Green Coffea arabica Extract Ameliorates Testicular Injury in High-Fat Diet/Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetes in Rats

Molecular docking targeting autophagy pathway mediate abrogation of NASH by specific functional foods: update review

Autophagy is a very well-conserved self-digestive mechanism that transports unwanted or disposable cytoplasmic debris to lysosomes for destruction, including misfolded proteins and damaged organelles. Advanced liver illnesses can develop from the prevalent clinical condition known as non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). There is no effective treatment, is still unclear. Therefore, in order to create novel therapeutics, it is necessary to comprehend the pathogenic pathways causing disease onset and progression. Natural components from medicinal plants are currently the subject of a larger number of studies since they provide fresh promise for NASH. This review provided an overview of the aetiology of NASH, in addition the role of natural products as alternative or complementary therapeutic agent for management of NASH via autophagy induction. It was concluded that, alternative and complementary supplement of natural functional food as Arabica coffee that rich with chlorogenic acid targeting autophagy mechanism mediate amelioration effect of NASH.

Protective effects of Euphorbia heterophylla against testicular degeneration in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats in relation to phytochemical profile

BACKGROUND

Diabetes mellitus (DM) poses a major risk to human health due to an array of implications, one of which is a detrimental effect on the testicular and reproductive functions. Euphorbia heterophylla is widely recognized for its medicinal properties worldwide.

METHODS AND FINDINGS

The objective of this study was to profile E. heterophylla ethanol extract (EH-EtOH) and elucidate its protective role in oxidative stress, relieving inflammatory action of hyperglycemia-induced testicular degeneration and restoring the normal histological structure with physiological properties of testicular tissue in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DM. High-resolution ultra-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UHPLC-ESI-Orbitrap-MS) analysis was employed to analyze the compounds present in EH-EtOH. The protective effect of EH-EtOH against testicular degeneration in the rat model of DM was evaluated by measuring improvements in blood glucose levels, body weight, testicular inflammation, oxidative damage, testicular microcirculation impairment, and apoptosis of testicular cells induced by STZ. The chemical profiling of EH-EtOH revealed the presence of 52 compounds, including phenolic acids, flavonoids, coumarins, phloroglucinols, and triterpenes. Notably, this study identified isovitexin-C-hexoside, isorhamnetin-O-hexoside, diosmetin, and halfordin for the first time in Euphorbia species. Treatment with EH-EtOH effectively mitigated the damage caused by STZ, as evidenced by restored testosterone (T4) levels and antioxidant capacity, reduced expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, improved testicular microcirculation, and inhibition of apoptosis in the testes.

CONCLUSIONS

These results emphasize the potential therapeutic effect of E. heterophylla on DM related to male infertility and reproductive dysfunctions via its antioxidant/angiogenetic /anti-apoptotic effect.

Alchornea laxiflora (Benth.) Pax & K. Hoffman extract protects against lead-induced neurodegeneration in cockerel chickens

Lead (Pb) is a ubiquitous, non-biodegradable heavy metal contaminant with a significant impact on both human and animal health. The adverse effect of lead on health and productivity of avian species has received little attention. Alchornea laxiflora (Benth) belongs to Euphorbiaceae family and grows naturally in the Nigerian rain forest. Decoction of the leaves is usually administered traditionally to treat inflammatory and infectious diseases. The ethanol extract of Alchornea laxiflora (EaAL) leaves was used in this study to ameliorate lead-induced neurodegeneration. Seven groups of 5-week-old cockerels (n=5) were treated for 6 weeks thus: Group A - Control (water only), Group B - (100 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group C - (200 mg/kg of EaAL daily, p.o.), Group D - (1 % lead acetate in drinking water), Group E - (1 % lead acetate in drinking water and 100 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group F - (1 % lead acetate and 200 mg/kg of EaAL daily), Group G - (1 % lead acetate and 100 mg/kg of Vitamin C). All administrations were per os birds were euthanized on day 43 by quick cervical dislocation. Histological stains (H&E and Nissl) and Black Gold II (BGII) histochemistry were used to assess alterations in the cerebrum and cerebellum. Administration of EaAL at the two concentrations resulted in a drastic reduction in the incidence of neuropathologies observed (e.g. pyknosis and multilayering of Purkinje cells, neuronal degeneration in hippocampus cerebrum and ependymal cells, distortion of meningeal epithelial cells, etc). BGII histochemistry revealed severe demyelination caused by the administration of lead acetate, while the two doses of EaAL showed significant restoration of myelin in the cerebellum. The amelioration of demyelination observed with the use of vitamin C was considerably lower than that recorded with the use of EaAL. The use of EaAL significantly ameliorated morphological alterations and demyelination caused by the administration of lead acetate, however, caution should be exercised in the administration, as individual species idiosyncrasies may arise and the tendency to pro-oxidation at 200 mg/kg when administered alone was observed in one subject.

