Tetrahydrocurcumin protects against nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by improving lipid metabolism and redox homeostasis

Tetrahydrocurcumin Alleviates Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatohepatitis in Mice by Regulating Serum Lipids, Bile Acids, and Gut Microbiota

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects and potential mechanisms of Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) on methionine-choline-deficient diet (MCD)-induced MASH in C57BL/6 mice by using multi-omics techniques. The C57BL/6 mice were fed with the MCD for 8 weeks to establish a MASH model, while THC (100 mg·kg-1·d-1) and obeticholic acid (6.5 mg·kg-1·d-1) were administered via gavage to the THC group and the positive control group, respectively. The biochemical indexes of the serum and liver were detected using kits. Liver tissue sections were taken to observe the pathomorphological changes. Serum lipid and bile acid contents were measured via LC-MS, and the changes in ileal intestinal flora were detected by 16S rDNA high-throughput sequencing technology. The results revealed that THC significantly attenuated oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in NCTC-1469 cells and relieved hepatic injury and oxidative stress, reduced hepatic TG content, and improved hepatic steatosis in mice. THC alleviated 34 lipid abnormalities caused by the MCD; increased the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, the ratio of Firmicutes to Bacteroidota, and the abundance of the probiotic (Verrucomicrobiota, Christensenellaceae, Akkermansiaceae, Lachnospiraceae, Desulfovibrionaceae); and reduced the abundance of obesity-associated pathogenic flora such as Firmicutes. Bile acid analysis showed that THC administration reduced the levels of serum toxic bile acid 7-KDCA and CA. In addition, RT-qPCR studies showed that THC down-regulated the transcript levels of the hepatic lipogenesis-related genes Srebp1c, Acc1, Scd1, and Fas, and up-regulated the transcript levels of the hepatic bile acid secretion-related genes Mrp2 and Bsep. The above results suggest that THC may alleviate MCD-induced MASH by downregulating liver Srebp1c, Acc1, Scd1, and Fas levels to inhibit lipid synthesis, upregulating Mrp2 and Bsep levels to regulate serum toxic BA levels, up-regulating the abundance of intestinal probiotic flora, and down-regulating the abundance of intestinal harmful bacterial flora. The multi-omics findings from the above study identified potential new mechanisms by which THC alleviates MASH, providing new reference targets for the development of anti-MASH drugs. These results also offer a basis for screening clinical diagnostic biomarkers for MASH and provide new directions for personalized diagnosis and treatment.

Tetrahydrocurcumin alleviates di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate-induced adipose tissue dysfunction and testicular toxicity in adult mice: possible involvement of adiponectin-adipoR signaling in the testis

Widespread exposure to endocrine disruptors is associated with metabolic dysfunction and reproductive toxicity. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) has attracted attention as it offers protection against obesity and metabolic disorders due to its potent antioxidative and diverse biological properties but its influence and underlying mechanism of action on adipose tissue function and DEHP-induced testicular injury remain unknown. Our results showed that THC (100 mg kg-1 day-1) administration for 27 weeks enlarged adipocytes while attenuating macrophage infiltration and IL-6 expression in the adipose tissue of male C57BL/6J mice exposed to 5 mg kg-1 day-1 of DEHP. Moreover, THC ameliorated DEHP-induced deregulation of adiponectin but not leptin. DEHP caused testicular histological damage, spermatogenesis impairment, apoptosis, inflammation, and AGE, which were improved by THC. THC treatment elevated Nrf2/HO-1 and decreased Glut1 in interstitial Leydig cells, which may contribute to its beneficial effects on the testis. Our results further demonstrated that THC also ameliorated circulating adiponectin and testicular adipoR1-AMPK signaling, partially accounting for the improvement of DEHP-caused testicular dysfunction. The finding of this study revealed that THC is a promising candidate for improving adipose and testicular dysfunction caused by DEHP.

The anticancer potential of tetrahydrocurcumin-phytosomes against oral carcinoma progression

BACKGROUND

Herbal medicine combined with nanotechnology offers an alternative to the increasing burden of surgery and/or chemotherapy, the main therapeutics of oral carcinoma. Phytosomes are nano-vesicular systems formed by the interaction between phospholipids and phyto-active components via hydrogen bonding, exhibiting superior efficacy over pure phytocomponents in drug delivery.

