Hepatoprotective effect of parthenolide in rat model of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

Costunolide attenuates high-fat diet-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disease that can further evolve towards liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the end stage. Costunolide (Cos) is a natural sesquiterpene lactone that exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic effect of Cos on NAFLD is not clear. In this study, we explored the potential protective effect and mechanism of Cos on NAFLD. C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD. Cos was administered by gavage to observe the effect of Cos on NAFLD. We demonstrated that oral administration of Cos reduced HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species. In vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with Cos significantly decreased PA-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in AML-12 cells. Mechanism study showed that the effect of Cos was correlated to the induction of Nrf-2 and inhibition of NF-κB pathways. Collectively, these findings indicated that Cos exerts hepatoprotective effect against NAFLD through blocking inflammation and oxidative stress. Our study suggested that Cos might be an effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of NAFLD.

Deacetylation via SIRT2 prevents keratin-mutation-associated injury and keratin aggregation

Keratin (K) and other intermediate filament (IF) protein mutations at conserved arginines disrupt keratin filaments into aggregates and cause human epidermolysis bullosa simplex (EBS; K14-R125C) or predispose to mouse liver injury (K18-R90C). The challenge for more than 70 IF-associated diseases is the lack of clinically utilized IF-targeted therapies. We used high-throughput drug screening to identify compounds that normalized mutation-triggered keratin filament disruption. Parthenolide, a plant sesquiterpene lactone, dramatically reversed keratin filament disruption and protected cells and mice expressing K18-R90C from apoptosis. K18-R90C became hyperacetylated compared with K18-WT and treatment with parthenolide normalized K18 acetylation. Parthenolide upregulated the NAD-dependent SIRT2, and increased SIRT2-keratin association. SIRT2 knockdown or pharmacologic inhibition blocked the parthenolide effect, while site-specific Lys-to-Arg mutation of keratin acetylation sites normalized K18-R90C filaments. Treatment of K18-R90C-expressing cells and mice with nicotinamide mononucleotide had a parthenolide-like protective effect. In 2 human K18 variants that associate with human fatal drug-induced liver injury, parthenolide protected K18-D89H- but not K8-K393R-induced filament disruption and cell death. Importantly, parthenolide normalized K14-R125C-mediated filament disruption in keratinocytes and inhibited dispase-triggered keratinocyte sheet fragmentation and Fas-mediated apoptosis. Therefore, keratin acetylation may provide a novel therapeutic target for some keratin-associated diseases.

NLRP3: a new therapeutic target in alcoholic liver disease

The liver is in charge of a wide range of critical physiological processes and it plays an important role in activating the innate immune system which elicits the inflammatory events. Chronic ethanol exposure disrupts hepatic inflammatory mechanism and leads to the release of proinflammatory mediators such as chemokines, cytokines and activation of inflammasomes. The mechanism of liver fibrosis/cirrhosis involve activation of NLRP3 inflammasome, leading to the destruction of hepatocytes and subsequent metabolic dysregulation in humans. In addition, increasing evidence suggests that alcohol intake significantly modifies liver epigenetics, promoting the development of alcoholic liver disease (ALD). Epigenetic changes including histone modification, microRNA-induced genetic modulation, and DNA methylation are crucial in alcohol-evoked cell signaling that affects gene expression in the hepatic system. Though we are at the beginning stage without having the entire print of epigenetic signature, it is time to focus more on NLRP3 inflammasome and epigenetic modifications. Here we review the novel aspect of ALD pathology linking to inflammation and highlighting the role of epigenetic modification associated with NLRP3 inflammasome and how it could be a therapeutic target in ALD.

