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Liu JJ, Xu Y, Chen S, Hao CF, Liang J, Li ZL. The mechanism of Yinchenhao decoction in treating obstructive-jaundice-induced liver injury based on Nrf2 signaling pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:4635-4648. [PMID: 36157920 PMCID: PMC9476870 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i32.4635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2022] [Revised: 06/08/2022] [Accepted: 06/24/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Obstructive jaundice (OJ) is caused by bile excretion disorder after partial or complete bile duct obstruction. It may cause liver injury through various mechanisms. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a lot of advantages in treating OJ. The recovery of liver function can be accelerated by combining Chinese medicine treatment with existing clinical practice. Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD), a TCM formula, has been used to treat jaundice. Although much progress has been made in recent years in understanding the mechanism of YCHD in treating OJ-induced liver injury, it is still not clear.
AIM To investigate chemical components of YCHD that are effective in the treatment of OJ and predict the mechanism of YCHD.
METHODS The active components and putative targets of YCHD were predicted using a network pharmacology approach. Gene Ontology biological process and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes path enrichment analysis were carried out by cluster profile. We predicted the biological processes, possible targets, and associated signaling pathways that YCHD may involve in the treatment of OJ. Thirty male Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into three groups, each consisting of 10 rats: the sham group (Group S), the OJ model group (Group M), and the YCHD-treated group (Group Y). The sham group only received laparotomy. The OJ model was established by ligating the common bile duct twice in Groups M and Y. For 1 wk, rats in Group Y were given a gavage of YCHD (3.6 mL/kg) twice daily, whereas rats in Groups S and M were given the same amount of physiological saline after intragastric administration daily. After 7 d, all rats were killed, and the liver and blood samples were collected for histopathological and biochemical examinations. Total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels in the blood samples were detected. The gene expression levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS), and the nucleus positive rate of NF-E2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) protein were measured. Western blot analyses were used to detect the protein and gene expression levels of Nrf2, Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1 (NQO1), and glutathione-S-transferase (GST) in the liver tissues. One-way analysis of variance was used to evaluate the statistical differences using the statistical package for the social sciences 23.0 software. Intergroup comparisons were followed by the least significant difference test and Dunnett’s test.
RESULTS The effects of YCHD on OJ involve biological processes such as DNA transcription factor binding, RNA polymerase II specific regulation, DNA binding transcriptional activator activity, and nuclear receptor activity. The protective effects of YCHD against OJ were closely related to 20 pathways, including the hepatitis-B, the mitogen-activated protein kinase, the phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B, and tumor necrosis factor signaling pathways. YCHD alleviated the swelling and necrosis of hepatocytes. Following YCHD treatment, the serum levels of TBIL (176.39 ± 17.03 μmol/L vs 132.23 ± 13.88 μmol/L, P < 0.01), DBIL (141.41 ± 14.66 μmol/L vs 106.43 ± 10.88 μmol/L, P < 0.01), ALT (332.07 ± 34.34 U/L vs 269.97 ± 24.78 U/L, P < 0.05), and AST (411.44 ± 47.64 U/L vs 305.47 ± 29.36 U/L, P < 0.01) decreased. YCHD promoted the translocation of Nrf2 into the nucleus (12.78 ± 0.99 % vs 60.77 ± 1.90 %, P < 0.001). After YCHD treatment, we found a decrease in iNOS (0.30 ± 0.02 vs 0.20 ± 0.02, P < 0.001) and an increase in eNOS (0.18 ± 0.02 vs 0.32 ± 0.02, P < 0.001). Meanwhile, in OJ rats, YCHD increased the expressions of Nrf2 (0.57 ± 0.03 vs 1.18 ± 0.10, P < 0.001), NQO1 (0.13 ± 0.09 vs 1.19 ± 0.07, P < 0.001), and GST (0.12 ± 0.02 vs 0.50 ± 0.05, P < 0.001), implying that the potential mechanism of YCHD against OJ-induced liver injury was the upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.
CONCLUSION OJ-induced liver injury is associated with the Nrf2 signaling pathway. YCHD can reduce liver injury and oxidative damage by upregulating the Nrf2 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Jian Liu
- The Second Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University NanKai Hospital, Tianjin 300102, China
| | - Yan Xu
- Graduate School, Tianjin Medical University, Tianjin 3000070, China
| | - Shuai Chen
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou 221000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Cheng-Fei Hao
- The Second Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University NanKai Hospital, Tianjin 300102, China
| | - Jing Liang
- School of Foreign Languages, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610000, Sichuan Province, China
| | - Zhong-Lian Li
- The Second Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Tianjin Medical University NanKai Hospital, Tianjin 300102, China
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Groeneveld DJ, Poole LG, Luyendyk JP. Targeting von Willebrand factor in liver diseases: A novel therapeutic strategy? J Thromb Haemost 2021; 19:1390-1408. [PMID: 33774926 PMCID: PMC8582603 DOI: 10.1111/jth.15312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2020] [Revised: 03/08/2021] [Accepted: 03/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Acute and chronic liver disease are associated with substantial alterations in the hemostatic system. Evidence from both experimental and clinical studies suggests that anticoagulants slow the progression of liver disease. Efficacy of those anticoagulant drugs is, in part, attributed to a reduction of microthrombi formation within the liver. Although anticoagulant drugs show promising results, bleeding risk associated with these drugs is an obvious drawback, particularly in patients with a complex coagulopathy driven by decreased liver function. Identifying therapies that reduce intrahepatic thrombosis with minimal bleeding risk would significantly advance the field. Among the hemostatic alterations observed in patients are substantially increased levels of the platelet-adhesive protein von Willebrand factor (VWF). In contrast, levels of A Disintegrin and Metalloproteinase with Thrombospondin motifs, the enzyme that regulates VWF activity, are significantly reduced in patients with liver disease. Highly elevated VWF levels are proposed to accelerate intrahepatic thrombus formation and thus be a driver of disease progression. Strong clinical evidence suggesting a link between liver disease and changes in VWF is now being matched by emerging mechanistic data showing a detrimental role for VWF in the progression of liver disease. This review focuses on clinical and experimental evidence supporting a connection between VWF function and the progression of acute and chronic liver diseases. Furthermore, with the recent anticipated approval of several novel therapies targeting VWF, we discuss potential strategies and benefits of targeting VWF as an innovative therapy for patients with liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dafna J Groeneveld
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - Lauren G Poole
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
| | - James P Luyendyk
- Department of Pathobiology & Diagnostic Investigation, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Institute for Integrative Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, Michigan State University, East Lansing, MI, USA
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DiNicolantonio JJ, McCarty MF, Barroso-Aranda J, Assanga S, Lujan LML, O'Keefe JH. A nutraceutical strategy for downregulating TGFβ signalling: prospects for prevention of fibrotic disorders, including post-COVID-19 pulmonary fibrosis. Open Heart 2021; 8:openhrt-2021-001663. [PMID: 33879509 PMCID: PMC8061562 DOI: 10.1136/openhrt-2021-001663] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 03/30/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- James J DiNicolantonio
- Preventive Cardiology, Saint Luke's Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
| | | | | | - Simon Assanga
- Department of Research and Postgraduate Studies in Food, University of Sonora, Sonora, Mexico
| | | | - James H O'Keefe
- University of Missouri-Kansas City, Saint Lukes Mid America Heart Institute, Kansas City, Missouri, USA
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El-Yamany MF, Zaki ES, Shaltout SA, Saad MA. Bone marrow mononuclear cells boosts anti-cytogentical aberration effect of N-acetylcysteine and α-lipoic acid in rat's liver and bone marrow: implication of oxidative and inflammatory pathways. Toxicol Mech Methods 2021; 31:437-449. [PMID: 33775218 DOI: 10.1080/15376516.2021.1906370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
This study investigates the hepatoprotective effect of bone marrow mononuclear cells (BM-MNCs) transplantation, N-acetylcysteine (NAC) and α-lipoic acid (ALA). Rats were administrated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) (1 mg/kg, i.p.) twice/week for 8 weeks for the induction of hepatotoxicity. 7 groups of rats were used as follows: Normal control, CCl4, CCl4 co-administered with BM-MNCs (1 × 106 in 0.1 ml PBS, i.v.), or NAC (300 mg/kg, p.o) or ALA (100 mg/kg, p.o) single or combination. Liver function was tested by measuring serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and albumin as well as interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-10 (IL-10), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), malondialdehyde (MDA), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), glutathione peroxidase (Gpx), superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) activities in liver homogenates. Besides that, estimation of DNA damage was performed. In addition to Micronucleus test and histopathological investigation. CCl4 treated rats showed elevation in ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MDA accompanied by reduction in ALB, IL-10, SOD, CAT, GPx and TAC and increased the number of DNA breaks in liver tissue, showed many micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in bone marrow. NAC, ALA, BM-MNCs and their combination caused a reduction of ALT, AST, while, increase albumin, CAT, TAC, GPx, SOD as compared to CCl4 treated groups. Also decrease in MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α concurrently with an increase in IL-10. Moreover, BM-MNCs, NAC, ALA, and their combination decreased DNA tail %, and the count of MnPCEs. BM-MNCs combination with NAC or ALA exerted significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-cytogenetical aberrations effect compared to each of them alone.HighlightsCCl4 elevated ALT, AST, TNF-α, IL-6 and MDACCl4 reduced ALB, IL-10, SOD, CAT, GPx and TACCCl4 increased the number of DNA breaks in liverNAC, ALA and BM-MNCs reduced ALT, AST, while, increase albumin, CAT, TAC, GPx, SODNAC, ALA and BM-MNCs decreased in MDA, IL-6 and TNF-α and increased IL-10 [Figure: see text].
