Protective effects of naringin against drugs and chemical toxins induced hepatotoxicity: A review

Protective effects of 17-β-estradiol on liver injury: The role of TLR4 signaling pathway and inflammatory response

Liver injury, a major global health issue, stems from various causes such as alcohol consumption, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, obesity, diabetes, metabolic syndrome, hepatitis, and certain medications. The liver's unique susceptibility to ischemia and hypoxia, coupled with the critical role of the gut-liver axis in inflammation, underscores the need for effective therapeutic interventions. The study highlights E2's interaction with estrogen receptors (ERs) and its modulation of the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway as key mechanisms in mitigating liver injury. Activation of TLR4 leads to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and chemokines, exacerbating liver inflammation and injury. E2 down-regulates TLR4 expression, reduces oxidative stress, and inhibits pro-inflammatory cytokines, thereby protecting the liver. Both classic (ERα and ERβ) and non-classic [G protein-coupled estrogen receptor (GPER)] receptors are influenced by E2. ERα is particularly crucial for liver regeneration, preventing liver failure by promoting hepatocyte proliferation. Furthermore, E2 exerts anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IL-17, and by reducing lipid peroxidation and free radical damage. The article calls for further clinical research to validate these findings and to develop estrogen-based treatments for liver injuries. Overall, the research emphasizes the significant potential of E2 as a therapeutic agent for liver injuries. It advocates for extensive clinical studies to validate E2 hepatoprotective properties and develop effective estrogen-based treatments.

Design and Development of a Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System for Co-delivery of Curcumin and Naringin for Improved Wound Healing Activity in an Animal Model

The present study endeavored to design and develop a self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system to improve the solubility and dermatological absorption of curcumin and naringin. Curcumin and naringin-loaded self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system formulations were developed using aqueous phase titration. Phase diagrams were used to pinpoint the self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system zones. Tween 80 and Labrasol (surfactants), Transcutol (cosurfactant), and cinnamon oil were chosen from a large pool of surfactants, cosurfactants, and oils based on their solubility and greatest nano-emulsion region. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, zeta sizer, and atomic force microscopy were used to characterize the optimized formulations and test for dilution and thermodynamic stability. The optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system demonstrated the following characteristics: polydispersity index (0.412 ± 0.03), % transmittance (97%), particle size (212.5 ± 05 nm), zeta potential (- 25.7 ± 1.80 mV) and having a smooth and spherical droplet shape, as shown by atomic force microscopy. The ability of their combined formulation to cure wounds was tested in comparison to pure curcumin suspension, empty self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, and standard fusidic acid. Upon topical administration, the optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system demonstrated significant wound healing activity in comparison with a pure curcumin suspension, empty self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system, and standard fusidic acid. Based upon this result, we assume that skin penetration was increased by using the optimized curcumin-naringin-self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system with enhanced solubility.

Differential impacts of porous starch versus its octenyl succinic anhydride-modified counterpart on naringin encapsulation, solubilization, and in vitro release

The aim of this work was to evaluate the potentials of porous starch (PS) and its octenyl succinic anhydride modified product (OSAPS) as efficient carriers for loading naringin (NA), focusing on encapsulation efficiency (EE, the percentage of adsorbed naringin relative to its initial amount), drug loading (DL, the percentage of naringin in the complex), structural alterations, solubilization and in vitro release of NA using unmodified starch (UMS) and NA as controls. Both the pore diameter and SBET value of PS decreased after esterification with OSA, and a thinner strip-shaped NA (∼145 nm) was observed in the OSAPS-NA complex and (∼150 nm) in the PS-NA complex. OSAPS exhibited reduced short-range ordered structure, as indicated by a lower R1047/1022 (0.73) compared to PS (0.77). Meanwhile, lowest crystallinity (12.81 %) of NA was found in OSAPS-NA. OSAPS-NA exhibited higher EE and DL for NA than PS-NA and a significant increase in NA saturated solubility in deionized water (by 11.63-fold) and simulated digestive fluids (by 24.95-fold) compared to raw NA. OSAPS contained higher proportions of slowly digestible starch and exhibited a lower digestion rate compared to PS, resulting in a longer time for NA release from its complex during the digestion.

Affinity gel synthesis from the p-aminobenzoic acid derivative 4-amino-2-methylbenzoic acid and purification of polyphenol oxidase from various plant sources

The polyphenol oxidase (PPO) enzyme, which causes enzymatic browning, has been repeatedly purified from fruit and vegetables by affinity chromatography. In the present research, Sepharose 4B-l-tyrosine-4-amino-2-methylbenzoic acid, a novel affinity gel for the purification of the PPO enzyme with high efficiency, was synthesized. Additionally, Sepharose 4B-l-tyrosine-p-aminobenzoic acid affinity gel, known in the literature, was also synthesized, and 9.02, 16.57, and 28.13 purification folds were obtained for the PPO enzymes of potato, mushroom, and eggplant by the reference gel. The PPO enzymes of potato, mushroom, and eggplant were purified 41.17, 64.47, and 56.78-fold from the new 4-amino-2-methylbenzoic acid gel. Following their isolation from the new affinity column, the assessment of PPO enzyme purity involved the utilization of SDS-PAGE. According to the results from SDS-PAGE and native PAGE, the molecular weight of each enzyme was 50 kDa. Then, the inhibition effects of naringin, morin hydrate, esculin hydrate, homovanillic acid, vanillic acid, phloridzin dihydrate, and p-coumaric acid phenolic compounds on purified potato, mushroom, and eggplant PPO enzyme were investigated. Among the tested phenolic compounds, morin hydrate was determined to be the most potent inhibitor on the potato (Ki: 0.07 ± 0.03 μM), mushroom (Ki: 0.7 ± 0.3 μM), and eggplant (Ki: 4.8 ± 1.2 μM) PPO enzymes. The studies found that the weakest inhibitor was homovanillic acid for the potato (Ki: 1112 ± 324 μM), mushroom (Ki: 567 ± 81 μM), and eggplant (Ki: 2016.7 ± 805.6 μM) PPO enzymes. Kinetic assays indicated that morin hydrate was a remarkable inhibitor on PPO.

Exploring the effects of naringin on oxidative stress-impaired osteogenic differentiation via the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt pathways

This study aimed to explore naringin's potential to promote the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 under oxidative stress. It delved into Nar's connection with the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt signaling pathways. Initially, 2911 OP-related genes were analyzed, revealing close ties with the PI3K/Akt and Wnt pathways alongside oxidative stress. Nar's potential targets-ESR1, HSP90AA1, and ESR2-were identified through various databases and molecular docking studies confirmed Nar's affinity with ESR1 and HSP90AA1. Experiments established optimal concentrations for Nar and H2O2. H2O2 at 0.3 mmol/L damaged MC3T3-E1 cells, alleviated by 0.1 µmol/L Nar. Successful establishment of oxidative stress models was confirmed by DCFH-DA probe and NO detection. Nar exhibited the ability to enhance osteogenic differentiation, counteracting oxidative damage. It notably increased osteoblast-related protein expression in MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress. The study found Nar's positive influence on GSK-3β phosphorylation, β-catenin accumulation, and pathway-related protein expression, all critical in promoting osteogenic differentiation. The research concluded that Nar effectively promotes osteogenic differentiation in MC3T3-E1 cells under oxidative stress. It achieved this by activating the Wnt/β-catenin and PI3K/Akt pathways, facilitating GSK-3β phosphorylation, and enhancing β-catenin accumulation, pivotal in osteogenesis.

