15-Deoxy- γ 12,14-prostaglandin J2 Reduces Liver Impairment in a Model of ConA-Induced Acute Hepatic Inflammation by Activation of PPAR γ and Reduction in NF- κ B Activity

The effects of L-carnitine supplementation on cardiovascular risk factors in participants with impaired glucose tolerance and diabetes: a systematic review and dose-response meta-analysis

AIMS

L-carnitine plays a role related to cardiometabolic factors, but its effectiveness and safety in CVD are still unknown. We aim to assess the effect of L-carnitine supplementation on CVD risk factors.

METHODS

A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed, Web of Science, and Scopus until October 2022. The main outcomes were lipid profiles, anthropometric parameters, insulin resistance, serum glucose levels, leptin, blood pressure, and inflammatory markers. The pooled weighted mean difference (WMD) was calculated using a random-effects model.

RESULTS

We included the 21 RCTs (n = 2900) with 21 effect sizes in this study. L-carnitine supplementation had a significant effect on TG (WMD = - 13.50 mg/dl, p = 0.039), LDL (WMD = - 12.66 mg/dl, p < 0.001), FBG (WMD = - 6.24 mg/dl, p = 0.001), HbA1c (WMD = -0.37%, p = 0.013) HOMA-IR (WMD = -0.72, p = 0.038 (, CRP (WMD = - 0.07 mg/dl, P = 0.037), TNF-α (WMD = - 1.39 pg/ml, p = 0.033), weight (WMD = - 1.58 kg, p = 0.001 (, BMI (WMD = - 0.28 kg/m2, p = 0.017(, BFP (WMD = - 1.83, p < 0.001) and leptin (WMD = - 2.21 ng/ml, p = 0.003 (in intervention, compared to the placebo group, in the pooled analysis.

CONCLUSIONS

This meta-analysis demonstrated that administration of L-carnitine in diabetic and glucose intolerance patients can significantly reduce TG, LDL-C, FBG, HbA1c, HOMA-IR, CRP, TNF-α, weight, BMI, BFP, and leptin levels. PROSPERO registration code: CRD42022366992.

Determination of in vitro immunotoxic potencies of a series of perfluoralkylsubstances (PFASs) in human Namalwa B lymphocyte and human Jurkat T lymphocyte cells

Exposure to PFASs is associated to several adverse health effects, such as immunotoxicity. Immunotoxic effects of PFOA and PFOS, including a reduced antibody response in both experimental animals and humans, have been reported. However, there is limited understanding of the underlying mechanisms involved. Moreover, there is only a restricted amount of immunotoxicity data available for a limited number of PFASs. In the current study the effects of 15 PFASs, including short- and long-chain perfluorinated carboxylic and sulfonic acids, fluorotelomer alcohols, and perfluoralkyl ether carboxylic acids were studied on the expression of recombinant activating gene 1 (RAG1) and RAG2 in the Namalwa human B lymphoma cell line, and on the human IL-2 promotor activity in Jurkat T-cells. Concentration-response data were subsequently used to derive in vitro relative potencies through benchmark dose analysis. In vitro relative potency factors (RPFs) were obtained for 6 and 9 PFASs based on their effect on RAG1 and RAG2 gene expression in Namalwa B-cells, respectively, and for 10 PFASs based on their inhibitory effect on IL-2 promotor activity in Jurkat T-cells. The most potent substances were HFPO-TA for the reduction of RAG1 and RAG2 gene expression in Namalwa cells (RPFs of 2.1 and 2.3 respectively), and PFDA on IL-2 promoter activity (RPF of 9.1). RAG1 and RAG2 play a crucial role in V (D)J gene recombination, a process for acquiring a varied array of antibodies crucial for antigen recognition. Hence, the effects observed in Namalwa cells might indicate a PFAS-induced impairment of generating a diverse range of B-cells essential for antigen recognition. The observed outcomes in the Jurkat T-cells suggest a possible PFAS-induced reduction of T-cell activation, which may contribute to a decline in the T-cell dependent antibody response. Altogether, the present study provides potential mechanistic insights into the reported PFAS-induced decreased antibody response. Additionally, the presented in vitro models may represent useful tools for assessing the immunotoxic potential of PFASs and prioritization for further risk assessment.

