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Salem MB, Saleh AM, Seif El-Din SH, Samir S, Hammam OA, El-Lakkany NM. Molecular docking, characterization, ADME/toxicity prediction, and anti-ulcer activity of new quercetin derivatives on indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in mice. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2024; 484:116880. [PMID: 38447874 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2024.116880] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2023] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 02/28/2024] [Indexed: 03/08/2024]
Abstract
Gastric ulcer (GU) is a serious upper gastrointestinal tract disorder that affects people worldwide. The drugs now available for GU treatment have a high rate of relapses and drug interactions, as well as mild to severe side effects. As a result, new natural therapeutic medications for treating GU with fewer negative side effects are desperately needed. Because of quercetin's (QCT) diverse pharmacological effects and unique structural features, we decided to semi-synthesize new QCT derivatives and test them for antiulcer activity. Docking assays were performed on the synthesized compounds to determine their affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR, and NF-κB domains, an important inflammatory pathway involved in GU development and progression. Mice were given oral famotidine (40 mg/kg/day), QCT, QCT pentamethyl (QPM), or QCT pentaacetyl (QPA) (50 mg/kg/day) for 5 days before GU induction by a single intraperitoneal injection of indomethacin (INDO; 18 mg/kg). QPM and QPA have a stronger binding affinity for TLR-4/MD-2, MyD88/TIR and NF-κB domains than QCT. In comparison, they demonstrated the greatest reduction in ulcer score and index, gastric MDA and nitric oxide (NO) contents, MyD88 and NF-κB expressions, and gastric TLR-4 immunostaining. They also enhanced the levels of GSH, CAT, COX-1, and COX-2 in the gastric mucosa, as well as HO-1 and Nrf2 expression, with histological regression in gastric mucosal lesions, with QPA-treated mice demonstrating the best GU healing. QPA is safe against all of the target organs and adverse pathways studied, with good ADME properties. However, further in vitro experiments are necessary to demonstrate the inhibitory effects of QPM and QPA on the protein targets of interest. In addition, preclinical research on its bioavailability and safety is essential before clinical management can be undertaken. Overall, the new QPA derivative could one day serve as the basis for a new class of potential antiulcer drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha B Salem
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Abdulrahman M Saleh
- Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry & Drug Design Department, Faculty of pharmacy (Boys), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
| | | | - Safia Samir
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Dokmak HAA, Hammam OA, Ibrahim AM. Impact of Schistosoma sp., Infection on Biological, Feeding, Physiological, Histological, and Genotoxicological Aspects of Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus Snails. Acta Parasitol 2024; 69:648-663. [PMID: 38302641 PMCID: PMC11001737 DOI: 10.1007/s11686-023-00760-4] [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: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/03/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Trematode infections of the genus Schistosoma can induce physiological and behavioral changes in intermediate snail hosts. This is because the parasite consumes essential resources necessary for the host's survival, prompting hosts to adapt their behavior to maintain some level of fitness before parasite-induced mortality occurs. METHODS In this study, the reproductive and biochemical parameters of Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus were examined during the cercareal shedding stage of infection with Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium, respectively, compared with controls. RESULTS The study revealed an infection rate of 34.7% for S. mansoni and 30.4% for S. haematobium. In B. alexandrina infected with S. mansoni, a survival rate of 65.2% was recorded, along with a mean prepatent period of 30.3 ± 1.41 days, a mean shedding duration of 14.2 ± 0.16 days, and a mean lifespan of 44.1 ± 0.24 days. Meanwhile, in B. truncatus infected with S. haematobium, a survival rate of 56.4% was observed, with a mean prepatent period of 44.3 ± 1.41 days, a mean shedding duration of 22.6 ± 2.7 days, and a mean lifespan of 66.9 ± 1.6 days. Feeding increased in both infected species of snails, while the net reproductive rate (Ro) of the infected snails decreased. Total antioxidant (TAO) and lipid peroxidation activity increased in the two infected snail species during shedding, while Glutathione-S-transferase levels decreased. Lipid peroxidase activity and nitrogen oxide levels significantly decreased in infected B. alexandrina and increased in infected Bulinus. Steroid hormone levels were elevated in infected Biomphalaria, whereas they were reduced in infected Bulinus. Comet assay parameters showed an increase in the two infected genera after infection compared to control snails, indicating genotoxic damage and histopathological damage was observed. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that infection with larva species diverse biochemical, hormonal, genotoxic, and histopathological changes in the tissues responsible for fecundity and reproduction in B. alexandrina and B. truncates comparing with controls.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hebat-Allah A Dokmak
- Medical Malacology Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Corniche El-Nile St., Imbaba, Giza, 12411, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Corniche El-Nile St., Imbaba, Giza, 12411, Egypt
| | - Amina M Ibrahim
- Medical Malacology Laboratory, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Corniche El-Nile St., Imbaba, Giza, 12411, Egypt
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Mehany MM, Hammam OA, Selim AA, Sayed GH, Anwer KE. Novel pyridine bearing pentose moiety-based anticancer agents: design, synthesis, radioiodination and bioassessments. Sci Rep 2024; 14:2738. [PMID: 38302640 PMCID: PMC10834463 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-024-53228-4] [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: 05/15/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2024] [Indexed: 02/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Pyridine compounds are one of the most important heterocyclic derivatives showing wide ranges in biological and pharmacological activities. Green chemistry eliminates or reduces the generation of hazardous compounds. It prevents pollution at a molecular level. The microwave technique used in heterocyclic compound synthesis is also an important branch of green chemistry techniques. In this study, we report designing and synthesizing a new pyridine-bearing pentose moiety via a one-pot multicomponent reaction using D-glucose and also investigate its behavior and reactivity toward some simple and heterocyclic amino derivatives. The chemical structures of the synthesized compounds were characterized and tested for their cytotoxic activities. Some of the test compounds exhibited slight to high cytotoxic activities against Caco2 (colon cancer) cells, HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma) cells and MCF-7 (human breast cancer) cells by MTT assay. The results showed clearly that compound 4 and compound 8 displayed strongest to moderate cytotoxic activity against the HepG2, Caco2 and MCF-7 respectively and compound 1 showed good activity against MCF-7 in comparison to the standard anticancer drug doxorubicin. These data were by cytopathological examination. An in-vivo radioactive tracing study of compound 4 proved its targeting ability to sarcoma cells in a tumor-bearing mice model. Our findings suggest that the synthesized compounds may be promising candidates as novel anticancer agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marwa M Mehany
- Laboratory Department, Chemistry Unit, Police Hospital, Agouza, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Adli A Selim
- Labeled Compounds Department, Hot Laboratories Centre, Egyptian Atomic Energy Authority (EAEA), Cairo, 13759, Egypt.
