Intermediate filament protein expression pattern and inflammatory response changes in kidneys of rats receiving doxorubicin chemotherapy and quercetin

Adriamycin-induced podocyte injury via the Sema3A/TRPC5/Rac1 pathway

Podocytopathies encompass kidney diseases where direct or indirect podocyte injury leads to proteinuria or nephrotic syndrome. Although Semaphorin3A (Sema3A) is expressed in podocytes and tubular cells in adult mammalian kidneys and has a common effect on the progression of podocyte injury, its mechanism remains unclear. Previous studies have shown increased Sema3A expression in various glomerulopathies, indicating a gap in understanding its role. In this study, analysis of human data revealed a positive correlation between the levels of urinary Sema3A and Podocalyxin (PCX), suggesting a close relationship between Sema3A and podocyte loss. Furthermore, the impact of Adriamycin on podocytes was investigated. Adriamycin induced podocyte migration and apoptosis, along with an increase in Sema3A expression, all of which were ameliorated by the inhibition of Sema3A. Importantly, TRPC5 was found to increase the overexpression of Sema3A in podocytes. A TRPC5 inhibitor, AC1903, alleviated podocyte migration and apoptosis, inhibiting the formation of lamellar pseudopodia in the podocyte cytoskeleton by lowering the expression of Rac1. Furthermore, AC1903 relieved massive albuminuria and foot process effacement in the kidneys of Adriamycin-treated mice in vivo. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Sema3A may impact the cytoskeletal stability of podocytes through TRPC5 ion channels, mediated by Rac1, ultimately leading to foot process effacement. Notably, AC1903 demonstrates the potential to reverse Adriamycin-induced foot process fusion and urine protein. These results contribute to a deeper understanding of the mechanisms involved in podocytopathies and highlight the therapeutic potential of targeting the Sema3A-TRPC5 pathway.

Curcumin mitigates gentamicin induced-renal and cardiac toxicity via modulation of Keap1/Nrf2, NF-κB/iNOS and Bcl-2/BAX pathways

Gentamicin (GEN) is an aminoglycoside antibiotic used to treat gram-negative bacterial infections. Our study aimed to explore curcumin's (CMN) protective role against GEN-induced renal and cardiac toxicity. Rats were randomly classified into 4 equal groups; Control (cont), GEN (100 mg/kg b.wt, i.p.) for seven days, CMN (200 mg/kg b.wt, orally) for 21 days, and CMN + GEN groups. GEN caused renal and cardiac dysfunctions; increased urea, creatinine, uric acid, cystatin C, CK-MB, LDH, and troponin I serum levels. MDA level was elevated significantly while activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH level were reduced significantly in renal and cardiac tissues. GEN-intoxicated rats showed up-regulation of NF-κB, IL-1β, Keap1, HMOX1, and BAX with down-regulation of Nrf2, and Bcl-2 mRNA expression in renal and cardiac tissues. Also, GEN-induced up-regulation of renal mRNA expression of KIM-1, NGAL, and intermediate filament proteins [desmin, nestin, and vimentin] as well cardiac gene expression of cMyBP-C and H-FABP. GEN-induced toxicity was significantly attenuated by CMN co-treatment as CMN improved renal and cardiac biomarkers, reduced oxidative stress and inflammatory response, and reversed alterations in mRNA expression of all tested renal and cardiac genes. These outcomes indicated that CMN could protect renal and cardiac tissues against GEN-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Protective effect of quercetin on kidney diseases: From chemistry to herbal medicines

Kidney injuries may trigger renal fibrosis and lead to chronic kidney disease (CKD), but effective therapeutic strategies are still limited. Quercetin is a natural flavonoid widely distributed in herbal medicines. A large number of studies have demonstrated that quercetin may protect kidneys by alleviating renal toxicity, apoptosis, fibrosis and inflammation in a variety of kidney diseases. Therefore, quercetin could be one of the promising drugs in the treatment of renal disorders. In the present study, we review the latest progress and highlight the beneficial role of quercetin in kidney diseases and its underlying mechanisms. The pharmacokinetics and bioavailability of quercetin and its proportion in herbal medicine will also be discussed.

