Linalool exhibits therapeutic and protective effects in a rat model of doxorubicin-induced kidney injury by modulating oxidative stress

Natural Solutions to Antimicrobial Resistance: The Role of Essential Oils in Poultry Meat Preservation with Focus on Gram-Negative Bacteria

The increase in antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a major global health problem with implications on human and veterinary medicine, as well as food production. In the poultry industry, the overuse and misuse of antimicrobials has led to the development of resistant or multi-drug resistant (MDR) strains of bacteria such as Salmonella spp., Escherichia coli and Campylobacter spp., which pose a serious risk to meat safety and public health. The genetic transfer of resistance elements between poultry MDR bacteria and human pathogens further exacerbates the AMR crisis and highlights the urgent need for action. Traditional methods of preserving poultry meat, often based on synthetic chemicals, are increasingly being questioned due to their potential impact on human health and the environment. This situation has led to a shift towards natural, sustainable alternatives, such as plant-derived compounds, for meat preservation. Essential oils (EOs) have emerged as promising natural preservatives in the poultry meat industry offering a potential solution to the growing AMR problem by possessing inherent antimicrobial properties making them effective against a broad spectrum of pathogens. Their use in the preservation of poultry meat not only extends shelf life, but also reduces reliance on synthetic preservatives and antibiotics, which contribute significantly to AMR. The unique chemical composition of EOs, that contains a large number of different active compounds, minimizes the risk of bacteria developing resistance. Recent advances in nano-encapsulation technology have further improved the stability, bioavailability and efficacy of EOs, making them more suitable for commercial use. Hence, in this manuscript, the recent literature on the mechanisms of AMR in the most important Gram-negative poultry pathogens and antimicrobial properties of EOs on these meat isolates was reviewed. Additionally, chemical composition, extraction methods of EOs were discussed, as well as future directions of EOs as natural food preservatives. In conclusion, by integrating EOs into poultry meat preservation strategies, the industry can adopt more sustainable and health-conscious practices and ultimately contribute to global efforts to combat AMR.

Linalool may have a therapeutic effect on cadmium-induced nephrotoxicity by regulating NF-κB/TNF and GRP78/CHOP signaling pathways

Cadmium (Cd) is an environmental pollutant heavy metal with nephrotoxic effect. One of the primary constituents of essential oils is Linalool (Lin), a monoterpene having a variety of pharmacological properties including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant effects. The purpose of this study was to ascertain how Lin affected endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and pro-inflammatory mediators in Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. In the experiment, 28 male rats were randomly divided into four equal groups as control (no application), Cd (Cd at a dose of 3 mg/kg for the first 7 days), Cd+Lin (Cd at a dose of 3 mg/kg for the first 7 days and 100 mg/kg/day Lin) and Lin (100 mg/kg/day Lin) (n=7). The experiment was completed on the 15th day after all treatments were performed. Blood serum and kidney tissue samples were used for analyses. Cd-induced histopathological changes, inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis were determined to increase in kidney tissue. However, it was observed that Cd-induced adverse effects in kidney tissue were mainly eliminated by Lin treatment. In conclusion, Lin demonstrated anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic effects in Cd-induced nephrotoxicity. Therefore, we believe that Lin may represent a high potential therapeutic strategy against renal tissue damage.

Monoterpene linalool restrains gentamicin-mediated acute kidney injury in rats by subsiding oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the NF-κB/iNOS/TNF-α/IL-1β pathway and regulating TGF-β

The clinical use of gentamicin (GM) is restricted by its nephrotoxic effects. This study aimed for the first time to elucidate the ameliorative effects of the monoterpene linalool (Lin) against GM-mediated acute kidney injury in rats. A total of thirty-two rats were subdivided into four equal groups: control (saline), Lin (100 mg/kg/day), GM (100 mg/kg/day), and GM + Lin (100 and 100 mg/kg/day). Lin and GM were intraperitoneally administered for 12 days. Our results illustrated that Lin ameliorated GM-mediated renal histopathological abnormalities and reduced serum urea and creatinine levels in rats exposed to GM. Lin treatment mitigated oxidative stress in nephrotoxic animals as manifested by reducing serum and renal levels of malondialdehyde and increasing the activities of serum and renal glutathione peroxidase and renal catalase. Moreover, Lin markedly inhibited GM-triggered inflammation by downregulating NF-κB, iNOS, TNF-α, and IL-1β and reducing renal myeloperoxidase activity and nitric oxide levels. Interestingly, Lin repressed GM-induced apoptosis, as reflected by a marked downregulation of Bax and caspase-3 expression, concurrent with the upregulation of Bcl2 expression. Finally, Lin administration led to a significant downregulation of TGF-β expression in nephrotoxic animals. In summary, Lin ameliorated GM-mediated nephrotoxicity in rats, at least through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities and by modulating TGF-β.

