Ameliorative Effect of Vanillic Acid on Serum Bilirubin, Chronotropic and Dromotropic Properties in the Cholestasis-Induced Model Rats

Integrated microbiome and metabolomic analyses revealed the antifibrotic effect of vanillic acid on thioacetamide-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Vanillic acid (VA) is a natural phenolic acid compound that is widely found in various foods and medicinal plants, with a remarkable antifibrotic effect observed in animal studies, but its exact antifibrotic mechanism remains unclear. Herein, hepatic function, fibrotic index, and histopathological, microbiome, and metabolomic methods were used to investigate the potential mechanisms behind the improvement effect of vanillic acid against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Our results showed that VA reversed TAA-induced liver fibrosis manifested a decrease in collagen fiber deposition, serum transaminase, serum hepatic fibrotic index, and liver inflammation indicator levels. When analyzed, TAA injection mainly increased the abundance of Akkermansia and Roseburia and significantly reduced the abundance of Anaerotruncus. VA reversed these changes back to normal levels to varying degrees. Metabolomic profiling demonstrated that VA treatment was efficacious in modulating several key liver metabolites involved in neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, prolactin signaling pathway, estrogen signaling pathway, and glutathione metabolism. Conclusively, VA may ameliorate liver damage and suppress the fibrogenesis caused by thioacetamide by correcting intestinal microbiota disorders and promoting normal hepatic metabolism. This research provides a novel perspective on vanillic acid as a dietary supplement for hepatic fibrosis improvement.

Growth-stimulating and antioxidant effects of vanillic acid on healthy broiler chickens

Background and Aim

Phytobiotics are a safe alternative to feed antibiotics in industrial poultry farming that increases productivity by stimulating various digestive enzymes to reduce the number of pathogenic microorganisms in the intestines and improve antioxidant status and immune response. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of vanillic acid in its pure form and in combination with gamma lactone on weight growth and the physiological parameters of broiler chickens.

Materials and Methods

The studies were performed on 120 Arbor Acres broiler chickens (7 days old) that were randomly divided into four groups with five replicates (cages) and six birds per replicate. The control group was fed the basal diet (BD) only. Group I was fed the BD + gamma lactone (average dose 0.07 mL/animal/day). Group II was fed the BD + vanillic acid (average dose 0.07 mL/animal/day). Group III was fed the BD + gamma lactone + vanillic acid in a 1:1 ratio (average dose 0.07 mL/body/day). Live weight of broiler chickens for all group was assessed at the end of each period (age of 7, 14, 21, 28, 35, 42 days). At the end of the experiment (on day 42), 10 broilers with an average live weight were selected for blood sampling from the axillary vein.

Results

The results showed a growth-promoting effect of vanillic acid when fed with a diet free of synthetic antioxidants. Groups I and II had increased live weights throughout the entire experiment and a significant increase at the end of the experiment (8.2%-8.5%; p ≤ 0.05) compared to the control group. Toxic effects were not found in the biochemical blood serum analyses of Groups II and III. The metabolic processes in the experimental groups were intensified, especially in the enzyme associated with amino acid metabolism (gamma-glutamyl transferase) in Groups I and III (p ≤ 0.05). Vanillic acid, whether fed alone or in combination with gamma lactone, exhibited high antioxidant activities, protected cells from oxidative damage by inducing total antioxidant, catalase, and superoxide dismutase activities (p ≤ 0.05), and reduced the level of malondialdehyde (p ≤ 0.05) measured. No significant changes in the morphological blood parameters were found.

Conclusion

The use of vanillic acid alone and in combination with gamma lactone increases the digestive enzyme activities in blood plasma, increases body weight, and has a positive effect on lipid metabolism and the antioxidant status of broiler chickens. These findings indicate the significant potential use of vanillic acid and gamma lactone in poultry due to their antioxidant properties.

Plumbagin ameliorates bile duct ligation-induced cholestatic liver injury in rats

