Changes In Liver Tissue Research Articles

Phytochemical profiling, antioxidant potential and protective effect of leaves extract of tunisian Vitis vinifera autochthonous accessions against acute CCl4-injured hepatotoxicity in mice

Vitis vinifera leaves (VVL) are agro-industrial waste. In the current study, the phytochemical profile of V. vinifera leaves extracts (VVLE) of two Tunisian autochthonous accessions was determined via LC-UV-ESI/MS, and their antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties were also assessed. Mice were pretreated orally with VVLE (7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg) for 7 days, and then received acutely and by i.p. a solution CCl4 at 12% in sunflower oil (v/v). Serum levels of hepatic markers, oxidative stress indicators in liver tissue and histological changes were assessed. LC-UV-ESI/MS analysis revealed four phenolic compounds identified in both extracts with quercetin-3-O-glucuronide being the dominant constituent (23.32 ± 1.06 vs. 10.24 ± 0.12 mg/g DM, p < 0.05 for wild and cultivated accessions, respectively). The Antioxidant activity revealed a significant difference between the genotypes. Moreover, the VVLE of the wild "Nefza-I" ecotype was the most active based on antioxidant assays. Furthermore, the results showed that pre-treatment, especially with VVLE, of the wild ecotype "Nefza-I", attenuated CCl4-induced acute liver injury in a dose-dependent manner, as demonstrated by the decrease in the activities of hepatic serum function markers. This was also evidenced by a decrease in the levels of lipoperoxidation and histological damage in the liver, as well as a restoration of antioxidant enzyme activities (SOD and catalase) and an increase in the hepatic glutathione content. Our results demonstrate that VVLE possesses protective effects on CCl4-induced liver injury. Overall, the wild ecotype "Nefza-I" extract could serve as an effective protector against CCl4-induced hepatocellular oxidative stress.

Clean-DM1, a Korean Polyherbal Formula, Improves High Fat Diet-Induced Diabetic Symptoms in Mice by Regulating IRS/PI3K/AKT and AMPK Expressions in Pancreas and Liver Tissues.

To investigate the effects of Clean-DM1 (C-DM1), a polyherbal formulation of Radix Scrophulariae, Radix Astragali, Rhizoma Atractylodis, and Radix Salviae Miltiorrhizae, on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced diabetes mice. The information about active components of C-DM1 extract and molecular mechanism was obtained from network pharmacology analysis. Main compounds of C-DM1 extract by high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analysis were conducted for quality control. For in vivo study, mice were induced diabetes by HFD for 12 weeks. The mice in the normal group (Nor) were maintained with a regular diet and treated with saline by gavage. The HFD model mice were randomly divided into 3 groups, including a HFD diabetic model group, a C-DM1 extract-administered group (C-DM1, 500 mg/kg), and metformin-administered groups (Met, 500 mg/kg), 8 mice in each group. Food intake, body weight (BW), and fasting blood glucose (FBG) levels were recorded weekly for 4 weeks. After 4 weeks of treatment, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood glucose, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) were determined using an automated clinical chemistry analyzer, and homeostatic model for assessing insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) levels and oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) were detected. The histopathological changes of liver and pancreatic tissues were observed by hematoxylin-eosin staining. Insulin receptor substrate (IRS)/phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K)/ protein kinase B (AKT) and adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) expressions in liver and pancreas tissues were detected by Western blot analysis. HPLC-MS identified dihydroisotanshinone, dihydroisotanshinone I, cryptotanshinone, harpagoside, and atractyloside A in C-DM1 extract. The administration of C-DM1 extract significantly decreased body weight, calorie intake, and the levels of blood glucose and insulin in the diabetic mice (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract administration improved the impaired glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in the diabetic mice and significantly decreased the levels of LDL-C, ALT and AST (P<0.01). The C-DM1 extract inhibited the histopathological changes of fatty liver and hyperplasia of pancreatic islets in the diabetic mice. The C-DM1 extract significantly increased the phosphorylation of IRS, AKT, and AMPK and the expression of PI3K in pancreas and liver tissues (P<0.05 or P<0.01), which was consistent with the analysis results of network pharmacology. C-DM1 extract improved diabetes symptoms in long-term HFD-induced mice by regulation of IRS/PI3K/AKT and AMPK expressions in pancreas and liver tissues, suggesting that C-DM1 formulation may help prevent the progression of T2DM.

