Soymilk products affect ethanol absorption and metabolism in rats during acute and chronic ethanol intake

Integrated strategy of network pharmacology, molecular docking, HPLC-DAD and mice model for exploring active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of Penthorum chinense Pursh against alcoholic liver injury

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP, Saxifragaceae) is an edible plant and frequently-used Chinese herbal medicine, and is commonly used as Miao medicine in China. It showed well effect on alcoholic liver injury (ALI), but studies on its active ingredients and mechanisms against ALI remain at the starting stage.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This work aims to explore the active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of PCP against ALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

First, network pharmacology was applied to decipher the potential active ingredients and pharmacological mechanisms of PCP against ALI by ingredient identification, ADMET evaluation, target identification, network construction and analysis, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis, and gene enrichment analysis. Second, molecular docking was used to explore the interaction between key active ingredient and hub protein of PCP against ALI. Then, the ingredient analysis of PCP aqueous extract and semiquantitative analysis of key active ingredient were carried out on HPLC-DAD. Subsequently, mice with ALI were used to investigate the therapeutic effect or verify the predicted mechanisms of PCP or key active ingredient against ALI by analyzing body weight, liver index, ALT and AST activities in serum and liver tissues, oxidation related indices (SOD activity, GSH level and MDA level) in liver tissues, histopathology of liver tissues (oil red O, hematoxylin-eosin and DAB-TUNEL staining), and changes of related proteins (PI3K, Akt, p-Akt, Bax and Bcl-2) in liver tissues with the aid of Western blot.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology showed that the active ingredients and related genes of PCP against ALI comprised 10 ingredients and 52 genes. Based on the result of ingredient analysis of PCP aqueous extract, quercitrin was identified as the key active ingredient of PCP against ALI. PPI analysis indicated that AKT1 was the hub gene of PCP against ALI, and molecular docking suggested that there were good interaction between quercetin and Akt1 protein. Gene enrichment analysis showed that the pivotal molecular mechanism of PCP against ALI might be to inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis via activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. PCP and quercitrin showed anti-ALI effect by offsetting weight loss and increase of liver index, and reversing the imbalance of oxidative stress and histopathological changes of liver tissues (abnormal fatty acid metabolism, hepatic cord swelling and inflammatory cell infiltration) in mice with ALI. PCP caused the decrease of DAB-TUNEL-positive cells, upregulated the anti-apoptotic proteins (PI3K, Akt and p-Akt) levels and the ratio of p-Akt/Akt, and downregulated pro-apoptotic protein (Bax) level and the ratio of Bax/Bcl-2 in liver tissues of mice with ALI, indicating that the mechanism of PCP against ALI involved in inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis via activation of PI3K-Akt signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

PCP and quercitrin showed well anti-ALI effect. The key active ingredient of PCP against ALI was identified as quercitrin. The underlying pharmacological mechanisms of PCP against ALI may be related to PI3K-Akt signaling pathway-mediated inhibition of hepatocyte apoptosis. This work provided new evidence to support the application of PCP in treatment of ALI, and a research basis for the research and development of functional foods or drugs against ALI from PCP.

Ethnopharmacological Applications Targeting Alcohol Abuse: Overview and Outlook

Excessive alcohol consumption is the cause of several diseases and thus is of a major concern for society. Worldwide alcohol consumption has increased by many folds over the past decades. This urgently calls for intervention and relapse counteract measures. Modern pharmacological solutions induce complete alcohol self-restraint and prevent relapse, but they have many side effects. Natural products are most promising as they cause fewer adverse effects. Here we discuss in detail the medicinal plants used in various traditional/folklore medicine systems for targeting alcohol abuse. We also comprehensively describe preclinical and clinical studies done on some of these plants along with the possible mechanisms of action.

Therapeutic Microbiology: The Role of Bifidobacterium breve as Food Supplement for the Prevention/Treatment of Paediatric Diseases

The human intestinal microbiota, establishing a symbiotic relationship with the host, plays a significant role for human health. It is also well known that a disease status is frequently characterized by a dysbiotic condition of the gut microbiota. A probiotic treatment can represent an alternative therapy for enteric disorders and human pathologies not apparently linked to the gastrointestinal tract. Among bifidobacteria, strains of the species Bifidobacterium breve are widely used in paediatrics. B. breve is the dominant species in the gut of breast-fed infants and it has also been isolated from human milk. It has antimicrobial activity against human pathogens, it does not possess transmissible antibiotic resistance traits, it is not cytotoxic and it has immuno-stimulating abilities. This review describes the applications of B. breve strains mainly for the prevention/treatment of paediatric pathologies. The target pathologies range from widespread gut diseases, including diarrhoea and infant colics, to celiac disease, obesity, allergic and neurological disorders. Moreover, B. breve strains are used for the prevention of side infections in preterm newborns and during antibiotic treatments or chemotherapy. With this documentation, we hope to increase knowledge on this species to boost the interest in the emerging discipline known as "therapeutic microbiology".

