Comparative hepato-ameliorative effects of Bambusa nutans fresh and fermented shoot extracts on STZ induced diabetic LACA mice

Bamboo shoots are nutritionally rich source of antioxidants and bioactive compounds with immense therapeutic potentials. The fresh shoot is acrid and needs to be processed to make it palatable. Fermentation is one the best processing methods for long term storage and make the shoot palatable and enhance taste. This study aims to assess the prophylactic hepatoprotective effects of fresh and fermented B. nutans shoot aqueous extract (200 mg/kg b.w.) in STZ induced diabetic LACA mice. Both extracts effectively improved body weight loss, hyperglycemia, and hepatomegaly. Fresh shoot reduced LDH activity and LPO level by 26.1% and 46.6%, while fermented shoot reduced them by 51.5% and 55.8%, respectively. The fermented shoot extract group demonstrated a noteworthy decrease in liver enzymes (SGPT, SGOT, ALP, and bilirubin levels) and an increase in albumin and A/G ratio, with more substantial improvements compared to the group treated with fresh extract. Additionally, the extracts enhanced antioxidant activities and showed histological improvements in hepatocytes and central vein structure. The findings indicate that both fresh and fermented B. nutans extracts are non-toxic and possess hepatoprotective potential in hyperglycaemic liver dysfunction, with fermented shoot extract exhibiting superior efficacy suggesting its potential as a therapeutic agent for hyperglycemic liver conditions.

The Protective Effect of N-acetylcysteine against Deltamethrin-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Background

Exposure to pesticides is of concern to public health officials worldwide. Deltamethrin is a synthetic pyrethroid pesticide which is widely used in agriculture and veterinary medicine. Deltamethrin poisoning is always one of the concerns in medical centers due to the deltamethrin induced hepatotoxicity. This study evaluated the hepato-protective effects of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) against deltamethrin induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

Methods

A total of 40 BALB/c male mice were randomly divided into four groups; the first group was used as a control (0.5 ml normal saline); Groups 2-4 were treated with NAC [160 mg/kg Body Weight (BW)], deltamethrin (50 mg/kg BW), and NAC plus deltamethrin. At 1 and 24 hr after treatment, the animals were sacrificed and blood and liver samples were obtained for analysis and the liver/body ration, hepatic enzymes as Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine Transaminase (ALT), Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), Glutathione (GSH) content and Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) level were measured. For comparison between more than two experimental groups, one-way ANOVA following Tukey test was used by SPSS software.

Results

The deltamethrin significantly increased AST, ALT, ALP, and the level of ROS level at the end of 1 and 24 hr after treatment; while the LDH level and GSH content were decreased. Mice in the deltamethrin treated group had a higher liver/body weight ratio than in other treated groups after 24 hr. On the other hand, NAC in combination with deltamethrin significantly reduced the activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and increased GSH levels.

Conclusion

This study demonstrated that NAC has a hepatoprotective role against deltamethrin-induced toxicity.

Isolation and characterization of dihydrohomoisoflavonoids from Portulaca oleracea L

Eight pairs of dihydrohomoisoflavonoids (1-8), including four pairs of enantiomeric aglycones [(R,S)-portulacanones B (1) and C (2) and (R,S)-oleracones C (3) and Q (4)] and four pairs of epimeric glycosides [portulacasides A-D and epiportulacasides A-D (5-8)], were obtained from Portulaca oleracea L. Among them, (R,S)-oleracone Q (4) and four pairs of epimeric glycosides (5-8) were reported for the first time. The 50% EtOH fraction from the 70% EtOH extract prevented HepG2 human liver cancer cell damage induced by N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), and the cell survival rate was 62.3%. Portulacaside B (6a), which was isolated from the 50% EtOH fraction, exhibited hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects. The compound increased the survival rate of APAP-damaged HepG2 human liver cancer cells from 40.0% to 51.2% and reduced nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages, resulting in an inhibitory rate of 46.8%.

Transcriptomic screening of novel targets of sericin in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Sericin, a natural protein derived from Bombyx mori, is known to ameliorate liver tissue damage; however, its molecular mechanism remains unclear. Herein, we aimed to identify the possible novel targets of sericin in hepatocytes and related cellular pathways. RNA sequencing analysis indicated that a low dose of sericin resulted in 18 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) being upregulated and 68 DEGs being downregulated, while 61 DEGs were upregulated and 265 DEGs were downregulated in response to a high dose of sericin (FDR ≤ 0.05, fold change > 1.50). Functional analysis revealed that a low dose of sericin regulated pathways associated with the complement and coagulation cascade, metallothionine, and histone demethylate (HDMs), whereas a high dose of sericin was associated with pathways involved in lipid metabolism, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling and autophagy. The gene network analysis highlighted twelve genes, A2M, SERPINA5, MT2A, MT1G, MT1E, ARID5B, POU2F1, APOB, TRAF6, HSPA8, FGFR1, and OGT, as novel targets of sericin. Network analysis of transcription factor activity revealed that sericin affects NFE2L2, TFAP2C, STAT1, GATA3, CREB1 and CEBPA. Additionally, the protective effects of sericin depended on the counterregulation of APOB, POU2F1, OGT, TRAF6, and HSPA5. These findings suggest that sericin exerts hepatoprotective effects through diverse pathways at different doses, providing novel potential targets for the treatment of liver diseases.

Oral delivery of aescin-loaded gelatin nanoparticles ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rats

AIM

The liver plays a crucial role in biotransformation but it is susceptible to chemical-induced damage, known as hepatotoxicity. Traditional therapies for protecting the liver face significant challenges, including poor bioavailability, off-target effects, adverse reactions, drug breakdown, and inadequate uptake. These issues emphasize the need for precise, targeted therapeutic approaches against hepatotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The objective of our research was to develop a customized, biocompatible, and biodegradable nanodrug delivery system for hepatoprotection. We chose collagen hydrolyzed protein, or gelatin, as the base material and utilized solvent evaporation and nanoprecipitation methods to create nanoparticles with size ranging from 130 to 155 nm. The resulting nanoparticles exhibited a spherical and smooth surface, as confirmed by scanning and transmission electron microscopy.

KEY FINDINGS

Bioactive aescin (AES), into these gelatin nanoparticles (AES-loaded gel NPs), we tested these nanoparticles using a hepatotoxicity model. The results were indicating a significant reduction in the levels of key biomolecules, including NF-κB, iNOS, BAX, and COX-2 and decreased serum levels of enzymes ALT and AST. This reduction correlated with a notable alleviation in the severity of hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the treatment with AES-loaded gel NPs resulted in the downregulation of several inflammatory and liver-specific biomarkers, including nitrite, MPO, TNF-α, and IL-6.

SIGNIFICANCE

In summary, our study demonstrates that the AES-loaded gel NPs were markedly more effective in mitigating experimental hepatotoxicity when compared to the free aescin. The nanoparticles exhibited a propensity for suppressing liver damage, showcasing the potential of this targeted therapeutic approach for safeguarding the liver from harmful chemical insults.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Annulohypoxylon stygium Melanin on Acute Alcoholic Liver Injury in Mice

Annulohypoxylon stygium melanin (AsM) has various functional properties such as antioxidant and anti-radiation, but its biological activity in vivo has not been fully investigated. In this study, we researched the effects of AsM on the protection against acute liver injury in mice and its mechanism. The results showed that AsM had no significant effect on body weight in mice but reduced the liver index. It was able to significantly decrease the activities of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), the contents of triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) in mice. Simultaneously, it raised the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxidase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), which obviously exceeded those of the EtOH group. AsM could significantly lower the levels of inflammatory factors, with inhibition rates of 68.30%, 29.0%, and 19.50% for IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, respectively. H&E and Oil red O staining also showed that AsM ameliorated liver damage and lipid accumulation in mice. The protective mechanism of AsM may be associated to the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) antioxidant signaling pathway, which could activate the downstream antioxidant enzymes heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC). These findings confirmed that AsM had an alleviating effect on alcoholic liver injury and provided new thoughts for the development of natural product.

Genista cephalantha Spach. protects against acetaminophen-induced liver failure via preserving the glutathione redox system, reducing inflammatory response, and inhibiting hepatocyte death in rats

Objectives

The current study was conducted to assess the protective mechanisms of n-BuOH fraction from the aerial part of Genista cephontala (BEGC) on APAP-induced liver injury compared to necrostatine-1 (Nec-1).

Materials and Methods

A model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity was created in male rats by injecting a single dose; 1000 mg/kg APAP, the protective effect was performed with (200 mg/kg; 10 days) BEGC compared to Nec-1, (1.8 mg/kg).

Results

BEGC or NeC-1 pretreatment significantly abolished impaired effects in APAP-rats, by decreasing the generation of TBARS and ROS in mitochondrial and cytosolic fractions and maintaining liver function activities. A marked response was observed in the levels of both GSH and GSH-system enzymes in liver homogenates and mitochondrial fractions to BEGC. BEGC/ Nec-1 successfully regulated the inflammatory mediators (IL-β, TNF-α, HMGB1, and acHMGB1) and MPO levels. During APAP treatment, no caspase-3 or -8 activity was detected, and the level of fk18; M30 was higher than the levels of cck18; M65. Moreover, RIPK3 and MLKL levels were increased in the APAP group. These results suggested that necroptosis predominates during the APAP liver injury model. Interestingly, these necroptotic factors were significantly down-regulated by BEGC treatment. Both biochemical and histopathological findings were consistent with each other.

