Modulatory mechanisms of copperII-albumin complex toward N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced neurotoxicity in mice via regulating oxidative damage, inflammatory, and apoptotic signaling pathways.

N-nitrosodiethylamine (ND) is an extremely toxic unavoidable environmental contaminant. CopperII-albumin (CuAB) complex, a newly developed Cu complex, showed antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential. Hereby, we explored the plausible neuroprotective role of CuAB complex toward ND-evoked neurotoxicity in mice. Twenty-four male mice were sorted into 4 groups (6 mice each). Control group, mice were administered oral distilled water; and CuAB group, mice received CuAB complex at a dose of 817 µg/kg orally, three times weekly. In ND group, ND was given intraperitoneally (50 mg/kg body weight, once weekly for 6 w). CuAB+ND group, mice were administered a combination of CuAB and ND. The brain was quickly extracted upon completion of the experimental protocol for the evaluation of the oxidative/antioxidative markers, inflammatory cytokines, and histopathological examination. Oxidative stress was induced after ND exposure indicated by a reduction in GSH and SOD1 level, with increased MDA level. In addition, decreased expression of SOD1 proteins, Nrf2, and 5-HT mRNA expression levels were noticed. An apoptotic cascade has also been elicited, evidenced by overexpression of Cyt c, Cl. Casp 3. In addition, increased regulation of proinflammatory genes (TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS, Casp1, and NF-κB (p65/p50); besides, increment of protein expression of P-IKBα and reduced expression of IKBα. Pretreatment with CuAB complex significantly ameliorated ND neuronal damage. Our results recommend CuAB complex supplementation because it exerts neuroprotective effects against ND-induced toxicity.

Nephroprotective effects of Acacia senegal against aflatoxicosis via targeting inflammatory and apoptotic signaling pathways.

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a common environmental pollutant that poses a major hazard to both humans and animals. Acacia senegal (Gum) is well-known for having antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive compounds. Our study aimed to scout the nephroprotective effects of Acacia gum (Gum) against AFB1-induced renal damage. Four groups of rats were designed: Control, Gum (7.5 mg/kg), AFB1 (200 µg/kg b.w) and AFB1-Gum, rats were co-treated with both Gum and AFB1. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC/MS) analysis was done to determine the phytochemical constituents in Gum. AFB1 triggered profound alterations in kidney function parameters (urea, creatinine, uric acid, and alkaline phosphatase) and renal histological architecture. Additionally, AFB1 exposure evoked up-regulation of mRNA expression levels of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kB p65 (NF-κB/P65) in renal tissue. The oxidative distress and apoptotic cascade are also instigated by AFB1 intoxication as depicted in down-regulated protein expression of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase type 1 (SOD1) along with upregulation of cytochrome c (Cyto c), and cleaved Caspase3 (Casp3-17 and 19) in renal tissue. In conclusion, current study obviously confirms the alleviating effects of Gum supplementation against AFB1-induced renal dysfunction, oxidative harm, inflammation, and cell death. These mitigating effects are suggested to be attributed to Gum's antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Our results recommend Gum supplementation as add-on agents to food that might aid in protection from AFB1-induced nephrotoxicity.

Telomere length and signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles as biomarkers for chronological age estimation.

BACKGROUND: Chronological age estimation is a challenging marker in the field of forensic medicine. The current study aimed to investigate the accuracy of signal joint T-cell receptor rearrangement excision circles (sjTRECs) quantification and telomere length measurement as methods for estimating chronological age. METHODS: Telomere length was estimated in the DNA derived from the buccal cells through estimating the telomeric restriction fragment (TRF) length using TeloTTAGGG Telomere Length Assay while the sjTRECs quantification was carried out on DNA isolated from the blood samples using qPCR. RESULTS: The TRF length was shortened with increased age (r = -0.722, p < 0.001). The sjTRECs were also decreased with increased age (r = -0.831, p < 0.001). Stronger coefficient and lower standard error of the estimate was obtained when multiple regression analysis for age prediction based on the values of both methods was applied (r = -0.876, p < 0.001).

Cefepime and diclofenac sodium combined treatment-potentiated multiple organ injury: Role of oxidative damage and disrupted lipid metabolism.

