Hepatotoxicity and hepatoprotection of Polygonum multiflorum Thund. as two sides of the same biological coin

Integrated multi-omics analyses combined with western blotting discovered that cis-TSG alleviated liver injury via modulating lipid metabolism

Background: Polygonum multiflorum shows dual hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects. The bioactive components responsible for these effects are unknown. This study investigates whether cis-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (cis-TSG), a stilbene glycoside, has hepatoprotective and/or hepatotoxic effects in a liver injury model. Methods: C57BL/6J mice were administered α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) to induce cholestasis, followed by treatment with cis-TSG. Hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects were assessed using serum biomarkers, liver histology, and metabolomic and lipidomic profiling. Transcriptomic analysis were conducted to explore gene expression changes associated with lipid and bile acid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress. Results and Discussion: ANIT administration caused significant liver injury, evident from elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels and dysregulated lipid metabolism. cis-TSG treatment markedly reduced ALT and AST levels, normalized lipid profiles, and ameliorated liver damage, as seen histologically. Metabolomic and lipidomic analyses revealed that cis-TSG influenced key pathways, notably glycerophospholipid metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, and bile acid biosynthesis. The treatment with cis-TSG increased monounsaturated and polyunsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs and PUFAs), enhancing peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPARα) activity. Transcriptomic data confirmed these findings, showing the downregulation of genes linked to lipid metabolism, inflammation, and oxidative stress in the cis-TSG-treated group. The findings suggest that cis-TSG has a hepatoprotective effect through modulation of lipid metabolism and PPARα activation.

Enantioselective toxicity effect and mechanisms of bifenthrin enantiomers on normal human hepatocytes

In recent decades, the toxicity of chiral pesticides to non-target organisms has attracted increasing attention. Cellular metabolic disorders are essential sensitive molecular initiating event for toxicological effects. BF is a typical chiral pesticide, and the liver is the main organ for BF accumulation. This study aimed to investigate the potential molecular mechanism of BF enantiomers' different toxic effects on L02 by a non-targeted metabolomic approach. Results revealed that the BF enantiomers exhibited different metabolic responses. In total, 51 and 36 differential metabolites were perturbed by 1S-cis-BF and 1R-cis-BF at the value of variable importance, respectively. When L02 were exposed to 1R-cis-BF, the significantly disturbed metabolic pathways were nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism and pyrimidine metabolism. By comparison, more significantly perturbed metabolic pathways were received when the L02 were exposed to 1S-cis-BF, including glycine, serine and threonine metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, cysteine and methionine metabolism, glycerolipid metabolism, histidine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism and arginine biosynthesis. The results offer a new perspective in understanding the role of selective cytotoxicity of BF enantiomers, and help to evaluate the risk to human health at the enantiomeric level.

Research progress on hepatotoxicity mechanism of polygonum multiflorum and its main components

As a traditional tonic Chinese medicine, Polygonum multiflorum is widely used in clinical practice. However, with the deepening of modern pharmacological research, its drug toxicity, especially hepatotoxicity, has become increasingly prominent. Based on a large number of clinical and experimental evidence, it has been confirmed that Polygonum multiflorum and its main active ingredients such as anthraquinones and diphenylethylene glucoside can cause different degrees of hepatotoxicity. Further studies have shown that the toxicological mechanisms involved in the hepatotoxicity of different extracts and components of Polygonum multiflorum may include oxidative phosphorylation, bile acid excretion, different metabolic pathways, genetic and metabolic factors, immune homeostasis, etc. By sorting out and summarizing the literature related to hepatotoxicity of Polygonum multiflorum in recent years, this paper discussed the hepatotoxicity mechanism of Polygonum multiflorum and its main components and some contradictions in related reports.

A new insight into mechanism of colchicine poisoning based on untargeted metabolomics

BACKGROUND

Colchicine (COL) is a well-known plant-derived mitogenic toxin that has been widely applied for the treatment of immune system diseases and various cancers. However, its clinical use is severely limited by frequent occurrence of poisoning accidents, and the mechanism of COL poisoning is not clear yet.

PURPOSE

The present study aimed to unveil how COL works as a toxin based on untargeted metabolomics analysis of animal models and clinical human case.

METHODS

KM mice orally administered COL were used to establish poisoning models, and plasma samples were collected for untargeted metabolomics analysis. The data mining was performed to screen dose-dependent differences and disturbed metabolic pathways. The blood samples collected from clinical COL poisoning human case at various time points during treatment period were further analyzed to investigate the temporal changes in the metabolic disposition of COL in vivo and also verify the findings from mice. Finally, the expression of key pathways was evaluated by ELISA and Western blotting analysis.

RESULTS

Histological examination demonstrated systemic toxicity of COL poisoning in mice. Metabolite profiling analysis of plasma samples from model mice and clinical case both revealed that COL poisoning could significantly disturb in vivo metabolism of amino acid and lipid metabolism by the FXR/AMPK signal pathway. Quantitative monitoring of the metabolic process of COL further demonstrated that it could be greatly ameliorated with the rapid metabolic transformation of COL in vivo, which thus may be an effective detoxification pathway for COL poisoning.

CONCLUSION

The findings of the present study provided new insight into the molecular mechanism of COL poisoning, thus helpful for guiding reasonable application of this phytotoxin.

