Targeting the NF-κB p65/Bcl-2 signaling pathway in hepatic cellular carcinoma using radiation assisted synthesis of zinc nanoparticles coated with naturally isolated gallic acid.

PURPOSE: Oral diethylnitrosamine (DEN) is a known hepatocarcinogen that damages the liver and causes cancer. DEN damages the liver through reactive oxygen species-mediated inflammation and biological process regulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Gallic acid-coated zinc oxide nanoparticles (Zn-GANPs) were made from zinc oxide (ZnO) synthesized by irradiation dose of 50 kGy utilizing a Co-60 γ-ray source chamber with a dose rate of 0.83 kGy/h and gallic acid from pomegranate peel. UV-visible (UV) spectrophotometry verified Zn-GANP synthesis. TEM, DLS, and FTIR were utilized to investigate ZnO-NPs' characteristics. Rats were orally exposed to DEN for 8 weeks at 20 mg/kg five times per week, followed by intraperitoneal injection of Zn-GANPs at 20 mg/kg for 5 weeks. Using oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, liver function, histologic, apoptotic, and cell cycle parameters for evaluating Zn-GANPs treatment. RESULTS: DEN exposure elevated inflammatory markers (AFP and NF-κB p65), transaminases (AST, ALT), γ-GT, globulin, and total bilirubin, with reduced protein and albumin levels. It also increased MDA levels, oxidative liver cell damage, and Bcl-2, while decreasing caspase-3 and antioxidants like GSH, and CAT. Zn-GANPs significantly mitigated these effects and lowered lipid peroxidation, AST, ALT, and γ-GT levels, significantly increased CAT and GSH levels (p<0.05). Zn-GANPs caused S and G2/M cell cycle arrest and G0/G1 apoptosis. These results were associated with higher caspase-3 levels and lower Bcl-2 and TGF-ß1 levels. Zn-GANPs enhance and restore the histology and ultrastructure of the liver in DEN-induced rats. CONCLUSION: The data imply that Zn-GANPs may prevent and treat DEN-induced liver damage and carcinogenesis.

The potential anti-Alzheimer's activity of Oxalis corniculata Linn. Methanolic extract in experimental rats: Role of APOE4/LRP1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß, autophagy and apoptotic cues.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Oxalis corniculata (O. corniculata) is a member of Oxalidaceae family, widely distributed in Asia, Europe, America, and Africa, used extensively as food and its traditional folkloric uses include management of epilepsy, gastric disorders, and neurodegenerative diseases, together with its use in enhancing health. Numerous pharmacological benefits of O. corniculata are linked to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant abilities. One of the most prevalent neurodegenerative disorders is Alzheimer's disease (AD) in which neuroinflammation and oxidative stress are its main pathogenic processes. AIM OF THE STUDY: Our research aimed to study the neuroprotective effect of the methanolic extract of Oxalis corniculata Linn. (O. corniculata ME), compared to selenium (Se) against AlCl3-induced AD. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Forty male albino rats were allocated into four groups (Gps). Gp I a control group, the rest of the animals received AlCl3 (Gp II-Gp IV). Rats in Gp III and IV were treated with Se and O. corniculata ME, respectively. RESULTS: The chemical profile of O. corniculata ME was studied using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-electrospray ionization-quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, allowing the tentative identification of sixty-six compounds, including organic acids, phenolics and others, cinnamic acid and its derivatives, fatty acids, and flavonoids. AlCl3 showed deterioration in short-term memory and brain histological pictures. Our findings showed that O. corniculata ME and selenium helped to combat oxidative stress produced by accumulation of AlCl3 in the brain and in prophylaxis against AD. Thus, Selenium (Se) and O. corniculata ME restored antioxidant defense, via enhancing Nrf2/HO-1 hub, hampered neuroinflammation, via TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, along with dampening apoptosis, Aß generation, tau hyperphosphorylation, BACE1, ApoE4 and LRP1 levels. Treatments also promoted autophagy and modulated Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK3ß cue. CONCLUSIONS: It was noted that O. corniculata ME showed a notable ameliorative effect compared to Se on Nrf2/HO-1, TLR4/NF-κß/NLRP3, APOE4/LRP1, Wnt 3/ß-catenin/GSK-3ß and PERK axes.

Formulation, optimization, in-vivo biodistribution studies and histopathological safety assessment of duloxetine HCl-loaded ultra-elastic nanovesicles for antidepressant effect after intranasal and transdermal delivery.

