Selenium Status in Diet Affects Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity via Interruption of Redox Environment

Redox-Responsive AIEgen Diselenide-Covalent Organic Framework Composites Targeting Hepatic Macrophages for Treatment of Drug-induced Liver Injury

The escalating misuse of antipyretic and analgesic drugs, alongside the rising incidents of acute drug-induced liver injury, underscores the need for a precisely targeted drug delivery system. Herein, two isoreticular covalent organic frameworks (Se-COF and Se-BCOF) are developed by Schiff-base condensation of emissive tetraphenylethylene and diselenide-bridged monomers. Leveraging the specific affinity of macrophages for mannose, the first precise targeting of these COFs to liver macrophages is achieved. The correlation is also explored between the therapeutic effects of COFs and the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway. Utilizing this innovative delivery vehicle, the synergistic delivery of matrine and berberine are accomplished, compounds extracted from traditional Chinese medicine. This approach not only demonstrated the synergistic effects of the drugs but also mitigated their toxicity. Notably, berberine, through phosphorylation of JNK and up-regulation of nuclear Nrf-2 and its downstream gene Mn-SOD expression, simultaneously countered excessive ROS and suppressed the activation of the NLRP3/ASC/Caspase-1 signaling pathway in injured liver tissues. This multifaceted approach proved highly effective in safeguarding against acute drug-induced liver injury, ultimately restoring liver health to normalcy. These findings present a novel and promising strategy for the treatment of acute drug-induced liver injury.

Impact of dietary selenium and blood concentration on liver function: a population-based study

Background

Evidence on the association between selenium and liver function parameters is limited and controversial.

Methods

Data on dietary selenium intake, blood selenium concentration, and liver function parameters were obtained from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2017-2020. Associations between selenium (dietary intake and blood concentration) and liver function parameters [alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), the ALT/AST ratio, gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP)] were assessed using multivariate linear regression models. Subgroup analyses and interaction tests were conducted to examine differences in associations according to age, gender, body mass index (BMI), diabetes, and physical activity.

Results

The study included 6,869 participants after screening. The multivariate linear regression model revealed that dietary selenium intake was positively associated with ALT (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.041, 0.183) and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.002, 95% CI = 0.001, 0.004) after adjustment for covariates. Results of blood selenium concentration also showed that higher blood selenium levels were positively associated with ALT (β = 0.436, 95% CI = 0.308, 0.564), AST (β = 0.112, 95% CI = 0.015, 0.208), and the ALT/AST ratio (β = 0.012, 95% CI = 0.009, 0.015). However, ALP decreased with increasing blood selenium concentration (β = -0.207, 95% CI = -0.414, -0.000). In addition, we found significant differences in the effect of selenium on liver function parameters according to age, gender, and BMI.

Conclusion

Dietary selenium intake and blood concentration affect liver function parameters. These findings suggest that further research is needed to explore these associations to promote liver health and disease prevention.

Selenium Ameliorates Acetaminophen-Induced Oxidative Stress via MAPK and Nrf2 Pathways in Mice

Overdose of acetaminophen (paracetamol), a widely used non-prescriptive analgesic and antipyretic medication, is one of the main causes of drug-induced acute liver failure around the world. Oxidative stress contributes to this hepatotoxicity. Antioxidants are known to protect the liver from oxidative stress. Selenium, a potent antioxidant, is a commonly used micronutrient. Here, we evaluated the protective effect of selenium on acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. Treating Wistar albino mice with sodium selenite (1 mg/kg) before or after inducing hepatotoxicity with acetaminophen (150 mg/kg) significantly reduced the levels of liver injury biomarkers such as serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase and serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase. In addition, selenium-treated mice showed decreased levels of oxidative stress markers such as protein carbonyls and myeloperoxidase. Acetaminophen treatment stimulated all three mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and Keap1 and decreased the expression of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 in liver and in isolated mouse peritoneal macrophages, which was reversed by selenium treatment. Our findings suggest that the reactive oxygen species-mediated Nrf2 and MAPK pathways are critical players in acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. These key findings offer an alternative therapeutic target for addressing acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity.

