Utilizing sinapic acid as an inhibitory antiviral agent against MERS-CoV PLpro.

Concerns about the social and economic collapse, high mortality rates, and stress on the healthcare system are developing due to the coronavirus onslaught in the form of various species and their variants. In the recent past, infections brought on by coronaviruses severe acute respiratory syndrome coronaviruses (SARS-CoV and SARS-CoV-2) as well as middle east respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) have been reported. There is a severe lack of medications to treat various coronavirus types including MERS-CoV which is hazard to public health due to its ability for pandemic spread by human-to-human transmission. Here, we utilized sinapic acid (SA) against papain-like protease (PLpro), a crucial enzyme involved in MERS-CoV replication, because phytomedicine derived from nature has less well-known negative effects. The thermal shift assay (TSA) was used in the current study to determine whether the drug interact with the recombinant MERS-CoV PLpro. Also, inhibition assay was conducted as the hydrolysis of fluorogenic peptide from the Z-RLRGG-AMC-peptide bond in the presence of SA to determine the level of inhibition of the MERS-CoV PLpro. To study the structural binding efficiency Autodock Vina was used to dock SA to the MERS-CoV PLpro and results were analyzed using PyMOL and Maestro Schrödinger programs. Our results show a convincing interaction between SA and the MERS protease, as SA reduced MERS-CoV PLpro in a dose-dependent way IC50 values of 68.58 µM (of SA). The TSA showed SA raised temperature of melting to 54.61 °C near IC50 and at approximately 2X IC50 concentration (111.5 µM) the Tm for SA + MERS-CoV PLpro was 59.72 °C. SA was docked to MERS-CoV PLpro to identify the binding site. SA bound to the blocking loop (BL2) region of MERS-CoV PLpro interacts with F268, E272, V275, and P249 residues of MERS-CoV PLpro. The effectiveness of protease inhibitors against MERS-CoV has been established and SA is already known for broad range biological activity including antiviral properties; it can be a suitable candidate for anti-MERS-CoV treatment.

Mesoporous Silica Nanoparticles Coated with Carboxymethyl Chitosan for 5-Fluorouracil Ocular Delivery: Characterization, In Vitro and In Vivo Studies.

This study investigates the development of topically applied non-invasive amino-functionalized silica nanoparticles (AMSN) and O-Carboxymethyl chitosan-coated AMSN (AMSN-CMC) for ocular delivery of 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU). Particle characterization was performed by the DLS technique (Zeta-Sizer), and structural morphology was examined by SEM and TEM. The drug encapsulation and loading were determined by the indirect method using HPLC. Physicochemical characterizations were performed by NMR, TGA, FTIR, and PXRD. In vitro release was conducted through a dialysis membrane in PBS (pH 7.4) using modified Vertical Franz diffusion cells. The mucoadhesion ability of the prepared nanoparticles was tested using the particle method by evaluating the change in zeta potential. The transcorneal permeabilities of 5-FU from AMNS-FU and AMSN-CMC-FU gel formulations were estimated through excised goat cornea and compared to that of 5-FU gel formulation. Eye irritation and ocular pharmacokinetic studies from gel formulations were evaluated in rabbit eyes. The optimum formulation of AMSN-CMC-FU was found to be nanoparticles with a particle size of 249.4 nm with a polydispersity of 0.429, encapsulation efficiency of 25.8 ± 5.8%, and drug loading capacity of 5.2 ± 1.2%. NMR spectra confirmed the coating of AMSN with the CMC layer. In addition, TGA, FTIR, and PXRD confirmed the drug loading inside the AMSN-CMC. Release profiles showed 100% of the drug was released from the 5-FU gel within 4 h, while AMSN-FU gel released 20.8% of the drug and AMSN-CMC-FU gel released around 55.6% after 4 h. AMSN-CMC-FU initially exhibited a 2.45-fold increase in transcorneal flux and apparent permeation of 5-FU compared to 5-FU gel, indicating a better corneal permeation. Higher bioavailability of AMSN-FU and AMSN-CMC-FU gel formulations was found compared to 5-FU gel in the ocular pharmacokinetic study with superior pharmacokinetics parameters of AMSN-CMC-FU gel. AMSN-CMC-FU showed 1.52- and 6.14-fold higher AUC0-inf in comparison to AMSN-FU and 5-FU gel, respectively. AMSN-CMC-FU gel and AMSN-FU gel were "minimally irritating" to rabbit eyes but showed minimal eye irritation potency in comparison to the 5 FU gel. Thus, the 5-FU loaded in AMSN-CMC gel could be used as a topical formulation for the treatment of ocular cancer.

