Curative and protective effects of l-arginine on carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

Toxicity of targeted anticancer treatments on the liver in myeloproliferative neoplasms

The liver has a central role in metabolism, therefore, it is susceptible to harmful effects of ingested medications (drugs, herbs, and nutritional supplements). Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) comprises a range of unexpected reactions that occur after exposure to various classes of medication. Even though most cases consist of mild, temporary elevations in liver enzyme markers, DILI can also manifest as acute liver failure in some patients and can be associated with mortality. Herein, we briefly review available data on DILI induced by targeted anticancer agents in managing classical myeloproliferative neoplasms: Chronic myeloid leukemia, polycythemia vera, essential thrombocythemia, and myelofibrosis.

Curcumae rhizoma and its major constituents against hepatobiliary disease: Pharmacotherapeutic properties and potential clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary disease currently serves as an urgent health issue in public due to health-modulating factors such as extension of life expectancy, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and over-nutrition. A definite treatment remains lacking owing to different stages of the disease itself and its intricate pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been gradually popularized in clinic with the satisfactory efficacy and good safety. Curcumae Rhizoma (called E Zhu, EZ in Chinese) is a representative herb, which has been used to treat hepatobiliary disease for thousands of years.

PURPOSE

To systematically summarize the recent research advances on the pharmacological activities of EZ and its constituents, explain the underlying mechanisms of preventing and treating hepatobiliary diseases, and assess the shortcomings of existing work. Besides, ethnopharmacology, phytochemicals, and toxicology of EZ have been researched.

METHODS

The information about EZ was collected from various sources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, ACS, SCOPUS, CNKI, CSTJ, and WANFANG using keywords given below and terms like pharmacological and phytochemical details of this plant.

RESULTS

The chemical constituents isolated and identified from EZ, such as terpenoids including β-elemene, furanodiene, germacrone, etc. and curcuminoids including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, etc. prove to have hepatoprotective effect, anti-liver fibrotic effect, anti-fatty liver effect, anti-liver neoplastic effect, and cholagogic effect through TGF-β1/Smad, JNK1/2-ROS, NF-κB and other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways. Also, EZ is often combined with other Chinese herbs in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases with good clinical efficacy and no obvious adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

It provides a preclinical basis for the efficacy of EZ as an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. Even so, the further studies still needed to alleviate hepatotoxicity and expand clinical application.

Acute hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity risk assessment of the Tibetan medicine 25 flavors of the turquoise pill based on 1H-NMR metabonomics

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

25 flavors of the turquoise pill, a traditional Tibetan medicine for the treatment of various types of hepatitis, has not been investigated on its safety, especially the component mineral turquoise, which is believed to be essential but worried for its potential toxicity.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To explore the potential acute toxicity and function of 25 flavors of the turquoise pill and turquoise, the possible mechanism of the effects of turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill were systematically studied based on 1H NMR metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The rats were administered with turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill by gavage for 7 days, and samples of serum, liver, and kidney were collected. The potential toxicity and function of turquoise and 25 flavors of the turquoise pill on the liver and kidney of SD rats were evaluated by 1H NMR metabonomics, histopathology, and biochemical indexes.

RESULTS

The results demonstrated that 25 flavors of the turquoise pill could scavenge free oxygen radicals, strengthen aerobic respiration and inhibit glycolysis in the liver. It did not cause oxidative stress in the kidney with no obvious damage. By modulation of branched-chain amino acids (BCAAs), 25 flavors of the turquoise pill can improve the utilization of glucose and promote aerobic respiration of the kidney.

CONCLUSION

Considering the high dosage and short duration used in this study relative to their typical clinical usage, administration of 25 flavors of the turquoise pill and its component mineral turquoise are safe to livers and kidneys.

