Hepatoprotective effect of grape seed oil against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress in liver of γ-irradiated rat

Evaluation of synergistic/antagonistic antibacterial activities of fatty oils from apricot, date, grape, and black seeds

The increasing antimicrobial resistance requires continuous investigation of new antimicrobial agents preferably derived from natural sources. New powerful antibacterial agents can be produced by simply combining oils that are known for their antibacterial activities. In this study, apricot seed oil (ASO), date seed oil (DSO), grape seed oil (GSO), and black seed oil (BSO) alone and in binary mixtures were assessed. Fatty acid profiles of individual oils and oil mixtures showed linoleic acid, oleic acid, palmitic acid, stearic acid, and linolenic acid contents. Linoleic acid was the most abundant fatty acid in all samples except for ASO, where oleic acid was the dominant one. GSO showed the highest total phenolic content while ASO showed the lowest one. Antibacterial screening was performed against Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Proteus mirabilis, and Staphylococcus aureus. Results showed antibacterial activity in all oils against tested strains except for ASO against S. aureus. Highest antibacterial activity recorded was for ASO against P. mirabilis. ASO-GSO mixture (AG) was the best mixture where it showed synergistic interactions against all strains except P. aeruginosa. In conclusion, seed oil mixtures are likely to show promising antibacterial activities against specific strains.

Protective effect of chicory and/or artichoke leaves extracts on carbon tetrachloride and gamma-irradiation-induced chronic nephrotoxicity in rats

The prevalence of chronic kidney disease (CKD) is in progress that causes kidney failure, leading to global problems. This manuscript investigated the nephroprotective effects of chicory (CLE) and/or artichoke (ALE) leaves extracts on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) and gamma-irradiation (Rad)-induced chronic nephrotoxicity in rats. Rats were divided into 10 groups (10 animals/group): group 1: control, groups 2-7 rats were treated with CLE, ALE, CLE/ALE, CCl4 , Rad, and CCl4 /Rad, respectively. Groups 8 to 10, rats were intoxicated with CCl4 /Rad, and treated with CLE, ALE, and CLE/ALE extracts, respectively, for 4 weeks. The data demonstrated that CCl4 administration or Rad exposure induced high levels of urea and creatinine, with low levels of total protein and albumin in the serum. However, high levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), hydrogen peroxide (H2 O2 ), some pro-inflammatory markers such as interleukins (IL-1β, IL-2, IL-6), TNF-α, NF-κB, the fibrotic marker; TGF-β1, calcium, and copper, low contents of reduced glutathione (GSH), iron, and zinc, and suppression of the antioxidant enzymes' activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) were observed. In addition, the Wnt and β-catenin protein expression ratios were up-regulated in the kidney tissues of the CCl4 , and Rad intoxicated animals. However, the combined treatment CCl4 /Rad augmented these measurements. On the other hand, CLE, ALE, and CLE/ALE treatments demonstrated nephroprotection in the kidney tissues of CCl4 /Rad intoxicated animals, in the order of CLE/ALE>ALE>CLE by ameliorating the investigated parameters. Kidney tissues' histopathological examinations confirmed these results. In conclusion, CLE and/or ALE demonstrated nephroprotection against CCl4 /Rad co-toxicity mediated by down-regulation of renal Wnt/β-catenin protein expressions.

Evaluation of the Reparative Effect of Sinomenine in an Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury Model

Due to its rising global prevalence, liver failure treatments are urgently needed. Sinomenine (SIN), an alkaloid from sinomenium acutum, is being studied for its liver-repair properties due to Acetaminophen (APAP) overdose. SIN's effect on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in rats was examined histologically and biochemically. Three groups of 30 adult male Wistar rats were created: control, APAP-only, and APAP + SIN. Histopathological and biochemical analyses were performed on liver samples after euthanasia. SIN is significantly protected against APAP damage. Compared to APAP-only, SIN reduced cellular injury and preserved hepatocellular architecture. The APAP + SIN Group had significantly lower ALT, MDA, and GSH levels, protecting against hepatocellular damage and oxidative stress. SIN also had dose-dependent antioxidant properties. When examining critical regulatory proteins, SIN partially restored Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) levels. While BMP-7 levels were unaffected, histopathological evidence and hepatocyte damage percentages supported SIN's liver-restorative effect. SIN protected and repaired rats' livers from APAP-induced liver injury. This study suggests that SIN may treat acute liver damage, warranting further research into its long-term effects, optimal dosage, and clinical applications. These findings aid liver-related emergency department interventions and life-saving treatments.

The Chemical Profile, Antioxidant, and Anti-Lipid Droplet Activity of Fluid Extracts from Romanian Cultivars of Haskap Berries, Bitter Cherries, and Red Grape Pomace for the Management of Liver Steatosis

This study aimed to investigate, for the first time, the chemical composition and antioxidant activity of fluid extracts obtained from three Romanian cultivars of haskap berries (Lonicera caerulea L.) var. Loni, bitter cherries (Prunus avium var. sylvestris Ser.) var. Silva, and pomace from red grapes (Vitis vinifera L.) var. Mamaia, and their capacity to modulate in vitro steatosis, in view of developing novel anti-obesity products. Total phenolic, flavonoid, anthocyanin, and ascorbic acid content of fluid extracts was spectrophotometrically assessed and their free radical scavenging capacity was evaluated using Trolox Equivalent Antioxidant Capacity (TEAC) and free 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical inhibition assays. The Pearson coefficients showed a moderate correlation between the antioxidant activity of fluid extracts and their phenolic content, but a strong correlation between anthocyanin and ascorbic acid content. HPLC analysis identified and quantified the main phenolic compounds of chlorogenic and syringic acid, catechin, and glycosylated kaempferol, apigenin, and quercetin, in variable proportions. An in vitro experimental model of steatosis was developed in HepG2 hepatocytes treated with a mixture of free fatty acids. Cell culture analyses showed that cytocompatible concentrations of fluid extracts could significantly reduce the lipid accumulation and inhibit the reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, and nitric oxide secretion in stressed hepatocytes. In conclusion, these results put an emphasis on the chemical compounds' high antioxidant and liver protection capacity of unstudied fluid extracts obtained from Romanian cultivars of bitter cherries var. Silva and pomace of red grapes var. Mamaia, similar to the fluid extract of haskap berries var. Loni, in particular, the positive modulation of fat deposition next to oxidative stress and the lipid peroxidation process triggered by fatty acids in HepG2 hepatocytes. Consequently, this study indicated that these fluid extracts could be further exploited as hepatoprotective agents in liver steatosis, which provides a basis for the further development of novel extract mixtures with synergistic activity as anti-obesity products.

