Gold nanoparticles ameliorate acetaminophen induced hepato-renal injury in rats

The Role of Phthalocyanine-Gold Nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) in Ameliorating the Hepatic and Renal Toxicity-Induced by Silver Nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in Male Rats

Recently, gold nanoparticles (Au Nps) have gained tremendous attention for its unique properties as a safe nanocarrier for delivering drugs that are used in different disease diagnoses. Although silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) have been generally applied due to their strong antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, and antimicrobial properties, their toxicity is a subject of sustained debate, thus requiring further studies. The present study aims to evaluate the potential protective effect of gold nanoparticles and phthalocyanine-gold nanoconjugates (Pc-Au NCs) against the hepatorenal toxicity of silver nanoparticles in male rats. Herein, 60 adult male Rattus norvegicus rats were divided into six equal groups (n = 10/group); the first group was kept as control, the second received gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) intraperitoneally (10 µg/kg) daily for 3 weeks, the third group is gold-phthalocyanine (Pc-Au) group where rats were injected intraperitoneally with gold-phthalocyanine for 3 weeks (10 µg/kg), the fourth group received silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) (4 mg/kg) daily intraperitoneally for 3 weeks, the fifth group is silver + gold nanoparticles group (Ag + Au), and the sixth is silver + gold-phthalocyanine nanoconjugates (Ag + Pc-Au) group in which rats were intraperitoneally injected firstly with Ag NPs (4 mg/kg) for 3 weeks then with gold or gold-phthalocyanine for another 3 weeks (10 µg/kg). Our results revealed that Ag NPs could increase the serum AST, ALT, ALP, urea, creatinine, and lipid profile and significantly decreased the total protein and albumin. Moreover, histopathological alterations detected in the kidney and the liver of the Ag NPs group included vascular congestion, inflammatory cell infiltration, and tissue distortion. Alongside, exposure to Ag NPs induces hepatic and renal oxidative stress by suppressing the antioxidant-related genes including glutathione peroxidase 1 (gpx1), superoxide dismutase (sod), and catalase (cat). Ag NPs also upregulated the hepatic and renal genes involved in inflammation such as the interleukin-6 (il-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (tnf-α), nuclear factor kappa B (nf-κβ), apoptosis such as the BCL2 associated X (bax), casp3, and other related to metabolism including asparagine synthetase (asns), suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (socs3), MYC proto-oncogene (myc), and C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (ccl2). On the other hand, treatment with Au NPs and Pc-Au NCs could effectively ameliorate the hepatorenal damages induced by Ag NPs and improve liver and kidney architecture and function, especially in the Pc-Au NCs group. Briefly, our study revealed the underlined mechanism of Ag NPs hepatotoxic and nephrotoxic effects and that Pc-Au NCs could alleviate these adverse impacts via their anti-oxidative, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Hybrid Material Based on Vaccinium myrtillus L. Extract and Gold Nanoparticles Reduces Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in Hepatic Stellate Cells Exposed to TGF-β

(1) Background: The study aimed to investigate the impact of gold nanoparticles capped with Cornus sanguinea (NPCS) and mixed with a fruit extract (Vaccinum myrtillus L.-VL) on human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) exposed to TGF-β. (2) Methods: NPCS were characterized by UV-Vis, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), zeta potential measurement, X-ray diffraction (XRD) and energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDX). The cytotoxic effects of VL, NPCS and of the hybrid compounds obtained by mixing the two components in variable proportions (NPCS-VL) were assessed. LDH activity, MDA levels, secretion of inflammation markers, the expression of fibrogenesis markers and collagen I synthesis were estimated after treating the cells with a mixture of 25:25 μg/mL NPCS and VL. (3) Results: TEM analysis showed that NPCS had spherical morphology and homogenous distribution, while their formation and elemental composition were confirmed by XRD and EDX analysis. TGF-β increased cell membrane damage as well as secretion of IL-1β, IL-1α and TLR4. It also amplified the expression of α-SMA and type III collagen and induced collagen I deposition. NPCS administration reduced the inflammation caused by TGF-β and downregulated α-SMA expression. VL diminished LDH activity and the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines. The NPCS-VL mixture maintained IL-1β, IL-1α, TLR4 and LDH at low levels after TGF-β exposure, but it enhanced collagen III expression. (4) Conclusions: The mixture of NPCS and VL improved cell membrane damage and inflammation triggered by TGF-β and mitigated collagen I deposition, but it increased the expression of collagen III, suggestive of a fibrogenetic effect of the hybrid material.

