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Liu C, Fisher D, Pronyuk K, Musabaev E, Thu Hien NT, Dang Y, Zhao L. Therapeutic potential of natural products in schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1332027. [PMID: 38770001 PMCID: PMC11102961 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1332027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2023] [Accepted: 04/10/2024] [Indexed: 05/22/2024] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a parasitic disease that endangers human health and social development. The granulomatous reaction of Schistosoma eggs in the liver is the main cause of hepatosplenomegaly and fibrotic lesions. Anti liver fibrosis therapy is crucial for patients with chronic schistosomiasis. Although Praziquantel is the only clinical drug used, it is limited in insecticide treatment and has a long-term large-scale use, which is forcing the search for cost-effective alternatives. Previous research has demonstrated that plant metabolites and extracts have effective therapeutic effects on liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis. This paper summarizes the mechanisms of action of metabolites and some plant extracts in alleviating schistosomiasis-associated liver fibrosis. The analysis was conducted using databases such as PubMed, Google Scholar, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases. Some plant metabolites and extracts ameliorate liver fibrosis by targeting multiple signaling pathways, including reducing inflammatory infiltration, oxidative stress, inhibiting alternate macrophage activation, suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation, and reducing worm egg load. Natural products improve liver fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis, but further research is needed to elucidate the effectiveness of natural products in treating liver fibrosis caused by schistosomiasis, as there is no reported data from clinical trials in the literature.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuiling Liu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - David Fisher
- Department of Medical Biosciences, Faculty of Natural Sciences, University of the Western Cape, Bellville, South Africa
| | - Khrystyna Pronyuk
- Infectious Diseases Department, O.Bogomolets National Medical University, Kyiv, Ukraine
| | - Erkin Musabaev
- The Research Institute of Virology, Ministry of Health, Tashkent, Uzbekistan
| | | | - Yiping Dang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
| | - Lei Zhao
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, China
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Mohammed AI, Fedoruk L, Fisher N, Liu AX, Khanna S, Naylor K, Gong Z, Celentano A, Alrashdan MS, Cirillo N. Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Agents in the Prevention of Chemoradiation-Induced Mucositis: A Review of Randomised Controlled Trials. Biomolecules 2024; 14:560. [PMID: 38785967 PMCID: PMC11117894 DOI: 10.3390/biom14050560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 05/01/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Mucositis is a pathological condition characterised by inflammation and ulceration of the mucous membranes lining the alimentary canal, particularly in the mouth (oral mucositis) and the gastrointestinal tract. It is a common side effect of cancer treatments, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, and it is sometimes responsible for treatment interruptions. Preventing mucositis throughout the alimentary tract is therefore crucial. However, current interventions mainly target either oral or gastrointestinal side effects. This review aimed to investigate the use of systemically administered anti-inflammatory agents to prevent mucositis in cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment. PubMed, Ovid, Scopus, Web of Science, WHO ICTRP and ClinicalTrials.gov were screened to identify eligible randomised controlled trials (RCTs). The published literature on anti-inflammatory agents provides mixed evidence regarding the degree of efficacy in preventing/reducing the severity of mucositis in most anticancer treatments; however, sample size continued to be a significant limitation, alongside others discussed. Our review yielded a list of several anti-inflammatory agents that exhibit potential mucositis-preventive effects in cancer patients undergoing cancer treatment, which can be used to inform clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ali I. Mohammed
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Lexi Fedoruk
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Nicholas Fisher
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Andy Xiaoqian Liu
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Samar Khanna
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Kaelan Naylor
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Ziyi Gong
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Antonio Celentano
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
| | - Mohammad S. Alrashdan
- Department of Oral and Craniofacial Health Sciences, College of Dental Medicine, University of Sharjah, Sharjah 27272, United Arab Emirates;
- Department of Oral Medicine and Oral Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid 22110, Jordan
| | - Nicola Cirillo
- Melbourne Dental School, Faculty of Medicine, Dentistry & Health Sciences, The University of Melbourne, Carlton, VIC 3053, Australia; (A.I.M.); (L.F.); (N.F.); (A.X.L.); (S.K.); (K.N.); (Z.G.); (A.C.)
- School of Dentistry, University of Jordan, Amman 11942, Jordan
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Vanzan DF, Goma EP, Locatelli FR, Honorio TDS, Furtado PDS, Rodrigues CR, de Sousa VP, Mata dos Santos HA, do Carmo FA, Simon A, Pyrrho ADS, Ribeiro AJ, Cabral LM. Evaluation of Silybin Nanoparticles against Liver Damage in Murine Schistosomiasis mansoni Infection. Pharmaceutics 2024; 16:618. [PMID: 38794280 PMCID: PMC11125168 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics16050618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2024] [Revised: 04/29/2024] [Accepted: 05/02/2024] [Indexed: 05/26/2024] Open
Abstract
Silybin (SIB) is a hepatoprotective drug known for its poor oral bioavailability, attributed to its classification as a class IV drug with significant metabolism during the first-pass effect. This study explored the potential of solid lipid nanoparticles with (SLN-SIB-U) or without (SLN-SIB) ursodeoxycholic acid and polymeric nanoparticles (PN-SIB) as delivery systems for SIB. The efficacy of these nanosystems was assessed through in vitro studies using the GRX and Caco-2 cell lines for permeability and proliferation assays, respectively, as well as in vivo experiments employing a murine model of Schistosomiasis mansoni infection in BALB/c mice. The mean diameter and encapsulation efficiency of the nanosystems were as follows: SLN-SIB (252.8 ± 4.4 nm, 90.28 ± 2.2%), SLN-SIB-U (252.9 ± 14.4 nm, 77.05 ± 2.8%), and PN-SIB (241.8 ± 4.1 nm, 98.0 ± 0.2%). In the proliferation assay with the GRX cell line, SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U exhibited inhibitory effects of 43.09 ± 5.74% and 38.78 ± 3.78%, respectively, compared to PN-SIB, which showed no inhibitory effect. Moreover, SLN-SIB-U demonstrated a greater apparent permeability coefficient (25.82 ± 2.2) than PN-SIB (20.76 ± 0.1), which was twice as high as that of SLN-SIB (11.32 ± 4.6) and pure SIB (11.28 ± 0.2). These findings suggest that solid lipid nanosystems hold promise for further in vivo investigations. In the murine model of acute-phase Schistosomiasis mansoni infection, both SLN-SIB and SLN-SIB-U displayed hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by lower alanine amino transferase values (22.89 ± 1.6 and 23.93 ± 2.4 U/L, respectively) than those in control groups I (29.55 ± 0.7 U/L) and I+SIB (34.29 ± 0.3 U/L). Among the prepared nanosystems, SLN-SIB-U emerges as a promising candidate for enhancing the pharmacokinetic properties of SIB.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel Figueiredo Vanzan
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Ester Puna Goma
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Fernanda Resende Locatelli
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Thiago da Silva Honorio
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Priscila de Souza Furtado
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Carlos Rangel Rodrigues
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Valeria Pereira de Sousa
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Hilton Antônio Mata dos Santos
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - Flávia Almada do Carmo
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alice Simon
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
| | - Alexandre dos Santos Pyrrho
- Department of Clinical and Toxicological Analysis, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil
| | - António José Ribeiro
- Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Coimbra, 3000-548 Coimbra, Portugal;
- Group Genetics of Cognitive Dysfunction, I3S-Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, Universidade do Porto, 4169-007 Porto, Portugal
| | - Lucio Mendes Cabral
- Department of Drugs and Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro 21941-902, Brazil; (D.F.V.); (F.A.d.C.)
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Mostafa DK, Eissa MM, Ghareeb DA, Abdulmalek S, Hewedy WA. Resveratrol protects against Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis by targeting the Sirt-1/NF-κB axis. Inflammopharmacology 2024; 32:763-775. [PMID: 38041753 PMCID: PMC10907480 DOI: 10.1007/s10787-023-01382-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic schistosomiasis is a prevalent form of chronic liver disease that drastically affects human health. Nevertheless, an antifibrotic drug that could suppress the development of hepatic fibrosis does not exist yet. The current study aimed to evaluate the effect of resveratrol, a natural polyphenol with multiple biological activities, on Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni)-induced hepatic fibrosis and delineate the underlying molecular mechanism. Swiss male albino mice were randomly assigned into infected and non-infected groups. Hepatic schistosomiasis infection was induced via exposure to S. mansoni cercariae. 6 weeks later, resveratrol was administrated either as 20 mg/kg/day or 100 mg/kg/day for 4 weeks to two infected groups. Another group received vehicle and served as infected control group. At the end of the study, portal hemodynamic, biochemical, and histopathological evaluation of liver tissues were conducted. Remarkably, resveratrol significantly reduced portal pressure, portal and mesenteric flow in a dose-dependent manner. It improved several key features of hepatic injury as evidenced biochemically by a significant reduction of bilirubin and liver enzymes, and histologically by amelioration of the granulomatous and inflammatory reactions. In line, resveratrol reduced the expression of pro-inflammatory markers; TNF-α, IL-1β and MCP-1 mRNA, together with fibrotic markers; collagen-1, TGF-β1 and α-SMA. Moreover, resveratrol restored SIRT1/NF-κB balance in hepatic tissues which is the main switch-off control for all the fibrotic and inflammatory mechanisms. Taken together, it can be inferred that resveratrol possesses a possible anti-fibrotic effect that can halt the progression of hepatic schistosomiasis via targeting SIRT1/ NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dalia Kamal Mostafa
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Al-Moassat Medical Campus, Elhadara, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt
| | - Maha M Eissa
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Doaa A Ghareeb
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Shaymaa Abdulmalek
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Alexandria University, Alexandria, Egypt
| | - Wafaa A Hewedy
- Clinical Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Alexandria University, Al-Moassat Medical Campus, Elhadara, Alexandria, 21561, Egypt.
