Food and Nutrition in the Pathogenesis of Liver Damage

Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application

Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) is an excellent medicinal and edible plant owing to its high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As an important bioactive component, H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) have aroused wide attention due to their various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and so on. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of HRP-derived functional food and medicines are constrained to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship, application, and safety of HRPs. This review systematically summarizes the advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of HRPs. The structure-activity relationship, safety evaluation, application, as well as the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of HRPs and lay a groundwork for future research and utilization of HRPs as multifunctional biomaterials and therapeutic agents.

Parenteral nutrition-associated liver injury: clinical relevance and mechanistic insights

Intestinal failure-associated liver disease (IFALD) is a relatively common complication in individuals receiving parenteral nutrition (PN). IFALD can be manifested as different types of liver injury, including steatosis, cholestasis, and fibrosis, and could result in liver failure in some cases. The onset and progression of IFALD are highly dependent on various patient and PN-related risk factors. Despite still being under investigation, several mechanisms have been proposed. Liver injury can originate due to caloric overload, nutrient deficiency, and toxicity, as well as phytosterol content, and omega-6 to omega-3 fatty acids ratio contained in lipid emulsions. Additional mechanisms include immature or defective bile acid metabolism, acute heart failure, infections, and sepsis exerting negative effects via Toll-like receptor 4 and nuclear factor κB inflammatory signaling. Furthermore, lack of enteral feeding, gut dysbiosis, and altered enterohepatic circulation that affect the farnesoid x receptor-fibroblast growth factor 19 axis can also contribute to IFALD. Various best practices can be adopted to minimize the risk of developing IFALD, such as prevention and management of central line infections and sepsis, preservation of intestine's length, a switch to oral and enteral feeding, cyclic PN, avoidance of overfeeding and soybean oil-based lipid formulations, and avoiding hepatotoxic substances. The present review thus provides a comprehensive overview of all relevant aspects inherent to IFALD. Further research focused on clinical observations, translational models, and advanced toxicological knowledge frameworks is needed to gain more insight into the molecular pathogenesis of hepatotoxicity, reduce IFALD incidence, and encourage the safe use of PN.

Harnessing the power of bacterial laccases for xenobiotic degradation in water: A 10-year overview

Industrialization and population growth are leading to the production of significant amounts of sewage containing hazardous xenobiotic compounds. These compounds pose a threat to human and animal health, as well as the overall ecosystem. To combat this issue, chemical, physical, and biological techniques have been used to remove these contaminants from water bodies affected by human activity. Biotechnological methods have proven effective in utilizing microorganisms and enzymes, particularly laccases, to address this problem. Laccases possess versatile enzymatic characteristics and have shown promise in degrading different xenobiotic compounds found in municipal, industrial, and medical wastewater. Both free enzymes and crude enzyme extracts have demonstrated success in the biotransformation of these compounds. Despite these advancements, the widespread use of laccases for bioremediation and wastewater treatment faces challenges due to the complex composition, high salt concentration, and extreme pH often present in contaminated media. These factors negatively impact protein stability, recovery, and recycling processes, hindering their large-scale application. These issues can be addressed by focusing on large-scale production, resolving operation problems, and utilizing cutting-edge genetic and protein engineering techniques. Additionally, finding novel sources of laccases, understanding their biochemical properties, enhancing their catalytic activity and thermostability, and improving their production processes are crucial steps towards overcoming these limitations. By doing so, enzyme-based biological degradation processes can be improved, resulting in more efficient removal of xenobiotics from water systems. This review summarizes the latest research on bacterial laccases over the past decade. It covers the advancements in identifying their structures, characterizing their biochemical properties, exploring their modes of action, and discovering their potential applications in the biotransformation and bioremediation of xenobiotic pollutants commonly present in water sources.

