Protective activity of Dendropanax morbifera against cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury

Protective effect of dendropanoxide against cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity via anti-inflammatory activities in Sprague-Dawley rats

Cadmium (Cd) accumulates in the body through contaminated foods or water and causes pathological damage to the liver via oxidative stress and inflammatory reactions. This study was conducted to explore the effects of dendropanoxide (DPx) on Cd-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with CdCl2 (7 mg/kg body weight) intraperitoneally for 14 days for the induction of liver dysfunction. The CdCl2-exposed rats were subjected to DPx (10 mg/kg) or silymarin (50 mg/kg). The animals were euthanized after 24 h of the last CdCl2 injection and the serum biochemical parameters, lipid content, pro-inflammatory cytokine levels, apoptotic cell death and histopathology of the tissues were analyzed. Additionally, the activity of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), was measured. Compared to controls, Cd-injected rats showed significantly elevated serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, and a remarkable decrease in SOD and CAT activities. Importantly, Cd-induced liver damage was drastically ameliorated by treatment with DPx or silymarin. Treatment with DPx protected the Cd-induced histopathological hepatic injury, as confirmed by the evaluation of TUNEL assay. DPx treatment significantly reduced Bax and caspase-3 expression in Cd-injected rats. Additionally, HO-1 and NRF2 expressions were significantly increased after DPx administration in the liver of Cd-injected rats. Our data indicate that DPx successfully prevents Cd-induced hepatotoxicity by emphasizing the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effect.

Dendropanoxide, a Triterpenoid from Dendropanax morbifera, Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Inhibiting Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells through Autophagy Inhibition

Hepatic fibrosis results from chronic liver damage and is characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). In this study, we showed that dendropanoxide (DPX), isolated from Dendropanax morbifera, had anti-fibrotic effects on hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. DPX suppressed mRNA and protein expression of α-SMA, fibronectin, and collagen in activated HSCs. Moreover, DPX (40 mg/kg) treatment significantly lowered levels of liver injury markers (aspartate aminotransferase and alanine transaminase), expression of fibrotic markers, and deposition of ECM in a carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model. Anti-fibrotic effects of DPX were comparable to those of silymarin in a hepatic fibrosis mouse model. As a possible mechanism of anti-fibrotic effects, we showed that DPX inhibited autophagosome formation (LC3B-II) and degradation of p62, which have important roles in HSC activation. These findings suggest that DPX inhibits HSC activation by inhibiting autophagy and can be utilized in hepatic fibrosis therapy.

The Great Healing Potential Hidden in Plant Preparations of Antioxidant Properties: A Return to Nature?

The application of chemicals in industry and agriculture has contributed to environmental pollution and exposure of living organisms to harmful factors. The development of new pharmaceutical agents enabled successful therapy of various diseases, but their administration may be connected with side effects. Oxidative stress has been found to be involved into etiology of numerous diseases as well as harmful action of drugs and chemicals. For some time, plant origin substances have been studied as potential protective agents alleviating toxicity of various substances and symptoms of diseases. The aim of the current review was to present the diversity of the research performed during the last five years on animal models. The outcomes showed a huge protective potential inherent in plant preparations, including alleviating prooxidative processes, strengthening antioxidant defence, ameliorating immune parameters, and reversing histopathological changes. In many cases, plant origin substances were proved to be comparable or even better than standard drugs. Such findings let us suggest that in the future the plant preparations could make adjuvants or a replacement for pharmaceutical agents. However, the detailed research regarding dose and way of administration as well as the per se effects needs to be performed. In many studies, the last issue was not studied, and in some cases, the deleterious effects have been observed.

Dendropanax Morbiferus and Other Species from the Genus Dendropanax: Therapeutic Potential of Its Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology

