Hydroethanolic extract of Baccharis trimera ameliorates alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice

Effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC on an Innovative Animal Model of Cardiometabolic Syndrome

Background/Objective: Cardiometabolic syndrome (CMS) is a complex clinical condition that encompasses metabolic dysregulation, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes risk factors. Worldwide, CMS is underdiagnosed, and its occurrence significantly increases cardiovascular morbimortality. Despite available pharmacological treatments, the approach is fragmented, and the associated clinical conditions are treated independently. This approach may be partially due to limited preclinical models to mimic the clinical conditions of CMS. Therefore, our study aims to present an innovative animal model of cardiometabolic syndrome and evaluate the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia on the set of clinical alterations associated with the condition. Methods: Female Wistar rats were induced to develop diabetes, fed a cholesterol-enriched diet, and exposed to the smoke of 9 cigarettes/day for 6 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were treated with vehicle, B. dracunculifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or a combination of simvastatin and insulin. At the end of the treatment, plasma lipid levels were measured, and the liver was analyzed histologically for hepatic lipid quantification and oxidative stress assessment. Results: Phytochemical analysis revealed seven phenolic acids and six flavonoids in the extract. B. dracunculifolia showed significant hepatoprotective effects, reducing AST and ALT levels and lowering both plasma and hepatic lipid levels. The extract also reversed hepatic steatosis and demonstrated antioxidant properties. Conclusions: These findings suggest that B. dracunculifolia may be a therapeutic option for the metabolic dysregulation present in CMS.

Early evidence of beneficial and protective effects of Protectin DX treatment on behavior responses and type-1 diabetes mellitus related-parameters: A non-clinical approach

Protectin DX (PDX), a specialized pro-resolving lipid mediator, presents potential therapeutic applications across various medical conditions due to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. Since type-1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM) is a disease with an inflammatory and oxidative profile, exploring the use of PDX in addressing T1DM and its associated comorbidities, including diabetic neuropathic pain, depression, and anxiety becomes urgent. Thus, in the current study, after 2 weeks of T1DM induction with streptozotocin (60 mg/kg) in Wistar rats, PDX (1, 3, and 10 ng/animal; i.p. injection of 200 μl/animal) was administered specifically on days 14, 15, 18, 21, 24, and 27 after T1DM induction. We investigated the PDX's effectiveness in alleviating neuropathic pain (mechanical allodynia; experiment 1), anxiety-like and depressive-like behaviors (experiment 2). Also, we studied whether the PDX treatment would induce antioxidant effects in the blood plasma, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex (experiment 3), brain areas involved in the modulation of emotions. For evaluating mechanical allodynia, animals were repeatedly submitted to the Von Frey test; while for studying anxiety-like responses, animals were submitted to the elevated plus maze (day 26) and open field (day 28) tests. To analyze depressive-like behaviors, the animals were tested in the modified forced swimming test (day 28) immediately after the open field test. Our data demonstrated that PDX consistently increased the mechanical threshold throughout the study at the two highest doses, indicative of antinociceptive effect. Concerning depressive-like and anxiety-like behavior, all PDX doses effectively prevented these behaviors when compared to vehicle-treated T1DM rats. The PDX treatment significantly protected against the increased oxidative stress parameters in blood plasma and in hippocampus and prefrontal cortex. Interestingly, treated animals presented improvement on diabetes-related parameters by promoting weight gain and reducing hyperglycemia in T1DM rats. These findings suggest that PDX improved diabetic neuropathic pain, and induced antidepressant-like and anxiolytic-like effects, in addition to improving parameters related to the diabetic condition. It is worth noting that PDX also presented a protective action demonstrated by its antioxidant effects. To conclude, our findings suggest PDX treatment may be a promising candidate for improving the diabetic condition per se along with highly disabling comorbidities such as diabetic neuropathic pain and emotional disturbances associated with T1DM.

