Aloe-Emodin quinone pretreatment reduces acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride

Application of the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) to the standardization of herbal raw materials: a case study

INTRODUCTION

Phytochemical standardization of herbal materials involves establishing consistent levels of one or more active ingredients or markers. It ensures the authenticity and quality of herbal materials, extracts, and their products. This research aimed to apply the herbal chemical marker ranking system (Herb MaRS) originally proposed for quality assurance of complex herbal products to establish markers for controlling the quality of herbal raw materials.

METHODS

The assessment of compounds for suitability as markers was based on the Herb MaRS, with minor modifications as follows: for more objective scoring, evidence of biological activity of the potential marker compound(s) was determined at three levels based on the number of symptoms of the disease condition a compound can treat or alleviate: (i) one symptom (1 point), two symptoms (2 points), and 3 or more symptoms (3 points). The reported concentrations of the compounds were also scored as follows: concentration not determined (0 points), concentration ≥ 5 ppm (1 point), concentration ≥ 50 ppm (2 points) and availability of analytical standards (1 point). Finally, the compounds were scored for the availability of an analytical method (1 point). The compounds were scored from 0 to 8, where 8 indicated the most suitable chemical marker.

RESULTS

The selected markers were as follows: aromadendrine, α-terpineol, globulol, and 1,8-cineol (in Eucalyptus globulus Labill. ); aloin, aloe emodin, acemannan (in Aloe barbadensis (L.) Burm.f. ), lupeol, lupenone, betulinic acid, betulin, and catechin (in Albizia coriaria Oliv.); mangiferin, catechin, quercetin, and gallic acid (in Mangifera indica L.); polygodial (in Warburgia ugandensis Sprague); azadirachtin, nimbin, nimbidin (in Azadirachta indica A. Juss. ); and 6,8,10-gingerols, and 6-shogaol (in Zingiber officinalis Roscoe).

CONCLUSIONS

Herb MaRS can be efficiently applied to select marker compounds for quality control of herbal materials. However, for herbs whose phytochemicals have not been sufficiently researched, it is difficult to establish evidence of activity, and there are no analytical standards and/or methods; this is the case for plants exclusively used in Africa. The markers identified should be incorporated into chromatographic fingerprints, their quantitative methods developed, and evaluated for applicability at the various stages of the production chain of herbal medicines; then, they can be included in future local plant monographs. There is also a need to build local capacity to isolate marker compounds, particularly those that are not sold by current vendors.

Aloe-Emodin Ameliorates Cecal Ligation and Puncture-Induced Sepsis

Sepsis remains a major challenge owing to its severe adverse effects and high mortality, against which specific pharmacological interventions with high efficacy are limited. Mitigation of hyperactive inflammatory responses is a key factor in enhancing the likelihood of survival in patients with sepsis. The Aloe genus has several health benefits, including anti-inflammatory properties. The toxicological implications of aloe-emodin (AE), extracted from various Aloe species, remain uncertain in clinical contexts. However, AE has been shown to inhibit inflammatory responses in lipopolysaccharide-induced mice, indicating its potential as a therapeutic approach for sepsis treatment. Nonetheless, there is a paucity of data regarding the therapeutic benefits of AE in the widely recognized cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced sepsis model, which is commonly used as the gold standard model for sepsis research. This study demonstrates the potential benefits of AE in the treatment of CLP-induced sepsis and investigates its underlying mechanism, along with the efficacy of postoperative AE treatment in mice with CLP-induced sepsis. The results of this study suggest that AE can mitigate sepsis in mice by diminishing systemic inflammation and regulating the gut microbiota. The study provides novel insights into the molecular mechanisms underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of AE.

Study on the mechanism of acute liver injury protection in Rhubarb anthraquinone by metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb has been used in a variety of liver diseases and it is widely used in clinic to prevent and treat acute liver injury. Anthraquinone, as the main medicinal component of rhubarb, can reverse the further development of liver fibrosis caused by acute liver injury. In this study, metabonomics was used to explore the mechanism of different doses of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury in rats. Rhubarb anthraquinone was administered intragastric to rats at doses of 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 mg/kg, respectively, for 7 days, and then 30% CCl₄ was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 1 ml/kg to replicate the acute liver injury model. The biochemical indicators content of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TG, TC, LDL, HDL in serum and GSH, Hyp, SOD, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in liver tissue extract were tested respectively, and liver tissue was histopathologically analysis. At the same time, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with non-targeted metabolomics were used to study the metabolites and metabolic pathways of rhubarb anthraquinone in treating acute liver injury. Compared with normal rats, the contents of ALT, AST, ALP, TG, TC, LDL, γ-GT in serum and Hyp, MDA, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in the liver tissue extract were significantly increased in model rats (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and the content of HDL in the serum was significantly decreased (p < 0.05); the activities of GSH and SOD in liver tissue extract were also significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After administration of rhubarb anthraquinone, compared with the model group, with the increase of dosage, some biochemical indexes showed opposite changes, and gradually approached to normal rats. 12 different metabolites were identified by metabonomics, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, the metabolism of amino sugars, nucleotide sugars and pyrimidines metabolism, and the biosynthesis of steroid hormone were identified based on the biomarker analysis. Based on the biochemical analysis and metabonomics analysis of rats with acute liver injury treated with different doses of rhubarb anthraquinone, combined with histopathological observation, the results show that the protective effect of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury is related to the dosage; Meanwhile, the metabolic pathway analysis suggested that rhubarb anthraquinone alleviate acute liver injury by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis disorders. This study explained the therapeutic effect of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury from both material basis and action pathway, and provided safe and effective research ideas for clinical application of rhubarb.

Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Study on the Multi-Target Mechanisms of Aloe vera for Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis Treatment

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a leading cause of chronic liver disease with limited treatment options. The widely distributed plant Aloe vera has shown protective effects against NASH in animals, yet the precise mechanism remains unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential mechanisms underlying the anti-NASH effects of Aloe vera using a network pharmacology and molecular docking approach. By searching online databases and analyzing the Gene Expression Omnibus dataset, we obtained 260 Aloe vera-NASH common targets. Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analyses showed that the common targets were strongly associated with the key pathological processes implicated in NASH, including lipid and glucose metabolism, inflammation, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and liver fibrosis. Four core proteins, AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNFα), transcription factor c-Jun, and tumor suppressor protein p53, were identified from compound-target-pathway and protein-protein interaction networks. Molecular docking analysis verified that the active ingredients of Aloe vera were able to interact with the core proteins, especially AKT1 and TNFα. The results demonstrate the multi-compound, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms of Aloe vera against NASH. Our study has shown the scientific basis for further experiments in terms of the mechanism to develop Aloe vera-based natural products as complementary treatments for NASH. Furthermore, it identifies novel drug candidates based on the structures of Aloe vera's active compounds.