Plumbagin, a natural bicyclic naphthoquinone, has diverse pharmacological properties and biological benefits against a number of disorders, including liver disease. Though plumbagin's hepatoprotective potential attracts attention, currently no experimental evidence exists on its effectiveness against cholestatic liver injury. The present study investigated its hepatoprotection in the rat model of extrahepatic cholestasis using Bile Duct Ligation (BDL). We found that daily plumbagin supplementation protected the liver from cholestatic damage. Hepatoprotective actions of plumbagin were accompanied by reduction of Transforming Growth Factor β1 (TGF-β1)/Smad, High Mobility Group Box-1 (HMGB1)/Toll-Like Receptor-4 (TLR4), Hypoxia-Inducible Factor-1α (HIF-1α), Aryl Hydrocarbon Receptor (AhR), Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90), caveolin-1, NF-κB/AP-1, Dynamin Related Protein-1 (Drp1), malondialdehyde level, Interleukin-1β (IL-1β), p62/SQSTM1, and caspase 3 as well as increase of Farnesoid X Receptor (FXR), bile acid efflux transporters, glutathione, LC3-II, Beclin1, and nuclear NF-E2-Related Factor-2 (Nrf2) and Transcription Factor EB (TFEB). The activation of nuclear Nrf2 caused by plumbagin correlated well with the improvement in bile acid retention, liver histology, serum biochemical, ductular reaction, mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and fibrosis, involving interplay of multiple intracellular signaling pathways. Plumbagin is likely a candidate drug to protect the liver from cholestatic damages. Despite the promising findings from this study, translational implication of plumbagin on cholestatic liver injury warrants further investigation.

Isatin Counteracts Diethylnitrosamine/2-Acetylaminofluorene-Induced Hepatocarcinogenesis in Male Wistar Rats by Upregulating Anti-Inflammatory, Antioxidant, and Detoxification Pathways

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents around 85% of all known types of liver cancers and is estimated to be the fifth most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. The current study assessed the preventive efficacy of isatin on diethylnitrosamine (DENA)/2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF)-induced hepatocarcinogenesis in male Wistar rats and investigated the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms. HCC was initiated by intraperitoneal injection of DENA (150 mg/kg/week) for two weeks, followed by oral 2-AAF (20 mg/kg) every other day for three successive weeks. Oral isatin or vehicle (control) was administered at 25 mg/kg for 20 weeks during and following HCC induction. Isatin ameliorated the deleterious effects of DENA/2-AAF on liver function as evidenced by reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, total bilirubin, albumin, and liver tumor biomarkers (CA19.9 and AFP) compared to control DENA/2-AAF-treated rats. Histopathological evaluations demonstrated that isatin-mediated protection against hepatocarcinogenesis was accompanied by a decline in hepatic lipid peroxidation, a marker of oxidative stress, and enhanced antioxidant capacity, as evidenced by increased glutathione and superoxide dismutase expression. Isatin treatment also upregulated expression of the major stress-response transcription factor Nrf2 and the detoxifying enzymes NAD(P)H quinine oxidoreductase and glutathione-S-transferase alpha 2 and downregulated expression of the proliferation marker Ki67. Moreover, isatin significantly reduced the DENA/2-AAF-induced decrease in hepatic expression of anti-apoptotic Bcl2 and the DENA/2-AAF-induced increases in pro-inflammatory and pro-apoptotic factors (TNF-α, NF-κB p50, NF-κB p65, p53, and caspase 3). Thus, it can be concluded that isatin may protect against chemically induced hepatocarcinogenesis by enhancing cellular antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and detoxification mechanisms, in part through upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling pathway.

Pharmacological Evaluation of Novel 1,2,4-triazine Derivatives Containing Thiazole Ring against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Background:

New 6-hydroxy-5-(p-hydroxybenzylidene)-3-phenyl-2- [(5-pchlorophenyl)- 1,3-thiazol-2-yl]-1, 2, 4-triazine derivatives containing a thiazole ring were synthesised as potential antitumor agents.

Methods:

Cytotoxicity of compounds (3) and (4) was evaluated in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cell lines (HepG2); compound (3) showed more cytotoxicity (IC50=9.0μg/ml) than compound (4) (IC50=18.40μg/ml) using doxorubicin as standard. The degree of toxicity of compound (3) was assessed by the LD50 with its anticancer performance by suppressing tumor angiogenesis against diethylnitrosamine (DENA) induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in male rat model.

Results :

Carcinogenic rats showed a significant increase in markers of angiogenesis, tumour growth, and liver function tests and malondialdehyde level coupled with reduced hepatic glutathione level and caspase-3 activity. The distribution of compound (3) to animals after the development of HCC improved biochemical alterations from a DENA chemical carcinogen that is confirmed by hepatic histopathology.

Conclusion:

Compound 3 perhaps utilized as a strong applicant for newly therapeutic protocols against hepatocarcinogenesis by controlling tumor angiogenesis and renovating the activity of hepatic marker enzymes in addition to reversing the oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in corporation with amelioration of histopathology. While the trial supports the use of compound 3 for improved HCC outcome and the toxicity and side effects should be considered.

