Operculina turpethum attenuates N-nitrosodimethylamine induced toxic liver injury and clastogenicity in rats

Understanding the Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Liver Fibrosis: A Paradigm in Therapeutics

The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in the physiological operation of the human body. The liver controls the body's detoxification processes as well as the storage and breakdown of red blood cells, plasma protein and hormone production, and red blood cell destruction; therefore, it is vulnerable to their harmful effects, making it more prone to illness. The most frequent complications of chronic liver conditions include cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver fibrosis, hepatitis, and illnesses brought on by alcohol and drugs. Hepatic fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells to cause persistent liver damage through the accumulation of cytosolic matrix proteins. The purpose of this review is to educate a concise discussion of the epidemiology of chronic liver disease, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, the symptoms of liver fibrosis progression and regression, the clinical evaluation of liver fibrosis and the research into nanotechnology-based synthetic and herbal treatments for the liver fibrosis is summarized in this article. The herbal remedies summarized in this review article include epigallocathechin-3-gallate, silymarin, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, glycyrrhetinic acid, salvianolic acid, plumbagin, Scutellaria baicalnsis Georgi, astragalosides, hawthorn extract, and andrographolides.

The Ultrastructure of Hepatic Stellate Cell-Macrophage Intercellular Crosstalk as a New Morphological Insight into Phenomenon of Fibrogenesis in Pediatric Autoimmune Hepatitis

The aim of the study was the pioneering retrospective ultrastructural evaluation of respective forms of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and analysis of their crosstalk with other adjacent nonparenchymal cells (NPCs), especially Kupffer cells/macrophages (KCs/MPs), in pediatric autoimmune hepatitis (AIH).

METHODS

Ultrastructural assessment of the HSC population and NPCs was performed in transmission electron microscopy (TEM) using pretreatment liver biopsies from 25 children (8 boys and 17 girls) aged 4-17 with clinic-pathologically diagnosed untreated AIH.

RESULTS

Submicroscopic evaluation allowed easy identification of numerous HSCs in the form of transitory cells, i.e., T-HSCs, accompanied by signs of fibrosis. T-HSCs included cells with features of activation initiation (iHSCs) and activation perpetuation (pHSCs), indicating high HSC activation plasticity. The pHSCs were markedly elongated and mainly showed a distinct loss of lipid cytoplasmic material, expanded and dilated channels of granular endoplasmic reticulum, and linear bundles of microfilaments beneath the cell membrane. They were surrounded by usually mature collagen fibers. Frequently activated KCs/MPs adhered directly to T-HSCs. Between them, tight intercellular junctions were formed by means of point desmosomes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our qualitative TEM observations indicate a key role of T-HSCs in liver fibrogenesis in pediatric AIH, with the essential involvement of activated KCs/MPs that directly adhere to them. Tight intercellular junctions, being the ultrastructural exponent of the specific cellular mechanisms of the crosstalk between NPCs, can play a vital role in hepatic collagen fibroplasia. A better understanding of HSC population morphology at the ultrastructural level in AIH seems important not only to improve the disease morphological diagnostics but to also provide new insights into therapeutic interventions for the phenomenon of liver fibrogenesis.

Proteomic and molecular evidences of Il1rl2, Ric8a, Krt18 and Hsp90b1 modulation during experimental hepatic fibrosis and pomegranate supplementation

The inspection of variations in the proteomic aspects conspire the biomarker discovery in diagnostics of peculiar diseases. Recent developments in high-throughput proteomic techniques have provided leverage in the discovery of biomarkers during the etiology of various diseases. We identified potential biomarkers by utilizing proteomics, bioinformatics and gene expression studies. Meticulous assessment of collagen and hydroxyproline levels along with the glycogen and protein carbonyl levels exhibited deterioration in the N' - Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) administered rat livers and subsequent salubrious effect of pomegranate juice. The immunohistochemical inspection of iNOS and nitrite estimation indicated the peccant fibrotic alterations. 2D proteome profiling and MALDI-TOF MS/MS furthered the significant biomarkers to be analyzed for the gene ontology by PANTHER, cluster analysis by DAVID and network simulation by STRING 10.0. Several genes found relevant after MALDI analysis were evaluated by real-time PCR (RTPCR). Our data revealed CYP2b15, HSP70, TRFE, HPT, Il1rl2, Ric8a, Krt18, Hsp90b1 and iNOS as novel biomarkers for the mechanism of pomegranate against liver fibrosis. It can be inferred that NDEA-induced liver fibrosis actuates various biological pathways by the identified biomarkers and pomegranate juice modifies them.

