Role of the Nalp3 inflammasome in acetaminophen-induced sterile inflammation and liver injury

The Ways to Die: Cell Death in Liver Pathophysiology

Liver diseases are closely associated with various cell death mechanisms, including apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis. Each process contributes uniquely to the pathophysiology of liver injury and repair. Importantly, these mechanisms are not limited to hepatocytes; they also significantly involve nonparenchymal cells. This review examines the molecular pathways and regulatory mechanisms underlying these forms of cell death in hepatocytes, emphasizing their roles in several liver diseases, such as ischemia-reperfusion injury, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and alcohol-associated liver disease. Recent insights into ferroptosis and pyroptosis may reveal novel therapeutic targets for managing liver diseases. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of these cell death mechanisms in the context of liver diseases, detailing their molecular signaling pathways and implications for potential treatment strategies.

Drug-induced oxidative stress actively prevents caspase activation and hepatocyte apoptosis

Cell death is a fundamental process in health and disease. Emerging research shows the existence of numerous distinct cell death modalities with similar and intertwined signaling pathways, but resulting in different cellular outcomes, raising the need to understand the decision-making steps during cell death signaling. Paracetamol (Acetaminophen, APAP)-induced hepatocyte death includes several apoptotic processes but eventually is executed by oncotic necrosis without any caspase activation. Here, we studied this paradoxical form of cell death and revealed that APAP not only fails to activate caspases but also strongly impedes their activation upon classical apoptosis induction, thereby shifting apoptosis to necrosis. While APAP intoxication results in massive drop in mitochondrial respiration, low cellular ATP levels could be excluded as an underlying cause of missing apoptosome formation and caspase activation. In contrast, we identified oxidative stress as a key factor in APAP-induced caspase inhibition. Importantly, caspase inhibition and the associated switch from apoptotic to necrotic cell death was reversible through the administration of antioxidants. Thus, exemplified by APAP-induced cell death, our study stresses that cellular redox status is a critical component in the decision-making between apoptotic and necrotic cell death, as it directly affects caspase activity.

Deciphering Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity: The Crucial Role of Transcription Factors like Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 as Genetic Determinants of Susceptibility to Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most commonly used over-the-counter medication throughout the world. At therapeutic doses, APAP has potent analgesic and antipyretic effects. The efficacy and safety of APAP are influenced by multifactorial processes dependent upon dosing, namely frequency and total dose. APAP poisoning by repeated ingestion of supratherapeutic doses, depletes glutathione stores in the liver and other organs capable of metabolic bioactivation, leading to hepatocellular death due to exhausted antioxidant defenses. Numerous genes, encompassing transcription factors and signaling pathways, have been identified as playing pivotal roles in APAP toxicity, with the liver being the primary organ studied due to its central role in APAP metabolism and injury. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and its array of downstream responsive genes are crucial in counteracting APAP toxicity. NRF2, along with its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, plays a vital role in regulating intracellular redox homeostasis. This regulation is significant in modulating the oxidative stress, inflammation, and hepatocellular death induced by APAP. In this review, we provide an updated overview of the mechanisms through which NRF2 activation and signaling critically influence the threshold for developing APAP toxicity. We also describe how genetically modified rodent models for NRF2 and related genes have been pivotal in underscoring the significance of this antioxidant response pathway. While NRF2 is a primary focus, the article comprehensively explores other genetic factors involved in phase I and phase II metabolism of APAP, inflammation, oxidative stress, and related pathways that contribute to APAP toxicity, thereby providing a holistic understanding of the genetic landscape influencing susceptibility to this condition. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This review summarizes the genetic elements and signaling pathways underlying APAP-induced liver toxicity, focusing on the crucial protective role of the transcription factor NRF2. This review also delves into the genetic intricacies influencing APAP safety and potential liver harm. It also emphasizes the need for deeper insight into the molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity, especially the interplay of NRF2 with other pathways.

The Role of Mechanistic Biomarkers in Understanding Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in Humans

Our understanding of the fundamental molecular mechanisms of acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity began in 1973 to 1974, when investigators at the US National Institutes of Health published seminal studies demonstrating conversion of APAP to a reactive metabolite that depletes glutathione and binds to proteins in the liver in mice after overdose. Since then, additional groundbreaking experiments have demonstrated critical roles for mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress, nuclear DNA fragmentation, and necrotic cell death as well. Over the years, some investigators have also attempted to translate these mechanisms to humans using human specimens from APAP overdose patients. This review presents those studies and summarizes what we have learned about APAP hepatotoxicity in humans so far. Overall, the mechanisms of APAP hepatotoxicity in humans strongly resemble those discovered in experimental mouse and cultured hepatocyte models, and emerging biomarkers also suggest similarities in liver repair. The data not only validate the first mechanistic studies of APAP-induced liver injury performed 50 years ago but also demonstrate the human relevance of numerous studies conducted since then. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: Human studies using novel translational, mechanistic biomarkers have confirmed that the fundamental mechanisms of acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity discovered in rodent models since 1973 are the same in humans. Importantly, these findings have guided the development and understanding of treatments such as N-acetyl-l-cysteine and 4-methylpyrazole over the years. Additional research may improve not only our understanding of APAP overdose pathophysiology in humans but also our ability to predict and treat serious liver injury in patients.

The Evolution of Circulating Biomarkers for Use in Acetaminophen/Paracetamol-Induced Liver Injury in Humans: A Scoping Review

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used drug, but overdose can cause severe acute liver injury. The first reports of APAP hepatotoxicity in humans were published in 1966, shortly after the development of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) as the first biomarkers of liver injury as opposed to liver function. Thus, the field of liver injury biomarkers has evolved alongside the growth in APAP hepatotoxicity incidence. Numerous biomarkers have been proposed for use in the management of APAP overdose patients in the intervening years. Here, we comprehensively review the development of these markers from the 1960s to the present day and briefly discuss possible future directions.

NLRP3 inflammasome in hepatic diseases: A pharmacological target

The NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome pathway is mainly responsible for the activation and release of a cascade of proinflammatory mediators that contribute to the development of hepatic diseases. During alcoholic liver disease development, the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway contributes to the maturation of caspase-1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, which induce a robust inflammatory response, leading to fibrosis by inducing profibrogenic hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Substantial evidence demonstrates that nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) progresses to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) via NLRP3 inflammasome activation, ultimately leading to fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome in NASH can be attributed to several factors, such as reactive oxygen species (ROS), gut dysbiosis, leaky gut, which allow triggers such as cardiolipin, cholesterol crystals, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and uric acid to reach the liver. Because inflammation triggers HSC activation, the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway performs a central function in fibrogenesis regardless of the etiology. Chronic hepatic activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome can ultimately lead to HCC; however, inflammation also plays a role in decreasing tumor growth. Some data indicate that NLRP3 inflammasome activation plays an important role in autoimmune hepatitis, but the evidence is scarce. Most researchers have reported that NLRP3 inflammasome activation is essential in liver injury induced by a variety of drugs and hepatotropic virus infection; however, few reports indicate that this pathway can play a beneficial role by inducing liver regeneration. Modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome appears to be a suitable strategy to treat liver diseases.

Dose-dependent pleiotropic role of neutrophils during acetaminophen-induced liver injury in male and female mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the leading cause of acute liver failure in western countries. APAP can cause extensive hepatocellular necrosis, which triggers an inflammatory response involving neutrophil and monocyte recruitment. Particularly the role of neutrophils in the injury mechanism of APAP hepatotoxicity has been highly controversial. Thus, the objective of the current study was to assess whether a potential contribution of neutrophils was dependent on the APAP dose and the sex of the animals. Male and female C57BL/6 J mice were treated with 300 or 600 mg/kg APAP and the injury and inflammatory cell recruitment was evaluated between 6 and 48 h. In both male and female mice, ALT plasma levels and the areas of necrosis peaked at 12-24 h after both doses with more severe injury at the higher dose. In addition, Ly6g-positive neutrophils started to accumulate in the liver at 6 h and peaked at 6-12 h after 300 mg/kg and 12-24 h after 600 mg/kg for both sexes; however, the absolute numbers of hepatic neutrophils in the liver were significantly higher after the 600 mg/kg dose. Neutrophil infiltration correlated with mRNA levels of the neutrophil chemoattractant Cxcl2 in the liver. Treating mice with an anti-Cxcl2 antibody at 2 h after APAP significantly reduced neutrophil accumulation at 24 h after both doses and in both sexes. However, the injury was significantly reduced only after the high overdose. Thus, neutrophils, recruited through Cxcl2, have no effect on APAP-induced liver injury after 300 mg/kg but aggravate the injury only after severe overdoses.

