Nigella sativa, active principle thymoquinone, alleviates palmitate-induced cytotoxicity, inflammation and bioenergetic disruptions in macrophages: An invitro study model

Thymoquinone (TQ) is one of the main phytochemical bioactive ingredients in Nigella sativa, with reported immunity-boosting properties. The current study evaluated the anti-inflammatory effect of TQ against inflammation brought on by free fatty acid Palmitate (PA) using macrophages raw 264.7 cell line. Data revealed that TQ significantly improved the viability of basal and PA stimulated Macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. Also, TQ significantly reduced nitric oxide and triglyceride levels in PA-stimulated macrophages at concentrations of 50 and 100 μg/mL. The pro-inflammatory cytokines studies revealed that PA significantly increased the release of the cytokines TNF-α, MHGB-1, IL-1β, and IL-6. TQ at concentrations 25, 50, and 100 μg/ml significantly decreases the release of the studied cytokines in PA-stimulated macrophages to variable extents with parallel inhibition to their corresponding gene expression. Bioenergetic assays showed that PA significantly decreased cellular ATP, mitochondrial complexes I and III activities and mitochondrial membrane potential with a subsequent significant increase in lactate production. At the same time, TQ can alleviate the effect of PA on macrophages' bioenergetics parameters to variable extent based on TQ concentration. To conclude, TQ could mitigate palmitate-induced inflammation and cytotoxicity in macrophages by improving macrophage viability and controlling cytokine release with improved PA-induced bioenergetics disruption.

The Evaluation of Artificial Intelligence Technology for the Differentiation of Fresh Human Blood Cells From Other Species' Blood in the Investigation of Crime Scenes

OBJECTIVES

The current study used the deep machine learning approach to differentiate human blood specimens from cow, goat, and chicken blood stains based on cell morphology.

METHODS

A total of 1,955 known Giemsa-stained digitized images were acquired from the blood of humans, cows, goats, and chickens. To train the deep learning models, the well-known VGG16, Resnet18, and Resnet34 algorithms were used. Based on the image analysis, confusion matrices were generated.

RESULTS

Findings showed that the F1 score for the chicken, cow, goat, and human classes were all equal to 1.0 for each of the three algorithms. The Matthews correlation coefficient (MCC) was 1 for chickens, cows, and humans in all three algorithms, while the MCC score was 0.989 for goats by ResNet18, and it was 0.994 for both ResNet34 and VGG16 algorithms. The three algorithms showed 100% sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values for the human, cow, and chicken cells. For the goat cells, the data showed 100% sensitivity and negative predictive values with specificity and positive predictive values ranging from 98.5% to 99.6%.

CONCLUSION

These data showed the importance of deep learning as a potential tool for the differentiation of the species of origin of fresh crime scene blood stains.

Awareness About Osteoporosis Among the General Population Based on the Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT): A Cross-Sectional Study in the Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia

OBJECTIVE

Osteoporosis is a progressive systemic skeletal disease characterized by increasing susceptibility to fractures. The current study was conducted to assess the awareness about osteoporosis among the general population in the Northern Border region of Saudi Arabia to improve awareness and proper planning for public awareness about osteoporosis.

METHODS

The study was conducted as a cross-sectional survey study, based on the online distribution of the Arabic-translated Osteoporosis Knowledge Assessment Tool (OKAT). The questionnaire questions cover the demographic characteristics of the participants, as well as symptoms, risk factors, prevention, and knowledge of treatment centers for osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia.

RESULTS

395 participants were enrolled in the study after their informed consenting. After scoring all correct answers for each participant, the mean score of all participants' answers was 12.5±3.4 (range 0-19). Participants with poor knowledge (0-7 scores), moderate knowledge (8-13 scores), and good knowledge (13-20 scores) represent 61 (15.4%), 213 (53.9%), and 121 (30.6%), respectively. The mean percentage of right answers to all the questions is 44.1%. The highest awareness level was shown in the area of osteoporosis symptoms and risk of fractures, while the lowest was recorded in the questions covering the risk factors. Ages, genders, jobs, and levels of education significantly affected the participants' levels of awareness.

CONCLUSION

The public awareness among the population in the Northern Border region about osteoporosis is less than satisfactory. More awareness activities targeting the risky groups should be planned especially in the area of risk factors and preventive measures for osteoporosis.

Differential Effects of Paraquat, Rotenone, and MPTP on Cellular Bioenergetics of Undifferentiated and Differentiated Human Neuroblastoma Cells

Paraquat (PQ), rotenone (RO), and 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) are neurotoxicants that can damage human health. Exposure to these neurotoxicants has been linked to neurodegeneration, particularly Parkinson's disease. However, their mechanisms of action have not been fully elucidated, nor has the relative vulnerability of neuronal subtypes to their exposures. To address this, the current study investigated the cytotoxic effects of PQ, RO, and MPTP and their relative effects on cellular bioenergetics and oxidative stress on undifferentiated human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and those differentiated to dopaminergic (DA) or cholinergic (CH) phenotypes. The tested neurotoxicants were all cytotoxic to the three cell phenotypes that correlated with both concentration and exposure duration. At half-maximal effective concentrations (EC50s), there were significant reductions in cellular ATP levels and reduced activity of the mitochondrial complexes I and III, with a parallel increase in lactate production. PQ at 10 µM significantly decreased ATP production and mitochondrial complex III activity only in DA cells. RO was the most potent inhibitor of mitochondrial complex 1 and did not inhibit mitochondrial complex III even at concentrations that induced a 50% loss of cell viability. MPTP was the most potent toxicant in undifferentiated cells. All neurotoxicants significantly increased reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and nuclear expression of Nrf2, with a corresponding inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase. At a 10 µM exposure to PQ or RO, oxidative stress biomarkers were significant in DA cells. Collectively, this study underscores the importance of mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in PQ, RO, and MPTP-induced cytotoxicity and that neuronal phenotypes display differential vulnerability to these neurotoxicants.