β-carotene inhibits NF-κB and restrains diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatic inflammation in Wistar rats

β-Carotene exhibits antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities via a multitude of biochemical mechanisms. However, the action mechanism involved in antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of this carotene in chronic liver diseases is not fully understood. In the present investigation, we have attempted to outline a plausible mechanism of β-carotene action against liver fibrosis in albino Wistar rats. To induce hepatic fibrosis, diethylnitrosamine (DEN) was administered in experimental rats for two weeks. DEN treated rats were divided into four groups, wherein each group comprised of five rats. β-Carotene supplement attenuated DEN-induced elevation in LFT markers (P < 0.05); averted depletion of glycogen (24%, P < 0.05) and, increased nitrite (P < 0.05), hydroxyproline (~67%, P < 0.05) and collagen levels (~65%, P < 0.05). Confocal microscopy of tissue sections stained with picrosirius red revealed accrued collagen in DEN-administered group, which was found to be reduced by β-carotene supplementation. Furthermore, β-carotene decreased the expression of iNOS/NOS-2 and NF-κB, as revealed by immunohistochemistry and Western immunoblotting. Collectively, these results demonstrate that β-carotene mitigates experimental liver fibrosis via inhibition of iNOS and NF-κB in-vivo. Thus, β-carotene may be suggested as a possible nutraceutical to curb experimental liver fibrosis.

Understanding and Preventing (N-Nitrosodimethylamine) NDMA Contamination of Medications

N-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) is a hepatotoxic agent and carcinogen contaminant in commonly used medications such as valsartan, losartan, irbesartan, and ranitidine. NDMA can be produced during manufacture, introduced from contaminated ingredients procured elsewhere, or introduced from contaminated solvents and catalysts. The Food and Drug Administration has established a maximum dose of NDMA that is permissible per tablet and guidance for manufacturers. However, many unanswered questions about NDMA contamination need rigorous investigation.

COX-2/iNOS regulation during experimental hepatic injury and its mitigation by cloudy apple juice

A number of enzymes and transcription factors have been correlated with disease etiology. In this study, involvement of cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible-nitric oxide synthase is examined during diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatic injury and cloudy apple juice (CAJ) supplementation. Liver injury was administered in rats by single dose of DEN (10 ml/kg bwt of 1% DEN), while 10 ml/kg bwt CAJ daily was given after 2 h of latency in DEN-treated animals for two weeks. CAJ was characterized by HPLC and subsequently examined for antioxidant power. During the course of treatment liver function, collagen (hydroxyproline), malondialdehyde, protein oxidation, antioxidant enzymes, ATPases, nitrite levels were investigated along with liver histopathology and electron microscopy. COX-2 and iNOS proteins were also localized in liver specimens. The results demonstrated rich polyphenols and antioxidant activity in CAJ. CAJ supplementation significantly restored liver biochemistry and anatomy as revealed by the refurbished investigated parameters. CAJ treatment also declined COX-2 and iNOS activities in injured animals. Electron microscopy demonstrated rejuvenated hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, RER, mitochondria and nucleus in CAJ supplemented animals. The novel outcomes of this study suggest that CAJ potentiates hepatoprotection by stimulating antioxidant power and regulating the COX-2 and iNOS proteins in the liver during experimental liver injury.

