A traditional herbal medicine enhances bilirubin clearance by activating the nuclear receptor CAR

Biotransformation characteristics of tetracycline by strain Serratia marcescens MSM2304 and its mechanism evaluation based on products analysis and genomics

Microbial biotransformation is a recommended and reliable method in face of formidable tetracycline (TC) with broad-spectrum antibacterial activity. Herein, comprehensive characteristics of a newfound strain and its molecular mechanism in process of TC bioremediation were involved in this study. Specifically, Serratia marcescens MSM2304 isolated from pig manure sludge grew well in presence of TC and achieved optimal removal efficiency of 61% under conditions of initial TC concentration of 10 mg/L, pH of 7.0, cell inoculation amount of 5%, and tryptone of 10 g/L as additional carbon. The pathways of biotransformation include EPS biosorption, cell surface biosorption and biodegradation, which enzymatic processes of biodegradation were occurred through TC adsorbed by biofilms was firstly broken down by extracellular enzymes and part of TC migrated towards biofilm interior and degraded by intracellular enzymes. Wherein extracellular polysaccharides in extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) from biofilm of strain MSM2304 mainly performed extracellular adsorption, and changes in position and intensity of CO, =CH and C-O-C/C-O of EPS possible further implied TC adsorption by it. Biodegradation accounting for 79.07% played a key role in TC biotransformation and could be fitted well by first-order model that manifesting rapid and thorough removal. Potential biodegradation pathway including demethylation, dihydroxylation, oxygenation, and ring opening possibly involved in TC disposal process of MSM2304, TC-degrading metabolites exhibited lower toxicity to indicator bacteria relative to parent TC. Whole genome sequencing as underlying molecular evidence revealed that TC resistance genes, dehydrogenases-encoding genes, monooxygenase-encoding genes, and methyltransferase-encoding genes of strain MSM2304 were positively related to TC biodegradation. Collectively, these results favored a theoretical evaluation for Serratia marcescens MSM2304 as a promising TC-control agent in environmental bioremediation processes.

Natural STAT3 Inhibitors for Cancer Treatment: A Comprehensive Literature Review

Cancer is one of the leading causes of mortality and morbidity worldwide, affecting millions of people physically and financially every year. Over time, many anticancer treatments have been proposed and studied, including synthetic compound consumption, surgical procedures, or grueling chemotherapy. Although these treatments have improved the daily life quality of patients and increased their survival rate and life expectancy, they have also shown significant drawbacks, including staggering costs, multiple side effects, and difficulty in compliance and adherence to treatment. Therefore, natural compounds have been considered a possible key to overcoming these problems in recent years, and thorough research has been done to assess their effectiveness. In these studies, scientists have discovered a meaningful interaction between several natural materials and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 molecules. STAT3 is a transcriptional protein that is vital for cell growth and survival. Mechanistic studies have established that activated STAT3 can increase cancer cell proliferation and invasion while reducing anticancer immunity. Thus, inhibiting STAT3 signaling by natural compounds has become one of the favorite research topics and an attractive target for developing novel cancer treatments. In the present article, we intend to comprehensively review the latest knowledge about the effects of various organic compounds on inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway to cure different cancer diseases.

Exploration of molecular interactions between scoparone and associated compounds with Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) leading to gallstone prevention: an in silico investigation

Scoparone (6, 7 dimethylesculetin) is a biologically active compound derived from the herb Artemisia capillaris having anti-inflammatory, anti-lipemic, and anti-allergic roles. Activation of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) in primary hepatocytes of both wild-type and humanized CAR mice by scoparone, accelerates bilirubin and cholesterol clearance in vivo. This can prevent gallstones which is a dreaded gastrointestinal disease. To date, surgery is regarded as the gold standard for treating gallstones. The molecular interactions between scoparone and CAR leading to gallstone prevention are not yet explored. In this study, we have analyzed these interactions through an insilico approach. After extracting the CAR structures (mice and human) from the protein databank and 6, 7-dimethylesuletin from PubChem, energy minimization of both the receptors was done to make them stable followed by docking. Next, a simulation was performed to stabilize the docked complexes. Through docking, H-bonds and pi-pi interactions were found in the complexes, which imply a stable interaction, thus activating the CAR. A similarity search for scoparone was performed and the selected compounds were docked with the CAR receptors. Esculentin acetate and scopoletin acetate interacted with human CAR through pi-alkyl and H-bond respectively. While Fraxidin methyl ether, fraxinol methyl ether, and 6, 7 diethoxycoumarin interacted with mice CAR through H-bond and Pi-Pi T-shaped bonds. The selected complexes were simulated further. Our results are in accordance with the hypothesis in the literature. We have also analyzed the drug likeliness, absorption, non-carcinogenicity, and other properties of scoparone which can support further in vivo studies.Communicated by Ramaswamy H. Sarma.

Understanding the cometabolic degradation of sulfadiazine by an enriched ammonia oxidizing bacteria culture from both extracellular and intracellular perspectives

Antibiotics are widely used drugs in the world and pose serious threats to ecosystems and human health. Although it has been reported that ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB) can cometabolize antibiotics, little has been reported on how AOB would respond to the exposure of antibiotics on extracellular and enzymatic levels, as well as the impact of antibiotics on the bioactivity of AOB. Therefore, in this study, a typical antibiotic, sulfadiazine (SDZ), was selected, and a series short-term batch tests using enriched AOB sludge were conducted to investigate the intracellular and extracellular responses of AOB along the cometabolic degradation process of SDZ. The results showed the cometabolic degradation of AOB made the main contribution to SDZ removal. When the enriched AOB sludge was exposed to SDZ, ammonium oxidation rate, ammonia monooxygenase activity, adenosine triphosphate concentration and dehydrogenases activity were negatively affected. The amoA gene abundance increased 1.5 folds within 24 h, which may enhance the uptake and utilization of substrates and maintain stable metabolic activity. In the tests with and without ammonium, the concentration of total EPS increased from 264.9 to 231.1 mg/gVSS to 607.7 and 538.2 mg/gVSS, respectively, under the exposure to SDZ, which was mainly contributed by the increase of proteins in tightly bound extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and polysacharides in tightly bound EPS and soluble microbial products. The proportion of tryptophan-like protein and humic acid-like organics in EPS also increased. Moreover, SDZ stress stimulated the secretion of three quorum sensing signal molecules, C4-HSL (from 140.3 to 164.9 ng/L), 3OC6-HSL (from 17.8 to 42.4 ng/L) and C8-HSL (from 35.8 to 95.9 ng/L) in the enriched AOB sludge. Among them, C8-HSL may be a key signal molecule that promoted the secretion of EPS. The findings of this study could shed more light on the cometabolic degradation of antibiotics by AOB.