A high concentrate diet inhibits forkhead box protein A2 expression, and induces oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and mitochondrial unfolded protein response in the liver of dairy cows

High-concentrate diet induce subacute ruminal acidosis (SARA) and cause liver damage in ruminants. It has been reported that forkhead box protein A2 (FOXA2) can enhance mitochondrial membrane potential but its function in mitochondrial dysfunction induced by high concentrate diets is still unknown. Therefore, the aim of this study was to elucidate the effect of high-concentrate (HC) diet on hepatic FOXA2 expression, mitochondrial unfolded protein response (UPRmt), mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress. A total of 12 healthy mid-lactation Holstein cows were selected and randomized into 2 groups: the low concentrate (LC) diet group (concentrate:forage = 4:6) and HC diet group (concentrate:forage = 6:4). The trial lasted 21 d. The rumen fluid, blood and liver tissue were collected at the end of the experiment. The results showed that the rumen fluid pH level was reduced in the HC group and the pH was lower than 5.6 for more than 4 h/d, indicating that feeding HC diets successfully induced SARA in dairy cows. Both FOXA2 mRNA and protein abundance were significantly reduced in the liver of the HC group compared with the LC group. The activity of antioxidant enzymes (CAT, G6PDH, T-SOD, Cu/Zn SOD, Mn SOD) and mtDNA copy number in the liver tissue of the HC group decreased, while the level of H2O2 significantly increased, this increase was accompanied by a decrease in oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). The balance of mitochondrial division and fusion was disrupted in the HC group, as evidenced by the decreased mRNA level of OPA1, MFN1, and MFN2 and increased mRNA level of Drp1, Fis1, and MFF. At the same time, HC diet downregulated the expression level of SIRT1, SIRT3, PGC-1α, TFAM, and Nrf 1 to inhibit mitochondrial biogenesis. The HC group induced UPRmt in liver tissue by upregulating the mRNA and protein levels of CLPP, LONP1, CHOP, Hsp10, and Hsp60. In addition, HC diet could increase the protein abundance of Bax, CytoC, Caspase 3 and Cleaved-Caspase 3, while decrease the protein abundance of Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratio. Overall, our study suggests that the decreased expression of FOXA2 may be related to UPRmt, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, and apoptosis in the liver of dairy cows fed a high concentrate diet.

Old age as a risk factor for liver diseases: Modern therapeutic approaches

Recent scientific interest has been directed towards age-related diseases, driven by the significant increase in global life expectancy and the growing population of individuals aged 65 and above. The ageing process encompasses various biological, physiological, environmental, psychological, behavioural, and social changes, leading to an augmented susceptibility to chronic illnesses. Cardiovascular, neurological, musculoskeletal, liver and oncological diseases are prevalent in the elderly. Moreover, ageing individuals demonstrate reduced regenerative capacity and decreased tolerance towards therapeutic interventions, including organ transplantation. Liver diseases, such as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, hepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, have emerged as significant public health concerns. Paradoxically, these conditions remain underestimated despite their substantial global impact. Age-related factors are closely associated with the severity and unfavorable prognosis of various liver diseases, warranting further investigation to enhance clinical management and develop novel therapeutic strategies. This comprehensive review focuses specifically on age-related liver diseases, their treatment strategies, and contemporary practices. It provides a detailed account of the global burden, types, molecular mechanisms, and epigenetic alterations underlying these liver pathologies.

Nutritional quality traits of Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis): A sustainable aquatic food product available on Italian market all year round

In this study, Mediterranean mussels (Mytilus galloprovincialis) coming from Italian production were purchased in the most important Italian wholesale fish market in different seasons. Biometrical parameters and chemical composition were investigated, with a particular focus on lipid quality and fatty acids (FAs) composition. Results showed a valuable nutritional profile independently by the season of production, represented by high protein and low-fat content, with the lipid portion represented by high amounts of beneficial FAs, particularly the long chain of the n-3 series. Some differences (p < 0.05) were found in carbohydrates and fat content of mussels edible tissues and in FAs profile of specimens collected in different seasons. The most favourable composition in terms of lipid quality was found in mussels collected during spring, corresponding to the moment of the year when mussels store energy reserves in the form of carbohydrates and fat (preparing for the spawning events) and when seawater is enriched in phytoplankton. The lipid health indices calculated (n6/n3, AI, TI) showed optimal values independently by the season of production. The outcomes obtained in this study could help supporting the appreciation of Mediterranean mussels as nutritional valuable seafood product, thus helping encouraging their consumption and promoting the appraisal of this farming sector essential for Italian aquaculture and related to low environmental impact.

