Glycyrrhizic acid modulates t-BHP induced apoptosis in primary rat hepatocytes

Glycyrrhetinic acid interaction with solvated and free electrons studied by the CIDNP and dissociative electron attachment techniques

Electron transfer plays a crucial role in living systems, including the generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxygen acts as the terminal electron acceptor in the respiratory chains of aerobic organisms as well as in some photoinduced processes followed by the formation of ROS. This is why the participation of exogenous antioxidants in electron transfer processes in living systems is of particular interest. In the present study, using chemically induced dynamic nuclear polarization (CIDNP) and dissociative electron attachment (DEA) techniques, we have elucidated the affinity of solvated and free electrons to glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-the aglicon of glycyrrhizin (the main active component of Licorice root). CIDNP is a powerful instrument to study the mechanisms of electron transfer reactions in solution, but the DEA technique shows its effectiveness in gas phase processes. For CIDNP experiments, the photoionization of the dianion of 5-sulfosalicylic acid (HSSA2-) was used as a model reaction of solvated electron generation. DEA experiments testify that GA molecules are even better electron acceptors than molecular oxygen, at least under gas-phase conditions. In addition, the effect of the solvent on the energetics of the reactants is discussed.

Green Synthesis of Blumea balsamifera Oil Nanoemulsions Stabilized by Natural Emulsifiers and Its Effect on Wound Healing

In this study, we developed a green and multifunctional bioactive nanoemulsion (BBG-NEs) of Blumea balsamifera oil using Bletilla striata polysaccharide (BSP) and glycyrrhizic acid (GA) as natural emulsifiers. The process parameters were optimized using particle size, PDI, and zeta potential as evaluation parameters. The physicochemical properties, stability, transdermal properties, and bioactivities of the BBG-NEs under optimal operating conditions were investigated. Finally, network pharmacology and molecular docking were used to elucidate the potential molecular mechanism underlying its wound-healing properties. After parameter optimization, BBG-NEs exhibited excellent stability and demonstrated favorable in vitro transdermal properties. Furthermore, it displayed enhanced antioxidant and wound-healing effects. SD rats wound-healing experiments demonstrated improved scab formation and accelerated healing in the BBG-NE treatment relative to BBO and emulsifier groups. Pharmacological network analyses showed that AKT1, CXCL8, and EGFR may be key targets of BBG-NEs in wound repair. The results of a scratch assay and Western blotting assay also demonstrated that BBG-NEs could effectively promote cell migration and inhibit inflammatory responses. These results indicate the potential of the developed BBG-NEs for antioxidant and skin wound applications, expanding the utility of natural emulsifiers. Meanwhile, this study provided a preliminary explanation of the potential mechanism of BBG-NEs to promote wound healing through network pharmacology and molecular docking, which provided a basis for the mechanistic study of green multifunctional nanoemulsions.

Decalepis hamiltonii root fraction alleviates CCl4 hepatotoxicity in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Decalepis hamiltonii (D. hamiltonii) is Indian folk medicine in herbal preparations, to reduce appetite, and cures dysentery, bronchitis, uterine hemorrhage, and other ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The current investigation focused on the hepatoprotective effect of D. hamiltonii roots fractions against liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current research discussed the fraction from D. hamiltonii root extracts was used. Male Wistar rats (albino strain) were grouped into 4 distinct groups of six animals each. Group I: plain water and vehicle whereas Group II (CCl4 control): CCl4 (1 ml/kg, 20 % v/v in olive oil) over 7 days and vehicle; Over 7 days, Group III received Silymarin 100 mg/kg/day and tap water with 20 % v/v of CCl4, whereas Group IV (treatment group) received DHE 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day, and water. Assessment of biochemical parameters, Mitochondrial modulation, gene expression analysis, and RT-PCR, was used to estimate the protective action of DHEF in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

RESULTS

The administration of CCl4 increased levels of total bilirubin (0.63 ± 0.97 mg/dl) plasma amino transferases (110.36 ± 1.13 U/L, 86.56 ± 2.41 U/L and 1.51 ± 1.36 mg/dl respectively) which were mitigated by D. hamiltonii treatment. Activity like Lipid peroxidation and content of nitric oxide also augmented, while the antioxidant action measured by GSH (9.64 ± 0.18 U/mg protein), SOD (3.69 ± 0.22 U/mg protein), and CAT (1.47 ± 0.01 U/mg protein) was reduced. Decalepis hamiltonii root provided substantial restoration of GSH (14.92 ± 0.04 nmol/gm protein), SOD (4.20 ± 0.18 U/mg protein), and CAT (2.71 ± 0.04 U/mg protein) levels. In addition, the acute phase reactants stimulated by CCl4 administration enhanced mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, NF-κβ, and COX-2, which were enhanced by D. hamiltonii treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, DHEF protects the liver against CCl4-induced damage, possibly by mitochondrial modulation mechanism. These findings indicate that D. hamiltonii significantly moderates oxidative stress of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Dietary licorice flavonoids powder improves serum antioxidant capacity and immune organ inflammatory responses in weaned piglets

Weaning often induces oxidative stress and inflammatory response in piglets. This study investigated the effects of dietary licorice flavonoids powder (LFP) supplementation on antioxidant capacity and immunity in weaned piglets. Notably, 96 Landrace × Yorkshire × Duroc (DLY) weaned piglets were randomly allocated to four treatments with 6 replicates (4 animals per replicate) and fed with diet supplementation with 0, 50, 150, and 250 mg/kg LFP, respectively. The trial lasted for 5 weeks. The results showed that dietary LFP supplementation effectively increased the liver index (P < 0.05). In addition, dietary LFP supplementation reduced serum aspartate aminotransferase activity (P < 0.01). Piglets fed with 50 mg/kg LFP decreased total cholesterol and HDL-C content in serum (P < 0.05) and increased serum alkaline phosphatase activity (P < 0.01). Similarly, supplementation with 150 mg/kg LFP elevated the activity of total antioxidant capability (T-AOC) in serum (P < 0.01) and dietary with 150 and 250 mg/kg LFP increased T-AOC activity in spleen (P < 0.01). Moreover, dietary with 150 mg/kg LFP addition enhanced (P < 0.05) the serum IgG content of piglets. Additionally, compared with the control group, dietary 250 mg/kg LFP supplementation upregulated (P < 0.05) the mRNA abundance of Interleukin (IL)-1β and monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) in the spleen. Meanwhile, dietary 150 and 250 mg/kg LFP supplementation downregulated (P < 0.05) mRNA abundance of IL-10, and MCP-1 and 250 mg/kg LFP upregulated (P < 0.05) the expression of intercellular adhesion molecule 1 (ICAM-1), IL-1β, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the thymus. In conclusion, LFP supplementation improved the immune function of piglets by regulating the activity of serum biochemical enzymes, improving the antioxidant capacity, and alleviating inflammation of immune organs. This study indicated that LFP is potential alternative protection against early weaned stress in piglets.

Effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: A randomized double-blind clinical trial

This study aimed to evaluate the effects of licorice root supplementation on liver enzymes, hepatic steatosis, metabolic and oxidative stress parameters in women with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). In this randomized double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 60 women with NAFLD were selected and randomly assigned into 2 groups to take 1,000 mg/day powder of licorice root extract or placebo for 12 weeks. In addition, all the patients were advised to follow a weight loss diet and healthy lifestyle. The plasma levels of liver enzymes, glycemic indices, lipid profile, oxidative stress parameters, as well as hepatic steatosis were measured at the beginning and end of the study. Through the 12-weeks period of supplementation, women who received powder of licorice root experienced a statistically significant improvement in alanine aminotransferase (p < .001), insulin (p = .002), insulin resistance (p = .003), malondialdehyde (p < .001) serum levels, and ultrasonographic findings of liver steatosis (p < .001), compared to the placebo group. In conclusion, licorice root supplementation in addition to gradual weight loss and lifestyle modification is superior to lifestyle modification alone for the treatment of NAFLD.

The hepatoprotective effects of Pyrus biossieriana buhse leaf extract on tert-butyl hydroperoxide toxicity in HepG2 cell line

OBJECTIVE

In present study, the effects of the leaf extract of Pyrus biossieriana Buhse on tert-Butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) induced toxicity in the HepG2 cell line were investigated.

RESULTS

HepG2 cells were exposed to different concentrations of both extract (1.5, 2.0, and 2.5 mg/mL) and t-BHP (100, 150, and 200 μM). The total flavonoid and phenolic contents, the cell viability, lipid peroxidation, NO generation, and the total antioxidant capacity in cell media were assessed. The amount of arbutin was estimated 12.6% of the dry weight of leaves (equivalent to 126 mg/g). Additionally, the amounts of flavonoids and phenols in extract were estimated 119 mg/g and 418 mg/g, respectively. The cells incubated with t-BHP showed a significant decrease in survival (p < 0.001). Preincubation with extract (1.5 mg/mL and 2.0 mg/mL) attenuated the t-BHP toxicity and increased the cell viability in cells exposed even to the highest concentration of t-BHP (200 μM) (p value < 0.001, and p value = 0.035) respectively. Additionally, treatment with extract reduced the cell growth suppression caused by t-BHP. The P. biossieriana Buhse leaf extract at concentrations of 1.5 and 2.0 mg/mL is capable of attenuating t-BHP-induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells.

Total Flavonoids of Crocus sativus Petals Release tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in BRL-3A Cells

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities in vitro of saffron petals were examined in this study for better utilizing saffron (Crocus sativus L.) biowaste. Using the DPPH and ABTS radical scavenging method, we compared the antioxidant activity and the content of total flavonoid extracts from petals (TFESP), stamens (TFESS), and both saffron petals and stamens (TFEMS). The results showed that the antioxidant capacity and the flavonoid content of TFESP were higher than those of TFESS and TFEMS. Then, the hepatoprotective activity of TFESP was determined, and the silymarin was used as a positive control. The main components of TFESP were analysed by ultrahigh performance liquid chromatography (UPLC) photodiode array (PDA)/mass spectrometry (MS) and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR). The result showed that (1) TFESP could release oxidative liver injury induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP). (2) TFESP could reduce the accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS); enhance the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH); and then improve the total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in BRL-3A cells. (3) TFESP could enhance the expression of B-cell lymphoma-2 (BCL-2) and decrease the expression of caspase-3 and caspase-9; increase the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein-1 (Keap-1), nuclear factor, erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1); and downregulate inducible nitric oxide synthase (INOS), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and nuclear factor kappa B-9 (NF-κB-9). (4) The main hepatoprotective component of TFESP was identified as kaempferol-3-o-sophoroside. The mechanism may be that kaempferol-3-o-sophoroside can protect t-BHP-induced cell injury by regulating the expression of antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and anti-inflammatory genes. Thus, saffron petals are a potential hepatoprotective resource worthy of development.

The effect of the drug "Cobazin" on the productive indicators of bee colonies

The aim of the study was to determine the effectiveness of the drug "Cobazin" on the productivity of bee colonies during the increase in strength (increase in the number of young bees in the bee colony) in spring and autumn. Materials and methods. Control and experimental groups were formed to test "Cobazin" feed supplement. It was fed 5 times with an interval of 5 days. Bee colonies from the control group received a pure sugar solution (1:1) in the amount of 0.5 liters per bee colony, and the experimental group received a sugar solution of 0.5 liters per bee colony (1:1) with the addition of the drug "Cobazin" in the amount of 2.5 g. Indicators characterizing the development of bee colonies were determined by a measuring frame of 5x5 cm in size, for 12 days to cover the total number of eggs laid by the queen bee during feeding. Four measurements were performed during the study. The results of the control and experimental groups were compared and the significance of the differences between them was established. There was a comparison of the difference between groups of bees both fed pure sugar syrup in a ratio of 1:1 and syrup with the addition of the drug "Cobazin". Results. It is proved that during the feeding period the number of brood in bee colonies that received feed supplement "Cobazin" increased significantly by 76 % (71 % in the group that received only sugar solution without this drug). Live weight of queen bees in colonies that were stimulated with "Cobazin" was actually 2 % higher compared to the control group. It was found that at the end of the bee season, bee colonies fed in May with the feed supplement "Cobazin" had significantly higher values of strength, number of sealed brood and live queen bees compared to those who received pure sugar solution. The brood in the control group was 25 % lower than in the experimental group. Conclusions. For the first time it was proved that the use of feed supplement "Cobazin" in combination with sugar solution has a positive effect on the features that characterize the development of bee colonies (strength, number of sealed brood) and their health productivity. The positive impact is observed not only during feeding, but also in subsequent periods of colony development.

Recent advances in chemical analysis of licorice (Gan-Cao)

Gan-Cao, or licorice, the dried roots and rhizomes of Glycyrrhiza uralensis, G.glabra, and G.inflata, has received considerable interest due to its extensive application in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) prescriptions (60% approximately), clinical therapy, and as food additives world-wide. Chemical analysis is an important approach to understand the active pharmaceutical components in licorice and its prescriptions, as well as to develop novel methodologies for their quality assessment and control. This comprehensive review describes the advances in the chemical analysis, including sample preparation methods, qualitative and quantitative analysis and biological specimen analysis, based on 113 references for the recent years. Newly established methods are summarized, such as high performance thin layer chromatography (HPTLC), high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS), capillary electrophoresis (CE) and near infrared spectroscopy (NIR), which allows the identification, authentication, and simultaneous detection of multiple compounds in licorice with higher throughput and sensitivity. It is anticipated that this review could provide imperative information for improving the existing quality evaluation methods of licorice and afford scientific basis for further researches on the pharmacodynamic substances of licorice.

