Protective mechanism of anethole on hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury in mice

The Role of Interferon Regulatory Factors in Liver Diseases

The interferon regulatory factors (IRFs) family comprises 11 members that are involved in various biological processes such as antiviral defense, cell proliferation regulation, differentiation, and apoptosis. Recent studies have highlighted the roles of IRF1-9 in a range of liver diseases, including hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI), alcohol-induced liver injury, Con A-induced liver injury, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). IRF1 is involved in the progression of hepatic IRI through signaling pathways such as PIAS1/NFATc1/HDAC1/IRF1/p38 MAPK and IRF1/JNK. The regulation of downstream IL-12, IL-15, p21, p38, HMGB1, JNK, Beclin1, β-catenin, caspase 3, caspase 8, IFN-γ, IFN-β and other genes are involved in the progression of hepatic IRI, and in the development of HCC through the regulation of PD-L1, IL-6, IL-8, CXCL1, CXCL10, and CXCR3. In addition, IRF3-PPP2R1B and IRF4-FSTL1-DIP2A/CD14 pathways are involved in the development of NAFLD. Other members of the IRF family also play moderately important functions in different liver diseases. Therefore, given the significance of IRFs in liver diseases and the lack of a comprehensive compilation of their molecular mechanisms in different liver diseases, this review is dedicated to exploring the molecular mechanisms of IRFs in various liver diseases.

Dexmedetomidine postconditioning attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by activating the Nrf2/Sirt3/SOD2 signaling pathway in the rats

OBJECTIVES

To observe the protective effects of dexmedetomidine (Dex) postconditioning on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) and to explore its potential molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

One-hundred forty-seven male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups receiving the different treatments: Sham, ischemia/reperfusion (I/R), Dex, Brusatol, Dex + Brusatol. By the in vivo rat model of myocardial IRI, cardioprotective effects of Dex postconditioning were evaluated by assessing serum CK-MB and cTnI levels, myocardial HE and Tunel staining and infarct size. Furthermore, the oxidative stress-related markers including intracellular ROS level, myocardial tissue MDA level, SOD and GSH-PX activities were determined.

RESULTS

Dex postconditioning significantly alleviated myocardial IRI, decreased intracellular ROS and myocardial tissue MDA level, increased SOD and GSH-PX activities. Dex postconditioning significantly up-regulated myocardial expression of Bcl-2, down-regulated Bax and cleaved caspase-3 and decreased cardiomyocyte apoptosis rate. furthermores, Dex postconditioning promoted Nrf2 nuclear translocation, increased myocardial expression of Sirt3 and SOD2 and decreased Ac-SOD2. However, brusatol reversed cardioprotective benefits of Dex postconditioning, significantly decreased Dex-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and reduced myocardial expression of Sirt3 and SOD2.

CONCLUSIONS

Dex postconditioning can alleviate myocardial IRI by suppressing oxidative stress and apoptosis, and these beneficial effects are at least partly mediated by activating the Nrf2/Sirt3/SOD2 signaling pathway.

Trans-anethole pretreatment ameliorates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulation of soluble epoxide hydrolase

Hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury (IRI) is a risk factor for early graft nonfunction and graft rejection after liver transplantation (LT). The process of liver IRI involves inflammatory response, oxidative stress, apoptosis and other pathophysiological processes. So far, there is still a lack of effective drugs to ameliorate liver IRI. Trans-anethole (TA) is an aromatic compound. Many medications as well as natural foods contain TA. TA has multiple effects such as anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress and anti-apoptosis. However, the mechanism of TA pretreatment in liver IRI is unclear. The mice hepatic IRI model was constructed after gavage pretreatment with TA (10 mg/kg, 20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg) for 7 consecutive days. Our study confirmed that TA pretreatment significantly improve liver function and reduce serum AST, ALT in hepatic IRI. HE staining showed that TA pretreatment alleviated liver injury. Meanwhile, TA (20 mg/kg) pretreatment attenuated hepatocyte apoptosis in hepatic IRI. In addition, TA (20 mg/kg) pretreatment reduced the inflammatory factors TNF-α, IL-6 and infiltration of CD11b positive cells in liver tissues during hepatic IRI in mice. TA pretreatment also alleviated oxidative stress in mice hepatic IRI. Our study further indicated that TA pretreatment attenuated mice hepatic IRI through inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation via regulation of soluble epoxide hydrolase (sEH). This study provides a novel and effective potential drug with few side effects for easing liver IRI.