Hepatotoxicity and chromosomal abnormalities evaluation due to single and repeated oral exposures of chromium oxide nanoparticles in Wistar rats

Metal oxide nanoparticles (NPs) have widespread uses ranging from nanoelectronics to nanotherapeutics. Because of their expanding industrial applications, a better understanding of their toxicity is needed. So far, limited reports are available on chromium oxide NPs (Cr2O3 NPs) toxicity. In this work, Cr2O3 NPs were synthesized and characterized in a sequential manner using X-ray diffraction (XRD), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Dose- and time-dependent toxicity assessment of Cr2O3 NPs was carried out in Wistar rats by examining liver function biomarkers, tissue histopathology, micronuclei (MN) formation, and chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in bone marrow along with sperm abnormalities. The results of this study demonstrated typical XRD and FTIR patterns of Cr2O3 NPs with a size of approximately 23.47 nm. Animals exposed to Cr2O3 NPs, exhibited a significant increase in aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, gamma glutamyltransferase, and total bilirubin, signifying liver injury. Histopathology data also supported the marked alterations in the liver biochemistry of NPs-exposed animals. Further, an increase in the frequency of MN, CA, and sperm abnormalities suggested Cr2O3 NPs-mediated genotoxicity. It is, therefore, suggested that possible safety issues of Cr2O3 NPs should be addressed promptly with limited future use in occupational settings.

Pomegranate action in curbing the incidence of liver injury triggered by Diethylnitrosamine by declining oxidative stress via Nrf2 and NFκB regulation

Unearthing and employment of healthy substitutes is now in demand to tackle a number of diseases due to the excessive repercussions of synthetic drugs. In this frame of reference pomegranate juice (PGJ) is a boon comprising of anthocyanins and hydrolysable tannins, known for its anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Despite various documented roles of PGJ, there are no studies on antifibrotic potential in NDEA-induced mammalian liver fibrotic model. Hepatic fibrosis in rats was induced by the intra-peritoneal injection of NDEA (10 mlkg-1b.wt. of 1% NDEA) in two weeks. Biochemical, histopathological and ultra-structural studies were carried out on control, fibrotic and treated rats. The liver function indices and LPO were increased significantly by intoxication of NDEA. The antioxidant status was disturbed with the decrease in SOD, GST and catalase in the liver and membrane-ATPases as well. Histopathological observations by H&E, M&T, picro-sirius and ultra-structural scrutiny by SEM and TEM indicated liver damage and increase in COX2 and α-SMA by NDEA which was successfully rectified by the supplementation of PGJ. PGJ abrogates liver fibrosis instigated by NDEA in Wistar rats by declining oxidative stress via regulation of Nrf2 and NFκB. These findings point towards pomegranate as a potential and efficacious therapeutic agent against liver fibrosis.

Bacterial Translocation Is Linked to Increased Intestinal IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17, and mucin-2 in Cholestatic Rats

Background and rationale for the study. Bacterial translocation is an important triggering factor of infection and mortality in cirrhosis. In a rat model using bile duct ligation (BDL), bacterial translocation appears within 24 h after ligation. The dynamic between TH1/TH2/TH17 cytokines and the integrity of the colonic mucosa in the context of cirrhosis is little known. This study aims to determine the link between bacterial translocation and intestinal inflammation in a cholestasis model. Additionally, alterations of the colonic mucus layer and the bacterial load were also addressed.

RESULTS

Bacterial translocation detected by microbiological cultures and MALDI-TOF showed that Escherichia coli predominates in mesenteric lymph nodes of BDL rats. Intestinal bacterial load analyzed by qPCR indicates a dramatic Escherichia/Shigella overgrowth at 8 and 30 days post-BDL. IFN-γ, IL-4, and IL-17 evaluated by Western blotting were increased at 8 and 30 days in the small intestine. In the colon, in contrast, only IFN-γ was significantly increased. The colonic mucus layer and mucin-2 expression determined by Alcian blue staining and immunohistochemistry surprisingly showed an increase in the mucus layer thickness related to increased mucin-2 expression during the entire process of liver damage. Hepatic enzymes, as well as collagen I, collagen III, TNF-α, and IL-6 liver gene expression were increased. In conclusion, bacterial overgrowth associated with bacterial translocation is linked to the over-expression of IFN-γ, IL-4, IL-17 and mucin-2. These molecules might facilitate the intestinal permeability through exacerbating the inflammatory process and disturbing tight junctions, leading to the perpetuation of the liver damage.

