Activities Of Liver Marker Enzymes Research Articles

Chrysin reduces hypercholesterolemia-mediated atherosclerosis through modulating oxidative stress, microflora, and apoptosis in experimental rats.

Chrysin (Chy) is known for various biological proprieties such as inhibitory effects on inflammation, cancer, oxidative stress, aging, and atherosclerosis. However, the hypolipidemic activity of Chy and its mechanistic action remains unclear in cardiovascular diseases (CVD). In this study, we focused on the hypolipidemic proprieties of Chy in hypercholesterolemia-induced atherosclerosis. Male Wistar rats (150-220 g) were divided into four groups as follows: Group I control was fed with standard laboratory chow. Rats in Group II were fed a high-fat diet (HFD) for 60 days. After 60 days of HFD, Group III rats received Chy (100 mg/kg body weight); Group IV rats received Atorvastatin (Atv; 10mg/kg body weight) for 30 days. Biochemical studies showed Chy, Atv treatment decreased the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and lipid profile. Gene expression analysis on nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its regulated genes were significantly reduced in the intestine and increased in the aorta by Chy and Atv. Gut microbial species such as Bacteroidetes, Lactobacillus, Enterococcus, and Clostridium leptum copy numbers were significantly increased by Chy and Atv treatment. In addition, Chy and Atv modulated the expression of inflammatory genes including TLR4, TNFα, NLRP3, and IL-17 in the aorta and intestine compared with hypercholesterolemic control rats. Chy and Atv effectively increased the caspase-3 mRNA expression in the intestine, but these decreased in the aorta. The present study concludes that by reducing oxidative stress and increasing gut microbial colonization, Chy may provide an effective therapeutic approach for the prevention of hypercholesterolemia-mediated atherosclerosis. PRACTICAL APPLICATIONS: Our study focused on a therapeutic model representing the clinical presentation of atherosclerosis in humans. Statins are commonly used in the treatment of cardiovascular complications, patients with hypercholesterolemia face difficulties in the continuation of statin therapy. The reason for statin discontinuation has been associated with toxicological effects. It is necessary to investigate the potentiality of the natural compound as an alternative medicine to statin with fewer side effects. The main theme of our study is to compare the therapeutic potential of Chy and Atv. Chy is a natural bioflavonoid that could be considered as an alternative medicinal compound to statins and to avoid toxicity problems associated with statins. Chy is a bioflavonoid present in Passiflora caerulea (blue passion flower), Oroxylum indicum (Indian trumpet flower), Pelargonium crispum, propolis, and honey. Consuming Chy-rich foods will reduce hypercholesterolemia-mediated cardiovascular complications. Overall, the present studies provided a key to developing bioactive compounds-based foods for CVD patients.

Chemopreventive effects of Costus comosus Linn against diethylnitrosamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in rats

Introduction: Costus comosus is a potential medicinal plant used traditionally to treat various ailments. The present study aimed to evaluate antioxidant status, lipid peroxidation, and the ameliorative effect of its ethanolic leaf extract against diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in rats. Methods: HCC was induced by 0.01 % v/v DEN through the drinking water for 16 weeks. The animals were treated with ethanolic leaf extract of C. comosus (EECC) at 200 and 400 mg/kg for 16 weeks. In this study, tumour incidence, tumour volume, tumour burden, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant activity, liver marker enzymes, and histological responses were measured in the animals. At the end of the study, rats were sacrificed, their livers were removed and the levels of antioxidant enzymes were measured in the liver homogenate. Results: In DEN-treated animals, there were 100% tumour occurrences probably due to an imbalance in carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and cellular redox state. The oral administration of ethanolic leaf extract of C. comosus therapy at a dose of 200 and 400 mg/kg reduced lipid peroxide levels and restored the increased activities of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant status to near normal. The biochemical findings corroborate histological findings, indicating that the leaf extract has a significant hepatoprotective impact in a dose-dependent manner. Conclusion: The results of the present study showed the promising anti-carcinogenic effects of ethanolic leaf extract of C. comosus against the DEN-induced HCC in rats.