The hepatoprotective effect of Sophora viciifolia fruit extract against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice

This research demonstrated the protective effect and possible mechanism of the Sophora viciifolia extract (SVE) against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in mice. The levels of ALT and AST in the serum and antioxidant enzyme activity in the liver were measured. We used immunohistochemistry to detect CYP2E1, Nrf2, and Keap1 protein expression in the liver. The mRNA expression in the liver of TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-6, Nrf2 and its downstream genes HO-1 and GCLC were measured by qRT-PCR. We found that SVE could decrease the ALT and AST levels, promote the activities of SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and GSH, and ameliorate pathological liver lesions. SVE could down-regulate the mRNA expression of inflammatory factors and up-regulate Nrf2, HO-1 and GCLC. SVE reduced the protein expression of the CYP2E1 and increased the Nrf2 and Keap1. SVE has been shown to have a protective effect against APAP-induced liver injury, possibly through activation of the Keap1-Nrf2 pathway.

Is the proximal tubule the focus of tubulointerstitial fibrosis?

Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF), a common end result of almost all progressive chronic kidney diseases (CKD), is also the best predictor of kidney survival. Almost all cells in the kidney are involved in the progression of TIF. Myofibroblasts, the primary producers of extracellular matrix, have previously received a great deal of attention; however, a large body of emerging evidence reveals that proximal tubule (PT) plays a central role in TIF progression. In response to injury, renal tubular epithelial cells (TECs) transform into inflammatory and fibroblastic cells, producing various bioactive molecules that drive interstitial inflammation and fibrosis. Here we reviewed the increasing evidence for the key role of the PT in promoting TIF in tubulointerstitial and glomerular injury and discussed the therapeutic targets and carrier systems involving the PT that holds particular promise for treating patients with fibrotic nephropathy.

Notoginsenoside Fc ameliorates renal tubular injury and mitochondrial damage in acetaminophen-induced acute kidney injury partly by regulating SIRT3/SOD2 pathway

Introduction

Mitochondria dysfunction is one of the primary causes of tubular injury in acute kidney injury (AKI). Notoginsenoside Fc (Fc), a new saponin isolated from Panax notoginseng, exhibited numerous pharmacological actions. However, the beneficial effects of Fc on renal tubular impairment and mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI have not been fully studied.

Methods

In this study, we established acetaminophen (APAP)-induced AKI model in mice to examine the therapeutic impacts of Fc on AKI.

Results

Our results showed that Fc could decrease the levels of the serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and Cystatin C in mice with AKI. Fc also ameliorated renal histopathology, renal tubular cells apoptosis and restored expression of apoptosis-related proteins such as Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase3 (C-caspase3). Additionally, Fc increased the protein expression of SIRT3 and SOD2 in kidneys from mice with AKI. In vitro studies further showed Fc reduced the apoptosis of HK-2 cells exposure to APAP, attenuated the loss of mitochondrial membrane potential and decreased the formation of mitochondrial superoxide. Fc also partly restored the protein expression of Bax, Bcl-2, C-Caspase3, SIRT3, and SOD2 in HK-2 cells exposure to APAP.

Conclusion

In summary, Fc might reduce renal tubular injury and mitochondrial dysfunction in AKI partly through the regulation of SIRT3/SOD2 pathway.

Polystyrene Microplastics Postpone APAP-Induced Liver Injury through Impeding Macrophage Polarization

Polystyrene microplastics (PS MPs) are micrometer-scale items degraded from plastics and have been detected in various organisms. PS MPs have been identified as causing cognitive, cardiac, intestinal, and hepatic damage. However, their role in liver regeneration under drug-induced liver injury remains unknown. Thus, the current study aims to evaluate the impact of PS MPs on liver repair during APAP hepatotoxicity. PS MPs pretreatment exacerbates mice mortality and hepatocyte apoptosis, suppresses hepatic cell proliferation, and disturbs the inflammatory response in the APAP-induced damage model. Further mechanism exploration uncovers that prior PS MPs administration is sufficient to recruit neutrophils and macrophages, which are necessary for tissue recovery in the acute liver injury model. However, the polarization capacity of macrophages to anti-inflammatory sub-type is significantly delayed in PS MPs plus APAP group compared to the single APAP group, which is the leading cause of tissue repair suppression. Overall, the current study supports a new insight to realize the toxicity of PS MPs in acute liver injury, which should be considered in health risk assessment.

