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Journal of Cancer Research and... 2016The use of compounds which can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is of immense use because in addition to it protecting the normal tissue, will... (Review)
Review
The use of compounds which can selectively protect normal tissues against radiation injury is of immense use because in addition to it protecting the normal tissue, will also permits use of higher doses of radiation to obtain better cancer control and possible cure. However, most of the radio protective compounds investigated possess inadequate clinical application principally due to their inherent systemic toxicity at their optimal protective concentrations. Plants commonly used as medicinal and dietary agents have recently been the focus of attention and studies have shown that Ocimum sanctum Linn. commonly known as the Holy Basil and its water soluble flavonoids, orientin and vicenin protects experimental animals against the radiation-induced sickness and mortality at nontoxic concentrations. Studies with tumor bearing mice have also shown that both Tulsi extract and its flavonoids selectively protect the normal tissues against the tumoricidal effects of radiation. Preclinical studies have also shown that the aqueous extract of the Tulsi leaves; its flavanoids orientin and vicenin, and eugenol, the principal nonpolar constituent present in Tulsi prevent radiation-induced clastogenesis. Mechanistic studies have indicated that free radical scavenging, antioxidant, metal chelating and anti-inflammatory effects may contribute toward the observed protection. In addition, clinical studies with a small number of patients have shown that Tulsi was effective as a radio protective agent. This review summarizes the results related to the radio protective properties of Tulsi and its phytochemicals and also emphasizes the aspects that warrant future research to establish its use as a radio protective agent.
Topics: Animals; Flavonoids; Humans; Medicine, Ayurvedic; Mice; Neoplasms; Ocimum sanctum; Plant Extracts; Plant Leaves; Radiation Injuries; Radiation-Protective Agents; Radiotherapy
PubMed: 27072205
DOI: 10.4103/0973-1482.151422 -
Oxidative Medicine and Cellular... 2015Parkinson's disease is a chronic, debilitating neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia... (Review)
Review
Parkinson's disease is a chronic, debilitating neurodegenerative movement disorder characterized by progressive degeneration of dopaminergic neurons in the substantia nigra pars compacta region in human midbrain. To date, oxidative stress is the well accepted concept in the etiology and progression of Parkinson's disease. Hence, the therapeutic agent is targeted against suppressing and alleviating the oxidative stress-induced cellular damage. Within the past decades, an explosion of research discoveries has reported on the protective mechanisms of flavonoids, which are plant-based polyphenols, in the treatment of neurodegenerative disease using both in vitro and in vivo models. In this paper, we have reviewed the literature on the neuroprotective mechanisms of flavonoids in protecting the dopaminergic neurons hence reducing the symptoms of this movement disorder. The mechanism reviewed includes effect of flavonoids in activation of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, suppressing the lipid peroxidation, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, flavonoids as a mitochondrial target therapy, and modulation of gene expression in neuronal cells.
Topics: Antioxidants; Dopaminergic Neurons; Flavonoids; Humans; Lipid Peroxidation; Mitochondria; Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases; Oxidoreductases; Parkinson Disease; Protective Agents; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 26576219
DOI: 10.1155/2015/314560 -
Current Neuropharmacology 2019The research progress of understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has yet lead to the development of some clinical approaches intended to... (Review)
Review
The research progress of understanding the etiology and pathogenesis of Parkinson's disease (PD) has yet lead to the development of some clinical approaches intended to treat cognitive and behavioral symptoms, such as memory and perception disorders. Despite the major advances in different genetic causes and risk factors for PD, which share common pathways to cell dysfunction and death, there is not yet a complete model of PD that can be used to accurately predict the effect of drugs on disease progression. Clinical trials are also important to test any novel neuro-protective agent, and recently there have been great advances in the use of anti-inflammatory drugs and plant flavonoid antioxidants to protect against specific neuronal degeneration and its interference with lipid and cholesterol metabolism. The increasing knowledge of the molecular events underlying the degenerative process of PD has stimulated research to identify natural compounds capable of halting or slowing the progress of neural deterioration. Polyphenols and flavonoids, which play a neuroprotective role in a wide array of in vitro and in vivo models of neurological disorders, emerged from among the multi-target bio-agents found mainly in plants and microorganisms. This review presents a detailed overview of the multimodal activities of neuroprotective bio-agents tested so far, emphasizing their neurorescue/neuroregenerative activity. The brain-penetrating property of bioagents may make these compounds an important class of natural drugs for the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Although there are numerous studies demonstrating beneficial effects in the laboratory by identifying critical molecular targets, the clinical efficacy of these neuroprotective treatments remains to be proven accurately.
