Effects of flavonoids from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

Anti-apoptotic effect of San Huang Shel Shin Tang cyclodextrin complex (SHSSTc) on CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The metabolic loading is heavier in liver especially when injured or inflammation. San Huang Shel Shin Tang (SHSST) was an old traditional herbal decoction, which composed with Rheum officinale Baill, Scutellaria baicalnsis Geprgi and Coptis chinensis Franch (1:1:2 in weight), can provide a liver protection effects. We used a beta-cyclodextrin (β-CD) drug modification method in reduce of the necessary dose of the SHSST. As the results, the FAS-FADD expressions leaded apoptosis in CCl4 intraperitoneal (IP) injection induced acute liver injury in rats. Silymarin, baicalein, SHSST, and SHSST β-CD complex (SHSSTc) pretreatments protected liver through the decreasing of the expressions of FAS-FADD and downstream caspase-3 and caspase-8. Particularly, SHSSTc (30 mg/kg day) treatment enhanced cell survival pathway activation through the PI3K, Akt and Bad phosphorylation. Compared with SHSST as well as silymarin and baicalein, SHSSTc provided a magnificent liver protection effect, especially in survival pathway activation/TUNEL-apoptotic cell reduction/serum cholesterol level suppression. All these data suggested that β-CD complex modified the SHSST and promoted the bioavailability and liver protection effects. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 663-670, 2016.

Wild ginseng cambial meristematic cells ameliorate hepatic steatosis and mitochondrial dysfunction in high-fat diet-fed mice

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the protective mechanisms of wild ginseng cambial meristematic cells (CMCs) on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in high-fat diet (HFD)-fed mice.

Methods

Male C57BL/6 mice received either normal-fat diet or HFD for 10 weeks along with wild ginseng CMCs (75, 150 and 300 mg/kg) or vehicle (0.5% carboxyl methyl cellulose) by oral administration once a day. Triglyceride and total cholesterol contents were measured in liver and serum samples. Parameters for hepatic lipid metabolism and mitochondria biogenesis were assessed.

Key findings

Treatment with wild ginseng CMCs markedly attenuated body weight, serum and hepatic lipid contents, and serum aminotransferase activity. While wild ginseng CMCs attenuated the increases in sterol regulatory element-binding transcription factor 1 (SREBP-1) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP) expression, it enhanced the increases in carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α) expression. HFD decreased glutamate dehydrogenase activity and glutathione content, and increased lipid peroxidation, which were all attenuated by wild ginseng CMCs. Furthermore, wild ginseng CMCs enhanced mitochondrial biogenesis-related factors, including peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ co activator 1α (PGC1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (TFAM).

Conclusions

Wild ginseng CMCs protect against HFD-induced liver injury, which prevents lipid accumulation and mitochondrial oxidative stress, and enhances mitochondrial biogenesis.

Polyphenolic extract from Hibiscus sabdariffa reduces body fat by inhibiting hepatic lipogenesis and preadipocyte adipogenesis

Diets high in fat lead to excess lipid accumulation in adipose tissue, which is a crucial factor in the development of obesity, hepatitis, and hyperlipidemia.

Positive Effects of Different Drug Forms of Silybin in the Treatment of Metabolic Syndrome

Silymarin and silybin are widely used for their hepatoprotective properties. Our previous studies confirm positive effect of silymarin on lipoprotein profile and lipid homeostasis. Advanced drug forms may improve the bioavailability of these compounds. In this study, we investigate the effects of silybin in different drug forms (standardized silybin, micronized silybin, and silybin in form of phytosomes) on dyslipidemia and glucose metabolism in hereditary hypertriglyceridemic (HHTg) rats. Male HHTg rats were divided into four groups of seven animals and were fed by experimental diets. Silybin significantly decreased serum level of triglycerides in groups of rats fed by standardized silybin and silybin in form of phytosomes compared to control group. Results show that silybin did not affect the total cholesterol level, but significantly increased the levels of HDL cholesterol in all groups of animals. Silybin in a standardized form had the highest hypotriglyceridemic effect. On the other hand, the micronized form has caused the highest increase of protective HDL and most significantly decreased glucose and insulin levels. Our results suggest that silybin is probably responsible for some positive properties of silymarin. Subsequent dose-dependent studies of silybin action may reveal the intensity of its positive effects on lipid and glucose parameters.

