Neuroinflammation and Behavioral Deficit in Rotenone-Induced Neurotoxicity in Rats and the Possible Effects of Butanolic Extract of Centaurea Africana

Author(s):  
Sabrina Hadjira ◽  
Amira Mansour ◽  
Ramdane Seghiri ◽  
Ahmed Menad ◽  
Fadila Benayache ◽  
...  

Background: Many studies have used rotenone (ROT) to create an experimental animal model of Parkinson's disease (PD) because of its ability to induce similar behavioral and motor deficits. PD is the most common age-related motoric neurodegenerative disorder. Neuroinflammation and apoptosis play an important role in the pathogenesis of this disease. Objective: This study investigated the effect of butanolic (n-BuOH) extract of Centaurea africana (200 mg/kg, 16 days) on a ROT-induced neurotoxicity model in male Wistar albino rats. Methods: Estimation of Tumor Necrosis Factor (TNF-α) and Nitric Oxide (NO) levels along with the myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity in brains was carried out in order to evaluate neuro-inflammation. Oxidative stress, Caspase 3 activity (apoptosis), and behavioral alterations were also evaluated. Results: In behavior assessment, using Ludolph Movement Analysis Scale, all ROT treated animals showed a decreased locomotor activity. The mitochondrial dysfunction induced by ROT was expressed by a decreased activity of complex I of the mitochondrial respiratory chain and increased lipid peroxidation and caspase 3. Co-treatment with the n-BuOH extract significantly restored the activity of complex I (65.41%) compared to treatment with ROT alone. The n-BuOH extract also reduced the neuroinflammation in rat brains by reducing MPO activity (75.12%), NO levels (77.43%), and TNF-α (71.48%) compared to the group treated with ROT. Conclusion: The obtained results indicated that C. africana n-BuOH extract exhibited a protective effect in rats.

2020 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Antonio Munafò ◽  
Chiara Burgaletto ◽  
Giulia Di Benedetto ◽  
Marco Di Mauro ◽  
Rosaria Di Mauro ◽  
...  

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common age-related neurodegenerative disorder characterized by cognitive decline and by the presence of amyloid β plaques and neurofibrillary tangles in the brain. Despite recent advances in understanding its pathophysiological mechanisms, to date, there are no disease-modifying therapeutic options, to slow or halt the evolution of neurodegenerative processes in AD. Current pharmacological treatments only transiently mitigate the severity of symptoms, with modest or null overall improvement. Emerging evidence supports the concept that AD is affected by the impaired ability of the immune system to restrain the brain’s pathology. Deep understanding of the relationship between the nervous and the immune system may provide a novel arena to develop effective and safe drugs for AD treatment. Considering the crucial role of inflammatory/immune pathways in AD, here we discuss the current status of the immuno-oncological, immunomodulatory and anti-TNF-α drugs which are being used in preclinical studies or in ongoing clinical trials by means of the drug-repositioning approach.


2017 ◽  
Vol 43 (2) ◽  
pp. 644-659 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azza H. Abd Elwahab ◽  
Basma K. Ramadan ◽  
Mona F. Schaalan  ◽  
Amina M. Tolba

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the alarmingly rising clinical problems in the 21st century with no effective drug treatment until now. Taurine is an essential amino acid in humans that proved efficacy as a non-pharmacological therapy in a plethora of diseases; however, its impact on NAFLD remains elusive. The aim of the current study is to evaluate the protective mechanism of taurine in experimental steatohepatitis induced by junk food given as cafeteria-diet (CAF-D) in male albino rats. Methods: Forty adult male albino rats of local strain between 8-10 weeks old, weighing 150 ± 20 g, were divided into four equal groups: Group I (control group), Group II (Taurine group), Group III (CAF-D for 12 weeks) and Group IV (CAF-D +Taurine). CAF-D was given in addition to the standard chow for 12 weeks, where each rat was given one piece of beef burger fried in 15 g of sunflower oil, one teaspoonful of mayonnaise, and one piece of petit pan bread, weighing 60g/ piece. In the serum, liver function tests; ALT, AST, ALP, GGT and the lipid profile; TG, TC, HDL-C added to reduced glutathione (GSH) were assessed colorimetrically, while fibroblast growth factor (FGF)-21, adiponectin & interleukin (IL)-6 via ELISA. The same technique was used for the assays of the hepatic levels of FGF-21, silent information regulator (SIRT1), malondialdehyde (MDA),IL-10, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) as well as the apoptotic markers; caspase-3 and B-cell lymphoma (Bcl-2). Results: The cafeteria-diet induced steatohepatitis was reflected by significantly increased body and liver weight gain, elevation of liver enzymes; ALT, AST, ALP and GGT added to the dyslipidemic panel, presented as increased TC, TG, LDL-C and decreased HDL-C levels. The steatosis-induced inflammatory milieu, marked by elevated serum levels of FGF-21, IL-6, hepatic TNF-α, as well as reduced IL-10 and adiponectin, was associated with steatosis- induced hepatic oxidative stress, reflected by increased hepatic MDA and decreased GSH levels, along with stimulated caspase-3 and decline in BcL-2 hepatic levels. These pathological disturbances were significantly ameliorated by taurine supplementation and evidenced histopathologically. The cross talk between hepatic FGF-21 and SIRT1 and their association to the induced perturbations are novel findings in this study. Taurine's efficacy in restoration of hepatic structure and function is partially via the increase in SIRT1 and associated reduction of FGF-21. Conclusion: The findings of the current study prove the protective role of taurine in NAFLD via a novel role in the amelioration of FGF-21/ SIRT1 axis, which could be considered a new therapeutic target.


