Reno-protective effect of fenofibrate and febuxostat against vancomycin-induced acute renal injury in rats: Targeting PPARγ/NF-κB/COX-II and AMPK/Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Vancomycin (VCM) is used clinically to treat serious infections caused by multi-resistant Gram-positive bacteria, although its use is severely constrained by nephrotoxicity. This study investigated the possible nephroprotective effect of febuxostat (FX) and/or fenofibrate (FENO) and their possible underlying mechanisms against VCM-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. METHODS: Male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into five groups; Control, VCM, FX, FENO, and combination groups. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. The oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, MDA, GSH, total nitrite, GPx, MPO), the apoptotic marker, renal Bcl-2 associated X protein (Bax), and inflammatory and kidney injury markers (IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, Nrf2, OH-1, kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), NADPH oxidase, Kim-1, COX-II, NGAL, Cys-C were also evaluated. RESULTS: VCM resulted in significant elevation in markers of kidney damage, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory markers. Co-administration of VCM with either/or FX and FENO significantly mitigated nephrotoxicity and associated oxidative stress, inflammatory and apoptotic markers. In comparison to either treatment alone, a more notable improvement was observed with the FX and FENO combination regimen. CONCLUSION: Our findings show that FX, FENO, and their combination regimen have a nephroprotective impact on VCM-induced kidney injury by suppressing oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the inflammatory response. Renal recovery from VCM-induced injury was accomplished by activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and inhibition of NF-κB expression. This study highlights the importance of FX and FENO as effective therapies for reducing nephrotoxicity in VCM-treated patients.

Reno-protective effect of nicorandil and pentoxifylline against potassium dichromate-induced acute renal injury via modulation p38MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Occupational and environmental exposure to chromium compounds such as potassium dichromate (PDC) (K2Cr2O7) has emerged as a potential aetiologic cause for renal disease through apoptotic, and inflammatory reactions. The known potent antioxidants such as nicorandil (NIC) and/or pentoxifylline (PTX) were studied for their possible nephroprotective effect in PDC-treated rats. METHODS: Forty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups; control, PDC group, NIC+PDC, PTX+PDC group, and combination+PDC group. Nephrotoxicity was evaluated histopathologically and biochemically. Invasive blood pressure, renal function parameters urea, creatinine, uric acid and albumin, glomerular filtration rate markers Cys-C, Kim-1 and NGAL, inflammatory markers IL-1ß, IL-6, TNF-α, TGF-ß, COX-II, p38MAPK, NF-κB and TLR4, oxidative stress SOD, GSH, MDA, MPO, HO-1 and Nrf2 and apoptotic mediators Notch1 and PCNA were evaluated. Besides, renal cortical histopathology was assayed as well. RESULTS: PDC led to a considerable increase in indicators for kidney injury, renal function parameters, invasive blood pressure, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers. They were markedly reduced by coadministration of PDC with either/or NIC and PTX. The NIC and PTX combination regimen showed a more significant improvement than either medication used alone. Our results demonstrated the nephroprotective effect of NIC, PTX, and their combined regimen on PDC-induced kidney injury through suppression of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammatory response. CONCLUSION: Renal recovery from PDC injury was achieved through enhanced MAPK/Nrf2/HO-1 and suppressed Notch1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways. This study highlights the role of NIC and PTX as effective interventions to ameliorate nephrotoxicity in patients undergoing PDC toxicity.

Corrigendum to "Crinum jagus (J. Thomps. Dandy): Antioxidant and protective properties as a medicinal plant on toluene-induced oxidative stress damages in liver and kidney of rats" [Toxicol. Rep. 9 (2022) 699-712].

[This corrects the article DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2022.03.026.].

Novel pyrazole-based COX-2 inhibitors as potential anticancer agents: Design, synthesis, cytotoxic effect against resistant cancer cells, cell cycle arrest, apoptosis induction and dual EGFR/Topo-1 inhibition.

