Hepatoprotective efficacy of Premna integrifolia L. leaves against aflatoxin B1-induced toxicity in mice

Diosmin reduces the stability of Snail and Cyclin D1 by targeting FAK to inhibit NSCLC progression

BACKGROUND

In different tumours, focal adhesion kinase (FAK), a nonreceptor tyrosine kinase, is upregulated and hence, it represents a promising target for cancer therapy. However, the development of FAK kinase inhibitors has faced a number of challenges. It is therefore imperative that new, effective FAK kinase inhibitors be identified promptly.

METHODS

Small molecules that target FAK were identified through molecular docking and validated through surface plasmon resonance (SPR) and cell thermal shift analysis. We investigated the pharmacological effects of FAK kinase inhibitors using CCK-8, colony formation, EdU, and Transwell assays and cell cycle analysis. The molecular mechanism was determined via methods such as coimmunoprecipitation, RNA pull-down and RNA immunoprecipitation.

RESULTS

Here, we confirmed that diosmin (Dio) is an inhibitor of FAK and demonstrated its anti-proliferative and anti-metastatic effects in lung adenocarcinoma. Mechanistically, Dio inhibited tumour proliferation and metastasis by impeding the catalytic activity of FAK. Dio activated the ubiquitin proteasome pathway to induce Cyclin D1 degradation, while inhibiting tumour proliferation and reversing the epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) process by reducing the mRNA stability of Snail, thereby inhibiting cancer metastasis. In addition, the inhibitory effect of Dio on lung adenocarcinoma was validated in a mouse xenograft model.

CONCLUSION

These results support the tumour-promoting role of FAK in lung adenocarcinoma by stabilizing Cyclin D1 and Snail and suggest that Dio is a promising candidate for FAK inhibition.

A Multi-Enzyme Complex That Mitigates Hepatotoxicity, Improves Egg Production and Quality, and Enhances Gut and Liver Health in Laying Hens Exposed to Trace Aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 is a prevalent secondary hazardous metabolite generated by fungus present in feed ingredients and the surrounding environment: enzymes are currently being recognized as an efficient and promising approach to reducing the associated risks. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of varying doses of enzyme complexes on several parameters in laying hens that were exposed to aflatoxin. During an 8-week experiment, a total of 288 Yukou Jingfen No.6 laying hens were placed into four groups. These groups included a group treated with toxins (CON group) and groups supplemented with compound enzyme complexes at doses of 250 g/t (E1 group), 500 g/t (E2 group), and 1000 g/t (E3 group). The E2 and E3 groups exhibited a statistically significant 2.6% increase in egg production rate compared to the CON group (p < 0.05). In addition, the E2 group showed significant improvements in both the feed-to-egg ratio and egg weight (p < 0.05). In addition, the E2 and E3 groups showed improved hutch unit and egg white height compared to the control group (p < 0.05). The E2 and E3 groups showed a substantial rise in liver health indicators, namely serum alanine transaminase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity. On the other hand, malondialdehyde (MDA) was lowered, and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) were raised. These findings were statistically significant (p < 0.05). The E2 and E3 groups showed notable enhancements in intestinal morphology, as evidenced by a rise in villus height and a decrease in crypt depth in all segments of the intestine (p < 0.05). Furthermore, analysis of 16S rRNA sequencing revealed that these participants had a higher prevalence and variety of microorganisms in their gut microbiota. More precisely, there was a significant rise in the abundance of Bacteroidota and a decline in Firmicutes at the level of the phylum. In general, the inclusion of the enzyme complex had advantageous impacts on performance, egg quality, intestinal morphology, intestinal barrier function, and intestinal flora in laying hens. Our results indicate that toxin-degrading enzymes, when used as feed additives, play a significant role in mitigating AFB1 contamination in diets and improving the production performance of laying hens.

