Breviscapine ameliorates CCl4‑induced liver injury in mice through inhibiting inflammatory apoptotic response and ROS generation

Evening primrose oil enriched with gamma linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate attenuated carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic injury model in male rats via TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6 pathway

The modulatory role of primrose oil (PO) supplementation enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate against a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver damage model was assessed in this study. Twenty male Albino rats were divided into four groups. The control group received corn oil orally. The PO group received 10 mg/kg P O orally. The CCl4 group received 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally and PO/CCl4 group; received PO and 2 mL/kg CCl4 orally. The relative liver weight was recorded. Serum liver enzymes, hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), hepatic reduced glutathione (GSH) and the expression of hepatic tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin 1 beta (IL-1β), and interleukin 6 (IL-6) were assessed. The binding affinities of γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol constituents with IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α were investigated using molecular docking simulations. Histopathological and electron microscopic examinations of the liver were performed. The results indicated that CCl4 elevated serum liver enzyme and hepatic MDA levels, whereas GSH levels were diminished. The upregulation of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α gene expressions were induced by CCl4 treatment. The PO/CCl4-treated group showed amelioration of hepatic injury biomarkers and oxidative stress. Restoration of histopathological and ultrastructural alterations while downregulations the gene expressions of TNF-α, IL1-β and IL-6 were observed. In conclusion, evening primrose oil enriched with γ-linolenic acid and D/L-alpha tocopherol acetate elicited a potential amelioration of CCl4-induced hepatic toxicity.

Plant-derived flavonoids are a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process that can be triggered by any chronic liver injury. If left unaddressed, it will inevitably progress to the severe outcomes of liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past few years, the prevalence and fatality of hepatic fibrosis have been steadily rising on a global scale. As a result of its intricate pathogenesis, the quest for pharmacological interventions targeting liver fibrosis has remained a formidable challenge. Currently, no pharmaceuticals are exhibiting substantial clinical efficacy in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Hence, it is of utmost importance to expedite the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of this condition. Various research studies have revealed the ability of different natural flavonoid compounds to alleviate or reverse hepatic fibrosis through a range of mechanisms, which are related to the regulation of liver inflammation, oxidative stress, synthesis and secretion of fibrosis-related factors, hepatic stellate cells activation, and proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation by these compounds. This review summarizes the progress of research on different sources of natural flavonoids with inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis over the last decades. The anti-fibrotic effects of natural flavonoids have been increasingly studied, making them a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to their good efficacy and biosafety.

Roles of oxidative stress/JNK/ERK signals in paraquat-triggered hepatic apoptosis

Paraquat (PQ), a toxic and nonselective bipyridyl herbicide, is one of the most extensively used pesticides in agricultural countries. In addition to pneumotoxicity, the liver is an important target organ for PQ poisoning in humans. However, the mechanism of PQ in hepatotoxicity remains unclear. In this study, we found that exposure of rat hepatic H4IIE cells to PQ (0.1-2 mM) induced significant cytotoxicity and apoptosis, which was accompanied by mitochondria-dependent apoptotic signals, including loss of mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), cytosolic cytochrome c release, and changes in the Bcl-2/Bax mRNA ratio. Moreover, PQ (0.5 mM) exposure markedly induced JNK and ERK1/2 activation, but not p38-MAPK. Blockade of JNK and ERK1/2 signaling by pretreatment with the specific pharmacological inhibitors SP600125 and PD98059, respectively, effectively prevented PQ-induced cytotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, and apoptotic events. Additionally, PQ exposure stimulated significant oxidative stress-related signals, including reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation and intracellular glutathione (GSH) depletion, which could be reversed by the antioxidant N-Acetylcysteine (NAC). Buffering the oxidative stress response with NAC also effectively abrogated PQ-induced hepatotoxicity, MMP loss, apoptosis, and phosphorylation of JNK and ERK1/2 protein, however, the JNK or ERK inhibitors did not suppress ROS generation in PQ-treated cells. Collectively, these results demonstrate that PQ exposure induces hepatic cell toxicity and death via an oxidative stress-dependent JNK/ERK activation-mediated downstream mitochondria-regulated apoptotic pathway.

Breviscapine regulates the proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis of colorectal cancer cells via the PI3K/AKT pathway

Colorectal cancer (CRC) is ranked as one of the most common malignancies with a high death rate. It has been discovered that breviscapine can alter the progression and development of various cancers. Nevertheless, the function and mechanisms of breviscapine in CRC progression have not yet been described. The cell proliferation capacity of HCT116 and SW480 cells was assessed using the CCK-8 and EdU assays. Cell apoptosis was tested through flow cytometry, and cell migration and invasion were examined using the transwell assay. Moreover, protein expression was examined through a western blot. Tumor weight and volume were assessed using the nude mice in vivo assay, and the Ki-67 protein expression was verified through the IHC assay. This study discovered that an increased dose of breviscapine (0, 12.5, 25, 50, 100, 200, and 400 μM) gradually reduced cell proliferation and increased apoptosis in CRC. Additionally, breviscapine restricted the migration and invasion CRC cells. Moreover, it was revealed that breviscapine inactivated the PI3K/AKT pathway and inhibited CRC progression. Finally, an in vivo assay demonstrated that breviscapine restrained tumor growth in vivo. It affected the CRC cells' proliferation, migration, invasion, and apoptosis through the PI3K/AKT pathway. This discovery may offer new insights into CRC treatment.

Alisma Shugan Decoction attenuates hepatic fibrosis and endoplasmic reticulum stress in mice with carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis

Background

Over the years, Alisma Shugan Decoction (ASD), because of its potent anti-inflammation activity, has been used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) for treatment of many inflammation-associated disorders including those of the heart, blood vessel and brain.

Methods

Herein, we examined the probable therapeutic effect of ASD in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis mice models.

Results

Our results demonstrate that ASD dose-dependently reduced the fibrosis-related increased collagen deposition secondary to liver tissue exposure to CCl4. Data from our biochemical analyses showed significantly less liver damage biomarkers including ALT, AST and hydroxyproline in the ASD-treated samples, suggesting hepato-protective effect of ASD. Furthermore, we demonstrated that treatment with ASD significantly reversed CCl4-induced elevation of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β and MP-1. Interestingly, NF-κB signalling, a principal regulator of inflammation was markedly suppressed by ASD treatment. In addition, treatment with ASD deregulated stress signalling pathways by suppressing the expression of markers of unfolded protein response, such as ATF6, IRE and GRP78.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the present study provides preclinical evidence for the use of ASD as an efficacious therapeutic option in cases of chemical-induced liver damage and/or fibrosis. Further large-cohort validation of these findings is warranted.

Oxidative stress in Wernicke's encephalopathy

Wernicke's encephalopathy (WE) is a severe life-threatening disease that occurs due to vitamin B1 (thiamine) deficiency (TD). It is characterized by acute mental disorder, ataxia, and ophthalmoplegia. TD occurs because of the following reasons: insufficient intake, increased demand, and long-term drinking due to corresponding organ damage or failure. Recent studies showed that oxidative stress (OS) can damage organs and cause TD in the brain, which further leads to neurodegenerative diseases, such as WE. In this review, we discuss the effects of TD caused by OS on multiple organ systems, including the liver, intestines, and brain in WE. We believe that strengthening the human antioxidant system and reducing TD can effectively treat WE.

