Novel Combinatorial Regimen of Garcinol and Curcuminoids for Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH) in Mice

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis treated by poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) block copolymer-based self-assembling antioxidant nanoparticles

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), now known as metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), involves oxidative stress caused by the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Small-molecule antioxidants have not been approved for antioxidant chemotherapy because of severe adverse effects that collapse redox homeostasis, even in healthy tissues. To overcome these disadvantages, we have been developing poly(ethylene glycol)-block-poly(cysteine) (PEG-block-PCys)-based self-assembling polymer nanoparticles (NanoCyses), releasing Cys after in vivo degradation by endogenous enzymes, to obtain antioxidant effects without adverse effects. However, a comprehensive investigation of the effects of polymer design on therapeutic outcomes has not yet been conducted to develop our NanoCys system for antioxidant chemotherapy. In this study, we synthesized different poly(L-cysteine) (PCys) chains whose sulfanyl groups were protected by tert-butyl thiol (StBu) and butyryl (Bu) groups to change the reactivity of the side chains, affording NanoCys(SS) and NanoCys(Bu), respectively. To elucidate the importance of the polymer design, these NanoCyses were orally administered to MASH model mice as a model of oxidative stress-related diseases. Consequently, the acyl-protective NanoCys(Bu) significantly suppressed hepatic lipid accumulation and oxidative stress compared to NanoCys(SS). Furthermore, we substantiated that shorter PCys were much better than longer PCys for therapeutic outcomes and the effects related to the liberation properties of Cys from these nanoparticles. Owing to its antioxidant functions, NanoCyses also significantly attenuated hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in the MASH mouse model.

Cyto and Genoprotective Potential of Tannic Acid Against Cadmium and Nickel Co-exposure Induced Hepato-Renal Toxicity in BALB/c Mice

Tannic acid (TA) is a metal chelating polyphenol that plays a crucial role in metal detoxification, but its modulatory role in co-exposure of these heavy metals' exposure needs to be explored. Cadmium (Cd) and nickel (Ni) are inorganic hazardous chemicals in the environment. Humans are prone to be exposed to the co-exposure of Cd and Ni, but the toxicological interactions of these metals are poorly defined. Present study was undertaken to study the preventive role of TA in Cd-Ni co-exposure-evoked hepato-renal toxicity in BALB/c mice. In the current investigation, increased oxidative stress in metal intoxicated groups was confirmed by elevated peroxidation of the lipids and significant lowering of endogenous antioxidant enzymes. Altered hepato-renal serum markers, DNA fragmentation, and histological alterations were also detected in the metal-treated groups. Present study revealed that Cd is a stronger toxicant than Ni and when co-exposure was administered, additive, sub-additive, and detrimental effects were observed. Prophylactic treatment with TA significantly reinstated the levels of lipid peroxidation (LPO), non-enzymatic, and enzymatic antioxidants. Moreover, it also restored the serum biomarker levels, DNA damage, and histoarchitecture of the given tissues. TA due to its metal chelating and anti-oxidative properties exhibited cyto- and genoprotective potential against Cd-Ni co-exposure-induced hepatic and renal injury.

A scientifically validated combination of garcinol, curcuminoids, and piperine for mild to moderate nonalcoholic steatohepatitis patients-results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study

Background

Garcinol is a naturally occurring compound from the fruit rind of the Garcinia indica, with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. Curcuminoids are the active molecule from the rhizome of Curcuma longa, studied extensively for its health benefits as an anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the progressive form of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis characterized by liver fat and inflammation.

Objective

To evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of Garcinol, Curcuminoids and piperine (GCP) combination in patients with mild to moderate NASH in a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study.

Methods

The patients received one tablet (450 mg) of GCP containing garcinol-50 mg, curcuminoids -250 mg and piperine 5 mg or a placebo (450 mg of microcrystalline cellulose) twice daily for 90 days. Changes in circulating aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT) levels, liver stiffness measurement (LSM), and controlled attenuation parameter (CAP) using Fibroscan were compared from baseline to day 90. Anthropometric parameters, serum levels of lipids, Interleukin (IL-6), hsCRP, and adiponectin were estimated. Safety was evaluated by laboratory parameters and by monitoring adverse events.

Results

Seventy-two patients were randomized and 63 (GCP = 32, Placebo = 31) completed the study. The mean age of the patients was 48.3 ± 8.7 years (36 males and 27 females). The mean reduction in AST (U/L) was 9.53 in GCP and 3.16 in placebo (p < 0.001) and that of ALT (U/L) was 13.47 in GCP and 7.43 in Placebo (p = 0.002). The liver stiffness and CAP scores showed a better reduction in GCP (0.56 kPa and 12.38 db/m) compared to placebo (0.064 kPa and 10.42 db/m) p < 0.05. Consequently, the noninvasive Fibroscan-AST (FAST) score reduction was also found to be significant in GCP compared to placebo. Additionally, body weight, lipid levels, hsCRP, and IL-6 in serum decreased, while adiponectin levels increased in GCP-supplemented participants compared to placebo. The combination of garcinol and curcuminoids was well tolerated with no significant changes in hematological and clinical laboratory parameters during the 90-day supplementation.

Conclusion

Our results suggest that GCP could be a possible supplement for the management of NASH.Clinical trial registration: https://clinicaltrials.gov/, identifier CTRI/2019/11/022147.

Mechanisms of main components in Curcuma longa L. on hepatic fibrosis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking: A review

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is a great concern in public health. While effective drugs for its treatment are lacking, Curcuma longa L. (CL) has been reported as a promising therapeutic. We aimed to uncover the core components and mechanisms of CL against hepatic fibrosis via a network pharmacology approach.

