RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Type-II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a major risk factor for cognitive impairment. Protecting the brain environment against inflammation, and neurodegeneration, as well as preservation of the BBB veracity through modulating the crosstalk between insulin/AKT/GSK-3ß and Wnt/ß-catenin signaling, might introduce novel therapeutic targets. PURPOSE: This study aimed at exploring the possible neuroprotective potential of vitamin D3 (VitD) and/or rosuvastatin (RSV) in T2DM-induced cognitive deficits. METHODS: T2DM was induced by a high-fat sucrose diet and a single streptozotocin (STZ) dose. Diabetic rats were allocated into a diabetic control and three groups treated with RSV (15 mg/kg/day, PO), VitD (500 IU/kg/day, PO), or their combination. RESULTS: Administration of VitD and/or RSV mitigated T2DM-induced metabolic abnormalities and restored the balance between the anti-inflammatory, IL 27 and the proinflammatory, IL 23 levels in the hippocampus. In addition, they markedly activated both the canonical and noncanonical Wnt/ß-catenin cassettes with stimulation of their downstream molecular targets. VitD and/or RSV upregulated insulin and α7 nicotinic acetylcholine (α7nACh) receptors gene expression, as well as blood-brain barrier integrity markers including Annexin A1, claudin 3, and VE-cadherin. Also, they obliterated hippocampal ApoE-4 content, Tau hyperphosphorylation, and Aß deposition. These biochemical changes were reflected as improved behavioral performance in Morris water maze and novel object recognition tests and restored hippocampal histological profile. CONCLUSION: The current findings have accentuated the neuroprotective potential of VitD and RSV and provide new incentives to expand their use in T2DM-induced cognitive and memory decline. This study also suggests a superior benefit of combining both treatments over either drug alone.

Asunto(s)

Disfunción Cognitiva , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2 , Ratas , Animales , beta Catenina/metabolismo , Rosuvastatina Cálcica/uso terapéutico , Aprendizaje por Laberinto/fisiología , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/tratamiento farmacológico , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Vitamina D/farmacología , Vitamina D/uso terapéutico , Vitamina D/metabolismo , Enfermedades Neuroinflamatorias , Glucógeno Sintasa Quinasa 3 beta/metabolismo , Disfunción Cognitiva/tratamiento farmacológico , Disfunción Cognitiva/etiología , Disfunción Cognitiva/metabolismo , Vía de Señalización Wnt , Hipocampo/metabolismo , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/tratamiento farmacológico , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/metabolismo , Insulina/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Cachexia is a frequent syndrome in pancreatic and non-small cell lung (NSCL) cancer patients. The storm of cancer-induced inflammatory cytokines, in particular TNF-α, is a crucial pathogenic mechanism. Among the molecular alterations accused of cancer-induced cachexia, TNF-α 308 G/A (rs1800629) and -1031T/C (rs1799964) are single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) within the gene encoding this pro-inflammatory cytokine. Recent studies have demonstrated the crucial role of non-coding microRNAs (miRNAs) in pathogenesis of different diseases including cachexia. Moreover, the mechanistic cytokine signaling pathway of miR-155, as a TNF-α regulator, supports the involvement of SOCS1, TAB2, and Foxp3, which are direct targets of TNF-α gene. AIM: A case-control study (NCT04131478) was conducted primarily to determine the incidence of TNF-α 308 G/A (rs1800629) and -1031T/C (rs1799964) gene polymorphisms in adult Egyptian patients with local/advanced or metastatic pancreatic or NSCL cancer and investigate both as cachexia risk factors. The association of gene polymorphism with cachexia severity and the expression of miR-155 in cachectic patients were analyzed. A mechanistic investigation of the cytokine signaling pathway, involving SOCS1, TAB2, and Foxp3, was also performed. RESULTS: In both pancreatic and NSCL cancer cohorts, the mutant TNF-α variant of 308 G/A was positively associated with cachexia; on the contrary, that of 1031T/C was negatively associated with cachexia in the NSCL cancer patients. MiR-155 was higher in cachexia and in alignment with its severity in the cachectic group as compared with the non-cachectic group in both the pancreatic and NSCL cancer patients. Though TAB2 did not change to any significant extent in cachectic patients, the levels of SOCS1 and Foxp3 were significantly lower in the cachectic group as compared with the non-cachectic group. CONCLUSION: Carriers of the A allele 308 G/A gene and high miR-155 are at greater risk of cachexia in both the pancreatic and NSCL cancer patients; however, the mutant variant of 1031T/C gene is protective against cachexia in the NSCL cancer patients. Finally, high levels of miR-155 in the cachectic group lead to negative feedback inhibition of both SOCS1 and Foxp3 in both the pancreatic and NSCL cancer patients.