Vaping, Environmental Toxicants Exposure, and Lung Cancer Risk

Lung cancer (LC) is the second-most prevalent tumor worldwide. According to the most recent GLOBOCAN data, over 2.2 million LC cases were reported in 2020, with an estimated new death incident of 1,796,144 lung cancer cases. Genetic, lifestyle, and environmental exposure play an important role as risk factors for LC. E-cigarette, or vaping, products (EVPs) use has been dramatically increasing world-wide. There is growing concern that EVPs consumption may increase the risk of LC because EVPs contain several proven carcinogenic compounds. However, the relationship between EVPs and LC is not well established. E-cigarette contains nicotine derivatives (e.g., nitrosnornicotine, nitrosamine ketone), heavy metals (including organometal compounds), polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, and flavorings (aldehydes and complex organics). Several environmental toxicants have been proven to contribute to LC. Proven and plausible environmental carcinogens could be physical (ionizing and non-ionizing radiation), chemicals (such as asbestos, formaldehyde, and dioxins), and heavy metals (such as cobalt, arsenic, cadmium, chromium, and nickel). Air pollution, especially particulate matter (PM) emitted from vehicles and industrial exhausts, is linked with LC. Although extensive environmental exposure prevention policies and smoking reduction strategies have been adopted globally, the dangers remain. Combined, both EVPs and toxic environmental exposures may demonstrate significant synergistic oncogenicity. This review aims to analyze the current publications on the importance of the relationship between EVPs consumption and environmental toxicants in the pathogenesis of LC.

An Investigation of the Neurotoxic Effects of Malathion, Chlorpyrifos, and Paraquat to Different Brain Regions

Acute or chronic exposures to pesticides have been linked to neurotoxicity and the potential development of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs). This study aimed to consider the neurotoxicity of three widely utilized pesticides: malathion, chlorpyrifos, and paraquat within the hippocampus (HC), corpus striatum (CS), cerebellum (CER), and cerebral cortex (CC). Neurotoxicity was evaluated at relatively low, medium, and high pesticide dosages. All pesticides inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and neuropathy target esterase (NTE) in each of the brain regions, but esterase inhibition was greatest in the HC and CS. Each of the pesticides also induced greater disruption to cellular bioenergetics within the HC and CS, and this was monitored via inhibition of mitochondrial complex enzymes I and II, reduced ATP levels, and increased lactate production. Similarly, the HC and CS were more vulnerable to redox stress, with greater inhibition of the antioxidant enzymes catalase and superoxide dismutase and increased lipid peroxidation. All pesticides induced the production of nuclear Nrf2 in a dose-dependent manner. Collectively, these results show that pesticides disrupt cellular bioenergetics and that the HC and CS are more susceptible to pesticide effects than the CER and CC.

Gut brain axis: an insight into microbiota role in Parkinson's disease

Parkinson's disease (PD) is one of the most common progressive neurodegenerative diseases. It is characterized neuropathologically by the presence of alpha-synuclein containing Lewy Bodies in the substantia nigra of the brain with loss of dopaminergic neurons in the pars compacta of the substantia nigra. The presence of alpha-synuclein aggregates in the substantia nigra and the enteric nervous system (ENS) drew attention to the possibility of a correlation between the gut microbiota and Parkinson's disease. The gut-brain axis is a two-way communication system, which explains how through the vagus nerve, the gut microbiota can affect the central nervous system (CNS), including brain functions related to the ENS, as well as how CNS can alter various gut secretions and immune responses. As a result, this dysbiosis or alteration in gut microbiota can be an early sign of PD with reported changes in short chain fatty acids, bile acids, and lipids. This gave rise to the use of probiotics and faecal microbiota transplantation as alternative approaches to improve the symptoms of patients with PD. The aim of this review is to discuss investigations that have been done to explore the gastrointestinal involvement in Parkinson's disease, the effect of dysbiosis, and potential therapeutic strategies for PD.

Effect of amphotericin B-deoxycholate (Fungizone) on the mitochondria of Wistar rats' renal proximal tubules cells

Amphotericin B-deoxycholate (Fungizone [FZ]) is a widely used potent antimycotic drug in spite of its nephrotoxic effect via different mechanisms. The effect of FZ on renal cell bioenergetics is not clear. The current study evaluated the effect of FZ on the bioenergetics of albino rats' isolated renal proximal tubule cells (PTCs). The cytotoxic effect of FZ on the isolated renal cells was assessed by MTT and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) assays. The effect of FZ on the PTCs uptake (OAT1 and OCT2) and efflux (P-gp and MRP2) transporters was evaluated. Then, the effect of FZ on mitochondria was assessed by studying complexes I-IV activities, lactate assay, oxygen consumption rates (OCR), and western blotting for all mitochondrial complexes. Moreover, the effect of FZ on mitochondrial membrane fluidity (MMF) and fatty acids composition was evaluated. Additionally, the protective effect of coenzyme q10 was studied. Outcomes showed that FZ was cytotoxic to the PTCs in a concentration and time-dependent patterns. FZ significantly inhibited the studied uptake and efflux tubular transporters with inhibition of the mitochondrial complexes activities and parallel increase in lactate production and decrease in OCRs. Finally, FZ significantly reduced the expression of all mitochondrial complexes in addition to significant increase in MMF and MMFA concentration. Coenzyme Q10 was found to significantly decrease FZ-induced cytotoxicity and transporters impairment in the PTC. FZ significantly inhibits bioenergetics of PTC, which may stimulate the cascade of cell death and clinical nephrotoxicity.

