Hepatocyte growth factor protects against isoniazid/rifampicin-induced oxidative liver damage

Research progress on rodent models and its mechanisms of liver injury

The liver is the most important organ for biological transformation in the body and is crucial for maintaining the body's vital activities. Liver injury is a serious pathological condition that is commonly found in many liver diseases. It has a high incidence rate, is difficult to cure, and is prone to recurrence. Liver injury can cause serious harm to the body, ranging from mild to severe fatty liver disease. If the condition continues to worsen, it can lead to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, ultimately resulting in liver failure or liver cancer, which can seriously endanger human life and health. Therefore, establishing an rodent model that mimics the pathogenesis and severity of clinical liver injury is of great significance for better understanding the pathogenesis of liver injury patients and developing more effective clinical treatment methods. The author of this article summarizes common chemical liver injury models, immune liver injury models, alcoholic liver injury models, drug-induced liver injury models, and systematically elaborates on the modeling methods, mechanisms of action, pathways of action, and advantages or disadvantages of each type of model. The aim of this study is to establish reliable rodent models for researchers to use in exploring anti-liver injury and hepatoprotective drugs. By creating more accurate theoretical frameworks, we hope to provide new insights into the treatment of clinical liver injury diseases.

GRP78 improves the therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells on hemorrhagic shock-induced liver injury: Involvement of the NF-кB and HO-1/Nrf-2 pathways

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a popular cell source for repairing the liver. Improving the survival rate and colonization time of MSCs may significantly improve the therapeutic outcomes of MSCs. Studies showed that 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78) expression improves cell viability and migration. This study aims to examine whether GRP78 overexpression improves the efficacy of rat bone marrow-derived MSCs (rBMSCs) in HS-induced liver damage. Bone marrow was isolated from the femurs and tibias of rats. rBMSCs were transfected with a GFP-labeled GRP78 expression vector. Flow cytometry, transwell invasion assay, scratch assay immunoblotting, TUNEL assay, MTT assay, and ELISA were carried out. The results showed that GRP78 overexpression enhanced the migration and invasion of rBMSCs. Moreover, GRP78-overexpressing rBMSCs relieved liver damage, repressed liver oxidative stress, and inhibited apoptosis. We found that overexpression of GRP78 in rBMSCs inhibited activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome, significantly decreased the levels of inflammatory factors, and decreased the expression of CD68. Notably, GRP78 overexpression activated the Nrf-2/HO-1 pathway and inhibited the NF-κB pathway. High expression of GRP78 efficiently enhanced the effect of rBMSC therapy. GRP78 may be a potential target to improve the therapeutic efficacy of BMSCs.

Contribution of gut microbiota to drug-induced liver injury

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is caused by various drugs with complex pathogenesis, and diverse clinical and pathological phenotypes. Drugs damage the liver directly through drug hepatotoxicity, or indirectly through drug-mediated oxidative stress, immune injury and inflammatory insult, which eventually lead to hepatocyte necrosis. Recent studies have found that the composition, relative content and distribution of gut microbiota in patients and animal models of DILI have changed significantly. It has been confirmed that gut microbial dysbiosis brings about intestinal barrier destruction and microorganisms translocation, and the alteration of microbial metabolites may cause or aggravate DILI. In addition, antibiotics, probiotics, and fecal microbiota transplantation are all emerging as prospective therapeutic methods for DILI by regulating the gut microbiota. In this review, we discussed how the altered gut microbiota participates in DILI.

Nutritional intervention is promising in alleviating liver injury during tuberculosis treatment: a review

Liver injury is a main adverse effect of first-line tuberculosis drugs. Current management of tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury (TBLI) mainly relies on withdrawing tuberculosis drugs when necessary. No effective treatment exists. Various nutrients and functional food ingredients may play a protective role in TBLI. However, a comprehensive review has not been conducted to compare the effects of these nutrients and functional food ingredients. We searched Pubmed and Web of Science databases from the earliest date of the database to March 2023. All available in-vitro, animal and clinical studies that examined the effects of nutritional intervention on TBLI were included. The underlying mechanism was briefly reviewed. Folic acid, quercetin, curcumin, Lactobacillus casei, spirulina and Moringa oleifera possessed moderate evidence to have a beneficial effect on alleviating TBLI mostly based on animal studies. The evidence of other nutritional interventions on TBLI was weak. Alleviating oxidative stress and apoptosis were the leading mechanisms for the beneficial effects of nutritional intervention on TBLI. In conclusion, a few nutritional interventions are promising for alleviating TBLI including folic acid, quercetin, curcumin, L. casei, spirulina and M. oleifera, the effectiveness and safety of which need further confirmation by well-designed randomized controlled trials. The mechanisms for the protective role of these nutritional interventions on TBLI warrant further study, particularly by establishing the animal model of TBLI using the tuberculosis drugs separately.

Erk1/2 signaling mediates the HGF-induced protection against ethanol and acetaldehyde-induced toxicity in the pancreatic RINm5F cell line

Alcohol-induced pancreas damage remains as one of the main risk factors for pancreatitis development. This disorder is poorly understood, particularly the effect of acetaldehyde, the primary alcohol metabolite, in the endocrine pancreas. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a protective protein in many tissues, displaying antioxidant, antiapoptotic, and proliferative responses. In the present work, we were focused on characterizing the response induced by HGF and its protective mechanism in the RINm5F pancreatic cell line treated with ethanol and acetaldehyde. RINm5F cells were treated with ethanol or acetaldehyde for 12 h in the presence or not of HGF (50 ng/ml). Cells under HGF treatment decreased the content of reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation induced by both toxics, improving cell viability. This effect was correlated to an improvement in insulin expression impaired by ethanol and acetaldehyde. Using a specific inhibitor of Erk1/2 abrogated the effects elicited by the growth factor. In conclusion, the work provides mechanistic evidence of the HGF-induced-protective response to the alcohol-induced damage in the main cellular component of the endocrine pancreas.

HGF/c-Met regulates p22phox subunit of the NADPH oxidase complex in primary mouse hepatocytes by transcriptional and post-translational mechanisms

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

It is well-known that signaling mediated by the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met in the liver is involved in the control of cellular redox status and oxidative stress, particularly through its ability to induce hepatoprotective gene expression by activating survival pathways in hepatocytes. It has been reported that HGF can regulate the expression of some members of the NADPH oxidase family in liver cells, particularly the catalytic subunits and p22^phox. In the present work we were focused to characterize the mechanism of regulation of p22^phox by HGF and its receptor c-Met in primary mouse hepatocytes as a key determinant for cellular redox regulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary mouse hepatocytes were treated with HGF (50 ng/mL) at different times. cyba expression (gene encoding p22^phox) or protein content were addressed by real time RT-PCR, Western blot or immunofluorescence. Protein interactions were explored by immunoprecipitation and FRET analysis.

RESULTS

Our results provided mechanistic information supporting the transcriptional repression of cyba induced by HGF in a mechanism dependent of NF-κB activity. We identified a post-translational regulation mechanism directed by p22^phox degradation by proteasome 26S, and a second mechanism mediated by p22^phox sequestration by c-Met in plasma membrane.