RESUMEN

AIMS: Vitamin D and rosuvastatin are well-known drugs that mediate beneficial effects in treating type-2 diabetes (T2D) complications; however, their anti-neuropathic potential is debatable. Hence, our study investigates their neurotherapeutic potential and the possible underlying mechanisms using a T2D-associated neuropathy rat model. MAIN METHODS: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) was induced with 8 weeks of administration of a high fat fructose diet followed by a single i.p. injection of streptozotocin (35 mg/kg). Six weeks later, DPN developed and rats were divided into five groups; viz., control, untreated DPN, DPN treated with vitamin D (cholecalciferol, 3500 IU/kg/week), DPN treated with rosuvastatin (10 mg/kg/day), or DPN treated with combination vitamin D and rosuvastatin. We determined their anti-neuropathic effects on small nerves (tail flick test); large nerves (electrophysiological and histological examination); neuronal inflammation (TNF-α and IL-18); apoptosis (caspase-3 activity and Bcl-2); mitochondrial function (NRF-1, TFAM, mtDNA, and ATP); and NICD1, Wnt-10α/ß-catenin, and TGF-ß/Smad-7 pathways. KEY FINDINGS: Two-month treatment with vitamin D and/or rosuvastatin regenerated neuronal function and architecture and abated neuronal inflammation and apoptosis. This was verified by the inhibition of the neuronal content of TNF-α, IL-18, and caspase-3 activity, while augmenting Bcl-2 content in the sciatic nerve. These treatments inhibited the protein expressions of NICD1, Wnt-10α, ß-catenin, and TGF-ß; increased the sciatic nerve content of Smad-7; and enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis and function. SIGNIFICANCE: Vitamin D and/or rosuvastatin alleviated diabetes-induced neuropathy by suppressing Notch1 and Wnt-10α/ß-catenin; modulating TGF-ß/Smad-7 signaling pathways; and enhancing mitochondrial function, which lessened neuronal degeneration, demyelination, and fibrosis.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/complicaciones , Diabetes Mellitus Tipo 2/complicaciones , Neuropatías Diabéticas/prevención & control , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Rosuvastatina Cálcica/farmacología , Vitamina D/administración & dosificación , Animales , Anticolesterolemiantes/farmacología , Neuropatías Diabéticas/etiología , Neuropatías Diabéticas/metabolismo , Neuropatías Diabéticas/patología , Quimioterapia Combinada , Masculino , Factor 1 Relacionado con NF-E2/genética , Factor 1 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Receptor Notch1/genética , Receptor Notch1/metabolismo , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/genética , Factor de Crecimiento Transformador beta/metabolismo , Vitaminas/administración & dosificación , Proteínas Wnt/genética , Proteínas Wnt/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) increases the risk of coagulopathy. Although the presence of antiphospholipid antibodies (aPLs) has been proposed as a possible mechanism of COVID-19-induced coagulopathy, its clinical significance remains uncertain. Therefore, this study aimed to evaluate the prevalence and clinical significance of aPLs among critically ill patients with COVID-19. This prospective observational study included 60 patients with COVID-19 admitted to intensive care units (ICU). The study outcomes included prevalence of aPLs, and a primary composite outcome of all-cause mortality and arterial or venous thrombosis between antiphospholipid-positive and antiphospholipid-negative patients during their ICU stay. Multiple logistic regression was used to assess the influence of aPLs on the primary composite outcome of mortality and thrombosis. A total of 60 critically ill patients were enrolled. Among them, 57 (95%) were men, with a mean age of 52.8 ± 12.2 years, and the majority were from Asia (68%). Twenty-two patients (37%) were found be antiphospholipid-positive; 21 of them were positive for lupus anticoagulant, whereas one patient was positive for anti-ß2-glycoprotein IgG/IgM. The composite outcome of mortality and thrombosis during their ICU stay did not differ between antiphospholipid-positive and antiphospholipid-negative patients (4 [18%] vs. 6 [16%], adjusted odds ratio 0.98, 95% confidence interval 0.1-6.7; p value = 0.986). The presence of aPLs does not seem to affect the outcomes of critically ill patients with COVID-19 in terms of all-cause mortality and thrombosis. Therefore, clinicians may not screen critically ill patients with COVID-19 for aPLs unless deemed clinically appropriate.

Asunto(s)

Anticuerpos Antifosfolípidos/sangre , COVID-19/complicaciones , SARS-CoV-2 , Adulto , Anciano , Proteína C-Reactiva/análisis , Enfermedad Crítica , Femenino , Humanos , Unidades de Cuidados Intensivos , Modelos Logísticos , Masculino , Persona de Mediana Edad , Prevalencia , Estudios Prospectivos , Trombosis/etiología

RESUMEN

Gut microbiota is a crucial factor in pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Therefore, targeting the gut-liver axis might be a novel therapeutic approach to treat NASH. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effects of a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) and metronidazole (MTZ) (an antibiotic against Bacteroidetes) either alone or in combination with metformin (MTF) in experimentally-induced NASH. NASH was induced by feeding rats high fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks. MTF (150 mg/kg/day) or L. reuteri (2x109 colony forming unit/day) were given orally for 8 weeks; meanwhile, MTZ (15 mg/kg/day, p.o.) was administered for 1 week. Treatment with L. reuteri and MTZ in combination with MTF showed additional benefit compared to MTF alone concerning lipid profile, liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory and autophagic markers. Furthermore, combined regimen succeeded to modulate acetate: propionate: butyrate ratios as well as Firmicutes and Bacteroidetes fecal contents with improvement of insulin resistance (IR). Yet, the administration of MTF alone failed to normalize Bacteriodetes and acetate contents which could be the reason for its moderate effect. In conclusion, gut microbiota modulation may be an attractive therapeutic avenue against NASH. More attention should be paid to deciphering the crosstalk mechanisms linking gut microbiota to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) to identify new therapeutic targets for this disease.

