Amelioration of lithiatic injury to renal tissue by candesartan and sodium thiosulfate in a rat model of nephrolithiasis.

AIM: Nephrolithiasis is a chronic metabolic condition affecting 10% of population worldwide. The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of candesartan (CAND) and sodium thiosulfate (STS) in ameliorating ethylene glycol (EG) induced nephrolithiasis. METHODS: One hundred male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Normal control group, nephrolithiasis (EG) group (1% EG in drinking water), Cystone (CYS) group (EG + 750 mg/kg CYS, orally, once daily), STS group (EG + 0.4 gm/kg STS, intraperitoneally, 3 times/week) and CAND group (EG + 70 µg/mL CAND in drinking water). Treatments and EG administration commenced on the same day and continued for 28 days. CYS was used as reference drug. Urine, blood, and renal tissues were collected at the end of the experiment for assessment of kidney function tests (serum creatinine and urea), urinary (8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), calcium and oxalate), inflammatory and oxdative stress biomarkers (transforming growth factor beta (TGF-ß), osteopontin (OPN) and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG)) in renal tissue. RESULTS: Serum (creatinine and urea), urinary (8-OHdG and oxalate) and renal (OPN and TGF-ß) were significantly reduced in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Furthermore, renal GSH/GSSG and urinary calcium were significantly increased in CAND and STS groups compared to EG group. Histopathological results support the biochemical findings; CAND and STS groups showed less retention of crystals and necrotic damage in kidney. Also, microscopic examination of urine revealed less crystal for CAND and STS groups. CONCLUSION: Candesartan and sodium thiosulfate exhibited protective effect against nephrolithiasis.

Modulatory Effect of Silymarin on Apoptosis in Testosterone -Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats.

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is considered a normal part of the aging process in men, and is characterized by an imbalance between cell proliferation and apoptosis. Our study aimed to investigate the potential protective role of silymarin (SIL) against testosterone-induced BPH in rats and to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying SIL pro-apoptotic and anti-proliferative effects. Forty adult male Wistar rats were divided equally into four groups: control group, BPH group (3 mg/kg testosterone propionate, s.c. for 14 days, SIL group (50 mg/kg SIL, orally, once daily concomitantly with 3 mg/kg testosterone propionate s.c.) and inhibitor group (50 mg/kg SIL orally concomitantly with 3 mg/kg testosterone, s.c. and 0.5 mg/rat Z-VAD-FMK, i.p.). Silymarin induced caspase-dependent apoptosis in BPH as SIL significantly reduced prostatic Bcl-2 protein and increased Bax protein concentration. Also, SIL down-regulated survivin (Inhibitor of apoptosis protein (IAPs) gene expression in rat prostate assisting mainly caspase-dependent pathway. Silymarin significantly decreased cytochrome-c cytosolic concentration and increased caspase 3 activity compared to BPH group. Silymarin significantly increased the content of p27/kip1 (Cyclin dependent kinase inhibitor (CDKIs) promoting cell cycle arrest. The histological features of BPH such as hypertrophy, papillary projections formation, improved in SIL group. Silymarin showed a significant anti-proliferative and pro-apoptotic role in BPH and accordingly it could be effectively and safely used as a treatment tool in cases of BPH or prostatic disorders.

Immunotherapeutic strategies for treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma with antigen-loaded dendritic cells: in vivo study.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the major health problems in the world. DCs-based vaccines are a promising immunotherapeutic strategy that aims at the optimal for induction of a specific antitumor immune response and destruction of tumor cells. The present study was conducted to investigate the immunogenic characters of whole tumor lysate-pulsed DCs vaccine and its ability to induce a specific antitumor immune response in HCC mice model. We also evaluate the effectiveness of prophylactic and therapeutic immunization strategies against HCC in mice models. Mice-derived DCs were in vitro loaded with whole tumor lysate prepared from liver tissue of HCC mice and evaluated for expression of surface maturation markers CD83 and CD86. In vivo immunization of mice with whole tumor lysate-pulsed DCs was performed in two strategies; prophylactic (pre-exposure to HCC) and therapeutic (post-exposure to HCC). Effectiveness of both protocols was investigated in terms of histopathological examination of liver sections and measurement of serum levels of immune cytokines interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-2 (IL-2). Loading of DCs with whole tumor cell lysate exhibited a significant increase in expression of CD83 and CD86. In vivo administration of prophylactic doses of whole tumor lysate-pulsed DCs in mice before induction of HCC evokes a strong antitumor immune response presented by absence of malignant cells in liver sections and the significant increase in IFN-γ and IL-2. Data herein indicated that prophylactic vaccination with whole tumor lysate-pulsed DCs exhibited an effective antitumor immune response against HCC more than therapeutic protocol.

