HepG2 cells as an in vitro model for evaluation of cytochrome P450 induction by xenobiotics

Heterocyclic phytometabolites formononetin and arbutin prevent in vitro oxidative and alkylation-induced mutagenicity

Phenolic phytometabolites are promising bioactive compounds for management of genomic instability related diseases. Formononetin (FMN) and arbutin (ARB) are found in several plant sources. Our goal was to investigate the safety and efficacy of FMN and ARB using in vitro both standardized and alternative toxicogenetic methods. FMN and ARB were evaluated through the OECD'S guidelines No. 471 (Bacterial Reverse Mutation Test -Salmonella/microsome) and No. 487 (In vitro Mammalian Micronucleus Test - CBMN assay), accordingly to the mentioned recommendations. Also, antimutagenicity of FMN and ARB was assessed in S. Typhimurium strains TA98, TA100 and TA1535, following pre-, co- and post- treatment protocols. Liver human lineages HepG2 and F C3H were assayed for cytotoxicity after exposure to FMN and ARB (24, 48 and 72 h) using in vitro WST-1 test. ARB showed no mutagenicity in the Salmonella/microsome test under both metabolic conditions (in presence or absence of 4 % S9 mix), but FMN was cytotoxic to the TA97 and TA100 strains after metabolic activation. Under this same condition, FMN induced an increase in the mutagenic index of strain TA1535 at two of the highest tested concentrations. Even so, ARB and FMN exhibited protection against the induced alkylation of DNA in multiple action modes. In the antimutagenicity assay, FMN reached the maximum of 80 % of oxidative-provoked mutagenicity reduction in TA98 strain in co-treatment with known mutagen, besides 69 % of reduction in TA100 in the same exposure condition. ARB showed up to reduce induced mutagenicity in strains TA100 and TA1535, reaching percentages from 55 % to 100 % of antimutagenicity in all of the tested exposure models against alkylating agent. In the CBMN assay, no increase in micronuclei formation was observed. The results suggest that FMN and ARB prevent DNA from mutation using multi-targeted antimutagenic roles. Finally, our data suggests that FMN and ARB are not genotoxic and presented encouraging antimutagenicity action in vitro, being promising compounds for use in genomic instability-related diseases therapeutics.

Notable drug-drug interaction between omeprazole and voriconazole in CYP2C19 *1 and *2 (rs4244285, 681G>A) alleles in vitro

The drug-drug interaction (DDI) and CYP2C19 genetic variation can lead to a high blood concentration of voriconazole. CYP2C19 is a highly genetically polymorphic enzyme, and CYP2C19*2 is more frequent among Asians associated with reduced metabolism of drugs. Clinical study found that co-administration with omeprazole significantly increased voriconazole concentrations and there was an additive effect in CYP2C19*2 allele.CYP2C19 rs4244285 (681G>A) is the key polymorphism of CYP2C19*2 allele. This study aims to describe the in vitro effects of omeprazole on CYP2C19*1 and *2 (681G>A), and determine how CYP2C19 polymorphisms influence the DDI between omeprazole and voriconazole.Using the lentiviral expression system, we successfully generated HepG2-derived cell lines stably expressing CYP2C19*1 and *2 (681G>A). The results showed that the CYP2C19 mRNA level, protein level, and enzymatic activity were lower in HepG2-CYP2C19*2 (681G>A) than HepG2-CYP2C19*1 cells. Our study also showed that the inhibition rates of omeprazole on voriconazole had no significantly differences between CYP2C19*1 and *2 (681G>A). But the IC50 of omeprazole on CYP2C19*1 slightly lower than CYP2C19*2 (681G>A).Moreover, omeprazole inhibited CYP2C19 protein level in cells carrying CYP2C19*1 and CYP2C19*2 (681G>A). Our study demonstrated that omeprazole could inhibit voriconazole metabolism in both CYP2C19*1 and CYP2C19*2 (681G>A).

Effects of di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate and its metabolites on transcriptional activity via human nuclear receptors and gene expression in HepaRG cells

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is widely used as a plasticizer in polyvinyl chloride products. DEHP exposure in humans is of great concern due to its endocrine-disrupting properties. In this study, we characterized the agonistic activities of DEHP and its five metabolites, mono-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (MEHP), 5OH-MEHP, 5oxo-MEHP, 5cx-MEPP and 2cx-MMHP against human nuclear receptors, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), pregnane X receptor (PXR), and constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) using transactivation assays. In the PPARα assay, the order of the agonistic activity was MEHP >> 5cx-MEPP >5OH-MEHP, 5oxo-MEHP >2cx-MMHP > DEHP, with DEHP significantly inhibiting MEHP-induced PPARα agonistic activity. This finding was compared to the results from in silico docking simulation. In the PXR assay, DEHP showed PXR agonistic activity more potent than that of MEHP, whereas the other metabolites showed little activity. In the CAR assay, none of the tested compounds showed agonistic activity. Moreover, the expression levels of PPARα-, PXR-, and CAR-target genes in HepaRG cells exposed to DEHP or MEHP were investigated using qRT-PCR analysis. As a result, exposure to these compounds significantly upregulated PXR/CAR target genes (CYP3A4 and CYP2B6), but not PPARα target genes (CYP4A11, etc.) in HepaRG cells. Taken together, these results suggest that direct PXR and/or indirect CAR activation by several DEHP metabolites may be involved in the endocrine disruption by altering hormone metabolism.

Upregulation of fatty acid synthesis genes in the livers of adolescent female rats caused by inhalation exposure to PCB52 (2,2',5,5'-Tetrachlorobiphenyl)

Elevated airborne PCB levels in older schools are concerning due to their health impacts, including cancer, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), cardiovascular issues, neurodevelopmental diseases, and diabetes. During a four-week inhalation exposure to PCB52, an air pollutant commonly found in school environments, adolescent rats exhibited notable presence of PCB52 and its hydroxylated forms in their livers, alongside changes in gene expression. Female rats exhibited more pronounced changes in gene expression compared to males, particularly in fatty acid synthesis genes regulated by the transcription factor SREBP1. In vitro studies with human liver cells showed that the hydroxylated metabolite of PCB52, 4-OH-PCB52, but not the parent compound, upregulated genes involved in fatty acid biosynthesis similar to in vivo exposure. These findings highlight the sex-specific effects of PCB52 exposure on livers, particularly in females, suggesting a potential pathway for increased MASLD susceptibility.

Catalpol alleviates heat stroke-induced liver injury in mice by downregulating the JAK/STAT signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Heat stroke (HS) generated liver injury is a lethal emergency that occurs when the body is exposed to temperatures up to 40 °C for a few hours.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic prospects of Catalpol (CA) from the blood-cooling herb Rehamanniae Radix on liver injury by HS.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

A murine HS model (41 ± 0.5 °C, 60 ± 5 % relative humidity) and two cell lines (lipopolysaccharide + 42 °C) were used to assess the protective effects of CA on physiological, pathological, and biochemical features in silico, in vivo, and in vitro.