Effect of naringin on sodium fluoride‑induced neurobehavioral deficits in Wistar rats

There is a lack of treatment for the detrimental effects of fluorosis. Sodium fluoride at a concentration of 10 ppm induces stress, depression and memory impairment in adult Wistar rats. Naringin, a flavanone glycoside isolated from citrus fruits such as lemons and oranges, possesses anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and neuroprotective properties; therefore, it was used for treatment of fluoride induced toxicity in the present study. Adult Wistar rats were divided into eight groups (n=8). The normal control (NOR) group was provided with normal tap water. The sodium fluoride (FLU)10 group received water containing 10 ppm sodium fluoride for 60 days. The treatment groups (FLU10NAR100 and FLU10NAR50) received drinking water with 10 ppm sodium fluoride ad libitum along with Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg body weight (bw) per oral gavage, respectively. The NAR100 and NAR50 groups received Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg bw. The PRONAR100 and PRONAR50 groups received Naringin 100 and 50 mg/kg bw for the first 15 days and then subsequently received FLU10 ppm for 60 days (total of 75 days). All animals were subjected to behavioural tests consisting of the open field test (OFT), forced swim test (FST) and novel object recognition test (NORT). After euthanasia, the hippocampus and prefrontal cortex were stained with Cresyl violet. To measure the oxidative stress caused by fluoride and its effect on antioxidant levels, estimation of reduced glutathione (GSH) by Ellman's method, lipid peroxidation (LPO) measured in terms of the MDA:thiobarbituric acid reaction and catalase was performed. To evaluate the effect of fluoride on activity of acetylcholine, estimation of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) by Ellman's method was performed. In NORT and FST, significant changes (P<0.05) were present in the FLU10NAR100 and FLU10NAR50 groups compared with the FLU10 group, showing recovery from memory deficit and depression. The OFT results were insignificant. The LPO was reduced in all the other groups except the FLU10 group, with statistically significant changes. Catalase activity was significantly lower in FLU10 as compared with the NAR100, NAR50, PRONAR100 and PRONAR50 groups. GSH and AChE activities did not show significant changes as compared with the FLU10 group. The CA3 and prefrontal cortex viable and degenerated neuron count in the FLU10 group were insignificant compared with all other groups, except for the NAR100 and NAR50 groups. Thus, Naringin can be a useful drug to avoid the neurological effects of fluoride.

Hydroethanolic extract of Gentiana kurroo Royle rhizome ameliorates ethanol-induced liver injury by reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrogenesis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gentiana kurroo Royle is a medicinal plant mentioned as Traymana in Ayurveda. In the folklore, it is used to cure fever, stomach ache, skin diseases and liver disorders. However, limited reports are available on the therapeutic potential of Gentiana kurroo Royle against alcohol-induced liver damage.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To assess the effectiveness of the hydroethanolic extract of Gentiana kurroo Royle rhizome (GKRE) against alcohol-induced liver injury and explore the mechanism of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

GKRE was characterized using UHPLC-QTOF-MS/MS. The binding affinity of the identified compound was studied in silico. In vitro studies were performed in the Huh-7 cell line. An acute oral toxicity study (2 g/kg BW) of GKRE was done in rats following OECD 420 guidelines. In the efficacy study, rats were treated with 50% ethanol (5 mL/kg BW, orally) for 4 weeks, followed by a single intraperitoneal dose of CCl4 (30%; 1 mL/kg BW) to induce liver injury. After 4th week, the rats were treated with GKRE at 100, 200 and 400 mg/kg BW doses for the next fifteen days. The biochemical and antioxidant parameters were analyzed using commercial kits and a biochemistry analyzer. Histopathology, gene and protein expressions were studied using qRT PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

Thirteen compounds were detected in GKRE. Few compounds showed a strong interaction with the fibrotic and inflammatory proteins in silico. GKRE reduced (p < 0.05) the ethanol-induced ROS production and inflammation in Huh-7 cells. The acute oral toxicity study revealed no adverse effect of GKRE in rats at 2 g/kg BW. GKRE improved (p < 0.05) the body and liver weights in ethanol-treated rats. GKRE improved (p < 0.05) the mRNA levels of ADH, SREBP1c and mitochondrial biogenesis genes in the liver tissues. GKRE also improved (p < 0.05) the liver damage markers, lipid peroxidation and levels of antioxidant enzymes in the liver. A reduced severity (p < 0.05) of pathological changes, fibrotic tissue deposition and caspase 3/7 activity were observed in the liver tissues of GKRE-treated rats. Further, GKRE downregulated (p < 0.05) the expression of fibrotic (TGFβ, αSMA and SMADs) and inflammatory markers (TNFα, IL6, IL1β and NFκB) in the liver.

CONCLUSION

GKRE showed efficacy against alcohol-induced liver damage by inhibiting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and fibrogenesis in the liver.

Optimization of Naringenin-loaded nanoparticles for targeting of Vanin-1, iNOS, and MCP-1 signaling pathway in HFD-induced obesity

Naringenin, a natural dihydrochalcone flavonoid, exhibits diverse pharmacological properties. This study investigates the hypolipidemic effects of Nar-NPs on obese mice. The characteristics of Nar-NPs, including morphology, particle size, zeta potential, UV-vis, and FT-IR spectra, were examined. The anti-obesity properties of Nar-NPs were evaluated in obese rats, considering LD50, 1/20 LD50, and 1/50 LD50 for treatment preparation. Results indicated that synthesized Nar-NPs were uniform, spherical, and well-dispersed, with a size of 130.06 ± 1.98 nm and with a zeta potential of -25.6 ± 0.8 mV. Nar-NPs exhibited enhancement in the cumulative release of naringenin (56.87 ± 2.45 %) as compared to pure naringenin suspension 87.83 ± 1.84 % in 24 h of the study. The LD50 of Nar-NPs was determined as 412.5 mg/kg.b.w. HFD induced elevated glycemic, oxidative stress, and inflammatory biomarkers while reducing HDL-C, GSH, and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels. Administration of Nar-NPs significantly mitigated body weight, glucose, insulin, leptin, TC, TG, SREBP1c, pAMPK, PPAR-α, as well as vanin-1, MCP-1, and iNOS mRNA gene expression. Histological investigations supported the biochemical and PCR findings. In a nutshell, the study suggests that the Nar-NPs could serve as a promising and viable pharmacological strategy for the treatment of obesity-related disorders.

Naringin Alleviates Intestinal Fibrosis by Inhibiting ER Stress-Induced PAR2 Activation

Fibrosis characterized by intestinal strictures is a common complication of Crohn's disease (CD), without specific antifibrotic drugs, which usually relies on surgical intervention. The transcription factor XBP1, a key component of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, is required for degranulation of mast cells and linked to PAR2 activation and fibrosis. Many studies have confirmed that naringin (NAR) can inhibit ER stress and reduce organ fibrosis. We hypothesized that ER stress activated the PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process by stimulating mast cell degranulation to release tryptase and led to intestinal fibrosis in CD patients; NAR might play an antifibrotic role by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation. We report that the expression levels of XBP1, mast cell tryptase, and PAR2 are upregulated in fibrotic strictures of CD patients. Molecular docking simulates the interaction of NAR and spliced XBP1. ER stress stimulates degranulation of mast cells to secrete tryptase, activates PAR2-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition process, and promotes intestinal fibrosis in vitro and vivo experiments, which is inhibited by NAR. Moreover, F2rl1 (the coding gene of PAR2) deletion in intestinal epithelial cells decreases the antifibrotic effect of NAR. Hence, the ER stress-mast cell tryptase-PAR2 axis can promote intestinal fibrosis, and NAR administration can alleviate intestinal fibrosis by inhibiting ER stress-induced PAR2 activation.

