Anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids from chestnut flowers in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages and acute lung injury in mice.

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE: Chestnut flowers were one of the by-products during chestnut industrial processing. Chestnut (Castanea mollissima Blume) flower is rich in flavonoids and has been used as a traditional medicine to treat a variety of diseases including respiratory disorders for a long history. AIM OF THE STUDY: The present study aims to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory effect of flavonoids from chestnut flower (FCF) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-treated RAW 264.7 cells and stimulated acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS: HPLC-ESI-MS/MS was applied to identify flavonoids from Chestnut flower. The ROS content in cells and lung tissue was measured by flow cytometry. The malondialdehyde (MDA) content, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and glutathione (GSH) content in cells and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) was analyzed by photometry. Furthermore, the level of pro-inflammatory factors was analyzed by ELISA, and the expression of inflammatory gene mRNA by fluorescence quantitative PCR. H&E staining was used to evaluate the degree of lung tissue injury in mice. MPO activity was used to measure the degree of neutrophil infiltration. Total protein content was detected by BCA method. RESULTS: A total of forty-nine flavonoids compounds were tentatively identified in FCF by mass spectrometry analysis. The results of cell experiment suggested that FCF could alleviate oxidative injury via increasing SOD activity and GSH content, as well as inhibiting the production of intracellular ROS and MDA. FCF exerted its protective effect by suppressing the expression of both inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cycooxygenase 2 (COX-2) to inhibit the synthesis of pro-inflammatory factors and cytokines, including NO, PGE2, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1ß. Besides, FCF treatment could alleviate the thickening of alveolar wall and pulmonary congestion in LPS-treated ALI mice, and significantly inhibit the activity of myeloperoxidas (MPO) and the expression of cytokines in BALF. CONCLUSIONS: FCF could ameliorate inflammation and oxidative stress in LPS-treated inflammation, resulting in an overall improvement in both macroscopic and histological parameters.

Selective synergistic anticancer effects of cisplatin and oridonin against human p53-mutant esophageal squamous carcinoma cells.

Oridonin (ORI) is known to pose anticancer activity against cancer, which could induce the therapeutic impact of chemotherapy drugs. However, such simple combinations have numerous side effects such as higher toxicity to normal cells and tissues. To enhance the therapeutic effects with minimal side effects, here we used ORI in combination with cisplitin (CIS) against different esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) cell lines in vitro, to investigate the synergistic anticancer effects of the two drugs against ESCC. Calcusyn Graphing Software was used to assess the synergistic effect. Apoptosis, wound healing and cell invasion assay were conducted to further confirm the synergistic effects of ORI and CIS. Intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species assay, immunofluorescence staining and western blot were used to verify the mechanism of synergistic cytotoxicity. ORI and CIS pose selective synergistic effects on ESCC cells with p53 mutations. Moreover, we found that the synergistic effects of these drugs are mediated by GSH/ROS systems, such that intracellular GSH production was inhibited, whereas the ROS generation was induced following ORI and CIS application. In addition, we noted that DNA damage was induced as in response to ORI and CIS treatment. Overall, these results suggest that ORI can synergistically enhance the effect of CIS, and GSH deficiency and p53 mutation, might be biomarkers for the combinational usage of ORI and CIS.

Glutathione, carbohydrate and other metabolites of Larix olgensis A. Henry reponse to polyethylene glycol-simulated drought stress.

Drought stress in trees limits their growth, survival, and productivity and it negatively affects the afforestation survival rate. Our study focused on the molecular responses to drought stress in a coniferous species Larix olgensis A. Henry. Drought stress was simulated in one-year-old seedlings using 25% polyethylene glycol 6000. The drought stress response in these seedlings was assessed by analyzing select biochemical parameters, along with gene expression and metabolite profiles. The soluble protein content, peroxidase activity, and malondialdehyde content of L. olgensis were significantly changed during drought stress. Quantitative gene expression analysis identified a total of 8172 differentially expressed genes in seedlings processed after 24 h, 48 h, and 96 h of drought stress treatment. Compared with the gene expression profile of the untreated control, the number of up-regulated genes was higher than that of down-regulated genes, indicating that L. olgensis mainly responded to drought stress through positive regulation. Metabolite analysis of the control and stress-treated samples showed that under drought stress, the increased abundance of linoleic acid was the highest among up-regulated metabolites, which also included some saccharides. A combined analysis of the transcriptome and metabolome revealed that genes dominating the differential expression profile were involved in glutathione metabolism, galactose metabolism, and starch and sucrose metabolism. Moreover, the relative abundance of specific metabolites of these pathways was also altered. Thus, our results indicated that L. olgensis prevented free radical-induced damage through glutathione metabolism and responded to drought through sugar accumulation.

