Metformin: a novel promising option for fertility preservation during cyclophosphamide-based chemotherapy

Cyclophosphamide (CP) could cause severe gonadotoxicity via imbalanced activation of primordial follicles through PI3K/AKT/mTOR activation. Whether metformin, a widely prescribed anti-diabetes agent with mTOR inhibitory effect, could preserve ovarian function against CP toxicity is unknown. Female C57BL/6 mice were randomized into seven groups (n = 11), including control, CP-alone, CP + metformin, CP + sirolimus or everolimus, metformin-alone and sirolimus-alone groups. The duration of pharmaceutical treatment was 4 weeks. CP treatment significantly impaired ovarian function and fertility in mice. CP + metformin treatment significantly attenuated the gonadotoxicity comparing to CP-alone treatment (primordial follicle count: 17.6 ± 4.2 versus 10.3 ± 2.7 follicles/high-power field; P = 0.027). CP + metformin treatment also tended to increase antral follicular count (5.4 ± 1.1 versus 2.5 ± 1.6 follicles/section), serum AMH levels (4.6 ± 1.2 versus 2.0 ± 0.8 ng/ml) and the litter size (4.2 ± 1.3 versus 1.5 ± 1.0 mice per pregnancy), compared with CP-alone group. Expression of phospho-mTOR and the number of TUNEL-positive granulosa cells increased after CP treatment and decreased in the CP + metformin groups, suggesting the mTOR inhibitory and anti-apoptotic effects of metformin. In in-vitro granulosa cell experiments, the anti-apoptotic effect of metformin was blocked after inhibiting p53 or p21 function, and the expression of p53 mRNA was blocked with AMPK inhibitor, suggesting that the anti-apoptotic effect was AMPK/p53/p21-mediated. In conclusion, concurrent metformin treatment during CP therapy could significantly preserve ovarian function and fertility and could be a promising novel fertility preserving agent during chemotherapy. The relatively acceptable cost and well-established long-term safety profiles of this old drug might prompt its further clinical application at a faster pace.

The effects of naringin on different cyclophosphamide-induced organ toxicities in rats: investigation of changes in some metabolic enzyme activities

Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a common anticancer drug used in the treatment of various malignancies. Naringin (NG) is a natural bioflavonoid that have been reported to have many medicinal and pharmacological properties. Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), butyrylcholinesterase (BChE), carbonic anhydrase (CA), α-glycosidase (α-Gly), and aldose reductase (AR) enzymes are the essential biological molecules needed for metabolic processes in all living cells. In the present study, the aim was to investigate the effect of NG against CYP-induced liver, brain, kidney, heart, and testis toxicities on some metabolic enzyme activities such as AChE, BChE, CA, α-Gly, and AR. Thirty-five male Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups with each group consisting of seven rats. The rats were subjected to oral treatment of NG (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days before administering a single dose of CYP (200 mg/kg body weight, i.p) on the seventh day. Treatment with NG in all tissues regulated these enzyme activities in CYP-induced rats. The results of this study showed that NG regulates abnormal increases and decreases in CYP-induced metabolic enzyme activities in all tissues.

Cyclophosphamide and the taste system: Effects of dose fractionation and amifostine on taste cell renewal

Chemotherapy often causes side effects that include disturbances in taste functions. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) is a chemotherapy drug that, after a single dose, elevates murine taste thresholds at times related to drug-induced losses of taste sensory cells and disruptions of proliferating cells that renew taste sensory cells. Pretreatment with amifostine can protect the taste system from many of these effects. This study compared the effects of a single dose (75 mg/kg) of CYP with effects generated by fractionated dosing of CYP (5 doses of 15 mg/kg), a dosing approach often used during chemotherapy, on the taste system of mice using immunohistochemistry. Dose fractionation prolonged the suppressive effects of CYP on cell proliferation responsible for renewal of taste sensory cells. Fractionation also reduced the total number of cells and the proportion of Type II cells within taste buds. The post-injection time of these losses coincided with the life span of Type I and II taste cells combined with lack of replacement cells. Fractionated dosing also decreased Type III cells more than a single dose, but loss of these cells may be due to factors related to the general health and/or cell renewal of taste buds rather than the life span of Type III cells. In general, pretreatment with amifostine appeared to protect taste cell renewal and the population of cells within taste buds from the cytotoxic effects of CYP with few observable adverse effects due to repeated administration. These findings may have important implications for patients undergoing chemotherapy.

Hematoprotective effect of boron on cyclophosphamide toxicity in rats

The goal of this study was to determine the effects of  boric acid (B) as a boron source on blood cells and indirectly on bone marrow. Intraperitoneally (i.p.) administration of 200 mg / kg of cyclophosphamide (CP) resulted in reductions in the number of erythrocyte (20%), hemoglobin (20%), leukocytes (96%), thrombocytes (41%), and hematocrit (21%). The group given CP alone was killed 3 days after the CP administrated. For the group having CP+B (200 mg/kg i.p) treatment was started 3 days earlier than the CP administration and continued to the finish of the experiment (6 days). On day 4, the animals were weighed again, relative doses of CP were expected, and CP+B was administered together. On day 7, blood samples were collected under anesthesia. The results suggest that B could reduce CP -induced toxicity on blood cells and bone marrow in rats.

Chemoprotective Action of Rasayanas against Cyclosphamide Toxicity

Aims and backgrond

Mylosuppression has been found to be one of the major drawbacks in cancer chemotherapy. Presently the effect of Rasayanas, an indigenous herbal drug preparation having immunomodulatory activity, in reducing myelosuppression and subseguent leukopenia was studied.

Methods

Animals were injected cyclophosphamide (50 mg/kg b.wt. daily for 14 days) with or without Rasayanas (50 mg/animal) and total white blood cells, bone marrow cellularity and survival of the animals were determined.

Results

Oral administration of Brahma Rasayana (BR) and Ashwagandha/Rasayana (AR) was found to protect mice from cyclophosphamide induced leukopenia. Total white blood cell counts in BR and AR treated animals on day 12 were 3800 and 3000 cells(mm3 respectively, which was significantly high compared to that of controls (700 cells/mm3). When the treatment was stopped on day 14 the value increased to 27,000 and 26,000 cells/mm3. The bone marrow cellularity were also significantly high in BR and AR treated animals (3.45 × 106 and 2.38 × 16 cells femur respectively) compared to that of controls. (0.72 × 106 cells/femur).

Conclusion

The results indicate the usefulness of Rasayanas in chemotherapy induced myelosuppression and leukopenia.

Role of Matrix Metalloproteinase-2 in the Development of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiomyopathy

Immunohistochemical assay was employed to determine localization of MMP-2 in cardiomyocytes of WAG rats and changes in MMP-2 expression during modeled cardiomyopathy induced by single intraperitoneal injection of cyclophosphamide (125 mg/kg) alone or in combination with preventive intraperitoneal administration of an equal dose of asparcam-L (potassium-magnesium asparaginate) 30 min prior to the cytostatic. In the myocardium of control and experimental rats, MMP-2 was mostly located in cardiomyocyte nuclei. During the development of cyclophosphamide-induced cardiomyopathy (in 3 days after injection), the index of MMP-2-positive cardiomyocyte nuclei increased by 76%. In contrast to control hearts, MMP-2 was also expressed in the cardiomyocyte sarcoplasm. Preventive injection of asparcam-L moderated the cardiotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide, which manifested in less pronounced increase in the volume density of cardiomyocytes with lytic changes (by 42%) and index of MMP-2⁺ cardiomyocyte nuclei (by 23%) in comparison with the rats exposed to cyclophosphamide alone.

