Bradykinin-Potentiating Activity of a Gamma-Irradiated Bioactive Fraction Isolated from Scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) Venom in Rats with Doxorubicin-Induced Acute Cardiotoxicity: Favorable Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory, Fibrogenic and Apoptotic Pathways.

Although doxorubicin (Dox) is a backbone of chemotherapy, the search for an effective and safe therapy to revoke Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity remains a critical matter in cardiology and oncology. The current study was the first to explore the probable protective effects of native and gamma-irradiated fractions with bradykinin-potentiating activity (BPA) isolated from scorpion (Leiurus quinquestriatus) venom against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats. Native or irradiated fractions (1 µg/g) were administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) twice per week for 3 weeks, and Dox (15 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered on day 21 at 1 h after the last native or irradiated fraction treatment. Electrocardiographic (ECG) aberrations were ameliorated in the Dox-treated rats pretreated with the native fraction, and the irradiated fraction provided greater amelioration of ECG changes than that of the native fraction. The group pretreated with native protein with BPA also exhibited significant improvements in the levels of oxidative stress-related, inflammatory, angiogenic, fibrogenic, and apoptotic markers compared with those of the Dox group. Notably, the irradiated fraction restored these biomarkers to their normal levels. Additionally, the irradiated fraction ameliorated Dox-induced histological changes and alleviated the severity of cardiac injury to a greater extent than that of the native fraction. In conclusion, the gamma-irradiated detoxified fraction of scorpion venom elicited a better cardioprotective effect than that of the native fraction against Dox-induced acute cardiotoxicity in rats.

Possible protective effect of the algae spirulina against nephrotoxicity induced by cyclosporine A and/or gamma radiation in rats.

The present study was conducted to evaluate the possible protective role of the algae spirulina (Sp) against nephrotoxicity and oxidative stress which are the main secondary effects induced by the immunosuppressant drug CSA and/or ionizing radiation. In this study, male rats were given Sp (1 g/kg) either for 15 days before irradiation (6.5 Gy) or 5 days before and 10 days concomitant with CSA (25 mg/kg). Markers used to assess renal injury included serum creatinine, urea, glucose, albumin, protein, and lipid profile as well as kidney content of reduced glutathione (GSH); lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS)); nitrite and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In addition, some trace elements (Zn and Mg) were estimated in kidney. Apoptosis was assessed by immunohistochemical estimation of caspase-3 expression in addition to histopathological examination. Results revealed that gamma radiation and/or CSA induced elevation in urea, creatinine, lipids, and glucose while decreasing albumin and protein levels. There was a noticeable increase in kidney content of GSH, TBARS, and nitrite. Meanwhile, profound decrease in kidney SOD activity was observed. Treatment with Sp significantly reversed the changes induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation in renal function tests. Spirulina also ameliorated kidney oxidative stress through decreasing GSH, TBARS, and nitrite kidney content while increasing SOD activity. Histopathological examination further confirmed Sp protective efficacy. Moreover, kidney caspase-3 expression that was triggered by CSA and/or gamma radiation was decreased. In conclusion, spirulina can be regarded as a promising renoprotective natural agent against renal injury induced by CSA and/or gamma radiation.

A Novel Role of a Chemotherapeutic Agent in a Rat Model of Endotoxemia: Modulation of the STAT-3 Signaling Pathway.

Sepsis caused by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a life-threatening disease accompanied by multiple organ failure. This study investigated the curative effects of imatinib (IMA) against hepatic, renal, and pulmonary responses caused by a single administration of LPS (10 mg/kg, i.p.) in rats. Treatment with IMA (15 mg/kg, i.p.) 30 min after LPS antagonized the LPS-induced boost of liver enzymes (ALT, AST), kidney functions (BUN, sCr) as well as the elevated pulmonary vascular permeability and edema. IMA declined tissue contents of NF-κB, STAT-3, P38-MAPK, TNF-α, IL-1ß, and iNOS. It also amplified the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 as well as the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, a cardinal indicator of the anti-apoptotic effect. Meanwhile, the rats exhibited marked reduction of the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) contents of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IFN-γ, and neutrophil count; however, they revealed prominent augmentation of the BALF content IL-10. In conclusion, these findings suggest that IMA is endowed with anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic properties and hence may provide a novel agent for the management of sepsis.

Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Combat Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Sepsis in Rats via Amendment of P38-MAPK Signaling Cascade.

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory disorder which often occurs during extremely stressful conditions such as trauma, burn, shock, and infection. This study investigated the curative effects of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (BM-MSCs) against hepatic, renal, and pulmonary responses caused by a single administration of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (10 mg/kg, i.p) in rats. Treatment with BM-MSCs (5 × 105 in 0.1 ml PBS, i.p.) 3 h after LPS antagonized the LPS-induced increment of the liver enzymes (ALT, AST) and kidney functions (BUN, sCr). BM-MSCs decreased tissue levels of P38-MAPK, NF-κB, STAT-3, TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS, Bax together with elevation of the anti-inflammatory cytokine IL-10 and the anti-apoptotic biomarker Bcl-2. Meanwhile, rats exhibited marked reduction of the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid levels of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IFN-γ. Interestingly, BM-MSCs normalized both broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) neutrophils count and lung wet/dry ratios. Briefly, these findings may provide a preclinical platform for the management of LPS-induced sepsis using BM-MSCs via their ameliorative anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic potentials.

