Hepatoprotective Effect of Aqueous Extract from the Seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus against Liver Injury in Mice and HepG2 Cells

The Effects of Radix isatidis Raw Material on Egg Quality, Serum Biochemistry, Gut Morphology and Gut Flora

China produces more than 30 million tons of drug residues every year. Therefore, innovative solutions are needed to mitigate environmental damage. Certain plant compounds boost hens' health and performance. Radix isatidis is promising for layer production. This study elucidates the multidimensional impact of Radix isatidis residual material (RIHR) on laying hens, focusing on the egg quality, intestinal health and the microbial landscape. A total of 288 55-week-old Peking powder laying hens with similar laying rates and body weights were randomly divided into four groups, with eight replicates per group and nine hens per replicate. The groups were divided into a control group, an RIHR low-dose group, a medium-dose group and a high-dose group according to a single-factor, completely randomized design. For the three RIHR treatment groups, the added amounts were 5 kg/t, 10 kg/t and 15 kg/t, respectively. Liquid chromatography- mass spectrometry (LC-MS), molecular docking, fluorescence quantitative PCR and other methods were used. The results showed that three main anti-inflammatory and antiviral compounds were identified in RIHR-indirubin (0.21 μg/g), deoxyvasicinone (0.18 μg/g) and epigoitrin (0.39 μg/g). RIHR significantly increased the eggshell thickness, Haugh unit and protein height (p < 0.05). It also had significant antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects on ilea and ceca (p < 0.05). The microbial analysis demonstrated that RIHR supplementation led to a significant reduction in foregut Lactobacillus levels (p < 0.05). In the hindgut, a significant increase in pathogenic bacteria was observed (p < 0.05). The study concludes that RIHR's anti-inflammatory compounds may directly act on the intestinal tract to modulate inflammation, highlighting its potential for targeted interventions in poultry health and nutrition.

Role of oxidative stress in the relationship between periodontitis and systemic diseases

Periodontitis is a common inflammatory disease. It is characterized by destruction of the supporting structures of the teeth and could lead to tooth loss and systemic inflammation. Bacteria in inflamed gingival tissue and virulence factors are capable of entering the bloodstream to induce systemic inflammatory response, thus influencing the pathological process of many diseases, such as cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, as well as liver injury. An increasing body of evidence show the complex interplay between oxidative stress and inflammation in disease pathogenesis. When periodontitis occurs, increased reactive oxygen species accumulation leads to oxidative stress. Oxidative stress contributes to major cellular components damage, including DNA, proteins, and lipids. In this article, the focus will be on oxidative stress in periodontal disease, the relationship between periodontitis and systemic inflammation, and the impact of periodontal therapy on oxidative stress parameters.

Unraveling Large and Polyploidy Genome of the Crucifer Orychophragmus violaceus in China, a Potential Oil Crop

The genus Orychophragmus in the Brassicaceae family includes the types with 2n = 20, 22, 24, and 48. The species O. violaceus (L.) O. E. Schulz has 2n = 24 and is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in China. This review summarizes the research progress of its genome structure and evolution in the context of cytogenetics and genome sequencing. This species has a large genome size of ~1 Gb and longer chromosomes than those of Brassica species, which is attributable to the burst of TE insertions. Even more, one tetraploidization event from about 600-800 million years ago is elucidated to occur during its genome evolution, which is consistent with the polyploidy nature of its genome revealed by the meiotic pairing patterns. Its chromosomes are still characterized by a larger size and deeper staining than those from Brassica species in their intergeneric hybrids, which is likely related to their inherent differences between genome structures and cytology. Its genome is dissected by the development of additional alien lines, and some traits are located on individual chromosomes. Due to the abundant dihydroxy fatty acids in its seed oil with superior lubricant properties and wide environmental adaptations, this plant promises to be utilized as one new oil crop in the future.