Red-Fleshed Apple Anthocyanin Extracts Attenuate Male Reproductive System Dysfunction Caused by Busulfan in Mice

In this research, we analyzed the effect of an intragastrical oral administration of red-fleshed apple anthocyanin extract (RAAE) on busulfan-treated mice. First, we showed that the most abundant component in RAAE was cyanidin 3-O-galactoside. To determine the effect of the RAAE, the mice were divided into control and four other different concentrations of RAAE feeding treatment groups (BA0, no RAAE; BA.1, 0.1 mg/kg; BA1, 1 mg/kg; and BA5, 5 mg/kg) following busulfan injection. We observed that RAAE treatments displayed ameliorative effects on male reproductive system dysfunction caused by busulfan, such as recovering the irregular arrangements of seminiferous tubules, increasing the number of spermatogonia and spermatocytes, improving sperm concentration by 3-fold in BA.1, and improving sperm motility by 2-fold in BA1. The liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) analysis showed significant up- or downregulation of certain metabolites, such as lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), L-arginine, glycine, anandamide, and L-carnitine, which could contribute to the positive effects of RAAE, especially in PBA1 (plasma of BA1) and PBA5 (plasma of BA5). Taken together, the results indicate that 1 mg/kg of RAAE is a suitable concentration for rescuing spermatogenesis in mice. The research suggests that RAAE could be a potential nutraceutical for protecting spermatogenesis after busulfan therapy in cancer.

Glycine and L-Arginine supplementation ameliorates gastro-duodenal toxicity in a rat model of NSAID (Diclofenac)-gastroenteropathy via inhibition of oxidative stress

OBJECTIVES

This study examined the possible protective roles of exogenous glycine (Gly) and L-Arginine (l-Arg) against Diclofenac (DIC)-induced gastro-duodenal damage in rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into Group A (control), Group B (DIC group) and Groups C-F which were pre-treated for five days with Gly1 (250 mg/kg), Gly2 (500 mg/kg), l-Arg1 (200 mg/kg) and l-Arg2 (400 mg/kg), respectively, before co-treatment with DIC for another three days. Hematological, biochemical and histopathological analyses were then carried out.

RESULTS

DIC produced significant (p<0.05) reduction in PCV (13.82%), Hb (46.58%), RBC (30.53%), serum total protein (32.72%), albumin (28.44%) and globulin (38.01%) along with significant (p<0.05) elevation of serum MPO activity (83.30%), when compared with control. In addition, DIC increased gastric H₂O₂ and MDA levels by 33.93 and 48.59%, respectively, while the duodenal levels of the same parameters increased by 19.43 and 85.56%, respectively. Moreover, SOD, GPx and GST activities in the DIC group were significantly (p<0.05) reduced in the stomach (21.12, 24.35 and 51.28%, respectively) and duodenum (30.59, 16.35 and 37.90%, respectively), compared to control. Treatment with Gly and l-Arg resulted in significant amelioration of the DIC-induced alterations although l-Arg produced better amelioration of RBC (29.78%), total protein (10.12%), albumin (9.93%) and MPO (65.01%), compared to the DIC group. The protective effects of both amino acids against oxidative stress parameters and histological lesions were largely similar.

CONCLUSIONS

The data from this study suggest that Gly or l-Arg prevented DIC-induced gastro-duodenal toxicity and might, therefore be useful in improving the therapeutic index of DIC.

Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of antioxidant enzymes SOD2 and GSTP1 genes and SLE risk and severity in an Egyptian pediatric population

BACKGROUND

Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a chronic autoimmune disease associated with increased oxidative stress that participates in immune dysregulation, and injury resulting in loss of immune tolerance and increased auto-antibody production. This study was designed to investigate the effects of genetic polymorphisms of the antioxidant enzymes genes that code for SOD2 (rs2758332) and GSTP1 (rs1695) on SLE risk and severity in Egyptian children and adolescents cohort from Delta region.

METHODS

The frequencies of these genes polymorphic variants were compared between 100 SLE children and adolescents and 100 healthy control subjects. Single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of the two antioxidants were determined using TaqMan SNP genotyping assay.

RESULTS

Individuals with the TT and CT genotypes of rs2758332 in the SOD2 gene were of significant risk for SLE patients (OR = 1.831, 95% CI = 1.082-3.101, P = 0.024) and (OR = 1.864, 95% CI = 1.136-3.059, P = 0.014), respectively. Cases who have combined CT + TT genotype were of significant higher risk of SLE (OR = 1.851, 95% CI = 1.156 - 2.962, P = 0.010). While, they did not show any significant association between SOD2 genotypes or alleles with SLE clinical features. In case of the SNP rs1695 in the GSTP1 gene, no significant associations of genotypes or alleles with SLE risk or with SLE clinical features were detected.

CONCLUSIONS

This study among Egyptian children and adolescents showed a strong association of the SOD2 rs2758332 not GSTP1 rs1695 polymorphism with the risk of SLE disease.