Effects of Apigenin on Pharmacokinetics of Dasatinib and Probable Interaction Mechanism.

Dasatinib (DAS), a narrow-therapeutic index drug, Bcr-Abl, and Src family kinases multitarget inhibitor have been approved for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Ph-positive acute lymphocytic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). Apigenin (APG) has a long history of human usage in food, herbs, health supplements, and traditional medicine, and it poses low risk of damage. The concomitant use of APG containing herbs/foods and traditional medicine may alter the pharmacokinetics of DAS, that probably lead to possible herb-drug interactions. The pharmacokinetic interaction of APG pretreatment with DAS in rat plasma following single and co-oral dosing was successfully deliberated using the UPLC-MS/MS method. The in vivo pharmacokinetics and protein expression of CYP3A2, Pgp-MDR1, and BCPR/ABCG2 demonstrate that APG pretreatment has potential to drastically changed the DAS pharmacokinetics where escalation in the Cmax, AUC(0-t), AUMC(0-inf_obs), T1/2, Tmax, and MRT and reduction in Kel, Vd, and Cl significantly in rats pretreated with APG 40 mg/kg, thus escalating systemic bioavailability and increasing the rate of absorption via modulation of CYP3A2, Pgp-MDR1, and BCPR/ABCG2 protein expression. Therefore, the concomitant consumption of APG containing food or traditional herb with DAS may cause serious life-threatening drug interactions and more systematic clinical study on herb-drug interactions is required, as well as adequate regulation in herbal safety and efficacy.

Cinnamon modulates the pharmacodynamic & pharmacokinetic of amlodipine in hypertensive rats.

The objective of this study was to investigate the effects of cinnamon on the pharmacodynamic (PD) & pharmacokinetic (PK) of amlodipine in hypertensive rats. The hypertensive control group of Wistar rats received L-NAME (40 mg/kg, daily, orally) only. The cinnamon group of rats was treated with cinnamon (200 mg/kg, daily, orally) along with L-NAME. Following 14 days treatment period, blood pressures of rats were monitored at designated intervals over 24 h utilizing a tail-cuff system for measuring blood pressure. To assess the oral PK; amlodipine was administered as a single oral dose of 1 mg/kg to rats and blood samples were collected at specified intervals over 24 h and analysed by UPLC-LC MS/MS. Synergistic decreased in rat's blood pressure was observed in presence of cinnamon + amlodipine. Simultaneous administration of cinnamon ameliorates the Cmax and AUC0-t of amlodipine, the Cmax and AUC0-t was 11.04 ± 1.01 ng/ml and 113.76 ± 5.62 ng h/ml for the cinnamon + amlodipine group as compared to 4.12 ± 0.49 ng/ml and 48.59 ± 4.28 ng h/ml for the amlodipine alone group. The study demonstrates that the use of cinnamon considerably decreases the blood pressure levels and enhances the PK parameters of amlodipine in hypertensive rats.

Sinapic acid alleviates 5-fluorouracil-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via Nrf2/HO-1 signalling.

