Naringin protects against paclitaxel-induced toxicity in rat testicular tissues by regulating genes in pro-inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and JNK/MAPK signaling pathways.

Paclitaxel (PTX), which is actively used in the treatment of many types of cancer, has a toxic effect by causing increased oxidative stress in testicular tissues. Naringin (NRG) is a natural flavonoid found in plants, and its antioxidant properties are at the forefront. This study aims to investigate the protective feature of NRG in PTX-induced testicular toxicity. Thirty-five male Sprague rats were divided into five groups: control, NRG, PTX, PTX + NRG50, and PTX + NRG100. Rats were administered PTX (2 mg/kg, BW) intraperitoneally once daily for the first 5 days. Then, between the 6th and 14th days, NRG (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day. NRG reduced PTX-induced lipid peroxidation and increased testicular tissue antioxidant capacity (superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione). While NRG reduces the mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor kappa B, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interleukin-1 beta, cyclooxygenase-2, interleukin-6, inducible-nitric oxide synthase, mitogen-activated protein kinase 14 (MAPK)14, MAPK15, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, P53, Apaf1, Caspase3, Caspase6, Caspase9, and Bax in testicular tissues; it caused an increase in Nrf2, HO-1, NQO1 and Bcl-2 levels. NRG also improved the structural and functional integrity of testicular tissue disrupted by PTX. PTX-induced sperm damage was alleviated by NRG. NRG showed a protective effect by alleviating the PTX-induced testicular toxicity by increasing oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy.

Hesperidin counteracts chlorpyrifos-induced neurotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in rats.

Chlorpyrifos (CPF), considered one of the most potent organophosphates, causes a variety of human disorders including neurotoxicity. The current study was designed to evaluate the efficacy of hesperidin (HSP) in ameliorating CPF-induced neurotoxicity in rats. In the study, rats were treated with HSP (orally, 50 and 100 mg/kg) 30 min after giving CPF (orally, 6.75 mg/kg) for 28 consecutive days. Molecular, biochemical, and histological methods were used to investigate cholinergic enzymes, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the brain tissue. CPF intoxication resulted in inhibition of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and butrylcholinesterase (BChE) enzymes, reduced antioxidant status [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione (GSH)], and elevation of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels and carbonic anhydrase (CA) activities. CPF increased histopathological changes and immunohistochemical expressions of 8-OHdG in brain tissue. CPF also increased levels of glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) while decreased levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α). Furthermore, CPF increased mRNA transcript levels of caspase-3, Bax, PARP-1, and VEGF, which are associated with apoptosis and endothelial damage in rat brain tissues. HSP treatment was found to protect brain tissue by reducing CPF-induced neurotoxicity. Overall, this study supports that HSP can be used to reduce CPF-induced neurotoxicity.

Protective Effects of Syringic Acid Against Oxidative Damage, Apoptosis, Autophagy, Inflammation, Testicular Histopathologic Disorders, and Impaired Sperm Quality in the Testicular Tissue of Rats Induced by Mercuric Chloride.

Mercury (Hg) is one of the most toxic heavy metals that damage testicular tissue. Mercury chloride (HgCl2) is one of the most toxic forms of mercury that can easily cross biological membranes. Syringic acid (SA) is a natural flavonoid found in many vegetables and fruits. In this study, the effects of SA against HgCl2-induced testicular damage in rats were determined by biochemical, histopathological, and spermatological analyses. For this study, a total of 35 Spraque Dawley rats were used. Rats were divided into five groups as control, HgCl2, SA 50, HgCl2 + SA 25, and HgCl2 + SA 50. HgCl2 was administered intraperitoneal (IP) at a dose of 1.23 mg/kg/bw, while SA was administered by oral gavage at doses of 25 and 50 mg/kg/bw. The rats were then sacrificed, and testicular tissues were removed. HgCl2 caused an increase in MDA level and a decrease in SOD, CAT, and GPx activity and GSH level in the testicular tissue of rats. HgCl2 is involved in the increase of eIF2-α, PERK, ATF-4, ATF-6, CHOP, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, Apaf-1, Bax, and Caspase-3 mRNA expression. HgCl2 caused a decrease in sperm motility, an increase in the rate of abnormal sperm and sperm DNA fragmentation in rats. However, SA oral administration dose-dependently inhibited endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis and preserved epididymal sperm quality and testicular histoarchitectures. In conclusion, SA had protective effects against HgCl2-induced testicular oxidative damage, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and apoptosis.

