The therapeutic effect of fraxetin on ethanol-induced hepatic fibrosis by enhancing ethanol metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory mediators in rats

Health benefits of fraxetin: From chemistry to medicine

Fraxetin is a bioactive molecule present in various natural plants, especially Cortex Fraxini. Evidenced outcomes in phytochemical and biological analyses for this agent are now available in the literature, but an insightful review is yet unknown. The goal of the current research is to offer a panoramic illustration of natural observation, biosynthesis, synthesis, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics for fraxetin. Esculetin and ferulic acid acted as precursors in the enzymatic biosynthetic route, whereas fraxetin could be easily synthesized from simple phenols. A great deal of interest was obtained in using this molecule for pharmacological targets. Herein, its pharmacological value included anticancer, antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, antiobesity, and antimicrobial activities, as well as the protection of the liver, neurons, heart, bone, lung, kidney, and others. Anticancer activity may involve the inhibition of proliferation, invasion, and migration, together with apoptotic induction. Health benefits from this molecule were deduced from its ability to suppress cytokines and protect the immune syndrome. Various signaling pathways, such as Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3), phosphoinositide 3 kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (Akt), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NLRP3, Akt/AMPK, have been proposed for in vitro and in vivo mechanisms of action. Fraxetin is highly distributed to rat plasma and several organs. However, more pharmacokinetic studies to improve its bioavailability are needed since its solubility in water is still limited.

Designing and preparing supramolecular encapsulation systems based on fraxetin and cyclodextrins for highly selective detection of nicotine

Herein, a series of water-soluble supramolecular inclusion complexes (ICs) probes were prepared using cyclodextrins (CDs) and fraxetin (FRA) to detect nicotine (NT) with high selectivity in vitro and in vivo. The FRA/CD ICs prepared through the saturated solution method exhibited excellent water solubility, stability, and biocompatibility. A clear host-guest inclusion model was provided by the theoretical calculations. The investigation revealed that NT was able to enter into the cavities of FRA/β-CD IC and FRA/γ-CD IC, and further formed charge transfer complexes with FRA in the CD cavities, resulting in a rapid and highly selective fluorescence-enhanced response with the lowest detection limits of 1.9 × 10-6 M and 9.7 × 10-7 M, and the linear response ranged from 0.02 to 0.3 mM and 0.01-0.05 mM, respectively. The IC probes showed good anti-interference performance to common interferents or different pH environments, with satisfactory reproducibility and repeatability of response to NT. Furthermore, the potentiality of the probes was confirmed through fluorescence imaging experiments using human lung cancer cells and the lung tissue of mice. This study offers a fresh perspective for detecting NT in environmental and biomedical analysis.

Fraxetin reduces endometriotic lesions through activation of ER stress, induction of mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and generation of ROS

BACKGROUND

Fraxetin, a phytochemical obtained from Fraxinus rhynchophylla, is well known for its anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties. However, fraxetin regulates the progression of endometriosis, which is a benign reproductive disease that results in low quality of life and infertility.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

We hypothesized that fraxetin may have therapeutic effects on endometriosis and aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms of mitochondrial function and tiRNA regulation.

STUDY DESIGN

Endometriotic animal models and cells (End1/E6E7 and VK2/E6E7) were used to identify the mode of action of fraxetin.

METHODS

An auto-implanted endometriosis animal model was established and the effects of fraxetin on lesion size reduction were analyzed. Cell-based assays including proliferation, cell cycle, migration, apoptosis, mitochondrial function, calcium efflux, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were performed. Moreover, fraxetin signal transduction was demonstrated by western blotting and qPCR analyses.

RESULTS

Fraxetin inhibited proliferation and migration by inactivating the P38/JNK/ERK mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and AKT/S6 pathways. Fraxetin dissipates mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulates oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS), and disrupts redox and calcium homeostasis. Moreover, it triggered endoplasmic reticulum stress and intrinsic apoptosis. Furthermore, we elucidated the functional role of tiRNAHisGTG in endometriosis by transfection with its inhibitor. Finally, we established an endometriosis mouse model and verified endometriotic lesion regression and downregulation of adhesion molecules with inflammation.

