Protocatechuic acid ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced kidney damage in mice via downregulation of TLR-4-mediated IKBKB/NF-κB and MAPK/Erk signaling pathways.

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is a very critical cause of death in the whole world. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induces kidney damage by activating various deleterious inflammatory and oxidative pathways. Protocatechuic acid, a natural phenolic compound, has shown to exert beneficial effects against oxidative and inflammatory responses. The study aimed to clarify the nephroprotective activity of protocatechuic acid in LPS-induced acute kidney damage in mice. Forty male Swiss mice were allocated in four groups as follows: normal control group; LPS (250 µg/kg, ip)-induced kidney injury group; LPS-injected mice treated with protocatechuic acid (15 mg/kg, po), and LPS-injected mice treated with protocatechuic acid (30 mg/kg, po). Significant toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4)-mediated activation of IKBKB/NF-κB and MAPK/Erk/COX-2 inflammatory pathways has been observed in kidneys of mice treated with LPS. Oxidative stress was revealed by inhibition of total antioxidant capacity, catalase, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1) enzyme along with increased nitric oxide level. In parallel, focal inflammatory effects were shown in between the tubules and glomeruli as well as in the perivascular dilated blood vessels at the cortex affecting the normal morphology of the kidney tissues of LPS-treated mice. However, treatment with protocatechuic acid reduced LPS-induced changes in the aforementioned parameters and restored normal histological features of the affected tissues. In conclusion, our study uncovered that protocatechuic acid has nephroprotective effects in mice with AKI through opposing different inflammatory and oxidative cascades.

Cubosome-based thermosensitive in situ gelling system for intranasal administration of lamotrigine with enhanced antiepileptic efficacy.

Lamotrigine (LTG) is a second-generation antiepileptic drug that belongs to Biopharmaceutics Classification System (BCS) class II. LTG has a low probability of crossing the BBB if administered orally. This study was designed to fabricate LTG cubosomal dispersion that is further loaded in a thermosensitive in situ gel to increase nasal residence time and enhance drug absorption across the nasal mucosal membrane. LTG-loaded cubosomes exhibited an entrapment efficiency ranging from 24.83% to 60.13%, a particle size ranging from 116.2 to 197.6 nm, and a zeta potential ≤-25.5 mV. The selected LTG-loaded cubosomal formulation was loaded in a thermosensitive in situ gel (cubogel) employing different concentrations of poloxamer 407. In vitro release study revealed sustained drug release from cubosomal and cubogel compared with free drug suspension. In vivo studies revealed enhanced antiepileptic efficacy of LTG cubogel and LTG cubosomes compared with free drug in rats with pilocarpine-induced epilepsy by stimulating the release of gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and serotonin and by inhibiting the release of Ca2+, dopamine, acetylcholine (Ach), C-reactive protein (CRP), and glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). LTG cubogel exhibited superior activity over LTG cubosomes. These findings reveal that the developed cubosomal thermosensitive in situ gel can enhance the antiepileptic efficacy of LTG via the intranasal route.

The anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects of tadalafil in thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in rats.

Liver fibrosis is a health concern that leads to organ failure mediated via production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrotic biomarkers. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of tadalafil, a phosphodiesterase-5 inhibitor, against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis. Fibrosis was induced by administration of TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p.) twice weekly for 6 weeks. Serum transaminases activities, liver inflammatory cytokines, fibrotic biomarkers, and liver histopathology were assessed. TAA induced marked histopathological changes in liver tissues coupled with elevations in serum transaminases activities. Furthermore, hepatic content of nitric oxide and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-6, and interleukin-1 beta were elevated, together with a reduction of interleukin-10 in the liver. In addition, TAA increased hepatic contents of transforming growth factor-beta, hydroxyproline, alpha-smooth muscle actin, and gene expression of collagen-1. Pretreatment with tadalafil protected against TAA-induced liver fibrosis, in a dose-dependent manner, as proved by the alleviation of inflammatory and fibrotic biomarkers. The effects of tadalafil were comparable with that of silymarin, a natural antioxidant, and could be assigned to its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties.

Hepato- and neuro-protective influences of biopropolis on thioacetamide-induced acute hepatic encephalopathy in rats.

