In vivo evidence of hepato- and reno-protective effect of garlic oil against sodium nitrite-induced oxidative stress

Co-exposure of microcystin-LR and nitrite induced kidney injury through TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD-mediated pyroptosis

The degradation of cyanobacterial blooms releases hazardous contaminants such as microcystin-LR (MC-LR) and nitrite, which may collectively exert toxicity on various bodily systems. To evaluate their individual and combined toxicity in the kidney, mice were subjected to different concentrations of MC-LR and/or nitrite over a 6-month period in this study. The results revealed that combined exposure to MC-LR and nitrite exacerbated renal pathological alterations and dysfunction compared to exposure to either compound alone. Specifically, the protein and mRNA expression of kidney injury biomarkers, such as kidney injury molecule 1 (KIM-1) and neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL), were notably increased in combined exposure group. Concurrently, co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite remarkedly upregulated levels of proinflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β, while decreasing the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10. Notably, MC-LR and nitrite exhibited synergistic effects on the upregulation of renal IL-1β levels. Moreover, MC-LR combined with nitrite not only elevated mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines but also increased protein levels of pyroptosis biomarkers such as IL-1β, Gasdermin D (GSDMD), and Cleaved-GSDMD. Mechanistic investigations revealed that co-exposure to MC-LR and nitrite promoted pyroptosis both in vivo and in vitro, possibly through the activation of the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Pretreatment with TLR4 inhibitor and NLRP3 inhibitor effectively suppressed pyroptosis induced by the co-exposure of these two toxins in HEK293T cells. These findings provide compelling evidence that MC-LR combined with nitrite synergistically induces pyroptosis in the kidney by activating the TLR4/NLRP3/GSDMD pathway. Overall, this study significantly enhances our comprehension of how environmental toxins interact and induce harm to the kidneys, offering promising avenues for identifying therapeutic targets to alleviate their toxic effects on renal health.

Supplementation of Saussurea costus root alleviates sodium nitrite-induced hepatorenal toxicity by modulating metabolic profile, inflammation, and apoptosis

Sodium nitrite (NaNO2) is a widely used food ingredient, although excessive concentrations can pose potential health risks. In the present study, we evaluated the deterioration effects of NaNO2 additives on hematology, metabolic profile, liver function, and kidney function of male Wistar rats. We further explored the therapeutic potential of supplementation with S. costus root ethanolic extract (SCREE) to improve NaNO2-induced hepatorenal toxicity. In this regard, 65 adult male rats were divided into eight groups; Group 1: control, Groups 2, 3, and 4 received SCREE in 200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight, respectively, Group 5: NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight), Groups 6, 7 and 8 received NaNO2 (6.5 mg/kg body weight) in combination with SCREE (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg body weight), respectively. Our results revealed that the NaNO2-treated group shows a significant change in deterioration in body and organ weights, hematological parameters, lipid profile, and hepatorenal dysfunction, as well as immunohistochemical and histopathological alterations. Furthermore, the NaNO2-treated group demonstrated a considerable increase in the expression of TNF-α cytokine and tumor suppressor gene P53 in the kidney and liver, while a significant reduction was detected in the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-4 and the apoptosis suppressor gene BCL-2, compared to the control group. Interestingly, SCREE administration demonstrated the ability to significantly alleviate the toxic effects of NaNO2 and improve liver function in a dose-dependent manner, including hematological parameters, lipid profile, and modulation of histopathological architecture. Additionally, SCREE exhibited the ability to modulate the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic genes in the liver and kidney. The phytochemical analysis revealed a wide set of primary metabolites in SCREE, including phenolics, flavonoids, vitamins, alkaloids, saponins and tannins, while the untargeted UPLC/T-TOF-MS/MS analysis identified 183 metabolites in both positive and negative ionization modes. Together, our findings establish the potential of SCREE in mitigating the toxic effects of NaNO2 by modulating metabolic, inflammatory, and apoptosis. Together, this study underscores the promise of SCREE as a potential natural food detoxifying additive to counteract the harmful impacts of sodium nitrite.

Garlic oil improves small intestinal motility in experimentally induced type II diabetes mellitus in female Wistar rats

Diabetes mellitus adversely affects the contractile ability of the small intestine. However, there is a paucity of studies investigating the impact of garlic oil on small intestinal motility. This study aimed to evaluate the potential beneficial effects of garlic oil on type 2 diabetes mellitus in rats. Thirty-six adult female Wistar rats (n = 36) were divided into four groups: control, non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil, diabetic rats, and diabetic rats treated with garlic oil. The rats were anesthetized using pentobarbitone (40 mg/kg BW); various motility parameters and oxidative markers were determined in small intestinal segments. Measurements were taken for naso-anal length, waist circumference, fasting blood glucose level (FBG), and plasma insulin level. Compared to the control group, the diabetic rats exhibited a reduction in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments. Furthermore, the rats exhibited a reduction in the average duration of muscle contraction only in the jejunum. The rats also exhibited hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, significant oxidative stress, and obesity. This was proven by changes in motility parameters, fasting blood glucose levels, HOMA-IR values, intestinal MDA levels, and waist circumference. The non-diabetic rats supplemented with garlic oil also exhibited a decrease in the average force of contraction and motility index in all small intestinal segments, despite having consistently higher Lee index and waist circumference values. However, the diabetic rats treated with garlic oil demonstrated improved small intestinal motility in nearly all small intestinal segments and a reduction in oxidative stress. In conclusion, rats with diabetes mellitus experienced a decrease in small intestinal motility, which is primarily driven by oxidative stress. Normal rats administered with garlic oil supplements exhibited similar effects. In contrast, garlic oil treatment in diabetic rats led to enhanced small intestinal motility and a notable anti-hyperglycemic effect, which can be attributed to the potent antioxidant properties of garlic oil.

Inulin-Coated Iron Oxide Nanoparticles: A Theranostic Platform for Contrast-Enhanced MR Imaging of Acute Hepatic Failure

The present study introduces a superparamagnetic nanocomposite, Fe-Si-In, as a T2 magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) contrast agent with a core of iron oxide nanoparticles and a nonporous silica inner shell/carboxymethyl inulin outer shell. Due to its core/shell properties, the structure characterization, biocompatibility, and performance in MRI, as well as its potential as a drug delivery system, were thoroughly evaluated. The results have shown that the synthesized nanocomposite possesses excellent biocompatibility and acceptable magnetization (M_s = 20 emu g^-1). It also has the potential to be a nanocarrier for drug delivery purposes, as evidenced by the results of curcumin administration studies. The developed nanocomposite has shown excellent performance in MRI, while the in vitro relaxivity measurements reveal a stronger T2 relaxivity (r₂ = 223.2 ms) compared to the commercial samples available in the market. Furthermore, the in vivo MRI studies demonstrate an excellent contrast between injured livers and normal ones in rats which again upholds the high performance of Fe-Si-In in MRI diagnostics.

