Wild Edible Fruit of Prunus nepalensis Ser. (Steud), a Potential Source of Antioxidants, Ameliorates Iron Overload-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Liver Fibrosis in Mice

Excess iron intake induced liver injury: The role of gut-liver axis and therapeutic potential

Excessive iron intake is detrimental to human health, especially to the liver, which is the main organ for iron storage. Excessive iron intake can lead to liver injury. The gut-liver axis (GLA) refers to the bidirectional relationship between the gut and its microbiota and the liver, which is a combination of signals generated by dietary, genetic and environmental factors. Excessive iron intake disrupts the GLA at multiple interconnected levels, including the gut microbiota, gut barrier function, and the liver's innate immune system. Excessive iron intake induces gut microbiota dysbiosis, destroys gut barriers, promotes liver exposure to gut microbiota and its derived metabolites, and increases the pro-inflammatory environment of the liver. There is increasing evidence that excess iron intake alters the levels of gut microbiota-derived metabolites such as secondary bile acids (BAs), short-chain fatty acids, indoles, and trimethylamine N-oxide, which play an important role in maintaining homeostasis of the GLA. In addition to iron chelators, antioxidants, and anti-inflammatory agents currently used in iron overload therapy, gut barrier intervention may be a potential target for iron overload therapy. In this paper, we review the relationship between excess iron intake and chronic liver diseases, the regulation of iron homeostasis by the GLA, and focus on the effects of excess iron intake on the GLA. It has been suggested that probiotics, fecal microbiota transfer, farnesoid X receptor agonists, and microRNA may be potential therapeutic targets for iron overload-induced liver injury by protecting gut barrier function.

Sonneratia apetala (Buch.-Ham.) Fruit Extracts Ameliorate Iron Overload and Iron-Induced Oxidative Stress in Mice

Iron overload results in oxidative damage to various biomolecules including DNA, proteins and lipids which ultimately leads to cell death. The Sonneratia apetala fruit contains a high content of antioxidants and displays several bioactive properties. Therefore, the powder of the S. apetala fruit was successively fractionated into n-hexane (Hex), chloroform (Chl), and methanol (Met) fractions to evaluate their efficiency in ameliorating iron overload. In vitro, a colorimetric method was used to assess the Fe-chelating activity of the fractions using ferrozine. The fractions were also used in vivo to examine their efficacy in ameliorating iron overload and iron-induced oxidative stress in mice induced by intraperitoneal injection of ferric carboxymaltose at 100 mg/kg body weight (bw). Among the fractions, Met showed the highest Fe-chelation ability with an inhibitory concentration 50 of 165 μg/mL followed by Hex (270 μg/mL), and Chl (418 μg/mL). In vivo, the results showed a significantly (P<0.05) lower iron profile (iron and ferritin concentrations in serum and liver tissue and total iron-binding capacity of serum) in the Met and the Hex treated mice groups than in the iron-overloaded group. Met at 1,000 μg/kg bw completely ameliorated iron overload in the blood and the liver tissue of mice. At this concentration, Met also prevented iron-induced oxidative stress in the liver tissue of iron-overloaded mice by restoring reducing power, total antioxidant capacity, and total protein. Thus, the S. apetala fruit, especially its Met fraction can be used in treating iron overload and associated toxicity.

Extraction and characterisation of pigment from Yanzhiguo [Prunus napaulensis (Ser.) Steud.]

Yanzhiguo [Prunus napaulensis (Ser.) Steud] belongs to Rosaceae family and is consumed as wild fruit, pulp and juice. However, its potential for extracting natural pigment has not yet been explored. Herein, the components in the fresh Yanzhiguo pulp were preliminarily analyzed by liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. And, the optimal pre-treatment conditions were established for further extraction of Yanzhiguo pigment based on the a* value. Then, by combining the data from single-factor experiments and response surface methodology, the optimal extraction process was established as: 35% EtOH, a liquid-solid ratio of 200:1 mL g-1, an extraction time of 65 min, and an extraction temperature of 100 °C. Moreover, it was found that the a* value and yield had high fitness except when extracted into ethanol (EtOH) with different concentrations. Meanwhile, our result demonstrated Yanzhiguo pigment had high stability in general environments with carmine (a synthetic pigment) as control, except for extreme environments such as direct (hot) sunlight, high temperature (75 °C) and strong alkaline (pH ≥ 11). Also, Yanzhiguo pigment exhibited good antioxidant activity. Our results contribute to more information on Yanzhiguo pigment and promote its application by providing efficient extraction technology.