Dennettia tripetala Relieves Chronic Hepatorenal Injuries in Rats by Altering fas, sod-1, and tnf-α Expression.

The effectiveness of Dennettia tripetala extracts was compared to that of the standard drug, silymarin, in reducing chronic liver and kidney anomalies. Male albino Wistar rats were grouped in tens. Carbon tetrachloride was dissolved in olive oil (1:4) and administered to specific groups at a dose of 3 mL/kg body weight (bw) twice a week for six weeks. From week five, the extracts and silymarin were administered in distilled water daily for two weeks at doses of 250 mg/kg bw and 6 mg/kg bw, respectively, to specific groups. All administrations were carried out using a gavage, with appropriate controls. These results showed that the plant extracts decreased the serum activity of liver marker enzymes, restored the liver and serum lipid profiles as well as serum protein profile, reduced serum, urea, and creatinine, and restored superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the liver and kidneys, which carbon tetrachloride had altered. The extracts also decreased steatosis and centriole congestion in the liver as well as necrosis and structural damage in the kidneys, which carbon tetrachloride caused, and the extracts proved to be as potent as silymarin. The extracts also decreased the expression of fas (P<0.05), sod-1 (P<0.05), and tnf-α (P>0.05) in the liver, which carbon tetrachloride had increased. Conclusively, D. tripetala reduced chronic liver and kidney damage induced by carbon tetrachloride; it reduced the expression of fas, sod-1, and tnf-α in the liver to levels similar to that of the control group, and it was as effective as silymarin.

DOSE-DEPENDENT PROTECTIVE FEATURES OF LOBOPHORA VARIEGATA METHANOLIC EXTRACT (LVME) IN N-NITROSODIETHYLAMINE INDUCED EXPERIMENTAL HEPATOCARCINOGENESIS IN RATS

Objective: This study explores the anti-cancer property of Lobophora variegata, also an effective dose to treat hepatocarcinoma in Male Albino Wistar rats in N-nitrosodiethylamine induced hepatocarcinoma paradigm and its possible mechanism of action.&#x0D; Methods: In this study, rats were segregated into five groups; group-1 (control), group-2 treated with 0.01% NDEA through drinking water for 15 w, group-3 NDEA+treated with Lobophora variegata methanolic extract (LVME) (100 mg/kg b.w.), group-4 NDEA+treated with (LVME) (200 mg/kg b.w.) and group-5 NDEA+treated with (LVME) (400 mg/kg b.w.).&#x0D; Results: After the experimental period, functional and morphological changes in the liver were observed both macro and microscopically, the activities of liver marker enzymes, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate and alanine transaminases (AST and ALT) were analyzed. Administration of LVME as 200 mg/kg b.w. (to NDEA treated rats) significantly (i) reduced the preneoplastic lesions alleviated lipid peroxidation through scavenging free radicals, (ii) enhanced antioxidant status and reverted liver/disease marker enzymes plausibly by modulating xenobiotics metabolizing enzymes (XMEs) and by exhibiting antiproliferative and cytoprotective effects.&#x0D; Conclusion: LVME doses higher than 200 mg/kg b.w. are not effective in quenching the free radicals and restoring the liver functions as saturation level could have been reached; also, doses lower than 200 mg/kg b.w. could not be effective as they are below the optimum dose required to exhibit the pharmacological effects.

Nanophytosomes for enhancement of rutin efficacy in oral administration for diabetes treatment in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Rutin is a natural antioxidant compound with several therapeutic benefits. However, the application of this bioactive compound is limited due to its low stability and bioavailability. To overcome these limitations, this study aimed to encapsulate rutin into nanophytosomes (NPs) and evaluate the therapeutic potency of this nanocarrier in streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic rats. The particle size, zeta potential, and encapsulation efficiency of the prepared NPs were 72.72 nm, −22 mV, and 93.7%, respectively. The in vivo study showed that the oral administration of rutin-loaded NPs (containing 25 mg rutin/kg per day) for 4 weeks was more effective than free rutin in the control of hyperglycemia and hyperlipidemia in the STZ-induced diabetic rats. Additionally, the administration of rutin-loaded NPs regulated the activities of liver marker enzymes and the levels of total hemoglobin and glycated hemoglobin in the diabetic rats. The antioxidant defenses in the diabetic rats were increased by the administration of rutin-loaded NPs more than free rutin. Moreover, the histopathological study showed that the administration of rutin-loaded NPs restored the diabetes-induced damages in kidney, liver, and pancreas. In conclusion, encapsulation of rutin with phytosomes is an effective technique to benefit from its therapeutic potential, especially to attenuate diabetic complications.

