Effect of age, sex and physiological stages on hematological indices of Banni buffalo (Bubalus bubalis).

AIM: To determine the physiological baseline values for hematological indices of Banni buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) as well as to assess their alteration due to age, sex and physiological stages. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A total of 42 clinically healthy Banni buffaloes were categorized into seven groups (n=6): Group I (male calves ≤1 year), Group II (bulls >1 year), Group III (female calves ≤1 year), Group IV (pregnant lactating buffaloes), Group V (non-pregnant lactating buffaloes), Group VI (pregnant dry buffaloes), and Group VII (non-pregnant dry buffaloes). Blood samples collected aseptically from all the experimental groups were analyzed employing automated hematology analyzer. The data obtained were statistically analyzed; the mean and standard deviations were calculated and set as the reference values. RESULTS: The erythrocytic indices viz. total erythrocytes count (TEC), hemoglobin, and packed cell volume (PCV) were significantly higher in bulls as compared to that of male calves unlike mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), and MCH concentration. The female calves had higher TEC and PCV than the adult buffaloes irrespective of sex. The total leukocyte count (TLC) and neutrophil counts in male calves were significantly lower than the bulls unlike the eosinophil, while monocyte and basophil remained unchanged with age. The TLC, differential leukocyte count and platelet count varied non-significantly among the adult female groups at different physiological stages. However, neutrophils were found to be apparently higher in lactating buffaloes. CONCLUSION: The present study would be helpful for physiological characterization of this unique buffalo breed of Gujarat. Further, data generated may be a tool for monitoring the health and prognosis as well as diagnosis of diseases.

Effects of different levels of urea supplementation on nutrient intake and growth performance in growing camels fed roughage based complete pellet diets.

The utilization of urea in camels has beneficial and negative effects. The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of different levels of urea supplementation on nutrients intake, digestibility, growth performance, feed efficiency and economics in growing camels fed roughage based complete pellet diets. In the present study, eighteen growing camels with an average live body weight of 306.17 ± 2.05 kg were randomly assigned in three treatments: T1 = roughage complete pellet diet without urea, T2 = T1 plus 1% urea, and T3 = T1 plus 2% urea. The results showed that the urea supplementation significantly affected average daily feed and nutrient intake of dry matter (DM), organic matter (OM), crude protein (CP), neutral detergent fiber (NDF), and acid detergent fiber (ADF) (P < 0.05). On the contrary, the average daily intake of nitrogen free extract (NFE) and water were not influenced by increasing urea supplementation (P > 0.05). Similarly, digestion coefficient of DM, CP, ether extract (EE), crude fiber (CF) and ADF was influenced by increasing urea level (P < 0.05), while the digestion coefficient of OM, NFE and NDF was not affected by increasing urea level (P > 0.05). The intake of digestive nutrients was similar among all treatment groups. Total body live weight gain and average daily gain were significantly higher in urea supplemented groups (P < 0.05) than in the control group. The supplementation of urea at 1% in low quality roughage complete pellet diets significantly improved (P < 0.05) the feed efficiency. In conclusion, these results indicated that the incorporation of urea at 1% in roughage based complete pellet diets could positively improve nutrients intake, digestibility, growth performance and feed conversion efficiency of growing camels.

Alleviation of hepatic injury by chrysin in cisplatin administered rats: probable role of oxidative and inflammatory markers.

BACKGROUND: Cisplatin is an effective and extensively used chemotherapeutic agent to treat range of malignancies, but its therapeutic use is limited because of dose-dependent nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Several published reports advocate that supplementation with antioxidant can influence cisplatin induced hepatic damage. METHOD: In the present study the Wistar rats were subjected to concurrent prophylactic oral treatment of chrysin (25 and 50mg/kgb.wt.) against the hepatotoxicity induced by intraperitoneal administration of cisplatin (7.5mg/kgb.wt.). Efficacy of chrysin against the hepatotoxicity was evaluated in terms of biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme activities, histopathological changes and expression levels of molecular markers of inflammation. RESULTS: Chrysin ameliorated cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation, xanthine oxidase activity, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (catalase, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6 phosphate dehydrogenase) and phase-II detoxifying (glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase) enzyme activities. Chrysin also attenuated expression of COX-2, iNOS and levels of NFκB and TNF-α, and hepatic tissue damage which were induced by cisplatin. Histological findings further supported the protective effects of chrysin against cisplatin-induced hepatic damage. CONCLUSION: The results of the present study demonstrate that oxidative stress and inflammation are closely associated with cisplatin-induced toxicity and chrysin shows the protective efficacy against cisplatin-induced hepatotoxicity possibly via attenuating the oxidative stress and inflammatory response.

