Protective role of ceftriaxone plus sulbactam with VRP1034 on oxidative stress, hematological and enzymatic parameters in cadmium toxicity induced rat model

Glycine max (soy) based diet improves antioxidant defenses and prevents cell death in cadmium intoxicated lungs

Cadmium (Cd) is a toxic metal and an important environmental contaminant. We analyzed its effects on oligoelements, oxidative stress, cell death, Hsp expression and the histoarchitecture of rat lung under different diets, using animal models of subchronic cadmium intoxication. We found that Cd lung content augmented in intoxicated groups: Zn, Mn and Se levels showed modifications among the different diets, while Cu showed no differences. Lipoperoxidation was higher in both intoxicated groups. Expression of Nrf-2 and SOD-2 increased only in SoCd. GPx levels showed a trend to increase in Cd groups. CAT activity was higher in intoxicated groups, and it was higher in Soy groups vs. Casein. LDH activity in BAL increased in CasCd and decreased in both soy-fed groups. BAX/Bcl-2 semiquantitative ratio showed similar results than LDH activity, confirmed by Caspase 3 immunofluorescence. The histological analysis revealed an infiltration process in CasCd lungs, with increased connective tissue, fused alveoli and capillary fragility. Histoarchitectural changes were less severe in soy groups. Hsp27 expression increased in both intoxicated groups, while Hsp70 only augmented in SoCd. This show that a soy-diet has a positive impact upon oxidative unbalance, cell death and morphological changes induced by Cd and it could be a good alternative strategy against Cd exposure.

Association between Pb, Cd, and Hg Exposure and Liver Injury among Korean Adults

BACKGROUND

Exposure to lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) has been reported to be associated with liver-related diseases. However, studies examining the association between heavy metal exposure and liver injury in a large population are scant and characterized by inconsistent results. This study aimed to evaluate the association between levels of heavy metal exposure and liver injury in the general population.

METHODS

Data for 2953 participants aged 19 years or more obtained from the Korean National Environmental Health Survey (KoNEHS) Cycle 3 (2015-2017) were used. The associations between levels of blood or urine heavy metals (Pb, Cd, and Hg) and liver function biomarkers [aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT)] were evaluated using multiple linear regression analysis.

RESULTS

Regarding the blood Pb (BPb), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartiles, and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. For urinary Cd (UCd), AST was higher in those of the 4th quartile; ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in the 4th quartile than in the 1st quartile. For the blood Hg (BHg), AST was higher in those of the 2nd and 4th quartile, ALT was higher in those of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th quartiles; and GGT was higher in those of the 3rd and 4th quartiles than in the 1st quartile. There was no significant difference between urinary Hg (UHg) and liver function markers.

CONCLUSION

Heavy metal exposure showed an association with liver injury among the general adult population in Korea. Further studies are required to clarify the relationship between heavy metals and liver injury.

Ceftriaxone improves hepatorenal damages in mice subjected to D-galactose-induced aging

Ceftriaxone (CTX) is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic that has broad-spectrum antimicrobial activity. This agent also has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant characteristics. In the current study, the effects of CTX against hepatorenal damages in a D-galactose (DGL) induced aging model were investigated. We used twenty-eight male mice which equally and randomly were separated into four groups as follows: Control, DGL group (treated with 500 mg/kg/day DGL orally for six weeks), DGL + CTX group (treated with 500 mg/kg/day DGL orally plus 200 mg/kg/day CTX intraperitoneally for six weeks), and CTX group (treated with 200 mg/kg/day CTX intraperitoneally for six weeks). The liver and kidney function indices such as serum creatinine, blood urine nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase were measured. Also, levels of malondialdehyde, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in hepatic and renal tissues were evaluated. Moreover, the expression profiles of interleukin 1 beta and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assessed. The liver and kidney tissues were assessed for histopathological lesions. The results showed that aging induced by DGL leads to abnormalities in functional indices of the liver and kidneys. DGL also induced significant oxidative stress and inflammation, as well as histopathological lesions, in these organs. CTX improved functional indices, as well as the parameters of oxidative stress and inflammation, compared with the DGL-treated animals. These results were also confirmed by histological evaluations of the liver and kidneys. These data provide evidence for the therapeutic value of CTX in clinical practice for mitigating the hepatorenal damages of aging.