| | - Galal H Sayed
- Heterocyclic Synthesis Lab., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
| | - Kurls E Anwer
- Heterocyclic Synthesis Lab., Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Ain Shams University, Abbassia, Cairo, 11566, Egypt
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Salem MB, Mohammed DM, Hammam OA, Elzallat M. Mitigation of intrahepatic cholestasis induced by 17α-ethinylestradiol via nanoformulation of Silybum marianum L. BMC Complement Med Ther 2024; 24:51. [PMID: 38263002 PMCID: PMC10804614 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-024-04351-2] [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: 03/14/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2024] [Indexed: 01/25/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cholestasis is an important predisposing factor for hepatocyte damage, liver fibrosis, primary biliary cirrhosis, and even liver failure. Silybum marianum L. (SM) plant is used in teas or eaten in some countries due to its antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties. Because of its low and poor oral bioavailability, so we improve the therapeutic activity of Silybum marianum L. extract (SM) by studying the potential effects of nanoformulation of Silybum marianium L. extract (nano-SM) on 17α-ethinylestradiol (EE)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis. METHODS Thirty female Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 5 groups (6 rats/group). Group I: Rats were received the treatment vehicle and served as normal group. Group II:Rats were injected daily with EE (10 mg/kg) for five successive days. Group III-V: Rats were injected daily with EE (10 mg/kg) and treated with either Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) (40 mg/kg), SM (100 mg/kg) and nano-SM (100 mg/kg) orally once/day throughout the trialfor five successive days, respectively. RESULTS Nano-SM greatly dampened the increase in serum levels of total and direct bilirubin, alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, and alkaline phosphatase caused by EE. Furthermore, nano-SM increased the hepatic contents of reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) and also upregulated the relative hepatic gene expressions of Rho-kinase (ROCK-1), myosin light chain kinase (MLCK), and myosin phosphatase target subunit (MYPT1) compared to the EE-induced group. Administration of nano-SM reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation and downregulated the relative hepatic expressions of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-ҡB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β). In addition, nano-SM improved the histopathological changes induced by EE. CONCLUSION Nano-SM possessed a superior effect over SM, which can be considered an effective protective modality against EE-induced cholestatic liver injury through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory activities, and enhancing bile acid (BA) efflux.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha B Salem
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Warrak El-Hadar, Giza, 12411, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Dina Mostafa Mohammed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Dokki, Giza, 12622, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Warrak El-Hadar, Giza, 12411, Imbaba, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, P.O. box 30, Warrak El-Hadar, Giza, 12411, Imbaba, Egypt
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Abdelrahman BA, Hammam OA, El-Khatib AS, Attia YM. The role of vitamin D3 in modulating the interplay between NLRP3 inflammasome and autophagy in NASH. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2023; 688:149122. [PMID: 37951152 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2023.149122] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/17/2023] [Revised: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/13/2023]
Abstract
Damage-associated molecular patterns released upon hepatocyte injury ensuing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) can stimulate innate immunity by activating NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, thereby triggering pro-inflammatory cascades in the liver. Aberrant NLRP3 activation allied to compromised autophagic clearance of its components contributes to the progression of multiple inflammatory diseases. Such intricate interplay, however, was not fully deciphered in NASH. Prior studies have illuminated the ability of vitamin D3 to temper inflammasome activation in several contexts, prompting us to probe the impact of vitamin D3, particularly its active form, calcitriol (CAL), on NLRP3 overactivation in a high-fat diet (HFD)-based NASH model and its potential dependence on autophagy. Hydroxychloroquine (HCQ), an autophagy inhibitor, was co-administered with CAL to examine the likely modulation of the NLRP3/autophagy crosstalk. Our results showed that treatment with CAL countervailed the histopathological derangement reported in the livers of HFD-fed mice that paralleled a restoration of vitamin D receptor gene expression and reduction in sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c levels. Moreover, p62 was curtailed with CAL treatment indicating autophagy induction. CAL also prompted a reduction in NLRP3, caspase-1, gasdermin D, and IL-18 protein levels along with the apoptosis-associated speck-like protein (ASC) gene expression. Treatment with CAL also reduced IL-1β and caspase-3 immunoreactivities compared to control. Intriguingly, CAL modulatory effects on inflammasome activation were curbed in the group that received HCQ, suggesting a potential autophagy dependency. Accordingly, the current study suggests that CAL was capable of ameliorating NASH via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in an autophagy-dependent manner.
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Affiliation(s)
- Basma A Abdelrahman
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Egypt.
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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El-Sayed H, Morad MY, Sonbol H, Hammam OA, Abd El-Hameed RM, Ellethy RA, Ibrahim AM, Hamada MA. Myco-Synthesized Selenium Nanoparticles as Wound Healing and Antibacterial Agent: An In Vitro and In Vivo Investigation. Microorganisms 2023; 11:2341. [PMID: 37764185 PMCID: PMC10536823 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11092341] [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: 08/18/2023] [Revised: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/15/2023] [Indexed: 09/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Bacterial-associated wound infections are an obstacle for individuals and the medical industry. Developing versatile, antibiotic-free therapies helps heal wounds more quickly and efficiently. In the current study, fungal metabolites were employed as a reducing agent in fabricating selenium nanoparticles (SeNPs) for improved antibacterial and wound healing properties. Utilizing UV-visible spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering (DLS), zeta potential, X-ray diffraction (XRD), and electron microscopic examination, the properties of the synthesized nanoparticles were extensively evaluated. Myco-synthesized SeNPs demonstrated strong antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 6538 with a minimum inhibitory concentration of 0.3125 mg/mL, reducing cell number and shape distortion in scanning electron microscope (SEM) images. SeNPs' topical administration significantly reduced wound area and healing time, exhibiting the least bacterial load after six days compared to controls. After six and 11 days of treatment, SeNPs could decrease proinflammatory cytokines IL-6 and TNF-α production. The histopathological investigation showed a healed ulcer with moderate infiltration of inflammatory cells after exposing mice's skin to SeNPs for six and 11 days. The docking interaction indicated that SeNPs were highly efficient against the IL-6 and TNF-α binding receptors. These findings imply that myco-fabricated SeNPs might be used as topically applied antimicrobial agents for treating skin infections and wounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba El-Sayed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt; (H.E.-S.); (R.M.A.E.-H.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Mostafa Y. Morad
- Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt;
| | - Hana Sonbol
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah Bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Olfat A. Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt;
| | - Rehab M. Abd El-Hameed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt; (H.E.-S.); (R.M.A.E.-H.); (M.A.H.)
| | - Rania A. Ellethy
- Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Ain Helwan, Cairo 11795, Egypt;
| | - Amina M. Ibrahim
- Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt;
| | - Marwa A. Hamada
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt; (H.E.-S.); (R.M.A.E.-H.); (M.A.H.)
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Salem MB, Elzallat M, Mohammed DM, Samir S, Hammam OA, Abdel-Wareth MTA. Cornu aspersum mucin attenuates indomethacins-induced gastric ulcers in mice via alleviating oxidative stress and inflammation. Heliyon 2023; 9:e15677. [PMID: 37144196 PMCID: PMC10151374 DOI: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15677] [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] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/04/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/18/2023] [Indexed: 05/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the past three decades, a significant progress has been made in the prevention and treatment of gastric ulcers. The incidence of the disease has decreased, but gastric ulcer is still a medical problem. Currently, the available drugs for gastric ulcer treatment have many side effects; therefore, searching for new and safe therapeutic agents is mandatory. The present study aims to investigate the gastroprotective potential of Cornu aspersum (C. aspersum) mucin against gastric ulcers, and the mechanisms related to oxidative stress and inflammation. C. aspersum mucin was collected from 50 snails. The characteristics of C. aspersum mucin (chemical and microbiological) were evaluated. Mice were pretreated with famotidine and C. aspersum mucin (7.5 and 15 ml/kg b.w.) for 5 days, and then gastric ulcers were induced by indomethacin. Macroscopic examination, biochemical estimations, and Quantitative real-time PCR were carried out. Also, histopathological and immunohistopathological examinations were evaluated. We found that the high dose of the mucin significantly decreased the gastric mucosal malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) contents as well as interleukin 1β (IL-1β) and nuclear factor kappa β (NF-ҡB) expression, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) immunostaining. It also increased the gastric mucosal GSH and catalase contents as well as hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expressions with regressions in gastric mucosal lesions. In conclusion, C. aspersum mucin could be a potential therapeutic candidate to protect against gastric ulceration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maha B. Salem
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Elzallat
- Immunology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Dina Mostafa Mohammed
- Nutrition and Food Sciences Department, National Research Centre, Giza, Egypt
- Corresponding author.