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a neuropsychiatric syndrome that ultimately occurs as a complication of acute or chronic liver failure; accompanied by hyperammonemia. This study aimed to evaluate the potential of biopropolis as a hepato- and neuro-protective agent using thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute HE in rats as a model. Sixty Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: Group 1 (normal control) received only saline and paraffin oil. Group 2 (hepatotoxic control) received TAA (300 mg/kg, once). Groups 3, 4, and 5 received TAA followed by vitamin E (100 mg/kg) and biopropolis (100 and 200 mg/kg), respectively, daily for 30 days. Evidences of HE were clearly detected in TAA-hepatotoxic group including significant elevation in the serum level of ammonia, liver functions, increased oxidative stress in liver and brain, apoptotic DNA fragmentation and overexpression of iNOS gene in brain tissue. The findings for groups administered biopropolis, highlighted its efficacy as a hepato- and neuro-protectant through improving the liver functions, oxidative status and DNA fragmentation as well as suppressing the brain expression of iNOS gene. In conclusion, biopropolis, at a dose of 200 mg/kg per day protected against TAA-induced HE through its antioxidant and antiapoptotic influence; therefore, it can be used as a protective natural product.

Improved hepatoprotective activity of silymarin via encapsulation in the novel vesicular nanosystem bilosomes.

The main objective of the present work was to formulate, characterize, and evaluate silymarin (SM)-loaded bilosomes, compared to conventional liposomes, aiming at increasing the hepatoprotective activity of the drug. SM-loaded bilosomes were prepared by thin film hydration technique employing soybean phosphatidyl choline (SPC) and different bile salts. After being subjected to different methods of characterization, SM-loaded bilosomes were investigated for their hepatoprotective activity, in CCl4 hepatointoxicated rat model. The developed SM dispersions exhibited an entrapment efficiency ranging from 21.80 ± 2.01 to 84.54 ± 2.51% and a particle size diameter in the nanometric dimensions (413 ± 96.9 to 686.9 ± 62.38 nm), with a negative zeta potential values (<-45 mV). In vitro release study revealed a lower cumulative amount of drug released from the developed formulae, compared to free drug. Ex vivo intestinal uptake study, performed using confocal laser scanning calorimetry, revealed the superiority of bilosomal uptake compared to that of liposomes. In vivo studies revealed an enhanced hepatoprotective effect of SM-loaded bilosomes/liposomes compared to free drug. These results were in good correlation with histopathological examination. These findings support the potential use of bilosomes for improving the hepatoprotective activity of SM via oral administration.

Assessment of the Mechanistic Role of Cinnarizine in Modulating Experimentally-Induced Bronchial Asthma in Rats.

BACKGROUND/AIMS: Calcium influx, inflammatory infiltration, cytokine production, immunoglobulin E activation and oxidative stress play coordinated roles in bronchial asthma pathogenesis. We aim to assess the protective effect of cinnarizine against experimentally induced bronchial asthma. METHODS: Bronchial asthma was induced by ovalbumin sensitization and challenge. Rats were allocated into a normal control, an asthma control, a dexamethasone (standard) treatment, and 2 cinnarizine treatment groups. The respiratory functions tidal volume (TV) and peak expiratory flow rate (PEFR), the inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-5 (IL-5) in lung tissue, the allergic immunoglobulin IgE in serum, the absolute eosinophil count (AEC) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), as well as the oxidative and nitrosative markers glutathione reduced (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) in lung tissue and nitric oxide end products (NOx) in BALF were assessed, followed by a histopathological study. RESULTS: Cinnarizine administration significantly restored TV, PEFR, TNF-α, IL-5, IgE, AEC, GSH, SOD and NOx values back to normal levels, and significantly decreased perivascular and peribronchiolar inflammatory scores. CONCLUSION: Cinnarizine may protect against experimental bronchial asthma. Suppressant effect of cinnarizine on pro-inflammatory cytokines release, IgE antibody production, eosinophil infiltration as well as oxidative and nitrosative stress may explain its anti-asthmatic potential.