The ameliorative effects of ceftriaxone and vitamin E against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity

Nephrotoxicity is a common adverse effect of treatment with cisplatin (CDDP). This study was performed to evaluate the antioxidant and nephroprotective efficacy of ceftriaxone (CTX) and vitamin E (Vit.E), alone and in combination against CDDP-induced acute renal injury. Fifty-six male albino rats were equally divided into seven groups, receiving (I) normal saline, (II) CTX (100 mg/kg, intraperitoneal [i.p] injection), (III) Vit.E (100 mg/kg orally), (IV) CDDP (5 mg/kg i.p injection), (V) CDDP plus CTX, (VI) CDDP plus Vit.E, and (VII) CDDP plus CTX in combination with Vit.E. All treatments were administered daily for 10 days except CDDP, which was given as a single dose at the sixth day of the study. Compared to normal control rats, CDDP-injected rats showed significantly (p < 0.05) higher serum levels of renal injury biomarkers (uric acid, urea, and creatinine) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), as well as increased renal tissue concentrations of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and TNF-α. Moreover, CDDP administration was associated with significantly lower (p < 0.05) renal tissue levels of reduced glutathione and activities of endogenous antioxidant enzymes (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and total antioxidant capacity. All these alterations were significantly ameliorated in CDDP-injected rats, receiving CTX and/or Vit.E, compared to rats receiving CDDP alone. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects were more marked in the CTX-Vit.E combination group, compared to groups receiving either drug alone. In conclusion, CTX and Vit.E (especially in combination) could counteract the nephrotoxic effect of CDDP, probably through their antioxidant activities.

Protective Effect of Ganoderma Triterpenoids on Cadmium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Chickens

Studies have shown that cadmium can cause chicken testicular damage, but a protective effect of Ganoderma triterpenoids on cadmium-induced testicular damage in chickens has not yet been reported. The present study was designed to research the protective effect of Ganoderma triterpenoids on cadmium-induced testicular damage in chicken. Eighty healthy 7-day-old Hyline egg laying chickens were randomly divided into four groups with 20 in each group. The control group was fed with normal full-fodder, the model group was fed with normal full-fodder with 140 mg/kg of CdCl₂, the Ganoderma triterpenoid treatment group was fed with a full-fodder diet containing 140 mg/kg of CdCl₂ and 0.5 mL of Ganoderma triterpenoid solution (20 mg/mL), and the Ganoderma triterpenoid group was fed normal full-fodder and 0.5 mL of Ganoderma triterpenoid solution (20 mg/mL) gavage. The chickens were euthanized at 20, 40, and 60 days, respectively, and the testes were harvested. The changes of cadmium contents, the antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px)), peroxide (malondialdehyde (MDA)), inflammatory factors (interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)), and apoptosis-related proteins (Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3) were detected. The pathological sections of the testes were made at the same time. The results suggested that Ganoderma triterpenoids could reduce the accumulation of cadmium in testis tissue; reduce the content of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α in cadmium poisoning testis; significantly increase the activity of SOD and GSH-Px; decrease the content of MDA; regulate the expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and Bcl-2; and reduce the damage of testicular tissue. The results showed that Ganoderma triterpenoids have a protective effect on cadmium-induced testicular injury in chicken.

Agaricus blazei Murill Polysaccharides Protect Against Cadmium-Induced Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Damage in Chicken Spleens

Agaricus blazei Murill polysaccharide (ABP) has exhibited antioxidant and immunoregulatory activity. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of ABP on cadmium (Cd)-induced antioxidant functions and inflammatory damage in chicken spleens. In this study, groups of 7-day-old chickens were fed with normal saline (0.2 mL single/day), CdCl₂ (140 mg/kg/day), ABP (30 mg/mL, 0.2 mL single/day), and Cd + ABP (140 mg/kg/day + 0.2 mL ABP). Spleens were separated on the 20th, 40th, and 60th day for each group. The Cd contents, expression of melanoma-associated differentiation gene 5 (MDA5) and its downstream signaling molecules (interferon promoter-stimulating factor 1 (IPS-1), transcription factors interferon regulatory factor 3 (IRF3), and nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB)), the content of cytokines (interleukin 1β (IL-1β), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and beta interferon (IFN-β)), protein levels of heat shock proteins (HSPs), levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), activities of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), and histopathological changes of spleens were detected on the 20th, 40th, and 60th day. The results showed that ABP significantly reduced the accumulation of Cd in the chicken spleens and reduced the expression of MDA5, IPS-1, IRF-3, and NF-κB; their downstream inflammatory cytokines, IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-β; and the protein levels of HSPs (HSP60, HSP70, and HSP90) in spleens. The activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and GSH-Px) significantly increased, and the level of MDA decreased in the ABP + Cd group. The results indicate that ABP has a protective effect on Cd-induced damage in chicken spleens.

