Dietary antioxidant compounds and liver health

Effects of different addition levels of CHM-JM113 on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, organ index, and intestinal health of AA broilers

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of different levels of a Chinese herbal medicine formulation combined with JM113 (CHM-JM113) on growth performance, antioxidant capacity, organ index, and intestinal health of AA broilers. The AA broiler chicks were randomly allocated to 5 treatments as follows: a basic diet for the control group, the basic diet supplemented with 0.25% CHM-JM113, 0.5% CHM-JM113, 1% CHM-JM113 and 2% CHM-JM113 for the treatment group, respectively. The results showed that the addition of CHM-JM113 to the diet significantly reduced the mortality (p < 0.01) and improved the European Broiler Index (EBI) (p < 0.05), whereas it had no significance on growth performance of AA broilers (p > 0.05). Comparing the control group, 0.5 and 1% CHM-JM113 group significantly improved the organ index of liver, spleen and bursa (p < 0.05). In terms of intestinal morphology and structure, the addition of different levels of CHM-JM113 increased VH and VH/CD ratio, decreased CD in the small intestine compared to the control group, with 1 and 2% of the additive dose being more effective (p < 0.05). Chinese herbal medicine and probiotics as natural antioxidants also significantly increased the content of SOD in serum of 21-day-old broilers (p < 0.01), and significantly decreased the content of MDA in serum (p < 0.01). At 42 days of age, the addition of 1 and 2% CHM-JM113 significantly increased the content of SOD (p < 0.01) and significantly decreased the content of MDA in the organism (p < 0.01), accompanied by a significant increase in T-AOC and CAT content. In the study of the effect of CHM-JM113 on intestinal immunity, compared with the control group, we found that 1% or 2% CHM-JM113 had a better effect on the expression of occludin and claudin-1 in the intestinal segments of broilers (p < 0.05). For the expression of GATA-3, 0.5% CHM-JM113 may have a better effect (p < 0.05). CHM-JM113 may be used as an antibiotic alternative in broiler production.

Can Nutraceuticals Support the Treatment of MASLD/MASH, and thus Affect the Process of Liver Fibrosis?

Currently, metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) are considered to be the main causes of fibrosis. In turn, fibrosis may lead to the development of hepatocellular carcinoma or advanced cirrhosis, i.e., potentially life-threatening conditions. It is likely that therapy aimed at reducing the risk of developing hepatic steatosis and inflammation could be helpful in minimizing the threat/probability of organ fibrosis. In recent years, increasing attention has been paid to the influence of nutraceuticals in the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. Therefore, the aim of this review was to describe the precise role of selected ingredients such as vitamin C, beta-carotene, omega-3 fatty acids, and curcumin. It is likely that the use of these ingredients in the treatment of patients with MASLD/MASH, along with behavioral and pharmacological therapy, may have a beneficial effect on combating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, and thereby preventing liver damage.

Cold-Pressed Sacha Inchi Oil: High in Omega-3 and Prevents Fat Accumulation in the Liver

The ability of oil supplementation to inhibit various metabolic syndromes has been recognized. However, there are currently no studies determining the effects of oil supplements on healthy conditions. Plukenetia volubilis L., also known as Sacha inchi, is a seed rich in essential unsaturated fatty acids that improves metabolic syndrome diseases, such as obesity and nonalcoholic fatty liver. However, the health benefits and effects of Sacha inchi oil (SIO) supplementation remain unclear. This study aims to evaluate the chemical effects and properties of Sacha inchi oil. The results of the chemical compound analysis showed that Sacha inchi is an abundant source of ω-3 fatty acids, with a content of 44.73%, and exhibits scavenging activity of 240.53 ± 11.74 and 272.41 ± 6.95 µg Trolox/g, determined via DPPH and ABTS assays, respectively, while both olive and lard oils exhibited lower scavenging activities compared with Sacha inchi. Regarding liver histology, rats given Sacha inchi supplements showed lower TG accumulation and fat droplet distribution in the liver than those given lard supplements, with fat areas of approximately 14.19 ± 6.49% and 8.15 ± 2.40%, respectively. In conclusion, our findings suggest that Sacha inchi oil is a plant source of ω-3 fatty acids and antioxidants and does not induce fatty liver and pathology in the kidney, pancreas, and spleen. Therefore, it has the potential to be used as a dietary supplement to improve metabolic syndrome diseases.

Dexpanthenol exhibits antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects against nicotine-induced liver damage by modulating Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3/9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways

Chronic tobacco use can lead to liver damage and inflammation due to the accumulation of various toxins in the body. This study aimed to investigate the correlation between the molecular mechanisms of nicotine-induced liver injury, the caspase cascade, and the Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway, as well as the protective effects of dexpanthenol (DEX). Male rats were subjected to intraperitoneal injections of nicotine at a concentration of 0.5 mg/kg/day and/or DEX at a concentration of 500 mg/kg/day for 8 weeks. After the treatment period, liver function tests were conducted on serum samples, and tissue samples were analyzed for protein levels of Akt, NF-κB, Bax, Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9, along with histopathological changes. Additionally, assessments of oxidative stress markers and proinflammatory cytokines were carried out. Nicotine administration led to elevated levels of IL-6, IL-1β, MDA, TOS, and oxidative stress index, accompanied by decreased TAS levels. Moreover, nicotine exposure reduced the p-Akt/Akt ratio, increased NF-κB, Bax, Caspase-3, and Caspase-9 protein levels, and decreased the antiapoptotic protein Bcl-xL levels. DEX treatment significantly mitigated these effects, restoring the parameters to levels comparable to those of the control group. Nicotine-induced liver injury resulted in oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis, mediated by Bax/Bcl-xL, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Akt/NF-κB pathways. Conversely, DEX effectively attenuated nicotine-induced liver injury by modulating apoptosis through NF-κB, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax inhibition, and Bcl-xL activation.

Traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of the root bark of Paeonia x suffruticosa andrews: A comprehensive review

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Moutan Cortex (MC), commonly known as "Mu dan pi", refers to the dried root bark of Paeonia x suffruticosa Andrews and is broadly used as a traditional herbal medication in China, Japan, and Korea. For thousands of years, it has been utilized to treat female genital, extravasated blood, cardiovascular, and stagnant blood disorders.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

The purpose of this review article was to summarize information on the traditional uses, phytochemistry, pharmacology and pharmacokinetics of MC, as well as to outline the further research directions for the development of new drugs and the associations between traditional uses and pharmacological effects.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The information involved in the study was gathered from a variety of electronic resources, including PubMed, Web of Science, ScienceDirect, SciFinder, China Knowledge Resource Integrated Database, and Google Scholar. The date was from 1992 to 2022.

