Human hepatocytes are protected from ethanol-induced cytotoxicity by DADS via CYP2E1 inhibition

Allyl methyl disulfide (AMDS) prevents N,N-dimethyl formamide-induced liver damage by suppressing oxidative stress and NLRP3 inflammasome activation

N,N-dimethylformamide (DMF), a widely consumed industrial solvent with persistent characteristics, can induce occupational liver damage and pose threats to the general population due to the enormous DMF-containing industrial efflux and emission from indoor facilities. This study was performed to explore the roles of allyl methyl disulfide (AMDS) in liver damage induced by DMF and the underlying mechanisms. AMDS was found to effectively suppress the elevation in the liver weight/body weight ratio and serum aminotransferase activities, and reduce the mortality of mice induced by DMF. In addition, AMDS abrogated DMF-elicited increases in malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE) levels and decreases in glutathione (GSH) levels in mouse livers. The increase in macrophage number, mRNA expression of M1 macrophage biomarkers, and protein expression of key components in the NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome induced by DMF exposure were all suppressed by AMDS in mouse livers. Furthermore, AMDS inhibited DMF-induced cell damage and NF-κB activation in cocultured AML12 hepatocytes and J774A.1 macrophages. However, AMDS per se did not significantly affect the protein level and activity of CYP2E1. Collectively, these results demonstrate that AMDS effectively ameliorates DMF-induced acute liver damage possibly by suppressing oxidative stress and inactivating the NF-κB pathway and NLRP3 inflammasome.

Diallyl disulfide ameliorates ethanol-induced liver steatosis and inflammation by maintaining the fatty acid catabolism and regulating the gut-liver axis

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) has been suggested to possess hepatoprotection against alcoholic liver disease (ALD) by a couple of pilot studies, while the underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of DADS against ethanol-induced liver steatosis and early inflammation by using the chronic-plus-binge mice model and cultured J774A.1 macrophages and AML12 hepatocytes. We found that DADS significantly attenuated ethanol-induced elevation of serum aminotransferase activities, accumulation of liver triglyceride, hepatocytes apoptosis, oxidative stress, infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils, and proinflammatory polarization of macrophages in mice livers. In addition, chronic-plus-binge drinking induced apparent intestinal mucosa damage and disturbance of gut microbiota, endotoxemia, and activation of hepatic NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 inflammasome, which was inhibited by DADS. In vitro studies using cocultured AML12/J774A.1 cells showed that DADS suppressed ethanol/LPS-induced cell injury and inflammatory activation of macrophages. Furthermore, DADS ameliorated ethanol-induced decline of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1 (CPT1), and phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein levels in mice liver and AML12 cells. These results demonstrate that DADS could prevent ethanol-induced liver steatosis and early inflammation by regulating the gut-liver axis and maintaining fatty acid catabolism.

Diallyl disulfide prevents cigarette smoke-induced emphysema in mice

INTRODUCTION

Cigarette smoke (CS) is the main risk factor for the development of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and pulmonary emphysema. The use of antioxidants has emerged as a potential therapeutic strategy to treat airway inflammation and lung diseases. In the current study, we investigated the potential therapeutic impact of diallyl disulfide (Dads) treatment in a murine model of CS-induced emphysema.

METHODS

C57BL/6 mice were exposed to CS for 60 consecutive days and treated with vehicle or Dads (30, 60 or 90 mg/kg) by oral gavage for the last 30 days, three times/week. The control group was sham-smoked and received vehicle treatment. All mice were euthanized 24 h after day 60; bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed and lungs were processed for further experimentation. Histological (HE stained sections, assessment of mean linear intercept (Lm)), biochemical (nitrite, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione transferase (GST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) equivalents), and molecular biology (metalloproteinase (MMP) 12, SOD2, carbonyl reductase 1 (CBR1), nitrotyrosine (PNK), 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE), and CYP2E1) analyses were performed.

RESULTS

Treatment with Dads dose-dependently reduced CS-induced leukocyte infiltration into the airways (based on BAL fluid counts) and improved lung histology (indicated by a reduction of Lm). Furthermore, CS exposure dramatically reduced the activity of the antioxidant enzymes SOD and GST in lung tissue and increased nitrite and MDA levels in BAL; these effects were all effectively counteracted by Dads treatment. Western blot analysis further confirmed the antioxidant potential of Dads, showing that treatment prevented the CS-induced decrease in SOD2 expression and increase in lung damage markers, such as CBR1, PNK, and 4-HNE. Furthermore, increased MMP12 (an important hallmark of CS-induced emphysema) and CYP2E1 lung protein levels were significantly reduced in mice receiving Dads treatment.