Upregulation of PPAR-γ mediates the renoprotective effect of omega-3 PUFA and ferulic acid in gentamicin-intoxicated rats.

Ferulic acid (FrA) is a natural product containing phenolic compounds. ω-3 PUFA is the major constituent of fish oil. The aim of this study was to investigate the renoprotective role of FrA and FO in gentamicin (GM)-induced nephrotoxicity in rats. Forty four male rats were divided equally into 4 groups: Control group, GM group, FrA + GM group and FO + GM group. Each of the treated groups was injected with GM (40 mg/kg) i.p. for 9 consecutive days. FrA (100 mg/kg) and FO (5 mL/kg) were given to rats orally daily for 10 days prior to GM and then concomitantly with GM for additional 9 days. Kidney function was assessed by serum BUN and creatinine, urinary albumin excretion and N-acetyl-beta-D-glucosaminidase (NAG) activity and histopathological examination. The anti-inflammatory property was evaluated by measuring renal resolvin E1 and gene expression of PPAR-γ. The antioxidant activity was indicated by renal catalase (CAT) activity. GM-induced nephrotoxicity was evidenced by the renal histopathological changes along with increased renal indices. Prior and concomitant treatment with FrA or FO ameliorated nephrotoxic effect of GM as indicated by the significant decrease of serum BUN and creatinine, urinary albumin excretion and urinary NAG activity. Both treatments significantly enhanced CAT activity and gene expression of PPAR-γ. Resolvin E1 was significantly elevated in FO but not in FrA group. FrA and FO proved anti-inflammatory and renoprotective effects, which could be through their PPAR-γ agonist activity. Because FrA and FO are natural products, they could provide a safe intervention strategy in cases of exposure to nephrotoxins.

Anti-inflammatory and Antioxidant Effects of Captopril Compared to Methylprednisolone in L-Arginine-Induced Acute Pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disease mediated by damage in acinar cells and pancreatic inflammation with infiltration of leukocytes. The pancreatic renin-angiotensin system may play an important role in the pathogenesis of AP. AIM: The present study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of captopril (CAP), an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor, in attenuating L-arginine-induced AP rat model and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms. METHODS: Forty-eight adult male Wister rats were divided into four equal groups: control group (vehicle, orally for 10 days), AP group (3 g/kg L-arginine, single i.p.) on 10th day of the experiment, CAP group (50 mg/kg captopril, orally, once daily), and MP group (30 mg/kg methylprednisolone, orally, once daily). CAP and MP were administered for 10 days prior to L-arginine injection. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after arginine injection. Inflammatory biomarkers; tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) concentration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression were determined in pancreas. Oxidative stress biomarkers; pancreatic nitric oxide (NO) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations were measured. Moreover, serum α-amylase and lipase activities were measured and histopathological studies of the pancreas were done. RESULTS: CAP group showed a significant reduction in pancreatic TNF-α concentration, MPO activity, NO concentration, and downregulation of iNOS gene expression compared to AP group. CAP group also showed a significant increase in GSH concentration with amelioration of histological changes of AP as well as MP group. CONCLUSION: Captopril treatment showed a protective and comparable effect with MP treatment in AP rat model.