Conclusion

From all these findings, the hepatoprotective effect of BEGC could be due to the abundance of polyphenols identified by LC-MS/MS analysis, as well as the synergistic interactions of all contents.

Drug-induced liver injury and anti-hepatotoxic effect of herbal compounds: a metabolic mechanism perspective

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is the most challenging and thought-provoking liver problem for hepatologists owing to unregulated medication usage in medical practices, nutritional supplements, and botanicals. Due to underreporting, analysis, and identification issues, clinically evaluated medication hepatotoxicity is prevalent yet hard to quantify.

PURPOSE

This review's primary objective is to thoroughly compare pharmaceutical drugs and herbal compounds that have undergone clinical trials, focusing on their metabolic mechanisms contributing to the onset of liver illnesses and their hepatoprotective effects.

METHODS

The data was gathered from several online sources, such as PubMed, Scopus, Google Scholar, and Web of Science, using appropriate keywords.

RESULTS

The prevalence of conventional and herbal medicine is rising. A comprehensive understanding of the metabolic mechanism is necessary to mitigate the hepatotoxicity induced by drugs and facilitate the incorporation or substitution of herbal medicine instead of pharmaceuticals. Moreover, pre-clinical pharmacological research has the potential to facilitate the development of natural products as therapeutic agents, displaying promising possibilities for their eventual clinical implementation.

CONCLUSIONS

Acetaminophen, isoniazid, rifampicin, diclofenac, and pyrogallol have been identified as the most often reported synthetic drugs that produce hepatotoxicity by oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and fibrosis during the last several decades. Due to their ability to downregulate many factors (such as cytokines) and activate several enzyme/enzyme systems, herbal substances (such as Gingko biloba extract, curcumin, resveratrol, and silymarin) provide superior protection against harmful mechanisms which induce hepatotoxicity with fewer adverse effects than their synthetic counterparts.

Lignan glucosides from Gentiana macrophylla with potential anti-arthritis and hepatoprotective activities

Ten lignans, including six previously undescribed phenolic ester glycosyl lignans (1-6), were isolated from a well-known traditional Chinese medicine, Qin-Jiao, which is the dry root of Gentiana macrophylla Pall. (Gentianaceae). Their structures were determined by spectroscopic and chemical methods, especially 2D NMR techniques. Quantum chemical calculations of theoretical ECD spectra allowed the determination of their absolute configurations. Refer to its traditional applications for the treatment of rheumatic arthralgia and hepatopathy, these compounds were evaluated on a TNF-α induced MH7A human synoviocyte inflammation model and a D-GalN induced AML12 hepatocyte injury model. Compounds 1, 2, 5, and 6 significantly reduced the release of proinflammatory cytokine IL-1β in MH7A cells at 15 μM and they also could strongly protect AML12 cells against D-GalN injury at 30 μM. Flow cytometry and Western blot analysis showed that compound 5 ameliorated D-GalN induced AML12 cell apoptosis by upregulating the expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and down-regulating the expression of pro-apoptotic Bax protein.

Triptolide attenuates CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cells in mice

Liver fibrosis is a major global health issue, and immune dysregulation is a main contributor. Triptolide is a natural immunosuppressive agent with demonstrated effectiveness in ameliorating liver fibrosis, but whether it exerts anti-liver fibrotic effects via immunoregulation remains obscure. In this study, first, by employing a CCL4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model, we demonstrated that triptolide could alleviate pathological damage to liver tissue and attenuate liver function damaged by CCL4. In addition, triptolide inhibited the expression of liver fibrotic markers such as hydroxyproline, collagen type IV, hyaluronidase, laminin, and procollagen type III, and the protein expression of α-SMA in CCL4-induced liver fibrosis. Second, with the help of network pharmacology, we predicted that triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects might occur through the regulation of Th17, Th1, and Th2 cell differentiation, which indicated that triptolide might mitigate liver fibrosis via immunoregulation. Finally, multiplex immunoassays and flow cytometry were adopted to verify this prediction. The results suggested that triptolide could reverse the aberrant expression of inflammatory cytokines caused by CCL4 and regulate the differentiation of Th1, Th2, Th17, and Treg cells. In conclusion, triptolide could attenuate CCL4-induced liver fibrosis by regulating the differentiation of CD4+ T cells. The results obtained in this study extended the application of triptolide and introduced a new mechanism of triptolide's anti-liver fibrotic effects.

A comprehensive review on pharmacological, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties of phillygenin: Current landscape and future perspectives

Forsythiae Fructus is a traditional Chinese medicine frequently in clinics. It is extensive in the treatment of various inflammation-related diseases and is renowned as 'the holy medicine of sores'. Phillygenin (C21H24O6, PHI) is a component of lignan that has been extracted from Forsythiae Fructus and exhibits notable biological activity. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that PHI demonstrates significant activities in the treatment of various diseases, including inflammatory diseases, liver diseases, cancer, bacterial infection and virus infection. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarizes the pharmacological effects of PHI up to June 2023 by searching PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, CNKI, and SciFinder databases. According to the data, PHI shows remarkable anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, hepatoprotective, antitumour, antibacterial, antiviral, immunoregulatory, analgesic, antihypertensive and vasodilatory activities. More importantly, NF-κB, MAPK, PI3K/AKT, P2X7R/NLRP3, Nrf2-ARE, JAK/STAT, Ca2+-calcineurin-TFEB, TGF-β/Smads, Notch1 and AMPK/ERK/NF-κB signaling pathways are considered as important molecular targets for PHI to exert these pharmacological activities. Studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties have shown that PHI has very low toxicity, incomplete absorption in vivo and low oral bioavailability. In addition, the physico-chemical properties, new formulations, derivatives and existing challenges and prospects of PHI are also reviewed and discussed in this paper, aiming to provide direction and rationale for the further development and clinical application of PHI.

Goji Ferment Ameliorated Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in vitro and in vivo

This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of lyophilized powder of goji ferment (LPGF) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic damage in Hep3B cells and in mice. Eleven strains of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were selected and their hepatoprotection against APAP-induced cellular damage in Hep3B cell line was evaluated. Four strains of LAB, including BCRC11652 (Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides), BCRC14619 (Lactobacillus gasseri), KODA-1 (Pediococcus acidilactici), and KODA-2 (Limosilactobacillus fermentum), have hepatoprotective potential against APAP in vitro. Goji significantly stimulated the growth of individual and combined strains of LAB and the optimal fermented condition was the treatment of goji at 10% (w/w) for 24 h. The prepared lyophilized powder of goji ferment (LPGF) containing fifteen combinations of LAB strains was used to explore their hepatoprotection in vitro. LPGF containing all combinations of LAB strains, except for KODA-2, significantly restored APAP-reduced cell viability and improved APAP-increased cellular levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). In mice model, LPGF containing BCRC11652, BCRC14619, and KODA-2 was chosen to evaluate its hepatoprotection against APAP-induced liver injury. LPGF at diverse doses have a tendency but no significant improvement on APAP-reduced body weight gain and liver weight. LPGF significantly decreased APAP-increased serum ALT and AST levels in a dose-dependent manner. At the end of experiment, LPGF significantly and dose-dependently reversed APAP-reduced activities of GSH and antioxidant enzymes, including glutathione peroxidase, superoxide dismutase, and catalase in hepatic tissue. Overall, LPGF was demonstrated to exhibit hepatoprotection against APAP-induced liver injury in vitro and in vivo.

Mesenchymal Stem Cell-Derived Exosomes Mitigate Acute Murine Liver Injury via Ets-1 and Heme Oxygenase-1 Up-regulation

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs)-derived exosomes have been previously demonstrated to promote tissue regeneration in various animal disease models. This study investigated the protective effect of exosome treatment in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury and delineated possible underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Exosomes collected from conditioned media of previously characterized human umbilical cord-derived MSCs were intraperitoneally administered into male CD-1 mice with CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Biochemical, histological and molecular parameters were used to evaluate the severity of liver injury. A rat hepatocyte cell line, Clone-9, was used to validate the molecular changes by exosome treatment.

RESULTS

Exosome treatment significantly suppressed plasma levels of AST, ALT, and pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6 and TNF-, in the mice with CCl4-induced acute liver injury. Histological morphometry revealed a significant reduction in the necropoptic area in the injured livers following exosome therapy. Consistently, western blot analysis indicated marked elevations in hepatic expression of PCNA, c-Met, Ets-1, and HO-1 proteins after exosome treatment. Besides, the phosphorylation level of signaling mediator JNK was significantly increased, and that of p38 was restored by exosome therapy. Immunohistochemistry double staining confirmed nuclear Ets-1 expression and cytoplasmic localization of c-Met and HO-1 proteins. In vitro studies demonstrated that exosome treatment increased the proliferation of Clone-9 hepatocytes and protected them from CCl4-induced cytotoxicity. Kinase inhibition experiment indicated that the exosome-driven hepatoprotection might be mediated through the JNK pathway.

CONCLUSION

Exosome therapy activates the JNK signaling activation pathway as well as up-regulates Ets-1 and HO-1 expression, thereby protecting hepatocytes against hepatotoxin-induced cell death.

