Deoxyribonuclease partially ameliorates thioacetamide-induced hepatorenal injury

Therapeutic Role of Probiotics Against Environmental-Induced Hepatotoxicity: Mechanisms, Clinical Perspectives, Limitations, and Future

Hepatotoxicity is one of the biggest health challenges, particularly in the context of liver diseases, often aggravated by gut microbiota dysbiosis. The gut-liver axis has been regarded as a key idea in liver health. It indicates that changes in gut flora caused by various hepatotoxicants, including alcoholism, acetaminophen, carbon tetrachloride, and thioacetamide, can affect the balance of the gut's microflora, which may lead to increased dysbiosis and intestinal permeability. As a result, bacterial endotoxins would eventually enter the bloodstream and liver, causing hepatotoxicity and inducing inflammatory reactions. Many treatments, including liver transplantation and modern drugs, can be used to address these issues. However, because of the many side effects of these approaches, scientists and medical experts are still hoping for a therapeutic approach with fewer side effects and more positive results. Thus, probiotics have become well-known as an adjunctive strategy for managing, preventing, or reducing hepatotoxicity in treating liver injury. By altering the gut microbiota, probiotics offer a secure, non-invasive, and economical way to improve liver health in the treatment of hepatotoxicity. Through various mechanisms such as regulation of gut microbiota, reduction of pathogenic overgrowth, suppression of inflammatory mediators, modification of hepatic lipid metabolism, improvement in the performance of the epithelial barrier of the gut, antioxidative effects, and modulation of mucosal immunity, probiotics play their role in the treatment and prevention of hepatotoxicity. This review highlights the mechanistic effects of probiotics in environmental toxicants-induced hepatotoxicity and current findings on this therapeutic approach's experimental and clinical trials.

Effects of exogenous deoxyribonuclease I in collagen antibody-induced arthritis

BACKGROUND

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is associated with a high concentration of extracellular DNA (ecDNA). This could be a consequence of the inflammation, but the ecDNA could also be involved in the unknown etiopathogenesis of RA. Clearance of ecDNA is hypothesized to prevent the development of RA. This study aimed to analyze the effects of exogenous deoxyribonuclease I (DNase I) administration in an animal model of RA.

METHODS

The collagen antibody-induced arthritis (CAIA) model of RA was induced in adult female DBA/1J mice. CAIA mice were treated with saline or DNase I (10 mg/kg) every 12 h for the whole duration of the experiment. Arthritic scores were assessed. Paw volume and temperature were assessed using a plethysmometer and a thermal camera, respectively. Plasma ecDNA and its subcellular origin were analyzed using fluorometry and real-time PCR. DNase activity was quantified with single radial enzyme diffusion method.

RESULTS

The CAIA model was successfully induced as proved by a higher volume, temperature and the overall arthritis score in comparison to controls. The administration of DNase I resulted in a nearly two-fold increase in serum DNase activity. Still, it did affect neither plasma ecDNA, nor the arthritis score or other measures of joint inflammation.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that exogenous DNase I does not prevent the development of CAIA in mice. Whether this is true for other animal models of arthritis or clinical RA requires further research. EcDNA does not seem to be involved in the pathogenesis of CAIA. Additional studies are also needed to elucidate the role of ecDNA in the development of RA, focusing especially on its origin and inhibition of ecDNA release.

Mitochondria-induced formation of neutrophil extracellular traps is enhanced in the elderly via Toll-like receptor 9

