Protective Effects of Lemon Juice on Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

The Effect of Lemon Juice (Citrus limon L.) Treated with Melatonin on the Health Status and Treatment of K14HPV16 Mice

Lemon is a fruit rich in antioxidant properties and has several health benefits, namely the reduction of skin edema and anticarcinogenic properties, which are due to its high content of bioactive compounds. Melatonin can improve and preserve the properties of lemon for longer and also has health benefits. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of oral administration of lemon juice after melatonin treatment on murinometric parameters of wild-type (WT) mice and transgenic mice carrying human papillomavirus (HPV). Two trials were performed for oral administration of the lemon extract compound: in drinking water and in diet. First of all, lemons were treated by immersion with melatonin at 10 mM. Then, lemons were squeezed, and the juice obtained was freeze-dried and stored to be subsequently added to drinking water or diet, according to the assay. Thus, mice were divided into eight groups in the drink assay (each with n = 5): group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 1 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, WT, 1.5 mL lemon), group 4 (G4, WT, 2 mL lemon), group 5 (G5, HPV16, control), group 6 (G6, HPV16, 1 mL lemon) group 7 (G6, HPV16, 1.5 mL lemon) and group 8 (G6, HPV16, 2 mL lemon). The diet assay was divided into four groups: group 1 (G1, WT, control), group 2 (G2, WT, 4 mL lemon), group 3 (G3, HPV16, control) and group 4 (G4, HPV16, 4 mL lemon). In the drink assay, the highest concentration of melatonin (308 ng/100 mL) was for groups 4 and 8, while in the food assay, there was only one concentration of melatonin (9.96 ng/g) for groups 2 and 4. Both trials lasted 30 days. During this time, body weight, food and water were recorded. Afterward, they were sacrificed, and samples were collected for different analyses. At the concentrations used, the lemon juice with melatonin had no adverse effects on the animals' health and showed a positive outcome in modifying weight gain and enhancing antioxidant activity in mice. Moreover, a reduction in the incidence of histological lesions was observed in treated animals. Further research is needed to better understand the effects of lemon extract on health and treatment outcomes in this animal model.

Alcohol spiked with zolpidem and midazolam potentiates inflammation, oxidative stress and organ damage in a mouse model

PURPOSE

Crime-related spiking of alcoholic drinks with prescription drugs is quite common and has been happening for centuries. This study, therefore, evaluated the effects of oral administration of alcohol spiked with the zolpidem and midazolam potent sedatives on inflammation, oxidative stress and various organ damage in male Swiss albino mice.

METHODS

Mice were randomly assigned into six treatment groups; the first group constituted the normal control, the second group received 50 mg/kg body weight of zolpidem only, the third group received 50 mg/kg body weight zolpidem dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol, the fourth group received 50 mg/kg midazolam only, the fifth group received midazolam (50 mg/kg) dissolved in 5 g/kg alcohol and the sixth group received 5 g/kg alcohol.

RESULTS

Alcohol-induced significant reduction in neurological function and altered blood hematological indicators. Such neurological impairment and negative effects on blood were exacerbated in mice administered with spiked alcohol. Additionally, midazolam and zolpidem enhanced alcohol-driven elevation of liver function markers; the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) gamma glutamyltransferase (GGT), total bilirubin and alkaline phosphatase. Exposure to alcohol and/or spiked alcohol led to significant augmentation of nitric oxide and malonaldehyde, with concomitant depletion of liver glutathione (GSH) levels. Similarly, serum levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor alpha and interferon-gamma were increased by co-exposure with midazolam or zolpidem. Alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were amplified by exposure to alcohol spiked with midazolam/zolpidem.

CONCLUSION

Exposure to alcohol spiked with midazolam or zolpidem appears to exacerbate neurological deficits, inflammation, oxidative stress, and organ damage.

