Biochemical and histopathological changes in Wistar rats after consumption of boiled and un-boiled water from high and low disease prevalent areas for chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology (CKDu) in north Central Province (NCP) and its comparison with low disease prevalent Colombo, Sri Lanka

Nephroprotective effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy in murine models of acute kidney injury: A systematic review and meta-analysis

AIMS

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a life-threatening condition marked by sudden kidney function loss and azotemia. While its management is limited to supportive care, the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBO) on AKI remain a subject of conflicting animal research. This study aimed to systematically review and meta-analyze HBO's effects on renal function biomarkers serum creatinine (SCr) and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in murine AKI models, also exploring tissue-level nephroprotection.

MAIN METHODS

The PUBMED, SciELO, and LILACS databases were searched until September 5, 2024. Effect sizes of HBO on SCr and BUN levels were expressed as standardized mean difference (SMD) alongside 95 % confidence interval (CI), calculated by random-effects model. Extracted data also included murine specie/strain, HBO parameters, AKI induction method (toxic, ischemic, others), and histological findings. Study quality and publication bias were respectively assessed using the CAMARADES checklist and Egger's test. This review adhered to PRISMA guidelines and was registered in PROSPERO (CRD42022369804).

KEY FINDINGS

Data synthesis from 21 studies demonstrates that HBO effectively reduces azotemia in AKI-affected animals (SCr's SMD = -1.69, 95 % CI = -2.38 to -0.99, P < 0.001; BUN's SMD = -1.51, 95 % CI = -2.32 to -0.71, P < 0.001) while mitigating histological damage. Subgroup analyses indicate that HBO particularly benefits ischemic and other AKI types (P < 0.05). In contrast, data from toxic AKI models were inconclusive due to insufficient statistical power (P > 0.05, 1-β < 30 %).

SIGNIFICANCE

This meta-analysis provides compelling evidence supporting the adjunctive use of HBO in AKI management.

Effects of Increasing Oral Deoxynivalenol Gavage on Growth Performance, Blood Biochemistry, Metabolism, Histology, and Microbiome in Rats

Mycotoxin-contaminated feed or food can affect physiological responses and cause illnesses in humans and animals. In this study, we evaluated the effects of deoxynivalenol (DON) toxicity on the growth performance, blood biochemistry, histology, microbiome, and metabolism of rats fed with different toxin concentrations. After 1 week of acclimatization, seven-week-old male rats received 0.9% saline as a control, 0.02 mg/kg DON as T1, and 0.2 mg/kg DON as T2 via oral gavage for 4 weeks. The final body weight of the T2 group was significantly lower than that of the control and T1; however, the average daily gain, feed intake, and feed conversion ratio did not differ. Fibrosis and apoptosis were observed in various tissues as DON concentration increased. Creatinine and alkaline phosphatase levels were significantly lower in the DON-treated group than in the control. Firmicutes and Desulfobacterota phyla dominated the cecum, whereas those in the feces were Proteobacteria and Bacteroidetes. Metabolomic profiling showed phenylalanine, tyrosine, and tryptophan biosynthesis as the most prominent pathways. Overall, our results suggest that low-dose and short-term DON exposure can trigger several adverse effects in rats. Dietary toxicants in rats may explain the physiological effects associated with the metabolism commonly reported in animals.

In vivo characterization of a luffa-based composite scaffold for subcutaneous implantation in rats

