Seabuckthorn berry polysaccharide extracts protect against acetaminophen induced hepatotoxicity in mice via activating the Nrf-2/HO-1-SOD-2 signaling pathway

Polysaccharides in fruits: Biological activities, structures, and structure-activity relationships and influencing factors-A review

Fruits are a rich source of polysaccharides, and an increasing number of studies have shown that polysaccharides from fruits have a wide range of biological functions. Here, we thoroughly review recent advances in the study of the bioactivities, structures, and structure-activity relationships of fruit polysaccharides, especially highlighting the structure-activity influencing factors such as extraction methods and chemical modifications. Different extraction methods cause differences in the primary structures of polysaccharides, which in turn lead to different polysaccharide biological activities. Differences in the degree of modification, molecular weight, substitution position, and chain conformation caused by chemical modification can all affect the biological activities of fruit polysaccharides. Furthermore, we summarize the applications of fruit polysaccharides in the fields of pharmacy and medicine, foods, cosmetics, and materials. The challenges and perspectives for fruit polysaccharide research are also discussed.

Advance in Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: Extraction, structural characteristics, pharmacological activity, structure-activity relationship and application

Hippophae rhamnoides (Sea buckthorn) is an excellent medicinal and edible plant owing to its high nutritional and health-promoting properties. As an important bioactive component, H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) have aroused wide attention due to their various pharmacological activities, including hepatoprotective, immuno-modulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor, hypoglycemic, anti-obesity, and so on. Nevertheless, the development and utilization of HRP-derived functional food and medicines are constrained to a lack of comprehensive understanding of the structure-activity relationship, application, and safety of HRPs. This review systematically summarizes the advancements on the extraction, purification, structural characteristics, pharmacological activities and mechanisms of HRPs. The structure-activity relationship, safety evaluation, application, as well as the shortcomings of current research and promising prospects are also highlighted. This article aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of HRPs and lay a groundwork for future research and utilization of HRPs as multifunctional biomaterials and therapeutic agents.

Medicinal and edible polysaccharides from ancient plants: extraction, isolation, purification, structure, biological activity and market trends of sea buckthorn polysaccharides

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae L.), a well-known medicinal and edible plant, is known as the "king of VC". Due to its excellent medicinal and nutritional value, it has been developed into a variety of functional products. Sea buckthorn polysaccharides (SPs), one of the important and representative active components, have attracted the attention of researchers in the fields of health food and medicine because of their potential beneficial effects on human health. Recently, SPs have shown various biological activities in in vitro and in vivo studies, such as anti-obesity, immunomodulatory, anti-tumor, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-fatigue, and hepatoprotective activities. This review provides a comprehensive and systematic summary of the extraction and purification methods, structural characterization, biological activity, and market trends of SPs to provide a theoretical basis for their therapeutic potential and sanitarian functions. A future scope is needed to further explore the medicinal and nutritional value of SPs and incorporate them in functional food products.

Extraction, purification, structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.): A review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is an edible fruit with a long history in China as a medicinal plant. The fruits of H. rhamnoides are rich in a variety of nutrients and pharmacological active compounds. As one of the most important active ingredients in sea buckthorn, polysaccharides have attracted the attention of researchers due to their antioxidant, anti-fatigue, and liver protective qualities.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

This review summarizes recent studies on extraction, purification, structural characterization and pharmacological activities of polysaccharides from sea buckthorn. In addition, the relationship between the structure and the activities of sea buckthorn polysaccharides (SBPS) were discussed. This review would provide important research bases and up-to-date information for the future in-depth development and application of sea buckthorn polysaccharides in the field of pharmaceuticals and functional foods.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

By inputting the search term "Sea buckthorn polysaccharides", relevant research information was obtained from databases such as Web of Science, Google Scholar, PubMed, China Knowledge Network (CNKI), China Master Theses Full-text Database, and China Doctoral Dissertations Full-text Database.

RESULTS

The main extraction methods of SBPS include hot water extraction (HWE), ultrasonic assisted extraction (UAE), microwave-assisted extraction (MAE), flash extraction (FE), and ethanol extraction. More than 20 polysaccharides have been isolated from sea buckthorn fruits. The chemical structures of sea buckthorn polysaccharides obtained by different extraction, isolation, and purification methods are diverse. Polysaccharides from sea buckthorn display a variety of pharmacological properties, including antioxidant, anti-fatigue, liver protection, anti-obesity, regulation of intestinal flora, immunoregulation, anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory, and hypoglycemic activities.

CONCLUSIONS

Sea buckthorn has a long medicinal history and characteristics of an ethnic medicine and food. Polysaccharides are one of the main active components of sea buckthorn, and they have received increasing attention from researchers. Sea buckthorn polysaccharides have remarkable pharmacological activities, health benefits, and broad application prospects. In addition, further exploration of the chemical structure of SBPS, in-depth study of their pharmacological activities, identification of their material basis, characterization of disease resistance mechanisms, and potential health functions are still directions of future research. With the accumulation of research on the extraction and purification processes, chemical structure, pharmacological effects, molecular mechanisms, and structure-activity relationships, sea buckthorn polysaccharides derived from natural resources will ultimately make significant contributions to human health.

Extraction techniques, structural features and biological functions of Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharides: A review

Hippophae rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) is a type of traditional Chinese medicine with a long history of clinical application. It is used in the improvement and treatment of various diseases as medicine and food to strengthen the stomach and digestion, relieving cough and resolving phlegm, promoting blood circulation, and resolving blood stasis in traditional Chinese medicine. Emerging evidence has shown that H. rhamnoides polysaccharides (HRPs) are vital bioactive macromolecules responsible for its various health benefits. HRPs possess the huge potential to develop a drug improving or treating different diseases. In this review, we comprehensively and systematically summarize the recent information on extraction and purification methods, structural features, biological activities, structure-activity relationships, and potential industry applications of HRPs and further highlight the therapeutic potential and sanitarian functions of HRPs in the fields of therapeutic agents and functional food development. Additionally, this paper also lists a variety of biological activities of HRPs in vitro and in vivo roundly. Finally, this paper also discusses the structure-activity relationships and potential applications of HRPs. Overall, this work will help to have a better in-depth understanding of HRPs and provide a scientific basis and direct reference for more scientific and rational applications.

Gut-Liver Axis as a Therapeutic Target for Drug-Induced Liver Injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is a liver disease that remains difficult to predict and diagnose, and the underlying mechanisms are yet to be fully clarified. The gut-liver axis refers to the reciprocal interactions between the gut and the liver, and its homeostasis plays a prominent role in maintaining liver health. It has been recently reported that patients and animals with DILI have a disrupted gut-liver axis, involving altered gut microbiota composition, increased intestinal permeability and lipopolysaccharide translocation, decreased short-chain fatty acids production, and impaired bile acid metabolism homeostasis. The present review will summarize the evidence from both clinical and preclinical studies about the role of the gut-liver axis in the pathogenesis of DILI. Moreover, we will focus attention on the potential therapeutic strategies for DILI based on improving gut-liver axis function, including herbs and phytochemicals, probiotics, fecal microbial transplantation, postbiotics, bile acids, and Farnesoid X receptor agonists.

