ß-lapachone protects against doxorubicin-induced hepatotoxicity through modulation of NAD+ /SIRT-1/FXR/p-AMPK/NF-kB and Nrf2 signaling axis.

Doxorubicin (DOX) is a widely used antineoplastic drug, but its clinical use is limited by significant toxicities, such as hepatotoxicity. In this study, we evaluated the effects of ß-lapachone (ß-LAP), a natural quinone-containing compound, in a mouse model of DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. ß-LAP was orally administered at 1.25, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg for 4 days, and a single dose of DOX (20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on the second day. Histopathological changes, liver function markers, antioxidant and inflammatory markers were assessed. ß-LAP ameliorated liver injury and liver function markers evoked by DOX. ß-LAP also downregulated the mRNA expression of nuclear factor-kB-corresponding genes including interleukin-6, interleukin-1ß, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Moreover, ß-LAP increased the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 target genes heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1, along with antioxidant enzymes including reduced glutathione, catalase, and superoxide dismutase with simultaneous reduction in the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde. Meanwhile, it recovered NAD+ /NADH ratios and subsequently elevated the protein levels of sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1), farnesoid X receptor (FXR), and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK). Collectively, these findings suggest a protective role of ß-LAP against DOX-induced hepatotoxicity by partly regulating the NAD+ /SIRT-1/FXR/p-AMPK axis.

TGF-ß1 receptor blockade attenuates unilateral ureteral obstruction-induced renal fibrosis in C57BL/6 mice through attenuating Smad and MAPK pathways.

Renal fibrosis is characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix components and collagen deposition. TGF-ß1 acts as a master switch promoting renal fibrosis through Smad dependent and/or Smad independent pathways. Thirty-five male C57BL/6 mice were divided into five groups of seven each; sham, unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO), UUO+galunisertib (150 and 300 mg/kg/day), galunisertib (300 mg/kg/day). The UUO markedly induced renal fibrosis and injury as indicated by renal functional loss, increased levels of collagen Iα1, fibronectin and α-SMA; it also activated both the Smad 2/3 and MAPKs pathways as indicated by increased levels of TGF-ß1, p-Smad 2, p-Smad 3, p-p38, p-JNK and p-ERK. These UUO-induced changes were markedly attenuated by oral administration of galunisertib, the TGFßRI small molecule inhibitor. In conclusion, we demonstrated that TGF-ß1 receptor blockade can prevent UUO-induced renal fibrosis through indirect modulation of Smad and MAPKs signaling pathways and may be useful as a therapeutic agent in treatment and/or prevention of renal fibrosis.

The porcupine inhibitor WNT974 provokes ectodermal lineage differentiation of human embryonic stem cells.

Porcupine (Porcn) enzyme plays an essential role in Wnt signaling activation. Stearoyl-CoA desaturase-1 (SCD1) is required to provide Porcn substrates. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of a novel Porcn inhibitor on the fate of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and the reliance of Porcn on SCD1 activity. hESCs were cultured on a feeder layer or Matrigel-coated plates. Small molecules WNT974 (LGK-974) and CAY10566 were used to inhibit Porcn and SCD1 activity, respectively. We assessed the effect of Porcn inhibition on viability, expression of Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, proliferation, differentiation, and protein fatty acylation. hESCs' conditioned medium (CM) containing secreted Wnt proteins were applied in rescue experiments. To examine the catalytic dependency of Porcn on SCD1, the results of combined inhibitor treatment were compared with the SCD1 inhibitor alone. LGK-974 at the selected concentrations showed mild effects on hESCs viability, but significantly reduced messenger RNA and protein expression of Wnt signaling targets (Axin-2 and c-Myc) and pluripotency markers (OCT-4 and SOX-2) (p < .05). Adding 1 µM of Porcn inhibitor reduced proliferation (p = .03) and enhanced differentiation capacity into ectodermal progenitors (p = .02), which were reverted by CM. Click chemistry reaction did not show significant alteration in protein fatty acylation upon LGK-974 treatment. Moreover, combined inhibitor treatment caused no further substantial reduction in Wnt signaling targets, pluripotency markers, and protein fatty acylation relative to CAY10566-treated cultures. The substrate availability for Porcn activity is regulated by SCD1 and targeting Porcn by LGK-974 prompts the transition of hESCs from self-renewal state to ectodermal lineage.

A mechanical non-enzymatic method for isolation of mouse embryonic fibroblasts.

Mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) accessibility coupled with their simple generation make them as a typical embryonic cell model and feeder layer for in vitro expansion of pluripotent stem cells (PSCs). In this study, a mechanical isolation technique was adopted to isolate MEFs and the efficiency of this technique was compared with enzymatic digestion method. The suspended MEFs were prepared either by mechanical method or 0.25% trypsin enzymatic digestion. The effect of tissue processing on cell apoptosis/necrosis, morphology, viable cell yield, population doubling time, surface marker expression, and the capacity to support PSCs were determined. The mechanical method yielded a significantly higher number of viable cells. However, it showed similar morphology and proliferation characteristics as compared to enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method induced slight apoptosis in MEFs; however, it did not exert the necrotic effect of trypsinization. Treatment of tissue slurry with trypsin solution caused cell lysis and subsequently cell clump formation. Mechanically isolated cells exhibited a higher expression of the MEF surface antigens Sca1, CD106, and CD105. The PSCs on mechanically isolated MEFs displayed a higher expression of pluripotency genes, and formed more compact colonies with a stronger tendency to crowding compared with those cultured on cells isolated by enzymatic digestion. The mechanical method based on tissue inter-syringe processing is relatively a rapid and simple method for MEF isolation. Compared to the enzymatic digestion, the cells obtained from this method show higher expression of embryonic fibroblasts markers and a more functional capacity in supporting PSCs culture.

Noscapine Modulates Neuronal Response to Oxygen-glucose Deprivation/Reperfusion Injury Via Activation of Sigma-1 Receptor in Primary Cortical Cultures.

In the present study, we investigated the effects of noscapine (0.5-2 µM), an alkaloid from the opium poppy (Papaver somniferum), on primary murine cortical neurons exposed to 60 min oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD) in the presence of 5 µM BD-1047, a selective sigma-1 receptor antagonist. The experiments were performed on cortical neurons after 11-16 days of culture. To initiate oxygen-glucose deprivation, the culture medium was transferred to glucose-free DMEM, and placed in a humidified incubation chamber containing a mixture of 95% N2 and 5% CO2 at 37 °C for 60 min. In order to explore the effect on neurons under oxygen-glucose deprivation in this condition, some cultures were pretreated with noscapine and BD1047 together, 24 h prior to OGD followed by 24 h recovery. Cell viability, nitric oxide (NO) production and intracellular calcium concentration ([Ca2+]i) levels were evaluated by MTT assay, the modified Griess method, and Fura-2, respectively. Pretreatment of the cultures with noscapine in the presence of BD1047 significantly increased cell viability and decreased NO generation in a dose-dependent manner compared to BD1047 alone. Pretreatment with 2 µM noscapine and BD-1047 was shown to decrease the rise in [Ca2+]i induced by sodium azide (NaN3) and glucose deprivation. We concluded that noscapine in the presence of BD1047 could protect primary cortical neurons after oxygen-glucose deprivation-induced cell injury but this effect was not complete. Our results indicate that neuroprotective effects of noscapine could be mediated partially through activation of sigma-1 receptor and by decreasing NO production and [Ca2+]i levels.

Inhibition of USP14 induces ER stress-mediated autophagy without apoptosis in lung cancer cell line A549.

Non-small cell lung cancer is the most common type of lung cancer, accounting for more than 80% of this tumor. Ubiquitin-specific protease (USP) 14 is one of the 100 deubiquitinating enzymes that is overexpressed in lung cancer and has been validated as a therapeutic target. The aim of this study is to determine whether the accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins results in endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress-mediated autophagy. To inhibit USP-14, A549 lung cancer cells were treated with USP-14 siRNA and IU1-47 (20 µM). The protein level, mRNA expression, and cell cycle analysis were evaluated using Western blot, real-time PCR, and flow cytometry, respectively. We found that treating A549 cells with USP14 inhibitors significantly reduced the proliferation rate and induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. We also found that USP14 inhibitors did not induce apoptosis but actually induced autophagy through accumulation of ubiquitinated proteins/ER stress/unfolded protein response (UPR) axis. Moreover, we have for the first time demonstrated that the USP14 inhibition induces ER stress-mediated autophagy in A549 cells by activation of c-Jun N-terminal kinase 1 (JNK1). In conclusion, the current investigation represents a new mechanism by which inhibition of USP14 triggers autophagy via ER stress-mediated UPR in A549 cells.

