Modulatory Effect of Methanol Extract of Piper guineense in CCl₄-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Male Rats

BrdU does not induce hepatocellular damage in experimental Wistar rats

Bromodeoxyuridine (BrdU) is used in studies related to cell proliferation and neurogenesis. The multiple intraperitoneal injections of this molecule could favor liver function profile changes. In this study, we evaluate the systemic and hepatocellular impact of BrdU in male adult Wistar rats in 30 %-partial hepatectomy (PHx) model. The rats received BrdU 50 mg/Kg by intraperitoneal injection at 0.5, 1, 2, 3, 6, 9 and 16 days after 30 %-PH. The rats were distributed into four groups as follows, control, sham, PHx/BrdU(-) and PHx/BrdU(+). On day 16, we evaluated hepatocellular nuclei and analyzed histopathological features by haematoxylin-eosin stain and apoptotic profile was qualified by caspase-3 presence. The systemic effect was evaluated by liver markers such as alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), alkaline phosphatase (AP), bilirubin, total proteins and serum albumin content. The statistical analysis consisted of a student t-test and one-way ANOVA. BrdU did not induce apoptosis or hepatocellular damage in male rats. Multiple administrations of BrdU in male rats did not induce significant decrease body weight, but increased serum ALT and LDH levels were found. Our results show that the BrdU does not produce hepatocellular damage.

The use of black pepper (Piper guineense) as an ecofriendly antimicrobial agent to fight foodborne microorganisms

Consumers demand clean-label food products, necessitating the search for new, natural antimicrobials to meet this demand while ensuring food safety. This review aimed at investigating the antimicrobial properties of black pepper (Piper guineense) against foodborne microorganisms. The existence of foodborne illness, food spoilage, food waste, the resulting negative economic impact of these issues, and consumer interests have all pushed the food industry to find alternative, safe, and natural antimicrobials to be used in foods and beverages. Consumers have also influenced the demand for novel antimicrobials due to the perceived association of current synthetic preservatives with diseases and adverse effects on children. They also have a desire for clean-label products. These combined concerns have prompted researchers at investigating plant extracts as potential sources for antimicrobials. Plants possess many antimicrobial properties; therefore, evaluating these plant extracts as a natural source of antimicrobials can lead to a preventative control method in reducing foodborne illness and food spoilage, inclusively meeting consumer needs. In most regions, P. guineense is commonly utilized due to its potent and effective medicinal properties against foodborne microorganisms.

Biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats

Background

The fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense are commonly used as spices. Due to their wide use in nutrition and traditional medicine, there is need to examine the biochemical and histological effects of ethanolic extracts of fruits of Xylopia aethiopica and seeds and leaves of Piper guineense on liver and kidney function in male albino rats. The test animals (groups 2, 3 and 4) received 100 mg/kg each of the corresponding extract for 21 days. Group 1 served as normal control and received a placebo of normal saline. The animals were later fasted overnight, sacrificed and their blood collected through cardiac puncture for biochemical indices.

Results

AST activity decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 2 compared to the normal control; ALP decreased significantly (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3; while ALT increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 4. The concentrations of urea and potassium showed significant decrease (p < 0.05) in animals of group 3. Creatinine increased significantly (p < 0.05) in group 2. Concentrations of total protein, albumin, globulin, sodium and chlorides in the test animals did not show any significant alteration. WBC count increased significantly (p < 0.05) in rats of group 3 and non-significantly (p > 0.05) in groups 2 and 4. PCV increased significantly in rats of group 4 and non-significantly in groups 2 and 3. RBC count and Hb levels increased non-significantly (p > 0.05) in all the test groups compared to group 1. The histoarchitectural states of the liver and kidneys showed no apparent alteration by the different extracts.

Conclusion

The extracts have no apparent toxic effect on the liver and kidneys of the experimental rats, although fruits’ extract of Xylopia aethiopica showed possibility of exhibiting mild liver toxicity.

Caspase-3-related apoptosis prevents pathological regeneration in a living liver donor rat model

PURPOSE

The main goal of this study was to determine the relationship of cleaved-caspase-3 (C3)-related apoptosis and hepatic proliferation, during the liver repopulation in a living liver donor rat model.

MATERIAL/METHODS

Thirty-three animals were randomized into eleven groups and evaluated on postoperative from 3 ​h until 384 ​h after 30%-partial hepatectomy (30%-PHx). Liver sections (5 ​μm) were processed by hematoxylin-eosin, and immunostaining for C3, accompanied by hepatic function test. C3 content and the hepatic lobule enlargement were analyzed by optical density, followed by cell counting.

RESULTS

Transient variations of alanine transferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) were found. Significant increase in the C3 levels, and cell nuclei number, were detected at 12 ​h and 48 ​h after 30%-PHx, evidencing a correlation of p ​= ​-0.3679.

CONCLUSION

In the 30%-PHx rat model, C3-related apoptosis prevents proliferative pathological conditions during the hepatic lobule re-modeling.

