Use of selenium to ameliorate doxorubicin induced hepatotoxicity by targeting pro-inflammatory cytokines

Nano-emulsion based on Santolina chamaecyparissus essential oil potentiates the cytotoxic and apoptotic effects of Doxorubicin: an in vitro study

AIM

This study was aimed at investigating the cytotoxic effect of a novel combination of doxorubicin (DOX) and nano-formulation of Santolina chamaecyparissus L. essential oil (SCEO-NANO) on hepatic (HepG2) and colon (HT29) cancer cell lines.

METHODS

A nano-emulsion was prepared by high-pressure homogenisation, then analysed by zetasizer and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. HepG2 and HT29 cells were used in in vitro tests for apoptosis detection.

RESULTS

Formulated droplet size increased in DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX to 11.54 ± 0.02 with uniform distribution (PDI = 0.13 ± 0.01), when compared with SCEO-NANO (size: 8.91 ± 0.02 nm; PDI = 0.1 ± 0.02). In both cells, DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX led to a considerable reduction in colony formation. Compared to DOX, apoprotein proteins were overexpressed in HepG2 cells, showing increases of 8.66-fold for caspase-3 and 4.24-fold for the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. In HT29 cells, ROS-dependent necrosis and apoptosis were seen. Comparing DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX versus DOX, greater levels of caspase-3 and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio were observed.

CONCLUSION

The DOX@SCEO-NANO/DOX formulation showed potential for targeted eradication of colon adenocarcinoma and hepatocellular carcinoma cells.

Studies on the ameliorative potential of dietary supplemented different dose of selenium on doxorubicin-induced ovarian damage in rat

Doxorubicin (Dox) may induce loss of follicles, resulting in the depletion of ovarian reserve and consequent premature ovarian failure. Selenium (Se) is an oligoelement with fundamental biological features and is among the most common chemical inhibitor compounds. The present study describes the curative effects of dietary supplementation with different Se doses on Dox-induced ovarian damage in rats. In this study, 64 adult female Wistar rats were randomly separated into eight groups: Control group, Dox group (5 mg/kg intraperitoneal [i.p.]), low-dose Se (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), high dose (Se 2 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + low-dose Se group (0.5 mg/kg i.p.), Dox + middle dose Se (1 mg/kg i.p.), and Dox + high-dose Se group (2 mg/kg i.p.). After the experiment, ovarian follicles were counted, and Antimüllerian hormone, interleukin 1 beta, tumor necrosis factor alpha, and caspase-3 expression were determined. Levels of malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase were biochemically measured in ovarian tissue. Dox caused ovarian injury, as evidenced by significant changes in ovarian markers, histological abnormalities, and the debilitation of antioxidant defense mechanisms. Furthermore, Dox therapy significantly changed the expression of inflammatory and apoptotic markers. Dox + 1 mg Se with various saturations was studied, and this study demonstrated both histopathological and follicular reserve and more protective features. 1 mg Se pretreatment improved Dox-induced ovarian toxicity through alleviating the antioxidant mechanism, decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, and restoring ovarian architecture. As a result, our findings indicate that 1 mg Se is a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of ovarian damage associated with Dox.

Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of crocin on the doxorubicin mediated hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

Doxorubicin (DXR) is widely used in cancer treatment. However, it has not yet been possible to prevent the side effects of DXR. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of crocin against DXR used in cancer treatment. For this reason; forty Wistar rats (male-250-300 g) were allocated into four groups (n = 10/group): Control, Crocin, DXR and DXR+Crocin. Control and Crocin groups were administered saline and crocin (40 mg/kg, i.p) for 15 days, respectively. DXR group, cumulative dose 12 mg/kg DXR, was administered for 12 days via 48 h intervals in six injections (2 mg/kg each, i.p). DXR+Crocin group, crocin (40 mg/kg-i.p) was administered for 15 days, and DXR was given as in the DXR group. The results revealed that serum liver markers (alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) increased significantly after DXR administration but recovered after crocin therapy. In addition, lipid peroxidation (MDA), and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α) increased after DXR application and the antioxidative defense system (GSH, SOD, CAT) significantly decreased and re-achieved by crocin treatment. Our results conclude that crocin treatment was related to ameliorated hepatocellular architecture and reduced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation in rats with DXR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Involvement of TRPM2 Channel on Doxorubicin-Induced Experimental Cardiotoxicity Model: Protective Role of Selenium

