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Chen S, Ren Z, Guo L. Hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and underlying mechanisms. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, TOXICOLOGY AND CARCINOGENESIS 2024:1-22. [PMID: 38904414 DOI: 10.1080/26896583.2024.2366737] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/22/2024]
Abstract
Since usnic acid was first isolated in 1844 as a prominent secondary lichen metabolite, it has been used for various purposes worldwide. Usnic acid has been claimed to possess numerous therapeutic properties, including antimicrobial, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, anti-proliferative, and antipyretic activities. Approximately two decades ago, crude extracts of usnic acid or pure usnic acid were marketed in the United States as dietary supplements for aiding in weight loss as a "fat-burner" and gained popularity in the bodybuilding community; however, hepatotoxicity was documented for some usnic acid containing products. The US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) received numerous reports of liver toxicity associated with the use of dietary supplements containing usnic acid, leading the FDA to issue a warning letter in 2001 on a product, LipoKinetix. The FDA also sent a recommendation letter to the manufacturer of LipoKinetix, resulting in the withdrawal of LipoKinetix from the market. These events triggered investigations into the hepatotoxicity of usnic acid and its mechanisms. In 2008, we published a review article titled "Usnic Acid and Usnea Barbata Toxicity". This review is an updated version of our previous review article and incorporates additional data published since 2008. The purpose of this review is to provide a comprehensive summary of the understanding of the liver toxicity associated with usnic acid, with a particular focus on the current understanding of the putative mechanisms of usnic acid-related hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas, USA
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Wang H, Xuan M, Diao J, Xu N, Li M, Huang C, Wang C. Metabolism and toxicity of usnic acid and barbatic acid based on microsomes, S9 fraction, and 3T3 fibroblasts in vitro combined with a UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207928. [PMID: 37397492 PMCID: PMC10308081 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207928] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 07/04/2023] Open
Abstract
Introduction: Usnic acid (UA) and barbatic acid (BA), two typical dibenzofurans and depsides in lichen, have a wide range of pharmacological activities and hepatotoxicity concerns. This study aimed to clarify the metabolic pathway of UA and BA and illuminate the relationship between metabolism and toxicity. Methods: An UPLC-Q-TOF-MS method was developed for metabolite identification of UA and BA in human liver microsomes (HLMs), rat liver microsomes (RLMs), and S9 fraction (RS9). The key metabolic enzymes responsible for UA and BA were identified by enzyme inhibitors combined with recombinant human cytochrome P450 (CYP450) enzymes. The cytotoxicity and metabolic toxicity mechanism of UA and BA were determined by the combination model of human primary hepatocytes and mouse 3T3 fibroblasts. Results: The hydroxylation, methylation, and glucuronidation reactions were involved in the metabolic profiles of UA and BA in RLMs, HLMs, and RS9. CYP2C9, CYP3A4, CYP2C8, and UGT1A1 are key metabolic enzymes responsible for metabolites of UA and CYP2C8, CYP2C9, CYP2C19, CYP1A1, UGT1A1, UGT1A3, UGT1A7, UGT1A8, UGT1A9, and UGT1A10 for metabolites of BA. UA and BA did not display evident cytotoxicity in human primary hepatocytes at concentrations of 0.01-25 and 0.01-100 µM, respectively, but showed potential cytotoxicity to mouse 3T3 fibroblasts with 50% inhibitory concentration values of 7.40 and 60.2 µM. Discussion: In conclusion, the attenuated cytotoxicity of BA is associated with metabolism, and UGTs may be the key metabolic detoxification enzymes. The cytotoxicity of UA may be associated with chronic toxicity. The present results provide important insights into the understanding of the biotransformation behavior and metabolic detoxification of UA and BA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, Qingdao, China
| | - Juanjuan Diao
- Analysis and Testing Center, Xinjiang Medical University (Xuelanshan Campus), Urumqi, China
| | - Nan Xu
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Manlin Li
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines, The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Wang H, Xuan M, Huang C, Wang C. Advances in Research on Bioactivity, Toxicity, Metabolism, and Pharmacokinetics of Usnic Acid In Vitro and In Vivo. Molecules 2022; 27:7469. [PMID: 36364296 PMCID: PMC9657990 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27217469] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/05/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Lichens are among the most widely distributed plants on earth and have the longest growth cycle. Usnic acid is an abundant characteristic secondary metabolite of lichens and the earliest lichen compound used commercially. It has diverse pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, antiviral, anticancer, antioxidant, and photoprotective effects, and promotes wound healing. It is widely used in dietary supplements, daily chemical products (fodder, dyes, food, perfumery, and cosmetics), and medicine. However, some studies have found that usnic acid can cause allergic dermatitis and drug-induced liver injury. In this paper, the bioactivity, toxicity, in vivo and in vitro metabolism, and pharmacokinetics of usnic acid were summarized. The aims were to develop and utilize usnic acid and provide reference for its future research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- Shanghai TCM-Integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 230 Baoding Road, Shanghai 200082, China
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Min Xuan
- Department of Pharmacy, Qingdao Eighth People’s Hospital, 84 Fengshan Road, Qingdao 266121, China
| | - Cheng Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Road, Shanghai 201203, China
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Toxicity of Usnic Acid: A Narrative Review. J Toxicol 2022; 2022:8244340. [PMID: 36310641 PMCID: PMC9605823 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8244340] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA) is a dibenzofuran derivative naturally present in lichens, organisms resulting from the symbiosis between a fungus and a cyanobacterium, or an alga. UA shows antimicrobial, antitumor, antioxidant, analgesic, anti-inflammatory as well as UV-protective activities. Its use as pharmacological agent is widely described in traditional medicine, and in the past few years, the product has been marketed as a food supplement for the induction of weight loss. However, the development of severe hepatotoxicity in a limited number of subjects prompted the FDA to issue a warning letter, which led to the withdrawal of the product from the market in November 2001. Data published in literature on UA toxicology, genotoxicity, mutagenesis, and teratogenicity have been reviewed, as well as the case reports of subjects who developed hepatotoxicity following oral administration of UA as a slimming agent. Finally, we reviewed the most recent studies on the topical use of UA, as well as studies aimed at improving UA pharmacologic activity and reducing toxicity. Indeed, advancements in this field of research could open the possibility to reintroduce the use of UA as therapeutical agent.
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(+)-Usnic acid and its salts, inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2, identified by using in silico methods and in vitro assay. Sci Rep 2022; 12:13118. [PMID: 35908082 PMCID: PMC9338942 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-17506-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
The pandemic caused by severe acute respiratory Coronavirus-2 (SARS-CoV-2) has been ongoing for over two years, and treatment for COVID-19, other than monoclonal antibodies, is urgently required. Accordingly, we have investigated the inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 protein targets by high-throughput virtual screening using a marine natural products database. Considering the calculated molecular properties and availability of the compounds, (+)-usnic acid was selected as a suitable hit. In the in vitro antiviral assay of (+)-usnic acid by the immunofluorescence method, IC50 was 7.99 μM, which is similar to that of remdesivir used as a positive control. The generalized Born and surface area continuum solvation (MM/GBSA) method was performed to find the potent target of (+)-usnic acid, and the Mpro protein showed the most prominent value, -52.05 kcal/mol, among other SARS-CoV-2 protein targets. Thereafter, RMSD and protein-ligand interactions were profiled using molecular dynamics (MD) simulations. Sodium usnate (NaU) improved in vitro assay results with an IC50 of 5.33 μM and a selectivity index (SI) of 9.38. Additionally, when (+)-usnic acid was assayed against SARS-CoV-2 variants, it showed enhanced efficacy toward beta variants with an IC50 of 2.92 μM and SI of 11.1. We report the in vitro anti-SARS-CoV-2 efficacy of (+)-usnic acid in this study and propose that it has the potential to be developed as a COVID-19 treatment if its in vivo efficacy has been confirmed.
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Sepahvand A, Studzińska-Sroka E, Ramak P, Karimian V. Usnea sp.: Antimicrobial potential, bioactive compounds, ethnopharmacological uses and other pharmacological properties; a review article. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 268:113656. [PMID: 33276059 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2020.113656] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2020] [Revised: 11/27/2020] [Accepted: 11/28/2020] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Usnea sp. is a fruticose thalli lichen with interesting medicinal properties. Since ancient times, Usnea sp. has been used in traditional medicine worldwide to treat various diseases. The broad scientific studies on this lichen have proved its multidirectional biological effect, such as antimicrobial activity, which is attributed to its usnic acid content. PURPOSE The main aim of this review is to provide an up-to-date overview of the antimicrobial activities of Usnea sp., including the traditional and medicinal uses, and a critical evaluation of the presented data. Also, the mechanism of this type of action will be explained. METHODS To prepare this manuscript, the information was extracted from scientific databases (Pubmed, ScienceDirect, Wiley, Springer, and Google Scholar), books, and theses. The available scientific information was critically analysed. RESULTS Analysis of the scientific literature regarding traditional uses and bioactivity research showed that Usnea sp. extracts exhibit high antibacterial activity. The Gram-positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus, Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, and Mycobacterium tuberculosis) and aquatic oomycetous fungi were the most sensitive Usnea sp. extracts. Moderate activity against Malassezia furfur and dermatophytes was observed, as well. Gram-negative bacteria, yeast, and fungi were more frequently resistant to Usnea sp. extracts (included Escherichia coli, Candida sp., Saccharomyces cerevisiae, and Aspergillus sp.). The antiviral activity of Usnea sp. was limited. CONCLUSION The results show that the use of Usnea sp. in traditional medicine can be scientifically documented. Studies show that usnic acid is the active compound present in Usnea sp. extracts. This compound, which has a high antibacterial and cytotoxic activity, exists in large quantities in low-polarity extracts, and low concentration in these of high-polarity. Usnea sp. extracts contain compounds other than usnic acid as well with biological effects. Usnea barbata is a species that has been employed in modern-day cosmetic and pharmaceutical preparations. The information presented in the review can be considered as a source of knowledge about the Usnea sp. It presents research on biological properties reported for different species of Usnea genus and thus can facilitate their use in medicine.