Hydroxycitric acid and capsaicin combination alleviates obesity-induced testicular apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammation

Recent research in rodents suggests that oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testes caused by high-fat diets (HFD) are a cause of male infertility. To investigate the therapeutic efficacy of the combination of hydroxycitric acid and capsaicin (HCC) against male reproductive disorders, we developed an HFD-induced obese rat model. Rats received HFD supplementation for 21 weeks, which induced obesity. From week 16, HCC (100 mg/kg body weight) was administered to investigate its potential to treat testicular toxicity. According to the results of the current study, treatment of obese rats with HCC improved their sperm quality, increased the production of testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, and luteinizing hormone and significantly increased the activities of steroidogenic enzymes and corresponding mRNA levels. In addition, HCC decreased lipid peroxidation and nitric oxide levels in both spermatozoa and testes while increasing the expression of mRNA for the antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in the testes, which in turn reduced oxidative stress in the testes. Moreover, after HCC treatment, testicular tissues showed a remarkable decrease in mRNA levels responsible for inflammation (TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB) and apoptosis (Bax and Bcl-2). Our results suggest that HCC may alleviate obesity-induced male reproductive dysfunction by attenuating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the testes of HFD-induced obese male rats.

Clinical Evaluation of a Novel, Patented Green Coffee Bean Extract (GCB70®), Enriched in 70% Chlorogenic Acid, in Overweight Individuals

OBJECTIVE

Obesity and overweight are challenging health problems of the millennium that lead to diabetes, hypertension, dyslipidemia, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and atherosclerosis. Green coffee bean exhibited significant promise in healthy weight management, potentiating glucose-insulin sensitization and supporting liver health. The safety and efficacy of a novel, patented water-soluble green coffee bean extract (GCB70® enriched in 70% total chlorogenic acid and <1% caffeine) was investigated in 105 participants for 12 consecutive weeks. An institutional review board and Drugs Controller General (India) (DCGI) approvals were obtained, and the study was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov.

METHOD

Body weight, body mass index (BMI), waist circumference, lipid profile, plasma leptin, glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), and total blood chemistry were assessed over a period of 12 weeks of treatment. Safety was affirmed.

RESULTS

GCB70 (500 mg BID) supplementation significantly reduced body weight (approximately 6%; p = 0.000**) in approximately 97% of the study population. About a 5.65% statistically significant reduction (p = 0.000**) in BMI was observed in 96% of the study volunteers. Waist circumference was significantly reduced by 6.77% and 6.62% in 98% of the male and female participants, respectively. Plasma leptin levels decreased by 13.6% in 99% of the study population as compared to the baseline value. Upon completion of 12 weeks' treatment, fasting glucose levels decreased by 13.05% (p = 0.000**) in 79% of the study population. There was a statistically significant decrease in HbA1c levels in both male and female participants (p = 0.000**), while 86.7% of the study participants showed a statistically significant decrease in thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH) levels (p = 0.000**). The mean decrease in TSH levels on completion of the treatment was 14.07% in the study population as compared to baseline levels. Total blood chemistry analysis exhibited broad-spectrum safety.

CONCLUSIONS

This investigation demonstrated that GCB70 is safe and efficacious in healthy weight management.

