Time-course of changes in hepatic lipid peroxidation and glutathione metabolism in rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced cirrhosis

Protective Effect of Calcium Fructoborate Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a xenbiotic that can cause cellular damage with free radical production. Calcium fructoborate (CFB) is a boron-based nutritional supplement with antioxidant properties. Calcium fructoborate used in our study is marketed by Future Ceutical Corporation as FruiteX-B, which has a chemical structure similar to the natural form of boron found in edible plants. In this study, it was aimed to determine the antioxidant activity, DNA damage, and histopathological effects of CFB on the liver and kidney tissues of rats in the toxicity induced by CCl₄. During 14 days of treatment, 42 wistar albino rats were divided into 7 in each group, control group, olive oil (0.25 ml twice a week), CFB (1 mg/day), CFB-CCl₄ (1 mg/day, twice a week 0.5 ml), ZY-CFB (0.25 ml/twice a week, 1 mg/2 times day twice), and CCl₄ (0.5 ml twice a week). AST, ALT, HDL, LDH, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, total protein and albumin levels were analyzed in the blood serum of rats. The antioxidant defense system enzymes CAT, GR, GPx, SOD activities and GSH, MDA and 8-OHdG levels in liver and kidney tissues were determined and evaluated. In addition, liver and kidney tissues were examined with only hispatological tests. As a result of the findings, it shows that CCl₄ disrupts antioxidant defense mechanisms by disrupting some enzyme systems in the kidney and liver. CFB (Fruit-XB), a boronbased dietary supplement, regulates antioxidant metabolism by strengthening biochemical metabolic profiles against oxidation, and also has a protective effect against DNA damage caused by oxidation. Thus, it was concluded that CFB has antioxidant property against CCl4-induced liver and kidney toxicity.

Potency and selectivity indices of Myristica fragrans Houtt. mace chloroform extract against non-clinical and clinical human pathogens

This study assessed the antimicrobial, toxicity, and phytochemical profiles of Myristica fragrans extracts. Different solvent extracts were tested for antimicrobial activity against clinical and reference microbial strains, using disc and well diffusion assays and microdilution techniques. Antioxidant potential was investigated using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picryhydrazyl (DPPH) assays. Cytotoxicity assay was conducted against human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) using the 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay. Acute toxicity was assessed in laboratory Swiss albino mice at a single dose of 2,000 mg/kg body weight for 14 days. To assess the phytochemical constituents, spectrophotometric and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) methods were used. The chloroform extract revealed antimicrobial potencies against the Gram-positive bacteria and C. albicans with minimum inhibitory concentrations. In the DPPH assay, the IC50 value of the chloroform extract was determined to be 1.49 mg/mL. The phenolic and flavonoid contents were 26.64 ±  0.1 mg of gallic acid equivalents/g and 8.28  ± 0.1 mg quercetin equivalents/g, respectively. The IC50 value was determined to be 49 µg/mL against the HUVEC line. No mortality or morbidity was observed. GC-MS analysis indicated the presence of 2-cyclopenten-1-one (44.72%) as a major compound. The current results provide scientific support for the use of M. fragrans in folk medicine.

Serum zinc level and hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

This study aimed to investigate the relationship between serum zinc level and hepatic fibrosis in patients with nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). A cross-sectional study was conducted using nationally representative samples from the Korea National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2010. Significant hepatic fibrosis was defined as Fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) index>1.3. Zinc level was measured using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed to assess risk factors for significant hepatic fibrosis in patients with NAFLD. A total of 300 patients with NAFLD were analyzed in this study. The mean serum zinc level was 139.8±29.9 μg/dL. FIB-4 index was significantly increased as the serum zinc level decreased (Adjusted correlation coefficient = -0.177, p = 0.003). Significant liver fibrosis was observed in 62 patients (21%). The multivariable analysis showed that significant liver fibrosis in NAFLD was associated with diabetes mellitus (odds ratio [OR], 3.25; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.71–6.19; p<0.001), male (OR, 2.59; 95% CI, 1.31–5.12; p = 0.006), and zinc level <140 μg/dL (OR, 2.14; 95% CI, 1.16–3.94; p = 0.015). There was an inverse relationship between serum zinc level and FIB-4 index in NAFLD. Low levels of serum zinc were an independent risk factor for significant hepatic fibrosis in NAFLD.

GC-MS analysis, antimicrobial, antioxidant, antilipoxygenase and cytotoxic activities of Jacaranda mimosifolia methanol leaf extracts and fractions

Jacaranda mimosifolia trees are grown in frost-free regions globally. The aim of this study was to evaluate the methanol crude extract and various fractions of increasing polarity of J. mimosifolia leaves for bioactive metabolites, as well as antimicrobial, antioxidant and anticancer activities. The anti-inflammatory potential of the various fractions of J. mimosifolia leaf extract was studied via the lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory assay. Methanol crude extract (ME), derived fractions extracted with chloroform (CF) and ethyl acetate (EAF), and residual aqueous extract (AE) of dried J. mimosifolia leaves were assayed for polyphenolic compounds, their antioxidant, antimicrobial and lipoxygenase (LOX) inhibitory activities, and anticancer properties. Polyphenolic compounds were determined via HPLC while phytochemicals (total phenolics, flavonoids, tannins and ortho-diphenol contents), antioxidant activities (DPPH, hydrogen peroxideperoxide, hydroxyl and superoxide radical anions) and LOX were measured via spectrophotometry. Methanol extracts and various fractions were evaluated for antibacterial activities against Bacillus subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus. Antifungal potential of the fractions was tested against three species: Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus fumigatus and Fusarium oxysporum. The highest values for total phenolic content (TPC), total flavonoid content (TFC), flavonols, tannins and ortho-diphenols were in the ME, followed by CF > EAF > AE. ME also had the highest antioxidant activity with EC₅₀ values 48±1.3, 45±2.4, 42±1.3 and 46±1.3 μg/mL based on the DPPH, hydrogen peroxide, hydroxyl radical and superoxide radical assays, respectively. TPC and TFC showed a significant, strong and positive correlation with the values for each of these antioxidant activities. ME exhibited anti-inflammatory potential based on its LOX inhibitory activity (IC₅₀ = 1.3 μg/mL). ME also had the maximum antibacterial and antifungal potential, followed by EAF > CF > AE. Furthermore, ME showed the strongest cytotoxic effect (EC₅₀ = 10.7 and 17.3 μg/mL) against human hormone-dependent prostate carcinoma (LnCaP) and human lung carcinoma (LU-1) cell lines, respectively. Bioactive compounds present in leaf methanol extracts of J. mimosifolia were identified using gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC–MS). Fifteen compounds were identified including phenolic and alcoholic compounds, as well as fatty acids. Our results suggest that J. mimosifolia leaves are a good source of natural products with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties for potential therapeutic, nutraceutical and functional food applications.