Bridging the Gap: Exploring the Preclinical Potential of Pereskia grandifolia in Metabolic-Associated Fatty Liver Disease

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a complex condition characterized by steatosis and metabolic disturbances. Risk factors such as diabetes, cigarette smoking, and dyslipidaemia contribute to its development and progression. Effective and safe therapies for MAFLD are urgently needed. Pereskia grandifolia has shown potential as an alternative treatment, but its effectiveness against liver disease remains unexplored. This research aims to determine the hepatoprotective properties of P. grandifolia using a model of MAFLD. The study was carried out through various phases to assess the safety and efficacy of the ethanol-soluble fraction of P. grandifolia. Initially, an in vitro assay was performed to assess cell viability. This was followed by an acute toxicity test conducted in rats to determine the safety profile of the extract. Subsequently, the anti-inflammatory properties of P. grandifolia were examined in macrophages. For the MAFLD study, diabetic Wistar rats were made diabetic and exposed to a high fat diet and cigarette smoke, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the rats were orally given either the vehicle (negative control group; C-), P. grandifolia (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin in addition to simvastatin. A basal group of rats not exposed to these risk factors was also assessed. Blood samples were collected to measure cholesterol, triglycerides, glucose, ALT, and AST levels. Liver was assessed for lipid and oxidative markers, and liver histopathology was examined. P. grandifolia showed no signs of toxicity. It demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects by inhibiting phagocytosis and macrophage spreading. The MAFLD model induced liver abnormalities, including increased AST, ALT, disrupted lipid profile, oxidative stress, and significant hepatic damage. However, P. grandifolia effectively reversed these changes, highlighting its potential as a therapeutic agent. These findings emphasize the significance of P. grandifolia in mitigating hepatic consequences associated with various risk factors.

Assessment of the Potential of Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai. in Treating Ethanol-Induced Gastric Ulcer in Rats Based on Metabolomics and Network Analysis

Gastric ulcer (GU) is one of the most commonly diagnosed diseases worldwide, threatening human health and seriously affecting quality of life. Reports have shown that the Chinese herbal medicine Sarcandra glabra (Thunb.) Nakai (SGN) can treat GU. However, its pharmacological effects deserve further validation; in addition, its mechanism of action is unclear. An acute gastric ulcer (AGU) rat model induced by alcohol was used to evaluate the gastroprotective effect of SGN by analysis of the histopathological changes in stomach tissue and related cytokine levels; the potential mechanisms of action of SGN were investigated via serum metabolomics and network pharmacology. Differential metabolites of rat serum were identified by metabolomics and the metabolic pathways of the identified metabolites were enriched via MetaboAnalyst. Furthermore, the critical ingredients and candidate targets of SGN anti-AGU were elucidated. A compound-reaction-enzyme-gene network was established using Cytoscape version 3.8.2 based on integrated analysis of metabolomics and network pharmacology. Finally, molecular docking was applied to verify the acquired key targets. The results showed that SGN exerted a certain gastroprotective effect via multiple pathways and targets. The effects of SGN were mainly caused by the key active ingredients isofraxidin, rosmarinic, and caffeic acid, which regulate hub targets, such as PTGS2, MAPK1, and KDR, which maintain the homeostasis of related metabolites. Signal pathways involved energy metabolism as well as immune and amino acid metabolism. Overall, the multi-omics techniques were proven to be promising tools in illuminating the mechanism of action of SGN in protecting against diseases. This integrated strategy provides a basis for further research and clinical application of SGN.

Croton urucurana Baill. Ameliorates Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease in Rats

Background: Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) affects a quarter of the worldwide population, but no drug therapies have yet been developed. Croton urucurana Baill. (Euphorbiaceae) is a medicinal species, that is, widely distributed in Brazil. It is used in popular medicine to treat gastrointestinal, cardiovascular, and endocrine system diseases. However, its hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects have not yet been scientifically investigated.

Aim of the study: The present study investigated the effects of an extract of C. urucurana in a rat model of MAFLD that was associated with multiple risk factors, including hypertension, smoking, and dyslipidemia.