Polymeric nano-micelle of carbon monoxide donor SMA/CORM2 ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury via suppressing HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose-induced hepatotoxicity is the most common cause of acute liver failure. Excessive generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inflammatory responses are the major causes of necrosis and/or necroptosis of the liver cells. Currently, the treatment options for APAP-induced liver injury are very limited, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is the only approved drug to treat APAP overdose patients. It is of great necessity to develop new therapeutic strategies. In a previous study, we focused on the anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory signal molecule carbon monoxide (CO), and developed a nano-micelle encapsulating CO donor, i.e., SMA/CORM2. Administration of SMA/CORM2 to the mice exposed to APAP significantly ameliorated the liver injury and inflammatory process, in which modulating macrophage reprogramming plays a critical role. Along this line, in this study, we investigated the potential effect of SMA/CORM2 on toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and high mobility group protein B1 (HMGB1) signaling pathways that are known to be closely involved in many inflammatory responses and necroptosis. In a mouse APAP-induced liver injury model, similar to the previous study, SMA/CORM2 at 10 mg/kg remarkably improved the condition of the liver after injury as evidenced by histological examination and liver function. During the process of liver injury triggered by APAP, TLR4 expression gradually increased over time, and it was significantly upregulated as early as 4 h after APAP exposure, whereas, an increase of HMGB1 was a late-stage event. Notably, SMA/CORM2 treatment suppressed significantly both TLR4 and HMGB1, consequently inhibiting the progression of inflammation and liver injury. Compared to CORM2 without SMA modification (native CORM2) of 1 mg/kg that is equivalent to 10 mg/kg of SMA/CORM2 (the amount of CORM2 in SMA/CORM2 is 10% [w/w]), SMA/CORM2 exhibited a much better therapeutic effect, indicating its superior therapeutic efficacy to native CORM2. These findings revealed that SMA/CORM2 protects against APAP-induced liver injury via mechanisms involving the suppression of TLR4 and HMGB1 signaling pathways. Taking together the results in this study and previous studies, SMA/CORM2 exhibits great therapeutic potential for APAP overdose-induced liver injury, we thus anticipate the clinical application of SMA/CORM2 for the treatment of APAP overdose, as well as other inflammatory diseases.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Radish (Raphanus sativus L.) on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis

Alcohol and drug overdoses cause liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatitis, and liver cancer globally. In particular, an overdose of acetaminophen (APAP), which is generally used as an analgesic and antipyretic agent, is a major cause of acute hepatitis, and cases of APAP-induced liver damage are steadily increasing. Potential antioxidants may inhibit the generation of free radicals and prevent drug-induced liver damage. Among plant-derived natural materials, radishes (RJ) and turnips (RG) have anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant properties due to the presence of functional ingredients, such as glucosinolate and isothiocyanate. Although various functions have been reported, in vivo studies on the antioxidant activity of radishes are insufficient. Therefore, we aim to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of RG and RJ in APAP-induced liver-damaged mice. RG and RJ extracts markedly improved the histological status, such as inflammation and infiltration, of mice liver tissue, significantly decreased the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde, and significantly increased the levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase in the APAP-induced liver-damaged mice. In addition, RG and RJ extracts significantly increased the expression of Nrf-2 and HO-1, which are antioxidative-related factors, and regulated the BAX and BCL-2, thereby showing anti-apoptosis activity. These results indicated that RG and RJ extracts protected mice against acute liver injury, attributed to a reduction in both oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings have clinical implications for the use of RG and RJ extracts as potential natural candidates for developing hepatoprotective agents.

The immunological mechanisms and therapeutic potential in drug-induced liver injury: lessons learned from acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Acute liver failure caused by drug overdose is a significant clinical problem in developed countries. Acetaminophen (APAP), a widely used analgesic and antipyretic drug, but its overdose can cause acute liver failure. In addition to APAP-induced direct hepatotoxicity, the intracellular signaling mechanisms of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) including metabolic activation, mitochondrial oxidant stress and proinflammatory response further affect progression and severity of AILI. Liver inflammation is a result of multiple interactions of cell death molecules, immune cell-derived cytokines and chemokines, as well as damaged cell-released signals which orchestrate hepatic immune cell infiltration. The immunoregulatory interplay of these inflammatory mediators and switching of immune responses during AILI lead to different fate of liver pathology. Thus, better understanding the complex interplay of immune cell subsets in experimental models and defining their functional involvement in disease progression are essential to identify novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of AILI. Here, this present review aims to systematically elaborate on the underlying immunological mechanisms of AILI, its relevance to immune cells and their effector molecules, and briefly discuss great therapeutic potential based on inflammatory mediators.

Generation of pro-and anti-inflammatory mediators after acetaminophen overdose in surviving and non-surviving patients

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes liver injury in animals and humans. Although well-studied in animals, limited longitudinal data exist on cytokine release after APAP overdose in patients. The purpose of this study was to quantify concentrations of cytokines in APAP overdose patients to determine if early cytokine or complement measurements can distinguish between surviving and non-surviving patients. Plasma was obtained from healthy controls, APAP overdose patients with no increase in liver transaminases, and surviving and non-surviving APAP overdose patients with severe liver injury. Interleukin-10 (IL-10), and CC chemokine ligand-2 (CCL2, MCP-1) were substantially elevated in surviving and non-surviving patients, whereas IL-6 and CXC chemokine ligand-8 (CXCL8, IL-8) had early elevations in a subset of patients only with liver injury. Day 1 IL-10 and IL-6 levels, and Day 2 CCL2, levels correlated positively with survival. There was no significant increase in IL-1α, IL-1β or TNF-α in any patient during the first week after APAP. Monitoring cytokines such as CCL2 may be a good indicator of patient prognosis; furthermore, these data indicate the inflammatory response after APAP overdose in patients is not mediated by a second phase of inflammation driven by the inflammasome.

Sapidolide A alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages

Macrophages play a critical role in the pathogenesis of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI), a major cause of acute liver failure or even death. Sapidolide A (SA) is a sesquiterpene lactone extracted from Baccaurea ramiflora Lour., a folk medicine used in China to treat inflammatory diseases. In this study, we investigated whether SA exerted protective effects on macrophages, thus alleviated the secondary hepatocyte damage in an AILI. We showed that SA (5-20 μM) suppressed the phosphorylated activation of NF-κB in a dose-dependent manner, thereby inhibiting the expression and activation of the NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and pyroptosis in LPS/ATP-treated mouse bone marrow-derived primary macrophages (BMDMs). In human hepatic cell line L02 co-cultured with BMDMs, SA (10 μM) protected macrophages from the pyroptosis induced by APAP-damaged L02 cells. Moreover, SA treatment reduced the secondary liver cell damage aggravated by the conditioned medium (CM) taken from LPS/ATP-treated macrophages. The in vivo assessments conducted on mice pretreated with SA (25, 50 mg/kg, ip) then with a single dose of APAP (400 mg/kg, ip) showed that SA significantly alleviated inflammatory responses of AILI by inhibiting the expression and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome. In general, the results reported herein revealed that SA exerts anti-inflammatory effects by regulating NLRP3 inflammasome activation in macrophages, which suggests that SA has great a potential for use in the treatment of AILI patients.

