Hepatoprotective effects of Vaccinium arctostaphylos against CCl4-induced acute liver injury in rats

Is human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived conditioned medium effective against oxidative and inflammatory status in CCl4- induced acute liver injury?

INTRODUCTION

Acute liver injury (ALI) is diagnosed by detection of elevated liver enzymes within six months after liver damage. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have recently been considered a beneficial strategy for treating various diseases due to holding secretory factors. Therapeutic effects of human umbilical cord MSCs-derived conditioned medium (hMSC-CM) were evaluated on CCl₄-induced ALI.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Twenty-four male Wistar rats were divided into groups including N (received saline), ALI (received CCl₄), RPMI (received CCl₄ and RPMI medium), and ALI-CM (received CCl₄ and hMSC-CM) groups. The expression of TNF-α and TGFβ-1 genes was evaluated with qPCR. Hepatic levels of TNF-α and TGF-β were measured by ELISA. Total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant status (TOS), malondialdehyde (MDA), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity, and catalase (CAT) activity were also assayed. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Masson's trichrome, reticulin, and Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) stainings were conducted to evaluate tissue lesions.

RESULTS

CCl₄ increased expression of TNF-α and TGF-1β at both mRNA and protein levels, while hMSC-CM decreased these parameters in the ALI-CM group. TAC levels significantly decreased in the ALI group, and CCl₄ increased TOS and MDA levels compared with the N group. hMSC-CM treatment led to the return of these parameters to their baseline levels. GPx and CAT activity in the ALI group were significantly lower than in the N group and hMSC-CM reduced these parameters to the baseline in the ALI-CM group. hMSC-CM modulated CCl₄-induced tissue lesions.

CONCLUSION

The present study suggests hMSC-CM probably improves CCl₄-induced ALI through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects.

Antioxidant activity and protective effect of propolis against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver and kidney injury by modulation of oxidative parameters

Background and Aim:

Propolis has a protective effect against cellular damage caused by toxic agents such as drugs, metals, xenobiotics, and chemicals. The aim of this study was to investigate the antioxidant activity and the effect of ethanolic extract of propolis on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced oxidative stress on kidney and liver injury in rat.

Materials and Methods:

The study quantified phenol, flavone, and flavonol in propolis and assessed antioxidant activity using 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl, ferric reducing antioxidant power, and molybdate. The investigators used four groups of rats to study the effect of propolis on CCl₄-induced toxicity. Propolis extract was given orally (500 mg/kg) for 12 days, and CCl_{4 (}1 mL/kg) was administered intraperitoneally on day 5 of the experiment. Blood and tissue samples of the liver and kidney were collected on day 13 to measure biochemical and oxidative parameters. The parameters included malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl formation (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH), and ascorbic acid (AA). Biochemical parameters included liver enzymes, blood urea (BU), creatinine, and uric acid (UA).

Results:

CCl₄ decreased antioxidant agents, including CAT, GPx, GSH, and AA in the liver and kidney tissues. The oxidative agents’ levels, including MDA, PCO, and AOPP, increased by CCl₄ compared to the control group. CCl₄ increased liver enzymes, UA, BU, and creatinine in the blood samples. Propolis significantly alleviated liver and kidney function, improved antioxidant parameters, and decreased levels of oxidative agents.

Conclusion:

The data showed for the 1^st time that Moroccan propolis has a protective effect against CCl₄-induced kidney and liver toxicity by maintaining the activity of the antioxidant defense system, which was most likely due to its antioxidant activity.

Protective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats: Study on intestine and liver

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

Nanoparticles could represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases. It has been reported that cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO2 NPs) have potential useful effects. Therefore, we aimed to examine the protective effects of the CeO2 NPs in two models of liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, in rats.

METHODS

In this experimental study, male rats were randomly divided into different experimental groups including: Experiment 1; group1: healthy rats received normal saline, 2: CCl4 group, 3: CCl4 + nanoparticle. Experiment 2; group1: healthy rats received chow diet, 2: NAFLD group, 3: NAFLD + nanoparticle. The oxidative stress markers were determined in the liver and intestine. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA. Histopathological changes of liver and intestine were evaluated by light microspore.

RESULTS

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels significantly decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) were significantly increased in the liver, and intestine of the NAFLD and CCl4 group compared with control rats. However, the use of nanoparticles significantly normalized these markers. The levels of the TNF-α were significantly reduced in the nanoparticle group as compared with NAFLD model and CCl4-treated rats. CeO2 NPs also normalized the liver and intestinal histological changes.

CONCLUSIONS

Our finding revealed that CeO2 NPs has potential protective effects by increasing antioxidant activity, and reducing inflammation.