Trigonelline Chloride Ameliorated Triphenyltin-Induced Testicular Autophagy, Inflammation, and Apoptosis: Role of Recovery

Triphenyltin chloride (TPT-Cl) is an organometallic organotin. This study aimed to investigate the role of trigonelline (TG) along with the impact of TPT withdrawal on the testicular toxicity induced by TPT-Cl. Thirty-six adult male albino rats were divided into control, TG (40 mg/kg/day), TPT-Cl (0.5 mg/kg/day), TG + TPT-Cl, and recovery groups. Animals were daily gavaged for 12 weeks. Both TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal improved TPT-Cl-induced testicular toxicity features involving testis and relative testis weight reduction, luteinizing hormone, follicular stimulating hormone, and sex hormone-binding globulin elevation, reduction of inhibin B, free testosterone levels, and sperm count reduction with increased abnormal sperm forms. Moreover, both TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal reduced inflammatory activin A, follistatin, tumor necrosis factor α, interleukin-1β, and proapoptotic Bax and elevated antiapoptotic Bcl2 in testicular tissues mediated by TPT-Cl. TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal restored the excessive autophagy triggered by TPT-Cl via elevation of mTOR, AKT, PI3K, and P62/SQSTM1 and reduction of AMPK, ULK1, Beclin1, and LC3 mRNA gene expressions and regained the deteriorated testicular structure. In conclusion, TG and TPT-Cl withdrawal had an ameliorative role in partially reversing TPT-Cl-induced testicular toxicity. However, the findings indicated that the use of TG as an adjunctive factor is more favorable than TPT-Cl withdrawal, suggesting the capability of the testis for partial self-improvement.

Caffeine attenuates spermatogenic disorders in mice with induced chronic scrotal hyperthermia

OBJECTIVE

Chronic scrotal hyperthermia (SHT) can lead to serious disorders of the male reproductive system, with oxidative stress playing a key role in the onset of these dysfunctions. Thus, we evaluated the impact of caffeine, a potent antioxidant, on cellular and tissue disorders in mice with chronic SHT.

METHODS

In this experimental study, 56 adult male NMRI mice were allocated into seven equal groups. Apart from the non-treated control group, all were exposed to heat stress. Two groups, termed "preventive" and "curative," were orally administered caffeine. The preventive mice began receiving caffeine immediately prior to heat exposure, while for the curative group, a caffeine regimen was initiated 15 consecutive days following cessation of heat exposure. Each treated group was subdivided based on pairing with a positive control (Pre/curative [Cur]+PC) or a vehicle (Pre/Cur+vehicle). Upon conclusion of the study, we assessed sperm characteristics, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, apoptosis, antioxidant and oxidant levels, and molecular markers.

RESULTS

Sperm parameters, testosterone levels, stereological parameters, biochemical factors (excluding malondialdehyde [MDA]), and c-kit gene expression were significantly elevated in the preventive and curative groups, especially the former, relative to the other groups. Conversely, expression levels of the heat shock protein 72 (HSP72) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κβ) genes, MDA levels, and apoptotic cell density were markedly lower in both caffeine-treated groups relative to the other groups, with more pronounced differences observed in the preventive group.

CONCLUSION

Overall, caffeine attenuated cellular and molecular abnormalities induced by heat stress in the testis, particularly in the mice treated under the preventive condition.

Beneficial effect of honokiol and magnolol on polyol pathway and oxidative stress parameters in the testes of diabetic rats

In diabetes hyperglycemia, excessive production of free radicals and present oxidative stress lead to many complications in the body, including male reproductive system disorders. To prevent the development of diabetic complications in the testes resulting from them, it seems beneficial to include compounds considered as natural antioxidants. Honokiol and magnolol are neolignans obtained from magnolia bark, which possess proven antioxidant properties. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of honokiol and magnolol on the parameters of oxidative stress, polyol pathway and glycation products in the testes as well as on selected biochemical parameters in the blood serum of rats with type 2 diabetes. The study was conducted on mature male Wistar rats with high fat diet and streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetes. Neolignans-treated rats received honokiol or magnolol orally at the doses of 5 or 25 mg/kg, respectively, for 4 weeks. Parameters related to glucose and lipid homeostasis, basic serological parameters and sex hormones level in the serum as well as polyol pathway parameters, antioxidant enzyme activity, endogenous antioxidants level, sumaric parameters for oxidative stress and oxidative damage in the testes were estimated. Oral administration of honokiol and magnolol turned out to be beneficial in combating the effects of oxidative stess in the testes, but showed no favorable effects on serum biochemical parameters. Additionally, magnolol compared to honokiol revealed more advantageous impact indicating the reversal of the effects of diabetic complications in the male reproductive system and counteracted oxidative stress damages and polyol pathway disorders in the testes.