Suppression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and tumor necrosis factor-alpha level by lycopene is comparable to methylprednisolone in acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress and inflammation may play a key role in the pathogenesis of acute pancreatitis (AP). Lycopene, a natural carotenoid, has antioxidant scavenger capacity and inhibits inflammation in many experimental models. AIM: The study was designed to investigate whether lycopene can ameliorate l-arginine-induced pancreatitis in rats and to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanisms of these effects. METHODS: Forty-eight adult male Wistar rats were divided into: control group (vehicle, orally, 10 days), AP group (3 g/kg l-arginine, single i.p. injection, on day 10th of the experiment), lycopene group (50 mg/kg) and methylprednisolone group (30 mg/kg). Lycopene and methylprednisolone were given orally, once daily for 10 days prior to l-arginine injection. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after l-arginine injection. Inflammation/oxidative stress and pancreatic markers were assessed. Pancreatic histopathological studies were done. RESULTS: Lycopene group showed a significant reduction in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), myeloperoxidase activity, and down-regulation of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression. Pancreatic nitric oxide concentration was reduced and pancreatic GSH was increased in lycopene group. Serum α-amylase and lipase activities were reduced by lycopene treatment. The histology of pancreas was improved in lycopene group as well as methylprednisolone group. CONCLUSION: Lycopene prior treatment proved anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects against AP rat model via different mechanisms.

Roflumilast, type 4 phosphodiesterase inhibitor, attenuates inflammation in rats with ulcerative colitis via down-regulation of iNOS and elevation of cAMP.

BACKGROUND: Roflumilast (Rof), a phosphodiesterase 4 (PDE4) inhibitor, has been shown to be an effective agent in inflammatory diseases and marketed for chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. OBJECTIVE: This study was conducted to examine the potential anti-inflammatory effects of Rof in dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, colitis group (rats received 5% DSS in their drinking water continuously for 7 days), Rof group, and sulfasalazine (SLZ) group. The Rof (5 mg/kg) and SLZ (500 mg/kg) groups underwent pretreatment with DSS one week ahead of DSS challenge and parallel with DSS. Colitis was determined by assessing colon length, weight loss, histologic colon score, quantifying the concentration of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), nitric oxide (NO), cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cAMP), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in colon tissue. RESULTS: Rof attenuated the severity of colitis as evidenced by increased colon length, prevention of body weight loss, and improved colon histologic score compared to DSS group. Rof also suppressed the inflammatory response induced in DSS colitis group by decreasing colon concentration of TNF-α, NO and MPO activity and down- regulation of iNOS gene expression. The level of cAMP was increased by Rof compared to DSS group. The obtained results of Rof were comparable to those exerted by SLZ. CONCLUSION: These findings revealed the beneficial effects of Rof in alleviating inflammation in DSS colitis.

Ginger extract adjuvant to doxorubicin in mammary carcinoma: study of some molecular mechanisms.

PURPOSE: The present study aimed to investigate the molecular mechanisms underlying the anticancer properties of ginger extract (GE) in mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma (SEC) and to evaluate the use of GE in combination with doxorubicin (DOX) as a complementary therapy against SEC. METHODS: SEC was induced in 60 female mice. Mice were divided into four equal groups: SEC, GE, DOX and GE + DOX. GE (100 mg/kg orally day after day) and DOX (4 mg/kg i.p. for 4 cycles every 5 days) were given to mice starting on day 12 of inoculation. On the 28th day, blood samples were collected, mice were scarified, tumor volume was measured, and tumor tissues were excised. RESULTS: The anti-cancer effect of GE was mediated by activation of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase (AMPK) and down-regulation of cyclin D1 gene expression. GE also showed pro-apoptotic properties as evidenced by elevation of the P53 and suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) content in tumor tissue. Co-administration of GE alongside DOX markedly increased survival rate, decreased tumor volume, and increased the level of phosphorylated AMPK (PAMPK) and improved related pathways compared to DOX group. In addition, the histopathological results demonstrated enhanced apoptosis and absence of multinucleated cells in tumor tissue of GE + DOX group. CONCLUSION: AMPK pathway and cyclin D1 gene expression could be a molecular therapeutic target for the anticancer effect of GE in mice bearing SEC. Combining GE and DOX revealed a greater efficacy as anticancer therapeutic regimen.

Downregulation of iNOS and elevation of cAMP mediate the anti-inflammatory effect of glabridin in rats with ulcerative colitis.

