The effects of oral carvacrol treatment against H2O2 induced injury on isolated pancreas islet cells of rats

Isolation Procedure for Rat Pancreatic Ductal Cells

Isolating pancreatic ductal cells from rats is a critical procedure in pancreatic research, offering valuable insights into pancreatic function, pathology, and potential treatments. The process involves several key steps, beginning with the proper removal of the rat's pancreas, followed by the initiation of the ductal cell isolation procedure. This aims to obtain pure and viable ductal cell populations for further experimentation and analysis.

Carvacrol is potential molecule for diabetes treatment

Diabetes is an important chronic disease that can lead to various negative consequences and complications. In recent years, several new alternative treatments have been developed to improve diabetes. Carvacrol found in essential oils of numerous plant species and has crucial potential effects on diabetes. The anti-diabetic effects of carvacrol have also been comprehensively studied in diabetic animal and cell models. In addition, carvacrol could improve diabetes through affecting diabetes-related enzymes, insulin resistance, insulin sensitivity, glucose uptake, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory mechanisms. The use of carvacrol alone or in combination with anti-diabetic therapies could show a significant potential effect in the treatment of diabetes. This review contributes an overview of the effect of carvacrol in diabetes and anti-diabetic mechanisms.

Carvacrol protects rat liver exposed to formaldehyde by regulating oxidative stress, and asprosin and subfatin hormones

Toxic doses of formaldehyde (FA) can cause oxidative damage and impair energy metabolism. Asprosin (ASP) and subfatin (SUB) are adipokines produced by adipose tissue that help regulate energy metabolism. We investigated the effects of carvacrol (CAR), an antioxidant with hepatoprotective properties, on ASP and SUB in rats exposed to FA using immunohistochemistry and biochemistry. We used 42 male Wistar albino rats divided into six groups of seven: group 1, untreated control; group 2, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week); group 3, CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 4, CAR-40; group 5, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-20 (20 mg/kg); group 6, FA (10 ppm FA by inhalation 8 h/day, 5 days/week) + CAR-40 (40 mg/kg). Levels of ASP and SUB, and total oxidant status (TOS) and total antioxidant status (TAS) in blood and liver tissue were measured using ELISA. ASP and SUB immunoreactivity was assessed using immunohistochemistry. The number of apoptotic cells was determined using the TUNEL method. The number of apoptotic cells in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. TOS in group 2 was increased compared to group 1. The numbers of apoptotic cells and TOS in group 3 were decreased compared to group 1. TOS was decreased in group 6 compared to group 2, but TOS was increased compared to group 1. We found ASP and SUB immunoreactivity in the liver. All alterations were reversed by addition of CAR. It appears that FA disrupts energy metabolism and CAR ameliorates the destructive effects of FA when used at appropriate doses, although CAR might be harmful at high doses.

Monoterpenes: current knowledge on food source, metabolism, and health effects

Monoterpenes, volatile metabolites produced by plants, are involved in the taste and aroma perception of fruits and vegetables and have been used for centuries in gastronomy, as food preservatives and for therapeutic purposes. Biological activities such as antimicrobial, analgesic and anti-inflammatory are well-established for some of these molecules. More recently, the ability of monoterpenes to regulate energy metabolism, and exert antidiabetic, anti-obesity and gut microbiota modulation activities have been described. Despite their promising health effects, the lack of reliable quantification of monoterpenes in food, hindered the investigation of their role as dietary bioactive compounds in epidemiological studies. Moreover, only few studies have documented the biotransformation of these compounds and identified the monoterpene metabolites with biological activity. This review presents up-to-date knowledge about the occurrence of monoterpenes in food, their bioavailability and potential role in the modulation of intermediate metabolism and inflammation, focusing on novel findings of molecular mechanisms, underlining research gaps and new avenues to be explored.

Evaluation of carvacrol on pituitary and sexual hormones and their receptors in the testicle of male diabetic rats