METHODS

Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC)-phytosomes were prepared by thin film hydration method. After characterization, in vitro cytotoxicity, antiproliferative capacity, antioxidant potential and full apoptotic workup were paneled on oral squamous cell carcinoma (SCC4) in comparison with native THC-solution and cisplatin (3.58 µg/mL intravenous injection), as positive controls. In addition, we tested the three medications on normal oral keratinocytes and gingival fibroblasts to attest to their tissue-selectivity.

RESULTS

Successful preparation of THC-phytosomes using 1:1 molar ratio of THC to phospholipid exhibited significantly increased aqueous solubility, good colloidal properties, and complete drug release after one hour. On SCC4 cells, THC-phytosomes, at their dose-/time-dependency at ~ 60.06 µg/mL escalated cell percentages in the S-phase with 32.5 ± 6.22% increase, as well as a startling 29.69 ± 2.3% increase in apoptotic population. Depletion of the cell colonies survival to 0.29 ± 0.1% together with restraining the migratory rate by -6.4 ± 6.8% validated THC-phytosomes' antiproliferative capacity. Comparatively, the corresponding results of THC-solution and cisplatin revealed 12.9 ± 0.9% and 25.8 ± 1.1% for apoptosis and 0.9 ± 0.1% and 0.7 ± 0.08% for colony survival fraction, respectively. Furthermore, the nanoformulation exhibited the strongest immuno-positivity to caspase-3, which positively correlated with intense mitochondrial fluorescence by Mitotracker Red, suggesting its implication in the mitochondrial pathway of apoptosis, a finding further explained by the enormously high Bax and caspase-8 expression by RT-qPCR. Finally, the THC groups showed the lowest oxidative stress index, marking their highest free radical-scavenging potential among the test groups.

CONCLUSIONS

THC-phytosomes are depicted to be an efficient nanoformulation that enhanced the anticancer efficacy over the free drug counterpart and the conventional chemotherapeutic. Additionally, being selective to cancer cells and less cytotoxic to normal cells makes THC-phytosomes a potential candidate for tissue-targeted therapy.

Ivermectin-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and the protective effect of tetrahydrocurcumin and vitamin C

Ivermectin (IVM) is a semi-synthetic antiparasitic derived from abamectin, one of the natural avermectins. The liver promotes metabolism and excretion of IVM, representing a risk of toxicity to this organ. The use of antioxidants to alleviate damage caused by chemicals has been increasingly studied. Thus, the aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of IVM on HepG2 cells to elucidate the mechanisms related to its toxicity and the possible protection provided by tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) and vitamin C. HepG2 cells were treated with IVM (1-25 μM) for 24 and 48 h. IVM was cytotoxic to HepG2 cells, denoted by a dose-dependent decrease in cell proliferation and metabolic activity. In addition, IVM induced damage to the cell membrane at all tested concentrations and for both incubation times. IVM significantly decreased the mitochondrial membrane potential from concentrations of 5 μM (24 h) and 1 μM (48 h). Additionally, IVM showed a time- and dose-dependent decrease in cellular adenosine triphosphate levels. The levels of reduced glutathione were decreased in a time- and dose-dependent manner, while IVM stimulated the production of reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) at all tested doses, reaching rates above 50% following treatment at 7.5 μM (24 h) or 5 μM (48 h). Treatment with THC (50 μM) and vitamin C (50 μM) protected against IVM-induced cytotoxicity and RONS production. These results suggest that oxidative damage is involved in IVM-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells, and that THC and vitamin C can mitigate the toxic effects caused by the compound.

