Attenuation of genotoxicity, oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation by rutin in benzo(a)pyrene exposed lungs of mice: plausible role of NF-κB, TNF-α and Bcl-2

Exploring the therapeutic potential of rutin through investigating its inhibitory mechanism on lactate dehydrogenase: Multi-spectral methods and computer simulation

Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), a crucial enzyme in anaerobic glycolysis, plays a pivotal role in the energy metabolism of tumor cells, positioning it as a promising target for tumor treatment. Rutin, a plant-based flavonoid, offers benefits like antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and antineoplastic effects. This study employed diverse experiments to investigate the inhibitory mechanism of rutin on LDH through a binding perspective. The outcomes revealed that rutin underwent spontaneous binding within the coenzyme binding site of LDH, leading to the formation of a stable binary complex driven by hydrophobic forces, with hydrogen bonds also contributing significantly to sustaining the stability of the LDH-rutin complex. The binding constant (Ka) for the LDH-rutin system was 2.692 ± 0.015 × 104 M-1 at 298 K. Furthermore, rutin induced the alterations in the secondary structure conformation of LDH, characterized by a decrease in α-helix and an increase in antiparallel and parallel β-sheet, and β-turn. Rutin augmented the stability of coenzyme binding to LDH, which could potentially hinder the conversion process among coenzymes. Specifically, Arg98 in the active site loop of LDH provided essential binding energy contribution in the binding process. These outcomes might explain the dose-dependent inhibition of the catalytic activity of LDH by rutin. Interestingly, both the food additives ascorbic acid and tetrahydrocurcumin could reduce the binding stability of LDH and rutin. Meanwhile, these food additives did not produce positive synergism or antagonism on the rutin binding to LDH. Overall, this research could offer a unique insight into the therapeutic potential and medicinal worth of rutin.

Sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum alleviates liver injury induced by DBP and BaP co-exposure in rat

Dibutyl phthalate (DBP) and Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) are ubiquitous contaminants in environment and foodstuffs, which increase the chance of their combined exposure to humans in daily life. However, the combined effects of DBP and BaP on liver and the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In this study, we explored the combined effects of DBP and BaP on liver and the potential mechanisms in a rat model. We found that DBP and BaP co-exposure activated the MyD88/NF-κB pathway through increasing TLR4 acetylation (TLR4ac) level, leading to the imbalance of pro-inflammatory factors (CXCL-13, IL-6 and TNF-α) and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10), ultimately resulting in liver tissue damage and functional changes. Sporoderm-broken spores of Ganoderma lucidum (SSGL) had strong alleviating effects on liver injury induced by DBP and BaP co-exposure. Our study found that SSGL suppressed TLR4ac-regulated MyD88/NF-κB signaling to reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors, and promote the secretion of IL-10, thus alleviating liver injury caused by DBP and BaP co-exposure. In conclusion, SSGL contributed to liver protection against DBP and BaP-induced liver injury in rats via suppressing the TLR4ac-regulated MyD88/NF-κB signaling.

Therapeutic Potential of Ajwa Dates (Phoenix dactylifera) Extract in Prevention of Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Injury through the Modulation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Cell Signalling Molecules

Chronic respiratory diseases are a leading cause of lung-related death worldwide. The vital factors causing lung pathogenesis include consistent exposure to tobacco smoke, air pollution, and occupational risks. Regarding the significant morbidity and mortality linked to lung pathogenesis, there are neither conclusive treatments nor wholly preventive strategies. In the present study, the protective mechanism of Ajwa date extract (ADE), on Benzopyrene [B(a)P]-induced lung injury in animal models was investigated using antioxidant, lipid peroxidation, anti-inflammatory activities, angiogenesis, histopathological studies, and apoptosis assays. B(a)P treatment significantly decreased the level of antioxidant enzymes such as catalase (Cat) (13.4 vs. 24.7 U/mg protein), Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (38.5 vs. 65.7 U/mg protein), Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (42.4 vs. 57.3 U/mg protein) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) (49.8 vs. 98.7 nM) as compared to the treatment group (p < 0.05). B(a)P treatment led to increased expression of pro-inflammatory markers such as TNF-α (88.5 vs. 72.6 pg/mL), IFN-γ (4.86 vs. 3.56 pg/mL), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (109.6 vs. 85.4 pg/mL) and CRP (1.84 vs. 0.94 ng/mL) as compared to the treatment group (p < 0.05). The data shows a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and angiogenesis factors such as vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by B(a)P treatment (p < 0.05). However, ADE treatment showed an improvement of these factors. In addition, ADE treatment significantly ameliorated histopathological changes, collagen fiber deposition, and expression pattern of VEGF and Bax proteins. Furthermore, the flow cytometry data demonstrated that B(a)P intoxication enhanced the apoptosis ratio, which was significantly improved with ADE treatment. Finally, we may infer that Phyto-constituents of ADE have the potential to protect against B(a)P-induced lung pathogenesis. Therefore, Ajwa dates might be used to develop a possible potent alternative therapy for lung pathogenesis.

