Boldine protects against carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury by regulating NF-κB signaling pathway

Sustained liver injuries predominantly promote oxidative stress and inflammation that lead to the progression of chronic liver disease (CLD), including fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Boldine, an alkaloid isolated from Peumus boldus, has been shown to have antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Currently, there is no definitive treatment option available for CLD. Therefore, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of boldine against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced chronic liver injury in rats. CCl4 (2 mL/kg., b.w., i.p.) was administered twice weekly for 5 weeks to induce chronic liver injury in rats. Separate groups of rats were given boldine (20 mg/kg b.w., and 40 mg/kg b.w.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg b.w.) orally, daily. Serum transaminases, lipid peroxidation, and antioxidant levels were measured, and nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), cyclooxygenase-2 (cox-2), interleukin-1 β (IL-1β), and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) gene and protein expressions were evaluated. CCl4 administration increased liver marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity in serum and oxidative stress markers, inflammatory genes and α-smooth muscle actin expression in liver tissue. Boldine concurrent treatment suppressed CCl4 -induced elevation of transaminase levels in serum, restored enzymic and non-enzymic antioxidants, and downregulated NF-κB, TNF-α, Cox-2 and IL-1β expressions, thereby suppressing hepatic inflammation. Boldine administration also repressed α-SMA expression. The results of this study demonstrate the antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic properties of boldine, and it can be a potential therapeutic candidate in the treatment of CLD.

Thymoquinone protects thioacetamide-induced chronic liver injury by inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad3 axis in rats

Chronic liver injury due to various etiological factors results in excess secretion and accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to scarring of liver tissue and ultimately to hepatic fibrosis. If left untreated, fibrosis might progress to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Thymoquinone (TQ), an active compound of Nigella sativa, has been reported to exhibit antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and anticancer activities. Therefore, the effect of TQ against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver fibrosis was assessed in rats. Fibrosis was induced with intraperitoneal administration of TAA (250 mg/kg b.w.) twice a week for 5 weeks. TQ (20 mg/kg b.w.) and silymarin (50 mg/kg b.w.) were orally administered daily for 5 weeks separately in TAA administered groups. Liver dysfunction was reported by elevated liver enzymes, increased oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis upon TAA administration. Our study demonstrated that TQ inhibited the elevation of liver marker enzymes in serum. TQ administration significantly increased antioxidant markers, such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase in the liver tissue of rats. Further, TQ significantly attenuated liver fibrosis, as illustrated by the downregulation of TAA-induced interleukin-β, tumour necrosis factor-α, inducible nitric oxide synthase and fibrosis markers like transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), α-smooth muscle actin, collagen-1, Smad3 and 7. Therefore, these findings suggest that TQ has a promising hepatoprotective property, as indicated by its potential to effectively suppress TAA-induced liver fibrosis in rats by inhibiting oxidative stress and inflammation via TGF-β/Smad signaling.

Coleus vettiveroides ethanolic root extract induces cytotoxicity by intrinsic apoptosis in HepG2 cells

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) contributes to more than 80% of all primary cancers globally and ranks fourth in cancer-related deaths, due to the lack of an effective, definite therapeutic drug. Coleus vettiveroides (CV) has been used in Indian traditional medicine to treat diabetes, liver ailments, skin diseases, leukoderma, and leprosy. This study investigates the anticancer effect of CV ethanolic root extract in HepG2 cells. HepG2 cells were treated with CV extract, and its cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay. AO/EB staining, propidium iodide staining, DCFH-DA assay, phalloidine staining, flow cytometry, and qPCR studies were performed for ROS expression, apoptosis and cell cycle analysis. The phytochemical analysis confirmed the presence of quercetin and galangin in CV root extract. The results showed that CV inhibited the proliferation of HepG2 cells, with altered cellular and nuclear morphology. CV was also found to increase intracellular ROS levels and oxidative stress markers in HepG2 cells. CV significantly altered the actin microfilament distribution in HepG2 cells and caused cell cycle arrest at the sub G0 -G1 phase. CV also induced mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, as evidenced by increased expression of p53, Bax, cytochrome C, Apaf-1, PARP, caspase-3 and caspase-9, and downregulated Bcl-2 expression. Therefore, CV exerts its anticancer effect by inducing mitochondrial dysfunction, oxidative stress, cytoskeletal disorganization, cell cycle arrest, and mitochondria-mediated apoptosis, and it could be a potent therapeutic option for HCC.

