Therapeutic activity of green synthesized selenium nanoparticles from turmeric against cisplatin-induced oxido-inflammatory stress and cell death in mice kidney.

Cisplatin (CDDP) is a commonly prescribed chemotherapeutic agent; however, its associated nephrotoxicity limits its clinical efficacy and sometimes requires discontinuation of its use. The existing study was designed to explore the reno-therapeutic efficacy of turmeric (Tur) alone or conjugated with selenium nanoparticles (Tur-SeNPs) against CDDP-mediated renal impairment in mice and the mechanisms underlying this effect. Mice were orally treated with Tur extract (200 mg/kg) or Tur-SeNPs (0.5 mg/kg) for 7 days after administration of a single dose of CDDP (5 mg/kg, i.p.). N-acetyl cysteine NAC (100 mg/kg) was used as a standard antioxidant compound. The results revealed that Tur-SeNPs counteracted CDDP-mediated serious renal effects in treated mice. Compared with the controls, Tur or Tur-SeNPs therapy remarkably decreased the kidney index along with the serum levels of urea, creatinine, Kim-1, and NGAL of the CDDP-injected mice. Furthermore, Tur-SeNPs ameliorated the renal oxidant status of CDDP group demonstrated by decreased MDA and NO levels along with elevated levels of SOD, CAT, GPx, GR, GSH, and gene expression levels of HO-1. Noteworthy, lessening of renal inflammation was exerted by Tur-SeNPs via lessening of IL-6 and TNF-α besides down-regulation of NF-κB gene expression in mouse kidneys. Tur-SeNPs treatment also restored the renal histological features attained by CDDP challenge and hindered renal apoptosis through decreasing the Bax levels and increasing Bcl-2 levels. Altogether, these outcomes suggest that the administration of Tur conjugated with SeNPs is effective neoadjuvant chemotherapy to guard against the renal adverse effects that are associated with CDDP therapy.

A flavonoid-rich fraction of Monolluma quadrangula inhibits xanthine oxidase and ameliorates potassium oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in rats.

Hyperuricemia represents a risk factor for the progression of chronic kidney disease. Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the mechanisms underlying hyperuricemia-mediated kidney injury. Monolluma quadrangula possesses several beneficial effects; however, its effect on hyperuricemia has not been investigated. This study evaluated the renoprotective and xanthine oxidase (XO) inhibitory activity of M. quadrangula in hyperuricemic rats. Phytochemical investigation revealed the presence of six known flavonoid isolated for the first time from this species. The rats received M. quadrangula extract (MQE) and potassium oxonate (PO) for 7 days. In vitro assays showed the radical scavenging and XO inhibitory activities of MQE, and in silico molecular docking revealed the inhibitory activity of the isolated flavonoids towards XO. Hyperuricemic rats showed elevated serum uric acid, creatinine, urea, and XO activity, and renal pro-inflammatory cytokines, MDA and NO, and decreased GSH, SOD, and catalase. MQE ameliorated serum uric acid, urea, creatinine, and XO activity, and renal pro-inflammatory cytokines. In addition, MQE attenuated renal oxidative stress, enhanced antioxidants, downregulated URAT-1, and GLUT-9 and upregulated OAT-1 in PO-induced rats. In conclusion, M. quadrangula attenuated hyperuricemia and kidney impairment by suppressing XO activity, oxidative stress and inflammation, and modulating urate transporters.

Musa sp. Leaves Extract Ameliorates the Hepato-Renal Toxicities Induced by Cadmium in Mice.

Heavy metals intoxication causes several health problems that necessitate finding new protective and therapeutic approaches. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of Musa sp. leaves extract (MLE) on hepato-renal toxicities induced by cadmium (Cd) in male mice. The phytochemical screening, metal chelating activity (MCA), and the median lethal dose (LD50) of MLE were determined. Fifty CD-1 male mice were used and intraperitoneally (i.p.) injected with MLE (1000 to 5000 mg/kg b.wt) for MLE LD50 determination. Another 50 mice were used for evaluating the effect of MLE on Cd toxicity. Blood samples were collected for hematological, liver, and kidney functions assessments. Liver tissue homogenates were used for determination of oxidant/antioxidant parameters. Liver and kidney tissues were harvested for histopathological and molecular investigations. MLE showed potent in vitro antioxidant activities. The MCA and LD50 of the MLE were 75 µg/mL and 3000 mg/kg b.wt, respectively. MLE showed beneficial therapeutic activity against hepato-renal toxicities in Cd-intoxicated mice, evidenced by improving the hematological, biochemical, histopathological, and molecular alterations.

Aloe vera and wound healing: a brief review

Abstract Aloe vera possesses a great therapeutic importance in traditional medicine. It has attracted the attention of modern medical fields due to its wide pharmacological applications. The bioactive substances in Aloe vera proved to have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and antiviral properties. Taken into our consideration the long history of clinical applications of Aloe vera in traditional medicine, especially for promoting the healing of cutaneous wounds with rare adverse effects, it provides a cheap alternative to many expensive synthetic drugs. Recent techniques in tissue engineering created novel scaffolds based on Aloe gel extracts for wound healing applications. Nonetheless, further guided researche is required to foster the development of Aloe vera based scaffolds for the benefit of worldwide populations. Here, I systemically summarize the main events following wounding and the mechanism of action of Aloe vera in promoting the healing process. I hope to provide a solid piece of information that might be helpful for designing new research studies into this topic.