Fisetin alleviates thioacetamide-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by inhibiting Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a chronic wound-healing response to liver injury of various origins and represents a major health problem.

OBJECTIVE

The current study endeavored to investigate the repressing effect of fisetin on hepatic fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Rats were injected with TAA (200 mg/kg) intraperitoneally twice per week for 6 weeks to induce liver fibrosis. Fisetin (50 and 100 mg/kg/day) or silymarin (50 mg/kg/day) were given orally on a daily basis along with TAA. Liver function parameters, oxidative stress, inflammatory and fibrogenic biomarkers as well as wnt3a, β-catenin, glycogen synthase kinase 3 (GSK-3β) and cyclin D1 were estimated. Histoapthological and immunohistochemical examinations were performed.

RESULTS

Fisetin restored normal liver functions, increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level and decreased malondialdehyde (MDA), as well as inflammatory biomarkers including; tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin 6 (IL-6). Additionally, it lessened transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), collagen I and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) levels as well as elevated matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) hepatic content. Furthermore, fisetin significantly suppressed wnt3a gene expression associated with decreased β-catenin and increased GSK-3β levels. Moreover, fisetin decreased the progress of histologic hepatic fibroplasia and diminished hepatic expression of α-SMA and cyclin D1.

CONCLUSION

Fisetin curbed liver fibrosis and exhibited superior activity over silymarin through inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation and proliferation via suppressing the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, modulating MMP-9 and TIMP-1, and inhibiting multiple profibrogenic factors, besides its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. Therefore, fisetin is a promising therapeutic candidate for hepatic fibrosis.

Synergistic effect of aminoguanidine and l-carnosine against thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats: behavioral, biochemical, and ultrastructural evidence

Hepatic encephalopathy depicts the cluster of neurological alterations that occur during acute or chronic hepatic injury. Hyperammonemia, inflammatory injury, and oxidative stress are the main predisposing factors for the direct and indirect changes in cerebral metabolism causing encephalopathy. The aim of this study was to evaluate the possible synergistic effect between aminoguanidine (AG; 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and l-carnosine (CAR; 200 mg/kg, p.o.) on hepatic encephalopathy that was induced by thioacetamide (TAA; 100 mg/kg, i.p.) administered three times weekly for six weeks. Behavioral changes, biochemical parameters, histopathological analysis, and immunohistochemical and ultrastructural studies were conducted 24 h after the last treatment. Combining AG with CAR improved TAA-induced locomotor impairment and motor incoordination evidenced by reduced locomotor activity and decline in motor skill performance, as well as ameliorated cognitive deficits. Moreover, both drugs restored the levels of serum hepatic enzymes and serum and brain levels of ammonia. In addition, the combination significantly modulated hepatic and brain oxidative stress biomarkers, inflammatory cytokines, and cleaved caspase-3 expression. Furthermore, they succeeded in activating nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) expression and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) activity and ameliorating markers of hepatic encephalopathy, including hepatic necrosis and brain astrocyte swelling. This study shows that combining AG with CAR exerted a new intervention for hepatic and brain damage in hepatic encephalopathy due to their complementary antioxidant, anti-inflammatory effects and hypoammonemic effects via Nrf2/HO-1 activation and NO inhibition.

Magnetic molecularly imprinted polymers doped with graphene oxide for the selective recognition and extraction of four flavonoids from Rhododendron species

Herein, a novel magnetic molecularly imprinted polymer doped with reticular graphene oxide (Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-GO@MIPs) was synthesized for the selective recognition and extraction of 4 flavonoids (farrerol, taxifolin, kaempferol, and hyperin) from Rhododendrons species. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-GO@MIPs with lamellar membranes showed outstanding adsorption capacity. The 3D cavities complementary to the "shape" of farrerol were "imprinted" on the polymer framework after removal of farrerol template. Competitive binding assays showed that the polymer has a higher selectivity for farrerol compared with other analogues and references. The Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-GO@MIPs as solid-phase extraction adsorbents combined with liquid chromatography-tandem quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) was used for selective determination of four flavonoids from Rhododendrons samples. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.07, 0.08, 0.06, and 0.08 μg L^-1 for farrerol, taxifolin, kaempferol, and hyperin, respectively. These results suggest that the prepared Fe₃O₄@SiO₂-GO@MIPs have the potential applicability to extract, purify, and enrich flavonoids from herbs, supplements, and other natural products.