Doxorubicin (DOXR) is an important chemotherapeutic drug used in cancer treatment for many years. Several studies reported that the use of DOXR increased toxicity by causing an increase in oxidative stress (OS), especially in the heart. In this study, we investigated the protective effect of selenium (Se) and the role of transient receptor potential melastatin-2 (TRPM2) channel activation by using N-(p-amylcinnamoyl) anthranilic acid (ACA) in a model of DOXR-induced cardiotoxicity. Sixty female rats were equally divided into the control, dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), DOXR, DOXR + Se, DOXR + ACA, and DOXR + Se + ACA groups. Glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), caspases (Cas) 3 and 9, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), reactive oxygen species (ROS), poly [ADP-ribose] polymerase 1 (PARP-1), and TRPM2 channel levels were measured by ELISA. In addition, histopathological examination was performed in cardiac tissues and TNF-α, caspase 3, and TRPM2 channel expression levels were determined immunohistochemically. The levels of GSH, GSH-Px, caspases 3 and 9, IL-1β, TNF-α, ROS, PARP-1, and TRPM2 channel in serum, and cardiac tissue in the DOXR group were higher than in the control and DMSO groups (p < 0.05). However, these parameters in Se and/or ACA treatment groups were lower than in the DOXR group (p < 0.05). Also, we determined that Se and/or ACA treatment together with DOXR application decreased the TNF-α, Cas-3, and TRPM2 channel expression levels in the cardiac tissue. The data showed that administration of Se and/or ACA treatment together with DOXR may be used as a therapeutic agent in preventing DOXR-induced cardiotoxicity.

Urolithin A's Antioxidative, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiapoptotic Activities Mitigate Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Injury in Wistar Rats

Human colon microbiota produce a metabolite called urolithin A (URO A) from ellagic acid and linked compounds, and this metabolite has been demonstrated to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities. The current work examines the various mechanisms through which URO A protects against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced liver injury in Wistar rats. In this experiment, Wistar rats were administered DOX intraperitoneally (20 mg kg^-1) on day 7 while given URO A intraperitoneally (2.5 or 5 mg kg^-1 d^-1) for 14 days. The serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) were measured. Hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining was used to evaluate histopathological characteristics, and then antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties were evaluated in tissue and serum, respectively. We also looked at how active caspase 3 and cytochrome c oxidase were in the liver. The findings demonstrated that supplementary URO A therapy clearly mitigated DOX-induced liver damage. The antioxidant enzymes SOD and CAT were elevated in the liver, and the levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, NF-kB, and IL-6, in the tissue were significantly attenuated, all of which complemented the beneficial effects of URO A in DOX-induced liver injury. In addition, URO A was able to alter the expression of caspase 3 and cytochrome c oxidase in the livers of rats that were subjected to DOX stress. These results showed that URO A reduced DOX-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Antioxidant Activity of Cichorium intybus Extract in Concomitant Use with Melatonin Against Doxorubicin-induced Nephrotoxicity

Background: Doxorubicin is preferred to cure many malignancies. Its nephrotoxicity is a dangerous nature that is to operate with a warning. Antioxidants accompanied by anticancer could moderate the various side effects. Objectives: Cichorium intybus (C. intybus) has nephron-protective effects. Melatonin stands as an antioxidant equivalent to others. The repairing effects of C. intybus-melatonin against the toxicity effects of doxorubicin on the kidneys were studied. Methods: Thirty 20 g to 25 g, balb/c mice were divided into 5 identical groups (n: 6). The research was grouped as control saline; DOX with the injection of doxorubicin; Chicory with the administration of the C. intybus complete extract following DOX; melatonin with the administration of the melatonin following DOX; both: with the administration of the chicory and melatonin following DOX. The histopathological study was set to determine degeneration, inflammation, and necrosis. Results: The mean of each histological phenomenon in the control group was significantly lower than in the DOX group. In the histopathology, we saw that all the treating groups, including C. intybus extract-received, melatonin-received, both of them received improved better than the doxorubicin-received group. The best improving mean was seen in the latter group. The DOX-induced nephrotoxicity could be improved by using the C. intybus extract and melatonin synchronously as therapeutic care. Conclusions: Synchronous administration of the chicory and melatonin has a healing potency against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity.

