Camel Milk Mitigates Cyclosporine-Induced Renal Damage in Rats: Targeting p38/ERK/JNK MAPKs, NF-κB, and Matrix Metalloproteinases

Multi-omics analysis of kidney tissue metabolome and proteome reveals the protective effect of sheep milk against adenine-induced chronic kidney disease in mice

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is characterized by impaired renal function and is associated with inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. Sheep milk contains several bioactive molecules with protective effects against inflammation and oxidative stress. In the current study, we investigated the potential renoprotective effects of sheep milk and the associated mechanisms of action in an adenine-induced CKD murine model. Sheep milk delayed renal chronic inflammation (e.g., significant reduction in levels of inflammatory factors Vcam1, Icam1, Il6, and Tnfa), fibrosis (significant reduction in levels of fibrosis factors Col1a1, Fn1, and Tgfb), oxidative stress (significant increase in levels of antioxidants and decrease in oxidative markers), mineral disorders, and renal injury in adenine-treated mice (e.g. reduced levels of kidney injury markers NGAL and KIM-1). The combined proteomics and metabolomics analyses showed that sheep milk may affect the metabolic processes of several compounds, including proteins, lipids, minerals, and hormones in mice with adenine-induced chronic kidney disease. In addition, it may regulate the expression of fibrosis-related factors and inflammatory factors through the JAK1/STAT3/HIF-1α signaling pathway, thus exerting its renoprotective effects. Therefore, sheep milk may be beneficial for patients with CKD and should be evaluated in preclinical and clinical studies.

Cyclosporine-induced kidney damage was halted by sitagliptin and hesperidin via increasing Nrf2 and suppressing TNF-α, NF-κB, and Bax

Cyclosporine A (CsA) is employed for organ transplantation and autoimmune disorders. Nephrotoxicity is a serious side effect that hampers the therapeutic use of CsA. Hesperidin and sitagliptin were investigated for their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and tissue-protective properties. We aimed to investigate and compare the possible nephroprotective effects of hesperidin and sitagliptin. Male Wistar rats were utilized for induction of CsA nephrotoxicity (20 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally for 7 days). Animals were treated with sitagliptin (10 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days) or hesperidin (200 mg/kg/day, orally for 14 days). Blood urea, serum creatinine, albumin, cystatin-C (CYS-C), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and glucose were measured. The renal malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase, and SOD were estimated. Renal TNF-α protein expression was evaluated. Histopathological examination and immunostaining study of Bax, Nrf-2, and NF-κB were performed. Sitagliptin or hesperidin attenuated CsA-mediated elevations of blood urea, serum creatinine, CYS-C, glucose, renal MDA, and MPO, and preserved the serum albumin, renal catalase, SOD, and GSH. They reduced the expressions of TNF-α, Bax, NF-κB, and pathological kidney damage. Nrf2 expression in the kidney was raised. Hesperidin or sitagliptin could protect the kidney against CsA through the mitigation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation. Sitagliptin proved to be more beneficial than hesperidin.

Camel milk or silymarin could improve the negative effects that experimentally produced by aflatoxin B1 on rat's male reproductive system

BACKGROUND

Camel milk and silymarin have many different beneficial effects on several animal species. Meanwhile, Aflatoxins are mycotoxins with extraordinary potency that pose major health risks to several animal species. Additionally, it has been documented that aflatoxins harm the reproductive systems of a variety of domestic animals. The present design aimed to investigate the impact of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on rat body weight and reproductive organs and the ameliorative effects of camel milk and silymarin through measured serum testosterone, testes pathology, and gene expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), luteinizing hormone receptor (LHR), and steroidogenic acute regulatory protein (StAR) in the testes. A total of sixty mature male Wister white rats, each weighing an average of 83.67 ± 0.21 g, were used. There were six groups created from the rats. Each division had ten rats. The groups were the control (without any treatment), CM (1 ml of camel milk/kg body weight orally), S (20 mg silymarin/kg b. wt. suspension, orally), A (1.4 mg aflatoxin/kg diet), ACM (aflatoxin plus camel milk), and AS (aflatoxin plus silymarin).