RESULTS

Approximately 163 chemical compounds have been extracted and identified from MC, including monoterpenes, monoterpene glycosides, triterpenes, phenolics, flavonoids, volatile oils, alkaloids, and others. In these categories, the monoterpene glycosides and phenols being the most common. A wide variety of pharmacological effects have been described for MC crude extracts and active molecules, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antibacterial and antiviral, antitumor, antidiabetic, organ protection, and neuroprotective activities, as well as treating cardiovascular diseases. Pharmacokinetics has been also used in the study of MC, including its crude extracts or chemical constituents, in order to explore the therapeutic mechanism, direct clinically appropriate application and provide new ideas for the exploitation of innovative medicines.

CONCLUSION

Modern pharmacological research has demonstrated that MC, as a significant therapeutic resource, has the ability to heal a wide range of diseases, particularly female genital and cardiovascular problems. These researches propose therapeutic ideas for the development of novel MC medicines. Furthermore, preclinical and clinical study have verified several observed pharmacological properties related with the traditional usages of MC.

Green Coffee Bean Extract Potentially Ameliorates Liver Injury due to HFD/STZ-Induced Diabetes in Rats

The goal of the current study was to examine the therapeutic potential of green coffee bean extract (GCBE) in the treatment of diabetic hepatic damage induced by high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin (STZ) administration. The novelty of this study lies in constructing a newly stabilized in vivo obese diabetic animal model in rats using HFD/STZ for investigating the dose-dependent effect of two commonly used doses of GCBE in hepatoprotection against oxidative stress-induced hepatic damage by measuring many parameters that have not been carried out previously in other studies. GCBE that was used in this study was a hot water extract of green coffee beans with a concentration of 0.1 g ml−1. Male albino rats were given a single dose of STZ (35 mg kg−1), and HFD to induce diabetes mellitus (DM). For 28 days, two separate doses of GCBE 50 mg kg−1 and 100 mg kg−1 were administered orally to diabetic animals. Leptin, liver enzymes, oxidative stress parameters, inflammatory parameters, fasting plasma glucose (FPG), fasting plasma insulin (FPI), and lipid profile levels were examined. Real-time PCR and ELISA were used to quantitatively detect the mRNAs of the genes involved in the insulin signaling pathway, the genes involved in glucose metabolism, and the amounts of proteins. The levels of FPG, lipid profile, liver enzymes, inflammatory markers, and leptin in the HFD/STZ diabetic group revealed a considerable spike, while they considerably decreased after GCBE treatment in a dose-dependent manner. After GCBE treatment, the diabetic group showed a significant rise in the antioxidant markers glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and catalase, as well as a decrease in malondialdehyde and nitric oxide levels. The liver changes caused by HFD/STZ were entirely reversed by GCBE, and most intriguingly, in a dose-dependent manner. We concluded that GCBE can repair the hepatic oxidative damage caused by HFD and STZ by reversing all the previously measured parameters and improving the insulin signaling pathways. GCBE demonstrated strong antifree radical activity and significantly protected cells from oxidative damage caused by HFD/STZ.

Quali-Quantitative Fingerprinting of the Fruit Extract of Uapaca bojeri Bail. (Euphorbiaceae) and Its Antioxidant, Analgesic, Anti-Inflammatory, and Antihyperglycemic Effects: An Example of Biodiversity Conservation and Sustainable Use of Natural Resources in Madagascar

Antioxidants are important supplements for the human body for their roles in human life for the maintenance of homeostasis. Tapia fruits (Uapaca bojeri) are used by the riverain population of the Tapia forests in Madagascar as complementary foods. This study aims to quantify the main antioxidants in the U. bojeri fruits to verify their contribution to the enhancement of their anti-inflammatory and antihyperglycemic effects. Standard phytochemical screening was used for qualitative analysis, while spectrophotometric (TPC, TAC, and TFC) and chromatographic analyses (HPLC) were used to quantify several phytochemicals in U. bojeri fruits. The antioxidant activity was evaluated using DPPH and FRAP assays. The writhing test was used for the analgesic effects, the carrageenan-induced paw edema was used for the anti-inflammatory activity, and OGTT was used to test the anti-hyperglycemia property of the MEUB in mice. Several phytocompounds were detected and quantified in the fruits, including succinic acid (67.73%) as the main quantified compound. Fruits exerted a good antioxidant capacity and showed analgesic, anti-inflammatory, and antihyperglycemic activities in mice. Isolation of the bioactive compounds should be carried out to confirm these pharmacological properties and develop health-promoting food products or medicinal applications derived from this species.

Colonic Coffee Phenols Metabolites, Dihydrocaffeic, Dihydroferulic, and Hydroxyhippuric Acids Protect Hepatic Cells from TNF-α-Induced Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

Coffee presents beneficial health properties, including antiobesity effects. However, its effects on inflammation are controversial. Hydroxycinnamic acids are the main coffee phenolic bioactive compounds. In human bioavailability studies carried out with coffee, among the most abundant compounds found in urine and plasma were the colonic metabolites, dihydrocaffeic (DHCA), dihydroferulic (DHFA), and hydroxyhippuric (HHA) acids. To understand the hepato-protective potential of these three compounds, we tested whether treatment with realistic concentrations (0.5-10 µM) were effective to counteract inflammatory process and oxidative status induced by tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α). First, we established a novel model of inflammation/oxidation using TNF-α and HepG2 cells. Afterwards, we evaluated the activity of DHCA, DHFA, and HHA against the inflammatory/oxidative challenge through the determination of the inflammatory mediators, interleukins (IL)-6, and IL-8 and chemokines, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and macrophage inflammatory protein-1, as well as the levels of biomarkers of oxidative stress, such as reactive oxygen species, reduced glutathione, and the antioxidant enzymes glutathione peroxidase and reductase. Results showed that all three compounds have a potential hepato-protective effect against the induced inflammatory/oxidative insult.

Banana peel extract alleviate inflammation and oxidative stress via modulation of the Nrf2/Hmox-1 and NF-κB pathways in thyroid of heavy metal mixture exposed female rats

Introduction

This is an evaluation of the effects of banana peel BP extract on the heavy metals’ mixture HMM mediated oxido-inflammatory effects in the thyroid of female albino rats.

Methods

Five groups (5 female rats/group) were treated as follows for 60 days: Group 1: Deionized water only; Group 2: (Pb, Hg, Mn and Al); Group 3: 200 mg/kg BP extract + HMM; Group 4: 400 mg/kg BP extract + HMM; Group 5: 800 mg/kg BP extract + HMM. On day 60 animals were euthanized, thyroid was harvested and used for, malondialdehyde MDA, nitric oxide NO, antioxidants, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF – α), interleukin 6 (IL – 6), Caspase-3, Nuclear factor erythroid 2- related factor 2 (Nrf2), Nuclear factor kappa B (NfkB) and Heme Oxygynase – 1 (Hmox-1) and histopathology.

