Diallyl sulfide alleviates cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via suppressing NF-κB downstream inflammatory proteins and p53/Puma signalling pathway

Diallyl trisulfide and its active metabolite allyl methyl sulfone attenuate cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by inhibiting the ROS/MAPK/NF-κB pathway

Cisplatin, a chemotherapy medication employed in the treatment of various solid tumors, is constrained in its clinical application due to nephrotoxicity. Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), a compound derived from garlic that possessed anticancer and antioxidant properties, can be combined with cisplatin without hindering its antitumor effects. The present investigation examined the defensive properties of DATS and its active metabolites against renal dysfunction caused by cisplatin. We created a mouse model to study renal injury caused by cisplatin and assessed kidney histology, immunochemistry, and serum cytokines. DATS treatment effectively reduced the pathological changes caused by cisplatin by decreasing the levels of renal function markers BUN, CRE, cystatin C, NGAL, inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6, and the protein expression of α-SMA, NF-κB, KIM-1. A pharmacokinetic evaluation of DATS found that allyl methyl sulfone (AMSO2) was the most abundant and persistent metabolite of DATS in vivo. Then, we examined the impact of AMSO2 on cell viability, apoptosis, ROS generation, and MAPK/NF-κB pathways in HK-2 cells treated with cisplatin. Cotreatment with AMSO2 effectively hindered the HK-2 cells alterations induced by cisplatin. Furthermore, AMSO2 mitigated oxidative stress through the modulation of MAPK and NF-κB pathways. Our findings indicated that DATS and its active derivative AMSO2 attenuated cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. DATS shows potential as a viable treatment for nephrotoxicity caused by cisplatin.

The Role of Gasotransmitter-Dependent Signaling Mechanisms in Apoptotic Cell Death in Cardiovascular, Rheumatic, Kidney, and Neurodegenerative Diseases and Mental Disorders

Cardiovascular, rheumatic, kidney, and neurodegenerative diseases and mental disorders are a common cause of deterioration in the quality of life up to severe disability and death worldwide. Many pathological conditions, including this group of diseases, are based on increased cell death through apoptosis. It is known that this process is associated with signaling pathways controlled by a group of gaseous signaling molecules called gasotransmitters. They are unique messengers that can control the process of apoptosis at different stages of its implementation. However, their role in the regulation of apoptotic signaling in these pathological conditions is often controversial and not completely clear. This review analyzes the role of nitric oxide (NO), carbon monoxide (CO), hydrogen sulfide (H₂S), and sulfur dioxide (SO₂) in apoptotic cell death in cardiovascular, rheumatic, kidney, and neurodegenerative diseases. The signaling processes involved in apoptosis in schizophrenia, bipolar, depressive, and anxiety disorders are also considered. The role of gasotransmitters in apoptosis in these diseases is largely determined by cell specificity and concentration. NO has the greatest dualism; scales are more prone to apoptosis. At the same time, CO, H₂S, and SO₂ are more involved in cytoprotective processes.

Liraglutide ameliorates gentamicin-induced acute kidney injury in rats via PGC-1α- mediated mitochondrial biogenesis: Involvement of PKA/CREB and Notch/Hes-1 signaling pathways

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a challenging side effect which may clinically impede the use of gentamicin (GM). The present study explored the impact of liraglutide (Lir) on GM-induced kidney injury in rats. Lir (0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, s.c) was given for 10 days (a dose/day) starting 3 days before giving GM (100 mg/kg, i.p) once daily for 7 days. Interestingly, Lir notably ameliorated GM-induced elevated levels of renal injury markers; urea and creatinine. Moreover, Lir remarkably mitigated malondialdehyde (MDA) level and elevated glutathione (GSH) level as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. Also, Lir pre-treatment notably diminished inflammatory markers levels; interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM), monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) and interferon gamma (INF-γ). In addition, Lir significantly replenished expression of Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1alpha (PGC-1α), Protein kinase A (PKA), cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB), nuclear Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and remarkably attenuated expression of Notch homolog 1 (Notch1), Hairy and enhancer of split-1 (Hes-1), Bcl-2-associated X (Bax), cleaved caspase 3 and nuclear Nuclear factor Kappa B (NF-κB (p65)). The nephroprotective activity of Lir was further confirmed by histopathological examination as well as transmission electron microscopy (TEM). In conclusion Lir achieved its nephroprotective effects through the amelioration of oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic manifestations. It is worth-mentioning that the current study is the first to focus on the involvement of mitochondrial biogenesis and its upstream regulators, PKA/CREB and Notch/Hes-1 signaling pathways in the nephroprotective potentials of Lir. The attenuation of the aforementioned injurious aspects is partially attributed to the improvement of the mitochondrial status as demonstrated by elevated PGC-1α expression via acceleration of PKA/CREB and abatement of Notch/Hes-1 signaling pathways.