The isomers, aloe-emodin and emodin, possess differential inhibitory activities against CYP1B1 enzyme

Aloe-emodin, known as a 3-hydroxymethyl-chrysazin, is one of anthraquinones mainly found in Rheum officinale Baill, Rheum palmatum L and Rheum tanguticum Maxim. Ex BALF. In recent studies, aloe-emodin possesses many pharmacological effects, including antitumor, antibacterial, antiviral, anti-inflammatory, cardiovascular protection, liver protection, immune regulation, estrogenic activity as a phytoestrogen, and so on. Cytochrome P450 (CYP) 1B1 (CYP1B1), as a major estrogen metabolizing enzyme, can metabolize 17β-estradiol (E2) to 4-hydroxy-E2 (4-OH-E2), which cause DNA damage and lead to tumor. Few studies have found that anthraquinones possess inhibitory activity against CYP1B1 enzyme. In this study, compared with emodin (3-Hydroxy-6-methyl-chrysazin, C₁₅H₁₀O₅), the inhibition of aloe-emodin (3-hydroxymethyl-chrysazin, C₁₅H₁₀O₅) on the activity of CYP1B1 was studied. The molecular mechanism of inhibition and the structure-activity relationship were also discussed. Although isomeric, the IC50 values of aloe-emodin and emodin were 0.192 ± 0.015 nM and 0.067 ± 0.003 µM, indicating the inhibition of aloe-emodin was about 350times stronger than that of emodin. Through structure-activity relationship analyses, it revealed the difference of inhibitory activity only due to different hydroxyl positions. When the hydroxyl group is transferred from the chrysazin skeleton to the methyl group, the hydrogen bond formed by this structure with the CYP1B1 protein can change the protein conformation, which may interfere with the binding of the substrate to CYP1B1 protein active site pocket and inhibit the catalytic activity of the CYP1B1 protein. Although the hydroxyl position changed, the inhibition mechanism did not change, all of which were mixed inhibition. This study reveals an anti-tumor mechanism of the anthraquinone compound aloe-emodin.

Aloe-Emodin Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy by Targeting Interferon Regulatory Factor 4

Diabetic nephropathy (DN) is one of the leading causes of end-stage renal disease and lacks effective clinical treatment for its complicated pathogenesis. In this study, the gene expression profiles downloaded from the GEO database were used to identify the key regulatory gene through bioinformatics analyses, and the potential mechanism in regulating DN was revealed via the gene set enrichment analysis, pathway analysis, and in vitro phenotype detection. The effect of the screened drug on DN was analyzed through in vitro and in vivo model experiments. Interferon regulatory factor 4 (IRF4) in DN was identified to be upregulated compared with that in normal control tissues. Further results revealed that IRF4 promoted the DN progression through inflammation, immunity, and extracellular matrix remodeling. The screening results of the TCM library showed that aloe-emodin (Ae) should be a potentially active target drug, and the in vitro and in vivo experiment results demonstrated that Ae could ameliorate DN by targeting IRF4. In conclusion, this study revealed the mechanism of the DN progression and demonstrated that Ae could be a potential target drug in ameliorating DN, providing ideas for the clinical treatments for DN.

Aloe-emodin derivative produces anti-atherosclerosis effect by reinforcing AMBRA1-mediated endothelial autophagy

Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease of high lethality associated with endothelial dysfunction. Due to the pathophysiological complexity and our incomplete understanding of the mechanisms for the development and progression of atherosclerosis, effective means for the prevention and treatment of atherosclerosis still need further exploration. This study was designed to investigate the potential effects and underlying mechanisms of aloe-emodin derivative (AED) on atherosclerosis. High fat diet (HFD) treated ApoE-/- mice were used as an animal model of atherosclerosis. Intragastric administration of aloe-emodin (AE) or AED for 12 weeks markedly reduced the atherosclerotic plaque in aorta with decreased plaque area, lipid accumulation, macrophage infiltration, collagen content and metabolic abnormalities. By comparison, AED produced more potent anti-atherosclerosis effects than AE at the same dose. AED enhanced production of autophagy flux in cultured human aortic endothelial cells (HAECs). Moreover, AED increased the expression of activating molecule in Beclin1-regulated autophagy 1 (AMBRA1), a key protein involved in autophagosome formation. Furthermore, knockdown of AMBRA1 blocked the promotion effect of AED on autophagy in HAECs. Taken together, AED facilitates endothelial autophagy via AMBRA1 during the progression of atherosclerosis, suggesting the potential application of this compound for atherosclerosis treatment.

Hepatoprotective Plants from Bangladesh: A Biophytochemical Review and Future Prospect

Liver diseases are quite prevalant in many densely populated countries, including Bangladesh. The liver and its hepatocytes are targeted by virus and microbes, as well as by chemical environmental toxicants, causing wide-spread disruption of metabolic fuctions of the human body, leading to death from end-stage liver diseases. The aim of this review is to systematically explore and record the potential of Bangladeshi ethnopharmacological plants to treat liver diseases with focus on their sources, constituents, and therapeutic uses, including mechanisms of actions (MoA). A literature survey was carried out using Pubmed, Google Scholar, ScienceDirect, and Scopus databases with articles reported until July, 2020. A total of 88 Bangladeshi hepatoprotective plants (BHPs) belonging to 47 families were listed in this review, including Euphorbiaceae, Cucurbitaceae, and Compositae families contained 20% of plants, while herbs were the most cited (51%) and leaves were the most consumed parts (23%) as surveyed. The effect of BHPs against different hepatotoxins was observed via upregulation of antioxidant systems and inhibition of lipid peroxidation which subsequently reduced the elevated liver biomarkers. Different active constituents, including phenolics, curcuminoids, cucurbitanes, terpenoids, fatty acids, carotenoids, and polysaccharides, have been reported from these plants. The hepatoameliorative effect of these constituents was mainly involved in the reduction of hepatic oxidative stress and inflammation through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibition of NF-κB signaling pathways. In summary, BHPs represent a valuable resource for hepatoprotective lead therapeutics which may offer new alternatives to treat liver diseases.

Compounds of plants with activity against SARS-CoV-2 targets

Introduction

The COVID-19 global pandemic is a public health emergency due to its high virulence and mortality. Many vaccine development studies at clinical trials are currently conducted to combat SARS-CoV-2. Plants are a rich source of phytochemicals with different biological activities, including antiviral activities, which are the focus of many studies.

Areas covered

This review shows compounds of traditional plants listed on RENISUS list have therapeutic properties against SARS-CoV-2 targets.

Expert Opinion

The rise of new variants, more pathogenic and virulent, impacts in the increase of mortality from SARS-CoV-2 infection, and thus, the control of the outbreaks of disease remains a global challenge. Other’s drug and vaccines development is an essential element in controlling SARS-COV-2. Therefore, it is imperative that approach to tackle this pandemic has to be solidly evidence-informed. It should be noticed that the immune system does play critical roles in fighting viruses. Studies show that T cells levels decreased continuously as the disease progressed. T cell-mediated cellular immune response, probably by immunological memory, is essential for direct virus eradication after infection whilst B cells functions in producing antibodies that neutralize virus.But, have distinct patterns of T cell response exist in different patients, suggesting the possibility of distinct clinical approaches. Efforts are concentrated to elucidate the underlying immunological mechanisms in SARS-CoV-2 pathogenesis and progression for better design of diagnostic, therapeutic and preventive strategies. We seek to identify biomolecules with the potential to act in biomarkers that predict how severe the disease can get. But it is important to warn that the plants that produce the compounds mentioned here should not be used without a physician prescription. Finally, we speculate that these compounds may eventually attract the attention of physicians and researchers to perform tests in specific contexts of SARS-CoV-2 infection, and if they show positive results, be tested in Clinical trials.