Hyaluronate functionalized Span-Labrasol nanovesicular transdermal therapeutic system of ferulic acid targeting diabetic nephropathy.

Diabetic kidney disease, known as diabetic nephropathy (DN), is a widespread severe diabetes complication leading to kidney failure. Due to the lack of efficacious therapies, this study endeavors to enhance DN therapeutic effectiveness of ferulic acid (FRA), a natural phenolic with poor oral bioavailability, by developing a transdermal kidney-targeted spanlastic formulation. Spanlastics (SP) nanovesicles were prepared using Span 60 and Labrasol or Brij35 as edge activators (EA). Cationic guar (CG) and hyaluronic acid (HA) were employed as coatings. The formulations were assessed for entrapment efficiency (EE), particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP). A 21 × 31 factorial optimization of FRA spanlastic formulations revealed the desirable nanoformula was FRA-L-H-SP comprising Labrasol and hyaluronate coating. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), Fourier-transform infrared (FT-IR), Diphenylpicrylhydrazyl (DPPH) antioxidant activity, in-vitro release, and rat skin ex-vivo permeation assessed this formula and the uncoated one (FRA-L-SP). Biochemical indicators and histopathology for diabetes and kidney injury were evaluated in the Streptozotocin (STZ)-induced DN rat model. Results showed significant improvements after treatment with FRA-L-H-SP compared to FRA-L-SP and free FRA, with decreased blood glucose, creatinine, and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) levels and increased insulin, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), and sirtuins (SIRT). This enhancement can be acknowledged as passive targeting of SP and active targeting properties of hyaluronic to cluster of differentiation 44 (CD44) receptors, revealing the potential to improve DN pathophysiology.

Coating with tripolyphosphate-crosslinked chitosan as a novel approach for enhanced stability of emulsomes following oral administration: Rutin as a model drug with improved anti-hyperlipidemic effect in rats.

The aim of the current study is to preserve the emulsomal vesicles against the harsh condition of gastrointestinal tract (GIT), after oral administration, employing tripolyphosphate (TPP)-crosslinked chitosan as a protective coating layer. Rutin was used as a model drug with evaluation of anti-hyperlipidemic activity in rats. The rutin loaded unmodified emulsomes were prepared using tripalmitin and soybean phosphatidylcholine (SPC), by thin film method. Drug loading for the prepared formulations ranged between 6.80 and 15.50 %. The selected formulation (RT-Emuls-6) comprised tripalmitin and SPC, molar ratio 1:1, and exhibited particle size (PS) and zeta potential (ZP) of 150.40 nm and -35.35 mV, respectively. RT-Emuls-6 was then modified by coating with either solely chitosan (RT-Emuls-6-Ch) or TPP-crosslinked chitosan (RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1). The latter exhibited PS and ZP values of 269.60 nm and 37.17 mV, respectively. Transmission electron microscopy of RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 showed a dense pale greyish layer of a coating layer of chitosan crosslinked with TPP surrounding SPC bilayers. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy analysis along with X-ray powder diffraction confirmed cross-linking between chitosan and TPP. Stability study in the simulated GIT fluids revealed that the order of rutin retained percentage was RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 > RT-Emuls-6-Ch > RT-Emuls-6 (80.02, 50.66 and 44.41 %, respectively for simulated gastric fluid and 63.50, 55.66 and 24.00 %, respectively for simulated intestinal fluid, after 2 h incubation). Anti-hyperlipidemic activity of rutin loaded emulsomes was evaluated, after oral administration, in a high fat diet-induced hyperlipidemia in rats. The order of activity was as follows: RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 > RT-Emuls-6-Ch > RT-Emuls-6 > free rutin. These findings revealed the potential of TPP-crosslinked chitosan as a protective coating layer for enhancing the stability of emulsomes against the harsh condition of GIT. RT-Emuls-6-Ch-TPP-1 had a potent anti-hyperlipidemic activity via regulation of lipids, oxidative stress, irisin and uncoupling protein 1.

Nose-to-brain delivery of galantamine loaded nanospray dried polyacrylic acid/taurodeoxycholate mixed matrix as a protective therapy in lipopolysaccharide-induced Alzheimer's in mice model.