Mechanism of the Effect of Compound Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl. Oral Liquid in Treating Alcoholic Rat Liver Injury by Metabolomics

Purpose

Compound Anoectochilus roxburghii (Wall.) Lindl oral liquid (CAROL) is often as a hepatoprotective agent. The present study aimed to elucidate the protective mechanism of CAROL against alcoholic liver injury in rats by untargeted metabolomics combined with multivariate statistical analysis.

Methods

An alcoholic liver disease model was established in sprague-dawley (SD) rats by gavage of alcohol, and CAROL treatment was administered. The hepatoprotective effect of CAROL was evaluated by examining liver tissues changes and detecting biochemical index activities and cytokines in serum and liver homogenates. The metabolites in serum samples were examined using ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-QTOF/MS) and multivariate statistical analysis to screen for differentially expressed metabolites and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) to assess potential metabolic pathways.

Results

CAROL has the potential to downregulate inflammation levels and alleviate oxidative stress. The differential metabolites are mainly engaged in riboflavin metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis metabolism, phenylalanine metabolism, pyrimidine metabolism, and vitamin B6 metabolism to achieve hepatoprotective effects.

Conclusion

CAROL may exhibit beneficial hepatoprotective effects by reducing inflammation, mitigating oxidative stress, and modulating metabolites and their metabolic pathways.This study has important implications for advancing the clinical application of CAROL.

Pharmacokinetic characteristics of emodin in polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (Zhiheshouwu) has been a Wudang Taoist medicine for tonifying the liver and kidney, resolving turbidity and reducing lipid. Emodin is one of the active anthraquinones in Zhiheshouwu. Our previous studies showed that emodin (EM) and the other anthraquinones in Zhiheshouwu extract (HSWE) exerted similar inhibitory effects on liver cancer cells in vitro. However, it is still unknown if the other anthraquinones enhance pharmacokinetics (PK) of EM in HSWE in vivo.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In this study, we compared the PK characteristics of EM alone with that in Zhiheshouwu aiming to explore which anthraquinones in HSWE contribute to the changed PK of EM in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Quality control of HSWE was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The ratios of emodin to other anthraquinones, physcion (PH), chrysophanol (CH), rhein (RH), aloe-emodin (AE), emodin-8-O-β-D-glycoside (EMG), physcion-1-O-β-D-glycoside (PHG) and chrysophanol-8-O-β-D-glycoside (CHG) in HSWE were determined and analyzed using UPLC combined with tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC/MS). The PK parameters and intestinal tissue concentration of EM alone, EM in HSWE, or with other anthraquinones in SD rats were analyzed using UPLC/MS.

RESULTS

The quality of the Zhiheshouwu samples met the quality standard of the Chinese Pharmacopoeia (Version 2020). The PK results showed that compared with EM alone, C_max (239.90 ± 146.71 vs. 898.46 ± 291.62, P < 0.001), T_max (0.26 ± 0.15 vs. 12.55 ± 1.33, P < 0.001), AUC_0-t (1575.09 ± 570.46 vs. 12154.96 ± 5394.25, P < 0.001), and AUC_0-∞ (4742.51 ± 1837.62 vs. 37131.34 ± 21647.39, P < 0.001) of EM in HSWE were decreased due to PH and EMG, while the values of V_d (380.75 ± 217.74 vs. 11.75 ± 7.35, P < 0.001), T_1/2 (10.81 ± 1.99 vs. 6.65 ± 2.76, P < 0.05) and CL (19.30 ± 7.82 vs. 2.78 ± 1.88, P < 0.001) of EM in HSWE were increased due to PH and AE. In addition, the intestinal tissue concentration of emodin in HSWE was decreased compared with that of EM alone in 20 and 780 min (25.37 ± 5.98 vs. 43.29 ± 4.16 and 26.72 ± 4.03 vs. 43.40 ± 14.19, respectively. P < 0.05) dominantly due to RH and PH.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, compared with treatment of EM alone, the AUC_0-t value of EM in HSWE was decreased with different ways in rats. PH shortened T_max, and increased V_d and CL. While AE prolonged T_1/2 of EM. This indicated that the other anthraquinones in HSWE changed the PK of EM in rats and participated in the complex effects of EM on liver cancer. Besides the other anthraquinones, other components (e.g., 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside) in Zhiheshouwu may contribute in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic interactions with EM for anti-liver cancer.

Integrated spatially resolved metabolomics and network toxicology to investigate the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of component D of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The liver toxicity of Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke. (Polygonaceae) (Polygonum multiflorum Thunb, PM) has always attracted much attention, but the related toxicity materials and mechanisms have not been elucidated due to multi-component and multi-target characteristics. In previous hepatotoxicity screening, different components of PM were first evaluated and the hepatotoxicity of component D [95% ethanol (EtOH) elution] in a 70% EtOH extract of PM (PM-D) showed the highest hepatotoxicity. Furthermore, the main components of PM-D were identified and their hepatotoxicity was evaluated based on a zebrafish embryo model. However, the hepatotoxicity mechanism of PM-D is unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work is to explore the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of PM-D by integrating network toxicology and spatially resolved metabolomics strategy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A hepatotoxicity interaction network of PM-D was constructed based on toxicity target prediction for eight key toxic ingredients and a hepatotoxicity target collection. Then the key signaling pathways were enriched, and molecular docking verification was implemented to evaluate the ability of toxic ingredients to bind to the core targets. The pathological changes of liver tissues and serum biochemical assays of mice were used to evaluate the liver injury effect of mice with oral administration of PM-D. Furthermore, spatially resolved metabolomics was used to visualize significant differences in metabolic profiles in mice after drug administration, to screen hepatotoxicity-related biomarkers and analyze metabolic pathways.