Research on Mechanisms of Chinese Medicines in Prevention and Treatment of Postoperative Adhesion

Postoperative adhesion (PA) is currently one of the most unpleasant complications following surgical procedures. Researchers have developed several new strategies to alleviate the formation of PA to a great extent, but so far, no single measure or treatment can meet the expectations and requirements of clinical patients needing complete PA prevention. Chinese medicine (CM) has been widely used for thousands of years based on its remarkable efficacy and indispensable advantages CM treatments are gradually being accepted by modern medicine. Therefore, this review summarizes the formating process of PA and the efficacy and action mechanism of CM treatments, including their pharmacological effects, therapeutic mechanisms and advantages in PA prevention. We aim to improve the understanding of clinicians and researchers on CM prevention in the development of PA and promote the in-depth development and industrialization process of related drugs.

Breviscapine alleviates podocyte injury by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy

Podocyte injury is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabeticnephropathy (DN). Emerging evidence has demonstrated that breviscapine (Bre) exerts a renoprotective effect on diabetic rats. However, the effects of Bre on regulating podocyte injury under high glucose (HG) conditions remain unclear. In this study, an experimental mouse model of DN was induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ) in vivo. The effects of Bre on podocyte injury were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, TdT-mediated dUTPnick-endlabelling (TUNEL) staining, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) and western blot analysis. We found that renal function was significantly decreased in diabetic mice, and this effect was blocked by Bre treatment. Bre effectively increased podocyte viability and inhibited HG-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Bre ameliorated HG-induced podocyte injury, as evidenced by decreased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and increased podocin and synaptopodin expression. Mechanistically, Bre inhibited HG-induced nuclear factorkappaB (NF-κB) signalling activation and subsequently decreased NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, resulting in a decrease in pyroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 decreased HG-induced podocyte injury, whereas the NLRP3 agonist abrogated the effects of Bre on inhibiting podocyte injury. In summary, these results demonstrate that Bre alleviates HG-induced podocyte injury and improves renal function in diabetic mice, at least in part by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.

Study on the mechanism of acute liver injury protection in Rhubarb anthraquinone by metabolomics based on UPLC-Q-TOF-MS

As a traditional Chinese medicine, rhubarb has been used in a variety of liver diseases and it is widely used in clinic to prevent and treat acute liver injury. Anthraquinone, as the main medicinal component of rhubarb, can reverse the further development of liver fibrosis caused by acute liver injury. In this study, metabonomics was used to explore the mechanism of different doses of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury in rats. Rhubarb anthraquinone was administered intragastric to rats at doses of 3.9, 7.8 and 15.6 mg/kg, respectively, for 7 days, and then 30% CCl₄ was injected intraperitoneally at the dose of 1 ml/kg to replicate the acute liver injury model. The biochemical indicators content of ALT, AST, ALP, γ-GT, TG, TC, LDL, HDL in serum and GSH, Hyp, SOD, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 in liver tissue extract were tested respectively, and liver tissue was histopathologically analysis. At the same time, UPLC-Q-TOF-MS combined with non-targeted metabolomics were used to study the metabolites and metabolic pathways of rhubarb anthraquinone in treating acute liver injury. Compared with normal rats, the contents of ALT, AST, ALP, TG, TC, LDL, γ-GT in serum and Hyp, MDA, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-α in the liver tissue extract were significantly increased in model rats (p < 0.05, p < 0.01), and the content of HDL in the serum was significantly decreased (p < 0.05); the activities of GSH and SOD in liver tissue extract were also significantly decreased (p < 0.05). After administration of rhubarb anthraquinone, compared with the model group, with the increase of dosage, some biochemical indexes showed opposite changes, and gradually approached to normal rats. 12 different metabolites were identified by metabonomics, and the biosynthesis and metabolism of phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan, the metabolism of amino sugars, nucleotide sugars and pyrimidines metabolism, and the biosynthesis of steroid hormone were identified based on the biomarker analysis. Based on the biochemical analysis and metabonomics analysis of rats with acute liver injury treated with different doses of rhubarb anthraquinone, combined with histopathological observation, the results show that the protective effect of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury is related to the dosage; Meanwhile, the metabolic pathway analysis suggested that rhubarb anthraquinone alleviate acute liver injury by regulating inflammation, oxidative stress and fibrosis disorders. This study explained the therapeutic effect of rhubarb anthraquinone on acute liver injury from both material basis and action pathway, and provided safe and effective research ideas for clinical application of rhubarb.

Ameliorative effect of Berberidis radix polysaccharide selenium nanoparticles against carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress and inflammation

Berberidis radix polysaccharide (BRP) extracted as capping agents was applied to prepare BRP-selenium nanoparticles (BRP-SeNPs) in the redox reaction system of sodium selenite and ascorbic acid. The stability and characterization of BRP-SeNPs were investigated by physical analysis method. The results revealed that BRP were tightly wrapped on the surface of SeNPs by forming C-O⋯Se bonds or hydrogen bonding interaction (O-H⋯Se). BRP-SeNPs presented irregular, fragmented and smooth surface morphology and polycrystalline nanoring structure, and its particle size was 89.4 nm in the optimal preparation condition. The pharmacologic functions of BRP-SeNPs were explored in vitro and in vivo. The results showed that BRP-SeNPs could heighten the cell viabilities and the enzyme activity of GSH-Px and decrease the content of MDA on H2O2-induced AML-12 cells injury model. In vivo tests, the results displayed that BRP-SeNPs could increase the body weight of mice, promote the enzyme activity like SOD and GSH-Px, decrease the liver organ index and the hepatic function index such as ALT, AST, CYP2E1, reduce the content of MDA, and relieve the proinflammation factors of NO, IL-1β and TNF-α in CCl4-induced mice injury model. Liver tissue histopathological studies corroborated the improvement of BRP-SeNPs on liver of CCl4-induced mice. The results of Western blot showed that BRP-SeNPs could attenuate oxidant stress by the Nrf2/Keap1/MKP1/JNK pathways, and downregulate the proinflammatory factors by TLR4/MAPK pathway. These findings suggested that BRP-SeNPs possess the hepatoprotection and have the potential to be a green liver-protecting and auxiliary liver inflammation drugs.

Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.

Frontier progress of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, accounting for 90% of primary liver cancer) was the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer death in 2020. The number of new HCC patients in China accounted for nearly half of that in the world. HCC was of occult and complex onset, with poor prognosis. Clinically, at least 15% of patients with HCC had strong side effects of interventional therapy (IT) and have poor sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a multi-target adjuvant therapy, had been shown to play an active anti-tumor role in many previous studies. This review systematically summarized the role of TCM combined with clinically commonly used drugs for the treatment of HCC (including mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, sorafenib, etc.) in the past basic research, and summarized the efficacy of TCM combined with surgery, IT and conventional therapy (CT) in clinical research. It was found that TCM, as an adjuvant treatment, played many roles in the treatment of HCC, including enhancing the tumor inhibition, reducing toxic and side effects, improving chemosensitivity and prolonging survival time of patients. This review summarized the advantages of integrated traditional Chinese and modern medicine in the treatment of HCC and provides a theoretical basis for clinical research.