Material and Methods: The phytochemical composition of C. urucurana was evaluated by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Spontaneously hypertensive rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day for 10 weeks). During the last 5 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control [C-] group), C. urucurana extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril (two standard reference drugs that are commonly used to treat dyslipidemia and hypertension, respectively). One group of rats that were not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated (basal group). Blood was collected for the analysis of cholesterol, triglyceride, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was also processed for antioxidant and histopathological analysis.

Results: The main constituents of the C. urucurana extract were flavonoids, glycosides, and alkaloids. The model successfully induced MAFLD, reflected by increases in AST and ALT levels, and induced oxidative stress in the C- group. Treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg) and simvastatin + enalapril decreased plasma and hepatic lipid levels. In contrast to simvastatin + enalapril treatment, C. urucurana reduced AST and ALT levels. Massive lesions were observed in the liver in the C- group, which were reversed by treatment with the C. urucurana extract (300 mg/kg).

Conclusion:C. urucurana extract exerted promising hepatoprotective and lipid-lowering effects in a preclinical rat model of MAFLD.

Hepatoprotective Native Plants Documented in Brazilian Traditional Medicine Literature: Current Knowledge and Prospects

The native flora of Brazil covers a large biodiversity of plants, some of which have important pharmacological properties. Ethnobotanical studies have established that the folk use of plants for hepatobiliary disorders is very common in Brazil. This review aimed to compile, describe and discuss the main native Brazilian medicinal plants used as hepatoprotective agents listed on 25 books by authors from various regions in the country. Based on the 153 species found, a comprehensive analysis of the most relevant scientific studies is presented, including Piper umbellatum, Echinodorus macrophyllus, Fevillea trilobata and Achyrocline satureioides. Some medicinal plants share both a large number of citations and scientific evidence to corroborate their hepatoprotective effects, including Solanum paniculatum, Baccharis crispa and Phyllanthus niruri, which could be of interest to develop new phytomedicines. Additionally, some active ingredients are indicated as being responsible for the liver protective effects described, particularly phenolic compounds (flavonoids, coumestans and lignans).

Novel Functional Food from an invasive species Polygonum cuspidatum: Safety evaluation, Chemical Composition, and Hepatoprotective Effects

Accidentally, we found that the shoots of Polygonum cuspidatum (SPC) have been consumed for centuries as a traditional vegetable in the Shennongjia region of China. Local residents believe that SPC has biological effects such as antibacterial, anti-aging, and antioxidant. To provide scientific support for the use of SPC as a functional food, SPC was evaluated in terms of safety, chemical composition, antioxidant activity both in vivo and in vitro. In the first, SPC exhibited no adverse cytotoxic effects or acute toxicity in mice. Then the chemical composition of SPC was determined by UHPLC-ESI-QTOF-MS/MS. 22 compounds were identified from the SPC extracts, including phenolic, flavonoid, stilbene, and anthraquinone. Finally, an acute ethanol-induced oxidative stress model in mice showed hepatoprotective effects. In brief, our study indicated that SPC is a safe, multi-functional food with antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Importantly, the consumption of SPC as a functional food provides a novel strategy of efficient utilization of the invasive plant.

Hepato- and cardioprotective effects of Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. against multiple risk factors for chronic noncommunicable diseases

Cardiovascular diseases are associated with high morbidity and mortality worldwide and have several risk factors, including dyslipidemia, smoking, and hypertension. Studies have evaluated isolated risk factors in experimental models of cardiovascular disease, but few preclinical studies have assessed associations between multiple risk factors. In the present study, hypertensive Wistar rats (Goldblatt 2K1C model) received a 0.5% cholesterol diet and were exposed to tobacco smoke for 8 weeks. During the last 4 weeks, the animals were treated with vehicle, an ethanol-soluble fraction of B. trimera (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or simvastatin + enalapril. A group of normotensive, non-dyslipidemic, and non-smoking rats was treated with vehicle. The levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, urea, creatinine, and hepatic and fecal lipids, blood pressure, and mesenteric arterial bed reactivity were evaluated. Cardiac, hepatic, and renal histopathology and tecidual redox state were also investigated. Untreated animals exhibited significant changes in blood pressure, lipid profile, and biomarkers of heart, liver, and kidney damage. Treatment with B. trimera reversed these changes, with effects that were similar to simvastatin + enalapril. These findings suggest that B. trimera may be promising for the treatment of cardiovascular and hepatic disorders, especially disorders that are associated with multiple risk factors.