Glycyrrhizic acid ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced lung and salivary gland toxicity: Impact on oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis

Despite wide application of sodium nitrite (SN) as food additive, it exhibits considerable side effects on various body organs at high dose or chronic exposure. The aim of this study was to test whether Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) could ameliorate SN-induced toxicity in lung and submandibular salivary gland (SMG). A sample size of 30 adult male albino rats was randomly allocated into 3 groups. Group 1 served as control group. Rats were treated orally with 80 mg/kg of SN in group 2 or SN preceded by (15 mg/kg) GA in group 3. Lung & SMG tissues were used for oxidative stress assessment, examination of histopathological changes, fibrosis (MTC, TGF-β and α-SMA) and inflammation (TNF-α, IL-1β and CD-68). Concurrent administration of GA ameliorated pulmonary and salivary SN-induced toxicity via restoring the antioxidant defense mechanisms with reduction of MDA levels. GA reduced the key regulators of fibrosis TGF-β and α-SMA and collagen deposition. In addition to reduction of inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1β) and macrophages recruitments, GA amended both pulmonary and salivary morphological changes. The present study proposed GA as a promising natural herb with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects against pulmonary and salivary SN-induced toxicity.

Impact of Thymus vulgaris extract on sodium nitrite-induced alteration of renal redox and oxidative stress: Biochemical, molecular, and immunohistochemical study

Thyme (Thymus vulgaris) is an herbal plant with pleiotropic medicinal properties. In this study, we examined the possible protective effect of an ethanolic extract of thyme leaves against the renal oxidative stress induced by sodium nitrite (NaNO₂ ). Male Swiss mice received either saline or thyme extract for 15 days (0.5 g/kg body weight, orally). NaNO₂ (60 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at Day 14. The protective group received the thyme extract for 15 days and NaNO₂ on Day 14. Blood and kidney samples were taken from all groups to measure serum urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine, serum, tissue antioxidant activity, and the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β and IL-6. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of kidney injury marker-1 (Kim-1), TNF-α, nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2), and hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1), all of which are associated with kidney redox and oxidative stress. Pretreatment with thyme extract reduced the effects of NaNO₂ on urea, BUN, and creatinine, and reversed its effect on tissue and serum antioxidants. NaNO₂ -induced nephritis as demonstrated by the upregulation in mRNA expression of Kim-1 and TNF-α, which was, however, recovered and protected by pretreatment with thyme extract. Expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 was upregulated by treatment with thyme extract and downregulated by NaNO₂ intoxication. NaNO₂ -induced congestion in glomeruli and dilatation of the renal tubules, conditions that were restored in the group pretreated with thyme extract. NaNO₂ upregulated Bax immunoreactivity and caused apoptosis in renal structures. Thus, thyme extract is effective in managing the renal toxicity associated with oxidative stress and renal redox. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The results from this study have shown that use of thyme extract may promote better health due to its high antioxidant activity. For instance, it could be ingested to alleviate the symptoms of renal inflammation and oxidative stress associated with nitrite toxicity. Thyme extract regulated renal redox, oxidative stress, antioxidant levels, and inflammation-associated genes at the molecular, biochemical, and cellular immunohistochemical levels.

The oil of garlic, Allium sativum L. (Amaryllidaceae), as a potential protectant against Anisakis spp. Type II (L3) (Nematoda) infection in Wistar rats

The consumption of inadequately thermally treated fish is a public health risk due to the possible propagation of Anisakis larvae. The present study demonstrated the physiological and histopathological changes that accompanied an oral inoculation of crude extracts from fresh and thermally treated Anisakis Type II (L3) in rats. Worms were isolated from a marine fish and examined and identified using light and scanning electron microscopy. The study was performed in 6 rat groups: control (I), garlic oil (GO) inoculated (II), fresh L3 inoculated (III), thermally treated L3 inoculated (IV), fresh L3 + GO inoculated (V), and a thermally treated L3 + GO inoculated (VI) groups. Rats inoculated with fresh and thermally treated L3 showed abnormal liver and kidney functions associated with the destruction of normal architecture. GO produced a protective effect in rat groups inoculated with L3 extracts + GO via the amelioration of liver and kidney functions, which was confirmed by the marked normal structure on histology. Cooking of L3-infected fish induced severe alterations compared to uncooked fish. The administration of garlic before and after fish eating is recommended to avoid the dangerous effect of anisakids, even if they are cooked.

Polyphenolic-rich extracts of Andrographis paniculata mitigate hyperglycemia via attenuating β-cell dysfunction, pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in alloxan-induced diabetic Wistar albino rat

Background

This study sought to investigate anti-hyperglycemic potentials of free and bound phenolic-rich extracts of Andrographis paniculata (A. paniculata) leaves, commonly called "king of the bitter", a plant locally employed in folkloric alternative medicine.

Method

In vitro antioxidant potentials such as total phenolic and flavonoid contents were evaluated in addition to phosphomolybdenum reducing total antioxidant activity in bound and free polyphenol-rich extracts of A. paniculata. Also, following induction of diabetes through a single intraperitoneal injection of freshly prepared alloxan monohydrate (150 mg/kg body weight, b.w), diabetic rats were divided into seven (7) treatment groups with six rats each (n = 6) i.e. group 1 (normal control), 2 (diabetic untreated), 3 (5 mg/kg glibenclamide -treated control), while 4-7 were administered 50 and 100 mg/kg b.w of free and bound phenolic extracts of A. paniculata, respectively for twenty-one (21) days.

Results

There was a significant (p < 0.05) difference in hematological indices, hepatic biomarkers, total protein, antioxidant enzymes activities, total thiol and fasting blood glucose levels of diabetic groups administered polyphenolic-rich extracts of A. paniculata compared to diabetic untreated control. Similarly, serum insulin levels, hexokinase and glucose-6-phoshatase activities were significantly (p < 0.05) improved in phenolic-rich extracts of A. paniculata-treated diabetic groups compared to diabetic untreated control. A significant (p < 0.05) reduction was as well observed in the levels of inflammatory biomarkers such as interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor (TNFα) among extract of A. paniculata administered diabetic groups compared diabetic untreated group.

