ABSTRACT
Peroxisomes are subcellular organelles found in most plant and animal cells that perform diverse metabolic functions including hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-based respiration, β-oxidation of fatty acids (FAs), and cholesterol metabolism. Peroxisomes are found in most eukaryotic cells, and their essential role has been emphasized by the discoveries of several human disorders caused by the lack of peroxisomes. Peroxisomes are unique for their ability to proliferate in response to several structurally different chemicals, which are designated "peroxisome proliferators (PPs)," in rodent liver cells. Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) proteins belong to the superfamily of a phylogenetically related protein termed nuclear hormone factor. Activation of PPAR-? reduces triglyceride level and is involved in regulation of energy homeostasis. Activation of PPAR-? causes insulin sensitization and enhances glucose metabolism, whereas activation of PPAR-?/? enhances fatty acids metabolism. Thus, PPAR family of nuclear receptors plays a major regulatory role in energy homeostasis and metabolic function. Since intervention of PPAR agonist can provide therapeutic targets for a range of diseases such as dyslipidemia, diabetes, obesity, inflammation, a neurodegenerative disorder, and cancer, this review was carried out to update existing knowledge on these nuclear receptors
ABSTRACT
Aims: This study seeks to evaluate the nephroprotective effects of chloroform stem bark extract of Abrus precatorius in a murine model of gentamicin-induced renal damage.Materials and Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; A being the normal control group and given normal saline. B as the toxicant group was given Gentamicin (GM) at 100 mg/kg, intraperitoneally for six days; C received chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius at 100 mg/kg administered orally three days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for six days, D received 200 mg/kg of the extract and was administered orally for three days prior and concurrently with gentamicin for six days and E received gentamicin administered intraperitoneally for six days followed by administration of 200 mg/kg chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius for three days. Body and organ weight were determined. Serum and kidney homogenate were obtained. Creatinine, urea, Xanthine oxidase, Myeloperoxidase and Nitric oxide were assayed for in the serum. Advanced oxidative protein product, Protein carbonyl, Malondialdehyde, Hydrogen peroxide, Superoxide dismutase, Reduced Glutathione, Glutathione-S-transferase, Glutathione peroxidase, Protein thiol, Non-protein thiol were assayed for in the renal homogenate. Histopathological analysis and immunohistochemistry using Bcl2, CRP and NFKB were done to check for structural changes and protein expressions respectively.Results: Markers of oxidative stress and inflammation were significantly increased in the toxicant group, but a significant reduction of these markers in the extract treated groups at pre and post treatment periods. Both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant level in the toxicant group were significantly depleted, whereas the levels of these enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidant levels were significantly elevated in a dose dependent manner in the extract treated groups. Histopathology revealed tubular necrosis, areas of inflammation, glomerular atrophy, and congestion in the toxicant group. These were ameliorated in the extract treated groups. Immunohistochemistry revealed decreased expression of Bcl2 and increase protein expression of CRP and NFKB in the toxicant group; however, the reverse was seen in the extract treated groups.Conclusions: From these results, it can be concluded that the chloroform extract of Abrus precatorius stem bark has nephroprotective properties.