Protection of the flavonoid fraction from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

A Comprehensive Review on Phytochemistry and Pharmacology of Rosa Species (Rosaceae)

The Rosa L. genus is a significant plant family in the Rosaceae group, consisting of around 200 species, primarily shrubs. In India, it has 37 species, most located in the Western Himalayan region of Jammu and Kashmir and Himachal Pradesh. Roses are highly regarded for their beauty and growth and are popular worldwide for their nutritional, therapeutic, ornamental, and cosmetic value. The rose hips are utilized in creating various food and drink items, such as jams, jellies, teas, and alcoholic beverages. The Rosa species has various pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antidiabetic, hepatoprotective, antimicrobial, anti-proliferative/anticancer, anti-arthritic, neurological, and anti-obesity activity. This review aims to provide an in- -depth overview of the phytochemistry and pharmacology of the Rosa species in India, focusing on Rosa indica L., which has significant potential for future chemical and biological research.

The protective effects of nerol to prevent the toxicity of carbon tetrachloride to the liver in Sprague-Dawley rats

Introduction

Carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) is well-known to cause liver damage due to severe oxidative stress. Nerol, on the other hand, is a monoterpene that is antioxidant, antiviral, antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anxiolytic. This study set out to determine if nerol may be used as a prophylactic measure against the oxidative stress mediated hepatic injury caused by CCl4.

Materials and methods

For the aim of this experiment, 35 male Sprague-Dawley rats ranging in body weight (BW) from 140 to 180 g were split into five separate groups. With the exception of vehicle control group 1, all experimental rats were subjected to carbon tetrachloride exposure through intra-peritoneal injection at a 0.7 mL/kg body weight dose once a week for 4 weeks (28 days). The treatment groups 3 and 4 received oral administration of nerol at 50 and 100 mg/kg BW for 28 days. In the same time period, the standard control group received 100 mg/kg BW silymarin.

Results

Serum hepatic markers, lipid profiles, albumin, globulin, bilirubin, and total protein were all substantially improved in nerol-treated rats in a dose-dependent manner that had been exposed to CCl4 compared to the only CCl4-treated group. Carbon tetrachloride-exposed rats had lower glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase levels and higher thio-barbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels than normal rats. In contrast, administration of nerol shown a significant augmentation in the concentrations of these antioxidant compounds, while concurrently inducing a decline in the levels of TBARS in the hepatic tissue. In a similar vein, the histo-pathological examination yielded further evidence indicating that nerol offered protection to the hepatocyte against damage generated by CCl4.

Conclusion

According to the findings of our investigation, nerol has potential as a functional element to shield the liver from harm brought on by ROS that are caused by CCL4.

Ethanol Extract of Rosa laevigata Michx. Fruit Inhibits Inflammatory Responses through NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways via AMPK Activation in RAW 264.7 Macrophages

The fruit of Rosa laevigata Michx. (FR), a traditional Chinese herb utilized for the treatment of a variety diseases, has notably diverse pharmacological activities including hepatoprotective, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects. Despite ongoing research on illustrating the underlying anti-inflammatory mechanism of FR, the principal mechanism remained inadequately understood. In this study, we investigated in depth the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory actions of the ethanol extract of FR (EFR) and its potential targets using lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-stimulated RAW 264.7 macrophages in vitro. We showed that EFR effectively ameliorated the overproduction of inflammatory mediators and cytokines, as well as the expression of related genes. It was further demonstrated that LPS-induced activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) were significantly inhibited by pretreatment with EFR, accompanied by a concomitant decrease in the nuclear translocation of the p65 subunit of NF-κB and activator protein 1 (AP-1). In addition, EFR pretreatment potently prevented LPS-induced decreased phosphorylation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Our data also revealed that the activation of AMPK and subsequent inhibition of the mammalian target of the rapamycin (mTOR) signaling pathway was probably responsible for the inhibitory effect of EFR on LPS-induced inflammatory responses, evidenced by reverse changes observed under the condition of AMPK inactivation following co-treatment with the AMPK-specific inhibitor Compound C. Finally, the main components with an anti-inflammatory effect in EFR were identified as madecassic acid, ellagic acid, quinic acid, and procyanidin C1 by LC-MS and testified based on the inhibition of NO production and inflammatory mediator expression. Taken together, our results indicated that EFR was able to ameliorate inflammatory responses via the suppression of MAPKs/NF-κB signaling pathways following AMPK activation, suggesting the therapeutic potential of EFR for inflammatory diseases.

Nootkatone Supplementation Ameliorates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury via the Inhibition of Oxidative Stress, NF-κB Pathways, and the Activation of Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Acute liver injury is a type of liver diseases, and it has raised concerns worldwide due to the lack of effective therapies. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effects of nootkatone (NOOT) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-caused acute liver injury in mice. Mice were randomly divided into control, CCl₄ model, NOOT, and NOOT (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/day) plus CCl₄ groups, respectively. Mice in the CCl₄ plus NOOT groups were orally administrated with NOOT at 5, 10, and 20 mg/kg/days for seven days prior to 0.3% CCl₄ injection at 10 mL/kg body weight, respectively. Our results showed that NOOT supplementation significantly ameliorated CCl₄-induced increases of serum AST and ALT levels, hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and caspases-9 and -3 activities in the livers of mice. Moreover, NOOT supplementation significantly upregulated the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1 mRNAs but downregulated the expression of NF-κB mRNAs and the levels of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α proteins in the liver tissues, compared to those in the CCl₄ model group. In conclusion, for the first time, our results reveal that NOOT could offer protective effects against CCl₄-caused oxidative stress and inflammatory response via the opposite regulation of Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and NF-κB pathway.

Rosmarinic acid exerts anti-inflammatory effect and relieves oxidative stress via Nrf2 activation in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage

Background

Rosmarinic acid (RA) has biological and pharmaceutical properties and shows hepatoprotective potential. However, the hepatoprotective mechanism of RA needs to be further elucidated in vivo and in vitro.

Objective

This study was aimed to evaluate the protective effect of RA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver injury and elucidate the hepatoprotective mechanism of RA in vivo and in vitro.

Design

In vivo, the mice were orally administrated with RA (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg bw) daily for 28 consecutive days, and 1% CCl₄ (5 mL/kg bw, dissolved in peanut oil) was used to induce liver injury. In vitro, the big rat liver (BRL) hepatocytes were pretreated with RA (0.2, 0.4, and 0.8 mg/mL) for 3 h, and then the hepatocytes were treated with CC1₄ (final concentration, 14 mM) for 3 h to induce cell injury. The related indexes, including hepatic function, oxidative stress, protein expression of nuclear-factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, inflammation, histopathological change, hepatocyte apoptosis, and mitochondrial membrane potential, were evaluated.

