Partition coefficient n-octanol/water of propranolol and atenolol at different temperatures: Experimental and theoretical studies

The n-octanol/water partition coefficients of propranolol and atenolol were experimentally determined by ultraviolet (UV) spectroscopy at T = (298.15, 310.15 and 314.15) K. All measurements were made at the maximum wavelength corresponding to maximum absorption. The results showed that the n-octanol/water partition coefficients of propranolol and atenolol increase with the increase of temperature. The experimental data of this work were also used to examine the phase equilibrium correlating capability of some liquid-phase models. The equilibrium experimental data were correlated using the NRTL and UNIQUAC activity coefficient models and the binary interaction parameters were reported. The average root-mea n-square deviations (RMSD) between the experimental and calculated mass fractions of the (n-octanol + propranolol + water) and (n-octanol + atenolol + water) systems were determined. From the partition coefficients obtained, it is concluded that propranolol (log P_(ow) = 3.12 ± 0.14) is more hydrophobic than the atenolol (log P_(ow) = 0.16 ± 0.01) at T = 298.15 K

Sulfasalazine-induced renal injury in rats and the protective role of thiol-reductants

Sulfasalazine is widely used for inflammatory-mediated disorders in human. Renal damage is a serious adverse effect accompanied sulfasalazine administration. No specific therapeutic option is available against this complication so far. Oxidative stress seems to play a role in sulfasalazine-induced renal injury. Current investigation was designed to evaluate the effect of N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) and dithiothreitol (DTT) as thiol reductants against sulfasalazine-induced renal injury in rats. Oral administration of sulfasalazine (600 mg/kg for 14 consecutive days) caused renal injury as judged by increase in serum level of creatinine and blood urea nitrogen. Furthermore, the level of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation were raised in kidney tissue after sulfasalazine administration. Additionally, it was also found that renal glutathione reservoirs were significantly depleted in sulfasalazine-treated animals. Histopathological examination of kidney endorsed organ injury in drug-treated rats. Daily intraperitoneal administration of NAC (250 and 500 mg/kg/day) and/or DTT (15 and 30 mg/kg/day) effectively alleviated renal damage induced by sulfasalazine. Data suggested that thiol reductants could serve as potential protective agents with therapeutic capabilities against sulfasalazine adverse effect toward kidney

The Role of Mitochondrial Impairment and Oxidative Stress in the Pathogenesis of Lithium-Induced Reproductive Toxicity in Male Mice

Lithium (Li+) is prescribed against a wide range of neurological disorders. Besides its excellent therapeutic properties, there are several adverse effects associated with Li+. The impact of Li+ on renal function and diabetes insipidus is the most common adverse effect of this drug. On the other hand, infertility and decreased libido is another complication associated with Li+. It has been found that sperm indices of functionality, as well as libido, is significantly reduced in Li+-treated men. These adverse effects might lead to drug incompliance and the cessation of drug therapy. Hence, the main aims of the current study were to illustrate the mechanisms of adverse effects of Li+ on the testis tissue, spermatogenesis process, and hormonal changes in two experimental models. In the in vitro experiments, Leydig cells (LCs) were isolated from healthy mice, cultured, and exposed to increasing concentrations of Li+ (0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm). In the in vivo section of the current study, mice were treated with Li+ (0, 10, 50, and 100 ppm, in drinking water) for five consecutive weeks. Testis and sperm samples were collected and assessed. A significant sign of cytotoxicity (LDH release and MTT assay), along with disrupted testosterone biosynthesis, impaired mitochondrial indices (ATP level and mitochondrial depolarization), and increased biomarkers of oxidative stress were detected in LCs exposed to Li+. On the other hand, a significant increase in serum and testis Li+ levels were detected in drug-treated mice. Moreover, ROS formation, LPO, protein carbonylation, and increased oxidized glutathione (GSSG) were detected in both testis tissue and sperm specimens of Li+-treated mice. Several sperm anomalies were also detected in Li+-treated animals. On the other hand, sperm mitochondrial indices (mitochondrial dehydrogenases activity and ATP levels) were significantly decreased in drug-treated groups where mitochondrial depolarization was increased dose-dependently. Altogether, these data mention oxidative stress and mitochondrial impairment as pivotal mechanisms involved in Li+-induced reproductive toxicity. Therefore, based on our previous publications in this area, therapeutic options, including compounds with high antioxidant properties that target these points might find a clinical value in ameliorating Li+-induced adverse effects on the male reproductive system. © Copyright © 2021 Ommati, Arabnezhad, Farshad, Jamshidzadeh, Niknahad, Retana-Marquez, Jia, Nateghahmadi, Mousavi, Arazi, Azmoon, Azarpira and Heidari