Green tea extract attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic injury in male hamsters via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and p53-mediated apoptosis

Evening primrose oil enriched with gamma linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury model in male rats via TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 pathway

The modulatory role of primrose oil (PO) supplementation enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate against a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage model was assessed in this study. Twenty male Albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group received corn oil orally. The PO group received 10 mg/kg P O orally. The CCl4 group received 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally and PO/CCl4 group; received PO and 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally. The relative liver weight was recorded. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and the expression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were assessed. The binding affinities of γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol constituents with IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were investigated using molecular docking simulations. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations of the liver were performed. The results indicated that CCl4 elevated serum liver enzyme and hepatic MDA levels, whereas GSH levels were diminished. The upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions were induced by CCl4 treatment. The PO/CCl4-treated group showed amelioration of hepatic injury biomarkers and oxidative stress. Restoration of histopathological and ultrastructural alterations while downregulations the gene expressions of TNF-α, IL1-β and IL-6 were observed. In conclusion, evening primrose oil enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate elicited a potential amelioration of CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity.

Hematological changes, oxidative stress assessment, and dysregulation of aquaporin-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in kidneys of lactating Wistar rats treated with monosodium glutamate

High consumption of locally produced delicacies could expose nursing mothers to high monosodium glutamate (MSG) levels, frequently used as a necessary condiment in low-income countries. Thus, this study evaluated some novel preliminary changes in renal hormonal receptors, the aquaporin-3 channel, oxidative stress markers, and hematological indices induced by monosodium glutamate in lactating rats. Post-parturition, twenty-four (24) lactating Wistar rats were divided into four (4) groups of six rats each (n = 6). Oral administration of distilled water and MSG started three (3) days postpartum as follows: group 1: distilled water (1 ml/kg BW), group 2: MSG (925 mg/kg BW), group 3: MSG (1850 mg/kg BW), and group 4: MSG (3700 mg/kg BW). At the end of the experiment, which lasted fourteen (14) days, animals were sacrificed and samples of blood and tissues were obtained for biochemical analysis. MSG administration significantly (p < 0.05) increased ROS and MDA, with a significant (p < 0.05) decrease in kidney antioxidants. Serum creatinine, total, conjugated, and unconjugated bilirubin significantly (p < 0.05) increased with MSG administration. The prolactin receptor was significantly reduced (p < 0.05), while the oxytocin receptor and aquaporin-3 channel were significantly (p < 0.05) increased in the MSG-administered groups. There were significant (p < 0.05) changes in the hematological indices of the MSG-administered animals. Thus, the findings of this study suggest that high MSG consumption causes hematological alterations and may alter renal function via increased ROS production and dysregulation of the AQP-3 channel, prolactin, and oxytocin receptors in the kidneys of lactating Wistar rats.

Antioxidant Properties Mediate Nephroprotective and Hepatoprotective Activity of Essential Oil and Hydro-Alcoholic Extract of the High-Altitude Plant Skimmia anquetilia

There are many high-altitude plants such as Skimmia anquetilia that are unexplored for their possible medicinal values. The present study was conducted to examine the antioxidant activities of Skimmia anquetilia (SA) using in vitro and in vivo models. The SA hydro-alcoholic extracts were investigated using LC-MS for their chemical constituents. The essential oil and hydro-alcoholic extracts of SA were evaluated for pharmacological properties. The antioxidant properties were evaluated using in vitro DPPH, reducing power, cupric reducing antioxidant power, and metal chelating assays. The anti-hemolytic activity was carried out using a human blood sample. The in vivo antioxidant activities were evaluated using CCL₄-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity assay. The in vivo evaluation included histopathological examination, tissue biochemical evaluation such as the kidney function test, catalase activity, reduced glutathione activity, and lipid peroxidation estimation. The phytochemical investigation showed that the hydro-alcoholic extract contains multiple important active constituents such as L-carnosine, acacetin, linoleic acid, leucylleucyl tyrosine, esculin sesquihydrate, etc., similar to the components of SA essential oil reported in a previous study. The high amount of total phenolic content (TPC) and total flavonoid content (TFC) reflect (p < 0.001) a high level of reducing power, cupric reducing, and metal chelating properties. This significantly (p < 0.001) inhibited enlargement of the liver, with a significant reduction in ALT (p < 0.01) and AST (p < 0.001). Highly significant improvement in the functioning of the kidney was noted using the blood urea and creatinine (p < 0.001) levels. Tissue-based activities showed a major rise in catalase, reduced glutathione, and reduced lipid peroxidation activities. We conclude from this study that the occurrence of a high quantity of flavonoid and phenolic contents had strong antioxidant properties, leading to hepatoprotective and nephroprotective activity. Further active constituent-specific activities should be evaluated.

