A comparison of vitamin A and leucovorin for the prevention of methotrexate-induced micronuclei production in rat bone marrow

Inflammatory mediators, oxidative stress and genetic disturbance in rheumatoid arthritis rats supported by alfalfa seeds metabolomic constituents via blocking interleukin-1receptor

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is an autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive cartilage and bone erosion. This work aimed to evaluate the metabolomic profile of Medicago sativa L. (MS) (alfalfa) seeds and explore its therapeutic impact against RA in rats. Arthritis was induced by complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA) and its severity was assessed by the arthritis index. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and interlukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA) were evaluated through measuring interlukin-1 receptor (IL-1R) type 1 gene expression, interlukin-1 beta (IL-1β), oxidative stress markers, C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), caspase-3 (Cas-3), intracellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1), DNA fragmentation, and chromosomal damage. Total phenolics/ flavonoids content in the ethyl acetate, butanol fraction and crude extract of MS seeds were estimated. The major identified compounds were Quercetin, Trans-taxifolin, Gallic acid, 7,4'-Dihydroxyflavone, Cinnamic acid, Kudzusaponin SA4, Isorhamnetin 3-O-beta-D-2'',3'',4''-triacetylglucopyranoside, Apigenin, 5,7,4'-Trihydroxy-3'-methoxyflavone, Desmethylxanthohumol, Pantothenic acid, Soyasapogenol E, Malvidin, Helilandin B, Stigmasterol, and Wairol. Treatment with MS seeds butanol fraction and IL-1RA enhanced all the biochemical parameters and the histopathological features of the ankle joint. In conclusion, Trans-taxifolin was isolated for the first time from the genus Medicago. MS butanol fraction seeds extract and IL-1 RA were considered as anti-rheumatic agents.

Guidance for the use and interpretation of assays for monitoring anti-genotoxicity

Since DNA damage can occur spontaneously or be produced by the environmental genotoxins in living cells, it is important to investigate compounds that can reverse or protect DNA damage. An appropriate methodology is essential for the responsive identification of protection offered against DNA damage. This review includes information on the current state of knowledge on prokaryotic cell-based assays (SOS chromotest, umu test, vitotox assay) and cytogenetic techniques (micronucleus assay, chromosome aberration test and sister chromatid exchange assay) with an emphasis on the possibility to explore genoprotective compounds. Throughout the last decade, studies have extrapolated the scientific methodologies utilized for genotoxicity to assess genoprotective compounds. Therefore, shortcomings of genotoxicity studies are also mirrored in antigenotoxicity studies. While regulatory authorities around the world (OECD, US-EPA and ICH) continue to update diverse genotoxic assay strategies, there are still no clear guidelines/approaches for efficient experimental design to screen genoprotective compounds. As a consequence, non-synergetic and inconsistent implementation of the test method by the researchers to execute such simulations has been adopted, which inevitably results in unreliable findings. The review has made the first attempt to collect various facets of experimentally verified approaches for evaluating genoprotective compounds, as well as to acknowledge potential significance and constraints, and further focus on the assessment of end points which are required to validate such action. Henceforth, the review makes an incredible commitment by permitting readers to equate several components of their test arrangement with the provided simplified information, allowing the selection of convenient technique for the predefined compound from a central repository.

High Dietary Folic Acid Intake Is Associated with Genomic Instability in Peripheral Lymphocytes of Healthy Adults

Mandatory fortification of food with synthetic folic acid (FA) was instituted in 1998 to reduce the incidence of neural tube defects. Adequate folate status is correlated with numerous health benefits. However, elevated consumption of FA is controversially associated with deleterious effects on health. We previously reported that excess FA mimicked folate depletion in a lymphoblastoid cell line. To explore the impact of FA intake from fortified food, we conducted an observational human study on 33 healthy participants aged 18-40 not taking any supplements. Food intake, anthropomorphic measurements, and blood samples were collected and analyzed. Our results show that individuals belonging to the highest tertile of folic acid intake, as well as ones with the highest folic acid to total folate intake ratio (FAR), display a significantly greater incidence of lymphocyte genomic damage. A decrease in global DNA methylation is observed in the highest tertile of FAR compared to the lowest (p = 0.055). A downward trend in the overall gene expression of select DNA repair and one carbon cycle genes (MGMT, MLH1, UNG, MTHFR, MTR) is noted with increased folate status and FA intake. These results provide supporting evidence that high consumption of FA from fortified foods can precipitate genomic instability in peripheral lymphocyte in vivo.