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Affiliation(s)
- Muhammed F El-Yamany
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Eman S Zaki
- General Authority for Hospitals and Educational Institutes- Ministry of Health, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Sherif A Shaltout
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Benha University, Benha, Egypt
| | - Muhammed A Saad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Cairo University, Cairo, Egypt.,School of Pharmacy, Newgiza University, Cairo, Egypt
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Mardani N, Mozafarpoor S, Goodarzi A, Nikkhah F. A systematic review of N-acetylcysteine for treatment of acne vulgaris and acne-related associations and consequences: Focus on clinical studies. Dermatol Ther 2021; 34:e14915. [PMID: 33629414 DOI: 10.1111/dth.14915] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2020] [Revised: 02/08/2021] [Accepted: 02/22/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Acne vulgaris is one of the most common dermatologic disorders affects people of all races and ethnicities and has many adverse effects on the quality of life. The increased bacterial resistance to antibiotics has reduced the effectiveness of treatment with these agents. There is an increasing focus on the involvement of oxidative stress in the pathophysiology of acne. This study investigates the effect of N-acetylcysteine (NAC) as an antioxidant in the treatment of acne vulgaris. This systematic review was conducted through a search in databases such as Science Direct, PubMed, Scielo, and Medline using keywords including acne vulgaris, anti and NAC, and all the keywords associated with each of the subtitles. The factors affecting the occurrence and expansion of acne include increased sebum synthesis, hyperkeratinization of pilosebaceous units, colonization with Propionibacterium acnes, and increased release of inflammatory mediators and ROS. Studies have shown that glutathione stimulation following the administration of NAC increases glutathione levels for the detoxification of oxygen-free radicals. Moreover, NAC prevents the synthesis and release of inflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α, IL-8, IL-6, MP9, and IL-1β and has shown antibacterial activities against important bacteria including E. coli, S. epidermidis, Pseudomonas, and Klebsiella. This medication has anti-proliferative effects and is also used for excoriation and PCOD. The results of the present study showed the beneficial effects of using NAC in patients with acne vulgaris in terms of the disease complications and comorbidities. Given its diverse functional mechanisms, this medication can be used to treat acne and its consequences.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nafiseh Mardani
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Samaneh Mozafarpoor
- Department of Dermatology, Skin Disease and Leishmaniasis Research Center, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran
| | - Azadeh Goodarzi
- Department of Dermatology, Rasool Akram Medical Complex, Iran University of Medical Sciences (IUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Farahnaz Nikkhah
- Department of Rasool Akram Medical Complex Clinical Research Development Center (RCRDC), Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
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Abdel-Sattar AR, Abo-Saif AA, Aboyoussef AM. Nicorandil and atorvastatin attenuate carbon tetrachloride - induced liver fibrosis in rats. Immunopharmacol Immunotoxicol 2020; 42:582-593. [PMID: 32988255 DOI: 10.1080/08923973.2020.1830104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/26/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE The present study aimed to evaluate the possible hepatoprotective effects of nicorandil and atorvastatin against experimentally induced liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar male rats wereassigned tofivegroups; control group, fibrosis group, the remaining three groups received in addition to CCl4, N-acetyl cysteine (300 mg/kg), nicorandil(15 mg/kg) and atorvastatin (20 mg/kg), respectively. Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of rats with CCl4 (2 ml/kg), twice weekly for five consecutive weeks. All treatments were administered daily starting from the first day of fibrosis induction for five consecutive weeks. By the end of the experiment, fibrosis biomarkers [hepatic transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) and hydroxyproline (HYP)], liver function [serum alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), albumin and total bilirubin] were assessed. Moreover, lipid profile [total cholesterol, serum triglycerides, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C)], inflammatory biomarkers [hepatic myeloperoxidase (MPO), serum tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α)], relative liver weight] and oxidative stress biomarkers [malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione (GSH) and catalase (CAT)] were evaluated. In support, histopathological and immunohistochemical examination of liver alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) were performed. RESULTS Nicorandil and atorvastatin effectively reduced fibrosis and liver function biomarkers. They both restored serum lipid profile, TNF-α, MPO, relative liver weight, and hepatic MDA content. Alternatively, they markedly elevated albumin, HDL-C and hepatic content of GSH and CAT. Additionally, a marked histopathological and immunohistochemical improvement of α-SMA was observed. CONCLUSION Nicorandil and atorvastatin might be promising protective agents against liver fibrosis through amelioration of liver function, modulation of fibrous formation, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant potentials.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Ali Ahmed Abo-Saif
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Nahda University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
| | - Amira M Aboyoussef
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Beni-Suef University, Beni-Suef, Egypt
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Elmahallawy EK, Elshopakey GE, Saleh AA, Agil A, El-Morsey A, EL-shewehy DMM, Sad AS, Yanai T, Abdo W. S-Methylcysteine (SMC) Ameliorates Intestinal, Hepatic, and Splenic Damage Induced by Cryptosporidium parvum Infection Via Targeting Inflammatory Modulators and Oxidative Stress in Swiss Albino Mice. Biomedicines 2020; 8:biomedicines8100423. [PMID: 33076496 PMCID: PMC7602666 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines8100423] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2020] [Revised: 10/03/2020] [Accepted: 10/06/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Cryptosporidiosis has been proposed to be one of the major causes of diarrhoeal disease in humans worldwide that possesses zoonotic concern. Thereby, this study investigated the potential effects of s-Methylcysteine (SMC) on the parasite in vivo followed by the measurement of cytokines, oxidative stress parameters, and an investigation of the major histopathological changes. Sixty male Swiss albino mice weighing 20-25 g were allocated equally into five groups and orally administered saline only (control), SMC only (SMC50) (50 mg/kg b.w.), and 104Cryptosporidium parvum oocysts per mouse via an esophageal tube (C + ve untreated). The fourth and fifth groups (C + SMC25, C + SMC50) administrated 104C. parvum oocysts combined with SMC25 (low dose) and 50 (high dose) mg/kg b.w., respectively. At days 7 and 14 post-infection (PI), the feces was collected from each group in order to count C. parvum oocysts. After two weeks of treatment, the animals were euthanized and the serum was collected for biochemical analysis. Next, the intestinal, spleen, and liver sections were dissected for histopathological examination. The results revealed lower oocyst numbers in the C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups compared to the infected untreated group. Moreover, higher doses of SMC treatment significantly reduced the enteritis induced by C. parvum in a dose-dependent manner. The hepatic lesions were also mitigated as demonstrated in C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 groups unlike the infected group via lowering the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes and increasing albumin and globulin serum levels. SMC administration also reduced cytokines production (SAP, TNF-α, IL-6, and IFN-γ) mediated by Cryptosporidium infection in contrast to the infected untreated group. There were marked lymphoid depletion and amyloidosis observed in the infected untreated group, while the treated groups showed obvious increase in the lymphoid elements. Moreover, the scoring of intestinal parasites, hepatic, and splenic lesions in the SMC-treated groups exhibited significantly lower pathological lesions in different organs in a dose-dependent manner, compared to the infected untreated group. Our results also revealed a significant change in the malondialdehyde content with an elevation of glutathione and superoxide dismutase in the intestines collected from C + SMC25 and C + SMC50 mice relative to the untreated group. Taken together, our results indicated that SMC could be a promising effective compound for treating and declining C. parvum infestation via restoring structural alterations in different tissues, enhancing antioxidant enzymes, and suppressing the cytokines liberation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ehab Kotb Elmahallawy