Consumption of fish balls "tsumire" may help prevent liver function deterioration in aged rats

Background: Possible health benefits of fish balls tsumire consumption on human health have been deduced based on the results of our earlier study investigating tsumire consumption by young (6-weeks-old) Sprague-Dawley rats. Aim: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the effect of tsumire intake on aged rats by feeding them a diet containing 5% dried tsumire. Methods: Biomarker levels and organ weight of 80-weeks-old Sprague-Dawley rats that were fed with tsumire were examined for potential health benefits. Results: Following 84 days of administering tsumire-containing diet, we found a decrease in some liver function parameters, such as the levels of AST, ALT, ALP and LAP, in the tsumire-fed rats compared to control rats provided with normal diet. In particular, significantly reduced LDH levels were observed in the experimental group. Conclusions: The results can be extrapolated to possible beneficial effects of consumption of tsumire on human health.

Liver Enzymes and the Risk of Stroke among the General Japanese Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

INTRODUCTION

Stroke is a major cause of morbidity and mortality. Liver enzymes, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT), are markers of liver diseases with potential cardiovascular implications. This study aimed to investigate the prospective association between liver enzymes and stroke risk.

METHODS

We analyzed data from 3,379 men and 4,007 women without cardiovascular disease and registered in the Suita Study, a Japanese population-based prospective cohort study. The hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CIs) of stroke risk were estimated per quintiles of ALT, AST, and GGT in men and women.

RESULTS

Within a median follow-up period of 16.7 years, 438 incident stroke events were diagnosed. In men, compared to the second quintiles, the fifth (highest) quintiles of liver enzymes showed increased stroke risks: HRs (95% CIs) = 2.07 (1.35, 3.18) in ALT, 1.66 (1.10, 2.53) in AST, and 1.76 (1.11, 2.81) in GGT. The associations did not change with cerebral infarction risk: HRs (95% CIs) = 2.09 (1.24, 3.50) in ALT, 1.84 (1.11, 3.06) in AST, and 1.74 (1.00, 3.04) in GGT. The lowest ALT, AST, and GGT quintiles tended to show increased stroke and cerebral infarction risks, yet these associations were statistically insignificant. No such associations were shown in women.

CONCLUSION

Elevated ALT, AST, and GGT levels were associated with increased stroke and cerebral infarction risks among Japanese men.

The Protective Effect of Broccoli Seed Extract against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Liver Injury via Gut Microbiota Modulation and Sulforaphane Production in Mice

Broccoli seed extract (BSE) is rich in glucoraphanin (GRP), which may be transformed by intestinal microbes into sulforaphane (SFN), a compound with strong anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Liver injury usually presents with inflammation and oxidative damage. Thus, dietary BSE supplementation may be an effective approach for alleviating liver injury. In this study, a mouse lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute liver injury model was used to evaluate the preventive effect of BSE and explore the relevant mechanisms. Compared with the LPS model group, the mice in the BSE group showed significantly lower activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and higher levels of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity. Meanwhile, BSE significantly reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (including IL-6 and TNF-α) in the liver and increased the level of anti-inflammatory factor (IL-10), indicating that BSE had a good preventive effect on acute liver injury. Additionally, after BSE intervention, the diversity of intestinal microbiota in the mice was higher than that in the LPS model group. The relative abundance of Akkermansia and Lactobacillus increased, while the relative abundance of Xylanophilum decreased. A correlation analysis revealed that the activities of SOD, GSH-Px, CAT and levels of IL-10 were positively correlated with the relative abundance of Lactobacillus. Furthermore, sulforaphane (SFN) and (Sulforaphane-N-Acetyl-Cysteine) SFN-NAC were detected in the urine of the mice after BSE intervention. Both q-PCR and an immunohistochemical analysis showed that BSE significantly regulated the expression level of the NF-κB (IκB-α, NF-κB) and Nrf2 (Nrf2, p-Nrf2 and HO-1) signaling pathways in the liver. In conclusion, BSE was shown to reduce LPS-induced acute liver injury through the conversion of glucoraphanin into sulforaphane and the regulation of the gut microbiota composition. These results suggest that BSE could be a promising ingredient in functional foods.

Nutritional Pearls and Pitfalls of Gastrointestinal Diseases

Since ancient times, food has been considered a possible therapy for treating a wide range of diseases [...].