D-limonene suppresses doxorubicin-induced oxidative stress and inflammation via repression of COX-2, iNOS, and NFκB in kidneys of Wistar rats.

D-limonene is a naturally occurring monoterpene and has been found to posses numerous therapeutic properties. In this study, we used D-limonene as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic effects of anticancer drug doxorubicin (Dox). Rats were given D-limonene at doses of 5% and 10% mixed with diet for 20 consecutive days. Dox was give at the dose of 20 mg/kg body weight intraperitoneally. The protective effects of D-limonene on Dox-induced oxidative stress and inflammation were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation, serum toxicity markers, proinflammatory cytokines, and expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NFκB), cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2), and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and Nitrite levels. Administration of Dox (20 mg/kg body weight) in rats enhanced renal lipid peroxidation; depleted glutathione content and anti-oxidant enzymes; elevated levels of kidney toxicity markers viz. kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine; enhanced expression of NFκB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Treatment with D-limonene prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes, further both doses of 5% and 10% showed significant decrease in inflammatory response. Both the doses of D-limonene significantly decreased the levels of kidney toxicity markers KIM-1, BUN, and creatinine. D-limonene also effectively decreased the Dox induced overexpression of NF-κB, COX-2, and iNOS and nitric oxide. Data from the present study indicate the protective role of D-limonene against Dox-induced renal damage.

Silibinin inhibits tumor promotional triggers and tumorigenesis against chemically induced two-stage skin carcinogenesis in Swiss albino mice: possible role of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Silibinin is a major bioactive flavonolignan present in milk thistle (Silybum marianum) that possesses antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and anticarcinogenic activity. However, the precise underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. The present study was designed to investigate underlying molecular mechanism for antitumorigenic potential of silibinin against chemically induced skin tumorigenesis in Swiss albino mice. In light of the important role of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), iNOS, proinflammatory cytokines, vascular endothelial growth factor, and oxidative stress in carcinogenesis, chemopreventive efficacy of silibinin against 7, 12-dimethylbenz[a]anthracene/12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate-induced 2-stage skin carcinogenesis was studied in terms of cytoprotective enzymes activity, lipid peroxidation, inflammatory responses, and the expression of various molecular marker in skin tissue. We found that topical application of silibinin at the dose of 9 mg/mouse effectively suppressed oxidative stress and deregulated activation of inflammatory mediators and tumorigenesis. Thus, findings of the present study suggest that the chemopreventive effect of silibinin is associated with upregulation of endogenous cytoprotective machinery and down regulation of inflammatory mediators (nitric oxide, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-6, interleukin -1ß, COX-2, iNOS, and NF-κB).

Farnesol protects against intratracheally instilled cigarette smoke extract-induced histological alterations and oxidative stress in prostate of wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: In the present study, cigarette smoke contains more than four thousand chemicals, many of which are known to be carcinogen or cancer promoter. Many epidemiological reports suggest that cigarette smokers are at a greater risk of other cancers such as oropharynx, stomach, pancreas, liver, kidney, urinary bladder, colon, and breast, however, the few epidemiological reports are available on the role of cigarette smoke in the development of prostate cancer. In this study, we investigated the effects of farnesol against cigarette smoke extract (CSE)-induced oxidative stress in prostate. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Farnesol was administered by gavage (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg b.wt. in corn oil) one time daily for 7 days. On day 7, rats were exposed to cigarette smoke via intratracheal instillation of aqueous CSE. CSE enhanced prostatic xanthine oxidase activity and lipid peroxidation (LPO) along with decrease in prostatic glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes activities, viz., glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, and catalase. RESULTS: Pre-treatment of rats with farnesol (50 mg/kg and 100 mg/kg b.wt. orally) resulted in significant decreased in xanthine oxidase activity and LPO at both the doses. The level of reduced glutathione, the activities of glutathione dependent enzymes and antioxidant enzymes were also augmented to significant level with pre-treatment with farnesol. CONCLUSION: Thus, our data suggests that farnesol is a potent defense against CSE induced prostatic oxidative damage in rodent model of experiment.

