Hepatoprotective effect of the natural fruit juice from Aronia melanocarpa on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver damage in rats

Polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa juice sustains eNOS activation through phosphorylation and expression via redox-sensitive pathways in endothelial cells

A sustained formation of nitric oxide (NO) by endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) is crucial to safeguard the vascular system against the development of cardiovascular diseases. This study investigated the prolonged phosphorylation and expression of eNOS induced by polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa juice (AMJ), along with its underlying mechanisms. The findings revealed that AMJ triggered concentration- and time-dependent increases in eNOS phosphorylation and expression, leading to sustained NO production for 15 h. Investigations with various enzymes and inhibitors revealed that the effect of AMJ was associated with redox sensitivity, activating the PI3-kinase/Akt, JNK, and p38 MAPK pathways. These pathways led to the inactivation of transcription factors FoxO1 and FoxO3a through phosphorylation, relieving their repression on eNOS expression. Therefore, the capability of AMJ to consistently trigger prolonged eNOS phosphorylation and expression via complex redox-sensitive pathways highlights its potential for maintaining vascular health and preventing cardiovascular diseases.

Effect of Flavonols of Aronia melanocarpa Fruits on Morphofunctional State of Immunocompetent Organs of Rats under Cyclophosphamide-Induced Immunosuppression

Aronia melanocarpa berries contain many compounds with potential benefits for human health. The food flavonoids quercetin and rutin, found in significant amounts in the fruits of A. melanocarpa, are known to have favourable effects on animal and human organisms. However, data on the effect of flavonols isolated from black chokeberry on immune functions during immunosuppression are not available in the literature. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of flavonol fraction isolated from A. melanocarpa fruits, in comparison with pure quercetin and rutin substances, on the dysfunctional state of rat thymus and spleen in immunodeficiency. The study was performed on Wistar rats. The animals were orally administered solutions of the investigated substances for 7 days: water, a mixture of quercetin and rutin and flavonol fraction of A. melanocarpa. For induction of immunosuppression, the animals were injected once intraperitoneally with cyclophosphamide. Substance administration was then continued for another 7 days. The results showed that under the influence of flavonols, there was a decrease in cyclophosphamide-mediated reaction of lipid peroxidation enhancement and stimulation of proliferation of lymphocytes of thymus and spleen in rats. At that, the effect of the flavonol fraction of aronia was more pronounced.

Anti-Hyperglycemic Effect of the Brown Slime Cap Mushroom Chroogomphus rutilus (Agaricomycetes) Crude Polysaccharide In Vitro and In Vivo

The prevalence of diabetes is increasing worldwide, and it is very important to study new hypoglycemic active substances. In this study, we investigated the hypoglycemic effect of Chroogomphus rutilus crude polysaccharide (CRCP) in HepG2 cells and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice. A glucose consumption experiment conducted in HepG2 cells demonstrated the in vitro hypoglycemic activity of CRCP. Furthermore, CRCP exhibited significant hypoglycemic effects and effectively ameliorated insulin resistance in insulin resistant HepG2 cells. In high-fat diet and streptozotocin-induced diabetic mice, after 4 weeks of CRCP administration, fasting blood glucose, fasting serum insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, glutamate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and insulin resistance index significantly decreased, while high-density lipoprotein cholesterol and insulin sensitivity index (ISI) were markedly increased. Moreover, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining and immunofluorescence labeling of tissue sections indicated that CRCP attenuated the pathological damage of liver and pancreas in diabetic mice. These results indicate that CRCP is a potential hypoglycemic agent.

Impact of dietary supplementation with chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, Michx.) on tetrachloride-induced liver injury in Wistar rats: Hematological and biochemical implication

In the current study, we assessed the hematological/biochemical alterations, histopathological changes in the liver, and blood cell disorders in Wistar rats exposed to a toxic concentration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) and the potential protective effect of a 30-day oral extract of chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa, AM). The concentration of AM (3.38 mg/kg) obtained by quantitative purification from AM fruit showed the highest antioxidant activity (AOA) in vitro and was used for oral ingestion. In addition to high AOA, high values of total phenols (85.334 mg/g), total phenolic acid (606.95 mg/g), total flavonids (22.10 mg/g), and total anthocyanins (11.01 mg/g) were recorded in chokeberry extract. CCl4 treatment caused serious liver injury, hepatocyte and blood cell impairment. AM extract given to rats before CCl4 application had a moderate hepatoprotective effect in comparison to after CCl4 application. White blood count and leukocytes were significantly altered by CCl4, however, the protective role of AM in leukocyte disorders was not established. A high number of microcytes, stomatocytes, anisocytes, and hemolyzed erythrocytes during CCl4 exposure was reduced by AM extract. Flower erythrocytes in the AM + CCl4 group were recorded. Supplementation with chokeberry extract without CCl4 caused hyperproteinemia and hyperalbuminemia. Although the results indicate a weak protective role for AM, it is nevertheless important for improved erythropoiesis and regulation of the development of anemia. The hepatoprotective role of AM was moderate, and the immune response was not proven. Daily consumption of chokeberry extract can improve health. However, the results of our study showed that the ingestion of AM extract at this dose with the highest AOA would have more effective effects if the supplementation were significantly increased.

Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders?

Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.

Comparative Phytochemical Analysis of Aronia melanocarpa L. Fruit Juices on Bulgarian Market

Aronia melanocarpa L. (black chokeberry), belonging to the Rosaceae family, contains high amounts of polyphenolics and therefore exhibits one of the highest antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities among berry fruits. Chokeberries are used in the food industry for juice, nectar, and wine production and as colorants. We aimed to compare the phytochemical composition of three chokeberry juices commercially available in the local market as sources of beneficial phytochemicals. Using GC–MS and LC–MS/MS, we performed the identification and quantitation of polar compounds and polyphenolics. The concentrations of 13 amino acids, including 6 essential amino acids, 10 organic acids, 20 sugar alcohols and derivatives, 14 saccharides, 12 fatty acids and esters, and 38 polyphenols, were estimated. One of the analyzed juices had the highest polyphenolic content (5273.87 ± 63.16 µg/mL), possibly due to 2.9 times higher anthocyanin concentration compared to anthocyanins in other tested juices. This study provides new data concerning phytochemical composition in terms of amino acids, organic acids, sugar acids, fatty acids and their esters, and polyphenols as phytocomponents of commercially available chokeberry juices. Results show that after all processing techniques and possibly different plant growth conditions, chokeberry juices are a valuable source of health-promoting phytochemicals such as phenolic acids, pro-anthocyanins, and anthocyanins, thus considering them as functional foods. We demonstrated a diversity of the active substances in bioactive foods marketed as “same”; therefore, the standardized therapeutic effect could be expected only by the utilization of food supplements with guaranteed constant content.