Hepatoprotective influence of quercetin and ellagic acid on thioacetamide-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

Despite all the studies performed to date, therapy choices for liver injuries are very few. Therefore, the search for a new treatment that could safely and effectively block or reverse liver injuries remains a challenge. Quercetin (QR) and ellagic acid (EA) had potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. The current study aimed at evaluating the potential hepatoprotective influence of QR and EA against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced liver toxicity in rats and the underlying mechanism using silymarin as a reference drug. Fifty mature male rats were orally treated daily with EA and QR in separate groups for 45 consecutive days, and then were injected with TAA twice with 24 h intervals in the last 2 days of the experiment. Administration of TAA resulted in marked elevation of liver indices, alteration in oxidative stress parameters, and significant elevation in expression level of fibrosis-related genes (MMP9 and MMP2). Administration of QR and EA significantly attenuated the hepatic toxicity through reduction of liver biomarkers, improving the redox status of the tissue, as well as hampering the expression level of fibrosis-related genes. In this study, QR and EA were proved to attenuate the hepatotoxicity through their antioxidant, metal-chelating capacity, and anti-inflammatory effects.

Trigonelline attenuates hepatic complications and molecular alterations in high-fat high-fructose diet-induced insulin resistance in rats

The present study aimed to evaluate the effect of trigonelline (TRG) on the hepatic complications associated with high-fat high-fructose (HFHF) diet-induced insulin resistance (IR) in rats. IR was induced by giving a saturated fat diet and 10% fructose in drinking water to rats for 8 weeks. Insulin-resistant rats were orally treated with TRG (50 and 100 mg/kg), sitagliptin (SIT; 5 mg/kg), or a combination of TRG (50 mg/kg) and SIT (5 mg/kg) for 14 days. Liver homogenates were used for assessment of hepatic lipids, oxidative stress biomarkers, and inflammatory cytokines. Histopathological and DNA cytometry examinations were carried out for hepatic and pancreatic tissues. Hepatic tissues were examined using Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy for assessment of any molecular changes. Results of the present study revealed that oral treatment of insulin-resistant rats with TRG or TRG in combination with SIT significantly decreased homeostatic model assessment of IR, hepatic lipids, oxidative stress biomarkers, and the inflammatory cytokines. TRG or TRG in combination with SIT ameliorated the histopathological, DNA cytometry, and molecular alterations induced by a HFHF diet. Finally, it can be concluded that TRG has beneficial effects on the hepatic complications associated with IR due to its hypoglycemic effect and antioxidant potential.

Glomerular expression and elevated serum Bcl-2 and Fas proteins in lupus nephritis: preliminary findings

Programmed cell death (apoptosis) is involved in glomerular injuries leading to glomerulonephritis. Bcl-2 and Fas are proteins that promote cell survival and death, respectively. This study tests the hypothesis that lupus nephritis is associated with alterations of Bcl-2 and Fas protein expression. Thirty-six patients with lupus nephritis and 10 controls (normal individuals) were included in this study. Bcl-2 and Fas positive cells were examined in kidney biopsies by immunohistochemistry. Bcl-2 and Fas serum levels were evaluated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). In the glomeruli of normal kidneys, Bcl-2 and Fas proteins were completely absent. In lupus nephritis patients, glomerular expression of Bcl-2 and Fas was seen in mesangial cells (1.3 +/- 0.1 and 2.0 +/- 0.1 for Bcl-2 and Fas, respectively). Similarly, a statistically significantly higher Bcl-2 (217.1 +/- 85.9) and Fas (767.9 +/- 271) serum levels were found in lupus patients compared to controls (148.6 +/- 87, 550.3 +/- 91 for Bcl-2 and Fas, P < 0.05). A direct correlation between serum Bcl-2 and Fas and chronicity index was also found. Compared to normal controls, lupus nephritis is associated with glomerular expression and elevated serum levels of Bcl-2 and Fas proteins. These findings suggest possible roles for Bcl-2 and Fas in glomerular injury during evolution of lupus nephritis. The diagnostic, prognostic and therapeutic ramifications of our findings are open to further investigation.

