Protective and restorative potency of diosmin natural flavonoid compound against tramadol-induced testicular damage and infertility in male rats

The ameliorating effect of Rutin on hepatotoxicity and inflammation induced by the daily administration of vortioxetine in rats

BACKGROUND

Vortioxetine (VORTX) is a potent and selective type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that is mainly prescribed for treating major depression along with mood disorders as the first drug of choice. Limited previous findings have indicated evidence of liver injury and hepatotoxicity associated with daily VORTX treatment. Rutin (RUT), which is known for its antioxidant properties, has demonstrated several beneficial health actions, including hepatoprotection. Therefore the current study aimed to evaluate and assess the ameliorative effect of RUT against the hepatotoxic actions of daily low and high-dose VORTX administration.

METHODS

The experimental design included six groups of rats, each divided equally. Control, rats exposed to RUT (25 mg/kg), rats exposed to VORTX (28 mg/kg), rats exposed to VORTX (28 mg/kg) + RUT (25 mg/kg), rats exposed to VORTX (80 mg/kg), and rats exposed to VORTX (80 mg/kg) + RUT (25 mg/kg). After 30 days from the daily exposure period, assessments were conducted for serum liver enzyme activities, hepatotoxicity biomarkers, liver antioxidant endogenous enzymes, DNA fragmentation, and histopathological studies of liver tissue.

RESULTS

Interestingly, the risk of liver damage and hepatotoxicity related to VORTX was attenuated by the daily co-administration of RUT. Significant improvements were observed among all detected liver functions, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), total protein, acid phosphatase, N-Acetyl-/β-glucosaminidase (β-NAG), β-Galactosidase (β-Gal), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), caspase 3, and cytochrom-C along with histopathological studies, compared to the control and sole RUT group.

CONCLUSION

Thus, RUT can be considered a potential and effective complementary therapy in preventing hepatotoxicity and liver injury induced by the daily or prolonged administration of VORTX.

The toxic profile of tramadol combined with nicotine on the liver and testicles: evidence from endoplasmic reticulum stress

BACKGROUND

Tramadol is one of the most commonly abused substances in the Middle East. Furthermore, smoking is extremely common among the population.

METHODS

An experimental study was performed on Sprague-Dawley rats to explore the effects of both nicotine and tramadol on the liver and testes. The tramadol was administered at 10 and 20 mg/kg, respectively, while the nicotine was administered at 125 mg/kg. Histological examination and androgen receptor ELISA assay showed mild effects on the liver and proofed safety on the testis. Western blot analysis of BIP (immunoglobulin heavy-chain binding protein) and CHOP (CCAAT-enhancer-binding protein homologous protein) revealed that fewer problems were induced by adding nicotine to tramadol. Autophagy marker LCIII and apoptosis marker caspase-8 showed similar effects to CHOP and BIP on liver samples. The real-time PCR of BIP expression showed similar but not identical results.

CONCLUSIONS

The results showed mild endoplasmic reticulum stress, autophagy, and apoptosis in the liver samples. Histological examination revealed stable spermatogenesis with average androgen receptor blood levels in the different groups.

Mitigative effect of caffeine against diclofenac-induced hepato-renal damage and chromosomal aberrations in male albino rats

BACKGROUND

Among the most commonly consumed non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) is Diclofenac (Dic), especially in low-income countries due to its high efficiency and affordable price. However, the continuous administration of Diclofenac may induce toxic effects on various body organs including the liver and kidney. Caffeine (Caf) (1,3,7-trimethylxanthine) is a pharmacologically active alkaloid type with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory actions.

AIM

The current study aims to evaluate the ameliorative effect of Caffeine against Dic-induced hepato-renal toxicity and damage.

METHODS

Twenty-four male albino rats type were assigned randomly into four groups (n = 6): (Group 1): Control group, (Group 2): Six male rats were exposed to Dic 10 mg/kg intraperitoneally (I.P) for 28 days, (Group 3): Six male rats were exposed to Caf (15 mg/kg orally) for 28 days; (Groups 4): Six male rats were exposed to Dic (10 mg/kg, i.p) + Caf (15 mg/kg, orally) for 28 days. Histopathological study and various biological parameters were estimated among the four groups including hemoglobin (Hb%) red blood cells (RBCs), Hematocrit (HT%), total leucocyte count (WBCs), lipid peroxidation (LPO), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), urea, creatinine, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO).

RESULTS

The administration of Diclofenac resulted in significant deteriorations in the histopathological findings and estimated biological parameters. Whereas, daily Caffeine administration ameliorated Diclofenac-induced toxicity in the kidney and liver by three mechanisms including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and DNA damage inhibition.

CONCLUSION

The current study demonstrated the promising ameliorative and protective effects of Caffeine against Diclofenac-induced hepatic and renal injury.