Protection of Liver Functions and Improvement of Kidney Functions by Twelve Weeks Consumption of Cuban Policosanol (Raydel®) with a Decrease of Glycated Hemoglobin and Blood Pressure from a Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, and Double-Blinded Study with Healthy and Middle-Aged Japanese Participants

Policosanol consumption has been associated with treating blood pressure and dyslipidemia by increasing the level of high-density lipoproteins-cholesterol (HDL-C) and HDL functionality. Although policosanol supplementation also ameliorated liver function in animal models, it has not been reported in a human clinical study, particularly with a 20 mg doage of policosanol. In the current study, twelve-week consumption of Cuban policosanol (Raydel^®) significantly enhanced the hepatic functions, showing remarkable decreases in hepatic enzymes, blood urea nitrogen, and glycated hemoglobin. From the human trial with Japanese participants, the policosanol group (n = 26, male 13/female 13) showed a remarkable decrease in alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) from baseline up to 21% (p = 0.041) and 8.7% (p = 0.017), respectively. In contrast, the placebo group (n = 26, male 13/female 13) showed almost no change or slight elevation. The policosanol group showed a 16% decrease in γ-glutamyl transferase (γ-GTP) at week 12 from the baseline (p = 0.015), while the placebo group showed a 1.2% increase. The policosanol group exhibited significantly lower serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels at week 8 (p = 0.012), week 12 (p = 0.012), and after 4-weeks (p = 0.006) compared to those of the placebo group. After 12 weeks of policosanol consumption, the ferric ion reduction ability and paraoxonase of serum were elevated by 37% (p < 0.001) and 29% (p = 0.004) higher than week 0, while placebo consumption showed no notable changes. Interestingly, glycated hemoglobin (HbA_1c) in serum was lowered significantly in the policosanol group 4 weeks after consumption, which was approximately 2.1% (p = 0.004) lower than the placebo group. In addition, blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and uric acid levels were significantly lower in the policosanol group after 4 weeks: 14% lower (p = 0.002) and 4% lower (p = 0.048) than those of the placebo group, respectively. Repeated measures of ANOVA showed that the policosanol group had remarkable decreases in AST (p = 0.041), ALT (p = 0.008), γ-GTP (p = 0.016), ALP (p = 0.003), HbA_1c (p = 0.010), BUN (p = 0.030), and SBP (p = 0.011) from the changes in the placebo group in point of time and group interaction. In conclusion, 12 weeks of 20 mg consumption of policosanol significantly enhanced hepatic protection by lowering the serum AST, ALT, ALP, and γ-GTP via a decrease in glycated hemoglobin, uric acid, and BUN with an elevation of serum antioxidant abilities. These results suggest that improvements in blood pressure by consumption of 20 mg of policosanol (Raydel^®) were accompanied by protection of liver function and enhanced kidney function.

Guided Metabolic Detoxification Program Supports Phase II Detoxification Enzymes and Antioxidant Balance in Healthy Participants

Adequate antioxidant supply is essential for maintaining metabolic homeostasis and reducing oxidative stress during detoxification. The emerging evidence suggests that certain classes of phytonutrients can help support the detoxification process by stimulating the liver to produce detoxification enzymes or acting as antioxidants that neutralize the harmful effects of free radicals. This study was designed to examine the effects of a guided 28-day metabolic detoxification program in healthy adults. The participants were randomly assigned to consume a whole food, multi-ingredient supplement (n = 14, education and intervention) or control (n = 18, education and healthy meal) daily for the duration of the trial. The whole food supplement contained 37 g/serving of a proprietary, multicomponent nutritional blend in the form of a rehydratable shake. Program readiness was ensured at baseline using a validated self-perceived wellness score and a blood metabolic panel, indicating stable emotional and physical well-being in both groups. No significant changes or adverse effects were found on physical or emotional health, cellular glutathione (GSH) and the GSH:GSSG ratio, porphyrin, and hepatic detoxification biomarkers in urine. The intervention was positively associated with a 23% increase in superoxide dismutase (p = 0.06) and a 13% increase in glutathione S-transferase (p = 0.003) activities in the blood. This resulted in a 40% increase in the total cellular antioxidant capacity (p = 0.001) and a 13% decrease in reactive oxygen species (p = 0.002) in isolated PBMCs from participants in the detoxification group. Our findings indicate that consuming a whole food nutritional intervention as a part of the guided detoxification program supported phase II detoxification, in part, by promoting enhanced free radical scavenging and maintaining redox homeostasis under the body's natural glutathione recycling capacity.

