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Abu-Elfotuh K, Hamdan AME, Mohamed SA, Bakr RO, Ahmed AH, Atwa AM, Hamdan AM, Alanzai AG, Alnahhas RK, Gowifel AMH, Salem MA. The potential anti-Alzheimer's activity of Oxalis corniculata Linn. Methanolic extract in experimental rats: Role of APOE4/LRP1, TLR4/NF-κβ/NLRP3, Wnt 3/β-catenin/GSK-3β, autophagy and apoptotic cues. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117731. [PMID: 38218505 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117731] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2023] [Revised: 12/23/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Oxalis corniculata (O. corniculata) is a member of Oxalidaceae family, widely distributed in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, used extensively as food and its traditional folkloric uses include management of epilepsy, gastric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, together with its use in enhancing health. Numerous pharmacological benefits of O. corniculata are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. One of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are its main pathogenic processes. AIM OF THE STUDY Our research aimed to study the neuroprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (O. corniculata ME), compared to selenium (Se) against AlCl3-induced AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Forty male albino rats were allocated into four groups (Gps). Gp I a control group, the rest of the animals received AlCl3 (Gp II-Gp IV). Rats in Gp III and IV were treated with Se and O. corniculata ME, respectively. RESULTS The chemical profile of O. corniculata ME was studied using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, allowing the tentative identification of sixty-six compounds, including organic acids, phenolics and others, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, fatty acids, and flavonoids. AlCl3 showed deterioration in short-term memory and brain histological pictures. Our findings showed that O. corniculata ME and selenium helped to combat oxidative stress produced by accumulation of AlCl3 in the brain and in prophylaxis against AD. Thus, Selenium (Se) and O. corniculata ME restored antioxidant defense, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 hub, hampered neuroinflammation, via TLR4/NF-κβ/NLRP3, along with dampening apoptosis, Aβ generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, BACE1, ApoE4 and LRP1 levels. Treatments also promoted autophagy and modulated Wnt 3/β-catenin/GSK3β cue. CONCLUSIONS It was noted that O. corniculata ME showed a notable ameliorative effect compared to Se on Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κβ/NLRP3, APOE4/LRP1, Wnt 3/β-catenin/GSK-3β and PERK axes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq.
| | - Ahmed M E Hamdan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 74191, Saudi Arabia.
| | - Shaza A Mohamed
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11754, Egypt.
| | - Riham O Bakr
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA) University, Giza 11787, Egypt.
| | - Amal H Ahmed
- Pharmacognosy and Medicinal Plants Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11754, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed M Atwa
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Egyptian Russian University, Badr City, Cairo-Suez Road, Cairo 11829, Egypt.
| | - Amira M Hamdan
- Oceanography Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria 21511, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Ayah M H Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo 11571, Egypt.
| | - Maha A Salem
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo 11571, Egypt.
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Hassan YR, El-Shiekh RA, El Hefnawy HM, Mohamed OG, Abu-Elfotuh K, Hamdan AM, Darwish A, Gowifel AMH, Tripathi A, Michael CG. A mechanistic exploration of the metabolome of African mango seeds and its potential to alleviate cognitive impairment induced by high-fat/high-carbohydrate diets: Involvement of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and AMPK/SIRT-1/mTOR Axes. J Ethnopharmacol 2024; 324:117747. [PMID: 38218500 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117747] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2023] [Revised: 12/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/09/2024] [Indexed: 01/15/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Irvingia gabonensis (Aubry-Lecomte ex O'Rorke) Baill., also known as "African mango" or "bush mango", belonging to family Irvingiaceae, has been mostly used as food and traditional medicine for weight loss and to enhance the health. AIM OF THE STUDY The overconsumption of high-fat and high-carbohydrate (HFHC) food induces oxidative stress, leading to neurological and cognitive dysfunction. Consequently, there is an immediate need for effective treatment. Hence, this study explored the efficacy of orlistat, metformin, and I. gabonensis seeds' total aqueous extract (IG SAE) in addressing HFHC-induced cognitive impairment by mitigating oxidative stress and their underlying mechanistic pathways. MATERIALS AND METHODS Initially, the secondary metabolite profile of IG SAE is determined using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with a mass detector (UHPLC/MS). The in vivo study involves two phases: an established model phase with control (10 rats on a standard diet) and HFHC diet group (50 rats) for 3 months. In the study phase, HFHC is divided into 5 groups. The first subgroup receives HFHC diet only, while the remaining groups each receive HFHC diet with either