Neutrophil extracellular traps are potent antimicrobial weapons; however, their formation during sterile inflammation is detrimental, and the mechanism of induction is still unclear. Since advanced age is the primary clinical risk factor for poor outcomes in inflammatory diseases, we hypothesized that sterile stimuli, represented by mitochondria, would induce neutrophil extracellular trap formation in an age-dependent manner. Therefore, we analyzed induction of neutrophil extracellular traps in patients grouped according to age or immune status and observed that neutrophils from elderly patients responded to the presence of mitochondria with enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation. These neutrophil extracellular traps were also found to be more oxidized and exhibited higher resistance to DNase I degradation. Additionally, a higher concentration of residual neutrophil extracellular traps was detected in the plasma of the elderly. This plasma was capable of priming neutrophils through TLR9-mediated signaling, leading to further neutrophil extracellular trap formation, which was successfully inhibited with chloroquine. Finally, in a mouse model of mitochondria-induced acute lung injury, we observed that neutrophils from aged mice displayed impaired chemotactic activity but exhibited a trend of higher neutrophil extracellular trap formation. Thus, we propose that residual neutrophil extracellular traps circulating in the elderly preactivate neutrophils, making them more prone to enhanced neutrophil extracellular trap formation when exposed to mitochondria during sterile inflammation. Further investigation is needed to determine whether this vicious circle could be a suitable therapeutic target.

The ameliorating role of sofosbuvir and daclatasvir on thioacetamide-induced kidney injury in adult albino rats

Thioacetamide (TAA) exposure and hepatitis C virus infection are usually associated with renal dysfunction. Sofosbuvir (SFV) and daclatasvir (DAC) drugs combination has great value in the treatment of hepatitis C. The study aimed to identify the nephrotoxic effects of TAA and to evaluate the ameliorative role of SFV and DAC in this condition. Forty-eight adult male albino rats were divided into eight groups and received saline (control), SFV, DAC, SFV+DAC, TAA, TAA+SFV, TAA+DAC and TAA+SFV+DAC for eight weeks. Kidney and blood samples were retrieved and processed for histological (Hematoxylin and Eosin and Masson's trichrome), immunohistochemical (α-smooth muscle actin), and biochemical analysis (urea, creatinine, total protein, albumin, malondialdehyde, reduced glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and tumor necrosis factor-α). Examination revealed marked destruction of renal tubules on exposure to TAA with either hypertrophy or atrophy of glomeruli, increase in collagen deposition, and wide expression of α-smooth muscle actin. Also, significant disturbance in kidney functions, oxidative stress markers, and tumor necrosis factor-α. Supplementation with either SFV or DAC produced mild improvement in the tissue and laboratory markers. Moreover, the combination of both drugs greatly refined the pathology induced by TAA at the cellular and laboratory levels. However, there are still significant differences when compared to the control. In conclusion, SFV and DAC combination partially but greatly ameliorated the renal damage induced by TAA which might be enhanced with further supplementations to give new hope for those with nephropathy associated with hepatitis.

Endogenous DNase Activity in an Animal Model of Acute Liver Failure

Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) cleave extracellular DNA (ecDNA) and are under intense research as interventions for diseases associated with high ecDNA, such as acute live injury. DNase I treatment decreases morbidity and mortality in this animal model. Endogenous DNase activity has high interindividual variability. In this study, we tested the hypothesis that high endogenous DNase activity is beneficial in an animal model of acute liver failure. DNase activity was measured in the plasma of adult male mice taken before i.p. injection of thioacetamide to induce acute liver failure. The survival of mice was monitored for 48 h. Mice were retrospectively divided into two groups based on the median DNase activity assessed using the gel-based single-radial enzyme diffusion assay. In acute liver failure, mice with a higher baseline DNase activity had lower mortality after 48 h (by 25%). Different protection of ecDNA against nucleases by vesicles or DNA-binding proteins could play a role and should be further evaluated. Similarly, the role of endogenous DNase activity should be analyzed in other disease models associated with high ecDNA.

