Amygdalin attenuates acute liver injury induced by D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide by regulating the NLRP3, NF-κB and Nrf2/NQO1 signalling pathways

Oxidative stress in poultry production

Oxidative stress (OS) is a major concern that impacts the overall health of chickens in modern production systems. It is characterized by an imbalance between antioxidant defence mechanisms and the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS). This literature review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of oxidative stress in poultry production, with an emphasis on its effects on growth performance, immune responses, and reproductive outcomes. This review highlights the intricate mechanisms underlying OS and discusses how various factors, including dietary components, genetic predispositions, and environmental stressors can exacerbate the production of ROS. Additionally, the impact of oxidative stress on the production performance and physiological systems of poultry is examined. The study also emphasizes the relationship between oxidative stress and poultry diseases, highlighting how impaired antioxidant defenses increase bird's susceptibility to infections. The review assesses the existing approaches to reducing oxidative stress in chickens in response to these challenges. This includes managing techniques to lower stress in the production environment, antioxidant supplements, and nutritional interventions. The effectiveness of naturally occurring antioxidants, including plant extracts, minerals, and vitamins to improve poultry resistance to oxidative damage is also examined. To improve the antioxidant defenses of poultry under stress conditions, the activation of cellular homeostatic networks termed vitagenes, such as Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 (Nrf2) is necessary for the synthesis of protective factors that can counteract the increased production of ROS and RNS. Future studies into novel strategies for managing oxidative stress in chicken production would build on these research advances and the knowledge gaps identified in this review.

Synthetic Amphipathic Helical Peptide L-37pA Ameliorates the Development of Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and ARDS-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice

In this study, we evaluated the ability of the synthetic amphipathic helical peptide (SAHP), L-37pA, which mediates pathogen recognition and innate immune responses, to treat acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) accompanied by diffuse alveolar damage (DAD) and chronic pulmonary fibrosis (PF). For the modeling of ARDS/DAD, male ICR mice were used. Intrabronchial instillation (IB) of 200 µL of inflammatory agents was performed by an intravenous catheter 20 G into the left lung lobe only, leaving the right lobe unaffected. Intravenous injections (IVs) of L-37pA, dexamethasone (DEX) and physiological saline (saline) were used as therapies for ARDS/DAD. L37pA inhibited the circulating levels of inflammatory cytokines, such as IL-8, TNFα, IL1α, IL4, IL5, IL6, IL9 and IL10, by 75-95%. In all cases, the computed tomography (CT) data indicate that L-37pA reduced lung density faster to -335 ± 23 Hounsfield units (HU) on day 7 than with DEX and saline, to -105 ± 29 HU and -23 ± 11 HU, respectively. The results of functional tests showed that L-37pA treatment 6 h after ARDS/DAD initiation resulted in a more rapid improvement in the physiological respiratory lung by 30-45% functions compared with the comparison drugs. Our data suggest that synthetic amphipathic helical peptide L-37pA blocked a cytokine storm, inhibited acute and chronic pulmonary inflammation, prevented fibrosis development and improved physiological respiratory lung function in the ARDS/DAD mouse model. We concluded that a therapeutic strategy using SAHPs targeting SR-B receptors is a potential novel effective treatment for inflammation-induced ARDS, DAD and lung fibrosis of various etiologies.

Endotoxin tolerance ameliorates lipopolysaccharide/D-galactosamine-induced acute liver failure by negative regulation of the NF-κB/NLRP3 and activation of Nrf2/HO-1 via Sitr1

Acute liver failure (ALF) is a potentially fatal disorder characterized by extensive hepatocyte necrosis and rapid decline in liver function. Numerous factors, including oxidative stress, cell death, and inflammatory responses, are associated with its pathogenesis. Endotoxin tolerance (ET) refers to the phenomenon in which the body or cells exhibit low or no response to high-dose lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation after pre-stimulation with low-dose LPS. However, the specific mechanism through which ET regulates LPS/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced ALF remains unclear. An ALF mouse model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-GalN (400 mg/kg) and LPS (10 mg/kg). A low dose of LPS (0.1 mg/kg/d) was continuously administered to mice for 5 d before modeling to assess the protective effect of ET. The data from this study showed that ET alleviated the inflammatory response in mice with LPS/D-GalN-induced ALF. ET inhibited LPS-induced oxidative damage and pyroptosis in macrophages in vitro. RNA sequencing analysis showed that the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway was linked to the anti-inflammatory and antioxidative effects of ET. Furthermore, using western blot, RT-qPCR, and immunofluorescence, we verified that ET inhibited the NF-κB/NLRP3 pathway and triggered the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to attenuate oxidative stress and cell pyroptosis. Sirt1 knockdown reversed this protective effect. In summary, our research elucidates that ET prevents ALF advancement by upregulating Sirt1 levels, triggering the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling axis, and suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling cascade to inhibit oxidative stress and cell pyroptosis. Our results provide a mechanistic explanation for the protective effect of ET against ALF.

Amygdalin Alleviates DSS-Induced Colitis by Restricting Cell Death and Inflammatory Response, Maintaining the Intestinal Barrier, and Modulating Intestinal Flora

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) refers to a cluster of intractable gastrointestinal disorders with an undetermined etiology and a lack of effective therapeutic agents. Amygdalin (Amy) is a glycoside extracted from the seeds of apricot and other Rosaceae plants and it exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties. Here, the effects and mechanisms of Amy on colitis were examined via 16S rRNA sequencing, ELISA, transmission electron microscopy, Western blot, and immunofluorescence. The results showed that Amy administration remarkably attenuated the signs of colitis (reduced body weight, increased disease activity index, and shortened colon length) and histopathological damage in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-challenged mice. Further studies revealed that Amy administration significantly diminished DSS-triggered gut barrier dysfunction by lowering pro-inflammatory mediator levels, inhibiting oxidative stress, and reducing intestinal epithelial apoptosis and ferroptosis. Notably, Amy administration remarkably lowered DSS-triggered TLR4 expression and the phosphorylation of proteins related to the NF-κB and MAPK pathways. Furthermore, Amy administration modulated the balance of intestinal flora, including a selective rise in the abundance of S24-7 and a decline in the abundance of Allobaculum, Oscillospira, Bacteroides, Sutterella, and Shigella. In conclusion, Amy can alleviate colitis, which provides data to support the utility of Amy in combating IBD.