Tissue concentrations and pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in broiler chickens

1. Florfenicol (30 mg/kg body weight) was administered to broiler chickens via intravenous (i.v.), intramuscular (i.m.) and oral routes to study its plasma concentrations, kinetic behaviour, systemic bioavailability and tissue content. 2. Following a single i.v. injection, the kinetic disposition of florfenicol followed a 2-compartmental open model with an elimination half-life of 173 min, total body clearance of 26.9 ml/kg/min and a steady state volume of distribution of 5.11 l/kg. 3. The highest plasma concentrations of florfenicol were 3.82 and 3.20 micrograms/ml following single i.m. and oral administration, respectively. The systemic bioavailability was 96.6% and 55.3% after i.m. and oral administration. The plasma protein binding of florfenicol was 18.5%. 4. Following its administration, the highest tissue concentrations of the drug were found in the kidney bile, lung, muscle, intestine, heart, liver, spleen and plasma. Low concentrations of the drug were found in brain, bone marrow and fat. No florfenicol residues were detected in tissues and plasma after 72 h except in the bile from where it disappeared after 96 h.

Tissue concentrations and pharmacokinetics of florfenicol in broiler chickens

Florfenicol was once administered to broiler chickens via i.v., i.m. and oral route (30 mg/kg body weight) to study its plasma concentrations, kinetic behaviour, systemic bioavailability and tissue levels. Following a single i. v. injection, the kinetic disposition of florfenicol followed a two-compartmental open model with an elimination half-life of 172 min, total body clearance of 26.9 ml/kg/min and a steady state volume of distribution of 5.11 litre/kg. The highest plasma concentrations of florfenicol were 3.82 and 3.20 micrograms/ml following single i.m. and oral administration, respectively. The systemic bioavailability was 96.6 and 55.3 per cent after i.m. and oral administration. The plasma protein binding of florfenicol was 18.5%. Following the administration, the highest tissue concentration of the drug was found in kidney, bile, lung, muscle, intestine, heart, liver, spleen and serum. Low concentrations of the drug were found in brain, bone marrow and fat. No florfenicol residues were detected in tissues and serum after 72 h except in the bile, it disappeared after 96 h.

Kinetic disposition, systemic bioavailability and tissue distribution of apramycin in broiler chickens

Apramycin was administered to chickens orally, intramuscularly and intravenously to determine blood concentration, kinetic behaviour, bioavailability and tissue residues. Single doses of apramycin at the rate of 75 mg kg-1 body weight were given to broiler chickens by intracrop, i.m. and i.v. routes. The highest serum concentrations of apramycin were reached 0.20 and 0.76 hours after the oral and i.m. doses with an absorption half-life (t1/2(ab.)) of 0.10 and 0.19 hours and an elimination half life (t1/2(beta)) of 1.22 and 2.31 hours respectively. The systemic bioavailability was 2.0 and 58 per cent after intracrop and i.m. administration, respectively, indicating poor absorption of the drug when given orally. Following i.v. injection, the kinetics of apramycin was described by a two-compartment open model with a (t1/2(alpha)) of 1.5 hours, (t1/2(beta)) of 2.1 hours. Vd(ss) (volume of distribution) of 4.82 litre kg-1 and C1(B) (total body clearance) of 1.88 litre kg-1 hour-1. The serum protein-binding of apramycin was 26 per cent. The highest tissue concentrations of apramycin were present in the kidneys and liver. No apramycin residues were detected in tissues after six hours except in the liver and kidneys following intracrop dosing and kidneys following i.m. administration.

Effect of subclinical lead toxicity on the immune response of chickens to Newcastle disease virus vaccine

The effect of lead acetate (20 and 40 mg kg-1 bodyweight daily) administered via the crop from day old to 56 days of age on the immune response to Newcastle disease virus vaccine (NDVV, La Sota strain) was studied in 354 Lohman chickens. Lead decreased the mitogenic response of peripheral blood lymphocytes (PBL) to phytohaemagglutinin-P (PHA-P) in birds vaccinated with NDVV. It also decreased the weights of the bursa of Fabricius, the thymus glands and the spleen relative to bodyweight. Lead administration decreased the antibody titre to NDVV in the vaccinated groups. The percentage mortality due to a challenge with a virulent velogenic Newcastle disease virus was higher in the lead intoxicated birds.