Malus toringoides (Rehd.) Hughes Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease with Diabetes via Downregulation of SREBP-1c and the NF-κB Pathway In Vivo and In Vitro

Diabetic patients are more prone to developing nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) compared with healthy people. As a plant homologous to both medicine and food, Malus toringoides (Rehd.) Hughes has been used as an intervention for both NAFLD and diabetes. However, the effect and mechanism of M. toringoides on NAFLD on type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is unclear. The current investigation was designed to evaluate the ameliorative effects and mechanism of M. toringoides ethanol extract (CBTM-E375) on T2DM, and to identify the compounds in these extracts. The effects of CBTM-E375 on T2DM were verified using a high-fat diet-/streptozotocin-induced diabetic rat and free fatty acid (0.5 mM)-induced human hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HepG2) models. The components of CBTM-E375 were identified by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry/mass spectrometry. Our results demonstrate that CBTM-E375 ameliorated lipid accumulation (total cholesterol, triglyceride), oxidative stress (superoxide dismutase, catalase, malondialdehyde, glutathione peroxidase), and inflammation (tumor necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin [IL]-1β, IL-6, C-reactive protein [CRP]) in vivo and in vitro, these effects were associated with a CBTM-E375-mediated downregulation of SREBP-1c (sterol regulatory element binding protein 1c) and the NF-κB (nuclear factor κB) signaling pathway. A total of 20 chemical compounds were identified in CBTM-E375, including phlorizin, isoquercitrin, chlorogenic acid, quercetin, naringenin, and trigonelline, which have been reported to have positive effects on diabetes or on NAFLD.

Epigoitrin alleviates lipid and glucose metabolic disorders induced by a high-fat diet

As living standards improve, obesity has become an increasingly serious health problem. Natural extracts from a wide range of sources are non-toxic and have significant potential as drugs for the prevention and treatment of obesity. We assessed 243 natural small molecules in a HepG2 fat accumulation model and found that epigoitrin (EP) from Radix isatidis reduced intracellular fat deposition, increased short-chain acyl CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) activity, promoted glucose uptake and glycogen storage, increased ATP production and reduced glutathione (GSH) content, reduced reactive oxygen species (ROS), and enhanced superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. In a murine high-fat diet model, the addition of EP to the high-fat diet significantly reduced fat deposition, increased glucose tolerance, improved insulin sensitivity, and increased energy expenditure. In conclusion, EP alleviated obesity caused by a high-fat diet and improved disorders of lipid and glucose metabolism.

Protection of Human Lens Epithelial Cells from Oxidative Stress Damage and Cell Apoptosis by KGF-2 through the Akt/Nrf2/HO-1 Pathway

Oxidative stress exerts a significant influence on the pathogenesis of various cataracts by inducing degradation and aggregation of lens proteins and apoptosis of lens epithelial cells. Keratinocyte growth factor-2 (KGF-2) exerts a favorable cytoprotective effect against oxidative stress in vivo and in vitro. In this work, we investigated the molecular mechanisms of KGF-2 against hydrogen peroxide- (H2O2-) induced oxidative stress and apoptosis in human lens epithelial cells (HLECs) and rat lenses. KGF-2 pretreatment could reduce H2O2-induced cytotoxicity as well as reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation. KGF-2 also increases B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2), quinine oxidoreductase-1 (NQO-1), superoxide dismutase (SOD2), and catalase (CAT) levels while decreasing the expression level of Bcl2-associated X (Bax) and cleaved caspase-3 in H2O2-stimulated HLECs. LY294002, the phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase (PI3K)/Akt inhibitor, abolished KGF-2's effect to some extent, demonstrating that KGF-2 protected HLECs via the PI3K/Akt pathway. On the other hand, KGF-2 activated the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway by regulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. Silencing nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) by targeted-siRNA and inhibiting heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) through zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP) significantly decreased cytoprotection of KGF-2. Furthermore, as revealed by lens organ culture assays, KGF-2 treatment decreased H2O2-induced lens opacity in a concentration-dependent manner. As demonstrated by these data, KGF-2 resisted H2O2-mediated apoptosis and oxidative stress in HLECs through Nrf2/HO-1 and PI3K/Akt pathways, suggesting a potential protective effect against the formation of cataracts.

The Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Paeoniae Radix Alba in Thioacetamide-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats

Aim

Acute liver injury (ALI) can occur for various reasons by induced inflammation and apoptosis of liver cells including hepatocytes, Kupffer cells, and hepatic stellate cells. Thioacetamide (TAA), which is a classic hepatotoxin, causes oxidative stress, membrane damage, and accumulation of lipid droplets and subsequently provokes consecutive liver injury. In the current study, we tested whether Paeoniae Radix Alba (PR) could alleviate TAA-induced ALI.

Methods

Thirty-five male rats were equally separated into five groups. The first group was the normal group, which received distilled water only. The remaining four groups received intraperitoneal TAA (200 mg/kg) for 3 days to induce ALI. The four groups were divided into the control group (no treatment), silymarin-treated, 100 mg/kg PR-treated, and 200 mg/kg PR-treated. The efficacy of PR against hepatotoxicity was evaluated in terms of the serum biochemical index and protein expression associated with inflammation and apoptosis. Moreover, the dissected livers were analyzed by hematoxylin and eosin stain.

Results

PR alleviated liver dysfunction as evidenced by decreased levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and ammonia. Phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and Sirtuin 1 (Sirt1) levels were obviously decreased in the TAA control group, whereas PR reversed these changes. PR also prevented deteriorative effects through inhibition of inflammation and apoptosis via nuclear transcription factor-kappa Bp65 (NF-κBp65) inactivation. Moreover, we found that the hepatoprotective effect of PR pretreatment was mediated by restoration of histopathological changes.

Conclusion

PR efficiently blocked both the inflammatory response and apoptosis through activating the AMPK/Sirt1/NF-κBp65 pathway. Therefore, PR is considered a potential therapeutic agent against ALI.

Pentacyclic spermidine alkaloids with radioprotective and anti-inflammatory activities from Orychophragmus violaceus

Two pairs of novel pentacyclic spermidine alkaloid enantiomers, (±)-orychoviolines A and B ((±)-1 and (±)-2), were isolated from the seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus and represented the first example of a 2-piperidinone-fused hydrodibenzofuran skeleton, constructed from a 6/5/6/6 tetracyclic system and an 18 atomic ring. The most unexpected novelty was the formation of one more piperidinone ring by a connection between C-6 and N-7. Their structures and absolute configurations were determined by spectroscopic analyses, X-ray crystallography, and ECD analysis. Compared to Ex-RAD (sodium salt of 4-carboxystyryl-4-chlorobenzylsulfone), (-)-1 exhibited a significant radioprotective effect on cell survival and DNA damage. (-)-1 also exhibited remarkable anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting the production of NO in RAW 264.7 cells activated by lipopolysaccharide with an IC50 value of 20.3 ± 1.58 μM, which was equivalent to that of dexamethasone.

The potential effect of phytochemicals and herbal plant remedies for treating drug-induced hepatotoxicity: a review

Drug-induced liver injury significantly caused by synthetic drugs, and other xenobiotics contribute to clinical hepatic dysfunction, which has been a substantial challenge for both patients and physicians. Traditional medicines used as an alternative therapy because of their pharmacological benefits, less or no side effects, and enormous availability in nature. Phytochemicals are essential ingredients of plants that reduce necrotic cell death, restore the antioxidant defence mechanism, limit oxidative stress, and prevent the inflammation of tissue and dysfunction of the mitochondria. In this review, we principally focused on the potential effect of the herbal plants and their phytochemicals in treating drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Lignan derivatives and a jasmonic acid derivative from the seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus

A new lignan derivative, 11-deoxykompasinol A (1), together with six known compounds, including five lignan glycosides (2-6) and a jasmonic acid derivative (7), were isolated from the seeds of Orychophragmus violaceus. Structure of the new compound was elucidated on the basis of extensive spectroscopic techniques and ECD (electronic circular dichroism calculations). Since most komasinol derivatives were isolated as racemate, the absolute configuration of this type of compound was reported for the first time. The known compounds were identified by comparison with data reported in the literature. All compounds were tested for their cytotoxic activities against the Hela and HepG2 cell lines in vitro. The new compound 1 exhibited obvious cytotoxicity against the two cell lines with IC₅₀ values of 9.43 and 18.26 μM, respectively. Compounds 2, 5, and 7 were found to possess moderate cytotoxicity against the above cell lines.