Shibi Tea (Adinandra nitida) and Camellianin A Alleviate CCl4-Induced Liver Injury in C57BL-6J Mice by Attenuation of Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Apoptosis

Liver injury is a significant public health issue nowadays. Shibi tea is a non-Camellia tea prepared from the dried leaves of Adinandra nitida, one of the plants with the greatest flavonoid concentration, with Camellianin A (CA) being the major flavonoid. Shibi tea is extensively used in food and medicine and has been found to provide a variety of health advantages. The benefits of Shibi tea and CA in preventing liver injury have not yet been investigated. The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatoprotective effects of extract of Shibi tea (EST) and CA in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced acute liver injury. Two different concentrations of EST and CA were given to model mice by gavage for 3 days. Treatment with two concentrations of EST and CA reduced the CCl₄-induced elevation of the liver index, liver histopathological injury score, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST). Western blotting and immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that EST and CA regulated the oxidative stress signaling pathway protein levels of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)/heme-oxygenase-1 (HO-1), the expression of inflammatory cytokines, the phosphorylated nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (p-NF-κB)/nuclear factor-kappaB p65 (NF-κB) ratio, the phospho-p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase (p-MAPK), and the apoptosis-related protein levels of BCL2-associated X (Bax)/B cell leukemia/lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) in the liver. Taken together, EST and CA can protect against CCl₄-induced liver injury by exerting antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation, and anti-apoptosis.

Breviscapine alleviates NASH by inhibiting TGF-β-activated kinase 1-dependent signaling

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

NAFLD is a key component of metabolic syndrome, ranging from nonalcoholic fatty liver to NASH, and is now becoming the leading cause of cirrhosis and HCC worldwide. However, due to the complex and unclear pathophysiological mechanism, there are no specific approved agents for treating NASH. Breviscapine, a natural flavonoid prescription drug isolated from the traditional Chinese herb Erigeron breviscapus, exhibits a wide range of pharmacological properties, including effects on metabolism. However, the anti-NASH efficacy and mechanisms of breviscapine have not yet been characterized.

APPROACH AND RESULTS

We evaluated the effects of breviscapine on the development of hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in vivo and in vitro under metabolic stress. Breviscapine treatment significantly reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, liver injury, and fibrosis in mice fed a high-fat diet, a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet, or a methionine- and choline-deficient diet. In addition, breviscapine attenuated lipid accumulation, inflammation, and lipotoxicity in hepatocytes undergoing metabolic stress. RNA-sequencing and multiomics analyses further indicated that the key mechanism linking the anti-NASH effects of breviscapine was inhibition of TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) phosphorylation and the subsequent mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling cascade. Treatment with the TAK1 inhibitor 5Z-7-oxozeaenol abrogated breviscapine-mediated hepatoprotection under metabolic stress. Molecular docking illustrated that breviscapine directly bound to TAK1.

CONCLUSION

Breviscapine prevents metabolic stress-induced NASH progression through direct inhibition of TAK1 signaling. Breviscapine might be a therapeutic candidate for the treatment of NASH.

Preventive effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced acute liver injury in mice

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 ) is the main chemical causing liver damage. In this experiment, the effect of Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 treatment on CCl4 -induced acute liver injury was investigated using mice. Fifty adult mice were randomized into five study groups, each group with 10 ml kg-1 saline, 50 mg kg-1 silymarin, and 109 CFU kg-1 L. plantarum HFY15 and LDSB per day, and all the mice expect the normal group were injected 0.8% CCl4 (10 ml kg-1 ) on the 14th day. Following the 16 h induction of the liver injury, various biochemical markers were assessed for blood and liver tissue. After L. plantarum HFY15 treatment, the content of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), and reactive oxygen species (ROS) in serum decreased by 67.7%, 65.0%, 41.9%, 59.5%, and 51.5%, respectively, and the level of antioxidant enzymes (total superoxide dismutation [T-SOD], catalase [CAT], glutathione [GSH]) increased by more than twofold. Pro-inflammatory cytokine interleukin-6 (IL-6), interferon-γ (INF-γ), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) decreased by more than 45% in serum and live. What is more, L. plantarum HFY15 increased the expression of antiapoptosis genes Bcl-2 by eightfold, inhibiting the expression of proapoptotic genes Caspase-3 and Bax by about threefold. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 has obvious protective effects on CCl4 -induced liver injury by inhibiting oxidation, reducing the release of inflammatory factors, and exerting suppressive effect on apoptotic process in the CCl4 -induced liver injury. Lactobacillus plantarum HFY15 can be developed as edible lactic acid bacteria for preventing liver toxicity. PRACTICAL APPLICATION: L. plantarum HFY15 can alleviate liver injury caused by carbon tetrachloride toxicity through antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-apoptotic pathways.

Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Its TCM Therapeutic Perspectives

Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of abnormal tissue proliferation in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors, which will further develop into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma if liver injury is not intervened in time. As a diffuse progressive liver disease, its clinical manifestations are mostly excessive deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix resulting in scar formation due to liver injury. Hepatic fibrosis can be caused by hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol, and rare diseases such as hemochromatosis. As the metabolic center of the body, the liver regulates various vital activities. During the development of fibrosis, it is influenced by many other factors in addition to the central event of hepatic stellate cell activation. Currently, with the increasing understanding of TCM, the advantages of TCM with multiple components, pathways, and targets have been demonstrated. In this review, we will describe the factors influencing liver fibrosis, focusing on the effects of cells, intestinal flora, iron death, signaling pathways, autophagy and angiogenesis on liver fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on liver fibrosis.

Nonlinear molecular dynamics of quercetin in Gynocardia odorata and Diospyros malabarica fruits: Its mechanistic role in hepatoprotection

Liver performs number of critical physiological functions in human system. Intoxication of liver leads to accumulation of free radicals that eventually cause damage, fibrosis, cirrhosis and cancer. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) belongs to hepatotoxin is converted to a highly reactive free radical by cytochrome P450 enzymes that causes liver damage. Plant extracts derived quercetin has substantial role in hepatoprotection. This study highlights the possible mechanism by which quercetin plays significant role in hepatoprotection. HPLC analysis revealed the abundance of quercetin in the fruit extracts of Gynocardia odorata and Diospyros malabarica, were isolated, purified and subjected to liver function analysis on Wistar rats. Post quercetin treatment improved liver function parameters in the hepatotoxic Wistar rats by augmenting bilirubin content, SGOT and SGPT activity. Gene expression profile of quercetin treated rats revealed down regulation of HGF, TIMP1 and MMP2 expressed during CCl₄ induction. In silico molecular mechanism prediction suggested that quercetin has a high affinity for cell signaling pathway proteins BCL-2, JAK2 and Cytochrome P450 Cyp2E1, which all play a significant role in CCl₄ induced hepatotoxicity. In silico molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation have shown that quercetin has a plausible affinity for major signaling proteins in liver. MMGBSA studies have revealed high binding of quercetin (ΔG) -41.48±11.02, -43.53±6.55 and -39.89±5.78 kcal/mol, with BCL-2, JAK2 and Cyp2E1, respectively which led to better stability of the quercetin bound protein complexes. Therefore, quercetin can act as potent inhibitor against CCl₄ induced hepatic injury by regulating BCL-2, JAK2 and Cyp2E1.