Effects of cadmium on oxidative stress activities in plasma of freshwater turtle Chinemys reevesii

Cadmium (Cd) has been recently found in high concentrations in the aquatic environment. This study was designed to examine the effects of Cd on the oxidative stress activities in plasma of freshwater turtle Chinemys reevesii. Experimental turtles were exposed to Cd at the concentration of 15 mg/kg by intraperitoneal injection, and redox status was investigated. Compared to the controls, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in plasma of the treated animals significantly decreased in week 1, week 2, and week 4. However, SOD activities gradually increased from week 4 to week 8. The treated animals had higher content of MDA and lower content of GSH in plasma over the observation period. In conclusion, our results showed that Cd decreased the antioxidant capacity and increased the level of oxidative damage product in plasma, which suggest that Cd causes oxidative stress and damage in the animal under the experimental conditions.

Unravelling Pathophysiology of Crystalline Nephropathy in Ceftriaxone-Associated Acute Kidney Injury: A Cellular Proteomic Approach

BACKGROUND

Previous studies showed that ceftriaxone can cause acute kidney injury (AKI) in the pediatric population. This study proposed a cellular model of crystalline nephropathy in ceftriaxone-associated AKI and explored the related pathophysiology by using a proteomic approach.

METHODS

Ceftriaxone was crystallized with calcium in artificial urine. Madin-Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells, a model of distal renal tubular cell, were cultured in the absence (untreated control) or presence of ceftriaxone crystals for 48-h (n = 5 each). MDCK cells were harvested and subsequently analyzed by proteomic analysis. Protein bioinformatics (i.e., STRING and Reactome) was used to predict functional alterations, and subsequently validated by Western blotting and cellular studies. p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Phase-contrast microscopy showed increased intracellular vesiculation and cell enlargement as a result of ceftriaxone crystal exposure. Proteome analysis revealed a total of 20 altered proteins (14 increased, 5 decreased and 1 absent) in ceftriaxone crystal-treated MDCK cells as compared to untreated cells (p < 0.05). Protein bioinformatics and validation studies supported heat stress response mediated by heat shock protein 70 (Hsp70) and downregulation of annexin A1 as the proposed pathophysiology of crystalline nephropathy in ceftriaxone-associated AKI, in which impaired proliferation and wound healing of crystal-induced distal tubular cells were outcomes.

CONCLUSIONS

This study, for the first time, used the in vitro model of crystalline nephropathy to investigate the underlying pathophysiology of ceftriaxone-associated AKI, which should be investigated in vivo for potential clinical benefits in the future.

Alterations in antioxidant function and cell apoptosis in duck spleen exposed to molybdenum and/or cadmium

To investigate the effects of molybdenum (Mo) and/or cadmium (Cd) on antioxidant function and the apoptosis-related genes in duck spleens. Sixty healthy 11-day-old ducks were randomly divided into six groups of 10 ducks (control, low Mo group, high Mo, Cd, low Mo + Cd, and high Mo + Cd groups). All were fed a basal diet containing low or high dietary doses of Mo and/or Cd. Relative spleen weight, antioxidant indices, apoptosis-related gene mRNA expression levels, and ultrastructural changes were evaluated after 120 days. The results showed that the relative spleen weight decreased significantly in the high Mo + Cd treatment group which compared with control group. Malondialdehyde levels increased and xanthine oxidase and catalase activities decreased in the Mo and/or Cd groups compared with levels in the control group. Bak-1 and Caspase-3 expressions were upregulated in the high Mo + Cd group, while Bcl-2 was downregulated. In addition, mitochondrial crest fracture, swelling, vacuolation, deformed nuclei, and karyopyknosis in both Mo + Cd treated groups were more severe than in the other groups. The results suggest that Mo and/or Cd can induce oxidative stress and apoptosis of spleen via effects on the mitochondrial intrinsic pathway. Moreover, the results indicate the two elements have a possible synergistic relationship.

Astragalus Polysaccharide Protect against Cadmium-Induced Cytotoxicity through the MDA5/NF-κB Pathway in Chicken Peripheral Blood Lymphocytes

