Chitosan/Selenium Nanoparticles Attenuate Diclofenac Sodium-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats

Contaminants of Emerging Concern (CECs) and Male Reproductive Health: Challenging the Future with a Double-Edged Sword

Approximately 9% of couples are infertile, with half of these cases relating to male factors. While many cases of male infertility are associated with genetic and lifestyle factors, approximately 30% of cases are still idiopathic. Contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) denote substances identified in the environment for the first time or detected at low concentrations during water quality analysis. Since CEC production and use have increased in recent decades, CECs are now ubiquitous in surface and groundwater. CECs are increasingly observed in human tissues, and parallel reports indicate that semen quality is continuously declining, supporting the notion that CECs may play a role in infertility. This narrative review focuses on several CECs (including pesticides and pharmaceuticals) detected in the nearshore marine environment of False Bay, Cape Town, South Africa, and deliberates their potential effects on male fertility and the offspring of exposed parents, as well as the use of spermatozoa in toxicological studies. Collective findings report that chronic in vivo exposure to pesticides, including atrazine, simazine, and chlorpyrifos, is likely to be detrimental to the reproduction of many organisms, as well as to sperm performance in vitro. Similarly, exposure to pharmaceuticals such as diclofenac and naproxen impairs sperm motility both in vivo and in vitro. These contaminants are also likely to play a key role in health and disease in offspring sired by parents exposed to CECs. On the other side of the double-edged sword, we propose that due to its sensitivity to environmental conditions, spermatozoa could be used as a bioindicator in eco- and repro-toxicology studies.

Toxicological effects of nanoselenium in animals

The productivity and sustainability of livestock production systems are heavily influenced by animal nutrition. To maintain homeostatic balance in the body of the animal at different phases of life, the percentage of organically active minerals in livestock feed must be optimized. Selenium (Se) is a crucial trace mineral that is required for the maintenance of many functions of the body. Se nanoparticles (SeNPs) attracted considerable interest from researchers for a variety of applications a decade ago, owing to their extraordinary properties. SeNPs offer significant advantages over larger-sized materials, by having a comparatively wider surface area, increased surface energy, and high volume. Despite its benefits, SeNP also has toxic effects, therefore safety concerns must be taken for a successful application. The toxicological effects of SeNPs in animals are characterized by weight loss, and increased mortality rate. A safe-by-strategy to certify animal, human and environmental safety will contribute to an early diagnosis of all risks associated with SeNPs. This review is aimed at describing the beneficial uses and potential toxicity of SeNPs in various animals. It will also serve as a summary of different levels of SeNPs which should be added in the feed of animals for better performance.

Ascorbic Acid Ameliorates Cardiac and Hepatic Toxicity Induced by Azithromycin-Etoricoxib Drug Interaction

The complexity of prescribing safe and effective drug therapy is still challenging. Due to the increased number of medications taken by patients, the potential for drug-drug interactions has clinically important consequences. This study focuses on the potential drug-drug interaction between azithromycin and etoricoxib and the possibility of counteracting this adverse reaction by giving ascorbic acid intraperitoneally to male albino rats. Sixty adult male albino rats weighing 150–180 g were used. The rats were allocated into six equal groups. One group was a control, and the others were given azithromycin, etoricoxib, either alone or combination, with one group treated with ascorbic acid and the last group treated with the drug combination and ascorbic acid. Blood samples were collected for measuring AST, ALT, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin alongside antioxidant enzymes and histopathological examination for both liver and heart tissue. The results showed both hepatic and cardiac damage in azithromycin and etoricoxib groups represented by increasing levels of heaptoc enzymes (ALT, AST, LDH, CK-MB, and troponin) with declining antioxidant enzymes and elevation of malondialdehyde and the appearance of hepatic and cardiac toxicities. Upon administration, ascorbic acid ameliorated all the mentioned biochemical parameters. In conclusion, ascorbic acid has great antioxidant capacities and hepatic and cardiac ameliorative effects and can alleviate drug interaction toxicity.

