Protective effect of galangin in Concanavalin A-induced hepatitis in mice

Galangin Prevents Against Ethanol-Induced Intestinal Barrier Dysfunction and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activation via NF-κB/MAPK Signaling Pathways in Mice and Caco-2 Cells

The potential of natural phytochemicals in addressing ethanol-related public safety concerns has been garnering attention. Galangin, a potent flavonoid renowned for its antioxidative and anti-inflammatory characteristics, is derived from the galanga plant, and propolis is derived from bees. Here, we documented the effects of galangin on ethanol-stimulated intestinal tight junction damage and investigated its potential protective mechanism in both in vivo and in vitro models, which has not been extensively investigated. Our results revealed that galangin efficaciously mitigated ethanol-induced intestine injury and dysfunction of the intestinal barrier. Concurrently, galangin significantly counteracted the ethanol-induced upregulation of NLRP3 inflammasome-associated proteins and activated the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB) signaling pathways in both the mouse colon and Caco-2 cells. Interestingly, similar to galangin, inhibitors of MAPKs and the NF-κB p65 reduced ethanol-induced NLRP3 inflammasome activation and intestinal tight junction damage. To sum up, our results showed that galangin blocks the ethanol-induced perturbation of the intestinal barrier and activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome via the NF-κB/MAPK signaling pathways.

Identification of hepatoprotective traditional Chinese medicines based on the structure–activity relationship, molecular network, and machine learning techniques

The efforts focused on discovering potential hepatoprotective drugs are critical for relieving the burdens caused by liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) is an important resource for discovering hepatoprotective agents. Currently, there are hundreds of hepatoprotective products derived from TCM available in the literature, providing crucial clues to discover novel potential hepatoprotectants from TCMs based on predictive research. In the current study, a large-scale dataset focused on TCM-induced hepatoprotection was established, including 676 hepatoprotective ingredients and 205 hepatoprotective TCMs. Then, a comprehensive analysis based on the structure–activity relationship, molecular network, and machine learning techniques was performed at molecular and holistic TCM levels, respectively. As a result, we developed an in silico model for predicting the hepatoprotective activity of ingredients derived from TCMs, in which the accuracy exceeded 85%. In addition, we originally proposed a material basis and a drug property-based approach to identify potential hepatoprotective TCMs. Consequently, a total of 12 TCMs were predicted to hold potential hepatoprotective activity, nine of which have been proven to be beneficial to the liver in previous publications. The high rate of consistency between our predictive results and the literature reports demonstrated that our methods were technically sound and reliable. In summary, systematical predictive research focused on the hepatoprotection of TCM was conducted in this work, which would not only assist screening of potential hepatoprotectants from TCMs but also provide a novel research mode for discovering the potential activities of TCMs.

Galangin Nanoparticles Protect Acetaminophen-Induced Liver Injury: A Biochemical and Histopathological Approach

One of the main causes of acute liver failure is overdose with acetaminophen. Excessive consumption of acetaminophen leads to the production of NAPQI (N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine) through the activity of the enzyme cytochrome c oxidase. For this purpose, the effect of galangin nanoparticles with antioxidant activities will be evaluated for the treatment of acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity. In this study, after the synthesis of galangin nanoparticles and particle size determination, mice were divided into six groups. Before treatment, a single dose (350 mg/kg) of acetaminophen was administered by gavage in all groups. The activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), as well as biochemical factors FRAP and MDA in serum were measured and a histopathological study was performed. The prepared nanoparticles produced in this research were characterized by the SEM, DLS, and ZETA potential, and the average particle size was obtained in the range of 150 nm. Serum levels of liver enzymes (AST and ALT) in the nanoparticle group decreased significantly compared with the control group ( $P<0.05$ ). In the group without treatment, the activity of aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzymes increased significantly compared with the treatment groups. Also, galangin nanoparticles, at a dose of 20 mg/kg, improve cell damage in hepatocytes and preserve the tissue structure of the liver. Galangin nanoparticles reduce the acetaminophen-induced hepatotoxicity by reducing the number of liver function indices. According to our findings, the liver-protective effects of the nanoparticle may be due to its antioxidant properties.

Hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic and hepatoprotective effects of Alpinia officinarum on nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats

OBJECTIVES

Alpinia officinarum Hance, commonly known as lesser galangal, is a member of the ginger family (Zingiberaceae) traditionally used for many decades to treat inflammation, pain, stomach ache and cold. In the present study, the antidiabetic and hypolipidemic potentials of the hydroalcoholic extract of A. officinarum (AO) were investigated in the nicotinamide/streptozotocin induced type II diabetic rats.

METHODS

Male Wistar rats were divided into following six groups: Group I was normal control rats. Group II: normal diabetic control, Group III: Diabetic rats treated with glibenclamide (0.25 mg/kg), IV, V and VI: Diabetic rats treated with 100, 200 and 500 mg/kg AO hydroalcoholic extract by daily gavage for 28 days, respectively. At the end of treatment, biochemical analysis, histological study, phytochemical analysis and acute toxicity tests were carried out.

RESULTS

The results show significant reduction in blood glucose, serum lipid profiles, and liver enzyme levels in diabetic rats compared with diabetic control in AO treated group.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the present study demonstrated that AO extract had significant (p<0.05) antidiabetic and anti-hyperlipidemia effects in addition to hepatoprotective effect in type II diabetic rats.

Hepatoprotective Effect of Mixture of Dipropyl Polysulfides in Concanavalin A-Induced Hepatitis

The main biologically active components of plants belonging to the genus Allium, responsible for their biological activities, including anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and immunomodulatory, are organosulfur compounds. The aim of this study was to synthetize the mixture of dipropyl polysulfides (DPPS) and to test their biological activity in acute hepatitis. C57BL/6 mice were administered orally with DPPS 6 h before intravenous injection of Concanavalin A (ConA). Liver inflammation, necrosis and hepatocytes apoptosis were determined by histological analyses. Cytokines in liver tissue were determined by ELISA, expression of adhesive molecules and enzymes by RT PCR, while liver mononuclear cells were analyzed by flow cytometry. DPPS pretreatment significantly attenuated liver inflammation and injury, as evidenced by biochemical and histopathological observations. In DPPS-pretreated mice, messenger RNA levels of adhesion molecules and NADPH oxidase complex were significantly reduced, while the expression of SOD enzymes was enhanced. DPPS pretreatment decreased protein level of inflammatory cytokines and increased percentage of T regulatory cells in the livers of ConA mice. DPPS showed hepatoprotective effects in ConA-induced hepatitis, characterized by attenuation of inflammation and affection of Th17/Treg balance in favor of T regulatory cells and implicating potential therapeutic usage of DPPS mixture in inflammatory liver diseases.

Summary of Natural Products Ameliorate Concanavalin A-Induced Liver Injury: Structures, Sources, Pharmacological Effects, and Mechanisms of Action

Liver diseases represent a threat to human health and are a significant cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a progressive and chronic hepatic inflammatory disease, which may lead to severe complications. Concanavalin A (Con A)-induced hepatic injury is regarded as an appropriate experimental model for investigating the pathology and mechanisms involved in liver injury mediated by immune cells as well as T cell-related liver disease. Despite the advances in modern medicine, the only available strategies to treat AIH, include the use of steroids either solely or with immunosuppressant drugs. Unfortunately, this currently available treatment is associated with significant side-effects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for safe and effective drugs to replace and/or supplement those in current use. Natural products have been utilized for treating liver disorders and have become a promising therapy for various liver disorders. In this review, the natural compounds and herbal formulations as well as extracts and/or fractions with protection against liver injury caused by Con A and the underlying possible mechanism(s) of action are reviewed. A total of 53 compounds from different structural classes are discussed and over 97 references are cited. The goal of this review is to attract the interest of pharmacologists, natural product researchers, and synthetic chemists for discovering novel drug candidates for treating immune-mediated liver injury.

