Comparison effects of olive leaf extract and oleuropein compounds on male reproductive function in cyclophosphamide exposed mice

Cardioprotective effect of oleuropein in a cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity model in rats

This study investigated the cardioprotective effect of oleuropein against cisplatin-induced cardiac damage in terms of inflammatory, oxidative stress and cardiac parameters. In this study, 40 female Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups: control, cisplatin, oleuropein and cisplatin+oleuropein. To establish the experimental model, oleuropein (200 mg/kg) was administered for 14 days and cisplatin (7 mg/kg) was administered as a single dose on the seventh day. Cisplatin increased MDA cardiac parameters (CK, CK-MB and cTnI) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) in cardiac tissue and decreased GSH, GSH-Px and catalase levels. On the other hand, oleuropein improved cardiac parameters and decreased inflammatory cytokine and oxidative stress levels in cardiac tissue.

Ameliorative effects of rutin and rutin-loaded chitosan nanoparticles on testicular oxidative stress and histological damage induced by cyclophosphamide in male rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is broadly used to kill various tumor cells; however, its repeated uses have been reported to cause reproductive dysfunction and infertility. Natural flavonoid, rutin (RUT), possesses strong antioxidant and antiapoptotic activity that is attributed to ameliorate the reproductive dysfunction induced by CP. Many previous studies proved that the formulation of flavonoids in nanoemulsion has a promising perspective in mitigating the side effects of chemotherapy. Therefore, the main objective of this study was to investigate the ameliorative effects of RUT and RUT-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (RUT-CH NPs) against CP-induced reproductive dysfunction in male rats. For this aim, thirty-six male albino rats were randomly allocated into six groups as follows: control, RUT, RUT-CH NPs, CP, CP + RUT, and CP + RUT-CH NPs. In the CP groups, a single intraperitoneal injection of CP (150 mg/kg bwt) was administered on the first day of the experiment. RUT and RUT-CH NPs were orally administered either alone or with CP injection at a dose of 10 mg/kg bwt per day for 60 days. The results revealed that CP administration caused significant testicular oxidative stress damage through increasing the nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels as well as decreasing the total antioxidant capacity and reduced glutathione contents. It also impaired spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis via altering the transcription levels of CYP11A1, HSD-3b, StAR, Bax, bcl-2, and Nrf-2 genes. Otherwise, the oral intake of either RUT or RUT-CH NPs with CP injection effectively attenuated these alterations and significantly improved the microscopic appearance of testicular tissue. In conclusion, this study highlights the potential of RUT either free or NPs in mitigating CP-induced testicular dysfunction via its antioxidant and anti-apoptotic properties.

Alleviation of doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rat by mesenchymal stem cells and olive leaf extract via MAPK/ TNF-α pathway: Preclinical, experimental and bioinformatics enrichment study

BACKGROUND

Toxic cardiomyopathies were a potentially fatal adverse effect of anthracycline therapy.

AIM

This study was conducted to demonstrate the pathogenetic, morphologic, and toxicologic effects of doxorubicin on the heart and to investigate how the MAPK /TNF-α pathway can be modulated to improve doxorubicin-Induced cardiac lesions using bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) and olive leaf extract (OLE).

METHODS

During the study, 40 adult male rats were used. Ten were used to donate MSCs, and the other 30 were split into 5 equal groups: Group I was the negative control, Group II obtained oral OLE, Group III obtained an intraperitoneal cumulative dose of DOX (12 mg/kg) in 6 equal doses of 2 mg/kg every 48 h for 12 days, Group IV obtained intraperitoneal DOX and oral OLE at the same time, and Group V obtained intraperitoneal DOX and BM-MSCs through the tail vein at the same time for 12 days. Four weeks after their last dose of DOX, the rats were euthanized. By checking the bioinformatic databases, a molecularly targeted path was selected. Then the histological, immunohistochemistry, and gene expression of ERK, JNK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α were done.

RESULTS

Myocardial immunohistochemistry revealed severe fibrosis, cell degeneration, increased vimentin, and decreased CD-31 expression in the DOX-treated group, along with a marked shift in morphometric measurements, a disordered ultrastructure, and overexpression of inflammatory genes (ERK, NF-κB, IL-6, and TNF-α), oxidative stress markers, and cardiac biomarkers. Both groups IV and V displayed reduced cardiac fibrosis or inflammation, restoration of the microstructure and ultrastructure of the myocardium, downregulation of inflammatory genes, markers of oxidative stress, and cardiac biomarkers, a notable decline in vimentin, and an uptick in CD-31 expression. In contrast to group IV, group V showed a considerable beneficial effect.