Anthocyanins: Traditional Uses, Structural and Functional Variations, Approaches to Increase Yields and Products' Quality, Hepatoprotection, Liver Longevity, and Commercial Products

Anthocyanins are water-soluble, colored compounds of the flavonoid class, abundantly found in the fruits, leaves, roots, and other parts of the plants. The fruit berries are prime sources and exhibit different colors. The anthocyanins utility as traditional medicament for liver protection and cure, and importance as strongest plants-based anti-oxidants have conferred these plants products different biological activities. These activities include anti-inflammation, liver protective, analgesic, and anti-cancers, which have provided the anthocyanins an immense commercial value, and has impelled their chemistry, biological activity, isolation, and quality investigations as prime focus. Methods in extraction and production of anthocyanin-based products have assumed vital economic importance. Different extraction techniques in aquatic solvents mixtures, eutectic solvents, and other chemically reactive extractions including low acid concentrations-based extractions have been developed. The prophylactic and curative therapy roles of the anthocyanins, together with no reported toxicity has offered much-needed impetus and economic benefits to these classes of compounds which are commercially available. Information retrieval from various search engines, including the PubMed®, ScienceDirect®, Scopus®, and Google Scholar®, were used in the review preparation. This imparted an outlook on the anthocyanins occurrence, roles in plants, isolation-extraction, structures, biosynthetic as well as semi- and total-synthetic pathways, product quality and yields enhancements, including uses as part of traditional medicines, and uses in liver disorders, prophylactic and therapeutic applications in liver protection and longevity, liver cancer and hepatocellular carcinoma. The review also highlights the integrated approach to yields maximizations to meet the regular demands of the anthocyanins products, also as part of the extract-rich preparations together with a listing of marketed products available for human consumption as nutraceuticals/food supplements.

Phenylbenzothiazole derivatives: effects against a Trypanosoma cruzi infection and toxicological profiles

Current treatments for Chagas disease have a limited impact during the chronic stage and trigger severe side effects. Treatments target Trypanosoma cruzi, the etiological agent of the disease. The aims of this study were to evaluate the trypanocidal activity of four 2-phenylbenzothiazole derivatives (BZT1-4) in vitro by using the infectious and non-infectious forms of T. cruzi (trypomastigotes and epimastigotes, respectively) and to test the most promising compound (BZT4) in vivo in mice. Additionally, the toxicological profile and possible neuronal damage were examined. In relation to trypomastigotes, BZT4 was more selective and effective than the reference drug (benznidazole) during this infective stage, apparently due to the synergistic action of the CF₃ and COOH substituents in the molecule. During the first few hours post-administration of BZT4, parasitemia decreased by 40% in an in vivo model of short-term treatment, but parasite levels later returned to the basal state. In the long-term assessment, the compound did not produce a significant antiparasitic effect, only attaining a 30% reduction in parasitemia by day 20 with the dose of 16 mg/kg. The toxicity test was based on repeated dosing of BZT4 (administered orally) during 21 days, which did not cause liver damage. However, the compound altered the concentration of proteins and the proteinic profile of neuronal cells in vitro, perhaps leading to an effect on the central nervous system. Further research on the low trypanocidal activity in vivo compared to the better in vitro effect could possibly facilitate molecular redesign to improve trypanocidal activity.

Aronia melanocarpa Products and By-Products for Health and Nutrition: A Review

Due to factors such as cultivar, fertilization, maturation or climate conditions, as well as the date of their harvest, chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) differ in their content of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, fats, aroma compounds and especially polyphenols, substances exerting a beneficial impact on health. The total content of the most important ingredients, polyphenolic compounds, influence many proven chokeberry activities like antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiviral, anticancer, antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic, respectively. Polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, procyanidins and phenolic acids in different rates and amounts are responsible for all mentioned activities. In the human body, they undergo different biotransformative processes strengthening their bioactivity inside and outside cells. The popularity of chokeberry has been significant lately because of its effects on human health and not just because of its nutritional value. The main interest in this review has been refocused on the chokeberry benefits to human health, nutritional contribution of its components, particularly polyphenolic compounds, and its physiological effects.

Sea Buckthorn and Rosehip Oils with Chokeberry Extract to Prevent Hypercholesterolemia in Mice Caused by a High-Fat Diet In Vivo

Dietary supplementation based on sea buckthorn and rosehip oils with added chokeberry extract was studied. We added the dietary supplement to the feed mixtures for laboratory animals. The possible toxicological effects and hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective activity of the dietary supplement in vivo were studied. After the observation period (6 weeks), no significant changes were found in the mass of organs and blood serum of laboratory animals (p > 0.05). However, there was a decrease in hypercholesterolemic indicators. Regular consumption of sea buckthorn and rosehip oils with added chokeberry extract (dietary supplement “ESB-1”) by laboratory animals inhibited the activity of liver enzymes and increased the antioxidant activity of blood serum (after the subcutaneous injection of sunflower oil/oil solution of carbon tetrachloride) but was not sufficient to bring them to physiological standards. The hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of our dietary supplement already allow us to consider it a component of functional food products or a dietary supplement base. However, the full range of its biologically active properties, including the hepatoprotective function and regulation of metabolic disorders, has not been studied yet, which sets the direction of further research in vivo models and clinical practice to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

Influence of supercritical fluid extraction parameters in preparation of black chokeberry extracts on total phenolic content and cellular viability