Inhibitory effects of aloin on TGFBIp-mediated septic responses

Aloin is the major anthraquinone glycoside obtained from the Aloe species. Transforming growth factor β-induced protein (TGFBIp) is an extracellular matrix protein and released by primary human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and functions as a mediator of experimental sepsis. We hypothesized that aloin could reduce TGFBIp-mediated severe inflammatory responses in HUVECs and mice. Aloin effectively inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of TGFBIp and suppressed TGFBIp-mediated septic responses. Aloin suppressed TGFBIp-induced sepsis lethality and pulmonary injury. Therefore, aloin is a potential therapeutic agent for various severe vascular inflammatory diseases, with inhibition of the TGFBIp signaling pathway as the mechanism of action. [Formula: see text].

Aloin protects mice from diet-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling

Aloin, a naturally occurring anthraquinone glycoside derived from the Aloe species, has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, but its role in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unknown. This study was designed to investigate the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects of aloin and the underlying mechanisms during NASH. Wild-type or nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) knock-out (KO) mice were fed a choline-deficient, l-amino acid-defined, high-fat (CDAAH) diet and treated with aloin (10, 20 or 40 mg per kg bw per day) by gavage for twelve weeks. Liver and blood samples were collected to evaluate liver function, protein abundance, and histopathological status. Supplementing aloin at 20 mg kg^-1 was optimal for mitigating liver damage during NASH, as evidenced by reduced alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase activity in serum. Supplementation with aloin significantly reduced serum concentration or liver protein abundance of malondialdehyde, tumor necrosis factor alpha, Interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6. Aloin treatment enhanced hepatic superoxide dismutase activity, glutathione and serum IL-10 levels in mice with NASH. Furthermore, supplementation with aloin inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis caused by Bcl-2 up-regulation and cleaved caspase-3 and Bax down-regulation. Mechanistically, by using Nrf2 KO mice, the protective effects of aloin were associated with enhanced antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activity, all of which were mediated by Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) signaling activation. Data suggested that aloin activates the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and has protective potential against liver injury during NASH. Therefore, aloin supplementation might contribute to the prevention and treatment of NASH via activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway.

Suppressive effects of aloin on polyphosphate-mediated vascular inflammatory responses

Human endothelial cells-derived polyphosphate (PolyP) is one of the pro-inflammatory mediators as suggested by the previous reports. Aloin is the major anthraquinone glycoside obtained from the Aloe species and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Aloin inhibits PolyP-mediated barrier disruption, the expressions of cell adhesion molecules, and adhesion/migration of leukocyte to HUVEC. PolyP-induced NF-κB activation and the productions of TNF-α and IL-6 were inhibited by aloin in HUVECs. These anti-inflammatory functions of aloin were confirmed in PolyP-injected mice. In conclusion, based on the anti-inflammatory effects of aloin in PolyP-mediated septic response, aloin has therapeutic potential for various systemic inflammatory diseases.

Improved oral bioavailability and anti-chronic renal failure activity of chrysophanol via mixed polymeric micelles

AIMS

This study was designed to prepare chrysophanol-loaded micelles (CLM) to improve the oral bioavailability, targetability and anti-chronic renal failure (CRF) activity of chrysophanol (CH).

METHODS

The preparation of CLM was achieved via thin-film dispersion technique. The in vitro release of CLM compared with free CH was measured in phosphate buffer solution (PBS) containing 0.5%w/v sodium dodecyl sulphate (pH 6.8) while the pharmacokinetic and anti-CRF activity study was also conducted in rats. Moreover, the tissue distribution of CLM was investigated in the mice.

RESULTS

The CLM had particle size (PS) of 29.64 ± 0.71 nm, and encapsulation efficiency (EE) of 90.48 ± 1.22%w/w. The cumulative release rate of CH from the micellar system was significantly higher than that of the free CH (86%m/m vs. 15%m/m, p < 0.01). In vivo pharmacokinetic studies showed that the bioavailability of CLM after oral administration was substantially improved (about 3.4 times) compared with free drugs (p < 0.01). Also, it was observed that CLM accumulated well in the liver and brain. Moreover, in vitro renal podocytes study showed that CLM had better protection against renal podocyte damage than the free CH. In addition, CLM significantly (p < 0.01) reduced levels of blood urea nitrogen (BUN), kidney injury molecule-1 (Kim-1), and serum creatinine (SCr), which obviously improved kidney damage in rats with CRF.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, these findings suggest that mixed micelles may be used as a promising drug delivery system for oral bioavailability improvement and concomitantly enhance the anti-CRF activity of CH, as well as provide a basis for the clinical application of CH.

Notoginsenoside R1 Suppresses Inflammatory Signaling and Rescues Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Experimental Rats

Background

Notoginsenoside R1 (NR) is a major dynamic constituent of Panax notoginseng found to possess anti-inflammatory activity against various inflammatory diseases. However, its protective effects against renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury have not been elucidated. In male Wistar rats, we induced I/R under general anesthesia by occluding the renal artery for 60 min, followed by reperfusion and right nephrectomy.

Material/Methods

Rats were randomized to 4 groups: a sham group, an I/R group, an NR-pretreated (50 mg/kg) before I/R induction group, and an NR control group. All animals were killed at 72 h after I/R induction. Blood and renal tissues were collected, and histological and basic renal function parameters were assessed. In addition, levels of various kidney markers and proinflammatory cytokines were measured using RT-PCR, ELISA, and immunohistochemistry analysis.

Results

After I/R induction, the onset of renal dysfunction was shown by the elevated levels of serum urea, creatinine levels, and histological evaluation, showing a 2-fold increase in the renal failure markers kim-1 and NGAL compared to control rats. Rats pretreated with NR before I/R induction had significantly better renal functions, with attenuated levels of oxidative markers, restored levels of inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), tumor growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), INF-γ, and IL-6, and increased anti-inflammatory cytokine levels (IL-10) compared to I/R-induced rats.

Conclusions

NR suppressed I/R-induced inflammatory cytokines production by suppressing oxidative stress and kidney markers, suggesting that NR is a promising drug candidate for prevention, progression, and treatment of renal dysfunction.

Aloe-emodin induces hepatotoxicity by the inhibition of multidrug resistance protein 2

BACKGROUND

Aloe-emodin (AE) is among the primary bioactive anthraquinones present in traditional Chinese medicinal plants such as Rheum palmatum L. Multidrug resistance protein 2 (ABCC2/ MRP2) is an important efflux transporter of substances associated with cellular oxidative stress. However, the effects of traditional Chinese medicine on this protein remain unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of this research is to study the role of ABCC2 in AE-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

The expression of ABCC2 protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western-Blotting and qRT-PCR, respectively. The intracellular oxidative stress caused by AE was evaluated by quantifying the levels of intracellular reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, glutathione reduced and oxidized glutathione. The levels of adenosine triphosphate, mitochondrial membrane potential and mitochondrial DNA were explored to evaluate the effects of AE on mitochondrial function. The effects of AE on cell apoptosis and cell cycle were detected by flow cytometry. To further clarify the key role of ABCC2 in AE induced cytotoxicity, we used pCI-neo-ABCC2 plasmid to over express ABCC2 protein, and small interfering RNA was used to knockdown ABCC2 in HepG2 cells. Additionally, we investigated the impact of AE on ABCC2 degradation pathway and the hepatotoxic effects of AE in mice.