Combination of metformin and 5-aminosalicylic acid cooperates to decrease proliferation and induce apoptosis in colorectal cancer cell lines.

BACKGROUND: The link between inflammation and cancer has been confirmed by the use of anti-inflammatory therapies in cancer prevention and treatment. 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) was shown to decrease the growth and survival of colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. Studies also revealed that metformin induced apoptosis in several cancer cell lines. METHODS: We investigated the combinatory effect of 5-ASA and metformin on HCT-116 and Caco-2 CRC cell lines. Apoptotic markers were determined using western blotting. Expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was determined by RT-PCR. Inflammatory transcription factors and metastatic markers were measured by ELISA. RESULTS: Metformin enhanced CRC cell death induced by 5-ASA through significant increase in oxidative stress and activation of apoptotic machinery. Moreover, metformin enhanced the anti-inflammatory effect of 5-ASA by decreasing the gene expression of IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2 and TNF-α and its receptors; TNF-R1 and TNF-R2. Significant inhibition of activation of NF-κB and STAT3 transcription factors, and their downstream targets was also observed. Metformin also enhanced the inhibitory effect of 5-ASA on MMP-2 and MMP-9 enzyme activity, indicating a decrease in metastasis. CONCLUSION: The current data demonstrate that metformin potentiates the antitumor effect of 5-ASA on CRC cells suggesting their potential use as an adjuvant treatment in CRC.

Effects of rosuvastatin and/or ß-carotene on non-alcoholic fatty liver in rats.

The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has markedly increased, especially in patients exhibit one or more features of the metabolic syndrome. This study investigates the effect of rosuvastatin (RSV) and/or ß-carotene (ßC) in NAFLD-induced rats. Rats were classified into nine groups; normal (I), NAFLD-induced with high-fat diet (HFD; II), NAFLD switched to regular diet (RD; III), NAFLD-HFD or NAFLD-RD treated with RSV (IV, V), ßC (VI, VII) or both RSV+ßC (VIII, IX), respectively. After four weeks, rats were sacrificed to obtain serum samples and liver tissues. Liver histology, lipid profile, liver oxidative stress markers, and adipocytokines were measured. Liver sections of rats with NAFLD-HFD revealed steatosis, lose of hepatic architecture, inflammation and hepatocyte vacuolation with high percentage of cell fibrosis. Serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lipid profile (triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL and VLDL) were significantly increased (P<0.05) compared with normal. Also, hepatic malondialdehyde level and serum leptin, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) were increased. Meanwhile, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, GSH content in liver, serum HDL and adiponectin were decreased (P<0.05) vs normal. These changes were observed to a lesser extent in NAFLD-RD group. Administration of RSV or/and ßC almost improved all previously mentioned parameters. Moreover, hepatic steatosis was decreased and inflammation was markedly ameliorated with reduction of TNF-α and TGF-ß. These results were more pronounced in the groups VIII and IX vs each drug alone. In conclusion RSV and ßC could be beneficial for the treatment and prevention of NAFLD. Combined RSV with ßC is more effective than RSV alone.

Neuroprotective effects of pioglitazone against transient cerebral ischemic reperfusion injury in diabetic rats: Modulation of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic biomarkers.

BACKGROUND: Recent growing consensus introduced thiazolidinediones, agonists of the nuclear receptor peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma as promising candidates in the management of ischemia in various organs. Thereby, interest was raised to investigate the neuroprotective effects of pioglitazone against transient ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury in diabetic rats targeting mainly the oxidative-inflammatory-apoptotic cascades which are involved in this insult. METHODS: Forebrain ischemia was induced in streptozotocin-diabetic rats by occlusion of the bilateral common carotid arteries for 15min followed by 1h reperfusion. Pioglitazone (10mg/kg; po) was administered daily for 2 weeks prior to I/R. RESULTS: The drug alleviated hippocampal injury inflicted by diabetes and/or I/R injury where it suppressed nuclear factor kappa (NFκB), and consequently the downstream inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. In parallel, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 was elevated. Antioxidant potential of pioglitazone was depicted, where it reduced neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxides, nitric oxide associated with replenished reduced glutathione. Decline of excitatory amino acid glutamate content is a main finding which is probably mediated by the NFκB signaling pathway as well as improved oxidant status. Pioglitazone exerted an anti-apoptotic effect as reflected by the reduction of the cytosolic cytochrome c and the key downstream executioner caspase-3. CONCLUSIONS: Pioglitazone is endowed with neuroprotective properties which are probably mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms hence may provide a successful agent for the management of ischemic stroke.

