Ameliorative effect of propolis against cyclophosphamide-induced toxicity in mice

Propolis Enhances 5-Fluorouracil Mediated Antitumor Efficacy and Reduces Side Effects in Colorectal Cancer: An in Vitro and in Vivo Study

In this study, we investigated the combined treatment of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) and Anatolian propolis extract (PE) on colorectal cancer (CRC)using in vitro and in vivo studies. We exposed luciferase-transfected (Lovo-Luc CRC) cells and healthy colon cells (CCD-18Co) to varying concentrations of 5-FU and PE to assess their genotoxic, apoptotic, and cytotoxic effects, as well as their intracellular reactive oxygen species (iROS) levels. We also developed a xenograft model in nude mice and evaluated the anti-tumor effects of PE and 5-FU using various methods. Our findings showed that the combination of PE and 5-FU had selectivity against cancer cells, particularly at higher doses, and enhanced the anti-tumor effectiveness of 5-FU against colon CRC. The results suggest that PE can reduce side effects and increase the effectiveness of 5-FU through iROS generation in a dose-dependent manner.

Red propolis reduces inflammation in cyclophosphamide-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats

Introduction.

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is used to treat malignant neoplasias and control autoimmune diseases. Still, one of its metabolites, acrolein, is toxic to the urothelium and can lead to hemorrhagic cystitis and severe discomfort.

Objective.

To evaluate the ability of red propolis to prevent and treat CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.

Materials and methods.

Red propolis was extracted in 1% gum arabic and administered subcutaneously (sc). In the first experiment, groups IA, IIA, and IIIA and groups IB, IIB, and IIIB received water, gum arabic (GA), or propolis, respectively, for 30 days. Then water (controls) or CP (treatment) was administered i.p. In the second experiment, groups IVA, VA, and VIA received water i.p. while groups IVB, VB, and VIB received CP i.p. This was followed by 5 injections at 2-hour intervals with either water, GA, or propolis. Bladder tissue was examined according to Gray’s criteria.

Results.

The total inflammatory histology score was significantly smaller in group VIB (11.33 ± 2.07). Mild inflammation predominated in group VIB while most of the animals in group IVB had severe inflammation (p=0.0375). Ulcers were predominantly multiple in Groups IVA and VB but rare or absent in Group VIB (p=0.0118). Urothelial cells were mostly absent in groups IVB and VB and present/normal in group VIB (p=0.0052). Fibrin was abundant in groups IVB and VA but mostly absent in group VIB (p=0.0273).

Conclusions.

Red propolis can reduce inflammation in CP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in rats.

Potential Protective Effects of Antioxidants against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating antineoplastic agent, and it is one of the most successful drugs with wide arrays of clinical activity. It has been in use for several types of cancer treatments and as an immunosuppressive agent for the management of autoimmune and immune-mediated diseases. Nowadays, its clinical use is limited due to various toxicities, including nephrotoxicity. Even though the mechanisms are not well understood, cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity is reported to be mediated through oxidative stress. This review focuses on the potential role of natural and plant-derived antioxidants in preventing cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates liver injury in mice induced by cyclophosphamide

The current study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced liver injury in mice. The liver injury model was established by injecting mice with CTX (80 mg/kg/day). Liver function indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. In addition, protein expression levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways in the liver tissues were determined using western blot. The results indicated that PQQ decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissues. Moreover, PQQ enhanced the activities of oxidative stress markers to alleviate CTX induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were significantly increased, and the expression levels of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase alpha (IKKα) were significantly decreased after PQQ administration, suggesting that PQQ alleviated CTX-induced liver injury via activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response pathway, and inhibiting the NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathway. Therefore, PQQ can be potentially used as a dietary supplement or functional foods for alleviating the CTX-induced liver injury.

