Naringenin Regulates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Dysfunction: Impact on Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Effects of different natural products in patients with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-A network meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials

Due to a scarcity of appropriate therapeutic approaches capable of ameliorating or eliminating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), many researchers have come to focus on natural products based on traditional medicine that can be utilized to successfully treat NAFLD. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effects exerted by seven natural products (curcumin, silymarin, resveratrol, artichoke leaf extract, berberine, catechins, and naringenin) on patients with NAFLD. For this purpose, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science, were searched for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) exclusively. The selected studies were evaluated for methodological quality via the Cochrane bias risk assessment tool, and data analysis software was used to analyze the data accordingly. The RCTs from the earliest available date until September 2022 were collected. This process resulted in 37 RCTs with a total sample size of 2509 patients being included. The results of the network meta-analysis showed that artichoke leaf extract confers a relative advantage in reducing the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels (SUCRA: 99.1%), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels (SUCRA: 88.2%) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 88.9%). Naringenin conferred an advantage in reducing triglyceride (TG) levels (SUCRA: 97.3%), total cholesterol (TC) levels (SUCRA: 73.9%), and improving high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) levels (SUCRA: 74.9%). High-density catechins significantly reduced body mass index (BMI) levels (SUCRA: 98.5%) compared with the placebo. The Ranking Plot of the Network indicated that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin performed better than the other natural products in facilitating patient recovery. Therefore, we propose that artichoke leaf extract and naringenin may exert a better therapeutic effect on NAFLD. This study may help guide clinicians and lead to further detailed studies.

Primary Protection of Diosmin Against Doxorubicin Cardiotoxicity via Inhibiting Oxido-Inflammatory Stress and Apoptosis in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX) is the cornerstone of chemotherapy. However, it has dose-dependent cardiotoxic events that limit its clinical use. This study was intended to investigate the efficiency of DOX as an anti-cancer against the MCF-7 cell line in the presence of diosmin (DIO) and to appraise the protective impact of DIO against DOX cardiotoxicity in vivo. In vitro study was carried out to establish the conservation of DOX cytotoxicity in the presence of DIO. In vivo study was conducted on 42 adult female Wistar rats that were equally allocated into 6 groups; control, DIO (100 mg/kg), DIO (200 mg/kg), DOX (20 mg/kg, single dose i.p.), DIO (100 mg/kg) + DOX, received DIO orally (100 mg/kg) for 30 days, then administrated with a single dose of DOX and DIO (200 mg/kg) + DOX, received DIO orally (200 mg/kg) for 30 days, then administrated with DOX. In vitro study showed preservation of cytotoxic activity of DOX on MCF-7 in the presence of DIO. In vivo study indicated that DOX altered electrocardiograph (ECG) parameters. Also, it yielded a significant rise in CK-MB, cTnT and LDH serum levels and cardiac contents of MDA, IL-1β; paralleled by a significant drop in cardiac IL-10 and SOD. Moreover, significant upregulation of Bax, TNF-α, and HIF-1α, in concomitant with significant downregulation of Bcl-2 mRNA in cardiac tissue have been recorded in the DOX group. Furthermore, histopathological description of cardiac tissues showed that DOX alters normal cardiac histoarchitecture. On the opposite side, DIO pretreatment could ameliorate ECG parameters, suppress IL-1β and enhanceIL-10, promote activity of SOD and repress MDA. Additionally, downregulation of Bax, TNF-α, HIF-1α and upregulation of Bcl-2 have been demonstrated in DIO-pretreated rats. Furthermore, the histopathological examination of cardiac tissues illustrated that DIO had a favorable impact on the protection of heart histoarchitecture. DIO is suggested for protection against acute cardiotoxicity caused by DOX without affecting antitumor activity.

Dietary Polyphenols: Review on Chemistry/Sources, Bioavailability/Metabolism, Antioxidant Effects, and Their Role in Disease Management

Polyphenols, as secondary metabolites ubiquitous in plant sources, have emerged as pivotal bioactive compounds with far-reaching implications for human health. Plant polyphenols exhibit direct or indirect associations with biomolecules capable of modulating diverse physiological pathways. Due to their inherent abundance and structural diversity, polyphenols have garnered substantial attention from both the scientific and clinical communities. The review begins by providing an in-depth analysis of the chemical intricacies of polyphenols, shedding light on their structural diversity and the implications of such diversity on their biological activities. Subsequently, an exploration of the dietary origins of polyphenols elucidates the natural plant-based sources that contribute to their global availability. The discussion extends to the bioavailability and metabolism of polyphenols within the human body, unraveling the complex journey from ingestion to systemic effects. A central focus of the review is dedicated to unravelling the antioxidant effects of polyphenols, highlighting their role in combating oxidative stress and associated health conditions. The comprehensive analysis encompasses their impact on diverse health concerns such as hypertension, allergies, aging, and chronic diseases like heart stroke and diabetes. Insights into the global beneficial effects of polyphenols further underscore their potential as preventive and therapeutic agents. This review article critically examines the multifaceted aspects of dietary polyphenols, encompassing their chemistry, dietary origins, bioavailability/metabolism dynamics, and profound antioxidant effects. The synthesis of information presented herein aims to provide a valuable resource for researchers, clinicians, and health enthusiasts, fostering a deeper understanding of the intricate relationship between polyphenols and human health.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Flavonoids against Benzo[a]Pyrene-Induced Oxidative Liver Damage along Its Metabolic Pathways

Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P), a highly carcinogenic polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon primarily formed during incomplete organic matter combustion, undergoes a series of hepatic metabolic reactions once absorbed into the body. B[a]P contributes to liver damage, ranging from molecular DNA damage to the onset and progression of various diseases, including cancer. Specifically, B[a]P induces oxidative stress via reactive oxygen species generation within cells. Consequently, more research has focused on exploring the underlying mechanisms of B[a]P-induced oxidative stress and potential strategies to counter its hepatic toxicity. Flavonoids, natural compounds abundant in plants and renowned for their antioxidant properties, possess the ability to neutralize the adverse effects of free radicals effectively. Although extensive research has investigated the antioxidant effects of flavonoids, limited research has delved into their potential in regulating B[a]P metabolism to alleviate oxidative stress. This review aims to consolidate current knowledge on B[a]P-induced liver oxidative stress and examines the role of flavonoids in mitigating its toxicity.

Human diet-derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization

This review focuses on the potential ameliorative effects of polyphenolic compounds derived from human diet on hepatic diseases. It discusses the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in clinical applications. Edible polyphenols have been found to play a therapeutic role, particularly in liver injury, liver fibrosis, NAFLD/NASH, and HCC. In the regulation of liver injury, polyphenols exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, primarily targeting the TGF-β, NF-κB/TLR4, PI3K/AKT, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. In the regulation of liver fibrosis, polyphenolic compounds effectively reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds show efficacy against NAFLD/NASH by inhibiting lipid oxidation and accumulation, mediated through the AMPK, SIRT, and PPARγ pathways. Moreover, several polyphenolic compounds exhibit anti-HCC activity by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This inhibition primarily involves blocking Akt and Wnt signaling, as well as inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, clinical trials and nutritional evidence support the notion that certain polyphenols can improve liver disease and associated metabolic disorders. However, further fundamental research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of dietary polyphenols.

The mechanistic interplay between Nrf-2, NF-κB/MAPK, caspase-dependent apoptosis, and autophagy in the hepatoprotective effects of Sophorolipids produced by microbial conversion of banana peels using Saccharomyces cerevisiae against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent which causes serious adverse effects due to multiple organ damage, including cardiotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, neurotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. The mechanism of DOX-induced organ toxicity might be attributed to oxidative stress (OS) and, consequently, activation of inflammatory signaling pathways, apoptosis, and blockage of autophagy. Sophorolipids (SLs) as a glycolipid type of biosurfactants, are natural products that have unique properties and a wide range of applications attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

AIMS

Production of low-cost SLs from Saccharomyces cerevisiae grown on banana peels and investigating their possible protective effects against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity.