Rutin protects against gamma-irradiation and malathion-induced oxidative stress and inflammation through regulation of mir-129-3p, mir-200C-3p, and mir-210 gene expressions in rats' kidney

Kidney injury represents a global concern, leading to chronic kidney disease. The organophosphate insecticide malathion (MT) demonstrates environmental disturbance and impairment of different mammalian organs, including kidneys. Likewise, gamma-irradiation (IRR) provokes destructive effects in the kidneys. Rutin is a flavonoid glycoside that exhibits nephro-protective and radio-protective properties. This manuscript focused on investigating the protective response of rutin on MT- and IRR-triggered kidney injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into eight groups of twelve: G1 (C), control; G2 (Rutin), rutin-treated rats; G3 (IRR), gamma-irradiated rats; G4 (MT), malathion-treated rats; G5 (IRR/MT), gamma-irradiated rats treated with malathion; G6 (IRR/Rutin), gamma-irradiated rats treated with rutin; G7 (MT/Rutin), rats treated with malathion and rutin; and G8 (IRR/MT/Rutin), gamma-irradiated rats treated with malathion and rutin, every day for 30 days. The results demonstrated that rutin treatment regulated the biochemical parameters, the oxidative stress, the antioxidant status, and the inflammatory responses due to the down-regulation of the renal NF-κB p65 protein expression. Moreover, it amended the activity of acetylcholinesterase (AchE), angiotensin ACE I, and ACE II-converting enzymes. Besides, it regulated the iNOS, eNOS, miR-129-3p, miR-200c, and miR-210 gene expressions and bradykinin receptor (B1R and B2R) protein expressions. Histopathological examinations of the kidney tissue confirmed these investigated results. It could be concluded that rutin demonstrated nephro/radioprotection and counteracted the toxicological effects triggered in the kidney tissues of IRR, MT, and IRR/MT intoxicated rats, via regulating miR-129-3p, miR-200c-3p, and miR-210-3p gene expressions, which consequently regulated B2R protein expressions, ACE II activity, and HIF-1α production, respectively.

Dietary Phenolic Compounds: Their Health Benefits and Association with the Gut Microbiota

Oxidative stress causes various diseases, such as type II diabetes and dyslipidemia, while antioxidants in foods may prevent a number of diseases and delay aging by exerting their effects in vivo. Phenolic compounds are phytochemicals such as flavonoids which consist of flavonols, flavones, flavanonols, flavanones, anthocyanidins, isoflavones, lignans, stilbenoids, curcuminoids, phenolic acids, and tannins. They have phenolic hydroxyl groups in their molecular structures. These compounds are present in most plants, are abundant in nature, and contribute to the bitterness and color of various foods. Dietary phenolic compounds, such as quercetin in onions and sesamin in sesame, exhibit antioxidant activity and help prevent cell aging and diseases. In addition, other kinds of compounds, such as tannins, have larger molecular weights, and many unexplained aspects still exist. The antioxidant activities of phenolic compounds may be beneficial for human health. On the other hand, metabolism by intestinal bacteria changes the structures of these compounds with antioxidant properties, and the resulting metabolites exert their effects in vivo. In recent years, it has become possible to analyze the composition of the intestinal microbiota. The augmentation of the intestinal microbiota by the intake of phenolic compounds has been implicated in disease prevention and symptom recovery. Furthermore, the “brain–gut axis”, which is a communication system between the gut microbiome and brain, is attracting increasing attention, and research has revealed that the gut microbiota and dietary phenolic compounds affect brain homeostasis. In this review, we discuss the usefulness of dietary phenolic compounds with antioxidant activities against some diseases, their biotransformation by the gut microbiota, the augmentation of the intestinal microflora, and their effects on the brain–gut axis.

Radiation-induced liver disease: beyond DNA damage

Radiation-induced liver disease (RILD), also known as radiation hepatitis, is a serious side effect of radiotherapy (RT) for hepatocellular carcinoma. The therapeutic dose of RT can damage normal liver tissue, and the toxicity that accumulates around the irradiated liver tissue is related to numerous physiological and pathological processes. RILD may restrict treatment use or eventually deteriorate into liver fibrosis. However, the research on the mechanism of radiation-induced liver injury has seen little progress compared with that on radiation injury in other tissues, and no targeted clinical pharmacological treatment for RILD exists. The DNA damage response caused by ionizing radiation plays an important role in the pathogenesis and development of RILD. Therefore, in this review, we systematically summarize the molecular and cellular mechanisms involved in RILD. Such an analysis is essential for preventing the occurrence and development of RILD and further exploring the potential treatment of this disease.

Evaluation of the Phytochemistry-Therapeutic Activity Relationship for Grape Seeds Oil

Seeds' abundant biologically active compounds make them a suitable primary platform for the production of natural extracts, innovative foods, medicines, and cosmetics. High levels of industrial and agricultural residues and byproducts are generated during the processing of grapes, although some parts can also be repurposed. This paper examines the phytochemical composition, manufacturing processes, and health-improving attributes of many varieties of grape oil derived using various extraction methods. Since the results are influenced by a range of factors, they are expressed differently among studies, and the researchers employ a variety of measuring units, making it difficult to convey the results. The primary topics covered in most papers are grape seed oil's lipophilic fatty acids, tocopherols, and phytosterols. In addition, new methods for extracting grape seed oil should therefore be designed; these methods must be affordable, energy-efficient, and environmentally friendly in order to increase the oil's quality by extracting bioactive components and thereby increasing its biological activity in order to become part of the overall management of multiple diseases.

Grape seed meal by-product is able to counteract oxidative stress induced by lipopolysaccharide and dextran sulphate in IPEC cells and piglets after weaning

Oxidative stress is a pivotal factor in the pathogenesis of intestinal inflammation, leading to cellular damage and tissue injury. Natural antioxidants compounds found in agro-industrial by-products have proven their effectiveness in treatment of intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, exhibiting many favourable effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate the capacity of a grape seed meal byproduct (GSM) to counteract the effects induced by E. coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 5μg/ml) in vitro on IPEC-1 cells and by dextran sulphate sodium (DSS, 1g/b.w./day) in vivo on piglets after weaning. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), pro-oxidant markers (malondialdehyde MDA, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances TBARS, protein carbonyl, DNA oxidative damage) antioxidant enzymes (catalase -CAT, superoxide dismutase -SOD, glutathione peroxidase -GPx, endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases -eNOS and iNOS) and several important components of Keap1/Nrf2 signalling pathway were analysed in IPEC-1 cells as well as in piglet's colon and lymph nodes. Our results demonstrated that GSM extract or 8% dietary GSM showed anti-oxidant properties counteracting the pro-oxidant response (ROS, MDA-TBARS, protein carbonyl, DNA/RNA damage) induced by LPS or DSS and restoring the levels of endogenous antioxidant enzymes, including CAT, SOD, GPx, eNOS and iNOS in colon and mesenteric lymph nodes. These beneficial effects were modulated via Nrf2 signalling pathway in both in vitro and in vivo studies.

Properties of Winemaking By-products of Feteasca Neagra Grape Seeds

The composition of the lipophilic and hydrophilic extracts from the Feteasca Neagra ground seeds, grown in three different vineyards, was studied. The physicochemical indicators of the seeds, the oil quality indicators and the total content of polyphenols and flavonoids in the extracts were determined. Some phenolic and flavanol constituents were identified and quantified using reversed-phase HPLC by gradient-elution. The Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assay proved the increased antioxidant activity of the hydrophilic extracts, with the highest DPPH• scavenging effect of almost 91.70 and 93.81%, an equivalent of 281.66 and 288.27 µM/L Trolox. It was concluded that the seeds recovered from Feteasca Neagra by-products are a rich source of functional compounds, with significant antioxidant properties.