Favorable effects of Anethum graveolens on liver oxidative stress and cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase levels in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) rat models

Background

High-fat high-cholesterol diet induces a phenotype similar to non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in humans. In NAFLD and NASH, cholesterol and bile acid metabolisms are impaired to accumulate lipids and toxic bile acids along with cholestatic hepatic damage. Recently, the use of herbal-derived cholesterol lowering products has attracted much attention as possible therapeutic strategies for NAFLD. Hence, the aim of this study was to determine the effects of an Anethum graveolens (dill) on liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase and liver fat accumulation in rats.

Method

Thirty-six rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n = 6) and received normal diet (ND) or a mixture of chow diet+2% cholesterol+0.5% cholic acid + 20% corn oil as high cholesterol/fat (HC–HF) diet (NAFLD model). Animals were also treated daily with dill tablet or dill extract (300 mg/kg). At the end of the 30 days experiments, serum and liver lipid profile and liver total antioxidant capacity were determined. Cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase mRNA and protein expression levels were determined in the liver and histopathological changes in liver tissues were analyzed by microscope.

Results

Lipid profiles significantly decreased in dill treated groups (p < 0.05). Liver total antioxidant capacity significantly (p < 0.05) increased and MDA levels markedly (p < 0.05) reduced both in dill tablet and dill extract treated groups (p < 0.05). Both types of treatments caused significant increases in liver cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase gene expression (p < 0.05). Histopathological examinations showed that treatment with dill normalized the hypercholesterolemia-induced changes in liver histology.

Conclusion

Administration of dill significantly reduced liver fat, oxidative stress and increased cholesterol 7 alpha-hydroxylase enzyme at the both mRNA and protein levels. Dill extract was found more effective than its commercially available tablet.

Therapeutic effects of Chlorella vulgaris on carbon tetrachloride induced liver fibrosis by targeting Hippo signaling pathway and AMPK/FOXO1 axis

This study was conducted to present the mechanism of the therapeutic effects of Chlorella vulgaris extract (CV) on the carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver fibrosis model. Primarily, the mechanism of antioxidant effects of CV were investigated via measuring the expression of forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1) and phosphorylated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) as upstream regulators of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT). Subsequently, we investigated the regulatory effect of CV treatment on the yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) as fibrogenic factors. Male Wistar rats received CCl₄ and olive oil solution 1 ml/kg intraperitoneally for 12 weeks, twice weekly. CV 50 and 100 mg/kg were administered on a daily basis by gavage in the last 4 weeks. Ultimately, liver marker enzymes and hepatic hydroxyproline content were measured. The activity of SOD and CAT and the expression of YAP, TAZ, FOXO1, SOD, and CAT were analyzed. Finally, the protein levels of YAP, TAZ, and p-AMPK were detected. CV administration decreased liver marker enzymes and hydroxyproline content significantly. The expression and protein levels of YAP and TAZ reduced by CV treatment. Furthermore, the augmentation of expression and function of CAT and SOD by CV treatment was followed by an increase in the expression of FOXO1 and protein level of p-AMPK. Our data revealed that the stimulation of expression and function of SOD and CAT by CV treatment could be mediated by FOXO1/p-AMPK axis. Moreover, anti-fibrotic effect of CV might be associated with its inhibitory effect on the hepatic expression of YAP and TAZ. Chlorella vulgaris treatment ameliorates liver fibrosis via two cellular mechanisms. A) Likely, Chlorella vulgaris treatment increases gene expression of enzymatic antioxidants superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) via upregulating its upstream regulatory elements i.e. phosphorylated 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) and forkhead box protein O1 (FOXO1). These possible regulatory effects maybe lead to reduce reactive oxygen species level (ROS). B) Chlorella vulgaris treatment decreases hepatic protein level and gene expression of key elements of Hippo signaling pathway i.e. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and Transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif (TAZ). Figure created with BioRender ( https://biorender.com ). ROS: Reactive oxygen species, YAP: Yes-associated protein, TAZ: Transcriptional coactivators with a PDZ-binding motif, FOXO1: Fork head Box O1, AMPK: 5' adenosine monophosphate activated protein kinase, SOD: Superoxide dismutase, CAT: Catalase, P: Phosphate group.

Anethum graveolens L‎. Alleviates Sperm ‎Damage by Limiting Oxidative Stress ‎and Insulin ‎Resistance ‎in ‎Diabetic Rats ‎

Background:

It has been reported that diabetes is associated with sperm ‎damage and infertility.

Objective:

The purpose of this experiment was to survey the effect of Anethum graveolens L. (Dill) powder on sperm profiles, oxidative stress, insulin resistance, and histological changes in male diabetic rats.

Methods:

Male rats were randomly divided into 6 groups (n=7); group 1: normal rats, 2: normal rats + 100mg/kg Dill, 3: normal rats + 300mg/kg Dill, 4: diabetic rats, 5: diabetic rats + 100mg/kg Dill, and 6: diabetic rats + 300mg/kg Dill. After 2 months of treatments, the sperm profile, anti-oxidant activity, superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and malondialdehyde were measured. The histopathology of testis was evaluated. Hormonal changes and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA.