MAIN METHODS

The yeast was locally isolated and molecularly identified, then the yielded SLs were characterized by FTIR, 1H NMR and LC-MS/MS spectra. Posteriorly, thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups; control (oral saline), SLs (200 mg/kg, p.o), DOX (10 mg/kg; i.p.), and SL + DOX (200 mg/kg p.o.,10 mg/kg; i.p., respectively). Liver function tests (LFTs), oxidative stress, inflammatory, apoptosis as well as autophagy markers were investigated.

KEY FINDINGS

SLs were produced with a yield of 49.04% and treatment with SLs improved LFTs, enhanced Nrf2 and suppressed NF-κB, IL-6, IL-1β, p38, caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl2 ratio in addition to promotion of autophagy when compared to DOX group.

SIGNIFICANCE

Our results revealed a novel promising protective effect of SLs against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Hepatoprotective effects of a chemically-characterized extract from artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) against AFB1-induced toxicity in rats

This study was conducted to investigate the protective potential of a pharmaceutically formulated capsule of artichoke leaf powder (ArLP) against aflatoxin B1 (AFB1)-induced hepatotoxicity in male albino rats. In the 42-day experiment, rats were divided into five equal groups: (i) control, treated with sterile water, (ii) treated with 4% DMSO as AFB1 vehicle, (iii) ArLP of 100 mg kg-1 bw, (iv) AFB1 of 72 µg kg-1 bw, and (v) AFB1 plus ArLP. Exposure of rats to AFB1 resulted in hepatotoxicity as manifested by the intensification of oxidative stress, production of free radicals and significant increase in the activity levels of liver function enzymes relative to the control. Significant reductions in both the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant markers as well as histopathological abnormalities in liver tissues were also observed. Notably, the combined administration of ArLP with AFB1 clearly reduced AFB1-mediated adverse effects leading to the normalization of most of these parameters back to control levels. These findings clearly highlight the potential benefits of artichoke dietary supplements as a safe and natural solution in counteracting the adverse hepatotoxic effects conferred by AFB1 exposure. Further research is warranted to fully dissect the biochemical and molecular mechanism of action of the observed artichoke-mediated hepatoprotection.

Artemisia annua Extract Attenuate Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatic Injury via PI-3K/Akt/Nrf-2-Mediated Signaling Pathway in Rats

Doxorubicin (DOX), which is used to treat cancer, has harmful effects that limit its therapeutic application. Finding preventative agents to thwart DOX-caused injuries is thus imperative. Artemisia annua has numerous biomedical uses. This study aims to investigate the attenuative effect of Artemisia annua leaf extract (AALE) treatment on DOX-induced hepatic toxicity in male rats. A phytochemical screening of AALE was evaluated. Forty male rats were used; G1 was a negative control group, G2 was injected with AALE (150 mg/kg) intraperitoneally (i.p) daily for a month, 4 mg/kg of DOX was given i.p to G3 once a week for a month, and G4 was injected with DOX as G3 and with AALE as G2. Body weight changes and biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations were assessed. The results showed that AALE contains promising phytochemical constituents that contribute to several potential biomedical applications. AALE mitigated the hepatotoxicity induced by DOX in rats as evidenced by restoring the alterations in the biochemical parameters, antioxidant gene expression, and hepatic histopathological alterations in rats. Importantly, the impact of AALE against the hepatic deterioration resulting from DOX treatment is through activation of the PI-3K/Akt/Nrf-2 signaling, which in turn induces the antioxidant agents.

The potential beneficial role of Ginkgetin in doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity: Elucidating the underlying claim

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent for various tumors treatment; apart from its chemotherapeutic activity, the traditional usage of DOX has been limited by its adverse effects on multiple organs, mainly hepatotoxicity. The molecular mechanisms underlying DOX hepatotoxicity are mainly due to the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) inducing oxidative stress, diminishing antioxidant enzymes, apoptosis, inflammation, and mitochondrial dysfunction. Thus, there is an urgent need to develop a therapy that minimizes DOX hepatotoxicity and widens its use in various types of cancers without fear of its serious hepatotoxicity. Ginkgetin (GINK), a natural biflavonoid, exhibits diverse actions, including promising free radical scavenging, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. So, this study's objectives were to determine whether GINK could mitigate DOX's hepatotoxic effects and look into a putative hepatoprotective molecular pathway. Mice were divided into five groups: Normal control, control GINK 100, Untreated DOX group, and DOX groups treated with GINK (50 and 100 mg/kg) intraperitoneally daily for four days before DOX administration and an additional three days afterward. GINK 100 pretreatment showed marked protection from DOX hepatotoxicity and also attenuation of histopathological structural alterations. These outcomes were corroborated biochemically by a considerable decrease in alanine aminotransferases, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase levels. GINK significantly augmented silent information regulator 1 and nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 and repressed the expression and protein levels of forkhead box protein O1, inducible nitric oxide synthase, and P53 relative to DOX group. GINK alleviated oxidative stress and induced significant anti-inflammatory effects via suppression of interleukin-6, nuclear factor Kabba B, and iNOS respectively. This study is the first to investigate GINK's potentially beneficial effects in acute DOX hepatotoxicity, possibly exhibiting antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects by modulation of Sirt1/FOXO-1/NF-κB Signal.

Chemotherapy-Mediated Neuronal Aberration

Chemotherapy is a life-sustaining therapeutic option for cancer patients. Despite the advancement of several modern therapies, such as immunotherapy, gene therapy, etc., chemotherapy remains the first-line therapy for most cancer patients. Along with its anti-cancerous effect, chemotherapy exhibits several detrimental consequences that restrict its efficacy and long-term utilization. Moreover, it effectively hampers the quality of life of cancer patients. Cancer patients receiving chemotherapeutic drugs suffer from neurological dysfunction, referred to as chemobrain, that includes cognitive and memory dysfunction and deficits in learning, reasoning, and concentration ability. Chemotherapy exhibits neurotoxicity by damaging the DNA in neurons by interfering with the DNA repair system and antioxidant machinery. In addition, chemotherapy also provokes inflammation by inducing the release of various pro-inflammatory cytokines, including NF-kB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α. The chemotherapy-mediated inflammation contributes to chemobrain in cancer patients. These inflammatory cytokines modulate several growth signaling pathways and reactive oxygen species homeostasis leading to systemic inflammation in the body. This review is an effort to summarize the available information which discusses the role of chemotherapy-induced inflammation in chemobrain and how it impacts different aspects of therapeutic outcome and the overall quality of life of the patient. Further, this article also discusses the potential of herbal-based remedies to overcome chemotherapy-mediated neuronal toxicity as well as to improve the quality of life of cancer patients.

Naringin and naringenin counteract taxol-induced liver injury in Wistar rats via suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation

This research aimed to evaluate the preventing effects of naringin, naringenin, and their combination on liver injury induced by Taxol (paclitaxel) in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received 2 mg/kg Taxol intraperitoneal injections twice weekly on the second and fifth days of each week for 6 weeks. During the same period as Taxol administration, rats were given naringin, naringenin, or a combination of the two (10 mg/kg b.wt) every other day. Treatment with naringin and/or naringenin reduced the abnormally high serum levels of total bilirubin, aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and gamma-glutamyl transferase in Taxol-treated rats. It also significantly increased the level of serum albumin, indicating an improvement in the liver. The perturbed histological liver changes were markedly improved due to the naringin and/or naringenin treatment in Taxol-administered rats. Additionally, the treatments reduced high hepatic lipid peroxidation and increased liver glutathione content as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase. Furthermore, the treatments reduced the levels of alpha-fetoprotein and caspase-3, a pro-apoptotic mediator. The naringin and naringenin mixture appeared more effective in improving organ function and structural integrity. In conclusion, naringin and naringenin are suggested to employ their hepatoprotective benefits via boosting the body's antioxidant defense system, reducing inflammation, and suppressing apoptosis.