A New Method for Breath and Blood Alcohol Determination in Rats Using a Breath Alcohol Meter: An Experimental Study

Background

The use of police breath alcohol detectors in rat breath alcohol detection experiments has always been a challenge because of the small lung capacity and inability of rats to actively inhale. However, the method of using gas chromatography to detect blood alcohol concentration is time-consuming, complex, relatively expensive, and cannot achieve on-site detection and multi-point unlimited non-invasive detection.

Objectives

In this study, a laboratory method was validated for rat breath ethanol concentration (BrAC) measurement to estimate blood ethanol concentration (BAC) in rats.

Methods

The rats were placed in a gas collection bottle, the breath sample was drawn out with a syringe, and injected into the mouthpiece of the breath alcohol detector through a rubber tube. The results were immediately detected and automatically converted to BAC. Male rats were randomly divided into three groups. The control group received an intraperitoneal injection of normal saline, the liver injury group received an intraperitoneal injection of 50% Carbon tetrachloride (CCL4 1 mL.kg^-1), and the induction group received an intraperitoneal injection of phenobarbital sodium (75 mg.kg^-1). Western blot analysis was used to detect the protein expression of CYP2E1. Similar grouping and experimental methods were used for female rats.

Results

This method was reproducible. The metabolic activity of CYP2E1 was downregulated in the injury group and upregulated in the induction group, which was consistent with the results obtained for CYP2E1 protein expression.

Conclusions

Our results confirmed that the rat gas cylinder breath alcohol assay can be used for multiple detections with immediate and non-invasive determination of alcohol metabolizing capacity. This is important for studies that require repeated assessment of blood alcohol levels.

Variations in nutritional quality and fatty acids composition of sardine (Sardina pilchardus) during canning process in grape seed and olive oils

Fish canning industries generally use different oils to ensure the juicing stage of canned sardines. In this context, we tested the use of grape seed oil (GSO) which could provide several health benefits to consumers. This study compared its effects on the quality of canned sardine to that of olive oil (OO). Total polyphenols, flavonoids and non flavonoids of the tested GSO were significantly higher than those of the OO. Also, The GSO was rich in polyunsaturated fatty acid (PUFA), namely linoleic acid (65.36% of total fatty acids). The use of GSO in the sardine sardines canning process increased significantly fat, protein and ash contents after 90 days of conservation. The fatty acid profile was dominated by PUFA for all the tested samples. Docosahexaenoic acid was the most abundant unsaturated fatty acid, followed by linoleic acid in GSO samples (20.86 ± 0.06% compared to 1.46 ± 0.05% in fresh sardine) and oleic acid in OO samples. Both atherogenic and thrombogenic indices decreased after the canning process in OO and GSO to less than 1. Thus GSO seems to improve the lipid nutritional quality in fresh sardine. In addition, the values for thiobarbituric acid and Total volatile base nitrogen did not exceed critical limits.

The Wine Industry By-Products: Applications for Food Industry and Health Benefits

Each year, 20 million tons of wine by-products are generated, corresponding to 30% of the total quantity of vinified grapes. Wine by-products are a source of healthy bioactive molecules, such as polyphenols and other molecules (pigments, fibers, minerals, etc.). The abundance of bioactive compounds assures a promising future for nutritional foodstuff production. Wine by-products can be used to fortify aromatized waters and infusions, bread, pasta, dairy products, alcohol, sugary beverages, and processed foods. These innovative products are part of the Mediterranean diet and are of great interest to both human and environmental health. Pre-clinical studies show that consumption of food produced with wine by-products or with their extracts attenuates the inflammatory state and increases antioxidant status. As such, wine by-products provide protective effects against the underlying pathophysiological hallmarks of some chronic diseases such as atherosclerosis, diabetes, hypertension, obesity, and cancer. However, the poor bioavailability warrants further investigation on how to optimize the efficacy of wine by-products, and more clinical trials are also needed. The scientific evidence has validated the uses of the dietary nature of wine by-products and has helped to promote their use as a functional food to prevent chronic human diseases.

Hepatoprotective effect of Physalis divaricata in paracetamol induced hepatotoxicity: In vitro, in silico and in vivo analysis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Physalis divaricata D. Don. is an erect weed of family Solanaceae. The root extract of this plant is used by the indigenous communities of Sub-Himalayan region of Uttarakhand, India for the treatment of liver disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata in paracetamol (PCM) induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The dried roots of P. divaricata were subjected to extraction using different solvents. The chloroform extract, methanol extract and bioactive aqueous fraction of methanol extract were evaluated for hepatoprotective effect. After initial in vitro screening, all extracts were screened for hepatoprotective potential in PCM (3 g/kg p.o) induced hepatotoxicity. Following PCM administration, extracts were administered orally for 7 days in increasing dose concentrations. All the animals were euthanized on eighth day, serum and liver tissues were collected and subjected to various biochemical and histopathological analysis. Aqueous fraction of methanol extract was further analyzed using LC- MS analysis.

RESULTS

Methanol extract and its bioactive aqueous fraction exhibited significant and better in vitro antioxidant and antiproliferative activity as compared to chloroform extract. PCM treatment caused hepatotoxicity as assessed by altered levels of various hepatic biomarkers (increase in the levels of ALT, AST, ALP, albumin, triglycerides, cholesterol, TBARS, and AOPPs as well as decrease in GSH and TrxR levels) along with histopathological changes (portal to portal bridging, necrosis, and inflammation). Methanolic extract (200, 400 and 800 mg/kg) and its aqueous fraction treatment (25, 50 and 100 mg/kg) significantly restored elevated hepatic biomarkers, oxidative stress, and protected normal hepato-architecture. LC-MS analysis of aqueous fraction showed presence of rutin and kaempferol. In silico analysis further showed the capability of rutin to make complex with TNF-α and block its interaction with the target site.

CONCLUSION

Aqueous fraction showed maximum hepatoprotective potential as conceived through in vitro and in vivo studies. Presence of rutin may explain hepatoprotective potential of P. divaricata.

Enzymatic pre-treatment of grape seeds for an oil with higher antioxidant activity

The paper investigates the effect of the enzymatic pre-treatment of grape seeds from six Romanian cultivars on the oil extracted. The grape seeds of some white and red Romanian grape varieties were separated from winery waste, washed, dried and ground, with the oil then obtained by extraction with petroleum ether. The extraction was performed directly or after a preliminary treatment with a commercial pectin lyase. The enzymatic procedure applied was more cost effective compared to other treatments previously described in which a cocktail of enzymes was used. The quantity of the extracted oil was measured in both types of processing, with an increase being observed for pre-treated samples. The fatty acid profiles (FAPs) of the oils resulted for the treated and untreated seeds were determined. No change in the composition was noticed. The reductive power of these oils was also investigated. Compared to the untreated samples for the same variety, the enzyme pre-treatment resulted in a superior antioxidant capacity.

