Protective effects of amifostine, curcumin and caffeic acid phenethyl ester against cisplatin-induced testis tissue damage in rats

Protective effect of curcumin on testicular damage caused by carbon tetrachloride exposure in rats

Context Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) is a chemical that is still widely used in industry and has been shown to cause structural defects in rat testicles through oxidative stress. Aims In our study, the effect of curcumin on CCl4 -mediated testicular damage was investigated. Methods Twenty-four adult Wistar albino male rats weighing 300-350g were divided into four groups: control group (olive oil was applied by gavage every consecutive day for 3weeks); curcumin and CCl4 +curcumin groups (200mg/kg curcumin dissolved in olive oil was given by gavage once a day, every consecutive day for 3weeks); and CCl4 and CCl4 +curcumin groups (0.5mL/kg CCl4 was dissolved in olive oil at a ratio of 1/1 and given by i.p. injection every other day for 3weeks). Tissue samples were examined histopathologically, histomorphometrically, immunohistochemically and biochemically. Key results CCl4 disrupted both testicular morphology and testosterone synthesis, whereas curcumin treatment resulted in an improvement in testicular morphology and biochemical parameters, as well as a decrease in caspase-3 and tumour necrosis factor-α expression. Conclusions Curcumin has a protective effect on testicular tissue damage caused by CCl4 with its anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic and antioxantioxidant properties. Implications Curcumin can prevent testicular damage due to CCl4 , an environmental pollutant.

Alpha-pinene neutralizes cisplatin-induced reproductive toxicity in male rats through activation of Nrf2 pathway

PURPOSE

Testicular toxicity is one of the most important side effects of cisplatin (CP) therapy. Alpha-pinene (AP) is a naturally occurring monoterpene with antioxidant character in plants. Here, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic activity of AP against CP-induced testicular toxicity by including the nuclear factor erythroid 2-associated factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway in rats.

METHODS

Thirty male rats were divided into 5 groups: control, CP, CP + AP (5 and 10 mg/kg) and only AP (10 mg/kg). CP was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 5 mg/kg on the first day, followed by three consecutive injections of AP. Serum reproductive hormone levels were evaluated using ELISA kits. Oxidative stress (OS), inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS) and apoptosis markers in testicular tissue were also determined colorimetrically. In addition, how CP affects Nrf2 pathway and the effect of AP on this situation were also addressed.

RESULTS

Treatment with CP significantly increased OS, inflammation, ERS and apoptosis in testicular tissue. Administrations of AP resulted in an amelioration of these altered parameters. The mechanism of therapeutic effect of AP appeared to involve induction of Nrf2. Furthermore, these results were also confirmed by histological data.

CONCLUSION

Results suggest that AP can exhibit therapeutic effects against CP-induced testicular toxicity. It can be concluded that AP may be a potential molecule to abolish reproductive toxicity after chemotherapy.

Bioactive compounds as potential alternative treatments to prevent cancer therapy-induced male infertility

About 8-12% of couples experience infertility, with male infertility being the cause in 50% of cases. Several congenital and acquired conditions, including chronic diseases and their treatments, can contribute to male infertility. Prostate cancer incidence increases annually by roughly 3%, leading to an increment in cancer treatments that have adverse effects on male fertility. To preserve male fertility post-cancer survival, conventional cancer treatments use sperm cryopreservation and hormone stimulation. However, these techniques are invasive, expensive, and unsuitable in prepubertal patients lacking mature sperm cells. Alternatively, nutritional therapies enriched with bioactive compounds are highlighted as non-invasive approaches to prevent male infertility that are easily implementable and cost-effective. In fact, curcumin and resveratrol are two examples of bioactive compounds with chemo-preventive effects at the testicular level. In this article, we summarize and discuss the literature regarding bioactive compounds and their mechanisms in preventing cancer treatment-induced male infertility. This information may lead to novel opportunities for future interventions.

