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Kazmi STB, Fatima H, Naz I, Kanwal N, Haq IU. Pre-clinical studies comparing the anti-inflammatory potential of artemisinic compounds by targeting NFκB/TNF-α/NLRP3 and Nrf2/TRX pathways in Balb/C mice. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1352827. [PMID: 38910883 PMCID: PMC11190342 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1352827] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2023] [Accepted: 04/05/2024] [Indexed: 06/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Artemisinin, artemether, artesunate, and dihydroartemisinin are renowned for their antimalarial potential. The current study aims to repurpose the above-mentioned artemisinic compounds (ACs) by conducting an intercomparison to evaluate their antiinflammatory potential (AIP). In order to develop potential candidates for the evaluation of AIP of ACs (50 and 100 mg/kg BW), carbon tetrachloride (1ml/kg body weight (BW)) was administered intraperitoneally to BALB/c mice. Alterations in animal behavior were assessed weekly through tail suspension test, force swim test, open field test, Y-maze test, inverted screen analysis, and weight lifting test. Aberrations in hematological, serological, endogenous antioxidants, and oxidative stress marker profiles were assessed in all twelve groups. Histological alterations were read using hematoxylin and eosin staining. Levels of inflammatory markers including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), were determined using immunohistochemical analysis (IHCA). Antioxidant markers i.e., nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor (Nrf-2) and thioredoxin (TRX) were also quantified through IHCA. Comet assay was performed to quantify DNA damage. Oral administration of ACs to mice significantly alleviated the carbon tetrachloride induced inflammation in comparison with silymarin. Reduced levels of several inflammatory markers including nitric oxide, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, interleukin-1 beta, NF-κB, TNF-α, and NLRP3, underscore the substantial AIP of ACs. IHCA depicted the revitalized percent relative expression of Nrf-2 and TRX in groups treated with ACs. Behavioral analysis revealed that ACs-treated groups significantly (p<0.05) attenuated the memory deficit, anxiety, and depressive-like behavior. Moreover, histopathological, hematological, serological, and endogenous antioxidant profiles indicated substantial AIP of ACs. Findings of comet assay further bolstered the compelling evidence as DNA damage was significantly (p<0.05) curbed down after ACs (100 mg/kg) treatment. All these outcomes implied that ACs exhibited AIP in a dose-dependent manner with maximal AIP imparted by artemisinin (100 mg/kg). This pre-clinical investigation avers the tremendous AIP of ACs targeting key molecular pathways. The current study divulges artemisinin as the most potent antiinflammatory agent among the tested compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Humaira Fatima
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Iffat Naz
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Qassim University, Almolaydah, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Nosheen Kanwal
- Department of Chemistry, College of Science, Qassim University, Almolaydah, Buraydah, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ihsan-ul Haq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
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Naz S, Mazhar MU, Yadav U, Ali HA, Khasawneh F, Ihsan-Ul-Haq, Tipu MK, Zhu L. Anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of Coagulansin-A: in vitro and in vivo studies. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:1225-1238. [PMID: 38411787 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-024-01432-z] [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: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
The current work was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic potential of Coagulansin-A (Coag-A) using mouse macrophages and arthritic mice. In the LPS-induced RAW 264.7 cells, the effects of Coag-A on the release of nitric oxide (NO), reactive oxygen species (ROS), and pro-inflammatory cytokines were analyzed. In addition, the mediators involved in the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways were evaluated by the RT-qPCR and western blotting. Coag-A did not show significant cytotoxicity in the RAW 264.7 cells in the tested concentration range (1-100 µM). Coag-A significantly inhibited the production of NO, ROS, and key pro-inflammatory cytokines. The anti-inflammatory effects of Coag-A might be through inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and activating the Nrf2 pathway. In the arthritic mouse models, behavioral studies and radiological and histological analyses were performed. We found that the i.p. injection of Coag-A dose-dependently (1-10 mg/kg) reduced the Carrageenan-induced acute inflammation in the mice. In Complete Freund's Reagent-induced arthritic mouse model, Coag-A (10 mg/kg) showed significant anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effects in terms of the arthritic index, hematological parameters, and synovium inflammation. After the Coag-A treatment, the bone and tissue damage was ameliorated significantly in the arthritic mice. Moreover, immunohistochemistry of mouse paw tissues revealed a significant reduction in the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the NF-κB pathway, confirming Coag-A's therapeutic potential and mechanism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sadaf Naz
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Muhammad Usama Mazhar
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Umakant Yadav
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Hamdy Abouzeid Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Fadi Khasawneh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA
| | - Ihsan-Ul-Haq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Khalid Tipu
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-I-Azam University, Islamabad, Pakistan.
| | - Lin Zhu
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Irma Lerma Rangel School of Pharmacy, Texas A and M University, College Station, Texas, 77843, USA.