Recent advances in methods of extraction, pre-concentration, purification, identification, and quantification of kaempferol

As a naturally widely-occurring dietary, cosmetic, and therapeutic flavonoid, kaempferol has gained much consideration for its nutritional and pharmaceutical properties in recent years. Although there have been performed a high number of studies associated with different aspects of kaempferol's analytical investigations, the lack of a comprehensive summary of the various methods and other plant sources that have been reported for this compound is being felt, especially for many biological applications. This study, aimed to provide a detailed compilation consisting of sources (plant species) and analytical information that was precisely related to the natural flavonoid (kaempferol). There is a trend in analytical research that supports the application of modern eco-friendly instruments and methods. In conclusion, ultrasound-assisted extraction (UAE) is the most general advanced method used widely today for the extraction of kaempferol. During recent years, there is an increasing tendency towards the identification of kaempferol by different methods.

Phytochemicals analysis and aflatoxin B1 detoxification potential of leaves extract of Moringa oleifera and Calotropis procera

The present study aimed to identify the presence of certain classes of phytochemicals in the leaf extract of medicinal herbs viz. Moringa oleifera and Calotropis procera, using qualitative detection tests and explored the potential of aqueous and ethanolic extract to inhibit aflatoxin production by thin layer chromatography at 25 °C and pH (7) of different incubation times i.e. 0-, 1-, 3-, 6- and 24-h. Qualitative phytochemical analysis reported that the aqueous leave extracts of M. oleifera and C. procera contained tannins, phlobatannins, quinones, steroids, sugar, betacyanins, fatty acids, phenols, and volatile oils. Aflatoxin analysis reported that the ethanolic extract of M. oleifera was found more effective than detoxifying 100% of AFB1 after 24 h of incubation. In the case of C. procera, the aqueous extract reduced 96.5% of AFB1 and ethanolic extract reduced 96% of AFB1 after 24-h of incubation. The results revealed that natural plant products have a high potential to reduce AFB1 and could contribute to mitigation plans for AFB1. There is a need for further characterisation using techniques such as GC-MS, LC-MS, or NMR which would provide valuable information on the chemical composition of the extracts.

Antibiotic altered liver damage induced by aflatoxin B1 exposure in mice by modulating the gut microbiota

Aflatoxins B1 (AFB1) and antibiotic (AN) carry co-exposure risks, with the gut being a target organ for their combined effects. However, the current understanding of the impact of AN on gut and liver injury induced by AFB1 remains limited. In this study, we conducted a 9-week investigation into the implications of AN (ampicillin and penicillin) treatment on AFB1-induced intestinal and liver injury in C57BL/6J male mice fed a normal diet (ND) and a high-fat diet (HFD). The results showed that AN treatment significantly reduce the total number and diversity of intestinal species in both ND and HFD mice exposed to AFB1. Moreover, AN treatment alleviated AFB1-induced liver injury and lipid accumulation in mice on ND and HFD, while improving abnormal lipid metabolism in the liver and serum. However, AN treatment also promoted intestinal damage and reduced the levels of short-chain fatty acids in the gut. Correlation analysis demonstrated that, under the two dietary patterns, microorganisms across various genera were significantly positively or negatively correlated with alterations in liver, serum, and intestinal biochemical indexes. These genera include Akkermansia, Robinsoniella, Parabacteroides, Escherichia-Shigel, and Parabacteroides, Odoribacter. AN may alleviate long-term AFB1-induced liver injury through the regulation of intestinal microorganisms, with the effect being more pronounced in mice following an HFD pattern. These findings provide novel insights into the effects of AFB1 on the gut‒liver axis under complex exposure conditions, as well as the relationship between gut microbial homeostasis and liver injury across different dietary patterns.

Polydatin reduces aflatoxin-B1 induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammatory cytokine levels in mice

This study showed the protective effect of polydatin (PD), which has an antioxidant activity against oxidative stress in mice caused by aflatoxin B1 (AFB1). In this study, 36 male Swiss albino mice were divided equally into 6 groups: 0.2 mL of FTS was administered to the control group, 0.2 mL of olive oil to the second group, and 0.75 mg/kg AFB1 to the third group by intragastric gavage every day for 28 days. The fourth, fifth, and sixth groups were administered 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg PD and 0.75 mg/kg AFB1 intragastrically for 28 days, respectively. AFB1 administration increased plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, blood urea nitrogen, creatinine, and malondialdehyde levels in blood and tissue samples but decreased the level of glutathione and the activities of superoxide dismutase and catalase. On the other hand, it was determined that PD applications depending on the increasing doses brought these levels closer to normal. In addition, AFB1 administration increased the amount of ssDNA and liver COX-2, TNF-α, IL-6, NFκB, and Cyp3a11 mRNA expression levels; on the other hand, it decreased the IL-2 mRNA expression level. In contrast, increasing doses of PD application regulated the amount of ssDNA and these mRNA expression levels. Additionally, histopathological damage was observed in the liver and kidney tissues of the AFB1 group, while PD applications in a dose-dependent manner improved these damages. As a result, it was determined that PD reduced AFB1-induced oxidative stress, DNA damage, and inflammation and exhibited a protective effect on tissues in mice.