CONCLUSION

This study suggests that fraxetin is a novel therapeutic agent that targets mitochondria and tiRNAs. This is the first study to demonstrate the mechanisms of tiRNAHisGTG with mitochondrial function and cell fates and can be applied as a non-hormonal method against the progression of endometriosis.

Fraxetin inhibits proliferation and induces apoptosis of bladder cancer through the Akt pathway in vitro and in vivo

Fraxetin, a natural compound extracted from the Chinese herb Cortex Fraxini, is reported to boast extensive antitumor properties in various cancers. However, whether fraxetin exhibited an anticancer effect on bladder cancer remains unknown. In this study, cell counting kit-8 was utilized to detect cell viability. Flow cytometry analysis was performed for cell apoptosis analysis. Western blot analysis and real-time PCR were used to ascertain gene expression analysis. A mouse bladder cancer xenograft model was established and subjected to fraxetin treatment. Fraxetin reduced the viability of bladder cancer cells, induced apoptosis in vitro, and inhibited the growth of bladder cancer in vivo. Fraxetin inhibited the Akt pathway in J82 cells. In conclusion, the growth inhibitory properties of fraxetin against bladder cancer may be mediated via an Akt inhibitory effect and cell apoptosis promotion.

JNK/MAPK pathway regulation by BEX2 gene silencing in alcoholic hepatitis mice: Effects on oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Alcoholic hepatitis (AH) is a severe alcoholic-related liver disease that is a leading cause of morbidity and mortality, for which effective treatments are lacking. Brain-expressed X-linked gene 2 (BEX2) has been implicated in various diseases, but its association with AH has received limited attention. Thus, this study investigated BEX2's impact on the progression of AH by affecting the c-Jun NH2-terminal kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (JNK/MAPK) pathway.

METHODS

Microarray dataset GSE28619 from the Gene Expression Omnibus database was used to identify differentially expressed genes in AH. Immunohistochemistry, terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling (TUNEL), Western blot analysis, and flow cytometry were used to measure various factors in the liver tissue of AH mice.

RESULTS

BEX2 expression was significantly upregulated in the model. BEX2 gene silencing increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase while decreasing malondialdehyde content; phosphorylation of JNK, c-JUN, and p38MAPK; apoptosis rate; and the extent of JNK/MAPK pathway activation.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings provide valuable insights into the mechanisms underlying AH development and highlight the potential role of BEX2 gene expression as a promising therapeutic target for AH.

Water Extract of Angelica dahurica Inhibits Osteoclast Differentiation and Bone Loss

Angelica dahurica radix has a long history of traditional use in China and Korea for treating headaches, cold-damp pain and skin diseases. Despite various pharmacological studies on A. dahurica, its impact on bones remains unclear. Hence, this study investigated the inhibitory effect of A. dahurica's radix water extract (WEAD) on osteoclast differentiation. In vitro experiments showed that WEAD effectively suppresses osteoclast differentiation. Treatment of an osteoclast precursor with WEAD significantly suppressed the expression of nuclear factor of activated T-cells 1 (NFATc1), essential transcription factor for osteoclastogenesis, while increasing the expression of negative regulators, interferon regulatory factor 8 (Irf8) and v-maf musculoaponeurotic fibrosarcoma oncogene homolog B (MafB). Consistent with the in vitro findings, the oral administration of WEAD (100 and 300 mg/kg/day) to mice subjected to surgical ovariectomy for a duration of six weeks alleviated bone loss, while also mitigating weight gain and liver fat accumulation. In addition, we also identified phytochemicals present in WEAD, known to regulate osteoclastogenesis and/or bone loss. These results suggest the potential use of WEAD for treating various bone disorders caused by excessive bone resorption.

