Taraxerone enhances alcohol oxidation via increases of alcohol dehyderogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities and gene expressions

Taraxerone exerts antipulmonary fibrosis effect through Smad signaling pathway and antioxidant stress response in a Sirtuin1-dependent manner

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis treatments are limited, often with severe side effects, highlighting the need for novel options. Taraxerone has diverse biomedical properties, but its mechanism remains unclear. This study investigates taraxerone's impact and the mechanisms involved in bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice. After establishing a pulmonary fibrosis mouse model, taraxerone was intraperitoneally injected continuously for 14-28 days. The in vivo antifibrotic and antioxidative stress effects of taraxerone were assessed. In vitro, the influence of taraxerone on transforming growth factor-β1-induced myofibroblast transformation and oxidative stress was investigated. Subsequently, quantitative polymerase chain reaction screened the histone deacetylase and Sirtuin family, and taraxerone's effects on SIRT1 were assessed. After SIRT1 siRNA treatment, changes in myofibroblast transformation and antioxidant capacity in response to taraxerone were observed. Acetylation and phosphorylation levels of Smad3 were evaluated. We also examined the binding levels of SIRT1 with Pho-Smad3 and Smad3, as well as the nuclear localization of Smad2/3. EX527 confirmed SIRT1's in vivo action in response to taraxerone. In vitro experiments suggested that taraxerone inhibited myofibroblast differentiation by activating SIRT1 and reducing oxidative stress. We also observed a new interaction between SIRT1 and the Smad complex. Taraxerone activates SIRT1, enabling it to bind directly to Smad3. This leads to reduced Smad complex phosphorylation and limited nuclear translocation. As a result, the transcription of fibrotic factors is reduced. In vivo validation confirms taraxerone's SIRT1-mediated antifibrotic effectiveness. This suggests that targeting SIRT1-mediated inhibition of myofibroblast differentiation could be a key strategy in taraxerone-based therapy for pulmonary fibrosis.

Protective Effects of Ligularia fischeri and Aronia melanocarpa Extracts on Alcoholic Liver Disease (In Vitro and In Vivo Study)

Hepatic protective effects of Ligularia fischeri (LF) and Aronia melanocarpa (AM) against alcohol were investigated in vitro and in vivo test. LF, AM, and those composed mixing material (LF+AM) were treated in HepG2 cell. Alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities were significantly increased in each singleness extract and mixed composite. The protective effect on alcoholic liver damage was investigated by animal models. Serum alcohol level and acetaldehyde level were significantly decreased by LF+AM treatment in acute experimental model. In the chronic mouse model study, we had found that the increased plasma liver damage index (alkaline phosphatase) by alcohol treatment was declined by oral administration of LF+AM extraction composite. As well as, it was identified that the protection effect was induced by increasing catalase activity and suppressing COX-2, TNF-α, MCP-1, and IL-6 mRNA expressions. CYP2E1 mRNA expression was also increased. These results suggest that oral ingestion of LF and AM mixed composite is able to protect liver against alcohol-induced injury by increasing alcohol metabolism activity and antioxidant system along with decreasing inflammatory responses.

Dihydromyricetin Protects the Liver via Changes in Lipid Metabolism and Enhanced Ethanol Metabolism

Background

Excess alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) consumption is a significant cause of chronic liver disease, accounting for nearly half of the cirrhosis‐associated deaths in the United States. EtOH‐induced liver toxicity is linked to EtOH metabolism and its associated increase in proinflammatory cytokines, oxidative stress, and the subsequent activation of Kupffer cells. Dihydromyricetin (DHM), a bioflavonoid isolated from Hovenia dulcis, can reduce EtOH intoxication and potentially protect against chemical‐induced liver injuries. But there remains a paucity of information regarding the effects of DHM on EtOH metabolism and liver protection. As such, the current study tests the hypothesis that DHM supplementation enhances EtOH metabolism and reduces EtOH‐mediated lipid dysregulation, thus promoting hepatocellular health.

