Evaluation of hematoprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory potentials of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) extract in rats

This study was conducted to evaluate the effects of chia seed extract on CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity, hematological profile, and carrageenan-induced inflammation in rats. Water-ethanol-acetone extract of chia seeds at the doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg body weight/day were applied to evaluate the comparative protective roles. Hematological profile and serum biochemical parameters were measured to evaluate the hematoprotective, and hepatoprotective effects of chia seed extract. Paw thickness and motility level were assessed at 0, 1, 3, 5, and 7 h after sub-planter injection of carrageenan to evaluate the anti-inflammatory potential. Tissue histopathology was performed in both cases. Chia seed extract reduced the elevated level of serum AST and ALT significantly in a dose-dependent manner following intra-peritoneal injection of CCl4. Histopathological study of the liver tissue exhibited acute impairment of the hepatocytes and liver parenchyma following CCl4 exposure, which was markedly regenerated by the chia seed extract treatment. Protective effects of the extracts were also evidenced by the RBC count, Hb (%), PCV (%), ESR, and neutrophil count. Chia seed extract was found to inhibit the carrageenan-induced paw edema and increase motility level in a dose-oriented fashion. Histological examination of the paw tissue revealed severe inflammation characterized by massive infiltration of inflammatory cells in the carrageenan group, which was significantly reduced by chia seed extract treatment. The higher dose of chia seed extract showed significant increases in bodyweight gain and feed efficiency ratio but decrease in visceral fat deposition. These results suggest that chia seeds possess potentials for hematoprotective, hepatoprotective, and anti-inflammatory activities.

Fe(II) coordination transition regulates reductive dechlorination: The overlooked abiotic role of lactate

The coordination environment of Fe(II) significantly affect the reductive reactivity of Fe(II). Lactate is a common substrate for enhancing microbial dechlorination, but its effect on abiotic Fe(II)-driven reductive dechlorination is largely ignored. In this study, the structure-reactivity relationship of Fe(II) is investigated by regulating the ratio of lactate:Fe(II). This work shows that lactate-Fe(II) complexing enhances the abiotic Fe(II)-driven reductive dechlorination with the optimum lactate:Fe(II) ratio of 10:20. The formed hydrogen bond (Fe-OH∙∙∙∙∙∙O = C-) and Fe-O-C metal-ligand bond result in a reduced Fe(II) coordination number from six to four, which lead to the transition of Fe(II) coordination geometry from octahedron to tetrahedron/square planar. Coordinatively unsaturated Fe(II) results in the highest reductive dechlorination reactivity towards carbon tetrachloride (k1 = 0.26254 min-1). Excessive lactate concentration (> 10 mM) leads to an increased Fe(II) coordination number from four to six with a decreased reductive reactivity. Electrochemical characterization and XPS results show that lactate-Fe(II)-I (C3H5O3-:Fe(II) = 10:20) has the highest electron-donating capacity. This study reveals the abiotic effect of lactate on reductive dechlorination in a subsurface-reducing environment where Fe(II) is usually abundant.

Enhanced Fe(OH)2-driven reductive Dechlorination via shortened Fe-O bonds and colloidal medium

Fe2+ is usually adsorbed to the surface of iron-bearing clay, and iron (hydr)oxide in groundwater. However, the reductive activity of Fe(OH)2, a prevalent intermediate during the transformation of Fe2+, remains unclear. In this study, high-purity Fe(OH)2 was synthesized and tested for its activity in the degradation of carbon tetrachloride (CT). XRD data confirm that the synthesized material is a pure Fe(OH)2 crystal, exhibiting sharp peaks of (001) and (100) facets. Zeta potential analysis confirms that the off-white Fe(OH)2 is a colloidal suspension with a positive charge of ∼+35-50 mV. FTIR spectra reveal the formation of a coordination compound Fe2+ with OH-/OD-, derived from NaOH/OD. SEM and HRTEM results demonstrate that the Fe(OH)2 crystal has a regular octahedral structure with a size of ∼30-70 nm and average lattice spacings of 2.58 Å. Mössbauer spectrum verifies that the Fe2+ in Fe(OH)2/Fe(OD)2 is hexacoordinated with six Fe-O bonds. XAFS data demonstrate that the Fe-O bonds become shorter as the OH-:Fe(II) ratios increase. DFT results indicate that the (100) crystal face of Fe(OH)2 more readily transfers electrons to CT. In addition to being adsorbed to iron compounds, structural Fe2+ compounds such as Fe(OH)2 could also accelerate the electron transfer from Fe2+ to CT through shortened Fe-O bonds. The rate constant of CT reduction by Fe(OH)2 is as high as 0.794 min-1 when the OH-:Fe(II) ratio is 2.5 in water. This study aims to enhance our understanding of the structure-reactivity relationship of Fe2+ compounds in groundwater, particularly in relation to electron transfer mechanisms.

Proteomic analysis of DEN and CCl4-induced hepatocellular carcinoma mouse model

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) seriously threatens human health, mostly developed from liver fibrosis or cirrhosis. Since diethylnitrosamine (DEN) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HCC mouse model almost recapitulates the characteristic of HCC with fibrosis and inflammation, it is taken as an essential tool to investigate the pathogenesis of HCC. However, a comprehensive understanding of the protein expression profile of this model is little. In this study, we performed proteomic analysis of this model to elucidate its proteomic characteristics. Compared with normal liver tissues, 432 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in tumor tissues, among which 365 were up-regulated and 67 were down-regulated. Through Gene Ontology (GO) analysis, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), protein-protein interaction networks (PPI) analysis and Gene-set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis of DEPs, we identified two distinguishing features of DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model in protein expression, the upregulation of actin cytoskeleton and branched-chain amino acids metabolic reprogramming. In addition, matching DEPs from the mouse model to homologous proteins in the human HCC cohort revealed that the DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model was relatively similar to the subtype of HCC with poor prognosis. Finally, combining clinical information from the HCC cohort, we screened seven proteins with prognostic significance, SMAD2, PTPN1, PCNA, MTHFD1L, MBOAT7, FABP5, and AGRN. Overall, we provided proteomic data of the DEN and CCl4-induced HCC mouse model and highlighted the important proteins and pathways in it, contributing to the rational application of this model in HCC research.

Gut microbial dysbiosis is associated with metabolism and immune factors in liver fibrosis mice

Gut microbial dysbiosis has always served as a potential factor in the occurrence and development of liver fibrosis. Liver and gut microflora can regulate each other through the gut-liver axis. In this study, the 16S rRNA and RNA-seq were chosen to sequence gut microbiota alteration and liver differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) included-liver fibrosis mice, and analyze the correlations between gut microbiota constituents and DEGs. Results indicated that, CCl4 significantly increased the abundance of Desulfobactera in the phylum level, destroyed gut microbiota balance in the genus levels, especially Enterorhabdus and Desulfovibrio. Through analysis, 1416 genes were found differentially expressed in mice liver tissue in the CCl4 Group, compared with the Control Group; and the DEGs were mainly involved in the lipid metabolic process and immune system process. The correlation analysis revealed that the relative abundance of microbiota phylum (Desulfobactera) and genus (Enterorhabdus and Desulfovibrio) was negatively correlated with the metabolism related genes, while positively correlated with immune-related genes and the genes enriched in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. To sum up, CCl4 can partially regulate gene expression in metabolism, immune response and the PI3K/Akt pathway, and further maintain the stability of the gut environment in liver fibrosis mice.

The Inhibitory Effect of Geraniol on CCL4-induced Hepatorenal Toxicity in Pregnant Mice through the PI3K/AKT Signaling Pathway

Background

Hepatotoxicity caused by CCL4 is well known. Geraniol (GNL) has high antioxidant effect that can induces liver regeneration. However, the protective effect of GNL effect on CCL4-induced hepatorenal toxicity in pregnant mice has not yet been studied.

Objective

To investigate whether GNL could protect against oxidative stress induced by CCL4 via the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) pathway, which is regulated by phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), and has been found to have protective effects on renal and hepatic tissues.

Materials and Methods

Forty-eight female albino mice weighing 25-30 g were randomly allocated to 4 groups: Group I served as a control; Group II received a toxicity-inducing single dose of 15 μL of CCL4 on the 4th day after mating; Group III received 40 mg/kg GNL + CCL4 (with GNL from the 1st day of assimilation to delivery); and Group IV received GNL alone from the 1st day of assimilation to the end of the delivery period. GNL was evaluated for its protective effects on hepatotoxicity in CCL4-treated pregnant mice. Litter size, weight, survival rate, and resorption were recorded. In addition, H & E staining was done for liver and kidney pathology as well as biochemical markers and oxidative markers malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and catalase were analyzed.

Results

CCL4 significantly reduced survival rate and increased resorption after exposure. Alanine transaminase and aspartate aminotransferase concentrations in the serum, tissue MDA, blood urea nitrogen, and creatinine were increased after CCL4 exposure. GNL improved enzyme and antioxidant levels and prevented CCL4-induced hepatic injury in mice. Caspase-3 cleavage was decreased by GNL, which increased PI3K, phosphorylated AKT, Nrf2, and B-cell lymphoma 2.

Conclusion

GNL demonstrates a protective effect against CCl4-induced hepatorenal toxicity, mediated through the activation of the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway and the upregulation of Nrf2. These findings highlight the potential therapeutic implications of GNL in mitigating oxidative stress and inflammation in liver and kidney tissues.