Natural Coumarin Derivatives Activating Nrf2 Signaling Pathway as Lead Compounds for the Design and Synthesis of Intestinal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs

Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) is a transcription factor related to stress response and cellular homeostasis that plays a key role in maintaining the redox system. The imbalance of the redox system is a triggering factor for the initiation and progression of non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD). Nrf2 and its inhibitor Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) are the main regulators of oxidative stress and their activation has been recognized as a promising strategy for the treatment or prevention of several acute and chronic diseases. Moreover, activation of Nrf2/keap signaling pathway promotes inhibition of NF-κB, a transcriptional factor related to pro-inflammatory cytokines expression, synchronically promoting an anti-inflammatory response. Several natural coumarins have been reported as potent antioxidant and intestinal anti-inflammatory compounds, acting by different mechanisms, mainly as a modulator of Nrf2/keap signaling pathway. Based on in vivo and in vitro studies, this review focuses on the natural coumarins obtained from both plant products and fermentative processes of food plants by gut microbiota, which activate Nrf2/keap signaling pathway and produce intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. Although gut metabolites urolithin A and urolithin B as well as other plant-derived coumarins display intestinal anti-inflammatory activity modulating Nrf2 signaling pathway, in vitro and in vivo studies are necessary for better pharmacological characterization and evaluation of their potential as lead compounds. Esculetin, 4-methylesculetin, daphnetin, osthole, and imperatorin are the most promising coumarin derivatives as lead compounds for the design and synthesis of Nrf2 activators with intestinal anti-inflammatory activity. However, further structure-activity relationships studies with coumarin derivatives in experimental models of intestinal inflammation and subsequent clinical trials in health and disease volunteers are essential to determine the efficacy and safety in IBD patients.

Fraxetin Interacts Additively with Cisplatin and Mitoxantrone, Antagonistically with Docetaxel in Various Human Melanoma Cell Lines-An Isobolographic Analysis

Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer characterized by rapid development, poor prognosis and high mortality. Due to the frequent drug resistance and/or early metastases in melanoma, new therapeutic methods are urgently needed. The study aimed at assessing the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of scoparone and fraxetin in vitro, when used alone and in combination with three cytostatics: cisplatin, mitoxantrone, and docetaxel in four human melanoma cell lines. Our experiments showed that scoparone in the concentration range tested up to 200 µM had no significant effect on the viability of human malignant melanoma (therefore, it was not possible to evaluate it in combination with other cytostatics), while fraxetin inhibited cell proliferation with IC₅₀ doses in the range of 32.42-73.16 µM, depending on the cell line. Isobolographic analysis allowed for the assessment of the interactions between the studied compounds. Importantly, fraxetin was not cytotoxic to normal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and melanocytes (HEMa-LP), although it slightly inhibited their viability at high concentrations. The combination of fraxetin with cisplatin and mitoxantrone showed the additive interaction, which seems to be a promising direction in melanoma therapy. Unfortunately, the combination of fraxetin with docetaxel may not be beneficial due to the antagonistic antiproliferative effect of both drugs used in the mixture.

Fraxetin suppresses reactive oxygen species-dependent autophagy by the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal cells

Isoflurane, a common volatile anesthetic, has been widely used to provide general anesthesia in operations. However, exposure to isoflurane may cause widespread neurotoxicity in the developing animal brain. Fraxetin, a natural coumarin derivative extracted from the bark of Fraxinus rhynchophylla, possesses versatile pharmacological properties including anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective effects. However, the effect and action mechanism of fraxetin on neurotoxicity induced by isoflurane are unknown. Reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, and apoptosis were estimated by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescin-diacetate (DCFH-DA) staining, MTT, LDH release, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining assays, respectively. The protein levels of light chain 3 (LC3)-I, LC3-II, p62, protein kinase B (Akt), and phosphorylated Akt (p-Akt) were detected by western blot analysis. Isoflurane induced ROS, LDH release, apoptosis, and autophagy, but inhibited the viability in HT22 cells, which were overturned by fraxetin or ROS scavenger N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Fraxetin suppressed isoflurane-induced PI3K/Akt inactivation in HT22 cells. PI3K/Akt inactivation by LY294002 resisted the effects of fraxetin on isoflurane-induced autophagy and autophagy-modulated neurotoxicity in HT22 cells. In conclusion, fraxetin suppressed ROS-dependent autophagy by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway to inhibit isoflurane-induced neurotoxicity in hippocampal neuronal cells.

