Protective effect of Nasturtium officinale R. Br and quercetin against cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Protective Effects of Xanthine Derivatives Against Arsenic Trioxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mouse Hepatic and Renal Tissues

In this study, the protective efficacy of pentoxifylline (PTX) as a xanthine derivative against arsenic trioxide (ATO)-induced kidney and liver damage in mice was investigated. Thirty-six mice were divided into six groups, receiving intraperitoneal injections of saline, ATO, PTX, or a combination for four weeks. Blood samples were analyzed for serum biochemistry, while hepatic tissue underwent examination for histopathological changes and assessment of oxidative stress markers and antioxidant gene expression through Real-Time PCR. ATO exposure significantly increased serum markers (creatinine, ALT, BUN, ALP, AST) and induced histopathological changes in the liver. Moreover, it elevated renal and hepatic nitric oxide (NO) and lipid peroxidation (LPO) levels, and reduced antioxidant enzyme expression (CAT, GSR, GPx, MPO, SOD), total thiol groups (TTGs), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Conversely, PTX treatment effectively lowered serum hepatic and renal markers, improved antioxidant markers, and induced histopathological alterations. Notably, PTX did not significantly affect renal and hepatic NO levels. These findings suggest that PTX offers therapeutic potential in mitigating liver and acute kidney injuries induced by various insults, including exposure to ATO.

Severity of oxidative stress as a hallmark in COVID-19 patients

INTRODUCTION

Understanding the mechanisms and identifying effective treatments for the COVID-19 outbreak are imperative. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the antioxidant status and oxidative stress parameters as potential pivotal mechanisms in asymptomatic, non-severe, and severe COVID-19 patients.

METHODS

This study is a case-control study that was performed on patients referred to the Persian Gulf Martyrs Hospital of Bushehr University of Medical Sciences, Bushehr, Iran, from May 2021 to September 2021. A total of 600 COVID-19 patients (non-severe and severe group) and 150 healthy volunteers of the same age and sex were selected during the same period. On the first day of hospitalization, 10 ml of venous blood was taken from subjects. Then, hematological, biochemical, serological, antioxidant and oxidative stress parameters were determined.

RESULTS

Our results indicated that ESR, CRP, AST, ALT, and LDH significantly augmented in the severe group as compared to the non-severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). It was observed that the levels of FRAP, G6PD activity, and SOD activity significantly reduced in the non-severe patients in comparison with the severe and normal groups (P ≤ 0.05). We found that MDA content and NO metabolite markedly increased in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.

CONCLUSIONS

Taken together, it seems that the balance between antioxidants and oxidants was disturbed in COVID-19 patients in favor of oxidant markers. In addition, this situation caused more aggravation in severe patients as compared to the non-severe group.

Phytochemical Characteristics and Anti-Inflammatory, Immunoregulatory, and Antioxidant Effects of Portulaca oleracea L.: A Comprehensive Review

Portulaca oleracea L. (P. oleracea) or purslane is a plant from the Portulacaceae family, which is used as food and traditional medicine for various diseases. This review article provides comprehensive information on the antioxidant, immunomodulatory, and anti-inflammatory properties of P. oleracea and its constituents. The literature survey of the different databases until the end of June 2023 was explored based on the keywords including the "P. oleracea, purslane, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and antioxidant properties." The plant contains flavonoids, alkaloids, terpenoids, fatty acids, vitamins, minerals, and some other compounds. The results indicated that P. oleracea and its constituents showed anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory properties through reduction of inflammatory mediators including interferon gama (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-10, IL-4, tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), and nitric oxide. Improvement in cytokines' serum levels (IFN-γ, IL-10, and IL-4) and increased IgG and IgM serum levels, as well as reduction of IgE, phospholipase A2, and total protein were demonstrated for P. oleracea. The plant and its constituents also improved oxidative stress by reduction of oxidant and increase of antioxidant markers. P. oleracea could be considered as an effective remedy for various inflammatory and immune diseases.

