Curcumin protects against gallic acid-induced oxidative stress, suppression of glutathione antioxidant defenses, hepatic and renal damage in rats

Curcumin and gallic acid have a synergistic protective effect against ovarian surface epithelium and follicle reserve damage caused by autologous intraperitoneal ovary transplantation in rats

The objective of this study to examine the effects of curcumin and gallic acid use against oxidative stress damage in the autologous intraperitoneal ovarian transplantation model created in rats on ovarian follicle reserve, ovarian surface epithelium, and oxidant-antioxidant systems. 42 adult female Sprague Dawley rats (n=7) were allocated into 6 groups. Group 1 served as the control. In Group 2, rats underwent ovarian transplantation (TR) to their peritoneal walls. Group 3 received corn oil (CO) (0.5 ml/day) one day before and 14 days after transplantation. Group 4 was administered curcumin (CUR) (100 mg/kg/day), Group 5 received gallic acid (GA) (20 mg/kg/day), and Group 6 was treated with a combination of curcumin and gallic acid via oral gavage after transplantation. Rats were sacrificed on the 14th postoperative day, and blood along with ovaries were collected for analysis. The removed ovaries were analyzed at light microscopic, fluorescence microscopic, and biochemical levels. In Group 2 and Group 3, while serum and tissue Total Oxidant Levels (TOS) and Oxidative Stress Index (OSI) increased, serum Total Antioxidant Levels (TAS) decreased statistically significantly (p˂0.05) compared to the other groups (Groups 1, 4, 5, and 6). The ovarian follicle reserve was preserved and the changes in the ovarian surface epithelium and histopathological findings were reduced in the antioxidant-treated groups (Groups 4, 5, and 6). In addition, immunofluorescence examination revealed that the expression of Cytochrome C and Caspase 3 was stronger and Ki-67 was weaker in Groups 2 and 3, in comparison to the groups that were given antioxidants. It can be said that curcumin and gallic acid have a histological and biochemical protective effect against ischemia-reperfusion injury due to ovarian transplantation, and this effect is stronger when these two antioxidants are applied together compared to individual use.

Oral administration of curcumin and gallic acid alleviates pentachlorophenol-induced oxidative damage in rat intestine

INTRODUCTION

Pentachlorophenol (PCP) is used as pesticide and wood preservative. We have previously shown that PCP causes oxidative damage in rat intestine.

AIM

This study aimed to delineate the possible therapeutic potential of curcumin (CUR) and gallic acid (GA) against PCP-induced damage in rat intestine.

METHODS

PCP alone group received 125 mg PCP/kg body weight/day orally for 4 days. Animals in combination groups received CUR or GA (100 mg/kg bw) for 18 days and PCP (125 mg/kg bw) for the last four days. Rats were sacrificed and intestinal preparations were analyzed for various parameters.

RESULTS

Administration of PCP alone altered the activities of metabolic, antioxidant and brush border membrane enzymes. It also increased DNA-protein crosslinking and DNA-strand scission. Animals in combinations groups showed significant amelioration against PCP-induced oxidative damage. Histological abrasions were seen in PCP alone group which were reduced in the intestines of combination groups. CUR was more effective protectant than GA.

CONCLUSIONS

CUR and GA protected rat intestine from PCP-mediated changes in the activities of metabolic, antioxidant and brush border membrane enzymes. They also prevented DNA damage and histological abrasions. The antioxidant character of CUR and GA may be responsible for the diminution of PCP-mediated oxidative damage.