The Dendropanax genus is a kind of flowering plant in the family of Araliaceae that encompasses approximately 91 to 95 species. Several Dendropanax species are used as traditional medicinal plants, extensively used Korea and South America and other parts of the world. Almost every part of the plant, including the leaves, bark, roots, and stems, can be used as traditional medicine for the prevention and management of a broad spectrum of health disorders. This paper sought to summarizes the ethnopharmacological benefits, biological activities, and phytochemical investigations of plants from the genus Dendropanax, and perhaps to subsequently elucidate potential new perspectives for future pharmacological research to consider. Modern scientific literature suggests that plants of the Dendropanax genus, together with active compounds isolated from it, possess a wide range of therapeutic and pharmacological applications, including antifungal, anti-complement, antioxidant, antibacterial, insect antifeedant, cytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, neuroprotective, anti-diabetic, anti-cancer, and anti-hypouricemic properties. The botanical descriptions of approximately six to 10 species are provided by different scientific web sources. However, only six species, namely, D. morbiferus, D. gonatopodus, D. dentiger, D. capillaris, D. chevalieri, and D. arboreus, were included in the present investigation to undergo phytochemical evaluation, due to the unavailability of data for the remaining species. Among these plant species, a high concentration of variable bioactive ingredients was identified. In particular, D. morbifera is a traditional medicinal plant used for the multiple treatment purposes and management of several human diseases or health conditions. Previous experimental evidence supports that the D. morbifera species could be used to treat various inflammatory disorders, diarrhea, diabetes, cancer, and some microbial infections. It has recently been reported, by our group and other researchers, that D. morbifera possesses a neuroprotective and memory-enhancing agent. A total of 259 compounds have been identified among six species, with 78 sourced from five of these species reported to be bioactive. However, there is no up-to-date information concerning the D. morbifera, its different biological properties, or its prospective benefits in the enhancement of human health. In the present study, we set out to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the botany, traditional medicinal history, and medicinal resources of species of the Dendropanax genus. In addition, we explore several phytochemical constituents identified in different species of the Dendropanax genus and their biological properties. Finally, we offer comprehensive analysis findings of the phytochemistry, medicinal uses, pharmacological actions, and a toxicity and safety evaluation of the D. morbifera species and its main bioactive ingredients for future consideration.

Neuroprotective effects of Dendropanax morbifera leaves on glutamate-induced oxidative cell death in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Dendropanax morbifera (DM) has long been used as a traditional herbal medicine for migraines. Glutamate toxicity and oxidative stress have emerged as the possible triggers implicated in migraine pathogenesis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to examine the neuroprotective effects of DM leaves (DML) on glutamate-induced oxidative cell death in HT22 mouse hippocampal neuronal cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular authentication of DML was assessed using DNA barcoding analysis. Four different solvent extracts of DML were prepared and subjected to antioxidant activity and phytochemical assays. Neuroprotective effects of DML extracts were evaluated using relevant biochemical and imaging assays that measure cell viability/death, ROS generation, Ca²⁺ levels, mitochondrial dysfunction, and AIF nuclear translocation.

RESULTS

The sequences of matK, rbcL, atpF-H, and psbK-I in DML were identical with those in voucher specimens, confirming that DML was indeed D. morbifera. The ethyl acetate extract of DML (DMLE) showed the highest flavonoid and phenolic content, and prominent DPPH/superoxide radical scavenging and reducing power activities. In the HT22 cell model, glutamate was shown to be the causative agent for apoptotic cell death via elevation of intracellular ROS and Ca²⁺ levels, induction of mitochondrial depolarization and membrane permeabilization, and translocation of AIF to the nucleus. Of note, N-acetyl-L-cysteine and necrostatin-1, but not z-VAD-fmk, completely prevented glutamate-induced cell death, implying that oxidative stress and AIF translocation were pivotal in glutamate cytotoxicity. DMLE significantly recovered glutamate-induced apoptotic cell death in a concentration-dependent manner. It completely inhibited intracellular/mitochondrial ROS generation, the elevation of Ca²⁺ levels, and mitochondrial dysfunction induced by glutamate during early exposure within 8 h. It significantly reversed subsequent AIF nuclear translocation after 12 h of treatment. Antioxidant activities of DMLE may be the protective mechanism that regulates homeostatic balance of ROS and Ca²⁺ as well as maintains mitochondrial function.

CONCLUSIONS

DMLE shows significant neuroprotective effects against glutamate-induced oxidative neuronal cell death. Therefore, DM could be a potential therapeutic candidate for neurological disorders propagated by glutamate toxicity.

Protective effect of aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaf against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in Wistar rats

Background

Hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia are common global health challenges but medicinal plant extracts may have potential to prevent them. Thus, this study evaluated the protective effect of aqueous extract of Lophira lanceolata leaf (LLE) against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in albino Wistar rats.

