Effect of Benidipine Alone and in Combination With Bosentan and Sildenafil in Amelioration of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in Experimental Model in Rats.

ABSTRACT: Pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH) is a persistent condition affecting the pulmonary arteries' endothelium. Benidipine, a calcium channel blocker, possesses vasodilatory, anti-inflammatory activity, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits the activity of Transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). The present study was designed to investigate the effect of benidipine alone and in combination with bosentan and sildenafil on monocrotaline (MCT)-induced pulmonary hypertension in a rat model. PAH was induced by a single-dose administration of MCT in rats. Animals were randomized into different groups and treated with benidipine alone and in combination with bosentan or sildenafil. Various parameters such as hemodynamic parameters, Fulton's index and oxidative stress parameters were performed. Additionally, histopathology of lung and right ventricular of heart tissue, immunohistochemistry, expression of α-SMA, endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), TGF-ß, and RT-PCR, and an in vitro study using human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) was also carried out. Treatment of benidipine and its combination exhibited better prevention in the elevated right ventricular systolic pressure, right ventricular hypertrophy, rise in oxidative stress, and increase in expression of α-SMA and TGF-ß receptor 1 compared with MCT control group rats. In HUVECs, the expression of α-SMA was increased, whereas that of eNOS decreased after TGF-ß exposure and was substantially reversed after pretreatment with benidipine. We concluded that benidipine and its combination with bosentan and sildenafil exhibit beneficial effects in MCT-induced PAH through the eNOS/TGF-ß/α-SMA signaling pathway.

Amplification of Cardioprotective Response of Remote Ischemic Preconditioning in Rats by Quercetin: Potential Role of Activation of mTOR-dependent Autophagy and Nrf2.

OBJECTIVES: Noninvasive remote ischemic preconditioning (RIPC) is a practical, acceptable, and feasible conditioning technique reported to provide cardioprotection in myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury (MIRI). It has been well-reported that quercetin possesses antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study investigates the modification of the cardioprotective response of RIPC by quercetin. METHODS: Adult Wistar rats were randomized into 12 groups of six animals each. MIRI was induced by subjecting the isolated hearts of Wistar rats to global ischemia for 30 min, succeeded by reperfusion of 120 min after mounting on the Langendorff PowerLab apparatus. Hind limb RIPC was applied in four alternate cycles of ischemia and reperfusion of 5 min each by tying the pressure cuff before isolation of hearts. RESULTS: MIRI was reflected by significantly increased infarct size, LDH-1, and CK-MB, TNF-α, TBARS, and decreased GSH, catalase, and hemodynamic index, and modulated Nrf2. Pretreatment of quercetin (25 and 50 mg/kg; i.p.) significantly attenuated the MIRI-induced cardiac damage and potentiated the cardioprotective response of RIPC at the low dose. Pretreatment of ketamine (10 mg/kg; i.p.), an mTOR-dependent autophagy inhibitor, significantly abolished the cardioprotective effects of quercetin and RIPC. CONCLUSIONS: The findings highlight the modification of the cardioprotective effect of RIPC by quercetin and that quercetin protects the heart against MIRI through multiple mechanisms, including mTOR-dependent activation of autophagy and Nrf-2 activation.

Unveiling myricetin's pharmacological potency: A comprehensive exploration of the molecular pathways with special focus on PI3K/AKT and Nrf2 signaling.