One of the promising drug delivery approaches is performed by nanosizing the administered drug product using the nanospray drying technique. In this study, a combination of several formulation factors was integrated and exploited to augment the bioavailability of galantamine hydrobromide (GAL) via the intranasal route. Nanosized polymeric particles were fabricated using the mucoadhesive polymer, polyacrylic acid (PAA), and the permeability booster, sodium taurodeoxycholate (TDC). First, a preliminary study was conducted to adjust the nanospray drying conditions. Then, formulations were prepared on the basis of a mixed factorial experimental design and further analyzed using Design Expert® software. Different responses were investigated: particle size, polydispersity index, spray rate, drying efficiency, and percent yield. The optimized formulation was further assessed for physical morphology using the scanning electron microscope, flowability, in vitro drug release, and in vivo brain cell uptake using confocal laser scanning microscopy. The promising formulation (F6), composed of equal ratio of PAA and TDC and 20 mg GAL, exhibited a particle size of 185.55 ± 4.3 nm, polydispersity index of 0.413 ± 0.02, and yield-value of 69.58 ± 5.82 %. It also displayed good flowability, complete drug release within 2 h, and enhanced in vivo fluorescent dye uptake and penetration in brain cells. The efficacy of the optimized formulation was examined using lipopolysaccharide-induced Alzheimer's in mice. Results revealed the advantageous influence of the optimized formulation (F6) through downregulation of NF-κß, IL-1ß and GFAP as well as upregulating TGF-1ß in adult mice.

Eplerenone modulates the inflammatory response in monosodium iodoacetate-induced knee osteoarthritis in rats: Involvement of RANKL/OPG axis.

AIMS: Osteoarthritis (OA) is a multifactorial degenerative disease marked by the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage with inflammation of the synovium. OA's main symptoms include pain and function loss. Monosodium Iodoacetate (MIA) experimental model is widely-used for OS induction since it produces symptoms comparable to those occurring in humans. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Thirty-two rats were divided into four groups (n = 8). The 1st group received saline and included the normal-control rats. Groups 2-4 received intra-articular injections of MIA (3 mg/50 µL) in the rats' knee joints to induce OA. Group 2 included the MIA-control rats. Groups 3 and 4 received intra-articular MIA followed by a 14-day oral eplerenone (50 and 100 mg/kg); respectively. KEY FINDINGS: Intra-articular injection of MIA in rats' knee joints caused significant inflammation and pain, elevation of Akt and ERK gene expression in knee joints along with significant alterations in the histological pictures of knee joints and OARSI scores. RANKL/OPG Axis was significantly disrupted. SIGNIFICANCE: Eplerenone treatment produced a significant improvement in motor coordination and spontaneous locomotor activity in rats and modulated the key inflammatory mediators in OA (TNF-α, NF-κß, and IL-6). Eplerenone also suppressed the qRT-PCR gene expression of Akt and ERK in knee joint tissues and improved the histological pictures and OARSI scores of knee joints of treated rats. Eplerenone caused a decline in RANKL concentration accompanied by a rise in OPG concentration thus modulating the RANKL/OPG Axis. Consequently, eplerenone is a candidate for OA therapy due to its potential anti-inflammatory effects.

Naringin protects mice from D-galactose-induced lung aging and mitochondrial dysfunction: Implication of SIRT1 pathways.