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Affiliation(s)
- Asghar Sepahvand
- Razi Herbal Medicines Research Center, Lorestan University of Medical Sciences, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | | | - Parvin Ramak
- Research Division of Natural Resources, Lorestan Agricultural and Natural Resources Research and Education Center, AREEO, Khorramabad, Iran.
| | - Vahid Karimian
- Young Researchers and Elite Club, Yasooj Branch, Islamic Azad University, Yasooj, Iran.
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Kumar K, Mishra JPN, Singh RP. Usnic acid induces apoptosis in human gastric cancer cells through ROS generation and DNA damage and causes up-regulation of DNA-PKcs and γ-H2A.X phosphorylation. Chem Biol Interact 2019; 315:108898. [PMID: 31715134 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2019.108898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/09/2019] [Revised: 10/27/2019] [Accepted: 11/08/2019] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid, a dibenzofuran derivative found in many lichen species, is reported to have anticancer activity against human gastric cancer. We investigated the molecular alterations associated with anticancer effects of usnic acid against human gastric adenocarcinoma AGS and gastric carcinoma SNU-1 cells. Usnic acid (10-25 μM) treatment to these cells caused a significant increase in mitochondrial membrane depolarization and apoptotic cells. Apoptosis induction was accompanied by an increase in the ratio of Bax:Bcl-2 expression and cleaved-PARP. Usnic acid increased the comet tail length and tail DNA in alkaline comet assay indicating DNA double-strand breaks which was also evidenced by an increase in γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation. The expression of DNA damage response proteins including DNA-PKcs, pATM (Ser1981), Chk-2 and p53 were increased. Further, N-acetyl cysteine, a known reactive oxygen species (ROS) scavenger, reversed the effects of usnic acid on expression of DNA damage response proteins and γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation. This reversal was also observed in comet assay in a time and dose-dependent manner suggesting that usnic acid-induced DNA damage was caused by ROS. In addition, the non-toxic concentrations (1-10 μM) of usnic acid inhibited colony forming potential of AGS cells indicating its anti-proliferation activity. More importantly, the concentration of usnic acid that caused significant death in gastric cancer cells, did not show any considerable toxicity to normal human embryonic kidney HEK293 cells, human keratinocyte HaCaT cells and mouse primary gastric cells. Collectively, these results for the first time demonstrated the selective apoptotic effect of usnic acid (10-25 μM) through ROS generation and DNA damage on human gastric cancer cells accompanied with upregulation of γH2A.X (Ser139) phosphorylation, DNA-PKcs and p53.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kunal Kumar
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Jai P N Mishra
- School of Life Sciences, Central University of Gujarat, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India
| | - Rana P Singh
- Cancer Biology Laboratory, School of Life Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India.
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Guo HY, Jin C, Zhang HM, Jin CM, Shen QK, Quan ZS. Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of (+)-Usnic Acid Derivatives as Potential Anti- Toxoplasma gondii Agents. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2019; 67:9630-9642. [PMID: 31365255 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.9b02173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
Six series of (+)-usnic acid derivatives were synthesized. The IC50 values of these compounds were determined in T. gondii infected HeLa cells (μM) and in HeLa cells (μM), and their selectivity indexes (SI) were calculated. In vitro, most of the derivatives tested in this study exhibited more anti activity than that of the parent compound (+)-usnic acid and the positive control drugs. Among these derivatives, methyl (E)-(1-(6-acetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-1,3-dioxo-3,9b-dihydrodibenzo[b,d]furan-2(1H)-ylidene)ethyl)phenylalaninate (D3) showed the most effective anti-T. gondii activity (selectivity >2.77). In comparison with the clinically used positive control drugs sulfadiazine (selectivity 1.15), pyrimethamine (selectivity 0.89), spiramycin (selectivity 0.72), and the lead compound (+)-usnic acid (selectivity 0.96), D3 showed better results in vitro. Furthermore, D3 and (E)-6-acetyl-7,9-dihydroxy-8,9b-dimethyl-2-(1-(quinolin-6-ylamino)ethylidene)dibenzo[b,d]furan-1,3(2H,9bH)-dione (F3) had greater inhibitory effects on T. gondii (inhibition rates 76.0% and 64.6%) in vivo in comparison to spiramycin (inhibition rate 55.2%); in the peritoneal cavity of mice, the number of tachyzoites was significantly reduced (p < 0.001) in vivo. Additionally, some biochemical parameters were measured and spleen indexes were comprehensively evaluated, and the results indicated that mice treated with both compound D3 and compound F3 showed reduced hepatotoxicity and significantly enhanced antioxidative effects in comparison to the normal group. Granuloma and cyst formation were effected by the inhibition of compound D3 and compound F3 in liver sections. Overall, these results indicated that D3 and F3 for use as anti-T. gondii agents are promising lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Yan Guo
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
| | - ChunMei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ming Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Chun-Mei Jin
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Qing-Kun Shen
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
| | - Zhe-Shan Quan
- Key Laboratory of Natural Resources and Functional Molecules of the Changbai Mountain, Affiliated Ministry of Education, College of Pharmacy , Yanbian University , Yanji , Jilin 133002 , People's Republic of China
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Risks associated with fat burners: A toxicological perspective. Food Chem Toxicol 2019; 123:205-224. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.10.051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2018] [Revised: 10/16/2018] [Accepted: 10/22/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
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Skinner CM, Miousse IR, Ewing LE, Sridharan V, Cao M, Lin H, Williams DK, Avula B, Haider S, Chittiboyina AG, Khan IA, ElSohly MA, Boerma M, Gurley BJ, Koturbash I. Impact of obesity on the toxicity of a multi-ingredient dietary supplement, OxyELITE Pro™ (New Formula), using the novel NZO/HILtJ obese mouse model: Physiological and mechanistic assessments. Food Chem Toxicol 2018; 122:21-32. [PMID: 30282009 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2018.09.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 09/18/2018] [Accepted: 09/28/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Herbal dietary supplement (HDS)-induced hepato- and cardiotoxicity is an emerging clinical problem. In this study, we investigated the liver and heart toxicity of HDS OxyELITE-PRO™ New Formula (OEP-NF), a dietary supplement marketed for weight loss and performance enhancement that was recently withdrawn from the market. Using a novel NZO/HlLtJ obese mouse model, we demonstrated that administration of clinically relevant mouse equivalent doses (MED) of OEP-NF produced cardio- and hepatotoxic risks following both short- and long-term administration schedules. Specifically, gavaging female NZO/HlLtJ with up to 2X MED of OEP-NF resulted in 40% mortality within two weeks. Feeding mice with either 1X or 3X MED of OEP-NF for eight weeks, while not exhibiting significant effects on body weights, significantly altered hepatic gene expression, increased the number of apoptotic and mast cells in the heart and affected cardiac function. The degree of toxicity in NZO/HlLtJ mice was higher than that observed previously in non-obese CD-1 and B6C3F1 strains, suggesting that an overweight/obese condition can sensitize mice to OEP-NF. Adverse health effects linked to OEP-NF, together with a number of other hepato- and cardiotoxicity cases associated with HDS ingestion, argue strongly for introduction of quality standards and pre-marketing safety assessments for multi-ingredient HDS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charles M Skinner
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Isabelle R Miousse
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Laura E Ewing
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Vijayalakshmi Sridharan
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72223, USA.
| | - Maohua Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72223, USA.
| | - Haixia Lin
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - D Keith Williams
- Department of Biostatistics, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Bharathi Avula
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Saqlain Haider
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Amar G Chittiboyina
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Ikhlas A Khan
- National Center for Natural Product Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, MS, 38677, USA.
| | - Mahmoud A ElSohly
- ElSohly Laboratories, Inc. (ELI), Phyto Chemical Services, Inc. (PSI), 5 Industrial Park Drive, Oxford, MS 38655, USA.
| | - Marjan Boerma
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72223, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Bill J Gurley
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72223, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
| | - Igor Koturbash
- Department of Environmental and Occupational Health, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA; Center for Dietary Supplement Research, University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences, Little Rock, AR, 72205, USA.