RESULTS

AE was found to inhibit ABCC2 transport activity, downregulate ABCC2 expression and altered intracellular redox balance. Induction of oxidative stress resulted in depletion of intracellular glutathione reduced, mitochondria dysfunction and activation of apoptosis. ABCC2 overexpression significantly reduced AE-induced intracellular oxidative stress and cell death, which was enhanced by ABCC2 knockdown. Furthermore, AE was observed to promote ABCC2 degradation through induction of autophagy and hepatotoxicity was induced in mice by promoting ABCC2 degradation.

CONCLUSIONS

The inhibition of ABCC2 is a novel effect of AE that triggers oxidative stress and apoptosis. These findings are helpful in understanding the toxicological effects of AE-containing medicinal plants.

Aloin Preconditioning Attenuates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury via Inhibiting TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Signal Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

Background

Aloin exerts considerable protective effects in various disease models, and its effect on hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (HIR) injury remains unknown. This research is aimed at conducting an in-depth investigation of the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptosis effects of aloin in HIR injury and explain the underlying molecular mechanisms.

Methods

In vivo, different concentrations of aloin were intraperitoneally injected 1 h before the establishment of the HIR model in male mice. The hepatic function, pathological status, oxidative stress, and inflammatory and apoptosis markers were measured. In vitro, aloin (AL, C₂₁H₂₂O₉) or lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was added to a culture of mouse primary hepatocytes before it underwent hypoxia/reoxygenation (H/R), and the apoptosis in the mouse primary hepatocytes was analyzed.

Results

We found that 20 mg/kg was the optimum concentration of aloin for mitigating I/R-induced liver tissue damage, characterized by decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Aloin pretreatment substantially suppressed the generation of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and IL-6 and enhanced the hepatic superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities as well as glutathione (GSH) and IL-10 levels in the liver tissue of I/R mice; this indicated that aloin ameliorated I/R-induced liver damage by reducing the oxidative stress and inflammatory response. Moreover, aloin inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis and inflammatory response that was caused by the upregulated expression of Bcl-2, the downregulated expression of cleaved caspase3(C-caspase3), Bax, Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), FADD, MyD88, TRAF6, phosphorylated IKKα/β (p-IKKα/β), and phosphorylated nuclear factor κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65).

UHPLC-MS/MS method for the quantification of aloin-A in rat plasma and its application to a pharmacokinetic study

Aloin-A (also known as barbaloin), the main bioactive anthraquinone-C-glycoside of Aloe species, exhibits various beneficial pharmacological effects. However, the determination and pharmacokinetic study of aloin-A in rat plasma need to be improved and systematically demonstrated. In the present study, a simple, robust and sensitive ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UHPLC-MS/MS) method for rapid quantification of aloin-A in rat plasma was developed. Plasma preparation was conducted by a single step protein precipitation with obtusin serving as an internal standards (IS) followed by separation of the analytes using an Agilent C18 column with a gradient mobile phase comprised of acetonitrile and formic acid aqueous solution. Negative ion electrospray was used and multiple reaction monitoring transitions were m/z 417.1 → 297.0 for aloin-A and m/z 343.1 → 328.1 for IS, respectively. The developed method was validated with linear range of 1-1000 ng/mL. All validation parameters were well within the acceptance criteria based on the guidance of FDA. The validated approach was successfully applied to analyze samples from a pharmacokinetic study in healthy rats following intravenous and oral administration. Aloin-A was found to be quickly absorbed, extensively distributed and rapidly eliminated. The absolute bioavailability of aloin-A was 5.79%.

Renal protective effects of aloin in a mouse model of sepsis

Aloin is the major anthraquinone glycoside obtained from the Aloe species and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. However, the renal protective effects of aloin and underlying molecular mechanism remain unclear. This study was initiated to determine whether aloin could modulate renal functional damage in a mouse model of sepsis and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. The potential of aloin treatment to reduce renal damage induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) surgery in mice was measured by assessment of serum creatinine, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), lipid peroxidation, total glutathione, glutathione peroxidase activity, catalase activity, and superoxide dismutase activity. Post-treatment with aloin resulted in a significant reduction in the deleterious renal functions by CLP, such as elevated BUN, creatinine, and urine protein. Moreover, aloin inhibited nuclear factor-κB activation and reduced the induction of nitric oxide synthase and excessive production of nitric acid. Aloin treatment also reduced the plasma levels of interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-α, reduced lethality due to CLP-induced sepsis, increased lipid peroxidation, and markedly enhanced the antioxidant defense system by restoring the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase in kidney tissues. Our study suggested that aloin protects mice against sepsis-triggered renal injury.

Active compound chrysophanol of Cassia tora seeds suppresses heat-induced lipogenesis via inactivation of JNK/p38 MAPK signaling in human sebocytes

Background

Heat induced by infrared (IR) radiation from sun exposure increases skin temperature and can lead to thermal and photo-aging. However, little is known about the relationship between heat induced by IR radiation and lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes. This study investigated the expression of factors involved in lipid biosynthesis in human sebocytes exposed to heat. The effect of Cassia tora extract and chrysophanol, which is widely used as anti-inflammatory agent, on the heat shock effect in sebocytes was then examined.

Methods

For the treatment, cells were maintained in culture medium without FBS (i.e., serum starved) for 6 h and then moved for 30 min to incubators at 37 °C (control), 41 °C, or 44 °C (heat shock). Culture media were replaced with fresh media without FBS. To investigate expression of gene and signaling pathway, we performed western blotting. Lipid levels were assessed by Nile red staining. The cytokine levels were measured by cytokine array and ELISA kit.

Results

We found that peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)γ and fatty acid synthase (FAS) were upregulated and the c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK)/p38 signaling pathways were activated in human sebocytes following heat exposure. Treatment with Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol suppressed this up-regulation of PPARγ and FAS and also suppressed the increase in IL-1β levels.

Conclusion

These findings provide evidence that IR radiation can stimulate sebum production; Cassia tora seed extract and chrysophanol can reverse lipid stimulated inflammatory mediation, and may therefore be useful for treating skin disorders such as acne vulgaris.