Antifungal Activity of Juglans-regia-Mediated Silver Nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-Induced Toxicity in In Vitro and In Vivo Settings

Aflatoxins produced by some species of Aspergillus are considered secondary toxic fungal by-products in feeds and food. Over the past few decades, many experts have focused on preventing the production of aflatoxins by Aspergillus ochraceus and also reducing its toxicity. Applications of various nanomaterials in preventing the production of these toxic aflatoxins have received a lot of attention recently. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the protective impact of Juglans-regia-mediated silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) against Aspergillus-ochraceus-induced toxicity by exhibiting strong antifungal activity in in vitro (wheat seeds) and in vivo (Albino rats) settings. For the synthesis of AgNPs, the leaf extract of J. regia enriched with high phenolic (72.68 ± 2.13 mg GAE/g DW) and flavonoid (18.89 ± 0.31 mg QE/g DW) contents was used. Synthesized AgNPs were characterized by various techniques, including TEM, EDX, FT-IR, and XRD, which revealed that the particles were spherical in shape with no agglomeration and fine particle size in the range of 16-20 nm. In vitro antifungal activity of AgNPs was tested on wheat grains by inhibiting the production of toxic aflatoxins by A. ochraceus. According to the results obtained from High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) and Thin-Layer Chromatography (TLC) analyses, there was a correlation between the concentration of AgNPs and a decrease in the production of aflatoxin G1, B1, and G2. For in vivo antifungal activity, Albino rats were administrated with different doses of AgNPs in five groups. The results indicated that the feed concentration of 50 µg/kg feed of AgNPs was more effective in improving the disturbed levels of different functional parameters of the liver (alanine transaminase (ALT): 54.0 ± 3.79 U/L and aspartate transaminase (AST): 206 ± 8.69 U/L) and kidney (creatinine 0.49 ± 0.020 U/L and BUN 35.7 ± 1.45 U/L), as well as the lipid profile (LDL 22.3 ± 1.45 U/L and HDL 26.3 ± 2.33 U/L). Furthermore, the histopathological analysis of various organs also revealed that the production of aflatoxins was successfully inhibited by AgNPs. It was concluded that the harmful effects of aflatoxins produced by A. ochraceus can be successfully neutralized by using J. regia-mediated AgNPs.

Phytochemicals, Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory Studies, and Identification of Bioactive Compounds Using GC-MS of Ethanolic Novel Polyherbal Extract

Hyperglycemia is the hallmark of diabetes, which is a collection of related metabolic disorders. Over time, diabetes can cause a variety of problems, including cardiovascular disease, nephropathy, neuropathy, and retinopathy. Ethanolic novel polyherbal extract (PHE) was prepared by mixing equal amounts of the following ingredients: Terminalia chebula Retz. (TC), Terminalia bellerica Roxb. (TB), Berberis aristata DC. (BA), Nyctanthes arbostratis L. (NA), Premna integrifolia L. (PI), and Andrographis paniculata Nees. (AP). Analysis of PHE results revealed phytochemicals like glycosides, flavonoids, alkaloids, tannins, phytosterols, and saponins. The aim of the study was to prepare an ethanolic extract of PHE using the cold maceration technique, and identify bioactive molecules from gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis, and evaluate biological responses by using in vitro studies like antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activity. PHE was found to contain a total of 35 phytochemicals in GC-MS of which 22 bioactive compounds were obtained in good proportion. There are a few new ones, including 2-buten-1-ol, 2-ethyl-4-(2, 2, 3-trimethyl-3-cyclopenten-1-yl (17.22%), 1, 2, 5, 6-tetrahydrobenzonitrile (4.26%), 4-piperidinamine, 2, 2, 6, 6-tetramethyl-(0.07%), undecanoic acid, 5-chloro-, chloromethyl ester (0.41%), are identified. Antioxidant activity was estimated using EC₅₀ values of 392.143 µg/ml, which were comparable to the standard value of EC₅₀ 310.513 µg/ml obtained using DPPH. Antioxidant activity was estimated with EC₅₀ 392.143 µg/ml, comparable to standard EC₅₀ 310.513 µg/ml using DPPH. In vitro anti-inflammatory potential was found with IC₅₀ of 91.449 µg/ml, comparable to standard IC₅₀ 89.451 µg/ml for membrane stabilization and IC₅₀ of 36.940 µg/ml, comparable to standard IC₅₀ 35.723 µg/ml for protein denaturation assays. As a result, the findings of this study show an enrichment of bioactive phytochemicals that can be used to investigate biological activity. To better understand how diabetes receptors work, in silico studies like docking could be carried out.