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Wang H, Yang T, Cheng X, Kwong S, Liu C, An R, Li G, Wang X, Wang C. Simultaneous determination of usnic, diffractaic, evernic and barbatic acids in rat plasma by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole exactive Orbitrap mass spectrometry and its application to pharmacokinetic studies. Biomed Chromatogr 2017; 32. [PMID: 29055065 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.4123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2017] [Revised: 09/18/2017] [Accepted: 10/11/2017] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Usnea longissima Ach. (Usnea) is used in pharmaceuticals, food and cosmetics. Evernic acid (EA), barbatic acid (BA), diffractaic acid (DA) and usnic acid (UA) are the most typical ingredients in U. longissima and exert a wide variety of biological functions. The study aimed to develop a sensitive method for simultaneous analysis of EA, BA, DA and UA in rat plasma and was applied to pharmacokinetic studies after consumption of UA and ethanol extract from U. longissima (UE). The samples were separated on a BEH C18 column by gradient elution with 0.5% formic acid in water and in methanol. The relative molecular masses of analytes were obtained in full-scan range from 50.0 to 750.0 m/z under negative ionization mode by UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS. All validation parameters, such as lower limit of quantitation, linearity, specificity, precision, accuracy, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability, were within acceptable ranges and the method was appropriate for biological specimen analysis. The pharmacokinetic results indicated that the absolute bioavailabilities of UA after oral administration of UA and UE reached 69.2 and 146.9%, respectively. Compared with UA in UE, the relative bioavailability of DA, BA and EA reached 103.7, 10.4 and 0.7% after oral administration of UE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hanxue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Sukfan Kwong
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Chenghai Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Rui An
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guowen Li
- Shanghai TCM-integrated Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Xinhong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Changhong Wang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicine, Shanghai Key Laboratory for TCM Complex Prescription, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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MARINHO KETSIAS, ANTONIO ERIVALDOA, SILVA CAMILLAV, SILVA KEILATDA, TEIXEIRA VALÉRIAW, AGUIAR JUNIOR FRANCISCOCDE, SANTOS KATHARINERDOS, SILVA NICÁCIOHDA, SANTOS NOEMIAP. Hepatic toxicity caused by PLGA-microspheres containing usnic acid from the lichen C ladonia substellata (AHTI) during pregnancy in Wistar rats. AN ACAD BRAS CIENC 2017. [DOI: 10.1590/0001-3765201720160650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/15/2023] Open
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Assolini JP, Concato VM, Gonçalves MD, Carloto ACM, Conchon-Costa I, Pavanelli WR, Melanda FN, Costa IN. Nanomedicine advances in toxoplasmosis: diagnostic, treatment, and vaccine applications. Parasitol Res 2017; 116:1603-1615. [PMID: 28477099 DOI: 10.1007/s00436-017-5458-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2017] [Accepted: 04/24/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease caused by the intracellular parasite Toxoplasma gondii that affects about one third of the world's population. The diagnosis of this disease is carried out by parasite isolation and host antibodies detection. However, the diagnosis presents problems in regard to test sensitivity and specificity. Currently, the most effective T. gondii treatment is a combination of pyrimethamine and sulfadiazine, although both drugs are toxic to the host. In addition to the problems that compromise the effective diagnosis and treatment of toxoplasmosis, there are no reports or indications of any vaccine capable of fully protecting against this infection. Nanomaterials, smaller than 1000 nm, are currently being investigated as an alternative tool in the management of T. gondii infection. This article reviews how recent nanotechnology advances indicate the utility of nanomaterials in toxoplasmosis diagnosis, treatment, and vaccine development.
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Affiliation(s)
- João Paulo Assolini
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Virginia Márcia Concato
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Manoela Daiele Gonçalves
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | | | - Ivete Conchon-Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Wander Rogério Pavanelli
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Francine Nesello Melanda
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil
| | - Idessania Nazareth Costa
- Departamento de Ciências Patológicas, Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina, Londrina, PR, Brazil. .,Departamento de Ciências Patológicas - Laboratório de Parasitologia, Universidade Estadual de Londrina-UEL, Rodovia Celso Garcia Cid, Campus Universitário, Cx. Postal 6001, Londrina, PR, 86051-990, Brazil.
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14
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Zheng E, Navarro V. Daño hepático debido al uso de suplementos nutricionales y de herbolario: revisión de componentes individuales. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2016; 8:S30-S33. [PMID: 31041093 PMCID: PMC6490225 DOI: 10.1002/cld.597] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Zheng
- Del Department of HepatologyEinstein Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPA, EE. UU
| | - Víctor Navarro
- Del Department of HepatologyEinstein Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPA, EE. UU
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Brown AC. Liver toxicity related to herbs and dietary supplements: Online table of case reports. Part 2 of 5 series. Food Chem Toxicol 2016; 107:472-501. [PMID: 27402097 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2016.07.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2016] [Revised: 06/30/2016] [Accepted: 07/01/2016] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND No online current list of potentially life-threatening, hepatotoxic herbs and dietary supplements based on PubMed case reports exists in a summarized tabular form. METHODS Documented case reports of herbs or dietary supplements (DS; includes herbs) appearing to contribute to liver injury were used to create an online "DS Toxic Table" of potentially hepatotoxic herbs and dietary supplements (PubMed, 1966 to June, 2016, and cross-referencing). The spectrum of DS induced liver injuries (DSILI) included elevated liver enzymes, hepatitis, steatosis, cholestasis, hepatic necrosis, hepatic fibrosis, hepatic cirrhosis, veno-occlusive disease, acute liver failure requiring a liver transplant, and death. RESULTS Over the past 50 years, approximately 21 herbs (minus germander and usnic acid that are no longer sold) and 12 dietary supplements (minus the nine no longer sold and vitamin A & niacin due to excess intake) posed a possible risk for liver injures in certain individuals. The herbs with the most number of reported publications (but not cases studies) in descending order, were germander, black cohosh, kava extract, and green tea extract. CONCLUSION These online DS Toxic Tables will contribute to continued Phase IV post marketing surveillance to detect possible liver toxicity cases and serve to forewarn consumers, clinicians, and corporations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amy Christine Brown
- Department of Complementary and Alternative Medicine, John A. Burns School of Medicine, 651 Ilalo Street, MEB 223, University of Hawaii at Manoa, Honolulu, HI, 96813, USA.
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Chen S, Zhang Z, Qing T, Ren Z, Yu D, Couch L, Ning B, Mei N, Shi L, Tolleson WH, Guo L. Activation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway in usnic acid-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. Arch Toxicol 2016; 91:1293-1307. [PMID: 27369375 DOI: 10.1007/s00204-016-1775-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/23/2016] [Accepted: 06/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Many usnic acid-containing dietary supplements have been marketed as weight loss agents, although severe hepatotoxicity and acute liver failure have been associated with their overuse. Our previous mechanistic studies revealed that autophagy, disturbance of calcium homeostasis, and ER stress are involved in usnic acid-induced toxicity. In this study, we investigated the role of oxidative stress and the Nrf2 signaling pathway in usnic acid-induced toxicity in HepG2 cells. We found that a 24-h treatment with usnic acid caused DNA damage and S-phase cell cycle arrest in a concentration-dependent manner. Usnic acid also triggered oxidative stress as demonstrated by increased reactive oxygen species generation and glutathione depletion. Short-term treatment (6 h) with usnic acid significantly increased the protein level for Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2), promoted Nrf2 translocation to the nucleus, up-regulated antioxidant response element (ARE)-luciferase reporter activity, and induced the expression of Nrf2-regulated targets, including glutathione reductase, glutathione S-transferase, and NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase-1 (NQO1). Furthermore, knockdown of Nrf2 with shRNA potentiated usnic acid-induced DNA damage and cytotoxicity. Taken together, our results show that usnic acid causes cell cycle dysregulation, DNA damage, and oxidative stress and that the Nrf2 signaling pathway is activated in usnic acid-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Zhuhong Zhang
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.,Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin, 300052, China
| | - Tao Qing
- School of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-Zhangjiang Center for Clinical Genomics and Zhanjiang Center for Translational Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - Zhen Ren
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Dianke Yu
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Letha Couch
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Baitang Ning
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Leming Shi
- School of Pharmacy, School of Life Sciences, Fudan-Zhangjiang Center for Clinical Genomics and Zhanjiang Center for Translational Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, 200438, China
| | - William H Tolleson
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research (NCTR)/U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA), HFT-110, 3900 NCTR Road, Jefferson, AR, 72079, USA.
