Renal Damage Mediated by Oxidative Stress in Mice Treated with Aluminium Chloride: Protective Effects of Taurine

Nephroprotective Effects of Caffeine, Vanillin, and Their Combination against Experimental AlCl3-Induced Renal Toxicity in Adult Male Wistar Rats

Aluminum (Al) is known to be a nephrotoxic metal that can cause renal toxicity in both humans and animals. The use of functional foods has been reported to have significance in managing the toxic effects associated with such metals. This study aimed to assess the potential protective effects of caffeine, vanillin, and their combination in mitigating AlCl3-induced renal toxicity in adult male Wistar rats. A total of thirty (30) adult male Wistar rats weighing between 150 and 200 g were randomly divided into five groups, each consisting of six rats (n = 6). Group 1 served as the control, while the remaining treatment groups received a daily oral dose of 100 mg/kg AlCl3 for a duration of 21 days. In addition, groups 3-5 were coadministered 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) of caffeine, vanillin, and a combination (50/50 mg/kg bw) of both substances, respectively. In the results, AlCl3-treated showed a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum biomarkers such as ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine, and a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum total proteins (TPs). The renal tissue's antioxidant system, including SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH, exhibited a significant (p < 0.05) reduction, accompanied by an elevated MDA level. However, the administration of caffeine, vanillin, and their combination resulted in a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in serum ALT, ALP, urea, and creatinine, and a significant (p < 0.05) increase in serum TP. Furthermore, following the treatment, there was a significant (p < 0.05) increase in renal SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH levels, along with a reduction in the MDA level. In addition, the treatment for 21 days caused a significant (p < 0.05) reversal to the altered histomorphological architecture. These findings suggest that caffeine, vanillin, and their combination could potentially be an effective regimen in managing AlCl3-induced renal toxicity.

Hesperidin protects against aluminum-induced renal injury in rats via modulating MMP-9 and apoptosis: biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural study

Aluminum, one of the most abundant metallic elements, is known to be toxic to multiple organs including the kidneys. This study aimed to investigate the pleiotropic nephroprotective effects of Hesperidin in aluminum chloride (ALCL3)-induced renal injury, highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms underlying. Twenty-four male albino rats were divided into four groups: control, Hesperidin (80 mg/kg BW, orally), ALCL3 (10 mg/kg BW, IP), and ALCL3 + Hesperidin groups. By the end of the study, blood samples were collected, and tissue samples were harvested at sacrifice. ALCL3 rats showed dramatically declined renal function, enhanced intrarenal oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and extravagant renal histopathological damage with interstitial fibrosis as shown by a higher Endothelial, Glomerular, Tubular, and Interstitial (EGTI) score. Hesperidin significantly reversed all the aforementioned detrimental effects in ALCL3-treated rats. The study verified the nephroprotective effects of Hesperidin on ALCL3-induced renal damage and confirmed the critical role of extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling and apoptosis inhibition.

Acute Aluminum Sulfate Triggers Inflammation and Oxidative Stress, Inducing Tissue Damage in the Kidney of the Chick

In this study, a total of 20 7-day-old chicks were randomly divided into an experimental group and a control group. The experimental group was administered aluminum sulfate (Al₂(SO₄)₃) once by gavage, and the control group was sacrificed after 24 h of fasting with distilled water. Serum and kidney tissue samples from both groups were collected and compared using hematoxylin-eosin staining (H&E) and microscopy. The Paller scores increased (p < 0.01) for biochemical kidney function, redox-related indicators, and mRNA expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 (Nrf2) downstream related genes. The results showed that in the kidneys of the experimental group, renal tubular epithelial cells appeared to swell, and there was necrosis and shedding; the blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid (UA) decreased, serum creatinine (CREA) increased; nitric oxide (NO), glutathione (GSH), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents increased; NO synthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme activities increased; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), tumor necrosis factor receptor 1 (TNF-R1), tumor necrosis factor receptor 2 (TNF -R2), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA expression levels increased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01); Nrf2, glutathione S-transferase A3 (GSTA3), glutathione-S-transferase mu-1 (GSTM1), glutathione synthetase (GSS), glutamate cysteine ligase (GCLC and GCLM), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), and Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) mRNA expression levels decreased (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01) compared to the control group. Acute aluminum poisoning can cause obvious pathological changes in the structure of the kidney tissue of the chick, resulting in damage to the kidney function, as well as triggering inflammation and oxidative stress in the kidney.

