[Impact of HBV infection and alcohol surrogates on the lipid composition of lymphocytic membranes]

Our study was undertaken to reveal the specific features of changes in the content of different fractions of total and lymphocytic membrane phospholipids under the influence of HBV infection and alcohol substitutes. The lipid spectrum of lymphocytic membranes was determined in 50 healthy individuals, 50 patients with acute viral hepatitis, and 62 patients with toxic hepatitis. Once HBV infection occurs, there is a reduction in the content of total phospholipids, free cholesterol, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine and an increase in the level of triglycerides, free fatty acids, cholesterol esters, and lysophospholipids. There was also a decrease in the absolute content of total phospholipids and free cholesterol. The effect of alcohol substitutes was manifested by the higher concentrations of lysophospholipids, phosphatidylcholine, and phosphatidylethanolamine in the lymphocytic membranes.

Protective activity of the stem bark aqueous extract of Musanga cecropioides in carbon tetrachloride- and acetaminophen-induced acute hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective activities and the mechanisms of actions of Musanga cecropioides stem bark aqueous extract (MCW) were investigated on acute hepatocellular injuries induced by intraperitoneal (IP) carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) (20% CCl(4)/olive oil, 1.5 mL/kg) and 800 mg/kg/IP of acetaminophen (APAP) in normal saline, in male Wistar rats. Among the Yorubas (South-West Nigeria), cold decoction of MCW is used as a natural antidote for oral gastric poisonings, infective hepatitis and other liver diseases. Its hepatoprotective activities were monitored by assaying for the serum aminotransferases, ornithine carbamoyl transferase and the toxicant-induced histopathological lesions in rat livers 24 hours post-induction. These enzymes are markers of acute hepatic injuries and their elevations are indications of acute liver injuries. Pretreatment of rats with graded doses (125 - 500 mg/kg) of MCW significantly attenuated the acute elevation of the liver enzymes and the hepatotoxin-induced histopathological lesions in the rat livers. The presence of two active natural antioxidants (flavonoids and alkaloids) in high concentrations in MCW may account for the hepatoprotective activities observed in this study. These results, thus, support the folkloric use of MCW for treatment of hepatic injuries resulting from acute gastric poisonings, infective hepatitis or other liver diseases.

Hepato and reno protective action of Calendula officinalis L. flower extract

Flower extract of C. officinalis L. was evaluated for its protective effect against CCl4 induced acute hepatotoxicity and cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. The activities of serum marker enzymes of liver injury like glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) which were increased by CCl4 injection was found to be significantly reduced by the pretreatment of the flower extract at 100 and 250 mg/kg body weight. The lipid peroxidation in liver, the marker of membrane damage and the total bilirubin content in serum were also found to be at significantly low level in the extract pretreated group, indicating its protective role. The kidney function markers like urea and creatinine were significantly increased in cisplatin treated animals. However, their levels were found to be lowered in the extract pretreated groups (100 and 250 mg/kg body weight). Moreover, cisplatin induced myelosuppression was ameliorated by the extract pretreatment. Treatment with the extract produced enhancement of antioxidant enzymes--superoxide dismutase and catalase and glutathione. Results suggest a protective role of the flower extract of C. officinalis against CCl4 induced acute hepatotoxicity and cisplatin induced nephrotoxicity. Extract has been found to contain several carotenoids of which lutein, zeaxanthin and lycopene predominates. Possible mechanism of action of the flower extract may be due to its antioxidant activity and reduction of oxygen radicals.

Hepatotoxicity despite early administration of intravenous N-acetylcysteine for acute acetaminophen overdose

OBJECTIVES

The objective was to evaluate the effectiveness of intravenous N-acetylcysteine (IV NAC; 300 mg/kg over 21 hours) in early acute acetaminophen (APAP) overdose patients.

METHODS

This observational case series included patients hospitalized between 2004 and 2007 for acute APAP overdoses and who were reported to a regional poison center. Inclusion criteria were plasma APAP concentrations on or above the treatment line on the Rumack-Matthew nomogram, administration of IV NAC within 8 hours of ingestion, and follow-up to known outcome. The hospital chart of each patient who received IV NAC for longer than the standard 21 hours was reviewed. Hepatotoxicity was defined as hepatic aminotransferase levels greater than 1,000 IU/L.

