Protective effects of silymarin on fumonisin B₁-induced hepatotoxicity in mice

p-Coumaric acid pronounced protective effect against potassium bromate-induced hepatic damage in Swiss albino mice

Potassium bromate (KBrO3) is a common dietary additive, pharmaceutical ingredient, and significant by-product of water disinfection. p-coumaric acid (PCA) is a naturally occurring nutritional polyphenolic molecule with anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. The goal of the current investigation was to examine the protective effects of p-coumaric acid against the liver damage caused by KBrO3. The five groups of animals-control, KBrO3 (100 mg/kg bw), treatment with KBrO3 along with Silymarin (100 mg/kg bw), KBrO3, followed by PCA (100 mg/bw, and 200 mg/kg bw) were randomly assigned to the animals. Mice were slaughtered, and blood and liver tissues were taken for assessment of the serum biochemical analysis for markers of liver function (alanine transaminase, aspartate transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, albumin, and protein), lipid markers and antioxidant markers (TBARS), glutathione peroxidase [GSH-Px], glutathione (GSH), and markers of hepatic oxidative stress (CAT), (SOD), as well as histological H&E stain, immunohistochemical stain iNOS, and COX-2 as markers of inflammatory cytokines. PCA protects against acute liver failure by preventing the augmentation of blood biochemical markers and lipid profiles. In mice liver tissues, KBrO3 increases lipid indicators and depletes antioxidants, leading to an increase in JNK, ERK, and p38 phosphorylation. Additionally, PCA inhibited the production of pro-inflammatory cytokines and reduced the histological alterations in KBrO3-induced hepatotoxicity. Notably, PCA effectively mitigated KBrO3-induced hepatic damage by obstructing the TNF-α/NF-kB-mediated inflammatory process signaling system. Additionally, in KBrO3-induced mice, PCA increased the intensities of hepatic glutathione (GSH), SOD, GSH-Px, catalase, and GSH activities. Collectively, we demonstrate the molecular evidence that PCA eliminated cellular inflammatory conditions, mitochondrial oxidative stress, and the TNF-α/NF-κB signaling process, thereby preventing KBrO3-induced hepatocyte damage.

Hepatoprotective activity of Lactéol® forte and quercetin dihydrate against thioacetamide-induced hepatic cirrhosis in male albino rats

Liver cirrhosis is a silent disease in humans and is experimentally induced by many drugs and toxins as thioacetamide (TAA) in particular, which is the typical model for experimental induction of hepatic fibrosis. Thus, the objective of the present study was to elucidate the possible protective effects of lactéol® forte (LF) and quercetin dihydrate (QD) against TAA-induced hepatic damage in male albino rats. Induction of hepatotoxicity was performed by TAA injection (200 mg/kg I/P, twice/ week) in rats. LF (1 × 109 CFU/rat 5 times/week) and QD (50 mg/kg 5 times/week) treated groups were administered concurrently with TAA injection (200 mg/kg I/P, twice/ week). The experimental treatments were conducted for 12 weeks. Hepatotoxicity was evaluated biochemically by measuring alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT) in the serum and histopathologically with the scoring of histopathological changes besides histochemical assessment of collagen by Masson's trichrome and immunohistochemical analysis for α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Ki67 and caspase-3 expression in liver sections. Our results indicated that LF and QD attenuated some biochemical changes and histochemical markers in TAA-mediated hepatotoxicity in rats by amelioration of biochemical markers and collagen, α-SMA, Ki67 and caspase3 Immunoexpression. Additionally, LF and QD supplementation downregulated the proliferative, necrotic, fibroblastic changes, eosinophilic intranuclear inclusions, hyaline globules and Mallory-like bodies that were detected histopathologically in the TAA group. In conclusion, LF showed better hepatic protection than QD against TAA-induced hepatotoxicity in rats by inhibiting inflammatory reactions with the improvement of some serum hepatic transaminases, histopathological picture and immunohistochemical markers.

Protective effect of silymarin on tacrolimus-induced kidney and liver toxicity

BACKGROUND

Tacrolimus (FK506) is an immunosuppressive agent and has toxic side effects such as nephrotoxicity, hepatotoxicity, and neurotoxicity. In our study, we aimed to investigate the protective effect of silymarin on renal and hepatic toxicity considered to be tacrolimus related.