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Sharaf-El-Deen S, Soliman S, Brakat R. Evaluation of the antiparasitic and antifibrotic effects of gallic acid on experimental hepatic schistosomiasis mansoni. J Helminthol 2024; 98:e3. [PMID: 38167243 DOI: 10.1017/s0022149x23000937] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/05/2024]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis afflicts approximately 120 million individuals globally. The hepatic pathology that occurs due to egg-induced granuloma and fibrosis is commonly attributed to this condition. However, there is currently no efficacious treatment available for either of these conditions.Our study aimed to investigate the potential antifibrotic and antiparasitic properties of different doses of gallic acid (GA) in experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. In addition, we investigated the outcomes of co-administering it with the standard anti-schistosomiasis treatment, praziquantel (PZQ).In experiment I, Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice were administered GA at doses of 10, 20, or 40 mg/kg. Their effectiveness was evaluated through parasitological (worm and egg loads, granuloma number and diameter), pathological (fibrosis percentage and H-score of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs)), and functional (liver enzymes) tests. In experiment II, we investigated the optimal dosage that yielded the best outcomes. This dosage was administered in conjunction with PZQ and was evaluated regarding the parasitological, pathological, functional, and immunological (fibrosis-regulating cytokines) activities.Our findings indicate that the administration of 40 mg/kg GA exhibited the highest level of effectiveness in experiment I. In experiment II, it exhibited lower antiparasitic efficacy in comparison to PZQ. However, it surpassed PZQ in other tests. It showed enhanced outcomes when combined with PZQ.In conclusion, our findings reveal that GA only slightly increased the antischistosomal activity of PZQ. However, it was linked to decreased fibrosis, particularly when administrated with PZQ. Our pilot study identifies GA as a natural antifibrotic agent, which could be administered with PZQ to mitigate the development of fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- S Sharaf-El-Deen
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - S Soliman
- Public Health and Community Medicine Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
| | - R Brakat
- Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Menoufia University, Shebin-el-kom, Menoufia, Egypt
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Dos Santos VHB, de Azevedo Ximenes ECP, de Souza RAF, da Silva RPC, da Conceição Silva M, de Andrade LVM, de Souza Oliveira VM, de Melo-Júnior MR, Costa VMA, de Barros Lorena VM, de Araújo HDA, de Lima Aires A, de Azevedo Albuquerque MCP. Effects of the probiotic Bacillus cereus GM on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni. Parasitol Res 2023; 123:72. [PMID: 38148420 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-023-08090-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 12/09/2023] [Indexed: 12/28/2023]
Abstract
Probiotics contribute to the integrity of the intestinal mucosa and preventing dysbiosis caused by opportunistic pathogens, such as intestinal helminths. Bacillus cereus GM obtained from Biovicerin® was cultured to obtain spores for in vivo evaluation on experimental schistosomiasis. The assay was performed for 90 days, where all animals were infected with 50 cercariae of Schistosoma mansoni on the 15th day. Three experimental groups were formed, as follows: G1-saline solution from the 1st until the 90th day; G2-B. cereus GM (105 spores in 300 μL of sterile saline) from the 1st until the 90th day; and G3-B. cereus GM 35th day (onset of oviposition) until the 90th day. G2 showed a significant reduction of 43.4% of total worms, 48.8% of female worms and 42.5% of eggs in the liver tissue. In G3, the reduction was 25.2%, 29.1%, and 44% of the total number of worms, female worms, and eggs in the liver tissue, respectively. G2 and G3 showed a 25% (p < 0.001) and 22% (p < 0.001) reduction in AST levels, respectively, but ALT levels did not change. ALP levels were reduced by 23% (p < 0.001) in the G2 group, but not in the G3. The average volume of granulomas reduced (p < 0.0001) 65.2% and 46.3% in the liver tissue and 83.0% and 53.2% in the intestine, respectively, in groups G2 and G3. Th1 profile cytokine (IFN-γ, TNF-α, and IL-6) and IL-17 were significantly increased (p < 0.001) stimulated with B. cereus GM in groups G2 and G3. IL-4 showed significant values when the stimulus was mediated by ConA. By modulating the immune response, B. cereus GM reduced the burden of worms, improved some markers of liver function, and reduced the granulomatous inflammatory reaction in mice infected with S. mansoni, especially when administered before infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor Hugo Barbosa Dos Santos
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Eulália Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Ximenes
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Antibióticos, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Renan Andrade Fernandes de Souza
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | | | | | - Valdenia Maria de Souza Oliveira
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Vlaudia Maria Assis Costa
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Departamento de Patologia, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | | | - Hallysson Douglas Andrade de Araújo
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Laboratório de Biotecnologia e Fármacos e Laboratório de Tecnologia de Biomateriais - Centro Acadêmico de Vitória de Santo Antão, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - André de Lima Aires
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil
| | - Mônica Camelo Pessoa de Azevedo Albuquerque
- Instituto Keizo Asami (iLIKA), Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
- Centro de Ciências Médicas, Área Acadêmica de Medicina Tropical, Universidade Federal de Pernambuco, Recife, PE, Brazil.
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Manhard CE, Lucke-Wold B. Commentary: Discussing the antidepressant potential of silymarin. World J Pharmacol 2023; 12:18-24. [DOI: 10.5497/wjp.v12.i3.18] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2023] [Revised: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/31/2023] [Indexed: 06/15/2023] Open
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of diet, dietary supplements, herbal remedies, and nutraceuticals for treatment of depression and anxiety is being increasingly explored. In this commentary, we discuss the recent findings on the antidepressant potential of silymarin (SILY) in mice and present an alternative approach. We highlight the extensive research on another phytochemical, curcumin, for the treatment of depression and anxiety. Finally, we suggest a future application, which investigates the potential synergistic effects of combined treatment with SILY and curcumin for depression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Claire E Manhard
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
| | - Brandon Lucke-Wold
- Department of Neurosurgery, University of Florida, Gainesville, FL 32608, United States
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Bayoumi AMA, Ismail MAM, Mahmoud SS, Soliman ASA, Mousa AMA, Yousof HASA. The potential curative and hepatoprotective effects of platelet rich plasma on liver fibrosis in Schistosoma mansoni experimentally infected mice. J Parasit Dis 2023; 47:349-362. [PMID: 37193508 PMCID: PMC10182195 DOI: 10.1007/s12639-023-01576-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/03/2023] [Indexed: 04/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Trapped Schistosoma mansoni eggs trigger fibrotic liver disease that can continue to liver cirrhosis and failure. This work evaluates the outcome of platelet rich plasma (PRP) on S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis by intraperitoneal (IP) and intrahepatic (IH) routes with/without Praziquantel (PZQ) treatment. Swiss albino mice (n = 162) were divided into non-infected (n = 66) and infected (n = 96) groups, then subdivided into non-treated and treated subgroups with PRP(IP), PRP(IH) 6th and 10th weeks post-infection, PZQ, PZQ + PRP(IP) and PZQ + PRP(IH) 6th and 10th weeks post-infection. Effects of treatments were evaluated by parasitological, histopathological and Immunohistochemical assessments. In the early assessment (12th week post-infection) of infected-treated groups, the mean granuloma number showed significant reduction in groups treated with PZQ + PRP (IH) 10th week, PRP (IP), PZQ + PRP (IP) and PZQ + PRP (IH) 6th week (33.33%, 33%, 27.77% and 27.22%, respectively). Furthermore, the mean granuloma diameter showed significant reduction in groups treated with PRP (IH) 10th week and PZQ + PRP (IP) (24.17% and 15.5%, respectively). Also, the fibrotic index showed significant reduction in groups treated with PZQ + PRP (IP), PRP (IP) and PZQ + PRP (IH) 6th week (48.18%, 46.81% and 41.36%, respectively). Transforming growth factor β1(TGF-β1) expression was in correlation with parasitological and histopathological results. Diminished TGF-β1 expression was mostly in infected groups treated with PZQ + PRP (IP), PZQ + PRP (IH) 6th week and PRP (IP) (88.63%, 88.63% and 77.27%, respectively). In the late assessment (14th week post-infection) of infected treated groups, TGF-β1expression was reduced in groups treated with PZQ, PRP (IH) 10th weeks, PRP (IP) (83.33%, 66.66%, 33.33% respectively). PRP showed promising anti-fibrotic effects on S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Angham M. A. Bayoumi
- Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Damietta University, Damietta, Egypt
| | - Mousa A. M. Ismail
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy St, Cairo, 11562 Egypt
| | - Soheir S. Mahmoud
- Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Amr M. A. Mousa
- Pathology Department, Faculty of Medicine, October 6 University, 6th of October City, Egypt
| | - Hebat-Allah S. A. Yousof
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University, Kasr Al-Ainy St, Cairo, 11562 Egypt
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Mukherjee AG, Valsala Gopalakrishnan A. The interplay of arsenic, silymarin, and NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity: A review. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2023; 252:114614. [PMID: 36753973 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2023.114614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/07/2022] [Revised: 02/02/2023] [Accepted: 02/03/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Arsenic toxicity is one of the most trending reasons for several malfunctions, particularly reproductive toxicity. The exact mechanism of arsenic poisoning is a big question mark. Exposure to arsenic reduces sperm count, impairs fertilization, and causes inflammation and genotoxicity through interfering with autophagy, epigenetics, ROS generation, downregulation of essential protein expression, metabolite changes, and hampering several signaling cascades, particularly by the alteration of NF-ĸB pathway. This work tries to give a clear idea about the different aspects of arsenic resulting in male reproductive complications, often leading to infertility. The first part of this article explains the implications of arsenic poisoning and the crosstalk of the NF-ĸB pathway in male reproductive toxicity. Silymarin is a bioactive compound that exerts anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory properties and has demonstrated hopeful outcomes in several cancers, including colon cancer, breast cancer, and skin cancer, by downregulating the hyperactive NF-ĸB pathway. The next half of this article thus sheds light on silymarin's therapeutic potential in inhibiting the NF-ĸB signaling cascade, thus offering protection against arsenic-induced male reproductive toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anirban Goutam Mukherjee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India
| | - Abilash Valsala Gopalakrishnan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Biosciences and Technology, Vellore Institute of Technology (VIT), Vellore 632014, India.
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10
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Luo S, Yang Y, Zhao T, Zhang R, Fang C, Li Y, Zhang Z, Gong T. Albumin-Based Silibinin Nanocrystals Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells for Liver Fibrosis Therapy. ACS APPLIED MATERIALS & INTERFACES 2023; 15:7747-7758. [PMID: 36719351 DOI: 10.1021/acsami.2c19269] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are critical during the development and progression of liver fibrosis. Once liver fibrosis occurs, aHSCs highly express secreted protein, acidic and rich in cysteine (SPARC), a typical albumin-binding protein. We designed a nano platform, silibinin albumin nanocrystals (SLB-HSA NCs), to target aHSCs for liver fibrosis therapy. The prepared SLB-HSA NCs showed uniform particle size distribution of approximately 60 nm with PDI < 0.15 and high loading efficiency up to 49.4%. Albumin coated on the surface of nanocrystals was demonstrated to increase cellular uptake by aHSCs through SPARC-mediated endocytosis. In addition, SLB-HSA NCs significantly improved the bioavailability compared with free SLB in pharmacokinetic study. Following tail-vein injection, SLB-HSA NCs were massively accumulated in the fibrotic liver and exhibited enhanced antifibrotic effects in hepatic fibrosis mice. Overall, our findings prove the great potential of SLB-HSA NCs in the targeted treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqin Luo
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Yuping Yang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Ting Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Rongping Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Changlong Fang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Yan Li
- Sichuan Institute for Drug Control NMPA Key Laboratory for Quality Control and Evaluation of Vaccines and Biological Products, Chengdu611731, China
| | - Zhirong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
| | - Tao Gong
- Key Laboratory of Drug-Targeting and Drug Delivery System of the Education Ministry and Sichuan Province, Sichuan Engineering Laboratory for Plant-Sourced Drug and Sichuan Research Center for Drug Precision Industrial Technology, West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu610041, China
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11
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Plants-based medicine implication in the evolution of chronic liver diseases. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 158:114207. [PMID: 36916432 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.114207] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Revised: 12/29/2022] [Accepted: 12/30/2022] [Indexed: 01/05/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic disorders are considered major health problems, due to their high incidence, increased risk of chronicling or death and the costs involved in therapies. A large number of patients with chronic liver diseases use herbal medicines and dietary supplements in parallel with allopathic treatment. The current review provides a thorough analysis of the studies conducted on the most important species of medicinal plants used in this disease, bioactive compounds and on the activity of herbal medicines in the evolution of chronic liver diseases. However, a negative aspect is that there is frequently a lack of comprehensive data on the progression of the illness and the living standards of patients who are affected when evaluating the effects of these phytocomponents on the evolution of chronic liver disease, the patients' health, and their quality of life. It is essential to take this impairment into account when evaluating the long-term effects of herbal treatments on the health of individuals who suffer from liver illness. Bioactive phytocomponents may be a suitable source for the development of novel medications due to the correlation between traditional uses and medical advances. Additional high-quality preclinical examinations utilizing cutting-edge approaches are needed to assess safety and effectiveness and to detect, categorize, and standardize the active substances and their formulations for the most suitable therapeutic management of liver illnesses.
