Sulforaphane ameliorates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity through the up-regulation of /Nrf2/ARE pathway and the inactivation of NF-κB

The Next-Generation Probiotic E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT Ameliorates Cadmium-Induced Liver Injury by Surface Display of Metallothionein and Modulation of Gut Microbiota

Cadmium (Cd) is recognized as being linked to several liver diseases. Currently, due to the limited spectrum of drugs available for the treatment of Cd intoxication, developing and designing antidotes with superior detoxification capacity and revealing their underlying mechanisms remains a major challenge. Therefore, we developed the first next-generation probiotic E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT that delivers metallothionein (MT) to overcome Cd-induced liver injury in C57BL/6 mice by utilizing bacterial surface display technology. The results demonstrate that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT could efficiently express MT without altering the growth and probiotic properties of the strain. Moreover, we found that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT ameliorated Cd contamination-induced hepatic steatosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and liver fibrosis by decreasing the expression of aminotransferases along with inflammatory factors. Activation of the Nrf2-Keap1 signaling pathway also further illustrated the hepatoprotective effects of the engineered bacteria. Finally, we showed that E. coli 1917-pSK18a-MT improved the colonic barrier function impaired by Cd induction and ameliorated intestinal flora dysbiosis in Cd-poisoned mice by increasing the relative abundance of the Verrucomicrobiota. These data revealed that the combination of E. coli 1917 and MT both alleviated Cd-induced liver injury to a greater extent and restored the integrity of colonic epithelial tissues and bacterial dysbiosis.

Sulforaphane Exposure Prevents Cadmium-Induced Toxicity and Mitochondrial Dysfunction in the Nematode Caenorhabditis elegans by Regulating the Insulin/Insulin-like Growth Factor Signaling (IIS) Pathway

Cadmium (Cd) is a heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans and animals. Its adverse effects have been widely associated with mitochondrial alterations. However, there are not many treatments that target mitochondria. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of sulforaphane (SFN) pre-exposure against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced toxicity and mitochondrial alterations in the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans (C. elegans), by exploring the role of the insulin/insulin-like growth factor signaling pathway (IIS). The results revealed that prior exposure to SFN protected against CdCl2-induced mortality and increased lifespan, body length, and mobility while reducing lipofuscin levels. Furthermore, SFN prevented mitochondrial alterations by increasing mitochondrial membrane potential (Δψm) and restoring mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate, thereby decreasing mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. The improvement in mitochondrial function was associated with increased mitochondrial mass and the involvement of the daf-16 and skn-1c genes of the IIS signaling pathway. In conclusion, exposure to SFN before exposure to CdCl2 mitigates toxic effects and mitochondrial alterations, possibly by increasing mitochondrial mass, which may be related to the regulation of the IIS pathway. These discoveries open new possibilities for developing therapies to reduce the damage caused by Cd toxicity and oxidative stress in biological systems, highlighting antioxidants with mitochondrial action as promising tools.

Aloe vera gel relieves cadmium triggered hepatic injury via antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic routes

Aloe vera (AV) gel extracted from fresh AV leaves was chosen in this study to evaluate its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic activities against cadmium (Cd) -induced liver injury. Forty Wistar male adult rats were equally divided into four groups. Group I (standard control) ingested with 2.5 ml/kg b.w. of physiological saline. Group II (Cd-intoxicated) received 3 mg/kg b.w./day of CdCl2 dissolved in saline. Group III (AV) received 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel dissolved in saline. Group IV (Cd+AV) ingested with 200 mg/kg b.w./day of AV gel solution along with 3 mg/kg b.w. CdCl2. All groups were ingested orally by gavage for 3 consecutive weeks. Paraoxonase-1 (PON-1) and HSP70 were measured in serum. The deposited Cd level, nitric oxide content, lipid peroxidation, collagen-1 (COL-1), and metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) levels were all determined in liver tissue homogenates. Gene expression of NF-κB and IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2, as well as immunohistochemistry analysis of activated caspase-3, was performed. Results showed that ingestion of AV gel greatly relieved all oxidative stress due to Cd exposure, modulated the NF-κB, IL-6, Bax, and Bcl2 expression levels, and improved the apoptotic state. In conclusion, AV gel confirmed its potential ameliorating effect against liver injury induced due to Cd exposure.

