Protective Effect of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Fruit Extract against Oxidative Renal Damage Caused by Cadmium

Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry extract and cyanidin-3-glucoside inhibit hepatotoxicity and apoptosis

Excessive oxidative toxicity in liver cells is a significant risk factor that can cause cellular injury, leading to the development of chronic liver disease (CLD). Natural anthocyanins have been shown to prevent the harmful effects of oxidative toxicity in mammalian cells. Ripe Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry fruits are rich in anthocyanins, which have been reported to possess many health benefits. Therefore, this study examined the protective effect of ethanolic fruit extract of C. nervosum var. paniala (CNPE) against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced oxidative damage and cell death in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. Results showed that CNPE had strong antioxidant capabilities and high amounts of total phenolics and anthocyanins. HPLC analysis showed that CNPE consists of cyanidin-3-glucoside (C3G). Our investigations found that HepG2 cells pretreated with CNPE or anthocyanin C3G inhibited H2O2-induced cellular damage and apoptosis by increasing the viability of cells, the expression of antiapoptotic Bcl-2 protein, and the activities of cellular antioxidant enzymes, namely SOD, CAT, and GPx. Moreover, both CNPE and C3G significantly suppressed expression of apoptotic proteins (Bax and cytochrome c) and the activities of cleaved caspase-9 and caspase-3 caused by H2O2. Our results indicate that CNPE and C3G can suppress H2O2-induced hepatotoxicity and cell death through stimulation of endogenous antioxidant enzyme activities and inhibition of apoptosis pathway in HepG2 cells. These findings might support development of CNPE as an alternative natural product for preventing CLD.

2,4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone from Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala seeds attenuated the early stage of diethylnitrosamine and 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colorectal carcinogenesis

BACKGROUND

Dichloromethane extract of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala seeds exhibited an anticarcinogenicity against chemically-induced the early stages of carcinogenesis in rats. This study aimed to identify anticarcinogenic compounds from C. nervosum seed extract (CSE).

METHODS

Salmonella mutation assay was performed to determine mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of partially purified and purified compounds of CSE. The anticarcinogenic enzyme-inducing activity was measured in Hepa1c1c7. Moreover, the anticancer potency was examined on various human cancer cell lines. The anticarcinogenicity of DMC was investigated using dual-organ carcinogenicity model. The number of preneoplastic lesions was evaluated in the liver and colon. The inhibitory mechanisms of DMC on liver- and colorectal carcinogenesis were investigated.

RESULTS

Six partially purified fractions (MK1 - MK6) and purified compounds, including 2,4'-dihydroxy-6'-methoxy-3',5'-dimethylchalcone (DMC) and hariganetin, were obtained from CSE. Among these fractions, MK4 and DMC presented the greatest antimutagenicity against indirect mutagens in bacterial model. Moreover, MK5 possessed an effective anticarcinogenic enzyme inducer in Hepa1c1c7. The MK4, DMC and CSE showed greater anticancer activity on all cell lines and exhibited the most effective toxicity on colon cancer cells. Furthermore, DMC inhibited the formation of colonic preneoplastic lesions in carcinogens-treated rats. It reduced PCNA-positive cells and frequency of BCAC in rat colon. DMC also enhanced the detoxifying enzyme, GST, in rat livers.

CONCLUSIONS

DMC obtained from CSE may be a promising cancer chemopreventive compound of colorectal cancer process in rats. It could increase detoxifying enzymes and suppress the cell proliferation process resulting in prevention of post-initiation stage of colorectal carcinogenesis.

Current Levels of Environmental Exposure to Cadmium in Industrialized Countries as a Risk Factor for Kidney Damage in the General Population: A Comprehensive Review of Available Data

The growing number of reports indicating unfavorable outcomes for human health upon environmental exposure to cadmium (Cd) have focused attention on the threat to the general population posed by this heavy metal. The kidney is a target organ during chronic Cd intoxication. The aim of this article was to critically review the available literature on the impact of the current levels of environmental exposure to this xenobiotic in industrialized countries on the kidney, and to evaluate the associated risk of organ damage, including chronic kidney disease (CKD). Based on a comprehensive review of the available data, we recognized that the observed adverse effect levels (NOAELs) of Cd concentration in the blood and urine for clinically relevant kidney damage (glomerular dysfunction) are 0.18 μg/L and 0.27 μg/g creatinine, respectively, whereas the lowest observed adverse effect levels (LOAELs) are >0.18 μg/L and >0.27 μg/g creatinine, respectively, which are within the lower range of concentrations noted in inhabitants of industrialized countries. In conclusion, the current levels of environmental exposure to Cd may increase the risk of clinically relevant kidney damage, resulting in, or at least contributing to, the development of CKD.

Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Berry Seed Protects against TNF-α-Stimulated Neuroinflammation by Inducing HO-1 and Suppressing NF-κB Mechanism in BV-2 Microglial Cells

Sustained inflammatory responses have been implicated in various neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (CN), an indigenous berry, has been reported to exhibit several health-beneficial properties. However, investigation of CN seeds is still limited. The objective of this study was to evaluate the protective effects of ethanolic seed extract (CNSE) and mechanisms in BV-2 mouse microglial cells using an inflammatory stimulus, TNF-α. Using LC-MS, ferulic acid, aurentiacin, brassitin, ellagic acid, and alpinetin were found in CNSE. Firstly, we examined molecular docking to elucidate its bioactive components on inflammation-related mechanisms. The results revealed that alpinetin, aurentiacin, and ellagic acid inhibited the NF-κB activation and iNOS function, while alpinetin and aurentiacin only suppressed the COX-2 function. Our cell-based investigation exhibited that cells pretreated with CNSE (5, 10, and 25 μg/mL) reduced the number of spindle cells, which was highly observed in TNF-α treatment (10 ng/mL). CNSE also obstructed TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 mRNA levels and repressed the TNF-α and IL-6 releases in a culture medium of BV-2 cells. Remarkably, CNSE decreased the phosphorylated forms of ERK, p38MAPK, p65, and IκB-α related to the inhibition of NF-κB binding activity. CNSE obviously induced HO-1 protein expression. Our findings suggest that CNSE offers good potential for preventing inflammatory-related NDDs.

Natural extracts as potential control agents for Nosema ceranae infection in honeybees, Apis mellifera

Nosema disease is one factor that can cause colony decline in honeybees (Apis mellifera L.) worldwide. Nosema ceranae has outcompeted Nosema apis in the Western honeybee (A. mellifera) which is its original host. Fumagilin is an effective antibiotic treatment to control Nosema infection but currently it is forbidden in many countries. In this study, 12 plant extracts were evaluated for their toxicity to adult bees and antimicrosporidian activity under laboratory and field conditions. N. ceranae-infected adult bees were fed ad libitum with 50% sucrose solution containing 1% and 5% (w/v) of each plant extract. Bee mortality in N. ceranae-infected groups fed with plant extracts was higher than that in the control group treated with fumagilin. The results demonstrated that 9 of 12 extracts had high antimicrosporidian activity against N. ceranae and their efficacies were comparable to fumagilin. Spore reduction in infected bees was 4-6 fold less after extract treatment. Following laboratory screening, Annona squamosa, Ocimum basilicum, Psidium guajava and Syzygium jambos were tested in honeybee colonies. Plant extracts of 2% concentration (w/v) inhibited the development of Nosema spores after 30 days of treatment. At the end of experiment (90 days), spores in the plant extract treated groups were lower than in group treated with fumagilin but there was no significant difference. Although, extracts tested in this study showed high toxicity to bee in laboratory cages, they did not show negative affects on bees under whole colony conditions. Therefore, the effectiveness of plant extracts tested in this study was notable and warrants further study as potential Nosema control agents in honey bees. Plant extracts would offer a non-antibiotic alternative for Nosema control and help reduce the overuse of antibiotics in livestock.

Cadmium-Induced Kidney Injury: Oxidative Damage as a Unifying Mechanism

Cadmium is a nonessential metal that has heavily polluted the environment due to human activities. It can be absorbed into the human body via the gastrointestinal tract, respiratory tract, and the skin, and can cause chronic damage to the kidneys. The main site where cadmium accumulates and causes damage within the nephrons is the proximal tubule. This accumulation can induce dysfunction of the mitochondrial electron transport chain, leading to electron leakage and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Cadmium may also impair the function of NADPH oxidase, resulting in another source of ROS. These ROS together can cause oxidative damage to DNA, proteins, and lipids, triggering epithelial cell death and a decline in kidney function. In this article, we also reviewed evidence that the antioxidant power of plant extracts, herbal medicines, and pharmacological agents could ameliorate cadmium-induced kidney injury. Finally, a model of cadmium-induced kidney injury, centering on the notion that oxidative damage is a unifying mechanism of cadmium renal toxicity, is also presented. Given that cadmium exposure is inevitable, further studies using animal models are warranted for a detailed understanding of the mechanism underlying cadmium induced ROS production, and for the identification of more therapeutic targets.