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a complex metabolic disease and it is also closely associated with a reduction in fertility in male patients. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the antidiabetic effect of carvacrol (CRV), as a potent antioxidant, on the numbers of germ cells and Sertoli cells in testicular tissue, and the messenger RNA (mRNA) and protein expression of some genes involved in spermatogenesis, including luteinizing hormone/choriogonadotropin receptor ( LHCGR), follicle-stimulating hormone receptor ( FSHR), and steroidogenic factor 1 ( SF-1), as well as hormones such as luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), testosterone (T), and insulin. Adult male Wistar rats ( n = 32) were randomly divided into four groups (eight animals per group), including healthy control that received 0.2% Tween 80, diabetic control group, the diabetic group treated orally with CRV (75 mg/kg), and CRV group that received orally CRV (75 mg/kg). The duration of the treatment period lasted 8 weeks. In the diabetic group, the numbers of Sertoli cells and germ cells were significantly decreased, while the treatment with CRV prevented the degree of the damage to the cells mentioned earlier. CRV administration elevated the concentrations of insulin, T, FSH, and LH. Moreover, treatment with CRV significantly enhanced the levels of the mRNA and protein expression of SF-1, LHCGR, and FSHR. According to the obtained results, CRV administration could prevent the deleterious effects of DM on testicular germ cells, and it increases the levels of hormones and some essential genes, such as SF-1, LHCGR, and FSHR, involved in the process of spermatogenesis.

Oregano powder reduces Streptococcus and increases SCFA concentration in a mixed bacterial culture assay

Food borne illnesses have a world-wide economic impact and industries are continuously developing technologies to reduce the spread of disease caused by microorganisms. Antimicrobial growth promoters (AGPs) have been used to decrease microbiological infections in animals and their potential transfer to humans. In recent years there has been a global trend to remove AGPs from animal feed in an attempt to reduce the spread of antimicrobial resistant genes into the human population. Phytobiotics, such as oregano powder, are one of the potential replacements for AGPs due to their well-established antimicrobial components. 16S rRNA gene amplicons were used to determine the effect of oregano powder (1% w/v) on the microbiota of mixed bacterial cell cultures, which were obtained from the ceca of traditionally grown meat chickens (broilers). Oregano powder had a mild effect on the microbial cell cultures increasing Enterococcus faecium, rearranging ratios of members in the genus Lactobacillus and significantly reducing the genus Streptococcus (p = 1.6e-3). Beneficial short chain fatty acids (SCFA), acetic and butyric acid, were also significantly increased in oregano powder supplemented cultures. These results suggest that oregano powder at a concentration of 1% (w/v) may have beneficial influences on mixed microbial communities and SCFA production.

Effects of standardized Zataria multiflora extract and its major ingredient, Carvacrol, on Adriamycin-induced hepatotoxicity in rat

Background

The Preventive Effects of Standardized Extract of Zataria multiflora and Carvacrol on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rat: - Zataria multiflora and Carvacrol and Hepatotoxicity

Objectives

The hepatotoxicity induced by Acetaminophen (AAP) mostly mediated by effect on oxidative stress parameters. The Zataria multiflora (Z.M) is an herbal medicine with well-known antioxidant effect. The aim of this study is investigation of preventive effects of Z.M and Carvacrol (CAR) on AAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Rats were randomly divided into four groups including: 1) Control, 2) Acetaminophen (AAP), 3) and 4) CAR. The saline, Z.M (200 mg/kg) and CAR (20 mg/kg) were administrated orally for 6 days, after that AAP (600 mg/kg) was administrated in the 7^th day. Blood sampling was performed on the first and last days. Also, the liver tissue was removed for evaluation of Malondyaldehide (MDA), Thiol content, Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and Catalase (CAT). Total Protein (tPro), Glutamic Oxaloacetic Transaminase (GOT), Glutamic Pyruvic Transaminase (GPT) and Alkaline Phosphatase (ALP) in liver tissue were evaluated. The changes (Δ) of enzymes activities were presented.

Results

The Δ GOT, Δ GPT and Δ ALP in CAR group significantly decreased compared to AAP group (P < 0.01 to P < 0.001) and Δ GPT in Z.M group was significantly reduced in comparison with AAP group (P < 0.05). Also, MDA, Thiol, SOD and CAT levels in treated groups were attenuated compared to AAP group (P < 0.05 to P < 0.001).

Conclusion

Z.M and CAR have a powerful hepatoprotective effect. CAR is more effective than Z.M. Based on the results. Z.M and CAR could be potent supplementary agents against hepatotoxicity of AAP in patients.

