BMC Pharmacology & Toxicology最新文献

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a syndrome that arises from acute or chronic liver failure. This study was devised to assess the impact of a combination of boswellic acid (BA) and low doses of gamma radiation (LDR) on thioacetamide (TAA)-induced HE in an animal model. The effect of daily BA treatment (175 mg/kg body weight, for four weeks) and/or fractionated low-dose γ-radiation (LDR; 0.25 Gy, twice the total dose of 0.5 Gy) was evaluated against TAA (200 mg/kg, intraperitoneal) twice-weekly for four weeks to induce liver damage and HE in rats. TAA-exposed rats exhibited a significant elevation in serum activities of liver enzymes (GGT, ALP) and plasma ammonia levels at P < 0.05 (Duncan's test) compared to the control group. Moreover, there was an increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines (IL6, IL12, IL18) in the TAA-exposed animals accompanied by a depletion in the activities of paraoxonase-1 and neurotransmitter contents compared with normal control rats (P < 0.05). However, the administration of BA alone or in combination with LDR led to improvements in liver and brain parameter indices. Furthermore, the histopathological assessments of liver and brain tissues supported the findings of the biochemical investigations. From the statistical analysis, it can be concluded that the combined administration of BA and exposure to LDR may possess potential hepatoprotective effects against hepatic encephalopathy-associated hyperammonemia and the consequent damage to the liver and brain. This study proposes that a combination of therapeutic approaches, LDR and BA could be a new therapeutic candidate for the management of hepatic encephalopathy.

Objective: The occurrence of hypofibrinogenemia after tocilizumab treatment has attracted increasing attention, which may cause bleeding and even life-threatening. This study aims to explore the risk factors for tocilizumab-induced hypofibrinogenemia (T-HFIB) and construct a risk prediction model.

Methods: A total of 221 inpatients that received tocilizumab from 2015 to 2023 were retrospectively collected and divided into T-HFIB group or control group. The risk factors for T-HFIB were obtained by logistic regression equation and used to establish the nomogram.

Results: T-HFIB was observed in 121 of 221 patients (54.75%). Multifactorial logistic regression analysis revealed that infection (OR = 2.002, 95%CI:1.018 ~ 3.935), COVID-19 (OR = 3.752, 95%CI:1.264 ~ 11.139), CAR-T therapy (OR = 4.409, 95%CI:2.017 ~ 0.894), and concomitant glucocorticoids (OR = 5.303, 95%CI:0.227 ~ 0.894) were identified as independent risk factors for T-HFIB, while high baseline fibrinogen level (OR = 0.813, 95%CI:0.670 ~ 0.988) and concomitant antirheumatic drugs (OR = 0.451, 95%CI:0.227 ~ 0.894) were identified as protective factors. A nomogram was established, and area under the curve (AUC) of prediction model was 0.772 (95%CI:0.709 ~ 0.836). Calibration curve showed a good prediction accuracy for the occurrence of T-HFIB.

Conclusion: The infection, COVID-19, CAR-T therapy, and concomitant glucocorticoids were independent risk factors for T-HFIB, while high baseline fibrinogen and concomitant antirheumatic drugs were protective factors. This nomogram can help early identify the patients at potential high risk of developing T-HFIB.

Background: In patients with sepsis, platelets are activated and adhere to neutrophils, forming platelet-leukocyte aggregates (PLAs) that lead to the development of MODS. ARDS is one of the main manifestations of septic MODS. We designed this study to explore the effects of different anti-plate therapy drugs on platelet activation and platelet-leukocyte aggregate (PLA) formation in the early stage of septic ARDS.

Methods: Sixty adult male SD rats were randomly divided into: Control group; ARDS group, ARDS + aspirin group, ARDS + clopidogrel group and ARDS + tirofiban group. ARDS was performed via instill lipopolysaccharide (LPS) intratracheally at a dose of 5 mg/kg. Aspirin or clopidogrel were given by gavage immediately after modeling. Tirofiban were given by intraperitoneal injection immediately after modeling. Rats in every group were euthanized by rapid decapitation 6 h after modeling. Platelet activation and PLA were assessed using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence staining. Histology of lung was performed by hematoxylin and eosin staining.