Short-term fenofibrate treatment improves ultrastructure of hepatocytes of old rats.

Fenofibrate (FN) is a hypolipemic drug used for the treatment of mixed dyslipidemia. Since in our previous study FN administration to young and old rats adversely affected the serum activity of liver marker enzymes, we decided to examine the effects of FN on liver ultrastructure of young and old animals. Young and old rats were fed standard rodent chow supplemented with 0.1% FN for 30 days. Liver samples obtained from animals under full anesthesia were processed by routine methods to obtain ultrathin and histological sections for the examination by light microscopy (LM) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Furthermore, liver lysates were analyzed by Western blotting for the expression of the autophagy-related proteins LC3A/B and beclin 1. The ultrastructure of hepatocytes in both age groups was well-preserved, with the presence of abundant mitochondria, numerous peroxisomes and lysosomes, glycogen stored in the form of rosettes, and occasionally autolysosomes. However, hepatocytes of old control rats contained less mitochondria and peroxisomes, and more lipid droplets than cells of young animals. The effects of FN on liver ultrastructure were age-depended. FN increased the relative number of mitochondria and peroxisomes in the hepatocytes of old, and did not affect their number in young rats. Moreover, FN decreased and increased the relative number of lipid droplets in the hepatocytes of old and young rats, respectively. At the LM level, Oil Red O staining revealed smaller and larger lipid droplets within hepatocytes and non-parenchymal liver cells. In the livers of young and old rats lipid droplets were distributed mainly in the periportal zones of hepatic lobules. Morphometric analysis confirmed that livers of control old rats contained more lipid-stainable areas than those of young ones; however, no effect of FN was observed either in young or old rats. Despite larger size of autolysosomes and autophagic vacuoles in hepatocytes of old rats, the expression of autophagy-related proteins did not differ in the livers of control and fenofibrate-treated young and old animals. The results of our study suggest that fenofibrate, apart from its hypolipemic action, may have beneficial effect on the energy metabolism in the liver of old individuals by increasing the number of mitochondria and peroxisomes in hepatocytes.

Anti-diabetic potential of Plectranthus lanuginosus in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

Purpose: To determine the antidiabetic effect of methanol extract of Plectranthus lanuginosus leaves in streptozotocin-induced hyperglycemic (HGD) rats.&#x0D; Methods: P. lanuginosus leaves were collected from Saad Medhas, Al Baha, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. After defatting with n-hexane, they were extracted in vacuo at 40 oC with 75 % methanol. Streptozotocin (50 mgkg−1, i.p.) was used to induce hyperglycemia (diabetes) in the rats. The HGD rats received either standard drug (glibenclamide, 10 mgkg−1, p.o.) or Plectranthus lanuginosus leaf methanol leaf extract (PLLM) at doses of 200 and 400 mgkg−1/day, p.o. for 21 consecutive days. Blood samples were taken from the rat tails 2 h after dosing, and at 7-day intervals (i.e., 0, 7th, 14th and 21st days). The blood samples were used for measurement of fasting blood glucose (FBS), using a glucometer. On the 21st day, the rats were sacrificed via cardiac puncture. The activities of liver marker enzymes (SGPT and SGOT), and serum lipid profile (cholesterol, triglycerides, HDL and LDL) were determined using a hemolyzer.&#x0D; Results: Streptozotocin treatment produced significant hyperglycemia in the rats (348.9 ± 5.6) when compared to control (79.2 ± 1.3). However, PLLM (200 and 400 mg kg−1) produced significant and dose-dependent anti-diabetic (166.4 ± 5.6 and 123.86 ± 6.8 respectively) and antihyperlipidemic effects in HGD rats, at levels similar to those produced by the standard drug, glibenclamide (120.6 ± 6.4).&#x0D; Conclusion: P. lanuginosus leaf extract possesses pronounced anti-diabetic and anti-hyperlipidemic properties which may be due to the presence of phenolic and flavonoid constituents in the plant. Therefore, the plant extract can be further developed for the management of diabetes