AIM: Aging is the leading risk factor for diminishing lung function, as well as injury and lung disorder. The target of our research was to examine the potential protective effect of naringin and the possible role of SIRT1 in mice with D-galactose-induced lung aging, by evaluating its effects on antioxidant systems, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, and apoptosis, by referring to the potential involvement of Nrf2/NQO1, LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α, FOXO1, and P53/caspase-3 signaling. MATERIAL AND METHODS: The mice were randomly sorted into 5 groups (10 each): 1st: normal group received subcutaneous normal saline and intragastric distilled water, 2nd: naringin 300 mg/kg orally, 3rd: D-galactose (200 mg/kg/day) was administered subcutaneously into mice for eight weeks, to accelerate aging, 4th & 5th: oral naringin (150, 300 mg/kg) was given daily concurrently with D-galactose injection for 8 weeks. KEY FINDING: In silico investigation revealed that naringin substantially stimulates the SIRT1 and AMPK molecules. At the molecular level, our findings indicated that treatment with naringin stimulated the mitochondrial biogenesis pathway through regulation of the LKB1/AMPK/PGC-1α signals and upregulated FOXO1-mediated autophagy. Furthermore, naringin exhibited antioxidant properties by activating the Nrf2/NQO1 pathway and inhibiting MDA and AGEs levels. In addition, Naringin ameliorated alveolar spaces destruction and bronchial wall thickening, as well as alleviated P53/caspase-3 apoptosis signaling. SIGNIFICANCE: Naringin exerts protective effects against D-galactose-induced lung aging and enhances longevity by activating SIRT1. SIRT1 regulates various aging-related molecular pathways via restoring pro-oxidant/antioxidant homeostasis, activation of mitochondrial biogenesis, modulating of autophagy and inhibition of apoptosis.

Dulaglutide impedes depressive-like behavior persuaded by chronic social defeat stress model in male C57BL/6 mice: Implications on GLP-1R and cAMP/PKA signaling pathway in the hippocampus.

AIM: There is a well-founded relation between bullying and depression, which may eventually lead to suicidal behavior. Repurposing of antidiabetic drugs for the treatment of depression started to glow, which open new horizons to introduce the antidiabetic medications as new treatment picks in depression. Dulaglutide has been approved as remedy of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM). Consequently, our scope of work is to investigate the ability of dulaglutide to indulgence depression via deeply reconnoitering the Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor and cAMP/PKA Signaling Pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Eighty mice were divided into two groups; one with and the other without the induction of chronic social defeat stress (CSDS). Each group was subdivided into two subsets; the first one was treated with saline for 42 days, while the other was treated with saline for 20 days, then with dulaglutide (0.6 mg/kg/week) for four weeks. KEY FINDINGS: CSDS group showed a lessening in the social interaction ratio and sucrose consumption. They spent less exploration time in the open arms, and more time in the closed arms in elevated plus maze test as compared to controls. Furthermore, the CSDS group had a higher expression of NOD- like receptor protein-3 which explained the elevation in inflammatory biomarkers (IL-1ß, IL-18, IL-6 and TNF-α) along with diminution in GLP-1R, cAMP/PKA levels. Treatment with dulaglutide markedly reversed the above-mentioned parameters via bolstering the GLP-1R/cAMP/PKA pathway. SIGNIFICANCE: NLRP3 inflammasome activation expedites depression. Dulaglutide activates the GLP-1R/cAMP/PKA pathway, hence offering a novel therapeutic intervention to hinder depression.

Budesonide-Loaded Bilosomes as a Targeted Delivery Therapeutic Approach Against Acute Lung Injury in Rats.

Budesonide (BUD), a glucocorticoids drug, inhibits all steps in the inflammatory response. It can reduce and treat inflammation and other symptoms associated with acute lung injury such as COVID-19. Loading BUD into bilosomes could boost its therapeutic activity, and lessen its frequent administration and side effects. Different bilosomal formulations were prepared where the independent variables were lipid type (Cholesterol, Phospholipon 80H, L-alpha phosphatidylcholine, and Lipoid S45), bile salt type (Na cholate and Na deoxycholate), and drug concentration (10, 20 mg). The measured responses were: vesicle size, entrapment efficiency, and release efficiency. One optimum formulation (composed of cholesterol, Na cholate, and 10 mg of BUD) was selected and investigated for its anti-inflammatory efficacy in vivo using Wistar albino male rats. Randomly allocated rats were distributed into four groups: The first: normal control group and received intranasal saline, the second one acted as the acute lung injury model received intranasal single dose of 2 mg/kg potassium dichromate (PD). Whereas the third and fourth groups received the market product (Pulmicort® nebulising suspension 0.5 mg/ml) and the optimized formulation (0.5 mg/kg; intranasal) for 7 days after PD instillation, respectively. Results showed that the optimized formulation decreased the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, and TGF-ß contents as well as reduced PKC content in lung. These findings suggest the potentiality of BUD-loaded bilosomes for the treatment of acute lung injury with the ability of inhibiting the pro-inflammatory cytokines induced COVID-19.