Vanillic Acid and Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Focus on AMPK in Adipose and Liver Tissues

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a growing health issue around the world, is defined as the presence of steatosis in the liver without any other detectable byproducts such as alcohol consumption which includes a wide spectrum of pathologies, such as steatohepatitis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. A growing body of evidence indicates that the reduction in the 5' adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity, which could be activated by the consumption of the drugs, hormones, cytokines, and dietary restriction, is related to some metabolic disorders such as obesity, diabetes, PCOS, and NAFLD. Vanillic acid (VA), as an anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, anti-angiogenic and anti-metastatic factor, has protective effects on the liver as in two animal models of liver damage. It reduces serum levels of transaminases, inflammatory cytokines, and the accumulation of collagen in the liver and prevents liver fibrosis. Besides, it decreases body and adipose tissue weight in a mice model of obesity and, similar to the liver tissue, diminishes adipogenesis through the activation of AMPK. It has been reported that VA can target almost all of the metabolic abnormalities of NAFLD, such as hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and hepatic injury, at least partially through the activation of AMPK. Therefore, in this review, we will discuss the possible and hypothetical roles of VA in NAFLD, with a special focus on AMPK.

Effect of protocatechuic acid-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles on diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in mice

Researchers investigating cancer chemotherapy and management continue to search for agents that selectively kill malignant cells and leave healthy neighboring cells intact. Natural products provide relevant resources for anti-cancer drug discovery. However, the physicochemical properties of these compounds limit their efficient uptake and bioavailability. We introduced a nanocarrier system, namely, zinc-aluminum-layered double hydroxide (ZnAl-LDH) intercalated with protocatechuic acid. In this study, the efficacy and toxicity of protocatechuic acid intercalated in zinc aluminum-layered double hydroxide nanoparticles (PCA-ZnAl) against diethylnitrosamine/phenobarbital (DEN/PB)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in BALB/c mice was evaluated. HCC in male mice was induced by a single-dose intraperitoneal administration of DEN and was promoted by the introduction of PB via drinking water for 12 weeks. HCC induction was confirmed after the DEN/PB introduction period by measurement of the elevated level of serum α-feto protein (AFP). The results showed that the level of α-fetoprotein was significantly reduced in PCA-ZnAl (350±43.90 ng/mL), doxorubicin (DOX) (290±20.52 ng/mL) and ZnAl-LDH (390±19.65 ng/mL) treated animals compared to HCC mice treated with normal saline (580.4± 52.04 ng/mL). Superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), and glutathione (GSH) levels were significantly increased, whereas the level of lipid peroxidation was significantly decreased in HCC mice treated with DOX, PCA-ZnAl and ZnAl-LDH compared with those in HCC mice treated with saline. Restoration of hepatocyte morphology was observed following treatment that was comparable to that in the normal control group. Deterioration of hepatic cells and a significant increase of aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine transaminase (ALT), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were observed in the cancer-induced untreated group compared with that in the groups treated with nanoparticles. The histopathological features of the liver obtained from PCA-ZnAl-treated mice showed a uniform size with a similar distribution of the nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio and nucleus centrally located in the cytoplasm, similar to the normal liver cells. The results underscored the potential of PCA-ZnAl for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma.

Glechoma hederacea extracts attenuate cholestatic liver injury in a bile duct-ligated rat model

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

In traditional Chinese medicine, Glechoma hederacea is frequently prescribed to patients with cholelithiasis, dropsy, abscess, diabetes, inflammation, and jaundice. Polyphenolic compounds are main bioactive components of Glechoma hederacea.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study was aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective potential of hot water extract of Glechoma hederacea against cholestatic liver injury in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Cholestatic liver injury was produced by ligating common bile ducts in Sprague-Dawley rats. Saline and hot water extract of Glechoma hederacea were orally administrated using gastric gavages. Liver tissues and bloods were collected and subjected to evaluation using histological, molecular, and biochemical approaches.

RESULTS

Using a rat model of cholestasis caused by bile duct ligation (BDL), daily oral administration of Glechoma hederacea hot water extracts showed protective effects against cholestatic liver injury, as evidenced by the improvement of serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrosis. Glechoma hederacea extracts alleviated BDL-induced transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1), connective tissue growth factor, and collagen expression, and the anti-fibrotic effects were accompanied by reductions in α-smooth muscle actin-positive matrix-producing cells and Smad2/3 activity. Glechoma hederacea extracts attenuated BDL-induced inflammatory cell infiltration/accumulation, NF-κB and AP-1 activation, and inflammatory cytokine production. Further studies demonstrated an inhibitory effect of Glechoma hederacea extracts on the axis of high mobility group box-1 (HMGB1)/toll-like receptor-4 (TLR4) intracellular signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

The hepatoprotective, anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic effects of Glechoma hederacea extracts seem to be multifactorial. The beneficial effects of daily Glechoma hederacea extracts supplementation were associated with anti-oxidative, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fibrotic potential, as well as down-regulation of NF-κB, AP-1, and TGF-β/Smad signaling, probably via interference with the HMGB1/TLR4 axis.