RESULTS

The contents of four key toxic compounds in PM-D were detected. Network toxicology identified 30 potential targets of liver toxicity of PM-D. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses indicated that the hepatotoxicity of PM-D involved multiple biological activities, including cellular response to endogenous stimulus, organonitrogen compound metabolic process, regulation of the apoptotic process, regulation of kinase, regulation of reactive oxygen species metabolic process and signaling pathways including PI3K-Akt, AMPK, MAPK, mTOR, Ras and HIF-1. The molecular docking confirmed the high binding activity of 8 key toxic ingredients with 10 core targets, including mTOR, PIK3CA, AKT1, and EGFR. The high distribution of metabolites of PM-D in the liver of administrated mice was recognized by mass spectrometry imaging. Spatially resolved metabolomics results revealed significant changes in metabolic profiles after PM-D administration, and metabolites such as taurine, taurocholic acid, adenosine, and acyl-carnitines were associated with PM-D-induced liver injury. Enrichment analyses of metabolic pathways revealed tht linolenic acid and linoleic acid metabolism, carnitine synthesis, oxidation of branched-chain fatty acids, and six other metabolic pathways were significantly changed. Comprehensive analysis revealed that the hepatotoxicity caused by PM-D was closely related to cholestasis, mitochondrial damage, oxidative stress and energy metabolism, and lipid metabolism disorders.

CONCLUSIONS

In this study, the hepatotoxicity mechanisms of PM-D were comprehensively identified through an integrated spatially resolved metabolomics and network toxicology strategy, providing a theoretical foundation for the toxicity mechanisms of PM and its safe clinical application.

Hepatotoxic metabolites in Polygoni Multiflori Radix— Comparative toxicology in mice

Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PM) and Rhei radix et rhizoma (rhubarb) contain similar hepatocyte-toxic anthraquinones such as emodin (major free anthraquinone in PM), physcion and their glycosides. In clinical practice, PM hepatotoxicity has been widely reported, although rhubarb is not recognized as hepatotoxic. To clarify the substances basis (key components) of PM hepatotoxicity, based on the characteristic components’ similarity within PM, rhubarb and their concocted forms, a comparative sub-acute toxicity study was designed in mice. Nine groups of mice with 28 days of oral administration of these herbal extracts or 2,3,5,4′-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (TSG, major and unique characteristic component in PM)-herb combinations were set as follows: Group-1, control; Group-2, PM ethanol-extract (PME); Group-3, PM praeparata ethanol-extract (PMPE); Group-4, Rhubarb ethanol-extract (RME); Group-5, Steamed rhubarb ethanol-extract (RMPE); Group-6, TSG; Group-7, PMPE-TSG combination; Group-8, RME-TSG combination; Group-9, RMPE-TSG combination. Each experimental group received an equivalent emodin dose of 29 mg/kg except for the TSG group, and an equivalent TSG dose of 1,345 mg/kg except for the PMPE, RME and RMPE groups. The results showed that PME, PMPE-TSG and RME-TSG induced liver lesions and biochemical abnormalities of liver function compared with the control. In contrast, PMPE, RME, RMPE, TSG and RMPE-TSG caused no liver lesions and fewer biochemical abnormalities. Considering the related components, only the co-administration of high doses of TSG and emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EMG, major anthraquinone glycoside in PM) in these groups could cause liver lesions. According to tissue distribution and correlation analysis, EMG dose was positively correlated with the high hepatic emodin and TSG exposure, and the hepatic emodin and TSG exposure were positively correlated with the biochemical abnormalities of liver function. Cell viability test in vitro showed emodin was more hepatotoxic than TSG and EMG, and mainly emodin and TSG of the three had synergistic hepatotoxic effects. Therefore, creatively using rhubarb as a reference, this study revealed that PM hepatotoxicity in mice mainly came from the integrative contribution of TSG, EMG and emodin.

Detoxification technology and mechanism of processing with Angelicae sinensis radix in reducing the hepatotoxicity induced by rhizoma Dioscoreae bulbiferae in vivo

Rhizoma Dioscoreae Bulbiferae (RDB) was effective on relieving cough and expectorant but accompanied by severe toxicity, especially in hepatotoxicity. A previous study found that processing with Angelicae Sinensis Radix (ASR) reduced RDB-induced hepatotoxicity. However, up to now, the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB has not been explored or optimized, and the detoxification mechanism is still unknown. This study evaluated the detoxification technology and possible mechanism of processing with ASR on RDB-induced hepatotoxicity. The optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB was optimized by the content of diosbulbin B (DB), the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and histopathological analysis. The processing detoxification mechanism was evaluated by detecting the antioxidant levels of nuclear factor E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1), glutamylcysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLM), and the levels of downstream antioxidant factors of Nrf2. Besides, the antitussive and expectorant efficacy of RDB was also investigated. This work found that processing with ASR attenuated RDB-induced hepatotoxicity, which can be verified by reducing the levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, and reversing the pathological changes of liver histomorphology. And the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB is “processing at a mass ratio of 100:20 (RDB:ASR) and a temperature of 140°C for 10 min.” Further results corroborated that the intervention of processed products of ASR-processed RDB remarkably upregulated the Nrf2/HO-1/NQO1/GCLM protein expression levels in liver, and conserved antitussive and expectorant efficacy of RDB. The above findings comprehensively indicated that the optimized processing process of ASR-processed RDB was “processing at a mass ratio of 100:20 (RDB:ASR) and a temperature of 140°C for 10 min,” and the processing detoxification mechanism involved enhancing the level of Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense in liver as a key target organ.