Fluoropyrimidine 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is a DNA analogue broadly used in chemotherapy, though treatment-associated nephrotoxicity limits its widespread clinical use. Sinapic acid (SA) has potent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects, we investigated its protective effects against 5-FU-induced nephrotoxicity in a rat model. We designated four treatment groups each Group I (control) received five intraperitoneal saline injections (once daily) from days 17 to 21; Group II received five intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU (50 mg/kg/day) from days 17 to 21; Group III received an oral administration of SA (40 mg/kg) for 21 days and five intraperitoneal injections of 5-FU (50 mg/kg/day) from days 17 to 21; and Group IV received an oral administration of SA (40 mg/kg) for 21 days (n-six rats in each group). blood samples were collected on day 22 from each group. Animals were sacrificed and their kidneys removed, and instantly frozen. 5-FU caused oxidative stress, inflammation, and activation of the apoptotic pathway by upregulating Bax and Caspase-3 and downregulating Bcl-2. However, SA exposure reduced serum toxicity indicators, boosted antioxidant defences, and reduced kidney apoptosis, which was confirmed by histopathological analysis. Therefore, prophylactic administration of SA could inhibit 5-FU-induced renal injuries in rats via suppression of renal inflammation and oxidative stress, primarily through regulation of NF-κB and proinflammatory cytokines, inhibition of renal apoptosis, and restoration of tubular epithelial antioxidant activities and cytoprotective defences.

Herb-drug interaction: Effect of sinapic acid on the pharmacokinetics of dasatinib in rats.

Dasatinib (DAS) is a narrow therapeutic index drug and novel oral multitarget inhibitor of tyrosine kinase and approved for the first-line therapy for chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) and Philadelphia chromosome (Ph + ) acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). DAS, a known potent substrate of cytochrome (CYP) 3A, P-glycoprotein (Pgp) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) and is subject to auto-induction. The dietary supplementation of sinapic acid (SA) or concomitant use of SA containing herbs/foods may alter the pharmacokinetics as well as pharmacodynamics of DAS, that may probably lead to potential interactions. Protein expression in rat hepatic and intestinal tissues, as well as the in vivo pharmacokinetics of DAS and the roles of CYP3 A2 and drug transporters Pgp-MDR1 and BCPR/ABCG2, suggested a likely interaction mechanism. The single dose of DAS (25 mg/kg) was given orally to rats with or without SA pretreatment (20 mg/kg p.o. per day for 7 days, n = 6). The plasma concentration of DAS was estimated by using Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS). The in vivo pharmacokinetics and protein expression study demonstrate that SA pretreatment has potential to alter the DAS pharmacokinetics. The increase in Cmax, AUC and AUMC proposes increase in bioavailability and rate of absorption via modulation of CYP3 A2, PgP-MDR1 and BCPR/ABCG2 protein expression. Thus, the concomitant use of SA alone or with DAS may cause serious life-threatening drug interactions.

Herb-drug interaction: pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of anti-hypertensive drug amlodipine besylate in presence of Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa.

Effects of Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa were investigated on pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of antihypertensive drug (amlodipine).Hypertensive rats were treated with amlodipine, Lepidium sativum, Lepidium sativum + amlodipine, Curcuma longa and Curcuma longa + amlodipine, and their blood pressures were measured. Amlodipine in plasma samples was analysed using UPLC-TQD. Product ions of amlodipine were monitored at m/z 409.18 > 238 and 409.18 > 294, and of nitrendipine at m/z 361.16 > 315.1 and 361.16 > 329.10.Lepidium sativum + amlodipine treatment showed highest reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP). Mean anti-hypertensive effect of Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa was similar to amlodipine. Mean SBPs (1-24 h) of amlodipine, Lepidium sativum, Lepidium sativum + amlodipine, Curcuma longa and Curcuma longa + amlodipine-treated animals were found as 149.5 ± 2.4 mmHg, 151.6 ± 1.09 mmHg and 141.8 ± 2.5 mmHg, 154.9 ± 2.2 mmHg and 144.4 ± 2.6 mmHg (p-value ≤0.05), respectively. Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa significantly increased amlodipine Cmax by 83% (p-value 0.018) and 53% (p-value 0.035), and AUC0-t by 48% (p-value >0.05) and 56% (p-value 0.033), respectively.Results of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic studies are in agreement. Lepidium sativum and Curcuma longa augment antihypertensive effect of amlodipine, which is also supported by pharmacokinetic observations.

Identification of Doxorubicin as Repurposing Inhibitory Drug for MERS-CoV PLpro.

Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV), belonging to the betacoronavirus genus can cause severe respiratory illnesses, accompanied by pneumonia, multiorgan failure, and ultimately death. CoVs have the ability to transgress species barriers and spread swiftly into new host species, with human-to-human transmission causing epidemic diseases. Despite the severe public health threat of MERS-CoV, there are currently no vaccines or drugs available for its treatment. MERS-CoV papain-like protease (PLpro) is a key enzyme that plays an important role in its replication. In the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory activities of doxorubicin (DOX) against the recombinant MERS-CoV PLpro by employing protease inhibition assays. Hydrolysis of fluorogenic peptide from the Z-RLRGG-AMC-peptide bond in the presence of DOX showed an IC50 value of 1.67 µM at 30 min. Subsequently, we confirmed the interaction between DOX and MERS-CoV PLpro by thermal shift assay (TSA), and DOX increased ΔTm by ~20 °C, clearly indicating a coherent interaction between the MERS-CoV PL protease and DOX. The binding site of DOX on MERS-CoV PLpro was assessed using docking techniques and molecular dynamic (MD) simulations. DOX bound to the thumb region of the catalytic domain of the MERS-CoV PLpro. MD simulation results showed flexible BL2 loops, as well as other potential residues, such as R231, R233, and G276 of MERS-CoV PLpro. Development of drug repurposing is a remarkable opportunity to quickly examine the efficacy of different aspects of treating various diseases. Protease inhibitors have been found to be effective against MERS-CoV to date, and numerous candidates are currently undergoing clinical trials to prove this. Our effort follows a in similar direction.

Perspectives of Positively Charged Nanocrystals of Tedizolid Phosphate as a Topical Ocular Application in Rabbits.

The aim of this study was the successful utilization of the positively charged nanocrystals (NCs) of Tedizolid Phosphate (TZP) (0.1% w/v) for topical ocular applications. TZP belongs to the 1, 3-oxazolidine-2-one class of antibiotics and has therapeutic potential for the treatment of many drug-resistant bacterial infections, including eye infections caused by MRSA, penicillin-resistant Streptococcus pneumonia and vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium. However, its therapeutic usage is restricted due to its poor aqueous solubility and limited ocular availability. It is a prodrug and gets converted to Tedizolid (TDZ) by phosphatases in vivo. The sterilized NC1 was subjected to antimicrobial testing on Gram-positive bacteria. Ocular irritation and pharmacokinetics were performed in rabbits. Around a 1.29 to 1.53-fold increase in antibacterial activity was noted for NC1 against the B. subtilis, S. pneumonia, S. aureus and MRSA (SA-6538) as compared to the TZP-pure. The NC1-AqS was "practically non-irritating" to rabbit eyes. There was around a 1.67- and 1.43 fold increase in t1/2 (h) and Cmax (ngmL-1) while there were 1.96-, 1.91-, 2.69- and 1.41-times increases in AUC0-24h,AUC0-∞,AUMC0-∞ and MRT0-∞, respectively, which were found by NC1 as compared to TZP-AqS in the ocular pharmacokinetic study. The clearance of TDZ was faster (11.43 mLh-1) from TZP-AqS as compared to NC1 (5.88 mLh-1). Relatively, an extended half-life (t1/2; 4.45 h) of TDZ and the prolonged ocular retention (MRT0-∞; 7.13 h) of NC1 was found, while a shorter half-life (t1/2; 2.66 h) of TDZ and MRT0-∞(t1/2; 5.05 h)was noted for TZP-AqS, respectively. Cationic TZP-NC1 could offer increased transcorneal permeation, which could mimic the improved ocular bioavailability of the drug in vivo. Conclusively, NC1 of TZP was identified as a promising substitute for the ocular delivery of TZP, with better performance as compared to its conventional AqS.

Thermodynamic Solubility Profile of Temozolomide in Different Commonly Used Pharmaceutical Solvents.

