Toxicological evaluation of a flavonoid, chrysin: morphological, behavioral, biochemical and histopathological assessments in rats.

Nowadays, medicines from plant sources play a vital role in healthcare management. Chrysin, a plant flavonoid, possesses a wide range of pharmacological activities. The aim of present investigation was to evaluate the safety of chrysin by determining toxicity after acute and sub-chronic oral administration in rats. Acute oral toxicity (AOT) and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of chrysin were carried out according to OECD 425 and OCED 408 in Sprague Dawley rats. In AOT, oral administration of chrysin (5000 mg/kg) showed 40% mortality. In the sub-chronic toxicity study, daily oral administration of chrysin (1000 mg/kg) showed significantly decreased body weight whereas liver weight was increased significantly in male rats. A significant alteration in the hematology (RBC, MCH, MCHC, TLC, lymphocytes, and neutrophil) and blood chemistry (albumin, bilirubin, ALT, AST, creatinine, and GGT) were found in chrysin (1000 mg/kg) treated rats which were either limited to one sex or lacked dose-response or were within the normal laboratory ranges. There was a significant increase in hepatic and renal oxido-nitrosative stress in chrysin (1000 mg/kg) treated rats. There was no significant change in electrocardiographic (except heart rate), hemodynamic, the left ventricular function, and lung function test. Renal and hepatic histological aberrations were induced in chrysin (1000 mg/kg) treated rats. In conclusion results of the present investigation determined the LD50 value of chrysin to be 4350 mg/kg whereas NOAEL and LOAEL of chrysin was found to be 500 and 1000 mg/kg, respectively for both the sexes.

Attenuation of reserpine-induced fibromyalgia via ROS and serotonergic pathway modulation by fisetin, a plant flavonoid polyphenol.

Fibromyalgia (FM) is a chronic complex musculoskeletal disorder characterized by widespread musculoskeletal pain accompanied by fatigue, sleep disturbance, memory defects and mood changes. Fisetin, a plant flavonoid polyphenol, has been reported to possess potent antioxidant, antinociceptive and neuroprotective activities. The present study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of fisetin against reserpine-induced FM (RIF) in rats. RIF was induced in male Wistar rats (180-220 gm) using reserpine (1 mg/kg; subcutaneous; once daily for 3 consecutive days) and the rats were treated with fisetin (5, 10 and 25 mg/kg) for 21 days. Various behavioral, biochemical and molecular parameters were evaluated. Administration of reserpine induced allodynia, hyperalgesia and depression, which were significantly ameliorated (P<0.05) by fisetin (10 and 25 mg/kg), as reflected by an increase in paw and tail withdrawal latency, increased paw withdrawal threshold, and decreased immobility time. Reserpine led to decreased biogenic amine levels [5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), noradrenaline (NA) and dopamine (DA)] and increased the ratio to their metabolite 3,4-dihydroxyphenylacetic acid. 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in the spinal cord, thalamus and prefrontal cortex was significantly decreased (P<0.05) by fisetin. Immunohistological analysis of brain tissue revealed that fisetin significantly inhibited (P<0.05) reserpine-induced depletion of 5-HT. It also significantly inhibited (P<0.05) elevated oxido-nitrosative stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, as analyzed by flow cytometry in RIF rats. Fisetin exerts its antinociceptive and anti-depressive potential via modulation of decreased levels of biogenic amines (5-HT, NA and DA), elevated oxido-nitrosative stress and ROS to ameliorate allodynia, hyperalgesia, and depression in experimental RIF.

Hesperidin ameliorates bleomycin-induced experimental pulmonary fibrosis via inhibition of TGF-beta1/Smad3/AMPK and IkappaBalpha/NF-kappaB pathways.

Bleomycin (BLM) is a chemotherapeutic agent which is associated with Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) due to its chronic administration. Hesperidin, a bioflavonoid has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, wound healing, and antiapoptotic potential. To evaluate the therapeutic potential of hesperidin against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and decipher its possible mechanism of action. Intraperitoneal administration of BLM (6 IU/kg) caused induction of IPF in Sprague-Dawley rats. Rats were treated with hesperidin (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days, followed by estimation of various parameters in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung. Hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) administration significantly ameliorated (p < 0.05) alterations induced by BLM in lung index, percent oxygen saturation, serum ALP and LDH levels, BALF differential cell count, and lung function test. Elevated levels of oxido-nitrosative stress, hydroxyproline, and myeloperoxidase levels in BALF and lung were significantly decreased by hesperidin on day 14. Hesperidin significantly inhibited BLM-induced down-regulated lung Nrf2 and HO-1 as well as up-regulated TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, collagen-1, TGF-ß, and Smad-3 mRNA expressions. Western blot analysis showed that alteration in lung NF-κB, IκBα, AMPK, and PP2C-α protein expressions were ameliorated by hesperidin on day 28. Furthermore, BLM induced histological and ultrastructural aberrations in the lung which were attenuated by hesperidin treatment. Hesperidin alleviates BLM-induced IPF via inhibition of TGF-ß1/Smad3/AMPK and IκBα/NF-κB pathways which in turn ameliorate the modulation of oxido-inflammatory markers (Nrf2 and HO-1) and pro-inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) to reduce collagen deposition during pulmonary fibrosis. See also Figure 1(Fig. 1).