Amygdalin and exercise training exert a synergistic effect in improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction

This study investigated the effects of amygdalin (AMY, a cyanogenic glycoside widely distributed in the fruits and seeds of Rosaceae plants) on cardiac performance and ventricular remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). We also investigated whether the combination of AMY with exercise training (ExT) has a beneficial synergistic effect in treating MI rats. MI was induced by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SD rats. ExT or AMY treatment was started 1 week after MI and continued for 1 week (short-term) or 8 weeks (long-term). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Heart tissues were harvested and subjected to 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin-eosin, and immunohistochemical staining. Gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot gave a qualitative assessment of protein levels. AMY or ExT improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI rats. AMY or ExT also suppressed myocardial fibrosis and attenuated inflammation in the infarct border zone of hearts from MI rats, as evidenced by inhibition of collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase 2). Notably, the effects of AMY combined with ExT were superior to those of AMY alone or ExT alone. Mechanistically, these beneficial functions were correlated with the inhibition of MI-induced activation of the transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway. Collectively, AMY and ExT exert a synergistic effect on improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after MI, and the effects of long-term intervention were better than short-term intervention.

Armeniacae semen amarum: a review on its botany, phytochemistry, pharmacology, clinical application, toxicology and pharmacokinetics

Armeniacae semen amarum-seeds of Prunus armeniaca L. (Rosaceae) (ASA), also known as Kuxingren in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese herbal drug commonly used for lung disease and intestinal disorders. It has long been used to treat coughs and asthma, as well as to lubricate the colon and reduce constipation. ASA refers to the dried ripe seed of diverse species of Rosaceae and contains a variety of phytochemical components, including glycosides, organic acids, amino acids, flavonoids, terpenes, phytosterols, phenylpropanoids, and other components. Extensive data shows that ASA exhibits various pharmacological activities, such as anticancer activity, anti-oxidation, antimicrobial activity, anti-inflammation, protection of cardiovascular, neural, respiratory and digestive systems, antidiabetic effects, and protection of the liver and kidney, and other activities. In clinical practice, ASA can be used as a single drug or in combination with other traditional Chinese medicines, forming ASA-containing formulas, to treat various afflictions. However, it is important to consider the potential adverse reactions and pharmacokinetic properties of ASA during its clinical use. Overall, with various bioactive components, diversified pharmacological actions and potent efficacies, ASA is a promising drug that merits in-depth study on its functional mechanisms to facilitate its clinical application.

NLRP3 inhibitors: Unleashing their therapeutic potential against inflammatory diseases

The NOD-like receptor pyrin domain-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome has been linked to the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines and is essential for innate defence against infection and danger signals. These secreted cytokines improve the inflammatory response caused by tissue damage and associated inflammation. Consequently, the development of NLRP3 inflammasome inhibitors are viable option for the treatment of diverse inflammatory disorders. The significant anti-inflammatory effects of the NLRP3 inhibitors have severe side effects. Hence, the application of NLRP3 inhibitors against inflammatory disease has not yet been understood and most of the developed inhibitors are unsuccessful in clinical trials. The processes behind the NLRP3 complex, priming, and activation are the main emphasis of this review, which also covers therapeutical inhibitors of the NLRP3 inflammasome and potential therapeutic strategies for directing the NLRP3 inflammasome towards clinical development.

Amygdalin Delays Cartilage Endplate Degeneration and Improves Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Inhibiting NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Inflammatory Response

Background

Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is a major cause of lower back pain (LBP), in which inflammatory is frequently involved. Amygdalin (AMD) is a naturally occurring compound that exerts anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and immunomodulatory effects in various diseases. The purpose of this study was to investigate the therapeutic effects and molecular mechanisms of AMD on Lumbar spine instability (LSI)-induced IDD in mice.

Methods

In this study, we first explored the effects of AMD in vivo, and then further explored the mechanism of its effects both in vivo and in vitro. Ten-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were administrated with AMD. At 10 weeks after LSI, spinal were collected for tissue analyses, including histology, micro-CT, and immunohistochemistry for Col2, Mmp-13, TNF-α, and p-P65. Additionally, we also evaluated the mRNA and protein expression level of p-P65 and p-IKBα after being treated with AMD in vitro.

Results

Histological staining, micro-CT and immunohistochemical analysis showed that AMD treatment significantly inhibited the expression of TNF-α and Mmp-13, increased the expression of Col2 as well as attenuated the calcification of cartilage endplates, eventually to delayed the progression of IDD. Meanwhile, in vivo and in vitro fluorescence imaging revealed that AMD markedly inhibited the AMD significantly inhibited the LSI-induced increase in TNF-α expression and P65and IKBα phosphorylation.

Discussion

Our findings suggest that AMD partly inhibits the activation of NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the release of inflammatory mediators and delay the degeneration of cartilage endplate in IDD model mice. Therefore, AMD may be a potential candidate for the treatment of IDD.

Amygdalin epimers exert discrepant anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) represents a chronic and progressive tissue repair response that leads to irreversible scarring and lung remodelling. The decoction of bitter almond usually contains amygdalin epimers in traditional clinical application for lung disease. To reveal the differences of cytotoxicity and antifibrotic effect between amygdalin epimers, and potential mechanism is also explored. The cytotoxicity of amygdalin epimers were evaluated with MRC-5 cells in vitro. Their antifibrotic activities were evaluated in bleomycin-induced C57BL/6 mice and TGF-β1-induced MRC-5 cells. Here we demonstrated that L-amygdalin is more toxic of the amygdalin epimers in MRC-5 cells, and D-amygdalin is more effective in anti-pulmonary fibrosis among the amygdalin epimers in bleomycin-induced C57BL/6 mice. Herein, it was observed that D-amygdalin had a stronger inhibitory effect on inflammation than L-amygdalin, and had similar results in inhibiting the mRNA and protein expression levels of fibrosis-related biomarkers. The mechanism of anti-pulmonary fibrosis showed that amygdalin epimers suppressing expression of phosphorylation of Smads2/3, which implying deactivation of the TGF-β1induced Smads2/3 signal pathway. This study evaluates the amygdalin epimers cytotoxicity and antifibrotic effect, and its mechanisms were related to the TGF-β1/Smads2/3 signal pathway. It provides a reference for clinical safety and effectiveness of amygdalin epimers.

Phytochemistry and pharmacology of Armeniacae semen Amarum: A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Armeniacae Semen Amarum (Prunus armeniaca L. var. ansu Maxim., Ku xingren, bitter almond, ASA) is an important medicine in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). It is widely used because of its remarkable curative effect in relieving cough and asthma, moistening intestines and defecating.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review aims to enlighten the deeper knowledge about ASA, giving a comprehensive overview of its traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and toxicology for future investigation of plant-based drugs and therapeutic applications.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The databases used are Web of Science, PubMed, Baidu academic, Google academic, CNKI, Wanfang and VIP . In addition, detailed information on ASA was obtained from relevant monographs such as Chinese Pharmacopoeia.