Phosphatase of Regenerating Liver-1 (PRL-1)-Overexpressing Placenta-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Enhance Antioxidant Effects via Peroxiredoxin 3 in TAA-Injured Rat Livers

DNA damage repair is induced by several factors and is critical for cell survival, and many cellular DNA damage repair mechanisms are closely linked. Antioxidant enzymes that control cytokine-induced peroxide levels, such as peroxiredoxins (Prxs) and catalase (CAT), are involved in DNA repair systems. We previously demonstrated that placenta-derived mesenchymal stem cells (PD-MSCs) that overexpress PRL-1 (PRL-1(+)) promote liver regeneration via antioxidant effects in TAA-injured livers. However, the efficacy of these cells in regeneration and the role of Prxs in their DNA repair system have not been reported. Therefore, our objective was to analyze the Prx-based DNA repair mechanism in naïve or PRL-1(+)-transplanted TAA-injured rat livers. Apoptotic cell numbers were significantly decreased in the PRL-1(+) transplantation group versus the nontransplantation (NTx) group (p < 0.05). The expression of antioxidant markers was significantly increased in PRL-1(+) cells compared to NTx cells (p < 0.05). MitoSOX and Prx3 demonstrated a significant negative correlation coefficient (R2 = −0.8123). Furthermore, DNA damage marker levels were significantly decreased in PRL-1(+) cells compared to NTx cells (p < 0.05). In conclusion, increased Prx3 levels in PRL-1(+) cells result in an effective antioxidant effect in TAA-injured liver disease, and Prx3 is also involved in repairing damaged DNA.

Effect of Empagliflozin on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury in Rats: Role of AMPK/SIRT-1/HIF-1α Pathway in Halting Liver Fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis causes severe morbidity and death. No viable treatment can repair fibrosis and protect the liver until now. We intended to discover the empagliflozin's (EMPA) hepatoprotective efficacy in thioacetamide (TAA)-induced hepatotoxicity by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and reducing HIF-1α. Rats were treated orally with EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) with TAA (100 mg/kg, IP) thrice weekly for 6 weeks. EMPA in both doses retracted the serum GGT, ALT, AST, ammonia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and increased serum albumin. At the same time, EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) replenished the hepatic content of GSH, ATP, AMP, AMPK, or SIRT-1 and mitigated the hepatic content of MDA, TNF-α, IL-6, NF-κB, or HIF-1α in a dose-dependent manner. Likewise, hepatic photomicrograph stained with hematoxylin and eosin or Masson trichrome stain of EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg) revealed marked regression of the hepatotoxic effect of TAA with minimal injury. Similarly, in rats given EMPA (3 or 6 mg/kg), the immunohistochemically of hepatic photomicrograph revealed minimal stain of either α-SMA or caspase-3 compared to the TAA group. Therefore, we concluded that EMPA possessed an antifibrotic effect by targeting AMPK/SIRT-1 activity and inhibiting HIF-1α. The present study provided new insight into a novel treatment of liver fibrosis.

Extracellular DNA concentrations in various aetiologies of acute kidney injury

Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) in plasma is a non-specific biomarker of tissue damage. Urinary ecDNA, especially of mitochondrial origin, is a potential non-invasive biomarker of kidney damage. Despite prominent tissue damage, ecDNA has not yet been comprehensively analysed in acute kidney injury (AKI). We analysed different fractions of ecDNA, i.e. total, nuclear and mitochondrial, in plasma and urine of children, and different animal models of AKI. We also analysed the activity of the deoxyribonuclease (DNase), which is contributes to the degradation of ecDNA. Patients with AKI had higher total and nuclear ecDNA in both, plasma and urine (sixfold and 12-fold in plasma, and 800-fold in urine, respectively), with no difference in mitochondrial ecDNA. This was mainly found for patients with AKI due to tubulointerstitial nephritis and atypical haemolytic uremic syndrome. Increased plasma ecDNA was also found in animal models of AKI, including adenine nephropathy (fivefold), haemolytic uremic syndrome (fourfold), and ischemia–reperfusion injury (1.5-fold). Total urinary ecDNA was higher in adenine nephropathy and ischemia–reperfusion injury (1300-fold and twofold, respectively). DNase activity in urine was significantly lower in all animal models of AKI in comparison to controls. In conclusion, plasma total and nuclear ecDNA and urinary total ecDNA is increased in patients and animals with particular entities of AKI, suggesting a mechanism-dependent release of ecDNA during AKI. Further studies should focus on the dynamics of ecDNA and its potential role in the pathogenesis of AKI.