Nano Zinc Oxide Improves Performance, IGF-I mRNA Expression, Meat Quality, and Humeral Immune Response and Alleviates Oxidative Stress and NF-κB Immunohistochemistry of Broiler Chickens

A 35-day trial was set to explore the effects of different dietary zinc sources on growth, insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) mRNA expression, meat quality, immune response, antioxidant activity, and immunohistochemistry of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κ7B) of broiler chickens. Ross 308 broiler chicks (n = 156) were randomly assigned into four experimental groups. The G1 received the basal control diet without zinc supplementation; the G2, G3, and G4 were supplemented with zinc oxide, zinc lysine, and nano zinc oxide, respectively, at a level of 40 mg Zn/kg diet. The data revealed that nano zinc oxide linearly improved the overall growth performance parameters. Nano zinc oxide linearly elevated (P < 0.001) mRNA expression of IGF-I followed by G3. The pH value of breast muscle in G4 shows a linearly decreasing value (P < 0.001). Also, the linearly highest expressible release volume percentage and lightness (L*) value with the lowest redness (a*) value (P < 0.05) were recorded in G4 and G3. A numerical increase in the total antibody titer was recorded on the 35^th day in the G3 and G4. A numerical elevation in the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and a numerical reduction in the serum malondialdehyde (MDA) were recorded in the G4. The section of the liver from G4 revealed significantly very low expression of NF-κB staining. It is concluded that nano zinc oxide is considered the more trending zinc source. It had no negative effects on the health status and can be used in broiler diet premix.

Effect of crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides as a renoprotective agent against carbon tetrachloride-induced early kidney fibrosis in mice

Background and Aim:

Interstitial fibrosis is the final stage of chronic kidney injury, which begins with an inflammatory process. Crude Ganoderma applanatum polysaccharides are known to have anti-inflammatory properties. The potential role of crude G. applanatum polysaccharides in renal fibrosis through pro-inflammatory cytokines needs further investigation. This study aimed to determine the renoprotective effect of crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced early kidney fibrosis.

Materials and Methods:

This study was conducted for 4 weeks using 24 male BALB/c mice selected for their metabolic stability. The mice were randomly divided into six groups, including control (CG), model (MG), silymarin group and crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract groups comprising doses of 25, 50, and 100 mg/kg body weight. After sacrificing the mice, whole blood was analyzed for urea and creatine levels, and kidney tissue was prepared to assess tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), hyaluronic acid (HA), and laminin levels, both using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Kidney histology was determined using hematoxylin and eosin staining, while the extracellular matrix (ECM) components were stained using Masson’s trichome staining. The α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) concentration was determined using immunohistochemistry. These parameters were measured to determine the effectiveness of the crude G. applanatum polysaccharide extract in preventing interstitial fibrosis.

Results:

Administration of crude G. applanatum polysaccharides effectively prevented increases in kidney weight and physiological enzymes, pro-inflammatory cytokines, and ECM production compared with those in the MG, as evidenced by the low levels of urea, creatinine, TNF-α, IL-6, HA, and laminin. Histopathological results also showed that crude G. applanatum polysaccharides prevented the occurrence of inflammatory infiltration, desquamated nuclei, cytoplasm debris, rupture at the brush border, dilatation of the glomeruli space and lumen of the proximal tubule, and necrotic cells compared with the MG. Masson’s trichrome staining revealed lower collagen levels in the interstitial tubules of kidney tissue than those in the MG. Immunohistochemical analysis revealed low α-SMA expression in the crude G. applanatum polysaccharides treatment groups than that in the MG.

Conclusion:

The crude polysaccharide extract of G. applanatum has a protective effect that prevents the progression of kidney fibrosis in mice.

The roles of catechins in regulation of systemic inflammation

Catechins are a phytochemical present in plants such as tea leaves, beans, black grapes, cherries, and cacao, and have various physiological activities. It is reported that catechins have a health improvement effect and ameliorating effect against various diseases. In addition, antioxidant activity, liver damage prevention, cholesterol lowering effect, and anti-obesity activity were confirmed through in vivo animal and clinical studies. Although most diseases are reported as ones mediating various inflammations, the mechanism for improving inflammation remains unclear. Therefore, the current review article evaluates the physiological activity and various pharmacological actions of catechins and conclude by confirming an improvement effect on the inflammatory response.

Hepatoprotective Effects of (-) Epicatechin in CCl4-Induced Toxicity Model Are Mediated via Modulation of Oxidative Stress Markers in Rats

Objective

(−) Epicatechin (EP) is a naturally occurring antioxidant flavonoid found in some green plants. The current study was designed to evaluate the potential role of antioxidant mechanisms in the hepatoprotective properties of EP using the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury model.

Materials and Methods

Rats (n = 7 per group) were divided into five groups including control group, (−) epicatechin group (20 mg·kg⁻¹ body weight), CCl₄ group (1 mL⁻¹ body weight), CCl₄-EP treatment group, and CCl₄-silymarin (SILY) group. The levels of enzymes including hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) were analyzed via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Histological studies were performed on all groups to assess the regenerative effects of test sample and compare it with the control group.