METHODS

In this 6-week experimental study, 46 eight-week-old healthy male rats were used. The groups comprised the Control (healthy rats, n = 6), Tac (tacrolimus 1 mg/kg, n = 8), silymarin 100 mg/kg (SLI 100 mg/kg n = 8), Tac + SLI 100 (tacrolimus 1 mg/kg + SLI 100 n = 8), SLI 200 (SLI 200 mg/kg n = 8), and Tac + SLI 200 (tacrolimus 1 mg/kg + SLI 200 mg/kg n = 8). After 6 weeks, all rats were sacrificed, and the tissue follow-up procedure was performed for kidney and liver tissues, histopathology, and in situ TUNEL analysis. Blood samples were analyzed for the total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total oxidant capacity (TOC), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), albumin, total bilirubin, creatine.

RESULTS

Histopathological findings of kidney and liver tissue of rats were determined to increase statistically in Tac group compared to SLI 1 00 and SLI 200 groups (P < 0.05). In addition, the Tac + SLI 100 and Tac + SLI 200 groups were found to be statistically similar to the Control group (P > 0.05). The in situ TUNEL method showed that the tacrolimus increased apoptosis while the silymarin decreased it. TOC levels increased statistically in Tac groups compared to silymarin-treated groups (P < 0.05). Although the TAC level was not statistically significant among the experimental groups (P > 0.05), the lowest was measured in the Tac group. The ALT, AST, GGT, total bilirubin, and creatine values were higher in the Tac group than in the silymarin groups (P < 0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups with regard to the albumin level (P > 0.05).

CONCLUSION

In our study, we determined that tacrolimus caused damage to kidney and liver tissue. Histopathological, biochemical and apoptotic findings show that silymarin has a protective effect against nephrotoxicity and hepatotoxicity caused by tacrolimus.

Mitochondrial calcium uniporter involved in foodborne mycotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity

Foodborne mycotoxins are toxic metabolites that are produced by fungi. The widespread contamination of food and its by-products by mycotoxins is a global food safety problem that potentially threatens public health and other exposed animals. Most foodborne mycotoxins induce hepatotoxicity. However, only few studies have investigated the regulatory mechanisms of mitochondrial calcium transport monomers in mycotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. Therefore, according to relevant studies and reports, this review suggests that intracellular Ca(2 +) homeostasis and mitochondrial Ca(2 +) uniporter are involved in the regulation of mycotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity. This review provides some ideas for future research involving mitochondrial Ca(2 +) uniporter in the molecular targets of mycotoxin-induced hepatotoxicity, as well as a reference for the research and development of related drugs and the treatment of related diseases.

Design and optimization of silymarin loaded in lyophilized fast melt tablets to attenuate lung toxicity induced via HgCl2 in rats

The present study aimed to develop fast melting tablets (FMTs) using silymarin (SM) owing to FMTs rapid disintegration and dissolution. FMTs represent a pathway to help patients to increase their compliance level of treatment via facile administration without water or chewing beside reduction cost. One of the methods for FMTs formulation is lyophilization. Optimization of SM-FMTs was developed via a 3² factorial design. All prepared SM-FMTs were evaluated for weight variation, thickness, breaking force, friability, content uniformity, disintegration time (DT), and % SM released. The optimized FMT formula was selected based on the criteria of scoring the fastest DT and highest % SM released after 10 min (Q₁₀). Optimized FMT was subjected to Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray powder diffraction (XRD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) besides investigating its lung-protective efficacy. All SM-FMT tablets showed acceptable properties within the pharmacopeial standards. Optimized FMT (F7) scored a DT of 12.5 ± 0.64 Sec and % SM released at Q₁₀ of 82.69 ± 2.88%. No incompatibilities were found between SM and excipients, it showed a porous structure under SEM. The optimized formula decreased cytokines, up-regulated miRNA133a, and down-regulated miRNA-155 and COX-2 involved in the protection against lung toxicity prompted by HgCl₂ in a manner comparable to free SM at the same dosage.