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Saad El-Din MI, Gad EL-Hak HN, Ghobashy MA, Elrayess RA. Parasitological and histopathological studies to the effect of aqueous extract of Moringa oleifera Lam. leaves combined with praziquantel therapy in modulating the liver and spleen damage induced by Schistosoma mansoni to male mice. ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND POLLUTION RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2023; 30:15548-15560. [PMID: 36169837 PMCID: PMC9908685 DOI: 10.1007/s11356-022-23098-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/01/2022] [Accepted: 09/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
This study assessed the effectiveness of an aqueous extract of Moringa Oleifera Lam. leaves (MOL) alone or in combination with praziquantel (PZQ) drug targeting-infected mice with Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver and spleen damage. Mice were divided into eight groups control mice group treated orally with saline. PZQ group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ three consecutive days. MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. PZQ/ MOL group: non-infected mice treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF group: infected mice with 100 cercariae/mouse of the Egyptian strain of S. mansoni. IF/PZQ group infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae and treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days. IF/MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. IF/PZQ +MOL group: infected mice with S. mansoni cercariae treated orally with 300 mg/kg bwt PZQ for three consecutive days and 150 mg/kg bwt MOL extract for 15 days. Blood, liver, spleen, worm, and eggs were collected at the end of the experimental period. Treatment of infected mice with MOL and PZQ together significantly reduced the number of ova/g tissue and eliminated the parasites. In addition, the liver and spleen of infected mice showed less histopathological alteration and immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa β (NF-Kβ). We can conclude that MOL extract combined with PZ has a curative effect on S. mansoni infection and helped to lessen its pathological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Heba N. Gad EL-Hak
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Mahi A. Ghobashy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Ranwa A. Elrayess
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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The Role of Praziquantel in the Prevention and Treatment of Fibrosis Associated with Schistosomiasis: A Review. J Trop Med 2022; 2022:1413711. [PMID: 36313856 PMCID: PMC9616668 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1413711] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/15/2022] [Revised: 10/05/2022] [Accepted: 10/12/2022] [Indexed: 01/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains a major global public health concern. Currently, the control of this neglected tropical disease still depends on chemotherapy to reduce the prevalence and intensity of the parasite infection. It has been widely accepted that praziquantel is highly effective against all species of Schistosoma, and this agent is virtually the only drug of choice for the treatment of human schistosomiasis. Mass drug administration (MDA) with praziquantel has been shown to be effective in greatly reducing the prevalence and morbidity due to schistosomiasis worldwide. In addition to antischistosomal activity, a large number of experiential and clinical evidence has demonstrated the action of praziquantel against fibrosis caused by S. mansoni and S. japonicum infections through decreasing the expression of fibrotic biomarkers such as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP), and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP), and inhibiting the expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as interleukin (IL)-6, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β, as well as chemokines, and similar antifibrotic activity was observed in mouse models of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and concanavalin A (Con-A). In this review, we discuss the role of praziquantel in the prevention and treatment of fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis and the possible mechanisms. We call for randomized, controlled clinical trials to evaluate the efficacy and safety of praziquantel in the treatment of schistosomiasis-induced hepatic fibrosis, and further studies to investigate the potential of praziquantel against fibrosis associated with alcohol consumption, viruses, and toxins seem justified.
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Feng Y, Li Y, Xu M, Meng H, Dai C, Yao Z, Lin N. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells inhibit hepatic fibrosis via the AABR07028795.2/rno-miR-667-5p axis. Stem Cell Res Ther 2022; 13:375. [PMID: 35902883 PMCID: PMC9331515 DOI: 10.1186/s13287-022-03069-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/03/2022] Open
Abstract
Background The mechanism of bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) in treating hepatic fibrosis remains unclear. Methods TGF-β1-induced hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-T6 and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis rats were treated with BMSCs. HSC-T6 cell activity was determined using the cell counting kit-8 assay, and the histology change was evaluated using hematoxylin and eosin and Masson staining. The expression of fibrosis markers was determined using real-time quantitative PCR, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) was used to screen the lncRNAs involved in the effect of BMSCs in fibrosis, and the function of fibrosis-associated lncRNA in fibrosis histology change and fibrosis marker expression was investigated. The potential miRNA target of lncRNA was predicted using R software. The interaction between lncRNA and miRNA was verified using luciferase report system and RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP) in 293T and HSC-T6 cells. Results BMSC attenuated TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 activation and suppressed the expression of fibrosis-associated gene (MMP2, Collagen I, and αSMA) expression at the transcription and translation levels. BMSC treatment also improves hepatic fibrosis in rats with CCl4-induced fibrosis by decreasing the expression of fibrosis-associated genes and suppressing collagen deposition in the liver. RNA-seq revealed that AABR07028795.2 (lnc-BIHAA1) was downregulated in the TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6 after treatment with BMSCs as compared with those in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6, and subsequently, functional analysis showed that lnc-BIHAA1 plays a beneficial role in suppressing hepatic fibrosis. Luciferase activity assay and RIP revealed that lnc-BIHAA1 interacted with the miRNA, rno-miR-667-5p, functioning as a fibrosis phenotype suppressor in TGF-β1-induced HSC-T6. Moreover, overexpression of rno-miR-667-5p significantly reverses the effect of lnc-BIHAA1 on HSC-T6. Conclusions BMSC treatment suppresses hepatic fibrosis by downregulating the lnc-BIHAA1/rno-miR-667-5p signaling pathway in HSCs. Our results provide a scientific basis for establishing BMSCs as a biological treatment method for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Feng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Yanjie Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Mingxing Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Hongyu Meng
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Cao Dai
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhicheng Yao
- Department of General Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
| | - Nan Lin
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, No. 600, Tianhe Road, Tianhe District, Guangzhou, 510630, Guangdong, China.
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Elmalawany AM, Osman GY, Elashwal MAS, Mohamed AH. Protective role of Balanities aegyptiaca fruit aqueous extract in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Exp Parasitol 2022; 239:108290. [PMID: 35779646 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2022.108290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2021] [Revised: 05/24/2022] [Accepted: 05/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
the target of this research was to investigate the effect of Balanities aegyptiaca fruit aqueous extract (200 mg/kg BW), alone or in combination with Praziquantel PZQ (300 mg/kg BW) on some biochemical, parasitological, liver histopathology and immunohistochemical parameters in mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Results showed that treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca alone or in combination with PZQ significantly reduced the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as compared to that of the S. mansoni-infected mice group. Treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca or PZQ and their combination led to a significant reduction in the activity of malondialdehyde (MDA) as compared with the infected control group. While a significant elevation was observed in the activities of antioxidant enzymes glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and nitric oxide (NO) compared with the infected. Results revealed that the diameter and number of egg granuloma were significantly condensed after treatment of S. mansoni-infected mice with B. aegyptiaca, PZQ or their combination in hepatic and intestinal tissue. The histopathological alterations observed in the liver of S. mansoni-infected mice were remarkably recovered after B. aegyptiaca treatments. The reduction in angiogenesis was mostly observed in the group receiving the combination of B. aegyptiaca and PZQ. The alterations in vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) expression were significantly less in the liver sinusoids. Overall, B. aegyptiaca significantly inhibited the liver and intestinal damage accompanied by schistosomiasis. It demonstrated potent antioxidant and immunoprotective activities. This study advises that B. aegyptiaca can be considered promising for the development of a complementary and/or alternative against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Alshimaa M Elmalawany
- Clinical Pathology Department, National Liver Institute, Menoufia University, Egypt.
| | - Gamalat Y Osman
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
| | | | - Azza H Mohamed
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Menoufia University, Egypt
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Expression of microRNA-223 and microRNA-146b in serum and liver tissue of mice infected with Schistosoma mansoni. Parasitol Res 2022; 121:1963-1972. [PMID: 35576078 PMCID: PMC9192441 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-022-07542-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2022] [Accepted: 05/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
MicroRNAs (miRNAs) play regulatory roles in several diseases. In schistosomiasis, the main pathological changes are caused by the granulomatous reaction induced by egg deposition. We aimed to study the changes in host miRNA-223 and miRNA-146b expression in relation to egg deposition and development of hepatic pathology in murine schistosomiasis mansoni. Blood and liver tissue samples were collected from non-infected mice (group I), S. mansoni–infected mice at the 4th, 8th, and 12th weeks post-infection (p.i.) (groups II–IV), and 4 weeks after praziquantel treatment (group V). The collected samples were processed for RNA extraction, reverse transcription, and real-time PCR analysis of miRNA-223 and miRNA-146b. miRNAs’ relative expression was estimated by the ΔΔCt method. Liver tissue samples were examined for egg count estimation and histopathological evaluation. Results revealed that miRNA-223 was significantly downregulated in liver tissues 8 and 12 weeks p.i., whereas miRNA-146b expression increased gradually with the progression of infection with a significantly higher level at week 12 p.i. compared to week 4 p.i. Serum expression levels nearly followed the same pattern as the tissue levels. The dysregulated expression of miRNAs correlated with liver egg counts and was more obvious with the demonstration of chronic granulomas, fibrous transformation, and distorted hepatic architecture 12 weeks p.i. Restoration of normal expression levels was observed 4 weeks after treatment. Collectively, these findings provide new insights for in-depth understanding of host-parasite interaction in schistosomiasis and pave a new way for monitoring the progress of hepatic pathology before and after treatment.
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Sheta NM, Boshra SA, Mamdouh MA, Abdel-Haleem KM. Design and optimization of silymarin loaded in lyophilized fast melt tablets to attenuate lung toxicity induced via HgCl 2 in rats. Drug Deliv 2022; 29:1299-1311. [PMID: 35470762 PMCID: PMC9045763 DOI: 10.1080/10717544.2022.2068696] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study aimed to develop fast melting tablets (FMTs) using silymarin (SM) owing to FMTs rapid disintegration and dissolution. FMTs represent a pathway to help patients to increase their compliance level of treatment via facile administration without water or chewing beside reduction cost. One of the methods for FMTs formulation is lyophilization. Optimization of SM-FMTs was developed via a 32 factorial design. All prepared SM-FMTs were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, breaking force, friability, content uniformity, disintegration time (DT), and % SM released. The optimized FMT formula was selected based on the criteria of scoring the fastest DT and highest % SM released after 10 min (Q10). Optimized FMT was subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) besides investigating its lung-protective efficacy. All SM-FMT tablets showed acceptable properties within the pharmacopeial standards. Optimized FMT (F7) scored a DT of 12.5 ± 0.64 Sec and % SM released at Q10 of 82.69 ± 2.88%. No incompatibilities were found between SM and excipients, it showed a porous structure under SEM. The optimized formula decreased cytokines, up-regulated miRNA133a, and down-regulated miRNA-155 and COX-2 involved in the protection against lung toxicity prompted by HgCl2 in a manner comparable to free SM at the same dosage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nermin M Sheta
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Sylvia A Boshra
- Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A Mamdouh
- Pharmaceutics Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University, Giza, Egypt
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El-Tantawy WH, Temraz A. Anti-fibrotic activity of natural products, herbal extracts and nutritional components for prevention of liver fibrosis: review. Arch Physiol Biochem 2022; 128:382-393. [PMID: 31711319 DOI: 10.1080/13813455.2019.1684952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a grave problem worldwide, and the development of this condition is the first step towards cirrhosis. In fact, when lesions of different aetiologies chronically affect the liver, it triggers fibrogenesis, the resulting damage and the progression of fibrosis cause serious clinical influences including severe complications, expensive treatments, and death in end-stage liver disease. Although impressive progress has been reported in understanding the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, no effective agent has been developed to prevent or reverse the fibrotic process directly. This article reviews natural products, herbal medicines and nutritional components that exhibited an anti-fibrotic activity through different mechanisms of action, including suppressing of cytokine production, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells "HSCs" propagation, modulation of the molecular mechanisms leading to hepatic fibrosis, free radical scavenging and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Abeer Temraz
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy For Girls, Al-Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt
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Omar ZMM, Ahmed AAN, El-Bakry MH, Ahmed MA, Hasan A. Metformin versus Silymarin as Hepatoprotective Agents in Mice Fibrotic Model Caused by Carbon Tetrachloride. ANNALES PHARMACEUTIQUES FRANÇAISES 2022; 80:659-668. [PMID: 35093389 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharma.2022.01.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/31/2021] [Revised: 12/11/2021] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES To study metformin hepatoprotective effects compared to silymarin on hepatic fibrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice. MATERIAL AND METHODS liver fibrosis in mice was achieved by intraperitoneal injection of 2 ml/kg of CCl4 dilution in olive oil [1:9 (v/v)] twice a week for 7 weeks followed by oral treatment with metformin (250 mg/kg/day) or silymarin (100 mg/kg/day) (a standard hepatoprotective drug). The changes that follow liver fibrosis were assessed by measurement of hepatic enzymes (ALT, AST and ALP), histopathological examination using hematoxylin and eosin stain, special stains, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) immunostaining, measuring oxidative stress markers (MDA, GSH, NOx and MnSOD) and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in liver. RESULTS liver fibrosis was obviously developed in mice after intraperitoneal injection with CCl4 for 7 weeks. Both silymarin and metformin treatment exhibited a significant decrease in the fibrotic changes and similarly an increase in endogenous antioxidants. Interestingly there is a significant difference between silymarin and metformin regarding both efficacy and potency. CONCLUSION These findings highlight the anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antifibrotic effects of metformin in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice, but silymarin is more beneficial.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mohammed Ahmed Ahmed
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al- Azhar University, Assiut, Egypt
| | - Abdulkarim Hasan
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Al- Azhar University, Cairo, Egypt.