RESULTS

The active components of ASA mainly include amygdalin, bitter almond oil, essential oil, protein, vitamin, trace elements and carbohydrates. The pharmacological studies have shown that ASA has beneficial effects such as antitussive, antiasthmatic, anti-inflammatory, analgesic, antioxidant, antitumour, cardioprotective, antifibrotic, immune regulatory, bowel relaxation, insecticidal, etc. CONCLUSIONS: Many reports have been published on ASA's various active ingredients and biological uses. However, only a few reviews on its phytoconstituents and pharmacological uses. In addition, the exploration and development of ASA in other fields also deserve more attention in future research.

Herbal formula BaWeiBaiDuSan alleviates polymicrobial sepsis-induced liver injury via increasing the gut microbiota Lactobacillus johnsonii and regulating macrophage anti-inflammatory activity in mice

Sepsis-induced liver injury (SILI) is an important cause of septicemia deaths. BaWeiBaiDuSan (BWBDS) was extracted from a formula of Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer, Lilium brownie F. E. Brown ex Miellez var. viridulum Baker, Polygonatum sibiricum Delar. ex Redoute, Lonicera japonica Thunb., Hippophae rhamnoides Linn., Amygdalus Communis Vas, Platycodon grandiflorus (Jacq.) A. DC., and Cortex Phelloderdri. Herein, we investigated whether the BWBDS treatment could reverse SILI by the mechanism of modulating gut microbiota. BWBDS protected mice against SILI, which was associated with promoting macrophage anti-inflammatory activity and enhancing intestinal integrity. BWBDS selectively promoted the growth of Lactobacillus johnsonii (L. johnsonii) in cecal ligation and puncture treated mice. Fecal microbiota transplantation treatment indicated that gut bacteria correlated with sepsis and was required for BWBDS anti-sepsis effects. Notably, L. johnsonii significantly reduced SILI by promoting macrophage anti-inflammatory activity, increasing interleukin-10+ M2 macrophage production and enhancing intestinal integrity. Furthermore, heat inactivation L. johnsonii (HI-L. johnsonii) treatment promoted macrophage anti-inflammatory activity and alleviated SILI. Our findings revealed BWBDS and gut microbiota L. johnsonii as novel prebiotic and probiotic that may be used to treat SILI. The potential underlying mechanism was at least in part, via L. johnsonii-dependent immune regulation and interleukin-10+ M2 macrophage production.

Bromelain ameliorates D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury: role of SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK, GSK3β/Nrf2 and NF-κB p65/TNF-α/caspase-8, -9 signalling pathways

OBJECTIVES

The present research focused on estimating, for the first time, the potential protective effects of bromelain against D-galactosamine-induced acute liver injury in rats as well as identifying the possible underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

Silymarin (100 mg/kg/day, p.o.) as a reference drug or bromelain (20 and 40 mg/kg/day, p.o.) were administered for 10 days, and on the 8th day of the experiment, a single dose of galactosamine (400 mg/kg/i.p.) induced acute liver injury.

KEY FINDINGS

Pretreatment with bromelain improved liver functions and histopathological alterations induced by galactosamine. Bromelain ameliorated oxidative stress by inducing SIRT1 protein expression and increasing LKB1 content. This resulted in phosphorylating the AMPK/GSK3β axis, which stimulated Nrf2 activation in hepatic cells and thus increased the activity of its downstream antioxidant enzymes [HO-1 and NQO1]. Besides, bromelain exerted significant anti-apoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects by suppressing hepatic contents of TNF-α, NF-κB p65, as well as caspase-8 and caspase-9. The protective effects of bromelain40 were proved to be better than silymarin and bromelain20 in most of the assessed parameters.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results highlight the significant hepatoprotective effects of bromelain against acute liver injury through modulation of SIRT1/LKB1/AMPK, GSK3β/Nrf2 signalling in addition to NF-κB p65/TNF-α/ caspase-8 and -9 pathway.

Determination of six core components from Mahuang Xuanfei Zhike syrup in rat plasma and tissues by UPLC-MS/MS: Application to the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study

Mahuang Xuanfei Zhike (MXZ) syrup, a Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used in clinical treatment of cough. However, there is no reported method for quantitative analysis of the effective components of MXZ syrup in biological samples. In this study, the effective components of MXZ syrup were screened by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, a sensitive and rapid method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to test the active components of MXZ syrup in rat plasma and tissue homogenates, including ephedrine, amygdalin, chlorogenic acid, harpagoside, forsythin and forsythoside A. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) and the mass analysis was conducted in a Waters Xevo TQ mass spectrometer using multiple reaction positive and negative ion simultaneous monitoring mode (MRM). The results expounded that the linearity ranged from 0.3 ng/mL to 409.4 ng/mL, The extraction recoveries were all less than 8.33%, and the matrix effects were all less than 8.45, which met the requirements. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution results indicated that the main active components of MXZ syrup were absorbed quickly and eliminated slowly in vivo, and there may be a reabsorption process.

Hepatocyte-Conditional Knockout of Phosphatidylethanolamine Binding Protein 4 Aggravated LPS/D-GalN-Induced Acute Liver Injury via the TLR4/NF-κB Pathway

Acute liver injury (ALI) is a disease that seriously threatens human health and life, and a dysregulated inflammation response is one of the main mechanisms of ALI induced by various factors. Phosphatidylethanolamine binding protein 4 (PEBP4) is a secreted protein with multiple biological functions. At present, studies on PEBP4 exist mainly in the field of tumors and rarely in inflammation. This study aimed to explore the potential roles and mechanisms of PEBP4 on lipopolysaccharide (LPS)/D-galactosamine (D-GalN)-induced ALI. PEBP4 was downregulated after treatment with LPS/D-GalN in wild-type mice. PEBP4 hepatocyte-conditional knockout (CKO) aggravated liver damage and repressed liver functions, including hepatocellular edema, red blood cell infiltration, and increased aspartate aminotransferase (AST)/alanine aminotrans-ferase (ALT) activities. The inflammatory response was promoted through increased neutrophil infiltration, myeloperoxidase (MPO) activities, and cytokine secretions (interleukin-1β, IL-1β; tumor necrosis factor alpha, TNF-α; and cyclooxygenase-2, COX-2) in PEBP4 CKO mice. PEBP4 CKO also induced an apoptotic effect, including increasing the degree of apoptotic hepatocytes, the expressions and activities of caspases, and pro-apoptotic factor Bax while decreasing anti-apoptotic factor Bcl-2. Furthermore, the data demonstrated the levels of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), phosphorylation-inhibitor of nuclear factor kappaB Alpha (p-IκB-α), and nuclear factor kappaB (NF-κB) p65 were upregulated, while the expressions of cytoplasmic IκB-α and NF-κB p65 were downregulated after PEBP4 CKO. More importantly, both the NF-κB inhibitor (Ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate, PDTC) and a small-molecule inhibitor of TLR4 (TAK-242) could inhibit TLR4/NF-κB signaling activation and reverse the effects of PEBP4 CKO. In summary, the data suggested that hepatocyte-conditional knockout of PEBP4 aggravated LPS/D-GalN-induced ALI, and the effect is partly mediated by activation of the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Ganoderic acid A from Ganoderma lucidum protects against alcoholic liver injury through ameliorating the lipid metabolism and modulating the intestinal microbial composition