RESULTS

Seventy-seven patients met inclusion criteria and received at least 21 hours of IV NAC for an acute APAP overdose. Seven patients received antidotal therapy for greater than 21 hours. These patients tended to have ingested combination preparations, have very high initial plasma APAP concentrations, and had persistently elevated plasma concentrations during their hospital stay. Hepatotoxicity occurred in 4 patients (5.2%, 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.2% to 10.1%), including 1 death and 1 liver transplantation.

CONCLUSIONS

Hepatotoxicity developed in 5.2% of cases, suggesting that the 21-hour IV NAC regimen is suboptimal in some patients. In addition to high initial plasma APAP concentrations, APAP product formulation and persistently elevated plasma APAP concentrations were identified as factors possibly associated with developing hepatotoxicity. The authors propose a tailored approach to the discontinuation of IV NAC and point out the need for reevaluation of optimal doses and duration of therapy.

Effects of Urtica dioica L. seed on lipid peroxidation, antioxidants and liver pathology in aflatoxin-induced tissue injury in rats

This study was carried out to investigate the hepatoprotective and antioxidant properties of Urtica dioica L. seeds (UDS) extract against aflatoxin (AF)-exposure in rats. The preventive potential and antioxidant capacity of the plant's extract was evaluated by liver histopathological changes, measuring serum marker enzymes, antioxidant defense systems and lipid peroxidation (Malondialdehyde, MDA) content in some tissues of rats. Eighteen rats were randomly divided into one of three experimental groups: control, AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group. Rats in control group were fed with a diet without AF. Rats in AF-treated group and AF+UDS-treated group received approximately 25 microgr of AF/rat/day. AF+UDS groups also received 2 mL of UDS oils/rat/day by gavage for 90 days. Administration of UDS extract restored the AF-induced imbalance between MDA and antioxidant system towards near normal particularly in liver. Hepatoprotection by UDS is further substantiated by the almost normal histologic findings in AF+UDS-treated group as against degenerative changes in the AF-treated rats. It is concluded that UDS has a hepatoprotective effect in rats with aflatoxicosis, probably acting by promoting the antioxidative defense systems.

Abnormal liver function associated with occupational exposure to dimethylformamide and glutathioneS-transferase polymorphisms

Dimethylformaide (DMF) is a major solvent predominately used in synthetic leather and resin production. Many human and animal studies have linked the cause of hepatoxicity to DMF. Previously, the authors demonstrated the significant dose-response relationship between abnormal liver function tests and DMF exposure and the interaction with hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection in Taiwanese workers. Because the toxic effect of various chemicals can be modified by metabolic traits, the study also investigated the influence of the glutathione S-transferases (GSTM1 and GSTT1) on the toxic effect of DMF. The average DMF exposure concentration was 23.87 ppm (range 5.2-86.6 ppm) in the high-exposure (>/=5 ppm) group and 2.41 ppm (range 0.9-4.3 ppm) in the low-exposure (<5 ppm) group. There were 13 of 44 (29.6%) abnormal liver function tests (elevations of either glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) or glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT)) among the high DMF exposure workers, two of 22 (9.1%) abnormal liver function tests among the low DMF exposure workers. Chronic liver disease as determined by ultrasonography was present in seven of 44 (15.9%) high DMF exposure workers, and 0 of 22 (0%) low DMF exposure workers. There were 11 of 34 (32.4%) abnormal liver function tests among the GSTT1 null genotype workers, and four of 32 (12.5%) abnormal liver function tests among the GSTT1-positive genotype workers. Compared with the low DMF exposure workers, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for abnormal liver function tests was 6.78 (0.94-48.7) for the high DMF exposure workers. Compared with the GSTT1-positive genotype workers, the adjusted odds ratio and 95% confidence intervals for abnormal liver function tests was 4.41 (1.15-16.9) for the GSTT1 null genotype workers. Compared with the low DMF group with GSTT1-positive genotype workers, the odds ratio (adjusted for HBV status) of abnormal liver function test was 12.38, 95% CI=(1.04-146.9) for the high DMF group with GSTT1 null genotype workers. This study indicates that abnormal liver function and chronic liver disease are associated with DMF exposure, and there are more than multiplicative interaction effects on abnormal liver function tests between the DMF exposure and the GSTT1 genotype.