Bioactive Indole Alkaloid from Aspergillus amoenus TJ507 That Ameliorates Hepatic Ischemia/Reperfusion Injury

Hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major factor contributing to the failure of hepatic resection and liver transplantation. As part of our ongoing investigation into bioactive compounds derived from fungi, we isolated eight indole alkaloids (1-8) from the endophytic fungus Aspergillus amoenus TJ507. Among these alkaloids, one previously undescribed compound, amoenamide D (1), was identified. The planar structure of 1 was elucidated by extensive spectroscopic analysis, including HRESIMS and NMR spectra. The absolute configuration of 1 was elucidated by using electronic circular dichroism calculations. Notably, in the CoCl2-induced hepatocyte damage model, notoamide Q (3) exhibited significant anti-hypoxia injury activity. Furthermore, in a murine hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury model, treatment with 3 prevents IRI-induced liver damage and hepatocellular apoptosis. Consequently, 3 might serve as a potential lead compound to prevent hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury.

Anethole Pretreatment Modulates Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion: The Role of JNK, p38, MMP-2 and MMP-9 Pathways

Anethole (AN) is one of the major constituents of several plant oils, demonstrating plentiful pharmacological actions. Ischemic stroke is the main cause of morbidity and death worldwide, particularly since ischemic stroke therapeutic choices are inadequate and limited; thus, the development of new therapeutic options is indispensable. This study was planned to explore the preventive actions of AN in ameliorating cerebral ischemia/reperfusion-induced brain damage and BBB permeability leakage, as well as to explore anethole’s potential mechanisms of action. The proposed mechanisms included modulating JNK and p38 as well as MMP-2 and MMP-9 pathways. Sprague–Dawley male rats were randomly assigned into four groups: sham, middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), AN125 + MCAO, and AN250 + MCAO. Animals in the third and fourth groups were pretreated with AN 125 or 250 mg/kg orally, respectively, for two weeks before performing middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO)-induced cerebral ischemic/reperfusion surgery. Animals that experienced cerebral ischemia/reperfusion exhibited amplified infarct volume, Evans blue intensity, brain water content, Fluoro-Jade B-positive cells, severe neurological deficits, and numerous histopathological alterations. MCAO animals exhibited elevated MMP-9 and MMP-2 gene expressions, enzyme activities, augmented JNK, and p38 phosphorylation. On the other hand, pretreatment with AN diminished the infarct volume, Evans blue dye intensity, brain water content, and Fluoro-Jade B-positive cells, improved the neurological score and enhanced histopathological examination. AN effectively lowered MMP-9 and MMP-2 gene expression and enzyme activities and diminished phosphorylated JNK, p38. AN decreased MDA content, amplified GSH/GSSG ratio, SOD, and CAT, decreased the serum and brain tissue homogenate inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β), NF-κB, and deterred the apoptotic status. This study revealed the neuroprotective ability of AN against cerebral ischemia/reperfusion in rats. AN boosted blood–brain barrier integrity via modulating MMPs and diminished oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis through the JNK/p38 pathway.

Protective effect of pinocembrin from Penthorum chinense Pursh on hepatic ischemia reperfusion injury via regulating HMGB1/TLR4 signal pathway

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury (HIRI) is of common occurrence during liver surgery and transplantation. Pinocembrin (PIN) is a kind of flavonoid monomer extracted from the local traditional Chinese medicine Penthorum chinense Pursh (P. chinense). However, the effect of PIN on HIRI has not determined. We investigated the protective effect and potential mechanism of PIN against HIRI. Model mice were subjected to partial liver ischemia for 60 min, experimental mice were pretreated with PIN orally for 7 days, and H₂ O₂ -induced oxidative damage model in AML12 hepatic cells was established in vitro. Histopathologic analysis and serum biochemical levels revealed that PIN had hepatoprotective activities against HIRI. The variation of GSH, SOD, MDA, and ROS levels indicated that PIN treatments attenuated oxidative stress in tissue. PIN pretreatment obviously ameliorated apoptosis, and restrained the expression of HMGB1 and TLR4 in vivo. In vitro, compared with H₂ O₂ group, the contents of ROS, mitochondrial membrane potential, apoptotic cells, and Bcl-2 protein were decreased, while the Bax protein expression was increased. Moreover, HMGB-1 small interfering RNA test and western blotting showed that PIN pretreatment reduced HMGB1 and TLR4 protein levels. In conclusion, PIN pretreatment effectively protected hepatocytes from HIRI and inhibited the HMGB1/TLR4 signaling pathway.

