Therapeutic role of boron on acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and testicular toxicity in rats: Effects on Nrf2/Keap-1 signaling pathway and oxidative stress

Monotropein alleviates septic acute liver injury by restricting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the AKT (Ser473)/GSK3β (Ser9)/Fyn/NRF2 pathway

Sepsis-associated acute liver injury (ALI) is a deadly condition resulting from a systemic inflammatory response to liver cell damage and malfunction. Monotropein (MON) belongs to the iris group of compounds extracted from the natural product Mollen dae officinalis radix, which has strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant pharmacological effects. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the underlying mechanism of MON in the treatment of sepsis ALI. In this study, an in vivo caecal ligation puncture (CLP)-induced ALI model and in vitro LPS-stimulated AML12 cells and RAW264.7 cells model were established. Additionally, a variety of experimental techniques, including CCK8, H&E staining, DHE probe labelling, biochemical, QPCR, and Western blotting and blocking tests, were used to explore the role of MON in ALI. The results showed that MON improved liver morphological abnormalities, oedema, histopathological injury, and elevated ALT and AST, providing a protective effect against ALI. MON reduced CYP2E1 expression, alleviated oxidative stress (downregulation of MDA levels and upregulation of GSH, CAT, and T-AOC levels) and ROS accumulation with the involvement of the NRF2-Keap-1 pathway. MON inhibited inflammation via the TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome pathway. In addition, it activated the Akt (Ser473)/GSK3β (Ser9)/Fyn pathway and accelerated NRF2 nuclear accumulation; MK-2206 blockade reversed the NRF2 nuclear accumulation and anti-inflammatory function of MON. MON also restricted the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway, a process specifically blocked by MK-2206. In summary, we concluded that MON alleviated septic ALI by restricting oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis via the AKT (Ser473)/GSK3β (Ser9)/Fyn/NRF2 pathway.

The protective effects of selenium and boron on cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is an alkylating anticancer drug with broad clinical application that is highly effective in the treatment of cancer and non-malignant diseases. However, the main limiting effect of CP is multi-organ toxicity due to damage to normal tissues. The aim of this study is to compare the hepatoprotective potential of selenium (Se) and boron (B) in CP-induced liver injury in experimental rats. The rats were randomly divided into six equal groups: Control (saline), 200 mg/kg CP (administered once on the fourth day of the experiment), 1.5 mg/kg Se (administered once/time daily for 6 days), 20 mg/kg B (administered once/time daily for 6 days), Se + CP and B + CP administered intraperitoneally (i.p.). Administration of CP leads to an increase in the levels of apoptotic markers (Bax, caspase-3), the apoptotic signaling pathway (Nrf2), oxidative stress indicators (TOS, OSI), lipid peroxidation markers (MPO, MDA), inflammation levels (NF-kB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL -6), liver function markers (ALT, AST, ALP), while apoptosis markers (Bcl-2), apoptosis pathway (Keap-1), oxidative stress indicator (TAS), inflammation (IL -10) and intracellular antioxidant defense system (SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH) decreased. In addition, degeneration of hepatocytes and congestion in the central veins were observed. In contrast, in the groups administered Se and B with CP, the changes that occurred were reversed. However, it was found that Se protects the liver slightly better against CP damage than B. The protective effect of Se and B against the toxic effects of CP on the antioxidant markers SOD, CAT and GPx1 was also investigated in silico. The in silico results were consistent with the in vivo results for SOD and CAT, but not for GPx1.

Evidence of acrylamide-induced behavioral deficit, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death in Drosophila melanogaster

Acrylamide (ACR), a ubiquitous compound with diverse route of exposure, has been demonstrated to have detrimental effects on human and animal health. The mechanisms underlying its toxicity is multifaceted and not fully elucidated. This study aims to provide further insight into novel pathways underlying ACR toxicity by leveraging on Drosophila melanogaster as a model organism. The concentrations of acrylamide (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) and period of exposure (7-days) used in this study was established through a concentration response curve. ACR exposure demonstrably reduced organismal viability, evidenced by decline in survival rate, offspring emergence and deficits in activity, sleep and locomotory behaviors. Using a high-resolution respirometry assay, the role of mitochondria respiratory system in ACR-mediated toxicity in the flies was investigated. Acrylamide caused dysregulation in mitochondrial bioenergetics and respiratory capacity leading to an impaired OXPHOS activity and electron transport, ultimately contributing to the pathological process of ACR-toxicity. Furthermore, ACR exacerbated apoptosis and induced oxidative stress in D. melanogaster. The up-regulation of mRNA transcription of Reaper, Debcl and Dark genes and down-regulation of DIAP1, an ubiquitylation catalyzing enzyme, suggests that ACR promotes apoptosis through disruption of caspase and pro-apoptotic protein ubiquitination and a mitochondria-dependent pathway in Drosophila melanogaster. Conclusively, this study provides valuable insights into the cellular mechanism underlying ACR-mediated toxicity. Additionally, our study reinforces the utility of D. melanogaster as a translational tool for elucidating the complex mechanisms of ACR toxicity.