Sinapic acid protects against lead acetate-induced lung toxicity by reducing oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, and endoplasmic reticulum stress damage.

Lead acetate (PbAc) is a compound that produces toxicity in many tissues after exposure. Sinapic acid (SNP) possesses many biological and pharmacological properties. This study aimed to investigate the efficacy of SNP on the toxicity of PbAc in lung tissue. PbAc was administered orally at 30 mg/kg and SNP at 5 or 10 mg/kg for 7 days. Biochemical, genetic, and histological methods were used to investigate inflammatory, apoptotic, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and oxidative stress damage levels in lung tissue. SNP administration induced PbAc-reduced antioxidant (GSH, SOD, CAT, and GPx) and expression of HO-1 in lung tissue. It also reduced MDA, induced by PbAc, and thus alleviated oxidative stress. SNP decreased the inflammatory markers NF-κB, TNF-α and IL-1ß levels induced by PbAc in lung tissue and exhibited anti-inflammatory effect. PbAc increased apoptotic Bax, Apaf-1, and Caspase-3 mRNA transcription levels and decreased anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 in lung tissues. SNP decreased apoptotic damage by reversing this situation. On the other hand, SNP regulated these markers and brought them closer to the levels of the control group. PbAc caused prolonged ER stress by increasing the levels of ATF6, PERK, IRE1α, GRP78 and this activity was stopped and tended to retreat with SNP. After evaluating all the data, While PbAc caused toxic damage in lung tissue, SNP showed a protective effect by reducing this damage.

Effects of chrysin in cadmium-induced testicular toxicity in the rat; role of multi-pathway regulation.

BACKGROUND: Cadmium (Cd) is a strong toxic agent and causes serious damage to testicular tissues. Chrysin (CHR) is a natural flavonoid with many effective properties, especially antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. The current study describes new evidence for the ameliorative effects of CHR on oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and inflammation pathways in Cd-induced testicular tissue toxicity. METHODS: Thirty-five male Wistar rats were divided into five groups, control, Cd, CHR, Cd + CHR25, and Cd + CHR50. Cd was administered alone at a dose of 25 mg/kg body weight or in combination with CHR 25 mg/kg and CHR 50 mg/kg for 7 days. Cd and CHR were administered orally. Biochemical, molecular, and histological methods were used to investigate inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and oxidant pathways in testicular tissue. RESULTS: Cd increased lipid peroxidation, JAK-2/STAT-3 levels, inflammation-related NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS levels, AKT-2, FOXO1, Bax, Apaf-1 and Caspase-3 levels, autophagic Beclin-1, LC3A and LC3B. The Cd also caused a decrease in the activities of antioxidant enzymes and GSH levels, antiapoptotic Bcl-2 levels. CHR, on the other hand, had the opposite effect of all these Cd-induced changes. CONCLUSIONS: Overall, the data of this study indicate that testicular damage associated with Cd toxicity could be ameliorated by CHR administration.

Morin ameliorates methotrexate-induced hepatotoxicity via targeting Nrf2/HO-1 and Bax/Bcl2/Caspase-3 signaling pathways.

BACKGROUND: Organ toxicity limits the therapeutic efficacy of methotrexate (MTX), an anti-metabolite therapeutic that is frequently used as an anti-cancer and immunosuppressive medicine. Hepatocellular toxicity is among the most severe side effects of long-term MTX use. The present study unveils new confirmations as regards the remedial effects of morin on MTX-induced hepatocellular injury through regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis and MAPK signaling. METHODS AND RESULTS: Rats were subjected to oral treatment of morin (50 and 100 mg/kg body weight) for 10 days. Hepatotoxicity was induced by single intraperitoneal injection of MTX (20 mg/kg body weight) on the 5th day. MTX related hepatic injury was associated with increased MDA while decreased GSH levels, the activities of endogen antioxidants (glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase and catalase) and mRNA levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 in the hepatic tissue. MTX treatment also resulted in apoptosis in the liver tissue via increasing mRNA transcript levels of Bax, caspase-3, Apaf-1 and downregulation of Bcl-2. Conversely, treatment with morin at different doses (50 and 100 mg/kg) considerably mitigated MTX-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in the liver tissue. Morin also mitigated MTX-induced increases of ALT, ALP and AST levels, downregulated mRNA expressions of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), MAPK14 and MAPK15, JNK, Akt2 and FOXO1 genes. CONCLUSION: According to the findings of this study, morin may be a potential way to shield the liver tissue from the oxidative damage and apoptosis.