Structural changes in testes of Streptozotocin induced diabetic rats and possible protective effect of royal jelly: light and electron microscopic study

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is one of the most common metabolic diseases causing damage in many organs in the body including the testes. Royal Jelly (RJ) is one of the honey bee products that has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antidiabetic properties. This study was performed to evaluate the changes in the microscopic structure of the testes in Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats, and the possible protective role of RJ. 60 adult male albino rats were divided into three groups. Group I Control group, Group II STZ group, and Group III STZ+RJ group. Group II received a single dose of STZ (50 mg/kg) by intraperitoneal injection. Group III received a single dose of STZ as in the second group then received RJ orally by intragastric tube in dose of (100 mg/kg/day) for 4 weeks after confirmation of diabetes. Light and electron microscopic studies were performed. Group II revealed marked structural changes affecting seminiferous tubules with sever reduction in germinal epithelium and loss of mature spermatozoa in their lumina. The interstitial tissue revealed degenerated Leydig cells and congested blood vessels. Mallory trichrome stained section of group II revealed marked increase in the amount of collagen fibers. Group III revealed highly preserved testicular architecture almost near to that appeared in the control group except few tubules that were damaged. In conclusion, RJ protected the testicular structure from the damaging effect of diabetic oxidative stress through its antioxidant effect thus preserving male fertility.

Lycopene Effects on Metabolic Syndrome and Kidney Injury in Rats Fed a High-Fat Diet: An Experimental Study

The frequency of overweight and obesity is rising globally. These disorders are prevalent health problems. It has a substantial correlation with a number of health issues, including cardiovascular, metabolic, and diabetes mellitus disorders. Lycopene (Lyc) is an acyclic structural isomer of β-carotene and has powerful antioxidant properties with various promising therapeutic effects. In this study, rats fed a high-fat diet were examined to determine how lycopene affected metabolic syndrome and kidney damage. After being acclimated, rats were divided into 5 groups (n = 8/group) as follows: the first group served as the control and was fed on a normal pelleted diet (4.25% fat) until the end of the experiment. The second group (high-fat diet; HFD) was fed on a high-fat diet (45.5 kcal% fat) composed of 24% fat, 24% protein, and 41% carbohydrate. The third and fourth groups were fed on HFD and administered lycopene at 25 and 50 mg/kg bodyweight orally every day. The fifth group (standard drug group) received HFD and simvastatin (SVS; 10 mg/kg bodyweight orally daily) for 3 months. Tissue samples from the kidney were taken for determination of the biochemical parameters, lipid peroxidation (LPO), protein carbonyl (PC), reduced glutathione (GSH), total thiol group, antioxidant enzymes, namely, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione reductase (GR), in addition to renal mRNA expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), renal levels of inflammatory markers [tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)], and apoptotic markers (BCL2 Associated X (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio). When compared to the control group, the HFD group's food consumption, body weight, serum levels of glucose, uric acid, creatinine, LPO, PC, TNF-α, IL-1β, Bax, and the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio all increased significantly. In the kidney sample of HFD-fed rats, there was a downregulation of Nrf2 mRNA expression along with a significant reduction in the enzymatic activity of SOD, CAT, GR, and GPx. Lyc treatment was able to successfully reverse HFD-mediated changes as compared to the HFD group. Consuming lyc helps to prevent fat and renal damage in a positive way.

Network pharmacology-based strategy for predicting therapy targets of Sanqi and Huangjing in diabetes mellitus

BACKGROUND

A comprehensive literature search shows that Sanqi and Huangjing (SQHJ) can improve diabetes treatment in vivo and in vitro, respectively. However, the combined effects of SQHJ on diabetes mellitus (DM) are still unclear.

