Pectin/chitosan/tripolyphosphate encapsulation protects the rat lung from fibrosis and apoptosis induced by paraquat inhalation

The potential ameliorating effect of vitamin E on bleomycin - induced lung fibrosis in adult albino rats

Lung fibrosis is a critical interstitial lung disease with poor prognosis. There is an urgent need to develop a proper and cost-effective therapeutic modality that can reverse and/or ameliorate lung fibrosis. Vitamin E is one of the widely investigated dietary antioxidants which has been linked to improvement of many health problems. The current study was conducted to evaluate the possible roles of vitamin E in prevention and treatment of bleomycin (BLM) induced lung fibrosis. Physiological, anatomical, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies were done to assess and compare between the structure and function of the lung tissue in lung fibrosis model, early and late treated groups with vitamin E. Furthermore, measurement of transforming growth factor-β(TGF-β), E-cadherin, Smad-3, BAX, BCL2, malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were done. The study revealed that administration of vitamin E helped to improve signs of lung fibrosis, as reflected by amelioration of structure and functions of lungs as well as the decrease in TGF-β levels and inhibition of α-SMA/collagen I profibrotic pathway. These findings highlight the importance of administration of vitamin E as a prophylactic agent prior to BLM therapy and as an adjuvant treatment in cases of lung fibrosis.

Effects of dietary citrus pulp level on the growth and intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides)

BACKGROUND

Citrus pulp (CP) is rich in pectin, and studies have shown that pectin possesses antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gut microbiota-regulating properties. However, the application of CP in aquafeed is limited. In this study, the effect of dietary inclusion of CP on the intestinal health of largemouth bass (Micropterus salmoides) was investigated. Juveniles of similar size (6.95 ± 0.07 g) were fed isonitrogenous and isoenergetic diets containing different levels of CP (0%, 3%, 6%, 9%, 12%, or 15%) for 58 days.

RESULTS

As the level of CP in the feed for largemouth bass increased, the fish's growth performance and intestinal health initially improved and then declined. Adding low doses of CP (≤9%) to the feed had no significant impact on the growth performance of large-mouth black bass, whereas high doses of CP (>9%) significantly reduced their growth performance. Adding 6%, 9%, or 12% of CP to that feed enhanced the expression of genes related to tight junctions, anti-inflammatory activity, anti-apoptotic activity, and antioxidant activity in the intestines of largemouth bass. It reduced intestinal inflammation and improved intestinal nutrient absorption, intestinal mucosal barrier function, and intestinal antioxidant capacity. Moreover, it improved the α-diversity, structure, and function of the intestinal flora. The addition of 6% CP had the most beneficial effect on the intestinal health of largemouth bass. On the other hand, the addition of 15% CP had adverse effects on the intestinal antioxidant capacity and intestinal mucosal barrier function of largemouth bass.

CONCLUSION

Adding 6-9% CP to the feed for largemouth bass can improve their intestinal health without having a significant impact on their growth performance. CP could serve as a novel prebiotic and immunostimulant ingredient in aquafeed. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Amphibian-derived peptide RL-RF10 ameliorates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis injury

Pulmonary fibrosis is the result of dysfunctional repair after lung tissue injury, characterized by fibroblast proliferation and massive extracellular matrix aggregation. Once fibrotic lesions develop, effective treatment is difficult, with few drugs currently available. Here, we identified a short cyclic decapeptide RL-RF10 derived from frog skin secretions as a potential novel lead molecule for the amelioration of pulmonary fibrosis. In vivo experiments indicated that RL-RF10 treatment ameliorated lung histopathological damage and fibrogenesis after paraquat (PQ) induction in a concentration-dependent manner. On day 7, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid assays performed on mice showed that RL-RF10 exerted anti-inflammatory effects by decreasing the expression of inflammation-related factors, including transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and tumor necrosis factor-α, in lung tissue. In addition, RL-RF10 down-regulated the levels of collagen I, collagen III, and vimentin, while increasing the expression of E-cadherin to inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transition. Further research demonstrated that the SMAD2/3 signaling pathway, which is strongly linked to TGF-β1, played a critical function in enhancing the pulmonary fibrosis relief achieved by RL-RF10. Both in vivo and in vitro assays showed that RL-RF10 treatment led to a significant reduction in the phosphorylation levels of SMAD2 and SMAD3 following PQ induction. Overall, we investigated the protective effects and underlying mechanisms of the RL-RF10 peptide against pulmonary fibrosis and demonstrated its potential as a novel therapeutic drug candidate for the treatment of pulmonary fibrotic diseases.