In vivo assessment of antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and antimutagenic effects of bark ethanolic extract from Spondias purpurea L

Medicinal plants have always been used for therapeutic purposes; however, some plants may contain toxic and mutagenic substances. The aim of this study was to assess the cytotoxic, genotoxic, mutagenic, antioxidant, antigenotoxic, and antimutagenic effects of the bark ethanolic extract of Spondias purpurea L. using male and female Swiss albino mice. To determine the protective effects of the extract, benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) and cyclophosphamide (CP) were selected as cell damage inducers. The extract was examined at doses of 500, 1000, or 1500 mg/kg body weight (BW)via gavage alone or concomitant with B[a]P or CP. Oxidative stress was measured by quantification of blood catalase activity (CAT), reduced glutathione (GSH) levels in total blood, liver, and kidney, and concentrations of malondiadehyde (MDA) in liver and kidney. Genotoxicity and antigenotoxicity were evaluated by the comet assay using peripheral blood. Cytotoxicity, mutagenicity, and antimutagenicity were determined utilizing the micronucleus test in bone marrow and peripheral blood. The S. purpurea L extract increased CAT activity and GSH levels accompanied by a decrease in MDA levels after treatment with B[a]P and CP. No genotoxic, cytotoxic, or mutagenic effects were found in mice exposed only to the extract. These results indicate that the extract of S. purpurea exhibited protective effects against oxidative and DNA damage induced by B[a]P and CP.

The Anti-Cancer Effects of Red-Pigmented Foods: Biomarker Modulation and Mechanisms Underlying Cancer Progression

Cancer is one the most malignant diseases that is a leading cause of death worldwide. Vegetables and fruits contain beneficial nutrients such as vitamins, minerals, folates, dietary fibers, and various natural bioactive compounds. These can prevent the pathological processes of many cancers and reduce cancer related mortality. Specifically, the anti-cancer effect of vegetables and fruits is largely attributable to the natural bioactive compounds present within them. A lot of bioactive compounds have very specific colors with pigments and the action of them in the human body varies by their color. Red-pigmented foods, such as apples, oranges, tomatoes, cherries, grapes, berries, and red wine, have been widely reported to elicit beneficial effects and have been investigated for their anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative properties, as well as anti-cancer effect. Most of the anti-cancer effects of bioactive compounds in red-pigmented foods arise from the suppression of cancer cell invasion and metastasis, as well as the induction of apoptosis and cell cycle arrest. In this review, we assessed publications from the last 10 years and identified 10 bioactive compounds commonly studied in red-pigmented foods: lycopene, anthocyanin, β-carotene, pectin, betaine, rutin, ursolic acid, kaempferol, quercetin, and myricetin. We focused on the mechanisms and targets underlying the anti-cancer effect of the compounds and provided rationale for further investigation of the compounds to develop more potent anti-cancer treatment methods.

Antibacterial, Immunomodulatory, and Lung Protective Effects of Boswelliadalzielii Oleoresin Ethanol Extract in Pulmonary Diseases: In Vitro and In Vivo Studies

Lung diseases such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases, and pneumonia are causing many global health problems. The COVID-19 pandemic has directed the scientific community's attention toward performing more research to explore novel therapeutic drugs for pulmonary diseases. Herein, gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry tentatively identified 44 compounds in frankincense ethanol extract (FEE). We investigated the antibacterial and antibiofilm effects of FEE against Pseudomonas aeruginosa bacteria, isolated from patients with respiratory infections. In addition, its in vitro immunomodulatory activity was explored by the detection of the gene expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cycloxygenase-2 (COX-2), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC). In addition, its anticancer activity against the A549 lung cancer cell line and human skin fibroblast (HSF) normal cell line was studied. Moreover, the in vivo lung protective potential of FEE was explored histologically and immunohistochemically in mice using a benzo(a)pyrene induced lung damage model. FEE exhibited antibacterial and antibiofilm activities besides the significant inhibition of gene expression of TNFα, IL-6, and NF-κB. FEE also exerted a cytotoxic effect against A549 cell line. Histological and immunohistochemical investigations with morphometric analysis of the mean area percentage and color intensity of positive TNF-α, COX-2, and NF-κB and Bcl-2 reactions revealed the lung protective activity of FEE. This study outlined the promising therapeutic activity of oleoresin obtained from B. dalzielii in the treatment of different pulmonary diseases.