Effects of linalool on postoperative peritoneal adhesions in rats

The current study examines the effects of linalool in preventing postoperative abdominal adhesions. Twenty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups. (1) Sham: in this group, the abdomen was approached, and without any manipulations, it was sutured. (2) Control: rats in this group underwent a surgical procedure to induce adhesions. This involved making three incisions on the right abdominal side and removing a 1×1-cm piece of the peritoneum on the left abdominal side. (3) Treatment groups: these groups underwent the same surgical procedure as the control group to induce adhesions. Animals in these groups received linalool orally with doses of 50 and 100 mg/kg, respectively, for a period of 14 days. Moreover, rats in the sham and control groups received normal saline via gavage for 14 days. The evaluation of TNF-α, TGF-β, VEGF, and caspase 3 was performed using western blot and IHC methods. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers such as MDA, TAC, GSH, and NO were assessed in the peritoneal adhesion tissue. The findings revealed that linalool significantly reduced peritoneal adhesions by reducing TNF-α, TGF-β, VEGF, and caspase 3 levels. Moreover, MDA concentration was significantly decreased, while NO, TAC, and GSH levels were notably increased. Overall, linalool was effective in preventing adhesion formation and reduced inflammation, angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress. Therefore, linalool as a potent antioxidant is suggested for reducing postoperative adhesions in rats.

Investigation of apoptotic effects of Cucurbitacin D, I, and E mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, caspase-3/9, and oxidative stress modulators in HepG2 cell line

Cucurbitacins, natural compounds highly abundant in the Cucurbitaceae plant family, are characterized by their anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective properties. These compounds have potential as therapeutic agents in the treatment of liver cancer. This study investigated the association of cucurbitacin D, I, and E (CuD, CuI, and CuE) with the caspase cascade, Bcl-2 family, and oxidative stress modulators in the HepG2 cell line. We evaluated the antiproliferative effects of CuD, CuI, and CuE using the MTT assay. We analyzed Annexin V/PI double staining, cell cycle, mitochondrial membrane potential, and wound healing assays at different doses of the three compounds. To examine the modulation of the caspase cascade, we determined the protein and gene expression levels of Bax, Bcl-xL, caspase-3, and caspase-9. We evaluated the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), Total, and Native Thiol levels to measure cellular redox status. CuD, CuI, and CuE suppressed the proliferation of HepG2 cells in a dose-dependent manner. The cucurbitacins induced apoptosis by increasing caspase-3, caspase-9, and Bax activity, inhibiting Bcl-xL activation, causing loss of ΔΨm, and suppressing cell migration. Furthermore, cucurbitacins modulated oxidative stress by increasing TOS levels and decreasing SOD, GSH, TAS, and total and native Thiol levels. Our findings suggest that CuD, CuI, and CuE exert apoptotic effects on the hepatocellular carcinoma cell line by regulating Bax/Bcl-xL, caspase-3/9 signaling, and causing intracellular ROS increase in HepG2 cells.

Protective effects of vitamin E against acrylamide-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity from fetal development to adulthood: Insights into Akt/NF-κB and Bcl-xL/Bax signaling pathways

Acrylamide (ACR), a toxin present in fried and baked carbohydrate-rich foods, is known to cause liver and kidney damage. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis that contribute to liver and kidney damage induced by chronic administration of ACR. Additionally, the effectiveness of vitamin E in mitigating these toxic effects was examined. The study initially involved dividing 40 pregnant rats into four groups. After lactation, the research continued with male offspring rats from each group. The offspring rats were divided into Control, Vitamin E, ACR, and ACR + Vitamin E groups. Following ACR administration, liver and kidney function tests were performed on serum samples. Biochemical analyses, evaluation of inflammation markers, histopathological examination, and assessment of protein levels of Akt/IκBα/NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-xL, and Caspase-9 were conducted on liver and kidney tissues. The analysis demonstrated that ACR adversely affected liver and kidney function, resulting in oxidative stress, increased inflammation, and elevated apoptotic markers. Conversely, administration of vitamin E positively impacted these parameters, restoring them to control levels. Based on the results, the mechanism of ACR's action on oxidative stress and inflammation-induced liver and kidney damage may be associated with the activation of apoptotic markers such as Bax and Caspase-9, as well as the Akt/IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathway. Consequently, the protective properties of vitamin E establish it as an essential vitamin for the prevention or mitigation of various ACR-induced damages.