Protective effects of dietary arginine against oxidative damage and hepatopancreas immune responses induced by T-2 toxin in Chinese mitten crab (Eriocheir sinensis)

T-2 toxin is a secondary metabolite produced by Fusarium spp. that is a major cereal and animal feed contaminant. T-2 toxin has numerous adverse effects on animals, including hepatotoxicity. Arginine (Arg) is closely associated with the regulation of immune responses and antioxidant activity in tissues. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the protective effects of dietary Arg against oxidative damage and immune responses of the hepatopancreas induced by T-2 toxin in Chinese mitten crab. According to the results, 3.17% Arg in the diet decreased alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and alkaline phosphatase activity in the haemolymph significantly, when compared with the levels of activity in the T-2 toxin group. Arg supplementation also increased superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activity, while decreasing malondialdehyde concentrations in the hepatopancreas, when compared with the levels in the T-2 toxin group. In addition, 3.17% Arg in the diet increased acid phosphatase and alkaline phosphatase activity in the hepatopancreas, as well as albumin concentrations in the haemolymph, when compared with the T-2 toxin group. Dietary Arg also regulated the expression of antioxidant enzyme-related genes (mitochondrial manganese superoxide dismutase, cytosolic manganese superoxide dismutase, and catalase) and immune related genes (prophenoloxidase, NF-κB-like transcription factor Relish, and lipopolysaccharide-induced TNF-α factor) to alleviate the damage associated with the T-2 toxin. Furthermore, Arg ameliorated damage to the hepatopancreas microstructure in the crabs. The results of the present study indicate that dietary Arg could enhance the antioxidant and immune capacity of Chinese mitten crab against oxidative damage and immune injury to the hepatopancreas induced by T-2 toxin.

Development of New Potential Anticancer Metal Complexes Derived from 2-Hydrazinobenzothiazole

Background:

Due to the side effects of clinically approved anticancer drugs there is a great need to explore and develop new metal-based anticancer drug molecules of high efficiency with less or no side effects.

Objective:

To synthesize new metal complexes of 2-hydrazinobenzothiazole (hbt) and to investigate their potential anticancer characteristics.

Methods:

New five complexes; [VO(hbt)2SO4].4H2O (1), [Ru(hbt)2Cl3(H2O)] (2), [M(hbt)2Cl2] [M(II) = Pd (3), Pt (4)] and [Ag(hbt)2].NO3 (5) were prepared and their structure was investigated by means of FTIR, 1H NMR, ESI-MS and UV-Vis spectra, elemental and thermal analysis, magnetic and molar conductance measurements. The ligand and its complexes were examined as anticancer agents against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) and human cancer cells (hepatocellular carcinoma Hep-G2, mammary gland breast cancer MCF-7 and colorectal carcinoma HCT-116). This feature is further supported by the DNAmetal complexes binding ability. In addition, anti-oxidation activity of the complexes was investigated.

Results:

Complex (5) shows the highest anticancer activity with IC50 of 5.15, 9.9, 13.1 and 17.7 µg/mL for EAC, HePG-2, MCF-7 and HCT-116, respectively. Complexes (2) and (3) show promising cytotoxicity against EAC and HePG-2 cells with IC50 5.49 and 16.2 µg/mL, respectively. While, complexes (1) and (4) show optimistic cytotoxicity against EAC with IC50 of 9.63 and 11.25 µg/mL, respectively. The order of DNA binding ability of the complexes is (5) > (3) > (2) > (1) > (4). Among the five complexes, complex (5) shows the best anti-oxidation activity.

Conclusion:

Complex (5) showed the highest DNA binding ability, anti-oxidation and anticancer activities.

Apoptosis perturbations and expression of regulatory inflammatory factors in cisplatin-depleted rat livers under l-arginine protection

Hepatic injury is one of the most common complications associated with cisplatin (CIS) use. Recently, liver protection lines are being discovered to stop the hepatic cell death due to inflammatory and apoptotic perturbations. l-arginine has protective effects in several models of liver injury. This study was designed to investigate the possible protective effect of l-arginine against CIS-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. Rats were divided into 4 groups: control, l-arginine, CIS, l-arginine + CIS. Liver function, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and apoptosis markers were assessed. l-arginine pretreatment protected the liver against CIS-induced toxicity as indicated by significantly alleviating the changes in liver function along with restoration of the antioxidant status. This finding was confirmed with the markedly improved pathological changes. l-arginine showed anti-inflammatory effect through the reduction of liver expression of iNOS, TNF-α, and NF-κβ, which were ameliorated to significant levels. Furthermore, l-arginine administration downregulated the liver expression of the apoptotic marker, caspase-3. The results recommend l-arginine as a hepatoprotective agent against CIS toxicity. Mostly, this hepatoprotective effect of l-arginine involved anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic activities.

