Artemisia campestris leaf extract alleviates early diabetic nephropathy in rats by inhibiting protein oxidation and nitric oxide end products

Combination of LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS, network pharmacology, and nanoemulsion approaches identifies active compounds of two Artemisia species responsible for tackling early diabetes-related metabolic complications in the liver

INTRODUCTION

The chronicity of advanced glycation end-products (AGEs) imparts various damages resulting in metabolic dysfunction and diseases involving inflammation and oxidative stress. The use of plant extracts is of high interest in complementary medicine. Yet, extracts are multicomponent mixtures, and difficult to pinpoint their exact mechanism.

OBJECTIVES

We hypothesise that network pharmacology and bioinformatics can help experimental findings depict the exact active components and mechanism of action by which they induce their effects. Additionally, the toxicity and variability can be lowered and standardised with proper encapsulation methods.

METHODOLOGY

Here, we propose the formulation of phytoniosomes encapsulating two Artemisia species (Artemisia dracunculus and Artemisia absinthium) to mitigate AGEs and their induced cell redox dysregulation in the liver. Extracts from different solvents were identified via liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Phytoniosomes were explored for their anti-glycating effect and modulation of AGE-induced damages in THLE-2 liver cells. Network pharmacology tools were used to identify possible targets and signalling pathways implicated.

RESULTS

Data demonstrated that A. absinthium phytoniosomes had a significant anti-AGE effect comparable to reference molecules and higher than A. dracunculus. They were able to restore cell dysfunction through the restoration of tumour necrosis alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), nitric oxide, and total antioxidant capacity. Phytoniosomes were able to protect cells from apoptosis by decreasing caspase 3 activity. Network pharmacology and bioinformatic analysis confirmed the induction of the effect via Akt-PI3K-MAPK and AGE-RAGE signalling pathways through quercetin and luteolin actions.

CONCLUSION

The current report highlights the potential of Artemisia phytoniosomes as strong contenders in AGE-related disease therapy.

Histological and biochemical investigation of the renoprotective effects of metformin in diabetic and prostate cancer model

BACKGROUND

Diabetes and cancer have common physiological and biochemical mechanisms. Metformin is the preferred drug of choice for the treatment of diabetes. Prostate cancer can be modeled in by injection of MAT-Lylu cells. A model of diabetes in rats is induced by streptozotocin injectıon. In the current study, we explored the mechanisms by which diabetes accelerates cancer, and evaluated the effects of metformin to know whether it has any impact against the damage caused by cancer and diabetic + cancer via histopathological and biochemical parameters of kidney tissue.

METHODS

The experiment was carried out in rats. Groups 1-Control, 2- Diabetic, 3-Cancer, 4-Diabetic + cancer, 5-Diabetic + cancer + metformin, 6-Cancer + metformin. Metformin treatment was applied by gavage every day. The research ended on the 14th day. The collected kidney tissue sections were stained with Hematoxylin-Eosin.

RESULTS

Histological evaluation showed moderate to severe damage to the kidney tissue following diabetic and cancer processess. In diabetic, cancer and diabetic + cancer groups, reduced glutathione levels, total antioxidant status, sodium/potassium-ATPase and paraoxonase1 activities were found to be significantly abated. While advanced oxidized protein products, lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, reactive oxygen species levels, total oxidant status, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione-related antioxidant enzymes, myeloperoxidase, and arginase activities were significantly raised. The administration of metformin reversed these defects. The outcome of the reveals that histopathological and biochemical damage in cancer and diabetes + cancer groups decreased in the groups that received metformin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, metformin treatment can be considered an adjuvant candidate for kidney tissue in diabetes, prostate cancer and cancer therapy related damage.

Two Types of PPARγ Ligands Identified in the Extract of Artemisia campestris

The 70% ethanol extract of Artemisia campestris was screened to find PPARγ ligands using the PPARγ ligand-responsive chimera luciferase reporter system. Capillartemisin B was identified as a PPARγ ligand that stimulated lipid accumulation in 3T3-L1 cells. By further purification of PPARγ ligands from a large-scale preparation of the methanol extract of Artemisia campestris, we isolated and identified eupatilin and santaflavone as PPARγ ligands. Weak PPARγ ligand activity of eupatilin or santaflavone in reporter assay was enhanced by a PPARγ antagonist, GW9662, suggesting that santaflavone or eupatilin and GW9662 bound simultaneously to the multiple sub-pockets of the PPARγ ligand-binding domain (LBD) and cooperatively activated PPARγ. Docking simulation suggested that eupatilin binds to the Ω-pocket but not to the AF-2 pocket of Y-shaped PPARγ LBD where artepillin C that differs from capillartemisin B at the C-5′ position without hydroxy group binds. Eupatilin or santaflavone with or without GW9662 did not stimulate lipid accumulation in differentiated 3T3-L1 cells, suggesting that binding of each compound alone or with GW9662 to the Ω-pocket which stimulated the PPARγ-responsive reporter expression was not enough to stimulate lipid accumulation. The PPARγ ligands found in this study have a potential to design the fragment-based drug design of a novel PPARγ ligand that cover the Y-shaped PPARγ LBD.