New phthalimide analog ameliorates CCl4 induced hepatic injury in mice via reducing ROS formation, inflammation, and apoptosis

The present study aimed, for the first time, to examine the biochemical effects of new phthalimide analog, 2-[2-(2-Bromo-1-ethyl-1H-indol-3-yl) ethyl]-1H-isoindole-1,3(2H)-dione, compared to thalidomide drug against liver injury induced in mice. Carbon tetrachloride was intraperitoneal injected in mice for 6 consecutive weeks at a dose of 0.4 mL/kg twice a week for liver injury induction. Histopathological examination, levels of malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and antioxidant enzymes were determined. Additionally, the protein levels of vascular endothelial growth factor, proliferating cell nuclear protein, tumor necrosis factor-alfa, nuclear factor kappa B-p65, B-cell lymphoma-2, and cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 were determined. Results revealed that the treatment with phthalimide analog improved the detected liver damage and presented an obvious antioxidant activity through decreasing malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels accompanied by increasing the levels of the antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, the analog exhibited an effective inhibitory activity towards the studied protein expressions in liver tissues. Moreover, the B-cell lymphoma-2 protein level was increased while the cysteine-aspartic acid protease-3 level was suppressed after the treatment with phthalimide analog. Together, these results propose that phthalimide analog can ameliorate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury in mice through its potent inhibition mediating effect in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis mechanisms.

Quinacrine Ameliorates Cisplatin-Induced Renal Toxicity via Modulation of Sirtuin-1 Pathway

Renal toxicity is a serious side effect that hinders the use of cisplatin, a commonly used and effective chemotherapeutic agent. Meanwhile, quinacrine is an FDA approved drug that has been stated for its anti-inflammatory effect. Thus, we investigated the ameliorative effect of quinacrine against cisplatin-induced renal toxicity. Single intraperitoneal (i.p.) 10 mg/kg cisplatin administration induced renal injury in rats. Our results showed that 10 mg/kg/day quinacrine decreased the mortality rate of rats from 46.15% (cisplatin group) to 12.5%, and significantly decreased renal tissue fibrosis, relative kidney to body weight ratio, serum creatinine and urea levels compared with the cisplatin group. Indeed, quinacrine significantly decreased renal malondialdehyde concentration and increased renal total antioxidant capacity, compared with the cisplatin group. Furthermore, quinacrine caused significant upregulation of renal sirtuin-1 (SIRT-1) with significant downregulation of intercellular adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Moreover, quinacrine significantly blocked cisplatin-induced apoptosis, which was made evident by downregulating renal apoptotic proteins (BAX and p53) and upregulating the renal anti-apoptotic protein BCL2, compared with the cisplatin group. In conclusion, this study demonstrates, for the first time, that quinacrine alleviates cisplatin-induced renal toxicity via upregulating SIRT-1, downregulating inflammatory markers (ICAM-1 and TNF-α), reducing oxidative stress, and inhibiting apoptosis.

Radiation-induced liver injury and hepatocyte senescence

Radiation-induced liver injury (RILI) is a major complication of radiotherapy during treatment for liver cancer and other upper abdominal malignant tumors that has poor pharmacological therapeutic options. A series of pathological changes can be induced by radiation. However, the underlying mechanism of RILI remains unclear. Radiation can induce cell damage via direct energy deposition or reactive free radical generation. Cellular senescence can be observed due to the DNA damage response (DDR) caused by radiation. The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) secreted from senescent cells can cause chronic inflammation and aggravate liver dysfunction for a long time. Oxidative stress further activates the signaling pathway of the inflammatory response and affects cellular metabolism. miRNAs clearly have differential expression after radiation treatment and take part in RILI development. This review aims to systematically profile the overall mechanism of RILI and the effects of radiation on hepatocyte senescence, laying foundations for the development of new therapies.

Potential Effects of Dietary Isoflavones on Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Numerous prescribed drugs and herbal and dietary supplements have been reported to cause drug-induced acute liver injury, which is a frequent cause of acute liver failure (ALF). It is a tremendous challenge with ever-increasing drug application in the medication system for huge populations. Drug-induced acute liver injury can lead to diverse pathologies similar to acute and chronic hepatitis, acute liver failure, biliary obstruction, fatty liver disease, and so on. Recently, extensive work demonstrated that isoflavones play an essential and protecting role in drug-induced liver injury (DILI). The isoflavones mediated hepatoprotection by modulating specific genes linked with control of cellular redox homeostasis and inflammatory responses. Isoflavones upregulate oxidative stress-responsive nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2), downregulate inflammatory nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling pathways, and modulate a balance between cell survival and death. Moreover, isoflavones actively inhibit the expression of cytochromes P450 (CYPs) enzyme during drug metabolism. Moreover, isoflavones are also linked with farnesoid X receptor (FXR) activation and signal transducer and activator of transcription factor 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation in hepatoprotection DILI. In vivo and in vitro studies clearly stated that isoflavones bear strong antioxidant potential and promising agents for hepatotoxicity prevention and stressed their potential role as therapeutic supplements in DILI. The current review will elaborate on isoflavones’ preventive and therapeutic potential concisely and highlight various molecular targets to exert a protective effect on DILI.

Toxicity of carbon tetrachloride, free radicals and role of antioxidants

Several chemicals, including environmental toxicants and clinically useful drugs, cause severe cellular damage to different organs of our body through metabolic activation to highly reactive substances such as free radicals. Carbon tetrachloride is an organic compound of which chemical formula is CCl₄. CCl₄ is strong toxic in the kidney, testicle, brain, heart, lung, other tissues, and particularly in the liver. CCl₄ is a powerful hepatoxic, nephrotoxic and prooxidant agent which is widely used to induce hepatotoxicity in experimental animals and to create hepatocellular carcinoma, hepatic fibrosis/cirrhosis and liver injury, chemical hepatitis model, renal failure model, and nephrotoxicity model in recent years. The damage-causing mechanism of CCl₄ in tissues can be explained as oxidative damage caused by lipid peroxidation which starts after the conversion of CCl₄ to free radicals of highly toxic trichloromethyl radicals (•CCl₃) and trichloromethyl peroxyl radical (•CCl₃O₂) via cytochrome P450 enzyme. Complete disruption of lipids (i.e., peroxidation) is the hallmark of oxidative damage. Free radicals are structures that contain one or more unpaired electrons in atomic or molecular orbitals. These toxic free radicals induce a chain reaction and lipid peroxidation in membrane-like structures rich in phospholipids, such as mitochondria and endoplasmic reticulum. CCl₄-induced lipid peroxidation is the cause of oxidative stress, mitochondrial stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress. Free radicals trigger many biological processes, such as apoptosis, necrosis, ferroptosis and autophagy. Recent researches state that the way to reduce or eliminate these CCl₄-induced negative effects is the antioxidants originated from natural sources. For normal physiological function, there must be a balance between free radicals and antioxidants. If this balance is in favor of free radicals, various pathological conditions occur. Free radicals play a role in various pathological conditions including Pulmonary disease, ischemia / reperfusion rheumatological diseases, autoimmune disorders, cardiovascular diseases, cancer, kidney diseases, hypertension, eye diseases, neurological disorders, diabetes and aging. Free radicals are antagonized by antioxidants and quenched. Antioxidants do not only remove free radicals, but they also have anti-inflammatory, anti-allergic, antithrombotic, antiviral, and anti-carcinogenic activities. Antioxidants contain high phenol compounds and antioxidants have relatively low side effects compared to synthetic drugs. The antioxidants investigated in CCI₄ toxicity are usually antioxidants from plants and are promising because of their rich resources and low side effects. Data were investigated using PubMed, EBSCO, Embase, Web of Science, DOAJ, Scopus and Google Scholar, Carbon tetrachloride, carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity, oxidative stress, and free radical keywords. This study aims to enlighten the damage-causing mechanism created by free radicals which are produced by CCl₄ on tissues/cells and to discuss the role of antioxidants in the prevention of tissue/cell damage. In the future, Antioxidants can be used as a therapeutic strategy to strengthen effective treatment against substances with high toxicity such as CCl₄ and increase the antioxidant capacity of cells.

