Antioxidant bioactivity of Samsum ant (Pachycondyla sennaarensis) venom protects against CCL₄-induced nephrotoxicity in mice

Nootkatone Supplementation Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride Exposure-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice

Nootkatone (NKT), a major ingredient of Alpinia oxyphylla, exhibited potential nephroprotective effects; however, the precise molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study aimed to study the nephroprotective effects of NKT and the underlying mechanisms in a mouse model. Our results showed that NKT pretreatment at the doses of 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg per day for 7 days significantly attenuates carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced increases of serum BUN and CRE and kidney pathology injury. NKT pretreatment also markedly inhibited oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and the activation of caspases-9 and -3 in kidneys of mice exposed to CCl₄. Meanwhile, NKT pretreatment downregulated the expression of NOX4, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α proteins and NO levels in the kidney tissues. Moreover, NKT pretreatment upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNAs, and downregulated the expression of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and iNOS mRNAs in the kidneys of mice, compared to those in the CCl₄ alone treatment group. In conclusion, our results reveal that NKT supplementation could protect against CCl₄ exposure-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in the kidneys by inhibiting NOX4 and NF-κB pathways and activating the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Our current study highlights the therapeutic application of NKT for kidney diseases.

Antioxidative potential and ameliorative effects of green lentil (Lens culinaris M.) sprouts against CCl4-induced oxidative stress in rats

The present study is aimed to investigate the antioxidative potential and ameliorative effects of Lens culinaris Medikus sprouts hydroalcoholic extract (LSHE) on CCl4-induced oxidative stress in rats. The research has been carried out in two successive stages. Firstly, the highest phenolic content and antioxidant activity of L. culinaris sprouts were assessed at 20 ± 1°C and 90-93% RH during sprouting. Total phenolic content (TPC), total carotenoids (TC), total flavonoids (TF), total flavonols (TFL), DPPH-RSA, and vitamin C contents of L. culinaris seeds and 6-days sprouts were determined. Subsequently, phenolics by HPLC analysis of L. culinaris seeds, 3rd and 6th-day sprouts were identified and quantified. Results indicated that 6th-day sprouts contained considerable phenolics with superior antioxidant capacity, thus selected to be examined for biological activity in a rat's module consisting of five groups. G1, normal rats orally received distilled water. G2 received 1.0 mL kg-1 of CCl4 and olive oil (1:1) intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice a week. G3 received CCl4 (i.p.) and 50 mg GAE kg-1 of LSHE daily/orally. G4 received CCl4 (i.p.) 100 mg kg-1 of LSHE orally/daily. G5 (reference group) treated by intramuscular injection (i.m.) of vit. E+Selenium (Vit. E+Se, 50 mg kg-1 twice a week). The weight gain, relative weight of organs, hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic efficiencies, liver's and kidneys' functions, and antioxidant biomarkers were examined. LSHE enhanced the weight gain recovery % and significantly reduced fasting blood glucose. The hypolipidemic effect of LSHE was dramatically reduced triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (CHO), high- and low-density lipoproteins (HDL-c and LDL-c), and very-low-density lipoproteins (VLDL-c). Administration of 50 and 100 LSHE mg kg-1 ameliorated liver and kidney function in dose-dependent manure. Intriguingly, LSHE considerably reduced malondialdehyde (MDA) while significantly raising reduced glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, biochemical examinations confirmed the therapeutic efficacy of LSHE as a functional product. It encouraged us to recommend L. culinaris sprout production for attenuating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity, as well as being beneficial and profitable for controlling oxidative stress complications.

Evaluation of the in vivo antihypertensive effect and antioxidant activity of HL-7 and HL-10 peptide in mice

BACKGROUND

The tendency to use bioactive peptides has increased in recent decades, and research would be essential for recognizing the therapeutic effects of peptides present in animals or food resource. In this study, the in vivo antioxidant and antihypertensive properties of peptides HL-7 with the sequence of YLYELR and HL-10 with the sequence of AFPYYGHHLG were identified from scorpion venom of H. lepturus were evaluated.