UPLC/MS-based untargeted metabolomics reveals the changes of metabolites profile of Salvia miltiorrhiza bunge during Sweating processing

Salvia miltiorrhiza has numerous compounds with extensive clinical application. "Sweating", a processing method of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), results in great changes in pharmacology and pharmacodynamics. Previously, chromatogram of 10 characteristic metabolites in S. miltiorrhiza showed a significant difference after "Sweating". Due to the complexity of TCM, changes in metabolites should be investigated metabolome-wide after "Sweating". An untargeted UPLC/MS-based metabolomics was performed to discover metabolites profile variation of S. miltiorrhiza after "Sweating". Multivariate analysis was conducted to screen differential metabolites. Analysis indicated distinct differences between sweated and non-sweated samples. 10,108 substance peaks had been detected altogether, and 4759 metabolites had been identified from negative and positive ion model. 287 differential metabolites were screened including 112 up-regulated and 175 down-regulated and they belong to lipids and lipid-like molecules, and phenylpropanoid and polyketides. KEGG analysis showed the pathway of linoleic acid metabolism, and glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism were mainly enriched. 31 and 49 identified metabolites were exclusively detected in SSM and NSSM, respectively, which mainly belong to carboxylic acids and derivatives, polyketides and fatty acyls. By mapping tanshinones and salvianolic acids to 4759 identified metabolites library, 23 characteristic metabolites had been identified, among which 11 metabolites changed most. We conclude that "Sweating'' has significant effect on metabolites content and composition of S. miltiorrhiza.

Induction of New Lactam Derivatives From the Endophytic Fungus Aplosporella javeedii Through an OSMAC Approach

Fermentation of the endophytic fungus Aplosporella javeedii on solid rice medium in presence of either 3.5% NaNO3 or 3.5% monosodium glutamate caused a significant change of the fungal metabolite pattern compared to fungal controls grown only on rice. Chemical investigation of the former fungal extracts yielded 11 new lactam derivatives, aplosporellins A-K (2-12), in addition to the known compound, pramanicin A (1). All of these compounds were not detected when the fungus was grown on rice medium without these activators thereby indicating the power of this OSMAC approach. The structures of the new compounds were elucidated by one- and two- dimensional NMR spectroscopy, DFT-NMR calculations and by mass spectrometry as well as by comparison with the literature whereas the absolute configuration of the lactam core was determined by TDDFT-ECD and OR calculations. Pramanicin A (1) showed strong cytotoxicity against human lymphoma (Ramos) and leukemia (Jurkat J16) cells with IC50 values of 4.7 and 4.4 μM, respectively. Mechanistic studies indicated that 1 activates caspase-3 and induces apoptotic cell death.

Antioxidant activities of anastatin A & B derivatives and compound 38c's protective effect in a mouse model of CCl4-induced acute liver injury

Anastatins A and B, two flavonoid compounds isolated from desert plant Anastatica hierochuntica, have protective activities for primary rat hepatocytes. Anastatins A and B, and their derivatives, were synthesized by our group previously. In this study, the antioxidant activity and cytotoxicity of these compounds were studied using chemical assessment methods, cell proliferation inhibition experiments, and cell oxidative damage models. The best compound, 38c, was used to study the hepatoprotection activity and mechanism by using a CCl4-induced liver injury model in mice. The results show that most of these flavonoid compounds have good antioxidant activity and low cytotoxicity in vitro. Among them, the most potent compound was 38c, which exhibited a protective effect on CCl4-induced hepatic injury by suppressing the amount of CYP2E1. These findings indicate that anastatin flavonoid derivatives have potential therapeutic utility against oxidative hepatic injury.