Results

Oral administration of RA to mice considerably decreased the CCl₄-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), triacylglycerols (TG), total cholesterol (TC), total bilirubin (TBIL), hepatic reactive oxygen species (ROS), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), 8-hydroxydeoxyguanosine (8-OHdG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-8 (IL-8). RA also increased the levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) and the protein expressions of Nrf2, quinine oxidoreductase (NQO1), and heme oxygenease-1 (HO-1). Histopathological examinations indicated that RA (20 and 40 mg/kg bw) alleviated the liver tissue injury induced by CCl₄. Moreover, RA inhibited the hepatocyte apoptosis caused by CCl₄ based on TUNEL assay. In vitro, RA pretreatment remarkably recovered the cell viability and reduced the CCl₄-induced elevation of AST, ALT, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), ROS, and 8-OHdG. Immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with RA markedly inhibited the expression of IL-6, inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and Caspase-3 in CCl₄-treated hepatocytes. Additionally, RA pretreatment significantly decreased the elevation of mitochondrial membrane potential in CCl₄-treated hepatocytes.

Conclusions

RA exerted a protective effect against CCl₄-induced liver injury in mice through activating Nrf2 signaling pathway, reducing antioxidant damage, suppressing inflammatory response, and inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis. RA could attenuate BRL hepatocyte ROS production, DNA oxidative damage, inflammatory response, and apoptosis induced by CCl₄ exposure.

Traditional uses, phytochemical, pharmacology, quality control and modern applications of two important Chinese medicines from Rosa laevigata Michx.: A review

Rosa laevigata Michx. is an ethnic medicine that have strong biological activities used in the traditional medicine system for the treatment of diabetes, nephropathy, myocardial damage, oxidative damage, liver damage and so on. Currently, The Chinese herb R. laevigata Michx. can be divided into two important medicines: Fructus R. laevigata and Radix R. laevigata, from which approximately 148 chemical components have been isolated, including flavonoids, lignans, polyphenols, steroids, triterpenoids, tannins as well as other components. Pharmacological studies have already confirmed that both of these herbs have antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiviral and anti-tumor activities, as well as renal protective, immunomodulatory, lipid-lowering, cardiovascular protective, bacteriostatic, and other pharmacological effects. Toxicological tests and quality control studies revealed the safety and nontoxicity of R. laevigata Michx. Therefore, this paper systematically summarizes the traditional uses, botanical, phytochemical, and pharmacology as well as the quality control and toxicology of Fructus and Radix, which in order to provide a comprehensive reference for its continued research.

Hepatoprotective Effects of a Natural Flavanol 3,3'-Diindolylmethane against CCl4-Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Mice and TGFβ1-Induced EMT in Mouse Hepatocytes via Activation of Nrf2 Cascade

Hepatic fibrosis is a form of irregular wound-healing response with acute and chronic injury triggered by the deposition of excessive extracellular matrix. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a dynamic process that plays a crucial role in the fibrogenic response and pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. In the present study, we postulated a protective role of 3,3'-diindolylmethane (DIM) against TGF-β1 mediated epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. TGF-β1-induced AML-12 hepatocyte injury was evaluated by monitoring cell morphology, measuring reactive oxygen species (ROS) and mitochondrial membrane potential, and quantifying apoptosis, inflammatory, and EMT-related proteins. Furthermore, CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice was evaluated by performing liver function tests, including serum ALT and AST, total bilirubin, and albumin to assess liver injury and by performing H&E and Sirius red staining to determine the degree of liver fibrosis. Immunoblotting was performed to determine the expression levels of inflammation, apoptosis, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling-related proteins. DIM treatment significantly restored TGF-β1-induced morphological changes, inhibited the expression of mesenchymal markers by activating E-cadherin, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential, reduced ROS intensity, and upregulated levels of Nrf2-responsive antioxidant genes. In the mouse model of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, DIM remarkably attenuated liver injury and liver fibrosis, as reflected by the reduced ALT and AST parameters with increased serum Alb activity and fewer lesions in H&E staining. It also mitigated the fibrosis area in Sirius red and Masson staining. Taken together, our results suggest a possible molecular mechanism of DIM by suppressing TGF-β1-induced EMT in mouse hepatocytes and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Rosa laevigata Attenuates Allergic Asthma Exacerbated by Water-Soluble PM by Downregulating the MAPK Pathway

Exposure to water-soluble particulate matter (WPM) containing heavy metals can cause severe inflammatory responses and trigger and exacerbate the onset of asthma. As a follow-up study of Rosa laevigata (RL), this study analyzed the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of oral and intratracheal administration of RL and demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects in asthma models. Worse T-helper cell type 2 (Th2)-related inflammatory and pro-inflammatory responses were observed after simultaneous challenge with ovalbumin (OVA) and WPM. To establish a model of asthma exacerbated by WPM, BALB/c mice were sensitized with OVA + aluminum hydroxide and challenged with OVA + WPM. To confirm the therapeutic efficacy of RL, it was administered both orally and intratracheally. Histopathological analysis of H&E staining confirmed that oral and intratracheal administration of RL alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration in the airways aggravated by OVA + WPM. RL effectively reduced the number of inflammatory cells obtained from the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. In addition, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and multiplex analysis of serum samples confirmed that the administration of RL reduced the levels of immuno-globulin E (IgE), Th2-related cytokines, and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, real-time PCR analysis of lung tissue samples confirmed that the release of MUC5AC (Mucin 5AC, Oligomeric Mucus/Gel-Forming) and pro-inflammatory cytokines was reduced by RL, and western blotting confirmed that the administration of RL reduced the phosphorylation of ERK and p38 in the MAPK pathway. In conclusion, oral and intratracheal administration of RL appears to have an anti-asthmatic effect by reducing the secretion of Th2-related cytokines, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and IgE by downregulating the MAPK pathway. Thus, RL has further demonstrated potential for development as an oral and inhaled therapeutic for asthma symptoms exacerbated by WPM exposure.

Dennettia tripetala Relieves Chronic Hepatorenal Injuries in Rats by Altering fas, sod-1, and tnf-α Expression

The effectiveness of Dennettia tripetala extracts was compared to that of the standard drug, silymarin, in reducing chronic liver and kidney anomalies. Male albino Wistar rats were grouped in tens. Carbon tetrachloride was dissolved in olive oil (1:4) and administered to specific groups at a dose of 3 mL/kg body weight (bw) twice a week for six weeks. From week five, the extracts and silymarin were administered in distilled water daily for two weeks at doses of 250 mg/kg bw and 6 mg/kg bw, respectively, to specific groups. All administrations were carried out using a gavage, with appropriate controls. These results showed that the plant extracts decreased the serum activity of liver marker enzymes, restored the liver and serum lipid profiles as well as serum protein profile, reduced serum, urea, and creatinine, and restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver and kidneys, which carbon tetrachloride had altered. The extracts also decreased steatosis and centriole congestion in the liver as well as necrosis and structural damage in the kidneys, which carbon tetrachloride caused, and the extracts proved to be as potent as silymarin. The extracts also decreased the expression of fas (P<0.05), sod-1 (P<0.05), and tnf-α (P>0.05) in the liver, which carbon tetrachloride had increased. Conclusively, D. tripetala reduced chronic liver and kidney damage induced by carbon tetrachloride; it reduced the expression of fas, sod-1, and tnf-α in the liver to levels similar to that of the control group, and it was as effective as silymarin.