Protective effect of green synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles against Doxorubicin induced multiple adverse effects in Swiss albino mice

AIMS

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used drug against multiple cancers. However, its clinical Use is often restricted due to multiple adverse effects. Recently, Selenium Nanoparticles (SeNPs) are gaining attention due to their low toxicity and higher biocompatibility, making them attractive nanoparticles (NPs) in medical and pharmaceutical sciences. Therefore, the current study aimed to assess if our biosynthesized SeNP from the endophytic fungus Fusarium oxysporum conjugated with DOX could alleviate the DOX-induced adverse effects.

MAIN METHODS

For this purpose, we investigated various genotoxic, biochemical, histopathological, and immunohistochemical parameters and finally analyzed the metabolite profile by LC-MS/MS.

KEY FINDINGS

We observed that DOX causes an increase in reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (ROS, RNS), 8-OHdG, and malondialdehyde (MDA), decreases antioxidant defense systems and reduces BCL-2 expression in cardiac tissue. In addition, a significant increase in DNA damage and alteration in the cytoarchitecture of the liver, kidney, and heart tissues was observed by Comet Tail Length and histopathological studies, respectively. Interestingly, the DOX-SeNP conjugate reduced ROS/RNS, 8-OHdG, and MDA levels in the liver, kidney, and heart tissues. It also restored the antioxidant enzymes and cytoarchitectures of the examined tissues, reduced genotoxicity, and increased the BCL-2 levels. Finally, metabolic profiling showed that DOX reduced the number of cardioprotective metabolites, which DOX-SeNP restored.

SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, the present results describe the protective effect of DOX-conjugated SeNP against DOX-induced toxicities. In conclusion, DOX-SeNP conjugate might be better for treating patients receiving DOX alone. However, it warrants further thorough investigation.

The role of autophagy in paclitaxel and cremophor induced damage to rat testis

The anticancer drug, paclitaxel (PTX), is used to treat a variety of solid tumors, but its effects on normal tissues remain unclear. We investigated the effects of different doses of PTX and its vehicle, cremophor EL, on testis using histochemical, immunohistochemical and biochemical methods. We used 30 adult Wistar albino rats divided randomly into five groups: physiological saline was administered to the control group; the sham 8 group received 8 mg/kg cremophor EL; the sham 16 group received 16 mg/kg cremophor EL; 8 mg/kg PTX was administered to the PTX 8 group; and the PTX 16 group received 16 mg/kg PTX. The cremophore content in PTX groups was the same as in the sham group. All treatments were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) once/week for 4 weeks. Tissue samples were excised 24 h after the last injection. Tissue sections were prepared and hematoxylin and eosin staining was performed to assess testicular morphology. Expression of Beclin-1, LC3A/B and P62 were assessed using immunohistochemistry. Serum and tissue testosterone levels were determined using ELISA. Light microscopy revealed seminiferous tubule damage, irregularities in germinal epithelium and decreased seminiferous tubule diameter in the PTX treated groups. The immunoreactivity of Beclin-1, LC3A/B, and P62 was increased significantly in the PTX groups compared to the control group. Cremophor EL alone damaged the testis, although not as much as PTX. PTX caused significant damage to testicular tissue and increased autophagy of spermatogenic cells; cremophore EL also may play a role in this effect.

Ameliorative Effect of the Combination of the Cichorium intybus Whole Extract and Melatonin on Doxorubicin-induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background: Doxorubicin is anticancer that is a choice for the treatment of many malignancies. The nature of its toxic effects on the liver and other organs is the harmful character that leads to use with caution. Then, it is necessary to supplement an antioxidant with doxorubicin to reduce its side effects. Objectives: Cichorium intybus (C. intybus) is a plant with hepatoprotective effects. Melatonin is an antioxidant similar to vitamins. We investigated the repairing effects of C. intybus -melatonin together against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity. Methods: Thirty balb/c mice in the weight range of 20 g to 25 g were divided into 5 equal groups of 6 animals each. The groups were as Control: normal saline; DOX: doxorubicin; Chicory: chicory whole plant extract + DOX; Melatonin; melatonin + DOX; Both Chicory-Melatonin + DOX. We assessed histopathology to define necrosis, vacuolar degeneration, and inflammation. In addition, we used immunohistochemistry to evaluate the TNFα proving the rate of inflammation. Results: The mean sum of histological grading in the control group was 0.00 in contrast to severe damage of the hepatic parenchyma grading 11.34 in sum. The mean sum grade of the other groups including Chicory, Melatonin, and Both Chicory-Melatonin were 8.17, 4.18, and 2.49, respectively. We found that the increased liver damage and TNF-α expression induced by DOX could be improved by applying therapeutic care with the coadministration of the C. intybus extract and Melatonin. Conclusions: Chicory and Melatonin have a healing ability against doxorubicin-induced hepatic lesions.