Sea buckthorn, its bioactive constituents, and mechanism of action: potential application in female reproduction

Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) is a flowering shrub, and its berries have been utilized for decades as a raw ingredient in cuisines and herbal remedies. This evidence-based study focuses on its key bioactive constituents, and mechanism of protective effects with a focus on female reproductive processes. Parts of the plant contain phenols, carotenoids (lycopene, carotene, lutein, and zeaxanthin), flavonoids (isorhamnetin, quercetin, glycosides, and kaempferol), tocopherols, sterols, polyunsaturated fatty acids, minerals, vitamins, omega 3, 6, 9 and rare omega 7 fatty acids etc. Key polyphenolic flavonoids such as isorhamnetin and quercetin are believed to be mainly responsible behind its health benefits (against cardiovascular diseases, metabolic syndrome, obesity etc.) through properties including anti-cancer, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities. These sea buckthorn constituents appear to mediate healthy ovarian cell proliferation, death, and hormone release, as well as decrease ovarian cancer possibly through apoptosis, and hormonal (estrogen) release. Thus, sea buckthorn and its bioactive ingredients may have potential in the management of gynecological problems such as uterine inflammation, endometriosis, and easing symptoms of vulvovaginal atrophy in postmenopausal women (by targeting inflammatory cytokines and vascular endothelial growth factor - VEGF). Apigenin, myricetin, and luteolin have also been recommended as prospective ovarian cancer preventative and adjuvant therapy options as they can inhibit ovarian cancerogenesis by triggering apoptosis and halting the cell cycle in ovarian tumors. Furthermore, its oil (containing carotenoid, sterol, and hypericin) has been speculated as an alternative to estrogen replacement therapy for postmenopausal women particularly to improve vaginal epithelial integrity. However, it is uncertain whether steroid hormone receptors, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and inflammatory regulators are actually behind sea buckhorn's actions. Sea buckthorn, and its compounds' health promoting potential warrants further validation not just in vitro and in animal research, but also in clinical trials to identify and/or standardize optimal methods of delivery of biologically active molecules.

Hepatic ZBTB22-mediated detoxification ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by inhibiting pregnane X receptor signaling

Overdose acetaminophen (APAP) can cause acute liver injury (ALI), but the underlying mechanism remains undetermined. This study explored the role of hepatic Zinc Finger And BTB Domain Containing 22 (ZBTB22) in defense against APAP-mediated hepatotoxicity. The results showed that hepatic ZBTB22 expression was significantly reduced in patients with ALI and mice. In mouse primary hepatocytes (MPHs), ZBTB22 deletion aggravated APAP overdose-induced ALI, whereas ZBTB22 overexpression attenuated that pathological progression. The results were further verified in ZBTB22 over-express or knockout mice models. In parallel, hepatocyte-specific ZBTB22 knockout also enhanced ALI. Furthermore, ZBTB22 decreased pregnane X receptor (PXR) expression, and the PXR activator pregnane-16α-carbonitrile suppressed the protective effect of ZBTB22 in APAP-induced ZBTB22-overexpressing mice. Collectively, our findings highlight the protective effect of ZBTB22 against APAP-induced ALI and unravel PXR signaling as the potential mechanism. Strategies to increase hepatic ZBTB22 expression represent a promising therapeutic approach for APAP overdose-induced ALI.

Optimization of ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction of polysaccharides from seabuckthorn fruits using response methodology, physicochemical characterization and bioactivities

BACKGROUND

Seabuckthorn fruits contains many active subtances, among them, the seabuckthorn polysaccharide is one of the main active ingredients, and exhibits diverse bioactivities. The extraction of polysaccharides from seabuckthorn fruits is the most important step for their wide applications. Ultrasound-assisted aqueous two-phase extraction (UA-ATPE) is a promising green method for extracting polysaccharides. Additionally, physicochemical characterization and antioxidant activities can evaluate the potential functions and applications in the food and medicine industries.

RESULTS

Based on the single-factor experiments, 20.70% (w/w) ammonium sulfate ((NH₄ )₂ SO₄ ) and 27.56% (w/w) ethanol were determined as the suitable composition for aqueous two-phase. The optimum conditions of UA-ATPE obtained by response surface methodology were as follows: ultrasonic power (390 W), extraction time (41 min), liquid-to-material ratio (72: 1 mL/g), and the total yield of the polysaccharides reached 34.14 ± 0.10%, The molecular weights of the purified upper-phase seabuckthorn polysaccharide (PUSP) and the purified lower-phase seabuckthorn polysaccharide (PLSP) were 65 525 and 26 776 Da, respectively. PUSP and PLSP contained the same six monosaccharides (galacturonic acid, rhamnose, xylose, mannose, glucose and galactose), but with different molar ratios. Furthermore, PUSP and PLSP displayed certain viscoelastic property, had no triple helical structure, possessed different thermal stability, surface morphology and conformation in aqueous solution. PUSP and PLSP displayed strong antioxidant properties by the assays of scavenging ability of ABTS⁺ ·, the protection of DNA damage and erythrocyte hemolysis.

CONCLUSION

UA-ATPE significantly increased the yield of seabuckthorn polysaccharides. PUSP and PLSP were different in many aspects, such as molar ratio, surface shape and antioxidant activities. Seabuckthornpolysaccharides possess great potential in medicine and functional foods. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Confusoside, a dihydrochalcone glucoside, prevents acetaminophen-induced liver injury by modulating the Nrf2/NF-κB/caspase signaling pathway

Dihydrochalcones are important bioactive ingredients in plants. Anneslea fragrans is an edible and medicinal plant, and its leaves are rich in dihydrochalcones. Confusoside (CF) is the most abundant dihydrochalcone in A. fragrans leaves, which is traditionally used in the treatment of liver diseases. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of CF on acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatic injury in mice. CF could reduce the levels of AST, ALT, and LDH in the serum and enhance the antioxidant activity by activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway to increase the activities of antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT), and the GSH content but decrease the MDA accumulation in liver tissues. Immunofluorescence assay and western blotting analysis showed that CF can regulate Nrf2 into the cell nucleus, thereby promoting the expression of downstream antioxidant-related proteins, including NQO1 and HO-1. In addition, CF could inhibit the liver inflammatory response by suppressing the activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce the expressions of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and NO. Molecular docking results showed that there was good binding between the CF and Keap1-Nrf2 protein. Western blotting and TUNEL analysis also revealed CF-inhibited cell apoptosis-related protein expression (Bcl2 and caspase-3/9 proteins). Thus, the CF from A. fragrans leaves could be served as an alternative hepaprotective agent for the treatment and prevention of APAP-induced liver injury.

Kaempferol counteracts toxicity induced by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine in D. melanogaster: An implication of its mitoprotective activity

The current study aimed to investigate whether kaempferol (KMP), the major bioactive component of green leafy vegetables, could counteract the toxicity elicited by 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) in Drosophila melanogaster or not. First, we performed a dose-response curve, where adult wild-type flies were fed on diet-containing different concentrations of KMP throughout their lifespan. Afterward, flies were fed on a diet containing MPTP (500 μM) and KMP (20 and 40 μM) for 7 days. The MPTP- fed flies presented a higher mortality rate, lower emergence rate, locomotor deficits, and disruption in circadian rhythm when compared to the control. MPTP exposure induced severe oxidative stress, which was marked by reduction in thiol content, overproduction of reactive species, lipid and protein oxidation, and disruption of enzymes of antioxidant and neurotransmission pathways. MPTP also compromised the mitochondrial dynamics and respiration of flies, affecting the electron transport chain, oxidative phosphorylation, and fusion/fission processes. Besides extending per se the lifespan of flies, KMP counteracted the toxic effects of MPTP on the circadian cycle, survival, climbing, and hatching rates. KMP was also effective in restoring the activities of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) and monoamine oxidase (MAO) enzymes, as well as in normalizing the levels of all oxidant/antioxidant markers disrupted in MPTP-fed flies. Indeed, KMP reestablished the mitochondrial functionality in MPTP- fed flies, restoring the electron transport system linked to mitochondrial complex I and II, and rescuing the mRNA transcription of genes associated with mitochondrial fusion and fission, namely OPA-1 (Optic atrophy 1) and DRP-1 (Dynamin related protein 1). Our results showed the efficacy of KMP in hindering the toxicity induced by MPTP in D. melanogaster and suggest that the mitoprotective action of flavonoid may be boosting its anti-parkinsonism activity in the model. Besides, the study showed that wild-type strains of D. melanogaster proved to be reproducible in vivo model to mimic parkinsonian phenotypes through exposure to the neurotoxin MPTP.