Effect of Polygonatum odoratum ethanol extract on high glucose-induced tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress.

This work aims to analyze the effect of the ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum on high glucose-induced tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. HK-2 injury of tubular epithelial cells was induced by high glucose, and the ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum was given. HK-2 cell activity and apoptosis were detected by MTT method and flow cytometry, respectively. Western blot was performed to analyze Cleaved-caspase3, Pro-caspase3, Nrf2, HO-1 protein expression. The levels of MDA, GSH, SOD were evaluated using commercial Kit. si-Nrf2 was transfected into HK-2 cells and high-glucose induction and ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum were given to observe the changes of cell apoptosis and oxidative stress. Ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum increased the high glucose-induced HK-2 cell activity, Pro-caspase3, Nrf2, HO-1 protein, GSH, SOD levels and decreased its apoptosis rate, Cleaved-caspase3 protein and MDA levels, showing statistically significant difference (p<0.05). After Nrf2 interference, high glucose-induced HK-2 cell activity, Pro-caspase3 protein, GSH, and SOD levels were decreased under the action of ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum, while the apoptosis rate, Cleaved-caspase3 protein, and MDA levels were increased significantly (p<0.05). The ethanol extract from Polygonatum odoratum can inhibit high glucose-induced tubular epithelial cell apoptosis and reduce oxidative stress by activating the Nrf2-ARE signaling pathway.

Evaluation of efficiency omega 3 fatty acid improves the behavioural phenotype and protects against oxidative stress against MPP+ induces Parkinson's disease in mice.

This experiment proposed to study the efficiency omega 3 fatty acid on behavioural phenotype of Parkinson's disease (PD) in mice. Totally 7 groups (each group 6 mice) were used in this assessment, each groups were treated with saline (control), MPP+, L-DOPA, Omega 3 oil, Omega 3 oil (three different concentrations) +MPP+ separately. The behavioral assessments such as bar test, open field test, maze test, hang test were noted on 7th, 14th, 21st and 28th day. After the examination period, the tested animals' midbrains and frontal cortex were dissected to analyze TBARS, GSH, Catalase, Superoxide Dismutase and Glutathione Peroxidase assay. In the bar test, 500mg omega 3 fatty acid administrated mice showed a high cataleptic scores. In open field Test, significant reductions in behavior analysis were observed from the tested mice group. Maze test and hang test doesn't show much difference. In biochemical test, tested groups showed promising results compared to control group. The result strongly proved that the omega 3 fatty acid has remarkable abilities to control the neurodegenerative diseases.

In vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from two varieties of Cucumis melo subsp. agrestis against oxidative stress induced toxicity.

To evaluate in-vivo antioxidant potential of fruit mucilage from Cucumis melo variety momordica (PM) and variety agrestis (KM) using rats as experimental animals, the fruits were collected, identified, dried and pulverized. Mucilages were isolated from the fruit powders by microwave-assisted method. Aqueous extracts obtained were filtered to remove fruit pulp. Each filtrate was centrifuged at 4000xg rpm for 15 min. Each supernatant was precipitated with 3 volumes of 95% ethanol and maintained overnight at 4°C. These precipitates were filtered and lyophilized. In vivo antioxidant activity was determined using rats for 14 days. Paracetamol (75mg/Kg, i.p.) for inducing oxidative stress and Vitamin C & Vitamin E (200mg/Kg each, p.o.) as standard treatment were used. PM and KM were given in 500mg/Kg and 1000mg/Kg, p.o. doses in separate groups. SOD, MDA, GSH and CAT levels were estimated in organs (liver, kidney, heart, brain) of all groups using standard procedures. Toxic control showed prominent toxicity in the liver. The levels of GSH, CAT and SOD were raised and MDA levels were reduced in all organs of test and standard groups. The levels of antioxidant biomarkers varied in all remaining groups. The overall results are significant suggesting strong antioxidant potential of PM and KM.