Myricetin can be found in the traditional Chinese medicinal plant, Myrica rubra. Myricetin is a flavonoid that is present in many vegetables, fruits, and plants and is considered to have strong antioxidant properties as well as a wide range of therapeutic applications. Growing interest has been piqued by its classification as a polyphenolic molecule because of its potential therapeutic benefits in both the prevention and management of numerous medical conditions. To clarify myricetin's traditional medical uses, modern research has investigated various pharmacological effects such as antioxidant, anticancer, anti-inflammation, antiviral, antidiabetic, immunomodulation, and antineurodegenerative effects. Myricetin shows promise as a nutritional flavonol that could be beneficial in the prevention and mitigation of prevalent health conditions like diabetes, cognitive decline, and various types of cancer in humans. The findings included in this study indicate that myricetin has a great deal of promise for application in the formulation of medicinal products and nutritional supplements since it affects several enzyme activities and alters inflammatory markers. However, comprehensive preclinical studies and research studies are necessary to lay the groundwork for assessing myricetin's possible effectiveness in treating these long-term ailments. This review summarizes both in vivo and in vitro studies investigating myricetin's possible interactions through the nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) as well as PI3K (phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase)/AKT (protein kinase B) signaling pathways in an attempt to clarify the compound's possible clinical applicability across a range of disorders.

Betaine attenuates sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats.

Exposure to higher levels of arsenic is a serious threat affecting human health worldwide. We investigated the protective role of betaine (N,N,N-trimethylglycine) against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats. Sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, oral) was given to rats for 4 weeks to induce nephrotoxicity. Betaine (125 and 250 mg/kg, oral) was administered in rats for 4 weeks along with sodium-arsenite feeding. Arsenic-induced renal dysfunction was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, and microproteinuria. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was determined by assaying thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, superoxide anion generation, and reduced glutathione levels. Furthermore, hydroxyproline assay was done to assess renal fibrosis in arsenic intoxicated rats. Hematoxylin-eosin and picrosirius red staining revealed pathological alterations in rat kidneys. Renal endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) expression was determined by immuno-histochemistry. Concurrent administration of betaine abrogated arsenic-induced renal biochemical and histological changes in rats. Betaine treatment significantly attenuated arsenic-induced decrease in renal eNOS expression. In conclusion, betaine is protective against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction, which may be attributed to its anti-oxidant activity and modulation of renal eNOS expression in rat kidneys.

Fenofibrate attenuates ischemia reperfusion-induced acute kidney injury and associated liver dysfunction in rats.

Ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) is one of the common reasons for acute kidney injury (AKI) and we need to develop effective therapies for treating AKI. We investigated the role of fenofibrate against I/R-induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction in rats. In male wistar albino rats, renal pedicle occlusion for 40 min and 24 h reperfusion resulted in AKI. I/R-induced AKI was demonstrated by measuring serum creatinine, creatinine clearance, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium and urinary microproteins. Oxidative stress in rat kidneys was quantified by assaying superoxide anion generation, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, and reduced glutathione levels. AKI-induced hepatic damage was quantified by assaying serum aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase and bilirubin levels. Moreover, serum cholesterol, high density lipoprotein and triglycerides were quantified. Hematoxylin-eosin staining of renal and hepatic tissues was done and the kidney and liver injury scores were determined. Immunohistology of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) was done in rat kidneys. Fenofibrate was administered for 1 week before subjecting rats to AKI. In separate group, the nitric oxide synthase inhibitor, L-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) was administered prior to fenofibrate treatment. In I/R group, significant alteration in the serum/urine parameters indicated AKI and hepatic dysfunction along with marked increase in kidney and liver injury scores. Treatment with fenofibrate attenuated AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction. Moreover, I/R-induced decrease in renal eNOS expression was abrogated by fenofibrate. Pre-treatment with L-NAME abolished fenofibrate mediated reno- and hepato-protective effects. In conclusion, fenofibrate attenuates I/R-induced AKI and associated hepatic dysfunction putatively through modulation of eNOS expression.

Role of atrial natriuretic peptide in ischemic preconditioning-induced cardioprotection in the diabetic rat heart.