Orosomucoid 2 upregulation mediates liver injury-induced colorectal cancer liver metastasis by promoting EMT and cell migration

The relationship between drug-induced liver injury and liver metastasis of colorectal cancer and the underlying mechanisms are not well understood. In this study, we used carbon tetrachloride to construct a classic mouse liver injury model and injected CT26 colorectal cancer cells into the mouse spleen to simulate the natural route of colorectal cancer liver metastasis. Liver injury significantly increased the number of colorectal cancer liver metastases. Transcriptome sequencing and data-independent acquisition protein quantification identified proteins that were significantly differentially expressed in injured livers, and orosomucoid (ORM) 2 was identified as a target protein for tumor liver metastasis. In vitro experiments showed that exogenous ORM2 protein increased the expression of EMT markers such as Twist, Zeb1, Vim, Snail1 and Snail2 and chemokine ligands to promote CT26 cell migration. In addition, liver-specific overexpression of the ORM2 protein in the mouse model significantly promoted tumor cell liver metastasis without inducing liver injury. Our results indicate that drug-induced liver injury can promote colorectal cancer liver metastasis and that ORM2 can promote cell migration by inducing EMT in tumor cells.

Naringin alleviates pneumonia caused by Klebsiella pneumoniae infection by suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome

Klebsiella pneumoniae (Kpn) is an important pathogen of hospital-acquired pneumonia, which can lead to sepsis and death in severe cases. In this study, we simulated pneumonia induced by Kpn infection in mice to investigate the therapeutic effect of naringin (NAR) on bacterial-induced lung inflammation. Mice infected with Kpn exhibited increases in white blood cells (WBC) and neutrophils in the peripheral blood and pathological severe injury of the lungs. This injury was manifested by increased expression of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)- 18, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and IL-6, and elevated the expression of NLRP3 protein. NAR treatment could decrease the protein expression of NLRP3, alleviate lung inflammation, and reduce lung injury in mice caused by Kpn. Meanwhile, molecular docking results suggest NAR could bind to NLRP3 and Surface Plasmon Resonance (SPR) analyses also confirm this result. In vitro trials, we found that pretreated with NAR not only inhibited nuclear translocation of nuclear factor (NF)-κB protein P65 but also attenuated the protein interaction of NLRP3, caspase-1 and ASC and inhibited the assembly of NLRP3 inflammasome in mice AMs. Additionally, NAR could reduce intracellular potassium (K+) efflux, inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. These results indicated that NAR could protect against Kpn-induced pneumonia by inhibiting the overactivation of the NLRP3 inflammasome signaling pathway. The results of this study confirm the efficacy of NAR in treating bacterial pneumonia, refine the mechanism of action of NAR, and provide a theoretical basis for the research and development of NAR as an anti-inflammatory adjuvant.

Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan-Tang (QZTGT) prevents nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by expression pattern correction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan-Tang or Qing-Zhi-Tiao-Gan Decoction (QZTGT) is based on the compatibility theory of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), that is a combination of three classical formulae for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Its pharmacodynamic material basis is made up of quinones, flavanones, and terpenoids.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to look for a promising recipe for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a more advanced form of NAFLD, and to use a transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) to find its therapy targets.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A classical dietary model of NASH was established using MCD (Methionine- and choline-deficient) diet-fed mice. Liver coefficients like ALT, AST, serum TC, and TG levels were tested following QZTGT administration. A transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) was used to further analyze the liver gene expression profile.

RESULTS

The composition of QZTGT was analyzed by HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, a total of 89 compounds were separated and detected and 31 of them were found in rat plasma. QZTGT improved liver morphology, inflammation and fibrosis in a classical NASH model. Transcriptomic analysis of liver samples from NASH animal model revealed that QZTGT was able to correct gene expression. We used transcriptome-based multi-scale network pharmacological platform (TMNP) to predicted molecular pathways regulated by QZTGT to improve NASH. Further validation indicated that "fatty acid degradation", "bile secretion" and "steroid biosynthesis" pathways were involved in the improvement of NASH phenotype by QZTGT.

CONCLUSIONS

Using HPLC-Q-TOF/MS, the compound composition of QZTGT, a Traditional Chinese prescription, was separated, analyzed and identified systematically. QZTGT mitigated NASH symptoms in a classical dietary model of NASH. Transcriptomic and network pharmacology analysis predicted the potential QZTGT regulated pathways. These pathways could be used as therapeutic targets for NASH.

A narrative review on Naringin and Naringenin as a possible bioenhancer in various drug-delivery formulations

Naringenin belongs to the flavanones and is mainly found in fruits (grapefruit and oranges) and vegetables. Naringenin exhibits lipid-lowering and insulin-like characteristics and is used to treat osteoporosis, cancer and cardiovascular disorders. Their incorporation into drug formulations offers several advantages, including enhanced solubility, improved bioavailability and targeted delivery. Naringin-based formulations are beneficial in cancer, for example controlling breast and prostate cancer by inhibition of CYP19. Naringin suppresses the PI3K/AKT signalling pathway, it triggers autophagy, which effectively halts the proliferation of gastric cancer cells. Naringin and naringenin co-administration or pre-administration has enhanced the target drug's potency and produced a synergistic effect. This published study demonstrates the potential applications of Naringin and Naringenin as recognized bio-enhancers.

Naringin protects against inflammation and apoptosis induced by intestinal ischemia-reperfusion injury through deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling pathway

Effective amelioration of ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced intestinal injury and revealing its mechanisms remain the challenges in both preclinic and clinic. Potential mechanisms of naringin in ameliorating I/R-induced intestinal injury remain unknown. Based on pre-experiments, I/R-injured rat intestine in vivo and hypoxia-reoxygenation (H/R)-injured IEC-6 cells in vitro were used to verify that naringin-alleviated I/R-induced intestinal injury was mediated via deactivating cGAS-STING signaling pathway. Naringin improved intestinal damage using hematoxylin and eosin staining and decreased alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase contents in plasma. Naringin decreased inflammation characterized by reducing IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α, and IFN-β contents in both plasma and IEC-6 cells. Naringin mitigated oxidative stress via recovering superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and malondialdehyde levels in the I/R-injured intestine. Naringin reduced the expression of apoptotic proteins, including Bax, caspase-3, and Bcl-2, and reduced terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling-positive cells both in vivo and in vitro, and decreased Hoechst 33342 signals in vitro. cGAS, STING, p-TBK1, p-IRF3, and NF-κB expressions were up-regulated both in vivo and in vitro respectively and the up-regulated indexes were reversed by naringin. Transfection of cGAS-siRNA and cGAS-cDNA significantly down-regulated and up-regulated cGAS-STING signaling-related protein expressions, respectively, and partially weakened naringin-induced amelioration on these indexes, suggesting that deactivation of cGAS-STING signaling is the crucial target for naringin-induced amelioration on I/R-injured intestine.

