Antitumor efficacy and amelioration of oxidative stress by Trichosanthes dioica root against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in mice

Chitosan and Grifola Frondosa nanoparticles insulate liver dysfunction in EAC-bearing mice

Background

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) is a rapidly growing and undifferentiated tumor that can prompt oxidative stress and liver toxicity, whereas chitosan and Grifola Frondosa have widely recognized biological qualities. Therefore, our study designed to assess the potential ameliorative ability of chitosan nanoparticles (CS NPs) and Grifola Frondosa nanoparticles (GF-loaded casein NPs) on EAC-induced hepatic injury in mice.

Methods

A total of 60 female albino mice were segregated into 6 groups (10 mice each), G1, control group; G2, CS NPs group; G3, GF-loaded casein NPs group; G4, EAC group; G5, EAC treated with CS NPs; G6, EAC treated with GF-loaded casein NPs.

Results

According to the findings, EAC considerably increased serum activities of ALT, AST, ALP as well as LDL, cholesterol, and triglycerides levels coincided with marked decrease in albumin and total protein content in liver tissue. At the same time, it drastically lowered GSH levels and catalase activity while significantly elevating MDA levels. In addition, EAC caused DNA damage and apoptosis by decreasing Bcl-2 while increasing p53 expressions. However, either CS NPs or GF-loaded casein NPs therapy improved liver architecture and functioning, increased antioxidant parameters, and prevented hepatocyte death in EAC mice.

Conclusions

Our findings concluded that CS NPs and GF-loaded casein NPs have insulating functions against EAC-induced hepatic damage in mice.

Underutilized green leafy vegetables: frontier in fortified food development and nutrition

From the ancient period, Green leafy vegetables (GLV) are part of the daily diet and were believed to have several health beneficial properties. Later it has been proved that GLV has outstanding nutritional value and can be used for medicinal benefits. GLV is particularly rich in minerals like iron, calcium, and zinc. These are also rich in vitamins like beta carotene, vitamin E, K, B and vitamin C. In addition, some anti-nutritional elements in GLV can be reduced if it is grown properly and processed properly before consumption. Tropical countries have a wide variety of these green plants such as Red Spinach, Amaranth, Malabar Spinach, Taro Leaf, Fenugreek leaf, Bengal Gram Leaves, Radish Leaves, Mustard Leaves, and many more. This review focuses on listing this wide range of GLVs (in total 54 underutilized GLVs) and their compositions in a comparative manner. GLV also possesses medicinal activities due to its rich bioactive and nutritional potential. Different processing techniques may alter the nutritional and bioactive potential of the GLVs significantly. The GLVs have been considered a food fortification agent, though not explored widely. All of these findings suggest that increasing GLV consumption could provide nutritional requirements necessary for proper growth as well as adequate protection against diseases caused by malnutrition.

Evaluation of MMR live attenuated vaccine oncolytic potential using Ehrlich ascites carcinoma in a murine model

MMR vaccine is a common vaccine that contains oncolytic viruses (Measles, Mumps, and Rubella) and could be used as a potential anti-cancer treatment. In this study, we assessed the anti-tumor activity of the MMR vaccine against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) solid tumor induced in mice. The in vitro assay showed that vaccine IC50 in EAC was approximately 200 CCID_50. The vaccine was intratumorally administrated twice weekly in EAC-bearing mice. The antitumor response of the vaccine was measured by tumor growth, survival rate, histopathologic examination, flow cytometry analysis, and body biochemical parameters. The MMR vaccine demonstrated a substantial reduction of tumor growth and prolongation of life span as well. The proliferation marker was significantly lower in the vaccine-treated group. Moreover, the apoptosis key parameter Casp-3 was also higher in the vaccine-treated group. The vaccine somewhat restored the deterioration of the biochemical parameters (LDH, GOT, GPT, MDA, NO, and PON-1) in the tumor-bearing mice. Finally, this study indicated the potential antitumor effect of MMR vaccine via anti‑proliferative, apoptotic activities, and modulating the antioxidant parameters. This study opens a new field of inquiry for future research on the vaccine's anti-cancer properties.