Effects of Yinzhihuang on Alleviating Cyclosporine A-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury via Farnesoid X Receptor-Mediated Regulation of Transporters and Enzymes in Vitro and in Vivo

Yinzhihuang (YZH), a traditional Chinese medicine prescription, was widely used to treat cholestasis. Cholestatic liver injury limited the use of the immunosuppressive drug cyclosporine A (CsA) in preventing organ rejection after solid organ transplantation. Clinical evidences suggested that YZH could enhance bile acids and bilirubin clearance, providing a potential therapeutic strategy against CsA-induced cholestasis. Nevertheless, it remains unclear whether YZH can effectively alleviate CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury, as well as the molecular mechanisms responsible for its hepatoprotective effects. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of YZH on CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury and explore its molecular mechanisms in vivo and vitro. The results demonstrated that YZH significantly improved the CsA-induced cholestatic liver injury and reduced the level of liver function markers in serum of Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. Targeted protein and gene analysis indicated that YZH increased bile acids and bilirubin efflux into bile through the regulation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), bile salt export pump (Bsep), sodium taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide (Ntcp) and organic anion transporting polypeptide 2 (Oatp2) transport systems, as well as upstream nuclear receptors farnesoid X receptor (Fxr). Moreover, YZH modulated enzymes involved in bile acids synthesis and bilirubin metabolism including Cyp family 7 subfamily A member 1 (Cyp7a1) and uridine 5'-diphosphate (UDP) glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (Ugt1a1). Furthermore, the active components geniposidic acid, baicalin and chlorogenic acid exerted regulated metabolic enzymes and transporters in LO2 cells. In conclusion, YZH may prevent CsA-induced cholestasis by regulating the transport systems, metabolic enzymes, and upstream nuclear receptors Fxr to restore bile acid and bilirubin homeostasis. These findings highlight the potential of YZH as a therapeutic intervention for CsA-induced cholestasis and open avenues for further research into its clinical applications.

Fraxetin Interacts Additively with Cisplatin and Mitoxantrone, Antagonistically with Docetaxel in Various Human Melanoma Cell Lines-An Isobolographic Analysis

Malignant melanoma is a skin cancer characterized by rapid development, poor prognosis and high mortality. Due to the frequent drug resistance and/or early metastases in melanoma, new therapeutic methods are urgently needed. The study aimed at assessing the cytotoxic and antiproliferative effects of scoparone and fraxetin in vitro, when used alone and in combination with three cytostatics: cisplatin, mitoxantrone, and docetaxel in four human melanoma cell lines. Our experiments showed that scoparone in the concentration range tested up to 200 µM had no significant effect on the viability of human malignant melanoma (therefore, it was not possible to evaluate it in combination with other cytostatics), while fraxetin inhibited cell proliferation with IC₅₀ doses in the range of 32.42-73.16 µM, depending on the cell line. Isobolographic analysis allowed for the assessment of the interactions between the studied compounds. Importantly, fraxetin was not cytotoxic to normal keratinocytes (HaCaT) and melanocytes (HEMa-LP), although it slightly inhibited their viability at high concentrations. The combination of fraxetin with cisplatin and mitoxantrone showed the additive interaction, which seems to be a promising direction in melanoma therapy. Unfortunately, the combination of fraxetin with docetaxel may not be beneficial due to the antagonistic antiproliferative effect of both drugs used in the mixture.

Inchinkoto, the Traditional Japanese Kampo Medicine, Enhances Intestinal Epithelial Barrier Function In Vitro

Inchinkoto (ICKT), a traditional herbal medicine that is often used as a hepatoprotective drug in Japan, has pharmacological properties that include antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and choleretic actions. Genipin is a metabolite of geniposide and the most abundant ingredient of ICKT; furthermore, it is considered to be the active substance responsible for its pharmacological properties in the liver. Drugs with such pharmacological characteristics are expected to prevent intestinal barrier dysfunction, which causes inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs). However, no studies have investigated the effects of ICKT on the intestinal epithelial barrier. Therefore, we investigated the activity of ICKT in intestinal tight junctions by using cultured Caco-2 cell monolayers. The action of the compound on tight junctions was examined by measuring transepithelial electrical resistance (TEER) and sodium fluorescein (Na-F) permeability in the presence or absence of lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Moreover, the expression of the tight junction protein claudin-1 was assessed by using immunofluorescent staining. ICKT and genipin increased TEER and decreased Na-F permeability, which was suggestive of enhanced intestinal epithelial barrier function. Moreover, they prevented the LPS-induced destruction of the barrier, i.e., a decrease in TEER and an increase in Na-F permeability. Immunofluorescence staining revealed a high claudin-1 expression level on the cell surface, whereas exposure to LPS downregulated claudin-1. In turn, ICKT and genipin prevented the LPS-mediated reduction of claudin-1. These results suggest that ICKT enhances intestinal epithelial barrier function by upregulating claudin-1. Furthermore, genipin contributed to these effects. ICKT may be a promising medicine for the prevention and treatment of diseases associated with intestinal barrier disruption, such as IBD, obesity, and metabolic disorders.

Activation of Alternative Bilirubin Clearance Pathways Partially Reduces Hyperbilirubinemia in a Mouse Model Lacking Functional Ugt1a1 Activity

Bilirubin is a heme catabolite and Ugt1a1 is the only enzyme involved in the biological elimination of bilirubin. Partially functional or non-functional Ugt1a1 may result in neuronal damage and death due to the accumulation of unconjugated bilirubin in the brain. The understanding of the role of alternative bilirubin detoxification mechanisms that can reduce bilirubin toxicity risk is crucial for developing novel therapeutic strategies. To provide a proof-of-principle showing whether activation of alternative detoxification pathways could lead to life-compatible bilirubin levels in the absence of Ugt1a1 activity, we used Ugt1^−/− hyperbilirubinemic mice devoid of bilirubin glucuronidation activity. We treated adult Ugt1^−/− mice with TCPOBOP, a strong agonist of the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR). TCPOBOP treatment decreased plasma and liver tissue bilirubin levels by about 38%, and resulted in the transcriptional activation of a vast array of genes involved in bilirubin transport and metabolism. However, brain bilirubin level was unaltered. We observed ~40% degradation of bilirubin in the liver microsomes from TCPOBOP treated Ugt1^−/− mice. Our findings suggest that, in the absence of Ugt1a1, the activation of alternative bilirubin clearance pathways can partially improve hyperbilirubinemic conditions. This therapeutic approach may only be considered in a combinatorial manner along with other treatments.

Response of the nuclear xenobiotic receptors to alleviate glyphosate-based herbicide-induced nephrotoxicity in weaned piglets

Glyphosate-based herbicides (GBHs) are widely used worldwide. Glyphosate (GLP) is the main active component of GBHs. The presence of GBH residues in the environment has led to the exposure of animals to GBHs, but the mechanisms of GBH-induced nephrotoxicity are not clear. This study investigated the effects of GBHs on piglet kidneys. Twenty-eight healthy female hybrid weaned piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Yorkshire) with an average weight of 12.24 ± 0.61 kg were randomly divided into four treatment groups (n=7 piglets/group) that were supplemented with Roundup® (equivalent to GLP concentrations of 0, 10, 20, and 40 mg/kg) for a 35-day feeding trial. The results showed that the kidneys in the 40-mg/kg GLP group suffered slight damage. Roundup® significantly decreased the activity of catalase (CAT) (P=0.005) and increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) (P=0.029). Roundup® increased the level of cystatin-C (Cys-C) in the plasma (linear, P=0.002 and quadratic, P=0.015). The levels of neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin (NGAL) in plasma increased linearly (P=0.007) and quadratically (P=0.003) as the dose of GLP increased. The mRNA expression of intercellular cell adhesion molecule-1 (ICAM-1) in the 20-mg/kg GLP group was increased significantly (P<0.05). There was a significant increase in the mRNA levels of pregnenolone X receptor (PXR), constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), and uridine diphosphate glucuronosyltransferase 1A3 (UGT1A3) (P<0.05). Our findings found that kidney nuclear xenobiotic receptors (NXRs) may play an important role in defense against GBHs.