Protective effects of chitosan and chitosan oligosaccharide against oxidative damage in liver tissue of rats with fluorine poisoning.

Fluorine toxicity has negative effects on soft tissue besides skeletal and dental tissues. In the present study, we have investigated the protective effect of chitosan (CS) and chitosan oligosaccharide (COS) on liver tissue of fluorine-intoxicated rats taking the antioxidant characteristics of chitosan and its derivatives into consideration. In this study, 42 male Wistar albino rats were randomly selected to determine the control and experimental fluorosis groups. Our study lasted for 12 weeks. As a consequence of the study, MDA significantly increased in the liver tissue of NaF group while some antioxidant values significantly decreased. It was detected that serum AST and LDH levels increased significantly while ALB and TP values significantly decreased in NaF group. The degenerations were identified in the liver histopathology of all fluoride-treated groups. We have concluded according to the results that chitosan oligosaccharide can be more effective compared with chitosan.

Assessment of ameliorative effect of Trigonella foenum-graecum against CuO-NPs induced toxicity in Oreochromis mossambicus.

The current study assessed the ameliorative effect of Trigonella foenum graceum extract against copper oxide nanoparticles (CuO-NPs) induced toxicity in Oreochromis mossambicus. For this purpose 100 healthy fish weighing 20±2.34g were randomly divided into five different groups in duplicates and designated as control (C) no treatment, positive control (G*) treated with 0.12mg/L of CuO-NPs, experimental co-treated groups G1, G2 and G3 were treated with Trigonella foenum-graecum extract @ 18, 26 and 52mg/L along with 0.12 mg/L of CuO-NPs, respectively. In this study significant (P<0.05) changes were observed in the antioxidant activity of enzymes and histological alterations in the liver and intestine of fish in G*, G1 and G2 groups while a good ameliorative response of Trigonella foenum-graecum was observed in G3. Dose dependent alterations in glutathione, lipid peroxides, catalase, and malondialdehyde as well as histological architecture of liver and intestine were observed in treated groups, where more alterations were observed in positive control and low dose treated groups of Trigonella foenum-graecum. Moreover, more ameliorative effect was observed in high dose of Trigonella foenum-graecum treated group (G3). This study is novel as no previous data is available on the amelioration of Trigonella foenum-graecum extract against CuO-NPs induced toxicity in fish.

Cu-Ferrocene-Functionalized CaO2 Nanoparticles to Enable Tumor-Specific Synergistic Therapy with GSH Depletion and Calcium Overload.

The conversion of endogenous H2 O2 into toxic hydroxyl radical (• OH) via catalytic nanoparticles is explored for tumor therapy and received considerable success. The intrinsic characteristics of microenvironment in tumor cells, such as limited H2 O2 and overexpressed glutathione (GSH), hinder the intracellular • OH accumulation and thus weaken therapeutic efficacy considerably. In this study, fine CaO2 nanoparticles with Cu-ferrocene molecules at the surface (CaO2 /Cu-ferrocene) are successfully designed and synthesized. Under an acidic condition, the particles release Ca2+ ions and H2 O2 in a rapid fashion, while they can remain stable in neutral. In addition, agitated production of • OH occurs following the Fenton reaction of H2 O2 and ferrocene molecules, and GSH is consumed by Cu2+ ions to avoid the potential • OH consumption. More interestingly, in addition to the exogenous Ca2+ released by the particles, the enhanced • OH production facilitates intracellular calcium accumulation by regulating Ca2+ channels and pumps of tumor cells. It turns out that promoted • OH induction and intracellular calcium overload enable significant in vitro and in vivo antitumor phenomena.

Vitamin C decreases reduced glutathione in chronic haemodialysis patients: a pilot, randomised, double-blind trial.