May phytophenolics alleviate aflatoxins-induced health challenges? A holistic insight on current landscape and future prospects

The future GCC-connected environmental risk factors expedited the progression of nCDs. Indeed, the emergence of AFs is becoming a global food security concern. AFs are lethal carcinogenic mycotoxins, causing damage to the liver, kidney, and gastrointestinal organs. Long-term exposure to AFs leads to liver cancer. Almost a variety of food commodities, crops, spices, herbaceous materials, nuts, and processed foods can be contaminated with AFs. In this regard, the primary sections of this review aim to cover influencing factors in the occurrence of AFs, the role of AFs in progression of nCDs, links between GCC/nCDs and exposure to AFs, frequency of AFs-based academic investigations, and world distribution of AFs. Next, the current trends in the application of PPs to alleviate AFs toxicity are discussed. Nearly, more than 20,000 published records indexed in scientific databases have been screened to find recent trends on AFs and application of PPs in AFs therapy. Accordingly, shifts in world climate, improper infrastructures for production/storage of food commodities, inconsistency of global polices on AFs permissible concentration in food/feed, and lack of the public awareness are accounting for a considerable proportion of AFs damages. AFs exhibited their toxic effects by triggering the progression of inflammation and oxidative/nitrosative stress, in turn, leading to the onset of nCDs. PPs could decrease AFs-associated oxidative stress, genotoxic, mutagenic, and carcinogenic effects by improving cellular antioxidant balance, regulation of signaling pathways, alleviating inflammatory responses, and modification of gene expression profile in a dose/time-reliant fashion. The administration of PPs alone displayed lower biological properties compared to co-treatment of these metabolites with AFs. This issue might highlight the therapeutic application of PPs than their preventative content. Flavonoids such as quercetin and oxidized tea phenolics, curcumin and resveratrol were the most studied anti-AFs PPs. Our literature review clearly disclosed that considering PPs in antioxidant therapies to alleviate complications of AFs requires improvement in their bioavailability, pharmacokinetics, tissue clearance, and off-target mode of action. Due to the emergencies in the elimination of AFs in food/feedstuffs, further large-scale clinical assessment of PPs to decrease the consequences of AFs is highly required.

Quality control, preparation process optimizing and anti-inflammatory effects of Premna Puberula Pamp. Pectin

Background

Premna Puberula Pamp. Pectin (PP) was a Wudang functional food in China. It has the effect of dispelling fire, clearing heat and detoxification in folk medicine. However, little studies have been reported for their preparation, quality control, effects and toxicity.

Methods

The P. Puberula leaves were collected from different pharms and seasons. The compounds in PP were identified using UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS. UV-VIS spectrophotometry with phenol-sulfuric acid and sodium nitrite aluminum nitrate were conducted for analyzing the water-soluble sugars and total flavonoids, respectively. L₉(3⁴) orthogonal experimental method was used to optimize the preparation process of PP. For the pharmacological effects of PP, the swelling right hind paw of ICR mice was modeled using subcutaneous injection of carrageenan gum solution, and the local tissue inflammatory reactions of the model mice were investigated using vernier calipers and HE staining. The serum inflammatory factor expression was detected using ELISA. The acute toxicity experiments were carried out for safety assessment of PP in ICR mice.

