Effect of Kaempferol and Its Glycoside Derivatives on Antioxidant Status of HL-60 Cells Treated with Etoposide

Mediation of mitochondrial DNA copy number and oxidative stress in fluoride-related bone mineral density alteration in Chinese farmers

Excessive fluoride can adversely affect bone mineral density (BMD). Oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction are crucial mechanisms of health damage induced by fluoride. Here, a cross-sectional survey involving 907 Chinese farmers (aged 18-60) was carried out in Tongxu County in 2017, aiming to investigate the significance of mitochondrial DNA copy number (mtDNAcn) and oxidative stress in fluoride-related BMD change. Concentrations of urinary fluoride (UF), serum oxidative stress biomarkers, including total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as relative mtDNAcn in peripheral blood were determined. The multivariable linear model and mediation analysis were performed to assess associations between UF, oxidative stress, and relative mtDNAcn with BMD. Results showed that GSH-Px levels increased by 6.98 U/mL [95% confidence interval (CI) 3.41-10.56)] with each 1.0 mg/L increment of UF. After stratification, the T-AOC, relative mtDNAcn, and BMD decreased by 0.04 mmol/L (-0.08 ~ -0.01), 0.29-unit (-0.55 ~ -0.04), and 0.18-unit (-0.33 ~ -0.03) with every 1.0 mg/L elevation of UF in the excessive fluoride group (EFG, adults with UF > 1.6 mg/L), respectively. Furthermore, T-AOC and relative mtDNAcn were favorably related to the BMD in the EFG (β = 0.82, 95%CI 0.16-1.48 for T-AOC; β = 0.11, 95%CI 0.02-0.19 for relative mtDNAcn). Mediation analysis showed that relative mtDNAcn and T-AOC mediated 15.4% and 17.1% of the connection between excessive fluoride and reduced BMD, respectively. Findings suggested that excessive fluoride was related to lower BMD in adults, and the decrement of T-AOC and relative mtDNAcn partially mediate this relationship.

The interplay of exercise and polyphenols in cancer treatment: A focus on oxidative stress and antioxidant mechanisms

Exercise has been demonstrated to induce an elevated production of free radicals, leading to the onset of oxidative stress. Numerous studies highlight the positive impacts of aerobic exercise, primarily attributed to the increase in overall antioxidant capacity. The evidence suggests that engaging in aerobic exercise contributes to a reduction in the likelihood of advanced cancer and mortality. Oxidative stress occurs when there is an imbalance between the generation of free radicals and the collective antioxidant defense system, encompassing both enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. Typically, oxidative stress triggers the formation of reactive oxygen or nitrogen species, instigating or advancing various issues in cancers and other diseases. The pro-oxidant-antioxidant balance serves as a direct measure of this imbalance in oxidative stress. Polyphenols contain a variety of bioactive compounds, including flavonoids, flavanols, and phenolic acids, conferring antioxidant properties. Previous research highlights the potential of polyphenols as antioxidants, with documented effects on reducing cancer risk by influencing processes such as proliferation, angiogenesis, and metastasis. This is primarily attributed to their recognized antioxidant capabilities. Considering the extensive array of signaling pathways associated with exercise and polyphenols, this overview will specifically focus on oxidative stress, the antioxidant efficacy of polyphenols and exercise, and their intricate interplay in cancer treatment.

Kaempferol alleviates bisphenol A reproductive toxicity in rats in a dose-dependent manner

BACKGROUND

Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs), including bisphenol A (BPA), are a major cause of male infertility by disrupting spermatogenesis.

OBJECTIVE

Here, we examined the potential protective benefits of kaempferol (KMF), a flavonol known for its antioxidant properties, on BPA-induced reproductive toxicity in adult male rats.

METHODS

Human skin fibroblast cells (HNFF-P18) underwent cell viability assays. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were assigned to four groups: 1) control, 2) BPA (10 mg/kg), 3,4) BPA, and different dosages of KMF (1 and 10 mg/kg). The study examined the rats' testosterone serum level, antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD), oxidative markers malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC), body weight, weight ratios of testis and prostate, and histopathological examinations.

RESULTS

The study revealed that using KMF to treat rats exposed to BPA increased cell viability. Moreover, the rats' testosterone levels, which BPA reduced, showed a significant increase after KMF was included in the treatment regimen. Treatment with BPA led to oxidative stress and tissue damage, but simultaneous treatment with KMF restored the damaged tissue to its normal state. Histopathology studies on testis and prostate tissues showed that KMF had an ameliorative impact on BPA-induced tissue damage.