Investigation of benfotiamine’s protective effects on liver tissue in experimental carbon tetrachloride induced liver injury

Purpose: In this study, we aimed to investigate the protective effects of benfotiamine on experimental liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4).Materials and Methods: In this study, 30 male Wistar albino rats were used. Rats were equally divided into 5 groups. No application was made to control group. The CCl4 group was injected i.p with1ml/kg CCl4:olive oil (1:2) mixture on the 1st and 8th days, and the CCl4+benfotiamine group was treated i.p with 1 ml/kg CCl4: olive oil (1:2) mixture twice on the 1st and 8th days and orally with 70 mg/kg/day benfotiamine. To the benfotiamine group, 70 mg/kg/day benfotiamine was given orally for 14 days. To the olive oil group, 2 ml/kg olive oil was given i.p. on 1st and 8th days. Finally, rats were decapitated. Liver tissues were removed and paraffin blocks were prepared. Tissues were stored at –80 oC for malonaldeyhde (MDA) assay.Results: There were no significant differences between the control, benfotiamine and olive oil groups. Compared with the control group, there was a significant increase in MDA, apoptosis and bax immunoreactivity in CCl4 group. Compared with the CCl4 group, there was a significant decrease in MDA, apoptosis and bax immunoreactivity in the CCl4+benfotiamine group.Conclusion: CCl4 increases MDA, apoptosis and bax immunoreactivity, and benfotiamine, given as treatment, reduces these parameters. 

Nigella sativa (black seed) oil ameliorates CCl4 -induced hepatotoxicity and mediates neurotransmitter levels in male Sprague Dawley albino rats

The liver is a metabolically active organ which is prone to oxidative damage. The hepatoprotective effect of Nigella sativa (black seed oil extract) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄ )-induced hepatotoxicity in Sprague-Dawley albino rats was determined. There were four groups of eight rats; Group 1 (control) was administered with distilled water for 28 days, Group 2 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl₄ (70% olive oil: 30% CCl₄ ) on alternate days for 28 days. Group 3 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl₄ (70% olive oil: 30% CCl₄ ) and 2 ml/kg of Nigella sativa oil orally for 28 days. Group 4 was administered with 4 ml/kg of CCl₄ (70% Olive oil: 30% CCl₄ ) and 4 ml/kg of Nigella sativa oil orally for 28 days. Blood samples were collected for biochemical assessment. Liver, kidney, and brain tissues were determined for antioxidant enzymes and histopathological features. There were significant ameliorative effects of the oil extract in the treatment groups compared to control (p < .05). PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Nigella sativa (black seed oil) also known as Habbatus sauda has been used for therapeutic and nutritional purposes for decades due to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antitumor activities. It is a potent brain tonic due to the presence of linoleic, palmitic, oleic, eicosapentanoic (EPA), and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), hence, may enhance brain and heart functions. This research analysis carried out on the neurotransmitter (glutamate and GABA) levels showed a significant decrease at p < .05 in the group administered with CCl₄ alone, which was reversed significantly upon the administration of Nigella sativa oil. The histological features reported in the current study correlated with the biochemical parameters. The CCl₄ induced severe histological changes on the hepatic, renal, and brain tissues, which, was ameliorated by the Nigella sativa oil administration. The administration of Nigella sativa oil exerted a protective effect on the brain, liver, and kidney during CCl₄ -induced oxidative stress.

Bioactive compounds from date fruit and seed as potential nutraceutical and functional food ingredients

Date palm is an important fruit bearing tree grown widely in the arid and semi-arid regions of the world. The date fruit and its by-products, such as seeds, have both nutritional and medicinal value. However, date fruit and seeds have not been fully considered as potential functional food ingredients to develop foods with promising health benefits. Based on the available information in the literature, fruit and seed of date palm are rich in phytochemicals, such as phenolics, anthocyanin, carotenoids, tocopherols, tocotrienols, phytosterols and dietary fiber. In addition, they were reported to possess several beneficial health properties explored under in-vitro and in-vivo conditions. Further research in this area would provide valuable information for the potential utilization of date fruit and seed as functional food ingredients. This review presents a comprehensive information about the bioactive compounds and nutraceutical properties of different varieties of date fruit and seed, as well as the potential for using them as functional food ingredients.

Hepatoprotective effects of Yulangsan flavone against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Yulangsan flavone (YLSF) was extracted from the root of Millettia pulchra Kurz var-laxior (Dunn) Z. Wei, which has been widely used for liver disease treatment in the Guangxi province of China.

HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE

The study was conducted to demonstrate the hepatoprotective effects of YLSF against CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats, meanwhile revealing the potential mechanism.

STUDY DESIGN

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats of both sexes were randomly divided into two groups: hepatic fibrosis group and normal control (NC) group. The rats in the hepatic fibrosis group were given 1 ml/kg 50% CCl₄ (1:1 mixed with peanut oil), while those in the NC group were given 1 ml/kg normal saline (NS), both via intragastric administration. The established experimental rat model from the hepatic fibrosis group was confirmed by pathological inspection and randomly divided into five groups: three YLSF groups (20 mg/kg, 40 mg/kg and 80 mg/kg), a colchicine group (0.20 mg/kg) and a model group (10 ml/kg NS). All rats were treated with corresponding drugs or NS once a day for four consecutive weeks. Twenty-four hours after the last administration, blood serum and hepatic tissue were collected.

METHODS

The activities of ALT and AST in the serum and the levels of SOD, MDA, GSH and GSH-Px in hepatic tissue were analysed, the indexes of liver, spleen and thymus were counted, the degree of hepatic injury was examined using HE and Masson staining, and the mRNA expression of Col-1, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1 in hepatic tissues was detected.

RESULTS

Compared with the model group, experimental results showed that YLSF and colchicine could reduce the levels of AST, ALT and MDA, increase the levels of SOD, GSH and GSH-Px, enhance rat survivability, decrease the liver, spleen and thymus index, significantly lessen collagen deposition and tissue damage and down-regulate the mRNA expression of Col-1, TIMP-1 and TGF-β1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings confirm that YLSF has a certain curative effect on rats with liver fibrosis induced by CCl₄, and its mechanism may include attenuating free radicals, inhibiting lipid peroxidation and accelerating extracellular matrix degradation by down-regulating expression of related genes.

Evaluation of phytochemicals, antioxidant activity and amelioration of pulmonary fibrosis with Phyllanthus emblica leaves

BACKGROUND

In the present study the antioxidant potential of a methanol extract of Phyllanthus emblica leaves (PELE) was determined by in vitro methods as well as by an in vivo animal model, along with HPLC-DAD screening for phyto-constituents.

METHODS

The in vitro antioxidant potential of PELE was assessed by scavenging of DPPH, nitric oxide and anti-lipid peroxidation assays. For in vivo evaluation, a 60-day experimental plan was followed in which Sprague Dawley rats were administered with 1 mL/kg of CCl4 (CCl4 : DMSO + Olive oil; 30 % v/v) alone or with different doses of PELE (200, 400 mg/kg p.o.). Silymarin (100 mg/kg) as standard drug was also administered to CCl4 treated rats. HPLC-DAD analysis was performed to quantify polyphenolic phytochemicals.