Melatonin exhibits partial protective effects against gemcitabine- and cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries in mice

Cisplatin has the potential to cause kidney and reproductive organ injuries, prompting the search for protective agents against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone, has shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress in various organs. However, its protective effects on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries have not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the potential protective effects of melatonin on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries when administered in combination with gemcitabine in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a seven-week treatment with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, with or without melatonin intervention. The testis, epididymis, and kidney were assessed through histological analysis and measurement of blood parameters. Treatment with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, histological abnormalities, and alterations in reproductive hormone levels. Melatonin exhibited a slight protective effect on the testis, with higher doses of melatonin yielding better outcomes. However, melatonin did not reverse the effects of cisplatin on the epididymis. Administration of melatonin before and during treatment with cisplatin plus gemcitabine in mice demonstrated a modest protective effect on testicular injuries, while showing limited effects on epididymal injuries. Serum creatinine levels in the group treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment and high-dose melatonin approached those of the control group, indicating a protective effect on the kidney. These findings underscore the potential of melatonin as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries and emphasize the need for further research to optimize its dosage and evaluate its long-term effects.

Exploring Nrf2 as a therapeutic target in testicular dysfunction

Testicular dysfunction, a major contributory factor to infertility, has received a lot of attention over the recent years. Several studies have linked abnormal sperm function and morphology with an enhanced generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and oxidative stress. The nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2 (Nrf2) is a transcriptional response to cellular stresses (intrinsic or extrinsic) that regulates the oxidative status, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, and proteostasis. In this review, the therapeutic role of Nrf2 was explored. To do so, scientific data were retrieved from databases such as Elsevier, Wiley, Web of Science, Springer, PubMed, Taylor and Francis, and Google Scholar using search terms such as "Nrf2" and "testis," "sperm," "testicular function," and "testosterone." It has been noted that Nrf2 influences the physiology and pathology of testicular dysfunction, especially in the spermatogenic process, by regulating cellular resistance to oxidative stress, inflammation, and environmental toxicants. However, numerous compounds serve as activators and inhibitors of testicular Nrf2. Nrf2 activators might play a therapeutic role in the prevention and treatment of testicular dysfunction, while molecules that inhibit Nrf2 might induce dysfunction in testis components. Nrf2 activators protect cells against oxidative damage and activate Nrf2/KEAP1 signaling which promotes its movement to the nucleus, and increased Nrf2 function and expression, along with their downstream antioxidant gene. Nrf2 inhibitors facilitate oxidative stress via interfering with the Nrf2 signal pathway. The Nrf2 activation could serve as a promising therapeutic target for testicular dysfunction. This review explored the effect of Nrf2 on testicular function while highlighting potential activators and inhibitors of Nrf2.

Impact of caffeic acid on the testicular damages in D-galactose-induced aging model in mice

OBJECTIVES

Aging is a biological phenomenon that causes various disorders and diseases in body systems such as the reproductive system. One of the important factors in aging is oxidative stress, which facilitates the aging process through various mechanisms. The aim of this study is the investigation of effects of caffeic acid on the testicular damages in Dgalactose induced aging model in mice.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Forty male mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n=8): 1) Control, 2) Sham, 3) Aging, 4) Aging + caffeic acid, and 5) Caffeic acid. Aging was induced through daily injection of D-Galactose (300 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) for 6 weeks. Caffeic acid (60 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) was injected daily for 6 weeks. One day after the last injection mice were killed and the testicle and epididymis were removed. Then, sperm parameters, factors of oxidative stress, and histopathological changes were evaluated.

RESULTS

The results showed that aging significantly decreased the count, motility, and viability of sperm, and increased abnormal sperm and sperm DNA fragmentation in contrast to the control group (P<0.05). In addition, MDA levels increased significantly in this group, and SOD, GPx, and TAC activity decreased (P<0.05). Histological studies also showed the destruction of seminiferous tubules, and Johnson's score decreased (P<0.05). Caffeic acid administration significantly improved the above disarrays (P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The results showed that caffeic acid reduces the adverse effects of aging on spermatogenesis in mice by reducing oxidative stress and increasing antioxidant defenses.

Melatonin Attenuates Cisplatin-Induced Ototoxicity via Regulating the Cell Apoptosis of the Inner Ear

Objective

The mechanism of ototoxicity caused by cisplatin is currently unclear, and the induced apoptosis may play an important role in inner ear injury. Melatonin has high antioxidant and antiapoptotic effects. This study is aimed at clarifying the protective effect on the inner ear and the underlying mechanism of melatonin.