Alcoholic liver injury is mainly caused by long-term excessive alcohol consumption and has become a global public threat to human health. It is well known that Ganoderma lucidum has excellent beneficial effects on liver function and lipid metabolism. The object of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of ganoderic acid A (GAA, one of the main triterpenoids in G. lucidum) against alcohol-induced liver injury and reveal the underlying mechanisms of its protective effects. The results showed that oral administration of GAA significantly inhibited the abnormal elevation of the liver index, serum total triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in mice exposed to alcohol intake, and also significantly protected the liver against alcohol-induced excessive lipid accumulation and pathological changes. Besides, alcohol-induced oxidative stress in the liver was significantly ameliorated by the dietary intervention of GAA through decreasing the hepatic levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and malondialdehyde (MDA), and increasing hepatic activities of catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), and hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH). In addition, GAA intervention evidently ameliorated intestinal microbial disorder by markedly increasing the abundance of Muribaculaceae, Prevotellaceae, Jeotgalicoccus, Bilophila, Family_XIII_UCG_001, Aerococcus, Ruminococcaceae_UCG_005, Harryflintia, Christensenellaceae, Rumonpcpccaceae, Prevotelaceae_UCG_001, Clostridiales_vadinBB60_group, Parasutterella and Bifidobacterium, but decreasing the proportion of Lactobacillus, Burkholderia_Caballeroria_Paraburkholderia, Escherichia_Shigella and Erysipelatoclostridium. Furthermore, liver metabolomics based on UPLC-QTOF/MS demonstrated that oral administration of GAA had a significant regulatory effect on the composition of liver metabolites in mice exposed to alcohol intake, especially the levels of the biomarkers involved in the metabolic pathways of riboflavin metabolism, glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, pyruvate metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, synthesis and degradation of ketone bodies, fructose and mannose metabolism. Moreover, dietary supplementation of GAA significantly regulated the hepatic mRNA levels of lipid metabolism and inflammatory response related genes. Conclusively, these findings demonstrate that GAA has beneficial effects on alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury and is expected to become a new functional food ingredient for the prevention of alcoholic liver injury.

Dietary phenolic-type Nrf2-activators: implications in the control of toxin-induced hepatic disorders

Numerous studies have exemplified the importance of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation in the alleviation of toxin-induced hepatic disorders primarily through eliminating oxidative stress. Whereafter, increasingly more efforts have been contributed to finding Nrf2-activators, especially from dietary polyphenols. The present review summarized the phenolic-type Nrf2-activators published in the past few decades, analyzed their effectiveness based on their structural characteristics and outlined their related mechanisms. It turns out that flavonoids are the largest group of phenolic-type Nrf2-activators, followed by nonflavonoids and phenolic acids. When counting on subgroups, the top three types are flavonols, flavones, and hydroxycinnamic acids, with curcuminoids having the highest effective doses. Moreover, most polyphenols work through the phosphorylation of Nrf2. Besides, mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and protein kinase B (Akt) are the frequent targets of these Nrf2-activators, which indirectly mediate the behavior of Nrf2. However, current data are not sufficient to conclude any structure-activity relationship.

Vitamin B6 Alleviates Lipopolysaccharide-induced Myocardial Injury by Ferroptosis and Apoptosis Regulation

Vitamin B6 (VitB6) is a water-soluble vitamin and includes pyridoxine, pyridoxal, pyridoxamine, and their phosphorylated forms. In the current study, we demonstrated that VitB6 could improve lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced myocardial injury. We demonstrated that VitB6 can suppress LPS-induced oxidative stress and lipid peroxidation that lead to ferroptosis and apoptosis in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, we found that VitB6 can regulate the expression of iron regulatory proteins, maintaining intracellular iron homeostasis. To confirm that VitB6 could inhibit LPS-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis, we pretreated mice with ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) and emricasan that efficiently mimicked VitB6 pharmacological effects. This improved the survival rate of mice challenged with a high LPS dose. In addition, VitB6 regulated the expression of LPS-induced apoptosis-related proteins and iron regulatory proteins. It mediated the expression of Nrf2, transcription factor NF-E2-related factor 2, which promoted the expression of antioxidant enzymes and restrained LPS-induced ferroptosis and apoptosis. Overall, our results indicated that VitB6 can be used on novel therapies to relieve LPS-induced myocardial injury.

Hepatoprotective effect of different mulberry leaf extracts against acute liver injury in rats by alleviating oxidative stress and inflammatory response

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of various mulberry (Morus alba L.) leaf extracts (MLEs), including mulberry ethanol extract (MEE), aqueous extract (MAE) and combination extract (MCE) against D-galactosamine (D-GalN)...

Zafirlukast ameliorates Docetaxel-induced activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome, mediated by sirtuin1 (SIRT1) in hepatocytes

Docetaxel-associated liver injury has become a serious public health problem, resulting in therapy discontinuation, liver failure, and death. Zafirlukast is a typical leukotriene receptor antagonist used for prophylaxis and chronic treatment of asthma. In this study, we investigate whether treatment with Zafirlukast could alleviate Docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocytes. Our results indicate that Zafirlukast mitigated Docetaxel-induced toxicity in LO-2 hepatocytes. Firstly, Zafirlukast reduced the production of 8-hydroxy-2p-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and increased the levels of reduced glutathione (GSH) against Docetaxel. Secondly, Zafirlukast elevated the levels of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP). Thirdly, Zafirlukast prevented Docetaxel-induced release of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and increased cell viability of LO-2 hepatocytes against Docetaxel. We also found that Zafirlukast ameliorated Docetaxel-induced apoptosis by reducing Caspase-3 and Caspase-9 activity. Mechanistically, our results demonstrate that Zafirlukast inhibited the activation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), mediated by SIRT1. Based on these findings, we conclude that the administration of Zafirlukast might have a protective effect against Docetaxel-induced cytotoxicity in hepatocytes.