Protective effects of berberine as a natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent against nephrotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mice

PURPOSE

Cyclophosphamide is an alkylating agent with nephrotoxicity that constrains its clinical application. Berberine is an isoquinoline derivative alkaloid with biological functions like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory. The current research intended to examine the nephroprotective impacts of berberine against cyclophosphamide-stimulated nephrotoxicity.

METHODS

Forty animal subjects were randomly separated into five categories of control (Group I), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg, i.p., on 7th day) (Group II), and groups III and IV that received berberine 50 and 100 mg/kg orally for seven days and a single injection of cyclophosphamide on 7th day. Group V as berberine (100 mg/kg, alone). On day 8, blood samples were drawn from the retro-orbital sinus to determine serum levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (Cr), neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), and kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) as biomarkers for kidney injury. Nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities as oxidative stress factors, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β) levels as inflammatory mediators were assessed in kidney tissue.

RESULTS

The results of this study demonstrated that berberine was able to protect remarkably the kidney from CP-induced injury through decreasing the level of BUN, Cr, NGAL, KIM-1, NO, MDA TNF-α, IL-1β and increasing the level of GSH, CAT, SOD, and GPx activities.

CONCLUSION

Berberine may be employed as a natural agent to prevent cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity through anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Modulating effects of the synergistic combination of extracts of herbal drugs on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice

OBJECTIVE

Taking leads from the available research, we aimed to develop a synergy-based herbal combination of Tinospora cordifolia (TC), Phyllanthus emblica (PE), and Piper nigrum (PN). Also, evaluating their synergistic effect on CP-induced immunosuppression in mice model and exploring the possible mechanisms involved in reversing the damage.

METHODOLOGY

The immunomodulatory activity of combination, of TC stem, PE fruits, and PN dried fruits, was determined by in vitro assays (splenocyte proliferation and pinocytic activity of peritoneal macrophages of mice) and in vivo study using CP-induced immunosuppression model in Swiss Albino mice. The ratio was optimized for combining three by in vitro MTT assay. The combination was further evaluated for anti-oxidant activity by DPPH scavenging method and quantified for its bioactive metabolites by HPTLC. Serum collected on day 0, 4, 7 and 14 was employed for estimation of haematogram (haematocrit, TLC, DLC, and haemoglobin, etc) and immune parameters (IL-10, IL-6 and TNF-α) by ELISA.

RESULTS

The study demonstrated, that combination of herbal extracts at an intermediate dose could inhibit the proliferation of spleen cells and peritoneal macrophages (P ≤ 0.0001) and induce suppression of pro-inflammatory mediators, and also certified that combination exerts synergized effects. The results showed that the combination possess potential antioxidant activity by DPPH scavenging method (IC50-113.5 µg/ml). It was identified that combination significantly (P ≤ 0.0001) improved the immune markers, haematogram parameters, and histological parameters, with maximum protection offered by an intermediate dose.

CONCLUSION

The results suggested that present combination could be further explored clinically as potent synergy-based therapeutic approach for immune modulation.

Protective effect of Apelin-13 in a cyclophosphamide-induced cardiorenal toxicity model in rats

Cyclophosphamide is a chemotherapeutic drug that is widely used in the clinic and can cause multi-organ toxicity. Apelin-13 is an endogenous adipocytokine with antioxidant properties. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the possibility of apelin-13 being a potential therapeutic agent on cardiac toxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by cyclophosphamide. In this study, a total of 4 groups were formed, including 8 rats in each group. Group 1: The control group was administered only saline (ip). Group 2: Cyclophosphamide, a single dose of 200 mg/kg (ip) on day 7. Group 3: Apelin-13 (15 μg/kg), for 7 days (ip). Group 4: Administering apelin-13 (15 μg/kg) (ip) for 7 days and a single dose of cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg) (ip) on day 7, the rats were sacrificed on day 8. LDH, cTn1, cK-Mb, AST, ALT, ALP, MDA, creatinine, and BUN were found to be high in the cyclophosphamide group, however, these values were reduced with apelin-13 administration. Antioxidant enzymes such as SOD, GPx, CAT, and GSH decreased in the cyclophosphamide group, apelin-13 increased these enzyme activities. In addition, histopathological examinations also supported the results obtained. The findings of this study showed that apelin-13 has a protective effect against cardiorenal toxicity caused by cyclophosphamide.

Orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) peel extract attenuates chemotherapy-induced toxicity in male rats

Background: Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapy drug widely used in the treatment of several types of cancers and autoimmune disorders. Unfortunately, it causes severe side effects on many organs due to its oxidative stress effect. Objective: The present study aims to tentatively identify the phytochemical constituents of orange fruit (Citrus sinensis) peel extract (OFPE) and elucidate the chemopreventive effects of OFPE on CYP drug induced organ toxicity. Methods: The high performance liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectroscopy (HPLC-MS/MS) technique was used to identify the compounds. Thirty-five male rats were divided into five groups (GP; n = 7): GP1: normal control, GP2: OFPE 0.5 only, GP3: CYP-only, GP4: OFPE 0.25 + CYP, and GP5: OFPE 0.5 + CYP. Results: Twenty-nine compounds of polyphenolic nature, mainly flavonoids, anthocyanidins, phenolic acids and limonoids were characterized by HPLC-MS/MS analysis. Among these compounds, naringin, hesperidin, diosmin, rutin, neohesperidin and limonin were the predominant compounds in the examined extract. Serum cellular markers were found to be decreased significantly upon treatment with OFPE (especially high dose). Also, a significant prophylactic effect against liver, kidney, and heart injuries induced by CYP via decreasing inflammation (serum TNF-α, IL-1β & IL-6) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) was also revealed. Also, an increase in antioxidant levels (serum TAO, and cellular GSH & CAT in tissue homogenates) confirmed the protective efficacy of OFPE against CYP toxicity. Conclusions: The present study reveals some chemopreventive properties and beneficial effects of OFPE on CYP-induced organ toxicity via its antioxidant status and immunoregulatory activities.

Ethanol and cyclophosphamide induce similar nephrotoxic effects: possible role for Nox4 and superoxide

We tested the hypothesis that ethanol consumption would aggravate the renal damage induced by cyclophosphamide (CYP). Male C57BL/6 J mice from control (n = 8) and CYP (n = 12) groups had free access to filtered water and standard rodent chow for 12 weeks. Then, 24 h before euthanasia mice received an intraperitoneal injection of saline or CYP (300 mg/kg). Mice from ethanol (n = 8) and CYP + ethanol (n = 12) groups had free access to increasing doses of ethanol for 12 weeks. Twenty-four hours before euthanasia, mice from ethanol and CYP + ethanol groups received an intraperitoneal injection of saline or CYP, respectively. Ethanol, CYP, or the association of both drugs augmented serum levels of creatinine and increased the levels of superoxide ([Formula: see text]) generation and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances in the renal cortex. Upregulation of Nox4 and increased activity of superoxide dismutase were detected in the renal cortex of mice treated with ethanol, CYP, or the combination of these drugs; however, these molecular alterations induced by CYP were not potentiated by ethanol consumption. Our findings revealed that chronic ethanol consumption had no potentiating effect on the nephrotoxic effects displayed by CYP. It is possible that the combination of these drugs showed no synergistic effect because they share the same molecular mechanisms of renal toxicity.

Pretreatment with Gallic Acid Mitigates Cyclophosphamide Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Mice

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP) as an alkylating compound has been widely applied to treat cancer and autoimmune diseases. CP is observed to be nephrotoxic in humans and animals because it produces reactive oxygen species. Gallic acid (GA), a polyhydroxy phenolic compound, is reported to exhibit antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

OBJECTIVE

The current research aimed at evaluating the GA effect on CP-related renal toxicity.