Effect of green juice and their bioactive compounds on genotoxicity induced by alkylating agents in mice

Kale juice (Brassica oleracea L. var. acephala D.C.) is a reliable source of dietary carotenoids and typically contains the highest concentrations of lutein (LT) and beta-carotene (BC) among green leafy vegetables. As a result of their antioxidant properties, dietary carotenoids are postulated to decrease the risk of disease occurrence, particularly certain cancers. The present study aimed to (1) examine the genotoxic and antigenotoxic activity of natural and commercially available juices derived from Brassica oleracea and (2) assess influence of LT or BC against DNA damage induced by alkylating agents such as methyl methanesulfonate (MS) or cyclophosphamide (CP) in vivo in mice. Male Swiss mice were divided into groups of 6 animals, which were treated with water, natural, or commercial Brassica oleraceae juices (kale), LT, BC, MMS, or CP. After treatment, DNA damage was determined in peripheral blood lymphocytes using the comet assay. Results demonstrated that none of the Brassica oleraceae juices or carotenoids produced genotoxic effects. In all examined cell types, kale juices or carotenoids inhibited DNA damage induced by MMS or CP administered either pre- or posttreatment by 50 and 20%, respectively. Under our experimental conditions, kale leaf juices alone exerted no marked genotoxic or clastogenic effects. However, a significant decrease in DNA damage induced by MMS or CP was noted. This effect was most pronounced in groups that received juices, rather than carotenoids, suggesting that the synergy among constituents present in the food matrix may be more beneficial than the action of single compounds. Data suggest that the antigenotoxic properties of kale juices may be of therapeutic importance.

Cardioprotective Effect of Selenium Against Cyclophosphamide-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Rats

The objective of this study is to evaluate the possible protective effects of selenium (Se) against cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. A total of 42 male Spraque-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 7). Rats in the first group were served as control. Rats in the second group received CP (150 mg/kg) at the sixth day of experiment. Animals in the third and fourth groups were treated with only 0.5 and 1 mg/kg Se respectively for six consecutive days. Rats in the fifth and sixth groups received respective Se doses (0.5 or 1 mg/kg) for 6 days and then a single dose of CP administered on the sixth day. On day 7, the animals were sacrificed; blood samples were collected to measure malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), and ischemia-modified albumin (IMA) levels. Heart tissues were processed routinely and tissue sections were stained with H + E for light microscopic examination. In the CP-treated rats MDA, LDH, CK-MB, and IMA serum levels increased, while GSH levels decreased. Microscopic evaluation showed that tissue damage was conspicuously lower in CP plus Se groups. Moreover, 1 mg/kg Se was more protective than 0.5 mg/kg Se as indicated by histopathological and biochemical values. In conclusion, Se is suggested to be a potential candidate to ameliorate CP-induced cardiotoxicity which may be related to its antioxidant activity.

Protective effects of indole-3-carbinol on cyclophosphamide-induced clastogenecity in mouse bone marrow cells

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is present in many cruciferous vegetables and is known to possess protective properties against chemically induced toxicity and carcinogenesis. In the present study, the antimutagenic potential of I3C has been evaluated using in vivo chromosomal aberration (CA) assay as a cytogenetic end point. Chromosomal analysis was carried out in mouse bone marrow cells following administration of I3C (5 mg/kg; i.p.) for 5 consecutive days. Cyclophosphamide (CP), a well known mutagen, was given at two dose levels of 25 mg/kg b.wt. and 100 mg/kg b.wt., respectively, 24 hours prior to the last dose of I3C. Two groups of five mice each were also injected with CP (25 or 100 mg/kg b.wt.) alone whereas for the vehicle control a group of mice was injected with normal saline only. The results revealed a significant inhibition in the frequencies of CP-induced CAs and aberrant cells in bone marrow cells of I3C-supplemented Swiss albino mice. The antimutagenic potential of I3C towards CP was also evident as the status of mitotic index (MI) was found to show an increment. This study revealed the antigenotoxic potential of I3C against CP- induced chromosomal mutations.

Aqueous extract of walnut (Juglans regia L.) protects mice against cyclophosphamideinduced biochemical toxicity

Walnut (Juglans regia L.) is extensively used in traditional systems of medicine for treatment of various ailments. It is described as an anticancer, tonic, blood purifier and detoxifier agent. The present study was undertaken to investigate modulatory effects of walnut extract on the toxicity of an anticancer drug, cyclophosphamide (CP) with special reference to protection against disruption of drug metabolizing and antioxidant enzymes. Plant extract+CP group animals showed restoration in the level of cytochrome P450 (CYP) content and in the activities of glutathione S-transferase (GST), glutathione peroxidase (GP) and catalase (CAT) in both liver and kidneys. But plant extract restored the activity of super oxide dismutase (SOD) and the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) in the kidneys only when compared with CP-treated animals. Plant extract treatment alone caused significant reduction in the content of CYP in the kidneys mainly. The extract showed a significant increase in the level of GSH and in the activities of GP in both the tissues and CAT in liver only, whereas no significant change was observed in the activities of GST and SOD. CP treatment resulted in a significant (P<0.01) increase in the lipid peroxidation (LPO) in the liver and kidneys compared with controls, while the extract CP treated group showed a significant decrease in the LPO in liver and kidneys when compared with the CP-treated group. The study shows that the use of J. regia extract might be helpful in abrogation of CP toxicity during the chemotherapy.

Regulation of leucogenesis by extracellular ubiquitin in rodents after chemically induced inhibition

To study the influence of intraperitoneally injected extracellular ubiquitin on regeneration of leucopoiesis calculation of nuclear cell count in bone marrow and peripheral blood smearsstained withazure-eosin was performed. In the first, control group of animals inhibition of haematopoiesis achieved by means of 100 mg/kg cyclophosphamide LD50 50–200 mg/kg injection. Bone marrow and peripheral blood samples from the first group of rats had been taken at 24, 48, 72, 96 and 168 h points after injection of cytostatic. Animals of the second, test group were injected by 200 μg/ml ubiquitin 72 h later after cytostatic injection. Our experiments revealed that ubiquitin makes corrections in regeneration of leucopoiesis and leads to normalisation of the process. Ubiquitin regulates stem cell activity, normalizes the release of functional cells into bloodstream, supposedly retains progenitor cells in zones of differentiation and maturation, and restores the nuclear cell ratio in PB and BM. We suppose that obtained results are important for elucidation of new pathways of ubiquitinylation and give us possibilities to find new therapeutics for regeneration of leucopoiesis that is very essential for treatment of radiated bone marrow and chemotherapeutic side effects in cancer patients.

Phytotrapy of cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a cytotoxic drug that can suppress both humoral and cellular immunity. Combining traditional medicinal herbs and chemotherapy drugs are used to improve immunity and quality of life performance status. In this paper, the effects of plant extracts, active components and their derivatives on immunosuppression of CP are discussed. Appropriate keywords were used to search through PubMed, Google Scholar, and Sciverse. All relevant results published from 1990 to date were chosen for final review. Over 50 references were found in which plant extracts, active components and their derivatives have been tested for their immune protective effects against CP-induced immune toxicity. Although there are several plants shown to be effective in animal models, no study was carried out on human subjects. According to the results; we can claim that plants and their active ingredients are good candidates for alternative adjuvant chemotherapy in reducing the immunotoxicity of CP.

[PHENOTROPIL AS MODULATOR OF CYTOKINE LEVEL UNDER CONDITIONS OF EXPERIMENTAL IMMUNOPATHOLOGY]

We have studied the effect of phenotropil on the level of cytokines IL-1, IL-4, and IL-6 under conditions of immunosuppression induced by cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, single i.p. injection) and under immune system hyperreactivity caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, 100 gg/kg, single i.p. injection). The experiments were performed on 48 Wistar male rats aged 6-8 months. Each series was carried out according to similar schedule onree groups of animals: group 1, intact animals; group 2 received cyclophosphamide (series 1) or LPS (series 2); group 3 received phenotropil on the background of immunomodulators. Phenotropil (synthesized at the Department of Organic Chemistry of the A. I. Herzen St. Petersburg Pedagogical University) was administered in a dose of 25 mg/kg (i.p.) for 5 days, starting 2 days before the introduction of immune system activity modulatos. The levels of serum cytokines IL-1β, IL-4, and IL-6 were determined by ELISA "sandwich" with the use of monoclonal antibodies (ELISA kits of BenderMedsystems company; instrument Uniplan AIRF-01 of Picon company, Moscow) at a wavelength of 450 nm. In case of immunodeficiency caused by cyclophosphamide, there was a significant decrease in IL-1β, IL-4 and IL-6, but the introduction of phenotropil largely restored their levels. Upon stimulation with LPS, the immune response showed inc- rease in pro-inflammatory cytokines IL-β, IL-6 and decrease in IL-4. Under these conditions, phenotropil restored the normal levels of IL-1β, IL-6 and caused an increase in the level of IL-4.

