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Dawood AFA, Alharbi HM, Ismaeel FI, Khan SM, Yassa HD, Welson NN, Abd El-Aziz FEZA. Cadmium-induced pancreatic toxicity in rats: comparing vitamin C and Nigella sativa as protective agents: a histomorphometric and ultrastructural study. Toxicol Mech Methods 2024:1-16. [PMID: 39245987 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2024.2399779] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2024] [Revised: 08/27/2024] [Accepted: 08/28/2024] [Indexed: 09/10/2024]
Abstract
The study aimed to assess the toxic effect of cadmium (Cd) on the exocrine and endocrine functions of pancreas, the changes in pancreatic tissue after Cd withdrawal, and the protective effects of vitamin C (VC) and Nigella sativa (NS) against Cd-induced damage. Rats were assigned to: control, Cd-treated (0.5 mg/kg/d intraperitoneal [IP] injection), VC and Cd-treated (receiving 100 mg/kg/d VC orally and Cd concomitantly), NS and Cd-treated (receiving 20 mg/kg/d NS and Cd, simultaneously), and Cd withdrawal (receiving Cd for 30 d then living free for recovery for other 30 d). Blood samples were collected and post-sacrifice pancreatic specimens were processed for light and electron microscope study. Quantitative analyses of pancreatic collagen area%, pancreatic islet parameters, β cell density, and insulin immunoexpression were done. Fasting blood glucose was significantly increased in Cd-treated and Cd-withdrawal groups, while co-treatment with VC and NS caused significant reductions (p < 0.05). Cd-induced extensive degenerative changes in pancreatic acini and islets at light and ultrastructure levels. Obvious fibrosis and congestion of blood vessels were noticed. Significant reductions in pancreatic islet number, volume, and surface area and diminished beta cell count and insulin immunoexpression were observed. After withdrawal of Cd, the whole pancreatic tissue still showed a serious impact. Concomitant treatment with VC or NS obviously reduced these degenerative changes and significantly improved pancreatic islet parameters and insulin immunoexpression. VC showed a better amendment than NS, but this difference was statistically insignificant. Therefore, VC and NS could be used as prophylactic agents that lessen Cd consequences on the pancreas.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asmaa F A Dawood
- Histology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut, Egypt
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan M Alharbi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Faten I Ismaeel
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Shahina M Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, King Faisal University, Alhasa, Saudi Arabia
| | - Hanan D Yassa
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
| | - Nermeen N Welson
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology, Faculty of Medicine, Beni-Suef University, Beni Suef, Egypt
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Ungureanu LB, Ghiciuc CM, Amalinei C, Ungureanu C, Petrovici CG, Stănescu RȘ. Antioxidants as Protection against Reactive Oxygen Stress Induced by Formaldehyde (FA) Exposure: A Systematic Review. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1820. [PMID: 39200284 PMCID: PMC11352058 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12081820] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/11/2024] [Revised: 08/01/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/02/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Formaldehyde induces oxidative stress and is carcinogenic, particularly squamous cell carcinoma of the nasopharyngeal area. Around us, in exhaust gases, cigarette smoke, and various industrial products, FA primarily affects the respiratory tract and other organs like the cornea, liver, kidneys, brain, and cardiovascular system. This study aims to determine if antioxidants can mitigate FA's harmful effects. MATERIALS AND METHODS Several databases, including PubMed, Science Direct, Springer, and Wiley, were systematically searched. Research publications on antioxidants mitigating FA-induced oxidative damage were included, but reviews and articles lacking complete texts were excluded. SYRCLE's risk of bias tool for animal studies has been used. Tables were used for data synthesis. Out of 8790 articles, 35 publications detailing tissue homogenate for biochemical analysis, standard hematoxylin-eosin staining, and immunohistochemistry markers for histopathological and immunohistochemical diagnosis were selected. Most studies were case-control studies, utilizing rat or mouse models. Additionally, one cohort study on industrial workers was analyzed. CONCLUSIONS Antioxidants, including plant extracts, vitamins, and pigments, can prevent or heal FA-induced lesions. However, human studies, particularly biopsies, remain challenging, and animal trials are limited. Further research is needed to confirm FA's long-term effects and optimize antioxidant dosages.
