Antioxidant and Antiapoptotic Polyphenols from Green Tea Extract Ameliorate CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Hypericum perforatum L. Nanoemulsion Mitigates Cisplatin-Induced Chemobrain via Reducing Neurobehavioral Alterations, Oxidative Stress, Neuroinflammation, and Apoptosis in Adult Rats

Cisplatin (Cis) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent; however, it is linked with oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which may harmfully affect the brain. Hypericum perforatum L. (HP L.) is a strong medicinal plant, but its hydrophobic polyphenolic compounds limit its activity. Therefore, our study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective action of HP L. and its nanoemulsion (NE) against Cis-induced neurotoxicity. The prepared HP.NE was subjected to characterization. The droplet size distribution, surface charge, and morphology were evaluated. In addition, an in vitro dissolution study was conducted. Compared to Cis-intoxicated rats, HP L. and HP.NE-treated rats displayed improved motor activity and spatial working memory. They also showed an increase in their antioxidant defense system and a reduction in the levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the brain. Moreover, they showed an increase in the expression levels of the PON-3 and GPX genes, which are associated with a reduction in the brain levels of COX-2 and TP-53. These findings were confirmed by reducing the immunohistochemical expression of nuclear factor kappa (NF-ƘB) and enhanced Ki-67 levels. In conclusion, HP L. is a promising herb and could be used as an adjuvant candidate to ameliorate chemotherapeutic-induced neurotoxicity. Moreover, HP.NE has superior activity in lessening Cis-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis in brain tissue.

ROS/ER stress contributes to trimethyltin chloride-mediated hepatotoxicity; Tea polyphenols alleviate apoptosis and immunosuppression

Trimethyltin chloride (TMT) is an organotin-based contaminant present in the water environment that poses a great threat to aquatic organisms and humans. The liver is the detoxification organ of the body and TMT exposure accumulates in the liver. Tea polyphenol (TP) is a natural antioxidant extracted from tea leaves and has been widely used as a food and feed additive. To investigate the mechanism of toxicity caused by TMT exposure on grass carp hepatocytes (L8824 cells) and the mitigating effect of TP, we established a hepatocyte model of TMT toxicity and/or TP treatment. L8824 cells were treated with 0.5 μM of TMT and/or 4 μg/mL of TP for 24 h and assayed for relevant indices. The results showed that TMT exposure caused oxidative stress, resulting in increased intracellular ROS content, resulting in intracellular ROS accumulation and increased MDA content, and inhibiting the activities of T-AOC, SOD, CAT, and GSH. Meanwhile, TMT exposure activated the endoplasmic reticulum apoptotic signaling pathway, resulting in abnormal expression of GRP78, ATF-6, IRE1, PERK, Caspase-3 and Caspase-12. In addition, TMT exposure also led to up-regulation of cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and decreased expression of IL-2, IFN-γ, and antimicrobial peptides Hepcidin, β-defensin, and LEAP2. However, the addition of TP could mitigate the above changes. In conclusion, TP can alleviate TMT exposure-mediated hepatotoxicity by inhibiting ROS/ER stress in L8824 cells. In addition, this trial enriches the cytotoxicity study of TMT and provides a new theoretical basis for the use of TP as a mitigating agent for TMT.

Twelve weeks of treadmill exercise training with green tea extract reduces myocardial oxidative stress and alleviates cardiomyocyte apoptosis in aging rat: The emerging role of BNIP3 and HIF-1α/IGFBP3 pathway