Effect of habitat variations on the chemical composition, antioxidant, and antimicrobial activities of Achillea fragrantissima (Forssk) Sch. Bip

Achilea fragmentisma plant is widely distributed along northern regions of Saudi Arabia with various traditional medical uses. The plant was collected from Tabuk and Arar regions to study the effect of the variation in habitat on the chemical compositions, antimicrobial and antioxidant activities of the plant. The results showed significant differences between the two studied region regarding the parameters of the weather in years from 2010-2016.The antioxidant and antimicrobial of the plant showed significant variation in two habitats. Plant collected from Arar showed high antioxidant activity with IC50 (0.21 ± 0.01 g/L) by DPPH radical scavenging methods, and good antibacterial activity with gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus epidermidis, Bacillus cereus and Staphylococccus aureus clinical isolate), antibacterial activity ranging between high to no activity (between 14.5 ± 0.5-6.0 ± 0.0 mm zone of inhibition), On the other side the tested plant extracts showed no effect on, all gram-negative bacteria. GC/MS data showed marked variation in chemical compositions of both phenolic and alkaloid compounds in plants collected from both regions. Phenolic compounds were accumulated with higher amounts(Ferulic acid, Eugenol and Salicylic acid ester) in Arar region, while the alkaloid fractions (Ethyl isoallocholate, Pterin 6-carboxylic-acid and kadain) showed higher concentrations in plants collected from Tabuk region. The results reflect the variation in of weather parameter, affect on chemical compositions and biological activities of the plant in two studied regions.

The protective effect of Indian Catechu methanolic extract against aluminum chloride-induced neurotoxicity, A rodent model of Alzheimer's disease

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the commonest neurodegenerative disorder with a wide array of manifestations, courses, and contributing causes. Despite being clinically characterized a long time ago; no treatment has been developed that could improve the pathology or slow down the disease manifestation- so far. Indian Catechu methanolic extract (ICME) has proved to have multiple beneficial effects that support its use in several disorders- especially those with complex etiology. In the present study, we evaluated the neuroprotective effect of ICME in a rat model of AD using Aluminum Chloride (AlCl3). The results showed that ICME could have a positive impact on the course of AD through its anticholinesterase effect and significant antioxidant effect which was reflected on the animals both on behavioral tests as well as hallmark pathological findings.

Roles of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in metal-induced dysfunction of beta pancreatic cells isolated from CD1 mice

The diabetogenic effects of metals including lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and molybdenum (Mo) have been reported with poorly identified underlying mechanisms. The current study assessed the effect of metals on the roles of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in beta pancreatic cells isolated from CD-1 mice, via different biochemical assays. Data showed that the tested metals were cytotoxic to the isolated cells with impaired glucose stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS). This was associated with increased reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant enzymes activities, active proapoptotic caspase-3 (cas-3), inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) levels in the intoxicated cells. Furthermore, antioxidant-reduced glutathione (GSH-R), cas-3 inhibitor z-VAD-FMK, IL-6 inhibitor bazedoxifene (BZ), and TNF-α inhibitor etanercept (ET) were found to significantly decrease metal-induced cytotoxicity with improved GSIS in metals' intoxicated cells. In conclusion, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation can play roles in metals-induced diabetogenic effect.

Effects of environmental metals on mitochondrial bioenergetics of the CD-1 mice pancreatic beta-cells

Environmental metals are believed to have diabetogenic effects without any clear underlying mechanisms. The study investigated the effects of metals, lead (Pb), mercury (Hg), cadmium (Cd), and molybdenum (Mo), on the bioenergetics of isolated pancreatic β-cells from CD-1 mice via different functional and structural techniques. The tested metals caused significant decrease in ATP production in concentration and exposure duration-dependent pattern; Cd was the most potent cytotoxic metal. In ATP assay estimated effective concentration 50 (EC50) (25, 40, 20, and 100 μM for Pb, Hg, Cd, and Mo, respectively), the metals also significantly inhibited the glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS), mitochondrial complexes activity, mitochondrial membranes potential, and oxygen consumption rates of the treated cells with parallel increases in their lactate production and in the mitochondrial swelling and permeation of their inner mitochondrial membranes to potassium (K⁺) and hydrogen (H⁺) ions. In addition, Cd, Pb, and Hg produced significant increases in mitochondrial membrane fluidity (MMF) with significant decreases in saturated/unsaturated fatty acid ratios. In 10 μM concentration, away from Mo, the three metals showed inhibitory effects on the mitochondrial functions to variable degrees. Only Cd showed significant effect on MMF and fatty acid ratios at a concentration of 10 μM. In conclusion, the tested metals significantly affected the bioenergetics of the pancreatic β-cells with significant effect on GSIS. Cd showed the most significant functional and structural effects on their mitochondria followed by Pb, then Hg, while Mo was almost safe up to 10 μM concentration. Hence, bioenergetic mitochondrial disruption can be considered as an underlying mechanism of the diabetogenic effects of the tested metals.

