Oxidative damage after chronic ethanol intake in rat tissues: Prophylaxis of Ginkgo biloba extract

Effects of ethanolic extracts of Quercus, Cirsium vulgare, and Falcaria vulgaris on gastric ulcer, antioxidant and inflammatory indices, and gene expression in rats

INTRODUCTION

Gastric ulcer is a multifaceted process and is usually caused by mucosal damage. Herbal medicines have received much attention considering the side effects of chemical drugs. Nowadays, the use of herbal medicines has received much attention considering the side effects of chemical drugs. Quercus brantii Lindl, Cirsium vulgare (Savi) Ten, and Falcaria vulgaris Bernh are plants used as traditional phytomedicine for gastric ulcer diseases.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to investigate the protective effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of these herbs on ethanol-induced gastric ulceration, in addition, to investigate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and gene expression.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Thirty Sprague Dawley rats, (200-250 g), were divided into six groups: Control: intact animals; sham: gavaged with distilled water (14 days); negative control: gavaged with 20 mg/kg of omeprazole (14 days); experimental groups I, II, and III: gavaged with 500 mg/kg of the extract of Falcaria vulgaris, Quercus brantii, and Cirsium vulgare, respectively, (14 days). The number of ulcers and pathological parameters were assessed. The serum superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, total antioxidant capacity, albumin, total protein, haptoglobin, alpha-1-acid glycoprotein, total globulin, alpha-2-macroglobulin, C-fos, C-myc, and Caspase-9 were measured by ELISA and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

The extracts significantly reduced gastric ulcer (52.33%). The results showed that the Quercus brantii extract was more effective. There were significant differences between the serum levels of alpha-1-acid glycoprotein and those of alpha-2-macroglobulin. Also, there was a significant difference in the serum level of antioxidant parameters. Changes in the expression of the genes also confirmed the results suggested by other parameters. The expression levels of C-fos, C-myc, and caspase-9 were decreased, but the Bcl-2 expression increased.

CONCLUSION

The hydro-alcoholic extracts revealed various protection and noticeable change in the expression of caspase-9, C-myc, C-fos, and Bcl-2 genes in rats.

Oxidative Stress Parameters in the Liver of Growing Male Rats Receiving Various Alcoholic Beverages

Typical alcohol consumption begins in the adolescence period, increasing the risk of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in adolescents and young adults, and while the pathophysiology of ALD is still not completely understood, it is believed that oxidative stress may be the major contributor that initiates and promotes the progression of liver damage. The aim of the present study was to assess the influence of alcohol consumption on the markers of oxidative stress and liver inflammation in the animal model of prolonged alcohol consumption in adolescents using various alcoholic beverages. In a homogenic group of 24 male Wistar rats (4 groups—6 animals per group), since 30th day of life, in order to mimic the alcohol consumption since adolescence, animals received (1) no alcoholic beverage (control group), (2) ethanol solution, (3) red wine, or (4) beer (experimental groups) for 6 weeks. Afterwards, the activities of alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), as well as levels of cytochrome P450-2E1 (CYP2E1), thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS), protein carbonyl groups, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and interleukine-10 (IL-10) were measured in liver homogenates. The difference between studied groups was observed for CYP2E1 and protein carbonyl groups levels (increased levels for animals receiving beer compared with control group), as well as for ALT activity (decreased activity for animals receiving beer compared with other experimental groups) (p < 0.05). The results suggested that some components of beer, other than ethanol, are responsible for its influence on the markers of oxidative stress and liver inflammation observed in the animal model of prolonged alcohol consumption in adolescents. Taking this into account, beer consumption in adolescents, which is a serious public health issue, should be assessed in further studies to broaden the knowledge of the progression of liver damage caused by alcohol consumption in this group.

The effects of n-butanol on oxidative stress and apoptosis in zebra fish (Danio rerio) larvae

In recent years, n-butanol has growing use in many areas, including the food industry. In this study, acute toxic effects of n-butanol to zebrafish (Danio rerio) larvae by applying different concentrations (10, 50, 250, 500, 750, 1000 and 1250 mg/L) to embryos were evaluated. For this purpose the data of oxidative stress, antioxidant - acetyl cholinesterase enzyme activities, malondialdehyde level and apoptosis were taken into consideration. At the end of the 96 h, antioxidant (Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx)) and acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme activities were decreased, however lipid peroxidation level, apoptotic cells, and reactive oxygen species increased (p < .05). As a result, it has been observed that high concentrations of n-butanol with its amphiphilic structure causes quite intense toxic effects in zebrafish embryos.