The Role of Reduced Glutathione on the Activity of Adenosine Deaminase, Antioxidative System, and Aluminum and Zinc Levels in Experimental Aluminum Toxicity

Aluminum (Al) is one of the most abundant element in the world. But aluminum exposure and accumulation causes serious diseases, related with free radicals. Reduced glutathione (GSH) is a tripeptide with intracellular antioxidant effects. This study aimed to investigate the role of GSH on adenosine deaminase (ADA), antioxidant system, and aluminum and zinc (Zn) levels in acute aluminum toxicity. In this study, Sprague-Dawley rats (n = 32) were used. The rats were divided into four equal groups (n = 8). Group I received 0.5 mL intraperitoneal injection of 0.9% saline solution (NaCI), Group II received single-dose AlCI₃, Group III was given GSH for seven days, and Group IV was given AlCI₃ single dose, and at the same time, 100 mg/kg GSH was given for seven days. At the end of the trial, blood samples were collected by cardiac puncture. Serum total antioxidant status (TAS) and Zn levels were lower in the aluminum-administered group than the control group. In contrast, plasma total oxidant status (TOS) and aluminum concentrations and ADA activity were found higher in the aluminum-administered group than in the control group. Unlike the other groups, group GSH administrated with aluminum was similar to the control group. As a result, GSH administration has a regulatory effect on ADA activity, antioxidant system, and Zn levels in experimental aluminum toxicity. In addition, GSH may reduce the oxidant capacity increased by Al administration and may have a tolerant role on the accumulated serum Al levels. But long-term experimental Al toxicity studies are needed to reach a firm conclusion.

Endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial injury are critical molecular drivers of AlCl3-induced testicular and epididymal distortion and dysfunction: protective role of taurine

Aluminum, the third most plentiful metal in the Earth's crust, has potential for human exposure and harm. Oxidative stress plays an essential role in producing male infertility by inducing defects in sperm functions. We aimed to investigate the role of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial injury in the pathogenesis of aluminum chloride (AlCl3)-induced testicular and epididymal damage at the histological, biochemical, and molecular levels, and to assess the potential protective role of taurine. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were separated into four groups (12 in each): negative control, positive control, AlCl3, and AlCl3 plus taurine groups. Testes and epididymis were dissected. Histological and immunohistochemical (Bax and vimentin) studies were carried out. Gene expression of vimentin, PCNA, CHOP, Bcl-2, Bax, and XBP1 were investigated via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), besides estimation of malondialdehyde (MDA) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Light and electron microscopic examinations of the testes and epididymis revealed pathological changes emphasizing both mitochondrial injury and ER stress in the AlCl3 group. Taurine-treated rats showed a noticeable improvement in the testicular and epididymal ultrastructure. Moreover, they exhibited increased gene expression of vimentin, Bcl-2, and PNCA accompanied by decreased CHOP, Bax, and XBP1 gene expression. In conclusion, male reproductive impairment is a significant hazard associated with AlCl3 exposure. Both ER stress and mitochondrial impairment are critical mechanisms of the deterioration in the testes and epididymis induced by AlCl3, but taurine can amend this.

Acute hazard assessment of silver nanoparticles following intratracheal instillation, oral and intravenous injection exposures

With ever-increasing production and use of nanoparticles (NPs), there is a necessity to evaluate the probability of consequential adverse effects in individuals exposed to these particles. It is now understood that a proportion of NPs can translocate from primary sites of exposure to a range of secondary organs, with the liver, kidneys and spleen being some of the most important. In this study, we carried out a comprehensive toxicological profiling (inflammation, changes in serum biochemistry, oxidative stress, acute phase response and histopathology) of Ag NP induced adverse effects in the three organs of interest following acute exposure of the materials at identical doses via intravenous (IV), intratracheal (IT) instillation and oral administration. The data clearly demonstrated that bioaccumulation and toxicity of the particles were most significant following the IV route of exposure, followed by IT. However, oral exposure to the NPs did not result in any changes that could be interpreted as toxicity in any of the organs of interest within the confines of this investigation. The finding of this study clearly indicates the importance of the route of exposure in secondary organ hazard assessment for NPs. Finally, we identify Connexin 32 (Cx32) as a novel biomarker of NP-mediated hepatic damage which is quantifiable both (in vitro) and in vivo following exposure of physiologically relevant doses.

Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract enhances the capacity of system redox defence and protects hepatocytes against aluminum chloride toxicity in rats

Background

This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of a Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract (RAAE) on aluminum chloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. A preliminary phytochemical study and antioxidant activity tests of the extract were performed.