Interaction between lead toxicity and some sulphonamides in rabbits: effect on certain blood constituents and serum enzymes

Two main equal groups of clinically healthy, non pregnant rabbits were classified into 4 subgroups (5 rabbits each). The 1st and 2nd subgroups were treated with sulphaquinoxaline or sulphadiazine in a single oral dose of 100 mg/kg b. wt., while the 3rd and 4th subgroups received a repeated oral dose of 100 mg/kg b. wt., daily for 5 successive days, respectively. The second main group received lead acetate in a dose of 4.2 mg/kg b. wt. per day for 2 months, then was classified as in case of the 1st main group and administered the respective sulphonamides in their recommended doses. The experimental lead intoxication was found to decrease the free delta-aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (delta-ALA-D) activity in blood of lead intoxicated rabbits after 4 and 8 weeks. Also, the ratio of free and with glutathione reactivated delta-ALA-D was increased 2.9 and 2.2 after 4 and 8 weeks, respectively as compared with before lead administration (1.19), indicating toxicity. The sulphonamide/creatinine ratio was increased after administration of both sulphonamides but higher in lead intoxicated rabbits as compared with healthy ones. The AST/ALT ratio was decreased 4 and 8 weeks after lead exposure. The AST, ALT and AST/ALT ratio, alkaline phosphatase, urea and creatinine were not altered in healthy rabbits. Repeated oral administration of sulphadiazine caused a significant increase in serum AST, ALT, alkaline phosphatase and creatinine level in healthy and lead intoxicated rabbits. On the other hand, AST/ALT ratio in both healthy and lead intoxicated rabbits was found to decrease 1 h after the last dose as compared with before treatment.

Comparative haemodynamic alterations induced by pipecuronium and pancuronium

Haemodynamic effects of pipecuronium bromide (Pi.) and pancuronium bromide (Pa.) were studied on isolated rabbit's heart, guinea pig's tracheal chain as well as the blood pressure in pentobarbital anaesthetized dogs. Pi. induced negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the isolated rabbit's heart especially in lower concentrations. However, higher concentrations provoked two opposite effects, negative chronotropic and positive inotropic activity. In addition, Pa. in lower concentrations caused positive inotropic and negative chronotropic activity, while higher concentrations induced negative inotropic and chronotropic activity. Cardioinhibitory actions of both tested drugs are not due to either cholinergic or beta 1-adrenergic blocking effect but it may be due to nicotine-like activity. In anaesthetized dogs, i.v. injections of both tested drugs produced a transient decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure in doses above the therapeutic level. This effect may be referred to the partial ganglion blocking effect of both tested drugs.

Effect of pantothenic acid on disposition kinetics and tissue residues of sulphadimidine in chickens

Sulphadimidine was administered to chickens via the intracrop route to determine plasma concentrations of the unchanged sulphonamide and its acetylated derivatives, kinetic disposition, tissue residues and acetylation. The sulphadimidine was given alone (group 1) at a dose of 200 mg kg-1 bodyweight. Pantothenic acid was given via the intracrop route at a dose of 100 mg kg-1 bodyweight one hour before (group 2) and six hours after (group 3) sulphadimidine administration (200 mg kg-1 bodyweight intracrop). The highest plasma concentrations of sulphadimidine in groups 1, 2 and 3 were reached in 1.73, 1.62 and 1.71 hours, respectively, following intracrop administration. In birds of groups 1, 2 and 3 no sulphadimidine was detected at 72, 24 and 48 hours, respectively, following its administration. Estimation of sulphadimidine in most of the body tissues revealed that all tissues examined had lower concentrations than plasma. In chickens given pantothenic acid (groups 2 and 3) before and after sulphadimidine administration, an increase in the concentration of N4 acetylated derivatives of sulphadimidine was observed compared with birds given sulphadimidine alone (group 1).

Influence of dimethoate on testicular and epididymal organs, testosterone plasma level and their tissue residues in rats

The effect of dimethoate at two dosage levels (6.25 and 12.50 mg/kg b. wt.) on male reproduction tissues and their tissue residues in rats were studied. The tested doses were given orally to male rats for 65 consecutive days. Sex organs weight analysis, semen picture, testosterone levels and histopathology of the male genital organs were the criteria used to evaluate the reproductive efficiency of the treated rats. There was a dose-related decrease in the weights of most genital organs and sperm motility associated with an increase in the percentages of dead and morphologically abnormal spermatozoa of treated rats. A decrease in plasma testosterone levels was observed in the treated groups. Histological examination revealed that dimethoate caused testicular lesions characterized by moderate to severe degenerative changes of spermatogonial cells and by partial arrest of spermatogenesis. Sections from liver revealed that the central veins and hepatic sinusoids appeared dilated, with some areas of haemorrhage. The highest concentrations from dimethoate were found in liver and tests and the lowest in skeletal muscle. Dimethoate and its metabolite analog were still present in a detectable concentration 21 days after stopping its oral administration.

