Geraniol prevents CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity via suppression of hepatic oxidative stress, pro-inflammation and apoptosis in rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is a classic chemical hepatotoxicant that triggers liver damage through hepatic exacerbation of oxidative stress. Geraniol (GRL) is a natural bioactive acyclic monoterpene with several pharmacological effects. We thus explored whether GRL could prevent CCl4-triggered hepatic toxicity. Rats were divided and administered GRL (100 mg/kg) and/or CCl4 (1 ml/kg of 1:1 v/v CCl4: olive oil) in Control group, GRL group, CCl4 group, GRL + CCl4 groups 2 times per week for 4 consecutive weeks. CCl4 caused significantly (p < 0.05) elevated serum activities of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and total bilirubin (TB), whereas the albumin (ALB) and total protein (TP) levels were significantly (p < 0.05) reduced relative to the control group. The liver activities of catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) decreased significantly (p < 0.05), while malondialdehyde (MDA) level evidently elevated in comparison to the control group. The CCl4 exposure caused significant increases in proinflammatory interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), apoptotic caspase-3 and caspase-9 levels, whereas the anti-inflammatory interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) were reduced in consistent with histopathological changes compared to the control. On the contrary, the GRL administration prevented the hepatic toxicity and lesions through restoration of liver status markers, antioxidant enzyme activities, MDA, cytokines and apoptosis in comparison to the CCl4 group. Altogether, the findings reveal that GRL could abrogate CCl4-provoked hepatic toxicity via inhibition of hepatic oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in rats.

Anti-ischemic drug trimetazidine blocks mercury nephrotoxicity by suppressing renal redox imbalance, inflammatory stress and caspase-dependent apoptosis in rats

Trimetazidine (TMZ) is a promising emerging therapeutic piperazine derivative for renal pathologies. However, the nephroprotective mechanism of TMZ against heavy metal-induced toxicity is unknown. This study, therefore, aimed to explore whether TMZ could mitigate mercury-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were injected TMZ (3 mg/kg bw) and/or mercury chloride (HgCl₂) (4 mg/kg bw) for 4 days (n = 6 rats per group). The blood analysis revealed marked increases in creatinine, urea and uric acid levels in HgCl₂ group compared to the control. HgCl₂ induced prominent decreases in renal superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GPx) activities compared to the control followed by marked increases in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), caspase-3 and caspase-9. Whereas the renal levels of anti-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-4 (IL-4) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) reduced considerably compared to the control. Contrarily, it was found that in the rats administered TMZ + HgCl₂, levels of renal markers, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6 and caspases-3/-9 were prominently reduced compared to the HgCl₂ group. The renal SOD, CAT, GPx, IL-4, and IL-10 were markedly elevated along with ameliorated histopathological lesions. On the whole, therefore, TMZ could be repurposed for blocking HgCl₂ nephrotoxicity via inhibition of oxidative inflammation and apoptosis in rats.

Naringenin blocks hepatic cadmium accumulation and suppresses cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity via amelioration of oxidative inflammatory signaling and apoptosis in rats

Liver is one of the targets of cadmium (Cd) bioaccumulation for hepatic damage and pathologies via oxidative inflammation and apoptosis. The current study explored whether the citrus flavonoid naringenin (NAR) could prevent hepatic accumulation of Cd and Cd hepatotoxicity in a rat model. Rats in group 1 received normal saline; group 2 received NAR (50 mg/kg body weight); group 3 received CdCl₂ (5 mg/kg body weight); group 4 received NAR + CdCl₂, for four consecutive weeks. Assays related to markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis were carried out using liver homogenate. Blood and liver sample analyses revealed significant elevation of blood and hepatic Cd levels coupled with prominent increases in alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities, whereas the albumin and total protein levels were decreased considerably. Hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxide (GPx) activities diminished significantly compared to control followed by marked increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and dysregulation in caspase and cytokine (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-4, IL-10) levels. However, it was found that in the rats administered NAR + Cd, the levels of Cd, hepatic enzymes, MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, and caspases-3/-9 were prominently reduced compared to the Cd group. The hepatic SOD, CAT, GPx, IL-4, IL-10, albumin, and total protein were markedly elevated along with alleviated hepatic histopathological abrasions. Taken together therefore, NAR is a potential flavonoid for blocking hepatic Cd bioaccumulation and consequent inhibition of Cd-induced oxidative inflammation and apoptotic effects on the liver of rats.

