4-(4-Hydroxy-3-methoxyphenyl)-2-butanone modulates redox signal in gamma-irradiation-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Curcumin-loaded hydroxyapatite nanocomposite as a novel biocompatible shield for male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation hazard

Curcumin (CUR) is well known for its extraordinary benefits as an anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and wound healing agent. However, nano-formulation could maintain and regulate its pharmacological effect. Herein, we report the preparation of CUR/hydroxyapatite nanocomposite (CUR/HA NC) and its application in the protection of male Wistar rats from γ-irradiation carcinogenic consequences. TEM images of the nanocrystalline HA nanoparticles (NPs) had a rod-like form with average dimensions of 40±5 nm in length and 10 ± 5 nm in width. XRD analysis illustrated the formation of a single phase of hexagonal crystalline HA NPs. The presence of the CUR fingerprint is visible in its FTIR spectra of the CUR/HA NC. Biochemical analysis and histological examinations revealed that CUR/HA NC injection does not significantly affect non-irradiation rats compared to the control. However, when injected pre-irradiation, it controls the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6) GSH level, kidney, and liver functions as proved by biochemical histopathological and immunohistochemical findings. This research introduces a novel effective protection modality for the γ-irradiation hazard via biocompatible CUR/HA NC injection.

Modulatory effect of zingerone against cisplatin or γ-irradiation induced hepatotoxicity by molecular targeting regulation

Zingerone (ZO) is an ingredient of ginger (Zingiber officinale) which has different pharmacological properties. The objective of this research was to evaluate the protective effect of ZO against Cisplatin (Cis) or γ-Irradiation (IR)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. ZO was given orally for consecutive 14 days prior to the treatment with Cis or exposure to IR at 15th day. Animals were sacrificed at the 23rd day. Cis or IR induced a marked increase in MAPK signal transduction as evidenced by increased p38 MAPK, JNK and ErK1/2. CYP2E1 and NADPH oxidase were significantly up-regulated. Inflammatory markers (TLR4, iNOS, COX-2 and MPO) and liver enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) activities were also increased. Administration of ZO significantly ameliorated the above mentioned parameters.

Possible curative role of curcumin and silymarin against nephrotoxicity induced by gamma-rays in rats

Curcumin (CUR) and silymarin (SLM) are powerful antioxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds with beneficial protective effects against renal diseases. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of CUR and SLM alone or in combination on radiation (IR) induced kidney injury. The results showed that CUR and SLM alone or in combination attenuated the oxidative stress denoted by a reduction in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) along with a marked increase of glutathione GSH content and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Additionally, a significant decrease in the level of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, Cystatin-C (CYT-C), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (N-GAL) and Kidney Injury Molecule-1 (Kim-1) was recorded. Moreover, the treatment resulted in a remarkable decline in the serum levels of interleukin-18(IL-18), tumor necrosis factor- alpha (TNF-α), C reactive protein (CRP), BCL2 associated X protein (Bax), Factor-related Apoptosis (FAS) and the activity of Caspase-3 associated by an increase of B-cell CLL/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) level. The results were confirmed with the histopathological examination. Kidney of irradiated showed glomerular atrophy, massive necrotic changes of expanded tubules with hyaline cast inside some tubules and apoptotic changes were recorded in some renal tubules. While irradiated rats treated with CUR and SLM exhibited marked preservation of the cellular structure of their kidney tissue. In conclusion, the combination of CUR and SLM could be more potent than a single agent on the biochemical and histological changes of the irradiated rat renal tissue.

Changes in the Selected Antioxidant Defense Parameters in the Blood of Patients after High Resolution Computed Tomography

Ionizing radiation generated during high resolution computed tomography (HRCT) scanning may have an indirect effect on the mechanisms regulating the oxidative-antioxidant balance in the human body, which is one of the necessary factors ensuring the maintenance of its homeostasis. The aim of the study was to analyze the response of antioxidant systems through the determination of the antioxidant markers in the blood of patients exposed to oxidative stress resulting from the routine HRCT examination of the chest. Blood of 35 people aged 60.77 ± 10.81 taken before and at four time points after the examination constituted the test material. The determination of the total antioxidant capacity expressed as ferric reducing ability of plasma (FRAP) and ferric reducing antioxidant activity and ascorbic acid concentration (FRASC) were performed together with an examination of catalase activity and the concentration of the reduced glutathione. The organism’s response to ionizing radiation was associated with a significant decrease in the antioxidant markers’ levels at all time-points and showed a significant negative correlation depending on the radiation dose. Visible down-regulation of these markers is a response to increased oxidative stress. In light of the obtained results, the measurement of the selected markers of antioxidant defense may be a useful parameter of oxidative stress caused by ionizing radiation.

Platelet-rich plasma ameliorates gamma radiation-induced nephrotoxicity via modulating oxidative stress and apoptosis

AIMS

As a source of growth factors and with its cytoprotective properties, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) received considerable attention in regenerative medicine. Thus, this study was designed to evaluate the protective efficacy of PRP against γ-radiation-induced nephrotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

Forty male rats were distributed in four groups: 1) control, 2) PRP, 3) Radiation, and 4) PRP + radiation. Nephrotoxicity was examined in rats after a whole body γ-irradiation at a single dose of 8 Gy. Activated PRP (0.5 ml/kg BW) was injected subcutaneously twice weekly for three successive weeks prior to γ-irradiation. At the end of the experiment, creatinine, urea, albumin, and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) serum levels, as well as renal relative gene expression level of kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) were estimated. Further, malondialdehyde level, nitric oxide content and reduced glutathione content in addition to superoxide dismutase and catalase activities were measured. Moreover, the expression levels of B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), and caspase-3 proteins were assayed.

KEY FINDINGS

PRP pre-treatment significantly reduced the radiation-induced abnormalities in kidney histology and attenuated the induced cell injury. Furthermore, PRP notably ameliorated the state of oxidative stress and appeared to inhibit the induced apoptosis.

SIGNIFICANCE

This study lends a probable protective role of PRP against γ-radiation-induced nephrotoxicity which can highlight the possibilities of its application as a complementary procedure during radiotherapy.