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17
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Luzina OA, Salakhutdinov NF. Biological activity of usnic acid and its derivatives: Part 2. effects on higher organisms. Molecular and physicochemical aspects. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2016. [DOI: 10.1134/s1068162016030109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/21/2023]
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18
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Zheng E, Navarro V. Liver injury due to herbal and dietary supplements: A review of individual ingredients. Clin Liver Dis (Hoboken) 2016; 7:80-83. [PMID: 31041035 PMCID: PMC6490262 DOI: 10.1002/cld.541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/27/2015] [Revised: 01/25/2016] [Accepted: 02/08/2016] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Elizabeth Zheng
- Department of HepatologyEinstein Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPA
| | - Victor Navarro
- Department of HepatologyEinstein Medical CenterPhiladelphiaPA
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García-Cortés M, Robles-Díaz M, Ortega-Alonso A, Medina-Caliz I, Andrade RJ. Hepatotoxicity by Dietary Supplements: A Tabular Listing and Clinical Characteristics. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:537. [PMID: 27070596 PMCID: PMC4848993 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040537] [Citation(s) in RCA: 85] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2016] [Revised: 03/17/2016] [Accepted: 03/25/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplements (DS) are extensively consumed worldwide despite unproven efficacy. The true incidence of DS-induced liver injury (DSILI) is unknown but is probably under-diagnosed due to the general belief of safety of these products. Reported cases of herbals and DS-induced liver injury are increasing worldwide. The aim of this manuscript is to report a tabular listing with a description of DS associated with hepatotoxicity as well as review the phenotype and severity of DSILI. Natural remedies related to hepatotoxicity can be divided into herbal product-induced liver injury and DS-induced liver injury. In this article, we describe different DS associated with liver injury, some of them manufactured DS containing several ingredients (Herbalife™ products, Hydroxycut™, LipoKinetix™, UCP-1 and OxyELITE™) while others have a single ingredient (green tea extract, linoleic acid, usnic acid, 1,3-Dimethylamylamine, vitamin A, Garcinia cambogia and ma huang). Additional DS containing some of the aforementioned ingredients implicated in liver injury are also covered. We have also included illicit androgenic anabolic steroids for bodybuilding in this work, as they are frequently sold under the denomination of DS despite being conventional drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miren García-Cortés
- Servicio de Farmacología Clíınica and Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Mercedes Robles-Díaz
- Servicio de Farmacología Clíınica and Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
| | - Aida Ortega-Alonso
- Servicio de Farmacología Clíınica and Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain.
| | - Inmaculada Medina-Caliz
- Servicio de Farmacología Clíınica and Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain.
| | - Raul J Andrade
- Servicio de Farmacología Clíınica and Unidad de Gestión Clínica (UGC) de Gastroenterología y Hepatología, Instituto de Investigación Biomédica de Málaga (IBIMA), Hospital Universitario Virgen de la Victoria, Universidad de Málaga (UMA), 29010 Málaga, Spain.
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), 28029 Madrid, Spain.
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20
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Si K, Wei L, Yu X, Wu F, Li X, Li C, Cheng Y. Effects of (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome on Toxoplasma gondii. Exp Parasitol 2016; 166:68-74. [PMID: 27004468 DOI: 10.1016/j.exppara.2016.03.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/18/2016] [Indexed: 10/22/2022]
Abstract
Toxoplasma gondii pathogen is a threat to human health that results in economic burden. Unfortunately, there are very few high-efficiency and low-toxicity drugs for toxoplasmosis in the clinic. (+)-Usnic acid derived from lichen species has been reported to have anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, anti-parasitology, and even anti-cancer activities. Herein, the systematic effect of (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome on toxoplasma were studied in vitro and in vivo. The viability of toxoplasma tachyzoite was assayed with trypan blue and Giemsa staining; while the invasive capability of tachyzoite to cardiofibroblasts was detected using Giemsa staining. The survival time of mice and the changes in tachyzoite ultrastructure were studied in vivo. The results showed that (+)-usnic acid inhibited the viability of tachyzoite; pretreatment with (+)-usnic acid significantly decreased the invasion of tachyzoite to cardiofibroblasts in vitro; (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome extensively prolonged the survival time of mice about 90.9% and 117%, respectively; and improved the ultrastructural changes of tachyzoite, especially in dense granules, rhoptries, endoplasmic reticulum, mitochondria and other membrane organelles. In summary, these results demonstrate that (+)-usnic acid and (+)-usnic acid-liposome with low toxicity have an inhibitory effect on the viability of toxoplasma tachyzoite, and mainly destructed membrane organelles which are connected with the virulence of toxoplasma. These findings provide the basis for further study and development of usnic acid as a potential agent for treating toxoplasmosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kaiwei Si
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Linlin Wei
- Core Research Laboratory, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Xi'an Jiaotong University School of Medicine, 157 West Five Road, Xi'an, 710004, PR China
| | - Xiaozhuo Yu
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Feng Wu
- Center of Teaching Experiment for Postgraduate in Medicine, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Xiaoqi Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China
| | - Yanbin Cheng
- Department of Pathogenic Microbiology and Immunology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Xi'an Jiaotong University Health Science Center, 76 West Yanta Road, Xi'an, 710061, PR China.
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21
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Avigan MI, Mozersky RP, Seeff LB. Scientific and Regulatory Perspectives in Herbal and Dietary Supplement Associated Hepatotoxicity in the United States. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:331. [PMID: 26950122 PMCID: PMC4813193 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17030331] [Citation(s) in RCA: 59] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2016] [Revised: 02/16/2016] [Accepted: 02/16/2016] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
In the United States (US), the risk of hepatotoxicity linked to the widespread use of certain herbal products has gained increased attention among regulatory scientists. Based on current US law, all dietary supplements sold domestically, including botanical supplements, are regulated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a special category of foods. Under this designation, regulatory scientists do not routinely evaluate the efficacy of these products prior to their marketing, despite the content variability and phytochemical complexity that often characterizes them. Nonetheless, there has been notable progress in the development of advanced scientific methods to qualitatively and quantitatively measure ingredients and screen for contaminants and adulterants in botanical products when hepatotoxicity is recognized.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mark I Avigan
- Office of Pharmacovigilance and Epidemiology, Center for Drug Evaluation and Research, Food and Drug Administration, 10903 New Hampshire Avenue, Silver Spring, MD 20993, USA.
| | - Robert P Mozersky
- Office of Dietary Supplement Products, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, 5100 Paint Branch Parkway, College Park, MD 20740, USA.
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Yang Y, Nguyen TT, Jeong MH, Crişan F, Yu YH, Ha HH, Choi KH, Jeong HG, Jeong TC, Lee KY, Kim KK, Hur JS, Kim H. Inhibitory Activity of (+)-Usnic Acid against Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Cell Motility. PLoS One 2016; 11:e0146575. [PMID: 26751081 PMCID: PMC4708991 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0146575] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/02/2015] [Accepted: 12/18/2015] [Indexed: 11/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Lichens are symbiotic organisms that produce various unique chemicals that can be used for pharmaceutical purposes. With the aim of screening new anti-cancer agents that inhibit cancer cell motility, we tested the inhibitory activity of seven lichen species collected from the Romanian Carpathian Mountains against migration and invasion of human lung cancer cells and further investigated the molecular mechanisms underlying their anti-metastatic activity. Among them, Alectoria samentosa, Flavocetraria nivalis, Alectoria ochroleuca, and Usnea florida showed significant inhibitory activity against motility of human lung cancer cells. HPLC results showed that usnic acid is the main compound in these lichens, and (+)-usnic acid showed similar inhibitory activity that crude extract have. Mechanistically, β-catenin-mediated TOPFLASH activity and KITENIN-mediated AP-1 activity were decreased by (+)-usnic acid treatment in a dose-dependent manner. The quantitative real-time PCR data showed that (+)-usnic acid decreased the mRNA level of CD44, Cyclin D1 and c-myc, which are the downstream target genes of both β-catenin/LEF and c-jun/AP-1. Also, Rac1 and RhoA activities were decreased by treatment with (+)-usnic acid. Interestingly, higher inhibitory activity for cell invasion was observed when cells were treated with (+)-usnic acid and cetuximab. These results implied that (+)-usnic acid might have potential activity in inhibition of cancer cell metastasis, and (+)-usnic acid could be used for anti-cancer therapy with a distinct mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Yang
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Thanh Thi Nguyen
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
- Faculty of Natural Science and Technology, Tay Nguyen University, Buon Ma Thuot, Vietnam
| | - Min-Hye Jeong
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Florin Crişan
- Department of Taxonomy and Ecology, Faculty of Biology and Geology, Babeș-Bolyai University, Cluj-Napoca, Romania
| | - Young Hyun Yu
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hyung-Ho Ha
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hee Choi
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
| | - Hye Gwang Jeong
- College of Pharmacy, Chungnam National University, Daejeon, Republic of Korea
| | | | - Kwang Youl Lee
- College of Pharmacy, Chonnam National University, Gwangju, Korea
| | - Kyung Keun Kim
- Medical Research Center for Gene Regulation, Chonnam National University Medical School, Gwangju, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae-Seoun Hur
- Korean Lichen Research Institute, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (HK); (JSH)
| | - Hangun Kim
- College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Life and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sunchon National University, Sunchon, Republic of Korea
- * E-mail: (HK); (JSH)
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Chen S, Zhang Z, Wu Y, Shi Q, Yan H, Mei N, Tolleson WH, Guo L. Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress and Store-Operated Calcium Entry Contribute to Usnic Acid-Induced Toxicity in Hepatic Cells. Toxicol Sci 2015; 146:116-26. [PMID: 25870318 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfv075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of usnic acid as a weight loss agent is a safety concern due to reports of acute liver failure in humans. Previously we demonstrated that usnic acid induces apoptosis and cytotoxicity in hepatic HepG2 cells. We also demonstrated that usnic acid induces autophagy as a survival mechanism against its cytotoxicity. In this study, we investigated and characterized further molecular mechanisms underlying the toxicity of usnic acid in HepG2 cells. We found that usnic acid causes endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress demonstrated by the increased expression of typical ER stress markers, including CHOP, ATF-4, p-eIF2α, and spliced XBP1. Usnic acid inhibited the secretion of Gaussia luciferase measured by an ER stress reporter assay. An ER stress inhibitor 4-phenylbutyrate attenuated usnic acid-induced apoptosis. Moreover, usnic acid significantly increased the cytosolic free Ca(2+) concentration. Usnic acid increased the expression of calcium release-activated calcium channel protein 1 (CRAM1 or ORAI1) and stromal interaction molecule 1, two key components of store-operated calcium entry (SOCE), which is the major Ca(2+) influx pathway in non-excitable cells, this finding was also confirmed in primary rat hepatocytes. Furthermore, knockdown of ORAI1 prevented ER stress and ATP depletion in response to usnic acid. In contrast, overexpression of ORAI1 increased ER stress and ATP depletion caused by usnic acid. Taken together, our results suggest that usnic acid disturbs calcium homeostasis, induces ER stress, and that usnic acid-induced cellular damage occurs at least partially via activation of the Ca(2+) channel of SOCE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Zhuhong Zhang
