Therapeutic effects of Nigella sativa on chronic HAART-induced hyperinsulinemia in ratsThis article is one of a selection of papers from the NATO Advanced Research Workshop on Translational Knowledge for Heart Health (published in part 2 of a 2-part Special Issue).

2009 ◽  
Vol 87 (4) ◽  
pp. 300-309 ◽  
Author(s):  
Surabhi Chandra ◽  
Subramanyam N. Murthy ◽  
Debasis Mondal ◽  
Krishna C. Agrawal
Keyword(s):  
Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Antiretroviral Drugs ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Insulin Production ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Long Term Effects

Prolonged use of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) is associated with insulin resistance in HIV-1-positive patients. Small animal models that recapitulate the long-term effects of HAART may facilitate the identification of therapeutic agents to suppress these side effects. We investigated the protective effects of black seed oil (BSO) from Nigella sativa in Sprague–Dawley rats treated with a daily HAART regimen for 7 months. The antiretroviral drugs, consisting of nelfinavir (200 mg/kg), zidovudine (50 mg/kg), and efavirenz (20 mg/kg), were mixed with diet with or without BSO (400 µL/kg) supplementation. Significant increases in insulin and C-peptide levels were observed in HAART-treated groups, and concomitant BSO treatment reduced this hyperinsulinemia. Interestingly, HAART-treated rats showed reduced size of pancreatic islets that was not seen in BSO-exposed rats. In vitro studies showed that nelfinavir, alone and in combination with HAART, induced oxidative stress and decreased glucose-induced insulin production in INS-1 cells. Suppressed insulin production was restored in cells coexposed to either BSO or thymoquinone. Our findings demonstrated that chronic HAART may increase serum insulin levels by dysregulating both insulin production by β cells and insulin action at the periphery. These deleterious effects may be prevented by dietary supplementation with BSO.

scholarly journals The Possible Therapeutic Effects of Some Medicinal Plants for Chronic Cough in Children

2020 ◽  
Vol 2020 ◽  
pp. 1-15
Author(s):  
S. Gholamreza Mortazavi Moghaddam ◽  
Majid Kianmehr ◽  
Mohammad Reza Khazdair
Keyword(s):  
Smooth Muscle ◽  
Medicinal Plants ◽  
Muscle Relaxant ◽  
Chronic Cough ◽  
Respiratory Symptoms ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Smooth Muscle Relaxant

The use of plants or their isolated bioactive components for the prevention and treatment of various disorders has been developed. Here, we aim to identify effective medicinal plants for relief of cough and respiratory symptoms in children. The data of this review article were obtained from published articles in scientific databases, including PubMed, Google Scholar, and Scopus, until December 2019. The keywords, including “Zataria multiflora Boiss.” OR “Portulaca oleracea L.” OR “Ferula assa-foetida L.” OR “Nigella sativa L.” AND “respiratory symptoms” OR “airway inflammation” OR “smooth muscle relaxant effects,” were searched individually or combined. The mentioned medicinal plants decreased total white blood cell (WBC), neutrophils, and eosinophils counts of blood and lung lavage in animal model-induced respiratory disorders. These plants also have protective effects on serum immunoglobulin, antibody titer, eosinophil count, and proinflammatory cytokines. Evidence from the studies indicated that the abovementioned medicinal plants have smooth muscle relaxant properties (bronchodilator effects) via stimulation of β-adrenoceptor or inhibition of muscarinic receptors (in vitro) and also improved the pulmonary function test in clinical settings. These medicinal plants are safe and easy to use. Based on the anti-inflammatory, anti-antispasmodic, and immunomodulatory effects, the clinical benefit may be assumed, therefore considering a place for these medicinal plants in relieve of chronic cough and symptoms of children’s allergy, asthma, and common cold.

scholarly journals Alleviation of Oxidative Stress in Dental Pulp Cells Following 4-Hexylresorcinol Administration in a Rat Model

2021 ◽  
Vol 11 (8) ◽  
pp. 3637
Author(s):  
Jun-Ho Chang ◽  
Dae-Won Kim ◽  
Seong-Gon Kim ◽  
Tae-Woo Kim
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Dental Pulp ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Mandibular Incisor ◽  
Tnf Α ◽  
Total Antioxidant ◽  
Pulp Cells ◽  
Pre Treatment