BACKGROUND: Alternative medicine is widely accepted by public and becoming an attractive approach for treatment of various diseases. Glabridin (Gla), a major flavonoid present in licorice root, was reported to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. OBJECTIVE: The study aimed to investigate the possible protective role of Gla against dextran sulphate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis (UC) in rats and to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying Gla function. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into control, colitis group (rats received 5% DSS in drinking water for 7 days), Gla group (50 mg/kg, orally, once daily), and sulfasalazine (SLZ) group (500 mg/kg, orally, once daily). Each of Gla and SLZ was administered 1 week ahead of DSS and parallel with its administration. RESULTS: Gla ameliorated the inflammatory alterations induced by DSS. Gla group showed a reduction in colon concentration of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and a decreased colon myeloperoxidase activity (MPO). Gla treatment downregulated inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression in rat colon with a decreased content of nitric oxide (NO). Gla also increased cyclic AMP (cAMP) concentration in rat colon compared to colitis group. Such findings were comparable to or even better than those obtained by SLZ treatment. The histological features of UC such as ulceration and inflammatory cell infiltrations were improved in rat group treated by Gla. CONCLUSION: Gla proved a potent anti-inflammatory role in UC through different mechanisms and, being a natural product, it could be safely used as a protective measure in inflammatory bowel diseases.

Effect of human umbilical cord blood-derived mononuclear cells on diabetic nephropathy in rats.

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is damage to the kidney which can lead to chronic renal failure, eventually requiring dialysis. Diabetes mellitus is the most common cause of adult kidney failure worldwide in the developed world. The current work was designed to elucidate the effect of mononuclear cells (MNCs) injection on reverse DN in rats exposed to streptozotocin (STZ) injection compared to metformin as a known hypoglycemic drug, 40 Male rats were divided equally into 4 groups; normal control group, diabetic control group, MNCs group were diabetic rats treated with MNCs (30×106 MNCs/rat once iv dose) in the tail vein of the rat, and metformin group were diabetic rats treated with metformin (100mg/kg orally daily dose) for four weeks. The results indicated an improvement effect of MNCs and metformin on STZ-induced DN in rats, which was evidenced by significant decrease in urinary albumin/creatinine ratio, N-acetyl-ß-d-glucosaminidase (NAG), urinary kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1), serum urea, serum creatinine and fasting blood glucose and significant increase in C- peptide level, compared to diabetic control group. Additionally MNCs treated group exhibited pronounced effects in all previous parameters compared to metformin treated group. It is proved that MNCs treatment was superior to metformin in controlling hyperglycemia, and improving renal function in diabetic rats.

Metformin augments doxorubicin cytotoxicity in mammary carcinoma through activation of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase pathway.

Since the incidence of breast cancer increases dramatically all over the world, the search for effective treatment is an urgent need. Metformin has demonstrated anti-tumorigenic effect both in vivo and in vitro in different cancer types. This work was designed to examine on molecular level the mode of action of metformin in mice bearing solid Ehrlich carcinoma and to evaluate the use of metformin in conjunction with doxorubicin as a combined therapy against solid Ehrlich carcinoma. Ehrlich ascites carcinoma cells were inoculated in 60 female mice as a model of breast cancer. The mice were divided into four equal groups: Control tumor, metformin, doxorubicin, and co-treatment. Metformin (15 mg/kg) and doxorubicin (4 mg/kg) were given intraperitoneally (i.p.) for four cycles every 5 days starting on day 12 of inoculation. The anti-tumorigenic effect of metformin was mediated by enhancement of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase activity and elevation of P53 protein as well as the suppression of nuclear factor-kappa B, DNA contents, and cyclin D1 gene expression. Metformin and doxorubicin mono-treatments exhibited opposing action regarding cyclin D1 gene expression, phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate protein kinase, and nuclear factor-kappa B levels. Co-treatment markedly decreased tumor volume, increased survival rate, and improved other parameters compared to doxorubicin group. In parallel, the histopathological findings demonstrated enhanced apoptosis and absence of necrosis in tumor tissue of co-treatment group. Metformin proved chemotherapeutic effect which could be mediated by the activation of adenosine monophosphate protein kinase and related pathways. Combining metformin and doxorubicin, which exhibited different mechanisms of action, produced greater efficacy as anticancer therapeutic regimen.