Phytochemical Properties, Extraction, and Pharmacological Benefits of Naringin: A Review

This review describes the various innovative approaches implemented for naringin extraction as well as the recent developments in the field. Naringin was assessed in terms of its structure, chemical composition, and potential food sources. How naringin works pharmacologically was discussed, including its potential as an anti-diabetic, anti-inflammatory, and hepatoprotective substance. Citrus flavonoids are crucial herbal additives that have a huge spectrum of organic activities. Naringin is a nutritional flavanone glycoside that has been shown to be effective in the treatment of a few chronic disorders associated with ageing. Citrus fruits contain a common flavone glycoside that has specific pharmacological and biological properties. Naringin, a flavone glycoside with a range of intriguing characteristics, is abundant in citrus fruits. Naringin has been shown to have a variety of biological, medicinal, and pharmacological effects. Naringin is hydrolyzed into rhamnose and prunin by the naringinase, which also possesses l-rhamnosidase activity. D-glucosidase subsequently catalyzes the hydrolysis of prunin into glucose and naringenin. Naringin is known for having anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and tumor-fighting effects. Numerous test animals and cell lines have been used to correlate naringin exposure to asthma, hyperlipidemia, diabetes, cancer, hyperthyroidism, and osteoporosis. This study focused on the many documented actions of naringin in in-vitro and in-vivo experimental and preclinical investigations, as well as its prospective therapeutic advantages, utilizing the information that is presently accessible in the literature. In addition to its pharmacokinetic characteristics, naringin's structure, distribution, different extraction methods, and potential use in the cosmetic, food, pharmaceutical, and animal feed sectors were discussed.

Progress of research on the role of active ingredients of Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium in liver injury

BACKGROUND

Liver is a vital organ responsible for metabolizing and detoxifying both endogenous and exogenous substances in the body. However, it is susceptible to damage from chemical and natural toxins. The high incidence and mortality rates of liver disease and its associated complications impose a significant economic burden and survival pressure on patients and their families. Various liver diseases exist, including cholestasis, viral and non-viral hepatitis, fatty liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver injury, and severe end-stage liver diseases such as cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), and cholangiocellular carcinoma (CCA). Recent research has shown that flavonoids found in Citri Reticulatae Pericarpium (CRP) have the potential to normalize blood glucose, cholesterol levels, and liver lipid levels. Additionally, these flavonoids exhibit anti-inflammatory properties, prevent oxidation and lipid peroxidation, and reduce liver toxicity, thereby preventing liver injury. Given these promising findings, it is essential to explore the potential of active components in CRP for developing new drugs to treat liver diseases.

OBJECTIVE

Recent studies have revealed that flavonoids, including hesperidin (HD), hesperetin (HT), naringenin (NIN), nobiletin (NOB), naringin (NRG), tangerine (TN), and erodcyol (ED), are the primary bioactive components in CRP. These flavonoids exhibit various therapeutic effects on liver injury, including anti-oxidative stress, anti-cytotoxicity, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrosis, and anti-tumor mechanisms. In this review, we have summarized the research progress on the hepatoprotective effects of HD, HT, NIN, NOB, NRG, TN, ED and limonene (LIM), highlighting their underlying molecular mechanisms. Despite their promising effects, the current clinical application of these active ingredients in CRP has some limitations. Therefore, further studies are needed to explore the full potential of these flavonoids and develop new therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.

METHODS

For this review, we conducted a systematic search of three databases (ScienceNet, PubMed, and Science Direct) up to July 2022, using the search terms "CRP active ingredient," "liver injury," and "flavonoids." The search data followed the PRISMA standard.

RESULTS

Our findings indicate that flavonoids found in CRP can effectively reduce drug-induced liver injury, alcoholic liver injury, and non-alcoholic liver injury. These therapeutic effects are mainly attributed to the ability of flavonoids to improve liver resistance to oxidative stress and inflammation while normalizing cholesterol and liver lipid levels by exhibiting anti-free radical and anti-lipid peroxidation properties.

CONCLUSION

Our review provides new insights into the potential of active components in CRP for preventing and treating liver injury by regulating various molecular targets within different cell signaling pathways. This information can aid in the development of novel therapeutic strategies for liver disease.

Biological Activities and Solubilization Methodologies of Naringin

Naringin (NG), a natural flavanone glycoside, possesses a multitude of pharmacological properties, encompassing anti-inflammatory, sedative, antioxidant, anticancer, anti-osteoporosis, and lipid-lowering functions, and serves as a facilitator for the absorption of other drugs. Despite these powerful qualities, NG's limited solubility and bioavailability primarily undermine its therapeutic potential. Consequently, innovative solubilization methodologies have received considerable attention, propelling a surge of scholarly investigation in this arena. Among the most promising solutions is the enhancement of NG's solubility and physiological activity without compromising its inherent active structure, therefore enabling the formulation of non-toxic and benign human body preparations. This article delivers a comprehensive overview of NG and its physiological activities, particularly emphasizing the impacts of structural modification, solid dispersions (SDs), inclusion compound, polymeric micelle, liposomes, and nanoparticles on NG solubilization. By synthesizing current research, this research elucidates the bioavailability of NG, broadens its clinical applicability, and paves the way for further exploration and expansion of its application spectrum.

Silk fibroin peptide self-assembled nanofibers delivered naringenin to alleviate cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury by inhibiting mtDNA-cGAS-STING pathway

Silk fibroin (SF) has excellent biocompatibility and biodegradability as a biomaterial. The purity and molecular weight distribution of silk fibroin peptide (SFP) make it more suitable for medical application. In this study, SFP nanofibers (molecular weight ∼30kD) were prepared through CaCl₂/H₂O/C₂H₅OH solution decomposition and dialysis, and adsorbed naringenin (NGN) to obtain SFP/NGN NFs. In vitro results showed that SFP/NGN NFs increased the antioxidant activity of NGN and protected HK-2 cells from cisplatin-induced damage. In vivo results also showed that SFP/NGN NFs protected mice from cisplatin-induced acute kidney injury (AKI). The mechanism results showed that cisplatin induced mitochondrial damage, as well as increased mitophagy and mtDNA release, which activated the cGAS-STING pathway and induced the expression of inflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α. Interestingly, SFP/NGN NFs further activated mitophagy and inhibited mtDNA release and cGAS-STING pathway. Demonstrated that mitophagy-mtDNA-cGAS-STING signal axis was involved in the kidney protection mechanism of SFP/NGN NFs. In conclusion, our study confirmed that SFP/NGN NFs are candidates for protection of cisplatin-induced AKI, which is worthy of further study.

A review of edible plant-derived natural compounds for the therapy of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis has a high incidence worldwide and is the common pathological basis of many chronic liver diseases. Liver fibrosis is caused by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and concomitant collagen accumulation in livers and can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. A large number of studies have provided evidence that liver fibrosis can be blocked or even reversed by appropriate medical interventions. However, the antifibrosis drugs with ideal clinical efficacy are still insufficient. The edible plant-derived natural compounds have been reported to exert effective antifibrotic effects with few side-effects, representing a kind of promising source for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this article, we reviewed the current progress of the natural compounds derived from dietary plants in the treatment of liver fibrosis, including phenolic compounds (capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and vitamin E), flavonoid compounds (genistein, hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, naringin and quercetin), sulfur-containing compounds (S-allylcysteine, ergothioneine, lipoic acid and sulforaphane) and other compounds (betaine, caffeine, cucurbitacin B, lycopene, α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, ursolic acid, vitamin C and yangonin). The pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of these compounds in in-vivo and in-vitro models of liver fibrosis are focused.