Lithocholic Acid Alleviates Deoxynivalenol-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress via PPARγ-Mediated Epigenetically Transcriptional Reprogramming in Porcine Intestinal Epithelial Cells

Deoxynivalenol (DON) is a common mycotoxin that induces intestinal inflammation and oxidative damage in humans and animals. Given that lithocholic acid (LCA) has been suggested to inhibit intestinal inflammation, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of LCA on DON-exposed porcine intestinal epithelial IPI-2I cells and the underlying mechanisms. Indeed, LCA rescued DON-induced cell death in IPI-2I cells and reduced DON-stimulated inflammatory cytokine levels and oxidative stress. Importantly, the nuclear receptor PPARγ was identified as a key transcriptional factor involved in the DON-induced inflammation and oxidative stress processes in IPI-2I cells. The PPARγ function was found compromised, likely due to the hyperphosphorylation of the p38 and ERK signaling pathways. In contrast, the DON-induced inflammatory responses and oxidative stress were restrained by LCA via PPARγ-mediated reprogramming of the core inflammatory and antioxidant genes. Notably, the PPARγ-modulated transcriptional regulations could be attributed to the altered recruitments of coactivator SRC-1/3 and corepressor NCOR1/2, along with the modified histone marks H3K27ac and H3K18la. This study emphasizes the protective actions of LCA on DON-induced inflammatory damage and oxidative stress in intestinal epithelial cells via PPARγ-mediated epigenetically transcriptional reprogramming, including histone acetylation and lactylation.

Novel Diterpenoids Incorporating Rearranged Labdanes from the Chinese Liverwort Anastrophyllum joergensenii and Their Anti-inflammatory Activity

Liverworts provide valuable ecological services to improve the sustainability of agriculture, encompassing soil health maintenance and natural pest management. Some liverworts have potential applications in medicine and as food additives. Twenty-two novel diterpenoids (anajoerins A-V), of which anajoerins B-G are rearranged labdanes featuring an unprecedented 6/5 fused ring system, were isolated from the Chinese liverwort Anastrophyllum joergensenii Schiffn. The absolute configurations of all compounds were identified based on high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy data, NMR spectra, and ECD calculations. Plausible biogenetic pathways for unprecedented rearranged labdanes were proposed. Seven diterpenoids exhibited anti-inflammatory activity by reducing nitric oxide production in LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 murine macrophages in a dose-dependent manner with IC50s between 9.71 and 56.56 μM. All tested compounds showed no cytotoxicity at the tested concentrations. Western blot analyses of NF-κB p65 downregulation showed that anajoerin L could inhibit the NF-κB signaling pathway. Furthermore, anajoerin L also suppressed the secretion of the ConA-induced proinflammatory cytokines IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6.

PPAR Gamma: From Definition to Molecular Targets and Therapy of Lung Diseases

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are members of the nuclear receptor superfamily that regulate the expression of genes related to lipid and glucose metabolism and inflammation. There are three members: PPARα, PPARβ or PPARγ. PPARγ have several ligands. The natural agonists are omega 9, curcumin, eicosanoids and others. Among the synthetic ligands, we highlight the thiazolidinediones, clinically used as an antidiabetic. Many of these studies involve natural or synthetic products in different pathologies. The mechanisms that regulate PPARγ involve post-translational modifications, such as phosphorylation, sumoylation and ubiquitination, among others. It is known that anti-inflammatory mechanisms involve the inhibition of other transcription factors, such as nuclear factor kB(NFκB), signal transducer and activator of transcription (STAT) or activator protein 1 (AP-1), or intracellular signaling proteins such as mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinases. PPARγ transrepresses other transcription factors and consequently inhibits gene expression of inflammatory mediators, known as biomarkers for morbidity and mortality, leading to control of the exacerbated inflammation that occurs, for instance, in lung injury/acute respiratory distress. Many studies have shown the therapeutic potentials of PPARγ on pulmonary diseases. Herein, we describe activities of the PPARγ as a modulator of inflammation, focusing on lung injury and including definition and mechanisms of regulation, biological effects and molecular targets, and its role in lung diseases caused by inflammatory stimuli, bacteria and virus, and molecular-based therapy.