Isoliquiritigen enhances the antitumour activity and decreases the genotoxic effect of cyclophosphamide

The aim of this study was to evaluate the antitumour activities and genotoxic effects of isoliquiritigenin (ISL) combined with cyclophosphamide (CP) in vitro and in vivo. U14 cells were treated with either of ISL (5-25 μg/mL) or CP (0.25-1.25 mg/mL) alone or with combination of ISL (5-25 μg/mL) and CP (1.0 mg/mL) for 48 h. The proliferation inhibitory effect in vitro was evaluated by MTT and colony formation assays. KM mice bearing U14 mouse cervical cancer cells were used to estimate the antitumour activity in vivo. The genotoxic activity in bone marrow polychromatic erythrocytes was assayed by frequency of micronuclei. The DNA damage in peripheral white blood cells was assayed by single cell gel electrophoresis. The results showed that ISL enhanced antitumour activity of CP in vitro and in vivo, and decreased the micronucleus formation in polychromatic erythrocytes and DNA strand breaks in white blood cells in a dose-dependent way.

A polysaccharide from Sargassum fusiforme protects against immunosuppression in cyclophosphamide-treated mice

A water-soluble polysaccharide (SFPS) isolated from Sargassum fusiforme was purified by DEAE-52 cellulose anion-exchange and Sephadex G-200 gel filtration chromatography. The high performance gel permeation chromatography (HPGPC) analysis showed that the average molecular weight (Mw) of SFPS was 299 kDa. The SFPS was composed of D-fucose, L-xylose, D-mannose and D-galactose in a molar ratio of 5.9:1.0:2.3:2.2. The results showed that SFPS stimulated proliferation and the cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and IFN-γ) secretion of splenic lymphocytes in cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppressed mice. SFPS markedly increased the phagocytic rates and cytokines (IL-2, IL-6 and TNF-α) secretion of peritoneal macrophages. Administration of SFPS significantly raised spleen index. It could act as an efficacious adjacent immunopotentiating therapy or an alternative means in lessening chemotherapy-induced immunosuppression, and also can be utilized as immunostimulants for food and pharmaceutical industries.

The glutathione disulfide mimetic NOV-002 inhibits cyclophosphamide-induced hematopoietic and immune suppression by reducing oxidative stress

The oxidized glutathione mimetic NOV-002 is a unique anti-tumor agent that not only has the ability to inhibit tumor cell proliferation, survival, and invasion, but in some settings can also ameliorate cytotoxic chemotherapy-induced hematopoietic and immune suppression. However, the mechanisms by which NOV-002 protects the hematopoietic and immune systems against the cytotoxic effects of chemotherapy are not known. Therefore, in this study we investigated the mechanisms of action of NOV-002 using a mouse model in which hematopoietic and immune suppression was induced by cyclophosphamide (CTX) treatment. We found that NOV-002 treatment in a clinically comparable dose regimen attenuated CTX-induced reduction in bone marrow hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells (HSPCs) and reversed the immunosuppressive activity of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs), which led to a significant improvement in hematopoietic and immune functions. These effects of NOV-002 may be attributable to its ability to modulate cellular redox. This suggestion is supported by the finding that NOV-002 treatment upregulated the expression of superoxide dismutase 3 and glutathione peroxidase 2 in HSPCs, inhibited CTX-induced increases in reactive oxygen species production in HSPCs and MDSCs, and attenuated CTX-induced reduction of the ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione in splenocytes. These findings provide a better understanding of the mechanisms whereby NOV-002 modulates chemotherapy-induced myelosuppression and immune dysfunction and a stronger rationale for clinical utilization of NOV-002 to reduce chemotherapy-induced hematopoietic and immune suppression.

Prevention of chemotherapy-induced osteoporosis by cyclophosphamide with a long-acting form of parathyroid hormone

BACKGROUND

Most chemotherapeutics reduce bone mineral density (BMD) and increase risk for fractures by causing gonadal suppression, which in turn increases bone removal. Cyclophosphamide (CYP) also has a direct effect of inhibiting bone formation and removal, making the resulting bone loss particularly difficult to treat with antiresorptive therapy.

AIM

We tested whether a single dose of the anabolic agent PTH linked to a collagen binding domain (PTHCBD) could prevent the effects of CYP-induced bone loss.

METHODS

Mice received either buffer alone, CYP, or CYP+ PTH-CBD. BMD and alkaline phosphatase were measured every 2 weeks for a total of 8 weeks.

RESULTS

After 6 weeks, mice treated with CYP showed expected reductions in BMD (increase from baseline: 7.4 ± 6.9 vs 24.35 ± 4.86% in mice without chemotherapy, p<0.05) and decrease in alkaline phosphatase levels (42.78 ± 6.06 vs 60.62 ± 6.23 IU/l in mice without chemotherapy, p<0.05), consistent with osteoporosis from impaired bone formation. Administration of a single dose of PTH-CBD (320 μg/kg ip) prior to CYP treatment improved BMD (change from baseline: 23.4 ± 5.4 vs 7.4 ± 6.9%, CYP treatment alone, p<0.05) and increased alkaline phosphatase levels (50.14 ± 4.86 vs 42.78 ± 6.06 IU/l in CYP treatment alone, p<0.05). BMD values and alkaline phosphatase levels were restored to those seen in mice not receiving chemotherapy.

CONCLUSIONS

A single dose of PTHCBD prior to chemotherapy reversed CYP-induced suppression of bone formation and prevented CYP-induced bone loss in mice.

Box-Behnken optimization design and enhanced oral bioavailability of thymopentin-loaded poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles

This study was done to prepare thymopentin (TP5)-loaded poly (butyl cyanoacrylate) nanoparticles (TP5-PBCA-NPs) and evaluate thier efficacy for oral delivery. TP5-PBCA-NPs were prepared by emulsion polymerization, and the formulation was optimized based on Box-Behnken experimental design. The physico-chemical characteristics of TP5-PBCA-NPs were evaluated using transmission electron microscopy (TEM), malvern zetasizer, Fourier transform infra-red spectroscopy (FT-IR) and differential scanning calorimetry (DSC). The encapsulation efficiency, enzymatic degradation and release behavior of TP5-PBCA-NPs in various media were evaluated using a high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method. The pharmacodynamic studies on oral administration of TP5-PBCA-NPs were performed in FACScan flow cytometry. An optimum formulation consisted of 0.7% poloxamer 188 (Pol), 0.6% dextran-70 (Dex), 0.1% sodium metabisulfite (Sm), 0.1% TP5 and 1% (v/v) n-butyl cyanoacrylate. The particle size and zeta potential of optimized TP5-PBCA-NPs was 212 nm and -22.6 mV respectively with 82.45% encapsulation efficiency. TP5 was entrapped inside the nanoparticles in molecular dispersion form. The release of TP5 from PBCA-NPs was pH dependent; the cumulative release percentage in 0.1 M HCI for 4 hours was less than 16% while it was more than 80% in pH6.8 PBS. The PBCA-NPs could efficiently protect TP5 from enzymatic degradation; the remained percentage of TP5 encapsulated in PBCA-NPs was 58.40% after incubated with trypsin in pH6.8 PBS for 4 h while it was only 32.29% for free drug. In the oral administration study in vivo, the lowered T-lymphocyte subsets values were significantly increased and the raised CD4+/CD8+ ratio was evidently reduced compared with that of TP5 solution (p < 0.05), and the improvement of bioavailability was dose-dependent. These results indicated that the PBCA nanoparticles may be a promising carrier for oral delivery of TP5.

Immunostimulatory effects of Uncaria perrottetii (A. Rich.) Merr. (Rubiaceae) vinebark aqueous extract in Balb/C mice

AIMS OF THE STUDY

Crude extract of Uncaria perrottetii (A. Rich.) Merr. vinebark was evaluated for its immunomodulating activity in Balb/C mice. Initially, the immunomodulatory potential of the plant extract was evaluated using in vitro immune response assays at different concentrations of the plant extract (10 μg/mL, 20 μg/mL, 50 μg/mL and 100 μg/mL). Using the optimum concentration determined in the in vitro assays, the protective effect of the plant extract was assessed against drug-induced immunosuppression in vivo.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

For the in vivo experiment, thirty-six (36) mice were divided into 3 groups of 12 mice each: (1) cyclophosphamide drug-induced (30 mg/kg BW) immunosuppressed mice (Cy group) served as the positive control; (2) Uncaria perrottetii extract and Cy-treated mice (U+Cy); and (3) PBS-injected mice as the negative control group [(-) CTRL].