Chemical constituents and pharmacological activities of medicinal plants from Rosa genus

The genus Rosa (Rosaceae family) includes about 200 species spread in the world, and this genus shows unique advantages in medicine and food. To date, several scholars concentrated on compounds belonging to flavonoids, triterpenes, tannins, polysaccharide, phenolic acids, fatty acids, organic acids, carotenoids, and vitamins. Pharmacological effects such as antineoplastic and anti-cancer properties, anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, liver protection, regulate blood sugar, antimicrobial activity, antiviral activity, as well as nervous system protection and cardiovascular protection were wildly reported. This article reviews the chemical constituents, pharmacological effects, applications and safety evaluations of Rosa plants, which provides a reference for the comprehensive utilization of medicine and food resources and gives a scientific basis for the development of medicinal plants of the genus Rosa.

Mechanism of drug-induced liver injury and hepatoprotective effects of natural drugs

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a common adverse drug reaction (ADR) and a serious threat to health that affects disease treatments. At present, no targeted clinical drugs are available for DILI. Traditional natural medicines have been widely used as health products. Some natural medicines exert specific hepatoprotective effects, with few side effects and significant clinical efficacy. Thus, natural medicines may be a promising direction for DILI treatment. In this review, we summarize the current knowledge, common drugs and mechanisms of DILI, as well as the clinical trials of natural drugs and their bioactive components in anticipation of the future development of potential hepatoprotective drugs.

A Review on the Phytochemical and Pharmacological Properties of Rosa laevigata: A Medicinal and Edible Plant

Rosa laevigata Michx., a medicinal and edible plant in China, has exerted a variety of medicinal values and health benefits. This present review aims to achieve a comprehensive and up-to-date investigation in the phytochemistry and pharmacology of R. laevigata. According to these findings in the literature, approximately 123 chemical ingredients covering triterpenoids, flavonoids, tannis, lignans and polysaccharides, have been characterized from various parts of this species. Among these isolates, 77 triterpenoids have been isolated and thus regarded as the primary and characteristic substance. Based on the chemical structures, most of the obtained triterpenoids can be classified into polyhydroxy triterpenoids and readily divided into four categories: ursane-type, oleanane-type, lupinane-type, as well as seco-triterpenoids. The crude extracts and the purified compounds have demonstrated various pharmacological effects in vitro and in vivo, such as antioxidant activity, immunomodulatory effect, anti-inflammatory effect, liver protection, kidney protection, cardiovascular protection, neuroprotective effect and improvement of diabetic cataract. Noticeably, these pharmacological results of R. laevigata provide evidences for its traditional uses. In addition, these different chemical ingredients existing in the title plant may have synergistic effects. In conclusion, the chemical profiles, including ingredients and structures, together with the modern pharmacological properties have been adequately summarized. These evidences have revealed this plant to be a valuable source for therapeutic foodstuff and more attention should be paid to a better utilization of this plant.

Inhibition of Oxidative Stress and ALOX12 and NF-κB Pathways Contribute to the Protective Effect of Baicalein on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury

This study investigates the protective effect of baicalein on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury and the underlying molecular mechanisms. Mice were orally administrated baicalein at 25 and 100 mg/kg/day for 7 consecutive days or ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) at 10 mg/kg was i.p. injected in mice at 2 and 24 h prior to CCl₄ injection or the vehicle. Our results showed that baicalein or Fer-1 supplementation significantly attenuated CCl₄ exposure-induced elevations of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase, and malondialdehyde levels in the liver tissues and unregulated glutathione levels. Baicalein treatment inhibited the nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) pathway, activated the erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) pathway in liver tissues, and markedly improved CCl₄-induced apoptosis, inflammation and ferroptosis in liver tissues exposed with CCl₄. In vitro, baicalein treatment improved CCl₄ -induced decreases of cell viabilities and knockdown of Nrf2 and arachidonate 12-lipoxygenase (ALOX12) genes partly abolished the protective effect of baicalein on CCl₄ -induced cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, our results reveal that baicalein supplementation ameliorates CCl₄-induced acute liver injury in mice by upregulating the antioxidant defense pathways and downregulating oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and ferroptosis, which involved the activation of Nrf2 pathway and the inhibition of ALOX12 and NF-κB pathways.

The Protective Effects of a Combination of an Arginine Silicate Complex and Magnesium Biotinate Against UV-Induced Skin Damage in Rats

The purpose of this study was to observe the effects of a novel combination of inositol-stabilized arginine silicate complex (ASI) and magnesium biotinate (MgB) on the prevention of skin damage after UVB exposure in rats. Forty-nine Sprague-Dawley rats were randomized into one of the following groups: (1) NC, normal control, (2) SC, shaved control, (3) UVB (exposed to UVB radiation), (4) ASI+MgB-L (Low Dose), (5) ASI+MgB-H (High Dose), (6) ASI+MgB-L+MgB cream, (7) ASI+MgB-H+MgB cream. The results showed that ASI+MgB treatment alleviated the macroscopic and histopathological damages in the skin of rats caused by UVB exposure. Skin elasticity evaluation showed a similar trend. ASI+MgB increased serum Mg, Fe, Zn, Cu, Si, biotin, and arginine concentrations and skin hydroxyproline and biotinidase levels while decreasing skin elastase activity (p < 0.05) and malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration (p < 0.001). Moreover, ASI+MgB treatment increased skin levels of biotin-dependent carboxylases (ACC1, ACC2, PC, PCC, MCC) and decreased mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR) pathways and matrix metalloproteinase protein levels by the regulation of the activator protein 1 (AP-1), and mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPKs) signaling pathways. In addition, ASI+MgB caused lower levels of inflammatory factors, including TNF-α, NFκB, IL-6, IL-8, and COX-2 in the skin samples (p < 0.05). The levels of Bax and caspase-3 were increased, while anti-apoptotic protein Bcl-2 was decreased by UVB exposure, which was reversed by ASI+MgB treatment. These results show that treatment with ASI and MgB protects against skin damage by improving skin appearance, elasticity, inflammation, apoptosis, and overall health.

Neuroimaging Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Task-Based Dorsolateral Prefrontal Cortex Activation Following 12 Weeks of Cosmos caudatus Supplementation Among Older Adults With Mild Cognitive Impairment

BACKGROUND

Cosmos caudatus (CC) is traditional Asian vegetable, commonly consumed among the Southeast Asian population. It has been reported to be high in flavonoids and might potentially improve brain activity among older adults with mild cognitive impairment (MCI). The effect of CC in brain activation improvement using neuroimaging is yet to be discovered.

PURPOSE

To investigate the effects of CC supplement on brain activity using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) among older adults with MCI.

STUDY TYPE

Prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial.

POPULATION/SUBJECTS

Twenty older adults with mild cognitive impairment (60-75 years old), 14 of them (70%) were female subjects.

FIELD STRENGTH/SEQUENCE

A 3.0-T, T1-weighted anatomical images, T2*-weighted imaging data, A single shot, gradient echo-echo planar imaging (EPI) sequence.