Rosmarinic acid alleviates acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting Nrf2 and NEK7-NLRP3 signaling pathway

Rosmarinic acid (RA) is a natural polyphenol with various biological activities, such as anti-oxidative, anti-fibrotic, and hepatoprotective properties. The objective of this study was to investigate the protective effect of RA against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity (AILI) and explore the underlying mechanisms. Kunming mice were treated with RA (20, 40, or 80 mg/kg, i.g) for 7d, followed by an intraperitoneal injection of APAP (500 mg/kg). The liver injury was evaluated by serum biochemical and liver histopathological examinations. Human HepG2 cells were pre-treated with RA (20, 40, or 80 μmol/L) and then incubated with APAP (25 mmol/L) for 24 h. The MTT assay, wound healing assay, transwell migration assay, flow cytometry, and western blotting were employed to further evaluate RA's protective effects on AILI and explore the mechanisms. The results indicated that RA pre-treatment lowered the serum ALT and AST levels, ameliorated the histological damage to the liver, and reduced ROS generation and the production of IL-1β and IL-18 in the liver tissues in APAP-treated mice. Moreover, pre-treatment with RA could promote the cell viability and migration ability and inhibit apoptosis in APAP-treated HepG2 cells. Mechanistically, RA could significantly suppress the APAP-induced activation of the NEK7-NLRP3 signaling pathway. Notably, depletion of Nrf2 by short hairpin RNA (shRNA) partly eliminated the protective effects of RA on AILI and the suppression of NEK7-NLRP3 signaling by RA. In summary, these results indicate that RA has a protective role against AILI through Nrf2-mediated inhibition of ROS production and suppression of the NEK7-NLRP3 pathway.

E Se tea alleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway

E Se tea is a traditional herbal tea used in the prevention of liver diseases. However, the hepatoprotective effect of E Se tea has not been investigated. This study aimed to determine the protective effect of E Se tea on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury and its potential mechanism. Hot water extracts and aqueous-ethanol extracts of E Se tea were obtained, which were analyzed to determine the chemical constituents of the tea. Phlorizin and phloretin were found to be the dominant chemical compounds. Histopathological analysis showed that E Se tea extract inhibited APAP-induced inflammatory infiltration, necrosis, and cellular vacuolization of hepatocytes in the liver tissue. The E Se tea extract could significantly ameliorate liver injury, inhibit an inflammatory response, and reduce oxidative stress. Western blot analysis revealed that E Se tea extract upregulated the expressions of nuclear Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO1 proteins and downregulated the expressions of cytoplasmic Nrf2 and Keap1 proteins in the hepatocyte. qPCR results showed that E Se tea extract also increased the expression of antioxidant genes (SOD2, Gpx1, GCLC and GCLM). These findings exhibited that E Se tea, enriched in dihydrochalcones, can be used to effectively prevent and manage liver dysfunction.

Targeting innate immune responses to attenuate acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) hepatotoxicity is an important cause of acute liver failure, resulting in massive deaths in many developed countries. Currently, the metabolic process of APAP in the body has been well studied. However, the underlying mechanism of APAP-induced liver injury remains elusive. Increasing clinical and experimental evidences indicate that the innate immune responses are involved in the pathogenesis of APAP-induced acute liver injury (AILI), in which immune cells have dual roles of inducing inflammation to exacerbate hepatotoxicity and removing dead cells and debris to help liver regeneration. In this review, we summarize the latest findings of innate immune cells involved in AILI, particularly emphasizing the activation of innate immune cells and their different roles during the injury and repair phases. Moreover, current available treatments are discussed according to the different roles of innate immune cells in the development of AILI. This review aims to update the knowledge about innate immune responses in the pathogenesis of AILI, and provide potential therapeutic interventions for AILI.

Cajaninstilbene Acid Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury Through Enhancing Sestrin2/AMPK-Mediated Mitochondrial Quality Control

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury (AILI) is the main cause of acute liver failure in the developed countries. The present study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of cajaninstilbene acid (CSA), a major stilbene compound derived from the leaves of pigeon pea [Cajanus cajan (L.) Millsp.], against AILI. CSA (50, 75 mg/kg, p. o.) was administered to male C57BL/6 N mice 0.5 h after a toxic dose of APAP (300 mg/kg, i. p.). The direct effect of CSA on hepatocytes was tested on primary mouse hepatocytes. Serum transaminases, hematoxylin and eosin staining, TUNEL and propidium iodide staining were used to assess hepatic damage and cell death. The results demonstrated that APAP-induced liver injury was ameliorated by CSA, as evidenced by decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels in the serum, and fewer necrotic and apoptotic hepatocytes in vitro and in vivo. Consequently, the inflammation in response to APAP overdose was inhibited by CSA. Without affecting APAP metabolic activation, CSA interrupted the sustained JNK-Sab-ROS activation loop and alleviated oxidative stress. Additionally, CSA promoted mitochondrial quality control, including mitochondrial biogenesis and mitophagy, as revealed by increased PGC-1α, TFAM, LC3-Ⅱ, PINK1 and mitochondrial Parkin expression and decreased p62 expression. Further mechanistic investigations showed that independent of CAMKK2, LKB1-mediated AMPK activation, which was promoted by Sestrin2, might be responsible for the protective effect of CSA. Our study demonstrates that CSA alleviates APAP-induced oxidative stress and enhanced mitochondrial quality control through Sestrin2/AMPK activation, thereby protecting against AILI,.

Acetylsalicylic Acid Suppresses Alcoholism-Induced Cognitive Impairment Associated with Atorvastatin Intake by Targeting Cerebral miRNA155 and NLRP3: In Vivo, and In Silico Study

Alcoholism is one of the most common diseases that can lead to the development of several chronic diseases including steatosis, and cognitive dysfunction. Statins are lipid-lowering drugs that are commonly prescribed for patients with fatty liver diseases; however, the exact effect of statins on cognitive function is still not fully understood. In the present study, we have investigated the molecular and microscopic basis of cognitive impairment induced by alcohol and/or Atorvastatin (ATOR) administration to male Wistar albino rats and explored the possible protective effect of acetylsalicylic acid (ASA). The biochemical analysis indicated that either alcohol or ATOR or together in combination produced a significant increase in the nucleotide-binding domain-like receptor 3 (NLRP3), interleukin-1β (IL-1β) miRNA155 expression levels in the frontal cortex of the brain tissue. The histological and morphometric analysis showed signs of degeneration in the neurons and the glial cells with aggregations of inflammatory cells and a decrease in the mean thickness of the frontal cortex. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a significant increase in the caspase-8 immunoreaction in the neurons and glial cells of the frontal cortex. Interestingly, administration of ASA reversed the deleterious effect of the alcohol and ATOR intake and improved the cognitive function as indicated by biochemical and histological analysis. ASA significantly decreased the expression levels of miRNA155, NLRP3, and IL1B, and produced a significant decrease in caspase-8 immunoreaction in the neurons and glial cells of the frontal cortex with a reduction in the process of neuroinflammation and neuronal damage. To further investigate these findings, we have performed an extensive molecular docking study to investigate the binding affinity of ASA to the binding pockets of the NLRP3 protein. Our results indicated that ASA has high binding scores toward the active sites of the NLRP3 NACHT domain with the ability to bind to the NLRP3 pockets by a set of hydrophilic and hydrophobic interactions. Taken together, the present study highlights the protective pharmacological effect of ASA to attenuate the deleterious effect of alcohol intake and long term ATOR therapy on the cognitive function via targeting miRNA155 and NLRP3 proteins.