Dennettia tripetala Combats Oxidative Stress, Protein and Lipid Dyshomeostasis, Inflammation, Hepatic Injury, and Glomerular Blockage in Rats

Dennettia tripetala, better known as ‘pepperfruit’, is a medicinal plant consumed in West Africa. D. tripetala possesses strong antioxidant properties and contains uvariopsine, an alkaloid which improves bile secretion and liver function. In the present study, the ethanolic extract of D. tripetala fruits was tested for its ability to alleviate pathophysiological conditions bordering on oxidative stress, including protein and lipid dyshomeostasis, inflammation, and hepatic and glomerular injury. Male albino Wistar rats were administered carbon tetrachloride twice a week for two weeks, and the ethanolic extract of D. tripetala fruits was administered from days 8∼14. The serum, liver, and kidneys of the rats were then subjected to biochemical assays and imaging. The extract restored the activities of liver marker enzymes in serum and the concentrations of lipids and proteins in both circulation and the liver to normal. The extract also restored the activities of antioxidant enzymes in liver and kidneys, and the concentrations of urea and creatinine in the blood. The extract also repaired the altered structures of the liver and kidney. Overall, D. tripetala elicited strong medicinal effects in rats. This study showed that the fruits of D. tripetala contain substances that could be extracted or synthesized for use in drugs for the treatment of liver and kidney disease.

Antioxidant, anti-cancer and ameliorative activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice against hepatic damage induced by CCl4

Due to the excessive impact of synthetic drugs, unravelling and employing safe, natural alternatives are now needed to resolve a number of diseases. In this research, we have evaluated hepatoprotective and antioxidant activities of Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice in rats against hepatotoxicity induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). Spirulina crude carotenoid extract was screened by UPLC-MS / MS. Activities of liver marker enzymes; measured aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and determined lipid peroxidation and antioxidant status as reduced glutathione (GSH) in liver homogenate. The infusion of CCl4 (2 ml/kg b.wt) greatly increases levels of liver marker enzymes and lipid peroxidation, resulting in depletion of antioxidants. Treatment of Spirulina platensis (Sp), pomegranate juice (Pj)or mixture (PJSP) of Spirulina water extract 10% and pomegranate juice 90% (1 ml/100 g b.wt) to CCl4-disrupted rats resulted in decreased activity of liver marker enzymes, lipid peroxidation with increased antioxidant status. Chromatographic separation showed that ß-carotene is the predominant carotenoid extract. This carotenoid extract was tested for colon carcinoma (HCT-116), liver carcinoma (HepG2) and intestinal carcinoma cell lines (CACO) LC50 for 21.8, 14 and 11.3 ug / ml, respectively. Total phenolic phytochemicals, total carotenoids and total flavonoids were also measured in Spirulina. Our study clearly demonstrates that Spirulina platensis and pomegranate juice had hepatoprotective effect on CCl4-caused hepatotoxicity in rats through its antioxidant activity.

Hepatoprotective activity of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca L. Delile (Balanitaceae) roots bark

Balanites aegyptiaca (L.) Del (Balanitaceae) is traditionally used for the treatment of various ailments such as syphilis, jaundice and liver disorders, epilepsy, ... This study was designed to evaluate acute toxicity and hepatoprotective effect of aqueous extract of Balanites aegyptiaca on CCl 4 induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Methods: Acute toxicity was assessed with the extract at a dose of 2000 mg / kg bw. The extract at doses of 25, 50 and 100 mg / kg b.w. was orally administered respectively to CC1 4 -induced hepatotoxicity (0.5 ml / kg) animals. Silymarin (100 mg / kg) was given as a reference. Biochemical parameters such as ALT, AST, PT, ALB and ALP were assayed as well as enzymatic antioxidant activities SOD, CAT and MDA. Nitrogen monoxide (NO) involved in inflammation was also measured. Results: Activities of liver marker enzymes, ALT, AST and ALP, total protein, albumin and showed a significant hepatoprotective effect. Regarding antioxidant enzymatic activities in vivo (SOD, CAT and MDA) of aqueous extract exhibited a significant effect showing increasing levels of SOD, CAT and reducing malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. The production of NO is significantly reduced compared to the batch intoxicated by CCl 4 . Conclusion: Balanites aegyptiaca is endowed with hepatoprotective properties that can be attributed to antioxidant potential which could justify its use in traditional medicine in liver disorders.

