Animal Models Of Liver Injury Research Articles

Caspases compromise SLU7 and UPF1 stability and NMD activity during hepatocarcinogenesis

Background & AimsThe homeostasis of the cellular transcriptome depends on transcription and splicing mechanisms. Moreover, the fidelity of gene expression, essential to preserve cellular identity and function is secured by different quality control mechanisms including nonsense-mediated RNA decay (NMD). In this context, alternative splicing is coupled to NMD, and several alterations in these mechanisms leading to the accumulation of aberrant gene isoforms have been involved in human disease including cancer. MethodsRNAseq, Westen blot, qPCR, co-IP in multiple silenced culture cell lines (replicates n≥4), primary hepatocytes and samples of animal models (Jo2, APAP, Mdr2-/- mice, n≥3). ResultsHere we describe that in animal models of liver injury and in human HCC (TCGA, NT =50 vs HCC =374), the process of NMD is inhibited. Moreover, we demonstrate that the splicing factor SLU7 interacts with and preserves the levels of the NMD effector UPF1, and that SLU7 is required for a correct NMD. Our previous findings demonstrated that SLU7 expression is reduced in the diseased liver, contributing to hepatocellular de-differentiation and genome instability during disease progression. However, little was known about the mechanisms underlying SLU7 downregulation. Here we provide evidence showing that caspases activated during liver damage would be responsible of the cleavage and degradation of SLU7. ConclusionsHere we identify the downregulation of UPF1 and the inhibition of NMD as a new molecular pathway contributing to the malignant reshaping of the liver transcriptome. Moreover, and importantly, we uncover caspases activation as the mechanism responsible for the downregulation of SLU7 expression during liver disease progression, which is a new link between apoptosis an hepatocarcinogenesis. Impact and implicationsThe mechanisms involved in the reshaping of hepatocellular transcriptome driving the progressive loss of cell identity and function in liver disease are not completely understood. In this context, we provide evidence on the impairment of a key mRNA surveillance mechanism known as nonsense-mediated mRNA decay (NMD). Mechanistically, we uncover a novel role for the splicing factor SLU7 in the regulation of NMD, including its ability to interact and preserve the levels the key NMD factor UPF1. Moreover, we demonstrate that the activation of caspases during liver damage mediates SLU7 and UPF1 proteins degradation and NMD inhibition. Our findings identify potential new markers of liver disease progression, and SLU7 as a novel therapeutic target to prevent the functional decay of the chronically injured organ.

Mechanistic insights into the hepatoprotective properties of Mallotus phillipensis fruit: Targeting proinflammatory cytokines and free radicals using isolated compound

Ethnopharmacological relevance:Mallotus phillipensis (MP) belongs to the endangered plants of great medicinal value. Widely used in the Ayurvedic healthcare system, parts of the plant which are rich in secondary metabolites are used in the treatment of several diseases like eczema, bronchitis, worm infestation, diabetes, kidney stones, cancer, and malaria. In ethnomedicine, MP has been reported to be traditionally used in the treatment and healing of jaundice and inflammatory conditions in the Ayurveda system. This plant was thus selected to explore its hepatoprotective activity. ObjectiveThis study was undertaken to investigate the protective property of MP and a flavanone i.e. 7,4′-Dihydroxy-3′′,3′′-dimethyl-(5,6-pyrano-2′′-one)-8′′′-(3′′′,3′′′-dimethylallyl)-flavanone (A4) previously identified and obtained from the same plant on CCl4-induced liver injury in animal models to validate the folkloric claims. Traditional medicinal plants have the potential to provide phytoconstituents capable of healing liver cells. In this regard, MP is used in various traditional medicinal systems to treat several diseases. Though it has been studied for its hepatoprotective potential, activity on the isolated compounds is yet to be reported to confirm the active principle. Therefore, the study assessed the hepatoprotective effect of ethyl acetate and methanol extracts and a flavanone isolated from MP fruit extract. MethodsMethanol and ethyl acetate fractions of MP fruits at two different doses (300 mg/kg and 500 mg/kg) and a flavanone (A4-50 mg/kg) isolated from MP were tested for hepatoprotective potential in rats. At 50 mg/kg dosage/ day orally, silymarin was used as a standard drug. The effect on liver enzymes and serum cytokines was also verified in animal models. Histopathology and antioxidant tests were performed on liver tissue. Elemental analysis, 1H- &13C NMR, MS, IR and UV spectral data were used to characterize the structure of isolated flavanone (A4). ResultsThe ethyl acetate and methanol fractions of MP fruit and the isolated compound A4 i.e. flavanone showed strong hepatoprotective effects, as evidenced by their ability to impede the rise in serum transaminases. They also decreased the serum IL-1, IL-6 and TNF-α levels and showed significant antioxidant potential. The effect was found to be in decreasing order as MEA 500 > MPM 500 > MEA 300 > A4 > MPM 300. ConclusionsThe results indicate that MP fruit fractions with methanol, ethyl acetate and A4 can lessen CCL4-induced liver damage. This may be because of their antioxidant and cytokine-inhibitory properties.