Chemical characterization of polysaccharides from Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC. infusion and its hepatoprotective effects

Baccharis trimera is a native medicinal plant from South America popularly known as "carqueja". Its infusion is traditionally ingested for the treatment and prevention of hepatic disorders. Up to now, only the crude aqueous extract or hydroethanolic fractions, containing the secondary metabolites, have been studied and correlated with their biological action on the liver. Here we report that an inulin type fructan is present in the B. trimera infusion and contributes to the hepatoprotective effect of the species. In vitro, inulin at 300 μg/mL, was able to scavenger 97% of the DPPH radicals. In vivo experiments showed that it protected the liver against CCl₄-induced injuries. The administration of inulin at low dose of 1 mg/kg significantly reduced the blood levels of ALT, AST and ALP, reduced the lipid peroxidation and increased the catalase activity and the levels of reduced glutathione in the liver of CCl₄-treated mice. Moreover, the administration of inulin at 100 mg/kg increased GSH levels in the liver of Naïve mice. No signs of toxicity were observed. Thus, inulin present in B. trimera infusion protects the liver from the oxidative stress caused by CCl₄ administration and can corroborate with the hepatoprotective effects presented by the species infusion.

Promising therapeutic use of Baccharis trimera (less.) DC. as a natural hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC is a perennial subshrub, popularly known as "carqueja," that belongs to the Asteraceae family. Ethnobotanical studies indicate that this species is used for the treatment of diabetes and digestive and liver diseases. However, studies that sought to validate its popular use were conducted using ethanolic extracts of the plant, which does not reflect the ethnomedicinal use of this species in humans.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is characterized by triglyceride accumulation in the liver that can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Because of the severity of this disease, less toxic and more effective therapeutic agents need to be developed. B. trimera may be a promising therapeutic alternative, but its activity against multiple risk factors for liver disease (e.g., smoking, dyslipidemia, and diabetes mellitus) has not been studied. The present study investigated the effects of an ethnomedicinal form of a B. trimera preparation in a rat model of NAFLD that is associated with multiple risk factors.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

Phytochemical analysis of the ethanolic soluble fraction of B. trimera extract was performed using ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled to high-resolution mass spectrometry. Streptozotocin was used to induce diabetes in male Wistar rats. The rats received a 0.5% cholesterol-enriched diet and were exposed to cigarette smoke (9 cigarettes/day, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks). In the last 2 weeks, the animals were orally treated with vehicle (negative control group), B. trimera extract (30, 100, and 300 mg/kg), or insulin + simvastatin. One group of rats that was not exposed to these risk factors was also evaluated. Blood was collected for glucose, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) analysis. The liver and feces were collected for lipid quantification. The liver was additionally processed for histopathological analysis.

RESULTS

The model successfully induced NAFLD and increased levels of glucose, AST, and ALT in the negative control group. Treatment with the B. trimera extract (30 and 100 mg/kg) and insulin + simvastatin decreased hepatic and fecal lipids. In contrast to insulin + simvastatin treatment, all three doses of B. trimera effectively reduced AST and ALT levels.

CONCLUSION

B. trimera may be promising as a hepatoprotective agent against hepatic lesions that are caused by multiple risk factors.

Baccharis trimera (Less.) DC: An Innovative Cardioprotective Herbal Medicine Against Multiple Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Disease