Betulin-rich hydroalcoholic extract of Daphne oleoides attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat

Background and objective

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a chronic and progressive respiratory disease representing the final stage of lung inflammatory disorders. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), an essential factor in the formation and progression of pulmonary fibrosis, are a significant adverse effect of Bleomycin (BLM). Antioxidant activities have been found in Daphne oleoides. In this study, we attempted to explore the function of hydroalcoholic extract of Daphne oleoides (D. oleoides) and Betulin in inhibiting bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rat".

Materials and methods

The current experimental study used 36 male Wistar rats (180-220). Following a random process, the animals were divided into six groups six (n = 6). Group, I (the control group) received normal saline, while Group II (the hazardous group) received intratracheal BLM (7.5 units per kg). Following the administration of BLM, Groups V and VI received daily doses of vitamin E (500 mg/kg/d, p.o.) and Betulin (10 mg kg/d, p.o.), whereas Groups III and IV received daily doses of Daphne oleoides extract (300 and 600 mg/kg/d, p.o.). Then, blood samples from the hearts of the animals were taken to assess the plasma concentrations of nitric oxide (NO) and malondialdehyde (MDA). Finally, the rats were euthanized, and the lung tissues were taken out for histological analysis and assessments of the levels of lung hydroxyproline (HP), ferric-reducing ability (FRAP), NO, Glutathione Concentration (GSH), thiol content (tSH) and MDA.

Findings

Elevated lung index, lung hydroxyproline, NO, and MDA plasma levels, and a reduction in total body thiol content (tSH) in the group receiving BLM were evidence of pulmonary toxicity. Treatment with D. oleoides extracts, Betulin, and Vit E, especially at 600 mg/kg, led to a marked reduction in the above parameters compared with the BLM-received group (p < 0.01). Histological Analysis of the BLM-treated group showed a considerable Lung injury with interstitial infiltration, collapsed alveolar spaces, and alveolar septal thickening. These changes were mitigated with D. oleoides 600, Betulin-, and vitamin E. These changes were mitigated with D. oleoides 600, Betulin-, and vitamin E.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that D. oleoides and Betulin prevent bleomycin-induced lung fibrosis in rats by decreasing inflammatory and antioxidant markers. Daphne oleoides, therefore, have the potential to be used therapeutically to treat pulmonary fibrosis.

Folic Acid-Functionalized Albumin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite to Simultaneously Deliver Curcumin and 5-Fluorouracil into Human Colorectal Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study

Background

Nowadays, due to various inherent properties, graphene-based nanoparticles are widely used in drug delivery research. On the other hand, folate receptors are highly expressed on the surface of human tumor cells. In this work, to enhance the 5-fluorouracil (5FU) and curcumin (Cur) effects on colon cancer, we constructed a folic acid- (FA-) modified codelivery carrier based on graphene nanoparticles (GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU).

Materials and Methods

The HUVEC and HT-29 were selected for evaluating the antitumor effect of the prepared nanocarriers. The structure of nanocarriers was characterized by FTIR spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction analysis, TEM microscopy, and a DLS analyzer. The efficiency of the prepared carrier was evaluated by fluorescence microscopy using Annexin V and the PI kit. The cytotoxicity of the carrier's component individually and the efficacy of the drug carrier GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU were assessed by MTT.

Results

The results of the pharmacological tests indicated that the new nanoparticles cause increased apparent toxicity in HT-29 cells. The apoptosis rate of the HT-29 and HUVEC cells treated with IC50 values of GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU for 48 h was higher than the cells treated with IC50 values of 5FU and Cur individually, which indicated the greater inhibitory efficacy of GO-Alb-Cur-FA-5FU than free drugs.

Conclusion

The designed GO-Alb-CUR-FA-5FU delivery system can be applied for targeting colon cancer cells and can be severe as a potential candidate for future drug development.