Antiproliferative Effect and Mediation of Apoptosis in Human Hepatoma HepG2 Cells Induced by Djulis Husk and Its Bioactive Compounds

The antiproliferative effect and mediation of apoptosis in human hepatoma HepG2 cells induced by djulis husk and its bioactive compounds was investigated. The ethanolic extracts of djulis husk (EEDH) at 50, 250, and 500 µg/mL induced remarkable cytotoxicity on HepG2 cells. By flow cytometry analysis, EEDH slowed down the cell cycle at the Sub-G0 phase after 24 h of incubation. Moreover, all EEDH treatment induced an apoptotic response in HepG2 cells. EEDH-induced apoptosis was associated with the attenuation of mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (ΔΨ_m), an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, activation of caspase-3, and poly(ADP-ribose)polymerase (PARP) cleavage, as well as an increase in reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. According to the HPLC-DAD and HPLC-MS/MS analysis, quercetin and kaempferol derivatives and another sixteen compounds were present in EEDH. Quercetin and kaempferol at 25–150 μM showed antiproliferative action and induced apoptosis on HepG2 cells, which may in part account for the anticancer activity of EEDH. Overall, EEDH may be a potent chemopreventive agent due to apoptosis in HepG2 cells.

Phenols fragment of Veronica ciliata Fisch. ameliorate free radical-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by mediating PI3K/Akt signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Veronica ciliata Fisch. is used in numerous of Tibetan medicine prescriptions because of its hepatoprotective effect.

AIMS OF THIS STUDY

Here, we aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect and mechanism of phenolic fraction (PF) of V. ciliata Fisch. on liver injury induced by free radical.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

BRL 3A cells were pre-treated with PF and luteolin (Lut) following tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) treatment. The cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels, reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, apoptosis, cell cycle and autophagy were analyzed. Apoptotic, inflammatory, and autophagy,- related proteins were analyzed using Western blotting. The combination of molecular docking and drug affinity targeting experiments (DARTS) were first utilized to analysis the target protein of Lut.

RESULTS

PF effectively suppressed t-BHP-induced apoptosis caused by mitochondrial dysfunction, which were associated with inhibiting ROS generation. Further investigation indicated that PF significantly suppressed apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy by regulating the expression of related proteins. The results of molecular docking and drug affinity targeting experiments (DARTS) revealed that PI3K was the target protein of PF and Lut. Further studies have shown that PF relieved liver injury induced by t-BHP via suppressing phosphorylated expression of PI3K.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that PF effectively protect against hepatotoxicity induced by t-BHP through inhibiting the abnormal activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and highlight the health benefits of PF regarding oxidative stress, proving it to be an important source of bioactive compounds associated with Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

Natural products in licorice for the therapy of liver diseases: Progress and future opportunities

Liver diseases related complications represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, creating a substantial economic burden. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, and dysregulated energy metabolism significantly contributed to liver diseases. Therefore, discovery of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver diseases are urgently required. Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbal drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of liver diseases and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Various bioactive components have been isolated and identified from the licorice, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin, licochalcone A, and glycycoumarin. Emerging evidence suggested that these natural products relieved liver diseases and prevented DILI through multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms, including anti-steatosis, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, anti-fibrosis, anti-cancer, and drug-drug interactions. In the current review, we summarized the recent progress in the research of hepatoprotective and toxic effects of different licorice-derived bioactive ingredients and also highlighted the potency of these compounds as promising therapeutic options for the treatment of liver diseases and DILI. We also outlined the networks of underlying molecular signaling pathways. Further pharmacology and toxicology research will contribute to the development of natural products in licorice and their derivatives as medicines with alluring prospect in the clinical application.

Active Fragment of Veronica ciliata Fisch. Attenuates t-BHP-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury in HepG2 Cells through Antioxidant and Antiapoptosis Activities

Excessive amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the body are a key factor in the development of hepatopathies such as hepatitis. The aim of this study was to assess the antioxidation effect in vitro and hepatoprotective activity of the active fragment of Veronica ciliata Fisch. (VCAF). Antioxidant assays (DPPH, superoxide, and hydroxyl radicals scavenging) were conducted, and hepatoprotective effects through the application of tert-butyl hydroperoxide- (t-BHP-) induced oxidative stress injury in HepG2 cells were evaluated. VCAF had high phenolic and flavonoid contents and strong antioxidant activity. From the perspective of hepatoprotection, VCAF exhibited a significant protective effect on t-BHP-induced HepG2 cell injury, as indicated by reductions in cytotoxicity and the levels of ROS, 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), and protein carbonyls. Further study demonstrated that VCAF attenuated the apoptosis of t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells by suppressing the activation of caspase-3 and caspase-8. Moreover, it significantly decreased the levels of ALT and AST, increased the activities of acetyl cholinesterase (AChE), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT), and increased total antioxidative capability (T-AOC). Collectively, we concluded that VCAF may be a considerable candidate for protecting against liver injury owing to its excellent antioxidant and antiapoptosis properties.

Poly-pharmacokinetic Study of a Multicomponent Herbal Medicine in Healthy Chinese Volunteers

The advent of mass spectrometry-based analytical technologies coupled with multivariate statistical methods offer tremendous new opportunities for understanding the pharmacokinetics (PKs) of multicomponent herbal medicines (HMs). We recently proposed a poly-PK strategy to characterize the concentration-time profile and the metabolic response profile of multicomponent HMs using an integrated phytochemical and metabolomics approach. Here, we provided the first example of the poly-PK strategy, in which we simultaneously characterized the PK as well as the metabolic response profiles of a Chinese HM, Huangqi decoction (HQD, consisting of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae), in healthy Chinese volunteers. Using the poly-PK approach, we identified 56 HQD-derived compounds and 292 biotransformed HQD metabolites in human plasma. Additionally, we acquired the concentration-time profiles of these plasma HQD metabolites and correlated them with a plasma metabolomics profile consisting of 166 human endogenous metabolites that were significantly altered in response to HQD intervention.