Increased serum bile acids as a possible biomarker of hepatotoxicity in Brazilian workers exposed to solvents in car repainting shops

The objective was to evaluate total serum bile acids (SBA) as a biological marker of hepatotoxicity in car painters exposed to organic solvents and to compare their performance with classic biochemical parameters of liver function. SBA were analysed in a selected group of workers (n=57) occupationally exposed to a mixture of organic solvents and in a control group (n=51). In addition, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total bilirubin (TB), gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were determined in the two groups. Urinary hippuric acid was measured in all samples. Statistical analysis of the data revealed a significant increase in the concentration of SBA, AST, ALP and TB in exposed workers compared with controls (Mann-Whitney, p</=0.05). However, SBA was the parameter most frequently altered in exposed workers and showed higher significance between the two groups (chi-square test) compared with the upper limit of the reference range (8 micromol l(-1)). In conclusion, SBA can be considered to be a sensitive parameter of hepatotoxicity induced by organic solvents than the traditional tests and it can be used as an biological marker of subclinical liver injury.

Acute Hepatic Injury and Renal Failure After Ingestion of Snake Gallbladder

Ingestion of snake gallbladder has been practiced in ancient Chinese civilizations to improve vision and relieve arthritic pain. Although little is known about the composition of snake gallbladder, ingestion is still practiced in some Chinese cultures. Adverse effects of ingesting snake gallbladder have not yet been reported. Here, we present a case of acute hepatic injury and delayed-onset renal failure after ingestion of snake gallbladders. The patient subsequently recovered after supportive care, combined with plasma exchange and hemodialysis. He was the only survivor of the four victims suffering from intoxication of snake gallbladder in the last three years in our hospital.

[The hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extracts from Ficus hirta on N, N-dimethylformamide induced acute liver injury in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of aqueous extract from Ficus hirta on N, N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) induced liver injury in mice.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice and ICR mice were randomly divided into 5 groups: negative control group, positive control group and three treated groups respectively. Treated groups were administered orally with 100, 200, 300 g/kg Ficus hirta aqueous extract per day respectively for 5 days. On the 4th day, 2. 3 g/kg DMF was given by intraperitoneal injection to all C57BL/6 mice except negative control group, while for ICR, DMF was administration at a 2.75 g/kg dose. 48h after DMF injection, serum samples were collected to determine the activities of ALT, AST and LDH and the pathological changes of liver tissue were analyzed under microscope.

RESULTS

Compared with the positive control, the activities of ALT, AST and LDH were significantly reduced and the liver injury obviously attenuated in treated groups.

CONCLUSION

The aqueous extract of Ficus hirta has an obvious protective effect against DMF-induced acute liver injury in mice.

[Research on active part of Sambucus chinensis against hepatitis mice induced by CCl4]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the best extraction process of Sambucus chinensis against hepatitis and research on its active part.

METHODS

We studied the protective effects of different extracts of Sambucus chinensis distilled by different extraction process on mice acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4, and searched for the active part of Sambucus chinensis against hepatitis from the best extract by extraction with different solvent and purification with macroporous adsorption resin, then studied their protective effects on mice acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4.

RESULTS

The extraction of Sambucus chinensis by 75% alcohol showed very significantly protective effects on mice acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4 and the effects were better than that of other extraction process. The extraction eluted by 30% alcohol after purification with macroporous adsorption resin and extracted by EtOAc in the extraction of Sambucus chinensis by 75% alcohol all showed significantly protective effects on mice acute hepatic injury induced by CCl4, and the effects of the extraction eluted by 30% alcohol after purification with macroporous adsoption resin were better than extraction with EtOAc.

CONCLUSIONS

The best extraction solvent is 75% alcohol. The active part of Sambucus chinensis against hepatitis is the extraction eluted by 30% alcohol after purification with macroporous adsorption resin and extraction with EtOAc.

[Effect of bicyclol on gene expression profiles in mice with liver injury induced by concanavalin A]

The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of the novel antihepatitis drug bicyclol on the gene expression profiles in concanavalin A (Con A) intoxicated mice by using cDNA microarray analysis. Bicyclol (250 mg x kg(-1)) was given orally to mice three doses before Con A intravenous injection (26.5 mg x kg(-1)). Serum levels of aminotransferases were examined by biochemical methods. Liver mRNA was extracted and reversely transcribed to cDNA with the incorporation of labeled Cy3-dUTP and Cy5-dUTP, separately. The probes were hybridized to the cDNA microarray. The acquired image was scanned and analyzed by Cenepix Pro 3.0 software. Microarray analysis showed that 287 genes exhibited differential expression in bicyclol group, in which 121 genes were up-regulated and 166 genes were down-regulated comparing with that of untreated Con A intoxicated mice. The differential gene expression after bicyclol treatment was involved in the biotransformation, protein synthesis, degradation and circadian rhythm, proliferation and signal transduction. Bicyclol might regulate a series of genes expressions in Con A intoxicated mice.