The Potential Protective Role of Naringenin against Dasatinib-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Dasatinib (DASA) is a novel tyrosine kinase inhibitor, approved for leukemia treatment. However, the long-term use of DASA induces several complications, especially liver damage. On the other hand, Naringenin (NGN) is a potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agent which is known to exert protective effects in several liver disease animal models. Yet, the effect of NGN on DASA-induced hepatotoxicity has not been examined. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effects of NGN against DASA-induced acute liver injury, using a mouse model. The mice were given NGN (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg po) or saline for 7 days, followed by DASA on the eighth day (25 mg/kg p.o.). DASA treatment alone was found to cause overexpression of proinflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and malonyl aldehyde (MDA), whereas attenuation of antioxidant genes including superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Interestingly, a pretreatment with NGN + DASA resulted in minimizing the proinflammatory mediators and restoring the levels of antioxidant genes. In addition, there was evidence of necro-inflammatory changes in histopathological findings in the liver samples after DASA administration which remarkably reduced with NGN + DASA. Thus, this study revealed that NGN could minimize the hepatotoxicity induced by DASA by providing anti-inflammatory and antioxidant protection.

Anti-Angiogenic Effects of Natural Compounds in Diet-Associated Hepatic Inflammation

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are the most common causes of chronic liver disease and are increasingly emerging as a global health problem. Such disorders can lead to liver damage, resulting in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and the activation of infiltrating immune cells. These are some of the common features of ALD progression in ASH (alcoholic steatohepatitis) and NAFLD to NASH (non-alcoholic steatohepatitis). Hepatic steatosis, followed by fibrosis, lead to a continuous progression accompanied by angiogenesis. This process creates hypoxia, which activates vascular factors, initiating pathological angiogenesis and further fibrosis. This forms a vicious cycle of ongoing damage and progression. This condition further exacerbates liver injury and may contribute to the development of comorbidities, such as metabolic syndrome as well as hepatocellular carcinoma. Increasing evidence suggests that anti-angiogenic therapy may have beneficial effects on these hepatic disorders and their exacerbation. Therefore, there is a great interest to deepen the knowledge of the molecular mechanisms of natural anti-angiogenic products that could both prevent and control liver diseases. In this review, we focus on the role of major natural anti-angiogenic compounds against steatohepatitis and determine their potential therapeutic benefits in the treatment of liver inflammation caused by an imbalanced diet.

Naringenin: A flavanone with anti-inflammatory and anti-infective properties

Although a growing body of research has recently shown how crucial inflammation and infection are to all major diseases, several of the medications currently available on the market have various unfavourable side effects, necessitating the development of alternative therapeutic choices. Researchers are increasingly interested in alternative medications or active components derived from natural sources. Naringenin is a commonly consumed flavonoid found in many plants, and since it was discovered to have nutritional benefits, it has been utilized to treat inflammation and infections caused by particular bacteria or viruses. However, the absence of adequate clinical data and naringenin's poor solubility and stability severely restrict its usage as a medicinal agent. In this article, we discuss naringenin's effects and mechanisms of action on autoimmune-induced inflammation, bacterial infections, and viral infections based on recent research. We also present a few suggestions for enhancing naringenin's solubility, stability, and bioavailability. This paper emphasizes the potential use of naringenin as an anti-inflammatory and anti-infective agent and the next prophylactic substance for the treatment of various inflammatory and infectious diseases, even though some mechanisms of action are still unclear, and offers some theoretical support for its clinical application.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Hyaluronic Acid-Preconditioned Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells against Liver Toxicity via the Inhibition of Apoptosis and the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Doxorubicin (DOX) is widely used to treat a variety of malignancies in both adults and children, including those of the bladder, breast, stomach, and ovaries. Despite this, it has been reported to cause hepatotoxicity. The recent discovery of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells' (BMSCs) therapeutic effects in the context of liver diseases suggests that their administration plays a part in the mitigation and rehabilitation of drug-induced toxicities.

OBJECTIVES

This study investigated whether bone BMSCs could reduce DOX-induced liver damage by blocking the Wnt/β-catenin pathway that causes fibrotic liver.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BMSCs were isolated and treated with hyaluronic acid (HA) for 14 days before injection. Thirty-five mature male SD rats were categorized into four groups; group one (control) rats were supplemented with saline 0.9% for 28 days, group two (DOX) rats were injected with DOX (20 mg/kg), group three (DOX + BMSCs) rats were injected with 2 × 106 BMSCs after 4 days of DOX injection, group four (DOX + BMSCs + HA) rats were injected with 0.1 mL BMSCs pretreated with HA after 4 days of DOX. After 28 days the rats were sacrificed, and blood and liver tissue samples were subjected to biochemical and molecular analysis. Morphological and immunohistochemical observations were also carried out.

RESULTS

In terms of liver function and antioxidant findings, cells treated with HA showed considerable improvement compared to the DOX group (p < 0.05). Moreover, the expression of inflammatory markers (TGFβ1, iNos), apoptotic markers (Bax, Bcl2), cell tracking markers (SDF1α), fibrotic markers (β-catenin, Wnt7b, FN1, VEGF, and Col-1), and ROS markers (Nrf2, HO-1) was improved in BMSCs conditioned with HA in contrast to BMSCs alone (p < 0.05).

CONCLUSION

Our findings proved that BMSCs treated with HA exert their paracrine therapeutic effects via their secretome, suggesting that cell-based regenerative therapies conditioned with HA may be a viable alternative to reduce hepatotoxicity.

Antihyperglycemic Properties of Extracts and Isolated Compounds from Australian Acacia saligna on 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

Our early work indicated that methanolic extracts from the flowers, leaves, bark, and isolated compounds of Acacia saligna exhibited significant antioxidant activities in vitro. The overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the mitochondria (mt-ROS) interfered with glucose uptake, metabolism, and its AMPK-dependent pathway, contributing to hyperglycemia and diabetes. This study aimed to screen the ability of these extracts and isolated compounds to attenuate the production of ROS and maintain mitochondrial function via the restoration of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Downstream effects were investigated via an immunoblot analysis of the AMPK signalling pathway and glucose uptake assays. All methanolic extracts effectively reduced cellular ROS and mt-ROS levels, restored the MMP, activated AMPK-α, and enhanced cellular glucose uptake. At 10 µM, (-)-epicatechin-6 (from methanolic leaf and bark extracts) markedly reduced ROS and mt-ROS levels by almost 30% and 50%, respectively, with an MMP potential ratio 2.2-fold higher compared to the vehicle control. (-)-Epicatechin 6 increased the phosphorylation of AMPK-α by 43%, with an 88% higher glucose uptake than the control. Other isolated compounds include naringenin 1, naringenin-7-O-α-L-arabinopyranoside 2, isosalipurposide 3, D-(+)-pinitol 5a, and (-)-pinitol 5b, which also performed relatively well across all assays. Australian A. saligna active extracts and compounds can reduce ROS oxidative stress, improve mitochondrial function, and enhance glucose uptake through AMPK-α activation in adipocytes, supporting its potential antidiabetic application.