Resveratrol-loaded glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles: Preparation, characterization, and targeting effect on liver tumors

In this study, glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles were prepared to establish a tumor targeting nano-sized drug delivery system. Glycyrrhizic acid was coupled to human serum albumin, and resveratrol was encapsulated in glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin by high-pressure homogenization emulsification. The average particle size of sample nanoparticles prepared under the optimal conditions was 108.1 ± 5.3 nm with a polydispersity index (PDI) of 0.001, and the amount of glycyrrhizic acid coupled with human serum albumin was 112.56 µg/mg. The drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency were 83.6 and 11.5%, respectively. The glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles were characterized through laser light scattering, scanning electron microscopy, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetric analyses, and gas chromatography. The characterization results showed that resveratrol in glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles existed in amorphous state and the residual amounts of chloroform and methanol in nanoparticles were separately less than the international conference on harmonization (ICH) limit. The in vitro drug-release study showed that the nanoparticles released the drug slowly and continuously. The inhibitory rate of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles was measured using 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-2 H-tetrazolium bromide method. The IC50 values of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles and resveratrol were 62.5 and 95.5 µg/ml, respectively. The target ability of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles for HepG2 cells was evaluated using fluorescence-modified albumin techniques. The uptake rate of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles was higher than that of pure resveratrol and increased with increased nanoparticles concentration. The in vivo body distribution of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles labeled with the near-infrared fluorophore Cy5 was monitored in H22 tumor-bearing mice through near-infrared fluorescence imaging systems. Glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated human serum albumin nanoparticles wrapping resveratrol nanoparticles exhibited effective target orientation to liver tumor and sustained-release property.

Economic Importance

The beneficial effects of liquorice in treating chills, colds, and coughs have been fully discussed in Ayurveda, as well as in the texts of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The plant has been prescribed for dropsy during the period of famous Hippocrates. The reason being that it was quite helpful as thirst-quenching drugs (Biondi et al. in J Nat Prod 68:1099–1102, 2005; Mamedov and Egamberdieva in Herbals and human health-phytochemistry. Springer Nature Publishers, 41 pp, 2017). No doubt, the clinical use of liquorice in modern medicine started around 1930; Pedanios Dioscorides of Anazarba (Adana), first century AD-Father of Pharmacists, mentions that it is highly effective in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers. In Ayurveda, people in ancient Hindu culture have used it for improving sexual vigor.

Mitogen-activated protein kinases are involved in hepatocanalicular dysfunction and cholestasis induced by oxidative stress

In previous studies, we showed that the pro-oxidant model agent tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBuOOH) induces alterations in hepatocanalicular secretory function by activating Ca²⁺-dependent protein kinase C isoforms (cPKC), via F-actin disorganization followed by endocytic internalization of canalicular transporters relevant to bile formation (Mrp2, Bsep). Since mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) may be downstream effectors of cPKC, we investigated here the involvement of the MAPKs of the ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38^MAPK types in these deleterious effects. tBuOOH (100 µM, 15 min) increased the proportion of the active, phosphorylated forms of ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38^MAPK, and panspecific PKC inhibition with bisindolylmaleimide-1 (100 nM) or selective cPKC inhibition with Gö6976 (1 μM) prevented the latter two events. In isolated rat hepatocyte couplets, tBuOOH (100 µM, 15 min) decreased the canalicular vacuolar accumulation of the fluorescent Bsep and Mrp2 substrates, cholylglycylamido fluorescein, and glutathione-methylfluorescein, respectively, and selective inhibitors of ERK1/2 (PD098059), JNK1/2 (SP600125), and p38^MAPK (SB203580) partially prevented these alterations. In in situ perfused rat livers, these three MAPK inhibitors prevented tBuOOH (75 µM)-induced impairment of bile flow and the decrease in the biliary output of the Bsep and Mrp2 substrates, taurocholate, and dinitrophenyl-S-glutathione, respectively. The changes in Bsep/Mrp2 and F-actin localization induced by tBuOOH, as assessed by (immuno)fluorescence staining followed by analysis of confocal images, were prevented total or partially by the MAPK inhibitors. We concluded that MAPKs of the ERK1/2, JNK1/2, and p38^MAPK types are all involved in cholestasis induced by oxidative stress, by promoting F-actin rearrangement and further endocytic internalization of canalicular transporters critical for bile formation.

Inhibitory effects of polyphenol-enriched extract from Ziyang tea against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells through reactive oxygen species-dependent mitochondria molecular mechanism

A polyphenol-enriched extract from selenium-enriched Ziyang green tea (ZTP) was selected to evaluate its antitumor effects against human breast cancer MCF-7 cells. In ZTP, (−)-epigallocatechin gallate (28.2%) was identified as the major catechin, followed by (−)-epigallocatechin (5.7%) and (−)-epicatechin gallate (12.6%). ZTP was shown to inhibit MCF-7 cell proliferation (half maximal inhibitory concentration, IC₅₀ = 172.2 μg/mL) by blocking cell-cycle progression at the G0/G1 phase and inducing apoptotic death. Western blotting assay indicated that ZTP induced cell-cycle arrest by upregulation of p53 and reduced the expression of CDK2 in MCF-7 cells. ZTP-caused cell apoptosis was associated with an increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of caspase-3 and -9. MCF-7 cells treated with ZTP also showed an overproduction of reactive oxygen species, suggesting that reactive oxygen species played an important role in the induction of apoptosis in MCF-7 cells. This is the first report showing that ZTP is a potential novel dietary agent for cancer chemoprevention or chemotherapy.

Glycyrrhiza glabra

Liquorice foliage

Pharmacological Effects of Glycyrrhiza spp. and Its Bioactive Constituents: Update and Review

The roots and rhizomes of various species of the perennial herb licorice (Glycyrrhiza) are used in traditional medicine for the treatment of several diseases. In experimental and clinical studies, licorice has been shown to have several pharmacological properties including antiinflammatory, antiviral, antimicrobial, antioxidative, antidiabetic, antiasthma, and anticancer activities as well as immunomodulatory, gastroprotective, hepatoprotective, neuroprotective, and cardioprotective effects. In recent years, several of the biochemical, molecular, and cellular mechanisms of licorice and its active components have also been demonstrated in experimental studies. In this review, we summarized the new phytochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological data from recent experimental and clinical studies of licorice and its bioactive constituents after our previous published review.

The influence of compatibility of processed radix Aconiti Kusnezoffii on the pharmacokinetic of four components in Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and processed radix Aconiti kusnezoffii are the main components in many Chinese traditional patent medicines with the ratio of 1:1, which are used for treatment of rheumatoid arthritis, heart failure and so on. Glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetic acid, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin are the essential bioactive triterpenes and flavones in the extract of G. uralensis, which were analysis by a simple but accurate method.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In the present study, a specific HPLC method was developed and validated for simultaneous determination of pharmacokinetic parameters of glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetic acid, liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin in G. uralensis after oral administration of single herb extract and a combination of two herbs extracts respectively.