Investigating the Molecular Mechanism of Quercetin Protecting against Podocyte Injury to Attenuate Diabetic Nephropathy through Network Pharmacology, MicroarrayData Analysis, and Molecular Docking

Quercetin (QUE), a health supplement, can improve renal function in diabetic nephropathy (DN) rats by ameliorating podocyte injury. Its clinical trial for renal insufficiency in advanced diabetes (NCT02848131) is currently underway. This study aimed to investigate the mechanism of QUE protecting against podocyte injury to attenuate DN through network pharmacology, microarray data analysis, and molecular docking. QUE-associated targets, genes related to both DN, and podocyte injury were obtained from different comprehensive databases and were intersected and analyzed to obtain mapping targets. Candidate targets were identified by constructing network of protein-protein interaction (PPI) of mapping targets and ranked to obtain key targets. The major pathways were obtained from Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) and Gene Ontology (GO) term enrichment analysis of candidate targets via ClueGO plug-in and R project software, respectively. Potential receptor-ligand interactions between QUE and key targets were evaluated via Autodocktools-1.5.6. 41. Candidate targets, of which three key targets (TNF, VEGFA, and AKT1), and the major AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications were ascertained and associated with QUE against podocyte injury in DN. Molecular docking models showed that QUE could closely bind to the key targets. This study revealed that QUE could protect against podocyte injury in DN through the following mechanisms: downregulating inflammatory cytokine of TNF, reducing VEGF-induced vascular permeability, inhibiting apoptosis by stimulating AKT1 phosphorylation, and suppressing the AGE-induced oxidative stress via the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway.

Quercetin Alleviates the Immunotoxic Impact Mediated by Oxidative Stress and Inflammation Induced by Doxorubicin Exposure in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a chemotherapeutic agent against hematogenous and solid tumors with undesirable side effects including immunosuppression. Quercetin (QUR), a natural flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables, has a potent antioxidant activity. The aim of the current study was to assess the impact of QUR on DOX-induced hematological and immunological dysfunctions in a rodent model. Randomly grouped rats were treated as follows: control, QUR alone (50 mg/kg for 15 days per os), DOX alone (2.5 mg/kg I/P, three times a week, for two weeks), and co-treated rats with QUR for 15 days prior to and concomitantly with DOX (for two weeks), at the doses intended for groups two and three. DOX alone significantly disrupted the erythrogram and leukogram variables. Serum immunoglobulin (IgG, IgM, and IgE) levels and the activities of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in spleen were declined. The DNA damage traits in spleen were elevated with an upregulation of the expression of the apoptotic markers (p53 and Caspase-3 genes) and the proinflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α genes), while the expression of CAT gene was downregulated. These biochemical changes were accompanied by morphological changes in the spleen of DOX-treated rats. Co-treatment with QUR abated most of the DOX-mediated alterations in hematological variables, serum immunoglobulins, and spleen antioxidant status, pro-inflammatory and apoptotic responses, and histopathological alterations. In essence, these data suggest that QUR alleviated DOX-induced toxicities on the bone marrow, spleen, and antibody-producing cells. Supplementation of chemotherapy patients with QUR could circumvent the DOX-induced inflammation and immunotoxicity, and thus prevent chemotherapy failure.

Abnormal steroidogenesis, oxidative stress, and reprotoxicity following prepubertal exposure to butylparaben in mice and protective effect of Curcuma longa

Mammalian reproduction is a highly regulated process that can be distorted following exposure to synthetic antimicrobial preservatives like butylparaben (BP). Besides, studies have not investigated the potential antioxidant effects of turmeric on BP-provoked reprotoxicity. The present research was planned on prepubertal mice, orally treated with BP (150 μg/g body weight/day) with and without Curcuma longa (turmeric) (400 μg/mice/day) from postnatal day 35 to 65 routinely. Results showed an insignificant reduction in body weight of both sexes but contrary to these, gonadal weight increased significantly in PB-exposed mice. Additionally, elevated levels of follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone while decreased estrogen levels were observed in BP-treated females against control. Sperm count and motility were disturbed, coupled with abnormal sperm morphology in BP-intoxicated group. These findings were synchronized with a decreased testosterone levels in the same group as compared with control. The follicular count revealed reduction in the number of antral follicles while an increase in empty follicles. The BP also significantly increased lipid peroxidation and decreased glutathione content, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities, while the morphometric, biochemical, and histological deviations were less pronounced in the group, which was co-administered with BP and turmeric. Results indicated that turmeric has antioxidant potential to protect BP-induced oxidative stress and reprotoxicity in mice.