Results

Test compound EP and standard drug silymarin (SILY) considerably reduced liver function enzyme levels in the blood, which were raised by CCl₄ administration, and increased serum albumin and total protein (TP) concentrations. The hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) level was considerably declined, whereas glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), glutathione S-transferase (GST), nitric oxide synthase (NOS), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and cytochrome P450 (CYP450) levels were upregulated in the EC-treated groups. The hepatoprotective results of the study were further confirmed via the histological assessments, which indicated a regeneration of the damaged hepatic tissue in treated rats.

Conclusions

The results of this study revealed a significant protective efficacy of EP against CCl₄-induced liver injury, which was potentially mediated via upregulation of antioxidant enzymes and direct scavenging effects of the compound against free radicals.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Vernonia amygdalina (Astereaceae) Extract on CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in Broiler Chickens

Simple Summary

Since the ban on the use of antibiotics as growth promoters in poultry feed, many studies have focused on the use of plants in poultry feed as an alternative to this ban. Currently, many plants are used to improve the growth performance and health status of poultry. Few studies are conducted to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of these plants in poultry. The current study showed that Vernonia amygdalina extract confers a hepatoprotective effect on poultry.

Abstract

The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of Vernonia amygdalina leaf extract (VALE) on the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity (CCl₄) in broiler chickens. A total of 360-day-old broilers were divided into 4 treatments of 90 birds each consisting of 6 replicates of 15 birds each. The treatments were birds offered 1 mL/kg BW saline (control group), 100 mg/kg BW VALE, 1 mL/kg BW CCl₄ (CCl₄-treated group), and 100 mg/kg BW VALE + 1 mL/kg BW CCl₄ (VALE + CCl₄ group). Blood samples were collected at 42 days of age and analyzed for the liver enzymes: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and selected biochemical parameters. The experiment was laid out in a completely randomized design. The results obtained showed that VALE had the potential to mitigate the adverse effects of CCl₄ on protein and lipid metabolism as reflected in the low serum malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, which is a marker of lipid peroxidation. The aqueous extract of Vernonia amygdalina (VA) at a dose of 100 mg/kg body weight showed a moderate hepatoprotective effect by reducing serum AST levels (p < 0.05). The levels of serum AST, ALP, ALT, and GGT were significantly increased in CCl₄-treated birds compared to the control group, reflecting carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage. The VALE + CCl₄ group showed a significantly higher amount of ALP compared to birds treated with carbon tetrachloride, suggesting a hepatoprotective effect. To conclude, Vernonia amygdalina aqueous extract can be used to confer protection against hepatotoxicity, which can induce severe hepatocellular damage in birds.

The Antioxidant Carrichtera annua DC. Ethanolic Extract Counteracts Cisplatin Triggered Hepatic and Renal Toxicities

Cisplatin is a powerful anti-neoplastic drug that displays multi-organ toxicity, especially to the liver and kidneys. Consumption of phytomedicines is a promising strategy to overcome the side effects of chemotherapy. Carrichtera annua extract proved to possess potent antioxidant activity. Its protective potential against cisplatin-induced hepato-nephrotoxicity was scrutinized. Moreover, a phytochemical study was conducted on C. annua ethyl acetate fraction which led to the isolation of five known phenolic compounds. Structure determination was achieved utilizing 1H- and 13C-NMR spectral analyses. The isolated phytochemicals were trans-ferulic acid (1), kaempferol (2), p-coumaric acid (3), luteolin (4) and quercetin (5). Regarding our biological study, C. annua has improved liver and kidney deteriorated functions caused by cisplatin administration and attenuated the histopathological injury in their tissues. Serum levels of ALT, AST, blood urea nitrogen and creatinine were significantly decreased. C. annua has modulated the oxidative stress mediated by cisplatin as it lowered MDA levels while enhanced reduced-GSH concentrations. More importantly, the plant has alleviated cisplatin triggered inflammation, apoptosis via reduction of INFγ, IL-1β and caspase-3 production. Moreover, mitochondrial injury has been ameliorated as remarkable increase of mtDNA was noted. Furthermore, the MTT assay proved the combination of cisplatin-C. annua extract led to growth inhibition of MCF-7 cells in a notable additive way. Additionally, we have investigated the binding affinity of C. annua constituents with caspase-3 and IFN-γ proteins using molecular simulation. All the isolated compounds exhibited good binding affinities toward the target proteins where quercetin possessed the most auspicious caspase-3 and IFN-γ inhibition activities. Our results put forward that C. annua is a promising candidate to counteract chemotherapy side effects and the observed activity could be attributed to the synergism between its phytochemicals.