2019 ◽  
Vol 44 (4) ◽  
pp. 452-461
Author(s):  
Zahide Cavdar ◽  
Cemre Ural ◽  
Ayse Kocak ◽  
Sevki Arslan ◽  
Sibel Ersan ◽  
...  

Abstract Objective This study aimed to investigate the renoprotective effects of paricalcitol, a synhetic vitamin D analog, through its possible roles on p38 MAPK and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways to prevent oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis during renal I/R. Materials and methods Total 20 kidney tissues of sham (n = 6), subjected to renal I/R bilaterally for 45 min ischemia followed by 24 h reperfusion (n = 7) and paricalcitol (0.3 μg/kg, ip) pretreated Wistar albino rats (n =7) were used in this study. Interstitial inflammation and active caspase-3 expression were evaluated histologically. TNF-α, IL-1β, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), MDA and SOD activity in kidneys were analysed biochemically. Furthermore, activation of p38 MAPK, PI3K/Akt signaling pathways and NFκB p65 were evaluated by western blot. Results Paricalcitol pretreatment significantly reduced interstitial inflammation during renal I/R, which was consistent with decreased tumor TNF-α, IL-1β, active caspase-3 and KIM-1 expression. Paricalcitol also reduced MDA level and attenuated the reduction of SOD activity in the kidney during I/R. Moreover, paricalcitol could suppress the p38 MAPK and NFκB p65, and also activate PI3K/Akt signaling pathway during renal I/R. Conclusion All these findings indicate that paricalcitol may be an effective practical strategy to prevent renal I/R injury.


2020 ◽  
Author(s):  
Azza A. Ali ◽  
Mona M. Kamal ◽  
Mona G. Khalil ◽  
Shimaa A. Ali ◽  
Hemat A. Elariny ◽  
...  

AbstractIntroductionParkinsonism is a neurodegenerative disorder. Pomegranate (POM) has been previously shown to have a dopaminergic neuroprotective effect against Parkinsonism.ObjectiveThe aim of the current study is to compare the efficacy of POM, vinpocetine, Propolis, Cocoa or L-dopa using RT-induced Parkinsonism rat model.MethodsRats were divided into seven groups; one normal and five RT model groups. One of the RT (2.5 mg/kg sc) groups served as non-treated parkinsonism model whereas the others were treated with either L-dopa (10 mg/kg PO) or with POM (150 mg/kg PO) together with each of the following; vinpocetine (VIN) (20 mg/kg PO), Propolis (300 mg/kg PO), Cocoa (24 mg/kg PO). Motor and cognitive performances were examined using three tests (catalepsy, open-field, Y-maze). Striatal dopamine, norepinephrine, serotonin, acetylcholinesterase, GABA, Glutamate, GSK 3B, BDNF levels were assessed as well as MDA, SOD, TAC, IL-1β, TNF-α, iNOs and caspase-3. Also, histopathological examinations of different brain regions were determined.ResultsTreatment with L-dopa alone or with all POM combination groups alleviated the deficits in locomotor activities, cognition, monoamine levels, acetylcholinesterase activity, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers as well as caspase-3 expression induced by RT.ConclusionCombinations of POM with each of VIN, Propolis or Cocoa have a promising disease-modifying antiparkinsonian therapy even without being given as an adjuvant to L-dopa.


