The melamine excretion effect of the electrolyzed reduced water in melamine-fed mice

Nootkatone Mitigated Melamine-Evoked Hepatotoxicity by Featuring Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Interconnected Mechanisms: In Vivo and In Silico Approaches

Melamine (ML) is a common environmental contaminant, commonly used in food fraud, representing a serious health hazard and jeopardizing human and animal health. Recently, nootkatone (NK), a naturally occurring sesquiterpenoid, has garnered considerable attention due to its potential therapeutic advantages. We investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of NK against ML-induced liver injury in rats. Five groups were utilized: control, ML, NK10, ML-NK5, and ML-NK10. ML induced substantial hepatotoxicity, including considerable alterations in biochemical parameters and histology. The oxidative distress triggered by ML increased the generation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) and decreased levels of reduced glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. In addition, decreased expression of nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and increased nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) expression levels were observed in hepatocytes, which indicated the occurrence of inflammatory changes following ML exposure. These alterations were alleviated by NK supplementation in a dose-dependent manner. The data revealed that the favorable effects of NK were attributed, at least in part, to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Moreover, our results were supported by molecular docking studies that revealed a good fit and interactions between NK and antioxidant enzymes. Thus, the current study demonstrated that NK is a potential new food additive for the prevention or treatment of ML-induced toxicity.

Electrolyzed-Reduced Water: Review I. Molecular Hydrogen Is the Exclusive Agent Responsible for the Therapeutic Effects

Numerous benefits have been attributed to alkaline-electrolyzed-reduced water (ERW). Sometimes these claims are associated with easily debunked concepts. The observed benefits have been conjectured to be due to the intrinsic properties of ERW (e.g., negative oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), alkaline pH, H₂ gas), as well enigmatic characteristics (e.g., altered water structure, microclusters, free electrons, active hydrogen, mineral hydrides). The associated pseudoscientific marketing has contributed to the reluctance of mainstream science to accept ERW as having biological effects. Finally, through many in vitro and in vivo studies, each one of these propositions was examined and refuted one-by-one until it was conclusively demonstrated that H₂ was the exclusive agent responsible for both the negative ORP and the observed therapeutic effects of ERW. This article briefly apprised the history of ERW and comprehensively reviewed the sequential research demonstrating the importance of H₂. We illustrated that the effects of ERW could be readily explained by the known biological effects of H₂ and by utilizing conventional chemistry without requiring any metaphysical conjecture (e.g., microclustering, free electrons, etc.) or reliance on implausible notions (e.g., alkaline water neutralizes acidic waste). The H₂ concentration of ERW should be measured to ensure it is comparable to those used in clinical studies.

The Search for the Elixir of Life: On the Therapeutic Potential of Alkaline Reduced Water in Metabolic Syndromes

Our body composition is enormously influenced by our lifestyle choices, which affect our health and longevity. Nutrition and physical activities both impact overall metabolic condition, thus, a positive energy balance causes oxidative stress and inflammation, hastening the development of metabolic syndrome. With this knowledge, boosting endogenous and exogenous antioxidants has emerged as a therapeutic strategy for combating metabolic disorders. One of the promising therapeutic inventions is the use of alkaline reduced water (ARW). Aside from its hydrating and non-caloric properties, ARW has demonstrated strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties that can help stabilize physiologic turmoil caused by oxidative stress and inflammation. This review article is a synthesis of studies where we elaborate on the intra- and extracellular effects of drinking ARW, and relate these to the pathophysiology of common metabolic disorders, such as obesity, diabetes mellitus, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and some cancers. Highlighting the health-promoting benefits of ARW, we also emphasize the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle by incorporating exercise and practicing a balanced diet as forms of habit.

One-step wet-chemical synthesis of ternary ZnO/CuO/Co3O4 nanoparticles for sensitive and selective melamine sensor development

Using one-step wet-chemically synthesized ternary ZnO/CuO/Co₃O₄ nanoparticles (NPs) fabricated GCE sensor probe, a selective and sensitive melamine chemical sensor was developed by electrochemical approach, which exhibited the highest sensitivity, better repeatability, broad linear dynamic range, good linearity, fast response time, and lowest detection limit.