AIM

To explore the potential mechanism of Panax notoginseng (Sanqi in Chinese) and Polygonati Rhizoma (Huangjing in Chinese) for the treatment of DM using network pharmacology.

METHODS

The active components of SQHJ and targets were predicted and screened by network pharmacology through oral bioavailability and drug-likeness filtration using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Analysis Platform database. The potential targets for the treatment of DM were identified according to the DisGeNET database. A comparative analysis was performed to investigate the overlapping genes between active component targets and DM treatment-related targets. We constructed networks of the active component-target and target pathways of SQHJ using Cytoscape software and then analyzed the gene functions. Using the STRING database to perform an interaction analysis among overlapping genes and a topological analysis, the interactions between potential targets were identified. Gene Ontology (GO) function analyses and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses were conducted in DAVID.

RESULTS

We screened 18 active components from 157 SQHJ components, 187 potential targets for active components and 115 overlapping genes for active components and DM. The network pharmacology analysis revealed that quercetin, beta-sitosterol, baicalein, etc. were the major active components. The mechanism underlying the SQHJ intervention effects in DM may involve nine core targets (TP53, AKT1, CASP3, TNF, interleukin-6, PTGS2, MMP9, JUN, and MAPK1). The screening and enrichment analysis revealed that the treatment of DM using SQHJ primarily involved 16 GO enriched terms and 13 related pathways.

CONCLUSION

SQHJ treatment for DM targets TP53, AKT1, CASP3, and TNF and participates in pathways in leishmaniasis and cancer.

Predominance of Antioxidants in Some Edible Plant Oils in Ameliorating Oxidative Stress and Testicular Toxicity Induced by Malathion

Malathion (MAL) is an insecticide that has been linked to reproductive system damage in both humans and animals. In the present investigation, the antitoxic effects of coffee and olive oils on MAL-induced testicular dysfunctions were evaluated. MAL-intoxicated rats were supplemented with coffee and olive oils (400 mg/kg) for 7 weeks. Exposure to MAL resulted in statistically altered antioxidant enzymes and histopathological findings of necrotic seminiferous tubules and spermatogenetic arrest in rats after seven weeks of treatment. The effects of MAL intoxication on physiological and histopathological changes were improved by the use of these oils. Murine double minute 2 (MDM2) was found to interact well with chlorogenic acid and oleuropein, two compounds from coffee and olive oils, respectively. Coffee oil and olive oil were found to be promising therapeutic agents for MAL-induced testicular toxicity and oxidative damage.

The Effect of Chlorogenic Acid on Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Steroidogenesis in the Testes of Diabetic Rats: Study of mRNA Expressions of GRP78, XBP1s, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a chronic endocrine metabolic disorder that can increase the incidence of infertility. Excessive production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) can trigger oxidative stress reactions and reduce antioxidant content. The increase of ROS can exert an impact on the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress conditions and inhibit the steroidogenesis of the testes. The objectives of the current study were to determine the effect of chlorogenic acid (CGA) as an antioxidant in reducing ER stress conditions (mRNA expressions of GRP78, XBP1s), and to increase steroidogenesis (mRNA expressions of 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD) in the testis of DM rats. A total of 24 rats were randomly divided into six groups, namely: control group, DM1.5 months, DM2 months, and DM group were treated with CGA with three different doses (12.5 mg/kgBW, 25 mg/kgBW, and 50 mg/kgBW), respectively. Testicular tissue was isolated for examination of GRP78, XBP1s, 3β-HSD, and 17β-HSD mRNA expressions using RT-PCR. In the CGA1 group, GRP78 mRNA expression level was lower than in the DM2 group and was statistically different (p=0.021). XBP1s mRNA expression in the CGA1 group was lower and significantly different when compared to the DM2 group (p=0.018). The mRNA expression of 3β -HSD in the CGA1 group was higher than that in the DM1.5 and DM2 groups, which were statistically significant with p=0.000 and p=0,008. The comparison of 17β - HSD mRNA expression in the CGA1 group was higher than the DM1,5 and DM2 groups with p=0.013 and p=0.012. Administration of CGA at a dose of 12.5 mg/kgBW can reduce ER stress conditions and increase testicular steroidogenesis in DM rat models. These results were seen based on low GRP78 and XBP1s mRNA expressions, and high 3β-HSD and 17β-HSD mRNA expressions after CGA administration.