BACKGROUND: It has been noted that nitric oxide (NO) is involved in the ischemic preconditioning (IPC)-mediated cardioprotection. Diabetes is a downregulator of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP), resulting in low expression of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) by which NO level get reduced. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the role of ANP in attenuated cardioprotective effect of IPC in the diabetic rat heart. METHODS: The heart was isolated from the diabetic rat and mounted on Langendorff's apparatus, subjected to 30-min ischemia and 120-min reperfusion. IPC was mediated by four cycles of 5-min ischemia and 5-min reperfusion. The infarct size was estimated using triphenyltetrazolium chloride stain, and coronary effluent was analyzed for lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB release to assess the degree of myocardial injury. The cardiac release of NO was estimated indirectly by measuring the release of nitrite in coronary effluent. RESULTS: IPC-mediated cardioprotection was significantly attenuated in the diabetic rat as compared with the normal rat. Perfusion of ANP (0.1 µM/L) in the diabetic rat heart significantly restored the attenuated cardioprotective effect of IPC and also increased the release of NO. However, this observed cardioprotection was significantly attenuated by perfusion of N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester, an eNOS inhibitor (100 µM/L) noted in terms of increase in myocardial infarct size, release of lactate dehydrogenase and creatinine kinase-MB, and also decreases in release of NO. CONCLUSIONS: Thus, it is suggested that ANP restores the attenuated cardioprotective effect in the diabetic heart which may be due to increase in the expression of eNOS and subsequent increase in the activity of NO.

Exendin-4: A potential therapeutic strategy for Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease.

Neurodegenerative disorders, which affect millions worldwide, are marked by a steady decline of neurons that are selectively susceptible. Due to the complex pathological processes underlying neurodegeneration, at present, there is no viable therapy available for neurodegenerative disorders. Consequently, the establishment of a novel therapeutic approach for such conditions is a clinical void that remains. The potential significance of various peptides as neuroprotective interventions for neurodegenerative disorders is gaining increasing attention. In the past few years, there has been growing scientific interest in glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists due to their claimed neuroprotective effects. Exendin-4 is a glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist that is known to possess anti-diabetic effects and does not degrade for hours, making it a superior candidate for such disorders. Moreover, exendin-4's neuroprotective effects have been reported in several preclinical studies. Exendin-4's diverse therapeutic targets suggest its potential therapeutic uses in neurodegenerative ailments like Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease and have garnered an increasing amount of attention. Given the substantial body of evidence supporting the neuroprotective potential of exendin-4 in various research models, this article is dedicated to exploring the promising role of exendin-4 as a therapeutic agent for the treatment and management of Alzheimer's disease and Parkinson's disease. This review draws insights from the findings of numerous preclinical and clinical studies to highlight the collective neuroprotective advantages of exendin-4 and the potential mechanisms that underlie its neuroprotective effects.

The Neuro-Healing Frontier: Alpha-Mangostin's Potential in Alzheimer's and Parkinson's Treatment.

Neurodegenerative disorders represent a set of advancing, severe, and incapacitating conditions impacting millions globally, with a rising prevalence. Despite concerted efforts and an enhanced understanding of the intricate pathophysiology of neurodegeneration, the quest for effective treatments remains unfulfilled. Consequently, there exists a pressing clinical necessity for the exploration of innovative therapeutic approaches. Alpha-mangostin has exhibited beneficial effects in alleviating the severity of neurodegenerative disorders, primarily attributed to its antioxidant properties. Alpha-mangostin showcases diverse pharmacological effects, encompassing anti-inflammatory, anti-tumour, and antioxidant effects. Consequently, it has surfaced as a promising remedy with both prophylactic and restorative impacts on various neurodegenerative ailments. Recent research has illuminated the therapeutic targets of alpha-mangostin, suggesting its potential utility in addressing neurodegeneration. This review showcases the neuroprotective effects of alpha-mangostin. Drawing from numerous preliminary studies and taking into account the compound's remedial effects, the primary focus is on its role as a health-giving compound for the therapy of diseases associated with the degeneration of the nervous system. Given the substantial evidence supporting its efficacy in various experimental models, this review advocates for further investigations, with a special highlight on elucidating neuroprotective mechanisms and conducting clinical trials to validate its effectiveness in managing Alzheimer's disease as well as Parkinson's disease.