The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity

Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.

Auricularia auricula Melanin Protects against Alcoholic Liver Injury and Modulates Intestinal Microbiota Composition in Mice Exposed to Alcohol Intake

The potential effects of Auricularia auricula melanin (AAM) on the intestinal flora and liver metabolome in mice exposed to alcohol intake were investigated for the first time. The results showed that oral administration of AAM significantly reduced the abnormal elevation of serum total triglyceride (TG), cholesterol (TC), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and significantly inhibited hepatic lipid accumulation and steatosis in mice exposed to alcohol intake. Besides, the abnormally high levels of bile acids (BAs) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in the liver of mice with alcohol intake were significantly decreased by AAM intervention, while the hepatic levels of glutathione (GSH) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) were appreciably increased. Compared with the model group, AAM supplementation significantly changed the composition of intestinal flora and up-regulated the levels of Akkermansia, Bifidobacterium, Romboutsia, Muribaculaceae, Lachnospiraceae_NK4A136_group, etc. Furthermore, liver metabolomics demonstrated that AAM had a significant regulatory effect on the composition of liver metabolites in mice with alcohol intake, especially the metabolites involved in phosphatidylinositol signaling system, ascorbate and aldarate metabolism, starch and sucrose metabolism, galactose metabolism, alpha-linolenic acid metabolism, glycolysis/gluconeogenesis, and biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids. At the gene level, AAM treatment regulated the mRNA levels of lipid metabolism and inflammatory response related genes in liver, including ACC-1, FASn, CPT-1, CD36, IFN-γ, LDLr and TNF-α. Conclusively, these findings suggest that AAM has potential beneficial effects on alleviating alcohol-induced liver injury and is expected to become a new functional food ingredient.

Inflammation, It's Regulation and Antiphlogistic Effect of the Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin

The inflammatory reaction accompanies in part or in full any disease process in the vascularized metazoan. This complicated reaction is controlled by regulatory mechanisms, some of which produce unpleasant symptomatic manifestations of inflammation. Therefore, there has been an effort to develop selective drugs aimed at removing pain, fever, or swelling. Gradually, however, serious adverse side effects of such inhibitors became apparent. Scientific research has therefore continued to explore new possibilities, including naturally available substances. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside present, e.g., in bitter almonds. This glycoside has already sparked many discussions among scientists, especially about its anticancer potential and related toxic cyanides. However, toxicity at different doses made it generally unacceptable. Although amygdalin given at the correct oral dose may not lead to poisoning, it has not yet been accurately quantified, as its action is often affected by different intestinal microbial consortia. Its pharmacological activities have been studied, but its effects on the body's inflammatory response are lacking. This review discusses the chemical structure, toxicity, and current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of amygdalin activity on immune functions, including the anti-inflammatory effect, but also discusses inflammation as such, its mediators with diverse functions, which are usually targeted by drugs.

The Multiple Actions of Amygdalin on Cellular Processes with an Emphasis on Female Reproduction

The present review summarizes the current knowledge on the provenance and properties, metabolism and toxicity, mechanism of action, physiological, and therapeutic roles of amygdalin-a molecule present in the seeds of apricot and other plants-with an emphasis on the action of amygdalin on reproductive processes, particularly in the female. Amygdalin influences physiological processes including female reproduction at various regulatory levels via extra- and intracellular signaling pathways regulating secretory activity, cell viability, steroidogenesis, proliferation, and apoptosis. On the other hand, while being metabolized in the body, amygdalin releases significant amounts of cyanide, which may lead to acute health hazard in those individuals who may be at risk. Despite some contradictions in the available data about benefits and toxic effects of amygdalin, its potential applicability at low doses may present a promising tool for regulation of various reproductive and other physiological processes including disease management primarily in cancer phytotherapy, animal production, medicine, and biotechnology. However, further research involving carefully designed dose-response studies is required to overcome the possible side effects of amygdalin and assure its safety as a therapeutic agent.

Protective Role of Mytilus edulis Hydrolysate in Lipopolysaccharide-Galactosamine Acute Liver Injury

Acute liver injury in its terminal phase trigger systemic inflammatory response syndrome with multiple organ failure. An uncontrolled inflammatory reaction is difficult to treat and contributes to high mortality. Therefore, to solve this problem a search for new therapeutic approaches remains urgent. This study aimed to explore the protective effects of M. edulis hydrolysate (N2-01) against Lipopolysaccharide-D-Galactosamine (LPS/D-GalN)-induced murine acute liver injure and the underlying mechanisms. N2-01 analysis, using Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) metabolomic and proteomic platforms, confirmed composition, molecular-weight distribution, and high reproducibility between M. edulis hydrolysate manufactured batches. N2-01 efficiently protected mice against LPS/D-GalN-induced acute liver injury. The most prominent result (100% survival rate) was obtained by the constant subcutaneous administration of small doses of the drug. N2-01 decreased Vascular Cell Adhesion Molecule-1 (VCAM-1) expression from 4.648 ± 0.445 to 1.503 ± 0.091 Mean Fluorescence Intensity (MFI) and Interleukin-6 (IL-6) production in activated Human Umbilical Vein Endothelial Cells (HUVECs) from 7.473 ± 0.666 to 2.980 ± 0.130 ng/ml in vitro. The drug increased Nitric Oxide (NO) production by HUVECs from 27.203 ± 2.890 to 69.200 ± 4.716 MFI but significantly decreased inducible Nitric Oxide Synthase (iNOS) expression from 24.030 ± 2.776 to 15.300 ± 1.290 MFI and NO production by murine peritoneal lavage cells from 6.777 ± 0.373 µm to 2.175 ± 0.279 µm. The capability of the preparation to enhance the endothelium barrier function and to reduce vascular permeability was confirmed in Electrical Cell-substrate Impedance Sensor (ECIS) test in vitro and Miles assay in vivo. These results suggest N2-01 as a promising agent for treating a wide range of conditions associated with uncontrolled inflammation and endothelial dysfunction.

