The protective effect of sodium benzoate on aluminum toxicity in PC12 cell line

Effect of Commonly Used Cosmetic Preservatives on Healthy Human Skin Cells

Cosmetic products contain preservatives to prevent microbial growth. The various types of preservatives present in skincare products applied on the skin induce many side effects. We tested several types of preservatives such as phenoxyethanol, methyl paraben, propyl paraben, imidazolidinyl urea (IU), the composition of gluconolactone and sodium benzoate (GSB), diazolidinyl urea (DU), and two grapefruit essential oils, one of which was industrially produced and a second which was freshly distilled from fresh grapefruit peels. This study aimed to find the relationship between preservative concentration, cell growth, collagen secretion, and cell viability. We hypothesized that these products induced a decrease in collagen secretion from human dermal fibroblasts. Our research, for the first time, addressed the overall effect of other preservatives on skin extracellular matrix (ECM) by studying their effect on metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) activity. Except for cytotoxicity and contact sensitivity tests, there are no studies of their effect on skin ECM in the available literature. These studies show potential antimicrobial activity, especially from the compounds IU and DU towards reference bacteria and the compounds methyl paraben and propyl paraben against reference fungi. The MTS test showed that fibroblasts are more sensitive to the tested group of preservatives than keratinocytes, which could be caused by the differences between the cells' structures. The grapefruit oils exhibited the most cytotoxicity to both tested cell lines compared to all considered preservatives. The most destructive influence of preservatives on collagen synthesis was observed in the case of IU and DU. In this case, the homemade grapefruit oil turned out to be the mildest one. The results from a diverse group of preservatives show that whether they are natural or synthesized compounds, they require controlled use. Appropriate dosages and evaluation of preservative efficacy should not be the only aspects considered. The complex effect of preservatives on skin processes and cytotoxicity is an important topic for modern people.

Biosynthesis of Silver Nanoparticles Using Commiphora mukul Extract: Evaluation of Anti-Arthritic Activity in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a major global public health challenge, and novel therapies are required to combat it. Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) have been employed as delivery vehicles of anti-inflammatory drugs for RA therapy, and it has been recently realized that AgNPs have anti-inflammatory action on their own. However, their conventional synthesis processes might result in cytotoxicity and environmental hazards. Instead, the use of natural products as a reducing and stabilizing agent in the biosynthesis of silver nanoparticles has arisen as an option to decrease the cytotoxic and environmental concerns associated with chemical synthesis of AgNPs. In this study, we challenged the efficacy of Commiphora mukul (guggul) aqueous extract as a reducing and/or capping agent for the biosynthesis of AgNPs. Guggul-mediated biosynthesized silver nanoparticles (G-AgNPs) were characterized via UV-vis spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, and scanning electron microscopy. In addition, their anti-arthritic potential was evaluated in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) model. The fabricated NPs showed an absorption peak at 412 nm, corresponding to the typical surface plasmon resonance band of AgNPs. The synthesized G-AgNPs were nearly spherical, with a particle size of 337.6 ± 12.1 nm and a negative surface charge (−18.9 ± 1.8 mV). In AIA rat model, synthesized G-AgNPs exerted a potent anti-inflammatory action, as manifested by a remarkable reduction in paw volume (>40%) along with elicitation of a minimal arthritic score, compared to control rats. In addition, when compared to arthritic rats, treatment with G-AgNPs efficiently restored the activity of antioxidant enzyme, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, indicating the efficiency of synthesized G-AgNPs in alleviating the oxidative stress associated with RA. Finally, histological examination revealed comparatively lower inflammatory cells infiltration in ankle joint tissue upon treatment with G-AgNPs. Collectively, biosynthesized G-AgNPs might represent a plausible therapeutic option for the management of RA.

