Quercetin-3-O-β-D-Glucopyranoside-Rich Fraction from Spondias mombin Leaves Halted Responses from Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, Apoptosis, and Lipid Peroxidation in the Brain of Dichlorvos-Treated Wistar Rats

Hematological changes, oxidative stress assessment, and dysregulation of aquaporin-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in kidneys of lactating Wistar rats treated with monosodium glutamate

High consumption of locally produced delicacies could expose nursing mothers to high monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels, frequently used as a necessary condiment in low-income countries. Thus, this study evaluated some novel preliminary changes in renal hormonal receptors, the aquaporin-3 channel, oxidative stress markers, and hematological indices induced by monosodium glutamate in lactating rats. Post-parturition, twenty-four (24) lactating Wistar rats were divided into four (4) groups of six rats each (n = 6). Oral administration of distilled water and MSG started three (3) days postpartum as follows: group 1: distilled water (1 ml/kg BW), group 2: MSG (925 mg/kg BW), group 3: MSG (1850 mg/kg BW), and group 4: MSG (3700 mg/kg BW). At the end of the experiment, which lasted fourteen (14) days, animals were sacrificed and samples of blood and tissues were obtained for biochemical analysis. MSG administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased ROS and MDA, with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in kidney antioxidants. Serum creatinine, total, conjugated, and unconjugated bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05) increased with MSG administration. The prolactin receptor was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while the oxytocin receptor and aquaporin-3 channel were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the MSG-administered groups. There were significant (p < 0.05) changes in the hematological indices of the MSG-administered animals. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that high MSG consumption causes hematological alterations and may alter renal function via increased ROS production and dysregulation of the AQP-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in the kidneys of lactating Wistar rats.

The potential therapeutic effect of phosphodiesterase 5 inhibitors in the acute ischemic stroke (AIS)

Acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is a focal neurological disorder that accounts for 85% of all stroke types, due to occlusion of cerebral arteries by thrombosis and emboli. AIS is also developed due to cerebral hemodynamic abnormality. AIS is associated with the development of neuroinflammation which increases the severity of AIS. Phosphodiesterase enzyme (PDEs) inhibitors have neuro-restorative and neuroprotective effects against the development of AIS through modulation of the cerebral cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP)/cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP)/nitric oxide (NO) pathway. PDE5 inhibitors through mitigation of neuroinflammation may decrease the risk of long-term AIS-induced complications. PDE5 inhibitors may affect the hemodynamic properties and coagulation pathway which are associated with thrombotic complications in AIS. PDE5 inhibitors reduce activation of the pro-coagulant pathway and improve the microcirculatory level in patients with hemodynamic disturbances in AIS. PDE5 inhibitors mainly tadalafil and sildenafil improve clinical outcomes in AIS patients through the regulation of cerebral perfusion and cerebral blood flow (CBF). PDE5 inhibitors reduced thrombomodulin, P-selectin, and tissue plasminogen activator. Herein, PDE5 inhibitors may reduce activation of the pro-coagulant pathway and improve the microcirculatory level in patients with hemodynamic disturbances in AIS. In conclusion, PDE5 inhibitors may have potential roles in the management of AIS through modulation of CBF, cAMP/cGMP/NO pathway, neuroinflammation, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Preclinical and clinical studies are recommended in this regard.

Botanical, nutritional, phytochemical characteristics, and potential health benefits of murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin): insights from animal and cell culture models

Brazil has great biodiversity, and the Amazon biome stands out for a variety of native fruits with high economic and nutritional potential. Murici (Byrsonima crassifolia) and taperebá (Spondias mombin) are sources of vitamins, minerals, and phytochemicals with potential health benefits. Because of the bioactive potential of these Brazilian fruits, this review aims to gather the most current existing knowledge about their botanical, nutritional, and phytochemical properties, because the presence of several bioactive compounds may bring promising strategies to the prevention and treatment of several diseases. The search was conducted of the LILACS, MEDLINE, PubMed, and Science Direct databases, considering articles published between 2010 and 2023. The compiled results showed that these fruits, their leaves, and seeds have great antioxidant activity and are a good source of phytochemicals, especially phenolic compounds. In vitro and in vivo studies indicate that these bioactive compounds have several health benefits related to the prevention or treatment of diseases, including antioxidant effects; anti-inflammatory effects; and antidiabetic, antidepressant, neuroprotective, antiproliferative, anticancer, hypolipemic, cardioprotective, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective effects, and they are particularly related to the reduction of damage from oxidative stress. This review highlights the potential of these fruits as functional foods and for therapeutic purposes. However, it is recommended to conduct more studies on the identification and quantification of phytochemicals present in these fruits and studies in humans to better understand the mechanisms of action related to their effects and to understand the interaction of these compounds with the human body, as well as to prove the safety and efficacy of these compounds on health.

Neuroinflammatory Response and Redox-regulation Activity of Hyperoside in Manganese-induced Neurotoxicity Model of Wistar Rats

BACKGROUND

Excessive manganese exposure can lead to neurotoxicity with detrimental effects on the brain. Neuroinflammatory responses and redox regulation play pivotal roles in this process. Exploring the impact of hyperoside in a Wistar rat model offers insights into potential neuroprotective strategies against manganese-induced neurotoxicity.

OBJECTIVE

The study investigated the neuroprotective efficacy of hyperoside isolated from the ethanol leaf extract of Gongronema latifolium (HELEGL), in the brain tissue of Wistar rats following 15 consecutive days of exposure to 30 mg/L of MnCl2.

METHODS

Control animals in Group 1 had access to regular drinking water, while animals in groups 2-4 were exposed to MnCl2 in their drinking water. Groups 3 and 4 also received additional HELEGL at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg of body weight, respectively. In Group 5, HELEGL at a dose of 100 mg/kg of body weight was administered alone. Treatment with HELEGL commenced on day 8 via oral administration.