Low dimensional nanomaterials for treating acute kidney injury

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is one of the most common severe complications among hospitalized patients. In the absence of specific drugs to treat AKI, hemodialysis remains the primary clinical treatment for AKI patients. AKI treatment has received significant attention recently due to the excellent drug delivery capabilities of low-dimensional nanomaterials (LDNs) and their unique therapeutic effects. Diverse LDNs have been proposed to treat AKI, with promising results and the potential for future clinical application. This article aims to provide an overview of the pathogenesis of AKI and the recent advances in the treatment of AKI using different types of LDNs. In addition, it is intended to provide theoretical support for the design of LDNs and implications for AKI treatment.

Implication of Nanoparticles to Combat Chronic Liver andKidney Diseases: Progress and Perspectives

Liver and kidney diseases are the most frequently encountered problems around the globe. Damage to the liver and kidney may occur as a result of exposure to various drugs, chemicals, toxins, and pathogens, leading to severe disease conditions such as cirrhosis, fibrosis, hepatitis, acute kidney injury, and liver and renal failure. In this regard, the use of nanoparticles (NPs) such as silver nanoparticles (AgNPs), gold nanoparticles (AuNPs), and zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnONPs) has emerged as a rapidly developing field of study in terms of safe delivery of various medications to target organs with minimal side effects. Due to their physical characteristics, NPs have inherent pharmacological effects, and an accidental buildup can have a significant impact on the structure and function of the liver and kidney. By suppressing the expression of the proinflammatory cytokines iNOS and COX-2, NPs are known to possess anti-inflammatory effects. Additionally, NPs have demonstrated their ability to operate as an antioxidant, squelching the generation of ROS caused by substances that cause oxidative stress. Finally, because of their pro-oxidant properties, they are also known to increase the level of ROS, which causes malignant liver and kidney cells to undergo apoptosis. As a result, NPs can be regarded as a double-edged sword whose inherent therapeutic benefits can be refined as we work to comprehend them in terms of their toxicity.

Micro- and nanocarriers for pain alleviation

Acute or chronic pain is a major source of impairment in quality of life and affects a substantial part of the population. To date, pain is alleviated by a limited range of treatments with significant toxicity, increased risk of misuse and inconsistent efficacy, owing, in part, to lack of specificity and/or unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties. Thanks to the unique properties of nanoscaled drug carriers, nanomedicine may enhance drug biodistribution and targeting, thus contributing to improved bioavailability and lower off-target toxicity. After a brief overview of the current situation and the main critical issues regarding pain alleviation, this review will examine the most advanced approaches using nanomedicine of each drug class, from the preclinical stage to approved nanomedicines.

Oxidative Stress in Human Pathology and Aging: Molecular Mechanisms and Perspectives

Reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) are generated through various endogenous and exogenous processes; however, they are neutralized by enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. An imbalance between the generation and neutralization of oxidants results in the progression to oxidative stress (OS), which in turn gives rise to various diseases, disorders and aging. The characteristics of aging include the progressive loss of function in tissues and organs. The theory of aging explains that age-related functional losses are due to accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), their subsequent damages and tissue deformities. Moreover, the diseases and disorders caused by OS include cardiovascular diseases [CVDs], chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, chronic kidney disease, neurodegenerative diseases and cancer. OS, induced by ROS, is neutralized by different enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants and prevents cells, tissues and organs from damage. However, prolonged OS decreases the content of antioxidant status of cells by reducing the activities of reductants and antioxidative enzymes and gives rise to different pathological conditions. Therefore, the aim of the present review is to discuss the mechanism of ROS-induced OS signaling and their age-associated complications mediated through their toxic manifestations in order to devise effective preventive and curative natural therapeutic remedies.