| | - Safia Samir
- Biochemistry and Molecular Biology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Olfat A. Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Ibrahim AM, Ghazy M, El-Sayed H, Abd El-Hameed RM, Khalil RG, Korany SM, Aloufi AS, Hammam OA, Morad MY. Histopathological, Immunohistochemical, Biochemical, and In Silico Molecular Docking Study of Fungal-Mediated Selenium Oxide Nanoparticles on Biomphalaria alexandrina (Ehrenberg, 1831) Snails. Microorganisms 2023; 11:microorganisms11030811. [PMID: 36985384 PMCID: PMC10053037 DOI: 10.3390/microorganisms11030811] [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: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Daphnia magna and freshwater snails are used as delicate bioindicators of contaminated aquatic habitats. Due to their distinctive characteristics, selenium oxide nanoparticles (SeONPs) have received interest regarding their possible implications on aquatic environments. The current study attempted to investigate the probable mechanisms of fungal-mediated selenium nanoparticles' ecotoxicological effects on freshwater Biomphalaria alexandrina snails and Daphnia magna. SeONPs revealed a toxicological impact on D. magna, with a half-lethal concentration (LC50) of 1.62 mg/L after 24 h and 1.08 mg/L after 48 h. Survival, fecundity, and reproductive rate were decreased in B. alexandrina snails exposed to SeONPs. Furthermore, the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were markedly elevated, while albumin and total protein levels decreased. Histopathological damage in the hermaphrodite and digestive glands was detected by light, electron microscopy, and immunohistochemistry studies. The molecular docking study revealed interactions of selenium oxide with the ALT and AST. In conclusion, B. alexandrina snails and D. magna could be employed as bioindicators of selenium nanomaterial pollution in aquatic ecosystems. This study emphasizes the possible ecological effects of releasing SeONPs into aquatic habitats, which could serve as motivation for regulatory organizations to monitor and control the use and disposal of SeONPs in industry.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amina M Ibrahim
- Medical Malacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Mahassen Ghazy
- Water Pollution Research Department, National Research Centre, El Tahrir Street, Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Heba El-Sayed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt
| | - Rehab M Abd El-Hameed
- Botany and Microbiology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt
| | - Rehab G Khalil
- Immunology Division, Faculty of Science, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef 62521, Egypt
| | - Shereen M Korany
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abeer S Aloufi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, P.O. Box 84428, Riyadh 11671, Saudi Arabia
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Departments, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Mostafa Y Morad
- Zoology and Entomology Department, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Helwan 11795, Egypt
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Hakeem AN, Kamal MM, Tawfiq RA, Abdelrahman BA, Hammam OA, Elmazar MM, El-Khatib AS, Attia YM. Elafibranor modulates ileal macrophage polarization to restore intestinal integrity in NASH: Potential crosstalk between ileal IL-10/STAT3 and hepatic TLR4/NF-κB axes. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 157:114050. [PMID: 36462310 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114050] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2022] [Revised: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022] Open
Abstract
Experimental and clinical evidence implicate disrupted gut barrier integrity in provoking innate immune responses, specifically macrophages, towards the progression of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs), a subset of the nuclear receptor superfamily, act to fine-tune several metabolic and inflammatory processes implicated in NASH. As such, the current study was carried out to decipher the potential role of dual PPAR α/δ activation using elafibranor (ELA) on ileal macrophage polarization (MP) and its likely impact on the liver in a NASH setting. To achieve this aim, an in vitro NASH model using fat-laden HepG2 cells was first used to validate the impact of ELA on hepatic fat accumulation. Afterwards, ELA was used in a combined model of dietary NASH and chronic colitis analogous to the clinical presentation of NASH parallel with intestinal barrier dysfunction. ELA mitigated fat accumulation in vitro as evidenced by Oil Red-O staining and curbed triglyceride levels. Additionally, ELA restored the expression of tight junctional proteins, claudin-1 and occludin, along with decreasing intestinal permeability and inflammation skewing ileal macrophages towards the M2 phenotype, as indicated by boosted arginase-1 (Arg1) and curtailed inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) expression levels. These changes were aligned with a modulation in hepatic toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4)/nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) along with ileal interleukin-10 (IL-10)/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (STAT3) axes. Overall, the present findings suggest that the dual PPAR α/δ agonist, ELA, may drive MP in the ileum towards the M2 phenotype improving intestinal integrity towards alleviating NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andrew N Hakeem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Kamal
- The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt; Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Rasha A Tawfiq
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Basma A Abdelrahman
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.
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Hendawy AS, El-Lakkany NM, Mantawy EM, Hammam OA, Botros SS, El-Demerdash E. Vildagliptin alleviates liver fibrosis in NASH diabetic rats via modulation of insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammatory cascades. Life Sci 2022; 304:120695. [PMID: 35671811 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2022.120695] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Revised: 05/30/2022] [Accepted: 06/03/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
AIMS This study investigates the therapeutic potential of Vilda in a NASH model with liver fibrosis and elucidates the underlying molecular mechanisms. MAIN METHODS To induce NASH, male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet for 24 weeks with a single dose of STZ (40 mg/kg, IP). Vilda was orally administered at two doses (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 20 weeks. KEY FINDINGS The induction of NASH was validated by abnormalities in hepatotoxicity indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress markers, and pathologically by marked fat deposition in hepatic tissues together with severe inflammatory cell infiltration. Moreover, NASH-affected rats demonstrated reduced insulin sensitivity manifested as elevated fasting blood glucose levels and disrupted homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance. Vilda, at both doses, effectively abrogated all these pathological features of NASH. Mechanistically, these hepatoprotective properties of Vilda can be attributed to its antioxidant effects, anti-inflammatory effects (by inhibiting the TNF-α, NF-κB, JNK, and JAK/STAT pathways), and insulin-sensitizing effect (by upregulating the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway). Besides, Vilda successfully counteracted NASH-associated liver fibrosis by downregulating the TGF-β1 pathway. SIGNIFICANCE The hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects of Vilda were mostly dose-dependent. Collectively, this study offered a promising therapeutic avenue for Vilda as a novel strategy for counteracting the pathological progression of NASH and associated liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed S Hendawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Eman M Mantawy
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity Street, Abbasia, Cairo 11566, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Kornaish El Nile, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Ebtehal El-Demerdash
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Organization of African Unity Street, Abbasia, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
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11
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Sabra ANA, Salem MB, William S, Hammam OA, El-Lakkany NM. Itraconazole, a cytochrome P450 inhibitor, enhanced the efficacy of praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni infection and alleviated liver injury in mice. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108293. [PMID: 35667394 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108293] [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] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2022] [Revised: 05/20/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
Treatment of schistosomiasis is heavily reliant on the single antischistosomal drug praziquantel (PZQ). The use of synergistic drug-drug interactions is one possible solution, which could be used to mitigate PZQ's poor and variable bioavailability. Itraconazole (ITZ), a triazole antifungal agent, is a potent CYP3A inhibitor that can cause significant drug-drug interactions when used with CYP3A substrates. This study investigates the effect of ITZ as adjuvant therapy with PZQ on worm load, egg deposition and maturation, and the consequent histopathology and biochemical abnormalities in the liver during the immature and mature stages of Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection. S. mansoni-infected mice were divided into five groups of eight-ten mice each: (I) infected untreated, (II) infected and treated with PZQ 3 weeks PI, (III) infected and treated with both ITZ and PZQ 3 weeks PI, (IV) infected and treated with PZQ 7 weeks PI, and (V) infected and treated with both ITZ and PZQ 7 weeks PI. All mice were killed by rapid decapitation 9 weeks PI. Data revealed that ITZ in combination with PZQ at both immature and mature stages improved the parasitological criteria of cure, and greatly reduced inflammation, granuloma and fibrotic tissue formation, and apoptosis versus PZQ alone. Furthermore, it showed the greatest impact on improving liver injury and oxidative stress markers. Notably, the effect was considerably stronger at the mature stage of S. mansoni infection. These findings support the notion that ITZ increased PZQ's antischistosomal activity by inhibiting CYP450 expression, potentially reducing PZQ metabolism and increasing systemic exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Maha B Salem
- Lecturer of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Samia William
- Professor of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Professor of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
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12
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Maher MA, Kandeel WA, Hammam OA, Attia YM, Mahmoud S, Salah M. Histopathological evaluation of insulin-DMSO formula designed for direct nose-to-brain delivery. Histol Histopathol 2022; 37:431-439. [PMID: 35040114 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-421] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