Methods

The hepatoprotective effect of DHM (5 and 10 mg/kg; intraperitoneal injection) was evaluated using male C57BL/6J mice and a forced drinking ad libitum EtOH feeding model and HepG2/VL‐17A hepatoblastoma cell models. EtOH‐mediated lipid accumulation and DHM effects against lipid deposits were determined via H&E stains, triglyceride measurements, and intracellular lipid dyes. Protein expression of phosphorylated/total proteins and serum and hepatic cytokines was determined via Western blot and protein array. Total NAD⁺/NADH Assay of liver homogenates was used to detect NAD + levels.

Results

DHM reduced liver steatosis, liver triglycerides, and liver injury markers in mice chronically fed EtOH. DHM treatment resulted in increased activation of AMPK and downstream targets, carnitine palmitoyltransferase (CPT)‐1a, and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC)‐1. DHM induced expression of EtOH‐metabolizing enzymes and reduced EtOH and acetaldehyde concentrations, effects that may be partly explained by changes in NAD⁺. Furthermore, DHM reduced the expression of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines in sera and cell models.

Conclusion

In total, these findings support the utility of DHM as a dietary supplement to reduce EtOH‐induced liver injury via changes in lipid metabolism, enhancement of EtOH metabolism, and suppressing inflammation responses to promote liver health.

Methyl helicterilate ameliorates alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by modulating TGF-β1/Smads pathway and mitochondria-dependent pathway

This study aimed to investigate the effect and underlying mechanism of Methyl helicterilate from Helicteres angustifolia (MHHA) on alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. The results showed that MHHA treatment markedly alleviated alcohol-induced liver injury and notably reduced collagen deposition in liver tissue. It significantly enhanced the activity of alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase. Moreover, MHHA treatment markedly decreased the content of inflammatory cytokines, alleviated collagen accumulation, and inhibited the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad2/3 in liver tissue. The experiments in cells showed that MHHA significantly inhibited HSC activation by blocking TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. Additionally, it notably induced HSC apoptosis by modulating the mitochondria-dependent pathway. The present study demonstrates that MHHA treatment significantly ameliorates alcoholic hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanism may be ascribed to the inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smads pathway and regulation of the mitochondria-mediated apoptotic pathway.

Cilostazol protects rats against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis via suppression of TGF-β1/CTGF activation and the cAMP/Epac1 pathway

Alcohol abuse and chronic alcohol consumption are major causes of alcoholic liver disease worldwide, particularly alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis (AHF). Liver fibrosis is an important public health concern because of its high morbidity and mortality. The present study examined the mechanisms and effects of the phosphodiesterase III inhibitor cilostazol on AHF. Rats received alcohol infusions via gavage to induce liver fibrosis and were treated with colchicine (positive control) or cilostazol. The serum alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) activities and the albumin/globulin (A/G), enzymes and hyaluronic acid (HA), type III precollagen (PC III), laminin (LA), and type IV collagen (IV-C) levels were measured using commercially available kits. α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen I and III, transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), adenosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cAMP) and exchange protein directly activated by cAMP (Epac) 1/2 expression in liver tissue were measured using western blotting. The results demonstrated that cilostazol significantly increased the serum ADH and ALDH activities and decreased the liver hydroxyproline levels. Cilostazol increased the serum A/G ratio and inhibited the total serum protein, enzymes, HA, PCIII, LA and IV-C levels. Western blotting revealed that cilostazol effectively decreased liver α-SMA, collagen I and III, TGF-β1 and CTGF expression. Cilostazol significantly increased the cAMP and Epac1 levels in hepatic tissue. The present study suggests that cilostazol protects rats against AHF via suppression of TGF-β1/CTGF activation and the cAMP/Epac1 pathway.