Relevant Aspects of Nutritional and Dietary Interventions in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the main cause of liver disease worldwide. NAFLD is linked to circumstances such as type 2 diabetes, insulin resistance, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Since the obesity figures and related comorbidities are increasing, NAFLD has turned into a liver problem that has become progressively more common. Currently, there is no effective drug therapy for NAFLD; therefore, interventions in lifestyles remain the first line of treatment. Bearing in mind that adherence rates to this type of treatment are poor, great efforts are currently focused on finding novel therapeutic agents for the prevention in the development of hepatic steatosis and its progression to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and cirrhosis. This review presents a compilation of the scientific evidence found in the last years showing the results of interventions in lifestyle, diet, and behavioral therapies and research results in human, animal and cell models. Possible therapeutic agents ranging from supplementation with vitamins, amino acids, prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics, polyunsaturated fatty acids and polyphenols to interventions with medicinal plants are analyzed.

Effect of Hibiscus sabdariffa extract on high fat diet-induced obesity and liver damage in hamsters

Background

Obesity is a chronic metabolic disorder associated with an increase in adipogenesis and often accompanied with fatty liver disease.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the anti-obesity effects of Hibiscus sabdariffa water extract (HSE) in vivo.

Method

Eight-weeks-old male mice were divided into six groups (n=8 per group) and were fed either normal feed, a high fat diet (HFD), HFD supplemented with different concentrations of HSE, or HFD supplemented with anthocyanin. After 10 weeks of feeding, all the blood and livers were collected for further analysis.

Results

Mesocricetus auratus hamster fed with a high-fat diet developed symptoms of obesity, as determined from their body weight change and from their plasma lipid levels. Meanwhile, HSE treatment reduced fat accumulation in the livers of hamsters fed with HFD in a concentration-dependent manner. Administration of HSE reduced the levels of liver cholesterol and triglycerides, which were elevated by HFD. Analysis of the effect of HSE on paraoxonase 1, an antioxidant liver enzyme, revealed that HSE potentially regulates lipid peroxides and protects organs from oxidation-associated damage. The markers of liver damage such as serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels that were elevated by HFD were also reduced on HSE treatment. The effects of HSE were as effective as treatment with anthocyanin; therefore the anthocyanins present in the HSE may play a crucial role in the protection established against HFD-induced obesity.

Conclusions

In conclusion HSE administration constitutes an effective and viable treatment strategy against the development and consequences of obesity.

Folic acid supplementation during high-fat diet feeding restores AMPK activation via an AMP-LKB1-dependent mechanism

AMPK is an endogenous energy sensor that regulates lipid and carbohydrate metabolism. Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is regarded as a hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome with impaired lipid and glucose metabolism and increased oxidative stress. Our recent study showed that folic acid supplementation attenuated hepatic oxidative stress and lipid accumulation in high-fat diet-fed mice. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of folic acid on hepatic AMPK during high-fat diet feeding and the mechanisms involved. Male C57BL/6J mice were fed a control diet (10% kcal fat), a high-fat diet (60% kcal fat), or a high-fat diet supplemented with folic acid (26 mg/kg diet) for 5 wk. Mice fed a high-fat diet exhibited hyperglycemia, hepatic cholesterol accumulation, and reduced hepatic AMPK phosphorylation. Folic acid supplementation restored AMPK phosphorylation (activation) and reduced blood glucose and hepatic cholesterol levels. Activation of AMPK by folic acid was mediated through an elevation of its allosteric activator AMP and activation of its upstream kinase, namely, liver kinase B1 (LKB1) in the liver. Consistent with in vivo findings, 5-methyltetrahydrofolate (bioactive form of folate) restored phosphorylation (activation) of both AMPK and LKB1 in palmitic acid-treated HepG2 cells. Activation of AMPK by folic acid might be responsible for AMPK-dependent phosphorylation of HMG-CoA reductase, leading to reduced hepatic cholesterol synthesis during high-fat diet feeding. These results suggest that folic acid supplementation may improve cholesterol and glucose metabolism by restoration of AMPK activation in the liver.