Methods

A preliminary phytochemical study and antioxidant activity tests of the extract were performed. For the in vivo study, twenty-four male rats were divided into four groups. The control group (C); the RAAE group treated with 250 mg/kg b.w RAAE; the AlCl3 group, which received 50 mg/kg b.w AlCl3; and the AlCl3/RAAE group that was treated with AlCl3 plus RAAE.

Results

The RAAE contains several phenolic compounds. This plant extract showed a high radical scavenging effect and high antioxidant activity. Administration of AlCl3 resulted in a significant increase in the activities of aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase (AST, ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and significant decreases in the plasma concentrations of total proteins and albumin. Moreover, AlCl3 induced a hepatic pro-oxidant effect leading to an increase in malonaldehyde (MDA) and carbonyl protein contents, the depletion of the content of reduced glutathione (GSH) and a decrease in the antioxidant enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). However, RAAE supplementation with AlCl3 treatment significantly decreased the levels of MDA and carbonyl proteins and markedly restored the activities of the antioxidant enzymes. These results are supported by the improvement in liver tissue restoration.

Conclusions

The Rhamnus alaternus aqueous extract was shown to have effective antioxidant activity owing to its phenolic compounds protecting against AlCl3-induced liver oxidative damage.

Effects of Nasturtium officinale Extract on Antioxidant and Biochemical Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background

Increased oxidative stress play an important role in the risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and mortality patients undergoing dialysis. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) contains numerous phytochemical compounds that act as an antioxidant by preventing oxidative damage to biomolecules. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the effect of the ethanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale (EENO) on antioxidant and biochemical markers of hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 46 hemodialysis patients were randomly recruited to consume either 500 mg/day EENO (n = 23) or placebo capsule (n = 23) for 4 weeks, at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Yasuj, Iran, in 2019. Biomarkers of oxidative stress including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total sulfhydryl protein (T-SH) and biochemical parameters such as BUN, Hb, WBC, PLT, Ca, Ph, K, ALB, TChol, TG, LDL, and HDL were evaluated on days 0 and 28.

Results

The serum levels of MDA and BUN significantly decreased after taking EENO supplementation (P < 0.001); however, SOD activity increased during the same period (P < 0.001). The serum levels of TAC remained constant in the intervention group, while it significantly declined in the placebo group (P < 0.09). The extract also prevented elevation in the serum levels of LDL and TG compared to the placebo group, although it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The data indicated that the consumption of EENO improved some of the antioxidant parameters and minimizes the change in TG and LDL in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, due to the role of these factors in mortality and morbidity of dialysis patients, EENO can improve the condition of dialysis patients. However, more studies with longer intervention times and different doses of EENO are recommended.

Antioxidant Property of the Egyptian Propolis Extract Versus Aluminum Silicate Intoxication on a Rat's Lung: Histopathological Studies

In this study, we evaluated the inflammatory responses induced by aluminum silicate (AS) cytotoxicity in rat lungs. The prophylactic effect of propolis extract was evaluated in 60 adult male albino rats. The rats were divided into six groups: (1) a normal, healthy control group; (2) a normal group fed with 200 mL of propolis extract/Kg; (3) a low-dose positive control group injected with 5 mg/kg of AS; (4) a treated group given propolis and a low dose of AS; (5) a high-dose positive control group injected with 20 mg/kg of AS; and (6) a treated group given propolis with a high-dose of AS. At the end of the two-month experiment, the rats’ lungs were removed. For each pair of lungs, one portion was subjected to biochemical analysis and the other underwent hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining in order to study its histology. The rats that received AS doses displayed significant disorders in their antioxidant contents as well as in their enzymatic activities and their histopathological structures revealed severe damage to their lung tissues. Upon the rats being treated with propolis, the enzymatic and antioxidant contents improved and partial improvements in the lung structures appeared, including minimized congestion, a reduced hemorrhage of blood vessels and preserved bronchioles, alveolar ducts, and alveoli. The prophylactic effectiveness of propolis extract on the cytotoxicity of AS, owing to the antioxidant properties of propolis, were studied.