Urtica pilulifera leaves extract mitigates cadmium induced hepatotoxicity via modulation of antioxidants, inflammatory markers and Nrf-2 signaling in mice

Introduction: Cadmium (Cd) is a harmful heavy metal that results in many toxic issues. Urtica pilulifera showed potential pharmaceutical applications. This study investigated the possible ameliorative mechanism of Urtica pilulifera leaves extract (UPLE) against hepatotoxicity induced by cadmium chloride (CdCl2) in mice. Methods: In vitro phytochemical screening and the metal-chelating activity of UPLE were ascertained. Four groups of forty male mice were used (n = 10) as follows; Group 1 (G1) was a negative control. G2 was injected i.p., with UPLE (100 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G3 was injected i.p., with Cd (5 mg/kg b. wt) daily. G4 was injected with Cd as in G3 and with UPLE as in G2. On day 11, the body weight changes were evaluated, blood, and serum samples were collected for hematological and biochemical assessments. Liver tissues were used for biochemical, molecular, and histopathological investigations. Results: The results showed that UPLE contains promising secondary metabolites that considerably lessen the negative effects of Cd on liver. Furthermore, UPLE inhibited oxidative stress and inflammation; restored antioxidant molecules; and promoted nuclear-related factor-2 (Nrf-2) expression. Also, UPLE improved the histopathological alterations induced by Cd. Discussion: This study explored the beneficial role of UPLE treatment in Cd-induced liver injury through enhancing Nrf-2 signaling and antioxidant enzyme gene expression in the liver of mice. Therefore, UPLE could have valuable implications against hepatotoxicity induced by environmental cadmium exposure. Which can be used as a chelating agent against Cd.

Sulforaphane-A Compound with Potential Health Benefits for Disease Prevention and Treatment: Insights from Pharmacological and Toxicological Experimental Studies

Sulforaphane (SFN), which is a hydrolysis product from glucoraphanin, a compound found in cruciferous vegetables, has been studied for its potential health benefits, particularly in disease prevention and treatment. SFN has proven to be effective in combating different types of cancer by inhibiting the proliferation of tumors and triggering apoptosis. This dual action has been demonstrated to result in a reduction in tumor size and an enhancement of survival rates in animal models. SFN has also shown antidiabetic and anti-obesity effects, improving glucose tolerance and reducing fat accumulation. SFN's ability to activate Nrf2, a transcription factor regulating oxidative stress and inflammation in cells, is a primary mechanism behind its anticancerogenic and antidiabetic effects. Its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties are also suggested to provide beneficial effects against neurodegenerative diseases. The potential health benefits of SFN have led to increased interest in its use as a dietary supplement or adjunct to chemotherapy, but there are insufficient data on its efficacy and optimal doses, as well as its safety. This review aims to present and discuss SFN's potential in treating various diseases, such as cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, obesity, and neurodegenerative diseases, focusing on its mechanisms of action. It also summarizes studies on the pharmacological and toxicological potential of SFN in in vitro and animal models and explores its protective role against toxic compounds through in vitro and animal studies.

The role of cadmium in the pathogenesis of myeloid leukemia in individuals with anemia, deficiencies in vitamin D, zinc, and low calcium dietary intake

Iron deficiency, vitamin D deficiency and low calcium diet are frequent health problems with severe long- term consequences. Upon absorption from the duodenum, cadmium binds to transferrin, and cells with the highest density of transferrin receptor 1 (TfR1) take up the majority of the circulating cadmium. Nowadays, it is clear that individuals with iron deficiency anemia have increased blood levels of cadmium because of higher absorption rate, mediated by divalent metal transporter 1 (DMT1). However, the transient receptor potential vanilloid receptor 6 (TRPV6), known as a calcium carrier, is able to bind and transport cadmium as well. In the case of low calcium diet or vitamin D deficiency, TRPV6 may be overexpressed in the intestine and kidney tubules and absorbs (re-uptake in the case of renal tubules) cadmium in larger quantities, resulting in an increased cadmium blood levels. We speculate that the final event in the case of low calcium dietary diet and/or vitamin D deficiency is similar to what is observed in the case of iron deficiency, that cells with the highest levels of TfR1 (for example, megakaryocyte/erythrocyte progenitors and pro-erythroblasts) take up most of the circulating cadmium, which is powerful malignancy inductor, leading to appearance of acute myeloid leukemia (AML).