Metabolomics reveals that chronic restraint stress alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis through the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK pathway

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) could be developed into liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. Stress has an important role in the occurrence and development of various considerable diseases. However, the effect of a certain degree stress on HF is still controversial. In our study, stress was simulated with regular chronic restraint stress (CRS) and HF model was induced with CCl4 in mice. We found that CRS was able to attenuate CCl4-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. Surprisingly, behavioral analysis showed that the mice in the HF group exhibited depression-like behavior. Further, the metabolomic analysis revealed that 119 metabolites and 20 metabolic pathways were altered in mice liver, especially the betaine metabolism pathway. Combined with the results of Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA), the key proteins INSR, PI3K, AKT, and p-AMPK were identified and verified, and the results showed that CRS could upregulate the protein levels and mRNA expression of INSR, PI3K, AKT, and p-AMPK in liver tissues of HF mice. It suggested that CRS alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice through upregulation of the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK pathway. Proper stress might be a potential therapeutic strategy for the treatment of chronic liver disease, which provided new insights into the treatment of HF. KEY MESSAGES: Chronic restraint stress mitigated CCl4-induced liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. CCl4-induced liver fibrosis could cause depression-like behavior. Chronic restraint stress altered metabolomic profiles in hepatic fibrosis mice, especially the betaine metabolism pathway. Chronic restraint stress increased betaine levels in liver tissue. Chronic restraint stress regulated the INSR/PI3K/AKT/AMPK signaling pathway in hepatic fibrosis mice.

Characterisation of forkhead box protein A3 as a key transcription factor for hepatocyte regeneration

Background & Aims

Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after injury, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a member of the forkhead box family, plays important roles in endoplasmic reticulum stress sensing, and lipid and glucose homoeostasis, yet its functions in liver regeneration are unknown.

Methods

Here, we explored whether Foxa3 regulates liver regeneration via acute and chronic liver injury mice models. We further characterised the molecular mechanism by chromatin immunoprecipitation sequencing and rescue experiments in vivo and in vitro. Then, we assessed the impact of Foxa3 pharmacological activation on progression and termination of liver regeneration. Finally, we confirmed the Foxa3-Cebpb axis in human liver samples.

Results

Foxa3 is dominantly expressed in hepatocytes and cholangiocytes and is induced upon partial hepatectomy (PH) or carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) administration. Foxa3 deficiency in mice decreased cyclin gene levels and delayed liver regeneration after PH, or acute or chronic i.p. CCl4 injection. Conversely, hepatocyte-specific Foxa3 overexpression accelerated hepatocytes proliferation and attenuated liver damage in an CCl4-induced acute model. Mechanistically, Foxa3 directly regulates Cebpb transcription, which is involved in hepatocyte division and apoptosis both in vivo and in vitro. Of note, Cebpb overexpression in livers of Foxa3-deficient mice rescued their defects in cell proliferation and regeneration upon CCl4 treatment. In addition, pharmacological induction of Foxa3 via cardamonin speeded up hepatocyte proliferation after PH, without interfering with liver regeneration termination. Finally, Cebpb and Ki67 levels had a positive correlation with Foxa3 expression in human chronic disease livers.

Conclusions

These data characterise Foxa3 as a vital regulator of liver regeneration, which may represent an essential factor to maintain liver mass after liver injury by governing Cebpb transcription.

Impact and Implications

Liver regeneration is vital for the recovery of liver function after chemical insults or hepatectomy, yet the underlying mechanism remains to be elucidated. Herein, via in vitro and in vivo models and analysis, we demonstrated that Forkhead box protein A3 (FOXA3), a Forkhead box family member, maintained normal liver regeneration progression by governing Cebpb transcription and proposed cardamonin as a lead compound to induce Foxa3 and accelerate liver repair, which signified that FOXA3 may be a potential therapeutic target for further preclinical study on treating liver injury.

The application of a novel platform of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging in a bioenvironmental toxic carbon tetrachloride-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis

The use of multiparametric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to distinguish complex histopathological changes in liver fibrosis has not yet been systematically established. The purpose of this study is to gauge the efficacy of a cutting-edge MRI platform for evaluating ecotoxicologically hazardous carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis, while also scrutinizing the relationship between MRI and its histopathological features. Thirty-six mice were randomly divided into 6 groups, each with 6 mice. Control mice received an intraperitoneal injection of olive oil, while the experimental mice received different doses of intraperitoneal injection of CCl4. Both sets underwent this process twice per week over a duration of 5 weeks. MRI measurements encompassed T1WI, T2WI, T1 mapping, T2 mapping, T2* mapping. Liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed and classified using Metavir and activity scoring systems. CCl4 successfully induced liver fibrosis in mice, showing an increasing extent of liver fibrosis and liver function damage with the increasing dosage of CCl4. Compared with the control group, T1, ΔT1, and T2 in the experimental group were considerably elevated (P < 0.05) than those in the control group. Spearman's correlation showed that the correlation of Native T1 and △T1 with fibrosis (r = 0.712, 0.678) was better than with inflammation (r = 0.688, 0.536). T2 correlation with inflammation (r = 0.803) was superior to fibrosis (r = 0.568). ROC analysis showed that the AUC of Native T1 was highest (0.906), followed by ΔT1 (0.852), while the AUC increased to 0.945 when all relevant MRI parameters were combined. T1 is the most potent MRI parameter for evaluating CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, followed by ΔT1. Meanwhile, T2 may not be suitable for evaluating liver fibrosis but is more suitable for evaluating liver inflammation.

leaves against carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver injury in mice

Carthamus tinctorius L. leaves, a waste product after Carthami flos production, are rich in flavonoids. Total flavonoids from C. tinctorius L. leaves (TFCTLL) exhibited the protective effect on acute liver injury in mice in previous studies. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of TFCTLL on chronic liver injury (CLI) and investigate the underlying mechanism. The chemical components of TFCTLL were identified by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, and their migration into blood was evaluated. The protective effect of TFCTLL on CLI was evaluated by antioxidative and anti-inflammatory experiments in vitro, network pharmacology and a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced CLI mouse model. We indentified 18 chemical components in the TFCTLL samples and 4 components in plasma. TFCTLL showed significant anti-inflammatory activity and antioxidant capacity in vitro and in vivo. TFCTLL administration prominently improved the liver function and structure, decreased the mRNA expression levels of TLR2, TLR3, TLR4, NF-κB p65, IRF3, AKT1, TRIF, PI3K, MyD88, IL-1β and TNF-α and inhibited the protein expression and nuclear translocation of NF-κB p65 in mice with CLI. The molecular docking results showed that components in plasma had high binding affinity for the targets TLR4, PI3K and AKT1. Therefore, TFCTLL has a protective effect against CCl4-induced CLI, and the underlying mechanisms may be related to antioxidation, anti-inflammation and modulation of the TLRs/NF-κB and PI3K/AKT pathways.

Decalepis hamiltonii root fraction alleviates CCl4 hepatotoxicity in a rat model

BACKGROUND

Decalepis hamiltonii (D. hamiltonii) is Indian folk medicine in herbal preparations, to reduce appetite, and cures dysentery, bronchitis, uterine hemorrhage, and other ailments.

OBJECTIVE

The current investigation focused on the hepatoprotective effect of D. hamiltonii roots fractions against liver damage.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The current research discussed the fraction from D. hamiltonii root extracts was used. Male Wistar rats (albino strain) were grouped into 4 distinct groups of six animals each. Group I: plain water and vehicle whereas Group II (CCl4 control): CCl4 (1 ml/kg, 20 % v/v in olive oil) over 7 days and vehicle; Over 7 days, Group III received Silymarin 100 mg/kg/day and tap water with 20 % v/v of CCl4, whereas Group IV (treatment group) received DHE 50 mg/kg/day, 100 mg/kg/day, and water. Assessment of biochemical parameters, Mitochondrial modulation, gene expression analysis, and RT-PCR, was used to estimate the protective action of DHEF in CCl4-intoxicated rats.

RESULTS

The administration of CCl4 increased levels of total bilirubin (0.63 ± 0.97 mg/dl) plasma amino transferases (110.36 ± 1.13 U/L, 86.56 ± 2.41 U/L and 1.51 ± 1.36 mg/dl respectively) which were mitigated by D. hamiltonii treatment. Activity like Lipid peroxidation and content of nitric oxide also augmented, while the antioxidant action measured by GSH (9.64 ± 0.18 U/mg protein), SOD (3.69 ± 0.22 U/mg protein), and CAT (1.47 ± 0.01 U/mg protein) was reduced. Decalepis hamiltonii root provided substantial restoration of GSH (14.92 ± 0.04 nmol/gm protein), SOD (4.20 ± 0.18 U/mg protein), and CAT (2.71 ± 0.04 U/mg protein) levels. In addition, the acute phase reactants stimulated by CCl4 administration enhanced mRNA expressions of IL-6, IL-10, TNF-a, NF-κβ, and COX-2, which were enhanced by D. hamiltonii treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

In summary, DHEF protects the liver against CCl4-induced damage, possibly by mitochondrial modulation mechanism. These findings indicate that D. hamiltonii significantly moderates oxidative stress of CCl4-induced hepatotoxicity.

Labile Fe(III) phase mediates the electron transfer from Fe(II,III) (oxyhydr)oxides to carbon tetrachloride

Labile Fe(III) phase (includes Fe(III)aq, Fe(III)ads, or Fe(III)s species) is an important intermediate during the interaction between Fe(II) and Fe(III) (oxyhydr)oxides, but how does labile Fe(III) influence the electron transfer from Fe(II) to oxidant environmental pollutant during this Fe(II)-Fe(III) interaction is unclear. In this work, the dynamic change of Fe(II,III) (oxyhydr)oxides at the same time scale is simulated by synthesizing Fe(III)-Fe(II)-I (Fe(III)+NaOH+Fe(II)+NaOH) with different Fe(II)/Fe(III) ratios. CCl4 is used as a convenient probe to test the reduction kinetics of mixed valence Fe(II,III)(oxyhydr)oxides with different Fe(II):Fe(III) ratios. The Mössbauer spectra results reveal the Fe(III)labile in the solid phase is in octahedral coordination. The electron-donating capability of Fe(II) was improved with increasing Fe(III) content, but suppressed when [Fe(III)] ≥ 30 mM. The reductive dechlorination of CT by Fe(III)-Fe(II)-I decreased gradually with the increase of Fe(III) content, because more amount Fe(III)labile in solid phase is accumulated. This shows that the electron transfer from Fe(II) to Fe(III)labile rather than to CT is enhanced with increasing Fe(III) content. FTIR data shows that the hydroxylation of Fe(II) with Fe(OH)3 occurs preferentially in the non-hydrogen bonded hydroxyl group, causing the decrease of its reductive reactivity. The presence of [Fe(III)-O-Fe(II)]+ in Fe(III)-Fe(II)-I can stabilize the dichlorocarbene anion (:CCl2-), favouring the conversion of CT to CH4 (13.1%). The aging experiment shows that Fe(III)labile surface may maintain the reductive reactivity of Fe(II) during aging when [Fe(III)] = 5-20 mM. This study deepens our understanding of the mass transfer pathway of iron oxyhydroxides induced by Fe(II) and its impact on the reductive dechlorination of CT.

