Blueberry extract attenuates γ-radiation-induced hepatocyte damage by modulating oxidative stress and suppressing NF-κB in male rats

Phytochemical profiles, antioxidant activities, and synergistic antiproliferative effects of blueberry and apple peel extracts

BACKGROUND

Blueberries and apples exhibit favorable bioactivity and health benefits as a result of their rich phytochemicals. Natural phytochemicals exist in complex forms, but there are few reports on whether have additive, synergistic or antagonistic effects between different phytochemicals. The present study aimed to elucidate the synergistic effects of blueberry extract (BE) and apple peel extract (APE) together with respect to inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 liver cancer cells. Meanwhile, phytochemical characterization of BE and APE was conducted by HPLC, and total antioxidant activity was determined via a cellular antioxidant activity assay, oxygen radical absorption capacity assay and peroxy radical scavenging capacity assay.

RESULTS

The results showed that BE and APE were rich in phytochemicals and had potent antioxidant activities, which synergistically inhibited cell proliferation. In the bilateral combination, the dose reduction index value increased by two-fold, and the combination index value at 95% inhibition was less than 1. Additionally, BE + APE supplementation could promote the expression levels of p53 and c-myc genes. In conclusion, the BE and APE had strong antioxidant activity and exhibited synergistic inhibition against proliferation of HepG2 cells.

CONCLUSION

The present study can provide a theoretical basis for the synergistic effect of different phytochemicals in health care. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.

Gallic acid rescues uranyl acetate induced-hepatic dysfunction in rats by its antioxidant and cytoprotective potentials

BACKGROUND

The liver was identified as a primary target organ for the chemo-radiological effects of uranyl acetate (UA). Although the anti-oxidant and anti-apoptotic properties of gallic acid (GA) make it a promising phytochemical to resist its hazards, there is no available data in this area of research.

METHODS

To address this issue, eighteen rats were randomly and equally divided into three groups. One group was received carboxymethyl cellulose (vehicle of GA) and kept as a control. The UA group was injected intraperitoneally with UA at a single dose of 5 mg/kg body weight. The third group (GA + UA group) was treated with GA orally at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight for 14 days before UA exposure. UA was injected on the 15th day of the experiment in either the UA group or the GA + UA group. The biochemical, histological, and immunohistochemical findings in the GA + UA group were compared to both control and UA groups.

RESULTS

The results showed that UA exposure led to a range of adverse effects. These included elevated plasma levels of aspartate aminotransferase, lactate dehydrogenase, total protein, globulin, glucose, total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and very-low-density lipoprotein and decreased plasma levels of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol. The exposure also disrupted the redox balance, evident through decreased plasma total antioxidant capacity and hepatic nitric oxide, superoxide dismutase, reduced glutathione, glutathione-S-transferase, glutathione reductase, and glutathione peroxidase and increased hepatic oxidized glutathione and malondialdehyde. Plasma levels of albumin and alanine aminotransferase did not significantly change in all groups. Histopathological analysis revealed damage to liver tissue, characterized by deteriorations in tissue structure, excessive collagen accumulation, and depletion of glycogen. Furthermore, UA exposure up-regulated the immuno-expression of cleaved caspase-3 and down-regulated the immuno-expression of nuclear factor-erythroid-2-related factor 2 in hepatic tissues, indicating an induction of apoptosis and oxidative stress response. However, the pre-treatment with GA proved to be effective in mitigating these negative effects induced by UA exposure, except for the disturbances in the lipid profile.

CONCLUSIONS

The study suggests that GA has the potential to act as a protective agent against the adverse effects of UA exposure on the liver. Its ability to restore redox balance and inhibit apoptosis makes it a promising candidate for countering the harmful effects of chemo-radiological agents such as UA.