Ellagic acid prevents kidney injury and oxidative damage via regulation of Nrf-2/NF-κB signaling in carbon tetrachloride induced rats

Phytochemicals, bioactive food compounds, found in plants have been described as protective agents against renal injury. This work was planned to evaluate the effects of EA on anti-oxidative and anti-inflammation pathways in kidney damage induced with carbon tetrachloride. In this study, experimental animals (n = 36, 8 weeks old rats) were divided into 4 groups as follows: 1) Control group 2) EA group (10 mg/kg body weight) 3) CCl₄ group (1.5 ml/kg, body weight) 4) EA + CCl₄ group. The potentially protective effect of EA on kidney damage exposed by CCl₄ in rats were evaluated. EA administration protects CCl₄ induced kidney damage against oxidative stress through its antioxidant protection. Treatment of EA significantly reduced lipid peroxidation and improved glutathione and catalase enzyme activity. Recently studies showed that EA activated caspase-3 and nuclear transcription factor erythroid 2 related factor driven antioxidant signal pathway and protected the kidney against damage induced by oxidative stress. Furthermore, EA also markedly decreased the level of cyclooxygenase-2, the vascular endothelial growth factor and tumor necrosis factor-alpha and suppressed the protein synthesis of nuclear factor-kappa-B. This study reveals that EA has kidney protective effect against CCl₄ induced oxidative damage and inflammation.

A study of the hepatoprotective effect of Plantago psyllium L. seed extract against Carbon tetrachloride induced hepatic injury in rats

BACKGROUND

The liver is the main metabolic organ involved in disposal and detoxification of various molecules. Plantago psyllium L. seed has been reported to exert positive effects in some pathological conditions. The current study aims to assess the hepatoprotective effect of Plantago psyllium L. seed extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Male albino Wistar rats were randomly divided into five groups of 10 rats each. Hepatotoxicity was induced by orally administered carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for nine weeks with or without the different treatments which were utilized daily for the whole nine weeks. Serum and tissue samples were then withdrawn and different liver biomarkers were investigated.

RESULTS

Treatment of rats with Psyllium seed ethanolic extract significantly alleviated the toxic effects of CCl4. This was evidenced by its ability to restore liver biomarkers levels. Moreover, treatment with Psyllium seed extract normalized levels of oxidative biomarkers such as lipid peroxidation, hepatic content of reduced glutathione and catalase activity, as well as the expression level of the inflammatory marker TNF-α. Histopathological examination reflected the protective effect of the extract on liver architecture and confirmed the observed biochemical data.

CONCLUSIONS

The presented data demonstrates a potential hepatoprotective effect of Psyllium seed extract compared to the standard hepatoprotective drug silymarin. This effect can be attributed to the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of Psyllium extract.

The protective effect of cinnamon and ginger hydro-alcoholic extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced testicular damage in rats

Sexual dysfunction of men is one of the most serious problems in human society. This study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of cinnamon and ginger extract on testicular damages induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6): 1. Normal control; 2. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4); 3. CCl4 + Cinnamon; 4. CCl4 + Ginger; 5. CCl4 + Cinnamon and Ginger; and 6. Cinnamon + Ginger. CCl4 (1 ml/kg) was injected intraperitoneally on the 14th day, and cinnamon (50 mg/kg, orally) and ginger (250 mg/kg, orally) were administered daily for 14 days. Fifty hours after the CCl4 injection, the testicles and epididymis were separated and examined as to histological alterations and oxidative stress markers. CCl4 significantly increased malondialdehyde level and decreased total antioxidant capacity when compared to the normal control group (p < .05). In addition, degenerative alterations in the testicular and epididymal tissue were observed in CCl4 group. The pre-treatment with ginger and cinnamon extract significantly improved these parameters when compared to the CCl4 group (p < .05). The results of this study indicated that co-treatment of ginger and cinnamon reduces the damages induced by CCl4 in testicular tissue by increasing antioxidant capacity and reducing lipid peroxidation.

Tribulus terrestris ameliorates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in male rats through suppression of oxidative stress and inflammation

Hepatoprotection is a goal for the harmful effect of several hepatotoxic agents. The present study has been executed to assess the useful impacts of Tribulus terrestris (TT) and silymarin (SLM) against carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄)-induced hepatotoxicity. Forty-two male rats were partitioned into six groups: group I: received 0.3% CMC-Na in distilled water, group II: TT (500 mg/kg BW, orally), group III: SLM (200 mg/kg, orally) for 14 consecutive days (on days 11 and 12 intraperitoneal corn oil), group IV: CCL₄, group V: TT (500 mg/kg BW) plus CCL₄, and group VI: SLM (200 mg/kg orally) plus CCL₄. The CCL₄ was administered (2.0 ml/kg BW) intraperitoneal on days 11 and 12. Sera were collected for assessment of hepatic injury markers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. Additionally, liver tissue oxidative stress, lipid peroxidation, histopathological examination, and immunohistochemical analysis (Bax and bcl-2) were done. CCL₄ injection induced significant reductions in hepatic antioxidants while increased hepatic lipid peroxidation as well as serum hepatic injury biomarkers and pro-inflammatory cytokines. The histopathological examination showed necrotic and degenerative changes in the hepatic tissue, while immunohistochemical analysis revealed marked hepatic expression of activated Bax, and bcl-2, following CCL₄ injection. TT pretreatment significantly improved all examined parameters and restored the hepatic architecture. The current study illustrated that TT effectively alleviates hepatic oxidative damage, apoptosis, and inflammation, induced by acute CCL₄ intoxication. In this manner, TT has promising cytoprotective powers against hepatotoxicity induced by CCL₄.