- Department of Zoonoses, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Sohag University, Sohag 82524, Egypt;
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of León (ULE), 24071 León, Spain
| | - Gehad E. Elshopakey
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Mansoura University, Mansoura 35516, Egypt;
| | - Amira A. Saleh
- Department of Medical Parasitology, Faculty of Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt;
| | - Ahmad Agil
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, University of Granada, 18016 Granada, Spain;
| | - Ahmed El-Morsey
- Parasitology and Animal Diseases Department, Veterinary Research Division, National Research Centre, 33 El Buhouth St. (former El-Tahrir St.), Dokki, P.O., Giza 18010, Egypt;
| | | | - Ahmed S. Sad
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Port Said University, Port Fuad 42526, Egypt;
| | - Tokuma Yanai
- Laboratory of Wildlife and Forensic Pathology, Biomedical Science Examination and Research Center, Department of Veterinary Medicine, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Okayama University of Science, 1-3, Ikoinooka, Imabari 794-0085, Ehime, Japan
- Correspondence:
| | - Walied Abdo
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Kafrelsheikh University, Kafr el-Sheikh 33516, Egypt;
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Galicia-Moreno M, Lucano-Landeros S, Monroy-Ramirez HC, Silva-Gomez J, Gutierrez-Cuevas J, Santos A, Armendariz-Borunda J. Roles of Nrf2 in Liver Diseases: Molecular, Pharmacological, and Epigenetic Aspects. Antioxidants (Basel) 2020; 9:antiox9100980. [PMID: PMID: 33066023 PMCID: PMC7601324 DOI: 10.3390/antiox9100980] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/29/2020] [Revised: 10/10/2020] [Accepted: 10/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases represent a critical health problem with 2 million deaths worldwide per year, mainly due to cirrhosis and its complications. Oxidative stress plays an important role in the development of liver diseases. In order to maintain an adequate homeostasis, there must be a balance between free radicals and antioxidant mediators. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and its negative regulator Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) comprise a defense mechanism against oxidative stress damage, and growing evidence considers this signaling pathway as a key pharmacological target for the treatment of liver diseases. In this review, we provide detailed and updated evidence regarding Nrf2 and its involvement in the development of the main liver diseases such as alcoholic liver damage, viral hepatitis, steatosis, steatohepatitis, cholestatic damage, and liver cancer. The molecular and cellular mechanisms of Nrf2 cellular signaling are elaborated, along with key and relevant antioxidant drugs, and mechanisms on how Keap1/Nrf2 modulation can positively affect the therapeutic response are described. Finally, exciting recent findings about epigenetic modifications and their link with regulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling are outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marina Galicia-Moreno
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Silvia Lucano-Landeros
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Hugo Christian Monroy-Ramirez
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Jorge Silva-Gomez
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Jorge Gutierrez-Cuevas
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
| | - Arturo Santos
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Zapopan 45201, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Juan Armendariz-Borunda
- Instituto de Biologia Molecular en Medicina, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (M.G.-M.); (S.L.-L.); (H.C.M.-R.); (J.S.-G.); (J.G.-C.)
- Tecnologico de Monterrey, Escuela de Medicina y Ciencias de la Salud, Zapopan 45201, Jalisco, Mexico;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +52-333-677-8741
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A phase 2 trial of N-Acetylcysteine in Biliary atresia after Kasai portoenterostomy. Contemp Clin Trials Commun 2019; 15:100370. [PMID: 31193715 PMCID: PMC6542754 DOI: 10.1016/j.conctc.2019.100370] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2018] [Revised: 03/26/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Biliary atresia (BA) is a life-threatening liver disease of infancy, characterized by extrahepatic biliary obstruction, bile retention, and progressive liver injury. The Kasai portoenterostomy (KP) is BA's only nontransplant treatment. Its success is variable and depends on restoration of hepatic bile flow. Many adjunctive therapeutics have been studied to improve outcomes after the KP, but none demonstrate effectiveness. This study tests if N-acetylcysteine (NAC), a precursor to the choleretic glutathione, improves bile flow after KP. Methods This report describes the design of an open-label, single center, Phase 2 study to determine the effect of NAC following KP on markers of bile flow and outcomes in BA. The intervention is intravenous NAC (150 mg/kg/day) administered continuously for seven days starting 0-24 h after KP. The primary outcome is normalization of total serum bile acid (TSBA) concentrations within 24 weeks of KP. The secondary objectives are to describe NAC therapy's effect on other clinical parameters followed in BA for 24 months and to report adverse events occurring with therapy. This study follows the "minimax" clinical trial design. Discussion This is the first clinical trial to test NAC's effectiveness in improving bile flow after KP in BA. It introduces three important concepts for future BA therapeutic trials: (1) the "minimax" study design, a pertinent design for rare diseases because it detects potential effects quickly with small subject size; (2) the more sensitive bile flow marker, TSBAs, which may correlate with positive long-term outcomes better than traditional bile flow markers such as serum bilirubin; and (3) liver enzyme changes immediately after KP, which can be a guideline for potential drug-induced liver injury in other BA peri-operative adjunctive therapeutic trials.
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Key Words
- ALT, Alanine transaminase
- AST, Aspartate aminotransferase
- BA, Biliary atresia
- Bc, Conjugated bilirubin
- Biliary atresia
- DILI, Drug-induced liver injury
- DSMB, Data and Safety Monitoring Board
- DoL, Day of life
- Drug-induced liver injury
- FDA, Food and Drug administration
- GGT, Gamma-glutamlytransferase
- IOC, Intraoperative cholangiogram
- KP, Kasai portoenterostomy
- Kasai portoenterostomy
- Minimax design
- N-acetylcysteine
- NAC, N-acetylcysteine
- START, Steroids in Biliary Atresia Randomized Trial
- Serum bile acids
- TB, Total bilirubin
- TCH, Texas Children's Hospital
- TSBA, Total serum bile acids
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Protective Effect of Phaleria macrocarpa Water Extract (Proliverenol) against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats: Role of TNF- α and TGF- β1. J Toxicol 2018; 2018:2642714. [PMID: 30631351 PMCID: PMC6304574 DOI: 10.1155/2018/2642714] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/31/2018] [Revised: 10/27/2018] [Accepted: 11/11/2018] [Indexed: 01/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Phaleria macrocarpa is one of the Indonesian herbal plants which has been shown to have a hepatoprotective effect. This study was conducted to evaluate the protective effect of water extract of mahkota dewa (Phaleria macrocarpa) in liver fibrosis and to elucidate its mechanism of action. Male Sprague-Dawley rats were treated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=5), i.e., control group, CCl4 group, CCl4 + NAC group, CCl4 + various doses of water extract of Phaleria macrocarpa (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg body weight). Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), liver histopathology, malondialdehyde (MDA), ratio GSH/GSSG, Tumor Necrosis Factor- (TNF-) α, and Transforming Growth Factor- (TGF-) β 1 were analyzed. This study demonstrated that water extract of Phaleria macrocarpa and NAC significantly protected CCl4-induced liver injury as demonstrated by reduced AST, ALT, ALP, and fibrosis percentage compared with the CCl4-only group. In addition, water extract of Phaleria macrocarpa and NAC significantly reduced the levels of MDA, TNF-α, and TGF-β 1 as well as increasing the ratio of GSH/GSSG. Water extract of Phaleria macrocarpa prevents CCl4-induced fibrosis in rats. The prevention of liver fibrosis was at least in part through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities and through its capacity to inhibit hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation by reducing fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β 1.