ASSESSMENT

All subjects were asked to consume two 500 mg capsules of either CC supplement or placebo (maltodextrin) daily for 12 weeks. Cognitive function was measured using validated neuropsychological tests (i.e. Mini-mental State Examination and Digit Span) and task-based fMRI (N-back and Stroop Color Word Test) at baseline and 12th week. Brodmann's area 9, 46 and anterior cingulate cortex were selected as the regions of interest to define dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) in fMRI analysis.

STATISTICAL TESTS

Normality test was performed with the Shapiro-Wilk test. Two-way repeated ANOVA determined the intervention effects of the CC supplementation on brain activity after adjustments for covariates. Significance level at P < 0.05 for independent-t test and Chi square test; adjusted P < 0.0042 for two-way repeated ANOVA after Bonferroni correction.

RESULTS

Findings showed significant improvements in digit span (partial η²  = 0.559), increment in right DLPFC activation while performing 1-back task (partial η²  = 0.586) and left DLPFC activation while performing Stroop Color Word Test (SCWT) (congruent) task (partial η²  = 0.432) at 12th week of CC supplementation.

CONCLUSION

CC supplementation might have the ability to improve DLPFC activation, potentially leading to improved working memory among older adults with MCI after 12 weeks of administration.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

1 TECHNICAL EFFICACY: Stage 4.

Standardized Olea europaea L. leaf extract exhibits protective activity in carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in rats: the insight into potential mechanisms

The protective activity of dry olive leaf extract (DOLE) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage and possible mechanisms involved in this protection were investigated in rats. Acute CCl₄ intoxication resulted in a massive hepatic necrosis, in increased serum transaminases, and in a perturbation of oxidative stress parameters in liver tissue [malondyaldehide, glutathione (GSH), catalase]. CCl₄ did not affect the expression of caspase-3 and cytochrome c as markers of apoptosis; however, CCl₄ increased the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity and the expression of autophagy-related protein LC3II and decreased the expression of p62 protein. The pre-treatment with DOLE significantly improved serum markers of liver damage, liver catalase activity, and GSH concentration, suggesting that antioxidative mechanism is responsible for hepatoprotection. Oral administration of DOLE did not influence LC3II conversion and p62 degradation in liver, but AMPK activity was significantly decreased, suggesting the energy balance perturbation as an additional potential mechanism of DOLE hepatoprotective effect.

Sea Buckthorn and Rosehip Oils with Chokeberry Extract to Prevent Hypercholesterolemia in Mice Caused by a High-Fat Diet In Vivo

Dietary supplementation based on sea buckthorn and rosehip oils with added chokeberry extract was studied. We added the dietary supplement to the feed mixtures for laboratory animals. The possible toxicological effects and hypocholesterolemic, hepatoprotective activity of the dietary supplement in vivo were studied. After the observation period (6 weeks), no significant changes were found in the mass of organs and blood serum of laboratory animals (p > 0.05). However, there was a decrease in hypercholesterolemic indicators. Regular consumption of sea buckthorn and rosehip oils with added chokeberry extract (dietary supplement “ESB-1”) by laboratory animals inhibited the activity of liver enzymes and increased the antioxidant activity of blood serum (after the subcutaneous injection of sunflower oil/oil solution of carbon tetrachloride) but was not sufficient to bring them to physiological standards. The hypocholesterolemic and antioxidant properties of our dietary supplement already allow us to consider it a component of functional food products or a dietary supplement base. However, the full range of its biologically active properties, including the hepatoprotective function and regulation of metabolic disorders, has not been studied yet, which sets the direction of further research in vivo models and clinical practice to confirm its effectiveness in humans.

Rosa persica hydroalcoholic extract improves cadmium-hepatotoxicity by modulating oxidative damage and tumor necrosis factor-alpha status

Rosa persica is a member of the Rosaceae family that has a wide range of pharmacological properties. In this study, the antioxidant and therapeutic potential of this plant was investigated on cadmium (Cd)-induced hepatotoxicity. Rosa persica extract (RPE) was prepared by a maceration method in hydroalcoholic solvent, and its antioxidant properties were determined. Then, 36 mice were divided to six groups and treated for 2 weeks as follows: control, Cd (3 mg/kg), RPE (50 mg/kg), and groups 4-6 received Cd (3 mg/kg) and 12.5, 25, and 50 mg/kg of RPE respectively. The total polyphenol, flavonoids contents, and total antioxidant capacity in RPE were measured 263.4 ± 7.2 mg rutin equivalent/g extract, 72.3 ± 2.3 mg quercetin equivalent/g extract, and 8.46 ± 0.27 μmol ferrous sulfate/g extract, respectively. The in vivo results showed that Cd elicited remarkable hepatic injury that was manifested by the significant increase in serum hepatic enzymes. In addition, Cd significantly increased the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and decreased total thiol molecules (TTM) and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) in hepatic tissue. However, RPE decreased serum hepatic enzyme levels and improved oxidative hepatic damage by lowering the LPO and TNF-α levels and raising TAC and TTM in in Cd-treated groups. Although the RPE increased the metallothionein (MT) protein content, there was no change in MT gene expression. The present study showed that the RPE due to having antioxidant properties might partially prevent hepatic oxidative damage by the improvement of oxidant/antioxidant balance in animals exposed to Cd.

Preventive effect of flavonoids from Wushan Shencha (Malus doumeri leaves) on CCl4-induced liver injury

Wushan Shencha (Malus doumeri leaf) is a unique tea-like drink. Herein, the effect of flavonoids from Wushan Shencha (FWSSC) on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury was studied. The serum and liver tissues of experimental mice were analyzed by kits, a slice technique, and qPCR assay. The liver index is a calculated liver-to-body weight ratio, and the experimental results showed that FWSSC reduced the liver index of the model group with liver injury, which was the highest. Sections stained with H&E showed that FWSSC reduced stem cell necrosis caused by liver injury. FWSSC reduced the serum levels of AST, ALT, TG, and TC, as well as the levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IFN-γ cytokines in the serum of mice with liver injury. Liver biochemical tests also showed that FWSSC increased the SOD activity and decreased TC, TG, and MPO levels in mice with liver injury. It was found that FWSSC upregulated the expression of Cu/Zn-SOD, Mn-SOD, CAT, and IκB-α, and downregulated the expression of NF-κB, COX-2, TNF-α, and IL-1β in the liver tissue of mice with liver injury by detecting the expression of mRNA in liver tissue. It is concluded that FWSSC is an active substance with hepatoprotective effects. The activity of FWSSC increased with increasing concentration, and the hepatoprotective effect of FWSSC at 100 mg/kg concentration was stronger than that of silymarin.