A Review on Hepatoprotective Effects of Some Medicinal Plant Oils

Background:

The liver is the second largest organ inside the human body. It can be damaged by several toxic molecules and medicinal agents taken in overdoses. Indeed, there are some oils obtained from different herbs that can be used to protect the liver injury.

Objective:

This review aims to give details on some oils that have been tested for their hepatoprotective effect.

Methods:

We reviewed 79 articles published between 1980 and 2019 in English language using three databases Sciencedirect, Web of Science and PubMed. So, we have used the keywords related to hepatoprotective activity: Hepatoprotective, liver disease, plant and oil and we have classified the plants in alphabetical order as a list containing their scientific and family names, as well as the experimental assay and the results obtained from these studies.

Results:

As a result, we have described 18 species belonging to 18 families: Altingiaceae, Apiaceae, Arecaceae, Asteraceae, Cactaceae, Caryocaraceae, Cucurbitaceae, Lauraceae, Leguminoseae, Malvaceae, Moringaceae, Myrtaceae, Oleaceae, Pinaceae, Ranunculaceae, Rosaceae, Theaceae and Vitaceae. Among the most common fatty acids present in hepatoprotective oils are palmitic acid, linoleic acid, oleic acid and stearic acid.

Conclusion:

These oils have shown beneficial properties regarding the hepatoprotective activity.

Biochemical study on the protective effect of curcumin on acetaminophen and gamma-irradiation induced hepatic toxicity in rats

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the few recommended analgesic and antipyretic drugs in some critical cases such as viral disease COVID-19. However, the unrestricted use of APAP develops liver disorders. Hepatotoxicity and liver injury can also be induced by ionizing radiation (IR) during radiotherapy. The data of the current study represents that treatment of rats with either APAP-overdose, or gamma-irradiation (R) induces hepatotoxicity, results in significant increases of the hepatic-enzymes activities (ALT, AST, ALP, GGT, LDH, and MDH), as well as enhancement of triglycerides, total cholesterol levels, combined with declines in albumin and total protein contents. An enhancement of the lipid peroxides (malondialdehyde; MDA), and nitric oxide levels along with a decline of reduced glutathione contents and suppression of superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase activities are also observed within the liver tissues of intoxicated animals. TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, iNOS, Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), miR-802 gene expression, NF-κB, and calcium levels are up-regulated, while Nuclear factor erythroid-related factor-2 (Nrf2), Hemoxygenase-1 (HO-1) protein and gene expressions, as well as, glutamate-cysteine ligase catalytic subunit (GCLC), NAD(P)H-Quinone oxidoreductase (NQO1), and miR-122 gene expressions are down-regulated in the livers of intoxicated animals. All these parameters show significant improvement in R/APAP intoxicated animals. Curcumin pretreatment develops an amelioration of these effects in APAP-overdose, R-exposure, or R/APAP treatments. In conclusion, oral administration of curcumin shows hepatoprotective effects against APAP-overdose induced hepatic damage in normal and gamma-irradiated rats through prospective regulation of the therapeutic targets CYP2E1, Nrf2, and NF-κB, via organizing the miR-122 and miR-802 gene expression.

Polydeoxyribonucleotide Exerts Protective Effect Against CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury Through Inactivation of NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathway in Mice

Acute liver injury (ALI) causes life-threatening clinical problem, and its underlying etiology includes inflammation and apoptosis. An adenosine A_2A receptor agonist, polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN), exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effects by inhibiting the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. In the current study, the protective effect of PDRN against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced ALI was investigated using mice. For the induction of ALI, mice received intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄ twice over seven days. Mice from the PDRN-treated groups received an intraperitoneal injection of 200 μL saline containing PDRN (8 mg/kg), once a day for seven days, starting on day 1 after the first CCl₄ injection. In order to confirm that the action of PDRN occurs through the adenosine A_2A receptor, 8 mg/kg 3,7-dimethyl-1-propargylxanthine (DMPX), an adenosine A_2A receptor antagonist, was treated with PDRN. Administration of CCl₄ impaired liver tissue and increased the liver index and histopathologic score. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines was increased, and apoptosis was induced by the administration of CCl₄. Administration of CCl₄ activated nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and facilitated phosphorylation of signaling factors in mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK). In contrast, PDRN treatment suppressed the secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines and inhibited apoptosis. PDRN treatment inactivated NF-κB and suppressed phosphorylation of signaling factors in MAPK. As a result, liver index and histopathologic score were reduced by PDRN treatment. When PDRN was treated with DMPX, the anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic effect of PDRN disappeared. Therefore, PDRN can be used as an effective therapeutic agent for acute liver damage.

Ameliorative effect of kefir against γ-irradiation induced liver injury in male rats: impact on oxidative stress and inflammation

Ionizing radiation is a double-edged sword because of its benefits and risks to human health. Therefore, protecting human organs from harmful effects of radiation is an important concern of researchers. Kefir, as a good source of probiotics, received growing interest in protective medicine owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immunomodulatory properties. Thus, this study was planned to investigate the protective role of kefir against γ-radiation-induced hepatotoxicity. Thirty-two male rats were distributed in four groups: (I) control, (II) received Kefir orally (5 ml/kg body weight) for 28 days, (III) exposed to whole body γ-irradiation (6.5 Gy) to induce hepatotoxicity, and (IV) was pretreated with kefir for 21 days then exposed to γ-irradiation followed by 7 days of kefir treatment. At the end of the experiment, complete blood picture (CBC), liver function, and lipid profile were estimated. Furthermore, levels of lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide content, and endogenous antioxidants, in addition to concentrations of copper, iron, and calcium were measured in liver tissue. Furthermore, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) and relative gene expression of nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) were assessed. The results revealed that oral administration of kefir significantly reduced the radiation-induced hepatic histological alterations, hepatic function impairment, and dyslipidemia. Moreover, kefir notably ameliorated the state of oxidative stress and appeared to inhibit the induced inflammation. This study provides a possible counteracting role of kefir against hepatotoxicity induced γ-radiation. This can focus the benefit of kefir application as a prophylactic treatment to limit hepatic inflammation during radiotherapy.