Black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa), deciduous shrubs of the Rosaceae family, are native to northeastern North America. Chokeberry fruits are cultivated to make jellies, juices, and wines. Black chokeberry pulp is rich in phenolics and other antioxidants and exhibits potential for health and food packaging benefits. Chokeberries' in vitro antioxidant activity is among the highest values of all berries, though chokeberry extraction techniques frequently employ environmentally unfavorable solvents or are time-inefficient. Batch extraction of antioxidants from chokeberry pomace using supercritical carbon dioxide with an ethanol modifier was used to examine the effects of plant loading, pressure, temperature, and percent ethanol by weight. Effects on total phenolic content (TPC) and the optimal conditions for extractions within these ranges are reported. Multivariate analyses reveal the following relationships of extraction conditions upon TPC: Temperature is directly proportional, percent ethanol by weight is inversely proportional, and chokeberry loads can be increased to enhance antioxidant activity, though not through a linear relationship. In studies involving 0.5 g plant load, the conditions 24.9MPa, 68°C, 90wt-% CO2, and 10wt-% ethanol generated the highest TPC value, 3.42 ± 0.20 mg gallic acid equivalents/gram chokeberry. Chokeberry extracts displayed antiproliferative effects on the SKBr3 breast cancer line and the 52KO MEF line, although TPC was not predictive of cellular responses. HPLC-MS data suggest cyanidin hexose and cyanidin pentose compounds as well as quercetin deoxyhexose-hexose as components of the more favorable extraction product that reflected a significant decrease in viability for the extract in comparison with ethanol control in the SKBr3 breast cancer line.

The Effects of Aronia melanocarpa Extract on Testosterone-Induced Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia in Rats, and Quantitative Analysis of Major Constituents Depending on Extract Conditions

This study aimed to investigate the beneficial effects of A. melanocarpa on testosterone propionate (TP)-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in Wistar rats. Moreover, the bioactive constituents in the extract were determined using LC/MS and HPLC analyses. The dried fruits of A. melanocarpa were extracted using accelerated solvent extraction (ASE) under different extract conditions (temperature, 30 C or 100 C; extract solvent, 60% or 100% ethanol) to yield four extracts (T1~T4). Of the four A. melanocarpa extracts, T1 extracted under the condition of 100% ethanol/low temperature (30 C) exhibited the greatest inhibitory activity on TP-induced prostatic hyperplasia in rats. The administration of T1 (100 mg/kg body weight, p.o.) for six weeks attenuated TP-induced prostate enlargement and reduced the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and 5α-reductase in both serum and prostate tissue. The suppression of PCNA mRNA expression in prostate tissue was remarkable in T1-treated rats. In LC/MS analysis, the levels of main anthocyanins and phenolics were significantly higher in T1 than in the other extracts. Furthermore, the quantitative study showed that the contents of cyanidin-3-glucose and cyanidin-3-xylose in T1 exhibited 1.27~1.67 and 1.10~1.26 folds higher compared to those in the other extracts. These findings demonstrated that A. melanocarpa extract containing anthocyanins as bioactive constituents attenuated the development of testosterone-induced prostatic hyperplasia, and suggested that this extract has therapeutic potential to treat prostate enlargement and BPH.

Assessment of Hepatoprotective Effect of Chokeberry Juice in Rats Treated Chronically with Carbon Tetrachloride

The aim of this study was to compare the protective effects of chokeberry juice and silymarin against chemical-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Liver fibrosis was induced by CCl₄ administered two days a week for six weeks. Two groups of rats were co-treated with chokeberry juice, 10 mL/kg/day. or silymarin as a positive control, 100 mg/kg/day for six weeks. Hepatic lipid peroxidation was suppressed by 50% and the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes was increased by 19%–173% in rats co-treated with CCl₄ and substances tested as compared to rats administered CCl₄ alone. Hepatic hydroxyproline was decreased by 24% only in rats treated with silymarin. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of fibrosis-related molecules, procollagen I, α-SMA, TIMP-1, TGFβ, and TNFα, which were significantly increased in the liver of CCl₄-treated rats, were not modulated by substances tested. Histological evaluation revealed a slight protective effect of silymarin against fibrosis. However, in CCl₄ + chokeberry-treated rats, the density of vacuolated hepatocytes was significantly lower than that in silymarin administered animals. Chokeberry juice did not demonstrate an antifibrotic effect in the applied experimental model of fibrosis, and the effect of the known antifibrotic agent, silymarin, was very limited.

Protective effects of Aronia melanocarpa juices either alone or combined with extracts from Rosa canina or Alchemilla vulgaris in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulcers

The aim of the study was to investigate the effects of four Aronia melanocarpa-based juices in a rat model of indomethacin-induced gastric ulceration. THE JUICES WERE: AM1 and AM2 (produced from aronia fruits at 20 °C and 60 °C, respectively), AMRC (a mixture of AM2 with Rosa canina extract) and AMAV (aronia juice with Alchemilla vulgaris). Male Wistar rats were used. Each of the juices (10 ml/kg) was administered for 10 days. Indomethacin (30 mg/kg) was injected subcutaneously and after 4 h, the effects were estimated. Indomethacin caused heavy destructions of the gastric mucosa, increased the expression of Bax and decreased the expression of Bcl-2, induced a certain increase in lipid peroxidation and a slight decrease in gastric PGE2 content. The pretreatment with the juices reduced the severity of indomethacin-induced gastric lesions and antagonized the effects of indomethacin on apoptosis and lipid peroxidation. The highest was the protective effect of AMAV, the juice with the highest polyphenolic content. The protective effect of Aronia melanocarpa-based juices against indomethacin-induced gastric lesions could be attributed to their polyphenolic contents. The mechanism involved to the highest extent in the protective effect of the juices was the inhibition of apoptosis.

Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot fruit juice reveals neuroprotective effect and improves cognitive and locomotor functions of aged rats

The aim of the study was to investigate the effect of polyphenol-rich Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliot juice (AMJ) on learning ability and memory, and brain morphology of aged rats. A model of healthy male Wistar rats (24 months of age) divided in 2 groups was used: AMJ group supplemented orally with AMJ (10 mL/kg for 105 days) and old control (CO) group without supplementation. Activity cage test showed that AMJ supplemented rats increased the number of vertical movements compared with old controls (p < 0.05). In active avoidance test, supplemented rats increased the number of avoidances on 3rd, 4th and 5th days of learning session, compared with the respective day of old controls (p < 0.05). AMJ supplementation did not affect the mean neuronal number in the dentate gyrus but significantly increased the density of nerve fibers in the perforant path of the hippocampus (p < 0.05). AMJ supplementation increased acetylcholinesterase activity in hippocampus, which is a marker of improved functional activity of the cholinergic neurons. These results indicate that AMJ induced ameliorating changes in the ability of old rats to learn tasks and improved their locomotor functions. AMJ showed a neuroprotective effect by increasing the density of nerve fibers in the hippocampal perforant pathway.

Dietary chokeberry and dried jujube fruit attenuates high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced dyslipidemia and insulin resistance via activation of the IRS-1/PI3K/Akt pathway in C57BL/6 J mice

Background

The incidence of metabolic syndrome linked to dyslipidemia and insulin resistance has increased; thus, studies must be conducted to elucidate this phenomenon. The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects of chokeberry and dried jujube diet on high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced dyslipidemia in mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 J mice were divided into five groups: ND, mice fed normal diet and tap water; HFFD, mice fed 60% high-fat and 10% fructose diet (HFFD) in tap water; HFFD+C, mice fed HFFD with 1% chokeberry powder; HFFD+J, mice fed HFFD with 1% jujube fruit powder; and HFFD+M, mice fed HFFD with 0.5% chokeberry + 0.5% jujube fruit powder mixture.

Results

After 10 weeks of dietary treatment, chokeberry and dried jujube fruits reduced HFFD-induced weight gain and central obesity and decreased liver weight and abdominal and epididymal fat mass. Furthermore, such fruits attenuated HFFD-induced dyslipidemia; decreased triglyceride, total cholesterol, non-high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol levels. Insulin resistance was improved via the consumption of dietary chokeberry and dried jujube fruits according to various indicators (serum insulin level, fasting blood glucose level, homeostatic model assessment-insulin resistance score, and oral glucose tolerance test value). These treatments were found to lower serum triglyceride levels. Moreover, the consumption of chokeberry and dried jujube changed the hepatic protein expression of insulin receptor, insulin receptor substrate 1, phosphoinositide 3-kinase, Akt, and catalase, which are associated with insulin resistance.

Conclusions

Chokeberry and dried jujube could be used in the management of dyslipidemia and insulin resistance associated with metabolic syndrome by reducing risk parameters in mice with HFFD.

Cyanidin-3-O-galactoside-enriched Aronia melanocarpa extract attenuates weight gain and adipogenic pathways in high-fat diet-induced obese C57BL/6 mice

Aronia melanocarpa are a rich source of anthocyanins that have received considerable interest for their relations to human health. In this study, the anti-adipogenic effect of cyanidin-3-O-galactoside-enriched Aronia melanocarpa extract (AM-Ex) and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in an in vivo system. Five-week-old male C57BL/6N mice were randomly divided into five groups for 8-week feeding with a control diet (CD), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a HFD with 50 (AM-Ex 50), 100 (AM-Ex 100), or 200 AM-Ex (AM-Ex 200) mg/kg body weight/day. HFD-fed mice showed a significant increase in body weight compared to the CD group, and AM-Ex dose-dependently inhibited this weight gain. AM-Ex significantly reduced the food intake and the weight of white fat tissue, including epididymal fat, retroperitoneal fat, mesenteric fat, and inguinal fat. Treatment with AM-Ex (50 to 200 mg/kg) reduced serum levels of leptin, insulin, triglyceride, total cholesterol, and low density lipoprotein (LDL)-cholesterol. Real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analysis revealed that AM-Ex suppressed adipogenesis by decreasing CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ, sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator-1α, acetyl-CoA carboxylase 1, ATP-citrate lyase, fatty acid synthase, and adipocyte protein 2 messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions. These results suggest that AM-Ex is potentially beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity by modulating multiple pathways associated with adipogenesis and food intake.

The hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of polysaccharides from Pleurotus ostreatus (POP) on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury (ALI) in rats. The hepatoprotective effect of POP against ALI was reflected by the decreased alanine transaminase and aspartate transaminase levels in blood, increased superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase levels, and decreased malondialdehyde levels in blood and liver. TUNEL and immunohistochemistry analyses showed that TUNEL apoptosis cell rate and Bax, cytochrome C, caspase-3, caspase-9, and apoptosis-inducing factor expression levels were obviously decreased, whereas Bcl-2 expression levels obviously increased after POP treatment. A total of 11 metabolites belonging to energy, amino acid, fatty acid, and gut bacteria metabolism were identified as biomarkers by using metabolite analysis of liver homogenate based on ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. POP exhibited hepatoprotective effects on CCl₄-induced ALI, and the underlying mechanism is correlated with antioxidants that regulate metabolic pathway disorders and alleviate liver mitochondria apoptosis.

Chokeberry Extract and Its Active Polyphenols Suppress Adipogenesis in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes and Modulates Fat Accumulation and Insulin Resistance in Diet-Induced Obese Mice

Berries of Aronia melanocarpa (chokeberry) are known to be a rich source of biologically active polyphenols. In the present study, the effects of seven anti-adipogenic polyphenolic phytochemicals isolated from A. melanocarpa methanol extract on adipogenic transcription factors were investigated. Amygdalin and prunasin were found to inhibit 3T3-L1 adipocyte differentiation by suppressing the expressions of PPARγ (peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ), C/EBPα (CCAAT/enhancer binding protein α), SREBP1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c), FAS (fatty acid synthase), and aP2 (adipocyte fatty-acid⁻binding protein). A. melanocarpa extract-treated (100 or 200 mg/kg/day on body weight) high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice showed significant decreases in body weight, serum triglyceride (TG), and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDLC) levels and improved insulin sensitivity as compared with HFD controls. This research shows A. melanocarpa extract is potentially beneficial for the suppression of HFD-induced obesity.