The combination of insulin and DMSO is a patented (Publication No US8987199B2), noninvasive, pharmaceutically strategized preparation for direct nose-to-brain delivery (DN2BD) suggested for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Although its main ingredients have been individually researched, no histopathological investigations have been conducted to address this combination effect on the CNS and nasal tissues in animals. The present work was, therefore, designed to investigate the potential histopathological changes induced by this new pharmaceutical combination using a newly developed refractory staining method. The findings presented herein showed no signs of treatment-related lesions or behavioral changes in Sprague Dawley rats following a three-month successive treatment with two strengths of the formula.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa A Maher
- Department of Drug Research and Development, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Wafaa A Kandeel
- Department of Biological Anthropology, National Research Center, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, El Cairo, Egypt
| | - Soheir Mahmoud
- Department of Parasitology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed Salah
- Department of Veterinary, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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13
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Tawfiq RA, Nassar NN, Hammam OA, Allam RM, Elmazar MM, Abdallah DM, Attia YM. Obeticholic acid orchestrates the crosstalk between ileal autophagy and tight junctions in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Role of TLR4/TGF-β1 axis. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 361:109953. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.109953] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2022] [Accepted: 04/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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14
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Badawi NM, Attia YM, El-Kersh DM, Hammam OA, Khalifa MKA. Investigating the Impact of Optimized Trans-Cinnamic Acid-Loaded PLGA Nanoparticles on Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition in Breast Cancer. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:733-750. [PMID: 35210772 PMCID: PMC8863342 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s345870] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2021] [Accepted: 01/13/2022] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Methods Results Conclusion
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Affiliation(s)
- Noha M Badawi
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
- Correspondence: Noha M Badawi, Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Suez Desert Road, P.O. Box 11562, El Sherouk City, Cairo, Egypt, Email
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina M El-Kersh
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Maha K A Khalifa
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy (Girls), Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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15
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Seif El-Din SH, Salem MB, El-Lakkany NM, Hammam OA, Nasr SM, Okasha H, Ahmed LA, Saleh S, Botros SS. Early intervention with probiotics and metformin alleviates liver injury in NAFLD rats via targeting gut microbiota dysbiosis and p-AKT/mTOR/LC-3II pathways. Hum Exp Toxicol 2021; 40:1496-1509. [PMID: 33678036 DOI: 10.1177/0960327121999445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [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: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) constitutes a major health problem worldwide and intimately links with obesity and diabetes. This study aimed to explore the therapeutic impact of early treatment with metformin (MTF) alone or in combination with Lactobacillus reuteri DSM 17938 (L. reuteri) + metronidazole (MTZ) in male Sprague Dawley rats with high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD. Hepatic steatosis was induced by feeding rats HFD for 6 weeks. MTF (150 mg/kg/day) or L. reuteri (2 × 109 colony forming unit/day) were given orally for 4 weeks; meanwhile, MTZ (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 1 week. Administration of L. reuteri + MTZ in combination with MTF produced a superior effect concerning insulin resistance (IR), lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and autophagic markers than using each treatment alone. Besides, this combination resulted in disappearance of steatosis, inflammation and vacuolation within hepatic architecture. Moreover, it normalized short chain fatty acids (SCFAs) as well as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes faecal contents. In conclusion, early treatment with L. reuteri + MTZ in combination with MTF could prevent NAFLD progression and liver injury through targeting gut dysbiosis, inflammation and autophagic pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Pharmacology Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - M B Salem
- Pharmacology Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - N M El-Lakkany
- Pharmacology Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - O A Hammam
- Pathology Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - S M Nasr
- Biochemistry Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - H Okasha
- Biochemistry Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | - L A Ahmed
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, 110154Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S Saleh
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, 110154Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, 230796Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
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16
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Attia YM, Tawfiq RA, Gibriel AA, Ali AA, Kassem DH, Hammam OA, Elmazar MM. Activation of FXR modulates SOCS3/Jak2/STAT3 signaling axis in a NASH-dependent hepatocellular carcinoma animal model. Biochem Pharmacol 2021; 186:114497. [PMID: 33675775 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2021.114497] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2021] [Accepted: 02/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite the recent substantial progress in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) from viral etiology, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is on a trajectory to become the fastest growing indication for HCC-related liver transplantation. The Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) is a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily with multifaceted roles in several metabolic disorders, particularly NASH. Its role as a tumor suppressor was also highlighted. Herein, we investigated the effect of obeticholic acid (OCA), as an FXR agonist, on NASH-associated HCC (NASH-HCC) animal model induced by diethylnitrosamine and high fat choline-deficient diet, exploring the potential impact on the suppressor of cytokine signaling 3 (SOCS3)/Janus kinase 2 (Jak2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) pathway. Results indicated that OCA treatment upregulated FXR and its key mediator, small heterodimer partner (SHP), with remarkable amelioration in the dysplastic foci observed in the NASH-HCC group. This was paralleled with noticeable downregulation of alpha fetoprotein along with reduction in interferon gamma and transforming growth factor beta-1 hepatic levels besides caspase-3 and p53 upregulation. Moreover, sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), a key regulator of FXR that controls the regenerative response of the liver, was elevated following OCA treatment. Modulation in the SOCS3/Jak2/STAT3 signaling axis was also reported. In conclusion, OCA attenuated the development and progression of NASH-dependent HCC possibly by interfering with SOCS3/Jak2/STAT3 pathway suggesting the potential use of FXR activators in NASH-related disorders, even at later stages of the disease, to impede its progression to the more deteriorating condition of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M Attia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Rasha A Tawfiq
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Abdullah A Gibriel
- The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; Biochemistry & Molecular Biology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Aya A Ali
- The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Dina H Kassem
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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17
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Ahmed LA, Salem MB, Seif El-Din SH, El-Lakkany NM, Ahmed HO, Nasr SM, Hammam OA, Botros SS, Saleh S. Gut microbiota modulation as a promising therapy with metformin in rats with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis: Role of LPS/TLR4 and autophagy pathways. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 887:173461. [PMID: 32758573 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173461] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2020] [Revised: 07/27/2020] [Accepted: 07/31/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Gut microbiota is a crucial factor in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore, targeting the gut-liver axis might be a novel therapeutic approach to treat NASH. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) and metronidazole (MTZ) (an antibiotic against Bacteroidetes) either alone or in combination with metformin (MTF) in experimentally-induced NASH. NASH was induced by feeding rats high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. MTF (150 mg/kg/day) or L. reuteri (2x109 colony forming unit/day) were given orally for 8 weeks; meanwhile, MTZ (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 1 week. Treatment with L. reuteri and MTZ in combination with MTF showed additional benefit compared to MTF alone concerning lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and autophagic markers. Furthermore, combined regimen succeeded to modulate acetate: propionate: butyrate ratios as well as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes fecal contents with improvement of insulin resistance (IR). Yet, the administration of MTF alone failed to normalize Bacteriodetes and acetate contents which could be the reason for its moderate effect. In conclusion, gut microbiota modulation may be an attractive therapeutic avenue against NASH. More attention should be paid to deciphering the crosstalk mechanisms linking gut microbiota to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to identify new therapeutic targets for this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lamiaa A Ahmed
- Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Maha B Salem
- Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | | | | | - Hend O Ahmed
- Biochemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sami M Nasr
- Biochemistry, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt.
| | - Samira Saleh
- Pharmacology & Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.