Protective Effect of Methanolic Extract of Euglena tuba Against Dalton Lymphoma Induced Oxidative Stress in BALB/c Mice

The identification and pharmacological validation of plant-based lead compounds for the cure of different diseases including cancer have always been globally strived. In addition to possessing numerous medicinal properties, many of the phytochemicals display antioxidant potential activities. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) causeoxidative stress leading to several severe diseases such as cancer. The antioxidants are substances that fight against ROS to protect the cells from their damaging effects. In the present study, the effects of methanol extract of Euglena tuba(ETME) have been evaluated for its antioxidant and antitumor potential against Dalton's lymphoma (DL) introduced in BALB/cmice. After 24 h of intraperitoneal inoculation of DL cells in mice, ETME (300 mg kg-1 body weight) was administered intraperitoneally upto18 alternative days. On the 18th day, the mice were sacrificed; the blood and tissues (liver and brain) were collected to determine the tumor growth parameters including morphological, behavioural, haematological profile, and antioxidant indices. The results indicated that ETME exhibited significant antioxidative and antitumor properties when compared with the data from DL bearing mice. The results from the present study indicated that ETME contained remarkable antitumor efficacy, which was mediated through amelioration of oxidative stress. The data suggested that ETME could be used as a potential natural anticancer agent.

Pomegranate Polyphenols Attenuate Inflammation and Hepatic Damage in Tumor-Bearing Mice: Crucial Role of NF-κB and the Nrf2/GSH Axis

It has been widely reported that cancer, along with its treatment regimens, cause severe toxicity in the host. A suitable agent having chemopreventive properties as well as capabilities of ameliorating tumor- and drug-induced toxicities is of imminent need. Pomegranate has been projected as an excellent anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant agent. In this study, for the first time, we delineated the exact signaling cascade by which dietary supplementation of pomegranate fruit extract (PFE) protects tumor-bearing mice from tumor-induced hepatotoxicity. Increased activities of serum Alanine transaminase, Aspartate transaminase, Lactate dehydrogenase and Alkaline phosphatase, as well as histological studies confirmed the establishment of a state of hepatic dysfunction in tumor-bearers. Further investigations revealed that increased hepatic reactive oxygen species content and glutathione depletion-initiated apoptosis in these hepatocytes as we observed an alteration in the apoptotic proteins. PFE supplementation in tumor-bearing mice, on the other hand, differentially modulated redox-sensitive transcription factors Nrf2 and NF-κB, ultimately decreasing tumor-induced hepatic oxidative damage and cell death. siRNA-mediated inhibition of Nrf2 and NF-κB completely abolished the hepato-protective activities of PFE while pre-treatment of tumor-conditioned hepatocytes with N-acetyl cysteine augmented the cyto-protective properties of PFE. The present study clearly identified Nrf2/NF-κB/glutathione axis as the key factor behind the hepatoprotective potential of PFE. These findings would add to the existing knowledge about cancer chemoprevention by dietary polyphenols and might lead to the application of pomegranate polyphenols as supplement to escalate the effectiveness of cancer therapy by protecting normal cells from cancer related toxicities.

Recent Progress in Environmental Toxins-Induced Cardiotoxicity and Protective Potential of Natural Products

Humans are unconsciously exposed to environmental toxins including heavy metals as well as various pesticides, which have deleterious effects on human health. Accumulating studies pointed out that exposure to environmental toxins was associated with various cardiopathologic effects. This review summarizes the main mechanisms of cardiotoxicity induced by environmental toxins (cadmium, arsenic and pesticides) and discusses the potential preventive effects of natural products. These findings will provide a theoretical basis and novel agents for the prevention and treatment of environmental toxins-induced cardiotoxicity. Furthermore, the limitations of current studies, future needs and priorities are discussed.

Antitumor activity and antioxidant status of Streblus asper bark against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma in mice

Streblus asper Lour (Moraceae), commonly known as Siamee Rough Brush in English is widely distributed in subtropical Asia and traditionally used for several medicinal purposes. In the present study, the ethyl acetate fraction of the methanol extract from Streblus asper bark (EASA) was evaluated for antitumor effect against Dalton's ascitic lymphoma (DAL) in Swiss albino mice. Twenty-four hours after intraperitoneal inoculation of DAL cells in mice, EASA was administered intraperitoneally at 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight for 9 consecutive days. On the 10th day, half of the mice were sacrificed to determine the tumor growth parameters, and the rest were kept alive for survival assessment. Hematological, serum biochemical and tissue (liver, kidney) antioxidant profiles were also determined. EASA exhibited significant and dose dependent decrease in tumor growth parameters and increased survival of DAL bearing animals. EASA significantly and dose-dependently normalized the altered hematological, serum biochemical and tissue antioxidant parameters as compared with the DAL control mice. From the present study it may be concluded that S. asper bark possesses remarkable antitumor efficacy mediated by amelioration of oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms.