Selenium Ameliorated Oxidized Fish Oil-Induced Lipotoxicity via the Inhibition of Mitochondrial Oxidative Stress, Remodeling of Usp4-Mediated Deubiquitination, and Stabilization of Pparα

Aims: Studies demonstrated that oxidized fish oil (OFO) promoted oxidative stress and induced mitochondrial dysfunction and lipotoxicity, which attenuated beneficial effects of fish oil supplements in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The current study was performed on yellow catfish, a good model to study NAFLD, and its hepatocytes to explore whether selenium (Se) could alleviate OFO-induced lipotoxicity via the inhibition of oxidative stress and determine its potential mechanism. Results: The analysis of triglycerides content, oxidative stress parameters, and histological and transmission electronic microscopy observation showed that high dietary Se supplementation alleviated OFO-induced lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial injury and dysfunction. RNA-sequencing and immunoblotting analysis indicated that high dietary Se reduced OFO-induced decline of peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptor alpha (Pparα) and ubiquitin-specific protease 4 (Usp4) protein expression. High Se supplementation also alleviated OFO-induced reduction of thioredoxin reductase 2 (txnrd2) messenger RNA (mRNA) expression level and activity. The txnrd2 knockdown experiments revealed that txnrd2 mediated Se- and oxidized eicosapentaenoic acid (oxEPA)-induced changes of mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (mtROS) and further altered Usp4 mediated-deubiquitination and stabilization of Pparα, which, in turn, modulated mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation and metabolism. Mechanistically, Usp4 deubiquitinated Pparα and ubiquitin-proteasome-mediated Pparα degradation contributed to oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial dysfunction. Innovation: These findings uncovered a previously unknown mechanism by which Se and OFO interacted to affect lipid metabolism via the Txnrd2-mtROS-Usp4-Pparα pathway, which provides the new target for NAFLD prevention and treatment. Conclusion: Se ameliorated OFO-induced lipotoxicity via the inhibition of mitochondrial oxidative stress, remodeling of Usp4-mediated deubiquitination, and stabilization of Pparα. Antioxid. Redox Signal. 40, 433-452.

Glutaredoxin-1 alleviates acetaminophen-induced liver injury by decreasing its toxic metabolites

Excessive N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) formation is a starting event that triggers oxidative stress and subsequent hepatocyte necrosis in acetaminophen (APAP) overdose caused acute liver failure (ALF). S-glutathionylation is a reversible redox post-translational modification and a prospective mechanism of APAP hepatotoxicity. Glutaredoxin-1 (Glrx1), a glutathione-specific thioltransferase, is a primary enzyme to catalyze deglutathionylation. The objective of this study was to explored whether and how Glrx1 is associated with the development of ALF induced by APAP. The Glrx1 knockout mice (Glrx1-/-) and liver-specific overexpression of Glrx1 (AAV8-Glrx1) mice were produced and underwent APAP-induced ALF. Pirfenidone (PFD), a potential inducer of Glrx1, was administrated preceding APAP to assess its protective effects. Our results revealed that the hepatic total protein S-glutathionylation (PSSG) increased and the Glrx1 level reduced in mice after APAP toxicity. Glrx1-/- mice were more sensitive to APAP overdose, with higher oxidative stress and more toxic metabolites of APAP. This was attributed to Glrx1 deficiency increasing the total hepatic PSSG and the S-glutathionylation of cytochrome p450 3a11 (Cyp3a11), which likely increased the activity of Cyp3a11. Conversely, AAV8-Glrx1 mice were defended against liver damage caused by APAP overdose by inhibiting the S-glutathionylation and activity of Cyp3a11, which reduced the toxic metabolites of APAP and oxidative stress. PFD precede administration upregulated Glrx1 expression and alleviated APAP-induced ALF by decreasing oxidative stress. We have identified the function of Glrx1 mediated PSSG in liver injury caused by APAP overdose. Increasing Glrx1 expression may be investigated for the medical treatment of APAP-caused hepatic injury.