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18
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Attia YM, Hammam OA, Ammar RA, Mansour MT, Elmazar MM. Crosstalk between aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 and chemoresistance in breast cancer: Insights into the role of vitamin D3. Life Sci 2020; 253:117733. [PMID: 32360127 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117733] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2020] [Revised: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 04/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
AIMS Aldehyde dehydrogenase-1 (ALDH-1) is considered a signature of breast cancer stem cells and is linked to poor outcomes in breast cancer patients. This study aimed at investigating the effect of vitamin D3 on enhancing the tumor responsiveness to different conventional chemotherapeutic agents, viz., cisplatin, methotrexate, and doxorubicin. MAIN METHODS In vitro and in vivo experiments were performed using combinations of vitamin D3 and chemotherapeutic agents. Cell cycle analysis and apoptosis assays were performed. Moreover, ALDH-1 expression levels were estimated in cancer cell lines and solid tumors. For solid tumors, tumor volume and histopathological necrotic indices were estimated. Leukocyte presence was also evaluated in tumors using leukocyte common antigen (LCA). KEY FINDINGS Results showed a synergistic interaction between vitamin D3 and each of the chemotherapeutic agents on breast cancer cell lines as well as cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. A decrease in ALDH-1 levels was reported in both breast cancer cells and in tumor tissues. Reductions in tumor volume were also observed in the groups which received the combination therapy. An influence on necrosis rather than apoptosis was also reported, as evidenced by necrotic indices and Bcl-2 expression in tumor sections, respectively. Increased local leukocytes in tumors was also evident, as indicated by increased expression of leukocyte common antigen (LCA). SIGNIFICANCE Overall, the present study shows that vitamin D3 has an impact on resistance to different chemotherapeutic agents which could be due to the inhibition of ALDH-1, suggesting its use as an adjuvant therapy in cancer patients receiving chemotherapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M Attia
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Pathology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Reham A Ammar
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T Mansour
- Virology and Immunology Department, Children's Cancer Hospital, 57357 Cairo, Egypt; Virology and Immunology Department, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt; The Center for Drug Research and Development (CDRD), Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Cairo, Egypt
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19
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Botros SS, El-Lakkany NM, Seif el-Din SH, William S, Sabra AN, Hammam OA, de Koning HP. The phosphodiesterase-4 inhibitor roflumilast impacts Schistosoma mansoni ovipositing in vitro but displays only modest antischistosomal activity in vivo. Exp Parasitol 2020; 208:107793. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2019.107793] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2019] [Revised: 10/14/2019] [Accepted: 11/07/2019] [Indexed: 12/30/2022]
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20
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El-Maadawy WH, Hammam OA, Seif el-Din SH, El-Lakkany NM. α-Lipoic acid modulates liver fibrosis: A cross talk between TGF-β1, autophagy, and apoptosis. Hum Exp Toxicol 2019; 39:440-450. [DOI: 10.1177/0960327119891212] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Autophagy and apoptosis are important players in the progression of hepatic fibrosis via activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Despite the recently depicted antifibrotic effects of alpha-lipoic acid (ALA), however, its modulatory effects on HSCs autophagy remain unverified. Our study aimed to elucidate the underlying antifibrotic mechanisms through which ALA mediates HSC autophagy and apoptosis. Liver fibrosis was induced via thioacetamide (TAA) intoxication in rats; TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with either silymarin or ALA. Effect of ALA on biochemical parameters and immunohistopathological examinations was measured and compared to silymarin. ALA restored normal hepatic architecture (S1 vs. S4), liver functions, hepatic glutathione, and transforming growth factor-β1 levels. ALA ameliorated hepatic levels of malondialdehyde, platelet-derived growth factor, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases-1, hydroxyproline, and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin. Moreover, ALA significantly reduced messenger RNA expression of LC3-II genes and triggered caspase-3 expression. Interestingly, ALA exhibited superior activities over silymarin regarding suppression of proliferation, activation and autophagy of HSCs, collagen deposition, and induction of HSCs apoptosis. In conclusion, treatment of TAA-intoxicated rats with ALA inhibited autophagy and induced apoptotic clearance of activated HSCs. Accordingly, this study provides mechanistic insights into the possible applicability of ALA in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- WH El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - OA Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - SH Seif el-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
| | - NM El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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21
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Ali MS, Hussein RM, Gaber Y, Hammam OA, Kandeil MA. Modulation of JNK-1/ β-catenin signaling byLactobacillus casei, inulin and their combination in 1,2-dimethylhydrazine-induced colon cancer in mice. RSC Adv 2019; 9:29368-29383. [PMID: 35528422 PMCID: PMC9071812 DOI: 10.1039/c9ra04388h] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2019] [Accepted: 08/27/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Colon cancer is a complex disease that involves numerous genetic alterations that change the normal colonic mucosa into invasive adenocarcinoma. In the current study, the protective effects of inulin (prebiotic), Lactobacillus casei (L. casei, probiotic) and their combination (synbiotic) on 1,2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH)-induced colon cancer in male Swiss mice were evaluated. Animals were divided into: Control group, DMH-treated group, DMH plus inulin, DMH plus L. casei and DMH plus inulin plus L. casei-treated groups. Fecal microbiome analysis, biochemical measurements, histopathological examination of the colon tissues, immunostaining and Western blotting analysis of β-catenin, GSK3β and JNK-1 were performed. The prebiotic-, probiotic- and synbiotic-treated groups showed decreased levels of carcinoembryonic antigen and a lower number of aberrant crypt foci compared to the DMH-treated group with the synbiotic group exhibiting a superior effect. Furthermore, all treatments showed a body weight-reducing effect. Administration of inulin, L. casei or their combination increased the expression level of phospho-JNK-1 while they decreased the expression level of β-catenin and phospho-GSK3β. Remarkably, L. casei treatment resulted in enrichment of certain beneficial bacterial genera i.e. Akkermansia and Turicibacter. Therefore, administration of L. casei and inulin as a synbiotic combination protects against colon cancer in mice. The lactobacillus casei and inulin modulate the expression of JNK-1, GSK3β and β-catenin proteins and enrich the beneficial bacteria to protect from colon cancer in mice.![]()
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammed S. Ali
- Department of Biochemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Beni-Suef University
- Beni-Suef
- Egypt
| | - Rasha M. Hussein
- Department of Biochemistry
- Faculty of Pharmacy
- Beni-Suef University
- Beni-Suef
- Egypt
| | - Yasser Gaber
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology
- College of Pharmacy
- Mutah University
- Al-Karak
- Jordan
| | - Olfat A. Hammam
- Pathology Department
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute
- 12411 Giza
- Egypt
| | - Mohamed A. Kandeil
- Department of Biochemistry
- Faculty of Veterinary Medicine
- Beni-Suef University
- Egypt
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22
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El-Lakkany NM, El-Maadawy WH, Seif El-Din SH, Saleh S, Safar MM, Ezzat SM, Mohamed SH, Botros SS, Demerdash Z, Hammam OA. Antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on hepatic stellate cells: In vitro and in vivo mechanistic study. J Tradit Complement Med 2018; 9:45-53. [PMID: 30671365 PMCID: PMC6335492 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2018.01.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 01/12/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Few studies reported the antifibrotic effects of gallic acid (GA) despite its known hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. Accordingly, this study investigated the antifibrotic effects of GA through clarifying its mechanisms on hepatic stellate cells' (HSCs) activation, proliferation and/or apoptosis. In vitro effects of GA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation, morphology and safety on hepatocytes were assessed. In vivo, hepatic fibrosis was induced via chronic thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxication. TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with silyamrin or GA. At end of experiment, liver functions, hepatic MDA, GSH, PDGF-BB, TGF-β1, TIMP-1 and hydroxyproline were determined. Histological analysis and Sirius red staining of hepatic sections, expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 were examined. In vitro, GA resulted in a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in HSCs activation, proliferation (IC50= 45 and 19 μg/mL at 24 and 48 h respectively); restored the quiescent morphology of some activated HSCs plus its safety on hepatocytes. In vivo, GA reduced ALT, AST, MDA, PDGF-BB levels, collagen deposition and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4); increased caspase-3 expression and restored GSH stores, TGF-β1 level, α-SMA and PCNA expressions. In conclusion, GA counteracted the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of HSCs proliferation/activation mutually with their apoptosis induction.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Walaa H El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Suez Desert Road, P.O. Box 43, ElSherouk City, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Shahira M Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt.,Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October University for Modern Sciences and Arts (MSA), 6th of October, Giza 12566, Egypt
| | - Salwa H Mohamed
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Zeinab Demerdash
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
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El-Lakkany NM, El-Maadawy WH, Seif El-Din SH, Hammam OA, Mohamed SH, Ezzat SM, Safar MM, Saleh S. Rosmarinic acid attenuates hepatic fibrogenesis via suppression of hepatic stellate cell activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis. ASIAN PAC J TROP MED 2017. [PMID: 28647181 DOI: 10.1016/j.apjtm.2017.05.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [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: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the antifibrotic role of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenolic compound, on HSCs activation/proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS The impact of RA on stellate cell line (HSC-T6) proliferation, activation and apoptosis was assessed along with its safety on primary hepatocytes. In vivo, rats were divided into: (i) normal; (ii) thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxicated rats for 12 weeks; (iii) TAA + silymarin or (iv) TAA + RA. At the end of experiment, liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammatory and profibrogenic markers, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases type-1 (TIMP-1) and hydroxyproline (HP) levels were evaluated. Additionally, liver histopathology and immunohistochemical examinations of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), caspase-3 and proliferation cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) were determined. RESULTS RA exhibited anti-proliferative effects on cultured HSCs in a time and concentration dependent manner showing an IC50 of 276 μg/mL and 171 μg/mL for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, with morphological reversion of activated stellate cell morphology to quiescent form. It significantly improved ALT, AST, oxidative stress markers and reduced TIMP-1, HP levels, inflammatory markers and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4). Furthermore, reduction in α-SMA plus elevation in caspase-3 expressions of HSCs in vitro and in vivo associated with an inhibition in proliferation of damaged hepatocytes were recorded. CONCLUSIONS RA impeded the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibition of HSCs activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis with preservation of hepatic architecture.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt.