Orlistat, metformin, or IG SAE at doses of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 28 days. RESULTS More than 150 phytoconstituents were characterized for the first holistic approach onto IG metabolome. Characterization of IG SAE revealed that tannins dominate metabolites in the plant. Total phenolics and flavonoids were estimated to standardize our extract (77.12 ± 7.09 μg Gallic acid equivalent/mg extract and 8.039 ± 0.53 μg Rutin equivalent/mg extract, respectively). Orlistat, metformin, and IG SAE successfully reduced the body weight, blood glucose level, lipid profile, oxidative stress and neurotransmitters levels leading to improved behavioral functions as well as histological alternation. Also, IG SAE halted inflammation, apoptosis, and endoplasmic reticulum stress, together with promoting autophagy, via modulation of PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. CONCLUSION Metformin, orlistat, and IG SAE offer a promising multi-target therapy to mitigate HFHC diet-induced oxidative stress, addressing cognitive function. This involves diverse molecular mechanisms, particularly the modulation of inflammation, ER stress, and both PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB and AMPK/SIRT-1/m-TOR pathways. Furthermore, the higher dose of IG SAE demonstrated effects comparable to orlistat and metformin across most studied parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Riham A El-Shiekh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Hala M El Hefnawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Osama G Mohamed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt; Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
| | - Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt; Al-Ayen Iraqi University, Thi-Qar, 64001, Iraq
| | - Ahmed M Hamdan
- Pharmacy Practice Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt.
| | - Ayah M H Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, 11571, Egypt.
| | - Ashootosh Tripathi
- Natural Products Discovery Core, Life Sciences Institute, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA; Department of Medicinal Chemistry, College of Pharmacy, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI, 48109, USA
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El-Dash Y, Khalil NA, Ahmed EM, Hassanin SO, Gowifel AMH, Hassan MSA. Synthesis of novel nicotinic acid derivatives of potential antioxidant and anticancer activity. Arch Pharm (Weinheim) 2023; 356:e2300250. [PMID: 37792247 DOI: 10.1002/ardp.202300250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2023] [Revised: 09/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/13/2023] [Indexed: 10/05/2023]
Abstract
This study comprises the design and synthesis of novel nicotinic acid-based cytotoxic agents with selective inhibitory efficacy against the vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2 (VEGFR-2). Screening of novel compounds for cytotoxicity was assessed against 60 human cancer cell lines. The two most active compounds, 5b and 5c, and the reference drugs sorafenib and doxorubicin were investigated against HCT-15, PC-3, and CF-295 cancer cell lines. Compound 5c exhibited the highest cytotoxic potential compared to doxorubicin against the HCT-15 and PC-3 tumor cell lines. Moreover, it exhibited higher cytotoxic potential and selectivity toward the HCT-15 cell panel compared with sorafenib. Compound 5c demonstrated promising VEGFR-2 inhibition (concentration needed to inhibit cell viability by 50%, IC50 = 0.068 μM) and superior VEGFR-2 selectivity over the epidermal growth factor receptor and platelet-derived growth factor receptor-β enzymes. It also reduced the total and phosphorylated VEGFR-2 and induced apoptosis, as evidenced by a 4.3-fold rise in caspase-3 levels. The antioxidant potential of the new compounds was determined via measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, among which compound 5c exhibited an SOD level almost comparable to ascorbic acid. These results suggested that compound 5c exhibited dual cytotoxic and antioxidant activities. Docking of 5c into the VEGFR-2 pocket showed a similar binding mode to sorafenib. Moreover, the ADME (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion) profile of 5c outlined drug-likeness. Finally, The density functional theory calculations displayed an increased binding affinity of 5c to the target enzyme.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yara El-Dash
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Nadia A Khalil
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman M Ahmed
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soha O Hassanin
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Ayah M H Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa S A Hassan
- Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
