Lansoprazole promotes cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury via enhancing tubular necroptosis

Acute kidney injury (AKI) is the main obstacle that limits the use of cisplatin in cancer treatment. Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs), the most commonly used class of medications for gastrointestinal complications in cancer patients, have been reported to cause adverse renal events. However, the effect of PPIs on cisplatin-induced AKI remains unclear. Herein, the effect and mechanism of lansoprazole (LPZ), one of the most frequently prescribed PPIs, on cisplatin-induced AKI were investigated in vivo and in vitro. C57BL/6 mice received a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of cisplatin (18 mg/kg) to induce AKI, and LPZ (12.5 or 25 mg/kg) was administered 2 hours prior to cisplatin administration and then once daily for another 2 days via i.p. injection. The results showed that LPZ significantly aggravated the tubular damage and further increased the elevated levels of serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen induced by cisplatin. However, LPZ did not enhance cisplatin-induced tubular apoptosis, as evidenced by a lack of significant change in mRNA and protein expression of Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and TUNEL staining. Notably, LPZ increased the number of necrotic renal tubular cells compared to that by cisplatin treatment alone, which was further confirmed by the elevated necroptosis-associated protein expression of RIPK1, p-RIPK3 and p-MLKL. Furthermore, LPZ deteriorated cisplatin-induced inflammation, as revealed by the increased mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory factors including, NLRP3, IL-1β, TNF-α and caspase 1, as well as neutrophil infiltration. Consistently, in in vitro study, LPZ increased HK-2 cell death and enhanced inflammation, compared with cisplatin treatment alone. Collectively, our results demonstrate that LPZ aggravates cisplatin-induced AKI, and necroptosis may be involved in the exacerbation of kidney damage.     

Protection against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity by Cu(II)2(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)4

The ability of Cu(II)(2)(3,5-diisopropylsalicylate)(4), CuDIPS, which exhibits superoxide dismutase (SOD)-like activity, to prevent cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was examined in rats. Rats were divided into four groups and treated as follows: (i) vehicle control; (ii) cisplatin (16 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); (iii) CuDIPS (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); and (iv) cisplatin plus CuDIPS. Rats were sacrificed 3 days post-treatment. Cisplatin alone resulted in significantly increased plasma creatinine and urea. Administration of 10 mg/kg CuDIPS prevented the cisplatin-induced elevation of plasma creatinine and urea and protected against kidney damage. Relative to controls, rats that received cisplatin treatment displayed a decrease of reduced glutathione (GSH) and elevated platinum and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels in the kidney. In comparison with controls, activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD, CAT, GSH-Px and GSH-Rd) were also reduced in the kidney of rats treated with cisplatin. Administration of 10 mg/kg CuDIPS prevented cisplatin-induced alterations in renal platinum, GSH, TBARS, and antioxidant enzyme activities. This study suggests that the protection offered by CuDIPS against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity is partly related to maintenance of renal antioxidant systems.     

Adverse effects of anti-tumor drug, cisplatin, on rat kidney mitochondria: disturbances in glutathione peroxidase activity

This study was designed to clarify mechanisms responsible for cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity together with the effect of selenium. Rats were divided into 3 groups: the cisplatin group; cisplatin (60 mg/kg) was administered intraperitoneally once, the cisplatin + Se group; cisplatin (60 mg/kg) once, and selenious acid (10 mumol/kg) were administered intraperitoneally once a day for 5 consecutive days, the control group; untreated. In each group, mitochondrial respiratory function, enzymic activities in mitochondrial respiratory chain and glutathione peroxidase, and plasma creatinine and BUN contents were measured. In the cisplatin group, decreases in mitochondrial respiratory function, enzymic activities in the respiratory chain and glutathione peroxidase, and increases in plasma creatinine and BUN contents were observed compared with the control group, while the cisplatin + Se group lessened these impairments. These results suggested that cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity was closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction through the impairment of glutathione peroxidase. This toxicity might be ascribed to free radical mediated-injury. We propose here that, with selenium, higher dose administration of cisplatin to patients might be applicable.     