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the leading cause of death worldwide and among its modifiable risk factors are dyslipidemia, diabetes, and smoking. Experimental models evaluated this risk factors singly, however, there is a lack of models that agglomerate these risk factors, resembling real patients and elucidating the pathophysiology of CVD. Moreover, few studies have investigated the cardioprotective effects of Baccharis trimera, a species with lipid-lowering effects. In this study, ethanol-soluble fraction of B. trimera was characterized by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. Diabetes was induced by streptozotocin in Wistar rats that also received 0.5% cholesterol-enriched chow and were exposed to the smoke of nine cigarettes, 5 days/week, for 4 weeks. During the last 2 weeks, the animals were treated with vehicle (C^-), B. trimera, or simvastatin plus insulin. At the end, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, and creatinine levels; blood pressure (BP); heart rate (HR); abdominal aortic morphometry; vascular reactivity; renal and cardiac oxidative status; and histopathological changes were evaluated. The agglomerate of risk factors promoted alterations contrary to those described in the literature for the isolated risk factors. The C^- group exhibited oxidative stress, increase in biochemical parameters, and thickening of the wall of the abdominal aorta. HR, systolic, diastolic, and mean BP decreased, and vascular reactivity was altered. Cardiac and renal histopathological changes were observed. Treatment with B. trimera reversed these changes and this effect may be partially attributable to lipid-lowering action and to the inhibition of free radical generation. B. trimera has cardioprotective effects in this model, with no toxicity.

Preventive or Curative Administration of Taurine Regulates Lipid Metabolism in the Liver of Rats with Alcoholic Liver Disease

Excessive consumption causes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), which injures hepatocytes and induces imbalance of lipid metabolism. Taurine is known to protect the liver from various liver injuries, and relieve lipid profile. Our previous studies also found that taurine can prevent or cure ALD, reduce fat deposition, but the mechanism remains unclear. In the present study, ALD rat model was established by administration of alcohol, pyrazole and high fat diet. Two percent taurine was administered at the same time or after ALD model establishment. Serum activities of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), serum and hepatic TC, TG, HDL-C and LDL-C were analyzed. Real-Time RT-PCR was conducted to detect the mRNA expressions of fatty acid synthetase (FAS), acetyl-CoA catboxylase (ACC), carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1 (CPT-1), 3-Hydroxy-3-methyl glutaric acid acyl Coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), peroxisome proliferators activated receptor α (PPARα) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c). The results showed that serum ALT, AST, serum and hepatic TC, TG and LDL-C were higher, while HDL-C in ALD model rats was lower than normal rats, the changes of which can be significantly relieved by taurine administration. mRNA expressions of ACC, FAS, CPT-1, HMGCR, PPARα and SREBP-1c which were significantly changed by ethanol can also be regulated by taurine. The results indicated that taurine can prevent and repair hepatic injury of ALD rats and balance lipid metabolism indexes in the liver, the mechanisms may involves in the regulation of related enzymes and transcriptional regulators participated in lipid metabolism.

Baccharis trimera (Carqueja) Improves Metabolic and Redox Status in an Experimental Model of Type 1 Diabetes

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder that causes severe complications due to the increased oxidative stress induced by disease. Many plants are popularly used in the treatment of diabetes, e.g., Baccharis trimera (carqueja). The aim of this study was to explore the potential application of the B. trimera hydroethanolic extract in preventing redox stress induced by diabetes and its hypoglycemic properties. Experiments were conducted with 48 female rats, divided into 6 groups, named C (control), C600 (control + extract 600 mg/kg), C1200 (control + extract 1200 mg/kg), D (diabetic), D600 (diabetic + 600 mg/kg), and D1200 (diabetic + 1200 mg/kg). Type 1 diabetes was induced with alloxan, and the animals presented hyperglycemia and reduction in insulin and body weight. After seven days of experimentation, the nontreated diabetic group showed changes in biochemical parameters (urea, triacylglycerol, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase) and increased carbonyl protein levels. Regarding the antioxidant enzymes, an increase in superoxide dismutase activity was observed but in comparison a decrease in catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity was noted which suggests that diabetic rats suffered redox stress. In addition, the mRNA of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzymes were altered. Treatment of diabetic rats with B. trimera extract resulted in an improved glycemic profile and liver function, decreased oxidative damage, and altered the expression of mRNA of the antioxidants enzymes. These results together suggest that B. trimera hydroethanolic extract has a protective effect against diabetes.