Lithium Benzoate Exerts Neuroprotective Effect by Improving Mitochondrial Function, Attenuating Reactive Oxygen Species, and Protecting Cognition and Memory in an Animal Model of Alzheimer’s Disease

Background:

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a multifactorial neurodegenerative disease affecting many cellular pathways, including protein aggregation, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress (OS), and neuroinflammation. Currently, no effective treatment for AD exists.

Objective:

We aim to determine the effect of lithium benzoate (LiBen) in protecting neurons from amyloid-β (Aβ) or other neurotoxin insults.

Methods:

Primary rat cortical neurons co-treated with neurotoxins and LiBen were used to examine its effect in cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) clearance, and mitochondrial functions by MTT, CellRox fluorescence staining, and seahorse assay. Then, Barnes maze and prepulse inhibition test were performed in APP/PS1 mice that received chronic LiBen treatment to assess its effect on cognitive protection. Oral bioavailability of LiBen was also assessed by pharmacokinetic study in rat plasma.

Results:

In this study, we discovered that LiBen can attenuate cellular ROS level, improve mitochondrial function, increase cell viability against multiple different insults of mitochondrial dysfunction, Aβ accumulation, and neuroinflammation, and promote neurogenesis. We demonstrated that LiBen has advantages over lithium or sodium benzoate alone as LiBen displays superior neuroprotective efficacy and oral bioavailability than the other two agents when being applied either alone or in combination. Furthermore, chronic administration of LiBen showed protection for cognition as well as spatial memory and reduced the senile plaque deposition in brains of AD animal models.

Conclusion:

LiBen stands as a promising therapeutic agent for improving cognition and delaying the progression of AD.

Sodium Benzoate—Harmfulness and Potential Use in Therapies for Disorders Related to the Nervous System: A Review

Currently, due to the large number of reports regarding the harmfulness of food additives, more and more consumers follow the so-called “clean label” trend, i.e., prefer and choose the least-processed food products. One of the compounds known as a preservative with a high safety profile is sodium benzoate. While some studies show that it can be used to treat conditions such as depression, pain, schizophrenia, autism spectrum disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, others report its harmfulness. For example, it was found to cause mutagenic effects, generate oxidative stress, disrupt hormones, and reduce fertility. Due to such disparate results, the purpose of this study is to comprehensively discuss the safety profile of sodium benzoate and its potential use in neurodegenerative diseases, especially in autism spectrum disorder (ASD), schizophrenia, major depressive disorder (MDD), and pain relief.

Syringic Acid Attenuates Cardiomyopathy in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Objectives

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) has become one of the serious complications in diabetic cases. In this study, we aimed to explore the syringic acid (SYR) protective effect against diabetes-induced cardiac injury in experimental rats.

Methods

Rats were divided in control and streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats which were subdivided into diabetic controls, and three test groups (SYR at 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) and the nondiabetic group received 100 mg/kg of SYR. All treatments were given SYR for 6 weeks. SYR effects on cardiac diagnostic markers, heart lipid peroxidation, protein carbonylation, antioxidant system, and changes of the heart mitochondrial mass and biogenesis were measured.

Results

Diabetes induction prompted CK-MB, LDH levels in serum, cardiac catalase, and superoxide dismutase activity, as well as cardiac TBARs and carbonylated protein. SYR administration (100 m/kg) attenuated CK-MB and LDH levels. Also, 50 and 100 mg/kg of SYR reduced cardiac TBARs and carbonylated protein in diabetic rats. These treatments did not show any effects on GSH content, mtDNA, and mitochondrial biogenesis indices (PGC1- α, NRF1, NRF2, and TFAM) in heart tissue.

Conclusions

SYR treatment showed protective effects on diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats by reducing lipid peroxidation and protein carbonylation. The possible mechanisms could be related to antioxidant activity of this phenolic acid. SYR might play a role of a protective factor in cardiac challenges in diabetes.

Oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin extracted from Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl protect PC12 pheochromocytoma cells from oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by doxorubicin

Background and purpose:

Doxorubicin (DOX) as a chemotherapeutic agent has been widely used in the treatment of various types of cancer. However, DOX exerts a toxic effect on normal tissues such as the brain. Furanocoumarins reduce the risk of cardiovascular and brain diseases because of their antioxidant activities. This study has been designed, for the first time, to evaluate the effect of known furanocoumarins oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin extracted from Prangos ferulacea (L.) Lindl on oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by DOX toward pheochromocytoma cell line (PC12).

Experimental approach:

NMR and MASS spectrometers were used to characterize the isolated compounds. The protective effects of isolated compounds on DOX-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells were examined by MTT assay. PC12 cells were pretreated with oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin for 2 and 21 h, respectively, subsequently exposure to DOX at IC₅₀ concentration. Then, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), Bax and Bcl2 mRNA expressions, caspase-3 activation, and the generation of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) were measured after 24 h.

Findings/Results:

Pretreatment with oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin significantly decreased DOX-induced apoptosis through reduction of caspase-3 activity and ROS generation and an increase in MMP. In addition, our finding showed pretreatment with these compounds leads to regulation of Bcl-2.

Conclusion and implications:

Taken together our observation indicated that oxypeucedanin and isoimperatorin have a protective effect against apoptosis induced by DOX in PC12 cells by inhibition of ROS production.

Syringic Acid: A Potential Natural Compound for the Management of Renal Oxidative Stress and Mitochondrial Biogenesis in Diabetic Rats

BACKGROUND

Diabetic nephropathy can lead to renal diseases; oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction have critical roles in its development.

OBJECTIVES

In this study, the effect of syringic acid (SYR), a natural phenolic acid, on diabetic nephropathy and mitochondrial biogenesis was examined.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in rats by injecting streptozotocin. SYR (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg/day) was orally administered for 6 weeks. SYR effects on factors, such as antioxidant activities and mRNA expression level of mitochondrial biogenesis indexes, were evaluated.

RESULTS

In SYR-treated rats, blood glucose and ALP level were significantly reduced. SYR increased kidney GSH content in the diabetic group. Elevated renal catalase and superoxide dismutase activities in diabetic rats were restored to normal levels after treatment. SYR significantly reduced the renal TBARS level, which had increased in diabetic rats. This compound also significantly upregulated renal mRNA expression of PGC-1α and NRF-1, and increased mtDNA/nDNA ratio in diabetic rats. These values were reduced in the non-treated diabetic group. The results show improvement of histopathological damages of kidney in the SYR treated group in comparison with the diabetic group.

CONCLUSION

According to the results, SYR alters renal antioxidant defense mechanisms. Also, it could be considered as a novel approach by targeting mitochondria in renal diabetic complications.

Natural Compounds Rosmarinic Acid and Carvacrol Counteract Aluminium-Induced Oxidative Stress

Aluminum accumulation, glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations as well as catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were determined in erythrocytes and brain and liver homogenates of BALB/c mice treated with Al3+ (7.5 mg/kg/day (0.15 LD50) as AlCl3 (37.08 mg/kg/day), whereas HCl (30.41 mg/kg/day) was used as Cl- control, the treatments were performed for 21 days, i.p., in the presence and absence of rosmarinic acid (0.2805 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.) or carvacrol (0.0405 mg/kg/day (0.05 LD50), 21 days, i.g.). The treatment with AlCl3 increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes only slightly and had no effect on brain and liver homogenates. Rosmarinic acid and carvacrol strongly increased GSH concentration in erythrocytes but decreased it in brain and liver homogenates. However, AlCl3 treatment led to Al accumulation in mice blood, brain, and liver and induced oxidative stress, assessed based on MDA concentration in the brain and liver. Both rosmarinic acid and carvacrol were able to counteract the negative Al effect by decreasing its accumulation and protecting tissues from lipid peroxidation. AlCl3 treatment increased CAT activity in mice brain and liver homogenates, whereas the administration of either rosmarinic acid or carvacrol alone or in combination with AlCl3 had no significant effect on CAT activity. SOD activity remained unchanged after all the treatments in our study. We propose that natural herbal phenolic compounds rosmarinic acid and carvacrol could be used to protect brain and liver against aluminum induced oxidative stress leading to lipid peroxidation.