Programmed cell death and liver diseases

Cell death represents the most critical pathologic entity in liver disease, which dictates pathologic consequences such as inflammation, fibrosis, and cell transformation. We analyzed the conclusions of studies on the involvement of different types of programmed cell death (PCD) in the pathogenesis of liver diseases. Three main forms of PCD (autophagy, apoptosis, necrosis) and five additional, still insufficiently studied PCD – necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis, partanatosis and entosis – observed in the liver in various acute and chronic diseases are considered. The involvement of several PCD at once in the development of any one pathology and one type of PCD in different pathologies was established. This indicates the existence of cross-regulation of metabolism in the liver cells with different levels of damage in the formation of the main dominant type of PCD. Available results indicate the possibility of attenuation (correction) of functional and morphological manifestations of PCD in the organ by controlled blocking of effector-mediated PCD pathways, as well as targeted induction of autophagy, anti-apoptotic and anti-necrotic mechanisms in liver cells.

Role of caspase-8 and/or -9 as biomarkers that can distinguish the potential to cause toxic- and immune related-adverse event, for the progress of acetaminophen-induced liver injury

AIMS

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose can cause acute liver failure. Although it is well known that APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) is caused by toxic mechanism, recently it is also reported to be immune related. However, the detail of the mechanism has been unclear. Therefore, elucidation of the pathophysiology is required.

MAIN METHODS

In AILI model rats (800 mg/kg), the levels of AST, ALT and Caspase (C)-3/-8/-9 levels were measured. In in vitro study using human hepatocyte cells (FLC-4) and THP-1 cells, APAP (1.0 mM) were added to FLC-4 and the cell viability, C-9, cytochrome c, mitochondria membrane potential, and glutathione levels of FLC-4 and inflammasome activation of THP-1 were evaluated.

KEY FINDINGS

In AILI model rats, the levels of AST and ALT were increased only at 12-24 h. C-3/-9 levels rose at 6-9 h, whereas C-8 level rose hours later, moreover, 24 h after; C-3/-8/-9 levels re-rose. In FLC-4 cells, cytochrome c was released from the mitochondria which is promoted by oxidative stress due to drug metabolism and C-9 was activated. Thus, AILI was caused mitochondrial damage by NAPQI as early reaction (first stage). In the next stage, inflammasomes of human antigen presenting cells, which released inflammatory cytokines were activated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) released from damaged hepatocyte by APAP.

SIGNIFICANCE

It is confirmed that AILI includes immune related mechanism. Thereby, in case of N-acetylcysteine refractory, additional administration of steroid hormones should be effective and recommended as a novel strategy for AILI with immune related adverse event (irAE).

The dual role of immune response in acetaminophen hepatotoxicity: Implication for immune pharmacological targets

Acetaminophen (APAP), one of the most widely used antipyretic and analgesic drugs, principally contributes to drug-induced liver injury when taken at a high dose. APAP-induced liver injury (AILI) results in extensive necrosis of hepatocytes along with the occurrence of multiple intracellular events such as metabolic activation, cell injury, and signaling pathway activation. However, the specific role of the immune response in AILI remains controversial for its complicated regulatory mechanisms. A variety of inflammasomes, immune cells, inflammatory mediators, and signaling transduction pathways are activated in AILI. These immune components play antagonistic roles in aggravating the liver injury or promoting regeneration. Recent experimental studies indicated that natural products showed remarkable therapeutic effects against APAP hepatotoxicity due to their favorable efficacy. Therefore, this study aimed to review the present understanding of the immune response in AILI and attempted to establish ties among a series of inflammatory cascade reactions. Also, the immune molecular mechanisms of natural products in the treatment of AILI were extensively reviewed, thus providing a fundamental basis for exploring the potential pharmacological targets associated with immune interventions.

An Integrative Pharmacology Based Analysis of Refined Liuweiwuling Against Liver Injury: A Novel Component Combination and Hepaprotective Mechanism

Liver disease is a major cause of illness and death worldwide. In China, liver diseases, primarily alcoholic and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and viral hepatitis, affect approximately 300 million people, resulting in a major impact on the global burden of liver diseases. The use of Liuweiwuling (LWWL), a traditional Chinese medicine formula, approved by the Chinese Food and Drug Administration for decreasing aminotransferase levels induced by different liver diseases. Our previous study indicated a part of the material basis and mechanisms of LWWL in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. However, knowledge of the materials and molecular mechanisms of LWWL in the treatment of liver diseases remains limited. Using pharmacokinetic and network pharmacology methods, this study demonstrated that the active components of LWWL were involved in the treatment mechanism against liver diseases and exerted anti-apoptosis and anti-inflammatory effects. Furthermore, esculetin, luteolin, schisandrin A and schisandrin B may play an important role by exerting anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects in vitro. Esculeti and luteolin dose-dependently inhibited H₂O₂-induced cell apoptosis, and luteolin also inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway in bone marrow-derived macrophages. schisandrin A and B inhibited the release of ROS in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury in vitro. Moreover, LWWL active ingredients protect against APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice. The four active ingredients may inhibit oxidative stress or inflammation to exert hepatoprotective effect. In conclusion, our results showed that the novel component combination of LWWL can protect against APAP-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting cell apoptosis and exerting anti-inflammatory effects.

Pyroptosis in Steatohepatitis and Liver Diseases

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of regulated cell death, which functions in the clearance of intracellularly replicating pathogens by cell lysis in order to induce further immune response. Since the discovery of the gasdermin (GSDM) family, pyroptosis has attracted attention in a wide range of inflammatory diseases such as nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and other liver diseases. Due to the cleavage of GSDMs by different caspases, the amino-terminal GSDM fragments form membrane pores essential for pyroptosis that facilitate the release of inflammatory cytokines by loss of ionic gradient and membrane rupture. In this review, we address the key molecular and cellular processes that induce pyroptosis in the liver and its significance in the pathogenesis of common liver diseases in different human and experimental mice studies.

Redefining IL11 as a regeneration-limiting hepatotoxin and therapeutic target in acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Acetaminophen (N-acetyl-p-aminophenol; APAP) toxicity is a common cause of liver damage. In the mouse model of APAP-induced liver injury (AILI), interleukin 11 (IL11) is highly up-regulated and administration of recombinant human IL11 (rhIL11) has been shown to be protective. Here, we demonstrate that the beneficial effect of rhIL11 in the mouse model of AILI is due to its inhibition of endogenous mouse IL11 activity. Our results show that species-matched IL11 behaves like a hepatotoxin. IL11 secreted from APAP-damaged human and mouse hepatocytes triggered an autocrine loop of NADPH oxidase 4 (NOX4)-dependent cell death, which occurred downstream of APAP-initiated mitochondrial dysfunction. Hepatocyte-specific deletion of Il11 receptor subunit alpha chain 1 (Il11ra1) in adult mice protected against AILI despite normal APAP metabolism and glutathione (GSH) depletion. Mice with germline deletion of Il11 were also protected from AILI, and deletion of Il1ra1 or Il11 was associated with reduced c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activation and quickly restored GSH concentrations. Administration of a neutralizing IL11RA antibody reduced AILI in mice across genetic backgrounds and promoted survival when administered up to 10 hours after APAP. Inhibition of IL11 signaling was associated with the up-regulation of markers of liver regenerations: cyclins and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) as well as with phosphorylation of retinoblastoma protein (RB) 24 hours after AILI. Our data suggest that species-matched IL11 is a hepatotoxin and that IL11 signaling might be an effective therapeutic target for APAP-induced liver damage.

Inhibition of oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome by Saikosaponin-d alleviates acute liver injury in carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatitis in mice

NLRP3 inflammasome activation results in severe liver inflammation and injury. Saikosaponin-d (SSd) possesses anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. This study aimed to determine the protective effects of SSd on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury in mice, and whether oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation participate in the process.

The CCl₄ mice model and controls were induced. The mice were treated with SSd at 1, 1.5, or 2.0 mg/kg in a total volume of 100 µl/25 g of body weight. Liver injury was assessed by histopathology. Oxidative stress was determined using mitochondrial superoxide production (MSP), malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT) activities. NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase 1 were determined by real-time PCR and western blot. IL-1β and IL-18 levels were determined by ELISA.