RESULTS

PELE exhibited an appreciable in vitro antioxidant activity and scavenged the DPPH radical (IC50 = 39.73 ± 2.12 μg/mL) and nitric oxide (IC50 = 39.14 ± 2.31 μg/mL) while for anti-lipid peroxidation moderate antioxidant activity was noticed. Reduced levels of antioxidant enzyme activities viz., superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and reduced glutathione (GSH) whereas enhanced levels of total extractable proteins, lipid peroxides (TBARS), nitrite and H2O2 were induced by CCl4 administration in lungs of rat. Co-administration of PELE to rats exhibited a dose dependent decline in the oxidative injuries induced in these parameters. Histopathological damages such as disrupted alveoli, infiltration of macrophages and modified architecture of Clara cells was reversed to the normal state with co-administration of PELE. HPLC-DAD analysis indicated the presence of gallic acid, rutin, kaempferol and caffeic acid in the PELE.

CONCLUSION

The findings of this study demonstrate that presence of polyphenolics and other active constituents in PELE might play a significant role in repairing the pulmonary damages instigated with CCl4.

A mouse model of alcoholic liver fibrosis-associated acute kidney injury identifies key molecular pathways

Clinical data strongly indicate that acute kidney injury (AKI) is a critical complication in alcoholic hepatitis, an acute-on-chronic form of liver failure in patients with advanced alcoholic fibrosis. Development of targeted therapies for AKI in this setting is hampered by the lack of an animal model. To enable research into molecular drivers and novel therapies for fibrosis- and alcohol-associated AKI, we aimed to combine carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced fibrosis with chronic intra-gastric alcohol feeding. Male C57BL/6J mice were administered a low dose of CCl₄ (0.2ml/kg 2× week/6weeks) followed by alcohol intragastrically (up to 25g/kg/day for 3weeks) and with continued CCl₄. We observed that combined treatment with CCl₄ and alcohol resulted in severe liver injury, more pronounced than using each treatment alone. Importantly, severe kidney injury was evident only in the combined treatment group. This mouse model reproduced distinct pathological features consistent with AKI in human alcoholic hepatitis. Transcriptomic analysis of kidneys revealed profound effects in the combined treatment group, with enrichment for damage-associated pathways, such as apoptosis, inflammation, immune-response and hypoxia. Interestingly, Havcr1 and Lcn2, biomarkers of AKI, were markedly up-regulated. Overall, this study established a novel mouse model of fibrosis- and alcohol-associated AKI and identified key mechanistic pathways.

1H NMR-Linked Metabolomics Analysis of Liver from a Mouse Model of NP-C1 Disease

Clinical manifestations of Niemann-Pick type C1 (NP-C1) disease include neonatal hepatosplenomegaly and in some patients progressive liver dysfunction and failure. This study involved a ¹H NMR-linked metabolomics analysis of liver samples collected from a NP-C1 disease mutant mouse model in order to explore time-dependent imbalances in metabolic pathways associated with NP-C1 liver dysfunction, including fibrosis. NP-C1 mutant (Npc1^-/-; NP-C1), control (Npc1^+/+; WT), and NP-C1 heterozygous mice (Npc1^+/-; HET) were generated from heterozygote matings. Aqueous extracts of these liver samples collected at time points of 3, 6, 9, and 11 weeks were subjected to high-resolution NMR analysis, and multivariate (MV) metabolomics analyses of data sets acquired were performed. A MV random forests (RFs) model effectively discriminated between NP-C1 and a combined WT/HET hepatic NMR profiles with very high predictive accuracy and reliability. Key distinguishing features included significant upregulations in the hepatic concentrations of phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamate, lysine/ornithine, valine, threonine, and hypotaurine/methionine, and diminished levels of nicotinate/niacinamide, inosine, phosphoenolpyruvate, and 3-hydroxyphenylacetate. Quantitative pathway topological analysis confirmed that imbalances in tyrosine biosynthesis, and hepatic phenylalanine, tyrosine, glutamate/glutamine, and nicotinate/niacinamide metabolism were involved in the pathogenesis of NP-C1 disease-associated liver dysfunction/damage. ¹H NMR-linked metabolomics analysis provides valuable biomarker information regarding hepatic dysfunction or damage in NP-C1 disease.

Crataegus songarica methanolic extract accelerates enzymatic status in kidney and heart tissue damage in albino rats and its in vitro cytotoxic activity

CONTEXT

Crataegus songarica K. Koch (Rosaceae) has been used in folk medicine to treat various diseases.

OBJECTIVE

This study evaluates the effect of C. songarica methanol extract on the kidney and heart tissue damage of albino rats, and to determine cytotoxic activity of various extracts of songarica on various human cancer cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were divided into six groups, Group I received water only; Group II received CCl4 (1 mL/kg b wt) intraperitoneal; C. songarica extract (at doses of 100, 200 and 300 mg/kg b wt) orally for 15 days. Cytotoxic activity was determined by SRB method using MCF-7, HeLa, HepG2, SF-295, SW480 and IMR-32 cell lines.

RESULTS

Compared with CCl4 group, administration of C. songarica extract at the dose of 300 mg/kg b wt, significantly decreases serum creatinine (59.74%), urea (40.23%) and cholesterol (54 mg/dL), MDA (0.007 nmol/mg protein) in kidney and (0.025 nmol/mg protein) in heart tissue, along with evaluation of GSH (209.79 ± 54.6), GR (111.45 ± 2.84), GPx (94.01 ± 14.80), GST (201.71) in kidney tissue and GSH (51.47 ± 1.47), GR (45.42 ± 6.69), GPx (77.19 ± 10.94), GST (49.89) in heart tissue. In addition, methanol, ethanol and ethyl acetate extracts exhibited potent anticancer activity on six cancer cell lines with IC50 values ranging from 28.57 to 85.106 µg/mL.

DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION

Crataegus songarica methanol extract has a potential antioxidant effect as it protects the kidney and heart tissue against CCl4-induced toxicity, prevents DNA damage and showed strong anticancer activity.

Assessment of serum zinc, selenium, and prolactin concentrations in critically ill children

Background

In critically ill patients, there are reduced stores of antioxidants, which are associated with increased organ failure and even higher mortality. Trace elements, especially zinc and selenium, are the cornerstone of the antioxidant defense in acute systemic inflammatory response syndrome. Prolactin (PRL) is the counterregulatory stress hormone that prevents cortisol/stress-induced lymphocyte apoptosis. The aim of our study is to detect the serum levels of zinc, selenium, and PRL hormone as important immunomodulators in critically ill children and to investigate the relationship between these immunomodulators and the severity of illness.

Subjects and methods

This was a prospective study that included two groups; group 1: 50 critically ill children within 72 hours of intensive care unit admission, and group 2: 30 healthy children as controls. Blood samples were collected from the two groups for zinc, selenium, and PRL level measurement.