RESULTS

CA treatment significantly improved survival rates in vivo and cell viability in vitro over those of the untreated group. Additionally, CA treatment reduced core body temperature, enhanced survival time, and mitigated liver tissue damage. Furthermore, CA treatment also reduced the activities of AST and ALT enzymes in the serum samples of HS mice. Molecular docking analysis of the 28 overlapping targets between HS and CA revealed that CA has strong binding affinities for the top 15 targets. These targets are primarily involved in nine major signaling pathways, with the JAK-STAT pathway being highly associated with the other eight pathways. Our findings also indicate that CA treatment significantly downregulated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines both in vivo and in vitro while upregulating the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokines. Moreover, CA treatment reduced the levels of JAK2, phospho-STAT5, and phospho-STAT3 both in vivo and in vitro, which is consistent with its inhibition of the apoptotic markers p53, Bcl2, and Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

Heat stroke-induced liver injury was inhibited by CA through the downregulation of JAK/STAT signaling.

A novel diphenylbutenoid-type compound from the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr. (Zingiberaceae)

From the EtOAc-soluble extract of the rhizomes of Zingiber montanum (J.Koenig) Link ex A.Dietr., a novel diphenylbutenoid, montadinin A (1) and a previously unreported phenylbutenoid compound, 1-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)but-3-en-2-ol (7), in natural source were isolated. Additionally, seven known phenylbutenoids were also identified. The structures of all compounds were elucidated through NMR spectroscopic interpretation. Compounds cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (2), cis-4-[(E)-3,4-dimethoxystyryl]-3-(2,4,5-trimethoxyphenyl)cyclohex-1-ene (3), trans-3-(3,4,-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(E)-2,4,5-trimethoxystyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (5), and cis-3-(3,4-dimethoxyphenyl)-4-[(Z)-2,4,5-trimethoxylstyryl]cyclohex-1-ene (6) showed weak cytotoxicity against HepG2 cells with IC50 values of 122.9, 127.3, 257.5, and 168.5 µM, respectively.

In Situ Self-Assembling Liver Spheroids with Synthetic Nanoscaffolds for Preclinical Drug Screening Applications

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the most common reasons for acute liver failure and a major reason for the withdrawal of medications from the market. There is a growing need for advanced in vitro liver models that can effectively recapitulate hepatic function, offering a robust platform for preclinical drug screening applications. Here, we explore the potential of self-assembling liver spheroids in the presence of electrospun and cryomilled poly(caprolactone) (PCL) nanoscaffolds for use as a new preclinical drug screening tool. This study investigated the extent to which nanoscaffold concentration may have on spheroid size and viability and liver-specific biofunctionality. The efficacy of our model was further validated using a comprehensive dose-dependent acetaminophen toxicity protocol. Our findings show the strong potential of PCL-based nanoscaffolds to facilitate in situ self-assembly of liver spheroids with sizes under 350 μm. The presence of the PCL-based nanoscaffolds (0.005 and 0.01% w/v) improved spheroid viability and the secretion of critical liver-specific biomarkers, namely, albumin and urea. Liver spheroids with nanoscaffolds showed improved drug-metabolizing enzyme activity and greater sensitivity to acetaminophen compared to two-dimensional monolayer cultures and scaffold-free liver spheroids. These promising findings highlight the potential of our nanoscaffold-based liver spheroids as an in vitro liver model for drug-induced hepatotoxicity and drug screening.

Effects of Chemicals in Reporter Gene Bioassays with Different Metabolic Activities Compared to Baseline Toxicity

High-throughput cell-based bioassays are used for chemical screening and risk assessment. Chemical transformation processes caused by abiotic degradation or metabolization can reduce the chemical concentration or, in some cases, lead to the formation of more toxic transformation products. Unaccounted loss processes may falsify the bioassay results. Capturing the formation and effects of transformation products is important for relating the in vitro effects to in vivo. Reporter gene cell lines are believed to have low metabolic activity, but inducibility of cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes has been reported. Baseline toxicity is the minimal toxicity a chemical can have and is caused by the incorporation of the chemical into cell membranes. In the present study, we improved an existing baseline toxicity model based on a newly defined critical membrane burden derived from freely dissolved effect concentrations, which are directly related to the membrane concentration. Experimental effect concentrations of 94 chemicals in three bioassays (AREc32, ARE-bla and GR-bla) were compared with baseline toxicity by calculating the toxic ratio (TR). CYP activities of all cell lines were determined by using fluorescence-based assays. Only ARE-bla showed a low basal CYP activity and inducibility and AREc32 showed a low inducibility. Overall cytotoxicity was similar in all three assays despite the different metabolic activities indicating that chemical metabolism is not relevant for the cytotoxicity of the tested chemicals in these assays. Up to 28 chemicals showed specific cytotoxicity with TR > 10 in the bioassays, but baseline toxicity could explain the effects of the majority of the remaining chemicals. Seven chemicals showed TR < 0.1 indicating inaccurate physicochemical properties or experimental artifacts like chemical precipitation, volatilization, degradation, or other loss processes during the in vitro bioassay. The new baseline model can be used not only to identify specific cytotoxicity mechanisms but also to identify potential problems in the experimental performance or evaluation of the bioassay and thus improve the quality of the bioassay data.

3D Bioprinting of Sugar Beet Pectin through Horseradish Peroxidase-Catalyzed Cross-Linking

Horseradish peroxidase (HRP)-mediated hydrogelation, caused by the cross-linking of phenolic groups in polymers in the presence of hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), is an effective route for bioink solidification in 3D bioprinting. Sugar beet pectin (SBP) naturally has cross-linkable phenols through the enzymatic reaction. Therefore, chemical modifications are not required, unlike the various polymers that have been used in the enzymatic cross-linking system. In this study, we report the application of SBP in extrusion-based bioprinting including HRP-mediated bioink solidification. In this system, H2O2 necessary for the solidification of inks is supplied in the gas phase. Cell-laden liver lobule-like constructs could be fabricated using bioinks consisting of 10 U/mL HRP, 4.0 and 6.0 w/v% SBP, and 6.0 × 106 cells/mL human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells exposed to air containing 16 ppm of H2O2 concurrently during printing and 10 min postprinting. The HepG2 cells enclosed in the printed constructs maintained their viability, metabolic activity, and hepatic functions from day 1 to day 7 of the culture, which indicates the cytocompatibility of this system. Taken together, this result demonstrates the potential of SBP and HRP cross-linking systems for 3D bioprinting, which can be applied in tissue engineering applications.

Water Quality Monitoring with the Multiplexed Assay MitoOxTox for Mitochondrial Toxicity, Oxidative Stress Response, and Cytotoxicity in AREc32 Cells

Mitochondria play a key role in the energy production of cells, but their function can be disturbed by environmental toxicants. We developed a cell-based mitochondrial toxicity assay for environmental chemicals and their mixtures extracted from water samples. The reporter gene cell line AREc32, which is frequently used to quantify the cytotoxicity and oxidative stress response of water samples, was multiplexed with an endpoint of mitochondrial toxicity. The disruption of the mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was quantified by high-content imaging and compared to measured cytotoxicity, predicted baseline toxicity, and activation of the oxidative stress response. Mitochondrial complex I inhibitors showed highly specific effects on the MMP, with minor effects on cell viability. Uncouplers showed a wide distribution of specificity on the MMP, often accompanied by specific cytotoxicity (enhanced over baseline toxicity). Mitochondrial toxicity and the oxidative stress response were not directly associated. The multiplexed assay was applied to water samples ranging from wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) influent and effluent and surface water to drinking and bottled water from various European countries. Specific effects on MMP were observed for the WWTP influent and effluent. This new MitoOxTox assay is an important complement for existing in vitro test batteries for water quality testing and has potential for applications in human biomonitoring.