Antipsychotics inhibit the mitochondrial bioenergetics of pancreatic beta cells isolated from CD1 mice

Antipsychotics (APs) are widely used medications with reported diabetogenic side effects. This study investigated the effect of commonly used APs, namely chlorpromazine (CPZ), haloperidol (HAL) and clozapine, on the bioenergetics of male CD1 mice isolated pancreatic beta cells as an underlying mechanism of their diabetogenic effects. The effect of APs on Alamar blue reduction, adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production and glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) of isolated beta cells was evaluated. Then, the effects of APs on the activities of mitochondrial complexes and their common coding genes expression, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and lactate production were investigated. The effects of APs on the mitochondrial membrane fluidity (MMF) and mitochondrial membrane fatty acid composition were also examined. Results showed that the tested APs significantly decreased cellular ATP production and GSIS of the beta cells. The APs significantly inhibited the activities of mitochondrial complexes and their coding gene expression, MMP and OCR of the treated cells, with a parallel increase in lactate production to different extents with the different APs. CPZ and HAL showed increased MMF and mitochondrial membrane polyunsaturated fatty acid content. In conclusion, the tested APs-induced mitochondrial disruption can play a role in their diabetogenic side effect.

Carbamazepine induces a bioenergetics disruption to microvascular endothelial cells from the blood-brain barrier

Carbamazepine (CBZ) is a widely employed anti-seizure medication that crosses the blood-brain barrier (BBB) to exert its anti-convulsant action. The effects of CBZ on components of the BBB have yet to be completely delineated. Hence the current study evaluated the effects of CBZ upon mitochondrial functionality of BBB-derived microvascular endothelial cells isolated from Albino rats. The influence of CBZ on cell viability and barrier functions were evaluated by 3-(4,5 dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide (MTT), lactate dehydrogenase, and electrophysiological assays over a drug concentration range of 0.1-1000 μM. Bioenergetics effects were measured via ATP production, mitochondrial complexes I and III activities, lactate production, and oxygen consumption rates (OCRs), and mitochondrial membrane potential, fluidity and lipid content. CBZ was cytotoxic to microvascular endothelial cells in a concentration and duration dependent manner. CBZ significantly diminished the endothelial cell's barrier functions, and impacted upon cellular bioenergetics: reducing mitochondrial complex activities with a parallel decrease in OCRs and increased anaerobic lactate production. CBZ significantly decreased mitochondrial membrane potential and induced an increase of membrane fluidity and decrease in levels of mitochondrial saturated and unsaturated fatty acids. In summary, CBZ disrupted functional activity of BBB endothelial cells via damage and modification of mitochondria functionality at therapeutically relevant concentrations.

The heavy metals lead and cadmium are cytotoxic to human bone osteoblasts via induction of redox stress

The heavy metals (HMs) lead and cadmium are persistent environmental pollutants capable of inducing ill-health in exposed individuals. One of the primary sites of accumulation and potential damage from HMs is bone, and we therefore examined the acute effects of lead and cadmium on human bone osteoblasts in vitro over a concentration range of 0.1 μM to 1mM, and for 3, 6, 12, 24, and 48 hour exposures. Incubation of osteoblasts with either lead or cadmium reduced cell viability in a concentrations and exposure durations dependent manner, as measured using MTT and LDH assays. Cytotoxicity was significant from 0.1 μM concentrations after 48 hour exposures. Both HMs damaged cellular bioenergetics with reductions of ATP production, mitochondrial complex activities, and aerobic respiration. There was a concomitant elevation of reactive oxygen species, with induction of redox stress measured as increased lipid peroxidation, and depleted cellular redox defense systems via reduced superoxide dismutase and catalase activity and cellular glutathione levels. Both HMs induced nuclear activation of Nrf2, presumably to increase transcription of antioxidant responsive genes to combat oxidative stress. Incubation of osteoblasts with HMs also compromised the secretion of procollagen type 1, osteocalcin, and alkaline phosphatase. Pre-incubation of osteoblasts with reduced glutathione prior to challenge with HMs lessened the cytotoxicity of the HMs, indicative that antioxidants may be a beneficial treatment adjunct in cases of acute lead or cadmium poisoning.

An association between latent toxoplasmosis and substance abuse: an Egyptian Center Study

Infection of toxoplasma gondii (TG), an intracellular neurotropic parasitic protozoon, has been associated with various neuropsychiatric disorders. TG is usually diagnosed from serological sample in which a positive test for Anti-TG immunoglobulin G (IgG) indicates TG infection (toxoplasmosis). The research was conducted to test the hypothesis that TG infection may be associated with substance abuse. Anti-TG (IgG) was screened in 444 participants (350 abusers and 94 controls) who attended the Psychiatry Department of Mansoura University Hospitals. All participants were screened for different class of abused substances (tramadol, cannabis, opiates, barbiturates and benzodiazepines) using enzyme multiplied immunoassay technique and positive cases were confirmed using gas chromatography-mass spectroscopy (GC-MS). Substance users were also diagnosed according to DSM IV criteria. GC-MS assays revealed that 116 cases (33.1% of users) had documented use of more than one substance. Tramadol was the most common abused substance [86 cases (24.6%)]. About 56% of the participants were sero-positive for anti-TG IgG. Toxoplasmosis sero-positivity was significantly higher among substance abusers (P < 0.0001) irrespective of the class of substance used. There was a significant relationship between toxoplasma sero-positivity and occurrence of convulsions among tramadol users (P = 0.0007) and those relapsing (P < 0.0001) following short periods of abstinence. The data collected suggest that TG infection is significantly associated with the high incidence of substance use, irrespective of the drug class. These preliminary findings warrant further larger multicenter clinical studies to test the robustness of this association.