Significantly elevated oxidative stress was induced in the liver by CCl₄, as demonstrated by histopathology and increases of MDA and MSP levels and decreases of SOD, GPx, and CAT activities (all P < 0.01). SSd significantly decreased the MDA and MSP levels and increased the activities of SOD, GPx, and CAT (all P < 0.05). The mRNA expression of NLRP3, ASC, and Caspase 1, and the protein expression of Caspase 1-p10, NLRP3, ASC, IL-1β, and IL-18 were significantly increased after CCl₄ induction (all P < 0.01). These changes were reversed by SSd (all P < 0.05).

Suppression of the oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation were involved in SSd-alleviated acute liver injury in CCl₄-induced hepatitis.

Peroxiredoxin 3 Inhibits Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Pyroptosis Through the Regulation of Mitochondrial ROS

Pyroptosis is a newly discovered form of cell death. Peroxiredoxin 3 (PRX3) plays a crucial role in scavenging reactive oxygen species (ROS), but its hepatoprotective capacity in acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver disease remains unclear. The aim of this study was to assess the role of PRX3 in the regulation of pyroptosis during APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. We demonstrated that pyroptosis occurs in APAP-induced liver injury accompanied by intense oxidative stress and inflammation, and liver specific PRX3 silencing aggravated the initiation of pyroptosis and liver injury after APAP intervention. Notably, excessive mitochondrial ROS (mtROS) was observed to trigger pyroptosis by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, which was ameliorated by Mito-TEMPO treatment, indicating that the anti-pyroptotic role of PRX3 relies on its powerful ability to regulate mtROS. Overall, PRX3 regulates NLRP3-dependent pyroptosis in APAP-induced liver injury by targeting mitochondrial oxidative stress.

The complex roles of neutrophils in APAP-induced liver injury

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely applied drug for the alleviation of pain and fever, which is also a dose‐depedent toxin. APAP‐induced acute liver injury has become one of the primary causes of liver failure which is an increasingly serious threat to human health. Neutrophils are the major immune cells in human serving as the first barrier against the invasion of pathogen. It has been reported that neutrophils patriciate in the occurrence and development of APAP‐induced liver injury. However, evolving evidences suggest that neutrophils also contribute to tissue repair and actively orchestrate resolution of inflammation. Here, we addressed the complex roles in APAP‐induced liver injury on the basis of brief introduction of neutrophil's activation, recruitment and migration.

NLRP3 Inflammasome: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Drug-Induced Toxicity

Drug-induced toxicity, which impairs human organ function, is a serious problem during drug development that hinders the clinical use of many marketed drugs, and the underlying mechanisms are complicated. As a sensor of infections and external stimuli, nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome plays a key role in the pathological process of various diseases. In this review, we specifically focused on the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in drug-induced diverse organ toxicities, especially the hepatotoxicity, nephrotoxicity, and cardiotoxicity. NLRP3 inflammasome is involved in the initiation and deterioration of drug-induced toxicity through multiple signaling pathways. Therapeutic strategies via inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome for drug-induced toxicity have made significant progress, especially in the protective effects of the phytochemicals. Growing evidence collected in this review indicates that NLRP3 is a promising therapeutic target for drug-induced toxicity.

The cross-talk of NLRP3 inflammasome activation and necroptotic hepatocyte death in acetaminophen-induced mice acute liver injury

Overdose acetaminophen (APAP) can result in severe liver injury, which is responsible for nearly half of drug-induced liver injury in western countries. Previous studies have found that there existed massive hepatocellular necrosis and severe inflammatory response in APAP-induced liver injury. However, the mechanistic linkage between necroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome pathway in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity remains poorly understood. In order to investigate the relationship between inflammation and hepatocytes death in APAP hepatotoxicity, a time-course model for APAP hepatotoxicity in C57/BL6 mice was established by intraperitoneal (i.p) injection of 300 mg/kg APAP in this study. The activity of serum enzymes and pathological changes of APAP-treated mice were evaluated, and the critical molecules in necroptosis and NF-κB-NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway were determined by immunoblot and immunofluorescence analysis. The results demonstrated that APAP overdose resulted in a severe liver injury. Furthermore, the expression of critical molecules in NLRP3 inflammasome and necroptosis pathways peaked at 12-24 h, and then was decreased gradually, which is consistent with the pattern of pathological injury induced by APAP. Our further investigation found that the level of IL-1β in mouse liver was closely correlated with the level of phosphorylated MLKL following exposure to APAP. Furthermore, inhibition of necroptosis with necrostatin-1 significantly suppressed the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome signaling. Taken together, our results highlighted that the cross-talk between necroptosis and NLRP3 inflammasome played a critical role for promoting APAP-induced liver injury. Inhibition of the interaction of inflammation and necroptosis by pharmaceutical methods may represent a promising therapeutic strategy for APAP-induced liver injury.

Drug-herb interactions between Scutellaria baicalensis and pharmaceutical drugs: Insights from experimental studies, mechanistic actions to clinical applications

Whilst the popular use of herbal medicine globally, it poses challenges in managing potential drug-herb interaction. There are two folds of the drug-herb interaction, a beneficial interaction that may improve therapeutic outcome and minimise the toxicity of drug desirably; by contrast, negative interaction may evoke unwanted clinical consequences, especially with drugs of narrow therapeutic index. Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi is one of the most popular medicinal plants used in Asian countries. It has been widely used for treating various diseases and conditions such as cancer, diabetes, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Studies on its extract and bioactive compounds have shown pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic interactions with a wide range of pharmaceutical drugs as evidenced by plenty of in vitro, in vivo and clinical studies. Notably, S. baicalensis and its bioactives including baicalein, baicalin and wogonin exhibited synergistic interactions with many pharmaceutical drugs to enhance their efficacy, reduce toxicity or overcome drug resistance to combat complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes and infectious diseases. On the other hand, S. baicalensis and its bioactives also affected the pharmacokinetic profile of many drugs in absorption, distribution, metabolism and elimination via the regulatory actions of the efflux pumps and cytochrome P450 enzymes. This review provides comprehensive references of the observed pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic drug interactions of Scutellaria baicalensis and its bioactives. We have elucidated the interaction with detailed mechanistic actions, identified the knowledge gaps for future research and potential clinical implications. Such knowledge is important for the practice of both conventional and complementary medicines, and it is essential to ensure the safe use of related herbal medicines. The review may be of great interest to practitioners, consumers, clinicians who require comprehensive information on the possible drug interactions with S. baicalensis and its bioactives.

Neutrophils promote clearance of nuclear debris following acid-induced lung injury

Neutrophils are critical mediators of host defense in pathogen-induced and sterile inflammation. Excessive neutrophil activation has been associated with increased host pathology through collateral organ damage. The beneficial aspects of neutrophil activation, particularly in sterile inflammation, are less well defined. We observed accumulation of nuclear debris in the lungs of neutropenic mice exposed to acid-induced injury compared with wild type. Size analysis of DNA debris showed that neutropenic mice were unable to degrade extracellular DNA fragments. In addition, we found that neutrophils are able to differentially express DNA-degrading and repair-associated genes and proteins. Once neutrophils are at sites of lung inflammation, they are able to phagocytose and degrade extracellular DNA. This neutrophil-dependent DNA degradation occurs in a MyD88-dependent pathway. The increased DNA debris in neutropenic mice was associated with dysregulated alveolar repair and the phenotype is rescued by intratracheal administration of DNase I. Thus, we show a novel mechanism as part of the inflammatory response, in which neutrophils engulf and degrade extracellular DNA fragments and allow for optimal organ repair.