Sea buckthorn polysaccharide ameliorates high-fat diet induced mice neuroinflammation and synaptic dysfunction via regulating gut dysbiosis

Currently, definitive treatment for neurodegenerative diseases without side effects has not been developed, therefore, exploring natural polysaccharides with neuroprotection to prevent the occurrences and progressions of cognitive dysfunctions has important significance. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of sea buckthorn polysaccharide (SBP) on high-fat diet (HFD) induced mice cognitive dysfunctions and attempted to explore its biological mechanisms. Behavior tests (Y-maze and Barnes maze) suggested that SBP effectively alleviated the HFD induced behavioral disorders, which was in accordance with the inhibition of neuroinflammation via suppressing the NF-κB pathway and amelioration of synaptic dysfunction via upregulating CREB/BDNF/TrkB pathway in mice brain. Furthermore, SBP alleviated the gut barrier impairment, inflammatory responses, and lipopolysaccharide invasion into blood circulation via regulating the gut microbiome structure, especially correcting the reduction of Ileibacterium and increase of Lactobacillus, Dubosiella, Olsenella, Helicobacter, and Ruminiclostridium_9 in HFD mice. Therefore, the reversal effects of SBP on gut dysbiosis might be the important reason for its positive effects on cognitive dysfunction induced by HFD in mice.

Paeoniflorin Protects against Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice via JNK Signaling Pathway

BACKGROUND

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI), represented by acetaminophen (APAP), is a common cause of acute liver failure in clinics. Paeoniflorin (PF) has been proven to demonstrate a significant hepatoprotective effect. However, it is still unclear whether it can be a potential agent against hepatotoxicity induced by APAP. This study aimed to explore the preventive and therapeutic effects and mechanisms of PF on APAP-induced liver injury.

METHODS

Different doses of PF (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg) were given to C57BL/6 male mice for five consecutive days. After 12 h of APAP (250 mg/kg i.p.) treatment, blood and liver tissues were collected and isolated for detection.

RESULTS

The results showed that the therapeutic effects of PF on APAP mice were presented in the downregulation of the content of serum indices and significantly improved hepatic tissue edema and inflammatory infiltration. Meanwhile, PF reduces the level of the mitochondrial metabolic enzyme. Ulteriorly, it was found that PF has a downregulating effect on the apoptotic reaction and could inhibit the protein expression of CYP2E1/JNK signaling, which in turn reduces the damage of APAP.

CONCLUSION

Our findings showed that PF acted as a protective agent against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting JNK-related signals, suggesting a novel insight into treating APAP-induced liver injury.

Dietary sea buckthorn polysaccharide reduced lipid accumulation, alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress, and normalized imbalance of intestinal microbiota that was induced by high-fat diet in zebrafish Danio rerio

The purpose of this study was to explore the beneficial effects of sea buckthorn polysaccharide (SP) on lipid metabolism, liver, and intestinal health in zebrafish fed with high-fat diet (HFD). The zebrafish were fed with regular diet (RD), HFD, and HFD supplemented with 2 g/kg (HFD_2SP) and 4 g/kg (HFD_4SP) of SP, respectively. Growth, serum biochemistry, histopathology, expression of genes involved in lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress and tight junction, and changes in intestinal microbiota were detected. Results showed that adding 2 and 4 g/kg of SP in the HFD significantly improved the survival rate of zebrafish; reduced the levels of serum triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine transaminase (ALT); and alleviated the lipid accumulation in the liver of zebrafish. Furthermore, SP significantly enhanced the antioxidant capacity of liver and intestine by up-regulating the expression of Nrf2 and Cu/Zn-SOD and alleviated liver and intestinal inflammation induced by HFD through up-regulating the expression of TGF-β1 and suppressing the expression of P38MAPK, IL-8, and IL-1β. Especially, dietary SP normalized intestinal microbiota imbalance caused by HFD and inhibited the proliferation of harmful bacteria, i.e., Mycobacterium, but promoted the proliferation of intestinal beneficial bacteria, i.e., Cetobacterium. In summary, 2 and 4 g/kg of dietary SP significantly reduced lipid accumulation, alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress, and normalized the imbalance of intestinal microbiota induced by HFD and consequently improved the survival rate of zebrafish.

Astaxanthin absorption modulated antioxidant enzyme activity and targeted specific metabolic pathways in rats

BACKGROUND

Saponification contributed to an increase in the in vitro antioxidant activity of astaxanthin (Asta) extracts derived from Penaeus sinensis (Solenocera crassicornis) by-products. However, the influence of non-saponification (N-Asta) and saponification Asta (S-Asta) absorption on antioxidant activity in vivo was limited. The antioxidant properties of N-Asta and S-Asta were therefore compared in Sprague Dawley male rats after 6 h and 12 of absorption using biochemistry assays combined with an untargeted metabonomics strategy.

RESULTS

Non-saponified Asta and S-Asta showed similar digestive properties in a stimulated gastrointestinal tract. Increased glutathione content and decreased malondialdehyde content were measured in the liver tissues of N-Asta and S-Asta treated rats after 12 h of absorption. Absorption of N-Asta increased liver total superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activity. Treatment with S-Asta up-regulated NAD(P)H: quinine oxidoreductase-1, and heme oxygenase-1 expression was associated with the nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant responsive element pathway at the end of 12 h absorption. With partial least square-discriminant analysis and metabolite heatmap profiles, the S-Asta group was clearly separated from the N-Asta group. The S-Asta treatment also demonstrated stronger influences on plasma metabolites than the N-Asta treatment. Both N-Asta and S-Asta absorption showed critical roles in the regulation of specific metabolites, and 15 potential biomarkers were identified in eight key pathways to separate these experimental groups after 12 h of absorption. However, an increased serotonin level was only detected in the S-Asta group after 12 h absorption.

CONCLUSION

Absorption of N-Asta and S-Asta induced different antioxidant effects in normal rats, which were associated with metabolite changes. © 2022 Society of Chemical Industry.

Effects of N-acetyl-l-cysteine on chronic heat stress-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the ovaries of growing pullets

The aims of this study were to investigate the effects of supplemental N-acetyl-l-cysteine (NAC) on chronic heat stress-induced oxidative stress and inflammation in the ovaries of growing pullets. A total of 120, 12-wk-old, Hy-Line Brown hens were randomly separated into 4 groups with 6 replicates of 5 birds in each group for 21 d. The 4 treatments were as follows: the CON group and CN group were supplemented with basal diet or basal diet with 1 g/kg NAC, respectively; and the HS group and HSN group were heat-stressed groups supplemented with basal diet or basal diet with 1 g/kg NAC, respectively. The results indicated that the ovaries suffered pathological damage due to chronic heat stress and that NAC effectively ameliorated these changes. Compared with the HS group, antioxidant enzyme activities (including SOD, GSH-Px, CAT, and T-AOC) were enhanced, while the MDA contents and the expression levels of HSP70 were decreased in the HSN group. In addition, NAC upregulated the expression levels of HO-1, SOD2, and GST by upregulating the activity of Nrf2 at different time points to mitigate oxidative stress caused by heat exposure. Simultaneously, NAC attenuated chronic heat stress-induced NF-κB pathway activation and decreased the expression levels of the proinflammatory cytokines IL-8, IL-18, TNF-α, IKK-α, and IFN-γ. Cumulatively, our results indicated that NAC could ameliorate chronic heat stress-induced ovarian damage by upregulating the antioxidative capacity and reducing the secretion of proinflammatory cytokines.

