Aflatoxin B1-induced dysfunction in male rats' reproductive indices were abated by Sorghum bicolor (L.Moench) hydrophobic fraction

The burden of infertility distresses millions of families worldwide. The harmful effects of aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) on the reproductive system involve oxidative stress, culminating in inflammation and cellular apoptosis. The phytochemical in Sorghum bicolor is rich in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory activities. The effect of Sorghum bicolor (L.) Moench (SBE-HP) extract -hydrophobic fraction- enriched in Apigenin (API) was investigated in rats chronically dosed with AFB1 and the likely mechanism (s) of SBE-HP to protect against AFB1-induced reproductive toxicity. Adult Wistar male rats (twenty-four) were selected randomly and allocated into four groups. Cohort 1 was administered 0.05 % carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC); cohort 2 received AFB1 (50 µg/kg) alone; while cohorts 3 and 4 received 5 & 10 mg/kg of (SBE-HP) respectively, along with 50 µg/kg of AFB1. After 28 days, AFB1 induced remarkable reproductive toxicity as evidenced by increased sperm abnormalities, lowered sperm quality and motility, altered serum hormonal levels and testicular enzyme activities, decreased anti-oxidants, increased pro-oxidants, apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers, as well as altered histoarchitectural structure of the testis, epididymis, and hypothalamus of rats. API-enriched extract of S. bicolor reduced AFB1-induced oxidative, inflammatory, apoptotic, and histological derangement by improving sperm function parameters, testicular enzymes, and reproductive hormones. Anti-oxidant levels and anti-inflammatory mediators were increased while decreases in the activities and levels of pro-oxidants, pro-inflammatory molecules and caspase-9 occurred in the rats' testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus. API-enriched S. bicolor protected the testes, epididymis, and hypothalamus of male rats exposed to AFB1 by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis.

The Hydrophobic Extract of Sorghum bicolor (L. Moench) Enriched in Apigenin-Protected Rats against Aflatoxin B1-Associated Hepatorenal Derangement

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a recalcitrant metabolite produced by fungi species, and due to its intoxications in animals and humans, it has been classified as a Group 1 carcinogen in humans. Preserving food products with Sorghum bicolor sheath can minimise the contamination of agricultural products and avert ill health occasioned by exposure to AFB1. The current study investigated the ameliorating effect of Sorghum bicolor sheath hydrophobic extract (SBE-HP) enriched in Apigenin (API) on the hepatorenal tissues of rats exposed to AFB1. The SBE-HP was characterised using TLC and LC-MS and was found to be enriched in Apigenin and its methylated analogues. The study used adult male rats divided into four experimental cohorts co-treated with AFB1 (50 µg/kg) and SBE-HP (5 and 10 mg/kg) for 28 days. Biochemical, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA) and histological staining were used to examine biomarkers of hepatorenal function, oxidative status, inflammation and apoptosis, and hepatorenal tissue histo-architectural alterations. Data were analysed using GraphPad Prism 8.3.0, an independent t-test, and a one-way analysis of variance. Co-treatment with SBE-HP ameliorated an upsurge in the biomarkers of hepatorenal functionality in the sera of rats, reduced the alterations in redox balance, resolved inflammation, inhibited apoptosis, and preserved the histological features of the liver and kidney of rats exposed to AFB1. SBE-HP-containing API is an excellent antioxidant regiment. It can amply prevent the induction of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the hepatorenal system of rats. Therefore, supplementing animal feeds and human foods with SBE-HP enriched in Apigenin may reduce the burden of AFB1 intoxication in developing countries with a shortage of effective antifungal agents.