S-Acetyl-Glutathione Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Injury by Modulating Oxidative Imbalance and Inflammation

Liver fibrosis, depending on the stage of the disease, could lead to organ dysfunction and cirrhosis, and no effective treatment is actually available. Emergent proof supports a link between oxidative stress, liver fibrogenesis and mitochondrial dysfunction as molecular bases of the pathology. A valid approach to protect against the disease would be to replenish the endogenous antioxidants; thus, we investigated the protective mechanisms of the S-acetyl-glutathione (SAG), a glutathione (GSH) prodrug. Preliminary in vitro analyses were conducted on primary hepatic cells. SAG pre-treatment significantly protected against cytotoxicity induced by CCl4. Additionally, CCl4 induced a marked increase in AST and ALT levels, whereas SAG significantly reduced these levels, reaching values found in the control group. For the in vivo analyses, mice were administered twice a week with eight consecutive intraperitoneal injections of 1 mL/kg CCl4 (diluted at 1:10 in olive oil) to induce oxidative imbalance and liver inflammation. SAG (30 mg/kg) was administered orally for 8 weeks. SAG significantly restored SOD activity, GSH levels and GPx activity, while it strongly reduced GSSG levels, lipid peroxidation and H₂O₂ and ROS levels in the liver. Additionally, CCl4 induced a decrease in anti-oxidants, including Nrf2, HO-1 and NQO-1, which were restored by treatment with SAG. The increased oxidative stress characteristic on liver disfunction causes the impairment of mitophagy and accumulation of dysfunctional and damaged mitochondria. Our results showed the protective effect of SAG administration in restoring mitophagy, as shown by the increased PINK1 and Parkin expressions in livers exposed to CCl4 intoxication. Thus, the SAG administration showed anti-inflammatory effects decreasing pro-inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, MCP-1 and IL-1β in both serum and liver, and suppressing the TLR4/NFkB pathway. SAG attenuated reduced fibrosis, collagen deposition, hepatocellular damage and organ dysfunction. In conclusion, our results suggest that SAG administration protects the liver from CCl4 intoxication by restoring the oxidative balance, ameliorating the impairment of mitophagy and leading to reduced inflammation.

Metabolomic Profiling Reveals Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Sea Buckthorn Sterol against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Rats

The present study was designed to examine the efficacy and protection mechanisms of sea buckthorn sterol (SBS) against acute liver injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in rats. Five-week-old male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were divided into six groups and fed with saline (Group BG), 50% CCl₄ (Group MG), or bifendate 200 mg/kg (Group DDB), or treated with low-dose (Group LD), medium-dose (Group MD), or high-dose (Group HD) SBS. This study, for the first time, observed the protection of SBS against CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats and its underlying mechanisms. Investigation of enzyme activities showed that SBS-fed rats exhibited a significant alleviation of inflammatory lesions, as evidenced by the decrease in cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), prostaglandin E2 (PGE2), and gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase (γ-GT). In addition, compared to the MG group, the increased indices (superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), and total protein (TP)) of lipid peroxidation and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) in liver tissues of SBS-treated groups showed the anti-lipid peroxidation effects of SBS. Using the wide range of targeted technologies and a combination of means (UPLC-MS/MS detection platform, self-built database, and multivariate statistical analysis), the addition of SBS was found to restore the expression of metabolic pathways (e.g., L-malic acid, N-acetyl-aspartic acid, N-acetyl-l-alanine, etc.) in rats, which means that the metabolic damage induced by CCl₄ was alleviated. Furthermore, transcriptomics was employed to analyze and compare gene expression levels of different groups. It showed that the expressions of genes (Cyp1a1, Noct, and TUBB6) related to liver injury were regulated by SBS. In conclusion, SBS exhibited protective effects against CCl₄-induced liver injury in rats. The liver protection mechanism of SBS is probably related to the regulation of metabolic disorders, anti-lipid peroxidation, and inhibition of the inflammatory response.

Hepatoprotective Effect of the Penthorum Chinense Pursh Extract against the CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury via NF-κB and p38-MAPK PATHWAYS in Dogs

Acute liver injury (ALI), manifested by acute hepatocellular damages and necrosis, is a life-threatening clinical syndrome and Penthorum Chinense Pursh (PCP) is a well-known folk medicine practiced for liver-related diseases. This study aimed to investigate the ameliorative effects of PCP extract (PCPE) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced ALI in dogs via mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) and Nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) signaling pathway. Healthy dogs were induced by CCl4 and treated with different dosage regimes of PCPE for 7 days. CCl4 produced acute liver injury and induced both oxidative stress and an inflammatory response in dogs. The PCPE significantly ameliorated and improved vacuolar inflammatory lesions in liver tissues during ALI, enhanced activity of superoxide dismutase, and restored glutathione peroxidase, further significantly reducing the indices of malondialdehyde and nitric oxide in serum. Inflammatory factors (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α) were declined and anti-inflammatory factors (IL-10) were increased by the application of PCPE. PCPE treatment, down-regulated the MEKK4, MKK3, p38MAPK, MSK1, and NF-κB, and upregulated the IkB mRNA levels (p < 0.01) in ALI affected dogs. In conclusion, PCPE repaired acute liver injury by improving antioxidant enzymes and by reducing oxidation products. Furthermore, the PCPE inhibited the MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway, which resulted in anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects on ALI-induced dogs. In the future, PCPE could be a useful ethnomedicine in veterinary clinical practices for the treatment of liver injuries or failures.

Protective Effects of Naringenin from Citrus sinensis (var. Valencia) Peels against CCl4-Induced Hepatic and Renal Injuries in Rats Assessed by Metabolomics, Histological and Biochemical Analyses

Citrus fruits are grown worldwide for their special nutritive and several health benefits. Among citrus bioactives, naringenin, a major flavanone, exhibits a potential hepatoprotective effect that is not fully elucidated. Herein, serum biochemical parameters and histopathological assays were used to estimate the hepatoprotective activity of naringenin, isolated from Citrus sinensis (var. Valencia) peels, in CCl4-induced injury in a rat model. Further, GC-MS-based untargeted metabolomics was used to characterize the potential metabolite biomarkers associated with its activity. Present results revealed that naringenin could ameliorate the increases in liver enzymes (ALT and AST) induced by CCl4 and attenuate the pathological changes in liver tissue. Naringenin decreased urea, creatinine and uric acid levels and improved the kidney tissue architecture, suggesting its role in treating renal disorders. In addition, naringenin increased the expression of the antiapoptoic cell marker, Bcl-2. Significant changes in serum metabolic profiling were noticed in the naringenin-treated group compared to the CCl4 group, exemplified by increases in palmitic acid, stearic acid, myristic acid and lauric acids and decrease levels of alanine, tryptophan, lactic acid, glucosamine and glucose in CCl4 model rats. The results suggested that naringenin's potential hepato- and renoprotective effects could be related to its ability to regulate fatty acids (FAs), amino acids and energy metabolism, which may become effective targets for liver and kidney toxicity management. In conclusion, the current study presents new insights into the hepato- and renoprotective mechanisms of naringenin against CCl4-induced toxicity.