Zataria multiflora extract and carvacrol affect cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin in rat

Background Because of the antioxidant effects of Zataria multiflora (ZM) and carvacrol (CAR) and also the role of oxidative stress in the induction of cardiotoxicity induced by Adriamycin (ADR), the aim of this study was to investigate the improvement effects of ZM extract and CAR on cardiotoxicity induced by ADR in rats. Methods Twenty-eight male rats were randomly assigned to four groups including (1) the control group; (2) the ADR group, which received ADR intravenously at the beginning of the study and the (3) ZM+ADR and (4) CAR+ADR groups, which received ZM and CAR by gavage for 28 consecutive days and ADR as single dose. Blood samples were collected on days 0 and 28 to determine serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Also, cardiac tissue was removed for redox marker evaluation. Results In the ADR group, malondialdehyde (MDA) significantly increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and total thiol contents significantly reduced, as compared with the control group, while CAR administration significantly improved this condition. Treatment with ZM significantly increased the SOD activity and total thiol content, as compared with the ADR group. The level of LDH significantly increased on day 28 in the ADR group compared to the control group, and administration of ZM and CAR significantly decreased it. The SGPT and SGOT levels in the ADR group significantly increased, and CAR administration significantly reduced them. Conclusion The results indicate that the administration of ZM hydroalcoholic extracts and its active ingredient, CAR, could reduce the oxidative stress damage through promotion of the cardiac and systemic antioxidant system. Also, CAR administration demonstrated better improvement in cardiotoxicity with ADR in rats.

Antidiabetic Potential of Monoterpenes: A Case of Small Molecules Punching above Their Weight

Monoterpenes belong to the terpenoids class of natural products and are bio-synthesized through the mevalonic acid pathway. Their small molecular weight coupled with high non-polar nature make them the most abundant components of essential oils which are often considered to have some general antioxidant and antimicrobial effects at fairly high concentrations. These compounds are however reported to have antidiabetic effects in recent years. Thanks to the ingenious biosynthetic machinery of nature, they also display a fair degree of structural complexity/diversity for further consideration in structure-activity studies. In the present communication, the merit of monoterpenes as antidiabetic agents is scrutinized by assessing recent in vitro and in vivo studies reported in the scientific literature. Both the aglycones and glycosides of these compounds of rather small structural size appear to display antidiabetic along with antiobesity and lipid lowering effects. The diversity of these effects vis-à-vis their structures and mechanisms of actions are discussed. Some key pharmacological targets include the insulin signaling pathways and/or the associated PI3K-AKT (protein kinase B), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPARγ), glucose transporter-4 (GLUT4) and adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways; proinflammatory cytokines and the NF-κB pathway; glycogenolysis and gluconeogenesis in the liver; glucagon-like-1 receptor (GLP-1R); among others.

Inhibition of TRPM7 by carvacrol suppresses glioblastoma cell proliferation, migration and invasion

Glioblastomas are progressive brain tumors with devastating proliferative and invasive characteristics. Ion channels are the second largest target class for drug development. In this study, we investigated the effects of the TRPM7 inhibitor carvacrol on the viability, resistance to apoptosis, migration, and invasiveness of the human U87 glioblastoma cell line.

The expression levels of TRPM7 mRNA and protein in U87 cells were detected by RT-PCR, western blotting and immunofluorescence. TRPM7 currents were recorded using whole-cell patch-clamp techniques. An MTT assay was used to assess cell viability and proliferation. Wound healing and transwell experiments were used to evaluate cell migration and invasion. Protein levels of p-Akt/t-Akt, p-ERK1/2/t-ERK1/2, cleaved caspase-3, MMP-2 and phosphorylated cofilin were also detected.

TRPM7 mRNA and protein expression in U87 cells is higher than in normal human astrocytes. Whole-cell patch-clamp recording showed that carvacrol blocks recombinant TRPM7 current in HEK293 cells and endogenous TRPM7-like current in U87 cells. Carvacrol treatment reduced the viability, migration and invasion of U87 cells. Carvacrol also decreased MMP-2 protein expression and promoted the phosphorylation of cofilin. Furthermore, carvacrol inhibited the Ras/MEK/MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways.

Therefore, carvacrol may have therapeutic potential for the treatment of glioblastomas through its inhibition of TRPM7 channels.

Improving pancreatic islet in vitro functionality and transplantation efficiency by using heparin mimetic peptide nanofiber gels

Pancreatic islet transplantation is a promising treatment for type 1 diabetes. However, viability and functionality of the islets after transplantation are limited due to loss of integrity and destruction of blood vessel networks. Thus, it is important to provide a proper mechanically and biologically supportive environment for enhancing both in vitro islet culture and transplantation efficiency. Here, we demonstrate that heparin mimetic peptide amphiphile (HM-PA) nanofibrous network is a promising platform for these purposes. The islets cultured with peptide nanofiber gel containing growth factors exhibited a similar glucose stimulation index as that of the freshly isolated islets even after 7 days. After transplantation of islets to STZ-induced diabetic rats, 28 day-long monitoring displayed that islets that were transplanted in HM-PA nanofiber gels maintained better blood glucose levels at normal levels compared to the only islet transplantation group. In addition, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test revealed that animals that were transplanted with islets within peptide gels showed a similar pattern with the healthy control group. Histological assessment showed that islets transplanted within peptide nanofiber gels demonstrated better islet integrity due to increased blood vessel density. This work demonstrates that using the HM-PA nanofiber gel platform enhances the islets function and islet transplantation efficiency both in vitro and in vivo.