CONCLUSIONS

The research suggests that KMF, a flavonol, could protect male rats from the harmful effects of BPA on reproductive health, highlighting its potential healing properties.

Chitosan nanoparticles loaded with Foeniculum vulgare extract regulate retrieval of sensory and motor functions in mice

In this study, chitosan nanoparticles (CSNPs) encapsulating Foeniculum vulgare (FV) seed extract (SE) were prepared for the controlled delivery of bioactive phytoconstituents. The prepared CSNPs encapsulating FVSE as sustain-releasing nanoconjugate (CSNPs-FVSE) was used as a potent source of functional metabolites including kaempferol and quercetin for accelerated reclamation of sensory and motor functions following peripheral nerve injury (PNI). The nanoconjugate exhibited in vitro a biphasic diffusion-controlled sustained release of quercetin and kaempferol ensuring prolonged therapeutic effects. The CSNPs-FVSE was administered through gavaging to albino mice daily at a dose rate of 25 mg/kg body weight from the day of induced PNI till the end of the experiment. The conjugate-treatment induced a significant acceleration in the regain of motor functioning, evaluated from the sciatic function index (SFI) and muscle grip strength studies. Further, the hotplate test confirmed a significantly faster recuperation of sensory functions in conjugate-treated group compared to control. An array of underlying biochemical pathways regulates the regeneration under well-optimized glucose and oxidant levels. Therefore, oxidant status (TOS), blood glycemic level and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were evaluated in the conjugate-treated group and compared with the controls. The treated subjects exhibited controlled oxidative stress and regulated blood sugars compared to the non-treated control. Thus, the nanoconjugate enriched with polyphenolics significantly accelerated the regeneration and recovery of functions after nerve lesions. The biocompatible nanocarriers encapsulating the nontoxic natural bioactive constitutents have great medicinal and economic value.

Antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-reprotoxic effects of kaempferol and vitamin E on lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in male rats

Background

The heavy metals cause repro-toxicity via oxidative stress and suppress the antioxidant enzymes. Kaempferol and vitamin E possess antioxidant properties that can counteract the deleterious heavy metals effects.

Aim

The present study was directed to investigate the protective role of kaempferol, alone or with vitamin E, on testicular toxicity mediated by lead acetate in male rats.

Methods

Fifty adult male rats were randomly grouped into five groups (n = 10): the control group received 5 ml distilled water, and the Pb group was intraperitoneally injected with 20 mg/kg of lead acetate. The Pb + Vitamin E group received Pb with 100 mg/kg of vitamin E, the Pb + KAF group received Pb with 50 mg/kg of kaempferol, the Pb + KAF + Vitamin E group received Pb with kaempferol and vitamin E for 6 weeks.

Results

The testicular levels of superoxide dismutase, catalase, steroidogenic enzyme, serum testosterone, follicle-stimulating hormone, interleukin (IL)-10, and sperm function were significantly decreased in the Pb group compared with all experimental groups. These parameters were significantly elevated in the Pb + KAF + Vitamin E group compared to other experimental groups. Lead acetate caused elevation in testicular malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, IL-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, nuclear factor kappa, and sperm abnormality compared to all treatment groups. All these parameters were significantly declined in the Pb + KAF + Vitamin E group and Pb + KAF group compared with the Pb group. The fold changes of pituitary follicle-stimulating hormone beta, gonadotropin-releasing hormone receptor, and luteinizing hormone beta, and testicular CYP11A1, LH receptor, and FHr gene expression were significantly upregulated in Pb + KAF + Vitamin E group compared with all experimental groups. In addition, KAF + Vitamin E has the potential to improve testicular regeneration in seminiferous tubules, Leydig, and Sertoli cells.

Conclusion

Administration of kaempferol alone or with vitamin E can mitigate lead acetate-induced testicular toxicity in rats via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. The current research is the first to demonstrate that kaempferol can exert a preventive role in testicular dysfunction.

Polyphenol Analysis via LC-MS-ESI and Potent Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antimicrobial Activities of Jatropha multifida L. Extracts Used in Benin Pharmacopoeia

