Synergistic protective effect of Beta vulgaris with meso-2,3-dimercaptosuccinic acid against lead-induced neurotoxicity in male rats.

Lead (Pb) toxicity is one of the most prevalent causes of human neurotoxicity. The available chelator drugs used now have many adverse effects. So, in this study, the protective role of Beta vulgaris juice (BVJ) on rat neurotoxicity induced by Pb was evaluated and the results were compared with the results of dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA, as used drug). Additionally, the synergistic effect of BVJ and DMSA against Pb-induced neurotoxicity was assessed. The study focused on the determination of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neurological potential of BVJ (alone, and with DMSA) towards lead-induced neurotoxicity. Also, the characterization of BVJ was studied. The results showed that BVJ contains considerable quantities of polyphenols, triterpenoids, and betalains which play an important role as antioxidants and anti-inflammatory. BVJ exhibited a protective effect against neurotoxicity via the reduction of Pb levels in blood and brain. Moreover, BVJ decreased the oxidative stress, inflammation, and cell death induced by Pb. Also, BVJ regulated the activities of acetylcholine esterase and monoamine oxidase-A which changed by Pb toxicity. BVJ and DMSA combination displayed a synergistic antineurotoxic effect (combination index ˂ 1). These results were in harmony with brain histopathology. Conclusion: BVJ has a powerful efficacy in the protection from brain toxicity via diminishing Pb in the brain and blood circulation, resulting in the prevention of the oxidative and inflammatory stress. Treatment with BVJ in combination with DMSA revealed a synergistic effect in the reduction of neurotoxicity induced by Pb. Also, the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of the BVJ lead to the improvement of DMSA therapy.

The synergistic hepatoprotective potential of Beta vulgaris juice and 2,3- dimercaptosuccinic acid in lead-intoxicated rats via improving the hepatic oxidative and inflammatory stress.

BACKGROUND: Lead (Pb) is observed in all areas of the environment, mainly derived from human operations such as mining, processing, and burning fossil fuels. Pb toxicity is one of the most prevalent causes of human hepatotoxicity. The available chelator drugs used now have many adverse effects and therefore the world is looking for natural and secure alternatives. METHODS: Here, we evaluated the hepatoprotective role of the oral administration (1 g/kg b.w.) of the lyophilized Beta vulgaris juice (BVJ) against Pb-induced rat hepatotoxicity. We also examined the possible synergistic hepatoprotective impact of the combination between BVJ and 2,3- dimercaptosuccinic acid (DMSA, the currently approved drug for Pb-toxicity). The evaluation depends on the ability of BVJ, DMSA, or their combination (BVJ-DMSA) to reduce serum and hepatic Pb level and to avoid oxidative stress and inflammation caused by Pb. The level of lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione (GSH), total antioxidant capacity, and the activity of the antioxidant enzymes were quantified. In addition, the level of interleukin (IL)-6, nitric oxide (NO), DNA fragmentation, and liver histology were studied. RESULTS: The results showed that BVJ contained considerable amounts of betalains, vitamin C, and various types of phenolic compounds. Therefore, BVJ displayed a significant (p < 0.05) preventive influence on the elevation of Pb levels in blood and liver as well as the hepatic DNA fragmentation. In addition, it significantly (p < 0.05) improved most of the studied antioxidant and inflammatory markers in the Pb-intoxicated rats. However, the combined extract (BVJ-DMSA) revealed synergistic (combination index < 1) activities in most of the tested parameters. The histopathological results verified the biochemical findings of this research. CONCLUSION: BVJ has a potent efficiency in the protection from Pb-induced hepatotoxicity through the reduction of its accumulation in blood and liver and the prevention of the oxidative stress and inflammation induced by Pb. Additionally, the treatment of hepatotoxicity with BVJ and DMSA in combination showed a synergistic effect and reduced the adverse effects induced by DMSA. Thus, BVJ can be a promising hepatoprotective extract against lead toxicity and its combination with DMSA potentiates this effect.

Protective role of Punica granatum (pomegranate) peel and seed oil extracts on diethylnitrosamine and phenobarbital-induced hepatic injury in male rats.

The present study is an attempt to reveal the protective role of Punica granatum peel and seed oil extracts against diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and phenobarbital (PB) induced hepatic injury in rats. DEN administration increased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 and glutathione reductase (GSR) activities, while the level of reduced glutathione (GSH) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and total glutathione peroxidase (t-GPx) were decreased compared with the control. Treatment with peel and seed oil extracts pre, during and post DEN administration improved liver functions, decreased the levels of MDA, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 and GSR activities with an elevation in levels of GSH, SOD, GST and t-GPx activities. This indicates that these extracts reduced the oxidative stress and apoptosis induced by DEN. Also the effect of administration of PE and SOE separately for a long time (23 weeks) on healthy rats was studied.