Recent advancements in tissue engineering have witnessed luffa-derived scaffolds, exhibiting their exceptional potential in cellular proliferation, biocompatibility, appropriate interconnectivity, and biomechanical strength. In vivo studies involved implanting fabricated scaffolds subcutaneously in Wistar rats to evaluate their impact on the heart, liver, and kidneys. This approach provided a safe and minimally invasive means to evaluate scaffold compatibility with surrounding tissues. Male Wistar rats were categorized into four distinct groups, Group A, B, C, and D are referred to as 3% LC implanted scaffolds, 5% LC implanted scaffolds, control (without luffa scaffolds), and Sham (without any scaffold implantation), respectively. Histological analysis in all the groups indicated that the animal models did not exhibit any signs of inflammation or toxicity, suggesting favorable tissue response to the implanted scaffolds. Initial observations revealed elevated levels of enzymes and biomarkers in the experimental groups after a 24 h interval, including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), bilirubin, creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and serum creatinine. However, these parameters normalized 3 weeks post-implantation, with no significant increase compared to the control groups, suggesting that the implanted luffa-based scaffolds did not induce adverse effects on the heart, liver, and kidneys. Furthermore, the scaffold's significant pore size and porosity enable it to release drugs, including antibacterial medications. This study demonstrates promising results, indicating excellent scaffold porosity, sustained drug release, affirming the in vivo biocompatibility, absence of inflammatory responses, and overall tissue compatibility highlighting the immense potential of these luffa-based scaffolds in various tissue engineering and regenerative medicine applications.

Restoration of renal hemodynamics and functions by Nigella sativa administration in dinitrophenol-induced hypoxia in rat's animal model

Objective

Hypoxia is one of the principal causes of renal diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of Nigella sativa on dinitrophenol (DNP)-induced hypoxia renal damage in rats.

Methods

Forty adult male rats were incorporated in this study. The rats were divided into four groups: control group, N. sativa group, DNP hypoxic group, and DNP + N. sativa group receiving N. sativa (400 mg/kg body weight). Serum and renal tissue erythropoietin (EPO) hormone and hypoxia-inducible factor-2α (HIF-2α) levels were measured. Renal oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory biomarkers, renal hemodynamics, and histopathological examination were evaluated.

Results

Administration of N. sativa highly significantly normalized serum EPO level, HIF-2α (P < 0.001 for each) in DNP + N. sativa treated rats as compared to DNP hypoxic rats. Furthermore, it highly significantly improved renal oxidative stress evident by decreased renal tissues malondialdehyde and increased superoxide dismutase, total thiol, and catalase activity (P < 0.001 for each). Furthermore, a highly significant decline of renal intercellular adhesion molecule-1, myeloperoxidase, and interleukin-6 was observed in DNP + N. sativa rats (P < 0.001 for each). Improvements in renal hemodynamics and kidney functions were also found after N. sativa administration (with P < 0.001 for all parameters). In addition, N. sativa treatment reduced renal histopathological changes of the DNP + N. sativa group. Our results were statistically analyzed using the Prism software package (GraphPad version 8.0).

Conclusion

N. sativa has an alleviating effect on DNP-induced hypoxia renal damage and can restore kidney functions in rats' animal models. These effects were through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hemodynamic mechanisms.

Proline-Hinged α-Helical Peptides Sensitize Gram-Positive Antibiotics, Expanding Their Physicochemical Properties to Be Used as Gram-Negative Antibiotics

The outer membrane (OM) of Gram-negative bacteria is the most difficult obstacle for small-molecule antibiotics to reach their targets in the cytosol. The molecular features of Gram-negative antibiotics required for passing through the OM are that they should be positively charged rather than neutral, flat rather than globular, less flexible, or more increased amphiphilic moment. Because of these specific molecular characteristics, developing Gram-negative antibiotics is difficult. We focused on sensitizer peptides to facilitate the passage of hydrophobic Gram-positive antibiotics through the OM. We explored ways of improving the sensitizing ability of proline-hinged α-helical peptides by adjusting their length, hydrophobicity, and N-terminal groups. A novel peptide, 1403, improves the potentiation of rifampicin in vitro and in vivo and potentiates most Gram-positive antibiotics. The "sensitizer" approach is more plausible than those that rely on conventional drug discovery methods concerning drug development costs and the development of drug resistance.

