Hepatoprotective effect of rebamipide against methotrexate-induced hepatic intoxication: role of Nrf2/GSK-3β, NF-κβ-p65/JAK1/STAT3, and PUMA/Bax/Bcl-2 signaling pathways

Trifluoperazine mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in mice by modulating the AKT/mTOR-driven autophagy and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling cascades

AIM

This study aims to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of the antipsychotic drug trifluoperazine (TFP) against cyclophosphamide (CPA)-induced hepatic injury by exploring its effect on autophagy and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway.

MAIN METHODS

The hepatotoxicity of CPA was assessed by biochemical analysis of the serum hepatotoxicity markers (ALT, AST, and direct bilirubin), histopathological examination, and ultrastructure analysis by transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The ELISA technique was used to assess the hepatic content of oxidative stress (MDA and SOD) and inflammatory markers (IL-1β and TNF-α). Immunohistochemical assessment was used to investigate the hepatic expression of NF-κB, Nrf2, caspase-3, as well as autophagy flux markers (p62 and LC3B). The mRNA expression of HO-1 was assessed using RT-qPCR. Western blot assay was used to determine the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR.

KEY FINDINGS

TFP improved CPA-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the elevated hepatotoxicity markers, and alleviating the histopathological changes with improving ultrastructure alterations. It also reduced oxidative stress by reducing MDA content and upregulating SOD activity. In addition, it exhibited anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by decreasing NF-κB expression, IL-1β, TNF-α levels, and caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, TFP-induced hepatoprotection was mediated by favoring Nrf2 expression and increasing the mRNA level of HO-1. As well, it improved autophagy by increasing LC3B expression concurrently with reducing p62 expression. Moreover, TFP modulated the AKT/mTOR pathway by reducing the expression of p-AKT and p-mTOR.

SIGNIFICANCE

TFP significantly protected against CPA-induced hepatotoxicity by upregulating Nrf2/HO-1 signaling along with enhancement of protective autophagy via inhibition of the AKT/mTOR signaling pathway.

Vinpocetine mitigates methotrexate-induced duodenal intoxication by modulating NF-κB, JAK1/STAT-3, and RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL signals

OBJECTIVES

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antimetabolite agent widely used to manage a variety of tumors and autoimmune diseases. Nonetheless, MTX-induced intestinal intoxication is a serious adverse effect limiting its clinical utility. Inflammation and oxidative stress are possible mechanisms for MTX-induced intestinal toxicity. Vinpocetine (VNP) is a derivative of the alkaloid vincamine with potent anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. The current study investigated the protective intestinal impact of VNP in attenuating MTX-induced intestinal intoxication in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

VNP was administered orally in a dose of 20 mg/kg, while MTX was injected intraperitoneal in a dose of 20 mg/kg.

RESULTS

VNP administration attenuated drastic histological changes induced by MTX and preserved both normal villus and crypt histology. VNP significantly attenuated oxidative injury by upregulating intestinal Nrf2 and HO-1 expression. VNP attenuated inflammation by reducing MPO, NO2-, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels mediated by downregulating NF-κB, NDAPH-oxidase, IRF3, p-JAK-1, and p-STAT-3 expressions. Moreover, VNP potently counteracted intestinal necroptosis by effectively downregulating RIPK1, RIPK3, MLKL, and caspase-8 proteins.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, VNP may represent a promising approach that can attenuate intestinal toxicity in patients receiving MTX.

Further insights into the impact of rebamipide on gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: modulation of SIRT1 and β-catenin/cyclin D1 pathways

Gentamicin (GM) is an effective antibiotic administered to treat acute Gram-negative infections. Nevertheless, its clinical application is limited due to nephrotoxicity. Therefore, our research aimed to investigate the potential renoprotective impact of rebamipide (RBM), a gastroprotective drug, on GM-induced kidney damage in rats, as well as putative nephroprotective pathways. RBM was orally administered (100 mg/kg/d for 14 d) commencing 7 d before the administration of GM (100 mg/kg/d, intraperitoneally). Nephrotoxicity was elucidated, and the silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and β-catenin/cyclin D1 pathways were assessed. GM induced a significant elevation in the serum levels of creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), as well as the relative kidney index. In addition, GM increased lipid peroxidation and lowered total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. GM administration also demonstrated a significant amplification in tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), nuclear factor-κappa B p65 (NF-κB p65), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and caspase-3 kidney levels, as well as B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2)-associated X protein (Bax)/Bcl-2 ratio. Notably, RBM treatment amended all these changes induced by GM. Furthermore, the potential role of SIRT1 and β-catenin-dependent signaling pathways in GM-induced renal injury was assessed. Our findings showed that GM-treated rats demonstrated a substantial decrease in SIRT1, nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) along with an increase in β-catenin, forkhead box O-3a (FOXO-3a), and cyclin D1 protein expressions. RMB treatment markedly attenuated the deterioration caused by GM on these pathways. Additionally, RBM alleviated the GM-induced deleterious kidney tissue histopathology. In conclusion, our findings have verified that RBM can halt GM-induced renal injury by partly modulating SIRT1 and β-catenin pathways.