Asunto(s)

Autofagia/efectos de los fármacos , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/efectos de los fármacos , Hipoglucemiantes/administración & dosificación , Metformina/administración & dosificación , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/tratamiento farmacológico , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/metabolismo , Receptor Toll-Like 4 , Animales , Autofagia/fisiología , Dieta Alta en Grasa/efectos adversos , Quimioterapia Combinada , Microbioma Gastrointestinal/fisiología , Lipopolisacáridos/toxicidad , Masculino , Probióticos/administración & dosificación , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley , Receptor Toll-Like 4/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Schistosomiasis is responsible for a considerable global disease burden. This work aimed to improve the therapeutic outcome of the only available antischistosomal drug worldwide, praziquantel (PZQ), by incorporating it into a novel carrier, "solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs)", to enhance its solubility, bioavailability and efficacy. A simple, cost-effective method was used to prepare SLN-PZQ. RESULTS: Compared to market PZQ (M-PZQ), SLN-PZQ was more bioavailable, as denoted by higher serum concentrations in both normal and infected mice where elevated Ka, AUC0-24, Cmax, and t1/2e with a decrease in kel were demonstrated. The AUC0-24 for SLN-PZQ in normal and Schistosoma mansoni-infected groups was almost nine- and eight-fold higher, respectively, than that for M-PZQ in corresponding groups. In normal and S. mansoni-infected mice, SLN-PZQ was detectable in serum at 24 h, while M-PZQ completely vanished 8 h post-treatment. Additionally, enhanced absorption with extended residence time was recorded for SLN-PZQ. Compared to M-PZQ, SLN-PZQ revealed superior antischistosomal activity coupled with enhanced bioavailability in all treated groups where higher percentages of worm reduction were recorded with all dosages tested. This effect was especially evident at the lower dose levels. The ED95 of SLN-PZQ was 5.29-fold lower than that of M-PZQ, with a significantly higher reduction in both the hepatic and intestinal tissue egg loads of all treated groups and almost complete disappearance of immature deposited eggs (clearly evident at the low dose levels). CONCLUSIONS: SLN-PZQ demonstrated enhanced PZQ bioavailability and antischistosomal efficacy with a safe profile despite the prolonged residence in the systemic circulation.

Asunto(s)

Praziquantel/farmacocinética , Praziquantel/uso terapéutico , Esquistosomiasis mansoni/tratamiento farmacológico , Esquistosomicidas/uso terapéutico , Animales , Disponibilidad Biológica , Portadores de Fármacos/química , Lípidos/química , Masculino , Ratones , Nanopartículas/química , Schistosoma mansoni/efectos de los fármacos , Esquistosomicidas/farmacocinética

RESUMEN

Few studies reported the antifibrotic effects of gallic acid (GA) despite its known hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities. Accordingly, this study investigated the antifibrotic effects of GA through clarifying its mechanisms on hepatic stellate cells' (HSCs) activation, proliferation and/or apoptosis. In vitro effects of GA on HSC-T6 activation/proliferation, morphology and safety on hepatocytes were assessed. In vivo, hepatic fibrosis was induced via chronic thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxication. TAA-intoxicated rats were treated with silyamrin or GA. At end of experiment, liver functions, hepatic MDA, GSH, PDGF-BB, TGF-ß1, TIMP-1 and hydroxyproline were determined. Histological analysis and Sirius red staining of hepatic sections, expressions of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), proliferating cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) and caspase-3 were examined. In vitro, GA resulted in a concentration and time-dependent inhibition in HSCs activation, proliferation (IC50= 45 and 19 µg/mL at 24 and 48 h respectively); restored the quiescent morphology of some activated HSCs plus its safety on hepatocytes. In vivo, GA reduced ALT, AST, MDA, PDGF-BB levels, collagen deposition and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4); increased caspase-3 expression and restored GSH stores, TGF-ß1 level, α-SMA and PCNA expressions. In conclusion, GA counteracted the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of HSCs proliferation/activation mutually with their apoptosis induction.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: Chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy is a common side effect afflicting cancer patients treated with oxalipatin based chemotherapy. AIM: The study investigated the potential prophylactic effect of L-carnosine against acute oxaliplatin neurotoxicity in colorectal cancer patients with emphasis on the redox (Nrf-2, MDA), inflammatory (NF-κB, TNF-α), and apoptotic (caspase-3) parameters. METHODS: In this pilot study, 65 patients were recruited using a prospective randomized controlled study design and enrolled randomly into two arms; Arm A, 31 patients received FOLFOX-6 regimen (oxaliplatin, 5FU & leucovorin) and Arm B, 34 patients received FOLFOX-6 regimen and daily oral L-carnosine (500 mg) along the treatment period. Patients were followed up for three months, then both arms were analyzed for neuropathy incidence/grade and any additional toxicities according to National Cancer Institute Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (NCI-CTC version 4). RESULTS: The neuropathy grading evaluation of Arm B vs Arm A revealed that 17 patients (56.7%) vs 11 patients (35.5%) suffered grade 1, one patient (3.3%) vs 19 patients (61.3%) suffered grade 2, while 12 patients (40%) vs one patient (3.2%) were normal. In arm B, the addition of L-carnosine decreased significantly the levels/activity of NF-κB (27%) and TNF-α (36.6%); this anti-inflammatory effect entailed also its anti-oxidative and anti-apoptotic effects, thus MDA level (51.8%) and caspase-3 activity (49%) were also reduced, whereas Nrf-2 was increased (38.7%) as compared to Arm A. In both arms a significant correlation was only evident between TNF-α and the neuropathy grading score (P < .03); the correlation analysis was significantly positive between NF-κB and both Nrf-2 and caspase 3. CONCLUSION: L-Carnosine exerted a neuroprotective effect against oxaliplatin-induced peripheral neuropathy in colorectal cancer patients by targeting Nrf-2 and NF-κB pathways.