Therapeutic potential of a novel combination of Curcumin with Sulfamethoxazole against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in Swiss albino mice

BACKGROUND

In the current study, we have investigated the effect of each of curcumin (CUR) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) either separate or mixed together (CUR + SMX) on biochemical, hematological and histological alternations associated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

RESULTS

CCl_4, caused changes of several biomarkers, proving its hepatotoxic effects, such as an increase in aminotransferases liver enzymes alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT, AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) formation, with a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSSG), total antioxidant capacity (TAO), glutathione (GSH), total protein, and albumin, compared to a negative control mice group. Compared to the CCl₄ group of mice, the CUR and SMX separate and/or together (CUR + SMX) treatments showed significance in (p < 0.001), ameliorated liver injury (characterized by an elevation of (ALT, AST) and a decrease (p < 0.001) in serum albumin and total protein), antioxidant (characterized by a decrease in (p < 0.001) MDA, NO; an increase (p < 0.001) SOD, GSSG, TAO; and reducing GSH), hematological changes (characterized by a decrease (p < 0.001) in white blood cells count and an increase (p < 0.001) in platelets count, hematocrit levels, hemoglobin concentration, and (p < 0.05) red blood cells count), SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with a decrease in protein synthesis and changes in histological examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

CUR and SMX either separate or together (SUR + SMX) may be considered promising candidates in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.

Therapeutic potential of a novel combination of Curcumin with Sulfamethoxazole against carbon tetrachloride-induced acute liver injury in Swiss albino mice

BACKGROUND

In the current study, we have investigated the effect of each of curcumin (CUR) and sulfamethoxazole (SMX) either separate or mixed together (CUR + SMX) on biochemical, hematological and histological alternations associated with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

RESULTS

CCl_4, caused changes of several biomarkers, proving its hepatotoxic effects, such as an increase in aminotransferases liver enzymes alanine and aspartate transaminases (ALT, AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), and nitric oxide (NO) formation, with a decrease in superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione reductase (GSSG), total antioxidant capacity (TAO), glutathione (GSH), total protein, and albumin, compared to a negative control mice group. Compared to the CCl₄ group of mice, the CUR and SMX separate and/or together (CUR + SMX) treatments showed significance in (p < 0.001), ameliorated liver injury (characterized by an elevation of (ALT, AST) and a decrease (p < 0.001) in serum albumin and total protein), antioxidant (characterized by a decrease in (p < 0.001) MDA, NO; an increase (p < 0.001) SOD, GSSG, TAO; and reducing GSH), hematological changes (characterized by a decrease (p < 0.001) in white blood cells count and an increase (p < 0.001) in platelets count, hematocrit levels, hemoglobin concentration, and (p < 0.05) red blood cells count), SDS-PAGE electrophoresis with a decrease in protein synthesis and changes in histological examinations.

CONCLUSIONS

CUR and SMX either separate or together (SUR + SMX) may be considered promising candidates in the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.

Anticonvulsant Essential Oils and Their Relationship with Oxidative Stress in Epilepsy

Epilepsy is a most disabling neurological disorder affecting all age groups. Among the various mechanisms that may result in epilepsy, neuronal hyperexcitability and oxidative injury produced by an excessive formation of free radicals may play a role in the development of this pathology. Therefore, new treatment approaches are needed to address resistant conditions that do not respond fully to current antiepileptic drugs. This paper reviews studies on the anticonvulsant activities of essential oils and their chemical constituents. Data from studies published from January 2011 to December 2018 was selected from the PubMed database for examination. The bioactivity of 19 essential oils and 16 constituents is described. Apiaceae and Lamiaceae were the most promising botanical families due to the largest number of reports about plant species from these families that produce anticonvulsant essential oils. Among the evaluated compounds, β-caryophyllene, borneol, eugenol and nerolidol were the constituents that presented antioxidant properties related to anticonvulsant action. These data show the potential of these natural products as health promoting agents and use against various types of seizure disorders. Their properties on oxidative stress may contribute to the control of this neurological condition. However, further studies on the toxicological profile and mechanism of action of essential oils are needed.

Mechanistic insights of hepatoprotective effects of curcumin: Therapeutic updates and future prospects

The liver is the most essential organ of the body performing vital functions. Hepatic disorders affect the physiological and biochemical functions of the body. These disorders include hepatitis B, hepatitis C, alcoholic liver disease (ALD), nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver cirrhosis, hepatic failure and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Drugs related hepatotoxicity is one of the major challenges facing by clinicians as it is a leading cause of liver failure. During post-marketing surveillance studies, detection and reporting of drug-induced hepatotoxicity may lead to drug withdrawal or warnings. Several mechanisms are involved in hepatotoxicity such as cell membrane disruption, initiating an immune response, alteration of cellular pathways of drug metabolism, accumulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS), lipid peroxidation and cell death. Curcumin, the active ingredient of turmeric and exhibits therapeutic potential for the treatment of diabetes, cardiovascular disorders and various types of cancers. Curcumin is strong anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects and thus it possesses hepatoprotective properties. Despite its low bioavailability, its hepatoprotective effects have been studied in various protocols of hepatotoxicity including acetaminophen, alcohol, lindane, carbon tetrachloride (CCL₄), diethylnitrosamine and heavy metals induced hepatotoxicities. This report reviews the hepatoprotective effects of curcumin with a focus on its mechanistic insights in various hepatotoxic protocols.