Bioconversion of sago processing wastewater into biodiesel: Optimization of lipid production by an oleaginous yeast, Candida tropicalis ASY2 and its transesterification process using response surface methodology

BACKGROUND

Biodiesel is an eco-friendly and renewable energy source and a valuable substitute for petro-diesel. Sago processing wastewater (SWW), a by-product of the cassava processing industry, has starch content ranging from 4 to 7 g L-1 and serves as an outstanding source for producing microbial lipids by the oleaginous microorganisms. In the present study, Candida tropicalis ASY2 was employed to optimize single-cell oil (SCO) production using SWW and subsequent transesterification by response surface methodology. Variables such as starch content, yeast extract, airflow rate, pH, and temperature significantly influenced lipid production in a preliminary study. The lipid production was scaled up to 5 L capacity airlift bioreactor and its optimization was done by response surface methodology. The dried yeast biomass obtained under optimized conditions from 5 L bioreactor was subjected to a direct transesterification process. Biomass: methanol ratio, catalyst concentration, and time were the variables used to attain higher FAME yield in the transesterification optimization process.

RESULTS

Under optimized conditions, the highest lipid yield of 2.68 g L-1 was obtained with 15.33 g L-1 of starch content, 0.5 g L-1 of yeast extract, and 5.992 L min-1 of airflow rate in a bioreactor. The optimized direct transesterification process yielded a higher FAME yield of 86.56% at 1:20 biomass: methanol ratio, 0.4 M catalyst concentration, and a time of 6.85 h.

CONCLUSIONS

Thus, this optimized process rendered the microbial lipids derived from C. tropicalis ASY2 as potentially alternative oil substitutes for sustainable biodiesel production to meet the rising energy demands.

Construction of Mode of Action for Cadmium-Induced Renal Tubular Dysfunction Based on a Toxicity Pathway-Oriented Approach

Although it is recognized that cadmium (Cd) causes renal tubular dysfunction, the mechanism of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity is not yet fully understood. Mode of action (MOA) is a developing tool for chemical risk assessment. To establish the mechanistic MOA of Cd-induced renal tubular dysfunction, the Comparative Toxicogenomics Database (CTD) was used to obtain genomics data of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity, and Ingenuity^® Pathway Analysis (IPA) software was applied for bioinformatics analysis. Based on the perturbed toxicity pathways during the process of Cd-induced nephrotoxicity, we established the MOA of Cd-induced renal tubular dysfunction and assessed its confidence with the tailored Bradford Hill criteria. Bioinformatics analysis showed that oxidative stress, DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and cell death were the probable key events (KEs). Assessment of the overall MOA of Cd-induced renal tubular dysfunction indicated a moderate confidence, and there are still some evidence gaps to be filled by rational experimental designs.

Ethnopharmacology, Phytochemistry, and Pharmacology of Syzygium nervosum

Syzygium nervosum, which belongs to the Myrtaceae plant family, is widely distributed and cultivated in South East Asian countries. The decoction of S. nervosum leaves and flower buds has been consumed regularly as a beverage among the Vietnamese and Chinese communities. In addition, it has also been used in traditional medicine for a variety of purposes, notably for influenza, skin diseases, and digestive conditions. To date, there has been a considerable number of publications on chemical profiling and pharmacological activities of S. nervosum crude extract and pure isolated compounds. Our analysis indicated the characteristic chemical scaffolds and potential bioactivities on cancer, diabetes, and inflammatory diseases of this plant. The review aims to summarize up-to-date past study results and suggest future research direction on this species, in order to promote clinical applications of S. nervosum.