The reversed De Ritis ratio for predicting in-hospital mortality among intensive care patients with organophosphate poisoning

INTRODUCTION

The uncontrolled use of pesticides signifies a substantial health hazard. This study was designed to explore the prognostic role of on-admission hepatic aminotransferases [alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the reversed De Ritis ratio (ALT/AST)] in the prediction of in-hospital mortality among patients with acute organophosphate (OP) poisoning.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

We conducted a retrospective study based on extracting the required information from the specific medical records for acutely OP-intoxicated patients admitted to the intensive care unit.

RESULTS

A total of 49 acutely malathion-intoxicated patients were enrolled in the study. The in-hospital mortality rate was 32.7%. Patients were stratified into survivors and non-survivors. Compared to the survivors, the non-survivors had significantly lower Glasgow coma scale scores, mean arterial blood pressure, significantly higher reversed De Ritis ratio (ALT/AST), and ALT and AST activities. The reversed De Ritis ratio (ALT/AST) and ALT demonstrated good discrimination between the survivors and the non-survivors with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.708 vs 0.781, respectively, however, AST showed satisfactory discrimination, AUC of 0.694.

CONCLUSION

Hepatic aminotransferases are useful in predicting in-hospital mortality in acute OP poisoning. ALT is the most specific biomarker. However, the reversed De Ritis ratio (ALT/AST) is the most sensitive one.

Protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its main components against natural and chemical toxic agents: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Different chemical toxicants or natural toxins can damage human health through various routes such as air, water, fruits, foods, and vegetables.

PURPOSE

Herbal medicines may be safe and selective for the prevention of toxic agents due to their active ingredients and various pharmacological properties. According to the beneficial properties of pomegranate, this paper summarized the protective effects of this plant against toxic substances.

STUDY DESIGN

In this review, we focused on the findings of in vivo and in vitro studies of the protective effects of pomegranate (Punica granatum) and its active components including ellagic acid and punicalagin, against natural and chemical toxic agents.

METHODS

We collected articles from the following databases or search engines such as Web of Sciences, Google Scholar, Pubmed and Scopus without a time limit until the end of September 2022.

RESULTS

P. granatum and its constituents have shown protective effects against natural toxins such as aflatoxins, and endotoxins as well as chemical toxicants for instance arsenic, diazinon, and carbon tetrachloride. The protective effects of these compounds are related to different mechanisms such as the prevention of oxidative stress, and reduction of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), cyclooxygenase-2(COX-2) and nuclear factor ĸB (NF-ĸB) as well as the modulation of apoptosis, mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways and improvement of liver or cardiac function via regulation of enzymes.

CONCLUSION

In this review, different in vitro and in vivo studies have shown that P. granatum and its active constituents have protective effects against natural and chemical toxic agents via different mechanisms. There are no clinical trials on the protective effects of P. granatum against toxic agents.

Protective Effects of Naringin-Dextrin Nanoformula against Chemically Induced Hepatocellular Carcinoma in Wistar Rats: Roles of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, Cell Apoptosis, and Proliferation

Nanotechnology holds great promise for the development of treatments for deadly human diseases, such as hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In the current study, we compared the hepatoprotective effects of naringin-dextrin nanoparticles (NDNPs) against HCC in male Wistar rats with those of pure naringin and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. HCC was induced by intraperitoneal injection of diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 150 mg/kg body weight (b.w.) per week) for two weeks, followed by oral administration of 2-acetylaminofluorene (2AAF, 20 mg/kg b.w.) four times per week for three weeks. DEN/2AAF-administered rats were divided into three groups that respectively received 1% carboxymethyl cellulose (as vehicle), 10 mg/kg b.w. naringin, or 10 mg/kg b.w. NDNP every other day by oral gavage for 24 weeks. Both naringin and NDNP significantly attenuated the harmful effects of DEN on liver function. Both compounds also suppressed tumorigenesis as indicated by the reduced serum concentrations of liver tumor markers, and this antitumor effect was confirmed by histopathological evaluation. Additionally, naringin and NDNP prevented DEN-induced changes in hepatic oxidative stress and antioxidant activities. In addition, naringin and NDNP suppressed inflammation induced by DEN. Moreover, naringin and NDNP significantly reduced the hepatic expression of Bcl-2 and increased Bax, p53, and PDCD5 expressions. Naringin and NDNP also reduced expression of IQGAP1, IQGAP3, Ras signaling, and Ki-67 while increasing expression of IQGAP2. Notably, NDNP more effectively mitigated oxidative stress and inflammatory signaling than free naringin and demonstrated improved antitumor efficacy, suggesting that this nanoformulation improves bioavailability within nascent tumor sites.

Biological Mechanisms and Related Natural Inhibitors of CD36 in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a spectrum of liver disorders from non-alcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) to the more severe non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), is the leading etiology of chronic liver disease and its global prevalence is increasing. Hepatic steatosis, a condition marked by an abnormal buildup of triglycerides in the liver, is the precursor to NAFLD. Differentiated cluster 36 (CD36), a scavenger receptor class B protein, is a membrane receptor that recognizes multiple lipid and non-lipid ligands. It is generally agreed that CD36 contributes significantly to hepatic steatosis by taking part in fatty acid uptake as well as triglyceride storage and secretion. While there has not been any conclusive research on how CD36 inhibitors prevent NAFLD from progressing and no clinically approved CD36 inhibitors are currently available for use in NAFLD, CD36 remains a target worthy of further investigation in NAFLD. In recent years, the potential role of natural products acting through CD36 in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease has attracted much attention. This paper offers an overview of the pathogenesis of CD36 in NAFLD and summarizes some of the natural compounds or extracts that are currently being investigated for modulating NAFLD via CD36 or the CD36 pathway, providing an alternative approach to the development of CD36-related drugs in NAFLD.

Dietary naringin supplementation on laying performance and antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period

In this study, the effects of 3 graded dietary levels (0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4%) of naringin were studied in Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period (55-62 wk). A total of 480 Three-Yellow breeder hens (54-wk-old) were randomly divided into 4 groups (6 replicates of 20 hens): basal diet group (C), and basal diets supplemented with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin (N1, N2, and N3), respectively. Results showed that dietary supplementation with 0.1%, 0.2%, and 0.4% of naringin for 8 wk increased the laying rate and egg mass, enhanced egg yolk color, and decreased the feed egg ratio (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, compared with hens in C group, there were more preovulatory follicles and higher ovarian index as well as an enhanced ovarian somatic cell proliferation in hens of N2 and N3 groups (P < 0.05). With 0.2% and 0.4% naringin, glutathione concentration, the activity of catalase and total superoxide dismutase, and the total antioxidant capacity of ovarian tissues and serum increased (P < 0.05), while the contents of malondialdehyde and hydrogen peroxide decreased (P < 0.05). Moreover, compared to C group, the transcription levels of antioxidant genes in ovarian tissues increased in hens from N2 and N3 groups (P < 0.05). In conclusion, supplementation with 0.2% and 0.4% naringin both could improve the laying rate, ovarian and serum antioxidant capacity of Three-Yellow breeder hens during the late laying period.

Measurement of Naringin from Citrus Fruits by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography - a Review

Naringin is a flavonoid found primarily in citrus species with especially high concentrations being present in grapefruit (Citrus paradisi), bitter orange (Citrus aurantium), and pomelo (Citrus grandis). Because of its many positive effects on human health, naringin has been the focus of increasing attention in recent years. Recently, conventional extraction methods have been commonly replaced with unconventional methods, such as ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) and other, more eco-friendly extraction methods requiring little-to-no environmentally harmful solvents or significantly less energy. Naringin analysis is most commonly done via high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), and ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS) or a photodiode array (DAD) detector. The aim of this review is to provide an overview of recent trends developments in the extraction, sample preparation, and liquid chromatographic analysis of the compound originating from citrus fruits or their products.