A comparative study on the hepatoprotective effect of selenium-nanoparticles and dates flesh extract on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in albino rats

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) causes liver damage. This study aimed to compare the ameliorative activity of the dates flesh extract (DFE) and selenium-nanoparticles (SeNPs) on CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity and if DFE could be a useful alternative supplement. Twenty-four male albino rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups (6 rats in each group): control group received only basal diet with no medications. Group II received CCL4 in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for four weeks. Group III rats were pretreated with SeNPs in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a day orally three times/wk for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL4 for another four weeks. Group IV rats were pretreated with DFE in a dose of 8 ml of the aqueous extract/kg/d orally for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL4 for another four weeks. The liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of albumin and enzymes activities of alanine aminotransferase and tissue genes expression. Liver oxidation levels were assessed by measuring the tissue concentration of the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and the total glutathione. Additionally, inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor--α and interleukin-6 were estimated. Detecting the liver's cellular structural damage was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This study suggests that CCL4-induced liver damage in rats can be protected by administration whether the costly SeNPs or the economical DFE.

Deciphering the emerging role of phytocompounds: Implications in the management of drug-resistant tuberculosis and ATDs-induced hepatic damage

Tuberculosis is a disease of poverty, discrimination, and socioeconomic burden. Epidemiological studies suggest that the mortality and incidence of tuberculosis are unacceptably higher worldwide. Genomic mutations in embCAB, embR, katG, inhA, ahpC, rpoB, pncA, rrs, rpsL, gyrA, gyrB, and ethR contribute to drug resistance reducing the susceptibility of Mycobacterium tuberculosis to many antibiotics. Additionally, treating tuberculosis with antibiotics also poses a serious risk of hepatotoxicity in the patient's body. Emerging data on drug-induced liver injury showed that anti-tuberculosis drugs remarkably altered levels of hepatotoxicity biomarkers. The review is an attempt to explore the anti-mycobacterial potential of selected, commonly available, and well-known phytocompounds and extracts of medicinal plants against strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Many studies have demonstrated that phytocompounds such as flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, and phenolic compounds have antibacterial action against Mycobacterium species, inhibiting the bacteria's growth and replication, and sometimes, causing cell death. Phytocompounds act by disrupting bacterial cell walls and membranes, reducing enzyme activity, and interfering with essential metabolic processes. The combination of these processes reduces the overall survivability of the bacteria. Moreover, several phytochemicals have synergistic effects with antibiotics routinely used to treat TB, improving their efficacy and decreasing the risk of resistance development. Interestingly, phytocompounds have been presented to reduce isoniazid- and ethambutol-induced hepatotoxicity by reversing serum levels of AST, ALP, ALT, bilirubin, MDA, urea, creatinine, and albumin to their normal range, leading to attenuation of inflammation and hepatic necrosis. As a result, phytochemicals represent a promising field of research for the development of new TB medicines.

Cigarette smoke attenuates mesenchymal stem cell-based suppression of immune cell-driven acute liver failure

Detrimental effects of smoking on mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-dependent immunosuppression and hepatoprotection are unknown. Herewith, by using α-galactosylceramide (α-GalCer)-induced liver injury, a well-established murine model of fulminant hepatitis, we examined molecular mechanisms which were responsible for negative effects of cigarette smoke on MSC-dependent immunomodulation. MSC which were grown in cigarette smoke-exposed medium (MSCWS-CM) obtained pro-inflammatory phenotype, were not able to optimally produce hepatoprotective and immunosuppressive cytokines (TGF-β, HGF, IL-10, NO, KYN), and secreted significantly higher amounts of inflammatory cytokines (IFN-γ, TNF-α, IL-17, IL-6) than MSC that were cultured in standard medium never exposed to cigarette smoke (MSCCM). In contrast to MSCCM, which efficiently attenuated α-GalCer-induced hepatitis, MSCWS-CM were not able to prevent hepatocyte injury and liver inflammation. MSCWS-CM had reduced capacity for the suppression of liver-infiltrated inflammatory macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and lymphocytes. Although significantly lower number of IL-12-producing macrophages and DCs, TNF-α, IFN-γ or IL-17-producing CD4 + and CD8 +T lymphocytes, NK and NKT cells were noticed in the livers of α-GalCer+MSCCM-treated mice compared to α-GalCer+saline-treated animals, this phenomenon was not observed in α-GalCer-injured mice that received MSCWS-CM. MSCWS-CM could not induce expansion of anti-inflammatory IL-10-producing FoxP3 +CD4 + and CD8 + T regulatory cells and were not able to create immunosuppressive microenvironment in the liver as MSCCM. Similarly as it was observed in mice, MSCWS-CM were not able to optimally inhibit production of inflammatory and hepatototoxic cytokines in activated human Th1/Th17 and NKT1/NKT17 cells, confirming the hypothesis that cigarette smoke significantly attenuates therapeutic potential of MSC in cell-based immunotherapy of inflammatory liver diseases.

Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits alleviate liver injury induced by isoniazid and rifampicin through regulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rhus chinensis Mill. is a species of the genus Rhus belonging to the family Anacardiaceae. Its fruits used to treat/prevent liver related diseases (e.g., jaundice and hepatitis) in folk medicine. Otherwise, the effects and underlying mechanisms of the fruits on the prevention of isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury have not been investigated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To study the preventive effects and mechanisms of the Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

This experiment was based on rifampicin (75 mg/kg/day) and isoniazid (75 mg/kg/day)-induced liver damage model to explain the pharmacological effects of Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits. The prevention of the extract from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits on isoniazid and rifampicin-caused liver injury were evaluated using biochemical parameters, histopathological analysis, and immunofluorescence technique. Apart from that, the potential molecular mechanisms were elucidated by analyzing the expression of such crucial proteins participated in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport.

RESULTS

The extract from Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits significantly reduced the levels of ALT, AST, TBIL, ALP and MDA. Besides, the extract, especially 800 mg/kg b.w., was remarkably decreased the content of TNF-α,IL-6 and IL-1β, restored the levels of GSH and SOD. The results of Western blot also presented that the extract could activate the Nrf2 protein pathway and inhibit the expression of CYP2E1 to reduce oxidative stress. Meanwhile, the extract significantly up-regulated the expressions of BSEP and Mrp2 to regulate the transport of bile acid, and alleviated the cellular apoptosis via adjusting the expression of Bax and Bcl-2 proteins.

CONCLUSIONS

Rhus chinensis Mill. fruits can prevent the liver injury induced by isoniazid and rifampicin in mice through adjusting the expressions of multiple proteins in oxidative stress, apoptosis, and bile acid transport pathways. This paper may provide scientific basis for the fruits as a Chinese medicine to prevent/cure liver injury.

Germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids from the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum with hepatoprotective activity

Two new germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, chrysanthemolides A (1) and B (2), and four known germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids, hanphyllin (3), 3β-hydroxy-11α,13-dihydro-costunolide (4), costunolide (5), and 6,7-dimethylmethylene-4-aldehyde-1β-hydroxy-10(15)-ene-(4Z)-dicyclodecylene (6), were isolated and identified from the flowers of Chrysanthemum indicum. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated via high resolution electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HR-ESI-MS), 1D and 2D nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectra and electronic circular dichroism (ECD). Meanwhile, all the isolates were tested for their hepatoprotective activity in tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) injured AML12 cells. Compounds 1, 2, and 4 showed significant protective effects at 40 μM, comparable with the positive control resveratrol at 10 μM. As the most potent one, compound 1 was chosen for further studies. Compound 1 dose-dependently increased the viability of t-BHP-injured AML12 cells. Furthermore, compound 1 decreased reactive oxygen species accumulation, while increased glutathione level, heme oxygenase-1 level and superoxide dismutase activity, through anchoring in the binding site of Kelch domain of the Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) to promote the dissociation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 from Keap1 and translocation to nuclei. In summary, germacrane-type sesquiterpenoids from C. indicum might be further developed to protect liver against oxidative damage.

Polysaccharides from Oudemansiella radicata residues attenuate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury

In addition to fruiting bodies and mycelia, the mushroom residues have also been demonstrated to be rich in polysaccharides which have attracted academic attentions owing to their extensive bioactivities. Therefore, the present work aimed to investigate the potential hepatoprotective effects of Oudemansiella radicata residues polysaccharides (RPS). Our results demonstrated that RPS showed significantly protective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury, and the possible mechanisms may be related with the predominant bioactivities of RPS containing anti-oxidation by activating the Nrf2 signal pathways, anti-inflammation by inhibiting NF-κB signal pathways and reducing the release of inflammatory cytokines, anti-apoptosis by regulating Bcl-2/Bax pathway, and anti-fibrosis by inhibiting the expressions of TGF-β1, Hyp and α-SMA, respectively. These findings suggested that RPS, a typical β-type glycosidic pyranose-polysaccharides, could be used as promising diet supplement or medication for the adjunctive treatment of hepatic diseases, and also contributed to promoting the recyclable utilization of mushroom residues.

