Attenuation effect of Abnormal Savda Munziq on liver and heart toxicity caused by chemotherapy in mice

Anticancer Potential of Valencia Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) Skin Extract against Cervical Cancer Cells In Vitro and in Nude Mouse Xenograft Models

This study investigated the impact of Valencia KK4-type peanut skin ethanolic extract (KK4-PSE) combined with cisplatin or 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) on HeLa cells in vitro and in xenograft models. At exposure times of 24, 48 and 72 h, KK4-PSE inhibited the growth of HeLa cells with a half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of 79.43 ± 0.54, 55.55 ± 1.57 and 41.32 ± 0.74 µg/mL, respectively. Drug interactions evaluated by the Chou-Talalay method demonstrated that KK4-PSE enhanced antiproliferative activity of 5-FU against HeLa cells with combination index (CI) values of 0.49 (48 h) and 0.60 (72 h), indicating a synergistic effect, while KK4-PSE combined with cisplatin exhibited an additive effect (CI = 1.02) at 72 h, and an antagonistic effect at 24 and 48 h exposures (CI = 1.12 and 1.18, respectively). In nude mouse xenograft models, the combination of 5-FU and KK4-PSE markedly reduced HeLa tumor weights compared with the control and single agent treatments groups. The combination of KK4-PSE and 5-FU achieved greater tumor growth inhibition than that of the KK4-PSE-cisplatin combination. KK4-PSE mitigated hepatotoxicity induced by both cisplatin and 5-FU in nude mice. The spleen hyaloserositis was significantly reduced in the combination treatment of 5-FU and KK4-PSE. These results suggest that KK4-PSE has the potential to limit cervical cancer cell proliferation while reducing the toxicity of cisplatin and 5-FU.

Antimicrobial and Antioxidant Properties of Total Polyphenols of Anchusa italica Retz

Anchusa italica Retz has been used for a long time in phytotherapy. The aim of the present study was to determine the antioxidant and antibacterial activities of extracts from the leaves and roots of Anchusa italica Retz. We first determined the content of phenolic compounds and flavonoids using Folin-Ciocalteu reagents and aluminum chloride (AlCl₃). The antioxidant activity was determined using three methods: reducing power (FRAP), 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC). The antimicrobial activity was investigated against four strains of Escherichia coli, two strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae and coagulase-negative Staphylococcus, and one fungal strain of Candida albicans. The results showed that the root extract was rich in polyphenols (43.29 mg GAE/g extract), while the leave extract was rich in flavonoids (28.88 mg QE/g extract). The FRAP assay showed a strong iron reduction capacity for the root extract (IC₅₀ of 0.11 µg/mL) in comparison to ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ of 0.121 µg/mL). The DPPH test determined an IC₅₀ of 0.11 µg/mL for the root extract and an IC₅₀ of 0.14 µg/mL for the leaf extract. These values are low compared to those for ascorbic acid (IC₅₀ of 0.16 µg/mL) and BHT (IC₅₀ 0.20 µg/mL). The TAC values of the leaf and root extracts were 0.51 and 0.98 mg AAE/g extract, respectively. In vitro, the extract showed inhibitory activity against all strains studied, with diameters of zones of inhibition in the range of 11.00-16.00 mm for the root extract and 11.67-14.33 mm for the leaf extract. The minimum inhibitory concentration was recorded for the leaf extract against E. coli (ATB:57), corresponding to 5 mg/mL. Overall, this research indicates that the extracts of Anchusa italica Retz roots and leaves exert significant antioxidant and antibacterial activities, probably because of the high content of flavonoids and polyphenols.

The IL-6/STAT Signaling Pathway and PPARα Are Involved in Mediating the Dose-Dependent Cardioprotective Effects of Fenofibrate in 5-Fluorouracil-Induced Cardiotoxicity

PURPOSE

The cardiotoxicity of anticancer drugs such as 5-fluorouracil (5FU) is a major complication that challenges their clinical usefulness. Thus there is a critical need to find new protective drugs to defend against these harmful side effects. Up to now, there have been no studies evaluating the possible cardioprotective effects of fenofibrate (FEN) in 5FU-induced cardiotoxicity. Therefore, we aimed in the current model to evaluate such an effect of FEN and to explore different mechanisms mediating it.

METHODS

We used FEN (25, 50, 100 mg/kg/day) administered orally for 7 days with induction of cardiotoxicity by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of 5FU (150 mg/kg) on the fifth day.