Redox-Modulating Capacity and Antineoplastic Activity of Wastewater Obtained from the Distillation of the Essential Oils of Four Bulgarian Oil-Bearing Roses

The wastewater from the distillation of rose oils is discharged directly into the soil because it has a limited potential for future applications. The aim of the present study was to determine in vitro the chromatographic profile, redox-modulating capacity, and antineoplastic activity of wastewater obtained by distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian Rosa alba L., Rosa damascena Mill., Rosa gallica L., and Rosa centifolia L. We applied UHPLC-HRMS for chromatographic analysis of rose wastewaters, studied their metal-chelating and Fe(III)-reducing ability, and performed MTT assay for the evaluation of cytotoxic potential against three tumorigenic (HEPG2-hepatocellular adenocarcinoma, A-375-malignant melanoma, A-431-non-melanoma epidermoid squamous skin carcinoma) and one non-tumorigenic human cell lines (HaCaT-immortalized keratinocytes). The median inhibitory concentrations (IC₅₀) were calculated with nonlinear modeling using the MAPLE^® platform. The potential of the wastewaters to induce apoptosis was also examined. Mono-, di-, and acylated glycosides of quercetin and kaempferol, ellagic acid and its derivatives as main chemical components, and gallic acid and its derivatives-such as catechin and epicatechin-were identified. The redox-modulating capacity of the samples (TPTZ test) showed that all four wastewaters exhibited the properties of excellent heavy metal cleaners, but did not exert very strong cytotoxic effects. The lowest IC₅₀ rate was provided in wastewater from R. centifolia (34-35 µg/mL of gallic acid equivalents after a 72 h period for all cell lines). At 24 and 48 hours, the most resistant cell line was HEPG2, followed by HaCaT. After 72 h of exposure, the IC₅₀ values were similar for tumor and normal cells. Still, R. damascena had a selectivity index over 2.0 regarding A-431 non-melanoma skin cancer cells, showing a good toxicological safety profile in addition to moderate activity-IC₅₀ of 35 µg/mL polyphenols. The obtained results related to wastewaters acquired after the distillation of essential oils from the Bulgarian R. alba, R. damascena, R. gallica, and R. centifolia direct our attention to further studies for in-depth elucidation of their application as detoxifying agents under oxidative damage conditions in other experimental datasets.

Rutin inhibited the advanced glycation end products-stimulated inflammatory response and extra-cellular matrix degeneration via targeting TRAF-6 and BCL-2 proteins in mouse model of osteoarthritis

BACKGROUND

Osteoarthritis (OA) is degenerative joint disorder mainly characterized by long-term pain with limited activity of joints, the disease has no effective preventative therapy. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid compound, present naturally. The flavonoid shows range of biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer effect. We screened RUT for its activity against osteoarthritis with in vivo and in vitro models of osteoarthritis.

METHODS

Animal model of OA was developed using C57BL/6 mice by surgical destabilization of medial meniscus. For in vitro studies the human articular cartilage tissues were used which were collected from osteoarthritis patients and were processed to isolate chondrocytes. The chondrocytes were submitted to advanced glycation end products (AGEs) for inducing osteoarthritis in vitro. Cell viability was done by CCK-8 assay, ELISA analysis for MMP13, collage II, PGE2, IL-6, TNF-α, ADAMTS-5 and MMP-13. Western blot analysis was done for expression of proteins and in silico analysis was done by docking studies.

RESULTS

Pretreatment of RT showed no cytotoxic effect and also ameliorated the AGE mediated inflammatory reaction on human chondrocytes in vitro. Treatment of RT inhibited the levels of COX-2 and iNOS in AGE exposed chondrocytes. RT decreased the AGE mediated up-regulation of IL-6, NO, TNF-α and PGE-2 in a dose dependent manner. Pretreatment of RT decreased the extracellular matrix degradation, inhibited expression of TRAF-6 and BCL-2 the NF-κB/MAPK pathway proteins. The treatment of RT in mice prevented the calcification of cartilage tissues, loss of proteoglycans and also halted the narrowing of joint space is mice subjected to osteoarthritis. The in-silico analysis suggested potential binding affinity of RT with TRAF-6 and BCL-2.

CONCLUSION

In brief RT inhibited AGE-induced inflammatory reaction and also degradation of ECM via targeting the NF-κB/MAPK pathway proteins BCL-2 and TRAF-6. RT can be a potential molecule in treating OA.