METHODS

In total, 35 male mice were assigned to 5 groups. Group1: receiving normal saline, group 2: CP group, receiving one CP injection (200 mg/kg; i.p.) on day 6. Groups 3 and 4: GA+CP, GA (10 and 30 mg/kg; p.o.; respectively) received through six consecutive days plus CP on the 6th day 2 hr after the last dose of GA, group 5: received GA (30 mg/kg; p.o.) for six consecutive days. Then on day 7, blood samples were collected for determining creatinine (Cr), serum kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) concentrations. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) concentration, catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities, and IL-1β, TNF-α levels were assessed in renal tissue.

RESULTS

CP administration significantly increases KIM-1, NGAL, Cr, BUN, MDA, NO, IL-1β, and TNF-α level. It also decreases GSH concentration, SOD, GPx, and CAT function. Pretreatment with GA prevented these changes. Histopathological assessments approved the GA protective effect.

CONCLUSION

Our results showed that GA is possibly effective as a protective agent in cyclophosphamide-associated toxicities.

Protective effect of myricetin, apigenin, and hesperidin pretreatments on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

Aim: Major side effects of cyclophosphamide administration are immunosuppression and myelosuppression. The immunomodulatory effects of plant bioactive compounds on chemotherapy drug-induced immunosuppression may have significant effects in cancer treatment. For this reason, we investigated the immunomodulatory effect of myricetin, apigenin, and hesperidin in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in rats.Methods: In our study, a total of 64 rats were used, and divided into eight equal groups. These groups were: control, cyclophosphamide, cyclophosphamide + myricetin (100 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide + myricetin (200 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide + apigenin (100 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide + apigenin (200 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide + hesperidin (100 mg/kg), and cyclophosphamide + hesperidin (200 mg/kg). Myricetin, apigenin, and hesperidin pretreatments were performed for 14 d, while cyclophosphamide application (200 mg/kg) was performed only on the 4th day of the study. Levels of humoral antibody production, quantitative hemolysis, macrophage phagocytosis, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity were determined. In addition, we measured pro-inflammatory cytokines, and followed lipid peroxidation and antioxidant markers and examined the histology of bone marrow, liver and spleen in all groups.Results: During cyclophosphamide treatment, all three phytochemicals increased the levels of humoral antibody production, quantitative hemolysis, macrophage phagocytosis, splenic lymphocyte proliferation, antioxidant markers, and natural killer cell cytotoxicity. Moreover, the agents decreased the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines and mediators, reduced lipid peroxidation markers, and reduced tissue damage in liver, spleen, and bone marrow.Conclusion: Our study demonstrated that myricetin, apigenin, and hesperidin can reduce the immunosuppressive effect of cyclophosphamide by enhancing both innate and adaptive immune responses, and these compounds may be useful immunomodulatory agents during cancer chemotherapy.

Ligustrazine alleviates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity via the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway

AIMS

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a common therapeutic drug for cancer, but exposure to CP can cause acute hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to elucidate the protective effects of Ligustrazine (2, 3, 5, 6-tetramethylpyrazine, TMP) on hepatotoxicity induced by CP or its active metabolite 4-hydroperoxycyclophosphamide (4-HC).

MAIN METHODS

We presented a comprehensive investigation about the hepatoprotection of TMP on CP-induced mice and 4-HC-treated HSC-LX2 cells. Liver function was detected via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Hepatic histopathology analysis was performed via hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson staining. Survival of hepatocytes was detected by TUNEL assay. Related proteins in the thioredoxin (Trx)-interacting protein (Txnip)/Trx/Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway were measured by western blotting.

KEY FINDINGS

The results indicated that CP or 4-HC could increase the levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, enhance inflammatory factors and oxidative indicators, and suppress the activity of oxidoreductases. Moreover, significant changes in liver histological structure, fibrosis, and cell death were observed through the activation of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway. In contrast, administration of TMP significantly reversed these above changes. Furthermore, TMP intervention participated in the inhibition of NLRP3 inflammasome accompanied with pyroptosis, as well as upregulating Trx expression and downregulating p-NF-κB, while the protective effect of TMP was limited to the involvement of Txnip overexpression.