Efficient removal of toxicity associated to wastewater treatment plant effluents by enhanced Soil Aquifer Treatment

The regeneration of wastewater has been recognized as an effective strategy to counter water scarcity. Nonetheless, Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) effluents still contain a wide range of contaminants of emerging concern (CECs) even after water depuration. Filtration through Soil Aquifer Treatment (SAT) systems has proven efficient for CECs removal although the attenuation of their associated biological effects still remains poorly understood. To evaluate this, three pilot SAT systems were monitored, two of them enhanced with different reactive barriers. SATs were fed with secondary effluents during two consecutive campaigns. Fifteen water samples were collected from the WWTP effluent, below the barriers and 15 m into the aquifer. The potential attenuation of effluent-associated biological effects by SATs was evaluated through toxicogenomic bioassays using zebrafish eleutheroembryos and human hepatic cells. Transcriptomic analyses revealed a wide range of toxic activities exerted by the WWTP effluents that were reduced by more than 70% by SAT. Similar results were observed when HepG2 hepatic cells were tested for cytotoxic and dioxin-like responses. Toxicity reduction appeared partially determined by the barrier composition and/or SAT managing and correlated with CECs removal. SAT appears as a promising approach to efficiently reduce effluent-associated toxicity contributing to environmental and human health preservation.

Integration of proteomics and metabolomics reveals energy and metabolic alterations induced by glucokinase (GCK) partial inactivation in hepatocytes

AIMS

Glucokinase (GCK) acts as the glucose sensor in maintaining glucose homeostasis. The inactivating mutation of the GCK gene leads to glucokinase-maturity onset diabetes of the young (GCK-MODY). This study aims to gain further insights into the molecular alterations triggered by GCK partial inactivation in hepatocytes, potentially underlying the favorable prognosis of GCK-MODY.

MAIN METHODS

A GCK knockdown HepG2 cell model was established, and the integration of proteomics and metabolomics was used to gain a comprehensive understanding of the molecular pathway changes caused by GCK inactivation in the liver.

KEY FINDINGS

Proteomic analysis identified 257 differential proteins. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis showed that protein expression changes in the GCK knockdown group were significantly enriched in central carbon metabolism, the TCA cycle, amino acid metabolism and the oxidative phosphorylation pathway. Among them, enzymes in the TCA cycle (PC, IDH2, SDH) were significantly downregulated in GCK-knockdown group. Targeted metabolomics revealed that in the GCK knockdown hepatocytes, TCA cycle intermediates were significantly decreased, including pyruvate, oxaloacetate, citrate and succinic acid, and three metabolites increased including glycine, betaine and homocysteine. These metabolic alterations in turn reduced the accumulation of reactive oxygen species in GCK knockdown hepatocytes. Correlation analysis indicated that TCA cycle metabolites were positively correlated with proteins involved in the TCA cycle, carbon metabolism, glycolysis, Ras signaling, fibrosis and inflammation.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, GCK knockdown reduced TCA cycle flux and oxidative stress in hepatocytes by influencing the levels of key transcription factors and enzymes, providing a comprehensive understanding of the effects of GCK partial inactivation on liver metabolism and molecular mechanisms.

The cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes and their modulation effect on cytochrome P450 in the HepG2 cell line

Ruthenium nitrosyl complexes are actively investigated as antitumor agents. Evaluation of potential interactions between cytochromes P450 (CYPs) with new compounds is carried out regularly during early drug development. In this study we have investigated the cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of ruthenium nitrosyl complexes with methyl/ethyl esters of nicotinic and isonicotinic acids and γ-picoline against 2D and 3D cultures of human hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 and non-cancer human lung fibroblasts MRC-5, assessed their photoinduced activity at λrad = 445 nm, and also evaluated their modulating effect on CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19. The study of cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities against 2D and 3D cell models was performed using phenotypic-based high content screening (HCS). The expression of CYP3A4, CYP2C9, and CYP2C19 mRNAs and CYP3A4 protein was examined using target-based HCS. The results of CYP3A4 mRNA expression were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). The ruthenium nitrosyl complexes exhibited a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect against HepG2 and MRC-5 cells. The cytotoxic activity of complexes with ethyl isonicotinate (1) and nicotinate (3, 4) was significantly lower for MRC-5 than for HepG2, for a complex with methyl isonicotinate (2) it was higher for MRC-5 than for HepG2, for a complex with γ-picoline (5) it was comparable for both lines. The antiproliferative effect of complexes 2 and 5 was one order of magnitude higher for MRC-5; for complexes 1, 3, and 4 it was comparable for both lines. The cytotoxic activity of all compounds for 3D HepG2 was lower than for 2D HepG2, with the exception of 4. Photoactivation affected the activity of complex 1 only. Its cytotoxic activity decreased, while the antiproliferative activity increased. The ruthenium nitrosyl complexes 1-4 acted as inducers of CYP3A4 and CYP2C19, while the complex with γ-picoline (5) induced of CYP3A4. Among the studied ruthenium nitrosyl complexes, the most promising potential antitumor compound is the ruthenium compound with methyl nicotinate (4).

Regulation of Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation through CYP1B1-Induced mTOR-Mediated Lipophagy

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is caused by lipid accumulation within the liver. The pathogenesis underlying its development is poorly understood. Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is a polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon and a group 1 carcinogen. The aryl hydrocarbon receptor activation by B[a]P induces cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes, contributing to hepatic lipid accumulation. However, the molecular mechanism through which the B[a]P-mediated induction of CYP enzymes causes hepatic lipid accumulation is unknown. This research was conducted to elucidate the role of CYP1B1 in regulating B[a]P-induced lipid accumulation within hepatocytes. B[a]P increased hepatic lipid accumulation, which was mitigated by CYP1B1 knockdown. An increase in the mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) by B[a]P was specifically reduced by CYP1B1 knockdown. The reduction of mTOR increased the expression of autophagic flux-related genes and promoted phagolysosome formation. Both the expression and translocation of TFE3, a central regulator of lipophagy, were induced, along with the expression of lipophagy-related genes. Conversely, enhanced mTOR activity reduced TFE3 expression and translocation, which reduced the expression of lipophagy-related genes, diminished phagolysosome production, and increased lipid accumulation. Our results indicate that B[a]P-induced hepatic lipid accumulation is caused by CYP1B1-induced mTOR and the reduction of lipophagy, thereby introducing novel targets and mechanisms to provide insights for understanding B[a]P-induced MASLD.