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Salem HA, Abu-Elfotuh K, Alzahrani S, Rizk NI, Ali HS, Elsherbiny N, Aljohani A, Hamdan AME, Chellasamy P, Abdou NS, Gowifel AMH, Darwish A, Ibrahim OM, Abd Elmageed ZY. Punicalagin's Protective Effects on Parkinson's Progression in Socially Isolated and Socialized Rats: Insights into Multifaceted Pathway. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2420. [PMID: 37896179 PMCID: PMC10610313 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15102420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2023] [Revised: 08/29/2023] [Accepted: 09/29/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Parkinson's disease (PD) is a gradual deterioration of dopaminergic neurons, leading to motor impairments. Social isolation (SI), a recognized stressor, has recently gained attention as a potential influencing factor in the progress of neurodegenerative illnesses. We aimed to investigate the intricate relationship between SI and PD progression, both independently and in the presence of manganese chloride (MnCl2), while evaluating the punicalagin (PUN) therapeutic effects, a natural compound established for its cytoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic activities. In this five-week experiment, seven groups of male albino rats were organized: G1 (normal control), G2 (SI), G3 (MnCl2), G4 (SI + MnCl2), G5 (SI + PUN), G6 (MnCl2 + PUN), and G7 (SI + PUN + MnCl2). The results revealed significant changes in behavior, biochemistry, and histopathology in rats exposed to SI and/or MnCl2, with the most pronounced effects detected in the SI rats concurrently exposed to MnCl2. These effects were associated with augmented oxidative stress biomarkers and reduced antioxidant activity of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Additionally, inflammatory pathways (HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1 and JAK-2/STAT-3) were upregulated, while dysregulation of signaling pathways (PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB), sustained endoplasmic reticulum stress by activation PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2, and impaired autophagy (AMPK/SIRT-1/Beclin-1 axis) were observed. Apoptosis induction and a decrease in monoamine levels were also noted. Remarkably, treatment with PUN effectively alleviated behaviour, histopathological changes, and biochemical alterations induced by SI and/or MnCl2. These findings emphasize the role of SI in PD progress and propose PUN as a potential therapeutic intervention to mitigate PD. PUN's mechanisms of action involve modulation of pathways such as HMGB1/RAGE/TLR4/NF-ᴋB/NLRP3/Caspase-1, JAK-2/STAT-3, PI3K/AKT/GSK-3β/CREB, AMPK/SIRT-1, Nrf2/HO-1, and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda A. Salem
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | - Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11884, Egypt;
| | - Sharifa Alzahrani
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.A.); (S.A.)
| | - Nermin I. Rizk
- Medical Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Menouf 32952, Egypt;
| | - Howaida S. Ali
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia; (H.S.A.); (S.A.)
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut University, Assiut 71515, Egypt
| | - Nehal Elsherbiny
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt
| | - Alhanouf Aljohani
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Ahmed M. E. Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia;
| | | | - Nada S. Abdou
- Faculty of Medicine, Misr University for Science and Technology (MUST), Giza 11556, Egypt;
| | - Ayah M. H. Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo 11571, Egypt;
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Osama Mohamed Ibrahim
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tanta, Tanta 31527, Egypt;
| | - Zakaria Y. Abd Elmageed
- Department of Pharmacology, Edward Via College of Osteopathic Medicine, University of Louisiana at Monroe, Monroe, LA 71203, USA;
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Abu-Elfotuh K, Tolba AMA, Hussein FH, Hamdan AME, Rabeh MA, Alshahri SA, Ali AA, Mosaad SM, Mahmoud NA, Elsaeed MY, Abdelglil RM, El-Awady RR, Galal ERM, Kamal MM, Elsisi AMM, Darwish A, Gowifel AMH, Mahran YF. Anti-Alzheimer Activity of Combinations of Cocoa with Vinpocetine or Other Nutraceuticals in Rat Model: Modulation of Wnt3/β-Catenin/GSK-3β/Nrf2/HO-1 and PERK/CHOP/Bcl-2 Pathways. Pharmaceutics 2023; 15:2063. [PMID: 37631278 PMCID: PMC10457980 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics15082063] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/25/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a devastating illness with limited therapeutic interventions. The aim of this study is to investigate the pathophysiological mechanisms underlying AD and explore the potential neuroprotective effects of cocoa, either alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals, in an animal model of aluminum-induced AD. Rats were divided into nine groups: control, aluminum chloride (AlCl3) alone, AlCl3 with cocoa alone, AlCl3 with vinpocetine (VIN), AlCl3 with epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), AlCl3 with coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10), AlCl3 with wheatgrass (WG), AlCl3 with vitamin (Vit) B complex, and AlCl3 with a combination of Vit C, Vit E, and selenium (Se). The animals were treated for five weeks, and we assessed behavioral, histopathological, and biochemical changes, focusing on oxidative stress, inflammation, Wnt/GSK-3β/β-catenin signaling, ER stress, autophagy, and apoptosis. AlCl3 administration induced oxidative stress, as evidenced by elevated levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and downregulation of cellular antioxidants (Nrf2, HO-1, SOD, and TAC). AlCl3 also upregulated inflammatory biomarkers (TNF-α and IL-1β) and GSK-3β, leading to increased tau phosphorylation, decreased brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) expression, and downregulation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Furthermore, AlCl3 intensified C/EBP, p-PERK, GRP-78, and CHOP, indicating sustained ER stress, and decreased Beclin-1 and anti-apoptotic B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) expressions. These alterations contributed to the observed behavioral and histological changes in the AlCl3-induced AD model. Administration of cocoa, either alone or in combination with other nutraceuticals, particularly VIN or EGCG, demonstrated remarkable amelioration of all assessed parameters. The combination of cocoa with nutraceuticals attenuated the AD-mediated deterioration by modulating interrelated pathophysiological pathways, including inflammation, antioxidant responses, GSK-3β-Wnt/β-catenin signaling, ER stress, and apoptosis. These findings provide insights into the intricate pathogenesis of AD and highlight the neuroprotective effects of nutraceuticals through multiple signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Karema Abu-Elfotuh