Selenium Deficiency Induces Apoptosis, Mitochondrial Dynamic Imbalance, and Inflammatory Responses in Calf Liver

Selenium (Se) deficiency significantly impacts the cow breeding industry by reducing the milk quality of dairy cows and affecting the health of calves. The molecular mechanism of Se deficiency-induced damage to calves, however, remains unclear. The present study investigated whether Se deficiency induces oxidative stress, apoptosis, and inflammation in calf liver tissues. We collected the liver tissues of calves with Se deficiency. Experimental results showed that Se deficiency weakened the activity of antioxidant enzymes and increased the accumulation of oxidation products in the liver. Se deficiency also led to excessive fission of the mitochondria and downregulated the expression of the Mfn2 and Opa1 genes in the calf liver. Mitochondrial damage-induced apoptosis by increasing the expression of pro-apoptotic genes such as CytC, Cas3, Cas9, fas, and Cas8, leading to a decrease in energy metabolism. Se deficiency also triggered the expression of inflammatory-related factors such as IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and NF-κB. Taken together, the results suggest that Se deficiency causes oxidative stress, triggers an inflammatory response, disrupts mitochondrial dynamic balance, and then induces apoptosis, eventually leading to calf liver damage. These findings might provide valuable clues for elucidating the mechanism of Se deficiency-induced injury in domestic animals.

Preventive Effects of Mandarin Fruit Peel Hydroethanolic Extract, Hesperidin, and Quercetin on Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatonephrotoxicity in Wistar Rats

Acetaminophen, also known as N-acetyl-para-aminophenol (NAPAP), is a traditional antipyretic and analgesic that is used extensively around the world to treat colds and fevers. However, a NAPAP excess causes rapid, severe liver and kidney damage. The goal of the study was to examine the protective effects and determine the mechanisms of action of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin in NAPAP-induced hepatorenal damage in Wistar rats. Male Wistar rats received a 0.5 g/kg oral supplement of NAPAP every other day for a period of four weeks. During the same period of NAPAP supplementation, MPHE (50 mg/kg), quercetin (20 mg/kg), and hesperidin (20 mg/kg) were administered to rats receiving NAPAP. MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin treatments significantly improved liver function in NAPAP-supplemented rats. The high serum levels of aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, and γ-glutamyl transferase as well as total bilirubin were significantly reduced, while the levels of suppressed serum albumin were significantly increased, demonstrating this improvement. Treatments utilizing these natural substances significantly enhanced kidney function as seen by a considerable decline in the increased blood levels of urea, uric acid, and creatinine. Additionally, the injection of MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin resulted in a decrease in the quantity of lipid peroxides while increasing the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione-S-transferase in the liver and kidneys. The treatments markedly abated the NAPAP-induced liver and kidney histological perturbations and reduced the NAPAP-induced serum tumor necrosis factor-α level and liver and kidney proapoptotic protein 53 and caspase 3 expressions. Otherwise, serum interleukin-4 level significantly increased by treatments. The MPHE, hesperidin, and quercetin treatments resulted in marked decrease in liver and kidney histopathological scores including inflammation, necrosis, apoptosis, and congestion. In conclusion, the MPHE, quercetin, and hesperidin may induce hepatonephropreventive impacts in NAPAP-supplemented rats via enhancing the antioxidant defense system, anti-inflammatory activity, and antiapoptotic action.

Mitochondrial Glrx2 Knockout Augments Acetaminophen-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

