Rhoifolin Alleviates Alcoholic Liver Disease In Vivo and In Vitro via Inhibition of the TLR4/NF-κB Signaling Pathway

The antioxidant peptides from walnut protein hydrolysates and their protective activity against alcoholic injury

In this study, walnut protein was hydrolyzed, separated by ultrafiltration, purified by RP-HPLC, identified by LC-MS/MS, and screened by molecular docking to finally obtain three novel antioxidant peptides HGEPGQQQR (1189.584 Da), VAPFPEVFGK (1089.586 Da) and HNVADPQR (949.473 Da). These three peptides exhibited excellent cellular antioxidant activity (CAA) with EC50 values of 0.0120 mg mL-1, 0.0068 mg mL-1, and 0.0069 mg mL-1, respectively, which were superior to that of the positive control GSH (EC50: 0.0122 mg mL-1). In the ethanol injury model, three antioxidant peptides enhanced the survival of cells treated with ethanol from 47.36% to 62.69%, 57.06% and 71.64%, respectively. Molecular docking results showed that the three antioxidant peptides could effectively bind to Keap1, CYP2E1 and TLR4 proteins. These results suggested that walnut-derived antioxidant peptides could be potential antioxidants and hepatoprotective agents for application in functional foods.

NF-ĸB axis in diabetic neuropathy, cardiomyopathy and nephropathy: A roadmap from molecular intervention to therapeutic strategies

Diabetes mellitus (DM) is a metabolic illness defined by elevated blood glucose levels, mediating various tissue alterations, including the dysfunction of vital organs. Diabetes mellitus (DM) can lead to many consequences that specifically affect the brain, heart, and kidneys. These issues are known as neuropathy, cardiomyopathy, and nephropathy, respectively. Inflammation is acknowledged as a pivotal biological mechanism that contributes to the development of various diabetes consequences. NF-κB modulates inflammation and the immune system at the cellular level. Its abnormal regulation has been identified in several clinical situations, including cancer, inflammatory bowel illnesses, cardiovascular diseases, and Diabetes Mellitus (DM). The purpose of this review is to evaluate the potential impact of NF-κB on complications associated with DM. Enhanced NF-κB activity promotes inflammation, resulting in cellular harm and compromised organ performance. Phytochemicals, which are therapeutic molecules, can potentially decline the NF-κB level, therefore alleviating inflammation and the progression of problems correlated with DM. More importantly, the regulation of NF-κB can be influenced by various factors, such as TLR4 in DM. Highlighting these factors can facilitate the development of novel therapies in the future.

Butyrate alleviates alcoholic liver disease-associated inflammation through macrophage regulation and polarization via the HDAC1/miR-155 axis

BACKGROUND

We recently found that butyrate could ameliorate inflammation of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) in mice. However, the exact mechanism remains incompletely comprehended. Here, we examined the role of butyrate on ALD-associated inflammation through macrophage (Mψ) regulation and polarization using in vivo and in vitro experiments.

METHODS

For in vivo experiments, C57BL/6J mice were fed modified Lieber-DeCarli liquid diets supplemented with or without ethanol and sodium butyrate (NaB). After 6 weeks of treatment, mice were euthanized and associated indicators were analyzed. For in vitro experiments, lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammatory murine RAW264.7 cells were treated with NaB or miR-155 inhibitor/mimic to verify the anti-inflammatory effect and underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

The administration of NaB alleviated pathological damage and associated inflammation, including LPS, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-6 and IL-1β levels in ALD mice. NaB intervention restored the imbalance of macrophage polarization by inhibiting inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and elevating arginase-1 (Arg-1). Moreover, NaB reduced histone deacetylase-1 (HDAC1), nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), and miR-155 expression in ALD mice, but also increased peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ). Thus, MiR-155 was identified as a strong regulator of ALD. To further penetrate the role of miR-155, LPS-stimulated RAW264.7 cells co-cultured with NaB were treated with the specific inhibitor or mimic. Intriguingly, miR-155 was capable of negatively regulated inflammation with NaB intervention by targeting SOCS1, SHIP1, and IRAK-M genes.

CONCLUSION

Butyrate suppresses the inflammation in mice with ALD by regulating macrophage polarization via the HDAC1/miR-155 axis, which may potentially contribute to the novel therapeutic treatment for the disease.