Trends in parthenolide research over the past two decades: A bibliometric analysis

Parthenolide (PTL) is a new compound extracted from traditional Chinese medicine. In recent years, it has been proven to play an undeniable role in tumors, autoimmune diseases, and inflammatory diseases. Similarly, an increasing number of experiments have also confirmed the biological mechanism of PTL in these diseases. In order to better understand the development trend and potential hot spots of PTL in cancer and other diseases, we conducted a detailed bibliometric analysis. The purpose of presenting this bibliometric analysis was to highlight and inform researchers of the important research directions, co-occurrence relationships and research status in this field. Publications related to PTL research from 2002 to 2022 were extracted on the web of science core collection (WoSCC) platform. CiteSpace, VOSviewers and R package "bibliometrix" were applied to build relevant network diagrams. The bibliometric analysis was presented in terms of performance analysis (including publication statistics, top publishing countries, top publishing institutions, publishing journals and co-cited journals, authors and co-cited authors, co-cited references statistics, citation bursts statistics, keyword statistics and trend topic statistics) and science mapping (including citations by country, citations by institution, citations by journal, citations by author, co-citation analysis, and keyword co-occurrence). The detailed discussion of the results explained the focus and latest trends from the bibliometric analysis. Finally, the current status and shortcomings of the research field on PTLwere clearly pointed out for reference by scholars.

Natural products in pursuing novel therapies of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are hepatic manifestations of systemic metabolic dysfunction, which affect one-quarter of the adult population worldwide as estimated, and exhibit high risk in progressing to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current drug discovery focuses on modifying homeostasis of lipids, carbohydrates, and cholesterol, as well as inhibiting inflammation and fibrogenesis. Many natural products show promising activities on various molecular targets involving these mechanisms; however, they have not been fully exploited. Since some compounds are components of healthy food, they may be employed in chemoprevention as adjuvants to lifestyle modification, while natural products such as alkaloids and sesquiterpenoids could serve as promising starting points for structural modifications and deserve further development.

The NLRP3 Inflammasome in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease and Steatohepatitis: Therapeutic Targets and Treatment

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is among the most prevalent primary liver diseases worldwide and can develop into various conditions, ranging from simple steatosis, through non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), to fibrosis, and eventually cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Nevertheless, there is no effective treatment for NAFLD due to the complicated etiology. Recently, activation of the NLPR3 inflammasome has been demonstrated to be a contributing factor in the development of NAFLD, particularly as a modulator of progression from initial hepatic steatosis to NASH. NLRP3 inflammasome, as a caspase-1 activation platform, is critical for processing key pro-inflammatory cytokines and pyroptosis. Various stimuli involved in NAFLD can activate the NLRP3 inflammasome, depending on the diverse cellular stresses that they cause. NLRP3 inflammasome-related inhibitors and agents for NAFLD treatment have been tested and demonstrated positive effects in experimental models. Meanwhile, some drugs have been applied in clinical studies, supporting this therapeutic approach. In this review, we discuss the activation, biological functions, and treatment targeting the NLRP3 inflammasome in the context of NAFLD progression. Specifically, we focus on the different types of therapeutic agents that can inhibit the NLRP3 inflammasome and summarize their pharmacological effectiveness for NAFLD treatment.

Chlorella vulgaris is an effective supplement in counteracting non-alcoholic fatty liver disease-related complications through modulation of dyslipidemia, insulin resistance, and inflammatory pathways

This study was aimed to investigate the effect of microalgae Chlorella vulgaris (C. vulgaris) on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD)-related complications induced by high-fat diet (HFD). Fifty adult male rats were divided into six groups. Control group and HFD group treated with or without C. vulgaris 5% and 10%. Biochemical parameters in serum were measured by spectrophotometric and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) methods. The relative gene expression levels of Tumor Necrosis Factor-alpha (TNF-α), NF-kappa B (NF-ƙB), and p38 Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases (p38 MAPK) in the liver were assessed by using quantitative real-time PCR, while the protein levels of NF-ƙB and TNF-α in the liver homogenate were determined by ELISA. The effects of HFD significantly were reversed by C. vulgaris, especially at a 10% dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that C. vulgaris therapeutically could be useful to improve NAFLD and its complications. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: It is established that NAFLD is associated with the resistance to insulin, dyslipidemia, and inflammation. Accordingly, modulating of these conditions may be useful in the management of NAFLD. Our results showed the effectiveness of C. vulgaris against NAFLD-related complication through the alleviating insulin resistance, dyslipidemia and also down-regulation of inflammatory genes in p38 MAPK/TNF-α/NF-ƙB pathway. The results of our study may be useful for scientist to prepare an effective supplement from C. vulgaris to overcoming NAFLD-related complications.