| | - Walaa H El-Maadawy
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Salwa H Mohamed
- Department of Immunology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Shahira M Ezzat
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Marwa M Safar
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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Ezzat SM, Salama MM, Seif El-Din SH, Saleh S, El-Lakkany NM, Hammam OA, Salem MB, Botros SS. Metabolic profile and hepatoprotective activity of the anthocyanin-rich extract of Hibiscus sabdariffa calyces. Pharm Biol 2016; 54:3172-3181. [PMID: 27564372 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2016.1214739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [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: 06/04/2015] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 07/11/2016] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a common traditional tea that has many biological activities. OBJECTIVES To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and study the metabolic profile of the anthocyanin-rich extract of H. sabdariffa calyces (HSARE). MATERIALS AND METHODS The hepatoprotective activity of HSARE was assessed (100 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks) by examining the hepatic, inflammatory, oxidative stress markers and performing a histopathological examination in rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity. HSARE was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-PDA-MS). RESULTS The UPLC-qTOF-PDA-MS analysis of HSARE enabled the identification of 25 compounds represented by delphinidin and its derivatives, cyanidin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin aglycones and glycosides, together with hibiscus lactone, hibiscus acid and caffeoylquinic acids. Compared to the TAA-intoxicated group, HSARE significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic malondialdehyde by 37.96, 42.74 and 45.31%, respectively. It also decreased hepatic inflammatory markers, including tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and interferon gamma (INF-γ), by 85.39, 14.96 and 70.87%, respectively. Moreover, it decreased the immunopositivity of nuclear factor kappa-B and CYP2E1 in liver tissue, with an increase in the effector apoptotic marker (caspase-3 positive cells), restoration of the altered hepatic architecture and increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione by 150.08 and 89.23%, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION HSARE revealed pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential where SOD and INF-γ were significantly improved. HSARE possesses the added value of being more water-soluble and of natural origin with fewer side effects expected compared to silymarin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shahira M Ezzat
- a Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy , Cairo University , Giza , Egypt
| | - Maha M Salama
- a Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy , Cairo University , Giza , Egypt
| | - Sayed H Seif El-Din
- b Pharmacology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Samira Saleh
- c Department of Pharmacology, Toxicology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Pharmaceutical Industries , Future University in Egypt , Egypt
| | - Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- b Pharmacology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Olfat A Hammam
- d Pathology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Maha B Salem
- b Pharmacology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
| | - Sanaa S Botros
- b Pharmacology Department , Theodor Bilharz Research Institute , Giza , Egypt
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Hammam OA, Elkhafif N, Attia YM, Mansour MT, Elmazar MM, Abdelsalam RM, Kenawy SA, El-Khatib AS. Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells combined with praziquantel as a potential therapy for Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Sci Rep 2016; 6:21005. [PMID: 26876222 PMCID: PMC4753476 DOI: 10.1038/srep21005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2015] [Accepted: 01/12/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the most serious consequences of S. mansoni infection. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential anti-fibrotic effect of human Wharton’s jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells (WJMSCs) combined with praziquantel (PZQ) in S. mansoni-infected mice. S. mansoni-infected mice received early (8th week post infection) and late (16th week post infection) treatment with WJMSCs, alone and combined with oral PZQ. At the 10th month post infection, livers were collected for subsequent flow cytometric, histopathological, morphometric, immunohistochemical, gene expression, and gelatin zymographic studies. After transplantation, WJMSCs differentiated into functioning liver-like cells as evidenced by their ability to express human hepatocyte-specific markers. Regression of S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis was also observed in transplanted groups, as evidenced by histopathological, morphometric, and gelatin zymographic results besides decreased expression of three essential contributors to liver fibrosis in this particular model; alpha smooth muscle actin, collagen-I, and interleukin-13. PZQ additionally enhanced the beneficial effects observed in WJMSCs-treated groups. Our results suggest that combining WJMSCs to PZQ caused better enhancement in S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis, compared to using each alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat A Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Nagwa Elkhafif
- Department of Electron Microscopy, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, P.O. Box 43, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Mohamed T Mansour
- Department of Virology and Immunology, Cancer Biology Department, National Cancer Institute, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11712, Egypt
| | - Mohamed M Elmazar
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt (BUE), El-Sherouk City, P.O. Box 43, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Rania M Abdelsalam
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Sanaa A Kenawy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
| | - Aiman S El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Kasr El-Aini, Cairo 11562, Egypt
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El-Din SHS, Sabra ANA, Hammam OA, Ebeid FA, El-Lakkany NM. Pharmacological and antioxidant actions of garlic and.or onion in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in rats. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2015; 44:295-308. [PMID: 25597144 DOI: 10.12816/0006468] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a broad spectrum of fat-induced liver injury, ranging from mild steatosis to cirrhosis and liver failure. This study investigates the hepatoprotective properties of garlic and onion in NAFLD rat model. Ninety male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into 9 groups; normal (I), NAFLD induced with high fat diet (HFD; II), NAFLD switched to regular diet (RD; III), NAFLD-HFD or NAFLD-RD treated with garlic (IV, V), onion (VI, VII) or the combined garlic+onion (VIII, IX) respectively. A NAFLD rat model was established by feeding the animals with a high-fat diet for 12 wk. These animals were then treated with garlic or/and onion or vehicle for 8 wk (weeks 13-20) and then killed to obtain serum samples and liver tissues. Liver histology, lipids, parameters of oxidative stress, TNF-α and TGF-β were measured. The liver in NAFLD-HFD showed typical steatosis, accompanied with mild to moderate lobular inflammatory cell infiltration. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, leptin, cholesterol, triglycerides, TNF-α, TGF-β and hepatic MDA' were significantly increased (P < 0.05) compared with normal group. This was accompanied with reduction of hepatic GSH, GR, GPx, GST, SOD and serum adiponectin. These changes were to a less degree in NAFLD-RD group. Combined administration of garlic+onion produced a better and significant decrease in liver steatosis, serum liver enzymes, oxidative markers and lipid peroxidation versus each one alone. In the same time, NAFLD-induced inflammation was also mitigated via reduction of TNF-α and TGF-β. In addition, these results were better in the group IX versus group VIII.
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Seif el-Din SH, El-Lakkany NM, El-Naggar AA, Hammam OA, Abd El-Latif HA, Ain-Shoka AA, Ebeid FA. Effects of rosuvastatin and/or β-carotene on non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats. Res Pharm Sci 2015; 10:275-87. [PMID: 26600855 PMCID: PMC4623617] [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] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/04/2022] Open
Abstract
The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has markedly increased, especially in patients exhibit one or more features of the metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the effect of rosuvastatin (RSV) and/or β-carotene (βC) in NAFLD-induced rats. Rats were classified into nine groups; normal (I), NAFLD-induced with high-fat diet (HFD; II), NAFLD switched to regular diet (RD; III), NAFLD-HFD or NAFLD-RD treated with RSV (IV, V), βC (VI, VII) or both RSV+βC (VIII, IX), respectively. After four weeks, rats were sacrificed to obtain serum samples and liver tissues. Liver histology, lipid profile, liver oxidative stress markers, and adipocytokines were measured. Liver sections of rats with NAFLD-HFD revealed steatosis, lose of hepatic architecture, inflammation and hepatocyte vacuolation with high percentage of cell fibrosis. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL) were significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with normal. Also, hepatic malondialdehyde level and serum leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) were increased. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH content in liver, serum HDL and adiponectin were decreased (P<0.05) vs normal. These changes were observed to a lesser extent in NAFLD-RD group. Administration of RSV or/and βC almost improved all previously mentioned parameters. Moreover, hepatic steatosis was decreased and inflammation was markedly ameliorated with reduction of TNF-α and TGF-β. These results were more pronounced in the groups VIII and IX vs each drug alone. In conclusion RSV and βC could be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of NAFLD. Combined RSV with βC is more effective than RSV alone.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sayed H. Seif el-Din