Synthesis of radioiodinated carnosine for hepatotoxicity imaging induced by carbon tetrachloride and its biological assessment in rats

The imaging of organs is very important in the field of diagnosis especially in case of liver diseases. In the present work, carnosine was successfully labeled with iodine-131 at room temperature in acidic medium using chloramine-T (Ch-T) as moderate oxidizing agent. The parameters affecting labeling of carnosine such as amount of oxidizing agent, amount of substrate, pH value of the reaction mixture, reaction temperature and reaction time, were investigated. The best conditions for formation of 131I-carnosine (131I-CAR) complex were 40 μg of chloramine-T (Ch-T), 75 μg of carnosine, pH 4 and 45 min reaction time at room temperature. The radiochemical yield for 131I-CAR complex was (91 ± 0.11) % at optimum conditions and the labeled complex was stable for 2 h after labeling process. Biodistribution study was achieved using three groups of rats (normal, treated by inactive carnosine and hepatotoxicity rats induced by CCl4). Hepatotoxicity of liver was evaluated using different biochemical markers such as ALT, AST and ALK.P. The 131I-CAR complex showed selective bio-localization in stomach and liver and its selectivity increases in acquired hepatotoxicity. The biological distribution indicates that the suitability of 131I-CAR as a potential hepatotoxicity imaging to detect hepatitis and medical prognosis.

Disodium Guanylate Alleviates Acute Hepatic Injury Induced by Carbon Tetrachloride Via Antioxidative Stress and Antiapoptosis In Vivo and In Vitro

Hepatic injury is one of the most common digestive system diseases worldwide in clinic. Guanylic acid or guanosine monophosphate (GMP) was an important component of nucleotides, which is mainly in the form of sodium salt (disodium guanylate, GMP-Na₂ ). However, its effect on hepatic injury has not yet been investigated. This study is to investigate the protective effects of GMP-Na₂ on acute hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ), and to explore its mechanism. The hepatic injury models of mice and HL-7702 cells were induced by CCl₄ . The alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were determined by biochemical method. Hematoxylin-eosin staining were used to determine the morphological changes on liver tissue in mice. The mRNA and protein expressions of caspase-3, Bax, and Bcl-2 were detected by RT-PCR and Western blot analysis. Our results show that GMP-Na₂ treatment significantly decreased the activities of ALT and AST, and the levels of MDA as well as increased the levels of SOD, GSH-Px, and T-AOC. Importantly, GMP-Na₂ effectively enhanced the antiapoptosis function by upregulating Bcl-2 expression and downregulating caspase-3 and Bax expressions in vivo and in vitro. Moreover, the histopathological changes of liver tissue were obviously improved after GMP-Na₂ treatment. These findings suggest that GMP-Na₂ has protective effects on hepatic injury, and its mechanisms may be associated with antioxidative stress and antiapoptosis.

Does traditional asian vegetables (ulam) consumption correlate with brain activity using fMRI? A study among aging adults from low-income households

Background

Working memory and cognitive flexibility are supported by the dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). Aging adults from low‐income households are individuals with a high risk of cognitive decline who incorporate ulam in their daily diet.

Purpose

To examine relationship between ulam consumption and the working memory and cognitive flexibility among aging adults from low‐income households who are more susceptible to cognitive decline.

Study Type

Cross‐sectional.

Population/Subjects

Thirty‐two aging adults (45–75 years old).

Field Strength/Sequence

Task‐based fMRI, 3.0T, T₁‐weighted anatomical images, T₂*‐weighted imaging data.

Assessment

The dietary and ulam consumption were assessed using the respective validated Dietary History and semiquantitative Food Frequency questionnaires. Working memory and cognitive flexibility were evaluated by using neuropsychological batteries (ie, mini‐mental state examination [MMSE], Digit Span, and Rey auditory verbal learning test [RAVLT]) and task‐based fMRI (N‐back and Stroop Color Word Test [SCWT]). Brodmann's areas 9 and 46 were the regions of interest (ROIs) of DLPFC activation.

Statistical Tests

Multiple linear regression used to understand the relationship between ulam consumption and the working memory and cognitive flexibility, while analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to compare the difference of working memory and cognitive flexibility among four percentiles of ulam consumption, after age, gender, and education years adjustments. Significance was decided by two‐sided, P < 0.0042 and P < 0.05.

Results

The multiple linear regression revealed that ulam consumption was positively associated with the Digit Span (R² = 0.51, β = 0.702, P < 0.001), right DLPFC activation (1‐back) (R² = 0.34, β = 0.591, P = 0.001), left DLPFC activation (SCWT‐1) (R² = 0.33, β = 0.553, P = 0.002), and left DLPFC activation (SCWT‐2) (R² = 0.34, β = 0.497, P = 0.004). The ulam consumption at the 75^th and 100^th percentile from the ANCOVA analysis had shown a better working memory and cognitive flexibility as compared with those of the 25^th and 50^th percentiles (P < 0.05).

Data Conclusion

This study found that high ulam consumption was related to a high intensity of brain activation in DLPFC; however, the elucidation of the neuroprotective properties of ulam have yet to be established from clinical trial studies.

Level of Evidence: 2

Technical Efficacy: Stage 4

J. Magn. Reson. Imaging 2020;51:1142–1153.

Oral supplementation of L-glutathione prevents ultraviolet B-induced melanogenesis and oxidative stress in BALB/c mice

Dietary antioxidant supplements such as L-glutathione have gained considerable attention in dermatology and cosmeceutical fields. L-glutathione possesses antiaging, antimelanogenic, antioxidant, and anticancer properties. This study aimed to investigate the inhibitory effects of L-glutathione on melanogenesis activity and oxidative stress in ultraviolet B (UVB)-irradiated BALB/c mice. Eighteen female BALB/c mice were randomly divided into 3 groups: a control group (n=6), a group without UVB irradiation and L-glutathione administration; a UVB irradiated group (n=6), a group irradiated with a UVB dose of 250 mJ/cm² for 3 min; and a treatment group (n=6), a group irradiated with UVB and treated with 100 mg/kg of L-glutathione by oral gavage. Treatment was given for 14 days, and UVB irradiation was given on days 9, 11, and 13. Oral L-glutathione significantly (P<0.05) reduced lipid peroxidation and elevated superoxide dismutase activity the and glutathione level. L-glutathione also inhibited melanin content and tyrosinase activity significantly (P<0.05) as compared with the UVB-irradiated group. Histopathological examination also showed that L-glutathione reduced the deposition of melanin pigment in the basal layer of the epidermis as compared with that in UVB-irradiated mice. All in all, the present study demonstrated that L-glutathione has the potential to be developed as a photoprotection agent against UVB-induced oxidative stress and melanogenesis.

Antioxidant capacity and hepatoprotective activity of myristic acid acylated derivative of phloridzin

The antioxidant activities in vitro and hepatoprotective effects against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced acute liver injury in vivo of myristic acid acylated derivative of phloridzin (PZM) were investigated. The PZM was obtained by enzymatic acylation of myristic acid and phloridzin (PZ). The antioxidant capability of PZM in vitro was evaluated by the ferric reducing antioxidant power assay (FRAP), 2,2'-Azinobis- 3-ethylbenzthiazoline-6-sulphonate (ABTS⁺·) and 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH·) radical scavenging assay. Mice were intragastrically treated with control or PZM (20, 40, and 80 mg/kg) for 5 days and intra-peritoneal injection with CCl₄. The enzymatic acylated synthesis of myristic acid and phloridzin was region-selective taken place on 6″-OH of phloridzin glycoside moiety and achieved 93% yield. PZM had a significantly higher total antioxidant ability, same scavenging ABTS⁺· ability and weaker scavenging DPPH· ability when compared to the parent PZ. The of aminotransferase serum activity and malondialdehyde hepatic activity were elevated (P < 0.015) after treatment with CCl₄, while the related liver enzymatic activities and glutathione concentration were lower. These changes were enhanced by PZM. Further studies showed that PZM reduced the interleukin-6 expression and stimulated liver regeneration caused by CCl₄. PZM attained good antioxidant capacity in vitro and had excellent hepatoprotective effects in vivo and better bioactivity compared to the parent phloridzin. The significance of hepatoprotective effect of phloridzin derivative against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice is an important and new finding.