In Vitro and In Vivo Antifibrotic Effects of Fraxetin on Renal Interstitial Fibrosis via the ERK Signaling Pathway

Fraxetin, a natural derivative of coumarin, is known to have anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and hepatoprotective effects in multiple diseases and in liver fibrosis. Whether fraxetin exerts similar effects against renal fibrosis is unknown. In a Unilateral Ureteral Obstruction (UUO) mouse model of renal fibrosis, fraxetin decreased UUO-induced renal dysfunction with a marked reduction in renal interstitial collagen fibers as detected by Masson’s Trichrome staining. Fraxetin treatment also inhibited the expression of α-SMA, Collagen I, Collagen IV, fibronectin, N-cadherin, vimentin, phosphorylated-ERK, and increased the expression of E-cadherin in UUO mice, as shown by immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis. In vitro studies showed that fraxetin and indoxyl sulfate had no cytotoxic effects on MES13 kidney cells, but that fraxetin significantly decreased IS-induced cell motility and decreased protein expression of α-SMA, N-cadherin, vimentin, and Collagen IV via the ERK-mediated signaling pathway. These findings provide insight into the mechanism underlying fraxetin-induced inhibition of fibrogenesis in renal tissue and suggest that fraxetin treatment may be beneficial for slowing CKD progression.

Pathophysiological Aspects of Alcohol Metabolism in the Liver

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a globally prevalent chronic liver disease caused by chronic or binge consumption of alcohol. The liver is the major organ that metabolizes alcohol; therefore, it is particularly sensitive to alcohol intake. Metabolites and byproducts generated during alcohol metabolism cause liver damage, leading to ALD via several mechanisms, such as impairing lipid metabolism, intensifying inflammatory reactions, and inducing fibrosis. Despite the severity of ALD, the development of novel treatments has been hampered by the lack of animal models that fully mimic human ALD. To overcome the current limitations of ALD studies and therapy development, it is necessary to understand the molecular mechanisms underlying alcohol-induced liver injury. Hence, to provide insights into the progression of ALD, this review examines previous studies conducted on alcohol metabolism in the liver. There is a particular focus on the occurrence of ALD caused by hepatotoxicity originating from alcohol metabolism.

Fraxetin prevented sodium fluoride-induced chronic pancreatitis in rats: Role of anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antifibrotic and anti-apoptotic activities

Chronic pancreatitis is considered a common gastrointestinal disorder, with significant morbidity and mortality. Fluoride is an important agent for the development of our body systems, especially for bone and teeth, however on its excess consumption, it deposits in different body tissues, especially the pancreas, causing its chronic inflammation and destruction. Fraxetin proved to possess versatile activities including; antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrotic, and anti-apoptotic activities. In the present study, we have evaluated the fraxetin potentiality to prevent fluoride-induced chronic pancreatitis in rats, by evaluating animal body weights and body weight gain rate, serum amylase, and lipase activities, pancreatic oxidative stress markers, cytokines, apoptotic markers, myeloperoxidase, and hydroxyproline levels, and histopathological changes. Nine-weeks-old male Wistar rats drank distilled water containing 500 ppm sodium fluoride (NaF) for 60 days to induce chronic pancreatitis. Oral fraxetin (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg/day) received simultaneously to prevent chronic pancreatitis development. Fraxetin in a dose-dependent manner alleviated chronic pancreatitis induced by NaF, as it restored the decreased body weight and weight gain rate, decreased the elevated serum amylase and lipase activities, pancreatic IL-6, TNF-α, MDA, caspase-3, MPO and hydroxyproline levels, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, enhanced pancreatic CAT and SOD activities, and GSH levels, besides it augmented the elevated IL-10 level, with the restoration of normal pancreatic architecture. Therefore, fraxetin could be a promising agent recommended for the prevention of fluoride-induced chronic pancreatitis in endemic areas.