Dexpanthenol protects against nicotine-induced kidney injury by reducing oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway

Dexpanthenol (DEX), a subtype of vitamin B5, plays an important role in anabolic reactions, cellular energy and regeneration in the body. Nicotine has been shown to induce kidney damage through the mechanisms of oxidative stress and apoptosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential protective effects of DEX against nicotine-induced kidney damage through modulation of the AKT/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway. Male rats were intraperitoneally administered with 0.5 mg/kg/day nicotine and/or 500 mg/kg/day DEX for 8 weeks. Following administration, renal function tests were conducted on serum samples, and histopathological examinations and analysis of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant enzymes were performed on tissue samples. Protein levels of Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, Bcl-xL, and Caspase-9 were also evaluated. Nicotine administration resulted in decreased protein levels of p-Akt, Nrf-2, HO-1, and Bcl-xL and increased Caspase-9 protein levels. In addition, nicotine administration caused an increase in MDA, TOS, and OSI levels and a decrease in GSH, GSH-Px, GST, CAT, SOD, and TAS levels. Additionally, BUN and Creatinine levels increased after nicotine administration. DEX administration positively regulated these parameters and brought them closer to control levels. Nicotine-induced kidney injury caused apoptosis and oxidative stress through Caspase-9 activation. DEX effectively prevented nicotine-induced kidney damage by increasing intracellular antioxidant levels and regulating apoptosis through Bcl-xL activation. These findings suggest that DEX has potential as a protective agent against nicotine-induced kidney damage.

First investigation of the chemical composition, antioxidant, antimicrobial and larvicidal activities of the essential oil of the subspecies Ononis angustissima Lam. subsp. filifolia Murb

This study is the first to explore the essential oil of Ononis angustissima Lam. subsp. filifolia Murb., a subspecies growing in the Algerian northeastern Sahara. The chemical composition was evaluated by GC/GC-EIMS. Antioxidant activity was evaluated using two methods. Thirty-four (91.6%) individual components were identified. The main constituents were linalool (12.6%), hexahydrofarnesylacetone (8.4%), β-eudesmol (6.6%), α-cadinol (6.4%) and T-cadinol (6.1%). The findings provide a chemical basis for understanding relationships between North African subspecies, supporting botanical and genetic classification. The oil exhibited moderate scavenging activity against DPPH radicals (IC50 = 102.30 µg/ml) and high activity in the β-carotene bleaching assay (91.346%). Antimicrobial tests revealed effectiveness against Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 and ATCC 43300), limited impact on Gram-negative bacteria (Pseudomonas aeruginosa ATCC 27853 and Escherichia coli ATCC 25922), and good inhibition against Aspergillus niger and Scedosporium apiospermum. A notable larvicidal activity was observed against Date Moth, particularly on L2 larvae.

Dexpanthenol exhibits antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against nicotine-induced liver damage by modulating Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3/9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways

Chronic tobacco use can lead to liver damage and inflammation due to the accumulation of various toxins in the body. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of nicotine-induced liver injury, the caspase cascade, and the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the protective effects of dexpanthenol (DEX). Male rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of nicotine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg/day and/or DEX at a concentration of 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, liver function tests were conducted on serum samples, and tissue samples were analyzed for protein levels of Akt, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, along with histopathological changes. Additionally, assessments of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were carried out. Nicotine administration led to elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index, accompanied by decreased TAS levels. Moreover, nicotine exposure reduced the p-Akt/Akt ratio, increased NF-κB, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 protein levels, and decreased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL levels. DEX treatment significantly mitigated these effects, restoring the parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group. Nicotine-induced liver injury resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways. Conversely, DEX effectively attenuated nicotine-induced liver injury by modulating apoptosis through NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax inhibition, and Bcl-xL activation.