Zinc and L-carnitine combination with or without methotrexate prevents intestinal toxicity during arthritis treatment via Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 pathways: an In vivo and molecular docking approach

Methotrexate (MTX) is an antifolate that is inescapable and widely used to treat autoimmune diseases and is the gold standard medicine for the arthritic condition. Despite its importance, it is more prone to gastrointestinal toxicity, which is most common in arthritis patients during MTX treatment. Combination therapies are required to ensure MTX's antiarthritic activity while providing gastrointestinal protection. Zinc (Zn) and L-carnitine (Lc) are well-known potent antioxidants and anti-inflammatory supplements with promising results in pre-clinical studies. Arthritis was induced in Wistar rat's ankles with Freund's adjuvant and treated with either MTX (2.5 mg/kg b.w per week for two weeks) or Zn (18 mg/kg b.w. per day) Lc (200 mg/kg b.w. per day) individually or in combination (MTX + Zn Lc). The antiarthritic effects were evaluated by body weight, paw volume, ankle tissue, and joint histopathology. At the same time, anti-toxicity/gastrointestinal protective activity was examined by tissue oxidative stress markers, antioxidants, mitochondrial function, inflammatory mediators, and antioxidant signaling proteins and their binding mechanism. Repercussions of MTX intoxication induced upregulation of oxidative stress markers, antioxidant depletion, ATP depletion, decreased expression of Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3, and the overexpression of inflammatory mediators attenuated by co-treatment with Zn Lc. Zn Lc markedly mitigated MTX-instigated intestinal injury by activating antioxidant signaling mechanisms Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 signaling and tissue architectural anomalies and exhibited an enhanced antiarthritic effect. In conclusion, we report that Zn Lc and MTX combination could presumably protect the intestine from low-dose MTX which managed arthritis but induced severe intestinal damage with increased inflammation and downregulated Nrf2/Sirt1/Foxo3 pathway.

Targeting SIRT1/FoxO3a/Nrf2 and PI3K/AKT Pathways with Rebamipide Attenuates Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats

Rebamipide is a quinolone derivative that has been commonly used for the treatment of gastric and duodenal ulcers. However, the molecular mechanisms of rebamipide against acetic acid-evoked colitis have not been adequately examined. Hence, the current study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effect of rebamipide in a rat model of acetic acid-evoked ulcerative colitis and the linked mechanisms pertaining to SIRT1/FoxO3a/Nrf2 and PI3K/AKT pathways. Herein, colitis was induced by the intrarectal administration of 3% acetic acid solution in saline (v/v) while rebamipide was administered by oral gavage (100 mg/kg/day) for seven days before the colonic insult. The colonic injury was examined by macroscopical and microscopical examination. The current findings demonstrated that rebamipide significantly improved the colonic injury by lowering the colonic disease activity index and macroscopic mucosal injury score. Moreover, it mitigated the histopathological aberrations and microscopical damage score. The favorable outcomes of rebamipide were driven by combating inflammation evidenced by dampening the colonic expression of NF-κBp65 and the pro-inflammatory markers CRP, TNF-α, and IL-6. In the same context, rebamipide curtailed the colonic pro-inflammatory PI3K/AKT pathway as seen by downregulating the immunostaining of PI3K and p-AKT(Ser473) signals. In tandem, rebamipide combated the colonic pro-oxidant events and augmented the antioxidant milieu by significantly diminishing the colonic TBARS and replenishing GSH, SOD, GST, GPx, and CAT. In the same regard, rebamipide stimulated the colonic upstream SIRT1/FoxO3a/Nrf2 axis by upregulating the expression of SIRT1, FoxO3a, and Nrf2, alongside downregulating Keap-1 gene expression. These antioxidant actions were accompanied by upregulation of the protein expression of the cytoprotective signal PPAR-γ in the colons of rats. In conclusion, the present findings suggest that the promising ameliorative features of rebamipide against experimental colitis were driven by combating the colonic inflammatory and oxidative responses. In perspective, augmentation of colonic SIRT1/FoxO3a/Nrf2 and inhibition of PI3K/AKT pathways were engaged in the observed favorable outcomes.