Concurrent exposure to antimicrobial and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is usually inevitable in most infections and postsurgery. Consequently, the present study was designed to assess the intertwining impact of coadministration of cefepime (CP, a wide spectrum antibiotic) and diclofenac sodium (DF, an NSAID) on rat's liver, kidney, and testes. Rats received saline, CP (180 mg/kg/day, IM), DF (10 mg/kg/day, IM), or a combination of CP and DF. After 14 days, CP or DF induced tissue damage expressed by marked biochemical alterations in hepatic and renal function tests. Besides this, disrupted lipid metabolism and testosterone levels along with significant histological changes in hepatic, renal, and testicular tissues were noticed. A significant increase in malondialdehyde and decreases in superoxide dismutase and catalase activities alongside significant upregulated caspase 3 expression in tissues following CP or DF treatment suggested a bearable influence of oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, and cell death. Accordingly, the simultaneous therapy of CP and DF evoked more obvious tissue damage than their individual treatment. Overall, data concluded that concurrent use of CP and DF in medical practice is a worrisome matter, so it should be done cautiously to avoid synergistic deleterious outcomes.

Challenges of therapeutic applications and regenerative capacities of urine based stem cells in oral, and maxillofacial reconstruction.

Urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have gained the attention of researchers in the biomedical field in the past few years . Regarding the several varieties of cells that have been used for this purpose, USCs have demonstrated mesenchymal stem cell-like properties, such as differentiation and immunomodulation. Furthermore, they could be differentiated into several lineages. This is very interesting for regenerative techniques based on cell therapy. This review will embark on describing their separation, and profiling. We will specifically describe the USCs characteristics, in addition to their differentiation potential. Then, we will introduce and explore the primary uses of USCs. These involve thier utilization as a platform to produce stem cells, however, we shall concentrate on the utilization of USCs for therapeutic, and regenerative orofacial applications, providing an in-depth evaluation of this purpose. The final portion will address the limitations and challenges of their implementation in regenerative dentistry.

A Proposed Association between Improving Energy Metabolism of HepG2 Cells by Plant Extracts and Increasing Their Sensitivity to Doxorubicin.

Increasing cancer cell sensitivity to chemotherapy by amending aberrant metabolism using plant extracts represents a promising strategy to lower chemotherapy doses while retaining the same therapeutic outcome. Here, we incubated HepG2 cells with four plant extracts that were selected based on an earlier assessment of their cytotoxicity, viz asparagus, green tea, rue, and avocado, separately, before treatment with doxorubicin. MTT assays elucidated a significant decrease in doxorubicin-IC50 following HepG2 incubation with each extract, albeit to a variable extent. The investigated extract's ultra-performance liquid chromatography and gas chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS and GC/MS) revealed several constituents with anticancer activity. Biochemical investigation displayed several favorable effects, including the inhibition of hypoxia-inducible factor1α (HIF1α), c-Myc, pyruvate kinase-M2 (PKM2), lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDH-A), glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), and glutaminase by asparagus and rue extracts. To less extent, HIF1α, c-Myc, PKM2, and LDH-A were partially inhibited by green tea extract, and HIF1α and glutaminase activity was inhibited by avocado oil. Undesirably, green tea extract increased glutaminase; avocado oil rose c-Myc, and both increased G6PD. In conclusion, our study confirms the potential cytotoxic effects of these plant extracts. It highlights a strong association between the ability of asparagus, green tea, rue, and avocado to sensitize HepG2 cells to doxorubicin and their power to amend cell metabolism, suggesting their use as add-on agents that might aid in clinically lowering the doxorubicin dose.

Microalgae (Chlorella vulgaris) attenuates aflatoxin-associated renal injury.