Results: Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban decreased CRP, IL-1 and TNF-α significantly in septic ARDS (P < 0.05). Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban decreased platelet function and ratio of wet/dry significantly in septic ARDS (P < 0.05). Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban increased PaO₂ significantly in septic ARDS (P < 0.05). Platelet activation and PLA in the ARDS + aspirin group, ARDS + clopidogrel group and ARDS + tirofiban group decreased significantly compared to the ARDS group (P < 0.05). At 6 h after ARDS operation, obvious histological damage was observed in the lungs. All of these histological changes were quantitatively evaluated using injury scores. Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban reduced the histological damages in ARDS group (P < 0.05).

Conclusions: Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban alleviated the inflammatory response and pulmonary edema, reduced platelet function, and alleviated hypoxemia in early septic ARDS. Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban reduced platelet activation and PLA formation in early septic ARDS. Aspirin, clopidogrel and tirofiban ultimately alleviated lung injury in early septic ARDS.

Background: Naringenin, a flavonoid compound found in citrus fruits, possesses valuable anticancer properties. However, its potential application in cancer treatment is limited by poor bioavailability and pharmacokinetics at tumor sites. To address this, Naringenin nanoparticles (NARNPs) were prepared using the emulsion diffusion technique and their anticancer effects were investigated in HepG2 cells.

Methods: The particle size of NARNPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis. NARNP is characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction. Study the cytotoxic effects of various doses of naringenin, NARNPs and DOX on HepG2 and WI38 cell lines after 24 h and 48 h using the MTT assay. Flow cytometric analysis was used to study the apoptotic cells. The study also examined the expression of apoptotic proteins (p53) and autophagy-related genes ATG5, LC3 after treatment with naringenin, NARNPs, doxorubicin, and their combinations in HepG2 cells.

Results: The particle size of NARNPs was determined by transmission electron microscopy and scanning electron microscopy analysis, showing mean diameters of 54.96 ± 18.6 nm and 31.79 ± 6.8 nm, respectively. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy confirmed successful conjugation between naringenin and NARNPs. NARNPs were in an amorphous state that was determined by X-ray diffraction. The IC50 values were determined as 22.32 µg/ml for naringenin, 1.6 µg/ml for NARNPs and 0.46 µg/ml for doxorubicin. Flow cytometric analysis showed that NARNPs induced late apoptosis in 56.1% of HepG2 cells and had no cytotoxic effect on WI38 cells with 97% viable cells after 48 h of incubation. NARNPs induced cell cycle arrest in the Go/G1 and G2/M phases in HepG2 cells. The results showed increased expression of ATG5, LC3, and p53 in HepG2 cells treated with IC50 concentrations after 48 h of incubation. NARNPs enhanced the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin in HepG2 cells but decreased the cytotoxic effect of doxorubicin in WI38 cells.

Conclusions: The study demonstrated that NARNPs effectively inhibit cell proliferation and induce apoptosis in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Importantly, NARNPs showed no cytotoxic effects on normal cells, indicating their potential as a promising therapy for hepatocarcinogenesis. Combining NARNPs with chemotherapy drugs could present a novel approach for treating human cancers.

The main objective of this study was to investigate the optimal post-left atrial appendage closure (LAAC) anticoagulation strategy, focusing on minimizing device-related thrombosis (DRT) and thromboembolism (TE) events without increasing bleeding risk. After successful LAAC, consecutive participants were treated with 45-day anticoagulants (rivaroxaban 15 mg daily, dabigatran 110 mg twice a day, and warfarin). The efficacy endpoints included DRT, TE, and hospital readmissions due to cardiac caused, while safety endpoints encompassed bleeding events, monitored over a 12-month follow-up period. The incidence of DRT was relatively lower in the rivaroxaban group compared to both the dabigatran and warfarin groups (rivaroxaban vs. dabigatran: HR = 0.504, 95% CI 0.208-1.223, log-rank P = 0.101; rivaroxaban vs. warfarin: HR = 0.468, 95% CI 0.167-1.316, log-rank P = 0.093). The median [interquartile range] length and width of DRT in the rivaroxaban group were 1.92 [1.68-2.15] mm and 1.49 [1.28-1.76] mm, both significantly lower than those in the dabigatran (length = 2.15 [1.99-2.25] mm, P = 0.036; width = 1.60 [1.54-1.85] mm, P = 0.035) and warfarin groups (length = 2.26 [2.11-2.44] mm, P = 0.006; width = 1.74 [1.54-1.85] mm, P = 0.006). Kaplan-Meier survival analysis indicated that procedural bleeding was more common in the warfarin group. The 12-month incidence of TE was significantly lower in the rivaroxaban group compared to the dabigatran (HR = 0.466, 95% CI 0.221-0.984, log-rank P = 0.029) and warfarin groups (HR = 0.456, 95% CI 0.188-0.966, log-rank P = 0.042). Long-term antithrombotic therapy with reduced dose of rivaroxaban significantly reduced the risk of DRT and composite endpoints without increasing bleeding events, compared to warfarin and dabigatran, for patients following LAAC.