The potential protective effect of two actinomycete extracts against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the potential protective effect of two extracts derived from two soil actinomycete strains, designated S19 and G30, against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats. Sixty-four male rats were divided into four groups of 16 rats per group. The first group was a control group given corn oil and the nutritive medium which is composed of a mixture of the two used media. The second group received CCl₄ only, the third group was administered CCl₄ and the extract S19, and the fourth group was administered CCl₄ and the extract G30. The results were taken after a treatment period of 8 weeks. Our data demonstrated that the two actinomycete extracts significantly (P < 0.01) lowered the CCl₄-induced elevation of serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) after 8 weeks of treatment. The extract S19 had no effect on serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and total bilirubin, whereas the extract G30 significantly decreased (P < 0.01) the elevated levels of these parameters in the serum, especially after 4 weeks of treatment. The levels of hepatic glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), peroxidase (Px), catalase (CAT), and superoxide dismutase (SOD) significantly increased (P < 0.01), while those of malondialdehyde (MDA) markedly decreased in rats treated with the two extracts. Furthermore, histopathological lesions in the liver, including necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, hydropic degeneration, and congestion of the central vein, were partially reversed by treatment with the two microbial extracts. Our results provided evidence for the protective effect of the two used actinomycete extracts against CCl₄-induced liver damage occurred through the reduction of oxidative stress and improvement of antioxidant defense markers.

Hepatoprotective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 from Panax ginseng on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway in mice

Oxidative stress and inflammatory response are well known to be involved in the pathogenesis of acute liver injury. This study was performed to examine the hepatoprotective effect of ginsenoside Rg1 (Rg1) against CCl4 -induced acute liver injury, and further to elucidate the involvement of Nrf2 signaling pathway in vivo and in vitro. Mice were orally administered Rg1 (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg) or sulforaphane (SFN) once daily for 1 week prior to 750 μL/kg CCl4 injection. The results showed that Rg1 markedly altered relative liver weights, promoted liver repair, increased the serum level of TP and decreased the serum levels of ALT, AST and ALP. Hepatic oxidative stress was inhibited by Rg1, as evidenced by the decrease in MDA, and increases in GSH, SOD, and CAT in the liver. Further research demonstrated that Rg1 suppressed liver inflammation response through repressing the expression levels of inflammation-related genes including TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, COX-2, and iNOS. In addition, Rg1 enhanced antioxidative stress and liver detoxification abilities by up-regulating Nrf2 and its target-genes such as GCLC, GCLM, HO-1, NQO1, Besp, Mrp2, Mrp3, Mrp4, and down-regulating Cyp2e1. However, the changes in Nrf2 target-genes, as well as ameliorative liver histology induced by Rg1 were abrogated by Nrf2 antagonist all-transretinoic acid in vivo and Nrf2 siRNA in vitro. Overall, the findings indicated that Rg1 might be an effective approach for the prevention against acute liver injury by activating Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro

Protective effect of free phenolics from Lycopus lucidus Turcz. root (FPLR) on CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in vivo and in vitro was first evaluated. Oral administration of FPLR (100 mg/kg bw) to mice significantly reduced the CCl₄-induced elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerols, total cholesterol, and total bilirubin. FPLR also increased the hepatic GSH contents and antioxidant enzyme activities of SOD and CAT and decreased the hepatic MDA level. Histopathological examinations further confirmed that the FPLR could protect the liver from CCl₄-induced damage. Further research indicated that FPLR prevented the DNA fragmentation caused by CCl₄ based on TUNEL assay. Moreover, immunohistochemistry staining demonstrated that pretreatment with FPLR significantly inhibited the elevation of hepatic TNF-α, IL-6, IL-8, iNOS, COX-2, and Caspase-3 in CCl₄-treated mice. In vitro experiments showed that FPLR remarkably reduced BRL hepatocyte apoptosis and damage caused by CCl₄ treatment. These findings indicate that FPLR could be developed as a functional food or medication for therapeutic purpose and prevention of hepatic injury.

Protection by the Total Flavonoids from Rosa laevigata Michx Fruit against Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Modulation of FXR Signaling

We previously reported the effects of the total flavonoids (TFs) from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, and liver ischemia-reperfusion injury. However, there have been no papers reporting the role of R. laevigata TFs against lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced liver injury. In this paper, liver injury in mice was induced by LPS, and R. Laevigata extract was intragastrically administered to the mice for 7 days. Biochemical parameters in serum and liver tissue were examined, and pathological changes were observed by transmission electron microscopy, hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Oil Red O staining. The results showed that the TFs markedly reduced serum ALT (alanine transferase), AST (aspartate transaminase), TG (total triglyceride), and TC (total cholesterol) levels and relative liver weights and improved liver pathological changes. In addition, the TFs markedly decreased tissue MDA (malondialdehyde) level and increased the levels of SOD (superoxide dismutase) and GSH-Px (glutathione peroxidase). A mechanistic study showed that the TFs significantly increased the expression levels of Nrf2 (nuclear erythroid factor2-related factor 2), HO-1 (heme oxygenase-1), NQO1 (NAD(P)H dehydrogenase (quinone 1), GCLC (glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit), and GCLM (glutamate-cysteine ligase regulatory subunit) and decreased Keap1 (Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1) level by activating FXR (farnesoid X receptor) against oxidative stress. Furthermore, the TFs markedly suppressed the nuclear translocation of NF-&kappa;B (nuclear factor-kappa B) and subsequently decreased the expression levels of IL (interleukin)-1&beta;, IL-6, HMGB-1 (high -mobility group box 1), and COX-2 (cyclooxygenase-2) by activating FXR and FOXO3a (forkhead box O3) against inflammation. Besides, the TFs obviously reduced the expression levels of SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element-binding proteins-1c), ACC1 (acetyl-CoA carboxylase-1), FASN (fatty acid synthase), and SCD1 (stearoyl-coenzyme A desaturase 1), and improved CPT1 (carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1) level by activating FXR to regulate lipid metabolism. Our results suggest that TFs exhibited protective effect against LPS-induced liver injury by altering FXR-mediated oxidative stress, inflammation, and lipid metabolism, and should be developed as an effective food and healthcare product for the therapy of liver injury in the future.