Methods

Thirty rats were randomly divided into 6 groups of 5 rats each. Group I rats received distilled water and served as control, group II rats were given 5 mg/kg cisplatin (CIS) intraperitoneally, groups III and IV rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE respectively for 26 days by oral gavages while groups V and VI rats were treated with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE respectively, followed by CIS on the 21st day as in group II. About 24 h after treatment, blood was collected from the rats; then serum was separated and used for estimations of biochemical parameters. The kidney and liver of rats were removed, rinsed in normal saline, stored in 10% formalin and used for histological analyses.

Results

The biomarkers of hepatic (Aminotransferases, Alkaline phosphatase and Bilirubin) and renal (urea and creatinine) injuries, and dyslipidemia (Total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol) significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the rats exclusively exposed to cisplatin when compared with normal control. However, treatment of cisplatin-exposed rats with 200 and 400 mg/kg LLE significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the levels of these biomarkers of hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia when compared with cisplatin control. Photomicrographs showed pathological signs in the liver and kidney of rats exclusively exposed to cisplatin, but there was moderate protection of these tissues in the rats treated with LLE and cisplatin.

Conclusion

The current findings have shown that Lophira lanceolata leaf extract may provide moderate protection against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injuries and dyslipidemia in albino Wistar rats.

Protective Effects of Dendropanax morbifera against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity without Altering Chemotherapeutic Efficacy

Use of the chemotherapeutic agent cisplatin (CDDP) in cancer patients is limited by the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI); however, no protective therapy is available. We aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of Dendropanax morbifera water extract (DM) on CDDP-induced AKI. Male Sprague-Dawley rats (six animals/group) received: Vehicle (control); CDDP (6 mg/kg, intraperitoneally (i.p.); DM (25 mg/kg, oral); or DM + CDDP injection. CDDP treatment significantly increased blood urea nitrogen (BUN), serum creatinine (sCr), and pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), and severely damaged the kidney architecture. Urinary excretion of protein-based AKI biomarkers also increased in the CDDP-treated group. In contrast, DM ameliorated CDDP-induced AKI biomarkers. It markedly protected against CDDP-induced oxidative stress by increasing the activity of endogenous antioxidants and reducing the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α). The protective effect of DM in the proximal tubules was evident upon histopathological examination. In a tumor xenograft model, administration of DM enhanced the chemotherapeutic activity of CDDP and exhibited renoprotective effects against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity without altering chemotherapeutic efficacy. Our data demonstrate that DM may be an adjuvant therapy with CDDP in solid tumor patients to preserve renal function.

Ameliorative Effects of Dendropanax morbifera on Cognitive Impairment Via Enhancing Cholinergic Functions and Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor Expression in β-Amyloid-Induced Mice

Alzheimer's disease accounts for the majority of dementia and shows hallmarks such as sequential cognitive dysfunction and abnormal behavior. Dendropanax morbifera (DM) has traditionally been used to treat a variety of diseases in East Asia. The aim of this study was to assess the therapeutic effects of DM on brain neuron damage and on cognitive deficit in neuronal cell induced by Aβ_1-42 in mice. Treatment with DM reduced the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species and protected against the death of neuronal cells induced by Aβ_1-42 peptide. In addition, it was also found that pretreatment with DM decreased cognitive damage induced by Aβ peptide via enhancing the cholinergic system and antioxidant defense system in mice. Furthermore, the study verified that the change in the expression of both cyclic-adenosine monophosphate response element binding protein and of brain-derived neurotrophic factor in the hippocampus in Aβ peptide-treated mice was significantly ameliorated after treatment with DM. Accordingly, these results suggest that pretreatment with DM defends against oxidative stress and cognitive impairment caused by Aβ peptide.