The solubility parameters, and solution thermodynamics of temozolomide (TMZ) in 10 frequently used solvents were examined at five different temperatures. The maximum mole fraction solubility of TMZ was ascertained in dimethyl sulfoxide (1.35 × 10-2), followed by that in polyethylene glycol-400 (3.32 × 10-3) > Transcutol® (2.89 × 10-3) > ethylene glycol (1.64 × 10-3) > propylene glycol (1.47 × 10-3) > H2O (7.70 × 10-4) > ethyl acetate (5.44 × 10-4) > ethanol (1.80 × 10-4) > isopropyl alcohol (1.32 × 10-4) > 1-butanol (1.07 × 10-4) at 323.2 K. An analogous pattern was also observed for the other investigated temperatures. The quantitated TMZ solubility values were regressed using Apelblat and Van't Hoff models and showed overall deviances of 0.96% and 1.33%, respectively. Apparent thermodynamic analysis indicated endothermic, spontaneous, and entropy-driven dissolution of TMZ in all solvents. TMZ solubility data may help to formulate dosage forms, recrystallize, purify, and extract/separate TMZ.

An In Silico Investigation to Explore Anti-Cancer Potential of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Phytoconstituents for the Management of Human Breast Cancer.

Breast cancer is one of the most prevalent cancers in the world. Traditionally, medicinal plants have been used to cure various types of diseases and disorders. Based on a literature survey, the current study was undertaken to explore the anticancer potential of Foeniculum vulgare Mill. phytoconstituents against breast cancer target protein (PDB ID: 6CHZ) by the molecular docking technique. Molecular docking was done using Autodock/vina software. Toxicity was predicted by the Protox II server and drug likeness was predicted by Molinspiration. 100 ns MD simulation of the best protein-ligand complexes were done using the Amber 18 tool. The present molecular docking investigation has revealed that among the 40 selected phytoconstituents of F. vulgare, α-pinene and D-limonene showed best binding energy (-6 and -5.9 kcal/mol respectively) with the breast cancer target. α-Pinene and D-limonene followed all the parameters of toxicity, and 100 ns MD simulations of α-pinene and D-limonene complexes with 6CHZ were found to be stable. α-Pinene and D-limonene can be used as new therapeutic agents to cure breast cancer.

Sinapic Acid Ameliorates Acetic Acid-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Rats by Suppressing Inflammation, Oxidative Stress, and Apoptosis.

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a long-term condition which results in inflammation and ulcers of the colon and rectum. The key indications of active disease are abdominal pain and diarrhea mixed with blood. Aims: We explore the underlying colon protective mechanism of sinapic acid (SA) against acetic acid (AA) induced ulcerative colitis in rats. The implications of inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis are studied. Methodology: Twenty-four rats were distributed into four categories, normal control (NC), ulcerative colitis (UC), ulcerative Colitis with SA 40 mg/kg (SA 40 mg/kg + AA), and ulcerative colitis with prednisolone (PRDL 10 mg/kg + AA), and were pretreated orally with saline, saline and SA (40 mg/kg/day) or PRDL (10 mg/kg/day) respectively, for 7 days. UC was prompted by trans-rectal administration of 4% AA on the 5th day, colon tissues were surgically removed for gross morphology and histological inspection, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers and immunoblot analysis of Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2. Results: Macroscopic and histological inspection demonstrated that both SA 40 mg/kg and PRDL (10 mg/kg/day) significantly ameliorates colonic injuries. In addition, both pretreatments significantly ameliorates AA-induced UC, oxidative stress, as indicated by suppressed malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO) levels and restoring antioxidant/oxidant balance as indicated by catalase and glutathione levels, suppressed inflammation via inhibiting cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, inflammatory markers MPO, PGE2, COX-2 and NF-κB and inhibiting the protein expression of Bax and caspase-3 apoptotic protein and increasing the anti-apoptotic protein, Bcl-2 thereby inhibiting apoptosis. Conclusion: Sinapic acid significantly ameliorates AA induced UC in rats by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in colonic tissues which exhibits its potential for the management of UC.

Sinapic acid mitigates methotrexate-induced hepatic injuries in rats through modulation of Nrf-2/HO-1 signaling.