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Koltai T, Fliegel L. Role of Silymarin in Cancer Treatment: Facts, Hypotheses, and Questions. J Evid Based Integr Med 2022; 27:2515690X211068826. [PMID: 35018864 PMCID: PMC8814827 DOI: 10.1177/2515690x211068826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The flavonoid silymarin extracted from the seeds of Sylibum marianum is a mixture of 6 flavolignan isomers. The 3 more important isomers are silybin (or silibinin), silydianin, and silychristin. Silybin is functionally the most active of these compounds. This group of flavonoids has been extensively studied and they have been used as hepato-protective substances for the mushroom Amanita phalloides intoxication and mainly chronic liver diseases such as alcoholic cirrhosis and nonalcoholic fatty liver. Hepatitis C progression is not, or slightly, modified by silymarin. Recently, it has also been proposed for SARS COVID-19 infection therapy. The biochemical and molecular mechanisms of action of these substances in cancer are subjects of ongoing research. Paradoxically, many of its identified actions such as antioxidant, promoter of ribosomal synthesis, and mitochondrial membrane stabilization, may seem protumoral at first sight, however, silymarin compounds have clear anticancer effects. Some of them are: decreasing migration through multiple targeting, decreasing hypoxia inducible factor-1α expression, inducing apoptosis in some malignant cells, and inhibiting promitotic signaling among others. Interestingly, the antitumoral activity of silymarin compounds is limited to malignant cells while the nonmalignant cells seem not to be affected. Furthermore, there is a long history of silymarin use in human diseases without toxicity after prolonged administration. The ample distribution and easy accessibility to milk thistle-the source of silymarin compounds, its over the counter availability, the fact that it is a weed, some controversial issues regarding bioavailability, and being a nutraceutical rather than a drug, has somehow led medical professionals to view its anticancer effects with skepticism. This is a fundamental reason why it never achieved bedside status in cancer treatment. However, in spite of all the antitumoral effects, silymarin actually has dual effects and in some cases such as pancreatic cancer it can promote stemness. This review deals with recent investigations to elucidate the molecular actions of this flavonoid in cancer, and to consider the possibility of repurposing it. Particular attention is dedicated to silymarin's dual role in cancer and to some controversies of its real effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomas Koltai
- Hospital del Centro Gallego de Buenos Aires, Buenos Aires, Argentina
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El Gizawy HA, Boshra SA, Mostafa A, Mahmoud SH, Ismail MI, Alsfouk AA, Taher AT, Al-Karmalawy AA. Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. Bioactive Constituents Exert Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Molecular Docking and Dynamics, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies. Molecules 2021; 26:5844. [PMID: 34641388 PMCID: PMC8510437 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195844] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2021] [Revised: 09/19/2021] [Accepted: 09/20/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and life-threatening complication associated with the infection. Therefore, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents can be key to the management of patients with COVID-19. Four bioactive compounds, namely ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were isolated from the leaves of Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (ethyl acetate extract) and identified using spectroscopic evidence. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed for the isolated and identified compounds (1-4) against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a proposed mechanism of action. Furthermore, all compounds were tested for their half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Additionally, lung toxicity was induced in rats by mercuric chloride and the effects of treatment with P. dioca aqueous extract, ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were recorded through measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, G-CSF, and genetic expression of miRNA 21-3P and miRNA-155 levels to assess their anti-inflammatory effects essential for COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 showed remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with IC50 values of 31 µg/mL, 108 μg/mL, and 360 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were found to be better in ferulic acid 1 and rutin 2 treatments. Our results could be promising for more advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially on rutin 2 either alone or in combination with other isolates for COVID-19 management.
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Affiliation(s)
- Heba A El Gizawy
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University (O6U), October 6 City, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | - Sylvia A Boshra
- Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University (O6U), October 6 City, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | - Ahmed Mostafa
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Sara H Mahmoud
- Center of Scientific Excellence for Influenza Viruses, National Research Centre (NRC), Dokki, Giza 12622, Egypt
| | - Muhammad I Ismail
- Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, The British University in Egypt, Al-Sherouk City, Cairo-Suez Desert Road, Cairo 11837, Egypt
| | - Aisha A Alsfouk
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Princess Nourah bint Abdulrahman University, Riyadh 84428, Saudi Arabia
| | - Azza T Taher
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo 11562, Egypt
- Department of Pharmaceutical Organic Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, October 6 University (O6U), October 6 City, Giza 12585, Egypt
| | - Ahmed A Al-Karmalawy
- Department of Pharmaceutical Medicinal Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Horus University-Egypt, New Damietta 34518, Egypt
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22
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El-Garhy HAS, Sherif HSA, Soliman SM, Haredy SA, Bonfill M. Effect of gamma rays and colchicine on silymarin production in cell suspension cultures of Silybum marianum: A transcriptomic study of key genes involved in the biosynthetic pathway. Gene 2021; 790:145700. [PMID: 33964378 DOI: 10.1016/j.gene.2021.145700] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2020] [Revised: 04/08/2021] [Accepted: 04/30/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to investigate secondary metabolite production in Silybum marianum L. cell suspension cultures obtained from seeds treated with gamma rays (200 and 600 Gy) and 0.05% colchicine. The effects of these treatments on callus induction, growth, viability, and silymarin production were studied, along with the changes in the transcriptome and DNA sequence of chalcone synthase (CHS) genes. The effect of gamma radiation (200 and 600 Gy) on silymarin production in S. marianum dry seeds was also studied using HPLC-UV. All three treatments induced high callus biomass production from leaf segments. The viability of the cell suspension cultures was over 90%. The flavonolignan content measured in the extracellular culture medium of the S. marianum cell suspension was highest after treatment with 600 Gy, followed by 0.05% colchicine, and finally, 200 Gy, after a growth period of 12 days. In general, an increased expression of CHS1, CHS2, and CHS3 genes, accompanied by an increase of silymarin content, was observed in response to all the studied treatments, although the effect was greatest on CHS2 expression. Bioinformatics analysis confirmed that the three CHS2 clones exhibited the highest genetic variation, both in relation to each other and to the CHS1 and CHS3 clones. Based on the results, S. marianum plants obtained from seeds previously exposed to 600 and 200 Gy as well as colchicine constitute a renewable resource with the potential to obtain large amounts of silymarin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hoda A S El-Garhy
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt.
| | - Hassan S A Sherif
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Sara M Soliman
- Genetics Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Qalyubia, Egypt
| | - Shimaa A Haredy
- Physiology Department, National Organization for Drug Control and Research (NODCAR), Giza 12553, Egypt
| | - Mercedes Bonfill
- Department of Biology, Health, and Environment, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Barcelona, Barcelona, Spain
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23
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Ramez AM, Elmahallawy EK, Elshopakey GE, Saleh AA, Moustafa SM, Al-Brakati A, Abdo W, El-Shewehy DMM. Hepatosplenic Protective Actions of Spirulina platensis and Matcha Green Tea Against Schistosoma mansoni Infection in Mice via Antioxidative and Anti-inflammatory Mechanisms. Front Vet Sci 2021; 8:650531. [PMID: 33996977 PMCID: PMC8119902 DOI: 10.3389/fvets.2021.650531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis, a major parasitic illness, has high morbidity and negative financial effects in subtropical and tropical countries, including Egypt. The present study investigated the therapeutic effects of Spirulina platensis (SP) and matcha green tea (MGT) in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice combined with tracing their possible antioxidant and anti-inflammatory impacts and their protective potency. A total of 60 Swiss albino mice were randomly allocated into six groups (n = 10): control group (CNT, received normal saline); SP–MGT group [received oral SP (3 g/kg bodyweight/day) plus MGT (3 g/kg bodyweight/day)]; S. mansoni group (infected with S. mansoni cercariae, 100 ± 10/mouse, using the tail immersion method); SP-infected group (infected with S. mansoni and received oral SP); MGT-infected group (received oral MGT after S. mansoni infection); and SP–MGT-infected group (received combined treatment of SP and MGT after S. mansoni infection). Treatment with SP and MGT started 4 weeks after S. mansoni infection and ended 10 weeks after. SP and MGT treatment (SP-infected and MGT-infected groups) and the combined treatment (SP–MGT-infected group) minimized the hepatic damage induced by S. mansoni; circulating alanine aminotransferase and aspartate transaminase decreased, and total protein, albumin, and globulin serum levels increased. The serum level of malondialdehyde significantly declined, and catalase, glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and total antioxidant capacity increased in SP-infected, MGT-infected, and SP–MGT-infected groups compared with the infected group. Co-administration of SP and MGT reduced serum cytokine levels (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, interferon-gamma, and interleukin-13) and increased interleukin-10 levels after S. mansoni infection compared with the infected group. Moreover, treatment with SP and/or MGT decreased the number of granulomas in hepatic and splenic tissues compared with the infected group. Collectively, our results suggest that combined SP and MGT treatment is effective for S. mansoni infection. Liver and spleen tissue alterations were improved, the antioxidant systems were stimulated, and the inflammatory response was suppressed. Further research is recommended to investigate the mechanisms of the combined SP and MGT treatment effects to facilitate the development of novel therapies against this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amany M Ramez
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag, Egypt
| | - Gehad E Elshopakey
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Amira A Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt
| | - Samar M Moustafa
- Department of Zoonses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Ashraf Al-Brakati
- Department of Human Anatomy, College of Medicine, Taif University, Taif, Saudi Arabia
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr El-Sheikh, Egypt.,Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
| | - Dina M M El-Shewehy
- Zoology Department, Faculty of Science, Mansoura University, Mansoura, Egypt
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24
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Kim SH, Choo GS, Yoo ES, Woo JS, Lee JH, Han SH, Jung SH, Kim HJ, Jung JY. Silymarin inhibits proliferation of human breast cancer cells via regulation of the MAPK signaling pathway and induction of apoptosis. Oncol Lett 2021; 21:492. [PMID: 33968208 PMCID: PMC8100955 DOI: 10.3892/ol.2021.12753] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/19/2019] [Accepted: 02/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Silymarin is a purified mixture of four isomeric flavonoids extracted from the seeds and fruit of the milk thistle plant, Silybum marianus (L.). Silymarin exhibits a wide variety of biological effects and is commonly used in traditional medicine. Therefore, the anticancer effects of silymarin on human breast cancer cells were investigated to determine its pharmacological mechanisms in vitro and in vivo. The viability and proliferation of MDA-MB- 231 and MCF-7 breast cancer cells were investigated using MTT and wound healing assays. Silymarin decreased the viability and proliferation of MDA-MB-231 and MCF-7 cells in a concentration-dependent manner. The number of apoptotic bodies, as shown by DAPI staining, was increased in a concentration-dependent manner, indicating that silymarin induces apoptosis. Additionally, changes in the expression levels of apoptosis-related proteins were demonstrated in human breast cancer cells using western blotting. Silymarin increased the levels of Bax, cleaved poly-ADP ribose polymerase, cleaved caspase-9 and phosphorylated (p-)JNK, and decreased the levels of Bcl-2, p-P38 and p-ERK1/2. Furthermore, the inhibitory effects of silymarin on MCF-7 tumor growth were investigated. In mice treated with silymarin for 3 weeks (25 and 50 mg/kg), MCF-7 tumor growth was inhibited without organ toxicity. In MCF-7 tumors, silymarin induced apoptosis and decreased p-ERK1/2 levels, as assessed using a TUNEL assay and immunohistochemistry. These results indicated that silymarin inhibited breast cancer cell proliferation both in vitro and in vivo by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Therefore, silymarin may potentially be used as a chemo-preventive or therapeutic agent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sung-Hyun Kim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Gang-Sik Choo
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun-Seon Yoo
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Joong-Seok Woo
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Han Lee
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Hee Han
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Soo-Hyun Jung
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyeong-Jin Kim
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
| | - Ji-Youn Jung
- Department of Companion and Laboratory Animal Science, Kongju National University, Yesan, Chungcheongnam 340-702, Republic of Korea
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25
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Antiparasitic Effects of Selected Isoflavones on Flatworms. Helminthologia 2021; 58:1-16. [PMID: 33664614 PMCID: PMC7912234 DOI: 10.2478/helm-2021-0004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 01/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Medicinal plants have been successfully used in the ethno medicine for a wide range of diseases since ancient times. The research on natural products has allowed the discovery of biologically relevant compounds inspired by plant secondary metabolites, what contributed to the development of many chemotherapeutic drugs. Flavonoids represent a group of therapeutically very effective plant secondary metabolites and selected molecules were shown to exert also antiparasitic activity. This work summarizes the recent knowledge generated within past three decades about potential parasitocidal activities of several flavonoids with different chemical structures, particularly on medically important flatworms such as Schistosoma spp., Fasciola spp., Echinococcus spp., Raillietina spp., and model cestode Mesocestoides vogae. Here we focus on curcumin, genistein, quercetin and silymarin complex of flavonolignans. All of them possess a whole spectrum of biological activities on eukaryotic cells which have multi-therapeutic effects in various diseases. In vitro they can induce profound alterations in the tegumental architecture and its functions as well as their activity can significantly modulate or damage worm´s metabolism directly by interaction with enzymes or signaling molecules in dose-dependent manner. Moreover, they seem to differentially regulate the RNA activity in numbers of worm´s genes. This review suggests that examined flavonoids and their derivates are promising molecules for antiparasitic drug research. Due to lack of toxicity, isoflavons could be used directly for therapy, or as adjuvant therapy for diseases caused by medically important cestodes and trematodes.