The Prophylactic Effect of Vitamin C and Vitamin B12 against Ultraviolet-C-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

Ultraviolet C (UVC) devices are an effective means of disinfecting surfaces and protecting medical tools against various microbes, including coronavirus. Overexposure to UVC can induce oxidative stress, damage the genetic material, and harm biological systems. This study investigated the prophylactic efficacy of vitamin C and B12 against hepatotoxicity in UVC-intoxicated rats. Rats were irradiated with UVC (725.76, 967.68, and 1048.36 J/cm²) for 2 weeks. The rats were pretreated with the aforementioned antioxidants for two months before UVC irradiation. The prophylactic effect of vitamins against UVC hepatotoxicity was evaluated by monitoring the alteration of liver enzyme activities, antioxidant status, apoptotic and inflammatory markers, DNA fragmentation, and histological and ultrastructural alterations. Rats exposed to UVC showed a significant increase in liver enzymes, oxidant-antioxidant balance disruption, and increased hepatic inflammatory markers (TNF-α, IL-1β, iNOS, and IDO-1). Additionally, obvious over-expression of activated caspase-3 protein and DNA fragmentation were detected. Histological and ultrastructural examinations verified the biochemical findings. Co-treatment with vitamins ameliorated the deviated parameters to variable degrees. In conclusion, vitamin C could alleviate UVC-induced hepatotoxicity more than vitamin B12 by diminishing oxidative stress, inflammation, and DNA damage. This study could provide a reference for the clinical practice of vitamin C and B12 as radioprotective for workers in UVC disinfectant areas.

The protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine against selenium toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats

N-acetyl cysteine (NAC) is a nutritional supplement and greatly applied as an antioxidant in vivo and in vitro. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the metabolic and antioxidant protective effect of NAC against selenium (Se) toxicity and gamma irradiation in rats by measuring biochemical and molecular parameters. This study was conducted on sixty rats divided into six equal different groups; control, NAC, Rad, Se, Rad + NAC, and Se + NAC groups. Oxidative/nitrosative makers (LPO, NO, and NOS), antioxidants status markers (GSH, GPx, and SOD), liver metabolic markers (LDH, SDH, and ATP), and plasma metabolic markers (Glucose, total cholesterol, and total proteins) were measured using commercial colorimetric kits while plasma corticosterone concentration was measured using commercial ELISA kit. Also, Levels of NR3C1 and Glut-2 genes expression using reverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction were done. Our results revealed that Se toxicity and gamma irradiation induced significant increases in oxidative/nitrosative stress markers and a significant decrease in antioxidant status markers in the liver and adrenal tissues. Moreover, metabolic disorders were recorded as manifested by elevation of plasma ALT, Albumin, glucose and cholesterol, and decrease in protein levels associated with a significant increase in corticosterone concentration. This was also accompanied by a significant decrease in SDH activity and ATP production in the hepatic tissue. Molecular analysis showed a marked increase in NR3C1 mRNA and decrease in Glut-2 mRNA in liver tissue. However, NAC supplementation attenuated the changes induced by these toxins. Finally, we could conclude that, oral supplementation of NAC can modulate the metabolic disturbances and has protective effects in rats exposed to Se toxicity and gamma irradiation.

Radioprotective effects of quercetin and curcumin on hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in male Albino rats.. [DOI: 10.21203/rs.3.rs-2727957/v1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0]

The present study aimed to assess the radioprotective effects of curcumin in combination with quercetin against radiation-induced changes in some histopathological, immunohistochemical, and biophysical parameters. The current study rats had been grouped into control, curcumin, quercetin, gamma irradiated (8 Gy fractionated dose), curcumin pretreated irradiated, quercetin pretreated irradiated, and both curcumin and quercetin pretreated irradiated groups. Gamma radiation exposure resulted in hepatic and renal damage. Administration of curcumin along with quercetin before gamma radiation exposure reduced the liver and kidney damage caused by radiation, demonstrating the radioprotective effects of both curcumin and quercetin antioxidants through free radicals scavenging effects, P53, and TNF-α inhibition, and structural changes measured by Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR). The cellular damage by gamma radiation is greatly mitigated by administration of curcumin and quercetin before radiation exposure.

Febuxostat, an inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced lung injury by suppressing caspase-3, oxidative stress and NF-κB

Febuxostat (FBX), a selective inhibitor of xanthine oxidase, has several biological properties such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptosis activities. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of FBX against ionizing radiation (IR)-induced lung injury through mitigation of oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis. Sixty-four mice were randomized into eight groups as control, FBX (5, 10, and 15 mg/kg), IR (6 Gy), and IR + FBX (IR + FBX in three doses). Mice were received FBX for 8 consecutive days and then were exposed to IR at a single dose (6 Gy) of X-ray. At 1 and 7 days after irradiation, the biochemical parameters were analyzed in lung tissue, while histological and immunohistochemical examinations were evaluated 1 week after irradiation. Irradiation led to elevate of oxidative stress parameters (an increase of MDA, PC, NO, and decrease of GSH), inflammation and apoptosis in lung of mice. Furthermore, IR resulted in histopathological changes in the lung tissues. These changes were significantly mitigated by FBX treatment. FBX also inhibited immunoreactivity of caspase-3, NF-κB, and reduced oxidative stress. This study showed that FBX is able to protect lung injury induced by IR through inhibiting apoptosis (caspase-3), oxidative stress and inflammation (NF-κB).

