Protective and antioxidant effects of copper-nicotinate complex against glycerol-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

In vivo evaluation of the toxicity, genotoxicity, histopathological, and anti-inflammatory effects of the purified bioglycerol byproduct in biodiesel industry

BACKGROUND

Biodiesel has gained an increased popularity as a good alternative for fossil fuel because of its unusual qualities as a biodegradable, nontoxic, and renewable diesel fuel. Hence, the economic utilization of the accumulated bioglycerol byproduct became critically important for the sustainability of biodiesel industry. The purified bioglycerol might be used as a valuable industrial stock in cosmetic, medical, and food industries. However, if the purified product is going to be used in food, drug, or any industry that involves its ingestion or skin contact by human or animals, the product should be thoroughly tested on animal models.

RESULTS

The present study investigated the acute toxicity, anti-inflammatory, histopathological, and genotoxic effects of zeolite-purified biogylcerol on different animal models. All the previous tests proved the ability of the purification process to improve the qualities of the crude bioglycerol to a degree comparable to the pharmaceutical grade glycerol.

CONCLUSION

In other words, it could be concluded that zeolite-purified bioglycerol can be used in different industries that involves products consumed by human or animals.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex against fatty liver in rat model

Aim:

The current study was designed to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects of copper-nicotinate complex (CNC) against methionine- and choline-deficient diet (MCDD)-induced fatty liver in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Forty male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into one of four equal-sized groups (G1-G4). The G1 group was fed a balanced diet and kept under normal conditions; the G2 group received CNC orally at a dose of 0.043 mg/kg body weight, 3 times/week for 4 weeks, and a balanced diet; the G3 group was fed an MCDD for 4 weeks; and the G4 group was fed an MCDD and administered CNC at the same dose and route as G2. Blood samples were collected for the determination of serum enzyme activity. After 4 weeks of treatment, liver specimens were collected for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, cytokine gene expression, and histopathological examination.

Results:

CNC improved MCDD-induced liver dysfunctions by recovering serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase activities to their normal levels. The glutathione (GSH) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity significantly decreased, while lipid peroxidation (as reflected by malondialdehyde [MDA]) markedly increased in the liver tissue of the MCDD group. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, the GSH level and SOD activity markedly increased and the MDA level significantly decreased to return to normal levels. After cotreatment with MCDD and CNC, significant downregulation of the mRNA expression of hepatic interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-4, macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 genes was found. Moreover, CNC reduced fatty liver complications by reducing the number of hepatic vacuolations, degenerative changes in the hepatocytes, and hemorrhage.

Conclusion:

CNC has the potential to limit tissue injury and possibly prevent the progression to severe liver disease caused by an MCDD.

Ameliorative effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract on levofloxacin-induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Fluoroquinolones are some of the most common antibiotics used by clinicians all over the world. Levofloxacin, a fluoroquinolone, is used therapeutically in numerous countries; however, it can cause an increase in liver function tests and liver dysfunction. The current study was designed to determine the effect of Levofloxacin (40 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.) daily for 2 weeks) on rat liver function and oxidative stress markers as well as to evaluate the potential hepatoprotective effects of Moringa oleifera leaf extract as a known antioxidant herb. M. oleifera leaf extract was found to improve the hepatic dysfunction induced by Levofloxacin by recovering liver enzymatic activities (alanine aminotransferase [ALT], aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]) to normal levels. The extract also reversed the antioxidant imbalance as measured by catalase and superoxide dismutase activities as well as by reduced glutathione and malondialdehyde levels. Moreover, M. oleifera leaf extract induced anti-inflammation by improving the production of interleukin (IL)-10. Additionally, its presence attenuated the downregulation of IL-1 induced by Levofloxacin alone from hepatic tissue. It can be concluded that M. oleifera extract can help reduce the side effects caused by Levofloxacin administration.