Combined treatment with Alhagi maurorum and docetaxel inhibits breast cancer progression via targeting HIF-1α/VEGF mediated tumor angiogenesis in vivo

Breast cancer is a challenging disease and leading cause of cancer death in women. There is no effective agent for metastatic breast cancer after surgery and chemotherapy. Alhagi maurorum (A.m) has been reported to exhibit an anticancer effect on various types of cancer cells in vitro. This study aimed to examine the suppressive effect of A.m alone and combined with docetaxel (DTX) on the breast cancer growth in mice models and the possible underlying mechanisms. In the present study, the mice were inoculated subcutaneously with the injections of 4T1 cells. Then, A.m, DTX, and their combination were administered intraperitoneally. The expressions of β-catenin (β-cat), FZD7, MMP2, HIF1-α, and VEGF A (vascular endothelial growth factor A) were investigated using RT-PCR method. Also, plasma alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (GPT or ALT), aspartate transaminase (GOT or AST), serum creatinine, and urea were examined, and histological analyses of the tissues were conducted. The results demonstrated that A.m (500 mg/kg) combined with DTX significantly decreased the expression of β-cat, MMP2, and FZD7 as compared with the negative control group and monotherapies. Also, the mRNA levels of HIF1-α and VEGF A were suppressed significantly by DTX + A.m (500 mg/kg). Tumor weights and sizes were significantly lower and tumor inhibition rate was significantly higher in the DTX + A.m group. The A.m 500 mg/kg + DTX also suppressed the serum GPT level in tumor-bearing mice and decreased the serum urea level. Taken together, our findings suggest that DTX combined with A.m at an optimal dose of 500 mg/kg as the optimal dose can inhibit β-cat, FZD7, MMP2, and breast cancer growth via interrupting HIF-1α/VEGF signaling and might be used as a promising antiangiogenic agent for breast cancer treatment.

Antioxidant-Based Preventive Effect of Phytochemicals on Anticancer Drug-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Significance: Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) or hepatotoxicity has been a hot issue to overcome on the safety and physiological function of the liver, since it is known to have biochemical, cellular, immunological, and molecular alterations in the liver mainly induced by alcohol, chemicals, drugs, heavy metals, and genetic factors. Recently efficient therapeutic and preventive strategies by some phytochemicals are of interest, targeting oxidative stress-mediated hepatotoxicity alone or in combination with anticancer drugs. Recent Advances: To assess DILI, the variety of in vitro and in vivo animal models has been developed mainly by using carbon tetrachloride, d-galactosamine, acetaminophen, and lipopolysaccharide. Also, the mechanisms on hepatotoxicity by several drugs and herbs have been explored in detail. Recent studies reveal that antioxidants including vitamins and some phytochemicals were reported to prevent against DILI. Critical Issues: Antioxidant therapy with some phytochemicals is noteworthy, since oxidative stress is critically involved in DILI via production of chemically reactive oxygen species or metabolites, impairment of mitochondrial respiratory chain, and induction of redox cycling. Future Directions: For efficient antioxidant therapy, DILI susceptibility, Human Leukocyte Antigen genetic factors, biomarkers, and pathogenesis implicated in hepatotoxicity should be further explored in association with oxidative stress-mediated signaling, while more randomized preclinical and clinical trials are required with optimal safe doses of drugs and/or phytochemicals alone or in combination for efficient clinical practice along with the development of advanced DILI diagnostic tools.

Combination of metformin and hesperidin mitigates cyclophosphamide-induced hepatotoxicity. Emerging role of PPAR-γ/Nrf-2/NF-κB signaling pathway