QbD-Assisted Development and Optimization of Doxycycline Hyclate- and Hydroxyapatite-Loaded Nanoparticles for Periodontal Delivery.

The current research aims to develop a carrier system for the delivery of a matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) inhibitor along with a bioceramic agent to the periodontal pocket. It is proposed that the present system, if given along with a systemic antibiotic, would be a fruitful approach for periodontitis amelioration. To fulfill the aforementioned objective, a doxycycline hyclate- and hydroxyapatite-adsorbed composite was prepared by a physical adsorption method and successfully loaded inside sodium alginate-chitosan nanoparticles and optimized based on particle size and drug content. Optimized formulation was then subjected to different evaluation parameters like encapsulation efficiency, hydroxyapatite content, ζ potential, surface morphology, in vitro drug release, cell line studies, and stability studies. For the optimized formulation, particle size, polydispersity index (PDI), entrapment efficiency, ζ potential, and drug content were found to be 336.50 nm, 0.23, 41.77%, -13.85 mV, and 14.00%, respectively. The surface morphology of the placebo and adsorbed composite-loaded nanoparticles as observed by scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed the spherical shape and rough surface of the particles. In gingival crevicular fluid (GCF) 7.6, a sustained drug release profile was obtained up to 36 h. In vitro % viability studies performed on murine fibroblast cells (NIH3T3) and human periodontal ligament (hPDL) cell lines confirmed the proliferative nature of the formulation. Also, when subjected to stability studies for 4 weeks, particle size, PDI, and drug content did not vary considerably, thereby ensuring the stable nature of nanoparticles. Henceforth, sodium alginate-chitosan nanoparticles appeared to be a good carrier system for doxycycline hyclate and hydroxyapatite for periodontal therapy. If given along with a system antibiotic, the system will serve as a fruitful tool for infection-mediated periodontal regeneration and healing.

Endless Journey of Adenosine Signaling in Cardioprotective Mechanism of Conditioning Techniques: Clinical Evidence.

Myocardial ischemic injury is a primary cause of death among various cardiovascular disorders. The condition occurs due to an interrupted supply of blood and vital nutrients (necessary for normal cellular activities and viability) to the myocardium, eventually leading to damage. Restoration of blood supply to ischemic tissue is noted to cause even more lethal reperfusion injury. Various strategies, including some conditioning techniques, like preconditioning and postconditioning, have been developed to check the detrimental effects of reperfusion injury. Many endogenous substances have been proposed to act as initiators, mediators, and end effectors of these conditioning techniques. Substances, like adenosine, bradykinin, acetylcholine, angiotensin, norepinephrine, opioids, etc., have been reported to mediate cardioprotective activity. Among these agents, adenosine has been widely studied and suggested to have the most pronounced cardioprotective effects. The current review article highlights the role of adenosine signaling in the cardioprotective mechanism of conditioning techniques. The article also provides an insight into various clinical studies that substantiate the applicability of adenosine as a cardioprotective agent in myocardial reperfusion injury.

Quality by design engineered, enhanced anticancer activity of temozolomide and resveratrol coloaded NLC and brain targeting via lactoferrin conjugation in treatment of glioblastoma.

The most dangerous type of high-grade astrocytoma is glioblastoma multiforme. The objective of the work was to engineer lactoferrin conjugated temozolomide and resveratrol co-loaded NLC for the treatment of glioblastoma using intranasal delivery for brain targeting. Synergistic activity of temozolomide and resveratrol was determined using combination index method and 1:1 ratio was selected. QbD approach was used to formulate and optimize NLC, with minimum particle size, maximum transmittance and entrapment efficiency using Central Composite Rotable Design (CCRD) method. The optimized LTR-NLC had desired average particle size (209.3 nm), narrow PDI along, high percentage transmittance (>95%) and better entrapment efficiency (95.26% of TEM and 87.59% of RES). From ex-vivo permeation studies it was found that the permeation at 24 h was 77.43 %, and 88.55 % from LTR-NLC and 25.76 % and 31.10% from suspension for resveratrol and temozolomide respectively. In comparison to drug suspension, NLC had nearly 3-fold increase in drug penetration. IC50 value was also significantly better in the groups treated with LTR-NLC. Hence it can be concluded that LTR-NLC may be an effective formulation for the treatment of glioblastoma, according to the findings of this investigation.