In this study, we consider the effect of treadmill exercise training, green tea extract, and combination of exercise training with green tea extract, in aging rat cardiac myocytes apoptosis markers (i.e., HIF-1α, BNIP3, Bax, IGFBP3, Bcl-2, caspase-3, MDA, GPx, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and hematoxylin and eosin). Twenty-four rats (male, Wistar) were divided into four groups: (I) control (n = 6), (II) green tea extract (n = 6), (III) exercise (n = 6), and (IV) exercise + green tea extract (n = 6). Exercise groups performed 12 weeks of running on a rodent treadmill at 17-27 m.min^-1 (60-75% vo2peak) for 5 days per week. Green tea extract involved 300 mg.kg^-1 , 5 days per week for 12 weeks. After being euthanized, the blood and heart were collected for glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, malondialdehyde (MDA), HIF-1α, BNIP3, insulin-like growth factor-binding protein-3 (IGFBP3), Bax, Bcl-2, caspase-3, Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and hematoxylin and eosin level measurements. Compared to control, the ANOVA demonstrated significant effects of green tea extract (F = 14.646 to 32.453, p = .009 to .001, η = 0.295 to 0.715) and exercise training (F = 9.213 to 133.828, p = .007 to .001, η = 0.315 to η = 0.870) on HIF-1a, BNIP3, Bax, IGFBP3, Bcl-2, caspase-3, MDA, GPx, and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. However, the combination of green tea extract and exercise had no effect on the aforementioned apoptosis markers when compared to isolated green tea extract or isolated exercise (F = 0.002 to 4.068, p = .057 to .968, and η = 0.001 to 0.169). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Isolated exercise training and green tea extract may provide a cardioprotective effect on aging-induced apoptosis through the downregulation of HIF-1α, BNIP3, and IGFBP3 in the heart muscle. However, further research is needed to clarify the effects of combining exercise and green tea.

Response Surface Optimization for Investigating Antioxidant Potential of Camellia Sinensis and Withania Somnifera in Synergistic Manner

The paper highlights the synergistic potential of the novel combination of Camellia sinensis (Kangra green tea) and Withania somnifera (Ashwagandha). One variable at a time approach was used to find antioxidant potential of C. sinensis and W. somnifera alone and in combination. Optimization of antioxidant potential was done by using different plant concentrations of C. sinensis and W. somnifera using a statistical approach of central composite design (CCD) of RSM (response surface methodology). Initial antioxidant activity during optimization of the solvent system was observed in methanol for C. sinensis with DPPH, superoxide radical scavenging assay and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay (44.9 ± 0.62, 43.77 ± 0.10, 43.88 ± 0.10% scavenging) and for W. somnifera (40.22 ± 0.39, 43.29 ± 1.12, 41.88 ± 0.11% scavenging), respectively. Initially, IC50 has been calculated for C. sinensis (235.26 ± 0.012 μg/mL) and W. somnifera (256.39 ± 0.43 μg/mL) in methanol. Before statistical optimization, the maximum synergistic antioxidant potential of C. sinensis (200 μg/mL) and W. somnifera (150 μg/mL) with DPPH assay, superoxide radical scavenging and hydrogen peroxide scavenging assay was found to be 56.57 ± 0.62, 56.99 ± 0.42, 55.44 ± 0.53% scavenging, respectively. IC50 value has been calculated for C. sinensis + W. somnifera (IC50 = 215.47 ± 0.06 μg/mL). Optimization of plant concentration using CCD of RSM resulted in enhancement of antioxidant potential of C. sinensis (200.5 μg/mL) and W. somnifera (200.5 μg/mL) was found to be 78.01 ± 0.01% scavenging when compared to the initial antioxidant potential, i.e., 56.57 ± 0.62% scavenging shows a 1.37-fold increase from initial antioxidant potential. Research unveils that using various combination of C. sinensis and W. somnifera enhance the antioxidant potential in vitro.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s40011-022-01423-6.

The Protective Impact of Salsola imbricata Leaf Extract From Taif Against Acrylamide-Induced Hepatic Inflammation and Oxidative Damage: The Role of Antioxidants, Cytokines, and Apoptosis-Associated Genes