RESULTS

The calibration curves of the four components had good linearity higher than 0.9991 in the measured range. The intra-day and inter-day precisions (RSD) at different levels were both within 9.73%, and the accuracies (RE) were in the range of -7.9-8.0%. Compared with pharmacokinetic parameters of G. uralensis administered orally, values of AUC and Cmax of liquiritigenin and isoliquiritigenin decreased significantly (p<0.05), plasma concentrations of glycyrrhizic acid rose slightly and bimodal phenomenon of concentration-time of isoliquiritigenin and glycyrrhetinic acid disappeared after combined administration.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Some components in the extract of processed radix A. kusnezoffii showed different effects on the pharmacokinetics of the four ingredients in G. uralensis.

YGS40, an active fraction of Yi-Gan San, reduces hydrogen peroxide-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells

In our previous study, we have elucidated the chemical profile of YGS40, a fraction of Yi-Gan San (YGS), used for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease (AD). Oxidative stress-induced apoptosis is implicated in neurodegenerative disorders such as AD. The aim of the present study was to explore the protective effects of YGS40 against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced apoptosis in PC12 cells and the underlying mechanisms. PC12 cells were exposed to 100 μmol·L(-1) of H2O2 for 12 h with or without YGS40 pretreatment. Cytotoxicity was determined by MTT (3, (4, 5-dimethylthiazole-2-yl) 2, 5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release assays; apoptosis was detected by Annexin V/propidium iodide coupled staining and by determining caspase-3 activity and Bax and Bcl-2 protein levels. Mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) was assessed by the retention of rhodamine123; and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured using commercially available enzymatic kits. Pretreatment with YGS40 significantly prevented H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and protected the cells against H2O2-triggered apoptosis characterized by externalization of membrane phosphatidylserine and caspase-3 activation and the increased ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in PC12 cells. Further studies showed that YGS40 suppressed H2O2-induced MMP loss, increased SOD activity, and decreased MDA level. These findings suggest that YGS40 may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of oxidative stress-mediated disorders.

Hepatotoxic potential of asarones: in vitro evaluation of hepatotoxicity and quantitative determination in herbal products

α and β asarones are natural constituents of some aromatic plants, especially species of the genus Acorus (Araceae). In addition to reports of beneficial properties of asarones, genotoxicity and carcinogenicity are also reported. Due to potential toxic effects of β-asarone, a limit of exposure from herbal products of ~2 μg/kg body weight/day has been set temporarily until a full benefit/risk assessment has been carried out by the European Medicines Agency. Therefore, it is important to monitor levels of β-asarone in herbal products. In this study, we developed a simple, rapid and validated GC-MS method for quantitative determination of asarones and applied it in 20 pediatric herbal products after detecting high concentrations of β-asarone in a product suspected to be implicated in hepatotoxicity in a 3 month old infant. Furthermore, targeted toxicological effects were further investigated in human hepatocytes (THLE-2 cells) by employing various in vitro assays, with the goal of elucidating possible mechanisms for the observed toxicity. Results showed that some of the products contained as much as 4–25 times greater amounts of β-asarone than the recommended levels. In 4 of 10 samples found to contain asarones, the presence of asarones could not be linked to the labeled ingredients, possibly due to poor quality control. Cell-based investigations in THLE-2 cells confirmed the cytotoxicity of β-asarone (IC₅₀ = 40.0 ± 2.0 μg/mL) which was associated with significant lipid peroxidation and glutathione depletion. This observed cytotoxic effect is likely due to induction of oxidative stress by asarones. Overall, the results of this study ascertained the usability of this GC-MS method for the quantitative determination of asarones from herbal products, and shed light on the importance of controlling the concentration of potentially toxic asarones in herbal products to safeguard consumer safety, especially when the target consumers are young children. Further investigations of the toxicity of asarones are warranted.

Liver fibrosis and protection mechanisms action of medicinal plants targeting apoptosis of hepatocytes and hepatic stellate cells

Following chronic liver injury, hepatocytes undergo apoptosis leading to activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Consequently, activated HSC proliferate and produce excessive extracellular matrix, responsible for the scar formation. The pandemic trend of obesity, combined with the high incidence of alcohol intake and viral hepatitis infections, highlights the urgent need to find accessible antifibrotic therapies. Treatment strategies should take into account the versatility of its pathogenesis and act on all the cell lines involved to reduce liver fibrosis. Medicinal plants are achieving popularity as antifibrotic agents, supported by their safety, cost-effectiveness, and versatility. This review will describe the role of hepatocytes and HSC in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis and detail the mechanisms of modulation of apoptosis of both cell lines by twelve known hepatoprotective plants in order to reduce liver fibrosis.

Synthesis and discovery of 18α-GAMG as anticancer agent in vitro and in vivo via down expression of protein p65

Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a natural product with favorable antitumor activity. But, glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide (GAMG) showed stronger antitumor activity than GA. It is of our interest to generate and identify novel compounds with regulation telomerase for cancer therapy. So, in this study, 18α-GAMG was synthesized via biotransformation. In vitro studies showed that it displayed potent anticancer activity and high selectivity on tumor liver cell SMMC-7721 versus human normal liver cell L-02. The further results in vivo confirmed that it could significantly improve pathological changes of N,N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced rat hepatic tumor. Western blot and immunofluorescence results indicated that the expression of p65-telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) was clearly down-regulated treated with it. Taken together, this study for the first time identified an active compound with high selectivity on tumor liver cell in mice. Furthermore, the title compound could inhibit the expression of protein p65 and TERT. These data support further studies to assess the rational design of more efficient p65 modulators in the future.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of extract of Celosia cristata L. flower on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative hepatotoxicity

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antioxidant potential and protective effects of Celosia cristata L. (Family: Amaranthaceae) flower (CCF) extracts on tert-butyl-hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced oxidative damage in the hepatocytes of Chang cells and rat livers. In vitro, CCF extracts exhibited protective effect through their radical scavenging ability to enhance cell viability, prevent reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, and inhibit mitochondrial membrane depolarisation in t-BHP-induced hepatotoxicity in Chang cells. In vivo, oral feeding of CCF (100mg and 500mg/kg of body weight) to rats for five consecutive days before a single dose of t-BHP (2mmol/kg, i.p.) showed a significant (p<0.05) protective effect by lowering serum levels of glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT) and glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT). The extract decreased the hepatic levels of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and serum level of triglyceride (TG) against t-BHP-induced oxidative stress. These results indicate that CCF extract prevented oxidative stress-induced liver injury by enhancing hepatocyte antioxidant abilities.