Design

The mice and HEI-OC1 cells were randomly separated into four groups: control group, cisplatin group, melatonin group, and cisplatin exposure after melatonin pretreatment group. Place and Duration of the Study. From September 2018 to September 2021, all experiments were completed at the Second Hospital of Shandong University. And the study was approved by the Ethics Committee of the Second Hospital of Shandong University (KYLL-2020 (KJ) A-0191). Methodology. Mice were pretreated with peritoneal injection of melatonin prior to the application of cisplatin. Auditory Brainstem Response (ABR) test was performed before and after treatment, then the temporal bones were collected for histology investigation. HEI-OC1 cells were pretreated with melatonin before adding cisplatin. The apoptosis of HEI-OC1 cells was observed by MTS, TUNEL, and flow cytometry, respectively. Moreover, the mRNA expression of apoptosis-related factors was detected by qRT-PCR.

Results

ABR and morphological analysis showed that cisplatin caused damage to the function and structure of the inner ear. MTS, TUNEL, and flow cytometry showed that the application of cisplatin caused a significant increase in the apoptosis level of HEI-OC1 cells, and melatonin pretreatment reduced this damage. Moreover, melatonin pretreatment reversed the mRNA expression changes of apoptosis-related factors induced by cisplatin.

Conclusions

Apoptosis is involved in the inner ear dysfunction caused by cisplatin. Melatonin reduces the ototoxicity of cisplatin by regulating the induced apoptosis response.

The Effect of Selenium Nanoparticles versus Royal Jelly against Cisplatin-Induced Testicular Toxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats: A Light and Transmission Electron Microscopic Study

Background and Aim

Cisplatin (Cis) is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent. However, it produces severe testicular toxicity. It was reported that some antioxidants could overcome this toxicity. Selenium nanoparticles and royal jelly (RJ) were among these reported antioxidants. Therefore, this study was designed to compare these two antioxidants in protecting the testes against Cis-induced toxicity.

Materials and Methods

This study was conducted on sixty healthy adult male albino rats (weight: 200-220 g) randomized into six groups, ten animals each. Group I (control), Group II (animals received intragastric Nano Selenium), Group III (animals received intragastric RJ), Group IV (animals received an IP injection of Cis 7 mg/kg), Group V (animals received intragastric Nano Selenium, and Cis injection), and Group VI (animals received intragastric RJ and Cis injection). After 10 days, the animals were sacrificed by cervical decapitation. The testes were weighted, and specimens from the left testis were processed for histological and immunohistochemical techniques, whereas specimens from the right testes were prepared for transmission electron microscopic examination.

Results

Cis-treated animals had significantly reduced weight of their testes. Light microscopic examination revealed severe histopathological changes in the germinal epithelium and Leydig cells, confirmed with electron microscopic examination. There was a significant increase in the color area percentage of Caspase-3 immunostaining of the germinal epithelium and Leydig cells, compared to that of the control group. Group II and III were similar to control group. Both Groups V and VI revealed significant preservation compared to the Cis group.

Conclusion

Selenium nanoparticles and RJ partially improved testis from Cis-induced toxicity, However, there was no significant difference between both groups.

The role of amifostine in preventing radiotherapy induced testicular tissue damage in rats

The germinal epithelium of the adult testis is susceptible to radiation induced damage. Amifostine is a drug used to prevent the side effects of radiotherapy (RT) and chemotherapy. We investigated the protective role of amifostine against RT induced damage to rat testis using the TUNEL assay. We used adult male rats divided equally into four groups: untreated control group; amifostine group, 200 mg/kg amifostine/day for 3 days; RT-saline group, 2 Gy/day local irradiation of testes for 3 days; RT-amifostine group, 2 Gy/day local irradiation of testes for 3 days plus 200 mg/kg amifostine 30 min before each irradiation. Four weeks after treatment, rats were sacrificed for histological examination and apoptosis was assessed using the TUNEL method. The TUNEL staining density was obtained by evaluating separate seminiferous tubules selected randomly from each section using the stereological fractionator method. Apoptosis in the seminiferous tubules in the control group and amifostine groups were evaluated as spontaneous. Frequent apoptosis was observed in the RT-saline group; a statistically significant difference was observed between the RT treated and untreated groups. Administration of amifostine 30 min before RT protected the testicular germ cells against apoptosis.

Lycopene and Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester Affect Caspase-3 Activity, but Do Not Alter the NO Pathway in Lung Tissue Damage Induced by Cisplatin

INTRODUCTION

Antioxidants such as lycopene (LCP) and caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) represent ideal molecules for the treatment of different reactive oxygen species (ROS) associated disorders. Cisplatin is a chemotherapeutic agent, causing an increase in ROS and DNA damage, with numerous side effects, which include lung toxicity. In the presents study, we evaluated and mutually compared the potential of LCP and CAPE in preventing cisplatin-induced rat lung damage.