Results

There was significant bioaccumulation of Pb, Al, Hg and MN; elevated IL-6 and Tnf-α, MDA and NO, caspase-3 and Nrf2, NF-κB and Hmox-1 in the HMM only group in comparison to the control. There was significant ( p < 0.05) decrease in SOD, CAT GSH activities in HMM only exposed group in comparison to the control deionized water group, whereas BP co-treatment with HMM significantly ( p < 0.05) increased SOD, CAT GSH activities. Co-treatment with BP extract also reversed most of these effects.

Discussion and Conclusions

BP extract may ameliorate HMM -induced thyrotoxicity in female albino rats by blunting oxido-inflammatory activities.

Zn and Se abrogate heavy metal mixture induced ovarian and thyroid oxido-inflammatory effects mediated by activation of NRF2-HMOX-1 in female albino rats

The thyroid is vital for the proper functioning of the female reproductive system since it regulates the metabolism and development of ovary. This is an evaluation of the essential trace elements ETE on the heavy metals mixture HMM mediated oxido-inflammatory effects in the ovary and thyroid of female albino rats. Eight groups (5 female rats /group) were treated as follows for 60 days: Group 1: Deionized water only; Group 2: (Pb, Hg, Mn and Al); Group 3: HMM + ZnCl₂, 0.80 mg/kg; Group 4: HMM + Na₂SeO₃, 1.50 mg/kg; Group 5: HMM + ZnCl₂, 0.80 mg/kg and Na₂SeO₃, 1.50 mg/kg combined. On day 60 animals were euthanized, ovary and thyroid were harvested and used for, MDA, NO, antioxidants, TNF-α, IL-6, HMOX-1, Caspase-3, NF-KB, NRF2, HM and histopathology. There was significant bioaccumulation of Pb, Al, Hg and MN; elevated IL-6 and TNF-α, MDA and NO, caspase-3 and NRF2, NFKB and HMOX-1 with significant decrease in antioxidants in the HMM only group in comparison to the control. Co-treatment with ETE reversed most of these effects. ETE may ameliorate HMM -induced ovarian and thyrotoxicity in female albino rats by blunting oxido-inflammatory activities.

Edible Flowers Used in Some Countries of the Mediterranean Basin: An Ethnobotanical Overview

Edible flowers are becoming an essential component of people's nutrition in the Mediterranean basin. In the last decades, many researchers also have focused their attention on the nutritional composition of the edible flowers, as well as their antioxidant and antimicrobial properties, including studies on their safety issues. Despite the growing interest in the use of flowers in human nutrition, the ethnobotanical literature is lacking coverage of some important issues, particularly those which concern the use of flowers in the folk tradition. Only recently, a review regarding the contribution of 32 edible flowers to the Mediterranean diet was published. The aim of the present review is to document the plant lore regarding the wild and cultivated edible flowers consumed in the Mediterranean basin. Based on the 112 studies reviewed, we documented 251 taxa as being used in the Mediterranean basin as edible flowers. The plant species belong to 45 families and 141 genera. Asteraceae (54 taxa) is the most frequently cited family. Sambucus nigra L. is the most cited species. This study can be the basis for future research on the supposed bioactivity and toxicity of wild and cultivated flowers.

The hepatoprotective effects of taurine against oxidative stress induced by isotretinoin in rats

Liver disorders are one of the principal reasons for mortality in the world. Isotretinoin is a systemic retinoid that has been approved for therapy of acne vulgaris since 1982. This drug causes complications in the body. Evidence suggests that Isotretinoin might cause hepatotoxicity. Our research aimed to study the exact mechanism of hepatotoxicity induced by isotretinoin and the protective role of taurine in this toxicity. Biomarkers such as aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), superoxide dismutase, glutathione content (GSH), catalase, and malondialdehyde (MDA) were examined. Furthermore, pathological changes were evaluated. The results showed that oral administration of Isotretinoin induced hepatotoxicity as showed by elevation in ALT, AST, and MDA; also, it reduced intracellular GSH in rat liver tissue. Administration of taurine prevented the hepatotoxicity induced by isotretinoin in rats significantly.

Liposomal Drug Delivery of Blumea lacera Leaf Extract: In-Vivo Hepatoprotective Effects

Background: Blumea lacera (B. lacera) is a herbaceous plant commonly found in south-east Asia. It shows significant therapeutic activities against various diseases. The objectives of this study were to evaluate hepatoprotective effects of Blumea lacera leaf extract and also to investigate the comparative effectiveness between a liposomal preparation and a suspension of B. lacera leaf extract against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver damage. Methods: B. lacera leaf extract was characterized using a GC-MS method. A liposomal preparation of B. lacera leaf extract was developed using an ethanol injection method and characterized using dynamic light scattering (DLS) and electronic microscopic systems. The hepatoprotective effects of B. lacera leaf extracts and its liposomal preparation were investigated using CCl₄-induced liver damage in Long Evan rats. Results: GC-MS data showed the presence of different components (e.g., phytol) in the B. lacera leaf extract. DLS and microscopic data showed that a liposomal preparation of B. lacera leaf extracts was in the nano size range. In vivo study results showed that liposomal preparation and a suspension of B. lacera leaf extract normalized liver biochemical parameters, enzymes and oxidative stress markers which were elevated due to CCl₄ administration. However, a liposomal formulation of B. lacera leaf extract showed significantly better hepatoprotective effects compared to a suspension of leaf extract. In addition, histopathological evaluation showed that B. lacera leaf extract and its liposomal preparation treatments decreased the extent of CCl₄-induced liver inflammations. Conclusion: Results demonstrated that B. lacera leaf extract was effective against CCl₄-induced liver injury possibly due to the presence of components such as phytol. A liposomal preparation exhibited significantly better activity compared to a B. lacera suspension, probably due to improved bioavailability and stability of the leaf extract.

Senescence-Mediated Redox Imbalance in Liver and Kidney: Antioxidant Rejuvenating Potential of Green Tea Extract

This study investigates the catechin composition and protective effect of green tea extract on senescence-mediated redox imbalance in the livers and kidneys of aged mice. The results showed that the seven catechins in the green tea extract analyzed in this study could be completely separated within 30 min and the main components of catechins in green tea extract were EGCG, EGC and ECG. In terms of the anti-senescence effects of green tea extract, green tea extract supplementation at doses of 125, 625 and 1250 mg/kg for 4 weeks significantly alleviated the senescence-mediated redox imbalance, as exhibited from significantly (p < 0.05) reduced thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS) and protein carbonyls levels in the serum, and increased glutathione (GSH) and total thiols contents in the plasma. Additionally, hepatic and renal protein carbonyls levels were significantly diminished (p < 0.05) and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd) in the liver and kidney were remarkably elevated (p < 0.05). Overall, these results clearly show that green tea extract exhibits extremely potent protective effects against senescence-mediated redox imbalance in the livers and kidneys of mice by inhibiting oxidative damage of lipids and proteins and increasing the activities of antioxidant enzymes in organs.