Results

Fifty-three compounds were initially identified in PP among which flavonoids were dominant (19 out of 53). The average values of water-soluble sugar content and total flavonoid content of PP were 13.366 and 4.970 mg/g, respectively. The best preparation process of PP was powder-liquid ratio 1: 20, temperature 90 °C, and stirring time 3 min. Data showed that PP reduced paw edema and decrease the serum level of IL-6, TNF-α and IL-1β in the model mice. There was no toxic effect of PP on mice at a total dose of 6000 mg/kg/24h.

Conclusion

In summary, by optimizing the preparation process, PP with stable quality can be obtained. PP has anti-inflammatory effects without toxicity.

Hawk Tea Flavonoids as Natural Hepatoprotective Agents Alleviate Acute Liver Damage by Reshaping the Intestinal Microbiota and Modulating the Nrf2 and NF-κB Signaling Pathways

Hawk tea (Litsea coreana Levl. var. lanuginosa) is a traditional herbal tea in southwestern China, and was found to possess hepatoprotective effects in our previous study. However, it is unclear whether hawk tea flavonoids (HTF) can alleviate alcoholic liver damage (ALD). Firstly, we extracted and identified the presence of 191 molecules categorized as HTFs, with reynoutrin, avicularin, guaijaverin, cynaroside, and kaempferol-7-O-glucoside being the most prevalent. After taking bioavailability into consideration and conducting comprehensive sorting, the contribution of guaijaverin was the highest (0.016 mg/mice). Then, by daily intragastric administration of HTF (100 mg/kg/day) to the ALD mice, we found that HTF alleviated liver lipid deposition (inhibition of TG, TC, LDL-C) by reducing liver oxidative-stress-mediated inflammation (up-regulation NRF2/HO-1 and down-regulation TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway) and reshaping the gut microbiota (Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium, Bacillus increased). Overall, we found HTF could be a potential protective natural compound for treating ALD via the gut–liver axis and guaijaverin might be the key substance involved.

Neuroprotective potential of flavonoid rich Ascophyllum nodosum (FRAN) fraction from the brown seaweed on an Aβ42 induced Alzheimer's model of Drosophila

BACKGROUND

In Alzheimer Disease (AD) pathogenesis, aggregation of Aβ42 fibrils strongly correlates with memory dysfunction and neurotoxicity. Till date, no promising cures for AD. Report shows that flavonoids contributed anti-oxidant, anti-cancer and neuroprotection activity by regulating the mitochondrial machinery. Here, we first report the identification of flavonoids from Ascophyllum nodosum as having the ability to dissolve Aβ42 fibrils in an AD model of Drosophila. FRAN could be superior anti-AD agents for neuroprotection, their underlying mechanism and how they collectively halted amyloidogenesis is currently being investigated.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to investigate the neuroprotective role of FRAN in the Aβ42 expressing AD model of Drosophila.

METHODS

Drosophila stocks: OregonR+, ey-GAL4/CyO, elavc155-GAL4, UAS-mitoGFP, UAS-mcherry.mito.OMM, UAS-Aβ42/CyO were used, cultured at 28±1 °C in a BOD incubator. Ascophyllum extract rich in flavonoids as revealed by LC-MS study and employed against the AD flies. The validation of Aβ42 expression was done by immunostaining and q-RT PCR. The eye roughness of AD flies was scored in a dose-dependent manner. Further, In vivo and in silico studies of FRAN extract was executed against Aβ42 induced neurotoxicity.

RESULTS

In order to determine the most effective lethal dose of FRAN extract concentration 1, 2, 5, 10 mg/ml were screened using OregonR+flies. Extract 1 and 2 mg/ml did not show any lethality. Hence, extract 2 mg/ml was employed on AD flies and a ≥ 50% rescue in the eye phenotype was observed using SEM images. This dose had a strong effect on cell apoptosis, viability, longevity, mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress by regulating mitochondrial dynamic markers in comparable to control. Extract also scavenging free radicals in order to maintain in situ cellular ROS and prevent Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity in vivo and in silico. Hence, we suggest its great potential as a future therapeutic agent for AD treatment.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, FRAN extract rich in flavonoids as having largest neuroprotective activity against Aβ42 aggregation in eye tissue of Drosophila. Extract shows strong effect against Aβ42-induced neurotoxicity by altering the various cellular and molecular events. So, it could be considered as strong anti-AD agents for neuroprotection.