Diosmin abrogates chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis via alleviation of oxidative stress, hyperproliferative and inflammatory markers in murine model.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a global health problem and is fourth leading cause of cancer related deaths. Now-a-days new strategies have been accounted for the chemoprevention of liver cancer due to ineffective traditional treatments against HCC. In the present study, we have shown that diosmin attenuates 2-AAF induced hepatic toxicity and early tumor promotion markers (ODC, PCNA and Ki67), its chemopreventive efficacy against DEN initiated and 2-AAF promoted hyper-proliferation and hepatocarcinogenesis in Wistar rats. Hepatocarcinogenesis has been characterized by the presence of apparent hepatic nodules, hepatic proliferation, elevation in the levels of proliferation markers (PCNA and Ki67), and inflammatory markers (COX-2 and iNOS) in DEN and 2-AAF administered rats. Protective efficacy of diosmin has been investigated in terms of its potential in reducing the percentage of visible hepatic nodules and the restoration of early tumor markers (PCNA, Ki67 and ODC), oxidative stress biomarkers, serum cytotoxicity markers (AST, ALT and LDH), cell necrosis markers (NF-kappa B and TNF-α) and inflammatory markers (COX-2 and iNos). Our study demonstrates that the inhibition of cell proliferation and down regulation of inflammatory markers may be, at least in part, the underlying mechanisms related to the liver tumor inhibition by diosmin. The present study allows us to conclude that diosmin being a dietary supplement, could be used as chemopreventive agent to prevent hepatocarcinogenesis.

Glycyrrhizic acid suppresses the development of precancerous lesions via regulating the hyperproliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in the colon of Wistar rats.

BACKGROUND: Colon carcinogenesis is a multistep process and it emanates from a series of molecular and histopathological alterations. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a natural and major pentacyclic triterpenoid glycoside of licorice roots extracts. It has several pharmacological and biological properties such as anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, and anti-cancer. In the present study, we investigated the chemopreventive potential of GA against 1,2-dimethyhydrazine (DMH)-induced precancerous lesions i.e., aberrant crypt foci (ACF) and mucin depleted foci (MDF), and its role in regulating the hyperproliferation, inflammation, angiogenesis and apoptosis in the colon of Wistar rats. METHODS: Animals were divided into 5 groups. In group III, IV and V, GA was administered at the dose of 15 mg/kg b. wt. orally while in group II, III and IV, DMH was administered subcutaneously in the groin at the dose of 20 mg/kg b.wt once a week for first 5 weeks and animals were euthanized after 9 weeks. RESULTS: GA supplementation suppressed the development of precancerous lesions and it also reduced the infiltration of mast cells, suppressed the immunostaining of Ki-67, NF-kB-p65, COX-2, iNOS and VEGF while enhanced the immunostaining of p53, connexin-43, caspase-9 and cleaved caspase-3. GA treatment significantly attenuated the level of TNF-α and it also reduced the depletion of the mucous layer as well as attenuated the shifting of sialomucin to sulphomucin. CONCLUSION: Our findings suggest that GA has strong chemopreventive potential against DMH-induced colon carcinogenesis but further studies are warranted to elucidate the precise mechanism of action of GA.

Diosmin protects against trichloroethylene-induced renal injury in Wistar rats: plausible role of p53, Bax and caspases.

Diosmin (DM) is a naturally occurring flavone and has been found to possess numerous therapeutic properties. In this study, we used DM as a protective agent against the nephrotoxic effects of the environmental toxicant trichloroethylene (TCE). Male Wistar rats were divided into five groups (I-V, n 6). Groups II, III and IV received an oral administration of TCE at a dose of 1000 mg/kg body weight for twenty consecutive days. The animals in groups II and III received an oral treatment of DM at doses of 20 and 40 mg/kg body weight, respectively, for twenty consecutive days, while groups I and V were given maize oil (5 ml/kg body weight and DM 40 mg/kg body weight, respectively) for 20 d. The protective effects of DM on TCE-induced oxidative stress and caspase-dependent apoptosis were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, lipid peroxidation (LPO), serum toxicity markers, alkaline unwinding assay, caspase-3, -7 and -9, Bax and p53 expression. Oral administration of TCE in rats enhanced renal LPO, depleted glutathione content and antioxidant enzymes, induced DNA strand breaks (P<0·001), modulated the expression of Bax and p53 protein and induced the expression of caspase-3, -7 and -9. Co-treatment with DM prevented oxidative stress by restoring the levels of antioxidant enzymes; furthermore, a significant dose-dependent decrease in DNA disintegration and kidney toxicity markers such as blood urea N, creatinine, lactate dehydrogenase and kidney injury molecule-1 was observed. DM also effectively decreased the TCE-induced up-regulation of Bax and p53. Data from the present study establish the protective role of DM against TCE-induced renal damage.