Fat fighting liraglutide based nano-formulation to reverse obesity: Design, development and animal trials.

Obesity is a metabolic disease, which is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality, where therapeutic options are limited. Treatment of obesity is necessary as it is associated with fatal complications like diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, osteoarthritis, and many more. Liraglutide (Lir), a synthetic analogue of Glucagon-like Peptide-1 (GLP-1), is the FDA approved anti-obesity drug, however, its major limitation is its clinical application which needs frequent parenteral injections. To address the issue of regular injection, we have synthesized a fat fighting oral nano-formulation of liraglutide with a sustained release feature, which was evaluated against high fat diet (HFD) induced obesity in mice. Experimental obesity was induced in mice by feeding HFD for 26 weeks. Lir nanoparticles (NP) were fabricated with chitosan via ion-gelation technique and were coated with Eudragit@S100 to protect the drug in harsh gastric conditions. Physiochemical characterization of Eu-Lir-Cs-NP demonstrated a small particle size of 253.1 ± 1.21 nm with âˆ¼ 9.74 % loading and âˆ¼ 72.11 % encapsulation efficiency of the drug. In-vitro studies showed successful cellular uptake of NP in Caco-2 cells and were stable in various enteric fluid pH conditions. Eudragit@S100 coated chitosan NP were able to protect the drug from harsh gastric pH conditions with more than âˆ¼ 74% of recovery. Treatment of two weeks of liraglutide Eu-Lir-Cs-NP (0.1, 0.2 and 0.4 mg/kg, orally; twice daily) moderately reduces obesity in mice as evidenced by a reduction in the body weight, blood glucose, serum total cholesterol, serum triglyceride, serum resistin and serum insulin level of mice. In addition, significant reduction of liver weight, abdominal white adipose tissue, and hepatic oxidative stress were noted. Our results suggest that chitosan-based NP of liraglutide can be an effective and convenient formulation for the management of obesity.

Differential effect of basal vitamin D status in monocrotaline induced pulmonary arterial hypertension in normal and vitamin D deficient rats: Possible involvement of eNOS/TGF-ß/α-SMA signaling pathways.

Vitamin D deficiency is common and linked to poor prognosis in pulmonary arterial hypertension (PAH). We investigated the differential effect of basal vitamin D levels in monocrotaline (MCT) induced PAH in normal and vitamin D deficient (VDD) rats. Rats were fed a VDD diet and exposed to filtered fluorescent light to deplete vitamin D. Normal rats were pretreated with vitamin D 100 IU/d and treated with vitamin D 100 and 200 IU/d, while VDD rats received vitamin D 100 IU/d. Vitamin D receptor (VDR) silencing was done in human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using VDR siRNA. Calcitriol (50 nM/mL) was added to human pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (HPASMCs) and HUVECs before and after the exposure to TGF-ß (10 ng/mL). Vitamin D 100 IU/d pretreatment in normal rats up-regulated the expression of eNOS and inhibited endothelial to mesenchymal transition significantly and maximally. Vitamin D 100 IU/d treatment in VDD rats was comparable to vitamin D 200 IU/d treated normal rats. These effects were significantly attenuated by L-NAME (20 mg/kg), a potent eNOS inhibitor. Exposure to TGF- ß significantly reduced the expression of eNOS and increased the mesenchymal marker expression in normal and VDR-silenced HUVECs and HPASMCs, which were averted by treatment and maximally inhibited by pretreatment with calcitriol (50 nM). To conclude, this study provided novel evidence suggesting the beneficial role of higher basal vitamin D levels, which are inversely linked with PAH severity.