Targeting Xenobiotic Nuclear Receptors PXR and CAR to Prevent Cobicistat Hepatotoxicity

Liver-related diseases including drug-induced liver injury are becoming increasingly prominent in AIDS patients. Cobicistat (COBI) is the backbone of multiple regimens for antiretroviral therapy. The current work investigated the mechanisms of adverse drug-drug interactions associated with COBI that lead to liver damage. For individuals co-infected with HIV and tuberculosis (TB), the World Health Organization recommends the initiation of TB treatment followed by antiretroviral therapy. Rifampicin (RIF), a first line anti-TB drug, is a human specific activator of pregnane X receptor (PXR). Using PXR-humanized mice, we found that RIF-mediated PXR activation potentiates COBI hepatotoxicity. In contrast, rifabutin, a PXR-neutral analog of RIF, has no impact on COBI hepatotoxicity. Because of the crosstalk between PXR and the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), the role of CAR in COBI hepatotoxicity was also investigated. Similar to PXR, ligand-dependent activation of CAR also potentiates COBI hepatotoxicity. Our further studies illustrated that PXR and CAR modulate COBI hepatotoxicity through the CYP3A4-dependent pathways. In summary, the current work determined PXR and CAR as key modulators of COBI hepatotoxicity. Given the fact that many prescription drugs and herbal supplements can activate PXR and CAR, these two receptors should be considered as targets to prevent COBI hepatotoxicity in the clinic.

The herbal medicines Inchinkoto and Saireito improved hepatic fibrosis via aquaporin 9 in the liver of a rat bile duct ligation model

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the administration of the Japanese herbal medicines Inchinkoto (ICKT) and Saireito (SRT) ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and derangement of hepatocyte aquaporins (AQPs) following bile duct ligation (BDL) in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of Wistar rats were used, and the groups included sham surgery (Sham group), BDL with no treatment (NT group), BDL plus ICKT (ICKT group), BDL plus SRT (SRT group), and BDL plus ICKT and SRT (SRT/ICKT group). Each herbal medicine was administered at 1 g/kg/day on the first postoperative day. The serum levels and various clinical markers were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Staining was used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis and the inflammatory responses.

RESULTS

Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the ICKT and SRT/ICKT groups were significantly lower than those in the NT group. NF-κB mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. AQP9 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. The degree of Masson's trichrome staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT group. The degree of NF-κB staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT, ICKT, or SRT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative administration of ICKT and SRT induced synergistic beneficial effects, resulting in the reduction of hepatic fibrosis via mechanisms involving the inhibition of NF-κB expression and the improvement of AQP9 downregulation.

Yinzhihuang Oral Liquid Ameliorates Hyperbilirubinemia Induced by δ-Aminolevulinic Acid and Novobiocin in Neonatal Rats

Yinzhihuang oral liquid (YZH) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been widely used in Asia to prevent and treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, but the published preclinical studies on its anti-hyperbilirubinemia effect are conducted in adult animals, partly due to the lack of preclinical neonatal hyperbilirubinemia animal models. In the present study, we tested six reagents to induce hyperbilirubinemia in neonatal rats, and established two appropriate neonatal hyperbilirubinemia rat models by subcutaneous injection of δ-Aminolevulinic acid (ALA, 200 mg/kg) or novobiocin (NOVO, 200 mg/kg). Oral treatment of YZH (80, 160 and 320 mg/kg) significantly decreased serum conjugated bilirubin levels in ALA-treated neonatal rats and serum unconjugated bilirubin levels in NOVO-treated neonatal rats, respectively. Additionally, pre-treatment of YZH also prevented the increase of serum bilirubin levels in both ALA- and NOVO-treated rats. Mechanistically, YZH significantly up-regulated the mRNA expression of genes involved in hepatic bilirubin disposition (organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1b2, Oatp1b2; multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, Mrp2) and bilirubin conjugation (UDP-glucuronosyltransferase 1a1, Ugt1a1). Additionally, YZH up-regulated the mRNA expression of cytochrome P450 1A1 (Cyp1a1), the target gene of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), and increased the nuclear protein levels of AhR in livers of neonatal rats. YZH and its two active ingredients, namely baicalin (BCL) and 4'-hydroxyacetophenone (4-HT), up-regulated the mRNA expression of AhR target genes (CYP1A1 and UGT1A1) and increased nuclear protein levels of AhR in HepG2 cells. In conclusion, the present study provides two neonatal hyperbilirubinemia animal models and evaluates the anti-hyperbilirubinemia effect and mechanisms of YZH in neonatal animals.

Studies of Coumarin Derivatives for Constitutive Androstane Receptor (CAR) Activation

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) activation has found to ameliorate diabetes in animal models. However, no CAR agonists are available clinically. Therefore, a safe and effective CAR activator would be an alternative option. In this study, sixty courmarin derivatives either synthesized or purified from Artemisia capillaris were screened for CAR activation activity. Chemical modifications were on position 5,6,7,8 with mono-, di-, tri-, or tetra-substitutions. Among all the compounds subjected for in vitro CAR activation screening, 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin was the most effective and was selected for further preclinical studies. Chemical modification on the 6 position and unsaturated chains were generally beneficial. Electron-withdrawn groups as well as long unsaturated chains were hazardous to the activity. Mechanism of action studies showed that CAR activation of 6,7-diprenoxycoumarin might be through the inhibition of EGFR signaling and upregulating PP2Ac methylation. To sum up, modification mimicking natural occurring coumarins shed light on CAR studies and the established screening system provides a rapid method for the discovery and development of CAR activators. In addition, one CAR activator, scoparone, did showed anti-diabetes effect in db/db mice without elevation of insulin levels.

Metabolism-Disrupting Chemicals and the Constitutive Androstane Receptor CAR

During the last two decades, the constitutive androstane receptor (CAR; NR1I3) has emerged as a master activator of drug- and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes and transporters that govern the clearance of both exogenous and endogenous small molecules. Recent studies indicate that CAR participates, together with other nuclear receptors (NRs) and transcription factors, in regulation of hepatic glucose and lipid metabolism, hepatocyte communication, proliferation and toxicity, and liver tumor development in rodents. Endocrine-disrupting chemicals (EDCs) constitute a wide range of persistent organic compounds that have been associated with aberrations of hormone-dependent physiological processes. Their adverse health effects include metabolic alterations such as diabetes, obesity, and fatty liver disease in animal models and humans exposed to EDCs. As numerous xenobiotics can activate CAR, its role in EDC-elicited adverse metabolic effects has gained much interest. Here, we review the key features and mechanisms of CAR as a xenobiotic-sensing receptor, species differences and selectivity of CAR ligands, contribution of CAR to regulation hepatic metabolism, and evidence for CAR-dependent EDC action therein.

Mechanism of Hydrophobic Bile Acid-Induced Hepatocyte Injury and Drug Discovery

Cholestatic liver disease is caused by the obstruction of bile synthesis, transport, and excretion in or outside the liver by a variety of reasons. Long-term persistent cholestasis in the liver can trigger inflammation, necrosis, or apoptosis of hepatocytes. Bile acid nuclear receptors have received the most attention for the treatment of cholestasis, while the drug development for bile acid nuclear receptors has made considerable progress. However, the targets regulated by bile acid receptor drugs are limited. Thus, as anticipated, intervention in the expression of bile acid nuclear receptors alone will not yield satisfactory clinical results. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarized the literature related to cholestasis, analyzed the molecular mechanism that bile acid damages cells, and status of drug development. It is hoped that this review will provide some reference for the research and development of drugs for cholestasis treatment in the future.