SIGNIFICANCE

TMP treatment could significantly alleviate the hepatotoxicity process as evidenced by improving the structure and function of the liver, inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation accompanied with pyroptosis, which was positively correlated with the inhibition of Txnip/Trx/NF-κB pathway.

Protective Effect of Low Molecular Weight Peptides from Solenocera crassicornis Head against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Mice via the Keap1/Nrf2 Pathway

The major component of the Solenocera crassicornis head protein hydrolysates-fraction 1 (SCHPs-F1) are low molecular weight peptides (MW < 1 kDa). In this study, we investigated the potential renoprotective effects of SCHPs-F1 in a cyclophosphamide (CTX) toxicity mouse model. In brief, 40 male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups and received either saline or 80 mg/kg body weight (BW) CTX by intraperitoneal injection for 5 days, followed by either saline or SCHPs-F1 (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW) by intragastric administration for 15 days. SCHPs-F1 treatment significantly reversed the CTX-induced decreases in the levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CRE), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450), as well as the renal histological lesions. Furthermore, the results indicated that SCHPs-F1 potentially alleviated CTX-induced nephrotoxicity through mitigating inflammatory responses, oxidative stress, and apoptosis status of the kidneys, as evidenced by decreased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interferon (IFN)-γ and increased levels of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Moreover, overexpression of pro-apoptotic proteins pair B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2)-associated X (Bax)/Bcl-2, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase (caspase)-3 and caspase-9 in renal tissues were suppressed by treatment with SCHPs-F1. In addition, the protein levels of the antioxidant factor nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and the expression levels of its downstream target genes heme-oxygenase (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM) and NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone) 1 (NQO-1) were stimulated by treatment with SCHPs-F1 in the CTX-induced renal injury model. Taken together, our data suggested that SCHPs-F1 could provide a novel potential strategy in mitigating the nephrotoxicity caused by CTX.

The role of propolis against paclitaxel-induced oligospermia, sperm abnormality, oxidative stress and DNA damage in testes of male rats

Paclitaxel (taxol) is one of the most powerful anticancer drugs but it possesses toxic effects on male reproductive system. Propolis, from folkloric remedy, have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer effects. The present study established to examine the protective impact of Propolis against malformation of semen induced by taxol. Twenty-four male rats equally divided into four groups. Group I (normal control); group II, administrated Propolis alone; group III, taxol-treated group received taxol; group IV, co-administered of taxol and Propolis extract. After 4 weeks of treatment, the semen were collected and testis 24 hr after the last treatment. Sperm count, motility, viability and sperm morphology were assayed. Tissue supernatants were isolated for oxidative stress, cell energy parameters and 8-OHdG. DNA damage was evaluated using Comet assay in testes. Our results confirmed that taxol-induced significant reduction in sperm count, motility, viability and recorded marked elevation in sperm abnormalities. Also, taxol caused increased in 8-OHdG and DNA damage versus that recorded in control group. Treatment with Propolis improving semen quality and protected testis from detrimental effects of taxol and minimises its toxicity. In conclusions, Oral administration of Propolis modulates the toxic impact of taxol by amelioration semen quality, diminishing oxidation state, DNA damage and preserving cell energy.

Properties, toxicity and current applications of the biolarvicide spinosad

Characterized as a highly valuable bioactive natural product, spinosad is a pesticide with a complex chemical structure, composed of spinosyn A and D, molecules synthesized by the actinomycete Saccharopolyspora spinosa. The larvicidal activity of spinosad was postulated to be a promising approach to combat crop pests and control species responsible to transmit mosquito-borne illness, including Aedes aegypti. Although initially deemed as relatively safe for non-target organisms and highly effective against insects and crop pests, recent studies focused on the toxicity profile detected the occurrence of side effects in different living species. Thus, the present review was undertaken to describe the properties and characteristics of spinosad. In addition to indicating potential adverse effects on living organisms, alternative uses of the biopesticide as a mixture with different compounds are provided.