Damaged dental pulp undergoes oxidative stress and 4-hexylresorcinol (4HR) is a well-known antioxidant. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effects of a 4HR ointment on damaged dental pulp. Pulp cells from rat mandibular incisor were cultured and treated with 4HR or resveratrol (1–100 μM). These treatments (10–100 μM) exerted a protective effect during subsequent hydrogen peroxide treatments. The total antioxidant capacity and glutathione peroxidase activity were significantly increased following 4HR or resveratrol treatment (p < 0.05), while the expression levels of TNF-α and IL1β were decreased following the exposure to 4HR pre-treatment in an in vitro model. Additionally, the application of 4HR ointment in an exposed dental pulp model significantly reduced the expression of TNF-α and IL1β (p < 0.05). Conclusively, 4HR exerted protective effects against oxidative stress in dental pulp tissues through downregulating TNF-α and IL1β.

scholarly journals Knockdown of long non-coding RNA LEF1-AS1 attenuates apoptosis and inflammatory injury of microglia cells following spinal cord injury

2021 ◽  
Vol 16 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Sheng-Yu Cui ◽  
Wei Zhang ◽  
Zhi-Ming Cui ◽  
Hong Yi ◽  
Da-Wei Xu ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Spinal Cord ◽  
Spinal Cord Injury ◽  
Cell Viability ◽  
Microglial Cells ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Loss Of Function ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Cord Injury ◽  
Apoptosis And Inflammation

Abstract Background Spinal cord injury (SCI) is associated with health burden both at personal and societal levels. Recent assessments on the role of lncRNAs in SCI regulation have matured. Therefore, to comprehensively explore the function of lncRNA LEF1-AS1 in SCI, there is an urgent need to understand its occurrence and development. Methods Using in vitro experiments, we used lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to treat and establish the SCI model primarily on microglial cells. Gain- and loss of function assays of LEF1-AS1 and miR-222-5p were conducted. Cell viability and apoptosis of microglial cells were assessed via CCK8 assay and flow cytometry, respectively. Adult Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into four groups: Control, SCI, sh-NC, and sh-LEF-AS1 groups. ELISA test was used to determine the expression of TNF-α and IL-6, whereas the protein level of apoptotic-related markers (Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-3) was assessed using Western blot technique. Results We revealed that LncRNA LEF1-AS1 was distinctly upregulated, whereas miR-222-5p was significantly downregulated in LPS-treated SCI and microglial cells. However, LEF1-AS1 knockdown enhanced cell viability, inhibited apoptosis, as well as inflammation of LPS-mediated microglial cells. On the contrary, miR-222-5p upregulation decreased cell viability, promoted apoptosis, and inflammation of microglial cells. Mechanistically, LEF1-AS1 served as a competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA) by sponging miR-222-5p, targeting RAMP3. RAMP3 overexpression attenuated LEF1-AS1-mediated protective effects on LPS-mediated microglial cells from apoptosis and inflammation. Conclusion In summary, these findings ascertain that knockdown of LEF1-AS1 impedes SCI progression via the miR-222-5p/RAMP3 axis.

scholarly journals Propofol attenuates lung ischemia/reperfusion injury though the involvement of the MALAT1/microRNA-144/GSK3β axis

2021 ◽  
Vol 27 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Jian-Ping Zhang ◽  
Wei-Jing Zhang ◽  
Miao Yang ◽  
Hua Fang
Keyword(s):  
Cell Apoptosis ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Glycogen Synthase ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Loss Of Function

Abstract Background Propofol, an intravenous anesthetic, was proven to protect against lung ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury. However, the detailed mechanism of Propofol in lung I/R injury is still elusive. This study was designed to explore the therapeutic effects of Propofol, both in vivo and in vitro, on lung I/R injury and the underlying mechanisms related to metastasis-associated lung adenocarcinoma transcript 1 (MALAT1)/microRNA-144 (miR-144)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK3β). Methods C57BL/6 mice were used to establish a lung I/R injury model while pulmonary microvascular endothelial cells (PMVECs) were constructed as hypoxia/reperfusion (H/R) cellular model, both of which were performed with Propofol treatment. Gain- or loss-of-function approaches were subsequently employed, followed by observation of cell apoptosis in lung tissues and evaluation of proliferative and apoptotic capabilities in H/R cells. Meanwhile, the inflammatory factors, autophagosomes, and autophagy-related proteins were measured. Results Our experimental data revealed that Propofol treatment could decrease the elevated expression of MALAT1 following I/R injury or H/R induction, indicating its protection against lung I/R injury. Additionally, overexpressing MALAT1 or GSK3β promoted the activation of autophagosomes, proinflammatory factor release, and cell apoptosis, suggesting that overexpressing MALAT1 or GSK3β may reverse the protective effects of Propofol against lung I/R injury. MALAT1 was identified to negatively regulate miR-144 to upregulate the GSK3β expression. Conclusion Overall, our study demonstrated that Propofol played a protective role in lung I/R injury by suppressing autophagy and decreasing release of inflammatory factors, with the possible involvement of the MALAT1/miR-144/GSK3β axis.