Herbal remedies for liver fibrosis: A review on the mode of action of fifty herbs

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological condition which can be slowed down in its initial phases. Without proper clinical management of fibrosis, progressive liver damage may lead to cirrhosis and ultimately to liver failure or primary liver cancer, which are irreversible conditions. Therefore, in order to cure fibrotic damage to liver, its early stages should be the centre of attention. In this context, some supplements and ‘complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)’ deserve specific mention, because of their already recognized natural way of healing and long lasting curative effects. Moreover, CAM display negligible side effects and hence it is gaining worldwide importance in clinical practices. In particular, herbal medicines are now replacing synthetic pharmaceuticals and looked upon as the sources of novel bioactive substances. To develop satisfactory herbal combinations for treating liver fibrosis, phytoproducts need to be systematically evaluated for their potency as anti-fibrotic, anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidant agents. More importantly, the identified herb/agent should have the remarkable tendency to stimulate hepatocytes regeneration. The present review is a systematic account of at least fifty medicinal herbs and their products which in experimental models have demonstrated antifibrotic activity and thus, most likely candidates to offer therapeutic protection to liver. Nevertheless, much additional work is still needed to explore molecular pathways to discover potential applications of these medicines so as to open up new vistas in biomedical research.

Chromium oxide nanoparticle-induced biochemical and histopathological alterations in the kidneys and brain of Wistar rats

Chromium oxide nanoparticles (Cr₂O₃ NPs) have a wide range of applications in industry. They are used as pigments, catalysts, wear-resistant or high-temperature-resistant coating material and are used in liquid crystal displays. In view of ever escalating use of NPs, risk assessment becomes obligatory to ensure the safety of both human health and the ecosystem. The present study was designed and conducted to evaluate biochemical changes and histopathological alterations in kidneys and brain of rats, following exposure to Cr₂O₃ NPs. Male Wistar rats were divided into low-dose (50 µg/100 g body weight (bwt) groups and high-dose (200 µg/100 g bwt) groups. Each group type received oral administration of Cr₂O₃ NPs for multiple durations (single dosing, once daily for 7 days and once daily for 14 days, respectively). According to our data, this allotment presented a meaningful picture of NPs behaviour in different scenarios. In the kidneys and brain of Cr₂O₃ NPs-exposed animals, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production caused a significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration along with a significant decrease in superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels, as compared to controls. Histopathological changes in these organs confirmed cellular injury and functional damage due to exposure to Cr₂O₃ NPs. In this study, we have distinguished pathological alterations consequent to deleterious oxidative stress due to enhanced ROS generation after Cr₂O₃ NPs exposure.

Influence of resveratrol on liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine in male rats

Liver fibrosis is a significant health problem which represents the liver’s scarring process and response to injury through deposition of collagen and extracellular matrix, and ultimately leads to cirrhosis. Resveratrol is a naturally occurring phytoalexin found predominantly in grapes. This study aimed to investigate the antifibrotic role of resveratrol on dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Rats were divided into four groups and treated for three weeks; control, resveratrol administered orally (20 mg/kg daily), DMN intraperitoneally injected (10 mg/kg 3 days/week), and the last group was pre-treated daily with resveratrol then injected with DMN, 3 days/week. DMN administration induced severe liver pathological alterations. However, oral administration of resveratrol before DMN significantly prevented the induced loss in body weight, as well as the increase in liver weight which arise from DMN administration. Resveratrol has also inhibited the elevation of serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and bilirubin levels. Furthermore, resveratrol significantly increased hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) levels and reduced the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) due to its antioxidants effect as well as increased serum protein levels. In addition, DMN induced elevation in hydroxyproline content. On the other hand, hydroxyproline level was significantly reduced in the resveratrol pretreated rats. Resveratrol has also remarkably maintained the normal liver lobular architecture. Moreover, resveratrol had displayed potent potentials to prevent collagen deposition, lymphocytic infiltration, necrosis, steatosis, vascular damage, blood hypertention, cholangiocyte proliferation. It can be concluded that resveratrol has a marked protective role on DMN-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and can be considered as antiproliferative, antihypertensive, as well as antifibrotic agent and may be used to block the development of liver fibrosis.