Pre-treatment with Empagliflozin ameliorates Cisplatin induced acute kidney injury by suppressing apoptosis

Dose-limiting nephrotoxicity restricts Cisplatin use in high therapeutic doses. Empagliflozin showed a reno-protective effect in diabetic nephropathy. We investigated if Empagliflozin can ameliorate Cisplatin nephrotoxicity whether used prophylactically or therapeutically. Forty male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: (1) control; (2) Cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by single intraperitoneal dose; (3) Empagliflozin was given for 10 days before a single dose of Cisplatin; (4) a single dose of Cisplatin followed by Empagliflozin for 10 days; (5) received Empagliflozin only. Regular assessment of weight was done, biochemical evaluation for serum urea, creatinine, uric acid, albumin, and glucose was performed, kidney tissue nerve growth factor-β (NGF-β) and oxidative stress parameters were measured, kidneys were evaluated histopathologically and immunostained for caspase 3. Cisplatin significantly reduced body weight, NGF-β, and reduced glutathione, elevated urea, creatinine, and malondialdehyde with no effect on other serum biochemical parameters. Histopathologically, there was high acute tubular necrosis (ATN) score with strong immunostaining of caspase 3. The use of Empagliflozin significantly reduced urea and creatinine in both prophylactic and therapeutic, reduced ATN score in the prophylactic group associated with minimal staining of caspase 3 and elevated reduced glutathione. In conclusion, prophylactic Empagliflozin protected against Cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury mainly via anti-apoptotic effect.

Total Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Sericetin for Protection against Cisplatin-Induced Acute Kidney Injury

A concise synthesis of sericetin (1) was performed in four steps from readily available 3- O-benzylgalangin (4), featuring electrocyclization to produce the tricyclic core and a sequential aromatic Claisen/Cope rearrangement to incorporate the 8-prenyl group of 1. In addition, the therapeutic potential of sericetin (1), isosericetin (2), and three prenylated tetracyclic synthetic intermediates (11, 12, and 14) against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity using renal tubular cells were evaluated. Compound 14 showed therapeutic potential against cisplatin-induced kidney damage.

Dendropanax morbifera Prevents Cardiomyocyte Hypertrophy by Inhibiting the Sp1/GATA4 Pathway

An extract of Dendropanax morbifera branch exerts antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antithrombotic, and anticancer activities. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of the extract in isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. Phalloidin staining showed that treatment with the extract dramatically prevents isoproterenol-induced H9c2 cell enlargement and the expression of cardiac hypertrophic marker genes, including atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and B-type brain natriuretic peptide (BNP). Further, pretreatment with the extract decreased isoproterenol-induced GATA4 and Sp1 expression in H9c2 cells. Overexpression of Sp1 induced the expression of GATA4. The forced expression of Sp1 or its downstream target GATA4, as well as the co-transfection of Sp1 and GATA4 increased the expression of ANP, which was decreased by treatment with the extract. To further elucidate the regulation of the Sp1/GATA4-mediated expression of ANP, knockdown experiments were performed. Transfection with small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) for Sp1 or GATA4 decreased ANP expression. The extract did not further inhibit the expression of ANP reduced by the transfection of GATA4 siRNA. Sp1 knockdown did not affect the expression of ANP that was induced by the overexpression of GATA4; however, GATA4 knockdown abolished the expression of ANP that had been induced by Sp1 overexpression. The extract treatment also attenuated the isoproterenol-induced activation of p38 MAPK, ERK1/2, and JNK1. Hesperidin, catechin, 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid, and salicylic acid are the main phenolic compounds present in the extract as observed by high performance liquid chromatography. Hesperidin and 2,5-dihydroxybenzoic acid attenuated isoproterenol-induced cardiac hypertrophy. These findings suggest that the D. morbifera branch extract prevents cardiac hypertrophy by downregulating the activation of Sp1/GATA4 and MAPK signaling pathways.

Aqueous Extract of Dendropanax morbiferus Leaves Effectively Alleviated Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Impediments in MPTP-Induced Parkinson's Mouse Model

Parkinson's disease (PD) is a commonly reported age-related neurodegenerative disorder. Microglial-mediated neuroinflammation is one of the cardinal hallmarks of various neurodegenerative disorders, including PD progression. Inadequate therapeutic strategies and substantial adverse effects of well-established drug candidates demand new therapeutic leads to treat PD. Dendropanax morbifera (DM) is an endemic plant species of South Korea, and it has been used extensively as traditional medicine to treat numerous clinical complications. In this study, we conducted an initial profiling of the few major phytoconstituents of aqueous DM leaf extracts (DML) and quantified the same using high-performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry with electrospray ionization (HPLC-ESI-MS/MS). We subsequently evaluated the antineuroinflammatory activity and ameliorative potential of DML in both in vitro and in vivo experimental PD models. The prophylactic treatment of DML effectually improved the behavioral deficits, curbed the microglial-mediated neuroinflammation, and protected dopaminergic (DA) neuronal loss by restoring tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) levels in brain tissue of the MPTP-induced PD mouse model. We conducted chromatographic profiling and identified chlorogenic acid (CA) as a major constituent (19.5 mg/g of BuOH fraction), which has been well documented as an antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent. This was found to be in harmony with our in vitro results, where DML suppressed the level of inflammatory mediators and allied the signaling pathway in LPS-stimulated microglial cells. The results of our study indicate that DML and its bioactive constituents can be developed as potential therapeutic candidates against progressive PD complications.