Chemopreventive effect of omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin in rats with bladder cancer.

Bladder cancer remains a huge concern for the medical community because of its incidence and prevalence rates, as well as high percentage of recurrence and progression. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin proved anti-inflammatory effects through peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma mechanism. However, their chemopreventive effect still remained to be examined and clarified. In this study, bladder cancer was induced in rats by the chemical carcinogen N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (docosahexaenoic acid and eicosapentaenoic acid: 2:3 w/w; 1200 mg/kg) and/or atorvastatin (6 mg/kg) were given orally daily to rats for eight consecutive weeks concomitantly with N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine and continued for further 4 weeks after cessation of N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine administration. The histopathological examination of rat bladder revealed the presence of tumors and the absence of apoptotic bodies in sections from N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine group, while tumors were absent and apoptotic bodies were clearly observed in sections from rat groups treated with omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids, atorvastatin, or both drugs. The study of the molecular mechanisms illustrated downregulation of COX-2 and P53 (mutant) genes and suppression of transforming growth factor beta-1 and the lipid peroxidation product malondialdehyde in serum of rats of the three treated groups. This chemopreventive effect was confirmed by and associated with lower level of bladder tumor antigen in urine. However, the combined treatment with both drugs exhibited the major protective effect and nearly corrected the dyslipidemia that has been induced by N-butyl-N-(4-hydroxybutyl)nitrosamine. Collectively, omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and atorvastatin, besides having anti-inflammatory properties, proved a chemopreventive effect against bladder cancer, which nominates them to be used as adjuvant therapy with other chemotherapeutics.

Sorafenib effect on liver neoplastic changes in rats: more than a kinase inhibitor.

Although sorafenib was approved as antiangiogenic agent in case of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), the pathways mediating its antitumorigenic effects were not fully examined in vivo. This study was conducted to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antineoplastic effect of sorafenib in livers of rats exposed to the hepatocarcinogen diethyl nitrosamine (DENA) regarding oxidative stress, proliferation, and apoptotic pathways. Male albino rats were divided into three groups: normal control, DENA group, and sorafenib group. Sorafenib (10 mg/kg) was given daily to rats orally for 2 weeks, started 6 weeks after DENA (200 mg/kg, single i.p. dose). The histopathological results proved that sorafenib corrected neoplastic changes in the liver as evidenced by a decrease in size of hepatocellular foci. The liver index, glutathione, as well as Bcl-2 were significantly decreased in sorafenib group compared with DENA group. Sorafenib also exhibited antiproliferative effect through suppression of gene expression of cyclin D1 and ß-catenin. Thus, the apoptotic and proliferative pathways in HCC could be interrupted by sorafenib, supporting the role of sorafenib as antineoplastic agent and nominating it as a candidate drug for other neoplasms.

Effect of Pomegranate Hull Extract on Liver Neoplastic Changes in Rats: More than an Antioxidant.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer and the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The current work was designed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the antitumorigenic effect of pomegranate hull extract (PHE) in livers of rats exposed to the hepatocarcinogen diethyl nitrosamine (DENA) with emphasis on oxidative stress, proliferation, and apoptosis. Male albino rats were divided into three groups: normal control, DENA group, and PHE group. PHE was given to rats orally 3 times weekly for 10 wk, 4 wk before and 6 wk after DENA (200 mg/kg, single i.p. dose). The results indicated a prophylactic effect of PHE against neoplastic changes in the liver, which was evidenced by the decrease of tumor size, liver index, and the anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2; and the increase of glutathione. PHE group also showed decreased expression of liver cyclin D1 and ß-catenin genes compared with DENA group. It is proved that PHE has antitumorigenic effect and could be a candidate for anticancer drugs.

Gastroprotective effect of garlic in indomethacin induced gastric ulcer in rats.