Alleviation of Malathion Toxicity Effect by Coffea arabica L. Oil and Olea europaea L. Oil on Lipid Profile: Physiological and In Silico Study

The community health plans commonly use malathion (MAL), an organophosphate pesticide (OP), to eliminate pathogenic insects. The objective of the present research is to evaluate the consequences of Coffea arabica L. oil and Olea europaea L. oil on MAL-intoxicated male rats. Six equal groups of animals were used for conducting this study (n = 10). Animals in group one were designated as control, animals belonging to group two were exposed to MAL in the measure of hundred mg per kg BW (body weight) for forty-nine days (seven weeks), rats in the third and fourth groups were administered with 400 mg/kg BW of Coffea arabica L. and Olea europaea L. oils, respectively, and the same amount of MAL as given to the second group. Groups five and six were administered with the same amount of Coffea arabica L. oil and Olea europaea L. oil as given to group three. Exposure of rats to 100 mg/kg body weight of MAL resulted in statistical alteration of the serum lipid profile. A marked decline was noticed in the severe changes of these blood parameters when MAL-intoxicated rats were treated with Coffea arabica L. oil and Olea europaea L. oil. Two compounds from Coffea arabica L. oil (Chlorogenic acid) and Olea europaea L. oil (Oleuropein) demonstrated good interaction with xanthine oxidase (XO) and 3-hydroxy-3-methyl-glutaryl-CoA reductase (HMGR) enzymes that are associated with cholesterol production. The present study indicated that Coffea arabica L. oil and Olea europaea L. oil could be considered prospective and potential healing agents against metabolic conditions induced by MAL.

Neuroprotective effect of green and roasted coffee bean extracts on cerebral ischemia-induced injury in rats

Stroke is a lethal event with a high incidence in Egypt. Quick early intervention can be lifesaving. Transient global ischemia (TGI), a type of ischemic stroke, is mainly instigated by cardiac arrest. Ischemia followed by reperfusion causes further neuronal cell damage. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the potential apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects of green (GCBE) and roasted (RCBE) coffee bean water extract against transient global ischemia-induced via a bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (CAO) in rats. Before CAO, 1.5 ml/kg body weight/day of GCBE or RCBE was administered for 14 days by oral gavage. Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) and sham groups were treated with a vehicle. Oxidative stress biomarkers and antioxidant enzyme activities, such as MDA, NO, GSH, SOD, CAT, GR, GPx, inflammatory markers TNF-α, IL-1β, and NF-κB, and BDNF were investigated. Quantitative real-time PCR analysis of mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways, in addition to heme oxygenase 1, and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 were determined. Apoptotic markers, including Bcl-2, Bax, and caspase 3, in addition to the vascular endothelial growth factor-a, were investigated, followed by an examination of hippocampal histopathology. Pre-administration of GCBE and RCBE improved neurological function and neuronal survival, suppressed the spread of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, and reversed most of the pathological changes. However, green coffee bean extract was more effective than roasted coffee bean extract, perhaps due to the roasting process, which may affect active compounds. In conclusion, GCBE and RCBE represent a potential clinical strategy for pre-ischemic conditioning.

Antiviral Activity of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. Essential Oils against the Multiplication of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Strains Sensitive and Resistant to Acyclovir

Simple Summary

Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) is a coated DNA virus of the Herpesviridae family. It causes painful infections of the mouth, throat, face, eyes, central nervous system, as well as infections of the anal–genital area. The specific drugs for chemotherapy of HSV have been based on nucleoside analogues, with acyclovir (ACV) being the most widely used. The most serious problem in the application of nucleoside analogues is the rapid formation of resistant mutants, which also often leads to treatment failure. The search for new therapeutic alternatives for the treatment of HSV is necessary for the successful control of diseases caused by herpes infection. Rose essential oils are widely used in alternative medicine due to their many proven benefits for human health. In the treatment of bacterial and viral infections, they reduce the chance of developing resistance. In this study, we investigated the effects of the Bulgarian Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. essential oils on the viral reproduction of susceptible (Victoria strain) and acyclovir-resistant (R-100) strains individually and in combination with acyclovir. When the rose oils were added after the virus entered the cell, co-administered with ACV at a concentration four times lower than the IC50, they contributed to a significant reduction in viral yield by more than 20% of the expected inhibition of viral replication in the Victoria strain and more than 10% of the previously presumptive inhibition in the R-100 strain.