Galangin Activates Nrf2 Signaling and Attenuates Oxidative Damage, Inflammation, and Apoptosis in a Rat Model of Cyclophosphamide-Induced Hepatotoxicity

Cyclophosphamide (CP) is a widely used chemotherapeutic agent; however, its clinical application is limited because of its multi-organ toxicity. Galangin (Gal) is a bioactive flavonoid with promising biological activities. This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Gal in CP-induced rats. Rats received Gal (15, 30 and 60 mg/kg/day) for 15 days followed by a single dose of CP at day 16. Cyclophosphamide triggered liver injury characterized by elevated serum transaminases, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), and histopathological manifestations. Increased hepatic reactive oxygen species, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide, and oxidative DNA damage along with declined glutathione and antioxidant enzymes were demonstrated in CP-administered rats. CP provoked hepatic nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB) phosphorylation and increased mRNA abundance of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-1 beta (IL-1β) both expression and serum levels. Gal prevented CP-induced liver injury, boosted antioxidants and suppressed oxidative stress, DNA damage, NF-κB phosphorylation and pro-inflammatory mediators. Gal diminished Bax and caspase-3, and increased B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2) in liver of CP-administered rats. In addition, Gal increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) expression and activated hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling showed by the increase in Nrf2, NAD(P)H: quinone acceptor oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) in CP-administered rats. These findings suggest that Gal prevents CP hepatotoxicity through activation of Nrf2/HO-1 signaling and attenuation of oxidative damage, inflammation and cell death. Therefore, Gal might represent a promising adjuvant therapy to prevent hepatotoxicity in patients on CP treatment.

Protective effect of galangin against dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced ulcerative colitis in Balb/c mice

OBJECTIVE AND DESIGN

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is known to cause chronic inflammation in the digestive tract by the immune malfunction. Herein, we demonstrate the protective effect of galangin (GAL), a phytochemical, on LPS-induced inflammation in cultured mouse macrophages (RAW 264.7) and the treatment of DSS-induced ulcerative colitis in Balb/c mice. However, the anti-inflammatory effect of GAL in DSS-exposed experimental colitis has not been investigated.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We determined the levels of proinflammatory cytokines by ELISA, biochemical analysis using standard protocols and protein expression level of NF-κB signaling pathway and activation of Nrf2 gene pathway were analyzed by western blot analysis in colitis-induced mice.

RESULTS

Our in vitro studies showed that LPS-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells treated with GAL reduced the levels of nitrites, IL-6, and TNF-α in a concentration-dependent manner. The results demonstrated that oral administration of GAL at 20 mg/kg (lower dose) and 40 mg/kg (higher dose) significantly reduced the severity of colitis and mitigated the clinical signs of both macroscopic and microscopic of the disease. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines (TNF-α and IL-6) in colonic tissue and serum were reduced significantly and in GAL + DSS-treated group relative to DSS alone treated group.  Increased levels of anti-inflammatory cytokine (IL-10) was detected in colon tissues in GAL + DSS-treated groups relative to DSS alone treated group. We also observed decreased levels of myeloperoxidase (MPO), nitrites and TBARS with increased SOD in colonic tissue of GAL + DSS group. Besides, GAL + DSS-treated animals significantly suppressed protein expressions of p-NF-κB and p-Ikk-βα, COX-2, iNOS, Nrf2 and increased HO-1 levels in colon tissues by inhibiting inflammation and oxidative stress.

CONCLUSION

Our study highlights the protective effect of galangin as an anti-inflammatory agent against the severe form of colitis in pre-clinical models suggesting its potency for the treatment of IBD in humans.

Discrimination of Two Cultivars of Alpinia Officinarum Hance Using an Electronic Nose and Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry Coupled with Chemometrics