Properties of Recycled Nanomaterials and Their Effect on Biological Activity and Yield of Canola in Degraded Soils

Recycling waste, such as rice straw and water treatment residuals, is important to reduce harmful effects on the environment and to improve canola yield and soil quality in degraded soils. Nanotechnology for the production of nanomaterials from biochar and water treatment residues will be a future revolution for improving soil quality and increasing canola yield in degraded soil. Therefore, this study aims to identify the properties of some recycled nanomaterials, such as nanobiochar (nB) and nanowater treatment residue (nWTR), and their effect on the biological activity and productivity of canola in degraded soils. The results showed that the nWTR and nB contain many functional groups and minerals, and they also have high negative zeta potential. The addition of the studied soil amendments significantly improved microbial biomass carbon (MBC) and biological activity, which played a major role in increasing canola yield. The highest dehydrogenase (DHA) and catalase (CLA) activity was found in nWTR-treated soil at 50 mg kg−1, with increases of 32.8% and 566.7% compared to the control, respectively. The addition of nB greatly improved the growth of canola plants in the soil. This was evident from the increase in the weight of seeds, the weight of 1000 grains, the number of pods per plant, and the highest increase was for nB added at the rate of 250 mg per kg−1 soil. The addition of 50 mg kg−1 of nWTR gave the best results in seed yield by 150.64% compared to the control. These results indicate that recycled nWTR and nB are some of the best waste recycling treatments, in addition to good soil health, in increasing soil biology and canola yield in degraded soils. In the future, research on recycled nanomaterials should examine the residual effect they have on yield, soil quality, and soil fauna in the long term.

Acacetin Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Apoptosis in Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cell Lines

Human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of death across the world. Recent evidence suggests that STAT3 regulates proliferative, survival, metastasis, and angiogenesis genes in HCC. Novel agents that suppress STAT3 activation can be used to prevent or treat HCC. We used a functional proteomics tumor pathway technology platform and multiple HCC cell lines to investigate the effects of acacetin (ACN) on STAT3 activation, protein kinases, phosphatases, products of STAT3-regulated genes, and apoptosis. ACN was found to inhibit STAT3 activation in a dose- and time-dependent manner in HCC cells. Upstream kinases c-Src, Janus-activated kinase 1, and Janus-activated kinase 2 were also inhibited. The ACN inhibition of STAT3 was abolished by vanadate treatment, suggesting the involvement of tyrosine phosphatase activity. ACN was found to suppress the protein expression of genes involved in proliferation, survival, and angiogenesis via STAT3 inhibition. ACN appears to be a novel STAT3 inhibitor and may be a promising therapeutic compound for application in the treatment of HCC and other cancers.

Color-switchable and photoluminescent poly (vinyl chloride) for multifunctional smart applications

Recycled poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) waste was used to prepare transparent material with long-lasting phosphorescence, photochromic activity, hydrophobicity, strong optical transmission, ultraviolet (UV) protection, and stiffness. Lanthanide-activated aluminate (LaA) microparticles were prepared via the high temperature solid state procedure, which were subjected to the top-down grinding technology to afford LaA nanoparticles (LaAN). Laminated poly (vinyl chloride) bottles were shredded into a transparent plastic matrix, which was combined with LaAN and drop-casted to produce smart materials for a variety of applications. Smart window and photochromic film for smart packaging can be made from recycled poly (vinyl chloride) waste by immobilizing it with various ratios of LaAN. Long-lasting phosphorescent translucent poly (vinyl chloride) smart window and films need LaAN to be evenly dispersed in PVC without clumping. Different analytical methods were employed to assess the materials' morphological structure and chemical composition. Photoluminescence and decay spectra were all employed to investigate the luminescence characteristics. In addition, the mechanical performance was studied. According to CIE Lab (Commission Internationale de L'éclairage) color measurements, this transparent PVC smart material becomes a bright green under UV rays and turns a greenish-yellow in the dark. The PVC luminescence was observed to exhibit an apparent emission bands at 429 and 513 nm when excited at 367 nm. Improvements have been monitored in the UV shielding and hydrophobicity with increasing the phosphor concentration. LaAN-immobilized PVC exhibited reversible photochromism. The present approach can be applied for a variety of applications, such as anticounterfeiting films for smart packaging, smart window, and warning lightening marks.