Preparation of Fraxetin Long Circulating Liposome and Its Anti-enteritis Effect

This study sought to improve the oral bioavailability and enhance the anti-enteritis effect of fraxetin by incorporating it into long circulating liposomes (F-LC-Lipo). The optimal formulation of F-LC-Lipo was obtained via orthogonal design. The particle size, morphology, encapsulation efficiency, stability, and anti-enteritis effect of F-LC-Lipo were evaluated. The particle size of F-LC-Lipo was 166.65 ± 8.75 nm with entrapment efficiency (EE) of 92.18 ± 0.17%. The release rate in different dissolution media (pH 1.2 HCl, DDW, and pH 7.4 PBS) was significantly higher than that of fraxetin solution. Compared with the free fraxetin solution, F-LC-Lipo increased oral bioavailability of fraxetin by 4.43 times (443%). More importantly, F-LC-Lipo could improve the levels of interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), C-reactive protein (CRP), prostaglandin E2 (PEG2), and IL-10 in rats with enteritis. Overall, these results suggested that LC-Lipo may serve as a potential carrier for improving the solubility and oral bioavailability of fraxetin as well as improving its enteritis effect.

Fraxetin inhibits interleukin-1β-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and matrix degradation in chondrocytes and protects rat cartilage in vivo

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a disease characterized by degeneration of the joint complex due to cartilage destruction. Fraxetin, a widely used and studied coumarin compound extracted from a traditional Chinese herb (Qin Pi), has shown anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties, but its effects on OA have not been studied. In the present study, western blotting, immunofluorescence, and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase (TdT) dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL) were used to evaluate the effects of fraxetin on IL-1β-induced apoptotic activity, inflammatory responses, and catabolism in rat chondrocytes. The results showed that fraxetin prevented IL-1β-induced apoptosis of chondrocytes and inhibited inflammatory mediator release by regulating the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation primary response 88 (MyD88)/nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway in chondrocytes. Additionally, fraxetin suppressed the upregulation of matrix metalloproteinase 13 (MMP13) and degradation of collagen II in the extracellular matrix (ECM). Moreover, the effects of fraxetin in vivo were assessed in a monosodium iodoacetate (MIA)-induced rat model of OA using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Safranin O-fast green staining and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The results showed that fraxetin protected the cartilage against destruction. In conclusion, fraxetin could be a potential therapeutic for OA.

Astragaloside IV Synergizes with Ferulic Acid to Alleviate Hepatic Fibrosis in Bile Duct-Ligated Cirrhotic Rats

BACKGROUND

Due to the multi-factorial etiology of hepatic fibrosis, multi-target therapeutics based on combinatory drugs is known to be a promising strategy for the disease.

AIMS

The present study attempted to test the hypothesis that astragaloside IV combined with ferulic acid synergistically inhibits activation of hepatic stellate cells in vivo.

METHODS

Bile duct-ligated rats were treated with astragaloside IV or/and ferulic acid for 28 days. Liver fibrosis was measured by histological examination. The oxidative stress-related biomarkers were measured with spectrophotometry. Expressions of mRNA and protein were measured by real-time PCR and Western blotting.

RESULTS

Bile duct-ligated rat treatment with astragaloside IV and ferulic acid in combination resulted in synergistic alleviation of hepatic fibrosis. Simultaneously, activation of hepatic stellate cells was significantly inhibited by the combination therapy when compared with astragaloside IV or ferulic acid alone. Interestingly, astragaloside IV, but not ferulic acid, induced accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus, synthesized antioxidant enzymes through negative regulation of glycogen synthase kinase-3β, scavenged reactive oxygen species, and, in turn, suppressed hepatic stellate cells activation in bile duct-ligated rats. Conversely, ferulic acid, but not astragaloside IV, suppressed TGF-β1 and its receptors expression, which resulted in downregulation of Smad3 and Smad4.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that the combination of astragaloside IV and ferulic acid synergistically induces deactivation of hepatic stellate cells through inhibition of the TGF-β pathway and activation of the Nrf2 pathway, and suggest that combination of astragaloside IV and ferulic acid is a promising candidate for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