Candesartan Protects Against Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Syndrome by Affecting Nrf2, NF-κB, Bax/Bcl-2/Cyt-C, and Ang II/Ang 1-7 Signals

Cadmium (Cd) is a serious pollutant in the environment. Candesartan is an angiotensin II (Ang II) receptor antagonist with promising diverse health benefits. The current study is planned to investigate the hepatorenal protective effects of candesartan against Cd-induced hepatic and renal intoxication. Our results demonstrated that candesartan effectively attenuated Cd-induced hepatorenal intoxication, as evidenced by improving hepatic and renal function biomarkers. Besides, candesartan reversed hepatic and renal histopathological abrasions induced by Cd toxicity. Candesartan antioxidant effect was mediated by Nrf2 activation. Also, candesartan suppressed hepatorenal inflammation by modulating NF-κB/IκB. Moreover, candesartan attenuated Cd hepatorenal apoptosis by upregulating Bcl-2 and downregulating Bax and Cyt-C proteins. Interestingly, these effects are suggested to be an outcome of modulating of Ang II/Ang 1-7 signal. Overall, our findings revealed that candesartan could attenuate Cd-induced hepatorenal intoxication through modulation of Nrf2, NF-κB/IκB, Bax/Bcl-2/Cyt-c, and Ang II/Ang 1-7 signaling pathways.

Apocynin abrogates methotrexate-induced nephrotoxicity: role of TLR4/NF-κB-p65/p38-MAPK, IL-6/STAT-3, PPAR-γ, and SIRT1/FOXO3 signaling pathways

The present study was designed to evaluate the potential renoprotective impacts of apocynin (APC) against nephrotoxicity induced by methotrexate (MTX) administration. To fulfill this aim, rats were allocated into four groups: control; APC (100 mg/kg/day; orally); MTX (20 mg/kg; single intraperitoneal dose at the end of the 5th day of the experiment); and APC +MTX (APC was given orally for 5 days before and 5 days after induction of renal toxicity by MTX). On the 11th day, samples were collected to estimate kidney function biomarkers, oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and other molecular targets. Compared to the MTX control group, treatment with APC significantly decreased urea, creatinine, and KIM-1 levels and improved kidney histological alterations. Furthermore, APC restored oxidant/antioxidant balance, as evidenced by a remarkable alleviation of MDA, GSH, SOD, and MPO levels. Additionally, the iNOS, NO, p-NF-κB-p65, Ace-NF-κB-p65, TLR4, p-p38-MAPK, p-JAK1, and p-STAT-3 expressions were reduced, while the IκBα, PPAR-γ, SIRT1, and FOXO3 expressions were significantly increased. In NRK-52E cells, MTX-induced cytotoxicity was protected by APC in a concentration-dependent manner. In addition, increased expression of p-STAT-3 and p-JAK1/2 levels were reduced in MTX-treated NRK-52E cells by APC. The in vitro experiments revealed that APC-protected MTX-mediated renal tubular epithelial cells were damaged by inhibiting the JAK/STAT3 pathway. Besides, our in vivo and in vitro results were confirmed by predicting computational pharmacology results using molecular docking and network pharmacology analysis. In conclusion, our findings proved that APC could be a good candidate for MTX-induced renal damage due to its strong antioxidative and anti-inflammatory bioactivities.

Combination of metformin and hesperidin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Emerging role of PPAR-γ/Nrf-2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as an immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drug. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by its adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity. Both metformin (MET) and hesperidin (HES) have promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, the principal aim of the current study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of MET, HES, and their combinations on the CP-induced hepatotoxicity model. Hepatotoxicity was evoked by a single (I.P) injection of CP (200 mg/kg) on day 7. For this study, 64 albino rats were randomly categorized into eight equal groups; naïve, control vehicle, untreated CP (200 mg/kg, IP), and CP 200 groups treated with MET 200, HES 50, HES 100 or a combination of MET 200 with HES 50 and HES 100 respectively orally daily for 12 days. At the end of the study, the liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and caspase3 were assessed. CP significantly increased serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin, hepatic MDA, NO content, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Otherwise, albumin, hepatic GSH content, Nrf-2, and PPAR-γ expression decreased considerably compared to the control vehicle group. The combinations of MET200 with HES50 or HES100 induced pronounced hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on CP-treated rats. The possible explanation of such hepatoprotective effects may be mediated via upregulation of Nrf-2, PPAR-γ, Bcl-2 expression, hepatic GSH content, and marked suppression of TNF-α and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, the current study showed that combining MET and HES revealed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Fasudil Ameliorates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulation of Redox-Sensitive Signals

Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the most widely used cytotoxic chemotherapeutic agents, and it is used in the treatment of different autoimmune disorders. However, the clinical applications of MTX are limited by its hepatic toxicity. Hence, the present study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of fasudil (Rho-Kinase inhibitor) in the amelioration of MTX hepatotoxicity and the possible underlying mechanisms. Experimentally, 32 male Sprague Dawley rats were used and divided into four groups: control, MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), fasudil (10 mg/kg/day i.p.) for one week, and fasudil plus MTX. It was found that MTX significantly induced hepatitis and hepatocellular damage, as shown by abnormal histological findings and liver dysfunction (ALT and AST), with up-regulation of the inflammatory mediators NF-κB-p65 and IL-1β. Moreover, MTX remarkably disrupted oxidant/antioxidant status, as evidenced by malondialdehyde (MDA) up-regulation associated with the depletion of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels. Moreover, MTX reduced the hepatic expression of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2). On the contrary, the i.p. administration of fasudil significantly ameliorated MTX hepatotoxicity by histopathological improvement, restoring oxidant/antioxidant balance, preventing hepatic inflammation, and improving the hepatic anti-apoptotic capability. Furthermore, fasudil hepatic concentration was determined for the first time using the validated RP-HPLC method. In conclusion, the present study revealed that fasudil has a reliable hepatoprotective effect against MTX hepatotoxicity with underlying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms. It also introduced a new method for the determination of fasudil hepatic tissue concentration using the RP-HPLC technique.

Protective effect of copper II-albumin complex against aflatoxin B1- induced hepatocellular toxicity: The impact of Nrf2, PPAR-γ, and NF-kB in these protective effects

Copper II-Albumin complex (Cu-II-Albumin complex) is a novel therapeutic target that has been used as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-gastrointestinal toxicity. In this study, 40 rats were divided into four groups, normal control (NC), aflatoxicosed group (AF) that received Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) (50 μg/kg of the AFB1 daily for 3 weeks), AFB1-Cu-II-Albumin prophylactic group (AF/CUC-P) that subjected to intermittent treatment between AFB1 and Cu-II-Albumin complex (0.05 g/kg Cu-II-Albumin complex) day after day for 3 weeks and AFB1-Cu-II-albumin treatment group (AF/CUC-T) that received AFB1 for 3 weeks and Cu-II-albumin complex for another 3 weeks. The hepatocellular protective effect of the Cu-II-albumin complex was assessed by evaluating the liver functions markers, hepatic histopathology, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (Nitric Oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA)), apoptotic genes (caspase-3 and tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 [TNF-R1]) expressions, and serological and molecular biomarkers of hepatocellular carcinoma (histamine and Glucose-Regulated Protein 78 [GRP78], respectively). Our finding showed that Cu-II-Albumin Complex administration had restored liver function, oxidative stress levels, enhanced liver tissue recovery, and reduced the expression of the apoptotic genes of the aflatoxicosed rats. In conclusion, the current study results demonstrated the protective effect of Cu-II-albumin complex against AFB1-induced hepatocellular toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The protective effect of Cu-II-Albumin Complex against AFB1-induced hepatocellular toxicity by assessing oxidative stress, liver biomarkers, inflammation, and histological changes of liver tissues. The protective mechanism of the Cu-II-albumin complex was also investigated. More clinical studies are required to evaluate the potential of using the Cu-II-albumin complex as a therapeutic agent against hepatocellular toxicity.

Protective effect of cilostazol and verapamil against thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats may involve Nrf2/GSK-3β/NF-κB signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Verapamil (VER) and cilostazol (Cilo) are mostly used as cardiovascular drugs; they have beneficial effects on different organs toxicities.

AIM

we investigated whether the Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β), and Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway involved in the protective role of these drugs against Thioacetamide (TAA) induced hepatotoxicity.

METHOD

male rats were randomized divided into five groups, each group (n = 10): control, TAA, VER+TAA, Cilo+TAA, and VER+Cilo+TAA groups. Hepatotoxicity induced in rats by TAA injection once on the 7th day of the experiment.