Coadministration of gallic acid abates zearalenone-mediated defects in male rat's reproductive function

As gallic acid (GA) role in zearalenone (ZEN); mediated reproductive dysfunction has not been studied, we report on GA's effect on reproductive dysfunction in rats treated with ZEN-100 µg/kg alone, or with GA-40 mg/kg; for 4 weeks. The mycotoxin ZEN contaminates crops, causing toxicity on ingestion, economic losses, and alters reproductive function. Relative to control, GA reversed ZEN-induced reduction of rats' testicular function enzymes and reproductive hormones and improved ZEN-impaired sperm quality. GA significantly (p < 0.05) increased rats antioxidant status, inhibited (p < 0.05) reactive oxygen and nitrogen species and lipid peroxidation levels, and abated (p < 0.05) proinflammatory biomarkers in the examined organs: hypothalamus, testis, and epididymis. Histopathology revealed that GA facilitated the preservation of testicular and epididymal cytoarchitecture significantly altered in rat cohorts treated with ZEN alone. Conclusively, GA protected against ZEN-induced toxicity in the rats' organs examined, enhanced endogenous antioxidative protective mechanism, and abated proinflammatory responses. GA further averted a decline in circulatory, reproductive enzymes, hormone levels. GA also protected against reproductive tissue damage and improved parameters of sperm functionality.

Co-administration of Luteolin mitigated toxicity in rats' lungs associated with doxorubicin treatment

Doxorubicin (DOX), is a drug against lung malignancies with undesirable side effect including oxidative, inflammatory and apoptotic effects. Luteolin (LUT), present in fruits and vegetables is pharmacologically active against oxido-inflammatory and apoptotic responses. The present study examined the effect of LUT on DOX-induced lungs and blood dysfunction in Wistars rat (sex: male; 10 weeks old, 160 ± 5 g). Randomly grouped (n = 10) rats were treated as follows: control, LUT alone (100 mg/kg; per os), DOX (2 mg/kg; i. p), and co-treated rats with LUT (50 or 100 mg/kg) and DOX for two consecutive weeks. DOX alone adversely altered the final body and relative organ weights, red and white blood cell and platelet counts. DOX significantly (p > 0.05) reduced lungs antioxidant capacity, and anti-inflammatory cytokines; increased biomarkers of oxidative stress, caspase-3 activity, and pro-inflammatory cytokine. Morphological damages accompanied these biochemical alterations in the lung of experimental rats. Co-treatment with LUT, dose-dependently reversed DOX-mediated changes in rats' survival, toxic responses, and diminished oxidative stress in rat's lungs. Furthermore, co-treatment with LUT resulted in the reduction of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptotic biomarkers, increased red and white blood cell, platelet counts and abated pathological injuries in rat lungs treated with DOX alone. In essence, our findings indicate that LUT dose-dependently mitigated DOX-induced toxicities in the lungs and haematopoietic systems. Supplementation of patients on DOX-chemotherapy with phytochemicals exhibiting antioxidant activities, specifically LUT, could circumvent the onset of unintended toxic responses in the lungs and haematopoietic system exposed to DOX.

Long-Term Hyperglycemia Impairs Hormonal Balance and Induces Oxidative Damage in Ovaries of Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Wistar Rat

Reproductive dysfunction following insulin deficiency in Diabetes Mellitus has been well reported among diabetic patients. However, the mechanism through which Diabetes alters reproductive function remains oblivion. While most studies have focused on diabetes mellitus in male subjects, there have been cases on altered reproductive functions in females. These present study aims to investigate the effect of long term hyperglycemia on diabetic rats' ovary. Female Wistar rats were assigned into control and diabetic group, each consisting of five animals. The later was induced with STZ (50mg/Kg intraperitoneal injection) and the animals were sacrificed after 14 weeks. The blood glucose, body and organ weight, serum hormone level along with oxidative stress parameters of the ovary and uterus were determined. Histology of the ovary and expression levels of CD79 in the ovary was also assessed. The weight of the diabetic rats after the experiment was significantly lower (p<0.05) than the control. The level of Follicle Stimulating Hormone, Luteinizing hormone and estrogen was significantly lower in the diabetic group. The antioxidant enzymes catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione-s-transferase (GST) were significantly lower in the diabetic ovary and uterus while the Malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration significantly increased compared to the control group. Histological observation of the ovary showed signs of chronic inflammation and immunohistochemistry for CD79 showed positive expression in the diabetic ovary. Our research findings suggest that Diabetes mellitus alters ovarian health by altering hormonal balance and stimulating oxidative damage.