Fenofibrate impairs liver function and structure more pronounced in old than young rats

IntroductionSince old animals are known to accumulate lipids in some organs, we compared effects of fenofibrate (FN) on systemic lipid metabolism, activity of liver marker enzymes and structure in young and old rats. Material and methodsYoung and old rats were fed chow supplemented with 0.1 % or 0.5 % FN. After 30 days, intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT) was performed, and blood and liver samples were collected. ResultsIn young rats, 0.1 % FN, but not 0.5 % FN, decreased serum Chol by 74 %, and did not affect TG levels at either doses. In old rats, 0.5 % FN, but not 0.1 % FN, decreased Chol and TG level by 56 % and 49 %, respectively. In young rats, 0.1 % and 0.5 % FN increased serum activity of ALP by 227 % and 260 %, respectively, and did not affect AST and ALT activities. In old rats, only 0.5 % FN increased serum ALP activity by 150 %, respectively. In old rats, neither dose of FN affected serum AST activity, and only 0.5 % FN increased serum ALT activity by 200 %. The histological examination of liver structure revealed that both doses of FN impaired lobular architecture, expansion of bile canaliculi, and degeneration of parenchymal cells with the presence of cells containing fat droplets; administration of FN increased area occupied by collagen fibers. ConclusionsAlthough 0.5 % FN decreased serum Chol concentration, it increased serum ALP activity and impaired liver structure in both in both age groups of rats. Thus, FN treatment should be under the control of liver function, especially in older patients.

Hepatic- and Renal protective Effects of Chrysophyllum albidum (African Star Apple) Fruit-Skin Supplementation on Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Rats

Chrysophyllum albidum commonly called African star apple, has been reported for its antidiabetic potential but its effect on liver and kidney functions in diabetic rats has not been well investigated. This study investigated effects of Chrysophyllum albidum fruit-skin (CAFS) supplemented diet on Streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Diabetes was induced intraperitonealy at a single dose of 50mg/kg bw of Streptozotocin (STZ). Forty male Wistar rats weighing averagely 170g were randomly divided into four groups of ten rats each; Group 1-Normal control, Group 2-Diabetic control, Group 3-Diabetic rats treated Glibenclamide, Group 4-Diabetic rats treated 70g/kg CAFS supplemented diet. After four weeks of treatment, the rats were sacrificed. Liver function biomarkers (Alanine aminotransferase (ALT), Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and Alkaline phosphatase (ALP)) activities, kidney function biomarkers (Creatinine and Urea), electrolyte ions (K + , Na + , HCO 3 - and Cl - ), total protein and bilirubin levels were measured in the plasma. The diabetic control exhibited hepato-renal dysfunction with significant (p&lt;0.05) increase in the liver marker enzymes’ activities, total bilirubin, creatinine and urea concentrations while decreasing total protein, albumin and electrolyte ions levels compared with normal control group. Treatment with CAFS supplemented diet significantly (p&lt;0.05) enhanced liver and kidney recovery by reducing the elevated activities of liver marker enzymes, reversed the increments in creatinine, urea and total bilirubin while increasing the concentration of total protein and restoring electrolyte ions concentrations to near normal values. CAFS supplemented diet has hepatic- and renal protective effects on STZ-induced diabetic rats. Thus, CAFS could be considered as therapeutic agent against the progression of diabetes complications. Keywords: Chrysophyllum albidum ; fruit-skin; liver markers; kidney markers; diabetes. DOI: 10.7176/JNSR/10-6-02 Publication date: March 31 st 2020