Parthenolide, bioactive compound of Chrysanthemum parthenium L., ameliorates fibrogenesis and inflammation in hepatic fibrosis via regulating the crosstalk of TLR4 and STAT3 signaling pathway

The current study focused on the regulatory effects of parthenolide (PNL), a bioactive component derived from Chrysanthemum parthenium L., against hepatic fibrosis via regulating the crosstalk of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) in activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs or Raw 264.7 macrophages were activated by TGF-β or LPS for 1 hr, respectively, and then treated with PNL, CLI-095 (TLR4 inhibitor), or Niclosamide (STAT3 inhibitor) for the indicated time to detect the crosstalk of TLR4 and STAT3. PNL significantly decreased the expressions of α-SMA, collagen I, and the ratio of TIMP1 and MMP13 in TGF-β-activated HSCs. PNL significantly reduced the releases of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including IL-6, IL-1β, IL-1α, IL-18, and regulated signaling P2X7r/NLRP3 axis activation. PNL obviously induced the apoptosis of activated HSCs by regulating bcl-2 and caspases family. PNL significantly inhibited the expressions of TLR4 and STAT3, including their downstream signaling. PNL could regulate the crosstalk of TLR4 and STAT3, which were verified by their inhibitors in activated HSCs or Raw 264.7 cell macrophages. Thus, PNL could decrease the expressions of fibrosis markers, reduce the releases of inflammatory cytokines, and also induce the apoptosis of activated HSCs. In conclusion, PNL could bi-directionally inhibit TLR4 and STAT3 signaling pathway, suggesting that blocking the crosstalk of TLR4 and STAT3 might be the potential mechanism of PNL against hepatic fibrosis.

Parthenolide plays a protective role in the liver of mice with metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease through the activation of the HIPPO pathway

Metabolic dysfunction‑associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a serious threat to human health. Parthenolide (PAR) displays several important pharmacological activities, including the promotion of liver function recovery during hepatitis. The aim of the present study was to assess the effect of PAR on MAFLD in a mouse model. Body weight, liver to body weight ratios, histological score, alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels were determined to evaluate liver injury. Liver hydroxyproline concentrations were also assessed. The expression levels of lipid metabolism‑related genes (sterol regulatory element binding protein‑1c, fatty acid synthase, acetyl CoA carboxylase 1, stearoyl CoA desaturase 1 and carbohydrate response element‑binding protein, peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor α, carnitine palmitoyl transferase 1α and acyl‑CoA dehydrogenase short chain), liver fibrosis‑associated genes (α‑smooth muscle actin, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1 and TGF‑β1), pro‑inflammatory cytokines (TNF‑α, IL‑1β and IL‑6) and oxidative stress‑associated enzymes (malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase) were measured in mice with MAFLD. The expression levels of genes associated with the HIPPO pathway were also measured. In vivo experiments using a specific inhibitor of HIPPO signalling were performed to verify the role of this pathway in the effects of PAR. PAR exerted beneficial effects on liver injury, lipid metabolism, fibrosis, inflammation and oxidative stress in mice with MAFLD, which was mediated by activation of the HIPPO pathway.

Carvacrol alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TRPM7 and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response to the tissue repair process. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are thought to be related to the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs is a key step in alleviating liver fibrosis. As a non-specific inhibitor of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), carvacrol has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatic fibrosis activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of carvacrol on liver fibrosis and related molecular mechanisms. A CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB)-activated HSC-T6 cells (a rat hepatic stellate cell line) were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered different concentrations of carvacrol every day for 6 weeks during the development of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results show that carvacrol could effectively reduce liver damage and the progression of liver fibrosis in mice, which are expressed as fibrotic markers levels were reduced and histopathological characteristics were improved. Moreover, carvacrol inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells induced by PDGF-BB. In addition, it was found that carvacrol inhibits the expression of TRPM7 and mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Collectively, our study shows that carvacrol can reduce liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, and the MAPK signaling pathway might be involved in this process.

Anethum graveolens L‎. Alleviates Sperm ‎Damage by Limiting Oxidative Stress ‎and Insulin ‎Resistance ‎in ‎Diabetic Rats ‎

Background:

It has been reported that diabetes is associated with sperm ‎damage and infertility.