2-Methoxyestradiol ameliorates paraquat-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway

Paraquat (PQ) is a highly effective and highly toxic herbicide that is highly toxic to both humans and animals. Pulmonary fibrosis is the primary cause of fatality in patients with PQ poisoning, there is no effective drug treatment yet. 2-Methoxyestradiol (2ME) is a natural metabolite of estradiol with anti-tumor, anti-angiogenesis, and anti-proliferative effects. Whether 2ME has the potential to inhibit pulmonary fibrosis induced by PQ is unclear. This study aims to investigate the potential effects and mechanism of 2ME on PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis. C57BL/6 mice and A549 cells were exposed to PQ to establish pulmonary fibrosis model. In vivo, Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining was utilized to assess the pathological characteristics. Masson's trichrome staining was employed to evaluate the collagen deposition. Western blot and immunohistochemistry were conducted to determine the expressions of fibrosis markers. In vitro, the expressions of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers were detected using western blot and immunofluorescence to evaluated the potential inhibition of PQ-induced EMT by 2ME. And proteins associated with the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway were measured by western blot in vivo and in vitro. The result found that 2ME can ameliorated PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis and inhibit the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2/3 signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 2ME may serve as a potential therapeutic agent for treating PQ-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Inhaled nano-based therapeutics for pulmonary fibrosis: recent advances and future prospects

It is reported that pulmonary fibrosis has become one of the major long-term complications of COVID-19, even in asymptomatic individuals. Currently, despite the best efforts of the global medical community, there are no treatments for COVID-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Recently, inhalable nanocarriers have received more attention due to their ability to improve the solubility of insoluble drugs, penetrate biological barriers of the lungs and target fibrotic tissues in the lungs. The inhalation route has many advantages as a non-invasive method of administration and the local delivery of anti-fibrosis agents to fibrotic tissues like direct to the lesion from the respiratory system, high delivery efficiency, low systemic toxicity, low therapeutic dose and more stable dosage forms. In addition, the lung has low biometabolic enzyme activity and no hepatic first-pass effect, so the drug is rapidly absorbed after pulmonary administration, which can significantly improve the bioavailability of the drug. This paper summary the pathogenesis and current treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and reviews various inhalable systems for drug delivery in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis, including lipid-based nanocarriers, nanovesicles, polymeric nanocarriers, protein nanocarriers, nanosuspensions, nanoparticles, gold nanoparticles and hydrogel, which provides a theoretical basis for finding new strategies for the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis and clinical rational drug use.

Research Progress of a Pesticide Polymer-Controlled Release System Based on Polysaccharides

In recent years, with the development of the nanomaterials discipline, many new pesticide drug-carrying systems-such as pesticide nano-metal particles, nano-metal oxides, and other drug-carrying materials-had been developed and applied to pesticide formulations. Although these new drug-loading systems are relatively friendly to the environment, the direct exposure of many metal nanoparticles to the environment will inevitably lead to potential effects. In response to these problems, organic nanomaterials have been rapidly developed due to their high-quality biodegradation and biocompatibility. Most of these organic nanomaterials were mainly polysaccharide materials, such as chitosan, carboxymethyl chitosan, sodium alginate, β-cyclodextrin, cellulose, starch, guar gum, etc. Some of these materials could be used to carry inorganic materials to develop a temperature- or pH-sensitive pesticide drug delivery system. Herein, the pesticide drug-carrying system developed based on polysaccharide materials, such as chitosan, was referred to as the pesticide polymer drug-carrying system based on polysaccharide materials. This kind of drug-loading system could be used to protect the pesticide molecules from harsh environments, such as pH, light, temperature, etc., and was used to develop the function of a sustained release, targeted release of pesticides in the intestine of insects, and achieve the goal of precise application, reduction, and efficiency of pesticides. In this review, the recent progress in the field of polysaccharide-based polymer drug delivery systems for pesticides has been discussed, and suggestions for future development were proposed based on the current situation.

Paraquat-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress in rats improved by Curcuma longa ethanolic extract, curcumin and a PPAR agonist

The effect of Curcuma longa (Cl) ethanolic extract, nano-curcumin (Cu) and a PPARγ activator, pioglitazone on inhaled paraquat (PQ)-induced systemic inflammation and oxidative stress was examined in the present study. Control rats were exposed to normal saline and PQ groups to 27 and 54 mg/m³ (PQ-L and PQ-H) aerosols. Nine other PQ-H groups were treated with Curcuma longa (Cl, 150 and 600 mg/kg/day), nano-curcumin (Cu, 2 and 8 mg/kg/day), pioglitazone (Pio, 5 and 10 mg/kg), low dose of Pio + Cl and Cu and dexamethasone (0.03 mg/kg/day) for 16 days after PQ exposure period (n = 8). Total and differential WBC counts, malondialdehyde (MDA) and TNF-α levels were increased but thiol, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), IL-10 and IFN-γ levels were decreased in the blood in the both PQ groups (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). Treatment with Dexa and both doses of Cl, Cu, and Pio improved all measured variables compared to the PQ-H group (p < 0.05 to p < 0.001). The improvements of most variables in the treated group with low dose of Pio + Cl and Cu were higher than the effects of three agents alone. Systemic inflammation and oxidative stress induced by inhaled PQ were improved by Cl, Cu and Pio. In addition, a synergic effect between Pio with those of Cl and Cu was shown, suggesting PPARγ mediated effects of the plant and its derivative Cu.