Metabolic methanol: molecular pathways and physiological roles

Methanol has been historically considered an exogenous product that leads only to pathological changes in the human body when consumed. However, in normal, healthy individuals, methanol and its short-lived oxidized product, formaldehyde, are naturally occurring compounds whose functions and origins have received limited attention. There are several sources of human physiological methanol. Fruits, vegetables, and alcoholic beverages are likely the main sources of exogenous methanol in the healthy human body. Metabolic methanol may occur as a result of fermentation by gut bacteria and metabolic processes involving S-adenosyl methionine. Regardless of its source, low levels of methanol in the body are maintained by physiological and metabolic clearance mechanisms. Although human blood contains small amounts of methanol and formaldehyde, the content of these molecules increases sharply after receiving even methanol-free ethanol, indicating an endogenous source of the metabolic methanol present at low levels in the blood regulated by a cluster of genes. Recent studies of the pathogenesis of neurological disorders indicate metabolic formaldehyde as a putative causative agent. The detection of increased formaldehyde content in the blood of both neurological patients and the elderly indicates the important role of genetic and biochemical mechanisms of maintaining low levels of methanol and formaldehyde.

Possibility of breast cancer prevention: use of soy isoflavones and fermented soy beverage produced using probiotics

The various beneficial effects of soybeans, which are rich in phytochemicals, have received much attention because of increasing health awareness. Soy milk that has been fermented using lactic acid bacteria has been used to prepare cheese-like products, tofu (bean-curd), and yogurt-type products. However, the distinct odor of soybeans has limited the acceptance of such foods, particularly in Western countries. In Japan, while tofu and soy milk have long been habitually consumed, the development of novel, palatable food products has not been easy. The unpleasant odor of soy milk and the absorption efficiency for isoflavones can be improved using a recently developed fermented soy milk beverage. Cancer has been the leading cause of death, and breast cancer is the most common malignancy among women. The most common type of breast cancer is estrogen-dependent, and the anti-estrogenic effects of isoflavones are known. The present review focuses on the characteristics of soy milk fermented using probiotics, an epidemiological study examining the incidence of breast cancer and soy isoflavone consumption, and a non-clinical study examining breast cancer prevention using fermented soy milk beverage.

Comparison of the agar block and Lieber-DeCarli diets to study chronic alcohol consumption in an aging model of Fischer 344 female rats

INTRODUCTION

Post-menopausal women have a greater risk of developing alcoholic complications compared to age-matched men. Unfortunately, animal models of chronic ethanol consumption with estrogen deficiency are lacking. Here, we characterize the ability of the agar block and Lieber-DeCarli models of chronic ethanol consumption to produce elevated blood alcohol content (BAC) and liver pathology in the F344 postmenopausal animal model of aging.

METHODS

Adult (3 mo) and aged (18 mo) F344 ovary-intact or ovariectomized rats were administered ethanol for 14-20 weeks as follows: diet 1, standard chow access, 10% ethanol in drinking water, and 40% ethanol in agar blocks; diet 2, diet 1 plus low phytoestrogen chow (known to affect ethanol metabolism) for the final 4 weeks; diet 3, Lieber-DeCarli all liquid diet with 36% kcal ethanol. Control animals were matched isocalorically with dextrin.

RESULTS

For the agar block diet, average BAC was 13±4 mg/dL across groups. BAC was unaffected by reducing dietary phytoestrogen content (12±4 mg/dL), which is known to interfere with ethanol metabolism. Liver pathology was unaffected by the agar block diet. In contrast, the Lieber-DeCarli diet resulted in BAC of 45±5 mg/dL in conjunction with more severe hepatopathology.223

DISCUSSION

We conclude that the Lieber-DeCarli diet produces greater BAC and hepatopathology to study the effects of chronic ethanol administration in the F344 postmenopausal rodent model of aging when compared to an ethanol agar block diet.