Naringin alleviates acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury by activating Nrf2 via CHAC2 upregulation

Severe acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic damage is the second most common cause for hepatic transplantation. Clinically, hepatic damage caused by APAP is treated using N-acetyl-L-cysteine, which can induce numerous side effects. Naringin, a bioflavonoid abundant in grapefruit and other citrus fruits, displays marked antiinflammatory and antioxidant activities. Herein, we aimed to investigate the potential mechanism underlying naringin-mediated protection against APAP-induced acute hepatotoxicity. We observed that naringin afforded protection against APAP-induced acute liver failure in mice. Importantly, pretreatment with naringin before APAP administration further increased antioxidant enzyme expression, inhibited the production of proinflammatory cytokines, and activated apoptotic pathways. Furthermore, we observed that the protective effect was associated with the upregulation of cation transport regulator-like protein 2 (CHAC2) and nuclear factor erythroid derived-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Notably, CHAC2 knockdown inhibited Nrf2 activation and naringin-mediated antioxidant, antiinflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects in APAP-induced liver injury. Likewise, si-Nrf2 blocked the protective effect of naringin against APAP-induced liver injury. Collectively, our results indicate that naringin may be a potent CHAC2 activator, alleviating APAP-induced hepatitis via CHAC2-mediated activation of the Nrf2 pathway. These data provide new insights into mechanisms through which CHAC2 regulates APAP-induced liver injury by targeting Nrf2, which should be considered a novel therapeutic target.

A review of the protective effects of chlorogenic acid against different chemicals

Chlorogenic acid (CGA) is a naturally occurring non-flavonoid polyphenol found in green coffee beans, teas, certain fruits, and vegetables, that exerts antiviral, antitumor, antibacterial, and antioxidant effects. Several in vivo and in vitro studies have demonstrated that CGA can protect against toxicities induced by chemicals of different classes such as fungal/bacterial toxins, pharmaceuticals, metals, pesticides, etc., by preservation of cell survival via reducing overproduction of nitric oxide and reactive oxygen species and suppressed pro-apoptotic signaling. CGA antioxidant effects mediated through the Nrf2-heme oxygenase-1 signaling pathway were shown to enhance the levels of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferases, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione reductase as well as glutathione content. Also, CGA could suppress inflammation via inhibition of toll-like receptor 4 and MyD88, and the phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappa B and p65 subunit of NF-κB, resulting in diminished levels of downstream inflammatory factors including interleukin (IL)-1 β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, macrophage inflammatory protein 2, cyclooxygenase-2, and prostaglandin E2. Moreover, CGA inhibited apoptosis by reducing Bax, cytochrome C, and caspase 3 and 9 expression while increasing Bcl-2 levels. The present review discusses several mechanisms through which CGA may exert its protective role against such agents. Chemical and natural toxic agents affect human health. Phenolic antioxidant compounds can suppress free radical production and combat these toxins. Chlorogenic acid is a plant polyphenol present in the human diet and exerts strong antioxidant properties that can effectively help in the treatment of various toxicities.

Effects of naringin and valproate interaction on liver steatosis and dyslipidaemia parameters in male C57BL6 mice

Valproate is a common antiepileptic drug whose adverse effects include liver steatosis and dyslipidaemia. The aim of our study was to see how natural flavonoid antioxidant naringin would interact with valproate and attenuate these adverse effects. For this reason we treated male C57BL6 mice with a combination of 150 mg/kg of valproate and 25 mg/kg naringin every day for 10 days and compared their serum triglycerides, cholesterol, LDL, HDL, VLDL, and liver PPAR-alpha, PGC-1 alpha, ACOX1, Nrf2, SOD, CAT, GSH, and histological signs of steatosis. Valproate increased lipid peroxidation parameters and caused pronounced microvesicular steatosis throughout the hepatic lobule in all acinar zones, but naringin co-administration limited steatosis to the lobule periphery. In addition, it nearly restored total serum cholesterol, LDL, and triglycerides and liver ACOX1 and MDA to control levels. and upregulated PPAR-alpha and PGC-1 alpha, otherwise severely downregulated by valproate. It also increased SOD activity. All these findings suggest that naringin modulates key lipid metabolism regulators and should further be investigated in this model, either alone or combined with other lipid regulating drugs or molecules.

Pyrroloquinoline quinone ameliorates liver injury in mice induced by cyclophosphamide

The current study aimed to investigate the potential ameliorative effects of pyrroloquinoline quinone (PQQ) on cyclophosphamide (CTX)-induced liver injury in mice. The liver injury model was established by injecting mice with CTX (80 mg/kg/day). Liver function indices, antioxidant enzyme activities, and inflammatory cytokines were evaluated. In addition, protein expression levels of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathways in the liver tissues were determined using western blot. The results indicated that PQQ decreased the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and the malondialdehyde (MDA), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels in the liver tissues. Moreover, PQQ enhanced the activities of oxidative stress markers to alleviate CTX induced oxidative stress. Furthermore, the expression levels of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), glutamate-cysteine ligase modifier subunit (GCLM), and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) were significantly increased, and the expression levels of NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, and inhibitor of NF-κB kinase alpha (IKKα) were significantly decreased after PQQ administration, suggesting that PQQ alleviated CTX-induced liver injury via activating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response pathway, and inhibiting the NF-κB-mediated inflammation pathway. Therefore, PQQ can be potentially used as a dietary supplement or functional foods for alleviating the CTX-induced liver injury.

Quantitative evaluation of zinc metal in meadows and ruminants for health assessment: implications for humans

Heavy metal pollution in soil, forage, and animals is serious concern nowadays. Current research was conducted in Sargodha to find out the relationship of animals related to the forages and soil pollution. Three sites were selected with three different treatments; site I irrigated with ground water, site II irrigated with the canal water, and site III irrigated with the wastewater. Samples of soil, forage, and animals (blood, hair, feces) were collected from selected sites and were analyzed for metal analysis using atomic absorption spectroscopy. Results indicated that Zn in soil ranged from 24.12 to 37.39 mg/kg; forage, 31.98-44.47 mg/kg; blood of animals, 1.49-2.72 mg/L; hair of animals, 1.37-2.41 mg/kg; and feces of animals, 1.06-2.97 mg/kg. The concentration of zinc in soil and forage was less than permissible limit, but concentration in blood of animals was greater than critical limit suggesting the presence of metal. Bio-concentration factor indicated that metal was accumulated in forages growing at irrigated site. HRI concentration (2.024 mg/kg/day) suggests the accumulation of zinc in animal tissues. Pollution load index and enrichment factor were within the range.

Hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of resveratrol: A focus on anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidative activities

Being the most essential organ in the body, the liver performs critical functions. Hepatic disorders, such as alcoholic liver disease, hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic failure, have an impact on the biochemical and physiological functions of the body. The main representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, Resveratrol (RES), exhibits suitable pharmacological activities for treating various liver diseases, such as fatty hepatitis, liver steatosis, liver cancer and liver fibrosis. According to various studies, grapes and red wine are good sources of RES. RES has various health properties; it is anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective against several hepatic diseases and hepatoxicity. Therefore, we performed a thorough research and created a summary of the distinct targets of RES in various stages of liver diseases. We concluded that RES inhibited liver inflammation essentially by causing a significant decrease in the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also inhibits the transcription factor nuclear NF-κB that brings about the inflammatory cascade. RES also inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to induce apoptosis. Additionally, it reduces oxidative stress in hepatic tissue by markedly reducing MDA and NO contents, and significantly increasing the levels of CAT, SOD and reduced GSH, in addition to AST and ALT, against toxic chemicals like CC14, As2O3 and TTA. Due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, RES reduces liver injury markers. RES is safe natural antioxidant that provides pharmacological rectification of the hepatoxicity of toxic chemicals.