Structural, FTIR spectra and optical properties of pure and co-doped Zn1-x-y Fe x M y O ceramics with (M = Cu, Ni) for plastic deformation and optoelectronic applications

We report here a considered novel study on the structural, FTIR spectra and optical properties of pure and co-doped Zn0.90-x Fe0.1M x O with ((M = Cu, Ni and (x = 0.00, 0.10) and (0.00 < y < 0.20)) at different sintering temperatures T s (T s  = 850 °C for series I and 1000 °C series II). Although the ZnO wurtzite structure is conformed for all samples, some secondary lines with little intensity are formed. But the number of these lines is higher for series I than for series II. The (c/a) value and U-parameter are almost constant for all samples, while Zn-O bond length L is slightly increased. The porosity and crystallite size are decreased by Fe, and also for (Fe + Cu) samples, and their values for series I are lower than for series II. The residual stress is tensile for most samples. Interestingly, the Young's, rigid and bulk modulus, Poisson's ratio and Debye temperature, obtained from FTIR analysis, are increased by Fe addition with a further increase for Fe + Ni) samples for both series. A ductile nature is obtained for pure, Fe and (Fe + Cu) samples; whereas a brittle nature is approved for (Fe + Ni) samples. On the other hand, the energy gap (E g ), residual lattice dielectric constant (ε L ) and carrier density N are increased by Fe addition, followed by a further increase for (Fe + Cu) samples, while the vice is versa for the inter-atomic distance R. For example, E g was increased from 3.153 eV for pure ZnO to 3.974 eV for (Fe + Cu) samples (i.e., 0.821 eV more), while it was decreased to 2.851 eV for (Fe + Ni) samples (i.e., 0.302 eV less). A direct behavior is obtained between E g and both elastic modulus (Y, β), lattice and micro strains (ε L , ε m ), dislocation density (δ), residual stress (σ) and carrier density N, whereas a reverse behavior is obtained between E g and both crystallite size (D), porosity (PS) and inter-atomic distance (R) . These results are explained in terms of the generated blocked states of the conduction band as indicated by the Burstein Moss effect. These novel findings reveal that the co-doping has intense ZnO and moderate metal oxide modes in the ZnO matrix structure, which makes ZnO co-doped with (Fe + Cu) more suitable for gas sensors and optoelectronic devices. In contrast, ZnO co-doped with (Fe + Ni) samples is strongly recommended for altering plastic deformation. To our knowledge, the present investigation can be considered the first study and probably has never been discussed elsewhere, which highlights the present investigation.

Structural morphology and nonlinear behavior of pure and co-doped Zn1-x-yFexMyO varistors with (M = Cu, Ni)