Chrysin mitigates diclofenac-induced hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum stress in rats.

BACKGROUND: Diclofenac (DF) is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) generally prescribed for the treatment of pain. In spite of the widespread use of DF, hepatotoxicity has been reported after its administration. The current study discloses new evidence as regards of the curative effects of chrysin (CHR) on DF-induced hepatotoxicity by regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. METHODS: The animals were separated into five different groups. Group-I was in control. Group-II received CHR-only (50 mg/kg bw, p.o.) on all 5 days. Group-III received DF-only (50 mg/kg bw, i.p.) on 4th and 5th day. Group-IV received DF (50 mg/kg bw) + CHR (25 mg/kg, bw) and group-V received DF (50 mg/kg, bw) + CHR (50 mg/kg, bw) for 5 days. RESULTS: DF injection was associated with increased MDA while reduced GSH level, activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase and mRNA levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 in the liver. DF injection caused apoptosis and autophagy in the liver by up-regulating caspase-3, Bax, LC3A, and LC3B levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. DF also caused ER stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of ATF-6, IRE1, PERK, and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that DF administration up-regulated MMP2 and MMP9. However, treatment with CHR at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg considerably ameliorated oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and ER stress in liver tissue. CONCLUSION: Overall, the data of this study indicate that liver damage associated with DF toxicity could be ameliorated by CHR administration.

Evaluation of the toxicological effects of favipiravir (T-705) on liver and kidney in rats: biochemical and histopathological approach.

Favipiravir is a selective RNA polymerase inhibitor and a broad-spectrum antiviral drug, an important agent used in viral infections, including Ebola, Lassa, and COVID-19. This study aims to evaluate the potential toxicological effects of favipiravir administration on rats' liver and kidney tissues. Favipiravir was applied for five and ten days in the present study. During this period, it was aimed to determine possible toxic effects on the liver and kidney. For this purpose, the impact of favipiravir on liver and kidney tissues were examined using histopathologic and biochemical methods. The present study showed that favipiravir administration led to an elevation in the liver and kidney serum enzymes and oxidative and histopathologic damages. Favipiravir administration caused apoptotic cell death (Caspase-3 and Bcl-2), inflammation (NF-κB and IL-6), and a decrease in renal reabsorption (AQP2) levels. In the evaluation of the findings obtained in this study, it was determined that the favipiravir or metabolites caused liver and kidney damages.

Carvacrol protects against λ-Cyhalothrin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity by modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy.

λ-Cyhalothrin, a type II synthetic pyrethroid, has been widely used in households, agriculture, public health, and gardening to control insect pests. Despite its widespread usage, it is known to induce a variety of adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. The goal of this study was to investigate the protective effect of carvacrol, which has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and some other properties, on λ-Cyhalothrin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups for this purpose: I-Control group: II-CRV group (50 mg/kg carvacrol), III-LCT group (6.23 mg/kg LCT), IV-LCT + CRV 25 group (6.23 mg/kg LCT + 25 mg/kg carvacrol), and V-LCT + CRV 50 group (6.23 mg/kg LCT + 50 mg/kg carvacrol). Using biochemical, real-time PCR, and western blotting methods, the collected tissues were analyzed. While λ-Cyhalothrin treatment increased MDA levels, which are indicated of lipid peroxidation, but reduced SOD, CAT, GPx activities, and GSH levels. After receiving carvacrol therapy, the degree of oxidative stress reduced as the values of these parameters approached those of the control group. Increased inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy with λ-Cyhalothrin administration reduced with carvacrol co-administration, and liver and kidney tissues were protected from damage, depending on the degree of oxidative stress. After considering all of these data, it was discovered that λ-Cyhalothrin-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and autophagy in the liver and kidneys; however, carvacrol protected the tissues from damage. Our findings indicate that carvacrol may be a promising protective agent in λ-Cyhalothrin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity.