Anethole's effects against myocardial infarction: The role of TLR4/NFκB and Nrf2/HO1 pathways

BACKGROUND

Exploring new drugs for the management of myocardial infarction (MI) is crucial, as MI is a major contributor to mortality worldwide. Anethole, a naturally occurring essential oil component, has numerous medicinal, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic purposes. This study explored the potential action of anethole to protect myocytes against MI injure.

METHODS

Wistar rats were divided into five groups: normal; anethole; and isoproterenol (ISO) groups in addition to two groups of ISO + anethole (125 and 250 mg/kg). All anethole groups were administered the oil component for 30 days, and all ISO groups were challenged with ISO on the 28th and 29th days. Parameters measured included infracted area, ECG, cardiac markers, the expression of Keap 1, nuclear Nrf2, and heme oxygenase-1, as well as the expression of TLR4 and MYD88 together with subsequent downstream oxidative stress, inflammatory, and apoptotic markers.

RESULTS

Anethole reduced infarct region, degenerated cardiac indicators levels, amended ECG alterations, and diminished myocardial necrosis. Anethole reduced Keap-1, activated Nrf2/HO-1 pathway, increased mitochondrial antioxidant enzyme activities, declined the TLR4/MYD88 pathway, and ameliorated myocardial inflammation and cell death markers.

CONCLUSION

Anethole may retain a cardio-protective potential by controlling myocardial oxidative stress (through Nrf2 pathway) and diminishing inflammation and apoptosis via the TLR4/MYD88 pathway.

Anti-inflammatory effect of trans-anethol in a rat model of myocardial ischemia-reperfusion injury

Myocardial ischemia‑reperfusion injury (MI/R) is considered a main risk factor for global cardiac mortality and morbidity, for which no effective treatment exists. Both inflammation and epigenetic regulation play a pivotal role in the early stage of MI/R. The present study aimed at investigating the prospective anti-inflammatory role of trans-anethole (TNA) in targeting MI/R and its related mechanism in upregulating the expression of the inflammatory and cardiac-related gene (VAV3), and its epigenetic regulators (lncRNA-JRKL-AS1 and miR-1298) that were retrieved from in-silico data analysis in an ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) rat model.

MATERIALS & METHODS

TNA was administered in 3 doses (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg), 15 min prior to coronary ligation in male Wistar rats. The left ventricular end-diastolic pressure and dP/dtmax were assessed. Histopathological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were performed to assess the effects of TNA pre-treatment on the I/R rats model.

RESULTS

TNA alleviated the I/R-induced cardiac injury pathologically and improved the cardiac function tests and enzymes. At the molecular level, TNA upregulated the expression level of the retrieved RNA-based panel (VAV3 mRNA/miR-1298/lncRNA JRKL-AS1). At the protein level, TNA decreased the cardiac content of the pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α.

CONCLUSION

TNA has demonstrated a potential ability to alleviate the cardiac injury and attenuate the inflammatory response following ischemia-reperfusion in the rat model through modulation of the expression of RNA panel (VAV3 mRNA/miR-1298/lncRNA JRKL-AS1) and TNF- α protein.

Trans-anethole ameliorates LPS-induced inflammation via suppression of TLR4/NF-κB pathway in IEC-6 cells

This study was undertaken to investigate the protective role of trans-anethole (TA) in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced rat intestinal epithelial cells (IEC-6) injury and the potential mechanisms. The cells were pretreated with TA (0 and 1 mM) for 24 h, prior to stimulation by LPS (1 mg/mL) for 24 h. Compared with the control group (CON), LPS stimulus resulted in decreased cell viability, intestinal barrier injury, increased cell apoptosis and cell cycle arrest at the G2/M phase. These effects triggered by LPS were reversed by TA. In order to reveal the main genes and pathways involved among the groups, transcriptome analysis was performed to identify the differential expression genes (DEGs) among the treatment groups. There were a total of 493 DEGs (275 upregulated and 218 downregulated) that were identified between the LPS and CON group. Meanwhile, a total of 361 DEGs (103 regulated and 258 downregulated) were identified in the LPS+TA group compared with the LPS group. The results showed that the DEGs were mostly enriched in immune related pathways, such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF) signaling pathway, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction, complement and coagulation cascades, interleukin-17 (IL-17) signaling pathway, NF-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway, antigen processing and presentation, and NOD-like receptor signaling pathway. Based on the results of RNA-sequencing, further investigation of the signaling pathway involved revealed that TA could inhibit the activation of toll like receptor 4 (TLR4)/NF-κB signaling pathway and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome in LPS-induced IEC-6 cells. In conclusion, this finding demonstrated a functional role of TA in intestinal epithelial cells injury and indicated that TA may be a potential strategy for treatment of inflammatory intestinal diseases.