Study of exopolysaccharide produced by Streptomyces rochie strain OF1 and its effect as ameliorative on osteoarthritis in rats via inhibiting TNF-α/COX2 pathway.

BACKGROUND: Carbohydrates are known as the main natural products of life activities. RESULTS: Streptomyces rochie strain OF1 isolated from a mangrove tree produced exopolysaccharide S5 (EPSS5) (14.2 gl-1) containing uronic acid 21.98% sulfate content of 11.65 mg/ml, and a viscosity of 1.35 mm2/s. while total hexose amine content was 24.72%. The high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis of mono sugars revealed that EPS was composed of manouronic acid, glucuronic acid, xylose, and fructose at a molar ratio of 1.0:0.5:1.0:2.0, respectively. It showed that the whole antioxidant activity was 92.06%. It showed antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus, and E. coli, MRSA and Klebsiella pneumoniae. But, EPSS5 displayed low antifungal activity against Candida albicans. While no antifungal activity has been detected against Aspergillus niger. EPSS5 has antibiofilm action that is noticeable toward S. aureus with an inhibition ratio of biofilm up to 50%. Effect of EPS on serum levels of TNF-α and COX2 by 2 fold and 1.9 fold of EPS reduced serum levels of Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) by 38%, 12%, 49%, and Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX2) by 61%, 34%, and 62%, respectively. By affected of EPSS5 on arthritis in rats stimulated by carrageenan. CONCLUSIONS: Administration of EPS ameliorated carrageen-induced elevation in inflammatory mediators; TNF-α/COX and suppressed the expressions of metalloproteinase 9 (MMP9) by 68%, 86%, and 75% correspondingly in comparison to the group of carrageenans. Then again, therapy involving a high dose only reduced MMP9 level by 57%, compared to free drug suggesting that EPSS5 is a good inhibitor of the MMP9, as it brought MMP9 back to normal levels via the signaling pathway.

Effect of L-carnitine on potassium dichromate-induced nephrotoxicity in rats: modulation of PI3K/AKT signaling pathway.

Background and purpose: Kidney diseases impose significant global health challenges. Potassium dichromate (PD) is a heavy metal frequently associated with nephrotoxicity. PD prompts oxidative and inflammatory injuries in renal tissues. L-carnitine is a naturally-occurring amino acid commonly used as a supplement. Experimental approach: Forty rats were randomly allocated into 5 groups. Group 1 (normal) received only saline. Nephrotoxicity was induced in the remaining groups by PD (15 mg/kg; i.p). Group 2 served as a nephrotoxic group. Groups 3-5 received L-carnitine (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg; p.o.), respectively for 4 weeks. Findings/Results: PD administration resulted in elevated serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen accompanied by diminished reduced glutathione and elevated malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, and transforming growth factor-beta renal tissue contents relative to normal rats. PD also produced apoptotic histopathological injuries and down-regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway; signifying ongoing apoptosis. In the current work, L-carnitine use in the selected dose levels resulted in improvement of all the aforementioned serum, renal tissue, and histological parameters relative to nephrotoxic rats. L-carnitine up-regulated PI3K/Akt signaling pathway that was down-regulated post PD use. Conclusion and implications: Collectively, the study highlighted that the possible mechanisms beyond the beneficial effects of L-carnitine are mainly through its antioxidant as well as anti-inflammatory actions. L- carnitine significantly abrogated apoptosis via up-regulation of PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and signified restoration of normal renal cell proliferation and functionality.

Oral and Topical Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Jatropha integerrima Leaves Extract in Relation to Its Metabolite Profile.