Ameliorative effect of traditional polyherbal formulation on TNF-α, IL-1β and Caspase-3 expression in kidneys of wistar rats against sodium fluoride induced oxidative stress

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sharbat-e-bazoori Motadil (SBM) is a polyherbal formulation that have been used for centuries as a part of the Unani system of medicine for renal disease.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The objective of this study was to explore and validate the nephroprotective potential of sugar-free SBM (SF-SBM) and its mechanisms of action against sodium fluoride (NaF)-induced nephrotoxicity in HEK-293 cells. Additionally, the study aimed to assess the quality control of SF-SBM and investigate its effects using an in vivo rat model with pattern recognition following oral administration of SF-SBM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The nephroprotective effect of SF-SBM was investigated using both an HEK-293 cell line and Wistar rats. Nephrotoxicity was induced in these models by administering NaF at a concentration of 600 ppm (parts per million) for a duration of seven days. The SF-SBM formulation was standardized using high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) to assess the presence of marker compounds, namely gallic acid, quercetin, and ferulic acid. Metabolite characterization of SF-SBM was carried out using ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) with a monolithic capillary silica-based C18 column. This analytical technique allowed for the identification of bioactive substances and verification of the identified markers. Acute toxicity of SF-SBM was evaluated in Wistar rats by administering a single oral dose of 2000 mg/kg of SF-SBM. The nephroprotective efficacy of SF-SBM was further assessed at low (LD), medium (MD) and high (HD) doses of 32.1, 64.2, and 128.4 mg/kg, respectively, administered orally. Nephrotoxicity was induced in Wistar rats by adding NaF to their drinking water for seven days. Biochemical and urine markers were analyzed to evaluate the antioxidant, inflammatory, and apoptotic potential of SF-SBM. Additionally, histopathological analysis and immunohistochemical alterations in the expression of caspase-3 and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase-4 (NOX-4) in kidney tissue were performed to confirm the findings of the in vivo experiments. Furthermore, in vivo pattern recognition of SF-SBM metabolites, identified through GC-MS metabolomics, and in-silico docking analysis of major metabolites in plasma were conducted to gain further insights.

RESULT

Phytochemical analysis using HPTLC, TLC-bioautography, and UPLC-MS revealed the presence of several bioactive constituents in SF-SBM, including ferulic acid, gallic acid (GA), ellagic acid, quercetin, and apigenin. These compounds exhibit diverse pharmacological properties. In vitro studies demonstrated the protective effect of SF-SBM on HEK-293 cell line against nephrotoxicity. The acute toxicity study of SF-SBM at a dose of 2000 mg/kg showed no mortality or signs of toxicity throughout the 14-day observation period. In the in vivo studies, administration of NaF resulted in significant elevation (P < 0.001) of biochemical and urine parameters, indicating oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic stress. Histopathological examination revealed severe depletion of Bowman's capsule, and immunohistochemistry demonstrated negative immunostaining for caspase-3 and reduced NOX-4 reactions. Pre-treatment with SF-SBM significantly attenuated the elevated biochemical and urine markers, restored the antioxidant enzyme levels (such as SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx and NO), and regulated the expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, CASP-3) in kidney tissue at doses of SF-SBM-MD (64.2 mg/kg) and SF-SBM-HD (128.4 mg/kg), showing comparable results to those of α-Ketoanalogue. Histopathological assessment demonstrated improvements in tissue damage. Pattern recognition analysis of SF-SBM identified the presence of 56 metabolites at different time intervals. Additionally, in-silico studies revealed strong interactions of SF-SBM with a binding energy of -6.5 and -5.6 kcal for 4C2N.

CONCLUSION

The phytoconstituents present in SF-SBM play a crucial role in its nephroprotective action by acting as potent antioxidants and reducing proinflammatory and apoptotic damage in rat cells. This indicates that SF-SBM has promising potential for the treatment of nephrotoxicity.

