Integrated transcriptomic and metabolomic analysis of the hepatotoxicity of dichloroacetonitrile

Dichloroacetonitrile (DCAN), an emerged nitrogenous disinfection by-product (N-DBP) in drinking water, has garnered attention owing to its strong cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and carcinogenicity. However, there are limited studies on its potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms. Understanding hepatotoxicity is essential in order to identify and assess the potential risks posed by environmental pollutants on liver health and to safeguard public health. Here, we investigated the viability, reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels, and cell cycle profile of DCAN-exposed HepG2 cells and analyzed the mechanism of DCAN-induced hepatotoxicity using both transcriptomic and metabolomic techniques. The study revealed that there was a decrease in cell viability, increase in ROS production, and increase in the number of cells in the G2/M phase with an increase in the concentration of DCAN. Omics analyses showed that DCAN exposure increased cellular ROS levels, leading to oxidative damage in hepatocytes, which further induced DNA damage, cell cycle arrest, and cell growth impairment. Thus, DCAN has significant toxic effects on hepatocytes. Integrated analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics offers new insights into the mechanisms of DCAN-induced hepatoxicity.

Adjunctive administration of parabiotic Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 ameliorates drug-induced toxicity and pulmonary inflammation during antibiotic treatment for tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment requires a long therapeutic duration and induces adverse effects such as hepatotoxicity, causing discontinuation of treatment. Reduced adherence to TB medications elevates the risk of recurrence and the development of drug resistance. Additionally, severe cavitary TB with a high burden of Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) and inflammation-mediated tissue damage may need an extended treatment duration, resulting in a higher tendency of drug-induced toxicity. We previously reported that the administration of Lactobacillus sakei CVL-001 (L. sakei CVL-001) regulates inflammation and improves mucosal barrier function in a murine colitis model. Since accumulating evidence has reported the functional roles of probiotics in drug-induced liver injury and pulmonary inflammation, we employed a parabiotic form of the L. sakei CVL-001 to investigate whether this supplement may provide beneficial effects on the reduction in drug-induced liver damage and pulmonary inflammation during chemotherapy. Intriguingly, L. sakei CVL-001 administration slightly reduced Mtb burden without affecting lung inflammation and weight loss in both Mtb-resistant and -susceptible mice. Moreover, L. sakei CVL-001 decreased T cell-mediated inflammatory responses and increased regulatory T cells along with an elevated antigen-specific IL-10 production, suggesting that this parabiotic may restrain excessive inflammation during antibiotic treatment. Furthermore, the parabiotic intervention significantly reduced levels of alanine aminotransferase, an indicator of hepatotoxicity, and cell death in liver tissues. Collectively, our data suggest that L. sakei CVL-001 administration has the potential to be an adjunctive therapy by reducing pulmonary inflammation and liver damage during anti-TB drug treatment and may benefit adherence to TB medication in lengthy treatment.

Immunostimulant, hepatoprotective, and nephroprotective potential of Bacillus subtilis (NMCC-path-14) in comparison to dexamethasone in alleviating CFA-induced arthritis

To investigate and compare efficacy as well as safety of Bacillus subtilis and dexamethasone (Dexa) in complete Freund's adjuvant (CFA)-induced arthritis, we used glucocorticoid monotherapy (Dexa 5 mg/kg/day) and B. subtilis (1 × 108 CFU/animal/day p.o) as pre-treatment and concurrent treatment for a duration of 35 days. Specific emphasis was on chronic aspect of this study since long-term use of Dexa is known to produce undesirable side effects. Treatment with Dexa significantly attenuated the arthritic symptoms but produced severe side effects like weight loss, increased mortality, immunosuppression, and altered histology of liver, kidney, and spleen. Oxidative stress was also elevated by Dexa in these organs which contributed to the damage. Treatment with B. subtilis improved symptoms of arthritis without producing any deleterious side effects as seen with Dexa therapy. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) profile revealed decreased expression of nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB), interleukin (IL)-1β, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and increased nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2) expression by B. subtilis and Dexa treatment in ankle joint of arthritic mice. Radiological scores were also improved by both treatments. This study concludes that B. subtilis could be an effective alternative for treating arthritis than Dexa since it does not produce life-threatening side effects on prolong treatment.

Modulatory role ulexit against thiamethoxam-induced hematotoxicity/hepatotoxicity oxidative stress and immunotoxicity in Oncorhynchusmykiss

Contamination of the aquatic environment with different insecticides is a major concern in the aquatic ecosystem today. For this reason, in the designed study, Thiamethoxam (TMX) for which there is limited information on its negative effects on Oncorhynchus mykiss was investigated, its effects on hematotoxicity, oxidative status, cytotoxicity, DNA damage and apoptotic status indicators in blood/liver tissue. However, the antitoxic potential of ulexite (UX) supplementation in the elimination of TMX-mediated toxicity has been determined. LC50-96h value determined for TMX 0.73 mg/L has been determined. As a result of hematology profile, TMX application, RBC, Hgb and Hct values showed a temporal decrease compared to the control group, while increases were determined in MCV, MCH and MCHC values. It was determined that the inhibition/induction of hematological parameters was slowed down by adding UX to the medium. During the trial (48th and 96th hours), it was noted that TMX induced cortisol level, while UX supplementation slowed this induction at 48th hour. Antioxidant enzyme activities were significantly inhibited by TMX application, and MDA and MPO values increased as a result of the stimulation of ROS. It was determined that UX added to the medium showed activity in favor of antioxidants and tried to inhibit MDA and MPO levels. When Nrf-2, one of the inflammation parameters, was compared with the administration and control groups, it was determined that it inhibited depending on time, TNF-α, IL-6, DNA damage and apoptosis were induced, and UX suppressed this situation. The results obtained were evaluated as statistically meaningful. Briefly, it was determined that TMX induced oxidative damage in all tissues at 48th - 96th hours, whereas UX mitigated this situation. The results provide possible in vivo evidence that UX supplements can reduce TMX-mediated oxidative stress and tissues damage in O. mykiss blood and liver tissues.