Selenium Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity Through Nrf2-NLRP3 Pathway

Selenium (Se), an essential nutrient for humans, has been reported to possess cardioprotective effect. However, the protective effects of Se against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity and the underlying mechanism are rarely reported. In this study, we sought to explore whether Se protected against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting Nrf2-NLRP3 pathway. We found that Se treatment effectively alleviated DOX-induced myocardial dysfunctions, decreasing plasma markers associated with myocardial injury. Moreover, Se treatment significantly inhibited DOX-induced oxidative damages and pro-inflammatory cytokine expression in heart tissues. Furthermore, Se treatment markedly promoted the expression of Nrf2 and prevented the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Importantly, suppression of Nrf2 abolished the cardioprotective effects of Se and diminished the inhibition of Se on NLRP3 inflammasome. Collectively, our study demonstrated that Se might protect against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity via regulating Nrf2-NLRP3 pathway. Se supplementation may be a potential therapeutic strategy to protect against DOX-induced cardiac injury.

Protective effects of melatonin on female rat ovary treated with nonylphenol

We investigated using histochemistry and immunohistochemistry ovarian damage caused by nonylphenol (NP) and the protective effect of melatonin treatment of NP induced ovarian damage. We used 21 female rats divided randomly into three groups: control, NP and melatonin + NP. Histopathological examination of the ovaries, and counting and classification of follicles were performed using Masson's trichrome staining. Expression of anti-Mullerian hormone (AMH), Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 was detected in the ovaries using immunohistochemistry. Melatonin had an ameliorative effect on NP induced follicular atresia and absence of corpora lutea. More follicles were observed in the ovaries of animals treated with melatonin prior to treatment with NP. AMH immunoreactivity was significantly lower in the NP group than in the melatonin + NP group. NP increased immunostaining for Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3. Melatonin significantly reduced the increased expression of Bax, Bcl-2 and caspase-3 due to NP exposure. We found that pretreatment with melatonin is beneficial for protecting the ovaries from damage by NP.

Effect of Short-Term Tacrolimus Exposure on Rat Liver: An Insight into Serum Antioxidant Status, Liver Lipid Peroxidation, and Inflammation

Tacrolimus (TAC) is an immunosuppressive drug, optimally used for liver, kidney, and heart transplant to avoid immune rejection. In retrospect, a multitude of studies have reported effects of TAC, such as nephrotoxicity, diabetes, and other complications. However, limited information is available regarding short-term exposure of TAC on the liver. Therefore, the present study was designed to unravel the effects of short-term exposure of TAC on a rat model. The animal model was established by TAC administration for 6, 12, 24, and 48 h time points. Liver histopathological changes were observed with PAS-D, reticulin stain, and immunostaining of PCNA and CK-7 coupled with glycogen quantification in a liver homogenate. TUNEL assay was performed to evaluate the DNA damage in the liver. Concentration of GSH and activities of SOD and CAT in the serum were measured to assess the antioxidant status, whereas liver tissue MDA level was measured as a biomarker of oxidative stress. Hepatic gene expression analysis of IL-10, IL-13, SOCS-2, and SOCS-3 was performed by RT-PCR. Results revealed marked changes in liver architecture of all TAC-treated groups, as evidenced by sinusoid dilation, hepatocyte derangement, glycogen deposition, and collapsed reticulin fibers. Significant increase in PCNA and CK-7 immunostaining along with the presence of TUNEL-positive cells was revealed in treatment groups as compared to the control group. Serum antioxidant enzyme status was markedly decreased, whereas the liver MDA level was increased in TAC treatment groups indicating oxidative stress induction. The gene expression profile of cytokines was significantly upregulated in treatment groups highlighting an inflammatory response. In conclusion, results of the current study propose that even a short-term TAC exposure can induce change in antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation. Therefore, these factors should be considered to avoid and minimize immunosuppression-related issues in a prolonged course of treatment.