Targeting ferroptosis withnatural products inliver injury: new insights frommolecular mechanisms totargeted therapies.

Ferroptosis is a brand-new type of controlled cell death that is distinguished by its reliance on iron and the production of lipid peroxidation. The role of ferroptosis in damaging liver disorders has attracted a lot of attention in recent years. One effective strategy to reduce liver damage is to target ferroptosis. The purpose of this review is to clarify the connection between ferroptosis and liver damage and to look into the potential contribution of natural products to the clinical management of liver damage and the discovery of novel medications. To study the methods by which natural products operate on ferroptosis to cure liver damage and their main signaling pathways, we searched databases from the time of initial publication to August 2023 in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of Science, Ovid, ScienceDirect, and China National Knowledge Infrastructure. The liver illness that each natural product treats is categorized and summarized. It's interesting to note that several natural compounds, such Artemether, Fucoidan sulfate, Curcumin, etc., have the benefit of having many targets and multiple pathways of action. We saw that in human samples or animal models of liver injury, ferroptosis indicators were activated, lipid peroxidation levels were elevated, and iron inhibitors had the ability to reduce liver damage. Liver damage can be treated with natural products by regulating ferroptosis. This is mostly accomplished through the modulation of Nrf2-related pathways (e.g., Conclusions and Astaxanthin), biological enzymes like GPX4 and the SIRT family (e.g., Chrysophanol and Decursin), and transcription factors like P53 (e.g., Artemether and Zeaxanthin). This review proposes a promising path for the therapeutic therapy of liver damage by providing a theoretical foundation for the management of ferroptosis utilizing natural ingredients.

Potential roles of HSYA in attenuating sepsis-induced liver injury through multi-omics analysis

Liver injury is a strong independent predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis, in which gut dysbiosis plays a crucial role. Hydroxyl safflower yellow A (HSYA), an important component of safflower, has been used to treat liver injury in animal models. However, its role in sepsis-induced liver dysfunction and the specific molecular mechanisms remain unclear. In the current study, we first discussed the discrepancy in the gut microbiota between the cecal ligation puncture (CLP) and HSYA groups using 16 S RNA sequencing. Our data demonstrated that HSYA supplementation significantly decreased the relative abundance of Proteobacteria, Firmicutes, and Campylobacterota, and further decreased the abundance of Bacteroidota, suggesting that the protective effects of HSYA against sepsis-induced liver injury may be partially attributed to the alteration of these bacteria. In addition, the metabolomic data identified 823 differentially expressed metabolites associated with sepsis-induced liver injury. After HSYA supplementation, the levels of 56 metabolites were restored to sham-like levels. Transcriptomic analysis revealed 4990 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the sham and CLP groups, and after HSYA injection, 1613 genes were modulated. Comprehensive analysis demonstrated that the enrichment pathways of the 903 DEGs mainly focused on inflammatory responses, amino acid metabolism, and Lipid reactions. In conclusion, our study revealed the potential mechanism of action of HSYA in sepsis-induced liver injury through a comprehensive analysis of 16 S RNA sequencing, metabolomics, and transcriptomics, thus providing a theoretical basis for further clinical applications of HSYA.