Abstract

Background: The specific chemotherapeutics against herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV) are nucleoside analogues such as acyclovir (ACV), but the most important problem is the formation of resistant mutants. The search for new therapeutic alternatives leads us to the purpose of investigating the effects of Rosa damascena Mill. and Rosa alba L. essential oils on the viral reproduction of susceptible (Victoria) and acyclovir-resistant (R-100) strains of HSV-1 replication in vitro, individually and in combination with acyclovir. Methods: Cytopathic effect inhibition test was used for assessment of antiviral activity of the oils, and the three-dimensional model of Prichard and Shipman was applied to evaluate the combined effect of oils with ACV on HSV-1 replication. Results: Both oils do not affect the replication of viral strains; they are able to influence only viral adsorption and extracellular virions and protect healthy cells from subsequent infection. In combination with lower doses of acyclovir, both oils demonstrate a significant synergistic effect on the replication of HSV-1, which is more contagious than the Victoria strain. Conclusions: The nonspecific mechanism of the reduction in viral reproduction caused by rose oils and the synergistic effect of their co-administration with the lower doses of specific inhibitor ACV makes them suitable therapeutics for overcoming viral resistance to HSV-1 infections.

Safflower seed oil improves steroidogenesis and spermatogenesis in rats with type II diabetes mellitus by modulating the genes expression involved in steroidogenesis, inflammation and oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Diabetes mellitus (DM), as a multiorgan syndrome, is an endocrine and metabolic disorder that is associated with male reproductive system dysfunction and infertility. Safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.) as an herbal remedy improves DM and infertility-related disorders. The anti-hypercholesterolemic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties of this herb have been well documented, but its role in testosterone production, male reproductive system and zinc homeostasis has not been fully illustrated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to investigate the preventive and therapeutic properties of different doses of safflower seed oil against reproductive damage caused by type II DM by investigating zinc element homeostasis, inflammation and oxidative damage in testis tissue and their relationship with testosterone production and sperm parameters.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Eighty adult male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into eight groups and treated daily for 12 and 24 weeks in protective and therapeutic studies, respectively. Type II DM was induced by a High Fat Diet (HFD) in normoglycemic rats for three months. At the end of each study, serum level of glucose, testosterone, gonadotropins, TNF-α, insulin, and leptin were measured. Moreover, antioxidant enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, zinc and testosterone along with the expression of Nrf-2, NF-κB, TNF-α, StAR, P450scc, and 17βHSD3 genes in the testis were detected.

RESULTS

After the intervention, the activity of antioxidant enzymes and the level of testosterone and gonadotropins significantly decreased in the rats with DM in comparison to the others. However, lipid peroxidation and serum level of insulin, leptin and TNF-α increased and the testicular level of zinc significantly changed in the rats with DM compared to the control groups (p < 0.05). The gene expression of NF-κB and TNF-α were also significantly increased and the gene expression of Nrf2, StAR, P450scc and 17βHSD3 were decreased in the testis of diabetic rats (p < 0.05). The results showed that pretreatment and treatment with safflower seed oil could improve these parameters in diabetic rats compared with untreated diabetic rats (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

HFD could impair the production of testosterone and sperm, and reduce gonadotropin by increasing the serum level of leptin and inducing insulin resistance, oxidative stress and inflammation. However, safflower oil in a dose-dependent manner could improve testosterone level and sperm parameters by improving the level of leptin, zinc and insulin resistance, and the genes expression involved in testosterone synthesis, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Cardamonin exerts a protective effect against autophagy and apoptosis in the testicles of diabetic male rats through the expression of Nrf2 via p62-mediated Keap-1 degradation