Hepatorenal Syndrome: Pathophysiology

Hepatorenal syndrome (HRS) is defined as a functional renal failure without major histologic changes in individuals with severe liver disease and it is associated with a high mortality rate. Renal hypoperfusion due to marked vasoconstriction as a result of complex circulatory dysfunction has been suggested to be the cornerstone of HRS. Splanchnic and peripheral arterial vasodilation and cirrhotic cardiomyopathy result in effective arterial hypovolemia and compensatory activation of vasoconstrictor mechanisms. The efficacy of current therapeutic strategies targeting this circulatory dysfunction is limited. Increasing evidence suggests a substantial role of systemic inflammation in HRS via either vascular or direct renal effects. Here we summarize the current understanding of HRS pathophysiology.

Plasma DNA and deoxyribonuclease are associated with glucose metabolism in healthy mice

It is currently unknown why obesity leads in some patients to prediabetes and metabolic syndrome. Microinflammation potentially caused by extracellular DNA is supposed to be involved. The aim of this cross-sectional study in healthy mice was to analyze the association between plasma extracellular DNA and glucose metabolism. Fasting glycemia and insulin were measured in healthy adult female mice that subsequently underwent an oral glucose tolerance test. Indices of glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity were calculated. DNA was isolated from plasma and quantified fluorometrically. Deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity of plasma was measured using the single radial enzyme diffusion method. Fasting glycemia correlated negatively with both, extracellular DNA and DNase (r = -0.44 and r = -0.32, respectively). DNase was associated positively with the incremental area under curve (r = 0.35), while extracellular DNA correlated negatively with total area under curve of glycemia during oral glucose tolerance test (r = -0.34). Measures of insulin sensitivity were found to be associated with neither extracellular DNA, nor DNase. The hypothesis of an association of low DNase with increased fasting glucose was partially proved. Surprisingly, low extracellular DNA is associated with higher fasting glucose and lower glucose tolerance in mice. As novel therapeutic targets for prediabetes and metabolic syndrome are highly needed, this study provides novel unexpected associations within the limitations of the focus on physiological variability as it was conducted on healthy mice. The causality of these associations should be proved in further interventional experiments.

Sex Difference in Plasma Deoxyribonuclease Activity in Rats

Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) activates immune cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with inflammation such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic syndrome. DNA can be cleaved by deoxyribonucleases (DNases), some of which are secreted out of cells. The aim of this experiment was to describe plasma DNase activity in relation to extracellular DNA in adult rats, to analyse potential sex differences and to prove whether they are related to endogenous testosterone. Adult Lewis rats (n=28) of both sexes were included in the experiment. Male rats were gonadectomized or sham-operated and compared to intact female rats. Plasma ecDNA and DNase activity were measured using fluorometry and single radial enzyme diffusion assay, respectively. Concentrations of nuclear ecDNA and mitochondrial ecDNA were determined using real-time PCR. Females had 60% higher plasma DNase activity than males ( p=0.03). Gonadectomy did not affect plasma DNase in males. Neither the concentration of total ecDNA, nor nuclear or mitochondrial DNA in plasma differed between the groups. No significant correlations between DNase and ecDNA were found. From previous studies on mice, it was expected, that male rats will have higher DNase activity. In contrast, our study in rats showed the opposite sex difference. This sex difference seems not to be caused by endogenous testosterone. Interestingly, no sex differences were observed in plasma ecDNA suggesting a complex or missing association between plasma ecDNA and DNase. The observed sex difference in plasma DNase should be taken into account in animal models of ecDNA-associated diseases.

