1
|
Zhu Y, Zhang S, Shao Y, Tang L, Zhang C, Tang S, Lu H. Regulatory role of oxidative stress in retrorsine - Induced apoptosis and autophagy in primary rat hepatocytes. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2024; 279:116515. [PMID: 38810283 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2024.116515] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/01/2024] [Revised: 05/22/2024] [Accepted: 05/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are a group of naturally occurring alkaloids widely present in plants. PAs are highly hepatotoxic and have been documented to cause many incidents of human and animal poisoning. Retrorsine (RTS) is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA) derived from the Compositae Senecio, which has been shown to cause hepatotoxicity. Human liver poisoning occurs through the consumption of RTS-contaminated food, and animals can also be poisoned by ingesting RTS-containing toxic plants. The mechanism of RTS-induced liver toxicity is not fully understood. In this study, we demonstrated that RTS-induced oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in RTS-induced liver toxicity involving apoptosis and autophagy. The results showed that RTS treatment in the cultured Primary rat hepatocytes caused cytotoxicity and release of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Our study showed that treatment of RTS induced ROS and MDA (malondialdehyde, a lipid peroxidation marker) in the hepatocytes, and reduced antioxidant capacity (GSH content, SOD activity), suggesting RTS treatment caused oxidative stress response in the hepatocytes. Furthermore, we found that RTS induced apoptosis and autophagy in the hepatocytes, and RTS-induced apoptosis and autophagy could be alleviated by ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and the MAPK pathway inhibitors suggesting ROS/MAPK signaling pathway plays a role in RTS induced apoptosis and autophagy. Collectively, this study reveals the regulatory mechanism of oxidative stress in RTS-induced apoptosis and autophagy in the hepatocytes, providing important insights of molecular mechanisms of hepatotoxicity induced by RTS and related pyrrolizidine alkaloids in liver. This mechanism provides a basis for the prevention and treatment of PA poisoning in humans and animals.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanli Zhu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shuhang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Yin Shao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Lihui Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Congcheng Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Shiyu Tang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China
| | - Hao Lu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northwest A&F University, Yangling, Shaanxi 712100, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Huang Z, Wu Z, Gu X, Ji L. Diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification for hepatotoxicity induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids from herbal medicines or other plants. Crit Rev Toxicol 2024; 54:123-133. [PMID: 38411492 DOI: 10.1080/10408444.2024.2310597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2023] [Accepted: 01/18/2024] [Indexed: 02/28/2024]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are one type of phytotoxins distributed in various plants, including many medicinal herbs. Many organs might suffer injuries from the intake of PAs, and the liver is the most susceptible one. The diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification of PAs-induced hepatotoxicity have been studied for several decades, which is of great significance for its prevention, diagnosis, and therapy. When the liver was exposed to PAs, liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) loss, hemorrhage, liver parenchymal cells death, nodular regeneration, Kupffer cells activation, and fibrogenesis occurred. These pathological changes classified the PAs-induced liver injury as acute, sub-acute, and chronic type. PAs metabolic activation, mitochondria injury, glutathione (GSH) depletion, inflammation, and LSECs damage-induced activation of the coagulation system were well recognized to play critical roles in the pathological process of PAs-induced hepatotoxicity. A lot of natural compounds like glycyrrhizic acid, (-)-epicatechin, quercetin, baicalein, chlorogenic acid, and so on were demonstrated to be effective in alleviating PAs-induced liver injury, which rendered them huge potential to be developed into therapeutic drugs for PAs poisoning in clinics. This review presents updated information about the diagnosis, toxicological mechanism, and detoxification studies on PAs-induced hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhenlin Huang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zeqi Wu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinnan Gu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lili Ji
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai Key Laboratory of Compound Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Jayawickreme K, Świstak D, Ozimek E, Reszczyńska E, Rysiak A, Makuch-Kocka A, Hanaka A. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids-Pros and Cons for Pharmaceutical and Medical Applications. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:16972. [PMID: 38069294 PMCID: PMC10706944 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242316972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2023] [Revised: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Heterocyclic organic compounds named pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) belong to a group of alkaloids and are synthesized by either plants or microorganisms. Therefore, they are naturally occurring secondary metabolites. They are found in species applied in the pharmaceutical and food industries, thus a thorough knowledge of their pharmacological properties and toxicology to humans is of great importance for their further safe employment. This review is original because it synthesizes knowledge of plant and microbial PAs, which is unusual in the scientific literature. We have focused on the Boraginaceae family, which is unique due to the exceptional richness and diversity of its PAs in plant species. We have also presented the microbial sources of PAs, both from fungi and bacteria. The structure and metabolism of PAs have been discussed. Our main aim was to summarize the effects of PAs on humans, including both negative, toxic ones, mainly concerning hepatotoxicity and carcinogenicity, as well as potentially positive ones for pharmacological and medical applications. We have collected the results of studies on the anticancer activity of PAs from plant and microbial sources (mainly Streptomyces strains) and on the antimicrobial activity of PAs on different strains of microorganisms (bacteria and fungi). Finally, we have suggested potential applications and future perspectives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kavindi Jayawickreme
- Student Scientific Club of Phytochemists, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Dawid Świstak
- Student Scientific Club of Phytochemists, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Ewa Ozimek
- Department of Industrial and Environmental Microbiology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Emilia Reszczyńska
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Medical University of Lublin, Chodźki St. 1, 20-093 Lublin, Poland
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Rysiak
- Department of Botany, Mycology, and Ecology, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| | - Anna Makuch-Kocka
- Department of Pharmacology, Medical University of Lublin, Radziwiłłowska St. 11, 20-080 Lublin, Poland
| | - Agnieszka Hanaka
- Department of Plant Physiology and Biophysics, Institute of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Biology and Biotechnology, Maria Curie-Skłodowska University, Akademicka St. 19, 20-033 Lublin, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Xu J, Xiong A, Wang X, Yan X, Chen Y, Ye X, Wang Z, Ding L, Yang L. Hyperoside attenuates pyrrolizidine alkaloids-induced liver injury by ameliorating TFEB-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction. Arch Pharm Res 2023; 46:694-712. [PMID: 37733287 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01460-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/25/2023] [Accepted: 08/27/2023] [Indexed: 09/22/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are potent hepatotoxins that can cause liver damage. Hyperoside (Hyp), a natural flavonoid, can be extracted from medicinal plants. Hyp displays hepatoprotective activity in various liver diseases. However, the potential effect and mechanism of action of Hyp in ameliorating PA-induced liver injury remain obscure. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of Hyp against PA-induced hepatotoxicity and its underlying mechanism. We established an in vitro model of PAs in mouse primary hepatocytes and developed a mouse model of acute PA toxicity to investigate the protective effect of Hyp. We found that Hyp notably attenuated PA-induced hepatotoxicity. RNA-sequencing showed that the beneficial effect of Hyp against PA-induced hepatotoxicity was associated with the transcription factor EB (TFEB)-peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ coactivator-1-α (PGC1α) pathway. Our results confirmed that both the autophagy-lysosomal pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis were induced by Hyp through TFEB nuclear translocation in PA-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we demonstrated that activation of the mechanistic target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) by MHY 1485 decreased TFEB nuclear translocation and abrogated the protective effect of Hyp against PA-induced liver injury in mice. In contrast, inhibition of mTORC1 activity increased the level of TFEB and reduced hepatotoxicity induced by PAs in mouse livers. Likewise, Hyp-induced TFEB activation was validated in vitro. In conclusion, Hyp can activate the TFEB-mediated autophagy-lysosomal pathway and mitochondrial biogenesis through inhibition of mTORC1 activity, alleviating the liver injury induced by PAs, thus suggesting the potential value of Hyp in the treatment of PA-induced hepatotoxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jie Xu
