Protective effect of berberine chloride against cisplatin-induced ototoxicity

Background Cisplatin (CP) is an effective anticancer drug broadly used for various types of cancers, but it has shown ototoxicity that results from oxidative stress. Berberine has been reported for its anti-oxidative stress suggesting its therapeutic potential for many diseases such as colitis, diabetes, and vascular dementia. Objective Organ of Corti of postnatal day 3 mouse cochlear explants were used to compare hair cells after the treatment with cisplatin alone or with berberine chloride (BC) followed by CP. Methods We investigated the potential of the anti-oxidative effect of BC against the cisplatin-induced ototoxicity. We observed a reduced aberrant bundle of stereocilia in hair cells in CP with BC pre-treated group. Caspase-3 immunofluorescence and TUNEL assay supported the hypothesis that BC attenuates the apoptotic signals induced by CP. Reactive oxygen species level in the mitochondria were investigated by MitoSOX Red staining and the mitochondrial membrane potentials were compared by JC-1 assay. Results BC decreased ROS generation with preserved mitochondrial membrane potentials in mitochondria as well as reduced DNA fragmentation in hair cells. In summary, our data indicate that BC might act as antioxidant against CP by reducing the stress in mitochondria resulting in cell survival. Conclusion Our result suggests the therapeutic potential of BC for prevention of the detrimental effect of CP-induced ototoxicity.

Effect of post-training and post-match antioxidants on oxidative stress and inflammation in professional soccer players (Efecto de los antioxidantes post-entrenamiento y post-partido sobre el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación en jugadores profesionales d

The objective of this study was to determine if the addition of post-activity antioxidants is a useful strategy for improving the specific analytical parameters related to oxidative stress and inflammation. The study was carried out in an Italian Serie A soccer team, between October, 2019 and January, 2020. In October, the measurements were carried out on the players without having taken post-activity antioxidant supplementation. The intervention period corresponded from the end of October to the beginning of January, a period in which post- activity antioxidants were supplemented. The results obtained confirmed that the players who took antioxidants during the intervention period in the form of a mixture of a natural pineapple smoothie with a concentrate of tart cherry, pomegranate, black currant and beet in stick form, significantly improved the parameters associated with oxidative stress, although a significant improvement in the parameters related to inflammation was not observed. The use of antioxidants for a period of seventy days is a post-activity intervention strategy that can be considered effective for improving the reduction of parameters related to the oxidative effect derived from the practice of physical exercise at a professional level in soccer, although more studies are needed to determine the anti-inflammatory effect. Resumen. El objetivo de este estudio fue determinar si la inclusión de antioxidantes post-actividad es una estrategia útil para mejorar los parámetros analíticos específicos relacionados con el estrés oxidativo y la inflamación. El estudio se llevó a cabo en un equipo de fútbol de la Serie A italiana, entre octubre de 2019 y enero de 2020. En octubre, las mediciones se llevaron a cabo en los jugadores sin haber tomado la suplementación antioxidante post-actividad. El periodo de intervención correspondió desde finales de octubre hasta principios de enero, periodo en el que se suplementaron los antioxidantes post-actividad. Los resultados obtenidos confirmaron que los jugadores que tomaron antioxidantes durante el periodo de intervención en forma de una mezcla de un licuado de piña natural con un concentrado de cereza ácida, granada, grosella negra y remolacha en forma de stick, mejoraron significativamente los parámetros asociados al estrés oxidativo, aunque no se observó una mejora significativa en los parámetros relacionados con la inflamación. El uso de antioxidantes durante un periodo de setenta días es una estrategia de intervención post-actividad que puede considerarse eficaz para mejorar la reducción de los parámetros relacionados con el efecto oxidativo derivado de la práctica de ejercicio físico a nivel profesional en el fútbol, aunque se necesitan más estudios para determinar el efecto antiinflamatorio.

Sodium Glucose Co-Transporter 2 Inhibitors Ameliorate Endothelium Barrier Dysfunction Induced by Cyclic Stretch through Inhibition of Reactive Oxygen Species

SGLT-2i’s exert direct anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects on resting endothelial cells. However, endothelial cells are constantly exposed to mechanical forces such as cyclic stretch. Enhanced stretch increases the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and thereby impairs endothelial barrier function. We hypothesized that the SGLT-2i’s empagliflozin (EMPA), dapagliflozin (DAPA) and canagliflozin (CANA) exert an anti-oxidative effect and alleviate cyclic stretch-induced endothelial permeability in human coronary artery endothelial cells (HCAECs). HCAECs were pre-incubated with one of the SGLT-2i’s (1 µM EMPA, 1 µM DAPA and 3 µM CANA) for 2 h, followed by 10% stretch for 24 h. HCAECs exposed to 5% stretch were considered as control. Involvement of ROS was measured using N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC). The sodium-hydrogen exchanger 1 (NHE1) and NADPH oxidases (NOXs) were inhibited by cariporide, or GKT136901, respectively. Cell permeability and ROS were investigated by fluorescence intensity imaging. Cell permeability and ROS production were increased by 10% stretch; EMPA, DAPA and CANA decreased this effect significantly. Cariporide and GKT136901 inhibited stretch-induced ROS production but neither of them further reduced ROS production when combined with EMPA. SGLT-2i’s improve the barrier dysfunction of HCAECs under enhanced stretch and this effect might be mediated through scavenging of ROS. Anti-oxidative effect of SGLT-2i’s might be partially mediated by inhibition of NHE1 and NOXs.