Ethyl Acetate Fraction from Dendropanax morbifera Leaves Increases T Cell Growth by Upregulating NF-AT-Mediated IL-2 Secretion

Dendropanax morbifera Leveille (Araliaceae) is an endemic species that grows in Southwestern Korea and has been used as a folk medicine. Several studies reported that D. morbifera leaves have diverse therapeutic potentials. We found that the water extract of D. morbifera leaves increased the growth of EL-4 T cells. The water extract was divided into five fractions: [Formula: see text]-hexane, chloroform, ethyl acetate, [Formula: see text]-butanol, and water layers. The ethyl acetate (W-EA) fraction showed a more significant effect than the other fractions on the growth of EL-4 T cells, splenocytes, and isolated murine CD4[Formula: see text] T cells. We evaluated the W-EA fraction for its immunomodulatory effects focusing on T cell functions. First, we tested the effect of the W-EA fraction on the regulation of interleukin-2 (IL-2), a potent T cell growth factor. The W-EA fraction significantly increased IL-2 secretion in EL-4 T cells activated with phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA) and ionomycin (Io). In addition, the W-EA fraction increased interferon-gamma (IFN-[Formula: see text] production in isolated murine splenocytes activated with Concanavalin A (ConA). Next, we examined the effect of the W-EA fraction on the regulation of transcriptional factors related to IL-2 production in T cells. The W-EA fraction significantly increased PMA/Io-induced promoter activity of a nuclear factor of activated T cells (NF-AT) in EL-4 T cells, but did not show any significant effects on the promoters of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-[Formula: see text]B). These results indicate that the W-EA fraction from water extract of D. morbifera leaves enhances IL-2 production at the transcriptional levels via the up-regulation of NF-AT in PMA/Io-activated EL-4 T cells.

Development and Validation of a HPLC-UV Method for Extraction Optimization and Biological Evaluation of Hot-Water and Ethanolic Extracts of Dendropanax morbifera Leaves

Dendropanax morbifera Leveille (Araliaceae) has been used in traditional oriental remedies for cancer, inflammation, diabetes, and thrombosis. However, a validated analytical method, standardization, and optimization of extraction conditions with respect to biological activity have not been reported. In this study, a simple and validated HPLC method for identifying and quantifying active substances in D. morbifera was developed. Hot water and ethanolic D. morbifera leaf extracts from different production regions were prepared and evaluated with regard to their chemical compositions and biological activities. The contents of active compounds such as rutin and chlorogenic acid were determined in four samples collected from different regions. The 80% ethanolic extract showed the best antioxidant activity, phenolic content, reducing power, and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity. The validated HPLC method confirmed the presence of chlorogenic acid and rutin in D. morbifera leaf extracts. The antioxidant and XO inhibitory activity of D. morbifera extract could be attributed to the marker compounds. Collectively, these results suggest that D. morbifera leaves could be beneficial for the treatment or prevention of hyperuricemia-related disease, and the validated HPLC method could be a useful tool for the quality control of food or drug formulations containing D. morbifera.

Identification of aldo-keto reductase (AKR7A1) and glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1) as novel renal damage biomarkers following exposure to mercury

