Quercetin prevents alcohol-induced liver injury through targeting of PI3K/Akt/nuclear factor-κB and STAT3 signaling pathway

Pretreatment with aqueous Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract prevents cadmium-induced hepatotoxicity by improving cellular antioxidant machinery and reducing cadmium accumulation

Cadmium (Cd) is a highly harmful pollutant that poses a serious threat to human health. The liver is the primary organ for Cd accumulation, and Cd-induced hepatotoxicity has been shown to be strongly correlated with an oxidative imbalance in hepatocytes. Our previous studies in the eukaryotic model organism Saccharomyces cerevisiae revealed that not only co-treatment but also pretreatment with aqueous Moringa oleifera Lam. leaf extract (AMOLE) effectively mitigated Cd toxicity by reducing intracellular Cd accumulation and Cd-mediated oxidative stress. In this study, we therefore investigated the preventive effect of AMOLE against Cd toxicity in human HepG2 hepatocytes. The results showed that, similar to the case of the yeast model, pretreatment with AMOLE prior to Cd exposure also significantly inhibited Cd-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells. Untargeted LC-MS/MS-based metabolomic analysis of AMOLE revealed that its major phytochemical constituents were organic acids, particularly phenolic acids and carboxylic acids. Additionally, DPPH-HPTLC fingerprints suggested that quercetin and other flavonoids possibly contribute to the antioxidant activities of AMOLE. Based on our findings, it appears that pretreatment with AMOLE prevented Cd-induced hepatotoxicity via three possible mechanisms: i) direct elimination of free radicals by AMOLE antioxidant compounds; ii) upregulation of antioxidant defensive machinery (GPx1, and HO-1) via Nrf2 signaling cascade to improve cellular antioxidant capacity; and iii) reduction of intracellular Cd accumulation, probably by suppressing Cd uptake. These data strongly suggest the high potential of AMOLE for clinical utility in the prevention of Cd toxicity.

Elucidating the role of 4-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone in chronic alcoholic liver disease via transcriptomics and metabolomics

Background

Chronic alcoholic liver disease (CALD) is a global health problem which includes multiple pathological processes such as immune inflammation and oxidative stress. 4-hydroxy-2(3H)-benzoxazolone (HBOA), an alkaloid isolated from Acanthus ilicifolius L, has been shown to exert hepatoprotective and immunomodulatory effects. However, its effects on CALD remain unclear. This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of HBOA on CALD.

Methods

Rats were administered alcohol by gavage continuously for 12 weeks to establish the CALD model, and then treated with HBOA by gavage for 4 weeks. Transcriptomics and metabolomics were used to predict the potential mechanisms of the effects of HBOA on CALD. Liver histology and function, oxidative stress, inflammatory cytokines, and the TLR4/NF-κB pathway components were evaluated.

Results

HBOA significantly improved alcohol-induced liver injury and steatosis. It decreased the expression levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (tumour necrosis factor-α [TNF-α], interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6), and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase [SOD], glutathione [GSH], and glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px]). Western blotting confirmed that HBOA treatment largely diminished NF-κBp65 nuclear translocation. Comprehensive transcriptomics and metabolomics analyses indicated that HBOA regulated the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway to achieve therapeutic effects in rats with CALD.

Conclusion

HBOA has a therapeutic effect on rats with CALD. Its mechanism of action mainly affects the glycerophospholipid metabolic pathway to promote lipid metabolism homeostasis by regulating the expression of Etnppl, Gpcpd1, and Pla2g4c. In addition, it may also inhibit the TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway, thereby reducing the immune-inflammatory response.

Feasibility of the inhibitor development for cancer: A systematic approach for drug design

The traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) bupleurum-ginger-licorice formula presents significant anti-cancer effects, but its active ingredients and inhibitory mechanism remain unclear. In this work, the core effective ingredient quercetin and its signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (Stat3) receptor both were identified by network pharmacology. Quercetin is a low-toxicity, non-carcinogenic flavonoid with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities, which is widely distributed in edible plants. Stat3 can bind to specific DNA response elements and serves as a transcription factor to promote the translation of some invasion/migration-related target genes, considered as a potential anticancer target. Here, molecular docking and molecular dynamics (MD) simulation both were used to explore molecular recognition of quercetin with Stat3. The results show that quercetin impairs DNA transcription efficiency by hindering Stat3 dimerization, partially destroying DNA conformation. Specifically, when the ligand occupies the SH2 cavity of the enzyme, spatial rejection is not conductive to phosphokinase binding. It indirectly prevents the phosphorylation of Y705 and the formation of Stat3 dimer. When the inhibitor binds to the DT1005 position, it obviously shortens the distance between DNA and DBD, enhances their binding capacity, and thereby reduces the degree of freedom required for transcription. This work not only provides the binding modes between Stat3 and quercetin, but also contributes to the optimization and design of such anti-cancer inhibitors.