Dimethyl fumarate attenuates paraquat-induced pulmonary oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in mice

Paraquat (PQ) is the most important cationic bipyridyl herbicide in the agricultural industry, which is very toxic to humans and animals and causes disruption in many organs, mainly in the lungs. Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an immune-modulating drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis and psoriasis shows antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects. In this study, the ameliorative effects of DMF (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, orally) on PQ (30 mg/kg) model of lung damage were evaluated in male mice. DMF was given daily for 7 days and PQ was administrated in the fourth day in a single dose. On the eighth day, the animals were sacrificed, and their lung tissue were removed. The results indicated that DMF can ameliorate PQ-induced the significant increase in lung index, hydroxyproline, as well as TBARS, TGF-β, NF-κB and decrease in the amount of total thiol, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, Nrf-2, and INF-γ. The histopathological results confirmed indicated findings. The results showed that the protective effect of DMF on PQ-induced toxicity is mediated through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic activities.

Evaluation of protective effects of quercetin against cypermethrin-induced lung toxicity in rats via oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway

Cypermethrin (CYP), a type II synthetic pyrethroid, is the most widely used insecticide worldwide. Inhalation of it may cause side effects. This study is aimed to examine potential protection of quercetin (QUE) which is a well-known antioxidant in CYP-induced lung toxicity. Accordingly, 35 Spraque Dawley male rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: I-Control group, II-QUE group (50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), III-CYP group (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP), IV-CYP + QUE 25 (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 25 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), V-CYP + QUE (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE) were treated with oral gavage throughout 28 days. CYP intoxication was associated with increased malondialdehyde level while glutathione concentration, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase reduced. CYP adminisitration caused of apoptosis in the lung by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. CYP also caused of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that CYP administration activated IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway and levels of IL-1β, NF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS in the lung tissue. Therefore, it was determined that CYP administration triggered autophagy by upregulating LC3A and LC3B mRNA transcript levels. Moreover, the protein levels of NF-κB, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and cytochorme-c were examined by Western blot analysis. However, co-treatment with QUE at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg considerably protective oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress, autophagy, and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway in lung tissue. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that lung damage associated with CYP toxicity could be protected by QUE administration.

Mitoquinone mitigates paraquat-induced A549 lung epithelial cell injury by promoting MFN1/MFN2-mediated mitochondrial fusion

Paraquat (PQ) poisoning often leads to severe lung injuries, in which the mitochondria damage plays a critical role. Mitoquinone (MitoQ), a newly designed mitochondria-targeted antioxidant, has been proved for its benefit in mitochondria protection. However, the role of MitoQ in PQ-induced lung injury remains unclear. Thus, this study was performed to investigate the effect of MitoQ on PQ-induced lung injury and its underlying mechanisms. Our work showed that PQ caused the inhibition of A549 lung epithelial cell viability in a dose-dependent manner, while MitoQ remarkably mitigated the PQ-induced cell viability suppression. Besides this, PQ-mediated apoptosis of A549 cells was significantly attenuated by MitoQ, as indicated by the TUNEL assay and mitochondria membrane potential assay. Moreover, the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) production was also dramatically suppressed when cotreated MitoQ with PQ. This could be ascribed to enhanced mitochondrial fusion mediated by Mitofusin 1 (MFN1)/Mitofusin 2 (MFN2), because MitoQ preserved mitochondrial network integrity, as reflected by MitoTracker staining, and MitoQ also increased the expression of MFN1/MFN2 in A549 cells after PQ treatment. Our data suggested MitoQ mitigated PQ-induced lung epithelial cell injury by promoting MFN1/MFN2-mediated mitochondrial fusion, and MitoQ might be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of PQ-induced lung injury.

A highly selective and sensitive CdS fluorescent quantum dot for the simultaneous detection of multiple pesticides

We presented one-pot prepared CdS fluorescent quantum dots (QDs) which can sensitively and selectively detect three different organic pesticides.

Recent Advances on Lignocellulosic-Based Nanopesticides for Agricultural Applications

Controlled release systems of agrochemicals have been developed in recent years. However, the design of intelligent nanocarriers that can be manufactured with renewable and low-cost materials is still a challenge for agricultural applications. Lignocellulosic building blocks (cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose) are ideal candidates to manufacture ecofriendly nanocarriers given their low-cost, abundancy and sustainability. Complexity and heterogeneity of biopolymers have posed challenges in the development of nanocarriers; however, the current engineering toolbox for biopolymer modification has increased remarkably, which enables better control over their properties and tuned interactions with cargoes and plant tissues. In this mini-review, we explore recent advances on lignocellulosic-based nanocarriers for the controlled release of agrochemicals. We also offer a critical discussion regarding the future challenges of potential bio-based nanocarrier for sustainable agricultural development.