Cadmium (Cd) is a known environmental pollutant that is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and cell apoptosis. Astragalus polysaccharide (APS) is a major component of Astragalus membranaceus, a vital qi-reinforcing herb medicine with favorable immuneregulation properties. To study the effect of APS on the inhibition of the cadmium-induced injury of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBLs) in chickens through the MDA5/NF-κB signaling pathway, PLBs acquired from 15-day-old chickens were divided into control group, Cd group, APS + Cd group, anti-MDA5 mAb + Cd group, BAY 11-7082 (a nuclear factor kappa-light chain-enhancer of activated B cells [NF-κB] inhibitor) +Cd group, APS group, anti-MDA5 mAb group, and BAY 11-7082 group. The transcription levels of melanoma differentiation-associated gene 5 (MDA5), interferon promoter-stimulating factor 1 (IPS-1), NF-κB, and inflammatory factors tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6 were measured by quantitative real-time PCR. MDA5 protein expression was measured by western blotting. Levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were measured by corresponding antioxidant kit. The morphological change of PBLs was measured by transmission electron microscopy. The results showed that Cd significantly increased the expression of MDA5, IPS-1, NF-κB, and their downstream cytokines, IL-1β and TNF-α, IL-6 in PLBs. In addition, a high level of MDA was observed in the Cd treatment group; the activities of GSH-Px and SOD were significantly lower in the Cd treatment group than those in controls (p < 0.05). Ultrastructural changes of PBLs showed that Cd promoted autophagy, apoptosis, and necrosis in PBLs. However, APS can efficiently improve Cd-induced cell damage by decreasing the activation of the MDA5 signaling pathway. The effect is consistent with that of anti-MDA5 mAb or/and BAY. The results indicated that APS inhibited Cd-induced cytotoxicity through the regulation of MDA5/NF-κB signaling.

Nephroprotective efficacy of ceftriaxone against cisplatin-induced subchronic renal fibrosis in rats

Cisplatin, or cis-diamminedichloridoplatinum(II), (CDDP) is a broad-spectrum antineoplastic chemotherapeutic agent with a potent efficacy against several malignancies. Its main clinical antineoplastic therapy-limiting adverse effect is nephrotoxicity, where the developments of effective nephroprotectors are needed. Therefore, the present study aimed to investigate the nephroprotective and antifibrotic potential of ceftriaxone (CTX) against CDDP-induced toxicity. Male Wister rats were treated with saline or CTX (100 or 200 mg kg^-1 bw) an hour before CDDP administration (1 mg kg^-1 bw). All the treatments were intraperitoneally administered twice weekly for consecutive 10 weeks. Twenty-four hours after last CDDP dose, blood samples were collected, then the animals were euthanized and their kidneys were isolated for measurements. CDDP significantly increased serum uric acid, urea, and creatinine contents. Toxicopathic changes showed that CDDP induced marked tubulointerstitial damage, overexpressed fibrogenic factors α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), and down expressed cellular proliferating biomarker bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU). CTX pretreatment, particularly 200 mg/kg bw, improved the renal function biomarkers; histoarchitecture; and α-SMA, TGF-β1, and BrdU expressions. It could be concluded that CTX is endowed with antifibrotic properties and could be, therefore, used as adjuvant therapy to improve CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity. Further clinical researches are necessary to evaluate whether CTX may exhibit a new therapeutic choice for treating renal fibrotic diseases.

Insight into the oxidative stress induced by lead and/or cadmium in blood, liver and kidneys

Besides being important occupational hazards, lead and cadmium are nowadays metals of great environmental concern. Both metals, without any physiological functions, can induce serious adverse health effects in various organs and tissues. Although Pb and Cd are non-redox metals, one of the important mechanisms underlying their toxicity is oxidative stress induction as a result of the generation of reactive species and/or depletion of the antioxidant defense system. Considering that the co-exposure to both metals is a much more realistic scenario, the effects of these metals on oxidative status when simultaneously present in the organism have become one of the contemporary issues in toxicology. This paper reviews short and long term studies conducted on Pb or Cd-induced oxidative stress in blood, liver and kidneys as the most prominent target organs of the toxicity of these metals and proposes the possible molecular mechanisms of the observed effects. The review is also focused on the results obtained for the effects of the combined treatment with Pb and Cd on oxidative status in target organs and on the mechanisms of their possible interactions.

Synergistic protective role of ceftriaxone and ascorbic acid against subacute diazinon-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Diazinon (DZN) is a synthetic organophosphrus acaricide and insecticide widely used for veterinary and agricultural purposes. However, its animal and human exposure leads to nephrotoxicity. Our experimental objective was to evaluate protective effects of ceftriaxone and/or ascorbic acid-vitamin C against DZN-induced renal injury in male Wistar albino rats. DZN-treated animals revealed significant elevation in serum biochemical parameters related to renal injury: urea, uric acid and creatinine. DZN intoxication significantly increased renal lipid peroxidation, and significant inhibition in antioxidant biomarkers including, reduced glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and total antioxidant capacity. In addition, DZN significantly reduced serum acetylcholinestrase level. Moreover, It induced serum and kidney tumor necrosis factor-α level. Both ceftriaxone and vitamin C protect against DZN-induced serum as well as renal tissue biochemical parameters when used alone or in combination along with DZN-intoxication. Furthermore, both ceftriaxone and vitamin C produced synergetic nephroprotective and antioxidant effects. Therefore, it could be concluded that ceftriaxone and/or vitamin C administration are able to minimize the toxic effects of DZN by its free radical-scavenging and potent antioxidant activity.