Exploration of the Protective Mechanism of Naringin in the Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatic Injury by Metabolomics

Naringin is a dihydroflavone which was found in citrus fruits. Previous studies have indicated the antiapoptotic, antioxidative stress, and anti-inflammatory effects of naringin. It can improve many common diseases, including fibrosis or hepatotoxicity, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Acetaminophen (APAP) is a frequently used painkiller, and hepatotoxic side effects limit its use. The purpose of the current examination is to find the impact of naringin on APAP-induced hepatic injury. Firstly, we pretreated mice model groups with naringin. Then, the liver injury model was established by injecting intraperitoneally into mice with APAP. After the mice were euthanized, we obtained serum and liver tissue samples from the mice. Finally, these samples were analyzed using a metabolomics approach to find the underlying mechanism of the effects of naringin on APAP-induced liver injury and provide a new treatment strategy for APAP-induced liver injury. Our data indicate that naringin significantly improves APAP-induced liver injury in mice and reduces the expression levels of liver injury markers in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, analysis of differential metabolites in mice with liver injury showed that naringin reduced APAP-induced hepatotoxicity due to reversing multiple metabolite expression levels and the rescue of energy, amino acid, and purine metabolism.

Metabolic response of earthworms (Pheretima guillemi) to silver nanoparticles in sludge-amended soil

Silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) can enter soils via the application of sludge and pose risks to soil invertebrates. However, current knowledge regarding the toxicity of AgNPs at environmentally relevant concentration is insufficient, especially at the molecular level. Therefore, we examined the effects of low-level AgNPs (7.2 mg kg^-1, dry weight) on the bioaccumulation, pathology and metabolism of earthworms (Pheretima guillemi). After exposure for 28 d, earthworms were dissected into digestive system and the rest of the body to explore the response of different body parts to AgNPs. Ag concentration in the digestive system of exposed group (2.5 mg kg^-1, dry weight) was significantly higher than that of the control group (0.5 mg kg^-1, dry weight). AgNPs exposure had no significant effects on the survival and growth, but induced intestinal damage and metabolic interference to earthworms relative to the control. Metabolomics analysis showed that AgNPs exposure disturbed the glycerophospholipid metabolism, glutathione metabolism and energy metabolism in the digestive system and the energy metabolism in the rest of the body. AgNPs exposure also induced lipid peroxidation in the digestive system. The different metabolic responses between two body parts highlighted the importance of the uptake routes of Ag. These results provide a biochemical insight for the risk assessment of low-level AgNPs in terrestrial environment.

Beware of the Potential Risks for Polygoni Multiflori Caulis-Induced Liver Injury

Background: Reynoutria multiflora (Thunb.) Moldenke (PM) is a widely-used medicinal plant in China, whose root and stem are included in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia as Polygoni Multiflori Radix (RPM), Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata (PMP), and Polygoni Multiflori Caulis (PMC). The hepatotoxicity of RPM and PMP is concerned by the public, while the risk of PMC is ignored. Purpose: Here, we investigate the potential risks for PMC-induced liver injury from clinical, chemical, and animal features. Study design: First, we analyzed the 12-month usage of RPM, PMP, and PMC in Longhua Hospital. Second, we determined the contents of gallic acid, cis-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (cis-SG), trans-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside (trans-SG), emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside (EG), physcion-8-O-β-D-glucoside (PG), emodin, and physcion in the water extracts from 15 batches of RPM, PMP, and PMC. Third, we probed the hepatotoxic effect of RPM, PMP, and PMC in mice and explored the mechanism of cis-SG and trans-SG causing the liver injury at the dosages based on our results from the first and second parts. Results: PMC had nearly five times the amount of usage in both outpatient prescriptions and inpatient orders than RPM and PMP. Overall, 68% dosage of PMC was 30 g. The contents of cis-SG, trans-SG, and emodin in PMC water extracts were significantly lower than those in RPM and PMP water extracts. PMC induced milder idiosyncratic liver injury for its lower content of cis-SG and trans-SG than its root counterparts. Conclusion: The potential risks for PMC-induced liver injury should be fully aware of.