The efficiency of pomegranate (Punica granatum) peel ethanolic extract in attenuating the vancomycin-triggered liver and kidney tissues injury in rats

This study evaluated the potential of Punica granatum peel ethanol extract (PPEE) in attenuating the liver and kidney tissue injury induced by vancomycin (VM) treatment in rats. Fifty rats were distributed equally into five groups: control group, PPEE-administered group (100 mg/kg BW/day for 2 weeks; orally), VM-treated group (443.6 mg/kg BW, every alternate day for 2 weeks; intraperitoneally), pre-treated group, and concomitant-treated group. The biochemical response and the histopathology of the hepatic and renal tissue of the treated animals were assessed. The results showed that VM treatment induced substantial hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, evidenced by a significant elevation in tissue injury and lipid oxidative (malondialdehyde) and inflammatory response (C-reactive protein) biomarkers, with lowered antioxidants and protein levels. Additionally, VM treatment induced various morphological, cytotoxic, vascular, and inflammatory perturbations as well as upregulation in the immune-expression of Caspase-3 and downregulation of BCL-2. Moreover, PPEE co-treatment was found to reduce the VM-induced toxicity by protecting the tissue against reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated oxidative damage, and inflammation as well as hinder the apoptotic cell death by modulating the expression of apoptosis-related proteins. Thus, we conclude that the PPEE administration showed more restoring efficacy when administered prior to VM medication.

Aged garlic extract rescues ethephon-induced kidney damage by modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and histopathological changes in rats

Ethephon is an organophosphorus plant growth regulator used to accelerate the ripening process and decrease the duration of cultivation. Here, the potential protective role of aged garlic extract (AGE) was investigated against ethephon-mediated nephrotoxicity. Four experimental groups were established (n = 15), including control, AGE (250 mg/kg), ethephon (200 mg/kg), and AGE + ethephon. In the current work, kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, and KIM-1) along with oxidative stress biomarkers, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme oxygenase-1, glutathione, and its related enzymes, superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide, were determined. The expression of inflammatory mediators namely tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin 1 beta, nuclear factor kappa B, and apoptotic markers (caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl2) were determined in the renal tissue. Additionally, the histopathological alterations in response to treatments were examined. Ethephon exposure increased the levels of kidney function markers along with relative kidney weight coupled with histological changes in the kidney tissue. Additionally, ethephon increased the levels of the tested pro-oxidant markers and decreased the antioxidant indices, resulting in oxidative damage to renal tissues. An elevation in the pro-inflammatory mediators was also recorded following ethephon intoxication. Furthermore, renal cell loss was observed through histological examinations and biochemical measurements upon ethephon administration. On the other hand, AGE significantly ameliorated the molecular, biochemical, and structural changes elicited by ethephon. These findings suggest that AGE may be used to decrease or prevent the side effects of ethephon exposure in kidneys, through the activation of Nrf2 and inhibition of inflammation and apoptotic response.

Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract attenuates tilmicosin-induced renal damage in male rats via suppression of oxidative stress, inflammatory injury, and intermediate filament proteins mRNA expression

Tilmicosin (Til) is a popular macrolide antibiotic, widely used in veterinary practice. The present study was designed to address the efficacy of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MOE) in protecting against Tilmicosin (Til) - induced nephrotoxicity in Sprague Dawley rats. Animals were treated once with Til (75 mg/kg bw, subcutaneously), and/or MOE for 7 days (400 or 800 mg/kg bw, by oral gavage). Til-treatment was associated with significantly increased serum levels of creatinine, urea, sodium, potassium and GGT activity, as well as decreased total protein and albumin concentrations. Renal tissue hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were elevated, while the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) enzymes were diminished. The levels of renal tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and the mRNA expression of intermediate filament protein encoding genes (desmin, nestin and vimentin) in the kidney were up- regulated with histopathological alterations in renal glomeruli, tubules and interstitial tissue. These toxic effects were markedly ameliorated by co-treatment of MOE with Til, in a dose dependent manner. Taken together, these results indicate that MO at 800 mg/kg protects against Til-induced renal injury, likely by its potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, which make it suitable to be used as a protective supplement with Til therapy.