Trans-anethole Ameliorates Intestinal Injury Through Activation of Nrf2 Signaling Pathway in Subclinical Necrotic Enteritis-Induced Broilers

This study was conducted to investigate the alleviative effects of trans-anethole (TA) on intestinal oxidative stress by enhancing the activities of intestinal antioxidant enzymes and activating the Nrf2 signaling pathway in subclinical necrotic enteritis (NE) infected broilers. A total of 192 1-day-old male Arbor Acres broilers were randomly allocated into three treatment groups: (1) control (CON); (2) subclinical NE challenge (NE); (3) NE challenge + 600 mg/kg TA (NE+TA600). Subclinical NE was induced by oral administration of live coccidiosis vaccine containing 2 × 10⁴ oocysts at 10 days of age and 2 ml of Clostridium perfringens type A solution (3 × 10⁸ CFU/ml) daily from days 14 to 19. The results showed that NE infection led to a severe decline (p < 0.05) in the final body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), but an increase (p < 0.05) in feed/gain (F/G) of broilers at day 10–21 and day 1–21 compared with the control group. TA administration improved (p < 0.05) the growth performance of NE birds. The intestinal villus height (VH) and villus height/crypt depth (VH/CD) were reduced (p < 0.05) by NE challenge as compared with those of the control group, which was elevated by TA administration. Subclinical NE infection decreased (p < 0.05) serum activities of total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and jejunal and ileal glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and T-SOD activity as well as T-AOC in the jejunum, while TA interventions positively elevated that (p < 0.05). Administration of TA protected the intestine against oxidative stress through up-regulation of intestinal nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway as compared with the NE group (p < 0.05). In addition, dietary inclusion of TA elevated (p < 0.05) mRNA abundance of c-mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor (c-Met), jejunal epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), and transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) in the jejunum and ileum of birds after subclinical NE challenge. In conclusion, 600 mg/kg of TA may be a promising tool to prevent and control subclinical NE by increasing intestinal antioxidant status in broilers.

Trans-Anethole Alleviates Subclinical Necro-Haemorrhagic Enteritis-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and Intestinal Inflammation in Broilers

This study investigated the alleviative potential of trans-anethole (TA) on the impaired intestinal barrier and intestinal inflammation and its regulatory effects on gut microbiota in broilers with subclinical necro-hemorrhagic enteritis (NE) challenge. Subclinical NE challenge led to a severe decline in the 21-day body weight (BW) and average daily gain (ADG), but an increase in feed conversion ratio (FCR) and intestinal lesion score of birds compared with controls (P < 0.05). Compared with the subclinical NE group, the TA administration group exhibited lower (P < 0.05) intestinal lesion score and crypt depth (CD), serum diamine oxidase activity, and D-lactate concentration, but higher (P < 0.05) intestinal tight junction protein expressions, villus height (VH), VH/CD, and numbers of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA)-positive cells. The administration of TA also inhibited (P < 0.05) the expression of intestinal pro-inflammatory cytokines including interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-8, interferon-gamma (IFN-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) but increased (P < 0.05) jejunal IL-10 and secretory immunoglobulin A (sIgA) concentration. TA inclusion also led to a remarkable reduction of intestinal NF-kappa-B inhibitor alpha (IκBα) degradation and nuclear factor kappa beta (NF-κB) translocation. Moreover, TA modulated the cecal microbiota abundance and diversity of NE birds, as confirmed by reducing the phylum Firmicutes and genera Ruminococcaceae_UCG-014, Eubacterium_coprostanoligenes_group, and Ruminococcaceae_NK4A214_group when supplemented at 600 mg/kg and reducing genera Butyricicoccus, Oscillibacter, and Flavonifractor when supplemented at 400 mg/kg (P < 0.05). Supplementation of TA in broiler diets could alleviate subclinical NE infection by restoring intestinal barrier integrity, inhibiting NF-κB signaling pathway, and modulating gut microbiota. A 600-mg/kg dose of TA is the optimum concentration for ameliorating subclinical NE in broilers.