Protective effects of naringin on valproic acid-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Valproic acid (VPA) is mainly prescribed to treat epilepsy. VPA has been reported to be associated with many adverse effects, including hepatotoxicity. Naringin (NRG) is a natural, therapeutically active flavanone glycoside with anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and antioxidant. The current study was therefore designed to investigate the protective effect of NRG against the VPA-induced experimental hepatotoxicity model. For this purpose, 24 Wistar albino rats were randomly divided into three groups as control (Vehicle), VPA (500 mg/kg), and NRG + VPA (100 mg/kg NRG + 500 mg/kg VPA) groups. The agents were administered via oral gavage for 14 days. Blood and liver tissue samples were taken on the end of the experiment. Biochemical analyzes were performed on the blood and liver samples. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD) enzyme, glutathione (GSH) content, catalase (CAT) enzyme levels were examined in the liver tissue samples. Histopathological changes (hydropic degeneration and congestion) in the VPA group were increased significantly when compared to the control group (p < 0.05). We also found a decrease in enzymes of serum liver function in the VPA group. However, NRG has been shown not to prevent histopathological changes in the VPA group. According to our results with this experiment protocol, NRG could not exert sufficient protection against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity.

Protective Property of Scutellarin Against Liver Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride in Mice

Liver injury is a clinical disorder caused by toxins, drugs, and alcohol stimulation without effective therapeutic approaches thus far. Scutellarin (SCU), isolated from the edible herb Erigeron breviscapus (Vant.) Hand. -Mazz. showed potential hepatoprotective effects, but the mechanisms remain unknown. In this study, transcriptomics combined with nontargeted metabolomics and 16S rRNA amplicon sequencing were performed to elucidate the functional mechanisms of SCU in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)–induced liver injury in mice. The results showed that SCU exerted potential hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury by repressing CYP2E1 and IκBα/NF-κB signaling pathways, modulating the gut microbiota (especially enriching Lactobacillus), and regulating the endogenous metabolites involved in lipid metabolism and bile acid homeostasis. SCU originates from a functional food that appears to be a promising agent to guard against liver injury.

Antioxidant mediated protective effect of Bridelia tomentosa leaf extract against carbofuran induced oxidative hepatic toxicity

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Bridelia tomentosa is a traditional medicinal plant that is used against colitis, traumatic injury, diarrhea, and diabetes.

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Gallic acid, Tannic acid, salicylic acid, and naringin were isolated from the leaf of B. tomentosa for the first time.

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B. tomentosa extract amended serum biochemical markers, MDA levels, and improved the levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes.

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Phenolic and flavonoid compounds of the B. tomentosa can be used as nutraceuticals for treating oxidative hepatic ailments.

Bridelia tomentosa (B. tomentosa) is a traditional medicinal plant for treating diverse ailments. Hence, we designed our study to scrutinize the protective effect of the methanol extract of B. tomentosa leaf (BTL) against carbofuran-induced oxidative stress-mediated hepato-toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats for the first time, along with the identification and quantification of phenolic acids and flavonoids by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and evaluation of antioxidant and antiradical activities of this extract. HPLC analysis confirmed the existence of tannic acid, gallic acid, salicylic acid, and naringin in B. tomentosa leaf extract which showed in-vitro antioxidant potentialities with DPPH, nitric oxide, hydrogen peroxide, and hydroxyl radical scavenging properties. Co-administration of B. tomentosa leaf extract with carbofuran showed dose-dependent significant protective effects of hepatic toxicity on serum markers such as alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, γ-glutamyl-transferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total bilirubin, total protein, albumin, globulin, lipid profile, urea, uric acid, and creatinine. Carbofuran intoxication also revealed an upsurge in malondialdehyde (MDA) and a decline in cellular endogenous antioxidant enzyme levels in rats compared with the control group. However, B. tomentosa leaf extract co-treatment increased the levels of hepatic antioxidant enzymes, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase, and amended the MDA level. Similarly, histopathological evaluation further assured that BTL could keep the hepatocyte from carbofuran-induced damage. Therefore, all of our findings may conclude that the phenolic acids and flavonoids of B. tomentosa leaf extract are responsible to neutralize the toxic free radical-mediated oxidative hepatic damages.

Fertility and early embryonic development toxicity assessment of naringin in Sprague-Dawley rats

Naringin is a dihydroflavonoid abundantly existed in grapefruit and related citrus species. The double directional adjusting function of estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activities of naringin and its aglycone naringenin has raised concern about possible risks of unwanted interference with endocrine regulation. Herein we assessed the safety of naringin on fertility and early embryonic development toxicity in Sprague-Dawley rats. Twenty-two male and 22 female rats per group were orally given naringin at 0, 50, 250, and 1250 mg/kg/day. Male rats were administered beginning 9 weeks prior to mating and continued until necropsy. Dosing to female began 2 weeks before mating and continued until gestation day 7. There were no obvious effects of naringin on physical signs, animal behavior, and survival rate, although female and male rats from 1250 mg/kg group had lower body weight and tended to have less food consumption. Importantly, no treatment-related effects of naringin were found in relation to fertility and early embryonic development. Under these experimental conditions, it was concluded that the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAEL) of naringin were at least 1250 mg/kg/day for fertility and early embryonic development in rats.

Protocatechuic acid protects against hepatorenal toxicities in rats exposed to Furan

Furan formed in processed food is hepatotoxic and likely carcinogenic in humans. We investigated protocatechuic acid (PCA) protective role in rats' hepatorenal function treated with furan. Rats were grouped and treated as follows: Control, PCA (50 mg/kg), furan alone (8 mg/kg), furan + PCA1 (25 + 8 mg/kg), and furan + PCA2 (50 + 8 mg/kg). Upon sacrifice, evaluation of hepatorenal function, oxidative stress status, reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS), lipid peroxidation (LPO), myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity, among nitric oxide (NO) levels were performed. Cytokine levels (IL-10, IL-1ß, TNF-alpha), Caspase 3 and 9 activities, and histopathological examination were also assessed. We found that the final body and relative liver weights changed significantly (p < 0.05) in treated groups. Hepatic transaminases, urea, and creatinine increased (p < 0.05) in furan only treated group, and reduced in PCA co-treated groups. The furan-induced decrease in antioxidant status increased RONS, and LPO levels were alleviated (p < 0.05) by PCA co-treatment. Furthermore, furan-mediated increase in NO, IL-1ß, TNF-alpha levels, MPO, Cas-3, and 9 activities and suppressed IL-10 levels was reversed accordingly in rats' kidney and liver co-treated with PCA. The extent of furan-mediated hepatorenal lesions was lessened in PCA co-treated rats. Our findings suggest that PCA protects against oxido-inflammatory pathways, enhanced caspases 3 and 9 activations induced by furan in rat hepatorenal system.