Objective:

The purpose of this experiment was to survey the effect of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) powder on sperm profiles, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and histological changes in male diabetic rats.

Methods:

Male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7); group 1: normal rats, 2: normal rats + 100mg/kg Dill, 3: normal rats + 300mg/kg Dill, 4: diabetic rats, 5: diabetic rats + 100mg/kg Dill, and 6: diabetic rats + 300mg/kg Dill. After 2 months of treatments, the sperm profile, anti-oxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde were measured. The histopathology of testis was evaluated. Hormonal changes and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:

Total anti-oxidant and SOD activity in diabetic rats significantly decreased, while MDA concentration was significantly increased in the testis and pancreas of diabetic rats compared with control. However, the use of Dill significantly normalized these profiles. The treatment of diabetic rats with Dill changed the sperm parameters. The levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH in diabetic rats were significantly reduced, but the treatment with Dill did not alter the level of these hormones. Dill also significantly normalized testis morphological changes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Conclusion:

The use of Dill normalized oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats that correlated with sperm profile and testis histological changes. The treatment of diabetic rat models with Dill did not show harmful effects on sperm profiles.

Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Steatosis: Preclinical Study of a New Nutraceutical Multitarget Formulation

Multifactorial pathogenesis of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) disease, a wide-spread liver pathology associated with metabolic alterations triggered by hepatic steatosis, should be hit by multitarget therapeutics. We tested a multicomponent food supplement mixture (AP-NHm), whose components have anti-dislipidemic, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects, on in vitro and in vivo models of NASH. In vitro, hepatic cells cultures were treated for 24 h with 0.5 mM oleic acid (OA): in the co-treatment set cells were co-treated with AP-NH mixtures (AP-NHm, 1:3:10 ratio) and in the post-injury set AP-NHm was added for 48 h after OA damage. In vivo, C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) for 12 weeks, inducing NASH at 7th week, and treated with AP-NHm at two dosages (1:3 ratio) in co-treatment or post-injury protocols, while a control group was fed with a standard diet. In in vitro co-treatment protocol, alterations of redox balance, proinflammatory cytokines release and glucose uptake were restored in a dose-dependent manner, at highest dosages also in post-injury regimen. In both regimens, pathologic dyslipidemias were also ameliorated by AP-NHm. In vivo, high-dose-AP-NHm-co-treated-HFD mice dose-dependently gained less body weight, were protected from dyslipidemia, and showed a lower liver weight. Dose-dependently, AP-NHm treatment lowered hepatic LDL, HDL, triglycerides levels and oxidative damage; co-treatment regimen was anti-inflammatory, reducing TNF-α and IL-8 levels. Hepatic lipidic infiltration significantly decreased in co-treated and post-injury-AP-NHm-HFD animals. The multitarget approach with AP-NHm was effective in preventing and reducing NASH-related pathologic features, warranting for the clinical development of this compound.

Terpenoids as Potential Geroprotectors

Terpenes and terpenoids are the largest groups of plant secondary metabolites. However, unlike polyphenols, they are rarely associated with geroprotective properties. Here we evaluated the conformity of the biological effects of terpenoids with the criteria of geroprotectors, including primary criteria (lifespan-extending effects in model organisms, improvement of aging biomarkers, low toxicity, minimal adverse effects, improvement of the quality of life) and secondary criteria (evolutionarily conserved mechanisms of action, reproducibility of the effects on different models, prevention of age-associated diseases, increasing of stress-resistance). The number of substances that demonstrate the greatest compliance with both primary and secondary criteria of geroprotectors were found among different classes of terpenoids. Thus, terpenoids are an underestimated source of potential geroprotectors that can effectively influence the mechanisms of aging and age-related diseases.

Wound healing activity of Pimpinella anisum methanolic extract in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

OBJECTIVE

To assess the wound healing potential of Pimpinella anisum on cutaneous wounds in diabetic rats.