Sub-chronic toxicopathological study of lantadenes of Lantana camara weed in Guinea pigs

Background

In the field conditions, animals regularly consume small quantities of lantana leaves either while grazing or due to mixing with regular fodder.

The hypothesis of this study was that consumption of lantana toxins over a long period of time leads to progression of sub-clinical disease.

Toxicopathological effects of sub-chronic (90 days) administration of lantadenes of L. camara were investigated in guinea pigs. For this, a total of 40 animals were divided into 5 groups whereby groups I, II, III and IV were orally administered lantadenes, daily at the dose of 24, 18, 12, and 6 mg/kg bw, respectively while group V was control. The animals were evaluated by weekly body weight changes, haematology, serum liver and kidney markers, tissue oxidative markers and histopathology.

Results

The results of significant decrease in weekly body weights, haematology, liver and kidney marker enzymes (alanine aminotransaminase, aspartate aminotransaminase, acid phosphatase and creatinine), oxidation stress markers (lipid peroxidation, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and catalase) in liver and kidneys, histopathology, and confirmation of fibrous collagenous tissue proliferation by Masson’s Trichome stain showed that lantadenes led to a dose-dependent toxicity in decreasing order with the highest dose (24 mg/kg bw) producing maximum lesions and the lowest dose (6 mg/kg bw) producing minimum alterations.

Conclusions

The study revealed that lantadenes which are considered to be classical hepatotoxicants in acute toxicity produced pronounced nephrotoxicity during sub-chronic exposure. Further studies are needed to quantify the levels of lantadenes in blood or serum of animals exposed to lantana in field conditions which would help to assess the extent of damage to the vital organs.

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.

Ability of natural astaxanthin from shrimp by-products to attenuate liver oxidative stress in diabetic rats

BACKGROUND

Reactive oxygen species play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of diabetes and its complications. The present study was undertaken, in vivo, to examine the protective effect of astaxanthin extracted from the shell waste of deep-water pink shrimp (Parapenaeus longirostris) against oxidative stress of alloxanic adult male rats.

RESULTS

Alloxan treatment revealed a significant elevation in plasma glycemia and lipid parameters such as total lipid, total cholesterol and triglycerides compared to the control group (C). In addition, liver malonaldialdehyde levels (MDA), an index of lipid peroxidation, significantly increased compared to control group. The activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and glutathione reductase (GR) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels decreased significantly compared to control group. Moreover, diabetic rats presented a significant increase in the activities of aspartate transaminase (AST) alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in plasma, indicating considerable hepatocellular injury. Astaxanthin treatment restores these parameters near to control values. Histological studies on the liver tissue of alloxan and astaxanthin treated rats confirmed the protective effects of astaxanthin.

CONCLUSIONS

The results revealed that astaxanthin may be helpful in preventing diabetic complications in adult rats by reversing hepatotoxicity. It can be one of the ingredients in a number of healthy products.

Xanthohumol, a prenylated flavonoid from hops (Humulus lupulus L.), protects rat tissues against oxidative damage after acute ethanol administration

Ethanol-mediated free radical generation is directly involved in alcoholic liver disease. In addition, chronic alcohol bingeing also induces pathological changes and dysfunction in multi-organs. In the present study, the protective effect of xanthohumol (XN) on ethanol-induced damage was evaluated by determining antioxidative parameters and stress oxidative markers in liver, kidney, lung, heart and brain of rats. An acute treatment (4 g/kg b.w.) of ethanol resulted in the depletion of superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione S-transferase activities and reduced glutathione content. This effect was accompanied by the increased activity of tissue damage marker enzymes (glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase, glutamate pyruvate transaminase and lactate dehydrogenase) and a significant increase in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide concentrations. Pre-treatment with XN protected rat tissues from ethanol-induced oxidative imbalance and partially mitigated the levels to nearly normal levels in all tissues checked. This effect was dose dependent, suggesting that XN reduces stress oxidative and protects rat tissues from alcohol-induced injury.