Integrated network analysis and metabolomics reveal the molecular mechanism of Yinchen Sini decoction in CCl4-induced acute liver injury

Objective: Yinchen Sini decoction (YCSND), a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, plays a crucial role in the treatment of liver disease. However, the bioactive constituents and pharmacological mechanisms of action remain unclear. The present study aimed to reveal the molecular mechanism of YCSND in the treatment of acute liver injury (ALI) using integrated network analysis and metabolomics. Methods: Ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with Q-Exactive focus mass spectrum (UHPLC-QE-MS) was utilized to identify metabolites in YCSND, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) was applied to evaluate the quality of four botanical drugs in YCSND. Cell damage and ALI models in mice were established using CCl4. 1H-NMR metabolomics approach, along with histopathological observation using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), biochemical measurements, and reverse transcription quantitative real-time PCR (RT-qPCR), was applied to evaluate the effect of YCSND on CCl4- induced ALI. Network analysis was conducted to predict the potential targets of YCSND in ALI. Result: Our results showed that 89 metabolites in YCSND were identified using UHPLC-QE-MS. YCSND protected against ALI by reducing the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents and increasing those of superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione (GSH) both in vivo and in vitro. The 1H-NMRmetabolic pattern revealed that YCSND reversed CCl4-induced metabolic abnormalities in the liver. Additionally, the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis identified five pathways related to liver injury, including the PI3K-AKT, MAPK, HIF-1, apoptosis, and TNF signaling pathways. Moreover, RT-qPCR showed YCSND regulated the inflammatory response (Tlr4, Il6, Tnfα, Nfκb1, Ptgs2, and Mmp9) and apoptosis (Bcl2, Caspase3, Bax, and Mapk3), and inhibited PI3K-AKT signaling pathway (Pi3k and Akt1). Combined network analysis and metabolomics showed a link between the key targets (Tlr4, Ptgs2, and Mmp9) and vital metabolites (choline, xanthine, lactate, and 3-hydroxybutyric acid) of YCSND in ALI. Conclusion: Overall, the results contribute to the understanding of the therapeutic effects of YCSND on ALI, and indicate that the integrated network analysis and metabolomics could be a powerful strategy to reveal the pharmacological effects of TCM.

A review of how the saffron (Crocus sativus) petal and its main constituents interact with the Nrf2 and NF-κB signaling pathways

The primary by-product of saffron (Crocus sativus) processing is saffron petals, which are produced in large quantities but are discarded. The saffron petals contain a variety of substances, including alkaloids, anthocyanins, flavonoids, glycosides, kaempferol, and minerals. Pharmacological investigations revealed the antibacterial, antidepressant, antidiabetic, antihypertensive, antinociceptive, antispasmodic, antitussive, hepatoprotective, immunomodulatory, and renoprotective properties of saffron petals, which are based on their antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antiapoptotic effects. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway protects against oxidative stress, carcinogenesis, and inflammation. Nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-ĸB) is a protein complex involved in approximately all animal cells and participates in different biological procedures such as apoptosis, cell growth, development, deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) transcription, immune response, and inflammation. The pharmacological properties of saffron and its compounds are discussed in this review, along with their associated modes of action, particularly the Nrf2 and NF-ĸB signaling pathways. Without considering a time constraint, our team conducted this review using search engines or electronic databases like PubMed, Scopus, and Web of Science. Saffron petals and their main constituents may have protective effects in numerous organs such as the brain, colon, heart, joints, liver, lung, and pancreas through several mechanisms, including the Nrf2/heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)/Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1) signaling cascade, which would then result in its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and therapeutic effects.

Beneficial effects of quercetin on vincristine-induced liver injury in rats: Modulating the levels of Nrf2/HO-1, NF-kB/STAT3, and SIRT1/PGC-1α

Our experimental objective was to investigate the hepatotoxic effect of vincristine (VCR) administration in rats and determined whether combined therapy with Quercetin (Quer) ensured protection. Five groups with seven rats each were used for this purpose, and experimental groups were formulated as follows: Control group; Quer group; VCR group; VCR plus Quer 25 group; VCR plus Quer 50 group. The results showed that VCR significantly increased the activity of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) enzymes. Besides, VCR caused considerable increases in the malondialdehyde (MDA) contents, along with significant decreases in reduced glutathione levels, superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione peroxidase enzyme activities in the rat livers. Quer treatment in VCR toxicity markedly decreased the activity of ALT, AST, ALP enzymes, and MDA contents and enhanced the activities of antioxidant enzymes. The results also showed that VCR significantly increased the levels of NF-kB, STAT3, and the expression of caspase 3, Bax, and MAP LC3 and decreased the expression of Bcl2 and levels of Nrf2, HO-1, SIRT1, and PGC-1α. Compared to the VCR group, Quer treatment exhibited significantly lower levels of NF-kB, STAT3, and the expression of caspase 3, Bax, and MAP LC3, and higher levels of Nrf2, HO-1, SIRT1, and PGC-1α. In conclusion, our study demonstrated that Quer could alleviate the harmful effects of VCR via activation of NRf2/HO-1 and SIRT1/PGC-1α pathways, and via attenuation of oxidative stress, apoptosis, autophagy, and NF-kB/STAT3 pathways.

Genistein Protects against Acetaldehyde-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatocyte Injury in Chronic Alcohol-Fed Mice

Alcohol-related liver disease (ALD) is one of the most prevalent forms of liver disease in the world. Acetaldehyde, an intermediate product of alcohol catabolism, is a cause of liver injury caused by alcohol. This study was designed to evaluate the protective role and mechanism(s) of genistein against acetaldehyde-induced liver injury in the pathological process of ALD. We found that genistein administration significantly ameliorated alcohol-induced hepatic steatosis, injury, and inflammation in mice. Genistein supplementation markedly reversed hepatic oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and hepatocellular apoptosis in both alcohol-fed mice liver and acetaldehyde-treated hepatocytes. The mechanistic experiments revealed that the restoration of genistein administration rescued heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) reduction at both transcriptional and protein levels in either alcohol-fed mice liver or acetaldehyde-treated hepatocytes, and the beneficial aspects derived from genistein were abolished in antioxidase heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1)-deficient hepatocytes. Moreover, we confirmed that genistein administration-restored hepatic nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2), a key transcriptional regulator of HO-1, was involved in the protective role of genistein in ALD. This study demonstrated that genistein ameliorated acetaldehyde-induced oxidative stress and liver injury by restoring the hepatic NRF2-HO-1 signaling pathway in response to chronic alcohol consumption. Therefore, genistein may serve as a potential therapeutic choice for the treatment of ALD.