Jatropha multifida L., a plant from the Euphorbiaceae family, is commonly used in Benin's traditional medicine due to its therapeutic benefits. This study aims to explore the medicinal efficacy of Jatropha multifida L. by evaluating its various biological activities. An initial phytochemical analysis was conducted, following which the polyphenols and flavonoids were quantified and identified using LC-MS-ESI. The antimicrobial efficacy of the extracts was tested using agar diffusion. Their antioxidant capacity was assessed using several methods: DPPH radical reduction, ABTS radical cation reduction, ferric ion (FRAP) reduction, and lipid peroxidation (LPO). Anti-inflammatory activity was determined based on the inhibition of protein (specifically albumin) denaturation. The study identified several phenolic and flavonoid compounds, including 2-Hydroxybenzoic acid, o-Coumaroylquinic acid, Apigenin-apiosyl-glucoside, and luteolin-galactoside. Notably, the extracts of J. multifida demonstrated bactericidal effects against a range of pathogens, with Concentration Minimally Bactericidal (CMB) values ranging from 22.67 mg/mL (for organisms such as S. aureus and C. albicans) to 47.61 mg/mL (for E. coli). Among the extracts, the ethanolic variant displayed the most potent DPPH radical scavenging activity, with an IC50 value of 0.72 ± 0.03 mg/mL. In contrast, the methanolic extract was superior in ferric ion reduction, registering 46.23 ± 1.10 µgEAA/g. Interestingly, the water-ethanolic extract surpassed others in the ABTS reduction method with a score of 0.49 ± 0.11 mol ET/g and also showcased the highest albumin denaturation inhibition rate of 97.31 ± 0.35% at a concentration of 1000 µg/mL. In conclusion, the extracts of Jatropha multifida L. are enriched with bioactive compounds that exhibit significant biological activities, underscoring their therapeutic potential.

Cellular Antioxidant, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antiproliferative Activities from the Flowers, Leaves and Fruits of Gallesia integrifolia Spreng Harms

Gallesia integrifolia, a notable species in the Atlantic Forest, has been traditionally employed in folk medicine for treating rheumatism, asthma, and worms. This study investigated the cellular antioxidant, antiproliferative, and anti-inflammatory activities of the essential oils (EOs) and crude extracts (CEs) from G. integrifolia flowers, fruits, and leaves. The chemical identification of EOs was performed by GC-MS and CEs by UHPLC-MS. Cellular antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities were assessed through mouse macrophage cell culture. In addition, the antiproliferative potential was evaluated in gastric, colorectal, breast, and lung tumor cell lines and non-tumor VERO cells. EOs predominantly contained organosulfur compounds in flowers (96.29%), fruits (94.94%), and leaves (90.72%). We found the main compound is 2,2'-Disulfanediyldiethanethiol in the EOs of flowers (47.00%), leaves (41.82%), and fruits (44.39%). Phenolic compounds were identified in CEs. The EOs and CEs demonstrated potential against the tumor cell lines tested (GI₅₀ between 51 and 230 µg/mL). The selectivity index values were greater than 1.0 (1.01 to 3.37), suggesting a relative safety profile. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory activity IC₅₀ ranged from 36.00 to 268 µg/mL, and the cellular oxidation inhibition ranged from 69% to 82%. The results suggest that oils and extracts derived from G. integrifolia have potential for use in various industrial sectors.

Enrichment of the flavonoid fraction from Eucommia ulmoides leaves by a liquid antisolvent precipitation method and evaluation of antioxidant activities in vitro and in vivo

Eucommia ulmoides leaves originate from the dry leaves of the Eucommia ulmoides plant. Flavonoids are the main functional components of Eucommia ulmoides leaves. Some flavonoids such as rutin, kaempferol and quercetin are rich in Eucommia ulmoides, and they have outstanding antioxidant efficacy. However, the poor water solubility significantly affects the bioavailability of flavonoids. In this study, we used a liquid antisolvent precipitation (LAP) method to enrich the main flavonoid fractions in Eucommia ulmoides leaves, and prepared nanoparticles by the LAP method to increase flavonoids' solubility and antioxidant properties. The technological parameters were optimized by Box-Behnken Design (BBD) software and were displayed as follows: (1) total flavonoids (TFs) concentration: 83 mg mL^-1; (2) antisolvent-solvent ratio: 11; (3) deposition temperature: 27 °C. Under optimal processing conditions, the purity and recovery rate of TFs were 88.32% ± 2.54% and 88.08% ± 2.13%, respectively. In vitro experiments showed that the radical scavenging IC₅₀ values for DPPH, ABTS, hydroxyl radicals and superoxide anions were 16.72 ± 1.07, 10.76 ± 0.13, 227.68 ± 18.23 and 335.86 ± 15.98 μg mL^-1, respectively. In vivo studies showed that the obtained purified flavonoid (PF) (100, 200, 400 mg kg^-1) treatment is able to improve CCl₄-induced liver and kidney damage through adjusting, superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. These results demonstrated that the LAP method is capable of extracting TFs from Eucommia ulmoides leaves with high bioaccessibility.