RESULTS

The optimum concentration was determined to be 50 μg/mL in the in vitro assays. At this concentration, Uncaria perrottetii extract stimulated peritoneal phagocyte activation, produced a significant increase in the activity of phagocytic cells from the spleen and promoted splenic cellular proliferation with or without lipopolysaccharide (LPS) when compared with the PBS-treated cells (negative control). Moreover, cells treated with 50 μg/mL of Uncaria perrottetii increased macrophage respiratory burst activity that was comparable to that of the phorbol myristate acetate-stimulated splenic macrophages. In all immune assays undertaken in the in vivo experiment, the Cy-treated mice showed significantly lower response when compared with the PBS-treated mice. Significant improvement in peritoneal cell activation, phagocytic activity and cellular proliferation was exhibited by the U+Cy-treated mice when compared with Cy-injected mice. The extract from Uncaria perrottetii also significantly enhanced respiratory burst and plasma lysozyme activity compared with the Cy-injected mice.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results of both in vitro and in vivo trials, Uncaria perrottetii extract has immunopotentiating activities on the innate immunity of Balb/C mice and the extract could potentially reverse the immunosuppressive effects of Cy. However, the potential of the plant as source of bioactive products and metabolites for drug development still has to be fully investigated.

Protective effects of Nigella sativa oil and thymoquinone against toxicity induced by the anticancer drug cyclophosphamide

Constituents of the Nigella sativa seed are reported to possess potent antioxidant effects. Treatment with anticancer drugs such as cyclophosphamide (CTX) is associated with significant toxicity due to over-production of reactive oxygen species, resulting in increased levels of oxidative stress. The aim of this study is to test whether or not N. sativa L oil (NSO) or its active ingredient, thymoquinone (TQ), can reduce CTX-induced toxicity. Male albino rats were treated with intraperitoneal administration of phosphate buffered saline (PBS) or 200 mg/Kg CTX followed by intragastric administration of NSO or TQ on alternate days for 12 days. Administration of NSO and TQ was initiated 6 h before or after CTX injection. Twenty-four hours after the last NSO and TQ treatment, blood and liver were harvested to analyse toxicity-related parameters. Treatment with CTX induced significant toxicity as shown by decrease in haemoglobin concentration and increases in blood sugar levels, activities of liver enzymes, bilirubin, urea, creatinine, lipids (triglyceride, cholesterol and low-density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol) and lipid peroxidation in the liver. Treatment with NSO or TQ induced significant reduction in overall toxicity. The antitoxic effects of NSO and TQ were associated with induction of antioxidant mechanisms. These results suggest that administration of NSO or TQ can lower CTX-induced toxicity as shown by an up-regulation of antioxidant mechanisms, indicating a potential clinical application for these agents to minimise the toxic effects of treatment with anticancer drugs.

[Effect of GnRH analogs on the expression of Bcl-2 gene family in the ovary of rats with cyclophosphamide-induced ovarian damage]

OBJECTIVE

To study the effect of gonadotroph-releasing hormone (GnRH) agonist (GnRH-a) and GnRH antagonist (GnRH-ant) against cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced gonadotoxicity in female rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six female SD rats were divided randomly into 6 groups to receive treatment with normal saline (NS), CTX, GnRH-a+NS, GnRH-a+CTX, GnRH-ant+NS, GnRH-ant+CTX, respectively. The rats were sacrificed between the first and second week after termination of the medication to compare the weight of the ovaries, the number of the primordial follicles and the follicle growth. The expressions of bcl-2 and bax mRNA in the ovaries were examined using RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The number of the primordial follicles was significantly greater and that of the growing follicles significantly lower in GnRH-a+NS and GnRH-a+CTX groups than in the GnRH-ant+CTX and CTX groups (P<0.05). The rats in GnRH-a+NS and GnRH-a+CTX groups had the lowest ovarian weight among 6 the groups (P<0.05). The bcl-2 mRNA level in the GnRH-ant+NS group was significantly higher than that in the other groups (P<0.05). The Bax mRNA in the GnRH-a+NS and GnRH-a+CTX groups was significantly higher than that in the NS group (P<0.05), but close to that in the CTX group (P>0.05); bax mRNA expression in the GnRH-ant+NS group was significantly lower than that in the NS group (P<0.05), but in GnRH-ant+CTX group, its expression was close to that in the NS group (P>0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

In female rats exposed to CTX, the GnRH analogs provides ovarian protection against CTX-induced gonadotoxicity by regulating the expression of the Bax mRNA in the ovary. GnRH-a may decrease the sensitivity of the follicles to CTX-induced gonadotoxicity by promoting follicle apoptosis and inhibiting follicle proliferation, and GnRH-ant increases the sensitivity to the CTX through a reverse effect on the follicles.

Inhibition of cyclophoshamide-induced mutagenicity by microsized powder of selenium-enriched green tea in mice

Previously, the antioxidant activity of Se-enriched green tea extracts has been studied in vitro. In the present study, an in vivo micronuclei test was employed to assess the antimutagenic effect of microsized Se-enriched green tea powder (MSTP) in mice bone marrow. Pretreatments of MSTP, micrometer-sized regular tea powder (MRTP), selenite, and MRTP + selenite were given by gavage for 29 consecutive days prior to cyclophoshamide (CP) treatment. Certain key antioxidant enzymes were also investigated to elucidate the mechanism of antimutagenic effect. Results indicated that MSTP and MRTP or selenite alone did not significantly induce micronuclei at either concentration, confirming its nonmutagenicity. In the CP-treated groups, significant suppressions in the micronuclei were recorded following pretreatment with MSTP, MRTP, and selenite administration. The antimutagenic effect of MSTP was evidently observed by significant reduction in the frequencies of micronuclei in bone marrow cells when compared to a positive control group. The administration of MSTP, selenite, and MRTP + selenite also increased the levels of selenium concentration, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzymes in both blood and liver. However, no pronounced differences in activities of GPx and SOD were found among MSTP, selenite, and MRTP + selenite. The present findings demonstrate that the antimutagenic potential of MSTP could not be solely related to the enhancment of antioxidant enzymes of GPx and SOD.

Protective effects of total saponins from stem and leaf of Panax ginseng against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and apoptosis in mouse bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells

BACKGROUND

Cyclophosphamide (CP), commonly used anti-cancer, induces oxidative stress and is cytotoxic to normal cells. It is very important to choice the protective agent combined CP to reduce the side effects in cancer treatment. Ginsenosides are biological active constituents of Panax ginseng C.A. Meyer that acts as the tonic agent for the cancer patients to reduce the side effects in the clinic application. Because CP is a pro-oxidant agent and induces oxidative stress by the generation of free radicals to decrease the activities of anti-oxidant enzymes, the protective effects of the total saponins from stem and leaf of P. ginseng C.A. Meyer (TSPG) act as an anti-oxidant agent against the decreased anti-oxidant enzymes, the genotoxicity and apoptosis induced by CP was carried out.

METHODS

The alkaline single cell gel electrophoresis was employed to detect DNA damage; flow cytometry assay and AO/EB staining assay were employed to measure cell apoptosis; the enzymatic anti-oxidants (T-SOD, CAT and GPx) and non-enzymatic anti-oxidant (GSH) were measured by the various colorimetric methods.

RESULTS

CP induced the significant DNA damage in mouse peripheral lymphocytes in time- and dose-dependent manners, inhibited the activities of T-SOD, GPx and CAT, and decreased the contents of GSH in mouse blood, triggered bone marrow cell apoptosis at 6 and 12h. TSPG significantly reduced CP-induced DNA damages in bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells, antagonized CP-induced reduction of T-SOD, GPx, CAT activities and the GSH contents, decreased the bone marrow cell apoptosis induced by CP.