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26
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Poulos JE, Kalogerinis PT, Milanov V, Kalogerinis CT, Poulos EJ. The Effects of Vitamin E, Silymarin and Carnitine on the Metabolic Abnormalities Associated with Nonalcoholic Liver Disease. J Diet Suppl 2021; 19:287-302. [PMID: 33491528 DOI: 10.1080/19390211.2021.1874587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The obesity epidemic has resulted in an increase in the incidence of metabolic syndrome, and liver disease. Studies indicate that antioxidant supplementation may improve abnormal liver chemistries, glucose control, and hyperlipidemia, in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The primary objective of the study was to determine the normalization of abnormalities in hepatic function testing in patients with NAFLD when treated with vitamin E 200 IU, Silymarin 750 mg, and l-carnitine 1 gram (VSC) for 18 weeks in comparison to a placebo-controlled group. Secondary objectives were to evaluate changes in blood glucose level, insulin, total cholesterol, triglycerides, high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoproteins (LDL), C-reactive protein (CRP), hemoglobin A1C (HgA1c), and homeostatic models assessment (HOMA) in patients treated with VSC vs placebo. Findings showed that VSC caused a significant reduction in serum glucose, insulin, and HOMA levels. While there were downtrends in the other measured values these were not statistically significant. In this 18-week study, the ability of this supplement in reducing markers of liver inflammation, glucose, insulin, and triglycerides indicate that this supplement could play an important role in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome.
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Affiliation(s)
- John E Poulos
- Fayetteville Gastroenterology Associates, Fayetteville, NC, USA.,Cumberland Research Associates, Fayetteville, NC, USA
| | - Peter T Kalogerinis
- Cumberland Research Associates, Fayetteville, NC, USA.,Doctor of Medical Science Program, University of Lynchburg, Lynchburg, VA, USA
| | - Valentin Milanov
- Department of Mathematics, Fayetteville State University, Fayetteville, NC, USA
| | - Constantine T Kalogerinis
- Cumberland Research Associates, Fayetteville, NC, USA.,High Point University School of Pharmacy, High Point, NC, USA
| | - Emanuel J Poulos
- Cumberland Research Associates, Fayetteville, NC, USA.,Samford University, Birmingham, AL, USA
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27
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A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7171498. [PMID: 33082829 PMCID: PMC7556091 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.
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28
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Li X, Shao S, Li H, Bi Z, Zhang S, Wei Y, Bai J, Zhang R, Ma X, Ma B, Zhang L, Xie C, Ning W, Zhou H, Yang C. Byakangelicin protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. J Cell Mol Med 2020; 24:8623-8635. [PMID: 32643868 PMCID: PMC7412405 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.15493] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2020] [Revised: 05/14/2020] [Accepted: 05/24/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a disease caused by long-term damage that is related to a number of factors. The current research on the treatment of liver fibrosis mainly focuses on the activation of hepatic stellate cell, in addition to protecting liver cells. byakangelicin has certain anti-inflammatory ability, but its effect on liver fibrosis is unclear. This study aims to explore whether byakangelicin plays a role in the development of liver fibrosis and to explore its mechanism. We determined that byakangelicin has a certain ability to resist fibrosis and reduce liver cell damage in a model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Thereafter, we performed further verification in vitro. The signalling pathways of two important pro-fibrotic cytokines, transforming growth factor-β and platelet-derived growth factor, were studied. Results showed that byakangelicin can inhibit related pathways. According to the hepatoprotective effect of byakangelicin observed in animal experiments, we studied the effect of byakangelicin on 4-HNE-induced hepatocyte (HepG2) apoptosis and explored its related pathways. The results showed that byakangelicin could attenuate 4-HNE-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via inhibiting ASK-1/JNK signalling. In conclusion, byakangelicin could improve carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and liver injury by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell proliferation and activation and suppressing hepatocyte apoptosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohe Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Shuaibo Shao
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Hailong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Zhun Bi
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Shanshan Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiying Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Jiakun Bai
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ruotong Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Xiaoyang Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Bowei Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Liang Zhang
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Tian Jin First Central Hospital, Tianjin, China
| | - Chunfeng Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Wen Ning
- College of Life Sciences, Nankai University, Tianjin, China
| | - Honggang Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Cheng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Medicinal Chemical Biology, College of Pharmacy and Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Nankai University, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin Key Laboratory of Molecular Drug Research, Tianjin International Joint Academy of Biomedicine, Tianjin, China
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29
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Nono JK, Fu K, Mpotje T, Varrone G, Aziz NA, Mosala P, Hlaka L, Kamdem SD, Xu D, Spangenberg T, Brombacher F. Investigating the antifibrotic effect of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel in in vitro and in vivo preclinical models. Sci Rep 2020; 10:10638. [PMID: 32606340 PMCID: PMC7327036 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-020-67514-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2019] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Tissue fibrosis underlies the majority of human mortality to date with close to half of all reported deaths having a fibrotic etiology. The progression of fibrosis is very complex and reputed irreversible once established. Although some preventive options are being reported, therapeutic options are still scarce and in very high demand, given the rise of diseases linked to fibroproliferative disorders. Our work explored four platforms, complementarily, in order to screen preventive and therapeutic potentials of the antiparasitic drug Praziquantel as a possible antifibrotic. We applied the mouse CCl4-driven liver fibrosis model, the mouse chronic schistosomiasis liver fibrosis model, as well as novel 2D and 3D human cell-based co-culture of human hepatocytes, KCs (Kupffer cells), LECs (Liver Endothelial Cells), HSCs (Hepatic Stellate Cells) and/or myofibroblasts to mimic in vivo fibrotic responses and dynamics. Praziquantel showed some effect on fibrosis marker when preventively administered before severe establishment of fibrosis. However, it failed to potently reverse already established fibrosis. Together, we provided a novel sophisticated multi-assay screening platform to test preventive and therapeutic antifibrotic candidates. We further demonstrated a direct preventive potential of Praziquantel against the onset of fibrosis and the confirmation of its lack of therapeutic potential in reversing already established fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Justin Komguep Nono
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,The Medical Research Centre, Institute of Medical Research and Medicinal Plant Studies, Ministry of Scientific Research and Innovation, Yaoundé, Cameroon
| | - Kai Fu
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thabo Mpotje
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Georgianna Varrone
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Nada Abdel Aziz
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,Chemistry Department, Faculty of Science, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Paballo Mosala
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Lerato Hlaka
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Severin Donald Kamdem
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa
| | - Daigen Xu
- Translational Innovation Platform Immunology, EMD Serono Research and Development Institute, Inc., 45A Middlesex Turnpike, Billerica, MA, 01821, USA.,The Center for Infectious Disease Research, Seattle, WA, 98109, USA
| | - Thomas Spangenberg
- Global Health Institute of Merck, Ares Trading S.A. a subsidiary of Merck KGaA Darmstadt Germany, Eysins, Switzerland.
| | - Frank Brombacher
- Division of Immunology and South African Medical Research Council (SAMRC) Immunology of Infectious Diseases, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa. .,International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB), Cape Town Component, Cape Town, 7925, South Africa.
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Can Early Diagnosis of Varices, Regular Praziquantel, and Reduction of Hepatitis Coinfection Reduce Mortality among Patients Attended for Periportal Fibrosis in Northwestern Tanzania? A Case-Control Study. J Parasitol Res 2020; 2020:5484315. [PMID: 32231794 PMCID: PMC7094192 DOI: 10.1155/2020/5484315] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2019] [Accepted: 02/28/2020] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Schistosoma mansoni is highly endemic in the Lake Zone part of Tanzania and most people are chronically infected. Periportal fibrosis (PPF) is the commonest complication of chronic S. mansoni infection documented in up to 42% of studied participants in the community-based studies. These patients are at high risk of mortality since most of them are diagnosed late with bleeding varices. At Bugando, Schistosoma-related varices contributed to 70% of patients admitted due to vomiting blood with a two months' mortality of over 10%. Earlier studies had reported higher mortality of up to 29% among patients with PPF even with the best in-hospital care. Understanding factors that increased the risk of mortality is important clinically in devising ways that can improve the outcome of this subgroup of patients. Methods A retrospective analysis of patients with PPF from 2015 through 2018 was done. Their sociodemographic, clinical, laboratory, ultrasonographic, endoscopic, and survival status data were collected for analysis. STATA 13 was used for analysis, the prevalence of varices, active schistosomiasis, and hepatitis B coinfection was determined. Cumulative mortality as a major outcome was also determined, and factors associated with increased risk of mortality were assessed by a logistic regression model. Results In total, 250 participants were included in this analysis. Majority, 222 (88.8%; 95% CI: 84.2-92.4) had active S. mansoni infection, and 40 (16.0%; 95% CI: 11.6-21.1) had S. mansoni-HBV coinfection. Cumulatively, 39 (15.6%; 95% CI: 11.3-20.7) patients died, with most deaths, 31 (79.5%; 95% CI: 63.5-90.7) occurring within two years following the diagnosis of PPF (chi2 = 6.3; p = 0.012). The odds of mortality were independently associated with fishing (OR: 10.8; 95% CI: 2.2-52; p = 0.003), upper gastro intestinal bleeding (OR: 2.4; 95% CI: 1.1-5.4; p = 0.037), HBV coinfection (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.2-91; p = 0.019), and ascites (OR: 3.3; 95% CI: 1.3-8.2; p = 0.010). Conclusions In this, S. mansoni endemic area, varices, actives schistosomiasis, hepatitis B coinfection, and mortality are highly common. Screening for varices and initiation of prophylaxis, administration of praziquantel, and screening for hepatitis B should be part and parcel of care of these patients. The first two years of diagnosis, patients are at high risk of mortality; risk factors in this study should assist planning a closer follow-up of patients at risk of mortality to improve their long-term outcome.