Antioxidant and Lipid-Lowering Effects of Buriti Oil (Mauritia flexuosa L.) Administered to Iron-Overloaded Rats

The indiscriminate use of oral ferrous sulfate (FeSO4) doses induces significant oxidative damage to health. However, carotene-rich foods such as buriti oil can help the endogenous antioxidant defense and still maintain other body functions. This study aimed to assess the effects of buriti oil intake in iron-overloaded rats by FeSO4 administration. Buriti oil has β-carotene (787.05 mg/kg), α-tocopherol (689.02 mg/kg), and a predominance of monounsaturated fatty acids (91.30 g/100 g). Wistar rats (n = 32) were subdivided into two control groups that were fed a diet containing either soybean or buriti oil; and two groups which received a high daily oral dose of FeSO4 (60 mg/kg body weight) and fed a diet containing either soybean (SFe) or buriti oil (Bfe). The somatic and hematological parameters, serum lipids, superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) were determined after 17 days of iron overload. Somatic parameters were similar among groups. BFe showed a decrease in low-density lipoprotein (38.43%) and hemoglobin (7.51%); an increase in monocytes (50.98%), SOD activity in serum (87.16%), and liver (645.50%) hepatic GPx (1017.82%); and maintained serum GPx compared to SFe. Buriti oil showed systemic and hepatic antioxidant protection in iron-overloaded rats, which may be related to its high carotenoid, tocopherol, and fatty acid profile.

Identifying the potential role of curcumin analogues as anti-breast cancer agents; an in silico approach

Background

Breast cancer ranks top among newly reported cancer cases and most of the women suffers from breast cancer. Development of target therapy using phytochemicals with minimal side effects is trending in health care research. Phytochemicals targets complex multiple signalling events in cancer and are pleiotropic in nature. Thus, the present study was conducted to check the effectivity of curcumin analogues (Capsaicin, Chlorogenic acid, Ferulic acid, Zingerone, Gingerol) against the receptors that are expressed in breast cancer cells and prove its ethno-medicinal value by using bioinformatic tools and softwares like PDB, Patch Dock, PubChem, Chimera and My Presto.

Result

Out of the various curcumin analogues studied, Ferulic acid showed best binding affinity with all the breast cancer cell specific receptors (FGF, MMP9, RNRM1, TGF-beta, DHFR, VEGF and aromatase) which was confirmed through the docking studies.

Conclusion

The current work was a preliminary step towards screening suitable drug candidate against breast cancer using in silico methods. This information can be used further to carry out in vivo studies using selected natural analogues of curcumin as a suitable drug candidate against breast cancer saving time and cost.

Texture Characteristics of Sea Buckthorn (Hippophae rhamnoides) Jelly for the Elderly Based on the Gelling Agent

The aim of this study was to identify the nutritional components of sea buckthorn berries and to evaluate the hardness control of the elderly with mastication difficulties using various types and concentrations of gelling agents in the preparation of sea buckthorn jelly. As a result, sea buckthorn berry comprised various bioactive nutrients, including minerals, essential fatty acids, and antioxidative and antidiabetic substances. In addition, jelly added with 3.01% guar gum, 5.74% xanthan gum, and 11.38% locust bean gum had a smooth hardness that could be chewed with the elderly’s tongue. Guar gum at 3.23~6.40%, 6.02~9.90% xanthan gum, and 12.42~27.00% locust bean gum showed soft hardness that can be chewed with gum. These results show that the gelling agent is suitable for the development of food for the elderly that meets Korean Industrial Standards, considering the mastication difficulty and dysphagia in the elderly.

Peroxidase-Mimicking Activity of Biogenic Gold Nanoparticles Produced from Prunus nepalensis Fruit Extract: Characterizations and Application for the Detection of Mycobacterium bovis

In the present study, a facile, eco-friendly, and controlled synthesis of gold nanoparticles (Au NPs) using Prunus nepalensis fruit extract is reported. The biogenically synthesized Au NPs possess ultra-active intrinsic peroxidase-like activity for the oxidation of 3,3',5,5'-tetramethylbenzidine (TMB) in the presence of H2O2. Chemical analysis of the fruit extract demonstrated the presence of various bioactive molecules such as amino acids (l-alanine and aspartic acids), organic acids (benzoic acid and citric acid), sugars (arabinose and glucose), phenolic acid, and bioflavonoids (niacin and myo-inositol), which likely attributed to the formation of stable biogenic Au NPs with excellent peroxidase-mimicking activity. In comparison with the natural horseradish peroxidase (HRP) enzyme, the biogenic Au NPs displayed a 9.64 times higher activity with regard to the reaction velocity at 6% (v/v) H2O2, presenting a higher affinity toward the TMB substrate. The Michaelis-Menten constant (KM) values for the biogenic Au NPs and HRP were found to be 6.9 × 10-2 and 7.9 × 10-2 mM, respectively, at the same concentration of 100 pM. To investigate its applicability for biosensing, a monoclonal antibody specific for Mycobacterium bovis (QUBMA-Bov) was directly conjugated to the surface of the biogenic Au NPs. The obtained results indicate that the biogenic Au NPs-QUBMA-Bov conjugates are capable of detecting M. bovis based on a colorimetric immunosensing method within a lower range of 100 to 102 cfu mL-1 with limits of detection of ∼53 and ∼71 cfu mL-1 in an artificial buffer solution and in a soft cheese spiked sample, respectively. This strategy demonstrates decent specificity in comparison with those of other bacterial and mycobacterial species. Considering these findings together, this study indicates the potential for the development of a cost-effective biosensing platform with high sensitivity and specificity for the detection of M. bovis using antibody-conjugated Au nanozymes.