Grape (Vitis vinifera L.) Seed Oil: A Functional Food from the Winemaking Industry

Wine production is an ancient human activity that generates several by-products, which include some constituents known for their potential in health care and for their role in the food or cosmetic industries. Any variety of grape (Vitis vinifera L.) contains nutrients and bioactive compounds available from their juice or solid parts. Grape seed extract has demonstrated many activities in disease prevention, such as antioxidant effects, which make it a potential source of nutraceuticals. Grape seed is a remarkable winery industry by-product due to the bioactivity of its constituents. Methods for recovery of oil from grape seeds have evolved to improve both the quantity and quality of the yield. Both the lipophilic and hydrophilic chemicals present in the oil of V. vinifera L. make this wine by-product a source of natural nutraceuticals. Food and non-food industries are becoming novel targets of oil obtained from grape seeds given its various properties. This review focuses on the advantages of grape seed oil intake in our diet regarding its chemical composition in industries not related to wine production and the economic and environmental impact of oil production.

Involvement of Reactive Oxygen Species in the Hepatorenal Toxicity of Actinomycin V In Vitro and In Vivo

The high toxicity of actinomycin D (Act D) severely limits its use as a first-line chemotherapeutic agent in the clinic. Actinomycin V (Act V), an analog of Act D, exhibited strong anticancer activity in our previous studies. Here, we provide evidence that Act V has less hepatorenal toxicity than Act D in vitro and in vivo, associated with the reactive oxygen species (ROS) pathway. Compared to Act D, Act V exhibited considerably stronger sensitivity for cancer cells and less toxicity to human normal liver LO-2 and human embryonic kidney 293T cells using the MTT (3-(4,5-dimethyl-2-thiazolyl)-2,5-diphenyl-2-H-tetrazolium bromide) assay. Notably, Act V caused less damage to both the liver and kidney than Act D in vivo, indicated by organ to body weight ratios, as well as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and serum creatinine (Scr) levels. Further experiments showed that the ROS pathway is involved in Act V-induced hepatorenal toxicity. Act V generates ROS and accumulates malondialdehyde (MDA), reducing levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione (GSH) in LO-2 and 293T cells. These findings indicate that Act V induces less hepatorenal toxicity than Act D in vitro and in vivo and merits further development as a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cancer.

Enhancing Oral Bioavailability of Apigenin Using a Bioactive Self-Nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery System (Bio-SNEDDS): In Vitro, In Vivo and Stability Evaluations

Apigenin (APG) is a very well-known flavonoid for its anti-inflammatory and anticancer properties. The purpose of this study is to improve the solubility and bioavailability of APG using a stable bioactive self-nanoemulsifying drug delivery system (Bio-SNEDDS). APG was incorporated in an oil phase comprising coconut oil fatty acid, Imwitor 988, Transcutol P, and HCO30 to form a Bio-SNEDDS. This preparation was characterized for morphology, particle size, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). The APG performance was investigated in terms of loading, precipitation, release and stability tests from the optimal Bio-SNEDDS. An antimicrobial test was performed to investigate the activity of the Bio-SNEDDS against the selected strains. Bioavailability of the Bio-SNEDDS was evaluated using Wister rats against the commercial oral product and the pure drug. The results demonstrated the formation of an efficient nanosized (57 nm) Bio-SNEDDS with a drug loading of 12.50 mg/gm which is around 500-fold higher than free APG. TEM analysis revealed the formation of spherical and homogeneous nanodroplets of less than 60 nm. The dissolution rate was faster than the commercial product and was able to maintain 90% APG in gastro intestinal solution for more than 4 h. A stability study demonstrated that the Bio-SNEDDS is stable at a harsh condition. The in vivo pharmacokinetics parameters of the Bio-SNEDDS formulation in comparison to the pure drug showed a significant increase in maximum concentration (C_max) and area under the curve (AUC _(0–t)) of 105.05% and 91.32%, respectively. Moreover, the antimicrobial study revealed moderate inhibition in the bacterial growth rate. The APG-Bio-SNEDDS could serve as potential carrier aimed at improving the clinical application of APG.

Protective Effect of Vitis vinifera (Black Grape) Seed Extract and Oil on Acetic Acid-Induced Colitis in Rats

Background

Vitis vinifera (black grape) is cultivated worldwide and has numerous oral and therapeutic applications. It has proven anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, antimicrobial, and wound healing properties. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of black grape seed (hydroalcoholic) extract (BGSE) and black grape seed oil (BGSO) on experimental colitis.

Methods

BGSE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) and BGSO (2, 4, and 8 mL/kg) were administered orally (p.o.) in groups of six male Wistar rats, 2 h before induction of colitis and continued further for 4 days. Prednisolone (4 mg/kg) and mesalamine (100 mg/kg) were used as reference drugs. Weight/length of colons, macroscopic and histopathologic indices, and biochemical parameters including myeloperoxidase (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were evaluated.

Results

All doses of BGSE and BGSO significantly decreased the colon weight, ulcer index, and total colitis index in comparison with the control group, although greater doses of both fractions had more significant protection. Data of MPO activity revealed that all treated groups with the exception of BGSE (50 mg/kg) and BGSO (2 mL/kg) showed a meaningful decline in comparison with the control group. Concerning the MDA values in colonic tissue, it was demonstrated that BGSE (100, 200 mg/kg) and BGSO (8 mL/kg) caused a significant dip in this oxidative stress parameter.

Conclusions

Oral administration of BGSE and BGSO had an appropriate anti-inflammatory effect and so could be considered as a suitable candidate for treating or preventing ulcerative colitis. Furthermore, detailed studies are warranted to explore the exact mechanism of action and clinical preference of these compounds.

Strategies for Reuse of Skins Separated From Grape Pomace as Ingredient of Functional Beverages

Wine grape pomace, the by-product of wine making, is a source of polyphenols, metals, and organic acids, and may be exploited for the production of functional beverages. Among red wines, Primitivo and Negramaro varieties possess an interesting amount of polyphenolic compounds and other chemicals. Consequently, study of the biological activity of Primitivo and Negramaro vinification by-products is of great interest as well as optimizing the extraction of its bioactive components. In order to stabilize the grape pomace, different methods of drying grape pomace were tested. After stabilization of the pomace, the grape skins were manually separated from the seeds and any woody parts. The chemical characterizations of acidified alcoholic (methanol/ethanol) and water extracts and either microwave-assisted or ultrasound-assisted extractions of separated grape skins were compared. Besides that, the in vitro antioxidant activity of wine pomace skin extracts was also investigated as Trolox equivalents antioxidant capacity (TEAC) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC). Overall, the alcoholic extractions were found to be the most effective for recovering phenolic compounds, when compared with those in water. Ultrasound- and microwave-assisted extraction of pomace skin using acidified water allowed the highest TEAC value. Taking into account the water extraction result, in order to reuse grape pomace skins to produce a functional beverage, we utilized them in combination with black tea, karkadè (Hibiscus sabdariffa L.), or rooibos (Aspalathus linearis Burm.) to produce an infusion. The combination of grape skins and black tea showed the highest ratio of total phenol content to antioxidant activity. Moreover, skin isolated from pomace, with or without black tea infusions, were shown to have anti-inflammatory capacity in human cell culture. Our results raise the value of grape skin pomace as a rich source of bioactive compounds with antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity and suggest its exploitation as an ingredient for functional beverages.