Precision Medicine of Sodium Benzoate for the Treatment of Behavioral and Psychological Symptoms of Dementia (BPSD)

OBJECTIVE

Behavioral and psychological symptoms of dementia (BPSD) are associated with poorer prognosis of dementia. A 24-week study demonstrated that sodium benzoate, a D-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) inhibitor, surpassed placebo in improving cognitive function in early-phase Alzheimer's disease; however, benzoate did not excel placebo in another 6-week study on BPSD. The current study examined whether the precision medicine approach was able to identify specific individuals with BPSD who could benefit from benzoate treatment.

METHODS

In the randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, 6-week trial, 97 patients with BPSD were allocated to receive 250-1500 mg/day of sodium benzoate or placebo. Cognitive function was measured by the Alzheimer's disease assessment scale-cognitive subscale (ADAS-cog) and behavioral and psychological symptoms were mainly measured by Behavioral Pathology in Alzheimer's Disease Rating Scale (BEHAVE-AD). DAAO level, amino acids (L-serine, D-serine, L-alanine, and D-alanine, glycine), and two antioxidants (catalase, superoxide dismutase) were assayed in peripheral blood.

RESULTS

After benzoate treatment, DAAO inhibition was correlated with ADAS-cog decrease (p = 0.034), while baseline DAAO level was correlated with baseline BEHAVE-AD score. Multiple linear regression analyses showed that cognitive improvement after benzoate treatment was correlated with DAAO decrease, female gender, younger age, BMI, baseline BPSD severity, and antipsychotic use.

CONCLUSION

The finding suggests that sodium benzoate may have potential to benefit cognitive function in a fraction of BPSD patients after 6 weeks of treatment. Of note, the precision medicine approach may be helpful for identifying individuals who could respond to benzoate. More studies are warranted to confirm the preliminary findings.

TRIAL REGISTRATION

The trial was registered online (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02103673).

Glycyrrhizic Acid Ameliorates Mitochondrial Function and Biogenesis Against Aluminum Toxicity in PC12 Cells

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is the most effective ingredient in the root of licorice, with important pharmacological effects. We investigate the effects of GA on mitochondrial function and biogenesis in the aluminum toxicity in PC12 cell line. After pretreatment of PC12 cells with different concentrations of GA (5-100 μM), and specific concentration of aluminum maltolate (Almal,1000 μM) for 48 h, cell viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondria mass, cytochrome c oxidase enzyme activity, and the ATP level of the cells were measured. The expression mRNA level of PGC-1α, NRF1, NRF2, and TFAM was confirmed by the real-time PCR quantitative method. The results showed that low concentrations of GA protected Almal-induced cell death in 48 h. It was also observed that GA reduced the ROS production and increased the ATP level. The activity of cytochrome c oxidase enzyme and also decrease of MMP were improved. In addition, GA significantly increased the expression of mitochondrial genes and mass against aluminum toxicity. GA can exert its protective effect against the toxicity of Almal through maintaining mitochondrial function and subsequently increasing energy metabolism and mitochondrial biogenesis. GA as a natural product can be considered as a supplement in neurodegenerative disease.

Sodium Benzoate, a D-Amino Acid Oxidase Inhibitor, Added to Clozapine for the Treatment of Schizophrenia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial

BACKGROUND

Clozapine is the last-line antipsychotic agent for refractory schizophrenia. To date, there is no convincing evidence for augmentation on clozapine. Activation of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptors, including inhibition of D-amino acid oxidase that may metabolize D-amino acids, has been reported to be beneficial for patients receiving antipsychotics other than clozapine. This study aimed to examine the efficacy and safety of a D-amino acid oxidase inhibitor, sodium benzoate, for schizophrenia patients who had poor response to clozapine.