scholarly journals Effects of ovariectomy and estrogen on ischemia-reperfusion injury in hindlimbs of female rats

2001 ◽  
Vol 91 (4) ◽  
pp. 1828-1835 ◽  
Author(s):  
Nicole Stupka ◽  
Peter M. Tiidus
Keyword(s):  
Muscle Damage ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Neutrophil Infiltration ◽  
Female Rats ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
17Β Estradiol

The effects of estrogen and ovariectomy on indexes of muscle damage after 2 h of complete hindlimb ischemia and 2 h of reperfusion were investigated in female Sprague-Dawley rats. The rats were assigned to one of three experimental groups: ovariectomized with a 17β-estradiol pellet implant (OE), ovariectomized with a placebo pellet implant (OP), or control with intact ovaries (R). It was hypothesized that following ischemia-reperfusion (I/R), muscle damage indexes [serum creatine kinase (CK) activity, calpain-like activity, inflammatory cell infiltration, and markers of lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric-reactive substances)] would be lower in the OE and R rats compared with the OP rats due to the protective effects of estrogen. Serum CK activity following I/R was greater ( P < 0.01) in the R rats vs. OP rats and similar in the OP and OE rats. Calpain-like activity was greatest in the R rats ( P < 0.01) and similar in the OP and OE rats. Neutrophil infiltration was assessed using the myeloperoxidase (MPO) assay and immunohistochemical staining for CD43-positive (CD43+) cells. MPO activity was lower ( P < 0.05) in the OE rats compared with any other group and similar in the OP and R rats. The number of CD43+ cells was greater ( P < 0.01) in the OP rats compared with the OE and R rats and similar in the OE and R rats. The OE rats had lower ( P < 0.05) thiobarbituric-reactive substance content following I/R compared with the R and OP rats. Indexes of muscle damage were consistently attenuated in the OE rats but not in the R rats. A 10-fold difference in serum estrogen content may mediate this. Surprisingly, serum CK activity and muscle calpain-like activity were lower ( P< 0.05) in the OP rats compared with the R rats. Increases in serum insulin-like growth factor-1 content ( P < 0.05) due to ovariectomy were hypothesized to account for this finding. Thus both ovariectomy and estrogen supplementation have differential effects on indexes of I/R muscle damage.

scholarly journals Endothelial dysfunction precedes hypertension in diet-induced insulin resistance

1998 ◽  
Vol 275 (3) ◽  
pp. R788-R792 ◽  
Author(s):  
Prasad V. G. Katakam ◽  
Michael R. Ujhelyi ◽  
Margarethe E. Hoenig ◽  
Allison Winecoff Miller
Keyword(s):  
Insulin Resistance ◽  
Endothelial Dysfunction ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Mesenteric Arteries ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Insulin Resistant ◽  
Glucose Levels

The insulin-resistant (IR) syndrome may be an impetus for the development of hypertension (HTN). Unfortunately, the mechanism by which this could occur is unclear. Our laboratory and others have described impaired endothelium-mediated relaxation in IR, mildly hypertensive rats. The purpose of the current study is to determine if HTN is most likely a cause or result of impaired endothelial function. Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized to receive a fructose-rich diet for 3, 7, 10, 14, 18, or 28 days or were placed in a control group. The control group received rat chow. After diet treatment, animals were instrumented with arterial cannulas, and while awake and unrestrained, their blood pressure (BP) was measured. Subsequently, endothelium-mediated relaxation to acetylcholine was determined (in vitro) by measuring intraluminal diameter of phenylephrine-preconstricted mesenteric arteries (∼250 μM). Serum insulin levels were significantly elevated in all groups receiving fructose feeding compared with control, whereas there were no differences in serum glucose levels between groups. Impairment of endothelium-mediated relaxation starts by day 14 [mean percent maximal relaxation (Emax): 69 ± 10% of baseline] and becomes significant by day 18 (Emax: 52 ± 11% of baseline; P < 0.01). However, the mean BP (mmHg) does not become significantly elevated until day 28 [BP: 132 ± 1 ( day 28) vs. 116 ± 3 (control); P < 0.05]. These findings demonstrate that both IR and endothelial dysfunction occur before HTN in this model and suggest that endothelial dysfunction may be a mechanism linking insulin resistance and essential HTN.