Resveratrol attenuates hypoxia-induced neuronal cell death, inflammation and mitochondrial oxidative stress by modulation of TRPM2 channel

Hypoxia (HYPX) induced-overload Ca²⁺ entry results in increase of mitochondrial oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis in several neurons. Ca²⁺ permeable TRPM2 channel was gated by ADP-ribose (ADPR) and reactive oxygen species (ROS), although its activity was modulated in HYPX-exposed neurons by resveratrol (RSV). The aim of this study was to evaluate if a therapy of RSV can modulate the effect of HYPX in the TRPM2 expressing SH-SY5Y neuronal and HEK293 (no expression of TRPM2) cell lines. The SH-SY5Y and HEK293 cells were divided into four groups as control, RSV (50 μM and 24 hours), and HYPX and RSV + HYPX. For induction of HYPX in the cells, CoCl₂ (200 μM and 24 hours) incubation was used. HYPX-induced intracellular Ca²⁺ responses to TRPM2 activation were increased in the SH-SY5Y cells but not in the HEK293 cells from coming H₂O₂ and ADPR. RSV treatment improved intracellular Ca²⁺ responses, mitochondrial function, suppressed the generation of cytokine (IL-1β and TNF-α), cytosolic and mitochondrial ROS in the SH-SY5Y cells. Intracellular free Zn²⁺, apoptosis, cell death, PARP-1, TRPM2 expression, caspase −3 and −9 levels are increased through activating TRPM2 in the SH-SY5Y cells exposed to the HYPX. However, the values were decreased in the cells by RSV and TRPM2 blockers (ACA and 2-APB). In SH-SY5Y neuronal cells exposed to HYPX conditions, the neuroprotective effects of RSV were shown to be exerted via modulation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and death through modulation of TRPM2 channel. RSV could be used as an effective agent in the treatment of neurodegeneration exposure to HYPX.

Indole-3-Carbinol Derivative DIM Mitigates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Inhibiting Inflammatory Response, Apoptosis and Regulating Oxidative Stress

3,3'-Diindolylmethane (DIM), a metabolic product of indole-3-carbinol extracted from cruciferous vegetables exhibits anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Earlier, the product has been demonstrated to possess anti-fibrotic properties; however, its protective effects on liver injury have not been clearly elucidated. In this study, we postulated the effects and molecular mechanisms of action of DIM on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury in mice. Acute liver injury was induced by a single intraperitoneal administration of CCl4 (1 ml/kg) into mice. DIM was injected via subcutaneous route for three days at various doses (2.5, 5 and 10 mg/kg) before CCl4 injection. Mice were sacrificed and serum was collected for quantification of serum transaminases. The liver was collected and weighed. Treatment with DIM significantly reduced serum transaminases levels (AST and ALT), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and reactive oxygen species (ROS). CCl4- induced apoptosis was inhibited by DIM treatment by the reduction in the levels of cleaved caspase-3 and Bcl2 associated X protein (Bax). DIM treated mice significantly restored Cytochrome P450 2E1, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) expression in CCl4 treated mice. In addition, DIM downregulated overexpression of hepatic nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) and inhibited CCl4 mediated apoptosis. Our results suggest that the protective effects of DIM against CCl4- induced liver injury are due to the inhibition of ROS, reduction of pro-inflammatory mediators and apoptosis.

Sirtuin 1 activation alleviates primary biliary cholangitis via the blocking of the NF-κB signaling pathway

This report sought to establish the mechanistic role of sirtuin-1 (Sirt1), a NAD⁺-dependent deacetylase in the modulation of primary biliary cholangitis (PBC) pathogenesis. 64 PBC patients (diagnosed based on practice guidelines for American Association for the Study of Liver Diseases) and 60 healthy controls were included in this study. Clinically, the mRNA expression level of Sirt1 in macrophages differentiated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) of PBC subjects substantially decreased when compared with the healthy controls but not in other Sirt family genes (Sirt2-7). Consistent with clinical results, a PBC murine model showed that levels of Sirt1 significantly decreased in the liver and Kupffer cells of mice treated with polyinosinic/polycytidylic acid (poly I:C) for 16 weeks. A TAK1 inhibitor (NG25) prevented the poly I:C-induced Sirt1 protein level decreasing in Kupffer cells but not MAPK inhibitor. Sirt1 activators resveratrol (RSV) and SRT1720 (SRT) ameliorated poly I:C-induced hepatic injury observed via histopathologic analysis and decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the PBC murine model. Furthermore, Sirt1 activators significantly reduced pro-inflammatory cytokines levels such as interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β), IL-6, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) in serum in poly I:C-induced mice. In addition, Sirt1 activators significantly inhibited the phosphorylated and acetylated levels of the RelA/p65 subunit of the nuclear transcription factor (NF-κB) but not the interferon regulatory factor (IRF) 3 in poly I:C-injured mice livers. Significantly, RSV improved the interaction between Sirt1 and p65, which may contribute to the decreased activity of NF-κB. In summary, the Sirt1 signaling pathway plays an essential role in the development of PBC and this may represent a novel approach and target for the treatment of PBC.

Bioactives From Agri-Food Wastes: Present Insights and Future Challenges

Sustainable utilization of agri-food wastes and by-products for producing value-added products (for cosmetic, pharmaceutical or food industrial applications) provides an opportunity for earning additional income for the dependent industrial sector. Besides, effective valorisation of wastes/by-products can efficiently help in reducing environmental stress by decreasing unwarranted pollution. The major focus of this review is to provide comprehensive information on valorisation of agri-food wastes and by-products with focus laid on bioactive compounds and bioactivity. The review covers the bioactives identified from wastes and by-products of plants (fruits, exotic fruits, vegetables and seeds), animals (dairy and meat) and marine (fish, shellfish seaweeds) resources. Further, insights on the present status and future challenges of sustainably utilizing agri-food wastes/by-products for value addition will be highlighted.

Brassica rapa Polysaccharides Ameliorate CCl4 -Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice through Inhibiting Inflammatory Apoptotic Response and Oxidative Stress

Brassica rapa L., also called NIUMA, is used empirically in Tibetan medicine for its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and antiradiation activities. This study explored the hepatoprotective effects of B. rapa polysaccharides (BRPs) on acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ ) in mice and the underlying mechanisms. Mice were treated with CCl₄ after the oral administration of BRPs (55, 110 and 220 mg/kg) or bifendate (100 mg/kg) for 7 days. Blood and liver samples of mice were collected for analysis after 24 h. The ALP, ALT and AST levels and the biological activities of SOD, MDA and GSH-Px were measured. Histopathological changes in the liver were determined through hematoxylin and eosin staining. Moreover, TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6 expression levels were detected by commercial reagent kits. Finally, Western blot analysis was used to check the relative expression levels of caspase-3, p-JAK2 and p-STAT3. The BRP pre-treatment significantly decreased the enzymatic activities of ALT, ALP and AST in the serum, markedly increased the activities of SOD and GSH-Px in the liver and reduced the MDA concentration in the liver. BRPs alleviated hepatocyte injury and markedly inhibited the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6, also downregulating the CCl₄ -induced hepatic tissue expression of caspase-3. Furthermore, BRPs inhibited the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway in a dose-dependent manner in the liver. This study demonstrated that BRPs exert hepatoprotective effect against the CCl₄ -induced liver injury via modulating the apoptotic and inflammatory responses and downregulating the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway. Therefore, B. rapa could be considered a hepatoprotective medicine.

