Loranthus micranthus nanoparticles abates streptozotocin-instigated testicular dysfunction in Wistar rats: Involvement of glucose metabolism enzymes, oxido-inflammatory stress, steroidogenic enzymes/protein and Nrf2 pathway

The Nrf2/ARE pathway as a potential target to ameliorate atrazine-induced endocrine disruption in granulosa cells

Atrazine (ATR) is widely used worldwide as a commercial herbicide, Diaminochlorotriazine (DACT) is the main metabolite of ATR in the organism. Both of them disrupt the production of steroids and induce abnormal reproductive development. The granulosa cells (GCs) are important for growth and reproduction of animals. However, the toxicity of ATR on the GCs of birds is not well clarified. To evaluate the effect of the environmental pollutant ATR on bird GCs. The quail GCs were allotted into 7 groups, C (The medium of M199), A20 (20 µM ATR), A100 (100 µM ATR), A250 (250 µM ATR), D20 (20 µM DACT), D100 (100 µM DACT) and D200 (200 µM DACT). The results demonstrated that ATR reduced the viability of GCs, disrupted mitochondrial structure (including mitochondrial cristae fragmentation and the mitochondrial morphology disappearance) and decreased mitochondrial membrane potential. Meanwhile, ATR interfered with the expression of key factors in the steroid synthesis pathway, inducing the secretion of the sex hormones E2 and P in GCs. which in turn induced apoptosis. Furthermore, the Nrf2/ARE pathway as a potential target to ameliorate ATR-induced endocrine disruption in GCs for proper reproductive functions. Our research provides a new perspective for understanding the effects of ATR on reproductive functions in birds.

Immunomodulatory effects of epiphytic Loranthus micranthus leaf extracts collected from two host plants: Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa

BACKGROUND

Immunological abnormalities are implicated in the pathogenesis of many chronic diseases. Due to the drug-related adverse effects of currently available orthodox immunomodulators, natural immunomodulators are being looked upon as potential agents to replace them in therapeutic regimens. This research aimed to investigate the immunomodulatory potential of L. micranthus extracts epiphytic on Psidium guajava (LMPGE) and Parkia biglobosa (LMPBE).

METHODS

Phytochemical screening and acute toxicity testing were carried out to identify the phytoconstituents and safety profiles of the extracts. The extracts' innate and adaptive immunomodulatory potentials were determined in experimental animals using in vivo leucocyte mobilization, delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) response, hemagglutination antibody titre, and cyclophosphamide-induced myelosuppression models. Levamisole was used as the standard drug throughout the study.

RESULTS

Compared to LMPBE, LMPGE contained significantly (p <  0.05) more tannins, cyanogenic glycosides, saponins, reducing sugars, glycosides, flavonoids, and alkaloids. Furthermore, the groups treated with the extracts had a significant (p <  0.05) increase in the total number of leucocytes, neutrophils, basophils, and antibody titers relative to the untreated control. In the same way, the treatment raised TLC in cyclophosphamide-intoxicated rats, with 250 mg/kg b. w. of LMPGE and LMPBE recording 9712.50 ± 178.00 and 8000.00 ± 105.00 ×  109 /L, respectively, compared to 3425.00 ± 2 5.00 × 109 /L in the untreated group. Overall, LMPGE was more effective.

CONCLUSIONS

The findings from this study suggest that L. micranthus epiphytic in Psidium guajava and Parkia biglobosa has possible immune stimulating potential.

Association of nanoparticles and Nrf2 with various oxidative stress-mediated diseases

Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is a transcription factor that regultes the cellular antioxidant defense system at the posttranscriptional level. During oxidative stress, Nrf2 is released from its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) and binds to antioxidant response element (ARE) to transcribe antioxidative metabolizing/detoxifying genes. Various transcription factors like aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) and nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-kB) and epigenetic modification including DNA methylation and histone methylation might also regulate the expression of Nrf2. Despite its protective role, Keap1/Nrf2/ARE signaling is considered as a pharmacological target due to its involvement in various pathophysiological conditions such as diabetes, cardiovascular disease, cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, hepatotoxicity and kidney disorders. Recently, nanomaterials have received a lot of attention due to their unique physiochemical properties and are also used in various biological applications, for example, biosensors, drug delivery systems, cancer therapy, etc. In this review, we will be discussing the functions of nanoparticles and Nrf2 as a combined therapy or sensitizing agent and their significance in various diseases such as diabetes, cancer and oxidative stress-mediated diseases.