Enhanced efficacy with reduced toxicity of tripterygium glycoside tablet by compatibility with total glucosides of paeony for rheumatoid arthritis therapy

Background and aimsDrug-induced liver injury remains a critical issue to hinder clinical application of Tripterygium Glycosides Tablets (TGTs) for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) therapy. Combination of TGTs with Total Glucosides of Peony (TGP) may be the most common therapeutic strategy for enhancing TGTs’ efficacy and reducing its toxicity. Herein, we aimed to investigate the efficacy-enhancing and toxicity-reducing properties and mechanisms of TGT-TGP combination. MethodsBoth TGT-induced acute and chronic liver injury animal models were established. ELISA, transmission electron microscopy, immunohistochemistry, western blot and quantitative PCR were performed to determine the efficacy, toxicity and regulatory mechanisms of TGT-TGP combination. ResultsThe compatibility of TGP significantly reduced the abnormal serum ALT and AST levels, and improved liver histopathological changes in both acute and chronic DILI animal models induced by TGTs, with the most effective dosage of TGP-M (medium-dose TGP, 450 mg/kg). Additionally, TGP and TGT synergistically alleviated joint swelling and improved the elevation of serum inflammatory factors, in line with the positive changes in joint histopathological features of collagen induced arthritis mice, with the same effective dosage of TGP-M following 5 weeks’ drug combination treatment. Mechanically, TGT significantly increased the number of autophagosomes and the expression of LC3II protein while reducing p62 protein expression in the liver tissues, which were significantly reversed by the compatibility with TGP, similar to the findings based on the inflamed joint tissues. ConclusionsThese findings suggest an enhanced efficacy with reduced toxicity of TGT by the compatibility with TGP for RA therapy, possibly through regulating various autophagy-related proteins.

Bidirectional effects of geniposide in liver injury: Preclinical evidence construction based on meta-analysis

Ethnopharmacological relevanceGardenia jasminoides J.Ellis is widely used to treat liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. Geniposide, a major active constituent of Gardenia jasminoides J.Ellis, exerts therapeutic effects against liver injury, however, it also induces hepatotoxicity. Aim of the studyThis meta-analysis was designed to determine the mechanisms of both the hepatoprotective and hepatotoxic effects of geniposide. Materials and methodsThe articles analysed in this meta-analysis were primarily obtained from five databases. The 10-item SYRCLE risk-of-bias tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included articles. STATA (version 15.1) was used to evaluate the total effect or toxicity sizes. In addition, three-dimensional (3D) dose/time–effect and mechanistic analyses were performed to assess the therapeutic and toxic effects of geniposide. ResultsA total of 25 studies involving 479 animals were included. Meta-analysis revealed that geniposide not only significantly (P < 0.001) increased liver injury indices including ALT and AST levels but also improved liver function by decreasing the levels of ALT, AST and inflammatory factors in animal models of liver injury. The 3D dose/time–effect analysis revealed that geniposide administered at a dose of 20–150 mg/kg for 5–28 days effectively protected the liver without inducing toxicity. Mechanistically, geniposide exerts protective or toxic effects by regulating the TNF-α/NF-κB pathway to control oxidative stress and inflammatory responses. ConclusionGeniposide exhibits dual pharmacological activity in liver injury. It exerts potent hepatoprotective effects when administered at a dose of 20–150 mg/kg for 5–28 days.

Four Different Structural Dietary Polyphenols, Especially Dihydromyricetin, Possess Superior Protective Effect on Ethanol-Induced ICE-6 and AML-12 Cytotoxicity: The Role of CYP2E1 and Keap1-Nrf2 Pathways.