Cell Death in Liver Diseases: A Review

Regulated cell death (RCD) is pivotal in directing the severity and outcome of liver injury. Hepatocyte cell death is a critical event in the progression of liver disease due to resultant inflammation leading to fibrosis. Apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and recently, pyroptosis and ferroptosis, have all been investigated in the pathogenesis of various liver diseases. These cell death subroutines display distinct features, while sharing many similar characteristics with considerable overlap and crosstalk. Multiple types of cell death modes can likely coexist, and the death of different liver cell populations may contribute to liver injury in each type of disease. This review addresses the known signaling cascades in each cell death pathway and its implications in liver disease. In this review, we describe the common findings in each disease model, as well as the controversies and the limitations of current data with a particular focus on cell death-related research in humans and in rodent models of alcoholic liver disease, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis (NASH/NAFLD), acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity, autoimmune hepatitis, cholestatic liver disease, and viral hepatitis.

Baicalin promotes liver regeneration after acetaminophen-induced liver injury by inducing NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Liver regeneration has become a new hotspot in the study of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Baicalin has already been reported to alleviate acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury in our previous study. This study aims to observe whether baicalin also promotes liver regeneration after APAP-induced liver injury and to elucidate its engaged mechanism. Baicalin alleviated APAP-induced hepatic parenchymal cells injury and enhanced the number of mitotic and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive hepatocytes in APAP-intoxicated mice. Baicalin increased hepatic PCNA and cyclinD1 expression in APAP-intoxicated mice. Baicalin induced the activation of NOD-like receptor pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, leading to the increased hepatic expression of interleukin-18 (IL-18) and IL-1β in APAP-intoxicated mice. The results in vitro demonstrated that IL-18 promoted the proliferation of human normal liver L-02 cells. Moreover, the baicalin-provided promotion on liver regeneration in APAP-intoxicated mice was diminished after the application of NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950 and the recombinant mouse IL-18 binding protein (rmIL-18BP). Baicalin induced the cytosolic accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), and increased the interaction between Nrf2 with Nlrp3, ASC and pro-caspase-1 in livers from APAP-intoxicated mice. Furthermore, the baicalin-provided NLRP3 inflammasome activation and promotion on liver regeneration after APAP-induced liver injury in wild-type mice were diminished in Nrf2 knockout mice. In conclusion, baicalin promoted liver regeneration after APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice via inducing Nrf2 accumulation in cytoplasm that led to NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and then caused the increased expression of IL-18, which induced hepatocytes proliferation.

The development and hepatotoxicity of acetaminophen: reviewing over a century of progress

Acetaminophen (APAP) was first synthesized in the 1800s, and came on the market approximately 65 years ago. Since then, it has become one of the most used drugs in the world. However, it is also a major cause of acute liver failure. Early investigations of the mechanisms of toxicity revealed that cytochrome P450 enzymes catalyze formation of a reactive metabolite in the liver that depletes glutathione and covalently binds to proteins. That work led to the introduction of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antidote for APAP overdose. Subsequent studies identified the reactive metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, specific P450 enzymes involved, the mechanism of P450-mediated oxidation, and major adducted proteins. Significant gaps remain in our understanding of the mechanisms downstream of metabolism, but several events appear critical. These events include development of an initial oxidative stress, reactive nitrogen formation, altered calcium flux, JNK activation and mitochondrial translocation, inhibition of mitochondrial respiration, the mitochondrial permeability transition, and nuclear DNA fragmentation. Additional research is necessary to complete our knowledge of the toxicity, such as the source of the initial oxidative stress, and to greatly improve our understanding of liver regeneration after APAP overdose. A better understanding of these mechanisms may lead to additional treatment options. Even though NAC is an excellent antidote, its effectiveness is limited to the first 16 hours following overdose.

NLRP3 is dispensable for d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide-induced acute liver failure

The nucleotide-binding domain and leucine-rich repeat-containing family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome is involved in various acute and chronic liver diseases, however, it is not clear whether NLRP3 contributes to d-Galactosamine (D-GalN) plus lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver failure (ALF). This study aims to investigate the role of NLRP3 inflammasome in D-GalN/LPS-induced fatal hepatitis. We found that Nlrp3^-/- and WT mice showed similar mortality against a lethal dose of D-GalN/LPS treatment. Serum ALT and AST levels, as well as liver necrosis area and hepatocyte apoptosis, were not significantly different between Nlrp3^-/- and WT mice at 6 h after D-GalN/LPS injection. Moreover, the numbers of intrahepatic F4/80⁺ cells and Ly6G⁺ cells were comparable in two genotype mice following D-GalN/LPS treatment. Besides, Nlrp3^-/- mice had reduced IL-1β levels but similar TNF-α, IL-6, and MCP-1 levels compared with WT mice upon D-GalN/LPS administration. Our findings revealed that NLRP3 ablation does not protect mice from D-GalN/LPS-induced fatal hepatitis and has a marginal effect on intrahepatic inflammatory response upon D-GalN/LPS treatment. This suggests that NLRP3 inflammasome does not appear to be a major contributor to D-GalN/LPS-induced ALF.

Activation of Farnesoid X Receptor by Schaftoside Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity by Modulating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Aims: Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose leads to acute liver injury by inducing hepatic mitochondrial oxidative stress and inflammation. However, the molecular mechanisms involved are still unclear. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) serves as a therapeutic target for the treatment of liver disorders, whose activation has been proved to protect APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, we examined whether FXR activation by schaftoside (SS), a naturally occurring flavonoid from Desmodium styracifolium, could protect mice against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity via regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Results: We first found that SS exhibited potent protective effects against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. The study reveals that SS is a potential agonist of FXR, which protects mice from hepatotoxicity mostly via regulation of oxidative stress and inflammation. Mechanistically, the hepatoprotective SS is associated with the induction of the genes of phase II detoxifying enzymes (e.g., UGT1A1, GSTα1), phase III drug efflux transporters (e.g., bile salt export pump, organic solvent transporter protein β), and glutathione metabolism-related enzymes (e.g., glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit [Gclm], glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit [Gclc]). More importantly, SS-mediated FXR activation could fine-tune the pro- and anti-inflammatory eicosanoids generation via altering eicosanoids metabolic pathway, thereby resulting in decrease of hepatic inflammation. In contrast, FXR deficiency can abrogate the above effects. Innovation and Conclusion: Our results provided the direct evidence that FXR activation by SS could attenuate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa-B signaling and fine-tuning the generation of proinflammatory mediators' eicosanoids. Our findings indicate that strategies to activate FXR signaling in hepatocytes may provide a promising therapeutic approach to alleviate liver injury induced by APAP overdose.

Apigenin Prevents Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Activating the SIRT1 Pathway

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is the main cause of acute liver failure. Apigenin (API) is a natural dietary flavonol with high antioxidant capacity. Herein, we investigated protection by API against APAP-induced liver injury in mice, and explored the potential mechanism. Cell viability assays and mice were used to evaluate the effects of API against APAP-induced liver injury. Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, RT-PCR, and Transmission Electron Microscope were carried out to determine the signalling pathways affected by API. Analysis of mouse serum levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) revealed that API (80 mg/kg) owned protective effect on APAP-induced liver injury. Meanwhile, API ameliorated the decreased cell viability in L-02 cells incubated by APAP with a dose dependent. Furthermore, API promoted SIRT1 expression and deacetylated p53. Western blotting showed that API promoted APAP-induced autophagy, activated the NRF2 pathway, and inhibited the transcriptional activation of nuclear p65 in the presence of APAP. Furthermore, SIRT1 inhibitor EX-527 reduced protection by API against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. Molecular docking results indicate potential interaction between API and SIRT1. API prevents APAP-induced liver injury by regulating the SIRT1-p53 axis, thereby promoting APAP-induced autophagy and ameliorating APAP-induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress injury.