OBJECTIVE: Garlic, in its natural plant state, has a great history in ancient medicine as a remedy for many diseases. In our study, the gastroprotective effect of aged garlic extract (AGE) and the possible underlying mechanisms were investigated in an experimental model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: (normal control, n = 20), ulcer control (indomethacin group, n = 20), (omeprazole group, n = 30) and (garlic group, n = 20). Each dose of garlic and omeprazole was given to rats orally daily for 10 consecutive days before induction of ulcer by indomethacin. Indomethacin was given as a single oral dose (100 mg/kg). Four hours later after indomethacin treatment, the rats were sacrificed and gastric tissue was obtained for histopathological examination, calculation of ulcer index and measurement of oxidative stress markers as well as gastroprotective mediators. RESULTS: The results showed that indomethacin induced gastric ulcer (ulcer index = 2900), was associated with a significant increase of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and malondialdehyde, and significant decrease of the gastroprotective mediators prostaglandin E2, glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO) compared with normal control. Pretreatment with AGE produced comparable results with those obtained in the omeprazole group; the preventive index in the AGE group was 83.4% compared with 94.5% in the omeprazole group. The prophylactic role of AGE in indomethacin-induced ulcer was, in part, mediated by decreasing oxidative stress and increasing gastric level of PGE2, GSH, and NO. CONCLUSION: AGE corrected the histopathological abnormalities in gastric tissue and proved a promising gastroprotective role in gastric ulcer.

Nebivolol prevents indomethacin-induced gastric ulcer in rats.

Gastric ulcer is a very common gastrointestinal disease that may lead to dangerous complications and even death. This study was conducted to evaluate the prophylactic effect of nebivolol against indomethacin [INDO]-induced gastric ulcer. Male Wistar rats were divided into four groups: normal control, ulcer control (INDO only), omeprazole before INDO and nebivolol before INDO. Each rat to receive nebivolol and omeprazole was given the agent orally (by gavage) daily for 10 days prior to induction of ulcer by oral dosing with INDO. Four hours after INDO treatment, all rats were euthanized and their stomachs obtained for measures of gastric acidity, oxidative stress and inflammatory markers, as well as cytoprotective mediators. The results showed that a single oral dose of INDO (100 mg/kg) induced gastric acidity, an ulcer index of 2900 and significantly increased levels of gastric tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α and malondialdehyde (MDA) and significantly decreased levels of gastric prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), glutathione (GSH) and nitric oxide (NO), compared to in normal control counterpart stomachs. Giving nebivolol before INDO corrected the gastric acidity and resulted in a significant increase in GSH, PGE2 and NO and a significant decrease in TNFα and MDA gastric levels, compared to ulcer control values. Results obtained with nebivolol were comparable to those with omeprazole; the preventive index in the nebivolol group was 90.7% compared to 94.5% in rats in the omeprazole group. These studies showed that nebivolol provided a valuable role in preventing gastric ulcers induced by INDO and provided a promise for potentially protecting hypertensive patients from experiencing gastric ulcer. Thus, it is possible that, pending further studies, nebivolol could be used for pre-exposure prophylaxis from gastric ulcer in these patients.

Antifibrotic effect of AT-1 blocker and statin in rats with hepatic fibrosis.

Hepatic fibrosis is an outcome of chronic liver injury. Angiotensin II (ANG II) may play a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Certain drugs such as ACE inhibitors, ANG II antagonists, and even statins could interfere with the renin angiotensin system and modulate its deleterious effects. This study was carried out to investigate the possible role of losartan and atorvastatin in liver fibrosis. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by i.p. injection of 50% CCl4 twice per week for 8 weeks. The rats intoxicated with CCl4 were divided into four groups: fibrosis control; losartan group; atorvastatin group; and co-treated group. A fifth group of normal healthy rats served as a control group. The results showed that losartan and atorvastatin, either alone or in combination, significantly decreased ALT, AST, hyaluronic acid and hydroxyproline levels in their groups compared to those of the fibrosis control group. A significant decrease in TGF-ß was found in the losartan and co-treated groups but not in the atorvastatin group. These biochemical data were supported by liver histopathology and α-SMA. The results indicate that the combined treatment with both losartan and atorvastatin produced a greater effect than either drug alone and proved a beneficial role in inhibiting or reversing liver fibrosis.

A comparative study of variants of pegylated interferon alpha in treatment of chronic HCV patients.