Prevalence and pattern of refractive errors among Saudi adults

Background & Objectives:

Refractive Errors (RE) are responsible for major portion of the treatable visual impairment and avoidable blindness in the world. The prevalence of RE varies with age, gender, ethnicity, geographical locations and also from time to time due to progresse in eye care services. We aimed to study the prevalence of RE and assess their patterns among Saudi adults of Arar city, the capital of Northern Border Region of Saudi Arabia.

Methods:

This is a cross-sectional, population-based study. A total number of 966 Saudi adults aged 16 to 39 years were enrolled. The patterns of their RE were studied through auto-refraction evaluation.

Results:

The prevalence of RE was 45.8%. The most frequent type of RE was myopia in 24.4%, followed by hyperopia 11.9% and astigmatism in 9.5% cases. Ages and genders significantly affect the prevalence of the different patterns of RE (0.033 and 0.012, respectively).

Conclusion:

The prevalence of RE in Arar city is slightly lower than that previously published in the same targeted age group. Myopia is the main RE. More awareness programs, especially among young adults are recommended for better outcomes.

An Investigation of Potential Sources of Nutraceuticals from the Niger Delta Areas, Nigeria for Attenuating Oxidative Stress

Background: Diets rich in fruits, vegetables, and medicinal plants possess antioxidants potentially capable of mitigating cellular oxidative stress. This study investigated the antioxidant, anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE), and total phenolic and flavonoids contents (TPC/TFC) of dietary sources traditionally used for memory enhancing in Niger Delta, Nigeria. Methods:Dacroydes edulis methanolic seed extract (DEMSE), Cola lepidota methanolic seed extract (CLMSE), Terminalia catappa methanolic seed extract (TeCMSE), Tricosanthes cucumerina methanolic seed extract (TrCMSE), Tetrapleura tetraptera methanolic seed extract (TTMSE), and defatted Moringa oleifera methanolic seed extract (DMOMSE); Dennettia tripetala methanolic fruit extract (DTMFE), Artocarpus communis methanolic fruit extract (ACMFE), Gnetum africana methanolic leaf extract (GAMLE), Musa paradisiaca methanolic stembark extract (MPMSE), and Mangifera indica methanolic stembark extract (MIMSE) were evaluated for free radical scavenging antioxidant ability using 2,2-Diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), reducing power capacity (reduction of ferric iron to ferrous iron), AChE inhibitory potential by Ellman assay, and then TPC/TFC contents determined by estimating milli-equivalents of Gallic acid and Quercetin per gram, respectively. Results: The radical scavenging percentages were as follows: MIMSE (58%), MPMSE (50%), TrCMSE (42%), GAMLE (40%), CLMSE (40%), DMOMSE (38%), and DEMFE (37%) relative to β-tocopherol (98%). The highest iron reducing (antioxidant) capacity was by TrCMSE (52%), MIMSE (40%) and GAMLE (38%). Extracts of MIMSE, TrCMSE, DTMFE, TTMSE, and CLMSE exhibited concentration-dependent AChE inhibitory activity (p < 0.05–0.001). At a concentration of 200 µg/mL, the AChE inhibitory activity and IC₅₀ (µg/mL) exhibited by the most potent extracts were: MIMSE (≈50%/111.9), TrCMSE (≈47%/201.2), DTMFE (≈32%/529.9), TTMSE (≈26%/495.4), and CLMSE (≈25%/438.4). The highest TPC were from MIMSE (156.2), TrCMSE (132.65), GAMLE (123.26), and CLMSE (119.63) in mg gallic acid equivalents/g, and for TFC were: MISME (87.35), GAMLE (73.26), ACMFE (69.54), CLMSE (68.35), and TCMSE2 (64.34) mg quercetin equivalents/gram. Conclusions: The results suggest that certain inedible and edible foodstuffs, most notably MIMSE, MPMSE, TrCMSE, GAMLE, and CLMSE may be beneficial to ameliorate the potentially damaging effects of redox stress.

Alleviation of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocellular damage and oxidative stress with a leaf extract of Glyphae brevis (Tiliaceae)

Background Glyphae brevis leaf is reported in ethnomedicine as a treatment for hepatitis and jaundice; however, no studies have hitherto investigated the mechanistic basis of these claims. Methods A hepato-protective role of G. brevis hydromethanolic (GBH) leaf extract was established against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Twenty-four hours after a CCl4 challenge, rats were sacrificed and serum hematological indices, lipid profile, and biochemical parameters were determined. The antioxidant enzymes parameters (glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase) and lipid peroxidation product (thiobarbituric reactive substances) levels in liver homogenates were evaluated. Changes in the liver cyto-architecture of different treatment groups were also investigated. Results The GBH extract produced no significant impact on weight and hematological indices. Intoxication with CCl4 significantly (p<0.001-0.05) increased total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoproteins (LDL) compared with control rats. Pretreatment with GBH leaf extract significantly reduced triglycerides, TC, and LDL to approaching control levels (p<0.001-0.05). The GBH leaf extract significantly alleviated CCl4-induced elevation of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and the CCl4-induced depression of total protein, and albumin. Liver antioxidant parameters were significantly increased in plant extract-treated rats, and this antagonized the pro-oxidant effect of CCl4. Histopathological studies also supported a hepato-protective effect of GBH. Collectively, the GBH leaf extract alleviated the CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity through improvement of innate antioxidant enzyme levels and lipid metabolism and stabilized the hepatocyte cyto-architecture of intoxicated rats. Conclusions This study establishes the ethnomedicinal role of G. brevis leaf in hepatitis and the mechanistic basis of hepato-protection against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Urinary biomarkers for early detection of platinum based drugs induced nephrotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Nephrotoxicity is a major hazard complicating the use of platinum based drugs (PBD), which can hinder using higher doses protocols to maximize the therapeutic gain. Shortage of serum creatinine level as an accurate biomarker for acute kidney injuries (AKI) necessitates searching for novel biomarkers with better sensitivity and specificity in patients on PBD.