Toxic Mechanism and Biological Detoxification of Fumonisins

Food safety is related to the national economy and people’s livelihood. Fumonisins are widely found in animal feed, feed raw materials, and human food. This can not only cause economic losses in animal husbandry but can also have carcinogenicity or teratogenicity and can be left in animal meat, eggs, and milk which may enter the human body and pose a serious threat to human health. Although there are many strategies to prevent fumonisins from entering the food chain, the traditional physical and chemical methods of mycotoxin removal have some disadvantages, such as an unstable effect, large nutrient loss, impact on the palatability of feed, and difficulty in mass production. As a safe, efficient, and environmentally friendly detoxification technology, biological detoxification attracts more and more attention from researchers and is gradually becoming an accepted technique. This work summarizes the toxic mechanism of fumonisins and highlights the advances of fumonisins in the detoxification of biological antioxidants, antagonistic microorganisms, and degradation mechanisms. Finally, the future challenges and focus of the biological control and degradation of fumonisins are discussed.

Toxic Effects of Mycotoxin Fumonisin B1 at Six Different Doses on Female BALB/c Mice

Background: Fumonisin B1 (FB1) is one of the most common mycotoxins contaminating feed and food. Although regulatory limits about fumonisins have been established in some countries, it is still very important to conduct research on lower doses of FB1 to determine the tolerance limits. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of different concentrations of FB1, provide further evidence about the toxic doses- and exposure time-associated influence of FB1 on mice, especially low levels of FB1 for long-term exposure. Methods: Female BALB/c mice were treated intragastrically (i.g.) with fumonisin B1 (FB1) solutions (0 mg/kg body weight (BW), 0.018 mg/kg BW, 0.054 mg/kg BW, 0.162 mg/kg BW, 0.486 mg/kg BW, 1.458 mg/kg BW and 4.374 mg/kg BW) once a day for 8 weeks to obtain dose- and time-dependent effects on body and organ weights, hematology, blood chemical parameters and liver and kidney histopathology. Results: After the long-term administration of FB1, the body weights of the mice tended to decrease. Over time, FB1 first increased the relative spleen weight, then increased the relative kidney weight, and finally increased the relative liver weight. The mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), hemoglobin (HGB), white blood cells (WBC), platelets (PLT), and mean platelet volume (MPV) were significantly elevated after treatment with FB1 for 8 weeks. Moreover, exposure time-dependent responses were found for aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) level, which were coupled with hepatic histopathological findings, necroinflammation and vacuolar degeneration and detrital necrosis. Linear dose response was also found for liver histopathology, in which, even the minimum dose of FB1 exposure also caused changes. Renal alterations were moderate compared to hepatic alterations. Conclusion: In conclusion, we demonstrated the systemic toxic effects of different doses of FB1 in female BALB/c mice at different times. Our data indicated that the effects observed in this study at the lowest dose tested are discussed in relation to the currently established provisional maximum tolerable daily intake (PMTDI) for fumonisins. This study suggested that recommendations for the concentration of FB1 in animals and humans are not sufficiently protective and that regulatory doses should be modified to better protect animal and human health. The toxicity of FB1 needs more attention.

The Effect of Mycotoxins and Silymarin on Liver Lipidome of Mice with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Milk thistle-based dietary supplements have become increasingly popular. The extract from milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is often used for the treatment of liver diseases because of the presence of its active component, silymarin. However, the co-occurrence of toxic mycotoxins in these preparations is quite frequent as well. The objective of this study was to investigate the changes in composition of liver lipidome and other clinical characteristics of experimental mice fed by a high-fat methionine-choline deficient diet inducing non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The mice were exposed to (i) silymarin, (ii) mycotoxins (trichothecenes, enniatins, beauvericin, and altertoxins) and (iii) both silymarin and mycotoxins, and results were compared to the controls. The liver tissue extracts were analyzed by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with high-resolution tandem mass spectrometry. Using tools of univariate and multivariate statistical analysis, we were able to identify 48 lipid species from the classes of diacylglycerols, triacylglycerols, free fatty acids, fatty acid esters of hydroxy fatty acids and phospholipids clearly reflecting the dysregulation of lipid metabolism upon exposure to mycotoxin and/or silymarin.

Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr. Bioactive Constituents Exert Anti-SARS-CoV-2 and Anti-Inflammatory Activities: Molecular Docking and Dynamics, In Vitro, and In Vivo Studies

In response to the urgent need to control Coronavirus disease 19 (COVID-19), this study aims to explore potential anti-SARS-CoV-2 agents from natural sources. Moreover, cytokine immunological responses to the viral infection could lead to acute respiratory distress which is considered a critical and life-threatening complication associated with the infection. Therefore, the anti-viral and anti-inflammatory agents can be key to the management of patients with COVID-19. Four bioactive compounds, namely ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were isolated from the leaves of Pimenta dioica (L.) Merr (ethyl acetate extract) and identified using spectroscopic evidence. Furthermore, molecular docking and dynamics simulations were performed for the isolated and identified compounds (1-4) against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro) as a proposed mechanism of action. Furthermore, all compounds were tested for their half-maximal cytotoxicity (CC50) and SARS-CoV-2 inhibitory concentrations (IC50). Additionally, lung toxicity was induced in rats by mercuric chloride and the effects of treatment with P. dioca aqueous extract, ferulic acid 1, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 were recorded through measuring TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-2, IL-10, G-CSF, and genetic expression of miRNA 21-3P and miRNA-155 levels to assess their anti-inflammatory effects essential for COVID-19 patients. Interestingly, rutin 2, gallic acid 3, and chlorogenic acid 4 showed remarkable anti-SARS-CoV-2 activities with IC50 values of 31 µg/mL, 108 μg/mL, and 360 µg/mL, respectively. Moreover, the anti-inflammatory effects were found to be better in ferulic acid 1 and rutin 2 treatments. Our results could be promising for more advanced preclinical and clinical studies especially on rutin 2 either alone or in combination with other isolates for COVID-19 management.

Response of Fecal Bacterial Flora to the Exposure of Fumonisin B1 in BALB/c Mice

Fumonisins are a kind of mycotoxin that has harmful influence on the health of humans and animals. Although some research studies associated with fumonisins have been reported, the regulatory limits of fumonisins are imperfect, and the effects of fumonisins on fecal bacterial flora of mice have not been suggested. In this study, in order to investigate the effects of fumonisin B1 (FB1) on fecal bacterial flora, BALB/c mice were randomly divided into seven groups, which were fed intragastrically with 0 mg/kg, 0.018 mg/kg, 0.054 mg/kg, 0.162 mg/kg, 0.486 mg/kg, 1.458 mg/kg and 4.374 mg/kg of FB1 solutions, once a day for 8 weeks. Subsequently, feces were collected for analysis of microflora. The V3-V4 16S rRNA of fecal bacterial flora was sequenced using the Illumina MiSeq platform. The results revealed that fecal bacterial flora of mice treated with FB1 presented high diversity. Additionally, the composition of fecal bacterial flora of FB1 exposure groups showed marked differences from that of the control group, especially for the genus types including Alloprevotella, Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Rikenellaceae_RC9_gut_group, Parabacteroides and phylum types including Cyanobacteria. In conclusion, our data indicate that FB1 alters the diversity and composition of fecal microbiota in mice. Moreover, the minimum dose of FB1 exposure also causes changes in fecal microbiota to some extent. This study is the first to focus on the dose-related effect of FB1 exposure on fecal microbiota in rodent animals and gives references to the regulatory doses of fumonisins for better protection of human and animal health.

Hepatotoxicity of food-borne mycotoxins: molecular mechanism, anti-hepatotoxic medicines and target prediction

Mycotoxins are metabolites produced by fungi. The widespread contamination of food and feed by mycotoxins is a global food safety problem and a serious threat to people's health. Most food-borne mycotoxins have strong hepatotoxicity. However, no effective methods have been found to prevent or treat Mycotoxin- Induced Liver Injury (MILI) in clinical and animal husbandry. In this paper, the molecular mechanisms and potential anti-MILI medicines of six food-borne MILI are reviewed, and their targets are predicted by network toxicology, which provides a theoretical basis for further study of the toxicity mechanism of MILI and the development of effective strategies to manage MILI-related health problems in the future and accelerate the development of food safety.