PURPOSE: Whey protein has antioxidant properties through its amino acid cysteine, which enhances the biosynthesis of glutathione, the most abundant antioxidant non-protein in mammalians. Glutathione influences vitamin C recycling and increases its protective effect on oxidative stress (OS). The aim of this study was to analyse the effect of whey protein and vitamin C supplementation on OS biomarkers in chronic haemodialysis (HD) patients. METHODS: This pioneer trial was a randomised, double-blind, pilot study in patients from a dialysis clinic. Patients were randomised into three groups (1:1:1) and stratified by HD frequency (2 or 3 times/week). Sachets containing protein powder (20.0 g) with/without vitamin C (0.25 g) or placebo (20.0 g of white rice flour) with vitamin C (0.25 g) were supplemented after each HD session, 3 times/week for 8 weeks. Blood samples were collected at the baseline period and after 8 weeks for the measurement of reduced glutathione (GSH), oxidised glutathione (GSSG), the GSH:GSSG ratio, malondialdehyde, vitamin C, and glutathione peroxidase-1. RESULTS: Twenty-two patients were enrolled, of which 18 concluded the trial, 6 per group (18.2%, n = 4 losses during follow-up). The vitamin C group presented decreased GSH levels after supplementation (p = 0.053) and a decreasing tendency in the GSH:GSSG ratio (non-statistically significant), while MDA levels significantly decreased only in the whey protein-supplemented groups (p ≤ 0.05). CONCLUSION: The results suggest a pro-oxidant effect of 0.25 g of vitamin C alone in chronic HD patients. CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION: https://ensaiosclinicos.gov.br/ , RBR-65b8f4.

Synergistic Effect of Barbadensis miller and Marsdenia Condurango Extracts Induces Apoptosis Promotes Oxidative Stress by Limiting Proliferation of Cervical Cancer and Liver Cancer Cells.

BACKGROUND: Drug synergy is the combine effect of drug efficacy. Synergistic combinations of active ingredients have proven to be highly effective and more useful in therapeutics. In contrast, the individual effect of drug is usually undesirable and mostly used for selecting drug-resistant mutations. Purpose of this study was to check synergistic effects of both plants (Barbadensis miller and Marsdenia condurango) against liver and cervical cancer. METHODOLOGY: Culturing of HeLa (cervical cancer cell line) and HepG2 (liver cancer cell line) cells, IC50 evaluation, viability assays (trypan blue, crystal violet), p53 ELISA and immunocytochemistry, MUSE analysis (count and viability), antioxidants (GSH, SOD, CAT), at the end RT-PCR was performed. RESULTS: IC50 evaluation was done of each plant individually and with combination for synergistic effects, IC50 with plants combination (synergism) was applied on further viability assays (trypan blue, crystal violet, MUSE analysis via count and viability kit) p53 ELISA and immunocytochemistry for evaluation of cellular apoptosis, antioxidants assays (GSH, SOD, CAT), and RT-PCR with proliferative and apoptotic markers along with internal control. CONCLUSION: According to current study it was observed that synergistic effect of these plants has more anticancer properties with minimum effective dose. It was also observed that extracts possess the ability to induce apoptosis, restrict proliferation and enhanced oxidative stress.

Glycine and N-acetylcysteine (GlyNAC) supplementation in older adults improves glutathione deficiency, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, inflammation, insulin resistance, endothelial dysfunction, genotoxicity, muscle strength, and cognition: Results of a pilot clinical trial.

BACKGROUND: Oxidative stress (OxS) and mitochondrial dysfunction are implicated as causative factors for aging. Older adults (OAs) have an increased prevalence of elevated OxS, impaired mitochondrial fuel-oxidation (MFO), elevated inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin resistance, cognitive decline, muscle weakness, and sarcopenia, but contributing mechanisms are unknown, and interventions are limited/lacking. We previously reported that inducing deficiency of the antioxidant tripeptide glutathione (GSH) in young mice results in mitochondrial dysfunction, and that supplementing GlyNAC (combination of glycine and N-acetylcysteine [NAC]) in aged mice improves naturally-occurring GSH deficiency, mitochondrial impairment, OxS, and insulin resistance. This pilot trial in OA was conducted to test the effect of GlyNAC supplementation and withdrawal on intracellular GSH concentrations, OxS, MFO, inflammation, endothelial function, genotoxicity, muscle and glucose metabolism, body composition, strength, and cognition. METHODS: A 36-week open-label clinical trial was conducted in eight OAs and eight young adults (YAs). After all the participants underwent an initial (pre-supplementation) study, the YAs were released from the study. OAs were studied again after GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks, and GlyNAC withdrawal for 12 weeks. Measurements included red-blood cell (RBC) GSH, MFO; plasma biomarkers of OxS, inflammation, endothelial function, glucose, and insulin; gait-speed, grip-strength, 6-min walk test; cognitive tests; genomic-damage; glucose-production and muscle-protein breakdown rates; and body-composition. RESULTS: GlyNAC supplementation for 24 weeks in OA corrected RBC-GSH deficiency, OxS, and mitochondrial dysfunction; and improved inflammation, endothelial dysfunction, insulin-resistance, genomic-damage, cognition, strength, gait-speed, and exercise capacity; and lowered body-fat and waist-circumference. However, benefits declined after stopping GlyNAC supplementation for 12 weeks. CONCLUSIONS: GlyNAC supplementation for 24-weeks in OA was well tolerated and lowered OxS, corrected intracellular GSH deficiency and mitochondrial dysfunction, decreased inflammation, insulin-resistance and endothelial dysfunction, and genomic-damage, and improved strength, gait-speed, cognition, and body composition. Supplementing GlyNAC in aging humans could be a simple and viable method to promote health and warrants additional investigation.