Artepillin C, drupanin, aromadendrin-4'-O-methyl-ether and kaempferide from Brazilian green propolis promote gastroprotective action by diversified mode of action

ETHOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The propolis is extensively used in folk medicine in natura or to prepare pharmaceutical formulations since ancient time to improve health or prevent diseases, among them gastrointestinal disorders. Aiming to contribute in the scientific validation about the popular use of Brazilian Green propolis (BGP) against gastritis and gastric ulcer, this work evaluated the antiulcer potential of isolated compounds from BGP, three prenylated p-coumaric acid derivatives and two flavonoids, respectively named: 3,5 diprenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (artepillin C) (1), 3-prenyl-4-dihydroxycinnamoiloxy cinnamic acid (baccharin) (2), 3-prenyl-4-hydroxycinnamic acid (drupanin) (3), aromadendrin-4'-O-methyl-ether (4) and kaempferide (5).

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The compounds were characterized by nuclear magnetic resonance and mass spectrometry. Their gastroprotective effects were evaluated against ethanol/HCl- and indomethacin-induced ulcer in mice. Further, histological, histochemical, oxidative and inflammatory parameters were analyzed at ulcerated tissue. Acid antisecretory activities also were also assessed.

RESULTS

Compound 2 did not reduce the ethanol/HCl- induced ulcer at 30 mg/kg (p.o), whereas the minimum oral gastroprotective doses of 1, 3, 4 and 5 were 0.3, 0.3, 3 and 3 mg/kg, respectively. Besides, these compounds prevented ethanol/HCl-induced ulcer by intraperitoneal route, as well as indomethacin-induced ulcer by oral route. The gastroprotection was accompanied by normalization of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione-S-transferase activities and reduction in myeloperoxidase activity. Moreover, the compounds 4 and 5 increased the gastric mucin content and 1 reduced TNF amount. Furthermore, 1, 3, 4 and 5 decreased volume, pH, total acidity and pepsin activity of the gastric juice from rats.

CONCLUSIONS

Together, our findings showed a diversified mode of action elicited by 1, 3, 4 and 5 on the gastroprotection and contribute to explain the anti-ulcer activity reported for BGP.

Acute toxicity and antimicrobial activity of leaf tincture Baccharis trimera (Less)

Background

The present study aimed to evaluate the possible acute oral toxicity of Baccharistrimera leaf dye as well as its antimicrobial activity.

Method

Organization for Economic co-operation and development (OECD) 423 was used to assess acute oral toxicity and as per protocol a dose of 2000 mg/kg of tincture was administered to Wistar rats, male and female, and observed for 14 days. Biochemical and hematological analyzes were performed with sample collected of rat. The dye was evaluated for antimicrobial activity by agar diffusion and microdilution methods, which allow to determine the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC) and antibiofilm potential.

Results

The results showed that there was no loss of animals and no significant changes in hematological and biochemical parameters after oral administration of 2000 mg/kg of tincture and was considered safe by the OECD, classified as category 5. The dyeing also showed an important antimicrobial activity against gram positive and gram negative bacteria also significantly decreased the microbial biofilm.

Conclusion

The tincture of B.trimera leaf when given orally once can be considered safe and has a relevant antimicrobial potential that should be elucidated in subsequent research.

Baccharis trimera protects against ethanol induced hepatotoxicity in vitro and in vivo

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Baccharis trimera has been traditionally used in Brazil to treat liver diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the protective effect of Baccharis trimera in an ethanol induced hepatotoxicity model.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The antioxidant capacity was evaluated in vitro by the ability to scavenged the DPPH radical, by the quantification of ROS, NO and the transcription factor Nrf2. Hepatotoxicity was induced in animals by administration of absolute ethanol for 2 days (acute) or with ethanol diluted for 28 days (chronic). The biochemical parameters of hepatic function (ALT and AST), renal function (urea and creatinine) and lipid profile (total cholesterol, triglycerides and HDL) were evaluated. In addition to antioxidant defense (SOD, catalase, glutathione), oxidative damage markers (TBARS and carbonylated protein), MMP-2 activity and liver histology.

