The potential effect of the angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan in regulating OVA-induced airway remodeling in experimental rats

Perindopril Dampens Cd-induced Nephrotoxicity by Suppressing Inflammatory Burden, Ang II/Ang 1-7, and Apoptosis Signaling Pathways

Cadmium (Cd) is one of the most abundant toxic heavy metals, and its exposure is linked to serious kidney intoxication, a major health problem. Evidence reported that inflammatory damage is a key factor in Cd renal intoxication. Perindopril (PER) is an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor approved for treating hypertension and other cardiovascular problems. Significantly, RAS activation results in inflammatory damage. Our study aimed to examine the renoprotective effects of PER in Cd-induced nephrotoxicity, the impact of inflammation, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. PER was given at a dose of 1 mg/kg per day. Cd was injected at a dose of 1.2 mg/kg, as a single dose. Treatment with PER led to a significant decrease in serum levels of urea, creatinine, uric acid, and urine albumin/creatinine ratio. PER effectively mitigated inflammation by decreasing MPO, NO, IL-1β, IL-6, and INF-γ levels mediated by downregulating NF-κB expression and suppressing JAK-1 and STAT3 phosphorylation. PER modulates Ang II/Ang 1-7 axis in Cd-intoxicated rats by decreasing Ang II expression and increasing Ang-(1-7) expression. PER inhibits Cd-induced apoptosis by lowering Bax, cytochrome c, and cleaved caspase 3 expressions while increasing Bcl-2 expression. In conclusion, PER dampens Cd-induced kidney intoxication by modulating Ang II/Ang 1-7 axis, suppressing NF-κB, JAK-1/STAT3, and apoptosis signals.

Immunoregulatory role of hesperidin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced bronchial asthma and depression in rats

Links between bronchial asthma and depression have recently become a great subject of interest. The present study was carried out to assess the protective role of hesperidin against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced bronchial asthma that is associated with depression in rats, for this purpose, four groups. Rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal administration of 200 μg OVA/10 mg aluminum hydroxide (Al (OH) 3 for 3 consecutive days then at day 11 followed by intranasal challenge with OVA (1.5 mg/kg) at days 19, 20, and 21. Rats were pretreated with hesperidin (100 & 200 mg/kg) 1h before OVA challenge. At the end of the study, behavioral tests, biochemical indices, and histopathological architectures of lung and brain tissues were evaluated. Our findings showed that hesperidin significantly ameliorated the reduction in motor activity, motor coordination, forced swimming, CD4, CD25 and foxp3, interleukin-10 (IL-10), dopamine, serotonin, and neurotrophin-3 (NT3) as well as alleviated the elevation in transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), iL-5, and immunoglobulin E (IgE). In addition, hesperidin reduced cellular infiltration, alveolar sacs damage, the bronchioles wall disruption, and nuclei pyknosis in neuron cells. Finally, hesperidin may provide protection against OVA-induced asthma and depression. This impact could be mediated in part by its anti-inflammatory and immunoregulatory properties.

Design and synthesis of new indole drug candidates to treat Alzheimer's disease and targeting neuro-inflammation using a multi-target-directed ligand (MTDL) strategy

A novel series of indole-based compounds was designed, synthesised, and evaluated as anti-Alzheimer’s and anti-neuroinflammatory agents. The designed compounds were in vitro evaluated for their AChE and BuChE inhibitory activities. The obtained results revealed that compound 3c had higher selectivity for AChE than BuChE, while, 4a, 4b, and 4d showed selectivity for BuChE over AChE. Compounds 5b, 6b, 7c, and 10b exerted dual AChE/BuChE inhibitory activities at nanomolar range. Compounds 5b and 6b had the ability to inhibit the self-induced Aβ amyloid aggregation. Different anti-inflammatory mediators (NO, COX-2, IL-1β, and TNF-α) were assessed for compounds 5b and 6b. Cytotoxic effect of 5b and 6b against human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) and normal hepatic (THLE2) cell lines was screened in vitro. Molecular docking study inside rhAChE and hBuChE active sites, drug-likeness, and ADMET prediction were performed.