CONCLUSIONS

TSPG, significantly reduced the genotoxicity of CP in bone marrow cells and peripheral lymphocyte cells, and decreased the apoptotic cell number induced by CP in bone marrow cells. The effects of TSPG on T-SOD, GPx, CAT activities and GSH contents might partially contribute to its protective effects on CP-induced cell toxicities.

Evaluation of the chemoprotective effect of Biophytum sensitivum (L.) DC extract against cyclophosphamide induced toxicity in Swiss albino mice

An alcoholic extract of Biophytum sensitivum was studied against cyclophosphamide (CTX) induced toxicity in mice. Intraperitoneal administration of the extract with CTX significantly increased the total WBC count (3,356 +/- 236 cells/cm2), bone marrow cellularity (15.6 +/- 0.42 cells/femur) and alpha-esterase positive cells (846 +/- 30 cells) when compared to control mice treated with CTX alone. The relative organ weight of the spleen and thymus was also found to be increased after B. sensitivum administration when compared to the control mice. Reduction of GSH in liver (4.9 +/- 0.22 nmol/mg protein) and in intestinal mucosa (10.6 +/- 1.02 nmol/mg protein) of CTX treated controls was significantly reversed by B. sensitivum administration (liver: 6.5 +/- 0.18 nmol/mg protein; intestinal mucosa: 16.5 +/- 0.88 nmol/mg protein), with amelioration of changes in serum and liver ALP, GPT and lipid peroxidation. Histopathological analysis of the small intestine also suggests that B. sensitivum could reduce CTX induced intestinal damage. The level of the pro-inflammatory cytokine, TNF-alpha, which was elevated during CTX administration, was significantly reduced by the administration of B. sensitivum extract. The lowered levels of cytokines IFN-gamma, IL-2 and GM-CSF after CTX treatment were also found to be increased by B. sensitivum extract administration.

Protective effects of 4-nerolidylcatechol against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide

In the present work we evaluated both the mutagenicity and antimutagenicity of the Pothomorphe umbellata root extract (PUE) and its isolated active principle, the 4-nerolidylcatechol (4-NC), in bone marrow cells of mice using the micronucleus test. Swiss male mice were orally treated for 4 days with PUE (200, 100 or 50mg/kg/day) or 4-NC (50, 25 or 12.5mg/kg/day) prior to exposition with a single dose (200mg/kg) of cyclophosphamide (CP), 24h after the end of the treatment. The results demonstrated that the PUE and 4-NC did not have any mutagenic effect on mouse bone marrow cells; quite the opposite, there was a protective effect against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Taken together, under the conditions tested herein, mice treated with PUE and 4-NC showed, in a dose-dependent manner, protective effect against CP-induced genotoxicity. Due to their ability to prevent chromosomal damage, with apparent low toxicity and cost, PUE or pure 4-NC are likely to open a field of interest concerning their possible use in clinical applications.

Protective effect of Plumbago zeylanica against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice

Plumbago zeylanica, commonly known as white leadwort, found abundantly in the plains of Bengal and southern India, was tested for its possible in vivo protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress in Swiss albino mice. Pretreatment with the alcoholic root extract of Plumbago zeylanica (250 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally for 5 days) significantly reduced the frequency of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs), increased the PCE/NCE (normochromatic erythrocyte) ratio in the bone marrow, and decreased the levels of lipid peroxidation products with concomitant changes in the status of antioxidants. Both doses of Plumbago zeylanica were effective in exerting a protective effect against cyclophosphamide-induced genotoxicity and oxidative stress.

Attenuation of cyclophosphamide induced toxicity by squalene in experimental rats

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used antineoplastic drug, which could cause toxicity of the normal cells due to its toxic metabolites. In this study, the protective role of squalene (SQ) towards the tissue defense system in the toxicity induced by CP (150 mg/kg b.w., twice, in 2 consecutive days) was studied in the experimental rats. The significant (P<0.05) alterations in the levels of enzymic [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) and glutathione reductase (GR)] and non-enzymic antioxidants [total reduced glutathione (GSH), Vitamin E (Vit.E), Vitamin C (Vit.C) and ceruloplasmin] of the heart, red blood cell (RBC) hemolysate and plasma were investigated in the CP toxicity. Alterations in the levels of thiobarbutric acid reactive substance (TBARS) in heart, RBC hemolysate and plasma were also observed as a measure of lipid peroxidation (LPO). These pathological alterations due to CP administration were attenuated by the oral treatment of SQ at a dose of 0.4 ml/day/rat. These observations demonstrate the protective role of SQ towards the tissue defense system of the rats in the CP induced toxicity.

[Antagonistic effects of vitamin E on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the protective effects of vitamin E on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice, and the correlative mechanism.

METHODS

Fifty sexually mature male mice were randomly divided into five groups: the cyclophosphamide group (the CP group), the low-dose vitamin E group (the low-dose group), the middle-dose vitamin E group (the middle-dose group), the high-dose vitamin E group (the high-dose group), the matched control group (the control group). The first four groups were given cyclophosphamide by gavage at a dose of 5 mg/(kg x d). The low-dose group, the middle-dose group and the high-dose group were given vitamin E by subcutaneous injection at doses of 30 mg/(kg x d), 50 mg/(kg x d) , 70 mg/(kg x d) after 4 h of cyclophosphamide treatment. The control group was gavaged with equivalent normal saline. The treatment period for all groups was 28 days. The level of plasma FSH, LH, T and the activity of testicular SOD, GSHPx, CAT and the level of testicular MDA were detected. The histological structure and the ultrastructure of the testis were examined by light microscope and electron microscope.

RESULTS

As compared with the CP group, the plasma FSH, LH, T level and the SOD, GSHPx, CAT activity in the middle-dose group and the high-dose group were higher (P< 0.05, P< 0.01), MDA level significantly lower(P<0.01). The histological structure and the ultrastructure of the testis were in the normal range.

CONCLUSION

Vitamin E has protective effects on the testicular injury by cyclophosphamide in mice. The possible mechanism of vitamin E may be its scavenging free radical and antioxidant effects, as well as it may have some stimulatory effects on gonadotrophin releasing of pituitary anterior lobe.

[Mechanisms of action of the stimulators of granulocytopoiesis under cytostatic myelosuppression conditions]

Mechanisms of action of pantogematogen (PG), granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF), glycyram, and D-glucuronic asid (D-GA) have been investigated under the conditions of myelosuppression caused by the introduction of cyclophosphane. It is established that the activation of granulocytopoiesis by these preparations is based on various mechanisms: G-CSF directly stimulates the proliferation and differentiation of hemopoietic cells; PG enhances the proliferation of granulocytes due to activation of the regulatory systems; D-GA and glycyram normalize the structural and functional organization of a bone marrow, thus providing intensive maturing of the colony-forming units.

Activity of d,l-alpha-Tocopherol (Vitamin E) against Cardiotoxicity Induced by Doxorubicin and Doxorubicin with Cyclophosphamide in Mice

The aim of this study was to investigate the cardioprotective activity of vitamin E against doxorubicin alone and doxorubicin in combination with cyclophosphamide in mice. Female BalbC/NIH mice were treated with vitamin E (100 IU/kg, orally) 24 hr before single bolus doses of doxorubicin (10 mg/kg, intravenously), or doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide (150 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Non-treated animals served as negative controls, while positive control groups received doxorubicin or doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide. For evaluation, serum enzyme activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehidrogenase (LDH), alpha-hydroxybutirate dehydrogenase (alpha-HBDH), and creatine kinase (CK) at 48 hr and histopathology examination of the heart tissue (Billigham rules) at 1.5 and 3 months followed to treatments were used. In sera of mice treated with vitamin E prior to doxorubicin, the creatine kinase and % alpha-HBDH activity were significantly reduced, compared to positive control. Histopathology changes (scored as 1.5 at 1.5 and 3 months respectively) were not significant compared to negative control at both time points of examination. In animals which received vitamin E before doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide, none of the serum enzymes was significantly reduced compared to positive control, but non-significant increase in AST and creatine kinase activity was detected (3% and 16.57% respectively). The degree of myocardial damage was significantly higher compared to non-treated group (2.0 and 2.5 at 1.5 and 3 months respectively). Current results show that vitamin E in single oral dose failed to inhibit acute cardiotoxic activity of doxorubicin, but suspended further progression of the heart muscle damage over the time. On the contrary, vitamin E did not attain any cardioprotection against doxorubicin and cyclophosphamide in combination.