RESULTS

Baccharis trimera promoted a decrease in ROS and NO, and at low concentrations promoted increased transcription of Nrf2. In the acute experiment it promoted increase of HDL, in the activity of SOD and GPx, besides diminishing TBARS and microesteatosis. Already in the chronic experiment B. trimera improved the hepatic and renal profile, decreased triglycerides and MMP-2 activity, in addition to diminishing microesteatosis.

CONCLUSION

We believe that B. trimera action is possibly more associated with direct neutralizing effects or inhibition of reactive species production pathways rather than the modulation of the antioxidant enzymes activity. Thus it is possible to infer that the biological effects triggered by adaptive responses are complex and multifactorial depending on the dose, the time and the compounds used.

Resveratrol Ameliorates Experimental Alcoholic Liver Disease by Modulating Oxidative Stress

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of resveratrol in alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Alcohol was administered to healthy female rats starting from 6% (v/v) and gradually increased to 20% (v/v) by the fifth week. After 16 weeks of intervention, liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase [AST] and alanine aminotransferase [ALT]) were analyzed using a chemistry analyzer, while hepatic antioxidant enzymes, oxidative stress markers, and caspase 3 activity were assessed using ELISA kits. Furthermore, hepatic CYP2E1 protein levels and mRNA levels of antioxidant and inflammation-related genes were determined using western blotting and RT-PCR, respectively. The results showed that resveratrol significantly attenuated alcohol-induced elevation of liver enzymes and improved hepatic antioxidant enzymes. Resveratrol also attenuated alcohol-induced CYP2E1 increase, oxidative stress, and apoptosis (caspase 3 activity). Moreover, genes associated with oxidative stress and inflammation were regulated by resveratrol supplementation. Taken together, the results suggested that resveratrol alleviated ALD through regulation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation, which was mediated at the transcriptional level. The data suggests that resveratrol is a promising natural therapeutic agent against chronic ALD.

Roles of silent information regulator 1-serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 10-lipin 1 axis in the pathogenesis of alcohol fatty liver disease

Alcohol exposure is a major reason of morbidity and mortality all over the world, with much of detrimental consequences attributing to alcoholic liver disease (ALD). With the continued ethanol consumption, alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD, the earliest and reversible form of ALD) can further develop to more serious forms of alcoholic liver damage, including alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and even eventually progress to hepatocellular carcinoma and liver failure. Furthermore, cell trauma, inflammation, oxidative stress, regeneration, and bacterial translocation are crucial promoters of ethanol-mediated liver lesions. AFLD is characterized by excessive fat deposition in liver induced by excessive drinking, which is related closely to the raised synthesis of fatty acids and triglyceride, reduction of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation, and the aggregation of very-low-density lipoprotein (VLDL). Although little is known about the cellular and molecular mechanisms of AFLD, it seems to be correlated to diverse signal channels. Massive studies have suggested that liver steatosis is closely associated with the inhibition of silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1) and the augment of lipin1 β/α ratio mediated by ethanol. Recently, serine/arginine-rich splicing factor 10 (SFRS10), a specific molecule functioning in alternative splicing of lipin 1 (LPIN1) pre-mRNAs, has emerged as the central connection between SIRT1 and lipin1 signaling. It seems a new signaling axis, SIRT1-SFRS10-LPIN1 axis, acting in the pathogenesis of AFLD exists. This article aims to further explore the interactions among the above three molecules and their influences on the development of AFLD. Impact statement ALD is a major health burden in industrialized countries as well as China. AFLD, the earliest and reversible form of ALD, can progress to hepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, even hepatoma. While the mechanisms, by which ethanol consumption leads to AFLD, are complicated and multiple, and remain incompletely understood. SIRT1, SFRS10, and LIPIN1 had been separately reported to participate in lipid metabolism and the pathogenesis of AFLD. Noteworthy, we found the connection among them via searching articles in PubMed and we had elaborated the connection in detail in this minireview. It seems a new signaling axis, SIRT1-SFRS10-LIPIN1 axis, acting in the pathogenesis of AFLD exists. Further study aimed at SIRT1-SFRS10-LIPIN1 signaling system will possibly offer a more effective therapeutic target for AFLD.