Combined Transcriptomic and Proteomic Profiling to Unravel Osimertinib, CARP-1 Functional Mimetic (CFM 4.17) Formulation and Telmisartan Combo Treatment in NSCLC Tumor Xenografts

The epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) is highly expressed in many non-small cell lung cancers (NSCLC), necessitating the use of EGFR-tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as first-line treatments. Osimertinib (OSM), a third-generation TKI, is routinely used in clinics, but T790M mutations in exon 20 of the EGFR receptor lead to resistance against OSM, necessitating the development of more effective therapeutics. Telmisartan (TLM), OSM, and cell cycle and apoptosis regulatory protein 1 (CARP-1) functional mimetic treatments (CFM4.17) were evaluated in this study against experimental H1975 tumor xenografts to ascertain their anti-cancer effects. Briefly, tumor growth was studied in H1975 xenografts in athymic nude mice, gene and protein expressions were analyzed using next-generation RNA sequencing, proteomics, RT-PCR, and Western blotting. TLM pre-treatment significantly reduced the tumor burden when combined with CFM-4.17 nanoformulation and OSM combination (TLM_CFM-F_OSM) than their respective single treatments or combination of OSM and TLM with CFM 4.17. Data from RNA sequencing and proteomics revealed that TLM_CFM-F_OSM decreased the expression of Lamin B2, STAT3, SOD, NFKB, MMP-1, TGF beta, Sox-2, and PD-L1 proteins while increasing the expression of AMPK proteins, which was also confirmed by RT-PCR, proteomics, and Western blotting. According to our findings, the TLM_CFM-F_OSM combination has a superior anti-cancer effect in the treatment of NSCLC by affecting multiple resistant markers that regulate mitochondrial homeostasis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis.

Telmisartan ameliorates LPS-induced pneumonia in rats through regulation of the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway

Pneumonia is a common disorder of the respiratory system associated with inflammation. Telmisartan (TEL) has been reported to treat inflammatory-related diseases. The current study is aimed to make investigations for the possible role and action mechanism of TEL on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced pneumonia rats. Forty male Sprague Dawley (SD) rats aged 8 weeks were assigned into four groups ad libitum: a control group received saline only, an experimental group received LPS, a group received TEL (5 mg/kg), followed by LPS treatment, and a group received TEL (10 mg/kg), followed by LPS treatment. LPS (2 mg/kg) and equal saline were administered intratracheally. TEL was orally administrated 5 days before LPS. After LPS treatment for 24 h, bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum were collected for the analysis of cell counts and/or cytokines. Lung tissues were used to perform histological examination, assess oxidative stress levels, and determine the levels of PPARγ/NF-κB pathway-related proteins. Rats received LPS treatment exhibited high levels of lung wet/dry ratio, ALP, LDH, BALF polymorphonuclear leukocytes count, inflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Meanwhile, LPS also resulted in severe interstitial edema and inflammatory cells infiltration. Interestingly, TEL by oral administration remarkably ameliorated the adverse effects on pneumonia rats caused by LPS. In addition, western blotting further revealed that TEL could activate PPARγ and repress NF-κB (p65). TEL is protective against pneumonia through inhibition of the inflammation and oxidative stress via the PPARγ/NF-κB pathway. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Angiotensin II enhances group 2 innate lymphoid cell responses via AT1a during airway inflammation

Group 2 innate lymphoid cells (ILC2s) have emerged as critical mediators in driving allergic airway inflammation. Here, we identified angiotensin (Ang) II as a positive regulator of ILC2s. ILC2s expressed higher levels of the Ang II receptor AT1a, and colocalized with lung epithelial cells expressing angiotensinogen. Administration of Ang II significantly enhanced ILC2 responses both in vivo and in vitro, which were almost completely abrogated in AT1a-deficient mice. Deletion of AT1a or pharmacological inhibition of the Ang II–AT1 axis resulted in a remarkable remission of airway inflammation. The regulation of ILC2s by Ang II was cell intrinsic and dependent on interleukin (IL)-33, and was associated with marked changes in transcriptional profiling and up-regulation of ERK1/2 phosphorylation. Furthermore, higher levels of plasma Ang II correlated positively with the abundance of circulating ILC2s as well as disease severity in asthmatic patients. These observations reveal a critical role for Ang II in regulating ILC2 responses and airway inflammation.