Gallic acid ameliorates busulfan-induced testicular toxicity and damage in mature rats

Here, we studied the protective effect of gallic acid (GAL) as a potent anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against damage caused by busulfan (BUS) in the testes of adult rats. The adult Wistar rats were assigned as control, BUS: was intraperitoneally (i.p.) treated with busulfan (15 mg/kg, day 7 and 14), GAL + BUS: was co-treated with busulfan (i.p., 15 mg/kg, day 7 and 14) and orally treated (per os) with gallic acid (60 days, 20 mg/kg) and GAL: was treated with gallic acid (per os, 60 days, 20 mg/kg). The results showed that GAL co-treatment increased the numbers of spermatogonia (Type A and B), spermatocytes (primary and secondary) and round spermatids, along with the tubular diameter, epithelial height and gonado-somatic index. In addition, BUS-induced increase in 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase activities were inhibited on GAL co-treatment. Similarly, BUS-induced decrease in gluthathione concentration, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities along with increase in myeloperoxidase activity and malondialdehyde concentration were significantly normalized to control values on GAL co-treatment. Busulfan-induced elimination of tubular germ cells was completely prevented by GAL. Overall, GAL may inhibit BUS-mediated spermatogenesis arrest via decreasing inflammatory-mediated oxidative stress in a rat experimental model.

Adaptogenic effects of curcumin on depression induced by moderate and unpredictable chronic stress in mice

Curcumin has been investigated for the prevention and treatment of diseases due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and neuroprotective actions. This current study evaluated the adaptogenic effects of a subchronic oral administration of curcumin to Swiss mice that were submitted to a chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model of depression. Four groups of mice (vehicle control, CO; curcumin control, COC; CUMS + vehicle, CUMS; CUMS + curcumin, CUMSC) were evaluated for the biochemical parameters. The CUMS model caused depressive-like and anxiety-like behavior in the animals when they were viewed in the Forced Swimming Test and in the Elevated Plus Maze Test. The treatments with curcumin prevented the depressive-like behavior in the Forced Swimming Test and they had anxiolytic effects on the non-stressed animals. This was confirmed by the Elevated Plus Maze Test. Curcumin showed antioxidant effects (IC₅₀ of 38.86 ± 1.78 μg/mL) in the in vitro DPPH (2,2-diphenyl-1-picryl-hydrozole) test. The compound also showed antioxidant effects in vivo, increasing the catalase (CAT) levels in the brains of the stressed animals. The biochemical analyses did not reveal potential renal and hepatic damage. Together, these results have demonstrated the antidepressant and antioxidant effects of curcumin, highlighting in this mice model, the compound's novel adaptogenic potential.

Evaluation of the protective effects of quercetin and gallic acid against oxidative toxicity in rat's kidney and HEK-293 cells

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Gallic acid has better antioxidant protective effect than quercetin in vivo.

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Quercetin has better antioxidant protective effect than gallic acid in vitro.

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The antioxidant effect of quercetin was at the least concentration tested.

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The antioxidant effect of gallic acid was at a higher concentrated tested.

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The in vivo dosage for the antioxidant effects of quercetin in the kidney is low.

Quercetin and gallic acid are phytochemicals with interesting pharmacological properties. We herein investigated the protective effect of quercetin (QUE) in comparison with gallic acid (GAL) against exogenously-induced oxidative damage in rats’ kidney and human embryonic kidney (HEK-293) cell lines. Adult Wistar rats were treated with QUE and GAL (50 mg/kg) separately or in combination with di-n-butylphthalate (DnBP) for 14 days; and HEK-293 cells were treated with different concentrations of GAL (25−294 μM) or QUE (2−17 μM or 28−165.43 μM) singly or in combination with H₂O₂ (200 μM). After treatment, the kidney and cell extracts were processed for biochemical analysis and histopathology. We found that GAL but not QUE prevented DnBP-induced increase in lipid peroxidation (2.603 ± 0.25 vs. 3.65 ± 0.21 μmol/mL). Treatment with QUE but not GAL was associated with increased plasma creatinine (729.09 ± 55.68 vs. 344.25 ± 50.78 μmol/l) and tissue malondialdehyde (3.72 ± 0.62 vs. 1.67 ± 0.47 μmol/mL) concentrations, along with histo-pathological changes such as glomerular and tubular degenerations. However, QUE exhibited wider therapeutic concentration ranges than GAL at which it inhibits lipid peroxidation in HEK-293 cells, and was found to inhibit H₂O₂-induced lipid peroxidation even at the lowest concentration (2 μM) that was tested (0.607 ± 0.074 vs. 0.927 ± 0.106 μmol/l). These suggest that the in vivo dosages required for the antioxidant protective effects of QUE in renal tissues are low.

