Protective effect of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on ethanol-induced testicular injuries in mice

Exploring the dietary and therapeutic potential of licorice (Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch.) sprouts

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

This research substantiates the traditional use of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. for liver health, with scientific evidence of the non-toxic and lipid-lowering properties of licorice sprout extracts. The sprouts' rich mineral and amino acid content, along with their strong antioxidant activity, reinforce their value in traditional medicine. These findings bridge ancient herbal practices with modern science, highlighting licorice's potential in contemporary therapeutic applications.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The study aimed to investigate the dietary and medicinal potential of G. uralensis sprouts by assessing their safety, nutritional content, and antioxidant properties using both plant and animal models. Specifically, the study sought to determine the effects of different sizes of licorice sprouts on lipid metabolism in human liver cancer cells and their overall impact on rat health indicators.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The study examined the effects of aqueous and organic extracts from G. uralensis sprouts of varying lengths on the cytotoxicity, lipid metabolism, and antioxidant activity in HepG2 cells, alongside in vivo impacts on Sprague-Dawley rats, using MTT, ICP, and HPLC. It aimed to assess the potential health benefits of licorice sprouts by analyzing their protective effects against oxidative stress and their nutritional content.

RESULTS

Licorice sprout extracts from G. uralensis demonstrated no cytotoxicity in HepG2 cells, significantly reduced lipid levels, and enhanced antioxidant activities, with the longest sprouts (7 cm) showing higher mineral, sugar, and arginine content as well as increased glycyrrhizin and liquiritigenin. In vivo studies with Sprague-Dawley rats revealed weight gain and improved antioxidant enzyme activities in blood plasma and liver tissues after consuming the extracts, highlighting the sprouts' dietary and therapeutic potential.

CONCLUSIONS

This study is the first to demonstrate that G. uralensis sprouts, particularly those 7 cm in length, have no cytotoxic effects, reduce lipids, and have high mineral and antioxidant contents, offering promising dietary and therapeutic benefits.

Supplementation of Micro- and Macronutrients-A Role of Nutritional Status in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a condition in which the pathological cumulation of fat with coexisting inflammation and damage of hepatic cells leads to progressive dysfunctions of the liver. Except for the commonly well-known major causes of NAFLD such as obesity, dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, or diabetes, an unbalanced diet and imbalanced nutritional status should also be taken into consideration. In this narrative review, we summarized the current knowledge regarding the micro- and macronutrient status of patients suffering from NAFLD considering various diets and supplementation of chosen supplements. We aimed to summarize the knowledge indicating which nutritional impairments may be associated with the onset and progression of NAFLD at the same time evaluating the potential therapy targets that could facilitate the healing process. Except for the above-mentioned objectives, one of the most important aspects of this review was to highlight the possible strategies for taking care of NAFLD patients taking into account the challenges and opportunities associated with the micronutrient status of the patients. The current research indicates that a supplementation of chosen vitamins (e.g., vitamin A, B complex, C, or D) as well as chosen elements such as zinc may alleviate the symptoms of NAFLD. However, there is still a lack of sufficient data regarding healthy ranges of dosages; thus, further research is of high importance in this matter.

Carbohydrate-based drugs launched during 2000-2021

Carbohydrates are fundamental molecules involved in nearly all aspects of lives, such as being involved in formating the genetic and energy materials, supporting the structure of organisms, constituting invasion and host defense systems, and forming antibiotics secondary metabolites. The naturally occurring carbohydrates and their derivatives have been extensively studied as therapeutic agents for the treatment of various diseases. During 2000 to 2021, totally 54 carbohydrate-based drugs which contain carbohydrate moities as the major structural units have been approved as drugs or diagnostic agents. Here we provide a comprehensive review on the chemical structures, activities, and clinical trial results of these carbohydrate-based drugs, which are categorized by their indications into antiviral drugs, antibacterial/antiparasitic drugs, anticancer drugs, antidiabetics drugs, cardiovascular drugs, nervous system drugs, and other agents.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate attenuates acute alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis in a zebrafish model by regulating lipid metabolism and ER stress

Background

Alcoholism is a well-known risk factor for liver injury and is one of the major causes of hepatic steatosis worldwide. Although many drugs have been reported to have protective effects against acute alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity, there is limited available treatment for alcoholic liver disease (ALD), indicating an urgent need for effective therapeutic options. Herein, we first reported the protective effects of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) on acute alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis and its related mechanisms in a zebrafish model.