DHEA-pretreatment attenuates oxidative stress in kidney-cortex and liver of diabetic rabbits and delays development of the disease

In view of reported discrepancies concerning antioxidant activity of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), a widely used dietary supplement, the current investigation was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant properties of DHEA in both kidney-cortex and liver of alloxan (ALX)-induced diabetic rabbits, as this diabetogenic compound exhibits the ROS-dependent action. ALX was injected to animals following 7 days of DHEA administration. Four groups of rabbits were used in the experiments: control, DHEA-treated control, diabetic and DHEA-treated diabetic. Our results show for the first time, that in kidney-cortex DHEA resulted in normalization of hydroxyl free radicals (HFR) levels and restoration of catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities to near the control values, while in liver DHEA prevented the malondialdehyde (MDA) accumulation and normalized glutathione reductase (GR) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) activities. Moreover, in both kidney-cortex and liver DHEA supplementation prevented GSSG elevation accompanied by a decrease in GSH/GSSG ratio. Although DHEA attenuated oxidative stress in both kidney-cortex and liver of ALX-induced diabetic rabbits and significantly delayed the onset of diabetes in time, it did not protect against the final development of diabetes. In conclusion, the current investigation underscores the complexity of the antioxidant action of DHEA. The data are of clinical interest since DHEA supplementation could prevent the deleterious effects of ROS and delay, or even prevent the onset of many diseases. However, in view of the reported pro-oxidant effects of high DHEA doses, the potential use of this agent as a supplement needs a careful evaluation.

The potential of Artemisia species for use as broad-spectrum agents in the management of metabolic syndrome: a review

Although the prevalence of metabolic syndrome (MetS), a cluster of cardiometabolic risk factors that predispose to the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus and cardiovascular diseases, is increasing globally, there is no broad-spectrum agent for its holistic treatment. Natural plant-derived products with a wide spectrum of biological activities are currently being explored as alternatives in the management of diseases. Artemisia species are a heterozygous group of plants of the Compositae family that possess several health benefits. Here we highlight their antidiabetic, anti-obesity, anti-hyperlipidaemic, hepatoprotective and cardioprotective properties among others. These activities have been linked to the presence of phytochemicals that act on several molecular targets to exert their effects and the species of Artemisia are considered to be relatively safe. Artemisia species offer significant anti-MetS activity and thus are strong therapeutic candidates for the effective management of MetS.

Ethanolic extract of Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt. inhibits HIV-1 replication in vitro through the activity of terpenes and flavonoids on viral entry and NF-κB pathway

ETHNO-PHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The genus Artemisia spp. is well known for its anti-infectious properties and its high content in anti-infectious compounds, like the well-known sweet wormwood (Artemisia annua L.). Another Artemisia species, Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt., field wormwood, has been traditionally used as medicinal plant in the Mediterranean region.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the anti-HIV activity of field wormwood, to identify the compounds responsible for this activity and their structure and mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Antiviral activity of isolated compounds and extracts was evaluated in HIV-1 infections of lymphoblastoid cells. We also evaluated the mechanism of action of isolated compounds. Viral entry was studied comparing the inhibitory effect of isolated compounds on wild type HIV-1 and VSV pseudotyped HIV-1. To assess the viral transcriptional effect, plasmids encoding luciferase reporter genes under the control of the whole genome of HIV-1 or NF-κB or Sp1 transcription factors were transfected in the presence of the compounds under evaluation. Finally, antioxidant activity was assessed by quantitation of reduced and total glutathione in treated cell cultures.

RESULTS

Ethanolic and aqueous extracts of Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt. subsp. glutinosa displayed anti-HIV activity in vitro, although ethanolic extract was more powerful (IC₅₀ 14.62 μg/mL). Bio-guided ethanolic extract fractionation leads to the isolation and characterization of two terpenes, damsin and canrenone, and four flavonoids, 6, 2', 4'-trimethoxyflavone, acerosin, cardamonin and xanthomicrol. All the isolated compounds inhibited HIV-1 replication in vitro with IC₅₀ values between the middle nanomolar and the low micromolar range. Their anti-HIV mechanism of action is due to the bloking of viral entry and/or transcription inhibition, without correlation with the antioxidant activity, through interference with the cellular transcription factors NF-κB and Sp1, which are targets that are not currently reached by antiretroviral therapy.