Integration of transcriptomics and metabolomics analysis for unveiling the toxicological profile in the liver of mice exposed to uranium in drinking water

Uranium is a contaminate in the underground water in many regions of the world, which poses health risks to the local populations through drinking water. Although the health hazards of natural uranium have been concerned for decades, the controversies about its detrimental effects continue at present since it is still unclear how uranium interacts with molecular regulatory networks to generate toxicity. Here, we integrate transcriptomic and metabolomic methods to unveil the molecular mechanism of lipid metabolism disorder induced by uranium. Following exposure to uranium in drinking water for twenty-eight days, aberrant lipid metabolism and lipogenesis were found in the liver, accompanied with aggravated lipid peroxidation and an increase in dead cells. Multi-omics analysis reveals that uranium can promote the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids through dysregulating the metabolism of arachidonic acid (AA), linoleic acid, and glycerophospholipid. Most notably, the disordered metabolism of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) like AA may contribute to lipid peroxidation induced by uranium, which in turn triggers ferroptosis in hepatocytes. Our findings highlight disorder of lipid metabolism as an essential toxicological mechanism of uranium in the liver, offering insight into the health risks of uranium in drinking water.

A meta-analysis of randomized controlled studies on the hepatoxicity induced by polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) in rats and mice

Several toxicological studies were conducted to evaluate the hepatoxicity of PBDEs using different animal models, congeners, duration of exposure, and other parameters. These variations in different animal models and conditions might have an impact on extrapolating experimental results to humans. Hence, by the meta-analysis, we aimed to clarify and elucidate the species differences in hepatoxicity induced by PBDE exposure in rats and mice across different conditions and moderators. Fourteen in vivo studies that utilized rats and mice models were identified, and data such as author names, year of publication, type of PBDE congeners, rodent species, life stage of exposure, dosage, duration, and hepatoxicity indicators were extracted. The pooled standard mean difference (SMD) with a 95% confidence interval (95% CI) was used to evaluate the association between hepatoxicity and PBDE exposure across multiple approaches of measurement. Subgroup analysis, meta-regression, and interaction analysis were utilized to elucidate the species-related differences among the results of the involved studies. The pooled SMD of hepatoxicity of PBDE exposure in the involved in vivo studies was 1.82 (p = 0.016), indicating exposure to PBDE congeners and mixtures is associated with a significant increase in liver toxicity in rodents. Moreover, findings showed that rats were more sensitive to PBDEs than mice with the BDE-209 had the highest SMD value. Among the life stages of exposure, embryonic stage was found to be the most sensitive to hepatoxicity induced by PBDE congeners. Positive relationships were found between the incidence of hepatoxicity with dosage and duration of exposure to PBDE. Interaction analyses showed significant interactions between rodent species (rats or mice), dosage, length of exposure, and hepatotoxicity endpoints. Rats demonstrated an increased susceptibility to variations in organ weight, histopathological changes, mitochondrial dysfunction, and oxidative stress markers. Conversely, mice showed pronounced lipid accumulation and modifications in liver enzyme expression levels. However, significant differences were not found in terms of endoplasmic reticular stress as a mechanistic endpoint for hepatotoxicity. In conclusion, this meta-analysis showed that there might be some species-related differences in hepatoxicity induced by PBDE exposure in rats and mice depending on the parameters used. This study highlights the importance of cross-species extrapolation of results from animal models to accurately assess the potential risks to human health from exposure to PBDEs.

The Dual Therapeutic Potential of Ottelione A on Carbon Tetrachloride-induced Hepatic Toxicity in Mice

BACKGROUND

Some herbal natural products play an important role in protecting organisms from the toxic effect of some xenobiotics. The present study was designed to evaluate the potential therapeutic effects of Ottelione A (OTTE) against carbon tetrachloride(CCl4)-induced toxicity in mice.

METHODS

Adult male Swiss albino mice were divided into six groups: group I was used as a normal control received olive oil; group II received DMSO; group III received OTTE; group IV received CCl4 in olive oil, (injected i.p) 3 times/week for 6 weeks; group V received the same CCl4 regimen as group IV followed by OTTE injected for 15 days, and group VI first received OTTE injected for 15 days followed by the same CCl4 regimen as group IV. Some biochemical and histological parameters were investigated.

RESULTS

Our results showed that the administration of CCl4 caused hepatotoxicity, as monitored by the significant increase in biochemical parameters concerning the olive oil group. Treatment with OTTE appeare d to be effective against hepatotoxic and liver changes induced by CCl4, as evidenced by the improvement of the same parameters.

CONCLUSION

Ottelione A (OTTE) has good antioxidant and therapeutic properties, which can help in preventing CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in both pre-treatment and post-treatment modes.

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants evoked hepatoxicity in grass carp (Ctenopharyngodon idella) through modulating the ROS-PI3K/mTOR/AKT pathway: Apoptosis-autophagy crosstalk

Synthetic phenolic antioxidants (SPAs) are an environmental concern due to their persistence nature and bioaccumulation. However, the hepatoxicity and mechanisms of SPAs in aquatic organisms remain poorly understood. In this study, grass carp were exposed to two representative SPAs (BHA and BHT) at environmentally relevant levels (0.1 μM) for 30 days. We observed that BHA and BHT exposure significantly increased the levels of serum aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in grass carp, accompanied by mild inflammatory cell infiltration and irregularity in the shape of hepatocytes. Dihydro ethylenediamine staining showed that BHA and BHT exposure resulted in elevated levels of superoxide levels, accompanied by increased antioxidant enzyme activities (T-AOC, SOD, CAT, GSH-PX) and MDA levels, which is suggestive of oxidative stress responses in the liver of grass carp. Besides, BHA and BHT could dock into the pocket of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K) and thereby inhibiting PI3K/mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling cascades. Meanwhile, our results clarified that BHA and BHT could promote autophagosome production and increase the expression of key autophagy proteins, likely due to inhibition of PI3K/mTOR/AKT signaling pathway. Moreover, BHA and BHT could induce apoptotic process by upregulating the expression of Bax, Caspase3 and Caspase8 and downregulating Bcl2 expression. Notably, BHT exhibited more hepatoxicity on the indicators of the apoptosis and oxidative stress than BHA. In summary, our findings demonstrated that BHA and BHT exposure could induce liver damage induced via regulating ROS/PI3K-mediated autophagic hyperactivation, which is a crucial step in triggering hepatocyte death. This study provides novel insight into the potential mechanisms underlying liver damage caused by BHA and BHT in aquatic organisms, and offers a new theoretical basis for ecological risk assessment of SPAs.