Nicorandil decreases oxidative stress in slow- and fast-twitch muscle fibers of diabetic rats by improving the glutathione system functioning.

AIMS/INTRODUCTION: Myopathy is a common complication of any diabetes type, consisting in failure to preserve mass and muscular function. Oxidative stress has been considered one of the main causes for this condition. This study aimed to search if Nicorandil, a KATP channel opener, could protect slow- and fast-twitch diabetic rat muscles from oxidative stress, and to unveil its possible mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Diabetes was induced in male Wistar rats by applying intraperitoneally streptozotocin (STZ) at 100 mg/kg doses. Nicorandil (3 mg/kg/day) was administered along 4 weeks. An insulin tolerance test and assessment of fasting blood glucose (FBG), TBARS, reduced (GSH), and disulfide (GSSG) glutathione levels, GSH/GSSG ratio, and mRNA expression of glutathione metabolism-related genes were performed at end of treatment in soleus and gastrocnemius muscles. RESULTS: Nicorandil significantly reduced FBG levels and enhanced insulin tolerance in diabetic rats. In gastrocnemius and soleus muscles, Nicorandil attenuated the oxidative stress by decreasing lipid peroxidation (TBARS), increasing total glutathione and modulating GPX1-mRNA expression in both muscle's types. Nicorandil also increased GSH and GSH/GSSG ratio and downregulated the GCLC- and GSR-mRNA in gastrocnemius, without significative effect on those enzymes' mRNA expression in diabetic soleus muscle. CONCLUSIONS: In diabetic rats, Nicorandil attenuates oxidative stress in slow- and fast-twitch skeletal muscles by improving the glutathione system functioning. The underlying mechanisms for the modulation of glutathione redox state and the transcriptional expression of glutathione metabolism-related genes seem to be fiber type-dependent.

Oxaliplatin induces the PARP1-mediated parthanatos in oral squamous cell carcinoma by increasing production of ROS.

Oral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, and its prognosis is still not optimistic. Oxaliplatin is a type of platinum chemotherapeutic agent, but its treatment effects on OSCC and molecular mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. Parthanatos, a unique form of cell death, plays an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes. This study aims to investigate whether oxaliplatin inhibits OSCC by inducing parthanatos. Our results showed that oxaliplatin inhibited the proliferation and migration of OSCC cells in vitro, and also inhibited the tumorigenesis in vivo. Further experiments proved that oxaliplatin induced parthanatos in OSCC cells, characterized by depolarization of the mitochondrial membrane potential, up-regulation of PARP1, AIF and MIF in the nucleus, as well as the nuclear translocation of AIF. Meanwhile, PARP1 inhibitor rucaparib and siRNA against PARP1 attenuated oxaliplatin-induced parthanatos in OSCC cells. In addition, we found that oxaliplatin caused oxidative stress in OSCC cells, and antioxidant NAC not only relieved oxaliplatin-induced overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS) but also reversed parthanatos caused by oxaliplatin. In conclusion, our results indicate that oxaliplatin inhibits OSCC by activating PARP1-mediated parthanatos through increasing the production of ROS.