Testing sulforaphane as a strategy against toxic chemicals of public health concern by toxicogenomic data analysis: Friend or foe at the gene level - Colorectal carcinoma case study

Toxic metals (cadmium (Cd), lead (Pb), mercury (Hg) and arsenic (As)) and plastificators (bis (2 - ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP), dibutyl phthalate (DBP)) and bisphenol A (BPA)) have been suggested to aid in colorectal carcinoma (CRC) advancement. Sulforaphane (SFN), isothiocyanate from cruciferous vegetables, diminishes chemical carcinogenesis susceptibility, but has been shown to act as a friend or a foe depending on various factors. By conducting the mechanistic toxicogenomic data mining approach, this research aimed to determine if SFN can alleviate toxic-metal and/or phthalate/BPA mixture-induced CRC at the gene level. Comparative Toxicogenomics Database, ToppGene Suite portal, Cytoscape software, InteractiVenn and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database (GEO2R tool) was used. Among the mutual genes for all the investigated substances, SFN had a protective impact only through PTGS2. Other proposed protective SFN-targets included ABCA1, ALDH2, BMP2, DPYD, MYC, SLCO2A1, and SOD2, only in the case of phthalates/BPA exposure. The only additional gene relevant for SFN protection against the toxic metal mixture-induced CRC was ABCB1. Additionally, the majority of the top 15 molecular pathways extracted for SFN impact on phthalate and BPA mixture-linked CRC development were directly linked with cancer development, which was not the case with the toxic metal mixture. The current research has indicated that SFN is a more effective chemoprotective agent against CRC induced by phthalates/BPA mixture than by toxic-metal mixture. It has also presented the value of computational methods as a simple tool for directing further research, selecting appropriate biomarkers and exploring the mechanisms of toxicity.

Alleviative Effect of Threonine on Cadmium-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

As a toxic trace element commonly found in food, cadmium (Cd) can cause severe liver injury. Our previous study showed that threonine (Thr) could significantly alleviate Cd toxicity in yeast. To investigate the effect of Thr on Cd-induced liver injury in mice, twenty-four mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, Cd, and low/high dose of Thr-treatment groups (0.04 and 0.08 mmol/kg/day, respectively). After 7 days of continuous treatment, the alleviative effect of Thr on liver injury in Cd-exposed mice was assessed. The results showed that Thr significantly reduced the elevation of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in Cd-exposed mice. Histological analysis showed that Thr decreased Cd-induced hepatic steatosis, zonal necrosis, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Thr also reduced the Cd-induced malondialdehyde (MDA) and O^2- levels and restored superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in the liver. Further investigation showed that Thr significantly suppressed Cd-induced inflammatory response (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) and restored the level of anti-apoptotic protein (Blc-2) but inhibited the elevation of pro-apoptotic proteins (Bax and caspase-3), as well as the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Cd-exposed mice. In conclusion, Thr alleviated Cd-induced liver injury through reducing Cd-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and attenuating hepatocyte apoptosis via PI3K/AKT-related signaling pathway.

Ameliorative Effects of Oyster Protein Hydrolysates on Cadmium-Induced Hepatic Injury in Mice

Cadmium (Cd) is a widespread environmental toxicant that can cause severe hepatic injury. Oyster protein hydrolysates (OPs) have potential effects on preventing liver disease. In this study, thirty mice were randomly divided into five groups: the control, Cd, Cd + ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA, 100 mg/kg), and low/high dose of OPs-treatment groups (100 mg/kg or 300 mg/kg). After continuous administration for 7 days, the ameliorative effect of OPs on Cd-induced acute hepatic injury in Cd-exposed mice was assessed. The results showed that OPs significantly improved the liver function profiles (serum ALT, AST, LDH, and ALP) in Cd-exposed mice. Histopathological analysis showed that OPs decreased apoptotic bodies, hemorrhage, lymphocyte accumulation, and inflammatory cell infiltration around central veins. OPs significantly retained the activities of SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px, and decreased the elevated hepatic MDA content in Cd-exposed mice. In addition, OPs exhibited a reductive effect on the inflammatory responses (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) and inhibitory effects on the expression of inflammation-related proteins (MIP-2 and COX-2) and the ERK/NF-κB signaling pathway. OPs suppressed the development of hepatocyte apoptosis (Bax, caspase-3, and Blc-2) and the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway in Cd-exposed mice. In conclusion, OPs ameliorated the Cd-induced hepatic injury by inhibiting oxidative damage and inflammatory responses, as well as the development of hepatocyte apoptosis via regulating the ERK/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT-related signaling pathways.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, transformation of ingredients and pharmacology of the dried seeds of Raphanus sativus L. (Raphani Semen), A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Raphani Semen (Lai Fu-zi in Chinese, RS), the dried seeds of Raphanus sativus L., is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. RS has long been used for eliminating bloating and digestion, antitussive, expectorant and anti-asthmatic in clinical treatment of traditional Chinese medicine.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This review provides a critical and comprehensive summary of traditional uses, phytochemistry, transformation of ingredients and pharmacology of RS based on research data that have been reported, aiming at providing a basis for further study on RS.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The search terms "Raphani Semen", "the seeds of Raphanus sativus L." and "radish seed" were used to obtain the information from electronic databases such as Web of Science, China National Knowledge Infrastructure, PubMed and other web search instruments. Traditional uses, phytochemistry, transformation of ingredients and pharmacology of RS were summarized.