Immunomodulatory and anti-inflammatory effects of N-acetylcysteine in ovalbumin-sensitized rats

Background

Pro-inflammatory cytokines such as interleukin-5 (IL-5) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) as well as immunoglobulin-E (IgE) appear to play a role in asthma. N-acetylcysteine (NAC), an antioxidant, might have clinical benefits in asthma prevention. The possible preventive effects of NAC against experimentally induced asthma in rats are investigated. The rats were allocated into five groups: a normal control, asthma control, a standard dexamethasone (DEXA, 1 mg/kg, orally) group, and two NAC groups (300 and 500 mg/kg, orally, respectively). Ovalbumin (OVA) sensitization was used to trigger asthma, which was then followed by an intra-nasal challenge. Test gents were administrated for 14 days before the challenge and during the three challenge days (20, 21, and 22). The tidal volume (TV) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR) as respiratory functions were determined. The pro-inflammatory cytokines as IL-5 and TNF-α were evaluated in lung homogenate. Serum IgE and absolute eosinophil count (AEC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured. In addition, the oxidative markers in lung tissue and nitrosative marker in BALF were assessed; finally, lungs were isolated for histopathological study.

Results

NAC restored lung functions, inhibited the asthma-dependent increase in TNF-α, IL-5, IgE, AEC, nitric oxide, and malondialdehyde levels. NAC further re-established lung glutathione content and superoxide dismutase activity, resulting in milder overall lung pathology.

Conclusions

Experimental bronchial asthma may be protected by NAC. The anti-asthmatic potential of NAC may be explained by its suppressant influence on IgE antibody formation, pro-inflammatory cytokines production, eosinophil infiltration, and oxidative stress.

ASTHMA: ROLE OF THE ANGIOTENSIN-(1-7)/MAS PATHWAY IN PATHOPHYSIOLOGY AND THERAPY

The incidence of asthma is a global health problem, requiring studies aimed at developing new treatments to improve clinical management, thereby reducing personal and economic burdens on the health system. Therefore, the discovery of mediators that promote anti-inflammatory and pro-resolutive events are highly desirable to improve lung function and quality of life in asthmatic patients. In that regard, experimental studies have shown that the Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas receptor of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is a potential candidate for the treatment of asthma. Therefore, we reviewed findings related to the function of the Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas pathway in regulating the processes associated with inflammation and exacerbations in asthma, including leukocyte influx, fibrogenesis, pulmonary dysfunction and resolution of inflammation. Thus, knowledge of the role of the Angiotensin-(1-7)/Mas can help pave the way for the development of new treatments for this disease with high morbidity and mortality through new experimental and clinical trials.

Modulatory effects of perindopril on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice: Implication of inflammatory cytokines and caspase-3 mediated apoptosis

Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity limits its anticancer effectiveness, thus this study's aim was to assess the potential modulatory effect of perindopril on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and to elucidate the possible underlying mechanisms. Renal dysfunction was induced in mice by a single injection of cisplatin (10 mg kg-1, i.p.) and perindopril was administered orally (2 mg kg-1, once daily) for 5 days. Perindopril remarkably ameliorated cisplatin-induced perturbations in renal histology, renal levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6 and interleukin-10, apoptosis-regulating protein expressions (Bax and Bcl2), and partially normalized Bax to Bcl2 ratio and active caspase 3 protein expression. Conversely, perindopril had no significant effect on cisplatin-induced elevations in serum creatinine and urea, microalbuminuria, kidney to body weight ratio, lipid peroxidation marker, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione content. In conclusion, perindopril may be safely used with cisplatin in mice since it ameliorated cisplatin-induced histopathological changes, inflammation and apoptosis without affecting renal biomarkers or oxidative stress.

Hydrophobic ion pair loaded self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS): A novel oral drug delivery approach of cromolyn sodium for management of bronchial asthma

The aim of the present study is to develop a self-emulsifying drug delivery system (SEDDS) for the hydrophobic ion pair (HIP) complex of cromolyn sodium (CS), in order to enhance its intestinal absorption and biological activity. Two ion pairing agents (IPAs) were investigated: hexadecyl pyridininum chloride (HPC) and myristyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (MTAB). The optimum binding efficiency for complexation between investigated IPAs and CS was observed at a molar ratio of 1.5:1, where CS binding efficiency was found to be 76.10 ± 2.12 and 91.37 ± 1.73% for MTAB and HPC, respectively. The two prepared complexes exhibited a significant increase in partition coefficient indicating increased lipophilicity. The optimized CS-HIP complex was incorporated into SEDDS formulations. SEDDS formulations F2 (40% oleic acid, 40% Brij^TM98, 20% propylene glycol) and F3 (25% oleic acid, 50% Brij^TM98, 25% propylene glycol) exhibited nanometric droplet diameters with monodisperse distribution and nearly neutral zeta potential values. Ex vivo intestinal permeation study, using the non-everted gut sac technique, revealed a significantly higher cumulative amount of permeated drug, after 2 h, for F2 and F3 (53.836 and 77.617 µg/cm², respectively) compared to 8.649 µg/cm² for plain CS solution. The in vivo evaluation of plain CS solution compared to F2 and F3 was conducted in an ovalbumin sensitization-induced bronchial asthma rat model. Lung function parameters (tidal volume and peak expiratory flow), biochemical parameters (interleukin-5, immunoglobulin-E, myeloperoxidase and airway remodelling parameters) were assessed in addition to histopathological examination. The results indicated the superiority of F3 followed by F2 compared to plain CS solution for prophylaxis of bronchial asthma in rats.