Introduction: Aflatoxins (AFT) are ubiquitous environmental pollutants that are extremely dangerous for both human beings as well as animals. A safe, effective, and considerate strategy is therefore credited with controlling AFT intoxication. Therefore, our study aimed to evaluate the mitigating properties of Chlorella vulgaris (ChV) against AFT-induced nephrotoxicity and altered egg quality. Methods: Quails were randomized into Control group (receiving a normal diet); ChV group (1 g/kg diet); AFT group (receiving an AFT-containing diet); and the AFT-ChV group were given both treatments. Results and discussion: AFT provoked kidney injury, exhibited by increased renal biochemical parameters and reduced protein levels. Malondialdehyde (MDA) levels dramatically increased as a consequence of AFT exposure, and glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activities were also decreased. Substantial up-modulation of the mRNA expression of the inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1ß, and IL-6) was additionally reported. Furthermore, AFT residues were detected in the egg compromising its quality and nutritional value. Contrarily, ChV supplemented diet suppressed the AFT-prompted oxidative stress and inflammation, together with enhancing the nutritional value and quality of eggs and decreasing AFT residues. These beneficial impacts are proposed to be attributed to its antioxidant and nutritional ingredients. The molecular docking dynamics confirmed the inflammatory and apoptotic protein targets for ChV. Our findings recommend that adding ChV supplements to foods might guard against nephrotoxicity brought on by AFT exposure.

Sesquiterpene nootkatone counteracted the melamine-induced neurotoxicity via repressing of oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic trajectories.

Melamine (ML), a chemical substance of high nitrogen content, is used as a food adulterant. Former evidences implied that ML could induce a variety of toxic effects including neurotoxicity and cognitive impairment. Therefore, the aim of this study was to delineate the protective effect of the nootkatone (NK) against ML-induced neural adverse effects. Rats were orally pretreated with NK (5 and 10 mg/kg) prior to the oral administration of ML (700 mg/kg) for a period of 28 days. Our findings unveiled remarkable alleviating effect of NK on MK-induced neurobehavioral disturbance in open field test. Furthermore, NK lessened ML-caused increases in the acetylcholine esterase level in the brain tissue of exposed rats. NK also decreased the neural oxidative stress as represented by elevated levels of SOD, CAT, and GSH along with decreased MDA and NO levels. Upregulated mRNA expression levels of neural NRF-2 and HO-1 were noticed after NK administration. Remarkable anti-inflammatory impact was prominent by decreased neural IL-1ß, and TNF-α along with downregulated NF-κB and TLR-4 gene expression levels in NK-treated rats. Noteworthily, pre-treatment with NK decreased the immune reaction of RAGE and HMGB-1 induced by oral ML exposure. Brain histological examination validated the obtained biochemical and molecular results. To sum up, these outcomes reveal that NK successfully alleviated the neural damage induced by ML via blocking of oxidative stress, and inflammatory signaling pathways. Consequently, our study may suggest NK as a new effective therapeutic supplement for treatment of ML-mediated neurotoxicity in rats via inhibition of HMGB-1-RAGE/TLR-4/NF-κB.

Radioprotective potential of whey protein against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage.

Introduction: Ionizing radiation (IR) is effectively used in the treatment of oral malignancies; however, it might also significantly harm the surrounding tissues. Whey protein isolate (WP) is a protein derived from milk that exhibits a wide range of bioactivities. Therefore, the present research aimed to delineate the mitigating impact of WP against gamma irradiation-induced lingual damage. Methods: Rats were randomized into 5 groups: Control (saline, orally, 14 days), WP (WP; 0.5 g/kg b. w., orally, 14 days), IR (saline, orally, 14 days, exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), WP+IR (WP was given orally for 14 days before and after IR exposure; exposed to 6 and 3 Gy on days 4 and 6, respectively), and IR+WP (WP, orally, started 24 h after 1st IR exposure till the end of the experiment) groups. Samples were collected at two-time intervals (on the 7th and 14th days). Results and Discussion: Oxidative stress was stimulated upon IR exposure in tongue, indicated by boosted malondialdehyde (MDA) level, along with a decrease in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. Additionally, IR exposure depicted an increase of serum IgE, inflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, along with overexpression mRNA levels of nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65), and down-regulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) mRNA levels in tongue tissue. Moreover, IR triggered alterations in lingual histological architecture. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties of WP mitigated oxidative damage, inflammation, and desquamation that were brought on following IR exposure. The protective administration of WP markedly decreases IR-induced lingual harm compared to the mitigation protocol. Our findings recommend WP supplements to the diets of cancer patients undergoing IR that might aid radioprotective effects.

Macro, Micro, and Nano-Inspired Bioactive Polymeric Biomaterials in Therapeutic, and Regenerative Orofacial Applications.