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xunjiang Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xing Yan
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yilin Chen
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xuanling Ye
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lili Ding
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Li Yang
- Shanghai Key Laboratory of Complex Prescriptions, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Traditional Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cai Lun Road 1200, Zhangjiang, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gong B, Zhang S, Wang X, Ran G, Zhang X, Xi J, Gao Z, Lei Y, Pan J, Liu Y, Luan Y, Zhang X, Peng Y, Li W, Zheng J. Inflammation Intensifies Monocrotaline-Induced Liver Injury. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:3433-3443. [PMID: 36753335 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c07939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are the most common toxins of plant origin, and it is evident that PAs pollute soil, water, nearby plants, and derived foods. Cases of human poisoning due to ingestion of PA-contaminated foods have been reported in several countries. Monocrotaline (MCT) is a pyrrolizidine alkaloid from the plants of Crotalaria genus that causes hepatic and cardiopulmonary toxicities, and the exhibition of the toxicities requires the metabolic activation by CYP3A4 to form electrophilic dehydro-monocrotaline (DHM). The present study demonstrated that myeloperoxidase (MPO) also participated in the bioactivation of MCT. N-Chloromonocrotaline was detected in both HClO/MCT incubations and MPO/H2O2/MgCl2/MCT incubations. DHM-derived N-acetylcysteine (NAC) conjugates were detected in the above incubations fortified with NAC. Lipopolysaccharide-induced inflammation in mice resulted in an elevated level of hepatic MPO activity, increased metabolic activation of MCT, and intensified elevation of serum ALT and AST activity induced by MCT. MPO inhibitor 4-aminobenzoic acid hydrazide was found to reverse these alterations. Mpo-KO mice were resistant to the observed potentiating effect of inflammation on MCT-induced liver injury. In conclusion, inflammation intensified MCT-induced liver injury. MPO participated in the observed potentiating effect of inflammation on the hepatotoxicity induced by MCT.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bowen Gong
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Shiyu Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- First Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang 550001, P. R. China
| | - Xin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Guangyun Ran
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Xiaohong Zhang
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Jing Xi
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Zhenna Gao
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Yuyang Lei
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Jie Pan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Yang Luan
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Xinyu Zhang
- School of Public Health, Hongqiao International Institute of Medicine, Shanghai JiaoTong University School of Medicine, 227 South Chongqing Road, Shanghai 200025, China
| | - Ying Peng
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| | - Weiwei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
| | - Jiang Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Provincial Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutics, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- School of Pharmacy, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou 550004, P. R. China
- Wuya College of Innovation, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, Liaoning 110016, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Wang Z, Ma J, He Y, Miu KK, Yao S, Tang C, Ye Y, Lin G. Nrf2-mediated liver protection by 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced toxicity through PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 102:154162. [PMID: 35598524 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154162] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2022] [Revised: 04/22/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Misusage of pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-containing plants or unaware intake of PA-contaminated foodstuffs causes thousands of PA poisoning cases in humans. PA intoxication is accompanied by oxidative stress and subsequent extensive hepatocellular damage. Our previous study has demonstrated that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), a bioactive constituent of liquorice, prevented PA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats, however the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. OBJECTIVE This study aims to explore the mechanisms underlying the hepato-protective effect of GA in combating retrorsine (RTS, a representative toxic PA)-induced liver injury. METHODS Histological and biochemical assessments were employed to evaluate the protective effect of GA on RTS-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Sulforhodamine B assay, real-time PCR, western blotting, and immunostaining were used to explore the underlying mechanisms in human hepatocytes and rats. RESULTS Our findings demonstrated that GA alleviated RTS-induced elevation of serum ALT and bilirubin levels, as well as hepatocytes necrosis and sinusoidal endothelial cells (SECs) damage in rats. GA also enhanced the activities and expressions of several antioxidant enzymes through upregulating nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor2 (Nrf2). Moreover, inhibition of Nrf2 blocked the hepatoprotective effect of GA against RTS intoxication. Mechanistically, GA increased the phosphorylation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) and enhanced glycogen synthase kinase 3 beta (GSK3β) inhibitory phosphorylation at serine 9, thus promoting the nuclear accumulation of Nrf2 and activating its downstream targets. CONCLUSION This study for the first time demonstrated that GA exerted protective effects against RTS-induced liver injury by potentiating the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant system through PI3K/Akt/GSK3β pathway. The findings indicated that GA may serve as a potential candidate drug for the treatment of PA intoxication.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zhangting Wang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 505A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 505A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong SAR, China; School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 505A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kai-Kei Miu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 505A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Sheng Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Chunping Tang
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research and Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, 505A, Lo Kwee-Seong Integrated Biomedical Sciences Building, Area 39, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Hepatic RNA adduction derived from metabolic activation of retrorsine in vitro and in vivo. Chem Biol Interact 2022; 365:110047. [DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2022.110047] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/13/2022] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
|
8
|
Wang W, Chen Y, Yin Y, Wang X, Ye X, Jiang K, Zhang Y, Zhang J, Zhang W, Zhuge Y, Chen L, Peng C, Xiong A, Yang L, Wang Z. A TMT-based shotgun proteomics uncovers overexpression of thrombospondin 1 as a contributor in pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome. Arch Toxicol 2022; 96:2003-2019. [PMID: 35357534 PMCID: PMC9151551 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-022-03281-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/07/2021] [Accepted: 03/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic sinusoidal obstruction disease (HSOS) is a rare but life-threatening vascular liver disease. However, its underlying mechanism and molecular changes in HSOS are largely unknown, thus greatly hindering the development of its effective treatment. Hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) are the primary and essential target for HSOS. A tandem mass tag-based shotgun proteomics study was performed using primary cultured HSECs from mice with HSOS induced by senecionine, a representative toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA). Dynamic changes in proteome were found at the initial period of damage and the essential role of thrombospondin 1 (TSP1) was highlighted in PA-induced HSOS. TSP1 over-expression was further confirmed in human HSECs and liver samples from patients with PA-induced HSOS. LSKL peptide, a known TSP1 inhibitor, protected mice from senecionine-induced HSOS. In addition, TSP1 was found to be covalently modified by dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids in human HSECs and mouse livers upon senecionine treatment, thus to form the pyrrole-protein adduct. These findings provide useful information on early changes in HSECs upon PA treatment and uncover TSP1 overexpression as a contributor in PA-induced HSOS.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai R and D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yan Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai R and D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yue Yin
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xunjiang Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xuanling Ye
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Kaiyuan Jiang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Jiwei Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing, affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Drum Tower Hospital of Nanjing, affiliated to Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, 210008, Jiangsu, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Ruijin Hospital, Shanghai JiaoTong University, Shanghai, 201801, China
| | - Chao Peng
- National Facility for Protein Science in Shanghai, Shanghai Advanced Research Institute, Chinese Academy of Science, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Shanghai R and D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Li Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Shanghai R and D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, China.