Gallic acid and omega-3 fatty acids decrease inflammatory and oxidative stress in manganese-treated rats

IMPACT STATEMENT

Humans and animals are regularly exposed to toxic chemicals with subsequent adverse effects. Manganese exposure occurs via contaminated sources; over-exposure is associated with neuronal, hepatorenal dysfunction, etc. This work advances the field of natural chemopreventive agents by reporting evidence lacking in the literature on GA and ω-3-FA obtained primarily from the diet in protecting biological beings against toxic chemicals. Individually, GA and ω-3-FA exhibit various pharmacological effects. Our findings confirm the previous reports; however, we demonstrate the additional evidence for GA and ω-3-FA in abating toxic response incumbent on oxidative damage associated with manganese exposure. These findings further underscore the relevance of GA usage in food, cosmetics-pharmaceutical industries, and ω-3-FA as a safe supplement. Dietary supplements with GA and fish oil-rich in ω-3FA may be the potential natural therapy against hepatorenal injury in individuals inadvertently or occupationally exposed to manganese, thereby, promoting human and veterinary health outcomes.

Zinc, lead, and cadmium levels in serum and milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria

Zinc (Zn) is known to interact with lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd) reversing their toxicity and reducing their concentrations. However, lactating women are at high risk of developing Zn deficiency, which may result in Pb and Cd intoxication or increased exposure of breast-fed infants to Pb and Cd from breast milk. The aim of this study was to determine Zn, Pb, and Cd concentrations and examine their relationship in serum and breast milk of lactating women in Ibadan, Nigeria. Ninety-two lactating women were recruited into this study. Anthropometric measurements were assessed by standard methods while serum and breast milk concentrations of Zn, Pb, and Cd were assessed by atomic absorption spectrophotometry. Data analyzed statistically by Student’s t test, Pearson’s correlation coefficient, and a multiple regression model were significant at p < 0.05. Zn deficiency was observed in 12 (17.1%) of lactating women. Breast milk levels of Zn, Pb, and Cd were significantly higher than their levels in serum, whereas the ratios Zn:Pb and Zn:Cd in milk were significantly less than serum ratios. Significant negative correlation was observed between milk Pb and serum Zn:Pb while milk Cd correlated positively with milk Zn. Significant positive correlations were observed between serum Zn and serum Zn:Pb, serum Zn and serum Zn:Cd, as well as serum Zn:Cd and serum Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn were significantly negatively related. Significant negative correlations between serum Pb and serum Zn:Pb as well as milk Zn:Pb. Serum Cd and serum Zn:Pb as well as serum Zn:Cd correlated negatively. Milk Cd and Zn/Cd positively related with milk Pb while milk Zn was a negatively related with milk Pb in a multiple regression model ( R2 = 0.333; p = 0.023). Breast milk may be contaminated by toxic metals. However, Zn supplementation in deficient mothers may protect maternal and infant health.

Abstract B45: Piptandenia africana and Nauclea latifolia protect against N-Nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatic tumors in Wistar rats

In vitro studies on crude extracts of Piptandenia africana (PA) and Nauclea latifolia (NL) showed promising anti proliferative effects on Hela, MCF7 and ICMST-6 cell lines. Furtherance to these finding, we examined the anti-tumorigenic effect of NL and PA on N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN) induced hepatic tumors in Wistar rats as potential phytotherapeutic candidates for cancer prevention and treatment.

Five groups of rats (n=5) were co-treated as follows for 60 days: Control (1), DEN only (25μg/g body wt.) (2), DEN+PA (3), DEN+ NL (4) and DEN+PA+NL (5). The serum was assessed for markers of toxicity: alanine and aspartate transaminase (ALT and AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Total bilirubin (TB) conjugated bilirubin (CB) and creatinine were also examined. Numbers, volumes and sizes of DEN-induced tumors were estimated in harvested livers using a DelcastTM caliper. Sections of liver were examined for histopathological changes and hepatic antioxidants profiles: glutathione peroxide (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione -s- transferase (GST), catalase and reduced glutathione (GSH).