Anthocyanin-rich fraction from Thai berries interferes with the key steps of lipid digestion and cholesterol absorption

Several studies have documented the hypolipidemic effect of anthocyanin-rich plants in vitro and in vivo. The objective of this study was to elucidate the inhibitory activity of anthocyanin-rich fraction from Thai berries against fat digestive enzymes. The ability of Thai berries to bind bile acid, disrupt cholesterol micellization and the cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells was also determined. The content of total phenolics, flavonoid and anthocyanin in Prunus domestica L. (TPE), Antidesma bunius (L.) Spreng, Syzygium cumini (L.) Skeels, and Syzygium nervosum A. Cunn. Ex DC was 222.7–283.5 mg gallic acid equivalents, 91.2–184.3 mg catechin equivalents, and 37.9–49.5 mg cyanidin-3-glucoside equivalents/g extract, respectively. The anthocyanin-rich fraction of all extracts inhibited pancreatic lipase and cholesterol esterase with the IC₅₀ values of 90.6–181.7 μg/mL and 288.7–455.0 μg/mL, respectively. Additionally, all extracts could bind primary and secondary bile acids (16.4–36.6%) and reduce the solubility of cholesterol in artificial micelles (53.0–67.6%). Interestingly, TPE was the most potent extract on interfering the key steps of lipid digestion among the tested extracts. In addition, TPE (0.10–0.50 mg/mL) significantly reduced the cholesterol uptake into Caco-2 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. These results demonstrate a new insight into the role of anthocyanin-rich Thai berry extract on interfering the key steps of lipid digestion and absorption.

Effect of Phaleria Macrocarpa Flesh Fruits Extract on MDA Level, SGOT and SGPT Activity in Serum of Experimental Rats Contaminated by Cd (II) Ion

BACKGROUND:

Cd (II) ion is a heavy metal that has a toxic ability in the human body. P. macrocarpa has been used as anticancer, Diabetes Mellitus and antimicrobe because it consists of flavonoid, steroid, and tannin.

AIM:

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of P. macrocarpa fruits extract as an antidote for the toxicity of Cd (II) in the liver of experimental rats.

METHODS:

The experimental laboratory was done by using 9 female of Wistar rats (Rattus novergicus) that divided into 3 groups with the age between 2.5-3 months and weight between 133-160 grams. The first group was a control given distilled water and a normal diet. The second group was given antidote 5 mL of P. macrocarpa fruit extract x BW/200 g dosage for 7 days and induced by 1000 mg/L of Cd (II) ion with dosage of 1 mL x BW/200 g. The third group was given 1000 mg/L Cd (II) ion only of 1 mL x BW/200 g. After 5 hours, the blood sample was taken for analysis of MDA, SGOT, and SGPT.

RESULTS:

As the result of experimental rats exposed with Cd (II) ion, there are significant decreasing of all the observed parameters including MAD, SGOT and SGPT with percentage 71.5%, 72.1%, and 93.6% respectively.

CONCLUSION:

The rats given with the antidote of Phaleria macrocarpa flesh fruit were able to protect the liver from damage due to exposure to Cd (II) as seen from the decrease in liver function enzyme parameters namely SGOT and SGPT.

Antiaging, Stress Resistance, and Neuroprotective Efficacies of Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala Fruit Extracts Using Caenorhabditis elegans Model

Plant parts and their bioactive compounds are widely used by mankind for their health benefits. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala is one berry fruit, native to Thailand, known to exhibit various health benefits in vitro. The present study was focused on analyzing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effects of C. nervosum in model system Caenorhabditis elegans using physiological assays, fluorescent imaging, and qPCR analysis. The results suggest that the fruit extract was able to significantly extend the median and maximum lifespan of the nematode. It could also extend the healthspan by reducing the accumulation of the “age pigment” lipofuscin, inside the nematode along with regulating the expression of col-19, egl-8, egl-30, dgk-1, and goa-1 genes. Further, the extracts upregulated the expression of daf-16 while downregulating the expression of daf-2 and age-1 in wild-type nematodes. Interestingly, it could extend the lifespan in DAF-16 mutants suggesting that the extension of lifespan and healthspan was dependent and independent of DAF-16-mediated pathway. The fruit extract was also observed to reduce the level of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) inside the nematode during oxidative stress. The qPCR analysis suggests the involvement of skn-1 and sir-2.1 in initiating stress resistance by activating the antioxidant mechanism. Additionally, the fruit could also elicit neuroprotection as it could extend the median and maximum lifespan of transgenic strain integrated with Aβ. SKN-1 could play a pivotal role in establishing the antiaging, stress resistance, and neuroprotective effect of C. nervosum. Overall, C. nervosum can be used as a nutraceutical in the food industry which could offer potential health benefits.