Antifungal polyketide derivatives from the endophytic fungus Aplosporella javeedii

Six new polyketides aplojaveediins A-F (1-6) were isolated from the endophytic fungus Aplosporella javeedii associated with the host plant Orychophragmus violaceus (Brassicaceae). The structures of the new metabolites were elucidated by analysis of their NMR and MS data. Compound 1 exhibited antifungal activity against the hyphae form of Candida albicans strain ATCC 24433 in the agar plate diffusion assay and the microbroth dilution assay. The kinetic of killing of C. albicans cells for compound 1 was considerably faster than that of the positive control hygromycin B. Compounds 1 and 6 also exhibited moderate antibacterial activities against sensitive (ATCC 29213) and drug-resistant (ATCC 700699) strains of Staphylococcus aureus.

Hepatoprotection of Mentha aquatica L., Lavandula dentata L. and Leonurus cardiaca L

The phenolic composition of hydroethanolic extracts of Mentha aquatica L., Lavandula dentata L. and Leonurus cardiaca L., obtained from plants grown under organic cultivation, was determined and their hepatoprotective effects were investigated in vitro. L. cardiaca extract was rich in phenylethenoid glycosides, especially lavandolifolioside (254 ± 36 μg/mg), whereas rosmarinic acid and eriodictyol-O-rutinoside were the major phenolic compounds of L. dentata and M. aquatica extracts, accounting for 68 ± 7 μg/mg and 145 ± 22 μg/mg, respectively. These differential phenolic components presumably account for their dissimilar antioxidant properties. While L. cardiaca extract showed moderate biological effects, M. aquatica extract displayed high antioxidant activity in chemical models, and that of L. dentata was effective in counteracting potassium dichromate-induced ROS generation in human hepatocarcinoma cells. Moreover, M. aquatica extract (50 μg/mL) and its mixture (50%/50%) with L. dentata extract displayed an effective cytoprotective effect.

Redox self-sufficient biocatalyst system for conversion of 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine into (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid

We developed an efficient multi-enzyme cascade reaction to produce (R)- or (S)-3,4-Dihydroxyphenyllactic acid [(R)- or (S)-Danshensu, (R)- or (S)-DSS] from 3,4-Dihydroxyphenyl-L-alanine (L-DOPA) in Escherichia coli by introducing tyrosine aminotransferase (tyrB), glutamate dehydrogenase (cdgdh) and D-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (csldhD) or L-aromatic lactate dehydrogenase (tcldhL). First, the genes in the pathway were overexpressed and fine-tuned for (R)- or (S)-DSS production. The resulting strain, E. coli TGL 2.1 and E. coli TGL 2.2, which overexpressed tyrB with the stronger T7 promoter and cdgdh, csldhD or tcldhL with the weaker Trc promoter, E. coli TGL 2.1 yielded 57% increase in (R)-DSS production: 59.8 ± 2.9 mM. Meanwhile, E. coli TGL 2.2 yielded 54% increase in (S)-DSS production: 52.2 ± 2.4 mM. The optimal concentration of L-glutamate was found to be 20 mM for production of (R)- or (S)-DSS. Finally, L-DOPA were transformed into (R)- or (S)-DSS with an excellent enantiopure form (enantiomeric excess > 99.99%) and productivity of 6.61 mM/h and 4.48 mM/h, respectively.

The protective effect of melatonin on the in vitro development of yak embryos against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury

SummaryMelatonin plays a critical role in several types of cells as an antioxidant to protect intracellular molecules from oxidative stress. The anti-oxidation effect of melatonin in yak embryos is largely unknown. We report that melatonin can protect the development of yak preimplantation embryos against oxidative stress induced by hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). Therefore, the quality of blastocysts developed from zygotes exposed to H2O2 was promoted. In addition, we observed that melatonin reduced H2O2-induced intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels and prevented mitochondrial dysfunction in zygotes. These phenomena revealed the effective antioxidant activity of melatonin to prevent oxidative stress in yak embryos. To determine the underlying mechanism, we further demonstrated that melatonin protected preimplantation embryos from oxidative damage by preserving antioxidative enzymes. Collectively, these results confirmed the anti-oxidation effect of melatonin in yak embryos that significantly improved the quantity and quality of blastocysts in the in vitro production of embryos in yaks.