Ultrasonic Solvent Extraction Followed by Dispersive Solid Phase Extraction (d-SPE) Cleanup for the Simultaneous Determination of Five Anthraquinones in Polygonum multiflorum by UHPLC-PDA

A rapid and effective ultra-high performance liquid chromatography (UHPLC) method was developed for the determination of five anthraquinones (emodin, physcion, aloe-emodin, rhein, and chrysophanol) in Polygonum multiflorum. The target compounds were ultrasonically extracted with 70% methanol, followed by dispersive solid-phase extraction (d-SPE) with HC-C18 and desorption with acetonitrile. The five anthraquinones were separated on an ACQUITY UPLC® HSS T3 column (2.1 × 100 mm, 1.8 μm) and detected by a photodiode array detector (PDA) at 254 nm. Under the optimized conditions, linear relationships were achieved in the range of 0.3~100 mg/L for emodin, 0.3~40 mg/L for physcion, 0.1~20 mg/L for aloe-emodin, and 0.05~20 mg/L for rhein and chrysophanol. The limits of detection of the five analytes ranged from 0.01 to 0.08 mg/L, and the recoveries were within the range of 82.8~118.4% with an RSD (n = 6) of 1.0~10.3%. The intra-day and inter-day precision (n = 5) of the five targets were in the range of 1.0~1.8% and 3.0~3.1%, respectively. Furthermore, this method was applied to analyses of Polygonum multiflorum samples collected from different regions in China with satisfactory results. All the results indicated that this method is suitable for the detection of five anthraquinones in Polygonum multiflorum.

Simultaneously screening multiple UGT1A1 inhibitors from Polygonum multiflorum root using ultrafiltration liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry

The liver injury induced by Polygonum multiflorum root (PMR) is an urgent issue requiring wide spread attention. UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1A1 (UGT1A1) inhibitors are suspected to additively contribute to the hepatotoxicity of PMR. This study was deliberately designed to simultaneously screen the UGT1A1 inhibitors from PMR and their co-contribution to the hepatotoxicity was evaluated. With ultrafiltration coupled to liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry method, four compounds namely cis-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-glucoside, trans-2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxystilbene-2-O-β-D-glucoside, emodin-8-O-β-D-glucoside and emodin were screened out, displaying the in vitro inhibitory activities against UGT1A1 with IC₅₀ values of 76.23, 18.70, 62.18, 34.02 μM, respectively. The varying activities of screened UGT1A1 inhibitors were explained by performing a molecular docking simulation. Finally, zebrafish larvae and mice assays demonstrated that the UGT1A1 inhibitors co-contributed to the hepatotoxicity of PMR. Hopefully, these findings are conducive to understand the acting role of UGT1A1 inhibitors in PMR-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatotoxicity or hepatoprotection of emodin? Two sides of the same coin by 1H-NMR metabolomics profiling

Emodin is the major anthraquinone component of many important traditional Chinese herbs, such as Rheum palmatum L. and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. They have been popular health products but recently aroused concerns about their hepatotoxicity, which are believed to be arising from the contained anthraquinones, such as emodin. However, emodin exerts potent hepatoprotective ability, such as anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, 1H NMR based metabolomics approach, complemented with histopathological observation, biochemical measurements, western blotting analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), was applied to interpret the paradox of emodin (30 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg BW) using both healthy mice (male, ICR) and chronic CCl4-injured mice (0.1 mL/kg, 0.35% CCl4, 3 times a week for a month). Emodin exerted a weight loss property associated with its lipid-lowing effects, which helped alleviate CCl4-induced steatosis. Emodin effectively ameliorated CCl4-induced oxidative stress and energy metabolism dysfunction in mice liver via regulating glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and inhibited excessive inflammatory response. In healthy mice, emodin only exhibited hepatoxicity on high-dosage by disturbing hepatic anti-oxidant homeostasis, especially GSH and xanthine metabolism. This integrated metabolomics approach identified the bidirectional potential of emodin, which are important for its rational use.

The composition differences between small black beans and big black beans from different habitats and its effects on the processing of Polygonum multiflorum

INTRODUCTION

The roots of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) serve as a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which has multiple biological activities. However, many cases of hepatotoxicity in PM have been reported in recent years. Processing PM with black beans decoction is one of the typical processing methods to reduce the hepatotoxicity of PM since ancient times.

OBJECTIVES

To find potential effective constituents, as well as the optimal variety and origin of black beans for the processing of PM.

METHODS

Based on ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography Q-Orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS) analysis, we measured the contents of the two potential toxic compounds (emodin-8-O-glucoside and torachrysone-O-hexose) in raw PM (R-PM), PM processed with big black beans (B-PM) and PM processed with small black beans (S-PM). The flow cytometry method analysed the effects of different processed products of PM on apoptosis of L02 cells in different drug concentration. Proton nuclear magnetic resonance (¹ H-NMR) and UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap-MS together with multivariate statistical analysis were used to systematically analyse the different components between small black beans (Small-BB) and big black beans (Big-BB) from 30 different habitats.

RESULTS

The toxicity was ranked from small to large: S-PM < B-PM < R-PM. Processing PM with black beans could significantly decrease the apoptosis rate of L02 cells, especially when the drug concentration is 80 μg/mL. Besides, we find five differential compounds (α-arabinose, α-galactose, proline, isomer of daidzein and isomer of genistein) may be potential active ingredients. In terms of the black beans collected from 30 producing areas, we find that Small-BB from Weifang in Shandong province was optimum to processing PM, followed by Shangqiu in Henan province, Jilin and Liaoning province.