Human liver organoid models for assessment of drug toxicity at the preclinical stage

The hepatotoxicity of drugs is one of the leading causes of drug withdrawal from the pharmaceutical market and high drug attrition rates. Currently, the commonly used hepatocyte models include conventional hepatic cell lines and animal models, which cannot mimic human drug-induced liver injury (DILI) due to poorly defined dose-response relationships and/or lack of human-specific mechanisms of toxicity. In comparison to 2D culture systems from different cell sources such as primary human hepatocytes and hepatomas,, 3D organoids derived from an inducible pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) or adult stem cells are promising accurate models to mimic organ behavior with a higher level of complexity and functionality owing to their ability to self-renewal. Meanwhile, the heterogeneous cell composition of the organoids enables metabolic and functional zonation of hepatic lobule important in drug detoxification and has the ability to mimic idiosyncratic DILI as well. Organoids having higher drug-metabolizing enzyme capacities can culture long-term and be combined with microfluidic-based technologies such as organ-on-chips for a more precise representation of human susceptibility to drug response in a high-throughput manner. However, there are numerous limitations to be considered about this technology, such as enough maturation, differences between protocols and high cost. Herein, we first reviewed the current preclinical DILI assessment tools and looked at the organoid technology with respect to in vitro detoxification capacities. Then we discussed the clinically applicable DILI assessment markers and the importance of liver zonation in the next generation organoid-based DILI models.

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP) promotes hepatocyte toxicity via induction of endoplasmic reticulum stress and inhibition of autophagy flux

Triphenyl phosphate (TPP), a commonly used organophosphate flame retardant, is frequently found in environmental and biota samples, indicating widespread human exposure. Recent studies have shown that TPP causes hepatotoxicity, but the underlying cellular mechanisms are not fully elucidated. Here, by using normal hepatocyte AML12 cells as a model, we showed that TPP induced apoptotic cell death. RNA sequencing analyses revealed that differentially expressed genes induced by TPP were related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and autophagy. Immunostaining and western blot results further confirmed that TPP activated ER stress. Interestingly, though TPP increased LC3-II, a canonical marker for autophagy, TPP inhibited autophagy flux rather than induced autophagy. Interestingly, TPP-induced ER stress facilitated autophagy flux inhibition and apoptosis. Furthermore, inhibition of autophagy aggravated, and activation of autophagy attenuated apoptosis induced by TPP. Collectively, these results uncovered that ER stress and autophagy flux inhibition were responsible for TPP-induced apoptosis in mouse hepatocytes. Thus, our foundlings provided novel insight into the potential mechanisms of TPP-induced hepatocyte toxicity.

N, N-dimethylformamide exposure induced liver abnormal mitophagy by targeting miR-92a-1-5p-BNIP3L pathway in vivo and vitro

N, N-dimethylformamide (DMF) is a widely existing harmful environmental pollutant from industrial emission which can threat human health for both occupational and general populations. Epidemiological and experimental studies have indicated liver as the primary target organ of DMF. However, the molecular mechanism under DMF-induced hepatoxicity remains unclear. In the present study, we identified that DMF could induce abnormal autophagy flux in cells. We also showed that DMF-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and lethal mitophagy which further leads to autophagic cell death. Next, miRNA microarray analysis identified miR-92a-1-5p as the most down-regulated miRNA upon DMF exposure. Mechanistically, miR-92a-1-5p regulated mitochondrial function and mitophagy by targeting mitochondrial protein BNIP3L. Exogenous miR-92a-1-5p significantly attenuated DMF-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and mitophagy in vitro and in vivo. Our study highlights the mechanistic link between miRNAs and mitophagy under environmental stress, which provided a new clue for the mitochondrial epigenetics mechanism on environmental toxicant-induced hepatoxicity.

Bioavailability, anti-inflammatory and anti-arthritic effect of Acetyl Keto Boswellic acid and its combination with methotrexate in an arthritic animal model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Rheumatoid arthritis is one of the most common disabling chronic progressive autoimmune diseases affecting the adult world population. Boswellia serrata has been a known anti-inflammatory agent since ancient times. Therefore, research on Boswellia extract based on Acetyl Keto Boswellic Acid (AKBA) content evaluating its efficacy and safety is necessary. The study aimed to find a suitable Boswellia extract rich in AKBA to evaluate its bioavailability, anti-inflammatory, and anti-arthritic effect. In addition, the synergistic action of AKBA extract with methotrexate (MTX) was also assessed on an animal model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Oral bioavailability of AKBA and the anti-inflammatory activity of 10% AKBA (5, 10, 20, 40 mg/kg b.w) was assessed and compared with 2% AKBA (40 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg). The effect of 10% AKBA at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg was evaluated in the FCA induced arthritis animal model alone and combined with methotrexate (MTX) at 2 mg/kg b.w. Subplantar injection of FCA produced edema within a few hours with progressive arthritis by the 9th day after injection. All the treatments were initiated from the 10th day until the 45th day. Oral administration of 10% AKBA was done daily and MTX by intraperitoneal route once a week from day 10 to day 45. Paw volume, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (SGOT), serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (SGPT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin, oxidative markers (superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels, malondialdehyde (MDA), total proteins and liver histopathology were examined.

RESULTS

10% AKBA provided 8.48-fold, 24.22-fold, 47.36-fold, and 110.53-fold higher AUC (0-α) of AKBA at 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg, respectively compared to 2% AKBA at 40 mg/kg. Percentage paw edema inhibition of 10% AKBA at 20 mg/kg and 40 mg/kg were significantly higher than 2% regular AKBA (40 mg/kg) and diclofenac (10 mg/kg). 10% AKBA at a dose of 20 and 40 mg/kg significantly reduced ESR compared with FCA treated group. A combination of methotrexate with 10% AKBA showed the highest reduction in ESR. 10% AKBA at both dose levels significantly reduced hepatic marker enzymes and total bilirubin levels. Treatment with 10% AKBA showed a significant increase in total proteins, antioxidant enzymes and a decrease in malondialdehyde levels. Similarly, 10% AKBA protected the hepatocytes compared with the FCA and FCA + MTX treated group. 10% AKBA was capable of significantly minimizing FCA and FCA + MTX induced changes.

CONCLUSION

Anti-inflammatory activity of AKBA due to inhibition of lipoxygenase (LOX) enzymes supports the use of AKBA in inflammatory disorders. Combination therapy of 10% AKBA with MTX is effective in inhibiting arthritis and circumventing hepatotoxicity produced by MTX in arthritic animals.