Acetaminophen (APAP) is one of the most widely used drugs with antipyretic and analgesic effects, and thus hepatotoxicity from the overdose of APAP becomes one of the most common forms of drug-induced liver injury. The reaction towards thiol molecules, such as GSH by APAP metabolite, N-acetyl-p-benzo-quinonimine (NAPQI), is the main cause of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. However, the role of many other thiol-related regulators in toxicity caused by APAP is still unclear. Here we have found that knockout of the Glrx2 gene, which encodes mitochondrial glutaredoxin2 (Grx2), sensitized mice to APAP-caused hepatotoxicity. Glrx2 deletion hindered Nrf2-mediated compensatory recovery of thiol-dependent redox systems after acetaminophen challenge, resulting in a more oxidized cellular state with a further decrease in GSH level, thioredoxin reductase activity, and GSH/GSSG ratio. The weakened feedback regulation capacity of the liver led to higher levels of protein glutathionylation and thioredoxin (both Trx1 and Trx2) oxidation in Glrx2^−/− mice. Following the cellular environment oxidation, nuclear translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) was elevated in the liver of Glrx2^−/− mice. Taken together, these results demonstrated that mitochondrial Grx2 deficiency deteriorated APAP-induced hepatotoxicity by interrupting thiol-redox compensatory response, enhancing the AIF pathway-mediated oxidative damage.

Selenium metabolism and regulation of immune cells in immune-associated diseases

Selenium, as one of the essential microelements, plays an irreplaceable role in metabolism regulation and cell survival. Selenium metabolism and regulation have great effects on physiological systems especially the immune system. Therefore, selenium is tightly related to various diseases like cancer. Although recent research works have revealed much about selenium metabolism, the ways in which selenium regulates immune cells' functions and immune-associated diseases still remain much unclear. In this review, we will briefly introduce the regulatory role of selenium metabolism in immune cells and immune-associated diseases.

Selenium Status in Diet Affects Nephrotoxicity Induced by Cisplatin in Mice

Cisplatin is one of the most active chemotherapy drugs to treat solid tumors. However, it also causes various side effects, especially nephrotoxicity, in which oxidative stress plays critical roles. Our previous studies found that cisplatin selectively inhibited selenoenzyme thioredoxin reductase1 (TrxR1) in the kidney at an early stage and, subsequently, induced the activation of Nrf2. However, the effects of selenium on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity are still unclear. In this study, we established mice models with different selenium intake levels to explore the effects of selenoenzyme activity changes on cisplatin-induced nephrotoxicity. Results showed that feeding with a selenium-deficient diet sensitize the mice to cisplatin-induced damage, whereas selenium supplementation increased the activities of selenoenzymes TrxR and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), changed the renal cellular redox environment to a reduced state, and exhibited protective effects. These results demonstrated the correlation of selenoenzymes with cisplatin-induced side effects and provided a basis for the potential approach to alleviate cisplatin-induced renal injury.

The Selenium Yeast vs Selenium Methionine on Cell Viability, Selenoprotein Profile and Redox Status via JNK/ P38 Pathway in Porcine Mammary Epithelial Cells

Comprehensive studies have been conducted to compare the effect of organic and inorganic selenium previously, but there is still limited knowledge about the difference between organic selenium (Se) from varied sources despite the widely use of organic Se in both animal and human being nutrient additives. In the present study, we systemically compared the effect of two different types of organic Se including selenium yeast (SeY) and selenium methionine (Sel-Met) on cell viability, selenoprotein transcriptome, and antioxidant status in porcine mammary epithelial cells (PMECs) and the results indicated that appropriate addition of SeY and Sel-Met both significantly promoted cell viability and up-regulated the mRNA expression of most selenopreoteins including DIOs, GPXs, and TrxRs family et al. (P < 0.05). Besides, two different sources of Se supplementation both greatly improved redox status with higher levels of T-AOC, SOD, and CAT (P < 0.05), while less content of MDA (P < 0.05), and reduced protein expression of cleaved-caspase-3 (P < 0.05) to mitigate cell apoptosis. Furthermore, the key proteins related to p38/JNK pathway including p38, p-p38, JNK, and p-JNK were apparently reduced in the groups with both of SeY and Sel-Met (P < 0.05). Interestingly we found that the changes induced by SeY supplementation in cell viability, selenoprotein transcriptome, antioxidative capacity, and anti-apoptosis were comprehensively greater compared with same levels addition of Sel-Met in PEMCs (P < 0.05). In conclusion, both SeY and Sel-Met promoted cell viability and attenuated cell apoptosis by regulating the selenoprotein expression and antioxidative capacity via p38/JNK signaling pathway in PMEC, but SeY has more efficient benefits than that of Sel-Met.