Background: Cerebrovascular accidents are known as a great cause of morbidity and mortality worldwide. Although there are known risk factors for ischemic stroke, the cases that cannot be justified with these risk factors are increasing. Toxic metals as a potential risk factor for other diseases in humans are assessed in this study in the CVA group and compared to controls.

Method: 70 participants (35 each group) have been selected for this study. The group with recent medical history of documented CVA and a control non-CVA group. The serum level of several metals has been assessed using Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) method. principal components and cluster analyses were employed to compare toxic metal toxicity between the groups.

Results: Cu (p < 0.001) and Pb (p = 0.002) levels were significantly higher in the CVA group whereas Ni (0.003) were significantly lower. There was no significant difference between the smoking (p = 0.56) and opium (p = 0.46) use between these groups. Most of the essential metals were positively correlated with each other in both groups (Ni with Fe, Zn; Fe with Zn with r over 0.6). there was also PCA and CA are crucial in and cluster analysis in which Ni, Fe, and Zn were most similarly correlated in both groups.

Conclusion: we found a complex interaction between toxic metals in the healthy and CVA human body. Due to the lack of data on in vivo interaction of these metals even in healthy individuals, further investigation is needed to evaluate the exact mechanism of such relations.

Background: UpToDate, no drugs have been approved to treat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, the advanced stage of the most prevalent liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The present study was conducted to explore the potential influences of L-carnitine on the pathomechanisms of hepatic injury that mediate progression to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in dexamethasone-toxified rats.

Methods: Male Wistar rats were allocated as follows: dexamethasone group, rats received dexamethasone (8 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneally) for 6 days; DEXA-LCAR300, DEXA-LCAR500, and DEXA-MET groups, rats administered L-carnitine (300 or 500 mg/kg/day, IP) or metformin (500 mg/kg/day, orally) one week prior to dexamethasone injection (8 mg/kg/day, IP) and other six days alongside dexamethasone administration. Two groups of age-matched normal rats received either the drug vehicle (the control group) or the higher dose of L-carnitine (the drug-control group). At the end of the experiment, sets of biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical examinations were performed.

Results: L-carnitine (mainly at the dose of 500 mg/kg/day) markedly abolished dexamethasone-induced alterations in glucose tolerance, hepatic histological features, and serum parameters of hepatic function and lipid profile. Moreover, it significantly ameliorated dexamethasone-induced elevations of hepatic oxidative stress, SREBP-1 and p-MLKL protein levels, and nuclear FOXO1, LC3, P62, and caspase-3 immunohistochemical expression. Furthermore, it markedly diminished dexamethasone-induced suppression of hepatic Akt phosphorylation and Bcl2 immunohistochemical expression. The effects of L-carnitine (500 mg/kg/day) were comparable to those of metformin in most assessments and better than its corresponding lower dose.

Conclusion: These findings introduce L-carnitine as a potential protective drug that may mitigate the rate of disease progression in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease patients with early stages or those at the highest risks.

Background: Cancer is the deadliest disease, and neurological disorders are also marked as slow progressive diseases, ultimately leading to death. Stopping two mouths with one morsel was the strategy that we used in this study.

Methods: We have synthesized peony-shaped zinc oxide nanoflowers (ZnO-NFs) and characterized them using various photophysical tools like UV-vis spectroscopy, zeta potential analysis, dynamic light scattering (DLS), FTIR, and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and utilized these nanoflowers to monitor their anticancer and anti-amyloid activity. In vitro biocompatibility was assessed using fibroblasts and undifferentiated rat phaeochromocytoma cells, and in vivo, biocompatibility was estimated using haemolysis assay and zebrafish embryo development.