Geraniol attenuates 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in mouse skin: possible role of p38 MAP Kinase and NF-κB.

Abnormal production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and proinflammatory cytokines often act as trigger for development of most of the chronic human diseases including cancer via up-regulation of transcription factors and activation of MAP kinases. We investigated the protective effects of geraniol (GOH) against 12-O-tetradecanoyl phorbol-13-acetate (TPA) induced oxidative and inflammatory responses, expression of p38MAPK, NF-κB and COX-2 in mouse skin. Animals were divided into four groups I-IV (n=6). Group II and III received topical application of TPA at the dose of 10 nmol/0.2 ml of acetone/animal/day, for two days. Group III was pre-treated with GOH (250 µg) topically 30 min prior to each TPA administration. While group I and IV were given acetone (0.2 ml) and GOH respectively. Our results show that GOH significantly inhibited TPA induced lipid peroxidation (LPO), inflammatory responses, proinflammatory cytokine release, up regulates reduced glutathione (GSH) content and the activity of different antioxidant enzymes. Interestingly, GOH also inhibited TPA induced altered activity of p38MAPK. Further, TPA induced altered expression of NF-κB (p65) and COX-2 was also attenuated by GOH. Thus, our results suggest that GOH attenuates early tumor promotional changes, and it may serve as one of the various ways to prevent carcinogenesis.

Diosmin protects against ethanol-induced hepatic injury via alleviation of inflammation and regulation of TNF-α and NF-κB activation.

The present investigation was designed to evaluate the efficacy of diosmin against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats by modulating various mechanisms including ethanol metabolizing enzymes, generation of free radicals, imbalance in oxidant-antioxidant status, oxidative damage to membrane lipids, activation of transcription factors and elevation in inflammatory markers involved in ethanol-induced hepatic damage. Diosmin is a flavone glycoside, having anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Thirty female Wistar rats segregated in five groups, each with six animals. Group I as control followed by Group II, III and IV were treated with ethanol for 28 days. While groups III and IV were administered with diosmin at 10 mg/kg b wt (D1) and 20 mg/kg b wt (D2) respectively prior to ethanol administration. Group V was given only higher dose of diosmin. In ethanol-treated group, ethanol metabolizing enzymes viz., CYP 450 2E1 and alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) significantly increased by 77.82% and 32.32% in liver tissues respectively as compared with control group and this enhancement is significantly normalized with diosmin administration. Diosmin administration (D1 & D2) significantly (p < 0.001) attenuates oxidative stress markers i.e., LPO, GSH, GPx, GR and XO by 90.77 & 137.55%, 17.18 & 25%, 37.3 & 49.86%, 21.63 & 44.9% and 56.14 &77.19% respectively. Serum ALT, AST and LDH significantly increased by 102.03, 116.91 and 45.20% in ethanol-treated group as compared with control group. Group III and IV animals showed significant reduction in the serum toxicity markers. Diosmin further alleviated ethanol-induced NF-κB activation, enhanced expression of TNF-α, COX-2 and iNOS. Findings from the present study permit us to conclude that diosmin alleviates alcoholic liver injury via modulating ethanol metabolizing pathway, inhibition of oxidative stress markers and suppression of inflammatory markers. This may represent a novel protective strategy against ethanol-induced liver diseases.

Chrysin suppresses renal carcinogenesis via amelioration of hyperproliferation, oxidative stress and inflammation: plausible role of NF-κB.