Extracellular Vesicles From Hepatocytes Are Therapeutic for Toxin-Mediated Fibrosis and Gene Expression in the Liver

Extracellular vesicles (EVs) are nano-sized membrane-limited organelles that are liberated from their producer cells, traverse the intercellular space, and may interact with other cells resulting in the uptake of the EV molecular payload by the recipient cells which may become functionally reprogramed as a result. Previous in vitro studies showed that EVs purified from normal mouse AML12 hepatocytes ("EVNorm") attenuate the pro-fibrogenic activities of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), a principal fibrosis-producing cell type in the liver. In a 10-day CCl4 injury model, liver fibrogenesis, expression of hepatic cellular communication network factor 2 [CCN2, also known as connective tissue growth factor (CTGF)] or alpha smooth muscle actin (αSMA) was dose-dependently blocked during concurrent administration of EVNorm. Hepatic inflammation and expression of inflammatory cytokines were also reduced by EVNorm. In a 5-week CCl4 fibrosis model in mice, interstitial collagen deposition and mRNA and/or protein for collagen 1a1, αSMA or CCN2 were suppressed following administration of EVNorm over the last 2 weeks. RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) revealed that EVNorm therapy of mice receiving CCl4 for 5 weeks resulted in significant differences [false discovery rate (FDR) <0.05] in expression of 233 CCl4-regulated hepatic genes and these were principally associated with fibrosis, cell cycle, cell division, signal transduction, extracellular matrix (ECM), heat shock, cytochromes, drug detoxification, adaptive immunity, and membrane trafficking. Selected gene candidates from these groups were verified by qRT-PCR as targets of EVNorm in CCl4-injured livers. Additionally, EVNorm administration resulted in reduced activation of p53, a predicted upstream regulator of 40% of the genes for which expression was altered by EVNorm following CCl4 liver injury. In vitro, EVs from human HepG2 hepatocytes suppressed fibrogenic gene expression in activated mouse HSC and reversed the reduced viability or proliferation of HepG2 cells or AML12 cells exposed to CCl4. Similarly, EVs produced by primary human hepatocytes (PHH) protected PHH or human LX2 HSC from CCl4-mediated changes in cell number or gene expression in vitro. These findings show that EVs from human or mouse hepatocytes regulate toxin-associated gene expression leading to therapeutic outcomes including suppression of fibrogenesis, hepatocyte damage, and/or inflammation.

Effect of soy isoflavones on implantation losses in Wistar rat: implication of progesterone receptors, vascular endothelial growth factor and estradiol receptors alpha

BACKGROUND

Implantation is a crucial period determining the success of a full pregnancy. Endocrine disruptors such as phytoestrogens (PEs) were thought to adversely influence embryonic implantations. However, the mechanism by which they upset implantation was not fully elucidated.

AIMS

The effect of administering soy isoflavones on the implantation of Wistar rats was studied through the detection of progesterone receptors (PR), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and estradiol receptor alpha (ER-α) protein expression at gestation day 6 (GD6).

METHODS

Eighteen cyclic female Wistar rats were distributed into two groups, group A: control (n=9) were fed with a casein based diet, and group B (n=9) were fed with a casein diet and gavaged 50 mg/kg/day soy isoflavones' extract 40% starting from gestation day zero (GD0) to GD6. Feed intake, body weight (BW), body gain, and uterine weights were recorded. At the end of GD6 the number of corpora lutae (CLs) and implantation rates were recorded. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) for PR, VEGF, and ER-α protein expression in implanted uteri were performed.

RESULTS

Soy isoflavones significantly reduced feed intake, weight gain, uterine weights CL numbers, and implantation rates of the treated pregnant dams. The endometrium of the soy treated dams showed less proliferation than that of the control. Immunostaining percentage of PR and VEGF proteins significantly reduced in soy treated dams compared to the control. However, the mean expression percentage of ER-α exhibited significant elevation in the soy treated dams in comparison to the control group.

CONCLUSION

Implantation losses caused by soy isoflavones seemed to be due to the down regulation of PR that failed to down regulate ER-α action and decreased VEGF production.

Assessment of the hepatoprotective effect of developed lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) encapsulating naturally extracted β-Sitosterol against CCl4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The hepatoprotective effect of β-Sitosterol (BSS), a natural phytosterol, after being formulated into a suitable pharmaceutical drug delivery system has not been widely explored. BSS was isolated from Centaurea pumilio L., identified and formulated as lipid-polymer hybrid nanoparticles (LPHNPs) using the poly(D,L-lactide-co-glycolide) polymer and DSPE-PEG-2000 lipid in different ratios. The selected formulation, prepared with a lipid: polymer: drug ratio of 2:2:2, had an entrapment efficiency (EE%) of 94.42 ± 3.8, particle size of 181.5 ± 11.3 nm, poly dispersity index (PDI) of 0.223 ± 0.06, zeta potential of −37.34 ± 3.21 and the highest drug release after 24 h. The hepatoprotective effect of the formulation at two different doses against CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity was evaluated in rats. The results showed that the BSS-LPHNPs (400 mg/kg) have the ability to restore the liver enzymes (alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST)), liver lipid peroxidation markers (malondialdehyde (MDA) and catalase (CAT)), total bilirubin and albumin to their normal levels without inhibitory effect on the CYP2E1 activity. Also, the formulation could maintain the normal histological structure of liver tissue and decrease the cleaved caspase-3 expression. LPHNPs formulation encapsulating natural BSS is a promising hepatoprotective drug delivery system.