Effect of Naringin Treatment on Postmenopausal Osteoporosis in Ovariectomized Rats: A Meta-Analysis and Systematic Review

Background

Osteoporosis is a major disease that affects the quality of life of middle-aged and old people, so it is very important to find efficient and safe drugs to treat osteoporosis. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effect of naringin on postmenopausal osteoporosis in ovariectomized (OVX) rats.

Methods

Chinese biomedical databases, CNKI, PubMed, EMBASE, and Wan Fang were searched for articles from inception to March 2020. Two independent researchers screened articles according to inclusion criteria. RevMan 5.3 was used for data analysis.

Results

Ten studies were included in the systematic review. The bone mineral density (BMD) significantly increased after naringin treatment (weighted mean difference, 0.06; 95% CI, 0.03–0.09; P < 0.01). There was no significant increase in BMD after estrogen treatment compared with naringin (weighted mean difference, 0.00; 95% CI, −0.00 to 0.01; P = 0.06). The trabecular bone volume (BV/TV) (weighted mean difference, 2.09; 95% CI, 1.85–2.34; P < 0.01) and trabecular thickness (Tb.Th) (weighted mean difference, 6.65; 95% CI, 6.55–6.74; P < 0.01) significantly increased after using naringin.

Conclusions

Naringin had been shown to promote bone formation in OVX rats. However, the mechanism of naringin needs more research to confirm.

The vascular endothelial growth factor signaling pathway regulates liver sinusoidal endothelial cells during liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy

INTRODUCTION

Liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy is a very complex and well-regulated procedure. It utilizes all liver cell types, which are associated with signaling pathways involving growth factors, cytokines, and stimulatory and inhibitory feedback of several growth-related signals. Liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) contribute to liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) has various functions in LSECs. In this review, we summarize the relationship between VEGF and LSECs involving VEGF regulatory activity in the vascular endothelium.

AREAS COVERED

Maintenance of the fenestrated LSEC phenotype requires two VEGF pathways: VEGF stimulated-NO acting through the cGMP pathway and VEGF independent of nitric oxide (NO). The results suggest that VEGF is a key regenerating mediator of LSECs in the partial hepatectomy model. NO-independent pathway was also essential to the maintenance of the LSEC in liver regeneration.

EXPERT OPINION

Liver regeneration remains a fascinating and significative research field in recent years. The liver involved of molecular pathways except for LSEC-VEGF pathways that make the field of liver further depth studies should be put into effect to elaborate the undetermined confusions, which will be better to understand liver regeneration.

Beneficial Medicinal Plants for Memory and Cognitive Functions Based on Traditional Persian Medicine

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is one of the most important causes of dementia, especially in the elderlies. Due to the failures of recent clinical trials in finding effective medications, it appears the use of complementary therapies such as Traditional Persian Medicine (TPM) and the rich sources of effective herbs as well as their constituents for improving memory function could be beneficial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the recommended natural remedies in the TPM and examine their pharmacological properties. For this purpose, the data were collected by searching the recommended prescriptions of the seminal TPM textbooks. Then, the names of the most freuqently mentioned plants were extracted from the natural remedies and evaluated for their pharmacological properties. The sources included recently published articles cited in the major scientific databases. A total of 262 plants were identified in 96 evaluated prescriptions; 20 plants were identified with the most frequency of report (i.e. more than 10 times). Their neuroprotective effects, antioxidant features, and anti-AD properties were discussed. Based on our results, TPM has introduced many effective treatments for AD. Hence, more clinical studies are warranted to verify their efficacy and safety.

Silymarin in combination with chlorogenic acid protects against hepatotoxicity induced by doxorubicin in rats: possible role of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase pathway

Many xenobiotics are known to cause hepatic damage with subsequent significant morbidity and mortality. Doxorubicin (DOX) is a broad-spectrum antineoplastic agent. DOX is reported to cause hepatocellular damage. Previous studies verified the promising role of many natural antioxidant products against various models of hepatic dysfunction. We conducted this study to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effect of silymarin (SILY) and/or chlorogenic acid (CGA) in a rat model of DOX-induced hepatotoxicity. For this purpose, we randomly divided 30 adult male rats into five equal groups as control, DOX, co-treated DOX with SILY, co-treated DOX with GCA and co-treated DOX with SILY and CGA groups. All treatments were administered every second day for 4 weeks. Our results showed that simultaneous SILY and CGA administration caused a significant decrease in hepatic apoptosis biomarkers (hepatic caspase-3 and nuclear factor-κB levels), a significant improvement in hepatic oxidant/antioxidant status (malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase) and significant decrease in hepatic pro-inflammatory biomarkers (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and interlukin-1β) compared with DOX treatment. We concluded that adding CGA to SILY acts as a hepatoprotective agent against DOX-induced liver injury through inhibiting apoptosis biomarkers, maintaining antioxidant enzyme levels, decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines as well as regulating liver adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase signaling.

Metabolic Impact of Flavonoids Consumption in Obesity: From Central to Peripheral

The prevention and treatment of obesity is primary based on the follow-up of a healthy lifestyle, which includes a healthy diet with an important presence of bioactive compounds such as polyphenols. For many years, the health benefits of polyphenols have been attributed to their anti-oxidant capacity as free radical scavengers. More recently it has been described that polyphenols activate other cell-signaling pathways that are not related to ROS production but rather involved in metabolic regulation. In this review, we have summarized the current knowledge in this field by focusing on the metabolic effects of flavonoids. Flavonoids are widely distributed in the plant kingdom where they are used for growing and defensing. They are structurally characterized by two benzene rings and a heterocyclic pyrone ring and based on the oxidation and saturation status of the heterocyclic ring flavonoids are grouped in seven different subclasses. The present work is focused on describing the molecular mechanisms underlying the metabolic impact of flavonoids in obesity and obesity-related diseases. We described the effects of each group of flavonoids in liver, white and brown adipose tissue and central nervous system and the metabolic and signaling pathways involved on them.

A review of the hepatoprotective effects of hesperidin, a flavanon glycoside in citrus fruits, against natural and chemical toxicities

OBJECTIVES

Liver is the most important and functional organ in the body to metabolize and detoxify endogenous compounds and xenobiotics. The major goal of the present narrative review is to assess the hepatoprotective properties of hesperidin against a variety of natural and chemical hepatotoxins via different mechanisms.

EVIDENCE ACQUISITION

Scientific databases such as Scopus, Medline, Web of Science and Google scholar were thoroughly searched, based on different keywords.

RESULTS

A variety of natural hepatotoxins such as lipopolysaccharide, concanavalin A and microcystins, and chemical hepatotoxins such as ethanol, acrylamide and carbon tetrachloride have been shown to damage hepatocytes as well as other liver cells. In addition to hepatocytes, ethanol can also damage liver hepatic stellate cells, Kupffer cells and sinusoidal endothelial cells. In this regard, the flavanone hesperidin, occur in the rind of citrus fruits, had been demonstrated to possess widespread pharmacological properties. Hesperidin exerts its hepatoprotective properties via different mechanisms including elevation in the activities of nuclear factor-like 2/antioxidant response element and heme oxygenase 1 as well as the levels of enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. Furthermore, reduction in the levels of high-mobility group box 1 protein, inhibitor of kappa B protein-alpha, matrix metalloproteinase-9 and C-reactive protein are some other important hesperidin-derived hepatoprotective mechanisms.

CONCLUSION

Based on several research papers, it could be concluded that hesperidin is able to protect against liver damage from inflammation and/or oxidative stress-mediated natural and chemical toxins.