METHODS

In a prospective cohort design, 132 patients receiving PBD were selected for the study. AKI was diagnosed by continuous follow up of serum creatinine level according to Kidney Disease: Improving Global Outcomes (KDIGO) guidelines 2012. Serum creatinine and urinary biomarkers (KIM-1, NGAL and cystatin C) was measured in the day of treatment and for 3 days after PBD cycle.

RESULTS

AKI occurred in 35 patients (26.52% of patients). KIM-1, Cystatin C, and NGAL showed significant increase in samples collected in the day of AKI in comparison to their corresponding basal levels (P <  0.0001). In addition, significant increase in urinary levels of the biomarkers in samples collected 1 day before AKI in comparison to their basal levels (P <  0.0001, P <  0.0001, and P = 0.013 for KIM-1, NGAL and Cystatin C respectively). Furthermore KIM-1 data showed a significant increase 2 days before serum creatinine rise in comparison to the corresponding KIM-1 levels in patients who developed AKI (P = 0.001).

CONCLUSIONS

Urinary KIM-1, Cystatin C and NGAL can predict PBD induced AKI in earlier stages than serum createnine. KIM-1 is the most sensitive biomarker for early detection of AKI in patients receiving PBD.

Editor's Highlight: Therapeutic Concentrations of Antidepressants Inhibit Pancreatic Beta-Cell Function via Mitochondrial Complex Inhibition

Diabetes mellitus risk is increased by prolonged usage of antidepressants (ADs). Although various mechanisms are suggested for their diabetogenic potential, whether a direct effect of ADs on pancreatic β-cells is involved is unclear. We examined this idea for 3 ADs: paroxetine, clomipramine and, with particular emphasis, fluoxetine, on insulin secretion, mitochondrial function, cellular bioenergetics, KATP channel activity, and caspase activity in murine and human cell-line models of pancreatic β-cells. Metabolic assays showed that these ADs decreased the redox, oxidative respiration, and energetic potential of β-cells in a time and concentration dependent manner, even at a concentration of 100 nM, well within the therapeutic window. These effects were related to inhibition of mitochondrial complex I and III. Consistent with impaired mitochondrial function, lactate output was increased and insulin secretion decreased. Neither fluoxetine, antimycin nor rotenone could reactivate KATP channel activity blocked by glucose unlike the mitochondrial uncoupler, FCCP. Chronic, but not acute, AD increased oxidative stress and activated caspases, 3, 8, and 9. A close agreement was found for the rates of oxidative respiration, lactate output and modulation of KATP channel activity in MIN6 cells with those of primary murine cells; data that supports MIN6 as a valid model to study beta-cell bioenergetics. To conclude, paroxetine, clomipramine and fluoxetine were all cytotoxic at therapeutic concentrations on pancreatic beta-cells; an action suggested to arise by inhibition of mitochondrial bioenergetics, oxidative stress and induction of apoptosis. These actions help explain the diabetogenic potential of these ADs in humans.

Hepatoprotective effect of hydromethanolic leaf extract of Musanga cecropioides (Urticaceae) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and oxidative stress

Objective

Natural antioxidant products are gaining popularity as treatments for various pathological liver injuries. Musanga cecropioides (Urticaceae) leaf extract is used in ethnomedicine for the management of jaundice and other hepatic ailments in Ibibio, Nigeria. This study evaluated the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of M. cecropioides hydromethanolic leaf (MCHL) extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Methods

Liver damage was induced by administering CCl₄ dissolved in liquid paraffin (2 mL/kg bw 1:1 intraperitoneally) after pretreatment with MCHL extract for 7 days. Thereafter, acute hepatotoxicity was evaluated in 36 Wistar rats divided into six groups (A–F) of six animals each. Group A served as the negative control; B received CCl₄ 1 mL/kg only; C–E received 70.7, 141.4, and 282.8 mg/kg MCHL extract, respectively; and F received silymarin 100 mg/kg daily for 7 days by oral gavage. After 48 h, the rats were sacrificed, and samples obtained from them were assayed for histological and biochemical biomarkers of hepatotoxicity.

Results

The MCHL extracts significantly (p < 0.001–0.05) reduced the increase in aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), and total bilirubin (TBIL) levels induced by CCl₄ intoxication. There was no significant alteration in haematological indices or weight following administration of the MCHL extracts. Histopathological examinations revealed mitotic bodies in the 141.4 mg/kg MCHL extract-treated rats, an indication of tissue repair processes.

Conclusion

The MCHL extract has a dose-specific hepatoprotective effect; hence, the utilisation of this extract for the management of hepatitis requires caution.

Hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spondias mombin leaf and stem extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity

Objective

Spondias mombin L. is a tree used in folk medicine in Nigeria for the treatment of hepatitis. This study was carried out to comparatively evaluate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant effects of S. mombin leaf and stem (SML and SMS) methanolic extracts in a rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity.

Methods

Forty-two rats were distributed into seven groups. Groups A and B received water; groups C and D received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SML extract, respectively; groups E and F received 500 and 1000 mg/kg SMS extract, respectively; and group G received 100 mg/kg silymarin. Water, the two extracts, and silymarin were administered daily by oral gavage for 7 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced in groups B to G by the administration of CCl₄ once on the seventh day. After 48 h, rats were sacrificed, and tissues and serum samples were examined for histological and biochemical indices of hepatotoxicity.