Amelioration of indole acetic acid-induced cytotoxicity in mice using zinc nanoparticles biosynthesized with Ochradenus arabicus leaf extract

The diversity of natural phytochemicals represents an unlimited source for discovery and development of new drugs. Ochradenus arabicus, (family: Resedaceae) a notable medicinal plant displays a high content of flavonoid glycosides. This study investigates a possible preventative role of zinc nanoparticles biosynthesized by O. arabicus leaf extracts (OAZnO NPs) in limiting genotoxicity and cytotoxicity caused by indole acetic acid (IAA) in laboratory mice. ZnO NPs were synthesized using O. arabicus leaf extracts and characterized with UV–visible spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and X-Ray diffraction (XRD). The mice were randomly distributed into the following six groups: control, OAZnO NPs treated (10 mg/kg BW), IAA treated (50 mg/kg BW); simultaneous treatment, pre-treatment, and post-treatment. Reactive oxygen species (ROS), DNA damage, chromosome aberration, and apoptosis were analyzed as toxicity endpoints. IAA exposure significantly induced production of ROS, DNA damage, apoptosis, chromosome aberrations, and micronuclei. Pre-, post-, and simultaneous treatment with OAZnO NPs ameliorated the damage caused by IAA exposure. Exposure to OAZnO NPs alone caused no toxicity for any endpoint based on comparison to controls. This study demonstrated that IAA-induced cytotoxic damage in mice could be ameliorated by treatment with OAZnO NPs. These findings require additional verification in mechanistic and in vitro studies.

Preventive Effect of Flavonoid Extract from the Peel of Gonggan (Citrus reticulata Blanco Var. Gonggan) on CCl4-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice

Objective

Citrus peel, a waste product of citrus consumption and processing, is rich in flavonoids. This study aimed to study the protective effect of flavonoid extract from the peel of gonggan (Citrus reticulata Blanco var. gonggan) on acute chemical liver injury.

Materials and Methods

We established a chemical liver injury model induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in mice. The flavonoid composition in gonggan (Citrus reticulata Blanco var. gonggan) peel was detected by HPLC. The histopathological sections of liver, related biochemical indicators in serum and liver, and related genes were examined to evaluate the protective effect of gonggan peel flavonoid extract (GPFE).

Results

The results showed that GPFE contained narirutin, hesperidin, nobiletin, tangeretin, and 5-demethylnobiletin. After 14 days of intragastric administration of GPFE, the result showed GPFE could reduce the increase in liver index, serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate transaminase (AST) levels caused by CCl₄. At the same time, pathological sections of liver confirmed that GPFE alleviated the damage to liver tissue. Moreover, biochemical indicator results showed that GPFE increased the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase (CAT) in liver tissue and reduced the content of malondialdehyde (MDA). Also, it reduced the levels of inflammation factors: tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interferon-γ (IFN-γ), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-6. In addition, q-PCR results showed that GPFE upregulated mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD1), manganese superoxide dismutase (SOD2), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), γ-glutamylcysteine synthetase (γ-GCS), CAT, and downregulated IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA expression levels. The mechanism of GPFE may be related to the inhibition of oxidative stress and inflammation.

Conclusion

The experiment indicates GPFE has a good protective effect on acute chemical liver injury in mice induced by CCl₄ via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory pathways.

A Titanium (IV)-Dithiophenolate Complex and Its Chitosan Nanocomposite: Their Roles towards Rat Liver Injuries In Vivo and against Human Liver Cancer Cell Lines

Titanium (IV)–dithiophenolate complex chitosan nanocomposites (DBT–CSNPs) are featured by their antibacterial activities, cytotoxicity, and capacity to bind with DNA helixes. In this study, their therapeutic effects against rat liver damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and their anti-proliferative activity against human liver cancer (HepG2) cell lines were determined. Results of treatment were compared with cisplatin treatment. Markers of apoptosis, oxidative stress, liver functions, and liver histopathology were determined. The results showed that DBT–CSNPs and DBT treatments abolished liver damage induced by CCl₄ and improved liver architecture and functions. DNA fragmentation, Bax, and caspase-8 were reduced, but Bcl-2 and the Bcl-2/Bax ratios were increased. However, there was a non-significant change in the oxidative stress markers. DBT–CSNPs and DBT inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells by arresting cells in the G2/M phase and inducing cell death. DBT–CSNPs were more efficient than DBT. Low doses of DBT and DBT–CSNPs applied to healthy rats for 14 days had no adverse effect. DBT and DBT–CSNP treatment gave preferable results than the treatment with cisplatin. In conclusion, DBT–CSNPs and DBT have anti-apoptotic activities against liver injuries and have anti-neoplastic impacts. DBT–CSNPs are more efficient. Both compounds can be used in pharmacological fields.

Urantide prevents CCl4‑induced acute liver injury in rats by regulating the MAPK signalling pathway

A number of drugs and other triggers can cause acute liver injury (ALI) in clinical practice. Therefore, identifying a safe drug for the prevention of liver injury is important. The aim of the present study was to investigate the potential preventive effect and regulatory mechanism of urantide on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‑induced ALI by investigating the expression of components of the MAPK signalling pathway and the urotensin II (UII)/urotensin receptor (UT) system. Liver oedema and severe fatty degeneration of the cytoplasm were observed in ALI model rats, and the serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels were found to be significantly increased. Compared with those in the ALI model group, ALT and AST levels and the liver index did not significantly increase in each group given the preventive administration of urantide, and the liver tissue morphology was correspondingly protected. Moreover, the gene and protein expression levels of UII, G protein‑coupled receptor (GPR14) and the oxidative stress‑sensitive cytokines, α‑smooth muscle actin and osteopontin were decreased, indicating that the protein translation process was effectively maintained. However, the expression levels of MAPK signalling pathway‑related proteins and genes were decreased. It was found that urantide could effectively block the MAPK signalling pathway by antagonizing the UII/UT system, thus protecting the livers of ALI model rats. Therefore, it was suggested that ALI may be associated with the MAPK signalling pathway, and effective inhibition of the MAPK signalling pathway may be critical in protecting the liver.

Advances in Chemical Constituents, Clinical Applications, Pharmacology, Pharmacokinetics and Toxicology of Erigeron breviscapus

Dengzhanxixin (DZXX), the dried whole plant of Erigeron breviscapus (Vaniot) Hand.-Mazz., belonging to Compositae and first published in Materia Medica of South Yunnan by Lan Mao in the Ming Dynasty (1368 AD–1644 AD), is included in Medicinal Materials and Decoction Pieces of the 2020 edition of the Pharmacopeia of the People’s Republic of China. Its main chemical components are flavonoids that mainly include flavonoid, flavonols, dihydroflavones, flavonol glycosides, flavonoid glycosides, coffee acyl compounds, and other substances, such as volatile oil compounds, coumarins, aromatic acids, pentacyclic terpenoids, phytosterols, and xanthones. Among them, scutellarin and 1,5-dicoffeoylquininic acid are the main active components of DZXX. DZXX has pharmacological effects, such as improving cerebral and cerebrovascular ischemia, increasing blood flow, inhibiting platelet aggregation, promoting antithrombotic formation, improving microcirculation, reducing blood viscosity, protecting optic nerves, exhibiting anti-inflammatory properties, scavenging free radicals, and eliciting antioxidant activities. It is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular ischemic diseases, kidney diseases, liver diseases, diabetic complications, and glaucoma. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that the active components of DZXX have a low bioavailability and a high elimination rate in vivo. Nevertheless, its utilization can be improved through liposome preparation and combination with other drugs. Acute and subacute toxicity studies have shown that DZXX is a safe medicinal material widely used in clinical settings. However, its target and drug action mechanism are unclear because of the complexity of its composition. In this paper, the clinical application and pharmacological toxicology of DZXX are reviewed to provide a reference for further studying its active components and action mechanism.