Polyphenols have received attention as dietary supplements for the relief of alcoholic liver disease (ALD) due to various bioactivities. Ethanol-induced rat small intestinal epithelial cell 6 (IEC-6) and alpha mouse liver 12 (AML-12) cell models were pretreated with four dietary polyphenols with different structures to explore their effects on cytotoxicity and potential protective mechanisms. The results showed that polyphenols had potential functions to inhibit ethanol-induced AML-12 and IEC-6 cell damage and oxidative stress, and restore ethanol-induced IEC-6 permeability and tight junction gene expression. Especially, dihydromyricetin (DMY) had the best protective effect on ethanol-induced cytotoxicity, followed by apigenin (API). Western blot results showed that DMY and API had the best ability to inhibit CYP2E1 and Keap1, and promote nuclear translocation of Nrf2, which might be the potential mechanism by which DMY and API attenuate ethanol-induced cytotoxicity. Moreover, the molecular docking results predicted that DMY and API could bind more tightly to the amino acid residues of CYP2E1 and Keap1, which might be one of the inhibitory modes of dietary polyphenols on CYP2E1 and Keap1. This study provided a rationale for the subsequent protective effect of dietary polyphenols on alcohol-induced liver injury in animal models and provided new clues on bioactive components for ALD-protection based on the gut-liver axis.

Pathological characteristics of liver injury induced by N,N-dimethylformamide: From humans to animal models.

N,N-Dimethylformamide (DMF) is widely used in chemical industries because of its excellent solvent properties. Poisoning accidents caused by DMF have been frequently reported, particularly hepatotoxicity; however, the hepatic pathological changes have rarely been described. This study aimed to summarise the pathological characteristics of the hepatotoxicity associated with DMF in clinical cases and to verify in animal models. Liver pathologies of two patients with liver failure due to DMF were retrospectively analysed. Thirty-six rats were categorised into the DMF group (intraperitoneally injected with 4 g/kg DMF once a week), carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) group (intraperitoneally injected with 0.5 g/kg CCl4 twice a week) and control group (intraperitoneally injected with normal saline once a week). The general condition and changes in hepatic pathology at 48 h and 8 weeks were observed. Liver tissues of patients exhibited multiple unevenly distributed inflammatory and fibrotic lesions. The DMF-induced liver injury animal model was successfully established. Inflammation and fibrosis were heterogeneously observed throughout the liver in the DMF group, contrast to entirely homogeneous lesions in the CCl4 group. Specific hepatic pathological findings (heterogeneous lesions) caused by DMF detected for the first time in humans and animal model, may be significant in the clinical diagnosis of DMF poisoning.

TRPV6 channel mediates alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and systemic response.

SUMMARYIntestinal epithelial tight junction disruption is a primary contributing factor in alcohol-associated endotoxemia, systemic inflammation, and multiple organ damage. Ethanol and acetaldehyde disrupt tight junctions by elevating intracellular Ca2+. Here we identify TRPV6, a Ca2+-permeable channel, as responsible for alcohol-induced elevation of intracellular Ca2+, intestinal barrier dysfunction, and systemic inflammation. Ethanol and acetaldehyde elicit TRPV6 ionic currents in Caco-2 cells. Studies in Caco-2 cell monolayers and mouse intestinal organoids show that TRPV6 deficiency or inhibition attenuates ethanol- and acetaldehyde-induced Ca2+ influx, tight junction disruption, and barrier dysfunction. Moreover, Trpv6−/− mice are resistant to alcohol-induced intestinal barrier dysfunction. Photoaffinity labeling of 3-azibutanol identifies a histidine as a potential alcohol-binding site in TRPV6. The substitution of this histidine, and a nearby arginine, reduces ethanol-activated currents. Our findings reveal that TRPV6 is required for alcohol-induced gut barrier dysfunction and inflammation. Molecules that decrease TRPV6 function have the potential to attenuate alcohol-associated tissue injury.