Flavonoid family is a rich source of polyphenolic compounds and hence possess strong antioxidant and anti inflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to determine the efficacy of chrysin; a bio-active flavonoid as an anticancer agent. Renal cancer was initiated by single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of N-nitrosodiethylamine (DEN 200 mg/kg BW body weight) and promoted by twice weekly administration of ferric nitrilotriacetate (Fe-NTA) 9 mg Fe/kg BW for 16 wk. In the present study, we report the chemopreventive effects of chrysin against (Fe-NTA) induced renal oxidative stress, inflammation, hyperproliferative response, and two-stage renal carcinogenesis. To ascertain the molecular mechanism implicated in the antitumor promoting activity of chrysin, its effect was investigated on markers of tumor promotion and inflammation: ornithine decarboxylase (ODC) activity, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclo-oxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression, and on levels of proinflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and prostaglandin E(2) (PGE(2)). Pretreatment of animals with chrysin at both doses (20 and 40 mg/kg body weight) markedly inhibited all. Further, Fe-NTA enhances renal lipid peroxidation, with concomitant reduction in reduced glutathione content (GSH), antioxidant enzymes, and phase II metabolizing enzymes. It induces serum toxicity markers, viz., blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). Prophylactic treatment of animals with chrysin before the administration of Fe-NTA was effective in modulating oxidative and renal injury markers and resulted in the diminution of Fe-NTA mediated injury. These results suggest chrysin as an effective chemopreventive agent having the capability to obstruct DEN initiated and Fe-NTA promoted renal cancer in the rat model.

Androgen deprivation by flutamide modulates uPAR, MMP-9 expressions, lipid profile, and oxidative stress: amelioration by daidzein.

The growth and development of prostate gland is governed by testosterone. Testosterone helps in maintaining the adipose tissue stores of the body. It is well documented that with advancing age there has been a gradual decline in testosterone levels. Our aim was to study the protective role of daidzein on flutamide-induced androgen deprivation on matrix degrading genes, lipid profile and oxidative stress in Wistar rats. Sub-chronic (60 days) flutamide (30 mg/kg b.wt) administration resulted in marked increase in expressions of matrix degrading genes [matrix metalloproteases 9 and urokinase plasminogen activation receptor]. Additionally, it increased the levels of low density lipoproteins, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and lowered the levels of high density lipoproteins and endogenous antioxidant levels. Oral administration of daidzein (20 and 60 mg/kg b.wt) restituted the levels to normal. Daidzein administration resulted in amelioration of the prostate atrophy, degeneracy and invasiveness induced by flutamide. Our findings suggest that the daidzein may be given as dietary supplement to patients who are on androgen deprivation therapy, to minimize the adverse effects related to it and also retarding susceptibility of patients to cardiovascular diseases.

Amelioration of 1,2 Dimethylhydrazine (DMH) induced colon oxidative stress, inflammation and tumor promotion response by tannic acid in Wistar rats.

Colon cancer is the third most common malignant neoplasm in the world and it remains an important cause of death, especially in western countries. The toxic environmental pollutant, 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine (DMH), is also a colon-specific carcinogen. Tannic acid (TA) is reported to be effective against various types of chemically induced toxicity and also carcinogenesis. In the present study, we evaluated the chemopreventive efficacy of TA against DMH induced colon toxicity in a rat model. Efficacy of TA against the colon toxicity was evaluated in terms of biochemical estimation of antioxidant enzyme activities, lipid peroxidation, histopathological changes and expression of early molecular markers of inflammation and tumor promotion. DMH treatment induced oxidative stress enzymes (p<0.001) and an early inflammatory and tumor promotion response in the colons of Wistar rats. TA treatment prevented deteriorative effects induced by DMH through a protective mechanism that involved reduction of oxidative stress as well as COX-2, i-NOS, PCNA protein expression levels and TNF-α(p<0.001) release. It could be concluded from our results that TA markedly protects against chemically induced colon toxicity and acts plausibly by virtue of its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiproliferative activities.

Soy isoflavones (daidzein & genistein) inhibit 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cutaneous inflammation via modulation of COX-2 and NF-κB in Swiss albino mice.