Dietary exposure to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances: Potential health impacts on human liver

Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), dubbed "forever chemicals", are widely present in the environment. Environmental contamination and food contact substances are the main sources of PFAS in food, increasing the risk of human dietary exposure. Numerous epidemiological studies have established the link between dietary exposure to PFAS and liver disease. Correspondingly, PFAS induced-hepatotoxicity (e.g., hepatomegaly, cell viability, inflammation, oxidative stress, bile acid metabolism dysregulation and glycolipid metabolism disorder) observed from in vitro models and in vivo rodent studies have been extensively reported. In this review, the pertinent literature of the last 5 years from the Web of Science database was researched. This study summarized the source and fate of PFAS, and reviewed the occurrence of PFAS in food system (natural and processed food). Subsequently, the characteristics of human dietary exposure PFAS (population characteristics, distribution trend, absorption and distribution) were mentioned. Additionally, epidemiologic evidence linking PFAS exposure and liver disease was alluded, and the PFAS-induced hepatotoxicity observed from in vitro models and in vivo rodent studies was comprehensively reviewed. Lastly, we highlighted several critical knowledge gaps and proposed future research directions. This review aims to raise public awareness about food PFAS contamination and its potential risks to human liver health.

Comparison of Alternative Splicing Landscapes Revealed by Long-Read Sequencing in Hepatocyte-Derived HepG2 and Huh7 Cultured Cells and Human Liver Tissue

The long-read RNA sequencing developed by Oxford Nanopore Technologies provides a direct quantification of transcript isoforms, thereby making it possible to present alternative splicing (AS) profiles as arrays of single splice variants with different abundances. Additionally, AS profiles can be presented as arrays of genes characterized by the degree of alternative splicing (the DAS-the number of detected splice variants per gene). Here, we successfully utilized the DAS to reveal biological pathways influenced by the alterations in AS in human liver tissue and the hepatocyte-derived malignant cell lines HepG2 and Huh7, thus employing the mathematical algorithm of gene set enrichment analysis. Furthermore, analysis of the AS profiles as abundances of single splice variants by using the graded tissue specificity index τ provided the selection of the groups of genes expressing particular splice variants specifically in liver tissue, HepG2 cells, and Huh7 cells. The majority of these splice variants were translated into proteins products and appeal to be in focus regarding further insights into the mechanisms underlying cell malignization. The used metrics are intrinsically suitable for transcriptome-wide AS profiling using long-read sequencing.

Significant CircRNAs in liver cancer stem cell exosomes: mediator of malignant propagation in liver cancer?

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), one of the most prevalent forms of cancer worldwide, presents a significant global healthcare challenge. Cancer stem cells (CSCs), which can influence neighboring non-CSCs, are believed to play a crucial role in tumor growth and resistance to treatment, but the specific mechanisms and mediators are not fully understood. Regulation of the CSC state is considered an ideal therapeutic strategy both in the early stages of tumor formation and within established tumors. Exosomes have emerged as key players in intercellular communication, similar to classical hormone signaling, and are essential for facilitating communication between cells in liver cancer. Here, by coupling immunomagnetic bead sorting and exosomal sequencing, we found that exosome-derived circRNAs enriched in liver cancer CSCs were the key subsets with stemness characteristics and ultimately promoted HCC development. Of interest, we found that circ-ZEB1 and circ-AFAP1 are strongly correlated with liver cancer stemness and a poor prognosis, and can regulate the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process. Our novel exosome-derived circRNAs play a vital role as key components of various intercellular crosstalk and communication systems in malignant transmission. This finding not only provides valuable support for utilizing plasma exosomal circRNAs as clinical prognostic indicators for HCC patients but also highlights a new research direction in exploring the signaling between liver CSCs and the messenger molecules contained within exosomes.

Generation and application of a novel transgenic zebrafish line Tg(GAcyp1a:eGFP/Luc) as an in vivo assay to sensitive and specific monitoring of DLCs in the environment

CYP1A is the most commonly used biomarker and transgenic fish which carrying a cyp1a promoter to drive a reporter gene can be used as reliable way to monitor dioxin/dioxin-like compounds (DLCs) in the environment. Here, we cloned the cyp1a promoter of Gambusia affinis and this promoter showed stronger transcriptional activity than that of zebrafish. Then, a Tg(GAcyp1a:eGFP/Luc) transgenic zebrafish line was first constructed with the G. affinis cyp1a promoter driving eGFP expression using meganuclease I-SceI mediated transgenesis technology. The Tg(GAcyp1a:eGFP/Luc) larvae at 72 h post-fertilization (hpf) were tested by exposing to TCDD for 72 h, and induced GFP was mainly expressed in the liver with low background. The Tg(GAcyp1a:eGFP/Luc) zebrafish showed high sensitivity (limit of detection of 0.322 ng/L TCDD and 0.7 TEQ-ng/L PCDD/Fs) and specificity (insensitive to responses to PAHs and PCBs). In addition, the transgenic line showed a low detection concentration of the DLCs contaminated environmental samples (as low as 1.8 TEQ-ng/L), and the eGFP fluorescence intensity and the chemical-TEQ values were closely correlated. In conclusion, a sensitively and specifically transgenic zebrafish line was established to convenient and effective to detect DLCs in the environment.

State-of-the-Art in the Drug Discovery Pathway for Chagas Disease: A Framework for Drug Development and Target Validation

Chagas disease is the most important protozoan infection in the Americas, and constitutes a significant public health concern throughout the world. Development of new medications against its etiologic agent, Trypanosoma cruzi, has been traditionally slow and difficult, lagging in comparison with diseases caused by other kinetoplastid parasites. Among the factors that explain this are the incompletely understood mechanisms of pathogenesis of T. cruzi infection and its complex set of interactions with the host in the chronic stage of the disease. These demand the performance of a variety of in vitro and in vivo assays as part of any drug development effort. In this review, we discuss recent breakthroughs in the understanding of the parasite's life cycle and their implications in the search for new chemotherapeutics. For this, we present a framework to guide drug discovery efforts against Chagas disease, considering state-of-the-art preclinical models and recently developed tools for the identification and validation of molecular targets.

The effects of ketamine on viability, primary DNA damage, and oxidative stress parameters in HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cells

Ketamine is a dissociative anaesthetic used to induce general anaesthesia in humans and laboratory animals. Due to its hallucinogenic and dissociative effects, it is also used as a recreational drug. Anaesthetic agents can cause toxic effects at the cellular level and affect cell survival, induce DNA damage, and cause oxidant/antioxidant imbalance. The aim of this study was to explore these possible adverse effects of ketamine on hepatocellular HepG2 and neuroblastoma SH-SY5Y cells after 24-hour exposure to a concentration range covering concentrations used in analgesia, drug abuse, and anaesthesia (0.39, 1.56, and 6.25 µmol/L, respectively). At these concentrations ketamine had relatively low toxic outcomes, as it lowered HepG2 and SH-SY5Y cell viability up to 30 %, and low, potentially repairable DNA damage. Interestingly, the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione (GSH) remained unchanged in both cell lines. On the other hand, oxidative stress markers [superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and catalase (CAT)] pointed to ketamine-induced oxidant/antioxidant imbalance.