Perspectives of herbs and their natural compounds, and herb formulas on treating diverse diseases through regulating complicated JAK/STAT signaling

JAK/STAT signaling pathways are closely associated with multiple biological processes involved in cell proliferation, apoptosis, inflammation, differentiation, immune response, and epigenetics. Abnormal activation of the STAT pathway can contribute to disease progressions under various conditions. Moreover, tofacitinib and baricitinib as the JAK/STAT inhibitors have been recently approved by the FDA for rheumatology disease treatment. Therefore, influences on the STAT signaling pathway have potential and perspective approaches for diverse diseases. Chinese herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which are widespread throughout China, are the gold resources of China and have been extensively used for treating multiple diseases for thousands of years. However, Chinese herbs and herb formulas are characterized by complicated components, resulting in various targets and pathways in treating diseases, which limits their approval and applications. With the development of chemistry and pharmacology, active ingredients of TCM and herbs and underlying mechanisms have been further identified and confirmed by pharmacists and chemists, which improved, to some extent, awkward limitations, approval, and applications regarding TCM and herbs. In this review, we summarized various herbs, herb formulas, natural compounds, and phytochemicals isolated from herbs that have the potential for regulating multiple biological processes via modulation of the JAK/STAT signaling pathway based on the published work. Our study will provide support for revealing TCM, their active compounds that treat diseases, and the underlying mechanism, further improving the rapid spread of TCM to the world.

Quercetin in Tonglong Qibi decoction ameliorates testosterone-induced benign prostatic hyperplasia in rats by regulating Nrf2 signalling pathways and oxidative stress

Benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) is a common urological disease in older males. Existing pharmacotherapy shows several side effects, and the exploration of new therapeutic strategies is of high significance. Tonglong Qibi (TQ) decoction was proved to ameliorate BPH, while the underlying mechanisms are still unclear. In the current study, we explored the anti-BPH effects of TQ in vivo and identified its main therapeutic component and the underlying mechanisms in vitro. We demonstrated that TQ mitigated BPH in rats and showed no toxicity to the liver and reproductive system. Network pharmacology identified quercetin as the main component in TQ treating BPH. Quercetin reduced proliferation, oxidative stress, and increased Nrf2 expression in hyperplastic prostate epithelial cells. These findings indicate that quercetin in TQ alleviates BPH via inhibiting oxidative stress and activating the Nrf2 signalling pathway.

Development of Poly(lipoic acid) Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Effects of Quercetin

Quercetin (QUE)-loaded poly(lipoic acid) nanoparticles (QUE/pLA) were developed to improve chemical stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, oral bioavailability (BA), and pharmacological properties of QUE. QUE/pLA was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation with ultrasonication followed by freeze-drying. Its mean particle size was 185 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency of QUE (84.8%). QUE/pLA exhibited sustained release of QUE with improved dissolution compared with crystalline QUE and significantly enhanced chemical stability under physiological pH in the GI tract. Orally dosed QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) in rats exhibited significantly prolonged systemic exposure, possibly due to the sustained release of QUE. The oral BAs of QUE in QUE/pLA and crystalline QUE groups were 29 and 0.19%, respectively, suggesting significant enhancement of oral absorbability, likely due to the improved stability and dissolution property of QUE in the GI tracts. In hepatic injury model rats, QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) led to marked reductions in the plasma biomarker levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase by 70 and 46%, respectively, compared with the vehicle group. QUE/pLA also showed improved antioxidant potential as evidenced by the enhanced activities of hepatic glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Based on these findings, QUE/pLA might be a promising option to improve both the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of QUE.

A Major Intestinal Catabolite of Quercetin Glycosides, 3-Hydroxyphenylacetic Acid, Protects the Hepatocytes from the Acetaldehyde-Induced Cytotoxicity through the Enhancement of the Total Aldehyde Dehydrogenase Activity

Aldehyde dehydrogenases (ALDHs) are the major enzyme superfamily for the aldehyde metabolism. Since the ALDH polymorphism leads to the accumulation of acetaldehyde, we considered that the enhancement of the liver ALDH activity by certain food ingredients could help prevent alcohol-induced chronic diseases. Here, we evaluated the modulating effects of 3-hydroxyphenylacetic acid (OPAC), the major metabolite of quercetin glycosides, on the ALDH activity and acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity in the cultured cell models. OPAC significantly enhanced the total ALDH activity not only in mouse hepatoma Hepa1c1c7 cells, but also in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. OPAC significantly increased not only the nuclear level of aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), but also the AhR-dependent reporter gene expression, though not the nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-dependent one. The pretreatment of OPAC at the concentration required for the ALDH upregulation completely inhibited the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity. Silencing AhR impaired the resistant effect of OPAC against acetaldehyde. These results strongly suggested that OPAC protects the cells from the acetaldehyde-induced cytotoxicity, mainly through the AhR-dependent and Nrf2-independent enhancement of the total ALDH activity. Our findings suggest that OPAC has a protective potential in hepatocyte models and could offer a new preventive possibility of quercetin glycosides for targeting alcohol-induced chronic diseases.