Dose-dependent effect of N'-Nitrosodiethylamine on hepatic architecture, RBC rheology and polypeptide repertoire in Wistar rats

N'-Nitrosodiethylamine (NDEA) is an effective hepatotoxicant, carcinogen and mutagen. NDEA-induced hepatic necrosis, through metabolic activation by CYP2E1, is an extensively used experimental model. In the present study, we analysed the dose- and time-dependent effect of NDEA on hepatic damage, RBC rheology and proteomic profile in male Wistar rats. The rats, 5-6 weeks old, were divided into four groups: Group-1 served as control and received normal saline, Group-2 received a single dose of 200 mg/kg body weight NDEA intraperitoneally (i.p.) and the animals were sacrificed after one week; the rats of Group-3 received a single dose of 100 mg/kg body weight NDEA and were sacrificed after one week; Group-4 received 100 mg/kg body weight/wk NDEA for two weeks and were then sacrificed. Various biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, ALP and bilirubin were determined. Further, RBC rheology, histopathology (H&E staining) of liver biopsies and polypeptide profiling (SDS-PAGE) in sera and liver sections were also carried out both in control and NDEA treated groups. Our results showed a significant increase in all the biochemical parameters of the liver function test (p<0.05). In NDEA treated categories dacryocytes (tear drop cells), schistocytes (fragmented cells), codocytes (target cells), acanthocytes (spur cells) and ovalocytes (oval cells) were observed. H & E stained liver biopsies treated with NDEA showed abnormal liver architecture with severe haemorrhage, neutrophilic infiltration and dysplastic hepatocytes manifested in a dose-dependent manner. Software analysis of SDS-PAGE of control and NDEA treated rat sera and liver revealed qualitative and quantitative differences in polypeptide composition. Based on the presence/absence, polypeptides were classified in three different categories: (1) house-keeping, present in all the groups investigated; (2) novel, present in either control or NDEA treated group at any given time; (3) differential expression, showing quantitative differences. Our study indicates a dose and time-dependent hepatocellular damage and proteome profile which is likely due to NDEA-mediated oxidative stress in rats.

Resveratrol mitigate structural changes and hepatic stellate cell activation in N'-nitrosodimethylamine-induced liver fibrosis via restraining oxidative damage

Resveratrol, a polyphenol, found in skin of red grapes, peanuts and berries possesses anti-inflammatory, anti-carcinogenic and lipid modulation properties. Here, we demonstrate in vivo antifibrotic activity of resveratrol in a mammalian model, wherein hepatic fibrosis was induced by N'-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) administration. Apart from being a potent hepatotoxin, NDMA is a known mutagen and carcinogen, as well. To induce hepatic fibrosis, rats were administered NDMA (i.p.) in 10mg/kgb.wt thrice/week for 21 days. Another group of animals received resveratrol supplement (10mg/kgb.wt) subsequent to NDMA administration and were sacrificed weekly. The changes in selected biomarkers were monitored to compare profibrotic effects of NDMA and antifibrotic activity of resveratrol. The selected biomarkers were: sera transaminases, ALP, bilirubin, liver glycogen, LPO, SOD, protein carbonyl content, ATPases (Ca(2+), Mg(2+), Na(+)/K(+)) and hydroxyproline/collagen content. Alterations in liver architecture were assessed by H&E, Masson's trichrome and reticulin staining of liver biopsies. Immuno-histochemistry and immunoblotting were employed to examine expression of α-SMA. Our results demonstrate that during NDMA-induced liver fibrosis transaminases, ALP, bilirubin, hydroxyproline and liver collagen increases, while liver glycogen is depleted. The decline in SOD (>65%) and ATPases, which were concomitant with the elevation in MDA and protein carbonyls, strongly indicate oxidative damage. Fibrotic transformation of liver in NDMA-treated rats was verified by histopathology, immuno-histochemistry and immunoblotting data, with the higher expressivity of α-SMA-positive HSCs being most established diagnostic immuno-histochemical marker of HSCs. Resveratrol-supplement refurbished liver architecture by significantly restoring levels of biomarkers of oxidative damage (MDA, SOD, protein carbonyls and membrane-bound ATPases). Therefore, we conclude that antifibrotic effect of resveratrol is due to restrained oxidative damage and down-regulation of α-SMA, which inhibits HSC activation to obstruct liver fibrosis.