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as an immunosuppressive and chemotherapeutic drug. However, its therapeutic application is restricted by its adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity. Both metformin (MET) and hesperidin (HES) have promising antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. Therefore, the principal aim of the current study is to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of MET, HES, and their combinations on the CP-induced hepatotoxicity model. Hepatotoxicity was evoked by a single (I.P) injection of CP (200 mg/kg) on day 7. For this study, 64 albino rats were randomly categorized into eight equal groups; naïve, control vehicle, untreated CP (200 mg/kg, IP), and CP 200 groups treated with MET 200, HES 50, HES 100 or a combination of MET 200 with HES 50 and HES 100 respectively orally daily for 12 days. At the end of the study, the liver function biomarkers, oxidative stress, inflammatory parameters, histopathological and immunohistochemical analysis of PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, NF-κB, Bcl-2, and caspase3 were assessed. CP significantly increased serum ALT, AST, total bilirubin, hepatic MDA, NO content, NF-κB, and TNF-α. Otherwise, albumin, hepatic GSH content, Nrf-2, and PPAR-γ expression decreased considerably compared to the control vehicle group. The combinations of MET200 with HES50 or HES100 induced pronounced hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects on CP-treated rats. The possible explanation of such hepatoprotective effects may be mediated via upregulation of Nrf-2, PPAR-γ, Bcl-2 expression, hepatic GSH content, and marked suppression of TNF-α and NF-κB expression. In conclusion, the current study showed that combining MET and HES revealed a remarkable hepatoprotective effect against CP-induced hepatotoxicity.

Oliveria decumbens Extract Exhibits Hepatoprotective Effects Against Bile Duct Ligation-Induced Liver Injury in Rats by Reducing Oxidative Stress

Background: Cholestasis is described as a disease in which bile flow from the liver is reduced or stopped, and due to its oxidative effects, irreversible consequences may occur. Due to the remarkable antioxidant properties of Oliveria decumbens (OD) and the contribution of oxidants to the progression of bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced cholestasis, Objectives: This research aimed to examine how the OD ethanolic extract affected liver damage and oxidant-antioxidant balance markers in BDL-induced cholestasis. Methods: Forty male Wistar rats weighing 200 - 250 g were used. Cholestasis was induced using the BDL approach. The rats were categorized into four groups: Group 1, sham control (SC); group 2, cholestatic; group 3, SC + OD; and group 4, cholestatic + OD. A dose of OD ethanolic extract was administered orally (500 mg/kg/day) to rats for seven days. Seven days following surgery, the rats’ blood samples were collected; after sacrifice, a part of the liver tissue was isolated. A histopathological examination was performed, while the rest was stored at -70°C in liquid nitrogen. Heparin-containing tubes were used to gather blood samples. In plasma and hepatic tissue, biochemical tests, histopathological evaluations, and oxidative stress markers staining levels were performed. Results: Our findings showed that OD could effectively reduce liver injury by reducing the activity of liver function enzymes (AST and ALP). At the same time, it did not affect total bilirubin and protein. Bile duct ligation-induced hepatic markers of protein oxidation (PCO) and reactive nitrogen species (NO) were significantly decreased by OD, and it also promoted liver antioxidant capacity by enhancing superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities. Moreover, OD treatment prevented liver bile duct proliferative changes in histopathologic analysis. Conclusions: Our study confirmed that OD exerts substantial hepatoprotective activities against BDL-induced cholestasis by improving liver damage markers and regulating oxidative stress. It may be a beneficial therapeutic agent for managing cholestasis. Bioassay-guided isolation and identification of bioactive OD secondary metabolites can further direct the discovery of potential natural-based drug candidates.

Role of melatonin and quercetin as countermeasures to the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by titanium dioxide nanoparticles

AIM

Due to the growing commercialization of titanium dioxide nanoparticles (TNPs), it is necessary to use these particles in a manner that is safe, healthy and environmental friendly. Through reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, it has been discovered that TNPs have a harmful effect on the brain. The aim of this study is to provide valuable insights into the possible mechanisms of TNPs induced mitochondrial dysfunction in brain and its amelioration by nutraceuticals, quercetin (QR) and melatonin (Mel) in in vitro and in vivo conditions.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Whole brain mitochondrial sample was used for in-vitro evaluation. Pre-treatment of QR (30 μM) and Mel (100 μM) at 25 °C for 1 h was given prior to TNPs (50 μg/ml) exposure. For in-vivo study, male Wistar rats were divided into four groups. Group I was control and group II was exposed to TNPs (5 mg/kg b.wt., i.v.). QR (5 mg/kg b.wt.) and Mel (5 mg/kg b.wt.) were given orally as pre-treatment in groups III and IV, respectively. Biochemical parameters, neurobehavioural paradigms, mitochondrial respiration, neuronal architecture assessment were assessed.