Novel cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion for enhanced antihepatotoxicity in carbon tetrachloride-treated mice

Objectives

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion (CuA-SEN) was prepared and optimised to improve its oral bioavailability and antihepatotoxicity.

Methods

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion was developed through the self-nanoemulsification method using Box–Behnken Design (BBD) tool while appropriate physicochemical indices were evaluated. The optimised CuA-SEN was characterised via droplet size (DS), morphology, polydispersity index (PDI), zeta potential (ZP), entrapment efficiency, in-vitro release, and pharmacokinetic studies while its antihepatotoxicity was evaluated.

Key findings

Cuminaldehyde self-emulsified nanoemulsion with acceptable characteristics (mean DS-48.83 ± 1.06 nm; PDI-0.232 ± 0.140; ZP-29.92 ± 1.66 mV; EE-91.51 ± 0.44%; and drug-loading capacity (DL)-9.77 ± 0.75%) was formulated. In-vitro drug release of CuA-SEN significantly increased with an oral relative bioavailability of 171.02%. Oral administration of CuA-SEN to CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity mice markedly increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and catalase in serum. Also, CuA-SEN reduced the levels of tumour necrosis factor-alpha and interleukin-6 in both serum and liver tissues while aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and malonaldehyde levels were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

These findings showed that the improved bioavailability of cuminaldehyde via SEN provided an effective approach for enhancing antioxidation, anti-inflammation and antihepatotoxicity of the drug.

The effect of curcumin on lipid peroxidation and selected antioxidants in irradiated rats

The effect of irradiation on oxidants and antioxidants in selected tissues and a possible protective effect of curcumin on these indices were investigated. A total of 28 rats were divided into 3 groups; group 1 was control; group 2 was the irradiation group, saline was administered intraperiotenally (i.p.) for three days and then, 9 Gy gamma irradiation was applied; group 3 was the irradiation + curcumin group: curcumin was given i.p. for three days at 200 mg/kg body weight and then the same dose of irradiation was applied. A significant increase in malondialdehyde (MDA) was detected in the liver, kidney, and brain tissues of the rats as a result of irradiation (P< 0.01). Glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in all the tissues (except for kidneys) decreased (P< 0.01), liver SOD (superoxide dismutase) activity decreased (P< 0.05), and GSH (glutathione) levels in kidney and ovary tissues (P< 0.001) significantly increased. While curcumin administration returned the increased MDA levels in the kidneys and brain in result of irradiation to normal (P< 0.01), it did not return the increased MDA levels in the liver tissue to normal (P< 0.001) despite significantly reducing them. While decreased GSH-Px and SOD activity in the liver in result of irradiation increased with the addition of curcumin (P< 0.05), increased GSH levels in the kidneys and ovaries returned to control levels (P< 0.001). When MDA values were examined, it was found that the addition of curcumin protected the liver, kidneys and brain from the oxidative damage caused by irradiation.

The Beneficial Roles of SIRT1 in Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a major cause of acute liver failure (ALF) as a result of accumulated drugs in the human body metabolized into toxic agents and helps generate heavy oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, which induces necrosis in hepatocytes and ultimately damages the liver. Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1) is said to have multiple vital roles in cell proliferation, aging, and antistress systems of the human body. The levels of SIRT1 and its activation precisely modulate its critical role in the interaction between multiple step procedures of DILI. The nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cell- (NF-κB-) mediated inflammation signaling pathway, reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, mitochondrial membrane potential collapse, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress also contribute to aggravate DILI. Apoptosis is regarded as the terminal reaction followed by multiple signaling cascades including caspases, p53, and mitochondrial dysfunction which have been said to contribute in DILI. The SIRT1 activator is regarded as a potential candidate for DILI, because the former could inhibit signaling of p53, NF-κB, and ER stress. On the other hand, overexpression of SIRT1 also enhances the activation of antioxidant responses via Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1- (Keap1-) nuclear factor- (erythroid-derived 2-) like 2 (Nrf2) signaling. The current manuscript will highlight the mechanism of DILI and the interaction of SIRT1 with various cytoplasmic factors leading to DILI along with the summary of potent SIRT1 agonists.

PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and Hsp70 activate in hippocampus of rats with chronic manganese sulfate exposure

Manganese (Mn) has come to the forefront of environmental concerns due to its neurotoxicity. However, the toxic effect of Mn is not fully understood. The purpose of this study is to investigate the impacts of chronic manganese sulfate (MnSO₄) exposure in regulating the phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/Akt) signaling pathway in rats. In this study, rats were treated with 0, 5.0, 10.0, and 20.0 mg/kg MnSO₄•H₂O five days a week for 24 weeks via intraperitoneal injection. At the end of the exposure period, the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), and heat shock protein (Hsp70) in rats' plasma were quantified; the mRNA expression levels of caspase-3, B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bcl-2-associated X protein (Bax), serine-threonine protein kinase (Akt-1), and forkhead box O3a (FoxO3a) were measured through real-time quantitative PCR (RT-PCR); and the levels of protein Hsp70 and Akt were assessed by western blot. With an increasing dose of MnSO₄, the organ coefficients of all tested organs were significantly increased, except the testis. Compared with the control group, the activities of plasma SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT in MnSO₄-exposed groups were significantly decreased, while the concentrations of plasma MDA and Hsp70 were significantly increased. Moreover, the hippocampal mRNA levels of Bcl-2, caspase-3, Akt-1, and FoxO3a in MnSO₄-exposed groups were downregulated, but the level of Bax was upregulated. Meanwhile, the level of phosphorylation of Akt (p-Akt) and Hsp70 proteins tends to be upregulated by increasing MnSO₄ exposure (P < 0.05). The plasma Hsp70 level was negatively associated with SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px activities (P < 0.05), and positively associated with blood MDA concentration and hippocampal Hsp70 levels (P < 0.05). Chronic MnSO₄ exposure can result in apoptosis of central nerve cells, activate the PI3K/Akt signaling pathway in rats' hippocampus, and upregulate Hsp70 transcription and translation.

Potential of Grape Wastes as a Natural Source of Bioactive Compounds

Grapes are widely used in the wine and juice industries, which can lead to massive amounts of waste, mostly grape peels and seeds. The antioxidant capacities, total phenolic and flavonoid contents and phenolic profiles of peels and seeds from 30 grape varieties were systemically assessed. The antioxidant activities of fat-soluble, water-soluble and insoluble-bound fractions of grape peels and seeds were evaluated using ferric-reducing antioxidant power and Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity assays, and their total phenolic contents and total flavonoid contents were determined by the Folin-Ciocalteu method and AlCl₃ colorimetry, respectively. It was found that the antioxidant capacities were diverse among different grape peels and seeds. Moreover, several phenolic compounds were identified and quantified, including gallic acid, cyanidin-3-glucoside, epicatechin, catechin gallate, ferulaic acid, rutin and resveratrol, which could contribute to the antioxidant capacities of these grape peels and seeds. Several grape wastes with strong antioxidant activity could be abundant sources of natural bioactive compounds, and have the potential for development into functional foods, food additives and pharmaceuticals.

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.