Synergistic effects of Ficus Carica extract and extra virgin olive oil against oxidative injury, cytokine liberation, and inflammation mediated by 5-Fluorouracil in cardiac and renal tissues of male albino rats

5-Fluorouracil (5-FU), a chemotherapeutic drug, has adverse effects on heart and kidney functions. Ficus Carica (fig) and extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) are natural sources which have antioxidant effects. This study investigated the synergistic effects of fig extract and EVOO against cardiac and renal damage induced by 5-FU. Forty rats were equally divided into five groups and treated with physiological saline (control), five intravenous injections of 5-FU (40 mg/kg b.w) (5-FU), fig (1 g/kg b.w/day, orally) with 5-FU (Fig/5-FU), EVOO (7 g/kg b.w/day, orally) with 5-FU (EVOO/5-FU), combined treatment of fig and EVOO with five 5-FU injections (Fig/EVOO/5-FU). After 30 days, blood and tissue samples (Heart and kidney) were collected to be used in the examinations. 5-FU significantly increased serum creatine kinase activity, renal biomarkers, cholesterol, triglycerides, C-reactive protein, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-1β as well as cardiac and renal lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde). Meanwhile, serum levels of immunoglobulins, interleukins (IL-10, IL-12), and antioxidants of heart and kidney tissues were significantly decreased in 5-FU group. It also downregulated cardiac and renal Bcl2, and upregulated cardiac troponin and renin gene expressions. As well, histological alterations clarified that 5-FU induced cardiac cell damage, distorted renal corpuscles and tubules, inflammatory cell infiltrations, and severe congestion and hemorrhage in the blood vessels. The treatment with fig and olive oil, especially the combined treatment, modulated the toxic effect of 5-FU on the heart and kidney. Our results revealed that fig extract and EVOO have a powerful antioxidant and many protective effects against cardiac and renal toxicity induced by 5-FU, especially when using fig and EVOO together as a combined treatment.

Role of flavonoids against adriamycin toxicity

Doxorubicin (DOX), or adriamycin, is an anthracycline antineoplastic drug widely used in the chemotherapy of a large variety of cancers due to its potency and action spectrum. However, its use is limited by the toxicity on healthy cells and its acute and chronic side effects. One of the developed strategies to attenuate DOX toxicity is the combined therapy with bioactive compounds such as flavonoids. This review embraces the role of flavonoids on DOX treatment side effects. Protective properties of some flavonoidss against DOX toxicity have been investigated and observed mainly in heart but also in liver, kidney, brain, testis or bone marrow. Protective mechanisms involve reduction of oxidative stress by decrease of ROS levels and/or increase antioxidant defenses and interferences with autophagy, apoptosis and inflammation. Studies in cancer cells have reported that the anticancer activity of DOX was not compromised by the flavonoids. Moreover, some of them increased DOX efficiency as anti-cancer drug even in multidrug resistant cells.

Moringa oleifera leaves ethanolic extract influences DNA damage signaling pathways to protect liver tissue from cobalt -triggered apoptosis in rats