A systematic literature review of fenugreek seed toxicity by using ToxRTool: evidence from preclinical and clinical studies.

Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum graecum) seed extract is a bioactive ingredient of many food supplements. Hence, there is a need for systematic assessment of the quality of published toxicological studies for its use in human health, hazard consideration, and risk assessment. The aim of the present investigation was to determine the reliability of published toxicological studies of fenugreek seed by using ToxRTool (Toxicological data reliability assessment tool). A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CPCI-S, ICTRP, Ovid, and Google Scholar till October 2018. Each identified study was evaluated for its quality using the ToxRTool with outcomes such as combined score, weighted score, and reliability category by three independent raters. Correlations of various criteria groups with the combined score were evaluated by Pearson correlation and Kendall rank correlation coefficient. Inter-rater consistency was measured by Cronbach's alpha coefficient. The database searches initially yielded 436 results, of which 391 (89.67%) studies were "not assignable". The remaining 45 studies were included for quantitative analysis by ToxRTool. Based on the weighted score, 17 in-vivo, and 3 in-vitro studies were determined to be "Reliable Without Restriction" which were conducted according to international guidelines such as GLP. These studies have a significant difference (p < 0.05) for the combined and weighted score as compared to non-GLP studies. Remaining 28 in-vivo and 2 in-vitro studies were determined to be "Not Reliable." The GLP studies conducted with "identified study material" have a significant difference (p < 0.0001) between combined and weighted score as compared to studies which used "non-identified study material". For criteria group of ToxRTool I, III and V, the Pearson correlation with the combined score was found to be 0.875, 0.734 and 0.905, respectively and Kendall rank correlation coefficient was found to be 0.764, 0.551 and 0.752, respectively. Cronbach's alpha coefficient for combined score and weighted score were 0.920 and 0.887, respectively. In conclusion, the ToxRTool was found useful to identify seventeen toxicity studies of fenugreek seeds as "Reliable without Restrictions". These studies showed a broad margin of safety for the standardized extract of fenugreek seeds and can form a basis for toxicological risk assessment with reasonable certainty.

Acute and sub-chronic oral toxicity studies of hesperidin isolated from orange peel extract in Sprague Dawley rats.

Citrus sinensis contains glycoside hesperetin-7-rhamnoglucoside (hesperidin) which harbor an array of therapeutic potentials including antioxidant, anticancer, and anti-inflammatory. However, a systematic examination of safety is needed before its utilization. Hence, the present investigation is aimed to evaluate acute and sub-chronic toxicity of hesperidin isolated from the citrus fruit. Hesperidin (73%) was isolated from a methanolic extract of dried peel of the citrus fruit, characterized using FTIR, and standardized by HPLC. Its acute oral toxicity (AOT) and sub-chronic toxicity studies were carried out in Sprague-Dawley rats. Hesperidin (5000 mg/kg) showed 10% mortality in AOT. In sub-chronic toxicity study, hesperidin (250 and 500 mg/kg) did not induce any abnormalities in body weight, food consumption, clinical signs, ophthalmological and neurological observations, urine analysis, hematology, clinical chemistry, organ weights, and gross pathology. However, hesperidin (1000 mg/kg) showed significant (p < 0.05) alterations in body and organ weights, hematology, clinical chemistry, and tissue histopathology. To conclude, hesperidin has median lethal dose (LD50) of 4837.5 mg/kg, and Low Observed Adverse Effect Level (LOAEL) at 1000 mg/kg for both male and female Sprague-Dawley rats. Thus, hesperidin isolated from citrus fruit showed a good safety profile in animal study.

Therapeutic Potential of Morin in Ovalbumin-induced Allergic Asthma Via Modulation of SUMF2/IL-13 and BLT2/NF-kB Signaling Pathway.