Preliminary study on inhibition of genotoxicity by piperine in mice

A significant suppression (33.9-66.5%) in the micronuclei formation induced by benzo(a)pyrene and cyclophosphamide was reduced following oral administration of piperine at doses of 25, 50 and 75 mg/kg in mice.

G-CSF treatment prevents cyclophosphamide acceleration of autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse

Cyclophosphamide (CY) accelerates autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse at different levels, including critical targeting of a regulatory T cell subset, exacerbation of pro-Th1 IFN-gamma production and promotion of inflammation in pancreatic islets. Here we evaluated the ability of G-CSF to antagonize the acceleration of the disease induced by CY. Human recombinant G-CSF, administered daily at 200 microg/kg by s.c. injection, protected NOD mice from CY-accelerated onset of glycosuria and insulitis. G-CSF accelerated the recovery of the T cell compartment after the depletion of the lymphoid compartment triggered by CY injection. It selectively prevented the loss of the immunoregulatory T cells expressing the CD4(+)CD25+ phenotype that also stained CD62L+ in peripancreatic lymph nodes and promoted their expansion in the spleen. In addition to this, it abrogated the robust cytokine--particularly IFN-gamma- and chemokine burst triggered in immune cells by CY. G-CSF promoted only slight changes in the inflammatory effects of CY at the target tissue site, assessed by chemokine induction within the pancreas. Thus the immunoregulatory properties of G-CSF were critical in the early control of the accelerating effects of CY on autoimmune diabetes in the NOD mouse.

[Protective effect of Armillaria mellea polysaccharide on mice bone marrow cell damage caused by cyclophosphamide]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Armillaria mellea polysaccharide on mice bone marrow cells damage caused by Cyclophosphamide.

METHOD

Kunming purebred mice were used and stochastic divided into 5 groups: normal control group, positive control group (rhG-CSF 20 microg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), damage group of Cyclophosphamide (150 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)), the protective group with A. mellea polysaccharide, low dose (25.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)) and high dose (50.0 mg x kg(-1) x d(-1)). Positive control was s.c. rhGCSF 6 d and i.p. Cyclophosphamide 3 d. A. mellea polysaccharide was i.p. 8 d. and Cyclophosphamide i.p. 3 d. WBC, RBC, PLT, BMNC were counted in peripheral blood and bone marrow cells. The myelogram were analyzed in bone marrow.

RESULT

The WBC, RBC, PLT, BMNC of protective group and positive control group were higher than damage group (P < 0.01) significantly high dose group increaser than low dose group in protective group the numbed of Promyelocytic and lobulation nuclear of marrow.

CONCLUSION

A. mellea polysaccharide has preferably protective effect on damaging mice bone marrow cell caused by Cyclophosphamide.

Prior exposure to indole-3-carbinol decreases the incidence of specific cyclophosphamide-induced developmental defects in mice

BACKGROUND

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is a product of the hydrolysis of glucobrassicin that is found in cruciferous vegetables. I3C can intervene in toxic processes that are mediated by oxidative mechanisms because it possesses the chemical and pharmacokinetic properties necessary to provide a free radical trap. Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a bifunctional alkylating agent known to produce DNA damage and to cause developmental toxicity, including malformations, in laboratory animals.

METHODS

Pregnant CD-1 mice were given a 100 mg/kg dose of I3C 24 or 48 hr before administration of 20 mg/kg CP on gestation day 10 (GD 10). Controls were given the vehicle (DMSO), I3C, or CP. This regimen was carried out to determine if I3C could protect against the developmental toxicity of alkylating agents, such as CP. Dams were sacrificed on GD 17 and their litters were examined for adverse effects.

RESULTS

Treatment with I3C 48 hr before CP administration was associated with decreased fetal limb and tail malformations. Limb malformation incidences were reduced from 42% litters affected in the CP control to 16% in the I3C/CP 48-hr treatment group, and tail malformations were reduced from 45% in the CP control to 16% in the I3C/CP 48-hr treatment group, indicating a protective effect of prior exposure to I3C. I3C given 24 hr before CP had no significant protective effect, while having an apparently adverse consequence with regard to the incidence of talipes.

CONCLUSIONS

Exposure of a developing mammal to indole-3-carbinol before exposure to cyclophosphamide during organogenesis can influence the teratogenicity of cyclophosphamide.

Antigenotoxic potential of certain dietary constituents

The human diet contains a variety of compounds that exhibit chemopreventive effects towards an array of xenobiotics. In the present study, the antigenotoxic potential of selected dietary constituents including Diallyl sulfide (DAS), Indole-3-carbinol (I3C), Curcumin (CUR), and Black tea polyphenols (BTP) has been evaluated in the Salmonella typhimurium reverse mutation and mammalian in vivo cytogenetic assays. In addition, the anticlastogenic effect of the above dietary constituents was identified towards Benzo(a)pyrene (BaP) and cyclophosphamide- (CP) induced cytogenetic damage in mouse bone marrow cells. The induction of BaP and CP induced chromosomal aberrations, micronuclei formation, and sister chromatid exchanges (SCEs) were found to be inhibited in a dose-dependent manner by DAS, I3C, CUR, and BTP. Thus the study reveals the antimutagenic potential of these dietary compounds towards BaP- and CP-induced genotoxicity in microbial and mammalian test systems.

Inhibition of cyclophosphamide-induced teratogenesis by beta-ionone

Beta-ionone (BI) is a degraded (C 13) sesquiterpene found in plant essential oils. It has been used in the synthesis of perfume chemicals and vitamin A. Recently, it was reported that BI is a rather potent in vitro inhibitor of CYP2B1-catalysed reactions in rat liver microsomes. The present study was performed to investigate whether inhibition of CYP2B1 reactions by BI could lead to an attenuation of cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced embryotoxicity in the rat. In a preliminary experiment, a dose-dependent prolongation of pentobarbital sleeping time in male and female Wistar rats suggested that BI inhibits CYP2B1 in vivo as well. In a second experiment, rats were treated by gavage with BI (0, 250, 500, 750 or 1000 mg/kg body wt) 45 min prior to a subcutaneous injection of either CP (7.5 mg/kg body wt) or its vehicle (saline) on day 11 of pregnancy. BI alone, at the highest dose tested, caused a high proportion of resorptions. Lower doses of BI, however, clearly attenuated CP-induced embryolethality and teratogenicity. These results seem to support the view that, as far as rats are concerned, CYP2B1 plays an important role in the conversion of CP into its embryolethal and teratogenic metabolites.

[Combined effect of vilon and cyclophosphane on tumor transplants and lymphoid tissue explants in mice and rats of various age]

The experiments were performed in mice with transplanted Lewis lung carcinoma. The injections of synthetic peptide vilon at the doses 1 mg/kg significantly increased the survival of mice. So vilon has possessed the oncomodulating action on the transplanted carcinoma. The synchronous injection both of vilon and cyclophosphan at the doses 100 mg/kg decreases the survival of mice. There was also studied in spleen organotypic tissue culture the effect of vilon and cyclophosphan on the development of explants of rats of various age: 1 day and 2 years old. Vilon stimulated apoptosis both in young and old rats, but the inhibitory effect of cyclophosphan was abolished in the presence of vilon in culture media at the dose 5 ng/ml. The results obtained suggested that perspective preparates in the cancer therapy--vilon and cytostatic drugs-, must be used not synchronously.