Introducing dental polymers has accelerated biotechnological research, advancing tissue engineering, biomaterials development, and drug delivery. Polymers have been utilized effectively in dentistry to build dentures and orthodontic equipment and are key components in the composition of numerous restorative materials. Furthermore, dental polymers have the potential to be employed for medication administration and tissue regeneration. To analyze the influence of polymer-based investigations on practical medical trials, it is required to evaluate the research undertaken in this sector. The present review aims to gather evidence on polymer applications in dental, oral, and maxillofacial reconstruction.

The Combination of Tamarindus indica and Coenzyme Q10 can be a Potential Therapy Preference to Attenuate Cadmium-Induced Hepatorenal Injury.

Cadmium (Cd) is a hazardous environmental pollutant that menaces human and animal health and induces serious adverse effects in various organs, particularly the liver and kidneys. Thus, the current study was designed to look into the possible mechanisms behind the ameliorative activities of Tamarindus indica (TM) and coenzyme Q10 (CoQ) combined therapy toward Cd-inflicted tissue injury. Male Wistar rats were categorized into seven groups: Control (received saline only); TM (50 mg/kg); CoQ (40 mg/kg); Cd (2 mg/kg); (Cd + TM); (Cd + CoQ); and (Cd + TM + CoQ). All the treatments were employed once daily via oral gavage for 28 consecutive days. The results revealed that Cd exposure considerably induced liver and kidney damage, evidenced by enhancement of liver and kidney function tests. In addition, Cd intoxication could provoke oxidative stress evidenced by markedly decreased glutathione (GSH) content and catalase (CAT) activity alongside a substantial increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentrations in the hepatic and renal tissues. Besides, disrupted protein and lipid metabolism were noticed. Unambiguously, TM or CoQ supplementation alleviated Cd-induced hepatorenal damage, which is most likely attributed to their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents. Interestingly, when TM and CoQ were given in combination, a better restoration of Cd-induced liver and kidney damage was noticed than was during their individual treatments.

Arabic Gum Could Alleviate the Aflatoxin B1-provoked Hepatic Injury in Rat: The Involvement of Oxidative Stress, Inflammatory, and Apoptotic Pathways.

Aflatoxin B1 (AF) is an unavoidable environmental pollutant that contaminates food, feed, and grains, which seriously threatens human and animal health. Arabic gum (AG) has recently evoked much attention owing to its promising therapeutic potential. Thus, the current study was conducted to look into the possible mechanisms beyond the ameliorative activity of AG against AF-inflicted hepatic injury. Male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups: Control, AG (7.5 g/kg b.w/day, orally), AF (200 µg/kg b.w), and AG plus AF group. AF induced marked liver damage expounded by considerable changes in biochemical profile and histological architecture. The oxidative stress stimulated by AF boosted the production of plasma malondialdehyde (MDA) level along with decreases in the total antioxidant capacity (TAC) level and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity. Additionally, AF exposure was associated with down-regulation of the nuclear factor erythroid2-related factor2 (Nrf2) and superoxide dismutase1 (SOD1) protein expression in liver tissue. Apoptotic cascade has also been evoked following AF-exposure, as depicted in overexpression of cytochrome c (Cyto c), cleaved Caspase3 (Cl. Casp3), along with enhanced up-regulation of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and nuclear factor kappa-B transcription factor/p65 (NF-κB/p65) mRNA expression levels. Interestingly, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory contents of AG may reverse the induced oxidative damage, inflammation, and apoptosis in AF-exposed animals.

Fucoidan supplementation modulates hepato-renal oxidative stress and DNA damage induced by aflatoxin B1 intoxication in rats.

Aflatoxins are a common food contaminant of global concern. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) intoxication is associated with serious health hazards. Recently, fucoidan (FUC) has gained much attention from pharmaceutical industry due to its promising therapeutic effects. The impacts of FUC on AFB1-induced liver and kidney injures have not been sufficiently addressed. This research was conducted to evaluate the ameliorative effect of FUC in AFB1-induced hepatorenal toxicity model in rats over 14 days. Five groups were assigned; control, FUC (200 mg/kg/day, orally), AFB1 (50 µg/kg, i.p.), and AFB1 plus a low or high dose of FUC. AFB1 induced marked hepatorenal injury elucidated by substantial alterations in biochemical tests and histological pictures. The oxidative distress instigated by AFB1 enhanced production of malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) along with reduction in the reduced-glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities. DNA damage in the liver and kidney tissues has been demonstrated by overexpression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). Unambiguously, FUC consumption alleviates the AFB1-induced mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative harm, and apoptosis. These ameliorated effects are proposed to be attributed to fucoidan's antioxidant and anti-apoptotic activities. Our results recommend FUC supplementation to food because it exerts both preventive and therapeutic effects against AFB1-induced toxicity.