Hepatoprotective potential of Fumaria indica Pugsley whole plant extracts, fractions and an isolated alkaloid protopine

The present investigation demonstrates the hepatoprotective potential of 50% ethanolic water extract of whole plant of Fumaria indica and its three fractions viz., hexane, chloroform and butanol against d-galactosamine induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotection was assessed in terms reduction in histological damage, changes in serum enzymes (SGOT, SGPT, ALP) and metabolites bilirubin, reduced glutathione (GSH) and lipid peroxidation (MDA content). Among fractions more than 90% protection was found with butanol fraction in which alkaloid protopine was quantified as highest i.e. about 0.2mg/g by HPTLC. The isolated protopine in doses of 10-20mg p.o. also proved equally effective hepatoprotectants as standard drug silymarine (single dose 25mg p.o.). In general all treatments excluding hexane fraction proved hepatoprotective at par with silymarine (p<or=0.01).

Clinical application of deferasirox: practical patient management

Deferasirox (Exjade, ICL670) is a once-daily, oral iron chelation agent that is now widely available for the treatment of transfusional hemosiderosis in adult and pediatric patients aged > or =2 years of age. Clinical evaluation has established the efficacy and safety of this novel agent in patients with a variety of chronic anemias. Deferasirox represents a significant advance in the treatment of iron overload, as the availability of an effective oral therapy has the potential to relieve many patients from the burden of frequent parenteral therapy with the previous reference standard iron chelator, deferoxamine. The most common drug-related adverse events seen in the core registration trials were gastrointestinal disturbances, rash, mild and nonprogressive increases in serum creatinine levels, and elevations in liver enzyme levels. Most events were transient, mild-to-moderate in severity, and easily managed without discontinuation of treatment. As with any new agent, it is important that treating physicians are familiar with the adverse event profile of deferasirox and how the associated effects can be readily managed to ensure optimal use of this important treatment.

Protective effects of Danshen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) on adriamycin-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity in rats

The present study was carried out to investigate the protective effects of Danshen (DS, Salvia miltiorrhiza) on adriamycin (ADR)-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. Wistar rats were divided into six groups: control group, 10 animals received saline (i.p.); 15 animals received ADR (3 mg/kg, i.p.) three times weekly, for 2 weeks; 10 animals each received DS(1) (20 mg/kg, oral) and DS(2) (100 mg/kg, oral) for 30 days; 15 animals each received DS(1) + ADR and DS(2) + ADR. The ADR-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity and protective action of DS were determined and quantitated with the use of hemodynamic measurements, biochemical analyses of serum, synthesis rates of DNA, RNA and protein, myocardial antioxidants, lipid peroxidation and histopathological procedure. Liver function was damaged. Nucleic acid as well as protein synthesis was inhibited, while lipid peroxidation was increased. Myocardial glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) activity and superoxide dismutase activities (SOD) were decreased and histopathology revealed myocardial lesions indicative of ADR-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity. In contrast, administration of DS before and concurrent with ADR significantly attenuated these effects. In conclusion, DS is potentially protective against ADR-induced cardiac and hepatic toxicity.

Protective effects of amburoside A, a phenol glucoside from Amburana cearensis, against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the possible beneficial effects of amburoside A, AMB [4-(O-beta- D-glycopyranosyl)benzyl protocatechoate], against carbon tetrachloride (CCl (4)) toxicity in rats. AMB is a phenol glucoside from the Brazilian medicinal plant Amburana cearensis, popularly used for the treatment of respiratory tract affections. Acute AMB (25 and 50 mg/kg, I. P. or P. O.) treatments of CCl (4)-intoxicated rats significantly inhibited the increase in serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels, as compared to the group treated with CCl (4) only. Histological studies showed less centrolobular necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltrates in the liver of animals treated with AMB plus CCl (4), when compared to the group treated with CCl (4) alone. In hepatic tissues, AMB at both doses inhibited CCl (4)-induced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) formation, indicating a blockade of CCl (4)-induced lipid peroxidation. AMB also reversed the decrement in glutathione contents of hepatic tissues in CCl (4)-intoxicated rats. Furthermore, it restored catalase activity to normal values, which was significantly increased after CCl (4) treatment. Our results indicate that CCl (4)-induced oxidative damage in hepatic tissues is reversed by AMB treatment. The protective effect of AMB is probably due to the phenolic nature of this glucoside.