RESULTS

TAA-induced hepatotoxicity indicated by a significant elevated in serum markers (Alanine aminotransferases (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferases (AST), and bilirubin), oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde (MDA), and Nitric oxide (NO)), and protein levels markers (NF-κB, and S100 calcium-binding protein A4 (S100A4)). Also, TAA decreased Nrf2, and increased GSK-3β genes expression. Histopathological alterations in the liver also appeared as a response to TAA injection. On the other hand VER and/or Cilo significantly prevented TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats through significantly decreased in ALT, AST, bilirubin, MDA, NO, NF-κB, and S100A4 protein levels. Also, they increased Nrf2 and decreased GSK-3β genes expression which caused improvement in the histopathological changes of the liver.

CONCLUSION

the addition of verapamil to cilostazol potentiated the hepatoprotective activity, and inhibited the progression of hepatotoxicity caused by TAA through the Nrf2/GSK-3β/NF-κBpathway and their activity on oxidative stress, inflammation, and NF-κB protein expression.

Design, Synthesis, and Biological Evaluation of a Novel VEGFR-2 Inhibitor Based on a 1,2,5-Oxadiazole-2-Oxide Scaffold with MAPK Signaling Pathway Inhibition

Over the past few decades, the development of broad-spectrum anticancer agents with anti-angiogenic activity has witnessed considerable progress. In this study, a new series of pyrazolo[3,4-d]pyrimidines based on a phenylfuroxan scaffold were designed, synthesized, and evaluated, in terms of their anticancer activities. NCI-60 cell one-dose screening revealed that compounds 12a-c and 14a had the best MGI%, among the tested compounds. The target fluorinated compound 12b, as the most active one, showed better anticancer activity compared to the reference drug sorafenib, with IC50 values of 11.5, 11.6, and 13 µM against the HepG-2, A2780CP, and MDA-MB-231 cell lines, respectively. Furthermore, compound 12b (IC50 = 0.092 µM) had VEGFR-2-inhibitory activity comparable to that of the standard inhibitor sorafenib (IC50 = 0.049 µM). Furthermore, the ability of compound 12b in modulating MAPK signaling pathways was investigated. It was found to decrease the level of total ERK and its phosphorylated form, as well as leading to the down-regulation of metalloproteinase MMP-9 and the over-expression of p21 and p27, thus leading to subG1 cell-cycle arrest and, thus, the induction of apoptosis. Additionally, compound 12b decreased the rate of wound healing in the absence of serum, in comparison to DMSO-treated cells, providing a significant impact on metastasis inhibition. The quantitative RT-PCR results for E-cadherin and N-cadherin showed lower expression of the neuronal N-cadherin and increased expression of epithelial E-cadherin, indicating the ability of 12b to suppress metastasis. Furthermore, 12b-treated HepG2 cells expressed a low level of anti-apoptotic BCL-2 and over-expressed proapoptotic Bax genes, respectively. Using the DAF-FM DA fluorescence probe, compound 12b produced NO intracellularly as efficiently as the reference drug JS-K. In silico molecular docking studies showed a structural similarity through an overlay of 12b with sorafenib. Interestingly, the drug-likeness properties of compound 12b met the expectations of Pfizer's rule for the design of new drug candidates. Therefore, this study presents a novel anticancer lead compound that is worthy of further investigation and activity improvement.

Diallyl Disulfide Attenuates Methotrexate-Induced Hepatic Oxidative Injury, Inflammation and Apoptosis and Enhances its Anti-Tumor Activity

BACKGROUND

Methotrexate (MTX) is used potently for a wide range of diseases. However, hepatic intoxication by MTX hinders its clinical use.

OBJECTIVES

The present study was conducted to investigate the diallyl disulfide (DADS) ability to ameliorate MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Thirty-two rats were randomly divided into four groups: normal control, DADS (50 mg/kg/day, orally), MTX (single i.p. injection of 20 mg/kg) and DADS+MTX. Liver function biomarkers, histopathological examinations, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis biomarkers were investigated. Besides, an in vitro cytotoxic activity study was conducted to explore the modulatory effects of DADS on MTX cytotoxic activity using Caco-2, MCF-7, and HepG2 cells.