Consumption of oil macerated with garlic produces renovascular protective effects in adult apolipoprotein E-deficient mice

Oxidative stress and chronic inflammatory conditions contribute as key determinants in the development of vascular and renal diseases. Organosulfur compounds (OSCs) of oil macerated with garlic (OMG) are promising phytochemicals which could protect us from hyper-inflammation and oxidative stress-induced organ damage. The present work evaluated the effect of OMG intake in apolipoprotein E-knockout (ApoE-KO) mice. Adult female ApoE-KO mice were randomly divided into three groups and fed with control chow, oil-supplemented diet and OMG-supplemented diet. After 8 weeks, the animals were euthanized and blood, aorta, kidneys, liver and abdominal adipose tissues were obtained for further analysis. Biochemical parameters were measured in plasma, lipid peroxidation as malondialdehyde (MDA) levels was determined in the adipose tissue, oil red O was used to stain atherosclerotic lesions, and histological and ultrastructural analyses of the kidneys were performed. Renal expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor α (TNF-α), Interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Wilms' Tumor Protein (WT-1) were determined by western blotting and the co-immunoprecipitation assay (p53/WT-1). Also, transmission electron microscopy for studying the expression of mitofusin 2 (Mfn-2) was used to assess mitochondrial damage. The results showed that long-term moderate intake of OMG improved serum triglyceride levels, diminished the atheroma plaque area, and reduced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, we found a decrease in oxidative and inflammatory markers, less apoptosis and reduced WT-1 expression in the kidneys. Also, OMG increased p53/WT-1 protein interactions and reduced mitochondrial damage. Our findings suggest that OMG intake would produce anti-atherosclerotic, antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects in adult ApoE-KO mice, conferring significant renovascular protective actions in a mechanism mediated, at least in part, by WT-1.

Roles of Hydrogen Sulfide Donors in Common Kidney Diseases

Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) plays a key role in the regulation of physiological processes in mammals. The decline in H₂S level has been reported in numerous renal disorders. In animal models of renal disorders, treatment with H₂S donors could restore H₂S levels and improve renal functions. H₂S donors suppress renal dysfunction by regulating autophagy, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation through multiple signaling pathways, such as TRL4/NLRP3, AMP-activated protein kinase/mammalian target of rapamycin, transforming growth factor-β1/Smad3, extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1/2, mitogen-activated protein kinase, and nuclear factor kappa B. In this review, we summarize recent developments in the effects of H₂S donors on the treatment of common renal diseases, including acute/chronic kidney disease, renal fibrosis, unilateral ureteral obstruction, glomerulosclerosis, diabetic nephropathy, hyperhomocysteinemia, drug-induced nephrotoxicity, metal-induced nephrotoxicity, and urolithiasis. Novel H₂S donors can be designed and applied in the treatment of common renal diseases.

Diallyl trisulfide, a H2 S donor, inhibits cell growth of human papillary thyroid carcinoma KTC-1 cells through a positive feedback loop between H2 S and cystathionine-gamma-lyase

Diallyl trisulfide (DATS), derived from garlic, is a well-known hydrogen sulfide (H₂ S) donor. H₂ S has recently emerged as a novel gasotransmitter involved in the regulation of cancer progression. The present study demonstrated that DATS along with other two H₂ S donors, NaHS and GYY4137, significantly inhibited papillary thyroid carcinoma KTC-1 cells growth. DATS treatment triggered a rapid H₂ S generation within 5 min in KTC-1 cells. Iodoacetamide, a potent thiol blocker reagent, partially rescued the cell membrane damage and ultimate cell death induced by DATS, indicating H₂ S contributed to the apoptosis-inducing efficacy of DATS on thyroid cancer cells. Specifically, DATS treatment significantly upregulated the expression and enzymatic activity of cystathionine gamma-lyase (CTH), one of H₂ S-producing enzymes, which was responsible for endogenous H₂ S generation. After DATS treatment, H₂ S quickly permeated cell membranes and activated NF-κΒ/p65 signaling pathway in KTC-1 cells. Nuclear translocated NF-κB bound to the promoter of CTH to enhance its transcription. These evidences proved that exogenous H₂ S elevated CTH expression. CTH, in turn, catalytically generated a much higher level of endogenous H₂ S. This positive feedback sustained excess H₂ S production, which resulted in PTC cells growth inhibition. These findings may shed light on the development of novel H₂ S-based antitumor agents.

Protective effect of diallyl sulfide against lead-mediated oxidative damage, apoptosis and down-regulation of CYP19 gene expression in rat testes

AIMS

The present study aimed to investigate the potential therapeutic effect of diallyl sulfide (DAS), a natural component of garlic (Allium sativum), in the improvement of lead (Pb)-induced testicular toxicity and its underlying mechanisms.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty-two male albino rats were randomly divided into control, PbAc (20 mg lead acetate/kg bwt, orally), DAS (200 mg/kg bwt, orally), and PbAc + DAS groups for 49 successive days. The investigation based on the following criteria: Paired testes and epididymides weights, epididymal sperm analysis, level of serum sex hormones (Testosterone and17β-estradiol (E2)), aromatase (CYP19) expression, Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, reduced glutathione (GSH), testicular histopathology, spermatogenesis score and apoptosis detection (Caspase-3 immunoexpression).

KEY FINDINGS

Pb caused significant decline in epididymal sperm count and motility, testes and epididymes weights, spermatogenesis score and serum testosterone and1E2, as well as a significant decrease in SOD and GSH level, and a significant elevation of MDA and NO compared to a control group. In addition, Pb induced significant downregulation of CYP19 gene expression, increase of Caspase-3 immunoreactivity, various testicular degenerative and necrotic changes. Whereas, co-treatment of rats with DAS improved sperm analysis, and testicular histology and antioxidative status. Furthermore, DAS co-administration regulated testicular CYP19 and Caspase-3 expressions.

SIGNIFICANCE

Collectively, DAS seemed to be a promising agent for protection against Pb-induced testicular toxicity through antioxidative properties, beside regulation of testicular apoptosis and aromatase expression.