Role of Flavonoids in the Treatment of Iron Overload

Iron overload, a high risk factor for many diseases, is seen in almost all human chronic and common diseases. Iron chelating agents are often used for treatment but, at present, most of these have a narrow scope of application, obvious side effects, and other disadvantages. Recent studies have shown that flavonoids can affect iron status, reduce iron deposition, and inhibit the lipid peroxidation process caused by iron overload. Therefore, flavonoids with iron chelating and antioxidant activities may become potential complementary therapies. In this study, we not only reviewed the research progress of iron overload and the regulation mechanism of flavonoids, but also studied the structural basis and potential mechanism of their function. In addition, the advantages and disadvantages of flavonoids as plant iron chelating agents are discussed to provide a foundation for the prevention and treatment of iron homeostasis disorders using flavonoids.

Investigations on acute oral toxicity studies of purpurin by application of OECD guideline 423 in rodents

The anticancer, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties of Purpurin were generated from in vitro studies, and no scientific reports were found on its safety and efficacy, related to their in vivo studies; thus, the present study was focused on acute oral toxicity of purpurin in female Wistar rats as per the OECD 423 guidelines. In this study, purpurin was administered at starting dosage of 300 mg/kg followed by 2000 mg/kg, p.o, and animals were observed for toxic signs at 24 h and for the next 14 days to different animal groups. Animals were observed for mortality, behavioral changes, biochemistry, hematological parameters, and histopathological examination after a follow up on the 14th day. The oral lethal dose for mice was greater than 2000 mg/kg, b.wt. in female rats and classified under category 5 as per the acute oral toxicity study. It was found that there were no significant differences in body weight changes, food/water intake, hematology, and clinical biochemistry. The histopathological study directly depicted that there were no pathological changes observed in the vital organs of rats treated with the different dose of Purpurin. The present work advocates that an acute oral administration of Purpurin was found to be a non-toxic and safe drug in the tested experimental conditions.

Management of Iron Overload in Resource Poor Nations: A Systematic Review of Phlebotomy and Natural Chelators

Iron is an essential element and the most abundant trace metal in the body involved in oxygen transport and oxygen sensing, electron transfer, energy metabolism, and DNA synthesis. Excess labile and unchelated iron can catalyze the formation of tissue-damaging radicals and induce oxidative stress. English abstracts were identified in PubMed and Google Scholar using multiple and various search terms based on defined inclusion and exclusion criteria. Full-length articles were selected for systematic review, and secondary and tertiary references were developed. Although bloodletting or phlebotomy remains the gold standard in the management of iron overload, this systematic review is an updated account of the pitfalls of phlebotomy and classical synthetic chelators with scientific justification for the use of natural iron chelators of dietary origin in resource-poor nations.

Natural Products as a Source for Antifibrosis Therapy

Although fibrosis is a final pathological feature of many chronic diseases, few interventions are available that specifically target the pathogenesis of fibrosis. Natural products are becoming increasingly recognized as effective therapies for fibrosis. The highlights of common cellular and molecular mechanisms of fibrosis facilitate the discovery of effective antifibrotic drugs. We describe some new profibrotic mechanisms and corresponding therapeutic targets using natural products. Interleukin, ephrin-B2, Gas6/TAM, Wnt/β-catenin, hedgehog pathway, PPARγ, lysophosphatidic acid, and CTGF are promising therapeutic targets. Natural products can target these mediators and inhibit chronic inflammation, myofibroblast activation, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and extracellular matrix accumulation to alleviate fibrosis. Of note, natural products have the potential to inhibit fibrosis in one organ, simultaneously targeting fibrosis in multiple other organs, which provides us new strategies to find antifibrotic drugs.