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Foaud MA, Kamel AH, Abd El-Monem DD. The protective effect of N-acetyl cysteine against carbon tetrachloride toxicity in rats. THE JOURNAL OF BASIC AND APPLIED ZOOLOGY 2018; 79:14. [DOI: 10.1186/s41936-018-0022-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2017] [Accepted: 01/05/2018] [Indexed: 09/02/2023]
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A comparison of the effects of thymoquinone, silymarin and N-acetylcysteine in an experimental hepatotoxicity. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:1705-1712. [PMID: 30119245 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.07.125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2018] [Revised: 07/05/2018] [Accepted: 07/24/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of thymoquinone, silymarin, and N-acetylcysteine in a rat model with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity. Although numerous similar studies are available, we aimed to compare the efficacy of these agents by considering N-acetylcysteine as a reference compound. A total of 50 male Wistar albino rats were randomly designated as 5 groups: Group I, CCl4; group II, thymoquinone and CCl4; group III, silymarin and CCl4; group IV, N-acetylcysteine and CCl4; group V, control group. CCl4 was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 1.5 mL/kg (a mixture of CCl4: olive oil, 1:2) twice a week. Thymoquinone was administered at a dose of 10 mg/kg, silymarin was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg, and N-acetylcysteine was administered at a dose of 100 mg/kg by daily intraperitoneal injection. At the end of four weeks, blood and liver tests were analyzed. The results were evaluated statistically via the one-way ANOVA test. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Thymoquinone, silymarin, and N-acetylcysteine improved the levels of alanine aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor-α, platelet-derived growth factor-BB, and interleukin-6, which were increased by CCl4. Thymoquinone and silymarin showed the positive increase in liver glutathione levels. Thymoquinone, silymarin, and N-acetylcysteine improved blood total oxidant status. In the histological examinations of liver tissue, thymoquinone decreased necrosis, and inflammation. The most positive decrease in the α-smooth muscle actin-stained hepatic stellate cell count was only observed with thymoquinone. These findings suggest that thymoquinone, silymarin, and N-acetylcysteine have potential for the treatment of diseases causing liver injury. Among these agents, thymoquinone showed the best results on most of the parameters. Since TQ appears to be at least as effective as SM and NAC in our in-vitro study, we propose that it is time for clinical studies with thymoquinone on hepatotoxicity.
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Sekkien A, Swilam N, Ebada SS, Esmat A, El-Khatib AH, Linscheid MW, Singab AN. Polyphenols from Tamarix nilotica: LC⁻ESI-MS n Profiling and In Vivo Antifibrotic Activity. Molecules 2018; 23:E1411. [PMID: 29891794 PMCID: PMC6100050 DOI: 10.3390/molecules23061411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2018] [Revised: 05/30/2018] [Accepted: 06/03/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Tamarix nilotica (Ehrenb.) Bunge (Tamaricaceae), an indigenous plant to the Middle East region, is well-known as a medicinal plant for treating many human ailments. The current study aimed at exploring the polyphenol profile of the alcohol soluble fraction of aqueous T. nilotica extract, assessing its in vivo antifibrotic activity and the possible underlying mechanism, to unravel the impact of quantitative difference of sulphated polyphenols content on the antifibrotic activity of T. nilotca grown in two different habitats. Polyphenol profiling of T. nilotica extracts was performed using HPLC-HRESI-QTOF-MS-MS. The major polyphenol components included sulphated flavonoids, phenolic acids and free aglycones. The antifibrotic activity was evaluated through carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Biochemical evaluations revealed that both fractions ameliorated the increased levels of hepatic aminotransferases, lipid peroxidation, hydroxyproline, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Moreover, both fractions reduced catalase activity (CAT) and enhanced hepatic glutathione (GSH) content. Histopathological imaging undoubtedly confirmed such results. In conclusion, the T. nilotica polyphenol-rich fraction exhibited potential antifibrotic activity in rats. Significant alterations in GSH levels were recorded based on the sulphated polyphenol metabolite content.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Sekkien
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt.
| | - Noha Swilam
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, British University in Egypt (BUE), Cairo 11837, Egypt.
| | - Sherif S Ebada
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Esmat
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed H El-Khatib
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analytical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
- Laboratory of Applied Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Michael W Linscheid
- Laboratory of Applied Analytical and Environmental Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Humboldt-Universität zu Berlin, 10099 Berlin, Germany.
| | - Abdel Nasser Singab
- Department of Pharmacognosy, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, Cairo 11566, Egypt.
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Unal Y, Tuncal S, Kosmaz K, Kucuk B, Kismet K, Cavusoglu T, Celepli P, Senes M, Yildiz S, Hucumenoglu S. The Effect of Calcium Dobesilate on Liver Damage in Experimental Obstructive Jaundice. J INVEST SURG 2018; 32:238-244. [PMID: 29589984 DOI: 10.1080/08941939.2018.1451936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Purpose/Aim of the study: Inflammation and oxidative stress are two significant factors affecting the degree of liver damage in obstructive jaundice. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of calcium dobesilate (CaDob), an effective antioxidant and anti-inflammatory drug, on damage to liver caused by experimental obstructive jaundice. MATERIALS AND METHODS 30 rats in total were randomly placed into three groups, each group consisting of 10 rats. The sham group (Group 1) only received solely laparotomy. In the control group (Group 2), ligation was applied to the biliary tract and no treatment was implemented. In the CaDob group (Group 3), following ligation of the biliary tract, 100 mg/kg/day CaDob was implemented via an orogastric tube for a 10-day period. Liver tissue and blood samples were taken for histopathological and biochemical examination. RESULTS The CaDob group had significantly lower test values for serum liver functions when compared to the control group. Statistically lower levels of tissue malondialdehyde (MDA) and fluorescent oxidation products (FOP) were detected in the CaDob group, and the CaDob group had significantly higher levels of sulfydryl (SH) than the control group. Histopathological scores in the CaDob group were found out to be statistically less than the scores the control group received (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CaDob treatment repaired the histpatological changes induced by bile duct ligation. The hepatoprotective effects of CaDob can be associated with its antioxidant properties of the drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yilmaz Unal
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Salih Tuncal
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Koray Kosmaz
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Berkay Kucuk
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Kemal Kismet
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Turgut Cavusoglu
- a Department of General Surgery , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Pinar Celepli
- b Department of Pathology , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Mehmet Senes
- c Department of Biochemistry , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Selin Yildiz
- c Department of Biochemistry , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
| | - Sema Hucumenoglu
- b Department of Pathology , Ankara Education and Research Hospital , Ankara , Turkey
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Savdan M, Çakır M, Vatansev H, Küçükkartallar T, Tekin A, Tavlı Ş. Preventing oxygen free radical damage by proanthocyanidin in obstructive jaundice. Turk J Surg 2017; 33:62-68. [PMID: 28740952 DOI: 10.5152/turkjsurg.2017.3337] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2015] [Accepted: 10/19/2015] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Tissue damage and endotoxemia in obstructive jaundice are attributed to the increase in oxygen free-radicals. We aimed at evaluating the possible protective effect of grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), which is a potent exogenous free-radical scavenger and antioxidant. MATERIAL AND METHODS The study was performed at the Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine Research and Application Center for Experimental Medicine Laboratory with ethical approval. 30 Wistar-Albino rats were used and were divided into 3 groups. The common bile duct was identified and only dissected in the first group (sham). Following dissection of the common bile duct it was ligated with 4/0 silk just above the pancreas in the second group (control). After ligation of the common bile duct, 100mg/kg/day GSPE was administered via orogastric lavage for 10 days in the third group. RESULTS Biochemical values revealed a statistically significant difference between Group I and the others. There was no difference between Group II and III regarding biochemical values. There was a statistically significant difference, however, between Group II and III with regards to nitric oxide levels. There was a statistically significant difference between Group I and the other groups concerning hepatic and pulmonary tissue damage on histopathologic evaluation. There was no difference among the groups with regards to renal tubular damage. CONCLUSION Proanthocyanidin is an effective natural antioxidant in decreasing the level of tissue damage caused by oxygen free-radicals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mervan Savdan
- Department of General Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Murat Çakır