Fisetin and telmisartan each alone or in low-dose combination alleviate OVA-induced food allergy in mice

BACKGROUND

Food allergy (FA) is a worldwide health problem, affecting nearly 10% of all populations, with no prophylactic options or regulatory treatment available until now. Fisetin, a biologically active flavonoid, and telmisartan, the highly selective competitive AT1 receptor antagonist, recently exhibited potent anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities. In the present study, we have evaluated the possible anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory activities of fisetin and telmisartan each alone or in low-dose combination in a mouse model of FA.

METHODS

For induction of FA, eight-week-old BALB/c mice, sensitized by two ip injection of 50 μg ovalbumin (OVA) and 1 mg alum at day 0 and 7. Then, each mouse challenged with 10 mg OVA at days 14, 16, 18, and 21. On the 28^th day, the fifth challenge carried out by oral administration of 50 mg OVA. Either fisetin (1 or 3 mg/kg/d), telmisartan (1 or 3 mg/kg/d) or a combination of fisetin 1 mg/kg/d and telmisartan 1 mg/kg/d received orally from the 13^th day till 28^th day. In challenge days, the treatments received one-hour before the challenge.

RESULTS

Our data showed that fisetin and telmisartan each alone or in low-dose combination attenuated the anaphylactic manifestation, decreased blood eosinophilic count, serum OVA-specific IgE, and IL-4 levels, the intestinal total and degranulated mast cells count, and CD4⁺ immunohistochemical expression. Furthermore, they enhanced the serum IFN-γ level and abrogated the intestinal histopathological changes induced by OVA in mice.

CONCLUSION

Either fisetin, telmisartan or their low-dose combination could be promising in the management of FA.

Fluoxetine protects against OVA induced bronchial asthma and depression in rats

Depression is very common in asthmatic patients and may increases risk for morbidity and mortality. The present work aimed to investigate the protective effect of fluoxetine, on behavioral and biochemical changes, associated with ovalbumin (OVA) - induced bronchial asthma and depression in rats. Rats were sensitized with intraperitoneal administration of OVA plus aluminum hydroxide for 3 consecutive days then at day 11 followed by OVA intranasal challenge at days 19, 20, 21. Rats were either pretreated with dexamethasone, fluoxetine10mg/kg or fluoxetine 20 mg/kg. At the end of the experiment, various tests were performed, including open field, forced swimming and respiratory function tests. Blood was drawn for serum IgE detection. Finally, rats were euthanized, brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) was estimated in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid and lung content of reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 4 (IL-4) were determined. Histopathological study was also performed. The results showed that fluoxetine significantly ameliorated OVA- induced biochemical and behavioral changes. Fluoxetine may protect against OVA-induced asthma and depression in rats. This effect may be mediated at least in part by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunosuppressant effect.

Modulation of brain ACE and ACE2 may be a promising protective strategy against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury: an experimental trial in rats