Asunto(s)

Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/uso terapéutico , Carnosina/uso terapéutico , Neoplasias Colorrectales/tratamiento farmacológico , Factor 2 Relacionado con NF-E2/metabolismo , FN-kappa B/metabolismo , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/uso terapéutico , Oxaliplatino/uso terapéutico , Nervios Periféricos/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/prevención & control , Adulto , Anciano , Antiinflamatorios/uso terapéutico , Protocolos de Quimioterapia Combinada Antineoplásica/efectos adversos , Antioxidantes/uso terapéutico , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Carnosina/efectos adversos , Caspasa 3/metabolismo , Egipto , Femenino , Fluorouracilo/efectos adversos , Fluorouracilo/uso terapéutico , Humanos , Leucovorina/efectos adversos , Leucovorina/uso terapéutico , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Persona de Mediana Edad , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/efectos adversos , Compuestos Organoplatinos/efectos adversos , Compuestos Organoplatinos/uso terapéutico , Oxaliplatino/efectos adversos , Nervios Periféricos/metabolismo , Nervios Periféricos/patología , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/inducido químicamente , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/metabolismo , Enfermedades del Sistema Nervioso Periférico/patología , Proyectos Piloto , Estudios Prospectivos , Transducción de Señal/efectos de los fármacos , Factores de Tiempo , Resultado del Tratamiento , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo , Adulto Joven

RESUMEN

OBJECTIVE: To investigate the antifibrotic role of rosmarinic acid (RA), a natural polyphenolic compound, on HSCs activation/proliferation and apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. METHODS: The impact of RA on stellate cell line (HSC-T6) proliferation, activation and apoptosis was assessed along with its safety on primary hepatocytes. In vivo, rats were divided into: (i) normal; (ii) thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxicated rats for 12 weeks; (iii) TAA + silymarin or (iv) TAA + RA. At the end of experiment, liver functions, oxidative stress, inflammatory and profibrogenic markers, tissue inhibitor metalloproteinases type-1 (TIMP-1) and hydroxyproline (HP) levels were evaluated. Additionally, liver histopathology and immunohistochemical examinations of alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), caspase-3 and proliferation cellular nuclear antigen (PCNA) were determined. RESULTS: RA exhibited anti-proliferative effects on cultured HSCs in a time and concentration dependent manner showing an IC50 of 276 µg/mL and 171 µg/mL for 24 h and 48 h, respectively, with morphological reversion of activated stellate cell morphology to quiescent form. It significantly improved ALT, AST, oxidative stress markers and reduced TIMP-1, HP levels, inflammatory markers and fibrosis score (S1 vs S4). Furthermore, reduction in α-SMA plus elevation in caspase-3 expressions of HSCs in vitro and in vivo associated with an inhibition in proliferation of damaged hepatocytes were recorded. CONCLUSIONS: RA impeded the progression of liver fibrosis through inhibition of HSCs activation/proliferation and induction of apoptosis with preservation of hepatic architecture.

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: In our previous work, we have extensively evaluated the physiochemical characteristics of Gum Arabic-encapsulated gold nanoparticles (GA-AuNPs; 15-18nm) and reported their effectiveness in stopping the tumor initiation via inhibiting the pre-neoplastic lesions in liver. OBJECTIVE: The rationale of this study is to detect the efficiency of using GA-AuNPs in photothermal application as a non-invasive technique against lung tumor. We investigated the cytotoxicity of GA-AuNPs on A549 cells, and then studied their apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, lipid peroxidation and anti-neovascular effect in in vivo model using a chemically-induced lung cancer in mice. The histopathological changes due to GA-AuNPs were investigated. RESULTS: In the presence of laser irradiation, GA-AuNPs had a considerable cytotoxicity against A549 cells. The treatment of lung tumor-bearing mice with GA-AuNPs followed by laser exposure enhanced the apoptotic pathway and this was obvious from the histopathological investigations and the elevations in cytochrome-c, death receptor 5 and the subsequent upregulation of caspase-3, we also reported a significant reduction in the levels of the inflammatory mediator TNF-α and the angiogenesis inducer VEGF. An induction of lipid peroxidation was also reported upon treatment with either GA or GA-AuNPs. CONCLUSION: GA-AuNPs showed no cytotoxicity in the absence of light, however the combination of GA-AuNPs with laser induced cell death in lung tumor tissues with a reduction in the inflammation and angiogenesis together with an elevation in lipid peroxidation, suggesting the potential use of these functionalized nanoparticles as a promising photothermal non-invasive treatment modality.