Profiling biotoxicities of hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid with human embryonic stem cell-based assays

Hexafluoropropylene oxide trimer acid (HFPO-TA), an emerging replacement of perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA), has recently been reported to be a potential environmental contaminant. Due to the similar structure to PFOA, HFPO-TA may cause comparable adverse effects on human health. Therefore, evaluating the toxic profiles of HFPO-TA has become an urgent task. In this study, we investigated the cytotoxicity and hepatoxicity of HFPO-TA using human embryonic stem cell (hESC)-based assays. Results showed that HFPO-TA reduced hESCs' viability in a dose dependent manner, and the calculated IC50 for 24, 48 and 72 hr were 222.8, 167.4, and 80.6 μmol/L, respectively. Significant intracellular ROS accumulation and mitochondrion membrane potential reduction were detected with HFPO-TA exposure, and increased apoptotic/necrotic cells were also observed in high dose of HFPO-TA treated group. Moreover, HFPO-TA at noncytotoxic concentrations also significantly impaired the functions of induced hepatocytes by diminishing cell glycogen storage ability and deregulating specific functional genes. Transcriptome sequencing analysis identified a set of hepatic associated biological processes responding to HFPO-TA exposure. PPAR was the most significantly enriched pathway. Genes including FGA, FGB, FGG, AHSG, HRG, ITIH2, ALB were characterized as hub genes by cytoHubba plug-in. These data indicated that HFPO-TA is a potential hepatotoxicant, and may not be a safe replacement for PFOA.

Co-treatment of Nimbolide augmented the anti-arthritic effects of methotrexate while protecting against organ toxicities

Prolonged exposure to the pharmacological doses of disease-modifying anti-rheumatic drugs (DMARDs) often results in major organ toxicities resulting in poor patient compliance. Methotrexate (MTX) is one of the commonly prescribed DMARDs for the treatment of arthritis, which results in vital organ dysfunction. To retain the anti-arthritic activity of MTX with the reduction in toxicities, combination therapies are warranted. Nimbolide (NMB) is a potent anticancer, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic agent whose potential has been demonstrated in various pre-clinical models. Monoarthritis was developed with Complete Freund's Adjuvant in the knees of Wistar rats and treatment was given with either NMB (3 mg/kg/day) or MTX (2 mg/kg/week) alone or combination therapy (NMB + MTX). The anti-arthritic effects were evaluated by arthritic scoring, radiological imaging, synovial tissue proteins analysis, and histopathological staining. While hepato-renal toxicity was assessed in serum by evaluating the kidney and liver functional parameters, in tissues by oxidative-nitrosative stress markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokines levels. Histopathological analysis was performed to study the extent of tissue damage. Molecular studies like immunoblotting and immunohistochemistry were performed to understand the effect of combination therapy. We thereby report that monotherapy with either NMB or MTX exhibited significant anti-arthritic effects, while combination therapy resulted in augmented anti-arthritic effects with significant reduction in hepato-renal toxicity produced by MTX probably through anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant effects. Therefore, our proposed combination of NMB and MTX may serve as a potential strategy for the effective management of arthritis.

Understanding the hepatoxicity of inorganic mercury through guts: Perturbance to gut microbiota, alteration of gut-liver axis related metabolites and damage to gut integrity

Mercury (Hg) brings adverse effects to the environment and human beings and inorganic mercury (IHg) is a typical hepatic toxin. This work studied the impacts of IHg on gut microbes and metabolome together with its damage to liver and gut in rats through gut microbiome, metabolomics and metallomics. Sprague Dawley (SD) rats were orally exposed to 0.4 μg/mL IHg and sacrificed after 24 h. It was found that IHg perturbed greatly on the gut microbiota, such as increased pathogenic bacteria like G. bacillus. In addition, IHg also changed gut-liver axis related metabolites, which was confirmed by the secretion of a large number of inflammatory factors in both the gut and the liver. The changed gut-liver axis related metabolites correlated well to the changes of gut microbiome. In all, besides the direct deposition in liver of Hg, the perturbance to gut microbiome and alteration of gut-liver axis related metabolites by IHg also contributed to its hepatoxicity, which provides new insights about the hepatoxicity of chemicals. The strategy applied in this work may also be used to understand the hepatoxicity of other chemicals.

Toxicologic effect and transcriptome analysis for short-term orally dosed enrofloxacin combined with two veterinary antimicrobials on rat liver

Presently, toxicological assessment of multiple veterinary antimicrobials has not been performed on mammals. In this study, we assessed the short-term toxicity of enrofloxacin (E) combined with colistin (C) and quinocetone (Q). Young male rats were orally dosed drug mixtures and single drugs in 14 consecutive days, each at the dose of 20, 80, and 400 mg/(kg·BW) for environmental toxicologic study. The results showed that at the high dose treatment, the combination of E + C+Q significantly decreased body intake, lymphocytes count on rats; significantly increased the values of Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (AST) and, cholinesterase (CHE); it also got the severest histopathological changes, where sinusoidal congestion and a large number of black particles in sinusoids were observed. This means E + C+Q in the high dose groups was able to cause significant damage to the liver. Other combinations or doses did not induce significant liver damage. Transcriptome analysis was then performed on rats in high dose group for further research. For E + C and E + Q, an amount of 375 and 480 differently expressed genes were filtered out, revealing their possible underlying effect on genomes. For E + C+Q, a weighted gene co-expression network analysis was performed and 96 hub genes were identified to reveal the specific effect induced by this combination. This study indicates that joint toxicity should be taken into consideration when involving the risk assessment of these antimicrobials.

Pterocephin A, a novel Triterpenoid Saponin from Pterocephalus hookeri induced liver injury by activation of necroptosis

BACKGROUND

Pterocephalus hookeri (C. B. Clarke) Höeck, a Tibetan medicine widely used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, was recorded in Chinese Pharmacopoeia (2020 version) with slight toxicity. The liver injury was observed in mice with administration of n-butanol extract (BUE) in our previously study. However, the toxic components and the mechanism were still unrevealed.

PURPOSE

The present study was aimed to isolate and structural elucidate of the toxic compound pterocephin A (PA), as well as evaluate its liver toxicity and investigate its mechanism.

METHODS

PA was isolated from the BUE of P. hookeri. Its structure was determined by analysis of HRMS, NMR and ECD data. L-02 cellular viability, LDH, ALT, AST, ROS, intracellular Ca²⁺ and the fluidity of cell membrane were assessed by multifunctional microplate reader. The PI staining, cell membrane permeability assessment, and mitochondrial fluorescence staining analysis were determined through the fluorescence microscope. Liver samples for mice were assessed by pathological and immunohistochemistry analysis. Expression levels of indicated proteins were measured by western blotting assays.