CONCLUSION

We describe here the anti-HIV activity of field wormwood, Artemisia campestris subsp. glutinosa (Besser) Batt., and the isolation and study of the mechanism of action of two terpenes and four flavonoids, responsible, at least in part, for its activity, through the inhibition of two different cellular targets affecting the HIV replication cycle. The activity of these compounds in cellular targets could explain why plant extracts can be used in the treatment of different diseases. Besides, the presence of several compounds with dual and different mechanisms of action could prove useful in the treatment of HIV-1 infection, since it could aid to overcome drug resistances and simplify drug therapy. This work is a further step in understanding the anti-infectious activity of wormwood species and their use in treating infectious diseases.

Coriandrum sativum improve neuronal function via inhibition of oxidative/nitrosative stress and TNF-α in diabetic neuropathic rats

ETHNOPHRAMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Coriandrum sativum L. is traditionally acknowledged for its use in inflammatory disorders, altered blood lipid levels, respiratory and digestive problems.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study investigates possible role of hydro-alcoholic extract of C. sativum (CHA) seeds in the attenuation of indices of diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis was carried out by employing chromatographic, spectroscopic as well as spectrometric techniques. Diabetes was induced by a single i.p. injection of freshly prepared STZ (65 mg/kg). The indexed markers of DPN, i.e., thermal and mechanical hyperalgesia were found to be prominent on the 60th day of STZ administration. Administration of CHA (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) for 30 days was started on the substantiation of DPN onset. Molecular docking study was performed by targeting TNF-α.

RESULTS

Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Oral administration of CHA considerably attenuated hyperglycemia and decreased pain threshold in diabetic rats as well as modulated oxidative-nitrosative stress. Docking study suggested good affinity of flavonoids when docked into the binding site of TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, using STZ model, it was successfully predicted that CHA might be beneficial in diabetes-induced neuropathic pain by inhibiting oxidative/nitrosative stress and inflammatory cytokine.

Mechanisms of Herbal Nephroprotection in diabetes mellitus

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a leading cause of kidney morbidity. Despite the multilayered complexity of the mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of DN, the conventional treatment is limited to just a few drug classes fraught with the risk of adverse events, including the progression of renal dysfunction. Phytoceuticals offer a promising alternative as they act on the many-sidedness of DN pathophysiology, multitargeting its intricacies. This paper offers a review of the mechanisms underlying the protective action of these phytoagents, including boosting the antioxidant capabilities, suppression of inflammation, averting the proliferative and sclerosing/fibrosing events. The pathogenesis of DN is viewed as a continuum going from the original offense, high glucose, through the noxious products it generates (advanced glycation end-products, products of oxidative and nitrosative stress) and the signaling chains consequently brought into action, to the harmful mediators of inflammation, sclerosis, and proliferation that eventually lead to DN, despite the countervailing attempts of the protective mechanisms. Special attention was given to the various pathways involved, pointing out the ability of the phytoagents to hinder the deleterious ones (especially those leading to, driven by, or associated with TGF-β activation, SREBP, Smad, MAPK, PKC, NF-κB, NLRP3 inflammasome, and caspase), to promote the protective ones (PPAR-α, PPAR-γ, EP4/Gs/AC/cAMP, Nrf2, AMPK, and SIRT1), and to favorably modulate those with potentially dual effect (PI3K/Akt). Many phytomedicines have emerged as potentially useful out of in vitro and in vivo studies, but the scarcity of human trials seriously undermines their usage in the current clinical practice-an issue that stringently needs to be addressed.

Exploration of hypoglycemic effect of an extract from leaves of a plant from Tunisian pharmacopeia: Artemisia campestris (Asteraceae)

Background and objectives

A lot of research has been directed towards medicinal plants which are considered as a source of multiple phytotherapic substances endowed with hypoglycemic activities that could be used to treat diabetes and its complications. Our study was carried out in Wistar rats to investigate the hypoglycemic effect of n-Butanol Fraction from Artemisia campestris leaf Methanolic Extract (BFACME).

Methods

Two experimental models were used in rats: orally induced hyperglycemia (OGTT) and isolated perfused liver (IPRL).

Results

BFACME at 550 mg/kg BW dose significantly reduced fasting glucose level in normal rats as compared to controls. The decrease of glycaemia was 12.6% more significant than that obtained with the standard drug glibenclamide (10 mg/kg BW), an oral antidiabetic preparation belonging to sulfonylurea class. In OGTT model, BFACME at the highest doses of 550 and 400 mg/kg BW significantly reduced the postprandial hyperglycemic peak compared to controls. In the IPRL model, treatment with BFACME significantly decreased glucose concentrations after 30 min of perfusion with 30 mM glucose solely when insulin was present. The higher doses of BFACME lead to glucose concentration at basal level as early as 90 min, while the lowest dose does not restore this concentration even to t = 120min. The best initial glucose concentration retrieval was obtained with 0.7 mg BFACME/mL/g liver. At this dose, BFACME improves the decrease of glucose level caused by only insulin by about 18%.