Sitagliptin attenuates transient cerebral ischemia/reperfusion injury in diabetic rats: implication of the oxidative-inflammatory-apoptotic pathway.

AIMS: Ischemic stroke is a major macrovascular complication of diabetes mellitus. Sitagliptin, a dipeptidyl peptidase-IV inhibitor, was recently shown to improve cognitive functions in diabetic rats; hence the present study was conducted to evaluate its protective effect against transient ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) in diabetic animals. MAIN METHODS: Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin (40 mg/kg). Six weeks later, cerebral I/R was induced by bicommon carotid occlusion for 15 min followed by 1h reperfusion. Sitagliptin (250 mg/kg; p.o.) was administered daily during the last 2 weeks before I/R. KEY FINDINGS: The drug alleviated hippocampal injury inflicted by diabetes and/or I/R injury where it suppressed nuclear factor kappa (NF-κ)B, and consequently the downstream inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6. In parallel, the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-10 was elevated. Antioxidant potential of sitagliptin was depicted, where it reduced neutrophil infiltration, lipid peroxides and nitric oxide associated with replenished reduced glutathione. Decline of excitatory amino acid glutamate content is a main finding which is probably mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway as well as improved oxidant status. Sitagliptin exerted an anti-apoptotic effect as reflected by the reduction of the mitochondrial matrix component cytochrome -C and the key downstream executioner caspase-3. Histopathological examination corroborated the biochemical data. SIGNIFICANCE: These findings suggest that sitagliptin is endowed with neuroprotective properties which are probably mediated by its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic mechanisms and hence may provide a novel agent for the management of ischemic stroke in diabetics.

Anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects of the hepatoprotective silymarin and the schistosomicide praziquantel against Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis.

BACKGROUND: Praziquantel (PZQ) is an isoquinoline derivative (2-cyclohexylcarbonyl-1, 2, 3, 6, 7, 11b-hexahydro-4H-pyrazino{2,1-a}-isoquinoline-4-one), and is currently the drug of choice for all forms of schistosomiasis. Silymarin, a standardized milk thistle extract, of which silibinin is the main component, is known for its hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant activities, and hepatocyte regeneration. This study investigates the anti-inflammatory/anti-fibrotic effects of silymarin and/or PZQ on schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. METHODS: Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were divided into two large groups (I & II), each with four subgroups and were run in parallel. (i) Infected untreated; (ii) treated with silymarin, starting from the 4th (3 weeks before PZQ therapy) or 12th (5 weeks after PZQ therapy) weeks post infection (PI); (iii) treated with PZQ in the 7th week PI; and (iv) treated with silymarin, as group (ii) plus PZQ as group (iii). Comparable groups of uninfected mice run in parallel with the infected groups. Mice of groups I and II were killed 10 and 18 weeks PI, respectively. Hepatic content of hydroxyproline (HYP), serum levels and tissue expression of matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and number of mast cells were determined. In addition, parasitological, biochemical and histological parameters that reflect disease severity and morbidity were examined. RESULTS: Silymarin caused a partial decrease in worm burden; hepatic tissue egg load, with an increase in percentage of dead eggs; modulation of granuloma size, with significant reduction of hepatic HYP content; tissue expression of MMP-2, TGF-ß1; number of mast cells, with conservation of hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH). PZQ produced complete eradication of worms, eggs and alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis. The best results were obtained, in most parameters studied, in groups of mice treated with silymarin in addition to PZQ. CONCLUSIONS: Our results point to silymarin as a promising anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent; it could be introduced as a therapeutic tool with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomal liver fibrosis, but further studies on mechanisms of silymarin and PZQ in chronic liver diseases may shed light on developing therapeutic methods in clinical practice.

Protective effects of the angiotensin II receptor blocker losartan on cisplatin-induced kidney injury.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, we investigated the possible modulatory effect of losartan, an angiotensin receptor blocker, on oxidative stress induced by cisplatin (CDDP) as well as on CDDP uptake by the kidney. METHODS: Rats were injected with a single dose of CDDP (7 mg/kg) and/or losartan (in either a single dose of 60 mg/kg or divided doses (10 mg/kg daily for 6 days), starting 1 h before CDDP injection. In addition, rat renal cortical slices were incubated with CDDP (2 mM) and/or losartan (2 mM) for 4 h. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated by measuring serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) in vivo and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage in vitro; histopathological examination of kidney tissue was also done. Oxidative stress markers including reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxides were also assessed. Furthermore, CDDP uptake by renal cortical slices was determined. RESULTS: Losartan has protective effects against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity as evidenced by restoration of normal serum levels of creatinine and BUN, and LDH leakage. Histopathological examination of the kidney confirmed these results. Also, losartan significantly counteracted CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation and GSH depletion. However, losartan did not affect CDDP uptake by the kidney. CONCLUSION: Our results indicate that losartan has proved to be a promising drug for clinical use as a nephroprotectant against CDDP-induced nephrotoxicity.