Fumonisin B1 induces nephrotoxicity via autophagy mediated by mTORC1 instead of mTORC2 in human renal tubule epithelial cells

Fumonisin B1 (FB1), a worldwide contaminating mycotoxin, can cause global food issue. It has been reported that FB1 is related to chronic kidney disease of unknown etiology. However, the study of FB1-induced nephrotoxicity in vitro is very limited and the mechanism is unknown. Human renal tubule epithelial (HK-2) cells were used in this study. The results showed that FB1 exposure could decrease cell viability, induce cell apoptosis and up-regulate the expression of Kim-1, collagen I, α-SMA and TGF-β1. In addition, autophagy was activated after FB1 exposure, including the conversion of LC3 and up-regulation of ATGs. Furthermore, autophagy inhibitor 3-MA could block FB1-induced abnormalities. And antioxidant enzymes (Gpx1 and Gpx4) were obviously down-regulated and intracellular ROS levels displayed an ascent trend as FB1 exposure concentrations increased. Employing of antioxidant NAC could suppress FB1-induced nephrotoxicity and autophagy. FB1 inhibited the phosphorylation of p70 S6k, a downstream protein of mTORC1. Also, oxidative stress, autophagy and phosphorylation of p70 S6k induced by FB1 was inhibited by MHY1485, an activator of mTOR. But the phosphorylation of AKT, a downstream protein of mTORC2 showed no change with or without MHY1485. Taken together, FB1 induced nephrotoxicity via autophagy mediated by mTORC1 instead of mTORC2 in HK-2 cells.

Cytoprotective effects of curcumin and silymarin on PK-15 cells exposed to ochratoxin A, fumonisin B1 and deoxynivalenol

Mycotoxins are toxic secondary metabolites produced by fungus which cause worldwide concern regarding food and feed safety. Ochratoxin A (OTA), fumonisin B₁ (FB₁) and deoxynivalenol (DON) are some of the main mycotoxins and oxidative stress is the main mechanism of toxicity. Thereby, this study investigates the in vitro cytoprotective effects of curcumin (CUR) and silymarin (SIL) - known for their strong antioxidant activity - in PK-15 cells exposed to OTA, FB₁ and DON. Pretreatment with CUR and SIL enhanced the viability of cells exposed to the mycotoxins (P < 0.001) and attenuated reactive oxygen species (ROS) formation by DON (P < 0.01), partially reduced ROS formation by FB₁ (P < 0.001), but not OTA. CUR significantly decreased apoptosis in cells exposed to DON (P < 0.01) but was not able to prevent apoptosis in cells exposed to OTA and FB₁. Whereas SIL was able to prevent apoptosis in PK-15 cells exposed to FB₁ and DON (P < 0.01) but was not able to decrease apoptosis in cells exposed to OTA. In summary, these data indicate that curcumin and silymarin are able to provide cytoprotection against toxicity induced by OTA, FB₁ and DON in PK-15 cells.

In Silico and In Vitro Studies of Mycotoxins and Their Cocktails; Their Toxicity and Its Mitigation by Silibinin Pre-Treatment

Mycotoxins found in randomly selected commercial milk thistle dietary supplement were evaluated for their toxicity in silico and in vitro. Using in silico methods, the basic physicochemical, pharmacological, and toxicological properties of the mycotoxins were predicted using ACD/Percepta. The in vitro cytotoxicity of individual mycotoxins was determined in mouse macrophage (RAW 264.7), human hepatoblastoma (HepG2), and human embryonic kidney (HEK 293T) cells. In addition, we studied the bioavailability potential of mycotoxins and silibinin utilizing an in vitro transwell system with differentiated human colon adenocarcinoma cells (Caco-2) simulating mycotoxin transfer through the intestinal epithelial barrier. The IC50 values for individual mycotoxins in studied cells were in the biologically relevant ranges as follows: 3.57-13.37 nM (T-2 toxin), 5.07-47.44 nM (HT-2 toxin), 3.66-17.74 nM (diacetoxyscirpenol). Furthermore, no acute toxicity was obtained for deoxynivalenol, beauvericin, zearalenone, enniatinENN-A, enniatin-A1, enniatin-B, enniatin-B1, alternariol, alternariol-9-methyl ether, tentoxin, and mycophenolic acid up to the 50 nM concentration. The acute toxicity of these mycotoxins in binary combinations exhibited antagonistic effects in the combinations of T-2 with DON, ENN-A1, or ENN-B, while the rest showed synergistic or additive effects. Silibinin had a significant protective effect against both the cytotoxicity of three mycotoxins (T-2 toxin, HT-2 toxin, DAS) and genotoxicity of AME, AOH, DON, and ENNs on HEK 293T. The bioavailability results confirmed that AME, DAS, ENN-B, TEN, T-2, and silibinin are transported through the epithelial cell layer and further metabolized. The bioavailability of silibinin is very similar to mycotoxins poor penetration.