姜黄素对顺铂所致胃组织ICC损伤的保护作用及机制

目的:探索顺铂对胃组织Cajal间质细胞(Cajal interstitial cells,ICCs)结构和功能的损伤以及姜黄素的保护作用。方法:选用成年雄性昆明种小鼠,随机分为对照组、顺铂组和顺铂+姜黄素组,每组各10只。姜黄素(200 mg/kg/d)混悬液连续灌胃15天。顺铂于实验结束前5天开始腹腔注射(2 mg/kg/d)共5天。计算每只小鼠最后5天的体重增减值,停药24 h后测量小鼠的胃排空率。电镜检测胃组织ICC超微结构,并测定特异性反映ICC功能变化的Ano1蛋白和m RNA的表达情况。结果:注射顺铂后各组小鼠的体重和胃排空率均显著降低(P0.01);与顺铂组相比,姜黄素预先灌胃组小鼠体重下降较少(P0.01),胃排空率有所回升(P0.05)。注射顺铂后,胃组织中ICCs受损,尤其与周围神经和肌肉间的缝隙连接增大甚至断裂,而姜黄素可以减轻这种损伤。同时,顺铂组胃组织中Ano1 m RNA和蛋白表达均下降(P0.01),加姜黄素组有所改善(P0.05)。结论:而姜黄素可通过减轻顺铂所致胃组织ICC结构损伤以及增强Ano1表达进而增强ICC慢波起博功能。     

In vivo evidence suggesting a role for purine-catabolizing enzymes in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats and effect of erdosteine against this toxicity

The aim of this experimental study was to investigate the possible role of adenosine deaminase (AD) and xanthine oxidase (XO) in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and the effect of erdosteine in decreasing the toxicity. The intraperitoneal injection of cisplatin (7 mg kg(-1) body weight) induced a significant increase in plasma creatinine level and blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and plasma and damaged renal tissue activities of AD and XO in rats. Co-treatment with erdosteine (10 mg kg(-1)day(-1)) attenuated the increase in the plasma creatinine and BUN levels, and significantly prevented the increase in tissue and plasma AD and XO activities (P<0.05). The results of this study revealed that XO and AD may play an important role in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. The potent free radical scavenger erdosteine may have protective potential in this process and it will become a promising drug in the prevention of this undesired side-effect of cisplatin, but further studies are needed to illuminate the exact protection mechanism of erdosteine against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity.     

Antiemetic Role of Thalidomide in a Rat Model of Cisplatin-Induced Emesis

The efficacy of thalidomide to attenuate cisplatin-induced emesis was evaluated in a rat model. Four groups were utilized: control group (peritoneal injection and gastric lavage with normal saline), cisplatin group (peritoneal injection of cisplatin at 10 mg/kg and gastric lavage with normal saline), thalidomide group (cisplatin as above and gastric lavage with thalidomide at 10 mg/kg), and granisetron group (positive control for antiemetic effects; cisplatin given as above and gastric lavage done with granisetron at 0.5 mg/kg). The cisplatin-induced kaolin consumption (pica behavior) was used as a model of emesis in patients. The animals’ kaolin and food intakes were measured. Further, medulla and gastric tissues were obtained 5 and 33 h after peritoneal injections to quantify the levels of Substance P and Neurokinin-1 receptor (NK-1R). The cisplatin-induced kaolin consumption was significantly (p < 0.05 vs. cisplatin group) attenuated by thalidomide 72 h after the injection. The levels of Substance P in the medulla and gastric tissue were increased 5 h after the injection in both cisplatin and thalidomide groups, however, returned faster to normal levels in the thalidomide group (p < 0.05 vs. cisplatin group). Further, levels of NK-1R in the cisplatin, thalidomide, and granisetron group were significantly increased at both 5 and 33 h (p < 0.05 vs. control group), with no obvious difference among these three groups. In conclusion, thalidomide attenuates animal equivalent of cisplatin-induced emesis, and this beneficial effect is associated with decreased levels of Substance P levels in the medulla and gastric tissue.     