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Affiliation(s)
- Loredana Beatrice Ungureanu
- Morphopathology, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.B.U.); (C.U.)
| | - Cristina Mihaela Ghiciuc
- Pharmacology, Clinical Pharmacology and Algeziology, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Cornelia Amalinei
- Histology, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania
| | - Carmen Ungureanu
- Morphopathology, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences I, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania; (L.B.U.); (C.U.)
| | - Cristina Gabriela Petrovici
- Infectious Disease, Department of Medical II, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
| | - Raluca Ștefania Stănescu
- Biochemistry, Department of Morpho-Functional Sciences II, Faculty of Medicine, Grigore T. Popa University of Medicine and Pharmacy, 16 Universitatii Street, 700115 Iasi, Romania;
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Othman R, Aggour A, Elmorsy E, Fawzy MS. Nigella sativa, active principle thymoquinone, alleviates palmitate-induced cytotoxicity, inflammation and bioenergetic disruptions in macrophages: An invitro study model. Toxicon 2024; 244:107754. [PMID: 38761922 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2024.107754] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/26/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/09/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the main phytochemical bioactive ingredients in Nigella sativa, with reported immunity-boosting properties. The current study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ against inflammation brought on by free fatty acid Palmitate (PA) using macrophages raw 264.7 cell line. Data revealed that TQ significantly improved the viability of basal and PA stimulated Macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. Also, TQ significantly reduced nitric oxide and triglyceride levels in PA-stimulated macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. The pro-inflammatory cytokines studies revealed that PA significantly increased the release of the cytokines TNF-α, MHGB-1, IL-1β, and IL-6. TQ at concentrations 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml significantly decreases the release of the studied cytokines in PA-stimulated macrophages to variable extents with parallel inhibition to their corresponding gene expression. Bioenergetic assays showed that PA significantly decreased cellular ATP, mitochondrial complexes I and III activities and mitochondrial membrane potential with a subsequent significant increase in lactate production. At the same time, TQ can alleviate the effect of PA on macrophages' bioenergetics parameters to variable extent based on TQ concentration. To conclude, TQ could mitigate palmitate-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in macrophages by improving macrophage viability and controlling cytokine release with improved PA-induced bioenergetics disruption.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rashad Othman
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Amal Aggour
- Regional laboratory, Northern Border Health cluster, Arar, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ekramy Elmorsy
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar, Saudi Arabia; Forensic Medicine and Clinical Toxicology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Manal S Fawzy
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia; Unit of Medical Research and Postgraduate Studies, Faculty of Medicine, Northern Border University, Arar 73213, Saudi Arabia.
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Uzzan S, Rostevanov IS, Rubin E, Benguigui O, Marazka S, Kaplanski J, Agbaria R, Azab AN. Chronic Treatment with Nigella sativa Oil Exerts Antimanic Properties and Reduces Brain Inflammation in Rats. Int J Mol Sci 2024; 25:1823. [PMID: 38339101 PMCID: PMC10855852 DOI: 10.3390/ijms25031823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nigella sativa (NS) is a native herb consumed habitually in several countries worldwide, possessing manifold therapeutic properties. Among them, anti-inflammatory features have been reported, presumably relating to mechanisms involved in the nuclear factor kappa-B pathway, among others. Given the observed association between neuroimmune factors and mental illness, the primary aim of the present study was to examine the effects of chronic NS use on manic-like behavior in rats, as well as analyze levels of brain inflammatory mediators following NS intake. Using male and female rats, baseline tests were performed; thereafter, rats were fed either regular food (control) or NS-containing food (treatment) for four weeks. Following intervention, behavioral tests were induced (an open field test, sucrose consumption test, three-chamber sociality test, and amphetamine-induced hyperactivity test). Subsequently, brain samples were extracted, and inflammatory mediators were evaluated, including interleukin-6, leukotriene B4, prostaglandin E2, tumor necrosis factor-α, and nuclear phosphorylated-p65. Our findings show NS to result in a marked antimanic-like effect, in tandem with a positive modulation of select inflammatory mediators among male and female rats. The findings reinforce the proposed therapeutic advantages relating to NS ingestion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sarit Uzzan
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
| | - Ira-Sivan Rostevanov
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
| | - Elina Rubin
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
| | - Olivia Benguigui
- Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education, McGill University, 475 Pine Avenue West, Montreal, QC H2W1S4, Canada
| | - Said Marazka
- Department of Cognitive and Brain Sciences, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
| | - Jacob Kaplanski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
| | - Riad Agbaria
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
| | - Abed N. Azab
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel (R.A.)