Conclusions

Anti-hyperglycemic activities demonstrated by polyphenolic-rich extracts of A. paniculata when compared to glibenclamide and normal control, could possibly have been occasioned by β-cell protection, restoration of glycolytic enzymes as well as mitigation of inflammatory markers via antioxidant defensive/protective properties of the extracts.

Fish protein intake is a novel dietary approach for managing diabetes-associated complications in diabetic Wistar rat model

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder associated with short term as well as long-term undesirable complications caused by persistent hyperglycemia. Recently, there has been emerging evidence that natural foods and their bioactive compounds are the key contributors to the treatment of diabetes and associated complications. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic efficacy of a fish protein-rich diet for managing diabetes and associated complications in the diabetic Wistar rat model. A high-protein (HP) diet (45% and 55% fish protein rich in ω3 fatty acids) was given to alloxan-induced diabetic rats for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for monitoring serum glucose, oxidative stress markers, lipid profile, kidney function markers, serum proteins, and liver function markers. Results indicated that there was a noteworthy control (p < .05) of serum glucose, oxidative stress, and lipid profile in HP diet treated diabetic rats. Treatment with 45% and 55% fish diet appreciably improved the concentration of serum creatinine, urea, uric acid and exhibited a vibrant improvement in renal functions. Our results confirmed that the HP diet restored total protein and albumin concentration in blood. The HP diet treatment also restored the normal serum aspartate transaminase and alanine aminotransferase concentration.

Chlorella vulgaris ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The current was conducted to evaluate the ameliorating effect of Chlorella vulgaris (CV) extract against sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Forty-five rats were allocated randomly into 5 groups (n = 9). Group I (GI), control group: orally gavaged with normal saline daily. Group II (GII): orally gavaged with CV extract (70 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group III (GIII): orally gavaged with sodium nitrite (80 mg/kg BW) for 3 months. Group IV (GIV): received sodium nitrite as GIII and CV extract as GII simultaneously for 3 months. Group V (GV): received CV extract as GII and then, sodium nitrite as in GIII from the end of first month until the end of the experiment. Sodium nitrite significantly increased the activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and serum concentrations of tumor interleukin 1-β and necrosis factor α. In addition, it increased concentrations of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide and expression level of caspase-3 in the hepatic tissue. However, it decreased activities of hepatic glutathione peroxidase, catalase, and superoxide dismutase and induced degenerative and necrotic changes in hepatic tissues. In contrast, CV extract administration modulated sodium nitrite-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, and alteration in hepatic tissue function and architecture. This study indicated that CV extract modulated sodium nitrite-induced hepatic toxicity through decreasing oxidative stress and inflammation and enhancing antioxidant enzyme activities in hepatic tissue of rats.

Hepatoprotective activity of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) in sodium nitrite-induced hepatotoxicity

Background and Aim:

For years, people have used sodium nitrite as a food preservative. This study determined the effect of okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) pod methanol extract (OPME) on mice with hepatotoxicity induced by sodium nitrite. The flavonoid and total phenolic levels, serum biochemistry, and liver histology were examined.

Materials and Methods:

Green okra pod extraction was performed using ethanol methanol solvent. Thirty adult male BALB/c mice (8-10 weeks, ~30 g) were divided into six groups: Normal control, negative control (sodium nitrite 50 mg/kg BW exposure), and treatment groups (sodium nitrite exposure and OPME at doses of 50, 100, 200, and 400 mg/kg BW). Subsequently, they were exposed to sodium nitrite and administered multiple doses of OPME for 19 days by gavage. After that, serum was used for biochemical evaluation, and liver histological analysis was performed. All data were statistically analyzed (α=0.05).

Results:

All doses of OPME reduced the levels of nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In this research, both superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) levels increased in all OPME-administered treatments. All doses also reduced necrotic cells, proportion of swollen cells, and inflammation in liver histological analysis. The results of this study showed that OPME exerted hepatoprotective effects by lowering MDA, NO, ALT, and AST levels. It also improved SOD and CAT levels and recovered damaged liver tissue to its normal state. The optimal dose of OPME was 50-100 mg/kg BW.

Conclusion:

OPME has potential as a natural hepatoprotective agent against sodium nitrite exposure.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Diallyl Disulfide on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Cyclophosphamide in Rats

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a garlic-derived organo-sulfur compound. This study was carried out to investigate the protective potential, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects of this compound against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. A single intraperitoneal dose of CP (200 mg/kg) resulted in a significant disturbance in hepatic function and oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory biomarkers. In addition, histopathological examination showed distinct changes and increased expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen in hepatocytes. On the other hand, daily oral preadministration of DADS (200 mg/kg) for 10 days before the CP dose effectively attenuated the hepatotoxicity caused by CP administration as confirmed by significant amelioration of the aforementioned parameters in rat’s liver. It could be concluded that administration of DADS can diminish CP-induced hepatotoxicity through concurrent upregulation of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory responses that denote its possible potential clinical application against side effects of the CP drug.

Manipulation of Quercetin and Melatonin in the Down-Regulation of HIF-1α, HSP-70 and VEGF Pathways in Rat's Kidneys Induced by Hypoxic Stress

Hypoxia may lead to inflammatory responses by numerous signaling pathways. This investigation intended to inspect the defensive role of Quercetin (Quer) and/ or Melatonin (Mel) against reno toxicity induced by Sodium nitrite (Sod ntr). Sod ntr injection significantly decreased blood hemoglobin concentration (Hb) with a concurrent increase in serum tumor necrosis factor- α, interleukin-6, C-reactive protein, creatinine, and urea levels. Over protein-expression of vascular endothelial growth factor and heat shock, protein-70 and mRNA of HIF-1α were also observed. Pretreatment of the Sod ntr- injected rats with the aforementioned antioxidants; either alone or together significantly improved such parameters. Histopathological examination reinforced the previous results. It was concluded that the combined administration of Quer and Mel may be useful as a potential therapy against renal injury induced by Sod ntr. HIF-1α and HSP-70 are implicated in the induction of hypoxia and its treatment.

Mechanism underlying nephroprotective property of curcumin against sodium nitrite-induced nephrotoxicity in male Wistar rat

The current work examined the outcome of curcumin (20 mg/kg body weight/day) administration on arginase and adenosine deaminase (ADA) activities and other kidney markers, as well as markers of oxidative stress, in Wistar rats exposed to sodium nitrite (NaNO₂ ) (60 mg/kg of body weight, single dose) for 28 days. The results revealed that the NaNO₂ exposed rats had significantly altered the ADA activities, arginase activities alongside other biomarkers of kidney function, and oxidative stress. However, pretreatment with curcumin significantly mitigated the altered activities ADA and arginase as well as other parameters. This was supported by the histopathological examination of the kidney tissues. Our findings suggest that the alteration in the activities of ADA and arginase could be involved in the mechanism of action employed by NaNO₂ and curcumin in the respective induction and prevention of nephrotoxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: These results suggest that moderate exposure to the acceptable daily dose of curcumin can improve food-related kidney damage through regulations of ADA and arginase activities, enhancement in the antioxidant system, and suppression of lipid peroxidation.