Jatropha integerrima Jacq., family: Euphorbiaceae, is used in India and subtropical Africa to treat different skin conditions. In this study we evaluated the anti-inflammatory activity of J. integerrima leaves extract (JILE) using rat paw edema model. The extract was administered orally (200 and 400 mg/kg) or applied topically as creams at 2.5, 5, and 10% strength. Four hours post-treatment, maximum reduction of edema volume by 63.09% was observed after oral administration of JILE (400 mg/kg) as compared to indomethacin with 60.43%. The extract anti-inflammatory effect was accompanied by a decrease in NO, prostaglandin PGE2, TNF-α and PKC levels by 19, 29.35, 16.9, and 47.83%, respectively. Additionally, topical applications of JILE showed dose dependent reduction in paw edema and resulted in normalized levels of PGE2, TNF-α, and PKC when used as 10% cream. Signs of inflammations were reduced or absent from paw tissue of animals receiving JILE either orally or topically. Finally, liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis of JILE resulted in the annotation of 133 metabolites including 24 diterpenoids, 19 flavonoids, 10 phenolic acid conjugates, 8 cyclic peptides, 6 phytosterols, 4 sesquiterpenes, and 4 coumarins. Several of the annotated metabolites have known anti-inflammatory activity including vitexin, isovitexin, fraxitin, scopeltin, stigmasterol, and many diterpenoidal derivatives.

Promising targets of chrysin and daidzein in colorectal cancer: Amphiregulin, CXCL1, and MMP-9.

Colorectal cancer is one of the primary causes of cancer-related mortality worldwide. The tumor microenvironment contains growth factors; inflammatory chemokines, matrix metalloproteinases, and pro-oxidants leading to cancer development and progression. Phytochemicals have been used as the main source of anti-cancer agents. Accordingly, the effect of two natural flavonoids (Chrysin and Daidzein) was investigated on the level of amphiregulin (AREG), chemokine ligand (CXCL1), and matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) in 1, 2-dimethylhydrazine dihydrochloride (DMH) induced colorectal cancer. Rats were injected by DMH (40 mg/kg/week S.C.) for 16 weeks concomitantly with 2% dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) in drinking water for three cycles. Rats were orally treated with chrysin (125 and 250 mg/kg) and daidzein (5 and10 mg/kg) three times/week for the last 8 weeks. DMH + DSS group showed a significant (P < 0.05) increase in the levels of AREG (2386 ± 18 vs 1377 ± 10 pg/ml), CXCL1 (18 ± 0.9 vs 6 ± 0.83 g/ml), MMP-9 (1355 ± 88 vs 452 ± 7 pg/ml) compared to normal rats. These findings were associated with a potent antioxidant activity against cytochrome P450 2E1; (CYP2E1). Histopathological findings of the DMH + DSS group showed focal hyperplasia of the mucosa lining overlying crypts with moderate inflammation, dysplastic epithelial cells, and loss of goblet cells. Chrysin and daidzein treatment significantly (P < 0.05) restored the biochemical alterations and reverted histopathological findings near to the normal status. Moreover, chrysin and daidzein exerted anticancer activity against SW620 cells that were associated with decreased the protein expression of p-ERK/ERK and p-AKT/AKT. In conclusion, this study highlighted the potential anticancer role of chrysin and daidzein in the treatment of colon cancer.

Single step nanospray drying preparation technique of gabapentin-loaded nanoparticles-mediated brain delivery for effective treatment of PTZ-induced seizures.

In the present study, gabapentin (GBP)-loaded chitosan nanosized particles were fabricated applying the nanospray drying technique. Different preparation parameters (spray mesh diameter, chitosan concentration and presence of D-α-Tocopherol polyethylene glycol 1000 succinate (TPGS) were studied while fixing other parameters (spraying rate, inlet temperature and gas flow rate). An optimized formulation with a particle size 107 ± 13 nm was obtained upon spraying 0.1% (w/v) chitosan solution containing 0.05% (w/v) of TPGS utilizing the small nozzle (4 µm spray mesh hole size). Drug entrapment efficiency and yield were as high as 95% and 83%, respectively. A 98.1 ± 6.1% (w/w) cumulative drug release was recorded after 2 h. Confocal laser scanning microscopy showed higher fluorescent dye penetration into brain tissue following intranasal administration of Rhodamine B labeled spray dried chitosan nanoparticles (NPs) as compared to Rhodamine B solution. Pentylenetetrazole (PTZ) was used to induce convulsions in rats through elevating seizure stages, releasing neuroinflammatory mediators and reducing excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT 2) and γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) brain contents. Nanospray dried GBP-loaded chitosan NPs reduced seizure score, neuroinflammation; TNF-α and TGF-ß, elevated EAAT 2 and GABA as well as decreased degeneration in pyramidal neurons compared to marketed product Conventin® capsules. Thus, it can be concluded from the aforementioned data that nanospray dried GBP-loaded chitosan NPs could comprise an appropriate treatment of epilepsy.