1-O-Actylbritannilactone Ameliorates Alcohol-Induced Hepatotoxicity through Regulation of ROS/Akt/NF-κB-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation.

1-O-Acetylbritannilactone (ABL) is a marker component of Inula britannica L. and is reported to exhibit multiple pharmacological activities, including antiaging, anti-inflammatory, and antidiabetic properties. Although the protective effect of Inula britannica L. on animal models of liver injury has been widely reported, the effect of ABL on alcohol-induced liver damage has not been confirmed. The present study was designed to investigate the protective effect of ABL against alcohol-induced LO2 human normal liver cell injury and to further clarify the underlying mechanism. Our results revealed that ABL at concentrations of 0.5, 1, and 2 μM could remarkably suppress the decreased viability of LO2 cells stimulated by alcohol. In addition, ABL pretreatment improved alcohol-induced oxidative damage by decreasing the level of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the excessive consumption of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), while increasing the level of catalase (CAT) in LO2 cells. Moreover, Western blotting analysis showed that ABL pretreatment activated protein kinase B (Akt) phosphorylation, increased downstream antiapoptotic protein Bcl-2 expression, and decreased the phosphorylation level of the caspase family including caspase 9 and caspase 3 proteins, thereby attenuating LO2 cell apoptosis. Importantly, we also found that ABL significantly inhibits the activation of the nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) signaling pathway by reducing the secretion of proinflammatory factors including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) and interleukin (IL-1β). In conclusion, the current research clearly suggests that the protective effect of ABL on alcohol-induced hepatotoxicity may be achieved in part through regulation of the ROS/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway to inhibit inflammation and apoptosis in LO2 cells. (The article path map has not been seen.)

NRF2-mediated SIRT3 induction protects hepatocytes from ER stress-induced liver injury.

Chronic endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress in hepatocytes plays a role in the pathogenesis of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Therefore, given the association between oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and ER stress, our study investigated the role of NRF2-mediated SIRT3 activation in ER stress. SIRT3, a sirtuin, was predicted as the target of NRF2 based on bioinformatic analyses and animal experiments. Nrf2 abrogation diminished mitochondrial DNA content in hepatocytes with Ppargc1α and Cpt1a inhibition, whereas its overexpression enhanced oxygen consumption. Further, chromatin immunoprecipitation and luciferase reporter assays indicated that NRF2 induced SIRT3 through the antioxidant responsive element (ARE) sites comprising the -641 to -631bp and -419 to -409bp regions. In tunicamycin-induced ER stress conditions and liver injury animal models following ER stress, NRF2levels were highly correlated with SIRT3. Nrf2 deficiency enhanced the tunicamycin-mediated induction of CHOP, which was attenuated by Sirt3 overexpression. Further, Sirt3 delivery to hepatocytes in Nrf2knockout mice prevented tunicamycin from increasing mortality by decreasing ER stress. SIRT3 was upregulated in livers of patients with nonalcoholic liver diseases, whereas lower SIRT3 expression coincided with more severe disease conditions. Taken together, our findings indicated that NRF2-mediated SIRT3 induction protects hepatocytes from ER stress-induced injury, which may contribute to the inhibition of liver disease progression.

Adrenergic blocker terazosin potentially suppresses acetaminophen induced-acute liver injury in animal models via CYP2E1 gene.