Mycotoxins and oxidative stress: where are we?

Mycotoxins are the most common contaminants of food and feed worldwide and are considered an important risk factor for human and animal health. Oxidative stress occurs in cells when the concentration of reactive oxygen species exceeds the cell’s antioxidant capacity. Oxidative stress causes DNA damage, enhances lipid peroxidation, protein damage and cell death. This review addresses the toxicity of the major mycotoxins, especially aflatoxin B1, deoxynivalenol, nivalenol, T-2 toxin, fumonisin B1, ochratoxin, patulin and zearalenone, in relation to oxidative stress. It summarises the data associated with oxidative stress as a plausible mechanism for mycotoxin-induced toxicity. Given the contamination caused by mycotoxins worldwide, the protective effects of a variety of natural compounds due to their antioxidant capacities have been evaluated. We review data on the ability of vitamins, flavonoids, crocin, curcumin, green tea, lycopene, phytic acid, L-carnitine, melatonin, minerals and mixtures of anti-oxidants to mitigate the toxic effect of mycotoxins associated with oxidative stress.

Silymarin-mediated regulation of the cell cycle and DNA damage response exerts antitumor activity in human hepatocellular carcinoma

A novel module-search algorithm method was used to screen for potential signatures and investigate the molecular mechanisms of inhibiting hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) growth following treatment with silymarin (SM). The modules algorithm was used to identify the modules via three major steps: i) Seed gene selection; ii) module search by seed expansion and entropy minimization; and iii) module refinement. The statistical significance of modules was computed to select the differential modules (DMs), followed by the identification of core modules using the attract method. Pathway analysis for core modules was implemented to identify the biological functions associated with the disease. Subsequently, results were verified in an independent sample set using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). In total, 18 seed genes and 12 DMs (modules 1-12) were identified. The core modules were isolated using gene expression data. Overall, there were 4 core modules (modules 11, 5, 6 and 12). Additionally, DNA topoisomerase 2-binding protein 1 (TOPBP1), non-structural maintenance of chromosomes condensing I complex subunit H, nucleolar and spindle associated protein 1 (NUSAP1) and cell division cycle associated 3 (CDCA3) were the initial seed genes of module 11, 5, 6 and 12, respectively. Pathway results revealed that cell cycle signaling pathway was enriched by all core modules simultaneously. RT-PCR results indicated that the level of CDCA3, TOPBP1 and NUSAP1 in SM-treated HCC samples was markedly decreased compared with that in non-SM-treated HCC. No statistically significant difference between the transcriptional levels of CDCA3 in SM-treated and non-treated HCC groups was identified, although CDCA3 expression was increased in the treated group compared with the untreated group. Furthermore, although the expression level of TOPBP1 and NUSAP1 in the SM-treated group was decreased compared with that in the normal group, no significant difference was observed. From the results of the present study it can be inferred that TOPBP1, NUSAP1 and CDCA3 of the core modules may serve notable functions in SM-associated growth suppression of HCC.