Conclusion

The BFACME appears to exert a hypoglycemic activity by potentiating the insulin action.

3-N-Butylphthalide mitigates high glucose-induced injury to Schwann cells: association with nitrosation and apoptosis

A high glucose state readily causes peripheral axon atrophy, demyelination, loss of nerve fiber function, and delayed regeneration. However, few studies have examined whether nitration is also critical for diabetic peripheral neuropathy. Therefore, this study investigated the effects of high glucose on proliferation, apoptosis, and 3-nitrotyrosine levels of Schwann cells treated with butylphthalide. In addition, we explored potential protective mechanisms of butylphthalide on peripheral nerves. Schwann cells were cultured in vitro with high glucose then stimulated with the peroxynitrite anion inhibitors uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide for 48 hours. Cell Counting Kit-8 and flow cytometry were used to investigate the effects of uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide on proliferation and apoptosis of Schwann cells exposed to a high glucose environment. Effects of uric acid and 3-n-butylphthalide on levels of 3-nitrotyrosine in Schwann cells were detected by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The results indicated that Schwann cells cultured in high glucose showed decreased proliferation, but increased apoptosis and intracellular 3-nitrotyrosine levels. However, intervention with uric acid or 3-n-butylphthalide could increase proliferation of Schwann cells cultured in high glucose, and inhibited apoptosis and intracellular 3-nitrotyrosine levels. According to our data, 3-n-butylphthalide may inhibit cell nitrification and apoptosis, and promote cell proliferation, thereby reducing damage to Schwann cells caused by high glucose.

Seasonal Variation in Essential Oils Composition and the Biological and Pharmaceutical Protective Effects of Mentha longifolia Leaves Grown in Tunisia

This research assessed the seasonal variation of the chemical composition and antibacterial and anticholinesterase activities of essential oils extracted from M. longifolia leaves. The leaves organic fractions were also investigated for their biological activities and pharmacological functions. The essential oil highest yield was recorded in the spring season. Pulegone (26.92%), 1.8 cineole (21.3 %), and L-menthone (10.66 %) were determined as its major compounds in the winter season. In the spring oil, the main components were pulegone (38.2 %) and oleic and palmitic acids (23.79 % and 15. 26 %, respectively). Oxygenated monoterpenes were predominant in the two analyzed samples. The tested oils and organic extracts exhibited promising antibacterial effects against all of the tested bacterial strains. Thanks to its richness in phenolic and flavonoid compounds, the ethyl acetate fraction (Ml EtOAcF) displayed the most active DPPH scavenging ability (IC50 =12.64 μg/ml) and an interesting β-carotene bleaching inhibition (IC50 =34.75 μg/ml) making it a potential candidate for anti-inflammatory evaluation on rats. This evaluation evidenced that M. longifolia pretreated rats showed a marked decrease in paw oedema and inflammatory cells. Additionally, a remarkable acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity of the Ml EtOAcF (IC50 = 12.3μg/ml) and essential oils were also observed suggesting their neuroprotective property against Alzheimer's disease. Moreover, it was found that its activity level was season dependent. Our investigation, therefore, clearly revealed the medicinal characteristics of M. longifolia leave indicating their potential uses for natural remedies.

Artemisia campestris L.: review on taxonomical aspects, cytogeography, biological activities and bioactive compounds

Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae) is a polymorphic species that consists of many subspecies and varieties. It is known for its medicinal, pharmacological, and culinary properties. This review is undertaken with the aim to highlight some aspects of this plant, specifically the taxonomy, the cytogeography, the phytochemistry with an emphasis on the structure-activity relationship (SAR) of the main bioactive compounds of A. campestris L. in addition to its biological properties and the food control properties. The bibliographic data compiled in this review allowed the revision of 146 papers, by using different databases and scientific engines, such as Scopus, ScienceDirect, Pubmed, and google scholar. The taxonomic analysis has embedded A. campestris L. in the tribe Anthemideae, and the genus Artemisia L. Also many subtaxa have been identified, and a subspecific classification of this species has been established on the basis of its botanical characters. The cytogenetic findings evidenced that A.campestris L. is prevailed by the chromosome number x = 9, with a polyploidization degree ranging from diploidy to hexaploidy according to the geographical distribution of the plant populations, while the genome size seems to be proportional to the ploidy level, suggesting an adaptive trait of the cytotypes to new environments. This plant is rich in polyphenols, flavonoids, and terpenic compounds, which substantiate the bioactivities attributed to its extracts and essential oil. Hence, the SAR of the main bioactive compounds of A. campestris L., mainly the prominent flavonoids, phenolic acids, and terpenes revealed a tight link between specific chemical entities of the bioactive compound and the respective biological activity. Many biological activities were approached in this review, mainly the antioxidant, antivenom, antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, anti-inflammatory, antihypertensive, anti-leishmaniasis, antinociceptive, wound healing, and analgesic activities in addition to the hepatoprotective, nephroprotective, neuroprotective, and gastroprotective actions. Finally, the food preservative ability of the extracts and essential oil obtained from A.campestris L. have been fully discussed. The present review contributes to the literature, by bringing more clarifications about the different aspects of A.campestris L., like taxonomy, cytogeography and biological interests of this species. The SAR approach of some constituents that occur in A.campestris L., gives a solid support that can be used to explore the bioactivity of components isolated from this species, while the preservative properties of this plant can be usefully exploited for the agrifood sector.