CONCLUSION

Our data clearly show that HGF/c-Met exerts regulation of the NADPH oxidase by a wide-range of molecular mechanisms. NADPH oxidase-derived reactive oxygen species regulated by HGF/c-Met represents one of the main mechanisms of signal transduction elicited by this growth factor.

Lactobacillus casei Alleviated the Abnormal Increase of Cholestasis-Related Liver Indices During Tuberculosis Treatment: A Post Hoc Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trial

SCOPE

Probiotics are promising in mitigating drug-induced liver injury in animal experiments. However, the clinical evidence is absent. The objective is to investigate the effect of adjunctive Lactobacillus casei on tuberculosis-drug-induced liver injury.

METHODS AND RESULTS

A post hoc analysis is conducted for a previous randomized controlled trial. The trial is registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (No. ChiCTR-IOR-17013210). Four hundred twenty nine patients are allocated to receive standard tuberculosis therapy alone (control group), or together with 1 × 10¹⁰ colony-forming units (CFU) per day (low-dose group), or 2 × 10¹⁰ CFU per day of L. casei (high-dose group) during tuberculosis treatment. The L. casei supplementation significantly reduced the incidence of the abnormal increase of cholestasis-related liver indices including alkaline phosphatase (p = 0.024) and bilirubin (p = 0.013). Plasma lipopolysaccharide (p = 0.02), intestinal permeability biomarkers including zonula occludens-1 (p = 0.001) and intestinal fatty acid binding protein (p = 0.002) are significantly reduced. The gut microbiota composition is dramatically altered with a reduction of Bacteroidetes (p < 0.001) and a corresponding increase of Actinobacteria (p < 0.001) and Firmicutes (p = 0.003).

CONCLUSIONS

L. casei supplementation is beneficial for suppressing abnormally elevated cholestasis-related liver indices during tuberculosis treatment, which may be related to its modification on blood lipopolysaccharide, intestinal barrier function, and gut microbiota.

Drug-induced liver injury and prospect of cytokine based therapy; A focus on IL-2 based therapies

Drug-induced liver injury (DILI) is one of the most frequent sources of liver failure and the leading cause of liver transplant. Common non-prescription medications such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), acetaminophen, and other prescription drugs when taken at more than the recommended doses may lead to DILI. The severity of DILI is affected by factors such as age, ethnicity, race, gender, nutritional status, on-going liver diseases, renal function, pregnancy, alcohol consumption, and drug-drug interactions. Characteristics of DILI-associated inflammation include apoptosis and necrosis of hepatocytes and hepatic infiltration of pro-inflammatory immune cells. If untreated or if the inflammation continues, DILI and associated hepatic inflammation may lead to development of hepatocarcinoma. The therapeutic approach for DILI-associated hepatic inflammation depends on whether the inflammation is acute or chronic. Discontinuing the causative medication, vaccination, and special dietary supplementation are some of the conventional approaches to treat DILI. In this review, we discuss a concise overview of DILI-associated liver complications, and current therapeutic options with special emphasis on biologics including the scope of cytokine therapy in hepatic repair and resolution of inflammation caused by over- the-counter (OTC) or prescription drugs.

Drug repurposing using transcriptome sequencing and virtual drug screening in a patient with glioblastoma

Background Precision medicine and drug repurposing are attractive strategies, especially for tumors with worse prognosis. Glioblastoma is a highly malignant brain tumor with limited treatment options and short survival times. We identified novel BRAF (47-438del) and PIK3R1 (G376R) mutations in a glioblastoma patient by RNA-sequencing. Methods The protein expression of BRAF and PIK3R1 as well as the lack of EGFR expression as analyzed by immunohistochemistry corroborated RNA-sequencing data. The expression of additional markers (AKT, SRC, mTOR, NF-κB, Ki-67) emphasized the aggressiveness of the tumor. Then, we screened a chemical library of > 1500 FDA-approved drugs and > 25,000 novel compounds in the ZINC database to find established drugs targeting BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutated proteins. Results Several compounds (including anthracyclines) bound with higher affinities than the control drugs (sorafenib and vemurafenib for BRAF and PI-103 and LY-294,002 for PIK3R1). Subsequent cytotoxicity analyses showed that anthracyclines might be suitable drug candidates. Aclarubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than both sorafenib and vemurafenib, whereas idarubicin and daunorubicin revealed higher cytotoxicity than LY-294,002. Liposomal formulations of anthracyclines may be suitable to cross the blood brain barrier. Conclusions In conclusion, we identified novel small molecules via a drug repurposing approach that could be effectively used for personalized glioblastoma therapy especially for patients carrying BRAF47-438del and PIK3R1-G376R mutations.

Application of adipose-derived stem cells in photoaging: basic science and literature review

Photoaging is mainly induced by continuous exposure to sun light, causing multiple unwanted skin characters and accelerating skin aging. Adipose-derived stem cells(ADSCs) are promising in supporting skin repair because of their significant antioxidant capacity and strong proliferation, differentiation, and migration ability, as well as their enriched secretome containing various growth factors and cytokines. The identification of the mechanisms by which ADSCs perform these functions for photoaging has great potential to explore therapeutic applications and combat skin aging. We also review the basic mechanisms of UV-induced skin aging and recent improvement in pre-clinical applications of ADSCs associated with photoaging. Results showed that ADSCs are potential to address photoaging problem and might treat skin cancer. Compared with ADSCs alone, the secretome-based approaches and different preconditionings of ADSCs are more promising to overcome the current limitations and enhance the anti-photoaging capacity.

GDF11 restricts aberrant lipogenesis and changes in mitochondrial structure and function in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Growth differentiation factor 11 (GDF11) has been characterized as a key regulator of differentiation in cells that retain stemness features. Recently, it has been reported that GDF11 exerts tumor-suppressive properties in hepatocellular carcinoma cells, decreasing clonogenicity, proliferation, spheroid formation, and cellular function, all associated with a decrement in stemness features, resulting in mesenchymal to epithelial transition and loss of aggressiveness. The aim of the present work was to investigate the mechanism associated with the tumor-suppressive properties displayed by GDF11 in liver cancer cells. Hepatocellular carcinoma-derived cell lines were exposed to GDF11 (50 ng/ml), RNA-seq analysis in Huh7 cell line revealed that GDF11 exerted profound transcriptomic impact, which involved regulation of cholesterol metabolic process, steroid metabolic process as well as key signaling pathways, resembling endoplasmic reticulum-related functions. Cholesterol and triglycerides determination in Huh7 and Hep3B cells treated with GDF11 exhibited a significant decrement in the content of these lipids. The mTOR signaling pathway was downregulated, and this was associated with a reduction in key proteins involved in the mevalonate pathway. In addition, real-time metabolism assessed by Seahorse technology showed abridged glycolysis as well as glycolytic capacity, closely related to an impaired oxygen consumption rate and decrement in adenosine triphosphate production. Finally, transmission electron microscopy revealed mitochondrial abnormalities, such as cristae disarrangement, consistent with metabolic changes. Results provide evidence that GDF11 impairs cancer cell metabolism targeting lipid homeostasis, glycolysis, and mitochondria function and morphology.

