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Ezhilarasan D, Langeswaran K. Hepatocellular Interactions of Potential Nutraceuticals in the Management of Inflammatory NAFLD. Cell Biochem Funct 2024; 42:e4112. [PMID: 39238138 DOI: 10.1002/cbf.4112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2024] [Revised: 07/17/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/07/2024]
Abstract
Numerous studies highlight the potential of natural antioxidants, such as those found in foods and plants, to prevent or treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Inflammation is a key factor in the progression from high-fat diet-induced NAFLD to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Injured liver cells and immune cells release inflammatory cytokines, activating hepatic stellate cells. These cells acquire a profibrogenic phenotype, leading to extracellular matrix accumulation and fibrosis. Persistent fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis. Fatty infiltration, oxidative stress, and inflammation exacerbate fatty liver diseases. Thus, many plant-derived antioxidants, like silymarin, silibinin, curcumin, resveratrol, berberine, and quercetin, have been extensively studied in experimental models and clinical patients with NAFLD. Experimentally, these compounds have shown beneficial effects in reducing lipid accumulation, oxidative stress, and inflammatory markers by modulating the ERK, NF-κB, AMPKα, and PPARγ pathways. They also help decrease metabolic endotoxemia, intestinal permeability, and gut inflammation. Clinically, silymarin and silibinin have been found to reduce transaminase levels, while resveratrol and curcumin help alleviate inflammation in NAFLD patients. However, these phytocompounds exhibit poor water solubility, leading to low oral bioavailability and hindering their biological efficacy. Additionally, inconclusive clinical results highlight the need for further trials with larger populations, longer durations, and standardized protocols.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Hepatology and Molecular Medicine Lab, Department of Pharmacology, Saveetha Dental College, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences (SIMATS), Chennai, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Kulanthaivel Langeswaran
- Department of Biomedical Science, Science Campus, Alagappa University, Karaikudi, Tamil Nadu, India
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Mohammadian K, Fakhar F, Keramat S, Stanek A. The Role of Antioxidants in the Treatment of Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2024; 13:797. [PMID: 39061866 PMCID: PMC11273623 DOI: 10.3390/antiox13070797] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2024] [Revised: 06/19/2024] [Accepted: 06/27/2024] [Indexed: 07/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global public health problem that causes liver-related morbidity and mortality. It is also an independent risk factor for non-communicable diseases. In 2020, a proposal was made to refer to it as "metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD)", with concise diagnostic criteria. Given its widespread occurrence, its treatment is crucial. Increased levels of oxidative stress cause this disease. This review aims to evaluate various studies on antioxidant therapies for patients with MAFLD. A comprehensive search for relevant research was conducted on the PubMed, SCOPUS, and ScienceDirect databases, resulting in the identification of 87 studies that met the inclusion criteria. In total, 31.1% of human studies used natural antioxidants, 53.3% used synthetic antioxidants, and 15.5% used both natural and synthetic antioxidants. In human-based studies, natural antioxidants showed 100% efficacy in the treatment of MAFLD, while synthetic antioxidants showed effective results in only 91% of the investigations. In animal-based research, natural antioxidants were fully effective in the treatment of MAFLD, while synthetic antioxidants demonstrated effectiveness in only 87.8% of the evaluations. In conclusion, antioxidants in their natural form are more helpful for patients with MAFLD, and preserving the correct balance of pro-oxidants and antioxidants is a useful way to monitor antioxidant treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kiana Mohammadian
- Division of Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348, Iran; (K.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Fatemeh Fakhar
- Division of Hematology and Blood Banking, Department of Medical Laboratory Sciences, School of Paramedical Sciences, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz 71348, Iran; (K.M.); (F.F.)