BACKGROUND: Allergic asthma is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder, characterized by airway inflammation and airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR). Morin is a natural flavonoid reported to exhibit inhibitory action against IgE-mediated allergic response. AIM: To determine the efficacy of murine model of ovalbumin (OVA)-induced AHR inhibition by morin and decipher the molecular mechanism involved. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Sprague-Dawley rats were sensitized and challenged with OVA to induce AHR. Rats received treatment with morin (10, 30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) for the next 28 days. RESULTS: Morin (30 and 100 mg/kg) significantly and dose-dependently attenuated (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001) OVA-induced alterations in pulse oxy and lung function test, increased bronchoalveolar lavage fluid cell counts, elevated total protein and albumin levels in serum, BALF, and lungs, increased serum total and OVA-specific IgE levels and, elevated oxidative stress levels in the lung. RT-PCR analysis revealed that morin treatment (30 and 100 mg/kg) significantly (p < 0.001) up-regulated SUMF2 mRNA expression in lungs whereas mRNA expressions of BLT2, NF-κB, and Th2-cytokine (TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, and IL-13) were down-regulated significantly and dose-dependently (p < 0.01 and p < 0.001). Also, histologic and ultrastructural studies showed that morin significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) OVAinduced perivascular and peribranchial inflammatory infiltration and interstitial fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Morin exhibited inhibitory effect against OVA-induced allergic asthma by activation of SUMF2 which impeded IL-13 expression and in turn attenuated Th2-cytokines, BLT2, NF-κB, and IgE levels to ameliorate AHR. Thus, our findings suggested that morin could be considered as a potential alternative therapeutic agent for the management of allergic asthma.

Diarylheptanoid, a constituent isolated from methanol extract of Alpinia officinarum attenuates TNF-α level in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in rats.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a chronic inflammatory and destructive joint disease that affects the worldwide population. Alpinia officinarum Hance (Zingiberaceae), rhizomes are widely used ethnobotanically as an anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant agent in traditional medicine. AIM: To investigate the efficacy and possible mechanism of isolated phytoconstituent from the methanol extract of A. officinarum (MEAO) rhizomes against Freund's complete adjuvant (FCA)-induced arthritis in rats. Furthermore, molecular docking was performed to study the binding mode of this compound into the active site of TNF-α. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diarylheptanoid was isolated from MEAO, well characterized (HPTLC, 1H NMR, 13C NMR, and ESI-MS) and evaluated for its antiarthritic activity in female Wistar rats (170-200 g). Diarylheptanoid (5, 10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered starting from day 12. Various behavioral, biochemical, molecular and histopathology parameters were evaluated. Molecular docking study was performed using Glide module integrated into Schrodinger molecular modeling software. RESULTS: The structure and molecular weight of the isolated compound (diarylheptanoid) were confirmed by 1D and mass spectral data and characterized as 1-phenyl-5-hydroxy-7- (4''-hydroxy-3''-methoxyphenyl) heptane-3-one (i.e., 5-HPH) with molecular formula C20H24O4. Administration of 5-HPH (10 and 20 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) FCA induced increases in paw volume, joint diameter, thermal hyperalgesia and tactile allodynia. It also significantly decreased oxido-inflammatory markers (SOD, GSH, MDA, and TNF-α). FCA induced a histological alteration in ankle joint also attenuated by 5-HPH. Its Glide docking score was found to be -9.702 with binding energy (Glide energy) of -37.033 kcal/mol. CONCLUSION: 5-HPH may exhibit its anti-arthritic potential via inhibition of elevated oxido-inflammatory markers thus restoring the elevated hyperalgesia, allodynia and reducing destruction in synovial membrane and cartilage. Therefore, 5-HPH is a potential moiety bearing antioxidant and with anti-inflammatory properties to inhibit FCA-induced arthritis in rats. The results of the present investigation should enable the design of potent small-molecule inhibitors that inactivate TNF-α with high affinity and specificity.