Melosira nummuloides Ethanol Extract Ameliorates Alcohol-Induced Liver Injury by Affecting Metabolic Pathways

Melosira nummuloides is a microalga with a nutritionally favorable polyunsaturated fatty acid profile. In the present study, M. nummuloides ethanol extract (MNE) was administered to chronic-binge alcohol-fed mice and alcohol-treated HepG2 cells, and its hepatoprotective effects and underlying mechanisms were investigated. MNE administration reduced triglyceride (TG), total cholesterol (T-CHO), and liver injury markers, including aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT), in the serum of chronic-binge alcohol-fed mice. However, MNE administration increased the levels of phosphorylated adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (P-AMPK/AMPK) and PPARα, which was accompanied by a decrease in SREBP-1; this indicates that MNE can inhibit adipogenesis and improve fatty acid oxidation. Moreover, MNE administration upregulated the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including SOD, NAD(P)H quinone dehydrogenase 1, and GPX, and ameliorated alcohol-induced inflammation by repressing the Akt/NFκB/COX-2 pathway. Metabolomic analysis revealed that MNE treatment modulated many lipid metabolites in alcohol-treated HepG2 cells. Our study findings provide evidence for the efficacy and mechanisms of MNE in ameliorating alcohol-induced liver injury.

The Role of Oxidative Stress in Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies

Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) is characterized by the accumulation of lipids in liver cells owing to the metabolism of ethanol. This process leads to a decrease in the NAD+/NADH ratio and the generation of reactive oxygen species. A systematic review and meta-analysis were conducted to investigate the role of oxidative stress in AFLD. A total of 201 eligible manuscripts were included, which revealed that animals with AFLD exhibited elevated expression of CYP2E1, decreased enzymatic activity of antioxidant enzymes, and reduced levels of the transcription factor Nrf2, which plays a pivotal role in the synthesis of antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, animals with AFLD exhibited increased levels of lipid peroxidation markers and carbonylated proteins, collectively contributing to a weakened antioxidant defense and increased oxidative damage. The liver damage in AFLD was supported by significantly higher activity of alanine and aspartate aminotransferase enzymes. Moreover, animals with AFLD had increased levels of triacylglycerol in the serum and liver, likely due to reduced fatty acid metabolism caused by decreased PPAR-α expression, which is responsible for fatty acid oxidation, and increased expression of SREBP-1c, which is involved in fatty acid synthesis. With regard to inflammation, animals with AFLD exhibited elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-a, IL-1β, and IL-6. The heightened oxidative stress, along with inflammation, led to an upregulation of cell death markers, such as caspase-3, and an increased Bax/Bcl-2 ratio. Overall, the findings of the review and meta-analysis indicate that ethanol metabolism reduces important markers of antioxidant defense while increasing inflammatory and apoptotic markers, thereby contributing to the development of AFLD.

Structural characterization and preventive effect on alcoholic gastric mucosa and liver injury of a novel polysaccharide from Dendrobium officinale

In this study, a polysaccharide (DOP) with molecular weight of 8.25 × 105 Da and monosaccharide composition of mannose (Man) and glucose (Glc) at a molar ratio of 4.2: 1 was isolated from Dendrobium officinale. The preventive effect on alcoholic gastric mucosa and liver injury of DOP was also investigated. In vitro data exhibited that the IC50 values of 1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy (DPPH) radical scavenging ability and Fe2+ chelating capacity were 2.762 mg/mL and 6.667 mg/mL, respectively. Both the alcoholic gastric mucosal injury (AGMI) and alcoholic liver injury (ALI) animal models were used to investigate the gastrotrophic and hepatoprotective abilities of DOP. After administration of DOP, both gastric mucosal index (TNF-α, IL-6, PGE2, SOD, and MDA) and hepatic indicators (ALT, AST, SOD and MDA) improved compared to non-DOP groups. Histopathological results displayed that the DOP groups improved gastric epithelial defect and inflammatory cell redness caused by AGMI, and decreased vacuolization, hepatocyte necrosis and fibrosis caused by ALI. The results might be related to adjusting inflammatory factors, eliminating free radicals, and inhibiting lipid peroxidation capacities. These results manifested that DOP may be a therapeutic reagent to attenuate alcohol gastric mucosal and liver injury.

Sirtuin 1 alleviates alcoholic liver disease by inhibiting HMGB1 acetylation and translocation

Background

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) encompasses a spectrum of liver disorders resulting from prolonged alcohol consumption and is influenced by factors such as oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis. High Mobility Group Box 1 (HMGB1) plays a pivotal role in ALD due to its involvement in inflammation and immune responses. Another key factor, Sirtuin 1 (SIRT1), an NAD+-dependent deacetylase, is known for its roles in cellular stress responses and metabolic regulation. Despite individual studies on HMGB1 and SIRT1 in ALD, their specific molecular interactions and combined effects on disease advancement remain incompletely understood.