The role of tetrahydrocurcumin in disease prevention and treatment

In recent decades, natural compounds derived from herbal medicine or dietary sources have played important roles in prevention and treatment of various diseases and have attracted more and more attention. Curcumin, extracted from the Curcumae Longae Rhizoma and widely used as food spice and coloring agent, has been proven to possess high pharmacological value. However, the pharmacological application of curcumin is limited due to its poor systemic bioavailability. As a major active metabolite of curcumin, tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) has higher bioavailability and stability than curcumin. Increasing evidence confirmed that THC had a wide range of biological activities and significant treatment effects on diseases. In this paper, we reviewed the research progress on the biological activities and therapeutic potential of THC on different diseases such as neurological disorders, metabolic syndromes, cancers, and inflammatory diseases. The extensive pharmacological effects of THC involve the modulation of various signaling transduction pathways including MAPK, JAK/STAT, NF-κB, Nrf2, PI3K/Akt/mTOR, AMPK, Wnt/β-catenin. In addition, the pharmacokinetics, drug combination and toxicology of THC were discussed, thus providing scientific basis for the safe application of THC and the development of its dietary supplements and drugs.

Novel tetrahydrocurcumin integrated mucoadhesive nanocomposite κ-carrageenan/xanthan gum sponges: a strategy for effective local treatment of oral cancerous and precancerous lesions

Oral cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Oral precancerous lesions (OPL) are the precursors of oral cancer, with varying degrees of progression. Tetrahydrocurcumin (THC) is a major metabolite of curcumin with superior anticancer properties against various types of cancer. However, THC's clinical outcome is limited by its poor aqueous solubility. Herein, we developed novel mucoadhesive biopolymer-based composite sponges for buccal delivery of THC, exploiting nanotechnology and mucoadhesion for efficient prevention and treatment of oral cancer. Firstly, THC-nanocrystals (THC-NC) were formulated and characterized for subsequent loading into mucoadhesive composite sponges. The anticancer activity of THC-NC was assessed on a human tongue squamous carcinoma cell line (SCC-4). Finally, the chemopreventive activity of THC-NC loaded sponges (THC-NC-S) was examined in DMBA-induced hamster OPL. The selected THC-NC exhibited a particle size of 532.68 ± 13.20 nm and a zeta potential of -46.08 ± 1.12 mV. Moreover, THC-NC enhanced the anticancer effect against SCC-4 with an IC50 value of 80 µg/mL. THC-NC-S exhibited good mucoadhesion properties (0.24 ± 0.02 N) with sustained drug release, where 90% of THC was released over 4 days. Furthermore, THC-NC-S had a magnificent potential for maintaining high chemopreventive activity, as demonstrated by significant regression in the dysplasia degree and a decline in cyclin D1 (control: 40.4 ± 12.5, THC-NC-S: 12.07 ± 5.2), culminating in significant amelioration after 25 days of treatment. Conclusively, novel THC-NC-S represent a promising platform for local therapy of OPL, preventing their malignant transformation into cancer.

Advanced effect of curcumin and resveratrol on mitigating hepatic steatosis in metabolic associated fatty liver disease via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HIF-1/VEGF cascade

Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease that has no viable treatment. Curcumin (Cur) and resveratrol (Res) are two natural products that have been studied for their potential to ameliorate MAFLD. However, while these compounds have been investigated individually, their combined use and the potential for a synergistic or augmented effect remain unexplored. This study aims to investigate the effect of curcumin (Cur) and resveratrol (Res) as a potential combination therapy on MAFLD. Cur, Res and Cur+Res were tested in palmitic acid (PA)-induced-HepG2 cells. MAFLD model was established using Goto-Kakizaki rats. The animals were treated with vehicle control (model group), Cur (150 mg/kg), Res (150 mg/kg), Cur+Res (150 mg/kg, 8:2, w/w), or metformin (Met, positive control, 400 mg/kg/day) via oral gavage for 4 weeks. Wistar rats were used as the control group. Network pharmacology was conducted to elucidate the molecular actions of Cur and Res, followed by q-PCR and immunoblotting in vivo. Cur+Res exhibited synergistic effects in reducing triglyceride, total cholesterol and lipid accumulation in PA-induced HepG2 cells. The combination also markedly attenuated hepatic steatosis in the MAFLD rats. Network pharmacology illustrated that the interaction of Cur and Res was associated with the modulation of multiple molecular targets associated with the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HIF-1 signaling pathways. Experimental results confirmed that Cur+Res nomalised the gene targets and protein expressions in the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HIF-1 signaling pathways, including PI3K, mTOR, STAT-3, HIF-1α, and VEGF. The present study demonstrated an advanced effect of Cur and Res in combination to attenuate MAFLD, and the mechanism is at least partly associated with the modulation of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR and HIF-1 signaling pathways.