Mechanisms and pathophysiological significance of sterile inflammation during acetaminophen hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a widely used analgesic drug, which can cause severe liver injury after an overdose. The intracellular signaling mechanisms of APAP-induced cell death such as reactive metabolite formation, mitochondrial dysfunction and nuclear DNA fragmentation have been extensively studied. Hepatocyte necrosis releases damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) which activate cytokine and chemokine formation in macrophages. These signals activate and recruit neutrophils, monocytes and other leukocytes into the liver. While this sterile inflammatory response removes necrotic cell debris and promotes tissue repair, the capability of leukocytes to also cause tissue injury makes this a controversial topic. This review summarizes the literature on the role of various DAMPs, cytokines and chemokines, and the pathophysiological function of Kupffer cells, neutrophils, monocytes and monocyte-derived macrophages, and NK and NKT cells during APAP hepatotoxicity. Careful evaluation of results and experimental designs of studies dealing with the inflammatory response after APAP toxicity provide very limited evidence for aggravation of liver injury but support of the hypothesis that these leukocytes promote tissue repair. In addition, many cytokines and chemokines modulate tissue injury by affecting the intracellular signaling events of cell death rather than toxicity of leukocytes. Reasons for the controversial results in this area are also discussed.

Fisetin Prevents Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury by Promoting Autophagy

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose is a leading cause of drug-induced acute liver failure in clinical and hospital settings. Fisetin (FST) is a phenolic compound derived from natural products such as fruit and vegetables. Our research investigated the protective mechanisms of FST in APAP-induced hepatic injury in vitro and vivo. Assessment of mouse serum levels of alanine/aspartate aminotransferases (ALT/AST), liver myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) demonstrated the protective effects of FST toward APAP-induced liver injury. FST also reversed an APAP-induced decrease in mouse L-02 cell line viability. Our results also showed that FST significantly promoted APAP-induced autophagy and inhibited inflammasome activation both in vivo and in vitro. We also found that silencing ATG5, using si-ATG5, reduced the protective effects of FST against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and reversed the effects on autophagy. Finally, we used the autophagy inhibitor, 3-methyladenine (3-MA) to validate the involvement of autophagy in FST against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in vitro. We demonstrated that FST prevented APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by increasing ATG5 expression, thereby promoting autophagy and inhibiting inflammasome activation.

The hepatoprotective effects of XCHD and MgIG against methotrexate-induced liver injury and inflammation in rats through suppressing the activation of AIM2 inflammasomes

BACKGROUND

Recent studies have shown that drug-induced liver injury may be related to the immune response activated by drugs. A cytosolic dsDNA inflammasome called absent in melanoma 2 (AIM2) was found to be associated with aseptic inflammation. The present study aimed to explore the effects of on the liver injury and inflammation in methotrexate (Mtx)-induced rats.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were selected and classified into 4 groups randomly, includes control group, Mtx group, Mtx-Xiaochaihu decoction (XCHD) group and Mtx-magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) group. Light microscopy was used to examine histological specimens after hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining. The AST levels in liver tissue and blood serum ALT in the rats were assessed with enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Then AIM2 expression and inflammatory factors, including caspase-1, IL-18, and IL-1β, in the liver biopsy specimens of rats were detected by immunohistochemistry. Furthermore, the correlation between inflammatory and AIM2 expression factors was comprehensively analyzed.

RESULTS

Functional and structural hepatotoxicity can be caused by the exposure to Mtx, which was supported by the improved biochemical marker levels and the worse histopathological changes in liver tissue. Compared with the Mtx group, the levels of liver enzymes ALT and AST, histological deterioration in the liver tissues were effectively decreased by XCHD and MgIG treatment, respectively. In addition, the expression of AIM2, caspase-1 and IL-1β was observably higher in the Mtx group, which was apparently inhibited in the Mtx-XCHD and Mtx-MgIG groups. There was no obvious change in IL-18 expression among four groups. AIM2 expression were positively associated with the severity of liver inflammation and had a higher relevance with caspase-1 expression.

CONCLUSIONS

AIM2 inflammasome in hepatocytes has a significant effect on the development of Mtx-induced liver injury, which can be ameliorated by both XCHD and MgIG treatment. The latent mechanism and potential signal pathway require further study.

Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Damage in Hepatic Steatosis

One of the most used painkillers is acetaminophen (APAP), which is safe at the right dose. However, several studies have described populations susceptible to APAP-induced liver damage, mainly in livers with steatosis. Thus, clinicians should consider the presence of obesity and other chronic liver diseases like nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) when indicating treatment with APAP. Liver damage from this drug is generated through its metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine, which is detoxified with glutathione (GSH). Prior depletion of GSH in steatotic hepatocytes plays a key role in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in people with obesity and NAFLD. The knowledge about the damage to the liver or APAP in susceptible people like the obese and those with NAFLD is of great relevance for the sanitary sector because it would imply strategies of different therapeutic approach in such patients. This paper reviews the role of APAP in liver damage in the presence of obesity, NAFLD, and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis.

Emerging and established modes of cell death during acetaminophen-induced liver injury

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced liver injury is an important clinical and toxicological problem. Understanding the mechanisms and modes of cell death are vital for the development of therapeutic interventions. The histological and clinical features of APAP hepatotoxicity including cell and organelle swelling, karyolysis, and extensive cell contents release lead to the characterization of the cell death as oncotic necrosis. However, the more recent identification of detailed signaling mechanisms of mitochondrial dysfunction, the amplification mechanisms of mitochondrial oxidant stress and peroxynitrite formation by a mitogen-activated protein kinase cascade, mechanisms of the mitochondrial permeability transition pore opening and nuclear DNA fragmentation as well as the characterization of the sterile inflammatory response suggested that the mode of cell death is better termed programmed necrosis. Additional features like mitochondrial Bax translocation and cytochrome c release, mobilization of lysosomal iron and the activation of receptor-interacting protein kinases and the inflammasome raised the question whether other emerging modes of cell death such as apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis and pyroptosis could also play a role. The current review summarizes the key mechanisms of APAP-induced liver injury and compares these with key features of the newly described modes of cell death. Based on the preponderance of experimental and clinical evidence, the mode of APAP-induced cell death should be termed programmed necrosis; despite some overlap with other modes of cell death, APAP hepatotoxicity does not fulfill the characteristics of either apoptosis, necroptosis, ferroptosis, pyroptosis or autophagic cell death.

Circulating Peroxiredoxin-1 is a novel damage-associated molecular pattern and aggravates acute liver injury via promoting inflammation

Sterile inflammation is initiated by damage-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) and a key contributor to acute liver injury (ALI). However, the current knowledge on those DAMPs that activate hepatic inflammation under ALI remains incomplete. We report here that circulating peroxiredoxin-1 (Prdx1) is a novel DAMP for ALI. Intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen (APAP) elicited a progressive course of ALI in mice, which was developed from 12 to 24 h post injection along with liver inflammation evident by macrophage infiltration and upregulations of cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α); these alterations were concurrently occurred with a robust and progressive production of serum Prdx1. Similar observations were also obtained in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced ALI in mice. Removal of the source of serum Prdx1 protected mice deficient in Prdx1 from APAP and CCl₄-induced liver injury, and decreased macrophage infiltration, IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α production. As a result, Prdx1^-/- mice were strongly protected from APAP-induced death that was likely progressed from ALI. Additionally, intravenous re-introduction of recombinant Prdx1 (rPrdx1) in Prdx1^-/- mice reversed or reduced all the above events, demonstrating an important contribution of circulating Prdx1 to ALI. rPrdx1 potently induced in primary macrophages the expression of pro-IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β through the NF-κB signaling as well as the NOD-like receptor family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling, evident by caspase-1 activation. Furthermore, a significant elevation of serum Prdx1 was demonstrated in patients (n = 15) with ALI; the elevation is associated with ALI severity. Collectively, we provide the first demonstration for serum Prdx1 contributing to ALI.