Angelica Polysaccharide Antagonizes 5-FU-Induced Oxidative Stress Injury to Reduce Apoptosis in the Liver Through Nrf2 Pathway

Oxidative stress induced by chemotherapeutic agents causes hepatotoxicity. 5-Fluorouracil (5-FU) has been found to have a variety of side effects, but its toxic effect on the liver and the mechanism are still unclear. Angelica polysaccharide (ASP), the main active ingredient of Dang Gui, has antioxidative stress effects. In this study, we investigated the antagonistic effects of ASP on 5-FU-induced injury in the mouse liver and human normal liver cell line MIHA and the possible mechanism. Our results show that ASP inhibited 5-FU-induced the decrease in Bcl-2 protein and the increase in Bax protein. ASP alleviated 5-FU-induced the increase in alanine aminotransferase (ALT), triglyceride (TG), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) content; hepatic steatosis; and liver fibrosis. ASP restored 5-FU-induced swelling of mitochondria and the endoplasmic reticulum. 5-FU promoted the expression of Keap1 and increased the binding to NF-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) to reduce the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, thereby weakening the transcriptional activity of Nrf2 to inhibit the expression of HO-1; reducing the activity of GSH, SOD, and CAT to increase ROS content; and aggravating DNA damage (indicated by the increase in 8-OHdG). However, ASP reversed these reactions. In conclusion, ASP attenuated the 5-FU-induced Nrf2 pathway barrier to reduce oxidative stress injury and thereby inhibit the disorder of lipid anabolism and apoptosis. The study provides a new protectant for reducing the hepatic toxicity caused by 5-FU and a novel target for treating the liver injury.

Assessment of liver injury using indocyanine green fluorescence imaging

Background

To investigate whether indocyanine green (ICG) fluorescence imaging can be used to evaluate chronic and acute liver injury induced by either a high-fat (HF) diet or carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄).

Methods

Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into three groups: control group, HF diet-induced model group, and CCl₄-induced model group. The chronic and acute liver injury models were induced by a HF diet and intraperitoneal injection of CCl₄, respectively. After HF feeding, the liver index, levels of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) of the rats were determined. The livers were also collected to evaluate histopathology damage by hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) staining. After in vitro perfusion of the liver and ICG administration, the liver fluorescence intensity and corresponding spectral value were measured by using real-image guided system (REAL-IGS).

Results

After HF feeding, the liver index and levels of serum ALT and AST were significantly increased, and the livers of the rats showed severe histopathological changes. Compared with the control group, the hepatic lobes of the model rats exhibited incomplete green fluorescence, and the corresponding spectral value was markedly reduced.

Conclusions

ICG fluorescence imaging can be used to evaluate liver injury induced by either a HF diet or CCl₄.

Alternative RNA Splicing in Fatty Liver Disease

Alternative RNA splicing is a process by which introns are removed and exons are assembled to construct different RNA transcript isoforms from a single pre-mRNA. Previous studies have demonstrated an association between dysregulation of RNA splicing and a number of clinical syndromes, but the generality to common disease has not been established. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease affecting one-third of adults worldwide, increasing the risk of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this review we focus on the change in alternative RNA splicing in fatty liver disease and the role for splicing regulation in disease progression.

Breviscapine Pretreatment Inhibits Myocardial Inflammation and Apoptosis in Rats After Coronary Microembolization by Activating the PI3K/Akt/GSK-3β Signaling Pathway

Purpose

Coronary microembolization (CME) can cause myocardial inflammation, apoptosis and progressive cardiac dysfunction. On the other hand, breviscapine exerts a significant cardioprotective effect in many cardiac diseases although its role and the potential mechanisms in CME remain unclear. Therefore, the present study aimed to ascertain whether pretreatment with breviscapine could improve CME-induced myocardial injury by alleviating myocardial inflammation and apoptosis. The possible underlying mechanisms were also explored.

Methods

In this study, 48 Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly assigned to the CME, CME + breviscapine (CME + BE), CME + breviscapine + LY294002 (CME + BE + LY) and sham groups (12 rats per group). In addition, the CME model was successfully established by injecting 42 μm inert plastic microspheres into the left ventricle of rats. Rats in the CME + BE and CME + BE + LY groups received 40 mg/kg/d of breviscapine for 7 days before inducing CME. Moreover, rats in the CME + BE + LY group were intraperitoneally injected with the phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) specific inhibitor, LY294002 (10 mg/kg) 30 minutes before CME modeling. 12 h after surgery, the study measured cardiac function, the serum levels of markers of myocardial injury, myocardial inflammation-associated mRNAs and proteins, myocardial apoptosis-associated mRNAs and proteins and conducted myocardial histopathology.

Results

The findings demonstrated that pretreatment with breviscapine alleviated myocardial injury following CME by improving cardiac dysfunction, decreasing the serum levels of markers of myocardial injury, reducing the size of myocardial microinfarct and lowering the cardiomyocyte apoptotic index. More importantly, pretreatment with breviscapine resulted to a decrease in the levels of inflammatory and pro-apoptotic mRNAs and proteins in myocardial tissues and there was an increase in the levels of anti-apoptotic mRNAs and proteins. However, these protective effects were eliminated when breviscapine was combined with LY294002.

Conclusion

The findings from this study indicated that breviscapine may inhibit myocardial inflammation and apoptosis by regulating the PI3K/protein kinase B (Akt)/glycogen synthase kinase-3β (GSK-3β) pathway, thereby ameliorating CME-induced cardiac dysfunction and reducing myocardial injury.

Flavonoid compound breviscapine suppresses human osteosarcoma Saos-2 progression property and induces apoptosis by regulating mitochondria-dependent pathway

This study was aimed to investigate the ability of a flavonoid compound breviscapine (BVP) to suppress growth and elicit apoptosis in human osteosarcoma (OS) Saos-2 cells. The cells were cultured in vitro and treated with three concentrations of BVP (80, 160, and 320 μg/ml). Moreover, C57 mice were injected with Saos-2 cells to establish a subcutaneous xenograft model, and they were subsequently treated with three doses of BVP via intraperitoneal injection. The viability of the cells was examined by the Cell Counting Kit-8 method. The apoptotic cells were assessed by flow cytometry and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling staining. The tumor volume and weight were monitored from day 3 through day 21 after the last injection. The expression of bax, bcl-2, and cytochrome c (cyt c) mRNA was detected by a real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein levels of bax, bcl-2, cyt c, caspase 3, and caspase 9 were evaluated by Western blot. The expression and distribution of bcl-2 and bax in tissues were detected by immunohistochemistry. Compared with the control group, BVP treatment inhibited cell proliferation and induced apoptosis of Saos-2 cells in vitro. Consistently, treatment of mice bearing transplanted tumors with BVP suppressed the growth of OS tumors and promoted cell apoptosis; it also reduced tumor volume and weight. Mechanistically, BVP-induced apoptosis was mediated by the mitochondria-dependent pathway, as evidenced by the increased expression of bax and cyt c and the decreased expression of bcl-2, as well as activation of caspase 9 and caspase 3 in vitro and in vitro. Collectively, BVP inhibits growth and promotes apoptosis of OS by activating the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway.