Sex Difference in Plasma Deoxyribonuclease Activity in Rats

Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) activates immune cells and is involved in the pathogenesis of diseases associated with inflammation such as sepsis, rheumatoid arthritis or metabolic syndrome. DNA can be cleaved by deoxyribonucleases (DNases), some of which are secreted out of cells. The aim of this experiment was to describe plasma DNase activity in relation to extracellular DNA in adult rats, to analyse potential sex differences and to prove whether they are related to endogenous testosterone. Adult Lewis rats (n=28) of both sexes were included in the experiment. Male rats were gonadectomized or sham-operated and compared to intact female rats. Plasma ecDNA and DNase activity were measured using fluorometry and single radial enzyme diffusion assay, respectively. Concentrations of nuclear ecDNA and mitochondrial ecDNA were determined using real-time PCR. Females had 60% higher plasma DNase activity than males (p=0.03). Gonadectomy did not affect plasma DNase in males. Neither the concentration of total ecDNA, nor nuclear or mitochondrial DNA in plasma differed between the groups. No significant correlations between DNase and ecDNA were found. From previous studies on mice, it was expected, that male rats will have higher DNase activity. In contrast, our study in rats showed the opposite sex difference. This sex difference seems not to be caused by endogenous testosterone. Interestingly, no sex differences were observed in plasma ecDNA suggesting a complex or missing association between plasma ecDNA and DNase. The observed sex difference in plasma DNase should be taken into account in animal models of ecDNA-associated diseases.

Circulating extracellular DNA is in association with continuous metabolic syndrome score in healthy adolescents

Obesity is associated with chronic low-grade inflammation that eventually leads to metabolic complications. Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) is a damage-associated molecular pattern. Extracellular mitochondrial DNA can activate innate immunity. We hypothesized that ecDNA, especially of mitochondrial origin, could be associated with components of the metabolic syndrome in young healthy probands. In a cross-sectional study, healthy adolescents (n = 1,249) provided blood samples. Anthropometric data, blood pressure, and blood counts were assessed. In addition, biochemical analysis of sera or plasma was conducted, including the quantification of advanced oxidation protein products (AOPPs) as a marker of oxidative stress induced by neutrophil or monocyte activation. Plasma ecDNA was isolated and measured by fluorometry. Nuclear and mitochondrial DNA were quantified by real-time PCR. Males had higher total plasma ecDNA [15 (11-21) vs. 11 (8-17) ng/mL; median (interquartile range)], nuclear [1,760 (956-3,273) vs. 1,153 (600-2,292) genome equivalents (GE)/mL], and mitochondrial [37,181 (14,836-90,896) vs. 30,089 (12,587-72,286) GE/mL] DNA. ecDNA correlated positively with the continuous metabolic syndrome score (r = 0.158 for males and r = 0.134 for females). Stronger correlations were found between ecDNA of mitochondrial origin and AOPP (r = 0.202 and 0.186 for males and females, respectively). Multivariate regression analysis revealed associations of nuclear DNA with leukocyte and erythrocyte counts. The results of this study of healthy adolescents show that circulating ecDNA is associated with the risk of metabolic syndrome, not with obesity per se. The association between mitochondrial ecDNA and AOPP requires further attention as it supports a potential role of mitochondria-induced sterile inflammation in the pathogenesis of the metabolic syndrome.

Extracellular DNA Correlates with Intestinal Inflammation in Chemically Induced Colitis in Mice