Molecular and biochemical investigation of the protective effects of rutin against liver and kidney toxicity caused by malathion administration in a rat model.

Widely used malathion (MLT) causes environmental pollution, leading to toxicity in many living things, including humans. Rutin (RUT) is a flavonoid with various biological properties. In the present study, the protective effects of rutin against liver and kidney toxicity caused by malathion were investigated. In the study, MLT (100 mg/kg) and RUT (50 or 100 mg/kg) were administered to rats alone or in combination for 28 days. Then, oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy markers in liver and kidney tissues were analyzed by biochemical and molecular methods. The results showed that MLT caused oxidative stress in both tissues, while RUT showed antioxidant properties and protected these tissues from oxidative damage. Moreover, MLT upregulated the expressions of ATF-6, PERK, IRE1, GRP78, and CHOP, leading to ERS. However, RUT alleviated ER stress and suppressed these markers. The study also found that MLT increased inflammatory, apoptotic, and autophagic markers. All these factors affected liver and kidney functions and caused an increase in plasma ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels. On the other hand, it has been observed that RUT may protect liver and kidney tissues from the destructive effect of MLT by showing anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-autophagic properties. Thus, it was determined that ALT, AST, urea, and creatinine levels decreased after RUT treatment. As a result, it was observed that MLT had a toxic effect on the liver and kidney tissues of rats, and it was determined that this toxicity could be alleviated by RUT treatment.

Effects of sinapic acid on lead acetate-induced oxidative stress, apoptosis and inflammation in testicular tissue.

In this study, the effect of lead acetate (PbAc) and sinapic acid (SNP) administration on oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation, sperm quality and histopathology in testicular tissue of rats was tried to be determined. PbAc was administered at a dose of 30 mg/kg/bw for 7 days to induce testicular toxicity in rats. Oral doses of 5 and 10 mg/kg/bw SNP were administered to rats for 7 days after PbAc administration. According to our findings, while PbAc administration increased MDA content in rats, it decreased GPx, SOD, CAT activity and GSH content. NF-kB, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and COX-2, which are among the inflammation parameters that increased due to PbAc, decreased with the administration of SNP. Nrf2, HO-1, and NQO1 mRNA transcript levels decreased with PbAc, but SNP treatments increased these mRNA levels in a dose-dependent manner. RAGE and NLRP3 gene expression were upregulated in PbAc treated rats. MAPK14, MAPK15, and JNK relative mRNA levels decreased with SNP treatment in PbAc treated rats. While the levels of apoptosis markers Bax, Caspase-3, and Apaf-1 increased in rats treated with PbAc, the level of Bcl-2 decreased, but SNP inhibited this apoptosis markers. PbAc caused histopathological deterioration in testis tissue and negatively affected spermatogenesis. When the sperm quality was examined, the decrease in sperm motility and spermatozoon density caused by PbAc, and the increase in the ratio of dead and abnormal spermatozoa were inhibited by SNP. As a result, while PbAc increased apoptosis and inflammation by inducing oxidative stress in testicles, SNP treatment inhibited these changes and increased sperm quality.

Carvacrol reduces abnormal and dead sperm counts by attenuating sodium arsenite-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy in the testicular tissues of rats.