Prevention of the Pro-Aggressive Effects of Ethanol-Intoxicated Mice by Schisandrin B

Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health complications, with liver and neurological complications being the most important. In Western nations, alcoholic liver disease accounts for 50% of mortality from end-stage liver disease and is the second most common cause of liver transplants. In addition to direct damage, hepatic encephalopathy may also arise from alcohol consumption. However, effective treatment for liver disease, as well as neurological injury, is still lacking today; therefore, finding an efficacious alternative is urgently needed. In the current study, the preventive and therapeutic effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B) against ethanol-induced liver and brain injuries were investigated. By using two treatment models, our findings indicated that Sch B can effectively prevent and ameliorate alcoholic liver diseases, such as resolving liver injuries, lipid deposition, inflammasome activation, and fibrosis. Moreover, Sch B reverses brain damage and improves the neurological function of ethanol-treated mice. Therefore, Sch B may serve as a potential treatment option for liver diseases, as well as subsequential brain injuries. Furthermore, Sch B may be useful in preventive drug therapy against alcohol-related diseases.

Synergistic effect of Rosemary and Lemon extractions on some physiological and biochemical parameters of CCl4-Stressed male rats

This study was carried out to examine the preventive impact of marine extracts of rosemary and lemon individually or together in adult-male rats with liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride. The extracts were prepared and tested on 40 male rats distributed into groups by collecting blood samples and conducting some hematological and biochemical parameters. CCl4-induced significant increases in the weight of the liver and heart, while rosemary and lemon extracts alone were not able to restore the liver weight, but the effect was in the synergy. As well, the extracts alone or in combination had a significant impact on reducing heart weight. Additionally, CCl4 caused a substantial reduction in RBC, Hb, PCV, MCV, MCHC and lymphocytes, whereas WBC, monocyte and granulocyte increased. While extracts exhibited an enhancement in these parameters, the best effect was when the two extracts were used together. The biochemical parameters indicated high significance in glucose, AST, ALT and triglycerides; however, total protein, albumin, cholesterol and T-AOC decreased compared to the control group. Both rosemary and lemon worked to restore and remove the oxidative effect. Keywords: Rosemary(A plant that grows in mountainous regions), Lemon, Carbon tetrachloride, Stress, Rats.

Cannabinoids inhibit ethanol-induced activation of liver toxicity in rats through JNK/ERK/MAPK signaling pathways

Cannabinoids (CBs) are psychoactive compounds, with reported anticancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-neoplastic properties. The study was aimed at assessing the hepatoprotective effects of CB against ethanol (EtOH)-induced liver toxicity in rats. The animals were divided into seven groups: control (Group I) and Group II were treated with 50% ethanol (EtOH 5 mg/kg). Groups III, IV, and VI were treated with (EtOH + CB 10 mg/kg), (EtOH + CB 20 mg/kg), and (EtOH + CB 30 mg/kg), respectively. Groups V and VII consisted of animals treated with 20 and 30 mg/kg, of CB, respectively. Biochemical analysis revealed that Group IV (EtOH + CB 20 mg/kg) had reduced levels of ALT-alanine transferase, AST-aspartate aminotransferase, ALP-alanine peroxidase, MDA-malondialdehyde and increased levels of GSH-reduced glutathione. Histopathological analysis of liver and kidney tissues showed that EtOH + CB (20 and 30 mg/kg) treated animal groups exhibited normal tissue architecture similar to that of the control group. ELISA revealed that the inflammatory markers were reduced in the animal groups that were treated with EtOH + CB 20 mg/kg, in comparison to the animals treated only with EtOH. The mRNA expression levels of COX-2, CD-14, and MIP-2 showed a remarkable decrease in EtOH + CB treated animal groups to control groups. Western blot analysis revealed that CB downregulated p38/JNK/ERK thereby exhibiting its hepatoprotective property by inhibiting mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways. Thus, our findings suggest that CB is a potential candidate for the treatment of alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity.