Drug induced liver injury (DILI) is a global issue and acetaminophen (APAP) is considered as the main cause of this. Due to increasing incidents of DILI, current study attempted to investigate an alternative but better role of terazosin (alpha-adrenergic blocker) in APAP-induced acute liver injury in an animal model using New Zealand rabbits. APAP (1g/kg of body weight) was given to New Zealand rabbits either with or without terazosin (0.5mg/kg) and serum was collected after 4h. Serum alanine transaminase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) and ferritin level were determined to analyze the liver functioning of treated rabbits. Furthermore, total cholesterol (TC), total lipids (TL), high-density lipoproteins (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and triglycerides (TG) levels were estimated to find any change in lipid profile of the treated animals. Moreover, the urea and creatinine levels assayed the actual renal functionality. To identify any modification in gene expression, qPCR of cytochrome P2E1 (CYP2E1) was performed. Terazosin in combination with APAP enhanced liver functioning by reducing the levels of liver injury markers viz. ALP and ALT, while lipid profile was also lowered by down regulation of TC, TL, LDL and TG with enhanced HDL levels. It caused significant down regulation of expression level of CYP2E1. It is concluded that terazosin has better effects induced on the recovery of normal liver functioning, by improving the liver profile, lipid profile and renal functioning both at tissue and molecular levels.

Application of Modified Mesenchymal Stem Cells Transplantation in the Treatment of Liver Injury

Acute and chronic hepatitis, cirrhosis, and other liver diseases pose a serious threat to human health; however, liver transplantation is the only reliable treatment for the terminal stage of liver diseases. Previous researchers have shown that mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are characterized by differentiation and paracrine effects, as well as anti-oxidative stress and immune regulation functions. When MSCs are transplanted into animals, they migrate to the injured liver tissue along with the circulation, to protect the liver and alleviate the injury through the paracrine, immune regulation and other characteristics, making mesenchymal stem cell transplantation a promising alternative therapy for liver diseases. Although the efficacy of MSCs transplantation has been confirmed in various animal models of liver injury, many researchers have also proposed various pretreatment methods to improve the efficacy of mesenchymal stem cell transplantation, but there is still lack a set of scientific methods system aimed at improving the efficacy of transplantation therapy in scientific research and clinical practice. In this review, we summarize the possible mechanisms of MSCs therapy and compare the existing methods of MSCs modification corresponding to the treatment mechanism, hoping to provide as a reference to help future researchers explore a safe and simple transplantation strategy.

Effect of Artemisia Capillaris Herba Water Extract on Thioacetamide-Induced Liver Injury Animal Model

This study investigated the hepatoprotective effect of Artemisia Capillaris Herba water extract (AC) in a thioacetamide (TAA) induced acute liver damage model using Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats. The in vitro antioxidant activity of AC was measured by quantitating total polyphenol content, total flavonoid content, and DPPH and ABTS free radical scavenging. Our animal experiment was conducted as follows: AC (100 and 200 mg/kg body weight, PO) and silymarin (Sily 100; 100 mg/kg body weight, PO) were administered for 3 days, concurrent with induction of liver injury (TAA, 200 mg/kg body weight, IP). Serum and liver tissue were collected after 3 days of drug administration. AC treatment significantly reduced serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT), glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), myeloperoxidase (MPO), and ammonia levels. It also effectively decreased protein level expression of NF-ĸBp65, p-IĸBα, COX-2, iNOS, TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β in liver tissue, while increasing ZO-1, occludin, claudin-1, claudin-3, and claudin- 4 expression. These results suggest that AC treatment can attenuate inhibition of the NF-ĸB pathway, and enhancement of the tight junction (TJ) pathway in TAA-induced liver injury. Therefore, AC displays potential for use as a natural therapeutic drug.

Gut Microbiota and Chemical-Induced Acute Liver Injury.

Background: Drug overdose or chemical exposures are the main causes of acute liver injury (ALI). Severe liver injury can develop into liver failure that is an important cause of liver-related mortality in intensive care units in most countries. Pharmacological studies have utilized a variety of comprehensive chemical induction models that recapitulate the natural pathogenesis of acute liver injury. Their mechanism is always based on redox imbalance-induced direct hepatotoxicity and massive hepatocyte cell death, which can trigger immune cell activation and recruitment to the liver. However, the pathogenesis of these models has not been fully stated. Many studies showed that gut microbiota plays a crucial role in chemical-induced liver injury. Hepatotoxicity is likely induced by imbalanced microbiota homeostasis, gut mucosal barrier damage, systemic immune activation, microbial-associated molecular patterns, and bacterial metabolites. Meanwhile, many preclinical studies have shown that supplementation with probiotics can improve chemical-induced liver injury. In this review, we highlight the pathogenesis of gut microorganisms in chemical-induced acute liver injury animal models and explore the protective mechanism of exogenous microbial supplements on acute liver injury.