Reversal of fibrosis and portal hypertension by Empagliflozin treatment of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis: Emphasis on gal-1/NRP-1/TGF-β and gal-1/NRP-1/VEGFR2 pathways

To date, liver fibrosis has no clinically approved treatment. Empagliflozin (EMPA), a highly selective sodium-glucose-cotransporter-2 (SGLT2) inhibitor, has shown ameliorative potential in liver diseases without revealing its full mechanisms. Neuropilin-1 (NRP-1) is a novel regulator of profibrogenic signaling pathways related to hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) that modulates intrahepatic profibrogenic and angiogenic pathways. Herein, EMPA's antifibrotic potentials and effects on galactin-1 (Gal-1)/NRP-1 signaling pathways have been evaluated in an experimental liver fibrosis rat model by testing different EMPA dose regimens. EMPA treatment brought a dose-dependent decrease in Gal-1/NRP-1 hepatic expression. This was coupled with suppression of major HSCs pro-fibrotic pathways; transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β)/TGF-βRI/Smad2 and platelet-derived growth factor-beta (PDGF-β) with a diminution of hepatic Col 1A1 level. In addition, EMPA prompted a protuberant suppression of the angiogenic pathway; vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)/VEGF-receptor-2 (VEGFR-2)/SH2-Domain Containing Adaptor Protein-B (Shb), and reversal of altered portal hypertension (PHT) markers; endothelin-1 (ET-1) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS). The amelioration of liver fibrosis was coupled with a remarkable improvement in liver aminotransferases and histologic hepatic fibrosis Ishak scores. The highest EMPA dose showed a good safety profile with minimal changes in renal function and glycemic control. Thus, the current study brought about novel findings for a potential liver fibrosis treatment modality via targeting NRP-1 signaling pathways by EMPA.

Fatty Acid-Rich Extract from Holothuria atra for Hyperuricemia via Expressions Modulation of GLUT9a and GLUT9b in Rat Model

An edible sea cucumber Holothuria atra has been hypothesized to have medicinal benefits against hyperuricemia owing to its bioactive compounds, including mono- and poly-unsaturated fatty acids. Herein, we aimed to investigate the fatty acids-rich extract produced from H. atra to treat hyperuricemic rats (Rattus novergicus). The extraction was carried out using n-hexane solvent and then administered to potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemic rats, with allopurinol acting as a positive control. The extract (50, 100, 150 mg/kg body weight) and allopurinol (10 mg/kg) were administered QD through an oral route using a nasogastric tube. Serum uric acid, creatinine, aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and blood urea nitrogen of the abdominal aortic blood were investigated. Our results suggested that the extract was rich in polyunsaturated (arachidonic acid) and monounsaturated fatty acids (oleic acid), in which its administration of 150 mg/kg could significantly reduce serum uric acid (p < 0.001), AST (p = 0.001), and ALT (p = 0.0302). The anti-hyperuricemic activity could be associated with the modulation of GLUT9 by the H. atra extract. In conclusion, the n-hexane extract from H. atra is a potential serum uric acid-lowering agent targeting GLUT9, where further investigations are crucially warranted.

Enhancing the expression of a key mitochondrial enzyme at the inception of ischemia-reperfusion injury can boost recovery and halt the progression of acute kidney injury

Hydrodynamic fluid delivery has shown promise in influencing renal function in disease models. This technique provided pre-conditioned protection in acute injury models by upregulating the mitochondrial adaptation, while hydrodynamic injections of saline alone have improved microvascular perfusion. Accordingly, hydrodynamic mitochondrial gene delivery was applied to investigate the ability to halt progressive or persistent renal function impairment following episodes of ischemia-reperfusion injuries known to induce acute kidney injury (AKI). The rate of transgene expression was approximately 33% and 30% in rats with prerenal AKI that received treatments 1 (T1hr) and 24 (T24hr) hours after the injury was established, respectively. The resulting mitochondrial adaptation via exogenous IDH2 (isocitrate dehydrogenase 2 (NADP+) and mitochondrial) significantly blunted the effects of injury within 24 h of administration: decreased serum creatinine (≈60%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈50%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and blood urea nitrogen (≈50%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈35%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) levels, and increased urine output (≈40%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; ≈26%, p < 0.05 at T24hr) and mitochondrial membrane potential, Δψm, (≈ by a factor of 13, p < 0.001 at T1hr; ≈ by a factor of 11, p < 0.001 at T24hr), despite elevated histology injury score (26%, p < 0.05 at T1hr; 47%, p < 0.05 at T24hr). Therefore, this study identifies an approach that can boost recovery and halt the progression of AKI at its inception.