Rhein from Rheum rhabarbarum Inhibits Hydrogen-Peroxide-Induced Oxidative Stress in Intestinal Epithelial Cells Partly through PI3K/Akt-Mediated Nrf2/HO-1 Pathways

Rheum rhabarbarum has been widely used as a herbal medicine and food in China. The objective of this study was to investigate the cytoprotective action and underlying mechanisms of rhein, one active ingredient isolated from R. rhabarbarum, on H₂O₂-challenged rat small intestine epithelial cells (IEC-6 cells). H₂O₂-challenged IEC-6 cells were incubated in the pretreatment with or without rhein or LY294002, a PI3K/Akt inhibitor. The cell viability, apoptosis, intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and antioxidants were measured. The expressions of heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2), Akt, and p-Akt were evaluated by western blotting. Meanwhile, LY294002 was also used to investigate the role of PI3K/Akt in the rhein-induced cytoprotective role. The results showed that pretreatment of rhein could reverse the inhibition of cell viability and suppress the apoptosis, caspase-3 activity, and intracellular ROS induced by H₂O₂. Rhein also supported SOD activity catalase activity, glutathione S-transferase activity, and glutathione content. Furthermore, rhein induced the protein expression of HO-1 together with its upstream mediator Nrf2 and activated the phosphorylation of Akt in IEC-6 cells. LY294002 inhibited increased cell viability, upregulated the lowered apoptotic rate, and enhanced the weakened ROS levels. Although the inhibition of PI3K/Akt did not inhibit the Nrf2 nuclear level under 4 μM rhein, LY294002 inhibited the Nrf2 nuclear level under 2 μM rhein and blocked HO-1 expression. These data demonstrated that rhein protected IEC-6 cells against oxidative damage partly via PI3K/Akt and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways.

Rhein ameliorates lipopolysaccharide-induced intestinal barrier injury via modulation of Nrf2 and MAPKs

AIMS

In this study, we explored the underlying mechanisms of protective effects of rhein against intestinal barrier injury in a rat model, induced by intraperitoneal injection of lipopolysaccharide (LPS).

MAIN METHODS

Twenty-four male rats were assigned equally to three groups. Rats were given an oral administration of rhein (66.7 mg/kg/day) or not for three continuous days. LPS or saline were injected intraperitoneally in an hour after the last oral administration. The rats were sacrificed at 7 h after LPS or saline administration. Both blood samples and intestinal samples were collected.

KEY FINDINGS

Rhein pretreatment markedly inhibited the levels of serum diamine oxidase (DAO), D-lactate (D-lac) and intestinal histological damage, significantly recovered the levels of intestinal DAO, ZO-1 and occludin. Additionally, rhein suppressed LPS-induced intestinal inflammation and oxidative stress, by decreased serum and intestinal, tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6 and nitric oxide levels, up-regulated intestinal catalase, glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activities and HO-1 expression, and down-regulated malondialdehyde (MDA) level in the small intestine. Finally, rhein inhibited JNK, p38 MAPK phosphorylation and activated Nrf2 pathway.

SIGNIFICANCE

Rhein could exert the anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative effects against LPS-induced intestinal barrier injury by suppressing p38 MAPK and JNK and activating Nrf2 pathway.

Meroterpenoid-Rich Fraction of the Ethanolic Extract from Sargassum serratifolium Suppressed Oxidative Stress Induced by Tert-Butyl Hydroperoxide in HepG2 Cells