Short-term exposure of Balb/c mice to buprofezin insecticide induces biochemical, enzymatic, histopathologic and genotoxic damage in liver and kidney tissues

Buprofezin is a type-1 chitin synthesis inhibitor insecticide used to control hemipteran insects. It is generally considered safe for humans, but its persistent nature may become a health hazard if long-term exposure takes place. Adverse effects on mammals are remaining to be explored. The present study investigated buprofezin toxicity on liver and kidney tissues of Balb/c mice treated intraperitoneally with 4.0, 6.0 and 8.0 µg/kg b.w doses respectively for 24 h. Statistical analyses demonstrated increased activities (p < 0.05) of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, creatinine and urea, ROS and TBARS (thiobarbutaric acid) in liver and kidney tissues. Concomitant significant decrease occurred in tissue total protein, antioxidants enzymes, the superoxide dismutase, catalase and peroxidase and non-enzymatic reduced glutathione. Significantly altered histomorphology of liver and kidney tissues revealed excessive tissue damage. Congestion, hepatocyte necrosis, decreases sinusoidal damage in liver, while in kidneys, glomerular shrinkage, capillary damage, widened Bowman's space and lumens of tubules and collecting ducts and necrosis of tubular epithelial cells were evident. TUNEL assay confirmed apoptosis, the Comet assay demonstrated DNA damage by an increase in the head length, tail length, comet length, tail moment and olive tail moment. The study concludes that buprofezin is highly toxic for mammalian tissues and warrants further biochemical, molecular and cellular studies.

A Mixture of Functional Complex Extracts from Lycium barbarum and Grape Seed Enhances Immunity Synergistically In Vitro and In Vivo

A mixture of multiple ingredients is often more effective than the individual ingredients. The functions of Lycium barbarum polysaccharide (LBP) glycoconjugate and grape seed procyanidins (GSP) are widely known. Here, we investigated the synergistic immune-enhancing activity of LBP and GSP. Atomic force microscopy results suggested that the mixture of LBP and GSP exhibited circular structure unlike LBP alone, and the addition of polyphenols may change the spatial conformation of the sugar chain. The changes in the structure were related to the synergistic effect of the two functional agents on immune recovery. In vitro, the proliferation rate of splenocytes was higher in LBP + GSP group (64.16%), rather than the sum of LBP group (13.01%) and GSP group (43.61%) individually used. This synergistical proliferation of splenocytes may be correlated to the increasing intracellular free calcium levels. Furthermore, the mixture significantly enhanced the immunity in vivo, as evident from the recovery of peripheral white blood cell counts in LBP + GSP group (18.535 × 10⁹ /L) to normal group levels (18.115 × 10⁹ /L) and higher B cell proliferation than normal group (P < 0.05). These results highlight the immune-enhancing activity of the combination of LBP and GSP associated with the structural changes, which may facilitate the development of functional foods with fewer resources but enhanced activities. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: The synergistic effects of LBP and GSP on immunomodulatory were better than the sum of the effects of the individual agents both in vitro and in vivo. Our results may provide a research-based support for the development of related functional products and an insight into the production of food resources with a fewer but more effective functional agents for better results.