CONCLUSION

Our findings demonstrate that treatment with Dads is effective in preventing multiple pathological features of CS-induced emphysema in an in vivo mouse model. In addition, we have identified several proteins/enzymes, including 4-HNE, CBR1, and CYP2E1, that are modifiable by Dads and could represent specific therapeutic targets for the treatment of COPD and emphysema.

A comprehensive understanding about the pharmacological effect of diallyl disulfide other than its anti-carcinogenic activities

Diallyl disulfide (DADS), an oil-soluble sulfur compound that is responsible for the biological effects of garlic, displays numerous biological activities, among which its anti-cancer activities are the most famous ones. In recent years, the pharmacological effects of DADS other than its anti-carcinogenic activities have attracted numerous attentions. For example, it has been reported that DADS can prevent the microglia-mediated neuroinflammatory response and depression-like behaviors in mice. In the cardiovascular system, DADS administration was found to ameliorate the isoproterenol- or streptozotocin-induced cardiac dysfunction via the activation of the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and insulin-like growth factor (IGF)-phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)-protein kinase B (Akt) signaling. DADS administration can also produce neuroprotective effects in animal models of Alzheimer's disease and protect the heart, endothelium, liver, lung, and kidney against cellular or tissue damages induced by various toxic factors, such as the oxidized-low density lipoprotein (ox-LDL), carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), ethanol, acetaminophen, Cis-Diammine Dichloroplatinum (CisPt), and gentamicin. The major mechanisms of action of DADS in disease prevention and/or treatment include inhibition of inflammation, oxidative stress, and cellular apoptosis. Mechanisms, including the activation of Akt, extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2 (ERK1/2), protein kinase A (PKA), and cyclic adenosine monophosphate-response element binding protein (CREB) and the inhibition of histone deacetylases (HDACs), can also mediate the cellular protective effects of DADS in different tissues and organs. In this review, we summarize and discuss the pharmacological effects of DADS other than its anti-carcinogenic activities, aiming to reveal more possibilities for DADS in disease prevention and/or treatment.

Diallyl disulfide attenuates non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis by suppressing key regulators of lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and inflammation in mice

Non‑alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common clinicopathological condition. Currently, the pathogenesis of NASH remains unknown, and no optimal therapy option currently exists. It has previously been demonstrated that diallyl disulfide (DADS) was capable of attenuating liver dysfunction, as DADS supplementation had a positive impact on liver regeneration, proliferation and oxidative damage. Thus, DADS could serve as a potential therapeutic agent that can protect against the effects of NASH. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of DADS on NASH and to understand the associated underlying molecular mechanisms. A methionine‑ and choline‑deficient diet (MCD) and high‑fat diet (HFD) are the two common animal models that induce NASH. C57BL/6J mice were fed an MCD for 4 weeks, or an HFD for 20 weeks, in the present study. The mice were treated with or without DADS (20, 50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 or 20 weeks. For the histopathological examination, hematoxylin and eosin staining, oil red O staining and immunohistochemical analyses were performed using the liver sections. Biochemical assays and ELISA were performed to measure the serum biochemical indicators of hepatic function and inflammatory indicators, respectively. Reverse transcription‑quantitative PCR, immunofluorescence and western blotting were used to detect expression levels of the genes involved in the molecular mechanisms underlying DADS protection. MCD or HFD induced the histological features of NASH in mice, including significant vacuolated hepatocytes, marked inflammatory cell infiltration and severe micro‑ and macro‑vesicular steatosis. Serum alanine transferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, as well as the contents of liver triglyceride and total cholesterol, were significantly increased in these two models. DADS attenuated these histological and biochemical changes. DADS ameliorated hepatic steatosis by regulating sterol regulatory element‑binding transcription factor 1, apolipoprotein A1, cyclic AMP‑responsive element‑binding protein H and fibroblast growth factor 21. Furthermore, DADS was revealed to prevent lipotoxicity via peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor α elevation and stearoyl‑coenzyme A desaturase 1 inhibition in HFD‑fed mice. In addition, DADS markedly inhibited lipid peroxidation by modulating malondialdehyde and superoxide dismutase, and it also decreased tumor necrosis factor‑α production, interleukin‑6 production and macrophage influx, as well as suppressing nuclear factor‑κB activation, indicating suppression of MCD‑induced hepatic inflammation. Taken together, the results have shown that DADS exerts beneficial effects on MCD‑ or HFD‑induced NASH by suppressing key regulators of lipid metabolism, lipid peroxidation and inflammation.