Protective Effect of Quercetin, a Flavonol against Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Injury via Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, Angiogenesis and Cyclooxygenase-2 Signalling Molecule

Quercetin (Qu) is an important polyphenolic flavonoid which exhibits tremendous antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and other health promoting effects. The aim of the current study was to explore the therapeutic role of Qu on benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P]-induced lung injury in rats. B(a)P was given to the rats at dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. for continues 8 weeks through oral gavage. The rats were treated with Qu at dose of 50 mg/kg b.w prior 30 min before the oral administration of B(a)P. The effects of Qu were studied by measuring the level of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), anti-oxidant enzymes, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory cytokines, lung tissues architecture and expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). The level of pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-1β (27.30 vs. 22.80 pg/mL), IL-6 (90.64 vs. 55.49 pg/mL) and TNF-α (56.64 vs. 40.49 pg/mL) increased significantly and antioxidant enzymes decreased significantly in benzopyrene-induced lung injury in comparison to the control group. The treatment with Qu potentially reversed the effects of B(a)P to a great extent, as it led to the enhancement of antioxidant enzymes and decreased proinflammatory cytokines level. A significant surge of VEGF level was noticed in the B(a)P group as compared to the control group, while the Qu treatment groups exhibited less angiogenesis as lower level of VEGF levels, compared with the B(a)P treatment group. The Qu treatment significantly decreased the degrees of histopathological changes and collagen deposition in B(a)P-induced lung injury. The B(a)P-treated group showed higher cytoplasmic expression of COX-2 protein, which significantly decreased in the Qu treatment group. These outcomes recommend an effective role of Qu in the protection of lung injury against B(a)P through the regulation of the inflammatory factors, oxidative stress and the maintenance lung tissue architecture.

Protective Effects of Thymoquinone, an Active Compound of Nigella sativa, on Rats with Benzo(a)pyrene-Induced Lung Injury through Regulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Benzopyrene [B(a)P] is a well-recognized environmental carcinogen, which promotes oxidative stress, inflammation, and other metabolic complications. In the current study, the therapeutic effects of thymoquinone (TQ) against B(a)P-induced lung injury in experimental rats were examined. B(a)P used at 50 mg/kg b.w. induced lung injury that was investigated via the evaluation of lipid profile, inflammatory markers, nitric oxide (NO), and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. B(a)P also led to a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD) (34.3 vs. 58.5 U/mg protein), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) (42.4 vs. 72.8 U/mg protein), catalase (CAT) (21.2 vs. 30.5 U/mg protein), and total antioxidant capacity compared to normal animals. Treatment with TQ, used at 50 mg/kg b.w., led to a significant reduction in triglycerides (TG) (196.2 vs. 233.7 mg/dL), total cholesterol (TC) (107.2 vs. 129.3 mg/dL), and inflammatory markers and increased the antioxidant enzyme level in comparison with the group that was administered B(a)P only (p < 0.05). B(a)P administration led to the thickening of lung epithelium, increased inflammatory cell infiltration, damaged lung tissue architecture, and led to accumulation of collagen fibres as studied through haematoxylin and eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson’s trichrome staining. Moreover, the recognition of apoptotic nuclei and expression pattern of NF-κB were evaluated through the TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry, respectively. The histopathological changes were found to be considerably low in the TQ-treated animal group. The TUNEL-positive cells increased significantly in the B(a)P-induced group, whereas the TQ-treated group showed a decreased apoptosis rate. Significantly high cytoplasmic expression of NF-κB in the B(a)P-induced group was seen, and this expression was prominently reduced in the TQ-treated group. Our results suggest that TQ can be used in the protection against benzopyrene-caused lung injury.

Molecular mechanisms of anticancer effect of rutin

Because of the extensive biological functions of natural substances such as bioflavonoids, and their high safety and low costs, they could have high priority application in the health care system. The antioxidant properties of rutin, a polyphenolic bioflavonoid, have been well documented and demonstrated a wide range of pharmacological applications in cancer research. Since chemotherapeutic drugs have a wide range of side effects and rutin is a safe anticancer agent with minor side effects so recent investigations are performed for study of mechanisms of its anticancer effect. Both in-vivo and in-vitro examinations on anticancer mechanisms of this natural agent have been widely carried out. Regulation of different cellular signaling pathways such as Wnt/β-catenin, p53-independent pathway, PI3K/Akt, JAK/STAT, MAPK, p53, apoptosis as well as NF-ĸB signaling pathways helps to mediate the anticancer impacts of this agent. This study tried to review the molecular mechanisms of rutin anticancer effect on various types of cancer. Deep exploration of these anticancer mechanisms can facilitate the development of this beneficial compound for its application in the treatment of different cancers.