METHODS

The study was done using pathohistological analysis and a panel of biochemical parameters that reflect lung oxidative tissue damage, inflammation, and apoptosis.

RESULTS

The obtained results suggest that cisplatin (10 mg/kg) causes significant disturbances in the lung tissue morphology, followed by an increase in lipid peroxidization and protein modification. Also, a pronounced inflammatory response and cell apoptosis cascade activation was noted. Both LCP and CAPE were able to mitigate the changes, to a different extent, in oxidative damage and apoptosis progression induced by cisplatin. However, they both had limited effect on inflammation since they only prevented an increase in myeloperoxidase activity but had not been able to prevent the NO generation.

CONCLUSION

It is hard to be exact in saying whether LCP or CAPE is better in preventing cis-platin-induced lung damage since they obviously possess different mechanisms of action.

Ameliorative effects of curcumin and caffeic acid against short term exposure of waterpipe tobacco smoking on lung, heart and kidney in mice

This study aims to evaluate the chemopreventive activity of two antioxidants (curcumin [CUM] and caffeic acid [CAF]), focusing on how these antioxidants could reduce cytotoxicity induced by short term secondhand exposure of waterpipe tobacco smoking. Forty-eight adult male BALB/c albino mice were equally divided into four groups. Antioxidants were delivered intraperitoneally, and the exposure to waterpipe smoking (WPS) was performed using a smoking machine. This experiment lasts for 14 consecutive days. Serum were collected from mice before dissection to quantify the activity of some liver enzymes, kidney function tests and proinflammatory cytokines. Lung, heart, and kidney were isolated and processed for light microscopy technique. Parallel treatment of CUM or CAF along with exposure to WPS showed less inflammation, less vacuolized, and more inflated alveoli, less deteriorations in cortex part of kidney, and less disintegration of cardiac myofibers in comparison to waterpipe only. Besides, CUM and CAF significantly reduced the activity of aspartate aminotransferase and proinflammatory cytokines. CUM and CAF were found to have anti-inflammatory and ameliorative effects against the cytotoxicity induced by exposure to waterpipe tobacco smoking, and CUM showed better chemopreventive activity than CAF.

Radioprotective Effects of Kelulut Honey in Zebrafish Model

Large doses of ionizing radiation can damage human tissues. Therefore, there is a need to investigate the radiation effects as well as identify effective and non-toxic radioprotectors. This study evaluated the radioprotective effects of Kelulut honey (KH) from stingless bee (Trigona sp.) on zebrafish (Danio rerio) embryos. Viable zebrafish embryos at 24 hpf were dechorionated and divided into four groups, namely untreated and non-irradiated, untreated and irradiated, KH pre-treatment and amifostine pre-treatment. The embryos were first treated with KH (8 mg/mL) or amifostine (4 mM) before irradiation at doses of 11 Gy to 20 Gy using gamma ray source, caesium-137 (¹³⁷Cs). Lethality and abnormality analysis were performed on all of the embryos in the study. Immunohistochemistry assay was also performed using selected proteins, namely γ-H2AX and caspase-3, to investigate DNA damages and incidences of apoptosis. KH was found to reduce coagulation effects at up to 20 Gy in the lethality analysis. The embryos developed combinations of abnormality, namely microphthalmia (M), body curvature and microphthalmia (BM), body curvature with microphthalmia and microcephaly (BMC), microphthalmia and pericardial oedema (MO), pericardial oedema (O), microphthalmia with microcephaly and pericardial oedema (MCO) and all of the abnormalities (AA). There were more abnormalities developed from 24 to 72 h (h) post-irradiation in all groups. At 96 h post-irradiation, KH was identified to reduce body curvature effect in the irradiated embryos (up to 16 Gy). γ-H2AX and caspase-3 intensities in the embryos pre-treated with KH were also found to be lower than the untreated group at gamma irradiation doses of 11 Gy to 20 Gy and 11 Gy to 19 Gy, respectively. KH was proven to increase the survival rate of zebrafish embryos and exhibited protection against organ-specific abnormality. KH was also found to possess cellular protective mechanism by reducing DNA damage and apoptosis proteins expression.