Protective Effects of Chlorogenic Acid against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

The protective effects of chlorogenic acid (CGA) against liver injury were evaluated by its reduction in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic damage in ICR mice. The animals were orally given CGA (60, 100, and 200 mg/kg, respectively) or silymairn (200 mg/kg) daily with 0.3% CCl4 administration (3 mL/kg, dissolved in olive oil) after medicament treatment on the 7th day. Compared with the normal group, CCl4 caused severe impairment in liver according to the evidence of significant reduction in the level of total albumin and expansion (p < 0.05) of the activities in aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), cholesterol, triglyceride (TG), and total albumin in serum, decreased the level of glutathione (GSH), and diminished the activities of catalase, superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSH-Rd), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) in liver while increasing the level of hepatic thiobarbituric acid-reactive substances (TBARS). However, oral administration of CGA or silymarin could significantly (p < 0.05) decrease the serum levels of AST, ALT, cholesterol, TG, and total albumin and elevated the serum total albumin and the activities of GSH, catalase, SOD, GSH-Rd, and GSH-Px while leading to decline the TBARS in liver compared with CCl4-intoxicated group. Moreover, histopathology displayed that CGA decreased the formation of lesions in liver resulted from CCl4. The outcomes indicate that CGA shows the efficiency hepatoprotective consequences for CCl4-incited liver injuries in mice by the elevation of the activities of antioxidant enzymes and hindrance of lipid peroxidation.

Hepatoprotective and therapeutic effects of resveratrol: A focus on anti-inflammatory and anti- oxidative activities

Being the most essential organ in the body, the liver performs critical functions. Hepatic disorders, such as alcoholic liver disease, hepatic steatosis, liver fibrosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatocellular carcinoma and hepatic failure, have an impact on the biochemical and physiological functions of the body. The main representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, Resveratrol (RES), exhibits suitable pharmacological activities for treating various liver diseases, such as fatty hepatitis, liver steatosis, liver cancer and liver fibrosis. According to various studies, grapes and red wine are good sources of RES. RES has various health properties; it is anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, anti-oxidative and hepatoprotective against several hepatic diseases and hepatoxicity. Therefore, we performed a thorough research and created a summary of the distinct targets of RES in various stages of liver diseases. We concluded that RES inhibited liver inflammation essentially by causing a significant decrease in the expression of various pro-inflammatory cytokines like TNF-α, IL-1α, IL-1β, and IL-6. It also inhibits the transcription factor nuclear NF-κB that brings about the inflammatory cascade. RES also inhibits the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway to induce apoptosis. Additionally, it reduces oxidative stress in hepatic tissue by markedly reducing MDA and NO contents, and significantly increasing the levels of CAT, SOD and reduced GSH, in addition to AST and ALT, against toxic chemicals like CC14, As2O3 and TTA. Due to its anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic properties, RES reduces liver injury markers. RES is safe natural antioxidant that provides pharmacological rectification of the hepatoxicity of toxic chemicals.

Veratrilla baillonii Franch Ameliorates Diabetic Liver Injury by Alleviating Insulin Resistance in Rats

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a complex and polygenic disorder with diverse complications. Veratrilla baillonii Franch (V. baillonii) has been applied in the intervention and treatment a diverse range of diseases, including diabetes. In this study, we revealed that water extracts of V. baillonii (WVBF) can ameliorate liver injury and insulin resistance in T2DM rat model. To elucidate the anti-diabetic mechanisms of WVBF, we performed liver transcriptome analysis that displayed WVBF treatment significantly suppressed many gene expressions involved in insulin resistance. Furthermore, functional experiments showed that WVBF treatment reduced the pathological damages of liver and pancreas, which may be regulated by Foxo1, Sirt1, G6pc, c-Met, Irs1, Akt1, Pik3r1. These results indicated that WVBF improves diabetic liver injury and insulin resistance in diabetic rats. Therefore, this study demonstrated WVBF could be used as a promising therapeutic agent for intervention and treatment of diabetes.

Monascin and Ankaflavin of Monascus purpureus Prevent Alcoholic Liver Disease through Regulating AMPK-Mediated Lipid Metabolism and Enhancing Both Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Systems

Alcohol metabolism causes an excessive accumulation of liver lipids and inflammation, resulting in liver damage. The yellow pigments monascin (MS) and ankaflavin (AK) of Monascus purpureus-fermented rice were proven to regulate ethanol-induced damage in HepG2 cells, but the complete anti-inflammatory and anti-fatty liver mechanisms in the animal model are still unclear. This study explored the roles of MS and AK in improving alcoholic liver injury. MS and AK were simultaneously fed to evaluate their effects and mechanisms in C57BL/6J mice fed the Lieber–DeCarli liquid alcohol diet for 6 weeks. The results indicated that MS and AK significantly reduced the serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase activity, as well as the total liver cholesterol and triglyceride levels. The histopathological results indicated that MS and AK prevented lipid accumulation in the liver. MS and AK effectively enhanced the activity of antioxidant enzymes and reduced the degree of lipid peroxidation; AK was particularly effective and exhibited a superior preventive effect against alcoholic liver injury and fatty liver. In addition to inhibiting the phosphorylation of the MAPK family, MS and AK directly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β levels, thereby reducing NF-κB and its downstream iNOS and COX-2 expressions, as well as increasing PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 expressions to prevent liver damage. MS and AK also directly reduced TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β expression, thereby reducing the production of NF-κB and its downstream iNOS and COX-2, and increasing PPAR-γ, Nrf-2, and HO-1 expressions, preventing alcohol damage to the liver.

Metabolic programming in offspring of mice fed fructose during pregnancy and lactation

Fructose (C6H12O6), also known as levulose, is a hexose. Chronic consumption of fructose may be associated with increased intrahepatic fat concentration and the development of insulin resistance as well as an increase in the prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and hyperlipidemia during pregnancy. Despite the existence of many studies regarding the consumption of fructose in pregnancy, its effects on fetuses have not yet been fully elucidated. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic and biochemical effects in offspring (male and female) of female mice treated with fructose during pregnancy and lactation. Pairs of 60-day-old Swiss mice were used and divided into three groups; negative control and fructose, 10%/l and 20%/l doses of fructose groups. After offspring birth, the animals were divided into six groups: P1 and P2 (males and females), water; P3 and P4 (males and females) fructose 10%/l; and P5 and P6 (males and females) fructose 20%/l. At 30 days of age, the animals were euthanized for genetic and biochemical assessments. Female and male offspring from both dosage groups demonstrated genotoxicity (evaluated through comet assay) and oxidative stress (evaluated through nitrite concentration, sulfhydril content and superoxide dismutase activity) in peripheral and brain tissues. In addition, they showed nutritional and metabolic changes due to the increase in food consumption, hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and metabolic syndrome. Therefore, it is suggested that high consumption of fructose by pregnant female is harmful to their offspring. Thus, it is important to carry out further studies and make pregnant women aware of excessive fructose consumption during this period.

