Efficacy of chlorogenic acid against ethylene glycol-induced renal stone model: The role of NFKB-RUNX2-AP1-OSTERIX signaling pathway.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Renal tissue injuries by free radicals are an essential reason in pathogenesis of urinary tract stones. Ethylene glycol is one of the toxic agents which can causes to the increases in biosynthesis of reactive oxygen species and oxidative stress condition. Natural antioxidants have been reported to protective efficacy against renal stones formation. Accordingly, the aim of the current experiment was to identify the renal protective effect of chlorogenic acid as a well-prominent antioxidant on ethylene glycol-induced renal stone model targeting the NFKB-RUNX2-AP1-OSTERIX signaling pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Renal stones model were established by ethylene glycol (Percent: 0.75) within the daily drinking water for rats. Treatment groups received cystone (750 mg/kg) and chlorogenic acid (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg, day: 15th to 28th, gavage). After 4 weeks, the renal function parameters (calcium, uric acid, creatinine, total protein, oxalate, and citrate) in plasma, urine, and renal tissue were measured. Moreover, oxidative stress factors and gene expression of NFKB, RUNX2, AP1, and OSTERIX were also evaluated. RESULTS: The results showed improved renal function in chlorogenic acid-treated groups. The total proteins and creatinine excretion were decreased. Also the gene expression of oxidative stress pathway (NFKB-RUNX2-AP1-OSTERIX) were decreased which caused to increases of antioxidant enzymes. CONCLUSIONS: the antioxidant activity increases by chlorogenic acid treatment may have a critical role in prevention of calcium oxalate formation via inhibition of the NFKB-RUNX2-AP1-OSTERIX signaling pathway.

Effects of Portulaca oleracea ethanolic extract on reproductive system of aging female mice.

BACKGROUND: Aging contains morphological and functional deterioration in biological systems. D-galactose (D-gal) generates free radicals and accelerates aging. Portulaca oleracea (Purslane) may have protective effect against oxidative stress. OBJECTIVE: Purslane ethanolic extract effects were evaluated on antioxidant indices and sex hormone in D-gal aging female mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: 48 female NMRI mice (25-35 gr) were randomly divided into, 6 groups: 1- control (normal saline for 45 days), 2- Purslane (200 mg/kg for last 3 weeks), 3-D-gal (500 mg/kg for 45 days), 4-D-gal+Purslane, 5- Aging, 6-Aging+Purslane. Sex hormones, antioxidants and malondialdehyde (MDA) level of ovary and uterus were measured. Histological assessment was also done. RESULTS: In D-gal treated and aging animals, LH and FSH levels were significantly increased (p<0.001) while estrogen and progesterone levels were significantly reduced (p<0.001) in comparison with control group. MDA contents were significantly increased in ovaries and uterus of D-gal and aging groups (p<0.01). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) (p<0.001) and catalase (p<0.01) activities were significantly decreased in both aging and D-gal treated animals. Ovarian follicles were degenerated and atrophy on uterine wall and endometrial glands was observed in D-gal and aging groups. Alteration in hormone levels, MDA contents and antioxidant activity were significantly reversed by Purslane (p<0.05). Purslane could also improve histological changes such as atrophy of endometrium. CONCLUSION: These findings indicate that Purslane can attenuate aging alternations induced by D-gal and aging in female reproductive system.