High-throughput metabolomics reveals the perturbed metabolic pathways and biomarkers of Yang Huang syndrome as potential targets for evaluating the therapeutic effects and mechanism of geniposide

High-throughput metabolomics can clarify the underlying molecular mechanism of diseases via the qualitative and quantitative analysis of metabolites. This study used the established Yang Huang syndrome (YHS) mouse model to evaluate the efficacy of geniposide (GEN). Urine metabolic data were quantified by ultraperformance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The non-target screening of the massive biological information dataset was performed, and a total of 33 metabolites, including tyramine glucuronide, aurine, and L-cysteine, were identified relating to YHS. These differential metabolites directly participated in the disturbance of phase I reaction and hydrophilic transformation of bilirubin. Interestingly, they were completely reversed by GEN. While, as the auxiliary technical means, we also focused on the molecular prediction and docking results in network pharmacological and integrated analysis part. We used integrated analysis to communicate the multiple results of metabolomics and network pharmacology. This study is the first to report that GEN indirectly regulates the metabolite "tyramine glucuronide" through its direct effect on the target heme oxygenase 1 in vivo. Meanwhile, heme oxygenase-1, a prediction of network pharmacology, was the confirmed metabolic enzyme of phase I reaction in hepatocytes. Our study indicated that the combination of high-throughput metabolomics and network pharmacology is a robust combination for deciphering the pathogenesis of the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) syndrome.

Modulation of Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Cytokines as Therapeutic Mechanisms of Ocimum americanum L Extract in Carbon Tetrachloride and Acetaminophen-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Liver diseases have now become a global canker due to increasing drug abuse and several viral infections. The current medicines on the market are woefully inadequate and limited in the application against these diseases. Fortunately, medicinal plants continue to serve as a potential source of drug discovery that could be explored to improve the situation. The present study, therefore, evaluated the hepatoprotective activities of the aqueous extract of various parts (leaves, flower and stem) of Ocimum americanum L on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)- and acetaminophen-induced toxicity in rats. The protective effect of the plant was assessed using biochemical parameters, histology, levels of liver antioxidants, and expression of some pro-inflammatory cytokines (NF-κβ and IL-1) in the liver. The leaves and stem extracts, orally administered for 7 days at 250 mg/kg, effectively prevented CCl4-induced elevation of serum biochemical parameters, prooxidants, as well as the expression of NFk-B and IL-1, which were comparable to Silymarin (standard drug). A comparative histopathological analyses of the liver exhibited virtually normal architecture compared with CCl4-treated group. The findings showed that the hepatoprotective effect of Ocimum americanum was probably due to the inhibition of oxidative stress and downregulation of proinflammatory cytokines by the effective parts of the medicinal plant.

Experimental models assessing bilirubin neurotoxicity

The molecular and cellular events leading to bilirubin-induced neurotoxicity, the mechanisms regulating liver and intestine expression in neonates, and alternative pathways of bilirubin catabolism remain incompletely defined. To answer these questions, researchers have developed a number of model systems to closely recapitulate the main characteristics of the disease, ranging from tissue cultures to engineered mouse models. In the present review we describe in vitro, ex vivo, and in vivo models developed to study bilirubin metabolism and neurotoxicity, with a special focus on the use of engineered animal models. In addition, we discussed the most recent studies related to potential therapeutic approaches to treat neonatal hyperbilirubinemia, ranging from anti-inflammatory drugs, activation of nuclear receptor pathways, blockade of bilirubin catabolism, and stimulation of alternative bilirubin-disposal pathways.

Mechanism of Hydrophobic Bile Acid-Induced Hepatocyte Injury and Drug Discovery

Cholestatic liver disease is caused by the obstruction of bile synthesis, transport, and excretion in or outside the liver by a variety of reasons. Long-term persistent cholestasis in the liver can trigger inflammation, necrosis, or apoptosis of hepatocytes. Bile acid nuclear receptors have received the most attention for the treatment of cholestasis, while the drug development for bile acid nuclear receptors has made considerable progress. However, the targets regulated by bile acid receptor drugs are limited. Thus, as anticipated, intervention in the expression of bile acid nuclear receptors alone will not yield satisfactory clinical results. Therefore, this review comprehensively summarized the literature related to cholestasis, analyzed the molecular mechanism that bile acid damages cells, and status of drug development. It is hoped that this review will provide some reference for the research and development of drugs for cholestasis treatment in the future.

Banha-sasim-tang improves gastrointestinal function in loperamide-induced functional dyspepsia mouse model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Banha-sasim-tang (BST; Hange-shashin-to in Kampo medicine; Banxia xiexin tang in traditional Chinese medicine) is a traditional Chinese harbal medicine that has been commonly used for gastrointestinal disorders.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the pharmacological effects of BST, a standardized herbal drug, on main symptoms of functional dyspepsia including delayed gastric emptying, and underlying mechanisms of action in mouse model.

METHODS AND MATERIALS

Balb/C mice were pretreated with BST (25, 50, 100 mg/kg, po) or mosapride (3 mg/kg, po) for 3 days, and then treated with loperamide (10 mg/kg, ip) after 19 h fasting. A solution of 0.05% phenol red (500 μL) or 5% charcoal diet (200 μL) was orally administered, followed by scarifying and assessment of gastric emptying or gastro-intestinal motility. C-kit (immunofluorescence), nNOS (western blot) and gastric contraction-related gene expression were examined in stomach tissue.

RESULTS

The loperamide injection substantially delayed gastric emptying, while the BST pretreatment significantly attenuated this peristaltic dysfunction, as evidenced by the quantity of stomach-retained phenol red (p < 0.05 or 0.01) and stomach weight (p < 0.05 or 0.01). The BST pretreatment significantly tempered the loperamide-induced inactivation of c-kit and nNOS (p < 0.05 or 0.01) as well as the contraction-related gene expression, such as the 5HT₄ receptor (5HT₄R), anoctamin-1 (ANO1), ryanodine receptor 3 (RYR3) and smooth muscle myosin light chain kinase (smMLCK). The BST pretreatment also significantly attenuated the alterations in gastro-intestinal motility (p < 0.01).

CONCLUSION

Our results are the first evidence of the prokinetic agent effects of Banha-sasim-tang in a loperamide-induced FD animal model. The underlying mechanisms of action may involve the modulation of peristalsis via activation of the interstitial cells of Cajal and the smooth muscle cells in the stomach.

Indirect activation of constitutive androstane receptor in three-dimensionally cultured HepG2 cells

Constitutive androstane receptor (CAR), a member of the nuclear receptor superfamily, is retained as an inactive form phosphorylated at threonine in the cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Upon activation, CAR is dephosphorylated to move into the nucleus and induces the transcription of genes. Thus, nuclear translocation is a key step for CAR activation in hepatocytes. However, this nuclear translocation has not been demonstrated in conventional two-dimensionally-cultured immortalized cell lines such as HepG2, in which CAR spontaneously accumulates in the nucleus. In this study, we showed that treatment with the indirect CAR activator phenobarbital activated transcription of the CYP3A4 gene in three-dimensionally (3D)-cultured HepG2 cells. CAR was retained as its phosphorylated form in the cytoplasm and was translocated to the nucleus in 3D-cultured HepG2 cells in response to treatment with phenobarbital. Moreover, okadaic acid and epidermal growth factor, were found to repress phenobarbital-induced CAR nuclear translocation and subsequent activation of the CYP3A4 gene promoter. These results suggested that 3D-cultured HepG2 cells properly regulated CAR activation as has been observed in hepatocytes.