Synthesis, molecular docking and biological evaluation of glycyrrhizin analogs as anticancer agents targeting EGFR

Glycyrrhizin (GA) analogs in the form of 3-glucuronides and 18-epimers were synthesized and their anticancer activities were evaluated. Alkaline isomerization of monoglucuronides is reported. In vitro and in vivo studies showed that glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronides (GAMGs) displayed higher anticancer activities than those of bisglucuronide GA analogs, while anticancer activity of the 18α-epimer was superior to that of the 18β-epimer. 18α-GAMG was firstly nicely bound to epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) via six hydrogen bonds and one charge interaction, and the docking calculation proved the correlation between anticancer activities and EGFR inhibitory activities. Highly active 18α-GAMG is thus of interest for the further studies as a potential anticancer agent.

Identification and pharmacokinetics of multiple constituents in rat plasma after oral administration of Yinchenzhufu decoction

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Yinchenzhufu decoction (YCZFD) is a classical Chinese herbal formula and has been used to treat severe jaundice in chronic liver injuries since the Qing Dynasty (18th century CE). To identify the components absorbed into the blood in YCZFD and explore their pharmacokinetic profile for understanding the effective ingredients of YCZFD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

After rats were given YCZFD by intragastric administration, the plasma was processed by precipitation of protein. The compounds in YCZFD extract and the plasma were identified by using high-resolution mass spectrometry with a database-directed strategy. The pharmacokinetics of multiple compounds from YCZFD in rat plasma was studied by using the established UPLC-MS/MS method.

RESULTS

Forty compounds in YCZFD extract and 21 prototype compounds with 11 metabolites in rat plasma were detected after oral administration. The pharmacokinetic parameters of glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetic acid, cinnamic acid, ononin, atractylenolide III, and liquiritin from YCZFD were obtained in rats.

CONCLUSIONS

The identified constituents and the pharmacokinetic features of YCZFD are helpful for understanding the material bases of its therapeutic effects.

Role of 6-shogaol in tert -butyl hydroperoxide-induced apoptosis of HepG2 cells

The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effects of 6-shogaol on tert-butyl hydroperoxide (tBHP)-induced oxidative stress leading to apoptosis in human hepatoma cell line HepG2. The cells were exposed to tBHP (100 μmol/l) after pretreatment with 6-shogaol (2.5 and 5 μmol/l), and then cell viability was measured. 6-Shogaol fully prevented HepG2 cell death caused by tBHP. Treatment of tBHP resulted in apoptotic cell death as assessed by TUNEL assay and the expression of apoptosis regulator proteins, Bcl-2 family, caspases and cytochrome c. Cells treated with 6-shogaol showed rapid reduction of apoptosis by restoring these markers of apoptotic cells. In addition, 6-shogaol significantly recovered disruption of mitochondrial membrane potential as a start sign of hepatic apoptosis induced by oxidative stress. In line with this observation, antioxidative 6-shogaol inhibited generation of reactive oxygen species and depletion of reduced glutathione in tBHP-stimulated HepG2 cells. Taken together, these results for the first time showed antioxidative and antiapoptotic activities of 6-shogaol in tBHP-treated hepatoma HepG2 cells, suggesting that 6-shogaol could be beneficial in hepatic disorders caused by oxidative stress.

Exploring the effects of tert-butylhydroperoxide induced liver injury using proteomic approach

Tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP), an organic lipid hydroperoxide analog, has been demonstrated to exert pro-oxidant effects to evaluate mechanisms involving oxidative stress in hepatocyte cells and rat liver. Herein, we present an investigation of the event of molecular mechanism of t-BHP related acute liver injury. A proteomic approach was used to identify proteins which are differentially expressed in liver cells following t-BHP treatment and the mechanism of its action in apoptotic and endoplasmic reticulum stress pathways. Our results demonstrate that the t-BHP treatment of liver cells increased cell cytoxicity and apoptosis. t-BHP dose-dependent induction of cell apoptosis and stained liver sections relieved the acute rat liver injury were accompanied by sustained phosphorylation of JNK1/2 and p65. In addition, there were 13 differentially displayed proteins between the t-BHP-induced and untreated were assayed and validated in vivo. Furthermore, we demonstrated that t-BHP induced human Chang liver cell viability and apoptosis properties by up-regulating the levels of ETFA (electron transfer flavoprotein subunit alpha). This study demonstrated that there was an increase in the cellular levels of ETFA in the t-BHP induction in viability and apoptosis via the activation of JNK1/2 and NFκB signaling modules. NAC administration and shRNA ETFA conferred resistance to t-BHP-increased ETFA and CHOP expression via IRE1-alpha/TRAF2 complex formation, activation of JNK1/2 and p50. We concluded that the mechanism of t-BHP-induced an apoptosis cascade and endoplasmic reticulum stress in hepatocyte cells by up-regulation of ETFA, providing a new mechanism for liver injury.

Protective effects of alkaloid compounds from Nelumbinis Plumula on tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress

This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Nelumbinis Plumula total alkaloid (NPA) and its main alkaloid components on oxidative stress induced by tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP) in the human hepatocellular HepG2 cell line. According to HPLC analysis, several major alkaloid compounds such as liensinine, isoliensinine and neferine were present in NPA. The cytotoxic effects in 0.55 mM t-BHP-induced HepG2 cells were significantly inhibited by NPA and the major compound in NPA, neferine, showed the strongest activities. The protective effect of neferine against oxidative stress induced by t-BHP may be associated with decreased ROS formation, TBARS generation, LDH release and increased GSH levels, suggesting their involvement of the cytoprotective on oxidative stress. The effects were comparable with quercetin, which was used as positive control. Overall, total alkaloid and alkaloid compounds from Nelumbinis Plumula displayed a significant cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress. Further study is needed to elucidate the relationship between the chemical structures of the components in NPA and their protective effect on oxidative stress.

Protection of glycyrrhizic acid against AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction through inhibiting RAGE/NF-κB pathway activation in human umbilical vein endothelial cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis roots) is used as a traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes mellitus and its vascular complications. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA, also known as Glycyrrhizin), a triterpenoid saponin glycoside, is considered to be a bioactive component in Licorice and is beneficial to diabetic vascular complications.

AIM OF STUDY

The present study was conducted to evaluate the potential protective activities on AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction, including anti-apoptosis, antioxidant stress and anti-proinflammatory responses, and explore the underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were incubated and pre-treated with GA (10(-9)-10(-6)M) or RAGE-Ab (5μg/ml) in the presence or absence of 200μg/ml AGEs. AO/EB fluorescence staining assay was performed to evaluate anti-apoptosis activity. The superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and malondialdehyde (MDA) level in cell supernatant were detected by kits while the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation was determined by 2,7-dichlorodihydrofluorescin diacetate (DCFH-DA) kit. Immunocytochemistry analysis was designed to determine transforming growth factor beta1(TGF-β1) protein expression while immunofluorescence analysis for RAGE and NF-kB. The protein expressions of TGF-β1, RAGE and NF-kB were analyzed by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with GA at a concentration of 10(-8)-10(-6)M significantly reduced the AGEs-induced apoptosis in HUVECs. GA significantly increased antioxidant enzyme SOD activity and decreased peroxide degradation product MDA level in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, GA also remarkably inhibited the overgeneration of AGEs-induced ROS. Both immunocytochemistry analysis and western blot analysis showed that GA significantly decreased the protein expression of poinflammatory cytokine TGF-β1 in a similar manner which RAGE-Ab did. Additionally, AGEs-induced RAGE and NF-kB protein expressions were down-regulated significantly by the pretreatment with GA or RAGE-Ab.