Sargassum species have been reported to be a source of phytochemicals, with a wide range of biological activities. In this study, we evaluated the hepatoprotective effect of a meroterpenoid-rich fraction of the ethanolic extract from Sargassum serratifolium (MES) against tert-butyl hydroperoxide (t-BHP)-treated HepG2 cells. Treatment with MES recovered the cell viability from the t-BHP-induced oxidative damage in a dose-dependent manner. It suppressed the reactive oxygen species production, lipid peroxidation, and glutathione depletion in the t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells. The activity of the antioxidants induced by t-BHP, including superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, was reduced by the MES treatment. Moreover, it increased the nuclear translocation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2, leading to the enhanced activity of glutathione S transferase, and the increased production of heme oxygenase-1 and NAD(P)H:quinine oxidoreductase 1 in t-BHP-treated HepG2 cells. These results demonstrate that the antioxidant activity of MES substituted the activity of the SOD and catalase, and induced the production of detoxifying enzymes, indicating that MES might be used as a hepatoprotectant against t-BHP-induced oxidative stress.

Total C-21 steroidal glycosides, isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, attenuate hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative injury and inflammation in L02 cells

Oxidative stress plays an important role in the pathology of liver disorders. Total C-21 steroidal glycosides (TCSGs), isolated from the root tuber of Cynanchum auriculatum Royle ex Wight, have been reported to exert numerous effects, including liver protective and antioxidant effects. In order to investigate the potential mechanisms underlying the protective effects of TCSGs on liver function, the present study used the human normal liver cell line, L02, to evaluate the effects of TCSGs on hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂)-induced oxidative injury and inflammatory responses. The L02 cells were pretreated with various concentrations of TCSGs, followed by exposure to 1.5 mM H₂O₂. Cell viability was determined by a 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-di-phenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay. The levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and nitric oxide (NO) were measured using colorimetric assays. The activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and the production of malondialdehyde (MDA) were also determined. Intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels were detected using a fluorescent probe. H₂O₂-induced oxidative toxicity was attenuated following treatment with TCSGs, as indicated by the increase in cell viability, the decreased levels of ALT, AST, LDH, NO, MDA and ROS, and the increased activities of SOD, CAT and GSH-Px. To further explore the possible mechanisms of action of TCSGs, the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and nuclear factor-κB (NF)-κB pathways were examined. The results revealed that treatment with TCSGs markedly induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation and upregulated the expression of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) in the L02 cells damaged by H₂O₂. In addition, pretreatment with TCSGs inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by blocking the degradation of the inhibitor of nuclear factor κBα (IκBα), thereby reducing the expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB, as well as reducing the expression of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin-6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and cyclooxygenase 2 (COX-2). On the whole, the findings of this study demonstrate that TCSGs can protect L02 cells against H₂O₂-induced oxidative toxicity and inflammatory injury by increasing the expression of Nrf2 and HO-1, mediated by the NF-κB signaling pathway.

Five-Golden-Flowers Tea: Green Extraction and Hepatoprotective Effect against Oxidative Damage

The consumption of herbal teas has become popular in recent years due to their attractive flavors and outstanding antioxidant properties. The Five-Golden-Flowers tea is a herbal tea consisting of five famous edible flowers. The effects of microwave-assisted extraction parameters on the antioxidant activity of Five-Golden-Flowers tea were studied by single-factor experiments, and further investigated using response surface methodology. Under the optimal parameters (53.04 mL/g of solvent/material ratio, 65.52 °C, 30.89 min, and 500 W), the ferric-reducing antioxidant power, Trolox equivalent antioxidant capacity, and total phenolic content of the herbal tea were 862.90 ± 2.44 µmol Fe2+/g dry weight (DW), 474.37 ± 1.92 µmol Trolox/g DW, and 65.50 ± 1.26 mg gallic acid equivalent (GAE)/g DW, respectively. The in vivo antioxidant activity of the herbal tea was evaluated on alcohol-induced acute liver injury in mice. The herbal tea significantly decreased the levels of aspartate aminotransferase, total bilirubin, and malonaldehyde at different doses (200, 400, and 800 mg/kg); improved the levels of liver index, serum triacylglycerol, and catalase at dose of 800 mg/kg. These results indicated its role in alleviating hepatic oxidative injury. Besides, rutin, chlorogenic acid, epicatechin, gallic acid, and p-coumaric acid were identified and quantified by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), which could contribute to the antioxidant activity of the herbal tea.