Comparative analysis of the seasonal influence on polyphenolic content, antioxidant capacity, identification of bioactive constituents and hepatoprotective biomarkers by in silico docking analysis in Premna integrifolia L

The present study reports the effect of different seasons on polyphenol content and antioxidant potential of ethanolic, methanolic, ethyl acetate, and aqueous extracts of leaves, stems, and roots of Premna integrifolia. Ethyl acetate extract of leaves (EAEPI) collected in the rainy season showed potent antioxidant activity with highest total phenol (74.33 ± 2.26 µg/mg, gallic acid equivalent), and flavonoid (98.83 ± 0.26 µg/mg, rutin equivalent) content. Therefore, EAEPI extract was subjected to characterization by UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS and GC-MS analysis for the identification of active constituents. UHPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis in + ve ion mode revealed the presence of eight polyphenolic compounds namely quercetin-3-D-xyloside, kaempferol-3,7-O-bis-alpha-L-rhamnoside, isorhamnetin-3-Oglucoside, luteolin-3',7-di-O-glucoside, eriodictyol-7-O-glucoside, syringetin-3-O-galactoside, petunidin-3-O-beta-glucopyranoside and vitexin-2″-O-rhamnoside. GC-MS analysis confirmed the presence of 26 compounds with six major compounds viz; citronellol, phytol acetate, campesterol, squalene, stigmasterol, and hexadecanoic acid. These compounds are reported for the first time from P. integrifolia except phytol and stigmasterol. Our previous study validates the hepatoprotective potential of P. integrifolia but there was no idea about the bioactive compound responsible for the activity. So, in present work, the major compounds identified in spectrometry analysis were subjected to in silico docking against an important liver enzyme alanine amino transaminase to confirm its hepatoprotective properties. Docking analysis validates the presence of two hepatoprotective lead compounds stigmasterol, and campesterol, which satisfy the drug-likeness criteria with good absorption, distribution, metabolism, and toxicity properties. Thus, present work gives a clear insight about the influence of season on the total polyphenolic constituent in different plant parts of P. integrifolia, their antioxidant potential and preclinical evaluation of hepatoprotective lead compounds.

Hepatotoxicity of food-borne mycotoxins: molecular mechanism, anti-hepatotoxic medicines and target prediction

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi. The widespread contamination of food and feed by mycotoxins is a global food safety problem and a serious threat to people's health. Most food-borne mycotoxins have strong hepatotoxicity. However, no effective methods have been found to prevent or treat Mycotoxin- Induced Liver Injury (MILI) in clinical and animal husbandry. In this paper, the molecular mechanisms and potential anti-MILI medicines of six food-borne MILI are reviewed, and their targets are predicted by network toxicology, which provides a theoretical basis for further study of the toxicity mechanism of MILI and the development of effective strategies to manage MILI-related health problems in the future and accelerate the development of food safety.

AFB1-induced mice liver injury involves mitochondrial dysfunction mediated by mitochondrial biogenesis inhibition

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) pollutes foodstuffs and feeds, causing a food safety problem and seriously endangering human and animal health. Liver is the principal organ for AFB1 accumulation and biotransformation, during which AFB1 can cause acute and chronic liver damage, however, the specific mechanism is not completely clear. Mitochondria are the primary organelle of cellular bio-oxidation, providing 95% energy for liver to execute its multiple functions. Therefore, we speculated that mitochondrial dysfunction is involved in AFB1-induced liver injury. To verify the hypothesis, a total of eighty healthy male mice were randomly divided into four groups on average, and exposed with 0, 0.375, 0.75 and 1.5 mg/kg body weight AFB1 by intragastric administration for 30 d. The results displayed that AFB1 triggered liver injury accompanied by oxidative stress. AFB1 exposure also damaged mitochondria structure, decreased mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), as well as increased cytoplasmic cytochrome c (Cyt-c) protein expression, Bax, p53, Caspase-3/9 protein and/or mRNA expression levels and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated 2'-deoxyuridine-5'-triphosphate (dUTP) nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining positive cells in mice liver. Meanwhile, AFB1 exposure elevated pyruvate content, inhibited tricarboxylic acid (TCA) cycle rate-limiting enzymes and electron transport chain (ETC) complexes I-V activities, disturbed ETC complexes I-V subunits mRNA expression levels and reduced adenosine triphosphate (ATP) level in mice liver. These results indicated that AFB1 destroyed mitochondrial structure, activated mitochondrion-dependent apoptosis and induced mitochondrial dysfunction. In addition, AFB1 disrupted mitochondrial biogenesis, presented as the abnormalities of protein and/or gene expression levels of voltage dependent anion channel protein 1 (VDAC1), peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor γ coactivator-1α (PGC-1α), nuclear respiratory factor 1 (Nrf1) and mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam). This may contribute to hepatic and mitochondrial lesions induced by AFB1. These results provide a new perspective for elucidating the mechanisms of AFB1 hepatotoxicity.