Circulating pig-specific DNA as a novel biomarker for monitoring xenograft rejection

Monitoring for immune rejection is crucial for long-term survival of pig xenografts. Circulating DNA is a promising non-invasive biomarker for either organ injury or response to therapy. In this study, circulating pig-specific DNA (cpsDNA) was monitored during xenograft rejection. Potential targets of cpsDNA were selected by in silico analysis, and species specificity of selected primers was confirmed by PCR. Subsequently, cpsDNA as a biomarker was evaluated using a complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) assay in vitro. Then, early diagnosis and response to rapamycin were assessed by an in vivo imaging model of pig-to-mouse cell transplantation. Finally, cpsDNA was monitored in a pig-to-monkey artery patch transplantation model. The results showed that (a) a method of cpsDNA quantitation was established for application in mouse and nonhuman primate models; (b) cpsDNA reflected CDC in vitro; (c) cpsDNA in vivo mirrored xenograft rejection, and correlated with xenograft loss in pig-to-mouse cell transplantation; (d) cpsDNA was significantly reduced when rapamycin was administered; and (e) dynamic cpsDNA was detectable in pig-to-monkey artery patch transplantation. In conclusion, measurement of cpsDNA could prove to be a less invasive, but more specific and sensitive low-cost biomarker enabling monitoring of xenograft rejection and the response to immunosuppressive therapy.

A phospholipase D2 inhibitor, CAY10594, ameliorates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by regulating the phosphorylated-GSK-3β/JNK axis

We examined the role of phospholipase D2 (PLD2) on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced acute liver injury using a PLD2 inhibitor (CAY10594). 500 mg/kg of APAP challenge caused acute liver damage. CAY10594 administration markedly blocked the acute liver injury in a dose-dependent manner, showing almost complete inhibition with 8 mg/kg of CAY10594. During the pathological progress of acute liver injury, GSH levels are decreased, and this is significantly recovered upon the administration of CAY10594 at 6 hours post APAP challenge. GSK-3β (Serine 9)/JNK phosphorylation is mainly involved in APAP-induced liver injury. CAY10594 administration strongly blocked GSK-3β (Serine 9)/JNK phosphorylation in the APAP-induced acute liver injury model. Consistently, sustained JNK activation in the cytosol and mitochondria from hepatocytes were also decreased in CAY10594-treated mice. Many types of immune cells are also implicated in APAP-induced liver injury. However, neutrophil and monocyte populations were not different between vehicle- and CAY10594-administered mice which are challenged with APAP. Therapeutic administration of CAY10594 also significantly attenuated liver damage caused by the APAP challenge, eliciting an enhanced survival rate. Taken together, these results indicate that PLD2 is involved in the intrinsic response pathway of hepatocytes driving the pathogenesis of APAP-induced acute liver injury, and PLD2 may therefore represent an important therapeutic target for patients with drug-induced liver injury.

Thymoquinone Attenuates Acetaminophen Overdose-Induced Acute Liver Injury and Inflammation Via Regulation of JNK and AMPK Signaling Pathway

Thymoquinone (TQ) is a main aromatic component of Nigella sativa L. seeds or Agastache rugosa (Fisch. & C.A.Mey.) Kuntze. The protective mechanism of TQ against acute liver injury induced by acetaminophen (APAP), however, remains unclear. We aimed to investigated the hepato-protective mechanism of TQ on the development of APAP-induced acute liver injury. Male kunming mice were pretreated with TQ or N-acetylcysteine (NAC) before a single APAP injection. Human Chang liver cells were incubated with TQ, SP600125 or AICAR in presence of APAP for 24 h. TQ pretreatment reduced levels of serum aminotransferases and increased hepatic glutathione and glutathione peroxidase activities via inhibiting CYP2E1 expression. TQ inhibited JNK, ERK and P38 phosphorylation induced by APAP. Meanwhile, TQ inhibited PI3K/mTOR signaling activation and activated AMPK phosphorylation. Moreover, TQ prevented APAP-induced hepatocytes apoptosis regulated by Bcl-2 and Bax. Furthermore, TQ inhibited STAT3 phosphorylation on APAP-induced acute liver injury. In addition, TQ significantly inhibited P2X7R protein expression and IL-1 β release. APAP-enhanced JNK phosphorylation and APAP-suppressed AMPK phosphorylation were also observed in Chang liver cells, and these changes were recovered by pretreatment with TQ, SP600125 and AICAR. Our findings suggest that TQ may actively prevent APAP-induced acute liver injury, and the effect may be mediated by JNK and AMPK signaling pathways.

Shikonin attenuates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury via inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation

Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose causes acute liver injury and leads to fatal liver damage. However, the therapies are quite limited. Shikonin is a natural product with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. In the present study, the hepatoprotective effects and the underlying mechanisms of shikonin in APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro were investigated. APAP-induced acute liver injury and shikonin pretreatment models were established in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by serum hepatic enzymes, histological changes, oxidative stress indicators and proinflammatory cytokines. The results revealed that shikonin pretreatment prevented the elevation of serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels and markedly reduced APAP-induced histological alterations in liver tissues. Additionally, shikonin restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression and glutathione (GSH) content in line with the blockade of oxidative stress. The changes in gene expression involved in oxidative stress including methionine sulfoxide reductase (such as MsrA and MsrB1), heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), SOD2 and cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), were markedly reversed after shikonin therapy. Furthermore, shikonin markedly attenuated the APAP-induced production of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and suppressed the expression of genes related to inflammation. In AML-12 cells, shikonin pretreatment decreased APAP-induced cytotoxicity as measured by CCK-8 assay and LDH release. The changes in gene expression involved in oxidative stress and the inflammatory response were consistent with those in mouse livers. This study indicated that shikonin attenuated APAP-induced acute liver injury via inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammatory responses in vivo and in vitro. These findings offer new insights into the potential therapy for APAP hepatotoxicity.

Cell death in drug-induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is an important cause of liver toxicity which can have varying clinical presentations, the most severe of which being acute liver failure. Hepatocyte death as a cause of drug toxicity is a feature of DILI. There are multiple cell death subroutines; some, like apoptosis, necroptosis, autophagy, and necrosis have been extensively studied, while others such as pyroptosis and ferroptosis have been more recently described. The mode of cell death in DILI depends on the culprit drug, as it largely dictates the mechanism and extent of injury. The main cell death subroutines in DILI are apoptosis and necrosis, with mitochondrial involvement being pivotal for the execution of both. A few drugs such as acetaminophen (APAP) can cause direct, dose-dependent toxicity, while the majority of drugs cause idiosyncratic DILI (IDILI). IDILI is an unpredictable form of liver injury that is not dose dependent, occurs in individuals with a genetic predisposition, and presents with variable latency. APAP-induced programmed necrosis has been extensively studied. However, the mechanisms and pathogenesis of cell death from drugs causing IDILI are harder to elucidate due to the complex and multifactorial nature of the disease. Cell death in IDILI is likely death receptor-mediated apoptosis and the result of an activated innate and adaptive immune system, compounded by other host factors such as genetics, gender, age, and capacity for immune tolerance. This chapter will review the different modes of cell death, namely apoptosis, necrosis, necroptosis, autophagy, pyroptosis, and ferroptosis and their pertinence to DILI.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Baicalein Against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Baicalein (BAI), one of the main components of Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, possesses numerous pharmacological properties, including anti-cancer, anti-oxidative, anti-virus and anti-bacterial activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of baicalein against acetaminophen (APAP)-exposed liver injury in mice, and elucidate the underlying hepatoprotective mechanism. Baicalein pretreatment significantly alleviated the elevation of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in serum and hepatic in a dose-dependent manner. It also dose-dependently reduced the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, as well as the depletion of hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD), hepatic glutathione (GSH) and hepatic catalase (CAT). Moreover, pretreatment with baicalein significantly ameliorated APAP-exposed liver damage and histological hepatocyte changes. Baicalein also relieved APAP-induced autophagy by regulating AKT/mTOR pathway, LC3B and P62 expression. Furthermore, the hepatoprotective effect of baicalein to APAP-induced liver injury involved in Jak2/Stat3 and MAPK signaling pathway. Taken together, our findings suggested that baicalein exhibits the ability to prevent liver from APAP-induced liver injury and provided an underlying molecular basis for potential applications of baicalein to cure liver injuries.