Salsola imbricata is a herbal plant native to Saudi Arabia, known for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study explored the protective effects of an ethanolic leaf extract of Salsola imbricata against the oxidative stress and hepatic injury caused by acrylamide. Rats received intragastric administrations of 20 mg/kg of body weight of acrylamide to induce hepatic injury, or 300 mg/kg of body weight of Salsola ethanolic extract orally for 7 days before acrylamide administration. The treatments were continued for 3 weeks. Blood and liver samples were collected from all the groups, and the following biochemical parameters were tested: serum ALT (alanine aminotransferase), AST (aspartate aminotransferase), GGT (gamma glutaryl transferase), urea, albumin, total proteins, catalase, SOD (superoxide dismutase), reduced glutathione (GSH), nitric oxide (NO), and MDA (malondialdehyde). Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was used to examine the expression of Nrf2 (Nuclear factor-erythroid factor 2-related factor 2), HO-1 (Hemoxygenase-1), COX-2 (Cyclooxgenase-2), TGF-β1 (transforming growth factor-beta1), Bax, and Bcl2 (B-cell lymphoma 2), which are associated with oxidative stress, fibrosis, apoptosis, and anti-apoptotic effects. The annexin and survivin immunoreactivity were examined at the immunohistochemical level. Pretreatment with the Salsola ethanolic extract reduced the negative impact of acrylamide on ALT, AST, GGT, urea, albumin, and total proteins. The Salsola ethanolic extract reversed acrylamide's effects on serum and tissue antioxidants. Nrf2/HO-1 expression was downregulated, while COX-2 and TGF-β1 were upregulated in the acrylamide-administered group and normalized by the pre-administration of Salsola ethanolic extract to the acrylamide experimental group. The immunoreactivity of annexin and survivin was restored in the experimental group administered Salsola ethanolic extract plus acrylamide. In conclusion, Salsola ethanolic extract inhibits and regulates the side effects induced in the liver by acrylamide. Salsola induced its impacts by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress, and apoptosis-/anti-apoptosis-associated genes at the biochemical, molecular, and cellular levels. Salsola is recommended as oxidative stress relievers against environmental toixicity at high altitude areas.

Protective Effect of Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1201 Combined with Galactooligosaccharide on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Acute liver injury (ALI) has a high mortality rate of approximately 20–40%, and it is imperative to find complementary and alternative drugs for treating ALI. A carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced ALI mouse model was established to explore whether dietary intervention can alleviate ALI in mice. Intestinal flora, intestinal integrity, biomarkers of hepatic function, systemic inflammation, autophagy, and apoptosis signals were detected through a real-time PCR, hematoxylin-eosin staining, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and so on. The results showed that Lactiplantibacillus plantarum 1201 had a strongly antioxidant ability, and galactooligosaccharide (GOS) could boost its growth. Based on these findings, the combination of L. plantarum 1201 and GOS, the synbiotic, was applied to prevent CCl₄-induced ALI in mice. The current research proved that GOS promoted the intestinal colonization of L. plantarum 1201, and the synbiotic improved the antioxidant capacity of the host, regulated the intestinal flora, repaired the intestinal barrier, inhibited the activation of the MAPK/NF-κB pathway, and then inhibited the apoptosis and autophagy pathways, relieving inflammation and liver oxidation; thereby, the ALI of mice was alleviated. These results suggest that synbiotics may become a new research direction for liver-protecting drugs.

Dietary Supplementation of Olive Mill Waste Water Polyphenols in Rabbits: Evaluation of the Potential Effects on Hepatic Apoptosis, Inflammation and Metabolism through RT-qPCR Approach

Agro-industrial processing for the production of food or non-food products generates a wide range of by-products and residues rich in bioactive compounds including polyphenols. The concentration of these by-products is sometimes higher than in the original raw material as in the case of olive mill waste water (OMWW), one of the main by-products of olive oil extraction. Polyphenols are secondary plant metabolites that regulate the expression of specific inflammatory genes, transcriptional factors and pro/anti-apoptotic molecules, thus modulating the signaling pathways essential for cell health and homeostasis. The liver plays a key role in regulating homeostasis by responding to dietary changes in order to maintain nutritional and physiological states. In this study a nutrigenomic approach was adopted, which focuses on the effects of diet-health-gene interactions and the modulation of cellular processes, in order to evaluate the expression of the genes (AGER, BAX, COX2, IL1B, PPARA, PPARG, SIRT1, TNFA) involved in these interactions in the livers of rabbits fed with a diet supplemented with OMWW (POL) or without supplements (control, CTR). The RT-qPCR analysis showed the down-regulation of SIRT1, TNFA, AGER, BAX and PPARA transcripts in the POL group compared to the CTR group. These results show that OMWW dietary supplementation prevents cell death and tissue deterioration in rabbits.