HGF induces protective effects in α-naphthylisothiocyanate-induced intrahepatic cholestasis by counteracting oxidative stress

Cholestasis is a clinical syndrome common to a large number of hepatopathies, in which either bile production or its transit through the biliary tract is impaired due to functional or obstructive causes; the consequent intracellular retention of toxic biliary constituents generates parenchyma damage, largely via oxidative stress-mediated mechanisms. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met represent one of the main systems for liver repair damage and defense against hepatotoxic factors, leading to an antioxidant and repair response. In this study, we evaluated the capability of HGF to counteract the damage caused by the model cholestatic agent, α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT). HGF had clear anti-cholestatic effects, as apparent from the improvement in both bile flow and liver function test. Histology examination revealed a significant reduction of injured areas. HGF also preserved the tight-junctional structure. These anticholestatic effects were associated with the induction of basolateral efflux ABC transporters, which facilitates extrusion of toxic biliary compounds and its further alternative depuration via urine. The biliary epithelium seems to have been also preserved, as suggested by normalization in serum GGT levels, CFTR expression and cholangyocyte primary cilium structure our results clearly show for the first time that HGF protects the liver from a cholestatic injury.

Chemical pleurodesis - a review of mechanisms involved in pleural space obliteration

Chemical pleurodesis is a therapeutic procedure applied to create the symphysis between the parietal and visceral pleura by intrapleural administration of various chemical agents (e.g. talk, tetracycline, iodopovidone, etc.). The two major clinical conditions treated with chemical pleurodesis are recurrent pleural effusion (PE) and recurrent spontaneous pneumothorax. Although the history of chemical pleurodesis began over a century ago, detailed data on the mechanisms of action of sclerosing agents are highly incomplete. The following article aims to present the state of knowledge on this subject.It is believed that mesothelial cells are the main structural axis of pleurodesis. In response to sclerosing agents they secrete a variety of mediators including chemokines such as interleukin 8 (IL-8) and monocyte chemoattractant protein (MCP-1), as well as growth factors - vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) and transforming growth factor- β (TGF-β). Numerous data suggest that intact mesothelial cells and the above cytokines play a crucial role in the initiation and maintenance of different pathways of pleural inflammation and pleural space obliteration.It seems that the process of pleurodesis is largely nonspecific to the sclerosant and involves the same ultimate pathways including activation of pleural cells, coagulation cascade, fibrin chain formation, fibroblast proliferation and production of collagen and extracellular matrix components. Of these processes, the coagulation cascade with decreased fibrinolytic activity and increased fibrinogenesis probably plays a pivotal role, at least during the early response to sclerosant administration.A better understanding of various pathways involved in pleurodesis may be a prerequisite for more effective and safe use of various sclerosants and for the development of new, perhaps more personalized therapeutic approaches.

Rifampicin activates AMPK and alleviates oxidative stress in the liver as mediated with Nrf2 signaling

Although rifampicin could have a hepatic toxic effect, it has also been shown that this chemical acts as a cellular protectant against oxidative stress. Therefore, we wondered whether rifampicin has a beneficial effect such as an anti-oxidant in the liver, because the efficacy of some drugs sometimes relates with their toxicity as well as protective effects. The present study aimed to investigate the antioxidant effect of rifampicin against arachidonic acid (AA) plus iron (AA + iron) cotreatment and against acetaminophen (APAP, 500 mg/kg)-induced oxidative stress, in vitro and in vivo, respectively. In vivo, oral administration of rifampicin (100 or 200 mg/kg) attenuated elevation of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), serum liver injury markers, against APAP treatment and, histologically, ameliorated tissue damage. Under in vitro examination, MTT assays were used to assess the cell death inhibitory effect of rifampicin against AA + iron-induced oxidative stress. In addition, DCFH-DA and Rh 123 staining showed that rifampicin treatment reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and mitochondrial membrane damage, which had been induced by AA + iron treatment. Further, we explored whether rifampicin treatment enhanced phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by activation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), the upstream kinase of AMPKα. Activated AMPKα induced activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1), which are proteins functioning in redox balance. Moreover, we confirmed a reversed cell protective effect of rifampicin under compound C (an AMPK inhibitor) treatment. Overall, our data demonstrate that rifampicin effectively protects the liver against cellular oxidative stress through AMPKα and Nrf2 pathway.

Hepatocyte growth factor enhances the clearance of a multidrug-resistant Mycobacterium tuberculosis strain by high doses of conventional chemotherapy, preserving liver function

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the deadliest infectious diseases in humankind history. Although, drug sensible TB is slowly decreasing, at present the rise of TB cases produced by multidrug-resistant (MDR) and extensively drug-resistant strains is a big challenge. Thus, looking for new therapeutic options against these MDR strains is mandatory. In the present work, we studied, in BALB/c mice infected with MDR strain, the therapeutic effect of supra-pharmacological doses of the conventional primary antibiotics rifampicin and isoniazid (administrated by gavage or intratracheal routes), in combination with recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor (HGF). This high dose of antibiotics administered for 3 months, overcome the resistant threshold of the MDR strain producing a significant reduction of pulmonary bacillary loads but induced liver damage, which was totally prevented by the administration of HGF. To address the long-term efficiency of this combined treatment, groups of animals after 1 month of treatment termination were immunosuppressed by glucocorticoid administration and, after 1 month, mice were euthanized, and the bacillary load was determined in lungs. In comparison with animals treated only with a high dose of antibiotics, animals that received the combined treatment showed significantly lower bacterial burdens. Thus, treatment of MDR-TB with very high doses of primary antibiotics particularly administrated by aerial route can produce a very good therapeutic effect, and its hepatic toxicity can be prevented by the administration of HGF, becoming in a new treatment modality for MDR-TB.

Mitochondrial Damage and Drp1 Overexpression in Rifampicin- and Isoniazid-induced Liver Injury Cell Model

Background and Aims: Rifampicin (RFP) and isoniazid (INH) are widely used as anti-tuberculosis agents. However, the mechanisms underlying the involvement of reactive oxygen species and mitochondria in RFP- and INH-related hepatotoxicity have not been established yet. This study aimed to observe the intracellular mechanisms leading to mitochondrial dysfunction and morphological changes in RFP- and INH-induced hepatocyte injury. Methods: Cell injury, changes in mitochondrial function, and expression and activation of dynamin related protein 1 (Drp1), known as the main protein for mitochondrial fission, were analyzed in cultured QSG7701 cells exposed to RFP and INH. Results: INH and RFP treatment induced pronounced hepatocyte injury and increased cell death. In the similar context of aspartate aminotransferase elevation and adenosine triphosphate synthesis decrease, changes in mitochondrial membrane permeability and reactive oxygen species in hepatocytes induced by RFP were significantly different from those induced by INH (p < 0.05). Particularly, we observed the overactivation and mitochondrial translocation of Drp1 in RFP-induced cell injury, which was not occurred with exposure to INH. Conclusions: RFP-induced hepatotoxicity may be closely related to mitochondrial dysfunction and Drp1-mediated mitochondrial fission.