In Vivo Analysis of Extract of Leaves of Mistletoe as a Benalu Duku: Clinical Chemical Value Associated with Histopathology, Liver, Kidneys, and Lethal Dose Determinate

The active compounds from the leaves of Dendrophthoe pentandra L. Miq., also known as, Benalu Duku (in Indonesia), are known to contain progesterone-like compounds (PLCs). This study aims to determine the effect of giving a single dose of PLCs on liver and kidney function in rats and the dose limit that causes the death of experimental animals. The PLCs were analyzed for chemical and physical characterization and compared to a pure standard of progesterone using HPLC, IR spectrometry, thermogravimetry, and NMR. The research was carried out in two sections. In section one, thirty-five healthy adult male rats were divided into six experimental groups and a control group of five rats each. The groups received, respectively, 50 to 75 mg/kg of PLCs (i.p.). The control group was given a 0.5 mL Aqua Pro injection. Alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen were assessed using the clinical chemistry of blood serum analysis. Cell disruptions were analyzed to determine the degeneration effects of PLCs on the liver and kidney in the experimental and control groups. In section two, thirty healthy adult male rats were divided into 6 groups, each group of 5 rats, and injected with PLCs at a dose of 0.9-2.1 g/kg BW, followed by a lethal dose test. The control groups were available for 5 individual rats at 0 g/kg BW of PLCs. Our findings indicated that PLCs have a similarity chemical and physical characterized each other compounds, then the following administration of 50 to 75 mg/kg of PLCs did not affect the parameters of clinical chemistry. Histopathology analysis of the liver and kidney revealed normal subcellular levels in the experimental group, with the nonlethal dose at 0.9 g/kg BW.

Antileishmanial Agents Co-loaded in Transfersomes with Enhanced Macrophage Uptake and Reduced Toxicity

The prime objective of this study was to develop amphotericin B (AMB) and rifampicin (RIF) co-loaded transfersomal gel (AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG) for effective treatment of cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL). AMB-RIF co-loaded TF was prepared by the thin-film hydration method and was optimized based on particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential, entrapment efficiency (%EE), and deformability index. Similarly, AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG was characterized in terms of rheology, spread ability, and pH. In vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo assays were performed to evaluate AMB-RIF co-loaded TF as a potential treatment option for CL. The optimized formulation had vesicles in nanosize range (167 nm) with suitable PDI (0.106), zeta potential (- 19.05 mV), and excellent %EE of RIF (66%) and AMB (85%). Moreover, it had appropriate deformability index (0.952). Additionally, AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG demonstrated suitable rheological behavior for topical application. AMB-RIF co-loaded TF and AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG showed sustained release of the incorporated drugs as compared to AMB-RIF suspension. Furthermore, RIF permeation from AMB-RIF co-loaded TF and AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG was enhanced fivefold and threefold, whereas AMB permeation was enhanced by eightfold and 6.6-fold, respectively. The significantly different IC₅₀, higher CC₅₀, and FIC₅₀ (p < 0.5) showed synergistic antileishmanial potential of AMB-RIF co-loaded TF. Likewise, reduced lesion size and parasitic burden in AMB-RIF co-loaded TF-treated mouse group further established the antileishmanial effect of the optimized formulation. Besides, AMB-RIF co-loaded TFG showed a better safety profile. This study concluded that TFG may be a suitable carrier for co-delivery of AMB-RIF when administered topically for the treatment of CL.