Bioactive compounds and therapeutic role of Brassica oleracea L. seeds in rheumatoid arthritis rats via regulating inflammatory signalling pathways and antagonizing interleukin-1 receptor action

CONTEXT

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic, progressive autoimmune disease characterized by aggressive and systematic polyarthritis.

OBJECTIVE

The present study aimed to isolate and identify the phenolic constituents in Brassica oleracea L. (Brassicaceae) seeds methanolic extract and evaluates its effect against rheumatoid arthritis in rats referring to the new therapy; interleukin-1 receptor antagonist (IL-1RA).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The GC/MS profiling of the plant was determined. Arthritis induction was done using complete Freund's adjuvant. Arthritis severity was assessed by percentage of edema and arthritis index. IL-1 receptor type I gene expression, interleukin-1β (IL-1β), oxidative stress markers, protein content, inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin-E2 (PGE2), genetic abnormalities and the histopathological features of ankle joint were evaluated.

RESULTS

For the first time twelve phenolic compounds had been isolated from the seeds extract. Treatment with extract and IL-1RA improved the tested parameters by variable degrees.

CONCLUSIONS

RA is an irreversible disease, where its severity increases with the time of induction. Brassica oleracea L. seeds extract is considered as a promising anti-arthritis agent. IL-1 RA may be considered as an unusual therapeutic agent for RA disease. More studies are needed to consider the seeds extract as a nutraceutical agent and to recommend IL-1RA as a new RA drug.

A systematic overview of the spermatotoxic and genotoxic effects of methotrexate, ganciclovir and mycophenolate mofetil

INTRODUCTION

Immunosuppressant drugs are increasingly being used in the reproductive years. Theoretically, such medications could affect fetal health either through changes in the sperm DNA or through fetal exposure caused by a presence in the seminal fluid. This systematic overview summarizes existing literature on the spermatotoxic and genotoxic potentials of methotrexate (MTX), a drug widely used to treat rheumatic and dermatologic diseases, and mycophenolate mofetil (MMF), which alone or supplemented with ganciclovir (GCV) may be crucial for the survival of organ transplants.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The systematic overview was performed in accordance with the PRISMA guidelines: A systematic literature search of the MEDLINE and Embase databases was done using a combination of relevant terms to search for studies on spermatotoxic or genotoxic changes related to treatment with MTX, GCV or MMF. The search was restricted to English language literature, and to in vivo animal studies (mammalian species) and clinical human studies.

RESULTS

A total of 102 studies were identified, hereof 25 human and 77 animal studies. For MTX, human studies of immunosuppressive dosages show transient effect on sperm quality parameters, which return to reference values within 3 months. No human studies have investigated the sperm DNA damaging effect of MTX, but in other organs the genotoxic effects of immunosuppressive doses of MTX are fluctuating. In animals, immunosuppressive and cytotoxic doses of MTX adversely affect sperm quality parameters and show widespread genotoxic damages in various organs. Cytotoxic doses transiently change the DNA material in all cell stages of spermatogenesis in rodents. For GCV and MMF, data are limited and the results are indeterminate, for which reason spermatotoxic and genotoxic potentials cannot be excluded.

CONCLUSIONS

Data from human and animal studies indicate transient spermatotoxic and genotoxic potentials of immunosuppressive and cytotoxic doses of MTX. There are a limited number of studies investigating GCV and MMF.

Repurposing FDA Approved Drugs as JNK3 Inhibitor for Prevention of Neuroinflammation Induced by MCAO in Rats

Background

Stress-associated kinases are considered major pathological mediators in several incurable neurological disorders. Importantly, among these stress kinases, the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK) has been linked to numerous neuropathological conditions, including oxidative stress, neuroinflammation, and brain degeneration associated with brain injuries such as ischemia/reperfusion injury. In this study, we adopted a drug repurposing/reprofiling approach to explore novel JNK3 inhibitors from FDA-approved medications to supplement existing therapeutic strategies.