DNA vaccination with heat shock protein 60 inhibits cyclophosphamide-accelerated diabetes

Nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice spontaneously develop diabetes as a consequence of an autoimmune process that can be inhibited by immunotherapy with the 60-kDa heat shock protein (hsp60), with its mycobacterial counterpart 65-kDa (hsp65), or with other Ags such as insulin and glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD). Microbial infection and innate signaling via LPS or CpG motifs can also inhibit the spontaneous diabetogenic process. In addition to the spontaneous disease, however, NOD mice can develop a more robust cyclophosphamide-accelerated diabetes (CAD). In this work, we studied the effect on CAD of DNA vaccination with constructs encoding the Ags human hsp60 (phsp60) or mycobacterial hsp65 (phsp65). Vaccination with phsp60 protected NOD mice from CAD. In contrast, vaccination with phsp65, with an empty vector, or with a CpG-positive oligonucleotide was not effective, suggesting that the efficacy of the phsp60 construct might be based on regulatory hsp60 epitopes not shared with its mycobacterial counterpart, hsp65. Vaccination with phsp60 modulated the T cell responses to hsp60 and also to the GAD and insulin autoantigens; T cell proliferative responses were significantly reduced, and the pattern of cytokine secretion to hsp60, GAD, and insulin showed an increase in IL-10 and IL-5 secretion and a decrease in IFN-gamma secretion, compatible with a shift from a Th1-like toward a Th2-like autoimmune response. Our results extend the role of specific hsp60 immunomodulation in the control of beta cell autoimmunity and demonstrate that immunoregulatory networks activated by specific phsp60 vaccination can spread to other Ags targeted during the progression of diabetes, like insulin and GAD.

Dietary curcumin inhibits chemotherapy-induced apoptosis in models of human breast cancer

Curcumin, the major component of the spice turmeric, is used as a coloring and flavoring additive in many foods and has attracted interest because of its anti-inflammatory and chemopreventive activities. However, this agent also inhibits the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the c-Jun NH(2)-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway, and because many chemotherapeutic drugs generate ROS and activate JNK in the course of inducing apoptosis, we considered the possibility that curcumin might antagonize their antitumor efficacy. Studies in tissue culture revealed that curcumin inhibited camptothecin-, mechlorethamine-, and doxorubicin-induced apoptosis of MCF-7, MDA-MB-231, and BT-474 human breast cancer cells by up to 70%. Inhibition of programmed cell death was time and concentration dependent, but occurred after relatively brief 3-h exposures, or at curcumin concentrations of 1 microM that have been documented in Phase I chemoprevention trials. Under these conditions, curcumin exhibited antioxidant properties and inhibited both JNK activation and mitochondrial release of cytochrome c in a concentration-dependent manner. Using an in vivo model of human breast cancer, dietary supplementation with curcumin was found to significantly inhibit cyclophosphamide-induced tumor regression. Such dietary supplementation was accompanied by a decrease in the activation of apoptosis by cyclophosphamide, as well as decreased JNK activation. These findings support the hypothesis that dietary curcumin can inhibit chemotherapy-induced apoptosis through inhibition of ROS generation and blockade of JNK function, and suggest that additional studies are needed to determine whether breast cancer patients undergoing chemotherapy should avoid curcumin supplementation, and possibly even limit their exposure to curcumin-containing foods.

Anticlastogenic effects of d- and l-centchroman in Swiss albino mice. 2. Subacute study in vivo and comparison with tamoxifen

The antimutagenic effects of the two enantiomers of centchroman, a nonsteroidal oral contraceptive, were evaluated and compared with tamoxifen, a known breast cancer drug. Anticlastogenic assays in subacute in vivo studies in Swiss albino mice were used. They revealed that both d-centchroman and I-centchroman reduced the chromosome aberrations produced by dimethylbenz(a)anthracene and cyclophosphamide, when compared with the group treated only with the former mutagen. Tamoxifen also reduced the chromosome aberrations produced by the two mutagens. Overall the results showed that l-centchroman alone was more effective in reducing cyclophosphamide-induced aberrations than d-centchroman, and for toxicity reasons may be an alternative to tamoxifen in breast cancer therapy.

[Effect of folic acid and supplemented with vitamin A and vitamin E on depressing teratogenesis induced by cyclophosphamide]

The effect of folic acid and the combined effect of folic acid(FA) + vitamin A + vitamin E on the prevention of teratogenesis induced by cyclophosphamide during pregnancy were observed. The results showed that cyclophosphamide resulted a decreased weight and length of the fetuses, an increased rate of neural tube defects and a retardation of ossification centers. The neural tube defects rates in the groups with no any supplementation, supplemented with folic acid alone and supplemented with FA + vitamin A + vitamin E were 87.27%, 42.93% and 30.08% respectively(P < 0.01). The supplementation of FA or the combined supplementation resulted also in greater fetal weight and length, increased ossification of supraoccipital bone (P < 0.01). The study suggested that the combined effect of FA, vitamin A and vitamin E was superior to FA alone.

[Effects of quanjia yangshen capsule on rate of polychromatic erythrocytic micronucleus formation and peripheral blood picture in mice treated by cyclophosphamide]

OBJECTIVE

To observe the effect of Quanjia Yangshen capsule (QJYS) on cyclophosphamide (Cy) induced teratogenesis and bone marrow in mice and to explore the mechanism of its clinical therapeutic effect.

METHODS

Mice were separately administered with QJYS solely, Cy solely and QJYS + Cy and the effect on polychromatic erythrocytic (PE) micronucleus formation rate in the bone marrow of mice, and peripheral blood picture were observed and compared with the control group.

RESULTS

High dosage of QJYS has no apparent effect on PE micronucleus formation rate and peripheral blood picture in the normal mice; Cy can obviously raise PE micronucleus formation rate (P < 0.01), and lowered WBC, RBC and Hb obviously (P < 0.01) in mice. After taking QJYS, the Cy induced micronucleus formation rate increasing and blood picture parameters lowering were controlled. The improvement in the high and middle dose QJYS group was significantly higher in comparing to that in the sole Cy group (P < 0.01); while the low dose QJYS group in comparing with Cy group also showed significant improvement (P < 0.01), except Hb value.

CONCLUSION

QJYS could significantly antagonize teratogenic effect and inhibition to bone marrow of Cy, i.e., play an antagonistic role against the toxic and side-effects of Cy.

[Combined therapy of experimental tumors with the vaccinal strain of Venezulean encephalomyelitis virus]

The potential of therapy with vaccinal strain of Venezuelan encephalomyelitis virus (VEL) in conjunction with cytostatics (cyclophosphamide) or immunomodulators (T-activin) has been studied. It was found that VEL in conjunction with cyclophosphamide inhibited the antitumor action of the drugs while T-activin potentiated the same effects of the virus and its oncolysate.

Anti-genotoxicity of trans-anethole and eugenol in mice

The naturally occurring flavouring agents trans-anethole and eugenol were evaluated for antigenotoxic effects in mice. The test doses of trans-anethole (40-400 mg/kg body weight) and eugenol (50-500 mg/kg weight) were administered by gavage 2 and 20 h before the genotoxins were injected intraperitoneally. Anti-genotoxic effects were assessed in the mouse bone marrow micronucleus test. Pretreatment with trans-anethole and eugenol led to significant antigenotoxic effects against cyclophosphamide (CPH), procarbazine (PCB), N-methyl-N'-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine (MNNG) and urethane (URE). In addition, trans-anethole inhibited the genotoxicity of ethyl methane sulfonate (EMS). Both trans-anethole and eugenol exerted dose-related antigenotoxic effects against PCB and URE. There was no significant increase in genotoxicity when trans-anethole (40-400 mg/kg body weight) and eugenol (50-500 mg/kg body weight) were administered alone.

Association of glutathione with flowering in Arabidopsis thaliana

In order to study the relationship between GSH and flowering, wild-type and late-flowering mutant, fca-1, of Arabidopsis thaliana were treated with L-buthionine sulfoximine (BSO), a specific inhibitor of GSH biosynthesis, under long-day conditions. BSO treatment of the fca-1 mutant starting at 17 d after imbibition promoted flowering. However, when the treatment was started at 12 d after imbibition, BSO treatment at 10(-4) M resulted in an inhibition of flowering. This inhibitory effect of BSO on flowering was abolished by GSH treatment at 10(-4) M, although GSH treatment at an increased concentration of 10(-3) M clearly delayed flowering. In contrast, BSO treatment of wild-type plants starting at 12 d after imbibition promoted flowering, whose effect was abolished by GSH application. In the fca-1 mutant, whose endogenous GSH levels were high, chilling treatment lowered the GSH levels and promoted flowering, as was the case in the BSO treatment. An A. thaliana mutant, cad2-1, which has a defect in GSH biosynthesis also exhibited late flowering. The late-flowering phenotype of this mutant tended to be strengthened by BSO and abolished by GSH treatment. These results suggest that flowering is associated with the rate of GSH biosynthesis and/or the levels of GSH in A. thaliana.