Ethyl gallate concurrent administration protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver injury in mice: An in vivo and in silico approach

Acetaminophen (APAP) in high doses causes acute liver injury and acute liver failure. Ethyl gallate (EG) is a natural polyphenol, possessing antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-microbial properties. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated the protective role of EG against APAP-induced acute liver injury in mice. Acute liver injury was induced by a single dose of APAP (400 mg/kg., i.p.). In separate groups, EG (10 mg/kg), EG (20 mg/kg), and N-acetylcysteine (NAC; 1200 mg/kg., i.p.) were administered concurrently with APAP. The mice were sacrificed after 24 h of treatment. Liver marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity, antioxidant markers, inflammatory markers, and histopathological studies were done. APAP administration caused a significant elevation of marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity and lipid peroxidation. APAP administration also decreased enzymic and nonenzymic antioxidants. Acute APAP intoxication induced nuclear factor κ B, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1, p65, and p52 and downregulated IκB gene expressions. Our histopathological studies have confirmed the presence of centrilobular necrosis, 24 h after APAP intoxication. All the above abnormalities were significantly inhibited in groups of mice that were concurrently administered with APAP + EG and APAP + NAC. Our in silico analysis further confirms that hydroxyl groups of EG interact with the above inflammatory proteins at the 3,4,5-trihydroxybenzoic acid region. These effects of EG against APAP-induced acute liver injury could be attributed to its antioxidative, free radical scavenging, and anti-inflammatory potentials. Therefore, this study suggests that EG can be an efficient therapeutic approach to protect the liver from APAP intoxication.

Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers. (Lythraceae) Ethanolic Extract Attenuates Isoniazid-Induced Oxidative Stress and Hepatic Inflammation in Rats

Background Drug-induced liver injury is a common cause of acute liver failure. Isoniazid (INH) is used as a first-line treatment for tuberculosis. Clinical and experimental studies have reported abnormal liver function after INH therapy. Lagerstroemia speciosa Pers., commonly known as banaba, has been traditionally used to treat various ailments including diabetes and obesity due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. Aim To investigate the hepatoprotective effect of ethanolic banaba leaf extract (EBLE) against INH-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Materials and methods A total of 30 male Wistar albino rats (150 - 200 g) were divided into five groups (n = 6). Group I rats were served as a control and were administered dimethyl sulfoxide for the first 30 days and water for the next 30 consecutive days. Group II rats were administered INH (50 mg/kg, p.o.) once in the first 30 consecutive days and sacrificed at Day 30. Group III rats were administered INH for 30 consecutive days and left without treatment for the next 30 days. In Groups IV and V, rats were post-treated orally with EBLE 250 and 500 mg/kg, p.o. (0.3 ml/rat) for 30 days after INH administration. At the end of Day 60, the remaining group of animals were sacrificed. The blood and liver tissues were collected. The marker enzymes of hepatotoxicity, oxidative stress markers, inflammatory markers, and histopathology were analyzed. Results INH administration induced significant elevation of marker enzymes (aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, alkaline phosphatase, lactate dehydrogenase, bilirubin, gamma-glutamyl transpeptidase) of hepatotoxicity in the serum. This treatment also increased lipid peroxidation and proinflammatory marker expression (tumor necrosis factor-alpha, transforming growth factor-beta, and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) except inhibitor of NF-κB) and decreased antioxidants such superoxide dismutase, catalase, and glutathione in the liver tissue. All these abnormalities were significantly mitigated after treatment with EBLE. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that EBLE can be used for INH-induced hepatotoxicity.

Molecular insights on intracellular Wnt/β-catenin signaling in alcoholic liver disease

Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is one of the most common health problems worldwide, especially in developing countries caused by chronic consumption of alcohol on a daily basis. The ALD spectrum is initiated with the early stages of alcoholic fatty liver (steatosis), progressing to alcoholic steatohepatitis, followed by the later stages of fibrosis and in some cases, cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The Wnt/β-catenin signaling required for healthy liver development, function, and regeneration is found to be aberrated in ALD, attributed to its progression. This review is to elucidate the association of Wnt/β-catenin signaling with various stages of ALD progression. Alcohol causes downregulation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling components and thereby suppressing the pathway. Reports have been published that aberrated Wnt/β-catenin signaling, especially the absence of β-catenin, results in decreased alcohol metabolism, causing steatosis followed by steatohepatitis via lipid accumulation, lipid peroxidation, liver injury, increased oxidative stress and apoptosis of hepatocytes, contributing to the advancement of ALD. Contrastingly, the progression of later stages of ALD like fibrosis and HCC depends on the increased activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its components. Existing studies reveal the varied expression of Wnt/β-catenin signaling in ALD. However, the dual role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in earlier and later stages of ALD is not clear. Therefore, studies on the Wnt/β-catenin pathway and its components in various manifestations of ALD might provide insight in targeting the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in ALD treatment.