The Effect of Oral Intake of Sodium Benzoate on the Activity of Liver Marker Enzymes and Electrolyte Level of the Wistar Albino Rats

The in vivo effect of oral administration of varying concentrations (150, 250, 500 mg/kg body wt) of sodium benzoate (a known preservative in the food, cosmetic and pharmaceutical industry) on serum liver marker enzyme activity and electrolyte levels of wistar albino rats were investigated. The oral intake was administered at 24 hour intervals for 7, 14, 21 and 28 days. The groups were labeled; control (group 1), 7days (group 2), 14days (group 3), 21 days (group 4) and 28days (group 5). The rats were fed normal diet ad libitum and blood sample for the determination was taken at the end of the duration. For serum electrolytes, the result obtained for sodium benzoate concentrations administered showed significant (p≤0.05) increase in sodium (Na+) for groups 3, 4 and 5 for 150 mg/kg body wt. and group 2, 3, 4 and 5 for 250 mg/kg body wt and 500mg/kg body wt. of experimental rats. Chloride (Cl-) showed significant (p≤0.05) increase at all administered groups for 250 mg/kg and 500mg/kg. Potassium (K+) was only significantly increased at group 5 for 500mg/kg body wt. while for bicarbonate (HCO3) it showed no significant change in all treated groups. Values were all compared to the control. For liver marker enzymes, sodium benzoate significantly increased (p≤0.05) aspartate transaminase (AST) activity of experimental rats in groups 2, 3, 4 and 5 of 250 mg/kg body wt. and 500mg/kg body wt., alanine transaminase (ALT) showed significant increase (p≤0.05) in group 4 and 5 for 250 mg/kg body wt and group 2, 3, 4 and 5 for 500 mg/kg body wt., alkaline phosphatase (ALP) showed significant (p≤0.05) increase in group 2, 3, 4 and 5 for 500 mg/kg body wt.These findings suggest possible changes in blood chemistry due to the preservative.

Ellagic acid ameliorates cisplatin induced hepatotoxicity in colon carcinogenesis.

The clinical application of cisplatin (CP), one of the most extensively used antineoplastic drug, is restricted by its numerous side effects. CP's antitumor potential resides in the free generation of reactive oxygen species leading to oxidative stress. This stress is a source of the side effects associated with its use. Ellagic acid (EA), a polyphenol is known to possess multiple health benefits owing to its antioxidant properties. EA is largely metabolized by the colon microbiota of different mammals and therefore was a polyphenol of choice in the present study. The present study was thus carried out to explore the protective potential of EA on CP induced hepatotoxicity in colon tumor bearing mice. The administration of EA (10 mg/kg bwt po daily for 6 weeks) significantly ameliorated the toxicity caused by CP (5 mg/kg bwt ip once a week for 4 weeks). Activities of liver marker enzymes and lactate dehydrogenase were brought back to normal. EA cotreatment also led to a marked reduction in the extent of peroxidative damage to liver tissue as was evident from the improvement in the histopathological changes observed and FT-IR analysis. The present study, therefore, suggests that the administration of EA reduces the CP-induced hepatotoxicity, thereby emerging out as a potential candidate for chemopreventive action.

In Vivo Anticancer Activity of Biosynthesized Zinc Oxide Nanoparticle using Turbinaria conoides on a Dalton's Lymphoma Ascites Mice Model.

In the present study, we aimed to evaluate the anticancer effect of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO-NPs) synthesized from Turbinaria conoides against a murine model of Dalton's lymphoma ascites (DLA). Nanoparticles were synthesized from the hydroethanolic extract of T. conoides (HETC). An ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometric analysis was performed to confirm the formation of ZnO-NPs. Size, morphology, and elemental composition of ZnO-NPs were also analyzed using scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray diffraction (SEM-EDX). Healthy Swiss albino mice were intraperitoneally induced with DLA cells and treated with ZnO-NPs and HETC at a dose of 50 μg/kg (p.o.). The effects of ZnO-NPs and HETC on body weight, tumor volume, hematological profile, and liver biochemical parameters were studied. The results of in vivo studies revealed that the treatment with ZnO-NPs and HETC decreased the tumor volume, thereby increasing the lifespan of DLA-bearing mice. The treatment also restored the alterations in hematological profile, antioxidant status, and activities of liver marker enzymes. These histopathological results provided the evidence for the protective effect of ZnO-NPs and HETC on DLA-induced mice. Thus, we conclude that ZnO-NPs possess more significant anticancer and antioxidant activities in DLA-bearing mice than HETC.