RESULTS

PA was determined as a previously undescribed oleanolane-type triterpenoid saponin. In vitro study revealed PA significantly induced hepatotoxicity by inhibition of L-02 cell growth, abnormally elevation of ALT and AST. Mechanically, PA induced the damage of cell membrane, fragmentation of mitochondria, and subsequently increase of intracellular Ca²⁺ and ROS levels, which trigged by necroptosis with the activation of RIP1 and NF-κB signaling pathways. In vivo study confirmed PA could induce liver injury in mice with observation of the body weight loss, increasing of serum ALT and AST, and the histopathological changes in liver tissues.

CONCLUSION

Our present study indicated that PA was an undescribed toxic constituent in P. hookeri to induce liver injury in mice by activation of necroptosis and inflammation. And the findings are of great significance for the clinical use safely of this herb.

Hepatic safety of repeated treatment with pyronaridine-artesunate versus artemether-lumefantrine in patients with uncomplicated malaria: a secondary analysis of the WANECAM 1 data from Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso

Background

The use of pyronaridine-artesunate (PA) has been associated with scarce transaminitis in patients. This analysis aimed to evaluate the hepatic safety profile of repeated treatment with PA versus artemether–lumefantrine (AL) in patients with consecutive uncomplicated malaria episodes in Bobo-Dioulasso, Burkina Faso.

Methods

This study analysed data from a clinical trial conducted from 2012 to 2015, in which participants with uncomplicated malaria were assigned to either PA or AL arms and followed up to 42 days. Subsequent malaria episodes within a 2-years follow up period were also treated with the same ACT initially allocated. Transaminases (AST/ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total and direct bilirubin were measured at days 0 (baseline), 3, 7, 28 and on some unscheduled days if required. The proportions of non-clinical hepatic adverse events (AEs) following first and repeated treatments with PA and AL were compared within study arms. The association of these AEs with retreatment in each arm was also determined using a logistic regression model.

Results

A total of 1379 malaria episodes were included in the intention to treat analysis with 60% of all cases occurring in the AL arm. Overall, 179 non-clinical hepatic AEs were recorded in the AL arm versus 145 in the PA arm. Elevated ALT was noted in 3.05% of treated malaria episodes, elevated AST 3.34%, elevated ALP 1.81%, and elevated total and direct bilirubin in 7.90% and 7.40% respectively. Retreated participants were less likely to experience elevated ALT and AST than first episode treated participants in both arms. One case of Hy’s law condition was recorded in a first treated participant of the PA arm. Participants from the retreatment group were 76% and 84% less likely to have elevated ALT and AST, respectively, in the AL arm and 68% less likely to present elevated ALT in the PA arm. In contrast, they were almost 2 times more likely to experience elevated total bilirubin in both arms.

Conclusions

Pyronaridine-artesunate and artemether–lumefantrine showed similar hepatic safety when used repeatedly in participants with uncomplicated malaria. Pyronaridine-artesunate represents therefore a suitable alternative to the current first line anti-malarial drugs in use in endemic areas.

Trial registration Pan African Clinical Trials Registry. PACTR201105000286876

Acute paracetamol poisonings received at the Oran University Hospital

Introduction

Paracetamol is the most commonly used drug worldwide for its analgesic/antipyretic effect and especially a non-prescription access in pharmacies. Acute Paracetamol poisoning remains problematic for clinicians because of its insidious progression to fulminant hepatitis and even death. This work proposes to draw up the epidemiological profile of acute Paracetamol poisonings.

Materials and Methods

A retrospective descriptive study has been carried out over 8 years on cases of acute Paracetamol poisoning received at the Pharmacology Toxicology department of University Hospital of Oran (UHO). Data were collected using a pre-established fact sheet. Toxicological analysis was carried out by colorimetric and enzyme immunoassay method.

Results and Discussion

A total of 400 cases were recorded, mainly from emergency departments of UHO (85 %). These are suicide attempts in 82 % of cases, observed especially in adolescents (69 %), and accidental poisoning in 12 % of cases, predominant in small children (89 %). Half of the patients were admitted asymptomatic in the first 24 h of intoxication. Digestive and neurological disorders were the most described (18.75 % and 20.5 %). The quantitative determination of Paracetamol showed that 16 cases had a high risk of developing liver injury and required antidote therapy, based on N-acetylcysteine. The evolution was mostly favorable (84 %) but 8 patients had liver damage and 5 deaths were recorded.

Conclusion

Although it seems benign, acute Paracetamol poisoning is serious and requires adequate care making clinicians collaborate with toxicologists. The general population must be made aware of the dangers of Paracetamol. The pharmacist must provide the necessary information concerning the recommended doses and the toxicity.

Hepatoxicity mechanism of cantharidin-induced liver LO2 cells by LC-MS metabolomics combined traditional approaches

Hepatotoxicity induced by Mylabris has been reported in both clinical and animal experiments. Cantharidin (CTD), the main active compound of Mylabris was responsible for the hepatotoxicity, which aroused widespread concern. However, the mechanism of CTD hepatotoxicity remained unclear. In this study, LO2 cells were exposed to two doses of CTD (6.25 and 25 μM) for 12 h, the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were measured. The metabolites in LO2 cells were profiled by LC-MS. Partial least squares discriminant analysis and orthogonal partial least squares discriminant analysis were used for screening potential biomarkers. The MetPA software was used for clustering and pathway analysis. Network pharmacology was used to predict the genes acted with potential biomarkers. Compared with the control group, the levels of ALT, AST, and LDH was significantly increased after CTD treatment. A total of 46 potential biomarkers for hepatotoxicity induced by CTD were identified. And downregulated potential biomarkers reflected the inhibitory effects of CTD toxicity on metabolism of LO2. Moreover, CTD-induced liver toxicity of LO2 cells is mainly related to three pathways: cysteine and methionine metabolism; glutathione metabolism; and glycine, serine, and threonine metabolism. Furtherly, the mRNA expression of CES2, DNMT1, NOS1, NOS3, S1PR2, and CES1 screened by network pharmacology were regulated by CTD. These studies provide valuable mechanistic insights into CTD-associated hepatotoxicity that will aid in the development of therapeutic prevention and treatment options for this liver disease.