Silybin attenuates LPS-induced lung injury in mice by inhibiting NF-κB signaling and NLRP3 activation

Silybin is one of the main flavonoids produced by milk thistle, which has been used in the treatment of liver diseases. In this study, we examined the protective effects and possible mechanisms of action of silybin in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced lung injury and inflammation. Pre-treatment of mice with silybin significantly inhibited LPS-induced airway inflammatory cell recruitment, including macrophages, T cells and neutrophils. The production of cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) in bronchoalveolar fluid and serum was also decreased following treatment with silybin. Elevated cytokine mRNA levels induced by LPS in lung tissue were all suppressed by silybin and lung histological alterations were also improved. In addition, experiments using cells indicated that silybin significantly decreased the mRNA levels and secretion of IL-1β and TNF-α in THP-1 cells. Moreover, the mechanisms responsible for these effects were attributed to the inhibitory effect of silybin on nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling and NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation. The data form our study thus support the utility of silybin as a potential medicine for the treatment of acute lung injury-associated inflammation and pathological changes. Silybin exerts protective effects against lung injury by regulating NF-κB signaling and the NLRP3 inflammasome activation.

The role of PPARγ-mediated signalling in skin biology and pathology: new targets and opportunities for clinical dermatology

Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors (PPARs) are ligand-activated transcription factors that modulate the expression of multiple different genes involved in the regulation of lipid, glucose and amino acid metabolism. PPARs and cognate ligands also regulate important cellular functions, including cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as inflammatory responses. This includes a role in mediating skin and pilosebaceous unit homoeostasis: PPARs appear to be essential for maintaining skin barrier permeability, inhibit keratinocyte cell growth, promote keratinocyte terminal differentiation and regulate skin inflammation. They also may have protective effects on human hair follicle (HFs) epithelial stem cells, while defects in PPARγ-mediated signalling may promote the death of these stem cells and thus facilitate the development of cicatricial alopecia (lichen planopilaris). Overall, however, selected PPARγ modulators appear to act as hair growth inhibitors that reduce the proliferation and promote apoptosis of hair matrix keratinocytes. The fact that commonly prescribed PPARγ-modulatory drugs of the thiazolidine-2,4-dione class can exhibit a battery of adverse cutaneous effects underscores the importance of distinguishing beneficial from clinically undesired cutaneous activities of PPARγ ligands and to better understand on the molecular level how PPARγ-regulated cutaneous lipid metabolism and PPARγ-mediated signalling impact on human skin physiology and pathology. Surely, the therapeutic potential that endogenous and exogenous PPARγ modulators may possess in selected skin diseases, ranging from chronic inflammatory hyperproliferative dermatoses like psoriasis and atopic dermatitis, via scarring alopecia and acne can only be harnessed if the complexities of PPARγ signalling in human skin and its appendages are systematically dissected.

The effects of silibin administration for different time periods on mouse liver with Ehrlich ascites carcinoma

BACKGROUND

Ehrlich ascites carcinoma is the one of the animal cancer models having high malignancy and rapid growth resistance. Silibin has reported to be an antioxidant in previous studies. We aimed to investigate the effects of silibin on mouse liver with Ehrlich ascites tumor (EAT) cells in different time periods.

METHODS

Balb/c mice were divided into five groups. Group I (Control): The saline buffer (sb) was injected intraperitoneally (ip) to the mice for 15 days. Group II (Silibin): 150mg/kg silibin was injected ip for 15 days. Group III (Ehrlich): 2×10(5) cells were transferred from the donor mouse to healthy mice on first day. Group IV (Ehrlich+Silibin): Silibin was given between 5th and 15th days to mice inoculated with EAT. Group V (Silibin+Ehrlich): Silibin was injected for 15 days after EAT cells. The liver sections were stained with matrix metalloproteinase-2 and -9 (MMP-2 and MMP-9), caspase 3, caspase 8, and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) antibodies by the streptavidin-biotin-peroxidase technique. Biochemical analysis and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP-biotin nick-end labeling (TUNEL) method were performed in the liver.

RESULTS

Superoxide dismutase levels of liver increased in Ehrlich+Silibin group compared with Ehrlich group. Malondialdehyde levels significantly decreased in Silibin+Ehrlich group compared with Ehrlich+Silibin. MMP-2 and MMP-9 immunopositive cells increased in Silibin+Ehrlich compared with Ehrlich group. Caspase 3 and TUNEL signals significantly increased in Silibin+Ehrlich group compared with Ehrlich group. PCNA positive signals significantly increased in Ehrlich+Silibin group compared with Ehrlich group.