Comparative Histological Study of Therapeutic Effect of Mesenchymal Stem Cells versus Mesenchymal Stem Cells Co-Cultured with Liver Tissue on Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Adult Male Albino Rats

Context

Liver diseases are major causes of morbidity and mortality. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects, so they can be used in the treatment of liver diseases. MSCs co-cultured with diseased liver tissue improve the homing capacity, survival rate, and paracrine effects of the MSCs, as well as the ability to enhance liver function.

Aims

This work aimed to study the therapeutic effect of MSCs versus MSCs co-cultured with liver tissue on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatotoxicity in adult male albino rats.

Settings and Design

Twenty adult male albino rats were divided into four equal groups; Group I (control group), Group II received CCl4 intraperitoneally (i.p.), Group III received CCl4 i.p. and then injected with MSCs intravenously (i.v.), and Group IV received CCl4 i.p. and then injected with co-cultured MSCs i.v.

Materials and Methods

Finally, liver specimens were processed for light microscopy (LM) and electron microscopy (EM). Statistical analysis was carried out to assess histological scoring, area percentage of collagen fibers, number of glial fibrillary acidic protein-positive cells, and biochemical analysis of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase.

Statistical Analysis Used

Statistical analysis of (histological scoring, area % of collagen fibers, and biochemical analysis) was done by using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) test using graphpad software (SanDiego, CA, USA). The means ± standard deviations were used for statistical analysis.

Results

LM of Group II revealed loss of hepatic architecture and diffuse fibrosis with dilated congested blood vessels, bile ductular proliferation, and cellular infiltrations. Vacuolated cytoplasm with or without pyknotic nuclei was observed in addition to micro- and macro-steatosis. EM demonstrated disfigured hepatocytes with abnormal organelles surrounding atypical nucleus. Group III showed restoration of the normal liver architecture with greater extent in Group IV. Statistical analysis confirmed the microscopic findings.

Conclusions

Co-cultured MSCs with diseased liver tissue augmented the therapeutic effects of MSCs in treating hepatotoxicity induced by CCl4 in adult male albino rats.

A comparative study on the hepatoprotective effect of selenium-nanoparticles and dates flesh extract on carbon tetrachloride induced liver damage in albino rats

Exposure to environmental pollutants such as carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) causes liver damage. This study aimed to compare the ameliorative activity of the dates flesh extract (DFE) and selenium-nanoparticles (SeNPs) on CCL4-induced hepatotoxicity and if DFE could be a useful alternative supplement. Twenty-four male albino rats were enrolled and randomly divided into four equal groups (6 rats in each group): control group received only basal diet with no medications. Group II received CCL4 in a dose of 0.5 mg/kg intraperitoneal injection twice weekly for four weeks. Group III rats were pretreated with SeNPs in a dose of 2.5 mg/kg once a day orally three times/wk for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL4 for another four weeks. Group IV rats were pretreated with DFE in a dose of 8 ml of the aqueous extract/kg/d orally for four weeks alone then combined with the previously described dose of CCL4 for another four weeks. The liver damage was assessed by estimation of plasma concentration of albumin and enzymes activities of alanine aminotransferase and tissue genes expression. Liver oxidation levels were assessed by measuring the tissue concentration of the malondialdehyde, superoxide dismutase, and the total glutathione. Additionally, inflammatory mediators tumour necrosis factor--α and interleukin-6 were estimated. Detecting the liver's cellular structural damage was done by histopathological and immunohistochemical examination. This study suggests that CCL4-induced liver damage in rats can be protected by administration whether the costly SeNPs or the economical DFE.

Liver fibrotic development is reduced through inflammation prevention by an adenosine derivative compound

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis is a global health problem, and studying its development provides important information to address its treatment. Here, we characterized the effects of an adenosine compound (IFC-305) on preventing fibrosis and liver inflammation.

METHODS

We studied the impact of IFC-305 on a carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis model in Wistar male rats at 4, 6, and 8 weeks. The effects were characterized by liver tissue histology, macrophages identification by flow cytometry with CD163+/CD11b/c+ antibodies, hepatic and plasmatic cytokine levels employing MILLIPLEX MAP and ELISA, Col1a1 and Il6 gene expression by RTqPCR, lipoperoxidation by TBARS reaction, and reactive oxygen species using 2'-7'dichlorofluorescin diacetate.

RESULTS

CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation were significantly reduced in rats treated with IFC-305 at 6 and 8 weeks. In addition, we observed diminished expression of Col1a1; a decrease in the inflammatory cytokines IL-1β, IL-6, MCP-1, TNF-α, and IL-4 a; reduction in inflammatory macrophages; inhibition of lipoperoxidation; and ROS production in Kupffer cells.

CONCLUSION

This study showed that IFC-305 can inhibit liver fibrosis establishment by regulating the immune response during CCl4-induced damage. The immunomodulatory action of IFC-305 supports its use as a potential therapeutic strategy for preventing liver fibrosis.

GC-MS-based profiling and ameliorative potential of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines fruit against cardiac and testicular toxicity: An In vivo study

Fruit of Carissa opaca Stapf ex Haines (C. opaca) is a feed additive and is commonly used against cardiac dysfunction, fever, asthma, diarrhea, gastrointestinal ailments, and skin diseases. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the metabolic profile and antioxidant potential of C. opaca fruit against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced cardiotoxicity and testicular toxicity in rats. Gas Chromatoghraphy-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis of C. opaca fruit for the identification of potential metabolic profile, followed by methanolic extract of C. opaca and its derived fractions including n-hexane, ethyl acetate, chloroform, butanol, and aqueous were used to assess the antioxidant potential of fruits. Ten groups of rats received different treatments and got evaluated for cardiac and testicular antioxidant enzymes, histological architecture, and serum hormonal levels. GC-MS analysis of methanolic extract of C. opaca fruit showed the presence of some bioactive metabolites like cyclodecane, diethyl 2,6-pyridine dicarboxylate, tetrahydro-geraniol, S-[2-[N, N-Dimethylamino]ethyl]morpoline, 2,3-Methylenedioxyphenol, alpha-d-Glucopyranoside, 5,10-Diethoxy-2,3,7,8-tetrahydro-1H, 6H-dipyrrolo [1,2-a; 1',2'-d] pyrazine and 1,3-Benzothiazol-2(3H)-one,3-(3,3-dimethyl-1-oxobutyl) that corresponds the medicinal properties of C. opaca fruit. Prepared fractions of C. opaca fruits mitigated the toxicity induced by CCl4 in the heart and testicular tissues of rats. Oxidative stress was caused by the inhibition of activities of glutathione and other antioxidant enzymes of the body, while on the other hand elevating the levels of nitrite and hydrogen peroxide. Treatment with C. opaca fruit extract normalized the levels of enzymes, reproductive hormones, and free radicals thus restoring the histopathological and enzymatic biomarkers towards the normal group. The study supports the indigenous use of fruits as an alternative medicine against cardiac dysfunction by providing scientific evidence of protection against CCl4-induced injuries, and it also concludes the antioxidant defensive role in testicular tissues.

Pharmacokinetic Assessment of Pyrazinamide and Pyrazinoic Acid in Carbon tetrachloride-induced Liver Injury Model in Wistar Rats

Background

We investigated the pharmacokinetic behavior of pyrazinamide (PZA) and pyrazinoic acid (PA) in the presence of carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4) plus antitubercular treatment (ATT) drug-induced liver injury (DILI) in rats.

Methods

Thirty rats utilized in the experiment were separated equally into five groups. Each rat was injected with 0.5 ml/kg CCl4 intra-peritoneal injection on day zero. Group, I rats did receive only CCl4 (single i.p. injection, 0.5 ml/Kg in olive oil in a 1:1 ratio). Groups II, III, IV, and V did receive daily oral PZA, PZA plus isoniazid (INH), rifampicin (RMP) plus pyrazinamide (PZA), and three drugs together, respectively, for 21-days. Pharmacokinetic sampling was performed at 0, 0.5,1,3,6,12 and 24 hours post-dosing on day-20. Liver function test (LFT) was assessed at days 0,1,7, and 21 days after CCl4 and ATT administration, and rats were sacrificed on the last experiment day.

Results

ATT treatment maintained the liver function changes initiated by CCl4 administration. An evidential LFT rise was observed in groups administered with pyrazinamide. Co-administration of Isoniazid caused a 2.02 and 1.78 times increase in Area-under-the-curve (AUC) values of PZA and PA, respectively (p < 0.05). Histological and oxidative-stress changes supported the biochemical and pharmacokinetic observations.

Conclusion

The enzyme inhibitory capacity of isoniazid is well-preservd in CCl4-induced liver injury.

Comparative assessment of hepatoprotective properties of Artesunate and flavonoids from Artemisia annua on acetaminophen and carbon tetrachloride-induced cytotoxicity in primary mice hepatocytes

Background

Artesunate (ART) is a semi-synthetized molecule from Artemisinin, an active compound isolated from the medicinal plant Artemisia annua, widely used for the treatment of malaria. Previous studies reported that ART may exert a dual effect on the liver. Accordingly, this study investigated the potential protective action of ART against Acetaminophen (APAP) and Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatotoxicity in primary mice hepatocytes, in comparison to that of flavonoid extracted from A. annua (FAA). In addition, the antioxidant properties of FAA were also assessed.

Methods

The antioxidant activities of FAA and Ascorbic acid (ASC) (0.01-100 μg/mL) were assessed through inhibition of lipid peroxidation, reduction of ferric and phosphomolydenum, and hydroxyl and DPPH radicals scavenging assays. The hepatoprotective effects of FAA and ART (0.1-100 μg/mL) were evaluated against APAP (11 mM) or CCl4 (4 mM) induced oxidative damage in primary mouse hepatocytes. Biochemical parameters associated with hepatotoxicity assessed include cell viability, cell membrane integrity, cellular glutathione, and antioxidant enzyme activities.

