Mitigation of acetamiprid - induced renotoxicity by natural antioxidants via the regulation of ICAM, NF-kB and TLR 4 pathways

Quercetin Increases Growth Performance and Decreases Incidence of Diarrhea and Mechanism of Action in Weaned Piglets

This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of quercetin increasing growth performance and decreasing incidence of diarrhea in weaned piglets. Forty-eight Duroc × Landrace × Large White weaned piglets with similar body weight (7.48 ± 0.20 kg, 28 days of age) were randomly divided into four treatments (control, 250 mg/kg quercetin, 500 mg/kg quercetin, and 750 mg/kg quercetin treatments) and fed with basal diet or experimental diet supplemented with quercetin. Performance, diarrhea rate and index, and content of serum anti-inflammatory factors were determined and calculated in weaned piglets; colonic flora and signaling pathways related to anti-inflammation were measured using 16S rDNA sequencing and RNA-seq, respectively. The results showed that compared with control, feed-to-gain ratio and content of serum interferon gamma (IFN-γ) were significantly decreased in the 500 and 750 mg/kg quercetin treatments (P < 0.05); quercetin significantly decreased diarrhea rate and diarrhea index (P < 0.05) and significantly increased the content of serum transforming growth factor (TGF-β) in weaned piglets (P < 0.05); the content of serum NF-κB was significantly decreased in the 750 mg/kg quercetin treatment (P < 0.05); moreover, quercetin significantly increased diversity of colonic flora (P < 0.05), and at the phylum level, the relative abundance of Actinobacteria in the 500 and 750 mg/kg treatments was significantly increased (P < 0.05), and the relative abundance of Proteobacteria in the three quercetin treatments were significantly decreased (P < 0.05) in the colon of weaned piglets; at the genus level, the relative abundance of Clostridium-sensu-stricto-1, Turicibacter, unclassified_f_Lachnospiraceae, Phascolarctobacterium, and Family_XIII _AD3011_group was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the relative abundance of Subdollgranulum and Blautia was significantly decreased in the 500 and 750 mg/kg treatments (P < 0.05); the relative abundance of Eschericha-Shigella, Terrisporobacter, and Eubacterium-coprostanoligenes was significantly increased (P < 0.05); the relative abundance of Streptocococcus, Sarcina, Staphylococcus, and Ruminococcaceae_UCG-008 was significantly decreased in the three quercetin treatments (P < 0.05); the relative abundance of Ruminococcaceae_UCG_014 was significantly increased in the 250 mg/kg quercetin treatment in the colon of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). The results of Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis showed that differentially expressed genes (DEGs) from the quercetin treatments were significantly enriched in nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signal pathway (P < 0.05); mRNA expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1R1 (IL-1R1), conserved helix-loop-helix ubiquitous kinase (CHUK), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), and IL-1β from quercetin treatments were significantly decreased in colonic mucosa of weaned piglets (P < 0.05). In summary, quercetin increased feed conversion ratio and decreased diarrhea through regulating NF-κB signaling pathway, controlling the balance between anti-inflammatory and proinflammatory factors, and modulating intestinal flora, thus promoting the absorption of nutrients in weaned piglets. These results provided the theoretical foundation for applying quercetin in preventing weaning piglets' diarrhea and animal husbandry practices.

Assessing developmental neurotoxicity of emerging environmental chemicals using multiple in vitro models: A comparative analysis

Newly synthesized chemicals are being introduced into the environment without undergoing proper toxicological evaluation, particularly in terms of their effects on the vulnerable neurodevelopment. Thus, it is important to carefully assess the developmental neurotoxicity of these novel environmental contaminants using methods that are closely relevant to human physiology. This study comparatively evaluated the potential developmental neurotoxicity of 19 prevalent environmental chemicals including neonicotinoids (NEOs), organophosphate esters (OPEs), and synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) at environment-relevant doses (100 nM and 1 μM), using three commonly employed in vitro neurotoxicity models: human neural stem cells (NSCs), as well as the SK-N-SH and PC12 cell lines. Our results showed that NSCs were more sensitive than SK-N-SH and PC12 cell lines. Among all the chemicals tested, the two NEOs imidaclothiz (IMZ) and cycloxaprid (CYC), as well as the OPE tris(1,3-dichloro-2-propyl) phosphate (TDCIPP), generated the most noticeable perturbation by impairing NSC maintenance and neuronal differentiation, as well as promoting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, likely via activating NF-κB signaling. Our data indicate that novel NEOs and OPEs, particularly IMZ, CYC, and TDCIPP, may not be safe alternatives as they can affect NSC maintenance and differentiation, potentially leading to neural tube defects and neuronal differentiation dysplasia in fetuses.