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Jiang M, He K, Qiu T, Sun J, Liu Q, Zhang X, Zheng H. Tumor-targeted delivery of silibinin and IPI-549 synergistically inhibit breast cancer by remodeling the microenvironment. Int J Pharm 2020; 581:119239. [PMID: 32194211 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2020.119239] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2019] [Revised: 03/06/2020] [Accepted: 03/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
We induced changes in the tumor microenvironment (TME) through the synergistic actions of two drugs used in breast cancer therapy. The anti-fibrotic drug silibinin (SLB) targets tumor-associated fibroblasts and exerts immune-mediated anti-cancer effects. IPI-549, an efficient and highly selective phosphoinositide-3-kinase-gamma (PI3Kγ) inhibitor, was applied to alter the balance of immunosuppressive cells by inhibiting PI3Kγ molecules; it also promotes anti-tumor immunity. We developed nanoparticle formulations to encapsulate both drugs into the targeting carrier aminoethyl anisamide-polyethylene glycol-polycaprolactone (AEAA-PEG-PCL) respectively. The drugs were intravenously delivered in mice and resulted in an increase in anti-tumor efficacy and apoptotic tumor tissue compared with either IPI-549 or SLB alone in 4T1 breast cancer cell-derived tumors. Furthermore, a significant reduction in regulatory T (Treg) cells and myeloid suppressor cells (MDSCs) was observed. A normalized TME structure was also observed, including angiogenesis suppression, antifibrotic effects and the inhibition of collagen formation in the tumor tissue, significantly enhancing the anti-tumor effects. In summary, this combination strategy may offer an alternative treatment for breast cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Jiang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Kaiyong He
- Hubei Institute for Drug Control, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Tong Qiu
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Jiahui Sun
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine, Baltimore, MD 21231, USA
| | - Xueqiong Zhang
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
| | - Hua Zheng
- School of Chemistry, Chemical Engineering and Life Sciences, Wuhan University of Technology, Wuhan 430070, China.
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Vale N, Gouveia MJ, Gärtner F. Current and Novel Therapies Against Helminthic Infections: The Potential of Antioxidants Combined with Drugs. Biomolecules 2020; 10:E350. [PMID: 32106428 PMCID: PMC7175190 DOI: 10.3390/biom10030350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2020] [Revised: 02/02/2020] [Accepted: 02/21/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Infections caused by Schistosoma haematobium and Opisthorchisviverrini are classified as Group 1 biological carcinogen and it has been postulated that parasites produce oxysterol and estrogen-like metabolites that might be considered as initiators of infection-associated carcinogenesis. Chemotherapy for these helminthic infections relies on a single drug, praziquantel, (PZQ) that mainly targets the parasite. Additionally, PZQ has some major drawbacks as inefficacy against juvenile form and alone it is not capable to counteract pathologies associated to infections or prevent carcinogenesis. There is an urgent need to develop novel therapeutic approaches that not only target the parasite but also improve the pathologies associated to infection, and ultimately, counteract or/and prevent the carcinogenesis processes. Repurposing the drug in combination of compounds with different modes of action is a promising strategy to find novel therapeutics approaches against these helminthic infections and its pathologies. Here, we emphasized that using antioxidants either alone or combined with anthelmintic drugs could ameliorate tissue damage, infection-associated complications, moreover, could prevent the development of cancer associated to infections. Hence, antioxidants represent a potential adjuvant approach during treatment to reduce morbidity and mortality. Despite the success of some strategies, there is a long way to go to implement novel therapies for schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nuno Vale
- Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
| | - Maria João Gouveia
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
- Center for the Study in Animal Science (CECA/ICETA), University of Porto, Rua de D. Manuel II, Apt 55142, 4051-401 Porto, Portugal
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- i3S, Instituto de Investigação e Inovação em Saúde, University of Porto, Rua Alfredo Allen 208, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal;
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal;
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Chen W, Li Y, Hsu CT, Niu CS, Pen WH, Cheng KC, Niu HS. Connective tissue growth factor in hepatocytes is elevated by carbon tetrachloride via STAT3 activation. Mol Med Rep 2020; 21:1390-1398. [PMID: 31922209 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2020.10916] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/13/2019] [Accepted: 11/27/2019] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is widely used to induce hepatic fibrosis. Therapeutic agents alleviate hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) activation. To understand the direct effects of CCl4 on STAT3 expression in the liver, the present study incubated cultured hepatocytes expressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) with CCl4. Rats exposed to CCl4 for 8 weeks exhibited hepatic fibrosis, which was confirmed through the assessment of plasma biomarkers. Isolated liver samples were used to determine the protein levels of CTGF and STAT3 using western blotting. In addition, STAT3 expression was silenced in α mouse liver 12 (AML‑12) cells using small interfering RNA transfection. In addition, a pharmacological inhibitor, stattic, was used to inhibit STAT3 expression. The incubation of AML‑12 cells with CCl4 induced a dose‑dependent increase in CTGF expression and STAT3 activation. Notably, silymarin, an extract from milk thistle, inhibited these changes in AML‑12 cells and the antioxidant tiron produced similar effects. Silencing of STAT3 reduced the CTGF expression promoted by CCl4 in the hepatocytes. Additionally, similar to tiron, stattic inhibited CTGF expression induced by CCl4. In conclusion, CCl4 may activate STAT3 through oxidative stress to promote CTGF expression, which is one of the main factors contributing to the risk of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenhsu Chen
- Department of Internal Medicine, E‑Da Hospital, I‑Shou University, Kaohsiung 82401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Yingxiao Li
- Department of Psychosomatic Internal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Chao-Tien Hsu
- Department of Pathology, E‑Da Hospital, I‑Shou University, Kaohsiung 82401, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Chiang-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Wen-Huang Pen
- Department of Chinese Pharmaceutical Sciences and Chinese Medicine Resources, College of Chinese Medicine, China Medical University, Taichung 40402, Taiwan, R.O.C
| | - Kai-Chun Cheng
- Pharmacological Department of Herbal Medicine, Kagoshima University Graduate School of Medical and Dental Sciences, Kagoshima 890‑8520, Japan
| | - Ho-Shan Niu
- Department of Nursing, Tzu Chi University of Science and Technology, Hualien 97005, Taiwan, R.O.C
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Sohrabi MJ, Dehpour AR, Attar F, Hasan A, Mohammad-Sadeghi N, Meratan AA, Aziz FM, Salihi A, Shekha MS, Akhtari K, Shahpasand K, Hojjati SMM, Sharifi M, Saboury AA, Rezayat SM, Mousavi SE, Falahati M. Silymarin-albumin nanoplex: Preparation and its potential application as an antioxidant in nervous system in vitro and in vivo. Int J Pharm 2019; 572:118824. [PMID: 31715345 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpharm.2019.118824] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2019] [Revised: 10/05/2019] [Accepted: 10/25/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
In this study, we formulated silymarin-HSA nanoplex and assayed its ability to reduce LPS-induced toxicity in vitro and in vivo. Silymarin molecules were encapsulated into HSA nanoplex and the loading efficiency and characterization of fabricated nanoplex were performed by using HPLC, TEM, SEM, DLS, FTIR analysis, and theoretical studies. Afterwards, their protective effect against LPS (20 µg/ml) -induced toxicity in SH-SY5Y cells was investigated by MTT, ROS, and apoptosis assays. For in vivo experiments, rats were pre-treated with either silymarin or silymarin -HSA nanoplex (200 mg/kg) orally for 3 days and at third day received LPS by IP at a dose of 0.5 mg/kg, 150 min before scarification followed by SOD and CAT activity assay. The formulation of silymarin-HSA nanoplex showed a spherical shape with an average diameter between 50 nm and 150 nm, hydrodynamic radius of 188.3 nm, zeta potential of -26.6 mV, and a drug loading of 97.3%. In LPS-treated cells, pretreatments with silymarin-HSA noncomplex recovered the cell viability and decreased the ROS level and corresponding apoptosis more significantly than free silymarin. In rats, it was also depicted that, silymarin-HSA noncomplex can increase the SOD and CAT activity in brain tissue at LPS-triggered oxidative stress model more significantly than the free counterpart. Therefore, nanoformulation of silymarin improved its capability to reduce LPS-induced oxidative stress by restoring cell viability and elevation of SOD and CAT activity in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In conclusion, formulation of silymarin may hold a great promise in the development of antioxidant agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohammad Javad Sohrabi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ahmad-Reza Dehpour
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Farnoosh Attar
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Food Industry & Agriculture, Standard Research Institute (SRI), Karaj, Iran
| | - Anwarul Hasan
- Department of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering, College of Engineering, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar; Biomedical Research Center, Qatar University, Doha 2713, Qatar
| | - Nahid Mohammad-Sadeghi
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Meratan
- Department of Biological Sciences, Institute for Advanced Studies in Basic Sciences (IASBS), Zanjan, Iran
| | - Falah Mohammad Aziz
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Abbas Salihi
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Department of Medical Analysis, Faculty of Science, Tishk International University, Erbil, Iraq
| | - Mudhir Sabir Shekha
- Department of Biology, College of Science, Salahaddin University-Erbil, Kurdistan Region, Iraq; Department of Pathological Analysis, College of Science, Knowledge University, Erbil 074016, Kurdistan Region, Iraq
| | - Keivan Akhtari
- Department of Physics, University of Kurdistan, P.O. Box 416, Sanandaj, Iran
| | - Koorosh Shahpasand
- Royan Institute for Stem Cell Biology and Technology (RI-SCBT), Tehran, Iran
| | | | - Majid Sharifi
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Akbar Saboury
- Institute of Biochemistry and Biophysics, University of Tehran, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Mahdi Rezayat
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran; Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Advanced Technologies in Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Seyyedeh Elaheh Mousavi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
| | - Mojtaba Falahati
- Department of Nanotechnology, Faculty of Advanced Science and Technology, Tehran Medical Sciences, Islamic Azad University, Tehran, Iran.
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Abstract
Parasitic infections are responsible for significant morbidity and mortality throughout the world. Management strategies rely primarily on antiparasitic drugs that have side effects and risk of drug resistance. Therefore, novel strategies are needed for treatment of parasitic infections. Host-directed therapy (HDT) is a viable alternative, which targets host pathways responsible for parasite invasion/survival/pathogenicity. Recent innovative combinations of genomics, proteomics and computational biology approaches have led to discovery of several host pathways that could be promising targets for HDT for treating parasitic infections. Herein, we review major advances in HDT for parasitic disease with regard to core regulatory pathways and their interactions.