Indole-3-carbinol ameliorated the thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Indole-3-carbinol (I3C) is reported to have hepatic and neuroprotective properties. However, the I3C role in the protection of the liver and brain in the pathological condition of hepatic encephalopathy has not been investigated. Therefore, in the present study, we have assessed the hepatic and neuroprotective roles of I3C against thioacetamide (TAA)- induced hepatic encephalopathy in Wistar rats. TAA (300mg/kg) was intraperitoneally administered to Wistar rats to induce hepatic encephalopathy. The elevated levels of ammonia in the blood, liver, and brain were substantially lowered by I3C treatment (25, 50, and 100mg/kg, oral, 7 days). I3C significantly ameliorated the TAA-induced liver dysfunction by decreasing the alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, and alkaline phosphatase enzymes and reduced the elevated cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) activity in the liver and brain. Further, I3C alleviated mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in the brain. I3C treatment improved the anti-inflammatory cytokine interleukin (IL)-10 while reducing inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor-1 and IL-6 in hepatic encephalopathy rats. I3C reduced the levels of apoptotic indicators mediated by the mitochondria, including cytochrome c, caspase 9, and caspase 3. Concurrently, I3C mitigated the liver and brain histological abnormalities in hepatic encephalopathy rats. Therefore, the present study concluded that the I3C protected the liver and brain from TAA-induced hepatic encephalopathy injury by inhibiting CYP2E1 enzyme activity and decreasing ammonia, oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. The present study provides preclinical validation of I3C use as hepatic and neuroprotective for hepatic encephalopathy management.

Nicorandil reduces morphine withdrawal symptoms, potentiates morphine antinociception, and ameliorates liver fibrosis in rats

AIMS

Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a serious medical condition affecting patients globally and pain management poses a unique challenge. ATP-sensitive potassium channels (K_ATP) are expressed in nociceptive neurons and hepatic cells. We tested the hypothesis whether morphine and nicorandil, K_ATP channel opener, alone and in combination possess hepatoprotective, antinociceptive effect and alter morphine physical dependence.

MAIN METHODS

Intraperitoneal injection (i.p.) of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver fibrosis in male Wistar rats. Nicorandil (15 mg/kg/day) was administered per os for two weeks. Morphine (3.8, 5, 10 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered prior to antinociception testing in tail flick and formalin tests. Morphine physical dependence following naloxone injection, fibrotic, oxidative stress markers, and liver histopathology were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

Morphine alone, produced insignificant changes of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), hyaluronic acid (HA), hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp), malondialdehyde (MDA), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels and exerted significant antinociception in the pain models. Nicorandil alone protected against liver damage (decreased serum ALT, AST, HA, hepatic Hyp, MDA, increased SOD levels, improved fibrosis scores). Nicorandil/morphine combination produced remarkable hepatoprotection and persistent analgesia compared to morphine alone as evidenced by reduced (EC50) of morphine. Nicorandil augmented morphine analgesia and markedly decreased withdrawal signs in morphine-dependent rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

The data showed for the first time, the hepatoprotection and augmented antinociception mediated by nicorandil/morphine combination in liver fibrosis via antioxidant and antifibrotic mechanisms. Nicorandil ameliorated withdrawal signs in morphine dependence in CLD. Thus, combining nicorandil/morphine provides a novel treatment strategy to ameliorate hepatic injury, potentiate antinociception and overcome morphine-induced physical dependence in liver fibrosis.

Enrichment of soy isoflavone extracts through macroporous resin for characterization of toxicity and estrogenic activities

Soy isoflavone extracts are widely researched for their distinctive potential in contributing to various functional foods. The research work focuses on testing the toxicity of purified soy isoflavone extracts in mice models. With an agreement of the animal ethics, acute toxicity is firstly used to screen the effects of test compounds in mice for therapeutic purposes. Moreover, tests were conducted on BALB/c for estrogen in vivo and MCF7 for in vitro, screening active protection of liver cells, lipid peroxidation and scavenging free radicals 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH). Genistin and daidzin were found to be the two major compounds accounting for 47% and 35% of total purified soy isoflavones. The acute toxicity test results exhibited no effect against physiological accretion of BALB/c after 7-day administration with the given dose of 10 g/kgBW. Moreover, modified E-screen assay on MCF7 cells proved that the estrogen of isoflavone extracts induces cell proliferation by 15% compared with other non-steroid culture techniques. Therefore, this research contributes to helping researchers apply soy isoflavones in functional food, to alleviate the difficulties in menopausal symptoms for women in the future.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s13197-022-05491-4.

Hepatic Effect of 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside，the Signature Component of Traditional Chinese Medicine Heshouwu: Advances and Prospects

Traditional Chinese medicine Heshouwu, named Polygoni Multiflori Radix in Pharmacopoeia of the People's Republic of China (PPRC, 2020), is derived from the root tuber of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. Heshouwu or processed Heshouwu is well known for its function in reducing lipids and nourishing the liver. However, increasing cases of Heshouwu-induced hepatotoxicity were reported in recent years. Researchers have begun to study the paradoxical effects of Heshouwu on the liver. 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG), an abundant functional component of Heshouwu, shows various biological activities, among which its effect on the liver is worthy of attention. This paper reviews the current studies of TSG on hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity, and summarizes the doses, experimental models, effects, and mechanisms of action involved in TSG's hepatoprotection and hepatotoxicity, aiming to provide insight for future study of TSG and understanding the effects of Heshouwu on the liver. Emerging evidence suggests that TSG ameliorates both pathological liver injury and chemical-induced liver injury by modulating lipid metabolism, inhibiting the inflammatory response and oxidative stress in the liver. However, with the reports of clinical cases of Heshouwu induced liver injury, it has been found that long-term exposure to a high dose of TSG cause hepatocyte or hepatic tissue damage. Moreover, TSG may cause hepatotoxicity by affecting the transport and metabolism of other possible hepatoxic compounds in Heshouwu. Studies indicate that trans-TSG can be isomerized into cisTSG under illumination, and cis-TSG had a less detrimental dose to liver function than trans-TSG in LPS-treated rats. In brief, TSG has protective effects on the liver, but liver injury usually occurs under high-dose TSG or is idiosyncratic TSG-induced liver injury.

Quantitative proteomics reveals common and unique molecular mechanisms underlying beneficial effects of caffeine and trigonelline on human hepatocytes

Caffeine and trigonelline are the major bioactive compounds in coffee. Caffeine alone or combined with other coffee compounds shows hepatoprotective effects. However, molecular mechanisms underlying such hepatoprotective effects remain unclear. We therefore addressed molecular effects of caffeine and trigonelline on human hepatocytes using quantitative proteomics followed by bioinformatic analyses to obtain topological and functional significance. HepG2 cells were treated with 100 μM caffeine or trigonelline for 24-h and evaluated by quantitative proteomics using nanoLC-ESI-LTQ-Orbitrap MS/MS. A total of 26 and 25 significantly altered proteins were identified in caffeine-treated and trigonelline-treated cells, respectively, compared with control cells. Topological analyses revealed that ribosomal and translation regulatory proteins predominantly served as the hub proteins associated with protein clusters. Functional analyses also revealed that these two bioactive compounds shared some molecular mechanisms via induction of translational processes. There were also other unique molecular functions and biological processes triggered or suppressed by either caffeine or trigonelline. These data highlight common and unique molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective effects of caffeine and trigonelline that may be useful for future clinical applications.

Cucurbitacin B: A review of its pharmacology, toxicity, and pharmacokinetics

Cucurbitacin B (CuB, C₃₂H₄₆O₈), the most abundant and active member of cucurbitacins, which are highly oxidized tetracyclic triterpenoids. Cucurbitacins are widely distributed in a variety of plants and mainly isolated from plants in the Cucurbitaceae family. CuB is mostly obtained from the pedicel of Cucumis melo L. Modern pharmacological studies have confirmed that CuB has a broad range of pharmacological activities, with significant therapeutic effects on a variety of diseases including inflammatory diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, diabetes mellitus, and cancers. In this study the PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI) databases were searched from 1986 to 2022. After inclusion and exclusion criteria were applied, 98 out of 2484 articles were selected for a systematic review to comprehensively summarize the pharmacological activity, toxicity, and pharmacokinetic properties of CuB. The results showed that CuB exhibits potent anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antiviral, hypoglycemic, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and anti-cancer activities mainly via regulating various signaling pathways, such as the Janus kinase/signal transducer and activator of transcription-3 (JAK/STAT3), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2/antioxidant responsive element (Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor (NF)-κB, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt, cancerous inhibitor of protein phosphatase-2A/protein phosphatase-2A (CIP2A/PP2A), Wnt, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), Notch, and Hippo-Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways. Studies of its toxicity and pharmacokinetic properties showed that CuB has non-specific toxicity and low bioavailability. In addition, derivatives and clinical applications of CuB are discussed in this paper.

A pectic polysaccharide from fresh okra (Abelmoschus esculentus L.) beneficially ameliorates CCl4-induced acute liver injury in mice by antioxidation, inhibition of inflammation and modulation of gut microbiota

Okra [Abelmoschus esculentus (Linn.) Moench], as a well-known medicinal and food plant, has important physiological activities and health benefits, and polysaccharide is its main bioactive component. In this study, a pectic polysaccharide (OPS-50) prepared from fresh okra pods by three-phase partitioning and gradient (NH4)2SO4 precipitation at a saturation of 50% was employed in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-caused acute liver damage in mice to evaluate the hepatoprotective potential. Results indicated that OPS-50 was mainly composed of a limited linear homogalacturonan backbone and abundant rhamnogalacturonan-I domains as side chains. OPS-50 exerted positively protective effects on acute liver damage induced by CCl4 in mice through relieving weight reduction and organ damage, ameliorating liver function and dyslipidemia, alleviating oxidative stress, suppressing pro-inflammatory cytokines, modulating gut microbiota, and promoting short-chain fatty acid secretion. Moreover, liver histopathology demonstrated the protective benefit of OPS-50 on CCl4-caused acute liver damage in mice. Therefore, our data suggested that the pectic OPS-50, as a dietary supplement, have great potential in preventing and treating chemical liver damages.