Vitamin B12 supplement alleviates N'-nitrosodimethylamine-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

Abstract Context: Altered vitamin B12 levels have been correlated with hepatotoxicity; however, further evidence is required to establish its protective role. Objective: To evaluate the effects of vitamin B12 supplement in protecting N'-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA)-induced hepatic fibrosis in Wistar rats. Materials and methods: Hepatic fibrosis was induced by administering NDMA in doses of 10 mg/kg body weight thrice a week for 21 days. Another group received equal doses (10 mg/kg body weight) of vitamin B12 subsequent to NDMA treatment. Animals from either group were sacrificed weekly from the start of the treatment along with their respective controls. Progression of hepatic fibrosis, in addition to the effect of vitamin B12, was assessed biochemically for liver function biomarkers, liver glycogen, hydroxyproline (HP) and B12 reserves along with histopathologically by hematoxylin and eosin (H & E) as well immunohistochemical staining for α-SMA expression. Results and discussion: Elevation in the levels of aminotransferases, SALP, total bilirubin and HP was observed in NDMA treated rats, which was concomitant with remarkable depletion in liver glycogen and B12 reserves (p < 0.05). Liver biopsies also demonstrated disrupted lobular architecture, collagen amassing and intense fibrosis by NDMA treatment. Immunohistochemical staining showed the presence of activated stellate cells that was dramatically increased up to day 21 in fibrotic rats. Following vitamin B12 treatment, liver function biomarkers, glycogen contents and hepatic vitamin B12 reserves were restored in fibrotic rats, significantly. Vitamin B12 administration also facilitated restoration of normal liver architecture. Conclusion: These findings provide interesting new evidence in favor of protective role for vitamin B12 against NDMA-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats.

Ameliorative Effects of Operculina turpethum and its Isolated Stigma-5,22dien-3-o-β-D-glucopyranoside on the Hematological Parameters of Male Mice Exposed to N-Nitrosodimethylamine, a Potent Carcinogen

OBJECTIVES

Enormous propensity of plants to synthesize a variety of structurally diverse bioactive compounds, has made the plant kingdom a potential source of chemical constituents with various therapeutic values, including antitumor and cytotoxic activities. Blood is a good indicator to determine the physiological and pathological status of man and animal. The objective of the present study is to determine the effect of Operculina turpethum root extract and its isolated glycoside treatment on the hematological parameters in the mice with N-Nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) induced cancer.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The body weights of the animals were recorded before and after the experiment. Non-coagulated blood was tested for total erythrocyte count, total leukocyte count, hemoglobin, differential leukocyte count (DLC) and for other blood indices.

RESULTS

A significant (P < 0.01), (P < 0.001) recovery of the red blood cell and white blood cell counts, packed cell volume and hemoglobin content in the host after 21 day treatment was shown.

CONCLUSION

These results show that the extract of Operculina turpethum is relatively safe following oral administration and have possible stimulatory effect on red blood cell production and there was dose dependent therapeutic effect.

Alleviation of Dimethylnitrosamine-Induced Liver Injury and Fibrosis by Supplementation of Anabasis articulata Extract in Rats

Anabasis articulata (Forssk) Moq. (Chenopodiaceae) is an herb, grows in Egypt, and used in folk medicine to treat diabetes, fever, and kidney infections. The protective and therapeutic effects of the ethanol extract of A. articulata aerial parts were evaluated against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis, compared with the standard drug, silymarin. Hepatic hydroxyproline content, serum transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), interleukin 10 (IL-10) and fructosamine were measured as liver fibrosis markers. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), catalase (CAT), glutathione reductase (GR) and glutathione content (GSH) were measured as oxidant/antioxidant markers. Parallel histopathological investigations were also performed. Protective and therapeutic administration of A. articulata (100 mg/kg daily for 4 weeks), markedly prevented DMN-induced loss in body and liver weights. The extract significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic hydroxyproline, NO and MDA (P < 0.05), as well as serum fructosamine, and TGF-β1 (P < 0.05) induced by DMN while it restored IL-10 to normal level in both protective and therapeutic groups. Furthermore, A. articulata prevented the depletion in CAT, GR, and GSH levels (P ≤ 0.05). In addition, oral administration of A. articulata extract and silymarin to both protective and therapeutic groups reduced the increase in liver function enzyme activities; alanine and aspartate amintransferases, gamma-glutamyl transferase in addition to alkaline phosphatase, and caused significant increase in serum albumin concentration as compared to DMN group. These data corresponded closely with those obtained for the drug silymarin. Histopathological studies confirmed the biochemical data and revealed remarkable improvement in liver architecture. Thus, it could be concluded that, A. articulata extract exhibited in vivo hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects against DMN-induced liver injury and may act as a useful agent in controlling the progression of hepatic fibrosis through reduction of oxidative stress and improving liver function.