Natural bioactive compounds-doxorubicin combinations targeting topoisomerase II-alpha: Anticancer efficacy and safety

Cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, so pursuing effective and safe therapeutics for cancer is a key research objective nowadays. Doxorubicin (DOX) is one of the commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agents that has been used to treat cancer with its antimitotic properties via inhibition of topoisomerase II (TOP2) activity. However, many problems hinder the broad use of DOX in clinical practice, including cardiotoxicity and drug resistance. Research in drug discovery has confirmed that natural bioactive compounds (NBACs) display a wide range of biological activities correlating to anticancer outcomes. The combination of NBACs has been seen to be an ideal candidate that might increase the effectiveness of DOX therapy and decreases its unfavorable adverse consequences. The current review discusses the chemo-modulatory mechanism and the protective effects of combined DOX with NBACs with a binding affinity (pKi) toward TOP2A more than pKi of DOX. This review will also discuss and emphasize the molecular mechanisms to provide a pathway for further studies to reveal other signaling pathways. Taken together, understanding the fundamental mechanisms and implications of combined therapy may provide a practical approach to battling cancer diseases.

Could Naringenin Participate as a Regulator of Obesity and Satiety?

Obesity is a serious health problem worldwide, since it is associated with multiple metabolic disorders and complications such as cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes, fatty liver disease and overall metabolic dysfunction. Dysregulation of the hunger-satiety pathway, which includes alterations of central and peripheral signaling, explains some forms of obesity by favoring hyperphagia and weight gain. The present work comprehensively summarizes the mechanisms by which naringenin (NAR), a predominant flavanone in citrus fruits, could modulate the main pathways associated with the development of obesity and some of its comorbidities, such as oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, insulin resistance (IR) and dyslipidemia, as well as the role of NAR in modulating the secretion of enterohormones of the satiety pathway and its possible antiobesogenic effect. The results of multiple in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that NAR has various potentially modulatory biological effects against obesity by countering IR, inflammation, OS, macrophage infiltration, dyslipidemia, hepatic steatosis, and adipose deposition. Likewise, NAR is capable of modulating peptides or peripheral hormones directly associated with the hunger-satiety pathway, such as ghrelin, cholecystokinin, insulin, adiponectin and leptin. The evidence supports the use of NAR as a promising alternative to prevent overweight and obesity.

Mechanistic Approach for Protective Effect of ARA290, a Specific Ligand for the Erythropoietin/CD131 Heteroreceptor, against Cisplatin-Induced Nephrotoxicity, the Involvement of Apoptosis and Inflammation Pathways

ARA 290, an 11-amino acid linear nonhematopoietic peptide derived from the three-dimensional structure of helix B of the erythropoietin (EPO), interacts selectively with the innate repair receptor (IRR) that arbitrates tissue protection. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of ARA290 against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. For this purpose, HEK-293 and ACHN cells were treated with ARA290 (50-400 nM) and cisplatin (2.5 μM) in pretreatment condition. Then, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, oxidative stress parameters (ROS, GPx, SOD, and MDA), and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, and IL1β) were evaluated. Furthermore, apoptotic cell death was assessed via caspase-3 activity and tunnel assay. To determine the molecular mechanisms of the possible nephroprotective effects of ARA290, gene and protein expressions of TNFα, IL1β, IL6, Caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl2 were evaluated by real-time PCR and western blot assay, respectively. The findings indicated that ARA290 significantly reduced the DNA damage parameters of comet assay and the frequency of micronuclei induced by cisplatin. Besides, ARA290 improved cisplatin-induced oxidative stress by reducing MDA/ROS levels and enhancing antioxidant enzyme levels. In addition, reduced levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines indicated that cisplatin-induced renal inflammation was mitigated upon the treatment with ARA290. Besides, ARA290 ameliorates cisplatin-induced cell injury by antagonizing apoptosis. Furthermore, the molecular findings indicated that gene and protein levels of TNFα, IL1β, IL6, Caspase-3, and Bax were significantly decreased and gene and protein levels of Bcl2 significantly increased in the ARA290 plus cisplatin group compared with the cisplatin group. These findings revealed that ARA290 as a potent chemo-preventive agent exerted a protective effect on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity mostly through its anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant potentials and also suggested that ARA290 might be a new therapeutic approach for patients with acute kidney injury.

Naringenin Prevents Oxidative Stress and Inflammation in LPS-Induced Liver Injury through the Regulation of LncRNA-mRNA in Male Mice

Inflammation accompanies hepatic dysfunction resulting from tissue oxidative damage. Naringenin (Nar), a natural flavanone, has known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but its mechanism of action in the regulation of liver dysfunction requires further investigation. In this study, the role of naringenin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation was explored, as well as its mechanism by transcriptome sequencing. The results indicated that compared with the LPS group, Nar treatment caused a significant increase in the mRNA levels of antioxidant factors glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), yet the expression of related inflammatory factors (MCP1, TNFα, IL-1β and IL-6) showed less of an increase. RNA sequencing identified 36 differentially expressed lncRNAs and 603 differentially expressed mRNAs. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that oxidative stress and inflammation pathways are meticulously linked with naringenin treatment. The Co-lncRNA-mRNA network was also constructed. Tissue expression profiles showed that lncRNA played a higher role in the liver. Subsequently, expression levels of inflammatory factors indicated that lncRNAs and target mRNAs were significantly reduced after naringenin treatment in mouse liver AML12 cells and obese mouse. These results suggest that naringenin helps to prevent liver dysfunction through the regulation of lncRNA-mRNA axis to reduce oxidative stress and inflammatory factors.

Network-Based Pharmacology and Bioinformatics Study on the Mechanism of Action of Gujiansan in the Treatment of Steroid-Induced Avascular Necrosis of the Femoral Head

Objective

To investigate the main pharmacological basis and mechanism of action of Gujiansan in the treatment of steroid-induced avascular necrosis of the femoral head (SANFH).

Methods

The active constituents and targets of Gujiansan were screened by using TCMSP and other databases, and relevant disease targets were obtained by analyzing the microarray of SANFH in the GEO database. The intersection of the two was taken to obtain the potential targets of Gujiansan for the treatment of SANFH, and key active constituents were screened with the “active constituent-target” network constructed by the Cytoscape software; then, the STRING database was used to construct the protein interaction network to screen the key targets. The Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses of key targets were performed by the DAVID database, and the relationship between the “key active constituent-key target-key signaling pathway” was explored. Finally, the molecular docking between key active constituents and key targets was verified. In addition, qPCR detection technology was used to evaluate the preventive and therapeutic effects of key active constituents of Gujiansan in a rat osteoblast model of SANFH to verify the possible mechanism of the effect of Gujiansan in the treatment of SANFH.

Results

(1) 106 active constituents and 55 targets were obtained for the treatment of SANFH. (2) Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, cryptotanshinone, and naringenin were the key active constituents for the treatment of SANFH. (3) IL1B, STAT3, CAT, PTGS2, and MAPK3 were the key targets for the treatment of SANFH. (4) IL1B, STAT3, CAT, PTGS2, MAPK3, and HMOX1 are key targets in the protein interaction network. (5) DAVID enrichment analysis mainly covers the regulation of DNA-binding transcription factor activity, positive regulation of cytokine production, and response to oxidative stress and other biological processes, involving IL-17, AGE-RAGE, C-type lectin receptor, and other signaling pathways. (6) Gujiansan is a multitarget and multisignaling pathway for the treatment of SANFH. (7) Good binding activity exists between key active constituents and key targets.

Conclusion

This study analyzes the potential mechanism of action of Gujiansan in the treatment of SANFH with network pharmacology, which can provide a reference for the further study of its pharmacological basis and targets.