Microbiome-liver crosstalk: A multihit therapeutic target for liver disease

Liver disease has become a leading cause of death, particularly in the West, where it is attributed to more than two million deaths annually. The correlation between gut microbiota and liver disease is still not fully understood. However, it is well known that gut dysbiosis accompanied by a leaky gut causes an increase in lipopolysaccharides in circulation, which in turn evoke massive hepatic inflammation promoting liver cirrhosis. Microbial dysbiosis also leads to poor bile acid metabolism and low short-chain fatty acids, all of which exacerbate the inflammatory response of liver cells. Gut microbial homeostasis is maintained through intricate processes that ensure that commensal microbes adapt to the low oxygen potential of the gut and that they rapidly occupy all the intestinal niches, thus outcompeting any potential pathogens for available nutrients. The crosstalk between the gut microbiota and its metabolites also guarantee an intact gut barrier. These processes that protect against destabilization of gut microbes by potential entry of pathogenic bacteria are collectively called colonization resistance and are equally essential for liver health. In this review, we shall investigate how the mechanisms of colonization resistance influence the liver in health and disease and the microbial-liver crosstalk potential as therapeutic target areas.

Therapeutic effect and metabolomics mechanism of Patrinia Villosa (Thunb.) juss on liver injury in rats

Patrinia villosa (Thunb.) Juss (P.V) is widely used in the treatment of chronic diseases, such as appendicitis, enteritis and gynecological inflammation. Modern research indicated that the herb has pharmacological effect on liver injury caused by inflammation, but the metabolomics mechanism is not clear. For the purpose of discovering the therapeutic effect and metabolomic mechanism of P.V on liver injury, 40 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into normal group, model group, and P.V groups (0.98, 1.97, and 2.96 g/kg). The model group and P.V groups were injected intraperitoneally with 40% CCl₄ (v/v, olive oil) to establish liver injury model. After administration of P.V for seven consecutive days. Therapeutic effect of P.V on liver injury rats were analyzed. P.V could decrease serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels of liver injury rats as a dose-dependent manner. Compared with the model group, the pathological analysis of liver tissue of P.V groups exhibit significant decrease tendency of hepatic tissue structure destruction, cytoplasmic vacuolation, cellular swelling, and inflammatory cell infiltration as a dose-dependent manner. 82 endogenous metabolites in rat serum and liver were analyzed by Ultra-high performance liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS). 14 metabolites in serum and 26 metabolites in liver were significantly different between the P.V group (2.96 g/kg) and the model group. Metabolic pathway analysis revealed that the main pathway including alanine, aspartate and glutamate metabolism, and TCA cycle were significantly altered. It is suggested that P.V can alleviate CCl₄ induced liver injury, and its effect on metabolites may be an important mechanism of action.

Decreased Serum zinc, selenium, and vitamin E as possible risk factors of hepatic fibrosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUNDS

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been significantly growing in recent years. Although the pathophysiology of fibrosis progression in NAFLD is not yet known, oxidative stress and inflammation have been known to have a major role in the development of NASH. Understanding the impact of micronutrients in NAFLD could potentially help us better understand NAFLD pathogenesis.

AIMS

Assessing the serum levels of Zn, Se, and Vitamin E and their relation to the development of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD patients.

METHODS

This study included 80 NAFLD patients and 40 healthy controls. All of the patients were subjected to abdominal ultrasound and FibroScan examination (to estimate hepatic fibrosis and steatosis degree), and the serum levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E were evaluated.

RESULTS

A statistically significant difference in the serum levels of Zn and Se was observed between the NAFLD group and the control group (P-value = 0.04 and 0.05, respectively). The serum levels of Zn and Se were independently related to the presence of hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. However, serum vitamin E was not related to the severity of NAFLD. Furthermore, no significant difference in the levels of Zn, Se, and vitamin E was observed between the different groups of NAFLD patients categorized according to the degree of steatosis and the control group.

CONCLUSIONS

Reduced serum levels of Zn and Se can be considered a possible risk factor for hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD. Deficiency in these micronutrients could play a role in the pathogenesis of NAFLD.