Coumarins as Modulators of the Keap1/Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

The Keap1/Nrf2/ARE system is a central defensive mechanism against oxidative stress which plays a key role in the pathogenesis and progression of many diseases. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor controlling a variety of downstream antioxidant and cytodefensive genes. Nrf2 has a powerful anti-inflammatory activity mediated via modulating NF-κB. Therefore, pharmacological activation of Nrf2 is a promising therapeutic strategy for the treatment/prevention of several diseases that are underlined by both oxidative stress and inflammation. Coumarins are natural products with promising pharmacological activities, including antioxidant, anticancer, antimicrobial, and anti-inflammatory efficacies. Coumarins are found in many plants, fungi, and bacteria and have been widely used as complementary and alternative medicines. Some coumarins have shown an ability to activate Nrf2 signaling in different cells and animal models. The present review compiles the research findings of seventeen coumarin derivatives of plant origin (imperatorin, visnagin, urolithin B, urolithin A, scopoletin, esculin, esculetin, umbelliferone, fraxetin, fraxin, daphnetin, anomalin, wedelolactone, glycycoumarin, osthole, hydrangenol, and isoimperatorin) as antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents, emphasizing the role of Nrf2 activation in their pharmacological activities. Additionally, molecular docking simulations were utilized to investigate the potential binding mode of these coumarins with Keap1 as a strategy to disrupt Keap1/Nrf2 protein-protein interaction and activate Nrf2 signaling.

Fraxetin Suppresses Proliferation of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer Cells via Preventing Activation of Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3

Lung cancer represents the leading cause of cancer-associated mortality, and non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is the most frequent histologic sub-type. It is therefore urgent to develop novel agents for the treatment of NSCLC. Fraxetin (FXT) is a potent plant-derived product and has been recognized as a promising anticancer agent for breast cancer and osteosarcoma. However, the anti-cancer potential of FXT for NSCLC remains to be elucidated. Accordingly, in the present study, we evaluated the inhibitory effect of FXT on the proliferation and growth of NSCLC cells using six human NSCLC cell lines: A549, H460, HCC827, H1650, PC-9 and H1975. FXT exhibited significant inhibitory effects on the proliferation of these cancer cell lines. By contrast, no inhibitory effect was observed on the viability of non-cancer lung cell lines even at the highest concentration of FXT (100 μM). Among the NSCLC cell lines, HCC827 and H1650 cells showed the most sensitive to FXT. Accordingly, HCC827 and H1650 cells were used for the subsequent experiments. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that FXT caused a significant cell cycle arrest and pro-apoptotic effects. Mechanistically, FXT suppressed the IL-6-induced phosphorylation of tyrosine residue (Tyr705) of signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) probably by binding to STAT3. Molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulations studies indicated that FXT interacts with STAT3 through hydrogen bond and hydrophobic interaction. In conclusion, these findings suggest that FXT could be a promising lead compound to be used as a novel STAT3 inhibitor and potential antitumor agent for the treatment of NSCLC.

5-ALA/SFC Attenuated Binge Alcohol-Induced Gut Leakiness and Inflammatory Liver Disease in HIV Transgenic Rats

BACKGROUND

This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of 5-aminolevulinic acid (5-ALA) and sodium ferrous citrate (SFC) against binge alcohol-induced gut leakiness and inflammatory liver disease in HIV transgenic (TG) rats.

METHODS

TG rats were treated with 3 consecutive doses of binge ethanol (EtOH) with or without 5-ALA/SFC. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected at 6 hours following the last dose of EtOH.