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt,Corresponding author: S.H. Seif el-Din Tel: 00202 3540 1019, Fax: 00202 3540 8125
| | - Naglaa M. El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Abeer A. El-Naggar
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Olfat A. Hammam
- Department of Pathology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
| | - Hekma A. Abd El-Latif
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Umm Al-Qura University, Saudi Arabia
| | - Afaf A. Ain-Shoka
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Fatma A. Ebeid
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt
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Al-Sayed E, El-Lakkany NM, Seif El-Din SH, Sabra ANA, Hammam OA. Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activity of Melaleuca styphelioides on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Pharm Biol 2014; 52:1581-1590. [PMID: 25243881 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2014.908398] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Liver disease is a serious problem. Polyphenolic compounds have marked antioxidant effect and can prevent the liver damage caused by free radicals. In vitro studies have revealed the strong antioxidant activity of an ellagitannin-rich plant, namely, Melaleuca styphelioides Sm. (Myrtaceae). OBJECTIVE In view of the limited therapeutic options available for the treatment of liver diseases, the hepatoprotective potential of the methanol extract of M. styphelioides leaves (MSE) was investigated against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS MSE was administered (500 and 1000 mg/kg/d p.o.) along with CCl4 for 6 weeks. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in the serum. Glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) were estimated in the liver homogenate. The bioactive components of MSE were identified by NMR, UV and HRESI-MS/MS data. RESULTS MSE treatment (500 and 1000 mg/kg/d) markedly inhibited the CCl4-induced increase in the levels of AST (31 and 38%), ALT (29 and 32%), ALP (13 and 19%), and MDA (22 and 37%) at the tested doses, respectively. MSE treatment markedly increased the levels of GSH (29 and 57%) and antioxidant enzymes compared with the CCl4-treated group. MSE was more effective than silymarin in restoring the liver architecture and reducing the fatty changes, central vein congestion, Kupffer cell hyperplasia, inflammatory infiltration, and necrosis induced by CCl4. The LD50 of MSE was more than 5000 mg/kg. CONCLUSION MSE confers potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects against CCl4-induced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eman Al-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain-Shams University , Cairo , Egypt
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Sherif SA, Moharib MN, El-Lakkany NM, Hammam OA, Salman FH, El-Naggar MM. The use of microencapsulated hepatocytes transplantation reduces mortality and liver alterations in Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2014; 44:229-41. [PMID: 24961029 DOI: 10.12816/0006463] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/27/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocyte transplantation is an attractive therapeutic modality for liver disease as an alternative for orthotropic liver transplantation. The goal of this work was to study the adequacy of intrasplenic hepatocyte transplantation (HCTx) in fresh and microencapsulated forms, in a hamster model of liver fibrosis by Schistosoma mansoni infected hamsters were divided into 6 groups; untreated for 11 weeks (GI) and for 15 weeks (GII), treated with praziquantel (PZQ) 7 weeks PI, and killed 4 weeks (GIII) and 8 weeks (GIV) post-treatment. Treated with PZQ 7 weeks PI, and then treated orally with immunosuppressive drug "cyclosporine (4 weeks post PZQ treatment), 24 hr. before interasplenic injection with fresh hepatocytes (V). Treated with PZQ 7 weeks PI, and then injected interasplenically (4 weeks post-treatment) with microencapsulated hepatocytes (GVI). GI & GIII were killed 11 weeks PI for assessment the anti-schistosomal efficacy of PZQ. The other four groups were killed 15 weeks PI for investigation of liver and spleen histology, serum liver enzymes and hepatic oxidative markers before and after HCTx. Freshly isolated hepatocytes with a mean viability 92.97 +/- 1.2% were used for microencapsulation and transplantation. Histological study showed the presence of transplanted hepatocytes in spleen of recipient. PZQ accelerated healing of hepatic granulomatous lesions as evidenced parasitologically by the increase in the percentage of dead eggs and histologically showing more granuloma circumscription with more ova degeneration and less inflammatory cells. The 25-day survival rates in GII, GIV, GV& GVI were 5/15 (33.3%), 8/15 (53.3%), 10/15 (66.7%) and 9/15 (60%) respectively. In addition, there were significantly better outcomes in serum biochemical indexes such as ALT, AST, gamma-GT, ALP, and hepatic SOD and MDA in the fresh and microencapsulated groups than in PZQ-treated group, without great differences between the microencapsulated and the fresh transplanted groups. Liver pathological staining supported these findings.
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Attia YM, Elalkamy EF, Hammam OA, Mahmoud SS, El-Khatib AS. Telmisartan, an AT1 receptor blocker and a PPAR gamma activator, alleviates liver fibrosis induced experimentally by Schistosoma mansoni infection. Parasit Vectors 2013; 6:199. [PMID: 23829789 PMCID: PMC3733928 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-6-199] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/03/2013] [Accepted: 06/17/2013] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic schistosomiasis is considered to be one of the most prevalent forms of chronic liver disease in the world due to its complication of liver fibrosis. The demonstration of the pro-fibrogenic role of angiotensin (Ang) II in chronic liver disease brought up the idea that anti-Ang II agents may be effective in improving hepatic fibrosis by either blocking Ang II type 1 (AT1) receptors or inhibiting the angiotensin converting enzyme. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors gamma (PPARγ) activation has been also shown to inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation and progression of fibrosis. The present study has aimed at testing the anti-fibrogenic effects of telmisartan; an AT1 receptor blocker and a PPARγ partial agonist, alone or combined with praziquantel (PZQ) on Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Methods To achieve the aim of the study, two sets of experiments were performed in which telmisartan was initiated at the 5th (set 1) and the 10th (set 2) weeks post infection to assess drug efficacy in both acute and chronic stages of liver fibrosis, respectively. Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: infected-control (I), telmisartan-treated (II), PZQ-treated (III), and telmisartan+PZQ-treated (IV). In addition, a normal non-infected group was used for comparison. Parasitological (hepatomesenteric worm load and oogram pattern), histopathological, morphometric, immunohistochemical (hepatic expressions of matrix metalloproteinase-2; MMP-2 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-2; TIMP-2), and biochemical (serum transforming growth factor beta 1; TGF-β1 and liver function tests) studies were performed. Results Telmisartan failed to improve the parasitological parameters, while it significantly (P<0.05) decreased the mean granuloma diameter, area of fibrosis, and serum TGF-β1. Additionally, telmisartan increased MMP-2 and decreased TIMP-2 hepatic expression. Combined treatment failed to show any additive properties, yet it did not affect the anti-schistosomal activity of PZQ. Conclusions These results suggest potential anti-fibrotic effects of telmisartan, an AT1 receptor blocker and a PPARγ partial agonist, in acute and chronic stages of Schistosoma mansoni–induced liver fibrosis in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yasmeen M Attia
- Department of Pharmacology and Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Suez Desert Road, El Sherouk City, Cairo, Egypt.
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Shaker OG, Hammam OA, Wishahi MM. Is there a correlation between HPV and urinary bladder carcinoma? Biomed Pharmacother 2012; 67:183-91. [PMID: 23490547 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2012.10.019] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2012] [Accepted: 10/22/2012] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS To detect human papilloma virus (HPV) infection, p21 oncogene, DNA content of urothelial cells in different bladder lesions with and without schistosomiasis and to correlate them with histopathological grade and stage. METHODS Eighty-five patients were enrolled: 25 chronic cystitis and 60 malignant bladder lesions; 15 schistosomal squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC), 45 urothelial carcinoma (transitional cell carcinoma TCC) schistosomal and non-scistosomal. Ten healthy individuals served as controls. Genotyping of HPV 6/11 and 16/18 were done using in situ hybridization and p21 protein expression by Immunohistochemical technique in formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues. DNA content of urothelial cells were stained with felugen stains and measured using Automated Image analysis System. RESULTS HPV DNA 6/11 and 16/18 expression was increased from cases of schistosomal cystitis with dysplasia to TCC with schistosomiasis compared to TCC and SQCC. The expression increased with statistical significance in invasive TCC and high-grade compared with superficial and low grade. Over-expression of p21 in invasive TCC group was compared with superficial TCC, high-grade TCC was compared low grade and TCC was compared with SQCC. Almost all cases of TCC associated with schistosomiasis exhibit aneuploid histogram compared to SQCC and all invasive TCC exhibited aneuploid histograms. CONCLUSIONS Both HPV infection and p21 gene abnormalities may contribute to bilharzial bladder carcinogenesis. DNA image cytometric features may predict stage progression in TCC. Expression of p21, DNA HPV 6/11 and 16/18 may be used as biological markers of bladder carcinoma.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat Gamil Shaker
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt.