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Yegorov S, Joag V, Galiwango RM, Good SV, Mpendo J, Tannich E, Boggild AK, Kiwanuka N, Bagaya BS, Kaul R. Schistosoma mansoni treatment reduces HIV entry into cervical CD4+ T cells and induces IFN-I pathways. Nat Commun 2019; 10:2296. [PMID: 31127086 PMCID: PMC6534541 DOI: 10.1038/s41467-019-09900-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2018] [Accepted: 04/02/2019] [Indexed: 01/21/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosoma mansoni (Sm) infection has been linked with an increased risk of HIV acquisition in women. Therefore, defining the mechanism(s) by which Sm alters HIV susceptibility might lead to new HIV prevention strategies. Here, we analyze the impact of standard Sm therapy in HIV-uninfected Sm+ Ugandan adult women on genital HIV susceptibility and mucosal and systemic immunology. Schistosomiasis treatment induces a profound reduction of HIV entry into cervical and blood CD4+ T cells that is sustained for up to two months, despite transient systemic and mucosal immune activation and elevated genital IL-1α levels. Genital IFN-α2a levels are also elevated post-treatment, and IFN-α2a blocks HIV entry into primary CD4+ T cells ex vivo. Transcriptomic analysis of blood mononuclear cells post-Sm treatment shows IFN-I pathway up-regulation and partial reversal of Sm-dysregulated interferon signaling. These findings indicate that Sm therapy may reduce HIV susceptibility for women with Sm infection, potentially through de-repression of IFN-I pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sergey Yegorov
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada. .,Department of Science Education, Faculty of Education and Humanities, Suleyman Demirel University, 1/1 Abylai Khan Street, Kaskelen, Almaty, 040900, Kazakhstan.
| | - Vineet Joag
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Microbiology, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN, 55455, USA
| | - Ronald M Galiwango
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada
| | - Sara V Good
- Genetics & Genome Biology, The Hospital for Sick Children, Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning, 686 Bay St., Toronto, ON, M5G 0A4, Canada.,Community Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, 750 Bannatyne Ave, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0W2, Canada
| | - Juliet Mpendo
- Uganda Virus Research Institute -International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, 51/59 Nakiwogo Rd, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda
| | - Egbert Tannich
- Bernhard Nocht Institute for Tropical Medicine, National Reference Centre for Tropical Pathogens, Bernhard-Nocht-Str. 74, 20359, Hamburg, Germany
| | - Andrea K Boggild
- Department of Medicine, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada.,Public Health Ontario Laboratories, 661 University Ave, Toronto, ON, M5G 1M1, Canada
| | - Noah Kiwanuka
- Uganda Virus Research Institute -International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, 51/59 Nakiwogo Rd, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Epidemiology and Biostatistics, School of Public Health, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Bernard S Bagaya
- Uganda Virus Research Institute -International AIDS Vaccine Initiative HIV Vaccine Program, 51/59 Nakiwogo Rd, P.O.Box 49, Entebbe, Uganda.,Department of Immunology and Molecular Biology, School of Biomedical Sciences, College of Health Sciences, Makerere University, P.O. Box 7072, Kampala, Uganda
| | - Rupert Kaul
- Departments of Immunology and Medicine, University of Toronto, 1 King's College Circle, Toronto, ON, M5S 1A8, Canada.,Department of Medicine, University Health Network, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, ON, M5G 2C4, Canada
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Hrčková G, Kubašková TM, Benada O, Kofroňová O, Tumová L, Biedermann D. Differential Effects of the Flavonolignans Silybin, Silychristin and 2,3-Dehydrosilybin on Mesocestoides vogae Larvae (Cestoda) under Hypoxic and Aerobic In Vitro Conditions. Molecules 2018; 23:molecules23112999. [PMID: 30453549 PMCID: PMC6278466 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23112999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2018] [Revised: 11/08/2018] [Accepted: 11/15/2018] [Indexed: 02/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Mesocestoides vogae larvae represent a suitable model for evaluating the larvicidal potential of various compounds. In this study we investigated the in vitro effects of three natural flavonolignans—silybin (SB), 2,3-dehydrosilybin (DHSB) and silychristin (SCH)—on M. vogae larvae at concentrations of 5 and 50 μM under aerobic and hypoxic conditions for 72 h. With both kinds of treatment, the viability and motility of larvae remained unchanged, metabolic activity, neutral red uptake and concentrations of neutral lipids were reduced, in contrast with a significantly elevated glucose content. Incubation conditions modified the effects of individual FLs depending on their concentration. Under both sets of conditions, SB and SCH suppressed metabolic activity, the concentration of glucose, lipids and partially motility more at 50 μM, but neutral red uptake was elevated. DHSB exerted larvicidal activity and affected motility and neutral lipid concentrations differently depending on the cultivation conditions, whereas it decreased glucose concentration. DHSB at the 50 μM concentration caused irreversible morphological alterations along with damage to the microvillus surface of larvae, which was accompanied by unregulated neutral red uptake. In conclusion, SB and SCH suppressed mitochondrial functions and energy stores, inducing a physiological misbalance, whereas DHSB exhibited a direct larvicidal effect due to damage to the tegument and complete disruption of larval physiology and metabolism.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gabriela Hrčková
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, SK 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Terézia Mačák Kubašková
- Department of Experimental Pharmacology, Institute of Parasitology, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Hlinkova 3, SK 040 01 Košice, Slovakia.
| | - Oldřich Benada
- Laboratory of Molecular Structure Characterization, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Olga Kofroňová
- Laboratory of Molecular Structure Characterization, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
| | - Lenka Tumová
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Charles University, Heyrovského 1203, CZ 501 65 Hradec Králové, Czech Republic.
| | - David Biedermann
- Laboratory of Biotransformation, Institute of Microbiology of the Czech Academy of Sciences, Vídeňská 1083, CZ 142 20 Prague, Czech Republic.
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Almeer RS, El-Khadragy MF, Abdelhabib S, Abdel Moneim AE. Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract ameliorates schistosomiasis liver granuloma, fibrosis, and oxidative stress through downregulation of fibrinogenic signaling in mice. PLoS One 2018; 13:e0204923. [PMID: 30273397 PMCID: PMC6166951 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0204923] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2018] [Accepted: 09/16/2018] [Indexed: 01/22/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a widespread parasitic infection that affects humans, as well as wild and domestic animals. It ranks second after malaria, with a significant health and socio-economic impact in the developing countries. The objective of this study was to assess the anti-schistosomal impact of Ziziphus spina-christi leaf extract (ZLE) on Schistosoma mansoni-induced liver fibrosis in CD-1 Swiss male albino mice. S. mansoni infection was achieved by dipping of mouse tails in schistosomal cercariae. ZLE treatment was initiated at 46 days post-infection by administering a dose of the extract on a daily basis for 10 consecutive days. S. mansoni infection resulted in liver granuloma and fibrosis, with a drastic elevation in liver function factors, nitric oxide, and lipid peroxidation, which were associated with a reduction in glutathione content and substantial inhibition of antioxidant enzyme activities compared to those of the control. Induction of hepatic granuloma, oxidative stress, and fibrosis in the liver was controlled by ZLE administration, which also produced inhibition of matrix metalloproteinase-9, alpha-smooth muscle actin, transforming growth factor-β, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases expressions. In addition, the S. mansoni-infected group exhibited an increase in Bax and caspase-3 levels and a decrease in Bcl-2 level. However, treatment with ZLE mainly mitigated apoptosis in the liver. Thus, the findings of this study revealed that Ziziphus spina-christi had anti-apoptotic, anti-fibrotic, antioxidant, and protective effects on S. mansoni-induced liver wounds. The benefits of Ziziphus spina-christi extract on S. mansoni were partly partially mediated by enhancing anti-fibrinogenic and nuclear factor erythroid 2–related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rafa S. Almeer
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- * E-mail: (RSA); (AEA)
| | - Manal F. El-Khadragy
- Department of Zoology, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Semlali Abdelhabib
- Genome Research Chair, Department of Biochemistry, College of Science, King Saud University, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed E. Abdel Moneim
- Department of Zoology and Entomology, Faculty of Science, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
- * E-mail: (RSA); (AEA)
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Alhusseiny SM, El-Beshbishi SN, Abu Hashim MM, El-nemr HEDE, Handoussa AE. Effectiveness of vinpocetine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate on experimental schistosomiasis mansoni: Biochemical and immunohistochemical study. Acta Trop 2018; 186:16-23. [PMID: 29963994 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2018.06.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2017] [Revised: 06/08/2018] [Accepted: 06/11/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is one of the most important tropical and subtropical devastating diseases, where praziquantel is the sole drug of choice. Praziquantel effectively kills the adult worms, however, drug resistance has been repeatedly reported. Moreover, there is currently no efficient anti-fibrotic therapy available for chronic schistosomiasis. So, novel drugs which exert anti-fibrotic efficacy are urgently needed. This research is complementary to our previous work that evaluated the anti-schistosomal effects of the anti-inflammatory vinpocetine, as well as the vasodilator and the anti-oxidant isosorbide-5-mononitrate. In the present study, we assessed the therapeutic efficacies of drugs in Swiss albino female mice experimentally infected with an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni, using some biochemical and immunohistochemical parameters. Our results revealed that both vinpocetine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate monotherapy significantly decreased hepatic nuclear factor-kappaB, 10 weeks post infection. The best effects were seen in mice administered praziquantel combined with isosorbide-5-mononitrate, as detected by reduction in hydroxyproline and collagen contents of the liver, and significant increase in the hepatic nitric oxide content. The data provides insight into the potential effects of the assessed drugs with isosorbide-5-mononitrate being more superior to vinpocetine, hence it can be used as novel adjuvant to praziquantel to alleviate schistosomal hepatic fibrosis. However, molecular mechanism/s and clinical trials are worthy to be scrutinized.
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Gouveia MJ, Brindley PJ, Gärtner F, Costa JMCD, Vale N. Drug Repurposing for Schistosomiasis: Combinations of Drugs or Biomolecules. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2018; 11:E15. [PMID: 29401734 PMCID: PMC5874711 DOI: 10.3390/ph11010015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2017] [Revised: 01/19/2018] [Accepted: 01/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a major neglected tropical disease. Control of schistosomiasis currently relies on a single drug, praziquantel, and despite its efficacy against the all schistosome species that parasitize humans, it displays some problematic drawbacks and alone is ineffective in counteracting adverse pathologies associated with infection. Moreover, due to the development of the potential emergence of PZQ-resistant strains, the search for additional or alternative antischistosomal drugs have become a public health priority. The current drug discovery for schistosomiasis has been slow and uninspiring. By contrast, repurposing of existing approved drugs may offer a safe, rapid and cost-effective alternative. Combined treatment with PZQ and other drugs with different mode of action, i.e., antimalarials, shows promise results. In addition, a combination of anthelminthic drugs with antioxidant might be advantageous for modulating oxidative processes associated with schistosomiasis. Herein, we review studies dealing with combination therapies that involve PZQ and other anthelminthic drugs and/or antioxidant agents in treatment of schistosomiasis. Whereas PZQ combined with antioxidant agents might or might not interfere with anthelminthic efficacy, combinations may nonetheless ameliorate tissue damage and infection-associated complications. In fact, alone or combine with other drugs, antioxidants might be a valuable adjuvant to reduce morbidity and mortality of schistosomiasis. Therefore, attempting new combinations of anthelmintic drugs with other biomolecules such as antioxidants provides new avenues for discovery of alternatives to PZQ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maria João Gouveia
- UCBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4031-401 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Paul J Brindley
- Department of Microbiology, Immunology & Tropical Medicine, and Research Center for Neglected Diseases of Poverty, School of Medicine & Health Sciences, George Washington University, Washington, DC 20037, USA.
| | - Fátima Gärtner
- Department of Molecular Pathology and Immunology, Institute of Biomedical Sciences Abel Salazar (ICBAS), University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo Ferreira 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Molecular Pathology and Immunology of the University of Porto (IPATIMUP), Rua Júlio Amaral de Carvalho, 45, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
- Institute of Investigation and Innovation in Health (i3s), Rua Alfredo Allen, 4200-135 Porto, Portugal.
| | - José M Correia da Costa
- Center for the Study of Animal Science, ICETA, University of Porto, Praça Gomes Teixeira, Apartado 55142, 4031-401 Porto, Portugal.
- Department of Infectious Diseases, INSA-National Health Institute Dr. Ricardo Jorge, Rua Alexandre Herculano 321, 4000-055 Porto, Portugal.
| | - Nuno Vale
- UCBIO/REQUIMTE, Laboratory of Pharmacology, Department of Drug Sciences, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Porto, Rua de Jorge Viterbo, 228, 4050-313 Porto, Portugal.