Results:

Total anti-oxidant and SOD activity in diabetic rats significantly decreased, while MDA concentration was significantly increased in the testis and pancreas of diabetic rats compared with control. However, the use of Dill significantly normalized these profiles. The treatment of diabetic rats with Dill changed the sperm parameters. The levels of testosterone, FSH, and LH in diabetic rats were significantly reduced, but the treatment with Dill did not alter the level of these hormones. Dill also significantly normalized testis morphological changes, insulin resistance, and inflammation.

Conclusion:

The use of Dill normalized oxidative stress, inflammation, and insulin resistance in diabetic rats that correlated with sperm profile and testis histological changes. The treatment of diabetic rat models with Dill did not show harmful effects on sperm profiles.

Diagnosis and treatment of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19): Laboratory, PCR, and chest CT imaging findings

Since December 2019, more than 3 million cases of coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) and about 200,000 deaths have been reported worldwide. The outbreak of this novel disease has become a global health emergency and continues to rapidly spread around the world. Based on the clinical data, approved cases are divided into four classes including mild, moderate, severe, and critical. About 5% of cases were considered critically ill and 14% were considered to have the severe classification of the disease. In China, the fatality rate of this infection was about 4%. This review focuses on currently available information on the etiology, clinical symptoms, diagnosis, and mechanism of action of COVID-19. Furthermore, we present an overview of diagnostic approaches and treatment of this disease according to available findings. This review paper will help the physician to diagnose and successfully treat COVID-19.

Anti-inflammatory and antioxidative properties of helicid protect against CCl4 induced acute liver injury in mice

Acute liver injury can be caused by chemicals and can lead to liver failure. We investigated the protective effect of helicid (HEL) on acute liver injury caused by CCl₄ in mice. We found that ALT and AST levels as well as hepatic pathological damage in mice treated with CCl₄ was increased significantly, while the effects were decreased by HEL treatment. HEL treatment increased the activity of T-SOD, GSH and CAT and reduced the level of MDA in CCl₄ treated mice. HEL improved the histopathology of liver caused by CCl₄. HEL also reduced TNF-α, IL-1β and IL- 6 activity caused by CCl₄. We investigated the phosphorylation of p65 and IκB protein and found that HEL can alleviate liver damage via the NF-κB signaling pathway. Our findings indicate that HEL protects against acute liver injury induced by CCl₄. The protective effect of HEL appears to be due to its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory properties through the NF-κB signaling pathway.

The effects of hydroalcoholic extract of Vaccinium arctostaphylos L. on sperm parameters, oxidative injury and apoptotic changes in oxymetholone-induced testicular toxicity in mouse

Anabolic androgenic steroids (AAS) such as oxymetholone (OM) used for athletic enhancement, but increased free radicals damage and changes in hormonal levels, lead to serious and irreversible organ damage. Vaccinium arctostaphylos(V. arctostaphylos( has been demonstrated to have antioxidant and antiinflammatory effects. The aim of present study was to investigate V. arctostaphylos effect on OM-induced oxidative injury in mouse testis and sperm parameters. In this experimental study, 30 BALB/c mice were divided into five groups, including healthy, positive control(5 mg/kg OM) and three treatment groups (100, 200 and 400 mg/kg of V. arctostaphylos extract + 5 mg/kg OM). At the end of the study, serum luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH) and testosterone levels were measured. Testis stereological and sperm parameters were calculated. Antioxidant status was measured using nitric oxide (NO) and FRAP assay, and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Furthermore, the expression of p53, caspase-3, Bax and Bcl-2 was measured. V. arctostaphylos decreased the serum level of testosterone, increased the LH and FSH, and improved the stereological and sperm parameters and down-regulated the p53, caspase-3 and Bax and up-regulated Bcl-2 genes. Furthermore, this dose decreased serum levels of NO and increased testis FRAP and MDA levels in treated groups compared with OM group. V. arctostaphylos extract has protective effects against testicular toxicity caused by OM.

Oxaloacetate Ameliorates Chemical Liver Injury via Oxidative Stress Reduction and Enhancement of Bioenergetic Fluxes

Chemical injury is partly due to free radical lipid peroxidation, which can induce oxidative stress and produce a large number of reactive oxygen species (ROS). Oxaloacetic acid is an important intermediary in the tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA cycle) and participates in metabolism and energy production. In our study, we found that oxaloacetate (OA) effectively alleviated liver injury which was induced by hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) in vitro and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in vivo. OA scavenged ROS, prevented oxidative damage and maintained the normal structure of mitochondria. We further confirmed that OA increased adenosine triphosphate (ATP) by promoting the TCA production cycle and oxidative phosphorylation (OXPHOS). Finally, OA inhibited the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and apoptotic pathways by suppressing tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Our findings reveal a mechanism for OA ameliorating chemical liver injury and suggest a possible implementation for preventing the chemical liver injury.