The Protective Effect of Anethole against Renal Ischemia/Reperfusion: The Role of the TLR2,4/MYD88/NFκB Pathway

Background: Anethole is the principle essential oil component of anise and fennel. Renal ischemia/reperfusion (RIR) is one of the utmost imperative reasons for acute kidney injury and often associated with high mortality rate. The aim of this study is to investigate the protective effect of anethole on RIR status, exploring the involved mechanisms. Methods: RIR was accomplished by bilateral renal pedicle clamping for 45 min, after which the clamps were removed to achieve the reperfusion phase. Rats were randomized into five groups; Sham, Sham + anethole, RIR, and finally RIR + anethole (125 mg/kg or 250 mg/kg) groups. Animals were given anethole (in specified groups in doses) for 14 days before RIR. Results: RIR-experienced animals developed renal injury evidenced by diminished renal function and histopathological alteration. RIR induced severe oxidative, inflammatory, and apoptotic status within renal tissue. Pre-RIR management with anethole enhanced renal morphology and improved renal function. Anethole amplified GSH content and SOD, CAT, and GPx activities and lowered MDA. Anethole reduced gene and protein expression levels of HMGB1, TLR2, TLR4, MYD88, and NFκB. Anethole distinctly dropped TNF-α, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 levels, increased IL-10, and diminished caspase 3 and 9, reflecting its anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic actions. Conclusion: Anethole displayed anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-apoptotic actions against RIR-induced injury. Anethole exhibited renal protective actions, which could be through inhibiting the HMGB1/TLR2, 4/MYD88/NFκB pathway. These results could suggest anethole as a protective agent against RIR.

HMGB1: An overview of its roles in the pathogenesis of liver disease

High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is an abundant architectural chromosomal protein that has multiple biologic functions: gene transcription, DNA replication, DNA-damage repair, and cell signaling for inflammation. HMGB1 can be released passively by necrotic cells or secreted actively by activated immune cells into the extracellular milieu after injury. Extracellular HMGB1 acts as a damage-associated molecular pattern to initiate the innate inflammatory response to infection and injury by communicating with neighboring cells through binding to specific cell-surface receptors, including Toll-like receptors (TLRs) and the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE). Numerous studies have suggested HMGB1 to act as a key protein mediating the pathogenesis of chronic and acute liver diseases, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma, and hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury. Here, we provide a detailed review that focuses on the role of HMGB1 and HMGB1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways in the pathogenesis of liver diseases.

Anti-inflammatory Effect of Low-Dose Anethole and Ibuprofen Combination Is Accompanied by Partial Prevention of Hepatic Metabolic Changes in Arthritic Rats

Anethole (AN) is a natural compound that has attracted great scientific interest because of its numerous biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. However, these effects were obtained with high doses of AN, which may be one limitation of its therapeutic use. This study evaluated the effects of a low-dose AN and ibuprofen (IB) combination on inflammatory parameters in Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) and arthritis-induced hepatic metabolic changes. Holtzman rats were used and divided into groups: normal, AIA (control), arthritics treated with IB, arthritics treated with AN, and arthritics treated with AN + IB. The volume of the paws, the appearance of secondary lesions, and the number of synovial leukocytes were evaluated. Gluconeogenesis and ureagenesis from alanine were determined in the rat liver in isolated perfusion. The AN + IB (62.5 + 8.75 mg/kg) treatment exerted an inhibitory effect on inflammatory parameters and partially prevented hepatic metabolic changes that was similar to the effect of high-dose IB (35 mg/kg) and AN (250 mg/kg) treatment. This effect of the treatments on hepatic metabolism can be, partly at least, explained by the preservation of both the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity and the cytosolic NADH/NAD⁺ redox potential in the liver. Taken together, the data obtained provided evidence that the AN + IB combination at lower doses than AN and IB treatment alone had beneficial inhibitory potential for the treatment of AIA and attenuated metabolic changes in the liver. Graphical Abstract.

Dexmedetomidine protects against lung injury induced by limb ischemia-reperfusion via the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway

Dexmedetomidine (DEX) can protect the lung from ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully understood. The aims of this study were to determine whether DEX attenuates lung injury following lower extremity I/R and to investigate the related toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) signaling pathway. Twenty-eight SD rats were divided into four groups (n = 7): Sham, I/R, I/R + DEX (25 μg/kg prior to ischemia), and I/R + DEX + Atip (250 μg/kg atipamezole before DEX treatment). Lower extremity I/R was induced by left femoral artery clamping for 3 hours and followed by 2 hours reperfusion. Quantitative alveolar damage and the wet/dry (W/D) ratio were calculated. Interleukin (IL)-1, IL-6, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and serum and myeloperoxidase (MPO) in the lung were measured. The TLR4 and MyD88 mRNA expression levels were measured by RT-PCR, nuclear factor (NF)-κB, and phosphorylated NF-κB by western blot, respectively. Quantitative alveolar damage, W/D ratio, MPO, BALF and serum IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α, and TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB expression significantly increased in the I/R group relative to the Sham group. DEX preconditioning significantly reduced lung edema, and histological injury relative to the I/R group. Serum and BALF IL-1, IL-6, and TNF-α levels, MPO activity and TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, and p-NF-κB expression were also significantly reduced in the I/R + DEX group compared with the I/R group. Atipamezole partially reversed all the aforementioned effects. DEX preconditioning protects the lungs against lower extremity I/R injury via α2-adrenoceptor-dependent and α2-adrenoceptor-independent mechanisms. It also suppresses the TLR4 pathway and reduces inflammation.

The Pharmacological Targets and Clinical Evidence of Natural Products With Anti-hepatic Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation contributes heavily to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammation is probably a promising target for treatment of liver diseases. The natural products are considered as the potential source of new drug discovery and their pharmacological effects on hepatic inflammation have been widely reported. In this review, the natural products with anti-hepatic inflammatory properties are summarized based on their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, which are related to the suppression on the inflammation mediators including cytokines and chemokines, pattern recognition receptors, the activated transcriptional factors, and the potential regulatory factors. The clinical evidence is also summarized.

Foeniculum vulgare essential oil ameliorates acetic acid-induced colitis in rats through the inhibition of NF-kB pathway

AIM

The aim of the present study is to investigate the protective effects of Foeniculum vulgare essential oil on intestinal inflammation through the inhibition of NF-kB pathway in acetic acid-induced rat colitis.

METHODS

Acute colitis was induced by intra-rectal administration of 2 mL of diluted acetic acid (4%) solution. Two hours after the induction of colitis, 0.2% tween 80 in normal saline, dexamethasone (2 mg/kg) and F. vulgare essential oil (100, 200, 400 mg/kg) were administered to the animals by oral gavage and continued for 5 consecutive days. Assessment of macroscopic and microscopic lesions was done. MPO activity was evaluated by biochemical method. Furthermore, TNF-α activity was detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and the expression level of p-NF-kB p65 protein was measured by western blot analysis.

RESULTS

Dexamethasone and F. vulgare essential oil (200, 400 mg/kg) reduced the macroscopic and microscopic lesions compared to the acetic acid group (p < 0.01, p < 0.001). In addition, these agents decreased the activity of MPO (p < 0.01, p < 0.001) and the expression of TNF-α positive cells (p < 0.05, p < 0.01, p < 0.001) in the colon tissue compared to acetic acid group. Furthermore, they inhibited acetic acid-induced expression of p-NF-kB p65 protein (p < 0.05, p < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

It is proposed that the anti-inflammatory activity of F. vulgare essential oil on acetic acid-induced colitis in rats may involve the inhibition of NF-kB pathway.

Pimpinella anisum L. fruit: Chemical composition and effect on rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) includes a group of chronic liver disorders caused by irregular accumulation of fat in liver tissue. The current study aimed to evaluate chemical composition and the effect of fruit extract and essential oil of Pimpinella anisum in experimental model of NAFLD.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sixty rats were randomly divided into ten groups, six in each group. NAFLD was induced in rats using choline-deficient diet for 90 days, followed by 30 days of treatment with 25, 50, 100, and 200 mg/kg/day of hydroethanolic extract (AE) as well as 0.125, 0.25, and 0.5 mg/kg/day of essential oil (AO). Blood samples were collected in the final day, and lipid profile, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as well as biomarkers of oxidative damage including myeloperoxidase, lipid peroxidation, total thiol molecules, and ferric-reducing ability of plasma were measured. Liver tissue sections of the sacrificed rats were also assessed histologically.

RESULTS

AE and AO significantly reversed increase in the plasma levels of total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, and triacylglycerol and decrease in high-density lipoprotein level in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). Serum levels of AST and ALT were also significantly modified by treatment with AE and AO (P < 0.05). Biomarkers of oxidative stress were modulated by administration of AE and AO (P < 0.05). Histological assessments also confirmed the effectiveness of treatments by reduced macrovesicular steatohepatitis.

CONCLUSION

It could be concluded that P. anisum fruit extract and essential oil have beneficial effects in the treatment of NAFLD. Further studies are necessary to confirm safety and efficacy of this medicinal plant in clinical setting.