Asunto(s)

Oro/farmacología , Goma Arábiga/química , Neoplasias Pulmonares/terapia , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Fototerapia/métodos , Animales , Antineoplásicos/química , Antineoplásicos/farmacología , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Línea Celular Tumoral , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Oro/química , Humanos , Peroxidación de Lípido/efectos de los fármacos , Masculino , Ratones , Ratones Endogámicos BALB C

RESUMEN

CONTEXT: Hibiscus sabdariffa L. (Malvaceae) is a common traditional tea that has many biological activities. OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the hepatoprotective effect and study the metabolic profile of the anthocyanin-rich extract of H. sabdariffa calyces (HSARE). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The hepatoprotective activity of HSARE was assessed (100 mg/kg/d for 4 weeks) by examining the hepatic, inflammatory, oxidative stress markers and performing a histopathological examination in rats with thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity. HSARE was analyzed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time-of-flight-photodiode array-mass spectrometry (UPLC-qTOF-PDA-MS). RESULTS: The UPLC-qTOF-PDA-MS analysis of HSARE enabled the identification of 25 compounds represented by delphinidin and its derivatives, cyanidin, kaempferol, quercetin, myricetin aglycones and glycosides, together with hibiscus lactone, hibiscus acid and caffeoylquinic acids. Compared to the TAA-intoxicated group, HSARE significantly reduced the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and hepatic malondialdehyde by 37.96, 42.74 and 45.31%, respectively. It also decreased hepatic inflammatory markers, including tumour necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 and interferon gamma (INF-γ), by 85.39, 14.96 and 70.87%, respectively. Moreover, it decreased the immunopositivity of nuclear factor kappa-B and CYP2E1 in liver tissue, with an increase in the effector apoptotic marker (caspase-3 positive cells), restoration of the altered hepatic architecture and increases in the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione by 150.08 and 89.23%, respectively. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: HSARE revealed pronounced antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential where SOD and INF-γ were significantly improved. HSARE possesses the added value of being more water-soluble and of natural origin with fewer side effects expected compared to silymarin.

Asunto(s)

Antocianinas/farmacología , Hibiscus , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Metaboloma/efectos de los fármacos , Extractos Vegetales/farmacología , Animales , Antocianinas/aislamiento & purificación , Antocianinas/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Metaboloma/fisiología , Extractos Vegetales/aislamiento & purificación , Extractos Vegetales/metabolismo , Sustancias Protectoras/química , Sustancias Protectoras/aislamiento & purificación , Sustancias Protectoras/farmacología , Distribución Aleatoria , Ratas , Ratas Sprague-Dawley

RESUMEN

This study validates the utility of Gum Arabic-conjugated gold nanoparticles (GA-AuNPs) and laser to induce photothermal inhibition of hepatocarcinogenesis, via employing a diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-mediated hepatocellular carcinoma model. This work included both of in vitro and in vivo studies; to investigate the GA-AuNPs cytotoxicity and phototoxicity in hepatic cell line; to delineate the GA-AuNPs therapeutic efficiency in DEN-induced preneoplastic lesions (PNLs) in the liver of Balb-C mice. The therapeutic effects of GA-AuNPs on the mediators of apoptosis, inflammation, and tumor initiation, as well as the histopathological changes in preneoplastic liver have been investigated. Our results infer that GA-AuNPs in combination with laser irradiation led to a significant reduction in the cell viability and in histone deacetylase activity in hepatocarcinoma HepG2 cells. In chemically-induced PNLs mice model our results have demonstrated that GA-AuNPs, with or without laser irradiation, induced cancer cell apoptosis through the activation of death receptors DR5 and caspase-3 and inhibited both of the PNLs incidence and the initiation marker (placental glutathione S-transferase; GST-P). The laser-stimulated GA-AuNPs significantly reduced the tumor necrosis factor-α levels. In summary, GA-AuNPs with laser treatment inhibited liver PNLs via the induction of the extrinsic apoptosis pathway and the inhibition of inflammation.

Asunto(s)

Oro/química , Goma Arábiga/química , Goma Arábiga/farmacología , Neoplasias Hepáticas/tratamiento farmacológico , Nanopartículas del Metal/química , Fototerapia/métodos , Lesiones Precancerosas/terapia , Animales , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Apoptosis/efectos de la radiación , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de la radiación , Transformación Celular Neoplásica , Dietilnitrosamina/efectos adversos , Gutatión-S-Transferasa pi/metabolismo , Células Hep G2 , Histona Acetiltransferasas/metabolismo , Humanos , Neoplasias Hepáticas/inducido químicamente , Neoplasias Hepáticas/metabolismo , Neoplasias Hepáticas/patología , Masculino , Ratones , Necrosis , Lesiones Precancerosas/inducido químicamente , Lesiones Precancerosas/metabolismo , Lesiones Precancerosas/patología , Antígeno Nuclear de Célula en Proliferación/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