- Department of General Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Hüsamettin Vatansev
- Department of Biochemistry, Selçuk University School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Tevfik Küçükkartallar
- Department of General Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Ahmet Tekin
- Department of General Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
| | - Şakir Tavlı
- Department of General Surgery, Necmettin Erbakan University Meram School of Medicine, Konya, Turkey
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Sadek KM, Saleh EA, Nasr SM. Molecular hepatoprotective effects of lipoic acid against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats: Hepatoprotection at molecular level. Hum Exp Toxicol 2017; 37:142-154. [PMID: 29233029 DOI: 10.1177/0960327117693066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a noteworthy well-being issue that can prompt the progression of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Prominently, many antioxidants have been shown to have defensive impacts against liver fibrosis. AIM Subsequently, in the present study, the viability of alpha-lipoic acid (α-LA) in ensuring against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-actuated liver fibrosis and the mechanism(s) involved in this defensive impact were considered in rats. RESULTS The present results uncovered that in the CCl4-treated group, the expression of antioxidant enzymes and matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) messenger RNA (mRNA) was downregulated ( p < 0.05), and the levels of lipid peroxide and nitric oxide were increased ( p < 0.05) in the treated rat livers along with increased collagen deposition compared to that of the control group. Also, the gene expression levels of the proinflammatory factors interleukin-6 and tumor necrosis factor-alpha, nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) p65, transforming growth factor-alpha, and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) were upregulated significantly ( p < 0.05) in the CCl4 group. These negative impacts were all restrained by α-LA. CONCLUSIONS These outcomes show that α-LA might be compelling at forestalling collagen deposition and hepatic oxidative stress as well as downregulating the expression of hepatic proinflammatory cytokines, iNOS, and NF-κB and upregulating MMP-13 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- K M Sadek
- 1 Department of Biochemistry, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
| | - E A Saleh
- 2 Department of Food Hygiene, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
| | - S M Nasr
- 3 Department of Molecular Biology and Genetics, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Damanhur University, Damanhur, Egypt
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17
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Antifibrotic effect of meloxicam in rat liver: role of nuclear factor kappa B, proinflammatory cytokines, and oxidative stress. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2016; 389:971-83. [PMID: 27245167 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-016-1263-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2016] [Accepted: 05/24/2016] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at investigating the antifibrotic effect of meloxicam in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and elucidating its underlying mechanism. Forty male rats were equally randomized for 8-week treatment with corn oil (negative control), CCl4 (to induce liver fibrosis), and/or meloxicam. Meloxicam effectively ameliorated the CCl4-induced alterations in liver histology, liver weight to body weight ratio, liver functions, and serum markers for liver fibrosis (hyaluronic acid, laminin, and PCIII). Meloxicam significantly abrogated CCl4-induced elevation of messenger RNA (mRNA) expressions for collagen I and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hepatic contents of hydroxyproline, transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), and tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteases (TIMP-1). Meloxicam mitigated CCl4-induced elevation in hepatic levels of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total nitric oxide (NO), interleukin-l beta (IL 1β), and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Meloxicam modulated CCl4-induced disturbance of liver cytochrome P450 subfamily 2E1 (CYP2E1) and glutathione-S-transferase (GST). The attenuation of meloxicam to liver fibrosis was associated with suppression of oxidative stress via reduction of lipid peroxides along with induction of reduced glutathione content and enhancement of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase activities. This study provides an evidence for antifibrotic effect of meloxicam against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rat. The antifibrotic mechanism of meloxicam could be through decreasing NF-κB level and subsequent proinflammatory cytokine production (TNF-α, NO, IL-1 beta, and PGE2) and, hence, collagen deposition through inhibition of TIMP-1 and TGF-β. Abrogation of oxidative stress and modulation of liver-metabolizing enzymes (CYP2E1 and GST) were also involved.
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18
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Weiskirchen R. Hepatoprotective and Anti-fibrotic Agents: It's Time to Take the Next Step. Front Pharmacol 2016; 6:303. [PMID: 26779021 PMCID: PMC4703795 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00303] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/13/2015] [Accepted: 12/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis cause strong human suffering and necessitate a monetary burden worldwide. Therefore, there is an urgent need for the development of therapies. Pre-clinical animal models are indispensable in the drug discovery and development of new anti-fibrotic compounds and are immensely valuable for understanding and proofing the mode of their proposed action. In fibrosis research, inbreed mice and rats are by far the most used species for testing drug efficacy. During the last decades, several hundred or even a thousand different drugs that reproducibly evolve beneficial effects on liver health in respective disease models were identified. However, there are only a few compounds (e.g., GR-MD-02, GM-CT-01) that were translated from bench to bedside. In contrast, the large number of drugs successfully tested in animal studies is repeatedly tested over and over engender findings with similar or identical outcome. This circumstance undermines the 3R (Replacement, Refinement, Reduction) principle of Russell and Burch that was introduced to minimize the suffering of laboratory animals. This ethical framework, however, represents the basis of the new animal welfare regulations in the member states of the European Union. Consequently, the legal authorities in the different countries are halted to foreclose testing of drugs in animals that were successfully tested before. This review provides a synopsis on anti-fibrotic compounds that were tested in classical rodent models. Their mode of action, potential sources and the observed beneficial effects on liver health are discussed. This review attempts to provide a reference compilation for all those involved in the testing of drugs or in the design of new clinical trials targeting hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ralf Weiskirchen
- Institute of Molecular Pathobiochemistry, Experimental Gene Therapy, and Clinical Chemistry, RWTH University Hospital Aachen Aachen, Germany
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19
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Elgawish RAR, Rahman HGA, Abdelrazek HMA. Green tea extract attenuates CCl4-induced hepatic injury in male hamsters via inhibition of lipid peroxidation and p53-mediated apoptosis. Toxicol Rep 2015; 2:1149-1156. [PMID: 28962456 PMCID: PMC5598372 DOI: 10.1016/j.toxrep.2015.08.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2015] [Revised: 07/31/2015] [Accepted: 08/04/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Keeping in mind the beneficial effects of GTE administration on liver damage, the present study was undertaken to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of green tea extract (GTE) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injuries in male hamsters for 8 weeks. Twenty hamsters were equally divided into 4 groups, the control ones (group I) received only dis. water. Hamsters of group II had free access to 10% of GTE, while hamsters of group III received 1 ml/kg of 50% CCl4 in corn oil via gavage daily. Hamsters of group IV (GTE + CCl4) received a free access to GTE supplementation in combination with 1 ml/kg of 50% CCl4 in corn oil via gavage daily. Lipid profile, hepatic enzyme levels and apoptosis molecular marker (p53) were investigated in hamsters. GTE + CCl4 treated hamsters showed lower levels of hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA) than CCl4 exposed hamsters. Hepatic activity levels of GSH, ALD and cytochrome 450 reductase were declined after CCl4 administration while they were remarkably improved with GTE administration. Serum lipid profiles as T-cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG) and low density lipoproteins (LDL) were improved in GTE and CCl4 treated hamsters than CCl4 group. Moreover, hepatic tissue damage and p53 expression induced with CCl4 were improved with the treatment of GTE. These results suggested that GTE possesses hepatoprotective properties against the effect of CCl4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania Abdel Rahman Elgawish
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Haidy G Abdel Rahman
- Department of Clinical Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
| | - Heba M A Abdelrazek
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Suez Canal University, Ismailia, Egypt
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Kodai S, Takemura S, Kubo S, Azuma H, Minamiyama Y. Therapeutic administration of an ingredient of aged-garlic extracts, S-allyl cysteine resolves liver fibrosis established by carbon tetrachloride in rats. J Clin Biochem Nutr 2015; 56:179-85. [PMID: 26060347 PMCID: PMC4454081 DOI: 10.3164/jcbn.14-108] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2014] [Accepted: 10/13/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