| | - Shayan Keramat
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy;
- Support Association of Patients of Buerger’s Disease, Buerger’s Disease NGO, Mashhad 9183785195, Iran
| | - Agata Stanek
- VAS-European Independent Foundation in Angiology/Vascular Medicine, Via GB Grassi 74, 20157 Milan, Italy;
- Department and Clinic of Internal Medicine, Angiology, and Physical Medicine, Faculty of Medical Sciences in Zabrze, Medical University of Silesia, 41-902 Bytom, Poland
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Khawaja G, El-Orfali Y. Silibinin's Effects against Methotrexate-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adjuvant-Induced Arthritis Rat Model. Pharmaceuticals (Basel) 2024; 17:431. [PMID: 38675395 PMCID: PMC11054686 DOI: 10.3390/ph17040431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/22/2024] [Revised: 02/26/2024] [Accepted: 03/05/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Methotrexate (MTX) is the first drug of choice to treat several diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis. However, its administration is accompanied by severe side effects, most commonly hepatotoxicity. Hence, alternative therapies with a lower toxicity and fewer side effects are needed. This study aimed to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective effects of silibinin (SIL, natural agent) against MTX-induced hepatotoxicity in an adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat model. Arthritic rats were treated with SIL (100 mg/kg) and/or methotrexate (2 mg/kg). Non-arthritic rats, arthritic untreated rats, and arthritic rats who received the vehicle were followed in parallel. SIL alleviated the systemic consequences of arthritis by restoring lost weight, decreasing the erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and ameliorating joint damage, which was evident both micro- and macroscopically. Additionally, SIL prevented the histopathological alterations in the liver and significantly reduced the liver damage caused by MTX and AIA, as shown by a decrease in the markers of liver damage (ALT and AST). Furthermore, SIL relieved the oxidative stress induced by AIA and MTX in liver tissue by decreasing the lipid peroxidation (MDA) levels and enhancing the antioxidant defense system (GSH levels; catalase and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activities). In conclusion, our results suggest that SIL is a potent antioxidant and hepatoprotective agent in arthritic rats. It markedly attenuated the progression and severity of the arthritic disease and eased the oxidative stress in liver tissue by improving the pro-oxidant/antioxidant balance.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ghada Khawaja
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon;
| | - Youmna El-Orfali
- Department of Biological Sciences, Faculty of Science, Beirut Arab University, Beirut 11-5020, Lebanon;
- Department of Experimental Pathology, Immunology and Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, American University of Beirut, Beirut 11-0236, Lebanon
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Awla NJ, Naqishbandi AM, Baqi Y. Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Silybum marianum Seed Extract Rich in Silydianin and Silychristin in a Rat Model of Metabolic Syndrome. ACS Pharmacol Transl Sci 2023; 6:1715-1723. [PMID: 37974616 PMCID: PMC10644432 DOI: 10.1021/acsptsci.3c00171] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2023] [Revised: 10/06/2023] [Accepted: 10/12/2023] [Indexed: 11/19/2023]
Abstract
Metabolic syndrome (MetS) has become an increasing global health problem, which leads to cardiovascular diseases and type 2 diabetes. Silybum marianum extracts have been reported to possess several biological activities. In this study, an ethyl acetate extract prepared from S. marianum seeds of the Iraqi Kurdistan region was analyzed to identify its chemical constituents. Subsequently, its potential for the prevention and treatment of MetS was studied in a rat model induced by a high-fat/high-fructose diet (HFD/F). Silydianin and silychristin were the most abundant flavonolignan constituents (39.4%) identified in the S. marianum extract (SMEE). HFD/F-induced rats treated with SMEE exhibited preventive effects including reduced serum triglyceride levels (TG), decreased glucose levels in an oral glucose tolerance test (p < 0.001), attenuated weight gain, and reduced blood pressure compared to the untreated control group. Therapeutic application of SMEE after inducing MetS led to lowering of TG (p < 0.001) and glucose levels, in addition to reducing weight gain and normalizing blood pressure (p < 0.005). Thus, S. marianum extract rich in silydianin and silychristin may be useful for preventing and attenuating MetS, and further research and clinical trials are warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naza Jalal Awla
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region 44001, Iraq
| | - Alaadin M. Naqishbandi