METHOD

Full-thickness excisional wounds were made on the back of male, Sprague-Dawley rats with diabetes. The rats were randomly allocated into four treatment groups: 1ml basal cream; tetracycline (3%); Pimpinella anisum 10% for 14 days; and a control group. At days seven, 14 and 21 post-injury, five animals of each group were euthanised, and wounds were assessed through gross, histopathological and oxidant/antioxidant evaluations. Additionally, the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents of the skin samples were measured.

RESULTS

A total of 60 rats were used in the study. A significant decrease in the wound size was observed in treated animals with Pimpinella anisum compared with other groups during the experiment. Additionally, treatment with Pimpinella anisum decreased the number of lymphocytes and improved the number of fibroblasts at the earlier stages and increased a number of fibrocytes at the later stages of wound healing. Other parameters such as re-epithelialisation, tissue alignment, greater maturity of collagen fibres and large capillary-sized blood vessels revealed significant changes when compared with the control. Pimpinella anisum significantly reverted oxidative changes of total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde and glutathione peroxidase induced by diabetic wounds (p<0.05). Furthermore, it significantly increased the dry matter and hydroxyproline contents at various stages of wound healing (p<0.05).

CONCLUSION

The present study showed that application of Pimpinella anisum extract promotes wound healing activity in diabetic rats. The wound-healing property of Pimpinella anisum can be attributed to the phytoconstituents present in the plant.

Co-administration of resveratrol and beta-aminopropionitrile attenuates liver fibrosis development via targeting lysyl oxidase in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats

Objectives: In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of administration of resveratrol (RES) and beta-aminopropionitrile (BAPN) separately and together on the liver fibrosis progression via regulation of the gene expression and protein level of lysyl oxidase (LOX).Materials and methods: The six-week old Wistar rats received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intraperitoneally and RES and BAPN were administrated orally for eight weeks. The hepatoprotective effects of RES, BAPN, and combination treatment were evaluated. Then the hepatic protein and gene expression levels of LOX were measured.Results: Both RES and BAPN showed the antifibrotic effect through the reduction of collagen fiber bundles, hepatic hydroxyproline content, and protein level of LOX. The antifibrotic effect increased when RES and BAPN up-taken together.Conclusion: The co-administration of RES and BAPN can be considered as a promising therapeutic approach via targeting LOX.

Carvacrol Downregulates Lysyl Oxidase Expression and Ameliorates Oxidative Stress in the Liver of Rats with Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis

In the current study, we aimed to investigate the effect of carvacrol on the suppression of liver fibrosis progression through targeting lysyl oxidase (LOX) expression. The rats received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) intraperitoneally and carvacrol orally for 10 weeks. Liver damage was evaluated by measuring the serum level of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase and alkaline phosphatase and hepatic oxidative stress parameters including total antioxidant capacity, total thiol group and total oxidant status spectrophotometry and malondialdehyde fluorometrically. Extracellular deposition of collagen was detected using Masson's trichrome standing. Furthermore the gene expression of lysyl oxidase homolog 2 (Loxl2) was analyzed using quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. And then the protein level of LOX was detected in liver tissue by western blot method. Carvacrol administration normalized serum biochemical parameters and improved oxidative stress status in liver homogenate of CCl₄ treated rats. Collagen fiber bundles in interlobular spaces were decreased remarkably by carvacrol treatment. Also, carvacrol downregulated hepatic gene expression of Loxl2 and protein level of LOX. Our data clearly revealed that carvacrol suppresses progression of liver fibrosis development via attenuating of liver damage and oxidative stress status as well as via downregulation of hepatic gene expression of Loxl2 and protein level of LOX.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Silymarin on Liver Injury via Irisin Upregulation and Oxidative Stress Reduction in Rats with Type 2 Diabetes

BACKGROUND

Diabetes is one of the most prevalent metabolic diseases. Irisin (FNDC5 protein) is involved in the new strategy of combating type 2 diabetes. In the liver, the antidiabetic mechanism of silymarin at the molecular level is unknown. This study investigated the effects of silymarin on irisin and the related gene expression and oxidative stress status in the liver of type 2 diabetic rats.