Targeting Nrf-2 is a promising intervention approach for the prevention of ethanol-induced liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) remains to be a worldwide health problem. It is generally accepted that oxidative stress plays critical roles in the pathogenesis of ALD, and antioxidant therapy represents a logical strategy for the prevention and treatment of ALD. Nuclear factor erythroid-derived 2-like 2 (NFE2L2 or Nrf-2) is essential for the antioxidant responsive element (ARE)-mediated induction of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) and glutamate-cysteine ligase [GCL, the rate-limiting enzyme in the synthesis of glutathione (GSH)]. Activation of Nrf-2 pathway by genetic manipulation or pharmacological agents has been demonstrated to provide protection against ALD, which suggests that targeting Nrf-2 may be a promising approach for the prevention and treatment of ALD. Herein, we review the relevant literature about the potential hepatoprotective roles of Nrf-2 activation against ALD.

Impairment of Akt activity by CYP2E1 mediated oxidative stress is involved in chronic ethanol-induced fatty liver

Protein kinase B (PKB/Akt) plays important roles in the regulation of lipid homeostasis, and impairment of Akt activity has been demonstrated to be involved in the development of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Previous studies suggest that cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) plays causal roles in the pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver (AFL). We hypothesized that Akt activity might be impaired due to CYP2E1-induced oxidative stress in chronic ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis. In this study, we found that chronic ethanol-induced hepatic steatosis was accompanied with reduced phosphorylation of Akt at Thr308 in mice liver. Chronic ethanol exposure had no effects on the protein levels of phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) and phosphatase and tensin homologue deleted on chromosome ten (PTEN), and led to a slight decrease of phosphoinositide-dependent protein kinase 1 (PDK-1) protein level. Ethanol exposure resulted in increased levels of malondialdehyde (MDA) and 4-hydroxynonenal (4-HNE)-Akt adducts, which was significantly inhibited by chlormethiazole (CMZ), an efficient CYP2E1 inhibitor. Interestingly, N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC) significantly attenuated chronic ethanol-induced hepatic fat accumulation and the decline of Akt phosphorylation at Thr308. In the in vitro studies, Akt phosphorylation was suppressed in CYP2E1-expressing HepG2 (CYP2E1-HepG2) cells compared with the negative control HepG2 (NC-HepG2) cells, and 4-HNE treatment led to significant decrease of Akt phosphorylation at Thr308 in wild type HepG2 cells. Lastly, pharmacological activation of Akt by insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1) significantly alleviated chronic ethanol-induced fatty liver in mice. Collectively, these results indicate that CYP2E1-induced oxidative stress may be responsible for ethanol-induced suppression of Akt phosphorylation and pharmacological modulation of Akt in liver may be an effective strategy for the treatment of ethanol-induced fatty liver.

CYP2E1 regulates the development of radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis via ER stress- and ROS-dependent mechanisms

Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is one of the most common side effects of lung cancer radiotherapy. This study was conducted to identify the molecular mechanism responsible for RIPF. We revealed that the transcriptional level of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) was elevated by examining expression profile analysis of RIPF mouse models. We also confirmed that CYP2E1 regulated levels of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in alveolar epithelial type II (AE2) cells and lung fibroblasts. Inhibition of CYP2E1 via its siRNA or inhibitor significantly attenuated epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition and apoptosis of AE2 cells, as well as myofibroblast formation induced by radiation. Finally, the effects of a CYP2E1 inhibitor on development of RIPF were evaluated by in vivo studies. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CYP2E1 is an important mediator of RIPF development that functions by increasing cellular ER stress and ROS levels.