Effect of vinpocetine alone and in combination with enalapril in experimental model of diabetic cardiomyopathy in rats: possible involvement of PDE-1/TGF-ß/ Smad 2/3 signalling pathways.

OBJECTIVE: Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DC) is one of the severe secondary complications of diabetes mellitus in humans. Vinpocetine is an alkaloid having pleiotropic pharmacological effects. The present study is designed to investigate the effect of vinpocetine in DC in rats. METHODS: Rats were fed a high-fat diet for nine weeks along with single dose of streptozotocin after the second week to induce DC. The haemodynamic evaluation was performed to assess the functional status of rats using the Biopac system. Cardiac echocardiography, biochemical, oxidative stress parameters and inflammatory cytokine level were analysed in addition to haematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichome staining to study histological changes, cardiomyocyte diameter and fibrosis, respectively. Phosphodiesterase-1 (PDE-1), transforming growth factor-ß (TGF-ß) and p-Smad 2/3 expression in cardiac tissues were quantified using western blot/RT-PCR. KEY FINDING: Vinpocetine treatment and its combination with enalapril decreased the glucose levels compared to diabetic rats. Vinpocetine improved the echocardiographic parameters and cardiac functional status of rats. Vinpocetine decreased the cardiac biochemical parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokine levels, cardiomyocyte diameter and fibrosis in rats. Interestingly, expressions of PDE-1, TGF-ß and p-Smad 2/3 were ameliorated by vinpocetine alone and in combination with enalapril. CONCLUSIONS: Vinpocetine is a well-known inhibitor of PDE-1 and the protective effect of vinpocetine in DC is exerted by inhibition of PDE-1 and subsequent inhibition of the expression of TGF-ß/Smad 2/3.

Pharmacological inhibition of GSK-3ß produces late phase of cardioprotection in hyperlipidemic rat: possible involvement of HSP 72.

The acute, as well as late, phase of cardioprotection induced by ischemic preconditioning is abolished in hyperlipidemic (HL) rat heart. The pharmacological inhibition of glycogen synthase kinase-3ß (GSK-3ß), has earlier been reported to restore this attenuated acute cardioprotective effect. However, it not known whether GSK-3ß inhibitors administered 24 h before the ischemic injury would restore the late cardioprotective in HL rat and, if yes, the role of heat shock protein 72 (HSP 72) in its modulation. Hyperlipidemia was produced in rat by feeding high-fat diet for 6 weeks. Isolated perfused rat heart was subjected to 30 min of ischemia followed by 120 min of reperfusion (I/R). Myocardial infarct size was estimated by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining, while lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB) levels were analyzed from coronary effluent. GSK-3ß inhibitors, SB 216763 (SB, 0.6 mg/kg, i.p.), and indirubin-3 monoxime (IND, 0.4 mg/kg, i.p.), administered 24 h before the isolation of heart, significantly decreased the I/R-induced myocardial infarct size and the release of LDH and CK-MB. The cardioprotective effect of GSK-3ß inhibitors was significantly attenuated by quercetin (4 mg/kg, i.p.), a HSP 72 inhibitor, administered 1 h before the administration of SB or IND. That the late phase of cardioprotection induced by pretreatment with GSK-3ß inhibitors is not attenuated/lost in HL rat heart is a new finding in our study. Our results indicate that HSP 72 acts on pathway of GSK-3ß and plays a significant role in cardioprotection.

Linking co-expression modules with phenotypes.

The method for quantifying the association between co-expression module and clinical trait of interest requires application of dimensionality reduction to summaries modules as one dimensional (1D) vector. However, these methods are often linked with information loss. The amount of information lost depends upon the percentage of variance captured by the reduced 1D vector. Therefore, it is of interest to describe a method using analysis of rank (AOR) to assess the association between module and clinical trait of interest. This method works with clinical traits represented as binary class labels and can be adopted for clinical traits measured in continuous scale by dividing samples in two groups around median value. Application of the AOR method on test data for muscle gene expression profiles identifies modules significantly associated with diabetes status.