L-glutamine supplementation prevents the development of experimental diabetic cardiomyopathy in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats

The objective of the present investigation was to evaluate the effect of L-glutamine on cardiac myopathy in streptozotocin-nicotinamide induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced in overnight fasted Sprague Dawely rats by using intraperitonial injection of streptozotocin (55 mg/kg). Nicotinamide (100 mg/kg, i.p.) was administered 20 min before administration of streptozotocin. Experimental rats were divided into Group I: non-diabetic control (distilled water; 10 ml/kg, p.o.), II: diabetic control (distilled water, 10 ml/kg, p.o.), III: L-glutamine (500 mg/kg, p.o.) and IV: L-glutamine (1000 mg/kg, p.o.). All groups were diabetic except group I. The plasma glucose level, body weight, electrocardiographic abnormalities, hemodynamic changes and left ventricular contractile function, biological markers of cardiotoxicity, antioxidant markers were determined after 4 months after STZ with nicotinamide injection. Histopathological changes of heart tissue were carried out by using H and E stain. L-glutamine treatment improved the electrocardiographic, hemodynamic changes; LV contractile function; biological markers; oxidative stress parameters and histological changes in STZ induced diabetic rats. Results from the present investigation demonstrated that L-glutamine has seemed a cardioprotective activity.

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

Protective effect of the total flavonoids (TFs) from Rosa laevigata Michx fruit against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in mice was investigated. Pretreatment with TFs significantly decreased CCl4-induced elevation of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities as well as the relative liver weight. Histopathological observation also revealed that TFs reduced the incidence of liver lesions and improved hepatocyte abnormality. Moreover, oral administration of TFs significantly enhanced antioxidant enzyme activities (superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase), increased the content of glutathione and decreased the content of malondialdehyde. Further research indicated that TFs prevented the DNA fragmentation and mitochondrial ultrastructural alterations caused by CCl4 based on TUNEL and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) assays. Moreover, pretreatment with TFs down-regulated the protein expressions of CYP2E1, iNOS, NF-κB, Bak and Caspase-3. Quantitative Real-time PCR assay suggested that TFs markedly decreased the levels of TNF-α, Fas/FasL and Bax gene expressions, and increased the level of Bcl-2. This is the first time to report the significant hepatoprotective effect of TFs from R. laevigata Michx fruit against CCl4-induced liver injury in mice and the action should be through reducing oxidative stress and suppressing inflammation and apoptosis.

Efficacy of sardinelle protein hydrolysate to alleviate ethanol-induced oxidative stress in the heart of adult rats

The present study was undertaken to examine the protective effects of sardinelle proteins hydrolysate (SPH) obtained from heads and viscera against ethanol toxicity in the heart of adult rats. Twenty-four male rats of Wistar strain, weighing at the beginning of the experiment 250 to 300 g, were used in this study. They were divided into 4 groups: group (C) served as controls, group (Eth) received 30% ethanol solution at 3 g/kg body weight, group (SPH) received only 7.27 mg of SPH/kg body weight, and group (Eth-SPH) received ethanol and sardinelle proteins hydrolysate simultaneously. All treatments were made by gavage during 15 d. Treatment with ethanol revealed a significant elevation of malondialdehyde and protein carbonyl levels in the heart and of aspartate transaminase and alanine transaminase activities in plasma. Nitric oxide levels and the activities of antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase decreased. Nonenzymatic antioxidant such as reduced glutathione did not significantly change and ascorbic acid was decreased. SPH intake concomitantly with ethanol restored these parameters to near control values. These modifications confirmed histopathological aspects of the heart. The results revealed that SPH could provide protection of the myocardium against ethanol-induced oxidative damages in rats. This may be due to the high antioxidant potential of SPH.

Hepatoprotective effects of pecan nut shells on ethanol-induced liver damage

The hepatoprotective activity of the aqueous extract of the shells of pecan nut was investigated against ethanol-induced liver damage. This by-product of the food industry is popularly used to treat toxicological diseases. We evaluated the phytochemical properties of pecan shell aqueous extract (AE) and its in vitro and ex vivo antioxidant activity. The AE was found to have a high content of total polyphenols (192.4±1.9 mg GAE/g), condensed tannins (58.4±2.2 mg CE/g), and antioxidant capacity, and it inhibited Fe(2+)-induced lipid peroxidation (LP) in vitro. Rats chronically treated with ethanol (Et) had increased plasmatic transaminases (ALT, AST) and gamma glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT) levels (96%, 59.13% and 465.9%, respectively), which were effectively prevented (87; 41 and 383%) by the extract (1:40, w/v). In liver, ethanol consumption increased the LP (121%) and decreased such antioxidant defenses as glutathione (GSH) (33%) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) (47%) levels, causing genotoxicity in erythrocytes. Treatment with pecan shell AE prevented the development of LP (43%), GSH and SOD depletion (33% and 109%, respectively) and ethanol-induced erythrocyte genotoxicity. Catalase activity in the liver was unchanged by ethanol but was increased by the extract (47% and 73% in AE and AE+Et, respectively). Therefore, pecan shells may be an economic agent to treat liver diseases related to ethanol consumption.