Empagliflozin Attenuates Renal and Urinary Markers of Tubular Epithelial Cell Injury in Streptozotocin-induced Diabetic Rats.

Empagliflozin, a SGLT-2 inhibitor, improves diabetic nephropathy through its pleiotropic anti-inflammatory effects. The present study aims to evaluate empagliflozin effects on renal and urinary levels of tubular epithelial cell injury markers in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Empagliflozin at 10 mg/kg (p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks, beginning 8 weeks after induction of diabetes. Renal function as well as markers of renal tubular epithelial cell injury were assessed in kidney tissue homogenates and urine. Empagliflozin was able to ameliorate diabetes induced elevations in serum cystatin C levels. It also alleviated renal KIM-1/NGAL levels and urinary albumin, α-GST, and RBP excretions. In addition to decreasing urinary levels of cell cycle arrest indices i.e. TIMP-2 and IGFBP7, empagliflozin mitigated acetylated NF-κB levels in renal tissues of diabetic rats. As a whole, these findings reveal empagliflozin capability in improving diabetic nephropathy via ameliorating indices of renal inflammation, injury, and cell cycle arrest on streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

The Effect of Voluntary Exercise and Prenatal Exposure to Sodium Valproate on Learning, Memory, and Anxiety of Rats' Offspring.

BACKGROUND: Antiepileptic drugs, such as sodium valproate (SV), are teratogenic as their usage by the pregnant mother has been associated with an increased risk of major congenital abnormalities in the fetus. In this study, the effects of voluntary exercise and prenatal exposure to SV on learning, memory, and anxiety in rats' offspring are investigated. METHODS: In the present study, 70 female albino Wistar rats (200-240g) were used. The rats were categorized in seven groups: 1 and 2, pregnant rats with exposure to SV (10 mg/kg/day i.p) 3 and 4, pregnant rats with exposure to SV (20 mg/kg/day i.p) 5 and 6, pregnant rats with exposure to normal saline (0.4 ml/day i.p) and 7, pregnant rats with exposure to lamotrigine (20 mg/kg/day i.p). The even and odd groups were sedentary and voluntary exercise groups, respectively. Learning and memory were tested in male offspring using shuttle-box; anxiety was tested by elevated plus-maze (each group n=12). Statistical analyses were performed using the one-way ANOVA (the Tukey test) and/or two-way ANOVA on rank. RESULTS: The results showed that voluntary exercise in male rats caused improvement of latency and duration time in the dark box compared to sedentary groups (P=0.004). Moreover, the group administrated with 10 mg/kg SV showed better learning capability than the group administrated with 20 mg/kg SV. Voluntary exercise could also improve anxiety (P=0.001). CONCLUSION: This study indicated that exercise could increase learning capacity and improve memories in rats' offspring whose mothers were exposed to SV. Voluntary exercise could improve anxiety too, and the effect was dose-dependent.

A glimpse into molecular mechanisms of embryonic stem cells pluripotency: Current status and future perspective.

Embryonic stem cells have potential differentiation ability into a large variety of cell lineages and proved to be an effective therapeutic modality. However, prolonged in vitro and ex-vivo expansions impair embryonic stem cells multipotentiality, and thereby limit their clinical application. In the past few years, research collected attempts to explore new insights into the molecular mechanisms participate in the stemness capacity of embryonic stem cells. Along with these comments, modalities and strategies with the potential to maintain embryonic stem cells multipotentiality are of great interest. In this review, the authors attempted to discuss the pathways participating in the preservation of embryonic stem cells multipotentiality and emphasized the novel strategies that help to harness regenerative potential.

Preparation, characterization, and evaluation of the anticancer activity of artemether-loaded nano-niosomes against breast cancer.

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to develop nonionic surfactant vesicles (niosomes) as a promising nanocarrier to enhance the anticancer activity of artemether. METHODS: The niosomes were prepared by thin-film hydration method containing a mixture of Span, Tween and cholesterol (Chol) in different molar ratios. All formulations were characterized in terms of size, entrapment efficiency (%EE), release profile and morphology. The optimized niosomal formulation (F7), artemether and phosphate buffered saline (PBS) were intratumorally administrated to mice as the nano-niosome group, the free drug group and the control group, respectively (n = 4 per group). Tumor volume was measured during the 12-day experiment, then mice were sacrificed to evaluate the necrosis, angiogenesis, and cell proliferation of tumor tissues by H&E, CD34 and Ki-67 immunostaining, respectively. RESULTS: Both artemether and nano-niosome groups could decrease angiogenesis and proliferation of tumor cells. However, in nano-niosome group superior tumor necrosis and smaller tumor volume were observed compared to both artemether and control groups. CONCLUSIONS: The niosomal formulation could be a promising carrier for breast cancer treatment.