Black Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa(Michx.) Elliot) Fruits and Functional Drinks Differ Significantly in Their Chemical Composition and Antioxidant Activity

Black chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) fruits are among the richest sources of polyphenols and anthocyanins in plant kingdom and suitable raw material for production of functional foods. The popularity of chokeberries is not only due to their nutritional value but also to the constantly emerging evidence for their health-promoting effects. The current study presents detailed information about the content and composition of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols in 23 aronia samples grown under the climatic conditions of Bulgaria, in 2016 and 2017. Sorbitol was found to be the main carbohydrate of fresh aronia fruits. Its content was in the range 6.5–13 g/100 g fresh weight (FW), representing 61%–68% of low-molecular-weight carbohydrates. Organic acids were represented by substantial amounts of quinic acid (average content 404.4 mg/100 g FW), malic acid (328.1 mg/100 g FW), and ascorbic acid (65.2 mg/100 g FW). Shikimic acid, citric acid, oxalic acid, and succinic acid were found as minor components. Chokeberries were particularly rich in proanthocyanidins, anthocyanins, and hydroxycinnamic acids. The total polyphenol content of aronia fruits varied between 1022 mg/100 g FW and 1795 mg/100 g FW and ORAC antioxidant activity from 109 µmol TE/g to 191 µmol TE/g FW. We also investigated the relationship between the chemical composition of berries and chemical compositions and antioxidant activity of aronia functional drinks—juices and nectars. The differences in the chemical composition of the fruits resulted in functional foods that differ significantly in their chemical composition and antioxidant activity. Additionally, we demonstrated that temperature of juice pressing and nectar extraction has a profound effect on the polyphenol content and composition of these products. This is very important since differences in the chemical composition of raw chokeberries and variation of technological parameters during processing could result in functional foods with different chemical composition, rendering different biological activity.

Brachychiton populneus (Schott & Endl.) R.Br. ameliorate carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress through regulation of endoplasmic reticulum stress markers and inflammatory mediators in Sprague-Dawley male rats

In this study hepatoprotective aptitude of Brachychiton populneus against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) instigated liver injuries in rats was investigated. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) with a diode array detector (DAD) analysis of methanol extract of B. populneus (BPM) indicated existence of rutin, catechin and myricetin. Administration of CCl₄ to rat decreased (p < 0.01) the level of catalase (CAT), total superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (POD), soluble protein and reduced glutathione (GSH) whereas elevated the concentration of H₂O₂, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and nitrite in hepatic samples. In serum the level of hepatic markers; aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase and total bilirubin increased with CCl₄ treatment against control animals. In hepatic samples the expression level of endoplasmic reticulum stress associated genes like glucose regulated protein (GRP78), x-box binding protein- 1 total (XBP-1 t), x-box binding protein- 1 spliced (XBP-1 s), x-box binding protein- 1 unspliced (XBP-1 u), glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC) and pro-inflammatory cytokines; tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) was elevated many fold with CCl₄ administration to rat. Co-administration of BPM along with CCl₄ to rats decreased (p < 0.05) the expression of above genes except GCLC where expression level was enhanced as compared to CCl₄ treatment. Histopathology of liver showed injuries of hepatocytes, infiltration of leukocytes and damaged central lobule in CCl₄ treated rats. However, BPM administration to CCl₄ intoxicated rats restored the altered parameters towards the control rats. These results suggested the presence of antioxidant and anti-inflammatory constituents in methanol extract of B. populneus.

Escalation of liver malfunctioning: A step toward Herbal Awareness

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

About 2-5% of the world's population is suffering from liver toxicity including Pakistan with the second highest rate of hepatitis prevalence. Liver is a vital body organ which not only performs metabolic activities but also aids in detoxification, storage and digestion of food. Now a day's malnutrition, alcohol consumption and drug addiction are major causes of liver diseases throughout the world. In fact, there is no possible outcome to compensate liver malfunction for long term, and transplantation of liver is the only option left after the irretrievable injury of hepatic function. Subsequently, natural based therapeutic approaches are in the process of scrupulous testing as strong hepatoprotective mediator. In this regard plants are well thought hepatoprotective agents having multiple active components. In this review, based on species' pharmacology and safety we have compiled some plants which show strong hepatoprotective activity, main phytoconstituents with biological activities and few commercially used herbal formulations.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Ethnopharmacological information was gathered by an extensive literature survey like WHO monographs on selected herbal medicinal plants (Vol 1-Vol 4); Principles and Practice of Phytotherapy, Mills S and Bone K, Churchill Livingstone, London, UK; Herbal Drugs and Phytopharmaceuticals, Wichtl M Medpharm Press, Stuttgart 3rd edn; Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia Medica Vols 1 and 2, Chang H-M and But P P-H World Scientific, Singapore; British Herbal Compendium Vol. 2, Bradley P British Herbal Medicine Association, Bournemouth, UK; ESCOP Monographs 2nd edn. Thieme, Stuttgart, Germany; as well as by using electronic databases such as Pubchem, Chemspider, http://www.herbal-ahp.org; http://www.ahpa.org; http://whqlibdoc.who.int/publications/2003/9241546271.pdf; http://www.escop.com, Pubmed, HubMed and Scopus.

RESULTS

Data for more about 29 plants have been accomplished for their bioactive constituent(s), biological activities and medicinal uses. Some of the plants have been identified as strong hepato-modulator. Such knowledge about traditional medicinal plants can be globally applied for safe and evidence based use in pharmacological applications.

CONCLUSION

With the rise in liver risks a meek struggle has been made to draw attention toward herbal therapy. Hepatoprotective constituents of said plants are expressed with chemical structures. However, for certain plants active constituents are not still isolated/purified but overall plant extract was found effective in providing protection against hepatic injury. As a future perspective, there is need to purify plant active constituents for ethnomedical rationale.

Berry Phenolic Antioxidants - Implications for Human Health?