Influence of selenium and/or magnesium on alleviation alcohol induced oxidative stress in rats, normalization function of liver and changes in serum lipid parameters

The aim of this study was to evaluate the attenuating effect of given selenium and/or magnesium on ethanol-induced oxidative stress, disturbances of liver function and cholesterol metabolism. Forty male rats were divided into five groups: C – control, Et – intoxicated with alcohol (15% solution in drinking water), Et + Mg, Et + Se, Et + Mg + Se – intoxicated with alcohol and supplemented with selenium (0.4 mg Se/l water), magnesium (100 mg Mg/l water) and combination of Se and Mg, respectively. The experiment was carried out over the 3 months. The results show that the chronic ingestion of alcohol induces lipid peroxidation and histopathological changes in liver. Supplementation with magnesium only partially alleviates oxidative stress and damages in this tissue. The both selenium alone and combination of magnesium and selenium significantly elevated total antioxidant status (TAS) in serum, activity of glutathione peroxidase and ratio of reduced glutathione to oxidized glutathione (GSH/GSSG) in liver and retarded oxidative stress and histopathological changes in this tissue. Chronic administration of ethanol (alone and with magnesium) resulted in significant decrease in the serum total cholesterol and retardation in the body weight gain in comparison with the control group. In the groups supplemented with selenium and selenium and magnesium simultaneously, concentration of total cholesterol in serum and body gains was similar to the control group. Supplementation of Se or selenium and magnesium simultaneously significantly enhances antioxidant defence and is more effective against alcohol-induced oxidative stress, disturbance of liver function and cholesterol metabolism than the separate use of magnesium.

Some enzymatic/nonenzymatic antioxidants as potential stress biomarkers of trichloroethylene, heavy metal mixture, and ethyl alcohol in rat tissues

Enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants serve as an important biological defense against environmental pollutants. Various enzymatic and nonenzymatic antioxidants as a stress biomarker in liver and kidney of rat were investigated. The antioxidant enzymes that were analyzed included superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), and glutathione peroxidase. Levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), reduced glutathione (GSH), as well as hydrogen peroxide (H(2)O(2)) were also measured in homogenates of the liver and kidney of the treated animals to determine oxidative stress induced by trichloroethylene (TCE), ethyl alcohol, and heavy metal mixture (H.M.M) individually and in different combinations. An increase up to the extent of 382% in malonaldehyde, a marker of LPO, was recorded in almost all the treatment groups in both the tissues. Similarly, a rise of 218% in GST activity was also recorded in kidney of TCE-treated animals. Although H.M.M ingestion resulted in significant change of 125% in SOD activity of hepatic tissue, the level of GR was increased by 93% in the renal tissue of the exposed rats. Solitary dose of alcohol in general did not show a significant change. Moreover, the changes in the levels of antioxidants were much more prominent when these toxicants were given in combination rather than alone. Overall, these results demonstrate the changes in the levels of antioxidant enzymes and GSH system, as well as alterations in the LPO and H(2)O(2) levels as a result of test toxicants.

Protective effects of Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang on amyloid beta-induced damage in vivo and in vitro

This study was designed to determine the effects of Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang on amyloid-beta(25-35)-induced cognitive deficits in rats and neurotoxicity in pheochromocytoma cells and the possible mechanism of action. In vivo studies showed that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang significantly ameliorated the spatial memory and retention deficits, decreased acetylcholinesterase activity, and increased acetylcholine content caused by intracerebroventricular injection of amyloid-beta(25-35). In vitro results showed that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang increased cell viability and the activity of superoxide dismutase and catalase and decreased the release of lactate dehydrogenase and the level of malondialdehyde. Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang also significantly reduced the percentage of apoptotic cells and blocked the increase in the intracellular concentration of Ca(2+). These data suggest that Wu-Zi-Yan-Zong-Fang has potent protective effects for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease in future.