Effect of Anthocleista djalonensis A. Chev Root Extract on Testis of Matured Rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of different extracts of Anthocleista djalonensis on the testis and epididymal sperms of rats.

METHODS

Fifty male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 10 groups (n=5 in each group) and orally treated with 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight each of methanol, aqueous ethanol (H-EtOH) and chloroform extracts of A. djalonensis. Corn oil was used as vehicle (2 mL/kg). After 60 days of treatment, testosterone (T) and cholesterol (CHOL) concentrations, catalase (CAT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase (3β-HSD) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities in the testes along with myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities and nitrite concentrations (NO) in the serum and testes as well as sperm quality were measured.

RESULTS

T and CHOL concentrations along with 3β-HSD activity were significantly higher in the animals treated with the low dose than in those treated with the high dose of the chloroform extract (P<0.05). Furthermore, the chloroform extract was more effective than the methanol extract that had the most marginal effect on T level at the high dose and the H-EtOH extract that was only effective at the medium dose. LDH activity was dose-dependently increased by the extracts in all groups. The CAT-SOD antioxidant system was increased in the treated animals at all doses compared to the control values, but the increase in glutathione level reached significant level in those treated with the low dose H-EtOH aqueous ethanol extract (P<0.05). Only the high dose of chloroform extract had significant inhibitory effects on MPO activity (P<0.05). Serum NO concentration was decreased at all doses of the extracts. The inhibitory effects of the extracts on testicular NO concentrations follow this order, chloroform extract > H-EtOH > methanol. Although all extracts at all doses showed excellent stimulatory effects on sperm quality (count, motility and morphology), the methanol extract at the high dose was the most effective on sperm count (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The chloroform extract of A. djalonensis has better androgen-like and anti-inflammatory effects whereas the methanol extract has the best effect on sperm count.

Polyphenols with Anti-Amyloid β Aggregation Show Potential Risk of Toxicity Via Pro-Oxidant Properties

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common form of dementia among older people. Amyloid β (Aβ) aggregation has been the focus for a therapeutic target for the treatment of AD. Naturally occurring polyphenols have an inhibitory effect on Aβ aggregation and have attracted a lot of attention for the development of treatment strategies which could mitigate the symptoms of AD. However, considerable evidence has shown that the pro-oxidant mechanisms of polyphenols could have a deleterious effect. Our group has established an assay system to evaluate the pro-oxidant characteristics of chemical compounds, based on their reactivity with DNA. In this review, we have summarized the anti-Aβ aggregation and pro-oxidant properties of polyphenols. These findings could contribute to understanding the mechanism underlying the potential risk of polyphenols. We would like to emphasize the importance of assessing the pro-oxidant properties of polyphenols from a safety point of view.

Ultrastructural Changes in Hepatocytes and Chemopreventive Effects of Short-Term Administration of Curcuma longa L. against Oxidative Stress-Induced Toxicity: Improvement Mechanisms of Liver Detoxification