The pyrethroid insecticide permethrin confers hepatotoxicity through DNA damage and mitochondria-associated apoptosis induction in rat: Palliative benefits of Fumaria officinalis

Permethrin (PER) is a pyrethroid pesticide that is extensively used as an insecticide in world because of its high activity and its low mammalian toxicity. The current study was conducted to investigate the protective action of Fumaria officinalis against PER-induced liver injury in male rats. However, HPLC-DAD showed the richness of 6 components in F. officinalis (F) including quercetin, ferulic acid, and naringenin which were the most abundant. Total polyphenols, total flavonoids, and condensed tannins were studied by phytochemical screening. In vitro, antioxidant properties showed that F. officinalis exhibited the highest DPPH radical, FRAP, and H₂ O₂ tests and total antioxidant capacity. Wistar rats were divided into four groups: negative control group (C), positive control group (F) (200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW), PER group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW), and PER + F group (34.05 mg permethrin/kg BW and 200 mg F. officinalis/kg BW). Oral administration of PER led to promote a decrease of body weight and Ca²⁺ -ATPases and Mg²⁺ -ATPases activities and an increase of plasma C-reactive protein level, transaminases, and hepatic ϒ-GT activities as well as hepatic and mitochondrial oxidative stress. An increase in plasma lactate-to pyruvate ratio and a reduction in complexes enzymes I, III, and IV activities were also observed. In addition, histoarchitecture of liver in PER-treated rats showed apoptosis and necrosis as confirmed by DNA fragmentation. F. officinalis significantly exerted hepatoprotective effect by modulating hepatic alteration and mitochondrial dysfunction as well as genotoxicity. This effect could be attributed to phenolics compounds such as polyphenols, condensed tannins, and flavonoids.

Effect of Theobroma cacao L. on the Efficacy and Toxicity of Doxorubicin in Mice Bearing Ehrlich Ascites Carcinoma

Background and objective: Doxorubicin is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent that causes oxidative stress leading to cardiotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and nephrotoxicity. In contrast, Theobroma cacao L. has been recorded as an anticancer agent and found to be protective against multiple chemical-induced organ injuries, including heart, liver, and kidney injuries. The present study investigated the possible role of extracts from T. cacao beans for organ-protective effects in doxorubicin-induced toxicity in mice bearing Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Methodology: After survival analysis in rodents, cocoa bean extract (COE) was investigated for its efficacy against EAC-induced carcinoma and its organ-protective effect against doxorubicin-treated mice with EAC-induced carcinoma. Results: Significant reductions in EAC and doxorubicin-induced alterations were observed in mice administered the COE, either alone or in combination with doxorubicin. Furthermore, COE treatment significantly increased the mouse survival time, life span percentage, and antioxidant defense system. It also significantly improved cardiac, hepatic, and renal function biomarkers and markers for oxidative stress, and it also reduced doxorubicin-induced histopathological changes. Conclusion: COE acted against doxorubicin-induced organ toxicity; potent antioxidant and anticancer activities were also reflected by the COE itself. The COE may therefore serve as an adjuvant nutraceutical in cancer chemotherapy.

Effects of naringenin supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in overweight/obese patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: a pilot double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial

OBJECTIVE

Although several experimental models have suggested promising pharmacological effects of naringenin in the management of obesity and its related disorders, the effects of naringenin supplementation on cardiovascular disorders as one of the main complications of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are yet to be examined in humans.

METHODS

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial, 44 overweight/obese patients with NAFLD were equally allocated into either naringenin or placebo group for 4 weeks. Cardiovascular risk factors including atherogenic factors, hematological indices, obesity-related parameters, blood pressure, and heart rate were assessed pre- and postintervention.

RESULTS

The atherogenic index of plasma value, serum non-HDL-C levels as well as total cholesterol/high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), triglyceride/HDL-C, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol/HDL-C, and non-HDL-C/HDL-C ratios were significantly reduced in the intervention group, compared to the placebo group post intervention (P < 0.05). Moreover, there was a significant reduction in BMI and visceral fat level in the intervention group when compared with the placebo group (P = 0.001 and P = 0.039, respectively). Furthermore, naringenin supplementation could marginally reduce systolic blood pressure (P = 0.055). Mean corpuscular hemoglobin increased significantly in the naringenin group compared to the placebo group at the endpoint (P = 0.023). Supplementation with naringenin also resulted in a marginally significant increase in the mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration when compared with the placebo group (P = 0.050). There were no significant between-group differences for other study outcomes post intervention.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these data indicate that naringenin supplementation may be a promising treatment strategy for cardiovascular complications among NAFLD patients. However, further trials are warranted.

Methanolic Phoenix dactylifera L. Extract Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Hepatic Injury in Male Rats

This study investigated the ameliorative potential of methanolic date flesh extract (MDFE) against cisplatin-induced hepatic injury. Twenty male rats (weighing 180-200 g) were allocated into four groups: control; date flesh (DF) group (oral 600 mg/kg MDFE for 21 days); Cis group (7.5 mg/kg i.p. at day 16); and date flesh/cisplatin (DF/Cis) group (oral 600 mg/kg MDFE for 21 days and 7.5 mg/kg i.p. at day 16). Hepatic biochemical parameters in sera, and inflammatory and oxidant/antioxidant hepatic biomarkers were estimated. Hepatic histological changes and the immunohistochemistry of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were assessed. Pretreatment with MDFE decreased Cis-triggered liver biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory biomarkers, and histological damage. Moreover, MDFE treatment reduced Cis-induced hepatic NF-κB, COX-2, and α-SMA protein expression. MDFE exerted a hepatoprotective effect when used concomitantly with Cis. Its effect was mediated via its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory ingredients.

Protective Effects of Naringenin from Citrus sinensis (var. Valencia) Peels against CCl4-Induced Hepatic and Renal Injuries in Rats Assessed by Metabolomics, Histological and Biochemical Analyses

Citrus fruits are grown worldwide for their special nutritive and several health benefits. Among citrus bioactives, naringenin, a major flavanone, exhibits a potential hepatoprotective effect that is not fully elucidated. Herein, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological assays were used to estimate the hepatoprotective activity of naringenin, isolated from Citrus sinensis (var. Valencia) peels, in CCl4-induced injury in a rat model. Further, GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics was used to characterize the potential metabolite biomarkers associated with its activity. Present results revealed that naringenin could ameliorate the increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) induced by CCl4 and attenuate the pathological changes in liver tissue. Naringenin decreased urea, creatinine and uric acid levels and improved the kidney tissue architecture, suggesting its role in treating renal disorders. In addition, naringenin increased the expression of the antiapoptoic cell marker, Bcl-2. Significant changes in serum metabolic profiling were noticed in the naringenin-treated group compared to the CCl4 group, exemplified by increases in palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid and lauric acids and decrease levels of alanine, tryptophan, lactic acid, glucosamine and glucose in CCl4 model rats. The results suggested that naringenin's potential hepato- and renoprotective effects could be related to its ability to regulate fatty acids (FAs), amino acids and energy metabolism, which may become effective targets for liver and kidney toxicity management. In conclusion, the current study presents new insights into the hepato- and renoprotective mechanisms of naringenin against CCl4-induced toxicity.

Diosmin Alleviates Doxorubicin-Induced Liver Injury via Modulation of Oxidative Stress-Mediated Hepatic Inflammation and Apoptosis via NfkB and MAPK Pathway: A Preclinical Study

Hepatotoxicity caused by chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., doxorubicin) is of critical concern in cancer therapy. This study focused on investigating the modulatory effects of diosmin against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity in Male Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: Group I was served as control, Group II was treated with doxorubicin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneal, i.p.), Group III was treated with a combination of doxorubicin and low-dose diosmin (100 mg/kg orally), and Group IV was treated with a combination of doxorubicin and high-dose diosmin (200 mg/kg orally) supplementation. A single dose of doxorubicin (i.p.) caused hepatic impairment, as shown by increases in the concentrations of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase. Doxorubicin produced histological abnormalities in the liver. In addition, a single injection of doxorubicin increased lipid peroxidation and reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Importantly, pre-treatment with diosmin restored hepatic antioxidant factors and serum enzymatic activities and reduced the inflammatory and apoptotic-mediated proteins and genes. These findings demonstrate that diosmin has a protective effect against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatoprotective effect of naringenin in rats with alcoholic liver disease

BACKGROUND

Previous studies have shown that naringenin (Nar) can play a protective role in animal models with acute liver injury, but its role in alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains unclear.