Research Progress on Cannabinoids in Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) in China

Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L.) is an ancient cultivated plant that contains less than 0.3% tetrahydrocannabinol (THC). It is widely utilized at home and abroad and is an economic crop with great development and utilization value. There are 31 countries legalizing industrial cannabis cultivation. Cannabis fiber has been used for textile production in China for 6000 years. China is the largest producer and exporter of cannabis. China may still play a leading role in the production of cannabis fiber. China has a long history of cannabis cultivation and rich germplasm resources. Yunnan, Heilongjiang, and Jilin are three Chinese provinces where industrial cannabis can be grown legally. Cannabinoids are terpenoid phenolic compounds produced during the growth, and which development of cannabis and are found in the glandular hairs of female flowers at anthesis. They are the active chemical components in the cannabis plant and the main components of cannabis that exert pharmacological activity. At the same time, research in China on the use of cannabis in the food industry has shown that industrial cannabis oil contains 13-20% oleic acid, 40-60% omega-6 linoleic acid, and 15-30% omega-3 α-linolenic acid. At present, more than 100 cannabinoids have been identified and analyzed in China, among which phenolic compounds are the main research objects. For instance, phenolic substances represented by cannabidiol (CBD) have rich pharmacological effects. There are still relatively little research on cannabinoids, and a comprehensive introduction to research progress in this area is needed. This paper reviews domestic and foreign research progress on cannabinoids in cannabis sativa, which is expected to support cannabis-related research and development.

Role of biotransformation in the diazinon-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and antioxidant protection by tetrahydrocurcumin

Diazinon (DZN) is an insecticide extensively used to control pests in crops and animals. However, its indicriminated use may lead to liver damage in animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of DZN (25-150 µM) on human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells after 24 and 48 h of exposure and the role of its biotransformation on the toxicological potential. We also tested the protective effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an antioxidant agent, in the DZN-induced citotoxicity. DZN caused cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cells, inhibiting cell proliferation and reducing cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pre-incubation of HepG2 cells with chemical inducers of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital resulted in a further decrease of cell viability associated with DZN exposure. In addition, the metabolite diazoxon was more toxic than DZN. Our results also revealed that THC alleviated DZN-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the involvement of biotransformation in the mechanisms of DZN-induced cytotoxicity and suggest that amelioration of RONS accumulation might be involved in the protective effect of THC on DZN-induced liver injury.

Monkfish Peptides Mitigate High Fat Diet-Induced Hepatic Steatosis in Mice

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a hepatic metabolic syndrome usually accompanied by fatty degeneration and functional impairment. The aim of the study was to determine whether monkfish peptides (LPs) could ameliorate high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD and its underlying mechanisms. NAFLD was induced in mice by giving them an HFD for eight weeks, after which LPs were administered in various dosages. In comparison to the HFD control group: body weight in the LP-treated groups decreased by 23–28%; triacylglycerol levels in the blood decreased by 16–35%; and low-density lipoproteins levels in the blood decreased by 23–51%. Additionally, we found that LPs elevated the activity of hepatic antioxidant enzymes and reduced the inflammatory reactions within fatty liver tissue. Investigating the effect on metabolic pathways, we found that in LP-treated mice: the levels of phospho-AMP-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK), and phospho-acetyl CoA carboxylase (p-ACC) in the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathway were up-regulated and the levels of downstream sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) were down-regulated; lipid oxidation increased and free fatty acid (FFA) accumulation decreased (revealed by the increased carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1 (CPT-1) and the decreased fatty acid synthase (FASN) expression, respectively); the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant pathway was activated; and the levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) and nicotinamide quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were increased. Overall, all these findings demonstrated that LPs can improve the antioxidant capacity of liver to alleviate NAFLD progression mainly through modulating the AMPK and Nrf2 pathways, and thus it could be considered as an effective candidate in the treatment of human NAFLD.