Roles of CYP2e1 in 1,2-dichloroethane-induced liver damage in mice

The aim of this study was to explore the roles of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) in 1,2-dichloroethane (1,2-DCE)-induced liver damage. Two parts were included in this study: first, effect of 1,2-DCE on microsomal expression of CYP2E1, and second, potential of an inhibitor of CYP2E1 to reduce 1,2-DCE-induced liver damage. In part one, mice were exposed to 0, 0.225, 0.45, or 0.9 g/m³ 1,2-DCE for 10 days, 3.5 h per day through static inhalation. In part two, mice were divided into blank control, solvent control, inhibitor control, 1,2-DCE-poisoned group, and low or high intervention group. In part one, compared to the control, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) levels in 0.9 g/m³ 1,2-DCE group, and microsomal CYP2E1 protein expression and activity in both 0.45 and 0.9 g/m³ 1,2-DCE groups increased significantly; conversely, hepatic nonprotein sulfhydryl (NPSH) levels in both 0.45 and 0.9 g/m³ 1,2-DCE groups and hepatic SOD activities in 0.9 g/m³ 1,2-DCE group decreased significantly. In part two, microsomal CYP2E1 protein expression and activity decreased significantly in both low and high intervention groups compared to 1,2-DCE-poisoned group. Along with the changes of CYP2E1, hepatic MDA levels and serum ALT activities decreased; conversely, hepatic NPSH levels and SOD activities increased significantly in high intervention group. Taken together, our results suggested that 1,2-DCE could enhance CYP2E1 protein expression and enzymatic activity, which could cause oxidative damage in liver, serving as an important mechanism underlying 1,2-DCE-induced liver damage. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Environ Toxicol 31: 1430-1438, 2016.

Garlic essential oil protects against obesity-triggered nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through modulation of lipid metabolism and oxidative stress

This study investigated the protective properties of garlic essential oil (GEO) and its major organosulfur component (diallyl disulfide, DADS) against the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). C57BL/6J mice were fed a normal or high-fat diet (HFD) with/without GEO (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg) or DADS (10 and 20 mg/kg) for 12 weeks. GEO and DADS dose-dependently exerted antiobesity and antihyperlipidemic effects by reducing HFD-induced body weight gain, adipose tissue weight, and serum biochemical parameters. Administration of 50 and 100 mg/kg GEO and 20 mg/kg DADS significantly decreased the release of pro-inflammatory cytokines in liver, accompanied by elevated antioxidant capacity via inhibition of cytochrome P450 2E1 expression during NAFLD development. The anti-NAFLD effects of GEO and DADS were mediated through down-regulation of sterol regulatory element binding protein-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase, fatty acid synthase, and 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-coenzyme A reductase, as well as stimulation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α and carnitine palmitoyltransferase-1. These results demonstrate that GEO and DADS dose-dependently protected obese mice with long-term HFD-induced NAFLD from lipid accumulation, inflammation, and oxidative damage by ameliorating lipid metabolic disorders and oxidative stress. The dose of 20 mg/kg DADS was equally as effective in preventing NAFLD as 50 mg/kg GEO containing the same amount of DADS, which demonstrates that DADS may be the main bioactive component in GEO.

Protective role of CYP2E1 inhibitor diallyl disulfide (DADS) on alcohol-induced malondialdehyde-deoxyguanosine (M1dG) adduct formation

BACKGROUND

Alcohol use disorders are often associated with lung disease. Alcohol exposure leads to the production of reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and formation of malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as to induce the expression of cytochrome p450 2E1 (CYP2E1). Likewise, cigarette smoking can lead to lung lipid peroxidation and formation of MDA. MDA can bind to DNA forming MDA-deoxyguanosine (M1dG) adducts, which have been implicated in alcohol-related cancers and cardiovascular disease. Because CYP2E1 regulates MDA production, and our previous studies have shown that alcohol and cigarette smoke can lead to MDA formation, we hypothesized that CYP2E1 would modulate M1dG adduct formation and single-strand DNA damage in alcohol- and cigarette smoke-exposed lung cells and tissue.

METHODS

Normal human bronchial epithelial cells (HBECs) were pretreated with 10 μM diallyl disulfide (DADS) for 1 hour and treated with 80 mM ethanol (EtOH) ± 5% cigarette smoke extract (CSE) for 3 hours for comet assay and 6 hours for CYP2E1, MDA, and M1dG adduct assays. C57BL/6 mice were administered 20% EtOH ad libitum in drinking water for 8 weeks and exposed to whole-body cigarette smoke for 5 weeks. Mice were also fed a CYP2E1 inhibitor, DADS, at 1 μM/g of feed in their daily diet for 7 weeks. Whole lung tissue homogenate was used for CYP2E1, MDA, and M1dG adduct assays.