Methods

Alcohol was administered directly to embryo medium at 5 days post-fertilization (dpf) for up to 32 h. MgIG was given to the larvae 2 h before the administration of alcohol and then cotreated with alcohol starting at 5 dpf. Oil red O staining was used to determine the incidence of steatosis, and pathological features of the liver were assessed by hematoxylin–eosin staining. Biological indexes, total cholesterol (TC) and triacylglycerol (TG) were detected in the livers of zebrafish larvae. Morphological changes in the livers of zebrafish larvae were observed using liver-specific EGFP transgenic zebrafish (Tg(lfabp10a:eGFP)). The expression levels of critical molecules related to endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and lipid metabolism were detected by qRT–PCR, whole-mount in situ hybridization and western blotting.

Results

Alcohol-treated larvae developed hepatomegaly and steatosis after 32 h of exposure. We found that MgIG improved hepatomegaly and reduced the incidence of steatosis in a dose-dependent manner by oil red O staining and diminished deposits of alcohol-induced fat droplets by histologic analysis. Moreover, MgIG significantly decreased the levels of TC and TG in the livers of zebrafish larvae. Furthermore, the expression levels of critical genes involved in ER stress (atf6, irela, bip, chop) and the key enzymes regulating lipid metabolism (acc1, fasn, hmgcs1 and hmgcra) were significantly higher in the alcohol-treated group than in the control group. However, in the MgIG plus alcohol-treated group, the expression of these genes was markedly decreased compared with that in the alcohol-treated group. Whole-mount in situ hybridization and western blotting also showed that MgIG had an effect on the expression levels of critical genes and proteins involved in lipid metabolism and ER stress. Our results revealed that MgIG could markedly regulate these genes and protect the liver from ER stress and lipid metabolism disorders.

Conclusions

Our study is the first to demonstrate that MgIG could protect the liver from acute alcohol stimulation by ameliorating the disorder of lipid metabolism and regulating ER stress in zebrafish larvae.

Supplementary Information

The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1186/s12986-022-00655-7.

Experimental dapsone administration induces infertility in male Wistar rats: Mechanisms and clinical implications

Dapsone (4, 4'-diaminodiphenylsulfone, DDS) is a potent anti-inflammatory and antibacterial compound which has been used in the treatment of leprosy, vasculitis and dermatitis herpetiformis, lupus erythematosus profundus and even as an antimalarial in combination with proguanil. This study investigated the effect of the administration of dapsone on the reproductive activities of male rats using in vivo and in vitro techniques. In the in vivo study, dapsone was administered orally to male Wistar rats for 5 days or 6 weeks after which their body weight, relative reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and reproductive hormones were determined while testicular and epididymal histology were also assessed. Data were compared using analysis of variance and Students-Newman-Keuls multiple comparison test. For the in vitro study, Sertoli cells were cultured and treated with varying doses of dapsone at different durations, thereafter Sertoli cell viability and nuclei integrity were determined. Also, the genetic expressions of Glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) and transferrin were assessed. The results obtained from the in vivo study showed a duration-dependent significant decrease in body and reproductive organ weights, sperm parameters and serum testosterone concentration. Testicular and epididymal histology also showed duration-dependent degenerative changes. However, all these changes were restored towards control values in the recovery experiment. The viability and deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) integrity of the treated Sertoli cells showed dose and duration-dependent adverse effects while GDNF and transferrin showed normal genetic expressions. These results suggest that dapsone could induce male reproductive stress by affecting testicular and epididymal structure and function.

Licorice root extract and magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate protect against triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity via up-regulation of the Nrf2 pathway

Triptolide, the predominant biologically active component of the Chinese herb Tripterygium wilfordii Hook f., possesses numerous pharmacological activities, including anti-inflammatory, anti-fertility, anti-neoplastic, and immunosuppressive effects. However, toxicity and severe adverse effects, particularly hepatotoxicity, limit the clinical application of triptolide. Licorice root extract contains various bioactive compounds and is potent hepatoprotective. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate, a magnesium salt of the 18α-glycyrrhizic acid stereoisomer of glycyrrhizic acid, is used clinically in China to treat chronic viral hepatitis and acute drug-induced liver injury. The aim of this study was to investigate the role of the factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 pathway in the protective effects of LE and MIG against triptolide-induced hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity models were established in L-02 cells and rats using triptolide, and the protective effects of LE and MIG were investigated in vitro and in vivo, respectively. LE and MIG significantly protected against triptolide-induced cytotoxicity. Additionally, triptolide decreased the mRNA and protein levels of Nrf2 and down-regulated Nrf2 target genes, including UGT1A, BSEP, and MRP2, while pretreatment with LE and MIG reversed these effects. Finally, Nrf2-involved antioxidant responses were activated in the presence of LE and MIG.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate has hepatoprotective effects in an oxaliplatin‑induced model of liver injury

Oxaliplatin is a core chemotherapeutic agent used for the treatment of colorectal liver metastasis; however, liver injury caused by oxaliplatin increases the risk of peri‑operative morbidity and mortality. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgiG) is a magnesium salt of 18‑α glycyrrhizic acid stereoisomer that has demonstrated liver‑protective effects against toxins and hepatitis. In the present study, the liver‑protective effect of MgiG against oxaliplatin‑induced hepatic injury was examined in vitro and in vivo. The results demonstrated that MgiG had a protective effect against oxaliplatin‑induced liver injury, as evidenced by the alleviation of hepatic pathological damage and transaminase levels. The protective effect of MgiG was demonstrated to be correlated with inhibition of oxidative stress, the interleukin‑6 pathway and the coagulation system. Altogether, the present findings suggested that MgiG may have potential value in the clinical prevention and treatment of oxaliplatin‑induced liver injury.