Hepatoprotective effects of silymarin on CCl4-induced hepatic damage in broiler chickens model

This study was conducted to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of silymarin on CCl₄-induced oxidative stress in broiler chickens model. A total of 240 day-old broilers were divided into 4 equal groups (n = 60) composed of a control group (receiving 1 mL/Kg BW saline) and 3 groups treated with silymarin (receiving 100 mg/Kg BW silymarin), CCl₄ (receiving 1 mL/Kg BW CCl₄), and combination of silymarin + CCl₄. Results indicated that silymarin has potential to mitigate the deleterious effects of CCl₄ on protein and lipid metabolism. The protective activity of silymarin against CCl₄-mediated lipid peroxidation was demonstrated by the lower serum content of MDA, as lipid peroxidation marker. CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was demonstrated by the elevation of serum contents of ALP, AST, ALT, and GGT enzymes, whereas silymarin decreased serum activity of ALP and AST hepatic enzymes. The CCl₄-challenged birds revealed considerable hepatic injures characterized by moderate to severe hepatocellular degeneration around the portal vein, aggregation of inflammatory cells, granulomatosis, cytolytic necrosis, periportal space fibrosis, and sinusoidal dilatation. However, liver damages were amended by the silymarin. In line with molecular study, a remarkable down-regulation was detected in the expression of CAT, GPx, and Mn-SOD hepatic genes in CCl₄-challenged birds, whereas silymarin significantly up-regulated aforementioned genes. In general, current study showed that silymarin has potential to alleviate the adverse effects of oxidative stress in poultry farms.

Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) mitigates CCl4-induced liver histopathology and biochemical derangements through antioxidant, membrane-stabilizing and tissue-regenerating potentials

The world-wide increasing incidence of liver injury has attracted scientific interest in the exploration of better treatment or adjuvant treatment therapies. This study investigated the effects of methanol extract of Zingiber officinale (Roscoe) rhizome (MEZOR) in a Wistar rat model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury. The study recruited thirty female Wistar rats that received graded doses of MEZOR (determined by its LD50) by oral gavage through an oral canula, for 4 consecutive weeks following 1 week oral administration of CCl4 (0.7 ml/kg in olive oil; 1:1, v/v) while livolin forte® (5.2 mg/kg p.o.) was used as a standard. CCl4 induced deleterious hepatic effects as revealed by the liver function biomarkers (AST, ALT, ALP and total protein), antioxidant indicators (GSH and CAT) and histopathological effects, demonstrated by H & E, Gordon and Sweet, Masson's trichrome, PAS staining techniques as well as by quantificational analyses of the liver micrographs, using image-J. MEZOR treatment was associated with a dose-dependent and significant mitigation of the aforementioned parameters (p < 0.05). This study concluded that MEZOR is a potential therapeutic choice in the adjuvant treatment of subjects with chemically-induced liver injury.

NR2E3 is a key component in p53 activation by regulating a long noncoding RNA DINO in acute liver injuries

Damage-induced long noncoding RNA (DINO) is a long noncoding RNA that directly interacts with p53 and thereby enhances p53 stability and activity in response to various cellular stresses. Here, we demonstrate that nuclear receptor subfamily 2 group E member 3 (NR2E3) plays a crucial role in maintaining active DINO epigenetic status for its proper induction and subsequent p53 activation. In acetaminophen (APAP)- or carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injuries, NR2E3 knockout (KO) mice exhibited far more severe liver injuries due to impaired DINO induction and p53 activation. Mechanistically, NR2E3 loss both in vivo and in vitro induced epigenetic DINO repression accompanied by reduced DINO chromatin accessibility. Furthermore, compared with the efficient reversal by a typical antidote N-acetylcysteine (NAC) treatment of APAP-induced liver injury in wild-type mice, the liver injury of NR2E3 KO mice was not effectively reversed, indicating that an intact NR2E3-DINO-p53-signaling axis is essential for NAC-mediated recovery against APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. These findings establish that NR2E3 is a critical component in p53 activation and a novel susceptibility factor to drug- or toxicant-induced acute liver injuries.-Khanal, T., Leung, Y.-K., Jiang, W., Timchenko, N., Ho, S.-M., Kim, K. NR2E3 is a key component in p53 activation by regulating a long noncoding RNA DINO in acute liver injuries.

Chrysanthemum extract attenuates hepatotoxicity via inhibiting oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro

Background

‘Bianliang ziyu’, a famous chrysanthemum variety commonly planted in Kaifeng, China, is often consumed by local residents. However, the hepatoprotective effects of Bianliang ziyu and their underlying mechanisms are not clear.