Fruits of Hippophaë rhamnoides in human leukocytes and Caco-2 cell monolayer models—A question about their preventive role in lipopolysaccharide leakage and cytokine secretion in endotoxemia

Preparations from Hippophaë rhamnoides L. (sea buckthorn) have been traditionally used in the treatment of skin and digestive disorders, such as gastritis, gastric and duodenal ulcers, uterine erosions, as well as oral, rectal, and vaginal mucositis, in particular in the Himalayan and Eurasian regions. An influence of an aqueous extract from the fruits of H. rhamnoides (HR) on leakage of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli through gut epithelium developed from the human colorectal adenocarcinoma (Caco-2) monolayer in vitro and glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) translocation were the principal objectives of the study. Additionally, the effect of HR on the production of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines (interleukins: IL-8, IL-1β, IL-10, IL-6; tumor necrosis factor: TNF-α) by the Caco-2 cell line, human neutrophils (PMN), and peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was evaluated. The concentration of LPS on the apical and basolateral sides of the Caco-2 monolayer was evaluated with a Limulus Amebocyte Lysate (LAL) assay. GLUT2 translocation was evaluated using an immunostaining assay, whereas secretion of cytokines by cell cultures was established with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent (ELISA) assay. HR (500 μg/ml) significantly inhibited LPS leakage through epithelial monolayer in vitro in comparison with non-treated control. The treatment of Caco-2 cells with HR (50–100 μg/ml) showed GLUT2 expression similar to the non-treated control. HR decreased the secretion of most pro-inflammatory cytokines in all tested models. HR might prevent low-grade chronic inflammation caused by metabolic endotoxemia through the prevention of the absorption of LPS and decrease of chemotactic factors released by immune and epithelial cells, which support its use in metabolic disorders in traditional medicine.

Protective Effect of Fresh/Dry Dandelion Extracts on APAP-Overdose-Induced Acute Liver Injury

OBJECITVIE

To compare the liver protective activity of fresh/dried dandelion extracts against acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Totally 90 Kunming mice were randomly divided into 10 groups according to body weight (9 mice for each group). The mice in the normal control and model (vehicle control) groups were administered sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC-Na, 0.5%) only. Administration groups were pretreated with high and low-dose dry dandelion extract (1,000 or 500 g fresh herb dried and then decocted into 120 mL solution, DDE-H and DDE-L); low-, medium- and high-dose dandelion juice (250, 500, 1,000 g/120 mL, DJ-L, DJ-M, and DJ-H); fresh dandelions evaporation juice water (120 mL, DEJW); dry dandelion extract dissolved by pure water (1 kg/120 mL, DDED-PW); dry dandelion extract dissolved by DEJW (120 g/120 mL, DDED-DEJW) by oral gavage for 7 days at the dosage of 0.5 mL solution/10 g body weight; after that, except normal control group, all other groups were intraperitonealy injected with 350 mg/kg APAP to induce liver injury. Twenty hours after APAP administration, serum and liver tissue were collected and serum alanine aminotransferase (AST), aspartate transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities were quantified by biochemical kits; tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-2, and IL-1 β contents in liver tissue were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay kits. Histopathological changes in liver tissues were observed by hematoxylin and eosin staining; TUNEL Assay and Hoechst 33258 staining were applied for cell apoptosis evaluation. The expressions of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf-2), caspase-9, B-cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2), Bax and p-JNK were determined by Western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Pretreatment with fresh dandelion juice (FDJ, including DJ-L, DJ-M, DJ-H, DEJW and DDED-DEJW) significantly decreased the levels of serum ALT, AST, AKP, TNF-α and IL-1β compared with vehicle control group (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Additionally, compared with the vehicle control group, FDJ decreased the levels of hepatic MDA and restored GSH levels and SOD activity in livers (P<0.05 or P<0.01). FDJ inhibited the overexpression of pro-inflammatory factors including cyclooxygenase-2 and inducible nitric oxide synthase in the liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Furthermore, Western blot analysis revealed that FDJ pretreatment inhibited activation of apoptotic signaling pathways via decreasing of Bax, and caspase-9 and JNK protein expression, and inhibited activation of JNK pathway (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Liver histopathological observation provided further evidence that FDJ pretreatment significantly inhibited APAP-induced hepatocyte necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration and congestion.

CONCLUSIONS

FDJ pretreatment protects against APAP-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway, and the effect of fresh dandelion extracts was superior to dried dandelion extracts in APAP hepatotoxicity model mice.

Research on the Mechanism of HRP Relieving IPEC-J2 Cells Immunological Stress Based on Transcriptome Sequencing Analysis

Early weaning increased the economic benefits of piglets. However, early weaning damages the intestinal barrier of piglets and causes immunological stress. The mechanism by which Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide (HRP) alleviates lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced intestinal porcine epithelial cells (IPEC-J2) inflammatory damage was investigated using proteomics in our previous studies. In this study we employed RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) to determine the level and function of differentially expressed genes (DEGs) and further explore the mechanism of the HRP anti-inflammatory and immune process. The differential expression analysis indicated that 3622, 1216, and 2100 DEGs in the IPEC-J2 cells were identified in C vs. L, L vs. H6-L, and C vs. H6-L, respectively. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis foundsix identified pathways related to the immune system. Additionally, we used the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) program to categorize the 3,134 DEGs that were differentially expressed in H2-L, H4-L and H6-L into eight possible expression profiles, in which 612 were clustered into two profiles. The accuracy and consistency of RNA-seq data were validated by the results of qRT-PCR of the nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 2 (NFKB2), MAP kinase interacting serine/threonine kinase 2 (MKNK2), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase 1 (MAP2K1), mitogen-activated protein kinase kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8), Ras-related protein R-Ras (RRAS), TNF receptor-associated factor 1 (TRAF1), NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (NFKBIA), interleukin 8 (IL8), tumor necrosis factor, alpha-induced protein 3 (TNFAIP3), and transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGFB1). Transcriptome sequencing also indicated that HRP reduced the expression levels of related DEGs and inhibited the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that the application of HRP in piglet diets during the early weaning period can improve intestinal epithelial function and integrity, and relieve intestinal damage, and improve piglet health.