ß-LAPachone ameliorates doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity via regulating autophagy and Nrf2 signalling pathways in mice.

ß-LAPachone (B-LAP) is a naphthoquinone that possesses antioxidant properties. In the present investigation, the protective effect of B-LAP against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity was examined in mice. Thirty-five mice were divided into 5 groups: control group, B-LAP (5 mg/kg) group, DOX (15 mg/kg) group, DOX+B-LAP (2.5 mg/kg) group and DOX+B-LAP (5 mg/kg) group. B-LAP was administered orally for 14 days of experimental period. A single dose of DOX (15 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on day 3. Cardiac function, histoarchitecture, indices of oxidative stress and circulating markers of cardiac injury were examined. B-LAP (5 mg/kg) decreased serum levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), creatine kinase MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI), and ameliorated cardiac histopathological alterations. In addition to increasing cellular NAD+ /NADH ratio, B-LAP up-regulated the cardiac levels of SIRT1, beclin-1, p-LKB1 and p-AMPK, and reduced the cardiac levels of p-mTOR, interleukin (IL)-1ß, TNF (tumour necrosis factor)-α and caspase-3. B-LAP also elevated the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and simultaneously up-regulated the protein levels of haem oxygenase (HO-1) and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in the hearts of DOX mice. While B-LAP reduced malondialdehyde concentrations in heart of DOX-treated mice, it further promoted the activities of cardiac superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX) and catalase (CAT).In accordance with increased cell survival, B-LAP significantly improved the cardiac function of DOX mice. Collectively, these findings underline the protective potential of B-LAP against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating autophagy and AMPK/Nrf2 signalling pathway in mice.

The effect of oral melatonin on renal ischemia-reperfusion injury in transplant patients: A double-blind, randomized controlled trial.

BACKGROUND: One of the important factors in the occurrence of acute kidney injury (AKI) among renal transplant patients (RTPs) is ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI). The current study aimed at determining the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects of melatonin on the complications of IRI and the level of Klotho expression in these patients. METHODS: A total of 40 renal transplant candidates were randomly assigned into placebo or melatonin group receiving the same dose of 3 mg/day. In order to measure serum melatonin levels, inflammatory and oxidative stress factors, renal function biomarkers, and Klotho gene/protein expression, venous blood samples were taken from patients over two different time points, i e, 24 h before the transplantation and at discharge from hospital. RESULTS: Melatonin was associated with improvement in renal transplantation, since the serum level of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin, as a renal functional marker, significantly decreased (P < .001). The effect of melatonin as a suppressor of inflammation and oxidative stress was also evident in the melatonin group due to a significant reduction in the serum levels of MDA, CP, 8-OHdG, and TNF-α markers (P < .001). CONCLUSIONS: Reduction in serum levels of renal function and oxidative stress/inflammatory markers in the melatonin group indicates that melatonin can inhibit IRI outcomes in RTPs through its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. However, these properties do not appear as a result of influence on the level of Klotho gene/protein expression.

Empagliflozin alleviates renal inflammation and oxidative stress in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats partly by repressing HMGB1-TLR4 receptor axis.

OBJECTIVES: Empagliflozin, a sodium-glucose cotransporter-2 (SGLT-2) inhibitor, possesses verified anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress effects against diabetic nephropathy. The present investigation aims to examine empagliflozin effects on the renal levels of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1), a potent inflammatory cytokine, and its respective receptor toll-like receptor-4 (TLR-4) in STZ-induced diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Empagliflozin at 10 mg/kg per os (p.o.) was administered for 4 weeks, starting 8 weeks after the induction of diabetes. Renal function, kidney inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis markers as well as renal HMGB1, receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE), and TLR-4 levels were assessed. RESULTS: In addition to down-regulating NF-κB activity in renal cortices, empagliflozin reduced renal levels of HMGB1, RAGE, and TLR-4. It alleviated renal inflammation as indicated by diminished renal expressions of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and also decreased urinary levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and alpha-1 acid glycoprotein (AGP). Moreover, empagliflozin ameliorated renal oxidative stress as demonstrated by decreased renal malondialdehyde (MDA) and elevated renal activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPX). It also suppressed renal caspase-3, the marker of apoptosis; and furthermore, enhanced renal function noticed by the declined levels of serum urea and creatinine. CONCLUSION: These findings underline that empagliflozin is able to attenuate diabetes-related elevations in renal HMGB1 levels, an influential inflammatory cytokine released from the necrotic and activated cells, and its correspondent receptors, i.e., RAGE and TLR-4.