Cardioprotective potential of amygdalin against angiotensin II induced cardiac hypertrophy, oxidative stress and inflammatory responses through modulation of Nrf2 and NF-κB activation

Heart failure (HF) and cardiac hypertrophy is an unfavorable outcome of pathological cardiac remodeling and represents the most important contributing factor for HF and cardiac hypertrophy. Amygdalin (AMG) is a cyanogenic glycoside derived from bitter almonds. Accumulating evidences have highlighted their pharmacological potentials against various diseases. However, there is no report delineating the potential of AMG against angiotensin (Ang II) induced cardiac injuries. Thus, the present study was performed to explore whether AMG could ameliorate Ang II induced cardiomyopathies and thereby ascertain the underlying mechanisms thereof. To this end, H9c2 cells were treated with Ang II and thereafter treated with various concentration of AMG and finally the cardio-protective effects of AMG were analyzed through Western blotting, immunofluorescence, and insilico analysis. Our results showed that the cardiomyocyte cell size, inflammatory markers and cytokines(pNF-κB, TNF-α, iNOS and COX-2) were markedly increased following Ang II treatment; nevertheless, treatment with AMG led to considerable decrement in the Ang II induced enlargement of the cardiomyocytes, and attenuate the expression of hypertrophic markers(ANP, BNP and MHC-7), inflammatory markers and cytokines. Additionally, oxidative stress related proteins (Nrf2, catalase, SOD-2, and GPX-4) were markedly increased following AMG treatment. Molecular docking reveals the interaction of AMG with Nrf2 possessing good binding affinity. Cumulatively, our study highlights the cardio-protective role of AMG against Ang II induced cardiomyopathies, including oxidative stress and inflammation effects. The intriguing in vitro results warrants the need of further animal studies to truly ascertain their potentialities.

The Combination of Amygdalin with Some Anticancer, Antiparasitic, and Antigout Drugs Against MG63, Saos2, SW1353, and FL Cells In Vitro

Osteosarcoma has a poor prognosis and survival rate due to inadequate chemotherapy, high recurrence ability, high metastasis potential, and almost no radiotherapy being applied. One of the strategies to solve these problems is to develop the pharmacologically active plant metabolite, amygdalin, in combination therapeutic systems. In this project, the antiproliferative effects of amygdalin alone and in binary or ternary combinations with some anticancer drugs (cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, oxaliplatin, and camptothecin), antiparasitic drugs (metronidazole and miltefosine), and an antigout drug (colchicine) were examined using human bone osteosarcoma cell lines (MG-63 and Saos2), the chondrosarcoma cell line (SW1353), and the normal human cell line (FL). Known half-maximal inhibitory concentration values of the drugs were taken into consideration, and the recommended combination ratios were used in the Chou-Talalay method. The strong synergistic effect commonly seen in the combination of amygdalin with miltefosine, metronidazole, camptothecin, colchicine, oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil, and cisplatin dual drug indicates that these combinations can be used in cancer treatment. The synergistic effect caused by amygdalin decreases toxicity by increasing drug yield. However, amygdalin antagonism seen in several combinations may prevent these pairs from being used together. In combination with antagonistic effects, it may be preferable to use amygdalin alone as it generally causes strong antiproliferative effects. Besides, there is a more potent synergism between amygdalin and triple drug combinations. Overall, these results emphasize that amygdalin combinations in treatment of bone cancer are significant.

Redox Homeostasis in Poultry: Regulatory Roles of NF-κB

Redox biology is a very quickly developing area of modern biological sciences, and roles of redox homeostasis in health and disease have recently received tremendous attention. There are a range of redox pairs in the cells/tissues responsible for redox homeostasis maintenance/regulation. In general, all redox elements are interconnected and regulated by various means, including antioxidant and vitagene networks. The redox status is responsible for maintenance of cell signaling and cell stress adaptation. Physiological roles of redox homeostasis maintenance in avian species, including poultry, have received limited attention and are poorly characterized. However, for the last 5 years, this topic attracted much attention, and a range of publications covered some related aspects. In fact, transcription factor Nrf2 was shown to be a master regulator of antioxidant defenses via activation of various vitagenes and other protective molecules to maintain redox homeostasis in cells/tissues. It was shown that Nrf2 is closely related to another transcription factor, namely, NF-κB, responsible for control of inflammation; however, its roles in poultry have not yet been characterized. Therefore, the aim of this review is to describe a current view on NF-κB functioning in poultry with a specific emphasis to its nutritional modulation under various stress conditions. In particular, on the one hand, it has been shown that, in many stress conditions in poultry, NF-κB activation can lead to increased synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines leading to systemic inflammation. On the other hand, there are a range of nutrients/supplements that can downregulate NF-κB and decrease the negative consequences of stress-related disturbances in redox homeostasis. In general, vitagene-NF-κB interactions in relation to redox balance homeostasis, immunity, and gut health in poultry production await further research.

Amygdalin promotes the activity of T cells to suppress the progression of HBV-related hepatocellular carcinoma via the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Background

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection is a high-risk factor of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Cellular immune responses are essential for HCC development, and the CD4+ and CD8+ T subtypes are identified as the primary anti-tumor immune cells. In the study, we investigated the effect and mechanism of amygdalin in the cellular immune response in HBV-related HCC and HCC progression.

Methods

The cell proliferation was examined by MTT analysis. Cells metastasis ability was detected by Invasion and migration assays. Quantification of apoptotic cells was performed with Flow cytometer assay. The protein levels of p-STAT3, STAT3, p-JAK2, JAK2, caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3 were detected by performing immunoblotting assays.

Results

We demonstrate that amygdalin treatment could rescue the HBV-T cell viability and IFN-γ and TNF-αproduction. In HBV-T cells, the MFI levels of CD8⁺ are lower than that in NC-T cells. Moreover, the phosphorylation levels of STAT3 and JAK2 are higher in HBV-T cells, compared to those in NC-T cells, and then reduced by amygdalin treatment. Co-culture with HBV-T cells could reduce IFN-γ and TNF-α, production while increase IL-6 and IL-10 production in HepG2.2.15 cells; these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin pretreatment. Finally, co-culture with HBV-T cells significantly promoted the cell viability, inhibited the apoptosis, and promoted the migration of HepG2.2.15 cells, and these alterations could be partially reversed by amygdalin treatment.

Conclusion

Our findings provide a rationale for further studies on the functions and mechanism of amygdalin inhibiting HBV-related HCC cell proliferation, invasion, and migration via T cell-mediated tumor immunity.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12879-020-05713-0.

The antiinflammatory effects of Xuefu Zhuyu decoction on C3H/HeJ mice with alopecia areata

BACKGROUND

As a traditional and typical prescription of prominently activating blood circulation to remove blood stasis, Xuefu Zhuyu decoction (XZD) consists of 15 kinds of herbal medicine. Clinical investigations have showed that XZD could significantly promote the new hair generation of alopecia areata (AA) patients characterized by Qi stagnation and blood stasis.

PURPOSE

The purpose of this study was executed to determine whether the mechanisms by which XZD stimulated newborn hair were related to its anti-inflammatory effects.