Decreases (p&lt;0.05) in food consumption and body weight were observed in grp 2 rats and had mean tumor of one (T1), in the largest lobe (LL) of their liver. In grp 3, two rats had (T0) but three other rats had (T1) each on the LL of their livers. Grp 4, one rat had (T1) on the LL, while two other rats had (T3) and (T1) on the liver’s smallest lobe (SL). Two rats had (T0), one rat had (T1) on the LL of grp 5 rats, one rat had (T3) on LL and (T2) and (T1) on the intermediate lobe (IL) while the last rat had (T0) on LL and (T1) on SL. Mean blood glucose (±S.D) level in grp2 rats was highest (87.5±5.1) compared to all other treated rats.

Hepatic GPx, SOD, GST, catalase and GSH levels suggested that grp2 treated rats had lower levels of antioxidant activities compared to grp 1 and 3. Grp 4 rats exhibited higher antioxidant activity relative to animals in grp 3 and grp 2. In addition markers (AST, ALT and ALP, TB and CB) of hepatotoxicity were highest in grp 4 relative to all other groups.

Histopathology of liver sections showed severe portal cellular infiltration by mononuclear cells, congestion and multiple foci of severe hepatic necrosis in grp 2, compared to the grp 1. In contrast grp 3 exhibited mild portal cellular infiltration with moderate Kupffer cell hyperplasia. Grp 4 animals presented with severe but diffuse vacuolar degeneration and necrosis of hepatocytes. Mild portal congestion, occasioned by cellular infiltration by mononuclear cells was observed in grp 5 rats.

PA and NL co-treatment mitigated DEN-induced hepatic tumorigenesis in rats. PA and NL exhibited phytotherapuetic properties supporting earlier in vitro findings. This may be relevant in preventing hepatic tumor formation and may serve as potential chemoprevention agents. Elucidating the phytochemistry and mechanistic mode of actions of PA and NL are required.

Citation Format: Queen-Esther E. Akinade, Sarah O. Nwozo, Olubunmi A. Akinwumi, Solomon E. Owumi. Piptandenia africana and Nauclea latifolia protect against N-Nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatic tumors in Wistar rats. [abstract]. In: Proceedings of the Fourth AACR International Conference on Frontiers in Basic Cancer Research; 2015 Oct 23-26; Philadelphia, PA. Philadelphia (PA): AACR; Cancer Res 2016;76(3 Suppl):Abstract nr B45.

Prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum seeds on ethanol-induced toxicity in male rats

The liver is vulnerable to alcohol-related injury because it is the primary site of alcohol metabolism. Additionally, a number of potentially dangerous by-products are generated as alcohol is broken down in the liver. However, dietary supplements may prevent or relieve some of alcohol's deleterious effects. Therefore, this study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of aqueous extract of Sesamum indicum (SI) on ethanol induced toxicity in rats. Male Wistar albino rats were divided into control, ethanol, pre-treatment, simultaneous and post-treatment groups. In the prophylactic experiment, Sesamum indicum, (200 mg/kg body weight) was administered by oral gavage for 28 days; two hours before, simultaneously with or two hours after ethanol exposure. Toxicity was induced by administering 45% ethanol (4.8 g/kg bw) by oral gavage. Lipid peroxidation (TBARS) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and gluthathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were then determined in the liver, serum triglyceride (TG) levels, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities were monitored and histological examination was carried out. The results revealed that ethanol administration led to significant elevation of TBARS level while depleting in the level of GSH as well as CAT, GPx, SOD and GST activities. Similarly, TG level and ALT and AST activities were elevated. The SI pre-treated group significantly inhibited TBARS, restored GSH level, enhanced CAT, GPx, SOD and GST activities and significantly decreased the elevated level of serum TG, ALT and AST activities. SI treatment (simultaneously with ethanol) exhibited similar effects to those of the SI pre-treated groups, while the SI post-treated group did not show the same protection as the Pre-treated group. S. indicum possesses antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties, that eliminate the deleterious effects of toxic metabolites of ethanol.