Amitriptyline (AMI), a commonly prescribed tricyclic antidepressant (TCA) to parkinsonian patients, specifically showed a significant delay in dopaminergic therapy initiation and improvement in motor disability in parkinsonian patients. Moreover, it was recently shown that AMI has neuroprotective properties; however, the mechanisms underlying this effect in Parkinson's disease (PD) are not fully understood. The current study aimed to investigate the possible neuroprotective mechanisms afforded by AMI in the rotenone model of PD and to assess whether another TCA member, imipramine (IMI), shows a corresponding effect. Rats were allocated into seven groups. Four groups were given either saline, dimethyl sulfoxide, AMI or IMI. Three rotenone groups were either untreated or treated with AMI or IMI. Rats receiving rotenone exhibited motor impairment in open field and rotarod tests. Additionally, immunohistochemical examination revealed dopaminergic neuronal damage in substantia nigra. Besides, striatal monoamines and brain derived neurotrophic factor levels were declined. Furthermore, oxidative stress, microglial activation and inflammation were evident in the striata. Pretreatment of rotenone groups with AMI or IMI prevented rotenone-induced neuronal degeneration and increased striatal dopamine level with motor recovery. These effects were accompanied by restoring striatal monoamines and brain-derived neurotrophic factor levels, as well as reducing oxidative damage, microglial activation and expression of proinflammatory cytokines and inducible nitric oxide synthase. The present results suggest that modulation of noradrenaline and serotonin levels, up-regulation of neurotrophin, inhibition of glial activation, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities could serve as important mechanisms underlying the neuroprotective effects of the used drugs in the rotenone model of PD.

Asunto(s)

Amitriptilina/farmacología , Antiparkinsonianos/farmacología , Imipramina/farmacología , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/tratamiento farmacológico , Animales , Antiinflamatorios no Esteroideos/farmacología , Antioxidantes/farmacología , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/efectos de los fármacos , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/metabolismo , Neuronas Dopaminérgicas/patología , Inmunohistoquímica , Masculino , Microglía/efectos de los fármacos , Microglía/metabolismo , Microglía/patología , Fármacos Neuroprotectores/farmacología , Estrés Oxidativo/efectos de los fármacos , Estrés Oxidativo/fisiología , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/patología , Trastornos Parkinsonianos/fisiopatología , Ratas Wistar , Prueba de Desempeño de Rotación con Aceleración Constante , Rotenona , Sustancia Negra/efectos de los fármacos , Sustancia Negra/metabolismo , Sustancia Negra/patología

RESUMEN

Resveratrol is a naturally occurring polyphenol, possesses several pharmacological activities including anticancer, antioxidant, antidiabetic, antinociceptive, and antiasthmatic activity. Little is known about its hepatoprotective action mechanisms. This study was conceived to explore the possible protective mechanisms of resveratrol compared with the hepatoprotective silymarin in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic injury in rats. Thirty-two rats were equally divided into four groups; normal control (i), TAA (100 mg/kg) (ii), TAA + silymarin (50 mg/kg) (iii), and TAA + resveratrol (10 mg/kg) (iv). Liver function and histopathology, pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and apoptotic markers were examined. Data were analyzed using ANOVA test followed by Tukey post hoc test. Compared to TAA-intoxicated group, resveratrol mitigated liver damage, and inflammation as noted by less inflammatory infiltration, hydropic degeneration with decreased levels of tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interferon-gamma by 78.83, 18.12, and 64.49%, respectively. Furthermore, it reduced (P < 0.05) alanine and aspartate aminotransferases by 36.64 and 48.09%, respectively, restored hepatic glutathione content and normalized superoxide dismutase and malondialdehyde levels. While it inhibited nuclear factor-kappa B, cytochrome 2E1, and enhanced apoptosis of necrotic hepatocytes via increasing caspase-3 activity. Our findings indicated that the potential hepatoprotective mechanisms of resveratrol are associated with inhibition of inflammation, enhancing the apoptosis of necrotic hepatocytes, and suppression of oxidative stress.

RESUMEN

AIM: To evaluate the effect of resveratrol, alone and in combination with fenofibrate, on fructose-induced metabolic genes abnormalities in rats. METHODS: Giving a fructose-enriched diet (FED) to rats for 12 wk was used as a model for inducing hepatic dyslipidemia and insulin resistance. Adult male albino rats (150-200 g) were divided into a control group and a FED group which was subdivided into 4 groups, a control FED, fenofibrate (FENO) (100 mg/kg), resveratrol (RES) (70 mg/kg) and combined treatment (FENO + RES) (half the doses). All treatments were given orally from the 9(th) week till the end of experimental period. Body weight, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), liver index, glucose, insulin, insulin resistance (HOMA), serum and liver triglycerides (TGs), oxidative stress (liver MDA, GSH and SOD), serum AST, ALT, AST/ALT ratio and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were measured. Additionally, hepatic gene expression of suppressor of cytokine signaling-3 (SOCS-3), sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c), fatty acid synthase (FAS), malonyl CoA decarboxylase (MCD), transforming growth factor-ß1 (TGF-ß1) and adipose tissue genes expression of leptin and adiponectin were investigated. Liver sections were taken for histopathological examination and steatosis area were determined. RESULTS: Rats fed FED showed damaged liver, impairment of glucose tolerance, insulin resistance, oxidative stress and dyslipidemia. As for gene expression, there was a change in favor of dyslipidemia and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) development. All treatment regimens showed some benefit in reversing the described deviations. Fructose caused deterioration in hepatic gene expression of SOCS-3, SREBP-1c, FAS, MDA and TGF-ß1 and in adipose tissue gene expression of leptin and adiponectin. Fructose showed also an increase in body weight, insulin resistance (OGTT, HOMA), serum and liver TGs, hepatic MDA, serum AST, AST/ALT ratio and TNF-α compared to control. All treatments improved SOCS-3, FAS, MCD, TGF-ß1 and leptin genes expression while only RES and FENO + RES groups showed an improvement in SREBP-1c expression. Adiponectin gene expression was improved only by RES. A decrease in body weight, HOMA, liver TGs, AST/ALT ratio and TNF-α were observed in all treatment groups. Liver index was increased in FENO and FENO + RES groups. Serum TGs was improved only by FENO treatment. Liver MDA was improved by RES and FENO + RES treatments. FENO + RES group showed an increase in liver GSH content. CONCLUSION: When resveratrol was given with half the dose of fenofibrate it improved NASH-related fructose-induced disturbances in gene expression similar to a full dose of fenofibrate.