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, 201210, China
- Shanghai R and D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201210, China
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Zhu L, Xue J, He Y, Xia Q, Fu PP, Lin G. Correlation Investigation between Pyrrole-DNA and Pyrrole-Protein Adducts in Male ICR Mice Exposed to Retrorsine, a Hepatotoxic Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid. Toxins (Basel) 2022; 14:toxins14060377. [PMID: 35737038 PMCID: PMC9231038 DOI: 10.3390/toxins14060377] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/08/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) have been found in over 6000 plants worldwide and represent the most common hepatotoxic phytotoxins. Catalyzed by hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes, PAs are metabolized into reactive pyrrolic metabolites, which can alkylate cellular proteins and DNA to form pyrrole-protein adducts and pyrrole-DNA adducts, leading to cytotoxicity, genotoxicity, and tumorigenicity. To date, the correlation between these PA-derived pyrrole-protein and pyrrole-DNA adducts has not been well investigated. Retrorsine is a representative hepatotoxic and carcinogenic PA. In the present study, the correlations among the PA-derived liver DNA adducts, liver protein adducts, and serum protein adducts in retrorsine-treated mice under different dosage regimens were studied. The results showed positive correlations among these adducts, in which serum pyrrole-protein adducts were more accessible and present in higher abundance, and thus could be used as a suitable surrogate biomarker for pyrrole-DNA adducts to indicate the genetic or carcinogenic risk posed by retrorsine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.H.)
| | - Junyi Xue
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.H.)
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.H.)
| | - Qingsu Xia
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA;
| | - Peter P. Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR 72079, USA;
- Correspondence: (P.P.F.); (G.L.)
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; (L.Z.); (J.X.); (Y.H.)
- Correspondence: (P.P.F.); (G.L.)
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Edgar JA, Molyneux RJ, Colegate SM. 1,2-Dehydropyrrolizidine Alkaloids: Their Potential as a Dietary Cause of Sporadic Motor Neuron Diseases. Chem Res Toxicol 2022; 35:340-354. [PMID: 35238548 DOI: 10.1021/acs.chemrestox.1c00384] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Sporadic motor neuron diseases (MNDs), such as amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), can be caused by spontaneous genetic mutations. However, many sporadic cases of ALS and other debilitating neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) are believed to be caused by environmental factors, subject to considerable debate and requiring intensive research. A common pathology associated with MND development involves progressive mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress in motor neurons and glial cells of the central nervous system (CNS), leading to apoptosis. Consequent degeneration of skeletal and respiratory muscle cells can lead to death from respiratory failure. A significant number of MND cases present with cancers and liver and lung pathology. This Perspective explores the possibility that MNDs could be caused by intermittent, low-level dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids (1,2-dehydroPAs) that are increasingly recognized as contaminants of many foods consumed throughout the world. Nontoxic, per se, 1,2-dehydroPAs are metabolized, by particular cytochrome P450 (CYP450) isoforms, to 6,7-dihydropyrrolizines that react with nucleophilic groups (-NH, -SH, -OH) on DNA, proteins, and other vital biochemicals, such as glutathione. Many factors, including aging, gender, smoking, and alcohol consumption, influence CYP450 isoform activity in a range of tissues, including glial cells and neurons of the CNS. Activation of 1,2-dehydroPAs in CNS cells can be expected to cause gene mutations and oxidative stress, potentially leading to the development of MNDs and other NDDs. While relatively high dietary exposure to 1,2-dehydroPAs causes hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome, pulmonary venoocclusive disease, neurotoxicity, and diverse cancers, this Perspective suggests that, at current intermittent, low levels of dietary exposure, neurotoxicity could become the primary pathology that develops over time in susceptible individuals, along with a tendency for some of them to also display liver and lung pathology and diverse cancers co-occurring with some MND/NDD cases. Targeted research is recommended to investigate this proposal.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- John A Edgar
- CSIRO Agriculture and Food, 11 Julius Avenue, North Ryde, New South Wales 2113, Australia
| | - Russell J Molyneux
- Daniel K. Inouye College of Pharmacy, University of Hawaii at Hilo, 200 West Kawili Street, Hilo, Hawaii 96720, United States
| | - Steven M Colegate
- Poisonous Plant Research Laboratory, ARS/USDA, 1150 East 1400 North, Logan, Utah 84341, United States
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Hepatotoxicity of Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid Compound Intermedine: Comparison with Other Pyrrolizidine Alkaloids and Its Toxicological Mechanism. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:toxins13120849. [PMID: 34941687 PMCID: PMC8709407 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13120849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2021] [Revised: 11/22/2021] [Accepted: 11/24/2021] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common secondary plant compounds with hepatotoxicity. The consumption of herbal medicines and herbal teas containing PAs is one of the main causes of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), a potentially life-threatening condition. The present study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the cytotoxicity of intermedine (Im), the main PA in Comfrey. We evaluated the toxicity of the retronecine-type PAs with different structures to cell lines derived from mammalian tissues, including primary mouse hepatocytes, human hepatocytes (HepD), mouse hepatoma-22 (H22) and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells. The cytotoxicity of Im to hepatocyte was evaluated by using cell counting kit-8 assay, colony formation experiment, wound healing assay and dead/live fluorescence imaging. In vitro characterization showed that these PAs were cytotoxic and induced cell apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner. We also demonstrated that Im induced cell apoptosis by generating excessive reactive oxygen species (ROS), changing the mitochondrial membrane potential and releasing cytochrome c (Cyt c) before activating the caspase-3 pathway. Importantly, we directly observed the destruction of the cell mitochondrial structure after Im treatment through transmission electron microscopy (TEM). This study provided the first direct evidence of Im inducing hepatotoxicity through mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. These results supplemented the basic toxicity data of PAs and facilitated the comprehensive and systematic evaluation of the toxicity caused by PA compounds.