Results

The obtained finding revealed FAA displayed a remarkable antioxidant activities as evidenced by the low IC₅₀/EC₅₀ values (3.85-19.32 μg/mL), comparable to that of ASC (3.26-18.04 μg/mL). When tested at 10 μg/mL, both FAA and ART significantly (p˂0.05) preserved cell viability, inhibited alanine aminotransferase leakage and lipid membrane peroxidation, and restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activities and glutathione content induced by APAP or CCl₄ in a similar way as Silymarin. However, ART showed a significant (p˂0.05) cytotoxic effect on hepatocytes at 100 and 1000 μg/mL and did not confer obvious protection at 100 μg/mL.

Conclusion

Overall, our data demonstrated that ART harms mice hepatocytes at high concentration while conferring relative protection against APAP and CCl₄-hepatotoxicity at low concentration. In contrast, FAA effectively protects liver cells without cytotoxicity effect, event at 100 μg/mL. Accordingly, ART should be given to the patient only under a medical prescription.

Detection of a glutathionyl-carbonylated group (GS-CO-) on D-dopachrome tautomerase with preferential binding of GS-CO- to MIF proteins in rat livers damaged by carbon tetrachloride

Liver damage has been induced in animal experiments using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄), a potent hepatotoxin. CCl₄ is activated by cytochrome P450 2E1, which results in the formation of various metabolites including phosgene. Although D-dopachrome tautomerase (DDT) is abundant in the liver, its role currently remains unclear. The biological activity of DDT, for which the N-terminal proline is a key site, has been detected in various tissues. We herein incidentally detected a 333 Da modification to the N-terminal proline of DDT in rat livers damaged by CCl₄. We identified that this modification as glutathionyl carbonylated group, which was formed by condensation of phosgene and reduced glutathione (GSH). We examined other glutathionyl-carbonylated proteins using two dimensional-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, mass spectrometry, and Western blotting for GSH, and detected only one glutathionyl-carbonylated protein, macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF). DDT belongs to the MIF family of proteins, and amino acid sequence identity between DDT and MIF is 33%. We concluded that MIF family proteins are major targets for glutathionyl carbonylation.

A microbial consortium led by a novel Pseudomonas species enables degradation of carbon tetrachloride under aerobic conditions

Carbon tetrachloride (CT) is a recalcitrant and high priority pollutant known for its toxicity, environmental prevalence, and inhibitory activities. Although much is known about anaerobic CT biodegradation, microbial degradation of CT under aerobic conditions has not yet been reported. This study reports for the first time the enrichment of a stable aerobic CT-degrading bacterial consortium, from a CT-contaminated groundwater sample, capable of co-metabolically degrading 30 μM of CT within a week. A Pseudomonas strain (designated as Stari2) that is the predominant bacterium in this consortium was isolated, and further characterization showed that this bacterium can tolerate and co-metabolically degrade up to 5 mM of CT under aerobic conditions in the presence of different carbon/energy sources. The CT biodegradation profiles of strain Stari2 and the consortium were found to be identical, while no significant positive correlation between strain Stari2 and other bacteria was observed in the consortium during the period of higher CT biodegradation. These results confirmed that the isolated Pseudomonas strain Stari2 is the key player in the consortium catalyzing the biodegradation of CT. No chloroform (CF) or other chlorinated compound was detected during the cometabolism of CT. The whole genome sequencing of strain Stari2 showed that it is a novel Pseudomonas species. The findings demonstrated that biodegradation of CT under aerobic conditions is feasible, and the isolated CT-degrader Pseudomonas sp. strain Stari2 has a great potential for in-situ bioremediation of CT-contaminated environments.

CCN2/CTGF promotes liver fibrosis through crosstalk with the Slit2/Robo signaling

Liver fibrosis is the common outcome of many chronic liver diseases, resulting from altered cell-cell and cell-matrix interactions that promote hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation and excessive matrix production. This study aimed to investigate functions of cellular communication network factor 2 (CCN2)/Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), an extracellular signaling modulator of the CYR61/CTGF/Nov (CCN) family, in liver fibrosis. Tamoxifen-inducible conditional knockouts in mice and hepatocyte-specific deletion of this gene in rats were generated using the Cre-lox system. These animals were subjected to peri-central hepatocyte damage caused by carbon tetrachloride. Potential crosstalk of this molecule with a new profibrotic pathway mediated by the Slit2 ligand and Roundabout (Robo) receptors was also examined. We found that Ccn2/Ctgf was highly upregulated in periportal hepatocytes during carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatocyte damage, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in mice and rats. Overexpression of this molecule was observed in human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) that were surrounded with fibrotic cords. Deletion of the Ccn2/Ctgf gene significantly reduced expression of fibrosis-related genes including Slit2, a smooth muscle actin (SMA) and Collagen type I during carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and rats. In addition, Ccn2/Ctgf and its truncated mutant carrying the first three domains were able to interact with the 7th -9th epidermal growth factor (EGF) repeats and the C-terminal cysteine knot (CT) motif of Slit2 protein in cultured HSC and fibrotic murine livers. Ectopic expression of Ccn2/Ctgf protein upregulated Slit2, promoted HSC activation, and potentiated fibrotic responses following chronic intoxication by carbon tetrachloride. Moreover, Ccn2/Ctgf and Slit2 synergistically enhanced activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT in primary HSC, whereas soluble Robo1-Fc chimera protein could inhibit these activities. These observations demonstrate conserved cross-species functions of Ccn2/Ctgf protein in rodent livers. This protein can be induced in hepatocytes and contribute to liver fibrosis. Its novel connection with the Slit2/Robo signaling may have therapeutic implications against fibrosis in chronic liver disease.

Protective Effect of Calcium Fructoborate Against Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Toxicity in Rats

Carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) is a xenbiotic that can cause cellular damage with free radical production. Calcium fructoborate (CFB) is a boron-based nutritional supplement with antioxidant properties. Calcium fructoborate used in our study is marketed by Future Ceutical Corporation as FruiteX-B, which has a chemical structure similar to the natural form of boron found in edible plants. In this study, it was aimed to determine the antioxidant activity, DNA damage, and histopathological effects of CFB on the liver and kidney tissues of rats in the toxicity induced by CCl₄. During 14 days of treatment, 42 wistar albino rats were divided into 7 in each group, control group, olive oil (0.25 ml twice a week), CFB (1 mg/day), CFB-CCl₄ (1 mg/day, twice a week 0.5 ml), ZY-CFB (0.25 ml/twice a week, 1 mg/2 times day twice), and CCl₄ (0.5 ml twice a week). AST, ALT, HDL, LDH, urea, creatinine, triglyceride, total protein and albumin levels were analyzed in the blood serum of rats. The antioxidant defense system enzymes CAT, GR, GPx, SOD activities and GSH, MDA and 8-OHdG levels in liver and kidney tissues were determined and evaluated. In addition, liver and kidney tissues were examined with only hispatological tests. As a result of the findings, it shows that CCl₄ disrupts antioxidant defense mechanisms by disrupting some enzyme systems in the kidney and liver. CFB (Fruit-XB), a boronbased dietary supplement, regulates antioxidant metabolism by strengthening biochemical metabolic profiles against oxidation, and also has a protective effect against DNA damage caused by oxidation. Thus, it was concluded that CFB has antioxidant property against CCl4-induced liver and kidney toxicity.

ATM deficiency aggravates the progression of liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

Ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) is a pivotal sensor during the DNA damage response that slows cell passage through the cell cycle checkpoints to facilitate DNA repair, and liver fibrosis is an irreversible pathological consequence of the sustained wound-healing process, However, the effects of ATM on the development of liver fibrosis are still not fully understood. Therefore, the aim of the study was to investigate the effects and potential mechanisms of ATM on the progression of liver fibrosis. Wild-type and ATM-deficient were administered with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄, 5 ml/kg, i.p.) for 8 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, and the liver tissues and serum were collected for analysis. KU-55933 (10 μM) was used to investigate the effects of ATM blockage on CCl₄-induced hepatocyte injury in vitro. The results showed that ATM deficiency aggravated the increased serum transaminase levels and liver MDA, HYP, and 8-OHdG contents compared with the model group (p < 0.05). Sirius red staining showed that ATM deficiency exacerbated liver collagen deposition in vivo, which was associated with the activation of TGF-β1/Smad2 signaling. Furthermore, blocking ATM with KU-55933 exacerbated the production of ROS and DNA damage caused by CCl₄ exposure in HepG2 cells, and KU-55933 treatment also reversed the downregulated expression of CDK1 and CDK2 after CCl₄ exposure in vitro. Moreover, the loss of ATM perturbed the regulation of the hepatic cell ChK2-CDC25A/C-CDK1/2 cascade and apoptosis in vivo, which was accompanied by increased Ki67-positive and TUNEL-positive cells after chronic CCl₄ treatment. In conclusion, our results indicated that ATM might be a critical regulator of liver fibrosis progression, and the underlying mechanisms of exacerbated liver fibrosis development in ATM-deficient mice might be associated with the dysregulation of hepatic cell proliferation and apoptosis.

Mouse Models for Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Liver Fibrosis Initiation

Liver fibrosis is a severe health problem worldwide with increasing incidence. However, specific drugs for treatment of hepatic fibrosis are currently not available. Accordingly, there is a strong need to conduct intensive basic research, which also includes the necessity to use animal models to evaluate new anti-fibrotic therapy concepts. Numerous mouse models of liver fibrogenesis have been described. This involves chemical, nutritional, surgical, and genetic mouse models, which involve also activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, for many investigators, it may be challenging to identify the most suitable model for a specific question on liver fibrosis research. In this chapter, we will provide a brief overview about the most common mouse models of HSC activation and liver fibrogenesis and thereafter provide detailed step-by-step protocols of two selected mouse fibrosis models based on own experience, which in our opinion are best suited to cover many current scientific issues. On the one hand, there is the classical carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) model; this model of toxic liver fibrogenesis is still one of the best suited and most reproducible models for basic features of hepatic fibrogenesis. On the other hand, we also introduce the novel DUAL model of alcohol plus metabolic/alcoholic fatty liver disease developed in our laboratory, which mimics all histological, metabolic, and transcriptomic gene signatures of human advanced steatohepatitis and related liver fibrosis. We describe all the information required for proper preparation and detailed implementation of both models including animal welfare aspects, thereby serving as a useful laboratory guide for mouse experimentation in liver fibrosis research.