Rutin-protected BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and apoptosis in macrophages through the reduction of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway and induction of antioxidant enzymes

Bisphenol-A-glycidyldimethacrylate (BisGMA) is a resin monomer frequently used in dentin restorative treatments. The leakage of BisGMA monomer from BisGMA-based polymeric resins can lead to cytotoxicity in macrophages. Rutin has various beneficial bioeffects, including antioxidation and antiinflammation. In this study, we found that pretreatment of RAW264.7 macrophages with rutin-inhibited cytotoxicity induced by BisGMA in a concentration-dependent manner. BisGMA-induced apoptosis, which was detected by levels of phosphatidylserine from the internal to the external membrane and formation of sub-G1, and genotoxicity, which was detected by cytokinesis-blocked micronucleus and single-cell gel electrophoresis assays, were inhibited by rutin in a concentration-dependent manner. Rutin suppressed the BisGMA-induced activation of caspase-3 and -9 rather than caspase-8. Rutin inhibited the activation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, including cytochrome C release and mitochondria disruption, after macrophages were treated with BisGMA. Finally, BisGMA-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and antioxidant enzyme (AOE) deactivation could be reversed by rutin. Parallel trends were observed in the elevation of AOE activation and inhibition of ROS generation, caspase-3 activity, mitochondrial apoptotic pathway activation, and genotoxicity. These results suggested that rutin suppressed BisGMA-induced cytotoxicity through genotoxicity, the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, and relatively upstream factors, including reduction of ROS generation and induction of AOE.

Rutin ameliorates copper sulfate-induced brain damage via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory activities in rats

Excessive exposure to Copper (Cu) may result in Cu toxicity and adversely affect health outcomes. We investigated the protective role of rutin on Cu-induced brain damage. Experimental rats were treated as follows: group I: control; group II: Cu-sulfate: 200 mg/kg; group III: Cu-sulfate, and rutin 100 mg/kg; and group IV: rutin 100 mg/kg, for 7 weeks. Cu only treatment significantly decreased body weight gain, while rutin cotreatment reversed this decrease. Cu treatment increased malondialdehyde, nitric oxide level, and myeloperoxidase activity and decreased superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in rat brain. Immunohistochemistry showed that COX-2, iNOS, and Bcl-2 proteins were strongly expressed, while Bax was mildly expressed in the brain of Cu-treated rats. Furthermore, brain histology revealed degenerated neurons, and perforated laminae of cerebral cortex in the Cu-only treated rats. Interestingly, coadministration of Cu and rutin reduced the observed histological alteration, improved inflammatory and antioxidant biomarkers, thereby protecting against Cu-induced brain damage via antioxidative and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Antiproliferative Effects of the Vitis vinifera L. var. Fetească Neagră and Pinot Noir Pomace Extracts

The pathophysiology of inflammation and oxidative stress generated during different types of cancers and anticancer treatments is well documented. Traditionally, grape pomace is used for animal feed, organic fertilizers, ethanol production or is disposed as waste. Because grape pomace is a rich source of antioxidant compounds, the purpose of the study was to evaluate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiproliferative effects of fresh and fermented grape pomace extracts of two Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in Romania. Firstly, grape pomace phytochemical analysis and in vitro antioxidant tests were performed. Secondly, the effect of a seven-day pretreatment with grape pomace extracts on the turpentine oil-induced inflammation in rats was assessed by measuring total oxidative status, total antioxidant response, oxidative stress index, malondialdehyde, total thiols, nitric oxide and 3-nitrotyrosine. Thirdly, the antiproliferative properties were evaluated on human lung carcinoma (A549), human breast adenocarcinoma (MDA-MB-231), murine melanoma (B164A5), and keratinocyte (HaCat) cell lines. Fetească neagră and Pinot noir grape pomace extracts have a rich content of polyphenols and in vitro antioxidant effect. Fermented samples had higher polyphenol content, but fresh samples had better antioxidant activity. Pretreatment with grape pomace extracts reduced inflammation-induced oxidative stress in a concentration-dependent way, fresh samples being more efficient. The malignant cells' proliferation was inhibited by all grape pomace extracts, fermented Fetească neagră extracts having the strongest effect. Conclusion: fresh and fermented pomace extracts of Vitis vinifera L. varieties Fetească neagră and Pinot noir cultivated in a Romanian wine region have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative effects.