Facile engineering of silk fibroin capped AuPt bimetallic nanozyme responsive to tumor microenvironmental factors for enhanced nanocatalytic therapy.

Background: Reactive oxygen species (ROS), as a category of highly reactive molecules, are attractive for eliminating tumor cells in situ. However, the intrinsic tumor microenvironment (TME) always compromises treatment efficacy. In another aspect, silk fibroin (SF), as a category of natural biomacromolecules, is highly promising for synthesis of metallic nanocrystals via biomineralization. Methods: As a proof-of-concept study, AuPt bimetallic nanozyme derived from bioinspired crystallization of chloroauric acid and chloroplatinic acid was facilely developed in the presence of silk fibroin (SF). Antitumor effects caused by the as-synthesized AuPt@SF (APS) nanozyme were demonstrated in 4T1 tumor cells in vitro and xenograft tumor models in vivo. Results: APS nanozyme can decompose glucose to constantly supply H2O2 and deplete intracellular glutathione (GSH). APS nanozyme can simultaneously convert adsorbed O2 and endogenic H2O2 into superoxide radicals (•O2-) and hydroxyl radical (•OH), respectively, upon highly efficient catalytic reaction. Subsequently, these cytotoxic ROS cause irreversible damage to the cell membrane, nucleic acid and mitochondria of tumors. Upon fluorescence/photoacoustic (FL/PA)-imaging guidance, remarkable tumor damage based on the current nanoplatform was confirmed in vivo. Conclusion: The objective of our investigation is to supply more useful insights on the development of SF-based nanocatalysts, which are specifically responsive to TME for extremely efficient tumor theranostics.

Topotecan induces hepatocellular injury via ASCT2 mediated oxidative stress.

BACKGROUND: Topotecan is an anti-cancer chemotherapy drug with common side effects, including hepatotoxicity. In this study, we aim to investigate the mechanisms of topotecan-induced hepatocellular injury beyond conventional DNA damage. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Methyl Thiazolyl Tetrazolium (MTT) assay was used to detect the inhibitory effect of topotecan on cell proliferation. Western blot was used to detect protein expression. Flow cytometry assay was performed to determine apoptosis rate under topotecan treatment. ASCT2 overexpression was addressed using adenovirus vector. qRT-PCR and western blot assay were used to detect the expression of ASCT2. Glutamine uptake, intracellular glutathione (GSH) and reactive oxygen species (ROS) level were detected by glutamine detection kit, GSH detection kit and ROS detection kit respectively. RESULTS: MTT results showed that topotecan had an inhibitory effect on cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. Topotecan inhibited the expression of glutamine transporter ASCT2 and the uptake of glutamine in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. The uptake of glutamine and the GSH level was increased in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines after ASCT2 overexpression. The ROS level was inhibited by ASCT2 overexpression upon topotecan treatment in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. Topotecan-induced hepatocellular apoptosis and proliferation inhibition were attenuated by ASCT2 overexpression in both L02 and HepG2 cell lines. CONCLUSION: Topotecan-induced hepatocytes death is dependent on ASCT2 down-regulation, which causes oxidative stress via inhibiting GSH production.

N-acetylcysteine maintains penile length and erectile function in bilateral cavernous nerve crush rat model by reducing penile fibrosis.

Penile length shortening and erectile dysfunction are common complications after radical prostatectomy. Various methods have been used to maintain erectile function, but less attention has been paid to preserving penis length. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) has the effect of antioxidation and antifibrotic, which may be beneficial to improve those postoperative complications. This study investigated the effect of NAC on maintaining the penile length and the erectile function after bilateral cavernous nerve crush (BCNC) and its underlying mechanism. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, BCNC group, and BCNC + NAC group. NAC or equal volume of saline was daily administrated by intragastric gavage for 4 weeks. The initial and end penile lengths were measured. Intracavernosal pressure/mean arterial pressure (ICP/MAP) ratio was calculated to assess erectile function. Hematoxylin-eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot were performed to explore cellular and molecular changes of the penis. Compared to the BCNC group, the penile length, ICP/MAP ratio and smooth muscle/collagen ratio in the BCNC + NAC group were improved significantly (all P < 0.05), and the expressions of endothelial nitric oxide synthase, α-smooth muscle actin, glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase 1 were significantly increased after NAC treated (all P < 0.05), along with the decreased expressions of hypoxia-inducible factor-1α, transforming growth factor-ß1, collagen I, collagen III, collagen IV, malonaldehyde, and lysine oxidase (all P < 0.05). This study demonstrated that NAC could maintain penile length and partly improve erectile function. Possible mechanism is directly and/or indirectly related to antihypoxic and antifibrosis.