A review of how the saffron (Crocus sativus) petal and its main constituents interact with the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways

The primary by-product of saffron (Crocus sativus) processing is saffron petals, which are produced in large quantities but are discarded. The saffron petals contain a variety of substances, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, kaempferol, and minerals. Pharmacological investigations revealed the antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antitussive, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and renoprotective properties of saffron petals, which are based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway protects against oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) is a protein complex involved in approximately all animal cells and participates in different biological procedures such as apoptosis, cell growth, development, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transcription, immune response, and inflammation. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its compounds are discussed in this review, along with their associated modes of action, particularly the Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Without considering a time constraint, our team conducted this review using search engines or electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Saffron petals and their main constituents may have protective effects in numerous organs such as the brain, colon, heart, joints, liver, lung, and pancreas through several mechanisms, including the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling cascade, which would then result in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and therapeutic effects.

Berberine mitigates acetamiprid-induced hepatotoxicity and inflammation via regulating endogenous antioxidants and NF-κB/TNF-α signaling in rats

Acetamiprid is a neonicotinoid insecticide used on a large scale and has been reported for oxidative stress-mediated toxicity and physiological alterations in mammals. The plant-derived natural antioxidant berberine (BBR) possesses protective potential against inflammation, structural changes, and cellular toxicity. The current study aimed to investigate the toxic effects of acetamiprid exposure and the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory efficacy of BBR in rat liver tissue. The results showed that intragastric exposure of acetamiprid (21.7 mg/kg b.wt, i.e., 1/10 of LD50) for 21 days significantly elicited oxidative stress as evidenced by lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, and depletion of endogenous antioxidants. Furthermore, acetamiprid exposure elevated NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-12 expression and caused structural alterations in liver tissue. Biochemical results showed that 2-h pre-treatment of BBR (150 mg/kg b.wt; 21 days) reduced damage to lipids and proteins, replenished GSH, enhanced SOD and catalase activities, and offered antioxidative effects against acetamiprid toxicity. Also, BBR suppressed inflammation by regulating NF-κB/TNF-α signaling in hepatic tissue of acetamiprid-intoxicated rats. Histopathological examination confirmed the hepatoprotective effects of BBR. Our findings indicate that BBR might be a potential ameliorative agent against oxidative stress-mediated hepatotoxicity.

Thiamethoxam Evoked Neural Oxido-inflammatory Stress in Male Rats Through Modulation of Nrf2/NF-kB/iNOS Signaling and Inflammatory Cytokines: Neuroprotective Effect of Silymarin

Thiamethoxam (TMX), a neonicotinoid insecticide, is a widely used insecticide with neurotoxic potential. Silymarin (SM), a milk thistle-derived flavonoid, is known with its promising biological activities. This study explored the neuroprotective effects of SM against TMX-triggered cortical injury in male rats. Animals were divided into four groups and treated daily either with SM (150mg/kg), TMX (78.15mg/kg), or both at the aforementioned doses for 28 days. Our results revealed marked declines in cortical SOD and CAT activities with elevations in MDA, IL-1b and TNF-α levels in TMX-treated rats. Further, TMX induced down-regulation in the gene expressions of Sod, Cat, Gpx, and Nrf-2, with up-regulation in the gene expressions of IL-1b, IL-6, iNOS, TNF-α and NF-kB. Interestingly, pre-treatment with SM provided a notable neuroprotective action against TMX-mediated cortical damage that indicates its promising antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This effect may be mediated by Nrf2/NF-kB/iNOS signalling and suppression of excess free radicals and production of inflammatory cytokines. In brief, SM could be a promising therapeutic agent against TMX-mediated neural complication via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The using of neonicotinoids as thiamethoxam is recently increased and is associated with brain damage. TMX induced excessive oxidative and inflammatory damage. Therefore, new therapeutic approaches are needed to counteract its adverse effects on the nervous system. SM, a flavonoid, is extracted from the seeds and fruits of milk thistle. Due to its potent antioxidative activity, SM have been applied to mitigate the oxidative stress as well as inflammatory disorders. Herein, we examined the potential therapeutic role of SM against TMX-induced brain oxidative stress and inflammation in rats through evaluating oxidative markers, inflammatory response, and histopathological changes in the brain cortical tissue.