Ethyl acetate fraction of Pteris vittata L. alleviates 2-acetylaminofluorene induced hepatic alterations in male Wistar rats.

Pteris vittata L. commonly called 'Brake Fern' possesses some interesting medicinal properties but its chemopreventive potential largely remains unexplored. Therefore, this study was designed to explore the chemopreventive efficacy of P. vittata L. ethyl acetate fraction (PVEA) against 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced liver toxicity in Wistar rats. Antioxidant activity of PVEA was evaluated using various in vitro antioxidant assays. The protective effects of PVEA were evaluated against 2-acetylaminofluorene (2-AAF) induced hepatic damage in Wistar rats. p53 expression in liver tissue was checked using immunohistochemical staining. Phytochemical composition of PVEA was determined using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). PVEA showed promising radical scavenging activity with an EC50 (concentration of a drug that gives half-maximal response) of 41.18μg/ml in DPPH assay, 26.99μg/ml in site specific deoxyribose degradation assay, 13.43μg/ml in non site specific deoxyribose degradation assay and 21.88μg/ml in superoxide anion scavenging assay. Three different doses of PVEA 100, 200 and 400mg/kg body weight (b.w.) followed by administration of 2-AAF (50mg/kg b.w. i.p.) for five consecutive days induced significant changes in activity of liver marker enzymes, thiobarbituric acid reactive substances, lipid hydroperoxides, reduced glutathione content and phase I and II enzymes. Activity of hepatic enzymes and normal hepatic architecture was restored following PVEA treatment. PVEA modulated the expression of p53 in liver tissue as compared to 2-AAF treated group. HPLC analysis of the fraction revealed the abundance of epicatechin (20.809ppm) and umbelliferone (22.308ppm) as major polyphenols. The present study highlights the potentiality of P. vittata in cancer chemoprevention which warrants further investigations.

Naringin regulates glutamate-nitric oxide cGMP pathway in ammonium chloride induced neurotoxicity.

Naringin, plant bioflavonoid extracted mainly from grapefruit and other related citrus species. This study was designed to assess the neuroprotective effect of naringin on ammonium chloride (NH4Cl) induced hyperammonemic rats. Experimental hyperammonemia was induced by intraperitonial injection (i.p) of NH4Cl (100mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) thrice a week for 8 consecutive weeks. Hyperammonemic rats were treated with naringin (80mg/kg b.w.) via oral gavage. Naringin administration drastically restored the levels of blood ammonia, plasma urea, nitric oxide (NO), glutamate, glutamine, lipid peroxidation, lipid profile, activities of liver marker enzymes, antioxidant status and sodium/potassium-ATPase (Na+/K+-ATPase). In addition, naringin supplementation reverted back the pathological changes of liver, brain and kidney tissues, the expressions of Glutamine synthetase (GS), Na+/K+-ATPase, neuronal nitric oxide (nNOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase (sGC) in hyperammonemic rats. Hence, this study suggested that nargingin exhibited their protective effect against NH4Cl induced toxicity via enhancing the activities of antioxidant enzymes and inhibiting the lipid peroxidation process. Take together, this study provides data that naingin effectively reduced neurotoxicity by attenuating hyperammonemia, suggesting that naringin act as a potential therapeutic agent to treat hyperammonemic rats.

Evaluation of antioxidant and stabilizing lipid peroxidation nature of Solanum xanthocarpum leaves in experimentally diethylnitrosamine induced hepatocellular carcinogenesis.