Arsenic (As) is a highly toxic metalloid. Carvacrol (CAR) is the active ingredient of Lamiaceae plants and has various biological and pharmacological properties. The present study investigated the protective effects of carvacrol (CAR) against testicular toxicity induced by sodium arsenite (SA). Rats were given SA (10 mg/kg) and/or CAR (25 or 50 mg/kg) for 14 days. Semen analyzes showed that CAR increased sperm motility and decreased the percentage of abnormal and dead sperm. It was determined that the oxidative stress induced by SA decreased with the increase of Nrf-2 and HO-1 expressions, SOD, CAT, GPx, and GSH levels, and MDA levels decreased after CAR treatment. It was observed that autophagy and inflammation triggered by SA in testicular tissue were alleviated by suppressing the expressions of LC3A, LC3B, MAPK-14, NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1ß, iNOS, and COX-2 biomarkers in rats given CAR. Also, CAR treatment suppressed SA-induced apoptosis by inhibiting Bax and Caspase-3 expressions in testicles and up-regulating Bcl-2 expression. Histopathological analyzes showed that rats given SA had deterioration in tubule structure and spermatogenesis cell line, especially a serious loss of spermatogonia cells, atrophy of seminiferous tubules, and deterioration of germinal epithelium. In the group given CAR, the germinal epithelium and connective tissue were in normal morphological structure and an increase in seminiferous tubule diameters was observed. As a result, it was determined that oxidative stress, inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis induced by SA were suppressed by CAR, thus protecting the testicular tissue from damage and increasing semen quality.

Rutin protects rat liver and kidney from sodium valproate-induce damage by attenuating oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy.

BACKGROUND: The present study investigated the effects of rutin (RUT), which has various biological and pharmacological properties, on liver and kidney damage caused by histone deacetylase inhibitor valproic acid (VPA), which is used in the treatment of many psychiatric disorders. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the study, 50 or 100 mg/kg RUT treatment was administered 30 min after 500 mg/kg VPA was given to rats for 14 days. Then, some pathways that may be involved in the damage mechanism of VPA in liver and kidney tissues were investigated using biochemical, RT-PCR and Western blotting techniques. The results displayed that the levels of MDA induced by VPA in liver and kidney tissues decreased after RUT treatment, and the levels of SOD, CAT, GPx and GSH suppressed by VPA increased after RUT administration. It was observed that ER stress induced by oxidative stress was alleviated by suppressing the expressions of ATF-6, PERK, IRE1 and GRP78 after RUT treatment. It was observed that the expressions of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, JAK2 and STAT3 in the inflammatory pathway increased after VPA administration, while RUT treatment decreased the levels of these markers. It was also among the data obtained that the levels of markers that played a role in the regulation of apoptosis (Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, pERK, pJNK) or autophagy (Beclin-1, LC3A, LC3B) approached the control group after RUT treatment. CONCLUSIONS: Taken together, it was determined that RUT treatment protected against liver and kidney damage by attenuating VPA-induced oxidative stress, ER stress, inflammation, apoptosis and autophagy.

The impact of Nrf2/HO-1, caspase-3/Bax/Bcl2 and ATF6/IRE1/PERK/GRP78 signaling pathways in the ameliorative effects of morin against methotrexate-induced testicular toxicity in rats.

BACKGROUND: Methotrexate (MT) is a broadly used chemotherapeutic drug however its clinical use is confronted with several forms of toxicities containing testicular damage. The current study assessed the ameliorative effects of morin on MT-induced testicular damage with the investigation of its mechanism and the potential involvement of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in such protection. METHODS: The animals were divided into 5 distinct groups (7 rats in each group). Group 1 was control group, group 2 received MT-only (20 mg/kg bw), group 3 received orally morin-only (100 mg/kg bw), group 4 received MT (20 mg/kg bw) + morin (50 mg/kg bw) and group 5 received MT (20 mg/kg bw) + morin (100 mg/kg). In this study, morin was administered orally for 10 days, while MT was administered intraperitoneally on the 5th day. RESULTS: MT intoxication was linked with augmented MDA while decreased GSH levels, the enzyme activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase and mRNA levels of HO-1 and Nrf2 in the testis tissues. MT injection caused inflammation in the testicular tissue via up-regulation of MAPK14, NFκB, TNF-α and IL-1ß. MT application also caused apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the testis tissue via increasing mRNA transcript levels of Bax, caspase-3, PERK, IRE1, ATF-6, GRP78 and down-regulation of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION: Treatment with morin at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably mitigated oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in the testicular tissue indicating that testicular damage related to MT toxicity could be modulated by morin administration.

Evaluation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative DNA damage and metalloproteinases in the lungs of rats treated with cadmium and carvacrol.