Efficacy and safety of weekly rifapentine and isoniazid for tuberculosis prevention in Chinese silicosis patients: a randomized controlled trial

OBJECTIVE

The aim was to evaluate the efficacy, safety and completion rate of 3-month, once-weekly rifapentine and isoniazid for tuberculosis (TB) prevention among Chinese silicosis patients.

METHODS

Male silicosis patients without human immunodeficiency virus infection, aged 18 years to 65 years, with or without latent TB infection, were randomized 1:1 to receive rifapentine/isoniazid under direct observation (3RPT/INH group) or were untreated (observation group). Active TB incidence was compared between the two groups with 37 months of follow-up. Safety profile and complete rates were evaluated.

RESULTS

A total of 1227 adults with silicosis were screened; 513 eligible participants were enrolled and assigned to 3RPT/INH (n = 254) vs. observation (n = 259). Twenty-eight participants were diagnosed with active TB, and 9 and 19 in the 3RPT/INH group and observation groups, respectively. In the intention-to-treat analysis, the cumulative active TB rate was 3.5% (9/254) in the 3RPT/INH group and 7.3% (19/259) in the observation group (log rank p 0.055). On per protocol analysis, the cumulative active TB rates were 0.7% (1/139) and 7.3% (19/259), respectively (log rank p 0.01). Owing to an unexpected high frequency of adverse events (70.4%) and Grade 3 or 4 AEs (7.9%), the completion rate of the 3RPT/INH regimen was 54.7% (139/254). Twenty-six (10.8%) participants had flu-like systemic drug reactions; five (2.1%) experienced hepatotoxicity.

DISCUSSION

Weekly rifapentine/isoniazid prophylaxis prevented active TB among Chinese people with silicosis when taken, irrespective of LTBI screening; efficacy was reduced by lack of compliance. The regimen must be used with caution because of the high rates of adverse effects.

CLINICAL TRIAL REGISTRATION

ClinicalTrials.gov number: NCT02430259.

Drug-induced Liver Injury Secondary to Herbal and Dietary Supplements

The use of herbal and dietary supplements (HDS) is increasing in the United States and worldwide. Its significant association with liver injury has become a concern, particularly because rates of hepatotoxicity caused by HDS are increasing. There are variety of HDS available, ranging from multi-ingredient substances, to anabolic steroids for bodybuilding purposes, to individual ingredients for purposes of supplementing a diet. This article reviews the impact of liver injury cause by HDS and explores the hepatotoxic potential of such products and their individual ingredients.

Nrf2 in liver toxicology

Liver plays essential roles in the metabolism of many endogenous chemicals and exogenous toxicants. Mechanistic studies in liver have been at the forefront of efforts to probe the roles of bioactivation and detoxication of environmental toxins and toxicants in hepatotoxicity. Moreover, idiosyncratic hepatoxicity remains a key barrier in the clinical development of drugs. The now vast Nrf2 field emerged in part from biochemical and molecular studies on chemical inducers of hepatic detoxication enzymes and subsequent characterization of the modulation of drug/toxicant induced hepatotoxicities in mice through disruption of either Nrf2 or Keap1 genes. In general, loss of Nrf2 increases the sensitivity to such toxic chemicals, highlighting a central role of this transcription factor and its downstream target genes as a modifier to chemical stress. In this review, we summarize the impact of Nrf2 on the toxicology of multiple hepatotoxicants, and discuss efforts to utilize the Nrf2 response in predictive toxicology.

Biochemical and genotoxic effects in women exposed to pesticides in Southern Ecuador

Toxicity refers to the potential of a substance such as a pesticide to cause damage to the structure or functions of an exposed organism. Pesticides can lead to harmful biological effects in exposed animals and their offspring over the medium and long term. They can affect the immunological, nervous, endocrine, and reproductive systems. DNA damage has also been linked to exposure to pesticides, and this damage can cause abortions, degenerative diseases, and cancer. The aim of this work was to establish whether women who are indirectly exposed to pesticides exhibit a compromised health status, including genotoxic effect. Women exposed indirectly to pesticides in Chimchanga and Colaisaca in the south of Ecuador underwent hematological and biochemical tests and micronucleus assay in buccal cells. The subjects were also genotyped for GSTM1, GSTT1, GSTP1, and PON1 polymorphisms, which can modify an individual's capacity to metabolize pesticides and relation with damage of DNA. The study revealed hepatic toxicity in Colaisaca women (AST and ALT) and an increase in the rate of micronucleus (MN) in Colaisaca individuals. In addition, genetic polymorphisms in PON1 and GSTP1 showed effects of modulating the frequency of karyolytic cells, karyorrhectic cells, and condensed chromatin cells.

Taurine Supplementation Ameliorates Arsenic-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Oxidative Stress in Mouse

We previously reported that taurine treatment inhibited arsenic (As)-induced apoptosis in the liver of mice. This study was designed to explore the effect of taurine on liver function and its underlying mechanism in As-exposed mice. Mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, ten mice in each group. Group 1, control group, only orally received drinking water alone. Group 2, As intoxication group, was exposed to 4 mg/L As₂O₃ via drinking water for 60 days. Group 3, taurine protection group, was treated with 4 mg/L As₂O₃ and 150 mg/kg both. Taurine administration significantly revered the increases of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities in serum. The decrease of glutathione (GSH) was inhibited with taurine treatment in the liver of As-exposed mice. At the same time, taurine significantly inhihibited As-induced enhancement of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. Here we show that taurine protective effect on liver function in As-exposed mice maybe involve lipid peroxidation.

Hepatotoxic effects of Euphol-rich fractions from Euphorbia bivonae-Relevance to cytotoxic and anti-tumor activities

These studies were designed to evaluate the preliminary oral toxicity profile of the crude ethanolic aerial part extract of E. bivonae in the Male albino Wistar rats and its active chemical constituents. The 24-h LD₅₀ was determined using probit analysis method. The single dose LD₅₀was found to be 2568.64 mg/kg bw when administrated orally in mice. Additionally, the Wistar rats were used to evaluate the subchronic toxicity of E. bivonae ethanolic extract. The serum biomarkers, lipid peroxidation and antioxidants status in liver and histopathological analysis were investigated in normal and treated groups. Subchronic toxicity studies in rats with oral doses of 50, 150, 350 and 500 mg/kg body weight showed significant increase in alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and total bilirubin levels. In addition, the administration of this extract significantly (p < 0.05) decreased superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase and an increment in lipid peroxidation and protein carbonyls. Finally, we suggest that the three compounds of E. bivonae extract (sitosterol, euphol and lupeol) are the mainly responsible of this toxicity.