Cholesterol burden in the liver induces mitochondrial dynamic changes and resistance to apoptosis

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) encompasses a broad spectrum of histopathological changes ranging from non-inflammatory intracellular fat deposition to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), which may progress into hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, or hepatocellular carcinoma. Recent data suggest that impaired hepatic cholesterol homeostasis and its accumulation are relevant to the pathogenesis of NAFLD/NASH. Despite a vital physiological function of cholesterol, mitochondrial dysfunction is an important consequence of dietary-induced hypercholesterolemia and was, subsequently, linked to many pathophysiological conditions. The aim in the current study was to evaluate the morphological and molecular changes of cholesterol overload in mouse liver and particularly, in mitochondria, induced by a high-cholesterol (HC) diet for one month. Histopathological studies revealed microvesicular hepatic steatosis and significantly elevated levels of liver cholesterol and triglycerides leading to impaired liver synthesis. Further, high levels of oxidative stress could be determined in liver tissue as well as primary hepatocyte culture. Transcriptomic changes induced by the HC diet involved disruption in key pathways related to cell death and oxidative stress as well as upregulation of genes related to glutathione homeostasis. Impaired liver function could be associated with a decrease in mitochondrial membrane potential and ATP content and significant alterations in mitochondrial dynamics. We demonstrate that cholesterol overload in the liver leads to mitochondrial changes which may render damaged hepatocytes proliferative and resistant to cell death whereby perpetuating liver damage.

Hepatoprotective and Anti-Inflammatory Activities of the Cnidoscolus chayamansa (Mc Vaugh) Leaf Extract in Chronic Models

Previous report described that CHCl₃:MeOH extract of C. chayamansa leaves and pure compounds (moretenol, moretenyl acetate, kaempferol-3,7-dimethyl ether, and 5-hydroxy-7-3',4'-trimethoxyflavanone) showed important topical and systemic anti-inflammatory activity in acute model, as well as in vitro antimycobacterial and antiprotozoal activities. In this paper, we describe the in vivo hepatoprotective and anti-inflammatory effects of the CHCl₃:MeOH extract in chronic model and the isolation of additional compounds (moretenone and lupeol acetate). The hepatoprotective activity was determined at 39 days using Balb/c mice with liver damage induced with an antitubercular drug (RIF/INH/PZA). The anti-inflammatory activity was evaluated in a chronic model induced with CFA and in two acute models (TPA and carrageenan). In addition, moretenone and lupeol acetate were isolated and identified by spectroscopic data. Lupeol acetate is a main compound present in fractions 14-42, and this fraction was the majority fraction from the extract; from this moretenone was obtained. In animals with liver damage, the extract at 200 and 400 mg/kg induced better body weight gain with respect to positive control (Silymarin); in addition, the mice that received the extract at 200 mg/kg and Silymarin exhibited slight steatosis; however, the animals' livers at 400 mg/kg did not show steatosis. The extract and fractions 14-42 showed a good anti-inflammatory activity by TPA model (DE₅₀ = 1.58 and 1.48 mg/ear) and by carrageenan model (DE₅₀ = 351.53 and 50.11 mg/kg). In the chronic inflammatory test, the extract at three doses revealed a similar effect to that of phenylbutazone, although the body weight gain was better in animals that received the extract at 900 mg/kg. Conclusion. The CHCl₃:MeOH extract showed significant anti-inflammatory and good hepatoprotective effect on chronic models. The fraction containing moretenone and lupeol acetate as main compounds was more active than extract in both acute models of inflammation.

Recombinant human hepatocyte growth factor provides protective effects in cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis in mice

Acute pancreatitis is a multifactorial disease associated with profound changes of the pancreas induced by release of digestive enzymes that lead to increase in proinflammatory cytokine production, excessive tissue necrosis, edema, and bleeding. Elevated levels of hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and its receptor c-Met have been observed in different chronic and acute pancreatic diseases including experimental models of acute pancreatitis. In the present study, we investigated the protective effects induced by the recombinant human HGF in a mouse model of cerulein-induced acute pancreatitis. Pancreatitis was induced by 8 hourly administrations of supramaximal cerulein injections (50 µg/kg, ip). HGF treatment (20 µg/kg, iv), significantly attenuated lipase content and amylase activity in serum as well as the degree inflammation and edema overall leading to less severe histologic changes such as necrosis, induced by cerulein. Protective effects of HGF were associated with activation of pro-survival pathways such as Akt, Erk1/2, and Nrf2 and increase in executor survival-related proteins and decrease in pro-apoptotic proteins. In addition, ROS content and lipid peroxidation were diminished, and glutathione synthesis increased in pancreas. Systemic protection was observed by lung histology. In conclusion, our data indicate that HGF exerts an Nrf2 and glutathione-mediated protective effect on acute pancreatitis reflected by a reduction in inflammation, edema, and oxidative stress.

Human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells improve ovarian function in natural aging through secreting hepatocyte growth factor and epidermal growth factor

Background

Although many reports show that various kinds of stem cells have the ability to recover function in premature ovarian aging, few studies have looked at stem cell treatment of natural ovarian aging (NOA). We designed this experimental study to investigate whether human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) retain the ability to restore ovarian function, and how hAMSCs work in this process.

Methods

To build the NOA mouse model, the mice were fed for 12–14 months normally with young fertile female mice as the normal control group (3–5 months old). Hematoxylin and eosin staining permitted follicle counting and showed the ovarian tissue structure. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay was used to detect the serum levels of the sex hormones estradiol (E2), anti-mullerian hormone (AMH), and follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH). The proliferation rate and marker expression level of human ovarian granule cells (hGCs) (ki67, AMH, FSH receptor, FOXL2, and CYP19A1) were measured by flow cytometry (FACS). Cytokines (growth factors) were measured by a protein antibody array methodology. After hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and epidermal growth factor (EGF) were co-cultured with hGCs, proliferation (ki67) and apoptosis (Annexin V) levels were analyzed by FACS. After HGF and EGF were injected into the ovaries of natural aging mice, the total follicle numbers and hormone levels were tested.

Results

After the hAMSCs were transplanted into the NOA mouse model, the hAMSCs exerted a therapeutic activity on mouse ovarian function by improving the follicle numbers over four stages. In addition, our results showed that hAMSCs significantly promoted the proliferation rate and marker expression level of ovarian granular cells that were from NOA patients. Meanwhile, we found that the secretion level of EGF and HGF from hAMSCs was higher than other growth factors. A growth factor combination (HGF with EGF) improved the proliferation rate and inhibited the apoptosis rate more powerfully after a co-culture with hGCs, and total follicle numbers and hormone levels were elevated to a normal level after the growth factor combination was injected into the ovaries of the NOA mouse model.

Conclusions

These findings provide insight into the notion that hAMSCs play an integral role in resistance to NOA. Furthermore, our present study demonstrates that a growth factor combination derived from hAMSCs plays a central role in inhibiting ovarian aging. Therefore, we suggest that hAMSCs improve ovarian function in natural aging by secreting HGF and EGF.

Electronic supplementary material

The online version of this article (10.1186/s13287-018-0781-9) contains supplementary material, which is available to authorized users.