Asunto(s)

Metabolismo Energético/efectos de los fármacos , Fenofibrato/farmacología , Fructosa , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/prevención & control , Estilbenos/farmacología , Animales , Modelos Animales de Enfermedad , Quimioterapia Combinada , Metabolismo Energético/genética , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/inducido químicamente , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/genética , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/metabolismo , Ratas , Resveratrol , Factores de Tiempo

RESUMEN

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) gamma and alpha have been shown to play key roles in maintaining glucose and lipid homeostasis by acting as insulin sensitizers and lipid-lowering agents respectively, which would make them potential candidates for the treatment of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by insulin resistance, hyperglycemia, and hypertriglyceridemia. The effects of pioglitazone, a PPAR-γ agonist, and fenofibrate, a PPAR-α agonist, as monotherapy and in combination on the expressions of key genes linked to the development of NASH were studied in rats with fructose-induced NASH. Fructose-enriched diet was given to rats for 12 weeks. Fenofibrate (100mg/kg), pioglitazone (4 mg/kg) and combined treatment with both in half doses were given. Body weight, liver index, insulin resistance indices, triglycerides, oxidative stress markers, AST/ALT ratio and TNF-α were measured. Additionally, hepatic genes expressions of SOCS-3, sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, fatty acid synthase, malonyl CoA decarboxylase, TGF-ß1, and adipose tissue genes expressions of leptin and adiponectin were investigated. The combination of both drugs, in half doses, improved NASH-related disturbances similar to, or even better than, a full dose of fenofibrate alone possibly due to attenuating effects of pioglitazone on expression of genes responsible for insulin resistance, fatty acid synthesis and fibrosis in addition to correcting the balance between leptin and adiponectin. Histopathology confirmed the ability of this combination to decrease steatosis area and to normalize hepatic tissue structure. In Conclusion, dual activation of PPAR-γ and PPAR-α has remarkable effect in ameliorating NASH by modulation of some hepatic and adipose tissue genes expressions.

Asunto(s)

Fenofibrato/farmacología , Fructosa/efectos adversos , Regulación de la Expresión Génica/efectos de los fármacos , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/tratamiento farmacológico , PPAR alfa/agonistas , PPAR gamma/agonistas , Tiazolidinedionas/farmacología , Adiponectina/metabolismo , Tejido Adiposo/efectos de los fármacos , Tejido Adiposo/metabolismo , Animales , Glucemia/metabolismo , Peso Corporal/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Interacciones Farmacológicas , Fenofibrato/uso terapéutico , Glutatión/metabolismo , Homeostasis/efectos de los fármacos , Insulina/sangre , Leptina/metabolismo , Hígado/efectos de los fármacos , Hígado/enzimología , Hígado/metabolismo , Hígado/patología , Masculino , Malondialdehído/metabolismo , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/inducido químicamente , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/metabolismo , Enfermedad del Hígado Graso no Alcohólico/patología , Pioglitazona , Ratas , Ratas Wistar , Tiazolidinedionas/uso terapéutico , Triglicéridos/sangre , Triglicéridos/metabolismo , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

BACKGROUND: 5-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA) is a natural heme precursor metabolized into protoporphyrin IX (PpIX). PpIX preferentially accumulates in tumor cells resulting in the formation of singlet oxygen upon exposure to visible light. Doxil(®), an active agent against breast and ovarian cancer, is a nano-formulation of doxorubicin. This study aimed to investigate in vitro synergistic cytotoxic effect of low doses of combined chemotherapy and ALA/PDT to human breast adenocarcinoma cells (MCF-7) compared to high doses of each individual therapy. METHODS: MCF-7 cells were pretreated with Doxil(®) (48 h) followed by ALA/PDT (4h). The cell viability was evaluated by trypan blue assay and PpIX production was measured spectrofluorometrically. Alkaline phosphatase was determined as a marker for cellular differentiation. Apoptosis and necrosis were evaluated by fluorescence stains. The apoptosis cell death pathways were investigated: detection of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and percent of DNA fragmentation, malondialdehyde, histone deacetylase (HDAC) activity, caspase-3 and death receptors (DR4 and DR5). Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was determined by ELISA, as an angiogenic mediator. RESULTS: There was a higher reduction in cell viability in Doxil(®)+ALA/PDT-treated cells compared with their individual effect. The combined therapy showed enhanced apoptosis with a significant increase in the loss of ΔΨm, DNA fragmentation %, caspase-3, DR4, DR5 and lipid peroxides and inhibited HDAC. Pretreatment with Doxil(®) resulted in a twofold increase in the intracellular PpIX, by increasing the PDT killing of MCF-7 cells. CONCLUSION: The combined therapy using 50% of IC50 of ALA/PDT and Doxil(®) possessed a synergistic apoptotic effect on MCF-7 cells compared to 100% of IC50 of each therapy through enhancing both intrinsic and extrinsic apoptotic pathways, thus may minimize side effects of Doxil(®) and ALA.