Pharmacokinetic study of the prokinetic ABCs liquiritigenin, naringenin and hesperitin following the oral administration of Si-Ni-San decoction to functional dyspepsia patients

1. The pharmacokinetics (PKs) analysis of compounds absorbed after the oral administration of Si-Ni-San (SNS) decoction to functional dyspepsia (FD) patients was designed to detect whether the effects were similar to prokinetics administered to healthy rats, without ethical limitation. 2. First, the absorbed compounds, liquiritigenin (L), naringenin (N) and hesperitin (H) in the plasma were identified by UPLC-MS/MS following the oral administration of SNS decoction to subjects with FD. Next, the natural ratio of LNH in the SNS decoction was determined by UPLC. Third, gastric emptying and intestinal transit after the oral administration of LNH, in combination or alone, was compared with those observed after SNS administration in healthy rats. Additionally, the clinical PKs of LNH was studied. 3. The prokinetic efficacy of LNH administered at their natural ratios (7.5:5:1) increased dose-dependently and was better than the observed efficacy when administered alone in rats. Analysis of the clinical PK parameters, calculated using a one-compartment model, showed that the C_max parameters of LNH in 3, 4 and 4 h were 639.17, 410.00 and 181.67 μg/L, respectively. 4. The clinical herbal PK analysis of the absorbed LNH preclinical prokinetic compounds, in their natural ratio from SNS, highlights the impact of an herbal translational pharmacology study.

Effect of environmental variables on phytonutrients of Origanum vulgare L. in the sub-humid region of the northwestern Himalayas

Ecological and soil physiochemical parameters impact the crop quality and development. In spite of the huge commercial prospective, the phytonutrient and chemometric profiles of Himalayan oregano (Origanum vulgare L.) have not been evaluated, and their relationships with ecological parameters are still lacking. The objective of this research study was to evaluate the disparity in the phytonutrient profiles of different ecotypes of O. vulgare in wild and cultivated populations and determine whether such variation was related to the diverse climatic and edaphic conditions prevailing in the northwestern Himalayas. Micrometeorological, atomic absorption spectroscopy for micro-elemental analysis was determined for soil. HPLC was used to determine the disparity in phytonutrient (quercetin, betacarotene, ascorbic acid, and catechin) and phytochemical (arbutin) levels. Cultivated populations had lower phytonutrient levels than wild populations. The habitat exhibiting pH values ranging from 6 to 7 elevated organic carbon (2.42%), nitrogen (97.41 kg ha^-1), and manganese (10-12 μg g^-1) and zinc contents (0.39-0.50%) show luxirant growth of Origanum vulgarel. The phytonutrient (quercetin, betacarotene, ascorbic acid, arbutin, and catechin) levels had a direct relationship with UV-B flux (r² = 0.82) and potassium (r² = 0.97). Wild accessions predominantly contained catechin and ascorbic acid, with maximum values of 163.8 and 46.88 μg g^-1, respectively, while the cultivated accessions had the highest level of arbutin (53.42 μg g^-1). Maximum variation was observed in quercetin (114.61%) followed by β-carotene (87.53%). Cultivated accessions had less quercetin (0.04-1.25 μg g^-1) than wild accessions (1.25-2.87 μg g^-1). Wild accessions had higher phytonutrient values for catechin, β-carotene, and ascorbic acid while cultivated accessions had maximum values for arbutin. The correlation of environmental variables with phytonutrient levels paves the way for metabolomic-guided enhancement of agricultural practices for better herb quality.

Response of the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR and their target gene mRNA expression in female piglets exposed to zearalenone

A study was conducted to determine the effects of zearalenone (ZEN) on the mRNA expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR), constitutive and rostane receptor (CAR), and phase I and II enzymes as well as the toxicity in the liver of female weanling piglets. Thirty-two female weanling piglets (Duroc × Landrace × Large white, 12.27 ± 0.30 kg)were divided into four groups (n = 8 piglets/group) that were supplemented with 0 (control), 0.5, 1 or 2 mg/kg ZEN. The trial period lasted for 28 d. The results showed that the ZEN supplementation in the diets (0.5-2 mg/kg) had no effect on growth performance but dose-dependently increased serum aspartate aminotransferase, alanineaminotransferase, alkaline phosphatase, and γ-glutamyltransferase activities (P < 0.05). The ZEN residue in the liver (P < 0.01) was also linearly and dose-dependently increased. Furthermore, the mRNA expression of PXR, CAR, phase I enzymes (i.e., cyp2e1, cyp3a5, cyp2a6, cyp1a1, and cyp1a2), and phase II enzymes (i.e., gsta1, gsta2, ugt1a3) significantly increased linearly in a dose-dependent manner (P < 0.05). However, the spleen relative weight and the glutathione peroxidase activity in the liver (P < 0.05) linearly decreased as the dietary ZEN concentration increased; the mRNA expression of the nuclear receptors PXR and CAR is responsive to ZEN in female piglets, and ZEN increases the mRNA expression of their target genes. This finding shows that the nuclear receptor signaling system plays an important role in the defense against ZEN.

A Controlled Fermented Samjunghwan Herbal Formula Ameliorates Non-alcoholic Hepatosteatosis in HepG2 Cells and OLETF Rats

Hepatosteatosis (HS), a clinical feature of fatty liver with the excessive intracellular accumulation of triglyceride in hepatocytes, is manifested by perturbation of the maintenance of liver lipid homeostasis. Samjunghwan (SJH) is an herbal formula used mostly in Korean traditional medicine that is effective against a number of metabolic diseases, including obesity. Herbal drugs, enriched with numerous bioactive substances, possess health-protective benefits. Meanwhile, fermented herbal products enriched with probiotics are known to improve metabolic processes. Additionally, current lines of evidence indicate that probiotics-derived metabolites, termed as postbiotics, produce the same beneficial effects as their precursors. Herein, the anti-HS effects of 5-weeks naturally fermented SJH (FSJH) was investigated with FSJH-mixed chow diet in vivo using Otsuka Long-Evans Tokushima Fatty (OLETF) and Long-Evans Tokushima Otsuka (LETO) rats as animal models of HS and controls, respectively. In parallel, the anti-HS effects of postbiotic-metabolites of three bacterial strains [Lactobacillus brevis (LBB), Lactococcus lactis (LCL) and Lactobacillus plantarum (LBP)] isolated from FSJH were also evaluated in vitro using the FFAs-induced HepG2 cells. Feeding OLETF rats with FSJH-diet effectively reduced body, liver, and visceral adipose tissue (VAT) weights, produced marked hypolipidemic effects on serum and hepatic lipid parameters, decreased serum AST and ALT levels, and upregulated the HMGCOR, SREBP, and ACC, and downregulated the AMPK and LDLR gene expressions levels. Additionally, exposure of FFAs-induced HepG2 cells to postbiotic metabolic media (PMM) of bacterial strains also produced marked hypolipidemic effects on intracellular lipid contents and significantly unregulated the HMGCOR, SREBP, and ACC, and downregulated the AMPK and LDLR genes expressions levels. Overall, our results indicate that FSJH enriched with fermented metabolites could be an effective anti-HS formulation.