Objective

In this study, we investigated the hepatoprotective and antioxidative effects of Bianliang ziyu extract (BZE) on liver injury and explored its molecular mechanisms.

Design

Sprague-Dawley rats were administered BZE by intragastric administration for 8–9 days, and then alcohol or carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) was administered by gavage to induce acute liver injury. The activities of serum alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, superoxide dismutase, and malondialdehyde in the rats were measured, and the liver of each rat was examined for histopathological changes. In vitro, HL-7702 cells were pretreated with BZE for 24 h and then exposed to 30 mmol•L⁻¹ acetaminophen (APAP) for 12 h. The survival rate of the cells and the alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase activities were determined. Then, we investigated the effects of BZE on oxidative stress, apoptosis, and the activation of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in HL-7702 cells induced by APAP.

Results

The results showed that BZE prevented alcohol-, CCl₄-, and APAP-induced liver injury and suppressed hepatic oxidative stress in vitro and in vivo. BZE was also observed to significantly inhibit the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential and regulate the expression of Bcl-2, Bax and Caspase-3 in APAP-induced HL-7702 cells. In addition, BZE significantly promoted nuclear translocation and the expression of Nrf2 as well as its downstream gene hemeoxygenase-1 (HO-1) in vitro. Furthermore, the findings showed that Nrf2 siRNA reversed the effects of BZE on cell survival and apoptosis-related protein expression in APAP-induced HL-7702 cells.

Conclusions

BZE plays an important role in preventing hepatotoxicity by inhibiting oxidative stress and apoptosis through activation of Nrf2 signaling. BZE could be developed as an effective functional food for protecting the liver.

Thymoquinone, an Active Constituent of Black Seed Attenuates CCl4 Induced Liver Injury in Mice via Modulation of Antioxidant Enzymes, PTEN, P53 and VEGF Protein

AIM:

The present study was undertaken to evaluate the possible protective role of thymoquinone on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS:

The activities of liver function enzymes and antioxidant enzymes were measured. Haematoxylin-Eosin staining was performed to analyze the live tissue alterations. Additionally, expression pattern of different proteins was evaluated through immunohistochemistry staining.

RESULTS:

The antioxidants enzymes activities were decreased significantly in the CCl4 induced group whereas recovery/increase of antioxidant enzymes was observed when thymoquinone was given to the mice. Moreover, thymoquinone administration significantly decrease the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), and serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Liver tissue alterations were noted in CCl4 treated group whereas treatment with thymoquinone significantly prevented the CCl4-induced histological alteration. The expression of PTEN protein was high in CCl4 plus thymoquinone treated group while the loss of PTEN protein expression was observed in CCl4 treated group. Moreover, high expression of P53 protein was noticed in CCl4 treated the group as compared to CCl4 plus thymoquinone group. Difference in expression pattern of PTEN and p53 protein in CCl4 group and thymoquinone plus CCl4 treated group was statically significant (p < 0.05). Besides, expression of VEGF was high in CCl4 treated group as well as thymoquinone plus CCl4 treated group and difference in expression pattern was statically insignificant (p > 0.05).

CONCLUSION:

Our results suggest that thymoquinone can protect CCl4 induced liver damage and could be a preventive drug in the development of novel therapeutic agents for liver diseases.

Soy Isoflavones Ameliorate Metabolic and Immunological Alterations of Ovariectomy in Female Wistar Rats: Antioxidant and Estrogen Sparing Potential

Hormone replacement therapy (HRT) can alleviate estrogen deficiency symptoms especially during menopause. The present study aimed at investigating the effect of soy isoflavones as HRT on immunological and bone health-related parameters with a special focus on the interactions between immunological status and metabolism. Thirty healthy cyclic female Wistar rats were used in this experiment. Ten females were sham-operated, and 20 females were subjected to ovariectomy. Overiectomized (OVX) female rats were randomly divided into 2 groups: the control group (G1, OVX/casein) was fed a casein-based diet, and the second group (G2, OVX/soy) was fed a high soy isoflavone diet. Both groups were compared to a sham-operated group (G3, sham/casein). Treatments continued for 7 weeks. Feed intake, weight gain, and lymphoid organ relative weights were recorded. Some metabolic, immunological, and bone health-related parameters were measured. Moreover, nitric oxide (NO), malondialdehyde (MDA), and total antioxidant capacity (TAC) were determined. Bone histopathology and immunohistochemistry to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) were done. Feeding soy to OVX females reduced feed intake, weight gain, relative lymphoid organ weight, and T-lymphocytes transformation. Soy isoflavone administration normalized nearly all metabolic and immunological parameters to a level comparable to the sham group via oxidative stress amelioration and bone ERα promotion. Soy isoflavones seemed to be good HRT in estrogen deprivation which modulated the appetite, weight gain, lipid profile, proinflammation, and bone turnover.