METHODS

Thirty-six rats were divided into 6 groups (n=6 each) by simple randomization: control, control+silymarin (60 mg/kg daily in normal saline orally for 60 days), control+silymarin (120 mg/kg daily in normal saline orally for 60 days), diabetic, diabetic+silymarin (60 mg/kg daily for 60 days), and diabetic+silymarin (120 mg/kg daily for 60 days). Biochemical parameters were measured by spectrophotometric and immunoassay methods, and quantitative polymerase chain reaction was used to evaluate gene expression. The data were analyzed by one-way ANOVA, followed by the Tukey test, using SPSS software, version 16.0. The results were considered statistically significant at a P value less than 0.05.

RESULTS

In the diabetic rats treated with silymarin (60 and 120 mg/kg), by comparison with the diabetic group, body weight (P=0.04 and P=0.02), insulin (P<0.001), expression of PGC-1α (P=0.04 and P=0.02), expression of FNDC5 (P=0.03 and P=0.01), and concentration of irisin in the liver (P=0.02 and P=0.01) and serum (P<0.001) were significantly increased, whereas the levels of glucose (P<0.001), HOMA-IR (P=0.03 and P=0.01), and liver injury markers (P<0.001) were significantly reduced. Oxidative stress status and histopathological changes were improved in the treated groups.

CONCLUSION

These results suggest that silymarin because of its ability to upregulate irisin and antioxidant effects can be considered an antidiabetic agent.

Protective effects of combined Losartan and Nilotinib on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) have been developed as therapeutic compounds for inhibiting the progression of liver fibrosis. In the present study, the simultaneous treatment of Nilotinib (TKIs) and Losartan was studied. Forty rats were divided into eight groups of fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and therapeutics (Nilotinib, Losartan, and combination therapy). In the end, serum parameters of the liver and gene expression analysis of transforming growth factor-β₁, its receptors (TβRII), platelet-derived growth factor, its receptors (PDGFR_β), matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9), tumor necrosis factor-α, cytochrome P450 2E1, and collagen1 type 1 were performed. The oxidant/antioxidant factors were also analyzed. Histopathology analysis along with α-SMA immunohistochemistry and hydroxyproline evaluation was also conducted for a more in-depth study. The overall results indicated a better therapeutic effect of co-treatment of Nilotinib-Losartan in comparison with the treatment of each of them alone. Interestingly, some gene and protein factors and fibrotic indices were reduced even to the normal levels of the control group. The results of this study suggest that co-administration of these two combinations, strengthens their anti-fibrotic properties and, due to the routine use of these compounds against AML and blood pressure, these compounds can be used with caution against human liver fibrosis.

The Role of Calcium in Differentiation of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells to Adipocytes

Differentiation process of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) into adipocyte is involved in obesity. Multiple factors such as Ca²⁺ play important roles in different stages of this process. Because of the complicated roles of Ca²⁺ in adipogenesis, the aim of present investigation was to study the influx and efflux of Ca²⁺ into and out of the cells during adipogenesis. Adipose-derived MSCs were used to differentiate into adipocytes. MSCs were exposed to 2.5 mM Ca²⁺ or 1.8 mM Ca²⁺ plus calcium ionophore, A23187, for 3 days. Lipid staining, triglycerides (TG) content, and glyceraldehyde phosphate dehydrogenase (GAPDH) activity were evaluated to confirm the efficiency of the differentiation. Gene expression of GLUT4, PPARγ2, RAR-α, and calreticulin, as well as the protein levels of GLUT4 and PPARγ2 were determined. Ca²⁺ and in particular Ca²⁺ plus A23187 significantly lowered the efficiency of differentiation accompanied by decrease in intracellular TG deposits, GAPDH activity and alleviation of gene, and protein levels of GLUT4 and PPARγ2. While calreticulin and RAR-α were remarkably upregulated in A23187 group. This study showed the inhibitory effects of calcium in adipogenesis. Additionally, it indicated the greater inhibitory effect of calreticulin and RAR-α in controlling adipogenesis by higher levels of calcium.

Silymarin prevents lipid accumulation in the liver of rats with type 2 diabetes via sirtuin1 and SREBP-1c

BACKGROUND

In this study, we have investigated whether silymarin intake influences lipid and glycogen content in conjunction with sirtuin1 (SIRT1) and sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1c (SREBP-1c) expressions in liver of type 2 diabetic rat.