The kidney is one of the main targets for toxicity induced by xenobiotics. Sensitive detection of early impairment is critical to assess chemical-associated renal toxicity. The aim of this study was to identify potential nephrotoxic biomarkers in rat kidney tissues after exposure to mercury (Hg), a representative nephrotoxicant, and to evaluate these new biomarkers employing in vivo and in vitro systems. Mercuric chloride was administered orally to Sprague-Dawley rats for 2 weeks. Proteomic analysis revealed that aldo-keto reductase (AKR7A1) and glutathione S-transferase pi (GSTP1) were significantly elevated in kidney after Hg exposure. While the levels of conventional nephrotoxic clinical markers including blood urea nitrogen and serum creatinine were not elevated, the mRNA and protein levels of AKR7A1 and GSTP1 were increased upon Hg exposure in a dose-dependent manner. The increases in AKR7A1 and GSTP1 were also observed in rat kidneys after an extended exposure for 6 weeks to low-dose Hg. In in vitro rat kidney proximal tubular cells, changes in AKR7A1 and GSTP1 levels correlated well with the extent of cytotoxicity induced by Hg, cadmium, or cisplatin. AKR7A1 and GSTP1 were identified as new candidates for Hg-induced nephrotoxicity, suggesting that these biomarkers have potential for evaluating or predicting nephrotoxicity.

Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract ameliorates D-galactose-induced memory deficits by decreasing inflammatory responses in the hippocampus

In the present study, we examined the effects of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille leaf extract (DML) on D-galactose-induced morphological changes in microglia and cytokines, including pro-inflammatory cytokines (interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor [TNF]-α) and anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-4 and IL-10) in the hippocampus. Administration of DML to D-galactose-treated mice significantly improved D-galactose-induced reduction in escape latency, swimming speed, and spatial preference for the target quadrant. In addition, administration of DML to D-galactose-treated mice significantly ameliorated the microglial activation and increases of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α levels in the hippocampus. Administration of D-galactose significantly reduced IL-4 levels in the hippocampus, while administration of DML to D-galactose-treated mice significantly increased IL-4 level. However, we did not observe any significant changes in IL-10 levels in hippocampal homogenates. These results suggest that DML reduces D-galactose-induced mouse senescence by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, as well as increasing anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4.

Natural medicines for acute renal failure: A review

Acute renal failure (ARF) is a life-threating disease with high mortality percentage. Two important mechanisms of ARF are inflammation and oxidative stress. Plants are rich source of antioxidant compounds and have a strong anti-inflammatory activity, so they may be useful for the treatment of ARF. Some herbal medicines are effective against different models of experimentally induced ARF such as cisplatin, gentamicin, glycerol, and ischemia-reperfusion injury. Some of these plants such as ginseng, black seed, ginger, garlic, grape, pomegranate, saffron, and green tea are so famous and are effective against various models of ARF. However, we found several articles examining the effectiveness of different plants for treating ARF. In the current article, we discussed plants and natural products that are effective in the treatment of ARF.

Potent Anti-inflammatory and Analgesic Actions of the Chloroform Extract of Dendropanax morbifera Mediated by the Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Dendropanax morbifera LEVEILLE (DP) has been used in traditional Korean medicines to treat a variety of inflammatory diseases. Although the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of this plant is understood, its in vivo efficacy and underlying molecular mechanism of anti-inflammatory effects are largely unknown. We elucidated the anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and the underlying molecular mechanisms of DP using in vitro and in vivo models. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated murine macrophages were used to analyze the in vitro anti-inflammatory potential of DP extract and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In vivo animal models of phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (TPA)-induced ear edema and acetic acid-induced writhing response tests were used to analyze the in vivo anti-inflammatory effects and anti-nociceptive effects of DP extract, respectively. Methanolic extract of DP (DPME) significantly inhibited the release of nitric oxide (NO) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) in LPS-activated macrophages. Among the five sub-fractions, the chloroform fraction (DP-C) showed the most potent suppressive effects against pro-inflammatory mediators and cytokines in LPS-stimulated macrophages. These effects were attributed to inhibition of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) nuclear translocation and c-Jun N terminal kinase (JNK) 1/2 phosphorylation and to activation of NF-E2-related factor 2/heme oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling. DP-C exhibited strong protective in vivo effects in TPA-induced ear edema mouse model and acetic acid-induced writhing response test. Our data suggest that DP-C has potent anti-inflammatory and analgesic activities and may be a promising treatment against a variety of inflammatory diseases.