RESULTS

HELEGL effectively mitigated MnCl2-induced memory impairment, organ-body weight discrepancies, and fluid intake deficits. Exposure to MnCl2 increased the activities or levels of various markers such as acyl peptide hydrolase, tumour necrosis factor-α, dipeptidyl peptidase IV, nitric oxide, IL-1β, prolyl oligopeptidase, caspase-3, myeloperoxidase, H2O2, and malondialdehyde, while it decreased the activities or levels of others, including AChE, BChE, DOPA, serotonin, epinephrine, norepinephrine, GST, GPx, CAT, SOD, GSH, and T-SH (p < 0.05). In contrast, HELEGL effectively counteracted the adverse effects of MnCl2 by alleviating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, mitochondrial dysfunction, cognitive deficits, and bolstering the antioxidant status. Moreover, HELEGL restored the normal histoarchitecture of the brain, which had been distorted by MnCl2.

CONCLUSION

In summary, HELEGL reversed the causative factors of neurodegenerative diseases induced by MnCl2 exposure, suggesting its potential for further exploration as a prospective therapeutic agent in the management of Alzheimer's disease and related forms of dementia.

Quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside-rich fraction demonstrated efficacy against infectious, secretory, and osmotic models of diarrhoeal rats

BACKGROUND

The prevalence of diarrhoea remains high despite efforts by governments and NGOs to reverse trend. This study investigated the antidiarrhoeal activity and mechanism of Spondias mombin leaf fraction rich in quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (Q3G-RF) because of the acclaimed therapeutic efficacy. Secretory, osmotic, and infectious diarrhoea models using castor oil, magnesium sulphate, and Shigella flexneri respectively were evaluated at the doses of 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg in Wistar rats. Enteropathy was induced with castor oil and magnesium sulphate, while gastrointestinal motility was determined with charcoal meal.

RESULTS

Findings showed no mortality after 14 days of experimental period and no significant changes in behaviour, food, and water consumption. Relative to control, Q3G-RF inhibited the three models of diarrhoea, enteropathy, and gastrointestinal motility; bacterial colonies were reduced by Q3G-RF, while it improved the relative body weight of the animals. Q3G-RF also increased the intestinal concentration/activity of glucose, total protein, and Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase but reduced the concentration of TNF-α, PGE₂, IL-1β, nitric oxide, Na⁺, K⁺, and Cl^- in the diarrhoeal models. The intestinal fluid level of K⁺, Na⁺, and Cl^- was significantly decreased by Q3G-RF in the enteropathy model. Length of the small intestine in the motility model was also increased by Q3G-RF, while peristaltic index and inhibition of peristalsis were reduced.

CONCLUSION

Overall, quercetin-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside from Spondias mombin leaves demonstrated efficacy against infectious, secretory, and osmotic form of diarrhoeal and further justified its traditional use in the treatment of diarrhoea due to its antimotility, antisecretory, and antimicrobial properties by mechanism related to enhanced Na⁺-K⁺ ATPase, repressed nitric oxide, and suppressed prostaglandins.

Nutritional benefits, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemistry, pharmacological properties and toxicity of Spondias mombin Linn: a comprehensive review

OBJECTIVES

Spondias mombin is traditionally used as an herbal medicine for several human diseases and ailments in the tropical regions across the globe including the African countries. This study aimed to provide comprehensive information on nutritional benefits, ethnomedicinal uses, phytochemical constituents, pharmacological properties and toxicology study of S. mombin. Information was gathered from documented literatures in scientific database.

KEY FINDINGS

The study revealed that S. mombin has nutritional values; with the leaf, fruit, flower, seed, and stem bark possessing a wide range of ethnomedicinal uses across several regions, with documented pharmacological properties. S. mombin has a frequent rate of ethnomedicinal utility in cases of abortion, constipation, fever, gonorrhea, postpartum hemorrhage, digestive pain, diarrhoea, dysentery and wounds. Ethnopharmacological studies showed that crude extracts and chemical compounds from S. mombin manifested in vivo and in vitro biological and pharmacological activities. About 102 isolated compounds from the leaf, fruit, or stem bark of S. mombin have been reported.

SUMMARY

Overall, S. mombin has several nutritive and ethnomedicinal benefits owing to its chemical constituents, which are linkable to the several pharmacological activities. There remains however, the need for dosage intake caution, upon the advice of medical professionals.

Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 and Preeclampsia: A New Perspective

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Preeclampsia (PE) is a serious and distinct type of pregnancy-induced hypertension, with an incidence of 2-8% worldwide. PE is defined as pregnancy-related hypertension with proteinuria and peripheral edema after 20 weeks of gestation. Hypoxic placenta triggers the release of inflammatory and humoral substances into maternal circulation, leading to induction of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, endothelial dysfunction, and peripheral vasoconstriction. The objective of the present narrative review was to find the association between PE and hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1) in pregnant women from a new perspective.

RECENT FINDINGS

HIF-1 is the key transcription factor that regulates cellular responses to hypoxia and low oxygen tension. HIF-1α is involved in the differentiation and growth of the placenta mainly in the first and second trimesters. During normal gestation, HIF-1α responds to the alterations in oxygen tension, cytokine, and angiogenic factors release. HIF-1α is considered a key biomarker of placental function and vascularization during pregnancy. HIF-1α plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of PE through activation of anti-angiogenic and inhibition of proangiogenic factors. As well, HIF-1α increases the expression of the p38MAPK and NLRP3 inflammasomes, which promote placental inflammation and dysfunction. HIF-1α acts as a potential link between inflammatory signaling pathways and the development of PE.