Association of pharmacokinetic profiles of lenalidomide in human plasma simulated using pharmacokinetic data in humanized-liver mice with liver toxicity detected by human serum albumin RNA

Lenalidomide has been shown to be potentially teratogenic in thalidomide-sensitive animal species. Screening for thalidomide analogs devoid of teratogenicity/toxicity-attributable to drug metabolism and disposition, but having immunomodulatory properties-is a strategic pathway towards development of new anticancer drugs. Plasma concentrations of lenalidomide were investigated in immunodeficient control and humanized-liver mice following oral administration of lenalidomide (50 mg/kg). Plasma concentrations of lenalidomide (1-2 hr after administration) were slightly but significantly higher in humanized-liver mice than in control mice (p < 0.05). Human albumin mRNA, a liver-specific toxicity marker, was found in the blood of humanized-liver mice 24 hr after lenalidomide administration. Simulations of human plasma concentrations of lenalidomide were achieved with simplified physiologically-based pharmacokinetic models in control and humanized-liver mice or by the direct fitting analysis of reported human data, in accordance with reported lenalidomide concentrations after low dose administration in humans. The results indicate that pharmacokinetic profiles of lenalidomide, a compound resulting from introducing one aromatic amino group into thalidomide and removing one keto group, resulted in less species variation in in vivo pharmacokinetics in control and humanized-liver mice and that immunodeficient humanized-liver mice can serve as experimental model animals for human liver injury in drug development at high doses, with human albumin RNA analysis in plasma.

Drug-induced liver injury: Do we know everything?

Interest in drug-induced liver injury (DILI) has dramatically increased over the past decade, and it has become a hot topic for clinicians, academics, pharmaceutical companies and regulatory bodies. By investigating the current state of the art, the latest scientific findings, controversies, and guidelines, this review will attempt to answer the question: Do we know everything? Since the first descriptions of hepatotoxicity over 70 years ago, more than 1000 drugs have been identified to date, however, much of our knowledge of diagnostic and pathophysiologic principles remains unchanged. Clinically ranging from asymptomatic transaminitis and acute or chronic hepatitis, to acute liver failure, DILI remains a leading causes of emergent liver transplant. The consumption of unregulated herbal and dietary supplements has introduced new challenges in epidemiological assessment and clinician management. As such, numerous registries have been created, including the United States Drug-Induced Liver Injury Network, to further our understanding of all aspects of DILI. The launch of LiverTox and other online hepatotoxicity resources has increased our awareness of DILI. In 2013, the first guidelines for the diagnosis and management of DILI, were offered by the Practice Parameters Committee of the American College of Gastroenterology, and along with the identification of risk factors and predictors of injury, novel mechanisms of injury, refined causality assessment tools, and targeted treatment options have come to define the current state of the art, however, gaps in our knowledge still undoubtedly remain.

The hepatoprotective activity of olive oil and Nigella sativa oil against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in male rats

BACKGROUND

Liver disease is the major cause of serious health problem leading to morbidity and mortality worldwide and the problem has increased in search for hepatotherapeutic agents from plants. The present study was designed to compare the probable hepatoprotective activity of olive oil and N. sativa oil on CCl4 induced liver damage in male rats.

METHODS

Forty males of a new model of albino rats (Wistar strain) (175-205 g) were divided into four groups. The 1st Group (G1) was the negative control group, the remaining rats were injected with CCl4 (1 ml/kg body weight) with equal amount of olive oil on the 1st and 4th day of every week for 4 weeks. The 2nd group (G2) was the positive control, the 3rd group (G3) and the fourth group (G4) were treated orally with N. sativa oil and olive oils using stomach tube.

RESULTS

The positive control group showed an increase in hepatic enzymes, total bilirubin, creatinine, uric acid, lipid peroxide total cholesterol, triglyceride, low density lipoprotein, very low density lipoproteins, interleukin-6, and a decrease in antioxidant enzymes, high density lipoprotein cholesterol, a decrease in total protein and albumin an when compared with negative control group. Histology of the CCl4 treated group revealed inflammation and damage of liver cells. Treating the hepatotoxic rats with olive oil and N. sativa oil showed a significant improvement in all biochemical tests compared with the positive CCl4 control group. In addition, the liver tissues of olive oil treated group showed mild improvement in inflammatory infiltration and in N. sativa oil treated group showed normal hepatocytes with no evidence of inflammation.

CONCLUSION

This study revealed that olive oil and N. sativa oil have a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Nigella sativa oil was more effective than olive oil.

Reversal of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity by cinnamic and syringic acids in mice

Ethanol was used to induce acute hepatotoxicity in mice. Effects of cinnamic acid (CA) and syringic acid (SA) post-intake for hepatic recovery from alcoholic injury was investigated. Ethanol treated mice were supplied by CA or SA at 40 or 80 mg/kg BW/day for 5 days. Results showed that ethanol stimulated protein expression of CYP2E1, p47^phox, gp91^phox, cyclooxygenase-2 and nuclear factor kappa B in liver. CA or SA post-intake restricted hepatic expression of these molecules. Ethanol suppressed nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) expression, and CA or SA enhanced Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions. Ethanol increased the release of reactive oxygen species, oxidized glutathione, interleukin-6, tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nitric acid and prostaglandin E₂. CA or SA lowered hepatic production of these oxidative and inflammatory factors. Histological data revealed that ethanol administration caused obvious foci of inflammatory cell infiltration, and CA or SA post-intake improved hepatic inflammatory infiltration. These findings support that cinnamic acid and syringic acid are potent nutraceutical agents for acute alcoholic liver disease therapy. However, potential additive or synergistic benefits of cinnamic and syringic acids against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity need to be investigated.