We report here structural morphology and nonlinear behavior of pure and co-doped Zn_0.90-xFe_0.1M_xO with (M = Cu, Ni and (x = 0.00, 0.10) and (0.00 ≤ y ≤ 0.20)) at different sintering temperatures (T _s = 850 and 1000 °C). It is found that the co-doping of ZnO by (Fe + Cu) or (Fe + Ni) up to 0.30 does not deform the well-known wurtzite structure of ZnO, as well as pure and 0.1 of Fe-doped ZnO. The SEM micrographs did not show any secondary phases at the boundaries of grains as compared to ZnO, the average grain size is decreased for Fe and (Fe + Cu) samples, while it is increased for (Fe + Ni) samples. The nonlinear coefficient α and breakdown field E _B are generally increased by 0.1 of Fe addition, but they are shifted to lower values as T _s increases for all samples. Furthermore, they are gradually increased/decreased to higher/lower values for (Fe + Cu/Fe + Ni) samples up to 0.30 of co-doping content. The values of α and E _B are increased from 30.06, 2115.38 V/cm for ZnO at 850 °C to 50.07, 5012 V/cm by (0.1Fe + 0.2Cu) co-doping, and from 23.53, 1956.52 V/cm to 45.58, 4750 V/cm at 1000 °C, while they are, respectively, decreased by (0.1Fe + 0.2Ni) to 13.19, 312 V/cm and 11.85, 172.42 V/cm. Similar behavior was generally obtained for nonlinear conductivity σ _L and height of potential barrier φ_B, whereas the vice is versa for the behavior of leakage current J _k and residual voltage K _r. Our results are discussed in terms of the comparative participation between the effects of co-doping of (Fe + Cu) and (Fe + Ni) to ZnO for supporting the potential barrier as compared to individual doping by Fe, Cu and Ni. This study perhaps recommended these samples for optoelectronic and ferromagnetic investigation after COVID-19 is over.

Analysis of silymarin-modulating effects against acrylamide-induced cerebellar damage in male rats: Biochemical and pathological markers

BACKGROUND

Acrylamide (ACR) is a well-proven neurotoxin and potential food carcinogen in humans and rodent models. Silymarin (SIL) is a flavonoid mixture isolated from seeds, leaves, and fruits of Silymarin marianum (milk thistle) that possesses a free-radical scavenging effect.

OBJECTIVE

In this work, the primary focus was to investigate the efficacy of SIL to mitigate ACR-induced subacute neurotoxic effects and oxidative changes in rat cerebellum.

METHODS

Adult male rats were treated intraperitoneally with ACR (50 mg/kg) with or without SIL (160 mg/kg). The neuropathology and biochemical parameters viz. lipid peroxidation (measured as levels of malondialdehyde or MDA), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT), dopamine (DA), and cathepsin D (CTSD) in the cerebellum have been evaluated.

RESULTS

The data showed that ACR induced redox disruptions as measured by increased MDA levels and inhibition of CAT, SOD, and GPx antioxidant enzyme activities. Besides, cerebellar monoamine neurotransmitters, 5-HT and DA, were depleted in ACR-treated rats. Furthermore, ACR administration caused a significant elevation of CTSD activity, indicating that ACR could trigger apoptosis or apoptosis-like death. At the tissue level, cerebellar cortex sections from ACR-treated animals were characterized by severe neuronal damage. The administration of SIL to ACR-treated rats remarkably alleviated all the aforementioned ACR-induced effects.

CONCLUSION

SIL has a potent therapeutic effect against ACR-induced cerebellar neurotoxicity in experimental rats via the attenuation of oxidative/antioxidative responses and the inhibition of CTSD-activity.

Rutin ameliorates carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatorenal toxicity and hypogonadism in male rats

Rutin, a food derived-polyphenolic bioflavonoid, has been acknowledged for several health benefits. This study aims to explore the ameliorative effects of rutin against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity in male rats. Adult male rats were given either CCl4 (30% in olive oil, 3 ml/kg b.w. intraperitoneally) alone or in combination with rutin (70 mg/kg intragastrically) twice a week for 4 weeks. Our data showed that rutin mitigated CCl4 hepatorenal damage, as indicated by diagnostic markers (i.e., transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, urea, uric acid and creatinine), and histopathological findings. In addition, CCl4 induced profound elevation of free radical generation and oxidative stress, as evidenced by increasing lipid peroxidation and reducing catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities in liver, kidney and testicular tissues; these effects were suppressed by coexposure with rutin. Moreover, the increase in the levels of serum triglycerides, cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein cholesterol induced by CCl4 was effectively counteracted by rutin. The decrease in the level of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in the CCl4 group was also counteracted by rutin treatment. Interestingly, the decreased levels of hormonal mediators associated with sperm production, including serum testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone, and the impaired sperm quality induced by CCl4 were reversed by rutin. Data from the current study clearly demonstrated that rutin supplementation could at least partly overcome CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity and reproductive toxicity by antioxidant and antidyslipidemic effects.