Duloxetine hydrochloride (DUL) is a BCS class-II antidepressant drug, acting via serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibition. Despite high oral absorption, DUL suffers limited bioavailability due to extensive gastric and first-pass metabolism. To improve DUL's bioavailability; DUL-loaded elastosomes were developed, via full factorial design, utilizing various span®60: cholesterol ratios, edge activator types and amounts. Entrapment efficiency (E.E.%), particle size (PS), zeta potential (ZP) and in-vitro released percentages after 0.5 h (Q0.5h) and 8 h (Q8h) were evaluated. Optimum elastosomes (DUL-E1) were assessed for morphology, deformability index, drug crystallinity and stability. DUL pharmacokinetics were evaluated in rats following intranasal and transdermal application of DUL-E1 elastosomal gel. DUL-E1 elastosomes [comprising span®60 and cholesterol (1:1) and brij S2 (edge activator; 5 mg)] were optimum with high E.E.% (81.5 ± 3.2%), small PS (432 ± 13.2 nm), ZP (-30.8 ± 3.3 mV), acceptable Q0.5h (15.6 ± 0.9%), and high Q8h (79.3 ± 3.8%). Intranasal and transdermal DUL-E1 elastosomes revealed significantly higher Cmax (251 ± 18.6 and 248 ± 15.9 ng/mL) at Tmax (2 and 4 h) and improved relative bioavailability (≈ 2.8 and 3.1 folds) respectively, in comparison to oral DUL aqueous solution. In-vivo histopathological studies were conducted to ensure the safety of DUL-E1. Elastosomes are promising novel nano-carriers, capable of enhancing the bioavailability of DUL via various routes of administration.

Combined ß-sitosterol and trimetazidine mitigate potassium dichromate-induced cardiotoxicity in rats through the interplay between NF-κB/AMPK/mTOR/TLR4 and HO-1/NADPH signaling pathways.

Hexavalent chromium salt, like potassium dichromate (PD), is chromium's most precarious valence state in industrial wastes. Recently, there has been increasing interest in ß-sitosterol (BSS), a bioactive phytosterol, as a dietary supplement. BSS is recommended in treating cardiovascular disorders due to its antioxidant effect. Trimetazidine (TMZ) was used traditionally for cardioprotection. Through the administration of BSS and TMZ, the cardiotoxic effects of PD were to be countered in this study, in addition to examining the precise mechanism of PD-induced cardiotoxicity. Thirty male albino rats were divided into five groups; the control group: administered normal saline daily (3 mL/kg); the PD group: administered normal saline daily (3 mL/kg); BSS group: administered BSS daily (20 mg/kg); TMZ group: administered TMZ daily (15 mg/kg); and the BSS + TMZ group: administered both BSS (20 mg/kg) and TMZ (15 mg/kg) daily. All experimental groups, except the control, received on the 19th day a single dose of PD (30 mg/kg/day, S.C.). Normal saline, BSS, and TMZ were received daily for 21 consecutive days p.o. The exposure to PD promoted different oxidative stresses, pro-inflammatory, and cardiotoxicity biomarkers. BSS or TMZ succeeded solely in reducing these deleterious effects; however, their combination notably returned measured biomarkers close to normal values. The histopathological investigations have supported the biochemical findings. The combination of BSS and TMZ protects against PD cardiotoxicity in rats by reducing oxidative stress and apoptotic and inflammatory biomarkers. It may be promising for alleviating and protecting against PD-induced cardiotoxicity in people at an early stage; however, these findings need further clinical studies to be confirmed. HIGHLIGHTS: • Potassium dichromate induces cardiotoxicity in rats through the upregulation of oxidative stress, proinflammatory, and apoptotic pathways biomarkers. • ß-Sitosterol possesses a possible cardioprotective effect by modulating several signaling pathways. • Trimetazidine, the antianginal agent, has a potential cardioprotective impact on PD-intoxicated rat model. • The combination of ß-Sitosterol and trimetazidine was the best in modulating different pathways involved in PD cardiotoxicity in rats via the interplay between NF-κB/AMPK/mTOR/TLR4 and HO-1/NADPH signaling pathways.

L-carnitine extenuates endocrine disruption, inflammatory burst and oxidative stress in carbendazim-challenged male rats via upregulation of testicular StAR and FABP9, and downregulation of P38-MAPK pathways.

We have addressed in the current study the potential of L-carnitine (LC) to extenuate the reproductive toxic insults of carbendazim (CBZ) in male rats, and the molecular mechanisms whereby carnitine would modify the spermatogenic and steroidogenic derangements invoked by the endocrine disruptor. Herein, animals received daily doses of carbendazim (100 mg/kg) by gavage for 8 weeks. Another CBZ-challenged group was co-supplemented with LC (500 mg/kg, IP) twice weekly for 8 weeks. Sperm quantity and quality (morphology, motility and viability), serum testosterone and gonadotropins, and thyroid hormone levels were assessed. Serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) concentrations were determined by ELISA. Oxidant/antioxidant status in rat testis was investigated via measuring testicular contents of malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). Immunohistochemical localizations of the junctional protein; occludin, and inflammatory markers; inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) were further analyzed. A host of transduction genes that regulate spermatogenic and steroidogenic pathways, and their encoded proteins namely, Steroidogenic Acute Regulatory Protein (StAR), Fatty acid binding protein 9 (FABP9) and P38-mitogen activated protein kinase (P38-MAPK) were assessed by real time quantitative (RT-qPCR) and Western blot. LC improved rat spermiogram, testicular histological alterations and endocrine perturbances, and modulated genes' expressions and their respective proteins. In conclusion, LC effects appear to reside for the most part on its endocrine-preserving, anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties through a myriad of interlaced signal transductions that ultimately recapitulated its beneficial effects on spermatogenesis and steroidogenesis.