Kaempferol protects against rat striatal degeneration induced by 3-nitropropionic acid

3-Nitropropionic acid (NPA) produces degeneration of striatum and some neurological disturbances characteristic of Huntington's disease in rodents and primates. We have shown that the flavonoid kaempferol largely reduced striatal damage induced by cerebral ischaemia-reperfusion in rats ( Lopez-Sanchez et al. 2007 ). In this work, we report that intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of kaempferol affords an efficient protection against NPA-induced neurodegeneration in Wistar rats. We studied the effects of daily i.p. injections of 7, 14 and 21 mg of kaempferol/kg body weight during the NPA-treatment (25 mg/kg body weight/12 h i.p., for 5 days) on the neurological deficits, degeneration of rat striatum and oxidative stress markers. Intraperitoneal injections of 14–21 mg of kaempferol/kg body weight largely attenuated motor deficit and delayed mortality. The higher dose of kaempferol prevented the appearance of NPA-induced striatal lesions up to the end of treatment, as revealed by haematoxylin-eosin and TUNEL staining, and also NPA-induced oxidative stress, because it blocked the fall of reduced glutathione and the increase of protein nitrotyrosines in NPA-treated rats. It was found that striatal degeneration was associated with calpains activation and a large inactivation of creatine kinase, which were also prevented when the higher doses of kaempferol were administered.     

Naringenin attenuates cisplatin nephrotoxicity in rats

The effect of naringenin (NAR), a naturally occurring citrus flavanone, on the acute nephrotoxicity produced by cisplatin (7 mg/kg, i.v.) was investigated in the rat. Oral administration of NAR (20 mg/kg/day) for 10 days, starting 5 days before cisplatin single i.v. injection, produced significant protection of renal function. NAR reduced the extent of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by significant reduction in serum urea and creatinine concentrations, decreased polyuria, reduction in body weight loss, marked reduction in urinary fractional sodium excretion and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activity, and increased creatinine clearance. Cisplatin-induced alterations in renal cortex lipid peroxides and GST activity were markedly improved by NAR. Cisplatin-induced alterations in renal cortex antioxidant defense system were greatly prevented by NAR. In cisplatin-NAR combined treatment group, antioxidant enzymes namely superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and catalase (CAT) were significantly increased to 54.5, 30.3 and 35.6%, respectively compared to cisplatin treated group. Platinum renal content was not affected by NAR treatment. The results provide further insight into the mechanisms of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity and confirm the antioxidant potential of NAR.     

Lupeol prevents acetaminophen-induced in vivo hepatotoxicity by altering the Bax/Bcl-2 and oxidative stress-mediated mitochondrial signaling cascade

AimsLupeol, a triterpene, possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-malarial, anti-arthritic and anti-carcinogenic properties. The present study was conducted to explore the hepatoprotective potential of lupeol against acetaminophen (AAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats.Main methodsRats were given a prophylactic treatment of lupeol (150 mg/kg body weight, p.o., for 30 consecutive days) with a co-administration of AAP (1 g/kg body weight). The modulatory effects of lupeol on AAP-induced hepatotoxicity were investigated by assaying oxidative stress biomarkers, serum liver toxicity markers, pro/anti apoptotic proteins, DNA fragmentation and by the histopathological examination of the liver.Key findingsLupeol significantly prevented hepatic damage as evident from the histopathological studies and significant decline in serum trans-aminases. The alterations in cellular redox status (p < 0.01) and antioxidant enzyme activities together with the enhanced lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyl levels were also observed in the AAP-treated rats. In addition, significant ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarization were observed in this group. Co-administration of lupeol significantly decreased the level of serum transaminases, MDA and protein carbonyl content. It also prevented ROS generation and mitochondrial depolarization. Furthermore, lupeol enhanced the mitochondrial antioxidant and redox status and inhibited DNA damage and cell death by preventing the downregulation of Bcl-2, upregulation of Bax, release of cytochrome c and the activation of caspase 9/3.SignificanceThe conclusion of this study is that lupeol when co-administered with AAP effectively reduces oxidative stress and prevents AAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting critical control points of apoptosis.     