The potential antioxidant bioactivity of date palm fruit against gentamicin-mediated hepato-renal injury in male albino rats.

Gentamicin (GM) is a commonly prescribed antimicrobial drug used for treatment of infections but associated hepatic and renal complications restrict its efficacy. Overproduction of free radicals and inflammation are involved in GM-induced hepato-renal damage. Date palm is renowned to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory bioactive composites. In this context, the current research was purposed to assess the ameliorative influence of date palm extract (DE) supplementation against GM-induced hepato-renal injury. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was used to detect the bioactive constitutes in DE. The protective action of high and low doses of DE was assessed alongside the GM remediation (80 mg/kg) in rats. GM evoked significant alterations in liver and kidney function biomarkers (aminotransferases, albumin, creatinine, and blood urea). Furthermore, notable elevations in malondialdehyde (MDA) level and increment expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) along with reduction in catalase (CAT) activity were observed in both organs after GM treatment. Oxidative stress was the main modulatory mechanism in GM-induced hepato-renal toxicity. However, DE could mitigate the GM-inflicted liver and kidney damage, in a dose-response pattern, due to its high content of phenolics and flavonoids.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Potential of Thymoquinone and Lycopene Mitigate the Chlorpyrifos-Induced Toxic Neuropathy.

CPF (chlorpyrifos) is an organophosphate pesticide used in agricultural and veterinary applications. Our experiment aimed to explore the effects of thymoquinone (TQ) and/or lycopene (LP) against CPF-induced neurotoxicity. Wistar rats were categorized into seven groups: first group served as a control (corn oil only); second group, TQ (10 mg/kg); third group, LP (10 mg/kg); fourth group, CPF (10 mg/kg) and deemed as CPF toxic control; fifth group, TQ + CPF; sixth group, (LP + CPF); and seventh group, (TQ + LP + CPF). CPF intoxication inhibited acetylcholinesterase (AchE), decreased glutathione (GSH) content, and increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), an oxidative stress biomarker. Furthermore, CPF impaired the activity of antioxidant enzymes including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) along with enhancement of the level of inflammatory mediators such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-6, and IL-1ß. CPF evoked apoptosis in brain tissue. TQ or LP treatment of CPF-intoxicated rats greatly improved AchE activity, oxidative state, inflammatory responses, and cell death. Co-administration of TQ and LP showed better restoration than their sole treatment. In conclusion, TQ or LP supplementation may alleviate CPF-induced neuronal injury, most likely due to TQ or LPs' antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects.

Coenzyme Q10 supplementation mitigates piroxicam-induced oxidative injury and apoptotic pathways in the stomach, liver, and kidney.

Piroxicam (PM) is an oxicam-NSAID commonly recommended for various pain and associated inflammatory disorders. However, it is reported to have a gastric and hepato-renal toxic effect. Therefore, the current research was planned to investigate the possible mechanisms behind the mitigating action of the coenzyme (CoQ10), a natural, free radical scavenger, against PM tissue injury. Rats were assigned to five equal groups; Control, CoQ10 (10 mg/kg, orally), PM (7 mg/kg, i.p.), CoQ + PM L, and CoQ + PM H group. After 28 days, PM provoked severe gastric ulceration and marked liver and kidney damage indicated by an elevated gastric ulcer index and considerable alteration in liver and kidney biochemical tests. The toxic effects might be attributed to mitochondrial dysfunction and excess generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), as indicated by enhanced malondialdehyde (MDA) levels along with decreased reduced-glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activity. Apoptotic cell death also was demonstrated by increased regulation of activated caspase-3 in the stomach, liver, and kidney tissues. Interestingly, external supplementation of CoQ10 attenuated the PM-inflicted deleterious oxidative harm and apoptosis. This ameliorative action was ascribed to the free radical scavenging activity of CoQ10.