CONCLUSION

These findings provide evidences that GA possesses protective activity on AGEs-induced endothelial dysfunction, including anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation and antioxidant stress, via inhibiting RAGE/NF-kB pathway. GA might be an alternative for the prevention and treatment of diabetic vascular complications in an appropriate dosage.

Licorice treatment prevents oxidative stress, restores cardiac function, and salvages myocardium in rat model of myocardial injury

The present study examined the effects of licorice on antioxidant defense, functional impairment, histopathology, and ultrastructural alterations in isoproterenol (ISP)-induced myocardial injury in rats. Myocardial necrosis was induced by two subcutaneous injection of ISP (85 mg/kg) at an interval of 24 h. Licorice was administered orally for 30 days in the doses of 100, 200, 400, or 800 mg/kg. ISP-treated rats showed impaired hemodynamics, left ventricular dysfunction, and caused depletion of antioxidants and marker enzymes along with lipid peroxidation from myocardium. ISP also induced histopathological and ultrastructural alterations in myocardium. Pretreatment with licorice prevented the depletion of endogenous antioxidants and myocyte injury marker enzymes, inhibited lipid peroxidation, and showed recovery of hemodynamic and ventricular functions. Licorice treatment also reduced myonecrosis, edema, and infiltration of inflammatory cells and showed preservation of subcellular and ultrastructural components. Our results demonstrate that licorice exerts cardioprotection by reducing oxidative stress, augmenting endogenous antioxidants, and restoring functional parameters as well as maintaining structural integrity.

Preparation of 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin nanoparticles for hepatocellular carcinoma-targeted drug delivery

INTRODUCTION

The livertaxis of glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin (GL-BSA) has been reported in the literature. Now, in this paper, we describe a novel type of drug-targeted delivery system containing 10-hydroxycamptothecin (HCPT) with liver tumor targeting.

METHODS

First, GL was coupled to BSA then HCPT was encapsulated in GL-BSA by high-pressure homogenization emulsification. In the experimental design, the influencing variables on particle size and drug loading efficiency were determined to be BSA concentration, volume ratio of water to organic phase, and speed and speed duration of homogenization as well as homogenization pressure and the number of times homogenized at certain pressures. Particle size plays an important role in screening optimal conditions of nanoparticles preparation. Characteristics of 10-hydroxycamptothecin-loaded glycyrrhizic acid-conjugated bovine serum albumin nanoparticles (GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs), such as the drug encapsulation efficiency, drug loading efficiency, and GL-BSA content were studied. In addition, the morphology of the nanoparticles (NPs) and weight loss rate were determined and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction spectroscopy, and thermal analysis performed.

RESULTS

The average particle size of the sample NPs prepared under optimal conditions was 157.5 nm and the zeta potential was -22.51 ± 0.78 mV; the drug encapsulation efficiency and drug loading efficiency were 93.7% and 10.9%, respectively. The amount of GL coupling to BSA was 98.26 μg/mg. Through physical property study of the samples, we determined that the HCPT had been successfully wrapped in GL-BSA. In vitro drug-release study showed that the nanoparticles could release the drug slowly and continuously. Hemolysis testing showed the safety of GL-BSA as a novel drug delivery system. The targeting properties of GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs were studied in an in vitro cell uptake study and cell proliferation assay. Cells incubated with GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs and labeled with fluorescein isothiocyanate showed more extensive fluorescence spots and stronger fluorescence intensity than samples without GL conjugation. MTT (3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide) assay was used to determine the inhibitory rate of the samples. It was found that the inhibitory rate of GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs develops as concentration rises. Further, the inhibitory rate of GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs was higher at the same concentration and had a lower half maximal inhibitory concentration value than the other samples. The half maximal inhibitory concentration values of GL-BSA-HCPT-NPs, BSA-HCPT-NPs, and HCPT sodium were 0.78 ± 0.015, 1.62 ± 0.039, and 7.93 ± 0.255 μg/mL, respectively.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study show GL-BSA-HCPT to be a promising new vehicle for hepatocellular carcinoma-targeting therapy.

Apoptosis induction by OTA and TNF-α in cultured primary rat hepatocytes and prevention by silibinin

In cultures of primary rat hepatocytes, apoptosis occurred after application of 20 ng/mL tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). However, this was only in the presence of 200 ng/mL of the transcriptional inhibitor actinomycin D (ActD). This toxic effect was completely prevented in the presence of 25 µg/mL soluble TNF-α receptor I (sTNFR I) in the supernatant of hepatocyte cell cultures. Apoptosis also occurred after application of 12.5 µmol/L ochratoxin A (OTA). However, that was not prevented by up to 500 µg/mL sTNFR I, indicating that TNF-α/TNFR I is not involved in OTA mediated apoptosis in hepatocytes. The antioxidative flavanolignan silibinin in doses from 130 to 260 µmol/L prevented chromatin condensation, caspase-3 activation, and apoptotic DNA fragmentation that were induced by OTA, by 10 mmol/L hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) and by ultraviolet (UV-C) light (50 mJ/cm²), respectively. To achieve protection by silibinin, the drug was applied to the cell cultures for 2 h in advance. OTA stimulated lipid peroxidation on cultured immortalized rat liver HPCT cells, as was revealed by malondialdehyde (MDA) production. Lipid peroxidation occurred further by H₂O₂ and ActD/TNF-α incubation. These reactions were also suppressed by silibinin pretreatment. We conclude that the anti-apoptotic activity of silibinin against OTA, H₂O₂ and ActD/ TNF-α is caused in vitro by the antioxidative effects of the flavanolignan. Furthermore, cytotoxicity of the pro-apoptotic toxins was revealed by MTT-test. When applied separately, ActD and TNF-α showed no cytotoxic effects after 24 h, but were cytotoxic if applied in combination. The used concentrations of OTA, H₂O₂ and the dose of UV-C caused a substantial decrease in viability within 36 h that was prevented mostly by silibinin. We conclude that silibinin is a potent protective compound against apoptosis and cytotoxicity caused by OTA and the investigated compounds.