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079 *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Yuanfeng Wu
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Qiang Shi
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Hua Yan
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Nan Mei
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - William H Tolleson
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
| | - Lei Guo
- *Division of Biochemical Toxicology, Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079, Tianjin Medical University General Hospital, Tianjin 300052, China and Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, AR 72079
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Araújo AAS, de Melo MGD, Rabelo TK, Nunes PS, Santos SL, Serafini MR, Santos MRV, Quintans-Júnior LJ, Gelain DP. Review of the biological properties and toxicity of usnic acid. Nat Prod Res 2015; 29:2167-80. [DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2015.1007455] [Citation(s) in RCA: 78] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
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Stickel F, Shouval D. Hepatotoxicity of herbal and dietary supplements: an update. Arch Toxicol 2015; 89:851-65. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1471-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 90] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Accepted: 02/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
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Zuo ST, Wang LP, Zhang Y, Zhao DN, Li QS, Shao D, Fang XD. Usnic acid induces apoptosis via an ROS-dependent mitochondrial pathway in human breast cancer cells in vitro and in vivo. RSC Adv 2015. [DOI: 10.1039/c4ra12340a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Usnic acid induces ROS-dependent mitochondrial mediated apoptosis in human breast cancer MCF-7 cells in vitro and in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu-ting Zuo
- Center of General Surgery
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University
- Changchun 130041
- PR China
| | - Li-ping Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University
- Changchun 130041
- PR China
| | - Yan Zhang
- Center of General Surgery
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University
- Changchun 130041
- PR China
| | - Dan-ning Zhao
- Department of Pharmacology
- College of Basic Medical Sciences
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130021
- PR China
| | - Qiong-shu Li
- Department of Immunology
- College of Basic Medical Sciences
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130021
- PR China
| | - Dan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology
- College of Basic Medical Sciences
- Jilin University
- Changchun 130021
- PR China
| | - Xue-dong Fang
- Center of General Surgery
- The Second Hospital of Jilin University
- Changchun 130041
- PR China
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Abstract
Functional foods have been identified as whole foods and fortified, enriched, or enhanced products which have a potentially beneficial effect on health when consumed as part of a varied diet on a regular basis, at effective levels. As consumer awareness on functional food escalates, the interest towards conducting scientific studies in this field has also proportionately increased. Many of the traditional food products are known to possess bioactive components, thus qualifying as functional food. Kombucha tea is produced by fermenting sugared black tea with a mixed culture of yeast and bacteria. Kombucha tea has gained immense popularity in recent times due to many associated health benefits. The therapeutic effects of this beverage are thought to be derived from the chemical composition of this beverage, mainly the polyphenols and secondary metabolites which are produced during fermentation. However, the safety aspects of the beverage also need to be taken into account when qualifying the beverage as a functional food. Nevertheless, Kombucha tea could be easily recognized as a beverage which is able to replace the consumption of carbonated beverages due to its possession of health benefits and therapeutic properties.
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Chen S, Dobrovolsky VN, Liu F, Wu Y, Zhang Z, Mei N, Guo L. The role of autophagy in usnic acid-induced toxicity in hepatic cells. Toxicol Sci 2014; 142:33-44. [PMID: 25078063 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfu154] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
The use of usnic acid and usnic acid-containing products is associated with acute liver failure; however, mechanistic studies of hepatotoxicity caused by usnic acid are limited. In this study, we investigated and characterized the possible mechanisms, especially the role of autophagy in usnic acid's toxicity in human HepG2 cells. Usnic acid caused apoptosis as demonstrated by an increased caspase-3/7 activity and an increased subdiploid nucleus formation. Usnic acid-induced autophagy as demonstrated by the conversion of LC3B-I to LC3B-II, degradation of P62, and an increased number of puncta. Inhibition of autophagy by treating cells with autophagy inhibitors (3-methyladenine or chloroquine) or by small interfering RNA against Atg7 aggravated usnic acid-induced apoptosis and decreased cell viability, indicating that autophagy plays a protective role against usnic acid-induced toxicity. Moreover, usnic acid activated the MAPK signaling pathway. Usnic acid-elicited apoptosis was enhanced and autophagy was decreased when JNK was suppressed by a specific inhibitor. Additionally, inhibition of autophagy decreased the activity of JNK. Taken together, our results suggest that usnic acid perturbs various interrelated signaling pathways and that autophagy induction is a defensive mechanism against usnic acid-induced cytotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology
| | | | - Fang Liu
- Division of Neurotoxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/U.S. FDA, Jefferson, Arkansas 72079
| | | | | | - Nan Mei
- Division of Genetic and Molecular Toxicology
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology
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Herbs and liver injury: a clinical perspective. Clin Gastroenterol Hepatol 2014; 12:1069-76. [PMID: 23924877 DOI: 10.1016/j.cgh.2013.07.030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2013] [Revised: 07/22/2013] [Accepted: 07/23/2013] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Despite a perception that herbal and dietary supplements are safe, devastating liver injury has been reported to result from their use. The difficulty in characterizing liver injury attributable to herbal and dietary supplements stems from the permissive regulatory environment, the complexity of marketed products, and underreporting by the patients who use them. Despite these limitations, researchers, clinicians, and regulators have increasing awareness of the need for study in this area.
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Abstract
Liver injury resulting from exposure to drugs and chemicals is a major health problem. Autophagy is an important factor in a wide range of diseases, such as cancer, liver disease, muscular disorder, neurodegeneration, pathogen infection, and aging, and emerging evidence indicates that autophagy makes a substantial contribution to the pathogenesis of drug- and chemical-induced liver toxicity. In this review, we summarize current knowledge on autophagy triggered by toxicants/toxins, the protective role of autophagy in liver toxicity, and the underlying molecular mechanisms. We also highlight experimental approaches for studying autophagy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si Chen
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - William B Melchior
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Yuanfeng Wu
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
| | - Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research/US Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Jefferson, AR, USA
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Amariles P, González LI, Giraldo NA. Prevalence of self-treatment with complementary products and therapies for weight loss: A randomized, cross-sectional Study in Overweight and Obese Patients in Colombia. Curr Ther Res Clin Exp 2014; 67:66-78. [PMID: 24678084 DOI: 10.1016/j.curtheres.2006.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/08/2005] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The use of complementary and alternative medicine for weight loss is becoming increasingly common worldwide. In overweight or obese patients, this practice could be harmful. Available data concerning the use of complementary therapies and products (CTPs) for weight loss in these patients in Colombia are limited. OBJECTIVES The aims of this study were to determine the prevalence of self-treatment with CTPs in overweight or obese patients in Colombia and to explore the relationship between CTP use and demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical parameters. METHODS This randomized, cross-sectional study was conducted at a registered dieticians' office located at the Center for Nutritional Care, School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellín, Colombia, and at an outpatient clinic attended by a registered dietician located at the Pablo Tobón Uribe Hospital, Medellín, Colombia. The study enrolled a random sample of overweight (body mass index [BMI], 25-30 kg/m(2)) or obese (BMI, >30 kg/m(2)) male and female patients aged 20 to 50 years received nutritional treatment in Colombia in 2002. Data concerning the use of weight-loss CTPs were gathered, and their possible association with demographic, anthropometric, and biochemical data was explored. RESULTS This randomized study comprised 94 patients (70 women, 24 men; mean [SD] age, 36.5 [9.7] years; mean [SD] BMI, 28.4 [4.2] kg/m(2)). Forty-nine (52.1%) patients reported self-treatment with weight-loss CTPs; 40 (42.6%) patients used complementary products, and 21 (22.3%) used complementary therapies. Among the products, inadequately identified herbal medicines (ie, absence of available information concerning the composition of the products or information could not be obtained from the patient [many of the products used were not authorized for distribution in Colombia]), folkloric or home remedies, and commercial diets were most commonly used (40.0%, 40.0%, and 27.5%, respectively). The use of CTPs was more prevalent in women compared with men (P < 0.001; odds ratio [OR] = 6.43). In women, CTP use was significantly higher in patients with a higher educational level (P = 0.008; OR = 3.82) and in those who were single (P = 0.038; OR = 2.97). The use of CTPs was also more frequent in patients with a negative view of their current nutritional therapy (P = 0.002; OR = 6.8). CONCLUSIONS In the small group of overweight and obese patients in this study, 52.1% used CTPs. In obese women, those with a higher educational level and/or who were single were more likely to use CTPs. Patients were also more likely to use CTPs if they had a negative view of their current nutritional therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pedro Amariles
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia ; Research Group on Pharmaceutical Care, University of Granada, Granada, Spain
| | - Laura I González
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia ; Research Group on Human Nutrition, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
| | - Nubia A Giraldo
- School of Nutrition and Dietetics, University of Antioquia, Medellin, Colombia
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Navarro VJ, Seeff LB. Liver injury induced by herbal complementary and alternative medicine. Clin Liver Dis 2013; 17:715-35, x. [PMID: 24099027 DOI: 10.1016/j.cld.2013.07.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Herbal and dietary supplement use is common. Most marketed products consist of complex mixtures. Although they are perceived as safe, instances of hepatotoxicity attributable to these products underscore their potential for injury, but the exact component that is responsible for injury is difficult to discern. The lenient regulatory environment in the United States, which opens the possibility of adulteration and contamination, adds to the challenge of disease attribution. Although many different herbal and dietary supplements have been reported to cause liver injury, in the United States, products used for bodybuilding and weight loss are the most commonly implicated.