Results

Zinc and PRL levels were found to be decreased in critically ill children compared to control group, and these levels were inversely correlated with organ failure index and pediatric logistic organ dysfunction scores. Selenium levels were decreased in patients with sepsis and in patients with multiple organ failure.

Conclusion

Serum concentrations of zinc and PRL are generally low in critically ill children, with a greater decrease in patients with sepsis and in the presence of multiple organ failure. The levels of zinc and PRL are inversely correlated with severity of illness. Selenium levels were decreased in patients with sepsis and in patients with multiple organ failure.

β-sitosterol protects against carbon tetrachloride hepatotoxicity but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats via the induction of mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling

Previous findings have demonstrated that β-sitosterol (BSS), an active component of Cistanches Herba, protected against oxidant injury in H9c2 cardiomyocytes and in rat hearts by enhancing mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling, possibly through the intermediacy of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production. We therefore hypothesized that BSS pretreatment can also confer tissue protection against oxidant injury in other vital organs such as liver and kidney of rats. In this study, the effects of BSS pretreatment on rat models of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity and gentamicin nephrotoxicity were investigated. The findings showed that BSS pretreatment protected against CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, but not gentamicin nephrotoxicity in rats. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was associated with the improvement in mitochondrial glutathione redox status, presumably through the glutathione reductase-mediated enhancement in mitochondrial glutathione redox cycling. The hepatoprotection afforded by BSS was also accompanied by the improved mitochondrial functional ability in rat livers. The inability of BSS to protect against gentamicin nephrotoxicity was likely due to the relatively low bioavailability of BSS in rat kidneys. BSS may serve as potential mitohormetic agent for the prevention of oxidative stress-induced injury in livers.

Noninvasive in vivo magnetic resonance measures of glutathione synthesis in human and rat liver as an oxidative stress biomarker

Oxidative stress (OS) plays a central role in the progression of liver disease and in damage to liver by toxic xenobiotics. We have developed methods for noninvasive assessment of hepatic OS defenses by measuring flux through the glutathione (GSH) synthesis pathway. (13) C-labeled GSH is endogenously produced and detected by in vivo magnetic resonance after administration of [2-(13) C]-glycine. We report on a successful first-ever human demonstration of this approach as well as preclinical studies demonstrating perturbed GSH metabolism in models of acute and chronic OS. Human studies employed oral administration of [2-(13) C]-glycine and (13) C spectroscopy on a 3T clinical magnetic resonance (MR) imaging scanner and demonstrated detection and quantification of endogenously produced (13) C-GSH after labeled glycine ingestion. Plasma analysis demonstrated that glycine (13) C fractional enrichment achieved steady state during the 6-hour ingestion period. Mean rate of synthesis of hepatic (13) C-labeled GSH was 0.32 ± 0.18 mmole/kg/hour. Preclinical models of acute OS and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) comprised CCl4 -treated and high-fat, high-carbohydrate diet-fed Sprague-Dawley rats, respectively, using intravenous administration of [2-(13) C]-glycine and observation of (13) C-label metabolism on a 7T preclinical MR system. Preclinical studies demonstrated a 54% elevation of GSH content and a 31% increase in flux through the GSH synthesis pathway at 12 hours after acute insult caused by CCl4 administration, as well as a 23% decrease in GSH content and evidence of early steatohepatitis in the model of NASH.

CONCLUSION

Our data demonstrate in vivo (13) C-labeling and detection of GSH as a biomarker of tissue OS defenses, detecting chronic and acute OS insults. The methods are applicable to clinical research studies of hepatic OS in disease states over time as well as monitoring effects of therapeutic interventions.

Protective effects of melatonin and quercetin on experimental lung injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

INTRODUCTION

Exposure to carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), a well-known toxicant, causes tissue damage by inducing oxidative stress via formation of free radicals. The fundamental structure of the organs of rats and humans is similar, so administration of CCl4 to rats is an accepted experimental model to produce oxidative damage to various tissues including pulmonary tissue. In this study, we evaluated the protective capacity of melatonin and quercetin against CCl4-induced oxidative lung damage in rats.

MATERIAL-METHODS

Rats were divided into five groups each containing seven rats as follows: Control group, Olive oil group CCl4 group, CCl4+Melatonin, and CCl4+Quercetin group. The tissue samples were processed by routine histological and biochemical procedures. Sections were stained with Hematoxylin-eosin and Masson's trichrome. Histopathologic damage score was calculated. Malondialdehyde (MDA) and glutathione (GSH) levels and catalase (CAT) activities were assayed.

RESULTS

The lung sections of control groups showed normal histological characteristics. Fibrosis, interstitial hemorrhage, epithelial desquamation in bronchiole and alveoli, intra-alveolar edema, leukocyte, and macrophage infiltration were observed in lung sections of rats exposed to CCl4 alone. The findings were reduced in the treatments groups. The MDA level in the CCI4 group were significantly higher than in the other groups (p < .001), and the CAT and GSH levels in the CCI4+Mel and CCI4+Quer groups were significantly higher than in the CCI4 group (p < .05).

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, we suggest that agents with antioxidant properties such as melatonin and quercetin may have positive effects in the treatment of pulmonary diseases characterized by especially edema, inflammation, and fibrosis.

Effect of Carissa opaca leaves extract on lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity and reproductive hormones in male rats

BACKGROUND

Carissa opaca leaves are traditionally used in the treatment of male dysfunction and hormonal disorder as well as in oxidative stress in Pakistan and Asia. The present study was designed to assess the protective effects of methanolic extract of Carissa opaca leaves (MLC) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced reproductive stress in male rats and bioactive constituents responsible for the activity.

METHODS

CCl4 was induced in 42 male rats for eight weeks and checked the protective efficacy of methanolic extract of Carissa opaca leaves at various hormonal imbalances, alteration of antioxidant enzymes, DNA fragmentation levels and lipid peroxidation caused testicular fibrosis in testis while High performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) was used for detection of bioactive components.

RESULTS

HPLC characterization revealed the presence of isoquercitin, hyperoside, vitexin, myricetin and kaempherol. CCl4 caused significant alteration in the secretion of reproductive hormones. Activity of antioxidant enzymes viz; catalase, superoxide dimutase and phase II metabolizing enzymes including glutathione peroxidase, glutathione reductase and reduced glutathione was decreased while DNA fragmentation, hydrogen per oxide contents and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) were increased with CCl4 treatment. Co-administration of 100 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg b.w. MLC effectively ameliorated the alterations in the biochemical markers; hormonal and molecular levels.

CONCLUSION

Protective effects of methanolic extract of Carissa opaca against CCl4-induced antioxidant and hormonal dysfunction which might be due to bioactive compound present in extract.