KEY FINDINGS

QR and Mel restored the mitochondrial oxidative stress biomarkers in both the studies. Additionally, these nutraceuticals resuscitated the neurobehavioural alterations and restored the neuronal architecture alterations in TNPs exposed rats. The mitochondrial dysfunction induced by TNPs was also ameliorated by QR and Mel by protecting the mitochondrial complex activity and mitochondrial respiration rate.

SIGNIFICANCE

Results of the study demonstrated that QR and Mel ameliorated mitochondrial mediated neurotoxic effects induced by TNPs exposure.

Nanoliposome-Loaded Phenolics from Nasturtium officinale Improves Health Parameters in a Colorectal Cancer Mouse Model

Nasturtium officinale contains high amounts of phytochemical compounds that work against oxidative damages leading to improved health conditions in animals as well as humans. The study was performed to investigate the health benefits of nonencapsulated and nanoliposome-encapsulated phenolic rich fractions obtained from Nasturtium officinale on mice induced colorectal cancer. The experiment focused on encapsulation efficiency in improving the effectiveness of plant bioactive compounds. Phenolic rich fractions (PRF) were successfully loaded in the nanoliposome structure, a nanometer in size, of spherical shape and with homogeneous dispersion. Induction of colorectal cancer in mice impaired weight gain and feed intake, liver function and structural characteristics of ileum, while the dietary administration of nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF regulated the expression of Caspase 3, Bax, Bcl2, iNOS and SOD genes in the tumor tissue. The addition of nonencapsulated PRF and nanoliposome encapsulated PRF at the concentration of 100 mg TPC/kg BW/day improved the genes expression, although the nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF revealed better health outcomes compared to nonencapsulated PRF. Furthermore, both PRF improved intestinal morphology when the mice were challenged with colorectal cancer. The higher health promoting activity of nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF could be associated with its enhanced intestinal absorption, bioavailability, bioaccessibility and bioactivity. Consequently, the nanoliposome-encapsulated PRF could be considered as a promising anticancer agent against colorectal cancer.

Stachys pilifera Benth. Ameliorates Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Rats through the Antioxidant Pathways

Methods

In this experimental study, 35 male Wistar rats (120-180 g) were divided into five groups (n = 7) as follows: intratracheal instillation of bleomycin (BLM, 7.5 IU/kg) was administered to group II. The third and fourth groups received BLM plus Stachys pilifera hydroalcoholic extract (SPHE) (300 mg/kg/day, gavage). Vitamin E (500 mg/kg/day, gavage) was given to group V in addition to BLM. After 14 days, the animals were euthanized to assess biochemical parameters and lung histopathology. Malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), total thiol (TSH), and glutathione (GSH) levels were measured. In addition, hydroxyproline (HYP) levels along with histological changes in lung tissue were also assessed.

Results

MDA, NO, and HYP elevations induced by BLM toxicity were significantly inhibited by SPHE (300 and 600 mg/kg), and Vit E. SPHE also significantly increased GSH and TSH levels in comparison to the BLM group.HPLC analyses showed the presence of thymol (55.47 ng/mL) and carvacrol (109.91 ng/mL) in SPHE as potential bioactive phenolic compounds.

Conclusion

The results suggest that SPHE alleviates the development of BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis by inhibiting the proliferation of fibroblasts mediated by antioxidant pathways. Other mechanisms underlying this Effect of SPHE need to be clarified through further research.