Rutin Attenuates Vancomycin-Induced Nephrotoxicity by Ameliorating Oxidative Stress, Apoptosis, and Inflammation in Rats

Nephrotoxicity is the major limiting factor for the clinical use of vancomycin (VCM) for treatment of serious infections caused by multiresistant Gram-positive bacteria. This study investigated the renal protective activity of rutin in a rat model of VCM-induced kidney injury in male Wistar rats. VCM administered intraperitoneally at 200 mg/kg twice daily for 7 successive days resulted in significant elevation of blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, as well as urinary N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase. Coadministration of VCM with oral rutin at 150 mg/kg significantly reduced these markers of kidney damage. Rutin also significantly attenuated VCM-induced oxidative stress, inflammatory cell infiltration, apoptosis, and decreased interleukin-1β and tumor necrosis factor alpha levels (all P < 0.05 or 0.01) in kidneys. Renal recovery from VCM injury was achieved by rutin through increases in Nrf2 and HO-1 and a decrease in NF-κB expression. Our results demonstrated a protective effect of rutin on VCM-induced kidney injury through suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and downregulation of the inflammatory response. This study highlights a role for oral rutin as an effective intervention to ameliorate nephrotoxicity in patients undergoing VCM therapy.

Integrated Proteome and Cytokine Profiles Reveal Ceruloplasmin Eliciting Liver Allograft Tolerance via Antioxidant Cascades

Acute rejection (AR) and spontaneous tolerance may occur after allograft orthotopic liver transplants (OLT) performed in certain combinations of donor and recipient rat strains, yet the underlying molecular cascades involved in these conditions remain poorly understood. Comprehensive analysis with proteomic tools revealed that ceruloplasmin was highly expressed during the tolerant period on day 63 post-OLT (POD 63) compared to the rejected samples on POD 14. Meanwhile, cytokine expression profiles implied that the inflammation was significantly stimulated in the AR subjects. Again, protein carbonylation was dramatically upregulated in the rejected subject within the tolerant group. Knockdown of ceruloplasmin would elicit more severe ROS damage, leading to cell death in the presence of H₂O₂, which induced Nrf2 cascade and the recovery of ceruloplasmin to mediate spontaneous tolerance. In summary, ceruloplasmin may contribute to amending the oxidative stress that eventually causes cell apoptosis and to maintaining the survival of hepatocytes in a drug-free tolerance OLT model.

Rutin, a quercetin glycoside, alleviates acute endotoxemic kidney injury in C57BL/6 mice via suppression of inflammation and up-regulation of antioxidants and SIRT1

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a common complication following severe sepsis, its incidence is increasing, and it is associated with a high rate of morbidity and mortality. Rutin is a glycoside of the bioflavonoid quercetin with various protective effects due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. In this research, we tried to assess the protective effect of rutin administration in a model of AKI in C57BL/6 mice. For induction of AKI, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was injected once (10 mg/kg, i.p.) and rutin was p.o. given at doses of 50 or 200 mg/kg. Treatment of LPS-challenged group with rutin lowered serum level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), restored to some extent renal oxidative stress-related indices such as malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase. In addition, rutin brought back renal nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2), sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), interleukin-6, and caspase 3 activity to their control levels. Moreover, protective effect of rutin was in accordance to a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, rutin is capable to mitigate LPS-induced AKI via appropriate modulation of renal oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Targeting oncogenic transcription factors by polyphenols: A novel approach for cancer therapy

Inflammation is one of the major causative factor of cancer and chronic inflammation is involved in all the major steps of cancer initiation, progression metastasis and drug resistance. The molecular mechanism of inflammation driven cancer is the complex interplay between oncogenic and tumor suppressive transcription factors which include FOXM1, NF-kB, STAT3, Wnt/β- Catenin, HIF-1α, NRF2, androgen and estrogen receptors. Several products derived from natural sources modulate the expression and activity of multiple transcription factors in various tumor models as evident from studies conducted in cell lines, pre-clinical models and clinical samples. Further combination of these natural products along with currently approved cancer therapies added an additional advantage and they considered as promising targets for prevention and treatment of inflammation and cancer. In this review we discuss the application of multi-targeting natural products by analyzing the literature and future directions for their plausible applications in drug discovery.

Clinical significance and biological function of fucosyltransferase 2 in lung adenocarcinoma

Fucosylation, which is catalyzed by fucosyltransferases (FUTs), is one of the most important glycosylation events involved in cancer. Studies have shown that fucosyltransferase 8 (FUT8) is overexpressed in NSCLC and promotes lung cancer progression. However, there are no reports about the pathological role of fucosyltransferase 2 (FUT2) in lung cancer. To identify FUT2 associated with lung cancer, the expression and clinical significance of FUT2 in lung cancer was investigated by Real-Time PCR, Immunohistochemistry and Western Blot. In addition, we investigated the effect of knockdown FUT2 in lung adenocarcinoma cells. The results showed that the expression of FUT2 in lung adenocarcinoma is higher than that in adjacent noncancerous tissues. Knocking down FUT2 in A549 and H1299 cells decreased cell proliferation, migration and invasion, and increased cell apoptosis compared to corresponding control cells. Furthermore, Western Blot showed that knockdown FUT2 can impact the expression of migration-associated and apoptosis-associated proteins in A549 cells. Our results suggest that FUT2 may be associated with lung adenocarcinoma development and thus is a potential biomarker or/and therapeutic target in lung adenocarcinoma.