Results: The results demonstrated high biocompatibility of the as-synthesized ZnO-NFs up to a dose of 200 µg/ml. In vitro anticancer activity was evaluated using adherent (A375) and non-adherent (Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites, DLA) cancer cell lines. The results indicated that the ZnO-NFs significantly killed the cancer cells in a dose-dependent way, showing an extraordinary effect on DLA cells. The anti-amyloid activity in vitro was explored using a spectrum of assays that were hallmarks in anti-amyloid studies like ThT fluorescence assay, DLS, turbidity assay, atomic force microscopy (AFM), and SEM analysis. Excellent anti-amyloid activity was observed in vitro at 50 µg/ml of ZnO-NFs.

Conclusion: We can conclude from the above results that the as-synthesized ZnO-NFs have a dual role as an anticancer as well as an anti-amyloid agent. In the future, animal models can be used to study the efficacy of the ZnO-NFs in cancer inhibition and amyloid degradation.

Background: The belzutifan is a hypoxia inducible factor-2 alpha (HIF-2α) inhibitor for the treatment of advanced or metastatic clear cell renal cell carcinoma (mccRCC) and has exhibited good safety and efficacy in clinical trials. We conducted a meta-analysis of relevant studies to further clarify the efficacy and safety of belzutifan for the treatment of mccRCC.

Methods: Multiple databases and abstracts from major scientific meetings were systematically reviewed for eligible articles published before June 1, 2024. The following outcomes were analyzed: objective response rate (ORR), disease control rate (DCR), median duration of response (mDOR), median progression-free survival (mPFS), median overall survival (mOS), and treatment-related adverse events (TRAes). 426 records were reviewed, and data were extracted by at least two individuals.

Results: Seven studies involving 715 patients were included in this meta-analysis. The pooled ORR was 34% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 23-46%), the DCR was 79% (95% CI: 66-90%), the mDOR was 21.8 months (95% CI: 14.82-28.78), and the mPFS time was 8.8 months (95% CI: 6.15-11.44). The pooled incidence of grade 3-5 TRAes was 46%, and the most common TRAe was anemia. Further subgroup analysis revealed that, compared with belzutifan monotherapy, the combination of belzutifan with tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) as second- or later-line therapy was associated with a statistically significant increase in the ORR. Toxicity was also greater with combined inhibition therapy.

Conclusions: Our meta-analysis revealed moderate antitumor activity and a manageable safety profile of the inhibitor belzutifan in patients with mccRCC.

Background: H1-antihistamines are widely used to treat symptoms depending on histamine release in a variety of conditions. However, neurological adverse events have been reported in post-marketing surveillance studies and there are limited literatures comparing the neurological disorders associated with newer-generation H1-antihistamines from real-world datasets.

Aims: We performed a comparative analysis of nervous system disorders and several newer-generation H1-antihistamines including: cetirizine, loratadine, levocetirizine, desloratadine and fexofenadine.

Methods: Disproportionality analysis was used to identify the suspected drug neurological adverse events associated with H1-antihistamines of interest via the Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System. The proportional reporting ratio (PRR), χ² (chi-square) and the reporting odds ratio (ROR) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were used to estimate the association.

Results: AE reports of 43,815 cases from 2017 to 2021 were extracted from FAERS. The H1-antihistamines included in our study were associated with various neurological adverse events that could be classified into 12 aspects, containing 42 preferred terms. The majority of adverse event reports were concentrated at somnolence: cetirizine [N = 1342, ROR (95%CI) = 11.8 (11.2-12.5), PRR = 10.8, χ² = 11755.4], levocetirizine [N = 1276, ROR(95%CI) = 28.5 (26.7-30.3), PRR = 22.7, χ² = 26218.4], loratadine[N = 516, ROR(95%CI) = 4.6 (4.2-5.0), PRR = 4.4, χ² = 1378.1], desloratadine [N = 33, ROR(95%CI) = 6.1 (4.3-8.6), PRR = 5.8, χ² = 131.9], fexofenadine [N = 498, ROR(95%CI) = 5.0 (4.6-5.5), PRR = 4.8, χ² = 1519.0].

Conclusion: Neurological AEs associated with individual newer generation H1-antihistamines of interest varies a lot, whereas somnolence was the most common AE reports. Fexofenadine was highly associated with headaches. Sedative effects associated with levocetirizine and cetirizine should arouse more concern. Seizures significantly associated with levocetirizine and desloratadine were infrequently reported, further research is needed to avoid possible serious outcomes. Patients taking cetirizine probably have higher risk of dystonia and anticholinergic syndrome.