Nattokinase attenuates bisphenol A or gamma irradiation-mediated hepatic and neural toxicity by activation of Nrf2 and suppression of inflammatory mediators in rats

Nattokinase (NK), a protease enzyme produced by Bacillus subtilis, has various biological effects such as lipid-lowering activity, antihypertensive, antiplatelet/anticoagulant, and neuroprotective effects. Exposure to environmental toxicants such as bisphenol A (BPA) or γ-radiation (IR) causes multi-organ toxicity through several mechanisms such as impairment of oxidative status, signaling pathways, and hepatic and neuronal functions as well as disruption of the inflammatory responses. Therefore, this study is designed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of NK against BPA- or IR-induced liver and brain damage in rats. Serum ammonia level and liver function tests were measured in addition to brain oxidative stress markers, amyloid-beta, tau protein, and neuroinflammatory mediators. Moreover, relative quantification of brain nuclear factor-erythroid 2-related factor-2 (Nrf2)/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) genes, as well as apoptotic markers in brain tissue, was carried out in addition to histopathological examination. The results showed that NK improved liver functions, impaired oxidative status, the cholinergic deficits, and minified the misfolded proteins aggregates. Furthermore, NK alleviated the neuroinflammation via modulating NF-κB/Nrf2/HO-1 pathway and glial cell activation in addition to their antiapoptotic effect. Collectively, the current results revealed the protective effect of NK against hepatic and neurotoxicity derived from BPA or IR.

Hepatic Gene Expression Changes in Rats Internally Exposed to Radioactive 56MnO2 Particles at Low Doses

We have studied the biological effects of the internal exposure to radioactive manganese-56 dioxide (⁵⁶MnO₂), the major radioisotope dust found in soil after atomic bomb explosions. Our previous study of blood chemistry indicated a possible adverse effect of ⁵⁶MnO₂ on the liver. In the present study, we further examined the effects on the liver by determining changes in hepatic gene expressions. Male Wistar rats were exposed to ⁵⁶MnO₂ particles (three groups with the whole-body doses of 41, 90, and 100 mGy), stable MnO₂ particles, or external ⁶⁰Co γ-rays (2 Gy), and were examined together with the non-treated control group on postexposure day 3 and day 61. No histopathological changes were observed in the liver. The mRNA expression of a p53-related gene, the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1A, increased in ⁵⁶MnO₂ as well as in γ-ray irradiated groups on postexposure day 3 and day 61. The expression of a stress-responsive gene, nuclear factor κB, was also increased by ⁵⁶MnO₂ and γ-rays on postexposure day 3. However, the expression of cytokine genes (interleukin-6 or chemokine ligand 2) or fibrosis-related TGF-β/Smad genes (Tgfb1, Smad3, or Smad4) was not altered by the exposure. Our data demonstrated that the internal exposure to ⁵⁶MnO₂ particles at less than 0.1 Gy significantly affected the short-term gene expressions in the liver in a similar manner with 2 Gy of external γ-irradiation. These changes may be adaptive responses because no changes occurred in cytokine or TGF-β/Smad gene expressions.

Mangosteen Hinders Gamma Radiation-Mediated Oxidative Stress and Liver Injury by Down-Regulating TNF-α/NF-κB and Pro-Fibrotic Factor TGF-β1 Inducing Inflammatory Signaling

Background:

Liver injury due to ionizing radiation exposure either accidental or after radiotherapy treatment, may lead to many alterations in proteins expression related to inflammation or apoptosis. Our study investigated the curative effect of Mangosteen (MGS) extract (fruit rind) against ionizing radiation (IR) induced liver damage.

Methods:

Hepatotoxicity was induced in Wister rats by exposure to an acute single dose (6 Gy) of IR while MGS was given orally to rats (500 mg/kg bwt) and administered daily for 30 days after irradiation.