Collapse
|
12
|
Ma J, Li M, Li N, Chan WY, Lin G. Pyrrolizidine Alkaloid-Induced Hepatotoxicity Associated with the Formation of Reactive Metabolite-Derived Pyrrole-Protein Adducts. Toxins (Basel) 2021; 13:723. [PMID: 34679016 PMCID: PMC8540779 DOI: 10.3390/toxins13100723] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 10/08/2021] [Accepted: 10/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) with 1,2-unsaturated necine base are hepatotoxic phytotoxins. Acute PA intoxication is initiated by the formation of adducts between PA-derived reactive pyrrolic metabolites with cellular proteins. The present study aimed to investigate the correlation between the formation of hepatic pyrrole-protein adducts and occurrence of PA-induced liver injury (PA-ILI), and to further explore the use of such adducts for rapidly screening the hepatotoxic potency of natural products which contain PAs. Aqueous extracts of Crotalaria sessiliflora (containing one PA: monocrotaline) and Gynura japonica (containing two PAs: senecionine and seneciphylline) were orally administered to rats at different doses for 24 h to investigate PA-ILI. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity, hepatic glutathione (GSH) level, and liver histological changes of the treated rats were evaluated to assess the severity of PA-ILI. The levels of pyrrole-protein adducts formed in the rats' livers were determined by a well-established spectrophotometric method. The biological and histological results showed a dose-dependent hepatotoxicity with significantly different toxic severity among groups of rats treated with herbal extracts containing different PAs. Both serum ALT activity and the amount of hepatic pyrrole-protein adducts increased in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, the elevation of ALT activity correlated well with the formation of hepatic pyrrole-protein adducts, regardless of the structures of different PAs. The findings revealed that the formation of hepatic pyrrole-protein adducts-which directly correlated with the elevation of serum ALT activity-was a common insult leading to PA-ILI, suggesting a potential for using pyrrole-protein adducts to screen hepatotoxicity and rank PA-containing natural products, which generally contain multiple PAs with different structures.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 4054577, China; (J.M.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (W.Y.C.)
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Mi Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 4054577, China; (J.M.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (W.Y.C.)
| | - Na Li
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 4054577, China; (J.M.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (W.Y.C.)
| | - Wood Yee Chan
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 4054577, China; (J.M.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (W.Y.C.)
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 4054577, China; (J.M.); (M.L.); (N.L.); (W.Y.C.)
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Zhu L, Zhang C, Zhang W, Xia Q, Ma J, He X, He Y, Fu PP, Jia W, Zhuge Y, Lin G. Developing urinary pyrrole-amino acid adducts as non-invasive biomarkers for identifying pyrrolizidine alkaloids-induced liver injury in human. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:3191-3204. [PMID: 34390356 PMCID: PMC8364305 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03129-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/17/2021] [Accepted: 07/29/2021] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) have been found in over 6000 plants worldwide and represent the most common hepatotoxic phytotoxins. Currently, a definitive diagnostic method for PA-induced liver injury (PA-ILI) is lacking. In the present study, using a newly developed analytical method, we identified four pyrrole-amino acid adducts (PAAAs), namely pyrrole-7-cysteine, pyrrole-9-cysteine, pyrrole-9-histidine, and pyrrole-7-acetylcysteine, which are generated from reactive pyrrolic metabolites of PAs, in the urine of PA-treated male Sprague Dawley rats and PA-ILI patients. The elimination profiles, abundance, and persistence of PAAAs were systematically investigated first in PA-treated rat models via oral administration of retrorsine at a single dose of 40 mg/kg and multiple doses of 5 mg/kg/day for 14 consecutive days, confirming that these urinary excreted PAAAs were derived specifically from PA exposure. Moreover, we determined that these PAAAs were detected in ~ 82% (129/158) of urine samples collected from ~ 91% (58/64) of PA-ILI patients with pyrrole-7-cysteine and pyrrole-9-histidine detectable in urine samples collected at 3 months or longer times after hospital admission, indicating adequate persistence time for use as a clinical test. As direct evidence of PA exposure, we propose that PAAAs can be used as a biomarker of PA exposure and the measurement of urinary PAAAs could be used as a non-invasive test assisting the definitive diagnosis of PA-ILI in patients.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Chunyuan Zhang
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China
| | - Qingsu Xia
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Xin He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Wei Jia
- School of Chinese Medicine, Hong Kong Baptist University, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yuzheng Zhuge
- Department of Gastroenterology, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing, China.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chen X, Ma J, He Y, Xue J, Song Z, Xu Q, Lin G. Characterization of liver injury induced by a pyrrolizidine alkaloid in rats. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 89:153595. [PMID: 34153877 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153595] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2021] [Revised: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 05/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common phytotoxins. PA intoxication is reported to cause severe acute liver damage, typically known as hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), but it remains obscure whether the acute liver damage may progress into chronic liver disease characterized by hepatic fibrosis. PURPOSE This study aims to characterize the biochemical markers of liver injury and histological features of regressive and progressive liver fibrosis, and to examine changes in hepatic gene expression that may underpin mechanisms of fibrogenesis in rats induced by retrorsine (RTS), a representative toxic PA. STUDY DESIGN/METHODS Rats were gavaged with RTS via two dosing regimens, i.e. a single dose of 40 mg/kg (Group 1) and two doses of 40 mg/kg and 20 mg/kg on day 0 and day 7 (Group 2), respectively. Rats receiving one (Group 3) or two (Group 4) doses of vehicle served as negative controls. The animals were followed for up to 16 weeks by serum biochemical analyses and histological examination, and gene expression assays of liver tissues. RESULTS Acute liver injury on day 2 manifested as HSOS, characterized by sinusoidal dilation, endothelial cell damage, and elevated serum alanine aminotransferase activity and bilirubin levels. In Group 1, mild liver fibrosis developed at sinusoids and perisinusoidal space surrounding the central veins at week 1 and 2, and thereafter, all liver injury resolved gradually. In Group 2, liver fibrosis progressed within the 16-week observation period. No apparent liver injury was observed in Groups 3 and 4. Compared with negative control groups, RTS induced myofibroblastic activation, TGF-β1 signaling, and changes in expression of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 (TIMP-1). These dynamic changes differed in Groups 1 and 2, corresponding with the regression and progression of liver fibrosis, respectively, in these groups. CONCLUSION This study has provided in-vivo proof of concept that "one hit" and "two hits" of RTS lead to acute resolving liver injury and chronic progressive liver fibrosis, respectively. These animal models may serve as powerful tools for studying RTS toxicology and related preventive and therapeutic strategies and as positive controls for studying other PA- and non-PA-induced liver injury.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xinmeng Chen