Total saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit attenuates hepatic steatosis induced by high-fat diet in rats

The protective effects of total saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit (RLTS) in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced rats were investigated. The results showed that oral administration of RLTS attenuated hepatic steatosis, significantly reduced the levels of body weight, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol, total triglyceride, free fatty acids, low density lipoprotein, blood glucose, insulin and malondialdehyde, and increased high density lipoprotein and glutathione levels compared with the model group. Further investigations showed that RLTS affected fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid β-oxidation, fatty acid ω-oxidation, total cholesterol and triglyceride metabolism and synthesis. Moreover, the extract obviously suppressed HFD-induced oxidative stress and inflammation. These results suggest that RLTS should be developed to be one functional food or health product against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in the future.

Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 improves liver function, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in rats with high fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The effect of Lactobacillus plantarum NCU116 on liver function, oxidative stress and lipid metabolism in rats with high fat diet induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was studied. The rats were divided into four groups: the normal diet (ND) group; the high fat diet (HFD) group; and HFD plus L. plantarum NCU116 as two doses (NCU116-L, 10(8) CFU mL(-1); NCU116-H, 10(9) CFU mL(-1)) groups. Treatment of L. plantarum NCU116 for 5 weeks was found to restore liver function and oxidative stress in rats with NAFLD, and decrease the levels of fat accumulation in the liver. In addition, the bacterium significantly reduced endotoxin and proinflammatory cytokines, and regulated bacterial flora in the colon and the expression of lipid metabolism in the liver. These results suggest that possible underlying mechanisms for the beneficial effect of L. plantarum NCU116 on NAFLD may include two pathways of downregulating lipogenesis and upregulating lipolysis and fatty acid oxidation related gene expression.

Protective Effect of the Total Saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx Fruit against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats

In this study, the protective effect of the total saponins from Rosa laevigata Michx (RLTS) against liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats was evaluated. The results showed that RLTS significantly rehabilitated the levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, malondialdehyde, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, catalase, superoxide dismutase, hydroxyproline, α-smooth muscle actin, collagen I, collagen III and fibronectin, which were confirmed using H&E, Sirius Red and Masson histopathological assays. Further research indicated that RLTS markedly reduced cytochrome P450 2E1 activity, attenuated oxidative stress, and suppressed inflammation. In addition, RLTS facilitated matrix degradation through down-regulation of matrix metalloproteinase2, matrix metalloproteinase 9 and metalloproteinases1, and exerted the anti-fibrotic effects through affecting transforming growth factor β/Smad, focal adhesion kinase/phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/amino kinase terminal/70-kDa ribosomal S6 Kinase (FAK-PI3K-Akt-p70^S6K) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Taken together, our data indicate that RLTS can be applied as one effective candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis in the future.

Sechium edule Shoot Extracts and Active Components Improve Obesity and a Fatty Liver That Involved Reducing Hepatic Lipogenesis and Adipogenesis in High-Fat-Diet-Fed Rats

Excess fat accumulation in the liver increases the risk of developing progressive liver injuries ranging from a fatty liver to hepatocarcinoma. In a previous study, we demonstrated that the polyphenol components of Sechium edule shoots attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation in vitro. Therefore, we investigated the effects and mechanisms of the extract of S. edule shoots (SWE) to modulate fat accumulation in a high-fat-diet (HFD)-induced animal model. In this study, we found that the SWE can reduce the body weight, adipose tissue fat, and regulate hepatic lipid contents (e.g., triglyceride and cholesterol). Additionally, treatment of caffeic acid (CA) and hesperetin (HPT), the main ingredients of SWE, also inhibited oleic acid (OA)-induced lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells. SWE enhanced the activation of AMP-activating protein kinase (AMPK) and decreased numerous lipogenic-related enzymes, such as sterol regulator element-binding proteins (SREBPs), e.g., SREBP-1 and SREBP-2, and HMG-CoA reductase (HMGCoR) proteins, which are critical regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism. Taken together, the results demonstrated that SWE can prevent a fatty liver and attenuate adipose tissue fat by inhibiting lipogenic enzymes and stimulating lipolysis via upregulating AMPK. It was also demonstrated that the main activation components of SWE are both CA and HPT.