The rhizomes of Curcuma longa L. (CL) have been widely used in herbal medicines worldwide. It has been shown to possess prophylactic effects against oxidative stress. However, there is a paucity of information regarding the protective role of CL against oxidative stress in the absence of toxic agents. The aim of the study was to elucidate the antioxidative stress pharmacodynamics of CL. Eighteen 12-week-old Sprague-Dawley rats weighing about 300 ± 25 gm were divided equally into six groups. Four of the groups were supplemented with CL at 100 mg/kg b.w./day orally (P.O.) and labeled as 1^st, 3^rd, 5^th, and 6^th day groups. The PCx (positive control) group was given distilled water orally, and the NCx (negative control) group rats were provided with food and water ad libitum. Blood samples were collected, and rats were sacrificed on days 1, 3, 5, and 6 (2 h) posttreatment. The blood was used for oxidative stress enzyme analysis (SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA) and liver (ALT) and kidney (creatinine) function assay, and the liver was dissected for histology. The results revealed that CL exhibited an antioxidative stress effect in the liver and kidneys as indicated by the low levels of ALT and creatinine. In response to antioxidant enzymes, especially that of the 3^rd-day treatment group, an increase in SOD and GSH-Px indirectly caused an alleviation of oxidative stress, leading to a much lower level of MDA. It was concluded that treatment with CL at 100 mg/kg b.w./per day for three consecutive days demonstrated the highest efficacy in abating oxidative stress in rats.

Albumin evokes Ca2+-induced cell oxidative stress and apoptosis through TRPM2 channel in renal collecting duct cells reduced by curcumin

In proteinuric nephropathies of chronic kidney disease, the epithelial cells of the nephron including the collecting duct are exposed to high concentrations of luminal albumin. Albumin is taken up from collecting duct cells by endocytosis causing excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and a proinflammatory response. Curcumin used in the traditional medicine possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. ROS and ADP-ribose (ADPR) activate the cation channel TRPM2. We hypothesize, that albumin-induced cell stress and proinflammatory response are mediated by Ca²⁺ and can be reduced by curcumin. The cortical collecting duct (CCD) cells mpkCCD_c14 exhibit spontaneous and inducible Ca²⁺ oscillations, which can be blocked by pre-treatment with curcumin. Curcumin accumulates in plasma membrane and intracellular vesicles, where it interferes with TRPM2 and decreases the influx of Ca²⁺. Albumin reduces cell viability and increases apoptosis, NF-κB activation, and mitochondrial membrane depolarization via Ca²⁺-dependent signaling, which results in increased ROS production. Albumin-induced cell stress is diminished by the inhibition of TRPM2 after administration of curcumin and ADPR (PARP1) inhibitors. Curcumin did not reduce the Ca2+ elevation induced by thapsigargin in Ca²⁺-free medium, but it reduced the function of store-operated Ca²⁺ channels and ATP-evoked Ca²⁺ response. In conclusion, albumin-induced oxidative stress is mediated by Ca²⁺-dependent signaling via TRPM2 and leads to cell damage and a proinflammatory response, strengthening the role of CCD cells in the progression of chronic kidney disease.

Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Nephrotoxic Agents

BACKGROUND

Curcumin is the one of the main phenolic ingredients in curcuma species rhizome. Curcuma species have traditionally been used for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular, and renal diseases.

METHODS

The present study was designed to review the scientific literature on the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents.

RESULTS

Studies have shown the protective effects of curcumin against nephrotoxic agents such as gallic acid, glucose, tartrazine, streptozotocin, lead, cadmium, fluoride, maleate, malathion, nicotine, cisplatin, gentamicin, and methotrexate. However, further investigations are needed to determine the efficacy of curcumin as an antidote agent due to the lack of clinical trial studies. Therefore, it is recommended to conduct clinical trials in humans to confirm these effects.

CONCLUSION

The current review indicated that curcumin may be effective against nephrotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress and inflammatory responses.