Modifying influence of polyphenols on hematotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity induced by liquefied petroleum gas in rats

Objective

This study was designed to investigate the effects of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) on hematotoxic, cardiotoxic, and hepatotoxic indices and the modifying influence of selected polyphenols.

Methods

Adult male Wistar rats were exposed to1000 ppm LPG for 10 min at 12-h interval for 30 days with or without cotreatment with 50 mg/kg rutin, quercetin, tannic acid, or gallic acid followed by hematological, biochemical, and histopathological evaluations in animal tissues.

Results

Exposure to LPG induced hematotoxicity, cardiotoxicity, and hepatotoxicity. This is reflected in alterations to levels or activities of blood parameters (hemoglobin, packed cell volume, red blood cells, mean corpuscular volume, mean corpuscular hemoglobin, and platelets), enzymatic and nonenzymatic oxidative stress markers, nitrite, lactate dehydrogenase, creatine kinase-MB, transaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, and plasma albumin. LPG exposure also caused dyslipidemia and histoarchitectural changes. Treatment with the selected polyphenols effectively attenuated LPG-induced toxicity in rat tissues.

Conclusion

The results indicate that continuous exposure to LPG could lead to blood-, heart-, and liver-related diseases and dietary polyphenols could provide benefits in diseases associated with LPG inhalation toxicity.

Molecular mechanisms underlying health benefits of tea compounds

Tea is one of the three most widely consumed beverages in the world, not only because of its unique flavor but also due to its various health benefits. The bioactive components in tea, such as polyphenols, polysaccharides, polypeptides, pigments, and alkaloids, are the main contributors to its health functions. Based on epidemiological surveys, the consumption of tea and its compounds in daily life has positive effects on cardiovascular diseases, cancers, hepatopathy, obesity, and diabetes mellitus. In experimental studies, the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-obesity, cardiovascular protective, liver protective, and hypoglycemic activities of tea and the related mechanisms of action have been widely investigated. The regulation of several classical signaling pathways, such as nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), AMP activated protein kinase (AMPK), and wingless/integrated (Wnt) signaling, is involved. Clinical trials have also demonstrated the potential of tea products to be applied as dietary supplements and natural medicines. In this paper, we reviewed and discussed the recent literature on the health benefits of tea and its compounds, and specifically explored the molecular mechanisms involved.

Ziziphus spina-christi (L.) fortified with Camellia sinensis mediates apoptosis, Notch-1 signaling, and mitigates obesity-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver

The habit of drinking tea is highly prevalent and could be utilized to introduce more health benefits through fortification with medicinal plants. The purpose of this analysis was to assess the nutritional quality and health benefits of fortified Ziziphus tea (ZT) with green tea (GT) against obesity and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Proximate analysis and sensory evaluation were carried out on the fortified tea. In the in vivo study, 15 SD rats were used for each group. Flow cytometry was utilized for caspase 3 analysis. ELISA was used for the detection of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and adiponectin levels. Real-time PCR was used to detect Notch-1 and Hes-1 gene expression. The composition of fortified (GT+ZT) showed a significant improvement in the nutritional value represented by the increase in overall protein, crude fat, crude fiber, ash, carbohydrate, mineral contents, and antioxidant capacity. Treatment with GT+ZT restored the disturbance in body weight, lipid profile, liver function, glucose, insulin sensitivity index, and oxidative status. It reversed the changes in TNF-α and adiponectin levels. Their protective effects against NAFLD were indicated by the inhibition of hepatic caspase-3 activity, suppression of Notch-1, and Hes-1 gene expression and amelioration of high-fat diet (HFD)-induced histological alterations. Collectively, our findings, elucidate the precise mechanism of fortified ZT+GT for the attenuation of obesity-induced metabolic disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, TNF-α, adiponectin, apoptosis, and Notch-1 signaling pathways, and provide a foundation for an easily implemented healthy habit of drinking. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: The incorporation of bioactive compounds into functional foods is a growing market. Consumer attention in well-being has increased rapidly toward a fortified diet that provides additional health effects. The fortified (GT+ZT) tea may potentially serve as an easily implemented healthy drinking habit to prevent and manage obesity and NAFLD and reduce the risk of other diseases. Fortification with ZT improved the health-promoting functionality of GT through the enhancement of total protein, carbohydrates, antioxidant, and mineral contents. This was reflected by their synergetic therapeutic activity in ameliorating the disturbance in obesity-related disorders and NAFLD via regulating lipolysis, inflammation, oxidative stress, apoptosis, and Notch-1 signaling pathways. Therefore, (GT+ZT) could be considered functional foods which attribute to functional improvement and reduction in disease risk.