Potent effects of dioscin against liver fibrosis

We previously reported the promising effects of dioscin against liver injury, but its effect on liver fibrosis remains unknown. The present work investigated the activities of dioscin against liver fibrosis and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Dioscin effectively inhibited the cell viabilities of HSC-T6, LX-2 and primary rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), but not hepatocytes. Furthermore, dioscin markedly increased peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) expression and significantly reduced a-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), collagen α1 (I) (COL1A1) and collagen α1 (III) (COL3A1) levels in vitro. Notably, dioscin inhibited HSCs activation and induced apoptosis in activated HSCs. In vivo, dioscin significantly improved body weight and hydroxylproline, laminin, α-SMA, TGF-β1, COL1A1 and COL3A1 levels, which were confirmed by histopathological assays. Dioscin facilitated matrix degradation, and exhibited hepatoprotective effects through the attenuation of oxidative stress and inflammation, in addition to exerting anti-fibrotic effects through the modulation of the TGF-β1/Smad, Wnt/β-catenin, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and mitochondrial signaling pathways, which triggered the senescence of activated HSCs. In conclusion, dioscin exhibited potent effects against liver fibrosis through the modulation of multiple targets and signaling pathways and should be developed as a novel candidate for the treatment of liver fibrosis in the future.

Mechanism of action of gypenosides on type 2 diabetes and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

AIM: To explore the mechanism of action of gypenosides (GPs) on type 2 diabetes mellitus and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (T2DM-NAFLD) in rats.

METHODS: Sixty rats were randomly divided into a healthy group, an untreated disease model group and GP-treatment groups. The study involved the evaluation of biochemical parameters, including serum aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), blood glucose (BG), triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC). Additionally, the protective effect of the treatments were confirmed histopathologically and the expression of TNF-α and NF-κB in the rat liver was analyzed using immunohistochemistry. The expression of proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) and cytochrome P₄₅₀ (CYP₄₅₀) 1A1 mRNA was determined by quantitative RT-PCR.

RESULTS: GP treatments at oral doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg per day significantly decreased the levels of serum AST and ALT (P < 0.05, P < 0.01), especially at the dose of 800 mg/kg per day. To a similar extent, GP at 800 mg/kg per day reduced the levels of BG (4.19 ± 0.47, P < 0.01), TG (80.08 ± 10.05, P < 0.01), TC (134.38 ± 16.39, P < 0.01) and serum insulin (42.01 ± 5.04, P < 0.01). The expression of TNF-α and NF-κB measured by immunohistochemistry was significantly reduced by GPs in a dose-dependent manner, and the expression of PPARγ and CYP₄₅₀1A1 mRNA, as measured using quantitative real-time PCR, were significantly down-regulated by GPs. Moreover, GPs decreased the infiltration of liver fats and reversed the histopathological changes in a dose-dependent manner.

CONCLUSION: This study suggests that GPs have a protective effect against T2DM-NAFLD by down-regulating the expression of TNF-α and NF-κB proteins, and PPARγ and CYP₄₅₀1A1 mRNAs.

Potent effects of dioscin against obesity in mice

The mechanisms of the natural product dioscin against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) are unclear. Thus, the purpose of the present study was to further confirm its effects of prevention and then to elucidate the potential mechanisms underlying its activity in mice. High-fat diet (HFD)-induced C57BL/6J mice and ob/ob mice were used as the experimental models. Serum and hepatic biochemical parameters were determined, and the mRNA and protein expression levels were detected. The results indicated that dioscin alleviated body weight and liver lipid accumulation symptoms, increased oxygen consumption and energy expenditure, and improved the levels of serum and hepatic biochemical parameters. Further investigations revealed that dioscin significantly attenuated oxidative damage, suppressed inflammation, inhibited triglyceride and cholesterol synthesis, promoted fatty acid β-oxidation, down-regulated MAPK phosphorylation levels, and induced autophagy to alleviate fatty liver conditions. Dioscin prevents diet induced obesity and NAFLD by increasing energy expenditure. This agent should be developed as a new candidate for obesity and NAFLD prevention.