A System-Level Mechanism of Anmyungambi Decoction for Obesity: A Network Pharmacological Approach

Obesity is a low-grade systemic inflammatory disease involving adipocytokines. As though Anmyungambi decoction (AMGB) showed significant improvement on obesity in a clinical trial, the molecular mechanism of AMGB in obesity remains unknown. Therefore, we explored the potential mechanisms of action of AMGB on obesity through network pharmacological approaches. We revealed that targets of AMGB are significantly associated with obesity-related and adipocyte-elevated genes. Evodiamine, berberine, genipin, palmitic acid, genistein, and quercetin were shown to regulate adipocytokine signaling pathway proteins which mainly involved tumor necrosis factor receptor 1, leptin receptor. In terms of the regulatory pathway of lipolysis in adipocytes, norephedrine, pseudoephedrine, quercetin, and limonin were shown to affect adrenergic receptor-beta, protein kinase A, etc. We also found that AMGB has the potentials to enhance the insulin signaling pathway thereby preventing type II diabetes mellitus. Additionally, AMGB was discovered to be able to control not only insulin-related proteins but also inflammatory mediators and apoptotic regulators and caspases, hence reducing hepatocyte injury in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Our findings help develop a better understanding of how AMGB controls obesity.

Astragalus Polysaccharides and Saponins Alleviate Liver Injury and Regulate Gut Microbiota in Alcohol Liver Disease Mice

Astragalus, a medical and edible plant in China, shows several bioactive properties. However, the role of astragalus in attenuating alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is less clear. The objective of this project is to investigate the improving effect of astragalus saponins (AS) and astragalus polysaccharides (AP), which are the two primary constituents in astragalus on hepatic injury induced by alcohol, and the potential mechanisms of action. Different doses of AS (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) and AP (300 and 600 mg/kg bw) were orally given to alcohol-treated mice for four weeks. The results demonstrated that both AP and AS could reverse the increase of the levels of TC, TG, FFA, and LDL-C in serum, and the decrease of serum HDL-C content, as well as the elevation of hepatic TC and TG levels induced by alcohol. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and γ-GT in ALD mice were raised after AP and AS supplementation. The antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px) were obviously augmented and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and hepatic histological variations were alleviated by AP and AS, which was in line with the levels of oxidative stress-associated genes (Keap1, Nfe2l2, Nqo1, and Hmox1) and inflammation-associated genes (Tlr4, Myd88 and Nfkb1). In addition, AS exerted a more efficient effect than AP and the results presented dose proportionality. Moreover, AS and AP could modulate the intestinal microbiota disturbance induced by alcohol. Overall, AS and AP administration could ameliorate lipid accumulation in the serum and liver, as well as hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders in mice as a result of alcohol.

Influence of the Bioactive Diet Components on the Gene Expression Regulation

Diet bioactive components, in the concept of nutrigenetics and nutrigenomics, consist of food constituents, which can transfer information from the external environment and influence gene expression in the cell and thus the function of the whole organism. It is crucial to regard food not only as the source of energy and basic nutriments, crucial for living and organism development, but also as the factor influencing health/disease, biochemical mechanisms, and activation of biochemical pathways. Bioactive components of the diet regulate gene expression through changes in the chromatin structure (including DNA methylation and histone modification), non-coding RNA, activation of transcription factors by signalling cascades, or direct ligand binding to the nuclear receptors. Analysis of interactions between diet components and human genome structure and gene activity is a modern approach that will help to better understand these relations and will allow designing dietary guidances, which can help maintain good health.

Resveratrol and Quercetin as Regulators of Inflammatory and Purinergic Receptors to Attenuate Liver Damage Associated to Metabolic Syndrome

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered a manifestation of metabolic syndrome (MS) and is characterized by the accumulation of triglycerides and a varying degree of hepatic injury, inflammation, and repair. Moreover, peroxisome-proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) play a critical role in the pathophysiological processes in the liver. There is extensive evidence of the beneficial effect of polyphenols such as resveratrol (RSV) and quercetin (QRC) on the treatment of liver pathology; however, the mechanisms underlying their beneficial effects have not been fully elucidated. In this work, we show that the mechanisms underlying the beneficial effects of RSV and QRC against inflammation in liver damage in our MS model are due to the activation of novel pathways which have not been previously described such as the downregulation of the expression of toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4), neutrophil elastase (NE) and purinergic receptor P2Y2. This downregulation leads to a decrease in apoptosis and hepatic fibrosis with no changes in hepatocyte proliferation. In addition, PPAR alpha and gamma expression were altered in MS but their expression was not affected by the treatment with the natural compounds. The improvement of liver damage by the administration of polyphenols was reflected in the normalization of serum transaminase activities.