Effects of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and autophagy-related proteins in skeletal muscle of rats

Cisplatin is widely known as an anti-cancer drug. However, the effects of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and autophagy-related proteins levels in the skeletal muscle are unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of different doses of cisplatin on mitochondrial function and autophagy-re-lated protein levels in the skeletal muscle of rats. Eight-week-old male Wistar rats (n = 24) were assigned to one of three groups; the first group was administered a saline placebo (CON, n = 10), and the second and third groups were given 0.1 mg/kg body weight (BW) (n = 6), and 0.5 mg/kg BW (n = 8) of cisplatin, respectively. The group that had been administered 0.5 mg cisplatin exhibited a reduced BW, skeletal muscle tissue weight, and mitochondrial function and upregulated levels of autophagy-related proteins, including LC3II, Beclin 1, and BNIP3. Moreover, this group had a high LC3 II/I ratio in the skeletal muscle; i.e., the administration of a high dose of cisplatin decreased the muscle mass and mitochondrial function and increased the levels of autophagy-related proteins. These results, thus, suggest that reducing mitochondrial dysfunction and autophagy pathways may be important for preventing skeletal muscle atrophy following cisplatin administration.     

Morin Hydrate Mitigates Cisplatin‐Induced Renal and Hepatic Injury by Impeding Oxidative/Nitrosative Stress and Inflammation in Mice

Cisplatin is a widely used chemotherapeutic drug; however, it induces damage on kidney and liver at clinically effective higher doses. Morin hydrate possesses antioxidant, anti‐inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the effects of morin hydrate (50 and 100 mg/kg, orally) against the renohepatic toxicity induced by a high dose of cisplatin (20 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Renal and hepatic function, oxidative/nitrosative stress, and inflammatory markers along with histopathology were evaluated. Morin hydrate ameliorated cisplatin‐induced renohepatic toxicity significantly at 100 mg/kg as evidenced from the significant reversal of cisplatin‐induced body weight loss, mortality, functional and structural alterations of kidney, and liver. The protective role offered by morin hydrate against cisplatin‐induced renohepatic toxicity is by virtue of its free radical scavenging property, thereby abating the depletion of cellular antioxidant defense components and through modulation of inflammatory cytokines. We speculate morin hydrate as a protective candidate against renohepatic toxicity of cisplatin.     

Inhibition of PARP activation by enalapril is crucial for its renoprotective effect in cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats

Oxidative stress-induced PARP activation has been recognized to be a main factor in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Accumulating literature has revealed that ACE inhibitors may exert beneficial effect in several disease models via preventing PARP activation. Based on this hypothesis, we have evaluated the renoprotective effect of enalapril, an ACE inhibitor, and its underlying mechanism(s) in cisplatin-induced renal injury in rats. Male Albino Wistar rats were orally administered normal saline or enalapril (10, 20 and 40?mg/kg) for 10 days. Nephrotoxicity was induced by a single dose of cisplatin (8?mg/kg; i.p.) on the 7th day. The animals were thereafter sacrificed on the 11th day and both the kidneys were excised and processed for biochemical, histopathological, molecular, and immunohistochemical studies. Enalapril (40?mg/kg) significantly prevented cisplatin-induced renal dysfunction. In comparison to cisplatin-treated group, the elevation of BUN and creatinine levels was significantly less in this group. This improvement in kidney injury markers was well substantiated with reduced PARP expression along with phosphorylation of MAPKs including JNK/ERK/p38. Enalapril, in a dose-dependent fashion, attenuated cisplatin-induced oxidative stress as evidenced by augmented GSH, SOD and catalase activities, reduced TBARS and oxidative DNA damage (8-OHDG), and Nox-4 protein expression. Moreover, enalapril dose dependently inhibited cisplatin-induced inflammation (NF-κB/IKK-β/IL-6/Cox-2/TNF-α expressions), apoptosis (increased Bcl-2 and reduced p53, cytochrome c, Bax and caspase-3 expressions, and TUNEL/DAPI positivity) and preserved the structural integrity of the kidney. Thus, enalapril attenuated cisplatin-induced renal injury via inhibiting PARP activation and subsequent MAPKs/TNF-α/NF-κB mediated inflammatory and apoptotic response.     