Hesperidin opposes the negative impact of cyclophosphamide on mice kidneys

The present investigation examined the prospective nephroprotective effect of hesperidin (HSN) in mice challenged with a single i.p. injection of cyclophosphamide (CPE) at a dose of 200 mg/kg. HSN (100 and 200 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was given for 10 days, starting 5 days prior to CPE administration. HSN significantly reduced the CPE-induced increments of serum creatinine and cystatin C. HSN also significantly reduced malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and caspase-3, and significantly raised total antioxidant capacity, and interleukin-10/tumor necrosis factor-α ratio in kidneys of mice received CPE. In addition, HSN significantly prevented the histopathological injury, and kidney injury molecule-1 expression in kidneys of mice given CPE. It was concluded that HSN guarded against nephrotoxic effect of CPE in mice by tackling oxidative/nitrative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

Effect of the Egyptian propolis on the hepatic antioxidant defense and pro-apoptotic p53 and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expressions in aflatoxin B1 treated male mice

Aflatoxins are potent hepatotoxic due to their role in producing reactive oxygen species and consequently peroxidative damage. Propolis is a honey bee product known for its antioxidant capacity. The aim of this study was to verify the antioxidant effect of the Egyptian propolis extract (EPE) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Forty eight male mice were divided: first, second and third groups were used as control receiving saline, olive oil and EPE respectively, fourth was AFB1 group, fifth and sixth received EPE post or pre AFB1 treatment, respectively. EPE was given as (0.2mg/kg) 3 times a week. AFB1 was given as a single dose (0.25μg/kg). After 2 weeks, the mice were scarified and biochemical, histopathological and immunohistochemical investigations were assessed. EPE has a high content of total phenolics and alkaloids. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value for DPPH radical scavenging was 1353.8μg/mL. Pretreatment with EPE improved AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity represented in lowering alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, cholesterol, triglycerides, lipid peroxidation and pro-apoptotic p53 expression to 33.48±1.98 IU/ml, 53.00±2.37 IU/ml, 123.50±2.02 IU/ml, 76.50±2.66mg/dl, 54.00±3.03mg/dl, 2.22±0.14 nmol/g and 4.31±2.1 cells/field and raising the reduced glutathione, catalase, superoxide dismutase and anti-apoptotic bcl2 expression to 3.37±1.65 nmol/g, 4.92±0.25 nmol/g, 57±0.91UI/g and 39.7±5.9 cells/field which all had non-significant differences with the control, respectively. In conclusion, EPE can attenuate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Efficacy of Rosmarinus officinalis leaves extract against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity

Context Cyclophosphamide (CTX) is used to treat different cancer types, although it causes severe hepatotoxicity due to its oxidative stress effect. Rosmarinus officinalis, L. (Lamiaceae) has a therapeutic potential against hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant activity. Objective The objective of this study is to investigate the phytochemical analysis of the methanol extract of Rosmarinus officianalis leaves (MEROL) and its efficacy against CTX-induced hepatotoxicity. Materials and methods The phytochemical analyses were assessed spectrophotometericaly. To assess the MEROL efficacy, 72 Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups. Group 1 was control, groups 2 and 3 included mice which were injected intraperitoneally (i.p.) with 100 or 200 mg/kg of MEROL at days 1, 4, 7, 10, 13 and 16; group 4 was injected (i.p.) with CTX (200 mg/kg) at day 17, groups 5 and 6 were injected (i.p.) with MEROL as groups 3 and 4 followed by 200 mg/kg CTX at day 17, respectively. At day 22, six mice from each group were sacrificed and the others were sacrificed at day 37. Results MEROL has a high content of total phenolics, saponins, total antioxidant capacity and DPPH radical scavenging activity. The median lethal dose (LD50) value of MEROL was 4.125 g/kg b.w. The inhibitory concentration 50 (IC50) value for DPPH radical scavenging was 55 μg/mL. Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg MEROL for 16 d ameliorated CTX-induced hepatotoxicity represented in lowering the levels of the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lipid profile and minimizing the histological damage. Conclusions Pretreatment with 100 mg/kg b.w. MEROL mitigated CTX-induced hepatotoxicity due to its antioxidant activity.