Results:

MGS treatment has significantly attenuated redox imbalance state and toxicity induced by protracted exposure to gamma-rays in liver tissues, which was substantiated by the significant amelioration of liver function tests, MDA contents, antioxidant enzymes (SOD and CAT) activities and NO level. MGS inhibited also the inflammatory markers (TNF-alpha, IL-6 and CRP) and downregulated transcriptional factor NF-Kappa-B/TGF-β1. These alterations were concomitant with an improvement of the Proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) which is a protein expressed in the nuclei of cells during cell cycle and is important for both DNA synthesis and DNA repair. These results were confirmed by amelioration in histological and ultrastructural examinations.

Conclusion:

We concluded that MGS could ameliorate via minimizing significantly the amount of oxidative damage, inflammations disturbances and pro-apoptotic alternations induced by IR. MGS may be a promising supplement with protective effects from irradiation-induced injury such as TNF-α/NF-κB/TGF-β1 management.

Anti-aging effect of DL-β-hydroxybutyrate against hepatic cellular senescence induced by D-galactose or γ-irradiation via autophagic flux stimulation in male rats

The present study aims to shed new light on anti-aging effect of DL-β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) against hepatic cellular senescence induced by d-galactose or γ-irradiation. The rats divided into 6 groups. Group 1, control, group 2, exposed to γ-ray (5 GY), group 3, injected by d-galactose (150 mg/kg) daily for consecutive 6 weeks, which regarded to induce the aging, group 4, injected intraperitoneal by β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) (72.8 mg/kg) daily for consecutive 14 days, group 5, exposed to γ-ray then treated with βOHB daily for consecutive 14 days, group 6, injected daily with d-galactose for consecutive 6 weeks, then treated with βOHB daily at the last two weeks of d-galactose. Aspartate amino transferase (AST), alanine amino transferase (ALT), Insulin, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) were estimated in serum. Moreover, protein expression of Microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3B (LC3-II/LC3-I) ratio, mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR), pAMPK, mRNA gene expression of 5' AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), Nucleoporin p62 (p62), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 1(P21^CIP1), cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor 2A (p16^INK4a) and DNA fragmentation percentage were measured in liver tissue as a biomarker of cellular senescence. The results confirmed that βOHB modulated serum level of AST, ALT, insulin, IL-6 and TNF-α, protein expression of mTOR and LC3-II/LC3-I ratio, pAMPK and p62 in liver aging model induced by d-galactose or γ-irradiation. Histopathological examination results of liver tissue indicated coincidence with those recorded by molecular biochemical inspection. Taken together, these findings suggest that βOHB may be useful in combating hepatic cellular senescence induced by d-galactose or γ-irradiation via autophagy dependent mechanisms.

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.

Neurotoxicity of perfluorooctanoic acid and post-exposure recovery due to blueberry anthocyanins in the planarians Dugesia japonica

Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA) is a widely used synthetic industrial chemical which accumulates in ecosystems and organisms. Our study have investigated the neurobehavioral effects of PFOA and the alleviation effects of PFOA-induced neurotoxicity by blueberry anthocyanins (ANT) in Dugesia japonica. The planarians were exposed to PFOA and ANT for ten days. Researchs showed that exposure to PFOA affected locomotor behavior and ANT significantly alleviated the reduction in locomotion induced by PFOA. The regeneration of eyespots and auricles was suppressed by PFOA and was promoted by ANT. Following exposure to PFOA, acetylcholinesterase activity continually decreased and was unaffected in the ANT group, but was elevated after combined administration of PFOA and ANT. Oxidative DNA damage was found in planarians exposed to PFOA and was attenuated after administration of ANT by the alkaline comet assay. Concentrations of three neurotransmitters increased following exposure to PFOA and decreased after administration of ANT. Furthermore, ANT promoted and PFOA inhibited neuronal regeneration. DjotxA, DjotxB, DjFoxG, DjFoxD and Djnlg associated with neural processes were up-regulated following exposure to PFOA. Our findings indicate that PFOA is a neurotoxicant while ANT can attenuate these detrimental effects.