Antiulcer Activity of Indigenous Plant Operculina turpethum Linn

In the Indian traditional system of medicine Operculina turpethum is commonly used to treat various ailments including peptic ulcer, inflammation, and pain. Ulcer preventive and ulcer protective activities of HAOP and MOP stem bark extracts of Operculina turpethum (100 mg/kg, b.w., orally) were evaluated employing aspirin + pylorus ligation (APL) model in experimental rats. The results suggested that both extracts (HAOP and MOP) possess enhanced ulcer preventive and protective activities when compared with the standard drug ranitidine. HAOP showed more pronounced effect when compared to MOP. Further the result of the histopathological and biochemical studies also confirms potent ulcer preventive and protective nature of a extracts in a similar manner.

Effects of Echinacea purpurea on Hepatic and Renal Toxicity Induced by Diethylnitrosamine in Rats

BACKGROUND

Nitrites are mainly used in food preservation. These materials could change to nitrosamine due to the effect of heat and gastric acid. Nitrosamine is absorbed in intestine and enters the liver and hepatocytes by portal venous system, and hampers the detoxification system of liver by interfering in cytochrome P450 enzymes, so, the liver gently proceeds to cirrhosis and cancer.

OBJECTIVES

The current study aimed to investigate the hepatic and renal protective effects of aerial parts of Echinacea purpurea extract (EPE) on injury induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups. Groups were as follow: Control group (normal saline), DEN (200 mg/kg, IP, a single dose), EPE (100 mg/kg, orally, daily) and DEN + EPE which received as group DEN and EPE. After 30 days, Blood samples, and liver and kidney tissues were taken for further examination. Aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), BUN, Creatinine and total and direct bilirubin were estimated in serum.

RESULTS

DEN induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in all the treated animals by elevated serum ALT, AST, ALP and BUN, creatinin and total and direct bilirubin levels. AST, BUN and total and direct bilirubin significantly decreased in DEN + EPE compared to DEN group. After 30 days of DEN administration, histopathological investigation revealed proliferation of hepatic stellate cells and early fibrosis which were partly improved by EPE administration.

CONCLUSIONS

The current study findings indicated that Echinacea purpurea extract played an important role in the protection against DEN toxicity in rats.

Understanding the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis and potential therapeutic approaches

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a progressive condition with serious clinical complications arising from abnormal proliferation and amassing of tough fibrous scar tissue. This defiance of collagen fibers becomes fatal due to ultimate failure of liver functions. Participation of various cell types, interlinked cellular events, and large number of mediator molecules make the fibrotic process enormously complex and dynamic. However, with better appreciation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, the assumption that HF cannot be cured is gradually changing. Recent findings have underlined the therapeutic potential of a number of synthetic compounds as well as plant derivatives for cessation or even the reversal of the processes that transforms the liver into fibrotic tissue. It is expected that future inputs will provide a conceptual framework to develop more specific strategies that would facilitate the assessment of risk factors, shortlist early diagnosis biomarkers, and eventually guide development of effective therapeutic alternatives.

Resin glycosides from the aerial parts of Operculina turpethum

Three glycosidic acids, turpethic acids A-C, and two intact resin glycosides, turpethosides A and B, all having a common pentasaccharide moiety and 12-hydroxy fatty acid aglycones of different chain lengths, were obtained from the aerial parts of Operculina turpethum. Their structures were elucidated by spectroscopic analyses and chemical correlations. The aglycones were characterized as 12-hydroxypentadecanoic acid in two compounds, 12-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid in two other components, and 12-hydroxyheptadecanoic acid in the fifth compound, which were all confirmed by synthesis. The absolute configurations of these aglycones were all established as S by Mosher's method. These compounds represent the first examples of resin glycosides with a monohydroxylated 12-hydroxy fatty acid as an aglycone, and one compound is the first described resin glycoside having a hydroxylated C(17) fatty acid as its aglycone.