Protective Effect of Thymoquinone against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hemorrhagic Cystitis through Inhibiting DNA Damage and Upregulation of Nrf2 Expression

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) induced hemorrhagic cystitis is a dose-limiting side effect involving increased oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines and suppressed activity of nuclear factor related erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2). Thymoquinone (TQ), an active constituent of Nigella sativa seeds, is reported to increase the expression of Nrf2, exert antioxidant action, and anti-inflammatory effects in the experimental animals. The present study was designed to explore the effects of TQ on CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in Balb/c mice. Cystitis was induced by a single intraperitoneal injection of CYP (200 mg/kg). TQ was administered intraperitoneally at 5, 10 and 20 mg/kg doses twice a day, for three days before and three days after the CYP administration. The efficacy of TQ was determined in terms of the protection against the CYP-induced histological perturbations in the bladder tissue, reduction in the oxidative stress, and inhibition of the DNA fragmentation. Immunohistochemistry was performed to examine the expression of Nrf2. TQ protected against CYP-induced oxidative stress was evident from significant reduction in the lipid peroxidation, restoration of the levels of reduced glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase activities. TQ treatment significantly reduced the DNA damage evident as reduced DNA fragmentation. A significant decrease in the cellular infiltration, edema, epithelial denudation and hemorrhage were observed in the histological observations. There was restoration and rise in the Nrf2 expression in the bladder tissues of mice treated with TQ. These results confirm that, TQ ameliorates the CYP-induced hemorrhagic cystitis in mice through reduction in the oxidative stress, inhibition of the DNA damage and through increased expression of Nrf2 in the bladder tissues.

Can propolis and caffeic acid phenethyl ester be promising agents against cyclophosphamide toxicity?

Propolis is a mixture having hundreds of polyphenols including caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE). They have been using in several medical conditions/diseases in both in vitro and in vivo experimental setup. Cyclophosphamide (CP) has been used to treat a broad of malignancies including Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, chronic lymphocytic leukemia, Ewing's sarcoma, breast cancer, testicular cancer, etc. It may cause several side effects after treatment. In this mini review, the protective effects of propolis and CAPE were compared each other in terms of effectiveness against CP-induced injuries.

The protective effect of Esculentoside A on experimental acute liver injury in mice

Inflammatory response and oxidative stress are considered to play an important role in the development of acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and galactosamine (GalN)/lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Esculentoside A (EsA), isolated from the Chinese herb phytolacca esculenta, has the effect of modulating immune response, cell proliferation and apoptosis as well as anti-inflammatory effects. The present study is to evaluate the protective effect of EsA on CCl4 and GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury. In vitro, CCK-8 assays showed that EsA had no cytotoxicity, while it significantly reduced levels of TNF-α and cell death rate challenged by CCl4. Moreover, EsA treatment up-regulated PPAR-γ expression of LO2 cells and reduced levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) challenged by CCl4. In vivo, EsA prevented mice from CCl4-induced liver histopathological damage. In addition, levels of AST and ALT were significantly decreased by EsA treatment. Furthermore, the mice treated with EsA had a lower level of TNF-α, Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 in mRNA expression. EsA prevented MDA release and increased GSH-Px activity in liver tissues. Immunohistochemical staining showed that over-expression of F4/80 and CD11b were markedly inhibited by EsA. The western bolt results showed that EsA significantly inhibited CCl4-induced phosphonated IkBalpha (P-IκB) and ERK. Furthermore, EsA treatment also alleviated GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury on liver enzyme and histopathological damage. Unfortunately, our results exhibited that EsA had no effects on CCl4-induced hepatocyte apoptosis which were showed by TUNEL staining and Bax, Caspase-3 and cleaved Caspase-3 expression. Our results proved that EsA treatment attenuated CCl4 and GalN/LPS-induced acute liver injury in mice and its protective effects might be involved in inhibiting inflammatory response and oxidative stress, but not apoptosis with its underlying mechanism associated with PPAR-γ, NF-κB and ERK signal pathways.