CONCLUSION

Both OLE and BM-MSCs showed an ameliorating effect in rat models of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity, with BM-MSCs showing a greater influence than OLE.

The protective effect of hydroalcoholic extract of Ephedra pachyclada leaves on ovarian damage induced by cyclophosphamide in rat: An experimental study

Background

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anticancer drug that acts as an alkylation agent after metabolism in the liver. CP has toxic effects on the body's cells, especially the reproductive system's function, and causes infertility. Moreover, medicinal plants have few side effects and are psychologically acceptable to patients.

Objective

This study aimed to investigate the impact of Ephedra pachyclada hydroalcoholic extract (EPHE) on ovarian tissue and hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis in rats treated with CP.

Materials and Methods

In this experimental study, 48 adult female Wistar rats (180-200 gr, 9-10 wk) were randomly assigned to 6 experimental groups (n = 8/each): (a) control; (b) sham; (c) CP; (d) CP+250 mg/kg EPHE; (e) CP+500 mg/kg EPHE; (f) CP+1000 mg/kg EPHE. On the 29th day of the experiment, serum was collected; serum concentration of the luteinizing hormone, follicle-stimulating hormone, estrogen, progesterone, and antioxidant activity were measured. The number of ovarian follicles were also counted.

Results

In the CP groups, serum concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone significantly increased, and estrogen and progesterone significantly decreased (p ≤ 0.05). EPHE significantly compensated for the complications caused by CP and 1000 mg/kg had the greatest effect. Antioxidant reduction by CP was significantly enhanced by EPHE, especially at higher doses (p ≤ 0.05). The number of primordial, primary, secondary, and Graafian follicles showed a significant decrease in CP groups and EPHE groups showed a significant increase compared to the CP. EPHE showed that the concentration of 1000 mg/kg was more effective than other doses (p ≤ 0.05).

Conclusion

In addition to proving the effect of EPHE on the hypothalamic-pituitary-gonadal axis, our investigation showed antioxidant properties, which can be an effective factor in CP-treated rats.

Olive juice dry extract containing hydroxytyrosol, as a nontoxic and safe substance: Results from pre-clinical studies and review of toxicological studies

Products derived from olives, such as the raw fruit and oils, are widely consumed due to their taste, and purported nutritional/health benefits. Phenolic compounds, especially hydroxytyrosol (HT), have been proposed as one of the key substances involved in these effects. An olive juice extract, standardized to contain 20% HT ("OE20HT"), was produced to investigate its health benefits. The aim of this study was to demonstrate the genotoxic safety of this ingredient based on in vitro Ames assay and in vitro micronucleus assay. Results indicated that OE20HT was not mutagenic at concentrations of up to 5000 µg/plate, with or without metabolic activation, and was neither aneugenic nor clastogenic after 3-hour exposure at concentrations of up to 60 µg/mL with or without metabolic activation, or after 24-hour exposure at concentrations of up to 40 µg/mL. To further substantiate the safety of OE20HT following ingestion without conducting additional animal studies, a comprehensive literature review was conducted. No safety concerns were identified based on acute or sub-chronic studies in animals, including reproductive and developmental studies. These results were supported by clinical studies demonstrating the absence of adverse effects after oral supplementation with olive extracts or HT. Based on in vitro data and the literature review, the OE20HT extract is therefore considered as safe for human consumption at doses up to 2.5 mg/kg body weight/day.

Olive Leaf Extract Attenuates Chlorpyrifos-Induced Neuro- and Reproductive Toxicity in Male Albino Rats

Chlorpyrifos (CPF) is a common organophosphorus insecticide. It is associated with negative consequences such as neurotoxicity and reproductive injury. This study aimed to observe the ability of olive leaf extract to attenuate chlorpyrifos toxicity, which induced neuro- and reproductive toxicity in male albino rats. Olive leaf extract (OLE) exhibits potent antioxidant and antiapoptotic properties. Twenty-two mature male rats were divided into four groups: control (saline), CPF (9 mg/kg), OLE (150 mg/kg), and CPF + OLE. Treatment was administered orally for 80 days. The CPF significantly reduced serum sex hormones, sperm counts and motility, high oxidants (MDA), and depleted antioxidants (GSH, SOD, TAC) in the brain and testes homogenate; additionally, it decreased serum AChE and brain neurotransmitters, increased Bax, decreased Bcl-2, and boosted caspase-3 immune expression in neural and testicular cells. Immunological expression of Ki 67 in the cerebrum, cerebellum, choroid plexus, and hippocampus was reduced, and α-SMA in testicular tissue also decreased. Histopathological findings were consistent with the above impacts. OLE co-administration significantly normalized all these abnormalities. OLE showed significant protection against neural and reproductive damage caused by CPF.