RESULTS

EtOH exposure significantly increased HBEC olive tail moment. DADS pretreatment of HBECs attenuated this EtOH effect. EtOH also induced MDA and M1dG adduct formation, which was also significantly reduced by DADS treatment. CSE ± EtOH did not enhance these effects. In lung tissue homogenate of 8-week alcohol-fed mice, MDA and M1dG adduct levels were significantly elevated in comparison with control mice and mice fed DADS while consuming alcohol. No increase in MDA and M1dG adduct formation was observed in 5-week cigarette smoke-exposed mice.

CONCLUSIONS

These findings suggest that CYP2E1 plays a pivotal role in alcohol-induced M1dG adducts, and the use of DADS as dietary supplement can reverse the effects of alcohol on M1dG formation.

The activation of HO-1/Nrf-2 contributes to the protective effects of diallyl disulfide (DADS) against ethanol-induced oxidative stress

BACKGROUND

Diallyl disulfide (DADS) is a garlic-derived organosulfur compound. The current study is designed to evaluate the protective effects of DADS against ethanol-induced oxidative stress, and to explore the underlying mechanisms by examining the HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway.

METHODS

We investigated whether or not DADS could activate the HO-1 in normal human liver cell LO2, and then evaluated the protective effects of DADS against ethanol-induced damage in LO2 cells and in acute ethanol-intoxicated mice. The biochemical parameters were measured using commercial kits. HO-1 mRNA level was determined by RT-PCR. Histopathology and immunofluorescence assay were performed with routine methods. Protein levels were measured by western blot.

RESULTS

DADS significantly increased the mRNA and protein levels of HO-1, stimulated the nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 and increased the phosphorylation of MAPK in LO2 cells. The nuclear translocation of Nrf-2 was abrogated by MAPK inhibitors. DADS significantly suppressed ethanol-induced elevation of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities, decrease of glutathione (GSH) level, increase of malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and apoptosis of LO2 cells, which were all blocked by ZnPPIX. In mice, DADS effectively suppressed acute ethanol-induced elevation of aminotransferase activities, and improved liver histopathological changes, which might be associated with HO-1 activation.

CONCLUSION

These results demonstrate that DADS could induce the activation of HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway, which may contribute to the protective effects of DADS against ethanol-induced liver injury.

GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE

DADS may be beneficial for the prevention and treatment of ALD due to significant activation of HO-1/Nrf-2 pathway.

Quercetin suppressed CYP2E1-dependent ethanol hepatotoxicity via depleting heme pool and releasing CO

Naturally occuring quercetin protects hepatocytes from ethanol-induced oxidative stress, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) induction and carbon monoxide (CO) metabolite may be implicated in the beneficial effect. However, the precise mechanism by which quercetin counteracts CYP2E1-mediated ethanol hepatotoxicity through HO-1 system is still remained unclear. To explore the potential mechanism, herein, ethanol (4.0 g/kg.bw.) was administrated to rats for 90 days. Our data showed that chronic ethanol over-activated CYP2E1 but suppressed HO-1 with concurrent hepatic oxidative damage, which was partially normalized by quercetin (100mg/kg.bw.). Quercetin (100 μM) induced HO-1 and depleted heme pool when incubated to human hepatocytes. Ethanol-stimulated (100mM) CYP2E1 upregulation was suppressed by quercetin but further enhanced by HO-1 inhibition with resultant heme accumulation. CO scavenging blocked the suppression of quercetin only on CYP2E1 activity. CO donor dose-dependently inactivated CYP2E1 of ethanol-incubated microsome, which was mimicked by HO-1 substrate but abolished by CO scavenger. Thus, CYP2E1-mediated ethanol hepatotoxicity was alleviated by quercetin through HO-1 induction. Depleted heme pool and CO releasing limited protein synthesis and inhibited enzymatic activity of CYP2E1, respectively.

Metabolic interactions of environmental toxicants in humans

A description of the interactions between environmental toxicants following simultaneous exposure or exposure in close temporal sequence is presented. At the metabolic level, such interactions may be based on induction, inhibition, or activation of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. Cytotoxicity may also play a role, particularly in affecting induction of xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes. The effects of interactions manifested at the level of the expression of toxic endpoints may result from interactions at the metabolic level or may have other causes. New approaches to genome-wide effects (e.g., microarray studies) are also discussed.