RESULTS

DADS significantly reduced the increased serum activities of ALT, AST, ALP, and LDH. These results were confirmed by the alleviation of liver histopathological changes. It restored the decreased GSH content and SOD activity, while significantly decreased MTX-induced elevations in both MDA and NO2 - contents. The hepatoprotective effects were mechanistically mediated through the up-regulation of hepatic Nrf-2 and the down-regulation of Keap-1, P38MAPK, and NF- κB expression levels. In addition, an increase in Bcl-2 level with a decrease in the expression of both Bax and caspase-3 was observed. The in vitro study showed that DADS increased MTX antitumor efficacy.

CONCLUSION

DADS potently alleviated MTX-induced hepatotoxicity through the modulation of Keap-1/Nrf-2, P38MAPK/NF-κB and apoptosis signaling pathways and effectively enhanced the MTX cytotoxic effects, which could be promising for further clinical trials.

Effect of l-carnitine supplementation on lead acetate-induced liver cell apoptosis and inflammation: role of caspase-3 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β enzymes

AIM

The study aimed at studying the hepatoprotective effect of l-carnitine against lead (Pb) acetate-induced hepatocellular injury, emphasizing the role of caspase-3 and glycogen synthase kinase-3β in hepatocellular apoptosis and inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Wistar rats were used. The experimental approach involved estimation of the liver enzymes' serum levels. Oxidative and inflammatory biomarkers were measured in hepatic tissue homogenates. Paraffin-embedded hepatic sections were prepared for histopathology and immunohistochemistry. Quantitative determination of the phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta was performed.

KEY FINDINGS

The serum showed a significant elevation in ALT, AST, and LDH; tissue homogenates showed significant elevation in lipid peroxide and inflammatory biomarkers with significant reduction in reduced glutathione in the Pb acetate-treated group. Co-administration of l-carnitine with Pb acetate produced significant reduction in liver enzymes with significant improvement in oxidant, antioxidant and inflammatory markers. Lead acetate treatment significantly reduced the phosphorylated glycogen synthase kinase-3 beta, while l-carnitine enhanced its phosphorylation. Histopathological examination showed inflammatory reaction around blood vessels with fatty degeneration in hepatocytes of the Pb acetate intoxicated group. l-Carnitine caused a decrease in hepatic damage with minimal vascular alterations in central vein. Caspase-3 expression in hepatocytes was decreased in Pb-treated group supplemented with l-carnitine.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our study reveals that oxidative stress and inflammation participate in Pb acetate-induced hepatocellular injury. Glycogen synthase kinase-3β and caspase-3 play role in Pb acetate-induced hepatic damage. l-Carnitine shows significant protective effects against hepatocellular apoptosis and inflammation induced by Pb acetate through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways in part mediated by GSK-3β inhibition.

Hepatoprotective effect of acetovanillone against methotrexate hepatotoxicity: Role of Keap-1/Nrf2/ARE, IL6/STAT-3, and NF-κB/AP-1 signaling pathways

This study targeted to examine the protective effects of acetovanillone (AV) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two rats were allocated into four groups of eight animals; Group 1: Normal; Group 2: administered AV (100 ml/kg; P.O.) for 10 days; Group 3: challenged with MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p; single dose); Group 4: administered AV 5 days before and 5 days after MTX. For the first time, this study affords evidence for AV's hepatoprotective effects on MTX-induced hepatotoxicity. The underlined mechanisms behind its hepatic protection include counteracting MTX-induced oxidative injury via down-regulation of NADPH oxidase and up-regulation of Nrf2/ARE, SIRT1, PPARγ, and cytoglobin signals. Additionally, AV attenuated hepatic inflammation through down-regulation of IL-6/STAT-3 and NF-κB/AP-1 signaling. Network pharmacology analysis exhibited a high enrichment score between the interacting proteins and strongly suggested the intricate and essential role of the target proteins regulating MTX-induced oxidative damage and inflammatory perturbation. Besides, AV increased the in vitro cytotoxic activity of MTX toward PC-3, HeLa, and K562 cancer cell lines. On the whole, our investigation suggested that AV might be regarded as a promising adjuvant for the amelioration of MTX hepatotoxicity and/or increased its in vitro antitumor efficacy, and it could be used in patients receiving MTX.