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Affiliation(s)
- Victor J Navarro
- Division of Hepatology, Einstein Healthcare Network, 5401 Old York Road, Klein Building, Suite 505, Philadelphia, PA 19141, USA.
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Shi Q, Greenhaw J, Salminen WF. Inhibition of cytochrome P450s enhances (+)-usnic acid cytotoxicity in primary cultured rat hepatocytes. J Appl Toxicol 2013; 34:835-40. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.2892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2013] [Revised: 03/23/2013] [Accepted: 04/05/2013] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qiang Shi
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - James Greenhaw
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
| | - William F. Salminen
- Division of Systems Biology, National Center for Toxicological Research; U.S. FDA; 3900 NCTR Road Jefferson AR 72079 USA
- PAREXEL International; 7321 Hemlock Lane Sarasota FL 34241 USA
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Moreira CT, Oliveira AL, Comar JF, Peralta RM, Bracht A. Harmful effects of usnic acid on hepatic metabolism. Chem Biol Interact 2013; 203:502-11. [PMID: 23422721 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2013.02.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/01/2012] [Revised: 12/21/2012] [Accepted: 02/04/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid is a naturally occurring dibenzofuran derivative found in several lichen species. The compound has been marketed as an ingredient of food supplements for weight reduction. There is evidence that the compound acts as an uncoupler of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and it is also clear that consumption of the drug can lead to severe hepatotoxicity depending on the doses. Based on these and other ideas the objective of the present work was to investigate the possible effects of usnic acid on liver metabolism. Livers of male Wistar rats were perfused in a non-recirculating system. Usnic acid stimulated oxygen consumption at low concentrations, diminished the cellular ATP levels, increased the cytosolic but diminished the mitochondrial NADH/NAD(+) ratio, strongly inhibited gluconeogenesis from three different substrates (IC(50) between 1.33 and 3.61 μM), stimulated glycolysis, fructolysis, glycogenolysis and ammoniagenesis and inhibited ureogenesis. The (14)CO(2) production from [1-(14)C]octanoate and [1-(14)C]oleate was increased by usnic acid, but ketogenesis from octanoate was diminished and that from oleate was not affected. It may be concluded that the effects of usnic acid up to 2.5 μM reflect predominantly its activity as an uncoupler. At higher concentrations, however, several other effects may become significant, including inhibition of mitochondrial electron flow and inhibition of medium-chain fatty acid oxidation. In metabolic terms, toxicity of usnic acid can be predicted to be especially dangerous in the fasted state due to the combination of several deleterius events such as diminished hepatic glucose and ketone bodies output to the brain and increased ammonia production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline T Moreira
- Department of Biochemistry, University of Maringá, 87020900 Maringá, Brazil
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Licata A, Macaluso FS, Craxì A. Herbal hepatotoxicity: a hidden epidemic. Intern Emerg Med 2013; 8:13-22. [PMID: 22477279 DOI: 10.1007/s11739-012-0777-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2011] [Accepted: 03/20/2012] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative therapies, including herbal products, have become increasingly popular in the general population and among patients and physicians. Regulations and pharmacovigilance regarding herbal drugs are still incomplete and need to be improved. In fact, herbals are commonly marketed on the Internet, and in many countries they are sold as food supplements, which are beyond the control of drug regulatory agencies. In Europe and the U.S., reports of hepatotoxicity from these products, including those advertised for liver diseases, are accumulating. Many herbal drugs are also commonly used in children, and in women during pregnancy and lactation, because they are believed to be "natural" and, therefore, "harmless." One emerging problem is people preferring herbal-based slimming aids to conventional dietary and physical activity. In Italy, the use of non-conventional therapies has been reported for 13.6 % of the population, and 3.7 % freely use herbal drugs, unaware of the risks associated with a potential interaction with prescription drugs. In our review, we discuss the problem of the lack of standardization of herbal drugs, the lack of randomized clinical trials regarding the majority of these products, the unawareness of risks by the patients who buy and use them, and, further, the problem of underreporting. For the most commonly used herbal products and slimming aids, we describe their potential hepatotoxicity mechanisms, the causality assessment necessary for a correct diagnosis, and the clinical patterns for which these products seem to be responsible.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anna Licata
- Sezione di Gastroenterologia ed Epatologia, DiBiMIS, University of Palermo, Piazza delle Cliniche 2, 90127, Palermo, Italy.
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Bunchorntavakul C, Reddy KR. Review article: herbal and dietary supplement hepatotoxicity. Aliment Pharmacol Ther 2013; 37:3-17. [PMID: 23121117 DOI: 10.1111/apt.12109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 188] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2012] [Revised: 09/18/2012] [Accepted: 10/06/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbal and dietary supplements are commonly used throughout the World. There is a tendency for underreporting their ingestion by patients and the magnitude of their use is underrecognised by Physicians. Herbal hepatotoxicity is not uncommonly encountered, but the precise incidence and manifestations have not been well characterised. AIMS To review the epidemiology, presentation and diagnosis of herbal hepatotoxicity. This review will mainly discuss single ingredients and complex mixtures of herbs marketed under a single label. METHODS A Medline search was undertaken to identify relevant literature using search terms including 'herbal', 'herbs', 'dietary supplement', 'liver injury', 'hepatitis' and 'hepatotoxicity'. Furthermore, we scanned the reference lists of the primary and review articles to identify publications not retrieved by electronic searches. RESULTS The incidence rates of herbal hepatotoxicity are largely unknown. The clinical presentation and severity can be highly variable, ranging from mild hepatitis to acute hepatic failure requiring transplantation. Scoring systems for the causality assessment of drug-induced liver injury may be helpful, but have not been validated for herbal hepatotoxicity. Hepatotoxicity features of commonly used herbal products, such as Ayurvedic and Chinese herbs, black cohosh, chaparral, germander, greater celandine, green tea, Herbalife, Hydroxycut, kava, pennyroyal, pyrrolizidine alkaloids, skullcap, and usnic acid, have been individually reviewed. Furthermore, clinically significant herb-drug interactions are also discussed. CONCLUSIONS A number of herbal medicinal products are associated with a spectrum of hepatotoxicity events. Advances in the understanding of the pathogenesis and the risks involved are needed to improve herbal medicine safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- C Bunchorntavakul
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Rajavithi Hospital, College of Medicine, Rangsit University, Bangkok, Thailand
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Teschke R, Wolff A, Frenzel C, Schulze J, Eickhoff A. Herbal hepatotoxicity: a tabular compilation of reported cases. Liver Int 2012; 32:1543-56. [PMID: 22928722 DOI: 10.1111/j.1478-3231.2012.02864.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2012] [Accepted: 07/23/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Herbal hepatotoxicity is a field that has rapidly grown over the last few years along with increased use of herbal products worldwide. AIMS To summarize the various facets of this disease, we undertook a literature search for herbs, herbal drugs and herbal supplements with reported cases of herbal hepatotoxicity. METHODS A selective literature search was performed to identify published case reports, spontaneous case reports, case series and review articles regarding herbal hepatotoxicity. RESULTS A total of 185 publications were identified and the results compiled. They show 60 different herbs, herbal drugs and herbal supplements with reported potential hepatotoxicity, additional information including synonyms of individual herbs, botanical names and cross references are provided. If known, details are presented for specific ingredients and chemicals in herbal products, and for references with authors that can be matched to each herbal product and to its effect on the liver. Based on stringent causality assessment methods and/or positive re-exposure tests, causality was highly probable or probable for Ayurvedic herbs, Chaparral, Chinese herbal mixture, Germander, Greater Celandine, green tea, few Herbalife products, Jin Bu Huan, Kava, Ma Huang, Mistletoe, Senna, Syo Saiko To and Venencapsan(®). In many other publications, however, causality was not properly evaluated by a liver-specific and for hepatotoxicity-validated causality assessment method such as the scale of CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences). CONCLUSIONS This compilation presents details of herbal hepatotoxicity, assisting thereby clinical assessment of involved physicians in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Department of Internal Medicine II, Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Klinikum Hanau, Academic Teaching Hospital of the Medical Faculty of the Goethe University, Frankfurt/Main, Germany.