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Junyi Xue
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Zijing Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Qihe Xu
- Renal Sciences and Integrative Chinese Medicine Laboratory, Department of Inflammation Biology, School of Immunology & Microbial Sciences, Faculty of Life Sciences and Medicine, King's College London, London, United Kingdom.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Tu-San-Qi (Gynura japonica): the culprit behind pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced liver injury in China. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:1212-1222. [PMID: 33154553 PMCID: PMC8285480 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-00553-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/05/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Herbs and dietary supplement-induced liver injury (HILI) is the leading cause of drug-induced liver injury in China. Among different hepatotoxic herbs, the pyrrolizidine alkaloid (PA)-producing herb Gynura japonica contributes significantly to HILI by inducing hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS), a liver disorder characterized by hepatomegaly, hyperbilirubinemia, and ascites. In China, G. japonica has been used as one of the plant species for Tu-San-Qi and is often misused with non-PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (Sedum aizoon) or even San-Qi (Panax notoginseng) for self-medication. It has been reported that over 50% of HSOS cases are caused by the intake of PA-producing G. japonica. In this review, we provide comprehensive information to distinguish these Tu-San-Qi-related herbal plant species in terms of plant/medicinal part morphologies, medicinal indications, and chemical profiles. Approximately 2156 Tu-San-Qi-associated HSOS cases reported in China from 1980 to 2019 are systematically reviewed in terms of their clinical manifestation, diagnostic workups, therapeutic interventions, and outcomes. In addition, based on the application of our developed mechanism-based biomarker of PA exposure, our clinical findings on the definitive diagnosis of 58 PA-producing Tu-San-Qi-induced HSOS patients are also elaborated. Therefore, this review article provides the first comprehensive report on 2214 PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (G. japonica)-induced HSOS cases in China, and the information presented will improve public awareness of the significant incidence of PA-producing Tu-San-Qi (G. japonica)-induced HSOS and facilitate future prevention and better clinical management of this severe HILI.
Collapse
|
16
|
He Y, Zhu L, Ma J, Lin G. Metabolism-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:1917-1942. [PMID: 34003343 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-021-03060-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/19/2021] [Accepted: 04/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) and PA N-oxides are common phytotoxins produced by over 6000 plant species. Humans are frequently exposed to PAs via ingestion of PA-containing herbal products or PA-contaminated foods. PAs require metabolic activation to form pyrrole-protein adducts and pyrrole-DNA adducts which lead to cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. Individual PAs differ in their metabolic activation patterns, which may cause significant difference in toxic potency of different PAs. This review discusses the current knowledge and recent advances of metabolic pathways of different PAs, especially the metabolic activation and metabolism-mediated cytotoxicity and genotoxicity, and the risk evaluation methods of PA exposure. In addition, this review provides perspectives of precision toxicity assessment strategies and biomarker development for the risk control and translational investigations of human intoxication by PAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Lin Zhu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, SAR, China.
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
He Y, Lian W, Ding L, Fan X, Ma J, Zhang QY, Ding X, Lin G. Lung injury induced by pyrrolizidine alkaloids depends on metabolism by hepatic cytochrome P450s and blood transport of reactive metabolites. Arch Toxicol 2021; 95:103-116. [PMID: 33033841 PMCID: PMC8765307 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02921-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2020] [Accepted: 09/17/2020] [Indexed: 01/20/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are common phytotoxins with both hepatotoxicity and pneumotoxicity. Hepatic cytochrome P450 enzymes are known to bioactivate PAs into reactive metabolites, which can interact with proteins to form pyrrole-protein adducts and cause intrahepatic cytotoxicity. However, the metabolic and initiation biochemical mechanisms underlying PA-induced pneumotoxicity remain unclear. To investigate the in vivo metabolism basis for PA-induced lung injury, this study used mice with conditional deletion of the cytochrome P450 reductase (Cpr) gene and resultant tissue-selective ablation of microsomal P450 enzyme activities. After oral exposure to monocrotaline (MCT), a pneumotoxic PA widely used to establish animal lung injury models, liver-specific Cpr-null (LCN) mice, but not extrahepatic Cpr-low (xh-CL) mice, had significantly lower level of pyrrole-protein adducts in the serum, liver and lungs compared with wild-type (WT) mice. While MCT-exposed LCN mice had significantly higher blood concentration of intact MCT, compared to MCT-exposed WT or xh-CL mice. Consistent with the MCT in vivo bioactivation data, MCT-induced lung injury, represented by vasculature damage, in WT and xh-CL mice but not LCN mice. Furthermore, reactive metabolites of MCT were confirmed to exist in the blood efflux from the hepatic veins of MCT-exposed rats. Our results provide the first mode-of-action evidence that hepatic P450s are essential for the bioactivation of MCT, and blood circulating reactive metabolites of MCT to the lung causes pneumotoxicity. Collectively, this study presents the scientific basis for the application of MCT in animal lung injury models, and more importantly, warrants public awareness and further investigations of lung diseases associated with exposure to not only MCT but also different PAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Lian
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Liang Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xiaoyu Fan
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Yu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA
| | - Xinxin Ding
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, The University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, 85721, USA.