METHODS AND RESULTS

To study the in vivo effects of peptides, D-galactose-induced and DOCA salt-induced mice models were used. The results of the antioxidant assay for both peptides showed that the activity of serum and liver catalase (CAT), as well as superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes, was significantly decreased in the D-galactose-induced group (NC), while MDA levels were increased in serum and the liver tissue samples (p < 0.01). Compared with the D-galactose-induced mice, the peptide treated mice group had a higher activity of antioxidant enzymes namely CAT and SOD, as well as a lower lipid peroxidation level. Also, the results of antihypertensive activity for both peptides showed that systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of the mice treated with the HL-7 and HL-10 peptides were significantly reduced in a dose-dependent manner (p < 0.01). The administration of the HL-7 peptide at doses of 2 mg/kg BW (LP1), 5 mg/kg BW (-IP1) and 15 mg/kg BW (HP1) significantly diminished the mean arterial blood pressure (MAP) by 11 mmHg, 31 mmHg and 40.47 mmHg, respectively. Accordingly, treatment of mice with the HL-10 peptide at doses of 2 mg/kg BW (LP2), 5 mg/kg BW (IP2) and 15 mg/kg BW (HP2) considerably lowered the MAP by 8 mmHg, 18.3 mmHg and 21.93 mmHg, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Our findings suggest that both the HL-7 and HL-10 peptides could be potentially utilized as antihypertensive and antioxidant components.

Samsum ant venom protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute spleen toxicity in vivo

Many active molecules used in the development of new drugs are produced by ants. Present study assessed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of Samsum ant venom (SAV) extract in carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced spleen toxicity. Toxicity and oxidative stress were measured in four experimental groups: a negative control group without any treatment, a positive control group (CCl₄-treated rats; a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCL₄), an experimental group of CCl₄-treated rats co-treated daily with SAV (100 μl), and a group to determine safe use with rats treated only with SAV (100 μl) daily for 3 weeks. CCl₄-treatment led to an elevation in toxicity and oxidative stress. CCl₄ significantly elevated malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, as well as expression of inhibitor of κB (IκB) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) proteins. On the other hand, a decrease in glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels were detected in CCl₄-treated rats. Co-treatment with SAV was found to reduce these inflammatory and oxidative parameters. SAV elucidated a significant recovery of MDA concentration as well as a significant restoration in GSH levels compared to CCl₄-treated rats; however, SAV increased CAT levels compared to normal rats. Hence, SAV was found to restore splenomegaly induced in CCl₄-treated rats. Histopathological analysis also favored the biochemical analysis showing improvement in splenic architecture in CCl₄ and SAV co-treated rats. The antioxidant properties of SAV may potentially enhance anti-inflammatory actions and improve spleen structure and function in CCl₄-challenged rats.

Bioactive Tryptophan-Based Copper Complex with Auxiliary β-Carboline Spectacle Potential on Human Breast Cancer Cells: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Biocompatible tryptophan-derived copper (1) and zinc (2) complexes with norharmane (β-carboline) were designed, synthesized, characterized, and evaluated for the potential anticancer activity in vitro and in vivo. The in vitro cytotoxicity of both complexes 1 and 2 were assessed against two cancerous cells: (human breast cancer) MCF7 and (liver hepatocellular cancer) HepG2 cells with a non-tumorigenic: (human embryonic kidney) HEK293 cells. The results exhibited a potentially decent selectivity of 1 against MCF7 cells with an IC50 value of 7.8 ± 0.4 μM compared to 2 (less active, IC50 ~ 20 μM). Furthermore, we analyzed the level of glutathione, lipid peroxidation, and visualized ROS generation to get an insight into the mechanistic pathway and witnessed oxidative stress. These in vitro results were ascertained by in vivo experiments, which also supported the free radical-mediated oxidative stress. The comet assay confirmed the oxidative stress that leads to DNA damage. The histopathology of the liver also ascertained the low toxicity of 1.

Folic acid and melatonin mitigate diabetic nephropathy in rats via inhibition of oxidative stress

Background

Diabetes mellitus is a global epidemic leads to multiple serious health complications, including nephropathy. Diabetic nephropathy is a serious kidney-related complication of type 1 or 2 diabetes that is prevalent in almost 40% of the people with diabetes. We examined whether folic acid and melatonin can reduce progression of nephropathy in rats of type 1 diabetes mellitus by controlling the level of oxidative stress, glucose, lipids, and cytokines.