Anticancer Potential of Farnesol Against Human Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells and Human Colorectal Carcinoma HCT-116 Cells

INTRODUCTION

Increased colorectal carcinoma (CRC) and osteosarcoma prevalence, low survival rate, poor prognosis, and the limitations of existing anticancer therapies like side effects of drugs, non-specificity, short half-life, etc., pose a need for novel anticancer drugs. Farnesol, an organic sesquiterpene compound, found in the essential oils of various plants has been shown to possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anticancer properties. However, the anticancer effect of farnesol against CRC and osteosarcoma has not yet been adequately elucidated.

AIM

The aim of the study was to analyze the anticancer effects of farnesol against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Human osteosarcoma (Saos-2) and colorectal carcinoma (HCT-116) cell lines were procured and cultured at 37oC and 5% CO2. The cells were treated with 10, 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 µM/ml and 20, 40, 60, 80, 100, and 120 µM/ml of farnesol for 24 hours, respectively. 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide assay was performed to assess the cytotoxicity of farnesol on Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells. Acridine orange/ethidium bromide staining was carried out to analyze apoptosis. 4',6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining was done to observe the nuclear changes. Dichloro-dihydro-fluorescein diacetate staining was performed to assess the farnesol-induced reactive oxygen species (ROS)-mediated cell death.

RESULTS

Farnesol reduced the viability and proliferation of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells in a dose-dependent manner. Farnesol was able to alter the cellular and nuclear morphology of Saos-2 and HCT-116 cells, promoting cell death. Farnesol-induced apoptosis in human osteosarcoma and colorectal carcinoma cell lines. Early apoptosis was observed in farnesol-treated HCT-116 cells. Additionally, ROS-mediated apoptotic cell death was reported in Saos-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

Farnesol has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against human osteosarcoma and CRC cell lines.

Boldine Treatment Induces Cytotoxicity in Human Colorectal Carcinoma and Osteosarcoma Cells

Introduction Cancer continues to be a significant health issue worldwide, with colorectal cancer (CRC) standing out as one of the most prevalent forms of cancer on a global scale. The lifetime risk of developing CRC is about one in 23 (4.3%) for men and one in 25 (4.0%) for women. Moreover, children and adolescents are frequently reported with osteosarcoma with a low five-year survival rate (69% and 67%, respectively). Aim The aim of the study was to analyze the cytotoxic effects of boldine against human CRC (HCT-116) and osteosarcoma cell lines (Saos-2). Materials and methods HCT-116 and Saos-2 cell lines were subjected to different concentrations of boldine treatment (5, 10, 20, 30, 40, and 50 μg/mL) and (10, 20, 40, 60, and 80 µg/mL), respectively, for 24 hours. The cytotoxicity was analyzed by MTT assay, AO/EB staining, DCFH-DA assay, and scratch assay. Results The MTT assay, microscopic analysis, and staining showed that boldine had dose-dependent cytotoxic effects against HCT-116 and Saos-2 cell lines by inhibiting their proliferation, viability, and migration, and inducing ROS-mediated apoptosis. Conclusion The study concluded that boldine had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on human CRC and osteosarcoma cell lines.

Coleus vettiveroides ethanolic root extract protects against thioacetamide-induced acute liver injury in rats

Acute liver injury is caused by various factors, including oxidative stress and inflammation. Coleus vettiveroides, an ayurvedic medicinal plant, is known to possess antioxidant, antibacterial, and antidiabetic properties. In this current study, we investigated the protective effect of C. vettiveroides ethanolic root extract (CVERE) against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced acute liver injury in rats. A single dose of TAA (300 mg/kg, b.w., i.p.) was administered to induce acute liver injury. The treatment groups of rats were concurrently treated with CVERE (125 and 250 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) and silymarin (100 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.), respectively. After 24 h of the experimental period, TAA-induced liver injury was confirmed by increased activity of serum transaminases and malondialdehyde levels in liver tissue, decreased levels of antioxidants, upregulated expression of the inflammatory marker gene, and altered liver morphology. Whereas CVERE simultaneous treatment inhibited hepatic injury and prevented the elevation of serum aspartate and alanine transaminases, alkaline phosphatase, and lactate dehydrogenase activities. CVERE attenuated TAA-induced oxidative stress by suppressing lipid peroxidation and restoring antioxidants such as superoxide dismutase, catalase, and reduced glutathione. Further, CVERE treatment was found to inhibit nuclear factor κB-mediated inflammatory signaling, as indicated by downregulated pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-1β. Our findings suggest that CVERE prevents TAA-induced acute liver injury by targeting oxidative stress and inflammation.