Genome-wide DNA methylation dynamics in carbon tetrachloride-induced mice liver fibrosis

Objectives

Many persistent harmful stimuli can result in chronic liver diseases, which lead to about 2 million deaths per year in the whole world. Liver fibrosis was found to exist in all kinds of chronic liver diseases. Many studies suggested that DNA methylation was associated with the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to quantitatively detect DNA methylation changes in the whole genome in fibrotic liver tissues of mice.

Materials and Methods

Liver fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) for 4 weeks. A genome-wide methylome analysis was performed using 850K BeadChips assays. The methylation status of 27 CpG dinucleotides located in 3 genes was detected by pyrosequencing to confirm chip data accuracy, and mRNA expressions of these 3 genes were examined by RT-qPCR methods.

Results

A total of 130,068 differentially methylated sites (DMS, 58,474 hypermethylated, and 71,594 hypomethylated) between fibrotic liver tissues and control mice liver tissues were identified by the 850k BeadChips array. Consistency between pyrosequencing data and 850k BeadChips array data was observed (R=0.928; P<0.01). Apoptosis, positive regulation of transcription of Notch receptor target, and negative regulation of p38MAPK signal cascade activities were significantly enriched in the Gene Ontology (GO) analyses. Cholesterol metabolism, bile secretion, and more biosynthesis and metabolism pathways were enriched in KEGG pathway analyses. Ten key genes were identified by the Cytoscape plugin cytoHubba.

Conclusion

7850 genes were found to have methylation change in fibrotic liver tissues of mice, which facilitates future research for clinical application.

Reductive dehalogenation in groundwater by Si-Fe(II) co-precipitates enhanced by internal electric field and low vacancy concentrations

Fe(II) and silicate can form Si-Fe(II) co-precipitates in anoxic groundwater and sediments, but their phase composition and reactivity towards subsurface pollutants are largely unknown. Three types of Si-Fe(II) co-precipitations with the same chemical composition, namely Si-Fe(II)-I, Si-Fe(II)-II, and Si-Fe(II)-III, have been synthesized by different hydroxylation sequences in this work. It was found that Si-Fe(II)-III reduce carbon tetrachloride (CT) much faster (k₁=0.04419 min^-1) than Si-Fe(II)-I (0 min^-1) and Si-Fe(II)-II (7.860 × 10^-4 min^-1). XRD results show that the main component of Si-Fe(II)-III is ferrous silicate (FeSiO₃), which is quite different from that of Si-Fe(II)-I and Si-Fe(II)-II. The unique arrangement of hydroxyl coordination, the less distorted octahedral structure, the polyhedral morphology and the absence of Si-A center vacancies in Si-Fe(II)-III are responsible for its high reductive dehalogenation reactivity. The highest redox activity of Si-Fe(II)-III was shown by electrochemical characterization. The [Fe^II-O-Si]⁺ in Si-Fe(II)-III may stabilize the dichlorocarbene anion (˸CCl₂^-), which favors the transformation of CT to methane (9.2%). The Si-Fe(II) co-precipitates consist of countless internal electric fields, and the transformation of hydroxyl and CT both consumed electrons. The coexistence of hydroxyl and CT increases the electron density in the electron-rich region due to their electronegativity, enhancing their electron-accepting capabilities. This study deepens our understanding of the phase composition and electronic structure of Si-Fe(II) co-precipitates, which fills the gap in the reductive dehalogenation of halides by Si-Fe(II) co-precipitates.

Effect of the degradation performance on carbon tetrachloride by anaerobic co-metabolism under different external energy sources

In this research, a comprehensive study was carried out on the removal of carbon tetrachloride (CT) in the anaerobic co-metabolism (ACM) reactor. The experiments showed that when the hydraulic retention time (HRT) was 36 h, pH was 7, and influent CT was 2.5mg/L, the average removal efficiency reached 82.45 ± 2.56% in the glucose co-metabolism substrate reactor, exhibiting a dramatic excellent difference in reaction performance from the other two reactors (p < 0.05) and a favorable tolerance on the CT shock loading. The content of extracellular polymeric substances (EPS) and volatile fatty acids (VFA) demonstrated that glucose could supply more energy to protect the microorganisms, which was the appropriate external energy source. Moreover, microbial community structure and biostatistics analysis demonstrated that Pseudomonas was the most important dechlorination bacteria in ACM reactors, which might via dehalogenation process mediate the transformation of CT. The succession of methanogenic bacteria further demonstrated that CT degradation using co-digestion require to destroy hydrogenotrophic methane generation pathway and the external energy substances could make up the lack of hydrogen in the treatment of CT. The change of intermediate products hinted that anaerobic dechlorination process of CT in an ACM reactor was a sequential dechlorination process, and major transformation products measured were CF. Overall, this study has improved our understanding of the roles of CT degradation process in ACM reactors.

Resolving the conflicts around Par2 opposing roles in regeneration by comparing immune-mediated and toxic-induced injuries

BACKGROUND

Different factors may lead to hepatitis. Among which are liver inflammation and poisoning. We chose two hepatitis models, typical for these two underlying causes. Thus, we aimed to characterize the role of protease-activated receptor 2 (Par2) in liver regeneration and inflammation to reconcile Par2 conflicting role in many damage models, which sometimes aggravates the induced damage and sometimes alleviates it.

METHODS

WT and knockout (Par2KO) mice were injected with concanavalin A (ConA) to induce immune-mediated hepatitis or with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) to elicit direct hepatic damage. To distinguish the immune component from the liver regenerative response, we conducted bone marrow (BM) replacements of WT and Par2KO mice and repeated the damage models.

RESULTS

ConA injection caused limited damage in Par2KO mice livers, while in the WT mice severe damage followed by leukocyte infiltration was evident. Reciprocal BM replacement of WT and Par2KO showed that WT BM-reconstituted Par2KO mice displayed marked liver damage, while in Par2KO BM-reconstituted WT mice, the tissue was generally protected. In the CCl₄ direct damage model, hepatocytes regenerated in WT mice, whereas Par2KO mice failed to recover. Reciprocal BM replacement did not show significant differences in hepatic regeneration. In Par2KO mice, hepatitis was more apparent, while WT recovered regardless of the BM origin.

CONCLUSIONS

We conclude that Par2 activation in the immune system aggravates hepatitis and that Par2 activation in the damaged tissue promotes liver regeneration. When we incorporate this finding and revisit the literature reports, we reconciled the conflicts surrounding Par2's role in injury, recovery, and inflammation.

Surgical implantation of human adipose derived stem cells attenuates experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are multipotent stromal cells and could exert hepatoprotective effects against acute liver injury, steatohepatitis, and fibrogenesis. Here, we evaluated the effects of human adipose derived stem cells (hADSCs) to attenuate experimentally induced hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis in rats.

METHODS

Hepatic fibrosis was induced by intraperitoneal injections of CCl₄ (0.1 ml/100 g body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. hADSCs were isolated and cultured on polyethylene discs coated with hydroxyapatite and 2 cm diameter disc was surgically implanted on the right lateral lobe of the liver. Discs implanted without hADSCs served as control. The animals were injected again with CCl₄ once a week for another 8 weeks. All the animals were sacrificed at the end of 16th week.

RESULTS

Serial administrations of CCl₄ resulted in well developed fibrosis and early cirrhosis at 8th week which maintained until the 16th week. Animals treated with hADSC discs depicted over 50% decrease of collagen with significant increase in serum albumin and total protein levels. Immunohistochemical staining for TGF-β1, α-smooth muscle actin, and collagen type I and type III demonstrated marked decrease compared to the animals without hADSC treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with hADSCs improved liver functions, markedly reduced hepatic fibrosis and early cirrhosis. Various pleiotropic and paracrine factors secreted from the hADSCs seem to serve as reparative functions in the attenuation of liver cirrhosis. The data demonstrated that treatment with hADSCs can be successfully used as a potent therapeutic method to prevent progression of hepatic fibrosis and related adverse events.

Constructing Ni4/Fe@Fe3O4-g-C3N4 nanocomposites for highly efficient degradation of carbon tetrachloride from aqueous solution

Catalytic hydrodechlorination is one of the most potential remediation methods for chlorinated organic pollutants. In this study, Ni₄/Fe@Fe₃O₄-g-C₃N₄ (NFFOCN) nanocomposites were synthesized for carbon tetrachloride (CT) removal and characterized by SEM, XPS and FTIR. The characterization results demonstrated that the special functional groups of g-C₃N₄, especially NH groups, effectively alleviated the aggregation of nanoparticles. In addition, the C and N groups of g-C₃N₄ enhanced the catalytic dechlorination of CT by providing binding sites. The experimental results showed that NFFOCN could effectively remove CT over a wide initial pH range of 3-9, and the CT removal efficiency reached 94.7% after 35 min with only 0.15 g/L of NFFOCN at pH 5.5. The Cl^-, SO₄^2-, and HCO₃^- promoted the removal of CT, while HA and NO₃^- had the opposite effect. Furthermore, good sequential CT removal by NFFOCN nanocomposites was observed, and the CT removal efficiency reached 77.3% after four cycles. Based on the identification of products, a possible degradation pathway of CT was proposed. Moreover, the main mechanisms regarding CT removal included the direct reduction of nZVI (about 40.51%), adsorption (around 34.79%), and hydrodechlorination of CT by Ni⁰ using H₂ (about 19.40%).

