Protective effect of resveratrol on urogenital sinus and prostate development in rats exposed in utero to TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin)

Pharmacological blockage of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis: a call for in vivo evidence

The aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR) is a ligand-activated transcription factor that can be activated by structurally diverse compounds arising from the environment and the microbiota and host metabolism. Expanding evidence has been shown that the modulation of the canonical pathway of AHR occurs during several chronic diseases and that its abrogation might be of clinical interest for metabolic and inflammatory pathological processes. However, most of the evidence on the pharmacological abrogation of the AHR-CYP1A1 axis has been reported in vitro, and therefore, guidance for in vivo studies is needed. In this review, we cover the state-of-the-art of the pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties of AHR antagonists and CYP1A1 inhibitors in different in vivo rodent (mouse or rat) models of disease. This review will serve as a road map for those researchers embracing this emerging therapeutic area targeting the AHR. Moreover, it is a timely opportunity as the first AHR antagonists have recently entered the clinical stage of drug development.

Animal Toxicology Studies on the Male Reproductive Effects of 2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-Dioxin: Data Analysis and Health Effects Evaluation

2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin (TCDD) is a well-known environmental poison that exist in the environment for many years. However, its effect on the male reproductive system has not been clearly stated. We conducted a meta-analysis of the effect of TCDD on the male reproductive system of rodents about TCDD. Results showed that that TCDD exposure reduced the testis weight (weighted mean difference [WMD]: -0.035, 95% confidence interval [CI]: -0.046 to -0.025), sperm count (WMD: -35, 95% CI: -42.980 to -27.019), and blood testosterone concentration (WMD: -0.171, 95% CI: -0.269 to -0.073). According to our research results, TCDD can cause damage to the male reproductive system of rodents through direct or indirect exposure. In order to further explore the potential hazards of TCDD to humans, more human-related research needs to be carried out.

The therapeutic effect of resveratrol: Focusing on the Nrf2 signaling pathway

Resveratrol is a natural polyphenol derived from grapes, berries, red wine, peanuts amongst other fruits and nuts. Beneficial effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, cardioprotective, renoprotective, anti-obesity, anti-diabetic, and anti-cancer of resveratrol have been demonstrated by preclinical and clinical research. A possibility is that these therapeutical effects are associated with modulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in the following way: resveratrol may potentiate Nrf2 signaling through blockage of Keap1, by means of changing the Nrf2 mediators, its expression and its nuclear translocation. This article reviews the evidence of the Nrf2 modulating hypothesis as a possible molecular mechanism underlying the medicinal properties of resveratrol.