It is well established that aberrant production of inflammatory mediators has been associated with most the toxic manifestations and the genesis of different chronic diseases including cancer. The basic aim of the present study is to investigate the effects of soy isoflavones (SIF) on 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA)-induced cutaneous inflammatory responses and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. We have studied the protective effects of SIF against TPA induced oxidative stress, pro-inflammatory cytokines level, activation of NF-κB, expression of COX-2 and ki-67 in mouse skin. Animals were divided into five groups I-V (n=6). Groups II, III and IV received topical application of TPA at the dose of 10 nmol/0.2 ml of acetone/animal/day, for 2 days. Animals of the groups III and IV were pre-treated with SIF 1.0 µg (D1) and 2.0 µg (D2) topically 30 min prior to each TPA administration, while groups I and V were given acetone (0.2 ml) and SIF (D2), respectively. We have found that SIF pretreatment significantly inhibited TPA induced oxidative stress, proinflammatory cytokines production and activation of NF-κB. SIF also inhibited the expression of COX-2 and ki-67. Histological findings further supported the protective effects of SIF against TPA-induced cutaneous damage. Thus, our results suggest that inhibitory effect of SIF on TPA-induced cutaneous inflammation includes inhibition of proinflammatory cytokines, attenuation of oxidative stress, activation of NF-κB and expression of COX-2.

Synthesis, spectroscopic characterization and biological activities of N4O2 Schiff base ligand and its metal complexes of Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II).

The Schiff base ligand, bis(indoline-2-one)triethylenetetramine (L) obtained from condensation of triethylenetetramine and isatin was used to synthesize the complexes of type, [ML]Cl(2) [M=Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II) and Zn(II)]. L was characterized on the basis of the results of elemental analysis, FT-IR, (1)H and (13)C NMR, mass spectroscopic studies. The stoichiometry, bonding and stereochemistries of complexes were ascertained on the basis of results of elemental analysis, magnetic susceptibility values, molar conductance and various spectroscopic studies. EPR, UV-vis and magnetic moments revealed an octahedral geometry for complexes. L and its Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes were screened for their antibacterial activity. Analgesic activity of Cu(II) and Zn(II) complexes was also tested in rats by tail flick method. Both complexes were found to possess good antibacterial and moderate analgesic activity.

Chrysin abrogates cisplatin-induced oxidative stress, p53 expression, goblet cell disintegration and apoptotic responses in the jejunum of Wistar rats.

Cisplatin (cis-diamminedichloroplatinum (II) (CDDP)) is a commonly used chemotherapeutic drug for the treatment of numerous forms of cancer, but it has pronounced adverse effects, namely nephrotoxicity, ototoxicity, neurotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, diarrhoea and nausea. CDDP-induced emesis and diarrhoea are also marked toxicities that may be due to intestinal injury. Chrysin (5,7-dihydroxyflavone), a natural flavone commonly found in many plants, possesses multiple biological activities, such as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, we investigated the protective effect of chrysin against CDDP-induced jejunal toxicity. The plausible mechanism of CDDP-induced jejunal toxicity includes oxidative stress, p53 and apoptosis via up-regulating the expression of caspase-6 and -3. Chrysin was administered to Wistar rats orally in maize oil. A single intraperitoneal injection of CDDP was given and the animals were killed after 24 h of CDDP injection. Chrysin ameliorated CDDP-induced lipid peroxidation, increase in xanthine oxidase activity, glutathione depletion, decrease in antioxidant (catalase, glutathione reductase, glutathione peroxidase and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase) and phase-II detoxifying (glutathione-S-transferase and quinone reductase) enzyme activities. Chrysin attenuated CDDP-induced goblet cell disintegration, enhanced expression of p53 and apoptotic tissue damage. Histological findings further substantiated the protective effects of chrysin against CDDP-induced damage in the jejunum. The results of the present study demonstrate that oxidative stress and apoptosis are closely associated with CDDP-induced toxicity and chrysin shows the protective efficacy against CDDP-induced jejunum toxicity possibly via attenuating the oxidative stress and apoptotic tissue damage.

Cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity, genotoxicity, and damage in kidney genomic DNA of Swiss albino mice: the protective effect of Ellagic acid.