- Department
of Pharmaceutical Chemistry and Pharmacognosy, College of Pharmacy, Hawler Medical University, Erbil, Kurdistan Region 44001, Iraq
| | - Younis Baqi
- Department
of Chemistry, Faculty of Science, Sultan
Qaboos University, P.O. Box 36,
Postal Code 123 Muscat, Sultanate of Oman
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Jabbari A, Alani B, Arjmand A, Mazoochi T, Kheiripour N, Ardjmand A. Silymarin pretreatment protects against ethanol-induced memory impairment: Biochemical and histopathological evidence. J Chem Neuroanat 2023; 132:102310. [PMID: 37429530 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchemneu.2023.102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/07/2023] [Indexed: 07/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Ethanol (Eth.) abuse induces memory impairment. Oxidative damage and apoptosis are considered the likely causes of memory impairment. Silymarin (Sil.) is a flavonoid isolated from the plant Silymarin marianum (milk thistle). While studies have reported the neuroprotective effect of Sil. against neurodegenerative processes, the precise mechanism of action of Sil. in Eth.-induced memory impairment remains unclear. METHODS Twenty-eight rats were equally divided into four groups: Control (saline 1 ml/rat); Sil. (200 mg/kg for 30 days); Eth. (2 g/kg/day for 30 days); and Sil. + Eth. Behavioral tests including inhibitory avoidance and open field were used to investigate memory and locomotion. Brain antioxidant parameters, including catalase, superoxide dismutase, total antioxidant capacity and total thiol group, plus oxidative parameters, including malondialdehyde and total oxidant status, followed by hippocampal apoptosis (Bax/Bcl2, cleaved caspase) and histopathological changes were evaluated in the groups. RESULTS While the administration of Eth. impaired memory, Sil. significantly reversed Eth-induced memory deficits. Eth. administration also augmented brain oxidative and hippocampal apoptosis parameters. In contrast, a marked reduction in brain antioxidant and anti-apoptotic parameters was observed in the Eth. group. At the tissue level, hippocampal sections from Eth.-treated animals revealed severe neuronal damage. The administration of Sil. to Eth.-treated rats remarkably alleviated all the said Eth.-induced biochemical and histopathological effects. On the contrary, Sil. alone did not change the behavior and biochemical/molecular parameters. CONCLUSION The memory-enhancing effect of Sil. in Eth.-induced demented rats may be partly mediated by the augmented antioxidant effects and amelioration of apoptotic and histopathological changes.
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Affiliation(s)
- A Jabbari
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - B Alani
- Department of Applied Cell Sciences, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - A Arjmand
- Department of Biology, Faculty of Basic Sciences, University of Guilan, Rasht, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - T Mazoochi
- Gametogenesis Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - N Kheiripour
- Biochemistry and Nutrition Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran
| | - A Ardjmand
- Institute for Basic Sciences, Physiology Research Center, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran; Department of Physiology, School of Medicine, Kashan University of Medical Sciences, Kashan, Islamic Republic of Iran.
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Fang X, Song J, Zhou K, Zi X, Sun B, Bao H, Li L. Molecular Mechanism Pathways of Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Molecules 2023; 28:5645. [PMID: 37570615 PMCID: PMC10419790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its incidence continues to increase each year. Yet, there is still no definitive drug that can stop its development. This review focuses mainly on lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal flora dysbiosis to understand NAFLD's pathogenesis. In this review, we used NCBI's PubMed database for retrieval, integrating in vivo and in vitro experiments to reveal the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on NAFLD. We also reviewed the mechanisms by which the results of these experiments suggest that these compounds can protect the liver from damage by modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, decreasing insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in the liver, and interacting with the intestinal microflora. The natural compounds discussed in these papers target a variety of pathways, such as the AMPK pathway and the TGF-β pathway, and have significant therapeutic effects. This review aims to provide new possible therapeutic lead compounds and references for the development of novel medications and the clinical treatment of NAFLD. It offers fresh perspectives on the development of natural compounds in preventing and treating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (X.F.)