Nelumbo nucifera Leaf Extract Induces Cytotoxicity in Osteosarcoma Saos-2 Cells

Background Osteosarcoma is the eighth most common cancer and its prevalence in children makes it a global concern. Existing medications and treatments like high-dose methotrexate possess harmful side effects. Therefore, novel herbal drugs like Nelumbo nucifera are of utmost importance. Aim  To analyze a novel anticancer herbal drug, Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract for its cytotoxic potential against osteosarcoma.  Materials and method Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract was prepared. Saos-2 Cells (human osteosarcoma cell line) were treated with Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract (25, 50, 75, 100, 125, and 150 µg/ml) for 24 hours which were then subjected to MTT assay, morphological analysis and DAPI staining. Results The results suggested that Nelumbo nucifera leaf extract had a concentration-dependent cytotoxic effect on Saos-2 cell line. The extract significantly reduced the number of viable cells, inhibited proliferation and induced morphological changes in Saos-2 cells.  Conclusion Nelumbo nucifera has the potential to induce cytotoxicity against osteosarcoma cell lines and hence, this study provides a novel therapeutic regimen for the treatment of osteosarcoma.

Wnt/beta-catenin signaling and its modulators in nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern associated with significant morbidity and mortality. NAFLD is a spectrum of diseases originating from simple steatosis, progressing through nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), fibrosis, and cirrhosis that may lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathogenesis of NAFLD is mediated by the triglyceride accumulation followed by proinflammatory cytokines expression leading to inflammation, oxidative stress, and mitochondrial dysfunction denoted as "two-hit hypothesis", advancing with a "third hit" of insufficient hepatocyte proliferation, leading to the increase in hepatic progenitor cells contributing to fibrosis and HCC. Wnt/β-catenin signaling is responsible for normal liver development, regeneration, hepatic metabolic zonation, ammonia and drug detoxification, hepatobiliary development, etc., maintaining the overall liver homeostasis. The key regulators of canonical Wnt signaling such as LRP6, Wnt1, Wnt3a, β-catenin, GSK-3β, and APC are abnormally regulated in NAFLD. Many experimental studies have shown the aberrated Wnt/β-catenin signaling during the NAFLD progression and NASH to hepatic fibrosis and HCC. Therefore, in this review, we have emphasized the role of Wnt/β-catenin signaling and its modulators that can potentially aid in the inhibition of NAFLD.

Syringic acid and silymarin concurrent administration inhibits sodium valproate-induced liver injury in rats

Sodium valproate (SV) is a well-known anti-epileptic drug, also used to control convulsions, bipolar disorders and migraines. SV has been shown to induce liver toxicity in clinical subjects. Syringic acid (SA), a natural polyphenolic compound has potential antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and several beneficial effects. Therefore, in this study, we evaluated hepatoprotective effect of SA against SV-induced liver injury in rats. Wistar rats were treated with SV orally at a dose of 500 mg/kg, once daily, for 14 days. Another three groups of rats were administered with SV and concurrently treated with SA (40 and 80 mg/kg) and silymarin (SIL) (100 mg/kg) for 14 days. SV administration for 14 days caused significant (p < .001) elevation of liver transaminases and ALP in serum. Liver MDA level was significantly (p < .001) increased with a concomitant decrease (p < .001) in enzymic antioxidants activities in SV administered rats. SV administration also caused the upregulation of proinflammatory markers such as tumor necrosis factor α, c-Jun N-terminal kinase, nuclear factor kappa B, cyclooxygenase-2 and Interleukin 6 expressions in liver tissue. Histopathological studies also revealed the presence of inflammatory cell infiltration and hepatocellular necrosis upon SV administration. At both doses, concurrent administration of SA and SIL significantly (p < .001) inhibited the liver transaminase activities in serum, oxidative stress, and proinflammatory markers expression in liver tissue. Our current results suggest that SA can be a promising herbal drug that can inhibit SV-induced hepatotoxicity when administered together due its potential anti-inflammatory effects.