Hepatoprotective effect of phillygenin on carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and its effects on short chain fatty acid and bile acid metabolism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Forsythiae fructus, the dried fruit of Oleaceae plant Forsythia suspensa (Thunb.) Vahl, is a traditional Chinese medicine widely used in clinical practice and has a variety of pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammation, antioxidation, and hepatoprotection.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Phillygenin (PHI), an important fingerprint lignan component of Forsythiae fructus, has prominent hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Previously, it was shown that PHI could exert anti-fibrotic effects by modulating inflammation and gut microbiota. Therefore, given the important roles of SCFAs and BAs in the development of liver fibrosis, as well as their close links with gut microbiota, we aimed to determine the protective effects of PHI on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis and its effects on the metabolism of SCFAs and BAs based on metabolomics.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

In C57BL/6J mice, liver fibrosis model was established by intraperitoneal injection of olive oil containing 10% CCl₄ for 4 weeks. Firstly, the mouse liver tissues were subjected to histological analysis and biochemical index assay to evaluate the protective effect of PHI on CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. Subsequently, the effects of PHI on the metabolism of SCFAs and BAs in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis mice were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) for metabolomics analysis. Finally, the levels of the closely related proteins and genes were detected by immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) to explore the underlying mechanisms of the protective effect of PHI on CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

The histological analysis and the determination of relevant biochemical indexes of liver tissues showed that PHI could attenuate CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. The metabolomic analysis on SCFAs showed that PHI could promote SCFA production in the gut of mice with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis, especially acetic acid, propionic acid and butyric acid. It has been reported that the increased production of SCFAs was possibly beneficial to health. The metabolomic analysis on BAs found that PHI could restore the disturbance of BA metabolism in mice with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis. The immunohistochemistry and RT-qPCR results confirmed that PHI could ameliorate intestinal epithelial barrier disruption, and reverse the expression of BA metabolism-related genes in mice with CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

Promoting the production of SCFAs in the gut and restoring the disturbance of BA metabolism may be the potential mechanisms by which PHI alleviated CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis.

N-doped biochar-catalyzed dechlorination of carbon tetrachloride in sulfide-containing aqueous solutions: Performances, mechanisms and pathways

Nitrogen-doped biochar (N-BC) has been widely concerned in the field of environmental protection. This study verified the alfalfa-based N-BC pyrolyzed at different temperatures is able to catalyze carbon tetrachloride (CT) dechlorination in sulfide-containing aqueous solutions under normal environmental pH range (6.3 ∼ 8.3) effectively, with Cl^-, trichloromethane (CF), CS₂ and HCO₃^- as predominated products. Higher pyrolysis temperature resulted in larger specific surface area, more pores and better catalytic capacity. The N-BC had a good tolerance to water matrix in catalyzing CT dechlorination by sulfide, while the higher pH value or higher dosage of sulfide or N-BC was beneficial to catalytic CT dechlorination. The generation of CS₂ was the major CT dechlorination pathway, attributing to the SN₂ nucleophilic substitution by newborn C-SS- structure generating from the interaction between pyridine-N and sulfide. Besides, generation of CF via hydrogenolysis process was the minor CT dechlorination pathway, owing to the enhanced electron transfer by pyrrole-N, graphitic-N and quinones on surface of N-BC. It was the first time that N-BC was found to be effective in catalyzing the hydrogenolysis process of CT dechlorination. This study emphasized the importance of N-BC in restoring chlorinated hydrocarbons polluted aquatic environment containing sulfide, such as sediments.

Theacrine ameliorates experimental liver fibrosis in rats by lowering cholesterol storage via activation of the Sirtuin 3-farnesoid X receptor signaling pathway

Formulations against liver fibrosis (LF) mitigate the progression of hepatitis to cirrhosis. However, notable toxicity of the currently available anti-LF drugs limits their long-term use. In the study, we aimed to investigate the anti-LF effects of theacrine, a purine alkaloid without obvious toxicity, on high-fat diet-, alcohol-, and carbon tetrachloride-induced LF in rats. The results indicated that 10 and 20 mg/kg of theacrine ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, steatosis, and inflammation in LF rats. Mechanistically, theacrine reduced hepatic stellate cell (HSC)-related α-smooth muscle actin expression, and decreased cholesterol accumulation, followed by decreased expression of transforming growth factor-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α. In addition, theacrine upregulated the phosphorylation of AMP-activated protein kinase, accompanied by decreased expression of β-catenin and stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1, and increased the expression of sirtuin 3 (SIRT3). Further investigation revealed that the theacrine-mediated decrease in cholesterol was independent of cholesterol synthesis or low-density lipoprotein (LDL) uptake in hyperlipidemia mice. However, theacrine activated farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a β-catenin conjugated protein, accompanied with decreased expression of cholesterol 7α-hydroxylase and sterol 12α-hydroxylase. In conclusion, theacrine alleviated experimental LF in rats by lowering cholesterol storage and decreasing cholesterol-related HSC activation. A plausible mechanism of theacrine on cholesterol metabolism may involve activation of SIRT3-FXR signaling pathway followed by decreased intestinal cholesterol absorption.

Immune response gene 1 deficiency impairs Nrf2 activation and aggravates liver fibrosis in mice

A growing body of evidence suggests that metabolic events play essential roles in the development of liver fibrosis. Immune response gene 1 (IRG1) catalyzes the generation of itaconate, which function as a metabolic checkpoint under several pathological circumstances. In the present study, the hepatic level of IRG1 was determined in mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis. And then the pathological significance of IRG1 and the pharmacological potential of 4-octyl itaconate (4-OI), a cell-permeable derivate of itaconate, in liver fibrosis were investigated in mice. The results indicated that the hepatic level of IRG1 was upregulated in mice with liver fibrosis. CCl₄-induced formation of fibrotic septa and deposition of collagen was aggravated in IRG1 KO mice. IRG1 deletion also resulted in increased expression of transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1), enhanced phosphorylation of Smad3, elevated level of alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and hydroxyproline, which were associated with compromised activation of nuclear erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-mediated antioxidant system and exacerbated oxidative stress. Interestingly, supplementation with 4-OI activated Nrf2 pathway, suppressed TGF-β1 signaling and attenuated fibrogenesis. Our data indicated that upregulation of IRG1 might function as a protective response during the development of liver fibrosis, and 4-OI might have potential value for the pharmacological intervention of liver fibrosis.

Cajanus cajan ameliorated CCl4-induced oxidative stress in Wistar rats via the combined mechanisms of anti-inflammation and mitochondrial-membrane transition pore inhibition

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver diseases is a public health issue in sub-saharan Africa and has been reported to be the major cause of many hospital admissions. Oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and inflammation play important roles in several diseases including liver injury. Cajanus cajan is an indigenous medicinal plant useful in the traditional treatment of jaundice, inflammation and liver injury.

AIM OF STUDY

This study assessed the effects of methanol extract Cajanus cajan (MECC) on mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening, biomarkers of oxidative stress and inflammation in CCl_4-induced liver injury in rats.

METHODS

Wistar albino rats (200-210g) were completely randomized into five (5) groups of six animals each. Group I (control) was given distilled water orally once daily. Animals in group II were administered CCl₄ in parafin (1:1) at a dose of 0.5 mL/kg i.p on the seventh day. Animals in groups III, IV and V were administered methanol extract of Cajanus cajan (MECC) at doses of 100, 200 mg/kg and silymarin (100 mg/kg) respectively for 7 days prior to a single intraperitoneal dose of CCl₄. After 24 h of CCl₄ treatment, serum and liver tissues were collected. Mitochondrial permeability transition (mPT) pore opening, mitochondrial ATPase activities and biomarkers of oxidative stress were determined spectrophotometrically. Tumor necrosis factor (TNFα), NF-κB and COX-2 were determined by immunohistochemistry and the phytochemicals present in the extract were determined by GC-MS.

RESULTS

Liver enzyme (AST, ALP, ALT and γGT) activities and MDA levels were significantly decreased in rats pretreated with MECC at the dose of 100, 200 and silymarin (100 mg/kg) when compared to the rats administered CCl₄ alone (p < 0.05). GSH, GST, CAT and SOD increased and the expressions of TNFα, NF-κB and COX- 2 were also reduced when compared to the CCl₄- treated animals. In addition, the liver histopathological analyses revealed that MECC markedly alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration, hepatic fibrosis, hepatocyte ballooning, necrosis and severe apoptosis of hepatocytes induced by CCl₄. GC-MS analysis yielded 23 compounds including flavonoids, terpenoids and fatty acids.

CONCLUSION

Cajanus cajan leaf extract elicited hepatoprotective action on CCl₄-induced liver injury via inhibition of mPT pore opening, prevention of CCl₄-induced hepatic oxidative stress and suppression of inflammatory response thus it may become useful for chemoprevention of liver injury. This supports its traditional use.

Activation of mitophagy by rapamycin eliminated the accumulation of TDP-43 on mitochondrial and promoted the resolution of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice

Liver fibrosis can lead to liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, and no effective treatment is available in clinical practice. Mitochondrial dysfunction is thought to be closely related to the development of liver fibrosis. Recent studies have reported that abnormal accumulation of TDP-43 on mitochondria may interfere with mitochondrial function in neurodegenerative disorders. However, whether aberrant TDP-43 aggregation is also involved in liver fibrosis has not been investigated. In this study, C57/BL6 mice were treated with CCl4 (escalating doses, three times a week) for 8 weeks to establish a model of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, mitophagy intervention experiment was achieved by the activator rapamycin (RAPA). The results demonstrated that chronic CCl4 exposure resulted in severe mitochondrial damage, inflammatory response and hepatic fibrogenesis. Interestingly, abnormal aggregation of TDP-43 on mitochondria was observed. By contrast, RAPA administration could promote the regression of liver fibrosis. Mechanistically, RAPA could eliminate the accumulation of TDP-43 on mitochondrial through enhancing mitophagy, thereby improving mitochondrial function. Taken together, our study revealed that mitochondrial damage induced by abnormal accumulation of TDP-43 has been implicated in the progression of liver fibrosis. Targeted clearance of mitochondrial TDP-43 may lead to the development of some anti-fibrotic therapies.