Effects of Spirulina platensis on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant defenses, and tissue damage in kidney of alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Chronic hyperglycemia in diabetes causes free radicals overproduction, which contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy. In modern medicine, no satisfactory therapy is available to cure diabetes mellitus. In that context, we investigated the potential therapeutic action of spirulina-enriched diet on renal impairment and oxidative stress in diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced by a single subcutaneous injection of alloxan (120 mg·kg^-1) in rats. Following alloxan treatment, male Wistar rats were fed daily with 5% spirulina-enriched diet or treated with insulin (0.5 IU·rat^-1) for 3 weeks. Diabetes was associated with hyperglycemia, increase in renal oxidative parameters (lipid peroxidation, thiobarbituric-acid reactive substances, protein carbonyl and advanced oxidation protein products levels, changes in antioxidant enzyme activities), and nephropathology markers. The renal injury induced by alloxan was confirmed by histological study of the diabetic rat kidney. Treatment with spirulina or insulin significantly ameliorated renal dysfunction by reducing oxidative stress, while rats recovered normal kidney histology. Overall, this study indicates that spirulina is efficient in inhibiting hyperglycemia and oxidative stress induced by diabetes, and suggests that the administration of this alga may be helpful in the prevention of diabetic complications. This amelioration was even more pronounced than that caused by insulin injection.

Protective effects of allicin on streptozotocin-induced diabetic nephropathy in rats

BACKGROUND

Studies in animal models have shown that allicin, a major biologically active component of garlic, can play a role in the prevention of tissue fibrosis in the liver, lung and heart, mainly related to the inhibition of fibroblast proliferation, fibrogenic cytokine secretion and extracellular matrix synthesis. This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of allicin on renal damage in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. STZ-induced diabetic rats were administered allicin (15, 30 and 45 mg · kg^-1  · day^-1 ) via daily intra-gastric gavage for 12 weeks. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), lipid and 24 h urine albumin excretion (UAE) were measured at the end of weeks 4, 8 and 12. The renal histopathology and the expression levels of collagen I, transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and phosphorylated extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (p-ERK1/2) were measured using immunohistochemistry and/or western blotting.

RESULTS

In 12 week STZ-induced diabetic rats, severe hyperglycemia and albuminuria were markedly developed. Treatment with allicin for 12 weeks ameliorated diabetes-induced morphological alterations of the kidney and decreased FBG, BUN, sCr, triglyceride (TG) and 24 h UAE in diabetic rats. The expression levels of collagen I, TGF-β1 and p-ERK1/2 were significantly decreased by allicin treatment.

CONCLUSION

These results suggested that allicin may play a protective role in diabetic nephropathy via the TGF-β1/ERK pathway in diabetic rats. © 2016 Society of Chemical Industry.

Tetrahydrobiopterin contributes to the proliferation of mesangial cells and accumulation of extracellular matrix in early-stage diabetic nephropathy

OBJECTIVES

Nitric oxide (NO) plays an important role in the progression of early-stage diabetic nephropathy (DN), which is found to contribute to extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation in mesangial cells (MCs). As a cofactor for NO production, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4 ), a folacin analogue, may be responsible for the ECM accumulation and proliferation of MCs. This study was to investigate the effects of BH4 on glomerulosclerosis in early-stage DN.

METHODS

In in vitro studies with cultured mesangial cells and in vivo studies with streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats, BH4 levels were assayed by HPLC; NO was determined by Griess agents; laminin and collagen IV were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay; the inducible NO synthase protein was determined by immunofluorescence staining and Western blot; and mesangial matrix expansion and MC proliferation in the renal cortex were observed by periodic acid-schiff staining and transmission electron microscopy, respectively.