A New Potentiometric Sensor for Determination and Screening Phenylalanine in Blood Serum Based on Molecularly Imprinted Polymer.

Methods routinely utilized for detection of phenylalanine in new-born blood consist of enzymatic assays, lacking sensitivity and HPLC assays which are expensive and time-consuming to conduct. We, here, report for the first time, the construction of a phenylalanine sensitive electrode, on the basis of a selective molecularly imprinted polymer, offering sensitivity, economy and ease of use for the measurement of phenylalanine .The sensor was constructed of a graphite-rod electrode which was coated by MIP embedded polymer base made from polyvinyl chloride and plasticizer mixture, dissolved in THF. At optimized conditions the electrode revealed a Nernstian response 29.73 ± 1.0 mV decade-1 in a concentration range of 1 × 10⁻8 to 1 × 10-4 M with detection limit of 5 × 10⁻9 M. The potential response of the electrode was constant in the pH range of 4.0-7.5. The electrode unfolded a response time of ~20 sec. The selectivity coefficient of the sensor towards a number of different amino acids with molecular similarities and some metal ions was evaluated. The sensor was successfully used for determination of phenylalanine in blood serum and the results were in good compatibility with HPLC method.

Micheliolide Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiotoxicity in Mice by Regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-kB Signaling Pathway.

Micheliolide (MCL) is a naturally derived anti-inflammatory agent. In the present investigation, we examined the protective potential of MCL against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced cardiotoxicity in mice. Mice were injected with a single 15-mg/kg intraperitoneal dose of DOX at day 1 and the study groups received daily 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg doses of MCL for 7 days. Cardiac histopathology, cardiac function, serum markers of cardiac injury, and tissue markers of inflammation, and oxidative stress were examined. MCL decreased serum levels of creatinine kinase MB (CK-MB) and cardiac troponin I (cTnI) levels, ameliorated cardiac tissue architecture, and improved cardiac stroke volume. Apart from reducing the activities of NF-kB p65 subunit, MCL attenuated the cardiac levels of PI3K, phosphorylated (p)-Akt, p-Bad, and caspase-3 levels and simultaneously elevated p-PTEN levels. While the gene expressions of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 1 beta (IL-1ß) were decreased, the tissue activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as gene expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase-1 (NQO1) were increased after treatment with MCL. Furthermore, tissue levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also decreased. Collectively, these findings point to the protective effects of MCL against DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by regulating PI3K/Akt/NF-kB signaling pathway in mice.

Tangeretin protects renal tubular epithelial cells against experimental cisplatin toxicity.

OBJECTIVES: Cisplatin is an effective antineoplastic agent; its clinical utility, however, is limited by a few salient toxic side effects like nephrotoxicity. This study aimed to determine the potential protective effects of tangeretin, a citrus-derived flavonoid, against renal tubular cell injury in cisplatin-induced renal toxicity of rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Tangeretin was injected intraperitoneally at 2.5 and 5 mg/kg doses for 10 days, and a single dose of cisplatin (8 mg/kg) was injected on the 7th day. Tests of kidney function and tubular injury in renal tissues and urine together with oxidative stress and inflammation markers were examined. RESULTS: Tangeretin ameliorated cisplatin-induced elevations in serum creatinine, BUN, and histopathologic changes. It also attenuated kidney oxidative stress elicited by cisplatin as demonstrated by reduced MDA and increased GSH, CAT, and SOD activities, elevated Nrf2 expression and protein levels of its downstream effectors, HO-1 and NQO-1. Tangeretin further alleviated inflammation evoked by cisplatin as indicated by reduced NF-κB p65 subunit phosphorylation with a simultaneous decrement in its downstream effectors IL-1ß and TNF-α expression and protein levels. Moreover, it declined caspase-3 protein levels and TUNEL positive cells in the kidneys, the markers of apoptosis and DNA fragmentation, thus improving renal endurance. Additionally, tangeretin mitigated renal levels of KIM-1 and NGAL, as well as urinary cystatin C and ß2-microglobulin concentrations, the markers of renal tubular injury. CONCLUSION: Collectively, these data signify the binary profit of tangeretin: enhancement of renal protective mechanisms against cisplatin and attenuation of renal tubular cell injuries induced by the agent.