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El-Hawary SS, Taha KF, Kirillos FN, Dahab AA, El-Mahis AA, El-Sayed SH. Complementary Effect of Capparis Spinosa L. and Silymarin With/without Praziquantel on Mice Experimentally Infected with Schistosoma Mansoni. Helminthologia 2018; 55:21-32. [PMID: 31662624 PMCID: PMC6799534 DOI: 10.1515/helm-2017-0055] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2017] [Accepted: 11/20/2017] [Indexed: 11/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis remains to be the most common fibrotic disease resulting from inflammation and deposition of scar tissue around trapped parasitic eggs in the liver. Though chemotherapy eradicates matured worms efficiently and prevents the accumulation of schistosome eggs, fewer effective drugs are directed to reverse the present hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, treatment targeting hepatic fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis remains a challenging proposition. The present study was designed to investigate the potential complementary schistosomicidal and hepatoprotective activities of the methanol extract of Capparis spinosa L. (C. spinosa) with or without praziquantel (PZQ) and compare results with silymarin (Milk thistle), a known hepatoprotective and antifibrotic agent, on induced liver fibrosis by experimental Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) infection. Total polyphenols in the extract were determined using colorimetric assay. C. spinosa L. caused a partial decrease in worm burden; a statistically significant reduction in hepatic and intestinal tissue egg load, what was associated histopathologically with decreasing in both the number and diameter of granulomas, as well as restoring serum aminotransferases (AST & ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and improving liver albumin synthesis. The best results were obtained in the group of mice treated with C. spinosa L. and PZQ together. Quantitative estimation of total polyphenols content using colorimetric assay showed that C. spinosa L. leaves contain higher concentration of polyphenolic compounds than fruits. It was concluded that C. spinosa L. has a promising hepatoprotective and antifibrotic properties and could be introduced as a safe and effective therapeutic tool with PZQ in the treatment of schistosomal liver fibrosis. Nevertheless further studies on the mechanism of action of C. spinosa L. in chronic liver diseases may shed light on developing therapeutic methods in clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- S S El-Hawary
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - K F Taha
- Applied Research Center of Medicinal Plants, National Organization of Drug Control and Research, Cairo, Egypt
| | - F N Kirillos
- Pharmacognosy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A A Dahab
- Department of Medicinal and Aromatic Plants, Horticulture Research Institute, ARC, Cairo, Egypt
| | - A A El-Mahis
- Applied Research Center of Medicinal Plants, National Organization of Drug Control and Research, Cairo, Egypt
| | - S H El-Sayed
- Medical Parasitology Department, Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt.,Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicne, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt
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Sobhy MMK, Mahmoud SS, El-Sayed SH, Rizk EMA, Raafat A, Negm MSI. Impact of treatment with a Protein Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor (Genistein) on acute and chronic experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. Exp Parasitol 2018; 185:115-123. [PMID: 29331278 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2018.01.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2017] [Revised: 12/12/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis mansoni is considered one of the most common fibrotic diseases resulting from inflammation and deposition of fibrous tissue around parasitic eggs trapped in the liver, causing morbidity and mortality. Chemotherapy against schistosomiasis is largely dependent on Praziquantel (PZQ). Yet, the huge administration of it in endemic areas and its incompetence towards the immature stages have raised serious alarms against the development of drug resistance. Few drugs are directed to reverse schistosomal liver fibrosis, particularly at the chronic and advanced stages of the disease. Recently, protein tyrosine kinase (PTK) inhibitors have been identified as potent anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic drugs against schistosomes, that may suppress and reverse Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni) induced liver fibrosis. The present study was designed to assess the anti-schistosomal and antifibrotic activity of Genistein, a PTK inhibitor, in comparison to PZQ, on both acute and chronic S. mansoni-infected mice using different parasitological, histopathological and immunohistochemical studies. Genistein showed a significant reduction (P < .05) in total worm burden, tissue egg load, mean hepatic granulomas diameter and numbers, percentage of collagen and expression of transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β 1) in the examined hepatocytes with elevation in percentage of degenerated ova, in comparison to the control groups, in both acute and chronic stages of infection. The best results were obtained when Genistein was combined with PZQ. Therefore, it was concluded that Genistein showed a promising anti-schistosomal and anti-fibrotic properties which could make it one of the new potential targets in chemotherapy against schistosomiasis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Shaimaa Helmy El-Sayed
- Theodor Bilharz Research Institute, Imbaba, Giza, Egypt; Medical Parasitology Department, Faculty of Medicine, Helwan University, Cairo, Egypt.
| | - Enas Mohamed Ali Rizk
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
| | - Amira Raafat
- Medical Parasitology Department, Kasr Al-Ainy School of Medicine, Cairo University, Egypt
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Praziquantel Targets M1 Macrophages and Ameliorates Splenomegaly in Chronic Schistosomiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2017; 62:AAC.00005-17. [PMID: 29061758 DOI: 10.1128/aac.00005-17] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2017] [Accepted: 10/12/2017] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Splenomegaly is a common feature of many infectious diseases, including schistosomiasis japonica. However, the immunopathogenesis and the treatment of splenomegaly due to schistosomiasis have been largely neglected. Praziquantel (PZQ), a classical schistosomicide, has been demonstrated by us and others to have antifibrotic and anti-inflammatory activities against schistosomiasis. In this study, we investigated the effect of PZQ on alleviating the splenomegaly caused by Schistosoma japonicum infection in mice. The results showed that the number of macrophages, especially the number of M1 macrophages, was significantly increased in the enlarged spleens of infected mice (P < 0.001). After PZQ treatment for 4 weeks, the number of splenic macrophages, especially the number of M1 macrophages, was significantly reduced (P < 0.001) by the way of apoptosis, and another schistosomicide, mefloquine, had no effect either on the splenomegaly or on reducing the number of macrophages. Furthermore, by using the murine macrophage line RAW 264.7, we found that PZQ could inhibit the formation of the NLRP3 inflammasome and attenuate phagocytic activity in M1 macrophages. Thus, our studies suggest that PZQ plays a powerful role in ameliorating the splenomegaly caused by S. japonicum infection, which presents a new strategy for the therapy of splenomegaly resulting from other pathological conditions.
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Alhusseiny SM, El-Beshbishi SN, Hashim MMA, El-nemr HEDE, Handoussa AE. A comparative study on the anti-schistosomal and hepatoprotective effects of vinpocetine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate on Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice. Acta Trop 2017; 176:114-125. [PMID: 28757393 DOI: 10.1016/j.actatropica.2017.07.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/04/2016] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a remarkable public health problem in developing countries. Presently, praziquantel is the optional drug for all human schistosomiasis. Owing to the increased praziquantel resistance, there is an urgent need to develop new alternatives. This study aims at determining the anti-schistosomal and/or the hepatoprotective effects of the anti-inflammatory drug; vinpocetine, and the vasodilator and the nitric oxide donor; isosorbide-5-mononitrate, in comparison to praziquantel. In the present research, the therapeutic efficacies of these drugs were assessed in Swiss albino female mice (CD-I strain) experimentally infected with an Egyptian strain of Schistosoma mansoni, using some general, parasitological, and histopathological parameters. In this work, praziquantel significantly reduced worm burden and hepatic egg load, increased the percentage of dead eggs in the small intestine and decreased granuloma count, but did not reduce granuloma diameter. While, either vinpocetine or isosorbide-5-mononitrate monotherapy did not induce significant reduction in the worm count, hepatic egg load or shift in the oogram pattern, but significantly reduced granuloma count and diameter. Moreover, isosorbide-5-mononitrate significantly reduced hepatic inflammation and necrosis. The best results were obtained in the mice groups treated with isosorbide-5-mononitrate combined with praziquantel or vinpocetine. Our results point to vinpocetine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate as a convenient and promising adjuvant to praziquantel for ameliorating schistosomal liver pathology. Further studies are recommended to reveal the actual pathways responsible for the different activities of vinpocetine and isosorbide-5-mononitrate.
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Lv Y, Gao S, Xu S, Du G, Zhou J, Chen J. Spatial organization of silybin biosynthesis in milk thistle [Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn]. THE PLANT JOURNAL : FOR CELL AND MOLECULAR BIOLOGY 2017; 92:995-1004. [PMID: 28990236 DOI: 10.1111/tpj.13736] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/10/2017] [Revised: 09/22/2017] [Accepted: 09/27/2017] [Indexed: 06/07/2023]
Abstract
Silymarin is a collection of compounds extracted from the medicinal herb milk thistle, among which silybin is the major flavonolignan. However, the biosynthesis pathway of silybin remains unclear. In this study, biomimetic reactions demonstrated that silybin can be synthesized from coniferyl alcohol and taxifolin by the action of peroxidase. The concentration profiles of silybin and its precursors and RNA-Seq analysis of gene expression revealed that the amount of taxifolin and the activity of peroxidase serve as the limiting factors in silybin biosynthesis. Hierarchical clustering of the expression profile of genes of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway distinguished flowers from other organs. RNA-Seq revealed five candidates for the peroxidase involved in silybin production, among which APX1 (ascorbate peroxidase 1) showed a distinct peroxidase activity and the capacity to synthesize silybin. The spatial organization of silybin biosynthesis in milk thistle was elucidated, which could help our understanding of the biosynthesis of silybin and other flavonolignans.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongkun Lv
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Song Gao
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Sha Xu
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Guocheng Du
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
- The Key Laboratory of Carbohydrate Chemistry and Biotechnology, Ministry of Education, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Jingwen Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
| | - Jian Chen
- Key Laboratory of Industrial Biotechnology, Ministry of Education and School of Biotechnology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
- National Engineering Laboratory for Cereal Fermentation Technology, Jiangnan University, 1800 Lihu Road, Wuxi, Jiangsu, 214122, China
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Bae M, Park YK, Lee JY. Food components with antifibrotic activity and implications in prevention of liver disease. J Nutr Biochem 2017; 55:1-11. [PMID: 29268106 DOI: 10.1016/j.jnutbio.2017.11.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Increasing prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in parallel with the obesity epidemic has been a major public health concern. NAFLD is the most common chronic liver disease in the United States, ranging from fatty liver to steatohepatitis, fibrosis and cirrhosis in the liver. In response to chronic liver injury, fibrogenesis in the liver occurs as a protective response; however, prolonged and dysregulated fibrogenesis can lead to liver fibrosis, which can further progress to cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Interplay of hepatocytes, macrophages and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the hepatic inflammatory and oxidative milieu is critical for the development of NAFLD. In particular, HSCs play a major role in the production of extracellular matrix proteins. Studies have demonstrated that bioactive food components and natural products, including astaxanthin, curcumin, blueberry, silymarin, coffee, vitamin C, vitamin E, vitamin D, resveratrol, quercetin and epigallocatechin-3-gallate, have antifibrotic effects in the liver. This review summarizes current knowledge of the mechanistic insight into the antifibrotic actions of the aforementioned bioactive food components.
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Affiliation(s)
- Minkyung Bae
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Young-Ki Park
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA
| | - Ji-Young Lee
- Department of Nutritional Sciences, University of Connecticut, Storrs, CT 06269, USA; Department of Food and Nutrition, Kyung Hee University, Seoul, South Korea.
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Silymarin mitigates lung impairments in a rat model of acute respiratory distress syndrome. Inflammopharmacology 2017; 26:747-754. [DOI: 10.1007/s10787-017-0407-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2017] [Accepted: 10/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Elhenawy AA, Ashour RH, Nabih N, Shalaby NM, El-karef AA, Abou-El-Wafa HS. Insulin growth factor inhibitor as a potential new anti-schistosoma drug: An in vivo experimental study. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1346-1358. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2017] [Revised: 08/10/2017] [Accepted: 09/06/2017] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
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Sharaf EL-Deen SA, Brakat RM, Mohamed ASED. Artichoke leaf extract protects liver of Schistosoma mansoni infected mice through modulation of hepatic stellate cells recruitment. Exp Parasitol 2017; 178:51-59. [DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2017.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2017] [Revised: 04/26/2017] [Accepted: 05/20/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Sokar SS, El-Sayad MES, Ghoneim MES, Shebl AM. Combination of Sitagliptin and Silymarin ameliorates liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 89:98-107. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.02.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/12/2016] [Revised: 01/19/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
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