Protection Against Drug-Induced Liver Injuries Through Nutraceuticals via Amelioration of Nrf-2 Signaling

Hepatotoxicity caused by the overdose of various medications is a leading cause of drug-induced liver injury. Overdose of drugs causes hepatocellular necrosis. Nutraceuticals are reported to prevent drug-induced liver failure. The present article aims to review the protection provided by various medicinal plants against hepatotoxic drugs. Ayurveda is considered a conventional restorative arrangement in India. It is consistently used for ages and is still used today to cure drug-induced hepatotoxicity by focusing on antioxidant stress response pathways such as the nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) antioxidant response element signaling pathway. Nrf-2 is a key transcription factor that entangles Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1, a protein found in the cell cytoplasm. Some antioxidant enzymes, such as gamma glycine cysteine ligase (γ-GCL) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), are expressed in Nrf-2 targeted genes. Their expression, in turn, decreases the stimulation of hepatic macrophages and induces the messenger RNA (mRNA) articulation of proinflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor α. This review will cover various medicinal plants from a mechanistic view and how they stimulate and interact with Nrf-2, the master regulator of the antioxidant response to counterbalance oxidative stress. Interestingly, therapeutic plants have become popular in the medical sector due to safer yet effective supplementation for the prevention and treatment of new human diseases. The contemporary study is expected to collect information on a variety of therapeutic traditional herbs that have been studied in the context of drug-induced liver toxicity, as nutraceuticals are the most effective treatments for oxidative stress-induced hepatotoxicity. They are less genotoxic, have a lower cost, and are readily available. Together, nutraceuticals exert protective effects against drug-induced hepatotoxicity through the inhibition of oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. Its mechanism(s) are considered to be associated with the γ-GCL/HO-1 and Nrf-2 signaling pathways. KEY TEACHING POINTSThe liver is the most significant vital organ that carries out metabolic activities of the body such as the synthesis of glycogen, the formation of triglycerides and cholesterol, as well as the formation of bile.Acute liver failure is caused by the consumption of certain drugs; drug-induced liver injury is the major condition.The chemopreventive activity of nutraceuticals may be related to oxidative stress reduction and attenuation of biosynthetic processes involved in hepatic injury via amelioration of the nuclear factor erythroid-2 (Nrf-2) signaling pathway.Nrf-2 is a key transcription factor that is found in the cell cytoplasm resulting in the expression of various genes such as gamma glycine cysteine ligase and heme oxygenase-1.Nutraceutical-rich phytochemicals possess high antioxidant activity, which helps in the prevention of hepatic injury.

Probiotics: Evolving as a Potential Therapeutic Option against Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Acetaminophen (APAP) is the most common prescription medicine around the world for the treatment of pain and fever and is considered to be a safe drug at its therapeutic dose. However, a single overdose or frequent use of APAP can cause severe acute liver injury. APAP hepatotoxicity is a prevalent cause of acute liver disease around the world and the lack of suitable treatment makes it a serious problem. In recent years, there has been a surge in interest in using probiotics and probiotic-derived products, known as postbiotics, as health and disease negotiators. A growing body of evidence revealed that they can be equally effective against APAP hepatotoxicity. Different probiotic bacteria were found to be pre-clinically effective against APAP hepatotoxicity. Different postbiotics have also shown exciting results in preclinical models of APAP hepatotoxicity. This review summarized the protective roles and mechanisms of the different probiotic bacteria and postbiotics against APAP hepatotoxicity, with critical discussion. A brief discussion on potential novel probiotics and postbiotics for oxidative liver injury was also included. This review was written in an attempt to pique the interest of researchers in developing a safe therapeutic option against oxidative liver damage using probiotics and/or postbiotics as dietary supplements.

The Regulatory Roles of Polysaccharides and Ferroptosis-Related Phytochemicals in Liver Diseases

Liver disease is a global health burden with high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Liver injuries can develop into severe end-stage diseases, such as cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma, without valid treatment. Therefore, identifying novel drugs may promote liver disease treatment. Phytochemicals, including polysaccharides, flavonoids, alkaloids, and terpenes, are abundant in foods and medicinal plants and have various bioactivities, such as antioxidation, immunoregulation, and tumor killing. Recent studies have shown that many natural polysaccharides play protective roles in liver disease models in vitro and in vivo, such as fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, drug-induced liver injury, and liver cancer. The mechanisms of liver disease are complex. Notably, ferroptosis, a new type of cell death driven by iron and lipid peroxidation, is considered to be the key mechanism in many hepatic pathologies. Therefore, polysaccharides and other types of phytochemicals with activities in ferroptosis regulation provide novel therapeutic strategies for ferroptosis-related liver diseases. This review summarizes our current understanding of the mechanisms of ferroptosis and liver injury and compelling preclinical evidence of natural bioactive polysaccharides and phytochemicals in treating liver disease.

Dietary Inclusion of Seabuckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Mitigates Foodborne Enteritis in Zebrafish Through the Gut-Liver Immune Axis

To help prevent foodborne enteritis in aquaculture, several feed additives, such as herbal medicine, have been added to fish diets. Predictions of effective herb medicines for treating fish foodborne enteritis from key regulated DEGs (differentially expressed genes) in transcriptomic data can aid in the development of feed additives using the Traditional Chinese Medicine Integrated Database. Seabuckthorn has been assessed as a promising candidate for treating grass carp soybean-induced enteritis (SBMIE). In the present study, the SBMIE zebrafish model was used to assess seabuckthorn’s therapeutic or preventative effects. The results showed that intestinal and hepatic inflammation was reduced when seabuckthorn was added, either pathologically (improved intestinal villi morphology, less oil-drops) or growth-related (body fat deposition). Moreover, seabuckthorn may block the intestinal p53 signaling pathway, while activating the PPAR signaling pathway and fatty acid metabolism in the liver. 16S rRNA gene sequencing results also indicated a significant increase in OTU numbers and skewed overlapping with the fish meal group following the addition of seabuckthorn. Additionally, there were signs of altered gut microbiota taxa composition, particularly for reduced TM7, Sphingomonas, and Shigella, following the addition of seabuckthorn. Hindgut imaging of fluorescent immune cells in SBMIE larvae revealed the immune regulatory mechanisms at the cellular level. Seabuckthorn may significantly inhibit the inflammatory gathering of neutrophils, macrophages, and mature T cells, as well as cellular protrusions’ formation. On the other hand, in larvae, seabuckthorn inhibited the inflammatory aggregation of lck⁺ T cells but not immature lymphocytes, indicating that it affected intestinal adaptive immunity. Although seabuckthorn did not affect the distribution of intestinal CD4⁺ cells, the number of hepatic CD4⁺ cells were reduced in fish from the seabuckthorn supplementation group. Thus, the current data indicate that seabuckthorn may alleviate foodborne gut-liver symptoms by enhancing intestinal mucosal immunity and microbiota while simultaneously inhibiting hepatic adipose disposition, making it a potential additive for preventing fish foodborne gut-liver symptoms.

The potential roles of natural plant polysaccharides in inflammatory bowel disease: A review

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a long-term chronic disease, about 20% of IBD patients deteriorate to colorectal cancer. Currently, there is no radical cure for IBD. Natural plant polysaccharides (NPP) have low toxic and side effects, which have immune and prebiotic activities and possesses positive effect on alleviating IBD. In this review, we will focus on the alleviating effect of NPP on IBD in vitro and in vivo from three aspects: regulating intestinal flora imbalance, repairing intestinal barrier injury and improving immunity. The relationship between the chemical structure of natural plant polysaccharides and the therapeutic effect of IBD are highlighted. Finally, the synergistic role of NPP as a carrier of drugs or active molecules to reduce side effects and enhance targeting function are discussed, especially pectic polysaccharides. Broadly, this review provides a valuable reference for NPP to be developed as functional food or health products to alleviate IBD.

Hippophae rhamnoides L. leaf and twig extracts as rich sources of nutrients and bioactive compounds with antioxidant activity

Plants have served for centuries as sources of compounds useful for human health such as antioxidant, anti-diabetic and antitumor agents. They are also rich in nutrients that improve the human diet. Growing demands for these compounds make it important to seek new sources for them. Hippophae rhamnoides L. is known as a plant with health-promoting properties. In this study we investigated the chemical composition and biological properties of bioactive components of ethanol extracts from leaves and twigs of H. rhamnoides L. Chemical components such as the total content of phenolic compounds, vitamins and amino acids and the antioxidant activities of these compounds in cellular and cell-free systems were assessed. The results suggest that the studied extracts are rich in bioactive compounds with potent antioxidant properties. Cytotoxicity and hemotoxicity assays showed that the extracts had low toxicity on human cells over the range of concentrations tested. Interaction with human serum albumin was investigated and conformational changes were observed. Our results indicate that leaf and twig extracts of H. rhamnoides L. should be considered as a non-toxic source of bioactive compounds which may be of interest to the food, pharmaceutical and cosmetic industries.