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El-Lakkany NM, Hammam OA, El-Maadawy WH, Badawy AA, Ain-Shoka AA, Ebeid FA. Anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects of the hepatoprotective silymarin and the schistosomicide praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Parasit Vectors 2012; 5:9. [PMID: 22236605 PMCID: PMC3398291 DOI: 10.1186/1756-3305-5-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2011] [Accepted: 01/11/2012] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Praziquantel (PZQ) is an isoquinoline derivative (2-cyclohexylcarbonyl-1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino{2,1-a}-isoquinoline-4-one), and is currently the drug of choice for all forms of schistosomiasis. Silymarin, a standardized milk thistle extract, of which silibinin is the main component, is known for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities, and hepatocyte regeneration. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects of silymarin and/or PZQ on schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. Methods Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were divided into two large groups (I & II), each with four subgroups and were run in parallel. (i) Infected untreated; (ii) treated with silymarin, starting from the 4th (3 weeks before PZQ therapy) or 12th (5 weeks after PZQ therapy) weeks post infection (PI); (iii) treated with PZQ in the 7th week PI; and (iv) treated with silymarin, as group (ii) plus PZQ as group (iii). Comparable groups of uninfected mice run in parallel with the infected groups. Mice of groups I and II were killed 10 and 18 weeks PI, respectively. Hepatic content of hydroxyproline (HYP), serum levels and tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and number of mast cells were determined. In addition, parasitological, biochemical and histological parameters that reflect disease severity and morbidity were examined. Results Silymarin caused a partial decrease in worm burden; hepatic tissue egg load, with an increase in percentage of dead eggs; modulation of granuloma size, with significant reduction of hepatic HYP content; tissue expression of MMP-2, TGF-β1; number of mast cells, with conservation of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH). PZQ produced complete eradication of worms, eggs and alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis. The best results were obtained, in most parameters studied, in groups of mice treated with silymarin in addition to PZQ. Conclusions Our results point to silymarin as a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent; it could be introduced as a therapeutic tool with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomal liver fibrosis, but further studies on mechanisms of silymarin and PZQ in chronic liver diseases may shed light on developing therapeutic methods in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naglaa M El-Lakkany
- Department of Pharmacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Warrak El-Hadar, Imbaba, P,O Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt.
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Shaker OG, Hammam OA, El Leithy TR, El Ganzoury H, Wishahi MM, Mikhailidis DP. Molecular markers and bladder carcinoma: Schistosomal and non-schistosomal. Clin Biochem 2010; 44:237-44. [PMID: 20934419 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinbiochem.2010.09.028] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 09/28/2010] [Accepted: 09/29/2010] [Indexed: 10/19/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Detection of telomeric repeat amplification protocol (TRAP) activity, the human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT), tumor suppressor gene (p53) and proliferating marker (MIB-1) in bladder specimens. DESIGN AND METHODS Specimens were obtained from 85 patients and 10 controls. TRAP technique and immunohistochemistry (IHC) method were performed. RESULTS TRAP activity, hTERT, p53 and MIB1 were detected in 62.4%, 65.9%, 57.6% and 62.4% of all 85 patient cases, respectively. TRAP activity was detected in 75% of schistosomal urothelial carcinoma, 100% in schistosomal squamous cell carcinoma (SQCC) and 71.4% in non-schistosomal urothelial carcinoma. hTERT protein was detected in schistosomal urothelial carcinoma (83.3%), 93.3% in schistosomal SQCC and 75.7% in non-schistosomal urothelial carcinoma. CONCLUSIONS TRAP and hTERT are useful for the detection of telomerase with special emphasis on their role in the detection of schistosomal-associated bladder cancer. Correlation of TRAP and hTERT protein with MIB1 and p53 reveals the importance of telomerase as a new marker in cancer bladder.
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Affiliation(s)
- Olfat G Shaker
- Medical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Atta HM, Al-Hendy A, Salama SA, Shaker OG, Hammam OA. Low-dose simultaneous delivery of adenovirus encoding hepatocyte growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor in dogs enhances liver proliferation without systemic growth factor elevation. Liver Int 2009; 29:1022-30. [PMID: 19515220 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2009.02056.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene transfer proved to enhance liver regeneration. However, elevation of their plasma levels may induce potentially serious distant effects such as tumorigenesis or proliferative retinopathy. AIMS This study was performed to examine whether simultaneous administration of low-dose adenovirus encoding HGF and VEGF genes in dogs will stimulate liver proliferation but without inducing liver toxicity or systemic elevation of HGF and VEGF levels. METHODS Adult dogs received an intravenous injection of low-dose adenoviral vectors encoding human HGF and VEGF (HGF/VEGF), beta-galactosidase (lacZ) or phosphate-buffered saline (PBS). Liver proliferation was measured using the proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) immunostaining labelling index. HGF and VEGF plasma concentrations and transaminases were repeatedly measured. Transgene expression was evaluated using reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS Human HGF and VEGF expressions were detected only in the liver of HGF/VEGF dogs at day 2 after injection but declined at sacrifice (day 7). No expression was detected in the liver of the lacZ or PBS groups. Plasma levels of HGF and VEGF were not statistically different from those in the lacZ group (P=0.81, P=0.22 respectively). The PCNA labelling index was five-fold higher in the HGF/VEGF group compared with the lacZ group (P<0.01). No immunostaining was detected in the PBS group. Transaminases were only elevated (P<0.01) in the lacZ group compared with the other groups. CONCLUSIONS We showed that simultaneous administration of low-dose adenoviral vectors encoding human HGF and VEGF genes can induce transgene expression and liver proliferation without liver toxicity or systemic growth factor elevation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hussein M Atta
- Department of Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Minia University, Minia, Egypt.
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Botros SS, Hammam OA, El-Lakkany NM, El-Din SHS, Ebeid FA. Schistosoma haematobium (Egyptian strain): rate of development and effect of praziquantel treatment. J Parasitol 2008; 94:386-94. [PMID: 18564739 DOI: 10.1645/ge-1270.1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/10/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigates the development of the Egyptian strain of Schistosoma haematobium and the resultant immunohistopathology and biochemical changes in organs affected. In addition, the response of different developmental stages of S. haematobium worms to praziquantel (PZQ) was examined. Schistosoma haematobium-infected hamsters were classified into 4 groups and were treated at day 35, 55, 75, and 95 postinfection (PI), respectively. Each group was subdivided into 3 subgroups. Two of them were treated orally with PZQ (300 mg/kg or 500 mg/kg divided equally on 2 consecutive days), and the third group was left without treatment. Treated groups were killed 20 days posttreatment. Infection with S. haematobium became patent 73 days PI; tissue egg load and worm fecundity were higher at 95 days and maximal 115 days PI, with an oogram pattern comparable to that in Schistosoma mansoni infection. In the liver, small cellular granulomas were observed 75 days PI, with preponderance of CD4+ T-cell phenotypes. In the urinary bladder, only submucosal focal Brunn's-nest formation and angiogenesis without typical granulomas were observed. Ninety-five and 115 days PI, confluent granulomata with multiple eggs in the center were observed in the liver and urinary bladder, with a preponderance of CD8+ positive T cells in the liver and hyperplasia of the urinary bladder epithelium with cystitis cystica and papillae formation. One hundred percent worm eradication was recorded with the higher dose of PZQ in animals treated 75 and 95 days PI. In conclusion, in spite of the long prepatent period of the Egyptian strain of S. haematobium, sensitivity to PZQ was recorded soon after infection. Granulomata were similar to those of S. mansoni in the livers and urinary bladders, but they were confluent with multiple eggs in the centers, hyperplasia of the urinary bladder urothelium with cystitis cystica, papillae, and Brunn's-nest formation predictive of malignant changes with no hepatocyte dysplasia.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S Botros
- Pharmacology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, P.O. Box 30, Giza 12411, Egypt.
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El-Dafrawy SM, Mohamed AH, Hammam OA, Rabia I. Immunolocalization of Schistosoma mansoni and Schistosoma haematobium antigens reacting with their Egyptian snail vectors. J Egypt Soc Parasitol 2007; 37:1039-1048. [PMID: 18383803] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
The reaction of the haemolymph and the tissue of infected intermediate hosts, Biomphalaria alexandrina and Bulinus truncatus to Schistosoma mansoni and S. haematobium antigens were investigated using the indirect immunoperoxidase technique. A new technique, Agarose cell block was used in collection of haemolymph which helped in collecting plenty of well formed cells in comparison to the ordinary one using the cytospin. Collected haemolymph and prepared tissues of uninfected and infected B. alexandria and B. truncatus were fixed and then reacted with anti-S. mansoni and anti-S. haematobium IgG polyclonal antibodies. The haemolymph and tissue of infected B. alexandrina and B. truncatus gave a positive peroxidase reaction represented by a brown colour. In haemolymph, the positive peroxidase reaction was detected mainly in the cytoplasm of the amoebocytes. In the tissue, it was detected in epithelial cells lining the tubules, male cells in the lumen of the tubules and in female oogonia cells along the periphery of the tubules. The similarity in the strength and distribution of positive reaction in B. alexandrina and B. truncates was observed as compared to control. Thus, the immunoperoxidase technique proved to be an effective indicator for the schistosome-antigen in the snails.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shadia M El-Dafrawy
- Department of Medical Malacology, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba P.O. Box 30, Giza, Egypt
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