Potential application of nanoemulsified garlic oil blend in mitigating the progression of type 2 diabetes-mediated nephropathy in Wistar rats

The renoprotective potential of nanoemulsified garlic oil blend (GNE) in alleviating the progressive stages of hyperlipidemia-mediated diabetic nephropathy was examined. The study was carried out in high fat-fed, streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic Wistar rats for five months. The diabetic rats showed a significant increase of area under the curve in OGTT (p < 0.01) and IPITT (p < 0.01), increased urinary albumin (p < 0.01), urinary microprotein (p < 0.001), total cholesterol (p < 0.01), triglycerides (p < 0.001) and LDL cholesterol (p < 0.001), with decreased serum albumin (p < 0.01), serum protein (p < 0.001) and HDL-cholesterol levels (p < 0.05) than the control rats. The histopathological analysis evidenced mesangial expansion and hypercellularity at the end of the first and third month, and glomerulosclerosis and tubular atrophy at the end of the fifth month in diabetic rats. Moreover, on disease progression, increase in urinary podocalyxin, NGAL and CD36 was observed, and the renal mRNA and protein expression of podocalyxin decreased significantly with a concomitant increase in NGAL and CD36 expression from first till fifth month end. The treatment with GNE (20 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated the serum albumin (p < 0.001) and urine albumin (p < 0.01) from the end of the third month with significant attenuation in the lipid profile than GO (20 mg/kg) or Ator (8 mg/kg). Moreover, GNE reverted the histopathological alterations and attenuated the aberrant mRNA, protein expression and urinary excretion level of renal CD36, podocalyxin and NGAL in diabetic rats from an early stage of disease till the end of the study period. This study demonstrated the enhanced efficacy of GO in nanoemulsified form in mitigating the progression of nephropathy in type 2 diabetic rats.

Therapeutic role of garlic and vitamins C and E against toxicity induced by lead on various organs

Due to industrial and urban sewage, the metal contaminations in aquatic and terrestrial environments are increasing day by day, especially in developing countries. Despite the study of several years, we are inert far away from an actual medication for prolonged toxicity of heavy metals such as mercury, lead, cadmium etc. Lead is one of the most common heavy metals that possess toxicological effects on numerous tissues of animals as well as humans. Several toxic effects of lead on reproductive organs, renal system, central nervous system, liver, lungs, blood parameters, and bones have been reported. On the other hand, several reports depicted that garlic is operative in declining the absorption of lead in bones as well as soft tissues. A combination of vitamin C and vitamin E enhances the biological recovery induced by lead and mobilize the heavy metal such as lead from intra-cellular positions. This review provides therapeutic approaches such as vitamin C, vitamin E, and extract of garlic to treat the detrimental effects caused after the exposure of lead. These therapeutic strategies are beneficial for both the prevention and alleviation of lead noxiousness.

Antidiabetic and antioxidant potentials of Vitellaria paradoxa barks in alloxan-induced diabetic rats

Background

Vitellaria paradoxa (V. paradoxa) is a plant used in traditional medicine in the treatment of many diseases including diabetes mellitus. Although the different parts of this plant are used empirically as antidiabetic drug, no scientific work to our knowledge has yet been undertaken to evaluate its effects on blood glucose, and lipid and antioxidant parameters of diabetic animals. The objective of this study is therefore to evaluate the hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant activities of the aqueous extract of V. paradoxa barks in diabetic rats.

Methods

Diabetes was induced by intraperitoneal injection of alloxan (120 mg/kg bw). Thirty male albino rats were divided into groups and orally treated for 14 days with distilled water, glibenclamide (2.5 mg/kg bw) and aqueous extract of V. paradoxa (125, 250 and 500 mg/kg bw). Glycaemia, insulin level, relative body weight, hepatic glycogen level, some liver enzymes, and lipid and antioxidant parameters were evaluated.

Results

The results showed that the extract caused a significant increase in relative body weight, insulin level, HDL-cholesterol, hepatic glycogen rate, and fructose-1,6-biphosphate and glucokinase activities. A significant decrease in glycaemia, glucose-6-phosphatase activity, total cholesterol, triglycerides and LDL-cholesterol were also observed after the administration of V. paradoxa. Glutathione level and the activities of catalase and superoxide dismutase increased significantly while the nitric oxide and malondialdehyde levels decreased significantly in the liver of animals treated with the extract of V. paradoxa.

Conclusion

These results justify the hypoglycaemic, hypolipidemic and antioxidant effects of aqueous extract of V. paradoxa barks, which can reduce the complications associated with diabetes.

Enhanced Therapeutic Potency of Nanoemulsified Garlic Oil Blend Towards Renal Abnormalities in Pre-diabetic Rats

The therapeutic potency of ultrasonic nanoemulsified garlic oil blend using a non-ionic surfactant (Tween 80) was assessed on pre-diabetic Wistar rats with microalbuminuria. The pre-diabetic condition was induced in male albino Wistar rats by supplementing high-fat diet. The prolonged period of the pre-diabetic state caused renal dysfunctioning, which was indicated by microalbuminuria. Treatment of pre-diabetic rats with nanoemulsified garlic oil blend significantly ameliorated the lipid profile (p < 0.001), urinary albumin (p < 0.01), microprotein (p < 0.001), urinary triglycerides (p < 0.01), serum triglycerides (p < 0.01), serum albumin (p < 0.05), and protein levels (p < 0.01) in comparison to treatment of pre-diabetic rats with garlic oil blend or atorvastatin. Similarly, histopathological investigations indicated a remarkable attenuation in the mesangial expansion and proliferation, glomerular and tubular basement membrane thickening, and the tubular lipid deposits on administering nanoemulsified garlic oil blend than garlic oil blend or atorvastatin. Moreover, nanoemulsified garlic oil blend significantly promoted renal podocin gene expression by 3.98-fold (p < 0.001) and attenuated increased urinary podocin level by 2.92-fold (p < 0.01). Thus, our study affirms that the efficacy of garlic oil blend was augmented upon nanoemulsification, which substantially ameliorated the renal abnormalities observed in the pre-diabetic condition than garlic oil blend or atorvastatin.