A dilute-and-shoot multispectral integration approach towards nontargeted component profiling of traditional herbal Yin-zhi-huang using liquid chromatography-photodiode array-ion trap/time-of-flight characterization

Ying-zhi-huang Injection (YZH-I) is a classic intravenous formulation of polyherbal Chinese medicine which has been prescribed to treat severe jaundice and acute hepatitis for nearly 50 years. Despite some published data on its major components in the constituent herbs, the overall chemical profile of the potentially bioactive ingredients in YZH-I formula remains largely unknown. Here we developed a multispectral integration approach towards nontargeted phytochemical profiling of YZH-I by liquid chromatography-ultraviolet diode array detector coupled to ion trap/time-of-flight multistage mass spectrometry (LC-DAD-IT(MSⁿ)/TOF) with fast polarity-switching mode. A simple generic dilute-and-shoot procedure was introduced as a non-destructive pretreatment method for facile wide-scope component profiling of herbal injection samples. A total of 61 constituents were isolated and characterized by the multiplex data acquisition, among which 45 components were identified from YZH-I, including 21 organic acid derivatives, 8 iridoid glycosides, 15 flavones and adenosine. Of the 45 identified compounds, 8 were unequivocally confirmed by comparing authentic standards, and 37 were tentatively assigned by elucidating accurate MSⁿ spectra and retrieving published data. It is the first report of systematic chemical profiling of YZH preparations with online integration of dilute-and-shoot LC-DAD and accurate multistage mass spectra. This study is expected to present an effective integrated strategy to comprehensive quality control of complex herbal injection formulas.

Blue emitting copper nanoclusters as colorimetric and fluorescent probe for the selective detection of bilirubin

Hurdles to develop point of care diagnostic methods restrict the translation of progress in the health care sector from bench side to bedside. In this article a simple, cost effective fluorescent as well as colorimetric nanosensor was developed for the early and easy detection of hyperbilirubinemia. A stable, water soluble bovine serum albumin stabilised copper nanocluster (BSA CuNC) was used as the fluorescent probe which exhibited strong blue emission (404nm) upon 330nm excitation. The fluorescence of the BSA CuNC can be effectively quenched by the addition of bilirubin by the formation of copper-bilirubin complex. Meanwhile the copper-bilirubin complex resulted in an observable colour change from pale violet to green facilitating colorimetric detection. The prepared sensor displayed good selectivity and sensitivity over other co-existing molecules, and can be used for quantifying bilirubin with a detection limit down to 257fM. Additionally, the as-prepared probe was coated on a paper strip to develop a portable paper strip sensor of bilirubin. Moreover, the method was successfully applied in real sample analysis and obtained promising result.

Protective effects of scoparone against ischemia‑reperfusion‑induced myocardial injury

The present study aimed to investigate the protective effects and molecular mechanisms of scoparone on ischemia‑reperfusion (I/R) injury in primary cultured cardiac myocytes and rats. An in vivo rat model of I/R injury and an in vitro primary cultured cardiac myocyte model of oxygen‑glucose deprivation/reoxygenation were used to investigate the protective effects of scoparone. Cell viability, lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) release, superoxide dismutase (SOD), creatine kinase (CK) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production were subsequently measured. In addition, cell apoptosis was assessed by terminal deoxynucleotidyl‑transferase‑mediated dUTP nick end labeling staining, and myocardial infarct area (IA) was determined by triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining. Furthermore, the protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein (Bax), cytochrome c (Cyt C) and caspase‑3 were assessed by western blotting. The results demonstrated that treatment with scoparone markedly increased cell viability, SOD levels and Bcl‑2 protein expression, and decreased LDH release, MDA production, CK levels, ROS concentration, cell apoptotic rate, myocardial IA, and Bax, caspase‑3 and Cyt C protein expression. These findings indicated that scoparone may have a protective effect against I/R injury, thus suggesting that scoparone may be a considered a potential drug for the treatment of I/R injury via the inhibition of oxidative stress and cell apoptosis.

PXR as a mediator of herb–drug interaction

Medicinal herbs have been a part of human medicine for thousands of years. The herb–drug interaction is an extension of drug–drug interaction, in which the consumptions of herbs cause alterations in the metabolism of drugs the patients happen to take at the same time. The pregnane X receptor (PXR) has been established as one of the most important transcriptional factors that regulate the expression of phase I enzymes, phase II enzymes, and drug transporters in the xenobiotic responses. Since its initial discovery, PXR has been implicated in multiple herb–drug interactions that can lead to alterations of the drug’s pharmacokinetic properties and cause fluctuating therapeutic efficacies, possibly leading to complications. Regions of the world that heavily incorporate herbalism into their primary health care and people turning to alternative medicines as a personal choice could be at risk for adverse reactions or unintended results from these interactions. This article is intended to highlight our understanding of the PXR-mediated herb–drug interactions.

Treatment strategy for successful hepatic resection of icteric liver

BACKGROUND

The treatment strategy for jaundiced patients with hilar cholangiocarcinoma (HC) is not well established. In this study, we evaluate the feasibility of our perioperative protocol for jaundiced patients with HC.

METHODS

Twenty patients with HC who underwent hepatic resection at our institute were enrolled, and patients were divided into icteric(n=6) and normal(n=14) group. As a perioperative protocol, Oral administration of Inchinkoto(ICKT), steroid and nafamostat mesilate were introduced. The evaluation of functional future remnant liver(FRL) by asiaroscintigraphy, and postoperative outcomes were retrospectively compared.

RESULTS

Indocyanine green dye retention rate at 15 minutes was higher, and LHL15 values was lower in icteric group. However, in the functional evaluation of FRL, which was the sum of GSA uptake of the future FRL, there was no significant difference of LHL15 values of the remnant liver functional reserve between the two groups. As results, according to the difference of liver function, serum AST level was not different between two groups. The number of patients with postoperative morbidity in the two groups was comparable.

CONCLUSIONS

Even in HC patients with icteric liver, accurate assessment of liver functional reserve and effective perioperative treatment may attribute to successful hepatectomy and favorable post-operative outcomes. J. Med. Invest. 65:37-42, February, 2018.

PCSK9 deficiency reduces atherosclerosis, apolipoprotein B secretion, and endothelial dysfunction

Proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) interacts directly with cytoplasmic apoB and prevents its degradation via the autophagosome/lysosome pathway. This process affects VLDL and LDL production and influences atherogenesis. Here, we investigated the molecular machinery by which PCSK9 modulates autophagy and affects atherogenesis. We backcrossed Pcsk9-/- mice with atherosclerosis-prone Ldlr-/-Apobec1-/- (LDb) mice to generate Ldlr-/-Apobec1-/-Pcsk9-/- (LTp) mice. Deletion of PCSK9 resulted in decreased hepatic apoB secretion, increased autophagic flux, and decreased plasma levels of IDL and LDL particles. The LDLs from LTp mice (LTp-LDLs) were less atherogenic and contained less cholesteryl ester and phospholipids than LDb-LDLs. Moreover LTp-LDLs induced lower endothelial expression of the genes encoding TLR2, Lox-1, ICAM-1, CCL2, CCL7, IL-6, IL-1β, Beclin-1, p62, and TRAF6 Collectively, these effects were associated with substantially less atherosclerosis development (>4-fold) in LTp mice. The absence of PCSK9 in LDb mice results in decreased lipid and apoB levels, fewer atherogenic LDLs, and marked reduction of atherosclerosis. The effect on atherogenesis may be mediated in part by the effects of modified LDLs on endothelial cell receptors and proinflammatory and autophagy molecules. These findings suggest that there may be clinical benefits of PCSK9 inhibition due to mechanisms unrelated to increased LDL receptor activity.

Exploration of serum biomarkers for predicting the response to Inchinkoto (ICKT), a Japanese traditional herbal medicine

INTRODUCTION

In patients with obstructive jaundice, biliary drainage sometimes fails to result in improvement. A pharmaceutical-grade choleretic herbal medicine, Inchinkoto (ICKT), has been proposed to exert auxiliary effects on biliary drainage; however, its effects are variable among patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore serum biomarkers that are associated with pharmaceutical efficacy of ICKT.