Antioxidant and Antiradical Properties of Probiotic Strains Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum

The aim of the present study was to investigate the in vitro antioxidant potential of the cell-free extracts (CFE) of two probiotic bacteria Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7142 and Bacillus amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum IMV B-7143 and their hepatoprotective effects. These strains are the main components of the veterinary probiotic preparation endosporyn. The CFE of probiotic bacteria were able to stabilize the 2.2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl radical to its neutral form at their cultivation during 24-48 h. But this index was more pronounced for the IMV B-7142 strain and amounted to 44.4-51.2%. The hydroxyl radical scavenging activity of the CFE of probiotic bacteria increased more than 70-80% regardless of the cultivation period (24-48 h). The antioxidant potential of probiotic strains is associated with the synthesis of the multiple biologically active molecules. The phenolic and benzoic acids-antioxidants (gallic, 4-hydroxyphenylacetic, caffeic, syringic, p-coumaric, trans-ferulic, and trans-cinnamic acids) were identified among metabolites of B. amyloliquefaciens ssp. plantarum strains. The CFE of probiotic strains were able to protect of rat hepatocytes from the toxic effects of the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄). Post-treatment of stress-induced rat hepatocytes by CFE of the IMV B-7042 was accompanied by an increase of the catalase activity of cells by 485.2 mM/min × mg of protein, compared to stress-damaged sample. In doing so, the content of the main markers of oxidative stress: lipid hydroperoxides and malondialdehyde decreased significantly. The results suggested that CFE of both probiotic strains have potent antioxidant properties and effectively protect of stress-damaged rat hepatocytes.

Structural characteristics and improved in vitro hepatoprotective activities of Maillard reaction products of decapeptide IVTNWDDMEK and ribose

Here, a novel decapeptide IVTNWDDMEK with Maillard reactivity derived from scallop Chlamys farreri mantle was identified. The structural characteristics and in vitro hepatoprotective effects of IVTNWDDMEK conjugated with ribose were further investigated. The changes in decapeptide structures were determined by ultraviolet-visible (UV-vis), Fourier transform infrared (FTIR), and atomic force microscopy (AFM), and the modification sites induced by Maillard reaction of IVTNWDDMEK and ribose were monitored by high performance liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS/MS). Maillard reaction products (MRPs) of IVTNWDDMEK-ribose demonstrate hepatoprotective benefits through the suppression of DNA damage and apoptosis induced by oxidative stress in human HepG2 cells in addition to enhancing the antioxidant activities. Moreover, after treatment with decapeptide-ribose MRPs, the activities of cellular antioxidative enzymes, such as catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and glutathione reductase (GSH-Rx) were remarkably increased, while the content of malondialdehyde (MDA) was decreased compared with H₂ O₂ ^- treated group, thereby enhancing the intracellular antioxidant defenses. These findings demonstrate the potential utilization of decapeptide IVTNWDDMEK-ribose MRPs as food antioxidants to suppress oxidative damage. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: In recent years, several food-derived bioactive peptides and their derivatives are regarded as good dietary antioxidants for reducing oxidative stress and improving liver function. Here, a novel Maillard reactive decapeptide IVTNWDDMEK, identified from scallop mantle hydrolysates by peptidomics in the previous study was synthesized. Then, the correlation between intercellular antioxidant activities and chemical structure changes of IVTNWDDMEK-ribose Maillard reaction conjugates was further studied. The preferable hepatoprotective activities of decapeptide IVTNWDDMEK-ribose MRPs indicated that these MRPs could be potentially utilized as food antioxidants or additives in the production of nutritional foods.

Protective Effect of n-Butanol Extract from Viola yedoensis on Immunological Liver Injury

Viola yedoensis Makino was used to treat inflammation, viral hepatitis, acute pyogenic infection, and ulcerative carbuncles. However, the protective effect on immunological liver injury (ILI) of V. yedoensis had been rarely reported. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of n-butanol extract (BE) from V. yedoensis on ILI in vitro and in vivo. In vitro, the BE significantly inhibited the secretions of Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) in the HepG2.2.15 cells and the replication of HBV DNA. The research data in vivo revealed that the BE reduced the levels of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), and methane dicarboxylic aldehyde (MDA) in liver tissues of the ConA-induced mice, while increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX), and the effective contents of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ) and the BE could ameliorate liver histological lesions. These results motivated a further investigation into the chemical constituents of BE. Four coumarins (esculetin, prionanthoside, cichoriin, and esculin) and one flavonoid (quercetin-3-O-galactoside) were isolated from the BE by silica gel column chromatography and recrystallization, of which structures were eventually confirmed by ¹ H-NMR, ¹³ C-NMR, and MS.

Wild Plants Used as Herbs and Spices in Italy: An Ethnobotanical Review

Wild edible plants are an essential component of people's diets in the Mediterranean basin. In Italy, ethnobotanical surveys have received increasing attention in the past two centuries, with some of these studies focusing on wild edible plants. In this regard, the literature in Italy lacks the coverage of some major issues focusing on plants used as herbs and spices. I searched national journals for articles on the use of wild food plants in Italy, published from 1963 to 2020. Aims of the present review were to document plant lore regarding wild herbs and spices in Italy, identify the wild plants most frequently used as spices, analyze the distribution of wild herbs and spices used at a national scale, and finally, to describe the most common phytochemical compounds present in wild plant species. Based on the 34 studies reviewed, I documented 78 wild taxa as being used in Italy as herbs or spices. The studies I included in this systematic review demonstrate that wild species used as herbs and spices enrich Italian folk cuisine and can represent an important resource for profitable, integrated local small-scale activities.

Insulin-Mimetic Dihydroxanthyletin-Type Coumarins from Angelica decursiva with Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B and α-Glucosidase Inhibitory Activities and Docking Studies of Their Molecular Mechanisms

As a traditional medicine, Angelica decursiva has been used for the treatment of many diseases. The goal of this study was to evaluate the potential of four natural major dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins—(+)-trans-decursidinol, Pd-C-I, Pd-C-II, and Pd-C-III—to inhibit the enzymes, protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) and α-glucosidase. In the kinetic study of the PTP1B enzyme’s inhibition, we found that (+)-trans-decursidinol, Pd-C-I, and Pd-C-II led to competitive inhibition, while Pd-C-III displayed mixed-type inhibition. Moreover, (+)-trans-decursidinol exhibited competitive-type, and Pd-C-I and Pd-C-II mixed-type, while Pd-C-III showed non-competitive type inhibition of α-glucosidase. Docking simulations of these coumarins showed negative binding energies and a similar proximity to residues in the PTP1B and α-glucosidase binding pocket, which means they are closely connected and strongly binding with the active enzyme site. In addition, dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins are up to 40 µM non-toxic in HepG2 cells and have substantially increased glucose uptake and decreased expression of PTP1B in insulin-resistant HepG2 cells. Further, coumarins inhibited ONOO⁻-mediated albumin nitration and scavenged peroxynitrite (ONOO⁻), and reactive oxygen species (ROS). Our overall findings showed that dihydroxanthyletin-type coumarins derived from A. decursiva is used as a dual inhibitor for enzymes, such as PTP1B and α-glucosidase, as well as for insulin susceptibility.