METHODS

Clinical AA individuals were recruited to confirm the efficies of XZD. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis was performed to qualitatively and quantitatively determine the contents of 15 compounds in XZD. Schrodinger molecular docking and in vivo surface plasmon resonance (SPR) techniques were used to evaluate the potential binding properties of compounds to target proteins. C3H/HeJ mice were randomly assigned to groups control, AA, and the XZD administration (6.5, 13.0 and 26.0 g/kg/d). Except for mice in control group, all the mice in the other groups were treated with a 21-day chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) induced AA. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining was performed to determine the degree of pathological damage to the skin. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was performed to detect levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and in serum and skin tissues. Western blot, immunohistochemistry and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) were used to examine the expression levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and osteopontin proteins and genes in skin tissues.

RESULTS

XZD could visibly promote hair regeneration of AA patients. The potential active ingredients in XZD prescription included at least amygdalin, hydroxysafflor yellow A, kaempferide, ferulic acid, catalpol, verbascoside, β-ecdysone, platycodin D, paeoniflorin, naringin, neohesperidin, liquiritin, glycyrrhizic acid, saikosaponin A and saikosaponin D. The results of molecular docking and SPR analysis showed that verbascoside, liquiritin, kaempferide and amygdalin showed the best potential binding properties with IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and osteopontin, respectively. Pathological evaluation showed that compared with the CUMS group, the administration of XZD significantly promoted hair regeneration, evidenced by increased number of skin hair follicles in C3H/HeJ AA mice. Compared with control group, ELISA data showed that the levels of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in serum and skin tissues of CUMS induced AA mice were significantly increased, while XZD administration dramatically restrained the contents of the three pro-inflammatory factors. Western blot, immunohistochemistry, and qRT-PCR results further demonstrated that XZD administration notably down-regulated the protein and gene expression levels of osteopontin, IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α in comparation with CUMS group.

CONCLUSION

XZD could dramatically ameliorate CUMS-induced AA damage in the skin of C3H/HeJ mice, possibly by suppressing the levels of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and osteopontin.

Regulation of the NLRP3 inflammasome with natural products against chemical-induced liver injury

The past decades have witnessed significant progress in understanding the process of sterile inflammation, which is dependent on a cytosolic complex termed the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor containing pyrin domain 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. Activation of NLRP3 inflammasome requires two steps, including the activation of Toll-like receptor (TLR) by its ligands, resulting in transcriptional procytokine and inflammasome component activation, and the assembly and activation of NLRP3 inflammasome triggered by various danger signals, leading to caspase-1 activation, which could subsequently cleave procytokines into their active forms. Metabolic disorders, ischemia and reperfusion, viral infection and chemical insults are common pathogenic factors of liver-related diseases that usually cause tissue damage and cell death, providing numerous danger signals for the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome. Currently, natural products have attracted much attention as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases due to their multitargets and nontoxic natures. A great number of natural products have been shown to exhibit beneficial effects on liver injury induced by various chemicals through regulating NLRP3 inflammasome pathways. In this review, the roles of the NLRP3 inflammasome in chemical-induced liver injury (CILI) and natural products that exhibit beneficial effects in CILI through the regulation of inflammasomes were systematically summarized.

Hepatoprotective effects of Camellia nitidissima aqueous ethanol extract against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in SD rats related to Nrf2 and NF-κB signalling

Context: Camellia nitidissima Chi (Theaceae) is an evergreen shrub, the leaves of which are used in many medicinal applications.Objective: To characterize the chemical composition of a 10% aqueous ethanol extract of C. nitidissima leaves (CNE), and to explore the protective effect of the extract against acute liver injury (ALI) in rats.Materials and methods: Male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into six groups (n = 10): control and negative (0.5% CMC-Na, 5 mL/kg/d), thiopronin (20 mg/kg/d) and CNE (40, 80 and 160 mg/kg/d). All groups were treated for seven consecutive days, and then, except for the control, carbon tetrachloride was administered intraperitoneally. The biochemical parameters, mRNAs, and proteins were analyzed using enzyme-linked immunoassays kits, quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot. Chemical components were identified using mass spectroscopy, and the phenol and flavonoid content determined by ultraviolet spectrophotometry.Results: Pre-treatment with CNE (160 mg/kg) attenuated the pathological changes in liver tissues and decreased alanine transaminase (62 and 60%), aspartate transaminase (49 and 53%) and malondialdehyde (35 and 42%) levels in serum and liver tissues. Moreover, CNE reduced the concentrations of reactive oxygen species (55%), tumour necrosis factor-α (26%), interleukin-1β (19%) and IL-6 (19%) and blocked the nuclear translocation of p65. Pre-treatment with CNE increased anti-heme oxygenase-1 (40%), superoxide dismutase (108%) and glutathione (97%) levels through upregulating nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2. Twelve compounds were detected; the content of phenols and flavonoids was determined as 34.474 ± 1.026 and 15.228 ± 0.422 mg/g crude drug in CNE, respectively.Discussion and conclusions: These results suggested that CNE is a promising agent for functional food and hepatoprotective drug against ALI.

Amygdalin alleviates renal injury by suppressing inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

To explore the protective efficacies and potent mechanism of amygdalin on high glucose-cultured renal cell HBZY-1 in vitro and streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic nephropathy (DN) rat in vivo.

MAIN METHODS

The cellar proliferation and generation of ROS in high-glucose cultured HBZY-1 cell were assessed by MTT and DCFH-DA assay, respectively. The fasting blood glucose levels, renal function and inflammation indexes as well as oxidative stress markers in STZ-induced diabetic rats were all measured. The histologic renal section was stained with Mason and periodic acid-Schiff (PAS) method. Immunohistochemistry and western blotting methods were applied to assess expression levels of extracellular matrix (ECM), epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT)-related as well as TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins.

KEY FINDINGS

Firstly, amygdalin significantly suppressed the excessive cell proliferation and ROS generation in HBZY-1 cells cultured with high glucose. The hyperglycemia, 24 h-UP excretion, BUN and Scr of DN rats were significantly attenuated after the chronic treatment of amygdalin. Moreover, MDA, SOD, IFN-γ and IL-12 levels in kidney tissues were all effectively reduced. Besides, amygdalin can suppress the ECM accumulation and EMT transformation by inhibiting Smad/TGF-β pathway to alleviate the renal fibrosis in renal tissues of DN model rats.

SIGNIFICANCE

Amygdalin ameliorates excessive oxidative stress, inflammation and renal tissue fibrosis of DN mainly by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway and regulating the key enzymes of ECM degradation.