Carvacrol modulates oxidative stress and decreases cell injury in pancreas of rats with acute pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis (AP) is considered as major problem around the world and the incidence of AP is increasing. Carvacrol (CAR), a monoterpenic phenol, has good antioxidant activity. This in vivo study was designed to evaluate whether CAR provide protection against AP that developed by pancreas injury. The rats were randomised into groups to receive (I) no therapy; (II) 50 µg/kg cerulein at 1 h intervals by four intraperitonally (i.p.) injections; (III) 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg CAR by one i.p. injection; and (IV) cerulein plus CAR after 2 h of cerulein administration. 12 h later, serum samples were obtained to assess pancreatic function, the lipase and amylase values. The oxidative stress markers were evaluated by changes in the amount of lipid peroxides measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) and changes in main tissue antioxidant enzyme levels including SOD, CAT and GSH-PX. Histopathological examination was performed using scoring systems. Additionally, oxidative DNA damage was determined by measuring the increases of 8-hydroxy-deoxyguanosine (8-OH-dG) formations. We found that the increasing doses of CAR decreased AP-induced MDA and 8-OH-dG levels. Moreover, the pancreas antioxidant enzyme activities were higher than that of the rats in the AP group when compared to the AP plus CAR group. In the treatment groups, the lipase and amylase were reduced. Besides, histopathological findings in the pancreatic tissue were alleviated (p < 0.05). We suggest that CAR could be a safe and potent new drug candidate for treating AP through its antioxidative mechanism of action for the treatment of a wide range of disorders related to pancreas.

Synergistic activations of REG I α and REG I β promoters by IL-6 and Glucocorticoids through JAK/STAT pathway in human pancreatic β cells

Reg (Regenerating gene) gene was originally isolated from rat regenerating islets and its encoding protein was revealed as an autocrine/paracrine growth factor for β cells. Rat Reg gene is activated in inflammatory conditions for β cell regeneration. In human, although five functional REG family genes (REG Iα, REG Iβ, REG III, HIP/PAP, and REG IV) were isolated, their expressions in β cells under inflammatory conditions remained unclear. In this study, we found that combined addition of IL-6 and dexamethasone (Dx) induced REG Iα and REG Iβ expression in human 1.1B4 β cells. Promoter assay revealed that a signal transducer and activator of transcription- (STAT-) binding site in each promoter of REG Iα (TGCCGGGAA) and REG Iβ (TGCCAGGAA) was essential for the IL-6+Dx-induced promoter activation. A Janus kinase 2 (JAK2) inhibitor significantly inhibited the IL-6+Dx-induced REG Iα and REG Iβ transcription. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay and chromatin immunoprecipitation revealed that IL-6+Dx stimulation increased STAT3 binding to the REG Iα promoter. Furthermore, small interfering RNA-mediated targeting of STAT3 blocked the IL-6+Dx-induced expression of REG Iα and REG Iβ. These results indicate that the expression of REG Iα and REG Iβ should be upregulated in human β cells under inflammatory conditions through the JAK/STAT pathway.

Assessment of antioxidative, chelating, and DNA-protective effects of selected essential oil components (eugenol, carvacrol, thymol, borneol, eucalyptol) of plants and intact Rosmarinus officinalis oil

Selected components of plant essential oils and intact Rosmarinus officinalis oil (RO) were investigated for their antioxidant, iron-chelating, and DNA-protective effects. Antioxidant activities were assessed using four different techniques. DNA-protective effects on human hepatoma HepG2 cells and plasmid DNA were evaluated with the help of the comet assay and the DNA topology test, respectively. It was observed that whereas eugenol, carvacrol, and thymol showed high antioxidative effectiveness in all assays used, RO manifested only antiradical effect and borneol and eucalyptol did not express antioxidant activity at all. DNA-protective ability against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced DNA lesions was manifested by two antioxidants (carvacrol and thymol) and two compounds that do not show antioxidant effects (RO and borneol). Borneol was able to preserve not only DNA of HepG2 cells but also plasmid DNA against Fe(2+)-induced damage. This paper evaluates the results in the light of experiences of other scientists.