Phytochemical and Biological Evaluation of a Newly Designed Nutraceutical Self-Nanoemulsifying Self-Nanosuspension for Protection and Treatment of Cisplatin Induced Testicular Toxicity in Male Rats

The incorporation of cisplatin (CP) as a cytotoxic antineoplastic agent in most chemotherapeutic protocols is a challenge due to its toxic effect on testicular tissues. Natural compounds present a promising trend in research, so a new nutraceutical formulation (NCF) was designed to diminish CP spermatotoxicity. A combination of three nutraceutical materials, 250 mg Spirulina platensis powder (SP), 25 mg Tribulus terrestris L. extract (TT), and 100 mg fish oil (FO) were formulated in self-nanoemulsifying self-nanosuspension (SNESNS). SP was loaded into the optimized self-nanoemulsifying system (30% FO, 50% span 80/cremophor EL and 20% isopropanol) and mixed with TT aqueous solution to form SNESNS. For the SP, phytochemical profiling revealed the presence of valuable amounts of fatty acids (FAs), amino acids, flavonoids, polyphenols, vitamins, and minerals. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and particle size analysis confirmed the formation of nanoemulsion-based nanosuspension upon dilution. Method validation of the phytochemical constituents in NCF has been developed. Furthermore, NCF was biologically evaluated on male Wistar rats and revealed the improvement of spermatozoa, histopathological features, and biochemical markers over the CP and each ingredient group. Our findings suggest the potential of NCF with SNESNS as a delivery system against CP-induced testicular toxicity in male rats.

Cisplatin induced testicular damage through mitochondria mediated apoptosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in rats: impact of resveratrol

The target of this study was to explore the role of mitochondria mediated apoptosis and inflammation in cisplatin-induced testicular damage and to evaluate the ameliorative effect of resveratrol. Adult male Wistar rats were randomly allocated to 4 groups. Group I (Control) received normal saline, Group II (Resveratrol) received resveratrol (50 mg/kg/day), Group III (Cisplatin) received cisplatin (7.5 mg/kg/week, i.p.) and Group IV (Resveratrol + Cisplatin) received resveratrol and cisplatin in the same regimen of treatment. Treatment with resveratrol in Groups II and IV started 48h before cisplatin injection and continued for further 4 successive weeks. Cisplatin-treated rats showed reduced body weight, absolute testes weight and sperm count, motility and viability. On the other hand, cisplatin treatment increased the percentage of sperm abnormalities. It also decreased serum testosterone level, mitochondrial membrane potential while, increased cytochrome C liberation from the mitochondria into the cytosol. The activities of caspase-3 & -9 were increased. The level of TNF-α, IL-6 and Bax were increased whereas Bcl-2 was decreased. Oxidative stress markers were found to increase with a concomitant reduction in the antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels. These results were confirmed by immunohistochemical and histopathological analysis. Contrary to all these results, there were improvements in cisplatin induced testicular damage through attenuation of mitochondria mediated apoptosis, inflammation, and oxidative stress owing to resveratrol pretreatment. Thus, resveratrol, as a potential therapeutic agent, may hold promise in preventing mitochondria mediated apoptosis and inflammation in cisplatin-induced testicular damage in rats.

Caffeic Acid Phenethyl Ester (CAPE) Induced Apoptosis in Serous Ovarian Cancer OV7 Cells by Deregulation of BCL2/BAX Genes

Ovarian cancer has the worst prognosis among all gynecological cancers. Therefore, it seems reasonable to seek new drugs that may improve the effectiveness of treatment or mitigate the adverse effects of chemotherapy. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE) has many beneficial biological properties. The aim of the study was to assess the anticancer properties of CAPE against serum ovarian carcinoma cells. The morphology of the cells was evaluated in H-E staining and in transmission electron microscopy. The cytotoxic and proapoptotic activity of CAPE was investigated by using the XTT-NR-SRB assay, qRT-PCR analysis of BAX/BCL2 expression, and by cytometric evaluation. CAPE causes constriction in OV7 cells, numerous granulomas were observed in the cytoplasm, the cell nuclei were pyknotic. Autophagosomal vacuoles could suggest the occurrence of aponecrosis. CAPE significantly decreased the lysosomal activity and the total synthesis of cellular proteins. CAPE exhibited, dose and time dependent, cytotoxic activity against OV7 serum ovarian cancer cells. In OV7 cells CAPE induced apoptosis via dysregulation of BAX/BCL2 balance, while activated proapoptotic BAX gene expression level was 10 times higher than BCL2.