Severe toxicities after irinotecan-based chemotherapy in a patient with lung cancer: a homozygote for the SLCO1B1*15 allele

Irinotecan is used widely in the treatment of several malignancies, but unpredictable severe toxicities such as myelosuppression and delayed-type diarrhea are sometimes experienced. Polymorphism of the UGT1A1 gene is one of the likely reasons for interindividual differences in irinotecan pharmacokinetics and severe toxicity. Also, polymorphic organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1, SLCO1B1) is reported to be involved in the hepatocellular uptake of SN-38. A 61-year-old man with lung cancer developed severe toxicities, including grade 3 diarrhea, grade 4 leukopenia, and grade 4 neutropenia, after the first cycle of irinotecan (60 mg/m) plus cisplatin chemotherapy. The irinotecan and SN-38 areas under the concentration-time curve from time zero to infinity in this patient were 43% and 87% higher than the corresponding mean values for 10 other patients with lung cancer treated with irinotecan (60-100 mg/m) normalized for the dose of irinotecan. Analysis of genetic variants in genes encoding the drug-metabolizing enzyme (UGT1A1) and transporter (SLCO1B1) involving irinotecan disposition revealed that this patient was homozygous for the SLCO1B1*15 allele, which may result in severe toxicities attributable to the extensive accumulation of SN-38. Screening of SLCO1B1*15 is suggested to be useful in irinotecan chemotherapy to avoid unpredicted severe toxicity, although the homozygous genotype is rare among the Japanese.

Comprehensive characterization of serum clinical chemistry parameters and the identification of urinary superoxide dismutase in a carbon tetrachloride-induced model of hepatic fibrosis in the female Hanover Wistar rat

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) was used to induce liver fibrosis in the rat. Using this model, we have identified changes in serum and urinary clinical chemistry parameters, and characterized histopathological lesions in the liver. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, rats were dosed at six levels of CCl(4) (0.06-0.36 ml/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week non-dosing recovery period (week 12). Livers were removed for histology at 6 and 12 weeks and serum parameters analysed. In Experiment 2, rats were given seven dose levels of CCl(4) (0.4-1.0 ml/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week recovery period (week 12); urine samples were analysed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Liver fibrosis was evident at 6 weeks in Experiments 1 and 2, and the activity of serum enzymes (including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase) was increased. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis (Experiment 2) revealed a protein band at 18.4 kDa in urine from rats treated with CCl(4), not present in control urine, which was identified as copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD). Western blotting revealed that SOD was increased in urine from rats treated with CCl(4) at 3 and 6 weeks, but not at 9 and 12 weeks. We conclude that Cu/Zn SOD is a urinary marker of hepatic necrosis, but not hepatic fibrosis.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions of medicinal herb, Terminalia catappa L. from Okinawa Island and its tannin corilagin

The antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions of Terminalia catappa L. collected from Okinawa Island were evaluated in vitro and in vivo using leaves extract and isolated antioxidants. A water extract of the leaves of T. catappa showed a strong radical scavenging action for 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl and superoxide (O(2)(.-)) anion. Chebulagic acid and corilagin were isolated as the active components from T. catappa. Both antioxidants showed a strong scavenging action for O(2)(.-) and peroxyl radicals and also inhibited reactive oxygen species production from leukocytes stimulated by phorbol-12-myristate acetate. Galactosamine (GalN, 600 mg/kg, s.c.,) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 0.5 microg/kg, i.p.)-induced hepatotoxicity of rats as seen by an elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutathione S-transferase (GST) activities was significantly reduced when the herb extract or corilagin was given intraperitoneally to rats prior to GalN/LPS treatment. Increase of free radical formation and lipid peroxidation in mitochondria caused by GalN/LPS treatment were also decreased by pretreatment with the herb/corilagin. In addition, apoptotic events such as DNA fragmentation and the increase in caspase-3 activity in the liver observed with GalN/LPS treatment were prevented by the pretreatment with the herb/corilagin. These results show that the extract of T. catappa and its antioxidant, corilagin are protective against GalN/LPS-induced liver injury through suppression of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Elevation of sphingoid base 1-phosphate as a potential contributor to hepatotoxicity in fumonisin B1-exposed mice