Red mulberry fruit aqueous extract and silk proteins accelerate acute ethanol metabolism and promote the anti‑oxidant enzyme systems in rats

Red mulberry (Morus alba) fruit is rich in anthocyanins, and mulberry leaves are used by silk worms to make silk protein. We determined that the water and ethanol extract of mulberry fruit and silk amino acids accelerated ethanol degradation and suppressed temporal cognitive dysfunction in acute alcohol administered rats. The mechanism was explored in rats with acute oral administration of silk protein and mulberry fruit extracts. Rats were given 0.3 g of dextrin (control) and water extract (WMB) and ethanol extract of mulberry (EMB), silk protein hydrolysates (SKA), and a commercial product (positive‑control) based on body weight. After 30 min, rats were administered 3 g ethanol/kg body weight and serum ethanol and acetaldehyde levels were measured. After 3 h movements were measured with a video tracking system and at 5 h cognitive function was measured by Y maze test. WMB contain much higher rutin, luteolin and quercetins than EMB. In SKA rats, serum alcohol concentrations slowly increased until 60 min, but were markedly elevated until 120 min. However, WMB rats exhibited rapidly increased serum alcohol levels until 60 min and showed the lowest peak of serum alcohol levels, indicating the highest degradation of alcohol. The patterns of serum acetaldehyde levels were similar to those of serum ethanol levels but WMB was more effective for reducing serum acetaldehyde levels than serum ethanol levels. WMB was most effective for increasing mRNA expression of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase. WMB and SKA decreased lipid peroxides by increasing activities of SOD and GSH‑Px in the liver and they also reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines such as tumor necrosis factor‑α and interleukin‑6. WMB and SKA exerted better anti‑oxidant effects than the positive‑control. WMB containing higher flavonoids reduced pro‑inflammatory cytokines better than SKA. In conclusions, both WMB and SKA might reduce acute alcohol‑induced hangover and liver and brain damage by lowering serum alcohol and acetaldehyde levels.

The Effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora edulis and Solanum muricatum on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury

Previous studies have shown that fruits have different effects on alcohol metabolism and alcohol-induced liver injury. The present work selected three fruits and aimed at studying the effects of Syzygium samarangense, Passiflora edulis and Solanum muricatum on alcohol-induced liver injury in mice. The animals were treated daily with alcohol and fruit juices for fifteen days. Chronic treatment with alcohol increased the levels of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), total bilirubin (TBIL), triglyceride (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and decreased total protein (TP). Histopathological evaluation also showed that ethanol induced extensive fat droplets in hepatocyte cytoplasm. Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis normalized various biochemical parameters. Solanum muricatum increased the level of ALT and induced infiltration of inflammatory cells in the liver. These results strongly suggest that treatment with Syzygium samarangense and Passiflora edulis could protect liver from the injury of alcohol, while Solanum muricatum could aggravate the damage.

Effects of 20 Selected Fruits on Ethanol Metabolism: Potential Health Benefits and Harmful Impacts

The consumption of alcohol is often accompanied by other foods, such as fruits and vegetables. This study is aimed to investigate the effects of 20 selected fruits on ethanol metabolism to find out their potential health benefits and harmful impacts. The effects of the fruits on ethanol metabolism were characterized by the concentrations of ethanol and acetaldehyde in blood, as well as activities of alcohol dehydrogenase and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase in liver of mice. Furthermore, potential health benefits and harmful impacts of the fruits were evaluated by biochemical parameters including aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transferase (ALT), malondialdehyde, and superoxide dismutase. Generally, effects of these fruits on ethanol metabolism were very different. Some fruits (such as Citrus limon (yellow), Averrhoa carambola, Pyrus spp., and Syzygium samarangense) could decrease the concentration of ethanol in blood. In addition, several fruits (such as Cucumis melo) showed hepatoprotective effects by significantly decreasing AST or ALT level in blood, while some fruits (such as Averrhoa carambola) showed adverse effects. The results suggested that the consumption of alcohol should not be accompanied by some fruits, and several fruits could be developed as functional foods for the prevention and treatment of hangover and alcohol use disorder.