The Effect of Chaenomelis Fructus Extract on Acute Hepatic Injury in Rats

Objective This study was conducted to investigate the effect of Chaenomelis Fructus (CF) water extract on thioacetamide (TAA)-treated rats. Methods Rats were divided into five groups: one normal group (n=8) and four with TAA-induced hepatic injury. These treatment groups were administered distilled water (n=8); silymarin 100 mg/kg (n=8); CF 100 mg/kg (n=8); and CF 200 mg/kg (n=8). In the TAA groups, the acute liver injury was induced via IP injection (200 mg/kg), and the silymarin and CF extract were then orally administered for three days. Subsequently, serum levels of GOT, GPT, and ammonia were confirmed as well as protein expressions using liver tissue. Results In the liver injury-induced rats, CF administration reduced tissue damage and serum levels of GOT, GPT, and ammonia. In addition, CF increased the anti-oxidant proteins Nrf2, Keap1, HO-1, and catalase and significantly regulated matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-2 and MMP-9) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2). Conclusions In this animal model of liver injury induced by TAA, CF extract is determined to have a hepatoprotective effect by increasing anti-oxidant proteins that relieve damage and by regulating the expression of matrix metalloproteinases. Keywords: Chaenomelis Fructus, acute hepatic injury, thioacetamide, anti-oxidant

Macro-encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells in acute and chronic liver injury animal models.

Stem cell treatments using scaffolds for liver disease have been well studied. However, macro-encapsulation of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) to minimize or inhibit stem cell homing has not been evaluated. Here, we conducted a proof-of-concept study using MSCs macro-encapsulated in poly lactic-co-glycolic acid in liver disease models. Poly lactic-co-glycolic acid semipermeable membranes (surface pore size up to 40μm) were used as the macro-encapsulation system. Macro-encapsulated pouches were loaded with MSCs and sealed. Each pouch was implanted in the subcutaneous region of the dorsum or interlobular space of the liver. Acute liver injury was induced using thioacetamide intraperitoneal injection thrice a week. For the chronic liver fibrosis model, thioacetamide dose was gradually increased, starting from 100 to 400mg/kg over 16weeks (thrice a week). In the acute liver injury model, the treated groups showed decreased liver inflammation and necrosis compared with the control. Hepatic fibrosis decreased in the treated group in the chronic liver fibrosis model compared with that in the control group. Encapsulated MSCs exhibited changed cell morphology and characteristics after implantation, showing increased periodic acid-Schiff staining and CYP2E1 expression. Migration and homing of MSCs into the liver was not observed. Under hypoxic conditions, macro-encapsulated MSCs secreted more growth hormones, including vascular endothelial growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, angiopoietin-2, and placental growth factor, than monolayered MSCs in vitro. Macro-encapsulated MSCs attenuate hepatic inflammation and fibrosis by upregulating hypoxia-induced growth hormone secretion in liver disease models.

Δ9-Tetrahydrocannabinolic Acid markedly alleviates liver fibrosis and inflammation in mice