2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
Eman I. Hassanen ◽  
Ahmed M. Hussien ◽  
Sally Mehanna ◽  
Marwa A. Ibrahim ◽  
Neven H. Hassan

Abstract Pesticides are considered the main source of environmental pollution and causing severe hazardous effects on humans and livestock. Imidacloprid (IC) and hexaflumuron (HFM) are broadly used insecticides for crop protection in the world. Some studies discussed IC toxicity in rats, but the toxicity of HFM doesn’t elucidate yet. So that, the current study aimed to investigate the pathogenesis and the mechanistic way of both IC and HFM induced hepatorenal toxicity in rats with comprehensive insight into its molecular mechanism. 21 male Wistar albino rats were divided into 3 groups as the following: group (1), normal saline; group (2), receiving IC; and group (3), receiving HFM. All the following materials were orally administered every day for 28 days. At the end, all rats were euthanized to collect blood and organ samples (liver and kidneys). The results revealed behavioral alterations in walking, body tension, alertness, and head movement as well as a decrease in body weight of rats receiving either IC or HFM. In addition to increasing the levels of MDA with decreasing GHS levels in liver and kidney homogenates. Both liver and kidney tissues showed extensive histopathological alterations associated with increasing the serum levels of ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine as well as reduction in total proteins, albumin, and globulin levels. Furthermore, there was upregulation of m-RNA levels of caspase-3, JNK, and HO-1 genes with strong positive reaction of caspase-3, TNF-ὰ and NF-KB proteins in both liver and kidneys of rats receiving either IC or HFM compared with the control group. We can conclude that both IC and HFM induced oxidative hepatorenal damage via ROS overproduction that activate NF-KB signaling pathways and mitochondrial and JNK dependent apoptosis pathway.


2021 ◽  
Vol 14 ◽  
Author(s):  
Salwa A. Ibrahim ◽  
Seham A. Abdel-Gaber ◽  
Mohamed A. Ibrahim ◽  
Entesar F. Amin ◽  
Rehab K. Mohammed ◽  
...  

Background and aim: Liver IR is a frequent clinical complication with high morbidity and mortality. The present study evaluated the possible protective effect of sodium hydrosulfide (NaHS), a H2S donor, in IR-induced hepatic injury and explored the mechanisms of actions of the investigated drug. Methods: Male albino rats (200-230 g) were divided into the following groups: group 1:Sham-operated non treated rats, group 2: IR non treated rats, group 3: L-NNA + IR rats, group 4: NaHS + IR rats, group 5: L-NNA + NaHS + IR rats. Blood samples were collected for ALT determination. Liver tissue samples were used for the assessment of GPx, catalase, SOD, MDA, total nitrites and TNF-α. Parts from the liver were fixed in 10% formalin solution for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical examination of iNOS, eNOS and caspase-3. Results: NaHS protected the liver against IR. This hepatoprotection was associated with normalization of antioxidant enzyme activity and decrease in hepatic MDA, TNF-α and expression of caspase-3 and iNOS. Conclusion: NaHS is hepatoprotective in IR injury. The hepatoprotective effects of NaHS are associated with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. These effects are probably mediated via NO modulation.


2020 ◽  
Vol 8 (1) ◽  
pp. 8
Author(s):  
Sahar M. Abo El Wafa ◽  
Heba A. El Noury

Current management of rice tablet or aluminium phosphide (AlP) poisoning has remained mostly supportive despite of its fatal outcome and unfortunately no antidote is found yet, therefore, there is a need to search for a treatment that can adequately protect against its toxicity. To the best of our knowledge, there are no studies until now concerning the cardioprotective effect of rutin against AlP cardiac toxicity in rats. For this purpose, this study was carried out to investigate the possible protective effect of rutin against AlP induced cardiotoxicity in rats. Forty male albino rats were randomly divided into four groups. Group I: normal control group was served as untreated rats and received distilled water orally through a gastric tube. Group II: Rutin treated group received a dose of 100 mg/kg rutin dissolved in distilled water and given orally through a gastric tube. Group III: AlP intoxicated rats received AlP oral single sub-lethal dose (2 mg/Kg body weight) dissolved in distilled water and given through a gastric tube. Group IV: AlP intoxicated rats + Rutin treated one hour after receiving AlP in doses as mentioned above. After that we tested the following parameters: ECG changes including HR and ST-segment elevation, serum level of TNF-α, IL-6 and H-FABP (pg/ml), antioxidant and Oxidant parameters in cardiac tissue as GSH, SOD, and MDA, apoptotic factor caspase-3 and histopathological examination of cardiac tissue was also included. The results showed that treatment with rutin caused a significant decrease in heart rate and ST segment elevation, a significant decrease in activity of TNF-α and IL-6 and levels of H-FABP also a significant decrease in the activity of SOD with decreased levels of MDA and caspase-3 level and a significant increase in the level of GSH compared to (AlP) intoxicated group, also histopathological changes induced by AlP improved after treatment with rutin. It is concluded that AlP intoxication caused ECG, biochemical and histopathological changes which were potentially improved with rutin.  