Combination exposure of melamine and cyanuric acid is associated with polyuria and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome in rats

The molecular mechanisms of melamine-induced renal toxicity have not been fully understood. The purpose of the study aimed to investigate whether melamine and cyanuric acid induced NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation in the kidney, which may contribute to abnormal water and sodium handling in a rat model. Wistar rats received melamine (Mel; 200 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1), cyanuric acid (CA; 200 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1), or Mel plus CA (Mel + CA; 100 mg·kg body wt−1·day−1, each) for 2 wk. Mel + CA caused damaged tubular epithelial structure and organelles, dilated tubular lumen, and inflammatory responses. Crystals were observed in urine and serum specimen, also in the lumen of dilated distal renal tubules. The combined ingestion of Mel and CA in rats caused a markedly impaired urinary concentration, which was associated with reduced protein expression of aquaporin (AQP)1, 2, and 3 in inner medulla and α-Na-K-ATPase and Na-K-2Cl transporters in cortex and outer medulla. Mel + CA treatment was associated with increased protein expression of CD3 and mRNA levels of CD68 and F4/80 as well as phosphorylation of NF-κB in the kidney. Mel + CA treatment increased protein and mRNA expression of NLRP3 inflammasome components apoptosis-associated speck-like protein containing a caspase recruitment domain, caspase-1, and IL-1β in the inner medulla of rats. NF-κB inhibitor Bay 11-7082 reduced IL-1β expression induced by Mel + CA and prevented downregulation of AQP2 in inner medullary collecting duct cell suspensions. In conclusion, Mel + CA treatment caused urinary-concentrating defects and reduced expression of renal AQPs and key sodium transporters, which is likely due to the inflammatory responses and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome induced by crystals formed in the kidney.

Beneficial biological effects and the underlying mechanisms of molecular hydrogen - comprehensive review of 321 original articles

Therapeutic effects of molecular hydrogen for a wide range of disease models and human diseases have been investigated since 2007. A total of 321 original articles have been published from 2007 to June 2015. Most studies have been conducted in Japan, China, and the USA. About three-quarters of the articles show the effects in mice and rats. The number of clinical trials is increasing every year. In most diseases, the effect of hydrogen has been reported with hydrogen water or hydrogen gas, which was followed by confirmation of the effect with hydrogen-rich saline. Hydrogen water is mostly given ad libitum. Hydrogen gas of less than 4 % is given by inhalation. The effects have been reported in essentially all organs covering 31 disease categories that can be subdivided into 166 disease models, human diseases, treatment-associated pathologies, and pathophysiological conditions of plants with a predominance of oxidative stress-mediated diseases and inflammatory diseases. Specific extinctions of hydroxyl radical and peroxynitrite were initially presented, but the radical-scavenging effect of hydrogen cannot be held solely accountable for its drastic effects. We and others have shown that the effects can be mediated by modulating activities and expressions of various molecules such as Lyn, ERK, p38, JNK, ASK1, Akt, GTP-Rac1, iNOS, Nox1, NF-κB p65, IκBα, STAT3, NFATc1, c-Fos, and ghrelin. Master regulator(s) that drive these modifications, however, remain to be elucidated and are currently being extensively investigated.

Reversible effects of vitamins C and E combination on cognitive deficits and oxidative stress in the hippocampus of melamine-exposed rats

Previous studies showed that the spatial cognitive deficits of rats were induced by chronic melamine exposure, which was associated with the hippocampal oxidative damage. Currently, we examined the antioxidative effect of vitamins C and E combination on cognitive function in melamine-treated rats. Melamine was oral administrated to male adolescent Wistar at a dosage of 300mg/kg/day for 28days. After that, animals received vitamins C and E at a dose of 150 and 200mg/kg, respectively, intraperitoneally for the next 7days. Cognitive behaviors were investigated using the Morris water maze test. The biochemical indexes were detected in the hippocampal homogenate. The treatment with vitamin complex significantly ameliorated cognitive deficits induced by melamine. ROS, MDA, and NO contents were almost back to normal, while SOD, CAT, GSH-Px, and NOS activities were improved as well. The neural apoptosis in the hippocampus were ameliorated by regulating the expression of anti-apoptotic protein (Bcl-2) and caspase-3. Additionally, histological observation showed that vitamin complex effectively alleviated the injuries of hippocampal neurons. These results suggest that the potential therapeutic for oxidative damage induced neuronal apoptosis after treatment of vitamins C and E combination, which is most likely related to the antioxidative effects.