Topics: Animals; Antiparkinson Agents; Humans; Neurodegenerative Diseases; Neuroprotective Agents; Parkinson Disease
PubMed: 30479218
DOI: 10.2174/1570159X17666181127125704 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Mar 2019Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, and these two metabolic conditions cause significant healthcare burden worldwide. Chronic inflammation and increased... (Review)
Review
Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes, and these two metabolic conditions cause significant healthcare burden worldwide. Chronic inflammation and increased oxidative stress due to exposure of cells to excess nutrients in obesity may trigger insulin resistance and pancreatic β-cell dysfunction. Tocotrienol, as a functional food component with anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and cell signaling-mediating effects, may be a potential agent to complement the current management of obesity and diabetes. The review aimed to summarize the current evidence on the anti-obesity and antidiabetic effects of tocotrienol. Previous studies showed that tocotrienol could suppress adipogenesis and, subsequently, reduce body weight and fat mass in animals. This was achieved by regulating pathways of lipid metabolism and fatty acid biosynthesis. It could also reduce the expression of transcription factors regulating adipogenesis and increase apoptosis of adipocytes. In diabetic models, tocotrienol was shown to improve glucose homeostasis. Activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors was suggested to be responsible for these effects. Tocotrienol also prevented multiple systemic complications due to obesity and diabetes in animal models through suppression of inflammation and oxidative stress. Several clinical trials have been conducted to validate the antidiabetic of tocotrienol, but the results were heterogeneous. There is no evidence showing the anti-obesity effects of tocotrienol in humans. Considering the limitations of the current studies, tocotrienol has the potential to be a functional food component to aid in the management of patients with obesity and diabetes.
Topics: Adipogenesis; Animals; Humans; Hypoglycemic Agents; Inflammation; Insulin Resistance; Lipid Metabolism; Metabolic Diseases; Molecular Structure; Obesity; Protective Agents; Signal Transduction; Structure-Activity Relationship; Tocotrienols
PubMed: 30845769
DOI: 10.3390/molecules24050923 -
Expert Opinion on Drug Metabolism &... Oct 2020Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of solid tumors in adults and in children. Unfortunately, a large percentage of patients suffer... (Review)
Review
INTRODUCTION
Cisplatin is a highly effective chemotherapeutic agent against a variety of solid tumors in adults and in children. Unfortunately, a large percentage of patients suffer permanent sensorineural hearing loss. Up to 60% of children and at least 50% of adults suffer this complication that seriously compromises their quality of life. Hearing loss is due to damage to the sensory cells in the inner ear. The mechanisms of cochlear damage are still being investigated. However, it appears that inner ear damage is triggered by reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation and inflammation 34.
AREAS COVERED
We discuss a number of potential therapeutic targets that can be addressed to provide hearing protection. These strategies include enhancing the endogenous antioxidant pathways, heat shock proteins, G protein coupled receptors and counteracting ROS and reactive nitrogen species, and blocking pathways that produce inflammation, including TRPV1 and STAT1 36.
EXPERT OPINION
Numerous potential protective agents show promise in animal models by systemic or local administration. However, clinical trials have not shown much efficacy to date with the exception of sodium thiosulfate. There is an urgent need to discover safe and effective protective agents that do not interfere with the efficacy of cisplatin against tumors yet preserve hearing 151.