Novel differently substituted pyrazole derivatives were designed, synthesized and evaluated for their anticancer activity. All compounds selectively inhibited COX-2 enzyme (IC50 = 0.043-0.56 µM). Compounds 11, 12 and 15 showed superior potency (IC50 = 0.043-0.049 µM) and screened for their antiproliferative effect against MCF-7 and HT-29 cancer cell lines using doxorubicin and 5-FU as reference drugs. Compounds 11, 12 and 15 showed good potency against MCF-7 (IC50 = 2.85-23.99 µM) and HT-29 (IC50 = 2.12-69.37 µM) cell lines. Also, compounds 11, 12 and 15 displayed (IC50 = 56.61-115.75 µM) against non-cancerous WI-38 cells compared to doxorubicin (IC50 = 13.32 µM). Compound 11 showed superior cytotoxicity against both MCF-7 (IC50 = 2.85) and HT-29 (IC50 = 2.12 µM) and was more potent than 5-FU (HT-29: IC50 = 8.77 µM). Besides, it displayed IC50 of 115.75 µM against normal WI-38 cells regarding it as a safe cytotoxic agent. In addition, compound 11 displayed IC50 values of 63.44 µM and 98.60 µM against resistant HT-29 and resistant MCF-7 cancer cell lines sequentially. The most potent compound arrested cell cycle at G1/S phase in HT-29 treated cells displaying accumulation of cells in G0 phase and increase in percentage of cells in both early and late apoptotic stages. Apoptotic induction ability was confirmed via up-regulation of BAX, down-regulation of Bcl-2 and activation of caspase-3/9 protein levels. Compound 11 inhibited both EGFR (IC50 = 0.083 µM) and Topo-1 (IC50 = 0.020 µM) enzymes. Also, compound 11 decreased both total and phosphorylated EGFR concentration in HT-29 cells. Finally, molecular docking study showed good binding interactions between novel compounds and target receptors.

Crinum jagus (J. Thomps. Dandy): Antioxidant and protective properties as a medicinal plant on toluene-induced oxidative stress damages in liver and kidney of rats.

Crinum jagus (C. jagus; J. Thomps.) Dandy (Liliaceae) is a pantropical plant known for its medicinal values and pharmacological properties. The study assessed the protective effects and changes in oxidative stress indices due to C. jagus leaf extracts on the toluene-induced liver and kidney injuries in rats. The study was conducted on 8-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 80), weighing 243.3 ± 1.42 g. Group I, 1 ml/kg distilled water for 7 days; Group II, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 1 ml/kg distilled water for 7 days; Group III, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg methanolic extract for 7 days; Group IV, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg aqueous extract for 7 days; Group V, 500 mg/kg methanolic extract for 7 days; Group VI, 500 mg/kg aqueous extract for 7 days; Group VII, 500 mg/kg of vitamin C for 7 days; Group, VIII, 4.5 ml/kg toluene once, 500 mg/kg vitamin C for 7 days, all administrations were given by oral gavage. The phytochemical contents, absolute and relative organ weights of liver and kidneys, liver and kidney function tests, antioxidant status, as well as histological tests were analyzed using standard protocols. The tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols were in highest concentration in both extracts, content in methanol extract (57.04 ± 1.51 mgg-1, 35.43 ± 1.03 mgg-1, 28.2 ± 0.34 mgg-1 respectively) > aqueous extract (18.74 ± 1.01 mgg-1, 13.43 ± 0.47 mgg-1, 19.65 ± 0.21 mgg-1 respectively). In the negative control group (II), bodyweights significantly (P < 0.05) reduced by 22%, liver weight and kidney weight significantly (P < 0.05) increased by 42% and 83% respectively, liver-to-bodyweight and kidney-to-bodyweight ratios increased significantly (P < 0.05); serum liver function tests (LFTs) i.e., bilirubin, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and serum kidney function tests (creatinine and urea) were significantly (P < 0.05) elevated; oxidant status (tissue malondialdehyde; MDA) was significantly (P < 0.05) elevated, antioxidant status i.e., tissue superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels was significantly (P < 0.05) reduced; with markedly visible renal and hepatic histopathological findings, compared to the normal control group. In C. jagus extract test groups (III and IV), the parameters were significantly (P < 0.05) alleviated and reversed to normal/near normal compared to the negative control. The LFTs, kidney function tests, and antioxidant status were significantly (P < 0.05) more improved with the methanol extract test and standard control groups compared to the aqueous extract test group; Also, the methanol extract test group showed better histological features than the aqueous extract test and standard control groups. The methanolic extract shows better antioxidant potential due to the availability of more nonenzymatic antioxidants (tannins, flavonoids, and polyphenols). The findings showed that toluene is a very aggressive xenobiotic due to the promotion of oxidative stress and peroxidation of cellular lipids, but C. jagus leaves provide significant protection through the reducing power of nonenzymatic antioxidants and their ability to induce endogenous antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, and glutathione reductase or GR) causing reduced cellular lipid peroxidation and tissue damages, quickened tissue repair, and improved cell biology of liver and kidneys during toluene toxicity. The methanol leaf extract provides better protection and should be advanced for more experimental and clinical studies to confirm its efficacy in alleviating oxidative stress tissue injuries, specifically due to toluene.