Cold stress modulates redox signalling in murine fresh bone marrow cells and promotes osteoclast transformation

Context: Alteration of redox signalling and RANK-L expression in FBMCs of mice exposed to different intensities of cold stress (15 °C, 8 °C and 4 °C) were studied.Objective: To understand the effects of varying intensities of cold stress on murine FBMCs and its impact on osteoclastogenesis.Materials and methods: FBMCs were isolated from mice exposed to different intensities of cold stress and used for immunoblotting and biochemical assays. Bone histometry was also done.Results: Different intensities of cold stress perturb redox signalling in FBMCs and alters bone histometry. Higher RANK-L expressions were noted in FBMCs of mice exposed to 8 °C and 4 °C as compared with 15 °C.Discussion and conclusion: Cold stress boosts free radical production in FBMC's, which might enhance RANK-L expression, an indicator of osteoclastogenesis. Thus, we speculate that stronger cold stress (8 °C and 4 °C) contributes to the development of early bone loss.

Cross-Sectional Study on the Association between Dietary Non-Enzymatic Antioxidant Capacity and Serum Liver Enzymes: The Furukawa Nutrition and Health Study

We examined the association of dietary non-enzymatic antioxidant capacity (NEAC) in overall diet, and separately from foods and beverages, with serum liver enzymes in a Japanese working population. This cross-sectional study was conducted among 1791 employees aged 18–69 years, who underwent a comprehensive health checkup in 2012–2013. A brief validated self-administered diet-history questionnaire was used for dietary assessment, and dietary NEAC intake was determined from databases of NEAC values, obtained using ferric reducing-antioxidant power (FRAP) and oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) assays. The dietary NEAC intake was calculated by multiplying the estimated NEAC values by the amounts consumed and summing the resulting values. A multiple-regression analysis was performed to explore the association between dietary NEAC intake and the serum levels of liver enzymes (aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and gamma-glutamyltransferase (GGT)), after adjustment for confounding factors. No significant associations were found between overall dietary NEAC intake and AST (FRAP, p for trend = 0.97; ORAC, p = 0.72), ALT (FRAP, p = 0.73; ORAC, p = 0.92), and GGT (FRAP, p = 0.96; ORAC, p = 0.19) levels. Food-derived, but not beverage-derived, NEAC intake was inversely associated with serum GGT levels (FRAP, p for trend = 0.001; ORAC, p = 0.02), particularly among older participants and those with high serum ferritin concentrations. The results imply that overall dietary NEAC intake is not associated with liver dysfunction, and that the NEAC values from foods may be inversely associated with serum GGT levels.

Anticancer Activity of Rosmarinus officinalis L.: Mechanisms of Action and Therapeutic Potentials

Alternative treatments for neoplastic diseases with new drugs are necessary because the clinical effectiveness of chemotherapy is often reduced by collateral effects. Several natural substances of plant origin have been demonstrated to be successful in the prevention and treatment of numerous tumors. Rosmarinus officinalis L. is a herb that is cultivated in diverse areas of the world. There is increasing attention being directed towards the pharmaceutical capacities of rosemary, utilized for its anti-inflammatory, anti-infective or anticancer action. The antitumor effect of rosemary has been related to diverse mechanisms, such as the antioxidant effect, antiangiogenic properties, epigenetic actions, regulation of the immune response and anti-inflammatory response, modification of specific metabolic pathways, and increased expression of onco-suppressor genes. In this review, we aim to report the results of preclinical studies dealing with the anticancer effects of rosemary, the molecular mechanisms related to these actions, and the interactions between rosemary and anticancer drugs. The prospect of utilizing rosemary as an agent in the treatment of different neoplastic diseases is discussed. However, although the use of rosemary in the therapy of neoplasms constitutes a fascinating field of study, large and controlled studies must be conducted to definitively clarify the real impact of this substance in clinical practice.

Taurine and hesperidin rescues carbon tetrachloride-triggered testicular and kidney damage in rats via modulating oxidative stress and inflammation

AIMS

This study assessed the prophylactic or therapeutic effects of taurine (TR) and/or hesperidin (HES) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced acute kidney and testicular injury in rats.

MAIN METHODS

Rats were randomly divided into nine experimental groups including control; corn oil; CCl₄; HES/CCl₄; TR/CCl₄; HES + TR/CCl₄; CCl₄/HES; CCl₄/TR; and CCl₄/HES + TR groups. CCl₄ was intraperitoneally injected with a single dose of 2 ml /kg b.w. HES and TR were orally gavaged twice weekly 100 mg/kg b.w. for four weeks. Kidney function, inflammatory response, sexual hormones, and oxidative stress indicators were assessed. Histomorphological and immune-histochemical studies of the inflammatory marker nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) in renal and testicular tissues were performed.

KEY FINDINGS

The results showed that the TR and/or HES treatment significantly suppressed CCl₄ induced rise of urea, uric acid, potassium, and follicle-stimulating hormone levels. However, significant restoration of sodium, testosterone, and luteinizing hormone was apparent in CCl₄ exposed rats received HES and/or TR. Also, the HES and/or TR treatment significantly rescues CCl₄ induced oxidative stress and inflammation. Moreover, the HES and/or TR dosing significantly repaired the CCl₄ evoked altered renal and testicular architecture and suppressed NF-κB immunoexpression. Notably, alleviating CCl₄ induced renal and testicular damage was more effective in the prophylactic groups than the therapeutic groups. Also, most of the estimated parameters of the HES + TR group did not significantly vary from those of single TR or HES.

SIGNIFICANCE

In conclusion, HES or TR could efficiently guard against CCl₄ nephro-and reprotoxic effects, but both bioactive combinations afford only a limited synergistic outcome.