Protective efficacy of rutin against acrylamide-induced oxidative stress, biochemical alterations and histopathological lesions in rats

Acrylamide is a well-known neurotoxicant and carcinogen. Apart from industrial exposure, acrylamide is also found in different food products. The present study deals with in vivo experiment to test the protective effect of rutin against acrylamide induced toxicity in rats. The study was carried out on female rats with exposure of acrylamide at the dose of 38.27 mg/kg body weight, orally for 10 days followed by the therapy of rutin (05, 10, 20 and 40 mg/kg orally), for three consecutive days. All animals were sacrificed after 24 h of last treatment and various biochemical parameters in blood and tissue were investigated. Histopathology of liver, kidney and brain was also done. On administration of acrylamide for 10 days, neurotoxicity was observed in terms of decreased acetylcholinesterase activity and oxidative stress was observed in terms of increased lipid peroxidation, declined level of reduced glutathione, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase and catalase) in liver, kidney and brain. Acrylamide exposure increased the activities of serum transaminases, lipid profile, bilirubin, urea, uric acid and creatinine in serum indicating damage. Our experimental results conclude that rutin showed remarkable protection against oxidative DNA damage induced by acrylamide, which may be due to its antioxidant potential.

Application of nanotechnology in acute kidney injury: From diagnosis to therapeutic implications

Acute kidney injury (AKI), a major health issue concerning ~50% of patients treated in intensive care units, generally leads to severe renal damage associated with high mortality rate. The application of nanotechnology for the management of AKI has profound potential of further development, providing innovative strategies for predicting the early onset and progression of renal disease and improving the treatment efficacy of the life-threating AKI. This review has comprehensively summarized the nanomedicines in the application of AKI diagnosis and emphatically discussed the unique potential of various nanotechnology-based drug delivery systems (e.g., polymeric nanoparticles, organic nanoparticles, inorganic nanoparticles, lipid-based nanoparticles, hydrogels etc.) in the treatment of AKI, allowing for improved therapeutic index by enhancing both efficacy and safety concurrently. These approaches may mechanically mitigate oxidative stress, inflammation, and mitochondrial and other organellar damage, etc. In addition, the combination of nanotechnology with stem cells-based therapy or gene therapy has been explored for reducing renal tissues damage and promoting kidney repair or recovery from AKI. The review provides insights into the synthesis, advantages, and limitations of innovative nanomedicine application in the early detection and effective treatment of AKI.

Hypergravity Load Modulates Acetaminophen Nephrotoxicity via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress in Association with Hepatic microRNA-122 Expression

Hypergravity conditions may subject the kidney to intrinsic stress and lead to hemodynamic kidney dysfunction. However, the mechanisms underlying this phenomenon remain unclear. Accumulation of unfolded proteins in the endoplasmic reticulum (i.e., ER stress) is often observed in kidney diseases. Therefore, this study investigated whether hypergravity stress alters acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity in vivo, as well as the molecular mechanisms involved in this process. C57BL/6 mice were submitted to one or three loads of +9 Gx hypergravity for 1 h with or without acetaminophen (APAP) treatment. The protein levels of cell survival markers, including pAKT and pCREB, were decreased in the kidney after acetaminophen treatment with a single hypergravity load. Additionally, the combined treatment increased kidney injury markers, serum creatinine, and Bax, Bcl2, and Kim-1 transcript levels and enhanced ER stress-related markers were further. Moreover, multiple hypergravity loads enabled mice to overcome kidney injury, as indicated by decreases in serum creatinine content and ER stress marker levels, along with increased cell viability indices. Similarly, multiple hypergravity loads plus APAP elevated miR-122 levels in the kidney, which likely originated from the liver, as the levels of primary miR-122 increased only in the liver and not the kidney. Importantly, this phenomenon may contribute to overcoming hypergravity-induced kidney injury. Taken together, our results demonstrate that APAP-exposed mice submitted to a single load of hypergravity exhibited more pronounced kidney dysfunction due to increased ER stress, which may be overcome by repetitive hypergravity loads presumably due to increased production of miR-122 in the liver. Thus, our study provides novel insights into the mechanisms by which hypergravity stress plus APAP medication induce kidney injury, which may be overcome by repeated hypergravity exposure.