Selenium alleviates mercury chloride-induced liver injury by regulating mitochondrial dynamics to inhibit the crosstalk between energy metabolism disorder and NF-κB/NLRP3 inflammasome-mediated inflammation

Mercury (Hg) is a persistent heavy metal contaminant with definite hepatotoxicity. Selenium (Se) has been shown to alleviate liver damage induced by heavy metals. Therefore, the present study aimed to explore the mechanism of the antagonistic effect of Se on mercury chloride (HgCl2)-induced hepatotoxicity in chickens. Firstly, we confirmed that Se alleviated HgCl2-induced liver injury through histopathological observation and liver function analyzation. The results also showed that Se prevented HgCl2-induced liver lipid accumulation and dyslipidemia by regulating the gene expression related to lipid as well as glucose metabolism. Moreover, Se blocked the nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB)/NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome signaling pathway, which was the key to alleviate the inflammation caused by HgCl2. Mechanically, Se inhibited immoderate mitochondrial division, fusion, and biogenesis caused by HgCl2, and also improved mitochondrial respiration, which were essential for preventing energy metabolism disorder and inflammation. In conclusion, our results suggested that Se inhibited energy metabolism disorder and inflammation by regulating mitochondrial dynamics, thereby alleviating HgCl2-induced liver injury in chickens. These results are expected to provide potential intervention and therapeutic targets for diseases caused by inorganic mercury poisoning.

Chlorophyllin Inhibits Mammalian Thioredoxin Reductase 1 and Triggers Cancer Cell Death

Food colorants are widely used by humans in food production and preparation; however, their potential toxicity requires an in-depth analysis. In this study, five out of 15 commercial food colorants, namely, lutein, betanin, caramel, crocin and chlorophyll, significantly inhibited wild type selenoprotein thioredoxin reductase 1 (TrxR1, TXNRD1) in vitro. The hyperactive Sec⁴⁹⁸ residue of TrxR1 was targeted by those five colorants, which was confirmed by the site-directed mutagenesis of TrxR1. Furthermore, two colorants, chlorophyll and betanin, triggered the oligomerization of TrxR1. A chlorophyll-derived compound, chlorophyllin, irreversibly inhibited the 5,5′-dithiobis-2-nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) reducing activity of TrxR1 with K_inact = 6.96 × 10⁻³ ± 0.49 × 10⁻³ µM⁻¹ min⁻¹. Moreover, chlorophyllin reduced the cellular TrxR activity, leading to reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and, subsequently, promoting cancer cell death. In conclusion, this study might contribute to understand the food safety of commercial colorants and provide chemotherapeutic compounds by targeting TrxR1.

Neonatal Selenoenzyme Expression Is Variably Susceptible to Duration of Maternal Selenium Deficiency

Maternal selenium (Se) deficiency is associated with decreased neonatal Se levels, which increases the risk for neonatal morbidities. There is a hierarchy to selenoprotein expression after Se deficiency in adult rodents, depending on the particular protein and organ evaluated. However, it is unknown how limited Se supply during pregnancy impacts neonatal selenoprotein expression. We used an Se-deficient diet to induce perinatal Se deficiency (SeD), initiated 2–4 weeks before onset of breeding and continuing through gestation. Neonatal plasma, liver, heart, kidney, and lung were collected on the day of birth and assessed for selenoproteins, factors required for Se processing, and non-Se containing antioxidant enzymes (AOE). Maternal SeD reduced neonatal circulating and hepatic glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, as well as hepatic expression of Gpx1 and selenophosphate synthetase 2 (Sps2). In contrast, the impact of maternal SeD on hepatic thioredoxin reductase 1, hepatic non-Se containing AOEs, as well as cardiac, renal, and pulmonary GPx activity, varied based on duration of maternal exposure to SeD diet. We conclude that the neonatal liver and circulation demonstrate earlier depletion in selenoenzyme activity after maternal SeD. Our data indicate that prolonged maternal SeD may escalate risk to the neonate by progressively diminishing Se-containing AOE across multiple organs.