Fisetin, a plant flavonoid ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental rats: the decisive role of caspase-3, COX-II, cTn-I, iNOs and TNF-α.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used anthracycline antibiotic for the management of carcinoma. However, it is associated with cardiotoxicity. Fisetin is a plant flavonoid reported to have anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic potential. To evaluate the cardioprotective potential of fisetin in DOX-induced cardiotoxicity in experimental rats. Sprague-Dawley rats were pre-treated with either fisetin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) or sitagliptin (10 mg/kg, p.o.) for 7 days. Cardiac toxicity was induced in rats (except the normal group) by doxorubicin (15 mg/kg i.p.) on 8th day. Various behavioral, biochemical, molecular and histological parameters were assessed in cardiac tissue. DOX-induced alterations in electrocardiographic, hemodynamic and left ventricular function were significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by fisetin (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Fisetin significantly decrease (p < 0.05) DOX-induced elevated serum CK-MB, LDH, AST, ALT and ALP levels. DOX-induced elevated cardiac oxido-nitrosative (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO) was significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) by fisetin. Up-regulated cardiac caspase-3, COX-II, cTn-I, iNOs, TNF-α, and IL-1ß mRNA, as well as protein expressions were significantly decreased (p < 0.05) by fisetin treatment. It also significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated DOX-induced histopathological alterations in cardiac tissue. In conclusion, the fisetin exerts its cardioprotective potential against DOX-induced toxicity via inhibition of multiple pathways including oxidative stress (SOD, GSH, MDA and NO), inflammation (COX-II, TNF-α, and IL-1ß), and apoptosis (Caspase-3). Therefore, fisetin can be considered as a potential cardioprotective agent during the management of carcinoma using doxorubicin anthracyclines.

Neuroprotective effect of naringin, a flavone glycoside in quinolinic acid-induced neurotoxicity: Possible role of PPAR-γ, Bax/Bcl-2, and caspase-3.

BACKGROUND: Huntington's disease (HD) is a complex multifactorial neurodegenerative disorder. Naringin, a flavanone glycoside exhibits potent anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effect. AIM: To evaluate the effect of naringin in quinolinic acid (QA)-induced neurotoxicity in laboratory rats. METHODS: Neurotoxicity was induced in male Wistar rats by single intrastriatal injection of QA (300 nmol/4 µl saline) in striatum except non-treated. Rats were administered orally with either vehicle (distilled water (10 mL/kg) or naringin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg) or pioglitazone (40 mg/kg, p.o.) or its combination for 28 days. RESULTS: Naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) treatment significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated QA-induced alterations in locomotor activity, rearing, grooming, neurological score, footprint analysis, grip strength and a number of slips. QA-induced altered striatal oxido-nitrosative stress (superoxide dismutase, glutathione, malondialdehyde and nitric oxide), neuroinflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL's and NF-kB mRNA) and apoptotic markers (Bax-Bcl-2, Caspase-3, and PPAR-γ mRNA) were significantly attenuated by (p < 0.05) by naringin. It also significantly increased (p < 0.05) mitochondrial complex (I-IV) activity. TTC scanning also showed that naringin treatment significantly reduced (p < 0.05) QA-induced striatal degeneration. It also significantly decreased (p < 0.05) OVA-induced elevated striatal apoptosis revealed by flow-cytometric analysis. CONCLUSION: Naringin exerts its neuroprotective effect against QA-induced neurotoxicity via modulation of oxido-nitrosative stress, neuroinflammatory, apoptotic markers and mitochondrial complex activity. Thus, it may offer a better therapeutic alternative for the management of HD like symptoms.

Hesperidin, a plant flavonoid accelerated the cutaneous wound healing in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats: Role of TGF-ß/Smads and Ang-1/Tie-2 signaling pathways.

Background: Delayed wound healing is a diverse, multifactorial, complex and inter-related complication of diabetes resulting in significant clinical morbidity. Hesperidin possesses potent antidiabetic and wound healing activity. Aim: To evaluate the potential of hesperidin against experimentally induced diabetes foot ulcers. Methods: Diabetes was induced experimentally by streptozotocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg, i.p.) in Sprague Dawley rats (180-220 g) and wounds were created on the dorsal surface of the hind paw of rats. Hesperidin (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) was administered for 21 days after wound stabilization. Various biochemical, molecular and histopathological parameters were evaluated in wound tissue. Results: STZ-induced decrease in body weight and increase in blood glucose, food, and water intake was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited by hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. It showed a significant increase (p < 0.05) in percent wound closure and serum insulin level. The STZ-induced decrease in SOD and GSH level, as well as elevated MDA and NO levels, were significantly (p < 0.05) attenuated by hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. Intraperitoneal administration of STZ caused significant down-regulation in VEGF-c, Ang-1, Tie-2, TGF-ß and Smad 2/3 mRNA expression in wound tissues whereas hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment showed significant up-regulation in these mRNA expressions. STZ-induced alteration in would architecture was also attenuated by hesperidin (50 and 100 mg/kg) treatment. Conclusion: Together, treatment with hesperidin accelerate angiogenesis and vasculogenesis via up-regulation of VEGF-c, Ang-1/Tie-2, TGF-ß and Smad-2/3 mRNA expression to enhance wound healing in chronic diabetic foot ulcers.