Antioxidants present in the diet may have a significant effect on the prophylaxis and progression of various diseases associated with oxidative stress. Berries contain a range of chemical compounds with antioxidant properties, including phenolic compounds. The aim of this review article is to provide an overview of the current knowledge of such phenolic antioxidants, and to discuss whether these compounds may always be natural gifts for human health, based on both in vitro and in vivo studies. It describes the antioxidant properties of fresh berries (including aronia berries, grapes, blueberries, sea buckthorn berries, strawberries and other berries) and their various products, especially juices and wines. Some papers report that these phenolic compounds may sometimes behave like prooxidants, and sometimes demonstrate both antioxidant and prooxidant activity, while others note they do not behave the same way in vitro and in vivo. However, no unwanted or toxic effects (i.e., chemical, hematological or urinary effect) have been associated with the consumption of berries or berry juices or other extracts, especially aronia berries and aronia products in vivo, and in vitro, which may suggest that the phenolic antioxidants found in berries are natural gifts for human health. However, the phenolic compound content of berries and berry products is not always well described, and further studies are required to determine the therapeutic doses of different berry products for use in future clinical studies. Moreover, further experiments are needed to understand the beneficial effects reported so far from the mechanistic point of view. Therefore, greater attention should be paid to the development of well-controlled and high-quality clinical studies in this area.

Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice ameliorates the symptoms of inflammatory bowel disease in TNBS-induced colitis in rats

Trinitrobenzensulfonic acid (TNBS) is commonly used to induce an experimental inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) model. Oxidative stress and inflammation have been proposed as mechanisms underlying the pathophysiology of IBD. Aronia melanocarpa fruit juice (AMFJ) is extremely rich in polyphenolic substances, mainly proanthocyanidins, flavonoids and phenolic acids. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of AMFJ in a rat TNBSinduced colitis model and to compare the effect of the juice with that of sulfasalazine. Colitis was induced by TNBS in male Wistar rats. After the induction of colitis, AMFJ at three doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mL/kg) and sulfasalazine (400 mg/kg) were administered orally till the 14th experimental day. Severity of colitis was assessed by macroscopic and histopathological criteria. Oxidative stress was evaluated by the concentration of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS). TNBS caused severe colonic damage. AMFJ dose-dependently ameliorated TNBS-induced colitis. It improved the macroscopic and microscopic signs of colitis, and prevented the increase of colonic TBARS concentrations. Regarding different indices, the effect of AMFJ was comparable or even higher than that of sulfasalazine. In conclusion, the ameliorative effects of AMFJ in the experimental TNBSinduced colitis might be the result of its potent antioxidant and antiinflammatory properties.

Aronia Berry Extract Ameliorates the Severity of Dextran Sodium Sulfate-Induced Ulcerative Colitis in Mice

Inflammatory bowel disease, including Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis (UC), is a group of inflammatory conditions of the colon and small intestine. UC is a chronic inflammatory disorder of the colon and rectum that includes intervals of acute exacerbation. Although recent studies have suggested that proinflammatory cytokines might have initiated the inflammatory responses in UC, its etiology remains unclear. Aronia berries are rich in dietary polyphenols such as phenolic acids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, and proanthocyanidins with various health benefits, including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiaging activities. The objective of this study was to determine whether Aronia berry can be an effective intervention for the treatment of UC. BALB/c mice were administered 5% dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) to induce UC. They were then given Aronia berry extracts at concentrations of 10 or 100 mg/kg. During the induction of UC, the expression levels of nuclear factor-kappa B were increased in colonic epithelial cells and immune cells, leading to increased proinflammatory cytokine levels. Aronia berry extract significantly improved the clinical signs of DSS-induced UC, including body weight loss, colon length shortening, and disease activity index increase, with histological markers of colon injury. Furthermore, oral administration of Aronia berry extract inhibited prostaglandin E₂ production in DSS-induced colitis and decreased the levels of nitric oxide, interleukin-6, and tumor necrosis factor-α in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated macrophages. These results suggest that Aronia berry extract could efficiently ameliorate clinical signs and inflammatory mediators of UC. Therefore, Aronia berry might be a promising natural treatment for UC.

Hepatoprotective, Hypoglycemic, and Hypolipidemic Effect of Chokeberry Pomace on Polish Merino Lambs

To properly understand the biological effect of polyphenol compounds, it should not be assumed that they are generally bioavailable and are reaching tissues as expected. It is important to fully understand how polyphenol compounds are absorbed, metabolized, and finally eliminated from the organism. Most polyphenol compounds occur in the forms that cannot be absorbed in their primary form. Sheep make compounds bioavailable due to their unique digestive system properties. Despite this, several species of ruminants likely to serve as an experimental model were considered. However, due to the high costs for cattle and low popularity in the region of goats, sheep were selected as the experimental model. In the study, 24 Polish Merino lambs were randomly divided into a control and two experimental groups. The experimental groups were administered diets with the addition of 150 or 300 g of chokeberry pomace per each kg of complete feed mixture. Phenolics present in the chokeberry pomace were found to modulate biochemical blood parameters, resulting in hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects. Finally, the increase in total phenolics in the serum and liver of lambs induced a health-promoting effect on liver metabolic profile parameters.

Aronia melanocarpa Extract Ameliorates Hepatic Lipid Metabolism through PPARγ2 Downregulation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. Studies have demonstrated that anthocyanin-rich foods may improve hyperlipidemia and ameliorate hepatic steatosis. Here, effects of Aronia melanocarpa (AM), known to be rich of anthocyanins, on hepatic lipid metabolism and adipogenic genes were determined. AM was treated to C57BL/6N mice fed with high fat diet (HFD) or to FL83B cells treated with free fatty acid (FFA). Changes in levels of lipids, enzymes and hormones were observed, and expressions of adipogenic genes involved in hepatic lipid metabolism were detected by PCR, Western blotting and luciferase assay. In mice, AM significantly reduced the body and liver weight, lipid accumulation in the liver, and levels of biochemical markers such as fatty acid synthase, hepatic triglyceride and leptin. Serum transaminases, indicators for hepatocyte injury, were also suppressed, while superoxide dismutase activity and liver antioxidant capacity were significantly increased. In FL83B cells, AM significantly reduced FFA-induced lipid droplet accumulation. Protein synthesis of an adipogenic transcription factor, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ2 (PPARγ2) was inhibited in vivo. Furthermore, transcriptional activity of PPARγ2 was down-regulated in vitro, and mRNA expression of PPARγ2 and its downstream target genes, adipocyte protein 2 and lipoprotein lipase were down-regulated by AM both in vitro and in vivo. These results show beneficial effects of AM against hepatic lipid accumulation through the inhibition of PPARγ2 expression along with improvements in body weight, liver functions, lipid profiles and antioxidant capacity suggesting the potential therapeutic efficacy of AM on NAFLD.