Rifampicin-induced injury in HepG2 cells is alleviated by TUDCA via increasing bile acid transporters expression and enhancing the Nrf2-mediated adaptive response

Bile acid transporters and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf-2)-mediated adaptive response play important roles in the development of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). However, little is known about the contribution of the adaptive response to rifampicin (RFP)-induced cell injury. In this study, we found RFP decreased the survival rate of HepG2 cells and increased the levels of lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), γ-glutamyl-transferase (γ-GT), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), indirect bilirubin (IBIL), total bile acid (TBA) and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) in the cell culture supernatants in both a concentration- and a time-dependent manner. RFP increased the expression levels of bile acid transporter proteins and mRNAs, such as bile salt export pump (BSEP), multidrug resistance protein 1 (MDR1), multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), Na+/taurocholate cotransporter (NTCP), organic anion transporting protein 2 (OATP2), organic solute transporter β (OSTβ) and Nrf2. Following the transient knockdown of Nrf2 and treatment with RFP, the expression levels of the BSEP, MDR1, MRP2, NTCP, OATP2 and OSTβ proteins and mRNAs were decreased to different degrees. Moreover, the cell survival was decreased, whereas the LDH level in the cell culture supernatant was increased. Overexpression of the Nrf2 gene produced the opposite effects. Treatment with tauroursodeoxycholic acid (TUDCA) increased the expression levels of the bile acid transporters and Nrf2, decreased the expression levels of glucose-regulated protein 78 (GRP78), PKR-like ER kinase (PERK), activating transcription factor 4 (ATF4), and C/EBP-homologous protein (CHOP), and inhibited RFP-induced oxidative stress. Moreover, TUDCA reduced cell apoptosis, increased cell survival and decreased the levels of LDH, ALT, AST, AKP, γ-GT, TBIL, DBIL, IBIL, TBA and ATP in the cell culture supernatant. Therefore, TUDCA alleviates RFP-induced injury in HepG2 cells by enhancing bile acid transporters expression and the Nrf2-mediated adaptive response.

Cholesterol overload in the liver aggravates oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage and accelerates hepatocarcinogenesis

Primary liver cancers represent the second leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Diverse etiological factors include chronic viral hepatitis, aflatoxin and alcohol exposure as well as aberrant liver lipid overload. Cholesterol has been identified as a key inducer of metabolic impairment, oxidative stress and promoter of cellular dysfunction. The aim of this work was to address the oxidative stress-mediated DNA damage induced by cholesterol overload, and its role in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma.

C57BL/6 male mice were fed with a high cholesterol diet, followed by a single dose of N-diethylnitrosamine (DEN, 10 μg/g, ip). Reactive oxygen species generation, DNA oxidation, antioxidant and DNA repair proteins were analyzed at different time points. Diet-induced cholesterol overload caused enhanced oxidative DNA damage in the liver and was associated with a decrease in key DNA repair genes as early as 7 days. Interestingly, we found a cell survival response, induced by cholesterol, judged by a decrement in Bax to Bcl2 ratio. Importantly, N-acetyl-cysteine supplementation significantly prevented DNA oxidation damage. Furthermore, at 8 months after DEN administration, tumor growth was significantly enhanced in mice under cholesterol diet in comparison to control animals. Together, these results suggest that cholesterol overload exerts an oxidative stress-mediated effects and promotes the development of liver cancer.

Dose and Time Dependencies in Stress Pathway Responses during Chemical Exposure: Novel Insights from Gene Regulatory Networks

Perturbation of biological networks is often observed during exposure to xenobiotics, and the identification of disturbed processes, their dynamic traits, and dose–response relationships are some of the current challenges for elucidating the mechanisms determining adverse outcomes. In this scenario, reverse engineering of gene regulatory networks (GRNs) from expression data may provide a system-level snapshot embedded within accurate molecular events. Here, we investigate the composition of GRNs inferred from groups of chemicals with two distinct outcomes, namely carcinogenicity [azathioprine (AZA) and cyclophosphamide (CYC)] and drug-induced liver injury (DILI; diclofenac, nitrofurantoin, and propylthiouracil), and a non-carcinogenic/non-DILI group (aspirin, diazepam, and omeprazole). For this, we analyzed publicly available exposed in vitro human data, taking into account dose and time dependencies. Dose–Time Network Identification (DTNI) was applied to gene sets from exposed primary human hepatocytes using four stress pathways, namely endoplasmic reticulum (ER), NF-κB, NRF2, and TP53. Inferred GRNs suggested case specificity, varying in interactions, starting nodes, and target genes across groups. DILI and carcinogenic compounds were shown to directly affect all pathway-based GRNs, while non-DILI/non-carcinogenic chemicals only affected NF-κB. NF-κB-based GRNs clearly illustrated group-specific disturbances, with the cancer-related casein kinase CSNK2A1 being a target gene only in the carcinogenic group, and opposite regulation of NF-κB subunits being observed in DILI and non-DILI/non-carcinogenic groups. Target genes in NRF2-based GRNs shared by DILI and carcinogenic compounds suggested markers of hepatotoxicity. Finally, we indicate several of these group-specific interactions as potentially novel. In summary, our reversed-engineered GRNs are capable of revealing dose dependent, chemical-specific mechanisms of action in stress-related biological networks.

Involvement of histone hypoacetylation in INH-induced rat liver injury

This study explores the mechanism of histone acetylation under the effect of oxidative stress in rat liver injury induced by isoniazid (INH). Fifty-six adult SD rats were selected and divided randomly into INH groups (48) and control (8). Rats in INH groups were intragastrically injected with 55 mg kg^-1 day^-1 for 3, 7, 10, 14, 21, and 28 days, and control rats were given an equal volume of distilled water. Pathological changes in liver tissues were observed by HE staining. Western blot analysis was conducted to measure the expression levels of H3k14ac and H4k8ac. The activities of HAT, HDAC and IL-1β, and TNF-α were detected by ELISA in liver tissues. Real-time RT-PCR analysis was performed to determine the protein expression levels of HAT, HDAC, and IL-1β and the mRNA expression of TNF-α. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were assayed by biochemical methods in liver tissues. At different time points, the SOD activity decreased, whereas the MDA content significantly increased after 14 days (F_SOD = 11.15, F_MDA = 7.42, P < 0.01). During this period, the expression of histone acetylated H3K14 and H4K8 acetylation decreased compared with the control group (F_H3K14 = 4.18, F_H4K8 = 3.87, P < 0.05); by contrast, HDAC1 and HDAC2 showed a high expression level compared with those in the control group (F_HDAC1 = 29.13, F_HDAC2 = 58.34, P < 0.01). Moreover, the expression of CBP/P300 was lower than that in the control group (F_CBP/P300 = 12.18, P = 0.001), and the protein contents of IL-1β and TNF-α in rat liver tissues were up-regulated (F_IL-1β = 44.88, F_TNF-α = 41.56, P < 0.01). These results suggest that histone acetylation is involved in INH-induced rat liver injury. Furthermore, the hypoacetylation of histones H3K14 and H4K8 is negatively correlated with oxidative stress-mediated rat liver injury.

Tuberculosis of the Liver, Biliary Tract, and Pancreas

Tuberculosis of the liver, biliary tract, and pancreas is discussed. In addition, tuberculosis in the setting of HIV-AIDS and liver transplantation is explored. Drug-induced liver injury secondary to antituberculosis medication and monitoring and prophylactic treatment for such injury is also considered.