Bone-Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells, Their Conditioned Media, and Olive Leaf Extract Protect against Cisplatin-Induced Toxicity by Alleviating Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in Rats

BACKGROUND

Hepatic and renal damage is a cisplatin (Cis)-induced deleterious effect that is a major limiting factor in clinical chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVES

The current study was designed to investigate the influence of pretreatment with olive leaf extract (OLE), bone-marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSC), and their conditioned media (CM-MSC) against genotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and immunotoxicity induced by cisplatin in rats.

METHODS

The rats were randomly divided into six groups (six rats each) as follows: Control; OLE group, treated with OLE; Cis group, treated with a single intraperitoneal dose of Cis (7 mg/kg bw); Cis + OLE group, treated with OLE and cisplatin; Cis + CM-MSC group, treated with BM-MSC conditioned media and Cis; and Cis + MSC group, treated with BM-MSC in addition to Cis.

RESULTS

Cis resulted in a significant deterioration in hepatic and renal functions and histological structures. Furthermore, it increased inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and decreased glutathione (GSH) content, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in hepatic and renal tissues. Furthermore, apoptosis was evident in rat tissues. A significant increase in serum 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG), nitric oxide (NO) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and a decrease in lysozyme activity were detected in Cis-treated rats. OLE, CM-MSC, and BM-MSC have significantly ameliorated Cis-induced deterioration in hepatic and renal structure and function and improved oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, with preference to BM-MSC. Moreover, apoptosis was significantly inhibited, evident from the decreased expression of Bax and caspase-3 genes and upregulation of Bcl-2 proteins in protective groups as compared to Cis group.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings indicate that BM-MSC, CM-MSC, and OLE have beneficial effects in ameliorating cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, immunotoxicity, and genotoxicity in a rat model.

Ameliorative effect of Allium atroviolaceum on sperm quality in cyclophosphamide-treated mice

Background

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an anti-neoplastic alkylating agent that is extensively used in different chemotherapy regimens. Adverse effects on the reproductive system, especially spermatogenesis, are one of the most important side effects of this drug. It is medically essential to use complementary and alternative drugs. Herbal drugs have long been used as a complementary treatment. Our purpose was to study the effect of hydroalcoholic Allium atroviolaceum L. extract on spermatogenesis in CP-treated mice.

Results

CP affected a significant decrease in sperm count, motility, viability, and morphology. Sperm count was significantly higher in the all extract groups than in the group of control (p<0.001) and CP group (p<0.001, p<0.01). Sperm motility was significantly greater in the extract (100 and 200mg/kg) groups than in the group of control (p<0.05 and <0.001). Sperm immotility and rotational movement were significantly higher in the CP group than in the CP+extract groups (p<0.001). The sperm viability was significantly greater in the CP+extract (200mg/kg) group than in the CP group (p<0.001). The number of headless sperm, sperm with initial tail, with coiled tail, and sperm with curved body, was significantly lower in the CP+extract (200mg/kg) group than in the CP group (p<0.001).

Conclusion

A. atroviolaceum extract treatment significantly improved CP-induced reproductive toxicity.

Protective effects of olive leaf extract against reproductive toxicity of the lead acetate in rats

Lead acetate (PbAc) is one of the toxic metals in the environment which causes many effects on different organs of the body. And due to the importance of the olive tree, with its healthy and protective elements against many diseases, the leaf extract of this tree was chosen in our study. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of olive leaf (Olea europea L.) extract (OLE) against PbAc-induced sperm toxicity, sex hormone changes, oxidative stress, and histopathological changes in rats. Twenty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (group 1, as control; group 2, OLE; group 3, PbAc; group 4, PbAc+OLE). In the PbAc group, the body weight, testis and epididymis weights, sexual hormones, sperm characteristics, GR, GPx, GST, GSH, SOD, and CAT were significantly decreased, and the sperm abnormality and TBARS level were significant increase when compared with control and OLE groups. Also, numerous damages to testicular tissue were observed in the PbAc group when compared to the control group, while the treatment with OLE in the fourth group led to improvement of sex hormones, semen characteristics, oxidative stress, and testicular tissue damage caused by PbAc. It can be concluded that OLE has a protective and ameliorative effects against PbAc-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and alterations in testicular tissue, and sperm quality in rats.