This study assessed the potential of Moringa oleifera leaves ethanol extract (MLEE) in attenuating the detrimental effects of cobalt dichloride (CoCl₂) on rat liver. Forty rats were assigned to five equal groups: control group, MLEE-treated group, CoCl₂-treated group, prophylaxis co-treated group, and therapeutic co-treated group. The levels of Co, hepatic injury markers, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and oxidative stress biomarkers (reactive oxygen species [ROS] and protein carbonyl [PC]) were evaluated. Comet assay was used to evaluate the extent of DNA damage. Further, the expression profile of DNA-damage effector genes was assayed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis of heat shock protein (HSP-70) in hepatocytes was conducted. The results showed that the exposure of CoCl₂ to rats resulted in declined TAC, elevated oxidative injury, and induced DNA damage markers. Upregulation of mRNA expression of tumor suppressor protein (P53), apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), and apoptotic peptidase activating factor 1 (Apaf-1) was observed. The immunostaining density of HSP-70 expression was found to be elevated. Thus, MLEE reduced the CoCl₂-induced genotoxicity by preventing CoCl₂-induced generation of ROS, and protected against ROS mediated-oxidative injury and DNA damage. Moreover, the expression of DNA damage effector genes was affected. Based on these results, we conclude that MLEE is more effective when administered as a prophylactic regimen with the exposure to CoCl₂.

MicroRNA-874-3p Aggravates Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Podocyte Injury via Targeting Methionine Sulfoxide Reductase B3

Clinical application of doxorubicin (Dox) is limited due to its serious side effects including nephrotoxicity, and kidney podocytes play important roles in renal diseases. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are critical regulators associated with human diseases. The purpose of this study was to explore a novel target in adjusting Dox-induced renal podocyte injury. Through a double luciferase reporter gene experiment, it was found that miR-874-3p directly targeted methionine sulfoxide reductase B3 (MsrB3). During the tests of miR-874-3p inhibitor and MsrB3 siRNA in human podocytes or miR-874-3p antagomir in mice, we found that the expression levels of downstream oxidative stress and apoptosis-related proteins were regulated by miR-874-3p/MsrB3 signal to alleviate or aggravate renal podocyte injury. The data in the present work showed that miR-874-3p aggravated Dox-caused renal podocyte injury by promoting apoptosis and oxidative damage via inhibiting MsrB3. Therefore, miR-874-3p/MsrB3 should be considered as a new therapeutic target in controlling renal podocyte injury induced by Dox.

Argan oil ameliorates sodium fluoride-induced renal damage via inhibiting oxidative damage, inflammation, and intermediate filament protein expression in male rats

Fluoride is widely distributed in the environment and has been associated with the development of different health hazards in animals and humans. Argan oil (AO) is a natural vegetable oil with various beneficial pharmacological effects. This study was designed to investigate the potential protective effect of AO supplementation as pre-treatment or co-treatment on sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 50) were randomly assigned to one of five equal groups: control group, AO-treated group (6 ml/kg b.wt.), NaF-treated group (20 mg/kg b.wt.), pre-treated group, and co-treated group. All rats were daily administered by oral gavage for duration of 30 days. The results showed that AO administration significantly improved renal function and antioxidant status and decreased the lipid peroxidation in NaF-treated rats. Additionally, AO normalized the renal levels of inflammatory markers and mRNA expression level of the intermediate filament protein genes, indicating NaF-induced podocyte damage was ameliorated. Histopathological evaluation of the kidney confirmed the before mentioned biochemical results. AO counteracted the nephrotoxic effects of NaF in rats particularly at co-exposure. These results concluded that AO administration exhibited a significant nephroprotective effect against renal injury induced by NaF in rats.

Protective potency of Astragalus polysaccharides against tilmicosin- induced cardiac injury via targeting oxidative stress and cell apoptosis-encoding pathways in rat