Biochemical Effects of Oleuropein in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Male Rat

Diabetes is a chronic disease characterized by a disorder in the metabolism of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates. The liver as a non-insulin dependent organ plays an important role in the regulation of blood fat and glucose. Most blood glucose lowering drugs that are introduced for treatment have side effects in long-term consumption. Therefore, to control diabetes and its complications, the use of herbal drugs is widely considered nowadays. The present study investigates the biochemical effects of oleuropein in diabetic male rats. In this study, 30 adult male Wistar rats with a weight range of 190±30 gr were equally divided into 3 groups randomly: 1) control group or intact animals, 2) diabetic animals, and 3) treatment group, which received 60 mg/kg oleuropein for 30 days by gastric gavage. Diabetes was induced in diabetic and treatment groups by injection of streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) intraperitoneally. At the end of the treatment, the levels of triglyceride, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, blood glucose, HbA1C, and activity of AST and ALT were determined. The results showed that the serum lipid profile and blood glucose increased significantly in the diabetic group compared with the control group (p<0.05). Also, HbA1C and atherogenic index decreased significantly in the treatment group compared with the diabetic group (p<0.05). This study showed that oral administration of oleuropein has hypoglycemic effects, which can reduce the serum levels of the lipids profile and the atherogenic index in streptozotocin-induced diabetic male rats.

Acute oral dose of sodium nitrite causes redox imbalance and DNA damage in rat kidney

Sodium nitrite (NaNO₂ ) is widely used as a food additive and preservative in fish and meat products. We have evaluated the effect of a single acute oral dose of NaNO₂ on oxidative stress parameters, antioxidant capacity, and DNA in rat kidney. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups and given single oral dose of NaNO₂ at 20, 40, 60, and 75 mg/kg body weight; untreated rats served as the control group. All animals in NaNO₂ -treated groups showed marked alterations in various parameters of oxidative stress as compared to the control group. This included increase in lipid peroxidation, protein oxidation, hydrogen peroxide levels, and decrease in reduced glutathione content and antioxidant capacity. Administration of NaNO₂ also increased DNA damage as evident from release of free nucleotides and confirmed by comet assay. It also led to greater cross-linking of DNA to proteins. Histological analysis showed marked morphological changes in the kidney of NaNO₂ -treated animals. These alterations could be due to increased free radical generation or direct chemical modification by reaction intermediates. Our results suggest that nitrite-induced nephrotoxicity is mediated through redox imbalance and results in DNA damage.

Re-evaluation of potassium nitrite (E 249) and sodium nitrite (E 250) as food additives

The Panel on Food Additives and Nutrient Sources added to Food (ANS) provided a scientific opinion re‐evaluating the safety of potassium nitrite (E 249) and sodium nitrite (E 250) when used as food additives. The ADIs established by the SCF (1997) and by JECFA (2002) for nitrite were 0–0.06 and 0–0.07 mg/kg bw per day, respectively. The available information did not indicate in vivo genotoxic potential for sodium and potassium nitrite. Overall, an ADI for nitrite per se could be derived from the available repeated dose toxicity studies in animals, also considering the negative carcinogenicity results. The Panel concluded that an increased methaemoglobin level, observed in human and animals, was a relevant effect for the derivation of the ADI. The Panel, using a BMD approach, derived an ADI of 0.07 mg nitrite ion/kg bw per day. The exposure to nitrite resulting from its use as food additive did not exceed this ADI for the general population, except for a slight exceedance in children at the highest percentile. The Panel assessed the endogenous formation of nitrosamines from nitrites based on the theoretical calculation of the NDMA produced upon ingestion of nitrites at the ADI and estimated a MoE > 10,000. The Panel estimated the MoE to exogenous nitrosamines in meat products to be < 10,000 in all age groups at high level exposure. Based on the results of a systematic review, it was not possible to clearly discern nitrosamines produced from the nitrite added at the authorised levels, from those found in the food matrix without addition of external nitrite. In epidemiological studies there was some evidence to link (i) dietary nitrite and gastric cancers and (ii) the combination of nitrite plus nitrate from processed meat and colorectal cancers. There was evidence to link preformed NDMA and colorectal cancers.

Renal protective effects of thymoquinone against sodium nitrite-induced chronic toxicity in rats: Impact on inflammation and apoptosis

AIMS

Sodium nitrite is a widely used color fixative and preservative. However, it has been reported to exert deleterious toxic effects on various body organs. Moreover, thymoquinone (TQ), the active constituent of Nigella sativa oil is known to possess beneficial antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential protective effects of TQ against sodium nitrite-induced renal toxicity.

MAIN METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with sodium nitrite (80mg/kg, po, daily) in presence or absence of TQ (25 and 50mg/kg, po, daily). Morphological changes in renal sections were assessed by staining with Hematoxylin/Eosin and Periodic acid-Schiff. Renal homogenate was used for measurement of oxidative stress markers (MDA and GSH), inflammatory markers (CRP, TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), anti-inflammatory cytokines (IL-10 and IL-4) and apoptotic markers (caspase-3/caspase-8/caspase-9).

KEY FINDINGS

Treatment with sodium nitrite significantly increased markers of renal dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. These effects were markedly attenuated by TQ in dose dependent manner.

SIGNIFICANCE

TQ has a potential protective effect against sodium nitrite-induced renal toxicity. This can be attributed to its ability to dampen oxidative stress, restore the normal balance between pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and protect renal tissue form extrinsic and intrinsic apoptosis.

Effect of Glycosin alkaloid from Rhizophora apiculata in non-insulin dependent diabetic rats and its mechanism of action: In vivo and in silico studies

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Diabetes mellitus is a complex multifactorial disorder that remains a great challenging task in the clinical practice. Rhizophora apiculata from Indian medicinal mangrove is widely used to treat inflammation, wound healing and diabetes. Bioassay guided fractionation was followed to isolate Glycosin from the ethanolic extract of R. apiculata. The antidiabetic effect of Glycosin in diabetic rats was investigated and determined their possible mechanism of action.

METHODS

Diabetes was induced in adult Wistar rats by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin and nicotinamide. Based on the oral glucose tolerance test, Glycosin (50mg/kg b.wt.) was orally administrated to diabetic rats for a period of 45 days. In different intervals, blood glucose and body weight were recorded. After 45 days, blood samples were collected to determine serum lipid profile, level of plasma insulin, hemoglobin, liver, and kidney functions using the appropriate tests. In addition the levels of carbohydrate metabolic enzymes in the liver homogenate were also measured. To determine the molecular mechanism of action, we followed the molecular docking of Glycosin in its possible targets, dipeptidyl peptidase-IV (DPP-IV), Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ), phosphorylated insulin receptor, and protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP-1B).