Antidiabetic Properties and Toxicological Assessment of Antidesma celebicum Miq: Ethanolic Leaves Extract in Sprague-Dawley Rats

Antidesma is a genus of plants, and its several species are known to have antidiabetic properties. Leaves of Kayu Tuah (Antidesma celebicum Miq) have been proven to have the best α-glucosidase inhibition ability compared to other species in the Antidesma genus, as evidenced by the in vitro α-glucosidase inhibition test. However, no scientific studies have reported its antidiabetic properties and toxicity in vivo. Therefore, this research managed to verify the antidiabetic features and safety of ethanolic extract of A. celebicum leaves (EEAC) in Sprague-Dawley rats. Male rats (170-280 g) were induced diabetic with streptozotocin (35 mg/kg BW) and fed a high-fat diet comprising 24% fat, whereas control group rats were given a standard diet. Rats were treated with EEAC at 200 and 400 mg/kg BW doses for 28-days and 60 mg/kg BW acarbose for the control group. Determination of antidiabetic properties was done by analyzing lipid profiles as well as fasting blood glucose. After confirming the antidiabetic properties of EEAC, the toxicological assessment was determined using the fixed-dose method. General behavior changes, appearance, signs of toxicity, mortality, and body weight of animals were marked down during the observation period. When the treatment period ended, hematological, biochemical, and histological examinations of liver, kidneys, and heart sections were performed. The results confirmed that EEAC reduced fasting blood glucose levels and stepped forward lipid profiles of rats. Also, all animals survived, and no obvious destructive outcomes were noticeable during the study. As EEAC has promising results toward hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia and has been proven safe through toxicity tests, it can be concluded that EEAC has good potential to be further developed into antidiabetic drugs.

Nutritional, antioxidant, carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme inhibitory activities, and glyceamic index of wheat bread as influence by bambara groundnut substitution

The research was designed to ascertain the potential of bambara groundnut inclusion in wheat bread to improve antioxidant activity, modulate carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme activities, and lower glyceamic index/ load. Protein (g/100 g) (11.2—11.73) and energy value (kcal/100 g) (421.5—435.5) of the bread were significantly higher than commercial wheat flour bread (CWF—10.45; 388.7). However, developed experimental bread samples exhibited higher growth performance in rats, free radical scavenging potentials, inhibitory activities against carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzymes and low glycemic index than other bread samples. Nevertheless, experimental bread samples were rated lower compared with the controls samples as regards organoleptic properties. The study authenticates that WBO3—25% wheat, and 75% bamabara groundnut WBO3 exhibits higher potentials as regards nutritional composition, growth indices, free radical scavenging potentials, ability to modulate carbohydrate hydrolyzing enzyme and lower glycemic index/ load. Hence, WBO3 may be recommended as functional bread for hyperglycemia prevention/ management.

Toxicity Studies on Essential Oil from Phoenix dactylifera (L.) Seed in Wistar Rats

This study evaluated the toxicological effect of oral administration of Phoenix dactylifera seed essential oil (PDEO) in Wistar rats. PDEO was extracted through a steam-distillation technique. Acute toxicity study evaluated administration of a single dose of the oil in a group (n = 5) of rats followed by 24 h observation, for sub-acute toxicity evaluation, the animals were randomly divided into five groups (n = 3). Group 1 to 4 rats, respectively, received 62.5, 125, 250, and 500 mg/kg bw of PDEO for fourteen days, while the fifth group served as control. At the termination of the study, blood samples were obtained for biochemical and hematological analyses, while vital organs were histopathologically examined. Results from this study revealed no mortality or abnormal behavioral changes in the animals. A dose-related increase in bodyweight and hematological parameters was observed across the treated groups (p < 0.05). At a dosage of 500 mg/kg bw, PDEO caused slight elevation in biochemical marker levels and mild changes in histological architecture of liver and kidney of the test rats. This study revealed that PDEO exhibited significant hematopoietic attributes with no adverse effect on the experimental rats’ vital organs at concentrations below 500 mg/kg bw.

Diethylene glycol produces nephrotoxic and neurotoxic effects in female rats

CONTEXT

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound found in household products but also as a counterfeit solvent in medicines. DEG poisonings are characterized by acute kidney injury (AKI) and by neurological sequelae such as decreased reflexes or face and limb weakness. Previous studies in male rats have demonstrated that neurotoxic effects develop only with the establishment of AKI, but the dose sensitivity of females to DEG toxicity is unknown.

OBJECTIVES

Assessing whether subacute administration of DEG in female rats would delineate any sex-differences in neuropathy or in kidney injury.