S-allyl cysteine (SAC) is the most abundant compound in aged garlic extracts (AGEs). AGE has been reported to ameliorate the oxidative damage implicated in a variety of diseases. However, the effects of SAC have not been established in liver cirrhosis. The aim of this study was to examine the effect of therapeutic administration of SAC in liver cirrhosis by chronic carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration in rats. SAC or other cysteine compounds were administered from 4 weeks when liver fibrosis was confirmed to be in process. CCl4 administration elevated plasma alanine aminotransferase, plasma lipid peroxidation, liver hydroxyproline, and liver transforming growth factor (TGF)-β at 12 weeks. SAC prevented these changes induced by CCl4. Furthermore, SAC improved survival in a dose-dependent manner following consecutive CCl4 administration. The inhibitory mechanisms may be associated with a decrease in the profibrogenic cytokine, TGF-β as well as the antioxidative properties of SAC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shintaro Kodai
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shigekazu Takemura
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Shoji Kubo
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan
| | - Hideki Azuma
- Department of Applied and Bioapplied Chemistry, Graduate School of Engineering, Osaka City University, Sumiyoshi-ku, Osaka 558-8585, Japan
| | - Yukiko Minamiyama
- Department of Hepato-Biliary-Pancreatic Surgery, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka City University, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-8585, Japan ; Food Hygiene and Environmental Health Division of Applied Life Science, Graduate School of Life and Environmental Sciences, Kyoto Prefectural University, Sakyo-ku, Kyoto 602-8522, Japan
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Tao YY, Yan XC, Zhou T, Shen L, Liu ZL, Liu CH. Fuzheng Huayu recipe alleviates hepatic fibrosis via inhibiting TNF-α induced hepatocyte apoptosis. Altern Ther Health Med 2014; 14:449. [PMID: 25407538 PMCID: PMC4289302 DOI: 10.1186/1472-6882-14-449] [Citation(s) in RCA: 31] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2014] [Accepted: 09/19/2014] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Background What was the relationship of Fuzheng Huayu recipe (FZHY) inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis and HSC activation at different stage of liver fibrosis? In order to answer this question, the study was carried out to dynamically observe FZHY’s effect on hepatocyte apoptosis and HSC activation and further explored underling mechanism of FZHY against hepatocyte apoptosis. Methods Mice were randomly divided into four groups: normal, model, FZHY, and N-acetylcystein (NAC) groups. Acute hepatic injury and liver fibrosis in mice were induced by CCl4. Three days before the first CCl4 injection, treatment with FZHY powder or NAC respectively was started. In vitro, primary hepatocytes were pretreated with FZHY medicated serum or Z-VAD-FMK and then incubated with ActD and TNF-α. Primary HSCs were treated with DNA from apoptotic hepatocytes incubated by Act D/TNF-α or FZHY medicated. Liver sections were analyzed for HE staining and immunohistochemical evaluation of apoptosis. Serum ALT and AST, Alb content and TNF-α expression in liver tissue were detected. Hyp content was assayed and collagen deposition was visualized. Expressions of α-SMA and type I collagen were analyzed by immunofluorescence and immunoblotting. Flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, and DNA ladder for hepatocyte apoptosis and immunoblotting for TNF-R1, Bcl-2 and Bax were also analyzed. Results Mice showed characteristic features of massive hepatocytes apoptosis in early stage of liver injury and developed severe hepatic fibrosis in later phase. FZHY treatment significantly alleviated acute liver injury and hepatocyte apoptosis, and inhibited liver fibrosis by decreasing α-SMA expression and hepatic Hyp content. In vitro, primary hepatocytes were induced by TNF-α and Act D. The anti-apoptotic effect of FZHY was generated by reducing TNFR1 expression and balancing the expressions of Bcl-2 and Bax. Meanwhile, the nuclear DNA from apoptotic hepatocytes stimulated HSC activation in a dose dependent manner, and the DNA from apoptotic hepatocytes treated with FZHY or Z-VAD-FMK reduced HSC activation and type I collagen expression. Conclusion These findings suggested that FZHY suppressed hepatocyte apoptosis through regulating mediators in death receptor and mitochondrial pathways, and the effect of FZHY on hepatocyte apoptosis might play an important role in inhibiting liver fibrosis.
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Ourique AF, Chaves PDS, Souto GD, Pohlmann AR, Guterres SS, Beck RCR. Redispersible liposomal-N-acetylcysteine powder for pulmonary administration: development, in vitro characterization and antioxidant activity. Eur J Pharm Sci 2014; 65:174-82. [PMID: 25263567 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejps.2014.09.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 34] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2014] [Revised: 09/16/2014] [Accepted: 09/18/2014] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
Liposomal dry powders of N-acetylcysteine (SD-NAC-Lip) were developed for pulmonary administration. Liposomes were prepared by reverse phase evaporation and spray dried using lactose (10%, w/w) as drying adjuvant. The powders were characterized according to process yield, drug content, residual water content, particle size distribution, morphology and redispersion behavior. In vitro aerosol performance was evaluated using an eight-stage Andersen Cascade Impactor. Moreover, in vitro antioxidant activity was determined by measuring thiobarbituric acid reactive species (TBARS) present in the lungs of healthy Wistar rats after induction of oxidation by iron/EDTA. The spray-drying process had a high yield (71%±2), drug content (mg/g) according to the expected value, moisture content below 9%, geometric mean diameter under 3μm with span value lower than 1. Spherical particles were observed by scanning electron microscopy. Liposomal dry-powders were able to recover the nanometric size of the original dispersion after their redispersion in aqueous medium, as shown by laser diffraction and transmission electron microscopy. Furthermore, the powders presented aerodynamic diameter of about 7μm and respirable fraction above 30%, indicating suitable properties for pulmonary use. The encapsulation of N-acetylcysteine in liposomes was essential to maintain its in vitro antioxidant activity after the drying process. In addition, the powder containing the encapsulated drug had better in vitro antioxidant activity than the liquid and solid formulations containing the non-encapsulated drug, which makes it a good candidate for the treatment of pulmonary diseases associated with oxidative stress.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aline Ferreira Ourique
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Paula Dos Santos Chaves
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Gabriele Dadalt Souto
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Adriana Raffin Pohlmann
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Departamento de Química Orgânica, Instituto de Química, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Silvia Stanisçuaski Guterres
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil
| | - Ruy Carlos Ruver Beck
- Programa de Pós-Graduação em Nanotecnologia Farmacêutica, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil; Programa de Pós-Graduação em Ciências Farmacêuticas, Faculdade de Farmácia, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil.
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Determination of DNA Damage in Experimental Liver Intoxication and Role of N-Acetyl Cysteine. Cell Biochem Biophys 2014; 70:1119-25. [DOI: 10.1007/s12013-014-0031-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/25/2022]
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Demiroren K, Dogan Y, Kocamaz H, Ozercan IH, Ilhan S, Ustundag B, Bahcecioglu IH. Protective effects of L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein in an experimental model of liver fibrosis. Clin Res Hepatol Gastroenterol 2014; 38:63-72. [PMID: 24239319 DOI: 10.1016/j.clinre.2013.08.014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2013] [Revised: 08/27/2013] [Accepted: 08/28/2013] [Indexed: 02/04/2023]
Abstract
AIM Liver fibrosis is a reversible wound-healing response that occurs following liver injury. In this study, we aimed to investigate the possible protective effects of L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein in liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). In addition, the effects of these agents were compared in the same study. METHODS In this study, rats were randomly allocated into 8 groups, consisting of 10 rats each, as follows: a control group, CCl4, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine, genistein, CCl4 and L-carnitine, CCl4 and N-acetylcysteine, and CCl4 and genistein. At the end of 6 weeks, blood and liver tissue specimens were collected. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT); aspartate aminotransferase (AST); complete blood count, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α); platelet-derived growth factor-BB (PDGF-BB); interleukin-6 (IL-6); liver glutathione level; oxidant/antioxidant status; scores of hepatic steatosis, necrosis, inflammation, and fibrosis; and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin were studied. RESULTS Although the ALT and AST values in the group administered CCl4 were significantly higher than in all the other groups (P<0.05), there was no significant difference between the control group and the groups administered CCl4 combined with L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein (P>0.05). There were significant differences in the levels of TNF-α, PDGF-BB and IL-6 (P<0.05) between the CCl4 group and the groups with L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein added to CCl4. N-acetylcysteine and genistein had positive effects on the oxidant/antioxidant status and on liver necrosis and fibrosis scores. CONCLUSIONS In our study, L-carnitine, N-acetylcysteine and genistein showed significant protective effects in liver fibrosis induced by CCl4.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaan Demiroren
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey.