BACKGROUND: The potential protective properties of carvacrol (CRV), which possesses various biological and pharmacological properties, against lung toxicity caused by cadmium (Cd), a major environmental pollutant, were investigated in the present study. METHODS AND RESULTS: In the study, rats were given 25 or 50 mg/kg CRV orally 30 min after administrating 25 mg/kg cadmium chloride for seven days. Subsequently, the levels of 8-OHdG, MMP-2, and MMP-9, as well as markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, were analyzed in the lung tissue of the animals. The results revealed that CRV exhibited antioxidant characteristics and raised SOD, CAT, GPx, and CAT levels and decreased the MDA levels induced by Cd. It also suppressed proinflammatory cytokines by lowering the levels of CRV NF-κB and p38 MAPK, thus exerting an anti-inflammatory effect against Cd. It was found that the levels of Bax, Caspase-3, and cytochrome c increased by Cd were decreased by the application of CRV. CRV also showed an anti-apoptotic effect by increasing Bcl-2 levels. The levels of 8-OHdG, MMP2, and MMP9, which increased with Cd administration, were observed to reduce after treatment with CRV. CONCLUSIONS: The results indicate that CRV has protective properties against Cd-induced lung toxicity.

Neuroprotective effects of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid against bisphenol A-induced neurotoxicity in rats: involvement of neuronal apoptosis, endoplasmic reticulum stress and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway.

The exposure to bisphenol A (BPA) is inevitable owing to its common use in the production of polycarbonate plastics. Studies to reduce side effects are gaining importance since BPA causes severe toxicities in important tissues such as testes, lungs, brain, liver and kidney. The current study was planned to study ameliorative effect of 18ß-glycyrrhetinic acid (18ß-GA) on BPA induced neurotoxicity. Fourty Wistar albino rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: I-Control group, II-18ß-GA group (100 mg/kg), III- BPA group (250 mg/kg), IV-250 mg/kg BPA + 50 mg/kg 18ß-GA group, V-250 mg/kg BPA + 100 mg/kg 18ß-GA group. BPA intoxication was associated with increased MDA level while reduced GSH concentration, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. BPA supplementation caused apoptosis in the brain by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. BPA also caused endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF-6 and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that BPA administration activated JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway and levels of TNF-α, NF-κB, p38 MAPK and JNK in the brain. However, co-treatment with 18ß-GA at a dose of 50 and 100 mg/kg considerably ameliorated oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress and JAK1/STAT1 signaling pathway in brain tissue. Overall, the data of this study indicate that brain damage associated with BPA toxicity could be ameliorated by 18ß-GA administration.

The protective effect of Morin against ifosfamide-induced acute liver injury in rats associated with the inhibition of DNA damage and apoptosis.

Morin is a flavonoid and broadly found in white berry and cranberry branch. Ifosfamide (IFOS) is known as an anticancer and cytotoxic drug especially on the liver. This study aimed to explore the potential protective effects of Morin against IFOS-induced liver toxicity in rats. The model group of rats received a single injection of IFOS (500 mg/kg; i.p.) at day 2, whereas the protective groups of rats were given two different doses of Morin (100 and 200 mg/kg; given by gavage) at days 1 and 2. All animals were then culled 24 h post-IFOS injection. We observed that IFOS caused liver injury, oxidative stress, inflammation, DNA damage, and apoptosis. However, Morin decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (p < 0.05). While Morin contributed to the recovery of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione (GSH) levels, Morin decreased the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) induced by IFOS in the liver (p < 0.05). Besides, the levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and P53 measured by ELISA test were reduced via Morin administration (p < 0.05). Lastly, the mRNA transcript levels of Bax, Apaf-1, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) determined by RT-PCR were down-regulated in the Morin groups (p < 0.05). These results indicate that Morin plays a protective role by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in the IFOS-induced liver injury in rats.

Evaluation of protective effects of quercetin against cypermethrin-induced lung toxicity in rats via oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway.