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Sahu SC, O'Donnell MW, Sprando RL. Interactive toxicity of usnic acid and lipopolysaccharides in human liver HepG2 cells. J Appl Toxicol 2012; 32:739-49. [PMID: 22777745 DOI: 10.1002/jat.2768] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2012] [Revised: 03/21/2012] [Accepted: 03/23/2012] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Usnic acid (UA), a natural botanical product, is a constituent of some dietary supplements used for weight loss. It has been associated with clinical hepatotoxicity leading to liver failure in humans. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the interactive toxicity, if any, of UA with lipopolysaccarides (LPS), a potential contaminant of food, at low non-toxic concentrations. The human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells were treated with the vehicle control and test agents, separately and in a binary mixture, for 24 h at 37°C in 5% CO2. After the treatment period, the cells were evaluated by the traditional biochemical endpoints of toxicity in combination with the toxicogenomic endpoints that included cytotoxicity, oxidative stress, mitochondrial injury and changes in pathway-focused gene expression profiles. Compared with the controls, low non-toxic concentrations of UA and LPS separately showed no effect on the cells as determined by the biochemical endpoints. However, the simultaneous mixed exposure of the cells to their binary mixture resulted in increased cytotoxicity, oxidative stress and mitochondrial injury. The pathway-focused gene expression analysis resulted in the altered expression of several genes out of 84 genes examined. Most altered gene expressions induced by the binary mixture of UA and LPS were different from those induced by the individual constituents. The genes affected by the mixture were not modulated by either UA or LPS. The results of the present study suggest that the interactions of low nontoxic concentrations of UA and LPS produce toxicity in HepG2 cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Saura C Sahu
- Division of Toxicology, Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment, Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition, U. S. Food and Drug Administration, Laurel, MD 20708, USA.
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Abstract
CONTEXT Lichens are composite organisms consisting of a symbiotic association of a fungus (the mycobiont) with a photosynthetic partner (the phytobiont), usually either a green alga or cyanobacterium. The morphology, physiology and biochemistry of lichens are very different from those of the isolated fungus and alga in culture. Lichens occur in some of the most extreme environments on the Earth and may be useful to scientists in many commercial applications. OBJECTIVE Over the past 2 decades, there has been a renewed and growing interest in lichens as a source of novel, pharmacologically active biomolecules. This review summarizes the past and current research and development trends in the characterization and use of lichens and their bioactive compounds in traditional medicine and other biopharmaceutical applications of commercial interest. METHODS The present review contains 10 illustrations and 188 references compiled from major databases including Science Direct, Chemical Abstracts, PubMed and Directory of Open Access Journals. RESULTS Lichen morphology, symbiosis, diversity and bioactivities including enzyme inhibitory, antimicrobial, antifungal, antiviral, anticancer, anti-insecticidal and antioxidant actions were reviewed and summarized. Recent progress in lichens and lichen-forming fungi was discussed with emphasis on their potential to accelerate commercialization of lichen-based products. CONCLUSIONS Lichens are an untapped source of biological activities of industrial importance and their potential is yet to be fully explored and utilized. Lichen-derived bioactive compounds hold great promise for biopharmaceutical applications as antimicrobial, antioxidant and cytotoxic agents and in the development of new formulations or technologies for the benefit of human life.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasudeo P Zambare
- Center for Bioprocessing Research and Development, South Dakota School of Mines and Technology, Rapid City, SD 57701-3995, USA
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Fasinu PS, Bouic PJ, Rosenkranz B. An overview of the evidence and mechanisms of herb-drug interactions. Front Pharmacol 2012; 3:69. [PMID: 22557968 PMCID: PMC3339338 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2012.00069] [Citation(s) in RCA: 128] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/20/2011] [Accepted: 04/05/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the lack of sufficient information on the safety of herbal products, their use as alternative and/or complementary medicine is globally popular. There is also an increasing interest in medicinal herbs as precursor for pharmacological actives. Of serious concern is the concurrent consumption of herbal products and conventional drugs. Herb-drug interaction (HDI) is the single most important clinical consequence of this practice. Using a structured assessment procedure, the evidence of HDI presents with varying degree of clinical significance. While the potential for HDI for a number of herbal products is inferred from non-human studies, certain HDIs are well established through human studies and documented case reports. Various mechanisms of pharmacokinetic HDI have been identified and include the alteration in the gastrointestinal functions with consequent effects on drug absorption; induction and inhibition of metabolic enzymes and transport proteins; and alteration of renal excretion of drugs and their metabolites. Due to the intrinsic pharmacologic properties of phytochemicals, pharmacodynamic HDIs are also known to occur. The effects could be synergistic, additive, and/or antagonistic. Poor reporting on the part of patients and the inability to promptly identify HDI by health providers are identified as major factors limiting the extensive compilation of clinically relevant HDIs. A general overview and the significance of pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic HDI are provided, detailing basic mechanism, and nature of evidence available. An increased level of awareness of HDI is necessary among health professionals and drug discovery scientists. With the increasing number of plant-sourced pharmacological actives, the potential for HDI should always be assessed in the non-clinical safety assessment phase of drug development process. More clinically relevant research is also required in this area as current information on HDI is insufficient for clinical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pius S. Fasinu
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of StellenboschCape Town, South Africa
| | - Patrick J. Bouic
- Division of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of StellenboschCape Town, South Africa
- Synexa Life Sciences, Montague GardensCape Town, South Africa
| | - Bernd Rosenkranz
- Division of Pharmacology, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of StellenboschCape Town, South Africa
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Sahu SC, Amankwa-Sakyi M, O'Donnell MW, Sprando RL. Effects of usnic acid exposure on human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells in culture. J Appl Toxicol 2011; 32:722-30. [DOI: 10.1002/jat.1721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2011] [Revised: 06/30/2011] [Accepted: 06/30/2011] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Saura C. Sahu
- Division of Toxicology; Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Margaret Amankwa-Sakyi
- Division of Public Health and Biostatistics; Office of Food Defense; Communication and Emergency Response; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Michael W. O'Donnell
- Division of Public Health and Biostatistics; Office of Food Defense; Communication and Emergency Response; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
| | - Robert L. Sprando
- Division of Toxicology; Office of Applied Research and Safety Assessment; Center for Food Safety and Applied Nutrition; US Food and Drug Administration; Laurel; MD; 20708; USA
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Lu X, Zhao Q, Tian Y, Xiao S, Jin T, Fan X. A metabonomic characterization of (+)-usnic acid-induced liver injury by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry-based metabolic profiling of the plasma and liver in rat. Int J Toxicol 2011; 30:478-91. [PMID: 21878557 DOI: 10.1177/1091581811414436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
Abstract
Three doses of (+)-usnic acid (100, 200, and 240 mg/kg per d) were administered orally to Wistar rats for 8 days, and metabonomic characterization of (+)-usnic acid-induced liver injury based on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry metabolic profiles was evaluated. Serum biochemical analysis and histopathological examinations were simultaneously performed. The liver/body weight ratio was significantly increased in (+)-usnic acid-treated groups, whereas serum alanine aminotransferase and total bilirubin were significantly elevated. In liver sections of 200 and 240 mg/kg dosage groups, widespread hydropic degeneration of hepatocytes was observed. Clusters in partial least squares discriminant analysis score plots showed control and (+)-usnic acid-treated groups had an obvious separation. (+)-Usnic acid exposure can lead to disturbances in energy metabolism, amino acid metabolism, lipid metabolism, and nucleotide metabolism, which may be attributable to (+)-usnic acid toxicological effects on the liver through oxidative stress. The significant changes in 22 metabolites in liver might be adopted as potential biomarkers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Lu
- Pharmaceutical Informatics Institute, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, 866 YuHangTang Road, Hangzhou, 310058 People's Republic of China
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Acute liver failure caused by 'fat burners' and dietary supplements: a case report and literature review. CANADIAN JOURNAL OF GASTROENTEROLOGY = JOURNAL CANADIEN DE GASTROENTEROLOGIE 2011; 25:157-60. [PMID: 21499580 DOI: 10.1155/2011/174978] [Citation(s) in RCA: 51] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Globally, people are struggling with obesity. Many effective, nonconventional methods of weight reduction, such as herbal and natural dietary supplements, are increasingly being sought. Fat burners are believed to raise metabolism, burn more calories and hasten fat loss. Despite patient perceptions that herbal remedies are free of adverse effects, some supplements are associated with severe hepatotoxicity. The present report describes a young healthy woman who presented with fulminant hepatic failure requiring emergent liver transplantation caused by a dietary supplement and fat burner containing usnic acid, green tea and guggul tree extracts. Thorough investigation, including histopathological examination, revealed no other cause of hepatotoxicity. The present case adds to the increasing number of reports of hepatotoxicity associated with dietary supplements containing usnic acid, and highlights that herbal extracts from green tea or guggul tree may not be free of adverse effects. Until these products are more closely regulated and their advertising better scrutinized, physicians and patients should become more familiar with herbal products that are commonly used as weight loss supplements and recognize those that are potentially harmful.