Solid Lipid Nanoformulation of Berberine Attenuates Doxorubicin Triggered in vitro Inflammation in H9c2 Rat Cardiomyocytes.

AIM: The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of solid lipid nanoparticles of berberine against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity. BACKGROUND: Berberine (Ber) is cardioprotective, but its oral bioavailability is low, and its effect on chemotherapy-induced cardiotoxicity has not been studied. OBJECTIVE: Solid lipid nanoparticles (SLNs) of berberine chloride were prepared, characterized and evaluated in vitro against doxorubicin-induced cardiomyocyte injury. METHODS: Berberine-loaded SLNs (Ber-SLNs) were synthesized using the water-in-oil microemulsion technique with tripalmitin, Tween 80 and poloxamer 407. Ber-SLNs were evaluated for preventive effect against toxicity of doxorubicin in H9c2 cells. The culture was pre-treated (24 h) with Ber (10 µM) and Ber-SLNs (1 and 10 µM), and 1 µM of doxorubicin (Dox) was added for 3 h. The cell viability assay (MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) and LDH (Lactate dehydrogenase)), levels of Creatine kinase-MB (CK-MB), Nitrite, MDA (Malondialdehyde), ROS (Reactive oxygen species) generation, and apoptotic DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) content were assessed. RESULTS: Ber-SLNs had a mean particle size of 13.12±1.188 nm, the zeta potential of -1.05 ± 0.08 mV, poly-dispersity index (PDI) of 0.317 ± 0.05 and entrapment efficiency of 50 ± 4.8%. Cell viability was 81 ± 0.17% for Ber-SLNs (10 µM) and 73.22 ± 0.83% for Ber (10 µM) treated cells in the MTT assay. Percentage cytotoxicity calculated from LDH release was 58.91 ± 0.54% after Dox, 40.3 ± 1.3% with Ber (10 µM) and 40.7 ± 1.3% with Ber-SLNs (1 µM) (p<0.001). Inflammation and oxidative stress markers were lower with Ber and Ber-SLNs. Attenuation of ROS generation and apoptosis of cardiomyocytes were noted on fluorescence microscopy. CONCLUSION: Ber SLNs effectively prevented doxorubicin-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in rat cardiomyocytes. The results demonstrate that microemulsion is a simple and costeffective technique to prepare Ber-SLNs, and may be considered as a drug delivery vehicle for berberine.

Pain Allaying Epalrestat-Loaded Lipid Nanoformulation for the Diabetic Neuropathic Pain Interventions: Design, Development, and Animal Study.

BACKGROUND: Diabetic peripheral neuropathy is the most common complication of diabetes mellitus. Epalrestat, an aldose reductase inhibitor, has been approved for clinical therapy for diabetic peripheral neuropathic pain. In the present study, solid lipid-based nanoparticles are used for oral administration of epalrestat (E-SLN) and evaluated against diabetic neuropathic pain in a rat model. METHODS: Experimental diabetes in rats was induced by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) administration. The therapeutic efficiency of Epalrestat nanoparticles (0.25, 0.50, 1, and 5 mg/kg) in diabetic rats was studied. STZinduced diabetic rats were treated with different doses of E-SLN for 8 weeks. The nanoparticles were orally administered at a single dose in rats, and the various parameters related to peripheral neuropathy were evaluated and compared with the bare drug. The blood glucose level was estimated by standard glucometer, HbA1c, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and liver function test (ALT and AST) were analyzed by blood samples collected from retro-orbital plexus. Oxidative stress markers and Na+K+ATPase, TNF-α, and IL-1ß levels were measured in the homogenate of sciatic nerves. Behavioral tests were also performed by the hot plate method and tail-flick method. RESULTS: E-SLN synthesized by the micro-emulsification method was 281 ± 60 nm in size, and encapsulation efficacy was found to be 88 ± 2%. Optimized E-SLN were characterized and found to be optimum in size, spherical shape, decent encapsulation efficiency, stable at acidic gastric pH, and suitable for oral delivery. E-SLNs did not significantly reverse the STZ-induced elevated blood glucose level (FBS and PPBS), HbA1c, triglycerides, and total cholesterol but significantly improved TNF-α, IL-1ß, and increased Na+K+ATPase levels, oxidative stress marker and ALT, AST in the treated rat group as compared with the diabetic group. Doses of E-SLN, i.e. 0.5, 1.0, 2.5, and 5 mg/kg, significantly increased the tail-flick latency time and hot plate response time in a dose-dependent manner compared with the diabetic group. CONCLUSION: Thus, it is suggested that E-SLN were equally effective and less hepatotoxic compared with the standard treatment of epalrestat. To the best of our knowledge, we, for the first time, propose the orally deliverable E-SLN that ameliorates STZ-induced diabetes neuropathic pain effectively as compared with conventional epalrestat.