N-Acetylcysteine Mediated Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and Cytochrome C Associated with Amelioration of Monocrotophos-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

Pesticides are now a risk to the environment and public health. Monocrotophos (MCP) is known to cause organ toxicity and impart degenerative effects at cellular levels. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a natural antioxidant having various prophylactic properties. Male Wistar rats were given NAC (200 mg/kg b.wt), MCP (0.9 mg/kg b.wt) and NAC followed by MCP; intragastrically for 28 consecutive days. Regulation of MnSOD, UCP-2 and cytochrome c was analyzed by western blotting and polymerase chain reaction. Histology, electron microscopy and weight parameters were evaluated in the liver. MCP exposure significantly decreased body weight gain, relative liver weight, and structural changes. Altered MnSOD protein expression, decreased transcription of UCP-2 and MnSOD, and released cytochrome c indicated that oxidative stress is involved in MCP exposure. Treatment of NAC to MCP-exposed rats normalized the weight and structural changes, restored MnSOD and UCP-2 levels and prevented the release of cytochrome c. The present study suggests that the regulation of UCP-2, MnSOD and cytochrome c is involved in NAC efficacy against MCP toxicity. These findings illustrate that NAC can serve as a potential therapeutic agent for toxicity and oxidative stress in mammals. 

Acute thiamethoxam exposure induces hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity in juvenile Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

The similar nervous system structure between crustaceans and insects and the high-water solubility of thiamethoxam can lead to the more severe toxicity of thiamethoxam to crustaceans. However, the effects of thiamethoxam on crustaceans are unclear. Therefore, a 96-h acute toxicity test was performed to explore the hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity effects of thiamethoxam on Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis) at concentrations 0 µg/L, 150 µg/L and 300 µg/L. The antioxidant and detoxification systems (including phases I and II) were significantly activated after exposure of juvenile crabs to thiamethoxam for 24 h in 300 µg/L group, whereas the toxic activation effect in 150 μg/L group was delayed. Moreover, a similar pattern was observed for the transcription levels of immune-related genes. Further analysis of inflammatory signaling pathway-related genes showed that thiamethoxam exposure with 300 µg/L for 24 h may induce a pro-inflammatory response through the NF-κB pathway. In contrast, the gene expression levels in 150 µg/L group were significantly upregulated compared with 0 µg/L group after 96 h. In addition, although the acute exposure of 150 μg/L thiamethoxam did not seem to induce significant neurotoxicity, the acetylcholinesterase activity was significantly decreased in 300 μg/L group after thiamethoxam exposure for 96 h. Correspondingly, thiamethoxam exposure with 300 µg/L for 24 h resulted in significantly downregulated transcriptional levels of synaptic transmission-related genes (e.g. dopamine-, gamma-aminobutyric acid- and serotonin-related receptors). Therefore, thiamethoxam may be harmful and cause potential toxic threats such as neurotoxicity and metabolic damage to crustaceans.

Maternal oxidized soybean oil exposure in rats during lactation damages offspring kidneys via Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Cooking oil is an indispensable component of the human diet. However, oils usually undergo thermal oxidation. Oxidized soybean oil (OSO) has been shown to have detrimental effects on humans and has emerged as a root cause of many chronic diseases. The objective of this work was to evaluate the effects of puerpera exposure to OSO on kidney damage in the mother and offspring using lactating rats as an experimental model.

RESULTS

Pathological sections and ultrastructure showed that OSO exposure resulted in various levels of damage to lactating rats and their offspring. OSO induced oxidative stress in the kidneys of lactating rats, as evidenced by increased levels of hydrogen peroxide, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-8. OSO increased the activities of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase. OSO upregulated the expression of apoptosis-related genes, nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and nuclear factor κB-related inflammatory factor genes. In the offspring of the OSO-exposed mothers, hydrogen peroxide, malondialdehyde, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha contents were increased. Furthermore, OSO enhanced the levels of Nrf2, NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1, heme oxygenase 1, and p65 and decreased B-cell lymphoma 2.

CONCLUSION

These findings indicated that the kidneys of two generations of rats were compromised by oxidative damage when fed OSO during lactation. This study provides evidence for increasing the genes expression of the Nrf2/heme oxygenase 1 pathway to alleviate the kidney damage caused by OSO in the mother and offspring. © 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.

Psoriatic Serum Induce an Abnormal Inflammatory Phenotype and a Decreased Immunosuppressive Function of Mesenchymal Stem Cells

Background and Objectives

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory function and participate in the pathogenesis of many immunoregulation-related diseases, including psoriasis. Previously, we found that MSCs from psoriatic lesions overexpress the proinflammatory microRNA, miR-155 and exhibit a decreased immunosuppressive capacity. But the origin of these aberrant characteristics is still not clear. To investigate whether inflammatory cytokines in serum and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) from psoriatic patients can regulate the expression patterns of immunoregulation-related cytokines and the immunoregulation function of MSCs.