The role of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPAR) in immune responses

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are fatty acid-activated transcription factors of nuclear hormone receptor superfamily that regulate energy metabolism. Currently, three PPAR subtypes have been identified: PPARα, PPARγ, and PPARβ/δ. PPARα and PPARδ are highly expressed in oxidative tissues and regulate genes involved in substrate delivery and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS) and regulation of energy homeostasis. In contrast, PPARγ is more important in lipogenesis and lipid synthesis, with highest expression levels in white adipose tissue (WAT). In addition to tissues regulating whole body energy homeostasis, PPARs are expressed in immune cells and have an emerging critical role in immune cell differentiation and fate commitment. In this review, we discuss the actions of PPARs in the function of the innate and the adaptive immune system and their implications in immune-mediated inflammatory conditions.

Therapeutic potential of PPARγ natural agonists in liver diseases

Peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) is a vital subtype of the PPAR family. The biological functions are complex and diverse. PPARγ plays a significant role in protecting the liver from inflammation, oxidation, fibrosis, fatty liver and tumours. Natural products are a promising pool for drug discovery, and enormous research effort has been invested in exploring the PPARγ‐activating potential of natural products. In this manuscript, we will review the research progress of PPARγ agonists from natural products in recent years and probe into the application potential and prospects of PPARγ natural agonists in the therapy of various liver diseases, including inflammation, hepatic fibrosis, non‐alcoholic fatty liver and liver cancer.

Bergenin Exerts Hepatoprotective Effects by Inhibiting the Release of Inflammatory Factors, Apoptosis and Autophagy via the PPAR-γ Pathway

Objective

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion (IR) limits the development of liver transplantation technology. The aim of this study was to explore the protective effects of Bergenin on hepatic IR, particularly the elimination of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and activation of the peroxisome proliferators activated receptor γ (PPAR-γ) pathway.

Methods

Initial experiments were performed to confirm the non-toxicity of Bergenin. Mice were randomly divided into sham, IR, and IR + Bergenin (10, 20 and 40 mg/kg) groups, and serum and tissue samples were obtained at 2, 8 and 24 h for detection of liver enzymes (ALT and AST), inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β), ROS, cell death markers (Bcl-2, Bax, Beclin-1 and LC3) and related important pathways (PPAR-γ, P38 MAPK, NF-κB p65 and JAK2/STAT1).

Results

Bergenin reduced the release of ROS, down-regulated inflammatory factors, and inhibited apoptosis and autophagy. Additionally, expression of PPAR-γ-related genes was increased and phosphorylation of P38 MAPK, NF-κB p65 and JAK2/STAT1-related proteins was decreased in Bergenin pre-treatment groups in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Bergenin exerts hepatic protection by eliminating ROS, affecting the release of inflammatory factors, and influencing apoptosis- and autophagy-related genes via the PPAR-γ pathway in this model of hepatic IR injury.

Methylprednisolone Decreases Mitochondria-Mediated Apoptosis and Autophagy Dysfunction in Hepatocytes of Experimental Autoimmune Hepatitis Model via the Akt/mTOR Signaling

Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is characterized by massive immune cell-mediated hepatocyte destruction. Glucocorticoids, particularly methylprednisolone (MP), are the most effective treatment for AIH; however, the mechanism underlying the effects of glucocorticoid treatment has not been fully elucidated. The present study explored the effects of MP on damaged hepatocytes in mice with concanavalin A (ConA)-induced experimental autoimmune hepatitis (EAH). C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups: a normal control group (injected with normal saline), a ConA (20 mg/kg) group, and a ConA + MP (3.12 mg/kg) group. The serum levels of liver enzymes, cytokines, activated T cells, and apoptosis- and autophagy-associated marker proteins were determined 12 h after ConA injection. Human hepatocyte cell line LO2 was used to verify the effects of ConA and MP in vitro. MP treatment significantly decreased inflammatory reactions in the serum and liver tissues and activated the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway to inhibit apoptosis and autophagy in hepatocytes in vivo. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) revealed fewer autophagosomes in the MP-treated group than in the ConA-treated group. MP treatment obviously suppressed apoptosis and mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) loss in hepatocytes in vitro. Furthermore, ConA treatment increased the levels of LC3-II, p62/SQSTM1, and Beclin-1, while bafilomycin A1 did not augment the levels of LC3-II. MP treatment decreased the levels of LC3-II, p62/SQSTM1, and Beclin-1 and upregulated the levels of phosphorylated (p)-Akt and p-mTOR. In conclusion, MP ameliorated mitochondria-mediated apoptosis and autophagy dysfunction in ConA-induced hepatocyte injury in vivo and in vitro via the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.