Cisplatin-conjugated gold nanoparticles-based drug delivery system for targeting hepatic tumors

Cisplatin is a highly cytotoxic anticarcinogenic drug used to treat several kinds of solid tumors such as liver tumors. With the increase in the incidences associated with hepatic tumors and a lack of selectivity of cisplatin to cancer cells, it is important to explore new therapeutic strategies against them. The present study was designed to verify the ability of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) to improve the hepatotherapeutic effect of cisplatin against DENA-induced hepatic tumors and to declare its ability to reduce the renal toxicity induced by cisplatin. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into two groups (n = 20): Group (A)-negative control and group (B)-model of hepatocellular tumor induction. After 4 months, each group was subdivided into four subgroups as the following: Group (1) received normal saline, Group (2) was treated by cisplatin, Group (3) was treated by GNPs, Group (4) was treated by GNPs-cisplatin conjugates. Our results revealed a marked elevation in liver and kidney function tests and oxidant levels with a reduction in antioxidant levels in the DENA-administrated group. Remarkable histopathological alterations in the liver and kidney tissue sections were observed and confirmed by the overexpression of the immunohistochemical staining of placental glutathione S-transferase, Hep Par 1, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen. Noticeable improvements in all the measurable toxicological parameters were recorded in the group treated with either GNPs or GNPs-cisplatin conjugate not observed in the group treated with cisplatin. We can conclude that GNPs not only improve the distribution of cisplatin, targeting it to the site of tumors, but it also reduces the renal toxicity induced by cisplatin, which are the primary concerns in cancer therapy.

Biochemical study on the protective effect of curcumin on acetaminophen and gamma-irradiation induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the few recommended analgesic and antipyretic drugs in some critical cases such as viral disease COVID-19. However, the unrestricted use of APAP develops liver disorders. Hepatotoxicity and liver injury can also be induced by ionizing radiation (IR) during radiotherapy. The data of the current study represents that treatment of rats with either APAP-overdose, or gamma-irradiation (R) induces hepatotoxicity, results in significant increases of the hepatic-enzymes activities (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, and MDH), as well as enhancement of triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, combined with declines in albumin and total protein contents. An enhancement of the lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde; MDA), and nitric oxide levels along with a decline of reduced glutathione contents and suppression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities are also observed within the liver tissues of intoxicated animals. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), miR-802 gene expression, NF-κB, and calcium levels are up-regulated, while Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2), Hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and gene expressions, as well as, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), NAD(P)H-Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and miR-122 gene expressions are down-regulated in the livers of intoxicated animals. All these parameters show significant improvement in R/APAP intoxicated animals. Curcumin pretreatment develops an amelioration of these effects in APAP-overdose, R-exposure, or R/APAP treatments. In conclusion, oral administration of curcumin shows hepatoprotective effects against APAP-overdose induced hepatic damage in normal and gamma-irradiated rats through prospective regulation of the therapeutic targets CYP2E1, Nrf2, and NF-κB, via organizing the miR-122 and miR-802 gene expression.

Cinnamon oil against acetaminophen-induced acute liver toxicity by attenuating inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis

Acetaminophen (APAP) is used as a primary drug due to its antipyretic and analgesic activity. The mechanism of action of APAP toxicity in the liver is due to the depletion of glutathione which elicited free radicals generation. Therefore, the objective of our work is to investigate the APAP induced liver damage and its repair by free radical scavenging activity of cinnamon oil (CO) in male Wistar rats. To investigate the effects of CO at different doses (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.), animals were given a single oral dose of CO per day for 14 days between 12:00−1:00 PM. The biochemical changes, imbalance in oxidative markers, interleukins, caspases and histopathological studies were determined for quantifying the hepatoprotective effect of CO. One dose of APAP (2 g/kg b.w.) results in significant hepatotoxicity and marked increase the serum markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, albumin, total protein, content of lipid peroxidation (LPO), interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6), caspase-3, -9 expression, DNA fragmentation and histopathological changes were observed. Significant decrease in the levels of LPO, interleukins IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, -9 expressions, qualitative as well as quantitative determination of DNA fragments and histopathological changes were reversed by the administration of CO dose dependently. Furthermore, it also restores the depleted activity of antioxidative enzymes. Our study shows that an imbalance in the oxidative parameter in the liver by APAP is restored by treating the animals with CO.