Antiglycation Activity and HT-29 Cellular Uptake of Aloe-Emodin, Aloin, and Aloe arborescens Leaf Extracts

Aloe arborescens is a relevant species largely used in traditional medicine of several countries. In particular, the decoction of leaves is prepared for various medicinal purposes including antidiabetic care. The aim of this research was the study of the antiglycation activity of two A. arborescens leaf extracts and isolated compounds: aloin and aloe-emodin. These phytoconstituents were quantitatively assessed in methanolic and hydroalcoholic extracts using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. In addition, the total phenolic and flavonoid contents were detected. In order to study their potential use in diabetic conditions, the antiglycation and antiradical properties of the two extracts and aloin and aloe-emodin were investigated by means of bovine serum albumin (BSA) and 1,1-diphenyl-2-picryl-hydrazil (DPPH) assays; further, their cytotoxicity in HT-29 human colon adenocarcinoma cells was evaluated by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5-diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. Furthermore, the ability of aloin and aloe-emodin to permeate the cellular membranes of HT-29 cells was determined in order to estimate their potential in vivo absorption. This assessment indicated that aloe-emodin can substantially pass through cell membranes (~20%), whereas aloin did not permeate into HT-29 cells. Overall, the data show that both the methanolic and the hydroalcoholic A. arborescens extracts determine significant inhibition of glycation and free-radical persistence, without any cytotoxic activity. The data also show that the antiglycation and the antiradical activities of aloin and aloe-emodin are lower than those of the two extracts. In relation to the permeability study, only aloe-emodin is able to cross HT-29 cellular membranes, showing the attitude to pass through the intestinal layer. Overall, the present data surely support the traditional use of A. arborescens leaf extracts against hyperglycemic conditions, while aloin and aloe-emodin as potential drugs need further study.

Zerumbone Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and the Inflammatory Response: Involving the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 Pathway

The natural compound Zerumbone (hereinafter referred to as ZER), a monocyclic sesquiterpenoid, has been reported to possess many pharmacological properties, including antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate the underlying mechanism of ZER against acute liver injury (ALI) in CCl₄-induced mice models. ICR mice were pretreated intraperitoneally with ZER for five days, then received a CCl₄ injection two hours after the last ZER administration and were sacrificed 24 h later. Examination of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and the histopathological analysis confirmed the hepatoprotective effect of ZER. Biochemical assays revealed that ZER pretreatment recovered the activities of antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), restored the glutathione (GSH) reservoir, and reduced the production of malondialdehyde (MDA), all in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, administration of ZER in vivo reduced the release amounts of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and inhibited the increased protein levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) p-p65, and cyclooxygenase (COX-2). Further studies in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced Raw264.7 inflammatory cellular models verified that ZER could inhibit inflammation via inactivating the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway. Thus, our study indicated that ZER exhibited a hepatoprotective effect against ALI through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and the possible mechanism might be mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB/COX-2 pathway. Collectively, our studies indicate ZER could be a potential candidate for chemical liver injury treatment.

New Z-chalcones obtained from aloe-emodin: Synthesis, characterization and photophysical properties

Three new Z-chalcone derivatives were synthesized under stereoselective conditions by condensation between an aldehyde derivative (prepared from aloe-emodin) and an acetophenone, using potassium hydroxide in dimethyl sulfoxide/H2O at room temperature. The Z configuration of the chalcone derivatives was established by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) studies. Photophysical properties related to the UV-Vis absorption/emission spectra and molar extinction coefficients (ε) in different solvents were determined.

Aloin reduces inflammatory gene iNOS via inhibition activity and p-STAT-1 and NF-κB

Aloin is the major anthraquinone glycoside obtained from the Aloe species and exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. Here, we aimed to determine the effects of aloin on heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and on the expressions of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase (COX) 2 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-activated human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs). To the end, aloin was tested whether aloin reduces iNOS protein expression and inflammatory markers (interleukin (IL)-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α) in LPS-treated mice lung tissue. The results indicated that aloin affected HO-1 induction and reduced LPS-activated NF-κB-luciferase activity showed to preferential inhibition of iNOS/NO and COX-2/PGE2 that was partly related to inhibition of STAT-1 phosphorylation. In particular, aloin induced translocation of Nrf2 from cytosol into the nucleus by an increased Nrf2-ARE binding activity, and reduced IL-1β production in LPS-activated HUVECs. The reduced expression of iNOS/NO by aloin was reversed by siHO-1RNA-transfection. In LPS-treated mice, aloin significantly reduced iNOS protein in lung tissues, and TNF-α levels in the BALF. We concluded that aloin may be beneficial for treatment of lung injury.

Pre-Exposure to Chronic Unpredictable Stress Suppresses the Chemopreventive Potential of Aloe Vera (Av) Leaf Gel Against 7,12-Dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA) Induced Carcinogenesis

The present study evaluates the topical application of aloe vera (Av) leaf gel as a protective natural product against 7,12-dimethylbenz(a)anthracene (DMBA)-induced skin lesions in Swiss albino mice and as an antioxidant for the systemic toxicity of DMBA in the presence and absence of chronic unpredictable stress (CUS). Animals were randomized into seven groups and sacrificed after 16 weeks of treatment. Av gel application along with DMBA + 12-O-tetradecanoylphorbol-13-acetate (TPA) was found to be effective in reducing tumor incidence, cumulative number of papillomas, tumor burden and tumor yield when compared to untreated groups. Furthermore, topical treatment with Av gel significantly increased the overall in vivo antioxidant status of mice. Conversely, lipid peroxidation levels were significantly decreased in skin and circulation. However, pre-exposure to CUS followed by DMBA + TPA + Av gel application reduced the chemopreventive efficacy of Av gel as evidenced by increased tumor incidence, tumor burden, tumor yield and MDA levels accompanied by decrease in the enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants. These observations were further supported by the results of fluorescent studies and comet assay. The study demonstrates a reduction in the antioxidant and antitumor potential of Av gel in presence of CUS thereby, signifying the need of stress reduction during cancer chemopreventive trials.

Impact of plant extracts upon human health: A review

With the increase in evidences directly linking diet and health, several foodstuffs, such as phenolic rich fruits and vegetables, have emerged as possessing potential health benefits. Plants, given their fiber and phenolic content (and their intrinsic biological potential), have long been considered as contributing to health promotion. Therefore, the present work aimed to review the existing evidences regarding the various potential benefits of plant extracts' and plant extract-based products' consumption, with emphasis on in vivo works and epidemiological studies whenever available. Overall, the information available supports that, while there are indications of the potential benefits of plant extracts' consumption, further human-based studies are still needed to establish a true cause-effect.

Aloin Inhibits Müller Cells Swelling in a Rat Model of Thioacetamide-Induced Hepatic Retinopathy

Swelling of retinal Müller cells is implicated in retinal edema and neuronal degeneration. Müller cell swelling is observed in patients with liver failure and is referred to as hepatic retinopathy. In the present study, we evaluated the effects of aloin, an anthraquinone-C-glycoside present in various Aloe species, on Müller cell dysfunction in a rat model of thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatic retinopathy. Experimental hepatic retinopathy was induced by three injections of TAA (200 mg/kg/day, intraperitoneal injection) for 3 days in rats. After the last injection of TAA, aloin (50 and 100 mg/kg) was orally gavaged for 5 days. The effects of aloin on the liver injury, serum ammonia levels, Müller cell swelling, glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression, and gene expression of Kir4.1 and aquaporin-4 were examined. TAA-injected rats exhibited liver failure and hyperammonemia. In the TAA-injected rats, Müller cell bodies were highly enlarged, and GFAP, an indicator of retinal stress, was highly expressed in the retinas, indicating a predominant Müller cell gliosis. However, administration of aloin suppressed liver injury as well as Müller cell swelling through the normalization of Kir4.1 and aquaporin-4 channels, which play a key role in potassium and water transport in Müller cells. These results indicate that aloin may be helpful to protect retinal injury associated with liver failure.

Inhibition of catalase activity with 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole intensifies bisphenol A (BPA)-induced toxicity in granulosa cells of female albino rats

Exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), an endocrine disruptor and environmental toxicant, is associated with adverse estrogenic effects in both humans and wildlife species. Because the effects of BPA on the ovary at the cellular level are incompletely understood, the present study was designed to investigate the underlying mechanism of granulosa cell injury following BPA exposure. Eight-week-old female Wistar rats were treated with BPA (25 mg/kg BW/day for 9 days, intraperitonially) with or without pretreatment of the catalase-specific blocker 3-amino-1,2,4-triazole (ATZ; 1 g/kg BW/day for 5 days, intraperitonially). Different oxidative and antioxidant stress parameters, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and hormonal levels were measured. Catalase expression in isolated granulosa cells was analyzed by Western blot. There were noticeable increases in both nitric oxide and lipid peroxidation levels in the granulosa cells of the BPA-treated group with or without pretreatment with ATZ. Compared with the controls, BPA exposure resulted in a significant increase in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels that was further increased following pretreatment with ATZ. Results of the hormonal assays clearly showed a significant decrease in both estrogen and progesterone levels. In contrast, there was a significant increase in both serum follicle-stimulating hormone and luteinizing hormone levels following BPA exposure, with or without ATZ pretreatment. Results of Western blot analysis demonstrated decreased expression of catalase in the BPA-treated group and a further decrease in expression in the group treated with both BPA and ATZ. Our data suggest that catalase plays a role in mediating reproductive damage to granulosa cells exposed to BPA.

Aloe Genus Plants: From Farm to Food Applications and Phytopharmacotherapy

Aloe genus plants, distributed in Old World, are widely known and have been used for centuries as topical and oral therapeutic agents due to their health, beauty, medicinal, and skin care properties. Among the well-investigated Aloe species are A. arborescens, A. barbadensis, A. ferox, and A. vera. Today, they account among the most economically important medicinal plants and are commonly used in primary health treatment, where they play a pivotal role in the treatment of various types of diseases via the modulation of biochemical and molecular pathways, besides being a rich source of valuable phytochemicals. In the present review, we summarized the recent advances in botany, phytochemical composition, ethnobotanical uses, food preservation, and the preclinical and clinical efficacy of Aloe plants. These data will be helpful to provide future directions for the industrial and medicinal use of Aloe plants.

Interaperitoneal Administration of Αlpha-Tocopherol Loaded Nanoparticles Improves Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in Rat Ovaries Torsion and Detorsion Model

Objective:

To investigate effects of intraperitoneally administration of α-tocopherol loaded nanoparticles (TNP) on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

Methods:

Thirty-five healthy female Wistar rats ~250g were randomized into seven experimental groups (n = 5): Group SHAM: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group Ischemia: A 3- hour ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-hour ischemia and a 3-hour reperfusion. Group I/T: A 3-hour ischemia only and 100 mg/kg intraperitoneal administration (IP) of α-tocopherol 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/T: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 100 mg/kg IP of α-tocopherol 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/TNP: A 3-hour ischemia only and 1 mg/kg IP of TNP 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/TNP: A 3-hour ischemia, a 3-hour reperfusion and 1 mg/kg IP of TNP 2.5 hours after induction of ischemia.  

Results:

Animals treated with αTNP showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/NC animals compared to those of other groups (p=0.001). Damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/NC animal compared to those of other groups (p=0.001).

Conclusion:

Intraperitoneal administration of TNP could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Chrysophanic acid reduces testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by suppressing 5α-reductase and extracellular signal-regulated kinase

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is one of the most common chronic diseases in male population, of which incidence increases gradually with age. In this study, we investigated the effect of chrysophanic acid (CA) on BPH. BPH was induced by a 4-week injection of testosterone propionate (TP). Four weeks of further injection with vehicle, TP, TP + CA, TP + finasteride was carried on. In the CA treatment group, the prostate weight was reduced and the TP-induced histological changes were restored as the normal control group. CA treatment suppressed the TP-elevated prostate specific antigen (PSA) expression. In addition, 5α-reductase, a crucial factor in BPH development, was suppressed to the normal level close to the control group by CA treatment. The elevated expressions of androgen receptor (AR), estrogen receptor α and steroid receptor coactivator 1 by TP administration were also inhibited in the CA group when compared to the TP-induced BPH group. Then we evaluated the changes in three major factors of the mitogen-activated protein kinase chain during prostatic hyperplasia; extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), c-Jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p38). While ERK was elevated in the process of BPH, JNK and p38 was not changed. This up-regulated ERK was also reduced as normal by CA treatment. Further in vitro studies with RWPE-1 cells confirmed TP-induced proliferation and elevated AR, PSA and p-ERK were all reduced by CA treatment. Overall, these results suggest a potential pharmaceutical feature of CA in the treatment of BPH.

Aloe-Emodin Influence on the Lysosomal Compartment of Hela Cells

Background: Aloe-emodin belongs to the group of anthraquinones having extremely high biological activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate the range of morphological and biochemical changes in HeLa cells treated with aloe-emodin, especially with regard to the lysosomal compartment. Methods: Marking of lysosomes was performed with neutral red staining for conventional light microscopy and acridine orange staining for confocal microscopy. To evaluate ctivity of lysosomal enzymes and permeability of the lysosomal membrane, spectrophotometric techniques were employed. Results: Aloe-emodin caused increased permeability of lysosomal membranes in HeLa cells, expressed inter alia by extinction of the orange color of acridine orange (lysosomal marker) and in reduction of neutral red uptake by lysosomes. These changes are accompanied by release of cathepsins from the interior of the lysosomes with a simultaneous highly significant increase in their activity in the cytoplasm. Conclusion: The results indicate that aloeemodin can activate lysosomal pathway-dependent apoptosis in HeLa cells.

Aloe Metabolites Prevent LPS-Induced Sepsis and Inflammatory Response by Inhibiting Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation

Aloe, a polyphenolic anthranoid-containing Aloe vera leaves, is a Chinese medicine and a popular dietary supplement worldwide. In in vivo situations, polyphenolic anthranoids are extensively broken down into glucuronides and sulfate metabolites by the gut and the liver. The anti-inflammatory potential of aloe metabolites has not been examined. The aim of this study was to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of aloe metabolites from in vitro (lipopolysaccharides (LPS)-activated RAW264.7 macrophages) and ex vivo (LPS-activated peritoneal macrophages) to in vivo (LPS-induced septic mice). The production of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-12) and NO was determined by ELISA and Griess reagents, respectively. The expression levels of iNOS and MAPKs were analyzed by Western blot. Our results showed that aloe metabolites inhibited the expression of iNOS, decreased the production of TNF-[Formula: see text], IL-12, and NO, and suppressed the phosphorylation of MAPKs by LPS-activated RAW264.7 macrophages. In addition, aloe metabolites reduced the production of NO, TNF-[Formula: see text] and IL-12 by murine peritoneal macrophages. Furthermore, aloe administration significantly reduced the NO level and exhibited protective effects against sepsis-related death in LPS-induced septic mice. These results suggest that aloe metabolites exerted anti-inflammatory effects in vivo, and that these effects were associated with the inhibition of inflammatory mediators. Therefore, aloe could be considered an effective therapeutic agent for the treatment of sepsis.

Dahuang Fuzi Decoction Attenuates Renal Fibrosis and Ameliorates Mitochondrial Dysfunction in Chronic Aristolochic Acid Nephropathy

Objectives. The effects of the traditional formula Dahuang Fuzi Decoction (DFD) on chronic aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN) in mice and its underlying mechanisms were studied. Methods. Mice were randomly divided into the following six groups: the control group, the model group (AAN), the saline-treated group (AAN + vehicle), the normal dose DFD-treated group (AAN + NDFD), the high dose DFD-treated group (AAN + HDFD), and the rosiglitazone treated group (AAN + Rosi). After treating for 8 weeks, 24 h urine and blood samples were collected and the mice sacrificed to study the biochemical parameters associated with renal function. The samples were analyzed for renal fibrosis and mitochondrial dysfunction (MtD) markers. To achieve that, collagen III, collagen I, mitochondrial DNA copy numbers (mtDNA), mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), ATP content, and ROS production were evaluated. Results. Our results showed that proteinuria, kidney function, and the renal pathological characteristics were improved by DFD and rosiglitazone. The expression of collagen III and collagen I decreased after treating with either DFD or rosiglitazone. Mitochondrial dysfunction based on the increase in ROS production, decrease in mitochondrial DNA copy numbers, and reduction of MMP and ATP content was improved by DFD and rosiglitazone. Conclusions. DFD could protect against renal impairments and ameliorate mitochondrial dysfunction in chronic AAN mice.

Protective effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries: Histological and biochemical assessments in a rat model

PURPOSE

Ovarian torsion must be diagnosed and treated as much early as possible. The aim of the present study was to investigate effects of intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine on ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovaries.

METHODS

Thirty healthy male Wistar rats weighing approximately 250g were randomized into six experimental groups (n=5): Group Sham: The rats underwent only laparotomy. Group I: A 3-h ischemia only. Group I/R: A 3-h ischemia and a 3-h reperfusion. Group I/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia only and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia. Group I/R/Nimodipine: A 3-h ischemia, a 3-h reperfusion and 1mg/kg intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine 2.5h after induction of ischemia.

RESULTS

Nimodipine treated animals showed significantly ameliorated development of ischemia and reperfusion tissue injury compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The significant higher values of SOD, tGSH, GPO, GSHRd and GST were observed in I/R/Nimodipine animals compared to those of other groups (P<0.05). The damage indicators (NOS, MDA, MPO and DNA damage level) were significantly lower in I/R/Nimodipine animal compared to those of other groups (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Intraperitoneal administration of nimodipine could be helpful in minimizing ischemia-reperfusion injury in ovarian tissue exposed to ischemia.

Chrysophanic Acid Suppresses Adipogenesis and Induces Thermogenesis by Activating AMP-Activated Protein Kinase Alpha In vivo and In vitro

Chrysophanic acid (CA) is a member of the anthraquinone family abundant in rhubarb, a widely used herb for obesity treatment in Traditional Korean Medicine. Though several studies have indicated numerous features of CA, no study has yet reported the effect of CA on obesity. In this study, we tried to identify the anti-obesity effects of CA. By using 3T3-L1 adipocytes and primary cultured brown adipocytes as in vitro models, high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice, and zebrafish as in vivo models, we determined the anti-obesity effects of CA. CA reduced weight gain in HFD-induced obese mice. They also decreased lipid accumulation and the expressions of adipogenesis factors including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein alpha (C/EBPα) in 3T3-L1 adipocytes. In addition, uncoupling protein 1 (UCP1) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1-alpha (PGC1α), the brown fat specific thermogenic genes, were up-regulated in brown adipocytes by CA treatment. Furthermore, when co-treated with Compound C, the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) inhibitor, the action of CA on AMPKα was nullified in both types of adipocytes, indicating the multi-controlling effect of CA was partially via the AMPKα pathway. Given all together, these results indicate that CA can ameliorate obesity by controlling the adipogenic and thermogenic pathway at the same time. On these bases, we suggest the new potential of CA as an anti-obese pharmacotherapy.

Pharmacological safety evaluation of a traditional herbal medicine "Zereshk-e-Saghir" and assessment of its hepatoprotective effects on carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic damage in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

"Zereshk-e-Saghir" (ZES), one of the traditional herbal medicines in old manuscripts of Persian hakims, has been used for the treatment of liver disorders. This current study is aimed to evaluate ZES effects on animal model to investigate its safety and hepatoprotective activity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

ZES was prepared according to a traditional method by blending aqueous extracts of Berberis vulgaris L., with fine particles of other plants including Rosa damascene Mill, Cichorium intybus L., Cucumis sativus L., Portulaca oleracea L., Rheum palmatum L., and Nardostachys jatamansi DC.. The lethality of ZES was determined in male NMRI mice. Acute organ toxicity of ZES (750 and 1500mg/kg for 15 days, orally) was evaluated by measuring the cell blood count, liver marker enzymes, creatinine, antioxidant status and histopathological examinations in rats. CCl4-induced liver toxicity was used to examine the hepatoprotective effects of the preparation. The rats were pretreated with 250, 500, 750 and 1500mg/kg ZES by gavage for 15 days. At day 16, the rats were intraperitoneally injected 1ml/kg CCl4 in olive oil. Forty-eight hours after CCl4 injection, the animals were sacrificed and their liver samples and blood were collected for determination of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase (ALT, AST, and ALP), histopathological examinations and antioxidant status.

RESULTS

Treatment of the mice with a single dose of ZES up to 2g/kg did not cause mortality. Treatment of the rats with doses of 750 and 1500mg/kg for 15 days showed no significant hematotoxicity and hepatotoxicity. Treatment of the rats with ZES reduced the increased serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP induced by CCl4 at the doses of 250, 500, and 750mg/kg. This was almost confirmed by histopathological examinations. Pretreatment with ZES also decreased lipid peroxidation and maintained the levels of glutathione and total antioxidant capacity.

CONCLUSIONS

The present in vivo study revealed that the long term usage of ZES was safe for organs in laboratory animals. Meanwhile, prescribing the traditionally-recommended dose of ZES can be probably used against the liver injuries induced by xenobiotics. Further studies in other models of liver injuries are recommended for finding the exact hepatoprotective mechanism of ZES.