Molecular mechanisms of fibrosis-associated promotion of liver carcinogenesis

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) mostly develops in patients with advanced fibrosis; however, the mechanisms of interaction between a genotoxic insult and fibrogenesis are not well understood. This study tested a hypothesis that fibrosis promotes HCC via a mechanism that involves activation of liver stem cells. First, B6C3F1 mice were administered diethylnitrosamine (DEN; single ip injection of 1mg/kg at 14 days of age). Second, carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4); 0.2ml/kg, 2/week ip starting at 8 weeks of age) was administered for 9 or 14 weeks to develop advanced liver fibrosis. In animals treated with DEN as neonates, presence of liver fibrosis led to more than doubling (to 100%) of the liver tumor incidence as early as 5 months of age. This effect was associated with activation of cells with progenitor features in noncancerous liver tissue, including markers of replicative senescence (p16), oncofetal transformation (Afp, H19, and Bex1), and increased "stemness" (Prom1 and Epcam). In contrast, the dose of DEN used did not modify the extent of liver inflammation, fibrogenesis, oxidative stress, proliferation, or apoptosis induced by subchronic CCl(4) administration. This study demonstrates the potential role of liver stem-like cells in the mechanisms of chemical-induced, fibrosis-promoted HCC. We posit that the combination of genotoxic and fibrogenic insults is a sensible approach to model liver carcinogenesis in experimental animals. These results may contribute to identification of cirrhotic patients predisposed to HCC by analyzing the expression of hepatic progenitor cell markers in the noncancerous liver tissue.

Effect and mechanism of methyl helicterate isolated from Helicteres angustifolia (Sterculiaceae) on hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Methyl helicterate is a triterpenoid isolated from Helicteres angustifolia (Sterculiaceae), one of the valuable traditional Chinese herbs. Antifibrotic activities of H. angustifolia have been extensively proved.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of methyl helicterate (MH) on liver fibrosis in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and to explore its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Hepatic fibrosis was induced in male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats by intragastric administration with 2 ml/kg CCl(4) (mixed 1:1 in peanut oil) twice a week for 12 weeks. To evaluate the effect of MH (16.72, 33.45, 66.90 mg/kg) on hepatic fibrosis, liver function, histological study and hepatic fibrosis evaluation were performed. Liver function was assessed by determining the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), albumin (Alb) and total protein (TP). The biomarkers such as hydroxyproline (Hyp), hyaluronic acid (HA), type III precollagen (PCIII) and laminin (LN) were examined for the evaluation of hepatic fibrosis. The underlying mechanism was investigated by measuring oxidative stress level and detecting the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA and Smad3 protein.

RESULTS

MH (33.45, 66.90 mg/kg) treatment significantly inhibited the loss of body weight and the increase of liver index in rats induced by CCl(4). MH also improved the liver function as indicated by decreasing serum enzymatic activities of ALT, AST, TP and Alb (P<0.05). Histological results indicated that MH alleviated liver damage and reduced the formation of fibrous septa. Moreover, MH significantly decreased liver Hyp, HA, LN and PCIII (P<0.05). Research on mechanism showed that MH could markedly reduce liver malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration, increase activities of liver superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and inhibit the expression of TGF-β1 mRNA and Smad3 protein (P<0.05).

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicated that MH can inhibit CCl(4)-induced hepatic fibrosis, which may be ascribed to its radical scavenging action, antioxidant activity, and modulation of TGF-β-Smad3 signaling pathway.

Zinc supplementation therapy improves the outcome of patients with chronic hepatitis C

We administered zinc supplementation therapy over three years to patients with chronic hepatitis C and reported and that the aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotaransferase (ALT) levels decreased, and platelet counts increased, significantly in the group with increased serum zinc concentrations. We are continuing this treatment to clarify the long-term consequences and report here the changes in serum zinc concentrations over seven years and compare the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). We administered polaprezinc to 32 patients, randomly selected for zinc therapy (treatment group), while another 30 formed the control group. We measured the serum zinc and albumin concentrations and conducted a prospective study to determine long-term outcomes. The changes and rates of change of serum zinc concentrations after seven years were 76.7 ± 18.2 µg/dl and +0.302 ± 0.30% in the treatment group and 56.7 ± 12.4 µg/dl and +0.033 ± 0.21% in the control group and had increased significantly (p = 0.0002, p = 0.0036). Progression of liver disease seemed to vary, depending on serum albumin concentrations. In the group with baseline serum albumin concentrations of 4.0 g/dl or more, the change and rate of change of serum zinc concentrations increased significantly, and the cumulative incidence of HCC tended to decrease, in the treated group. According to multivariate analysis, the factors that contribute to a reduction in the incidence of HCC are zinc therapy (risk ratio: 0.113, 95% CI: 0.015–0.870, p = 0.0362), and platelet counts (0.766, 0.594–0.989, 0.0409). Zinc supplementation therapy seems to improve liver pathology and reduce the incidence of HCC.

In Vitroandin VivoAntioxidant Activity of Alfalfa (Medicago sativaL.) on Carbon Tetrachloride Intoxicated Rats

The present study was conducted to determine whether lyophilized aqueous extract of alfalfa, or Medicago sativa L. could exert antioxidant activity against carbon tetrachloride-induced oxidative stress and liver injury in rats. The hepatoprotective activity of alfalfa extract was determined by assessing the levels of serum transaminases, ALP, bilirubin and lipid profile. Further, the effect of the test substance on malondialdehyde (MDA), an end product of lipid peroxidation; antioxidant liver enzyme non-protein sulfhydryl (NP-SH); and total protein (TP) were also studied. Serum transaminase, ALP, bilirubin level, lipid profile and liver MDA were significantly elevated and the antioxidant status in liver NP-SH and TP contents were declined in animals treated with CCl4alone. Pretreatment with alfalfa and silymarin for three weeks prior to the administration of CCl4significantly prevented the increase in the serum levels of hepatic marker, LDL, VLDL levels enzymes and reduced oxidative stress indicated by elevated NP-SH and TP concentration. The histopathological examination of the livers also showed that the alfalfa extract reduced the incidence of liver lesions induced by CCl4. The in vitro antioxidant assessment of alfalfa extract on DPPH and carotene-linoleic assays demonstrated a moderate antioxidant potential. Results suggest that the alfalfa extract possesses hepatoprotective and antioxidative stress properties possibly through its antioxidant phytochemical constituents and substantiates its use in various liver disorders as a hepatoprotector.

Therapeutic potential of ginger against renal injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of successive ginger extracts (petroleum ether, chloroform, and ethanol) against nephrotoxicity induced by CCl(4) in rats. The evaluation was done through measuring kidney antioxidant parameters: glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxides (LPO), and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Renal function test: urea, creatinine and serum protein values, were also evaluated. The work was extended to examine tissue inflammatory mediators, prostaglandin-E(2) (PGE(2)), collagen content and the kidney histopathology. Severe alterations in all biomarkers were observed after injury with CCl(4). Treatment with ginger extracts resulted in markedly decreased levels of LPO, PGE(2), collagen and kidney function tests, while increased levels of GSH, SOD and serum protein were observed. In conclusion, extracts of ginger, particularly the ethanol, resulted in an attractive candidate for the treatment of nephropathy induced by CCl(4) through scavenging free radicals, improved kidney functions, inhibition of inflammatory mediators, and normalizing the kidney histopathological architecture. Further studies are required in order to identify the molecules responsible of the pharmacological activity.