An ellagic acid isolated from Clerodendrum viscosum leaves ameliorates iron-overload induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice through inhibition of oxidative stress and the apoptotic pathway

Iron is a vital element required for normal cellular physiology in animal systems, but excess iron accumulation in the biological system accelerates oxidative stress, cellular toxicity, tissue injury and organ fibrosis, which ultimately leads to the generation of chronic liver diseases including cancer. A natural antioxidant, ellagic acid (EA) has been previously reported for its pharmacological properties; however, there is no significant evidence available that could illustrate its protective potential against iron-overload induced hepatotoxicity. In the present work, EA was evaluated for its in vitro free radical scavenging and iron chelation potentials. Further, EA was tested in vivo for its protective activity against iron overload-induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice by evaluating liver iron content, reactive oxygen species (ROS), liver antioxidant enzymes, serum marker levels, liver damage and fibrosis, histopathological study and finally western blotting analysis. EA treatment significantly decreased liver iron and serum ferritin levels. Elevated ROS levels, decreased antioxidant parameters and elevated serum markers were normalized upon treatment with EA. Cellular morphology, iron -overload and liver fibrosis were found to be effectively ameliorated. Finally, the protective effect of EA against iron overload-induced apoptosis was confirmed by western blotting when its treatment upregulated the expressions of caspase-3 and poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) proteins. EA revealed hepatoprotective activity against iron overload-induced toxicity through scavenging free radicals, inhibiting excess ROS production, normalizing liver damage parameters and upregulating caspase-3, PARP expression. Collectively, our findings support the possible use of the natural antioxidant EA as a promising candidate against iron-overloaded diseases.

A natural antioxidant, tannic acid mitigates iron-overload induced hepatotoxicity in Swiss albino mice through ROS regulation

Tannic acid (TA), a water soluble natural polyphenol with 8 gallic acids groups, is abundantly present in various medicinal plants. Previously TA has been investigated for its antimicrobial and antifungal properties. Being a large polyphenol, TA chelates more than 1 metal. Hence TA has been explored for potent antioxidant activities against reactive oxygen species (ROS), reactive nitrogen species (RNS) and as iron chelator in vitro thereby mitigating iron-overload induced hepatotoxicity in vivo. Iron dextran was injected intraperitoneally in Swiss albino mice to induce iron-overload triggered hepatotoxicity, followed by oral administration of TA for remediation. After treatment, liver, spleen, and blood samples were processed from sacrificed animals. The liver iron, serum ferritin, serum markers, ROS, liver antioxidant status, and liver damage parameters were assessed, followed by histopathology and protein expression studies. Our results show that TA is a prominent ROS and RNS scavenger as well as iron chelator in vitro. It also reversed the ROS levels in vivo and restricted the liver damage parameters as compared to the standard drug, desirox. Moreover, this natural polyphenol exclusively ameliorates the histopathological and fibrotic changes in liver sections reducing the iron-overload, along with chelation of liver iron and normalization of serum ferritin. The protective role of TA against iron-overload induced apoptosis in liver was further supported by changed levels of caspase 3, PARP as well as Bax/BCl-2 ratio. Thus, TA can be envisaged as a better orally administrable iron chelator to reduce iron-overload induced hepatotoxicity through ROS regulation.

Tucum-do-Cerrado (Bactris setosa Mart.) May Promote Anti-Aging Effect by Upregulating SIRT1-Nrf2 Pathway and Attenuating Oxidative Stress and Inflammation

Aging may be related to oxidative damage accumulation and a low-grade inflammation, both responses are modulated by iron and phytochemicals. This study investigated the effect of tucum-do-cerrado (Bactris setosa Mart.) consumption on the expression of sirtuins (SIRT 1 and 3) and senescence marker protein-30 (SMP30), and on the redox and inflammatory responses, in adult rats supplemented or not with dietary iron. Male Wistar rats were treated for 12 weeks with: control diet (CT); iron enriched-diet (+Fe); control diet + 15% tucum-do-cerrado (Tuc); or iron enriched-diet + 15% tucum-do-cerrado (Tuc + Fe). Iron supplementation (+Fe) increased liver, spleen and intestine iron levels, transferrin saturation, serum iron, serum TNF-α and IL-6 levels, hepatic carbonyl content and and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, hepatic Nrf2 protein and Nqo1 mRNA levels and decreased the renal Sirt1 mRNA levels in relation to CT group. Tucum-do-cerrado consumption (Tuc) increased hepatic SOD activity, Nrf2 and SIRT1 mRNA and protein contents, and Nqo1 mRNA levels, while it decreased the renal SOD activity compared with the CT diet. The consumption of tucum-do-cerrado associated with the iron-enriched diet (Tuc + Fe) increased the iron levels in tissues and serum transferrin saturation, compared to the CT diet, while promoting a decrease in hepatic carbonyl and renal malondialdehyde levels, marginally reducing serum IL-6 levels, and increasing hepatic SIRT1 protein content, renal Sirt1 and hepatic Nrf2 mRNA levels, compared to the +Fe group. None of the treatments altered Smp30 mRNA levels. The results suggest that tucum-do-cerrado consumption might promote an anti-aging effect by increasing SIRT1 expression, which may enhance Nrf2 mRNA and protein levels and its downstream pathway, which in turn decrease oxidative damage to proteins and the levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α), induced by iron excess.