Empagliflozin and neohesperidin protect against methotrexate-induced renal toxicity via suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation in male rats.

Kidney injury from chemotherapy is one of the worsening problems associated with methotrexate (MTX) use. This work aims to examine the nephroprotective effects of empagliflozin (EMPA) and neohesperidin dihydrochalcone (NHD) provoked by MTX. A rat model was implemented by a single administration of MTX (20 mg/kg, i.p.). EMPA and NHD were administered in two doses (10 and 30 mg/kg, p.o.) and (40 and 80 mg/kg, p.o.), respectively for 14 consecutive days, using N-acetylcysteine (150 mg/kg, p.o.) as a reference standard. Pretreatment with EMPA and NHD showed significant attenuation in the renal function biomarkers, histopathological abrasions, and renal oxidative parameters. Also, EMPA and NHD pretreatment produced marked reductions in the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α level as proinflammatory biomarkers. Furthermore, EMPA and NHD pretreatment revealed marked decreases in the expression level of NF-ĸB, Keap1, HSP70, and caspase-3 and notable increases in Nrf2, PPARγ and HO-1 expression levels. EMPA and NHD can constrain oxidative stress liberation, inflammatory mediators proliferation, and apoptotic reactions in the renal tissue, which may be promising for further clinical applications to protect against MTX-induced renal injury or at least to reduce its adverse effects.

RETRACTED: Empagliflozin and neohesperidin mitigate methotrexate hepatotoxicity via Nrf2/PPARγ/HO-1 signalling initiation and suppression of NF-κB/Keap1/HSP70/caspase-3 axis in rats.

This article has been retracted: please see Elsevier Policy on Article Withdrawal (http://www.elsevier.com/locate/withdrawalpolicy). This article has been retracted at the request of the Editor-in-Chief. A reader reported several mistakes in the paper including duplicated images in Figures 9 and 10, incorrect names of primer sequences and reference gene, as well as unclear description of the statistical analysis. The authors requested that a corrigendum be published, however, due to the large number of corrections applied, it cannot be concluded that these changes would not alter the conclusions of the paper. The scientific community takes a very strong view on this matter and apologies are offered to readers of the journal that this was not detected during the submission process.

Trans-ferulic acid ameliorates cisplatin-induced testicular damage via suppression of TLR4, P38-MAPK, and ERK1/2 signaling pathways.

Testicular damage has been described as a common side effect of cisplatin (CDDP), which limits its clinical uses. Since oxidative injury and inflammatory response are the most pathological impact, estimation of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents like trans-ferulic acid (TFA) could protect against CDDP-induced testicular damage. In the current investigation, rats were assigned into four groups: normal, TFA (50 mg/kg/day, P.O), CDDP (10 mg/kg) as single intraperitoneal (I.P) injection at the end of the 5th day, and TFA+CDDP where TFA was administered 5 days before CDDP injection and 5 days after. Interestingly, TFA significantly restored testosterone levels and abrogated oxidative stress injury. Additionally, TFA effectively suppressed inflammatory cytokines. It also counteracted the inflammation via downregulation of TLR4 and IRF3, P38-MAPK, NF-κB-p65, JAK1, STAT3, ERK1, and ERK2. Besides, TFA can modulate AKT and p-AKT protein expressions. In parallel, TFA mitigated the histopathological aberration of the testis and prevented spermatogenesis disruption. On the other hand, TFA augmented the in vitro CDDP cytotoxicity on Caco-2 and MCF-7 cells. Interestingly, TFA enhanced the cytotoxic effect of CDDP via apoptosis induction in both the early and late stages of apoptosis. Collectively, TFA exhibited a potential protective effect against CDDP-induced testicular injury by inhibiting oxidative stress as well as TLR4/IRF3/INF-γ, P38-MAPK/NF-κB-p65/TNF-α, and JAK1/STAT-3/ERK1/2 inflammatory signaling pathways with enhancing its in vitro cytotoxic activity.