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shatin, New Territories, Hong Kong SAR, People's Republic of China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Xiong F, Jiang K, Chen Y, Ju Z, Yang L, Xiong A, Wang Z. Protein cross-linking in primary cultured mouse hepatocytes by dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids: Structure-toxicity relationship. Toxicon 2020; 186:4-11. [PMID: 32687888 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxicon.2020.07.015] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Revised: 07/13/2020] [Accepted: 07/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are natural toxins found in about 3%-5% of flowering plants. Dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids contain a double bond in 1, 2-position of the necine bases, including retronecine type PAs (RET-PAs) and their N-oxides (RET N-oxide-PAs), and otonecine type PAs (OTO-PAs), and are known for their significant hepatotoxicity. Most dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids are metabolically activated by cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes to generate active pyrroles, which further bind to proteins to form pyrrole-protein adducts (PPAs). Methods for predicting PA-induced liver injury are generally performed on in vitro models with extremely low activities of CYP450 enzymes, which is different from the situation in vivo. In this regard, primary cultured mouse hepatocytes, which showed comparable CYP450 activity with the in vivo models, were applied to illustrate the structure-toxicity relationship of 13 dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids, namely, eight RET-PAs, three RET N-oxide-PAs, and two OTO-PAs. PA-induced cytotoxicity and PA-generated PPAs were analyzed in primary mouse hepatocytes treated with different PAs. Results showed that PA-induced toxicity was correlated with the amount of PA-generated PPAs. RET-PAs and OTO-PAs were generally more toxic than RET N-oxide-PAs and generated higher amount of PPAs. PPAs were utilized to evaluate the efficiency of metabolic activation and predict the toxic potencies of dehydropyrrolizidine alkaloids. The proposed model could be a new approach for toxicity evaluation and risk control of exposure to PAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fen Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Kaiyuan Jiang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yan Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Zhengcai Ju
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Li Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
19
|
Wang W, Yang X, Chen Y, Ye X, Jiang K, Xiong A, Yang L, Wang Z. Seneciphylline, a main pyrrolizidine alkaloid in Gynura japonica, induces hepatotoxicity in mice and primary hepatocytes via activating mitochondria-mediated apoptosis. J Appl Toxicol 2020; 40:1534-1544. [PMID: 32618019 DOI: 10.1002/jat.4004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2020] [Revised: 04/28/2020] [Accepted: 05/13/2020] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
Herbal drug-induced liver injury has been reported worldwide and gained global attention. Thousands of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) cases have been reported after consumption of herbal medicines and preparations containing pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs), which are natural phytotoxins globally distributed. And herbal medicines, such as Gynura japonica, are the current leading cause of PA-induced HSOS. The present study aimed to reveal the mechanism underlying the hepatotoxicity of seneciphylline (Seph), a main PA in G. japonica. Results showed that Seph induced severe liver injury through apoptosis in mice (70 mg/kg Seph, orally) and primary mouse and human hepatocytes (5-50 μM Seph). Further research uncovered that Seph induced apoptosis by disrupting mitochondrial homeostasis, inducing mitochondrial depolarization, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) loss, and cytochrome c (Cyt c) release and activating c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK). The Seph-induced apoptosis in hepatocytes could be alleviated by Mdivi-1 (50 μM, a dynamin-related protein 1 inhibitor), as well as SP600125 (25 μM, a specific JNK inhibitor) and ZVAD-fmk (50 μM, a general caspase inhibitor). Moreover, the Seph-induced MMP loss in hepatocytes was also rescued by Mdivi-1. In conclusion, Seph induced liver toxicity via activating mitochondrial-mediated apoptosis in mice and primary hepatocytes. Our results provide further information on Seph detoxification and herbal medicines containing Seph such as G. japonica.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Weiqian Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xiao Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yan Chen
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuanling Ye
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kaiyuan Jiang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Li Yang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
20
|
Suparmi S, Wesseling S, Rietjens IMCM. Monocrotaline-induced liver toxicity in rat predicted by a combined in vitro physiologically based kinetic modeling approach. Arch Toxicol 2020; 94:3281-3295. [PMID: 32518961 PMCID: PMC7415757 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-020-02798-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/06/2019] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
The aim of the present study was to use an in vitro–in silico approach to predict the in vivo acute liver toxicity of monocrotaline and to characterize the influence of its metabolism on its relative toxic potency compared to lasiocarpine and riddelliine. In the absence of data on acute liver toxicity of monocrotaline upon oral exposure, the predicted dose–response curve for acute liver toxicity in rats and the resulting benchmark dose lower and upper confidence limits for 10% effect (BMDL10 and BMDU10) were compared to data obtained in studies with intraperitoneal or subcutaneous dosing regimens. This indicated the predicted BMDL10 value to be in line with the no-observed-adverse-effect levels (NOAELs) derived from availabe in vivo studies. The predicted BMDL10–BMDU10 of 1.1–4.9 mg/kg bw/day also matched the oral dose range of 1–3 mg PA/kg bw/day at which adverse effects in human are reported. A comparison to the oral toxicity of the related pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) lasiocarpine and riddelliine revealed that, although in the rat hepatocytes monocrotaline was less toxic than lasiocarpine and riddelliine, due to its relatively inefficient clearance, its in vivo acute liver toxicity was predicted to be comparable. It is concluded that the combined in vitro-PBK modeling approach can provide insight in monocrotaline-induced acute liver toxicity in rats, thereby filling existing gaps in the database on PA toxicity. Furthermore, the results reveal that the kinetic and metabolic properties of PAs can vary substantially and should be taken into account when considering differences in relative potency between different PAs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Suparmi Suparmi
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands. .,Department of Biology, Faculty of Medicine, Universitas Islam Sultan Agung, Jl. Raya Kaligawe KM 4, Semarang, 50112, Indonesia.