Linalool prevents kidney damage by inhibiting rifampicin-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis

Today, kidney diseases are increasing day by day and life quality is decreasing. In hospitalized patients of all ages, acute kidney injury (AKI) is commonly observed and associated with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Rifampicin (RF) or rifampin is an antibiotic drug from the rifamycin group with a bactericidal effect. RF causes acute kidney injury, often anemia, thrombocytopenia, liver damage and side effect such as cell death. RF causes tissue damage by means of oxidative stress and apoptosis. Thus, in this study, it was examined whether linalool (LN) which had antinociceptive, antimicrobial, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, was beneficial for kidney damage in order to eliminate the side effects of RF. NGAL mRNA, creatinine (Cr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Caspase 9 (CAS-9) and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) levels increased in the group treated with RF compared to the control group, while the levels of albumin, uric acid and total protein were decreased in the RF-treated group. NGAL mRNA, BUN, Cr, CAS-9 and NF-κB levels decreased significantly in RF+LN administered rats, while it was observed that there was an increase in the levels of albumin, uric acid and total protein. From the results obtained, it was observed that LN was determined to be very effective in preventing tissue damage in kidneys caused by oxidative stress by RF.

Anti-Inflammatory and Antimicrobial Properties of Thyme Oil and Its Main Constituents

Thyme oil (TO) is derived from the flowers of various plants belonging to the genus Thymus. It has been used as a therapeutic agent since ancient times. Thymus comprises numerous molecular species exhibiting diverse therapeutic properties that are dependent on their biologically active concentrations in the extracted oil. It is therefore not surprising that oils extracted from different thyme plants present different therapeutic properties. Furthermore, the phenophase of the same plant species has been shown to yield different anti-inflammatory properties. Given the proven efficacy of TO and the diversity of its constituents, a better understanding of the interactions of the various components is warranted. The aim of this review is to gather the latest research findings regarding TO and its components with respect to their immunomodulatory properties. An optimization of the various components has the potential to yield more effective thyme formulations with increased potency.

Linalool attenuated ischemic injury in PC12 cells through inhibition of caspase-3 and caspase-9 during apoptosis

Numerous studies have indicated the pharmacological properties of linalool, a volatile terpene alcohol found in many flowers and spice plants, including anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective activities. The aim of this study was to explore the mechanisms of neuroprotection provided by (±) linalool and its enantiomer, (R)-(-) linalool against oxygen, and glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R) in PC12 cells. PC12 cells were treated with (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool before exposure to OGD/R condition. Cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, malondialdehyde (MDA) level, DNA damage, and the levels of proteins related to apoptosis were evaluated using MTT, comet assay, and western blot analysis, respectively. IC50 values for the PC12 cells incubated with (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool were 2700 and 2600 μM after 14 h, as well as 5440 and 3040 μM after 18 h, respectively. Survival of the ischemic cells pre-incubated with (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool (100 μM of both) increased compared to the cells subjected to the OGD/R alone (p < .001). ROS and MDA formation were also decreased following incubation with (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool compared to the OGD/R group (p < .01). In the same way, pre-treatment with (±) linalool and (R)-(-) linalool significantly reduced OGD/R-induced DNA injury compared to that seen in OGD/R group (p < .001). (±) Linalool and (R)-(-) linalool also restored Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and cleaved caspase-3 and caspase-9 (p < .001, p < .01) following ischemic injury. The neuroprotective effect of linalool against ischemic insult might be mediated by alleviation of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Recent updates on bioactive properties of linalool

Natural products, including essential oils and their components, have been used for their bioactivities. Linalool (2,6-dimethyl-2,7-octadien-6-ol) is an aromatic monoterpene alcohol that is widely found in essential oils and is broadly used in perfumes, cosmetics, household cleaners and food additives. This review covers the sources, physicochemical properties, application, synthesis and bioactivities of linalool. The present study focuses on the bioactive properties of linalool, including anticancer, antimicrobial, neuroprotective, anxiolytic, antidepressant, anti-stress, hepatoprotective, renal protective, and lung protective activity and the underlying mechanisms. Besides this, the therapeutic potential of linalool and the prospect of encapsulating linalool are also discussed. Linalool can induce apoptosis of cancer cells via oxidative stress, and at the same time protects normal cells. Linalool exerts antimicrobial effects through disruption of cell membranes. The protective effects of linalool to the liver, kidney and lung are owing to its anti-inflammatory activity. On account of its protective effects and low toxicity, linalool can be used as an adjuvant of anticancer drugs or antibiotics. Therefore, linalool has a great potential to be applied as a natural and safe alternative therapeutic.