Results

Administration of CCl₄ resulted in liver injury with significant elevation in the hepatocellular injury markers alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), and conjugated bilirubin (CBIL), associated with a significant reduction in total circulatory protein. Pretreatment with SML and SMS extracts at both doses significantly ameliorated liver injury; lowered ALT, AST, ALP, TBIL, and CBIL levels; elevated cellular glutathione levels as well as catalase and superoxide dismutase activities; and decreased the levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances.

Conclusion

This study provides preliminary evidence supporting the potential therapeutic benefit of S. mombin in xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity.

In vitro Anti-cholinesterase and Anti-oxidant Activity of Three Standardised Polyherbal Products Used for Memory Enhancing in Ethnomedicine of South-East Nigeria

Background

Polyherbal standardised extracts used in ethnomedicine of Eastern Nigeria for memory improvements were evaluated for anti-cholinesterases and anti-oxidant properties.

Methods

Anti-cholinesterase, anti-oxidant, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were established using standard procedures.

Results

The three polyherbal extracts exhibited significant concentration dependent acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity (P = 0.001). The highest AChE inhibition was observed with the Neocare Herbal Tea (NHT) with 99.7% (IC50 = 324 μg/mL); whereas the Herbalin Complex Tea (HCT) and Phytoblis Herbal Tea (PHT) exhibited 73.8% (IC50 = 0.2 μg/mL) and 60.6% (IC50 = 0.7 μg/mL) inhibition, respectively, relative to eserine at 100% inhibition (IC50 = 0.9 μg/mL) at 200 μg/mL. The order of percentage increase in inhibition of AChE was NHT > HCT > PHT; while the order of decrease in potency was HCT > PHT > NHT.

Radical scavenging activities of HCT, NHT and PHT were 82.13% (IC50 = 0.08 μg/mL), 77.43% (IC50 = 0.01 μg/mL) and 76.28% (IC50 = 0.3 μg/mL), respectively, at 1 mg/mL concentrations. The reducing power revealed a dose-dependent effect, with NHT > PHT > HCT. The order of total phenolics content in the extracts were PHT > HCT > NHT, and for total flavonoids content: PHT > NHT > HCT.

Conclusion

The three polyherbal standardised products possess significant acetylcholinesterase inhibitory activity and secondary metabolites that could collectively contribute to their memory-enhancing effects.

Anti-acetylcholinesterase activity and antioxidant properties of extracts and fractions of Carpolobia lutea

CONTEXT

There is an unmet need to discover new treatments for Alzheimer's disease. This study determined the anti-acetylcholinesterase (AChE) activity, DPPH free radical scavenging and antioxidant properties of Carpolobia lutea G. Don (Polygalaceae).

OBJECTIVE

The objective of this study is to quantify C. lutea anti-AChE, DPPH free radical scavenging, and antioxidant activities and cell cytotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Plant stem, leaves and roots were subjected to sequential solvent extractions, and screened for anti-AChE activity across a concentration range of 0.02-200 μg/mL. Plant DPPH radical scavenging activity, reducing power, and total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined, and cytotoxicity evaluated using human hepatocytes.

RESULTS

Carpolobia lutea exhibited concentration-dependent anti-AChE activity. The most potent inhibitory activity for the stem was the crude ethanol extract and hexane stem fraction oil (IC₅₀ = 140 μg/mL); for the leaves, the chloroform leaf fraction (IC₅₀ = 60 μg/mL); and for roots, the methanol, ethyl acetate and aqueous root fractions (IC₅₀ = 0.3-3 μg/mL). Dose-dependent free radical scavenging activity and reducing power were observed with increasing stem, leaf or root concentration. Total phenolic contents were the highest in the stem: ∼632 mg gallic acid equivalents/g for a hexane stem fraction oil. Total flavonoid content was the highest in the leaves: ∼297 mg quercetin equivalents/g for a chloroform leaf fraction. At 1 μg/mL, only the crude ethanol extract oil was significantly cytotoxic to hepatocytes.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Carpolobia lutea possesses anti-AChE activity and beneficial antioxidant capacity indicative of its potential development as a treatment of Alzheimer's and other diseases characterized by a cholinergic deficit.

Antidepressants are cytotoxic to rat primary blood brain barrier endothelial cells at high therapeutic concentrations

Antidepressants are commonly employed for the treatment of major depressive disorders and other psychiatric conditions. We investigated the relatively acute cytotoxic effects of three commonly prescribed antidepressants: fluoxetine, sertraline, and clomipramine on rat primary blood brain barrier endothelial cells over a concentration range of 0.1-100μM. At therapeutic concentrations (0.1μM) no significant cytotoxicity was observed after 4, 24, or 48h. At high therapeutic to overdose concentrations (1-100μM), antidepressants reduced cell viability in proportion to their concentration and exposure duration. At 1μM, antidepressants significantly reduced mitochondrial membrane potential. At drug concentrations producing ~50% inhibition of cell viability, all drugs significantly reduced cellular oxygen consumption rates, activities of mitochondrial complexes I and III, and triggered a significant increase of lactate production. Fluoxetine (6.5μM) and clomipramine (5.5μM) also significantly lowered transcellular transport of albumin. The mechanism of cellular cytotoxicity was evaluated and at high concentrations all drugs significantly increased the production of reactive oxygen species, and significantly increased the activity of the pro-apoptotic caspases-3, 8, and 9. Comet assays revealed that all drugs were genotoxic. Pre-incubation of cells with glutathione significantly ameliorated antidepressant-induced cytotoxicity, indicating the potential benefit of treatment of overdosed patients with antioxidants.