CONCLUSION

According to our findings, we suggest that silibin treatment after EAT cells inoculation has more effective than concurrently EAT and silibin treatment.

Evaluation of the protective effect of silibinin against diazinon induced hepatotoxicity and free-radical damage in rat liver

Background:

Diazinon (0,0-Diethyl 0-(1-6-methyl-2-isoprophyl 4 pyrimidinyl) phosphorothioate) (DI) is a very effective organophosphate pesticide, used widely in agriculture. Consequently, data on poisoning cases secondary to DI exposure are important. The DI may affect a variety of tissues, including liver. Silibinin is a pharmacologically active constitute of Silybum marianum, with documented antioxidant activity.

Objectives:

The aim of our study was to evaluate both histopathologically and biochemically whether silibinin is protective in DI induced liver damage.

Materials and Methods:

Thirty two Wistar albino rats were divided into four groups, as follows: 1) control group - oral corn oil was given; 2) DI group - rats were administered orally 335 mg/kg in the corn oil solution; 3) Silibinin group - 100 mg/kg/day silibinin was given alone orally, every 24 hours for 7 days; 4) Silibinin + DI group - DI plus silibinin was given. All rats were sacrificed at the end of experiment. Superoxide dismutases (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPX), nitric oxide (NO) and myeloperoxidase (MPO) were investigated in serum and liver tissue. In addition, serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) enzyme activities were evaluated. The liver tissue was evaluated histopathologically with Hematoxilin & Eosin dye.

Results:

Biochemically, ALT, AST, NO, MPO in serum and NO, MPO in liver tissue were found to be significantly higher in DI group, compared to control group (P < 0.001). In Group Silibinin + DI, serum AST, ALT, NO, MPO levels were significantly lower (P < 0.01), and both serum and tissue SOD activities were significantly higher, compared to DI group (P < 0.001). Diazinon induced histopathological changes in liver tissue were: severe sinusoidal dilatation, moderate disruption of the radial alignment of hepatocytes around the central vein, severe vacuolization in the hepatocyte cytoplasm, inflammation around central vein and portal region. In rats receiving both DI and silibinin, the DI induced changes accounted for less sinusoidal dilatation, vacuolization in the hepatocyte cytoplasm and the inflammation around central vein and portal region (P < 0.05).

Conclusions:

The DI was found to induce liver damage by oxidative stress mechanisms. Silibinin reduced the oxidative stress by inducing antioxidant mechanisms, thereby showing protective effect against DI induced liver damage. Further studies with silibinin should be performed regarding DI toxicity.

Silymarin as a Natural Antioxidant: An Overview of the Current Evidence and Perspectives

Silymarin (SM), an extract from the Silybum marianum (milk thistle) plant containing various flavonolignans (with silybin being the major one), has received a tremendous amount of attention over the last decade as a herbal remedy for liver treatment. In many cases, the antioxidant properties of SM are considered to be responsible for its protective actions. Possible antioxidant mechanisms of SM are evaluated in this review. (1) Direct scavenging free radicals and chelating free Fe and Cu are mainly effective in the gut. (2) Preventing free radical formation by inhibiting specific ROS-producing enzymes, or improving an integrity of mitochondria in stress conditions, are of great importance. (3) Maintaining an optimal redox balance in the cell by activating a range of antioxidant enzymes and non-enzymatic antioxidants, mainly via Nrf2 activation is probably the main driving force of antioxidant (AO)  action of SM. (4) Decreasing inflammatory responses by inhibiting NF-κB pathways is an emerging mechanism of SM protective effects in liver toxicity and various liver diseases. (5) Activating vitagenes, responsible for synthesis of protective molecules, including heat shock proteins (HSPs), thioredoxin and sirtuins and providing additional protection in stress conditions deserves more attention. (6) Affecting the microenvironment of the gut, including SM-bacteria interactions, awaits future investigations. (7) In animal nutrition and disease prevention strategy, SM alone, or in combination with other hepatho-active compounds (carnitine, betaine, vitamin B₁₂, etc.), might have similar hepatoprotective effects as described in human nutrition.