Hepatoprotective activity of Uncaria tomentosa extract against sub-chronic exposure to fipronil in male rats

The effects of fipronil (FPN) on the liver of rats were studied. Rats (n = 6) were treated with 9.7 mg/kg (1/10 of FPN LD₅₀), and other rats (n = 6) received 120 mg/kg of 10% Uncaria tomentosa extract, while a mixture of 9.7 mg/kg FPN and 120 mg/kg of 10% Uncaria tomentosa extract were administered orally to the rats (n = 6) daily for 6 weeks. Body, hepatic weights, liver enzymes, and lipid profile were determined. Hepatic activities of MDA, TNO, TAC, TNF-α, and IL-6 in liver homogenate were measured. Immunohistochemistry of NF-kB and liver histopathology were performed. Fipronil-treated rats had a significant (P = 0.02) lower weight gain. Moreover, relative liver weight was significantly (P = 0.003) increased in FPN-treated rats. Rats administrated with FPN exhibited a significantly (P = 0.02) higher liver enzymes and promoted levels of MDA, TNO, TNF-α, and IL-6 (P < 0.0001) than that in the other groups. Immunostaining of NF-κB was increased (P < 0.0001) in FPN-treated rats. Interestingly, Uncaria tomentosa alone or with FPN decreased the liver immunostaining of NF-κB. In conclusion, FPN produced liver injury through lipid peroxidation and stimulation of NF-κB. However, Uncaria tomentosa combated the oxidative stress and liver damage induced by FPN via inhibition of NF-κB.

Lycopene: Hepatoprotective and Antioxidant Effects toward Bisphenol A-Induced Toxicity in Female Wistar Rats

Bisphenol A (BPA)—an endocrine disruptor xenoestrogen—is widely spread in the environment. Lycopene (LYC) is an antioxidant phytochemical carotenoid. The hereby study was designed to verify the deleterious effect of BPA on cyclic female rats' hepatic tissue as well as evaluation of the effect of LYC toward BPA hepatic perturbation. Twenty-eight female Wistar rats were allocated equally into four groups: control group, LYC group (10 mg/kg B.wt), BPA group (10 mg/kg B.wt), and BPA + LYC group (the same doses as former groups). The treatments were given daily via gavage to the rats for 30 days. The rats in BPA displayed high activities of serum liver enzymes with low levels of total proteins (TP) and albumin. Moreover, BPA induced hepatic oxidative stress via depletion of antioxidant enzymes concomitant with augmentation of lipid peroxidation, increased comet tail DNA %, and overexpression of caspase-3. Meanwhile, LYC administration reduced the cytotoxic effects of BPA on hepatic tissue, through improving the liver function biomarkers and oxidant-antioxidant state as well as DNA damage around the control values. These findings were confirmed by hepatic histopathological examination. Finally, LYC credited to have a noticeable protective effect versus BPA provoked oxidative injury and apoptosis of the liver tissue.

Black Seed Thymoquinone Improved Insulin Secretion, Hepatic Glycogen Storage, and Oxidative Stress in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Male Wistar Rats

Diabetes mellitus is one of the metabolic diseases having several complications. Nigella sativa oil (NSO) might have beneficial effects in the treatment of diabetic complications. Thirty-two mature male Wistar rats were equally divided into four experimental groups: control, control NSO 2 mL/kg, streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic, and diabetic (STZ-induced) treated with oral NSO 2 mg/kg for 30 days. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), insulin, and lipid profile levels were determined. Pancreatic and hepatic tissues were used for catalase and GSH. Histopathology, hepatic glycogen contents, insulin immunohistochemistry, and pancreatic islet morphometry were performed. NSO 2 mL/kg was noticed to decrease (P < 0.05) FBG and increase (P < 0.05) insulin levels in diabetic rats than in diabetic nontreated animals. Lipid profile showed significant (P < 0.5) improvement in diabetic rats that received NSO 2 mL/kg than in the diabetic group. Both pancreatic and hepatic catalase and GSH activities revealed a significant (P < 0.05) increment in the diabetic group treated with NSO than in the diabetic animals. NSO improved the histopathological picture and hepatic glycogen contents of the diabetic group as well as increased (P < 0.05) insulin immunoreactive parts % and mean pancreatic islet diameter. NSO exerts ameliorative and therapeutic effects on the STZ-induced diabetic male Wistar rats.

Protective effects of green tea and its main constituents against natural and chemical toxins: A comprehensive review

Toxins are natural or chemical poisonous substances with severe side effects on health. Humans are generally exposed by widespread toxic contaminations via air, soil, water, food, fruits and vegetables. Determining a critical antidote agent with extensive effects on different toxins is an ultimate goal for all toxicologists. Traditional medicine is currently perceived as a safe and natural approach against toxins. In this regard, we focused on the protective effects of green tea (Camellia sinensis) and its main components such as catechin, epicatechin, epicatechin gallate, gallocatechin, epigallocatechin and epigallocatechin gallate as a principal source of antioxidants against both natural and chemical toxins. This literate review demonstrates that protective effects of green tea and its constituents were mainly attributed to their anti-oxidative, radical scavenging, chelating, anti-apoptotic properties and modulating inflammatory responses. Although, some studies reveal they have protective effects by increasing toxin metabolism and neutralizing PLA₂, proteases, hyaluronidase and l-amino acid oxidase enzymes.