Modulation of genotoxicity of oxidative mutagens by glycyrrhizic acid from Glycyrrhiza glabra L

BACKGROUND

The chemopreventive effects of certain phytoconstituents can be exploited for their use as functional foods, dietary supplements and even as drugs. The natural compounds, acting as anti-genotoxic and free radical scavenging compounds, may serve as potent chemopreventive agents. These can inhibit DNA modulatory activities of mutagens and help preventing pathological processes.

OBJECTIVES

Present study on Glycyrrhiza glabra L., a promising medicinal plant, widely used in traditional medicine, focused on the bioassay-guided fractionation of its extracts for the isolation of certain phytochemicals with anti-genotoxic potential against oxidative mutagens.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The methanol extract of Glycyrrhiza glabra rhizomes was subjected to column chromatography, and isolated fraction was evaluated for its anti-genotoxic and antioxidant potential using SOS chromotest, Comet assay, and DPPH radical scavenging assay.

RESULTS

GLG fraction, which was characterized as Glycyrrhizic acid, inhibited the genotoxicity of oxidative mutagens viz., H(2)O(2) and 4NQOquite efficiently. In SOS chromotest, using E.coli PQ37 tester strain, it inhibited induction factor induced by H(2)O(2) and 4NQO by 75.54% and 71.69% at the concentration of 121.46 μM,respectively. In Comet assay, it reduced the tail moment induced by H(2)O(2) and 4NQO by 70.21% and 69.04%, respectively, at the same concentration in human blood lymphocytes. The isolated fraction also exhibited DPPH free radical scavenging activity and was able to scavenge 85.95% radicals at a concentration of 120 μM.

CONCLUSION

Glycyrrhizic acid is a potential modulator of genotoxins as well as efficient scavenger of free radicals.

Antioxidative and cytoprotective effects of andrographolide against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in HepG2 cells

This article describes antioxidative and cytoprotective property of andrographolide, a major active component of the plant Andrographis paniculata ( A. paniculata). High yields (2.7%) of andrographolide was isolated from the aerial parts of this plant via silica column chromatography. The purity of the compound was determined by high-performance thin-layer chromatography (HPTLC) and reversed phase high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analysis. The structure was elucidated using techniques such as UV-visible spectrophotometry, elemental analysis, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), 1H nuclear magnetic resonance (1H NMR), 13C nuclear magnetic resonance (13C NMR) and mass spectral analysis and the data obtained were comparable with reported results. It was observed that andrographolide exhibited significant antioxidative property (IC50 = 3.2 µg/ml) by its ability to scavenge a stable free radical 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) as compared to known antioxidants like ascorbic acid, butylated hydroxy toluene (BHT) and the plant extract. The cytoprotective role of andrographolide against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) toxicity in human hepatoma HepG2 cell line was assessed using trypan blue exclusion test, 3-(4, 5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay, by estimation of various leakage enzymes and by measuring the glutathione levels. The recovery obtained for andrographolide treatment in the presence of CCl4 was two-fold compared to A. paniculata extract for all other related biochemical parameters investigated. The results of the study indicate that andrographolide is a potent inhibitor of CCl4-mediated lipid peroxidation.

Glycyrrhizic acid induces apoptosis in WEHI-3 mouse leukemia cells through the caspase- and mitochondria-dependent pathways

Leukemia, one of the causes of cancer-related death in humans, is an aggressive malignancy via the rapid growth of abnormal white blood cells. The aim of this study was to determine the anti-leukemia effect of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) on a mouse leukemia cell line, WEHI-3. GA, an active compound in Glycyrrhiza glabra, has been proven to induce cytotoxic effects in many cancer cell lines. In the current study, we investigated the effects of GA in mouse leukemia cells in vitro. The results indicated that GA induced morphological changes, G0/G1 phase arrest, apoptosis and DNA damage in WEHI-3 cells as determined by phase contrast microscopy, DAPI-staining, flow cytometry and comet assay. The results from the flow cytometric assay showed that GA increased ROS levels, reduced the mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and stimulated caspase-3 activity in WEHI-3 cells. GA regulated the intrinsic and extrinsic apoptosis-associated protein expression which was determined by western blotting. In addition, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress responses were observed in GA-treated WEHI-3 cells. GA promoted the trafficking of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), cytochrome c and endonuclease G (Endo G) in WEHI-3 cells. Based on this evidence, GA-triggered apoptosis occurs through the death receptor, mitochondria-mediated and ER stress multiple signaling pathways.

Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction of Eucalyptus Citriodora resin and its major bioactive compound in melanoma B16F10 cells

Antiproliferative activity and apoptosis induction of ethyl acetate of Eucalyptus citriodora resin (EAEER), and its major bioactive compound in melanoma B16F10 cells were investigated. 6-[1-(p-Hydroxy-phenyl)ethyl]-7-O-methyl aromadendrin (HEMA), a flavanol derivative, was isolated from EAEER and identified on the basis of its mass and NMR spectra. The results from MTT assay showed high antiproliferative effects of EAEER and HEMA on B16F10 cells. Moreover, EAEER- and HEMA-induced cell apoptosis was association with the decrease in the mitochondrial transmembrane potentials (Δψ(m)), increase in Bax/Bcl-2 ratio, and activation of caspase-3. Cells treated with EAEER and HEMA generated intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) and nitric oxide (NO), indicating that ROS and RNS play important roles in the induction of apoptosis in B16F10 cells. Taken together, EAEER and its major bioactive compound, HEMA, inhibited the proliferation of B16F10 cells via apoptosis and may be a potential antimelanoma agent.

18α-glycyrrhizin ameliorates oxidative stress in rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis

AIM: To investigate the effect of 18α-glycyrrhizin (18α-GL) on oxidative stress in rats with experimental liver fibrosis.

METHODS: Male SD rats were randomly divided into five groups: control group, fibrosis group, low-, medium-, and high-dose GL groups. Except the control group, liver fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of 40% CCl₄ for 8 weeks in rats of the other groups. The three GL groups were treated with different doses of GL (6.25, 12.5, 25 mg/kg, respectively). All the rats were sacrificed at the end of the 8th week. Histopathological changes in the liver tissue were evaluated by HE staining and Masson collagen staining. The contents of MDA and HNE and the activity of SOD and GSH-PX in liver tissue homogenate were determined.

RESULTS: 18α-GL could inhibit CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. The contents of MDA and HNE were elevated in the liver fibrosis group (both P < 0.05), but 18α-GL could markedly increase SOD and GSH-PX activity (both P < 0.05) and reduce the levels of MDA and HNE to protect the liver from damage.

CONCLUSION: 18α-GL can ameliorate hepatic histopathological changes and reduce hepatic lipid peroxidation, thus exerting antioxidant and antifibrotic effects in rats with experimental liver fibrosis.