AIM

To explore the effect of Nar on ALD rats and the possible mechanism involved.

METHODS

Forty Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into a control group, model group, low-dose Nar group, and high-dose Nar group, with 10 rats in each group. A rat model of ALD was generated by alcohol induction. Blood samples and liver tissues were collected at the end of the regimen. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in serum were determined with an automatic biochemical analyzer. The morphology of the liver was observed by HE staining. Glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production level in the liver were determined with commercial kits. The levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver tissues were detected by immunohistochemical staining. The expression levels of Nrf-2, HO-1, and p-NF-κB P65 in liver tissues were detected by Western blot.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, the levels of AST and AST in serum of rats in the low- and high-dose Nar groups were significantly decreased, the activities of SOD and GPx and the expression levels of Nrf-2 and HO-1 in liver tissue were significantly increased, and MDA content, ROS level, and TNF-α, IL-6, and p-NF-κB P65 expression levels were significantly decreased, especially in the high-dose group.

CONCLUSION

Nar can alleviate liver injury in ALD rats, and this effect may be related to the reduction of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in liver tissue.

Mokko Lactone Attenuates Doxorubicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats: Emphasis on Sirt-1/FOXO1/NF-κB Axis

Doxorubicin (DOX), a common chemotherapeutic agent, suffers serious adverse effects including hepatotoxicity. Mokko lactone (ML) is a guainolide sesquiterpene with promising biological activities. The study aimed to evaluate the protection offered by ML against hepatotoxicity induced by DOX in rats. Our data indicated ML exhibited protective effects as evidenced by ameliorating the rise in serum activities of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase and alkaline phosphatase. This was confirmed histologically as ML prevented DOX-induced pathological alteration in liver architecture. Further, ML administration significantly prevented malondialdehyde accumulation, glutathione depletion and superoxide dismutase and catalase exhaustion. Antioxidant action of ML was associated with enhanced expression of the nuclear translocation of NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and a lower expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). Also, ML showed potent anti-inflammatory activities highlighted by decreased expression of interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor α and nuclear factor κB (NF-κB). The anti-apoptotic effects of ML were associated with decreased Bax and enhanced Bcl-2 mRNA expression in liver tissues. ML caused a significant up-regulation in the expression of silent information regulator 1 (Sirt-1). Therefore, it can be concluded that ML prevents liver injury caused by DOX. This could partially be due to the ML regulatory activities on Sirt-1/FOXO1/NF-κB axis.

Does naringenin supplementation improve lipid profile, severity of hepatic steatosis and probability of liver fibrosis in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD? A randomised, double-blind, placebo-controlled, clinical trial

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

Naringenin has been reported to have some promising pharmacological effects on the management of obesity and related metabolic complications including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Therefore, the present clinical trial study was done to assess the effects of naringenin supplementation on lipid profile, aminotransferase levels, severity of steatosis, as well as probability of fibrosis in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This placebo-controlled, parallel randomised, double-blind clinical trial study was conducted on 44 eligible overweight/obese patients with NAFLD (naringenin-treated group (n = 22), control group (n = 22)) referred to the national Iranian oil company (NIOC) Central Hospital, Tehran City, Tehran Province, Iran. Participants were randomly assigned to receive naringenin capsules (100 mg) and identical placebo capsules twice a day, before lunch and dinner, for 4 weeks. The primary outcomes were improvement of liver steatosis and NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS), and secondary outcomes included changes in levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lipid profile.

RESULTS

Naringenin consumption significantly reduced percentages of NAFLD grades (P < .001), as well as, serum levels of triglyceride (TG) (P < .001), total cholesterol (TC) (P = .01), and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) (P = .02) and increased serum level of high-density lipoprotein (HDL) (P = .02) compared with the control group. Even after adjusting for the confounders, the results were significant. However, there were no significant changes in AST, ALT and NFS.

CONCLUSION

Our findings revealed that daily intake of 200 mg of naringenin for 4 weeks had beneficial effects on lipid profile and percentages of NAFLD grades as an indicator for the severity of hepatic steatosis. Although, NFS values and serum levels of aminotransferase enzymes including AST and ALT did not remarkably change.

Low vitamin D levels in follicular fluid, but not in serum, are associated with adverse outcomes in assisted reproduction

PURPOSE

To assess the relationship between serum/follicular fluid (FF) vitamin D (VD) status and assisted reproductive technology (ART) treatment outcomes among infertile patients.

METHODS

A prospective cohort study, including 132 infertile patients scheduled for their first ART treatment cycle, was carried out in a Reproductive Medical Center. Serum and FF samples were collected to assess 25-hydroxy VD [25(OH)D] levels. Low VD level was defined as 25(OH)D concentration of less than 30 ng/mL.

RESULTS

Most infertile patients had low VD levels in serum (88%) and FF (90%). We observed a moderately positive correlation between VD levels in serum and FF (r = 0.34, p < 0.0001). Compared to the group of patients with low VD levels in the FF, those with sufficient VD levels had a significantly higher number of retrieved oocytes (p = 0.03), normal fertilization (p = 0.01), and high-quality embryos (p = 0.001). Moreover, patients with sufficient VD levels in the FF also had significantly higher implantation rates than those with low VD levels (76.92% vs. 46.58%, respectively, p = 0.01) and clinical pregnancy rates (92.31% vs. 61.54%, respectively, p = 0.04).

CONCLUSION

These data collectively revealed that low VD levels in serum and FF were common among infertile patients. VD levels in FF, but not in serum, were associated with embryo quality, normal fertilization, implantation rates, and clinical pregnancy rates. Further studies are mandatory to determine the molecular mechanism and VD's potential therapeutic benefits in infertile patients.

Biodegradable nanoparticulate co-delivery of flavonoid and doxorubicin: Mechanistic exploration and evaluation of anticancer effect in vitro and in vivo

The proposed study involves delivering drug/bioactive using a single nanoplatform based on poly lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) for better efficacy, synergistic effect, and reduced toxicity. PLGA was conjugated to doxorubicin (D1), and this conjugate was used for encapsulation of naringenin (D2) to develop naringenin loaded PLGA-doxorubicin nanoparticles (PDNG). The PDNG NPs were 165.4 ± 4.27 nm in size, having 0.112 ± 0.035 PDI, with -10.1 ± 2.74 zeta potential. The surface morphology was confirmed through transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and atomic force microscopy (AFM). The in vitro studies revealed that PDNG NPs exhibited selective anticancer potential in breast cancer cells, and induced apoptosis with S-phase inhibition via an increase in intrinsic reactive oxygen species (ROS) and altering the mitochondrial potential. The results also signified the efficient uptake of nanoparticles encapsulated drugs by cells besides elevating the caspase level suggesting programmed cell death induction upon treatment. In vivo studies results revealed better half-life (27.35 ± 1.58 and 11.98 ± 1.21 h for doxorubicin and naringenin) with higher plasma drug concentration. In vivo biodistribution study was also in accordance with the in vitro studies and in line with the in vivo pharmacokinetic. In vivo tumor regression assay portrayed that the formulation PDNG halts the tumor growth and lessen the tumor volume with the stable bodyweight of the mice. Conclusively, the dual delivery approach was beneficial and highly effective against tumor-induced mice.