Exercise Affects the Formation and Recovery of Alcoholic Liver Disease through the IL-6-p47phox Oxidative-Stress Axis

(1) Background: To explore the effect of exercise on the formation and recovery of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) and whether the IL-6−p47phox oxidative−stress axis is involved in that process. (2) Methods: Firstly, 23 six-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into the Con group, ALD group, ALD + NOXI group, ALD + Ex group, and ALD + Ex + NOXI group. The Liber−DeCarli alcoholic liquid diet was used for 6 weeks to establish the ALD mice model, and the Con group was given the TP4030C control diet. The remaining groups were fed with the TP4030B alcoholic diet, and exercise intervention was started after the ALD model establishment and lasted for another 6 weeks, with or without administration of the NOX inhibitor apocynin by intraperitoneal injection on every exercise training day. Secondly, 28 mice were randomly divided into the Sed group, Eth group, Eth + Ex group and Eth + Ex + NOXI group. The Sed group was given the TP4030C control diet. The remaining groups were fed with the TP4030B alcoholic diet and exercise intervention was started synchronously combined with or without administration of intraperitoneal apocynin injections on every exercise training day for 5 weeks. After each individual experiment was accomplished, physiological assessment and biochemical analysis of blood and tissue samples were examined. (3) Results: The levels of TG in serum and IL-6 protein content in liver tissue in the ALD group were significantly increased compared to the Con group (p < 0.05); compared with ALD, p47phox expression in muscle was increased significantly in the ALD + NOXI group (p < 0.05), and TG in serum decreased in the ALD + Ex group (p < 0.05). TG in serum, AST/ALT ratio, and IL-6 content in both liver and muscle decreased (p < 0.05) in the ALD + Ex + NOXI group with MDA in muscle significantly increased (p < 0.01). The AST/ALT ratio, TG in serum, SOD in liver, and p47phox in both liver and muscle in the ALD + Ex + NOXI group were significantly decreased compared with the ALD + NOXI group (p < 0.01). Compared with the ALD + Ex group, the liver index and HDL-C levels in serum were decreased (p < 0.05) in the ALD + Ex + NOXI group. The degree of hepatocyte steatosis and inflammatory infiltration were ameliorated after exercise intervention. In the Eth group, the relative epididymal fat content, HDL-C level, and AST/ALT ratio were significantly decreased, and TG and gp91phox in liver were significantly higher than in the Sed group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). Compared with the Eth group, the AST/ALT ratio, MDA in the liver, and NOX4 and p47phox protein expression in the liver were significantly increased, and body weight decreased significantly in the Eth + Ex group (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), as did TG in the liver and MDA in muscle. In the th + Ex + NOXI group, gp91phox expression in the liver and body weight were significantly decreased (p < 0.05, p < 0.01). In the Eth + Ex + NOXI group, the ratio of AST/ALT and MDA in muscle were increased when compared with the Eth + Ex group, and the protein expression of gp91phox and p47phox were much lower (p < 0.01). (4) Conclusions: 6 weeks of exercise intervention during the recovery phase of ALD ameliorates hepatocyte damage and dyslipidemia through the IL-6−p47phox oxidative−stress axis, and applying a NOX inhibitor in combination could optimize this. However, drinking alcohol during exercise exacerbates dyslipidemia and oxidative stress, with hepatocyte IL-6−p47phox downregulated.

Protective Mechanism of Edible Food Plants against Alcoholic Liver Disease with Special Mention to Polyphenolic Compounds

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one type of liver disease, causing a global healthcare problem and mortality. The liver undergoes tissue damage by chronic alcohol consumption because it is the main site for metabolism of ethanol. Chronic alcohol exposure progresses from alcoholic fatty liver (AFL) to alcoholic steatohepatitis (ASH), which further lead to fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular cancer. Therapeutic interventions to combat ALD are very limited such as use of corticosteroids. However, these therapeutic drugs are not effective for long-term usage. Therefore, additional effective and safe therapies to cope with ALD are urgently needed. Previous studies confirmed that edible food plants and their bioactive compounds exert a protective effect against ALD. In this review article, we summarized the hepatoprotective potential of edible food plants and their bioactive compounds. The underlying mechanism for the prevention of ALD by edible food plants was as follows: anti-oxidation, anti-inflammation, lipid regulation, inhibition of apoptosis, gut microbiota composition modulation, and anti-fibrosis.