Bacillus amyloliquefaciens B10 can alleviate liver apoptosis and oxidative stress induced by aflatoxin B1

Aflatoxin B1 (AFB1) is a mycotoxin often found in food and livestock feed. It can affect human and animal health and is especially damaging to the liver. This study aims to evaluate whether Bacillus amyloliquefaciens (hereafter referred to as B. amyloliquefaciens) B10 can alleviate the toxic effects of AFB1 and, if so, what mechanism is responsible for its action. Specific pathogen-free (SPF) Kunming mice (5-6 weeks old) were divided into four groups (Control, AFB1, B10 strain, and AFB1 + B10 strain) and conducted continuously via gavage for 28 days. Oxidation indices (MDA, T-AOC, SOD, GSH-Px, and CAT) were then measured using their liver tissues and liver coefficient were calculated. Apoptosis was determined using the TUNEL method. Gene expression was determined for Bax, Bcl-2, BIP, CHOP, JNK, Caspase-12, Caspase-9, and Caspase-3, and protein expression was detected for Bax, Bcl-2, and Caspase-3. Our results showed that AFB1 induced the oxidative damage and apoptosis in the livers of mice. However, for mice given B. amyloliquefaciens B10, the biochemical indices, pathological changes, the expressions of genes and proteins related to oxidative stress and apoptosis were significantly reversed. The results indicate that B. amyloliquefaciens B10 antagonizes oxidative damage and apoptosis induced by AFB1 in the livers of mice. The results of this study are of significance for the future use of this strain to reduce the harm of AFB1 to human health and animal reproductive performance.

Research progress on the protection and detoxification of phytochemicals against aflatoxin B1-Induced liver toxicity

Aflatoxin B₁ (AFB₁) is a potent hepatotoxic toxin, which can cause hepatitis, cirrhosis, and liver immunological damage. It has been involved in the etiology of human hepatocellular carcinoma. AFB₁ can cause oxidative stress in the body's metabolism process, and then cause cytotoxicity, such as apoptosis and DNA damage. Scientific research has discovered that phytochemicals can induce the detoxification pathway of AFB₁ through its biotransformation, thereby reducing the damage of AFB₁ to the human body. In clinical treatment, certain phytochemicals have been effectively used in the treatment of liver injury due to the advantages of multiple targets, multiple pathways, low toxicity and side effects. Therefore, the article summarizes the toxic mechanism of AFB₁-induced hepatoxicity, and the related research progress of phytochemicals for preventing and treating its cytotoxicity and genotoxicity. We also look forward to the existing problems and application prospects of phytochemicals in the pharmaceutical industry, in order to provide theoretical reference for the prevention and treatment of AFB₁ poisoning in future research work.

The use of plant extracts and their phytochemicals for control of toxigenic fungi and mycotoxins

Mycotoxins present a great concern to food safety and security due to their adverse health and socio-economic impacts. The necessity to formulate novel strategies that can mitigate the economic and health effects associated with mycotoxin contamination of food and feed commodities without any impact on public health, quality and nutritional value of food and feed, economy and trade industry become imperative. Various strategies have been adopted to mitigate mycotoxin contamination but often fall short of the required efficacy. One of the promising approaches is the use of bioactive plant components/metabolites synergistically with mycotoxin-absorbing components in order to limit exposure to these toxins and associated negative health effects. In particular, is the fabrication of β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponges encapsulated with bioactive compounds of plant origin to inhibit toxigenic fungi and decontaminate mycotoxins in food and feed without leaving any health and environmental hazard to the consumers. The present paper reviews the use of botanicals extracts and their phytochemicals coupled with β-cyclodextrin-based nanosponge technology to inhibit toxigenic fungal invasion and detoxify mycotoxins.