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate attenuates D-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharides induced acute liver injury of rat via regulation of the p38-MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways

CONTEXT

Acute hepatic failure involves in serious inflammatory responses and leads to a high mortality. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG), a magnesium salt of 18-α glycyrrhizic acid (GA) stereoisomer, has been shown anti-inflammatory activity previously.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to investigate the protective effects of MgIG, a hepatocyte protective agent, on D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide (D-GaIN/LPS)-induced acute liver injury in rats, and meanwhile explore the molecular mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were injected with D-GaIN/LPS (800 mg/kgBW/10 μg/kgBW) with or without administration of MgIG (225 mg/kg once 6 h after D-GaIN/LPS injection and MgIG 45 mg/kg twice in another 12 h, intraperitoneal injection). Rats were sacrificed 24 h after D-GaIN/LPS injection, the blood and liver samples were collected for future inflammation and hepatotoxicity analyses.

RESULTS

MgIG significantly inhibited D-GaIN/LPS-induced inflammatory cytokines production and hepatotoxicity as indicated by both diagnostic indicators of liver damage [aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels] and histopathological analysis. Western blot analysis demonstrated that MgIG significantly decreased p38-mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation induced by D-GaIN/LPS.

CONCLUSION

The results indicated that the protective effects of MgIG on D-GaIN/LPS-induced acute liver injury might be correlated with its capacity to regulate the p38-MAPK and NF-κB signaling pathways.

Economic Importance

The beneficial effects of liquorice in treating chills, colds, and coughs have been fully discussed in Ayurveda, as well as in the texts of ancient Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans. The plant has been prescribed for dropsy during the period of famous Hippocrates. The reason being that it was quite helpful as thirst-quenching drugs (Biondi et al. in J Nat Prod 68:1099–1102, 2005; Mamedov and Egamberdieva in Herbals and human health-phytochemistry. Springer Nature Publishers, 41 pp, 2017). No doubt, the clinical use of liquorice in modern medicine started around 1930; Pedanios Dioscorides of Anazarba (Adana), first century AD-Father of Pharmacists, mentions that it is highly effective in the treatment of stomach and intestinal ulcers. In Ayurveda, people in ancient Hindu culture have used it for improving sexual vigor.

Multiple effects of magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate on the disposition of docetaxel in docetaxel-induced liver injury

1. Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIg) has been extensively used in treating liver injury which is the common adverse reaction of docetaxel (DOC). Due to the narrow therapeutic window, small changes in pharmacokinetic profiles can alter the toxicity and therapeutic efficacy of DOC significantly. The study aimed to explore the effects of MgIg on the disposition of DOC and the potential mechanism in DOC-induced liver injury. 2. Pharmacokinetics and tissues distribution behaviors showed that there was no significant difference between DOC group (DOCG) and MgIg + DOC group (MDOCG). The mRNA and protein levels of cytochrome P450 3A1 (CYP3A1) in liver, intestine, and kidney were significantly upregulated, and the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) was obviously downregulated in MDOCG when compared with DOCG. 3. Immunoglobulin M (IgM), CD₈⁺ were upregulated in DOCG; while in MDOCG, IgM, CD₈⁺ recovered to normal levels and complement C₃; CD₄⁺ were upregulated. 4. MgIg had no significant effects on the disposition of DOC in docetaxel-induced liver injury. Additional, potential drug-drug interaction may happen if MgIg co-administered with antitumor drugs which are the substrates of CYP3A4 or P-gp. Hepatoprotective mechanism of MgIg perhaps was through upregulation of C₃, CD₄⁺ and downregulation of IgM, CD₈⁺.