The Alcohol Dehydrogenase Gene Family in Melon (Cucumis melo L.): Bioinformatic Analysis and Expression Patterns

Alcohol dehydrogenases (ADH), encoded by multigene family in plants, play a critical role in plant growth, development, adaptation, fruit ripening and aroma production. Thirteen ADH genes were identified in melon genome, including 12 ADHs and one formaldehyde dehydrogenease (FDH), designated CmADH1-12 and CmFDH1, in which CmADH1 and CmADH2 have been isolated in Cantaloupe. ADH genes shared a lower identity with each other at the protein level and had different intron-exon structure at nucleotide level. No typical signal peptides were found in all CmADHs, and CmADH proteins might locate in the cytoplasm. The phylogenetic tree revealed that 13 ADH genes were divided into three groups respectively, namely long-, medium-, and short-chain ADH subfamily, and CmADH1,3-11, which belongs to the medium-chain ADH subfamily, fell into six medium-chain ADH subgroups. CmADH12 may belong to the long-chain ADH subfamily, while CmFDH1 may be a Class III ADH and serve as an ancestral ADH in melon. Expression profiling revealed that CmADH1, CmADH2, CmADH10 and CmFDH1 were moderately or strongly expressed in different vegetative tissues and fruit at medium and late developmental stages, while CmADH8 and CmADH12 were highly expressed in fruit after 20 days. CmADH3 showed preferential expression in young tissues. CmADH4 only had slight expression in root. Promoter analysis revealed several motifs of CmADH genes involved in the gene expression modulated by various hormones, and the response pattern of CmADH genes to ABA, IAA and ethylene were different. These CmADHs were divided into ethylene-sensitive and -insensitive groups, and the functions of CmADHs were discussed.

Chronic alcohol consumption potentiates the development of diabetes through pancreatic β-cell dysfunction

Chronic ethanol consumption is well established as a major risk factor for type-2 diabetes (T2D), which is evidenced by impaired glucose metabolism and insulin resistance. However, the relationships between alcohol consumption and the development of T2D remain controversial. In particular, the direct effects of ethanol consumption on proliferation of pancreatic β-cell and the exact mechanisms associated with ethanol-mediated β-cell dysfunction and apoptosis remain elusive. Although alcoholism and alcohol consumption are prevalent and represent crucial public health problems worldwide, many people believe that low-to-moderate ethanol consumption may protect against T2D and cardiovascular diseases. However, the J- or U-shaped curves obtained from cross-sectional and large prospective studies have not fully explained the relationship between alcohol consumption and T2D. This review provides evidence for the harmful effects of chronic ethanol consumption on the progressive development of T2D, particularly with respect to pancreatic β-cell mass and function in association with insulin synthesis and secretion. This review also discusses a conceptual framework for how ethanol-produced peroxynitrite contributes to pancreatic β-cell dysfunction and metabolic syndrome.

Effects of herbal infusions, tea and carbonated beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity

Various alcoholic beverages containing different concentrations of ethanol are widely consumed, and excessive alcohol consumption may result in serious health problems. The consumption of alcoholic beverages is often accompanied by non-alcoholic beverages, such as herbal infusions, tea and carbonated beverages to relieve drunk symptoms. The aim of this study was to supply new information on the effects of these beverages on alcohol metabolism for nutritionists and the general public, in order to reduce problems associated with excessive alcohol consumption. The effects of 57 kinds of herbal infusions, tea and carbonated beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity were evaluated. Generally, the effects of these beverages on alcohol dehydrogenase and aldehyde dehydrogenase activity are very different. The results suggested that some beverages should not be drank after excessive alcohol consumption, and several beverages may be potential dietary supplements for the prevention and treatment of problems related to excessive alcohol consumption.

Puerarin improves metabolic function leading to hepatoprotective effects in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in rats

Puerarin (PR), an active component extracted from the kudzu root, has been widely used as an ethno-medicine to treat hepatopathy in China. Therefore, the aim of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective action of PR in chronic alcohol-induced liver injury in rats. Data showed that the serum levels of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) were elevated following PR administration. In addition, the levels of endogenous CYP2E1, CYP1A2, and CYP3A proteins in liver tissue were also gradually decreased following PR treatment. Histopathological examinations suggested that alcohol-induced hepatocellular lesions were mitigated by PR treatment. Collectively, these data indicate that PR contributes to cytoprotection against alcohol-induced liver lesions through improving metabolic function.