Contributions of human enzymes in carcinogen metabolism

Considerable support exists for the roles of metabolism in modulating the carcinogenic properties of chemicals. In particular, many of these compounds are pro-carcinogens that require activation to electrophilic forms to exert genotoxic effects. We systematically analyzed the existing literature on the metabolism of carcinogens by human enzymes, which has been developed largely in the past 25 years. The metabolism and especially bioactivation of carcinogens are dominated by cytochrome P450 enzymes (66% of bioactivations). Within this group, six P450s--1A1, 1A2, 1B1, 2A6, 2E1, and 3A4--accounted for 77% of the P450 activation reactions. The roles of these P450s can be compared with those estimated for drug metabolism and should be considered in issues involving enzyme induction, chemoprevention, molecular epidemiology, interindividual variations, and risk assessment.

Korean red ginseng and its primary ginsenosides inhibit ethanol-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Panax ginseng (P. ginseng) is one of the most widely used medicinal plants due to its wide spectrum of medicinal effects. Among the currently available Panax ginseng products, Korea red ginseng (KRG) has been shown to exhibit a variety of antioxidative and hepatoprotective action.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Our aim was to investigate the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenosides (Rg3 and Rh2) on EtOH-induced injury to mouse hepatocytes (TIB-73).

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We investigated the effects of KRG and its primary ginsenoside on EtOH-induced injury to TIB-73 cells and evaluated MAPKs signals as a possible mechanism of action. Hepatocytic injury was evaluated by biochemical assays as cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), ROS and mitochondria membrane potential (MMP) level in TIB-73 cells. The levels of MAPK activation were analyzed by Western blots.

RESULTS

The results showed that exposure of EtOH to TIB-73 cells led to cell death and membrane damage, accompanied by a decrease in cell viability, MMP, and Mg(2+) concentrations, but an increase in LDH, AST, ROS and MAPK activation. KRG and its primary ginsenosides reduced EtOH-induced generation of ROS and the activation of ERK and JNK, and increased Mg(2+) concentrations.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that KRG and its primary ginsenosides inhibit EtOH-induced oxidative injury by suppression of the MAPK pathway in TIB-73 cells.

Establishment of a methodology for investigating protectants against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

Ethanol-induced liver injury has been extensively reported in clinic, but still lacks an efficient in vitro platform for investigating its hepatotoxicity and protectants. This study aimed to establish a methodology on the culture conditions regarding the sealability against evaporation of ethanol, culture medium and 2D/3D culture of hepatocytes. Based on the experimental findings, it was indicated that the ethanol evaporation from culture plates was a severe problem reducing its toxicity in hepatocyte. According to the detected ethanol toxic response marked by reduced cell viability, 3D cultured hepatocytes in gel entrapment were suggested to be better than 2D hepatocyte in monolayer, but the cultures in either William's Medium E or DMEM exhibited comparable sensitivity to ethanol toxicity. Subsequently, 3D cultured hepatocytes with Parafilm sealing were systematically illustrated to well reflect the ethanol-induced lipid accumulation, reactive oxygen species/malondialdehyde generation, glutathione depletion and cytochrome 2E1 induction. Finally, such hepatocyte models were proposed as a platform for screening of herbal component against ethanol hepatotoxicity. Nano-silibinin, for the first time, found to perform significant protection against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity while silibinin in normal particles could not inhibit such toxicity. This protection of nano-silibinin might relate to its improved bioavailability compared to normal insoluble silibinin and could act as an anti-oxidative and anti-steatosis agent against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity.

The use of hepatocytes to investigate drug toxicity

The liver is very active in metabolizing foreign compounds and the major target for toxicity caused by drugs. Hepatotoxicity may be the result of the drug itself or, more frequently, a result of the bioactivation process and the production of reactive metabolites. Prioritization of compounds based on human hepatotoxicity potential is currently a key unmet need in drug discovery, as it can become a major problem for several lead compounds in later stages of the drug discovery pipeline. Therefore, evaluation of potential hepatotoxicity represents a critical step in the development of new drugs. Cultured hepatocytes are increasingly used by the pharmaceutical industry for the screening of hepatotoxic potential of new molecules. Hepatocytes in culture retain hepatic key functions and constitute a valuable tool to identify chemically induced cellular damage. Their use has notably contributed to the understanding of mechanisms responsible for hepatotoxicity (disruption of cellular energy status, alteration of Ca(2+) homeostasis, inhibition of transport systems, metabolic activation, oxidative stress, covalent binding, etc.). Assessment of current cytotoxicity and hepatic-specific biochemical effects is limited by the inability to measure a wide spectrum of potential mechanistic changes involved in the drug-induced toxic injury. A convenient selection of endpoints allows a multiparametric evaluation of drug toxicity. In this regard, cytomic, proteomic, toxicogenomic and metabonomic approaches help to define patterns of hepatotoxicity for early identification of potential adverse effects of the drug to the liver.