CONCLUSION

The ingredients that affect the processing of PM may be attributed to α-arabinose, α-galactose, proline, isomer of daidzein and isomer of genistein in black beans. When the drug concentration is higher, the effect of reducing the hepatotoxicity of PM is better. Besides, Small-BB was more effective than Big-BB for reducing the toxicity of PM, especially Small-BB from Weifang in Shandong, Shangqiu in Henan province and northeast China.

Ganoderma applanatum mushroom provides new insights into the management of diabetes mellitus, hyperlipidemia, and hepatic degeneration: A comprehensive analysis

This study was undertaken to evaluate the antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects of methanol and aqueous extracts of Ganoderma applanatum (MEGA, AEGA) in alloxan-induced diabetic rats. The antidiabetic study was implemented by the induction of alloxan to the rats. The analysis of the hypolipidemic and liver-protective effects of fungus extracts was studied by estimating the lipid profile and the liver marker enzymes. Besides, in silico screening of the compounds of Ganoderma applanatum has been incorporated thus to check the binding affinity of compounds and enzymes affinity. The Discovery Studio 2020, UCSF Chimera, and PyRx AutoDock Vina have been used to implement the docking analysis. Nine days of oral feeding of MEGA and AEGA of Ganoderma applanatum resulted in a significant (p < .001) reduction in blood glucose, lipid profile, and liver marker enzymes. Besides, Myrocin C scored the highest score in the docking study. The biological and computational approaches suggested the MEGA and AEGA could be a potential source for antidiabetic, hypolipidemic, and hepatoprotective effects.

Activation of Adenosine A1 Receptor in Ischemic Stroke: Neuroprotection by Tetrahydroxy Stilbene Glycoside as an Agonist

Ischemic stroke is the main cause of death/disability, posing a great menace to human health. Though efforts to search for therapeutic drugs are ongoing, few of them have succeeded. Adenosine A₁ receptor (A1R) activation could ameliorate ischemic injury, representing a very tempting target for stroke treatment. Tetrahydroxy stilbene glycoside (TSG), a potent antioxidant from the well-known Chinese herb Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., has been reported to have notable neuroprotective activities but the underlying mechanisms are elusive. This study investigated the mechanism of TSG focusing on A1R. TSG markedly decreased mortality, neurological deficit score, cerebral infarct size and brain water content of MCAO rats, and ameliorated the disorders in purine metabolism, energy metabolism and antioxidative defense system. TSG helped the survival of SH-SY5Y cells in OGD/R by alleviating oxidative stress and glutamate release, and by maintaining calcium homeostasis. TSG effects were abolished by A1R antagonist DPCPX. Docking and binding assays confirmed the binding of TSG with A1R. In addition, TSG upregulated the A1R level lowered by MCAO and OGD/R. The downstream signals of A1R activation, ERK1/2, HIF-1α and NF-κB contributed to the neuroprotection of TSG. Moreover, void of “well-known” cardiovascular side effects of classical A1R agonists, TSG showcased its great potential for stroke treatment.

High-Throughput Identification of Organic Compounds from Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (Zhiheshouwu) by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS

Polygoni Multiflori Radix Praeparata (PMRP), as the processed product of tuberous roots of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb., is one of the most famous traditional Chinese medicines, with a long history. However, in recent years, liver adverse reactions linked to PMRP have been frequently reported. Our work attempted to investigate the chemical constituents of PMRP for clinical research and safe medication. In this study, an effective and rapid method was established to separate and characterize the constituents in PMRP by combining ultra-high performance liquid chromatography with hybrid quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap-MS). Based on the accurate mass measurements for molecular and characteristic fragment ions, a total of 103 compounds, including 24 anthraquinones, 21 stilbenes, 15 phenolic acids, 14 flavones, and 29 other compounds were identified or tentatively characterized. Forty-eight compounds were tentatively characterized from PMRP for the first time, and their fragmentation behaviors were summarized. There were 101 components in PMRP ethanol extract (PMRPE) and 91 components in PMRP water extract (PMRPW). Simultaneously, the peak areas of several potential xenobiotic components were compared in the detection, which showed that PMRPE has a higher content of anthraquinones and stilbenes. The obtained results can be used in pharmacological and toxicological research and provided useful information for further in vitro and in vivo studies.

Polygonum multiflorum: Recent updates on newly isolated compounds, potential hepatotoxic compounds and their mechanisms

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb.(PM), (known as Heshouwu () in China) is one of the most important and well mentioned Chinese medicinal herbs in the literature for its use in blackening hair, nourishing liver and kidney, anti-aging, anti-hyperlipidemia, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, hepatoprotection, cardio-protection and improving age-related cognitive dysfunction. The purpose of this review is to give a comprehensive and recent update on PM: new compounds or isolated for the first time, potential hepatotoxic compounds and their mechanisms. Moreover, future perspectives and challenges in the future study of this plant are conversed which will make a new base for further study on PM.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive review of relevant published literature on PM using the scientific databases SCOPUS, PubMed, and Science Direct was done.