Fumonisins are causative agents of diseases in mice and rats, including liver and renal toxicities, as well as cancer, and are specific inhibitors of ceramide synthase in the metabolism of sphingolipid. The purpose of this study was to determine whether an elevated level of sphingoid base 1-phosphate was related to the expressions of metabolism enzymes in the liver of fumonisin B1 (FB1)-treated mice and acted as a contributing factor to hepatotoxicity. In our previous study, FB1 was confirmed to be toxic to both liver and kidneys, coupled with simultaneous elevation of sphinganine 1-phosphate. ICR mice were treated intraperitoneally with 10 mg/kg/day FB1 for 5 days, with the concentrations of sphingolipid metabolites in the serum and liver measured using HPLC following Bligh-Dyer extraction. The levels of sphingoid bases and their 1-phosphates in the serum and liver were markedly elevated in response to treatment with FB1. In the liver, FB1 increased the expression of sphingosine kinase and inhibited the expression of sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase. The cleaved form of caspase-3 was detected in the liver of FB1-treated mice, indicating the occurrence of apoptosis in the liver following exposure to FB1. The expressions of proapoptotic signaling molecules, such as phosphorylated forms of c-Jun N-terminus kinase (JNK), p38 MAPK and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), were increased in the liver of FB1-treated mice. In conclusion, these results suggest the elevation of sphingoid base 1-phosphate, as a result of the activation of sphingosine kinase and the inhibition of sphingosine 1-phosphate lyase, may be a major target for FB1-induced hepatotoxicity via the activation of an apoptotic signaling pathway.

[Synthesis of metabolites of bicyclol]

Bicyclol is a new generation of anti-hepatitis drug with China's own intellectual property rights. The chemical structure of bicyclol is new and original. Pharmacological research showed that it has high clinical efficacy in treating chronic hepatitis (HBV) patients and lower side effects. Two metabolites of bicyclol have been isolated: M2 (4-hydroxy-4'-methoxy-5, 6, 5', 6'-bis (methylenedioxy)-2-hydroxylmethyl-2'-methoxycarbonyl biphenyl) and M3 (4'-hydroxy-4-methoxy-5, 6, 5', 6'-bis (methyl enedioxy)-2-hydroxylmethyl-2'-methoxycarbonyl biphenyl). To further study the mechanism, safety, and effectiveness of bicyclol, the M2 and M3 have been total synthesized. The synthesis route is as following: the carboxyl and phenolic hydroxyl group of the aromatic bromide had been separately protected by bromobenzyl, coupling through the intermolecular asymmetric Ullmann reaction and then catalyst hydrogenated, borane reducted, two metabolites of bicyclol M2 and M3 were obtained. The structures were determined by IR, 1H NMR, HRMS. Comparison of hepatoprotective activity of bicyclol and the two metabolites on experimental liver injury, the potency of the metabolites were lower than that of bicyclol.

Hepatoprotective effect of L-carnitine against acute acetaminophen toxicity in mice

L-carnitine is a cofactor in the transfer of long-chain fatty acid allowing the beta-oxidation of fatty acid in the mitochondria. It is also a known antioxidant with protective effects against lipid peroxidation. In this study, hepatoprotective effect of L-carnitine was investigated against acetaminophen (AA)-induced liver toxicity where mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress are thought to be involved in AA hepatotoxicity. Sixty-four Balb/C mice were divided into eight groups. Mice were dosed with single-AA injection (500 mg/kg via the intra peritoneal route) with or without L-carnitine (500 mg/kg for 5 days starting 5 days before AA injection via intra peritoneal route) and sampled at 4, 8 and 24 h following AA injection. AA increased serum AST, ALT, total sialic acid (TSA) and MDA as well as tissue TSA and MDA levels significantly with the highest increase observed at 4 h, but there was a decrease in blood and tissue GSH level. Administration of L-carnitine significantly reduced AA-induced elevations in AST, ALT, TSA and MDA concentrations and increased GSH levels at all sampling points. AA also induced necrosis, hyperemia, sinusoidal congestion and hemorrhage with time-dependent increase in severity, but the degree of necrosis and histopathologic alterations were most severe at 24 h following AA administration. However, the degree of pathologic alterations was less severe with simultaneous L-carnitine application. These results suggest that AA results in oxidative damage in the liver with an acute effect. L-carnitine also has a prominent protective effect against AA toxicity and may be of therapeutic value in the treatment of AA-induced hepatotoxicity.