Prevention of Doxorubicin-Induced Renal Toxicity by Theanine in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a highly potent anti-neoplastic agent widely used in clinical practice, but its dosage and duration of administration are strictly limited due to dose-related organ damage. In the present study, we examined whether theanine, an amino acid derivative found in green tea leaves, can protect against DOX-induced acute nephrotoxicity in rats. Decreases in the creatinine clearance by DOX administration were attenuated by concurrent treatment with theanine, which was consistent with the change in histological renal images assessed by microscopic examination. Theanine had no effect on the distribution of DOX to the kidney. The production of lipid peroxide in the kidney after DOX administration was suppressed by concurrent treatment with theanine. Reduced glutathione content, but not superoxide dismutase activity, was decreased following DOX administration, whereas this change was suppressed when theanine was given in combination with DOX. These results suggest that theanine prevents DOX-induced acute nephrotoxicity through its antioxidant properties.

Catechin supplementation prevents kidney damage in rats repeatedly exposed to cadmium through mitochondrial protection

Nephrotoxicity is recognized as a serious disorder affected by chronic cadmium exposure. Imbalance between radical generation and elimination is considered a critical factor involved in the initiation and progression of renal injury caused by this heavy metal. The present study investigated the possible protection by catechin, a natural phenolic antioxidant, against cadmium nephrotoxicity and elucidated its potential mechanism. Male Wistar rats were assigned to receive vehicle, cadmium (CdCl₂ 2 mg/kg, i.p.) and cadmium plus catechin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, orally, respectively). After 4 weeks of treatment, rats exposed to cadmium demonstrated a marked rise in blood urea nitrogen and creatinine, a fall in creatinine clearance, and renal pathologies like severe tubular damage, apoptosis, and abnormal mitochondrial structure. Significant increases in malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, while reductions in antioxidant thiols, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, were also detected in the kidney tissues of cadmium-intoxicated rats. These alterations were associated with mitochondrial dysfunction as supported by an increase in mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production and a decline in mitochondrial membrane potential. Treatment with catechin significantly attenuated all the changes caused by cadmium. These findings suggest that catechin effectively protects the kidney against toxic effect of cadmium, presumably through its antioxidant, anti-inflammation, and mitochondrial protection. The study outcomes not only add evidence to reinforce the medical benefits of catechin but also, most importantly, give rise to a prospect of developing renal preventive strategy for individuals who are at risk of cadmium contamination by means of catechin supplementation.

Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala berry fruit protects neurotoxicity against endoplasmic reticulum stress-induced apoptosis

Oxidative and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stresses cause neuronal damage leading to neurodegenerative disorders. Cleistocalyx nervosum var. paniala (CNP) berry fruit has been shown to possess powerful antioxidant properties. Here, we investigated the neuroprotective effect of CNP extract against glutamate-mediated oxidative/ER stress-induced cell death in mouse hippocampal neuronal HT22 cells. CNP extract was clarified for its radical scavenging activities, total phenolic and anthocyanin contents. The key anthocyanin cyanidin-3-glucoside was used as a marker to standardize the extract used in the study. We found that pretreated cells with CNP extract (0.05-1 μg/ml) prevented neuronal cell death in response to 5 mM glutamate evaluated by cell viability MTT, LDH and apoptosis/necrosis Annexin V/propidium iodide co-staining assays. For mechanistic approach, glutamate-induced cell death through reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated ER stress pathways, indicating the increase of ROS and ER stress signature molecules including calpain, caspases-12 and C/EBP homologous proteins (CHOP). CNP extract inhibited ROS production. Moreover, the extract also suppressed the specific-ER stress apoptotic proteins level in glutamate-induced cells by upregulating the gene expression of cellular antioxidant enzymes (SODs, CAT, GPx and GSTs). Taken together, our results provide information about and the molecular mechanism of CNP extract as a promising neuroprotectant and antioxidant.