Cobalt chloride exposure dose-dependently induced hepatotoxicity through enhancement of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2)/B-cell associated protein X (BAX) signaling and genotoxicity in Wistar rats

Cobalt chloride (CoCl₂ ) is one of the many environmental contaminants, used in numerous industrial sectors. It is a pollutant with deadly toxicological consequences both in developing and developed countries. We investigated toxicological impact of CoCl₂ on hepatic antioxidant status, apoptosis, and genotoxicity. Forty Wistar rats were divided into four groups, 10 rats per group: Group 1 served as control and received clean tap water orally; Group 2 received CoCl₂ solution (150 mg/L); Group 3 received CoCl₂ solution (300 mg/L); and Group 4 received CoCl₂ (600 mg/L) in drinking water for 7 days, respectively. Exposure of rats to CoCl₂ led to a significant decline in hepatic antioxidant enzymes together with significant increase in markers of oxidative stress. Immunohistochemistry revealed dose-dependent increase in cyclooxygenase-2 and BAX expressions together with increased frequency of Micronucleated Polychromatic Erythrocytes. Combining all, CoCl₂ administration led to hepatic damage through induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Phytotherapeutic approach: a new hope for polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons induced cellular disorders, autophagic and apoptotic cell death

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) comprise the major class of cancer-causing chemicals and are ranked ninth among the chemical compounds threatening to humans. Moreover, interest in PAHs has been mainly due to their genotoxic, teratogenic, mutagenic and carcinogenic property. Polymorphism in cytochrome P450 (CYP450) and aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR) has the capacity to convert procarcinogens into carcinogens, which is an imperative factor contributing to individual susceptibility to cancer development. The carcinogenicity potential of PAHs is related to their ability to bind to DNA, thereby enhances DNA cross-linking, causing a series of disruptive effects which can result in tumor initiation. They induce cellular toxicity by regulating the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which arbitrate apoptosis. Additionally, cellular toxicity-mediated apoptotic and autophagic cell death and immune suppression by industrial pollutants PAH, provide fertile ground for the proliferation of mutated cells, which results in cancer growth and progression. PAHs play a foremost role in angiogenesis necessary for tumor metastasization by promoting the upregulation of metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) in human cancer cells. This review sheds light on the molecular mechanisms of PAHs induced cancer development as well as autophagic and apoptotic cell death. Besides that authors have unraveled how phytotherapeutics is an alternate potential therapeutics acting as a savior from the toxic effects of PAHs for safer and cost effective perspectives.

Environmental carcinogenesis and pH homeostasis: Not only a matter of dysregulated metabolism

According to the World Health Organization, around 20% of all cancers would be due to environmental factors. Among these factors, several chemicals are indeed well recognized carcinogens. The widespread contaminant benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), an often used model carcinogen of the polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons' family, has been suggested to target most, if not all, cancer hallmarks described by Hanahan and Weinberg. It is classified as a group I carcinogen by the International Agency for Research on Cancer; however, the precise intracellular mechanisms underlying its carcinogenic properties remain yet to be thoroughly defined. Recently, the pH homeostasis, a well known regulator of carcinogenic processes, was suggested to be a key actor in both cell death and Warburg-like metabolic reprogramming induced upon B[a]P exposure. The present review will highlight those data with the aim of favoring research on the role of H⁺ dynamics in environmental carcinogenesis.

PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL) nanoparticles as TNF-α nanocarriers: potential cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury therapeutic applications