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Gohari Mahmoudabad A, Gheybi F, Mehrabi M, Masoudi A, Mobasher Z, Vahedi H, Gharravi AM, Bitaraf FS, Rezayat Sorkhabadi SM. Synthesis, characterization and hepatoprotective effect of silymarin phytosome nanoparticles on ethanol-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. BIOIMPACTS : BI 2023; 13:301-311. [PMID: 37645028 PMCID: PMC10460772 DOI: 10.34172/bi.2023.24128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/13/2021] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 09/13/2022] [Indexed: 08/31/2023]
Abstract
Introduction Silymarin proved to be a beneficial herbal medicine against many hepatic disorders such as alcoholic liver disease (ALD). However, its application is restricted due to its low bioavailability and consequently decreased efficacy. We herein used a nano-based approach known as "phytosome", to improve silymarin bioavailability and increase its efficacy. Methods Phytosome nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized using thin film hydration method. NPs size, electrical charge, morphology, stability, molecular interaction, entrapment efficiency (EE %) and loading capacity (LC %) were determined. Moreover, in vitro toxicity of NPs was investigated on mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) viability using MTT assay. In vivo experiments were performed using 24 adult rats that were divided into four groups including control, ethanol (EtOH) treatment, silymarin/EtOH treatment and silymarin phytosome/EtOH, with 6 mice in each group. Experimental groups were given 40% EtOH, silymarin (50 mg/kg) and silymarin phytosome (200 mg/kg) through the gastric gavage once a day for 3 weeks. Biochemical parameters, containing ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPx and MDA were measured before and after experiment to investigate the protective effect of silymarin and its phytosomal form. And histopathological examination was done to evaluate pathological changes. Results Silymarin phytosome NPs with the mean size of 100 nm were produced and were well tolerated in cell culture. These NPs showed a considerable protective effect against ALD through inverting the biochemical parameters (ALP, ALT, AST, GGT, GPx) and histopathological alterations. Conclusion Silymarin phytosomal NPs can be used as an efficient treatment for ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Arezoo Gohari Mahmoudabad
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Gheybi
- Department of Medical Biotechnology and Nanotechnology, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Mohsen Mehrabi
- Department of Medical Nanotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Alireza Masoudi
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Zeinab Mobasher
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Hamid Vahedi
- Clinical Research Development Unit, Imam Hossein Hospital, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Anneh Mohammad Gharravi
- Tissue Engineering and Stem Cell Research Center, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Sadat Bitaraf
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, School of Medicine, Shahroud University of Medical Sciences, Shahroud, Iran
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Zhang CY, Liu S, Yang M. Antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents in chronic liver diseases: Molecular mechanisms and therapy. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:180-200. [PMID: 36926234 PMCID: PMC10011909 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i2.180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2022] [Revised: 11/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver disease (CLD) is a continuous process that causes a reduction of liver function lasting more than six months. CLD includes alcoholic liver disease (ALD), non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), chronic viral infection, and autoimmune hepatitis, which can lead to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and cancer. Liver inflammation and oxidative stress are commonly associated with the development and progression of CLD. Molecular signaling pathways such as AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), C-Jun N-terminal kinase, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are implicated in the pathogenesis of CLD. Therefore, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents from natural products are new potent therapies for ALD, NAFLD, and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review, we summarize some powerful products that can be potential applied in all the stages of CLD, from ALD/NAFLD to HCC. The selected agents such as β-sitosterol, curcumin, genistein, and silymarin can regulate the activation of several important molecules, including AMPK, Farnesoid X receptor, nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor-2, PPARs, phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase, and lysyl oxidase-like proteins. In addition, clinical trials are undergoing to evaluate their efficacy and safety.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chun-Ye Zhang