Food and Nutrition in the Pathogenesis of Liver Damage

The liver is an important organ and plays a key role in the regulation of metabolism and in the secretion, storage, and detoxification of endogenous and exogenous substances. The impact of food and nutrition on the pathophysiological mechanisms of liver injury represents a great controversy. Several environmental factors including food and micronutrients are involved in the pathogenesis of liver damage. Conversely, some xenobiotics and micronutrients have been recognized to have a protective effect in several liver diseases. This paper offers an overview of the current knowledge on the role of xenobiotics and micronutrients in liver damage.

Plant-Based Foods and Their Bioactive Compounds on Fatty Liver Disease: Effects, Mechanisms, and Clinical Application

Fatty liver disease (FLD), including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and alcoholic fatty liver disease (AFLD), is a serious chronic metabolic disease that affects a wide range of people. Lipid accumulation accompanied by oxidative stress and inflammation in the liver is the most important pathogenesis of FLD. The plant-based, high-fiber, and low-fat diet has been recommended to manage FLD for a long time. This review discusses the current state of the art into the effects, mechanisms, and clinical application of plant-based foods in NAFLD and AFLD, with highlighting related molecular mechanisms. Epidemiological evidence revealed that the consumption of several plant-based foods was beneficial to alleviating FLD. Further experimental studies found out that fruits, spices, teas, coffee, and other plants, as well as their bioactive compounds, such as resveratrol, anthocyanin, curcumin, and tea polyphenols, could alleviate FLD by ameliorating hepatic steatosis, oxidative stress, inflammation, gut dysbiosis, and apoptosis, as well as regulating autophagy and ethanol metabolism. More importantly, clinical trials confirmed the beneficial effects of plant-based foods on patients with fatty liver. However, several issues need to be further studied especially the safety and effective doses of plant-based foods and their bioactive compounds. Overall, certain plant-based foods are promising natural sources of bioactive compounds to prevent and alleviate fatty liver disease.

Detection Technologies for Reactive Oxygen Species: Fluorescence and Electrochemical Methods and Their Applications

Reactive oxygen species (ROS) have been found in plants, mammals, and natural environmental processes. The presence of ROS in mammals has been linked to the development of severe diseases, such as diabetes, cancer, tumors, and several neurodegenerative conditions. The most common ROS involved in human health are superoxide (O2•-), hydrogen peroxide (H2O2), and hydroxyl radicals (•OH). Organic and inorganic molecules have been integrated with various methods to detect and monitor ROS for understanding the effect of their presence and concentration on diseases caused by oxidative stress. Among several techniques, fluorescence and electrochemical methods have been recently developed and employed for the detection of ROS. This literature review intends to critically discuss the development of these techniques to date, as well as their application for in vitro and in vivo ROS detection regarding free-radical-related diseases. Moreover, important insights into and further steps for using fluorescence and electrochemical methods in the detection of ROS are presented.

Modulation of the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB Pathway by Humulus japonicus Extract Protects Against Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury in a Rat Model

Alcohol induces liver injury related to oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. The purpose of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of Humulus japonicus extract (HJE) against alcohol-induced liver injury. Furthermore, we investigated the mechanisms of the protective effect of HJE on alcohol-induced liver injury. The pretreatment of HJE decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, triglyceride, and total cholesterol in the plasma, suppressed the malondialdehyde, myeloperoxidase, and enhanced the activities of superoxide dismutase, glutathione, and catalase. The inhibitory effect of HJE against oxidative stress may be associated with the upregulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 and its target gene heme oxygenase-1. Moreover, HJE inhibited the pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1 beta) by downregulating toll-like receptor 4, myeloid differentiation primary response 88, and nuclear factor kappa B p65. These findings provide evidence for the elucidation of the hepatoprotective mechanisms for HJE.