Mechanism Investigation of Rifampicin-Induced Liver Injury Using Comparative Toxicoproteomics in Mice

Tuberculosis is one of the top causes of death among curable infectious diseases; it is an airborne infectious disease that killed 1.1 million people worldwide in 2010. Anti-tuberculosis drug-induced liver injury is the primary cause of drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Rifampicin is one of the most common anti-tuberculosis therapies and has well-known hepatotoxicity. To understand the mechanism of rifampicin-induced liver injury, we performed a global proteomic analysis of liver proteins by LC-MS/MS in a mouse model after the oral administration of 177 and 442.5 mg/kg rifampicin (LD10 and LD25) for 14 days. Based on the biochemical parameters in the plasma after rifampicin treatment, the hepatotoxic effect of rifampicin in the mouse liver was defined as a mixed liver injury. In the present study, we identified 1101 proteins and quantified 1038 proteins. A total of 29 and 40 proteins were up-regulated and 27 and 118 proteins were down-regulated in response to 177 and 442.5 mg/kg rifampicin, respectively. Furthermore, we performed Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analyses to characterize the mechanism of rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity. In the molecular function category, glutathione transferase activity was up-regulated and proteins related to arachidonic acid metabolism were down-regulated. In the KEGG pathway enrichment-based clustering analysis, the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) signaling pathway, cytochrome P450, glutathione metabolism, chemical carcinogenesis, and related proteins increased dose-dependently in rifampicin-treated livers. Taken together, this study showed in-depth molecular mechanism of rifampicin-induced liver injury by comparative toxicoproteomics approach.

Involvement of protoporphyrin IX accumulation in the pathogenesis of isoniazid/rifampicin-induced liver injury: the prevention of curcumin

Combination of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RFP) causes liver injury frequently among tuberculosis patients. However, mechanisms of the hepatotoxicity are not entirely understood. Protoporphyrin IX (PPIX) accumulation, as an endogenous hepatotoxin, resulting from isoniazid and rifampicin co-therapy (INH/RFP) has been reported in PXR-humanized mice. Aminolevulinic acid synthase1 (ALAS1), ferrochelatase (FECH) and breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP) play crucial roles in PPIX synthesis, metabolism and transport, respectively. Herein, this study focused on the role of INH/RFP in these processes. We observed PPIX accumulation in human hepatocytes (L-02) and mouse livers. FECH expression was initially found downregulated both in L-02 cells and mouse livers and expression levels of ALAS1 and BCRP were elevated in L-02 cells after INH/RFP treatment, indicating FECH inhibition and ALAS1 induction might confer a synergistic effect on PPIX accumulation. Additionally, our results revealed that curcumin alleviated INH/RFP-induced liver injury, declined PPIX levels and induced FECH expression in both L-02 cells and mice. In conclusion, our data provide a novel insight in the mechanism of INH/RFP-induced PPIX accumulation and evidence for understanding pathogenesis of INH/RFP-induced liver injury, and suggest that amelioration of PPIX accumulation might be involved in the protective effect of curcumin on INH/RFP-induced liver injury.

Genetic Nrf2 Overactivation Inhibits the Deleterious Effects Induced by Hepatocyte-Specific c-met Deletion during the Progression of NASH

We have recently shown that hepatocyte-specific c-met deficiency accelerates the progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis in experimental murine models resulting in augmented production of reactive oxygen species and accelerated development of fibrosis. The aim of this study focuses on the elucidation of the underlying cellular mechanisms driven by Nrf2 overactivation in hepatocytes lacking c-met receptor characterized by a severe unbalance between pro-oxidant and antioxidant functions. Control mice (c-met^fx/fx), single c-met knockouts (c-met^Δhepa), and double c-met/Keap1 knockouts (met/Keap1^Δhepa) were then fed a chow or a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet, respectively, for 4 weeks to reproduce the features of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Upon MCD feeding, met/Keap1^Δhepa mice displayed increased liver mass albeit decreased triglyceride accumulation. The marked increase of oxidative stress observed in c-met^Δhepa was restored in the double mutants as assessed by 4-HNE immunostaining and by the expression of genes responsible for the generation of free radicals. Moreover, double knockout mice presented a reduced amount of liver-infiltrating cells and the exacerbation of fibrosis progression observed in c-met^Δhepa livers was significantly inhibited in met/Keap1^Δhepa. Therefore, genetic activation of the antioxidant transcription factor Nrf2 improves liver damage and repair in hepatocyte-specific c-met-deficient mice mainly through restoring a balance in the cellular redox homeostasis.

Rifampicin-Induced Hepatic Lipid Accumulation: Association with Up-Regulation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor γ in Mouse Liver

Previous study found that rifampicin caused intrahepatic cholestasis. This study investigated the effects of rifampicin on hepatic lipid metabolism. Mice were orally administered with rifampicin (200 mg/kg) daily for different periods. Results showed that serum TG level was progressively reduced after a short elevation. By contrast, hepatic TG content was markedly increased in rifampicin-treated mice. An obvious hepatic lipid accumulation, as determined by Oil Red O staining, was observed in mice treated with rifampicin for more than one week. Moreover, mRNA levels of Fas, Acc and Scd-1, several key genes for fatty acid synthesis, were elevated in rifampicin-treated mice. In addition, the class B scavenger receptor CD36 was progressively up-regulated by rifampicin. Interestingly, hepatic SREBP-1c and LXR-α, two important transcription factors that regulate genes for hepatic fatty acid synthesis, were not activated by rifampicin. Instead, hepatic PXR was rapidly activated in rifampicin-treated mice. Hepatic PPARγ, a downstream target of PXR, was transcriptionally up-regulated. Taken together, the increased hepatic lipid synthesis and uptake of fatty acids from circulation into liver jointly contribute to rifampicin-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. The increased uptake of fatty acids from circulation into liver might be partially attributed to rifampicin-induced up-regulation of PPARγ and its target genes.

NQO1 and CYP450 reductase decrease the systemic exposure of rifampicin-quinone and mediate its redox cycle in rats

Rifampicin (RIF) is used in regimens for infections caused by Mycobacteria accompanied by serious adverse reactions. Rifampicin-quinone (RIF-Q) is a major autoxidation product of RIF. It is not clear whether RIF-Q plays a role in RIF induced adverse reactions. Investigation of the systemic exposure of RIF-Q is helpful to better understand the role of RIF-Q in RIF induced adverse reactions. In this study, a simple and reproducible high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) method involving a procedure to prevent the RIF from oxidation for simultaneous quantification of RIF and RIF-Q in rat plasma has been developed and validated, and applied to elucidate the systemic exposure of RIF-Q in rats. The pharmacokinetics data showed that the systemic exposure of RIF-Q was very low (0.67% of RIF, AUC_0-24) in rats after oral administration of RIF. However, RIF-Q may undergo the redox cycle in vivo by the evidence that the majority of RIF-Q was reduced to RIF after an oral dose of RIF-Q. Pretreatment with the NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) specific inhibitor dicoumarol and/or cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR) inhibitor diphenyleneiodonium suppressed the redox cycle and significantly increased the systemic exposure of RIF-Q. The inhibitors also attenuated the redox cycle induced reactive oxygen species formation and cytotoxicity in RIF-Q-treated HepG2 cells. These results indicate that NQO1 and CPR play an important role in redox cycle of RIF-Q and may thus contribute to RIF-induced adverse reactions.