The present research has been investigated to study the protective outcomes of sinapic acid (SA) against methotrexate (MTX) encouraged liver damage in rats by modulating the Nrf2/HO-1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. The animals were arbitrarily allocated into four groups: group I rats administered a 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) vehicle orally for 15 consecutive days with a single intravenous standard saline injection (0.9% NaCl) on day seven. Groups II, III, and IV were injected intraperitoneally with 20 mg MTX/kg on 7th day. Animals in group III and IV were treated orally for 14 days with 20 mg of SA/kg dissolved daily in 0.5% CMC respectively. In all experimental groups, liver function, biochemical, histopathological and molecular changes were evaluated. MTX-induced changes in liver function indices like ALT, AST, and ALP are substantially restored with SA pretreatment. Moreover, antioxidant defense mechanisms (GSH, SOD, and CAT) and oxidative/nitrostative stress (MDA and NO) and inflammatory cytokine (TNF-α, IL-ß and MPO) were also substantially restored. Furthermore, the conclusions indicate that SA prevents the hepatic damage caused by MTX through apoptosis inhibition and stimulation of Nrf2/HO-1-medial antioxidant enzymes by NF-κB inhibition. Histological findings have shown that SA therapy has greatly protected liver damage caused by MTX.

Effects of garden cress, fenugreek and black seed on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol: an herb-drug interaction study in rats with hypertension.

CONTEXT: Garden cress (GC), fenugreek (FG), and black seed (BS) are traditional herbal medicine for managing hypertension. OBJECTIVE: The effects of the three herbs on the pharmacodynamics of metoprolol tartrate (MT) in hypertensive rats were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS: Wistar rats were divided in five groups (n = 6). Group I served as normal control group and Group II (hypertensive control group) had rats treated orally with N-nitro L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME, 40 mg/kg/day) only. Groups III, IV, and V rats were orally treated with L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + GC (300 mg/kg, once daily), L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + FG (300 mg/kg, once daily) and L-NAME (40 mg/kg/day) + BS (300 mg/kg, once daily), respectively, for 2 weeks, and on the 14th day, blood pressure and heart rate were recorded using a tail-cuff blood pressure-measuring system. On the 16th day, a single dose of MT (10 mg/kg) was orally administered, and the rats' blood pressure and heart rate were recorded. RESULTS: GC, FG, and BS decreased systolic blood pressure (SBP) by 8.7%, 8.5%, and 8.7%, respectively, in hypertensive rats. A greater decrease in SBP by 14.5%, 14.8%, and 16.1% was observed when hypertensive rats were treated with L-NAME + GC + MT, L-NAME + FG + MT, and L-NAME + BS + MT, respectively. Similarly, hypertensive rats treated with the combination of herbs and MT had significantly lower diastolic blood pressure (DBP) than those treated with herbs alone and those treated with L-NAME alone. CONCLUSIONS: The combination of investigated herbs and MT had a beneficial effect on hypertension. However, the concurrent administration of drugs, particularly those predominantly cleared through CYP450 2D6-catalyzed metabolism, with the three investigated herbs should be considered with caution.

Assessment of glibenclamide pharmacokinetics in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats.

The aim of the present research was to describe the consequences of hyperlipidemia (HL) on the pharmacokinetics of glibenclamide (Gb) in poloxamer 407-induced hyperlipidemic rats. Rats were given intraperitoneal dose of poloxamer 407 to cause hyperlipidemia. A single oral dose of Gb (10 mg/Kg) was given to normal and HL rats. The Cmax and tmax after oral dose of Gb in normal rats were 340.10 µg/ml and 3.67 h, respectively. Whereas, the Cmax and tmax after oral dose of Gb in HL rats were noted as 773.39 µg/ml and 2.50 h respectively. The AUC value of Gb was found considerably higher in the HL rats. While the plasma clearance (CL) after oral dose of Gb was 2.53 ml/h and 1.39 ml/h in normal and HL rats respectively. The improved plasma concentration of Gb following oral dosing in rats with HL seems to be due to a direct influence on hepatic clearance or metabolizing enzymes. In conclusion, the Gb pharmacokinetics was considerably affected by the HL in rats. Such findings play an important role for predicting the alterations in the pharmacokinetics of drugs including GB, in cases having hyperlipidemia.