Screening out Biomarkers of Tetrastigma hemsleyanum for Anti-Cancer and Anti-Inflammatory Based on Spectrum-Effect Relationship Coupled with UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

Tetrastigma hemsleyanum Diels et Gilg. (T. hemsleyanum) is an economically and medicinally valuable species within the genus Tetrastigma. However, the material basis of its pharmacological action and the biomarkers associated with its anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects are still unclear. Additionally, the T. hemsleyanum industry cannot grow because there is a lack of a scientific, universal, and measurable quality control system. This study aimed to explore the chemical basis quality markers related to the anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects of T. hemsleyanum to establish an effective quality evaluation method. UPLC-Q-TOF-MSE fingerprint profiles of T. hemsleyanum from different origins were established. Pharmacodynamic studies used HepG2 and HuH-7 cells and LPS-induced RAW264.7 to evaluate the anti-tumor and anti-inflammatory effects of the active ingredients. The spectrum-effect relationships between UPLC fingerprints and anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory activities were evaluated using PCA and PLSR statistical methods. Moreover, docking analysis was performed to identify specific active biomarkers with molecular targets associated with cancer and inflammation. Chlorogenic acid, quinic acid, catechin, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, apigenin-8-C-glucoside, and linolenic acid were associated with anticancer activity, while chlorogenic acid, quercetin, quinic acid, kaempferol 3-rutinoside, rutinum, apigenin-8-C-glucoside, and linolenic acid were associated with anti-inflammatory activity. The spectrum-effect relationship of T. hemsleyanum was successfully established, and the biomarkers for anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects were preliminary confirmed. These findings provide a theoretical basis for the elucidation of the substance basis of T. hemsleyanum and lay the foundation for its rapid identification, quality control, industrial research, and utilization.

Effects of xenobiotics on CYP1 enzyme-mediated biotransformation and bioactivation of estradiol

Endogenous estradiol (E2) exerts diverse physiological and pharmacological activities, commonly used for hormone replacement therapy. However, prolonged and excessive exposure to E2 potentially increases estrogenic cancer risk. Reportedly, CYP1 enzyme-mediated biotransformation of E2 is largely concerned with its balance between detoxification and carcinogenic pathways. Among the three key CYP1 enzymes (CYP1A1, CYP1A2, and CYP1B1), CYP1A1 and CYP1A2 mainly catalyze the formation of nontoxic 2-hydroxyestradiol (2-OH-E2), while CYP1B1 specifically catalyzes the formation of genotoxic 4-hydroxyestradiol (4-OH-E2). 4-OH-E2 can be further metabolized to electrophilic quinone intermediates accompanied by the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), triggering DNA damage. Since abnormal alterations in CYP1 activities can greatly affect the bioactivation process of E2, regulatory effects of xenobiotics on CYP1s are essential for E2-associated cancer development. To date, thousands of natural and synthetic compounds have been found to show potential inhibition and/or induction actions on the three CYP1 members. Generally, these chemicals share similar planar polycyclic skeletons, the structural motifs and substituent groups of which are important for their inhibitory/inductive efficiency and selectivity toward CYP1 enzymes. This review comprehensively summarizes these known inhibitors and/or inductors of E2-metabolizing CYP1s based on chemical categories and discusses their structure-activity relationships, which would contribute to better understanding of the correlation between xenobiotic-regulated CYP1 activities and estrogenic cancer susceptibility.

Administration of Secretome Derived from Human Mesenchymal Stem Cells Induces Hepatoprotective Effects in Models of Idiosyncratic Drug-Induced Liver Injury Caused by Amiodarone or Tamoxifen

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the leading causes of acute liver injury. While many factors may contribute to the susceptibility to DILI, obese patients with hepatic steatosis are particularly prone to suffer DILI. The secretome derived from mesenchymal stem cell has been shown to have hepatoprotective effects in diverse in vitro and in vivo models. In this study, we evaluate whether MSC secretome could improve DILI mediated by amiodarone (AMI) or tamoxifen (TMX). Hepatic HepG2 and HepaRG cells were incubated with AMI or TMX, alone or with the secretome of MSCs obtained from human adipose tissue. These studies demonstrate that coincubation of AMI or TMX with MSC secretome increases cell viability, prevents the activation of apoptosis pathways, and stimulates the expression of priming phase genes, leading to higher proliferation rates. As proof of concept, in a C57BL/6 mouse model of hepatic steatosis and chronic exposure to AMI, the MSC secretome was administered endovenously. In this study, liver injury was significantly attenuated, with a decrease in cell infiltration and stimulation of the regenerative response. The present results indicate that MSC secretome administration has the potential to be an adjunctive cell-free therapy to prevent liver failure derived from DILI caused by TMX or AMI.

Identification of compounds with activity against Trypanosoma cruzi within a collection of synthetic nucleoside analogs

Introduction

Chagas disease is caused by the protozoan parasite Trypanosoma cruzi, and it is the most important neglected tropical disease in the Americas. Two drugs are available to treat the infection, but their efficacy in the chronic stage of the disease, when most cases are diagnosed, is reduced. Their tolerability is also hindered by common adverse effects, making the development of safer and efficacious alternatives a pressing need. T. cruzi is unable to synthesize purines de novo, relying on a purine salvage pathway to acquire these from its host, making it an attractive target for the development of new drugs.

Methods

We evaluated the anti-parasitic activity of 23 purine analogs with different substitutions in the complementary chains of their purine rings. We sequentially screened the compounds' capacity to inhibit parasite growth, their toxicity in Vero and HepG2 cells, and their specific capacity to inhibit the development of amastigotes. We then used in-silico docking to identify their likely targets.

Results

Eight compounds showed specific anti-parasitic activity, with IC₅₀ values ranging from 2.42 to 8.16 μM. Adenine phosphoribosyl transferase, and hypoxanthine-guanine phosphoribosyl transferase, are their most likely targets.

Discussion

Our results illustrate the potential role of the purine salvage pathway as a target route for the development of alternative treatments against T. cruzi infection, highlithing the apparent importance of specific substitutions, like the presence of benzene groups in the C8 position of the purine ring, consistently associated with a high and specific anti-parasitic activity.

Chemical- and Drug-Induced Allergic, Inflammatory, and Autoimmune Diseases Via Haptenation

Haptens are small molecules that only elicit an immune response when bound to proteins. Haptens initially bind to self-proteins and activate innate immune responses by complex mechanisms via inflammatory cytokines and damage-associated molecular patterns and the subsequent upregulation of costimulatory signals such as cluster of differentiation 86 (CD86) on dendritic cells. Subsequent interactions between CD86 and CD28 on T cells are critically important for properly activating naive T cells and inducing interleukin 2 production, leading to the establishment of adaptive immunity via effector and memory T cells. Accumulating evidence revealed the involvement of haptens in the development of various autoimmune-like diseases such as allergic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases including allergic contact dermatitis, atopy, asthma, food allergy, inflammatory bowel diseases, hemolytic anemia, liver injury, leukoderma, and even antitumor immunity. Therefore, the development of in vitro testing alternatives to evaluate in advance whether a substance might lead to the development of these diseases is highly desirable. This review summarizes and discusses recent advances in chemical- and drug-induced allergic, inflammatory, and autoimmune diseases via haptenation and the possible molecular underlying mechanisms, as well as in vitro testing alternatives to evaluate in advance whether a substance might cause the development of these diseases.