METHODS

Obstructive jaundice patients who underwent external biliary decompression were enrolled (n = 37). ICKT was given orally 3 times a day at daily dose of 7.5 g. Serum and bile samples were collected before, 3 h after, and 24 h after ICKT administration. The concentrations of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total bile acid in bile specimens were measured. Metabolites in serum samples were comprehensively profiled using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic analysis of major ICKT components was also performed.

RESULTS

ICKT administration significantly decreased serum ALT and increased bile volume after 24 h. The serum concentrations of ICKT components were not well correlated with the efficacy of ICKT. However, the ratio of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid to arachidonic acid and the ratio of glutaric acid to niacinamide, exhibited good performance as biomarkers for the efficacy of ICKT on bile flow and ALT, respectively. Additionally, comprehensive correlation analysis revealed that serum glucuronic acid was highly correlated with serum total bilirubin, suggesting that this metabolite may be deeply involved in the pathogenesis of jaundice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that ICKT is efficacious and provides candidates for predicting ICKT efficacy. Further validation studies are warranted.

Exchange of polar lipids from adults to neonates in Daphnia magna: Perturbations in sphingomyelin allocation by dietary lipids and environmental toxicants

Because xenosensing nuclear receptors are also lipid sensors that regulate lipid allocation, we hypothesized that toxicant-induced modulation of HR96 activity would alter lipid profiles and the balance between adult survival and neonate production following exposure in Daphnia magna. Adult daphnids were exposed to unsaturated fatty acid- and toxicant- activators or inhibitors of HR96 and later starved to test whether chemical exposure altered allocation toward survival or reproduction. The HR96 activators, linoleic acid and atrazine, decreased reproduction as expected with concomitant changes in the expression of HR96 regulated genes such as magro. The HR96 inhibitors, docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) and triclosan, increased reproduction or neonate starvation survival, respectively. However, pre-exposure to triclosan increased in neonate survival at the expense of reproductive maturation. Lipidomic analysis revealed that sphingomyelins (SM) are predominantly found in neonates and therefore we propose are important in development. DHA and triclosan increased neonatal SM, consistent with HR96’s regulation of Niemann-Pick genes. While DHA altered expression of magro, Niemann-Pick 1b, mannosidase, and other HR96-regulated genes as expected, triclosan primarily perturbed sphingomyelinase and mannosidase expression indicating different but potentially overlapping mechanisms for perturbing SM. Overall, SM appears to be a key lipid in Daphnia maturation and further support was provided by carmofur, which inhibits sphingomyelin/ceramide metabolism and in turn severely represses Daphnia maturation and initial brood production. In conclusion, toxicants can perturb lipid allocation and in turn impair development and reproduction.

Efficient Photocatalytic Bilirubin Removal over the Biocompatible Core/Shell P25/g-C3N4 Heterojunctions with Metal-free Exposed Surfaces under Moderate Green Light Irradiation

Highly-monodispersed g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ hybrids with a core/shell structure were synthesized from a simple room temperature impregnation method, in which g-C₃N₄ was coated through self-assembly on the commercially available Degussa P25 TiO₂ nanoparticles. Structural and surface characterizations showed that the presence of g-C₃N₄ notably affected the light absorption characteristics of TiO₂. The g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ heterojunctions with metal-free exposed surfaces were directly used as biocompatible photocatalysts for simulated jaundice phototherapy under low-power green-light irradiation. The photocatalytic activity and stability of g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ were enhanced relative to pure P25 or g-C₃N₄, which could be ascribed to the effective Z-scheme separation of photo-induced charge carriers in g-C₃N₄/TiO₂ heterojunction. The photoactivity was maximized in the 4 wt.% g-C₃N₄-coated P25, as the bilirubin removal rate under green light irradiation was more than 5-fold higher than that under the clinically-used blue light without any photocatalyst. This study approves the future applications of the photocatalyst-assisted bilirubin removal in jaundice treatment under moderate green light which is more tolerable by humans.

Geniposide demonstrates anti-inflammatory and antiviral activity against pandemic A/Jiangsu/1/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus infection in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Influenza A viruses (IAVs) have been a great threat to human health for centuries, without effective control. Geniposide, a main iridoid glycoside compound extracted from Gardenia jasminoides Ellis fruit, possesses various biological activities including anti-inflammation and anti-virus.

METHODS

Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells were infected with pandemic A/Jiangsu/1/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus in vitro. Cytotoxicity and antiviral activity of geniposide were estimated by MTT assay. The influenza respiratory tract infection murine model was established by intranasal instillation of pandemic A/Jiangsu/1/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus. One day after infection, the mice were administered with geniposide (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg/day) or the neuraminidase inhibitor (NAI) peramivir (30 mg/kg/day). Body weight, survival time, viral titre and lung index of the mice were measured. The sandwich enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine levels of inflammatory cytokines.

RESULTS

The data showed that geniposide had little cytotoxicity on MDCK cells and protected them from pandemic A/Jiangsu/1/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus-induced cell injury. In the infected mice, geniposide treatment significantly restored the body weights, decreased the mortality, alleviated viral titres and virus-induced lung lesions. Geniposide substantially inhibited the virus-induced alveolar wall changes, alveolar haemorrhage and neutrophil-infiltration in lung tissues. Levels of inflammatory mediators, including tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-4, IL-6 and IL-10 were also markedly altered after treatment with geniposide.

CONCLUSIONS

Our investigation suggested that geniposide effectively inhibited cell damage mediated by pandemic A/Jiangsu/1/2009 (H1N1) influenza virus and mitigated virus-induced acute inflammation.

RNA Sequencing Reveals Age and Species Differences of Constitutive Androstane Receptor-Targeted Drug-Processing Genes in the Liver

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR/Nr1i3) is an important xenobiotic-sensing nuclear receptor that is highly expressed in the liver and is well known to have species differences. During development, age-specific activation of CAR may lead to modified pharmacokinetics and toxicokinetics of drugs and environmental chemicals, leading to higher risks for adverse drug reactions in newborns and children. The goal of this study was to systematically investigate the age- and species-specific regulation of various drug-processing genes (DPGs) after neonatal or adult CAR activation in the livers of wild-type, CAR-null, and humanized CAR transgenic mice. At either 5 or 60 days of age, the three genotypes of mice were administered a species-appropriate CAR ligand or vehicle once daily for 4 days (i.p.). The majority of DPGs were differentially regulated by age and/or CAR activation. Thirty-six DPGs were commonly upregulated by CAR activation regardless of age or species of CAR. Although the cumulative mRNAs of uptake transporters were not readily altered by CAR, the cumulative phase I and phase II enzymes as well as efflux transporters were all increased after CAR activation in both species. In general, mouse CAR activation produced comparable or even greater fold increases of many DPGs in newborns than in adults; conversely, humanized CAR activation produced weaker induction in newborns than in adults. Western blotting and enzyme activity assays confirmed the age and species specificities of selected CAR-targeted DPGs. In conclusion, this study systematically compared the effect of age and species of CAR proteins on the regulation of DPGs in the liver and demonstrated that the regulation of xenobiotic biotransformation by CAR is profoundly modified by age and species.

Ethnomedicine for neonatal jaundice: A cross-sectional survey in Qom, Iran

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Medicine (TM) is popularly used for neonatal jaundice in Iran.