Methods

Alcohol-induced liver injury (ALI) models were established using HepG2 cells and male C57BL/6 mice. HMGB1 and SIRT1 expressions were assessed at the mRNA and protein levels usingreverse transcription-quantitative polymerase chain reaction, western blot, and immunofluorescence staining. The physical interaction between HMGB1 and SIRT1 was investigated using co-immunoprecipitation and immunofluorescence co-expression analyses. Cellular viability was evaluated using the CCK-8 assay.

Results

In patients with clinical ALI, HMGB1 mRNA levels were elevated, while SIRT1 expression was reduced, indicating a negative correlation between the two. ALI models were successfully established in cells and mice, as evidenced by increased markers of cellular and liver damage. HMGB1 acetylation and translocation were observed in both ALI cells and mouse models. Treatment with the SIRT1 agonist, SRT1720, reversed the upregulation of HMGB1 acetylation, nuclear translocation, and release in the ethyl alcohol (EtOH) group. Furthermore, SIRT1 significantly attenuated ALI. Importantly, in vivo binding was confirmed between SIRT1 and HMGB1.

Conclusions

SIRT1 alleviates HMGB1 acetylation and translocation, thereby ameliorating ALI.

Chemical characterization and metabolic profiling of Xiao-Er-An-Shen Decoction by UPLC-QTOF/MS

Background: Xiao-Er-An-Shen decoction (XEASD), a TCM formula composed of sixteen Chinese medicinal herbs, has been used to alleviate tic disorders (TD) in clinical practice for many years. However, the chemical basis underlying the therapeutic effects of XEASD in the treatment of TD remains unknown. Purpose: The present study aimed to determine the major chemical components of XEASD and its prototype compounds and metabolites in mice biological samples. Methods: The chemical constituents in XEASD were identified using ultra-high Performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF-MS/MS). Following this, XEASD was orally administered to mice, and samples of plasma, urine, feces, bile, and tissue were collected in order to identify effective compounds for the prevention or treatment of TD. Result: Of the total 184 compounds identified to be discriminated in the XEASD, comprising 44 flavonoids, 26 phenylpropanoids, 16 coumarins, 16 triterpenoids, 14 amino acids, 13 organic acids, 13 alkaloids, 13 ketones, 10 cyclic enol ether terpenes, 7 citrullines, 3 steroids, and 5 anthraquinones, and others. Furthermore, we summarized 54 prototype components and 78 metabolic products of XEASD, measured with biological samples, by estimating metabolic principal components, with four prototype compounds detected in plasma, 58 prototypes discriminated in urine, and 40 prototypes identified in feces. These results indicate that the Oroxylin A glucuronide from Citri reticulatae pericarpium (CRP) is a major compound with potential therapeutic effects identified in brain, while operating positive effect in inhibiting oxidative stress in vitro. Conclusion: In summary, our work delineates the chemical basis underlying the complexity of XEASD, providing insights into the therapeutic and metabolic pathways for TD. Various types of chemicals were explored in XEASD, including flavonoids, phenylpropanoids, coumarins, organic acids, triterpenoid saponins, and so on. This study can promote the further pharmacokinetic and pharmacological evaluation of XEASD.

Cytosine-phosphate-guanine oligodeoxynucleotides alleviate radiation-induced kidney injury in cervical cancer by inhibiting DNA damage and oxidative stress through blockade of PARP1/XRCC1 axis

BACKGROUND

Radiotherapy can cause kidney injury in patients with cervical cancer. This study aims to investigate the possible molecular mechanisms by which CpG-ODNs (Cytosine phosphate guanine-oligodeoxynucleotides) regulate the PARP1 (poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1)/XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing 1) signaling axis and its impact on radiation kidney injury (RKI) in cervical cancer radiotherapy.

METHODS

The GSE90627 dataset related to cervical cancer RKI was obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Bioinformatics databases and R software packages were used to analyze the target genes regulated by CpG-ODNs. A mouse model of RKI was established by subjecting C57BL/6JNifdc mice to X-ray irradiation. Serum blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine levels were measured using an automated biochemical analyzer. Renal tissue morphology was observed through HE staining, while TUNEL staining was performed to detect apoptosis in renal tubular cells. ELISA was conducted to measure levels of oxidative stress-related factors in mouse serum and cell supernatant. An in vitro cell model of RKI was established using X-ray irradiation on HK-2 cells for mechanism validation. RT-qPCR was performed to determine the relative expression of PARP1 mRNA. Cell proliferation activity was assessed using the CCK-8 assay, and Caspase 3 activity was measured in HK-2 cells. Immunofluorescence was used to determine γH2AX expression.