Effects of drying methods on contents of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities of black chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa)

Optimal drying techniques for maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds and antioxidant activities in black chokeberries were investigated. Effects of 3 drying methods on total bioactive compound contents and in vitro antioxidant activities in 80% ethanol extracts were evaluated. Fresh black chokeberries were dried using sun-drying, freeze-drying, and oven-drying. Highest amounts of total polyphenols, flavonoids, and anthocyanins were detected in freeze-dried black chokeberry extracts after sun and oven-drying. 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), 2,2-azino-bis-3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulphonic acid (ABTS), and superoxide anion scavenging activities in black chokeberry extracts were also evaluated. Freeze-dried berries produced strongest antioxidant activities. Freeze-drying was the optimal drying method for maintaining high levels of bioactive compounds in 80% ethanol extracts of dried black chokeberries.

Apitherapy products enhance the recovery of CCL4-induced hepatic damages in rats

BACKGROUND/AIM

Our objective was to identify the antioxidant properties of honeybee products from Turkey, chestnut honey, pollen, propolis, and royal jelly, and their hepatoprotective activity against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Animals were fed with honeybee products for 7 days following CCl4 injection. Development of liver damage and oxidative stress were monitored by measuring the activities of the enzymes alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase. Antioxidant capacities of the bee products were identified using FRAP and DPPH assays, as well as by measuring total phenolic and flavonoid contents.

RESULTS

The antioxidant activities of the honeybee products were highest in propolis, followed, in order, by pollen, honey, and royal jelly. Despite their different levels of antioxidant capacity, their roles in the prevention of liver damage induced by CCl4 were very similar, which can be explained through their bioavailability to the treated animals.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results suggest that honey, propolis, pollen, and royal jelly significantly enhanced the healing of CCl4-induced liver damage, partially due to their antioxidant properties and bioavailability.

The preventive and therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols on influenza

Influenza virus belongs to orthomyxoviridae family. This virus is a major public health problems, with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Despite a wide range of pharmacotherapeutic choices inhibiting specific sequences of pathological process of influenza, developing more effective therapeutic options is an immediate challenge. In this paper, a comprehensively review of natural polyphenolic products used worldwide for the management of influenza infection is presented. Cellular and molecular mechanisms of the natural polyphenols on influenza infection including suppressing virus replication cycle, viral hemagglutination, viral adhesion and penetration into the host cells, also intracellular transductional signaling pathways have been discussed in detail. Based on cellular, animal, and human evidence obtained from several studies, the current paper demonstrates that natural polyphenolic compounds possess potential effects on both prevention and treatment of influenza, which can be used as adjuvant therapy with conventional chemical drugs for the management of influenza and its complications.

Chokeberry attenuates the expression of genes related to de novo lipogenesis in the hepatocytes of mice with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), which is characterized by steatosis, is a major public health concern. Previous studies have shown that chokeberry has anti-inflammatory, antimutagenic, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, and antidiabetic effects. In this study, we hypothesized that chokeberry powder can attenuate the expression of genes related to de novo lipogenesis and the triglyceride levels in the hepatocytes of mice with high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. After coadministering chokeberry powder for 8weeks (0.5% and 1% powder) with a high-fat diet, mice that consumed chokeberry powder diets, regardless of the dose, had significantly lower liver triglyceride levels than control mice that were fed a high-fat diet (P=.0145 and P<.0012, respectively). Compared with mice that were fed a high-fat diet, mice that were given 1% chokeberry powder exhibited significantly decreased mRNA expression of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (P=.009) and acetyl-CoA carboxylase (P=.0032) in the liver. Compared with mice in the control group, fatty acid synthase (FAS) expression significantly increased in the mice that were fed a high-fat diet, but both chokeberry powder-treated groups had significantly decreased FAS expression (P=.0157 and P<.0001, respectively). The size of the fat droplets was decreased in the livers of the chokeberry-supplemented groups. In summary, the administration of chokeberry powder may help attenuate high-fat diet-induced NAFLD by regulating the expression levels of sterol regulatory element-binding protein, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, and FAS and by decreasing the size of the fat droplets in the liver.

Phenolic Content, Antioxidant Capacity and Quality of Chokeberry (Aronia melanocarpa) Products

Chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) are rarely used in diet in Croatia but they have high content of polyphenolic compounds and one of the highest in vitro antioxidant activities among fruits. The aim of this study is to compare the quality, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity of different chokeberry products (juices, powders, fruit tea, capsules and dried berries). It can be expected that processing influences antioxidant activity and phenolic content of final products reaching consumers. Characterisation of phenolic compounds was carried out by using spectroscopic methods (Folin-Ciocalteu and pH differential methods). Antioxidant activity of chokeberry products was determined using 2,2-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) methods. The results show that the investigated products contain high amount of phenols (3002 to 6639 mg per L and 1494 to 5292 mg per 100 g of dry matter) and lower amount of total anthocyanins (150 to 1228 mg per L and 141 to 2468 mg per 100 g of dry matter). The examined juices and other chokeberry products possess high antioxidant capacity (12.09 to 40.19 mmol per L or 58.49 to 191.31 mmol per 100 g of dry matter, respectively) and reducing power (38.71 to 79.86 mmol per L or 13.50 to 68.60 mmol per 100 g of dry matter, respectively). On the basis of phenolic content and antioxidant activity, capsules and powders stand out among other products. The study indicates that there are significant differences (p<0.05) in the quality, phenolic content and antioxidant capacity among examined products.