Role of biotransformation in the diazinon-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells and antioxidant protection by tetrahydrocurcumin

Diazinon (DZN) is an insecticide extensively used to control pests in crops and animals. However, its indicriminated use may lead to liver damage in animals and humans. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity of DZN (25-150 µM) on human hepatoblastoma (HepG2) cells after 24 and 48 h of exposure and the role of its biotransformation on the toxicological potential. We also tested the protective effect of tetrahydrocurcumin (THC), an antioxidant agent, in the DZN-induced citotoxicity. DZN caused cytotoxicity in the HepG2 cells, inhibiting cell proliferation and reducing cell viability in a dose- and time-dependent manner. The pre-incubation of HepG2 cells with chemical inducers of cytochrome P450 monooxygenase 3-methylcholanthrene and phenobarbital resulted in a further decrease of cell viability associated with DZN exposure. In addition, the metabolite diazoxon was more toxic than DZN. Our results also revealed that THC alleviated DZN-induced cytotoxicity and reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generation in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our data provide novel insights into the involvement of biotransformation in the mechanisms of DZN-induced cytotoxicity and suggest that amelioration of RONS accumulation might be involved in the protective effect of THC on DZN-induced liver injury.

Modulating effect of Cu(II) complexes with enamine and tetrazole derivatives on CYP2C and CYP3A and their cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties in HepG2 spheroids

CYP2C and CYP3A cytochromes are induced by a variety of compounds and affect the pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of a large number of drugs. Currently, the possibility of using copper coordination compounds in antitumor therapy is being actively studied. Evaluation of potential interactions between new molecules and P450 cytochromes is necessary at an early stage of drug design.The aim. To study the modulating effect of Cu(II) complexes with enamine and tetrazole derivatives on CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 and their cytotoxic and antiproliferative properties on normal human lung fibroblasts MRC-5 and a 3D model of hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2.Materials and methods. Cytotoxic and antiproliferative activities of copper(II) complexes – [CuL2] (1), [Cu2(bipy)2(PT)4] (2), [Cu2(phen)2(PT)4] (3), {[Cu(phen)(MT)2]∙H2O}n (4) (L – anion of 2-anilinomethylidene-5,5-dimethylcyclohexane-1,3-dione; PT – 5-phenyltetrazolate anion; MT – 5-methyltetrazolate anion; bipy – 2,2’-bipyridine; phen – 1,10-phenanthroline) – were examined in 2D and 3D models using fluorescence-based phenotypic screening. The modulating effect on CYP2C9, CYP2C19 and CYP3A4 was studied using fluorescence-based targeted screening. The results of CYP3A4 expression were confirmed by real-time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR).Results. Complex (1) increases the CYP3A4 expression and does not affect CYP2C9 and CYP2C19 expression. Complex (2) has no modulating effect on CYP2C and CYP3A. Complexes with 1,10-phenatrolin (3) and (4) induce CYP3A4, inhibit CYP2C9 and do not affect CYP2C19 expression. All compounds have a dose-dependent cytotoxic effect on HepG2 and MRC-5: the compound with 5-methyltetrazolate anion (4) has the same effect on cell lines, compounds with 5-phenyltetrazolate anion (2) and (3) have selective effect. Complexes with 1,10-phenatrolin are effective on both 2D and 3D models.Conclusion. The [Cu2(phen)2(FT)4] complex (3) can be used as a basis for creating an antitumor compound, but further modification of the structure is required to increase the selectivity to tumor cells.

Fluorosulfate-containing pyrazole heterocycles as selective BuChE inhibitors: structure-activity relationship and biological evaluation for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease

Novel scaffolds are expected to treat Alzheimer’s disease, pyrazole-5-fluorosulfates were found as selective BuChE inhibitors. Compounds K1–K26 were assayed for ChE inhibitory activity, amongst them, compound K3 showed potent BuChE and hBuChE inhibition (IC₅₀ = 0.79 μM and 6.59 μM). SAR analysis showed that 1-, 3-, 4-subtituent and 5-fluorosulfate of pyrazole ring affected BuChE inhibitory activity. Molecular docking showed that the fluorosulfate increased the binding affinity of hBuChE through π-sulphur interaction. Compound K3 was a reversible, mixed and non-competitive BuChE inhibitor (K_i = 0.77 μM) and showed remarkable neuroprotection, safe toxicological profile and BBB penetration. In vivo behavioural study showed that K3 treatment improved the Aβ_1 − 42-induced cognitive impairment, and significantly prevented the effects of Aβ_1 − 42 toxicity. Therefore, selective BuChE inhibitor K3 has potential to be further developed as AD therapeutics.

An in vitro fibrotic liver lobule model through sequential cell-seeding of HSCs and HepG2 on 3D-printed poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate scaffolds

Cirrhosis is a major cause of global morbidity and mortality, and significantly leads to a heightened risk of liver cancer. Despite decades of efforts in seeking for cures for cirrhosis, this disease remains irreversible. To assist in the advancement of understanding toward cirrhosis as well as therapeutic options, various disease models, each with different strengths, are developed. With the development of three-dimensional (3D) cell culture in recent years, more realistic biochemical properties are observed in 3D cell models, which have gradually taken over the responsibilities of traditional 2D cell culture, and are expected to replace some of the animal models in the near future. Here, we propose a 3D fibrotic liver model inspired by liver lobules. In the model, 3D-printed poly(glycerol sebacate) acrylate (PGSA) scaffolds facilitated the formation of 3D tissues and guided the deposition of fibrotic structures. Through the sequential seeding of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), HepG2 and HSCs, fibrotic septum-like tissues were created on PGSA scaffolds. As albumin secretion is considered a rather important function of the liver and is found only among hepatic cells, the detection of albumin secretion up to 30 days indicates the mimicking of basic liver functions. Moreover, the in vivo fibrotic tissue shows a high similarity to fibrotic septa. Finally, via complete encapsulation of HSCs, a down-regulated albumin secretion profile was observed in the capped model, which is a metabolic indicator that is important for the prognosis for liver cirrhosis. Looking forward, the incorporation of the vasculature will further upgrade the model into a sound tool for liver research and associated treatments.

Synthesis and Bioactivity Evaluation of a Novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazole Derivative in vitro and in 3×Tg Mice

Aim

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is the most common neurodegenerative disease whose patients suffered from cognitive impairments. In our study, a novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazole derivative wyc-7-20 was synthesized, which showed low cytotoxicity and potent neuroprotective effect at the cellular level. Improved cognitive impairments, β-amyloid (Aβ) clearance, and tau pathological phenotypes were detected in transgenic animal models after wyc-7-20 treatment. Reversed expressions in AD-related genes were also detected. The results demonstrated wyc-7-20 was potent in AD therapy.