Protective effects of quercetin supplementation against short-term toxicity of cadmium-induced hematological impairment, hypothyroidism, and testicular disturbances in albino rats

The aim of this study was to evaluate the probable protective effect of quercetin (QUE) against cadmium (Cd)-induced sub-chronic toxicity in rats. Adult male rats were given either Cd (as cadmium chloride; 5 mg/kg) alone or in combination with QUE (50 mg/kg) daily for 4 weeks by oral gavage. At the end of the experimental period, Cd accumulation, and selected hematological, thyroid, and reproductive markers were assessed. Results revealed that Cd treatment significantly increased Cd concentrations in blood, thyroid gland, and testicular tissue of rats. Cd also caused a decline in hemoglobin content, hematocrit value, and total erythrocyte and leucocyte counts. Further, significant suppressions in the blood levels of hormones related to thyroid gland function, and male reproductive hormones (i.e., testosterone, luteinizing hormone and follicle-stimulating hormone), were observed in Cd-treated rats compared to the control. In parallel, low sperm count and sperm motility, increased sperm abnormalities, and marked pathology occurred in testis. Combination with QUE recorded amelioration of the deleterious effects of Cd, involving regulation of hematological toxicity and thyroid hormonal levels and subsequently modulation of testicular function. In conclusion, it appears that dietary QUE can rescue from Cd-induced hematological dysfunctions and testicular damage by reversing the hypothyroid state.

Ameliorative potentials of quercetin against lead-induced hematological and testicular alterations in Albino rats

Lead is one of the oldest environmental and occupational toxins. Health hazards from increased lead exposure as a result of industrial and environmental pollution are recognized. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effects of quercetin as a model of an antioxidant drug against the toxic effects of lead acetate on the blood and the testis of rats. The lead concentrations were determined in blood and the testis. Testosterone (T), luteinizing hormone (LH) and follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) were assessed in serum. Hemoglobin (Hb) content, packed cell volume (PCV), white blood cell (WBC) and red blood cell (RBC) counts were evaluated in the whole blood. Our results showed that administration of lead acetate was associated with an increased lead levels in blood as well as in the testis. Lead acetate administration also caused a decrease in testicular function, Hb content, PCV and RBC count in comparison to the respective mean values of the control. In addition, lead acetate increased WBC count and induced alterations in sperm count, sperm motility and sperm abnormality and histopathology. In the contrary, administration of lead acetate along with quercetin partially restored the studied parameters to normal values. In conclusion, the treatment with quercetin may provide a partial protection against the toxic effects induced by lead acetate in blood and the testis of rats.

Apolipoprotein E phenotyping: a word of caution

Using two different techniques, phenotyping and genotyping, we have studied allelic variation at amino acids 112 and 158 of the apolipoprotein E gene locus in 52 patients with insulin-dependent diabetes and in 58 non-diabetic controls. Phenotypes were determined by isoelectric focusing and immunoblotting of delipidated, neuraminidase-treated plasma. Genotypes were determined by using the polymerase chain reaction to amplify a 227 base pair fragment of the apolipoprotein E gene spanning both allelic sites. This was then digested with the restriction endonuclease CfoI and the alleles identified by polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Discrepancies between phenotype and genotype were observed in 16 (15%) of the individuals studied, 7 (13%) in the diabetics and 9 (17%) in the controls. From these results it is concluded that isoelectric focusing can lead to the erroneous assignment of apolipoprotein E phenotype even after pretreatment with neuraminidase. It is suggested that genotyping by DNA analysis is the method of choice in determining apolipoprotein E status.

THE RELATIVE RATES OF DESTRUCTION OF PECTIN IN MACERATES OF VARIOUS CITRUS FRUITS

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