The brain renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is considered a crucial regulator for physiological homeostasis and disease progression. We evaluated the protective effects of the angiotensin receptor blocker (ARB) telmisartan and the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) activator xanthenone on experimental cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. Rats were divided into a sham control, a cerebral I/R control, a standard treatment (nimodipine, 10 mg/kg/day, 15 days, p.o.), three telmisartan treatments (1, 3, and 10 mg/kg/day, 15 days, p.o.), and three xanthenone treatments (0.5, 1, and 2 mg/kg/day, 15 days, s.c.) groups. One hour after the last dose, all rats except the sham control group were exposed to 30-min cerebral ischemia followed by 24-h reperfusion. Brain ACE and ACE2 activities and the apoptotic marker caspase-3 levels were assessed. Glutathione (GSH), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide end products (NOx) as oxidative markers and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and IL-10 as immunological markers were assessed. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical evaluation of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) were performed in cerebral cortex and hippocampus sections. Telmisartan and xanthenone in the higher doses restored MDA, NOx, TNF-α, IL-6, caspase-3, ACE, and GFAP back to normal levels and significantly increased GSH, IL-10, and ACE2 compared to I/R control values. Histopathologically, both agents showed mild degenerative changes and necrosis of neurons in cerebral cortex and hippocampus compared with I/R control group. Modulation of brain RAS, either through suppression of the classic ACE pathway or stimulation of its antagonist pathway ACE2, may be a promising strategy against cerebral I/R damage.

Quillaja saponaria bark saponin protects Wistar rats against ferrous sulphate-induced oxidative and inflammatory liver damage

CONTEXT

Saponins from different sources are historically reported in Chinese medicine to possess many beneficial effects. However, insufficient experimental data are available regarding the hepatoprotective potential of Quillaja bark saponin.

OBJECTIVE

The protective effect of Quillaja saponaria Molina (Quillajaceae) bark triterpenoid saponin against iron-induced hepatotoxicity is compared to the standard N-acetylcysteine in adult male Wistar rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were divided into (six) groups, namely a normal control, an N-acetylcysteine control (300 mg/kg/day, p.o., 10 days), a saponin control (100 mg/kg/day, p.o., for 10 days), a hepatotoxicity control (two doses of ferrous sulphate, 30 mg/kg/day each, i.p., on 9th and 10th day), an N-acetylcysteine plus ferrous sulphate (standard treatment) and a saponin plus ferrous sulphate (test treatment) group. Hepatocyte integrity loss markers (serum ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and LDH), oxidative stress markers (hepatic MDA, GSH and NOx), dyslipidaemic markers (serum TC and TG) and hepatocyte functioning markers (serum bilirubin and albumin) were assessed.

RESULTS

Quillaja bark saponin decreased iron-induced elevation of ALT (reaching 57% of hepatotoxicity control), AST (66%), ALP (76%), GGT (60%), LDH (54%), MDA (65%), NOx (77%), TC (70%), TG (54%), and total (54%), direct (54%) and indirect (54%) bilirubin, coupled with increased GSH (219%) and albumin (159%) levels. Histopathological study strongly supported biochemical estimations, while immunohistochemical study showed marked effect on eNOS and iNOS expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Quillaja bark saponin has a good hepatoprotective effect. Amelioration of oxidative stress and suppression of NOS expression, with resultant maintenance of hepatocyte integrity and functioning, may explain this beneficial effect.

Protective effects of telmisartan and tempol on lipopolysaccharide-induced cognitive impairment, neuroinflammation, and amyloidogenesis: possible role of brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Angiotensin II has pro-inflammatory and pro-oxidant potentials. We investigated the possible protective effects of the Angiotensin II receptor blocker telmisartan, compared with the superoxide scavenger tempol, on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cognitive decline and amyloidogenesis. Briefly, mice were allocated into a normal control group, an LPS control group, a tempol treatment group, and 2 telmisartan treatment groups. A behavioral study was conducted followed by a biochemical study via assessment of brain levels of beta amyloid (Aβ) and brain-derived neurotropic factor (BDNF) as amyloidogenesis and neuroplasticity markers, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide end products (NOx), neuronal and inducible nitric oxide synthase (nNOS and iNOS) as inflammatory markers, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione reduced (GSH), and nitrotyrosine (NT) as oxido-nitrosative stress markers. Finally, histopathological examination of cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and cerebellum sections was performed using routine and special Congo red stains. Tempol and telmisartan improved cognition, decreased brain Aβ deposition and BDNF depletion, decreased TNF-α, NOx, nNOS, iNOS, MDA, and NT brain levels, and increased brain SOD and GSH contents, parallel to confirmatory histopathological evidences. In conclusion, tempol and telmisartan are promising drugs in managing cognitive impairment and amyloidogenesis, at least via upregulation of BDNF with inhibition of neuroinflammation and oxido-nitrosative stress.