RESULTS

Glycosin treatment significantly (p<0.01) reduced the blood-glucose level, increased the body weight, increase hemoglobin, high-density lipoprotein and insulin level, protein, in addition the activity of hexokinase when compared to untreated rats. Decreased activities of liver function enzymes as well as level of urea, and creatinine were observed in Glycosin treated rats. Docking simulation confirmed that Glycosin interacted with DPP-IV, Insulin receptor and PTP-1B and PPARγ with more affinity and binding energy.

CONCLUSION

Glycosin acts as antihyperglycemic agent, associated with antihyperlipidemic and possibility function as a ligand for proteins that are targets for antidiabetes drugs.

Thymoquinone ameliorated elevated inflammatory cytokines in testicular tissue and sex hormones imbalance induced by oral chronic toxicity with sodium nitrite

Scientific evidence illustrated the health hazards of exposure to nitrites for prolonged time. Nitrites affected several body organs due to oxidative, inflammatory and apoptosis properties. Furthermore, thymoquinone (TQ) had curative effects against many diseases. We tried to discover the impact of both sodium nitrite and TQ on inflammatory cytokines contents in testicular tissues and hormonal balance both in vivo and in vitro. Fifty adult male SD rats received 80mg/kg sodium nitrite and treated with either 25 or 50mg/kg TQ daily by oral-gavage for twelve weeks. Testis were removed for sperms' count. Testicular tissue homogenates were used for assessment of protein and gene expression of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, Nrf2 and caspase-3. Serum samples were used for measurement of testosterone, LH, FSH and prolactin. Moreover, all the parameters were measured in human normal testis cell-lines, CRL-7002. Sodium nitrite produced significant decrease in serum testosterone associated with raised FSH, LH and prolactin. Moreover, sodium nitrite significantly elevated TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3 and reduced Nrf2. TQ significantly reversed all these effects both in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, TQ ameliorated testicular tissue inflammation and restored the normal balance of sex hormones induced by sodium nitrite both in vivo and in vitro.

Nigella sativa oil attenuates chronic nephrotoxicity induced by oral sodium nitrite: Effects on tissue fibrosis and apoptosis

OBJECTIVES

Sodium nitrite, a food preservative, has been reported to increase oxidative stress indicators such as lipid peroxidation, which can affect different organs including the kidney. Here, we investigated the toxic effects of oral sodium nitrite on kidney function in rats and evaluated potential protective effects of Nigella sativa oil (NSO).

METHODS

Seventy adult male Sprague-Dawley rats received 80 mg/kg sodium nitrite orally in the presence or absence of NSO (2.5, 5, and 10 ml/kg) for 12 weeks. Morphological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin, Mallory trichome, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Renal tissues were used for measurements of oxidative stress markers, C-reactive protein, cytochrome C oxidase, transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1, monocyte chemotactic protein (MCP)-1, pJNK/JNK, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

NSO significantly reduced sodium nitrite-induced elevation in serum urea and creatinine, as well as increasing normal appearance of renal tissue. NSO also prevented reductions in glycogen levels caused by sodium nitrite alone. Moreover, NSO treatment resulted in dose-dependent significant reductions in fibrosis markers after sodium nitrite-induced 3- and 2.7-fold increase in MCP-1 and TGF-beta1, respectively. Finally, NSO partially reduced the elevated caspase-3 and pJNK/JNK.

DISCUSSION

NSO ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced nephrotoxicity through blocking oxidative stress, attenuation of fibrosis/inflammation, restoration of glycogen level, amelioration of cytochrome C oxidase, and inhibition of apoptosis.

The physiological performance and immune response of juvenile turbot (Scophthalmus maximus) to nitrite exposure

Nitrite (NO(2-)) is the most common toxic nitrogenous compound in aquatic environment. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of nitrite physiological performance and immune response of turbot. Fish were exposed to 0, 0.02, 0.08, 0.4 and 0.8 mM nitrite for 96 h. After 0, 24, 48 and 96 h of exposure, blood were collected to measure the levels of glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), glutamate oxalate transaminase (GOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total protein (TP), albumin (Alb), complement C3 (C3), complement C4 (C4), immunoglobulin M (IgM) and lysozyme (LYS); gill samples were taken to analyze mRNA levels of LYS, heat shock protein 70 (HSP 70), heat shock protein 90 (HSP 90), metallothionein (MT), toll-like receptor 3 (TLR-3), tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I). The results showed that nitrite (0.4 and/or 0.8mM) significantly increased the levels of GPT, GOT, ALP, C3 and C4, reduced the levels of IgM and LYS, up-regulated the gene expressions of HSP 70, HSP 90, MT, TLR-3, TNF-α and IL-1β, and down-regulated the gene expressions of LYS and IGF-1 after 48 and 96 h of exposure. Based on the results, it can be concluded that high level nitrite exposure results in dysfunction of the blood physiology and immunity in turbot. Further, this study will be helpful to understand the mechanism of aquatic toxicology induced by nitrite in marine fish.

Beneficial protective effects of 2-allyl amino 4-methyl sulfanyl butyric acid on glucose metabolism and glycoprotein components in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats with molecular modeling

In the present study, the potential effects of 2-allyl amino 4-methyl sulfanyl butyric acid (AMSB) on the glucose metabolism and glycoprotein components in streptozotocin (STZ) induced experimental diabetic rats were determined. Further, molecular modeling was performed to investigate the modes of AMSB interaction with insulin receptor active sites. The blood glucose and plasma insulin levels were measured in the STZ induced diabetic rats, whereas the glucose metabolism and glycoprotein components were analyzed from the plasma and tissues. After oral treatment of AMSB there was a significant reduction in blood glucose, glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1,6-bisphosphatase and glycogen phosphorylase. On the other hand, the activity of the glycoprotein levels, such as hexose, hexosamine, fucose and sialic acid, were significantly reduced. In addition, a significant elevation in plasma insulin, hexokinase, glycogen and glycogen synthase were also observed in the AMSB treated rats. The molecular modeling study revealed that AMSB has a stable binding pattern to the active site of insulin, with a Gscore value of -7.34 Kcal mol^-1. From this study we conclude that AMSB has a potent antidiabetic activity in addition to its protective effect on glycoprotein metabolism.