HCV infection presents a vast burden in the regions of high prevalence such as Egypt, where most HCV isolates are genotype 4b. Combined treatment of three variants of pegylated interferon and ribavirin is still the standard of care in Egypt. However, no conclusive data confirming their efficacy are available. Here, 60 chronic HCV patients were randomized for ribavirin plus Peg Intron (PEG-IFNα-2b), Pegasys (PEG-IFNα-2a) or Reiveron Retard (PEG-IFNα-2a). Serum interferon and antibody (Ab) levels were measured, and responses and costs were compared. Serum interferon levels were higher in Pegasys group (1625.1 ng/mL) followed by Reiveron Retard (1076.5 ng/mL), and Peg Intron group (857.72 ng/mL). Moreover, Ab levels were the lowest in Reiveron Retard group (318.4 ng/mL), followed by Peg Intron (439.93 ng/mL), and Pegasys cases (610.83 ng/mL). The best 24-week response rates were detected in the Pegasys group (73.3%), followed by Peg Intron (66.67%), and Reiveron Retard (40%). Treatment with both Pegasys and Peg Intron were most cost-effective. Furthermore, Pegasys was superior in both 6-month response and serum interferon, despite having higher Ab levels (more antigenicity). Our data have notable clinical implications and suggest that Pegasys may be a superior choice of interferon therapy for chronic HCV under low socioeconomic conditions.

Biochemical/metabolic changes associated with hepatocellular carcinoma development in mice.

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality after lung and stomach cancers. This work was undertaken to investigate some of the biochemical mediators/pathways associated with or implicated in the pathogenesis of HCC. Male albino mice were classified into two groups: normal control group and HCC group. Early stage HCC was induced by injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN) i.p. 200 mg/kg as a single dose, and after 2 weeks, the mice were given i.p. injection of thioacetamide (TAA) 100 mg/kg twice per week for 4 weeks. Mice were left for further 2 weeks without any treatment, after which, mice were sacrificed; blood and liver samples were collected. Serum was used for determination of activities of glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PDH) and aldolase as well as levels of insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) and epithelial cadherin (E-cadherin). One portion of the liver was used for histopathological examination and immunohistochemical staining of the tumor suppressor p53 protein. Another portion of the liver was used for determination of citrate synthase activity. Induction of HCC in mice resulted in significant increase in G6PDH and aldolase activities, and E-cadherin level, but significant decrease in IGF-1. HCC mice group showed moderate expression of p53 protein. These results suggest that the molecular pathogenesis of HCC in mice involves reduction of serum level of IGF-1 and increased serum level of E-cadherin accompanied by dysregulation of p53 protein expression. HCC was also associated with reprogrammed metabolic profile shifted toward increased glycolysis and lipogenesis.

Modulation of bone turnover in orchidectomized rats treated with raloxifene and risedronate.

Osteoporosis is a reduction in bone mineral density (BMD). It develops less often in men than in women. This study aimed to evaluate the bone protective effects of raloxifene (RAL), risedronate (RIS), and their combination on osteoporotic male rats. Forty male Wister rats (12 weeks) were randomly divided into five groups: sham-operated group (n = 8), orchidectomized (ORX) group (n = 7), RAL group (n = 9), RIS group (n = 7) and RAL + RIS group (n = 7). RAL was orally administered at 3 mg/kg three times/week, and RIS was given subcutaneously at 5 µg/kg, twice weekly. After 6 weeks of treatment, serum cathepsin-K, alkaline (ALP) and acid phosphatase activities, serum osteocalcin, serum Ca²âº, and Pi were determined. Urinary Ca²âº and deoxypyridinoline levels, BMD, and Ca²âº content of femur ash were estimated. Histochemical localization of ALP activity of tibia and histomorphometry was examined. As compared to sham, ORX rats showed a significant increase in bone turnover markers, and histochemical activity of ALP was increased markedly in proximal tibia of ORX rats, whereas BMD and Ca²âº content of femur ash were reduced after ORX. These changes were modulated after treatment with RAL and RIS or both to ORX rats; BMD of femur was improved by each treatment, and bone turnover markers were reduced as compared to ORX vehicle group. We concluded that orchidectomy induced osteoporosis and increased bone turnover in male rats because of withdrawal of sex hormones. Both RAL and RIS could treat osteoporosis in ORX rats; they reduced bone turnover markers and maintained BMD.