Methods

Forty-two male albino rats were distributed into six groups, (n = 7 per group). Five of the groups were induced with diabetes by a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared streptozotocin at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight. After the induction of diabetes, the rats were treated with folic acid (100 mg/kg) and melatonin (10 mg/kg) separately and in combination daily for 6 weeks, whereas, the other diabetic group was treated with glibenclamide (5 mg/kg). One of the diabetic groups served as a positive control. One-way ANOVA was used to compare those five subfields ability followed by LSD multiple comparisons.

Results

The data indicated that diabetes significantly altered the body weight, lipids and kidney function. Diabetic rats exhibited a significant increase in plasma levels of urea, uric acid, creatinine, sodium, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6(IL-6), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein (LDL). In contrast, plasma total protein, potassium, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) decreased significantly in diabetic rats compared to the control rats. Moreover, levels of renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) were significantly increased while the levels of renal glutathione(GSH), superoxide dismutase(SOD), and catalase (CAT) were significantly decreased in diabetic rats comparison to those in the control rats. Hence, diabetic rats treated with folic acid and melatonin alone as well as in combination showed improvements with respect to the indices in addition to a significant recovery observed via histopathology when compared to the diabetic group.

Conclusions

These results revealed that treatment with folic acid in combination with melatonin in diabetic rats was more effective than treatment with either of folic acid or melatonin alone to alleviate the symptoms of diabetic nephropathy.

Thymoquinone ameliorates Pachycondyla sennaarensis venom-induced acute toxic shock in male rats

BACKGROUND

For many decades, the sting of Samsun ant (Pachycondyla sennaarensis) has been a serious clinical challenge for the people living in some of the major Middle East and Asian countries. In the present study, the therapeutic potential of Nigella sativa derived plant extract component, thymoquinone (TQ) has been tested against the Samsun ant venom (SAV) at the toxic dose in the rats.

METHODS

The adult male rats were divided into four groups (n = 10): control, SAV treated, SAV + TQ treated and TQ alone treated. It was found that the sub-lethal dose of SAV alters not only many of the kidney and liver function markers but also induces oxidative stress in the animals. Moreover, the SAV also disturbs various immunological parameters including expression of PMNs, CD-80, CD-86, interleukins and other cytokines compromising the affected organism towards mild to severe allergic reactions including life-risking anaphylaxis.

RESULTS

The plant extract, TQ, effectively restores many of the biochemical and oxidative stress parameters comparable to the normal concomitant with improving the immunological aspects that might attributive in relieving from SAV-induced toxicity and allergic reactions in the affected organism to a greater extent.

CONCLUSION

Hence, TQ has an excellent antidote property against SAV-induced toxicities in vivo. Although the study is a vivid indication of the potential therapeutic potential of TQ against the SAV induced in vivo toxicity, yet the actual mechanism of interaction translating the toxicity amelioration warrants further investigations.

Samsum ant venom modulates the immune response and redox status at the acute toxic dose in vivo

BACKGROUND

Ant venoms express surface molecules that participate in antigen presentation involving pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. This work aims to investigate the expression of MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 on the polymorphonuclear cells (PMNs) in rats injected with samsum ant venom (SAV).

METHODS

Rats were divided into three groups - control, SAV-treated (intraperitoneal route, 600 μg/kg), and SAV-treated (subcutaneous route, 600 μg/kg). After five doses, animals were euthanized and samples collected for analysis.

RESULTS

The subcutaneous SAV-trated rats presented decreased levels of glutathione with increased cholesterol and triglyceride levels. Intraperitoneal SAV-treated animals displayed significantly reduced concentrations of both IFN-γ and IL-17 in comparison with the control group. However, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous SAV-treated rats were able to upregulate the expressions of MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 on PMNs in comparison with the control respectively. The histological examination showed severe lymphocyte depletion in the splenic white pulp of the intraperitoneal SAV-injected rats.