Activation of angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) attenuates allergic airway inflammation in rat asthma model

Angiotensin-I converting enzyme (ACE) is positively correlated to asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and is highly expressed in lungs. ACE2, the counteracting enzyme of ACE, was proven to be protective in pulmonary, cardiovascular diseases. In the present study we checked the effect of ACE2 activation in animal model of asthma. Asthma was induced in male wistar rats by sensitization and challenge with ovalbumin and then treated with ACE2 activator, diminazene aceturate (DIZE) for 2weeks. 48h after last allergen challenge, animals were anesthetized, blood, BALF, femoral bone marrow lavage were collected for leucocyte count; trachea for measuring airway responsiveness to carbachol; lungs and heart were isolated for histological studies and western blotting. In our animal model, the characteristic features of asthma such as altered airway responsiveness to carbachol, eosinophilia and neutrophilia were observed. Western blotting revealed the increased pulmonary expression of ACE1, IL-1β, IL-4, NF-κB, BCL2, p-AKT, p-p38 and decreased expression of ACE2 and IκB. DIZE treatment prevented these alterations. Intraalveolar interstitial thickening, inflammatory cell infiltration, interstitial fibrosis, oxidative stress and right ventricular hypertrophy in asthma control animals were also reversed by DIZE treatment. Activation of ACE2 by DIZE conferred protection against asthma as evident from biochemical, functional, histological and molecular parameters. To the best of our knowledge, we report for the first time that activation of ACE2 by DIZE prevents asthma progression by altering AKT, p38, NF-κB and other inflammatory markers.

Ramipril and haloperidol as promising approaches in managing rheumatoid arthritis in rats

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a challenging autoimmune disorder, whose treatments usually cause severe gastrointestinal, renal and other complications. We aimed to evaluate the beneficial anti-arthritic effects of an angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor, ramipril and a dopamine receptor blocker, haloperidol, on Complete Freund's Adjuvant-induced RA in adult female albino rats. Rats were allocated into a normal control group, an arthritis control group, two reference treatment groups receiving dexamethasone (1.5 mg/kg/day) and methotrexate (1 mg/kg/day), and two treatment groups receiving ramipril (0.9 mg/kg/day) and haloperidol (1 mg/kg/day). Serum rheumatoid factor, matrix metalloprotinease-3 (MMP-3) and cartilage oligomeric matrix protein as specific rheumatoid biomarkers, serum immunoglobulin G and antinuclear antibody as immunological biomarkers, serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) as immunomodulatory cytokines, serum myeloperoxidase and C-reactive protein as inflammatory biomarkers, as well as malondialdehyde and glutathione reduced (GSH) as oxidative stress biomarkers were assessed. A histopathological study on joints and spleens was performed to support the results of biochemical estimations. Ramipril administration significantly corrected all the measured biomarkers, being restored back to normal levels except for MMP-3, TNF-α and IL-10. Haloperidol administration restored all the measured biomarkers back to normal levels except for TNF-α, IL-10 and GSH. In conclusion, ACE inhibitors represented by ramipril and dopamine receptor blockers represented by haloperidol may represent new promising protective strategies against RA, at least owing to their immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.

Assessment of the Mechanistic Role of Cinnarizine in Modulating Experimentally-Induced Bronchial Asthma in Rats

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Calcium influx, inflammatory infiltration, cytokine production, immunoglobulin E activation and oxidative stress play coordinated roles in bronchial asthma pathogenesis. We aim to assess the protective effect of cinnarizine against experimentally induced bronchial asthma.

METHODS

Bronchial asthma was induced by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Rats were allocated into a normal control, an asthma control, a dexamethasone (standard) treatment, and 2 cinnarizine treatment groups. The respiratory functions tidal volume (TV) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) in lung tissue, the allergic immunoglobulin IgE in serum, the absolute eosinophil count (AEC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as the oxidative and nitrosative markers glutathione reduced (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in lung tissue and nitric oxide end products (NOx) in BALF were assessed, followed by a histopathological study.

RESULTS

Cinnarizine administration significantly restored TV, PEFR, TNF-α, IL-5, IgE, AEC, GSH, SOD and NOx values back to normal levels, and significantly decreased perivascular and peribronchiolar inflammatory scores.

CONCLUSION

Cinnarizine may protect against experimental bronchial asthma. Suppressant effect of cinnarizine on pro-inflammatory cytokines release, IgE antibody production, eosinophil infiltration as well as oxidative and nitrosative stress may explain its anti-asthmatic potential.