Dexmedetomidine preconditioning may attenuate myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by down-regulating the HMGB1-TLR4-MyD88-NF-кB signaling pathway

Aims

To investigate whether dexmedetomidine (DEX) preconditioning could alleviate the inflammation caused by myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (I/R) injury by reducing HMGB1-TLR4-MyD88-NF-кB signaling.

Methods

Seventy rats were randomly assigned into five groups: sham group, myocardial I/R group (I/R), DEX+I/R group (DEX), DEX+yohimbine+I/R group (DEX/YOH), and yohimbine+I/R group (YOH). Animals were subjected to 30 min of ischemia induced by occluding the left anterior descending artery followed by 120 min of reperfusion. Myocardial infarct size and histological scores were evaluated. The levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in serum and myocardium were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and expression of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88, IκB and NF-κB in the myocardial I/R area were determined with Western blot and immunocytochemistry.

Results

Myocardial infarct sizes, histological scores, levels of circulating and myocardial IL-6 and TNF-α, the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, and the degradation of IκB were significantly increased in the I/R group compared with the sham group (P<0.01). DEX preconditioning significantly reduced the myocardial infarct size and histological scores (P<0.01 vs. I/R group). Similarly, the serum and myocardial levels of IL-6 and TNF-α, the expression of HMGB1, TLR4, MyD88 and NF-κB, and the degradation of IκB were significantly reduced in the DEX group (P<0.01 vs. I/R group). These effects were partly reversed by yohimbine, a selective α₂-adrenergic receptor antagonist, while yohimbine alone had no significant effect on any of the above indicators.

Conclusion

DEX preconditioning reduces myocardial I/R injury in part by attenuating inflammation, which may be attributed to the downregulation of the HMGB1-TLR4-MyD88-NF-кB signaling pathway mediated by the α₂-adrenergic receptor activation.

Perspectives of the Apiaceae Hepatoprotective Effects – A Review

The liver has the crucial role in the regulation of various physiological processes and in the excretion of endogenous waste metabolites and xenobiotics. Liver structure impairment can be caused by various factors including microorganisms, autoimmune diseases, chemicals, alcohol and drugs. The plant kingdom is full of liver protective chemicals such as phenols, coumarins, lignans, essential oils, monoterpenes, carotenoids, glycosides, flavonoids, organic acids, lipids, alkaloids and xanthenes. Apiaceae plants are usually used as a vegetable or as a spice, but their other functional properties are also very important. This review highlights the significance of caraway, dill, cumin, aniseed, fennel, coriander, celery, lovage, angelica, parsley and carrot, which are popular vegetables and spices, but possess hepatoprotective potential. These plants can be used for medicinal applications to patients who suffer from liver damage.

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. Protects against Lipopolysaccharide-induced Acute Lung Injury in Mice through ERK-dependent NF-κB Activation

Foeniculum vulgare Mill. (fennel) is used to flavor food, in cosmetics, as an antioxidant, and to treat microbial, diabetic and common inflammation. No study to date, however, has assessed the anti-inflammatory effects of fennel in experimental models of inflammation. The aims of this study were to investigate the anti-inflammatory effects of fennel in model of lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced acute lung injury. Mice were randomly assigned to seven groups (n=7~10). In five groups, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with 1% Tween 80-saline (vehicle), fennel (125, 250, 500µl/kg), or dexamethasone (1 mg/kg), followed 1 h later by intratracheal instillation of LPS (1.5 mg/kg). In two groups, the mice were intraperitoneally injected with vehicle or fennel (250µl/kg), followed 1 h later by intratracheal instillation of sterile saline. Mice were sacrificed 4 h later, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) and lung tissues were obtained. Fennel significantly and dose-dependently reduced LDH activity and immune cell numbers in LPS treated mice. In addition fennel effectively suppressed the LPS-induced increases in the production of the inflammatory cytokines interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, with 500µl/kg fennel showing maximal reduction. Fennel also significantly and dose-dependently reduced the activity of the proinflammatory mediator matrix metalloproteinase 9 and the immune modulator nitric oxide (NO). Assessments of the involvement of the MAPK signaling pathway showed that fennel significantly decreased the LPS-induced phosphorylation of ERK. Fennel effectively blocked the inflammatory processes induced by LPS, by regulating pro-inflammatory cytokine production, transcription factors, and NO.