Preparation, preliminary characterization, antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antitumor activities of polysaccharides from the flower of tea plant (Camellia sinensis)

In the present study, the crude polysaccharides from the flowers of tea plant (Camellia sinensis) (TFPS) were prepared with hot water and further fractionated on a DEAE-52 cellulose chromatography to afford three purified fractions of TFPS-1, TFPS-2 and TFPS-3. Then, their preliminary structures, antioxidant and antitumor activities in vitro and hepatoprotective activity in vivo were investigated. Compared with TFPS-2 and TFPS-3, TFPS-1 had relative higher content of sulfate and relative complicated monosaccharide composition. In addition, TFPS-1 and TFPS-3 showed relative stronger antioxidant activity and inhibitory activity on the growth of human gastric cancer BGC-823 cells. For hepatoprotective activity in vivo, we demonstrated that crude TFPS significantly prevented the increase of serum alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, reduced the formation of malondialdehyde and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury mice. The results suggested that TFPS should be a potent natural polymer with antioxidant, hepatoprotective and antitumor activities.

Zinc deficiency enhances sensitivity to carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Zinc (Zn) is an essential nutrient that is required in humans and animals for many physiological functions, including immune and antioxidant functions, growth and reproduction. The present study was conducted to examine the influence of Zn deficiency on the protective action against mild oxidative stress induced by a low dose of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) in rats. Male Wistar rats were administered 125 or 250 μL/kg body weight CCl(4), which caused mild or no elevation of serum LDH, AST and ALT enzyme levels in rats fed a diet with adequate Zn. Treatment with CCl(4) (125 μL/kg) caused a significant release of these enzymes into the serum of rats fed a Zn-deficient diet but not in those given a diet with adequate Zn. Furthermore, no histological abnormalities were observed in CCl(4)-untreated rats fed either a diet with adequate Zn or a Zn-deficient diet or in CCl(4) (125 μL/kg)-treated rats fed a diet with adequate Zn. In CCl(4) (125 μL/kg)-treated rats fed a Zn-deficient diet, however, we observed associated collagen accumulation in the liver and hepatic necrosis. The degree of fibrosis was also more severe in CCl(4) (250 μL/kg)-treated rats fed a Zn-deficient diet. These results show that zinc deficiency during an oxidative stress injury negates the protective actions of certain treatments that normally block oxidative damage. The present study suggests that Zn plays an important role in regulating the antioxidative defense system under mild CCl(4) toxic conditions.

Effect of different dietary zinc levels on hepatic antioxidant and micronutrients indices under oxidative stress conditions

Dietary zinc (Zn) status exerts a powerful influence on the degree of oxidative damage caused by free radicals. We examined the effect of dietary Zn variations with oxidative stress (OS) treatment on antioxidant status, liver function, and status of vitamins in male Wistar rats. Oxidative stress was generated by intraperitoneal injections of tert-butyl hydroperoxide; and dietary Zn variations done were Zn deficient, normal, and excess, with 8, 30, and 60 mg Zn per kilogram diet, respectively. After 21-day dietary regimen, the animals were killed; and plasma aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, hepatic antioxidant enzymes (catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase), Zn, reduced glutathione, lipid peroxidation (LPO), and hepatic riboflavin, nicotinic acid, and ascorbic acid estimations were done. The alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels were elevated in rats with OS and Zn-deficient diet, which were restored to normal levels with excess dietary Zn. Hepatic antioxidant enzymes and reduced glutathione levels were significantly decreased with concomitant increase in LPO due to OS induction in animals with Zn-deficient diet. Corresponding enhanced enzyme activities, higher hepatic Zn, and lowered LPO were observed in animals with normal- and excess-Zn diet. A dose-dependent increase in hepatic nicotinic acid accumulation was observed as the dietary Zn level increased from deficient to excess; however, there was no influence on riboflavin and ascorbic acid status. The results suggest that Zn may have a therapeutic potential in treatment of oxidative liver damage along with enhanced nicotinic acid absorption.

Effect of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid in rats

BACKGROUND

The aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of different doses of vitamin C on oxidative liver injury due to isoniazid (INH) in rats.

METHODS

Rats were divided into four subgroups, each containing 10 rats. Group 1 was the control group; group 2, INH 50 mg/kg per day; group 3, INH 50 mg/kg per day + low-dose vitamin C (100 mg/kg per day); group 4, INH 50 mg/kg per day + high-dose vitamin C (1000 mg/kg per day). INH and vitamin C were administered into their stomachs through an oral tube. After 21 days, measurements were made in both serum and homogenized liver tissues. The levels of glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and other biochemical variables were measured. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-px) and vitamin C were measured using commercial kits.

RESULTS

Aspartate amino transferase and alanine aminotransferase in group 2 were higher than those in groups 1, 3 and 4 (P < 0.008 for both). Serum and tissue levels of MDA in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.008 for both). There was no difference in the SOD levels between the four groups (P= 0.095). Erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 2 were higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.008 for both). Interestingly, erythrocyte and tissue GSH in group 4 were lower than those in group 1 (P < 0.008 for both). Erythrocyte level of GSH-px in group 2 was higher than that in groups 1 and 3 (P < 0.008 for both).

CONCLUSIONS

INH-induced liver injury is associated with oxidative stress, and co-administration of low-dose vitamin C may reduce this damage effectively in a rat model. The antioxidant effect of high-dose vitamin C does not seem more potent compared to the low dose.

Oxidative stress and glutathione in TGF-beta-mediated fibrogenesis

Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-beta) is the most potent and ubiquitous profibrogenic cytokine, and its expression is increased in almost all the fibrotic diseases and in experimental fibrosis models. TGF-beta increases reactive oxygen species production and decreases the concentration of glutathione (GSH), the most abundant intracellular free thiol and an important antioxidant, which mediates many of the fibrogenic effects of TGF-beta in various types of cells. A decreased GSH concentration is also observed in human fibrotic diseases and in experimental fibrosis models. Although the biological significance of GSH depletion in the development of fibrosis remains obscure, GSH and N-acetylcysteine, a precursor of GSH, have been used in clinics for the treatment of fibrotic diseases. This review summarizes recent findings in the field to address the potential mechanism whereby oxidative stress mediates fibrogenesis induced by TGF-beta and the potential therapeutic value of antioxidant treatment in fibrotic diseases.

Carbon tetrachloride affects inflammation-related biochemical networks in the mouse liver as identified by a customized cDNA microarray system

OBJECTIVES

We have attempted to upgrade and validate an in-house cDNA microarray system developed by our group for the evaluation of chemical toxicity.