Phillygenin inhibits LPS-induced activation and inflammation of LX2 cells by TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The traditional Chinese medicine Forsythiae Fructus is the dried fruit of Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl. It is commonly used to clear heat and detoxify, reduce swelling and disperse knot, and evacuate wind and heat.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Inflammation is involved in liver fibrosis. Phillygenin (PHI) is a kind of lignans extracted and separated from Forsythiae Fructus, which has been reported to have a good anti-inflammatory effect. Therefore, we aimed to explore whether PHI has a therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis caused by inflammation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the induction of the LX2 cells inflammatory model and fibrosis model by LPS with different concentrations were studied. Then, high, medium and low doses PHI was given for intervention therapy. The secretion of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α inflammatory factors were detected by ELISA kit, and the expression of collagen I and α-SMA was detected by Western blot and RT-qPCR. The possible mechanism of PHI on TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway was studied by computer-aided drug design software and the results were further verified by Western blot and RT-qPCR experiments.

RESULTS

The results showed that LPS could promote the expression of IL-6, IL-1β and TNF-α and the expression of collagen I and α-SMA, indicating that LPS could induce inflammation and fibrosis in LX2 cells. PHI could inhibit LX2 cell activation and fibrotic cytokine expression by inhibiting LPS-induced pro-inflammatory reaction. Molecular docking results showed that PHI could successfully dock with TLR4, MyD88, IKKβ, p65, IκBα, and TAK1 proteins. Subsequently, Western blot and qPCR results further proved that PHI could inhibit the proteins expression in TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway which were consistent with the molecular docking results.

CONCLUSION

PHI can inhibit LPS-induced pro-inflammatory reaction and LX2 cell activation through TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby inhibiting liver fibrosis.

Activation of PI3K/Akt/NF-kB Signaling Mediates Swedish Snus Induced Proliferation and Apoptosis Evasion in the Rat Forestomach: Modulation by Blueberry

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The present study was undertaken to ascertain whether the modulatory effects of blueberries on cell proliferation induced by Swedish snus in the rat forestomach epithelium is mediated via abrogation of the PI3K/Akt/NFκB signaling axis that regulates cell fate decision.

METHODS

The transcript and protein expression of genes involved in cell cycle progression and apoptosis, as well as canonical PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathways, were analyzed by qRT-PCR, immunoblotting and ELISA. Expression profiling of noncoding RNAs (ncRNAs) that influence PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling was undertaken. TUNEL assay was performed using flow cytometry.

RESULTS

Administration of snus induced basal cell hyperplasia in the rat forestomach with increased cell proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. This was associated with the activation of PI3K/Akt/NFκB signaling. Coadministration of blueberries significantly suppressed snus-induced hyperplasia. Analysis of the molecular mechanisms revealed that blueberries suppress the phosphorylation of Akt, NF-κB and IKKβ, prevent nuclear translocation of NF-κB and modulate the expression of microRNAs that influence PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling.

CONCLUSION

Taken together, the results of the current study provide compelling evidence that blueberries exert significant protective effects against snus-induced soft tissue changes in the rat forestomach epithelium mediated by inhibiting key molecular players in the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling axis. Long-term studies on the impact of snus exposure on various cellular processes, signaling pathways, and the interplay between genetic and epigenetic mechanisms are however warranted. The results of this investigation may contribute to the development of protection against soft tissue changes induced by smokeless tobacco in the human oral cavity.

Blueberry, combined with probiotics, alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via IL-22-mediated JAK1/STAT3/BAX signaling

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most prevalent diseases worldwide. Blueberry, combined with probiotics (BP), might be a potential candidate for NAFLD treatment, due to its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic properties. Here, we investigated whether the anti-inflammatory cytokine, IL-22, was involved in the therapeutic process of BP, using cell and rat models of NAFLD. Results indicated that BP significantly reduced lipid droplets and triglyceride (TG) accumulation in NAFLD cells. However, when IL-22 was deficient, the lipid droplets and TG content were significantly increased. In vivo, the serum parameters and pathological degree of NAFLD rats were significantly improved by BP, while IL-22 silencing significantly abolished the BP effect. Immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blotting showed that the NAFLD group expressed significantly lower levels of IL-22, JAK1, and STAT3, and higher levels of BAX, than the normal group. Furthermore, BP significantly elevated the levels of IL-22, JAK1 and STAT3, and reduced the level of BAX in NAFLD, while IL-22 silencing prevented BP from restoring the expression of JAK1, STAT3, and BAX. We conclude that IL-22 is vital for the therapeutic effect of BP, and acts via activation of JAK1/STAT3 signaling and inhibition of the apoptosis factor BAX, which makes IL-22 a promising target for therapy of NAFLD.