15-Deoxy-∆-12,14-Prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), an Endogenous Ligand of PPAR-γ: Function and Mechanism

15-Deoxy-∆-^12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a natural peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) agonist, has been explored in some detail over the last 20 years. By triggering the PPAR-γ signalling pathway, it plays many roles and exerts antitumour, anti-inflammatory, antioxidation, antifibrosis, and antiangiogenesis effects. Although many synthetic PPAR-γ receptor agonists have been developed, as an endogenous product of PPAR-γ receptors, 15d-PGJ2 has beneficial characteristics including rapid expression and the ability to contribute to a natural defence mechanism. In this review, we discuss the latest advances in our knowledge of the biological role of 15d-PGJ2 mediated through PPAR-γ. It is important to understand its structure, synthesis, and functional mechanisms to develop preventive agents and limit the progression of associated diseases.

The effect of L-carnitine on inflammatory mediators: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized clinical trials

AIM AND BACKGROUND

Reducing inflammation by nutritional supplements may help to reduce the risk of many chronic diseases. Our aim in this meta-analysis was to determine the effect of L-carnitine on inflammatory mediators including C-reactive protein (CRP), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6).

METHODS

Our systematic search to find relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs) was performed up to October 2018 using ISI Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed/Medline, and SCOPUS. In this meta-analysis, the weighted mean differences (WMD) with standard errors (SE) were used to pool the data. WMD was calculated by subtracting change-from-baseline mean values in the control group from change-from-baseline mean values in the intervention group in each study. To identify heterogeneity among studies, the I² statistic was employed. The protocol was registered with PROSPERO (No. CRD42019116695).

RESULTS

Thirteen articles were included in our systematic review and meta-analysis. The results of the meta-analysis indicated that L-carnitine supplementation was significantly associated with lower levels of CRP in comparison to controls (WMD = -1.23 mg/L; 95% CI: -1.73, -0.72 mg/dL; P < 0.0001). Also, a slight but statistically significant decrease was observed in IL-6 and TNF-α levels (WMD = -0.85 pg/dL; 95% CI: -1.38, -0.32 pg/dL; P = 0.002 and WMD = -0.37 pg/dL; 95% CI: -0.68, -0.06 pg/dL; P = 0.018, respectively).

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that L-carnitine reduced inflammatory mediators, especially in studies with a duration of more than 12 weeks. Further studies with different doses and intervention durations and separately in men and women are necessary.

Effects of Flavored Nonalcoholic Beverages on Transcriptional Activities of Nuclear and Steroid Hormone Receptors: Proof of Concept for Novel Reporter Cell Line PAZ-PPARg

We developed and characterized a novel human luciferase reporter cell line for the assessment of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) transcriptional activity, PAZ-PPARg. The luciferase activity induced by PPARγ endogenous agonist 15d-PGJ2 and prostaglandin PGD2 reached mean values of (87.9 ± 14.0)-fold and (89.6 ± 19.7)-fold after 24 h of exposure to 40 μM 15d-PGJ2 and 70 μM PGD2, respectively. A concentration-dependent inhibition of 15d-PGJ2- and PGD2-induced luciferase activity was observed after the application of T0070907, a selective antagonist of PPARγ, which confirms the specificity of response to both agonists. The PAZ-PPARg cell line, along with the reporter cell lines for the assessment of transcriptional activities of thyroid receptor (TR), vitamin D3 receptor (VDR), androgen receptor (AR), and glucocorticoid receptor (GR), were used for the screening of 27 commonly marketed flavored nonalcoholic beverages for their possible disrupting effects. Our findings indicate that some of the examined beverages have the potential to modulate the transcriptional activities of PPARγ, VDR, and AR.

15d-PGJ2 is a new hope for controlling tumor growth

15-deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2), a natural PPARγ agonist, has been investigated for over a decade. Studies have revealed that it has proapoptotic, anti-inflammatory, antiangiogenic, and anti-metastatic abilities, as well as a significant anticancer effect. However, the mechanisms underlying the actions of 15d-PGJ2 on various tumors are only partially known. In this review, we discuss the recent progress in elucidating these mechanisms. Understanding the various functions and mechanisms of 15d-PGJ2 are crucial for the development of new therapies for controlling tumor growth and providing the basis for further research.