KEY FINDINGS

The in vivo and in vitro studies indicated that the increased BH4 resulted in the overproduction of NO, ECM accumulation and the proliferation of MCs in early-stage DN.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that inhibiting excessive BH4 may be a potential approach to prevent glomerulosclerosis in early-stage DN.

Chemical composition, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and antiplatelet effects of essential oil of Artemisia campestris L. from Oriental Morocco

BACKGROUND

Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat hypertension and many other diseases. Hence, this study is aimed to analyze the essential oil of A. campestris L (AcEO) and to investigate the antiplatelet, antioxidant effects and the mechanisms of its vasorelaxant effect.

METHODS

The chemical composition of AcEO was elucidated using GC/MS analysis. Then, the antioxidant effect was tested on DPPH radical scavenging and on the prevention of β-carotene bleaching. The antiplatelet effect was performed on the presence of the platelet agonists: thrombin and ADP. The mechanism of action of the vasorelaxant effect was studied by using the cellular blockers specified to explore the involvement of NO/GC pathway and in the presence of calcium channels blockers and potassium channels blockers.

RESULTS

AcEO is predominated by the volatiles: spathulenol, ß-eudesmol and p-cymene. The maximal antioxidant effect was obtained with the dose 2 mg/ml of AcEO. The dose 1 mg/ml of AcEO showed a maximum antiplatelet effect of, respectively 49.73% ±9.54 and 48.20% ±8.49 on thrombin and ADP. The vasorelaxation seems not to be mediated via NOS/GC pathway neither via the potassium channels. However, pretreatment with calcium channels blockers attenuated this effect, suggesting that the vasorelaxation is mediated via inhibition of L-type Ca²⁺ channels and the activation of SERCA pumps of reticulum plasma.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the antioxidant, antiplatelet and vasorelaxant effects of A.campestris L essential oil. However, the antihypertensive use of this oil should be further confirmed by the chemical fractionation and subsequent bio-guided assays.

Chemical composition, vasorelaxant, antioxidant and antiplatelet effects of essential oil of Artemisia campestris L. from Oriental Morocco

BACKGROUND

Artemisia campestris L. (Asteraceae) is a medicinal herb traditionally used to treat hypertension and many other diseases. Hence, this study is aimed to analyze the essential oil of A. campestris L (AcEO) and to investigate the antiplatelet, antioxidant effects and the mechanisms of its vasorelaxant effect.

METHODS

The chemical composition of AcEO was elucidated using GC/MS analysis. Then, the antioxidant effect was tested on DPPH radical scavenging and on the prevention of β-carotene bleaching. The antiplatelet effect was performed on the presence of the platelet agonists: thrombin and ADP. The mechanism of action of the vasorelaxant effect was studied by using the cellular blockers specified to explore the involvement of NO/GC pathway and in the presence of calcium channels blockers and potassium channels blockers.

RESULTS

AcEO is predominated by the volatiles: spathulenol, ß-eudesmol and p-cymene. The maximal antioxidant effect was obtained with the dose 2 mg/ml of AcEO. The dose 1 mg/ml of AcEO showed a maximum antiplatelet effect of, respectively 49.73% ±9.54 and 48.20% ±8.49 on thrombin and ADP. The vasorelaxation seems not to be mediated via NOS/GC pathway neither via the potassium channels. However, pretreatment with calcium channels blockers attenuated this effect, suggesting that the vasorelaxation is mediated via inhibition of L-type Ca2+ channels and the activation of SERCA pumps of reticulum plasma.

CONCLUSION

This study confirms the antioxidant, antiplatelet and vasorelaxant effects of A.campestris L essential oil. However, the antihypertensive use of this oil should be further confirmed by the chemical fractionation and subsequent bio-guided assays.

Globularia alypum methanolic extract improves burn wound healing process and inflammation in rats and possesses antibacterial and antioxidant activities

Burns are known as one of the most common and destructive forms of injury with a vast spectrum of consequences. Despite the discovery of various antibacterial and antiseptic agents, burn wound healing still has remained a challenge to modern medicine. Plants have been considered as potential agents for prevention and treatment of disorders in recent years. Globularia alypum L. (GA) is widely used in folk medicine against skin diseases and abscesses, however there is no scientific evidence justifying its use. This study aimed to evaluate the wound healing and anti-inflammatory effect, the antibacterial and antioxidant activities, as well as the chemical compositions of GA methanolic extract (GAME). Chemical compounds of GAME were examined by GC-MS. Wound healing effect was assessed by second-degree burn wounds in rats, anti-inflammatory activity was studied by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema, antioxidant activity was estimated by the DPPH, reducing power and β-carotene tests and antimicrobial activity was tested against 6 bacteria. A total of 17 compounds were identified. GAME-treated rats showed an improvement in healing process and carrageenan-induced hind paws edema as assessed by histological and biochemical investigations, compared to the control. A significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities were also observed in GAME-treated rats. GAME revealed a burn wound healing activity probably due to the anti-inflammatory, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of its phytochemical contents. Thus, this study confirms its traditional use, however further more precise studies are needed for future clinical application.