- Christopher S. Bond Life Sciences Center, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
| | - Shuai Liu
- The First Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310006, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ming Yang
- Department of Surgery, University of Missouri, Columbia, MO 65211, United States
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Liava V, Ntatsi G, Karkanis A. Seed Germination of Three Milk Thistle ( Silybum marianum (L.) Gaertn.) Populations of Greek Origin: Temperature, Duration, and Storage Conditions Effects. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1025. [PMID: 36903886 PMCID: PMC10005779 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/30/2023] [Revised: 02/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Milk thistle besides being a highly competitive weed is cultivated as a medicinal plant, and the seeds of which have been clinically utilized in several disorders caused in liver. The present study aims to evaluate the effect of duration and storage conditions, population, and temperature on seed germination. The experiment was conducted in Petri dishes with three replications and three factors: (a) wild populations of milk thistle (Palaionterveno, Mesopotamia, and Spata) originating from Greece, (b) duration and storage conditions (5 months at room temperature, 17 months at room temperature, and 29 months in the freezer at -18 °C), and (c) temperature (5 °C, 10 °C, 15 °C, 20 °C, 25 °C, and 30 °C). All three factors significantly affected germination percentage (GP), mean germination time (MGT), germination index (GI), radicle length (RL), and hypocotyl length (HL) and significant interactions among the treatments were noted. In specific, no seed germination was recorded at 5 °C, while the populations showed higher GP and GI at 20 °C and 25 °C after 5 months of storage. Prolonged storage negatively affected seed germination although, cold storage mitigated this effect. Moreover, higher temperatures reduced MGT and increased RL and HL with the populations reacting differently in storage and temperature regimes. The results of this study should be taken into consideration when proposing the appropriate sowing date and storage conditions of the seeds used as propagation material for crop establishment. Moreover, the effects of low temperatures such as 5 °C or 10 °C on seed germination as well as the high decline rate in germination percentage over time could be utilized in the design of integrated weed management systems thereby indicating the importance of the sowing time and the suitable crop rotation system to weed control.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vasiliki Liava
- Laboratory of Weed Science, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou St., 38446 Volos, Greece
| | - Georgia Ntatsi
- Department of Crop Production, Agricultural University of Athens, 11855 Athens, Greece
| | - Anestis Karkanis
- Laboratory of Weed Science, Department of Agriculture Crop Production and Rural Environment, University of Thessaly, Fytokou St., 38446 Volos, Greece
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Hao S, Ming L, Li Y, Lv H, Li L, Jambal T, Ji R. Modulatory effect of camel milk on intestinal microbiota of mice with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Front Nutr 2022; 9:1072133. [PMID: 36532537 PMCID: PMC9751322 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2022.1072133] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Accepted: 11/17/2022] [Indexed: 08/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a common metabolic disease of life, usually caused by unhealthy diet and lifestyle. Compared to normal individuals, the structure of the intestinal flora of NAFLD patients is altered accordingly. This study investigates the effect of camel milk on the regulation of intestinal flora structure in mice with high-fat diet-induced NAFLD. NAFLD model was established by feeding C57BL/6J mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks, meanwhile camel milk (3.0 g/kg/d), cow milk (3.0 g/kg/d), and silymarin (200 mg/kg/d) were administered by gavage, respectively. Food intake and changes of physiological indexes in mice were observed and recorded. The 16S rRNA gene V3-V4 region was sequenced and the intestinal flora diversity and gene function were predicted in the colon contents of mice from different group. The results showed that camel milk enhanced glucolipid metabolism by downregulate the levels of blood glucose and triglyceride (TG) in serum, reduced lipid accumulation by downregulate the level of TG in the liver and improved liver tissue structure in NAFLD mice (p < 0.05). Meanwhile, camel milk had a positive modulatory effect on the intestinal flora of NAFLD mice, increasing the relative abundance of beneficial bacteria and decreasing the relative abundance of harmful bacteria in the intestinal flora of NAFLD mice, and silymarin had a similar modulatory effect. At the genus level, camel milk increased the relative abundance of Bacteroides, norank_f_Muribaculaceae and Alloprevotella and decreased the relative abundance of Dubosiella and Coriobacteriaceae_UCG-002 (p < 0.05). Camel milk also enhanced Carbohydrate metabolism, Amino acid metabolism, Energy metabolism, Metabolism of cofactors and vitamins and Lipid metabolism in NAFLD mice, thus reducing the degree of hepatic lipid accumulation in NAFLD mice and maintaining the normal structure of the liver. In conclusion, camel milk can improve the structure and diversity of intestinal flora and enhance the levels of substance and energy metabolism in NAFLD mice, which has a positive effect on alleviating NAFLD and improving the structure of intestinal flora.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiqi Hao