Protective roles and mechanism of action of plant flavonoids against hepatic impairment: Recent developments

BACKGROUND

The liver is one of the crucial organs in humans and is responsible for the regulation of diverse processes, including metabolism, secretion, and detoxification. Ingestion of alcohol and drugs, environmental pollutants, and irradiation are among the risk factors accountable for oxidative stress in the liver. Plant flavonoids have the potential to protect the liver from damage caused by a variety of chemicals.

OBJECTIVE OF THE STUDY

The present study aims to summarize up-to-date information on the protective roles of plant flavonoids against liver damage.

METHODOLOGY

The literature information on the hepatoprotective plant flavonoids was assessed through various databases, which were searched from their respective inception until March 2022.

RESULTS

More than 70 flavonoids with hepatoprotective activity against a variety of models of liver toxicity have been reported across the literature. Among these are flavones (19), flavonols (30), flavanones (9), isoflavonoids (5), and biflavonoids (2). Several hepatoprotective mechanisms of action were reported in various classes of flavonoids, including flavones and flavonols (upregulation of the pro-survival ERK1/2 pathway; downregulation of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, Bcl-2, Bax, BH3, caspase-3, 8, 9, etc.), flavanones (downregulation of NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1 β, IL-6, iNOS, etc.), isoflavonoids (downregulation of lipogenesis genes, such as SREBP-1c, LXRα, RXRα, PPARγ and ACC2, with concomitant upregulation of genes involved in β-oxidation, including AMPK and PPARα; inhibition of CYPs, such as CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B1, CYP2D6, CYP2E1 and CYP3A1/2).

CONCLUSION

The present work demonstrated the effectiveness of plant flavonoids against hepatic damage. However, more studies need to be performed regarding the cytotoxicity, pharmacokinetics, and mechanisms of action of these very important cytoprotective flavonoids.

Phytochemical investigation of Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa aerial parts in context of its biological activity

Ludwigia adscendens subsp. diffusa (Onagraceae), an important aquatic herb widely distributed in the Nile River and canals in Egypt. The goal of the current study is to investigate the phytochemical composition of L. adscendens aerial parts n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions and screening of its biological activities. Phytochemical investigation of L. adscendens resulted in the isolation and purification of eleven compounds belonging to flavonoids, saponins, triterpenoids, and oligosaccharides, of which one compound was identified as new using different spectroscopic techniques. Compound 2 was identified as a new compound namely, 3-O-[β-D-glucopyranoside (1 → 4) α-L-rhamnopyranoside]-23-O-feruloyl-hederagenin-28-O-[α-L-rhamnopyranoside (1 → 2) β-D-glucopyranoside], along with other 10 well know compounds. Furthermore, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective and cytotoxic activities of n-butanol and ethyl acetate fractions were investigated in vitro, revealing that ethyl acetate fraction was the most active as antidiabetic (IC₅₀ = 62.3 µg/mL), hepatoprotective (IC₅₀ = 80.75 µg/mL), and cytotoxic against human prostate cancer cell line (IC₅₀ = 52.2 µg/mL). Collectively, L. adscendens aerial part is rich with a myriad of phytochemicals with potential health benefits.

Geniposide Alleviates Oxidative Damage in Hepatocytes through Regulating miR-27b-3p/Nrf2 Axis

Geniposide (GEN), a main compound extracted from Gardenia jasminoides fruit, has various biological activities including anti-inflammation, cellular damage alleviation, neuroprotection, and others. However, the effect of GEN on oxidative stress in hepatic cells is yet to be investigated. Our study uncovered that GEN eliminated excess intracellular free radicals by activating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway in H₂O₂-treated hepatocytes, while the protective effect was blocked by ML385 (an inhibitor of Nrf2). Moreover, H₂O₂ led to upregulation of miR-27b-3p in L02 cells, which was restrained by GEN. Overexpression of miR-27b-3p greatly weakened the antioxidant capacity of GEN in hepatocytes via directly targeting the Nrf2 gene. Our findings indicated that GEN treatment recovered H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress via targeting miR-27b-3p and thereby enhanced the antioxidant capacity by stimulating nuclear translocation and accumulation of Nrf2. These findings suggest that inhibition of miR-27b-3p to activate the Nrf2/ARE pathway by GEN is a potential alternative for hepatic oxidative damage alleviation.

Plumbagin ameliorates bile duct ligation-induced cholestatic liver injury in rats

Plumbagin, a natural bicyclic naphthoquinone, has diverse pharmacological properties and biological benefits against a number of disorders, including liver disease. Though plumbagin's hepatoprotective potential attracts attention, currently no experimental evidence exists on its effectiveness against cholestatic liver injury. The present study investigated its hepatoprotection in the rat model of extrahepatic cholestasis using Bile Duct Ligation (BDL). We found that daily plumbagin supplementation protected the liver from cholestatic damage. Hepatoprotective actions of plumbagin were accompanied by reduction of Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad, High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1)/Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR4), Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α), Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), caveolin-1, NF-κB/AP-1, Dynamin Related Protein-1 (Drp1), malondialdehyde level, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), p62/SQSTM1, and caspase 3 as well as increase of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), bile acid efflux transporters, glutathione, LC3-II, Beclin1, and nuclear NF-E2-Related Factor-2 (Nrf2) and Transcription Factor EB (TFEB). The activation of nuclear Nrf2 caused by plumbagin correlated well with the improvement in bile acid retention, liver histology, serum biochemical, ductular reaction, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and fibrosis, involving interplay of multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Plumbagin is likely a candidate drug to protect the liver from cholestatic damages. Despite the promising findings from this study, translational implication of plumbagin on cholestatic liver injury warrants further investigation.

Optimization of clofibrate with O-desmethyl anetholtrithione lead to a novel hypolipidemia compound with hepatoprotective effect

Oxidative stress and inflammation were considered to be the major mechanisms in liver damage caused by clofibrate (CF). In order to obtain lipid-lowering drugs with less liver damage, the structure of clofibrate was optimized by O-desmethyl anetholtrithione and got the target compound clofibrate-O-desmethyl anetholtrithione (CF-ATT). CF-ATT significantly reduced the levels of plasma triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) in hyperlipidemia mice induced by Triton WR-1339. In addition, CF-ATT has a significantly protective effect on the liver compared with CF. The liver weight and liver coefficient were reduced. The hepatic function indexes were also decreased, such as aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP). Histopathological examination of the liver revealed that inflammatory cell infiltration, nuclear degeneration, cytoplasmic loosening and hepatocyte necrosis were ameliorated by administration with CF-ATT. The hepatoprotective mechanism showed that CF-ATT significantly up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 protein expression and down-regulated p-NF-κB P65 expression in the liver. CF-ATT has obviously antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. These findings suggested that CF-ATT has significant hypolipidemia activity and exact hepatoprotective effect possibly through the Nrf2/NF-κB-mediated signal pathway.

Hepatoprotective effect of Physalis divaricata in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity: In vitro, in silico and in vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis divaricata D. Don. is an erect weed of family Solanaceae. The root extract of this plant is used by the indigenous communities of Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India for the treatment of liver disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata in paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried roots of P. divaricata were subjected to extraction using different solvents. The chloroform extract, methanol extract and bioactive aqueous fraction of methanol extract were evaluated for hepatoprotective effect. After initial in vitro screening, all extracts were screened for hepatoprotective potential in PCM (3 g/kg p.o) induced hepatotoxicity. Following PCM administration, extracts were administered orally for 7 days in increasing dose concentrations. All the animals were euthanized on eighth day, serum and liver tissues were collected and subjected to various biochemical and histopathological analysis. Aqueous fraction of methanol extract was further analyzed using LC- MS analysis.

RESULTS

Methanol extract and its bioactive aqueous fraction exhibited significant and better in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity as compared to chloroform extract. PCM treatment caused hepatotoxicity as assessed by altered levels of various hepatic biomarkers (increase in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, TBARS, and AOPPs as well as decrease in GSH and TrxR levels) along with histopathological changes (portal to portal bridging, necrosis, and inflammation). Methanolic extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and its aqueous fraction treatment (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored elevated hepatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and protected normal hepato-architecture. LC-MS analysis of aqueous fraction showed presence of rutin and kaempferol. In silico analysis further showed the capability of rutin to make complex with TNF-α and block its interaction with the target site.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous fraction showed maximum hepatoprotective potential as conceived through in vitro and in vivo studies. Presence of rutin may explain hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata.

SiNiSan alleviates liver injury by promoting hepatic stem cell differentiation via Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

SiNiSan, a Traditional Chinese Medicine containing Radix Bupleuri, Radix Paeoniae Alba, Fructus Aurantii Immaturus, and Radix Glycyrrhizae, has been shown to be clinically effective in treating liver damage, its underlying molecular mechanisms however remains unclear.

PURPOSE

The aim of the current study was to understand the molecular mechanisms of SiNiSan in the treatment of liver damage utilizing mice and cell culture models.