Purpose

The pathological complexity of AD increased difficulties in medical research. To explore a new potential medical treatment for AD, a novel 1,2,4-Oxadiazole derivative (wyc-7-20) was designed, synthesized to explore the application in this study.

Materials and Methods

Human neuroblastoma (SH-SY5Y) cells and human hepatocellular carcinoma (HepG2) cells were used to detect median lethal dose (LD50). H₂O₂ and Aβ_1–42 oligomers (AβOs) were respectively, added into SH-SY5Y cells to detect anti-ROS (reactive oxygen species) and anti-AβOs effects of wyc-7-20. 3×Tg mice were administered with wyc-7-20, and then Y maze test and Morris water maze (MWM) test were applied to detect cognitive improvements. Brain tissue samples were subsequently collected and analyzed using different techniques.

Results

wyc-7-20 showed low cytotoxicity and potent neuroprotective effect at the cellular level. Improved cognitive impairments, Aβ clearance, and tau pathological phenotypes were detected in transgenic animal models after wyc-7-20 treatment. Reversed expressions in AD-related genes were also detected.

Conclusion

wyc-7-20 was potent in AD therapy.

Aucubin as a natural potential anti-acute hepatitis candidate: Inhibitory potency and hepatoprotective mechanism

BACKGROUND

Hepatic inflammation can substantially impact the development of acute hepatitis. It is a pressing need to identify and exploit novel therapeutic targets as well as effective drug therapies against acute hepatitis. Aucubin (AU) is one of the main active components extracted from the leaves of Eucommia ulmoides and possesses significant anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. However, the protective effect and mechanism of AU on acute hepatitis have not been reported yet.

PURPOSE

This study aims to investigate the protective effect of AU on LPS-induced acute hepatitis and the mechanism of action.

METHODS

The limma package was used to analyze differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between LPS-induced acute hepatitis and normal groups based on Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray data. Network pharmacology predicted targets for AU therapy against acute hepatitis, and Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis of the biological processes involved in these targets. The key pathways were analyzed by protein-protein interaction, KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes), and GSEA (Gene Set Enrichment Analysis) enrichment. The important interaction targets between AU and key pathways were evaluated by molecular simulation. The in silico predicted mechanism was verified based on in vitro and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

A total of 116 intersection targets between AU prediction targets and differentially expressed genes were identified. They were functionally involved in the imbalance of "inflammation-anti-inflammation" and "oxidation-antioxidation" systems in the process of LPS-induced cases. In vitro experiments revealed that AU reduced inflammation in LPS-induced HepG2 cells by reducing the inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, as well as iNOS enzyme activity levels. In addition, LPS-induced oxidative stress can be alleviated by AU via adjusting the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), Malone dialdehyde (MDA) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Protein-protein interaction and GSEA results showed that AU might exert anti-inflammatory effects mainly through the STAT3/NF-κB signal pathway. Molecular dynamics simulation as well as in vivo tests further demonstrated AU restrained nuclear transfer of NF-κB (P65), probably through reducing phosphorylation of STAT3. In addition, AU appears to reduce oxidative stress by upregulating NRF2/HO-1.

CONCLUSION

We explored potential targets and signal pathways of AU in inhibiting acute hepatitis. AU exerted anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and may be a useful candidate drug for the treatment of acute hepatitis.

Toxicogenetic assessment of a pre-workout supplement: In vitro mutagenicity, cytotoxicity, genotoxicity and glutathione determination in liver cell lines and in silico ADMET approaches

The benefits of practicing physical activity, such as weight loss and control, are commonly associated with caloric restriction diets and may be improved by the ingestion of thermogenic and ergogenic supplements. However, there is a lack of safety data on commonly marketed nutritional supplements. Therefore, this investigation aims to evaluate a pre-workout supplement for mutagenicity using the Ames test, hepatocytoxicity in HepG2 and F C3H cells after 24 h, 48 h and 72 h, genotoxicity using the CBMN assay, determination of gluthatione activity and computational prediction of the three major isolated compounds present in the supplement. The mutagenicity test showed a mutagenic response in TA98 His⁺ revertants of 5 mg/plate in the presence of metabolic activation, cytotoxicity in TA98 of 5 mg/plate in the absence of metabolic conditions, and in TA102 of 0.5 mg/plate both in the presence and absence of metabolic activation. In our in vitro eukaryotic cell viability, WST-1, LDH and alkaline phosphatase assays, the supplement showed hepatocytotoxicity both dose-dependently and time-dependently. In the cytokinesis blocking micronuclei assay, the supplement induced micronuclei, nuclear buds, nucleoplasmatic, bridge formation, and a decreased in nuclear division. In addition, the supplement decreased intra and extracellular GSH. Computational analysis showed that the three isolated compounds most present in the supplement have the potential to cause hepatotoxicity. In the present investigation, the pre-workout supplement induced mutagenic, genotoxic, and cytotoxic responses and GSH decrease. Thus, considering food safety and public health sanitary vigilance, the consumption of this pre-workout supplement may harm the health of its consumers.

Three-dimensional (3D) liver cell models - a tool for bridging the gap between animal studies and clinical trials when screening liver accumulation and toxicity of nanobiomaterials

Despite the exciting properties and wide-reaching applications of nanobiomaterials (NBMs) in human health and medicine, their translation from bench to bedside is slow, with a predominant issue being liver accumulation and toxicity following systemic administration. In vitro 2D cell-based assays and in vivo testing are the most popular and widely used methods for assessing liver toxicity at pre-clinical stages; however, these fall short in predicting toxicity for NBMs. Focusing on in vitro and in vivo assessment, the accurate prediction of human-specific hepatotoxicity is still a significant challenge to researchers. This review describes the relationship between NBMs and the liver, and the methods for assessing toxicity, focusing on the limitations they bring in the assessment of NBM hepatotoxicity as one of the reasons defining the poor translation for NBMs. We will then present some of the most recent advances towards the development of more biologically relevant in vitro liver methods based on tissue-mimetic 3D cell models and how these could facilitate the translation of NBMs going forward. Finally, we also discuss the low public acceptance and limited uptake of tissue-mimetic 3D models in pre-clinical assessment, despite the demonstrated technical and ethical advantages associated with them.

Fraxinellone Induces Hepatotoxicity in Zebrafish through Oxidative Stress and the Transporters Pathway

Fraxinellone (FRA), a major active component from Cortex Dictamni, produces hepatotoxicity via the metabolization of furan rings by CYP450. However, the mechanism underlying the hepatotoxicity of FRA remains unclear. Therefore, zebrafish larvae at 72 h post fertilization were used to evaluate the metabolic hepatotoxicity of FRA and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. The results showed that FRA (10-30 μM) induced liver injury and obvious alterations in the metabolomics of zebrafish larvae. FRA induces apoptosis by increasing the level of ROS and activating the JNK/P53 pathway. In addition, FRA can induce cholestasis by down-regulating bile acid transporters P-gp, Bsep, and Ntcp. The addition of the CYP3A inhibitor ketoconazole (1 μM) significantly reduced the hepatotoxicity of FRA (30 μM), which indicated that FRA induced hepatotoxicity through CYP3A metabolism. Targeted metabolomics analysis indicates the changes in amino acid levels can be combined with molecular biology to clarify the mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by FRA, and amino acid metabolism monitoring may provide a new method for the prevention and treatment of DILI from FRA.