Boric Acid Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice

Acute lung injury (ALI) poses a significant medical challenge due to its widespread occurrence and high mortality rates. Despite extensive efforts, current clinical interventions for ALI have shown limited success. Inflammation plays a central role within ALI progress, and boric acid (BA) has demonstrated anti-inflammatory properties both in vitro and in vivo. However, its potential to mitigate lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced ALI remains an area awaiting exploration in research. To bridge this research gap, we created a mouse model of ALI induced by intraperitoneal LPS injection. We employed a comprehensive set of evaluation criteria, including H&E staining, wet/dry ratio measurement, malondialdehyde (MDA)/superoxide dismutase (SOD) the oxidative stress-related biomarkers, assessment of alveolar edema, hemorrhage, inflammatory cell infiltration, and examination of thickened alveolar septum to quantify lung injury. Additionally, we measured inflammatory cytokine levels using ELISA and assessed Nrf2 and HO-1 expressions through western blotting and quantitative real-time PCR (RT-PCR). ER stress-related markers (GRP78, CHOP) were analyzed through western blot analysis. Our findings revealed that prophylactic treatment with BA effectively attenuated LPS-induced ALI, as supported by improved pathological alterations, decreased total protein concentration in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), and reduced pulmonary edema. Furthermore, BA exhibited anti-inflammatory properties by suppressing inflammatory cytokines within the lung tissue. BA ingestion caused upregulation in SOD and a decrease in MDA contents in lung tissue homogenates. BA downregulated the levels of GRP78 and CHOP compared to the LPS group. Remarkably, BA also upregulated transcription and protein expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 compared to the LPS group. In conclusion, our study highlights BA's potential as a novel promising prophylactic agent for LPS-induced ALI, offering avenue for improving clinical management of this condition.

Bioactive Compounds Protect Mammalian Reproductive Cells from Xenobiotics and Heat Stress-Induced Oxidative Distress via Nrf2 Signaling Activation: A Narrative Review

Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the body's antioxidant defenses. It poses a significant threat to the physiological function of reproductive cells. Factors such as xenobiotics and heat can worsen this stress, leading to cellular damage and apoptosis, ultimately decreasing reproductive efficiency. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway plays a crucial role in defending against oxidative stress and protecting reproductive cells via enhancing antioxidant responses. Dysregulation of Nrf2 signaling has been associated with infertility and suboptimal reproductive performance in mammals. Recent advancements in therapeutic interventions have underscored the critical role of Nrf2 in mitigating oxidative damage and restoring the functional integrity of reproductive cells. In this narrative review, we delineate the harmful effects of heat and xenobiotic-induced oxidative stress on reproductive cells and explain how Nrf2 signaling provides protection against these challenges. Recent studies have shown that activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway using various bioactive compounds can ameliorate heat stress and xenobiotic-induced oxidative distress and apoptosis in mammalian reproductive cells. By comprehensively analyzing the existing literature, we propose Nrf2 as a key therapeutic target for mitigating oxidative damage and apoptosis in reproductive cells caused by exposure to xenobiotic exposure and heat stress. Additionally, based on the synthesis of these findings, we discuss the potential of therapies focused on the Nrf2 signaling pathway to improve mammalian reproductive efficiency.

Environmental toxicants and nephrotoxicity: Implications on mechanisms and therapeutic strategies

Kidneys are one of the most important organs in the human body. In addition to filtering 200 liters of fluid every 24 hours, the kidney also regulates acid-base balance, maintains electrolyte balance, and removes waste and toxicants from the body. Nephrotoxicity is the term used to describe the deterioration of kidney function caused by the harmful effects of medications and various types of environmental toxicants. Exposure to environmental toxicants is an inevitable side effect in the world's increasing industrialization and even more prevalent in underdeveloped nations. Growing data over the past few years has illuminated the probable connection between environmental toxicants and nephrotoxicity. Phthalates, microplastics, acrylamide and bisphenol A are environmental toxicants of particular concern, which are known to have nephrotoxic effects. Such toxicants may accumulate in the kidneys of humans after being consumed, inhaled, or come into contact with the skin. They can enter cells through endocytosis and accumulate in the cytoplasm. Small-sized nephrotoxicants can cause a variety of ailments including inflammation with increased production of pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, autophagy, and apoptosis. This study uncovers the potential for new insights concerning the relationship between various environmental toxicants and kidney health. The objectives of this review is to establish information gaps, assess and identify the toxicity mechanisms of different nephrotoxicants, identify innovative pharmacological therapies that demonstrate promising therapeutic benefits/ relevance, and discuss the predictions for the future based on the analysis of the literature.

The effects of pinealectomy and melatonin treatment in acrylamide-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms

OBJECTIVE

Acrylamide (AA) is toxic and forms in food that undergoes high-temperature processing. This study aimed to investigate the effects of AA-induced toxicity on renal tissue in pinealectomized rats and the possible protective effect of exogenous Melatonin (ML) administration.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty rats were randomized into 6 groups (n = 10): Sham, Sham+AA, Sham+AA+ML, PX, PX+AA, and PX+AA+ML. Sham and pinealectomized rats received AA (25 mg/kg/day orally) and ML (0.5 ml volume at 10 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal) for 21 days.

RESULTS

The results showed that malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), oxidative stress index (OSI), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin 1β (IL-1β) levels of the kidney and urea and creatinine levels of serum in the PX (pinealectomy)+AA group were more increased than in the Sham+AA group. In addition, glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant status (TAS) levels decreased more in the PX+AA group than in the Sham+AA group. Also, we observed more histopathologic damage in the PX+AA group. On the other hand, up-regulation of kidney tissue antioxidants, down-regulation of tissue oxidants, and improvement in kidney function were achieved with ML treatment. Also, histopathological findings such as inflammatory cell infiltration, shrinkage of glomeruli, and dilatation of tubules caused by AA toxicity improved with ML treatment.

CONCLUSION

ML supplementation exhibited adequate nephroprotective effects against the nephrotoxicity of AA on pinealectomized rat kidney tissue function by balancing the oxidant/antioxidant status and suppressing the release of proinflammatory cytokines.