METHODS

Here, mice were gavaged with 0.2% CCl4 to obtain acute liver injury model and with alcohol to obtain chronic liver injury model. H&E staining was performed to detect liver histomorphology. HPLC-MS was performed to analyze the composition of SiNiSan decoction and SiNiSan-medicated serum (SMS). In addition, western blots were done to analyze the representative protein expression in Wnt/β-catenin signaling. Immunofluorescence staining was done to analyze the protein levels in WB-F344 cells. Finally, in an attempt to measure the influence of SiNiSan on liver regeneration in rats, we constructed a rats partial hepatectomy models.

RESULTS

We demonstrated that SiNiSan treatment mitigated liver damage in mice, as evidenced by the decrease in serum AST and ALT levels, as well as improved liver tissue morphology. HPLC-MS results showed that SMS contained a variety of components from the SiNiSan decoction. Next, our results showed that SMS reduced the expression of α-fetoprotein (AFP) and enhanced the expression of albumin (ALB) and cytokeratin 19 (CK19) in WB-F344 cells. Further, SMS treatment induced the accumulation of β-catenin. After 14 days of SMS treatment, β-catenin protein underwent nuclear translocation and bound to the LEF1 receptor in the nucleus, which regulated c-Myc and Cyclin D1 factors to activate Wnt/β-catenin signaling and promoted differentiation of WB-F344 cells. In addition, we demonstrated that SiNiSan increased liver regeneration in rat hepatectomy.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, the current study revealed that SiNiSan alleviated the acute liver injury induced by CCl4 as well as the chronic liver damage triggered by alcohol and sucrose in vitro. Concurrently, SMS treatment induced hepatic stem cell differentiation by activating Wnt/β-catenin signaling in vivo. Further study showed that SiNiSan promoted the regeneration of rats liver. The current study provides a theoretical basis for the clinical treatment of liver-related diseases with SiNiSan.

Combination of Ephedra sinica stems and Terminalia chebula fruits produces new ephedrine derivatives in vivo that diminish the permeability to BBB while retaining airway dilation and hepatoprotective effects

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The stems of Ephedra sinica and the fruits of Terminalia chebula are combined using in traditional Mongolian medicine formula "Gurigumu-7" for liver diseases. E. sinica stems contains ephedrine with broncho-dilatory activity. However, ephedrine can pass through the blood-brain barrier (BBB) and excite the central nervous system (CNS) to cause insomnia and restlessness.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The present study was to investigate the structures and bioactivities of new compounds formed in vivo after co-administration of E. sinica stems and T. chebula fruits.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Pharmacokinetic investigation was carried out in rats. A parallel artificial membrane permeability measurement system was used to determine BBB permeability. Ex vivo experiments using tracheal rings of guinea pig was performed to examine the tracheal relaxation effect. In vivo hepatoprotective tests were carried out in Tg (fabp10a: dsRed) liver transgenic zebrafish. The fluorescent probe, 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescein diacetate, was used to measure reactive oxygen species, and UHPLC-MS was used to determine glutathione concentrations after derivatization with N-ethylmaleimide.

RESULTS

New ephedrine derivatives (1 and 2) formed in vivo and reached their maximum serum concentrations at 0.5 h after administration of the two herbal drugs. Compounds 1 and 2 showed lower BBB permeability than ephedrine, suggesting that they have less adverse effects on the CNS. Compounds 1 and 2 relaxed the tracheal rings and had strong hepatoprotective effect on transgenic zebrafish with liver specific expression of RFP. Compounds 1 and 2 significantly reduced the level of reactive oxygen species while increasing that of glutathione in thioacetamide-treated zebrafish, which might be the hepatoprotective mechanism.

CONCLUSION

These results provided evidences that the chemical constituents in various herbal drugs in a medicinal formula can interact to generate new compounds with fewer side effects and increased or additive bioactivity.

Hura crepitans stem bark extract: A potential remedy to sub-acute liver damage

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE AND AIM

Hura crepitans is commonly used to treat liver diseases in Nigeria and Ghana. Previous studies have supported its ethnomedicinal use in protecting the liver. The present study aimed at assessing the effect of H. crepitans stem bark on the subacute carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The protective activities of ethanolic extract of H. crepitans stem bark was evaluated in CCl₄-induced subacute liver damage in rats (1:1 v/v in olive oil, intraperitoneally (i.p.), twice weekly for 8 weeks). Blood samples were obtained from the rats and used for some biochemical analysis such as liver function test (Aspartate transaminase, AST; Alanine aminotransferase, ALT; and Alkaline phosphatase, ALP), liver fibrotic indices (Aspartate platelet ratio index, APRI; AST/ALT and AST/PLT ratios) and oxidative stress markers (Malondialdehyde, MDA; Reduced glutathione, GSH; Glutathione S-transferase, GST; Glutathione peroxidase, GPx; and superoxide dismutase, SOD). Histopathological analyses were carried out to determine the expression of pro-inflammatory (NF-κB, COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23) using immunohistochemical techniques.

RESULTS

Oral administration of H. crepitans to CCl₄-induced hepatic injured rats significantly decreased oxidative stress, increased the levels of SOD, GSH, GST and GPx with reduced MDA levels. The plant also mitigated liver injury as evidenced in the significantly reduced levels of AST, ALT and ALP, while it inhibited the inflammatory process via the inhibition of NF-κB, and consequently down-regulateed the pro-inflammatory cytokines COX-2, IL-17 and IL-23, respectively. Biochemical observations were supported by improvement in liver microarchitecture.

CONCLUSION

The Hura crepitans demonstrated antioxidant, antiinflammatory and antifibrotic effect in hepatic injured rats. The study in a way justifies the traditional use of the plant for the treatment of subacute liver diseases in Nigerian Traditional medicine.

Comprehensive in vivo and in silico approaches to explore the hepatoprotective activity of poncirin against paracetamol toxicity

In the present study, poncirin was evaluated against paracetamol-induced liver injury using in vivo and computational approaches. Paracetamol was administered intraperitoneally (i.p,) to establish liver injury in mice and, subsequently, to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of poncirin (administered intraperitoneally) on liver injury. The effect of poncirin was evaluated against the liver injury markers and inflammatory cytokines. Similarly, in the present study, the antioxidants and oxidative stress parameters were also assessed following paracetamol-induced liver injury. The histological studies following liver injury were also assessed using H and E staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and periodic acid-Schiff staining. Similarly, the computational approach was used to assess the pharmacokinetic parameters of poncirin and its interaction with various protein targets. Poncirin markedly improved the antioxidant enzymes while attenuated the oxidative stress markers and inflammatory cytokines. Poncirin also markedly improved hematological parameters. Furthermore, poncirin treatment significantly improved the histological parameters using H and E staining, Masson's trichrome, and PAS staining compared to the control. Poncirin treatment also improved the liver function tests and liver synthetic activity compared to paracetamol treated group. The immunohistochemistry analysis revealed significant decrease in the inflammatory signaling protein such as nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression level compared to the paracetamol treated group. Computational analysis (molecular docking and molecular dynamic simulation) showed significant binding affinity of poncirin with the NF-κB, JNK, COX-2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α via multiple hydrophilic and hydrophobic binds. Similarly, the SwissADME software revealed that poncirin follows various drug-likeness rules and exhibited better pharmacokinetic parameters. Poncirin improved the sign and symptoms associated with liver injury using both in vivo and computational approaches.

Characterization of PCS-2A, a polysaccharide derived from chestnut shell, and its protective effects against H2O2-induced liver injury in hybrid grouper

PCS-2A is a 34,023-Da acidic polysaccharide purified from chestnut shell consisting of rhamnose, arabinose, galactose, glucose, ribose, and galacturonic acid subunits at a molar ratio of 0.019:0.044:0.059:0.052:0.197:0.628. FTIR, methylation, and NMR analyses suggest the following backbone, (→4)-α-d-GalAp-(1 → 2,4)-α-l-Rha-(1→), with the branch chain composed of arabinose on O-2 with 2,4)-α-l-Rha-(1→). CCK-8 assay indicated PCS-2A treatment offset the reduction in cell viability inflicted by H₂O₂. Furthermore, histological signs of recovery in hepatocytes and liver tissue and a decreased level of AST and ALT occurred following administration of PCS-2A, indicating anti-liver lesion capability. In addition, we found that PCS-2A effectively alleviated H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress via activation of the NRF2 signaling pathway, evidenced by the downregulation of ROS content and upregulation of Nrf2 expression, as well as its corresponding antioxidant enzymes. The antioxidative effect elicited by PCS-2A further ameliorated NF-κB-mediated inflammation, as evidenced by lower mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines, higher IκB in vitro, and reduced gene expression and activities of proinflammatory cytokines in vivo. Furthermore, in vitro apoptosis-related indicators revealed that P53-mediated apoptosis was alleviated via oxidative stress modulation. In summary, these results suggest that PCS-2A may elicit a protective effect against H₂O₂-induced liver injury via upregulation of the NRF2 signaling pathway.