Circulating extracellular DNA (ecDNA) is known to worsen the outcome of many diseases. ecDNA released from neutrophils during infection or inflammation is present in the form of neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). It has been shown that higher ecDNA concentration occurs in a number of inflammatory diseases including inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Enzymes such as peptidyl arginine deiminases (PADs) are crucial for NET formation. We sought to describe the dynamics of ecDNA concentrations and fragmentation, along with NETosis during a mouse model of chemically induced colitis. Plasma ecDNA concentration was highest on day seven of dextran sulfate sodium (DSS) intake and the increase was time-dependent. This increase correlated with the percentage of cells undergoing NETosis and other markers of disease activity. Relative proportion of nuclear ecDNA increased towards more severe colitis; however, absolute amount decreased. In colon explant medium, the highest concentration of ecDNA was on day three of DSS consumption. Early administration of PAD4 inhibitors did not alleviate disease activity, but lowered the ecDNA concentration. These results uncover the biological characteristics of ecDNA in IBD and support the role of ecDNA in intestinal inflammation. The therapeutic intervention aimed at NETs and/or nuclear ecDNA has yet to be fully investigated.

Nuclear and Mitochondrial Circulating Cell-Free DNA Is Increased in Patients With Inflammatory Bowel Disease in Clinical Remission

Background: The role of cell-free DNA (cfDNA) in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) has been recently suggested. The aim of this study was to analyze circulating cfDNA and deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity in IBD patients in clinical remission.

Materials and Methods: Plasma and serum were obtained from 72 patients with Crohn's disease and 28 patients with ulcerative colitis. Total cfDNA, nuclear DNA (ncDNA), mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) and DNase activity were measured.

Results: IBD patients showed higher levels of both ncDNA and mtDNA compared to healthy controls. Concentration of ncDNA was higher in males compared to females, including patients and healthy controls. However, unlike males higher amount of ncDNA was found in female IBD patients compared to healthy controls. DNase activity was significantly lower in male IBD patients compared with healthy controls. In addition, there was a negative correlation between DNase activity and ncDNA levels in male IBD patients.

Conclusions: Herein we present increased amount of circulating ncDNA and mtDNA in IBD patients in clinical remission. Thus, unlike total cfDNA, circulating ncDNA and mtDNA might not represent the optimal biomarkers of disease activity. This is also the first report on sex difference in circulating ncDNA levels, possibly associated with lower DNase activity in males.

Isolation and Quantification of Extracellular DNA from Biofluids

Extracellular DNA is studied as a diagnostic biomarker, but also as a factor involved in the pathophysiology of several diseases due to its pro-inflammatory properties. Extracellular DNA can be extracted from plasma, urine, saliva or other biofluids using standard DNA isolation procedures and specialized commercial kits. Sample preparation for isolation is important, freezing and thawing may affect the amount of extracellular DNA extracted. Subsequent centrifugations remove cells and cell debris from the samples to obtain true extracellular DNA. Small volume of samples especially from animal experiments is often an issue and it affects the DNA yield. Very short fragments ( 100 bp) can be lost during isolation and are difficult to quantify using PCR. Fluorometric methods asses all stained DNA fragments. Selecting the method for quantification of extracellular DNA is crucial and combination of at least two methods is ideal. Standardization of procedures or at least their reporting in research papers is of utmost importance for comparison of results.

Deoxyribonucleases and Their Applications in Biomedicine

Extracellular DNA, also called cell-free DNA, released from dying cells or activated immune cells can be recognized by the immune system as a danger signal causing or enhancing inflammation. The cleavage of extracellular DNA is crucial for limiting the inflammatory response and maintaining homeostasis. Deoxyribonucleases (DNases) as enzymes that degrade DNA are hypothesized to play a key role in this process as a determinant of the variable concentration of extracellular DNA. DNases are divided into two families-DNase I and DNase II, according to their biochemical and biological properties as well as the tissue-specific production. Studies have shown that low DNase activity is both, a biomarker and a pathogenic factor in systemic lupus erythematosus. Interventional experiments proved that administration of exogenous DNase has beneficial effects in inflammatory diseases. Recombinant human DNase reduces mucus viscosity in lungs and is used for the treatment of patients with cystic fibrosis. This review summarizes the currently available published data about DNases, their activity as a potential biomarker and methods used for their assessment. An overview of the experiments with systemic administration of DNase is also included. Whether low-plasma DNase activity is involved in the etiopathogenesis of diseases remains unknown and needs to be elucidated.