The effect of diclofenac sodium intoxication on the cardiovascular system in rats.

OBJECTIVES: Diclofenac sodium (DS) is a widely used nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug. Although its high doses are known to cause toxic effects in many tissues including liver and kidney, the effects on the cardiovascular system (CVS) have not been fully elucidated yet. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the effect of DS on CVS. METHODS: The Control group did not receive medication; however, a single dose of 240 mg/kg DS was administered orally to the DS group. Electrocardiography (ECG) measurements were performed in all animals before (0thhour) and after (1st,6th,12th,24thhour) intoxication. After 24 h, All animals were sacrificed. Biochemical (malondialdehyde [MDA], and glutathione (GSH), Apelin, Elabela, Meteorin, Endoglin, Keap1, and Nrf2) and histopathological analyzes were performed on heart tissue samples. RESULTS: ECG results showed that there was a statistically significant increase in QTc, QRS, and heart rate at the 12th and 24th hours in the DS group. The biochemical analysis showed that GSH, Apelin, Keap1, and NRF2 values decreased significantly while Meteorin and Endoglin levels increased in the DS group. When histopathological results were evaluated, distinct lesions were observed in the DS group. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, high doses of DS intake can cause adverse effects on and damage to CVS.

Melatonin protects against oxybenzone-induced deterioration of mouse oocytes during maturation.

Oxybenzone (OBZ), an ultraviolet light filter that is widely used in sunscreens and cosmetics, is an emerging contaminant found in humans and the environment. Recent studies have shown that OBZ has been detected in women's plasma, urine, and breast milk. However, the effects of OBZ exposure on oocyte meiosis have not been addressed. In this study, we investigated the detrimental effects of OBZ on oocyte maturation and the protective roles of melatonin (MT) in OBZ-exposed mouse models. Our in vitro and in vivo results showed that OBZ suppressed oocyte maturation, while MT attenuated the meiotic defects induced by OBZ. In addition, OBZ facilitated H3K4 demethylation by increasing the expression of the Kdm5 family of genes, elevating ROS levels, decreasing GSH, impairing mitochondrial quality, and disrupting spindle configuration in oocytes. However, MT treatment resulted in significant protection against OBZ-induced damage during oocyte maturation and improved oocyte quality. The mechanisms underlying the beneficial roles of MT involved reduction of oxidative stress, inhibition of apoptosis, restoration of abnormal spindle assembly and up-regulation of H3K4me3. Collectively, our results suggest that MT protects against defects induced by OBZ during mouse oocyte maturation in vitro and in vivo.

Cardioprotective Effect of Tangeretin by Inhibiting PTEN/AKT/mTOR Axis in Experimental Sepsis-Induced Myocardial Dysfunction.

Sepsis aggregates undesirable immune response causing depression of ventricular myocardium and diastolic dysfunction. This present study examined the effect of a plant-derived flavone tangeretin (TG) on autophagy and reduction in myocardial dysfunction. The sepsis was induced by cecum ligation and puncture (CLP) in male Sprague-Dawley rats. Abnormal changes were seen in the heart after the sepsis induction. These abnormalities were analyzed based on the cardiac markers, namely Cardiac myosin light chain-1 (cMLC1) and Cardiac troponin I (cTnl), echocardiography, and plasma parameters, like Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and Creatinine kinase (CK). Microanatomy of the heart was studied using hematoxylin and eosin stained histopathological samples of cardiac tissue. Western blot technique was used to detect the nature and extent of protein with the amount of a specific RNA (gene expression) in the cardiac homogenate. Oxidative damage was analyzed using redox marker, reduced glutathione. This study successfully showed that TG attenuated sepsis-induced myocardial dysfunction by inhibiting myocardial autophagy via silencing the Phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) expression and acting on the AKT/mTOR pathway. The present findings supported that TG is a novel cardioprotective therapeutic target for sepsis induced myocardial dysfunction.