Thymoquinone treatment modulates the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway and abrogates the inflammatory response in an animal model of lung fibrosis.

The present study investigates the therapeutic potential of thymoquinone (TQ) in bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis (BMILF) and elucidates the target-signaling pathway for its effect. Lung fibrosis was induced in rats by a single intra-tracheal instillation of bleomycin (BM) (6.5 U/kg) followed by thymoquinone treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg p.o.) for 28 days. Control rats received saline instead of TQ. Changes in body weight, inflammatory cells count, cytokines levels, and biochemical parameters of the broncho-alveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were recorded. In addition, a histopathology examination and western blotting were performed on lung tissues. BM administration resulted in a significant weight loss, which was ameliorated by TQ treatment. BMILF was associated with a reduction in the antioxidant mechanisms and increased lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, elevated levels of inflammatory cytokines, MMP-7 expression, apoptotic markers (caspase 3, Bax, and Bcl-2), and fibrotic changes including TGF-ß and hydroxyproline levels in lung tissues were evident. These abnormalities were diminished with TQ treatment. Likewise, altered total and differential cell count in BALF was significantly improved in rats treated with TQ. TQ also produced a dose-dependent reduction in the expressions of Nrf2, Ho-1 and TGF-ß. These results propose that the Nrf2/Ho-1 signaling pathway is a principal target for TQ protective effect against BMILF in rats. Furthermore, TQ decreases inflammatory oxidative stress possibly through the modulation of nuclear factor Kappa-B (NF-κB) and thereby minimization of collagen deposition in the lung. Therefore, TQ can be developed as a potential therapeutic modularity in BMILF for human use.

Effect of compromised liver function and acute kidney injury on the pharmacokinetics of thymoquinone in a rat model.

The current research explored the effect of hepatic and renal dysfunctions on the pharmacokinetics of thymoquinone (TQ) in a rat model.An acute kidney injury was induced using gentamicin and a liver damage was elicited using a single dose of d-galactosamine. For the pharmacokinetic studies, TQ was administered as IV injection or and PO route to rats.The concentrations of TQ and pharmacokinetic parameters were calculated using a non-compartmental analysis. The systemic clearance (Cl) of TQ after IV dosing was slightly reduced in the liver dysfunction group compared to healthy controls (p = 0.0013). Similarly, the estimated volume of distribution at steady state (Vss) was marginally decreased (p = 0.001). However, in rats with acute kidney injury exhibited a larger Vss as opposed to normal renal function (511.28 ± 21.03 ml/kg vs. 442.25 ± 31.43 ml/kg; p = 0.0001). Whereas oral Cl and terminal volume of distribution (Vz) of TQ were reduced by ∼50% in the liver dysfunction group (p = 0.0001). These changes were associated with more systemic exposure as measured by AUC0-∞ in rats with compromised liver functions. The estimated plasma protein binding TQ was 99.84 ± 0.03% in healthy controls, 97.05 ± 0.57% with kidney injury rats, and 95.75 ± 0.64% in liver dysfunctionThe findings of the present study suggest that liver dysfunction could potentially modify the disposition of TQ administered orally, and therefore, a smaller maintenance dose is probably required to avoid accumulation.

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on the antihypertensive activity and pharmacokinetic of losartan in hypertensive rats.

The present study aimed to determine the effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa and Zingiber officinale on antihypertensive activity and pharmacokinetic of losartan in hypertensive rats.Hypertension was induced in rats by oral administration of L-NAME (40 mg/kg per day). Pharmacodynamics and pharmacokinetics of losartan were evaluated without and with herbal treatment in hypertensive rats.Treatment of hypertensive rats with investigated herbs substantially reduced systolic blood pressure (SBP), and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) of rats. Treatment of rats (n = 5) with L-NAME plus H. sabdariffa plus losartan and L-NAME plus Z. officinale plus losartan reduced SBP by 16.20% and 14.88% and DBP by 14.82% and 17.52% respectively after 12 h, as compared to L-NAME alone treated rats. In a pharmacokinetic study, the Cmax and AUC0-t of losartan in L-NAME plus H. sabdariffa plus losartan and L-NAME plus Z. officinale plus losartan treated rats was increased by 0.7, 1.99 and 1.51, 3.00 fold respectively in comparison to the Cmax and AUC0-t obtained for L-NAME plus losartan treated group. In conclusion, both the investigated herbs significantly increased the antihypertensive effect and plasma concentration of losartan in L-NAME induced hypertensive rats. The current study predicted that the herb-drug interaction between H. sabdariffa-losartan and Z. officinale-losartan could occur; hence these results in rats may warrant further studies in humans, either in humans or in in vitro human liver microsomes.