Sex, Age, and Bodyweight as Determinants of Extracellular DNA in the Plasma of Mice: A Cross-Sectional Study

Extracellular DNA (ecDNA) is studied as a possible biomarker, but also as a trigger of the immune responses important for the pathogenesis of several diseases. Extracellular deoxyribonuclease (DNase) activity cleaves ecDNA. The aim of our study was to describe the interindividual variability of ecDNA and DNase activity in the plasma of healthy mice, and to analyze the potential determinants of the variability, including sex, age, and bodyweight. In this experiment, 58 adult CD1 mice (41 females and 31 males) of a variable age (3 to 16 months old) and bodyweight (females 25.7 to 52.1 g, males 24.6 to 49.6 g) were used. The plasma ecDNA was measured using a fluorometric method. The nuclear ecDNA and mitochondrial ecDNA were quantified using real-time PCR. The deoxyribonuclease activity was assessed using the single radial enzyme diffusion method. The coefficient of variance for plasma ecDNA was 139%, and for DNase 48%. Sex differences were not found in the plasma ecDNA (52.7 ± 73.0 ηg/mL), but in the DNase activity (74.5 ± 33.5 K.u./mL for males, and 47.0 ± 15.4 K.u./mL for females). There were no associations between plasma ecDNA and bodyweight or the age of mice. Our study shows that the variability of plasma ecDNA and DNase in adult healthy mice is very high. Sex, age, and bodyweight seem not to be major determinants of ecDNA variability in healthy mice. As ecDNA gains importance in the research of several diseases, it is of importance to understand its production and cleavage. Further studies should, thus, test other potential determinants, taking into account cleavage mechanisms other than DNase.

Cell-Free Nucleic Acids and their Emerging Role in the Pathogenesis and Clinical Management of Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Cell-free nucleic acids (cfNAs) are defined as any nucleic acids that are present outside the cell. They represent valuable biomarkers in various diagnostic protocols such as prenatal diagnostics, the detection of cancer, and cardiovascular or autoimmune diseases. However, in the current literature, little is known about their implication in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). IBD is a group of multifactorial, autoimmune, and debilitating diseases with increasing incidence worldwide. Despite extensive research, their etiology and exact pathogenesis is still unclear. Since cfNAs were observed in other autoimmune diseases and appear to be relevant in inflammatory processes, their role in the pathogenesis of IBD has also been suggested. This review provides a summary of knowledge from the available literature about cfDNA and cfRNA and the structures involving them such as exosomes and neutrophil extracellular traps and their association with IBD. Current studies showed the promise of cfNAs in the management of IBD not only as biomarkers distinguishing patients from healthy people and differentiating active from inactive disease state, but also as a potential therapeutic target. However, the detailed biological characteristics of cfNAs need to be fully elucidated in future experimental and clinical studies.

Fagonia indica Repairs Hepatic Damage through Expression Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors in a Liver Injury Model

Fagonia indica is a traditionally used phytomedicine to cure hepatic ailments. However, efficient validation of its hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia indica and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic injury. The liver injury mouse model was established by thioacetamide followed by oral administration of plant extract. Serum biochemical and histological analyses were performed to assess the level of hepatic injury. Expression analysis of proinflammatory, hepatic, and immune regulatory genes was performed with RT-PCR. Results of serological and histological analyses described the restoration of normal liver function and architecture in mice treated with plant extract. In addition, altered expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) and hepatic (krt-18 and albumin) markers further strengthens the liver injury reversal effects of Fagonia indica. Furthermore, a significant expression regulation of innate immunity components such as toll-like receptors 4 and 9 and MyD-88 was observed suggesting an immune regulatory role of the plant in curing liver injury. In conclusion, the current study not only proposes Fagonia indica, a strong hepatoprotective candidate, but also recommends an immune regulatory toll-like receptor pathway as an important therapeutic target in liver diseases.