RESULTS

The current study showed that 5FU succeeded in inducing cardiotoxicity, manifested by significantly elevated levels of cardiac enzymes, tissue malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin 6 (IL-6), signal transducer and activator of transcription 4 (STAT4), and caspase-3. Furthermore, the 5FU group showed toxic histopathological changes including marked cardiac damage and a significant decrease in reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) expression. FEN reversed 5FU-induced cardiotoxicity by various mechanisms including upregulation of PPARα, inhibition of the IL-6/STAT signaling pathway, and anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antioxidant properties.

CONCLUSION

FEN demonstrated a significant cardioprotective effect against 5FU-induced cardiac damage.

ASMq protects against early burn wound progression in rats by alleviating oxidative stress and secondary mitochondria‑associated apoptosis via the Erk/p90RSK/Bad pathway

Burn wounds present an evolutionary progression, in which the initial wound tissue deepens and expands following thermal injury. Progressive tissue damage in the zone of stasis may worsen burn injury, which is associated with oxidative stress and secondary apoptosis, and worsen the prognosis of patients with burn wounds. The mitochondrial apoptotic pathway is involved in receiving oxidative signals and regulating tissue apoptosis. Previously, Abnormal Savda Munziq (ASMq), a natural compound of traditional Uyghur Medicine, which includes ten types of herb, has been reported to exhibit a number of effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidative and anti-apoptotic activities. The present study demonstrated that ASMq protected against early burn wound progression following thermal injury in rats; this effect may be mediated by its ability to attenuate oxidative stress-induced mitochondria-associated apoptosis. The present study may provide a novel therapeutic method to prevent early burn wound progression following burn injury.

Total flavonoids from Anchusa italica Retz. Improve cardiac function and attenuate cardiac remodeling post myocardial infarction in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The plant Anchusa italica Retz. (Anchusa azurea Mill.) has been traditionally used in Uygur medicine for the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases in China. Our previous study showed that total flavonoids from Anchusa italica Retz. (TFAI) exhibited potent cardioprotection in acute ischemia/reperfusion injured rats.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was undertaken to investigate the effects of TFAI on chronic myocardial infarction (MI) in mice and the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Total flavonoids were extracted from the whole herb of Anchusa italica Retz. and were characterized using HPLC-MS analysis. The left anterior descending branch of the coronary artery was ligated to simulate MI injury in mice. After surgery, mice were orally fed with TFAI at the doses of 10, 30 and 50 mg/kg body weight/day for a total of four weeks. Cardiac function and infarct size were measured, and inflammatory mediators were detected. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining and Masson's trichrome staining were performed on heart sections. The apoptotic factors, such as Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved caspase 3, as well as the key proteins in the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway were examined by Western blot.

RESULTS

The content of total flavonoids in TFAI was 56.2%. Four weeks following the MI surgery, TFAI enhanced the survival rate in post-MI mice. TFAI treatment at the doses of 30 and 50 mg/kg remarkably reduced infarct size and improved cardiac function as indicated by elevated EF and FS. Assay of the inflammatory factors showed that sera levels of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 were markedly decreased by TFAI treatment compared to the MI group. H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining demonstrated that TFAI suppressed myocyte hypertrophy and cardiac fibrosis as indicated by the decreased cross-section area and collagen volume. Western blot analysis showed that cleaved caspase 3 and Bax/Bcl-2 were significantly downregulated following TFAI treatment. Furthermore, TFAI treatment significantly suppressed the activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our data suggest that TFAI exerts a potent protective effect against chronic MI injury, and its beneficial effects on cardiac function and cardiac remodeling might be attributable, at least in part, to anti-inflammation and inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

Luteolin prevents irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Intestinal mucositis refers to mucosal damage caused by cancer treatment, and irinotecan is one of the agents most associated with this condition. Focusing on the development of alternatives to prevent this important adverse effect, we evaluated the activity of the flavonoid luteolin, which has never been tested for this purpose despite its biological potential.

EXPERIMENTAL APPROACH

The effects of luteolin were examined on irinotecan-induced intestinal mucositis in mice. Clinical signs were evaluated. Moreover, histological, oxidative, and inflammatory parameters were analysed, as well as the possible interference of luteolin in the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan.