Protective effect of Sophora pachycarpa seed extract on carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity in rats

The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of the Sophora pachycarpa (S. pachycarpa) seed extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced toxicity on body organs, blood, and biochemical factors. In this investigation, 40 male Wistar rats weighing 200–250 g were randomly divided into 5 groups: group I was used as control, group II received carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) (IP, 1 mL/kg) on day 21, group III and group IV received S. pachycarpa seed extract at doses of 150 mg/kg and 300 mg/kg, respectively for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21, group V received silymarin (300 mg/kg) for 21 days by oral gavage and CCl₄ on day 21. CCl₄ showed an increase of serum renal and hepatic markers creatinine, urea, blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and uric acid, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT). Also, it significantly increased MDA level, and decreased CAT, FRAP, GSH, and SOD in the liver and kidney tissues. These changes and also hematological and histopathological alterations were significantly ameliorated by S. pachycarpa seed extract before CCl₄ administration. In conclusion, the data obtained in our investigation confirm the protective effect of S. pachycarpa against acute exposure to CCl₄-induced organ toxicity in rats.

Melatonin restores zinc levels, activates the Keap1/Nrf2 pathway, and modulates endoplasmic reticular stress and HSP in rats with chronic hepatotoxicity

BACKGROUND

Melatonin (MLT) is a potent antioxidant molecule that is shown to have a beneficial effect in various pathological situations, due to its action against free radicals.

AIM

To evaluate the effect of MLT on carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) induced liver injury in rats in terms of oxidative stress, reticular stress, and cell damage.

METHODS

Twenty male Wistar rats (230-250 g) were divided into four groups: Control rats, rats treated with MLT alone, rats treated with CCl₄ alone, and rats treated with CCl₄ plus MLT. CCl₄ was administered as follows: Ten doses every 5 d, ten every 4 d, and seven every 3 d. MLT was administered intraperitoneally at a dose of 20 mg/kg from the 10^th wk to the end of the experiment (16^th wk).

RESULTS

MLT was able to reduce the release of liver enzymes in the bloodstream and to decrease oxidative stress in CCl₄ treated rats by decreasing the level of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances and increasing superoxide dismutase activity, with a lower reduction in serum zinc levels, guaranteeing a reduction in liver damage; additionally, it increased the expression of nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2 and decreased the expression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1. MLT also decreased the expression of the proteins associated with endoplasmic reticulum stress, i.e., glucose-regulated protein 78 and activating transcription factor 6, as well as of heat shock factor 1 and heat shock protein 70.

CONCLUSION

MLT has a hepatoprotective effect in an experimental model of CCl₄-induced liver injury, since it reduces oxidative stress, restores zinc levels, and modulates endoplasmic reticulum stress.

Study the Pharmacognostic profile, Antiradical and Hepatoprotective potential of Carissacarandas Linn. fruit extract

AIMS

Carissa carandas Linn. is a thorny shrub (Family: Apocynaceae), commonly called as Karonda. The shrub can be grown in tropical and subtropical climate region.

METHODS AND MATERIAL

The objective of the experimental work was to analyse the efficacy of fruit extract of C. carandas Linn. with respect to hepatoprotective property using supportive evidence of in vitro and in vivo antiradical activity. The antioxidant activity of ethanolic fruit extract was determined by 2, 2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH), hydrogen peroxide and nitric oxide free radical scavenging assay, using Ascorbic acid as standard drug. Oral administration of C. carandas Linn. ethanolic fruit extract (200 and 400 mg/kg) revealed a considerable marked protection property against acute hepatotoxicity induced by the carbon tetrachloride, moreover that has been evaluated in terms of biochemical parameters.

RESULTS

Administration of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induce amplified levels of serum biomarker enzymes including alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) in the blood serum with attenuated in-vivo antioxidant enzymes levels such as superoxide dismutase (SOD), reduced glutathione (GSH) and catalase in hepatic tissues. The administration of fruit extract would reduce the CCl4- induced hepatic toxicity; these effects may be due to presence of phytochemicals including carbohydrates, tannins, phenolic components and flavonoids. However, HPLC and TLC studies would ensure the presence of gallic and quercetin in the ethanolic fruit extract of the plant.

CONCLUSIONS

In conclusion, the ethanolic fruit extract of C.carandas Linn. exhibits significant hepatoprotective activity which could be partly imputed to its both in-vitro as well as in-vivo antioxidant property, together with effective total phenolic and total flavonoid content and thus concedes for further findings.

Calcium dobesilate ameliorates hepatorenal injury induced by carbon tetrachloride in mice

Objectives

Calcium dobesilate (CaD) has anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects. In this study, the protective effects of CaD against hepatorenal damage induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) in mice were evaluated.

Materials and Methods

Thirty male mice were randomly divided into five groups: Control, CaD 100 mg/kg, CCl₄, CCl₄+CaD 50 mg/kg, and CCl₄+CaD 100 mg/kg. CaD (50 and 100 mg/kg) was administered orally once a day for 4 weeks. The liver and kidney indices (serum creatinine, blood urine nitrogen, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase levels) were determined. Also, liver and kidney tissue oxidant/anti-oxidant markers (glutathione peroxidase, malondialdehyde, total anti-oxidant capacity, and superoxide dismutase) were measured. Cleaved caspase-3, Bax, cytochrome-c, and Bcl-2 protein levels were measured by immunoblotting method in the liver and kidney tissues. The liver and kidney histopathological changes were evaluated by the Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) staining method.

Results

CCl₄ induced significant oxidative stress and apoptosis in kidney and liver tissues that was concomitant with histopathological abnormalities in these organs in the CCl₄ group versus the control (P<0.05). However, CaD (100 mg/kg) could significantly improve the histopathological change in the liver and kidney tissues of CCl₄+CaD 100 mg/kg mice versus the CCl₄ group (P<0.05). In addition, CaD (100 mg/kg) attenuated the pro and anti-apoptotic markers in the liver and kidney tissues of CCl₄+CaD 100 mg/kg mice versus the CCl₄ group (P<0.05).

Conclusion

CaD (100 mg/kg) has a protective effect against hepatorenal injury induced by CCl₄ at least via its anti-apoptotic and anti-oxidant properties.

A fast and accurate mouse model for inducing non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

Aim

This study aimed to perform a head-to-head comparison of changes during NASH progression throughout 6-11 weeks of an experiment to supply a faster nutritional model in mimicking NASH to decrease the duration and cost of in vivo studies.

Background

New therapies are urgently needed because of the growing prevalence of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and the lack of an effective treatment approach. Currently, dietary interventions are the most efficient options.

Methods

This study compared features of NASH in a murine model using protocol that combined special nutritional regimes based on the combination of 21.1% fat, 41% sucrose, and 1.25% cholesterol with weekly intraperitoneal injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Male C57BL/6J mice received either special compositions + CCl4 (NASH group) or standard chow diet (healthy control group) for 11 weeks. Liver histopathology based on hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's Trichrome (TC) staining and biochemical analyses were used to assess disease progression.

Results

In C57BL/6J mice administered a high fat, high cholesterol, high sucrose diet and CCl4 for 8 weeks, steatohepatitis with pronounced hepatocyte ballooning, inflammation, steatosis, and fibrosis was observed. According to the NAFLD activity scoring system, the maximum NAS score was manifested after 8-9 weeks (NAS score: 6.75). Following this protocol also led to a significant increase in AST and ALT, total cholesterol, and total triglyceride serum levels in the NASH group.

Conclusion

Following the special nutritional regime based on high fat, cholesterol, and sucrose in combination with CCL4 injections resulted in a NASH model using C57BL/6J mice in a shorter time compared to similar studies. The obtained histopathological NASH features can be advantageous for preclinical drug testing.

Amelioration of oxidative stress by trans-Anethole via modulating phase I and phase II enzymes against hepatic damage induced by CCl4 in male Wistar rats

The current study was designed to assess the in vivo hepatoprotective properties of trans-Anethole, which is a principal aromatic component of star anise. The hepatoprotective effects of trans-Anethole were evaluated at three doses [40, 80, and 160 mg/kg body weight (b.wt.)] against carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic damage in male Wistar rats for 4 weeks. Forty-two male Wistar rats were equally divided into seven groups; the control (group I) received only distilled water. Rats of group II received CCl₄ (1 ml/kg b.wt.) in a 1:1 ratio of CCl₄ and olive oil via intraperitoneal doses, while rats of group III received silymarin (50 mg/kg b.wt.), followed by CCl₄ intraperitoneal doses, 3 days in a week. Rats of group IV received trans-anethole (160 mg/kg b.wt.) for 28 days as a negative control. Trans-anethole at the doses of 40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.wt. was administered to groups V, VI, and VII, respectively, for 28 days, followed by CCl₄ (i.p). Results showed that CCl₄ treatment (group II) elevated the levels of different serum markers like aspartate aminotransferase (AST) by 4.74 fold, alanine aminotransferase (ALT) by 3.47 fold, aspartate alkaline phosphatase (ALP) by 3.55 fold, direct bilirubin by 3.48 fold, and total bilirubin by 2.38 fold in contrast to control. Furthermore, it was found that the decreased levels of liver antioxidant enzymes viz. catalase (CAT) and glutathione reductase (GR) were significantly modulated by the pre-administration of rats with different doses (40, 80, and 160 mg/kg b.wt.) of trans-anethole. Furthermore, pre-treatment of trans-anethole reduced the level of phase I enzymes and elevated the level of phase II detoxifying enzymes. Histopathological investigations showed that the treatment with trans-anethole was effective in ameliorating CCl₄-induced liver injury and restored the normal hepatic architecture. Moreover, trans-anethole restored p53 and cyclin D levels in liver tissue relative to group II. Western blot analysis revealed that the trans-anethole treatment downregulated the expression of Bax and caspase-3 while upregulated the expression of Bcl-xL. Collectively, the findings of the study showed the strong efficacy of trans-anethole in ameliorating the hepatic damage caused by CCl₄ through the modulation of antioxidants and xenobiotic-metabolizing enzymes.