Adverse effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs on HepG2 cell bioenergetics

Tuberculosis (TB) is an intractable chronic infection. Disease treatment with anti-TB drugs remains challenging due to drug-induced hepatotoxicity. The toxicity of the anti-TB drugs rifampicin (RIF), isoniazid (INH) and pyrazinamide (PZA) either alone or in combination was investigated in HepG2 cells. Assays of intracellular adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels at 4-, 24- and 48-h post-exposure to gradient concentrations of RIF, INH and PZA were conducted. Drug-induced effects on mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), mitochondrial complex I and complex III activity, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD⁺) levels and cellular lactate production were assessed. Decreased ATP levels were dose-dependent and correlated with drug exposure duration. Approximate 24-h IC₅₀s were 0.5 mM, 70 mM and 84 mM for RIF, INH and PZA, respectively. Twenty-four hours post-drug treatment, reductions of MMP ( p = 0.0005), mitochondrial complex I and III activities ( p = 0.0001 and p = 0.0003, respectively), NAD⁺ levels ( p = 0.0057) and increased lactate production ( p < 0.0001) were observed. Drug combinations used to mimic cumulative drug treatments induced a synergistic inhibition of mitochondrial complex I activity. An assessment of cellular ultrastructure using transmission electron microscopy indicated drug-induced mitophagy. Collectively, our study suggests that hepatotoxicity of commonly employed anti-TB drugs is mediated by their curtailment of mitochondrial function.

Blood lactate levels as a biomarker of antipsychotic side effects in patients with schizophrenia

BACKGROUND

Antipsychotic drugs (APs) are widely prescribed in psychiatry primarily for the treatment of psychosis in schizophrenia and bipolar disorders. An issue related to poor prognosis in patients with chronic illness relates to the accumulation of lactate levels in blood, leading to patients that become critically ill. It is suggested that haloperidol and olanzapine, as common therapy for schizophrenia, are associated with increased levels of blood lactate, which may contribute towards the extra-pyramidal side effects.

AIMS AND METHOD

In this study, 88 patients attending the psychiatry outpatient clinic of Mansoura University Hospital, under treatment with typical APs (chlorpromazine or haloperidol) or the atypical APs (risperidone, olanzapine or quetiapine) were followed over a three-month period. Blood lactate levels were assessed at diagnosis, ten days and 90 days after the start of AP treatment. Extra-pyramidal symptoms (EPSs) were studied in participants during the course of this study.

RESULTS

Chlorpromazine and haloperidol caused significant increases in lactate levels within the first ten days of therapy, while after 90 days, all APs showed significant increases in arterial blood lactate levels in comparison with the first baseline measurement (for all APs, p-values <0.0001). Dystonia was reported by patients on chlorpromazine, haloperidol and risperidone therapies, while Parkinsonian-like manifestations were reported with all APs tested except for quetiapine. Both dystonia and Parkinsonian-like manifestations were also observed alongside the significant increases in arterial blood lactate levels in comparison to patients on therapy not displaying EPSs.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggest elevated blood lactate levels may serve as early biomarkers for occurrence of extra-pyramidal symptoms in patients on chronic APs treatment.

Bioenergetic disruption of human micro-vascular endothelial cells by antipsychotics

Antipsychotics (APs) are widely used medications, however these are not without side effects such as disruption of blood brain barrier function (BBB). To investigate this further we have studied the chronic effects of the typical APs, chlorpromazine (CPZ) and haloperidol (HAL) and the atypical APs, risperidone (RIS) and clozapine (CLZ), on the bioenergetics of human micro-vascular endothelial cells (HBVECs) of the BBB. Alamar blue (AB) and ATP assays showed that these APs impair bioenergenesis in HBVECs in a concentration and time dependent manner. However since these effects were incomplete they suggest a population of cell bioenergetically heterogeneous, an idea supported by the bistable nature by which APs affected the mitochondrial transmembrane potential. CPZ, HAL and CLZ inhibited the activity of mitochondrial complexes I and III. Our data demonstrates that at therapeutic concentrations, APs can impair the bioenergetic status of HBVECs, an action that help explains the adverse side effects of these drugs when used clinically.

Adverse effects of antipsychotics on micro-vascular endothelial cells of the human blood-brain barrier

Although the mechanisms of action of antipsychotics (APs) on neuronal function are well understood, very little is known about their effects on cells of the blood-brain barrier (BBB); one function of which is to limit the access of these amphiphilic compounds to the central nervous system. To address this question we have investigated the cytological and functional effects of four APs: chlorpromazine (CLP), haloperidol (HAL), risperidone (RIS) and clozapine (CLZ), at concentrations typical of high therapeutic dosage on a human brain microvascular endothelial cell (HBMEC) model of the BBB. At ~10 µM all four APs impaired the ability of HBMECs to reduce MTT which was followed by decreased Trypan blue exclusion and increased Lactate dehydrogenase release. These effects were associated with oxidative stress which was partly reversed by incubation in 10mM glutathione. At their EC50 concentrations for MTT reduction, all four APs disrupted cellular ultrastructure and morphology. HAL, CPZ and CLZ increased Caspase -3, -8 and -9 activity, chromatin condensation and fragmentation, data indicative of apoptosis. These events were associated with decreased transcytosis of Evans blue and increased transendothelial potential difference and electrical resistance of this BBB model. These findings suggest that at high therapeutic concentrations, CPZ and CLZ are likely to incur cytoxic effects and apoptosis of BBB endothelia with an impairment of barrier functionality. Such events may underlie the aetiology of neuroleptic associated cerebral oedema and neuroleptic malignant syndrome.