Fabrication of All-Trans Retinoic Acid loaded Chitosan/Tripolyphosphate Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles as a Novel Oral Delivery Approach for Management of Diabetic Nephropathy in Rats.

The present study aims to formulate all-trans retinoic acid (ATRA) loaded chitosan/tripolyphosphate lipid hybrid nanoparticles (CTLHNs) for enhancing its solubility and oral delivery. This is to improve ATRA therapeutic effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN). CTLHNs were prepared by o/w homogenization, employing stearic acid, to form lipid nanoparticles coated with chitosan that is stabilized against acidic pH via sodium tripolyphosphate crosslinking. Chitosan coated (F7) and naked lipid nanoparticles (F6) were also prepared for comparison with CTLHNs. In vitro characterization for the prepared formulations was performed comprising entrapment efficiency, particle size, zeta potential, transmission electron microscopy, FT-IR spectroscopy and x-ray diffraction. Stability of chitosan coat in GI fluid revealed that CTLHNs were more stable than F7. In vitro release indicated an enhanced release of ATRA from the developed formulations. In vitro mucoadhesion study proved a notable mucoadhesive property for CTLHNs. In DN rat model, serum levels of creatinine and urea were elevated, over expression of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) were observed. In addition, adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase (AMPK) and liver kinase B1 (LKB1) expressions were decreased in DN rats. Treatment with free ATRA and the selected formulations led to a significant amelioration of DN by reducing of creatinine, urea, TNF-α, ICAM-1, GM-CSF, VEGF levels as well as elevating AMPK and LKB1 levels. The order of activity was: CTLHNs > F7 > F6 > free ATRA, as proved by histopathological examination.

Micellar buccal film for safe and effective control of seizures: Preparation, in vitro characterization, ex vivo permeation studies and in vivo assessment.

The current research article focused on formulating an easily applied, water-based buccal film loaded with the antiepileptic drug, lamotrigine (LTG). The designed film can be comfortably administered by epileptic patients to ensure a controllable therapeutic efficacy against seizures. The solubility of LTG in water was significantly improved by micellar solubilization. Upon testing several surfactants, three of them (Synperonic PE/P84, Brij L23, and Brij 78) achieved maximum possible solubility for LTG and were characterized for their micellar size, cloud point, and % transmittance. Selected micellar systems were incorporated within a buccal film prepared using solvent casting method based on either gelatin or polyvinylpyrrolidone (3%w/v) with 1.5%w/v propylene glycol as a plasticizer. Different micellar films were characterized for their physicochemical characteristics, swelling index, folding endurance, drug content uniformity, and in vitro LTG release. From the tested formulations, one formulation; LTG-BF1 (in which Brij 78 was used for the micellar solubilization and gelatin as the matrix former), was selected as the optimum and extensively studied for mucoadhesion, ex vivo permeation studies by Franz diffusion cells and confocal laser scanning microscopy. Results showed superior enhanced permeation of micellar film. LTG-BF1 was evaluated for the in vivo performance using rats. Status epilepticus was induced in rats by injecting Pentylenetetrazol (PTZ) i.p. at an initial dose of 30 mg/kg, followed by 10 mg/kg every10 min till 60 min. A group of rats receiving the designed buccal formulation (20 mg/kg) was compared with a group receiving the same dose of the oral market product and the normal control and PTZ groups. Rats receiving LTG-BF1 recorded reduced seizure scores at all stages, longer latency time, and higher threshold PTZ dose compared to PTZ and market product groups. In addition, LTG-BF1 reduced brain concentrations of TNF-α and TGF-ß with an elevation of EAAT2 and GABA brain contents compared to PTZ and market product groups and ameliorated neuronal damage. In conclusion, LTG-loaded buccal micellar film proved a superior antiepileptic effect in PTZ induced acute epileptic model.