The potential hepatoprotective effects of lovastatin combined with oral hypoglycemic agents in streptozotocin-induced diabetes in rats.

Aims: Epidemiologic studies have shown that individuals with diabetes have a higher risk of hepatic diseases which represent a true clinical problem. The purpose of the present study was to assess the possible modulatory effect of the 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase inhibitor lovastatin on therapeutic efficiency of traditional antidiabetics, as metformin and gliclazide, regarding hepatic complications in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetes in rats.Methods: Animals were divided into seven groups; normal control group, STZ control group (50 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), lovastatin group, metformin group, gliclazide group, lovastatin plus metformin group and lovastatin plus gliclazide group. Serum HMG-CoA reductase, in addition to serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) as hepatocyte integrity loss markers, hepatic tissue thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS), glutathione reduced (GSH), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase as oxidative stress markers, as well as serum tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and C-reactive protein (CRP) and hepatic nitric oxide end products (NOx) as inflammatory markers were assessed, coupled with a confirmatory histopathological study.Results: The combined effect of lovastatin with metformin or gliclazide was significantly better than either drug alone regarding serum AST, ALP and TNF-α, and hepatic TBARS, GSH, GST, SOD and NOx levels.Conclusions: Hepatic complications associated with diabetes could be improved by combination of metformin or gliclazide with lovastatin.

Perindopril mitigates LPS-induced cardiopulmonary oxidative and inflammatory damage via inhibition of renin angiotensin system, inflammation and oxidative stress.

Aim: Renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is thought to have a noticeable effect in the pathophysiological injury in multiple organs by inducing different cellular and molecular reactions. The objective of the current study is to investigate the possible protective effects of perindopril against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced cardiopulmonary oxidative and inflammatory damage in rats. Methods: To achieve this goal, animals were randomly divided into six groups: normal group, LPS group (3 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), perindopril-LPS treated group (1 mg/kg/day, i.p.), perindopril-LPS treated group (2 mg/kg/day, i.p.), and two perindopril negative groups (perindopril 1 or 2 mg/kg/day, i.p.) alone for seven days. Lungs and hearts tissue angiotensin II (Ang-II), angiotensin-1-7 (Ang-1-7), and nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase were assessed using ELISA. Nuclear factor kappa-B-p65 (NF-κB-p65) was assessed using real time PCR, while protein kinase B (Akt) was evaluated by Western blot analysis. Furthermore, oxidative stress biomarkers and myeloperoxidase (MPO) enzyme were evaluated spectrophotometrically. Tissues inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and eNOS) were assessed immunohistochemically. Histopathological study was carried out to confirm our results. Results: LPS-intoxicated rats significantly elevated Ang-II, NF-κB-p65, Akt, and iNOS levels, coupled with significant down-regulation of Ang-1-7 and eNOS levels and corrected the oxidative stress biomarkers. Perindopril administration significantly attenuated the disturbances induced by LPS in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: Perindopril mitigates LPS-induced heart and lung damage through modulation of RAS, iNOS/eNOS, Akt, and NF-κB-p65 signaling pathways.

Simultaneous Determination of Thalidomide and Dexamethasone in Rat Plasma by Validated HPLC and HPTLC With Pharmacokinetic Study.