Amelioration of concanavalin A-induced autoimmune hepatitis by magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate through inhibition of CD4(+)CD25(-)CD69(+) subset proliferation

Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MGL) is a new stereoisomer of glycyrrhizic acid, which is clinically used as a hepatoprotective medicine with more potent effects and less side effects than glycyrrhizic acid. This study was designed to evaluate the protective effects and possible mechanism of MGL against concanavalin A (Con A)-induced autoimmune hepatitis. Hepatitis was induced by Con A in C57/6J mice with or without MGL administration; injury score and serum ALT were evaluated. The CD4⁺ T-cells were isolated from splenocytes and challenged with Con A after coculturing with MGL. The injury score was significantly improved in MGL-treated mice after Con A challenging for 12 and 24 hours compared with those merely challenged with Con A. Similar trends were observed in the serum levels of ALT and AST. The most interesting result was that MGL administration significantly decreased the frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁻CD69⁺ T-cells rather than CD4⁺CD25⁺CD69⁺ T-cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells, after Con A challenging 12 and 24 hours. Moreover, the serum ALT levels were markedly correlated with the frequency of CD4⁺CD25⁻CD69⁺ cells, but only weakly correlated with CD4⁺CD25⁺CD69⁺ cells in peripheral blood mononuclear cells. More importantly, MGL (5 mg/mL) almost completely eliminated the proliferation of the CD25⁻CD69⁺ subset in primary CD4⁺ T-cells after Con A challenge. Compared with merely Con A-challenged mice, those with MGL administration significantly demonstrated decreased NALP3, NLRP6, and caspase-3 expression, in which the NALP3 and caspase-3 downregulated in a dose-dependent manner. Our results indicate that MGL may have potential as a therapeutic agent in autoimmune hepatitis by ameliorating liver injury. Its molecular mechanism may be involved in inhibiting CD4⁺CD25⁻CD69⁺ subset proliferation and downregulating inflammasome expression in liver tissue.

The antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice, a widely-used Chinese herb

Licorice is a common herb which has been used in traditional Chinese medicine for centuries. More than 20 triterpenoids and nearly 300 flavonoids have been isolated from licorice. Recent studies have shown that these metabolites possess many pharmacological activities, such as antiviral, antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antitumor and other activities. This paper provides a summary of the antiviral and antimicrobial activities of licorice. The active components and the possible mechanisms for these activities are summarized in detail. This review will be helpful for the further studies of licorice for its potential therapeutic effects as an antiviral or an antimicrobial agent.

Spermatic and testicular damages in rats exposed to ethanol: influence of lipid peroxidation but not testosterone

Chronic consumption of ethanol causes morphological and physiological changes in the reproductive system of mammals. Vitamin C has an antioxidant role in organisms by neutralizing the ROS (reactive oxygen species) produced by oxidizing agents and this vitamin has an important function in the male reproductive system. The aim of this study was to evaluate whether vitamin C could prevent or attenuate the alterations in the male reproductive system caused by ethanol consumption. To test this hypothesis, male rats were divided into three experimental groups and treated by gavage for 63 days. The ethanol (E) and ethanol+vitamin C (EC) groups received 2 g/kg of ethanol (25%v/v) daily. In addition to ethanol, the EC group received vitamin C at a dose of 100 mg/day, diluted in water. The control group (C) received only the vehicle. On the 64th experimental day, the animals were anesthetized and euthanized, and blood was collected for plasmatic hormonal analysis. The testis, epididymis, vas deferens, and seminal vesicles were removed and weighed. Sperm from the vas deferens was submitted to morphological and motility analysis. The testis and epididymis were used for oxidative stress and histopathological analysis, sperm count, morphometric analysis of the testis, and stereological analysis of the epididymis. The results showed that vitamin C has a protective effect in the testes of adult male rats, entirely normalizing the parameters of sperm count, spermatogenesis kinetics, lipid peroxidation levels, and sperm motility, as well as partially normalizing the histopathological damage in the testis, epididymis, and sperm morphology. Thus, we concluded that lipid peroxidation is a major mechanism by which ethanol affects the testes and sperm, whereas no plasmatic testosterone alterations were found.

Assessment of sperm production and reproductive organs of Wistar rats to long-term exposure of Caesalpinia ferrea

Caesalpinia ferrea Mart (Leguminosae) is a medicinal plant used to treat diabetes, among other therapeutic properties, but which is also reported to have hepatotoxic effects. Although it contains substances such as flavonoids and coumarin, which are known to have antifertility activity, no studies have apparently been conducted to evaluate the potential adverse side effects of this plant on the function of the reproductive system after a chronic treatment. Therefore, this investigation was carried out to evaluate the effect and safety of the long-term exposure to C. ferrea on male Wistar rats' vital organs, reproductive system and sperm production. Adult and immature male rats were treated with an aqueous extract of C. ferrea at a dose level of 300 mg/kg of body weight, administered during one or two spermatogenic cycles of this species. The reproductive and vital organs were analyzed, and sperm was collected from the epididymal secretion of the right epididymis cauda. The long-term administration of C. ferrea did not significantly alter the body, vital and reproductive organs weights. Gamete production was not affected either. The chronic assessment of C. ferrea suggests that this plant does not affect the normal functioning of the Wistar rat reproductive system.