Antioxidant, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory and wound healing effects of Artemisia campestris aqueous extract in rat

This study investigated some biological properties of Artemisia campestris aqueous extract (ACAE) as well its global chemical compositions. Twenty four rats were excised on the posterior neck skin area and divided into 4 groups, treated respectively with: sterile saline, glycerol, CICAFLORA and ACAE. The wound closure rate, histopathology evolution and the superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in skin tissue were evaluated. Anti-inflammatory activity was studied by carrageenan-induced rat paw edema. Animals were divided into 3 groups pre-treated respectively with sterile saline, acetylsalicylic acid (AA) and ACAE. The antibacterial activity was tested against six bacteria and the antioxidant activity was estimated by the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power and β-carotene activities. Our results demonstrated a significant improvement in wound healing progression and in oxidative stress damage in the wounds tissues of ACAE-treated rats, compared to control. ACAE-treated rats revealed also a significant inhibition of carrageenan-induced hind paws edema as confirmed by the histological analysis. In addition to the antioxidant activity, ACAE showed considerable antibacterial activities. ACAE exhibited important wound healing effect probably due to the anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antioxidant activities of its phytochemical contents. Therefore, this study confirms its popular use and highlights its promise in the development of new drugs.

Chinese medicines in the treatment of experimental diabetic nephropathy

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is a severe micro vascular complication accompanying diabetes mellitus that affects millions of people worldwide. End-stage renal disease occurs in nearly half of all DN patients, resulting in large medical costs and lost productivity. The course of DN progression is complicated, and effective and safe therapeutic strategies are desired. While the complex nature of DN renders medicines with a single therapeutic target less efficacious, Chinese medicine, with its holistic view targeting the whole system of the patient, has exhibited efficacy for DN management. This review aims to describe the experimental evidence for Chinese medicines in DN management, with an emphasis on the underlying mechanisms, and to discuss the combined use of herbs and drugs in DN treatment.

Artemisia pallens alleviates acetaminophen induced toxicity via modulation of endogenous biomarkers

CONTEXT

Acetaminophen (APAP) leads to severe hepatic and renal necrosis and thus causes significant clinical problems. Artemisia pallens Walls ex D.C. (Asteraceae) possesses various pharmacological properties such as antidiabetic, antioxidant, analgesic, and anti-inflammatory activity.

OBJECTIVE

The objective was to evaluate the protective effects of Artemisia pallens methanol extract (APME) in APAP-induced hepatic and nephro-toxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanolic extract of aerial parts of Artemisia pallens (APME) was prepared. Toxicity was induced in male Wistar rats (180-220 g) by administration of APAP (700 mg/kg, p.o., 14 d). APME (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered to rats 2 h before APAP oral administration. Various biochemical and molecular parameters along with histopathological aberration were studied in the kidney and liver of rats.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with APME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) decreased aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), bilirubin, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and serum creatinine as compared with APAP-treated rat. Decreased level of serum albumin, serum uric acid, and HDL were significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) restored by APME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) pre-treatment. Administration of APME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) reduced the elevated level of cholesterol, LDL, LDH, triglyceride, and VLDL. It also significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) restored the altered level of hepatic and renal antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH)). The increased level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) in hepatic as well as renal tissue was significantly (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) decreased by APME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) administration. Histological alternation induced by APAP in liver and kidney was also reduced by the APME (200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) pre-treatment.

CONCLUSION

It is concluded that the methanol extract of Artemisia pallens alleviates APAP induced in rats toxicity through its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory actions.

Jak2/Stat1 pathway mediated tetrahydrobiopterin up-regulation contributes to nitric oxide overproduction in high-glucose cultured rat mesangial cells

Nitric oxide (NO) is crucial for the progression of early diabetic nephropathy (DN). It is important to clarify the mechanism for the production of NO in mesangial cells (MCs). In this study, the amounts/activities of related factors such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), NO, 3 isoforms of nitric oxide synthase (NOS), tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4), GTP cyclohydrolase I (GTPCH I), Jak2, and Stat1 were determined using high-glucose cultured rat MCs. The results showed that the production of BH4 under oxidative stress was strongly stimulated by its rate-limiting enzyme GTP cyclohydrolase, which increased the expression and activity of inducible NOS to facilitate NO synthesis. Furthermore, the relative quantities of activated-Jak2 and activated-Stat1 were increased. Therefore, Jak2/Stat1 pathway mediated BH4 up-regulation can contribute to excessive NO in high-glucose cultured MCs. Our results will be helpful for screening new targets to improve the therapy for early DN.