METHODS

To establish an in-house microarray, we selected genes that play pivotal roles in detoxifying exogenous substances and maintaining homeostasis in the liver. To validate the system, we examined gene expression profiles in mouse liver following treatment with different doses of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)). The data were also analyzed by pathway analysis tools.

RESULTS

We upgraded our array system by collecting genes that are responsive to xenobiotic receptors, apoptosis-related genes, and stress-responsive genes. The acute toxicity of CCl(4) was confirmed by elevated levels of serum transaminase and histopathological findings. The microarray data showed the CCl(4) treatment induced significant changes in gene expression in the mouse liver, and the ingenuity pathways analysis revealed alterations in gene expression in inflammation-related networks.

CONCLUSIONS

We have established a focused microarray system that may be useful for use in toxicogenomics studies. Using this array system, we gained insight into the mechanisms by which CCl(4) exerts its toxic effects. The results of our study also indicate that the combination of focused arrays and bioinformatics tools is helpful in the mechanistic analysis of chemical toxicity.

Zinc supplementation improves the outcome of chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis

We treated patients with C-viral chronic hepatitis (CH) and liver cirrhosis (LC) with polaprezinc and determined prospectively the effect on long-term outcome. 62 patients were enrolled. Of these, 32 were administered 1.0 g polaprezinc and the remainder were not administered polaprezinc. We measured the serum zinc concentrations using conventional atomic absorption spectrometry and conducted a prospective study to determine the long-term outcome of the polaprezinc therapy. Changes of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the polaprezinc administration group were significantly lower than those of the untreated group. The decrease in platelet count was clearly less than that of the untreated group. The factors that inhibited increases in serum zinc concentrations following administration of polaprezinc included low serum zinc concentration states. Furthermore, the reductions of AST and ALT levels in the low zinc group were significantly greater than those of the high zinc group. When the patients who were administered polaprezinc were divided into two groups whose zinc concentrations increased (zinc responders) or remained stable or decreased (zinc non-responders), the zinc responders had a clearly lower cumulative incidence of HCC than the zinc non-responders. We conclude zinc supplementation improved the long-term outcome in C-viral CH and LC patients.

Zinc supplementation improves the outcome of chronic hepatitis C and liver cirrhosis

We treated patients with C-viral chronic hepatitis (CH) and liver cirrhosis (LC) with polaprezinc and determined prospectively the effect on long-term outcome. 62 patients were enrolled. Of these, 32 were administered 1.0 g polaprezinc and the remainder were not administered polaprezinc. We measured the serum zinc concentrations using conventional atomic absorption spectrometry and conducted a prospective study to determine the long-term outcome of the polaprezinc therapy. Changes of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels in the polaprezinc administration group were significantly lower than those of the untreated group. The decrease in platelet count was clearly less than that of the untreated group. The factors that inhibited increases in serum zinc concentrations following administration of polaprezinc included low serum zinc concentration states. Furthermore, the reductions of AST and ALT levels in the low zinc group were significantly greater than those of the high zinc group. When the patients who were administered polaprezinc were divided into two groups whose zinc concentrations increased (zinc responders) or remained stable or decreased (zinc non-responders), the zinc responders had a clearly lower cumulative incidence of HCC than the zinc non-responders. We conclude zinc supplementation improved the long-term outcome in C-viral CH and LC patients.

Intragastrically Applicated CCl4-Thiopental Sodium Enhanced Lipid Peroxidation and Liver Fibrosis (Cirrhosis) in Rat: Malonedialdehyde as a Parameter of Lipid Peroxidation Correlated with Hydroxyproline as a Parameter of Collagen Synthesis (Deposition)

We investigated the pathogenesis of liver tissue damage during the lipid peroxidation and fibrogenesis with the observation of correlations between the parameters of collagen synthesis (and deposition) and lipid peroxidation in liver fibrosis (cirrhosis) rats. Rats were randomly divided into two groups, normal and CCl₄-thiopental sod. intoxicated group. And the one group was treated intragastrically with the mixture of CCl₄-thiopental sod. 3 times per week for 3 weeks. The liver tissue and sera were used for the measurement of hydroxyproline (HYP), malonedialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD). Biochemical parameters such as aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total-bilirubin and blood urea nitrogen (BUN) were measured. Additionally, the expression of collagen α1(III) and β-actin mRNA was observed by RT-PCR. The histological change in liver tissue was also observed by Masson's trichrome and H&E staining. Correlation analysis was carried by Spearman's rho method. All biochemical parameters except total-bilirubin were significantly higher in the CCl₄-thiopental sod. treated group than that of the normal group (p < 0.01). In the CCl₄-thiopental sod. treated group, Hyp as a parameter of collagen synthesis (deposition) and MDA as a metabolite of lipid peroxidation, were significantly elevated by 1.98 and 2.11 times higher than that of the normal group (p> 0.001) respectively. The activity of SOD in the CCl₄-thiopental sod. treated group is decreased significantly by 44.8% (p> 0.001). And collagen α1(III) mRNA was more expressed in the CCl₄-thiopental sod. treated group than that of the normal group. However, the expression of β-actin mRNA is showed similar in both of groups. A good correlation was observed between the content of hyp and MDA concentration (r = 0.70, n = 40) in the two groups. And the correlation between the levels of hyp and SOD (r = -0.71, n = 25) is also reliable. However, no correlation were observed between MDA concentration and SOD (r = -0.40, n = 25) in the two groups. Elevated levels of MDA in CCl₄-thiopental sod. treated rats indicated enhancement of lipid peroxidation, which is accompanied by a decrease in SOD activity. Moreover, we could confirm that the parameters of collagen synthesis (and deposition) is in good correlation with the metabolite of lipid peroxidation (MDA) and the lipid peroxidation antagonizing enzyme (SOD). Hence, we propose that ➀ lipid peroxidation and collagen synthesis (and deposition) could be enhanced by intragastrically application of CCl₄-thiopental sod. during a short terms. And ➁ the intoxication of CCl₄-thiopental sod. could be used for monitoring of lipid peroxidation and collagen synthesis (and depositon) for test of antioxidant and antifibrotic agent.

Schistosoma mansoni: effect of dietary zinc supplement on egg granuloma in Swiss mice treated with praziqantel

Schistosomiasis is one of the most important parasitic diseases in Egypt and chemotherapy is considered the most effective method of control. This study was conducted to assess the effectiveness of zinc administration against Schistosoma mansoni infection by evaluating the activities of arylesterase and paraoxonase (PON1) enzymes, and the degree of liver damage. One hundred and twenty albino mice were divided into two groups; one was an infected control and the other a treated group which was further subdivided into three according to the praziquantel and zinc supplementation given. Blood and liver samples, collected 10 weeks post-infection, were subjected to parasitological, histopathological, and enzyme assays, and immunological studies. The results showed that dietary zinc supplementation led to marked reduction in worm load, and egg deposition in the liver and intestine. Histopathological examination showed marked reduction in the number and diameter of hepatic granulomas in the treated groups. The activity of arylesterase and PON1 enzymes were partially restored in infected animals receiving zinc. IL-10 mRNA expression was higher in the treated groups than in the infection control group. In conclusion, zinc administration could be a promising adjuvant therapy for S. mansoni infection.