| | - Sebastiaan Wesseling
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| | - Ivonne M C M Rietjens
- Division of Toxicology, Wageningen University and Research, Stippeneng 4, 6708 WE, Wageningen, The Netherlands
| |
Collapse
|
21
|
Song Z, He Y, Ma J, Fu PP, Lin G. Pulmonary toxicity is a common phenomenon of toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2020; 38:124-140. [PMID: 32500835 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2020.1743608] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
The hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are metabolically activated in the liver to form reactive dehydro-PAs, which generate pyrrole-protein adducts leading to hepatotoxicity. Monocrotaline, but not other PAs, is also pneumotoxic, supposedly due to the migration of the liver-generated corresponding dehydro-PA into the lung to form pyrrole-protein adducts to induce pneumotoxicity. The present study investigated whether other PAs are also pneumotoxic. Metabolic activation of four representative hepatotoxic PAs, monocrotaline, retrorsine, riddelliine and clivorine, was investigated using rat liver or lung S9 incubation. All PAs produced pyrrole-protein adducts significantly in rat liver S9 but negligible in lung S9 fraction, revealing that liver is the key organ responsible for metabolic activation generating dehydro-PAs. Furthermore, these four PAs and another two PAs present in the alkaloid extract of Gynura segetum, a widely used PA-producing herb responsible for human PA poisonings in China, were orally administered to rats using the same hepatotoxic dose of 0.2 mmol/kg. All six PAs induced pneumotoxicity in rats within 48 h. The results demonstrated that pneumotoxicity could be a common phenomenon of PAs and the liver-derived dehydro-PAs might move to the lung and form pyrrole-protein adducts, leading to pulmonary toxicity.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zijing Song
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Yisheng He
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Peter P Fu
- National Center for Toxicological Research, U.S. Food and Drug Administration, Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| |
Collapse
|
22
|
Sun DL, Gong ZH, Shao SL, Shi XL, Yuan XY, Luo H, Wang MY. virB11 gene potentially involves in ATP metabolism to provide energy in H. pylori infection. Microb Pathog 2020; 142:104067. [PMID: 32061915 DOI: 10.1016/j.micpath.2020.104067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2019] [Revised: 02/12/2020] [Accepted: 02/12/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Helicobater pylori (H. pylori) is the most important bacteria known to be associated with various gastroduodenal diseases. virB11 gene is a structural gene of tfs3a genes cluster in the plasticity region of H. pylori. In this study, the structure and biology of virB11 gene were analyzed and elucidated with bioinformatics analysis. After cloning, expression and purification, VirB11 protein was generated for the cytotoxicity to GES-1 cells and the anti-VirB11 protein antibody production for localization and interaction proteins analysis. The results showed that VirB11 protein is a hydrophilic protein, mainly locates in cell membrane. IL-8 productions from GES-1 cells co-culture with VirB11 protein were increased gradually with time (p < 0.001). The interaction proteins of VirB11 protein were F0F1 ATP synthase subunit alpha, ATP synthase subunit beta and isocitrate dehydrogenase. We demonstrate that VirB11 protein possesses cytotoxicity and potentially plays important roles in ATP metabolism to provide energy in the course of H. pylori infection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Da-Lin Sun
- Department of Central Lab, Weihai Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Weihai, Shandong, 264200, PR China; School of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Zhen-Hua Gong
- Department of Genetics Lab, Zibo Maternal and Child Health Hospital, Zibo, Shandong, 255000, PR China
| | - Shu-Li Shao
- Department of Central Lab, Weihai Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Weihai, Shandong, 264200, PR China
| | - Xiao-Lin Shi
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China
| | - Xiao-Yan Yuan
- Department of Central Lab, Weihai Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Weihai, Shandong, 264200, PR China
| | - Hong Luo
- School of Laboratory Medicine, Dalian Medical University, Dalian, Liaoning, 116044, PR China.
| | - Ming-Yi Wang
- Department of Central Lab, Weihai Municipal Hospital Affiliated to Dalian Medical University, Weihai, Shandong, 264200, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen Y, Xiong F, Wang W, Jiang K, Ye X, Deng G, Wang C, Yang L, Xiong A, Wang Z. The long persistence of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-derived pyrrole-protein adducts in vivo: Kinetic study following multiple exposures of a pyrrolizidine alkaloid containing extract of Gynura japonica. Toxicol Lett 2020; 323:41-47. [PMID: 31982501 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxlet.2020.01.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2019] [Revised: 01/21/2020] [Accepted: 01/23/2020] [Indexed: 01/30/2023]
Abstract
Gynura japonica (also named Tusanqi in Chinese) is used as a folk herbal medicine for treating blood stasis or traumatic injury. However, hundreds of hepatic sinusoidal obstruction syndrome (HSOS) cases have been reported after consumption of preparations made from G. japonica because it contains large amounts of hepatotoxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs). To date, blood pyrrole-protein adducts (PPAs) are suggested as biomarkers for the diagnosis of PA-induced HSOS in clinics. However, the concentration of PPAs in the blood is greatly affected by several factors including the amount of PA exposure, herb intake period, and blood sampling time after the last exposure. In present study, the kinetic characters of PPAs in serum and liver as well as other potential target organs were studied systematically and comprehensively following multiple exposures of PAs in G. japonica extract (GJE). As results, PPAs content reached to a plateau both in serum and liver after the mice were treated with GJE for 2 weeks on daily basis. PPAs cleared significantly slower in liver (T1/2ke∼184.6 h, ∼7.7 days) than in serum (T1/2ke∼95.8 h, ∼4.0 days). Although more than 90 % PPAs were removed 2 weeks after the last dosing, PPAs still persisted in the liver until the end of the experiment, i.e. 8 weeks after the last dosing. The results would be of great help for understanding the importance of PPAs for PA-induced toxicity and its detoxification.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yan Chen
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Fen Xiong
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Weiqian Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Kaiyuan Jiang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Xuanling Ye
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gang Deng
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Li Yang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Aizhen Xiong
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Zhengtao Wang
- The Ministry of Education Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai R & D Center for Standardization of Traditional Chinese Medicines, Shanghai, 201203, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Xu J, Wang W, Yang X, Xiong A, Yang L, Wang Z. Pyrrolizidine alkaloids: An update on their metabolism and hepatotoxicity mechanism. LIVER RESEARCH 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.livres.2019.11.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/15/2023]
|
25
|