Nephroprotective role of bromelain against oxidative injury induced by aluminium in rats

The present study was designed to investigate the nephroprotective effect of bromelain against oxidative stress stimulated by aluminium chloride in rats. Rats were grouped as follows; group one was used as control while groups 2, 3 and 4 were treated orally with bromelain (250 mg/kg, daily), aluminium chloride (AlCl₃; 34 mg/kg BW, every other day) and bromelain plus AlCl₃ for 30 days, respectively. Administration of AlCl₃ caused a significant reduction in rats' body and kidney weights, and increased Al accumulation in kidney tissue. Also, AlCl₃ treatment elevated thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, hydrogen peroxide, kidney functions biomarkers levels and lactate dehydrogenase activity. While enzymatic (SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GST) and non-enzymatic (GSH) antioxidants, protein content, and alkaline phosphatase activity were significantly decreased. In addition, significant alterations in lipid and protein profiles were detected. Furthermore, histopathological and immunohistochemical variations were seen in kidney sections supporting the obtained biochemical changes. Otherwise, rats supplemented with bromelain singly declined lipid peroxidation and improved most of the studied parameters. Moreover, rats pretreated with bromelain followed by AlCl₃ intoxication showed significant alleviation in lipid peroxidation, antioxidant status and biochemical indices with respect to AlCl₃ treated group. Conclusively, bromelain has beneficial protective effects and has the capability to counteract the toxic influence of AlCl₃. So, bromelain might represent a novel approach in the therapy of metal toxicity because of its antioxidant and chelating properties.

The Protective Effects of Melatonin on Aluminum-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Rats

Aluminum (Al) is a ubiquitous element with known toxicity for both humans and animals. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential role of melatonin (MEL) in hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity following aluminum chloride (AlCl₃) treatment in rats. Adult male rats were treated with AlCl₃ (34 mg/kg bwt) for eight weeks. Exposure to AlCl₃ enhanced the serum activities of the liver transaminases (alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase) and increased the level of bilirubin, in addition to the serum kidney function markers urea and creatinine. AlCl₃ intoxication boosted oxidative stress, as evidenced by increases in the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and nitric oxide (NO) along with simultaneous decreases in the levels of glutathione (GSH), various antioxidant enzymes, and Nrf2 mRNA expression. MEL (5 mg/kg bwt) treatment repressed LPO and NO levels, whereas it augmented GSH content. The activities of the antioxidant enzymes GPx, SOD, CAT, and GR were also restored concomitantly when MEL was administered before AlCl₃. MEL also suppressed the apoptotic effect of AlCl₃ by enhancing Bcl-2 protein expression in the liver and kidney and decreasing the expression levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Histopathological findings in the liver and kidney tissues confirmed the beneficial effect of MEL against AlCl₃ toxicity. These findings indicate that MEL prevents AlCl₃ toxicity by enhancing the antioxidant defense system.

Chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) supplementation may contribute to raising the levels of vitamin B12: An option for the vegan diet

ABSTRACT Objective The chia seed, an ancient pseudocereal, is rich in omega-3 fatty acids and polyphenols, and has been suggested to possess several health benefits. Although it has gained popularity among nutritionists, little is known about the systemic effects of chia and their interactions. Hence, hepatorenal indicators and plasma vitamin concentrations in chia-supplemented aluminum-exposed rats were investigated. Methods Wistar albino rats were either fed on a chia-rich- or standard-diet for 21 days and exposed to aluminum. Liver function tests (Alanine Aminotransferase, Aspartate Aminotransferase, Alkaline Phosphatase, Lactate Dehydrogenase), kidney function tests (Urea Nitrogen, Creatinine), and vitamin B12 and folic acid measurements were performed by using an automated analyzer. Results Aluminum exposure had no influence on renal function, as did chia supplementation. However, liver function was disturbed with the exposure to Aluminum and chia was of no use against it. Surprisingly, it was found that the animals fed on a chia-rich diet displayed higher concentrations of vitamin B12 which was not the case for folic acid. Conclusion It was deduced that a chia-rich diet has no effect on the renal function and is not able to reverse aluminum-induced hepatotoxicity; however, it may be of benefit against vitamin B12 insufficiency and thus, it may offer a novel treatment option which is particularly important in the vegan diet.