The protective role of bee honey against the toxic effect of melamine in the male rat kidney

This study aimed to test the protective role of natural bee honey against melamine toxicity in the kidney of male albino rats. The dietary supplementation of melamine at a dose of 20,000 ppm for 28 days induced renal dysfunction, as reflected by a significant increase in kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) and an increase in potassium levels. In addition, a decrease in catalase and glutathione- S-transferase and an increase in lipid peroxide in the kidney tissue homogenate were also observed. Histological changes in the melamine-treated group revealed hyperplasia and damage in kidney cells and the accumulation of melamine crystals in kidney tissues. Honey treatment for 28 days in rats concurrently administered melamine at a dose of 2.5 g/kg body weight for 28 days improved the kidney function, increased antioxidant enzymes, and decreased lipid peroxide levels. The morphology of the kidney cells of the melamine-fed rats was also improved as a result of honey treatment. In conclusion, this study revealed that natural bee honey protects the kidney against the adverse effects induced by melamine toxicity in male albino rats.

Reversible effects of vitamins C and E combination on oxidative stress-induced apoptosis in melamine-treated PC12 cells

Due to its high nitrogen content, melamine was deliberately added to raw milk for increasing the apparent protein content. Previous studies showed that melamine-induced apoptosis and oxidative damage on PC12 cells and rats' hippocampus. Several evidences suggested that vitamin antioxidant reduced oxidative stress and improved organic function. Whether treatments with antioxidant vitamins C or E, otherwise combination of them can attenuate oxidative stress after melamine administration remains to be elucidated. In this study, the reversible effects of vitamin antioxidants was investigated on melamine-induced neurotoxicity in cultured PC12 cells, an in vitro model of neuronal cells. When comparing vitamin C and E, the combination of both statistically increased PC12 cells viability. The results further showed that vitamin complex has effectively reduced the formation of reaction oxygen species, decreased the level of malondialdehyde, and elevated the activities of antioxidative enzymes. Hoechst 33342 staining and flow cytometric analysis of apoptosis showed that vitamin combination treatment effectively prevented PC12 cells from this melamine-induced apoptosis. It revealed the apoptotic nuclear features of the melamine-induced cell death. Additionally, a combination treatment of vitamins effectively inhibited apoptosis via blocking the increased activation of caspase-3. In summary, the vitamin E and C combination treatment could rescue PC12 cells from the injury induced by melamine through the downregulation of oxidative stress and prevention of melamine-induced apoptosis.

Bees' honey protects the liver of male rats against melamine toxicity

The protective effect of natural bees' honey to the liver of male albino rats against melamine toxicity was studied. Melamine supplementation at a dose of 20000 ppm in the diet for 28 days induced adverse effects on the liver, decreased serum total protein and increased liver enzyme: alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Histological changes of the melamine supplemented group showed necrosis in the hepatic tissues around the central veins of the liver and precipitation of melamine crystals. Treating the male albino rats (that were presupplemented regularly with 20000 ppm melamine) with natural bees' honey at a dose of 2.5 g/kg body weight for 28 days improved both liver functions and increased serum protein. In addition, a positive impact on the shape of the cells after treatment with honey compared to the positive melamine supplemented group was observed. In conclusion, the results of this study revealed that the use of natural bees' honey has the ability to protect the liver of rats against the toxic effects of melamine.

Molecular hydrogen as an emerging therapeutic medical gas for neurodegenerative and other diseases

Effects of molecular hydrogen on various diseases have been documented for 63 disease models and human diseases in the past four and a half years. Most studies have been performed on rodents including two models of Parkinson's disease and three models of Alzheimer's disease. Prominent effects are observed especially in oxidative stress-mediated diseases including neonatal cerebral hypoxia; Parkinson's disease; ischemia/reperfusion of spinal cord, heart, lung, liver, kidney, and intestine; transplantation of lung, heart, kidney, and intestine. Six human diseases have been studied to date: diabetes mellitus type 2, metabolic syndrome, hemodialysis, inflammatory and mitochondrial myopathies, brain stem infarction, and radiation-induced adverse effects. Two enigmas, however, remain to be solved. First, no dose-response effect is observed. Rodents and humans are able to take a small amount of hydrogen by drinking hydrogen-rich water, but marked effects are observed. Second, intestinal bacteria in humans and rodents produce a large amount of hydrogen, but an addition of a small amount of hydrogen exhibits marked effects. Further studies are required to elucidate molecular bases of prominent hydrogen effects and to determine the optimal frequency, amount, and method of hydrogen administration for each human disease.