Tilmicosin (Til) was purposed to be used in the treatment of a wide range of respiratory diseases in livestock. However, undesirable adverse effects, cardiac toxicity, in particular, may be associated with Til therapy. In the present study, the response of adult rats administered Til subcutaneously at different doses (10, 25, 50, 75, and 100 mg/kg b.w.; single injection) was evaluated. Astragalus polysaccharide (AP) at two doses (100 and 200 mg/kg b.w.; intraperitoneally) was investigated for its potential to counteract the cardiac influences, involving the oxidative stress-induced damage and apoptotic cell death, elicited by the Til treatment at a dose of 75 mg/kg b.w. in rats. Til induced mortalities and altered the levels of the biomarkers for the cardiac damage, particularly in the rats treated with the doses of 75 and 100 mg/kg b.w.; similarly, morphological alterations in cardiac tissue were seen at all studied doses. AP was found to cause a significant (P ˂ 0.05) decline in the levels of impaired cardiac injury markers (troponin, creatine phosphokinase, and creatine phosphokinase-MB), improvement in the antioxidant endpoints (total antioxidant capacity), and attenuation in the oxidative stress indices (total reactive oxygen species, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, lipid peroxides [malondialdehyde], and protein carbonyl), associated with a significant (P ˂ 0.05) modulation in the mRNA expression levels of the encoding genes (Bcl-2, Bax, caspase-3, P53, Apaf-1, and AIF), related to the intrinsic pathway of apoptotic cell death in the cardiac tissue. AP administration partially restored the morphological changes in the rat's heart. The highest protective efficacy of AP was recorded at a dose level of 200 mg/kg b.w. Taken together, these results indicated that AP is a promising cardioprotective compound capable of attenuating Til-induced cardiac impact by protecting the rat cardiac tissue from Til-induced apoptosis when administered concurrently with and after the Til injection.

Ethanolic Extract of Moringa oleifera Leaves Influences NF-κB Signaling Pathway to Restore Kidney Tissue from Cobalt-Mediated Oxidative Injury and Inflammation in Rats

This study aimed to describe the protective efficacy of Moringa oleifera ethanolic extract (MOEE) against the impact of cobalt chloride (CoCl₂) exposure on the rat’s kidney. Fifty male rats were assigned to five equal groups: a control group, a MOEE-administered group (400 mg/kg body weight (bw), daily via gastric tube), a CoCl₂-intoxicated group (300 mg/L, daily in drinking water), a protective group, and a therapeutic co-administered group that received MOEE prior to or following and concurrently with CoCl₂, respectively. The antioxidant status indices (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and reduced glutathione (GSH)), oxidative stress markers (hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and malondialdehyde (MDA)), and inflammatory response markers (nitric oxide (NO), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and C-reactive protein (CRP)) were evaluated. The expression profiles of pro-inflammatory cytokines (nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-kB) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)) were also measured by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The results showed that CoCl₂ exposure was associated with significant elevations of oxidative stress and inflammatory indices with reductions in the endogenous tissue antioxidants’ concentrations. Moreover, CoCl₂ enhanced the activity of the NF-κB inflammatory-signaling pathway that plays a role in the associated inflammation of the kidney. MOEE ameliorated CoCl₂-induced renal oxidative damage and inflammatory injury with the suppression of the mRNA expression pattern of pro-inflammatory cytokine-encoding genes. MOEE is more effective when it is administered with CoCl₂ exposure as a prophylactic regimen. In conclusion, MOEE administration exhibited protective effects in counteracting CoCl₂-induced renal injury in rats.

Copper oxychloride-induced testicular damage of adult albino rats and the possible role of curcumin in healing the damage

The current research study investigated the effect of 80 mg/kg b.wt./day curcumin (cur) against 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg copper oxychloride (COC) for 90 days induced testicular damage using histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical techniques. Histological and cellular abnormalities have been noted in seminiferous tubules of COC-treated group and treated group with Cur- and COC-treated group. The biochemical result showed that serum testosterone was significantly decreased in COC-treated rats and Cur COC-treated rats compared with the control groups. Testes copper content and malondialdehyde was increased, whereas the testes total antioxidant, manganese, ferrous, and zinc levels were decreased (p ≥ 0.05) compared to the control groups. In conclusion, the present work reported that the treatment of rats with 80 mg/kg body weight curcumin prior to treatment with COC did not mitigate the deleterious effects of COC and manifested no signs of protection.