Evaluation of neuroprotective effects of wedelolactone and gallic acid on aluminium-induced neurodegeneration: Relevance to sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Al exposure causes an alteration in the several ions in the body and causes toxicity. Such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, disruption in neuronal transport, mitochondrial damage, excitotoxicity, generation of inflammatory mediators, and microglial activation. These multiple mechanisms lead to the several neurodegenerative diseases, including sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (sALS). The study aims to unravel the mechanisms behind the neuroprotective effects of wedelolactone (WL) and gallic acid (GA) against aluminium-induced neurodegeneration and thereby to unlock a platform to find a cure for sALS. We studied the neuroprotective effects of WL (100 & 200 mg/kg) and GA (100 & 200 mg/kg) using aluminium chloride (AlCl₃)-induced neurodegeneration model. The study was conducted using male Wistar rats. We assessed the effects of WL and GA on motor learning ability, motor coordination, locomotor activity, cytokine production, BDNF, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), m-calpain, caspase-3 inhibition and L-glutamate level. The study suggests that the treatment with WL and GA could protect the motor neurons from the toxicity that caused by Al via improving the antioxidant status, BDNF, and by preventing glutamate excitotoxicity. Also, WL and GA are found to be effective in inhibiting caspase-3 activation and downregulating inflammatory cytokines. WL and GA also found effective in improving the motor learning abilities and motor coordination in rats. The protective effects of the WL and GA were further confirmed from histopathological results. WL and GA prevent the neurofibrillary tangle formation and neuronal damage. The study concluded that the WL and GA were dose-dependently effective in managing the AlCl₃-induced neurodegeneration.

The potential protective role of taurine against 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity in adult male rats

Nephrotoxicity is common with the use of the chemotherapeutic agent 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). The current study aimed to investigate the probable protective effect of taurine (TAU) against 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity in rats using biochemical, histological and ultrastructural approaches. Twenty-four rats were equally divided into control, TAU, 5-FU and 5-FU+TAU groups. 5-FU significantly elevated levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, and uric acid; while it reduced activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Also, 5-FU induced significant elevation in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels accompanied with marked decline in γ-glutamyltranspeptidase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (AP) levels in kidney tissues. These biochemical alterations were accompanied by histopathological changes marked by destruction of the normal renal structure, in addition to ultrastructural alterations represented by thickened and irregular glomerular basement membranes, congested glomerular capillaries, damaged lining fenestrated endothelium, mesangial cells hyperplasia with expanded mesangial matrix, and distorted podocyte's processes. Also, the proximal (PCT) and distal (DCT) convoluted tubules showed thickened basement membranes, destructed apical microvilli and loss of basal infoldings of their epithelial cells. Administration of TAU to 5-FU-treated rats reversed most of the biochemical, histological, and ultrastructural alterations. These results indicate that TAU has a protective effect against 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity.

The Toxicity of Aluminum Chloride on Kidney of Rats

This study investigated the toxicity of aluminum chloride (AlCl3) exposure in the rat kidney. Forty male Wistar rats (5 weeks old), weighing 110-120 g, were randomly divided into four groups: control group (CG, 0 g/L AlCl3), low dose group (LG, 0.4 g/L AlCl3), mid dose group (MG, 0.8 g/L AlCl3), and high dose group (HG, 1.6 g/L AlCl3). Rats were administered AlCl3 in their drinking water for 120 days. A variety of measurements were taken including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) activities, malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in the kidney and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and cystatin C (Cys-C) concentrations in the serum. In addition, Al and β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) concentrations and the activity of N-acetyl-β-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) in the urine were determined. The results showed that in the AlCl3-treated groups SOD and GSH-PX activities were decreased, while NAG activity and Al, MDA, BUN, Cys-C, and β2-MG concentrations were increased, compared with the CG. This study indicates that AlCl3 exposure induces oxidative stress and suppresses kidney function.

Sulfasalazine-induced renal and hepatic injury in rats and the protective role of taurine

INTRODUCTION

Sulfasalazine is a drug commonly administrated against inflammatory-based disorders. On the other hand, kidney and liver injury are serious adverse events accompanied by sulfasalazine administration. No specific therapeutic option is available against this complication. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the potential protective effects of taurine against sulfasalazine-induced kidney and liver injury in rats.

METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with sulfasalazine (600 mg/kg, oral) for 14 consecutive days. Animals received different doses of taurine (250, 500 and 1000 mg/ kg, i.p.) every day. Markers of organ injury were evaluated on day 15(th), 24 h after the last dose of sulfasalazine.

RESULTS

Sulfasalazine caused renal and hepatic injury as judged by an increase in serum level of creatinine (Cr), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). The levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and lipid peroxidation were raised in kidney and liver of sulfasalazine-treated animals. Moreover, tissue glutathione reservoirs were depleted after sulfasalazine administration. Histopathological changes of kidney and liver also endorsed organ injury. Taurine administration (250, 500 and 1000 mg/kg/day, i.p) alleviated sulfasalazine-induced renal and hepatic damage.