Evaluation of health-related quality of life in hemolytic uraemic syndrome patients treated with eculizumab: a systematic evaluation on basis of EMPRO.

BACKGROUND: Hemolytic uraemic syndrome (HUS) is progressive renal failure disease and determination of their quality of life (QoL) on the basis of patient-reported outcomes (PROs) are becoming increasingly important in the economic evaluations for its treatment with eculizumab (ECU). AIM: To perform the systematic evaluation of QoL in HUS patients treated with ECU on the basis of Evaluating Measures of Patient Reported Outcomes (EMPRO) tool. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A systematic review was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library, CINAHL and Google Scholar till September 2016 by two independent researchers. Each identified instrument was evaluated for its quality of performance by using the EMPRO tool for its overall score and seven attribute specific scores (range 0-100, worst to best). RESULTS: Five different PROs instruments were identified from 10 articles (n = 112) which showed eculizumab significantly improves health-related quality of life (HRQOL) in atypical HUS (aHUS) patients. Amongst five instruments viz. EuroQol five dimensions questionnaire (EQ-5 D), Functional Assessment of Chronic Illness Therapy-Fatigue (FACIT-F), Headache Impact Test-6 (HIT-6), 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) and Visual Analogue Scale (VAS), the overall EMPRO score was higher for VAS (73.83) and EQ-5 D (73.81). Whereas, FACIT-F and HIT- 6 were just able to meet the minimal threshold of EMPRO scoring (50.24 and 59.09, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Evidence from present investigation support that eculizumab significantly improves HRQoL in patients with aHUS furthermore, EQ-5 D and VAS instrument should be recommended for assessing HRQoL in them. However, selection of PRO instrument for determination of QoL in HUS entirely depend upon the study requirements.

Antioxidant for treatment of diabetic nephropathy: A systematic review and meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality amongst the diabetes mellitus patients. Oxidative stress played a major role in the pathogenesis of DN. Many studies reported that therapies with antioxidant potential have a beneficial effect on DN but there is conflicting evidence amongst them. OBJECTIVE: To elucidate the association between antioxidant and DN and to develop a robust evidence for clinical decisions by conducting systematic reviews and meta-analysis. PATIENT AND METHODS: A comprehensive systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, CPCI-S, ICTRP, and Google Scholar till February 2017 by two independent researchers. Various outcomes were included and statistical analyses were performed using RevMan V.5.3. RESULTS: There were total 1461 participants identified from twelve studies, of which 882 (60.37%) were monitored on antioxidant treatment. Results indicated that antioxidant treatment was associated with significantly change in Blood Urea Nitrogen (SMD = 1.11, 95% CI: 0.38 to 1.85, p = 0.003), urinary Transforming Growth Factor-ß (SMD = 2.16, 95% CI: -0.01 to 4.33; p = 0.05) and estimated Glomerular filtration Rate (SMD = 0.30, 95% CI: 0.06 to 0.55; p = 0.02) than control group. There was no association of change in urine albumin-to-creatinine ratio, serum creatinine, adverse events and rate of death with antioxidant treatment. CONCLUSION: The findings of this investigation indicate that antioxidant treatment is effective clinically for DN treatment in T2DM patient. However, there is a need of high degree of caution for interpreting the outcomes of the studies with a short duration of antioxidant treatment.

Elucidation of protective efficacy of Pentahydroxy flavone isolated from Madhuca indica against arsenite-induced cardiomyopathy: Role of Nrf-2, PPAR-γ, c-fos and c-jun.

BACKGROUND: Madhuca indica J. F. Gmel. (Sapotaceae) is widely used ethnobotanically as anti-diabetic, antipyretic, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and analgesic. It was shown to possess potent anti-apoptotic property. THE AIM OF THE STUDY: To evaluate the possible mechanism of action of isolated phytoconstituent from Madhuca indica Leaves methanolic extract (MI-ALC) on arsenic-induced cardiotoxicity in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The 3,5,7,3',4'-Pentahydroxy flavone (QTN) was isolated and characterized by using HPTLC, 1H NMR, and LC-MS from MI-ALC. QTN (5, 10 and 20mg/kg, p.o.) was administered in arsenic intoxicated rats (5mL/kg, p.o.) for 28days and evaluated for various behavioral, biochemical, molecular and ultra-histological changes. RESULTS: Treatment with QTN (10 and 20mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited (p<0.05) arsenic-induced electrocardiographic, hemodynamic and left ventricular function alterations. Elevated levels of cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB, AST, ALT, and ALP), altered lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, and VLDL) was significantly restored (p<0.05) by QTN. It also significantly inhibited (p<0.05) altered cardiac oxido-nitrosative stress, Na-K-ATPase level and mitochondrial enzymes (I-IV) activity after arsenite administration. QTN significantly increased (p<0.05) myocardial Nrf-2, PPAR-γ and significantly decreased (p<0.05) myocardial c-fos and c-jun mRNA expressions. Flow cytometric analysis showed that treatment with QTN (10 and 20mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p<0.05) arsenite-induce ROS and apoptosis. It also reduced ultra-histological aberrations induced by sodium arsenite. CONCLUSION: Administration of 3,5,7,3',4'- Pentahydroxy flavone (i.e. Quercetin (QTN)) isolated from MI-ALC showed significant protection against arsenic-induced oxido-nitrosative stress and myocardial injury via modulation of Nrf2, PPAR-γ, and apoptosis.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potential of Guaianolide isolated from Cyathocline purpurea: Role of COX-2 inhibition.