Exploring Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in testicular dysfunction

Testicular dysfunction, a major contributory factor to infertility, has received a lot of attention over the recent years. Several studies have linked abnormal sperm function and morphology with an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional response to cellular stresses (intrinsic or extrinsic) that regulates the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteostasis. In this review, the therapeutic role of Nrf2 was explored. To do so, scientific data were retrieved from databases such as Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar using search terms such as "Nrf2" and "testis," "sperm," "testicular function," and "testosterone." It has been noted that Nrf2 influences the physiology and pathology of testicular dysfunction, especially in the spermatogenic process, by regulating cellular resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental toxicants. However, numerous compounds serve as activators and inhibitors of testicular Nrf2. Nrf2 activators might play a therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of testicular dysfunction, while molecules that inhibit Nrf2 might induce dysfunction in testis components. Nrf2 activators protect cells against oxidative damage and activate Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling which promotes its movement to the nucleus, and increased Nrf2 function and expression, along with their downstream antioxidant gene. Nrf2 inhibitors facilitate oxidative stress via interfering with the Nrf2 signal pathway. The Nrf2 activation could serve as a promising therapeutic target for testicular dysfunction. This review explored the effect of Nrf2 on testicular function while highlighting potential activators and inhibitors of Nrf2.

Cucumber-Derived Exosome-like Vesicles and PlantCrystals for Improved Dermal Drug Delivery

(1) Background: Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are considered to be efficient nanocarriers for improved drug delivery and can be derived from mammalian or plant cells. Cucumber-derived EVs are not yet described in the literature. Therefore, the aim of this study was to produce and characterize cucumber-derived EVs and to investigate their suitability to improve the dermal penetration efficacy of a lipophilic active ingredient (AI) surrogate. (2) Methods: The EVs were obtained by classical EVs isolation methods and by high pressure homogenization (HPH). They were characterized regarding their physico-chemical and biopharmaceutical properties. (3) Results: Utilization of classical isolation and purification methods for EVs resulted in cucumber-derived EVs. Their dermal penetration efficacy for the AI surrogate was 2-fold higher when compared to a classical formulation and enabled a pronounced transdermal penetration into the viable dermis. HPH resulted in submicron sized particles composed of a mixture of disrupted plant cells. A successful isolation of pure EVs from this mixture was not possible with classical EVs isolation methods. The presence of EVs was, therefore, proven indirectly. For this, the lipophilic drug surrogate was admixed to the cucumber juice either prior to or after HPH. Admixing of the drug surrogate to the cucumber prior to the HPH resulted in a 1.5-fold increase in the dermal penetration efficacy, whereas the addition of the AI surrogate to the cucumber after HPH was not able to improve the penetration efficacy. (4) Conclusions: Results, therefore, indicate that HPH causes the formation of EVs in which AI can be incorporated. The formation of plant EVs by HPH was also indicated by zeta potential analysis.

Selenium nanoparticles and metformin ameliorate streptozotocin-instigated brain oxidative-inflammatory stress and neurobehavioral alterations in rats

Selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) are well reported to exhibit pharmacological activities both in vitro and in vivo. However, literature is devoid of studies on the impact of SeNPs and/or metformin (M) against streptozotocin (STZ)-mediated oxidative brain injury and behavioral impairment. Consequently, to fill this gap, diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by feeding with 10% fructose solution for 2 weeks, followed by a single dose intraperitoneal injection of STZ (40 mg/kg body weight [bwt]). After rats were confirmed diabetic, they were treated orally with 0.1 mg/kg bwt of SeNPs ± M (50 mg/kg bwt), and normal control (NC) received citrate buffer (2 mg/mL) for 5 weeks. In comparison with the diabetic control (DC), SeNPs, and/or M significantly (p < 0.05) lowered blood glucose levels, but increased insulin secretion and pancreatic β-cell function. An increase in locomotor and motor activities evidenced by improved spontaneous alternation, locomotor frequency, hinding, and increased mobility time were observed in treated groups. In addition, there was enhanced brain antioxidant status with a lower acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity and oxidative-inflammatory stress biomarkers. A significant downregulation of caspase 3 and upregulation of parvalbumin and Nrf2 protein expressions was observed in treated groups. In some of the studied parameters, treated groups were statistically (p < 0.05) insignificant compared with the normal control (NC) group. Overall, co-treatment elicited more efficacy than that of the individual regimen.

PlantCrystals-Nanosized Plant Material for Improved Bioefficacy of Medical Plants

PlantCrystals are obtained by milling plant material to sizes < 10 µm. Due to the disruption of the plant cells, active compounds are easily released, rendering the PlantCrystal technology an effective and low-cost process for the production of environmentally friendly plant extracts. The extracts can be used to produce phytomedicines, nutritional supplements or cosmetic products. Previous studies could already demonstrate the use of PlantCrystals to improve the antimicrobial or antifungal activity of different plants. This study investigated whether PlantCrystal technology is suitable to produce plant derived formulations with high antioxidant capacity. The study also aimed to identify the most suitable production methods for this. Methods: Various plant materials and parts of plants, i.e., seeds, leaves and flowers, and different methods were employed for the production. PlantCrystals were characterized regarding size, physical stability and antioxidant capacity (AOC). Results: PlantCrystals with particles < 1 µm were produced from the different plant materials. Both production methods, i.e., high-pressure homogenization, bead milling or the combination of both were suitable to obtain PlantCrystals. Nano milling of the plant material greatly affected their AOC and resulted in formulations with distinctly higher AOC when compared to classical extracts. Conclusions: Rendering plant material into small sized particles is highly effective to obtain plant extracts with high biological efficacy.