Hepatoprotective effects of phytochemicals berberine and umbelliferone against methotrexate-induced hepatic intoxication: experimental studies and in silico evidence

Chemotherapeutic drugs are used effectively to manage wide types of malignancies, but their therapeutic use is limited due to their associated hepatic intoxication. The current study sheds light on the effect of phytochemicals berberine (BBR) and umbelliferone (UMB) on methotrexate (MTX)-induced hepatic intoxication. Forty-eight rats were allocated to normal, BBR (50 mg/kg orally for 10 days), UMB (30 mg/kg orally for 10 days), MTX (20 mg/kg at the 5th day), BBR+MTX, and UMB+MTX. With regard to MTX, the results of this investigation reveal potent amelioration of MTX hepatotoxicity by BBR and UMB through reduction of the elevated serum levels of ALT, ALP, AST, and LDH confirmed by the attenuation of histopathological abrasion in liver tissues. BBR and UMB markedly restored antioxidant status. More importantly, BBR resulted in reducing P₃₈ mitogen-activated protein kinase (P₃₈MAPK), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap-1) genes and enhanced mRNA expression of Nrf-2 (P < 0.05). Interestingly, in silico studies via molecular docking pinpointed the binding modes of BBR and UMB to the binding pocket residues of P₃₈MAPK, NF-κB, and Keap-1 and demonstrated a promising inhibition of Keap-1, P₃₈MAPK, and NF-κB. BBR and UMB reduced the expression of pro-apoptotic protein Bax and apoptotic protein caspase-3 as well as increased the expression of anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2. Therefore, BBR and UMB may denote promising therapeutic agents that can avert hepatic intoxication in patients receiving MTX.

An Experimental Study: Benefits of Digoxin on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Methotrexate Treatment

Purpose

The aim of the study is to examine the possible therapeutic effects of a known cardiac glycoside, digoxin, on a rat model of MTX-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods

The study was conducted on twenty-four male rats. While eighteen rats received a single dose of 20 mg/kg MTX to obtain an injured liver model, six rats constituted the control group. Also, the eighteen liver toxicity model created rats were equally divided into two groups, one of which received digoxin 0.1 mg/kg/day digoxin (Group 1) and the other group (Group 2) was given saline (% 0.9NaCl) with a dose of 1 ml/kg/day for ten days. Following the trial, the rats were sacrificed to harvest blood and liver tissue samples to determine blood and tissue MDA, serum ALT, plasma TNF-α, TGF-β, IL-6, IL-1-Beta, and PTX3 levels.

Results

MTX's structural and functional hepatotoxicity was observable and evidenced by relatively worse histopathological scores and increased biochemical marker levels. Digoxin treatment significantly reduced the liver enzyme ALT, plasma TNF-α, TGF-β, PTX3, and MDA levels and decreased histological changes in the liver tissue with MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in the rat model.

Conclusion

We suggest that digoxin has an anti-inflammatory and antihepatotoxic effect on the MTX-induced liver injury model.

Cytotoxicity, anti-angiogenic, anti-tumor and molecular docking studies on phytochemicals isolated from Polygonum hydropiper L

BACKGROUND

According to the recent global cancer statistics, breast cancer is the leading cause of deaths among women with 2.3 million new cases globally. Likewise, cervical cancer is also among the leading causes of mortality among women. Polygonum hydropiper is traditionally known for its cytotoxic effects and several bioactive cytotoxic compounds were isolated from it. This study was aimed to isolate potential anticancer compounds from its most potent fractions and evaluate their anticancer potentials.

METHODS

Based on our earlier studies, active fractions including chloroform and ethyl acetate were subjected to column chromatography for isolation of compounds. Chemical structures of isolated compounds were confirmed via 1H NMR, 13C NMR, mass spectrometry. Purified compounds were tested for cytotoxicity against breast cancer cells (MCF-7), cervical cancer cells (HeLA) and NIH/3T3 fibroblasts cells cultures using MTT assy. Anti-angiogenic potentials of isolated compounds were evaluated via chorioallantoic membrane assay. Anti-tumor studies were done using Agrobacterium tumefaciens induced potato tumor assay. Furthermore, to understand the binding modes of Isolated compounds, molecular docking was performed against EGFR, HER2 and VEGFR using MOE as docking software.