Therapeutic Potential of Rhododendron arboreum Polysaccharides in an Animal Model of Lipopolysaccharide-Inflicted Oxidative Stress and Systemic Inflammation.

Systemic inflammation results in physiological changes, largely mediated by inflammatory cytokines. The present investigation was performed to determine the effect of Rhododendron arboreum (RAP) on inflammatory parameters in the animal model. The RAP (100 and 200 mg/kg) were pre-treated for animals, given orally for one week, followed by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) injection. Body temperature, burrowing, and open field behavioral changes were assessed. Biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, LDH, BIL, CK, Cr, BUN, and albumin) were done in the plasma after 6 h of LPS challenge. Oxidative stress markers SOD, CAT, and MDA were measured in different organs. Levels of inflammatory markers like tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1-beta (IL-1ß) and, interleukin-6 (IL-6) as well as VEGF, a specific sepsis marker in plasma, were quantified. The plasma enzymes, antioxidant markers and plasma pro-inflammatory cytokines were significantly restored (p < 0.5) by RAP treatment, thus preventing the multi-organ and tissue damage in LPS induced rats. The protective effect of RAP may be due to its potent antioxidant potential. Thus, RAP can prevent LPS induced oxidative stress, as well as inflammatory and multi-organ damage as reported in histopathological studies in rats when administered to the LPS treated animals. These findings indicate that RAP can benefit in the management of systemic inflammation from LPS and may have implications for a new treatment or preventive therapeutic strategies with an inflammatory component.

Zingerone [4-(3-Methoxy-4-hydroxyphenyl)-butan-2] Attenuates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Inflammation and Protects Rats from Sepsis Associated Multi Organ Damage.

The present investigation aimed to evaluate the protective effect of Zingerone (ZIN) against lipopolysaccharide-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and cytokine storm in rats. For survival study the rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The control group was treated with normal saline; Group II received an intraperitoneal (i.p) injection (10 mg/kg) of LPS as disease control. Rats in Group III were treated with ZIN 150 mg/kg (p.o) 2 h before LPS challenge and rats in Group IV were given ZIN only. Survival of the rats was monitored up to 96 h post LPS treatment. In another set, the animals were divided into four groups of six rats. Animals in Group I served as normal control and were treated with normal saline. Animals in Group II were treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and served as disease control. Group III animals were treated with ZIN 2 h before LPS challenge. Group IV served as positive control and were treated with ZIN (150 mg/kg orally). The blood samples were collected and used for the analysis of biochemical parameters like alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate transaminase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), Cr, Urea, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), albumin, bilirubin (BIL), and total protein. Oxidative stress markers malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and (DNA damage marker) 8-OHdG levels were measured in different organs. Level of nitric oxide (NO) and inflammatory markers like TNF-α, IL-1ß, IL-1α, IL-2, IL-6, and IL-10 were also quantified in plasma. Procalcitonin (PCT), a sepsis biomarker, was also measured. ZIN treatment had shown significant (p < 0.5) restoration of plasma enzymes, antioxidant markers and attenuated plasma proinflammatory cytokines and sepsis biomarker (PCT), thereby preventing the multi-organ and tissue damage in LPS-induced rats also confirmed by histopathological studies of different organs. The protective effect of ZIN may be due to its potent antioxidant potential. Thus ZIN can prevent LPS-induced oxidative stress as well as inflammatory and multi-organ damage in rats when administered to the LPS treated animals.