HMGB1 in health and disease

Complex genetic and physiological variations as well as environmental factors that drive emergence of chromosomal instability, development of unscheduled cell death, skewed differentiation, and altered metabolism are central to the pathogenesis of human diseases and disorders. Understanding the molecular bases for these processes is important for the development of new diagnostic biomarkers, and for identifying new therapeutic targets. In 1973, a group of non-histone nuclear proteins with high electrophoretic mobility was discovered and termed high-mobility group (HMG) proteins. The HMG proteins include three superfamilies termed HMGB, HMGN, and HMGA. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), the most abundant and well-studied HMG protein, senses and coordinates the cellular stress response and plays a critical role not only inside of the cell as a DNA chaperone, chromosome guardian, autophagy sustainer, and protector from apoptotic cell death, but also outside the cell as the prototypic damage associated molecular pattern molecule (DAMP). This DAMP, in conjunction with other factors, thus has cytokine, chemokine, and growth factor activity, orchestrating the inflammatory and immune response. All of these characteristics make HMGB1 a critical molecular target in multiple human diseases including infectious diseases, ischemia, immune disorders, neurodegenerative diseases, metabolic disorders, and cancer. Indeed, a number of emergent strategies have been used to inhibit HMGB1 expression, release, and activity in vitro and in vivo. These include antibodies, peptide inhibitors, RNAi, anti-coagulants, endogenous hormones, various chemical compounds, HMGB1-receptor and signaling pathway inhibition, artificial DNAs, physical strategies including vagus nerve stimulation and other surgical approaches. Future work further investigating the details of HMGB1 localization, structure, post-translational modification, and identification of additional partners will undoubtedly uncover additional secrets regarding HMGB1's multiple functions.

Protective mechanisms of acacetin against D-galactosamine and lipopolysaccharide-induced fulminant hepatic failure in mice

This study examined the hepatoprotective effects of acacetin (1), a flavonoid isolated from Agastache rugosa, against d-galactosamine (GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced fulminant hepatic failure. Mice were given an intraperitoneal injection of 1 (25, 50, and 100 mg/kg), or the vehicle alone (5% dimethyl sulfoxide-saline), 1 h before GalN (800 mg/kg)/LPS (40 μg/kg) treatment and sacrificed at 6 h after GalN/LPS injection. GalN/LPS markedly increased mortality and serum aminotransferase activity, and these increases were attenuated by 1. GalN/LPS increased serum tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) levels, while 1 attenuated TNF-α levels and further increased IL-6 levels. GalN/LPS increased protein expression of toll-like receptor 4, phosphorylation of extracellular signal-related kinase, and p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase and increased nuclear protein expression of nuclear factor κB; these increases were attenuated by 1. GalN/LPS increased Atg5 and Atg7 protein expressions, and these increases were augmented by 1. GalN/LPS activated autophagic flux as indicated by decreased microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3-II and sequestosome1/p62 protein expression. This activation was enhanced by 1. These findings suggest that 1 protects against GalN/LPS-induced liver injury by suppressing TLR4 signaling and enhancing autophagic flux.

Oleo gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida L. ameliorates peripheral neuropathy in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

According to the Chinese, European, Iranian and Indian traditional medicines, oleo gum resin of Ferula assa-foetida (asafoetida) has therapeutic effects on different kinds of diseases. Some of these effects are related to the diseases of nervous system such as hysteresis and convulsion. In recent studies, some anti-epileptic and neuroprotective roles were also considered for it and we examined its possible role on treatment of peripheral neuropathy.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

in vitro studies were carried out to identify the response of isolated sciatic nerves to different concentrations of oleo gum resin of asafoetida solved in Lock׳s solution. Then, in vivo studies were conducted to evaluate its effect on amelioration of peripheral neuropathy in mice. Peripheral neuropathy was induced by intraperiotoneal injection of high doses of pyridoxine in adult Balb/c male mice. Tail flick tests were performed to identify the incidence of neuropathy in animals. After 10 days treatment with asafoetida, the efficiency of treatment was assessed by behavioral, electrophysiological and histological studies.

RESULTS

in vitro experiments confirmed that incubating the nerves in aqueous extract of oleo gum rein of asafoetida increased the amplitude and decreased the latent period of nerve compound action potential (CAP). Nerve conduction velocity (NCV) and amplitude of CAP also improved in asafoetida treated animals. Histological and behavioral studies showed that asafoetida was able to facilitate the healing process in peripheral nerves.

CONCLUSIONS

in vitro experiments showed that asafoetida is a nerve stimulant and its administration in neuropathic mice exerted neuroprotecting effects through stimulating axonal regeneration and remyelination and decrement of lymphocyte infiltration.