A natural anti-obesity reagent derived from sea buckthorn polysaccharides: Structure characterization and anti-obesity evaluation in vivo

Sea buckthorn polysaccharide (SBP) has received increasing attention for its various bioactive functions. In this study, a novel polysaccharide SBP-1 was initially separated from crude SBP and further purified to obtain its main fraction SBP-1-A with a Mw of 9944 Da, consisting of Rha, Ara, Gal, Glc, and GalA. The structure of SBP-1-A was characterized based on FT-IR, GC-MS, and 1D/2D NMR, and its backbone was composed of a repeated unit of → 3,4)-β-l-Rhap-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalAp-(1 → 4)-α-d-GalAp-(1 → with branches at C-4 position comprised of α-l-Araf, β-d-Galp, β-d-Glcp, α-d-Glcp. Besides, the anti-obesity effects of SBP-1 on high-fat diet mice were evaluated, indicating it could restrain the body weight gain and lipids accumulation by promoting the expression of PGC1α, UCP-1, and PRDM16 to activate the brown adipocyte and improve the thermogenesis. In summary, the results offered new supports for the structural information of SBP and its feasibility to be used as a natural anti-obesity reagent.

Structural characterization and intestinal protection activity of polysaccharides from Sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries

The sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L.) berries are rich in various bioactive components and widely used as fruit and traditional medicine. In this study, a novel heteropolysaccharide fraction (SP0.1-1) was isolated from Sea buckthorn berries. SP0.1-1 is composed of mannose, glucose, galactose, and arabinose in the molar ratio of 1:2.3:1.9:11.2 with a core structure containing 1,4-linked-α-d-Glcp, 1,4,6-linked-α-d-Glcp and 1,4-linked-α-d-Manp residues as the backbone. And the side-chains comprised of 1,3,5-linked-α-l-Araf, 1,5-linked-α-l-Araf, terminal α-Araf and 1,4-linked-β-d-Galp. Furthermore, a diet supplemented with SP0.1-1 extended the mean lifespan, enhanced antioxidant enzyme (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione peroxidase, GSH-Px; and catalase, CAT) activities, and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced mortality rate in fruit flies (Drosophila melanogaster). To summarize, the study's findings will provide evidence for the development of sea buckthorn polysaccharide products.

Influence of fruit-based beverages on efficacy of Lacticaseibacillus rhamnosus GG (Lactobacillus rhamnosus GG) against DSS-induced intestinal inflammation

Different lines of evidences from clinical, epidemiological and biochemical studies have established that optimal nutrition including probiotic and fruit phenolics can mitigate the risk and morbidity associated with some chronic diseases. The basis for this observation is the potential synergies that may exist between probiotic strains and different bioactive components of food matrices. This study was conceptualized to compare the efficiency of a probiotic strain in two different fruit matrices. Two fruits, viz., sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) (SBT) and apples (Malus pumila) (APJ) were chosen and the anti-inflammatory effects of L. rhamnosus GG (ATCC 53103) (LR) fortified in SBT and APJ were analysed against dextran sulphate sodium (DSS) induced colitis in zebrafish (Danio rerio). The results showed that administration of probiotic (LR) fortified, malt supplemented SBT beverage (SBT + M + LR) had better restorative potential on the intestinal barrier function and mucosal damage, in comparison to LR fortified, malt supplemented APJ beverage (APJ + M + LR). SBT + M + LR demonstrated adequate anti-oxidant potential by enhancing the CAT, SOD, GPx and GSH activities, impaired due to DSS administration. The increase in the expressions of toll like receptor (TLR)-2, TLR-4 and TLR-5 induced by DSS were significantly inhibited by SBT + M + LR administration. Gene expression of pro-inflammatory markers, (NF-κB, TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, CCL20, MPO and MMP9) were attenuated by SBT + M + LR treatment in intestinal tissues of DSS-treated zebrafishes. Notably, SBT + M + LR increased the expression of anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-10. The study provides evidence that specific interactions between fruit matrix and probiotic strain can provide adjunct therapeutic strategy to manage intestinal inflammation.

Rutaecarpine Protects against Acetaminophen-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice by Activating Antioxidant Enzymes

Rutaecarpine, an indolopyridoquinazolinone alkaloid isolated from the unripe fruit of Evodia rutaecarpa, is used to treat hypertension, postpartum hemorrhage, dysentery, and amenorrhea as a traditional medicine in Asia. We investigated the effect of rutaecarpine on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice. Rutaecarpine was administered orally daily for seven consecutive days, followed by intraperitoneal injection of acetaminophen in mice on day seven to induce hepatotoxicity. Rutaecarpine pretreatment significantly decreased acetaminophen-induced serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT)/aspartate aminotransferase (AST) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde content and prevented acetaminophen-induced hepatic glutathione depletion. Furthermore, CYP2E1 expression was decreased by rutaecarpine pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner. Rutaecarpine pretreatment inhibited acetaminophen-induced expression of inflammatory cytokines by inhibiting NF-κB activation by JNK1/2. Also, rutaecarpine pretreatment promoted Nrf2-mediated activation of the antioxidant enzymes GCLC, HO-1, and NQO1. This indicates that the protective effect of rutaecarpine during acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury is mediated by the activation of antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, rutaecarpine has a protective effect of APAP-induced liver damage.

Dandelion polyphenols protect against acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity in mice via activation of the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the JNK signaling pathway

We investigated the liver protective activity of dandelion polyphenols (DP) against acetaminophen (APAP; Paracetamol)-induced hepatotoxicity. Mice were acclimated for 1 week and randomly divided into the following groups (n = 9 per group): Control, APAP, APAP + DP (100 mg·kg^-1), APAP + DP (200 mg·kg^-1), and APAP + DP (400 mg·kg^-1) groups. Mice were pretreated with DP (100, 200, and 400 mg·kg^-1) by oral gavage for 7 d before being treated with 350 mg·kg^-1 APAP for 24 h to induced hepatotoxicity. Severe liver injury was observed, and hepatotoxicity was analyzed after 24 h by evaluation of biochemical markers, protein expressions levels, and liver histopathology. Pretreatment with DP was able to restore serum liver characteristics (aspartate transaminase, AST; alanine aminotransferase, ALT; alkaline phosphatase, AKP), improve redox imbalance (superoxide dismutase, SOD; glutathione, GSH; malondialdehyde, MDA), and decrease inflammatory factors (tumor necrosis factor-α, TNF-α; interleukin-1β, IL-1β). Pretreatment with DP also significantly inhibited the expression levels of nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). Furthermore, DP pretreatment could inhibit the apoptosis of liver cells caused by APAP through up-regulation of Bcl-2 and down-regulation of Bax and caspase-9 protein. DP also down-regulated p-JNK protein expression levels to inhibit APAP-induced mitochondrial oxidative stress and up-regulated the expression of Nrf-2 and its target gene HO-1. The histopathological staining demonstrated that DP pretreatment could inhibit APAP-induced hepatocyte infiltration, congestion, and necrosis. Our results demonstrate that DP pretreatment could protect against APAP-induced hepatic injury by activating the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibition of the intrinsic apoptosis pathway.