Impact of processing on the nutritional and functional value of mandarin juice

BACKGROUND

Although phenolic compounds have a role in the health benefits of fruit juice consumption, little is known about the effect of processing on their bioaccessibility. The release of phenolic compounds from the food matrix during digestion is an important pre-requisite for their effectiveness within the human body, and so it is fundamental to identify technological treatments able to preserve not only the concentration of phytochemicals, but also their bioaccessibility. In the present study, we investigated the impact of high-pressure homogenization (HPH), alone and in the presence of 100 g kg^-1 trehalose or Lactobacillus salivarius, on the bioaccessibility of flavonoids in mandarin juice. In addition, digested mandarin juices were supplemented to liver cultured cells in basal and stressed conditions to evaluate their protective effect in a biological system.

RESULTS

HPH reduced the concentration of total phenolics and main flavonoids but increased their bioaccessibility after in vitro digestion (P < 0.001). In the basal condition, supplementation with all digested juices significantly reduced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) concentration (P < 0.001). Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances concentration in the medium was also reduced by supplementation with HPH-treated juices. Although pre-treatment with juices did not completely counteract the applied oxidative stress, it preserved cell viability, and cells pre-treated with juices submitted to HPH in the presence of probiotics showed the lowest ROS concentration.

CONCLUSION

The present study represents an important step ahead in the evaluation of the impact of processing on the nutritional and functional value of food, which cannot simply be assessed based on chemical composition. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.

Natural limonoids protect mice from alcohol-induced liver injury

Background Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is regarded as a global health problem with limited therapeutic options. Previous studies highlighted some anticancer, antiviral, and hepatoprotective activities of limonoids, but the effects of these compounds on ALD remain unknown. The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of some natural limonoids on ethanol-induced liver injury. Methods Thirty-five albino mice (Mus musculus) were administered with 40% ethanol in the presence or absence of the different limonoids [including three havanensin-type limonoids, TS1, TS3, Rubescin D isolated from an African medicinal plant, Trichilia rubescens Oliv. (Meliaceae), and one limonin], or silymarin at 50 mg/kg for 3 days. Thereafter, the effect of the most active compound was evaluated in a chronic model of ALD. For this purpose, 24 mice with each group consisting of six mice were administered orally with 40% ethanol and limonoid at different doses (50, 75, and 100 mg/kg) for 28 days. Finally, biochemical parameters such as alanine aminotransferase (ALT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), malondialdehyde (MDA), triglyceride (TG), and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) levels were quantified in liver homogenates. Results All tested limonoids significantly (p < 0.01) reduced ALT levels relative to the negative control in the acute model. However, in comparison to other limonoids, limonin at 50 and 75 mg/kg significantly reduced TG, MDA, and TNF-α levels (1.8-fold); alleviated leukocyte infiltration in liver tissue; significantly increased the activity of SOD; and decreased those of CAT better than silymarin used as a positive control at 50 mg/kg. Conclusions These data suggest that limonin possesses protective effects on long-term alcohol poisoning partially due to antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

The In Vivo Antioxidant and Hepatoprotective Actions of Selected Chinese Teas

Tea is a popular beverage and shows very strong in vitro antioxidant activity. However, the relationship among in vitro and in vivo antioxidant activities in teas is seldom reported. In this study, in vivo antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of 32 selected Chinese teas were evaluated on a mouse model with acute alcohol-induced liver injury. The results showed that most teas significantly reduced the levels of alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, triacylglycerol, and total bilirubin in the sera of mice at a dose of 400 mg/kg. In addition, most teas greatly decreased the malondialdehyde level and increased the levels of superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione in the liver of mice, indicating the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of teas. Furthermore, the in vivo antioxidant activity of dark tea was stronger than that of green tea, opposite to the results of the in vitro study. Among these 32 teas, Black Fu Brick Tea, Pu-erh Tea, and Qing Brick Tea showed the strongest antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities. Moreover, total phenolic content as well as the contents of epicatechin, gallocatechin gallate, and chlorogenic acid were found to contribute, at least partially, to the antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions of these teas. Overall, teas are good dietary components with antioxidant and hepatoprotective actions.