Cardamonin (CARD) is a chalconoid with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, and it is present in several plants. We sought to explore whether CARD exerts any positive effects against hyperglycemia-induced testicular dysfunction caused by type 2 diabetes and aimed to identify its possible intracellular pathways. Adult male rats were subdivided into six groups: control, CARD, diabetic (DM), DM + glibenclamide (GLIB), DM + CARD and DM + GLIB + CARD. Type 2 DM induced a significant increase in blood glucose and insulin resistance, along with diminished serum insulin, testosterone and gonadotropins levels, which were associated with the impairment of key testicular androgenic enzymes and cellular redox balance. Administration of CARD at a dose of 80 mg/kg for 4 weeks effectively normalized all of these alterations, and the improvement was confirmed by epididymal sperm analysis. After treatment with CARD, the pathological changes in spermatogenic tubules were markedly improved. Significantly, CARD upregulated testicular glucose transporter-8 (GLUT-8) expression and had inhibitory effects on elevated autophagy markers and caspase-3 immunoreactive cells. Furthermore, our results revealed that CARD was able to attenuate damage via activation of Nrf2 through the p62-dependent degradation of testicular anti-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap-1). In conclusion, this study suggests that CARD provides protection against diabetic stress-mediated testicular damage. The use of CARD with conventional anti-diabetic therapy was associated with improved efficacy compared with conventional therapy alone.

Chrysin protects against testicular toxicity caused by lead acetate in rats with its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties

In the present study, the protective effects of chrysin (CHR) against testicular damage caused by lead acetate (PbAc) were examined. In this way, 30 min after rats were given 25 and 50 mg/kg/b.w CHR orally for seven consecutive days, 30 mg/kg/b.w PbAc was administered orally. In biochemical analysis of testicular tissue, it was found that PbAc-reduced antioxidant parameters [glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT)], while it increased lipid peroxidation, inflammatory markers [nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS)], and 8-hydroxy-2'-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG). In the immunohistochemical examination, it was determined that PbAc increased the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and caspase-3. Accordingly, PbAc was found to cause a decrease in sperm motility and an increase in the percentage of dead sperm. However, it has been observed that CHR relieves oxidative stress due to its antioxidant properties, thus protecting against inflammation and apoptosis. It also allowed the CHR sperm parameters to return to control group levels. The results revealed that CHR could be a natural substance to be used in Pb-induced testicular toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Lead (Pb) is an important environmental contaminant heavy metal. Pb is believed to reduce fertility in men. Oxidative stress plays a significant role in the damage caused by Pb to testicular tissue. CHR is an antioxidant substance that occurs naturally in various plants and has various pharmacological properties. In the present study, it was investigated whether CHR has a protective effect against testicular toxicity induced by PbAc. The results revealed that in rats, CHR protects the testicular tissue from PbAc toxicity by showing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects, thus bringing sperm parameters closer to normal.

Modulation of reproductive dysfunctions associated with streptozocin-induced diabetes by Artemisia judaica extract in rats fed a high-fat diet

We investigated the palliative effect of Artemisia judaica extract (AjE) on testicular deterioration induced by DM in high-fat diet/streptozocin (HFD/STZ)-injected rats. Forty rats were allocated to the following five groups: control, AjE, HFD/STZ, HFD/STZ-AjE, and HFD/STZ-metformin. HFD/STZ-diabetic rats showed a marked decrease in testicular weight and male sex hormones. There was significant suppression of testicular antioxidant enzymes and glutathione content in HFD/STZ-diabetic rats. However, rats that had received the STZ injection and the high-fat diet displayed increased malondialdehyde content and nitric oxide levels as well as tumour necrosis factor-alpha. High levels of Bax and low levels of Bcl-2 were detected after the STZ injection. Obvious pathological alterations were found in the testicular tissue of the HFD/STZ-diabetic rats. Thus, the administration of AjE attenuated the biochemical, molecular, and histopathological changes in the testes of the diabetic rats. The obtained findings showed that AjE treatment attenuated the diabetes-induced reprotoxicity in male rats via its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties.