Melatonin mitigates aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury via modulation of gut microbiota/intestinal FXR/liver TLR4 signaling axis in mice

Sub-chronic realgar exposure causes liver inflammatory injury in mice by inducing bile acid-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation through down-regulation of ileal FXR

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Realgar is extensively utilized in both modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine. Although it has therapeutic uses, realgar exhibits hepatotoxicity, and improper use can result in liver inflammation and injury. The disruption of bile acid (BA) homeostasis, identified as an initiating event in liver injury, has been observed in the livers of realgar-exposed mice. However, the relationship between realgar-induced BA homeostasis imbalance and liver inflammation remains to be elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the relationship between hepatic BA homeostasis disorder and liver inflammation caused by realgar exposure in mice, as well as the role and potential mechanism of intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) in realgar-induced liver inflammation.

METHODS

A sub-chronic realgar exposure mouse model was established and subjected to interventions with an intestinal-restricted FXR agonist or inhibitor. Plasma hepatic enzyme activities and total bile acid (TBA) levels were quantified using spectrophotometry. Hepatic inflammatory cytokine levels were analyzed by ELISA or RT-qPCR. Histopathological evaluation of liver injury was performed using HE staining. F4/80 expression was assessed via immunohistochemistry (IHC). Western blot (WB) and IHC were employed to examine the expression of proteins involved in the FXR-FGF15 axis, and plasma FGF15 concentrations were determined by ELISA. The expression of proteins related to enterohepatic circulation and the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway were evaluated using WB. Ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS) was utilized to analyze BA profiles in both ileal and hepatic tissues.

RESULTS

Our findings demonstrate that realgar exposure induces changes in ileal BA composition and subsequent suppression of the FXR-FGF15 signaling axis in mice. This axis suppression promotes hepatic BA overproduction and disrupts BA homeostasis in the livers of realgar-exposed mice, particularly elevates the levels of taurochenodeoxycholic acid (TCDCA) and taurolithocholic acid (TLCA). In vitro studies revealed that both TCDCA and TLCA can directly activate the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain-like receptor family pyrin domain-containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in AML-12 cells, triggering pro-inflammatory cascades. Pharmacological activation of intestinal FXR effectively ameliorated realgar-induced hepatic inflammatory damage via restoring BA homeostasis and suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

CONCLUSION

Realgar exposure causes liver inflammatory injury by inducing BA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation through down-regulating ileal FXR. Pharmacological activation of intestinal FXR alleviates realgar-induced liver inflammatory injury by restoring BA homeostasis and inhibiting BA-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These findings suggest that intestinal FXR may serve as a potential target for the prevention and treatment of realgar-induced liver injury.

Protective Effects of Propolis Supplementation on Aflatoxin B1-Induced Oxidative Stress, Antioxidant Status, Intestinal Barrier Damage, and Gut Microbiota in Rats

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is common in the diets of humans and animals and often leads to adverse health effects. Propolis, with its strong antioxidant activity, can reduce oxidative stress and modulate gut microbiota composition. However, the underlying mechanism by which propolis alleviates AFB1-induced intestinal barrier damage remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the protective effects of oral propolis supplementation in AFB1-exposed rats. Thirty-two male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four groups: control, AFB1, propolis, and AFB1+propolis. After 4 weeks, serum oxidative stress markers were examined, and gut microbiota was analyzed by 16S rRNA sequencing. Intestinal sections were processed by Hematoxylin & Eosin staining, and the expression level of tight junction proteins was assessed by immunostaining. Propolis supplementation in AFB1-exposed rats tended to decrease oxidative stress, and it also restructured the gut microbiota by preventing a decrease in the relative abundances of Lactobacillus, Roseburia, and Phascolarctobacterium. Propolis restored intestinal permeability impaired by AFB1 by ameliorating intestinal morphological damage and increasing the expression levels of tight junction proteins. Propolis supplementation may contribute to the modulation of gut microbiota by alleviating oxidative stress and improving intestinal barrier damage in AFB1-exposed rats.

Euphorbia humifusa Willd. ex Schltdl. Mitigates Liver Injury via KEAP1-NFE2L2-Mediated Ferroptosis Regulation: Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation

Liver injury poses major health risks in livestock, necessitating effective therapeutic interventions. This study elucidates the hepatoprotective mechanisms of Euphorbia humifusa Willd. ex Schltdl. (EHW) by integrating network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental validation. Using a CCl4-induced liver injury model mimicking veterinary clinical scenarios, EHW markedly alleviated hepatic damage, demonstrated by reduced liver index, serum ALT and AST levels, histopathological lesions, iron accumulation, inflammatory cytokines, and ferroptosis-associated gene expression. Network pharmacology identified EHW's core bioactive components (quercetin, kaempferol, and β-sitosterol) and critical targets (IL-6, STAT3, HIF-1α, PTGS2, NFE2L2, and KEAP1) which were linked to ferroptosis and oxidative stress. Molecular docking revealed robust binding affinities between these compounds and ferroptosis-related proteins. In vivo validation confirmed that EHW inhibited KEAP1, activated NFE2L2-mediated antioxidant defenses (upregulating SOD1 and NQO1), restored iron homeostasis (lowering TFR1, elevating FTH1), and attenuated phospholipid peroxidation by suppressing ACSL4 and ALOX12. These results indicate that EHW mitigates ferroptosis-driven liver injury via KEAP1-NFE2L2 signaling to restore iron homeostasis and reduce oxidative stress, offering a mechanistic foundation for its clinical application in veterinary hepatoprotection.

Five glutathione S-transferase isozymes played crucial role in the detoxification of aflatoxin B1 in chicken liver

BACKGROUND

AFB1-8,9-exo-epoxide (AFBO) is the highly toxic product of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). Glutathione S-transferases (GSTs) play pivotal roles in detoxifying AFB1 by catalyzing the conjugation of AFBO with glutathione (GSH). Although there are over 20 GST isozymes that have been identified in chicken, GST isozymes involved in the detoxification process of AFB1 have not been identified yet. The objective of this study was to determine which GST isozymes played key role in detoxification of AFB1.

RESULTS

A total of 17 pcDNA3.1(+)-GST isozyme plasmids were constructed and the GST isozyme genes were overexpressed by 80-2,500,000 folds in the chicken Leghorn male hepatoma (LMH) cells. Compared to the AFB1 treatment, overexpression of GSTA2X, GSTA3, GSTT1L, GSTZ1-1, and GSTZ1-2 increased the cell viability by 6.5%-17.0% in LMH cells. Moreover, overexpression of five GST isozymes reduced the release of lactate dehydrogenase and reactive oxygen species by 8.8%-64.4%, and 57.2%-77.6%, respectively, as well as enhanced the production AFBO-GSH by 15.8%-19.6%, thus mitigating DNA damage induced by AFB1. After comprehensive evaluation of various indicators, GSTA2X displayed the best detoxification effects against AFB1. GSTA2X was expressed in Pichia pastoris X-33 and its enzymatic properties for catalyzing the conjugation of AFBO with GSH showed that the optimum temperature and pH were 20-25 °C and 7.6-8.6 as well as the enzymatic kinetic parameter Vmax was 0.23 nmol/min/mg and the Michaelis constant was 86.05 μmol/L with the AFB1 as substrate.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, GSTA2X, GSTA3, GSTT1L, GSTZ1-1, and GSTZ1-2 played key roles in AFB1 detoxification, which will provide new remediation strategies to prevent aflatoxicosis in chickens.

Multiomics combined analysis reveals protective effect of 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside on autoimmune hepatitis

BACKGROUND

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) seriously endangers human health. Therefore, it is urgent to find new therapeutic drugs and targets for AIH. In this context, 7-O-α-L-rhamnopyranosyl-kaempferol-3-O-β-D-glucopyranoside (KGR), a flavonoid compound found in Embelia laeta (L.) Mez, has not been evaluated for its efficacy.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic effect and mechanisms of KGR on AIH.

RESEARCH DESIGN

Concanavalin A (Con A) was used to establish a mouse AIH model. Molecular biology methods were used to evaluate the efficacy of KGR and transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics were innovatively combined to revel the mechanism of action of KGR against AIH, which was verified by experiments.

RESULTS

Mouse liver sections demonstrated that KGR reduced the degree of degeneration and necrosis in liver cells in mice. Compared with the Con A group, KGR significantly reduced serum aminotransferase levels, inhibited the release of proinflammatory cytokines in the liver tissue, and inhibited oxidative stress (OS) by reducing malondialdehyde level and enhancing superoxide dismutase activity. Finally, multiomics revealed that primary bile acids synthesis and the FXR-TLR4/MYD88/JNK signaling pathway may be the regulatory targets of KGR.

CONCLUSION

The study results demonstrated that KGR inhibited OS and inflammatory responses by regulating primary bile acid synthesis and thereby inhibiting the FXR-TLR4/MYD88/JNK signaling pathway, and had a protective effect on Con A-induced AIH.

Chronic liver injury decreases levels of cerebral carnitine and acetylcarnitine in rats partly due to the downregulation of organic cation transporters OCT1/2 and OCTN2 at the blood-brain barrier

Liver failure often causes hepatic encephalopathy, partly due to dysregulation in cerebral energy metabolism. Carnitine and acetylcarnitine play essential roles in energy metabolism by transporting fatty acids from the cytosol into mitochondria, whose transport across the blood-brain barrier (BBB) is primarily mediated by organic cation transporters (OCTs) and organic cation/carnitine transporters (OCTNs). This study aimed to investigate whether liver injury alters the expression of OCTs and OCTNs at the BBB, leading to decreased cerebral carnitine and acetylcarnitine levels and impaired energy metabolism using thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury (CLI) in rats. The results showed that CLI significantly downregulated the expressions of OCT1, OCT2, and OCTN2 at the BBB; decreased cerebral carnitine/acetylcarnitine levels; and increased the adenosine diphosphate/ adenosine triphosphate ratio. Elevated plasmic levels of chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA) and 17β-estradiol (E2) were detected in CLI rats. In hCMEC/D3 cells, E2 downregulated the expressions of OCT2 and OCTN2, which were attenuated by the estrogen receptor-α (ER-α) inhibitor and silencing. CDCA downregulated the expression of OCT1 and OCTN2, which was reversed by the farnesoid X receptor inhibitor and silencing. These in vitro findings were confirmed in rats treated with CDCA or E2. Additionally, HEK-293-OCT1 and HEK-293-OCT2 cells demonstrated an uptake of carnitine and acetylcarnitine, with uptake in HEK-293-OCT2 cells being 6-fold and 14-fold higher, respectively, than in HEK-293-OCT1 cells. In conclusion, thioacetamide-induced CLI downregulated the expressions of OCT1, OCT2, and OCTN2 at the BBB by activating both E2/ER-α and CDCA/farnesoid X receptor pathways, leading to decreased cerebral carnitine and acetylcarnitine levels, disrupted energy metabolism, and contributing to hepatic encephalopathy. SIGNIFICANCE STATEMENT: This study revealed that the deficiency of brain carnitine and acetylcarnitine in thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury rats is mainly attributed to the downregulation of organic cation transporter 1/2 and organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 expressions at the blood-brain barrier. The increased circulating levels of chenodeoxycholic acid and 17β-estradiol play a significant role in the downregulation of organic cation transporter 1/2 and organic cation/carnitine transporter 2 expression in chronic liver injury.

Serum Aflatoxin B1-Lysine Adduct Concentration and Gallbladder Cancer: A Case-Control Study

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) may be associated with not only developing liver cancer but also gallbladder cancer (GBC). We aimed to investigate whether serum AFB1 level of GBC patients is higher than chronic cholecystitis (CC) patients or healthy subjects (HS). Serum was collected from 45 GBC patients (18 men, 27 women), 57 CC patients (22 men, 35 women), and 55 HS (20 men, 35 women) from May 2021 to February 2024. Serum AFB1-lysine adduct level was measured using a commercial ELISA kit. Detection frequency (≥0.1 ng/ml), median and mean levels of serum AFB1-lysine adduct were compared among three groups. The detection rate was 71% (35/45) in GBC patients, 39% (22/57) in CC, and 7% (4/55) in HS (p < 0.001). Age- and gender-adjusted odds ratios of AFB1 detection in GBC patients were 4.1 and 16.8 times higher than in CC patients and HS, respectively. The median levels were 5.0 ng/mL in GBC patients and < 0.1 ng/mL in CC patients and HS. The mean level in GBC patients (7.9 ± 8.4 ng/mL) was significantly higher than that in CC patients (2.7 ± 4.5 ng/mL) or HS (0.3 ± 1.1 ng/mL). Our findings show direct evidence that AFB1 exposure may be associated with risk of developing GBC in India.

Melatonin Alleviates T-2 Toxin-Induced Intestinal Injury by Enhancing Gut Barrier Function and Modulating Microbiota in Weaned Piglets

The T-2 toxin, originating from a Fusarium species, is a mycotoxin that can adversely affect animal health. Melatonin (MT) is a natural hormone recognized for its properties that reduce inflammation and act as an antioxidant. However, MT's capacity to alleviate intestinal harm from T-2 toxin remains incompletely explored. Employing postweaning piglets, this research investigates MT's prophylactic impact on T-2 toxin-induced enterotoxicity. The results indicate that MT improved growth performance in piglets exposed to T-2 toxins while also enhancing intestinal barrier function. Such effects probably stem from MT's ability to reduce colonic oxidative stress and inflammation. Further findings suggest that these changes are closely associated with MT-induced remodeling of intestinal microbiota and an increase in short-chain fatty acid (SCFA) levels in the intestine. MT therefore alleviates T-2 toxin intestinal damage; gut microbiota are the key to this process.

Quercus infectoria galls mitigates colitis in mice through alleviating mucosal barrier impairment and suppressing inflammatory factors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Xipayi Kuijie'an herbal enema preparation, a traditional Uyghur medicinal preparation derived from Quercus infectoria galls (QIG), has been clinically employed at Xinjiang Uyghur Medical Hospital for ulcerative colitis (UC) management. Despite its well-documented therapeutic efficacy, the precise mechanisms underlying its pharmacological actions remain poorly understood.

AIM OF STUDY

This study aimed to elucidate the therapeutic mechanisms of QIG against UC through an integrated approach combining network pharmacology analysis with experimental validation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

An integrated approach combining network pharmacology analysis and molecular docking simulations was employed to identify bioactive compounds and their corresponding molecular targets. The effects of QIG on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) induced colitis were systematically investigated, including disease activity index (DAI), colon length, histopathological observations, as well as the determination of colonic mucosal barrier permeability and biochemical indicators.

RESULTS

QIG significantly improved DAI and CMDI scores, reduced colonic shortening, decreased colonic mucosal barrier permeability, reduce the release of pro-inflammatory factors and mitigated histopathological changes.

CONCLUSION

This study demonstrates the efficacy of an integrated approach combining network pharmacology with experimental validation as a robust strategy for elucidating the therapeutic mechanisms of traditional medicines, as exemplified by the systematic investigation of QIG's anti-ulcerative colitis properties.

A derivative of tanshinone IIA and salviadione, 15a, inhibits inflammation and alleviates DSS-induced colitis in mice by direct binding and inhibition of RIPK2

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) are chronic inflammatory conditions primarily affecting the gastrointestinal tract. Previous studies established the role of the NF-κB signaling pathway in the development of IBDs, suggesting that anti-inflammatory therapies might offer a viable treatment strategy. Tanshinone IIA and salviadione, both derived from Salviae Miltiorrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative activities. A series of new compounds were synthesized by hybridizing salviadione with tanshinone. Among these compounds, 15a showed beneficial effects in LPS-induced acute lung injury and diabetes-induced renal injury mouse models. The current study explored the therapeutic efficacy of 15a using both acute and chronic colitis models and elucidated the underlying mechanisms. DSS-induced colitis models were established in mice, where acute colitis was treated with compound 15a (5 or 10 mg·kg-1·d-1) for 8 days, while chronic colitis mice received compound 15a (5 or 10 mg·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) during 2.5% DSS administration. The 15a treatment significantly alleviated DSS-induced pathological and inflammatory damages in both acute and chronic colitis mouse models. In mouse intestinal epithelial cell line MODE-K, pretreatment with compound 15a (5 or 10 μM) significantly suppressed LPS + L18-MDP-induced inflammatory responses. The receptor-interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (RIPK2) was identified as a direct binding target of compound 15a using microarrays and recombinant human proteins. Moreover, 15a could directly bind to and inhibit the phosphorylation of RIPK2, leading to the suppression of the NF-κB and MAPK signaling pathways. Furthermore, LEU153 and VAL32 were identified within the KD domain of RIPK2 as critical amino residues for the binding of 15a. Briefly, the current findings demonstrate that compound 15a holds promise as a therapeutic agent for managing acute and chronic colitis.

Auricularia auriculaPolysaccharides Exert Anti-inflammatory Effects in Hepatic Fibrosis by the Gut-Liver Axis and Enhancing SCFA Metabolism

Auricularia auricula, esteemed in Chinese culture for their culinary and medicinal properties, exhibits notable metabolic and immunomodulatory effects. The principal active constituents are indigestible fermentable polysaccharides, which not only exhibit anti-inflammatory activities but also facilitate the proliferation of beneficial gut microbiota. However, the influence of gut-derived components on liver-regulated metabolic products remains insufficiently understood. This item offers insights into the therapeutic potential of wood ear mushrooms for treating hepatic fibrosis and the associated mechanisms. Following 8 weeks of treatment, a substantial reduction in ECM deposition was recorded, linked to modulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome activation. This study aims to reveal the potential microbiome-mediated mechanisms behind its therapeutic effects. Insights from antibiotic combination treatments indicate that the protective effects against ECM deposition rely on the presence of specific gut microbiota. This fecal microbiota intervention enhances key physiological mechanisms, underscoring the contributions of Lactobacillales, Rikenellaceae, and Bacteroidaceae in potentially mitigating fibrosis. Collectively, these findings suggest that interventions utilizing wood ear mushrooms may reduce inflammation and ECM deposition, mediated by the TLR4/NF-κB pathway.

Liver diseases: epidemiology, causes, trends and predictions

As a highly complex organ with digestive, endocrine, and immune-regulatory functions, the liver is pivotal in maintaining physiological homeostasis through its roles in metabolism, detoxification, and immune response. Various factors including viruses, alcohol, metabolites, toxins, and other pathogenic agents can compromise liver function, leading to acute or chronic injury that may progress to end-stage liver diseases. While sharing common features, liver diseases exhibit distinct pathophysiological, clinical, and therapeutic profiles. Currently, liver diseases contribute to approximately 2 million deaths globally each year, imposing significant economic and social burdens worldwide. However, there is no cure for many kinds of liver diseases, partly due to a lack of thorough understanding of the development of these liver diseases. Therefore, this review provides a comprehensive examination of the epidemiology and characteristics of liver diseases, covering a spectrum from acute and chronic conditions to end-stage manifestations. We also highlight the multifaceted mechanisms underlying the initiation and progression of liver diseases, spanning molecular and cellular levels to organ networks. Additionally, this review offers updates on innovative diagnostic techniques, current treatments, and potential therapeutic targets presently under clinical evaluation. Recent advances in understanding the pathogenesis of liver diseases hold critical implications and translational value for the development of novel therapeutic strategies.

Exploring Extracellular Vesicles: A Novel Approach in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) represents an increasing public health concern. The underlying pathophysiological mechanisms of NAFLD remains unclear, and as a result, there is currently no specific therapy for this condition. However, recent studies focus on extracellular vesicles (EVs) as a novelty in their role in cellular communication. An imbalance in the gut microbiota composition may contribute to the progression of NAFLD, making the gut-liver axis a promising target for therapeutic strategies. This review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of EVs in NAFLD. Additionally, exosome-like nanovesicles derived from plants (PELNs) and probiotics-derived extracellular vesicles (postbiotics) have demonstrated the potential to re-establish intestinal equilibrium and modulate gut microbiota, thus offering the potential to alleviate NAFLD via the gut-liver axis. Further research is needed using multiple omics approaches to comprehensively characterize the cargo including protein, metabolites, genetic material packaged, and biological activities of extracellular vesicles derived from diverse microbes and plants.

Engineered Extracellular Vesicles Modified by Angiopep-2 Peptide Promote Targeted Repair of Spinal Cord Injury and Brain Inflammation

Engineered extracellular vesicles play an increasingly important role in the treatment of spinal cord injury. In order to prepare more effective engineered extracellular vesicles, we biologically modified M2 microglia. Angiopep-2 (Ang2) is an oligopeptide that can target the blood-brain barrier. Through single-cell sequencing and immunofluorescence experiments, we confirmed that the expression of LRP-1, the targeted receptor of Ang2, was elevated after spinal cord injury. Subsequently, we integrated the Ang2 peptide segment into M2 microglia to obtain Ang2-EVs, which could successfully target the site of spinal cord injury. However, in order to improve the function of Ang2-EVs, we pretreated M2 microglia with melatonin, which has anti-inflammatory effects, to obtain M-Ang2-EVs. The results of single-nucleus sequencing of the mouse spinal cord verified that neurons and OPCs gradually transformed into subtypes related to nerve repair functions after treatment with M-Ang2-EVs. This is consistent with the sequencing and enrichment analysis of miRNAs contained in M-Ang2-EVs. We further verified through experiments that M-Ang2-EVs can promote microglia/macrophages to phagocytose sphingomyelin, promote axon remyelination and axon elongation, and maintain the integrity of the blood-spinal barrier. Since Ang2 can also target the blood-brain barrier, we found that M-Ang2-EVs can also reduce brain inflammation that results from spinal cord injury. Our study applied the Angiopep-2 peptide to spinal cord injury to enhance the targeting of injured cells, and successfully construct engineered extracellular vesicles that can target the spinal cord injury site and the brain.

Epigallocatechin Gallate Alleviates Cisplatin Induced Intestinal Injury in Rats via Inhibiting NRF2/Keap1 Signaling Pathway and Regulating Gut Microbiota and Metabolites

Cisplatin (CIS) is a broad-spectrum anticancer drug widely used in the clinic; however, one of its side effects is that it can cause intestinal damage such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea in patients. Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is one of the main active substances in green tea, which has the effects of antitumor multiple drug resistance, antioxidation, and antiinflammatory properties. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effect of EGCG on CIS-induced intestinal injury in rats. First, physiological indices and HE staining indicated that compared with the control group, the physiological state of rats in the CIS group was worse, and the intestinal tissue was damaged, especially the ileum. In contrast, pretreatment with EGCG (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) effectively alleviated the intestinal damage induced by CIS, with the 40 mg/kg dose demonstrating the most substantial protective effect. Additionally, 40 mg/kg EGCG pretreatment mitigated CIS-induced morphological and ultrastructural damage to intestinal tissues, reduced bacterial translocation, and preserved the integrity of the intestinal barrier. This treatment also altered the abundance of 19 bacterial species, including Lactobacillus and Shigella, and influenced amino acid metabolism and 15 metabolic pathways, including vitamin B6 metabolism by 16S RNA and metabolome sequencing. Furthermore, the expression of proteins associated with autophagy and the NRF2/Keap1 signaling pathway was inhibited. Lastly, ML385 (NRF2 signaling pathway inhibitor) reversed the protective effects of EGCG. Taken together, our findings indicate that EGCG ameliorates CIS induced hepatoenteric toxicity in rats by regulating the intestinal flora and targeting the Nrf2/Keap1 signal axis.

Engineered S. cerevisiae-pYD1-ScFv-AFB1 mitigates aflatoxin B1 toxicity via bio-binding and intestinal microenvironment repair

The highly toxic aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is considered one of the primary risk factors for hepatocellular carcinoma, while effective measures after AFB1 exposure remain to be optimized. This study utilized cell-surface-display technique to construct an engineered S. cerevisiae-pYD1-ScFv-AFB1 (S.C-AF) that specifically binds AFB1, and verified the potential mechanism of S.C-AF in vivo through AFB1-induced (gastric perfused with 0.3 mg/kg/d AFB1 per day) liver injury mouse model. In this experiment, the C57BL/6 mouse model of AFB1-induced liver injury was treated with S.C (gastric perfused with 1 × 109 CFU/mL S.C per day) and S.C-AF (gastric perfused with 1 × 109 CFU/mL S.C-AF per day) for 4 weeks, respectively. With probiotic properties optimized, S.C.-AF achieved an in vitro AFB1 binding capacity 1.7 times higher than S. cerevisiae. Furthermore, S.C-AF could alleviate AFB1-induced liver injury by reducing proinflammatory cytokine secretion and apoptotic protein expression, enhancing antioxidative capacity via Nrf2 activation, and simultaneously reversing intestinal tight junction protein deficiency, increasing intestinal barrier permeability, and improving intestinal dysbiosis caused by AFB1 exposure. S.C-AF alleviates AFB1-induced liver lesions, which might be a novel intervention to mitigate aflatoxin toxicity.

The impact of aflatoxin B1 on animal health: Metabolic processes, detection methods, and preventive measures

Aflatoxin (AF) is a toxic metabolite produced by the fungus Aspergillus. The various subtypes of AFs include B1, B2, G1, G2, M1, and M2, with Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) being the most toxic. These AFs are widespread in the environment, particularly in soil and food crops. The World Health Organization (WHO) has classified AFB1 as a highly potent natural Class 1A carcinogen. Excessive exposure to AFB1 can lead to poisoning in both humans and animals, posing substantial risks to food safety and livestock breeding industries. This review provides an overview of the metabolic processes, detection methods, and the detrimental impacts of AFB1 on animal reproduction, immunity, nerves, intestines, and metabolism. Furthermore, it explores the preventive and control capacities of natural active substances, trace elements, and microorganisms against AFB1. Ultimately, this paper serves as a reference for further research on the pathogenic mechanism of AFB1, the development of preventive drugs, and the selection of effective detoxification measures for AFB1 in animal feed.

Mechanistic insights into ferroptosis and apoptosis pathways: Synergistic effects of multi-organ toxicity and transgenerational effects induced by co-exposure of epoxiconazole and aflatoxin B1 in zebrafish

INTRODUCTION

In the environment, mycotoxins and fungicides frequently coexist, potentially causing synergistic risks to organisms. Epoxiconazole (EPO) and aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) are a common fungicide and mycotoxins, respectively, which are widely present in the environment and have toxic effects on multiple organs once entering the organism, but it is still unclear whether the co-exposure has a synergistic toxic effect.

OBJECTIVES

This study delves into the molecular mechanisms underlying the co-exposure to EPO and AFB1, emphasizing multi-organ toxicity in female zebrafish (F0 generation) and potential transgenerational impacts on the offspring embryos (F1 generation) through multi-omics approaches.

RESULTS

Findings indicate that exposure to either EPO or AFB1, individually or combined, intensified intestinal pathological damage, decreased the expression of tight junction proteins, altered gut microbiota composition, and induced intestinal inflammation, with co-exposure causing more severe effects. RNA-seq analysis revealed an enrichment of ferroptosis and apoptosis pathways in the liver and ovaries of F0 zebrafish. Co-exposure markedly altered the expression of associated molecules, exacerbating pathological damage in these organs. Molecular docking studies revealed that AFB1 exhibited lower binding energies to Caspase3, GPX4 and IL-1β compared to EPO, suggesting that it may have a higher binding capacity. Furthermore, both single and combined exposures modified the expression of molecules related to apoptosis, inflammatory response, and ferroptosis in unexposed F1 embryos, with co-exposure demonstrating more significant biological effects, thereby confirming transgenerational toxicity.

CONCLUSION

The present study provides preliminary evidence on the potential mechanisms of combined exposure-induced multi-organ toxicity, highlighting ferroptosis of the liver and apoptosis of the ovary as key pathways. These findings provide new perspectives and methods for risk assessment of multiple environmental pollutants.

Synergistic effects of combined lead and iprodione exposure on P53 signaling-mediated hepatotoxicity, enterotoxicity and transgenerational toxicity in zebrafish

Environmental heavy metal contamination, combined with inappropriate use of fungicides, has led to the co-existence of lead (Pb) and iprodione (IPR), presenting signification risks to ecosystems and human health. The toxic effects resulting from concurrent exposure to Pb and IPR, however, remain poorly understood. In the study, we conducted a comprehensive 60-day subchronic study to investigate the toxic effects on the liver and gut in parental male zebrafish through employing multi-omics analyses. We also explored the potential transgenerational toxicity to unexposed offspring embryos. The results demonstrated that exposure to both Pb and IPR exacerbated intestinal pathological damage, decreased the expression of intestinal tight junction molecules, and activated the expression of intestinal inflammatory molecules in the gut. Metabolic and microbial analyses, utilizing 16S rRNA sequencing and non-targeted metabolic profiling, revealed alterations in the intestinal flora structure and disruptions in metabolite synthesis. Notably, we observed a significant negative correlation between the abundance of the Lactobacillus genus and uracil synthesis. Furthermore, liver RNA-seq analysis identified a marked enrichment of the P53 signaling pathway, confirmed by the activation of P53-mediated apoptotic markers, which was consistent with the observed increase in inflammatory infiltration and pathological damage within the liver. Importantly, P53-mediated apoptosis and inflammatory responses were activated in offspring embryos, suggesting that long-term parental exposure to Pb and IPR may induce transgenerational toxicity, potentially impacting offspring health. Despite the identification of these molecular changes, the phenotypic effects remain to be elucidated. Future studies are necessary to evaluate the potential phenotypic changes in offspring to fully understand the long-term effects of Pb and IPR exposure. Overall, these findings enhance the understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the toxic effects of Pb and IPR and emphasize the importance of a comprehensive risk assessment of environmental pollutants.

New insights into the combined effects of aflatoxin B1 and Eimeria ovinoidalis on uterine function by disrupting the gut-blood-reproductive axis in sheep

BACKGROUND

Sheep coccidiosis is an infectious parasitic disease that primarily causes diarrhea and growth retardation in young animals, significantly hindering the development of the sheep breeding industry. Cereal grains and animal feeds are frequently contaminated with mycotoxins worldwide, with aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) being the most common form. AFB1 poses a serious threat to gastrointestinal health upon ingestion and affects the function of parenteral organs, thus endangering livestock health. However, the impact of the combined effects of coccidia and AFB1 on the reproductive system of sheep has not been reported. Therefore, this study utilized sheep as an animal model to investigate the mechanisms underlying the reproductive toxicity induced by the individual or combined effects of AFB1 and Eimeria ovinoidalis (E. ovinoidalis) on the gut-blood-reproductive axis.

RESULTS

The results showed that AFB1 and coccidia adversely affect the reproductive system defense of sheep by altering uterine histopathology and hormone levels and triggering inflammation, which is associated with changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites. Moreover, co-exposure to AFB1 and coccidia disrupted the intestinal structure of the colon, resulting in reduced crypt depth. The impaired barrier function of the colon manifests primarily through the suppression of barrier protein expression, changes in the gut microbiome composition, and disruptions in gut metabolism. Importantly, the levels of blood inflammatory factors (IL-6, IL-10, TNF-α, and LPS) increased, suggesting that exposure to AFB1 and coccidia compromises the function of uterine organs in sheep by perturbing the gut-blood-reproductive axis. Blood metabolomics analysis further revealed that the differential metabolites predominantly concentrate in the amino acid pathway, particularly N-acetyl-L-phenylalanine. This metabolite is significantly correlated with IL-6, TNF-α, LPS, ERα, and ERβ, and it influences hormone levels while inducing uterine damage through the regulation of the downstream genes PI3K, AKT, and eNOS in the relaxin signaling pathway, as demonstrated by RNA sequencing.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reveal for the first time that the combined effects of AFB1 and E. ovinoidalis on sheep uterine function operate at the level of the gut-blood-reproductive axis. This suggests that regulating gut microbiota and its metabolites may represent a potential therapeutic strategy for addressing mycotoxins and coccidia-co-induced female reproductive toxicity.

The Detoxification Effects of Melatonin on Aflatoxin-Caused Toxic Effects and Underlying Molecular Mechanisms

Aflatoxins (AFTs) are a form of mycotoxins mainly produced by Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus parasiticus, which are common contaminants in various agricultural sources such as feed, milk, food, and grain crops. Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is the most toxic one among all AFTs. AFB1 undergoes bioactivation into AFB1-8,9-epoxide, then leads to diverse harmful effects such as neurotoxicity, carcinogenicity, hepatotoxicity, reproductive toxicity, nephrotoxicity, and immunotoxicity, with specific molecular mechanisms varying in different pathologies. The detoxification of AFB1 is of great importance for safeguarding the health of animals and humans and has increasingly attracted global attention. Recent research has shown that melatonin supplementation can effectively mitigate AFB1-induced multiple toxic effects. The protection mechanisms of melatonin involve the inhibition of oxidative stress, the upregulation of antioxidant enzyme activity, the reduction of mitochondrial dysfunction, the inactivation of the mitochondrial apoptotic pathway, the blockade of inflammatory responses, and the attenuation of cytochrome P450 enzymes' expression and activities. In summary, this review sheds new light on the potential role of melatonin as a potential detoxifying agent against AFB1. Further exploration of the precise molecular mechanisms and clinical efficacy of this promising treatment is urgently needed.

Regulation of bile acids and their receptor FXR in metabolic diseases

High sugar, high-fat diets and unhealthy lifestyles have led to an epidemic of obesity and obesity-related metabolic diseases, seriously placing a huge burden on socio-economic development. A deeper understanding and elucidation of the specific molecular biological mechanisms underlying the onset and development of obesity has become a key to the treatment of metabolic diseases. Recent studies have shown that the changes of bile acid composition are closely linked to the development of metabolic diseases. Bile acids can not only emulsify lipids in the intestine and promote lipid absorption, but also act as signaling molecules that play an indispensable role in regulating bile acid homeostasis, energy expenditure, glucose and lipid metabolism, immunity. Disorders of bile acid metabolism are therefore important risk factors for metabolic diseases. The farnesol X receptor, a member of the nuclear receptor family, is abundantly expressed in liver and intestinal tissues. Bile acids act as endogenous ligands for the farnesol X receptor, and erroneous FXR signaling triggered by bile acid dysregulation contributes to metabolic diseases, including obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and diabetes. Activation of FXR signaling can reduce lipogenesis and inhibit gluconeogenesis to alleviate metabolic diseases. It has been found that intestinal FXR can regulate hepatic FXR in an organ-wide manner. The crosstalk between intestinal FXR and hepatic FXR provides a new idea for the treatment of metabolic diseases. This review focuses on the relationship between bile acids and metabolic diseases and the current research progress to provide a theoretical basis for further research and clinical applications.

High-fat diet led to testicular inflammation and ferroptosis via dysbiosis of gut microbes

The disorder of gut microbiota has negative impact on male reproductive, and testicular damage is associated with obesity. However, the detailed mechanism of gut microbiota on the obesity-induced testis injury are still unknown. Therefore, we constructed a mouse model to investigate the effects of obesity on testis injury. In this study, we found that HFD-induced obesity could disorder gut microbiota homeostasis, which increased the abundance of Brevundimonas, Desulfovibrionaceae_unclassified and Ralstonia, ultimately leading to the overproduction of lipopolysaccharides (LPS). Meanwhile, HFD-feeding promoted intestinal permeability via inhibiting expression of tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin and Claudin) and reducing excretion of mucus, leading to translocation of LPS. The over-accumulation of LPS in the bloodstream triggered an inflammatory response by activating TLR4/NF-κB pathway in testis. On the other hand, the gut microbiota produced-LPS also could induce ferroptosis in testis, as reflected by enhancing iron content and lipid peroxidation (MDA), as well as decreasing ferroptosis-related proteins, including GPX4, FTH1 and SLC1A11. Moreover, inhibition of LPS ligand (TLR4) with Resatorvid (TAK-242) alleviated obesity-induced testis injury through suppression of inflammation and ferroptosis. In conclusion, this study provides novel insights into the underlying mechanisms of obesity-related testis injury induced by gut microbiota disorder via the gut-testis axis, thus offering potential targets to counteract obesity-induced male reproductive disorder.

Melatonin Sources in Sheep Rumen and Its Role in Reproductive Physiology

In mammals, the melatonin (Mel) concentration in the gastrointestinal tract is 400 times greater than in the pineal gland. However, the origin of Mel in the gastrointestinal tract and its role in reproductive regulation remains unclear. Therefore, we analyzed three potential Mel sources (feed, microorganisms, and the rumen wall) for their contribution to high Mel levels in the rumen and their biological effects. The feed contained high Mel concentrations, and Mel in rumen fluid and blood peaked two hours after feeding. Rumen microbial analysis showed a strong positive correlation between Mel and specific microbes, including Megasphaera, Butyrivibrio, Acetobacter, and Olsenella. In vitro experiments indicated that rumen microorganisms synthesized Mel from tryptophan. The rumen wall also contains key enzymes, AANAT and HIOMT, which catalyze Mel synthesis and membrane receptors MT1 and MT2 that mediate the function of Mel, suggesting that the rumen wall synthesizes Mel. Mel peaked in both rumen fluid and blood two hours after feeding. Feeding also altered blood levels of Mel, Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH), Luteinizing hormone (LH), Follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), progesterone (P4), and Estradiol (E2), with a correlation between Mel and fluctuations in GnRH, LH, P4, and E2 levels. Our findings suggest that feed is the primary source of high Mel levels in the rumen and impacts reproductive hormone fluctuations. This study elucidates the origin of high rumen Mel concentrations and reveals that food intake affects the natural secretion of various hormones, offering a new perspective on food sources for regulating reproductive physiology.

Microbial melatonin metabolism in the human intestine as a therapeutic target for dysbiosis and rhythm disorders

Melatonin (MT) (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an indoleamine recognized primarily for its crucial role in regulating sleep through circadian rhythm modulation in humans and animals. Beyond its association with the pineal gland, it is synthesized in various tissues, functioning as a hormone, tissue factor, autocoid, paracoid, and antioxidant, impacting multiple organ systems, including the gut-brain axis. However, the mechanisms of extra-pineal MT production and its role in microbiota-host interactions remain less understood. This review provides a comprehensive overview of MT, including its production, actions sites, metabolic pathways, and implications for human health. The gastrointestinal tract is highlighted as an additional source of MT, with an examination of its effects on the intestinal microbiota. This review explores whether the microbiota contributes to MT in the intestine, its relationship to food intake, and the implications for human health. Due to its impacts on the intestinal microbiota, MT may be a valuable therapeutic agent for various dysbiosis-associated conditions. Moreover, due to its influence on intestinal MT levels, the microbiota may be a possible therapeutic target for treating health disorders related to circadian rhythm dysregulation.

Abrus cantoniensis Hance: Ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry and pharmacology of a promising traditional Chinese medicine

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Abrus cantoniensis Hance (ACH), known as Jigucao (Chinese: ) has been used in ethnopharmacology for a long history with therapeutic effects for clearing heat, soothing the liver, especially in treating acute and chronic hepatitis which was very effective. In southern China, such as Guangdong and Guangxi, people often use ACH in soup or herbal tea as dietetic therapy.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This paper aims to review ACH's ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological activity systematically, at the same time, we also hope to provide more research avenues between traditional uses and pharmacological properties.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Through PubMed, Wan Fang Database, CNKI, Web of Science, EBSCO Database, and Google Scholar search for relevant literature in both Chinese and English, the keywords "Abrus cantoniensis, Abrus cantoniensis Hance, Jigucao, pharmacology, chemical constituents, clinical application, network pharmacology" were used alone or combination.

RESULTS

Traditionally, ACH was believed to have the effect of soothing the liver, clearing heat, and detoxifying, often used to treat diseases of the liver and inflammation. Modern pharmacological research indicates that ACH has liver protection, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, immunomodulation, anti-tumor effects and so on. Whether it was a single chemical compound or an extract from ACH, studies have found that it has abundant pharmacological activities, these were the fundamental sources of traditional uses, like liver protection and anti-inflammation.

CONCLUSIONS

A systematic review found that modern phytochemistry and pharmacodynamic research reports on ACH are closely related to its traditional uses, especially its hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. Modern research has also further explored and expanded the effects of ACH, such as its anti-tumor effect. And all these efforts are gradually filling the gap between traditional uses and modern pharmacology. In general, the current research on the pharmacodynamic mechanism of ACH still needs further in-depth research, and the strategies adopted must also be further strengthened.

Probiotic-derived extracellular vesicles alleviate AFB1-induced intestinal injury by modulating the gut microbiota and AHR activation

BACKGROUND

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin that widely found in the environment and mouldy foods. AFB1 initially targets the intestine, and AFB1-induced intestinal injury cannot be ignored. Lactobacillus amylovorus (LA), a predominant species of Lactobacillus, plays a role in carbohydrate metabolism. Extracellular vesicles (EVs), small lipid membrane vesicles, are widely involved in diverse cellular processes. However, the mechanism by which Lactobacillus amylovorus-QC1H-derived EVs (LA.EVs) protect against AFB1-induced intestinal injury remains unclear.

RESULTS

In our study, a new strain named Lactobacillus amylovorus-QC1H (LA-QC1H) was isolated from pig faeces. Then, EVs derived from LA-QC1H were extracted via ultracentrifugation. Our results showed that LA.EVs significantly alleviated AFB1-induced intestinal injury by inhibiting the production of proinflammatory cytokines, decreasing intestinal permeability and increasing the expression of tight junction proteins. Moreover, 16 S rRNA analysis revealed that LA.EVs modulated AFB1-induced gut dysbiosis in mice. However, LA.EVs did not exert beneficial effects in antibiotic-treated mice. LA.EVs treatment increased intestinal levels of indole-3-acetic acid (IAA) and activated intestinal aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AHR)/interleukin-22 (IL-22) signalling in AFB1-exposed mice. Inhibition of intestinal AHR signalling markedly weakened the protective effect of LA.EVs in AFB1-exposed mice.

CONCLUSIONS

LA.EVs alleviated AFB1-induced intestinal injury by modulating the gut microbiota, activating the intestinal AHR/IL-22 signalling, reducing the inflammatory response and promoting intestinal barrier repair in mice.

Engineered melatonin-pretreated plasma exosomes repair traumatic spinal cord injury by regulating miR-138-5p/SOX4 axis mediated microglia polarization

Background

Neuroinflammation plays a crucial role in the repair of spinal cord injury (SCI), with microglia, pivotal in neuroinflammation, driving either degeneration or recovery in this pathological process. Recently, plasma-derived exosomes (denoted Exos) have presented a high capacity for promoting functional recovery of SCI through the anti-inflammatory effects, and pretreated exosomes are associated with better outcomes. Thus, we aimed to explore whether melatonin-pretreated plasma-derived exosomes (denoted MExo) could exert superior effects on SCI, and attempted to elucidate the potential mechanisms.

Methods

Electron microscopy, nanoparticle tracking analysis, and western blot were applied to delineate the distinctions between Exos and MExos. To assess their therapeutic potentials, we established a contusion SCI rat model, complemented by a battery of in vitro experiments comparing both groups. Subsequently, a miRNA microarray analysis was conducted, followed by a series of rescue experiments to elucidate the specific role of miRNAs in MExos. To further delve into the molecular mechanisms involved, we employed western blot analysis and the luciferase reporter gene assay.

Results

Melatonin promoted the release of exosome from plasma, concurrently amplifying their anti-inflammatory properties. Furthermore, it was discerned that MExos facilitated a transition in microglia polarization from M1 to M2 phenotype, a phenomenon more pronounced than that observed with Exos. In an endeavor to elucidate this variance, we scrutinized miRNAs exhibiting elevated expression levels in MExos, pinpointing miR-138-5p as a pivotal element in this dynamic. Following this, an in-depth investigation into the role of miR-138-5p was undertaken, which uncovered its efficacy in driving phenotypic alterations within microglia. The analysis of downstream genes targeted by miR-138-5p revealed that it exerted a negative regulatory influence on SOX4, which was found to obstruct the generation of M2-type microglia and the secretion of anti-inflammatory cytokines, thereby partially elucidating the mechanism behind miR-138-5p's regulation of microglia polarization.

Conclusions

We innovatively observed that melatonin enhanced the anti-inflammatory function of Exos, which further decreased the expression of SOX4 by delivering miR-138-5p. This inhibition promoted the conversion of M1 microglia to M2 microglia, thus offering a viable option for the treatment of SCI.

The translational potential of this article

This study highlights that melatonin enhances the anti-inflammatory function of Exos through delivery of miR-138-5p. Activation of miR-138-5p/SOX4 axis by engineered melatonin-pretreated plasma exosomes may be a potential target for SCI treatment.

The deleterious effects and potential therapeutic strategy of fluorene-9-bisphenol on circadian activity and liver diseases in zebrafish and mice

Increasing evidence indicates that disturbance of the clock genes, which leads to systemic endocrine perturbation, plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of metabolic and liver diseases. Fluorene-9-bisphenol (BHPF) is utilized in the manufacturing of plastic materials but its biological effects on liver homeostasis remain unknown. The impacts and involved mechanisms of BHPF on the liver diseases, metabolism, and circadian clock were comprehensively studied by zebrafish and mouse models. The therapeutic effect of melatonin (MT) was also verified. Zebrafish and mouse models with either acute exposure (0.5 and 1 µmol/L, 1-4 days post-fertilization) or chronic oral exposure (0.5 and 50 mg/(kg·2 days), 30 days) were established with various BHPF concentrations. Herein, we identified a crucial role for estrogenic regulation in liver development and circadian locomotor rhythms damaged by BHPF in a zebrafish model. BHPF mice showed chaos in circadian activity through the imbalance of circadian clock component Brain and Muscle Aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator-like 1 in the liver and brain. The liver sexual dimorphic alteration along with reduced growth hormone and estrogens played a critical role in damaged glucose metabolism, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis induced by BHPF. Besides, sleep improvement by exogenous MT alleviated BHPF-related glucose metabolism and liver injury in mice. We proposed the pathogenesis of metabolic and liver disease resulting from BHPF and promising targeted therapy for liver metabolism disorders associated with endocrine perturbation chemicals. These results might play a warning role in the administration of endocrine-disrupting chemicals in everyday life and various industry applications.

Therapeutic effects of fecal microbial transplantation on alcoholic liver injury in rat models

OBJECTIVE

Disruption of gut microbiota is closely related to the progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). This study aimed to explore the therapeutic effect of fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) in ALD rats using a combination of microbiological and metabolomic techniques.

METHODS

Three liver injury rat models were constructed using alcohol, CCL4, and alcohol combined with CCL4, and administered an FMT treatment comprising the fecal microbiota of healthy rats via the gastric route for 12 consecutive weeks. We measured the therapeutic effect of FMT treatment on liver inflammation, intestinal mucosal barrier, and bacterial translocation in ALD rats using 16S rRNA and UPLC-Q/TOF-MS technology to detect the effects of FMT on the intestinal microbiota and metabolic patterns of ALD rats.

RESULTS

FMT treatment effectively improved liver function, prolonged survival time, improved the intestinal mucosal barrier, reduced bacterial translocation, alleviated liver inflammation, and delayed the progression of liver fibrosis in three types of liver injury models. The microbiome and metabolomic results showed that FMT can effectively improve gut microbiota disorder in ALD rats and improve metabolic patterns by regulating metabolic pathways such as the arachidonic acid and retinol pathways.

CONCLUSION

FMT treatment could reverse alcohol induced liver injury by improving gut microbiota and metabolic patterns in ALD rats, and oral FMT could be an effective therapeutic approach for ALD.

Melatonin Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Liver Fibrosis Via Modulating Gut Microbiota and Bile Acid Metabolism

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental contaminant with high toxicity to human health. Melatonin has been shown to improve Cd-induced liver damage. However, its mechanism has not yet been elucidated. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of melatonin on Cd-induced liver damage and fibrosis. A combination of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and mass spectrometry-based metabolomics was adopted to investigate changes in the gut microbiome and its metabolites on the regulation of melatonin in Cd-induced liver injury and fibrosis of mice. Further, nonabsorbable antibiotics, a fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) program and intestine-specific farnesoid X receptor (FXR) knockout mice were employed to explore the mechanism of melatonin (MT) on liver injury and fibrosis in Cd treated mice. MT significantly improved hepatic inflammation, bile duct hyperplasia, liver damage, and liver fibrosis, with a notable decrease in liver bile acid levels in Cd-exposed mice. MT treatment remodeled the gut microbiota, improved gut barrier function, and reduced the production of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS). MT significantly decreased the intestinal tauro-β-muricholic acid levels, which are known as FXR antagonists. Notably, MT prominently activated the intestinal FXR signaling, subsequently inhibiting liver bile acid synthesis and decreasing hepatic inflammation in Cd-exposed mice. However, MT could not ameliorate Cd-induced liver damage and fibrosis in Abx-treated mice. Conversely, MT still exerted a protective effect on Cd-induced liver damage and fibrosis in FMT mice. Interestingly, MT failed to reverse liver damage and fibrosis in Cd-exposed intestinal epithelial cell-specific FXR gene knockout mice, indicating that intestinal FXR signaling mediated the protective effect of MT treatment. MT improves Cd-induced liver damage and fibrosis through reshaping the intestinal flora, activating the intestinal FXR-mediated suppression of liver bile acid synthesis and reducing LPS leakage in mice.

Danshen polysaccharides alleviate AFB1 induced Jejunal injury

AFB1 is a common foodborne toxin known for its potent carcinogenicity. Danshen polysaccharide (DSP) is an active ingredient of Danshen, which has been demonstrated to possess support intestinal homeostasis and anti-inflammatory activities. We utilized New Zealand White rabbits as an animal model to examine the impact of co-exposure to DSP and AFB1 on the intestines, as well as their underlying mechanisms. The results indicate that DSP elevated the abundance of Oscillospira, Coprococcus, Alistipes, Akkermansia, Bacteroides, Odoribacter, Blautia and Parabacteroides, while decreased the abundance of Sutterella, and Desulfovibrio, correcting AFB1-induced intestinal microbiota dysbiosis and enhancing microbial diversity within the gut. Moreover, DSP reduced the levels of diamine oxidase (DAO), D-Lactate, and malondialdehyde (MDA), while upregulating the expression of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), zonula occludens-1 (ZO-1), occludin, claudin-4, mucin-2 (MUC2), and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA), thereby alleviating the oxidative stress and intestinal barrier dysfunction induced by AFB1. DSP downregulated jejunal lipopolysaccharide (LPS) levels and the mRNA expression and proteins abundance of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), myeloiddifferentiationfactor 88 (MyD88), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), thereby inhibiting the jejunal inflammation induced by AFB1. In summary, DSP alleviates AFB1-induced jejunal injury by remodeling the gut microbiota, bolstering antioxidant capabilities within the jejunum, fortifying the intestinal barrier, and suppressing the TLR4-mediated release of pro-inflammatory cytokines.

Hesperetin alleviates aflatoxin B1 induced liver toxicity in mice: Modulating lipid peroxidation and ferritin autophagy

One of the ways Aflatoxin B1 damages the liver is through ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is characterized by the build-up of lipid peroxides and reactive oxygen species (ROS) due to an excess of iron. Dietary supplements have emerged as a promising strategy for treating ferroptosis in the liver. The flavonoid component hesperetin, which is mostly present in citrus fruits, has a number of pharmacological actions, such as those against liver fibrosis, cancer, and hyperglycemia. However, hesperetin's effects and mechanisms against hepatic ferroptosis are still unknown. In this study, 24 male C57BL/6 J mice were randomly assigned to CON, AFB1 (0.45 mg/kg/day), and AFB1+ hesperetin treatment groups (40 mg/kg/day). The results showed that hesperetin improved the structural damage of the mouse liver, down-regulated inflammatory factors (Cxcl1, Cxcl2, CD80, and F4/80), and alleviated liver fibrosis induced by aflatoxin B1. Hesperetin reduced hepatic lipid peroxidation induced by iron accumulation by up-regulating the levels of antioxidant enzymes (GPX4, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC). It is worth noting that hesperetin not only improved lipid peroxidation but also maintained the dynamic balance of iron ions by reducing ferritin autophagy. Mechanistically, hesperetin's ability to regulate ferritin autophagy mostly depends on the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/ULK1 pathway. In AFB1-induced HepG2 cells, the addition of PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) and AKT inhibitor (Miransertib) confirmed that hesperetin regulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR/ULK1 pathway to inhibit ferritin autophagy and reduced the degradation of ferritin in lysosomes. In summary, our results suggest that hesperetin not only regulates the antioxidant system but also inhibits AFB1-induced ferritin hyperautophagy, thereby reducing the accumulation of iron ions to mitigate lipid peroxidation. This work provides a fresh perspective on the mechanism behind hesperetin and AFB1-induced liver damage in mice.

The Role of Microbial Metabolites in the Progression of Neurodegenerative Diseases-Therapeutic Approaches: A Comprehensive Review

The objective of this review is to provide a comprehensive examination of the role of microbial metabolites in the progression of neurodegenerative diseases, as well as to investigate potential therapeutic interventions targeting the microbiota. A comprehensive literature search was conducted across the following databases: PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, and Wiley. Key terms related to the gut microbiota, microbial metabolites, neurodegenerative diseases, and specific metabolic products were used. The review included both preclinical and clinical research articles published between 2000 and 2024. Short-chain fatty acids have been demonstrated to play a crucial role in modulating neuroinflammation, preserving the integrity of the blood-brain barrier, and influencing neuronal plasticity and protection. Furthermore, amino acids and their derivatives have been demonstrated to exert a significant influence on CNS function. These microbial metabolites impact CNS health by regulating intestinal permeability, modulating immune responses, and directly influencing neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, which are integral to neurodegenerative diseases. Therapeutic strategies, including prebiotics, probiotics, dietary modifications, and fecal microbiota transplantation have confirmed the potential to restore microbial balance and enhance the production of neuroprotective metabolites. Furthermore, novel drug developments based on microbial metabolites present promising therapeutic avenues. The gut microbiota and its metabolites represent a promising field of research with the potential to advance our understanding of and develop treatments for neurodegenerative diseases.

Analysis of the liver-gut axis including metabolomics and intestinal flora to determine the protective effects of kiwifruit seed oil on CCl4-induced acute liver injury

The hepatoprotective effects of kiwifruit seed oil (KSO) were evaluated on acute liver injury (ALI) induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in vivo. Network pharmacology was used to predict active compounds and targets. Metabolomics and gut microbiota analyses were used to discover the activity mechanism of KSO. KSO improved the liver histological structure, significantly reduced serum proinflammatory cytokine levels, and increased liver antioxidant capacity. The metabolomics analysis showed that KSO may have hepatoprotective effects by controlling metabolites through its participation in signaling pathways like tryptophan metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, galactose metabolism, and bile secretion. The gut microbiota analysis demonstrated that KSO improved the composition and quantity of the gut flora. Network pharmacological investigations demonstrated that KSO operated by altering Ptgs2, Nos2, Ppara, Pparg and Serpine1 mRNA levels. All evidence shows that KSO has a hepatoprotective effect, and the mechanism is connected to the regulation of metabolic disorders and intestinal flora.

Hepatoprotective effects of Radix Bupleuri extract on aflatoxin B1-induced liver injury in ducks

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is recognized as the most toxic mycotoxin, widely present in nature and known to specifically target the liver, leading to severe consequences to animal and human health. The mechanisms underlying AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity involve oxidative stress and apoptosis. Radix Bupleuri (RB) and its extracts (RBE), traditional Chinese herbs with a rich history spanning over 2000 years, have been reported to possess hepatoprotective properties. Nevertheless, the impact of RBE on AFB1-induced liver injury remains to be fully elucidated. The current study utilized Pekin ducks as experimental models to explore the effects of RBE on AFB1-induced liver injury both in vitro and in vivo. In vitro findings indicated that RBE mitigated AFB1-induced cytotoxicity, improved primary duck hepatocytes (PDHs) morphology, and reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. In vivo experiments demonstrated that: I) RBE alleviated the growth inhibitory caused by AFB1, as evidenced by improved final body weight and weight gain. II) AFB1 led to significant alterations in serum biochemical parameters (AST, ALT, TP, and ALB) and liver lesions attenuated by RBE supplementation at 2.5 g/kg. III) RBE significantly mitigated oxidative stress induced by AFB1. IV) AFB1-induced changes in mRNA and protein levels associated with oxidative stress and apoptosis were counteracted by RBE. In conclusion, our results suggest that RBE offers protection against AFB1-induced liver injury in ducks, primarily through its antioxidative and anti-apoptotic properties. These findings indicate the potential of RBE in preventing and treating AFB1 poisoning.

Regulatory effects of tea polysaccharides on hepatic inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and serum metabolomic signatures in beef cattle under heat stress

Background

Long-term heat stress (HS) severely restricts the growth performance of beef cattle and causes various health problems. The gut microbiota plays a crucial role in HS-associated inflammation and immune stress involving lymphocyte function. This study investigated the effects of dietary tea polysaccharide (TPS), a natural acidic glycoprotein, on HS-induced anorexia, inflammation, and gut microbiota dysbiosis in Simmental beef cattle.

Methods

The cattle were divided into two groups, receiving either normal chow or normal chow plus TPS (8 g/kg, 0.8%). Transcriptome sequencing analysis was used to analysis the differential signaling pathway of liver tissue. 16S rDNA sequencing was performed to analysis gut microbiota of beef cattle. Serum metabolite components were detected by untargeted metabolomics analysis.

Results

Hepatic transcriptomics analysis revealed that differentially expressed genes in TPS-fed cattle were primarily enriched in immune processes and lymphocyte activation. TPS administration significantly reduced the expression of the TLR4/NF-κB inflammatory signaling pathway, alleviating HS-induced hepatic inflammation. Gut microbiota analysis revealed that TPS improved intestinal homeostasis in HS-affected cattle by increasing bacterial diversity and increasing the relative abundances of Akkermansia and Alistipes while decreasing the Firmicutes-to-Bacteroidetes ratio and the abundance of Agathobacter. Liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC‒MS/MS) analysis indicated that TPS significantly increased the levels of long-chain fatty acids, including stearic acid, linolenic acid, arachidonic acid, and adrenic acid, in the serum of cattle.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that long-term consumption of tea polysaccharides can ameliorate heat stress-induced hepatic inflammation and gut microbiota dysbiosis in beef cattle, suggesting a possible liver-gut axis mechanism to mitigate heat stress.

Melatonin in animal husbandry: functions and applications

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is an essential small molecule with diverse biological functions. It plays several key roles, including regulating the secretion of reproductive hormones and the reproductive cycle, enhancing the functionality of reproductive organs, improving the quality of sperm and eggs, and mitigating oxidative stress in the reproductive system. Melatonin effectively inhibits and scavenges excess free radicals while activating the antioxidant enzyme system and reduces the production of inflammatory factors and alleviates tissue damage caused by inflammation by regulating inflammatory pathways. Additionally, melatonin contributes to repairing the intestinal barrier and regulating the gut microbiota, thereby reducing bacterial and toxin permeation. The use of melatonin as an endogenous hormone in animal husbandry has garnered considerable attention because of its positive effects on animal production performance, reproductive outcomes, stress adaptation, disease treatment, and environmental sustainability. This review explores the characteristics and biological functions of melatonin, along with its current applications in animal production. Our findings may serve as a reference for the use of melatonin in animal farming and future developmental directions.

Melatonin Ameliorates Depressive-Like Behaviors in Ovariectomized Mice by Improving Tryptophan Metabolism via Inhibition of Gut Microbe Alistipes Inops

Melatonin (N-acetyl-5-methoxytryptamine) is reported to improve mood disorders in perimenopausal women and gut microbiome composition is altered during menopausal period. The possible role of microbiome in the treatment effect of melatonin on menopausal depression remains unknown. Here, it is shown that melatonin treatment reverses the gut microbiota dysbiosis and depressive-like behaviors in ovariectomy (OVX) operated mice. This effect of melatonin is prevented by antibiotic cocktails (ABX) treatment. Transferring microbiota harvested from adolescent female mice to OVX-operated mice is sufficient to ameliorate depressive-like behaviors. Conversely, microbiota transplantation from OVX-operated mice or melatonin-treated OVX-operated mice to naïve recipient mice exhibits similar phenotypes to donors. The colonization of Alistipes Inops, which is abundant in OVX-operated mice, confers the recipient with depressive-like behaviors. Further investigation indicates that the expansion of Alistipes Inops induced by OVX leads to the degradation of intestinal tryptophan, which destroys systemic tryptophan availability. Melatonin supplementation restores systemic tryptophan metabolic disorders by suppressing the growth of Alistipes Inops, which ameliorates depressive-like behaviors. These results highlight the previously unrecognized role of Alistipes Inops in the modulation of OVX-induced behavioral disorders and suggest that the application of melatonin to inhibit Alistipes Inops may serve as a potential strategy for preventing menopausal depressive symptoms.

mtROS-mediated mitophagy is involved in aflatoxin-B1 induced liver injury in ducks

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is highly toxic to the liver and can cause excessive production of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) in hepatocytes, leading to oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even liver cancer. The overproduction of mtROS can induce mitophagy, but whether mtROS and mitophagy are involved in the liver injury induced by AFB1 in ducks remains unclear. In this study, we first demonstrated that overproduction of mtROS and mitophagy occurred during liver injury induced by AFB1 exposure in ducks. Then, by inhibiting mtROS and mitophagy, we found that the damage caused by AFB1 in ducks was significantly alleviated, and the overproduction of mtROS induced by AFB1 exposure could mediate the occurrence of mitophagy. These results suggested that mtROS-mediated mitophagy is involved in AFB1-induced duck liver injury, and they may be the prevention and treatment targets of AFB1 hepatotoxicity.

Baicalin attenuates aflatoxin B1-induced hepatotoxicity via suppressing c-Jun-N-terminal kinase-mediated cell apoptosis

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is classified as a Class I carcinogen and common pollutant in human and animal food products. Prolonged exposure to AFB1 can induce hepatocyte apoptosis and lead to hepatotoxicity. Therefore, preventing AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity remains a critical issue and is of great significance. Baicalin, a polyphenolic compound derived from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi, has a variety of pharmacodynamic activities, such as antiapoptotic and anticancer activities. This study systematically investigated the alleviating effect of baicalin on AFB1-induced hepatotoxicity from the perspective of apoptosis and explored the possible molecular mechanism. In the normal human liver cell line L02, baicalin treatment significantly inhibited AFB1-induced c-Jun-N-terminal Kinase (JNK) activation and cell apoptosis. In addition, the in vitro mechanism study demonstrated that baicalin alleviates AFB1-induced hepatocyte apoptosis through suppressing the translocation of phosphorylated JNK to the nucleus and decreasing the phosphorylated c-Jun/c-Jun ratio and the Bax/Bcl2 ratio. Molecular docking and drug affinity responsive target stability assays demonstrated that baicalin has the potential to target JNK. This study provides a basis for the therapeutic effect of baicalin on hepatocyte apoptosis caused by AFB1, indicating that the development of baicalin and JNK pathway inhibitors has broad application prospects in the prevention of hepatotoxicity, especially hepatocyte apoptosis.

Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis

The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut-to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA-approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.

Polystyrene nanoplastics exacerbate aflatoxin B1-induced hepatic injuries by modulating the gut-liver axis

Dietary pollution of Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) poses a great threat to global food safety, which can result in serious hepatic injuries. Following the widespread use of plastic tableware, co-exposure to microplastics and AFB1 has dramatically increased. However, whether microplastics could exert synergistic effects with AFB1 and amplify its hepatotoxicity, and the underlying mechanisms are still unelucidated. Here, mice were orally exposed to 100 nm polystyrene nanoplastics (NPs) and AFB1 to investigate the influences of NPs on AFB1-induced hepatic injuries. We found that exposure to only NPs or AFB1 resulted in colonic inflammation and the impairment of the intestinal barrier, which was exacerbated by combined exposure to NPs and AFB1. Meanwhile, co-exposure to NPs exacerbated AFB1-induced dysbiosis of gut microbiota and remodeling of the fecal metabolome. Moreover, NPs and AFB1 co-exposure exhibited higher levels of systemic inflammatory factors compared to AFB1 exposure. Additionally, NPs co-exposure further exacerbated AFB1-induced hepatic fibrosis and inflammation, which could be associated with the overactivation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway. Notably, Spearman's correlation analysis revealed that the exacerbation of NPs co-exposure was closely associated with microbial dysbiosis. Furthermore, microbiota from NPs-exposed mice (NPsFMT) partly reproduced the exacerbation of NPs on AFB1-induced systemic and hepatic inflammation, but not fibrosis. In summary, our findings indicate that gut microbiota could be involved in the exacerbation of NPs on AFB1-induced hepatic injuries, highlighting the health risks of NPs.

Allicin attenuates the oxidative damage induced by Aflatoxin B1 in dairy cow hepatocytes via the Nrf2 signalling pathway

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is known to inhibit growth, and inflict hepatic damage by interfering with protein synthesis. Allicin, has been acknowledged as an efficacious antioxidant capable of shielding the liver from oxidative harm. This study aimed to examine the damage caused by AFB1 on bovine hepatic cells and the protective role of allicin against AFB1-induced cytotoxicity. In this study, cells were pretreated with allicin before the addition of AFB1 for co-cultivation. Our findings indicate that AFB1 compromises cellular integrity, suppresses the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). In addition, allicin attenuates oxidative damage to bovine hepatic cells caused by AFB1 by promoting the expression of the Nrf2 pathway and reducing cell apoptosis. In conclusion, the results of this study will help advance clinical research and applications, providing new options and directions for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases.

A facile dual-mode SERS/fluorescence aptasensor for AFB1 detection based on gold nanoparticles and magnetic nanoparticles

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a virulent metabolite secreted by Aspergillus fungi, impacting crop quality and posing health risks to human. Herein, a dual-mode Raman/fluorescence aptasensor was constructed to detect AFB1. The aptasensor was assembled by gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) and magnetic nanoparticles (MNPs), while the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) and fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effects were both realized. AuNPs were modified with the Raman signal molecule 4-MBA and the complementary chain of AFB1 aptamer (cDNA). MNPs were modified with the fluorescence signal molecule Cy5 and the AFB1 aptamer (AFB1 apt). Through base pairing, AuNPs aggregated on the surface of MNPs, forming a satellite-like nanocomposite, boosting SERS signal via increased "hot spots" but reducing fluorescence signal due to the proximity of AuNPs to Cy5. Upon exposure to AFB1, AFB1 apt specifically bound to AFB1, causing AuNPs detachment from MNPs, weakening the SERS signal while restoring the fluorescence signal. AFB1 concentration displayed a good linear relationship with SERS/fluorescence signal in the range of 0.01 ng/mL-100 ng/mL, with a detection limit as low as 5.81 pg/mL. The use of aptamer assured the high selectivity toward AFB1. Furthermore, the spiked recovery in peanut samples ranged from 91.4 % to 95.6 %, indicating the applicability of real sample detection. Compared to single-signal sensor, this dual-signal sensor exhibited enhanced accuracy, robust anti-interference capability, and increased flexibility, promising for toxin detection in food safety applications.

Detoxification of Aflatoxin B1 by Phytochemicals in Agriculture and Food Science

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1), the most toxic and harmful mycotoxin, has a high likelihood of occurring in animal feed and human food, which seriously affects agriculture and food safety and endangers animal and human health. Recently, natural plant products have attracted widespread attention due to their low toxicity, high biocompatibility, and simple composition, indicating significant potential for resisting AFB1. The mechanisms by which these phytochemicals resist toxins mainly involve antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic pathways. Moreover, these substances also inhibit the genotoxicity of AFB1 by directly influencing its metabolism in vivo, which contributes to its elimination. Here, we review various phytochemicals that resist AFB1 and their anti-AFB1 mechanisms in different animals, as well as the common characteristics of phytochemicals with anti-AFB1 function. Additionally, the shortcomings of current research and future research directions will be discussed. Overall, this comprehensive summary contributes to the better application of phytochemicals in agriculture and food safety.

AP-1 and SP1 trans-activate the expression of hepatic CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 in the bioactivation of AFB1 in chicken

Dietary exposure to aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is harmful to the health and performance of domestic animals. The hepatic cytochrome P450s (CYPs), CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, are the primary enzymes responsible for the bioactivation of AFB1 to the highly toxic exo-AFB1-8,9-epoxide (AFBO) in chicks. However, the transcriptional regulation mechanism of these CYP genes in the liver of chicks in AFB1 metabolism remains unknown. Dual-luciferase reporter assay, bioinformatics and site-directed mutation results indicated that specificity protein 1 (SP1) and activator protein-1 (AP-1) motifs were located in the core region -1,063/-948, -606/-541 of the CYP1A1 promoter as well as -636/-595, -503/-462, -147/-1 of the CYP2A6 promoter. Furthermore, overexpression and decoy oligodeoxynucleotide technologies demonstrated that SP1 and AP-1 were pivotal transcriptional activators regulating the promoter activity of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6. Moreover, bioactivation of AFB1 to AFBO could be increased by upregulation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression, which was trans-activated owing to the upregulalion of AP-1, rather than SP1, stimulated by AFB1-induced reactive oxygen species. Additionally, nano-selenium could reduce ROS, downregulate AP-1 expression and then decrease the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6, thus alleviating the toxicity of AFB1. In conclusion, AP-1 and SP1 played important roles in the transactivation of CYP1A1 and CYP2A6 expression and further bioactivated AFB1 to AFBO in chicken liver, which could provide novel targets for the remediation of aflatoxicosis in chicks.

Neurotoxic mechanisms of mycotoxins: Focus on aflatoxin B1 and T-2 toxin

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) and T-2 toxin are commonly found in animal feed and stored grain, posing a serious threat to human and animal health. Mycotoxins can penetrate brain tissue by compromising the blood-brain barrier, triggering oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, and leading to oxidative damage and apoptosis of brain cells. The potential neurotoxic mechanisms of AFB1 and T-2 toxin were discussed by summarizing the relevant research reports from the past ten years. AFB1 and T-2 toxin cause neuronal damage in the cerebral cortex and hippocampus, leading to synaptic transmission dysfunction, ultimately impairing the nervous system function of the body. The toxic mechanism is related to excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, apoptosis, autophagy, and an exaggerated inflammatory response. After passing through the blood-brain barrier, toxins can directly affect glial cells, alter the activation state of microglia and astrocytes, thereby promoting brain inflammation, disrupting the blood-brain barrier, and influencing the synaptic transmission process. We discussed the diverse effects of various concentrations of toxins and different modes of exposure on neurotoxicity. In addition, toxins can also cross the placental barrier, causing neurotoxic symptoms in offspring, as demonstrated in various species. Our goal is to uncover the underlying mechanisms of the neurotoxicity of AFB1 and T-2 toxin and to provide insights for future research, including investigating the impact of mycotoxins on interactions between microglia and astrocytes.

The effects of Atractylodes macrocephala extract BZEP self-microemulsion based on gut-liver axis HDL/LPS signaling pathway to ameliorate metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in rats

OBJECTIVES

To elucidate the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of Atractylodes macrocephala extract crystallize (BZEP) and BZEP self-microemulsion (BZEPWR) on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) induced by "high sugar, high fat, and excessive alcohol consumption" based on the gut-liver axis HDL/LPS signaling pathway.

METHODS

In this study, BZEP and BZEPWR were obtained via isolation, purification, and microemulsification. Furthermore, an anthropomorphic MAFLD rat model of "high sugar, high fat, and excessive alcohol consumption" was established. The therapeutic effects of BZEPWR and BZEP on the model rats were evaluated in terms of liver function, lipid metabolism (especially HDL-C), serum antioxidant indexes, and liver and intestinal pathophysiology. To determine the lipoproteins in the serum sample, the amplitudes of a plurality of NMR spectra were derived via deconvolution of the composite methyl signal envelope to yield HDL-C subclass concentrations. The changes in intestinal flora were detected via 16 S rRNA gene sequencing. In addition, the gut-liver axis HDL/LPS signaling pathway was validated using immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and western blot.

RESULTS

The findings established that BZEPWR and BZEP improved animal signs, serum levels of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), lipid metabolism (TC, TG, HDL-C, and LDL-C), and antioxidant indexes (GSH, SOD, and ROS). In addition, pathological damage to the liver, colon, and ileum was ameliorated, and the intestinal barrier function of the model rats was restored. At the genus level, BZEPWR and BZEP exerted positive effects on beneficial bacteria, such as Lactobacillus and norank_f__Muribaculaceae, and inhibitory effects on harmful bacteria, such as unclassified_f__Lachnospiraceae and Blautia. Twenty HDL-C subspecies were detected, and their levels were differentially increased in both BZEPWR and BZEP groups, with BZEPWR exhibiting a stronger elevating effect on specific HDL-C subspecies. Also, the gut-liver axis HDL/LPS signaling pathway was studied, which indicated that BZEPWR and BZEP significantly increased the expressions of ABCA1, LXR, occludin, and claudin-1 proteins in the gut and serum levels of HDL-C. Concomitantly, the levels of LPS in the serum and TLR4, Myd88, and NF-κB proteins in the liver were decreased.

CONCLUSION

BZEPWR and BZEP exert restorative and reversal effects on the pathophysiological damage to the gut-liver axis in MAFLD rats, and the therapeutic mechanism may be related to the regulation of the intestinal flora and the HDL/LPS signaling pathway.

Network toxicology and molecular docking for the toxicity analysis of food contaminants: A case of Aflatoxin B1

The present study aims to promote network toxicology and molecular docking strategies for the efficient evaluation of the toxicity of food contaminants. With the example of liver injury induced by the food contaminant Aflatoxin B1(AFB1), this study effectively investigated the putative toxicity of food contaminants and the potentially molecular mechanisms. The study found that AFB1 regulates multiple signalling pathways by modulating core targets such as AKT1, BCL2, TNF, CASP3, SRC and EGFR. These pathways encompass Pathways in cancer, PI3K-Akt signalling pathway, Endocrine resistance, Lipid and atherosclerosis, Apoptosis and other pathways, subsequently impacting immunotoxicity, inflammatory responses, apoptosis, cytogenetic mutations, and ultimately leading to liver injury. We provide a theoretical basis for understanding the molecular mechanisms of AFB1 hepatotoxicity and for the prevention and treatment of cancers caused by the food contaminant AFB1. Furthermore, our network toxicology and molecular docking methods also provide an effective method for the rapid evaluation of the toxicity of food contaminants, which effectively solves the cost and ethical problems associated with the use of experimental animals.