The modulatory effects of garlic oil on hepatic cytochrome P450s in mice

In order to probe into the effects of garlic oil (GO) on the hepatic CYP2E1, CYP1A2 and CYP3A, male Kun-Ming mice were treated with GO (100 mg/kg body weight) or corn oil for 1 day or consecutive 60 days, respectively, and then the protein expressions and the activities of the enzymes were examined. GO did not alter the physical activities of mice and did not induce lesion to the liver. However, it dramatically inhibited the activities and protein levels of hepatic CYP2E1 and 1A2, but not CYP3A. In addition, we noticed that the inhibition of CYP2E1 and 1A2 by GO was more potent in group of 1 day treatment than those in group of 60 days treatment. Compared with the respective control value, the protein levels of CYP2E1 were decreased by 87.40% (p < .01) and 62.26% (p < .01) by 1 day and 60 days of GO treatment, respectively, while the CYP1A2 protein levels were decreased by 70.76% (p < .01) and 41.49% (p < .01), respectively. These data indicated that the mice could adapt to the prolonged treatment, which might be one reasonable explanation for the conflicting data in the literature. The CYP2E1 and 1A2 suppression might contribute to its hepatoprotection, and data about CYP3A indicated that GO was unlikely to alter the metabolism of the concomitantly used drugs.

The anti-fatty liver effects of garlic oil on acute ethanol-exposed mice

The protective effects of single dose of garlic oil (GO) on acute ethanol-induced fatty liver were investigated. Mice were treated with ethanol (4.8 g/kg bw) to induce acute fatty liver. The liver index, the serum and hepatic triglyceride (TG) levels and the histological changes were examined to evaluate the protective effects. Hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) levels and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), glutathione-S-transferase (GST) activities were determined for the antioxidant capacity assay. Acute ethanol exposure resulted in the enlargement of the liver index and the increase of the serum and hepatic TG levels (P<0.01), which were dramatically attenuated by GO pretreatment in a dose-dependent manner (P<0.01). GO treatment (simultaneously with ethanol exposure) exhibited similar effects to those of pretreatment, while no obviously protective effects were displayed when it was used at 2h after ethanol intake. Histological changes were paralleled to these indices. Beside this, GO dramatically prolonged the drunken time and shortened the waking time, and these effects were superior to those of silymarin and tea polyphenol. In addition, GO dose-dependently suppressed the elevation of MDA levels, restored the GSH levels and enhanced the SOD, GR and GST activities. Compared with the ethanol group, the MDA levels decreased by 14.2% (P<0.05), 29.9% and 32.8% (P<0.01) in GO groups 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. The GST activity increased by 9.97%, 19.94% (P<0.05) and 42.12% (P<0.01) of the ethanol group in GO groups 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively, while the GR activity increased by 28.57% (P<0.05), 37.97% (P<0.01), 50.45% (P<0.01) of the ethanol group in GO groups 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg, respectively. These data indicated that single dose of GO possessed ability to prevent acute ethanol-induced fatty liver, but may lose its capacity when used after ethanol exposure. The protective effects should be associated with its antioxidative activities.

Mechanism-based inactivation of human cytochromes p450s: experimental characterization, reactive intermediates, and clinical implications