Antidiabetic Drug Sitagliptin with Divalent Transition Metals Manganese and Cobalt: Synthesis, Structure, Characterization Antibacterial and Antioxidative Effects in Liver Tissues

Metals and their complexes have an increasing number of medical applications. Sitagliptin (STG) acts as an antidiabetic drug. Mn(II) and Co(II) complexes were studied and characterized based on physical characterization, FT-IR, DG/TG, XRD, ESM, and TEM. Data revealed that STG acts as a bidentate ligand through the oxygen atom of a carbonyl group and the nitrogen atom of an amino group. Magnetic measurement data revealed that the Mn/STG metal complex has a square planner geometry. The experiment was performed on 40 male albino rats who were divided into four groups: the control group, STG group, group treated with STG/Mn, and group treated with Co/STG. Biomarkers for hepatic enzymes and antioxidants were found in the blood, and hepatic tissue histology was evaluated. STG in combination with Mn and Co administration showed potent protective effects against hepatic biochemical alterations induced by STG alone, as well as suppressing oxidative stress and structural alterations. These complexes prevented any stress and improved hepatic enzymatic levels more than STG alone. The STG/Mn complex was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus pneumonia, while STG/Co was highly effective against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Staphylococcus aureas. Therefore, STG combined with Mn and Co produced a synergistic effect against oxidative stress and improved the histological structure of the liver tissues. STG metal complexes with Mn and Co showed the most potential ameliorative antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects.

Synthesis, Spectroscopic Studies for Five New Mg (II), Fe (III), Cu (II), Zn (II) and Se (IV) Ceftriaxone Antibiotic Drug Complexes and Their Possible Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Capacities

Magnesium, copper, zinc, iron and selenium complexes of ceftriaxone were prepared in a 1:1 ligand to metal ratio to investigate the ligational character of the antibiotic ceftriaxone drug (CFX). The complexes were found to have coordinated and hydrated water molecules, except for the Se (IV) complex, which had only hydrated water molecules. The modes of chelation were explained depending on IR, 1HNMR and UV-Vis spectroscopies. The electronic absorption spectra and the magnetic moment values indicated that Mg (II), Cu (II), Zn (II), Fe (III) and Se (VI) complexes form a six-coordinate shape with a distorted octahedral geometry. Ceftriaxone has four donation sites through nitrogen from NH2 amino, oxygen from triazine, β-lactam carbonyl and carboxylate with the molecular formulas [Mg(CFX)(H2O)2]·4H2O, [Cu(CFX)(H2O)2]·3H2O, [Fe(CFX)(H2O)(Cl)]·5H2O, [Zn(CFX)(H2O)2]·6H2O and [Se(CFX)(Cl)2]·4H2O and acts as a tetradentate ligand towards the five metal ions. The morphological surface and particle size of ceftriaxone metal complexes were determined using SEM, TEM and X-ray diffraction. The thermal behaviors of the complexes were studied by the TGA(DTG) technique. This study investigated the effect of CFX and CFX metal complexes on oxidative stress and severe tissue injury in the hepatic tissues of male rats. Fifty-six male rats were tested: the first group received normal saline (1 mg/kg), the second group received CFX orally at a dose of 180 mg/kg, and the other treated groups received other CFX metal complexes at the same dose as the CFX-treated group. For antibacterial activity, CFX/Zn complex was highly effective against Streptococcus pneumoniae, while CFX/Se was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli. In conclusion, successive exposure to CFX elevated hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and lipid peroxidation final marker (MDA) and decreased antioxidant enzyme levels. CFX metal complex administration prevented liver injury, mainly suppressing excessive ROS generation and enhancing antioxidant defense enzymes and in male rats.