Neuroprotective effects of oleuropein: Recent developments and contemporary research

Neurological disorders are increasing at a faster pace due to oxidative stress, protein aggregation, excitotoxicity, and neuroinflammation. It is reported that the Mediterranean diet including olives as a major dietary component prevents and ameliorates neurological anomalies. Oleuropein is the major bioactive component in different parts of the Olive (Olea europaea L.) tree. Several mechanisms have been reported for the neuroprotective role of oleuropein including induction of apoptosis and autophagy, enhancing the antioxidant pool of the cerebral region, decreasing the unnecessary release of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines by deactivating the microglia cells and astrocytes thus preventing the occurrence of neuroinflammation. Regular intake of oleuropein seems to be correlated with decreased risks of neural disorders including Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, strokes, depression, anxiety, epilepsy, and others. This review majorly discusses the chemistry, biosynthesis, and metabolism of oleuropein along with an updated vision of its neuroprotective role in counteracting the acute and chronic neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. Moreover, mechanisms by which oleuropein may prevent neurodegeneration are reviewed. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: Neurological disorders are negatively affecting the health and life quality of individuals around the globe. Although various medicinal solutions are available to tackle such ailments, none has proven to fully cure and being deprived of side effects. In this respect, the prevention of such disorders using natural remedies may be an effective strategy to overcome the incidence of the increasing cases. Furthermore, the natural compounds provide a safer alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. Hence, oleuropein from olive tree products is found to be efficacious against neurological disorders. This review provides an updated insight on the positive effects of oleuropein against neurodegenerative and neuropsychiatric disorders. The diet practitioners and nutraceutical companies may benefit from the provided information to design and develop strategies to improve the mental health of suffering individuals.

Effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells and possible ameliorating impact of antioxidants

Treatment of cancer in young adults is associated with several side effects, particularly in the reproductive system. Detrimental effects of chemotherapy on the germ cells depend on many factors including primary semen parameters, the way of drug administration, the kind and dose of chemotherapeutic regimens, and the phase of spermatogenesis during the time of drug administration. Lack of appropriate fertility preservation treatments particularly in the affected children necessitates the introduction of methods to amend the harmful effects of chemotherapeutic agents on male germ cells. Several studies have assessed the toxic effects of chemotherapeutic agents in rodent models and tested a number of antioxidants to evaluate their possible impact on the preservation of sperm cells. In the present manuscript, we describe the effects of the mostly investigated chemotherapeutic drugs in this regard i.e., cisplatin, doxorubicin, paclitaxel, 5-fluorouracil, and cyclophosphamide. As several in vivo and in vitro studies have shown the impact of antioxidants on chemotherapy-induced damage of sperms, we also describe the protective effects of antioxidants in this regard.

Thyroid-Modulating Activities of Olive and Its Polyphenols: A Systematic Review

Olive oil, which is commonly used in the Mediterranean diet, is known for its health benefits related to the reduction of the risks of cancer, coronary heart disease, hypertension, and neurodegenerative disease. These unique properties are attributed to the phytochemicals with potent antioxidant activities in olive oil. Olive leaf also harbours similar bioactive compounds. Several studies have reported the effects of olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extract in the modulation of thyroid activities. A systematic review of the literature was conducted to identify relevant studies on the effects of olive derivatives on thyroid function. A comprehensive search was conducted in October 2020 using the PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science databases. Cellular, animal, and human studies reporting the effects of olive derivatives, including olive phenolics, olive oil, and leaf extracts on thyroid function were considered. The literature search found 445 articles on this topic, but only nine articles were included based on the inclusion and exclusion criteria. All included articles were animal studies involving the administration of olive oil, olive leaf extract, or olive pomace residues orally. These olive derivatives were consistently demonstrated to have thyroid-stimulating activities in euthyroid or hypothyroid animals, but their mechanisms of action are unknown. Despite the positive results, validation of the beneficial health effects of olive derivatives in the human population is lacking. In conclusion, olive derivatives, especially olive oil and leaf extract, could stimulate thyroid function. Olive pomace residue is not suitable for pharmaceutical or health supplementation purposes. Therapeutic applications of olive oil and leaf extract, especially in individuals with hypothyroidism, require further validation through human studies.