Solanum xanthocarpum Schrad. & Wendl, is a traditional edible leaves as a form of decoction, extracts used as a herbal medicine, and consumed for health promoting profiles. The present investigation was carried out to evaluate antioxidant status and lipid peroxidation level of anticancer activity of Solanum xanthocarpum (SXC) on Diethylnitrosamine (DEN) induced hepato carcinogenesis in male Wistar albino rats. Hepatic cancer was developed on the liver of Wistar rats treated by DEN or vehicle three times a week for 16 weeks. Tumour incidence, tumour volume, tumour burden, lipid peroxidation, antioxidant, liver marker enzymes and histopathological changes were assessed in DEN alone and in DEN+SXC leaves extract treated rats. Hundred percent tumour incidences with an imbalance in carcinogen metabolizing enzymes and cellular redox status were observed in rats treated with DEN alone. Oral administration of SXC aqueous leaves extract treatment at a dose of 150mg/kg b.w. to DEN treated rats were prevented tumour incidence and restored the elevated activities of liver marker enzymes and antioxidant status to near normal with decreased lipid peroxide levels. The biochemical consistent with histopathological observations suggesting marked hepatoprotective effect of the leaves extract in a dose dependent manner. These results clearly suggest that SXC aqueous leaves extract treatment prevents liver damage, lipid peroxidation, protects the antioxidant defense system and anti-carcinogenic potential in DEN induced hepatic carcinogenesis.

Influence of the Flavonoid, Quercetin on Antioxidant Status, Lipid Peroxidation and Histopathological Changes in Hyperammonemic Rats.

We have studied the ability of quercetin (a bioflavonoid) in tackling oxidative stress to alleviate the symptoms during ammonium chloride-induced hyperammonemia. Hyperammonemia was induced by the treatment of ammonium chloride (AC) 100mg/kg b.w for 56days. Hyperammonemic rats exhibited reduced urea (in plasma) and increased ammonia (in blood), uric acid (in plasma), creatinine (in serum), oxidative stress markers (thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and hydroperoxides (HP) and decreased levels of antioxidants (enzymatic and non-enzymatic) superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), reduced glutathione (GSH) in plasma and tissues (liver and brain) vitamins E and C (in plasma)). The expression of liver inflammatory markers such as, interleukin 6 (IL-6), inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) (by western blotting) were investigated. Histological damages (in liver, brain and kidney) were observed under hyperammonemia and the administration of quercetin (1) normalized the histopathological alterations, (2) reduced the levels of TBARS and HP, (3) elevated the antioxidants (SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH, vitamins E and C), (4) declined the activities of liver marker enzymes (AST, ALT and ALP) and (5) down regulated the expression of IL-6, iNOS and NF-κB. Our results suggest that quercetin might exert defense to AC-induced hyperammonemic rats to tackle (1) oxidative stress and (2) inflammation owing to its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and cytoprotective effects.

Effect of Launaea procumbens extract on oxidative marker, p53, and CYP 2E1: a randomized control study

BackgroundEthyl acetate extracts of Launaea procumbens is used for the treatment of liver dysfunction as an herbal medicine in Pakistan. In this study, the protective effects of ethyl acetate extracts were evaluated against CCl4-induced liver injuries in rat.MethodsTo examine the protective effects against oxidative stress of carbon tetrachloride in rats, 30 male rats were equally divided into 5 groups (6 rats). Among five groups, one was treated with CCl4 (3 ml/kg i.p. in olive oil b.w.) twice a week for 4 weeks. Others were orally fed with extracts (100, 200 mg/kg b.w.), with CCl4 twice a week for 4 weeks.ResultsAdministration of CCl4 altered the serum marker enzymes, lipid profile, CYP 2E1, p53 expression, antioxidant enzymes, nuclear organizer regions (AgNORs), and DNA. Supplement of L. procumbens ameliorated the effects of CCl4, improved CYP 2E1, p53, and increased the activities of antioxidant enzymes while activity of liver marker enzymes (ALP, ALT, AST, g-GT) and contents of lipid per oxidation contents (TBARS), AgNORs, and DNA fragmentation were decreased. Similarly body weight was increased while liver and relative liver weight was decreased with co-administration of various extracts, suggesting that L. procumbens effectively protect liver against the CCl4-induced oxidative damage in rats.ConclusionThe hepatoprotective and free radical scavenging effects might be due to the presence of bioactive constituents in the extract.