Influence of sodium taurocholate on the potency and duration of action of some neuromuscular blocking agents

The effect of sodium taurocholate (S. T.) on the contractile response of rat-phrenic nerve diaphragm, frog's musculus rectus abdominis and frog's musculus gastrocnemius sciatic nerve preparation was studied. Moreover, interaction of S. T. with neuromuscular blockers are carried out, too. S. T. was found to have a dose-dependent reduction in the contractile response of the tested preparation. On the other hand, the inhibitory effect induced by S. T. did not block or alter the stimulatory effect of either acetylcholine or prostigmine. Trials were made to estimate the potency of S. T. in a comparison with other skeletal muscle relaxant drugs. In this respect S. T. exhibited a more potent effect than gallamine. In contrast, other skeletal muscle relaxants (dtubocurarine, atracurium, pancuronium and succinylcholine) were highly potent. There was also a marked synergistic effect between S. T. and other neuromuscular agents.

Haemodynamic alterations induced by toxic level of sodium taurocholate

Haemodynamic effects of sodium taurocholate (S.T.) were studied on isolated guinea pig's auricles, rabbit's heart, rabbit's aortic strip, guinea pig's tracheal chain as well as the blood pressure and ECG pattern changes in pentobarbital anaesthetized dogs. S.T. induced significant negative inotropic and chronotropic effects on the isolated auricles of guinea pig's especially in higher concentrations. Using isolated rabbit's heart, the negative inotropic and chronotropic effects induced by S.T. were found to be depending on the concentration. Cardio-inhibitory actions of the salt are not due to either cholinergic beta 1-adrenergic blocking effect or nicotine like activity. S.T. in all tested concentrations had no effect on the contractile response of isolated rabbit's aortic strip or guinea pig's tracheal chain and did not prevent the contractile response induced by noradrenaline and histamine. In anaesthetized dogs, i.v. injections of the salt in a dose of 30 mg/kg b. wt. produced a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure, but lower doses induced no significant changes. A dose of 30 mg/kg b. wt. of the salt potentiates the decrease in systolic and diastolic pressure when coadministered with the neuromuscular blocking agent, atracurium besylate. Atropine, propranolol and phentolamine did not alter the hypotensive effect of S.T. (neither cholinergic nor beta 1-adrenergic blocking effect). The electrocardiographic pattern induced by S.T. (20-30 mg/kg b. wt.) in dogs were mainly characterized by decrease in heart rate and prolongation of P-T interval.

Pharmacokinetic profile of cefotaxime in goats

Cefotaxime was once administered in goats via intravenous, intramuscular and subcutaneous routes for determination of blood and urine concentration, kinetic behaviour and bioavailability. Following a single intravenous injection, the blood concentration-time curve indicated two compartments open model, with an elimination half-life value (t1/2 beta) of 22.38 +/- 0.41 minutes. Both intramuscular and subcutaneous routes showed lower values i.e. 38.64 and 69.58 minutes. The lower apparent volume of distribution of cefotaxime in goats than one liter/kg elucidated lower distribution in tissues than in blood. After intramuscular and subcutaneous injections peak plasma cefotaxime concentrations were 77.8 +/- 1.7 and 44.0 +/- 0.8 micrograms/ml at 29.6 and 40.4 minutes, respectively. The average bioavailability of cefotaxime given by intramuscular and subcutaneous injection was 1.08 and 1.25, respectively. The cefotaxime concentration remained in urine 24 hours longer after subcutaneous injection than after intramuscular administration.

Pharmacokinetic profile of cefotaxime in goats

Cefotaxime was administered to goats intravenously, intramuscularly and subcutaneously to determine blood and urine concentration, kinetic behaviour and bioavailability. Following a single intravenous injection, the blood concentration-time curve indicated a two compartment open model, with an elimination half-life value (t1/2 beta) of 22.38 +/- 0.41 minutes. Both intramuscular and subcutaneous routes showed slower values, that is, 38.64 and 69.58 minutes. The apparent volume of distribution of cefotaxime in goats was less than 1 litre kg-1 and suggested a lower distribution in tissues than in blood. After intramuscular and subcutaneous injections peak plasma cefotaxime concentrations were 77.8 +/- 1.7 and 44.0 +/- 0.8 micrograms ml-1 at 29.6 and 40.4 minutes, respectively. The average bioavailability of cefotaxime given by intramuscular and subcutaneous injection was 1.08 and 1.25 times the intravenous availability, respectively. The cefotaxime concentration remained in urine 24 hours longer after subcutaneous injection than after intramuscular administration.