL1β, TNFα, and iNOS gene expressions

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is one of the most dangerous and that pollute agricultural products, inducing a variety of toxic effects in humans and animals. The current study explored the protective effect of different concentrations of Aspergillus awamori (A. awamori) against OTA (0.3 mg/kg diet) induced renal and cardiac damage by exploring its mechanism of action in 60 New Zealand white male rabbits. Dietary supplementation of A. awamori at the selected doses of 50, 100, and 150 mg/kg diet, respectively, for 2 months significantly improved the rabbit's growth performance; modulated the suppressed immune response and restored the altered hematological parameters; reduced the elevated levels of renal injury biomarkers such as urea, creatinine, and alkaline phosphatase; and increased serum total proteins concentrations. Moreover, it also declined enzymatic activities of cardiac injury biomarkers, including AST, LDH, and CK-MB. A. awamori alleviated OTA-induced degenerative and necrotic changes in the kidney and heart of rabbits. Interestingly, A. awamori upregulated Nrf2/OH-1 signaling pathway. Therefore enhanced TAC, CAT, and SOD enzyme activities and reduced OTA-induced oxidative and nitrosative stress by declining iNOS gene expression and consequently lowered MDA and NO levels. In addition to attenuating renal and cardiac inflammation via reducing IL-1β, TNF-α gene expressions in a dose-dependent response. In conclusion,this is the first report to pinpoint that dietary incorporation of A. awamori counteracted OTA-induced renal and cardiac damage by potentiating the rabbit's antioxidant defense system through its potent antioxidant, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory properties in a dose-dependent response. Based on our observations, A. awamori could be utilized as a natural protective agent against ochratoxicosis in rabbits.

Ochratoxin A induces nephrotoxicity in vitro and in vivo via pyroptosis

Ochratoxin A (OTA), a prevalent nephrotoxic mycotoxin contaminant in food and feedstuff, has been reported to induce renal injury. To disclose the nephrotoxicity of continuous administration of OTA and to investigate potential mechanisms related to pyroptosis, male C57BL/6 mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1.0 and 2.0 mg/kg B.W. OTA every other day for 14 days. At 2.0 mg/kg B.W. OTA administration significantly increased histological injury and renal fibrosis molecules (α-SMA, Vimentin, TGF-β) and activated the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and induced pyroptosis compared with control. In the in vitro tests, Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) epithelial cells were exposed to 0-4.0 μg/ml OTA for 24 h in serum-free medium. Data showed that OTA dose-dependently affected cell viability and significantly up-regulated renal fibrosis genes (α-SMA, Vimentin, TGF-β). 2.0 μg/ml OTA significantly induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis, increasing the expression and secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α) and pyroptosis-related genes (GSDMD, IL-1β, IL-18) in MDCK cells. These outcomes were significantly abrogated after inhibiting NLRP3 activation with inhibitor MCC950 and silencing NLRP3 with small interfering RNA (siRNA). Furthermore, knockdown of caspase-1 also ameliorated OTA-induced renal fibrosis via the inhibition of pyroptosis. Collectively, the chosen doses of OTA-triggered nephrotoxicity through NLRP3 inflammasome activation and caspase-1-dependent pyroptosis both in vitro and in vivo.

Oxidative stress as a mechanism of combined OTA and CTN toxicity in rat plasma, liver and kidney

Ochratoxin A (OTA) and citrinin (CTN) commonly coexist in grains. Aiming to evaluate oxidative stress in OTA + CTN toxicity, male Wistar rats were orally treated with two doses of OTA (0.125 and 0.250 mg kg−1 of body weight (b.w.)), CTN (2 mg kg−1 of b.w.) and resveratrol (RSV; 20 mg kg−1 of b.w.) and combined daily during 3 weeks. Protein carbonyl concentrations were measured in kidneys and liver; catalytic activity of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) level in plasma, kidneys and liver, while malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration was measured in plasma, kidneys, liver and urine. Mycotoxin treatment significantly increased MDA concentration in plasma and kidney and decreased SOD activity in the liver. Rats treated with CTN and OTA125 + CTN had lower plasma GPx activity. Concentration of GSH in the kidney and protein carbonyls in the kidney and liver as well as GPx activity in the kidney and liver, SOD activity in the kidney and CAT activity in the liver were not affected. Protective effect of RSV was observed on GSH in the kidney and plasma and MDA in the kidney, plasma and urine. Oxidative stress is involved in OTA + CTN toxicity in vivo because such treatment affects parameters of oxidative stress, particularly in plasma. RSV can reduce but not overcome oxidative stress induced by combined OTA and CTN treatment.