Cyclophosphamide (CPM), an alkylating agent is used as an immunosuppressant in rheumatoid arthritis and in the treatment of several cancers as well. In this study, Ellagic acid (EA), a naturally occurring plant polyphenol, was evaluated for its antigenotoxicity and antioxidant efficacy against the CPM-induced renal oxidative stress and genotoxicity in Swiss albino mice. The mice were given a prophylactic treatment of EA orally at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg body weight (b wt) for seven consecutive days before the administration of a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of CPM at 50 mg/kg b wt. The modulatory effects of EA on CPM-induced nephrotoxicity and genotoxicity were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, serum kidney toxicity markers, DNA fragmentation, alkaline unwinding assay, micronuclei (MN) assay, and by histopathological examination of kidney tissue. A single intraperitoneal administration of CPM in mice increased malondialdehyde level with depletion in glutathione content, antioxidant enzymes activities, viz. glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase, catalase, quinone reductase, induced DNA strand breaks, and MN induction. EA oral administration at both doses caused significant reduction in their levels, restoration in the activities of antioxidant enzymes, reduction in MN formation, and DNA fragmentation. Serum toxicity marker enzymes like BUN, creatinine, and LDH were also increased after CPM treatment which was significantly decreased in EA pretreated groups. Present findings suggest a prominent role of EA against CPM-induced renal injury, DNA damage, and genotoxicity.

Benzo(a)pyrene-induced pulmonary inflammation, edema, surfactant dysfunction, and injuries in rats: alleviation by farnesol.

Benzo(a)pyrene (B(a)P) is a well-known environmental contaminant and carcinogen. Its sources include tobacco smoke, automobile exhaust, forest fire, and other combustion processes. Farnesol, an active principle of Vachellia farnesiana and other aromatic plants, possesses preventive properties against various toxicities. Present study was designed to estimate chemopreventive effects of farnesol against B(a)P-induced pulmonary injuries. To determine the protective effects of farnesol, it was administered orally at 2 doses (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight [b.w.]) once daily for 14 days. Rats were exposed intratracheally to B(a)P, 5 mg/kg b.w. on days 12 and 14, thereafter assessed for pulmonary toxicities 24 hours post last dose of B(a)P. B(a)P-induced edema, inflammation, oxidative stress, and consequent damages in lungs were assessed in terms of total protein, total cell count, nitric oxide (NO), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase, and in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). B(a)P also reduced the levels of phospholipids (lung surfactants) in BALF. However, pretreatment with farnesol at both the doses significantly reduced the lung injuries and inflammatory responses. Farnesol also protected the levels of phospholipids to normal when compared with control. It also modified the activities of B(a)P metabolizing enzymes NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase, microsomal epoxide hydrolase (mEH), and glutathione S-transferase (GST) in lung tissue of rats. Present findings suggest a prominent role of farnesol against B(a)P-induced lung inflammation, edema, surfactant dysfunction, and epithelial damages in Wistar rats. In conclusion, farnesol shows lung protection against B(a)P toxicities in Wistar rats.

Alleviation of lung injury by glycyrrhizic acid in benzo(a)pyrene exposed rats: Probable role of soluble epoxide hydrolase and thioredoxin reductase.

Benzo(a)pyrene [B(a)P] is known to alter lung physiology by interfering in various intracellular pathways including alterations in NF-κB activities, cytokine release and cell survival. NF-κB suppression/activation plays a major role in cell survival status. Present investigation deals with such kind of effects of B(a)P on lungs in relation with soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH) and thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activities. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), an active principle of Glycyrrhiza glabra (Licorice), is known to modulate various molecular processes. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects of GA against B(a)P induced debilities in lungs of Wistar rats. Intratracheal instillation of B(a)P significantly suppressed NF-κB translocation, sEH, TrxR and catalase activities in lung tissue. A marked induction of H(2)O(2) levels along with caspases activation (caspases-2, -3, -6, -8, and -9) in lung tissue after B(a)P exposure was observed. Lung injury was assessed by measuring lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total cell count, total protein, neutrophil elastase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF). Reduction in phospholipid content further potentiated these parameters. GA oral administration (50 and 100mg/kg b.wt.) significantly showed protection of lung epithelium by suppression of caspases activities in lung tissue and reduction of total protein, total cells, elastase activity, LDH and ALP activities along with fortification of phospholipids in BALF. Histological observations also confirm the findings in above mentioned parameters. Results indicate a strong correlation between amelioration of sEH and TrxR activities, and NF-κB activation. The present investigation gives an insight into probable mechanisms of lung injuries induced by short term exposures of B(a)P and prevention by glycyrrhizic acid.