Potential of Piper guineense and Aframomum longiscapum to reduce radiation induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats

The ameliorative effect of aqueous extracts of Piper guineense and Aframomum longiscapum on radiation-induced hepatic damage was evaluated. Rats were treated with a single dose of 600 rads (6 Gy) y-radiation to induce hepatic damage. Aqueous extracts of Piper guineense and Aframomum longiscapum (200 and 400 mg/kg b. wt) were administered orally to rats for two weeks prior to radiation and four weeks after radiation. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities were determined for their antioxidant capacity. The activities of serum markers such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the histological changes were examined to evaluate potential ameliorative effects. Results from this study confirmed that exposure of animals to radiation led to induction of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced the level of GSH as well as CAT and GPx activities while simultaneously a significant elevation in the activities of serum ALT and AST was observed. Administration of varying doses of P.G. and A.L. before and after irradiation inhibited the elevated levels of LPO, restored the GSH level and enhanced CAT and GPx activities as well as significantly decreased the elevated levels of serum ALT and AST activities. This findings demonstrated that aqueous extracts of Piper guineense and Aframomum longiscapum might mitigate the liver gamma-radiation-induced damage probably by increasing antioxidant activities.

Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity in rats

In recent years there have been remarkable developments in the prevention of diseases, especially with regards to the role of free radicals and antioxidants. Ethanol-induced oxidative stress appears to be one mechanism by which ethanol causes liver injury. The protective effect of aqueous plant extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity was investigated in male Wistar rats. The rats were treated with 45 % ethanol (4.8 g/kg b.w.t.) for 16 days to induce alcoholic diseases in the liver. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride were monitored and the histological changes in liver examined in order to evaluate the protective effects of the plant extract. Hepatic malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were determined for the antioxidant status. Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a statistically significant elevation of serum alanine aminotransferases and triglyceride levels, as well as a decrease in reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase which was dramatically attenuated by the co-administration of the plant extract. Histological changes were related to these indices. Co-administration of the plant extract suppressed the elevation of lipid peroxidation, restored the reduced glutathion, and enhanced the superoxide dismutase activity. These results highlight the ability of Aframomum melegueta to ameliorate oxidative damage in the liver and the observed effects are associated with its antioxidant activities.

Hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity in rats

In recent years there have been remarkable developments in the prevention of diseases, especially with regards to the role of free radicals and antioxidants. Ethanol-induced oxidative stress appears to be one mechanism by which ethanol causes liver injury. The protective effect of aqueous plant extract of Aframomum melegueta on ethanol-induced toxicity was investigated in male Wistar rats. The rats were treated with 45 % ethanol (4.8 g/kg b.w.t.) for 16 days to induce alcoholic diseases in the liver. The activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and triglyceride were monitored and the histological changes in liver examined in order to evaluate the protective effects of the plant extract. Hepatic malondialdehyde and reduced glutathione, as well as superoxide dismutase and glutathione-S-transferase activities were determined for the antioxidant status. Chronic ethanol administration resulted in a statistically significant elevation of serum alanine aminotransferases and triglyceride levels, as well as a decrease in reduced glutathione and superoxide dismutase which was dramatically attenuated by the co-administration of the plant extract. Histological changes were related to these indices. Co-administration of the plant extract suppressed the elevation of lipid peroxidation, restored the reduced glutathion, and enhanced the superoxide dismutase activity. These results highlight the ability of Aframomum melegueta to ameliorate oxidative damage in the liver and the observed effects are associated with its antioxidant activities.

Antimicrobial and cytotoxicity evaluation of Buchholzia coriacea stem bark

Fractions prepared from the methanol extract of Buchholzia coriacea stem bark exhibited a high concentration-dependent antibacterial and antifungal activity compared to the standard antibiotics, ampicillin and tioconazole. In the brine shrimp lethality (BSL) assay, the methanol extract was found to be non-toxic with an LC(50) of 1031 microg/ml. The two main compounds present in the most active fraction were isolated and identified as lupeol and beta-sitosterol.