Phenolic acid protects of renal damage induced by ochratoxin A in a 28-days-oral treatment in rats

The present study aimed to characterize the chlorogenic acid (ChlA) capacity to reverse the toxic effects induced by ochratoxin A (OTA) in a subacute toxicity test in rats. Male Wistar rats were fed orally by gavage for 28 days with OTA (0.4mg/kg bw/day), ChlA (5mg/kg bw/day) or the combination OTA (0.4mg/kg bw/day)+ChlA (5mg/kg bw/day). No deaths, no decrease in feed intake or body weight in any experimental group were recorded. The negative control group and the animals treated with ChlA alone showed no changes in any parameters evaluated. In OTA-treated group significant changes such as decrease in urine volume, proteinuria, occult blood, increase in serum creatinine values; decrease in absolute and relative kidney weight and characteristics histopathological lesions that indicated kidney damage were observed. However, limited effect on oxidative stress parameters were detected in kidneys of OTA-treated group. Animals treated with the combination OTA+ChlA were showed as negative control group in the evaluation of several parameters of toxicity. In conclusion, ChlA, at given concentration, improved biochemical parameters altered in urine and serum and pathological damages in kidneys induced by OTA exposure, showing a good protective activity, but not by an apparent antioxidant mechanism.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Liquorice foliage

Protective Effects of Glycyrrhizic Acid and 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in BALB/c Mice

The clinical use of antineoplastic drug cisplatin (CP) is commonly complicated by nephrotoxic side effects that limit its application and therapeutic efficiency. This study used a model of CP-induced renal injury in male BALB/c mice to investigate the protective effects of the active components of licorice, glycyrrhizic acid (GA), and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18βGA) against CP-induced nephrotoxicity, and the chemoprotectant, amifostine, was used as a control. Oral administration of GA or 18βGA significantly reduced CP-induced increases in the levels of blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and lactate dehydrogenase. Hematoxylin and eosin staining revealed that GA and 18βGA delayed the progression of renal injury, including tubular necrosis, hyaline casts, and tubular degeneration in response to CP exposure. Oxidative status and inflammatory responses in CP-treated mice were restored to near-normal levels by treatment with GA or 18βGA. These protective effects might be associated with upregulation of nuclear factor E2-related protein (Nrf2) and downregulation of nuclear factor-κ-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) in the kidney. Notably, we demonstrated that GA and 18βGA rendered renal cells resistant to CP-induced HMGB1 cytoplasmic translocation and release. These findings suggest that GA and 18βGA might be act as the chemoprotectants against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.

The effects of orchidectomy on toxicological responses to dietary ochratoxin A in Wistar rats

Ochratoxin A (OTA) causes pathological lesions in the organs of animals. Males are more sensitive to OTA exposure than females but the reasons for this are unknown. The objective of this study was to explore the role of testosterone in male rats with OTA-related pathogenesis. To test the effect of testosterone on OTA toxicity, the testes of a group of rats were surgically removed. Male and female rats (approximately 300 and 200 g) were fed with OTA-contaminated feed (initially approximately 300 μg kg(-1) b.w. per day) for 24 weeks. The organs of all the animals were collected and their organ lesion pathology, caspase-3 expression, OTA plasma and organ concentrations and total plasma testosterone concentrations were evaluated. OTA treatment created serious lesions in the kidney, liver and testes of rats. The major histopathological changes in the kidney and liver were karyomegaly, hemorrhages and vacuolization. In the testes, there was a marked decrease in the amount of spermatozoon. The degrees of organ lesion were evaluated and the castrated males had the lowest kidney and liver lesion scores, indicating that testosterone reduction in males dramatically reduces OTA-related organ damage. The plasma OTA levels for the intact males, the castrated and the females were 6.34, 8.42 and 12.5 μg ml(-1), respectively. In conclusion, despite the similar plasma OTA levels of the intact and castrated males, OTA is less toxic in the castrated males. Therefore, the well-known gender specific toxicity of OTA seems to be related to the testosterone levels of rats.

Toxicity of ochratoxin a and its modulation by antioxidants: a review

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a mycotoxin involved in the development of different types of cancers in rats, mice and humans. A growing number of in vitro and in vivo studies has been collected and has described evidence compatible with a role for oxidative stress in OTA toxicity and carcinogenicity. Because the contribution of the oxidative stress response in the development of cancers is well established, a role in OTA carcinogenicity is plausible. Several studies have been performed to try to counteract the adverse effects of oxygen radicals generated under OTA-exposure. A number of molecules with various antioxidant properties were tested, using in vivo or in vitro models. Protection against OTA-induced DNA damage, lipid peroxidation, as well as cytotoxicity were observed, further confirming the link between OTA toxicity and oxidative damage. These studies demonstrated that antioxidants are able to counteract the deleterious effects of chronic consumption or exposure to OTA and confirmed the potential effectiveness of dietary strategies to counteract OTA toxicity.