- Department of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Ben-Gurion University of the Negev, Beer-Sheva 8410501, Israel
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Ibrahim KG, Hudu SA, Jega AY, Taha A, Yusuf AP, Usman D, Adeshina KA, Umar ZU, Nyakudya TT, Erlwanger KH. Thymoquinone: A comprehensive review of its potential role as a monotherapy for metabolic syndrome. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2024; 27:1214-1227. [PMID: 39229585 PMCID: PMC11366942 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2024.77203.16693] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/06/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) is a widespread global epidemic that affects individuals across all age groups and presents a significant public health challenge. Comprising various cardio-metabolic risk factors, MetS contributes to morbidity and, when inadequately addressed, can lead to mortality. Current therapeutic approaches involve lifestyle changes and the prolonged use of pharmacological agents targeting the individual components of MetS, posing challenges related to cost, compliance with medications, and cumulative side effects. To overcome the challenges associated with these conventional treatments, herbal medicines and phytochemicals have been explored and proven to be holistic complements/alternatives in the management of MetS. Thymoquinone (TQ), a prominent bicyclic aromatic compound derived from Nigella sativa emerges as a promising candidate that has demonstrated beneficial effects in the treatment of the different components of MetS, with a good safety profile. For methodology, literature searches were conducted using PubMed and Google Scholar for relevant studies until December 2023. Using Boolean Operators, TQ and the individual components of MetS were queried against the databases. The retrieved articles were screened for eligibility. As a result, we provide a comprehensive overview of the anti-obesity, anti-dyslipidaemic, anti-hypertensive, and anti-diabetic effects of TQ including some underlying mechanisms of action such as modulating the expression of several metabolic target genes to promote metabolic health. The review advocates for a paradigm shift in MetS management, it contributes valuable insights into the multifaceted aspects of the application of TQ, fostering an understanding of its role in mitigating the global burden of MetS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasimu Ghandi Ibrahim
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria
| | - Shuaibu Abdullahi Hudu
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Basic Clinical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo
| | | | - Ahmad Taha
- Department of Basic Medical and Dental Sciences, Faculty of Dentistry, Zarqa University, P.O. Box 2000, Zarqa 13110, Jordan
- Department of Pharmaceutical and Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, P.M.B. 2254
| | | | - Dawoud Usman
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Port-said University, Egypt
| | - Kehinde Ahmad Adeshina
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria
- Department of Biochemistry, Federal University of Technology, P.M.B. 65, Minna, Niger State, Nigeria
| | - Zayyanu Usman Umar
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Basic Medical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Usmanu Danfodiyo University, Sokoto P.M.B 2346, Nigeria
| | - Trevor Tapiwa Nyakudya
- Biomedical Science Research and Training Centre (BioRTC), Yobe State University, Damaturu, Nigeria
| | - Kennedy Honey Erlwanger
- School of Physiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of the Witwatersrand, 7 York Road, Parktown, 2193, Johannesburg, South Africa
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