Environmental heavy metal exposure and chronic kidney disease in the general population

Lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), and cadmium (Cd) are common heavy metal toxins and cause toxicological renal effects at high levels, but the relevance of low-level environmental exposures in the general population is controversial. A total of 1,797 adults who participated in the KNHANES (a cross-sectional nationally representative survey in Korea) were examined, and 128 of them (7.1%) had chronic kidney disease (CKD). Our study assessed the association between Pb, Hg, Cd exposure, and CKD. Blood Pb and Cd levels were correlated with CKD in univariate logistic regression model. However, these environmental heavy metals were not associated with CKD after adjustment for age, sex, BMI, smoking, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, diabetes, and these metals in multivariate logistic regression models. We stratified the analysis according to hypertension or diabetes. In the adults with hypertension or diabetes, CKD had a significant association with elevated blood Cd after adjustment, but no association was present with blood Pb and Hg. The corresponding odds ratio [OR] of Cd for CKD were 1.52 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-2.19, P=0.026) in adults with hypertension and 1.92 (95% CI, 1.14-3.25, P=0.014) in adults with diabetes. Environmental low level of Pb, Hg, Cd exposure in the general population was not associated with CKD. However, Cd exposure was associated with CKD, especially in adults with hypertension or diabetes. This finding suggests that environmental low Cd exposure may be a contributor to the risk of CKD in adults with hypertension or diabetes.

Cod liver oil in sodium nitrite induced hepatic injury: does it have a potential protective effect?

OBJECTIVES

Exposure to sodium nitrites, a food additive, at high levels has been reported to produce reactive nitrogen and oxygen species that cause dysregulation of inflammatory responses and tissue injury. In this work, we examined the impact of dietary cod liver oil on sodium nitrite-induced inflammation in rats.

METHODS

Thirty-two adult male Sprague-Dawely rats were treated with 80 mg/kg sodium nitrite in presence/absence of 5 ml/kg cod liver oil. Liver sections were stained with hematoxylin/eosin. We measured hepatic tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin-1 beta (IL)-1β, C-reactive protein (CRP), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, and caspase-3.

RESULTS

Cod liver oil reduced sodium nitrite-induced hepatocyte damage. In addition, cod liver oil results in reduction of hepatic TNF-α, IL-1β, CRP, TGF-β1, and caspase-3 when compared with the sodium nitrite group.

DISCUSSION

Cod liver oil ameliorates sodium nitrite-induced hepatic injury via multiple mechanisms including blocking sodium nitrite-induced elevation of inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis mediators, and apoptosis markers.

Antileishmanial activity of a mixture of Tridax procumbens and Allium sativum in mice

We tested a mixture of Tridax procumbens, known for its direct action against Leishmania mexicana, and Allium sativum, known for its immunomodulatory effect, as an alternative to treat cutaneous leishmaniasis. Acute oral toxicity was tested with the Up-and-Down Procedure (UDP) using a group of healthy mice administered with either T. procumbens or A. sativum extracts and compared with a control group. Liver injury and other parameters of toxicity were determined in mice at day 14. The in vivo assay was performed with mice infected with L. mexicana promastigotes and treated with either a mixture of T. procumbens and A. sativum or each extract separately. The thickness of the mice’s footpads was measured weekly. After the 12-week period of infection, blood samples were obtained by cardiac puncture to determine the total IgG, IgG1 and IgG2a immunoglobulins by a noncommercial indirect ELISA. We showed that the mixture of T. procumbens and A. sativum extracts was better at controlling L. mexicana infection while not being toxic when tested in the acute oral toxicity assay in mice. An increase in the ratio of IgG2a/IgG1 indicated a tendency to raise a Th1-type immune response in mice treated with the mixture. The mixture of T. procumbens and A. sativum extracts is a promising natural treatment for cutaneous leishmaniasis and its healing effects make it a good candidate for a possible new phytomedicine.

Neuro, cardio, and reno protective activities of rosuvastatin in streptozotocin-induced type 2 diabetic rats undergoing treatment with metformin and glimepiride

Diabetes is associated with complications like neuropathy, nephropathy, cardiomyopathy, and retinopathy due to increased oxidative stress and serum lipids. In the present study, rosuvastatin, a HMG-CoA inhibitor, was investigated for its protective effect in neuropathy, nephropathy, and cardiomyopathy based on the lipid-lowering property along with its pleiotropic effects such as improved blood flow to the organ and antioxidant defense. Type 2 diabetes was induced in Wistar rats by single i.p. administration of streptozotocin (50 mg/kg). These diabetic rats were treated with daily doses of rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg) alone, metformin (120 mg/kg) and glimepiride (1 mg/kg) and rosuvastatin in combination with metformin (120 mg/kg) and glimepiride (1 mg/kg) for a period of 6 weeks. The biochemical parameters involved in neuropathy, renopathy, and cardiopathy were estimated. Treatment resulted in significant (P < 0.05) decrease in thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and increase in levels of glutathione peroxidise and catalase in brain and kidney homogenates. Significant (P < 0.05) increase in high-density lipoproteins and decrease in creatinine kinase, triglycerides, total serum cholesterol represents the cardioprotective action, whereas significant (P < 0.05) increase in the latency in the hotplate model shows the neuroprotective activity, and significant (P < 0.05) decrease in blood urea nitrogen, creatinine levels and increase in serum total protein levels suggested the renoprotective actions. The unique properties of rosuvastatin such as antioxidant defense and lipid-lowering nature might have resulted in cardio, neuro, and renoprotective activity in type 2 diabetic rats treated with metformin and glimepiride.

Efficacy of Co-administration of Garlic Extract and Metformin for Prevention of Gentamicin-Renal Toxicity in Wistar Rats: A Biochemical Study

BACKGROUND

Gentamicin (GM) nephrotoxicity has been related to oxidative stress. Garlic and metformin (MF) have anti-oxadant activity and therefore, this study was aimed to evaluate the preventive and curative effects of garlic, MF and their combination on GM indeced tubular toxicity in Wistar rats.

METHODS

In a pre-clinical study, 70 male Wistar rats were randomly designated into 7 groups of 10 and treated as follows: Group 1: Received saline for 20 days. Group 2: Were injected 100 mg/kg/d of GM intraperitoneally (ip), for 10 days and saline for 10 more days. Group 3: Received GM for 10 days then 20 mg/kg garlic ip for the next 10 days. Group 4: Received GM for 10 days and MF (100 mg/kg) orally for the next 10 days. Group 5: Received GM for 10 days and a combination of MF and garlic for the next 10 days (100 and 20 mg/kg, respectively). Group 6: The same as group 5but with half-doses of MF and Garlic. Group 7: Received GM for 10 days together with a combination ofMF and garlic. On 20(th) day of the experiment the serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine (Cr) were measured and compared in different groups.