Acetaminophen-induced renal toxicity: preventive effect of silver nanoparticles

Present study was planned to investigate the ameliorative effect of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) on acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity. Our results demonstrate that therapy of AgNPs at three different doses (50, 100 and 150 μg/kg once only) prevented the acetaminophen (2 g/kg once only) induced acute renal toxicity. AgNPs treated animals also show less intensity in the histological alterations in kidneys and corroborating the results of analysis of serum urea and creatinine. In addition, AgNPs therapy prevented the acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress, which was confirmed by the alleviated lipid peroxidation, enhanced renal reduced glutathione content and restored enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase and adenosine triphosphatase in kidney. Thus, our results demonstrate a possible protective potential of AgNPs on renal toxicity induced by acetaminophen. This study will definitely lead to the development of therapeutic drug against nephrotoxicity, after further clinical and preclinical studies.

Interleukin-22 ameliorated acetaminophen-induced kidney injury by inhibiting mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammatory responses

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can lead to acute, severe kidney injury, which has recently attracted considerable attention among researchers and clinicians. Unfortunately, there are no well-established treatments for APAP-induced renal injury, and the molecular mechanism of APAP-induced kidney injury is still unclear. Herein, we explored the protective effects of interleukin (IL)-22 on APAP-induced renal injury and the underlying molecular basis. We found that IL-22 could significantly alleviate the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction, reducing APAP-induced renal tubular epithelial cell (TEC) death in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, IL-22 could downregulate the APAP-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and mature IL-1β release in kidney injury. Additionally, the APAP-mediated upregulation of the serum levels of IL-18, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β was obviously decreased, suggesting IL-22 has inhibitory effects on inflammatory responses. Conclusively, our study demonstrated that IL-22 exerted ameliorative effects on APAP-induced kidney injury by alleviating mitochondrial dysfunction and NLRP3 inflammasome activation, suggesting that IL-22 represents a potential therapeutic approach to treat APAP-induced kidney injury. KEY POINTS: • IL-22 could ameliorate APAP that triggered oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction. • IL-22 could reduce APAP that caused inflammatory responses. Graphical abstract.

Hepatoprotective effects of silymarin coated gold nanoparticles in experimental cholestasis

The present study reports the green synthesis of hybrid organic-inorganic gold nanocomposites using silymarin as reducing and capping agent. The structure of the silymarin loaded gold nanoparticles was investigated by using the appropriate analysis tools such as UV-Vis and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) techniques. TEM micrographs demonstrated that the gold nanoparticles were spherical in shape, well distributed and their mean size was about 10 nm. The in vivo hepatoprotective and antifibrogenic properties after bile duct ligation in rats of the silymarin coated gold nanoparticles were assessed. The changes regarding the blood tests and the liver histopathology were compared to the standard administration of silymarin. Silymarin loaded gold nanoparticles improved liver function, reduced cholestasis and oxidative stress parameters, with the increase of antioxidant support, and reduced inflammation and fibrosis in the liver of rats with extrahepatic cholestasis.

Overdoses of Acetaminophen Disrupt the Thyroid-Liver Axis in Neonatal Rats

OBJECTIVE

The aim of the study was to examine the impact of neonatal acetaminophen (APAP; paracetamol) administrations on the thyroid-liver axis in male Wistar rats.

METHODS

APAP (100 or 350mg/kg) was orally administered to neonates from Postnatal Day (PND) 20 to 40.

RESULTS

Both APAP doses elicited a substantial increase in serum TSH, albumin, AST, ALT, and ALP values, and a profound decrease in serum FT4 and FT3 values at PND 40 relative to those in the control group. Additionally, the hypothyroid state in both APAP-treated groups may increase the histopathological variations in the neonatal liver, such as destructive degeneration, fibrosis, fatty degeneration, fibroblast proliferation, haemorrhage, oedema, and vacuolar degeneration, at PND 40. Moreover, in the APAP groups, a marked depression was recorded in the t-SH and GSH levels and GPx and CAT activities at PND 40 in the neonatal liver compared to those in the control group. However, the levels of hepatic LPO, H2O2, and NO were increased in both APAP-treated groups at PND 40. All previous alterations were dose- dependent.