CONCLUSION

Stimulation of PMNs by SAV leads to upregulation of MHC-II, CD 80, and CD 86, which plays critical roles in antigen presentation and consequently proliferation of T-cells. Subcutaneous route was more efficient than intraperitoneal by elevating MHC-II, CD80 and CD86 expression, disturbing oxidative stability and increasing lipogram concentration.

Copper Mediates Anti-Inflammatory and Antifibrotic Activity of Gleevec in Hepatocellular Carcinoma-Induced Male Rats

The elevated level of copper is one of the hallmark features of cancer cells in most of the types of cancer. In the present study, this feature has been targeted to investigate if coadministration of exogenous copper (Cu⁺) and its chelating agent like disulfiram (DSF⁺) influence the antineoplastic activity of the anticancer drug, Gleevec (GLV⁺), in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC)-induced rats via immunomodulation. After the treatment, the level of proinflammatory interleukins (IL-1, 2, 6, and 7), anti-inflammatory interleukin (IL-10) concomitant with transcription factors (NF-kB and TNF-a), and the apoptotic marker (cleaved PARP) was estimated. The cancer-induced group without treatment (CN⁺) demonstrated abnormally elevated level of all proinflammatory cytokines and transcription factors concomitant with a compromised level of cleaved PARP as compared to the control normal (CN^-). The detailed histological analysis also supported the results exhibiting extensive inflammation and tissue fibrosis confirming the second stage of HCC. Cu+, DSF⁺, and GLV⁺ displayed mild improvement in most of the parameters, but the combination group GLV + Cu⁺ demonstrated remarkable recovery in histology and most of the parameters tended towards the CN^- followed by GLV + DSF⁺. Therefore, the management of copper level is critical in realizing the antineoplastic activity of GLV up to its full potential in cancer treatment. These findings will help in improving chemoimmunotherapy and personalized cancer treatment.

Biosynthesized Silver Nanoparticle (AgNP) From Pandanus odorifer Leaf Extract Exhibits Anti-metastasis and Anti-biofilm Potentials

Cancer and the associated secondary bacterial infections are leading cause of mortality, due to the paucity of effective drugs. Here, we have synthesized silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) from organic resource and confirmed their anti-cancer and anti-microbial potentials. Microwave irradiation method was employed to synthesize AgNPs using Pandanus odorifer leaf extract. Anti-cancer potential of AgNPs was evaluated by scratch assay on the monolayer of rat basophilic leukemia (RBL) cells, indicating that the synthesized AgNPs inhibit the migration of RBL cells. The synthesized AgNPs showed MIC value of 4-16 μg/mL against both Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacterial strains, exhibiting the anti-microbial potential. Biofilm inhibition was recorded at sub-MIC values against Gram +ve and Gram -ve bacterial strains. Violacein and alginate productions were reduced by 89.6 and 75.6%, respectively at 4 and 8 μg/mL of AgNPs, suggesting anti-quorum sensing activity. Exopolysaccharide production was decreased by 61-79 and 84% for Gram -ve and Gram +ve pathogens respectively. Flagellar driven swarming mobility was also reduced significantly. Furthermore, In vivo study confirmed their tolerability in mice, indicating their clinical perspective. Collective, we claim that the synthesized AgNPs have anti-metastasis as well as anti-microbial activities. Hence, this can be further tested for therapeutic options to treat cancer and secondary bacterial infections.

Samsum Ant Venom Exerts Anticancer Activity Through Immunomodulation In Vitro and In Vivo

Samsum ant venom (SAV) is a rich repertoire of natural compounds with tremendous pharmacological properties. The present work explores its antineoplastic activity in different cell lines followed by its confirmation in vivo. The cell lines, HepG2, MCF-7, and LoVo showed the differential dose-dependent antineoplastic effect with an increased level of significant cytokines, including Interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 and transcription factor, Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB). However, the venom was more effective on HepG2 and MCF-7 cells than LoVo cells. Furthermore, the extract was administered to four groups (n = 8) of rats. Group I was taken as a control without any treatment, whereas group II received CCl₄ (1 mL/kg) for induction of mild hepatoma. Group III was given 100 μg/kg of SAV twice a week for 1 month. Group IV was pretreated with the CCl₄ (like group II) followed by dosing with SAV (100 μg/kg) for 2 months as per the authors' prestandardized dosing schedule. Intriguingly, the rats of group IV demonstrated significant decrease in key cytokines, IL-1β and IL-6, as well as the transcription factors, including Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), NF-κB, and Inhibitor-kappa B (I-κB) as compared with group II. Furthermore, increase in IL-10 and First apoptosis signal (FAS) in the same group confirmed that SAV induces apoptosis at the given dose through immunomodulation leading to enhanced tumor killing in vivo. Hence, SAV has an excellent antineoplastic activity that can be directly used to treat certain types of cancer. Moreover, study of its ingredients can pave ways to design novel anticancer drugs. However, further in-depth investigation is required before its clinical trials.