BACKGROUND: Inflammation activated by oxidative stress can cause various diseases, such as asthma, rheumatoid arthritis, cancer, diabetes, etc. Plant constituents with sesquiterpene lactones possess antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. AIM: To determine the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of isolated phytoconstituent from Cyathocline purpurea Buch-Ham ex D (CP). Don in laboratory animals. Furthermore, to understand the interactions involved in the binding of this compound to cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) via computational docking. METHODS: Phytoconstituent was isolated, purified and well characterized (using IR, NMR, and MS) from ethyl acetate fraction of CP methanolic extract. It was then evaluated for its in-vitro antioxidant activity against 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and hydroxyl (OH) radical assays as well as in-vivo anti-inflammatory potential against carrageenan-induced paw edema model in rats. The molecular docking study was performed against the crystal structure of COX-2 to evaluate the binding potential of phytoconstituent towards this enzyme. RESULTS: The isolated compound 6α-hydroxy-4 [14], 10 [15]-guainadien-8α, 12-olide (HGN) showed significant (p<0.001) antioxidant activity with IC50 values of 76µg/mL. Administration of HGN (10 and 20mg/kg) significantly (p<0.001) reduced the increased paw volume after subplantar administration of carrageenan. It also exhibits good binding affinity towards with COX-2 with a docking score of -8.98 and Glide binding energy of -36.488kcal/mol shedding light on the potential mechanism of anti-inflammatory action. CONCLUSIONS: The presence of hydroxyl group in HGN provides a credential to its in-vivo anti-inflammatory and in-vitro antioxidant activities. Furthermore, the good binding affinity of HGN for the active site of COX-2 may open novel vistas in therapeutic option with natural antioxidants like Cyathocline purpurea to treat various inflammatory disorders.

Ameliorative effects of Artemisia pallens in a murine model of ovalbumin-induced allergic asthma via modulation of biochemical perturbations.

INTRODUCTION: Asthma is a chronic, heterogeneous airway disorder characterized by airway inflammatory and remodeling. Artemisia pallens has been reported to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and Anti-allergic potential. OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the anti-asthmatic effects of methanolic extract of Artemisia pallens (APME) against ovalbumin (OVA)-induced airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR) in rats. MATERIALS AND METHOD: AHR was induced in male Sprague-Dawley rats (180-200g) by intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of OVA and boosted with an identical OVA solution (s.c.) on day 7. Rats were either treated orally with vehicle (10mg/kg), montelukast (10mg/kg) or APME (100, 200 and 400mg/kg) for next 28days. At the end treatments, various biochemical, molecular (RT-PCR and ELISA analysis) and histological parameters were evaluated. RESULTS: APME (200 and 400mg/kg) significantly attenuated (p<0.05) OVA-induced alteration in lung functions measured by Whole-body plethysmography. Increased Bronchoalveolar Lavage (BAL) fluid differential cell count, as well as total protein and albumin in BAL fluid and lungs, was significantly decreased (p<0.05) by APME. It also significantly attenuated (p<0.05) elevated lung oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase, and serum IgE levels. OVA-induced down-regulation in lung Nrf2 and upregulation in TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-4, IL-6, TGF-ß mRNA expression was significantly attenuated (p<0.05) by APME (200 and 400mg/kg) treatment. Histopathological analysis of lung tissue showed that APME treatment reduced OVA-induced inflammatory influx and fibrosis. CONCLUSION: Artemisia pallens simultaneously orchestrate plethora of mechanisms viz. modulations of IgE, TGF-ß, TNF-α, IL's and Nrf-2 levels to exhibit its anti-asthmatic potential in OVA-induced AHR in rats.