BackgroundNon-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common liver disease in the Western world, and it is closely associated to obesity, type 2 diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia. Medicinal cannabis and some neutral cannabinoids have been suggested as a potential therapy for liver diseases. HypothesisΔ9-tetrahydrocannabinolic acid (Δ9-THCA), the non-psychotropic precursor of Δ9-THC, is one of the most abundant cannabinoids presents in Cannabis Sativa. However, its biological activities have been poorly investigated. Herein, we studied the antifibrotic and antiinflammatory activities of Δ9-THCA in two different animal models of liver injury, providing a rationale for additional studies on the medicinal use of this cannabinoid in the treatment of liver fibrosis and the management of NAFLD. Study designThe antifibrotic activity of Δ9-THCA in vitro was investigated in the cell lines LX-2 and NIH-3T3-Col1A2-luc. Non-alcoholic liver fibrosis was induced in mice by CCl4 treatment or, alternatively, by 23-week high fat diet (HFD) feeding. Δ9-THCA was administered daily intraperitoneally during the CCl4 treatment or during the last 3 weeks in HFD-fed mice. MethodsTGFβ-induced profibrotic gene expression was analyzed by luciferase and qPCR assays. Liver fibrosis and inflammation were assessed by immunochemistry and qPCR. Blood glucose, insulin, leptin and triglyceride levels were measured in HFD mice. ResultsΔ9-THCA inhibited the expression of Tenascin C (TNC) and Col3A1 induced by TGFβ in LX-2 cells and the transcriptional activity of the Col1A2 promoter in fibroblasts. Δ9-THCA significantly attenuated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis and inflammation and reduced T cell and macrophage infiltration. Mice fed HFD for 23 weeks developed severe obesity (DIO), fatty liver and marked liver fibrosis, accompanied by immune cell infiltration. Δ9-THCA, significantly reduced body weight and adiposity, improved glucose tolerance, and drastically attenuated DIO-induced liver fibrosis and immune cell infiltration. ConclusionsΔ9-THCA prevents TGFβ-induced fibrotic markers in vitro and liver inflammation and fibrogenesis in vivo, providing a rationale for additional studies on the medicinal use of this cannabinoid, as well as cannabis preparations containing it, for the treatment of liver fibrosis and the management of NAFLD.

Hepatoprotective activity of the ethanol extract of Curcuma heyneana rhizome on isoniazid and rifampin-induced liver injury rats

Introduction: Isoniazid (INH) and rifampin (RIF) are antituberculosis drugs that can induce injury in the liver. The purpose of this study was to investigate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective activities of the ethanol extract of Curcuma heyneana rhizome on liver injury in animal model induced by INH and RIF. Methods: Antioxidant activity was measured by using 2,2-diphenyl-1-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) method. All animals were divided into 7 groups. Liver injury was induced by using combination of INH at the dose of 50 mg/kg and RIF at the dose of 100 mg/kg. These drugs were administrated for 15 days along with extracts at doses of 5, 25, 125 or 625 mg/kg. Positive control group was given catechin. On the 16th day, the rats were sacrificed, blood and livers were collected for assessment of biochemical parameters like alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) and histological studies, respectively. Results: The ethanol extract strongly scavenged DPPH with inhibition concentration 50 (IC50) of 82.48 ppm. Administration of ethanol extract of C. heyneana rhizome at the dose of 25, 125 or 625 mg/kg significantly inhibited the elevation of AST and ALT (P&lt;0.01). Moreover, the effects caused by administration of the extracts were similar to the effects caused by catechins. Various doses of the extract could effectively reduce tissue damage. Conclusion: This result suggests that ethanol extract of C. heyneana rhizome at the doses of 25, 125 and 625 mg/kg might be effective as hepatoprotective agent.

Effect of emodin on TLR4 signaling pathway in acute liver injury in animal model

通过实时PCR及蛋白质印迹法测定肝组织中Toll样受体（TLR）4 mRNA及蛋白质表达，并检测血清丙氨酸转氨酶（ALT）、天冬氨酸转氨酶（AST）水平，研究大黄素对脂多糖诱导小鼠急性肝损伤的作用及其机制。结果显示大黄素处理各组肝组织中TLR4 mRNA及蛋白质表达水平、血清中ALT和AST水平均明显低于模型组，大黄素能减轻脂多糖诱导的肝组织病理学损伤。提示大黄素可能通过抑制TLR4的表达而对脂多糖诱导的急性肝损伤起保护作用。.