scholarly journals Protective effects of ginsenoside Rg1 on intestinal ischemia/reperfusion injury-induced oxidative stress and apoptosis via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway

2016 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
Author(s):  
Guo Zu ◽  
Jing Guo ◽  
Ningwei Che ◽  
Tingting Zhou ◽  
Xiangwen Zhang
Keyword(s):  
Signaling Pathway ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion Injury ◽  
Ischemia Reperfusion ◽  
Inflammatory Factors ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Ginsenoside Rg1 ◽  
Intestinal Ischemia Reperfusion

Abstract Ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) is one of the major bioactive ingredients in Panax ginseng, and it attenuates inflammation and apoptosis. The aims of our study were to explore the potential of Rg1 for the treatment of intestinal I/R injury and to determine whether the protective effects of Rg1 were exerted through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In this study, Rg1 treatment ameliorated inflammatory factors, ROS and apoptosis that were induced by intestinal I/R injury. Cell viability was increased and cell apoptosis was decreased with Rg1 pretreatment following hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R) in the in vitro study. Rg1 activated the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway in both the in vivo and in vitro models, and in the in vitro study, the activation was blocked by DKK1. Our study provides evidence that pretreatment with Rg1 significantly reduces ROS and apoptosis induced by intestinal I/R injury via activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Taken together, our results suggest that Rg1 could exert its therapeutic effects on intestinal I/R injury through the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway and provide a novel treatment modality for intestinal I/R injury.

Protective effect of nigella sativa extract and thymoquinone on serum/glucose deprivation-induced PC12 cells death

2011 ◽  
Vol 26 (S2) ◽  
pp. 908-908
Author(s):  
H.R. Sadeghnia ◽  
S.H. Mousavi ◽  
Z. Tayarani-Najaran ◽  
M. Asghari
Keyword(s):  
Cell Viability ◽  
Pc12 Cells ◽  
Neurodegenerative Disorders ◽  
Nigella Sativa ◽  
Glucose Deprivation ◽  
Serum Glucose ◽  
Ros Production ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Intracellular Ros

The serum/glucose deprivation (SGD)-induced cell death in cultured PC12 cells represents a useful in vitro model for the study of brain ischemia and neurodegenerative disorders.Nigella sativa L. and its active component, thymoquinone (TQ) have been known as a source of antioxidants. In the present study, the protective effects of N. sativa and TQ on cell viability and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production in cultured PC12 cells were investigated under SGD conditions. PC12 Cells were pretreated with different concentrations of N. sativa extract (15.62–250 μg/ml) and TQ (1.17–150 μM) for 2 h and then subjected to SGD for 6 or 18 h. Cell viability was quantitated by MTT assay. Intracellular ROS production was measured by flow cytometry using 2’,7’-dichlorofluorescin diacetate (DCF-DA) as a probe. SGD induced significant cells toxicity after 6, 18, or 24 h (p < 0.001). Pretreatment with N. sativa (15.62–250 μg/ml) and TQ (1.17–37.5 μM) reduced SGD-induced cytotoxicity in PC12 cells after 6 and 18 h. A significant increase in intracellular ROS production was seen following SGD (p < 0.001). N. sativa (250 μg/ml, p < 0.01) and TQ (2.34, 4.68, 9.37 μM, p < 0.01) pretreatment reversed the increased ROS production following ischemic insult. The experimental results suggest that N. sativa extract and TQ protects the PC12 cells against SGD-induced cytotoxicity via antioxidant mechanisms. Our findings might raise the possibility of potential therapeutic application of N. sativa extract and TQ for managing cerebral ischemic and neurodegenerative disorders.

scholarly journals Influence of GABA and GABA-producing Lactobacillus brevis DPC 6108 on the development of diabetes in a streptozotocin rat model