Expression of miRNA-21 and Smad7 in arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats: Possible mechanism of traditional Chinese herbs for preventing hepatic fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the expression of microRNA (miRNA)-21 and Smad7 in arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats and to explore the possible mechanism of Danshao Huaxian capsule for preventing arsenic-induced hepatic fibrosis.

METHODS: Seventy-five male SD rats were randomly divided into a control group (A), an arsenic exposure group (B), a Fuzheng Huayu capsule group (C), low- (D) and high-dose (E) Danshao Haxian capsule groups (n = 15 for each). Rats in group A were given tap water, while rats in groups B-E were given 100 mg/L NaAsO₂ solution. Moreover, rats in groups C-E were respectively administered by gastrogavage with Fuzheng Huayu capsule (0.8 g/kg) or Danshao Haxian capsule (0.5, 1.0 g/kg), twice per day, 5 d/wk for 16 wk. By the end of the experiment, alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) in serum were measured with an automatic biochemical analyzer, and levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in liver homogenates were determined by ELISA. Histological changes in the liver were observed after HE and Masson's trichrome staining. The expression of miRNA-21 in liver tissue was determined by RT-PCR. The mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 in liver tissue was determined by RT-PCR, immunohistochemistry, and Western blot analysis.

RESULTS: Compared with group A, serum activities of ALT and AST, levels of HA and TGF-β1 in liver homogenates were significantly increased in groups B-E, but these indices were significantly lower in groups C-E compared with group B (F = 129.159, 291.878, 5316.239, 1269.287, P < 0.01). Obvious proliferation and widened collagen fibers were seen in liver tissues of group B rats, while the degree of hepatic fibrosis was significantly milder in groups C-E than in group B (F = 62.832, 68.112, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01). Compared with group A, the expression of miRNA-21 was significantly higher in groups B-E, but it was significantly lower in groups C-E than in group B (F = 552.231, P < 0.01). Compared with group A, the mRNA and protein expression of Smad7 was significantly lower in groups B-E, but the expression was significantly higher in groups C-E than in group B (F = 129.512, 68.249, 43.435, P < 0.05 or P < 0.01).

CONCLUSION: Oral arsenic solution for 16 wk induced obvious hepatic fibrosis in rats, partly by up-regulating miRNA-21 and down-regulating Smad7 expression. The mechanism of Danshao Haxian capsule for preventing hepatic fibrosis in rats may be associated with inhibition of the expression of miRNA-21 and up-regulation of the expression of Smad7.

Preventive effects of phytosterol ester on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats

AIM: To explore the preventive effects of phytosterol ester (PSE) on high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

METHODS: An NAFLD rat model was established by giving a high fat diet, and different dosages of PSE [PSE_L: 0.05 g/100 g body weight (BW); PSE_M: 0.10 g/100 g BW; PSE_H: 0.15 g/100 g BW] fortified milk were given to rats by intragastric administration. Serum lipid profile and liver lipids were detected, and histological changes were observed after HE staining.

RESULTS: Compared with the high fat diet group (HF group), serum low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) in animals in the PSE_L group was lowered by 13.6%, while no further effect was observed with higher concentrations of PSE; liver triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), and free fatty acids (FFAs) were reduced significantly in all the PSE treatment groups, among which the level of FFA was close to the normal level. Glucose (GLU) levels in the PSE_M and PSE_H groups were lower than that in the HF group, which were close to the normal level. HE staining results showed that the degree of hepatic steatosis was obviously ameliorated in all the PSE treatment groups.

CONCLUSION: PSE could effectively reduce serum LDL-C and hepatic fat accumulation induced by a high fat diet, and attenuate hepatic steatosis, thus exhibiting preventive effects on NAFLD.