2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-8
Author(s):  
Ahmed Z. Alanazi ◽  
Faleh Alqahtani ◽  
Ramzi A. A. Mothana ◽  
Mohamed Mohany ◽  
Hatem M. Abuohashish ◽  
...  

Earlier studies revealed the potential therapeutic values of Loranthus regularis (L. regularis). This study evaluated Loranthus regularis (L. regularis) extract systemic antidiabetic effects and benefits against diabetic hepatocellular injuries through antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways using the streptozotocin (STZ) model in Wistar albino rats. After diabetes induction, animals were orally treated with L. regularis extract for 4 weeks. Serum levels of glucose, insulin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total cholesterol (TC), total triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and high-density lipoprotein (HDL) were estimated. Furthermore, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), caspase-3, nitric oxide (NO), and prostaglandin E-2 (PGE-2) were estimated in serum. In liver, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARSs) and reduced glutathione (GSH) as well as the proinflammatory cytokines and enzymatic activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione reeducates (GR), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) were assayed. Finally, the degree of hepatic tissue damage was evaluated histologically. Treatment of the diabetic rats with L. regularis extract markedly reduced the elevated serum levels of glucose, ALT, AST, TC, TG, LDL, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, caspase-3, NO, and PGE-2. L. regularis extract also improved serum levels of insulin and HDL. The elevated TBARS, TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels in hepatic tissue of diabetic animals were reduced by L. regularis. Moreover, L. regularis extract significantly restored the diminished hepatic GSH level and enzymatic activities of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, and GST in diabetic animals. The biochemical protective effects of L. regularis were associated with improved histological hepatocellular integrity and architecture. Taken together, L. regularis has therapeutic effects against diabetic-induced hepatic complications. The restored liver functions and cellular damage might be mediated through free radicals scavenging and proinflammatory cytokine inhibition.


Author(s):  
Hasan Akduman ◽  
Cuneyt Tayman ◽  
Veli Korkmaz ◽  
Filiz Akduman ◽  
Nurdan D. Fettah ◽  
...  

Objective This study aimed to ascertain the effects of astaxanthin (ASX) in an experimental necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) model using rat pups. Study Design Forty-two pups born from five Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as the control group, NEC + placebo (saline), and NEC + ASX. Pups in the NEC + ASX group were given 100 mg/kg/day oral ASX from day 1 to day 4 of the study. Saline of 2 mL/kg was given to the NEC + placebo group. Histopathological, immunohistochemical (caspase-3), and biochemical evaluations including the total antioxidant status (TAS), total oxidant status (TOS), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), lipid hydroperoxide (LPO), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nfr-2) activities were all performed. Results A better survival rate and weight gain were demonstrated in the NEC + ASX group (p < 0.05). In the histopathological evaluation, the severity of intestinal damage was significantly reduced in the NEC + ASX group, as well as decreased apoptosis (enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay [ELISA] for caspase-3; p = 0.001). The biochemical analyses of intestinal tissue TOS, oxidative stress index (OSI; TOS/TAS), IL-1β, LPO, 8-OHdG, AOPP, caspase-3 (p < 0.001 for all), and TNF-α and MPO (p = 0.001 for both parameters) levels were lower in the NEC + ASX group than in the NEC + placebo group. Nrf-2, TAS, GSH, and SOD levels were higher in the NEC + ASX group than in the NEC + placebo group (p = 0.001, 0.001, <0.001, and 0.01, respectively). Conclusion ASX treatment has been shown to effectively reduce the severity of intestinal damage in NEC due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic properties. Key Points


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