2016 ◽  
Vol 7 (3) ◽  
pp. 409-420 ◽  
Author(s):  
T.M. Marques ◽  
E. Patterson ◽  
R. Wall ◽  
O. O’Sullivan ◽  
G.F. Fitzgerald ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Body Weight ◽  
Serum Insulin ◽  
Lactobacillus Brevis ◽  
Diabetic Rats ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Metabolic Markers ◽  
Glucose Levels ◽  
Intestinal Length ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate if dietary administration of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA)-producing Lactobacillus brevis DPC 6108 and pure GABA exert protective effects against the development of diabetes in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic Sprague Dawley rats. In a first experiment, healthy rats were divided in 3 groups (n=10/group) receiving placebo, 2.6 mg/kg body weight (bw) pure GABA or L. brevis DPC 6108 (~109microorganisms). In a second experiment, rats (n=15/group) were randomised to five groups and four of these received an injection of STZ to induce type 1 diabetes. Diabetic and non-diabetic controls received placebo [4% (w/v) yeast extract in dH2O], while the other three diabetic groups received one of the following dietary supplements: 2.6 mg/kg bw GABA (low GABA), 200 mg/kg bw GABA (high GABA) or ~109 L. brevis DPC 6108. L. brevis DPC 6108 supplementation was associated with increased serum insulin levels (P<0.05), but did not alter other metabolic markers in healthy rats. Diabetes induced by STZ injection decreased body weight (P<0.05), increased intestinal length (P<0.05) and stimulated water and food intake. Insulin was decreased (P<0.05), whereas glucose was increased (P<0.001) in all diabetic groups, compared with non-diabetic controls. A decrease (P<0.01) in glucose levels was observed in diabetic rats receiving L. brevis DPC 6108, compared with diabetic-controls. Both the composition and diversity of the intestinal microbiota were affected by diabetes. Microbial diversity in diabetic rats supplemented with low GABA was not reduced (P>0.05), compared with non-diabetic controls while all other diabetic groups displayed reduced diversity (P<0.05). L. brevis DPC 6108 attenuated hyperglycaemia induced by diabetes but additional studies are needed to understand the mechanisms involved in this reduction.

scholarly journals Sulodexide Protects Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Sprague-Dawley Rats

2016 ◽  
Vol 40 (3-4) ◽  
pp. 621-632 ◽  
Author(s):  
Qing Zhao ◽  
Jianyong Yin ◽  
Zeyuan Lu ◽  
Yiwei Kong ◽  
Guangyuan Zhang ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Oxidative Stress ◽  
Caspase 3 ◽  
Vehicle Group ◽  
Control Group ◽  
Therapeutic Effects ◽  
Protective Effects ◽  
Sprague Dawley ◽  
Contrast Induced Nephropathy ◽  
Sprague Dawley Rats ◽  
Hk2 Cells

Background: Sulodexide is a powerful antithrombin agent with reno-protective property. However, whether it has beneficial effects on Contrast-Induced Nephropathy (CIN) remained elusive. In the current study, we evaluated the therapeutic effects of Sulodexide on CIN and investigated the potential mechanisms. Methods: CIN model was induced by intravenous injection of indomethacin, followed by Ioversol and L-NAME. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 4 groups: control group, CIN group, CIN+vehicle group (CIN rats pretreated with vehicle) and CIN+ Sulodexide (CIN rats pretreated with Sulodexide). Sulodexide or an equivalent volume of vehicle was intravenously delivered 30 min before the induction of CIN. All the animals were sacrificed at 24h after CIN and tissues were harvested to evaluate renal injury, kidney oxidative stress and apoptosis levels. Plasma antithrombin III (ATIII) activities were also measured. Results: Compared to the untreated CIN group, improved renal function, reduced tubular injury, decreased levels of oxidative stress and apoptosis were observed in CIN rats receiving Sulodexide injection. In addition, we also found that ATIII activity was significantly higher in Sulodexide-administered group than that in vehicle-injected CIN rats. For in vitro studies, HK2 cells were exposed to Ioversol and the cyto-protective effects of Sulodexide were also determined. Sulodexide pretreatment protected HK2 cells against the cytotoxicity of Ioversol via inhibiting caspase-3 activity. Preincubation with Sulodexide could also attenuate H2O2-induced increases in ROS, apoptosis and caspase-3 levels. Conclusions: Taken together, Sulodexide could protect against CIN through activating ATIII, and inhibiting oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

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