Rosuvastatin attenuates piroxicam-mediated gastric ulceration and hepato-renal toxicity in rats.

Piroxicam (Px) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug that is widely prescribed in various inflammatory disorders. However, Px is known to induce gastric ulceration and hepato-renal toxicity. Rosuvastatin (ROSV), a member of the statin family, has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant actions independent of its anti-hyperlipidemic action. Therefore, we investigated the protective effects of ROSV against Px-induced gastric, liver, and kidney injury. Five groups of seven rats each were used; control group, ROSV group (20 mg/kg, given orally), Px group (7 mg/kg, given intraperitoneally), Px+ROSV L (7 and 10 mg/kg, respectively), and Px+ROSV H (7 and 20 mg/kg, respectively) group. The results revealed that Px induced severe gastric mucosal damage expressed by high ulcer index along with significant increases in liver and kidney function parameters including AST, ALT, creatinine, and urea. Disrupted lipid metabolism also was observed in Px-treated animals. Moreover, marked an increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) and decreases in glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT) levels along with enhanced activated caspase-3 expression in the gastric, hepatic, and renal tissues following Px-insult suggested a possible involvement of lipid peroxidation in Px-induced gastropathy and hepatorenal toxicity. However, in a dose-dependent manner, ROSV was able to mitigate Px-induced lipid peroxidation and apoptosis in gastric, liver, and kidney tissues.

Protective effect of cinnamon against acetaminophen-mediated cellular damage and apoptosis in renal tissue.

Acetaminophen, APAP, is a common over-the-counter drug with antipyretic-analgesic action. When APAP is used in large doses, it causes hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity but safe at therapeutic doses. Cinnamon (Cinnamomum zeylanicum) is extensively used in folk medicine due to its high content of natural antioxidants. The current investigation was planned to study the possible ameliorative effect of cinnamon toward induced APAP-apoptosis and cellular damage in renal cells. Four groups (nine rats each) were used; negative control group administrated distilled water for 15 days; positive control APAP group administrated a single dose of APAP (1 g/kg) orally on the last day; APAP+Cin L (200 mg/kg) and APAP+Cin H (400 mg/kg) aqueous extract of cinnamon orally once a day for 15 days. An hour after the last dose of cinnamon, all rats in the third and fourth group were administrated a single dose of APAP (1 g/kg) orally. GC/MS analysis was performed to identify the plant used in the study. APAP markedly increased serum levels of creatinine, BUN, and glucose and decreased levels of albumin and total protein. In addition, APAP could also exert severe alteration in the kidney histopathology along with upregulation of caspase-3 and PCNA. However, pre-treatment with cinnamon ameliorated the APAP-induced cellular alterations and apoptosis, possibly through its high content of antioxidants.

Cadmium overload modulates piroxicam-regulated oxidative damage and apoptotic pathways.

Cadmium (Cd) is a common environmental pollutant that threatens humans' and animals' health. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are widely used drugs due to their wide therapeutic action; however, they have significant side effects. Since, under many circumstances, humans and animals may be co-exposed to Cd and NSAIDs, the current investigation was assigned to explore the intertwining relationship between Cd and NSAIDs. Four groups of male Wister rats were used: control group: rats received saline; Cd group: rats received cadmium (Cd, 2 mg/kg) orally; Px group: rats received a NSAID (piroxicam, Px, 7 mg/kg, i.p.); and Cd+Px group: rats received both Cd+Px. All treatments were given once a day for 28 consecutive days. Then, blood samples, stomach, liver, and kidney tissues were collected. The results indicated that Px provoked gastric ulcer indicated by high ulcer index, while Cd had no effect on the gastric mucosa. In addition, treatment with Cd or Px alone significantly induced liver and kidney injuries indicated by serum elevations of AST, ALT, ALP, ALB, total protein, creatinine, and urea along with histopathological alterations. Significant increases in malondialdehyde and reduction in GSH and CAT contents were reported along with up-regulated expression of Bax and Bcl-2 after Cd or Px exposure. However, when Cd and Px were given in a combination, Cd obviously potentiated the Px-inflicted cellular injury and death in the liver and kidney but not in the stomach when compared to their individual exposure. This study concluded that oxidative stress mechanisms were supposed to be the main modulator in promoting Cd and Px toxicities when given in combination.