Effects of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract on hypothyroidism-induced oxidative stress in the rat hippocampus

In this experiment, we verified the effects of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille stem extract (DMS) on hypothyroidism-induced oxidative stress in the hippocampus of rats. Hypothyroidism was induced in rats by treating them with 0.03% 2-mercapto-1-methyl-imidazole dissolved in drinking water for 5 weeks. DMS (100 mg/kg) was also orally administered to the rats during the same period and the animals were sacrificed at 12 weeks of age. DMS administration tended to ameliorate these hypothyroidism-induced changes in serum triiodothyronine (T₃), thyroxine (T₄), and thyroid-stimulating hormone levels. DMS administration significantly reduced the hypothyroidism-induced increases in reactive oxygen species production as well as in lipid peroxidation in the hippocampus. In addition, DMS administration increased hippocampal Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase (SOD1), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) levels. These results suggest that DMS potentially ameliorates hypothyroidism-induced neuroendocrine phenotypes and oxidative stress in the hippocampus via the induction of antioxidant enzymes.

Origanum majorana Attenuates Nephrotoxicity of Cisplatin Anticancer Drug through Ameliorating Oxidative Stress

Despite the fact that cisplatin is an important anticancer drug, its clinical utilization is limited by nephrotoxicity during long term medication. Combined cisplatin chemotherapy with plant extracts can diminish toxicity and enhance the antitumor efficacy of the drug. This study evaluated the effect of Originum majorana ethanolic extract (OMEE) on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Eighteen male rats were divided into three groups as follows: a control group, a group treated with cisplatin (3 mg/kg body weight), and a group that received both cisplatin and OMEE (500 mg/kg body weight) for 14 days. Cisplatin induced a significant increase in creatinine, urea, uric acid, blood urea nitrogen, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels. However, glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels were significantly diminished. Conversely, OMEE significantly modulated the renal and oxidative markers negatively impacted by cisplatin. OMEE significantly reduced the effects of cisplatin-induced changes in renal and oxidative markers, possibly through its free radical scavenging activity. Thus, OMEE may be combined with cisplatin to alleviate nephrotoxicity in cancer chemotherapy.

Protective Effects of Tinospora crispa Stem Extract on Renal Damage and Hemolysis during Plasmodium berghei Infection in Mice

Renal damage and hemolysis induced by malaria are associated with mortality in adult patients. It has been speculated that oxidative stress condition induced by malaria infection is involved in its pathology. Thus, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of Tinospora crispa stem extract on renal damage and hemolysis during Plasmodium berghei infection. T. crispa stem extract was prepared using hot water method and used for oral treatment in mice. Groups of ICR mice were infected with 1 × 10⁷ parasitized erythrocytes of P. berghei ANKA by intraperitoneal injection and given the extracts (500, 1000, and 2000 mg/kg) twice a day for 4 consecutive days. To assess renal damage and hemolysis, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and hematocrit (%Hct) levels were then evaluated, respectively. Malaria infection resulted in renal damage and hemolysis as indicated by increasing of BUN and creatinine and decreasing of %Hct, respectively. However, protective effects on renal damage and hemolysis were observed in infected mice treated with these extracts at doses of 1000 and 2000 mg/kg. In conclusion, T. crispa stem extract exerted protective effects on renal damage and hemolysis induced by malaria infection. This plant may work as potential source in the development of variety of herbal formulations for malarial treatment.

Antioxidant effects of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille extract in the hippocampus of mercury-exposed rats

Background

Dendropanax morbifera Léveille has been employed for the treatment of infectious diseases using folk medicine. In this study, we evaluated the antioxidant effects of a leaf extract of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille in the hippocampus of mercury-exposed rats.

Methods

Seven-week-old Sprague–Dawley rats received a daily intraperitoneal injection of 5 μg/kg dimethylmercury and/or oral Dendropanax morbifera Léveille leaf extract (100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. Animals were sacrificed 2 h after the last dimethylmercury and/or leaf extract treatment. Mercury levels were measured in homogenates of hippocampal tissue, a brain region that is vulnerable to mercury toxicity. In addition, we measured reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation levels, and antioxidant levels in these hippocampal homogenates.

Results

Treatment with Dendropanax morbifera Léveille leaf extract significantly reduced mercury levels in hippocampal homogenates and attenuated the dimethylmercury-induced increase in the production of reactive oxygen species and formation of malondialdehyde. In addition, this leaf extract treatment significantly reversed the dimethylmercury-induced reduction in the hippocampal activities of Cu, Zn-superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase.

Conclusion

These results suggest that a leaf extract of Dendropanax morbifera Léveille had strong antioxidant effects in the hippocampus of mercury-exposed rats.