Genetically modified flax expressing NAP-SsGT1 transgene: examination of anti-inflammatory action

The aim of the work was to define the influence of dietary supplementation with GM (genetically modified) GT#4 flaxseed cake enriched in polyphenols on inflammation development in mice liver. Mice were given ad libitum isoprotein diets: (1) standard diet; (2) high-fat diet rich in lard, high-fat diet enriched with 30% of (3) isogenic flax Linola seed cake; and (4) GM GT#4 flaxseed cake; for 96 days. Administration of transgenic and isogenic seed cake lowered body weight gain, of transgenic to the standard diet level. Serum total antioxidant status was statistically significantly improved in GT#4 flaxseed cake group and did not differ from Linola. Serum thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid profile and the liver concentration of pro-inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor-α were ameliorated by GM and isogenic flaxseed cake consumption. The level of pro-inflammatory cytokine interferon-γ did not differ between mice obtaining GM GT#4 and non-GM flaxseed cakes. The C-reactive protein concentration was reduced in animals fed GT#4 flaxseed cake and did not differ from those fed non-GM flaxseed cake-based diet. Similarly, the liver structure of mice consuming diets enriched in flaxseed cake was improved. Dietetic enrichment with GM GT#4 and non-GM flaxseed cakes may be a promising solution for health problems resulting from improper diet.

Potent effects of flavonoid-rich extract from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against hydrogen peroxide-induced damage in PC12 cells via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis

Oxidative stress-induced neuronal death has an important role in the pathogenesis of neurodegenerative disorders. The effects and mechanisms of action of the total flavonoids (TFs) from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative injury in PC12 cells were investigated in this study. The results demonstrated that the TFs protected against cell apoptosis, DNA and mitochondrial damage caused by H₂O₂ based on single cell gel electrophoresis, in situ terminal deoxynucleotidyltransferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL), flow cytometry and transmission electron microscope (TEM) assays. In addition, the TFs notably decreased cytochrome C release from mitochondria into the cytosol and intracellular Ca²⁺ levels, and diminished intracellular generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Furthermore, the TFs inhibited the phosphorylation levels of JNK, ERK and p38 MAPK as well as down-regulated the expressions of IL-1, IL-6, TNF-α, Fas, FasL, CYP2E1, Bak, caspase-3, caspase-9, p53, COX-2, NF-κB, AP-1, and up-regulated the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl. In conclusion, these results suggest that the TFs from R. laevigata Michx fruit show good effects against H₂O₂-induced oxidative injury in PC12 cells by adjusting oxidative stress, and suppression of apoptosis and inflammation, and could be developed as a potential candidate to prevent oxidative stress in the future.

The polyphenol extract from Sechium edule shoots inhibits lipogenesis and stimulates lipolysis via activation of AMPK signals in HepG2 cells

Fatty liver may have implications for metabolic syndrome, such as obesity, hypertension, and diabetes. Therefore, the development of pharmacological or natural agents to reduce fat accumulation in the liver is an important effort. The Sechium edule shoots have already been verified to decrease serum lipids and cholesterol and prevent atherosclerosis. However, how Sechium edule shoots modulate hepatic lipid metabolism is unclear. This study was designed to investigate the effects and mechanisms of polyphenol extracts (SPE) of Sechium edule shoots in reducing lipid accumulation in oleic acid-treated HepG2 cells. We found that water extracts (SWE) of Sechium edule shoots could decrease serum and hepatic lipid contents (e.g., triacylglycerol and cholesterol). Furthermore, SWE and SPE through the AMPK (AMP-activating protein kinase) signaling pathway could decrease lipogenic relative enzymes, such as FAS (fatty acid synthase), HMGCoR (HMG-CoA reductase), and SREBPs (sterol regulatory element binding proteins), and increase the expression of CPT-I (carnitine palmitoyltransferase I) and PPARα (peroxisome proliferators activated receptor α), which are critical regulators of hepatic lipid metabolism. These observations suggested that Sechium edule shoots have potential for developing health foods for preventing and remedying fatty liver.