RESULTS

The results indicated the positive effects of camel milk and silymarin on growth, reproductive organs, and gene expression of TNF-α, LHR, and StAR with normal testicular architecture. Also, the negative effect of AFB1 on the rat's body weight and reproductive organs, as indicated by low body weight and testosterone concentration, was confirmed by the results of histopathology and gene expression. However, these negative effects were ameliorated by the ingestion of camel milk and silymarin.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, camel milk and silymarin could mitigate the negative effect of AFB1 on rat body weight and reproductive organs.

Potential role of camel, mare milk, and their products in inflammatory rheumatic diseases

Milk and dairy products serve as a significant dietary component for people all over the world. Milk is a source of essential nutrients such as carbohydrates, protein, fats, and water that support newborns' growth, development, and physiological processes. Milk contains various essential biological compounds that contribute to overall health and well-being. These compounds are crucial in immune system regulation, bone health, and gut microbiota. Milk and dairy products are primarily from cows, buffalos, goats, and sheep. Recently, there has been a notable increase in camel and mare milk consumption and its associated products due to an increasing attraction to ethnic cuisines and a greater awareness of food biodiversity. Camel and mare milk possess diverse nutritional and therapeutic properties, displaying potential functional foods. Camel milk has been linked to various health advantages, encompassing antihypertensive, antidiabetic, antiallergic, anticarcinogenic, antioxidant, and immunomodulatory properties. Camel milk has exhibited notable efficacy in mitigating inflammation and oxidative stress, potentially offering therapeutic benefits for inflammatory disorders. Nevertheless, although extensively recorded, the potential health benefits of mare's milk have yet to be investigated, including its impact on inflammatory conditions. This article highlights the therapeutic potential of camel and mare milk and its derived products in treating inflammatory rheumatic disorders, specifically focusing on their anti-inflammatory and immune-regulatory capabilities. These alternative types of milk, which do not come from cows, offer potential avenues for investigating innovative strategies to regulate and reduce inflammatory conditions.

The suppression of MAPK/NOX/MMP signaling prompts renoprotection conferred by prenatal naproxen in weaning preeclamptic rats

Although nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are frequently used for fever and pain during pregnancy, their possible interaction with perinatal renal injury induced by preeclampsia (PE) has not been addressed. Here, studies were undertaken in the N(gamma)-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) PE model to assess the influence of gestational NSAIDs on renal damage in weaning dams. PE-evoked increments and decrements in urine protein and creatinine clearance, respectively, were intensified by celecoxib and weakened by diclofenac or naproxen. Naproxen also improved renal cloudy swelling, necrosis, and reduced glomerular area evoked by PE. The concomitant rises in renal expression of markers of oxidative stress (NOX2/4), extracellular matrix metaloproteinase deposition (MMP9), and prostanoids (PGE2, PGF2α, TXA2) were all more effectively reduced by naproxen compared with celecoxib or diclofenac. Western blotting showed tripled expression of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs; p-p38, p-JNK1, p-ERK1, p-ERK2) in PE kidneys that was overturned by all NSAIDs, with naproxen producing the largest drop in p-ERK2 expression. The PE-provoked elevation in renal expression of autophagic marker LC3 was reduced by naproxen and diclofenac, but not celecoxib. The data suggests superior effect for naproxen over other NSAIDs in rectifying preeclamptic renal injury and predisposing inflammatory, oxidative, autophagic, and fibrotic signals.