Effects of a preparation of combined glutathione-enriched yeast and rice embryo/soybean extracts on ethanol hangover

The effects of a preparation of combined glutathione-enriched yeast (GEY) and rice embryo/soybean (RES) extracts (20:1), GEY/RES, on experimentally induced ethanol hangover were investigated in male Sprague-Dawley rats. To evaluate the preventive effects on hangover, rats were orally administered GEY/RES (50/2.5, 100/5, or 200/10 mg/kg) for 2 weeks. At 30 minutes after the final treatment, they were challenged with 3 mL/kg ethanol (15 mL of 20% in water/kg). The blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde were analyzed up to 7 hours postchallenge. Hepatic mRNA expression levels of alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH), cytochrome P450 type 2E1 (CYP2E1), and aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), were determined by real-time polymerase chain reaction. Additional rats were challenged with ethanol and, 60 minutes later, administered GEY/RES to evaluate alcohol clearance. Pretreatment with GEY/RES for 2 weeks reduced the blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde in a dose-dependent manner, lowering by 29.5% and 54.6% at the highest dose (200/10 mg/kg), respectively. The expressions of mRNAs for ADH and ALDH, the major alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, were markedly increased in the livers of rats administered GEY/RES for 2 weeks, whereas CYP2E1 mRNA was suppressed. Postchallenge treatment with GEY/RES enhanced the alcohol clearance rate by lowering blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde by 24% and 26.6%, respectively, for the highest dose group. GEY/RES remarkably eliminated 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl hydrate radical and FeCl(3)-mediated lipid peroxidation in vitro and attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation following ethanol administration in vivo. Therefore, it is suggested that GEY/RES reduces the blood concentrations of alcohol and acetaldehyde not only by modulating alcohol-metabolizing enzymes, but also by exerting its antioxidant activity, and that GEY/RES could be a promising candidate for improvements of alcoholic hangover.

Pueraria lobata (Kudzu root) hangover remedies and acetaldehyde-associated neoplasm risk

Recent introduction of several commercial Kudzu root (Pueraria lobata) containing hangover remedies has occurred in western countries. The available data is reviewed to assess if there are any potential concerns in relationship to the development of neoplasm if these products are used chronically. The herb Pueraria has two components that are used as traditional therapies; Pueraria lobata, the root based herb and Pueraria flos, the flower based herb. Both of these herbal components have different traditional claims and constituents. Pueraria flos, which enhances acetaldehyde removal, is the traditional hangover remedy. Conversely, Pueraria lobata is a known inhibitor of mitochondrial aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH2) and increases acetaldehyde. Pueraria lobata is being investigated for use as an aversion therapy for alcoholics due to these characteristics. Pueraria lobata is not a traditional hangover therapy yet has been accepted as the registered active component in many of these hangover products. The risk of development of acetaldehyde pathology, including neoplasms, is associated with genetic polymorphism with enhanced alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) or reduced ALDH activity leading to increased acetaldehyde levels in the tissues. The chronic usage of Pueraria lobata at times of high ethanol consumption, such as in hangover remedies, may predispose subjects to an increased risk of acetaldehyde-related neoplasm and pathology. The guidelines for Disulfiram, an ALDH2 inhibitor, provide a set of guidelines for use with the herb Pueraria lobata. Pueraria lobata appears to be an inappropriate herb for use in herbal hangover remedies as it is an inhibitor of ALDH2. The recommendations for its use should be similar to those for the ALDH2 inhibitor, Disulfiram.

Bioavailability of isoflavones after ingestion of soy beverages in healthy adults

It is unknown whether the bioavailability of isoflavones is affected by the concomitant ingestion of glucosides or aglycones. This study was designed to investigate the effects of soymilk-based beverages containing different types of isoflavones on their absorption, excretion, and metabolism. Twelve healthy volunteers consumed 3 kinds of soymilk: untreated soymilk, beta-glucosidase-treated soymilk, and fermented soymilk. Blood samples were collected after 0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 24 h. Urine samples were collected from 0 to 48 h. Concentrations of isoflavones and daidzein metabolites in serum and urine were measured by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry. After the ingestion of soymilk, the total concentration of isoflavones in serum rose slowly and reached a maximum of 0.94 +/- 0.39 micromol/L at 6.0 +/- 1.2 h. However, beta-glucosidase-treated soymilk and fermented soymilk increased the serum isoflavone concentration significantly more quickly with maximum concentrations at 1.0 h of 1.75 +/- 0.33 micromol/L and 2.05 +/- 0.32 micromol/L, respectively. The urinary excretion of isoflavones after ingesting of these aglycone-enriched preparations was significantly greater than after consumption of untreated soymilk up to 8 h after injection, but not thereafter. The total and individual concentrations of isoflavones in serum and urine did not differ when subjects consumed the 2 aglycone-enriched soymilks. However, in equol producers (n = 5), the ingestion of ESM tended to increase urinary excretion of equol compared with the consumption of FSM (P = 0.08). These results demonstrated that the isoflavone aglycones of soymilk were absorbed faster and in greater amounts than their glucosides in healthy adults and that the metabolism of isoflavones might be affected by the type of soymilk consumed.