Ethnobotanical survey of Purulia district, West Bengal, India for medicinal plants used against gastrointestinal disorders

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

An ethnobotanical survey was conducted in the remote hills, forests and rural areas of Purulia, one of the tribal rich districts of the West Bengal state of eastern India. Purulia is a part of the biogeographic zone Deccan Peninsula Chhotonagpur. The authors have reported the use of medicinal plants by nine tribes of the district against various gastrointestinal disorders.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Semi structured questionnaire was used during the interview with the informants having traditional botanical knowledge. Bhumijs, Birhor, Gond, Ho, Kharia, Mal Pahariya, Mundas, Oraon and Santhali represent the various aboriginal groups present in the district. The use of medicinal plants were documented using an interview data sheet mentioning the names, age, profession and gender of the informants and scientific and vernacular names, families, part(s) used, disease(s) treated, method of preparation, mode of administration of the botanicals and the preparations.

RESULTS

A total number of 56 plants belonging to 29 families have been reported to be used against different types of gastrointestinal disorders viz. indigestion, stomach pain, vomiting tendency, constipation, piles, diarrhea, dysentery, cholera, loss of appetite, liver complaints, intestinal worms etc. Fabaceae and Apocynaceae were found to be the dominant families of medicinal plants used to treat such ailments.

CONCLUSION

Age, gender, literacy and profession of the aboriginals were found to be the significant factors when the traditional knowledge of medicinal botanicals was concerned. Due to urbanization and loss of biodiversity, the authors have noted a significant decrease in the ethnic knowledge as well as the botanicals. Preservation of folklore should be given utmost importance in this region to prevent the rapid loss of ethnobotanical wealth.

Understanding the mechanism of hepatic fibrosis and potential therapeutic approaches

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a progressive condition with serious clinical complications arising from abnormal proliferation and amassing of tough fibrous scar tissue. This defiance of collagen fibers becomes fatal due to ultimate failure of liver functions. Participation of various cell types, interlinked cellular events, and large number of mediator molecules make the fibrotic process enormously complex and dynamic. However, with better appreciation of underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, the assumption that HF cannot be cured is gradually changing. Recent findings have underlined the therapeutic potential of a number of synthetic compounds as well as plant derivatives for cessation or even the reversal of the processes that transforms the liver into fibrotic tissue. It is expected that future inputs will provide a conceptual framework to develop more specific strategies that would facilitate the assessment of risk factors, shortlist early diagnosis biomarkers, and eventually guide development of effective therapeutic alternatives.

Effect of N'-nitrosodimethylamine on red blood cell rheology and proteomic profiles of brain in male albino rats

We investigated the effects of N'-nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA) induced toxicity on red blood cell rheology in male rats and identified bands in proteomic profiles of brain which can be used as novel markers. Polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE) profiles exhibited constitutive as well as induced expression of the polypeptides. Remarkably, the molecular weight range of the polypeptides (8–150 kDa) corresponded to that of the family of heat shock proteins. Our results revealed significant changes in blood parameters and showed the presence of acanthocytes, tear drop cells, spicules and cobot rings in the treated categories. Lactate dehydrogenase and esterase zymograms displayed a shift to anaerobic metabolism generating hypoxia-like conditions. This study strongly suggests that NDMA treatment causes acute toxicity leading to cell membrane destruction and alters protein profiles in rats. It is therefore recommended that caution should be exercised in using NDMA to avoid risks, and if at all necessary strategies should be designed to combat such conditions.

Bioactive dammarane-type saponins from Operculina turpethum

Four new dammarane-type saponins, operculinosides A-D (1-4), were isolated from the aerial parts of Operculina turpethum, of which 1 and 2 are the first two dammarane-type triterpenoids having an oxymethyl group at C-24. Their structures were determined by spectroscopic analysis and acid hydrolysis. The absolute configuration of operculinoside A (1) was confirmed by X-ray crystallography. Compounds 1 and 3 showed significant protective activities against d-galactosamine-induced toxicity in L-02 human hepatic cells.