Flavonols and Carotenoids in Yellow Petals of Rose Cultivar ( Rosa 'Sun City'): A Possible Rich Source of Bioactive Compounds

Rose flowers have received increasing interest as rich sources of bioactive compounds. The composition of flavonols and carotenoids in yellow petals of Rosa 'Sun City' was determined by high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with photodiode array and mass spectrometric detectors (HPLC-PDA-MS). In total, 19 flavonols and 16 carotenoids were identified, some of which were first discovered in rose petals. Significant changes were observed in their profiles during seven blooming stages. Total flavonol contents showed the highest levels at stage 2 (S2; 1152.29 μg/g, FW). Kaempferol 7- O-glucoside and kaempferol 3- O-rhamnoside were the predominant individual flavonols. Total carotenoid concentration was highest at S4 (142.71 μg/g, FW). Violaxanthins with different geometrical configurations appeared as the major carotenoids across all blooming stages. These results indicated that 'Sun City' petals are rich sources of flavonols and carotenoids. Moreover, it is important to choose the appropriate harvest time on the basis of the targeted compounds.

The Potential and Action Mechanism of Polyphenols in the Treatment of Liver Diseases

Liver disease, involving a wide range of liver pathologies from fatty liver, hepatitis, and fibrosis to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, is a serious health problem worldwide. In recent years, many natural foods and herbs with abundant phytochemicals have been proposed as health supplementation for patients with hepatic disorders. As an important category of phytochemicals, natural polyphenols have attracted increasing attention as potential agents for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. The striking capacities in remitting oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, and inflammation put polyphenols in the spotlight for the therapies of liver diseases. It has been reported that many polyphenols from a wide range of foods and herbs exert therapeutic effects on liver injuries via complicated mechanisms. Therefore, it is necessary to have a systematical review to sort out current researches to help better understand the potentials of polyphenols in liver diseases. In this review, we aim to summarize and update the existing evidence of natural polyphenols in the treatment of various liver diseases by in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies, while special attention is paid to the action mechanisms.

Protective effect of flavonoids from Cyclocarya paliurus leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (C. paliurus), known locally as 'sweet tea tree', is commonly cultivated in China. Flavonoids from Cyclocarya paliurus (Batal.) Iljinskaja (FC) is reported to exhibit multiple biological effects, including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and anti-diabetic activities. However, their influence on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury remains unclear. This study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of total flavonoids from C. paliurus leaves. Results revealed that flavonoids from C. paliurus significantly decreased CCl₄-induced elevation of activities of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA), and markedly increased the levels of SOD, total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) compared with the model group. Structures of mainly compounds were elucidated by nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR), mass spectrometry (MS) spectroscopic and chemical analyses. This study clearly shows that flavonoids from C. paliurus exert a potent protective effect against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury in mice. Its hepatoprotective effect appears to be closely associated with its antioxidant activity. The results indicated that flavonoids from C. paliurus leaves could be considered as a potent food supplement in the prevention of acute liver injury.

Hepatoprotective effects of Yulangsan flavone against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Yulangsan flavone (YLSF) was extracted from the root of Millettia pulchra Kurz var-laxior (Dunn) Z. Wei, which has been widely used for liver disease treatment in the Guangxi province of China.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The study was conducted to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effects of YLSF against CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, meanwhile revealing the potential mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of both sexes were randomly divided into two groups: hepatic fibrosis group and normal control (NC) group. The rats in the hepatic fibrosis group were given 1 ml/kg 50% CCl₄ (1:1 mixed with peanut oil), while those in the NC group were given 1 ml/kg normal saline (NS), both via intragastric administration. The established experimental rat model from the hepatic fibrosis group was confirmed by pathological inspection and randomly divided into five groups: three YLSF groups (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg), a colchicine group (0.20 mg/kg) and a model group (10 ml/kg NS). All rats were treated with corresponding drugs or NS once a day for four consecutive weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, blood serum and hepatic tissue were collected.

METHODS

The activities of ALT and AST in the serum and the levels of SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH-Px in hepatic tissue were analysed, the indexes of liver, spleen and thymus were counted, the degree of hepatic injury was examined using HE and Masson staining, and the mRNA expression of Col-1, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in hepatic tissues was detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, experimental results showed that YLSF and colchicine could reduce the levels of AST, ALT and MDA, increase the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-Px, enhance rat survivability, decrease the liver, spleen and thymus index, significantly lessen collagen deposition and tissue damage and down-regulate the mRNA expression of Col-1, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that YLSF has a certain curative effect on rats with liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄, and its mechanism may include attenuating free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and accelerating extracellular matrix degradation by down-regulating expression of related genes.

Ethanol extracts collected from the Styela clava tunic alleviate hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) through inhibition of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis

The Styela clava tunic (SCT) is known as a good raw material for preparing anti-inflammatory compounds, wound healing films, guided bone regeneration, and food additives. To investigate whether ethanol extracts of the SCT (EtSCT) could protect against hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in ICR mice, alterations in serum biochemical indicators, histopathology, hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were observed in ICR mice pretreated with EtSCT for 5 days before CCl₄ injection. EtSCT contained 15.6 mg/g of flavonoid and 37.5 mg/g phenolic contents with high 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity (93.3%) and metal chelation activity (46.5%). The EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups showed decreased levels of ALT, LDH, and AST, indicating toxicity and a necrotic area in the liver, while the level of ALP remained constant. The formation of active caspase-3 and enhancement of Bax/Bcl-2 expression was effectively inhibited in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. Furthermore, the levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and the phosphorylation of p38 in the TNF-α downstream signaling pathway rapidly recovered in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. The EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups showed a significant decrease in hepatic fibrosis markers including collagen accumulation, MMP-2 expression, TGF-β1 concentration, and phosphorylation of Smad2/3. Moreover, a significant decline in malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration and enhancement of superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression were observed in the EtSCT+CCl₄-treated groups. Taken together, these results indicate that EtSCT can protect against hepatic injury induced by CCl₄-derived reactive intermediates through the suppression of hepatic apoptosis, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Protective effects of grape stem extract against UVB-induced damage in C57BL mice skin

Humans have become exposed to another form of a trait which is ultraviolet B (UVB) radiation reaching the earth's surface. This has become a major source of oxidative stress that ultimately leads to inflammation, DNA damage, photoaging and pigmentation disorders etc. Although several studies have shown the photo-protective role of different grape parts like the fruits and seeds, little or no data demonstrating the in vivo photo-protective role of grape stem, which is the most discarded part of the grape are available. We evaluated the protective influence of grape stem extract against UVB-induced oxidative damage in C57BL mice characterized by epidermal hyperplasia, pigmentation, collagen degradation and inflammation. Grape stem extract was administered topically 1week before UVB irradiation (120mJ/cm²) and continued until the termination of the experiment. A group of non-irradiated mice and a group of irradiated mice topically administered with propylene were used as a negative and positive control. Epidermal thickness, pigmentation, erythema, mast cell and neutrophil infiltration, collagen degradation and COX-2, Nrf2, and HO-1 expressions were evaluated. Grape stem extract markedly recovered skin damage induced by the UVB radiation through the prevention of epidermal hyperplasia, pigmentation, erythema, mast cell and neutrophil infiltrations, collagen degradation and COX-2, Nrf2, and HO-1 expressions. Our study demonstrated for the first time in C57BL mice that grape stem extract reduces UVB-induced oxidative damage and hence can play a protective role in skin photo-damage.