Metabolomics analysis of the effects of quercetin on hepatotoxicity induced by acrylamide exposure in rats

Acrylamide (AA) widely exists in human diet, which makes the public inevitably exposed to AA in daily life. Thisstudy aimed to investigatethe effects of quercetin on AA-induced hepatotoxicity utilizing metabolomics technology. Sixty male Wistar Rats were randomly divided into six groups: control, two dosages of quercetinintervention[10 and 50 mg/kgbody weight (bw)], AA-treated [5 mg/kgbw], and two dosages of quercetin combined with AA intervention. AA and quercetin were given to rats via drinking water and gavage respectively. After 16 weeksoftreatment, liver samples were collected for metabolomics analysis. 16metabolites were finally identified, the intensities of glutathione and NADP were decreased (p < 0.01), whereas the intensities of taurodeoxycholic acid, glycocholic acid, cholic acid, sphingosine, sphingosine1-phosphate, stearidonyl carnitine, N-undecanoylglycine, cholesterol, 13,14-Dihydro-15-keto-PGE2, LysoPE (20:5), LysoPE (18:3), LysoPC (20:4), and PC (22:5) were increased (p < 0.01) in the AA-treated groupthan those in the control group. After high-dose quercetin (50 mg/kgbw) plus AA treated concurrently to rats, the contents of the above 16 metabolites were significantly restored. This research showed that 50 mg/kg quercetin can alleviate AA-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing oxidative stress and inflammatory injury and regulating lipid metabolism.

Natural-Derived Molecules as a Potential Adjuvant in Chemotherapy: Normal Cell Protectors and Cancer Cell Sensitizers

BACKGROUND

Cancer is a global threat to humans and a leading cause of death worldwide. Cancer treatment includes, among other things, the use of chemotherapeutic agents, compounds that are vital for treating and preventing cancer. However, chemotherapeutic agents produce oxidative stress along with other side effects that would affect the human body.

OBJECTIVE

To reduce the oxidative stress of chemotherapeutic agents in cancer and normal cells by naturally derived compounds with anti-cancer properties, and protect normal cells from the oxidation process. Therefore, the need to develop more potent chemotherapeutics with fewer side effects has become increasingly important.

METHOD

Recent literature dealing with the antioxidant and anticancer activities of the naturally naturally-derived compounds: morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin has been surveyed and examined in this review. For this, data were gathered from different search engines, including Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, Scopus, and Scifinder, among others. Additionally, several patient offices such as WIPO, CIPO, and USPTO were consulted to obtain published articles related to these compounds.

RESULT

Numerous plants contain flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds such as morin, myricetin, malvidin, naringin, eriodictyol, isovitexin, daidzein, naringenin, chrysin, and fisetin, which exhibit ‎antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-carcinogenic actions via several mechanisms. These compounds show sensitizers of cancer cells and protectors of healthy cells. Moreover, these compounds can reduce oxidative stress, which is accelerated by chemotherapeutics and exhibit a potent anticancer effect on cancer cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on these findings, more research is recommended to explore and evaluate such flavonoids and polyphenolic compounds.

Mangiferin Inhibits Apoptosis in Doxorubicin-Induced Vascular Endothelial Cells via the Nrf2 Signaling Pathway

Doxorubicin increases endothelial permeability, hence increasing cardiomyocytes’ exposure to doxorubicin (DOX) and exposing myocytes to more immediate damage. Reactive oxygen species are major effector molecules of doxorubicin’s activity. Mangiferin (MGN) is a xanthone derivative that consists of C-glucosylxanthone with additional antioxidant properties. This particular study assessed the effects of MGN on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in human umbilical vein endothelial cells’ (HUVECs’) signaling networks. Mechanistically, MGN dramatically elevated Nrf2 expression at both the messenger RNA and protein levels through the upregulation of the PI3K/AKT pathway, leading to an increase in Nrf2-downstream genes. Cell apoptosis was assessed with a caspase-3 activity assay, transferase-mediated dUTP-fluorescein nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to assess DNA fragmentation, and protein expression was determined by Western blot analysis. DOX markedly increased the generation of reactive oxygen species, PARP, caspase-3, and TUNEL-positive cell numbers, but reduced the expression of Bcl-2 and antioxidants’ intracellular concentrations. These were effectively antagonized with MGN (20 μM), which led to HUVECs being protected against DOX-induced apoptosis, partly through the PI3K/AKT-mediated NRF2/HO-1 signaling pathway, which could theoretically protect the vessels from severe DOX toxicity.

A comprehensive review on time-tested anticancer drug doxorubicin

Doxorubicin or Adriamycin, is one of the most widely used chemotherapeutic drug for treating a myriad of cancers. It induces cell death through multiple intracellular targets: reactive oxygen species generation, DNA-adduct formation, topoisomerase II inhibition, histone eviction, Ca²⁺ and iron hemostasis regulation, and ceramide overproduction. Moreover, doxorubicin-treated dying cells undergo cellular modifications that enable neighboring dendritic cell activation and enhanced presentation of tumor antigen. In addition, doxorubicin also aids in the immune-mediated clearance of tumor cells. However, the development of chemoresistance and cardiotoxicity side effect has undermined its widespread applicability. Several formulations of doxorubicin and co-treatments with inhibitors, miRNAs, natural compounds and other chemotherapeutic drugs have been essential in reducing its dosage-dependent toxicity and combating the development of resistance. Further, more advanced research into the molecular mechanism of chemoresistance development would be vital in improving the overall survivability of clinical patients and in preventing cancer relapse.

Protective effect of diosmin against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity

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Dox induces kidney damage.

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Dox leads to a decrease in antioxidant defense mechanism.

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Diosmin administration restores antioxidant properties.

Doxorubicin (Dox) is an anthracycline antibiotic that is primarily used for treating various solid tumors including that of pulmonary, ovary, breast, uterine, cervix, and several blood cancers. However, nephrotoxicity associated with Dox treatment limits its clinical use. Administration of Dox in combination with compounds exhibiting antioxidant properties are being used to minimize the side effects of Dox. Diosmin is a flavonoid glycoside with numerous beneficial properties that is found in the pericarp of many citrus fruits. Diosmin has demonstrated antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects in response to various insults, although the exact mechanism remains unknown. Therefore, this study was designed to evaluate the effect of diosmin in preventing kidney damage in response to Dox treatment. Male Wistar rats were randomly divided into four groups: control group, Dox group (20 mg/kg, i.p.), Dox plus low-dose diosmin group (100 mg/kg orally), and Dox plus high-dose diosmin group (200 mg/kg orally). A single intraperitoneal injection of Dox resulted in kidney damage as evidenced by significant alterations in kidney markers, histological abnormalities, and the attenuation of antioxidant defense mechanisms (GSH, SOD, and CAT). Moreover, Dox treatment significantly altered the expression of oxidative stress, inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic protein markers. Diosmin pretreatment alleviated Dox-induced nephrotoxicity by ameliorating the antioxidant mechanism, decreasing inflammation and apoptosis, and restoring kidney architecture. In conclusion, our results indicate that diosmin is a promising therapeutic agent for the prevention of nephrotoxicity associated with DOX.

Aquaporin: targets for dietary nutrients to regulate intestinal health

Aquaporins (AQP) are a class of water channel membrane proteins that are widely expressed in the gut. The biological functions of aquaporins, which regulate the absorption and secretion of water molecules and small solutes, maintain the stable state of the intestine, regulate cell proliferation and migration, participate in the process of intestinal inflammation, and mediate tumorigenesis, demonstrate the physiological significance of these channels in intestinal health. The pathology of many intestinal diseases is associated with changes in the location and expression of aquaporins, such as intestinal infection, which can change the expression and distribution of AQPs in intestinal tissues/cells by affecting cytokines and chemokines. This can lead to various intestinal diseases such as diarrhoea, which also suggests the importance of aquaporins in the prevention and treatment of intestinal diseases. This review summarizes the relationship between aquaporins and intestinal physiology and diseases and focuses on drugs (such as plant extracts) or diets that can regulate intestinal health by regulating aquaporins. It provides a basis for establishing aquaporins as biomarkers and therapeutic targets for intestinal health.