Pathophysiological changes in experimental polycystic ovary syndrome in female albino rats: Using either hemin or L-arginine

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), one of the important endocrine disorders affecting females in the reproductive age, is caused mainly by an abnormal oxidation status that subsequently causes inflammatory conditions. Thus, this study aims to examine the possible individual prophylactic effects of gasotransmitters, hemin, or L-arginine in letrozole-induced PCOS. Fifty adult female albino rats were used and separated into a control group, which received the vehicle; a letrozole-induced PCOS group (L), which received letrozole orally at a dose level of 1 mg/kg for 21 days; a letrozole+hemin (L+H) group, which received letrozole plus hemin at a dose level of 25 mg/kg injected IP twice per week for 21 days; and a letrozole+L-arginine (L+A) group, which received letrozole plus L-arginine at a dose level of 200 mg/kg orally for 21 days. During PCO induction, the body weight and Lee index were measured. Serum glucose, insulin, lipid profile, gonadotrophic hormones, testosterone, estrogen, and tumor necrosis factor alpha were assayed, while ovarian tissues were analyzed to measure the oxidative state and histopathological changes. Our results proved that either hemin or L-arginine administration could improve the oxidative state, the inflammatory reaction, the hormonal imbalance, and the metabolic disturbances in PCO rats, which was confirmed by a histopathological examination of the rats' ovaries. In conclusion, either hemin or L-arginine had protective effects against PCOS with better pathophysiological changes with hemin.

Elental® amino acid component has protective effects on primary cultured hepatocytes and a rat model of acute liver injury

Amino acids can exert protective effects on the liver either when administered as a medication or following an operation. In this study, we examined the protective effects of amino acids on the liver using in vitro and in vivo models by studying their influence on the induction of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nitric oxide production as a liver injury marker in cultured hepatocytes and liver-protective effects in d-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-treated rats, respectively. Primary cultured rat hepatocytes were treated with interleukin (IL)-1β in the presence or absence of Elental® amino acid component (EleAA; 17 amino acids). Rats were pretreated with either EleAA or a diet containing selected amino acids followed by GalN/LPS injection. Survival rate and mRNA expression were analyzed. EleAA inhibited iNOS induction through reduction of mRNA synthesis and stability in cultured hepatocytes, indicating prevention of liver injury, but did not show a liver-protective effect in GalN/LPS rats. Among EleAA, Lys, Trp, His, and Arg (4AA) markedly decreased nitric oxide production and inhibited nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) activation. In GalN/LPS rats, 4AA (3% of each amino acid in diet) increased survival rate by 50% and decreased mRNA expression of iNOS, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cytokine-induced neutrophil chemoattractant-1 in the liver. 4AA reduced NF-κB activation induced by GalN/LPS. 4AA inhibited the expression of inflammatory mediators, in part through inhibition of NF-κB activation in cultured hepatocytes and GalN/LPS-treated rats. The results suggest that EleAA has therapeutic potential for organ injuries including liver.

Regression of murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma using synthesized cobalt complex

Cisplatin as a chief chemotherapy has nephro-toxicity and so we have tried to develop a novel antitumor drug based on a combination of cobalt metal ion with an organic moiety. The antitumor activity of the complex was tested in vitro and in vivo against murine Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC). Antioxidant capacity and nucleic acids content were determined. Cobalt(ii) diacetyl monoxime-2-hydrazinopyridine complex significantly diminished tumor load. It decreased the tumor proliferation rate and obviously increased the life span of EAC-bearing mice. It reversed the haematological parameters back towards normal, reduced liver enzymes and urea, and increased albumin and total protein. Antioxidant parameters levels were reversed towards normal. An assessment was conducted by comparing these results with those obtained using the standard drug, cisplatin. The results suggest that the cobalt complex can be considered as a potent anticancer agent as it showed appreciable antitumor activity in EAC-bearing mice that was almost analogous to that of the reference standard, cisplatin.