Protective effect of a polysaccharide from Anoectochilus roxburghii against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. is traditionally used for the treatment of various types of chronic and acute hepatitis in China. Considering that Anoectochilus roxburghii polysaccharide (ARPT) is the main constituent of Anoectochilus roxburghii, the present study was designed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ARPT and its possible mechanism in carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced mice.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The hepatoprotective activity of ARPT (150, 300 and 500mg/kg) were investigated on CCl₄-induced acute liver damage in mice. The activities of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) were determined in serum. The hepatic levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured in liver homogenates. The levels of cytochrome P450 sub family 2E1 (CYP2E1), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), macrophage inflammatory protein-2 (MIP-2), KC (Murine IL-8 ortholog), transforming growth factor-beta1 (TGF-β1), Bcl-2 and Bax were measured by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The expressions of CYP2E1, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65 and caspase-3 were evaluated by western blot assays. The hepatic levels of TNF-α, IL-6, MIP-2 and TGF-β1 were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Furthermore, histopathological observation and terminal-deoxynucleoitidyl transferase mediated nick end labeling assay (TUNEL) were carried out on the separated livers of mice.

RESULTS

ARPT significantly decreased serum ALT and AST activities, hepatic MDA level, and markedly enhanced antioxidant enzyme (SOD, CAT and GSH-Px) activities and GSH level in hepatic tissue, in a dose-dependent manner, when compared to the model group. Histopathological observation revealed the hepatoprotective effect of ARPT against the damage. Furthermore, ARPT remarkably inhibited CYP2E1 mRNA expression, decreased NF-κB p65 expression and therefore to prevent the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) and chemokines (MCP-1, MIP-2 and KC), suppressed TGF-β1 expression and hepatocytes apoptosis. Moreover, ARPT could prevent DNA fragmentation based on TUNEL assay results.

CONCLUSION

These findings suggested that ARPT possessed hepatoprotective effect against CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in mice and the action might in part be through reducing oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Hepatoprotective effect against CCl4-induced acute liver damage in mice and High-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometric method for analysis of the constituents of extract of Rubus crataegifolius

This study is an attempt to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Rubus Crataegifolius against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice. 70% ethanolic, ethyl acetate and n-BuOH extract of R. crataegifolius were administered daily for 14 days in experimental animals before they were treated with CCl₄. The hepatoprotective activity of the extracts in this study was compared with the reference drug silymarin. A high-performance liquid chromatography mass spectrometric (HPLC-EIS-MS/MS) method was developed for the determination of the constituents of the extracts. According to the data of HPLC-EIS-MS/MS, the chemical structures of the largely 14 constituents of R. crataegifolius were identified online without time-consuming isolation. Ethyl acetate extracts of R. crataegifolius showed strong antioxidant activities and significant protective effect against acute hepatotoxicity induced by CCl₄. According to the data of HPLC-EIS-MS/MS, Oleanic acid, Phlorizin dehydrate and Quercetin-3-rhamnoside are considered as the main hepatoprotective factor in ethyl acetate extract.

Schisandra Lignan Extract Protects against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Oxidative Stress and Regulating the NF-κB and JNK Signaling Pathways

Schisandra chinensis (S. chinensis) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine widely used for the treatment of liver disease, whose main active components are lignans. However, the action mechanisms of the lignans in S. chinensis remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of Schisandra lignan extract (SLE) against carbon tetrachloride- (CCl₄-) induced acute liver injury in mice. Different doses of SLE at 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg were administered daily by gavage for 5 days before CCl₄ treatment. The results showed that SLE significantly decreased the activities of serum ALT/AST and reduced liver pathologic changes induced by CCl₄. Pretreatment with SLE not only decreased the content of MDA but increased SOD, GSH, and GSH-Px activities in the liver, suggesting that SLE attenuated CCl₄-induced oxidative stress. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6 were decreased after oral administration of SLE, probably because lignans inhibited the NF-κB activity. Additionally, SLE also inhibited hepatocyte apoptosis by suppressing JNK activation and regulating Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways. In conclusion, these results suggested that SLE prevented CCl₄-induced liver injury through a combination of antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and antihepatocyte apoptosis and alleviated inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the NF-κB, JNK, and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways.

Protective effect of rutin in comparison to silymarin against induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Aim:

The aim of this study is to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of rutin (RTN) in comparison to silymarin (SLM) against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Materials and Methods:

Male Wistar albino rats (n=24) of 3 months age were equally divided into four groups. Group 1 served as normal control. Hepatotoxicity was induced in the remaining three groups with administration of 500 mg/kg po APAP from day 1-3. Groups 2, 3, and 4 were subsequently administered orally with distilled water, 25 mg/kg of SLM, and 20 mg/kg of RTN, respectively, for 11 days. The mean body weights and biomarkers of hepatotoxicity were estimated on day 0, 4 (confirmation of toxicity), and 15 (at the end of treatment). Hematological parameters were evaluated on day 4 and 15. Antioxidant profile and adenosine triphosphatases (ATPases) were assessed at the end of the experiment. Liver tissues were subjected to histopathology and transmission electron microscopy after the sacrifice on day 15.

Results:

Antioxidant profile, ATPases, and hematological and sero-biochemical parameters were significantly altered, and histopathological changes were noticed in the liver of toxic control group. These changes were reversed in groups 3 and 4 that were administered with SLM and RTN, respectively.

Conclusion:

The results of the present investigation enunciated that SLM has potent hepatoprotective activity though the RTN was found superior in restoring the pathological alterations in paracetamol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar albino rats.

Lipoic acid attenuates Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity in adult rats

The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanistic aspect of Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity and its protection by lipoic acid. The adult male Albino rats were divided into six groups. Group I served as control. Group II received lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day). Aroclor 1260 was given to rats by oral gavage at doses 20, 40, or 60 mg/kg/day (Groups III, IV, and V, respectively). Group VI was pretreated with lipoic acid (35 mg/kg/day) 24 h before Aroclor 1260 (40 mg/kg/day). Treatment in all groups was continued for further 15 consecutive days. Serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities and total bilirubin, total cholesterol, and triglycerides were significantly increased while total protein, total albumin, and high-density lipoprotein were significantly decreased. Hydrogen peroxide production and lipid peroxidation were significantly increased while superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and reduced glutathione (GSH) content was significantly decreased in liver. Caspase-3 & -9 activities were significantly increased in liver. Lipoic acid pretreatment significantly reverted all these abnormalities toward their normal levels. In conclusion, Aroclor 1260 induced liver dysfunction, at least in part, by induction of oxidative stress. Apoptotic effect of hepatic cells is involved in Aroclor 1260-induced liver injury. Lipoic acid could protect rats against Aroclor 1260-induced hepatotoxicity. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 913-922, 2016.