METHODS

We conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Sixty schizophrenia inpatients that had been stabilized with clozapine were allocated into three groups for 6 weeks' add-on treatment of 1 g/day sodium benzoate, 2 g/day sodium benzoate, or placebo. The primary outcome measures were Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) total score, Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms, Quality of Life Scale, and Global Assessment of Functioning. Side effects and cognitive functions were also measured.

RESULTS

Both doses of sodium benzoate produced better improvement than placebo in the Scale for the Assessment of Negative Symptoms. The 2 g/day sodium benzoate also produced better improvement than placebo in PANSS-total score, PANSS-positive score, and Quality of Life Scale. Sodium benzoate was well tolerated without evident side effects. The changes of catalase, an antioxidant, were different among the three groups and correlated with the improvement of PANSS-total score and PANSS-positive score in the sodium benzoate group.

CONCLUSIONS

Sodium benzoate adjuvant therapy improved symptomatology of patients with clozapine-resistant schizophrenia. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the optimal dose and treatment duration as well as the mechanisms of sodium benzoate for clozapine-resistant schizophrenia.

Sodium benzoate induced developmental defects, oxidative stress and anxiety-like behaviour in zebrafish larva

Sodium benzoate (SB) is a common food preservative. Its FDA described safety limit is 1000 ppm. Lately, increased use of SB has prompted investigations regarding its effects on biological systems. Data regarding toxicity of SB is divergent and controversial with studies reporting both harmful and beneficial effects. Therefore, we did a systematic dose dependent toxicity study of SB using zebrafish vertebrate animal model. We also investigated oxidative stress and anxiety-like behaviour in zebrafish larva treated with SB. Our results indicate that SB induced developmental (delayed hatching), morphological (pericardial edema, yolk sac edema and tail bending), biochemical (oxidative stress) and behavioural (anxiety-like behaviour) abnormalities in developing zebrafish larva. LC₅₀ of SB induced toxicity was approximately 400 ppm after 48 h of SB exposure. Our study strongly supports its harmful effects on vertebrates at increasing doses. Thus, we suggest caution in the excessive use of this preservative in processed and convenience foods.

Protective effects of glucosamine and its acetylated derivative on serum/glucose deprivation-induced PC12 cells death: Role of reactive oxygen species

Finding products with antiapoptotic activities has been one of the approaches for the treatment of neurodegenerative disorders. Serum/glucose deprivation (SGD) has been used as a model for the investigation of the molecular mechanisms of neuronal ischemia. Recent studies indicated that glucosamine (GlcN) and N-acetyl glucosamine (GlcNAc) have many pharmacological effects including antioxidant activities. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of GlcN and GlcNAc against SGD-induced PC12 cells injury. The PC12 cells were pretreated with GlcN and GlcNAc for 2 h, and then exposed to SGD for 6, 12 and 24 h. Cell viability was evaluated by MTT assay. The level of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) was determined by flow cytometry using 2',7'- dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) as a probe. SGD condition caused a significant reduction in cell survival after 6, 12, and 24 h (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with GlcN and GlcNAc (0.6-20 mM) increased cell viability following SGD insult. A significant increase in cell apoptosis was observed in cells under SGD condition after 12 h (P < 0.001). Pretreatment with GlcN and GlcNAc (5-20 mM) decreased apoptosis following SGD condition after 12 h. SGD resulted in a significant increase in intracellular ROS production after 12 h. Pretreatment with both amino sugars at concentrations of 10 to 20 mM could reverse the ROS increment. Results indicated that GlcN and GlcNAc had a cytoprotective property against SGD-induced cell death via anti-apoptosis and antioxidant activities, suggesting that these aminosugers have the potential to be used as novel therapeutic agents for neurodegenerative disorders.