Effects of catechin, quercetin and taxifolin on redox parameters and metabolites linked with renal health in rotenone-toxified rats

Summary: Nephrotoxicity, with the attendant risk of progression to kidney failure, is a growing problem in many parts of the world. Current orthodox treatment options for nephrotoxicity and kidney failure are limited and there is need for alternative or complementary approaches. This study aimed at evaluating the effect of three structurally related flavonoids, catechin, quercetin and taxifolin on renal redox and metabolite biochemical disturbances in rotenone intoxicated animals. Male Wistar rats were administered 1.5 mg/kg rotenone (s.c.) for ten days followed by post-treatment with catechin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg), quercetin (5, 10, or 20 mg/kg) and taxifolin (0.25, 0.5 or 1.0 mg/kg) (s.c.), for 3 days. Renal redox indices and levels of renal-related metabolites (creatinine, urea and uric acid) were assessed after sacrifice of animals. Catechin, quercetin and taxifolin significantly attenuated rotenone-induced effects on oxidative stress markers and metabolites linked to renal health. Quercetin was clearly more effective than catechin. The activity demonstrated by taxifolin, despite being administered at the lowest doses, was compelling. The results highlight the potential of these phytochemicals in the management of renal dysfunction. The findings additionally suggest a correlation between the structure of the flavonoids and their activity but also indicate that additional structural considerations beyond conventionally acknowledged ones may be involved.Keywords: Flavonoids, nephrotoxicity, oxidative stress, structure-activity relationshi

Salubrious effect of Parinari curatellifolia seed extract in doxorubicin intoxicated rats

The seed of Parinari curatellifolia Ex Benth (Chrysobalanaceae) is widely used in Southwestern Nigeria for the treatment of diabetes and hypertension, important cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors. This study was designed to investigate the effect of Parinari curatellifolia seed extract (PCE) on the antioxidant status, lipid profile and cardiac health in doxorubicin (DOX) induced cardiotoxicity. Phenolic profile of the extract was determined by high performance liquid chromatography-diode array detector (HPLC-DAD). Male Wistar rats were divided into seven groups that were pretreated with ramipril (10 mg/kg) or PCE (50-, 100-, 150- and 200 mg/kg) orally for two weeks. On the 13th day, single dose of (15 mg/kg i.p) DOX was administered to all the groups except control. Antioxidant parameters (superoxide dismutase {SOD}, glutathione peroxidase {GPx}, glutathione transferase {GT}, reduced glutathione {GSH}, thiobarbituric reacting substance {TBARS}), cholesterol, triglycerides, low density lipoprotein (LDL) and high density lipoprotein (HDL); lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and creatine kinase (CK-MB) were evaluated in cardiac tissue homogenate or plasma. Catechin, epicatechin, quercetin, isoquercitrin, rutin, kaempferol and quercitrin were confirmed present in PCE. DOX intoxication in experimental rats resulted in significant increase (P<0.05) in plasma activities of LDH and CK-MB, concentrations of all lipid types, except HDL which was significantly (P<0.05) reduced, as well as the tissue level of TBARS as compared with control. In addition, activities of the antioxidant enzymes (SOD, GT and GPx) were reduced (P<0.05) in the DOX intoxicated group. However, pretreatment with PCE significantly ameliorated the alterations caused by doxorubicin. PCE protected against doxorubicin-induced cardiotoxicity in rats possibly through positive modulation of the cardiac antioxidant defense system and amelioration of dyslipidemia by the constituent flavonols.Keywords: Parinari curatellifolia, cardiotoxicity, Doxorubicin, antioxidant, phenolic compounds, dyslipidemi

Antidiabetic potential of methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of Synsepalum dulcificum in type 2 diabetic rats

Background: Synsepalum dulcificum is a plant indigenous to West Africa. The fruit is used to modify taste of foods to sweetness. Objectives: This study aims to investigate the antidiabetic potentials of both methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S. dulcificum (MSD and FSD respectively) in type 2 diabetic Wistar albino rats. Materials and methods: Sixty three rats were randomly distributed into nine groups of seven animals each with group 1 serving as the normal control. Groups 2 to 7 were given 10% fructose in their drinking water for 14 days, after which 40 mg/kg of streptozotocin was administered. Group 2 animals served as the diabetic control, while groups 3, 4, 5, 6 and 7 were treated with 30 mg/kg MSD, 60 mg/kg MSD, 30 mg/kg FSD, 60 mg/kg FSD and 5 mg/kg glibenclamide respectively. Groups 8 and 9, contained healthy animals, and were treated with only 60 MSD, and 60 mg/kg FSD respectively. Biochemical parameters such as liver and kidney function tests, lipid profile, as well as lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzymes were assessed in addition to histopathology. Results: It was observed that daily oral administration of MSD and FSD for 21 days significantly (p < 0.05) improved the observed pathological changes as a result of type 2 diabetes. Conclusion: It could be deduced from results obtained in this study that methanolic and flavonoid-rich leaf extracts of S.dulcificum have antidiabetic potential in type 2 diabetic rats

Peripheral Solitary Osteoma of the Zygomatic Arch: A Case Report and Literature Review

Osteoma is a benign slow-growing osteogenic neoplasm commonly occurring in the craniofacial skeleton, characterized by the proliferation of compact and/or cancellous bone. Osteomas may be peripheral, central, or extraskeletal. Peripheral osteomas arise from the periosteum and are quite uncommon in the jaw bones. The exact aetiology and pathogenesis of peripheral osteoma are unknown. Clinically, peripheral osteomas are usually asymptomatic, but depending on the location and size of the lesion, it may cause swelling, pain, esthetic disfigurement and functional impairment. On radiological imaging, a peripheral osteoma appears often as well-circumscribed, round to oval, pedunculated radiopaque mass attached to the cortex by a broad base or a pedicle. Asymptomatic osteomas are treated conservatively, while surgical excision is indicated when the lesion is symptomatic, actively growing, or for cosmetic reasons. Histologically, osteomas are composed of a normal-appearing, dense mass of lamellar bone. Recurrence of peripheral osteoma after surgical removal is extremely rare and there are no reports of malignant transformation. A review of the literature disclosed only 7 well-documented cases of peripheral osteoma located at the zygomatic bone. The purpose of this article is to present the clinical, radiographic, surgical and histological features of a solitary peripheral osteoma of the left zygomatic arch in a 55-year-old woman and to review the literature about this uncommon pathologic entity