Implicating the effect of ketogenic diet as a preventive measure to obesity and diabetes mellitus.

Obesity and diabetes are the two major metabolic complications linked with bad eating habits and the sedentary (lazy) lifestyle. In the worst-case situation, metabolic problems are a causative factor for numerous other conditions. There is also an increased demand to control the emergence of such diseases. Dietary and lifestyle improvements contribute to their leadership at an elevated level. The present review, therefore, recommends the use of the ketogenic diet (KD) in obesity and diabetes treatment. The KD involves a diet that replaces glucose sugar with ketone bodies and is effective in numerous diseases, such as metabolic disorders, epileptic seizures, autosomal dominant polycystic disease of the kidney, cancers, peripheral neuropathy, and skeletal muscle atrophy. A lot of high profile pathways are available for KD action, including sustaining the metabolic actions on glucose sugar, suppressing insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF1) and phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT)/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways, altering homeostasis of the systemic ketone bodies, contributing to lowering diabetic hyperketonemia, and others. The KD regulates the level of glucose sugar and insulin and can thus claim to be an effective diabetes approach. Thus, a stopgap between obesity and diabetes treatment can also be evidenced by KD.

Ameliorative role of bosentan, an endothelin receptor antagonist, against sodium arsenite-induced renal dysfunction in rats.

Arsenic exposure is well documented to cause serious health hazards, such as cardiovascular abnormalities, neurotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. In the present study, we intended to explore the role of bosentan, an endothelial receptor antagonist, against sodium arsenite-induced nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity in rats. Sodium arsenite (5 mg/kg, oral) was administered for 4 weeks to induce renal dysfunction in rats. Sodium arsenite intoxicated rats were treated with bosentan (50 and 100 mg/kg, oral) for 4 weeks. Arsenic led renal damage was demonstrated by significant increase in serum creatinine, urea, uric acid, potassium, fractional excretion of sodium, microproteinuria and decreased creatinine clearance in rats. Sodium arsenite resulted in marked oxidative stress in rat kidneys as indicated by profound increase in lipid peroxides, and superoxide anion generation alongwith decrease in reduced glutathione levels. Hydroxyproline assay highlighted arsenic-induced renal fibrosis in rats. Hematoxylin-eosin staining indicated glomerular and tubular changes in rat kidneys. Picrosirius red staining highlighted collagen deposition in renal tissues of arsenic treated rats. Immunohistological results demonstrated the reduction of renal eNOS expression in arsenic treated rats. Notably, treatment with bosentan attenuated arsenic-induced renal damage and resisted arsenic-led reduction in renal eNOS expression. In addition, sodium arsenite-induced alteration in hepatic parameters (serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanine transferase, alkaline phosphatase, bilirubin), oxidative stress and histological changes were abrogated by bosentan treatment in rats. Hence, we conclude that bosentan treatment attenuated sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress, fibrosis and reduction in renal eNOS expression in rat kidneys. Moreover, bosentan abrogated arsenic led hepatic changes in rats.