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Amina M. A. Tolba
- Anatomy Department, Faculty of Medicine, Girls Branch, Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | | | - Ahmed M. E. Hamdan
- Department of Pharmacy Practice, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Tabuk, Tabuk 71491, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mohamed A. Rabeh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Saad A. Alshahri
- Department of Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, King Khalid University, Abha 62521, Saudi Arabia;
| | - Azza A. Ali
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (A.A.A.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Sarah M. Mosaad
- Research Unit, Egypt Healthcare Authority, Ismailia Branch, Ismailia 41522, Egypt;
| | - Nihal A. Mahmoud
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Magdy Y. Elsaeed
- Physiology Department, Faculty of Medicine (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Demietta 34517, Egypt;
| | - Ranya M. Abdelglil
- Department of Anatomy and Embryology, Faculty of Medicine (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
| | - Rehab R. El-Awady
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (R.R.E.-A.); (E.R.M.G.)
| | - Eman Reda M. Galal
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (R.R.E.-A.); (E.R.M.G.)
| | - Mona M. Kamal
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt; (A.A.A.); (M.M.K.)
| | - Ahmed M. M. Elsisi
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo 11651, Egypt;
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University (NUB), Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Alshaymaa Darwish
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
| | - Ayah M. H. Gowifel
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Modern University for Technology and Information (MTI), Cairo 11571, Egypt;
| | - Yasmen F. Mahran
- Pharmacology & Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt;
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Gowifel AMH, Khalil MG, Nada SA, Kenawy SA, Ahmed KA, Salama MM, Safar MM. Combination of pomegranate extract and curcumin ameliorates thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats: impact on TGF-β/Smad3 and NF-κB signaling pathways. Toxicol Mech Methods 2020; 30:620-633. [PMID: 32718261 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2020.1801926] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Protection against liver injury and its consequences is considered an essential issue to minimize the number of annual deaths caused by liver diseases. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential role of pomegranate extract (PE) and/or curcumin in the regression of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis, focusing on their modulatory effects on Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathways. Liver fibrosis was induced in male Wistar rats by intraperitoneal injection of TAA (100 mg/kg) three times a week, for 8 weeks. To assess the protective effects of PE and/or curcumin against TAA-induced liver fibrosis, rats were treated on a daily basis with oral doses of PE (200 mg/kg) and/or curcumin (200 mg/kg) for 8 weeks. The results indicated that PE and/or curcumin attenuated TAA-induced liver fibrogenesis, as evidenced by a significant improvement in the liver function tests (AST, ALT, ALP, and albumin), oxidative stress biomarkers (MDA, SOD, and GSH), and inflammatory biomarkers (NF-ĸB, TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, TGF-β, and MPO), compared to TAA group. Moreover, treatment with PE and/or curcumin exerted a significant upregulation of Nrf2/HO-1 gene expressions along with significant downregulation of NF-ĸB, TGF-β, and phospho-Smad3 protein expressions, as well as α-SMA and collagen-1 gene expressions. The histopathological examination has corroborated these findings. In conclusion, hepatoprotective activities of PE and/or curcumin could be linked to their abilities to modulate Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathways. It is worth noting that the combination of PE and curcumin exerted superior hepatoprotective effects against TAA-induced liver fibrosis, as compared to monotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ayah M H Gowifel
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mona G Khalil
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Modern University for Technology and Information, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Somaia A Nada
- Pharmacology Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A Kenawy
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Kawkab A Ahmed
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Pathology Department, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Maha M Salama
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Department of Pharmacognosy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,Faculty of Pharmacy, Pharmacology and Biochemistry Department, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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