Stimulation of Autophagy by Dapagliflozin Mitigates Cadmium-Induced Testicular Dysfunction in Rats: The Role of AMPK/mTOR and SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental pollutant that triggers testicular dysfunction. Dapagliflozin is a selective sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitor with notable antioxidant and anti-apoptotic features. It has shown marked cardio-, reno-, hepato-, and neuroprotective effects. Yet, its effect on Cd-evoked testicular impairment has not been examined. Hence, the goal of the current study was to investigate the potential positive effect of dapagliflozin against Cd-induced testicular dysfunction in rats, with an emphasis on autophagy, apoptosis, and oxidative insult. Dapagliflozin (1 mg/kg/day) was given by oral gavage, and testicular dysfunction, impaired spermatogenesis, and biomolecular events were studied via immunohistochemistry, histopathology, and ELISA. The current findings demonstrated that dapagliflozin improved relative testicular weight, serum testosterone, and sperm count/motility and reduced sperm abnormalities, signifying mitigation of testicular impairment and spermatogenesis disruption. Moreover, dapagliflozin attenuated Cd-induced histological abnormalities and preserved testicular structure. The testicular function recovery was prompted by stimulating the cytoprotective SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 axis, lowering the testicular oxidative changes, and augmenting cellular antioxidants. As regards apoptosis, dapagliflozin counteracted the apoptotic machinery by downregulating the pro-apoptotic signals together with Bcl-2 upregulation. Meanwhile, dapagliflozin reactivated the impaired autophagy, as seen by a lowered accumulation of SQSTM-1/p62 and Beclin 1 upregulation. In the same context, the testicular AMPK/mTOR pathway was stimulated as evidenced by the increased p-AMPK (Ser487)/total AMPK ratio alongside the lowered p-mTOR (Ser2448)/total mTOR ratio. Together, the favorable mitigation of Cd-induced testicular impairment/disrupted spermatogenesis was driven by the antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and pro-autophagic actions of dapagliflozin. Thus, it could serve as a tool for the management of Cd-evoked testicular dysfunction.

Integrative analysis of renal microRNA and mRNA to identify hub genes and pivotal pathways associated with cyclosporine-induced acute kidney injury in mice

Cyclosporine (CsA) is an immunosuppressive agent that often causes acute kidney injury (AKI) in children. The specific mechanisms underlying CsA-induced AKI are currently unknown. This study used an integrated network analysis of microRNA (miRNA) and mRNA expression profiles, biochemical and pathological analyses to further investigate these potential mechanisms of CsA-induced AKI. Small RNA sequence analysis identified 25 differentially expressed miRNAs, RNA sequencing analysis identified 4,109 differentially expressed mRNAs. We obtained a total of 4,367 target genes from the 25 differentially expressed miRNAs based on three algorithms, including the Mirdb, Mirtarbase, and TargetScan. 971 target genes overlapped between the 4,367 target genes and 4,109 differentially expressed mRNAs were identified for further bioinformatics analysis. Finally, 30 hub genes and two main modules were recognized. Functional enrichment analysis of 30 hub genes indicated that inflammation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) related genes were mainly concentrated together. Pathway analysis revealed that the PI3K-Akt signaling pathway plays an integral role in CsA-induced AKI. Network analysis identified 3 important miRNAs, mmu-miR-17b-5p, mmu-miR-19b-3p, and mmu-mir-423-5p that may further promote the development of inflammatory responses and EMT by mediating a complex network of factors. Our research provides a clearer understanding the molecular mechanism of this specific drug-induced AKI by CsA use, which is useful for discovering potential targets for gene therapies, and drug development in CsA-induced AKI.

Topiramate Reprofiling for the Attenuation of Cadmium-Induced Testicular Impairment in Rats: Role of NLRP3 Inflammasome and AMPK/mTOR-Linked Autophagy

Topiramate, a promising drug classically used for the management of neurological disorders including epilepsy and migraine, has demonstrated marked anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions in murine models of cardiac post-infarction inflammation, wound healing, and gastric/intestinal injury. However, its potential impact on cadmium-induced testicular injury remains to be elucidated. Herein, the present study aimed to explore the effect of topiramate against cadmium-invoked testicular impairment with emphasis on the molecular mechanisms linked to inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. Herein, administration of topiramate (50 mg/kg/day, by gavage) continued for 60 days and the testes were examined by histology, immunohistochemistry, and biochemical assays. The present data demonstrated that serum testosterone, sperm count/abnormalities, relative testicular weight, and histopathological aberrations were improved by topiramate administration to cadmium-intoxicated rats. The rescue of testicular dysfunction was driven by multi-pronged mechanisms including suppression of NLRP3/caspase-1/IL-1β cascade, which was evidenced by dampened caspase-1 activity, lowered IL-1β/IL-18 production, and decreased nuclear levels of activated NF-κBp65. Moreover, curbing testicular apoptosis was seen by lowered Bax expression, decreased caspase-3 activity, and upregulation of Bcl-2. In tandem, testicular autophagy was activated as seen by diminished p62 SQSTM1 accumulation alongside Beclin-1 upregulation. Autophagy activation was associated with AMPK/mTOR pathway stimulation demonstrated by decreased mTOR (Ser2448) phosphorylation and increased AMPK (Ser487) phosphorylation. In conclusion, combating inflammation/apoptosis and enhancing autophagic events by topiramate were engaged in ameliorating cadmium-induced testicular impairment.