Curcumin Supplementation Alleviates Polymyxin E-Induced Nephrotoxicity

Background

The last-line agent for gram-negative bacteria that have developed resistance towards commonly used antibiotics is polymyxin E (PolyE). The renal toxicity attributed to this agent limits its use, proper dosing, and eventually its clinical efficacy. Although the exact mechanism of PolyE-induced nephrotoxicity is not obvious, some investigations suggest the role of oxidative stress and its associated events in this complication. Curcumin (CUR) is a potent antioxidant molecule. The aim of the current investigation was the evaluation of the potential nephroprotective properties of CUR in PolyE-treated mice.

Materials and Methods

Mice were randomly allocated into five groups (n = 8 per group). PolyE (15 mg/kg/day, i.v, for 7 days) alone or in combination with CUR (10, 100 and 200 mg/kg, i.p) were administered to mice. Renal injury biomarkers, in addition to markers of oxidative stress and kidney histopathological alterations, were evaluated.

Results

Plasma creatinine (Cr) and blood urine nitrogen (BUN) significantly raised in PolyE group. Oxidative stress biomarkers consisting of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) also increased, and concomitantly GSH and antioxidant capacity of renal cells significantly decreased following the use of PolyE. Interstitial nephritis, tissue necrosis, and glomerular atrophy were all induced by the use of PolyE in the mice kidney. CUR (10, 100, and 200 mg/kg, i.p) treatment alleviated PolyE-induced oxidative stress and histopathological alterations in the kidney tissue significantly.

Conclusion

According to the results of this study, CUR has a protective role against renal toxicity induced by PolyE. Hence, more research is necessary until this compound could be clinically applicable to alleviate PolyE-induced renal injury.

Caffeic acid phenethyl ester attenuates changes in pancreatic tissue damage biomarkers induced by cisplatin

Application of cisplatin (CP) for the treatment of different cancers is known to cause pancreatitis through an increase in reactive oxygen species production and promotion of inflammation. Caffeic acid phenethyl ester (CAPE), the main activity carrier of propolis extracts, was previously found to possess numerous beneficial properties. This study aims to determine for the first time the potential of CAPE in preventing CP-induced pancreatic tissue damage by studying the changes occurring on both biochemical and microscopic levels. The levels of serum α-amylase and a panel of pancreatic tissue biomarkers related to tissue injury (reduced glutathione, xanthine oxidase, malondialdehyde, and protein carbonylated concentration) and inflammation (myeloperoxidase, nitric oxide, and umor necrosis factor alpha) were studied in male Wistar rats treated with either CP alone or with CP and CAPE. Additionally, microscopic analysis of pancreatic tissue would be conducted as well. Application of CAPE together with CP statistically significantly prevented the disturbance in all here-studied pancreatic tissue damage and inflammation-related biomarkers. The changes in pancreas biochemical status was followed by morphological disturbance. The results of the present study suggest that CAPE could act as a protective agent in pancreatic damage that arises after CP application.

Assessment of the effect of sodium hydrogen sulfide (hydrogen sulfide donor) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in rats

Cisplatin (CIS) is an antineoplastic drug able to produce free radicals that are capable to induce various side effects in different tissues. Hydrogen sulfide (H₂S) has notable antioxidant, anti-apoptotic, and anti-inflammatory effects in different systems but its role in male reproductive system is not fully understood. In the present research, the effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS) on cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity in male rats was studied. Thirty-two Sprague-Dawley rats were equally divided into 4 groups. The control group was treated with normal saline by intraperitoneal injection. The NaHS group received NaHS (200 μg/kg/day) intraperitoneally for 15 days. The CIS group received single dose of cisplatin (5 mg/kg) intraperitoneally, while the combination of CIS and NaHS was given to the CIS+ NaHS group. At the end of the study, body and testicular weights, plasma testosterone level, histological and morphometrical alterations, inflammation via IL-1β protein, lipid peroxidation, and activity of antioxidant enzymes (including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase) of testicular tissue were evaluated. CIS injection revealed a significant decrease (p < 0.01) in body and testis weights, plasma testosterone concentration, diameter of seminiferous tubules, germinal epithelium thickness, the number of Sertoli cells, spermatogonia and spermatocyte, Johnsen's testicular score, and testicular antioxidant enzymes, whereas it caused a significant increase (p < 0.01) in lumen diameter of the seminiferous tubules, level of lipid peroxidation, and IL-1β protein expression when compared with the control group. NaHS administration to CIS-treated rats provided marked improvement (p < 0.05) in all biochemical, histological, and morphometrical changes induced by CIS. The beneficial effects of NaHS were mediated, at least partly, by its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.