Evaluation of novel factor Xa inhibitors from Oxya chinensis sinuosa with anti-platelet aggregation activity

The edible grasshopper Oxya chinensis sinuosa is consumed worldwide for its various medicinal effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate potential bioactive antithrombotic and antiplatelet compounds from O. chinensis sinuosa. Five N-acetyldopamine dimers (1–5) were isolated from O. chinensis sinuosa and compounds 1 and 2 were identified as new chemicals with chiral centers at H-2 and H-3 of the benzo-1,4-dioxane structure. Compounds 1–4 were found to have both FXa and platelet aggregation inhibitory activities. These compounds inhibited the catalytic activity of FXa toward its synthetic substrate, S-2222, by noncompetitive inhibition, and inhibited platelet aggregation induced by ADP and U46619. Furthermore, compounds 1–4 showed enhanced antithrombotic effects, which were assessed using in vivo models of pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis. The isolated compounds also showed anticoagulant effects in mice. However, compounds 1–4 did not prolong bleeding time in mice, as shown by tail clipping. N-Acetyldopamine dimers, including two new stereoisomers 1 and 2, are novel antithrombotic compounds showing both FXa inhibition and antiplatelet aggregation activity with a low bleeding risk. Collectively, these results suggest that compounds 1–4 could serve as candidates and provide scaffolds for development of new antithrombotic drugs.

Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice Is Prevented by Pretreatment with Zinc Sulfate

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is commonly used as a chemical inducer of experimental liver injury. In addition, many studies showed that CCl4 can induce kidney damage. In the current study, we evaluated the protective effect of zinc (Zn) against CCl4-induced nephrotoxicity. We hypothesized that this protective effect would result from the ability of Zn to serve as an inducer of metallothionein (MT), a known endogenous scavenger of free radicals. We administered Zn (as ZnSO4) 50 mg/kg subcutaneously once daily for 3 successive days prior to a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 4 g/kg in male ddY mice. Our results showed that Zn pretreatment significantly decreased creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels and reduced renal histopathological damage at 6 h post-CCl4 injection, observations consistent with enhanced antioxidative activity in the kidney. Moreover, kidney MT levels in the Zn+CCl4-treated group decreased by greater than 70% compared with levels in the Zn-alone group, implying that MT was consumed by CCl4-induced radicals. These findings suggest that prophylaxis with Zn protects mice from CCl4-induced acute nephrotoxicity, presumably by induction of MT, which in turn scavenges radicals induced by CCl4 exposure.

Inhibition of platelet aggregation and thrombosis by indole alkaloids isolated from the edible insect Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe)

Protaetia brevitarsis seulensis (Kolbe) has been temporarily registered as a food material by the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea (MFDS). The current study aimed to discover small antithrombotic molecules from this edible insect. Five indole alkaloids, 5‐hydroxyindolin‐2‐one (1), (1R,3S)‐1‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (2), (1S,3S)‐1‐methyl‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (3), (3S)‐1,2,3,4‐tetrahydro‐β‐carboline‐3‐carboxylic acid (4) and L‐tryptophan (5), were isolated from the insect. Among them, compounds 1 and 2 prolonged aPTT and PT and impaired thrombin and FXa generation on HUVEC surface. Moreover, these compounds inhibited platelet aggregation. Antithrombotic effects of compounds 1 and 2 were further confirmed in pre‐clinical models of pulmonary embolism and arterial thrombosis. Collectively, these results demonstrated that compounds 1 and 2 could be effective antithrombotic agents and serve as new scaffolds for the development of antithrombotic drug.