METHODS

Female Wistar-Han rats were orally administered doses of 4 - 6 g/kg DEG every 12 h and monitored for 7 days. Urine was collected every 12 h and endpoint blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected for renal plasma parameters and total protein estimation, respectively. Motor function tests were conducted before and after treatment. Kidney and brain tissue were analyzed for metabolite content.

RESULTS

Of 12 animals treated with DEG, 3 developed AKI as confirmed by increased BUN and creatinine concentrations. Renal and brain DGA contents were increased in animals that developed AKI compared to animals without AKI. Total CSF protein content in animals with AKI was markedly elevated compared to control and to treated animals without AKI. Decreases in forelimb grip strength and in locomotor and rearing activity were observed in animals with AKI compared to control and to animals without AKI.

DISCUSSION

Repeated dosing with DEG in a female model produced nephrotoxic effects at a dose similar to that in males. The decrease in motor function and increase in CSF protein were only present in females that developed AKI. However, kidney and neurologic effects were assessed only at the end of the treatments, thus limiting determination of which effect occurs first. Limb function and coordination were measured globally and more sensitive tests such as nerve conduction studies might offer a detailed neurotoxicity assessment of the effects of DEG.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show that DEG toxicity does not appear to be sex-specific and that, in males and females, neurological symptoms are present only when DGA accumulation and kidney injury also occur.

Therapeutic Potential of Selected Medicinal Plants Against Carrageenan Induced Inflammation in Rats

The current study was aimed to analyze the therapeutic effect of selected medicinal plants, that is, Curcuma longa, Zingiber officinale, Trigonella graceum-foenum, Nigella sativa, and Syzygium aromaticum against carrageenan-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in rats. Phytochemical analysis revealed the presence of diverse range of bioactives. IC₅₀ values for antioxidant assays including DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl), metal chelating, ABTS scavenging (2, 2^′-Azino-Bis-3-Ethylbenzothiazoline-6-Sulfonic Acid), β-carotene bleaching, and H₂O₂ (hydrogen peroxide) scavenging ranged from 37-294, 71-243.4, 69.66-191.8, 98.92-228.5, and 82-234.9 μg/mL, respectively. All tested plants extract were found active against tested pathogenic microorganisms with lowest minimum inhibitory concentrations. Oral administration of tested plants extracts in different doses (250, 500, and 1000 mg/kg b. w) did not exhibit any toxicological effects on hemato-biochemical profile of treated rats in comparison to control group rats. Further, plants extract exhibited considerable anti-inflammatory activity in rats paw inflammation and decreased cellular infiltration to inflammatory site in dose dependent manner. Pretreatment of animals with tested plants extract (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg b. w.) caused significant alteration in total antioxidants, oxidants, and enzymes activities in paw tissue homogenate and the effect was more pronounced at higher concentration (400 mg/kg b. w.). Results showed that tested plants extract are rich source of diverse classes of phenolics and have therapeutic potential against oxidative stress and inflammation.

Involvement of mitochondrial fission in renal tubular pyroptosis in mice exposed to high and environmental levels of glyphosate combined with hard water