Exploring Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in testicular dysfunction

Testicular dysfunction, a major contributory factor to infertility, has received a lot of attention over the recent years. Several studies have linked abnormal sperm function and morphology with an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional response to cellular stresses (intrinsic or extrinsic) that regulates the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteostasis. In this review, the therapeutic role of Nrf2 was explored. To do so, scientific data were retrieved from databases such as Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar using search terms such as "Nrf2" and "testis," "sperm," "testicular function," and "testosterone." It has been noted that Nrf2 influences the physiology and pathology of testicular dysfunction, especially in the spermatogenic process, by regulating cellular resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental toxicants. However, numerous compounds serve as activators and inhibitors of testicular Nrf2. Nrf2 activators might play a therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of testicular dysfunction, while molecules that inhibit Nrf2 might induce dysfunction in testis components. Nrf2 activators protect cells against oxidative damage and activate Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling which promotes its movement to the nucleus, and increased Nrf2 function and expression, along with their downstream antioxidant gene. Nrf2 inhibitors facilitate oxidative stress via interfering with the Nrf2 signal pathway. The Nrf2 activation could serve as a promising therapeutic target for testicular dysfunction. This review explored the effect of Nrf2 on testicular function while highlighting potential activators and inhibitors of Nrf2.

Camels' biological fluids contained nanobodies: promising avenue in cancer therapy

Cancer is a major health concern and accounts for one of the main causes of death worldwide. Innovative strategies are needed to aid in the diagnosis and treatment of different types of cancers. Recently, there has been an evolving interest in utilizing nanobodies of camel origin as therapeutic tools against cancer. Nanotechnology uses nanobodies an emerging attractive field that provides promises to researchers in advancing different scientific sectors including medicine and oncology. Nanobodies are characteristically small-sized biologics featured with the ability for deep tissue penetration and dissemination and harbour high stability at high pH and temperatures. The current review highlights the potential use of nanobodies that are naturally secreted in camels’ biological fluids, both milk and urine, in the development of nanotechnology-based therapy for treating different typesQuery of cancers and other diseases. Moreover, the role of nano proteomics in the invention of novel therapeutic agents specifically used for cancer intervention is also illustrated.

2-Methoxyestradiol TPGS Micelles Attenuate Cyclosporine A-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats through Inhibition of TGF-β1 and p-ERK1/2 Axis

The immunosuppressant cyclosporine A (CSA) has been linked to serious renal toxic effects. Although 2-methoxyestradiol (2ME) possesses a wide range of pharmacological abilities, it suffers poor bioavailability after oral administration. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the potential of 2ME loaded D-ɑ-tocopheryl polyethylene glycol succinate (TPGS) micelles to prevent CSA-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. A 2ME-TPGS was prepared and showed particle size of 44.3 ± 3.5 nm with good entrapment efficiency and spherical structures. Male Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups, namely: Control, Vehicle, CSA, CSA + 2ME-Raw, and CSA + 2ME-Nano. CSA was injected daily at a SC dose of 20 mg/kg. Both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano were given daily at oral doses of 5 mg/kg. Treatments continued for three successive weeks. 2ME-TPGS exerted significant protective effects against CSA nephrotoxicity. This was evidenced in ameliorating deterioration of renal functions, attenuation of pathological changes in kidney tissues, exerting significant anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects together with significant anti-apoptotic effects. Western blot analyses showed both 2ME-Raw and 2ME-Nano significantly inhibited protein expression of TGF-β1 and phospho-ERK (p-ERK). It was observed that 2ME-TPGS, in almost all experiments, exerted superior protective effects as compared with 2ME-Raw. In conclusion, 2ME loaded in a TPGS nanocarrier possesses significant protective activities against CSA-induced kidney injury in rats. This is attributable to 2ME anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities which are mediated at least partly by inhibition of TGF-β1/p-ERK axis.

The Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory and Immunomodulatory Effects of Camel Milk

Camel milk (CM) has been found to have several health benefits, including antiviral, antibacterial, anti-tumor, anti-fungal, antioxidant, hypoglycaemic and anti-cancer activities. In addition, CM can counter signs of aging and may be a useful naturopathic treatment for autoimmune diseases. The composition of CM varies with geographic origin, feeding conditions, seasonal and physiological changes, genetics and camel health status. In the present review, we collate the diverse scientific literature studying antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects of CM and its bioactive compounds. The databases Scopus, PubMed, and Web of Science were searched until the end of September 2021 using the keywords: camel milk, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of CM in various inflammatory disorders was consistently reported to be through modulating inflammatory cells and mediators. The common anti-inflammatory bioactive components of CM seem to be lactoferrin. The antioxidant effects of α-lactalbumin, β-caseins and vitamin C of CM work by reducing or inhibiting the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), hydroxyl radicals, nitric oxide (NO), superoxide anions and peroxyl radicals, likely alleviating oxidative stress. Higher levels of protective proteins such as lysozyme, IgG and secretory IgA compared to cow's milk, and insulin-like protein activity of CM on ß cells appear to be responsible for the immunomodulatory properties of CM. The evidence indicates that CM and its bioactive components has the potential to be a therapeutic value for diseases that are caused by inflammation, oxidative stress and/or immune-dysregulation.

Effects of Lycium barbarum glycopeptide on renal and testicular injury induced by di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate

Di(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a common environmental pollutant with renal and reproductive toxicity. Lycium barbarum glycopeptide (LbGp) is the main active component of Lycium barbarum, which can protect the kidney and promote reproduction. Autophagy and apoptosis are the regulatory mechanisms of cell adaptation to external stress. This study investigated whether DEHP and LbGp affect kidney and testis by regulating autophagy and apoptosis. DEHP induced apoptosis in human embryonic kidney-293 (HEK-293) cells and human kidney-2 (HK-2) cells, as well as glomerular enlargement, enhanced renal autophagy and inflammation, decreased testicular germ cells, and enhanced testicular autophagy. LbGp reduced apoptosis in HEK-293 cells and HK-2 cells, reduced glomerular enlargement and renal inflammation, enhanced renal autophagy, increased testicular germ cells, and alleviated testicular autophagy. These results suggested that DEHP induced inflammation to cause kidney injury, mildly enhanced renal autophagy, and also induced excessive autophagy, leading to testicular injury. LbGp reduced inflammation and appropriately enhanced autophagy to alleviate renal injury and also reduced excessive autophagy to alleviate testicular injury. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1)/forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a)-mediated autophagy and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK)-mediated inflammation played important roles.

Follistatin-Like-1 (FSTL1) Is a Fibroblast-Derived Growth Factor That Contributes to Progression of Chronic Kidney Disease

Our understanding of the mechanisms responsible for the progression of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is incomplete. Microarray analysis of kidneys at 4 and 7 weeks of age in Col4a3^-/- mice, a model of progressive nephropathy characterized by proteinuria, interstitial fibrosis, and inflammation, revealed that Follistatin-like-1 (Fstl1) was one of only four genes significantly overexpressed at 4 weeks of age. mRNA levels for the Fstl1 receptors, Tlr4 and Dip2a, increased in both Col4a^-/- mice and mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO). RNAscope^® (Advanced Cell Diagnostics, Newark CA, USA) localized Fstl1 to interstitial cells, and in silico analysis of single cell transcriptomic data from human kidneys showed Fstl1 confined to interstitial fibroblasts/myofibroblasts. In vitro, FSTL1 activated AP1 and NFκB, increased collagen I (COL1A1) and interleukin-6 (IL6) expression, and induced apoptosis in cultured kidney cells. FSTL1 expression in the NEPTUNE cohort of humans with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), membranous nephropathy (MN), and IgA nephropathy (IgAN) was positively associated with age, eGFR, and proteinuria by multiple linear regression, as well as with interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy. Clinical disease progression, defined as dialysis or a 40 percent reduction in eGFR, was greater in patients with high baseline FSTL1 mRNA levels. FSTL1 is a fibroblast-derived cytokine linked to the progression of experimental and clinical CKD.