Impact of weight loss on oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines in obese type 2 diabetic patients

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus is associated with abnormal markers of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers. Although, these abnormalities could be modulated with weight reduction; there is limitation in clinical studies that have addressed the beneficial effects of weight reduction in modulating biomarkers of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress for obesity associated with type 2 diabetes mellitus.

OBJECTIVE

This study was designed to detect the effects of weight loss on the inflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress markers in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Eighty obese patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, their age ranged from 35-57 years and their body mass index ranged from 31-35 kg/m² were equally assigned into 2 groups: the weight reduction group received aerobic exercises, diet regimen, where as the control group received medical treatment only for 12 weeks.

RESULTS

The mean values of body mass index (BMI), tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), C-reactive protein (sCRP), conjugated dienes (CD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were significantly decreased, while the mean values of glutathione peroxidase (GPx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) were significantly increased in patients of group (A), while changes were not significant in group (B). Also, there were significant differences between mean levels of the investigated parameters in group (A) and group (B) at the end of the study.

CONCLUSION

Weight loss ameliorates inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress markers in obese type 2 diabetic patients.

Hepatoprotective effect of trans-Chalcone on experimentally induced hepatic injury in rats: inhibition of hepatic inflammation and fibrosis

The current study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of trans-Chalcone in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) and paracetamol (PCM) induced liver damage in rats. Administration of CCl4 and PCM (1 mL/kg, i.p., 3 days, and 2 g/kg, p.o., single dose, respectively) produced hepatic injury. Ponderal changes (percent change in body mass and relative liver mass) and biochemical parameters (serum ALT, AST, ALP, bilirubin) were estimated. The markers of oxidative and nitrosative stress (TBARS, reduced GSH, nitrite and nitrate), hepatic fibrosis (TGF-β1, collagen content), hepatic inflammation (TNF-α), and histopathological study were evaluated. trans-Chalcone (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg, i.p.) was found to be beneficial as demonstrated by significant reversal of liver histology by perceptible reduction of inflammatory cell infiltration with regenerative changes in hepatocytes. Improvement in percent change in body mass and significant reduction in relative liver mass were observed. Marked reduction in serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, and bilirubin were noted. Decreases in TBARS and nitrites and nitrates and increases in reduced GSH levels were noted. Hepatic fibrosis and inflammation were significantly decreased. The findings indicate a novel hepatoprotective role for trans-Chalcone by improving hepatic injury by possible actions such as anti-oxidant, anti-nitrosative, anti-fibrotic, and anti-inflammatory. Hence, it can be used as promising hepatoprotective agent.

Investigation into the antioxidant role of arginine in the treatment and the protection for intralipid-induced non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Background

This study investigated the possible roles of arginine (Arg) in ameliorating oxidative damage of intralipid (IL)-induced steatohepatitis (NASH).

Methods

NASH was induced in Sprague-Dawley rats by intravenous administration of 20 % IL for three weeks and then rats were pre- and post-treated with intraperitoneal injection of Arg for two weeks. Several biochemical parameters (blood and hepatic lipid peroxidation, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and superoxide dismutase, hepatic cytochrome P450 2El monooxygenase (CYP2E1), nitric oxide (NO), endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) and tumor necrosis factor-α “TNF-α”) and liver histopathology were detected for rat groups.

Results

The administration of Arg either before or after IL significantly ameliorated uncontrolled elevation of TBARS content, CYP2E1 activity (0.32 ± 0.01 or 0.3 ± 0.02 IU/mg) and TNF-α level. These effects were associated with a significant increase in the levels of glutathione, activities of antioxidant enzymes, NO level (1.649 ± 0.047 or 1.957 ± 0.073 μmol/g) and activity of hepatic eNOS (0.05 ± 0.002 or 0.056 ± 0.002 IU/mg) compared to the IL-treated rats. Moreover, the injection of Arg in NASH-induced rats showed normal hepatocytes, no steatosis and no bile duct proliferation but mild inflammation in the group which received IL after Arg.

Conclusions

These results proved that pre- and post-treatment with Arg blocked oxidative stress-induced NASH by inhibiting CYP2E1 activity, decreasing TNF- α level and restoration activities of eNOS and antioxidant enzymes as well as glutathione level. This antioxidant effect of Arg leads to reverse signs of liver pathology of NASH with amelioration of liver and kidney functions.