15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) prevents lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury

The NAD+-dependent 15-hydroxyprostaglandin dehydrogenase (15-PGDH) catalyzes the oxidation of the 15(S)-hydroxyl group of prostaglandin E₂ (PGE₂), converting the pro-inflammatory PGE₂ to the anti-inflammatory 15-keto-PGE₂ (an endogenous ligand for peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma [PPAR-γ]). To evaluate the significance of 15-PGDH/15-keto-PGE₂ cascade in liver inflammation and tissue injury, we generated transgenic mice with targeted expression of 15-PGDH in the liver (15-PGDH Tg) and the animals were subjected to lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/Galactosamine (GalN)-induced acute liver inflammation and injury. Compared to the wild type mice, the 15-PGDH Tg mice showed lower levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), less liver tissue damage, less hepatic apoptosis/necrosis, less macrophage activation, and lower inflammatory cytokine production. In cultured Kupffer cells, treatment with 15-keto-PGE₂ or the conditioned medium (CM) from 15-PGDH Tg hepatocyes inhibited LPS-induced cytokine production, in vitro. Both 15-keto-PGE₂ and the CM from15-PGDH Tg hepatocyes also up-regulated the expression of PPAR-γ downstream genes in Kupffer cells. In cultured hepatocytes, 15-keto-PGE₂ treatment or 15-PGDH overexpression did not influence TNF-α-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. These findings suggest that 15-PGDH protects against LPS/GalN-induced liver injury and the effect is mediated via 15-keto-PGE₂, which activates PPAR-γ in Kupffer cells and thus inhibits their ability to produce inflammatory cytokines. Accordingly, we observed that the PPAR-γ antagonist, GW9662, reversed the effect of 15-keto-PGE₂ in Kupffer cell in vitro and restored the susceptibility of 15-PGDH Tg mice to LPS/GalN-induced acute liver injury in vivo. Collectively, our findings suggest that 15-PGDH-derived 15-keto-PGE₂ from hepatocytes is able to activate PPAR-γ and inhibit inflammatory cytokine production in Kupffer cells and that this paracrine mechanism negatively regulates LPS-induced necro-inflammatory response in the liver. Therefore, induction of 15-PGDH expression or utilization of 15-keto-PGE₂ analogue may have therapeutic benefits for the treatment of endotoxin-associated liver inflammation/injury.

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 Exerts Antioxidant Effects While Exacerbating Inflammation in Mice Subjected to Ureteral Obstruction

Urinary obstruction is associated with inflammation and oxidative stress, leading to renal dysfunction. Previous studies have shown that 15-deoxy-Δ^12,14-prostaglandin J₂ (15d-PGJ₂) has both antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Using a unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) mouse model, we examined the effects of 15d-PGJ₂ on oxidative stress and inflammation in the kidney. Mice were subjected to UUO for 3 days and treated with 15d-PGJ₂. Protein and RNA expression were examined using immunoblotting and qPCR. 15d-PGJ₂ increased NF-E2-related nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf2) protein expression in response to UUO, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), a downstream target of Nrf2, was induced by 15d-PGJ₂. Additionally, 15d-PGJ₂ prevented protein carbonylation, a UUO-induced oxidative stress marker. Inflammation, measured by nuclear NF-κB, F4/80, and MCP-1, was increased in response to UUO and further increased by 15d-PGJ₂. Renal injury was aggravated by 15d-PGJ₂ treatment as measured by kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and cortical caspase 3 content. No effect of 15d-PGJ₂ was observed on renal function in mice subjected to UUO. This study illustrates differentiated functioning of 15d-PGJ₂ on inflammation and oxidative stress in response to obstructive nephropathy. High concentrations of 15d-PGJ₂ protects against oxidative stress during 3-day UUO in mice; however, it aggravates the associated inflammation.

Pretreatment with Fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus Protected against ConA-Induced Acute Liver Injury by Inhibiting Both Intrinsic and Extrinsic Apoptosis

This study aimed to explore the effects of fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus on concanavalin A (ConA)-induced acute liver injury in mice. Pretreatment with fucoidan protected liver function indicated by ALT, AST and histopathological changes by suppressing inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interferon gamma (IFN-γ). In addition, intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis mediated by Bax, Bid, Bcl-2, Bcl-xL and Caspase 3, 8, and 9 were inhibited by fucoidan and the action was associated with the TRADD/TRAF2 and JAK2/STAT1 signal pathways. Our results demonstrated that fucoidan from Fucus vesiculosus alleviated ConA-induced acute liver injury via the inhibition of intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis mediated by the TRADD/TRAF2 and JAK2/STAT1 pathways which were activated by TNF-α and IFN-γ. These findings could provide a potential powerful therapy for T cell-related hepatitis.