Counteraction of Apoptotic and Inflammatory Effects of Adriamycin in the Liver Cell Culture by Clinopitolite

Growing evidence has been reported on adriamycin (ADR) hepatotoxicity in literature. Hepatotoxicity caused by the use of drugs has a serious undesirable effect in the cure of cancer patients that needs to be eliminated. The exact mechanism of ADR on non-cancerous tissue still remains to be a mystery. The zeolite (clinoptilolite) minerals form a complex group of aluminosilicates that often occur as accessory minerals in intermediate and basic rocks. In light of this information, we investigated the possible anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects of clinoptilolite in ADR that is inducing the toxicity in primary liver cell culture. Primary liver cell culture from rat was used in the study. We had three experiment groups including the following: (1) cells treated only with 50 μM ADR for 24 h, (2) cells treated with the 50 μM ADR for 24 h and then treated with 10(-4) M zeolite for 1 h, and (3) cells were incubated with 50 μM ADR for 24 h and then incubated with 10(-4) M zeolite for 24 h to test its long-term effects. After that, western blotting was performed in order to evaluate protein expression levels of several inflammation markers including IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and immunohistochemistry was carried out to detect apoptosis in liver cell culture. Also, TdT-dUTP Terminal Nick-End Labeling (TUNEL) method was used for detecting apoptosis. We found elevated levels of inflammatory protein and apoptotic markers in ADR-administered cells (p < 0.05). Inflammatory and apoptotic markers decreased significantly after treated with zeolite (p < 0.05). The present study was pointed out that ADR causes hepatotoxicity via apoptosis and/or inflammation processes resulting from initiator NF-κB and TNF which causes proinflammatory mediators such as IL-1β. Elevation of inflammation might give rise to trigger apoptosis. Clinoptilolite counteracted the apoptosis and inflammation induced by ADR arising from the decrease in NF-κB, TNF-α, and IL-1β protein levels.

Hepatotoxicity effect of some Iranian medicinal herbal formulation on rats

Background:

The public conviction that ‘herbal remedies are safe’ has led to an increased consumption of these products. This study was performed in view of the wide distribution of herbal remedies, the risks posed by self-treatment with these products, and the existing reports about the toxic effects of some medicinal herbs.

Materials and Methods:

In this study the effect of some of the most used herbal drops of A, B, C, and D on the liver function of rats was examined at different doses, namely minimum dose, maximum dose, and 2.5 times the maximum dose indicated in the brochures. The rats were administered the said doses via a feeding tube for 50 days. The liver function parameters including aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total serum protein, albumin, and urea were measured using the spectrophotometric method.

Results:

The animals’ liver tissues were examined pathologically. The A drop did not change the liver function parameters significantly. The B drop increased the LDH by 34% compared to the controls, at the maximum administered dose. The C and D drops increased the ALT, AST, and LDH significantly compared to the controls. The histological findings suggest the possible effect of C and D drops on the function of hepatocytes.

Conclusions:

We recommend that the herbal formulations available in pharmaceutical markets be more closely controlled in terms of quality, as well as toxicity, especially with regard to the possible effects on the hepatic function.

Dietary feeding of Flavokawain A, a Kava chalcone, exhibits a satisfactory safety profile and its association with enhancement of phase II enzymes in mice

Flavokawain A (FKA), a major chalcone in the Kava plant, has recently demonstrated promising anti-cancer activities. A systematic evaluation of FKA's safety profile has not been reported before. In this study, male FVB/N mice were fed with an AIN-76A diet or AIN-76A diet supplemented with 0.6% (6 g/kg food) FKA or 0.6% commercial kava root extract (KRE) for three weeks. Dietary feeding of FKA did not affect food consumption and body weight. Histopathological examination of liver, kidney, colon, lung, heart, spleen, and thymus revealed no signs of FKA-induced toxicity. Biochemical serum analysis and histological examination confirmed normal organ function in FKA-treated mice. The cytotoxicity profile showed FKA had minimal side effects on bone marrow and small intestinal epithelial cells compared with Adriamycin. In addition, oral feeding of FKA increased activities of both glutathione S-transferase and quinone reductase in the liver, lung, prostate and bladder tissues of mice. In comparison, dietary feeding of 0.6% KRE increased liver/body weight ratio and decreased spleen, thymus, and testis/body weight ratios, as well as induced nodular proliferation in liver tissues. Therefore, dietary feeding FKA showed no adverse effects on major organ function and homeostasis in mice, suggesting the potential of FKA for chemoprevention study of human cancers.

A histopathological study of nephrotoxicity, hepatoxicity or testicular toxicity: Which one is the first observation as side effect of Cisplatin-induced toxicity in animal model?

BACKGROUND

Cisplatin (CP) is widely used in clinic to treat the solid tumors. However, CP is associated with some major side effects including nephrotoxicity, hepatoxicity, and testicular toxicity.

OBJECTIVES

To found, which of the toxicities is the first side effect of CP.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

we conducted a pilot research on 12 adult male Wistar rats.

RESULTS

One week after CP administration, the induced toxicity was observed clearly in kidney tissue. The only abnormality that observed in testis tissue was very small degree of hyaline casts. However, no damage and other abnormality were detected in the liver tissue.

CONCLUSIONS

According to these findings, in clinic, first special attention must be made on kidneys during chemotherapy with CP. However, the duration of experiment is suggested to be extended to obtain hepatoxicity or testicular toxicity model in experimental animal in laboratories. Moreover, different dose of CP should be used to study the first side effect in animal model.

Hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory properties of aqueous extract of Curcuma longa in carbon tetra chloride intoxicated Swiss albino mice

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate the hepatoprotective and immunotherapeutic effects of aqueous extract of turmeric rhizome in CCl4 intoxicated Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

First group of mice (n=5) received CCl4 treatment at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg bw (i.p.) for 7 days. Second group was fed orally the aqueous extract of turmeric at a dose of 50 mg/kg bw for 15 days. The third group was given both the turmeric extract (for 15 days, orally) and CCl4 (for last 7 days, i.p.). The fourth group was kept as a control. To study the liver function, the transaminase enzymes (SGOT and SGPT) and bilirubin level were measured in the serum of respective groups. For assaying the immunotherapeutic action of Curcuma longa (C. longa), non specific host response parameters like morphological alteration, phagocytosis, nitric oxide release, myeloperoxidase release and intracellular killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages were studied from the respective groups.

RESULTS

The result of present study suggested that CCl4 administration increased the level of SGOT and SGPT and bilirubin level in serum. However, the aqueous extract of turmeric reduced the level of SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin in CCl4 intoxicated mice. Apart from damaging the liver system, CCl4 also reduced non specific host response parameters like morphological alteration, phagocytosis, nitric oxide release, myeloperoxidase release and intracellular killing capacity of peritoneal macrophages. Administration of aqueous extract of C. longa offered significant protection from these damaging actions of CCl4 on the non specific host response in the peritoneal macrophages of CCl4 intoxicated mice.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study suggests that C. longa has immunotherapeutic properties along with its ability to ameliorate hepatotoxicity.