| | - Yasar Dogan
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey
| | - Halil Kocamaz
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey
| | - Ibrahim Hanifi Ozercan
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey
| | - Selcuk Ilhan
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey
| | - Bilal Ustundag
- Yuzuncu Yil University, Dursun Odabas Medical Center, Pediatric Gastroentrology, Van, Turkey
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Silymarin reduces profibrogenic cytokines and reverses hepatic fibrosis in chronic murine schistosomiasis. Antimicrob Agents Chemother 2014; 58:2076-83. [PMID: 24449779 DOI: 10.1128/aac.01936-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
In chronic schistosomiasis, hepatic fibrosis is linked to the portal hypertension that causes morbidity in Schistosoma mansoni infection. Silymarin (SIL) is a hepatoprotective and antioxidant medicament largely prescribed against liver diseases that has previously been shown to prevent fibrosis during acute murine schistosomiasis. Here we employed silymarin to try to reverse established hepatic fibrosis in chronic schistosomiasis. Silymarin or vehicle was administered to BALB/c mice every 48 h, starting on the 40th (80 days of treatment), 70th (50 days), or 110th (10 days) day postinfection (dpi). All mice were sacrificed and analyzed at 120 dpi. Treatment with silymarin reduced liver weight and granuloma sizes, reduced the increase in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, and reduced the established hepatic fibrosis (assessed by hydroxyproline contents and picrosirius staining). Treatment with silymarin also reduced the levels of interleukin-13 (IL-13) in serum and increased the gamma interferon (IFN-γ)/IL-13 ratio. There was a linear correlation between IL-13 levels in serum and hydroxyproline hepatic content in both infected untreated and SIL-treated mice, with decreased IL-13 levels corresponding to decreased hydroxyproline hepatic contents. Treatment with either SIL or N-acetylcysteine reduced both proliferation of fibroblast cell lines and basal/IL-13-induced production of collagen I, indicating that besides inhibiting IL-13 production during infection, SIL antioxidant properties most likely contribute to inhibition of collagen production downstream of IL-13. These results show that silymarin interferes with fibrogenic cytokines, reduces established fibrosis, and inhibits downstream effects of IL-13 on fibrogenesis, indicating the drug as a safe and cheap treatment to liver fibrotic disease in schistosomiasis.
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Mazo DFC, de Oliveira MG, Pereira IVA, Cogliati B, Stefano JT, de Souza GFP, Rabelo F, Lima FR, Ferreira Alves VA, Carrilho FJ, de Oliveira CPMS. S-nitroso-N-acetylcysteine attenuates liver fibrosis in experimental nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. DRUG DESIGN DEVELOPMENT AND THERAPY 2013; 7:553-63. [PMID: 23843692 PMCID: PMC3702228 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s43930] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
S-Nitroso-N-acetylcysteine (SNAC) is a water soluble primary S-nitrosothiol capable of transferring and releasing nitric oxide and inducing several biochemical activities, including modulation of hepatic stellate cell activation. In this study, we evaluated the antifibrotic activity of SNAC in an animal model of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) induced in Sprague-Dawley rats fed with a choline-deficient, high trans fat diet and exposed to diethylnitrosamine for 8 weeks. The rats were divided into three groups: SNAC, which received oral SNAC solution daily; NASH, which received the vehicle; and control, which received standard diet and vehicle. Genes related to fibrosis (matrix metalloproteinases [MMP]-13, -9, and -2), transforming growth factor β-1 [TGFβ-1], collagen-1α, and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase [TIMP-1 and -2] and oxidative stress (heat-shock proteins [HSP]-60 and -90) were evaluated. SNAC led to a 34.4% reduction in the collagen occupied area associated with upregulation of MMP-13 and -9 and downregulation of HSP-60, TIMP-2, TGFβ-1, and collagen-1α. These results indicate that oral SNAC administration may represent a potential antifibrotic treatment for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Daniel F C Mazo
- University of São Paulo School of Medicine, Department of Gastroenterology, Clinical Division, Hepatology Branch (LIM-07), Sao Paulo, Brazil
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Wang QL, Tao YY, Shen L, Cui HY, Liu CH. [Chinese herbal medicine Fuzheng Huayu recipe inhibits liver fibrosis by mediating the transforming growth factor-β1/Smads signaling pathway]. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013; 10:561-8. [PMID: 22587979 DOI: 10.3736/jcim20120512] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the mechanism of Fuzheng Huayu recipe (FZHY), a compound traditional Chinese herbal medicine, against liver fibrosis related to transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signaling transduction. METHODS The research consisted of in vitro and in vivo experiments. In the in vivo experiment, 37 male Wistar rats were divided into 3 groups: 5 rats in normal group, 18 and 14 rats respectively in model and FZHY groups. Liver fibrosis was induced in rats of the model group and the FZHY group by intraperitoneal injection of dimethylnitrosamine with a dose of 10μg/kg body weight for 4 weeks. Rats in the FZHY group were administered with FZHY for 4 weeks after liver fibrosis was induced. After the treatment of FZHY, hydroxyproline (Hyp) content in rat liver tissue was assayed by Jamall's method and protein expressions of TGF-β1, TGF-β1 receptor I (TβR-I), Smad2, Smad3 and phosphorylated-Smad2/3 were analyzed by Western blotting. In the in vitro experiment, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) were isolated from normal rats by in situ pronase/collagenase perfusion followed by density gradient centrifugation. On the 4th day of cell culture, HSCs were stimulated by 2.5 ng/mL TGF-β1 for 24 h, then incubated with the medium containing 10% FZHY-medicated serum or 10μmol/L SB-431542 (a potent and specific inhibitor of TGF-β1 receptor I kinase) for 24 h. And the HSCs without TGF-β1 stimulating were used as control group. Protein expressions and location of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and Smad3 in HSCs were assayed by immunofluorescent staining, and the image was analyzed by Image-Pro Plus 6.1 System. RESULTS In the in vivo experiment, liver Hyp content in the FZHY group was reduced significantly compared with the model group. FZHY also down-regulated the protein expressions of TGF-β1, TβR-I and p-Smad2/3 in fibrotic liver tissue. In the in vitro experiment, FZHY-medicated serum incubated with TGF-β1-stimulated HSCs significantly down-regulated the protein expression of α-SMA. It also inhibited Smad3 nuclear translocation in TGF-β1-stimulated HSCs. CONCLUSION The mechanism of FZHY against liver fibrosis is related to the regulation of TGF-β1 signaling transduction pathway by inhibition of TGF-β1 and TβR-I expressions and Smads activation in fibrotic liver tissue and HSCs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qing-lan Wang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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28
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Ford JB, Sutter ME, Owen KP, Albertson TE. Volatile Substance Misuse: An Updated Review of Toxicity and Treatment. Clin Rev Allergy Immunol 2013; 46:19-33. [DOI: 10.1007/s12016-013-8371-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/26/2022]
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Inagaki Y, Matsumoto Y, Kataoka K, Matsuhashi N, Sekimizu K. Evaluation of drug-induced tissue injury by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity in silkworm hemolymph. BMC Pharmacol Toxicol 2012; 13:13. [PMID: 23137391 PMCID: PMC3545979 DOI: 10.1186/2050-6511-13-13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2012] [Accepted: 09/13/2012] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Our previous studies suggest silkworms can be used as model animals instead of mammals in pharmacologic studies to develop novel therapeutic medicines. We examined the usefulness of the silkworm larvae Bombyx mori as an animal model for evaluating tissue injury induced by various cytotoxic drugs. Drugs that induce hepatotoxic effects in mammals were injected into the silkworm hemocoel, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activity was measured in the hemolymph 1 day later. Results Injection of CCl4 into the hemocoel led to an increase in ALT activity. The increase in ALT activity was attenuated by pretreatment with N-acetyl-L-cysteine. Injection of benzoic acid derivatives, ferric sulfate, sodium valproate, tetracycline, amiodarone hydrochloride, methyldopa, ketoconazole, pemoline (Betanamin), N-nitroso-fenfluramine, and D-galactosamine also increased ALT activity. Conclusions These findings indicate that silkworms are useful for evaluating the effects of chemicals that induce tissue injury in mammals.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yoshinori Inagaki
- Laboratory of Microbiology, Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, The University of Tokyo, 7-3-1 Hongo, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo, 113-0033, Japan
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Ha YE, Shin JS, Lee DY, Rhim TY. Fluorescently Labeled Nanoparticles Enable the Detection of Stem Cell-Derived Hepatocytes. B KOREAN CHEM SOC 2012. [DOI: 10.5012/bkcs.2012.33.6.1983] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
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Marraffa JM, Cohen V, Howland MA. Antidotes for toxicological emergencies: a practical review. Am J Health Syst Pharm 2012; 69:199-212. [PMID: 22261941 DOI: 10.2146/ajhp110014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
PURPOSE Appropriate therapies for commonly encountered poisonings, medication overdoses, and other toxicological emergencies are reviewed, with discussion of pharmacists' role in ensuring their ready availability and proper use. SUMMARY Poisoning is the second leading cause of injury-related morbidity and mortality in the United States, with more than 2.4 million toxic exposures reported each year. Recently published national consensus guidelines recommend that hospitals providing emergency care routinely stock 24 antidotes for a wide range of toxicities, including toxic-alcohol poisoning, exposure to cyanide and other industrial agents, and intentional or unintentional overdoses of prescription medications (e.g., calcium-channel blockers, β-blockers, digoxin, isoniazid). Pharmacists can help reduce morbidity and mortality due to poisonings and overdoses by (1) recognizing the signs and symptoms of various types of toxic exposure, (2) guiding emergency room staff on the appropriate use of antidotes and supportive therapies, (3) helping to ensure appropriate monitoring of patients for antidote response and adverse effects, and (4) managing the procurement and stocking of antidotes to ensure their timely availability. CONCLUSION Pharmacists can play a key role in reducing poisoning and overdose injuries and deaths by assisting in the early recognition of toxic exposures and guiding emergency personnel on the proper storage, selection, and use of antidotal therapies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jeanna M Marraffa
- Upstate New York Poison Center, 750 East Adams Street, Syracuse, NY 13210, USA.