Anti-Oxidative Effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) on Androgen Induced Changes in Ovaries of Prepubertal Female Rats

Objectives: It has been documented that the administration of exogenous androgens to immature female rats produces polycystic ovaries. There is a substantial reduction of antioxidants in this condition, with an elevated risk of oxidative stress. The current research is intended to evaluate these effects and to assess the protection provided by aqueous garlic extract (AGE). Methods: An experimental study conducted at University of Health Sciences, Lahore. The data was collected over a period of one month. Fifty female prepubertal rats, 21 days of age, were divided into five groups, A, B, C, D and E. Group A served as control. Group B received testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneous for 14 days and served as disease control. Group C received testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneous for 14 days and concomitantly Aqueous garlic extract (AGE). Group D receive testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneous for 14 days and Aqueous garlic extract (AGE) from day 14-21. Group E received testosterone propionate (TP) subcutaneous for 14 days with no intervention till day 21. Blood samples of 50 female rats were drawn by doing cardiac puncture and clear serum was collected by centrifugation. This serum was used to assess the Catalase enzyme by using specific commercial kits. Results: The concentration and activity of catalase enzyme in the female rats with polycystic ovaries showed significant decrease as compare to the healthy controls. The involvement of antioxidants to manage the polycystic ovaries may be helpful as secondary therapy to prevent oxidative damage. Conclusion: The results showed that AGE with its antioxidative properties not only prevents the damage caused by oxidative stress, it also increased the level of serum catalase that helps to create a balance between beneficial oxidant generation and damaging oxidative stress. Key words: Androgens, immature female rats, ovaries, antioxidants, oxidative stress, aqueous garlic extract (AGE), Catalase. How to cite: Bashir.Y., Habib N. Ashraf .S. Anti-Oxidative Effect of Aqueous Garlic Extract (AGE) on Androgen Induced Changes in Ovaries of Prepubertal Female Rats. Esculapio. 2021.17(01):55-59

Genotoxic and oxidative effect of duloxetine on mouse brain and liver tissues

We evaluated the duloxetine DNA damaging capacity utilizing the comet assay applied to mouse brain and liver cells, as well as its DNA, lipid, protein, and nitric oxide oxidative potential in the same cells. A kinetic time/dose strategy showed the effect of 2, 20, and 200 mg/kg of the drug administered intraperitoneally once in comparison with a control and a methyl methanesulfonate group. Each parameter was evaluated at 3, 9, 15, and 21 h postadministration in five mice per group, except for the DNA oxidation that was examined only at 9 h postadministration. Results showed a significant DNA damage mainly at 9 h postexposure in both organs. In the brain, with 20 and 200 mg/kg we found 50 and 80% increase over the control group (p ≤ 0.05), in the liver, the increase of 2, 20, and 200 mg/kg of duloxetine was 50, 80, and 135% in comparison with the control level (p ≤ 0.05). DNA, lipid, protein and nitric oxide oxidation increase was also observed in both organs. Our data established the DNA damaging capacity of duloxetine even with a dose from the therapeutic range (2 mg/kg), and suggest that this effect can be related with its oxidative potential.

Environmentally Friendly Polymer Compositions with Natural Amber Acid

Few scientific reports have suggested the possibility of using natural phenolic acids as functional substances, such as stabilizers for polymeric materials. The replacement of commercial stabilizers in the polymer industry can be beneficial to human health and the environment. The aim of this study was to obtain biodegradable composition of polylactide (PLA) and polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHA) with natural amber (succinic) acid. The materials were subjected to controlled thermooxidation and solar aging. The research methodology included thermal analysis, examination of surface energy, mechanical properties and spectrophotometric analysis of the color change after aging. The samples of aliphatic polyesters containing from 1 to 2 parts by weight of succinic acid were characterized by increased resistance to oxidation (DSC analysis). Natural acid, preferably at a concentration of 1–1.5 parts by weight, acted as a stabilizer in the polymer compositions. On the other hand, materials that had amber acid above 2 parts by weight added were more susceptible to oxidation (DSC). They also showed the lowest aging coefficients (K). The addition of acid at 2.5–4 parts by weight caused a pro-oxidative effect and accelerated aging. By adding amber acid to PLA and PHA, it is possible to design their time in service and their overall lifetime.

Antioxidant Activity and Hepatoprotective Effect of Exopolysaccharides From Cultivated Ophiocordyceps Sinensis Against CCl4-Induced Liver Damages

Cordyceps is a well-known and valuable fungal Chinese medicine and health food. The polysaccharides from C. sinensis have been reported as the main bioactive components, which possess antioxidant, anti-aging, and liver protective activities. This study aimed to investigate the in vitro antioxidative and protective effects of exopolysaccharides (EPS) from cultivated Ophiocordyceps sinensis (O. sinensis) on rats with liver damage induced by CCl4. The results indicated that cultivated O. sinensis EPS possess moderate ABTS and hydroxyl radical scavenging abilities with IC50 values of 2.00 and 3.78 mg/mL, respectively. EPS and the positive control (silymarin) could also protect rat liver from the oxidative effect induced by CCl4 via increasing GSH levels, reducing MAD levels and decreasing serum AST and ALT activities. Moreover, the changes in histopathological liver tissue showed that EPS significantly reduced the damage induced by CCl4 in the liver. The findings suggest that EPS possesses a significant hepatoprotective effect against hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in rats.