Quercetin enhances fatty acid β-oxidation by inducing lipophagy in AML12 hepatocytes

Recent evidence demonstrated that chronic intake of quercetin attenuated hepatic fat accumulation in various animal models of obesity and diabetes. However, whether quercetin has the ability to enhance energy metabolism in hepatocytes and its exact mechanisms have yet to be identified. In the present study, we investigated whether quercetin directly enhanced the energy metabolism of cultured hepatocytes by focusing on lipophagy, involving selective autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. As an indicator of mitochondrial respiration, oxygen consumption was measured following 12-h treatment with quercetin or its related flavonoids, isorhamnetin and rutin (10 μM) using an extracellular flux analyzer. Treatment of alpha mouse liver 12 (AML12) hepatocytes with quercetin enhanced mitochondrial respiration, but isorhamnetin and rutin did not. Results of a palmitate-bovine serum albumin fatty acid oxidation assay showed that quercetin significantly increased the oxygen consumption of AML12 hepatocytes, suggesting enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation. However, as expression levels of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation proteins were unaltered by quercetin, we explored whether lipophagy contributed to enhanced fatty acid β-oxidation. Increased colocalization of lipid droplets and lysosomes confirmed that quercetin promoted lipophagy in AML12 hepatocytes. Furthermore, pharmacological inhibition of the autophagy–lysosomal pathway abolished the enhancement of fatty acid β-oxidation induced by quercetin in AML12 hepatocytes, suggesting that the enhancement of lipophagy by quercetin contributed to increased fatty acid β-oxidation. Finally, we showed that quercetin could activate AMPK signaling, which regulates autophagy even under nutrient-sufficient conditions. Our findings indicate that quercetin enhanced energy metabolism by a potentially novel mechanism involving promotion of lipophagy to produce the substrate for fatty acid β-oxidation in mitochondria through activation of AMPK signaling. Our results suggest the possibility that nutrient-induced lipophagy might contributes to the reduction of fat in hepatocytes.

[Study on the mechanism of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae in treatment of alcoholic liver injury based on network pharmacology and molecular docking]

OBJECTIVE

To explore the mechanism of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae in treatment of alcoholic liver injury (ALI) based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.

METHODS

The information of chemical constituents and targets of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae was collected from TCMSP and Swiss databases, and the threshold values of oral bioavailability (OB) ≥ 30%, drug likeness (DL) ≥0.18 were used to screen the potential active compounds. The GeneCard and DrugBank databases were used to obtain the targets corresponding to ALI. The common targets were queried using Venn Diagram, and the network of PPI and Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were performed through DAVID and Reactome database. Autodock Vina software was used for molecular docking of potential ingredients and key targets.

RESULTS

A total of 21 potential active compounds and 431 therapeutic targets were gathered in Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae, which involved 273 biological functions, 90 KEGG pathways and 362 Reactome pathways. The GO functions involved protein binding, ATP binding, etc.; the KEGG pathways mainly included PI3K-Akt signaling pathway and TNF signaling pathway; the Reactome pathways contained signal transduction and immune system, etc. The results of molecular docking showed that 21 potential active ingredients had good affinity with the core targets Akt1, TP53 and IL-6.

CONCLUSIONS

The network pharmacology and molecular docking analysis demonstrate the synergetic effect of Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae with multi-compounds, multi-targets and multi-pathways in the treatment of ALI; and also predict the possible medicinal substance, key targets and pathways, which provides clues for the new drug development and mechanism research.

Protective effects of quercetin, polydatin, and folic acid and their mixtures in a zebrafish (Danio rerio) fetal alcohol spectrum disorder model

Protective effects of quercetin (QUE), polydatin (POL), and folic acid (FA) and their mixtures were tested using zebrafish to model fetal alcohol spectrum disorder in this study. Zebrafish embryos were exposed to 150 mM ethanol for 6 or 22 h and co-treated with QUE, POL, FA, and their mixtures (37.5-100.0 μM). Epiboly progression, teratogenic effects, and behavior were evaluated. Ethanol exposure reduced epiboly, and FA and QUE protected against these ethanol-induced defects. POL did not reduce epiboly defects. The mixture QUE + FA showed a possible antagonistic effect. The observed teratogenic effects were similar in all ethanol exposed groups. QUE, FA and QUE + POL reduced the percentage of affected animals, but treatments did not eliminate teratogenic effects. Behavioral measurements were divided into small (between 4 and 8 mm/s) and high swimming activity (>8 mm/s). All experimental groups displayed a reduction in small swimming activity as compared to control and ethanol groups when exposed to bright light. Additionally, larvae exposed to ethanol were more inhibited than control, not showing a habituation period (after 60 min of experiment) in high swimming activity. Chemical treatments like QUE and POL reduced behavioral defects induced by ethanol exposure. In conclusion, this study presents new evidence that QUE, POL, FA and their mixtures partially protected epiboly, teratogenic, and behavioral defects induced by ethanol exposure. QUE, FA and QUE + POL were more effective in reducing these defects than the other studied compounds and mixtures.

An Overview of the Mechanism of Penthorum chinense Pursh on Alcoholic Fatty Liver

Alcohol liver disease (ALD) caused by excessive alcohol consumption is a progressive disease, and alcohol fatty liver disease is the primary stage. Currently, there is no approved drug for its treatment. Abstinence is the best way to heal, but patients' compliance is poor. Unlike other chronic diseases, alcohol fatty liver disease is not caused by nutritional deficiencies; it is caused by the molecular action of ingested alcohol and its metabolites. More and more studies have shown the potential of Penthorum chinense Pursh (PCP) in the clinical use of alcohol fatty liver treatment. The purpose of this paper is to reveal from the essence of PCP treatment of alcohol liver mechanism mainly by the ethanol dehydrogenase (ADH) and microsomal ethanol oxidation system-dependent cytochrome P4502E1 (CYP2E1) to exert antilipogenesis, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and autophagy effects, with special emphasis on its mechanisms related to SIRT1/AMPK, KEAP-1/Nrf2, and TLR4/NF-κB. Overall, data from the literature shows that PCP appears to be a promising hepatoprotective traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