Pro-inflammatory adipocytokines, oxidative stress, insulin, Zn and Cu: Interrelations with obesity in Egyptian non-diabetic obese children and adolescents

PURPOSE

To investigate the inter-relationships between adipocytokines, oxidative stress, insulin, Zn and Cu and obesity among Egyptian obese non-diabetic children and adolescents.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

72 obese children and adolescents of both sexes (5-17 years) were recruited for the study. 40 healthy normal non-obese persons of matched ages and sexes were used as control group. Lipid profile, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and leptin levels were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) concentrations and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were estimated. Micronutrients (Zn and Cu) concentrations in addition to insulin and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels were also evaluated. Estimation of insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment (HOMA-IR)) was derived from FBS measurements.

RESULTS

Significant elevations (P<0.001) in TNF-α, IL-6, leptin, MDA, Cu and FBS levels and significant decreases (P<0.001) in GSH, Zn levels and SOD activity were detected among obese individuals as compared with control group. Insulin and triglyceride levels were significantly increased in obese male children and HDL-cholesterol level was increased significantly in obese adolescent females compared to controls. However, total cholesterol and LDL-cholesterol levels were significantly high in all obese cases as compared with controls. Insulin resistance was detected in 100% of the patients.

CONCLUSIONS

We concluded that obesity with pro-inflammatory adipocytokines and hypozincemia together by many mechanisms participate in excessive oxidative stress and are highly associated with inflammation and the development of obesity-related complications. Obesity represents a critical risk factor for development of insulin resistance status.

Differences in antioxidant activities of outdoor- and indoor-cultivated Agaricus brasiliensis, and protective effects against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in mice

Background

Agaricus brasiliensis (A. brasiliensis) is a medicinal mushroom that exerts various pharmacological actions. We previously demonstrated that different cultivation conditions altered the activity of the polyphenol-related enzymes from this mushroom. However, the influence of cultivation conditions on the antioxidant activity of the fruiting bodies remains unclear. Therefore, in this study we compared the antioxidative effects of fruiting bodies of A. brasiliensis cultivated outdoors and indoors. In addition, we assessed whether different cultivation methods affected the hepatoprotective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury.

Methods

We assessed the antioxidative effects of mushrooms cultivated in open-air or indoors using the DPPH radical-scavenging assay. Furthermore, we prepared experimental feeds containing outdoor- or indoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis. Acute liver injury was induced by CCl₄ injection in mice that consumed feed containing outdoor- or indoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis. The hepatoprotective effects of these mushrooms were then evaluated by monitoring the reduction in the circulating levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase. The significance of the differences between the means was assessed using Student’s t-test. Finally, histopathological analysis of liver was performed.

Results

In the DPPH assay, the antioxidant activity of outdoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis was higher than that of indoor-cultivated mushroom. Moreover, in the mouse model of CCl₄-induced hepatitis, the oral administration of outdoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis reduced liver damage significantly, but indoor-cultivated mushrooms failed to inhibit hepatitis. The hepatoprotective effects of outdoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis were observed even when ingestion commenced only 1 day before CCl₄ injection, and these effects were not affected by excessive heat treatment.

Conclusions

Outdoor cultivation significantly enhanced the antioxidative activity of A. brasiliensis fruiting bodies. In addition, outdoor-cultivated A. brasiliensis was more effective at protecting against CCl₄-induced liver injury in mice than mushrooms grown in a greenhouse.

Oxidative damage repair by glutamine in fish enterocytes

Fish intestine is very sensitive to oxidative damage. Repair of damaged enterocytes may be involved to restore normal function of fish intestine. However, studies of fish enterocyte repair are scarce. The present study aimed to investigate the potential repair role of glutamine after a H2O2 challenge. In this study, fish enterocytes were post-treated with graded levels of glutamine (0, 4, 8, 12 and 20 mM of glutamine) after expose to 100 μM H2O2. The basal control cells were kept in the glutamine-free minimum essential medium only. Results showed that the H2O2-induced decreases in 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide optical density, alkaline phosphatase and Na(+), K(+)-ATPase activities were completely restored by subsequent glutamine treatments. In addition, cellular injury (lactate dehydrogenase), lipid peroxidation (malondialdehyde) and protein oxidation (protein carbonyls) caused by H2O2 were reversed by subsequent glutamine treatments. Furthermore, the H2O2-induced decreases in glutathione contents, glutathione reductase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase activities were completely restored by subsequent glutamine treatments. In summary, the present study indicated that glutamine improved the repair activity in fish enterocytes after challenge with H2O2.