A Comparison of Mesenchymal Stem Cell-derived Hepatocyte-like Cells and HepG2 Cells for Use in Drug-Induced Liver Injury Studies

Liver cell lines obtained from hepatomas, for example, HepG2 cells, are commonly used in drug toxicity studies. However, functional hepatocyte-like cells derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) could be a better option for use in the study of drug metabolism and toxicity. Overdose of acetaminophen (APAP) and excess alcohol consumption are common causes of liver damage. The objective of the present study was to investigate the use of MSC-derived hepatocyte-like cells (MSCdH) in the assessment of drug-induced liver injury (by using APAP and ethanol), and to compare the toxic effects observed in the MSCdH with those exhibited by HepG2 cells. MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord and their functionality confirmed by their ability to differentiate into adipocytes, osteocytes and hepatocyte-like cells. It was shown that the MSCs successfully differentiated into hepatocyte-like cells, and these cells were further characterised by using various enzyme assays and by assessing albumin secretion and urea synthesis. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in the HepG2 and MSCdH after exposure to ethanol and APAP, with cell viability being determined by using the MTT assay. After exposure to ethanol and to APAP, cell viability decreased in a concentration-dependent manner for both types of hepatocytes. The respective EC50 values of ethanol-induced toxicity for HepG2 and MSCdH cells were 2.5% and 1.3% v/v ( p < 0.001); for APAP-induced toxicity they were 19.1 mM and 12.6 mM ( p < 0.001). These findings show that there is a distinct difference between the two types of hepatocytes in terms of APAP-induced and ethanol-induced liver injury.

Design, synthesis and biological evaluation of novel N-phosphorylated and O-phosphorylated tacrine derivatives as potential drugs against Alzheimer's disease

In this work, we designed, synthesised and biologically investigated a novel series of 14 N- and O-phosphorylated tacrine derivatives as potential anti-Alzheimer’s disease agents. In the reaction of 9-chlorotacrine and corresponding diamines/aminoalkylalcohol we obtained diamino and aminoalkylhydroxy tacrine derivatives. Next, the compounds were acid to give final products 6–13 and 16–21 that were characterised by ¹H, ¹³C, ³¹P NMR and MS. The results of the docking studies revealed that the designed phosphorus hybrids, in theory can bind to AChE and BChE. All compounds exhibited significantly lower AutoDock Vina scores compared to tacrine. The inhibitory potency evaluation was performed using the Ellman’s method. The most inhibitory activity against AChE exhibited compound 8 with an IC₅₀ value of 6.11 nM and against BChE 13 with an IC₅₀ value of 1.97 nM and they were 6- and 12-fold potent than tacrine. Compound 19 showed the lack of hepatocytotoxicity in MTT assay.

Furmonertinib (Alflutinib, AST2818) is a potential positive control drug comparable to rifampin for evaluation of CYP3A4 induction in sandwich-cultured primary human hepatocytes

Furmonertinib (Alflutinib, AST2818), as a third-generation epidermal growth factor receptor inhibitor with an advanced efficacy and a relatively wide safety window, has been commercially launched in China recently. However, previous clinical studies demonstrated its time- and dose-dependent clearance in a multiple-dose regimen. In vitro drug metabolism and pharmacokinetic studies have suggested that furmonertinib is mainly metabolized by cytochrome P450 3A4 (CYP3A4) and can induce these enzymes via an increased mRNA expression. This study investigated two important evaluation criteria of CYP3A4 induction by furmonertinib through quantitative proteomics and probe metabolite formation: simultaneous (1) protein expression and (2) enzyme activity with sandwich-cultured primary human hepatocytes in the same well of cell culture plates. Results confirmed that furmonertinib was a potent CYP3A4 inducer comparable with rifampin and could be used as a positive model drug in in vitro studies to evaluate the induction potential of other drug candidates in preclinical studies. In addition, inconsistencies were observed between the protein expression and enzyme activities of CYP3A4 in cells induced by rifampin but not in groups treated with furmonertinib. As such, furmonertinib could be an ideal positive control in the evaluation of CYP3A4 induction. The cells treated with 10 µM rifampin expressed 20.16 ± 5.78 pmol/mg total protein, whereas the cells induced with 0.5 µM furmonertinib expressed 4.8 ± 0.66 pmol/mg protein compared with the vehicle (0.1% dimethyl sulfoxide), which contained 0.65 ± 0.45 pmol/mg protein. The fold change in the CYP3A4 enzyme activity in the cells treated with rifampin was 5.22 ± 1.13, which was similar to that of 0.5 µM furmonertinib (3.79 ± 0.52).

Are In Vitro Cytotoxicity Assessments of Environmental Samples Useful for Characterizing the Risk of Exposure to Multiple Contaminants at the Workplace? A Systematic Review

In some occupational environments risk characterization is challenging or impossible to achieve due to the presence of multiple pollutants and contaminants. Thus, in vitro testing using the most relevant cell lines will provide information concerning health effects due to the co-exposure to multiple stressors. The aim of this review article is to identify studies where the cytotoxicity assessment was performed in environmental samples, as well as to describe the main outputs and challenges regarding risk characterization and management. This study is based on a study of the available information/data on cytotoxicity assessment performed on environmental samples following the PRISMA methodology. Different cell lines were used depending on the environment assessed and exposure routes implicated. The A549 alveolar epithelial cell line was applied in four studies for occupational exposure in the waste sorting industry and for outdoor environments; lymphocytes were used in two studies for occupational and outdoor environments; swine kidney cells were used in three studies performed in the waste industry and hepatocellular/Hep G2 in one study in the waste industry. Cytotoxicity assessments in environmental samples should have a more prominent role due to their contribution for identifying and better understanding the associations between co-exposure to environmental contaminants and adverse human health effects as a prioritization for risk management.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.

The Curious Case of the HepG2 Cell Line: 40 Years of Expertise

Liver cancer is the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Representing such a dramatic impact on our lives, liver cancer is a significant public health concern. Sustainable and reliable methods for preventing and treating liver cancer require fundamental research on its molecular mechanisms. Cell lines are treated as in vitro equivalents of tumor tissues, making them a must-have for basic research on the nature of cancer. According to recent discoveries, certified cell lines retain most genetic properties of the original tumor and mimic its microenvironment. On the other hand, modern technologies allowing the deepest level of detail in omics landscapes have shown significant differences even between samples of the same cell line due to cross- and mycoplasma infection. This and other observations suggest that, in some cases, cell cultures are not suitable as cancer models, with limited predictive value for the effectiveness of new treatments. HepG2 is a popular hepatic cell line. It is used in a wide range of studies, from the oncogenesis to the cytotoxicity of substances on the liver. In this regard, we set out to collect up-to-date information on the HepG2 cell line to assess whether the level of heterogeneity of the cell line allows in vitro biomedical studies as a model with guaranteed production and quality.