Background: Alpinia officinarum Hance is both an herbal medicine and a condiment, and generally has different cultivars such as Zhutou galangal and Fengwo galangal. The appearance of these A. officinarum cultivars is similar, but their chemical composition and quality are different. It is therefore important to discriminate between different A. officinarum plants to ensure the consistency of the efficacy of the medicine. Therefore, we used an electronic nose (E-nose) to explore the differences in odor information between the two cultivars for fast and robust discrimination. Methods: Odor and volatile components of all A. officinarum samples were detected by the E-nose and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS), respectively. The E-nose sensors and GC-MS data were analyzed respectively by principal component analysis (PCA), the correlation between E-nose sensors and GC-MS data were analyzed by partial least squares (PLS). Results: It was found that Zhutou galangal and Fengwo galangal can be discriminated by combining the E-nose with PCA, and the E-nose sensors S2, S6, S7, S9 were important sensors for distinguishing different cultivars of A. officinarum. A total of 56 volatile components of A. officinarum were identified by the GC-MS analysis, and the composition and content of the volatile components from the two different A. officinarum cultivars were different, in particular the relative contents of 1,8-cineole and α-farnesene. The classification result by PCA analysis based on GC-MS data was consistent with the E-nose results. The PLS analysis demonstrated that the volatile terpene, alcohol and ester components primarily interacted with the sensors S2 and S7, indicating that particular E-nose sensors were highly correlated with some aroma constituents. Conclusions: Combined with advanced chemometrics, the E-nose detection technology can discriminate two cultivars of A. officinarum, with GC-MS providing support to determine the material basis of the E-nose sensors’ response.

Sicyos angulatus ameliorates acute liver injury by inhibiting oxidative stress via upregulation of anti-oxidant enzymes

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to investigate the effect of Sicyos angulatus (SA) ethanolic extracts as antioxidants and potential treatments for liver disease.

METHODS

To establish a mouse model of liver injury, C57BL/6 male mice were injected via the caudal vein with a single dose of concanavalin A (Con A, 15 mg kg^-1). SA extracts were administered once by oral gavage 30 min before Con A injection.

RESULTS

In vitro studies showed that SA decreased tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) production. SA administration reduced plasma alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels, as well as hepatic ROS levels, in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, SA increased the activities of the hepatic antioxidant enzymes superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase in a dose-dependent manner. Furthermore, SA treatment reduced pro-apoptotic protein levels. Con A-mediated cytosolic release of Smac/DIABLO and apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), which are markers of necrosis, were dramatically decreased in HepG2 cells treated with SA.

CONCLUSION

SA ameliorated liver injury and might be a good strategy for the treatment of liver injury.

Sophocarpine Protects Mice from ConA-Induced Hepatitis via Inhibition of the IFN-Gamma/STAT1 Pathway

Sophocarpine is the major pharmacologically active compound of the traditional Chinese herbal medicine Radix Sophorae Subprostratae which has been used in treating hepatitis for years in China. It has been demonstrated that Sophocarpine exerts an activity in immune modulation and significantly decreases the production of inflammatory cytokines. However, the protective effects of Sophocarpine in T cell-dependent immune hepatitis remained unknown. The aim of this study was to determine the protective effects and pharmacological mechanisms of Sophocarpine on Concanavalin A (ConA)-induced hepatitis, an experimental model of T cell-mediated liver injury. BALB/C mice were pretreated with Sophocarpine or Bicyclol for five consecutive days. Thirty minutes after the final administration, the mice were injected with 15 mg⋅kg^-1 of ConA intravenously. The results indicated that pretreatment with Sophocarpine significantly ameliorated liver inflammation and injury as evidenced by both biochemical and histopathological observations. Moreover, in Sophocarpine-pretreated mice, liver messenger RNA expression levels of chemokines and adhesion molecules, such as macrophage inflammatory protein-1α, CXC chemokine ligand 10, and Intercellular adhesion molecule-1, were markedly reduced. Further studies revealed that Sophocarpine significantly downregulated the expression of T-bet via inhibition of signal transducers and activators of transcription1 (STAT1) activation and overexpression of suppressor of cytokine signaling1, inhibiting the activation of Th1 cells and the expression of Interferon-γ (IFN-γ). Altogether, these results suggest new opportunities to use Sophocarpine in the treatment of T cell-mediated liver disease. In summary, Sophocarpine could attenuate ConA-induced liver injury, and the protective effect of Sophocarpine was associated with its inhibition effect of pro-inflammatory cytokines, chemokines, and the IFN-γ/STAT1 signaling pathway.