CONCLUSION

Taurine administration could serve as a potential protective agent with therapeutic capabilities against sulfasalazine adverse effects.

Urinary metabonomics elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of Orthosiphon stamineus in mouse crystal-induced kidney injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Orthosiphon stamineus (OS), a traditional Chinese herb, is often used for promoting urination and treating nephrolithiasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Urolithiasis is a major worldwide public health burden due to its high incidence of recurrence and damage to renal function. However, the etiology for urolithiasis is not well understood. Metabonomics, the systematic study of small molecule metabolites present in biological samples, has become a valid and powerful tool for understanding disease phenotypes. In this study, a urinary metabolic profiling analysis was performed in a mouse model of renal calcium oxalate crystal deposition to identify potential biomarkers for crystal-induced renal damage and the anti-crystal mechanism of OS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty six mice were randomly divided into six groups including Saline, Crystal, Cystone and OS at dosages of 0.5g/kg, 1g/kg, and 2g/kg. A metabonomics approach using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-TOF/MS) was developed to perform the urinary metabolic profiling analysis. Principal component analysis (PCA) and partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA) were utilized to identify differences between the metabolic profiles of mice in the saline control group and crystal group.

RESULTS

Using partial least squares-discriminant analysis, 30 metabolites were identified as potential biomarkers of crystal-induced renal damage. Most of them were primarily involved in amino acid metabolism, taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, purine metabolism, and the citrate cycle (TCA). After the treatment with OS, the levels of 20 biomarkers had returned to the levels of the control samples.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that OS has a protective effect for mice with crystal-induced kidney injury via the regulation of multiple metabolic pathways primarily involving amino acid, energy and choline metabolism.

The genotoxic, hepatotoxic, nephrotoxic, haematotoxic and histopathological effects in rats after aluminium chronic intoxication

Aluminium (Al) is used in water purification and is also present in several manufactured foods and medicines. Al is known to induce a broad range of physiological, biochemical and behavioural dysfunctions in laboratory animals and humans. This investigation was carried out to investigate the effects of subchronic exposure to Al (as AlCl3) in rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly separated into two groups. Group 1 rats treated with sodium chloride served as the control, group 2 rats were treated with Al (as AlCl3, 5 mg/kg body weight) intraperitonally for 10 weeks. Animals were killed and blood samples were analyzed for blood serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) enzyme activities and creatinine, urea (U) and uric acid (UA) levels for evaluating hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Blood parameters including red blood cells (RBCs), haemoglobin (Hb) concentration, haematocrit (Ht), platelets (PLTs) and white blood cells (WBCs) were compared between control and experimental group to assess haematoxicity. In order to determine the genotoxicity, the number of micronucleated hepatocytes (MNHEPs) was counted in isolated hepatocytes. In addition, histological alterations in liver and kidney samples were investigated. After exposure with Al, the enzymatic activities of ALP, AST, ALT and LDH, and the levels of U and UA significantly increased. RBC, WBC, PLT, Hb and Ht revealed significant decreases in experimental group compared to the control. AlCl3 caused a significant increase in MNHEPs. Furthermore, severe pathological damages were established in both liver and kidney samples. Subchronic exposure to low doses of Al can produce serious dysfunctions in rat blood, liver and kidney, and exposure to this metal can result in greater damages.

Effects of taurine on glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione levels in rats

The aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of oral administration of taurine on endogenous glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Glutathione Reductase (GR) activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) level in normal rats. Normal saline (Group I) or 5% taurine in normal saline was administered in dose of 50 mg (Group II), 250 mg (Group III) or 500 mg kg(-1) of body weight (Group IV) through intragastric intubation for 60 days. GPx and GR enzyme activities and GSH and taurine levels were determined in liver, heart, stomach, kidney and plasma of normal Wistar rats. GPx activity showed an increase in liver, heart, stomach and plasma. GR activity increased in kidney and decreased in liver and plasma. GSH levels increased in liver, stomach and decreased in kidney. Liver showed an increase and heart, stomach and kidney a decrease in taurine level in taurine administered rats when compared to control rats. The results varied from organ to organ and the observed variations among organs might be related to their respective enzymatic, non-enzymatic antioxidant potential and its functions. From the present study it may be concluded that long term oral administration of taurine affects GPx, GR and GSH levels in normal rats.