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Ayembilla JA, Khalid AR, Abubakari SB, Adams AR, Botchway FA, Antwi S, Otu PNY, Appiah M, Osei-Adjei G, Kottoh KO, Ahiabenu-Williams P, Quasie O. Acute and Subchronic Toxicity Assessment of Conventional Soxhlet Cymbopogon citratus Leaves Extracts in Sprague-Dawley Rats. J Toxicol 2023; 2023:8575741. [PMID: 38111630 PMCID: PMC10727804 DOI: 10.1155/2023/8575741] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2023] [Revised: 10/03/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/20/2023] Open
Abstract
Background In Ghana, Cymbopogon citratus leaves together with guava, pawpaw, and lime are processed into a decoction to treat fever. To encourage its usage, preclinical validation of the safety profile of the plant is required. The acute and subchronic toxicities of the conventional Soxhlet ethanolic Cymbopogon citratus leaves extract in Sprague-Dawley rats were investigated. Methods Pulverized Cymbopogon citratus leaves were extracted with 98% ethanol using the conventional Soxhlet extraction (CSE) method and dried. In the acute toxicity study, a single dose of 5000 mg/kg body weight was administered to six female Sprague-Dawley rats and 1 ml/100 g body weight normal saline to control (6) once, and signs of toxicity were observed every hour for the first 12 hr, 24 hr, and 48 hr through to 14 days. In the subchronic study, the treatment groups were administered 200 mg/kg, 600 mg/kg, and 1200 mg/kg, respectively, of the CSE C. citratus leaves extract for six weeks. Analyses were conducted on the blood, urine, and serum samples of the rats. Histopathological examination of the liver, heart, kidney, spleen, and lungs was carried out at termination. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was performed to determine statistically significant differences between the test and control rats at P < 0.05. Results The results revealed that there were no statistically significant differences (p > 0.05) in the urinalysis and haematological analysis between control and test rats over the treatment period. Similarly, CSE C. citratus leaves extract did not induce any significant biochemical changes in the treatment group; however, there was a weight loss effect on the treated rats. There were no noticeable morphological changes in the heart, liver, spleen, lung, and kidney of the test rats compared to the control. Conclusion CSE ethanolic C. citratus leaves extract has a weight loss effect, and long-term administration of the extract may not cause any organ-specific toxicity to the consumers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jacob Apibilla Ayembilla
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Abdul Raouf Khalid
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Sharif Buari Abubakari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana
| | - Abdul Rashid Adams
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, School of Biomedical and Allied Health Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra, Ghana
| | - Felix Abekah Botchway
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Stephen Antwi
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana
| | - Phyllis Naa Yarley Otu
- Department of Science Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Michael Appiah
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - George Osei-Adjei
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Kwame Owen Kottoh
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Peace Ahiabenu-Williams
- Department of Medical Laboratory Technology, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Accra Technical University, Accra, Ghana
| | - Olga Quasie
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Centre for Plant Medicine Research, Mampong-Akuapem, Ghana
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Ain QU, Saleem U, Ahmad B, Khalid I. Pharmacological screening of silibinin for antischizophrenic activity along with its acute toxicity evaluation in experimental animals. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1111915. [PMID: 36817163 PMCID: PMC9936411 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1111915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 01/11/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Silibinin (SIL), a flavolignan extracted from the medicinal plant "silybum marianum (milk thistle)", has traditionally been used to treat liver disease. This phytochemical has displayed neuroprotective properties, its activity against schizophrenia is not elucidated. The present study was designed to evaluate the antipsychotic potential of silibinin and probe its toxic potential. The acute oral toxicity study was assessed as per OECD 425 guidelines. Animals were divided into two groups of female rats (n = 6): one group served as the normal control and the other group received a 2,000 mg/kg dose of SIL. We also evaluated the antipsychotic potential of SIL. To this end, animals were divided into six groups (n = 10) of mice for both the preventive and curative protocols. Group I (CMC 1 mL/kg) served as the normal control and received CMC 1 mL/kg; group II was the