Oxidative Stress Modulation by Cameroonian Spice Extracts in HepG2 Cells: Involvement of Nrf2 and Improvement of Glucose Uptake

Oxidative stress plays a relevant role in the progression of chronic conditions, including cardiometabolic diseases. Several Cameroonian plants, including spices, are traditionally used as herbal medicines for the treatment of diseases where oxidative stress contributes to insulin resistance, like type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study evaluated the antioxidant capacity and the effects on oxidative-stress-induced impairment of glucose uptake of 11 Cameroonian spice extracts. H₂O₂-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production by human HepG2 cells was significantly reduced by 8/11 extracts. The most effective extracts, Xylopia parviflora, Echinops giganteus, and Dichrostachys glomerata, showed a concentration-dependent ROS-scavenging activity, which involved Nrf2 translocation into the nucleus. Xylopia parviflora, Tetrapleura tetraptera, Dichrostachys glomerata, Aframomum melegueta, and Aframomum citratum extracts showed the highest antioxidant capacity, according to oxygen radical absorbance capacity (ORAC) (2.52-88 μM Trolox Eq/g of extract), ferric-reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) (40.23-233.84 mg gallic acid Eq/g of extract), and total phenol (8.96-32.96% mg gallic acid Eq/g of extract) assays. In HepG2 cells, glucose uptake was stimulated by 4/11 extracts, similarly to insulin and metformin. H₂O₂-induced oxidative stress reduced glucose uptake, which was rescued by pretreatment with Xylopia aethiopica, Xylopia parviflora, Scorodophloeus zenkeri, Monodora myristica, and Dichrostachys glomerata extracts. The ROS-scavenging ability of the spice extracts may reside in some secondary metabolites observed by phytochemical profiling (reverse-phase high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to a diode array detector (HPLC-UV-DAD)). Further studies are needed to better clarify their biological activities and potential use to control oxidative stress and promote insulin sensitivity.

Single or combined protective and therapeutic impact of taurine and hesperidin on carbon tetrachloride-induced acute hepatic injury in rat

Currently, hepatic injury due to environmental pollutants extremely threatens human health and elicits great concern. Hence, there is a high global interest to find natural novel formulation products with potent hepatoprotective activity to combat liver disease. Hence, we evaluated the protective or therapeutic effect of hesperidin (HSP) and taurine (TAU), individually and in combination, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute hepatic injury in rats. The pre- or posttreatment by HSP and/or TAU significantly depressed CCl₄-induced elevation of alanine aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, indirect bilirubin, malondialdehyde, globulins (α1, α2, β, and γ), albumin/globulin ratio, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, very low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, nitric oxide, and myeloperoxidase levels. Also, the pre- or posttreatment by HSP and/or TAU significantly minimized CCl₄-induced reduction of superoxide dismutase, catalase, reduced glutathione, and albumin concentrations. Furthermore, the protective or therapeutic administration of HSP and/or TAU markedly restored the CCl₄-induced altered hepatic architecture, depleted glycogen, and DNA contents. Notably, alleviating CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity was more prominent in the protective groups than the therapeutic groups. More importantly, most of biochemical and histopathological parameters of HSP+TAU did not significantly differ from those of separate TAU or HSP neither before nor after CCl₄ exposure. Conclusively, HSP or TAU could be candidate protective agents against CCl₄ hepatotoxic impacts but the combination of both bioactive offers only a limited synergistic effect. Graphical abstract.

A histopathological, immunohistochemical and biochemical investigation of the antidiabetic effects of the Pistacia terebinthus in diabetic rats

We investigated the antidiabetic activity of Pistacia terebinthus (PT) extracts in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic rats. We used 40 Wistar albino male rats divided into five groups: control (C), diabetes (DM), diabetes + acarbose (DM + AC), diabetes + PT (DM + PT) and PT. DM was established by intraperitoneal injection of STZ. Immunohistochemistry revealed that STZ reduced insulin immunoreactivity in the pancreas of the diabetic rats. To the contrary, insulin immunoreactivity in the pancreatic β cells of PT treated diabetic rats was increased significantly. Decreased levels of blood glucose, aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), glucose, total triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (TC), high density lipoprotein (HDL) and low density lipoprotein (LDL) were found in the PT supplemented diabetic group. Also, malondialdehyde (MDA) and antioxidant defense system enzyme levels were normalized in the DM + PT group. PT exhibited a protective effect on liver, kidney and pancreas that had been damaged by STZ induced DM.

Assessment of the Antitumor Potentiality of Newly Designed Steroid Derivatives: Pre-Clinical Study

Cancer is recognized as one of the most prevalent contributors to mortality in several nations and it remains one of the common health issues globally. In particular, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has become a public health problem along with the increase of hepatitis B (HBV) and hepatitis C (HCV) virus infections. Based on this fact, our study goaled to synthesize newly hybrid drugs containing heterocyclic rings incorporated to steroid moiety and to examine the potential antitumor activity of the newly designed heterosteroid derivatives against HCC induced in animal model. Several heterocyclic steroids were synthesized 2-7 and confirmed via the analytical and spectral data (IR, ¹H NMR¹³C NMR and Mass spectroscopy). Compounds 3, 4, and 5 were chosen to be investigated as anticancer agents in HCC rat model by means of validated biomarkers (alfa –fetoprotein, endoglin, lipocali-2 and heat shock protein-70). Following administration of compounds 3, 4 or 5, availability of the active tumor marker molecules was significantly dropped and a substantial decrease of the angiogenic and inflammatory mediators was also evident. These findings were supported by the histological examination of liver tissue. Taken together, this study indicates the potential anticancer activity of the newly synthesized heterosteroid derivatives against HCC in vivo. The antitumor activity of these compounds was likely attributable to modulating some signal transduction pathways involved in tumorigenesis, angiogenesis and inflammation.

Health Benefits of Carotenoids: A Role of Carotenoids in the Prevention of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases with a prevalence of ~25% worldwide. NAFLD includes simple hepatic steatosis, non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, fibrosis, and cirrhosis, which can further progress to hepatocellular carcinoma. Therefore, effective strategies for the prevention of NAFLD are needed. The pathogenesis of NAFLD is complicated due to diverse injury insults, such as fat accumulation, oxidative stress, inflammation, lipotoxicity, and apoptosis, which may act synergistically. Studies have shown that carotenoids, a natural group of isoprenoid pigments, prevent the development of NAFLD by exerting antioxidant, lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic, and insulin-sensitizing properties. This review summarizes the protective action of carotenoids, with primary focuses on astaxanthin, lycopene, β-carotene, β-cryptoxanthin, lutein, fucoxanthin, and crocetin, against the development and progression of NAFLD.

Ameliorative Effect of Spinach on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Induced in Rats by a High-Fat Diet

The purpose of this work was to evaluate the effect of dietary carotenoids from spinach on the inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers, liver lipid profile, and liver transcriptomic and metabolomics profiles in Sprague–Dawley rats with steatosis induced by a high-fat diet. Two concentrations of spinach powder (2.5 and 5%) were used in two types of diet: high-fat (H) and standard (N). Although rats fed diet H showed an accumulation of fat in hepatocytes, they did not show differences in the values of adiponectin, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and oxygen radical absorption (ORAC) in plasma or of isoprostanes in urine compared with animals fed diet N. The consumption of spinach and the accumulation of α and β carotenes and lutein in the liver was inversely correlated with serum total cholesterol and glucose and the content of hepatic cholesterol, increasing monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFA), polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) and reducing cholesterol in the livers of rats fed diet H and spinach. In addition, changes in the expression of genes related to the fatty liver condition occurred, and the expression of genes involved in the metabolism of fatty acids and cholesterol increased, mainly through the overexpression of peroxisome proliferator activated receptors (PPARs). Related to liver metabolites, animals fed with diet H showed hypoaminoacidemia, mainly for the glucogenic aminoacids. Although no changes were observed in inflammation and oxidative stress biomarkers, the consumption of spinach modulated the lipid metabolism in liver, which must be taken into consideration during the dietary treatment of steatosis.