S-allyl cysteine, an active ingredient of garlic, attenuates acute liver dysfunction induced by lipopolysaccharide/ d-galactosamine in mouse: Underlying mechanisms

In the present study, beneficial effect of S-allyl cysteine (SAC) was evaluated in the lipopolysaccharide/d-galactosamine (LPS/d-Gal) model of acute liver injury (ALI). To mimic ALI, LPS and d-Gal (50 μg/kg and 400 mg/kg, respectively) were intraperitoneally administered and animals received SAC per os (25 or 100 mg/kg/d) for 3 days till 1 hour before LPS/d-Gal injection. Pretreatment of LPS/d-Gal group with SAC-lowered activities of alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase and partially reversed inappropriate alterations of hepatic oxidative stress- and inflammation-related biomarkers including liver reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and hepatic activity of the defensive enzyme superoxide dismutase, ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP), toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4), cyclooxygenase 2, NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3), caspase 1, nuclear factor κB (NF-κB), interleukin 1β (IL-1β), IL-6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and myeloperoxidase activity. Additionally, SAC was capable to ameliorate apoptotic biomarkers including caspase 3 and DNA fragmentation. In summary, SAC can protect liver against LPS/d-Gal by attenuation of neutrophil infiltration, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and pyroptosis which is partly linked to its suppression of TLR4/NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling.

Hepatic ameliorative role of vitamin B17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma-induced liver toxicity

Vitamin B17 (VB17), also known as amygdalin and laetrile, is a type of carbohydrate occurring naturally in many plants, such as apricot kernels which have obtained a great interest in cancer therapy. This study aimed to investigate the hepatic protective potential of VB17 against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC)-bearing mice-induced liver injury, DNA damage, apoptotic P53, and PCNA alterations. A total of 100 female mice were divided into 5 groups (1st group, control group; 2nd group, VB17 group; 3rd group, EAC group; 4th group, pre-treated EAC with VB17; 5th group, co-treated EAC with VB17). Results showed that the presence of VB17 in pre-treated and co-treated groups lead to decreased DNA damage, microsomal protein, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), AST, ALT, and ALP while showed increased cytochrome b5, cytochrome P450 amidopyrine N-demethylase, and aniline 4-hydroxylase compared with the EAC group. Many histopathological changes were observed in liver sections in EAC as moderate fibrosis and marked diffuse necrosis of hepatic tissue, marked inflammatory cells, and congested blood sinusoids. On the other hand, there was a moderate degree of improvement in hepatocytes in liver sections in pre-treated VB17+EAC, while a mild degree of improvement in hepatocytes, moderate cellular infiltrations, and moderate cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatocytes in liver sections in co-treated EAC+VB17. In addition, there was a depletion in hepatic P53 and PCNA protein expression compared with the EAC group. It could be concluded that VB17 has a potential hepatoprotective effect against EAC cell-induced liver toxicity.

NLRP3 inflammasome inhibition attenuates subacute neurotoxicity induced by acrylamide in vitro and in vivo

Acrylamide (AA) constitutes an important industrial chemical agent and well-known neurotoxin. However, the mechanism underlying AA-mediated neurotoxicity is extremely complicated and controversial. In this study, we found that activation of the NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome and its subsequent downstream inflammatory responses plays an important role in AA-induced neurotoxicity mechanisms. In vitro experiments revealed that AA (2.5 mM) induced BV2 microglial cytotoxicity and triggered NLRP3 inflammasome activation along with downstream proinflammatory cytokine interleukin-1β and interleukin-18 expression. Treatment with inhibitor or NLRP3 siRNA efficiently protected BV2 microglial cells against AA-induced cytotoxicity and reversed NLRP3 inflammasome activation and its mediated inflammatory reaction. Similarly, AA exposure (50 mg/kg) for 10 consecutive days caused significant activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes and neuroinflammation in C57BL/6 mice, whereas inhibiting these effects through specific NLRP3 inflammasome blocker MCC950 (5 mg/kg) intervention or NLRP3 knock-out significantly ameliorated AA-induced ataxia, cerebellar Purkinje cells degeneration, and apoptosis. Furthermore, we demonstrated that antagonism of NLRP3 could also up-regulate the Nrf2 signalling pathway and related antioxidant genes. In conclusion, our findings indicate that activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome pathway is involved in AA-induced neurotoxicity, whereas MCC950 treatment or NLRP3 knock-out could effectively protect against AA-induced neurotoxic injury through the inhibition of neuroinflammation and activation of the Nrf2 antioxidant pathway. Therefore, the NLRP3 inflammasome might serve as a promising therapeutic target, with drugs designed to specifically inhibit this pathway potentially providing new avenues for preventing or ameliorating AA poisoning.

Luzindole attenuates LPS/d-galactosamine-induced acute hepatitis in mice

Melatonin is a well-documented hormone that plays central roles in the regulation of sleep–wake cycles. There is cumulative evidence to suggest that melatonin is also a pleiotropic regulator of inflammation, and luzindole has been widely used as a melatonin receptor antagonist. This study investigated the potential effects of luzindole on LPS/d-galactosamine (d-GalN)-induced acute hepatitis. The results indicated that treatment with luzindole alleviated histological damage in the liver, reduced the level of transaminases in plasma and improved the survival of LPS/d-GalN-exposed mice. Treatment with luzindole also suppressed the production of the pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α and IL-6 in LPS/d-GalN-exposed mice. In addition, treatment with luzindole inhibited the activation of caspase-3, -8 and -9, and suppressed the cleavage of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase. Therefore, treatment with luzindole attenuates LPS/d-GalN-induced acute liver injury, suggesting that luzindole might have potential value for the intervention of inflammation-based hepatic disorders.

Recent updates and future perspectives about amygdalin as a potential anticancer agent: A review

The overall incidence of cancer is increasing in recent years. Despite advances in various comprehensive treatments, the mortality of advanced malignant tumors remains at a high level. Numerous pharmacological studies have confirmed that many Chinese herbal medicines possess remarkable antitumor activities. Amygdalin, mainly existing in bitter almond, is reported to have antitumor properties in addition to the antioxidative, antibacterial, anti‐inflammatory and immunoregulatory activities. This article summarizes the structural characteristics of amygdalin, its antitumor mechanisms, and recent progress and achievement in the research of amygdalin, hoping that it could provide theoretical clues for exploring the clinical value of amygdalin against tumors. Amygdalin is known to have an antitumor effect in solid tumors such as lung cancer, bladder cancer and renal cell carcinoma by affecting cell cycle, inducing apoptosis and cytotoxicity, and regulating immune function. Further research is needed to elucidate the pharmacological mechanisms of amygdalin in terms of the optimal dosage, the feasibility of combined use of amygdalin with other antitumor drugs, and even artificial synthesis of the active components in amygdalin, for the sake of enhancing its antitumor activities and reducing its adverse effects for clinical use.