Asunto(s)

Adenocarcinoma/tratamiento farmacológico , Adenocarcinoma/metabolismo , Ácido Aminolevulínico/administración & dosificación , Neoplasias de la Mama/tratamiento farmacológico , Neoplasias de la Mama/metabolismo , Doxorrubicina/análogos & derivados , Receptores de Muerte Celular/metabolismo , Adenocarcinoma/patología , Antibióticos Antineoplásicos/administración & dosificación , Apoptosis/efectos de los fármacos , Neoplasias de la Mama/patología , Supervivencia Celular/efectos de los fármacos , Relación Dosis-Respuesta a Droga , Doxorrubicina/administración & dosificación , Sinergismo Farmacológico , Quimioterapia Combinada/métodos , Humanos , Células MCF-7 , Polietilenglicoles/administración & dosificación , Fármacos Sensibilizantes a Radiaciones/administración & dosificación , Resultado del Tratamiento

RESUMEN

Mangiferin, present in Mangifera indica bark, was reported to produce hypoglycemic and antidiabetic activity in an animal model of genetic type 2 diabetes and in streptozotocin diabetic rats. Its effect on diabetic insulin-resistant animals has not been investigated. The current work aimed to explore the effect of mangiferin on diabetic insulin-resistant rat model. Diabetes was induced by high-fat/high fructose diet for eight weeks followed by a subdiabetogenic dose of streptozotocin (HFD-Fr-STZ). Rats were treated with mangiferin (20 mg/kg i.p.) for 28 days starting one week after STZ and its effects were compared to the standard insulin sensitizer, rosiglitazone. HFD-Fr-STZ, induced obesity, hyperglycemia and insulin resistance accompanied by depletion in liver glycogen and dyslipidemia. Moreover, there was an elevation in serum TNF-α and a reduction in adiponectin. Mangiferin ameliorated the consequences of HFD-Fr-STZ and its actions were comparable to the effects of the standard insulin sensitizer, rosiglitazone. The results obtained in this study provide evidence that mangiferin is a possible beneficial natural compound for type 2 diabetes and metabolic disorders associated with the metabolic syndrome. This effect is mediated through improving insulin sensitivity, modulating lipid profile and reverting adipokine levels to normal.

Asunto(s)

Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/tratamiento farmacológico , Dislipidemias/tratamiento farmacológico , Hipoglucemiantes/uso terapéutico , Tiazolidinedionas/uso terapéutico , Xantonas/uso terapéutico , Adiponectina/metabolismo , Animales , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/inducido químicamente , Diabetes Mellitus Experimental/metabolismo , Dislipidemias/metabolismo , Resistencia a la Insulina/fisiología , Masculino , Ratas , Rosiglitazona , Estreptozocina , Factor de Necrosis Tumoral alfa/metabolismo

RESUMEN

The possible chemopreventive role of dimethylthiourea (DMTU) against carmustine (1,3-bis(2-chloroethyl)-1-nitrosourea, BCNU)-induced myelotoxicity was assessed through evaluation of apoptosis, lipid peroxidation, glutathione (GSH) content and some antioxidant enzymes activities in bone marrow cells of rats. Thirty-six rats were randomly classified into four groups. The first group was injected i.p. with ethanol and served as a control. The second group was treated with BCNU. The third group was given DMTU, while the fourth group was co-administered with DMTU prior to BCNU administration. BCNU treatment in a single dose of 30 mg/kg significantly decreased the normal counts of RBCs, WBCs and platelets as well as hemoglobin level. In addition, BCNU exhibited marked apoptotic effect associated with significant alterations in the oxidative cascade parameters. Treatment of animals with DMTU in a single dose of 500 mg/kg 1h before BCNU injection, followed by 125 mg/kg twice daily for 5 consecutive days significantly mitigated the induced changes in the hematological parameters. The induced alterations in the oxidant and antioxidant parameters as well as apoptosis were also improved. Conclusively, DMTU treatment exhibited marked chemopreventive effect against BCNU-induced myelotoxicity; an effect which may be partially attributed to its inherently antioxidant potential.

Asunto(s)

Antineoplásicos/antagonistas & inhibidores , Médula Ósea/efectos de los fármacos , Carmustina/antagonistas & inhibidores , Tiourea/análogos & derivados , Animales , Antineoplásicos/toxicidad , Carmustina/toxicidad , Ratas , Tiourea/farmacología