Combination Therapy of Doxorubicin and Quercetin on Multidrug-Resistant Breast Cancer and Their Sequential Delivery by Reduction-Sensitive Hyaluronic Acid-Based Conjugate/d-α-Tocopheryl Poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 Succinate Mixed Micelles

The therapeutic efficacy of chemotherapy in many types of hematological malignancies and solid tumors is dramatically hindered by multidrug resistance (MDR). This work presents a combination strategy of pretreatment of MDA-MB-231/MDR1 cells with quercetin (QU) followed by doxorubicin (DOX) to overcome MDR, which can be delivered by mixed micelles composed of the reduction-sensitive hyaluronic acid-based conjugate and d-α-tocopheryl poly(ethylene glycol) 1000 succinate. The combination strategy can enhance the cytotoxicity of DOX on MDA-MB-231/MDR1 cells by increasing intracellular DOX accumulation and facilitating DOX-induced apoptosis. The probable MDR reversal mechanisms are that the pretreatment cells with QU-loaded mixed micelles downregulate P-glycoprotein expression to decrease DOX efflux as well as initiate mitochondria-dependent apoptotic pathways to accelerate DOX-induced apoptosis. In addition, this combination strategy can not only potentiate in vivo tumor-targeting efficiency but also enhance the antitumor effect in MDA-MB-231/MDR1-bearing nude mice without toxicity or side effects. This research suggests that the co-administration of natural compounds and chemotherapeutic drugs could be an effective strategy to overcome tumor MDR, which deserves further exploration.

Catalpol alleviates adriamycin-induced nephropathy by activating the SIRT1 signalling pathway in vivo and in vitro

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Catalpol, a water-soluble active ingredient isolated from Rehmannia glutinosa, exhibits multiple pharmacological activities. However, the mechanism(s) underlying protection against renal injury by catalpol remains unknown.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

Adriamycin-induced kidney injury models associated with podocyte damage were employed to investigate the nephroprotective effects of catalpol. In vivo, TUNEL and haematoxylin-eosin staining was used to evaluate the effect of catalpol on kidney injury in mice. In vitro, effects of catalpol on podocyte damage induced by adriamycin was determined by elisa kit, flow cytometry, Hoechst 33342, and TUNEL staining. The mechanism was investigated by siRNA, EX527, and docking simulations.

KEY RESULTS

In vivo, catalpol treatment significantly improved adriamycin-induced kidney pathological changes and decreased the number of apoptotic cells. In vitro, catalpol markedly decreased the intracellular accumulation of adriamycin and reduced the calcium ion level in podocytes and then attenuated apoptosis. Importantly, the regulatory effects of catalpol on sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), and the TRPC6 channel were mostly abolished after incubation with SIRT1 siRNA or the SIRT1-specific inhibitor EX527. Furthermore, docking simulations showed that catalpol efficiently oriented itself in the active site of SIRT1, indicating a higher total binding affinity score than that of other SIRT1 activators, such as resveratrol, SRT2104, and quercetin.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Taken together, our results suggest that catalpol exhibits strong protective effects against adriamycin-induced nephropathy by inducing SIRT1-mediated inhibition of TRPC6 expression and enhancing MRP2 expression.

Restoring strategy of ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera leaves against Tilmicosin-induced cardiac injury in rats: Targeting cell apoptosis-mediated pathways

Tilmicosin (Til), an effective macrolide antibiotic, is widely used against respiratory diseases in livestock; however, its treatment is associated with cardiac tissue impairments. In this study, the ethanolic extract of Moringa oleifera (MO) leaves was investigated at two doses (400 and 800 mg/kg body weight [bw], orally) to determine its role in counteracting the effects of Til treatment (75 mg/kg bw) on the cardiac tissue in rats, exploring the oxidative stress-mediated damage and apoptosis. A high dose of MO ethanolic extract elicits considerable changes in the body weight, reduces the mortality rate, neutralizes the impaired cardiac injury markers, improves antioxidant endpoints (total antioxidant capacity, superoxide dismutase, catalase activity, and reduced glutathione level). Also it attenuates the oxidative stress indices (total reactive oxygen species, 8-hydroxy-2-deoxyguanosine, lipid peroxides [malondialdehyde], and protein carbonyl levels) that are associated with Til injection. The co-administration of MO ethanolic extract with Til considerably modulates the expression of apoptosis pathway-encoding genes (Bcl-2, caspase-3, Bax, p53, apoptosis-inducing factor, and Apaf-1), particularly in the high-dose group. Our results support that the concurrent administration of MO ethanolic extract with Til at a dose of 800 mg/kg bw increases the protective activity of the antioxidant system and delays or slows the pathological development of cardiotoxicity mediated by Til injection.