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Liang Ming
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Yafei Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Haodi Lv
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Lin Li
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
| | - Tuyatsetseg Jambal
- China-Mongolia Joint Laboratory for Biomacromolecule Research, Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia
| | - Rimutu Ji
- Key Laboratory of Dairy Biotechnology and Engineering, Ministry of Education, Inner Mongolia Agricultural University, Hohhot, China
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The Synergic Effect of a Nutraceutical Supplementation Associated to a Mediterranean Hypocaloric Diet in a Population of Overweight/Obese Adults with NAFLD. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14224750. [PMID: 36432436 PMCID: PMC9694188 DOI: 10.3390/nu14224750] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/17/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Overweight/obesity is often associated with a non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). The study aim was to investigate the effects of a nutraceutical supplementation associated to a Mediterranean-hypocaloric-diet (MHD) on ultrasound-liver-steatosis (ULS) grade improvement in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD. A total of 68 subjects (BMI ≥ 25 kg/m2) with NAFLD were recruited, randomized into 2 groups and treated for 3 months: the Nutraceutical group was treated with MHD plus nutraceutical supplementation (Vitamin E, L-glutathione, silymarin and hepato-active compounds); the Control-group only with a MHD. Anthropometric measurements, body composition, biochemical parameters and Hepatic steatosis index (HSI) were evaluated at baseline and after 3 months; patients with HSI >36 underwent a liver ultrasound to determine liver steatosis grade (3 severe, 2 moderate, 1 mild). In all patients, a significant improvement in nutritional and biochemical parameters was observed after treatment. After treatment, the nutraceutical group showed a significant improvement in hepatic steatosis, either according to ULS-grade (11.1% and 5.6% of patients with mild and moderate liver steatosis, respectively, showed a complete NAFLD regression; 33.3% and 22.2% of patients with moderate and severe liver steatosis, respectively showed a regression to mild liver steatosis), or according to HSI (49.3 ± 10.1 vs. 43.3 ± 9.0, p = 0.01), suggesting that a healthy diet is still the best choice, although the use of specific supplements can enhance the efficacy of dietary intervention in overweight/obese patients with NAFLD.
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12
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Mechanistic Insights into the Pharmacological Significance of Silymarin. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27165327. [PMID: 36014565 PMCID: PMC9414257 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27165327] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2022] [Revised: 08/17/2022] [Accepted: 08/18/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Medicinal plants are considered the reservoir of diverse therapeutic agents and have been traditionally employed worldwide to heal various ailments for several decades. Silymarin is a plant-derived mixture of polyphenolic flavonoids originating from the fruits and akenes of Silybum marianum and contains three flavonolignans, silibinins (silybins), silychristin and silydianin, along with taxifolin. Silybins are the major constituents in silymarin with almost 70–80% abundance and are accountable for most of the observed therapeutic activity. Silymarin has also been acknowledged from the ancient period and is utilized in European and Asian systems of traditional medicine for treating various liver disorders. The contemporary literature reveals that silymarin is employed significantly as a neuroprotective, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antioxidant, anti-cancer, anti-diabetic, anti-viral, anti-hypertensive, immunomodulator, anti-inflammatory, photoprotective and detoxification agent by targeting various cellular and molecular pathways, including MAPK, mTOR, β-catenin and Akt, different receptors and growth factors, as well as inhibiting numerous enzymes and the gene expression of several apoptotic proteins and inflammatory cytokines. Therefore, the current review aims to recapitulate and update the existing knowledge regarding the pharmacological potential of silymarin as evidenced by vast cellular, animal, and clinical studies, with a particular emphasis on its mechanisms of action.