diseased group treated with ketamine (10 mg/kg) i.p; group III was the standard group treated with clozapine 1 mg/kg; groups IV, V, and VI served as the treatment groups, receiving SIL 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively, orally for both protocols. Improvement in positive symptoms of the disease was evaluated by stereotypy and hyperlocomotion, while negative symptoms (behavioral despair) were determined by a forced swim test and a tail suspension test in the mice models. The results suggested that the LD50 of SIL was greater than 2,000 mg/kg. Moreover, SIL prevented and reversed ketamine-induced increase in stereotypy (p < 0.001) and behavioral despair in the forced swim and tail suspension tests (p < 0.001). Taken together, the findings suggest that silibinin is a safe drug with low toxicity which demonstrates significant antipsychotic activity against the positive and negative symptoms of schizophrenia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qurat Ul Ain
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Qurat Ul Ain, ; Uzma Saleem,
| | - Uzma Saleem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan,*Correspondence: Qurat Ul Ain, ; Uzma Saleem,
| | - Bashir Ahmad
- Hamza College of Pharmaceutical and Allied Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Iqra Khalid
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
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Majid M, Farhan A, Baig MW, Khan MT, Kamal Y, Hassan SSU, Bungau S, Haq IU. Ameliorative Effect of Structurally Divergent Oleanane Triterpenoid, 3-Epifriedelinol from Ipomoea batatas against BPA-Induced Gonadotoxicity by Targeting PARP and NF-κB Signaling in Rats. Molecules 2022; 28:molecules28010290. [PMID: 36615482 PMCID: PMC9822353 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2022] [Revised: 12/19/2022] [Accepted: 12/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
The pentacyclic triterpenoids (PTs) of plant origin are reputed to restrain prostate cancer (PCa) cell proliferation. This study aims to assess 3-epifriedelinol (EFD) isolated from aerial part of Ipomoea batatas against PCa and its potential mechanism, in vitro and in vivo. Molecular docking affirms good binding affinity of the compound with target proteins exhibiting binding energy of −7.9 Kcal/mol with BAX, −8.1 Kcal/mol (BCL-2), −1.9 Kcal/mol (NF-κB) and −8.5 Kcal/mol with P53. In the MTT assay, EFD treatment (3−50 µM) showed a significant (p < 0.05 and p < 0.01) dose and time dependent drop in the proliferative graph of DU145 and PC3, and an upsurge in apoptotic cell population. EFD displayed substantial IC50 against DU145 (32.32 ± 3.72 µM) and PC3 (35.22 ± 3.47 µM). According to Western blots, EFD administration significantly enhanced the cleavage of caspases and PARP, elevated BAX and P53 and decreased BCL-2 and NF-κB expression, thereby triggering apoptosis in PCa cells. When male Sprague Dawley rats were intoxicated with Bisphenol A (BPA), an apparent increase in prostate mass (0.478 ± 0.08 g) in comparison to control (0.385 ± 0.03 g) indicates prostatitis. Multidose treatment of EFD (10 mg/kg) significantly reduced prostate size (0.404 ± 0.05 g). EFD exhibited substantial curative potential in vivo, as hematological, hormonal and histopathological parameters have been significantly improved. Reduced peroxidation (TBARS), and suppression of inflammatory markers i.e., NO, IL-6 and TNF-α, signposts substantial antiinflammatory potential of the compound. Overall, EFD has shown better binding affinity with target molecules, acceptable ADMET profile, potent antiproliferative and apoptotic nature and significant reduction in inflamed prostate mass of rats. The present study demonstrates acceptable physicochemical and pharmacokinetic properties of the compound with excellent drugable nature, hence EFD in the form of standardized formulation can be developed as primary or adjuvant therapy against PCa and toxins-induced gonadotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammad Majid
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Anam Farhan
- Department of Biology, School of Science and Engineering, Lahore University of Management Sciences, Lahore 54792, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Waleed Baig
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Tariq Khan
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Capital University of Science and Technology, Islamabad 44000, Pakistan
| | - Yousaf Kamal
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Hamdard University, Islamabad 45550, Pakistan
| | - Syed Shams ul Hassan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory for Molecular Engineering of Chiral Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China
- Correspondence: (S.S.u.H.); (S.B.); (I.-u.H.)
| | - Simona Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Correspondence: (S.S.u.H.); (S.B.); (I.-u.H.)
| | - Ihsan-ul Haq
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Biological Sciences, Quaid-i-Azam University, Islamabad 45320, Pakistan
- Correspondence: (S.S.u.H.); (S.B.); (I.-u.H.)
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