METHODS

Thirty-six male Wistar rats were randomly divided into six groups: control groups (C) and diabetic groups (D); the control groups received 60 or 120 mg/kg silymarin (C+S60 or C+S120), and the diabetic groups received 60 or 120 mg/kg silymarin (D+S60 or D+S120) daily for 8 weeks. Serum biochemical parameters, as well as glycogen, lipid and oxidative stress biomarkers, in the liver tissue were measured by spectrophotometric methods. Additionally, SIRT1 and SREBP-1c messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions were evaluated by quantitative polymerase chain reaction.

RESULTS

Diabetes caused a significantly increased fasting blood sugar, homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance, liver total cholesterol and triglyceride (TG) content, which were attenuated after the administration of silymarin. Dietary silymarin caused the improvement of lipid content in the liver of diabetic rats. Moreover, silymarin administration promoted SIRT1, suppressed SREBP-1c mRNA expression, reduced liver nitric oxide and protein carbonyl content, and increased liver glycogen, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activity. Furthermore, histopathological changes were improved in the treated groups.

CONCLUSIONS

Silymarin administration considerably restored hepatic changes induced by streptozotocin and nicotinamide. The upregulation of SIRT1 mRNA expression by silymarin may be associated with decreased lipid, increased glycogen content and downregulation of the SREBP-1c gene in the liver.

Micheliolide alleviates hepatic steatosis in db/db mice by inhibiting inflammation and promoting autophagy via PPAR-γ-mediated NF-кB and AMPK/mTOR signaling

The anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anticancer effects of micheliolide (MCL) isolated from Michelia champaca were previously reported, but its role and underlying mechanisms in relieving liver steatosis remain unclear. Herein, we investigated the effects of MCL on hepatic steatosis using a db/db mouse model and lipid mixture (LM)-induced AML12 and LO2 cells. The body and liver weights, food consumption, lipid content and liver aminotransferase levels in serum, the lipid content and inflammatory cytokine levels in liver tissue, and the extent of hepatic steatosis in db/db mice were increased compared with those in db/m mice, and these increases were reversed by MCL treatment. Similarly, MCL also attenuated the inflammatory responses and lipid accumulation in LM-treated AML12 and L02 cells by upregulating PPAR-γ and decreasing p-IкBα and p-NF-κB/p65, thereby inhibiting the NF-κB pathway and reducing lipotoxicity. Furthermore, MCL administration increased LC3B, Atg7 and Beclin-1 expression and the LC3B-II/I ratio in db/db mouse livers and LM-treated AML12 and L02 cells, and these MCL-induced increases were mediated by the activation of PPAR-γ and p-AMPK and inhibition of p-mTOR and induce autophagy. These effects were blocked by PPAR-γ and AMPK inhibitors. Our findings suggest that MCL ameliorates liver steatosis by upregulating PPAR-γ expression, thereby inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation and activating AMPK/mTOR-dependent autophagy.

Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats by Regulating the Nrf2/ARE Signaling Pathway

Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction (YCLGZGD) is the combination of Linggui Zhugan (LGZGD) and Yinchenhao (YCHD) decoctions, two famous traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions. In previous studies, we found that Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction (YCLGZGD) could regulate lipid metabolism disorder and attenuate inflammation in pathological process of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the exact underlying mechanism remains unknown. The aim of this study was to explore the effect of Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction on experimental NAFLD and its mechanism in rats with high-fat diet (HFD) which was established by 8-week administration of HFD. YCLGZGD, LGZGD, and YCHD were administered daily for 4 weeks, after which the rats were euthanized. The level of blood lipid, liver enzymes, H&E, and Oil Red O staining were determined to evaluate NAFLD severity. Western blotting and real-time polymerase chain reaction were, respectively, used to determine hepatic protein and gene expression of Keap1, Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1. Oral YCLGZGD ameliorated HFD-induced NAFLD. Furthermore, YCLGZGD increased the protein and gene expression of Nrf2, NQO1, and HO-1 without changing Keap1. Overall, these results suggest that YCLGZGD ameliorates HFD-induced NAFLD in rats by upregulating the Nrf2/ARE signaling pathway.