Materials and Methods

We performed in silico docking analysis and molecular dynamics simulation to screen potential candidates from the FDA approved drug library using the standard JNK inhibitor SP600125 as a reference. After the virtual screening, dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin were further examined in ischemic stroke using an animal rodent model of focal cerebral ischemia using transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (t-MCAO). The selected drugs were probed for neuroprotective effectiveness by measuring the infarct area (%) and neurological deficits using a 28-point composite score. Biochemical assays including ELISA and immunohistochemical experiments were performed.

Results

We obtained structural insights for dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin binding to JNK3, revealing a significant contribution of the hydrophobic regions and significant residues of active site regions. To validate the docking results, the pharmacological effects of dabigatran, estazolam, leucovorin, and pitavastatin on MCAO were tested in parallel with the JNK inhibitor SP600125. After MCAO surgery, severe neurological deficits were detected in the MCAO group compared with the sham controls, which were significantly reversed by dabigatran, estazolam, and pitavastatin treatment. Aberrant morphological features and brain damage were observed in the ipsilateral cortex and striatum of the MCAO groups. The drugs restored the anti-oxidant enzyme activity and reduced the levels of oxidative stress-induced p-JNK and neuroinflammatory mediators such as NF-kB and TNF-ɑ in rats subjected to MCAO.

Conclusion

Our results demonstrated that the novel FDA-approved medications attenuate ischemic stroke-induced neuronal degeneration, possibly by inhibiting JNK3. Being FDA-approved safe medications, the use of these drugs can be clinically translated for ischemic stroke-associated brain degeneration and other neurodegenerative diseases associated with oxidative stress and neuroinflammation.

Effect of vitamin A as a neoadjuvant agent in chemotherapy and photodynamic therapy of Rhabdomyosarcoma cells

Combinational therapy is among the most used treatment modality's to increase cancer treatment efficacy. It may also reduce side effects, treatment time, and development of drug resistance. The effects of different analogues of vitamin A (VA) as neoadjuvant agent were observed in this study with chemotherapeutic drugs (doxorubicin and methotrexate) and photodynamic therapy (PDT) using 5-ALA and Photogem as photosensitizers in RD cells. The uptake time of photosensitizer was optimized by means of spectrophotometric measurements. Diode laser (λ = 635 nm ± 1 nm) was used as an illumination source for PDT. Responses of administered drugs were assessed by 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. VA and its analogues exert prophylactic and therapeutic effects. Protective or antagonistic effects (CI > 1) were observed in each of the case. These results propose that the use of VA as a neoadjuvant agent in combinational therapeutic modalities may reduce the efficacy of cancer treatment protocols as well as the existing side effects. Thus, VA is not the successful drug for combinational therapies and under treatment cancer patients should try to avoid its use with oxidative stress induction therapies (e.g. PDT, Radiotherapy, chemotherapy).

Bioactivity and modulatory functions of Napoleona vogelii on oxidative stress-induced micronuclei and apoptotic biomarkers in mice

Napoleona vogelii is used in traditional medicine for the management of pain, inflammatory conditions and cancer. This study was conducted to investigate the modulatory mechanisms of methanol stem bark extract of N. vogelii on induction of micronuclei, apoptotic biomarkers and in vivo antioxidant enzymes in mice. Forty male albino mice were randomly divided into eight groups (n = 5) and were administered distilled water (DW, 5 mL/kg) as negative control, 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of the extract respectively for 28 days before the injection of cyclophosphamide (CP, 40 mg/kg) i.p. on the 28th day. The remaining groups were administered 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg of the extract only for 28 days. Twenty four hours after injection of CP or administration of the last dose of extract, animals were euthanized by cervical dislocation and blood samples collected for determination of in vivo antioxidants, the spleen harvested for immunohistochemical expression of NFκB, Bcl-2, Bax and p53. Bone marrow smears were also made for the micronucleus assay. Treatment with the extract resulted in a significant (p < 0.0001) reduction in frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MNPCEs) compared to CP exposed control conferring protection of 75.09, 94.74 and 96.84% at 100, 200 or 400 mg/kg respectively. In extract and CP exposed animals, there were significant (p < 0.05) increases in GSH, GST and SOD with a corresponding significant (p < 0.05) reduction in MDA. In addition, the extract significantly downregulated cytoplasmic levels of NFκB and Bcl-2 and upregulated Bax and p53. These findings demonstrate that N. vogelli may serve as an interesting lead for chemo-preventive drug development.