AMPK: A promising molecular target for combating cisplatin toxicities.

Cisplatin is a broadly prescribed anti-tumor agent for the treatment of diverse cancers. Therapy with cisplatin, however, is associated with various adverse effects including nephrotoxicity and ototoxicity. AMP kinase (AMPK), an evolutionarily conserved enzyme, functions as the fundamental regulator of energy homeostasis. While AMPK activation protects normal tissues against cisplatin-induced toxicities, its impact in cancer is context-dependent and there is no single, uniform role for AMPK. On one hand, some report that AMPK activation augments cisplatin-induced apoptosis in cancer, while on the other hand, few reports indicate that AMPK activation rescues cancer cells from the cytotoxicity induced by cisplatin. Here we review the most salient signaling pathways regulated by AMPK with an emphasis on their relation to cisplatin toxicity and yet discuss context-dependent functions of AMPK in cancer.

ß-Lapachone protects against doxorubicin-induced nephrotoxicity via NAD+/AMPK/NF-kB in mice.

ß-Lapachone (B-LAP) is a natural naphtaquinone with established anti-oxidative stress and anti-cancer activities. We aimed to investigate B-LAP protective potential against doxorubicin (DOX)-induced nephrotoxicity in mice. The mice received an oral dose of B-LAP followed by a single intraperitoneal injection of 20 mg/kg DOX a day later. They were then treated for 4 days with 1.25 mg/kg, 2.5 mg/kg, and 5 mg/kg doses of B-LAP. Renal levels of NAD+/NADH ratios, p-AMPKα, p-NF-κB p65, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6) along with renal expressions of TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6 were examined. Serum levels of kidney function markers as well as renal histopathology were also investigated. In addition to increasing the activities of p-AMPKα, B-LAP elevated NAD+/NADH ratios in the kidneys and decreased the renal levels of nuclear p-NF-κB and its correspondent downstream effectors TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, and iNOS in the kidneys. Also, B-LAP effectively ameliorated renal architectural changes and attenuated serum levels of urea, creatinine, and cystatin C. Collectively, these findings suggest the protective actions of B-LAP against DOX-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.

The Effect of Oral Administration of PUFAs on the Matrix Metalloproteinase Expression in Gastric Adenocarcinoma Patients Undergoing Chemotherapy.

OBJECTIVE: Gastric cancer is the third-leading cause of cancer-related mortality and the fifth most common cancer globally. Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are considered as functional ingredients that improve the efficacy of chemotherapeutic drugs. The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of PUFAs administration on matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs). METHODS: This study was designed as a randomized, double-blind trial. Thirty-four newly diagnosed patients with gastric cancer were randomly divided into two groups: control group (n = 17) and case group (n =17). Both groups received the same dose (75 mg/m2) of cisplatin. Control group received cisplatin plus placebo and the case group received cisplatin plus PUFAs [3600 mg/day, for three courses (each course included 3 weeks)]. The mRNA and protein expression of MMPs determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and immunohistochemistry (IHC), respectively. RESULTS: The relative gene expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control. The protein expression of MMP-1 and MMP-9 was significantly lower in case group than control. CONCLUSION: According to the results of this study, PUFAs reduced the expression of MMPs in gastric cancer cells. It seems that PUFAs may have an inhibitory effect on invasion and metastasis of gastric cancer cells.

Wnt lipidation: Roles in trafficking, modulation, and function.

The Wnt signaling pathway consists of various downstream target proteins that have substantial roles in mammalian cell proliferation, differentiation, and development. Its aberrant activity can lead to uncontrolled proliferation and tumorigenesis. The posttranslational connection of fatty acyl chains to Wnt proteins provides the unique capacity for regulation of Wnt activity. In spite of the past belief that Wnt molecules are subject to dual acylation, it has been shown that these proteins have only one acylation site and undergo monounsaturated fatty acylation. The Wnt monounsaturated fatty acyl chain is more than just a hydrophobic coating and appears to be critical for Wnt signaling, transport, and receptor activation. Here, we provide an overview of recent findings in Wnt monounsaturated fatty acylation and the mechanism by which this lipid moiety regulates Wnt activity from the site of production to its receptor interactions.