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Abstract
Dietary supplements (DS) are easily available and increasingly used, and adverse hepatic reactions have been reported following their intake. To critically review the literature on liver injury because of DSs, delineating patterns and mechanisms of injury and to increase the awareness towards this cause of acute and chronic liver damage. Studies and case reports on liver injury specifically because of DSs published between 1990 and 2010 were searched in the PubMed and EMBASE data bases using the terms 'dietary/nutritional supplements', 'adverse hepatic reactions', 'liver injury'; 'hepatitis', 'liver failure', 'vitamin A' and 'retinoids', and reviewed for yet unidentified publications. Significant liver injury was reported after intake of Herbalife and Hydroxycut products, tea extracts from Camellia sinensis, products containing usnic acid and high contents of vitamin A, anabolic steroids and others. No uniform pattern of hepatotoxicity has been identified and severity may range from asymptomatic elevations of serum liver enzymes to hepatic failure and death. Exact estimates on how frequent adverse hepatic reactions occur as a result of DSs cannot be provided. Liver injury from DSs mimicking other liver diseases is increasingly recognized. Measures to reduce risk include tighter regulation of their production and distribution and increased awareness of users and professionals of the potential risks.
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Affiliation(s)
- Felix Stickel
- Department of Visceral Surgery and Medicine, Institute of Clinical Pharmacology and Visceral Research, Inselspital, University of Berne, Berne, Switzerland.
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Guo L, Mei N, Xia Q, Chen T, Chan PC, Fu PP. Gene expression profiling as an initial approach for mechanistic studies of toxicity and tumorigenicity of herbal plants and herbal dietary supplements. JOURNAL OF ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCE AND HEALTH. PART C, ENVIRONMENTAL CARCINOGENESIS & ECOTOXICOLOGY REVIEWS 2010; 28:60-87. [PMID: 20390968 PMCID: PMC5736312 DOI: 10.1080/10590500903585416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
Dietary supplements are consumed by more than 300 million people worldwide, and herbal dietary supplements represent the most rapidly growing portion of this industry. Even though adverse health effects of many herbal dietary supplements have been reported, safety assurances are not being addressed adequately. Toxicological data on the identification of genotoxic and tumorigenic ingredients in many raw herbs are also lacking. Currently, more than 30 herbal dietary supplements and active ingredients have been selected by the National Toxicology Program (NTP) for toxicity and tumorigenicity studies. Due to the complexity of the chemical components present in plant extracts, there are no established methodologies for determining the mechanisms of toxicity (particularly tumorigenicity) induced by herbs, such as Gingko biloba leaf extract (GBE) and other herbal plant extracts. Consequently, the understanding of toxicity of herbal dietary supplements remains limited. We have proposed that application of DNA microarrays could be a highly practical initial approach for revealing biological pathways and networks associated with toxicity induced by herbal dietary supplements and the generation of hypotheses to address likely mechanisms. The changes in expression of subsets of genes of interest, such as the modulation of drug metabolizing genes, can be analyzed after treatment with an herbal dietary supplement. Although levels of gene expression do not represent fully the levels of protein activities, we propose that subsequent biochemical and genomic experiments based on these initial observations will enable elucidation of the mechanisms leading to toxicity, including tumorigenicity. This review summarizes the current practices of microarray analysis of gene expressions in animals treated with herbal dietary supplements and discusses perspectives for the proposed strategy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Guo
- Division of Biochemical Toxicology, National Center for Toxicological Research, Jefferson, FDA, AR 72079, USA.
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Microbial degradation of usnic acid in the reindeer rumen. Naturwissenschaften 2009; 97:273-8. [DOI: 10.1007/s00114-009-0639-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2009] [Revised: 11/27/2009] [Accepted: 12/02/2009] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
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Abstract
The case of a 64 year old female patient is presented who has treated herself for 9 months with various Indian Ayurvedic herbal products for her vitiligo and experienced a causally related severe hepatotoxicity (ALT, 601 U/L; AST, 663 U/L; Bilirubin, 5.0 mg/dL). After discontinuation, a rapid improvement was observed. Causality assessment with the updated CIOMS (Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences) scale showed a probable causality (+8 points) for Bakuchi tablets containing extracts from Psoralea corylifolia leaves with psoralens as ingredients, as the primary candidate causing the hepatotoxic reaction. The degree of probability was lower with +6 points for other used herbs: Khadin tablets containing extracts from Acacia catechu leaves; Brahmi tablets containing Eclipta alba or Bacopa monnieri; and Usheer tea prepared from Vetivexia zizaniodis. The case is the first report of Indian Ayurvedic herbal products being potentially hepatotoxic in analogy to some other herbs.
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Teschke R, Schwarzenboeck A. Suspected hepatotoxicity by Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma (black cohosh, root): critical analysis and structured causality assessment. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2009; 16:72-84. [PMID: 19010650 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2008.09.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 38] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2008] [Revised: 09/01/2008] [Accepted: 09/01/2008] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
Severe hepatotoxicity has been described as spontaneous or case reports in 42 patients in assumed causal relationship with the treatment by Cimicifugae racemosae rhizoma corresponding to the root of black cohosh (BC) for postmenopausal symptoms. However, an assessment by EMEA (European Medicines Agency) has shown a possible or probable causality in only 4 out of 42 patients. A diagnostic algorithm was now applied in the 4 patients with suspected BC hepatotoxicity, which included the qualitative and quantitative causality assessment of the updated system of the Council for International Organizations of Medical Sciences (CIOMS), allowing the study to objectively assess, score and scale the probability in each case. Due to incomplete data, the case of 1 patient was not assessable. In the remaining 3 patients, a severe course of liver disease was apparent, and steroid therapy was initiated under the provisional diagnosis of drug-induced hepatic injury. The analysis shows, however, that the observed liver diseases were unrelated to drugs. Only 1 patient had a favourable course under continued steroid therapy, and the final diagnosis was autoimmune hepatitis. The 2 other patients required liver transplantation under the final diagnosis of herpetic hepatitis established now. Quantitative evaluation showed no causality for BC in all 3 patients regarding the observed severe liver disease. Using a thorough causality assessment in the form of a diagnostic algorithm we have shown that there is no evidence for a causal relationship between treatment by black cohosh and the observed liver disease in the 4 patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rolf Teschke
- Medical Department II, Klinikum Hanau, Teaching Hospital of the Johann Wolfgang Goethe University of Frankfurt/Main, Hanau, Germany.
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Schmeda-Hirschmann G, Tapia A, Lima B, Pertino M, Sortino M, Zacchino S, Arias ARD, Feresin GE. A new antifungal and antiprotozoal depside from the Andean lichen Protousnea poeppigii. Phytother Res 2008; 22:349-55. [PMID: 18058986 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.2321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Extracts from the Andean lichens Protousnea poeppigii and Usnea florida displayed antimicrobial activity against the pathogenic fungi Microsporum gypseum, Trichophyton mentagrophytes and T. rubrum with MIC values between 50 and 100 microg/mL. From the active extracts, four main metabolites were isolated and identified as the new depside, isodivaricatic acid, and the known metabolites 5-propylresorcinol, divaricatinic acid and usnic acid. Isodivaricatic acid and divaricatinic acid presented antifungal effect towards M. gypseum with a MIC of 50 microg/mL and against T. mentagrophytes and T. rubrum and with MIC values of 50 and 100 microg/mL, respectively. The new isodivaricatic acid was active towards Leishmania amazonensis, Leishmania brasiliensis and Leishmania infantum promastigotes with 100% lysis at 100 microg/mL.The activity of the new compound decreased on acetylation of the hydroxy groups as well as on methylation of the acid function. The structures were elucidated by spectroscopic means. The spectroscopic data of isodivaricatic acid are presented here for the first time.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guillermo Schmeda-Hirschmann
- Laboratorio de Química de Productos Naturales, Instituto de Química de Recursos Naturales, Universidad de Talca, Casilla 747, Talca, Chile.
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Dara L, Hewett J, Lim JK. Hydroxycut hepatotoxicity: A case series and review of liver toxicity from herbal weight loss supplements. World J Gastroenterol 2008; 14:6999-7004. [PMID: 19058338 PMCID: PMC2773866 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.14.6999] [Citation(s) in RCA: 80] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Dietary supplements represent an increasingly common source of drug-induced liver injury. Hydroxycut is a popular weight loss supplement which has previously been linked to hepatotoxicity, although the individual chemical components underlying liver injury remain poorly understood. We report two cases of acute hepatitis in the setting of Hydroxycut exposure and describe possible mechanisms of liver injury. We also comprehensively review and summarize the existing literature on commonly used weight loss supplements, and their individual components which have demonstrated potential for liver toxicity. An increased effort to screen for and educate patients and physicians about supplement-associated hepatotoxicity is warranted.
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