RESULTS

Bioinformatics analysis revealed that the downstream targets regulated by CpG-ODNs in cervical cancer RKI were primarily PARP1 and XRCC1. CpG-ODNs may alleviate RKI by inhibiting DNA damage and oxidative stress levels. This resulted in significantly decreased levels of BUN and creatinine in RKI mice, as well as reduced renal tubular and glomerular damage, lower apoptosis rate, decreased DNA damage index (8-OHdG), and increased levels of antioxidant factors associated with oxidative stress (SOD, CAT, GSH, GPx). Among the CpG-ODNs, CpG-ODN2006 had a more pronounced effect. CpG-ODNs mediated the inhibition of PARP1, thereby suppressing DNA damage and oxidative stress response in vitro in HK-2 cells. Additionally, PARP1 promoted the formation of the PARP1 and XRCC1 complex by recruiting XRCC1, which in turn facilitated DNA damage and oxidative stress response in renal tubular cells. Overexpression of either PARP1 or XRCC1 reversed the inhibitory effects of CpG-ODN2006 on DNA damage and oxidative stress in the HK-2 cell model and RKI mouse model.

CONCLUSION

CpG-ODNs may mitigate cervical cancer RKI by blocking the activation of the PARP1/XRCC1 signaling axis, inhibiting DNA damage and oxidative stress response in renal tubule epithelial cells.

Exocarpium Citri Grandis alleviates the aggravation of NAFLD by mitigating lipid accumulation and iron metabolism disorders

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Exocarpium Citri grandis (ECG, Huajuhong in Chinese), the epicarp of C. grandis 'Tomentosa', has been used for hundreds of years as an anti-inflammatory, expectorant, hypoglycemic, and lipid-lowering medication in China. Nevertheless, there have been few papers that have explored the mechanism behind ECG's hypolipidemic characteristics from the perspective of treating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD).

AIM OF STUDY

The purpose of our study was to confirm the therapeutic and preventative effects of ECG in NAFLD by regulating lipid accumulation and iron metabolism, and to explore the specific mechanism of ECG in enhancing hepatic iron transport and excretion capabilities.

STUDY DESIGN

We constructed a NAFLD model by feeding male C57BL/6 J mice with a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Mice were gavaged with ECG beginning in the seventh week of modeling, and three dosage gradients were established: low dose group (2.5 g/kg/d), medium dose group (5 g/kg/d) y, and high dose group (10 g/kg/d) until the end of model construction in week 12.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We used network pharmacology to analyze the relationship between ECG and NAFLD. In addition, we constructed a nonalcoholic fatty liver disease model by feeding male C57BL/6 J mice a high-fat diet for 12 weeks. Finally, lipid accumulation, iron accumulation, inflammation and oxidative stress were evaluated by serological index detection, histological detection, immunofluorescent and immunohistochemical staining, and western blotting.

RESULTS

Network pharmacology confirmed the treatment effect of ECG in NAFLD. Three active components of ECG, including Naringenin, Naringin and Neohesperidin, were detected by UHPLC-HRMS analysis. The results of serum TC, TG, LDL concentration, HE staining, Oil red staining and Nile red staining demonstrated that ECG could improve lipid metabolism disorders. The results of serum iron concentration, liver tissue iron concentration, iron metabolism-related proteins Ferritin light chain, Ferroportin1, Transferrin receptor, and Transferrin demonstrated that ECG improved the iron transport and storage capacities of hepatic cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Our results demonstrated that ECG relieved liver injury by inhibiting lipid accumulation and iron accumulation in NAFLD.

Rhoifolin protects cecal ligation and puncture induced sepsis mice model by regulating inflammatory pathway

Sepsis is a systemic infection affects several organs, which needs novel therapy for the management of it, thus protective effect of Rhoifolin was estimated against sepsis. Cecal ligation and puncture (CLP) method was used to induce sepsis and thereafter mice were treated with rhoifolin (10 and 20 mg/kg, p.o.) for one week. Food intake and survival rate was determined sepsis mice, moreover liver function test and cytokines was estimated in the serum of sepsis mice. In the lung tissue homogenate, oxidative stress parameters were determined, histopathological analysis was performed in liver and lung tissue of sepsis mice. Food intake and percentage of survival was improved in rhoifolin treated group than sham group. Level of liver function enzyme and cytokine was reduced significantly in the serum of rhoifolin treated sepsis mice. Treatment with rhoifolin ameliorates the altered oxidative stress parameters, and mRNA expression of Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR-4) in lung tissue of sepsis mice. Histopathological changes were also reverse in rhoifolin treated group than sham group of mice. In conclusion, result of report indicates Rhoifolin treatment reduces oxidative stress and inflammation in CLP induced sepsis mice, as it regulates TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.