METHODS

The main components of CL were obtained and screened. While targets of components and disease were respectively collected using SwissTargetPrediction and online databases, common targets were assessed. A protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed, and core targets were identified. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed, and molecular docking was conducted to validate the binding of core components in CL on predicted core targets.

RESULTS

Nine main components from CL based on high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and 63 anti-fibrosis targets were identified, and a PPI network and a component target-disease target network were constructed. Apigenin, quercetin, demethoxycurcumin, and curcumin are likely to become key phenolic-based components and curcuminoids for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis, respectively. KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed that the HIF-1 signaling pathway (hsa04066) was most significantly enriched. Considering core targets of the PPI network and a network of the common targets and pathways enriched, AKT1, MAPK1, EGFR, MTOR, and SRC may be the core potential targets of CL against hepatic fibrosis. Molecular docking was carried out to verify the binding of above core components to core targets.

CONCLUSIONS

The therapeutic effect of CL on hepatic fibrosis may be attributed to multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways.

Acetyl-CoA metabolism drives epigenome change and contributes to carcinogenesis risk in fatty liver disease

BACKGROUND

The incidence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is increasing worldwide, but the steps in precancerous hepatocytes which lead to HCC driver mutations are not well understood. Here we provide evidence that metabolically driven histone hyperacetylation in steatotic hepatocytes can increase DNA damage to initiate carcinogenesis.

METHODS

Global epigenetic state was assessed in liver samples from high-fat diet or high-fructose diet rodent models, as well as in cultured immortalized human hepatocytes (IHH cells). The mechanisms linking steatosis, histone acetylation and DNA damage were investigated by computational metabolic modelling as well as through manipulation of IHH cells with metabolic and epigenetic inhibitors. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and next-generation sequencing (ChIP-seq) and transcriptome (RNA-seq) analyses were performed on IHH cells. Mutation locations and patterns were compared between the IHH cell model and genome sequence data from preneoplastic fatty liver samples from patients with alcohol-related liver disease and NAFLD.

RESULTS

Genome-wide histone acetylation was increased in steatotic livers of rodents fed high-fructose or high-fat diet. In vitro, steatosis relaxed chromatin and increased DNA damage marker γH2AX, which was reversed by inhibiting acetyl-CoA production. Steatosis-associated acetylation and γH2AX were enriched at gene clusters in telomere-proximal regions which contained HCC tumour suppressors in hepatocytes and human fatty livers. Regions of metabolically driven epigenetic change also had increased levels of DNA mutation in non-cancerous tissue from NAFLD and alcohol-related liver disease patients. Finally, genome-scale network modelling indicated that redox balance could be a key contributor to this mechanism.

CONCLUSIONS

Abnormal histone hyperacetylation facilitates DNA damage in steatotic hepatocytes and is a potential initiating event in hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Curcumin activation of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 gene (Nrf2): Prophylactic and therapeutic effect in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)

BACKGROUNDS

Modern dietary habits have been associated with Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH). Curcumin is a natural herbal found to suppress cellular oxidative states and could be beneficial in NASH. This study investigates the effect of curcumin in an animal model of NASH.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Fifty rats were allocated into five groups. Control, High Fat Diet (HFD), curcumin prophylactic (CP) and therapeutic (CT) groups. HFD regimen was given for 16 weeks. Curcumin was given along with HFD (prophylactic) or after establishment of the model for two weeks (therapeutic). Livers and blood samples were harvested for histological, biochemical, and molecular studies.

KEY FINDINGS

Livers from HFD groups showed vascular, inflammatory, cellular degenerative and fibrotic changes. The hepatic damage was reflected by the increased serum liver enzymes. HFD groups showed excessive fibrotic change. Interestingly, curcumin administration as prophylactic or therapeutic significantly preserved and/or restored liver structure. This was evidenced by the normalization of the liver enzymes, preservation and/or reversibility of cellular changes and the decrease of the stage of fibrosis. Nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 gene (Nrf2) expression showed no changes in the HFD groups, however it showed upregulation in curcumin treated groups. Thus, the protective and therapeutic effect of curcumin could be induced through upregulation of the Nrf2 gene. Curcumin has a beneficial prophylactic and therapeutic effect that could hinder the development and/or treat NASH in susceptible livers.

SIGNIFICANCE

Curcumin has a beneficial prophylactic and therapeutic effect that could hinder the development and/or treat NASH in susceptible livers.

Garcinol Encapsulated Ph-Sensitive Biodegradable Nanoparticles: A Novel Therapeutic Strategy for the Treatment of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

The emergence of pH-sensitive nanoscale particles is beneficial due to their ability to only release cargo in a colonic pH environment, which helps to directly target inflamed tissues in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Hence, we have designed the formulation of pH-sensitive biodegradable garcinol (GAR)-loaded poly (lactic–co–glycolic acid) (PLGA) coated with Eudragit^® S100 (ES100) (GAR-PLGA-ES100 nanoparticles (NPs)) for reducing inflammation caused by proinflammatory cytokines. The GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs were prepared using a solvent evaporation technique and characterized for shape and surface morphology. An in vitro drug release study revealed the release of the drug specifically from NPs at the colonic pH of 7.4. The in vitro cytotoxicity of the GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs was also evaluated and found to be highly biocompatible with CACO-2 cells. These NPs were able to reduce lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) activity. Inhibition of the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokine TNF-α , chemokine interleukin (IL)-8 and the nuclear factor kappa light chain enhancer of activated B-cells (NF-κB) was observed after GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs treatment. Therefore, our results support the idea that GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs show substantial improvement after the release of the drug, specifically in colonic pH targeting and reduction in the activation of inflammation that leads to IBD, suggesting that GAR-PLGA-ES100 NPs are promising candidates for oral delivery to colonic inflamed tissue.