Protective effects of polyphenol-rich blackcurrant preparation on biochemical and metabolic biomarkers of rats fed a diet high in fructose

The purpose of the study was to compare in vivo effects of dietary supplementation with blackcurrant pomaces containing variable level of phenolic compounds on blood and internal organ parameters in rats. Forty-eight growing Wistar rats were allocated to six treatment groups in which they were fed ad libitum for 4 weeks the following diets: standard chow (group S), high-fructose diet (group F), standard chow supplemented with 7.7% of either rich in polyphenols unprocessed blackcurrant pomace (UB) or polyphenol-deprived processed pomace (PB) (groups SUB and SPB respectively), and high-fructose diet with 7.7% of either UB or PB (groups FUB and FPB respectively). Blackcurrant pomace, irrespective of its phenolic content, selectively modulated the enzymatic activity of the colon microflora, reducing the activity of enzymes with potentially harmful properties and promoting activities of enzymes that might increase the use of carbohydrates that escaped digestion in the upper gastrointestinal tract. Although both pomaces increased antioxidant status of the liver and blood serum, the unprocessed pomace showed a greater ability to inhibit lipid peroxidation in heart and kidney than the pomace that was less abundant in polyphenols. Both of the examined pomaces had a positive influence on serum lipid profile, but better hypocholesterolemic effect was observed after supplementation of the diet with unprocessed preparation. The biochemical action of unprocessed pomace in the normalization of fructose-induced disturbances was more distinct than those of pomace remaining after extraction.

Modeling and optimization of ultrasound-assisted extraction of polyphenolic compounds from Aronia melanocarpa by-products from filter-tea factory

Aronia melanocarpa by-product from filter-tea factory was used for the preparation of extracts with high content of bioactive compounds. Extraction process was accelerated using sonication. Three level, three variable face-centered cubic experimental design (FCD) with response surface methodology (RSM) was used for optimization of extraction in terms of maximized yields for total phenolics (TP), flavonoids (TF), anthocyanins (MA) and proanthocyanidins (TPA) contents. Ultrasonic power (X₁: 72-216 W), temperature (X₂: 30-70 °C) and extraction time (X₃: 30-90 min) were investigated as independent variables. Experimental results were fitted to a second-order polynomial model where multiple regression analysis and analysis of variance were used to determine fitness of the model and optimal conditions for investigated responses. Three-dimensional surface plots were generated from the mathematical models. The optimal conditions for ultrasound-assisted extraction of TP, TF, MA and TPA were: X₁=206.64 W, X₂=70 °C, X₃=80.1 min; X₁=210.24 W, X₂=70 °C, X₃=75 min; X₁=216 W, X₂=70 °C, X₃=45.6 min and X₁=199.44 W, X₂=70 °C, X₃=89.7 min, respectively. Generated model predicted values of the TP, TF, MA and TPA to be 15.41 mg GAE/ml, 9.86 mg CE/ml, 2.26 mg C3G/ml and 20.67 mg CE/ml, respectively. Experimental validation was performed and close agreement between experimental and predicted values was found (within 95% confidence interval).

Arsenic responsive microRNAs in vivo and their potential involvement in arsenic-induced oxidative stress

Arsenic exposure is postulated to modify microRNA (miRNA) expression, leading to changes of gene expression and toxicities, but studies relating the responses of miRNAs to arsenic exposure are lacking, especially with respect to in vivo studies. We utilized high-throughput sequencing technology and generated miRNA expression profiles of liver tissues from Sprague Dawley (SD) rats exposed to various concentrations of sodium arsenite (0, 0.1, 1, 10 and 100mg/L) for 60days. Unsupervised hierarchical clustering analysis of the miRNA expression profiles clustered the SD rats into different groups based on the arsenic exposure status, indicating a highly significant association between arsenic exposure and cluster membership (p-value of 0.0012). Multiple miRNA expressions were altered by arsenic in an exposure concentration-dependent manner. Among the identified arsenic-responsive miRNAs, several are predicted to target Nfe2l2-regulated antioxidant genes, including glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL) catalytic subunit (GCLC) and modifier subunit (GCLM) which are involved in glutathione (GSH) synthesis. Exposure to low concentrations of arsenic increased mRNA expression for Gclc and Gclm, while high concentrations significantly reduced their expression, which were correlated to changes in hepatic GCL activity and GSH level. Moreover, our data suggested that other mechanisms, e.g., miRNAs, rather than Nfe2l2-signaling pathway, could be involved in the regulation of mRNA expression of Gclc and Gclm post-arsenic exposure in vivo. Together, our findings show that arsenic exposure disrupts the genome-wide expression of miRNAs in vivo, which could lead to the biological consequence, such as an altered balance of antioxidant defense and oxidative stress.

Effects of Long-Term Administration of Freeze-Dried Chokeberry Juice to Rats

Polyphenolics can act as prooxidants leading to the generation of reactive oxygen species and electrophilic metabolites which bind to DNA, protein and glutathione. The aim of the present study was to evaluate potential adverse effects of the long-term dietary administration of freeze-dried chokeberry juice to rats.Groups of 8 males and 8 females were exposed via diet to 0; 2; 6; 10 g juice/kg feed for 90 days. Mean food consumption and mean body weight gain of treated animals were comparable with controls. Changes in some hematological parameters were sporadic and non-dose-responsive. Several statistically significant changes in clinical chemistry parameters were considered no toxicologically relevant since they were of small magnitude and lacked correlating findings in histopathology. Histopathological examination did not reveal any changes that could be attributed to chokeberry juice intake. Determination of oxidative damage markers in the liver demonstrated no damage of lipids, proteins and DNA. Chokeberry juice intake improved antioxidant status of rats as evidenced by a decrease in the level of lipid peroxidation, an increase in reduced glutathione concentration and an increase in some antioxidant enzymes activity.It could be concluded that freeze-dried chokeberry juice is safe at doses tested and can be used as a component of food supplements.