Role of Inflammatory and Oxidative Stress, Cytochrome P450 2E1, and Bile Acid Disturbance in Rat Liver Injury Induced by Isoniazid and Lipopolysaccharide Cotreatment

Isoniazid (INH) remains the core drug in tuberculosis management, but serious hepatotoxicity and potentially fatal liver injury continue to accompany INH consumption. Among numerous theories that have been established to explain INH-induced liver injury, an inflammatory stress theory has recently been widely used to explain the idiosyncrasy. Inflammatory stress usually sensitizes tissues to a drug's toxic consequences. Therefore, the present study was conducted to verify whether bacterial lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation may have a role in enhancing INH hepatotoxicity. While single INH or LPS administration showed no major toxicity signs, INH-LPS cotreatment intensified liver toxicity. Both blood biomarkers and histological evaluations clearly showed positive signs of severe liver damage accompanied by massive necrosis, inflammatory infiltration, and hepatic steatosis. Furthermore, elevated serum levels of bile acid associated with the repression of bile acid synthesis and transport regulatory parameters were observed. Moreover, the principal impact of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) on INH toxicity could be anticipated, as its protein expression showed enormous increases in INH-LPS-cotreated animals. Furthermore, the crucial role of CYP2E1 in the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) was clearly obvious in the repression of hepatic antioxidant parameters. In summary, these results confirmed that this LPS-induced inflammation model might prove valuable in revealing the hepatotoxic mechanisms of INH and the crucial role played by CYP2E1 in the initiation and propagation of INH-induced liver damage, information which could be very useful to clinicians in understanding the pathogenesis of drug-induced liver injury.

Liver Cholesterol Overload Aggravates Obstructive Cholestasis by Inducing Oxidative Stress and Premature Death in Mice

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis is one of the leading causes of liver disease. Dietary factors determine the clinical presentation of steatohepatitis and can influence the progression of related diseases. Cholesterol has emerged as a critical player in the disease and hence consumption of cholesterol-enriched diets can lead to a progressive form of the disease. The aim was to investigate the impact of liver cholesterol overload on the progression of the obstructive cholestasis in mice subjected to bile duct ligation surgery. Mice were fed with a high cholesterol diet for two days and then were subjected to surgery procedure; histological, biochemical, and molecular analyses were conducted to address the effect of cholesterol in liver damage. Mice under the diet were more susceptible to damage. Results show that cholesterol fed mice exhibited increased apoptosis and oxidative stress as well as reduction in cell proliferation. Mortality following surgery was higher in HC fed mice. Liver cholesterol impairs the repair of liver during obstructive cholestasis and aggravates the disease with early fatal consequences; these effects were strongly associated with oxidative stress.

Loss of c-Met signaling sensitizes hepatocytes to lipotoxicity and induces cholestatic liver damage by aggravating oxidative stress

Recent studies confirmed a critical importance of c-Met signaling for liver regeneration by modulating redox balance. Here we used liver-specific conditional knockout mice (MetKO) and a nutritional model of hepatic steatosis to address the role of c-Met in cholesterol-mediated liver toxicity. Liver injury was assessed by histopathology and plasma enzymes levels. Global transcriptomic changes were examined by gene expression microarray, and key molecules involved in liver damage and lipid homeostasis were evaluated by Western blotting. Loss of c-Met signaling amplified the extent of liver injury in MetKO mice fed with high-cholesterol diet for 30days as evidenced by upregulation of liver enzymes and increased synthesis of total bile acids, aggravated inflammatory response and enhanced intrahepatic lipid deposition. Global transcriptomic changes confirmed the enrichment of networks involved in steatosis and cholestasis. In addition, signaling pathways related to glutathione and lipid metabolism, oxidative stress and mitochondria dysfunction were significantly affected by the loss of c-Met function. Mechanistically, exacerbation of oxidative stress in MetKO livers was corroborated by increased lipid and protein oxidation. Western blot analysis further revealed suppression of Erk, NF-kB and Nrf2 survival pathways and downstream target genes (e.g. cyclin D1, SOD1, gamma-GCS), as well as up-regulation of proapoptotic signaling (e.g. p53, caspase 3). Consistent with the observed steatotic and cholestatic phenotype, nuclear receptors RAR, RXR showed increased activation while expression levels of CAR, FXR and PPAR-alpha were decreased in MetKO. Collectively, our data provide evidence for the critical involvement of c-Met signaling in cholesterol and bile acids toxicity.

A synthetic biology-based device prevents liver injury in mice

BACKGROUND & AIMS

The liver performs a panoply of complex activities coordinating metabolic, immunologic and detoxification processes. Despite the liver's robustness and unique self-regeneration capacity, viral infection, autoimmune disorders, fatty liver disease, alcohol abuse and drug-induced hepatotoxicity contribute to the increasing prevalence of liver failure. Liver injuries impair the clearance of bile acids from the hepatic portal vein which leads to their spill over into the peripheral circulation where they activate the G-protein-coupled bile acid receptor TGR5 to initiate a variety of hepatoprotective processes.

METHODS

By functionally linking activation of ectopically expressed TGR5 to an artificial promoter controlling transcription of the hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), we created a closed-loop synthetic signalling network that coordinated liver injury-associated serum bile acid levels to expression of HGF in a self-sufficient, reversible and dose-dependent manner.

RESULTS

After implantation of genetically engineered human cells inside auto-vascularizing, immunoprotective and clinically validated alginate-poly-(L-lysine)-alginate beads into mice, the liver-protection device detected pathologic serum bile acid levels and produced therapeutic HGF levels that protected the animals from acute drug-induced liver failure.

CONCLUSIONS

Genetically engineered cells containing theranostic gene circuits that dynamically interface with host metabolism may provide novel opportunities for preventive, acute and chronic healthcare.

LAY SUMMARY

Liver diseases leading to organ failure may go unnoticed as they do not trigger any symptoms or significant discomfort. We have designed a synthetic gene circuit that senses excessive bile acid levels associated with liver injuries and automatically produces a therapeutic protein in response. When integrated into mammalian cells and implanted into mice, the circuit detects the onset of liver injuries and coordinates the production of a protein pharmaceutical which prevents liver damage.

Diagnosis and treatment of coinfection of pulmonary tuberculosis and chronic hepatitis B

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) and tuberculosis bacillus (TB) are leading causes of infectious diseases in China, leading to a range of life-threaten diseases including chronic hepatitis B (CHB), cirrhosis, hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB). Due to the high prevalence of infection and increased number of cases, coinfection of HCC and PTB is becoming a new hot area. Differences between coinfection and single infection include the disease process, injuries, medication selection, curative effects, drug-resistance and side effects. In particular, the adverse effects of clinical prognosis, etiological treatment, anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury (ATLI) and multidrug-resistant pulmonary tuberculosis (MDR-TB) have became a new challenge for therapy. This review aims to summarize the incidence of infections, clinical observations, adversely effects and existing problems of treatment, the development of antituberculous and anti-HBV therapy and hepatitis protection. Additionally, a suggestion for improving therapeutic efficacy has been proposed as well.

Biflavonoid fraction from Garcinia kola seed ameliorates hormonal imbalance and testicular oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs in Wistar rats

BACKGROUND

Tuberculosis (TB) is a global health problem. The effects of anti-TB drugs on male reproductive system have not been properly evaluated. We investigated the effects of anti-TB drugs on testicular antioxidant indices, sperm characteristics and hormonal levels in rats, and the protective role of kolaviron (KV), a biflavonoid from Garcinia kola seed.