Emodin mitigates the oxidative stress induced by cisplatin in osteosarcoma MG63 cells

Previously, the application of cisplatin in chemotherapy was limited due to the significant side effects on normal cell growth. In the present study, the concomitant application of emodin with cisplatin was demonstrated to ameliorate cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and markedly suppress tumor cell proliferation for the first time. Human osteosarcoma MG-63 cells were treated with cisplatin alone or in combination with emodin. The cell viability was determined by MTS assays and the augmentation of reactive oxygen species were determined by fluorogenic probes; in addition, a stable MG-63 subline bearing antioxidant response element (ARE)-driven luciferase expression was developed to monitor the activation of the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-ARE signaling pathway. The results indicated that cisplatin or emodin may inhibit MG-63 cell proliferation in a time- or dose-dependent manner, respectively. Concomitant treatment with cisplatin and emodin demonstrated synergic anti-tumor effects. Cisplatin augmented reactive oxygen species in the MG-63 cells, followed by the translocation of Nrf2 from the cytoplasm into the nucleus, which triggered ARE-driven luciferase expression. The addition of emodin diminished the previously described phenomenon, resulting in decreased ROS augmentation, translocation of Nrf2 and ARE-driven luciferase activity. In conclusion, emodin could ameliorate cisplatin-induced oxidative stress and protect the cells from oxidative stress-induced damage. The findings of the present study provide a novel strategy for the treatment of osteosarcoma using emodin and cisplatin.

Chrysophanic Acid Induces Necrosis but not Necroptosis in Human Renal Cell Carcinoma Caki-2 Cells

Background:

Chrysophanic acid, also known as chrysophanol, has a number of biological activities. It enhances memory and learning abilities, raises superoxide dismutase activity, and has anti-cancer effects in several model systems. According to previous reports, chrysophanic acid-induced cell death shares features of necrotic cell death. However, the molecular and cellular processes underlying chrysophanic acid-induced cell death remain poorly understood.

Methods:

Chrysophanic acid-induced cell death was monitored by cell viability assay and Annexin V-propidium iodide (PI) staining of renal cell carcinoma Caki-2 cells. The induction of intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) by chrysophanic acid and the suppression of ROS by anti-oxidants were evaluated by 2′,7′-dichlorofluorescin diacetate staining. The expression and phosphorylation of proteins that are involved in apoptosis and necroptosis were detected by immunoblotting.

Results:

The extent of chrysophanic acid-induced cell death was concentration and time dependent, and dead cells mainly appeared in the PI-positive population, which is a major feature of necrosis, upon fluorescence-activated cell sorting analysis. Chrysophanic acid-induced cell death was associated with the generation of intracellular ROS, and this effect was reversed by pretreatment with N-acetyl cysteine. Chrysophanic acid-induced cell death was not associated with changes in apoptotic or necroptotic marker proteins.

Conclusions:

The cell death induced by chrysophanic acid resembled neither apoptotic nor necroptotic cell death in human renal cell carcinoma Caki-2 cells.

Antioxidant and proapoptotic effects of anthocyanins from bilberry extract in rats exposed to hepatotoxic effects of carbon tetrachloride

AIMS

The aim of this research was to determine the hepatoprotective effects of anthocyanins from bilberry extract in rats exposed to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) by monitoring the parameters of oxidative stress and apoptosis, and by performing the histopathological and morphometric analyses.

MAIN METHODS

Animals were divided into four groups: Group I (0.9% NaCl-10days), Group II (bilberry extract, 75mg/kg-10days), Group III (0,9% NaCl-9days, and on the tenth day CCl4-2ml/kg), Group IV (bilberry extract, 75mg/kg-10days and on the tenth day CCl4-2ml/kg).

KEY FINDINGS

Bilberry extract led to a significant decrease in the activity of biochemical parameters in serum (AST, GGT, LDH, and ALT), the activity of pro-oxidative enzyme xanthine oxidase, as well as the level of lipid peroxidation in the liver in Group IV compared to Group III (p<0.01). Bilberry extract resulted in a significant increase in the activity of the antioxidant markers-catalase (p<0.05), superoxide dismutase, glutathione S-transferase and glutathione peroxidase (p<0.01), and the concentration of reduced glutathione (p<0.05) in Group IV in relation to Group III. The application of bilberry extract resulted in an increase in the number of apoptotic hepatocytes and the activity of caspase-3 in the liver tissue (p<0.01). The reduction of coagulation necrotic areas was proved (p<0.001) as well as the number of macrovesicular hepatocytes (p<0.01), along with an increased mitotic activity (p<0.01) in Group IV compared to Group III.

SIGNIFICANCE

Anthocyanins from bilberry extract have strong antioxidant properties and therefore can be considered as powerful hepatoprotectives in natural products.

Rhubarb extract prevents hepatic inflammation induced by acute alcohol intake, an effect related to the modulation of the gut microbiota

SCOPE

Binge consumption of alcohol is an alarming global health problem. Acute ethanol intoxication is characterized by hepatic inflammation and oxidative stress, which could be promoted by gut barrier function alterations. In this study, we have tested the hypothesis of the hepatoprotective effect of rhubarb extract in a mouse model of binge drinking and we explored the contribution of the gut microbiota in the related metabolic effects.

METHODS AND RESULTS

Mice were fed a control diet supplemented with or without 0.3% rhubarb extract for 17 days and were necropsied 6 h after an alcohol challenge. Supplementation with rhubarb extract changed the microbial ecosystem (assessed by 16S rDNA pyrosequencing) in favor of Akkermansia muciniphila and Parabacteroides goldsteinii. Furthermore, it improved alcohol-induced hepatic injury, downregulated key markers of both inflammatory and oxidative stresses in the liver tissue, without affecting significantly steatosis. In the gut, rhubarb supplementation increased crypt depth, tissue weight, and the expression of antimicrobial peptides.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that some bacterial genders involved in gut barrier function, are promoted by phytochemicals present in rhubarb extract, and could therefore be involved in the modulation of the susceptibility to hepatic diseases linked to acute alcohol consumption.

Chinese herbal medicines as a source of molecules with anti-enterovirus 71 activity

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the causative agents of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), which sometimes leads to severe neurological disease and death in the Asia-Pacific region. In Chinese medicine, HFMD is caused mainly by an accumulation of damp-heat and toxicity in the body. No effective drugs are currently available for the treatment and prevention of EV71 infection. This review summarizes the potential Chinese herbal extracts and isolated compounds with antiviral activity against EV71 and their clinical applications, especially those categorized as heat-clearing and detoxifying.

P2X7 as a new target for chrysophanol to treat lipopolysaccharide-induced depression in mice

P2X7 receptor is a ligand gated ion channel found peripheral macrophages and microglia in the nervous system. The current study investigated the relationship between the activated P2X7 and depression for the first time. Chrysophanol (Chr) was examined for its protective effects against depression targeting P2X7. Chr (20mg/kg, 40mg/kg) and fluoxetine (20mg/kg) were intragastrically treated once daily for 7 consecutive days. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected to develop depression model 30min after drug administration on day 7. Behavioral tests were measured 24h after LPS injection. Interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α levels in serum and hippocampus were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The expressions of P2X7/NF-κB pathway-related proteins were assessed by western blot. The findings showed that Chr remarkably reduced the elevations of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α caused by LPS stimulation. The expressions of P2X7, p-IKKα, p-IKKβ, p-IκBα and p-NF-κBp65 were significantly decreased by Chr pretreatment. In addition, immobility time in tail suspension test (TST) and forced swimming test (FST) were reduced by Chr without affecting spontaneous locomotor activity in open filed test (OFT) and the preference for sucrose was also recovered in sucrose preference test (SPT) with Chr preconditioning. Thus, it is reasonable to speculate that Chr might exert antidepressant effect through inhibiting P2X7/NF-κB signaling pathway.