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate attenuates apoptosis and autophagy in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis by inhibiting BNIP3

Background

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG) is the most effective compound in green tea, and possesses a wide range of beneficial effects, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiobesity, and anticancer effects. In this study, we investigated the protective effects of EGCG in concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis in mice and explored the possible mechanisms involved in these effects.

Methods

Balb/C mice were injected with ConA (25 mg/kg) to induce acute autoimmune hepatitis, and EGCG (10 or 30 mg/kg) was administered orally twice daily for 10 days before ConA injection. Serum liver enzymes, proinflammatory cytokines, and other marker proteins were determined 2, 8, and 24 hours after the ConA administration.

Results

BNIP3 mediated cell apoptosis and autophagy in ConA-induced hepatitis. EGCG decreased the immunoreaction and pathological damage by reducing inflammatory factors, such as TNF-α, IL-6, IFN-γ, and IL-1β. EGCG also exhibited an antiapoptotic and antiautophagic effect by inhibiting BNIP3 via the IL-6/JAKs/STAT3 pathway.

Conclusion

EGCG attenuated liver injury in ConA-induced hepatitis by downregulating IL-6/JAKs/STAT3/BNIP3-mediated apoptosis and autophagy.

Inhibitive effects of 15-deoxy-Δ(12),(14)-prostaglandin J2 on hepatoma-cell proliferation through reactive oxygen species-mediated apoptosis

OBJECTIVE

15-Deoxy-Δ12,14-prostaglandin J2 (15d-PGJ2) induces reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated apoptosis in many malignant cells, which has not been studied in hepatoma cells. In this study, we investigated whether 15d-PGJ2 induced apoptosis in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) associated with ROS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The LM3, SMMC-7721, and Huh-7 HCC cell lines were treated with 15d-PGJ2 (5-40 μM) for 24, 48, and 72 hours. Cholecystokinin 8 was used to detect the cytotoxicity of 15d-PGJ2. Flow cytometry, Hoechst staining, and Western blotting were used to analyze apoptosis. ROS were combined with the fluorescent probe dihydroethidium and then observed by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry. Activation of JNK and expression of Akt were detected by Western blotting.

RESULTS

15d-PGJ2 inhibited HCC cell proliferation and induced apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. Apoptosis was mainly induced via an intrinsic pathway and was ROS-dependent, and was alleviated by ROS scavengers. ROS induced JNK activation and Akt downregulation in HCC cells.

CONCLUSION

15d-PGJ2 induced ROS in HCC cell lines, and inhibition of cell growth and apoptosis were partly ROS-dependent.

Systematic review and meta-analysis: bezafibrate in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis

BACKGROUND AND AIM

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the standard treatment for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC), but not all cases respond well. Evidence has shown that combination therapy of UDCA with bezafibrate significantly improved liver function. A meta-analysis was performed to assess the efficacy and safety of UDCA and bezafibrate combination therapy in the treatment of PBC.

RESULTS

Nine trials, with a total of 269 patients, were included in the analysis. The bias risk of these trials was high. Compared with UDCA alone, the combination with bezafibrate improved the Mayo risk score (mean difference [MD], 0.60; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.25-0.95; P=0.0008) and liver biochemistry: alkaline phosphatase (MD, -238.21 IU/L; 95% CI, -280.83 to -195.60; P<0.00001); gamma-glutamyltransferase (MD, -38.23 IU/L; 95% CI, -50.16 to -25.85; P<0.00001); immunoglobulin M (MD, -128.63 IU/L; 95% CI, -151.55 to -105.71; P<0.00001); bilirubin (MD, -0.20 mg/dL; 95% CI, -0.33 to -0.07; P=0.002); triglycerides (MD, -26.84 mg/dL; 95% CI, -36.51 to -17.17; P<0.0001); total cholesterol (MD, -21.58 mg/dL; 95% CI, -30.81 to -12.34; P<0.0001), and serum alanine aminotransferase (MD, -10.24 IU/L; 95% CI, -12.65 to -78.5; P<0.00001). However, combination therapy showed no significant differences in the incidence of all-cause mortality or pruritus, and may have resulted in more adverse events (risk ratio [RR], 0.22; 95% CI, 0.07-0.67; P=0.008).