Silymarin in combination with chlorogenic acid protects against hepatotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats: possible role of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway

Many xenobiotics are known to cause hepatic damage with subsequent significant morbidity and mortality. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum antineoplastic agent. DOX is reported to cause hepatocellular damage. Previous studies verified the promising role of many natural antioxidant products against various models of hepatic dysfunction. We conducted this study to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of silymarin (SILY) and/or chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a rat model of DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. For this purpose, we randomly divided 30 adult male rats into five equal groups as control, DOX, co-treated DOX with SILY, co-treated DOX with GCA and co-treated DOX with SILY and CGA groups. All treatments were administered every second day for 4 weeks. Our results showed that simultaneous SILY and CGA administration caused a significant decrease in hepatic apoptosis biomarkers (hepatic caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB levels), a significant improvement in hepatic oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) and significant decrease in hepatic pro-inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1β) compared with DOX treatment. We concluded that adding CGA to SILY acts as a hepatoprotective agent against DOX-induced liver injury through inhibiting apoptosis biomarkers, maintaining antioxidant enzyme levels, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as regulating liver adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling.

Plant-Derived Chemicals: A Source of Inspiration for New Drugs

Plants have a long history of use as traditional remedies to treat a range of diseases and the diverse chemicals that they produce have provided great inspiration for the design of new drugs to date. Many plants have yet to be investigated for the presence of biologically-active products. This Special Issue presents a collection of scientific studies which report on the medicinal potential of plants. It also highlights the importance of preserving ethnobotanical knowledge and plant biodiversity worldwide to sustain future drug discovery from plant sources.

Polychemotherapy with Curcumin and Doxorubicin via Biological Nanoplatforms: Enhancing Antitumor Activity

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a well-known chemotherapeutic agent extensively applied in the field of cancer therapy. However, similar to other chemotherapeutic agents such as cisplatin, paclitaxel, docetaxel, etoposide and oxaliplatin, cancer cells are able to obtain chemoresistance that limits DOX efficacy. In respect to dose-dependent side effect of DOX, enhancing its dosage is not recommended for effective cancer chemotherapy. Therefore, different strategies have been considered for reversing DOX resistance and diminishing its side effects. Phytochemical are potential candidates in this case due to their great pharmacological activities. Curcumin is a potential antitumor phytochemical isolated from Curcuma longa with capacity of suppressing cancer metastasis and proliferation and affecting molecular pathways. Experiments have demonstrated the potential of curcumin for inhibiting chemoresistance by downregulating oncogene pathways such as MMP-2, TGF-β, EMT, PI3K/Akt, NF-κB and AP-1. Furthermore, coadministration of curcumin and DOX potentiates apoptosis induction in cancer cells. In light of this, nanoplatforms have been employed for codelivery of curcumin and DOX. This results in promoting the bioavailability and internalization of the aforementioned active compounds in cancer cells and, consequently, enhancing their antitumor activity. Noteworthy, curcumin has been applied for reducing adverse effects of DOX on normal cells and tissues via reducing inflammation, oxidative stress and apoptosis. The current review highlights the anticancer mechanism, side effects and codelivery of curcumin and DOX via nanovehicles.

Pterocarpus mildbraedii (Harms) extract resolves propanil-induced hepatic injury via repression of inflammatory stress responses in Wistar rats

Pterocarpus mildbraedii (PME) is a green leafy vegetable from the Papilionaceae family. This study evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of PME in Wistar rats exposed to experimental hepatotoxicity using propanil (PRP), a post-emergent herbicide. Animals were grouped as control, PRP, PME, and PME + PRP. After 7 days, the levels of stress-activated protein kinases/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (SAPK/JNK), p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38 MAPK), and signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT-3) were measured in rat liver. Furthermore, myeloperoxidase (MPO) and nitric oxide (NO) levels, as well as protein expressions of nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB p65), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) were determined. Compared with PRP-treated rats, PME significantly reduced the hepatic MPO and NO levels. PME also diminished NFκB, iNOS, and COX-2 protein expressions in PRP-treated rats. This study showed that Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves produce active principles with relevant anti-inflammatory potential. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Previous studies have shown that bioactive principles contained in medicinal plants can offer protection against chemically induced inflammation. Pterocarpus mildbraedii leaves, with rich content of polyphenols, flavonoids, and essential fatty acids, could be exploited as a therapeutic agent against pesticide-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. This current study has also shown that the potential of PME as a functional food is boosted by the presence of α-linolenic acid, an omega-3-fatty acid known to possess anti-inflammatory activity. Here, we elucidated the cellular mechanisms of the anti-inflammatory action of PME.

Exogenous naringenin improved digestible protein accumulation and altered morphology via VrPIN and auxin redistribution in Vigna radiata

Naringenin exposure altered auxin redistribution via VrPIN1 leading to morphological alterations and significantly reduced the protein precipitable tannins that further enhanced the protein accumulation and bioavailability. Flavonoid exposure is known to affect the antioxidant profile of legumes. However, a detailed study evaluating the effect of flavonoid naringenin on morphology and biochemical profile of legume is lacking. The present study is a novel report of improved in planta protein bioavailability and antioxidant potential of legume mungbean on naringenin exposure. The quantitative evaluation revealed significant protein accumulation (64-122 μg/g FW) on naringenin exposure. Further, an increase in protein solubility and digestibility compared to control was evident. Naringenin mediated altered α-amylase activity improved the mungbean seed germination rate. Naringenin induced auxin redistribution and altered PIN formed transcript expression reduced lateral root density and increased stem length that was subsequently reverted on exogenous indole acetic acid application. Naringenin enhanced polyphenolic accumulation and improved the antioxidant potential of mungbean. Additionally, the responsiveness of the early gene of the flavonoid biosynthetic pathway, Chalcone isomerase to naringenin concentration was revealed indicating a probable feedback regulation. Further, the presence of alternate liquiritigenin biosynthesis was also evident. The present study, thus reveals the probable potential of phytochemical naringenin towards agricultural sustainability in the changing environmental conditions.

A Comprehensive Systematic Review of the Effects of Naringenin, a Citrus-Derived Flavonoid, on Risk Factors for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common cause of liver dysfunction worldwide. Recently, some natural compounds have attracted growing interest in the treatment of NAFLD. In this context, most attention has been paid to natural products derived from fruits, vegetables, and medicinal herbs. Naringenin, a natural flavanone, has been revealed to have pharmacological effects in the treatment of obesity and associated metabolic disorders such as NAFLD. The aim of this study was to examine the therapeutic effects of naringenin and its possible mechanisms of action in the management of NAFLD and related risk factors. The current systematic review was performed according to the guidelines of the 2015 PRISMA (Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis) statements. We searched PubMed/Medline, Science Direct, Scopus, ProQuest, and Google Scholar databases up until February 2020. Of 1217 full-text articles assessed, 36 studies met the inclusion criteria. The evidence reviewed in the present study indicates that naringenin modulates several biological processes related to NAFLD including energy balance, lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress by different mechanisms. Overall, the favorable effects of naringenin along with its more potency and efficacy, compared with other antioxidants, indicate that naringenin may be a promising therapeutic approach for the management of NAFLD and associated complications. However, due to the lack of clinical trials, future robust human randomized clinical trials that address the effects of naringenin on NAFLD and other liver-related diseases are crucial. Further careful human pharmacokinetic studies are also needed to establish dosage ranges, as well as addressing preliminary safety and tolerability of naringenin, before proceeding to larger-scale endpoint trials.