Li DP, Chen YL, Jiang HY, Chen Y, Zeng XQ, Xu LL, Ye Y, Ke CQ, Lin G, Wang JY, Gao H. Phosphocreatine attenuates Gynura segetum-induced hepatocyte apoptosis via a SIRT3-SOD2-mitochondrial reactive oxygen species pathway. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2019; 13:2081-2096. [PMID: 31417240 PMCID: PMC6602055 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s203564] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2019] [Accepted: 05/15/2019] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Purpose: To investigate the mitochondria-related mechanism of Gynura segetum (GS)-induced apoptosis and the protective effect of phosphocreatine (PCr), a mitochondrial respiration regulator. Methods: First, the mechanism was explored in human hepatocyte cell line. The mitochondrial oxidative stress was determined by fluorescence assay. The level of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3), acetylated superoxide dismutase 2 (Ac-SOD2), SOD2, and apoptosis were detected by Western blotting. Mito-TEMPO and cell lines of viral vector-mediated overexpression of SIRT3 and SIRT3H248Y were used to further verify the mechanism of GS-induced apoptosis. GS-induced liver injury mice models were built by GS through intragastric administration and interfered by PCr through intraperitoneal injection. A total of 30 C57BL/6J mice were assigned to 5 groups and treated with either saline, PCr (100 mg/kg), GS (30 g/kg), or PCr (50 or 100 mg/kg)+GS (30 g/kg). Liver hematoxylin and eosin (HE) staining, immunohistochemical analysis, and blood biochemical evaluation were performed. Results: GS induced hepatocyte apoptosis and elevated levels of mitochondrial ROS in L-02 cells. The expression of SIRT3 was decreased. Downregulation of SIRT3 was associated with increased levels of Ac-SOD2, which is the inactivated enzymatic form of SOD2. Conversely, when overexpressing SIRT3 in GS-treated cells, SOD2 activity was restored, and mitochondrial ROS levels and hepatocyte apoptosis declined. Upon administration of PCr to GS-treated cells, they exhibited a significant upregulation of SIRT3 and were protected against apoptosis. In animal experiments, serum ALT level and mitochondrial ROS of the mice treated with GS and 50 mg/kg PCr were significantly attenuated compared with only GS treated. The changes in SIRT3 expression were also consistent with the in vitro results. In addition, immunohistochemical analysis of the mouse liver showed that Ac-SOD2 was decreased in the PCr and GS co-treated group compared with GS treated group. Conclusion: GS caused liver injury by dysregulating mitochondrial ROS generation via a SIRT3-SOD2 pathway. PCr is a potential agent to treat GS-induced liver injury by mitochondrial protection.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Ping Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ying-Ling Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong-Yue Jiang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiao-Qing Zeng
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Li-Li Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Yang Ye
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pudong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Qiang Ke
- State Key Laboratory of Drug Research & Natural Products Chemistry Department, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Pudong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR
| | - Ji-Yao Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Evidance-based Medicine Center of Fudan University , Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Hong Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Zhongshan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, People's Republic of China.,Evidance-based Medicine Center of Fudan University , Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
26
|
Intestinal and hepatic biotransformation of pyrrolizidine alkaloid N-oxides to toxic pyrrolizidine alkaloids. Arch Toxicol 2019; 93:2197-2209. [PMID: 31222523 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-019-02499-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2019] [Accepted: 06/17/2019] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are among the most significant groups of phytotoxins present in more than 6000 plants in the world. Hepatotoxic retronecine-type PAs and their corresponding N-oxides usually co-exist in plants. Although PA-induced hepatotoxicity is known for a long time and has been extensively studied, the toxicity of PA N-oxide is rarely investigated. Recently, we reported PA N-oxide-induced hepatotoxicity in humans and rodents and also suggested the association of such toxicity with metabolic conversion of PA N-oxides to the corresponding toxic PAs. However, the detailed biochemical mechanism of PA N-oxide-induced hepatotoxicity is largely unknown. The present study investigated biotransformation of four representative cyclic retronecine-type PA N-oxides to their corresponding PAs in both gastrointestinal tract and liver. The results demonstrated that biotransformation of PA N-oxides to PAs was mediated by both intestinal microbiota and hepatic cytochrome P450 monooxygenases (CYPs), in particular CYP1A2 and CYP2D6. Subsequently, the formed PAs were metabolically activated predominantly by hepatic CYPs to form reactive metabolites exerting hepatotoxicity. Our findings delineated, for the first time, that the metabolism-mediated mechanism of PA N-oxide intoxication involved metabolic reduction of PA N-oxides to their corresponding PAs in both intestine and liver followed by oxidative bioactivation of the resultant PAs in the liver to generate reactive metabolites which interact with cellular proteins leading to hepatotoxicity. In addition, our results raised a public concern and also encouraged further investigations on potentially remarkable variations in PA N-oxide-induced hepatotoxicity caused by significantly altered intestinal microbiota due to individual differences in diets, life styles, and medications.
Collapse
|
27
|
Lu Y, Ma J, Lin G. Development of a two-layer transwell co-culture model for the in vitro investigation of pyrrolizidine alkaloid-induced hepatic sinusoidal damage. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 129:391-398. [PMID: 31054999 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2019.04.057] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/01/2019] [Revised: 04/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/29/2019] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
Pyrrolizidine alkaloids (PAs) are hepatotoxic and specifically damage hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HSECs) via cytochrome P450 enzymes (CYPs)-mediated metabolic activation. Due to the lack of CYPs in HSECs, currently there is no suitable cell model for investigating PA-induced HSEC injury. This study aimed to establish a two-layer transwell co-culture model that mimics hepatic environment by including HepaRG hepatocytes and HSECs to evaluate cytotoxicity of PAs on their major target HSECs. In this model, PAs were metabolically activated by CYPs in HepaRG hepatocytes to generate reactive pyrrolic metabolites, which react with co-cultured HSECs leading to HSEC damage. Three representative PAs, namely retrorsine, monocrotaline, and clivorine, induced significant concentration-dependent cytotoxicity in HSECs in the co-culture model, but did no cause obvious cytotoxicity directly in HSECs. Using the developed co-cultured model, further mechanism studies of retrorsine-induced HSEC damage demonstrated that the reactive pyrrolic metabolite generated by CYP-mediated bioactivation in HepaRG hepatocytes caused formation of pyrrole-protein adducts, reduction of GSH content, and generation of reactive oxygen species in HSECs, leading to cell apoptosis. The established co-culture model is reliable and applicable for cytotoxic assessment of PA-induced HSEC damage and offers a novel platform for screening toxicity of different PAs on their target cells.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yao Lu
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Jiang Ma
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
| | - Ge Lin
- School of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| |
Collapse
|