Topics: Adult; Animals; Antineoplastic Agents; Child; Cisplatin; Hearing Loss; Humans; Neoplasms; Ototoxicity; Platinum Compounds; Protective Agents; Quality of Life; Reactive Oxygen Species
PubMed: 32757852
DOI: 10.1080/17425255.2020.1806235 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Nov 2022CA (cyclosporine A) is a powerful immunosuppressing agent that is commonly utilized for treating various autoimmune illnesses and in transplantation surgery. However,... (Review)
Review
CA (cyclosporine A) is a powerful immunosuppressing agent that is commonly utilized for treating various autoimmune illnesses and in transplantation surgery. However, its usage has been significantly restricted because of its unwanted effects, including nephrotoxicity. The pathophysiology of CA-induced kidney injury involves inflammation, apoptosis, tubular injury, oxidative stress, and vascular injury. Despite the fact that exact mechanism accountable for CA's effects is inadequately understood, ROS (reactive oxygen species) involvement has been widely proposed. At present, there are no efficient methods or drugs for treating CA-caused kidney damage. It is noteworthy that diverse natural products have been investigated both in vivo and in-vitro for their possible preventive potential in CA-produced nephrotoxicity. Various extracts and natural metabolites have been found to possess a remarkable potential for restoring CA-produced renal damage and oxidative stress alterations via their anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidative potentials. The present article reviews the reported studies that assess the protective capacity of natural products, as well as dietary regimens, in relation to CA-induced nephrotoxicity. Thus, the present study presents novel ideas for designing and developing more efficient prophylactic or remedial strategies versus CA passive influences.
Topics: Cyclosporine; Kidney; Protective Agents; Oxidative Stress; Anti-Inflammatory Agents; Biological Products
PubMed: 36431872
DOI: 10.3390/molecules27227771 -
Phytomedicine : International Journal... Jul 2024Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
Sulforaphane (SFN) is a dietary isothiocyanate, derived from glucoraphanin, present in cruciferous vegetables belonging to the Brassica genus. It is a biologically active phytochemical that acts as a nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) inducer. Thus, it has been reported to have multiple protective functions including anticancer responses and protection against a toxic agent's action.
PURPOSE
The present work systematically reviewed and synthesised the protective properties of sulforaphane against a toxic agent. This review reveals the mechanism of the action of SFN in each organ or system.
METHODS
The PRISMA guideline was followed in this sequence: researched literature, organised retrieved documents, abstracted relevant information, assessed study quality and bias, synthesised data, and prepared a comprehensive report. Searches were conducted on Science Direct and PubMed using the keywords "Sulforaphane" AND ("protective effects" OR "protection against").
RESULTS
Reports showed that liver and the nervous system are the target organs on which attention was focused, and this might be due to the key role of oxidative stress in liver and neurodegenerative diseases. However, protective activities have also been demonstrated in the lungs, heart, immune system, kidneys, and endocrine system. SFN exerts its protective effects by activating the Nrf2 pathway, which enhances antioxidant defenses and reduces oxidative stress. It also suppresses inflammation by decreasing interleukin production. Moreover, SFN inhibits apoptosis by preventing caspase 3 cleavage and increasing Bcl2 levels. Overall, SFN demonstrates multifaceted mechanisms to counteract the adverse effects of toxic agents.
CONCLUSION
SFN has potential clinical applications as a chemoprotective agent. Nevertheless, more studies are necessary to set the safe doses of SFN in humans.
Topics: Isothiocyanates; Sulfoxides; Humans; Animals; Brassica; Oxidative Stress; NF-E2-Related Factor 2; Protective Agents
PubMed: 38824824
DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155731 -
Aging Dec 2023Cisplatin has the potential to cause kidney and reproductive organ injuries, prompting the search for protective agents against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Melatonin, an...
Cisplatin has the potential to cause kidney and reproductive organ injuries, prompting the search for protective agents against cisplatin-induced toxicity. Melatonin, an antioxidant hormone, has shown promise in mitigating oxidative stress in various organs. However, its protective effects on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries have not been extensively investigated. The aim of this study was to explore the potential protective effects of melatonin on cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries when administered in combination with gemcitabine in mice. Male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to a seven-week treatment with gemcitabine plus cisplatin, with or without melatonin intervention. The testis, epididymis, and kidney were assessed through histological analysis and measurement of blood parameters. Treatment with cisplatin led to a significant reduction in testicular weight, histological abnormalities, and alterations in reproductive hormone levels. Melatonin exhibited a slight protective effect on the testis, with higher doses of melatonin yielding better outcomes. However, melatonin did not reverse the effects of cisplatin on the epididymis. Administration of melatonin before and during treatment with cisplatin plus gemcitabine in mice demonstrated a modest protective effect on testicular injuries, while showing limited effects on epididymal injuries. Serum creatinine levels in the group treated with gemcitabine plus cisplatin treatment and high-dose melatonin approached those of the control group, indicating a protective effect on the kidney. These findings underscore the potential of melatonin as a protective agent against cisplatin-induced kidney and reproductive injuries and emphasize the need for further research to optimize its dosage and evaluate its long-term effects.