Protective effect of Cassia occidentalis L. on cyclophosphamide-induced suppression of humoral immunity in mice

Cassia occidentalis L. (Kasaundi) is a widely used medicinal plant. Earlier, we have shown that it possesses antimutagenic activity against benzo[a]pyrene (BaP) and cyclophosphamide (CP)-induced mutagenicity in mice. In this study, we investigated if this plant could also provide protection against CP-induced immunosuppression in animal models. Swiss albino male mice were treated per os with the aqueous extract of C. occidentalis (100 mg/kg, body weight (b.w.)) for 14 days. Cyclophosphamide was given intraperitoneally in a single dose of 50 mg/kg b.w. Body weight, relative organ weight, lymphoid organ cellularity, hemagglutination titre (HT), plaque forming cell (PFC) assay and quantitative hemolysis of SRBC (QHS) were studied in these animals. CP, as expected, showed suppressive effects on lymphoid organ weight and cellularity and other parameters of humoral immunity. Plant extract treatment itself produced no toxicity. The administration of plant extract to CP-exposed animals resulted in improved humoral responses. C. occidentalis treatment significantly (P<0.01) enhanced PFC response in CP-treated animals. In QHS assay, also C. occidentalis showed protection in CP-treated animals. Bone marrow cell counts, which were reduced in CP-treated animals, were reversed significantly (p<0.01) to normal levels in CP+ plant extract group animals. In our earlier study, we found that C. occidentalis modulated hepatic drug metabolizing enzymes. It is suggested that by a similar mechanism, it may be influencing the hematotoxic and immunotoxic responses of cyclophosphamide.

Immunocytochemical analysis of apoptotic bone marrow cells after treatment of mice with WR-2721 and chemotherapeutic drugs

The effects of the aminothiol WR-2721 (Amifostine) and the chemotherapeutic drugs, cyclophosphamide (CP) and cisplatin (CDDP) on induction of apoptosis in bone marrow cells of adult male Swiss mice were studied. The mice received intraperitoneal injections of WR-2721 (400 mg/kg), cyclophosphamide (200 mg/kg), and cisplatin (10 mg/kg). WR-2721 was administered alone, or 30 min before treatment of mice with CP or CDDP. The number of apoptotic bone marrow cells was determined at 7 h and 24 h after the agent(s) administration. The In Situ Cell Death Detection Kit, AP based on TUNEL technique, and Fast Red Substrate System were used for microscopic analysis of immunocytochemically stained apoptotic cells. Application of cyclophosphamide and cisplatin resulted in a distinct increase of the number of apoptotic cells in the mouse bone marrow. After treatment of mice with WR-2721 prior to administration of CP or CDDP, as compared to the chemotherapeutic treatment only, the tendency to a decrease--albeit statistically insignificant--in the number of apoptotic cells was observed. Application of WR-2721 alone, without subsequent administration of the chemotherapeutic agents caused an inconsiderable increase in the number of apoptotic cells. The degree of apoptotic DNA cleavage in cells of the mouse bone marrow varied depending on the agent(s) given and the time interval after the drug administration.

Nitric oxide and NK(1)-tachykinin receptors in cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, in rats

The present study was conducted to investigate the role of NK(1) receptors and of nitric oxide (NO) on the pathogenesis of cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis, in rats. This bladder toxicity was characterized by marked increases in protein plasma extravasation, urothelial damage, edema, white blood cell infiltrates, and vascular congestion. These changes were associated with appearance of Ca(2+)-independent NO-synthase (NOS) activity [characteristic of inducible NOS (iNOS)] in the bladder and with increases in urinary NO metabolites. GR205171, a selective NK(1) antagonist (10-20 mg/kg, i.p.) reduced cyclophosphamide-induced increases in protein plasma extravasation and in the urinary excretion of NO metabolites. N(G)-Nitro-L-arginine (L-NNA) (10 mg/kg, i.p.), a NOS inhibitor, reduced basal and cyclophosphamide-induced increases in NO metabolites and protected against cyclophosphamide-induced protein plasma extravasation. GR205171 had no effect, whereas L-NNA reduced basal NO metabolite excretion. Combined treatment with the NK(1) antagonist and the NO-synthesis inhibitor produced comparable reduction in protein plasma extravasation than that achieved with each drug given separately. Combined drug treatment ameliorated cyclophosphamideinduced urothelial damage, and the extent of edema, vascular congestion, and white blood cell infiltrates in the bladder. In summary, NK(1) receptors and iNOS play a role in NO formation and on cyclophosphamide-induced cystitis. Activation of NK(1) receptors mainly acts through the formation of NO. It is proposed that cyclophosphamide and/or its metabolites would stimulate primary afferent capsaicin-sensitive fibers in the bladder, releasing neuropeptides, which would activate NK(1) receptors. However, additional mechanisms are involved, because neither the NK(1) receptor antagonist nor the NO synthesis inhibitor, either alone or in combination, were able to completely prevent the toxicity.

Aromatic retinoid Ro 40-8757 reduces immunotoxicities of cyclophosphamide as revealed by immunohistochemical staining of lymphoid tissues and general pathologic examinations

The aromatic retinoid (arotinoid) Ro 40-8757 (4-[2-[p-(E)-2-(5,6,7,8-Tetrahydro-5,5,8,8-tetramethyl-2-naphthyl) propenyl]phenoxy]ethyl]-morpholine), a compound with antitumor activities, has been studied in a combination therapy with the cytostatic antitumor drug cyclophosphamide (CPA), and was found to protect bone marrow from the toxic effects of CPA. To evaluate its protective effects against CPA toxicities on lymphoid systems, we treated BDF1 mice with Ro 40-8757 orally for 1 to 5 weeks in combination with CPA intraperitoneally. After the combination treatment, mice were subjected to immunohistochemical analysis with antibodies against cell surface markers (Thy 1.2, Lyt-2, L3T4, Kappa chain, and Ia) and, in addition, general pathologic examinations were done. The protective effects of Ro 40-8757 on CPA toxicities were observed. The lymphocyte reductions (both in T cells and B cells) in lymphoid organs by CPA were apparently less severe. In particular, recovery of immature T cells in the thymic cortex was greater in combination treatment with Ro 40-8757 and CPA than in treatment with CPA alone. From these results, it can be concluded that Ro 40-8757 protects the lymphoid organs (thymus, spleen, and lymph node) from the immunotoxicity of CPA, and the protective effect is evident, especially in the thymic cortical lymphocytes.

A self MHC class II beta-chain peptide prevents diabetes in nonobese diabetic mice

We explored T cell responses to the self class II MHC (I-Ag7) beta-chain-derived peptides in diabetic and prediabetic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice. We found that one of these immunodominant epitopes of the beta-chain of I-Ag7 molecule, peptide 54-76, could regulate autoimmunity leading to diabetes in NOD mice. T cells from prediabetic young NOD mice do not respond to the peptide 54-76, but T cells from diabetic NOD mice proliferated in response to this peptide. T cells from older nondiabetic mice or mice protected from diabetes do not respond to this peptide, suggesting a role for peptide 54-76-specific T cells in pathogenesis of diabetes. We show that this peptide is naturally processed and presented by the NOD APCs to self T cells. However, the peptide-specific T cells generated after immunization of young mice regulate autoimmunity in NOD mice by blocking the diabetogenic cells in adoptive transfer experiments. The NOD mice immunized with this peptide are protected from both spontaneous and cyclophosphamide-induced insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Immunization of young NOD mice with this peptide elicited T cell proliferation and production of Th2-type cytokines. In addition, immunization with this peptide induced peptide-specific Abs of IgG1 isotype that recognized native I-Ag7 molecule on the cell surface and inhibited the T cell proliferative responses. These results suggest that I-Abetag7(54-76) peptide-reactive T cells are involved in the pathogenesis of diabetes. However, immunization with this peptide at young age induces regulatory cells and the peptide-specific Abs that can modulate autoimmunity in NOD mice and prevent spontaneous and induced diabetes.