Methods and Results

Normal dermal mesenchymal stem cells (nDMSCs) were treated with serum or PBMCs derived from patients with psoriasis or healthy donors. Expression of miR-155 and immunoregulation-related genes in each MSCs were measured using real-time PCR or western-blot. Meanwhile, the immunosuppressive capacity of DMSCs was evaluated by its inhibitory ability on proliferation of activated PBMCs. Compared to control serum, psoriatic serum significantly increased the expression levels of miR-155 (27.19±2.40 vs. 3.51±1.19, p<0.001), while decreased TAB₂ expression (0.28±0.04 vs. 0.72±0.20, p<0.01) in DMSCs. Expression levels of immunoregulation-related genes such as PGE₂, IL-10, and TLR4 were also markedly down-regulated following the psoriatic serum treatment. Those DMSCs treated with healthy serum could inhibit PBMC proliferation, while those psoriatic serum-treated DMSCs could not inhibit PBMC proliferation effectively.

Conclusions

Psoriatic serum up-regulate the expression of miR-155, down-regulate the expression of immunoregulation-related genes (PGE₂, IL-10, and TLR4) in DMSCs, and along with the inhibition of the immunosuppressive function of MSCs.

NF-κB Signaling Is Regulated by Fucosylation in Metastatic Breast Cancer Cells

A growing body of evidence indicates that the levels of fucosylation correlate with breast cancer progression and contribute to metastatic disease. However, very little is known about the signaling and functional outcomes that are driven by fucosylation. We performed a global proteomic analysis of 4T1 metastatic mammary tumor cells in the presence and absence of a fucosylation inhibitor, 2-fluorofucose (2FF). Of significant interest, pathway analysis based on our results revealed a reduction in the NF-κB and TNF signaling pathways, which regulate the inflammatory response. NF-κB is a transcription factor that is pro-tumorigenic and a prime target in human cancer. We validated our results, confirming that treatment of 4T1 cells with 2FF led to a decrease in NF-κB activity through increased IκBα. Based on these observations, we conclude that fucosylation is an important post-translational modification that governs breast cancer cell signaling.

Preparation and antitumor evaluation of quercetin nanosuspensions with synergistic efficacy and regulating immunity

To study the effect of quercetin (QUR) on modulating immune effects, enhancing anti-tumor activity, and reducing drug related side effects, three QUR nanosuspensions (QUR-NPs) with different particle sizes were prepared by a microprecipitation-high pressure homogenization method using mPEG-DCA as a stabilizer. Dynamic light scattering was used to analyze the particle sizes of the three QUR-NPs. The results of stability tests showed that the three QUR-NPs had good storage and plasma stability. It was confirmed that plasma protein adsorption occurred for all three QUR-NPs. The results of DSC, DTG, XRPD, and Raman spectroscopy showed that there was no significant change in the crystal form of QUR for any of the three QUR-NPs compared with the commercial QUR. The in vitro dissolution rate of the three QUR-NPs was significantly faster than that of the micronized QUR, with the dissolution rate increasing as particle size decreased. All three QUR-NPs showed stronger in vitro inhibitory activity on MCF-7 cells than the pure QUR solution, with the largest NPs having the strongest inhibitory effect. The pharmacokinetic parameters in rats showed that the MRT and t_1/2 of the QUR-NPs increased as particle size increased. QUR-NPs and the pure QUR solution showed obvious anti-tumor effects against murine hepatic carcinoma H22 model in vivo, although they were not as effective as cyclophosphamide (CTX). However, the anti-tumor effect of the large QUR-NPs combined with CTX was the strongest among all the tested groups. From the results of the thymus and spleen index, it was found that the QUR-NPs could not only regulate the immunity of tumor-bearing mice, but also alleviate the immunosuppression caused by CTX and protect normal tissues, all while enhancing the anti-tumor effect. The immunomodulatory effect of the QUR-NPs on tumor-bearing mice was significantly better than that of the pure QUR solution. Therefore, nanosuspensions can be used as a new drug delivery system for QUR to assist tumor therapy and regulate immunity.

Protection against acute renal injury by naturally occurring medicines which act through Nrf2 signaling pathway

The cellular defense pathway plays a key role in maintaining the homeostasis, tissues and organisms. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), as a key cell signaling pathway, plays an important role in encoding detoxification enzymes and other stress response mediators. Recent studies have shown that it is closely related to the prevention and treatment of acute kidney injury (AKI). Therefore, this article reviews the protective effects of Nrf2-related signaling pathways on acute kidney injury, and summarizes the strategies of natural pharmaceutical ingredients such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenes, phenylpropionic acid, polyphenols, and polysaccharides to prevent and treat acute kidney injury. It is of great significance to further study the relationship between Nrf2 regulated signal pathway and kidney disease and the development of new medicines for acute kidney injury treatment. It can also provide new ideas and treatment strategies for clinical treatment of acute kidney injury. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: This article reviewed the mechanisms by which the active ingredients of natural medicines slow down acute kidney injury through the Nrf2 pathway. It will help us to understand the regulatory role of the Nrf2 pathway in AKI more comprehensively, and provide a theoretical basis for further exploring the mechanism of more natural drugs to reduce acute kidney injury.