Hassan H. Anti-Inflammatory and Antioxidant Activities of Terpene- and Polyphenol-Rich Premna odorata Leaves on Alcohol-Inflamed Female Wistar Albino Rat Liver

Premna odorata Blanco (Lamiaceae) is an ethnomedicinal plant native to different tropical regions. Although some reports addressed their anti-inflammatory, cytotoxic, and antituberculotic effects, their hepatoprotective potential is yet to be discovered. Accordingly, this study investigated the crude extract and different fractions of the plant leaves; metabolic profiling using liquid chromatography/high-resolution electrospray ionization mass spectroscopy (LC–HRESIMS) analysis, in silico absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) properties for the dereplicated metabolite via online PreADMET program, ROS scavenger activity on the Hep G2 human liver cancer cell line, and the possible hepatic cellular treatment effects in alcohol-inflamed liver female Wistar albino rats. Metabolic profiling dereplicated a total of 28 metabolites from the crude extract and its various fractions. In silico ADMET and ROS scavenger activity screening suggested plant metabolites are of potential bioactivity. In vivo hepatic treatment with crude, defatted crude, and n-hexane leave extracts suggested all extracts significantly improved liver damage, which was indicated by the reduction of elevated serum levels of bilirubin, AST, ALT, ALP, CRP, TNF-α, ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MDA. The reduced levels of GSH and TAC were normalized during the study. Histological examinations of liver tissue showed collagen fiber distribution nearly back to its normal pattern. The anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials of Premna odorata extracts could be partly related to the combined effects of these phytochemicals or their synergistic interactions.

Aflatoxins as a risk factor for liver cirrhosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Background

Liver cirrhosis is characterized by fibrosis and nodule formation in the liver, due to a chronic injury, and subsequent alteration of the normal architecture of the liver. Even though there is a huge effort to elucidate the possible etiologic factors of liver cirrhosis, a significant number of cases are cryptogenic, especially in Sub Saharan Africa, where there is a high burden of aflatoxin exposure. Aflatoxins are known to cause hepatocellular carcinoma, which share similar etiologic factors with liver cirrhosis. This study aimed to assess the association between aflatoxin exposure and the risk of liver cirrhosis.

Methods

Relevant studies were identified through systematic searches conducted in Ovid MEDLINE, PubMed and Google Scholar. Also, by searching the references of retrieved articles. The abstracts and full text were screened for eligibility and the risk of bias was assessed for each study using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) critical appraisal checklist for observational studies. The extracted data from included studies using Microsoft Excel were exported to Stata software version 15.0 for analyses. The overall pooled estimation of outcomes was calculated using a random-effects model of DerSimonian–Laird method at a 95% confidence level. The heterogeneity of studies was determined using I2 statistics. The presence of publication bias between studies was evaluated using the Begg’s and Egger’s tests and funnel plot. The protocol of this systematic review and meta-analysis was registered in the Prospero database with reference number ID: CRD42019148481.

Results

A total of 5 studies published between the years 2005 and 2018 that met the pre-defined inclusion and exclusion criteria were included. The meta-analysis showed that a significant increase in the risk of liver cirrhosis is associated with aflatoxin exposure (unadjusted pooled odds ratio (OR) = 3.35, 95% CI: 2.74–4.10, p = 0.000; I² = 88.3%, p = 0.000; adjusted OR = 2.5, 95% CI: 1.84–3.39, p = 0.000; I² = 0%, p = 0.429).

Conclusions

The present meta-analysis suggests that aflatoxin exposure is associated with a higher risk of liver cirrhosis.

Metabolism and pharmacological activities of the natural health-benefiting compound diosmin

Diosmin is a famous natural flavonoid for treating chronic venous insufficiency and varicose veins.