Scutellarein Aggravated Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Chronic Liver Injury in Gut Microbiota-Dysbiosis Mice

Scutellarein (SCU) is an herbal flavonoid, showing hepatoprotective potentials. The study was aimed to investigate whether the hepatoprotective effect of SCU is dependent on the integrity of gut microbiota. Mice received repeated intraperitoneal injections of CCl₄, followed with or without SCU treatment (15, 30, and 60 mg/kg). Gut microbial community of mice was disrupted by administrating a cocktail of antibiotics (ampicillin, neomycin sulfate, metronidazole, and vancomycin) in drinking water. The results showed SCU plus antibiotics aggravated CCl₄-induced chronic liver injury, as demonstrated by liver function analysis, histological analysis, and TUNEL assay. SCU activated CYP2E1 expression and worsened CYP2E1-mediated lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress as coadministered with antibiotics. Moreover, when gut microbiota was disrupted by antibiotics, SCU activated IκBα/NF-κB pathway and promoted the release of subsequent proinflammatory cytokines including interleukin-6 (IL-6), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α). Remarkably, the 16 S rRNA sequencing demonstrated that SCU greatly decreased the relative abundance of Bifidobacterium and Lactobacillus and increased the relative abundance of Enterococcus in gut microbiota-dysbiosis mice. Spearman correlation analysis showed that Lactobacillus was positively correlated with SOD and negatively correlated with AST. Collectively, the hepatoprotective effect of SCU is reversed under antibiotics intervention, which may partly involve the activation of CYP2E1 and IκBα/NF-κB pathway and diminishment of Lactobacillus.

Breviscapine Alleviates Cognitive Impairments Induced by Transient Cerebral Ischemia/Reperfusion through Its Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Properties in a Rat Model

Cerebral ischemia/reperfusion (I/R)-induced injury is a common phenomenon of stroke, and the effective treatment for I/R-induced brain tissue damage is limited. Breviscapine has been widely used in China as herbal medicine to treat cardiovascular diseases for hundreds of years and has been demonstrated to possess potent cardiovascular pharmacological effects. This study aims to investigate the neuroprotective effect of breviscapine on cerebral I/R-induced injury. The rat model of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) was applied in our study. The cerebral I/R rats received multiple injections of breviscapine. All rats were subject to neurological behavior tests by open field test and Morris water maze test. The pro-inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress marker levels were determined by ELISA and colorimetric analysis, respectively. We demonstrated that administration of breviscapine dose-dependently ameliorated cerebral I/R-induced injury and improved the neurological performance of cerebral I/R rats. Further studies illustrated that breviscapine treatment effectively attenuated inflammatory cytokine expression, reduced oxidative stress, and pro-apoptosis protein expression and inhibited the activation of NF-κB signaling and microglia in the I/R injury tissues. Breviscapine may serve as a single drug or a promising adjuvant that can be used in conjunction with other medicine for the treatment of cerebral I/R-induced injury.

A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids

Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.

Oxidative Stress Management in Chronic Liver Diseases and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Chronic viral hepatitis B and C and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) have been widely acknowledged to be the leading causes of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. As anti-viral treatment progresses, the impact of NAFLD is increasing. NAFLD can coexist with chronic viral hepatitis and exacerbate its progression. Oxidative stress has been recognized as a chronic liver disease progression-related and cancer-initiating stress response. However, there are still many unresolved issues concerning oxidative stress, such as the correlation between the natural history of the disease and promising treatment protocols. Recent findings indicate that oxidative stress is also an anti-cancer response that is necessary to kill cancer cells. Oxidative stress might therefore be a cancer-initiating response that should be down regulated in the pre-cancerous stage in patients with risk factors for cancer, while it is an anti-cancer cell response that should not be down regulated in the post-cancerous stage, especially in patients using anti-cancer agents. Antioxidant nutrients should be administered carefully according to the patients’ disease status. In this review, we will highlight these paradoxical effects of oxidative stress in chronic liver diseases, pre- and post-carcinogenesis.

Application of Traditional Chinese Medicines in Postoperative Abdominal Adhesion

Adhesion is a frequent complication after abdominal surgery. Although various methods have been applied to prevent and treat postoperative abdominal adhesion (PAA), few modern drugs designed for clinical applications have reached the expected preventive or therapeutic effect so far. There is an imperative to develop some new strategies for the treatment of PAA. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely practiced for thousands of years and played an indispensable role in the prevention and treatment of diseases. Modern medicine researchers have accepted the therapeutic effects of many active components derived from Chinese medicinal herbs. The review stresses the most commonly used TCM treatment, including Chinese medicinal herbals and monomers, TCM formulas, and acupuncture treatment.

Combined therapy with ligustrazine and paeonol mitigates hepatic fibrosis through destroying mitochondrial integrity of stellate cell

This study investigates the inhibitory effect and potential mechanism of ligustrazine combined with paeonol on hepatic fibrosis, as to provide a new therapeutic strategy for clinical hepatic fibrosis. The degree of liver injury collagen deposition and inflammation was assessed by hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson, Sirius red staining and biochemically serum analysis. ATP and ROS levels in each group were detected by chemical fluorescence method. The apoptotic rate was measured by Tunel assay. Mito-Tacker fluorescence staining and mitochondrial DNA copy number were measured to observe the effect of ligustrazine or/and paeonol on mitochondrial function of hepatic stellate cell (HSC). The expression of relevant proteins and genes were evaluated by using immunofluorescence RT-PCR and western blot. Ligustrazine or/and paeonol significantly improve the pathological changes in liver tissue induced by CCl₄, however, they reduced the levels of liver and fibrosis markers in tissue and serum. ROS, NOX1 and NOX2 were significantly increased and GSH was decreased in HSC, with the intervention of Ligustrazine or/and paeonol. We further found that Ligustrazine or/and paeonol can effectively inhibit liver inflammation in vivo. The expression of TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-8 was upregulated in HSC. Moreover, Ligustrazine or/and paeonol promotes apoptosis and inhibit proliferation of HSC. Additionally, the inhibiting effects of the drug on collagen deposition was due to the interference with the expression of signaling pathway related proteins and genes such as, MMPS, TGF-β, PDGF and BMP-2 in HSC. Mitochondrial activity of HSC was inhibited by Ligustrazine or/and paeonol. The inhibitory effects of ligustrazine or/and Paeonol on mitochondrial function is partially balanced by mitochondrial protective agent SS-31. Ligustrazine combined with paeonol exerts significant anti-hepatic fibrosis effect in vivo and in vitro. This may due to the disruption of HSC mitochondrial function, thereby induced promoting oxidative stress, apoptosis, inflammation and inhibiting the formation and deposition of extracellular matrix.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Standardized Extracts from an Ancient Italian Apple Variety (Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini) against Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

The aim of this research was to examine the effect of the hydroalcoholic extracts from the peel (APE) and pulp (APP) of a traditional apple cultivar from central Italy (Mela Rosa dei Monti Sibillini) on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Phytoconstituents were determined by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis showing an abundance of proanthocyanidins and flavonol derivatives together with the presence of annurcoic acid in APE. Wistar rats received APE/APP (30 mg/kg oral administration) for three days before CCl4 injection (2 mL/kg intraperitoneal once on the third day). Treatment with both APE and APP prior to CCl4 injection significantly decreased the serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) compared to the CCl4 group. Besides, pretreatment with APE reversed the CCl4 effects on superoxide dismutase (SOD), myeloperoxidase (MPO), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin-1beta (IL-1β) levels in liver tissue in rats and reduced tissue damage as shown in hematoxylin and eosin staining. These results showed that this ancient Italian apple is worthy of use in nutraceuticals and dietary supplements to prevent and/or protect against liver disorders.

Epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2-mediated alternative splicing reprograms hepatocytes in severe alcoholic hepatitis

Severe alcoholic hepatitis (SAH) is a deadly liver disease without an effective medical therapy. Although SAH mortality is known to correlate with hepatic accumulation of immature liver cells, why this occurs and how it causes death are unclear. Here, we demonstrate that expression of epithelial splicing regulatory protein 2 (ESRP2), an RNA-splicing factor that maintains the nonproliferative, mature phenotype of adult hepatocytes, was suppressed in both human SAH and various mouse models of SAH in parallel with the severity of alcohol consumption and liver damage. Inflammatory cytokines released by excessive alcohol ingestion reprogrammed adult hepatocytes into proliferative, fetal-like cells by suppressing ESRP2. Sustained loss of ESRP2 permitted reemergence of a fetal RNA-splicing program that attenuates the Hippo signaling pathway and thus allows fetal transcriptional regulators to accumulate in adult liver. We further showed that depleting ESRP2 in mice exacerbated alcohol-induced steatohepatitis, enabling surviving hepatocytes to shed adult hepatocyte functions and become more regenerative, but threatening overall survival by populating the liver with functionally immature hepatocytes. Our findings revealed a mechanism that explains why liver failure develops in patients with the clinical syndrome of SAH, suggesting that recovery from SAH might be improved by limiting adult-to-fetal reprogramming in hepatocytes.

Lomatogonium Rotatum for Treatment of Acute Liver Injury in Mice: A Metabolomics Study

Lomatogonium rotatum (L.) Fries ex Nym (LR) is used as a traditional Mongolian medicine to treat liver and bile diseases. This study aimed to investigate the hepatoprotective effect of LR on mice with CCl₄-induced acute liver injury through conventional assays and metabolomics analysis. This study consisted of male mice (n = 23) in four groups (i.e., control, model, positive control, and LR). The extract of whole plant of LR was used to treat mice in the LR group. Biochemical and histological assays (i.e., serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), and histological changes of liver tissue) were used to evaluate LR efficacy, and metabolomics analysis based on GC-MS and LC-MS was conducted to reveal metabolic changes. The conventional analysis and metabolomic profiles both suggested that LR treatment could protect mice against CCl₄-induced acute liver injury. The affected metabolic pathways included linoleic acid metabolism, α-linolenic acid metabolism, arachidonic acid metabolism, CoA biosynthesis, glycerophospholipid metabolism, the TCA cycle, and purine metabolism. This study identified eight metabolites, including phosphopantothenic acid, succinic acid, AMP, choline, glycerol 3-phosphate, linoleic acid, arachidonic acid, and DHA, as potential biomarkers for evaluating hepatoprotective effect of LR. This metabolomics study may shed light on possible mechanisms of hepatoprotective effect of LR.

PTTG1 is involved in TNF-α-related hepatocellular carcinoma via the induction of c-myc

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a malignant disease caused by a variety of factors. However, the genomic and molecular aberrations in HCC are largely unknown. Herein, pituitary tumor transforming gene 1 (PTTG1) was discovered as a potential inflammation‐related oncogene in HCC, and its functions and molecular mechanisms were investigated. mRNA expression microarray, real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR), immunohistochemistry, and western blotting analyses revealed that PTTG1 is upregulated in HCC. Further in vitro and in vivo studies indicated that the proinflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) induces PTTG1 expression, and PTTG1 was found to upregulate c‐myc, a well‐known oncogene. Downregulation of PTTG1 reduced c‐myc and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) expression and inhibited cell proliferation. Interestingly, inhibition of c‐myc by 10058‐F4 did not affect PTTG1, which suggests that PTTG1 regulates c‐myc expression. Furthermore, PTTG1 expression levels are inversely correlated with HCC patient survival, indicating an independent prognostic biomarker for patients with HCC. Our data demonstrate that PTTG1 is involved in TNF‐α‐related HCC via c‐myc induction and that PTTG1 may be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.

Alantolactone induces apoptosis and suppresses migration in MCF‑7 human breast cancer cells via the p38 MAPK, NF‑κB and Nrf2 signaling pathways

Human breast cancer is a malignant type of cancer with high prevalence. In the present study, the anticancer effects of alantolactone, a sesquiterpene lactone, on the human breast cancer cell line MCF‑7 were investigated in vitro. The MCF‑7 cell morphology changed from diamond to round subsequent to treatment with alantolactone, and the cell viability reduced significantly compared with that of the control cells. Alantolactone induced apoptosis of MCF‑7 cells by regulating the protein expression levels of B‑cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl‑2), Bcl‑2‑associated X protein, p53, caspase‑3 and caspase‑12, which are associated with the apoptotic pathway, and suppressed colony formation and migration by regulating the protein expression of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2, MMP‑7 and MMP‑9. Cell signaling pathway analysis confirmed that alantolactone increased the phosphorylation of p38, and decreased the nuclear expression levels of p65 and nuclear factor erythroid 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2), suggesting that the apoptosis‑promoting and migration‑suppressing effect of alantolactone may partially depend on regulating the p38 MAPK, NF‑κB and Nrf2 pathways. These results also suggested that alantolactone may become a potential therapeutic strategy for treating breast cancer.

The Liver Protection Effects of Maltol, a Flavoring Agent, on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Acute Liver Injury in Mice via Inhibiting Apoptosis and Inflammatory Response

The purpose of this research was to evaluate whether maltol could protect from hepatic injury induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in vivo by inhibition of apoptosis and inflammatory responses. In this work, maltol was administered at a level of 100 mg/kg for 15 days prior to exposure to a single injection of CCl₄ (0.25%, i.p.). The results clearly indicated that the intrapulmonary injection of CCl₄ resulted in a sharp increase in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT) activities, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), irreducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) levels. Histopathological examination demonstrated severe hepatocyte necrosis and the destruction of architecture in liver lesions. Immunohistochemical staining and western blot analysis suggested an accumulation of iNOS, NF-κB, IL-1β and TNF-α expression. Maltol, when administered to mice for 15 days, can significantly improve these deleterious changes. In addition, TUNEL and Hoechst 33258 staining showed that a liver cell nucleus of a model group diffused uniform fluorescence following CCl₄ injection. Maltol pretreatment groups did not show significant cell nuclear condensation and fragmentation, indicating that maltol inhibited CCl₄-induced cell apoptosis. By evaluating the liver catalase (CAT), glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, and further using a single agent to evaluate the oxidative stress in CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity by immunofluorescence staining, maltol dramatically attenuated the reduction levels of hepatic CAT, GSH and SOD, and the over-expression levels of CYP2E1 and HO-1. In the mouse model of CCl₄-induced liver injury, we have demonstrated that the inflammatory responses were inhibited, the serum levels of ALT and AST were reduced, cell apoptosis was suppressed, and liver injury caused by CCl₄ was alleviated by maltol, demonstrating that maltol may be an efficient hepatoprotective agent.