Mechanistic insights of hepatoprotective effects of curcumin: Therapeutic updates and future prospects

The liver is the most essential organ of the body performing vital functions. Hepatic disorders affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. These disorders include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Drugs related hepatotoxicity is one of the major challenges facing by clinicians as it is a leading cause of liver failure. During post-marketing surveillance studies, detection and reporting of drug-induced hepatotoxicity may lead to drug withdrawal or warnings. Several mechanisms are involved in hepatotoxicity such as cell membrane disruption, initiating an immune response, alteration of cellular pathways of drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and cell death. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric and exhibits therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and various types of cancers. Curcumin is strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus it possesses hepatoprotective properties. Despite its low bioavailability, its hepatoprotective effects have been studied in various protocols of hepatotoxicity including acetaminophen, alcohol, lindane, carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄), diethylnitrosamine and heavy metals induced hepatotoxicities. This report reviews the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin with a focus on its mechanistic insights in various hepatotoxic protocols.

Structural characteristics and hepatoprotective potential of Aralia elata root bark polysaccharides and their effects on SCFAs produced by intestinal flora metabolism

The structural characteristics of the polysaccharides from Aralia elata root barks (AERP) were systematically investigated by FT-IR, HPSEC-ELSD and colorimetric methods as well as by GCMS based monosaccharide compositions, Smith degradations, and methylation analysis. The result showed average molecular weights of AERP were between 42.7 kDa and 93.9 kDa. AERP was composed of Ara, Rha, GlcA, Man, Glc, and Gal in a molar ratio of 22.2: 10.3: 8.1: 32.7: 5.7: 21.2 along with a small number of sulfate (3.38%) and acetyl (4.87%) groups. The abundant glycosidic linkages of Man, Ara, Gal, and Rha were observed as more than 90% of all the monosaccharides detected. Studies to evaluate hepatoprotective potentials of AERP showed that they had potent hepatoprotective effects in vivo in carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury (CIALI) in mice by histopathological evaluation, biochemical examinations and ELISA assays. GCMS was further used to determine the effects of AERP on the chemical profiles of nine common short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) produced by intestinal flora metabolism in CIALI mice. These findings not only provide novel insights into the pharmacological actions of AERP on the protection from CIALI in mice, but they also demonstrate that determining SCFA profiles by targeted GC-MS metabolomics is an effective technique to investigate the molecular mechanisms of the effects of plant polysaccharides on intestinal flora metabolism.

Ameliorative effect of Sedum sarmentosum Bunge extract on Tilapia fatty liver via the PPAR and P53 signaling pathway

Fatty liver disease is a growing problem in fish aquaculture and there is an urgent need to identify causes and possible remedies. In the present study, the effects of treating fatty liver disease in the Nile tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus, 1758) with an extract derived from a herb, Sedum sarmentosum Bunge (SSB), was investigated. We found that the SSB extract could restore the changes to feed coefficient, immune capacity, and pathological index caused by fatty liver disease, and also prevent apoptosis in hepatocytes. An RNA-seq analysis showed that treatment with SSB extract altered expression of genes in the lipid metabolic process, metabolic process, and oxidation-reduction process. Our results suggest that disorders of the PPAR and p53 signaling pathways may be involved in steatohepatitis development and in the therapeutic mechanism of the SSB extract treatment; these observations shed new light on possible treatment of steatohepatitis.

Butein Inhibited In Vitro Hexokinase-2-Mediated Tumor Glycolysis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma by Blocking Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR)

BACKGROUND Anaerobic glycolysis is an important physiological process of all cancer cells. Butein has been reported to demonstrate substantial antitumor activities in various cancers. However, the effect of butein on tumor glycolysis remains unclear. In this study, the effect of butein on tumor glycolysis and the underlying mechanism were investigated in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). MATERIAL AND METHODS Cell proliferation assay and anchorage-independent growth assay were carried out to evaluate the antitumor activities of butein in vitro. The effect of butein on tumor glycolysis was determined by examining the changes in glucose uptake and lactate production. Hexokinase-2 (HK-2) expression in HCC cells upon butein treatment was analyzed by Western blotting. The activity of butein on EGFR signaling pathway was studied and its potency in EGFR exogenous overexpression cells was investigated. RESULTS After butein treatment, HCC cell proliferation was significantly inhibited (91.4% in Hep3B and 88.2% in Huh-7 at 80 μM, p<0.001). Moreover, the number of colonies formed in the agar was substantially decreased (93.8% in Hep3B and 72.3% in Huh-7 at 80 μM, p<0.001). With the suppression of HK-2 expression, glucose consumption in Hep3B and Huh-7 cells decreased by 48.4% and 56.3%, respectively (p<0.01), and the lactate production also was reduced accordingly (39.5% in Hep3B and 48.6% in Huh-7, p<0.01). Mechanism investigations demonstrated that butein dose-dependently blocked the activation of the EGFR signaling pathway in HCC cells. In EGFR exogenous overexpression cells, the glycolysis suppression exerted by butein was substantially attenuated. CONCLUSIONS Butein has a substantial inhibitory effect on tumor glycolysis in HCC cells, and the glycolysis suppression exerted by butein is closely related to its effect on the EGFR signaling pathway.

Progress in the understanding of the pathology of allergic asthma and the potential of fruit proanthocyanidins as modulators of airway inflammation

Allergic asthma is a chronic inflammatory lung disease characterized by sensitization of the airways, and the development of immunoglobulin E antibodies, to benign antigens. The established pathophysiology of asthma includes recurrent lung epithelial inflammation, excessive mucus production, bronchial smooth muscle hyperreactivity, and chronic lung tissue remodeling, resulting in reversible airflow restriction. Immune cells, including eosinophils and the recently characterized type 2 innate lymphoid cells, infiltrate into the lung tissue as part of the inflammatory response in allergic asthma. It is well established that a diet high in fruits and vegetables results in a reduction of the risk of developing inflammatory diseases. Secondary plant metabolites, such as proanthocyanidins which are found in apples, blackcurrants, boysenberries, cranberries, and grapes, have shown promising results in reducing or preventing allergic asthma airway inflammation. Recent evidence has also highlighted the importance of microbiome-mediated metabolism of plant polyphenols in modulating the immune system. In this review, we will discuss advances in our understanding of the pathophysiology of allergic asthma, including the role of the microbiome in lung immune function, and how proanthocyanidins modulate the airway inflammation. We will highlight the potential of dietary proanthocyanidins to impact on allergic asthma and the immune system.