Brain ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury (BI/RI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. However, the outcome of pharmacotherapy for BI/RI remains unsatisfactory. Innovative approaches for enhancing drug sensitivity and recovering neuronal activity in BI/RI treatment are urgently needed. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α-loaded poly(ethylene glycol)-b-(poly(ethylenediamine L-glutamate)-g-poly(L-lysine)) (TNF-α/PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL)) nanoparticles on BI/RI. The particle size of PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL) and the loading and release rates of TNF-α were determined. The nanoparticle cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro using rat cortical neurons. Sprague Dawley rats were preconditioned with free TNF-α or TNF-α/PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL) polyplexes and then subjected to 2 hours ischemia and 22 hours reperfusion. Brain edema was assessed using the brain edema ratio, and the antioxidative activity was assessed by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and the malondialdehyde (MDA) content in the brain tissue. We further estimated the inflammatory activity and apoptosis level by determining the levels of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, and nitric oxide (NO), as well as the expression of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), and cysteine aspartase-3 (caspase-3), in the brain tissue. We provide evidence that TNF-α preconditioning attenuated the oxidative stress injury, the inflammatory activity, and the apoptosis level in I/R-induced cerebral injury, while the application of block copolymer PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL) as a potential TNF-α nanocarrier with sustained release significantly enhanced the bioavailability of TNF-α. We propose that the block copolymer PEG-b-(PELG-g-PLL) may function as a potent nanocarrier for augmenting BI/RI pharmacotherapy, with unprecedented clinical benefits. Further studies are needed to better clarify the underlying mechanisms.

Response of digestive organs of Hypsiboas albopunctatus (Anura: Hylidae) to benzo[α]pyrene

Anurans are exposed to several pollutants. One of these is benzo[α]pyrene (BaP). This compound is produced by incomplete combustion and is toxic to the liver and intestine, where it is metabolized. Here, we tested how different concentrations of BaP affect the thickness of small intestine and liver melanomacrophages (MMCs) ofHypsiboas albopunctatusduring short- and long-term exposures. We conducted an experiment with a 3 × 2 factorial design to answer these two questions. Male specimens were separated into groups injected with either 3 or 7 mg/kg of BaP and euthanized after either 72 or 168 h. Then, we measured the thickness of the intestinal epithelium and the area occupied by MMCs. The thickness of intestinal epithelium decreased in both high and low concentration for short-term exposure compared to control, and increased in the long-term group in both low and high concentrations. The short-term decrease in thickness is due to the damage caused by BaP on the absorptive capacity of the epithelium, whereas the epithelium increased its thickness and recovered normal activity in the long-term. High BaP concentration decreased the area of MMCs in the short-term group. The increase in MMCs is associated with the detoxifying role of these cells, while the decrease was triggered by cellular stress due to high BaP concentration. The concentrations of BaP we used are close to those found in polluted environments. Therefore, water contaminated with BaP can potentially affect the morphology of internal organs of anurans.

Cyclin D1 as a therapeutic target of renal cell carcinoma- a combined transcriptomics, tissue microarray and molecular docking study from the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

BACKGROUND

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a seventh ranked malignancy with poor prognosis. RCC is lethal at metastatic stage as it does not respond to conventional systemic treatments, and there is an urgent need to find out promising novel biomarkers for effective treatment. The goal of this study was to evaluate the biomarkers that can be potential therapeutic target and predict effective inhibitors to treat the metastatic stage of RCC.

METHODS

We conducted transcriptomic profiling to identify differentially expressed genes associated with RCC. Molecular pathway analysis was done to identify the canonical pathways and their role in RCC. Tissue microarrays (TMA) based immunohistochemical stains were used to validate the protein expression of cyclinD1 (CCND1) and were scored semi-quantitatively from 0 to 3+ on the basis of absence or presence of staining intensity in the tumor cell. Statistical analysis determined the association of CCND1 expression with RCC. Molecular docking analyses were performed to check the potential of two natural inhibitors, rutin and curcumin to bind CCND1.

RESULTS

We detected 1490 significantly expressed genes (1034, upregulated and 456, downregulated) in RCC using cutoff fold change 2 and p value < 0.05. Hes-related family bHLH transcription factor with YRPW motif 1 (HEY1), neuropilin 2 (NRP2), lymphoid enhancer-binding factor 1 (LEF1), and histone cluster 1 H3h (HIST1H3H) were most upregulated while aldolase B, fructose-bisphosphate (ALDOB), solute carrier family 12 (SLC12A1), calbindin 1 (CALB1) were the most down regulated genes in our dataset. Functional analysis revealed Wnt/β-catenin signaling as the significantly activated canonical pathway (z score = 2.53) involving cyclin D1 (CCND1). CCND1 was overexpressed in transcriptomic studies (FC = 2.26, p value = 0.0047) and TMA results also showed the positive expression of CCND1 in 53 % (73/139) of RCC cases. The ligands - rutin and curcumin bounded with CCND1 with good affinity.

CONCLUSION

CCND1 was one of the important upregulated gene identified in microarray and validated by TMA. Docking study showed that CCND1 may act as a potential therapeutic target and its inhibition could focus on the migratory, invasive, and metastatic potential of RCC. Further in vivo and in vitro molecular studies are needed to investigate the therapeutic target potential of CCND1 for RCC treatment.