OBJECTIVE

to provides evidence for characteristics of traditional medicine use in the treatment of neonatal jaundice in Qom, Iran.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Field surveys were carried out during July 2015 - August 2015 in Qom through structured questionnaire in Persian from 212 parents of children with neonatal jaundice. All plant species recorded for the treatment of neonatal jaundice were sampled. Samples were identified by a botanist and obtained a voucher specimens number and deposited in the Shiraz School of Pharmacy Herbarium. The information such as scientific name, family, local name, parts used and preparation method were provided. The Use Value (UV), Frequency of Citation (FC), Relative Frequency of Citation (RFC) and Relative Family Importance Value (FIV) are also calculated.

RESULTS

In total, 165 (78%) of participants reported the use of traditional methods for their neonates. The use of herbal remedies was the most popular form of these traditional interventions. A total of 8 plant species belonging to 7 families were identified. Cotoneaster nummularioides Pojark. Cichorium intybus L. Alhagi maurorum Medik. Descurainia sophia (L.) Webb ex Prantl were most frequent herbs used by neonates and their feeding mother to treat jaundice. Manna was the most popular plant part and distillation and soaking were most frequent preparation methods in these patients. The use of TM in these patients is associated with their previous experience on TM use and their view on its potential risk.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provided information on the prevalence, associated factors and characteristics of traditional medicine use along with ethnomedicinal knowledge from Qom in Iran on neonatal jaundice.

Insight into the metabolic mechanism of scoparone on biomarkers for inhibiting Yanghuang syndrome

Scoparone (6,7-dimethoxycoumarin) is the representative ingredient of Yinchenhao (Artemisia capillaris Thunb.) which is a famous Chinese medicinal herb and shows favorable efficacy for all kinds of liver disease, specifically for the treatment of Yanghuang syndrome (YHS). The precise molecular mechanism concerning the action of scoparone on YHS is yet to be fully elucidated. The aim of the present study was to determine the mechanism of scoparone and evaluate its efficacy on metabolite levels. The differential expression of metabolites responsible for the pharmacological effects of scoparone was characterized and the protection effect of scoparone against this disease. Using multivariate statistical analysis, 33 biomarkers were identified using precise MS/MS and play an important role in the regulation of key metabolic pathways associated with liver disease. In addition, pathological results also showed consistent changes in the YHS model group and after treatment with scoparone, both the metabolic profile and histopathology resembled that of normal level, which suggesting favorable efficacy over the observed time period. The present work indicated that a metabolomics platform provided a new insight into understanding the mechanisms of action of natural medicines such as scoparone.

Nuclear Receptors as Therapeutic Targets in Liver Disease: Are We There Yet?

Nuclear receptors (NR) are ligand-modulated transcription factors that play diverse roles in cell differentiation, development, proliferation, and metabolism and are associated with numerous liver pathologies such as cancer, steatosis, inflammation, fibrosis, cholestasis, and xenobiotic/drug-induced liver injury. The network of target proteins associated with NRs is extremely complex, comprising coregulators, small noncoding microRNAs, and long noncoding RNAs. The importance of NRs as targets of liver disease is exemplified by the number of NR ligands that are currently used in the clinics or in clinical trials with promising results. Understanding the regulation by NR during pathophysiological conditions, and identifying ligands for orphan NR, points to a potential therapeutic approach for patients with liver diseases. An overview of complex NR metabolic networks and their pharmacological implications in liver disease is presented here.

Dimethylesculetin ameliorates maternal glucose intolerance and fetal overgrowth in high-fat diet-fed pregnant mice via constitutive androstane receptor

The constitutive androstane receptor (CAR) has been reported to decrease insulin resistance along with obesity. 6,7-dimethylesculetin (DE) is an active component of Yin Zhi Huang which is a traditional Asian medicine used to treat neonatal jaundice via CAR. In this study, we examined whether DE could affect the expression of gluconeogenic and lipogenic genes via human CAR pathway using human HepG2 cells in vitro. We also studied whether DE treatment during pregnancy could prevent maternal hypertension, glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia, and fetal overgrowth in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced obese pregnant mice. Dimethylesculetin suppressed the mRNA expression of gluconeogenic genes, phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase, and lipogenic genes, sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and enhanced CAR-mediated transcription. Blocking the CAR-mediated pathway abolished the effect of DE in vitro. DE treatment during pregnancy could prevent maternal hypertension, glucose intolerance and hyperlipidemia, and fetal overgrowth in HFD-induced obese pregnant mice in vivo. Our data indicate that DE might be a potential therapeutic agent for obese pregnant patients with insulin resistance through CAR to prevent the perinatal outcomes such as preeclampsia, gestational diabetes, and macrosomia. Further analysis of possible complications and side effects using animal models is required.

Yinzhihuang attenuates ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in rats through upregulation of Mrp2 and Bsep expressions

BACKGROUND

The treatment of intrahepatic cholestasis has been limited, and development of an effective drug is needed. Clinical studies have shown that Yinzhihuang (YZH), a traditional Chinese decoction, enhances bilirubin clearance. The goal of this study was to determine the protective effect of YZH on experimental intrahepatic cholestasis in young rats and to explore its underlying molecular mechanisms.

METHODS

Intrahepatic cholestasis in rats was induced by α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) on days 1 and 8. The rats received YZH, ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA), or vehicle for 9 d and were killed on either day 3 or day 10. Serum biomarkers, liver histology, and the distribution of protein and mRNA expression of Mrp2 and Bsep were analyzed.

RESULTS

YZH treatment resulted in decreased levels of serum biomarkers except γ-glutamyl transpeptidase, attenuated liver histological injuries, increased protein expressions of Mrp2 and Bsep, and upregulated expressions of Mrp2 and Bsep mRNAs. The effects of YZH on serum biomarkers (aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and direct bilirubin), liver histology, and Mrp2 mRNA expressions were significantly greater and earlier than those of UDCA.

CONCLUSION

Our results suggest that YZH has protective effect against ANIT-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in rats, through upregulation of Mrp2 and Bsep expressions.

YiXin-Shu, a ShengMai-San-based traditional Chinese medicine formula, attenuates myocardial ischemia/reperfusion injury by suppressing mitochondrial mediated apoptosis and upregulating liver-X-receptor α

Positive evidence from clinical trials has fueled growing acceptance of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for the treatment of cardiac diseases; however, little is known about the underlying mechanisms. Here, we investigated the nature and underlying mechanisms of the effects of YiXin-Shu (YXS), an antioxidant-enriched TCM formula, on myocardial ischemia/reperfusion (MI/R) injury. YXS pretreatment significantly reduced infarct size and improved viable myocardium metabolism and cardiac function in hypercholesterolemic mice. Mechanistically, YXS attenuated myocardial apoptosis by inhibiting the mitochondrial mediated apoptosis pathway (as reflected by inhibition of mitochondrial swelling, cytochrome c release and caspase-9 activity, and normalization of Bcl-2 and Bax levels) without altering the death receptor and endoplasmic reticulum-stress death pathways. Moreover, YXS reduced oxidative/nitrative stress (as reflected by decreased superoxide and nitrotyrosine content and normalized pro- and anti-oxidant enzyme levels). Interestingly, YXS upregulated endogenous nuclear receptors including LXRα, PPARα, PPARβ and ERα, and in-vivo knockdown of cardiac-specific LXRα significantly blunted the cardio-protective effects of YXS. Collectively, these data show that YXS is effective in mitigating MI/R injury by suppressing mitochondrial mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress and by upregulating LXRα, thereby providing a rationale for future clinical trials and clinical applications.