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Chrysin Attenuates Fructose-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver in Rats via Antioxidant and Anti-Inflammatory Effects: The Role of Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2/Angiotensin (1-7)/Mas Receptor Axis. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9479456. [PMID: 35720181 PMCID: PMC9200559 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9479456] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/04/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Aim Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome, and if untreated, it may propagate into end-stage liver disease. The classical arm of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) has a fundamental role in triggering oxidative stress and inflammation, which play potential roles in the pathogenesis of NAFLD. However, the nonclassical alternative axis of RAS, angiotensin- (Ang-) converting enzyme 2 (ACE2)/Ang (1-7)/Mas receptor, opposes the actions of the classical arm, mitigates the metabolic dysfunction, and improves hepatic lipid metabolism rendering it a promising protective target against NAFLD. The current study is aimed at investigating the impact of chrysin, a well-known antioxidant flavonoid, on this defensive RAS axis in NAFLD. Methods Rats were randomly distributed and treated daily for eight weeks as follows: the normal control, chrysin control (50 mg/kg, p.o), NAFLD group (received 20% fructose in drinking water), and treated groups (25 and 50 mg/kg chrysin given orally and concomitantly with fructose). Diminazene aceturate (DIZE) (15 mg/kg, s.c.) was used as a reference ACE2 activator. Key Findings. High fructose induced significant weight gain, hepatocyte degeneration with fat accumulation, and inflammatory cell infiltration (as examined by H&E staining). This was accompanied by a substantial increase in liver enzymes, glucose, circulating and hepatic triglycerides, lipid peroxides, inflammatory cytokines, and Ang II (the main component of classical RAS). At the same time, protein levels of ACE2, Ang (1-7), and Mas receptors were markedly reduced. Chrysin (25 and 50 mg/kg) significantly ameliorated these abnormalities, with a prominent effect of the dose of 50 mg/kg over DIZE and the lower dose in improving ACE2, Ang (1-7), and Mas. Significance. Chrysin is a promising efficient protective remedy against NAFLD; mechanisms include the activation of ACE2/Ang (1-7)/Mas axis.
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Aslam A, Sheikh N, Shahzad M, Saeed G, Fatima N, Akhtar T. Quercetin ameliorates thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis and oxidative stress by antagonizing the Hedgehog signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2022; 123:1356-1365. [PMID: 35696520 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.30296] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/31/2022] [Revised: 04/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/10/2022]
Abstract
The Hedgehog (Hh) pathway has emerged as a potential target for effectual hepatic repair based on convincing clinical and preclinical evidence that proves its significance in regulating hepatic damage. The purpose of this study is to probe the effect of quercetin on liver fibrosis through the modulation of the Hh pathway. Healthy male Wistar rats were divided into four groups (n = 10). The control group was treated with saline, rats in the remaining three groups received twice a week intoxication with intraperitoneal injections of thioacetamide (200 mg/kg) for the induction of hepatic fibrosis for 6 weeks. After 28 days of quercetin and silymarin treatment, histological changes, serum biochemical index, antioxidant enzyme activity, key mediators of Hh pathway and inflammation were analyzed. Serological analysis showed statistically improved cholesterol, H.D.L-Cholesterol, and L.D.L-Cholesterol in the treatment groups. Superoxide dismutase and glutathione levels were found to be increased after the treatment with quercetin and silymarin. mRNA expression of important mediators of the Hh signaling, and inflammation including Shh, Ihh, Ptch-1, Smo, Hhip, Gli-3, TNF-α, NFκ-β, and Socs-3 were significantly downregulated after the use of quercetin and silymarin. Quercetin also minimized the thioacetamide-induced histopathological changes, as confirmed by a lower degree of hepatic lobule degeneration, the intralobular occurrence of inflammatory cells, and a lower degree of hepatocytic necrosis. Sudan Black B staining showed remarked lipids improvements in the treatment groups. Taken together, these findings demonstrate that quercetin could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis by antagonizing the hedgehog pathway and also suggest the hedgehog pathway as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Andleeb Aslam
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Nadeem Sheikh
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Muhammad Shahzad
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Ghazala Saeed
- Cell and Molecular Biology Lab, Institute of Zoology, University of the Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Naz Fatima
- Department of Zoology, University of Central Punjab, Lahore, Pakistan
| | - Tasleem Akhtar
- Department of Pharmacology, University of Health Sciences, Lahore, Pakistan