RESULTS

Compared with the wild-type (WT) rats, the TG rats showed increased sensitivity to alcohol-mediated inflammation, as evidenced by the significantly elevated levels of serum endotoxin, AST, ALT, ED1, and ED2 staining in liver. In contrast, 5-ALA/SFC improved the above biochemical and histochemical profiles. 5-ALA/SFC also attenuated the up-regulated mRNA expression of leptin and CCL2. Furthermore, down-regulated intestinal ZO-1 protein expression was also inhibited by 5-ALA/SFC. Moreover, the expressions of HO-1, HO-2, Sirt1, and related signal transduction molecules in liver were increased by 5-ALA/SFC. These results demonstrated that 5-ALA/SFC treatment ameliorated binge alcohol exposure liver injury in a rat model of HIV-infected patients by reducing macrophage activation and expression of inflammatory cytokines/chemokines, and by inducing HO-1, HO-2, and Sirt1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, these findings suggested that treatment with 5-ALA/SFC has a potential therapeutic effect for binge alcohol exposure liver injury in HIV-infected patients.

Investigation of the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) leaf infusion against ethanol-induced oxidative stress in rats

Chinar (Platanus orientalis L.) is used in folk medicine against tooth and knee pain, wounds, inflammation, and stomach discomfort; however, the effects of P. orientalis leaf (PO-leaf) infusion on the liver and kidney are unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the phytochemical composition and antioxidant properties of an infusion obtained from dried P. orientalis leaves against ethanol-induced oxidative stress (OS) in rats. After a toxicity test, thirty male Wistar rats were divided into five groups: Control, Ethanol 20%, Ethanol 20% + Silymarin (10 mg/kg), Ethanol 20% + PO-20 mg/mL infusion, and Ethanol 20% + PO-60 mg/mL infusion. The PO-leaf infusion doses were given ad libitum during 28 days to test the biochemical and antioxidant enzyme levels. According to the results, the PO-leaf contained rich compounds such as benzaldehyde, palmitic acid, 2,4-ditert-butylphenol, stearic acid, octadecanoic acid, linoleic acid, linolenic acid, kaempferol, and kaempferol derivatives. In the Ethanol group, AST, ALT, LDH, GGT, UA, and urea in the serum and GST and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver and erythrocyte tissues showed a significant increase compared to the Control group. AST, LDH, GGT, UA, and LDL-C levels in the serum and MDA (all tissues) significantly decreased in the Ethanol + PO-60 mg/mL group compared to the Ethanol group. SOD, GPx, and CAT activities in the kidney tissue of the Ethanol group showed a significant decrease compared to the Control group, whereas the GPx activity in kidney tissue in all of the treatment groups increased significantly compared to the Ethanol group. These findings suggest that the administration of the determined PO-leaf infusion doses might have a protective role against ethanol-induced liver and kidney damage in rats.

Antifibrotic effects of Fraxetin on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis by targeting NF-κB/IκBα, MAPKs and Bcl-2/Bax pathways

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a chronic lesion which ultimately results in cirrhosis and possible death. Although the high incidence and lethality, few therapies are effective for liver fibrosis. Fraxetin (7,8-dihydroxy-6-methoxy coumarin), a natural product extracted from cortex fraxini, has exhibited a significant hepatoprotective and anti-fibrotic properties. However, the underlying mechanism of the anti-hepatic fibrotic property remains unknown.

METHODS

48 Male Sprague Dawley rats were divided into four groups at random which were named as normal group, model group, fraxetin 25 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg group. The experimental model of liver fibrosis was founded by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) rats which were simultaneously treated with fraxetin (25 mg/kg or 50 mg/kg). Normal groups received equal volumes of saline and peanut oil.

RESULTS

Results showed that fraxetin ameliorated CCl₄ induced liver damage and fibrosis. Furthermore, histopathology examinations revealed that fraxetin improved the morphology and alleviated collagen deposition in fibrotic liver. Fraxetin inhibited inflammation and hepatocytes apoptosis by modulating the NF-κB/IκBα, MAPKs and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways.

CONCLUSION

Our findings indicate that fraxetin is effective in preventing liver fibrosis through inhibiting inflammation and hepatocytes apoptosis which is associated with regulating NF-κB/IκBα, MAPKs and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways in rats.