Aged coconut oil with a high peroxide value induces oxidative stress and tissue damage in mercury-treated rats

Background Exposure to mercury (Hg) and the ingestion of peroxidized edible oil represent a health risk. This study evaluated the effects of peroxidized coconut oil (CO) on the liver and kidney of rats treated with Hg. Methods Male albino Wistar rats were administered HgCl2 and CO separately or as a combination for 21 days. The concentrations of glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT), which were used as markers of oxidative stress were measured in the liver and kidney homogenates. The activities of gamma glutamyl transferase (γ-GT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as the levels of bilirubin and creatinine (CREA) as markers of liver and kidney functions were analyzed in the serum. Results The level of MDA in the kidney and liver homogenates was significantly increased in the HgCl2, CO, and CO+HgCl2 groups when compared to control values (p<0.05). Liver SOD activity and GSH level were increased and CAT activity was decreased, whereas kidney GSH level and SOD activity were decreased and CAT activity was increased in the CO and CO+HgCl2 groups when compared to control values (p<0.05). The increase in CREA and bilirubin levels as well as γ-GT and LDH activities observed in the CO+HgCl2 group when compared to the control values (p<0.05) were associated with pathological changes in both tissues, and were considered to be due to oxidative stress. Conclusions In summary, peroxidized CO and Hg alone or in combination induces oxidative damage in the liver and kidney of rats.

Morphometric Evaluation of the Seminiferous Tubules and the Antioxidant Protective Effects of Gallic Acid and Quercetin in the Testis and Liver of Butyl Phthalate Treated Rats

The antioxidant protective effects of gallic acid (GAL) and quercetin (QUE) against oxidative stress induced by di-butyl phthalate (DnBP) in the liver and testis of rats were evaluated in this study. Adult albino Wistar rats (180-225 g) were treated with QUE or GAL (50 mg/kg) alone or in combination with DnBP (1 mL/kg) for 15 days. After treatment, tissue samples were taken for determination of glutathione and malondialdehyde levels, and superoxide dismutase and catalase activities. Serial sections of the testis and liver were stained with haematoxylin and eosin for microscopy and seminiferous tubular morphometry. As expected, DnBP induced oxidative stress was evident by increased malondialdehyde level in both organs. Co-treatment with GAL or QUE reversed the malondialdehyde by 45.42, 37.44 and 37.57%, 23.32% and catalase by 52.21, 70.15 and 85%, 38.14% in the testis and liver respectively whereas superoxide dismutase activity and glutathione level were differently modulated parallel to histopathological improvement in both tissues. The seminiferous tubular diameter, epithelial height, epithelial germ cell count and tubular length were significantly decreased by 11.09, 51.91, 40.65 and 11.10% respectively versus control values after DnBP treatments and were attenuated on co-treatment with GAL or QUE. Co-treatment with GAL afforded better protective effects in both tissues but QUE treatment alone appeared more effective than GAL on the investigated morphometric data. It seems likely that GAL or QUE prevented the tissue damage but the antioxidant profiles of the liver and testis are different in response to the oxidative stress.

The toxic effect of gallic acid on biochemical factors, viability and proliferation of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells was compensated by boric acid

OBJECTIVE

Gallic acid (GA) and boron are found in many plants. Our previous studies showed 6 ng/ml boric acid (BA) had positive effect on biochemistry of rat bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) and their osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, we investigate the effect of different doses of GA alone and in the presence of BA on MSCs.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

the viability of MSCs was assayed using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) and trypan blue at 12, 24 and 36 h in presence of different concentration of GA. Then 30 and 120 μM of GA as well as 6 ng/ml of BA in 36 h were selected for further study. The proliferation, Morphology, sodium and potassium level, concentration of calcium, activity of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as well as malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, total antioxidant capacity (FRAP) and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) were estimated.

RESULT

Results showed GA alone reduced viability, proliferation, nuclear diameter and cytoplasm area. In addition, GA showed anaerobic metabolic shift but no change in MDA and scavenging enzymes. Both concentration of GA caused elevation of FRAP, whereas only at 120 μM increased the sodium-potassium and reduced calcium. The co-treatment of GA and BA improves the viability, proliferation and morphology of the cells. In addition, co-treatment compensated the metabolic shift caused by GA and could balance the potassium level and FRAP as it was raised by GA.

CONCLUSION

Although GA content of tea is harmful to the cells but simultaneous consumption of fruits and vegetables as a rich source of boron might compensate the damaging effect of GA.