The Potential of Anti-Diabetic Rākau Rongoā (Māori Herbal Medicine) to Treat Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) Mate Huka: A Review

T2DM (type 2 diabetes mellitus, or Māori term “mate huka”) is a major long-term health issue in New Zealand particularly among the Māori community. Non-insulin drugs commonly used in New Zealand for the treatment of T2DM have limits to their efficacy as well as side effects, which are of concern for diabetics. As such, the potential for natural products such as traditional rākau rongoā are of interest for potentially preventing the development of T2DM or improving the treatment of the disease. In particular, anti-diabetic effects have been reported for rākau rongoā such as karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa. Natural products have been identified in karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa that have documented potential effects on glucose metabolism that could contribute to the anti-diabetic effect of these rākau rongoā. As such, this could provide scientific insight into the mātauranga (traditional knowledge) developed over generations by Māori. However, detailed laboratory based and clinical studies would be required to understand and validate these properties of karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa, and to understand how they can be used in T2DM treatment. Social determinants of indigenous health such as language, culture, traditional knowledge, and identity, are important in understanding the relationship Māori have with their land and the mātauranga they developed of the medicinal properties within their rākau rongoā, over many centuries. Interestingly, traditional Māori views towards scientific research using animal models to test rākau rongoā are varied but supportive. Furthermore, cultural issues surrounding Māori mana motuhake (self-determination) of traditional rongoā Māori healing practices and the inequity faced by many kairongoā (rongoā Māori practitioners) and tohunga (healers) compared to mainstream health are a current issue within the New Zealand health system. As such, a cultural holistic approach for T2DM care among Māori would be advantageous. This review will outline the available evidence supporting the anti-diabetic efficacy of karamu, kūmarahou, and kawakawa. Currently though there is a lack of molecular research to understand the mechanisms of this efficacy, as such this review will also outline Te Reo Tipu Research, a kaupapa Māori framework for molecular and genomic research on taonga flora.

Effects of Supplementation with Anti-Inflammatory Compound Extracted from Herbs in Healthy and Obese Cats

Background

Obesity has become a serious public health problem all over the world, and prevalence of obesity has increased in cats. Obesity is characterized by continuous low-grade inflammation based on oxidative stress by excessively produced reactive oxygen species (ROS). Supplementation with anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory compounds is very effective to relieve the obesity condition. A plant extract mixture containing Rhus verniciflua and some other herbs, Rv-PEM01-99, shows anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory effects in animals. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effects of supplementation with Rv-PEM01-99 as an anti-inflammatory compound in healthy and obese cats.

Materials and Methods

Ten healthy mix breed cats and four obesity disease cats were used. The healthy cats were randomly divided into control and test groups. Anti-inflammatory compound, Rv-PEM01-99, in which quercetin derivative is the main component, was supplemented to the healthy test group and the obesity disease cats at the dose of 100–120 mg/kg/day (2.5–3.0 mg/kg/day as quercetin) for 4 weeks. Metabolites, hormones and enzymes were measured before and after the compound supplementation.

Results

The anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased serum amyloid A (SAA) concentrations as inflammatory markers in both healthy and obesity disease cats. In obesity disease cats, plasma total cholesterol concentrations and AST and ALT activities decreased significantly after the compound supplementation.

Conclusion

Quercetin derivative seems to have strong anti-inflammatory activities. In the healthy cats, anti-inflammatory compound supplementation decreased plasma NEFA and SAA concentrations. In the obesity disease cats, the compound supplementation may have alleviated obesity disease by relieving inflammation and improvement of lipid metabolism in livers.

The protective effect of quercetin in the alcohol-induced liver and lymphoid tissue injuries in newborns

Recently published experimental and clinical studies indicate that oxidative stress leads to the pathogenesis and progression of alcohol-induced tissue injuries. Quercetin is a type of flavonoid compound that influences antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities have protective and therapeutic effects for treating various diseases including diabetes mellitus and neuro-degenerative diseases. In this study, fetal alcohol syndrome was tested in rat models, with the aim of verifying the protective effect of quercetin in preventing alcohol-induced liver and lymphoid tissue (thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes) injuries on the 21st day for the offspring of alcohol treated mother rats. The pregnant rats were randomly assigned into four groups. The control group (C) (n = 3) of pregnant rats received only physiological saline intraperitoneally (i.p.) throughout the pregnancy (1 to 21 days gestation) and during lactation until postnatal day 21. The quercetin positive control group (QT) of pregnant rats (n = 3) received quercetin at 50 mg/kg/days i.p. for the same period. The ethanol treatment group (E) (n = 3) of pregnant rats received 1 ml/day of 40% v/v ethanol (4 g/kg) intragastrically (i.g) for the same period. The model group of pregnant rats (EQ) received ethanol + quercetin (n = 3) with a dose of 1 ml/day of v/v ethanol (4 g/kg i.g.) and quercetin at 50 mg/kg body weight per day i.p. for the same period. Ten offspring were used in each of the C, QT, E and EQ groups. Malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl content (PC) and chemiluminescence levels (CL) in liver and lymphoid tissues significantly increased in group E versus the C group (P < 0.05-P < 0.001) whereas glutathione levels (GSH), glutathione reductase (GR), glutathione peroxidase (GP), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase (CAT) activities significantly decreased in group E compared to the C group (P < 0.05-< 0.001). However, tissue MDA, PC, and CL levels decreased in the EQ group compared to group E. GSH level, GP, GR, SOD, and CAT activity were significantly increased by quercetin (P < 0.05-P < 0.001). The plasma TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and NF-κB activation significantly increased in group E compared to the C and QT groups, but IL-10 significantly decreased in group E compared to the C and QT groups. The TNFα, IL-1β, and IL-6 levels and NF-κB activation significantly decreased in group EQ compared to group E. In conclusion, quercetin has a protective effect against maternal alcohol-induced oxidative and inflammatory damage in the liver and lymphoid tissues of newborn rats.