RESULTS

PM is broadly produced in many provinces of China and well known in other Eastern Asian Countries for its ethno-medical uses. Previous phytochemical investigation of PM had led to the isolation of more than 175 compounds including recently isolated 70 new compounds. Most of the new compounds isolated after 2015 are majorly dianthrone glycosides and stilbene glycosides. Processing has also a significant effect on chemical composition, pharmacological activities, and toxicity of PM. PM-induced liver injury is increasing after the first report in Hong Kong in 1996. Hepatotoxicity of PM was constantly reported in Japan, Korea, China, Australia, Britain, Italy, and other countries although its toxicity is related to idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. More interestingly, although there is indispensable interest to predict idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM and understand its mechanisms, the responsible hepatotoxic compounds and mechanisms of liver damage induced by PM are still not clear. There is a big controversy on the identification of the most responsible constituent. Anthraquinone and stilbene compounds in PM, mainly emodine and TSG are mentioned in the literature to be the main responsible hepatotoxic compounds. However, comparing the two compounds, which one is the more critical toxic agent for PM-induced hepatotoxicity is not well answered. Affecting different physiological and metabolic pathways such as oxidative phosphorylation and TCA cycle pathway, metabolic pathways, bile acid excretion pathway and genetic polymorphisms are among the mechanisms of hepatotoxicity of PM.

CONCLUSION

Deeper and effective high throughput experimental studies are still research hotspots to know the most responsible constituent and the mechanism of PM-induced hepatotoxicity.

Metabolomics based comprehensive investigation of Gardeniae Fructus induced hepatotoxicity

Gardeniae Fructus (Zhizi in Chinese, ZZ in brief), a commonly used herbal medicine, has aroused wide concern for hepatotoxicity, but the mechanism remains to be investigated. This study was aimed at investigating the mechanism of ZZ-induced liver injury in vivo and in vitro based on metabolomics and evaluating the hepatotoxicity prediction ability of the in vitro model. SD rats were administered with extracted ZZ and HepG2 cells were treated with genipin, the major hepatotoxic metabolite of ZZ. Liver, plasma, intracellular and extracellular samples were obtained for metabolomics analysis. As a result, ZZ caused plasma biochemical and liver histopathological alterations in rats, and induced purine and amino acid metabolism disorder in the liver and pyrimidine, primary bile acids, amino acid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis disorder in the plasma. Pyrimidine, purine, amino acid metabolism and pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis were also found to be disturbed in the genipin-treated HepG2 cells, which exhibited similarity with the result in vivo. This study comprehensively illustrates the underlying mechanism involved in ZZ-related hepatotoxicity from the aspect of metabolome, and provides evidence that identifying hepatotoxicity can be achieved in cells, representing a non-animal alternative for systemic toxicology.

Investigation of the idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. through metabolomics using GC-MS

BACKGROUND

The idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of Polygonum multiflorum (PM) has attracted considerable interest, but the idiosyncratically hepatotoxic components and endogenous metabolite changes resulting from idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity of PM are not well understood. The aim of this study was to identify the idiosyncratically hepatotoxic components and potential endogenous metabolic biomarkers for PM-induced liver injury.

METHODS

Serum biochemical indicators and hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining were evaluated to identify pathological changes. Gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC-MS) was performed to identify changes in metabolic biomarkers. Orthogonal projection to latent structures discriminant analysis (OPLS-DA) was applied to determine group clustering trends and differential metabolites.

RESULTS

The results for the liver index, the liver function index and liver pathology showed that Polygonum multiflorum ethanol extract (PME), 50% ethanol elution fractions and tetrahydroxystilbene glucoside (TSG) from PME can induce idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity. TSG was the main idiosyncratically hepatotoxic component. Forty endogenous metabolites were identified in the rat liver. Six biomarkers, including lower levels of L-valine and higher levels of 3-hydroxybutyric acid, hexadecanoic acid, ribose, phosphoric acid and oxalic acid, were related to PM-induced liver injury. These differential biomarkers led to disruptions in amino acid, fatty acid, oxalate, energy and glucose metabolism. A total of 32 types of endogenous metabolites were identified in rat serum. Ten biomarkers were related to the liver injury induced by TSG, including lower levels of L-valine and L-proline and higher levels of urea, caproic acid, DL-malic acid, D-mannose, 3-hydroxybutyric acid, D-galactose, octadecane and hexadecanoic acid. These differential biomarkers led to disruptions in amino acid, glucose and fat metabolism. The mechanism of idiosyncratic hepatotoxicity in PM involves TSG-induced disruptions in amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, energy metabolism and glucose metabolism.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings reflect the material basis and metabolic mechanism of idiosyncratic PM hepatotoxicity.

2,3,5,4'-Tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-beta-d-glucoside induces autophagy-mediated apoptosis in hepatocytes by upregulating miR-122 and inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway: implications for its hepatotoxicity

CONTEXT

The potential hepatotoxicity of Polygoni Multiflori Radix (PMR) has attracted much attention, but the specific mechanism of inducing hepatotoxicity is still unclear due to the complexity of its components.

OBJECTIVE

This study investigated the specific mechanism by which 2,3,5,4'-tetrahydroxy-stilbene-2-O-β-d-glucoside (TSG) regulates hepatotoxicity.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The toxic effects of TSG (10, 100, 1000 μg/mL) on WRL-68 cells were examined using MTT, flow cytometry, and LDH assay after 24 h of incubation. Untreated cells served as the control. Gene and protein expression levels were determined by quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot, respectively. Immunofluorescence analysis was conducted to investigate the expression of light chain 3 (LC3). Luciferase activity assay was used to assess the targeted regulation of RUNX1 by miR-122.