Effects of Acute In vivo Cisplatin and Selenium Treatment on Hematological and Oxidative Stress Parameters in Red Blood Cells of Rats

Although cisplatin (cisPt) is one of the most often used cytotoxic drugs in the treatment of cancer, its clinical application is associated with nephrotoxicity and a cumulative anemia. In this study, we evaluated posible protective effects of selenium (Se) on hematological and oxidative stress parameters in rats, acutely treated with cisPt. Four groups of Wistar albino rats included control rats, cisPt-treated (7.5 mg/kg of body weight of cisPt, i.p.), Se-treated (6 mg/kg of body weight of Na₂SeO₄, i.p.), and Se and cisPt co-treated rats. The rats were killed 72 h after treatment; hematological and oxidative stress parameters were followed in red blood cells. The results showed depletion in platelet number induced by high acute doses of cisPt and strong utilization of reduced glutathione, resulting in elevation of GSSG/2 GSH ratio. Se treatment was followed by stimulated erythropoiesis, increased lipid peroxidation, and GSH depletion. Se and cisPt co-treatment were followed by stimulated erythropoiesis and significant recovery of reduced glutathione status when compared with cisPt-treated rats. In conclusion, acute doses of Se and cisPt primarily act as pro-oxidants. CisPt influenced antioxidative properties of exogenous Se and their synergistic effects may partially participate in protection against cisPt-induced toxicity.     

Protective agent, erdosteine, against cisplatin-induced hepatic oxidant injury in rats

Cisplatin, one of the most active cytotoxic agents against cancer, has several toxicities. Hepatotoxicity is one of them occurred during high doses treatment. The aim of this study was to determine the effects of erdosteine against cisplatin-induced liver injury through tissue oxidant/antioxidant parameters and light microscopic evaluation. The rats were randomly divided into three groups: control (n=5), cisplatin (10 mg/kg, n=6) and cisplatin+erdosteine (50 mg/kg/day oral erdosteine, n=8) groups. The rats were sacrificed at the 5th day of cisplatin treatment. The liver tissues were examined with light microscopy and oxidant/antioxidant biochemical parameters. The malondialdehyde (MDA) and nitric oxide (NO) levels were increased in the cisplatin group in comparison with the control and cisplatin+erdosteine groups (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in MDA and NO levels between control and cisplatin+erdosteine groups. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) were higher in cisplatin+erdosteine group than cisplatin group (p<0.05). However, the CAT and GSH-Px activities were significantly lower in cisplatin group than in control group (p<0.05). The light microscopic examination revealed that cytoplasmic changes especially around cells of central vein were observed in cisplatin group. Hepatocellular vacuolization was seen in these cells. In the cisplatin plus erdosteine group, a decrease in cytoplasmic changes with the hepatocytes and sinusoidal dilatations around cells of central vein were noticed in as compared to cisplatin group. In the light of microscopic and biochemical results, it was concluded that cisplatin-induced liver damage in high dose and erdosteine prevented this toxic side effect by the way of its antioxidant and radical scavenging effects. (Mol Cell Biochem 278: 79–84, 2005)     

Quebrachitol-induced gastroprotection against acute gastric lesions: Role of prostaglandins, nitric oxide and KATP channels