Beneficial effect of Indigo Naturalis on acute lung injury induced by influenza A virus

Background

Infections induced by influenza viruses, as well as coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19) pandemic induced by severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) led to acute lung injury (ALI) and multi organ failure, during which traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) played an important role in treatment of the pandemic. The study aimed to investigate the effect of Indigo Naturalis on ALI induced by influenza A virus (IAV) in mice.

Method

The anti-influenza and anti-inflammatory properties of aqueous extract of Indigo Naturalis (INAE) were evaluated in vitro. BALB/c mice inoculated intranasally with IAV (H1N1) were treated intragastrically with INAE (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/day) 2 h later for 4 or 7 days. Animal lifespan and mortality were recorded. Expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB-1) and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) were evaluated through immunohistological staining. Inflammatory cytokines were also monitored by ELISA.

Result

INAE inhibited virus replication on Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells and decreased nitric oxide (NO) production from lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated peritoneal macrophages in vitro. The results showed that oral administration of 160 mg/kg of INAE significantly improved the lifespan (P < 0.01) and survival rate of IAV infected mice, improved lung injury and lowered viral replication in lung tissue (P < 0.01). Treatment with INAE (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg) significantly increased liver weight and liver index (P < 0.05), as well as weight and organ index of thymus and spleen at 160 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were reduced by INAE administration (P < 0.05). The expression of HMGB-1 and TLR4 in lung tissue were also suppressed. The increased production of myeloperoxidase (MPO) and methylene dioxyamphetamine (MDA) in lung tissue were inhibited by INAE treatment (P < 0.05). Treatment with INAE reduced the high levels of interferon α (IFN-α), interferon β (IFN-β), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), regulated upon activation normal T cell expressed and secreted factor (RANTES), interferon induced protein-10 (IP-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) (P < 0.05), with increased production of interferon γ (IFN-γ) and interleukin-10 (IL-10) (P < 0.05).

Conclusion

The results showed that INAE alleviated IAV induced ALI in mice. The mechanisms of INAE were associated with its anti-influenza, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidation properties. Indigo Naturalis might have clinical potential to treat ALI induced by IAV.

The Mitochondria: A Target of Polyphenols in the Treatment of Diabetic Cardiomyopathy

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a constellation of symptoms consisting of ventricular dysfunction and cardiomyocyte disarray in the presence of diabetes. The exact cause of this type of cardiomyopathy is still unknown; however, several processes involving the mitochondria, such as lipid and glucose metabolism, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, apoptosis, autophagy and mitochondrial biogenesis have been implicated. In addition, polyphenols have been shown to improve the progression of diabetes. In this review, we discuss some of the mechanisms by which polyphenols, particularly resveratrol, play a role in slowing the progression of DCM. The most important intermediates by which polyphenols exert their protective effect include Bcl-2, UCP2, SIRT-1, AMPK and JNK1. Bcl-2 acts to attenuate apoptosis, UCP2 decreases oxidative stress, SIRT-1 increases mitochondrial biogenesis and decreases oxidative stress, AMPK increases autophagy, and JNK1 decreases apoptosis and increases autophagy. Our dissection of these molecular players aims to provide potential therapeutic targets for the treatment of DCM.