β-Carotene ameliorates arsenic-induced toxicity in albino mice

The present study evaluated the ameliorative potential of β-carotene (BCT) against experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in Swiss albino mice. BCT (5 and 10 mg/kg) was administered orally to mice 30 min before oral administration of arsenic trioxide (3 mg/kg) for 14 consecutive days. On 15th day, the body weights, organ weights, hematological profiles, serum biochemical profile; hepatic and renal antioxidative parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase; and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Co-treatment with BCT markedly and significantly normalized body weights, organ weights, hematological profiles, serum biochemical profile and significantly modulated all the hepatic and renal biochemical parameters and DNA fragmentation in arsenic-intoxicated mice. The present findings conclude that β-carotene possessed remarkable ameliorative effect against arsenic-induced toxicity in albino mice mediated by its antioxidant and antigenotoxic properties.

The triterpenoid fraction from Trichosanthes dioica root suppresses experimentally induced inflammatory ascites in rats

CONTEXT

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber found wild throughout the plains of the Indian subcontinent and traditionally used in India for several medicinal purposes.

OBJECTIVE

The present study evaluated the protective effect of the triterpenoid enriched fraction from T. dioica root (CETD) against experimentally induced acute inflammatory ascites in Wistar albino rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The CETD was administered orally at the different doses (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) to overnight fasted rats, and then ascites was induced by intraperitoneal administration of formalin solution. After 7 h, the rats were sacrificed and the volume of ascitic fluid was measured.

RESULTS

The CETD demonstrated significant (p < 0.01) reduction of ascitic fluid formation in a dose-dependent manner as compared with control.

CONCLUSION

The CETD produced significant and dose-dependent inhibition of experimentally induced inflammatory ascites in Wistar albino rats.

The triterpenoid fraction from Trichosanthes dioica root exhibits in vitro antileishmanial effect against Leishmania donovani promastigotes

Background:

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English is a dioecious climber found wild throughout the plains of the Indian subcontinent and traditionally used in India for several medicinal purposes.

Objective:

The present study was aimed at the evaluation of in vitro antileishmanial effect of triterpenoid fraction from T. dioica root (CETD).

Materials and Methods:

The antileishmanial activity of CETD was evaluated against Leishmania donovani (strain MHOM/IN/83/AG83)) promastigotes by in vitro promastigote cell toxicity assay by using MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide). Potassium antimonyl tartrate was used as reference.

Results:

Here, CETD markedly inhibited the growth of L. donovani promastigotes in vitro in a concentration dependent manner and demonstrated IC₅₀ value of 18.75 μg/ml. The reference drug potassium antimonyl tartrate exhibited IC₅₀ of 7.52 μg/ml.

Conclusion:

From the present study it can be inferred that the triterpenoid fraction of T. dioica root exhibited remarkable antileishmanial activity against Leishmania donovani promastigotes in vitro.

Ameliorative effect Trichosanthes dioica root against experimentally induced arsenic toxicity in male albino rats

The present study evaluated the ameliorative potential of hydroalcoholic extract of Trichosanthes dioica root (TDA) against arsenic induced toxicity in male albino rats. TDA (5 and 10mg/kg) was administered orally to rats for 20 consecutive days before oral administration of sodium arsenite (10mg/kg) for 8 days. Then the body weights, organ weights, haematological profiles, serum biochemical profile; hepatic and renal antioxidative parameters viz. lipid peroxidation, reduced and oxidized glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, catalase and DNA fragmentation were evaluated. Pretreatment with TDA markedly and significantly normalized body weights, organ weights, haematological profiles, serum biochemical profile and significantly modulated all the hepatic and renal biochemical parameters and reduced DNA fragmentation in arsenic intoxicated rats. The present findings conclude that T. dioica root possessed remarkable ameliorative effect against arsenic induced organ toxicity in male albino rats mediated by alleviation of arsenic induced oxidative stress by multiple mechanisms.

Protective role of the triterpenoid-enriched extract of Trichosanthes dioica root against experimentally induced pain and inflammation in rodents

Trichosanthes dioica Roxb. (Cucurbitaceae), called pointed gourd in English, is a dioecious climber grown in the Indian subcontinent. This study evaluated the anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effects of triterpenoid-enriched extract of T. dioica root (CETD) in rodents at the doses of 50 and 100 mg kg(-1) body weight po. Anti-nociceptive activity was evaluated by acetic acid-induced writhing and tail flick methods in Swiss albino mice. CETD was evaluated for anti-inflammatory activity in experimental acute (carrageenan-, histamine- and serotonin-induced paw oedema) and chronic models (cotton pellet-induced granuloma) in Wistar albino rats. In writhing test, CETD dose dependently and significantly inhibited writhes; in tail flick test, CETD demonstrated significant increase in reaction time (after 60 and 120 min). In all the anti-inflammatory models, CETD exhibited promising anti-inflammatory activity in a dose-dependent manner. Therefore, T. dioica root afforded remarkable anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory protections in the tested rodent models.