Chemical Characterization of Taif Rose (Rosa damascena Mill var. trigentipetala) Waste Methanolic Extract and Its Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects against Cadmium Chloride (CdCl2)-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Potential Anticancer Activities against Liver Cancer Cells (HepG2)

Taif rose (Rosa damascena Mill) is one of the most important economic products of the Taif Governorate, Saudi Arabia. Cadmium chloride (CdCl2) is a common environmental pollutant that is widely used in industries and essentially induces many toxicities, including hepatotoxicity. In this study, the major compounds in the waste of Taif rose extract (WTR) were identified and chemically and biologically evaluated. GC–MS analysis of WTR indicated the presence of many saturated fatty acids, vitamin E, triterpene, dicarboxylic acid, terpene, linoleic acid, diterpenoid, monoterpenoid, flavonoids, phenylpyrazoles, and calcifediol (vitamin D derivative). The assessment of potential anticancer activity against HepG2 cells proved that WTR had a high cell killing effect with IC50 of 100–150 µg/mL. In addition, WTR successfully induced high cell cycle arrest at G0/G1, S, and G2 phases, significant apoptosis, necrosis, and increased autophagic cell death response in the HepG2 line. For the evaluation of its anti-CdCl2 toxicity, 32 male rats were allocated to four groups: control, CdCl2, WTR, and CdCl2 plus WTR. Hepatic functions and antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GRx, GPx, and MDA) were examined. Histological changes and TEM variations in the liver were also investigated to indicate liver status. The results proved that WTR alleviated CdCl2 hepatotoxicity by improving all hepatic vitality markers. In conclusion, WTR could be used as a preventive and therapeutic natural agent for the inhibition of hepatic diseases and the improvement of redox status. Additional in vitro and in vivo studies are warranted.

Possible Ameliorative Effects of the Royal Jelly on Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress Induced by Molybdenum Nanoparticles and/or Cadmium Chloride in Male Rats

Simple Summary

The aim of the present investigation is valuable due to the importance of possible contaminations and negative effects of these cadmium chloride and molybdenum nanoparticles. The physicochemical properties of molybdenum nanoparticles have been characterized, as well as their ultrastructural organization. A rat experimental model was then employed to assess the liver toxicity of molybdenum nanoparticles, even in combination with CdCl₂. The toxicity of molybdenum nanoparticles and cadmium chloride was estimated via liver damage by means of chemico-biological markers of liver injury, serum lipids, inflammation, oxidative status, and histological and immunohistochemistry patterns. Moreover, the possible effects of royal jelly were evaluated. The results clarified that both chemicals induced hepatic toxicity with the excessive triggering of reactive oxygen species that induced severe oxidative injury, histological alterations in the hepatic structure, and hepatic ultrastructure. These results are concurrent with obtaining normal biochemical levels in groups either treated with royal jelly or even a combination of royal jelly and two xenobiotics. The royal jelly is considered an essential potential source of natural antioxidants capable of frustrating the effects of oxidative injury, which is considered the main cause of many diseases.

Abstract

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of the royal jelly (RJ) on hepatotoxicity induced by molybdenum nanoparticles (MoO₃-NPs), cadmium chloride (CdCl₂), or their combination in male rats at biochemical, inflammation, immune response, histological, and ultrastructural levels. The physicochemical properties of MoO₃-NPs have been characterized, as well as their ultrastructural organization. A rat experimental model was employed to assess the liver toxicity of MoO₃-NPs, even in combination with CdCl₂. Different cellular studies indicate divergent mechanisms, from increased reactive oxygen species production to antioxidative damage and cytoprotective activity. Seventy male rats were allocated to groups: (i) control; (ii) MoO₃-NPs (500 mg/kg); (iii) CdCl₂ (6.5 mg/kg); (iv) RJ (85 mg/kg diluted in saline); (v) MoO₃-NPs followed by RJ (30 min after the MoO₃-NPs dose); (vi) CdCl₂ followed by RJ; and (vii) a combination of MoO₃-NPs and CdCl₂, followed by RJ, for a total of 30 successive days. Hepatic functions, lipid profile, inflammation marker (CRP), antioxidant biomarkers (SOD, CAT, GPx, and MDA), and genotoxicity were examined. Histological changes, an immunological marker for caspase-3, and transmission electron microscope variations in the liver were also investigated to indicate liver status. The results showed that RJ alleviated the hepatotoxicity of MoO₃-NPs and/or CdCl₂ by improving all hepatic vitality markers. In conclusion, the RJ was more potent and effective as an antioxidant over the oxidative damage induced by the combination of MoO₃-NPs and CdCl₂.