Health Functions and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Tea Components: An Update Review

Tea is widely consumed all over the world. Generally, tea is divided into six categories: White, green, yellow, oolong, black, and dark teas, based on the fermentation degree. Tea contains abundant phytochemicals, such as polyphenols, pigments, polysaccharides, alkaloids, free amino acids, and saponins. However, the bioavailability of tea phytochemicals is relatively low. Thus, some novel technologies like nanotechnology have been developed to improve the bioavailability of tea bioactive components and consequently enhance the bioactivity. So far, many studies have demonstrated that tea shows various health functions, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, immuno-regulatory, anticancer, cardiovascular-protective, anti-diabetic, anti-obesity, and hepato-protective effects. Moreover, it is also considered that drinking tea is safe to humans, since reports about the severe adverse effects of tea consumption are rare. In order to provide a better understanding of tea and its health potential, this review summarizes and discusses recent literature on the bioactive components, bioavailability, health functions, and safety issues of tea, with special attention paid to the related molecular mechanisms of tea health functions.

Modulatory effects of Viola odorata flower and leaf extracts upon oxidative stress-related damage in an experimental model of ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity

Ethanol is the most widely abused drug in the world and its long-term use induces oxidative stress in the liver tissue. The aim of this study was to evaluate protective effect of Viola odorata against ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in Wistar rat. Animals were divided into 9 groups as follows: control (normal saline), ethanol (10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally), ethanol with 3 doses (125, 250, and 500 mg/kg) of ethyl acetate flower and leaf extracts, and positive control (vitamin E 80 mg/kg). Animals were gavaged 30 min before ethanol injection for 28 days. Then, animals were killed and the livers were separated. Oxidative stress parameters, including reactive oxygen species, lipid peroxidation, and protein carbonyl as well as glutathione content, were evaluated. Also, histopathological examination was performed and assessment of blood alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and total antioxidant capacity were evaluated. Ethanol significantly increased oxidative stress markers in liver. Interestingly, administration of both extracts significantly decreased oxidative stress markers in liver tissue and biochemical parameters in the plasma. In addition, abnormal pathological features were improved after treatment with flower and leaf extracts. These results suggested that V. odorata can be considered a candidate for improving conditions due to ethanol-induced tissue oxidative damage because of its antioxidant activity.

Gut Microbiota's Relationship with Liver Disease and Role in Hepatoprotection by Dietary Natural Products and Probiotics

A variety of dietary natural products have shown hepatoprotective effects. Increasing evidence has also demonstrated that gut microorganisms play an important role in the hepatoprotection contributed by natural products. Gut dysbiosis could increase permeability of the gut barrier, resulting in translocated bacteria and leaked gut-derived products, which can reach the liver through the portal vein and might lead to increased oxidative stress and inflammation, thereby threatening liver health. Targeting gut microbiota modulation represents a promising strategy for hepatoprotection. Many natural products could protect the liver from various injuries or mitigate hepatic disorders by reverting gut dysbiosis, improving intestinal permeability, altering the primary bile acid, and inhibiting hepatic fatty acid accumulation. The mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects also include reducing oxidative stress, suppressing inflammation, attenuating fibrosis, and decreasing apoptosis. This review discusses the hepatoprotective effects of dietary natural products via modulating the gut microbiota, mainly focusing on the mechanisms of action.