The protective role of HO-1 and its generated products (CO, bilirubin, and Fe) in ethanol-induced human hepatocyte damage

It has been reported that naturally occurring quercetin exerts hepatoprotective effects through heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction. However, the precise mechanism of how ethanol-associated liver damage is counteracted by quercetin-enhanced HO-1 metabolism still remains unclear. To further decipher the protective role of quercetin on ethanol-induced liver damage, we treated human hepatocytes with quercetin and various (end) products of the HO-1 pathway. Our data clearly showed that quercetin treatment attenuated ethanol-induced damage, whereas hemoglobin and zinc protoporphyrin 9 (ZnPP) abolished such effects. Iron-II aggravated ethanol toxicity and was only partially reduced by quercetin. In contrast, carbon monoxide (CO) dose dependently inhibited ethanol-induced cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP 2E1) activity and hepatotoxicity but had no influence on CYP 2E1 protein expression. Similarly, hemoglobin dramatically stimulated CYP 2E1 activity but not the protein expression in quercetin- and ethanol-cotreated hepatocytes. ZnPP significantly promoted CYP 2E1 protein expression in the presence and absence of CO treatment but inhibited ethanol-induced CYP 2E1 activation following CO incubation in quercetin- and ethanol-cotreated hepatocytes. These results suggested that quercetin virtually attenuated ethanol-derived oxidative damage via HO-1 induction. Heme degradation and CO release may mediate the protective effects through inhibiting ethanol-induced CYP 2E1 synthesis and enzymatic activity, respectively.

Heme oxygenase-1 upregulated by Ginkgo biloba extract: Potential protection against ethanol-induced oxidative liver damage

Oxidative stress plays a pivotal role in the pathogenesis and progression of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and HO-1 induction is suggested to protect hepatocytes from ethanol hepatotoxicity. Here, we present the data to explore the hepatoprotective effect and underlying mechanism(s) of Ginkgo biloba extract (EGB), a naturally occurring HO-1 inducer, against ethanol-induced oxidative damage. Ethanol-fed (2.4 g/kg) male rats were pretreated by EGB (48 or 96 mg/kg) for 90 days. Liver damage was evaluated by histopathology and serum aminotransferase assay. Hepatic redox parameters were measured by spectrophotometry. Heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression was determined by RT-PCR and flow cytometry on mRNA and protein level, respectively. Our results showed that EGB, especially at high dose, ameliorated ethanol-induced macrovesicular steatosis and parenchymatous degeneration in hepatocytes, and decreased serum aminotransferases level. Furthermore, EGB reduced ethanol-derived glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation, and inhibited the inactivation of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase, although EGB itself had no influence on such parameters. Importantly, EGB induced hepatic microsomal HO-1 on mRNA, protein expression and enzymatic activity, which is paralleled to the EGB-derived hepatoprotective effect. Hence, HO-1 upregulation by EGB may enhance the antioxidative capacity against the ethanol-induced oxidative stress and maintain the cellular redox balance.

Quercetin protects human hepatocytes from ethanol-derived oxidative stress by inducing heme oxygenase-1 via the MAPK/Nrf2 pathways

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Flavonoids, including quercetin, have been reported to have potent hepatoprotective effects, which may be associated with HO-1 induction. However, since the effect and signaling pathway of quercetin involved in HO-1 induction against alcoholic liver damage are still not fully understood, this is the target of the present study.

METHODS

Human hepatocytes were incubated with ethanol (100 mM) and quercetin (10-200 microM), and cellular damage and HO-1 activity were measured. Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions was studied following the incubation with MAPK inhibitor(s).

RESULTS

Ethanol exposure resulted in a sustained glutathione depletion, malondialdehyde elevation, and evident release of cellular LDH and AST. Quercetin exerted a dose-dependent protective effect against alcoholic oxidative stress, and increased the EC50 of ethanol by approx. 40%, which is parallel to HO-1 induction with quercetin. Zinc protoporphyrin-9 abrogated the protective effect and dramatically enhanced ethanol cytotoxicity. SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and especially PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) blocked quercetin-derived HO-1 induction and Nrf2 translocation, and subsequently inhibited the quercetin-related protection.

CONCLUSIONS

HO-1 up-regulation by quercetin protected human hepatocytes from ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Among MAPK signaling pathways, p38 and ERK mediated quercetin-derived Nrf2 translocation into nuclei and subsequent induction of HO-1 activity, and the latter showed a stronger mediating effect.