Synthesis and Spectroscopic Characterization of Dapagliflozin/Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) Novel Complexes That Ameliorate Hepatic Damage, Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Injury Induced by Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Rats and Their Antibacterial Activity

Diabetes mellitus (DM) causes an imbalance in the oxidative status of the human body. Three novel Dapagliflozin (Dapg) Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) complexes were prepared and characterized by elemental analysis, IR, electronic spectra, magnetic susceptibility, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-ray diffraction. The molar conductance values confirmed the non-electrolytic nature of the Dapg complexes. According to spectral data, Dapg acts as a bidentate ligand. The thermal analyses of the complexes were studied using the DSC technique. The surface morphology and particle sizes of the Dapg complexes were investigated using SEM and XRD. XRD confirmed the crystalline structure for the complexity. This study investigated the effect of novel metal complexes of Dapg with the metals Zn (II), Cr (III) and Se (IV) on oxidative injury and tissue damage in the hepatic tissue of streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic male rats. DM was experimentally induced in male rats. The diabetic rats received Dapg, Dapg/Zn, Dapg/Cr and Dapg/Se orally for 30 successive days. Male rats exposed to STZ showed multi-histopathological alterations in their hepatic tissue, including inflammatory and structural changes. STZ elevated oxidative stress markers in the hepatic tissue and lowered the antioxidant defense enzymes. Supplementation of Dapg with Zn, Cr or Se novel complexes significantly prevented hepatic injury and suppressed the generation of reactive oxygen species. The Dapg/Zn complex was highly effective against Bacillus subtilis and Streptococcus penumonia, while Dapg/Cr was highly effective against Escherichia coli and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, and Dapg/Se was highly effective against Staphylococcus aureas. In conclusion, Dapg novel metal complexes with Zn, Cr or Se protect against oxidative injury and the pathophysiological and bacterial complications of DM and hepatic tissue injury. The Dapg novel metal complexes improved hepatic functions, reduced blood glucose levels and enhanced the levels of antioxidant defense enzymes in diabetic male rats.

Efficacy of Vanadyl Sulfate and Selenium Tetrachloride as Anti-Diabetic Agents against Hyperglycemia and Oxidative Stress Induced by Diabetes Mellitus in Male Rats

The use of metals in medicine has grown in popularity in clinical and commercial settings. In this study, the immune-protecting effects and the hypoglycemic and antioxidant activity of vanadyl sulfate (VOSO4) and/or selenium tetrachloride (Se) on oxidative injury, DNA damage, insulin resistance, and hyperglycemia were assessed. Fifty male albino rats were divided into five groups, and all treatments were administrated at 9:00 a.m. daily for 60 successive days: control, STZ (Streptozotocin; 50 mg/kg of STZ was given to 6 h fasted animals in a single dose, followed by confirmation of diabetic state occurrence after 72 h by blood glucose estimation at >280 mg/dl), STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of VOSO4 (15 mg/kg) for 60 days, STZ (Diabetic) plus administration of selenium tetrachloride (0.87 mg/Kg), and STZ plus VOSO4 and, after 1/2 h, administration of selenium tetrachloride at the above doses. The test subjects' blood glucose, insulin hormone, HbA1C, C-peptide, antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, myeloperoxidase, and xanthine oxidase), markers of lipid peroxidation (MDA), and histological sections of pancreatic tissues were evaluated, and a comet assay was performed. Histological sections in pancreas tissues were treated as indicators of both VOSO4 and selenium tetrachloride efficacy, either alone or combined, for the alleviation of STZ toxicity. The genotoxicity of diabetes mellitus was assessed, and the possible therapeutic roles of VOSO4 or selenium tetrachloride, or both, on antioxidant enzymes were studied. The findings show that the administration of VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride reduced oxidative stress to normal levels, lowered blood glucose levels, and elevated insulin hormone. Additionally, VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride had a synergistic effect and significantly decreased pancreatic genotoxicity. The data clearly show that both VOSO4 and selenium tetrachloride inhibit pancreatic and DNA injury and improve the oxidative state in male rats, suggesting that the use of VOSO4 with selenium tetrachloride is a promising synergistic potential ameliorative agent in the diabetic animal model.