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Insights antifibrotic mechanism of methyl palmitate: impact on nuclear factor kappa B and proinflammatory cytokines. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2011; 258:134-44. [PMID: 22079257 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2011.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 37] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2011] [Revised: 10/24/2011] [Accepted: 10/25/2011] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Fibrosis accompanies most chronic liver disorders and is a major factor contributing to hepatic failure. Therefore, the need for an effective treatment is evident. The present study was designed to assess the potential antifibrotic effect of MP and whether MP can attenuate the severity of oxidative stress and inflammatory response in chronic liver injury. Male albino rats were treated with either CCl(4) (1 ml/kg, twice a week) and/or MP (300 mg/kg, three times a week) for six weeks. CCl(4)-intoxication significantly increased liver weight, serum aminotransferases, total cholesterol and triglycerides while decreased albumin level and these effects were prevented by co-treatment with MP. As indicators of oxidative stress, CCl(4)-intoxication caused significant glutathione depletion and lipid peroxidation while MP co-treatment preserved them within normal values. As markers of fibrosis, hydroxyproline content and α-SMA expression increased markedly in the CCl(4) group and MP prevented these alterations. Histopathological examination by both light and electron microscope further confirmed the protective efficacy of MP. To elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms of MP, the expression of NF-κB, iNOS and COX-2 and the tissue levels of TNF-α and nitric oxide were assessed; CCl(4) increased the expression of NF-κB and all downstream inflammatory cascade while MP co-treatment inhibited them. Collectively these findings indicate that MP possesses a potent antifibrotic effect which may be partly a consequence of its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties.
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Morsy MA, Abdalla AM, Mahmoud AM, Abdelwahab SA, Mahmoud ME. Protective effects of curcumin, α-lipoic acid, and N-acetylcysteine against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in rats. J Physiol Biochem 2011; 68:29-35. [PMID: 21986891 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-011-0116-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2011] [Accepted: 09/01/2011] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a major health problem that can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. On the other hand, several antioxidants have been shown to possess protective effect against liver fibrosis. Therefore, in the present work, the effectiveness of curcumin, α-lipoic acid, and N-acetylcysteine in protecting against carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced liver fibrosis as well as the mechanism(s) implicated in this protective effect was studied. The antioxidants used in this study resulted in hepatoprotective effect as evident by substantial decreases in collagen deposition in histopathological examinations in addition to significant decrease in serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, gamma glutamyl transpeptidase, bilirubin, and transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) as well as hepatic malondialdehyde concentration, with a concurrent increase in serum matrix metalloproteinase-13 (MMP-13) and hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) levels as compared to CCl(4) fibrotic group. In conclusion, curcumin, α-lipoic acid, and N-acetylcysteine protect rats against CCl(4)-induced liver fibrosis most possibly through their antioxidant activities and their capacities to induce MMP-13 and to inhibit TGF-α levels.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mohamed A Morsy
- Department of Pharmacology, El-Minia University, El-Minia, Egypt.
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Immune modulation of ovalbumin-induced lung injury in mice using β-glucosylceramide and a potential role of the liver. Immunobiology 2010; 216:548-57. [PMID: 21074892 DOI: 10.1016/j.imbio.2010.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2010] [Revised: 10/10/2010] [Accepted: 10/10/2010] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
CD1d-restricted natural killer T (NKT) cells are implicated in the pathogenesis of asthma. β-Glucosylceramide (GC), a naturally occurring lipid, was previously shown to alter NKT cell distribution in the liver. We hypothesized that GC can affect lung and liver NKT cell distribution and ameliorate asthma. Mice were sensitized by intra-peritoneal injection of ovalbumin (OVA) for 2 weeks followed by repeated intranasal OVA challenges to induce lung injury mimicking asthma. OVA induced asthma groups were either treated by intranasal instillation of normal saline, intranasal instillation of GC or inhaled budesonide. To investigate the role of the liver, hepatic fibrosis was induced using carbon tetrachloride prior to asthma induction. Allergen induced bronchoconstriction was measured prior to sacrifice. Isolated lymphocytes from lungs, livers and spleens were analyzed for OVA induced proliferation and flow cytometry. Liver and lung histology, serum aminotransferase and anti-OVA antibodies level were assessed. Treatment with GC significantly reduced OVA induced airway responsiveness (p<0.001) similar to inhaled budesonide. GC significantly reduced the peri-bronchial and peri-vascular inflammatory infiltration mainly through an effect on T cells, as suggested by decreased T cell proliferation (p=0.009). Liver CD4 and NKT cells significantly increased after GC treatment suggesting liver involvement. Inducing hepatic fibrosis blunted the propagation of asthma in spite of sufficient increase of serum anti-OVA titers. GC has an immunomodulatory effect on a murine model of experimental asthma. We also suggest that the liver acts as an immunomodulatory organ and might have a regulatory effect on pulmonary diseases.
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Lin J, Zheng S, Chen A. Curcumin attenuates the effects of insulin on stimulating hepatic stellate cell activation by interrupting insulin signaling and attenuating oxidative stress. J Transl Med 2009; 89:1397-409. [PMID: 19841616 PMCID: PMC2787823 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2009.115] [Citation(s) in RCA: 53] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Hyperinsulinemia associated with type II diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a risk factor for non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major effectors in collagen production during hepatic fibrogenesis. Elevated levels of insulin stimulate HSC activation. In addition to its anti-diabetic effects, the antioxidant curcumin, the yellow pigment in curry from turmeric, suppresses HSC activation and protects the liver from fibrogenesis in vitro and in vivo. This study aims at evaluating the effect of curcumin on insulin-induced HSC activation and further elucidating the underlying mechanisms. We report that curcumin dose-dependently eliminates insulin-induced HSC activation by suppressing expression of type I collagen gene and other key genes relevant to HSC activation. Additional experiments indicate that curcumin interrupts insulin signaling in HSCs by reducing the phosphorylation level of insulin receptor (InsR) and suppressing gene expression of InsR. Furthermore, curcumin attenuates insulin-induced oxidative stress in HSCs by inducing gene expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase (GCL), leading to de novo synthesis of glutathione and the suppression of gene expression of InsR. These results support our initial hypothesis that curcumin inhibits the effects of insulin on stimulating HSC activation by interrupting insulin signaling and attenuating oxidative stress. Our results provide novel insights into the mechanisms by which curcumin inhibits the insulin-induced HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Anping Chen
- CORRESPONDING AUTHOR: Anping Chen, Ph. D. Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, 1100 S. Grand Blvd, Room 215, Edward A. Doisy Research Center, St. Louis, MO 63104, USA. Tel: 314-977-7832; Fax: 314-977-8499;
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