CONCLUSION

Neonatal APAP caused a hypothyroidism and disturbed hepatic cellular components by increasing prooxidant markers and decreasing antioxidant markers, causing hepatotoxicity. Thus, neonatal administrations of APAP may act as a neonatal thyroid-liver disruptor.

Sika deer antler protein against acetaminophen-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in HK-2 cells via activating Nrf2/keap1/HO-1 pathway

Nf-E2-related transcription factor 2 (Nrf2) helps cells fight oxidative stress events in vivo and in vitro by promoting the expression of antioxidants and detoxification enzymes. The necessary factors regulating Nrf2 activity and stability during analgesic nephropathy are not fully understood. Our results suggest that acetaminophen produces nephrotoxicity in HK-2 cells by inhibiting keap1 degradation. APAP subsided Nrf2 nuclear accumulation by inhibition of keap1 degradation, thereby reducing the binding of Nrf2 to ARE, leading to the loss of expression of antioxidant proteins such as HO-1, inducing a series of oxidative stress and apoptosis events. Therefore, Nrf2/keap1/HO-1 signal transduction pathway has a poor prognosis during analgesic nephrotoxicity. Sika deer antler protein (SDAPR) significantly prevented APAP-induced HK-2 cell damage by constitutively stabilized Nrf2 nuclear retention. Excess APAP leads to a decrease in Nrf2 nuclear translocation, leading to severe oxidative stress, increasing the levels of GSH and MDA in HK-2 cells, and reducing the enzyme activities of SOD and CAT in HK-2 cells. Increased biomarker levels of acute kidney injury (AKI) in HK-2 cells, including kidney injury molecule-1, neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and cystatin C, decrease the mitochondrial membrane potential in HK-2 cells, and cause mitochondrial dysfunction, it also reduced the ratio of mitochondria-associated apoptotic protein Bax/Bcl-2, leading to cell apoptosis. SDAPR dose dependently accorded protection against acetaminophen-induced nephrotoxicity, oxidative damage, and cell apoptosis by its molecular intervention with Nrf2/keap1/HO-1 pathway via keap1 degradation. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: In this paper, we investigated the protective effect of SDAPR on APAP-induced AKI in HK-2 cells, and briefly explained its possible mechanism of action, providing a basis for future clinical trials and the development of anti-APAP AKI drugs.

Protective effect of cinnamon against acetaminophen-mediated cellular damage and apoptosis in renal tissue

Acetaminophen, APAP, is a common over-the-counter drug with antipyretic-analgesic action. When APAP is used in large doses, it causes hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity but safe at therapeutic doses. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is extensively used in folk medicine due to its high content of natural antioxidants. The current investigation was planned to study the possible ameliorative effect of cinnamon toward induced APAP-apoptosis and cellular damage in renal cells. Four groups (nine rats each) were used; negative control group administrated distilled water for 15 days; positive control APAP group administrated a single dose of APAP (1 g/kg) orally on the last day; APAP+Cin L (200 mg/kg) and APAP+Cin H (400 mg/kg) aqueous extract of cinnamon orally once a day for 15 days. An hour after the last dose of cinnamon, all rats in the third and fourth group were administrated a single dose of APAP (1 g/kg) orally. GC/MS analysis was performed to identify the plant used in the study. APAP markedly increased serum levels of creatinine, BUN, and glucose and decreased levels of albumin and total protein. In addition, APAP could also exert severe alteration in the kidney histopathology along with upregulation of caspase-3 and PCNA. However, pre-treatment with cinnamon ameliorated the APAP-induced cellular alterations and apoptosis, possibly through its high content of antioxidants.

Acute exposure to gold induces fast changes in social behavior and oxidative stress of zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Gold is a noble metal having a long history of human usage and a variety of applications. The present paper was designed in order to see the changes on social and swimming behavior of zebrafish caused by acute gold exposure to high concentrations dissolved in aquatic medium from a standard solution with the highest purity. Some main oxidative stress markers were determined such as: superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). We also focused our attention on the bioaccumulation capacity of gold in exposed zebrafish and its competition with essential elements for the body: sodium (Na), potassium (K), calcium (Ca), magnesium (Mg), iron (Fe), zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu). They were studied the effects of the follow gold concentrations dissolved in experimental aquariums: 1 mg L^-1 (Au 1 mg/L), 2 mg L^-1 (Au 2 mg/L), 4 mg L^-1 (Au 4 mg/L) and 8 mg L^-1 (Au 8 mg/L). Our data showed that each group treated with gold had a higher concentration compared with the others suggesting that it can be absorbed into the zebrafish body from environment and may be accumulated. The results obtained in the oxidative stress parameters demonstrated that it can produce changes as a response to its toxicological effects.