The effect of Quebrachitol (2-O-methyl-l-inositol), a bioactive component from Magonia glabrata fruit extract was investigated against gastric damage induced by absolute ethanol (96%, 0.2 ml/animal) and indomethacin (30 mg/kg, p.o.), in mice. Quebrachitol at oral doses of 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg markedly attenuated the gastric lesions induced by ethanol to the extent of 69%, 64%, and 53% and against indomethacin by 55%, 59%, and 26%, respectively. While pretreatment with TRPV1 antagonist capsazepine (5 mg/kg, i.p.) failed to block effectively the gastroprotective effect of quebrachitol (25 mg/kg) against ethanol damage, the non-selective cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 mg/kg, p.o.), almost abolished it. Furthermore, quebrachitol effect was significantly reduced in mice pretreated with l-NAME, or glibenclamide, the respective inhibitors of nitric oxide synthase and K⁺_ATP channel activation. Thus we provide the first evidence that quebrachitol reduces the gastric damage induced by ethanol and indomethacin, at least in part, by mechanisms that involve endogenous prostaglandins, nitric oxide release, and or the activation of K⁺_ATP channels.     

内源性硫化氢在脂多糖引起的肺动脉高压中的作用

为观察硫化氢(hydrogen sulfide,H2s)在脂多糖(1ipopolysaccharide,LPS)引起的肺动脉高压中的作用,应用离体血管环张力测定方法测定肺动脉反应性,采用生物化学方法测定肺动脉组织中H2S产出率和胱硫醚-γ-裂解酶(cystathionine γ-lyase,CSE)活性,定量PCR方法测定肺动脉组织中CSE表达水平.结果如下:(1)与对照组相比,LPS可显著升高肺动脉平均压(mean pulmonary arterial pressure,mPAP)[(1.82±0.29)kPa vs(1.43±0.26)kPa,P<0.01],降低肺动脉组织中H2S产出率[(26.33±7.84)vs(42.92±8.73)pmoFg wet tissue per minute,P<0.01]和ACh诱导的肺动脉内皮依赖性舒张反应[(75.72±7.22)%vs(86.40±4.40)%,P<0.01];(2)NariS可部分逆转上述变化,而PPG加剧上述变化;(3)CSE活性和CSE mRNA表达的变化与H2S产出率的变化相同.结果提示,LPS对内皮依赖性舒张反应的抑制导致肺动脉高压的发生,此作用可能与H2S有关.     

The Antioxidant and Antigenotoxic Effects of Pycnogenol<Superscript>®</Superscript> on Rats Treated With Cisplatin

Oxidative stress and inflammation are implicated in the pathogenesis of cisplatin-induced toxicity. Pycnogenol® is known for its strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, the possible protective effects of pycnogenol on kidney, bone marrow, and red blood cells in rats treated with cisplatin were investigated. The rats were divided into four groups. Group 1 was the control and groups 2, 3, and 4 were orally treated with pycnogenol (200 mg/kg bw, o.p) for 5 days, treated with cisplatin (7 mg/kg bw, i.p.) on the fifth day and treated with cisplatin plus pycnogenol, respectively. Antioxidative parameters in kidney and red blood cells were measured. Chromosome anomalies in bone marrow and renal histopathology were also investigated. Activities of pro-oxidant enzymes (myeloperoxidase and xanthine oxidase), malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide levels significantly increased but antioxidant enzymes activities decreased in the kidneys and red blood cells after cisplatin treatment. Pycnogenol treatment prior to the administration of cisplatin significantly decreased cisplatin-induced injury, as evidenced by its normalizing these parameters. Chromosomal aberrations decreased and mitotic index frequencies increased in bone marrow treated with cisplatin plus pycnogenol. These findings suggest that pycnogenol may be a useful protective agent against the toxicity associated with cisplatin therapy.     