Chronic interstitial nephritis in agricultural communities (CINAC) has reached epidemic proportions. The combination of glyphosate and hard water has been postulated to play a potent aetiological role in CINAC. Therefore, dynamin-related protein 1 (Drp1)-mediated aberrant mitochondrial fission and subsequent activation of the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 (Nlrp3)/caspase1 pathway may be involved in the pathogenesis of nephropathy. In the present study, mice were sub-chronically exposed to high doses and environmental levels of glyphosate (100 mg/kg body weight (mg/kg·bw) glyphosate in Roundup and 0.7 mg/L pure glyphosate, respectively) and hard water (2500 mg/L CaCO3 and 250 mg/L Ca2+, respectively) in drinking water. Moreover, Mdivi-1 (Md-1, 10 mg/kg·bw) was intraperitoneally injected to inhibit Drp1 on the basis of the high-dose experiment. Histopathological examination, biochemical analysis, ELISA, western blotting and fluorescent staining were used to analyse renal structure, renal tubular pyroptosis and mitochondrial fission/fusion alterations. The results showed dramatic proximal tubular injury, particularly in the combined groups. Moreover, significant increases in the protein expression levels of calmodulin (CaM), calmodulin-dependent protein kinase II (CaMKII), Drp1/p-Drp1-Ser616 and the Txnip/Nlrp3/caspase1 signalling pathway, and alterations in oxidative stress were observed in the combined groups, and these effects were attenuated by the Drp1 inhibitor Md-1. Intriguingly, there may be a synergistic effect of glyphosate and hard water on renal injury. Taken together, these results suggest that the combination of glyphosate and hard water, even at environmental exposure levels, enhances pyroptosis and ongoing tubulointerstitial inflammation through excessive Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Antihyperglycemic, Endothelial protection and Toxicity study of Basil Leaves Extract on Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND: Diabetes Mellitus (DM) remains a serious debilitating global health problem in low- and middle-income countries with rising incidence of DM-related complications due to ineffective Diabetic control. Herbs of the Ocimum family, especially Ocimum basilicum or basil leaves, have been investigated for their antihyperglycemic properties. AIM: This study aimed to demonstrate the antihyperglycemic effect, endothelial protection, and toxicity of basil leaves on Diabetes-induced Wistar rats in vivo. METHODS: Streptozosin injections were used to induced diabetes in male Wistar rats. Basil leaves extracts 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg BW were introduced to diabetic rats. Blood glucose levels (BGL), soluble Advanced Glycation End, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-2 were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kidney and liver functions together with the histopathology reports were reported for acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity studies. RESULTS: Basil leaves exposure significantly lowers BGL (p < 0.00), but yielded no statistically significant difference between extract doses. Hemostatic parametersshowed significantly reduced endothelial dysfunction markers for all doses compared to control. Toxicity study yielded no differences between control and any doses of basil leaves in all acute, subacute, and chronic toxicity studies. Histopathological findings exhibited no evidence of tissue damage on the liver, kidney, heart, pancreas, lung, and lymph tissues in either control or experiment rats. CONCLUSIONS: Basil leaves exposure were positively associated with lower glucose level, lower endothelial activation markers on Diabetic rats. The toxicity and histopathological results of the extract are on par with control.

Neurotoxic effects of nephrotoxic compound diethylene glycol

CONTEXT

Diethylene glycol (DEG) is an organic compound found in household products but also as an adulterant in medicines by acting as a counterfeit solvent. DEG poisonings have been characterized predominately by acute kidney injury (AKI), but also by delayed neurological sequelae such as decreased reflexes or face and limb weakness.

OBJECTIVES

Characterizing the neurological symptoms of DEG poisoning in a subacute animal model would create a clearer picture of overall toxicity and possibly make mechanistic connections between kidney injury and neuropathy.

METHODS

Male Wistar-Han rats were orally administered doses of 4 - 6 g/kg DEG every 12 or 24 h and monitored for 7 days. Urine was collected every 12 h and endpoint blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were collected for a renal plasma panel and total protein estimation, respectively. Motor function tests were conducted before and after treatment. Kidney and brain tissue was harvested for metabolic analysis.

RESULTS

Of the 43 animals treated with DEG, 11 developed AKI as confirmed by increased BUN and creatinine levels. Renal and brain DGA accumulation was markedly increased in animals that developed AKI compared to animals without AKI. The total protein content in CSF in animals with kidney injury was markedly elevated compared to control and to treated animals without AKI. Significant decreases in forelimb grip strength and decreases in locomotor and rearing activity were observed in animals with AKI compared to control and to animals without AKI.

DISCUSSION

Repeated dosing with DEG in an animal model produced nephrotoxic effects like those in studies with acute DEG administration. The decrease in motor function and increase in CSF protein were only present in animals that developed AKI.

CONCLUSIONS

These studies show development of neurotoxicity in this DEG animal model and suggest that neurological symptoms are observed only when DGA accumulation and kidney injury also occur.