Liposome Extract of Stachys pilifera Benth Effectively Improved Liver Damage due to Bile Duct Ligation Rats

Herbal medicines harbor essential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cholestasis. In this study, we have assessed the anticholestatic potential of Stachys pilifera Benth's (SPB's) hydroalcoholic extract encapsulated into liposomes using bile duct ligation- (BDL-) induced hepatic cholestasis in rats. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (T-SH) content, protein carbonyl (PCO), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were measured in either liver tissue or plasma to assess liver damage. Moreover, expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-β and SM-α) which are driving forces of many liver disorders was also determined. The activity of AST, ALT, and ALP was significantly enhanced in the BDL group in comparison to the control group; however, treatment with liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced AST and ALT's activity. Increases in MDA, TBIL, and NO levels and T-SH content due to BDL were restored to control levels by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Similarly, hepatic and plasma oxidative marker MDA levels, significantly enhanced by BDL, were significantly decreased by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Moreover, histopathological findings further demonstrated a significant decrease in hepatic damage in the liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract-treated BDL group. In addition, liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment decreased the liver expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-β and SM-α). Since liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment alleviated the BDL-induced injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function more efficiently in comparison to free SPB hydroalcoholic extract, probable liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract exhibits required potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver against BDL-caused oxidative injury.

Effect of ethanolic extract of Stachys pilifera Benth on subacute experimental models of inflammation and some underlying mechanisms

Background and purpose

This study was designed to evaluate the anti-inflammatory activities of S. pilifera (HESP) in two sub-acute models of inflammation and clarified some possible mechanisms.

Experimental approach

Colorimetric methods were used to determine total phenol and flavonoid contents. Carrageenan or formalin-induced rat paw edema (seven days) and multiple application TPA-induced ear edema in mice (9 days) were used. The concentration of IL-1 and TNF-α were measured in the inflamed paw, as well as MDA levels in the serum and liver. Histopathological studies and in vitro anti-inflammatory effects of the extract were also studied using heat-or hypotonicity-induced hemolysis in RBC humans.

Findings/Results

Total phenol and flavonoid contents of HESP were 101.35 ± 2.96 mg GAE/g extract and 660.79 ± 10.06 mg RE g extract, respectively. Oral (100 and 200 mg/kg) and topical application (5 mg/ear) of HESP significantly inhibited formalin-induced paw edema and multiple TPA-induced ear edema. The extract also significantly decreased the serum and liver levels of MDA in the carrageenan and formalin tests. The elevated levels of TNF-α and IL-1β in the carrageenan-injected paw were not affected by HESP. The extract (50-800 μg/mL) inhibited heat-or hypotonicity-induced hemolysis. Histopathological examination of the inflamed tissues revealed that HESP inhibited congestion and leukocyte infiltration.

Conclusion and implications

The findings confirmed the potent anti-inflammatory effects of S. pilifera in two sub-acute inflammation models and suggested that these properties were not related to IL-1 and TNF-α, but could be attributed to inhibition of lipid peroxidation, membrane stabilization, and inhibition of leukocyte penetration.

[Effect of fatty acid synthase gene silencing on lipid metabolism and biological behaviors of human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of fatty acid synthase (FASN) gene silencing on lipid metabolism and biological behaviors of human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells.

OBJECTIVE

Small interfering RNA (siRNA) targeting FASN gene or a negative control siRNA sequence (NC-siRNA) was transfected into HepG2 cells, and the gene silencing efficiency was evaluated with qRT-PCR and Western blotting. Triglyceride level in the cells was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and Oil red O staining was performed to examine intracellular lipid droplets. The proliferation ability of the transfected cells was tested by CCK-8 assay, and cell apoptosis was evaluated using annexin V-FITC/PI apoptosis detection kit. Wound healing assay and Transwell assay were performed to assess the migration ability of the transfected cells.

OBJECTIVE

Transfection of the cells with FASN-siRNA, but not NC-siRNA, significantly lowered FASN expression at both the mRNA and protein level (P < 0.001) and decreased the number of lipid droplets (P < 0.001) and triglyceride level (P < 0.01) in the cells. FASN gene silencing significantly inhibited proliferation, increased apoptosis rate and suppressed migration of HepG2 cells (P < 0.001).

OBJECTIVE

FASN gene silencing inhibits proliferation and migration and promotes apoptosis of HepG2 cells possibly by suppressing lipid synthesis in the cells.

Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects of Origanum majorana L. Methanolic Extract on Bile Duct Ligation in Male Rats

Introduction

Cholestasis is caused by malfunction of the hepatobiliary system. This disorder is the result of the accumulation of bile fatty acids and other toxins in the liver. The aim of the current study was to investigate the antioxidative and hepatoprotective effects of methanolic extract of Origanum majorana L. (OM) on hepatic disorder and tissue damage induced by bile duct ligation (BDL) in rats. Materials and methods. Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 4 groups including sham control group received vehicle (SC-V), bile duct ligation received vehicle (BDL-V), bile duct ligation group received OM extract (BDL + OM), and sham control group received OM extract (SC + OM). One day after surgery, the animals received vehicle or methanolic extract of OM 300 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days by oral gavage. Finally, the animals were anesthetized and the blood samples were collected from each animal. After sacrificing of animals, liver tissue from each rat was removed and divided into three parts: one part was used for preparing of homogenized tissue, one part was fixed in 10% neutral formalin for histopathology examination, and the third part was kept in liquid nitrogen for gene expression analysis. Biomarkers of oxidative stress in the liver tissue and serum, as well as histopathological changes of the liver, were assessed. Also, the gene expression of IL-1, TNF-α, TGF-β, and α-SMA has been measured.

Results

The results showed that BDL-V significantly increased the activity of ALT, AST, ALP, and total bilirubin compared to the SC-V group. The oxidative stress markers such as MDA and FRAP significantly increased due to BDL, while the CAT activity reduced in the BDL-V group compared to SC-V group. Oral treatment with OM reduced ALT and AST activity, although it was not statistically significant. OM treatment considerably increased the activity of CAT compared to BDL group. BDL-V induced a significant histological change in the liver, while treatment with OM at a dose of 300 mg/kg showed a minor effect on histopathological changes. In addition, the mRNA of IL-1, TNF-α, TGF-β, and α-SMA significantly increased in the BDL-V group, while treatment with OM only significantly reduced TGF-β in comparison with BDL-V rats.

Conclusions

The results of the present study showed that oral administration of OM extract had a moderate protective effect on cholestasis due to BDL. Indeed, more studies with different doses of extract are needed to confirm this finding.

Effects of Nasturtium officinale Extract on Antioxidant and Biochemical Parameters in Hemodialysis Patients: A Randomized Double-Blind Clinical Trial

Background

Increased oxidative stress play an important role in the risk of cardiovascular disease, mortality, and mortality patients undergoing dialysis. Nasturtium officinale (watercress) contains numerous phytochemical compounds that act as an antioxidant by preventing oxidative damage to biomolecules. Therefore, this research aimed to explore the effect of the ethanolic extract of Nasturtium officinale (EENO) on antioxidant and biochemical markers of hemodialysis patients.

Methods

In this double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 46 hemodialysis patients were randomly recruited to consume either 500 mg/day EENO (n = 23) or placebo capsule (n = 23) for 4 weeks, at Shahid Beheshti Hospital, Yasuj, Iran, in 2019. Biomarkers of oxidative stress including glutathione peroxidase (GPX), superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), total oxidant status (TOS), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), and total sulfhydryl protein (T-SH) and biochemical parameters such as BUN, Hb, WBC, PLT, Ca, Ph, K, ALB, TChol, TG, LDL, and HDL were evaluated on days 0 and 28.

Results

The serum levels of MDA and BUN significantly decreased after taking EENO supplementation (P < 0.001); however, SOD activity increased during the same period (P < 0.001). The serum levels of TAC remained constant in the intervention group, while it significantly declined in the placebo group (P < 0.09). The extract also prevented elevation in the serum levels of LDL and TG compared to the placebo group, although it was not statistically significant.

Conclusions

The data indicated that the consumption of EENO improved some of the antioxidant parameters and minimizes the change in TG and LDL in hemodialysis patients. Therefore, due to the role of these factors in mortality and morbidity of dialysis patients, EENO can improve the condition of dialysis patients. However, more studies with longer intervention times and different doses of EENO are recommended.