Steamed root of Rehmannia glutinosa Libosch (Plantaginaceae) alleviates methotrexate-induced intestinal mucositis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Intestinal mucositis induced by chemotherapy is a severe clinical problem in cancer patients that currently lack effective interventions. In traditional Chinese medicine, chemotherapeutic toxicity is diagnosed as Qi and Yin deficiency, and steamed rehmannia root (SRR) is frequently prescribed to these patients. Whether SRR can prevent the adverse effects remains to be confirmed experimentally. The present study used a rat model to investigate potential efficacy and action mechanisms of SRR in attenuating the adverse effects caused by chemotherapy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Intraperitoneal injection of a single dose of anti-metabolite methotrexate (MTX, 25mg/kg) was given to adult Wistar rats, which also received oral gavage of water or SRR (1.08g/kg twice daily 3 days before and 4 days after MTX treatment), or calcium folinate (CF, a clinically used MTX antidote as a comparison, at 1mg/kg twice daily 36h after MTX treatment), or SRR and CF in combination. Animals were sacrificed 4 days after MTX treatment. Complete blood cell counting was carried out. Jejunum was analyzed histologically for mucosal damage, immunohistochemically for proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), and biochemically for thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as for tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α).

RESULTS

MTX treatment led to weight loss, leucopenia, polycythemia, increase in large thrombocyte ratio, intestinal villus atrophy, crypt loss and reduction in PCNA positive crypt cells, increases in mucosal TBARS and TNF-α and decrease in GSH. All these alterations were inhibited by SRR administration except leucopenia, and the effects of CF or CF plus SRR supplementation were found to be inferior to those of SRR.

CONCLUSIONS

SRR can alleviate MTX-induced gut mucositis, which may be achieved by inhibiting MTX-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response. These findings support the application of SRR in chemotherapy but not the combined application of SRR and CF.

Intervention of alpha-lipoic acid ameliorates methotrexate-induced oxidative stress and genotoxicity: A study in rat intestine

Methotrexate (MTX) is an anti-metabolite, widely used in the cancer chemotherapy and rheumatoid arthritis. However, its long-term clinical use is restricted on account of its severe intestinal toxicity. The present study was aimed to investigate the intestinal toxicity of MTX and the possible protective effect of alpha-lipoic acid (LA) on Sprague-Dawley rats. MTX-induced intestinal toxicity was evaluated at the dose of 2.5mg/kg for short-term (5 days treatment) and 1mg/kg for long-term (5 days in a week for four consecutive weeks treatment) study. The possible protective effect of LA was evaluated in both short- as well as long-term study in a dose-dependent manner. MTX treatment induced diarrhoea and mortality in rats, indicating its severe toxicity in the target organ of investigation, i.e., intestine. Further, the intestinal toxicity of MTX was assessed by evaluating different parameters of oxidative stress, DNA damage, cytotoxicity as well as histological changes. Immunostaining for p53 revealed higher genotoxic assault in the intestinal cells due to MTX treatment. Pretreatment of rats with LA led to significant decrease in the oxidative stress, DNA damage, cellular damage, inflammatory changes and apoptosis as determined by malondialdehyde level, glutathione level, comet assay parameters, histological evaluation, immunostaining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) assay. In the present investigation, we report that LA pretreatment ameliorates MTX-induced intestinal toxicity in rat as evident from the protection against oxidative stress, decrease in DNA damage and protection of cellular morphology as well as improvement in the stool consistency and animal survival rate.