The P450 type cytochromes are responsible for the metabolism of a wide variety of xenobiotics and endogenous compounds. Although P450-catalyzed reactions are generally thought to lead to detoxication of xenobiotics, the reactions can also produce reactive intermediates that can react with cellular macromolecules leading to toxicity or that can react with the P450s that form them leading to irreversible (i.e., mechanism-based) inactivation. This perspective describes the fundamentals of mechanism-based inactivation as it pertains to P450 enzymes. The experimental approaches used to characterize mechanism-based inactivators are discussed, and the criteria required for a compound to be classified as a mechanism-based inactivator are outlined. The kinetic scheme for mechanism-based inactivation and the calculation of the relevant kinetic constants that describe a particular inactivation event are presented. The structural aspects and important functional groups of several classes of molecules that have been found to impart mechanism-based inactivation upon metabolism by P450s such as acetylenes, thiol-containing compounds that include isothiocyanates, thiazolidinediones, and thiophenes, arylamines, quinones, furanocoumarins, and cyclic tertiary amines are described. Emphasis throughout this perspective is placed on more recent findings with human P450s where the site of modification, whether it be the apoprotein or the heme moiety, and, at least in part, the identity of the reactive intermediate responsible for the loss in P450 activity are known or inferred. Recent advances in trapping procedures as well as new methods for identification of reactive intermediates are presented. A variety of clinically important drugs that act as mechanism-based inactivators of P450s are discussed. The irreversible inactivation of human P450s by these drugs has the potential for causing serious drug-drug interactions that may have severe toxicological effects. The clinical significance of inactivating human P450s for improving drug efficacy as well as drug safety is discussed along with the potential for exploiting mechanism-based inactivators of P450s for therapeutic benefits.

Quercetin protects human hepatocytes from ethanol-derived oxidative stress by inducing heme oxygenase-1 via the MAPK/Nrf2 pathways

BACKGROUND/AIMS

Flavonoids, including quercetin, have been reported to have potent hepatoprotective effects, which may be associated with HO-1 induction. However, since the effect and signaling pathway of quercetin involved in HO-1 induction against alcoholic liver damage are still not fully understood, this is the target of the present study.

METHODS

Human hepatocytes were incubated with ethanol (100 mM) and quercetin (10-200 microM), and cellular damage and HO-1 activity were measured. Nrf2 expression in cytosolic and nuclear fractions was studied following the incubation with MAPK inhibitor(s).

RESULTS

Ethanol exposure resulted in a sustained glutathione depletion, malondialdehyde elevation, and evident release of cellular LDH and AST. Quercetin exerted a dose-dependent protective effect against alcoholic oxidative stress, and increased the EC50 of ethanol by approx. 40%, which is parallel to HO-1 induction with quercetin. Zinc protoporphyrin-9 abrogated the protective effect and dramatically enhanced ethanol cytotoxicity. SB203580 (p38 inhibitor) and especially PD98059 (ERK inhibitor) blocked quercetin-derived HO-1 induction and Nrf2 translocation, and subsequently inhibited the quercetin-related protection.

CONCLUSIONS

HO-1 up-regulation by quercetin protected human hepatocytes from ethanol-induced oxidative stress. Among MAPK signaling pathways, p38 and ERK mediated quercetin-derived Nrf2 translocation into nuclei and subsequent induction of HO-1 activity, and the latter showed a stronger mediating effect.

Alcohol and the liver

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

This review aims to acquaint the reader with advances in 2006 in the epidemiology, genetics, detection, pathogenesis and treatment of alcoholic liver disease.

RECENT FINDINGS

Important discoveries have been made in pathogenesis and mechanism of disease, with great emphasis on the many pathways leading to oxidative stress, and the novel mechanism of endoplasmic reticulum stress that is proving to be important in the pathogenesis of many liver diseases. The reliability of ethyl glucuronide and other biomarkers for the detection of alcohol abuse is being better established. There have been no treatment advances for alcoholic liver disease but, on balance, steroids are still favored for carefully selected patients with alcoholic hepatitis. Many compounds tested in rodents may now be available for consideration for clinical trials. Criteria for patient selection and refusal for liver transplantation are being established but the 6 months abstinence rule still holds.

SUMMARY

Insights are being made into the pathogenesis of alcoholic liver disease but safe and effective therapies for both alcoholic hepatitis and alcoholic cirrhosis have yet to be discovered.

Cytochrom-P450 mediierte Arzneimittelinteraktionen mit Antibiotika

This review focuses on drug interactions with commonly prescribed antibiotics. With each drug coadministered, the likelihood of an adverse interaction increases exponentially. Thus, poly-pharmacotherapy possesses important clinical challenges for clinicians and exposes patients to potentially life-threatening risks. In particular, following co-administration of drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, anticoagulants and antiarrhythmics, which are characterized by narrow therapeutic windows, even small changes in plasma levels can cause serious adverse reactions and/or therapeutic failure. The hepatic and intestinal cytochrome, or CYP-450 enzyme system is responsible for the biotransformation of a multitude of drugs and is frequently involved in drug interactions. The present review therefore presents a comprehensive overview on potential drug interactions with antibiotics, which are mediated by the cytochrome-P450-enzymes.