Suppression of acetaminophen-induced hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations in rats using a combination of resveratrol and quercetin

Ingestion of a toxic dose of the analgesic drug, acetaminophen (also called paracetamol or APAP), is among the most common causes of acute liver injury in humans. We tested the hypothesis that the combined polyphenolic compounds, resveratrol (RES) and quercetin (QUR), can substantially protect against hepatocyte ultrastructural damage induced by a toxic dose of APAP in a rat model of APAP-induced acute liver injury. The model group of rats received a single dose of APAP (2 g/kg), whereas the protective group of rats was pretreated for 7 days with combined doses of RES (30 mg/kg) and QUR (50 mg/kg) before being given a single dose of APAP. All rats were then sacrificed 24 hours post APAP ingestion. Harvested liver tissues were prepared for transmission electron microscopy (TEM) staining, and liver homogenates were assayed for biomarkers of inflammation, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6), and oxidative stress, such as malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx). In addition, blood samples were assayed for the liver injury enzyme alanine aminotransferase (ALT) as an indicator of liver damage. TEM images showed that APAP overdose induced acute liver injury as demonstrated by profound hepatocyte ultrastructural alterations, which were substantially protected by RES+QUR. In addition, APAP significantly (p < 0.05) modulated TNF-α, IL-6, MDA, SOD, GPx, and ALT biomarkers, which were completely protected by RES+QUR. Thus, RES+QUR effectively protects against APAP-induced acute liver injury in rats, possibly via the inhibition of inflammation and oxidative stress.

Plasma quercetin metabolites are affected by intestinal microbiota of human microbiota-associated mice fed with a quercetin-containing diet

Protective effect of quercetin on high-fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice has been reported. Recent research has revealed that several intestinal bacteria metabolize quercetin. We hypothesize that the difference in composition of intestinal microbiota affects quercetin absorption from the intestine. Germ-free BALB/cA female mice (18 weeks old) were randomly divided into four groups and orally administered with fecal suspension from four human individuals (HF1, HF2, HF3, HF4) to produce the human microbiota-associated mice. All mice were fed the 0.05% quercetin-containing pelleted diet for four weeks. Significant differences were observed in plasma total cholesterol and cecal microbiota among the four groups. Plasma quercetin concentration was significantly higher in the HF3 group than in the HF1 group. The plasma isorhamnetin/quercetin ratio showed significant negative correlation with visceral fat levels (r = -0.544, p = 0.013). Positive correlation was observed between the Log₁₀ Enterobacteriaceae count and the plasma quercetin metabolites. Principal component analysis showed that all groups were distributed in different regions by using the correlation diagram with the second and third principal component. This study indicates that intestinal microbiota of human microbiota-associated mice inoculated with different fecal suspensions react to dietary quercetin in different ways.

Quercetin Effects on Hepatotoxicity Induced by Titanium Dioxide Nanoparticles in Rats

Background: Most nanoparticles have adverse impacts on the liver, which is a vital body organ, by the induction of oxidative stress. Objectives: This study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects of quercetin (QCT) against the toxicity of nanoscale titanium dioxide (NTiO2) in Wistar rats. Methods: The present study was conducted on 32 adult female Wistar rats assigned into 4 groups of control, NTiO2 (50 mg/kg), NTiO2 + Quercetin (50 + 75 mg/kg), and Quercetin (75 mg/kg). The animals exposed to NTiO2 were administered by 50 mg/kg of NTiO2 for 21 days. The Quercetin + NTiO2 rats received Quercetin before exposing to NTiO2 for 7 days. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) of serum were considered indicators of the hepatotoxicity. The oxidative stress was assessed by measuring the activity of catalase (CAT) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) as well as the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver. TUNEL assay and histological changes were also assessed. Results: The NTiO2 significantly elevated the MDA level (P < 0.01), enhanced the serum biomarker levels, reduced the CAT (P < 0.01) and SOD (P < 0.01) activities. The NTiO2 also aggregated the red blood cells, and caused inflammatory cell infiltration, nuclear pyknosis and fat deposit in hepatocytes, as well as induced apoptosis in the liver tissue. Pretreatment with QCT quenched oxidative stress, attenuated the histological changes, elevated the CAT (P < 0.01) and SOD (P < 0.01) activities, normalized the serum biomarker levels and decreased apoptosis (P < 0.001). Conclusions: The QCT has an inhibitory impact on hepatotoxicity induced by nanoparticles in rats.

Quercetin shows anti-tumor effect in hepatocellular carcinoma LM3 cells by abrogating JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway

Objective

Hepatocellular carcinima is one of the most common tumors in clinic and also one of the leading causes of death from cancer worldwide. Quercetin shows significant effects on blocking the development of various cancers.

Methods

We used the human hepatocellular carcinoma LM3 and nude mice tumor model to assess the effects of quercetin in hepatocellular carcinoma and clarify its mechanism of action. We collected LM3 cell line treated with different doses of quercetin at different time periods and determined the vital indexes. The liver tissues of mice were collected and used for western boltting (WB), Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) and TUNEL staining.