Topics: Mice; Male; Animals; Cisplatin; Melatonin; Gemcitabine; Mice, Inbred C57BL; Testis; Antioxidants; Oxidative Stress; Kidney; Protective Agents
PubMed: 38097341
DOI: 10.18632/aging.205307 -
Molecules (Basel, Switzerland) Oct 2021The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide... (Review)
Review
BACKGROUND
The blockade of the progression or onset of pathological events is essential for the homeostasis of an organism. Some common pathological mechanisms involving a wide range of diseases are the uncontrolled inflammatory reactions that promote fibrosis, oxidative reactions, and other alterations. Natural plant compounds (NPCs) are bioactive elements obtained from natural sources that can regulate physiological processes. Inflammation is recognized as an important factor in the development and evolution of chronic renal damage. Consequently, any compound able to modulate inflammation or inflammation-related processes can be thought of as a renal protective agent and/or a potential treatment tool for controlling renal damage. The objective of this research was to review the beneficial effects of bioactive natural compounds on kidney damage to reveal their efficacy as demonstrated in clinical studies.
METHODS
This systematic review is based on relevant studies focused on the impact of NPCs with therapeutic potential for kidney disease treatment in humans.
RESULTS
Clinical studies have evaluated NPCs as a different way to treat or prevent renal damage and appear to show some benefits in improving OS, inflammation, and antioxidant capacity, therefore making them promising therapeutic tools to reduce or prevent the onset and progression of KD pathogenesis.
CONCLUSIONS
This review shows the promising clinical properties of NPC in KD therapy. However, more robust clinical trials are needed to establish their safety and therapeutic effects in the area of renal damage.
Topics: Antioxidants; Berberine; Beta vulgaris; Betalains; Biological Products; Catechin; Curcumin; Disulfides; Flavonoids; Humans; Isothiocyanates; Kidney; Kidney Diseases; Plant Extracts; Pomegranate; Protective Agents; Resveratrol; Sulfinic Acids; Sulfoxides; Xanthophylls
PubMed: 34684678
DOI: 10.3390/molecules26206096 -
International Journal of Molecular... Jul 2021Mibyou, or pre-symptomatic diseases, refers to state of health in which a disease is slowly developing within the body yet the symptoms are not apparent. Common examples... (Review)
Review
Mibyou, or pre-symptomatic diseases, refers to state of health in which a disease is slowly developing within the body yet the symptoms are not apparent. Common examples of mibyou in modern medicine include inflammatory diseases that are caused by chronic inflammation. It is known that chronic inflammation is triggered by the uncontrolled release of proinflammatory cytokines by neutrophils and macrophages in the innate immune system. In a recent study, it was shown that molecular hydrogen (H) has the ability to treat chronic inflammation by eliminating hydroxyl radicals (·OH), a mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS). In doing so, H suppresses oxidative stress, which is implicated in several mechanisms at the root of chronic inflammation, including the activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes. This review explains these mechanisms by which H can suppress chronic inflammation and studies its applications as a protective agent against different inflammatory diseases in their pre-symptomatic state. While mibyou cannot be detected nor treated by modern medicine, H is able to suppress the pathogenesis of pre-symptomatic diseases, and thus exhibits prospects as a novel protective agent.
Topics: Alzheimer Disease; Animals; Asymptomatic Diseases; Chronic Disease; Diabetes Mellitus, Type 2; Free Radical Scavengers; Hepatitis; Humans; Hydrogen; Hypertension; Inflammation; Models, Biological; Neoplasms; Oxidative Stress; Parkinson Disease; Protective Agents; Renal Insufficiency, Chronic
PubMed: 34281264
DOI: 10.3390/ijms22137211