METHODS

Twenty-eight male Wistar rats were assigned into four groups and orally treated with corn oil (control), anti-TB drugs [4-Tabs=isoniazid (5 mg/kg), rifampicin (10 mg/kg), pyrazinamide (15 mg/kg) and ethambutol (15 mg/kg) in combination], anti-TB drugs +KV and KV alone (200 mg/kg). Anti-TB drugs and KV were given three times per week for 8 weeks. In vitro, reducing power, inhibition of lipid peroxidation (LPO), diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) and hydroxyl radical scavenging effects of KV were examined.

RESULTS

KV at 10, 20, 50 and 100 μg/mL showed strong reducing potential and effectively scavenged DPPH and OH radicals in a concentration-dependent manner. Furthermore, KV significantly inhibited LPO in rats' liver homogenate. In vivo, administration of 4-Tabs caused a significant (p<0.05) decrease in body weight gain and weight of testis of rats. Body weight gain and weight of testis decreased by 45% and 36%, respectively, in the 4-Tabs-treated rats. Also, 4-Tabs increased testicular lipid peroxidation by 82%, with a concomitant decrease in antioxidant indices. Testicular reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase decreased by 2.2-, 1.9- and 1.6-folds, respectively. Likewise, 4-Tabs markedly decreased sperm count, motility, luteinizing hormone and testosterone. Co-administration of KV with 4-Tabs normalized body weight, enhanced antioxidant system and improved sperm characteristics.

CONCLUSIONS

Kolaviron protects male reproductive system from oxidative damage by anti-tuberculosis drugs via the antioxidative mechanism.

Diallyl trisulfide protects the liver against hepatotoxicity induced by isoniazid and rifampin in mice by reducing oxidative stress and activating Kupffer cells

Background & Aim: Diallyl trisulfide (DATS) has been verified to ameliorate hepatotoxicity induced by many drugs, but the protective actions of isoniazid (INH) and rifampicin (RFP) have not been reported. We attempted to elucidate the potential effects and mechanisms of DATS against INH&RFP-caused hepatotoxicity. Methods: Male Kunming mice weighing 18-22 g were divided into 6 groups. For the hepatic-protective study, DATS (10 mg per kg, 20 mg per kg, and 40 mg per kg bw, respectively) was orally administered two hours before the INH&RFP (100 mg per kg, 100 mg per kg bw, respectively) treatments. After 11 days of treatment, 10 mice in each group were taken for the carbon clearance test, while the other 10 mice were sacrificed for the collection of serum and livers for further measurements, including the levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and total bilirubin (T.Bili), the liver index, and liver histopathological examination. Malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH), and the level of interleukin 1-β (IL-1-β) were measured, the carbon clearance test was performed and the immunohistochemistry of F4/80 marker for activated Kupffer cells (KCs) was analyzed to investigate potential mechanisms. Results: DATS co-administration significantly inhibited the increase of liver index and elevation of serum ALT, AST and T.Bili levels induced by INH&RFP, as well as improved the hepatocellular structure. The further mechanistic studies demonstrated that DATS co-administration counteracted INH&RFP-induced oxidative stress in mice, which was illustrated by the restoration of GSH levels, and the reduction of MDA levels in the liver. Furthermore, DATS co-administration reactivated the KCs inhibited by INH&RFP, which was illustrated by the increase of carbon phagocytosis, and the restoration of the number of activated KCs and IL-1-β levels in the liver. Conclusion: DATS effectively protected the liver against INH&RFP-induced hepatotoxicity, which might be due to its antioxidant effect and enhancement of KCs' activities.

Hepatocyte Growth Factor Reduces Free Cholesterol-Mediated Lipotoxicity in Primary Hepatocytes by Countering Oxidative Stress

Cholesterol overload in the liver has shown toxic effects by inducing the aggravation of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease to steatohepatitis and sensitizing to damage. Although the mechanism of damage is complex, it has been demonstrated that oxidative stress plays a prominent role in the process. In addition, we have proved that hepatocyte growth factor induces an antioxidant response in hepatic cells; in the present work we aimed to figure out the protective effect of this growth factor in hepatocytes overloaded with free cholesterol. Hepatocytes from mice fed with a high-cholesterol diet were treated or not with HGF, reactive oxygen species present in cholesterol overloaded hepatocytes significantly decreased, and this effect was particularly associated with the increase in glutathione and related enzymes, such as γ-gamma glutamyl cysteine synthetase, GSH peroxidase, and GSH-S-transferase. Our data clearly indicate that HGF displays an antioxidant response by inducing the glutathione-related protection system.

Pharmaceutical care for patients with anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury

Drug induced liver injury is one of the most important and serious adverse effects of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The clinical features of anti-tuberculosis drug induced liver injury (ATLI) ranges from asymptomatic alanine aminotransferase (ALT) elevations to acute hepatitis symptoms, and the mortality cases associated with liver failure are not rare. ATLI diminishes the effectiveness of anti-tuberculosis treatment, as they may cause non-adherence, and further leads to treatment interruption, recurrence or the emergence of drug resistance. The aim of this paper is to discuss the clinical features, mechanisms, risk factors and treatment principles for ATLI. In addition, the reasonable adjustment of anti-tuberculosis treatment and implementation of pharmaceutical care are also reviewed so as to provide thoughts on the prevention, diagnosis and timely intervention of ATLI.

Acetylcholinesterase is associated with a decrease in cell proliferation of hepatocellular carcinoma cells

Acetylcholinesterase (AChE), the enzyme that rapidly splits acetylcholine into acetate and choline, presents non-cholinergic functions through which may participate in the control of cell proliferation and apoptosis. These two features are relevant in cancer, particularly in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), a very aggressive liver tumor with high incidence and poor prognosis in advanced stages. Here we explored the relation between acetylcholinesterase and HCC growth by testing the influence of AChE on proliferation of Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines, addressed in monolayer cultures, spheroid formation and human liver tumor samples. Results showed a clear relation in AChE expression and cell cycle progression, an effect which depended on cell confluence. Inhibition of AChE activity led to an increase in cell proliferation, which was associated with downregulation of p27 and cyclins. The fact that Huh-7 and HepG2 cell lines provided similar results lent weight to the relationship of AChE expression with cell cycle progression in hepatoma cell lines at least. Human liver tumor samples exhibited a decrease in AChE activity as compared with normal tissue. The evidence presented herein provides additional support for the proposed tumor suppressor role of AChE, which makes it a potential therapeutic target in therapies against hepatocellular carcinoma.

Pathways of apoptosis regulation in hepatocytes induced by first-line antitubercular drugs

We studied pathways of apoptosis regulation during experimental hepatopathy caused by treatment with antitubercular drugs and involvement of some hepatoprotectors and immunomodulators in the regulation of hepatocyte apoptosis induced by antitubercular drugs. The intensity of apoptosis and expression of apoptosis-associated molecules were evaluated. It was shown that antitubercular drugs induce apoptosis in hepatocytes by triggering external signaling pathway and p53-dependent signaling pathway and simultaneously reducing the level of anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein. Runihol, remaxol, and cycloferon reduced degenerative effects in the liver, though the level of apoptosis remained high. Ademetionine in tablets and reamberin improved the microstructure of the liver by inhibiting both apoptotic pathways induced by the antitubercular drugs; in other words, they have distinct hepatoprotective and apoptosis-protective effects, which is especially important at the late stages of ontogeny.