Imaging changes in the polarity of lipid droplets during NAFLD-Induced ferroptosis via a red-emitting fluorescent probe with a large Stokes shift

Cell death resulting from ferroptosis is a consequence of the accumulation of lipid peroxides that are produced when lipids and reactive oxygen species (ROS) interact. This process is dependent on iron and alters the structure and polarity of lipid droplets (LDs). Unlike reactive fluorescent probes, environment-sensitive fluorescent probes can accurately monitor metabolic activities by sensing the intracellular environment of living organisms. To this end, we developed a polarity-sensitive fluorescent probe LIP-Ser that anchors to LDs and can be used to monitor changes in the polarity of LDs during ferroptosis by in situ imaging. LIP-Ser has a red-emitting (λ_em = 634 nm) and a large Stokes shift (Δλ = 161 nm in 1,4-dioxane), which avoids it from autofluorescence interference and crosstalk between excitation and emission spectra, thereby preventing low signal-to-noise ratio and severe fluorescence self-quenching during imaging. Additionally, LIP-Ser is used in this study to demonstrate that non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) promotes ferroptosis at the cellular and in vivo levels, and that inhibition of cellular ferroptosis effectively reduces the damage caused by NAFLD to cells and mouse liver tissue.

Early Intervention of Elateriospermum tapos Yoghurt in Obese Dams Mitigates Intergenerational Cognitive Deficits and Thigmotactic Behaviour in Male Offspring via the Modulation of Metabolic Profile

Maternal obesity is an intergenerational vicious cycle and one of the primary causes of cognitive deficits and high anxiety levels in offspring, which often manifest independently of sex. It is proven that curbing the intergenerational inheritance of obesity through early intervention during the gestation period has a positive outcome on the body composition, cognitive function, and anxiety level of the offspring. A recent discovery shows that the consumption of Elateriospermum tapos (E. tapos) seed extract modulates body mass and ameliorates stress hormones in obese dams, while a probiotic bacterial strain can cross the placenta and boost a child's memory. Thus, we speculate that probiotics are the best medium to integrate plant extract (E. tapos extract) to access the effect on the child's cognition. Thus, this study aimed to investigate the early intervention of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams in the cognition and anxiety levels of male offspring. In this study, 40 female rats were fed with a high-fat diet (HFD) to induce obesity before pregnancy, while another 8 rats were fed with standard rat pellets for 16 weeks. Upon successful copulation, treatment was initiated for the obese dams up to the postnatal day (PND) 21. The groups included normal chow and saline (NS), HFD and saline (HS), HFD and yoghurt (HY), HFD and 5 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT5), HFD and 50 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT50), and HFD and 500 mg/kg E. tapos yoghurt (HYT500). All rats were euthanised on PND 21, and the body mass index (BMI), Lee index, and waist circumference were measured for the male offspring. Hippocampal-dependent memory tests and open field tests were conducted to access for cognition and anxiety status. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), total fat (%), insulin, leptin, lipid profile, and antioxidant parameter on serum and hypothalamus (FRAP and GSH) were accessed on PND 21. The result shows male offspring of 50 mg/kg-supplemented obese dams have comparable total fat (%), lipid profile, insulin level, FBG level, plasma insulin level, recognition index, low anxiety level, and improved hypothalamic FRAP and GSH levels to the normal group. In conclusion, this study highlights that the effect of early intervention of our novel formulation of E. tapos yoghurt in obese dams alleviates cognitive deficits and anxiety in male offspring by modulating metabolic profiles at the dose of 50 mg/kg.

Nanosuspension of Foeniculum Vulgare Promotes Accelerated Sensory and Motor Function Recovery after Sciatic Nerve Injury

The seed extract of Foeniculum vulgare (FV) was used for the preparation of a nanosuspension (NS) with an enhanced bioavailability of phytoconstituents. Subsequently, it was employed as a potent source of polyphenols, such as quercetin and kaempferol, to accelerate the regeneration and recovery of motor and sensory function in injured nerves. The NS was administered through daily gauging as NS1 (0.5 mg/mL) and NS2 (15 mg/mL), at a dose rate of 2 g/kg body weight until the end of the study. The NS-mediated retrieval of motor functions was studied by evaluating muscle grip strength and the sciatic functional index. The recovery of sensory functions was assessed by the hotplate test. Several well-integrated biochemical pathways mediate the recovery of function and the regeneration of nerves under controlled blood glucose and oxidative stress. Consequently, the NS-treated groups were screened for blood glucose, total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total oxidant status (TOS) compared to the control. The NS administration showed a significant potential to enhance the recuperation of motor and sensory functions. Moreover, the oxidative stress was kept under check as a result of NS treatments to facilitate neuronal generation. Thus, the nanoformulation of FV with polyphenolic contents accelerated the reclamation of motor and sensory function after nerve lesion.

Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis L.) Glycolic Extract Protects Liver Mitochondria from Oxidative Damage and Prevents Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Rosmarinus officinalis L. (rosemary) is an aromatic culinary herb. Native to the Mediterranean region, it is currently cultivated worldwide. In addition to its use as a condiment in food preparation and in teas, rosemary has been widely employed in folk medicine and cosmetics. Several beneficial effects have been described for rosemary, including antimicrobial and antioxidant activities. Here, we investigated the mechanisms accounting for the antioxidant activity of the glycolic extract of R. officinalis (Ro) in isolated rat liver mitochondria (RLM) under oxidative stress conditions. We also investigated its protective effect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. A crude extract was obtained by fractionated percolation, using propylene glycol as a solvent due to its polarity and cosmeceutical compatibility. The quantification of substances with recognized antioxidant action revealed the presence of phenols and flavonoids. Dereplication studies carried out through LC-MS/MS and GC-MS, supported by The Global Natural Product Social Molecular Networking (GNPS) platform, annotated several phenolic compounds, confirming the previous observation. In accordance, Ro decreased the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) elicited by Fe2+ or t-BOOH and inhibited the lipid peroxidation of mitochondrial membranes in a concentration-dependent manner in RLM. Such an effect was also observed in liposomes as membrane models. Ro also prevented the oxidation of mitochondrial protein thiol groups and reduced glutathione (GSH). In model systems, Ro exhibited a potent scavenger activity toward 2,2′-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radicals and superoxide anions. It also demonstrated an Fe2+ chelating activity. Moreover, Ro did not exhibit cytotoxicity or dissipate the mitochondrial membrane potential (∆Ψ) in rat liver fibroblasts (BRL3A cells). To evaluate whether such antioxidant protective activity observed in vitro could also be achieved in vivo, a well-established model of hepatotoxicity induced by acute exposure to acetaminophen (AAP) was used. This model depletes GSH and promotes oxidative-stress-mediated tissue damage. The treatment of rats with 0.05% Ro, administered intraperitoneally for four days, resulted in inhibition of AAP-induced lipid peroxidation of the liver and the prevention of hepatotoxicity, maintaining alanine and aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) levels equal to those of the normal, non-treated rats. Together, these findings highlight the potent antioxidant activity of rosemary, which is able to protect mitochondria from oxidative damage in vitro, and effects such as the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects observed in vivo.

An application of citric acid as a carrier for solid dispersion to improve the dissolution and uric acid-lowering effect of kaempferol

Kaempferol (KPF) is a flavonoid compound, which has a variety of pharmacological activities, and widely exists in daily diet. However, its application is limited due to poor solubility. Citric acid (CA) is a common food additive with high solubility. In this study, solid dispersion (SD) was prepared with CA as the carrier to improve the solubility of KPF. KPF-CA-SD (weight ratio 1:20) was obtained by ultrasonic for 20 min at 40 °C. The in vitro dissolution of KPF in SD was increased from about 50% to more than 80%. The physicochemical characterizations were analyzed by X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, and scanning electron microscope. In hyperuricemia mice, KPF-SD (equivalent to 100 mg/kg KPF) can effectively reduce serum uric acid and exert nephroprotective effects. In conclusion, the preparation of SD with CA might provide a safe and effective selection to facilitate application of KPF in food and medicine.

Exploiting Polyphenol-Mediated Redox Reorientation in Cancer Therapy

Polyphenol, one of the major components that exert the therapeutic effect of Chinese herbal medicine (CHM), comprises several categories, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans and stilbenes, and has long been studied in oncology due to its significant efficacy against cancers in vitro and in vivo. Recent evidence has linked this antitumor activity to the role of polyphenols in the modulation of redox homeostasis (e.g., pro/antioxidative effect) in cancer cells. Dysregulation of redox homeostasis could lead to the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS), resulting in oxidative stress, which is essential for many aspects of tumors, such as tumorigenesis, progression, and drug resistance. Thus, investigating the ROS-mediated anticancer properties of polyphenols is beneficial for the discovery and development of novel pharmacologic agents. In this review, we summarized these extensively studied polyphenols and discussed the regulatory mechanisms related to the modulation of redox homeostasis that are involved in their antitumor property. In addition, we discussed novel technologies and strategies that could promote the development of CHM-derived polyphenols to improve their versatile anticancer properties, including the development of novel delivery systems, chemical modification, and combination with other agents.