Natural medicines for alcoholism treatment: a review

Alcoholism is a serious problem throughout the world. The development of alcoholism remedies have medical, social and economical significance. In view of the pitfalls of psychological dependence and adverse behavioural effects of synthetic drugs, the development of low toxicity and high efficiency medicines derived from natural products exhibits expansive market prospects. Based on these considerations, we summarize briefly folk application of traditional hangover remedies and clinical application of herbal complex and patent medicines for alcoholism treatment. We have reviewed the effects of natural medicines on intake, absorption and metabolism of alcohol, as well as the protective effects on alcohol-induced acute and chronic tissue injury.

Endocrine and cognitive effects of short-time soybean consumption in women

BACKGROUND

Soy phytoestrogens are known to influence the hormonal status acting as partial estrogen agonists. Soy-derived food supplements are advised for hormone replacement therapy, prevention of atherosclerosis, age-related cognitive decline and even hormone-dependent cancer, although results from clinical studies are controversial. Whether increased soybean intake can affect the endocrine status and cognitive abilities is largely unknown.

AIM

To observe the effects of 1 week of increased soybean intake on sex hormone levels and spatial cognitive abilities in women.

SUBJECTS AND METHODS

16 young healthy female volunteers were asked to eat 900 g of soybeans within 1 week. Salivary testosterone (T), free and total plasma T, salivary and plasma estradiol (E) were measured by radioimmunoassay before and after the study period. Mental rotation (MR) and spatial visualization (SV) psychological tests were done at the days of sampling.

RESULTS

Soybean intake increased total plasma T levels (p < 0.02) while decreasing salivary T (p < 0.01) and not altering free plasma T levels. Salivary and plasma E levels were not changed. The results of MR and SV tests were improved after the study period.

CONCLUSION

Short-time increased soybean intake alters the level of total plasma and salivary T and improves spatial cognition in women. Whether this effect is mediated by modulation of estrogen receptors, changes in sex hormone-binding globulin production or changes in activity of steroid-competent enzymes needs further study.

Novel Approach for Evaluation of Estrogenic and Anti-Estrogenic Activities of Genistein and Daidzein using B16 Melanoma Cells and Dendricity Assay

The effects of soy isoflavones, genistein and daidzein, which exhibit estrogenic, anti-estrogenic and/or tyrosine kinase inhibitory activity, on the dendritic morphology of B16 mouse melanoma cells were quantitatively evaluated and compared with those of 17 beta-estradiol (Est) and tyrphostin, a tyrosine kinase inhibitor. Dendricity was significantly stimulated in the order of Est >> genistein > daidzein = tyrphostin, but not by glycosides of genistein and daidzein. In competition experiments, Est counteracted the stimulatory activity of genistein and daidzein, but enhanced the activity of tyrphostin additively, suggesting that genistein and daidzein agonized Est. In addition, when the concentration ratios of genistein/Est and daidzein/Est were higher than 5000 and 50,000, respectively, genistein and daidzein agonized Est. In contrast, when the ratio of daidzein/Est was lower than 500, daidzein antagonized Est. Furthermore, genistein and daidzein competed with each other in stimulatory activity. These observations suggest that: 1) dendricity is stimulated by agonists (genistein and daidzein) of Est and tyrosine kinase inhibitors (genistein and tyrphostin), 2) the concentration ratio of isoflavone aglycone/Est is very important as one regulatory factor for estrogenic and/or anti-estrogenic activity, and 3) daidzein antagonizes not only Est but also genistein. It is concluded that a quantitative and simple dendricity assay using B16 mouse melanoma cells is available to evaluate estrogenic and anti-estrogenic activity in vitro.