Two validated chromatographic methods have been developed for the simultaneous determination of thalidomide (THD) and dexamethasone (DEX) in rat plasma using paracetamol (PAR) as an internal standard (IS). Chromatographic analysis was achieved firstly by HPLC method on C18 column (150 × 4.6 mm2 i.d., 5 µm) and a mobile phase composed of ethanol:water (containing 0.1% acetic acid) (70:30, v/v) at the flow rate of 0.6 mL min-1. The second method was HPTLC method which depended on using a developing system of methylene chloride:acetone:ethyl acetate (7:4:1, by volume). In both methods, PAR was used as an IS. The developed methods have been validated as per FDA guidelines. All parameters were tested using quality control samples (LQC, MQC and HQC). All the obtained parameters were within the acceptance criteria. In the same way, the two methods were successfully used to study the pharmacokinetic parameters of both THD and DEX after their intra-peritoneal administration. Moreover, results obtained after administration of each drug alone were compared to those obtained after their administration together. The drugs showed drug-drug interactions when administered in combination, meaning that monitoring of such combination is very important.

Design, synthesis of novel isoindoline hybrids as COX-2 inhibitors: Anti-inflammatory, analgesic activities and docking study.

A group of novel isoindoline hybrids incorporating oxime, hydrazone, pyrazole, chalcone or aminosulfonyl pharmacophores (9-14) was designed and characterized by spectral data and elemental analyses results. All newly synthesized compounds were evaluated as COX-2 inhibitors, anti-inflammatory and analgesic agents. Six hybrid derivatives (10b, 10c, 11a, 11d, 13, 14) were moderate COX-2 inhibitors (IC50 = 0.11-0.18 µM) close to standard celecoxib (IC50 = 0.09 µM). The most active compounds showed outstanding in vivo anti-inflammatory activity (% edema inhibition = 41.7-50, 1 h; 40.7-67.4, 3 h; 20-46.7, 6 h) better than reference drug diclofenac (% edema inhibition = 29.2, 1 h; 22.2, 3 h; 20, 6 h). Most compounds showed significant peripheral and/or central analgesic activity. The moderate selective COX-2 inhibitor; dimethoxychalcone 11d (SI = 103) displayed excellent anti-inflammatory activity (% edema inhibition = 45.8-59.3) and increased thermal pain threshold (50-92.85%) comparable to piroxicam (75%). Molecular docking studies have been established.

Perindopril ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced brain injury through modulation of angiotensin-II/angiotensin-1-7 and related signaling pathways.

Localized tissue renin-angiotensin system (RAS) is an interesting pathway of organ damage. Here, the effect of the brain-penetrating angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor perindopril was studied on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced brain damage, with and without exogenous angiotensin (Ang)-II administration. Animals were divided into 6 groups; a normal control group, an LPS control group (LPS, 3 mg/kg, i.p., single dose), two treatment groups receiving perindopril (1 and 2 mg/kg/day, i.p.) for 7 days before LPS administration, and two Ang-II/perindopril/LPS groups receiving perindopril and LPS, followed by a single dose of Ang-II solution (5 µl, i.c.v.). Brain tissue Ang-II, Ang-1-7, and NADPH oxidase were estimated using ELISA technique. Nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-ƙB-p65) was estimated using real time PCR technique, while phosphorylated NF-ƙB-p65 (p-NF-ƙB-p65), phosphorylated and non-phosphorylated protein kinase B (p-Akt and Akt) and phosphorylated inhibitor of kappa-B (p-IƙBa) were estimated by western blot analysis. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), catalase, nitrite and myloperoxidase (MPO) were estimated colorimetrically. Brain tissue inducible and endothelial nitric oxide synthases (iNOS and eNOS) were estimated immunohistochemically, confirmed by a histopathological study. LPS-intoxicated rats showed significantly elevated Ang-II, NADPH oxidase, NF-ƙB-p65, p-NF-ƙB-p65, p-IƙBa, p-Akt, Akt, p-Akt/Akt ratio, MDA, nitrite, MPO and iNOS levels, coupled with significantly suppressed Ang-1-7, GSH, SOD, GST, catalase, and eNOS levels, which were all corrected by pre-treatment with perindopril in both doses by varying degrees. Exogenous Ang-II significantly ameliorated the protective effects of perindopril. Conclusively, perindopril ameliorates LPS-induced brain damage through modulation of RAS, iNOS/eNOS, p-Akt/Akt and NF-ƙB signaling pathways.