Involvement of NF-κB in the reversal of CYP3A down-regulation induced by sea buckthorn in BCG-induced rats

Previous studies reported that sea buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides L., Elaeagnaceae, HRP) exhibits hepatoprotective effects via its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties as well as its inhibitory effects on collagen synthesis. However, it is unclear whether this hepatoprotective effect is also achieved by regulating liver drug metabolism enzyme pathways. Herein, we examined the regulatory effect of HRP on cytochrome P450 3A (CYP3A) in rats with immune liver injury, and explored the molecular mechanism of its hepatoprotective effect. Rat models of immunological liver injury were induced by intravenous injections of Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG; 125 mg kg-1; 2 wks). Specific protein levels were detected by ELISA or western blot, and CYP3A mRNA expression was detected by RT-PCR. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) detected relative changes in CYP3A metabolic activity based on the rates of 1-hydroxylation of the probe drug midazolam (MDZ). BCG pretreatment (125 mg kg-1) significantly down-regulated liver CYP3A protein expression compared with the control, metabolic activity, and transcription levels while up-regulating liver NF-κB, IL-1β, TNF-α and iNOS. HRP intervention (ED50: 78 mg kg-1) moderately reversed NF-κB, inflammatory cytokines, and iNOS activation in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05), and suppressed CYP3A down-regulation (P < 0.05); thereby partially alleviating liver injury. During immune liver injury, HRP may reverse CYP3A down-regulation by inhibiting NF-κB signal transduction, and protect liver function, which involves regulation of enzymes transcriptionally, translationally and post-translationally. The discovery that NF-κB is a molecular target of HRP may initiate the development and optimization of a clinical therapeutic approach to mitigate hepatitis B and other immunity-related liver diseases.

Salvianolate reduces neuronal apoptosis by suppressing OGD-induced microglial activation

AIMS

The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of pro-inflammatory phenotype transformation of microglia induced by oxygen-glucose deprivation (OGD), and how salvianolate regulates the polarization of microglia to exert neuroprotective effects.

MAIN METHODS

The immunofluorescence and western blot experiments were used to verify the injury effect on neuronal cells after inflammatory polarization of microglia. Secondly, immunofluorescence staining and western blot were analyzed inflammatory phenotype of microglia and TLR4 signaling pathway after salvianolate treatment. RT-qPCR and ELISA assays were showed the levels of RNA and proteins of inflammatory factors in microglia. Finally, flow cytometry and western blot assay proved that salvianolate had a certain protective effect on neuronal injury after inhibiting the phenotype of microglia.

KEY FINDINGS

The OGD condition could promote inflammation and activate of TLR4 signal pathway in microglia, and the polarization of microglia triggered caspase-3 signal pathway of neuronal cell. The optimal concentrations of salvianolate were incubated with microglia under OGD condition, which could reduce the reactive oxygen species (ROS) expression (P = 0.002) and also regulate the activity of SOD, CAT and GSH-px enzymes (P < 0.05). Moreover, salvianolate treatment could inhibit TLR4 signal pathway (P = 0.012), suppress the pro-inflammatory phenotype of microglia in OGD condition (P = 0.018), and reduce the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α (P < 0.05). Finally, neuronal damage induced by microglia under OGD condition was reversed after administration of the microglia supernatant after salvianolate treatment.

SIGNIFICANCE

Salvianolate, as an antioxidant, plays a neuroprotective role by inhibiting the pro-inflammatory phenotype and decreasing the expression of ROS in microglia.

Proteomic analysis reveals the molecular mechanism of Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide intervention in LPS-induced inflammation of IPEC-J2 cells in piglets

Early weaning can cause intestinal disorders and dysfunction in piglets, and may induce intestinal diseases. Hippophae rhamnoides polysaccharide (HRP) has anti-inflammatory and immune promotion function. However, few studies have explored the change of differentially protein expression by lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced porcine intestinal epithelial cell (IPEC-J2) after HRP pre-treatment. In this study, proteomic analysis was used to explore the essential proteins and immune-related pathways that can be regulated by LPS-induced IPEC-J2 cells after HRP pre-treatment. The results indicate that by searching the Sus scrofa database, a total of 18,768 proteins was identified. Among recognized proteins, there are 2052 (1720 up-regulated and 332 down-regulated), 358 (262 up-regulated and 96 down-regulated) and1532 (314 up-regulated and 1218 down-regulated) proteins expressed differently in C vs. L, C vs. H6-L and L vs. H6-L, respectively. The Cluster of Orthologous Groups (COG) analysis divided the identified proteins into 23 categories. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis revealed that cellular process, cell, cell part, organelle and binding were the most enriched pathways for differentially expressed proteins. KEGG enrichment analysis indicated that the top 20 pathways in the L-vs-H6-L group related to immunity were the Tight junction, MAPK signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, rap1 signaling pathway, HIF-1 signaling pathway, Ras signaling pathway and Fc gamma R-mediated phagocytosis. Moreover, we also found 42 key proteins related to these immune pathways in this study. Additionally, western blotting analyses confirmed that LPS reduced the levels of claudin2 (CLDN2), insulin-like growth factor 2 (IGF2) and increased phosphorylated mitogen-activated protein kinase 7 (MAPK7), phosphorylated transcription factor p65 (RELA), phosphorylated nuclear factor NF-kappa-B p105 subunit (NF-κB1) and phosphorylated nuclear factor of kappa light polypeptide gene enhancer in B-cells 2 (NF-κB2). Pre-treatment with HRP increased the levels of CLDN2, IGF2 and reduced the levels of the phosphorylated MAPK7, phosphorylated RELA, phosphorylated NF-κB1 and phosphorylated NF-κB2 in cells. These results also showed that HRP alleviated LPS-induced inflammation in IPEC-J2 cells by inhibiting the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway and its related differentially expressed proteins.

Hesperetin attenuated acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by inhibiting hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response via upregulation of heme oxygenase-1 expression

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a common antipyretic and analgesic drug, but its overdose can induce acute liver failure with lack of effective therapies. Hesperetin, a dihydrogen flavonoid compound, has been revealed to exert multiple pharmacological activities. Here, we explored the protective effects and mechanism of hesperetin on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. The results showed that pretreatment with hesperetin dose-dependently attenuated APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice, as measured by alleviated serum enzymes activities, hepatic pathological damage and apoptosis. Moreover, hesperetin mitigated APAP-induced oxidative stress and inflammatory response in mice by inhibiting oxidative molecules but increasing antioxidative molecules production, reducing inflammatory cells infiltration and proinflammatory cytokines production, blocking Toll-like receptor (TLR)-4 signal activation. In vitro experiment indicated that hesperetin dose-dependently inhibited APAP-primed cytotoxicity, apoptosis, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in murine AML12 hepatocytes. Notably, hesperetin up-regulated expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) mRNA and protein in the liver of mice and AML12 cells exposed to APAP. Furthermore, knockdown of HO-1 by adenovirus-mediated HO-1 siRNA reverted these beneficial effects of hesperetin on APAP-induced hepatocytotoxicity as well as ROS and inflammatory response in vivo and in vitro. These findings demonstrated that hesperetin exerted a protective prophylaxis on APAP-induced acute liver injury by inhibiting hepatocyte necrosis and apoptosis, oxidative stress and inflammatory response via up-regulating HO-1 expression.

Effects of Photoperiod on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

PURPOSE

Acetaminophen (APAP) is a clinically popular analgesic and antipyretic drug, but excessive APAP can cause fatal hepatotoxicity. Many factors affect the degree of APAP-induced liver injury. This study aimed to investigate how circadian rhythm affects the development of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and to clarify the roles of photoperiod and dietary rhythm on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity in mice.