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A Molecular Insight into the Role of Antioxidants in Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Diseases. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9233650. [PMID: 35602098 PMCID: PMC9117022 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9233650] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) defines fat accumulation in the liver, and it is commonly associated with metabolic syndromes like diabetes and obesity. Progressive NAFLD leads to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and ultimately causes cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and NASH is currently a frequent cause of liver transplantation. Oxidative stress is often contributed to the progression of NAFLD, and hence, antioxidants such as silymarin, silybin, or silibinin, pentoxifylline, resveratrol, and vitamins A, C, and E are used in clinical trials against NAFLD. Silymarin induces the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor α (PPARα), a fatty acid sensor, which promotes the transcription of genes that are required for the enzymes involved in lipid oxidation in hepatocytes. Silybin inhibits sterol regulatory element-binding protein 1 and carbohydrate response element-binding protein to downregulate the expression of genes responsible for de novo lipogenesis by activating AMP-activated protein kinase phosphorylation. Pentoxifylline inhibits TNF-α expression and endoplasmic reticulum stress-mediated inflammatory nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) activation. Thus, it prevents NAFLD to NASH progression. Resveratrol inhibits methylation at Nrf-2 promoters and NF-κB activity via SIRT1 activation in NAFLD conditions. However, clinically, resveratrol has not shown promising beneficial effects. Vitamin C is beneficial in NAFLD patients. Vitamin E is not effectively regressing hepatic fibrosis. Hence, its combination with antifibrotic agents is used as an adjuvant to produce a synergistic antifibrotic effect. However, to date, none of these antioxidants have been used as a definite therapeutic agent in NAFLD patients. Further, these antioxidants should be studied in NAFLD patients with larger populations and multiple endpoints in the future.
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Doostkam A, Fathalipour M, Anbardar MH, Purkhosrow A, Mirkhani H. Therapeutic Effects of Milk Thistle ( Silybum marianum L.) and Artichoke ( Cynara scolymus L.) on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Type 2 Diabetic Rats. Can J Gastroenterol Hepatol 2022; 2022:2868904. [PMID: 35186807 PMCID: PMC8856812 DOI: 10.1155/2022/2868904] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2021] [Revised: 01/19/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND At present, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) does not have an approved pharmacologic therapy. The present study investigated the protective effects and possible mechanisms of milk thistle (Silybum marianum L.) and artichoke (Cynara scolymus L.) in treating NAFLD in type 2 diabetic rats. METHODS The NAFLD was established in rats after four weeks of type 2 diabetes induction. The animals were treated with pharmaceutical preparations of milk thistle (Livergol®) and artichoke (Atheromod-B®) extracts for eight weeks. After the end of the intervention, oral glucose tolerance, the serum parameters of oxidative stress, liver functional tests, and lipid profiles were evaluated. Histopathological changes were assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining. RESULTS Treatment with preparations of milk thistle and artichoke nonsignificantly improved glucose tolerance in diabetic rats. Both preparations significantly improved serum superoxide dismutase activity and the level of malondialdehyde. Although treatment with milk thistle reduced serum activity of aspartate aminotransferase and serum levels of triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol, and low-density lipoprotein-cholesterol, artichoke extracts only attenuated the serum level of TG. Milk thistle also effectively protected the liver from histological changes. CONCLUSIONS Milk thistle could be a promising pharmacological option for the treatment of NAFLD. Nonetheless, long-term randomized clinical trials are necessary to confirm the observed results.
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Affiliation(s)
- Aida Doostkam
- Shiraz Nephro-Urology Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Mohammad Fathalipour
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Hormozgan University of Medical Sciences, Bandar Abbas, Iran
| | | | - Azar Purkhosrow
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
| | - Hossein Mirkhani
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
- Medicinal and Natural Products Chemistry Research Center, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran
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Mengesha T, Gnanasekaran N, Mehare T. Correction to: Hepatoprotective effect of silymarin on fructose induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease in male albino wistar rats. BMC Complement Med Ther 2021; 21:140. [PMID: 33980244 PMCID: PMC8114524 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-021-03313-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Tewodros Mengesha
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia.
| | - Natesan Gnanasekaran
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, School of Medicine, College of Health Sciences, Addis Ababa University, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
| | - Tsegaye Mehare
- Department of Biomedical Science, College of Medicine and Health Science, Dilla University, Dilla, Ethiopia
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