The liver X receptor agonist TO901317 protects mice against cisplatin-induced kidney injury

Liver X receptors are in the nuclear receptor superfamily and are contained in the regulation of lipid and cholesterol metabolism. Besides, liver X receptors are considered crucial regulators of the inflammatory response and innate immunity. The current study evaluates the in vivo effects that the synthetic liver X receptor agonist TO901317 protects against cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice. Mice received cisplatin administration through a single intraperitoneal injection (20 mg/kg in saline). And then the mice were treated with the TO901317 by daily gavage (10 mg/kg/day) 12 h postcisplatin administration, and cisplatin nephrotoxicity was evaluated. At 72 h after cisplatin treatment, elevated plasma urea and creatinine levels (P < 0.05) were evidenced which indicates the renal dysfunction of the vehicle-treated mice, consistent with tubular necrosis, protein cast, dilation of renal tubules, and desquamation of epithelial cells in renal tubules. In contrast, the severity of renal dysfunction and histological damage was reduced in TO901317 treated mice (P < 0.05). In accordance, circulating tumor necrosis factor alpha levels, renal tumor necrosis factor alpha, p47^phox, gp91^phox, and protein expression levels and COX-2 mRNA, renal monocyte chemoattractant protein 1, VACAM-1 mRNA and intercellular adhesion molecule-1 contents, and renal prostaglandin E₂ amounts, were higher in samples from cisplatin-treated mice in comparison with controls (P < 0.05) but attenuated in the TO901317 treatment group (P < 0.05). Taken together, treatment with the liver X receptor agonist TO901317 ameliorated the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in cisplatin-induced kidney injury in mice.     

Efficacy of caffeic acid in preventing nickel induced oxidative damage in liver of rats

Nickel (Ni), a major environmental pollutant, is known for its wide toxic manifestations. In the present study caffeic acid (CA), one of the most commonly occurring phenolic acids in fruits, grains and dietary supplements, was evaluated for its protective effect against the Ni induced oxidative damage in liver. In this investigation, Ni (20 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally for 20 days to induce toxicity. CA was administered orally (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg body weight) for 20 days with intraperitoneal administration of Ni. Ni induced liver damage was clearly shown by the increased activities of serum hepatic enzymes namely aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma glutamyl transferase (GGT) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) along with increased elevation of lipid peroxidation indices (thiobarbituric reactive acid substances (TBARS) and lipid hydroperoxides). The toxic effect of Ni was also indicated by significantly decreased levels of enzymatic (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione S-transferase (GST)) and non-enzymatic antioxidants (glutathione (GSH), vitamin C and vitamin E). CA administered at a dose of 60 mg/kg body weight significantly reversed the activities of hepatic marker enzymes to their near normal levels when compared with other two doses. In addition, CA significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and restored the levels of antioxidant defense in the liver. All these changes were supported by histological observations. The results indicate that CA may be beneficial in ameliorating the Ni induced oxidative damage in the liver of rats.     

Amelioration of cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice by oral administration of diphenylmethyl selenocyanate

Cisplatin is one of the most potent and active cytotoxic drug in the treatment of cancer. However, side-effects in normal tissues and organs, notably nephrotoxicity in the kidneys, limit the promising efficacy of cisplatin. The present study was designed to ascertain the possible in vivo protective potential of a synthetic organoselenium compound diphenylmethyl selenocyanate (3 mg/kg.b.w.) against the nephrotoxic damage induced by cisplatin (5 mg/kg.b.w. for 5 days) in Swiss albino mice. Treatment with diphenylmethyl selenocyanate markedly reduced cisplatin-induced lipid peroxidation, serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels. Renal antioxidant defense systems, such as glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, catalase, activities and reduced glutathione level, depleted by cisplatin therapy, were restored to normal by the selenium compound. The selenium compound also reduced renal tubular epithelial cell damage, nitric oxide levels and expression of COX-2, and iNOS in kidneys injured by cisplatin. These results demonstrate the protective effect of diphenylmethyl selenocyanate against cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity in mice.