METHODS

APAP-induced hepatotoxicity models were established by intraperitoneal injection of APAP (400 mg/kg) to mice. The mice were then divided into three treatment groups: normal diet, reversed diet, and reversed photoperiod.

RESULTS

More severe liver injury was observed at zeitgeber time 12 (ZT12) than at zeitgeber time 0 (ZT0) in all treatment groups, suggesting that photoperiod played a critical role in APAP-induced liver injury. We observed a change in the expression of the circadian gene Per2, which may be responsible for regulation of liver injury by photoperiod. Our results showed negligible change in Per2 expression with diet reversion, whereas Cry1, Cry2, and Dbp expressions were more highly affected by diet reversion than was Per2 expression. Downstream effects including liver enzyme expression, GSH level, and inflammation factors were also examined to identify the mechanism of liver injury. The results indicated that the circadian gene Per2 participated in APAP biometabolism by regulating the expression of Cyp2e1, which may explain the more severe hepatotoxicity at ZT12 than at ZT0.

CONCLUSION

APAP-induced hepatotoxicity can be mediated by photoperiod through the circadian gene Per2, suggesting that medicines containing APAP should be administered not only with food but also according to the appropriate photoperiod.

The bioactive components as well as the nutritional and health effects of sea buckthorn

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, Hippophae rhamnoides L. or Elaeagnus rhamnoides L., has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases. SB is well known more than just a fruit. So far, a unique mixture of bioactive components was elucidated in SB including flavonoids, phenolic acids, proanthocyanidins, carotenoids, fatty acids, triterpenoids, vitamins and phytosterols, which implied the great medicinal worth of this seaberry. Both in vitro and in vivo experiments, ranged from cell lines to animals as well as a few in patients and healthy volunteers, indicated that SB possessed various biological activities including anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects, antioxidant properties, anti-cancer activities, hepato-protection, cardiovascular-protection, neuroprotection, radioprotection, skin protection effect as well as the protective effect against some eye and gastrointestinal sickness. Furthermore, the toxicological results revealed neither the fruits, nor the seeds of SB were toxic. The present review summarizes the unique profile of the chemical compounds, the nutritional and health effects as well as the toxicological properties of SB, which lay the foundation for practical applications of SB in treatment of human diseases.

Sea buckthorn (SB), also named sea berry, has been used in daily life for centuries with kinds of purposes ranging from a beverage with a pleasant taste and flavor, to an agent for treatment of many disorders and diseases.

Carbon monoxide ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by increasing hepatic HO-1 and Parkin expression

Acetaminophen (APAP) is widely used as an antifebrile and analgesic drug at recommended doses, whereas an overdose of APAP can cause severe liver damage. The molecular mechanisms underlying APAP-induced liver damage remain incompletely understood. Carbon monoxide (CO), an end-product of heme oxygenase (HO)-1 activity, can confer anti-inflammatory and antiapoptotic properties in cellular models of toxicity via regulation of mitochondrial function. The objective of this study was to evaluate the effects of CO on APAP-induced hepatotoxicity and CO's relationship to regulation of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and mitochondrial signaling using CO-releasing molecules or low concentrations of CO applied as pretreatment or posttreatment. Using genetic deletion or knockdown approaches in alpha mouse liver cells or primary hepatocytes, respectively, we investigated the role of HO-1 and the mitophagy regulator protein Parkin on APAP-induced expression of the ER stress-associated apoptosis regulator cytosine-cytosine-adenosine-adenosine-thymidine (CCAAT)/enhancer-binding protein homologous protein (CHOP). We found that CO induced Parkin expression in hepatocytes via the protein kinase RNA-like ER kinase/eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2-α/activating transcription factor-4 signaling pathway. Additionally, CO gas inhalation significantly alleviated APAP-induced liver damage in vivo and correspondingly reduced serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels as well as proinflammatory cytokines and reduced the expression of CHOP in liver tissues while dramatically increasing hepatic HO-1 and Parkin expression. We found that the protective effects of CO on APAP-induced liver damage were mediated by down-regulation of CHOP at a transcriptional and post-translational level via induction of HO-1 and Parkin, respectively, and associated with decreases in reactive oxygen species production and JNK phosphorylation. We conclude that CO may represent a promising therapeutic agent for APAP-induced liver injury.-Chen, Y., Park, H.-J., Park, J., Song, H.-C., Ryter, S. W., Surh, Y.-J., Kim, U.-H., Joe, Y., Chung, H. T. Carbon monoxide ameliorates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by increasing hepatic HO-1 and Parkin expression.

Protective effects of polysaccharides on hepatic injury: A review

Chronic hepatic injury caused by hepatitis B and C virus (HBV and HCV) infection, high fat diet and alcohol intake has increased to be the critical promoter of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). These high risk factors set into motion a vicious cycle of hepatocyte death, inflammation and fibrosis that finally results in cirrhosis and HCC after several decades. However, the treatment options for HCC are very limited. Therefore, early treatment of liver injury may reduce the incidence and probability of HCC or delay the progression of HCC. Substantial ongoing research has focused on nontoxic biological macromolecules, mainly polysaccharides, which possess prominent efficacies on hepatoprotective activity. Based on these encouraging observations, a great deal of effort has been devoted to discovering novel polysaccharides for the development of effective therapeutics for hepatic injury. This review focuses on the protective effects of polysaccharides on liver injury, including hepatitis virus infection, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, alcoholic liver disease and other hepatic injuries, and describes the underlying mechanisms.

The Protective Effect of Sonneratia apetala Fruit Extract on Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

Acute liver injury is a common consequence of taking overdose of acetaminophen (APAP). The aim of this study was to evaluate the antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective effect of a mangrove plant Sonneratia apetala fruit extract (SAFE) on APAP-induced liver injury in mice. Mice were orally pretreated with SAFE (100, 200, and 400 mg/kg) daily for one week. The control and APAP groups were intragastrically administered with distilled water, and NAC group was treated with N-Acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) before APAP exposure. The results manifested that SAFE significantly improved survival rates, attenuated hepatic histological damage, and decreased the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels in serum in APAP-exposed mice. SAFE treatment also increased glutathione (GSH) level and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity, enhanced catalase (CAT), and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), as well as reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) level in liver. In addition, the formation of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 6 (IL-6), and elevation of myeloperoxidase (MPO) in APAP-exposed mice were inhibited after SAFE treatment. And SAFE also displayed high DPPH radical scavenging activity and reducing power in vitro. The main bioactive components of SAFE such as total phenol, flavonoid, condensed tannin, and carbohydrate were determined. The current study proved that SAFE exerted potential protective effect against APAP-induced acute liver injury, which might be associated with the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities of SAFE.

The PD-1/PD-Ls pathway is up-regulated during the suppression of experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis treated by Astragalus polysaccharides

Multiple sclerosis (MS) is an inflammatory demyelinating disease of CNS. Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), the main active extract from astragalus membranaceus which is a kind of traditional Chinese medicinal herb, is associated with a variety of immunomodulatory activities. We have evaluated the therapeutic effects of APS in the animal model of MS, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE). It was found that APS could effectively alleviate EAE through inhibiting MOG_35-55-specific T cell proliferation and reducing the expression of proinflammatory cytokines, which is mediated by up-regulating the expression of PD-1/PD-Ls signaling pathway. Our results demonstrated that EAE could be suppressed significantly by APS administration. It indicated that APS might be a potential of developing innovative drug for the therapy of MS.