Results

Results indicated that quercetin suppressed the Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth both in vivo and in vitro. Quercetin could disturb LM3 cells proliferation and cell cycle distribution, thus inducing apoptosis. At the same time, quercetin inhibited LM3 cells migration and invasion and promoted HCC autophagy. These effects at least partly depended on the down‐regulation of the activation of JAK2 and STAT3 by quercetin.

Conclusion

Quercetin inhibited hepatocellular carcinoma progression by modulating cell apoptosis, migration, invasion, and autophagy; and its effects were at least partly related with the JAK2/STAT3 signaling pathway.

Antioxidant Activities of Quercetin and Its Complexes for Medicinal Application

Quercetin is a bioactive compound that is widely used in botanical medicine and traditional Chinese medicine due to its potent antioxidant activity. In recent years, antioxidant activities of quercetin have been studied extensively, including its effects on glutathione (GSH), enzymatic activity, signal transduction pathways, and reactive oxygen species (ROS) caused by environmental and toxicological factors. Chemical studies on quercetin have mainly focused on the antioxidant activity of its metal ion complexes and complex ions. In this review, we highlight the recent advances in the antioxidant activities, chemical research, and medicinal application of quercetin.

Protective Effects of Five Structurally Diverse Flavonoid Subgroups against Chronic Alcohol-Induced Hepatic Damage in a Mouse Model

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) has become one of the major global health problems, with augmented morbidity and mortality. Evidence indicates that flavonoids can reduce the risk of ALD owing to their biological properties. However, the effect of structurally different flavonoid subclasses on alleviating alcohol-induced liver damage in a same model has never been studied. In this study, mice were supplemented with five kinds of flavonoid subgroups, apigenin (flavone), quercetin (flavonol), naringenin (flavanone), (-)-epigallocatechin gallate (flavanol), and genistein (isoflavone), in the same dose (0.3 mmol kg⁻¹ body weight) and then given 50% alcohol by gastric perfusion for five consecutive weeks. The results demonstrated that genistein and naringenin had greater benefits in terms of mitigating fibrosis and apoptosis, respectively, in the liver. Lipid deposition, partial inflammatory-related factors (nuclear factor kappa B p65, cyclooxygenase-2, and interleukin-6 levels), and hepatic histopathological alterations were similarly attenuated by five kinds of flavonoids. All the flavonoids also showed different degrees of influence on protecting against alcoholic liver injury on other aspects, such as serum biochemistry makers, hepatic lipid accumulation, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant capacities, and inflammation.

Assessment of hepatoprotective potential of Radix Fici Hirtae on alcohol-induced liver injury in Kunming mice

Objective

The objective of the present study was to investigate the hepatoprotective role of Radix Fici Hirtae on acute alcohol-induced liver injury in mice.

Methods

The component of Radix Fici Hirtae was extracted using petroleum ether, chloroform, ethyl acetate and n-butanol and divided into three dose groups of high, medium and low according to the clinical man's normal dose of the 50 g crude drug/d (0.83 g/kg body weight). Saline in concentration of 10 mg/mL, 5 mg/mL and 2.5 mg/mL and a dose of mouse lavage (0.2 mL/10 g mouse body weight) were added to the solution. Histopathlogical analysis of liver was performed. Finally, liver protection was validated by examining the effect of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) on the hepatic function of mice in alcohol-induced liver injury model.

Results

Except for group with saturated n-butyl alcohol, for the rest of the groups, pathological changes of hepatic lipid and inflammatory cells infiltration were alleviated and liver sinus was normal. As compared to model group, the concentrations of AST, ALT, AKP and LDH in chloroform groups and ethyl acetate groups were significantly decreased.

Conclusions

Extracts of Radix Fici Hirtae are effective for the prevention of alcohol-induced hepatic damage in mice. The results revealed that extracts of Radix Fici Hirtae could be used as hepatoprotective agent.

Systems pharmacology approach reveals the antiinflammatory effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata on dextran sodium sulfate-induced colitis

AIM

To investigate the protective effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata (AMP) on dextran sulfate sodium (DSS)-induced colitis in mice based on systems pharmacology approach.

METHODS

Systems pharmacology approach was used to predict the active ingredients, candidate targets and the efficacy of AMP on ulcerative colitis (UC) using a holistic process of active compound screening, target fishing, network construction and analysis. A DSS-induced colitis model in C57BL/6 mice (n = 10/group) was constructed and treated with 5-aminosalicylic acid (100 mg/kg/d) and AMP (400 mg/kg/d) to confirm the underlying mechanisms and effects of AMP on UC with western blot analyses, polymerase chain reaction, histological staining and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

The therapeutic effects of AMP against DSS-induced colitis were determined in the beginning, and the results showed that AMP significantly improved the disease in general observations and histopathology analysis. Subsequent systems pharmacology predicted 89 corresponding targets for the four candidate compounds of AMP, as well as 123 candidate targets of UC, and protein-protein interaction networks were constructed for the interaction of putative targets of AMP against UC. Enrichment analyses on TNF-α and RANKL/RANK, a receptor activator of NF-κB signaling pathways, were then carried out. Experimental validation revealed that inflammation-related signaling pathways were activated in the DSS group, and AMP significantly suppressed DSS-induced high expression of IRAK1, TRAF6, IκB and NF-κB, and inhibited the elevated expression levels of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6 and IL-8.

CONCLUSION

AMP could exert protective effects on UC via suppressing the IRAK1/TRAF6/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling pathways.