Zinc deficiency

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

Zinc plays an essential role in numerous biochemical pathways. Zinc deficiency affects many organ systems, including the integumentary, gastrointestinal, central nervous system, immune, skeletal, and reproductive systems. This article aims to discuss zinc metabolism and highlights a few of the diseases associated with zinc deficiency.

RECENT FINDINGS

Zinc deficiency results in dysfunction of both humoral and cell-mediated immunity and increases the susceptibility to infection. Supplementation of zinc has been shown to reduce the incidence of infection as well as cellular damage from increased oxidative stress. Zinc deficiency is also associated with acute and chronic liver disease. Zinc supplementation protects against toxin-induced liver damage and is used as a therapy for hepatic encephalopathy in patients refractory to standard treatment. Zinc deficiency has also been implicated in diarrheal disease, and supplementation has been effective in both prophylaxis and treatment of acute diarrhea.

SUMMARY

This article is not meant to review all of the disease states associated with zinc deficiency. Rather, it is an introduction to the influence of the many roles of zinc in the body, with an extensive discussion of the influence of zinc deficiency in selected diseases. Zinc supplementation may be beneficial as an adjunct to treatment of many disease states.

Antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of Cirsium setidens Nakai against CCl4-induced liver damage

The antioxidant activity and hepatoprotective potential of Cirsium setidens Nakai, a widely used medicinal plant, were investigated. The n-butanol (n-BuOH) fraction of leaves and roots of C. setidens had a higher 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity than the other soluble fractions. The n-BuOH fraction of roots of C. setidens had a significant hepatoprotective activity at a dose of 500 mg/kg compared to that of a standard agent. The biochemical results were confirmed by histological observations indicating that C. setidens extract decreased ballooning degeneration in response to CCl(4) treatment. The n-BuOH fraction reduced CCl(4)-induced liver injury in rats, and transcript levels of genes encoding antioxidant enzymes such as glutathione peroxidase 1 (GPO1), glutathione peroxidase 3 (GPO3) and superoxide dismutase (SOD1) were elevated in the livers of rats treated with this fraction (500 mg/kg). Based on these results, we suggest that the C. setidens extract has hepatoprotective effect related to its antioxidant activity.

Expression profile of liver genes in response to hepatotoxicants identified using a SAGE-based customized DNA microarray system

Gene expression analysis using customized or focused DNA microarrays is favorable because of a reduction in the cost and time needed for the analysis. To examine the effect of chemicals on the liver, we developed an in-house cDNA microarray system, mouse Liver Stress Array ver. 1.0, containing 355 unique genes involved in drug metabolism, inflammation and liver-related proteins. These genes were selected for sensing the homeostasis of the liver and based on the information of liver transcriptome revealed by serial analysis of gene expression. By using this customized microarray, we analyzed gene expression changes in the mouse liver treated by 11 known hepatotoxicants. Gene expression measurements corresponding to the in vivo response to known hepatotoxicants revealed that profiles of chemicals with similar mechanisms clustered together. For each of the chemicals tested, several genes that were induced or repressed were common in each chemical exposure, whereas other genes were unique for the specific class compound. Ingenuity pathways analysis revealed that significant alterations in gene expression occurred in a number of biological networks by these treatments. Although the genes spotted on our array was limited to a highly focused set for toxicity classification, this work provides proof of concept that patterns of gene regulation assessed by a focused array system are useful to classify unknown chemicals.

Comprehensive characterization of serum clinical chemistry parameters and the identification of urinary superoxide dismutase in a carbon tetrachloride-induced model of hepatic fibrosis in the female Hanover Wistar rat

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) was used to induce liver fibrosis in the rat. Using this model, we have identified changes in serum and urinary clinical chemistry parameters, and characterized histopathological lesions in the liver. Two experiments were conducted. In Experiment 1, rats were dosed at six levels of CCl(4) (0.06-0.36 ml/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week non-dosing recovery period (week 12). Livers were removed for histology at 6 and 12 weeks and serum parameters analysed. In Experiment 2, rats were given seven dose levels of CCl(4) (0.4-1.0 ml/kg) twice weekly for 6 weeks, followed by a 6-week recovery period (week 12); urine samples were analysed at 3, 6, 9 and 12 weeks using one-dimensional sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS-PAGE). Liver fibrosis was evident at 6 weeks in Experiments 1 and 2, and the activity of serum enzymes (including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and glutamate dehydrogenase) was increased. Sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis (Experiment 2) revealed a protein band at 18.4 kDa in urine from rats treated with CCl(4), not present in control urine, which was identified as copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (Cu/Zn SOD). Western blotting revealed that SOD was increased in urine from rats treated with CCl(4) at 3 and 6 weeks, but not at 9 and 12 weeks. We conclude that Cu/Zn SOD is a urinary marker of hepatic necrosis, but not hepatic fibrosis.

The effects of N-acetylcysteine on bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis in rats

Stellate cells are activated by free radicals, and synthesize collagen. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) is a precursor of reduced glutathione and a potent scavenger of hydroxyl radicals and has potential antifibrotic effects. We aimed to test the effects of NAC on bile duct ligation (BDL) induced liver damage in rats. Forty-seven Wistar rats were divided into 5 groups: group 1, BDL+NAC (n=10); group 2, BDL (n=10); group 3, sham+NAC (n=10); group 4, sham (n=10); and group 5, control group (n=10). NAC (50 micromol/kg per day) or saline of single doses were administered intraperitoneally for 28 days. Serum biochemical and liver oxidative stress parameters were studied. Liver collagen level was determined by the method of Lopez de Leon and Rojkind. Liver slides were stained by hematoxylin and eosin and Masson trichrome\Gomory reticulum staining. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels in the BDL+NAC group were lower than the BDL group and were higher than the control groups (all P< .001). Malondialdehyde, luminal, and glutathione levels in group 1 were lower than the BDL group (P= .01, P= .002, and P< .001) and higher than the control groups (all P< .001). NAC had no effect on alanine aminotransferase (ALT), gammaglutamyl transferase, bilirubin, albumin, or lucigenin levels. Liver collagen levels were higher in the BDL groups (P< .001); however, NAC had no effect on the collagen levels. The BDL groups showed stage 3 fibrosis; all the control groups were normal. NAC improved some biochemical parameters (AST, alkaline phosphatase) and oxidative stress parameters (malondialdehyde, luminol, glutathione) in the BDL model. NAC was found to be effective on cholestasis-induced hepatotoxicity. However, NAC was inefficient as an antifibrotic agent within a 1-month period of administration in the BDL model.