Cypermethrin (CYP), a type II synthetic pyrethroid, is the most widely used insecticide worldwide. Inhalation of it may cause side effects. This study is aimed to examine potential protection of quercetin (QUE) which is a well-known antioxidant in CYP-induced lung toxicity. Accordingly, 35 Spraque Dawley male rats were divided into five equal groups as follows: I-Control group, II-QUE group (50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), III-CYP group (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP), IV-CYP + QUE 25 (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 25 mg/kg/b.w. QUE), V-CYP + QUE (25 mg/kg/b.w. CYP + 50 mg/kg/b.w. QUE) were treated with oral gavage throughout 28 days. CYP intoxication was associated with increased malondialdehyde level while glutathione concentration, activities of glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase reduced. CYP adminisitration caused of apoptosis in the lung by up-regulating caspase-3 and Bax levels and down-regulating Bcl-2. CYP also caused of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress by increasing mRNA transcript levels of PERK, IRE1, ATF6, and GRP78. Additionally, it was observed that CYP administration activated IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway and levels of IL-1ß, NF-κB, TNF-α, and iNOS in the lung tissue. Therefore, it was determined that CYP administration triggered autophagy by upregulating LC3A and LC3B mRNA transcript levels. Moreover, the protein levels of NF-κB, caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and cytochorme-c were examined by Western blot analysis. However, co-treatment with QUE at a dose of 25 and 50 mg/kg considerably protective oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, ER stress, autophagy, and IL-6/JAK2/STAT3/MAPK14 signaling pathway in lung tissue. Overall, the findings of this study suggest that lung damage associated with CYP toxicity could be protected by QUE administration.

Investigation of the effects of hesperidin administration on abamectin-induced testicular toxicity in rats through oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, apoptosis, autophagy, and JAK2/STAT3 pathways.

In this study, the potential effects of hesperidin (HES) on chronic toxicity caused by abamectin (ABM) in the testicular tissue were investigated through oxidative stress, inflammation, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), apoptosis, and autophagy pathways. Male Sprague Dawley rats were used in the study. Animals in the ABM group were orally administered 1 mg/kg ABM every other day for 28 days, while HES used against ABM was given at 100 or 200 mg/kg 30 min after ABM administration for 28 days. Markers of oxidative stress, inflammation, ERS, apoptosis, and autophagy in the testicular tissues removed after the animals are sacrificed were analyzed using biochemical, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), or western blot techniques. The results obtained showed that ABM caused oxidative stress, and triggered ERS, inflammation, apoptosis, and autophagy. On the other hand, HES showed antioxidant effect by increasing superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities, and glutathione levels in testis tissue and attenuated lipid peroxidation. Accordingly, MAPK14 reduced the NF-κB, IL-1ß, TNF-α, and IL-6 expression levels, presenting an anti-inflammatory effect. In addition, Bax protected against apoptosis and autophagy by reducing the caspase-3, beclin-1, LC3A, and LC3B expressions, and increasing Bcl-2 expression. It was observed that HES also interrupted the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway by suppressing IL-6 expression. Taken into consideration together, HES provided significant protection against the destruction caused by ABM in testicular tissue with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and anti-autophagic effects. Thus, it was revealed that HES has the potential to serve as an alternative treatment option in ABM toxicity.

Protective Effects of Curcumin Against Paclitaxel-Induced Spinal Cord and Sciatic Nerve Injuries in Rats.

Paclitaxel (PTX) is an antineoplastic agent commonly used in the treatment of solid tumors and is known to cause dose-limiting peripheral neurotoxicity. This study was performed to evaluate the protective effect of curcumin (CUR) against PTX-induced spinal cord and sciatic nerve injuries in rats. The rats were administered PTX (2 mg/kg, BW) intraperitoneally for the first 5 consecutive days followed by administration of CUR (100 and 200 mg/kg, BW daily in corn oil) orally for 10 days. Our results showed that CUR significantly reduced mRNA expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-6, iNOS and GFAP whereas caused an increase in levels of Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 in the spinal cord and sciatic nerve of PTX-induced rats. In addition, CUR suppressed the activation of apoptotic and autophagic pathways by increasing Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL, and decreasing p53, caspase-3, Apaf-1, LC3A, LC3B and beclin-1 mRNA expression levels. The results showed that CUR also maintained the spinal cord and sciatic nerve histological architecture and integrity by both LFB staining and H&E staining. Immunohistochemical expressions of 8-OHdG, caspase-3 and LC3B in the PTX-induced spinal cord tissue were decreased after administration of CUR. Taken together, our findings demonstrated that CUR has protective effects on PTX-induced spinal cord and sciatic nerve injuries in rats.