CONCLUSION

Combination therapy improved liver biochemistry and the prognosis of PBC, but did not improve clinical symptoms or incidence of death. Attention should be paid to adverse events when using bezafibrate.

Combination therapy of fenofibrate and ursodeoxycholic acid in patients with primary biliary cirrhosis who respond incompletely to UDCA monotherapy: a meta-analysis

Background

Although the effectiveness of treatment with ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) and fenofibrate for primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC) has been suggested by small trials, a systematic review to summarize the evidence has not yet been carried out.

Methods

A meta-analysis of all long-term randomized controlled trials comparing the combination of UDCA and fenofibrate with UDCA monotherapy was performed via electronic searches.

Results

Six trials, which included 84 patients, were assessed. Combination therapy with UDCA and fenofibrate was more effective than UDCA monotherapy in improving alkaline phosphatase (mean difference [MD]: −90.44 IU/L; 95% confidence interval [CI]: −119.95 to −60.92; P<0.00001), gamma-glutamyl transferase (MD: −61.58 IU/L; 95% CI: −122.80 to −0.35; P=0.05), immunoglobulin M (MD: −38.45 mg/dL; 95% CI: −64.38 to −12.51; P=0.004), and triglycerides (MD: −0.41 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.82 to −0.01; P=0.05). However, their effects on pruritus (odds ratio [OR]: 0.39; 95% CI: 0.09–1.78; P=0.23), total bilirubin (MD: −0.05 mg/dL; 95% CI: −0.21 to 0.12; P=0.58), and alanine aminotransferase (MD: −3.31 IU/L; 95% CI: −14.60 to 7.97; P=0.56) did not differ significantly. This meta-analysis revealed no significant differences in the incidence of adverse events (OR: 0.21; 95% CI: 0.03–1.25; P=0.09) between patients treated with combination therapy and those treated with monotherapy.

Conclusion

In this meta-analysis, combination therapy with UDCA and fenofibrate was more effective in reducing alkaline phosphatase than UDCA monotherapy, but it did not improve clinical symptoms. There did not appear to be an increase in adverse events with combination therapy.

The Protective Effect of Resveratrol on Concanavalin-A-Induced Acute Hepatic Injury in Mice

Pharmacologic Relevance. Resveratrol, an antioxidant derived from grapes, has been reported to modulate the inflammatory process. In this study, we investigated the effects of resveratrol and its mechanism of protection on concanavalin-A- (ConA-) induced liver injury in mice. Materials and Methods. Acute autoimmune hepatitis was induced by ConA (20 mg/kg) in Balb/C mice; mice were treated with resveratrol (10, 20, and 30 mg/kg) daily by oral gavage for fourteen days prior to a single intravenous injection of ConA. Eight hours after injection, histologic grading, proinflammatory cytokine levels, and hedgehog pathway activity were determined. Results. After ConA injection, the cytokines IL-2, IL-6, and TNF-α were increased, and Sonic hedgehog (Shh), Glioblastoma- (Gli-) 1, and Patched (Ptc) levels significantly increased. Pretreatment with resveratrol ameliorated the pathologic effects of ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis and significantly inhibited IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, Shh, Gli-1, and Ptc. The effects of resveratrol on the hedgehog pathway were studied by western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Resveratrol decreased Shh expression, possibly by inhibiting Shh expression in order to reduce Gli-1 and Ptc expression. Conclusion. Resveratrol protects against ConA-induced autoimmune hepatitis by decreasing cytokines expression in mice. The decreases seen in Gli-1 and Ptc may correlate with the amelioration of hedgehog pathway activity.

Protective effects of N-acetylcysteine in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice

This study was designed to study the protective effects and mechanisms of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) in concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice. In this study, pretreatment with NAC ameliorated the histopathological changes and suppressed inflammatory cytokines in ConA-induced hepatitis. The expression of IL-2, IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ was significantly reduced in the NAC-treated groups. NAC activated PI3K/Akt pathway and inhibited the activation of NF-κB. Additionally, NAC reduced autophagosome formation, as assessed by detecting the expression of LC3 and Beclin 1. Our results demonstrate that NAC can alleviate ConA-induced hepatitis by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway and reducing the late stages of autophagy. Our results described a new pharmaceutical to provide more effective therapies for immune hepatitis.