Protective effects of Gastrodia elata Blume on acetaminophen-induced liver and kidney toxicity in rats

An overdose of acetaminophen (AAP) causes hepatic and renal toxicity. This study examined the protective effects of Gastrodia elata Blume (GEB) on hepatic and renal injury induced by AAP. Rats were orally administered distilled water or GEB for 14 days and injected with AAP 1 h after the oral last administration; control rats were administered water without AAP injection. All rats were sacrificed 24 h after AAP injection. The GEB pretreatment group showed decreased necrosis and the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver and kidney. TUNEL-positive cells and oxidative stress marker, such as malondialdehyde, were decreased. However, antioxidant enzymes, such as glutathione and superoxide dismutase, were increased. The expression of CYP2E1 and N-acetyl-beta-d-glucosaminidase was decreased in the GEB pretreatment group. This study shows that GEB prevents AAP-induced liver and kidney injury.

Histopathology of the Liver, Kidney, and Spleen of Mice Exposed to Gold Nanoparticles

Gold nanoparticles (GNPs) are biocompatible nanomaterials that are currently researched for biomedical applications such as imaging and targeted drug delivery. In this investigation, we studied the effects of a single dose (injected on day 1) as well as a priming dose (two injections with a gap of one week) of 5 nm, 20 nm, and 50 nm diameter GNPs on the structural and biochemical changes in the liver, kidney, and spleen of mice. The results showed that small sized GNPs (5 nm) produced significant pathological changes in the liver on day 2 that gradually reduced on day 8. The medium (20 nm) and large (50 nm) sized GNPs preferentially targeted the spleen and caused significant pathological changes to the spleen architecture on day 2 that persisted on day 8 as well. There were minimal and insignificant pathological changes to the kidneys irrespective of the GNPs size. The animals that were primed with the pre-exposure of GNPs did not show any aggravation of histological changes after the second dose of the same GNPs. None of the dose regimens of the GNPs were able to significantly affect the markers of oxidative stress including glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in all of the organs that were studied. In conclusion, the size of GNPs plays an important role in their pathological effects on different organs of mice. Moreover, the primed animals become refractory to further pathological changes after the second dose of GNPs, suggesting the importance of a priming dose in medical applications of GNPs.

Phytofabrication of Silver nanoparticles: Novel Drug to overcome hepatocellular ailments

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AgNPs were prepared by biological method using Morus alba leaf extract.

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AgNPs unveiled in vitro antiproliferative effects against HepG2 cell lines.

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AgNPs exhibited strong antioxidant activities and hepatoprotective effects.

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Act as drug delivery carriers and curing agents against hepatocellular ailments.

This study aimed to treat hepatocellular ailments with biologically prepared silver nanoparticle (AgNPs). AgNPs were formulated using Morus alba leaf extract and their synthesis and characterization were determined by UV–visible spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM), Scanning Electron microscope (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and Zeta analysis. In vitro studies on HepG2 cell lines for cytotoxic effect and in vivo studies in a rat model for hepatoprotective effect were carried out using biologically prepared AgNPs as curing agents. Dose response cytotoxicity on hepatic cancer (HepG2) cells was confirmed by 3-(4, 5-dimethyl thiazole-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyl tetrazolium (MTT) assay. The inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) were found to be 20 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL for AgNPs and M. alba leaf extract respectively against HepG2 cells at 24 h incubation. In addition, hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats (180 ± 10 g) was induced by intraperitoneal injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) and were treated with different doses of AgNPs (25, 50, 100 μg/kg). NDEA administration showed a significant rise in the biochemical parameters whereas the levels of enzymic antioxidants were decreased. Obtained results revealed that the elevated levels of Liver Function Test (LFTs) biomarkers were significantly reversed and the antioxidant levels were significantly recouped towards normal after the conjoint treatment of AgNPs in a dose-dependent manner. Thus green synthesized AgNPs showed a promising curing effect on hepatocellular ailments.