In Vivo Analysis of Necrosis and Ferroptosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH)

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a metabolic liver disease that progresses from simple steatosis to the disease states such as chronic inflammation and fibrosis. In most liver diseases, immunological responses caused by tissue damages or viral infection contribute to the pathological advances, and various types of cell death have been reported to be implicated in their pathogenesis. However, the conventional detection of necrosis in vivo is not currently available, whereas the detection method for apoptosis has been relatively well-established. We recently reported a method for the in vivo detection of necrotic cells in liver disease models by an intravenous injection of Propidium Iodide (PI) into mice. We also provide standard methods for the evaluation of lipid accumulation and fibrosis characteristic of NASH. In addition, by utilizing these procedures and a murine model of steatohepatitis, we showed that ferroptosis, a type of regulated necrotic cell death, could be involved in the pathogenesis of NASH. These approaches allow us to explore the pathophysiological roles of cell death in liver diseases.

Gadd45 in Senescence

Gadd45a, Gadd45b, and Gadd45g have been implicated in cell cycle arrest, DNA repair, apoptosis, innate immunity, genomic stability, and more recently in senescence. Evidence has accumulated that Gadd45a deficiency results in escape of mouse embryo fibroblasts from senescence, whereas Gadd45b deficiency promotes premature senescence and skin aging. Moreover, recently Gadd45b deficiency was found to promote senescence and attenuate liver fibrosis, whereas Gadd45a was observed to exert a protective effect against hepatic fibrosis. These findings indicate that the Gadd45 stress response proteins play important roles in modulating cellular responses to senescence. Thus, exploring how Gadd45 proteins modulate cellular senescence has the potential to provide new and innovative tools to treat cancer as well as liver disease.

Protective effects of cerium oxide nanoparticles in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in rats: Study on intestine and liver

Background and aims

Nanoparticles could represent a therapeutic approach for the treatment of various diseases. It has been reported that cerium oxide nanoparticles (CeO₂ NPs) have potential useful effects. Therefore, we aimed to examine the protective effects of the CeO₂ NPs in two models of liver injury, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis, in rats.

Methods

In this experimental study, male rats were randomly divided into different experimental groups including: Experiment 1; group1: healthy rats received normal saline, 2: CCl₄ group, 3: CCl₄ + nanoparticle. Experiment 2; group1: healthy rats received chow diet, 2: NAFLD group, 3: NAFLD + nanoparticle. The oxidative stress markers were determined in the liver and intestine. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) levels were measured by ELISA. Histopathological changes of liver and intestine were evaluated by light microspore.

Results

Total antioxidant capacity (TAC) and glutathione (GSH) levels significantly decreased, while malondialdehyde (MDA) and total oxidant status (TOS) were significantly increased in the liver, and intestine of the NAFLD and CCl₄ group compared with control rats. However, the use of nanoparticles significantly normalized these markers. The levels of the TNF-α were significantly reduced in the nanoparticle group as compared with NAFLD model and CCl₄-treated rats. CeO₂ NPs also normalized the liver and intestinal histological changes.

Conclusions

Our finding revealed that CeO₂ NPs has potential protective effects by increasing antioxidant activity, and reducing inflammation.

Antioxidant and hepatopreventive effects of Cassia angustifolia extract against carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatotoxicity in rats

The present study aimed to investigate the preventive effects of methanol fraction from Cassia angustifolia leaf extract (MECA), associated with its phytochemical content, on CCl₄-induced hepatic toxicity in adult rats. In the controls, CCl₄ induced an increase of serum biochemical parameters and triggered oxidative stress in the liver. MECA caused significant reductions in CCl₄-elevated levels of hepatic markers, total cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein and increased the level of high-density lipoprotein compared to the CCl₄ group. Moreover, pretreatment with the MECA produced significant reductions in lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances) and protein carbonyl level in liver tissues as compared with the untreated group. The formation of pathological hepatic lesions was strongly prevented by MECA. Overall, this study suggests that administration of MECA has a high potential to quench free radicals and alleviate CCl₄-induced hepatotoxicity in rats.

Ethanolic extract of Mucuna pruriens leaves ameliorates carbon tetrachloride and rifampicin-induced hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity in wistar albino rat

Background

Mucuna pruriens (L.) has been used for the treatment of several ailments in folkloric medicine. The present study therefore investigates the hepatoprotective and nephroprotective potentials of its leaves extract with a view to providing a potent alternative in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Methodology

Forty male albino rats were randomly placed into eight groups comprising five animals each. Animals in group I were administered with the distilled water, while groups II and VI were exposed to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively. Animals in groups III and IV were initially exposed CCl₄ and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Similarly, groups VII and VIII animals were exposed to rifampicin and treated with 50 and 100 mg/kg bw M. pruriens respectively. Animals in group V were treated with 100 mg/kg bw silymarin by oral gavage after an initial exposure to CCl₄. Selected biomarkers of liver and kidney damage were determined in the serum and organs homogenate. Liver and kidney slices of experimental animals were also stained for histopathological examination.

Results

Exposure to CCl₄ and rifampicin respectively resulted in marked distortion in lipid profile, inhibition of antioxidant enzymes and a surge in ALT, AST, ALP, urea, uric acid, bilirubin and creatine kinase. Treatment with M. pruriens extract reversed all deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in a dose-dependent manner.

Conclusion

Extract of M. pruriens leaves restored deranged biochemical and histopathological parameters in the liver and kidney with similar potency to silymarin. Hence, leaf extract of M. pruriens is a potential hepatoprotective and nephroprotective agent that can be exploited in the management of liver and kidney diseases.

Hepatotoxicity or hepatoprotection of emodin? Two sides of the same coin by 1H-NMR metabolomics profiling

Emodin is the major anthraquinone component of many important traditional Chinese herbs, such as Rheum palmatum L. and Polygonum multiflorum Thunb. They have been popular health products but recently aroused concerns about their hepatotoxicity, which are believed to be arising from the contained anthraquinones, such as emodin. However, emodin exerts potent hepatoprotective ability, such as anti-fibrotic, anti-oxidative, and anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, 1H NMR based metabolomics approach, complemented with histopathological observation, biochemical measurements, western blotting analysis and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR), was applied to interpret the paradox of emodin (30 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg BW) using both healthy mice (male, ICR) and chronic CCl4-injured mice (0.1 mL/kg, 0.35% CCl4, 3 times a week for a month). Emodin exerted a weight loss property associated with its lipid-lowing effects, which helped alleviate CCl4-induced steatosis. Emodin effectively ameliorated CCl4-induced oxidative stress and energy metabolism dysfunction in mice liver via regulating glucose, lipid and amino acid metabolism, and inhibited excessive inflammatory response. In healthy mice, emodin only exhibited hepatoxicity on high-dosage by disturbing hepatic anti-oxidant homeostasis, especially GSH and xanthine metabolism. This integrated metabolomics approach identified the bidirectional potential of emodin, which are important for its rational use.

Curcumin-containing Silver Nanoparticles Prevent Carbon Tetrachloride- induced Hepatotoxicity in Mice

BACKGROUND

Hepatotoxicity remains an important clinical challenge. Hepatotoxicity observed in response to toxins and hazardous chemicals may be alleviated by delivery of the curcumin in silver nanoparticles (AgNPs-curcumin). In this study, we examined the impact of AgNPs-curcumin in a mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced hepatic injury.

METHODS

Male C57BL/6 mice were divided into three groups (n=8 per group). Mice in group 1 were treated with vehicle control alone, while mice in Group 2 received a single intraperitoneal injection of 1 ml/kg CCl4 in liquid paraffin (1:1 v/v). Mice in group 3 were treated with 2.5 mg/kg AgNPs-curcumin twice per week for three weeks after the CCl₄ challenge.

RESULTS

Administration of CCL₄ resulted in oxidative dysregulation, including significant reductions in reduced glutathione and concomitant elevations in the level of malondialdehyde (MDA). CCL₄ challenge also resulted in elevated levels of serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alanine transaminase (ALT); these findings were associated with the destruction of hepatic tissues. Treatment with AgNPs-curcumin prevented oxidative imbalance, hepatic dysfunction, and tissue destruction. A comet assay revealed that the CCl₄ challenge resulted in significant DNA damage as documented by a 70% increase in nuclear DNA tail-length; treatment with AgNPscurcumin inhibited the CCL4-mediated increase in nuclear DNA tail-length by 34%.

CONCLUSION

Administration of AgNPs-curcumin resulted in significant anti-oxidant activity in vivo. This agent has the potential to prevent hepatic tissue destruction and DNA damage that results from direct exposure to CCL₄.

Preventive effect of Bacillus mojavensis levan against carbon tetrachloride and cisplatin toxicity: in vivo study

This study is the first to investigate the hepato- and nephron-preventive effect of levan from Bacillus mojavensis (BM-levan) against toxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) and cisplatin. Thirty-six male albino rats weighing between 230 and 250 g were used for this experiment. The groups received multiples doses of BM-levan and were compared to the untreated group. The in vitro and in vivo biological potentials of BM-levan were evaluated by measuring its antioxidant capacity as well as its hepato- and nephron-protective activities in rat models. The investigations highlighted a significant in vitro antioxidant activity indicated by the radical-scavenging capacity, the reducing power, and the total antioxidant activity measurement. In addition, results demonstrate that BM-levan supplementation during 8 weeks (100 mg/kg body weight) significantly (p < 0.05) decreased aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) activities and remarkably (p < 0.05) attenuated the altered lipid profile by decreasing the levels of triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC), LDL cholesterol (LDL-C) and by enhancing the HDL cholesterol (HDL-C) content, when compared with the CCl₄ group. BM-levan also reduced the content of plasma renal biomarkers (urea, creatinine, and uric acid) in the cisplatin-treated group. Moreover, BM-levan inhibited hepatic and renal oxidative stress generated by CCl₄ and cisplatin administration, through the enhancement of the antioxidant catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and the diminishment of lipid peroxidation. The harmful effects of CCl₄ or cisplatin on hepatic and renal histology were found to be decreased by the addition of BM-levan. Therefore, BM-levan has proved promising for biomedical applications thanks to its in vitro and in vivo antioxidant properties.