RESULTS

RS has been traditionally used to treat food dyspeptic retention, distending pain in the epigastrium and abdomen, constipation, diarrhea and dysentery, panting, and cough with phlegm congestion in the clinical practice. The chemical constituents of RS include glucosinolates and sulfur-containing derivatives, phenylpropanoid sucrosides, small organic acids and derivatives, flavone glycosides, alkaloids, terpenoids, steroids, oligosaccharides and others. Among them, glucosinolates can be transformated to isothiocyanates by plant myrosinase or the intestinal flora, which display a variety of activities, such as anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antibacterial, treatment of metabolic diseases, central nervous system protection, anti-osteoporosis. RS has a variety of pharmacological activities, including treatment of metabolic diseases, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, antibacterial, antihypertensive, central nervous system protection, anti-osteoporosis, etc. This review will provide useful insight for exploration, further study and precise medication of RS in the future.

CONCLUSIONS

According to its traditional uses, phytochemistry, transformation of ingredients and pharmacology, RS is regarded as a promising medical plant with various chemical compounds and numerous pharmacological activities. However, the material bases and mechanisms of traditional effect of RS need further study.

Zinc oxide/graphene oxide nanocomposites efficiently inhibited cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity via releasing Zn ions and up-regulating MRP1 expression

Environmental cadmium (Cd) pollution has been verified to associated with various hepatic diseases, as Cd has been classified as one of the TOP 20 Hazardous Substances and liver is the main target of Cd poisoning. However, to design efficient hepatic antidotes with excellent detoxification capacity and reveal their underlying mechanism(s) are still challenges in Cd detoxification. Herein, ZnO/GO nanocomposites with favorable biocompatibility was uncovered their advanced function against Cd-elicited liver damage at the in situ level in vivo by 9.4 T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). To explore the cellular detoxification mechanism, ZnO/GO nanocomposites was found to effectively inhibit the cyto- and geno-toxicity of Cd with the maximum antagonistic efficiency to be approximately 90%. Mechanistically, ZnO/GO nanocomposites competitively inhibited the cellular Cd uptake through releasing Zn ions, and significantly promoted Cd excretion via targeting the efflux pump of multidrug resistance associated protein1 (MRP1), which was confirmed by mass spectra and immunohistochemical analysis in kidney, a main excretion organ of Cd. Our data provided a novel approach against Cd-elicited hepatotoxic responses by constructed ZnO/GO nanocomposites both in vitro and in vivo, which may have promising application in prevention and detoxification for Cd poisoning.

Dietary phenolic-type Nrf2-activators: implications in the control of toxin-induced hepatic disorders

Numerous studies have exemplified the importance of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in the alleviation of toxin-induced hepatic disorders primarily through eliminating oxidative stress. Whereafter, increasingly more efforts have been contributed to finding Nrf2-activators, especially from dietary polyphenols. The present review summarized the phenolic-type Nrf2-activators published in the past few decades, analyzed their effectiveness based on their structural characteristics and outlined their related mechanisms. It turns out that flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic-type Nrf2-activators, followed by nonflavonoids and phenolic acids. When counting on subgroups, the top three types are flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids, with curcuminoids having the highest effective doses. Moreover, most polyphenols work through the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Besides, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) are the frequent targets of these Nrf2-activators, which indirectly mediate the behavior of Nrf2. However, current data are not sufficient to conclude any structure-activity relationship.