Withania coagulans fruit extract reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in kidneys of streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

The present study was carried out to investigate the changes in oxidative and inflammatory status in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat's kidneys and serum following treatment with Withania coagulans, a popular herb of ethnomedicinal significance. The key markers of oxidative stress and inflammation such as inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and immunoregulatory cytokines (IL-4 and IFN-γ) were increased in kidneys along with significant hyperglycemia. However, treatment of four-month diabetic rats with Withania coagulans (10 mg/kg) for 3 weeks significantly attenuated hyperglycemia and reduced the levels of proinflammatory cytokines in kidneys. In addition, Withania coagulans treatment restored the glutathione levels and inhibited lipid peroxidation along with marked reduction in kidney hypertrophy. The present study demonstrates that Withania coagulans corrects hyperglycemia and maintained antioxidant status and reduced the proinflammatory markers in kidneys, which may subsequently reduce the development and progression of renal injury in diabetes. The results of the present study are encouraging for its potential use to delay the onset and progression of diabetic renal complications. However, the translation of therapeutic efficacy in humans requires further studies.

Management of diabetic complications: a chemical constituents based approach

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Long term hyperglycemia leads to development of complications associated with diabetes. Diabetic complications are now a global health problem without effective therapeutic approach. Hyperglycemia and oxidative stress are important components for the development of diabetic complications. Over the past few decades, herbal medicines have attracted much attention as potential therapeutic agents in the prevention and treatment of diabetic complications due to their multiple targets and less toxic side effects. This review aims to assess the current available knowledge of medicinal herbs for attenuation and management of diabetic complications and their underlying mechanisms.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Bibliographic investigation was carried out by scrutinizing classical text books and peer reviewed papers, consulting worldwide accepted scientific databases (SCOPUS, PUBMED, SCIELO, NISCAIR, Google Scholar) to retrieve available published literature. The inclusion criteria for the selection of plants were based upon all medicinal herbs and their active compounds with attributed potentials in relieving diabetic complications. Moreover, plants which have potential effect in ameliorating oxidative stress in diabetic animals have been included.

RESULTS

Overall, 238 articles were reviewed for plant literature and out of the reviewed literature, 127 articles were selected for the study. Various medicinal plants/plant extracts containing flavonoids, alkaloids, phenolic compounds, terpenoids, saponins and phytosterol type chemical constituents were found to be effective in the management of diabetic complications. This effect might be attributed to amelioration of persistent hyperglycemia, oxidative stress and modulation of various metabolic pathways involved in the pathogenesis of diabetic complications.

CONCLUSION

Screening chemical candidate from herbal medicine might be a promising approach for new drug discovery to treat the diabetic complications. There is still a dire need to explore the mechanism of action of various plant extracts and their toxicity profile and to determine their role in therapy of diabetic complications. Moreover, a perfect rodent model which completely mimics human diabetic complications should be developed.

Over-production of nitric oxide by oxidative stress-induced activation of the TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt pathway in mesangial cells cultured in high glucose

AIM

To investigate whether NO over-production in rat mesangial cells cultured in high glucose (HG) is related to activation of the TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt pathway.

METHODS

Rat mesangial cells line (HBZY-1) was exposed to HG (24.44 mmol/L) or H2O2 (10 μmol/L) for 16 h. NO release was quantified using the Griess assay. The TGF-β1 level was measured using ELISA. The protein expression of p-Akt, t-Akt, Bim, and iNOS was examined by Western blotting. The mRNA levels of TGF-β1 and Bim were measured using RT-PCR. The cell proliferation rate was estimated using a BrdU incorporation assay.

RESULTS

Treatment of the cells with HG, H2O2, or TGF-β1 (5 ng/mL) significantly increased the NO level that was substantially inhibited by co-treatment with the NADPH oxidase inhibitor diphenylene iodonium (DPI), TGF-β1 inhibitor SB431542, or PI3K inhibitor LY294002. Both HG and H2O2 significantly increased the protein and mRNA levels of TGF-β1 in the cells, and HG-induced increases of TGF-β1 protein and mRNA were blocked by co-treatment with DPI. Furthermore, the treatment with HG or H2O2 significantly increased the expression of phosphorylated Akt and iNOS and cell proliferation rate, which was blocked by co-treatment with DPI, SB431542, or LY294002. Moreover, the treatment with HG or H2O2 significantly inhibited Bim protein and mRNA expression, which was reversed by co-treatment with DPI, SB431542, or LY294002.

CONCLUSION

The results demonstrate that high glucose causes oxidative stress and NO over-production in rat mesangial cells in vitro via decreasing Bim and increasing iNOS, which are at least partially mediated by the TGF-β1/PI3K/Akt pathway.