RESULTS

GM injection significantly increased the serum BUN and Cr (P < 0.05). Administration of MF, garlic or their combination with or after injection of GM (high doses) could atenuate BUN and Cr.

CONCLUSIONS

The results indicate that MF and garlic or their combination have curative and protective activity against GM nephrotoxicity.

Garlic oil attenuated nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocarcinogenesis by modulating the metabolic activation and detoxification enzymes

Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) is a potent carcinogen widely existing in the environment. Our previous study has demonstrated that garlic oil (GO) could prevent NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in rats, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. It has been well documented that the metabolic activation may play important roles in NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis. Therefore, we designed the current study to explore the potential mechanisms by investigating the changes of hepatic phase Ⅰ enzymes (including cytochrome P450 enzyme (CYP) 2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP1A1) and phase Ⅱ enzymes (including glutathione S transferases (GSTs) and UDP- Glucuronosyltransferases (UGTs)) by using enzymatic methods, real-time PCR, and western blotting analysis. We found that NDEA treatment resulted in significant decreases of the activities of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, GST alpha, GST mu, UGTs and increases of the activities of CYP1A1 and GST pi. Furthermore, the mRNA and protein levels of CYP2E1, CYP1A2, GST alpha, GST mu and UGT1A6 in the liver of NDEA-treated rats were significantly decreased compared with those of the control group rats, while the mRNA and protein levels of CYP1A1 and GST pi were dramatically increased. Interestingly, all these adverse effects induced by NDEA were simultaneously and significantly suppressed by GO co-treatment. These data suggest that the protective effects of GO against NDEA-induced hepatocarcinogenesis might be, at least partially, attributed to the modulation of phase I and phase II enzymes.

Antidiabetic effect of Merremia emarginata Burm. F. in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the antidiabetic property of Merremia emarginata (M. emarginata) Burm. F. plant in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

METHODS

The dose dependent effects of 28 days oral treatment with methanol extract (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) from the plant of M. emarginata on blood glucose level, body weight, insulin, total hemoglobin, glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1C), total protein, serum urea, serum creatinine and carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes were evaluated in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats. Histology of pancreas was also studied.

RESULTS

A significant decrease in blood glucose, serum urea and serum creatinine and significant increase in body weight, insulin and protein level were observed in diabetic rats treated with M. emarginata. Treatment with M. emarginata resulted in a significant reduction of HbA1C and an increase in total hemoglobin level. The activities of carbohydrate metabolizing enzymes such as hexokinase were significantly increased whereas glucose-6-phosphatase, fructose-1, 6-bisphosphatase were significantly decreased by the administration of M. emarginata in diabetic rats. Histology of diabetic rats treated with M. emarginata showed the pancreatic β-cells regeneration.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that M. emarginata has potent antidiabetic activity in streptozotocin induced diabetic rats.

Garlic oil alleviated ethanol-induced fat accumulation via modulation of SREBP-1, PPAR-α, and CYP2E1

Garlic oil (GO) has been shown to partially attenuate ethanol-induced fatty liver, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. The current study was designed to evaluate the protective effects of GO against ethanol-induced steatosis in vitro and in vivo, and to explore potential mechanisms by investigating the sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), peroxisome proliferators-activated receptor-α (PPAR-α), cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1), and etc. In the in vitro study, human normal cell LO2 was exposed to 100 mM ethanol in the presence or absence of GO for 24 h. We found that ethanol increased the protein levels of n-SREBP-1c and CYP2E1, but decreased the protein levels of PPAR-α, which was significantly attenuated by GO co-treatment. In the in vivo study, male Kun-Ming mice were pretreated with single dose of GO (50-200 mg/kg body weight) at 2 h before ethanol (4.8 g/kg body weight) exposure. The changes of n-SREBP-1c, PPAR-α and CYP2E1 were paralleled well to those of in vitro study. Furthermore, GO significantly reduced the protein levels of fatty acid synthase (FAS), and suppressed ethanol-induced hepatic mitochondrial dysfunction. These results suggested that GO had the potential to ameliorate alcoholic steatosis which might be related to its modulation on SREBP-1c, PPAR-α, and CYP2E1.

Amelioration of lead-induced hepatotoxicity by Allium sativum extracts in Swiss albino mice

Lead is a blue-gray and highly toxic divalent metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is spread throughout the environment by various human activities. The efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) to reduce hepatotoxicity induced by lead nitrate was evaluated experimentally in male mice. Oral treatment with lead nitrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days (1/45 of LD₅₀) induced a significant increase in the levels of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, and lead nitrate. In parallel, hepatic protein levels in lead-exposed mice were significantly depleted. Lead nitrate exposure also produced detrimental effects on the redox status of the liver indicated by a significant decline in the levels of liver antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. After exposure to lead nitrate (50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days), the animals received aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic garlic extract (100 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight), and partially restored the deranged parameters significantly. Histological examination of the liver also revealed pathophysiological changes in lead nitrate-exposed group and treatment with garlic improved liver histology. Our data suggest that garlic is a phytoantioxidant that can counteract the deleterious effects of lead nitrate.

Amelioration of lead-induced hepatotoxicity by Allium sativum extracts in Swiss albino mice

Lead is a blue-gray and highly toxic divalent metal that occurs naturally in the earth's crust and is spread throughout the environment by various human activities. The efficacy of garlic (Allium sativum) to reduce hepatotoxicity induced by lead nitrate was evaluated experimentally in male mice. Oral treatment with lead nitrate at a dose of 50 mg/kg body weight daily for 40 days (1/45 of LD(50)) induced a significant increase in the levels of hepatic aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, acid phosphatase, cholesterol, lipid peroxidation, and lead nitrate. In parallel, hepatic protein levels in lead-exposed mice were significantly depleted. Lead nitrate exposure also produced detrimental effects on the redox status of the liver indicated by a significant decline in the levels of liver antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione. After exposure to lead nitrate (50 mg/kg body weight for 10 days), the animals received aqueous garlic extract (250 mg/kg body weight and 500 mg/kg body weight) and ethanolic garlic extract (100 mg/kg body weight and 250 mg/kg body weight), and partially restored the deranged parameters significantly. Histological examination of the liver also revealed pathophysiological changes in lead nitrate-exposed group and treatment with garlic improved liver histology. Our data suggest that garlic is a phytoantioxidant that can counteract the deleterious effects of lead nitrate.