RESULTS

Two bioactive compounds PH-1 (4-methyl-5-oxo-tetrahydrofuran-3-yl acetate) and PH-2 (methyl 4-hydroxy-3-methoxybenzoate) were purified from the active fractions. In cytotoxicity studies, PH-1 exhibited highest cytotoxicity against HeLA cells with 87.50% lethality at 1 mgmL-1 concentration and LD50 of 60 µgmL-1. Likewise, PH-2 showed 82.33% cytotoxicity against HeLA cells with LD50 of 160 µgmL-1. Similarly, PH-1 and PH-2 exhibited LD50 of 170 and 380 µgmL-1 respectively. Moreover, PH-1 and PH-2 were also very potent cytotoxic compounds against NIH/3T3 cells with 81.45 and 85.55% cytotoxicity at 1 mgL-1 concentration and LD50 of 140 and 58 µgL-1 respectively. Isolated compounds exhibited considerable anti-angiogenic potentials with IC50 of 340 and 500 µgL-1 respectively for PH-1 and PH-2. In anti-tumor assay, PH-1 and PH-2 exhibited 81.15 and 76.09% inhibitions with LD50 of 340 and 550 µgL-1 respectively. Both compounds selectively binds with EGFR and HER2 receptors with low binding energies. Both compounds exhibited stronger interactions with VEGFR through binding pocket residues Lys868, Val916 and Asp1046.

CONCLUSIONS

Both compounds cause considerable cytotoxicity against cancer cells. The anti-angiogenic and anti-tumor results suggests additional tumor suppressive properties. Docking analysis suggests that these compound not only has the ability to bind to EGFR and HER2 but also equally binds to VEGFR and may act as potential anti-angiogenic agents.

Berberine and/or zinc protect against methotrexate-induced intestinal damage: Role of GSK-3β/NRF2 and JAK1/STAT-3 signaling pathways

AIM

The present study was undertaken to elucidate the potential protective mechanism of berberine (BBR) and/or zinc (Zn) against methotrexate (MTX)-induced intestinal injury.

METHODS

Five groups of rats were assigned; normal group (received vehicle), MTX group (20 mg/kg; i.p. single dose), and the other three groups received a single daily oral dose of BBR (50 mg/kg), Zn (5 mg/kg), and BBR plus Zn respectively, for 5 days before MTX and 5 days after.

RESULTS

Our results emphasized the toxic effect of MTX on rat's intestine as shown by disturbance of oxidant/antioxidant status, down-regulation of NRF2, SIRT1, FOXO-3, Akt, and mTOR expressions, along with up-regulation of GSK-3β, JAK1, and STAT-3 expressions. Besides, severe intestinal histopathological changes were also observed. On the contrary, BBR and/or Zn produced marked protection against MTX-induced intestinal toxicity via amelioration of oxidative stress, improving NRF2, SIRT1, FOXO-3, GSK-3β, Akt, mTOR, JAK1, and STAT-3 alterations. Moreover, our treatments significantly restored histopathological abnormalities. Interestingly, combination therapy of BBR plus Zn exhibited higher effectiveness than mono-therapy.

SIGNIFICANCE

BBR plus Zn could be used as a novel therapy for the treatment of MTX-induced intestinal damage through modulation of GSK-3β/NRF2, Akt/mTOR, JAK1/STAT-3, and SIRT1/FOXO-3 signaling pathways.

Diallyl disulfide ameliorates methotrexate-induced nephropathy in rats: Molecular studies and network pharmacology analysis

Methotrexate (MTX) is a promising chemotherapeutic agent. Its medical use is limited by induced nephropathy. Our study was designed to explore the reno-protective effect of diallyl disulfide (DADS), an organosulfur compound of garlic oil, on MTX-induced nephropathy. Adult rats were randomly divided into 4 groups; normal control, DADS (50 mg kg^-1  day^-1 , p.o.), MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.) and DADS+MTX. DADS significantly decreased serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, and albumin levels with an improvement of final body weight. Additionally, DADS markedly attenuated MTX-induced elevations in renal MDA and NO 2 - contents with an increase in GSH content and SOD activity. Mechanistically, DADS effectively down-regulated mRNA expression level of renal p38 and NF-κB. Additionally, DADS positively regulated the NRF2 gene with a remarkable inhibition of Keap-1 gene. Furthermore, DADS up-regulated BCL2 protein and remarkably suppressed the expression of both BAX and caspase-3 proteins. Overall, DADS has favorable renal protection against MTX-induced nephropathy via modulation of Keap-1/NRF2, p38/NF-κB, and BCL2/BAX/caspase-3 signaling. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Diallyl disulfide is one of the organosulfur compounds of garlic oil. Our study demonstrated that DADS substantially alleviated the decline of kidney function and renal injury induced by MTX. The antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties may constitute an important part of its therapeutic applications via regulation of p38/NF-κB, Keap-1/NRF2, and BCL2/BAX/caspase-3 signaling pathways. Therefore, DADS could be a potential therapeutic adjunct in cancer chemotherapy to decrease the associated side effects of MTX. It should be further explored clinically as a protective agent for MTX-treated cancer patients.