Neuroprotective effect of Azadirachta indica standardized extract in partial sciatic nerve injury in rats: Evidence from anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and anti-apoptotic studies.

Chronic neuropathic pain is a common and widely recognized pain syndrome for patients and difficult to manage for physicians. Azadirachta indica (AI) possesses analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. To evaluate the neuroprotective effect of AI standardized extract in an animal model of peripheral neuropathy induced by partial sciatic nerve ligation (PSNL). PSNL was induced in male Wistar rats (180-200 g) with tight ligation of the nerve. Rats received treatment with either vehicle i.e. distilled water (PSNL control), Pyridoxine (100 mg/kg, p.o.) or AI (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Various behavioral parameters, biochemical, molecular and histological parameters were evaluated. PSNL resulted in a significant decrease (p < 0.05) in allodynia, hyperalgesia, motor coordination and motor nerve conduction velocity (MNCV) whereas chronic treatment with AI (200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) these behavioral changes. Enhanced activity of oxidative-nitrosative stress, inflammatory mediators (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and NF-κB) as well as mRNA expression of Bax, Caspase-3, and iNOs were significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) by AI treatment. It also significantly increased (p < 0.05) peripheral blood oxygen content and Bcl-2 mRNA expression. The flow cytometric analysis revealed that AI (200 and 400 mg/kg) treatment significantly attenuated neural apoptosis and reactive oxygen species levels. PSNL induced histological aberrations were also decreased by AI treatment. Azadirachta indica exerts its neuroprotection against PSNL induced neuropathic pain via inhibition of oxidative-nitrosative stress, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis to improve MNCV (graphical abstract, Figure 1(Fig. 1)).

Ferulic acid ameliorates TNBS-induced ulcerative colitis through modulation of cytokines, oxidative stress, iNOs, COX-2, and apoptosis in laboratory rats.

Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic immune-inflammatory disorder characterized by oxido-nitrosative stress, the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and apoptosis. Ferulic acid (FA), a phenolic compound is considered to possess potent antioxidant, anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory activities. The aim is to evaluate possible mechanism of action of FA against trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS) induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats. UC was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats (150-200 g) by intrarectal administration of TNBS (100 mg/kg). FA was administered (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg, p.o.) for 14 days after colitis was induced. Various biochemical, molecular and histological changes were assessed in the colon. Intrarectal administration of TNBS caused significant induction of ulcer in the colon with an elevation of oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase and hydroxyproline activity in the colon. Administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly decrease oxido-nitrosative stress, myeloperoxidase, and hydroxyproline activities. Up-regulated mRNA expression of TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOs, as well as down-regulated IL-10 mRNA expressions after TNBS administration, were significantly inhibited by FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) treatment. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that intrarectal administration of TNBS-induced significantly enhanced the colonic apoptosis whereas administration of FA (20 and 40 mg/kg) significantly restored the elevated apoptosis. FA administration also significantly restored the histopathological aberration induced by TNBS. The findings of the present study demonstrated that FA ameliorates TNBS-induced colitis via inhibition of oxido-nitrosative stress, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokines production, and down- regulation of COX-2 synthesis.Graphical Abstract: TNBS caused activation of T cells which interact with CD40 on antigen presenting cells i.e. dendritic cells (DC) that induce the key Interleukin 12 (IL-12)-mediated Th1 T cell immune inflammatory response. It releases interferon-γ (IFN-γ), which in turn induces macrophages (MAC) to produce TNF-α and other pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-1ß, IL-6). This inflammatory influx resulted in induction of ulcerative colitis (UC). Administration of FA may inhibit this IFN-γ induced inflammatory cascade via a decrease in the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines to ameliorate TNBS-induced colitis.

Acute and repeated doses (28 days) oral toxicity study of Vicenin-1, a flavonoid glycoside isolated from fenugreek seeds in laboratory mice.