RESULTS

The half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50) of TSG in WRL-68 cells was calculated as 1198.62 μg/mL. TSG (1000 μg/mL) inhibited cell viability and LDH activity and promoted WRL-68 cell apoptosis by inducing autophagy. Subsequent findings showed that TSG induced autophagy and promoted apoptosis in WRL-68 cells by downregulating the levels of p-PI3K, p-Akt, and p-mTOR proteins, while RUNX1 overexpression rescued this inhibition. Additionally, the effect of TSG on hepatocyte apoptosis was reversed by miR-122 knockdown. Furthermore, bioinformatics and dual luciferase reporter assay results indicated that miR-122 targeted RUNX1.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS

Our data demonstrate for the first time that TSG regulates hepatotoxicity, possibly by upregulating miR-122 and inhibiting the RUNX1-mediated PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to promote autophagy and induce hepatocyte apoptosis. Further in vivo research is necessary to verify our conclusion.

UPLC/MS/MS-Based Metabolomics Study of the Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Rats Induced by Polygonum multiflorum Thunb

Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. (PM) is one of the most frequently used natural products in China. Its hepatotoxicity has been proven and reported. However, chronic PM toxicity is a dynamic process, and a few studies have reported the long-term hepatotoxic mechanism of PM or its nephrotoxicity. To elucidate the mechanism of hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity induced by PM after different administration times, different samples from rats were systematically investigated by traditional biochemical analysis, histopathological observation, and nontargeted metabolomics. The concentrations of direct bilirubin (DBIL) at 4 weeks and total bile acid, DBIL, uric acid, and blood urea nitrogen at 8 weeks were significantly increased in the treatment group compared with those in the control group. Approximately, 12 metabolites and 24 proteins were considered as unique toxic biomarkers and targets. Metabolic pathway analysis showed that the primary pathways disrupted by PM were phenylalanine and tyrosine metabolism, which resulted in liver injury, accompanied by chronic kidney injury. As the administration time increased, the toxicity of PM gradually affected vitamin B6, bile acid, and bilirubin metabolism, leading to aggravated liver injury, abnormal biochemical indicators, and marked nephrotoxicity. Our results suggest that the hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity caused by PM are both dynamic processes that affect different metabolic pathways at different administration times, which indicated that PM-induced liver and kidney injury should be treated differently in the clinic according to the degree of injury.

A Serum Metabolomic Study on Rats Induced by Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata by Pattern Recognition and Pathways Analysis

This study focused on the differential metabolomic effects between water extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata in rats. The extracts were subsequently administered for 28 d. Serum biochemical indicators were tested, hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining were used to detect histopathological changes in the livers. Ultra-performance LC/quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry was used to detect the changes in endogenous metabolites. Finally, we performed detailed analysis of the changes in metabolic pathways. Hematoxylin-eosin staining and immunohistochemistry staining results indicated that the water extracts of Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata had mild liver injury effect. Fifty-two differential endogenous biomarkers were confirmed as potential biomarkers between Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata groups. In the positive ion mode, the biomarkers included 31 Phosphatidyl cholines (PCs), six lysoPCs, and ceramide. In the negative ion mode, 12 biomarkers were confirmed, including glycodeoxycholic acid, chenodeoxycholic acid, and deoxycholic acid, etc. In Hydrophilic Interaction Liquid Chromatography (HILIC) mode, nine biomarkers were confirmed, including niacinamide, L-palmitoylcarnitine, and butyrylcarnitine, etc. Using MetaboAnalyst 4.0, six related metabolic pathways, including taurine and hypotaurine metabolism, sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, nicotinate and nicotinamide metabolism, arginine and proline metabolism, and tryptophan metabolism and primary bile synthesis, were confirmed as the most differential pathways between the Polygoni Multiflori Radix and Polygoni Multiflori Radix Preparata groups.

Literature Review of Traditional Chinese Medicine Herbs-Induced Liver Injury From an Oncological Perspective With RUCAM

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbs are commonly regarded to be safe with minimal toxicities in Chinese communities. Cancer patients who are receiving Western oncology therapy often concurrently take TCM herbs for anticancer and symptom relief purposes. We performed a literature review for current evidence on TCM herb–induced liver injury from an oncological perspective. A literature search on PubMed was performed to identify publications regarding TCM herbs and concoctions with hepatoprotective or hepatotoxic properties. Lists of commonly used herbs and their causality levels were compiled. In view of the wide range of evidence available, cases assessed by the well-established RUCAM (Roussel Uclaf Causality Assessment Method) algorithm were categorized as the highest level of evidence. More than one case of TCM herb–induced liver injury was confirmed by RUCAM in the following herbs and concoctions: Lu Cha (Camellia sinensis), Bai Xian Pi (Dictamnus dasycarpus), Tu San Qi (Gynura segetum), Jin Bu Huan (Lycopodium serratum), He Shou Wu (Polygoni multiflora), Ge Gen (Pueraria lobata), Dan Lu Tong Du tablet, Shou Wu Pian, Xiao Chai Hu Tang, Xiao Yin pill, and Yang Xue Sheng Fa capsule. Finally, TCM with anticancer or symptom relief uses were discussed in detail with regard to their hepatotoxic or hepatoprotective properties.