Structural simplification and bioisostere principle lead to Bis-benzodioxole-fibrate derivatives as potential hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agents

The bis-benzodioxole-fibrate hybrids were designed by structural simplification and bioisostere principle. Lipids lowering activity was preliminarily screened by Triton WR 1339 induced hyperlipidemia mice model, in which T3 showed the best hypolipidemia, decreasing plasma triglyceride (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), which were better than sesamin and fenofibrate (FF). T3 was also found to significantly reduce TG, TC and low density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C) both in plasma and liver tissue of high fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic mice. In addition, T3 showed hepatoprotective activity, which the noteworthy amelioration in liver aminotransferases (AST and ALT) was evaluated and the histopathological observation exhibited that T3 inhibited lipids accumulation in the hepatic and alleviated liver damage. The expression of PPAR-α receptor involved lipids metabolism in liver tissue significantly increased after T3 supplementation. Other potent activity, such as antioxidation and anti-inflammation, was also observed. The molecular docking study revealed that T3 has good affinity activity toward to the active site of PPAR-α receptor. Based on these findings, T3 may serve as an effective hypolipidemic agent with hepatoprotection.

Phenolic compounds and hepatoprotective potential of Anastatica hierochuntica ethanolic and aqueous extracts against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Anastatica hierochuntica ethanolic (KEE), aqueous (KAE) extracts, and their combination against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

METHODS

The HPLC analysis for KEE and KAE was quantitatively carried out. Biochemical liver markers, antioxidant enzymes, and histopathological alterations were examined then total hepatoprotection potential was calculated.

RESULTS

Among 9 identified phenolic compounds (PC) in KEA, sinapic acid was the highest while syringic acid was the highest among 21 identified PC in KAE. Six flavonoids were identified in KEE and two in KAE using HPLC, respectively. Oral administration of KEE, KAE, and KEE + KAE at 250 mg/kg body weight significantly reduced aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBILI), and also attenuated histopathological changes. Additionally, they reduced malondialdehyde (MOD), restored reduced-glutathione (GSH), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. KEE, KAE, and KEE+KAE protected the liver from CCl4-hepatotoxicity as they mainly attenuating oxidative stress. Total hepatoprotection was about 128.3%, 114.5%, and 103.8% for KEE, KAE, and KEE+KAE, respectively.

CONCLUSION

Biochemical observations, supplemented by histopathological examination revealed that AH affords extract-depending protection against CCl4-hepatotoxicity.

Synthesis and pharmacological evaluation of a novel synthetic peptide CWHTH based on the Styela clava-derived natural peptide LWHTH with improved antioxidant, hepatoprotective and angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitory activities

LWHTH (Leu-Trp-His-Thr-His) is an antioxidant pentapeptide isolated from Styela clava tissue. Based on LWHTH, we designed and synthesized a series of novel peptides using the alanine scanning technique and determined the pharmacological activities of these derivatives. Among the ten newly synthesized LWHTH analogs, peptide CWHTH was identified as the most potent compound with prominent antioxidant activity. CWHTH not only showed the ability to scavenge several biologically important radicals, protected cells from H₂O₂ or APAP-induced damage by activating the PI3K/Akt and suppressing the JNK/c-Jun pathways, but also exerted strong in vivo hepatoprotective effects in an APAP-induced liver injury model in mice. Moreover, it was demonstrated that CWHTH possesses potent angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitory activity and high stability against gastrointestinal proteases. In summary, CWHTH is a promising antioxidant peptide worthy of further investigation as a potential hepatoprotective and antihypertensive agent.

1,3-Benzodioxole-based fibrate derivatives as potential hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective agents

A series of target compounds 1,3-benzodioxole-based fibrate derivatives were designed and synthesized. All the target compounds were preliminarily evaluated by hyperlipidemia mice induced by Triton WR-1339, in which compound 12 displayed a greater anti-hyperlipidemia activity than other compounds as well as positive drug fenofibrate (FF). 12 showed a significant reduction of plasma lipids, such as triglycerides (TG), total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterin (LDL-C), in high fat diet (HFD) induced hyperlipidemic mice. In addition, hepatic transaminases (AST and ALT) were ameliorated after administration of 12, in particular the AST, and the histopathological examination showed that 12 improved the hepatic lipid accumulation. The expression of PPAR-α involved in lipids metabolism was up-regulated in the liver tissues of 12-treated group. Other significant activity such as antioxidant, and anti-inflammation was confirmed and reinforced the effects of 12 as a potential hypolipidemia and hepatoprotective agent.

Hydroxysafflor yellows alleviate thrombosis and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in vivo by enhancing blood circulation and poison excretion

BACKGROUND

Hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) from the flower of Carthamus tinctorius (Safflower) has been reported to have various pharmacological effects. However, little is known about the bioactivities of other chemical constituents in Safflower and the relationship between enhancement of blood circulation and hepatoprotection by HSYA.

PURPOSE

The present research was to evaluate the antithrombotic and hepatoprotective activities of HSYA and C, examine their mechanisms of actions, including influence on the excretion velocity of acetaminophen, and the relationship between the antithrombotic, hepatoprotective, and other bioactivities.

METHODS

The hepatoprotective activities were examined by acetaminophen (APAP)-induced zebrafish toxicity and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced mouse liver injury. The concentrations of APAP in zebrafish and APAP that was excreted to the culture media were quantified by UHPLC-MS. The anti-thrombosis effect of HSYA and C were examined by the phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced zebrafish thrombosis.

RESULTS

HSYA and HSYC showed robust protection on APAP-induced toxicity and PHZ-induced thrombosis. The hepatoprotective effects of HSYA and C were more potent than that of the positive control, acetylcysteine (61.7% and 58.0%, respectively, vs. 56.9% at 100 µM) and their antithrombosis effects were more robust than aspirin (95.1% and 86.2% vs. 52.7% at 100 µM). HSYA and C enhanced blood circulation, rescued APAP-treated zebrafish from morphological abnormalities, and mitigated APAP-induced toxicity in liver development in liver-specific RFP-expressing transgenic zebrafish. HSYC attenuated CCl4-induced mouse liver injury and regulated the levels of HIF-1α, iNOS, TNF-α, α-SMA, and NFκB in liver tissues. HSYA was also protective in a dual thrombotic and liver toxicity zebrafish model. By UHPLC-MS, HSYA accelerated the excretion of APAP.

CONCLUSION

HSYA and C are the bioactive constituents of Safflower that are responsible for the herbal drug's traditional use in promoting blood circulation to remove blood stasis. Safflower and its chalcone constituents may protect from damage due to exogenous or disease-induced endogenous toxins by enhancing the excretion velocity of toxins.

Quercetin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A review based on experimental data and bioinformatic analysis

Quercetin, a polyphenol widely present in the plant kingdom, has received great interest due to pleiotropic effects. As evidenced by animal and cellular studies, quercetin exerts hepatoprotection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly in hepatic steatosis and hepatitis. Mechanically, various hypotheses of such protective effects have been actively proposed, including improving fatty acid metabolism, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, modulating gut microbiota and bile acid, etc. Here, the role of quercetin in NAFLD was summarized. With a particular focus on molecular mechanism, we comprehensively discussed the pathways of quercetin on NAFLD based on the analysis from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and experimental evidence.

The combination of sesamol and clofibric acid moieties leads to a novel potent hypolipidemic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective activity

Oxidative stress and inflammation have been considered the main factors in the liver injury of clofibrate (CF). To obtain a novel antihyperlipidemic agent with antioxidant, anti-inflammation and hepatoprotection, the combination of sesamol and clofibric acid moieties was performed and achieved sesamol-clofibrate (CF-Sesamol). CF-Sesamol showed significant hypolipidemia effects in hyperlipidemia mice induced by Triton WR 1339, reducing TG by 38.8% (P < 0.01) and TC by 35.1% (P < 0.01). CF-Sesamol also displayed an alleviating effect on hepatotoxicity. The hepatic weight and hepatic coefficient were decreased. The amelioration of liver function was observed, such as aspartate and lactate transaminases (AST and ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and total proteins (TP) levels. Liver histopathological examination showed that hepatocyte necrosis, cytoplasmic loosening, nuclear degeneration and inflammatory cell infiltration reduced obviously by treatment with CF-Sesamol. Related molecular mechanisms on hepatoprotection showed that CF-Sesamol up-regulated Nrf2 and HO-1 expression and down-regulated p-NF-κB p65 expression in hepatic tissues. CF-Sesamol has significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Plasma antioxidant enzymes such as SOD and CAT increased, anti-lipid peroxidation product MDA decreased. The expression of TNF-α and IL-6 inflammatory cytokines in liver was significantly lower than that in the CF group. The results indicated that CF-Sesamol exerted more potent antihyperlipidemic effects and definite hepatoprotective activity partly through the Nrf2/NF-κB-mediated signaling pathway.

Hepatoprotective effect of forsythiaside a against acetaminophen-induced liver injury in zebrafish: Coupling network pharmacology with biochemical pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Forsythiae Fructus, the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine and possesses various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant and liver protection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Although acetaminophen (APAP) has been frequently used for its antipyretic and analgesic effects, it leads to liver injury at an overdose or long-term medication. Forsythiaside A (FA), the principal active component of Forsythiae Fructus, exerts prominent antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective effects. However, the protective property and underlying mechanism of FA against APAP challenge have not yet been elucidated. Therefore, we aimed to explore the hepatoprotective effect and action mechanism of FA against APAP-induced liver injury in zebrafish.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In this study, liver-specific transgenic zebrafish larvae (lfabp: EGFP) were used to investigate the protective effect of FA against overdose APAP exposure. The liver phenotype, morphological and biochemical assessments were carried out to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of FA. Network pharmacology and molecular docking study were conducted to analyze the potential targets of FA in the treatment of APAP-induced liver injury. Finally, the mechanism of action was verified by reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR).

RESULTS

The liver phenotype, morphological and biochemical assessments indicated that FA could mitigate APAP-triggered liver injury. Network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis indicated that the protective effect of FA might be related to the regulation of targets tumor necrosis factor (TNF), matrix metallopeptidase 9 (MMP9), matrix metallopeptidase 2 (MMP2), and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K). PCR results confirmed that FA could reverse the progressive alterations of genes involving in extracellular matrix remolding and PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results indicated that FA could mitigate APAP-induced liver injury through modulating the remolding of extracellular matrix and PI3K/AKT-mediated apoptosis.

Zingiber roseum Rosc. rhizome: A rich source of hepatoprotective polyphenols

Zingiber roseum is native to Bangladesh and widely used in folk medicine. This present study was designed to assess the ameliorative potential of Zingiber roseum rhizome extract in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced hepatotoxicity in mice model. Seven phenolic compounds were identified and quantified by HPLC analysis in the plant extract, including quercetin, myricetin, catechin hydrate, trans-ferulic acid, trans-cinnamic acid, (-) epicatechin, and rosmarinic acid. Hepatotoxicity was induced by administrating a single intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ (10 mL/kg) on 7th day of treatment. The results revealed that plant extract at all doses (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg) significantly reduced (p < 0.05) the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) concentrations, and these effects were comparable to that of standard drug silymarin. Histopathological examination also revealed the evidence of recovery from CCL₄ induced cellular damage when pretreated with Z. roseum rhizome extract. The in-vivo hepatoprotective effects were further investigated by the in-silico study of the aforementioned compounds with liver-protective enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), peroxiredoxin, and catalase. The strong binding affinities (ranging from -7.3359 to -9.111 KCal/mol) between the phenolic compounds (except trans-cinnamic acid) and oxidative stress enzymes inhibit ROS production during metabolism. The compounds were also found non-toxic in computational prediction, and a series of biological activities like antioxidant, anticarcinogen, cardio-protectant, hepato-protectant have been detected.

The Hepatoprotective mechanisms of 17β-estradiol after traumatic brain injury in male rats: Classical and non-classical estrogen receptors

Protective effects of estrogen (E2) on traumatic brain injury (TBI) have been determined. In this study, the hepatoprotective effects of E2 after TBI through its receptors and oxidative stress regulation have been evaluated. Diffuse TBI induced by the Marmarou method in male rats. G15, PHTPP, MPP, and ICI182-780 as selective antagonists of E2 were injected before TBI. The results indicated that TBI induces a significant increase in liver enzymes [Alkaline phosphatase (ALP), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Glutamyl transferase (GGT)], and oxidants levels [Malondialdehyde (MDA), Nitric oxide (NO)] and decreases in antioxidant biomarkers [Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and Superoxide dismutase (SOD)] in the brain and liver, and plasma. We also found that E2 significantly preserved levels of these biomarkers and enzymatic activity. All antagonists inhibited the effects of E2 on increasing SOD and GPx. Also, the effects of E2 on brain MDA levels were inhibited by all antagonists, but in the liver, only ICI + G15 + E2 + TBI group was affected. The impacts of E2 on brain and liver and plasma NO levels were inhibited by all antagonists. The current findings demonstrated that E2 probably improved liver injury after TBI by modulating oxidative stress. Also, both classic (ERβ, ERα) and non-classic [G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)] receptors are affected in the protective effects of E2.

Hepatoprotective effects of extracts, fractions and compounds from the stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla Benth: Evidence from in vitro and in vivo studies

AIM

To identify the bioactive hepatoprotective components of the ethanol extract of Pentaclethra macrophylla stem bark using in vitro and in vivo approaches.

METHODS

The bioguided-fractionation of the ethanol extract was based on the substances' capacity to prevent in vitro, the lipid peroxidation of hepatocytes' membranes induced by hydrogen peroxide. For the in vivo hepatoprotective test, mice were treated orally with the ethyl acetate (EtOAc) fraction of the ethanol extract at doses of 50 and 75 mg/kg/day for one week and subjected to d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GaIN/LPS)-induced hepatotoxicity. Blood samples were collected for alanine aminotransferase (ALAT), aspartate aminotransferase (ASAT), TNF-α and IL-1β assays. The liver was harvested for histological and biochemical (proteins, glutathione (GSH), catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD)) analysis.

RESULTS

The ethanol extract and fractions induced concentration-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation (IC50: 3.21-48.90 μg/mL) greater than that of silymarin (IC50: 117.4 μg/mL). The purification of the sub-fractions of EtOAc fraction yielded: (7R)-7-hydroxyhexacosanoic acid (1), (7R)-1-(7-hydroxyhexacosanoyl) glycerol (2), bergenin (3), 11-O-galloylbergenin (4), 2-hydroxymethyl-5-(2-hydroxypropan-2-yl)phenol (5), β-sitosterol 3-O-β-d-glucopyranosyl (6) and β-sitosterol (7)), among which 11-O-galloylbergenin (IC50:1.8 μg/mL) was the most effective. The EtOAc fraction significantly reduced the serum level of ALAT, ASAT and TNF-α in vivo. This EtOAc fraction increased the liver protein content and protected the liver against structural damages, but did not boost the endogenous antioxidant parameters.

CONCLUSION

The stem bark of Pentaclethra macrophylla possesses hepatoprotective effects that may result from its capacity to inhibit lipid peroxidation and could be attributed to its active components 3, 4 and 2.

Hepatoprotective species from the Chilean medicinal flora: Junellia spathulata (Verbenaceae)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Chilean population relies on medicinal plants for treating a wide range of illnesses, especially those of the gastrointestinal system. Junellia spathulata (Gillies & Hook.) Moldenke var. spathulata (Verbenaceae), called as "verbena-azul-de-cordilleira", is a medicinal plant native to Argentina and Chile traditionally used for treating digestive disorders. Although the species of the genus are important as therapeutic resources for the Andean population, the plants are very scarcely studied.

AIMS OF THE STUDY

The purpose of the present study was to find out the main constituents and investigate the protective effect of J. spathulata against oxidative stress induced by the potent oxidant 2,2'-azobis (2-amidinopropane) dihydrochloride (AAPH) in human hepatoblastoma cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The crude methanol extract of J. spathulata and an iridoid obtained by chromatographic processes were tested to access the hepatoprotective effect and cytotoxicity in HepG2 cell. In addition, the reducing power of the samples and their ability to scavenge free radicals were evaluated using FRAP and ORAC assay systems.

RESULTS

The iridoid asperuloside, the main compound of the crude methanol extract of J. spathulata, was isolated and identified by means of NMR analysis. The crude methanol extract of J. spathulata and asperuloside protected HepG2 cells against oxidative damage triggered by AAPH-derived free radicals. This effect can be credited to the ability of the extract and asperuloside to protect the liver cells from chemical-induced injury, which might be correlated to their free radical scavenging potential.

CONCLUSIONS

This study experimentally evidenced the ethnopharmacological usefulness of J. spathulata as a treatment of digestive disorders. Our result could stimulate further investigations of hepatoprotective agents in other Chilean Junellia species.

CYP3A4 inducer aggravates big flower Evodiae Fructus-induced hepatotoxicity whereas limonin attenuates its hepatotoxicity

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Evodiae Fructus (EF), the traditional Chinese medicine, has been typically used to treat headache, abdominal pain, hernias, and menorrhagia for thousands of years. It is a mild toxicity herb-medicine listed in Sheng Nong's Herbal Classic. Recently, EF was reported to have toxicity or no toxicity in some investigations. Toxicity and approaches to reducing toxicity of EF are of great interest. Limonin (LIM), a major triterpenoid component of EF, also had various pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antioxidant effects. However, little attention was paid to the role of LIM in EF-induced hepatotoxicity.

AIM OF STUDY

The study aimed to address the problem of controversial hepatotoxicity of EF, evaluate the role of CYP3A4 inducer/inhibitor in EF-induced hepatotoxicity and disclose the effect of LIM in EF-induced hepatotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical compositions and hepatotoxicity of small flower EF (SEF), medium flower EF (MEF), big flower EF (BEF) and the "organ knock-out" samples (the shell and seed part of BEF) were investigated. Simultaneously, C57BL-6 mice were randomly divided into four groups, which were given orally administered BEF, BEF in combination with dexamethasone (DEX), BEF in combination with ketoconazole (KTC), and BEF in combination with LIM, respectively.

RESULTS

In this study, more alkaloids and less LIM were detected in BEF compared with the compounds in SEF and MEF. Furthermore, we found that BEF group induced hepatotoxicity whereas no hepatotoxicity was observed in SEF and MEF groups. In addition, no LIM was detected in the shell part of BEF and five alkaloids were not detected in the seed part of BEF. Correspondingly, the shell part of BEF group induced hepatotoxicity whereas no hepatotoxicity was observed in the seed part of BEF group. It was also found that the BEF-induced hepatotoxicity was remarkably exacerbated when the mice were pretreated with DEX whereas the BEF-induced hepatotoxicity could be reversed by pretreatment with KTC or LIM.

CONCLUSIONS

Based on the results in this study, the misuse of BEF but not SEF and MEF could produce hepatotoxicity. The hepatotoxicity difference of different categories of EF might be associated with the relative contents of alkaloids and LIM. In addition, the results demonstrated that CYP3A4 inducer aggravated BEF-induced hepatotoxicity and LIM attenuated its hepatotoxicity.