KEY RESULTS

Luteolin (30 mg·kg^-1 ; p.o. or i.p.) prevented irinotecan-induced intestinal damage by reducing weight loss and diarrhoea score and attenuating the shortening of the duodenum and colon. Histological analysis confirmed that luteolin (p.o.) prevented villous shortening, vacuolization, and apoptosis of cells and preserved mucin production in the duodenum and colon. Moreover, luteolin treatment mitigated irinotecan-induced oxidative stress, by reducing the levels of ROS and LOOH and augmenting endogenous antioxidants, and inflammation by decreasing MPO enzymic activity, TNF, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and increasing IL-4 and IL-10. Disruption of the tight junctions ZO-1 and occludin was also prevented by luteolin treatment. Importantly, luteolin did not interfere with the anti-tumour activity of irinotecan.

CONCLUSION AND IMPLICATIONS

Luteolin prevents intestinal mucositis induced by irinotecan and therefore could be a potential adjunct in anti-tumour therapy to control this adverse effect, increasing treatment adherence and consequently the chances of cancer remission.

Establishment of patient-derived xenograft model of peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with signet ring cells and in vivo study on the efficacy and toxicity of intraperitoneal injection of 5-fluorouracil

BACKGROUND

Pseudomyxoma peritonei (PMP) is an indolent malignancy and insensitive to systemic chemotherapy. The authors established patient-derived xenograft (PDX) model of PMP, and evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) in this model.

METHODS

Human PMP sample was collected to establish subcutaneous (s.c.) and i.p.

MODEL

In vivo study of i.p. injection of 5-FU was performed in i.p. model, with experimental peritoneal cancer index (ePCI) score and pathological examinations for evaluating the efficacy and toxicity.

RESULTS

Both s.c. and i.p. models were constructed. The average passage interval of s.c. model was 44.2 ± 5.2 days, and the i.p. model was characterized by disseminated solid tumor nodules in abdominal-pelvic cavity. Both models were diagnosed as peritoneal mucinous carcinomatosis with signet ring cells (PMCA-S). Immunohistochemical characteristics was similar to human. GNAS mutation was detected in both model and patient. In the in vivo study, average ePCI of treatment group was lower than control and vehicle group (P = .004). Histopathology revealed obvious tumor necrosis in treatment group, and decreased Ki67 positive rate (P = .010). In toxicity study, 5-FU significantly influenced body weight (P = .010) and 1 animal from treatment group died on day 14. Congestive splenomegaly was observed (88.9%). Hepatotoxicity presented as acidophilic body (55.6%), cholestasis (100%), bile canaliculus hyperplasia and obstruction (22.2%), and lymphocyte accumulation (77.8%).

CONCLUSIONS

PDX model of PMCA-S was established successfully, and i.p. 5-FU could inhibit tumor proliferation and progression, with decreased Ki67 positive rate and ePCI score. Hepatotoxicity was the main side effect.

Cardiac cell proliferation is not necessary for exercise-induced cardiac growth but required for its protection against ischaemia/reperfusion injury

The adult heart retains a limited ability to regenerate in response to injury. Although exercise can reduce cardiac ischaemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury, the relative contribution of cardiac cell proliferation including newly formed cardiomyocytes remains unclear. A 4-week swimming murine model was utilized to induce cardiac physiological growth. Simultaneously, the antineoplastic agent 5-fluorouracil (5-FU), which acts during the S phase of the cell cycle, was given to mice via intraperitoneal injections. Using EdU and Ki-67 immunolabelling, we showed that exercise-induced cardiac cell proliferation was blunted by 5-FU. In addition, the growth of heart in size and weight upon exercise was unaltered, probably due to the fact that exercise-induced cardiomyocyte hypertrophy was not influenced by 5-FU as demonstrated by wheat germ agglutinin staining. Meanwhile, the markers for pathological hypertrophy, including ANP and BNP, were not changed by either exercise or 5-FU, indicating that physiological growth still developed in the presence of 5-FU. Furthermore, we showed that CITED4, a key regulator for cardiomyocyte proliferation, was blocked by 5-FU. Meanwhile, C/EBPβ, a transcription factor responsible for both cellular proliferation and hypertrophy, was not altered by treatment with 5-FU. Importantly, the effects of exercise in reducing cardiac I/R injury could be abolished when cardiac cell proliferation was attenuated in mice treated with 5-FU. In conclusion, cardiac cell proliferation is not necessary for exercise-induced cardiac physiological growth, but it is required for exercise-associated protection against I/R injury.