Potential effects of samsum ant, Brachyponera sennaarensis, venom on TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-toxicity in vivo

Background

Ant venom shows antimicrobial, anti-parasitic and anti-inflammatory activities, both in vitro and in vivo. Our recent studies have confirmed the role of samsum ant venom (SAV) as a powerful antioxidant. This study aimed to investigate whether SAV as a potential treatment for CCl4-induced acute liver toxicity in an animal (rat) model.

Methods

Thirty-two rats were assigned into four groups; the first one served as the control. The second group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl₄ in a 1:1 ratio with olive oil through an intraperitoneal injection. The third group received a single dose of 1 ml/kg CCl₄ and then treated with SAV at a dose of 100 μg SAV twice a week for three weeks. The fourth group received a dose of 100 μg SAV only twice a week for three weeks. ELISA, RT-PCR and histopathological examinations were applied.

Results

Results showed that antioxidant enzymes were significantly reduced in the diseased animals. SAV was found to significantly restore the oxidative stability in diseased animals. ELISA estimation and RT-PCR analysis also showed significant upregulation of both nuclear factor (κB) NF-κB and inhibitor (κB) IκB, respectively, in the diseased animals compared to the normal ones. The expression of tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and pro-apoptotic receptor (Fas) were also significantly up-regulated in the diseased rats. Interestingly, SAV was found to significantly restore NF-κB, IκB and TNF-α in the diseased rats to the normal values. As a result, liver enzymes, serum proteins and lipid concentrations were significantly improved by SAV in CCl4-animals in comparison with the control ones. Moreover, SAV obviously improved the hepatic tissues of the same group was.

Conclusion

SAV treatment restores the normal biochemical and oxidative stability by improving the TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammation in CCL4-treated rats.

Camel milk peptide improves wound healing in diabetic rats by orchestrating the redox status and immune response

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus alters oxidative stability and immune response. Here, we investigated the impact of a peptide extracted from camel milk (CMP) on the oxidative status, transcription factor kappa-B (NF-kB) and inflammatory cytokine in diabetic wounds.

METHODS

Rats were assigned into three groups: control, diabetic induced (DM) and diabetic induced with multiple doses of CMP for a week (DM-CMP).

RESULTS

DM showed a sharp decline in the activity of major antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione (GSH) compared to the control. The DM-CMP group, however, showed a noticeable replenishment in the activity of these enzymes compared to the DM group. The CMP-treated group also showed a normal level of lipid peroxidation marker (MDA) compared to the DM rats. Furthermore, ELISA analysis of serum TNF-α protein showed an elevated level in diabetic rats in comparison to control serum. However, RT-PCR analysis of locally wounded skin tissues revealed that diabetes down-regulates the RNA expression of both TNF-α and MIF genes in comparison to the control samples but that CMP was found to restore RNA expression significantly. Although it was elevated in CMP-treated rats after one day of wound incision, the NF-kB protein level was significantly decreased seven days after the incision in comparison to the animals in the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

CMP, therefore, can be seen an effective antioxidant and immune stimulant that induces oxidative stability and speeds up wound healing in diabetic model animals, making it a potential adjuvant in improving wound healing in those with diabetic conditions.

Analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and nephritic effects of the aerial parts of Pulicaria arabica (Family: Compositae) on rats

OBJECTIVE

To explore the analgesic, antipyretic, anti-inflammatory, hepatic and nephritic effects of Pulicaria arabica (P. arabica) in several experimental models.

METHODS

For analgesic effect hot plate and writhing method were used, while for antipyretic and anti-inflammatory rectal temperature and carrageenan induced hind paw edema were used respectively. CCl4 intoxication method was used for hepatic and nephritic protective activity.

RESULTS

The results of the present studies revealed that P. arabica has potent analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory with the significant hepatic and nephritic protecting actions. The CCl4 intoxication changed the normal malondialdehyde and nonprotein sulfhydryls levels in both liver and kidney. These changes were normalized with P. arabica indicating the antioxidant nature of this plant.

CONCLUSIONS

The results of present study indicated that P. arabica can be used in analgesic, antipyretic and anti-inflammatory conditions even in hepatic and nephritic conditions. More supportive studies are required before clinical recommendation.