The radioprotective effect of N-acetylcysteine against x-radiation-induced renal injury in rats

The purpose of this study was therefore to investigate the effects of radiotherapy on the kidney and the potential use of agents such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in developing a future therapeutic protocol for radiation-induced nephrotoxicity at the histopathological and biochemical levels. Our study consisted of three groups: control (oral saline solution only; group 1), irradiation (IR; group 2), and NAC + IR (group 3). The irradiation groups received a single dose of whole-body 6-Gy x-irradiation. The NAC group received 300 mg/kg by the oral route for 7 days, from 5 days before irradiation to 2 days after. All subjects were sacrificed under anesthesia 2 days after irradiation. IR increased tubular necrosis scores (TNS), MDA, and caspase-3 expression, while reducing renal tissue GSH levels. We also observed dilation in renal corpuscles and tubules. Capillary congestion was present in the intertubular spaces. NAC reduced the levels of TNS, MDA, and caspase-3 expression, but increased the levels of renal tissue GSH. ROS-scavenging antioxidants may represent a promising means of preventing renal injury in patients undergoing radiotherapy.

Effects of Infliximab against Methotrexate Toxicity in Splenic Tissue via the Regulation of CD3, CD68, and C200R in Rats

Methotrexate (MTX), which has been used in clinical practice for approximately 70 years, is still widely employed in the treatment of rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriasis, and cancer. Although MTX toxicity causes nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, bone marrow suppression, pulmonary fibrosis, and gastrointestinal damage, previous studies have not addressed splenic toxicity. This is the first study to examine the effectiveness of infliximab (INF) against MTX-induced toxicity in splenic tissues via the regulation of CD3, CD68, and C200R. We investigated the effects of MTX on macrophages and T lymphocytes in the spleen at the molecular level and examined the protective potential of the tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α antagonist INF against MTX toxicity. Three groups of rats were set up. Group 1 received saline solution only, group 2 a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg), and group 3 INF (7 mg/kg) before administration of a single dose of MTX (20 mg/kg). All injections were given intraperitoneally. Spleen tissues were removed 5 days after MTX administration and evaluated for CD3, CD68, and CD200R using immunohistochemical staining. Finally, the mean numerical density of CD3+, CD68+, and CD200R+ cells was estimated by a histopathologist using StereoInvestigator 8. MTX increased the numerical densities of CD3+, CD68+, and CD200R+ cells (p < 0.05). We also observed that INF reduced the numerical densities of these cells following MTX administration (p < 0.05). INF may, therefore, be a promising candidate for the prevention of the deleterious effects on spleen tissue of MTX, used in the treatment of RA and cancer.

Candesartan in a rat model of testicular toxicity: New insight on its protective mechanism

IMPACT STATEMENT

Cisplatin is a commonly used drug in the treatment of solid tumors and its application is associated with testicular toxicity. The effect of candesartan in cisplatin-induced testicular toxicity and its fundamental mechanism of action were investigated. Candesartan had certainly repaired the testicular injury and ameliorated both biochemical and histopathological changes. Candesartan mitigated the gonadotoxicity induced by cisplatin via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic actions.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on radiotherapy-induced small intestinal damage in rats

IMPACT STATEMENT

Some six million cancer patients currently receive radiotherapy. Radiotherapy eliminates cancer cells by accelerating their death. However, radiotherapy is not selective, and it therefore harms healthy tissues around cancerous tissue. The latest studies have shown that the irradiation of biological materials causes a rapid increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the tissue as a result of exposure of the target molecule to direct and indirect ionization. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant that permits the elimination of free oxygen radicals and that contributes to glutathione synthesis. Our study, therefore, examined the effects of radiation resulting from radiotherapy on the small intestine at the molecular level, and prospectively considered the potential protective characteristics of NAC against gastrointestinal syndrome resulting from radiotherapy.