A review of the mechanism of injury and treatment approaches for illness resulting from exposure to water-damaged buildings, mold, and mycotoxins

Physicians are increasingly being asked to diagnose and treat people made ill by exposure to water-damaged environments, mold, and mycotoxins. In addition to avoidance of further exposure to these environments and to items contaminated by these environments, a number of approaches have been used to help persons affected by exposure to restore their health. Illness results from a combination of factors present in water-damaged indoor environments including, mold spores and hyphal fragments, mycotoxins, bacteria, bacterial endotoxins, and cell wall components as well as other factors. Mechanisms of illness include inflammation, oxidative stress, toxicity, infection, allergy, and irritant effects of exposure. This paper reviews the scientific literature as it relates to commonly used treatments such as glutathione, antioxidants, antifungals, and sequestering agents such as Cholestyramine, charcoal, clay and chlorella, antioxidants, probiotics, and induced sweating.

Protective effect of lycopene against ochratoxin A induced renal oxidative stress and apoptosis in rats

This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of lycopene against the renal toxic effects of OTA. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (<200 g, n=6) were treated with OTA (0.5 mg/kg/day) and/or lycopene (5 mg/kg/day) by gavage for 14 days. Histopathological examinations were performed and apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla was evaluated by TUNEL assay. Besides, biochemical parameters and activities of renal antioxidant selenoenzymes [glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPx1), thioredoxin reductase (TrxR)], catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD); concentrations of total glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured. OTA treatment was found to induce oxidative stress in rat kidney, as evidenced by marked decreases in CAT (35%) activity and GSH levels (44%) as well as increase in SOD activity (22%) vs control group. Furthermore, TUNEL analysis revealed a significant increase in the number of TUNEL-positive cells in cortex (49%) and medulla (75%) in OTA administrated group compared to control (p<0.05). Lycopene supplementation with OTA increased GPx1 activity and GSH levels, and decreased apoptotic cell death in both cortex and medulla vs. control. The results of this study showed that at least one of the mechanisms underlying the renal toxicity of OTA is oxidative stress and apoptosis is the major form of cell death caused by OTA. Besides, our data indicate that the natural antioxidant lycopene might be partially protective against OTA-induced nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress in rat.

Bleeding risks of herbal, homeopathic, and dietary supplements: a hidden nightmare for plastic surgeons?

The utilization of complementary and alternative medicine has increased tremendously in the last two decades. Herbal products, homeopathic medicines, and dietary supplements are extremely popular and are available without a prescription (which likely contributes to their popularity). Despite their "natural" characteristics, these remedies have the potential to cause bleeding in patients who undergo surgery. The high use of these supplements among cosmetic surgery patients, coupled with increasing reports of hematomas associated with herbal and homeopathic medicines, prompted the authors to conduct a comprehensive review focused on bleeding risks of such products in an effort to raise awareness among plastic surgeons. This review focuses on 19 herbs, three herbal formulas, two herbal teas, and several other supplements that can cause bleeding perioperatively and postoperatively. In addition to being aware of such adverse effects, plastic surgeons must adequately screen all patients and educate them on the possible dangers associated with these treatments.

Transcript and protein profiling analysis of OTA-induced cell death reveals the regulation of the toxicity response process in Arabidopsis thaliana

Ochratoxin A (OTA) is a toxic isocoumarin derivative produced by various species of mould which mainly grow on grain, coffee, and nuts. Recent studies have suggested that OTA induces cell death in plants. To investigate possible mechanisms of OTA phytotoxicity, both digital gene expression (DGE) transcriptomic and two-dimensional electrophoresis proteomic analyses were used, through which 3118 genes and 23 proteins were identified as being up- or down-regulated at least 2-fold in Arabidopsis leaf in response to OTA treatment. First, exposure of excised Arabidopsis thaliana leaves to OTA rapidly causes the hypersensitive reponse, significantly accelerates the increase of reactive oxygen species and malondialdehyde, and enhances antioxidant enzyme defence responses and xenobiotic detoxification. Secondly, OTA stimulation causes dynamic changes in transcription factors and activates the membrane transport system dramatically. Thirdly, a concomitant persistence of compromised photosynthesis and photorespiration is indicative of a metabolic shift from a highly active to a weak state. Finally, the data revealed that ethylene, salicylic acid, jasmonic acid, and mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling molecules mediate the process of toxicity caused by OTA. Profiling analyses on Arabidopsis in response to OTA will provide new insights into signalling transduction that modulates the OTA phytotoxicity mechanism, facilitate mapping of regulatory networks, and extend the ability to improve OTA tolerance in Arabidopsis.

A review of the diagnosis and treatment of Ochratoxin A inhalational exposure associated with human illness and kidney disease including focal segmental glomerulosclerosis

Ochratoxin A (OTA) exposure via ingestion and inhalation has been described in the literature to cause kidney disease in both animals and humans. This paper reviews Ochratoxin A and its relationship to human health and kidney disease with a focus on a possible association with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) in humans. Prevention and treatment strategies for OTA-induced illness are also discussed, including cholestyramine, a bile-acid-binding resin used as a sequestrant to reduce the enterohepatic recirculation of OTA.