Vicenin-1 (fenugreek glycoside) has been proven to possess potent anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activity. The objective of the present investigation was to determine in-vivo acute and subacute (28-days repeated dose) oral toxicity of Vicenin-1 isolated from fenugreek seed. Vicenin-1 (93%) was isolated from a hydroalcoholic extract of fenugreek seed and characterized using HPLC, TLC, 1H NMR and 13C NMR. Acute oral toxicity (AOT) and subacute toxicity studies of Vicenin-1 were carried out according to OECD 425 (up-and-down procedure) and OCED 407 guidelines in Swiss albino mice. In AOT, Vicenin-1 showed 10% mortality when administered at a dose of 5000 mg/kg. However, when vicenin-1 was administered for at doses of 37.5, 75, or 150 mg/kg 28-days it did not show any mortality at the administered doses. Vicenin-1 (75 mg/kg) did not show observational, behavioral, biochemical or histopathological toxic effects. There were minor alterations in body weight, hematology, and histopathology of mice administered with Vicenin-1 (150 mg/kg), but these changes were within normal laboratory ranges. The highest concentration of Venicin-1 was found in liver (3.46%) followed by lung (0.65%). In conclusion, Vicenin-1 showed median lethal dose (LD50) of 4837.5 mg/kg with no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAEL) at 75 mg/kg and lowest adverse effect levels (LOAEL) at 150 mg/kg for both sexes of mice during AOT and sub-acute toxicity study, respectively.

Development and validation of HPLC method for vicenin-1 isolated from fenugreek seeds in rat plasma: application to pharmacokinetic, tissue distribution and excretion studies.

CONTEXT: Vicenin-1, a flavonol glycoside, has potent platelet aggregation inhibition, antioxidant, radioprotectants and anti-inflammatory activities. OBJECTIVE: To establish a rapid, simple, precise and sensitive high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method for determination of vicenin-1 in rat plasma, and to investigate the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion after a single 60 mg/kg oral dose in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Vicenin-1 was extracted by solid-liquid extraction through Tulsicon® ADS-400 (0.40-1.2 mm). Chromatographic separation was achieved by HPLC with a C18 column with a mobile phase composed of water and acetonitrile (75:25 v/v) and a flow rate of 1 mL/min along with UV detection at 210 nm. RESULTS: Good linearity of calibration curve was found between 10.5 and 100.5 µg/mL (R2 = 0.995) for plasma and tissue, whereas 2.5-500 µg/mL (R2 = 0.999) for the urine and stool samples. The extraction recoveries were 98.51-99.58% for vicenin-1 in plasma, whereas intra-day and inter-day precision were validated by relative standard deviation (%RSD), that came in the ranges of 1.16-1.79% and 1.28-1.73%, respectively. The pharmacokinetics results showed Cmax (7.039 µg/mL) and Tmax (2 h) after oral administration of vicenin-1. Tissue distribution study showed that the highest concentration of vicenin-1 was achieved in the liver followed by the lung. Approximately 24.2% of its administered dose was excreted via urinary excretion route. CONCLUSION: The first-pass metabolism, poor solubility and presence of reducing sugar moiety in vicenin-1 may decrease its bioavailability. The developed method is sensitive, specific and was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetics, tissue distribution and excretion studies of vicenin-1 in rats.

Sodium arsenite-induced myocardial bruise in rats: Ameliorative effect of naringin via TGF-ß/Smad and Nrf/HO pathways.

BACKGROUND: Arsenic poisoning is a serious medical condition caused by consumption of contaminated food and water. Cardiovascular toxicity is one of the important risk factors associated with arsenic toxicity. AIM: To elucidate efficacy and possible mechanism of action of naringin in arsenic-induced cardiac toxicity in laboratory rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Arsenic toxicity was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, p.o., 28 days). Rats were either concomitantly treated with vehicle (5 mL/kg, p.o.) or naringin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) for 28 days. Chronic administration of sodium arsenite caused significant alterations in electrocardiographic, hemodynamic and left ventricle contractile functions. RESULTS: Treatment with naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly restored (p < 0.05) these altered myocardial functions. Administration of naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) arsenite-induced increased cardiac markers (LDH, CK-MB, AST, ALT, and ALP) and altered lipid metabolism (total cholesterol, triglyceride, LDL, HDL, and VLDL). The elevated level of heart oxido-nitrosative stress and decreased cardiac Na-K-ATPase level after arsenite administration was significantly attenuated (p < 0.05) by naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.) treatment. Naringin also significantly increased (p < 0.05) myocardial mitochondrial enzymes (I-IV) activity. Arsenite-induced alteration in heart Nrf-2, HO-1, Smad-3, and TGF-ß mRNA expression were significantly restored (p < 0.05) by naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) treatment. Treatment with naringin (40 and 80 mg/kg) significantly inhibited (p < 0.05) arsenite-induce apoptosis revealed by flow cytometric analysis. Naringin administration reduced histopathological aberrations (measured using transmission electron microscopy) induced by sodium arsenite. CONCLUSION: The results of present investigation suggest that naringin ameliorates arsenite-induced cardiotoxicity via modulation of TGF-ß/Smad-3 and Nrf-2/HO-1 pathways along with a reduction in myocardial apoptosis.