Five-Golden-Flowers Tea: Green Extraction and Hepatoprotective Effect against Oxidative Damage

The consumption of herbal teas has become popular in recent years due to their attractive flavors and outstanding antioxidant properties. The Five-Golden-Flowers tea is a herbal tea consisting of five famous edible flowers. The effects of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on the antioxidant activity of Five-Golden-Flowers tea were studied by single-factor experiments, and further investigated using response surface methodology. Under the optimal parameters (53.04 mL/g of solvent/material ratio, 65.52 °C, 30.89 min, and 500 W), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content of the herbal tea were 862.90 ± 2.44 µmol Fe2+/g dry weight (DW), 474.37 ± 1.92 µmol Trolox/g DW, and 65.50 ± 1.26 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. The in vivo antioxidant activity of the herbal tea was evaluated on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. The herbal tea significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and malonaldehyde at different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg); improved the levels of liver index, serum triacylglycerol, and catalase at dose of 800 mg/kg. These results indicated its role in alleviating hepatic oxidative injury. Besides, rutin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which could contribute to the antioxidant activity of the herbal tea.

Aqueous Extract of Pepino (Solanum muriactum Ait) Leaves Ameliorate Lipid Accumulation and Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Chronic alcohol intake leads to alcoholic fatty liver. The pathogenesis of alcoholic fatty liver is related to abnormal lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, endotoxins, and cytokines. Solanum muricatum Ait. (Pepino) is a plant food commonly cultivated in the Penghu island, Taiwan. Previous studies indicated that the aqueous extract of pepino was able to attenuate diabetic progression via its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects. However, the mechanisms of the antioxidative and anti-inflammatory effects of pepino leaf in preventing alcoholic fatty liver remain unknown. In this study, Lieber–DeCarli ethanol-containing liquid diet was used to induce alcoholic hepatic injury in C57BL/6 mice. The hepatoprotective effects and the related mechanisms of aqueous extract of pepino leaf (AEPL) were examined. Our results showed that 2% AEPL treatments protected the liver from ethanol-induced injury through reducing serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) (all p < 0.05). AEPL had the effects in improving the ethanol-induced lipid accumulation in mice under histological examination. Molecular data indicated that the anti-lipid accumulation effect of AEPL might be mediated via inducing hepatic levels of phospho-adenosine monophosphate-activated kinase (p-AMPK) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)-α, and reducing the expressions of hepatic lipogenic enzymes, including sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP)-1c, acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC), and fatty acid synthase (FAS) (all p < 0.05). AEPL also decreased hepatic levels of thiobarbituric acid relative substances (TBARS), tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, and interleukin (IL)-6, as well as the expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) (all p < 0.05). Moreover, AEPL significantly elevated the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase, and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), and glutathione (GSH) content compared to the ethanol-fed group (all p < 0.05). Our present study suggests that AEPL could protect the liver against ethanol-induced oxidative injury and lipid accumulation.

Protective effect of Letinous edodes foot peptides against ethanol‑induced liver injury in L02 cells

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the protective effect and mechanism of Letinous edodes foot peptides on ethanol‑induced L02 cells. A cell model of ethanol‑induced damage was established in vitro to study the effects of the Letinous edodes foot peptides on human L02 hepatocytes. The expression and activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alcohol dehydrogenase (ADH) and acetaldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH), following treatment were examined to determine the anti‑alcoholism and hepatoprotective functions of Letinous edodes foot peptides. Taking Letinous edodes foot peptides prior to ethanol exposure was more beneficial, which significantly increased SOD activity and the mRNA expression of ADH and ALDH suppressed by ethanol. In addition, the intracellular MDA content, and AST and ALT activity decreased in ethanol‑induced L02 cells pretreated with the peptides, when compared with the control. Furthermore, Letinous edodes foot peptides inhibited the ethanol‑induced activation of the proinflammatory cytokines, interleukin‑6 and tumor necrosis factor‑α, and promoted the metabolic regulation factors, AMP‑activated protein kinase‑α2 and peroxisome proliferator‑activated receptor‑α.