Effect of nebivolol on altered skeletal and cardiac muscles induced by dyslipidemia in rats: impact on oxidative and inflammatory machineries

Nebivolol protects the liver against lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum-related apoptosis through Chop and Bip/GRP78 signaling

This study aimed to examine the protective role of nebivolol (NEB) on liver tissue against the lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced sepsis model in rats by targeting endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-related binding immunoglobulin protein (Bip), CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (Chop) signaling pathways. Four groups, each comprising eight rats, were established: control, LPS, LPS + NEB, and NEB. Biochemical analyses included total oxidant status (TOS), serum aspartate transaminase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels. Additionally, genetic assessments involved Chop and Bip/GRP78 mRNA expression levels, while histopathological examinations were conducted. Immunohistochemistry was used to determine interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 β) and caspase-3 levels. The LPS group exhibited significantly higher AST, ALT, oxidative stress index, and TOS levels compared to the control group. Moreover, the LPS group demonstrated markedly increased Chop and Bip/GRP78 mRNA expression compared to the control group. Immunohistochemical analysis of the LPS group revealed significant upregulation in IL-1β and caspase-3 expressions compared to the control group. Additionally, the LPS group showed significant hyperemia, mild hemorrhage, and inflammatory cell infiltrations. Comparatively, the LPS+NEB group exhibited a reversal of these alterations when compared to the LPS group. Collectively, our findings, suggest that NEB holds promise as a treatment in conditions where oxidative damage, inflammation, and ER stress-related apoptosis play significant roles in the pathogenesis.

Protective effect of grape seed extract against chronic physical stress-induced zona fasciculata injury in male rats: Functional, immunohistochemical and electron microscopic study

In the present study, we investigated the antioxidant effect of grape seed extract (GSE) against chronic immobilization stress-induced zona fasciculata injury in Wistar male rats. Thirty male rats were divided into three groups: Non-stress group: rats were not subjected to stress protocol and received distilled water orally for 30 days. Stress group: rats received distilled water orally for 15 consecutive days before the induction of chronic immobilization stress experiment (repeated stress for 15 consecutive days), distilled water was continued along with the constant stress experiment. GSE-stress group: rats treated with oral GSE (300 mg/kg), administered orally for 15 consecutive days before the induction of chronic immobilization stress experiment (repeated stress for 15 consecutive days), GSE was continued along with the stress exposure. Chronic stress was induced by placing each animal in a restrainer for 2 h daily for 15 consecutive days in both Stress and GSE-stress groups. The serum corticosterone and adrenal cortex malondialdehyde (MDA) levels were measured as indices of stress. Immunohistochemistry of the inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as a nitrosative stress marker beside the adrenal cortex's ultrastructure, particularly zona fasciculata, was assessed. Chronic restraint stress significantly elevated the serum corticosterone and adrenal cortex MDA levels, while oral administration of GSE reduced the serum corticosterone level, adrenal cortex MDA levels, and iNOS immunoreactivity in zona fasciculata. Besides, adrenocortical ultrastructure significantly improved. These results suggested that GSE enhanced the antioxidant defense against reactive oxygen species produced under chronic stress conditions, protecting the adrenal cortex.