Effect of diosgenin on mTOR/FASN/HIF-1α/VEGFA expression in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

The present study aimed to investigate the effect of diosgenin on mammalian target of rapamycin(mTOR), fatty acid synthase(FASN), hypoxia inducible factor-1α(HIF-1α), and vascular endothelial growth factor A(VEGFA) expression in liver tissues of rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease(NAFLD) and explore the mechanism of diosgenin on lipogenesis and inflammation in NAFLD. Forty male SD rats were divided into a normal group(n=8) fed on the normal diet and an experimental group(n=32) fed on the high-fat diet(HFD) for the induction of the NAFLD model. After modeling, the rats in the experimental group were randomly divided into an HFD group, a low-dose diosgenin group(150 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), a high-dose diosgenin group(300 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), and a simvastatin group(4 mg·kg~(-1)·d~(-1)), with eight rats in each group. The drugs were continuously given by gavage for eight weeks. The levels of triglyceride(TG), total cholesterol(TC), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol(LDL-C), alanine transaminase(ALT), and aspartate transaminase(AST) in the serum were detected by the biochemical method. The content of TG and TC in the liver was detected by the enzyme method. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay(ELISA) was used to measure interleukin 1β(IL-1β) and tumor necrosis factor α(TNF-α) in the serum. Lipid accumulation in the liver was detected by oil red O staining. Pathological changes of liver tissues were detected by hematoxylin-eosin(HE) staining. The mRNA and protein expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA in the liver of rats were detected by real-time fluorescence-based quantitative polymerase chain reaction(PCR) and Western blot, respectively. Compared with the normal group, the HFD group showed elevated body weight and levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, AST, IL-1β, and TNF-α(P&lt;0.01), increased lipid accumulation in the liver(P&lt;0.01), obvious liver steatosis, up-regulated mRNA expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01), and increased protein expression levels of p-mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01). Compared with the HFD group, the groups with drug treatment showed lowered body weight and levels of TG, TC, LDL-C, ALT, AST, IL-1β, and TNF-α(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), reduced lipid accumulation in the liver(P&lt;0.01), improved liver steatosis, decreased mRNA expression levels of mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.05, P&lt;0.01), and declining protein expression levels of p-mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA(P&lt;0.01). The therapeutic effect of the high-dose diosgenin group was superior to that of the low-dose diosgenin group and the simvastatin group. Diosgenin may reduce liver lipid synthesis and inflammation and potentiate by down-regulating the mTOR, FASN, HIF-1α, and VEGFA expression, playing an active role in preventing and treating NAFLD.

Standardized extract of Sanguisorba minor attenuates injury in aging rat model via the Nrf2/HO‑1 pathway.

Aging promotes damage to vulnerable organs like brain and liver. Sanguisorba minor has been traditionally used to cure various ailments. Few studies have reported pharmacological activities of this medicinal plant. This research aimed to investigate the effects of Sanguisorba minor extract (SME) on brain and liver injury in aging rats and identify the underlying mechanisms. The aging model was developed by subcutaneously injecting D‑galactose and simultaneously treating them with SME. After biochemical and pathological assessments, mRNA expression levels of nuclear factor‑erythroid factor 2‑related factor 2 (Nrf2) and Nrf2‑ regulated gene, heme oxygenase‑1 (HO‑1), in the brain and liver tissues were determined. As a result, malondialdehyde and acetylcholinesterase levels were elevated while total thiol content and superoxide dismutase were reduced in the aging rats. Treatment with the extract remarkably attenuated oxidative injury and pathological changes in liver and brain tissues. Concomitantly, the extract up‑regulated Nrf2 and HO‑1 genes. Our findings exhibited SME may improve the aging‑related brain and liver damage through the Nrf2‑HO‑1 pathway.

Effect of the Anticancer Drug Doxorubicin (Adriamycin) on Antioxidant Studies and Ultrastructural Investigation in the Liver, Kidney, and Heart Tissues of Male Rats

Doxorubicin is a well-known antineoplastic agent that has proved to be successful in the treatment of various types of cancer. I used rats as the model to evaluate the effect of doxorubicin on antioxidant studies and ultrastructural investigations in the liver, kidney, and heart tissues. Male albino rats were given 1.0 mg/kg body weight of the anticancer drug doxorubicin intraperitoneally three times a week for 52 days. This was for a total of 18 doses. Control animals received 52 doses of 0.5 ml of saline over 52 days. The body weights of rats injected with doxorubicin experienced a significant decrease after the last dose compared to the control group of rats. In this study, the weights of the heart, kidneys, and liver were measured. Except for cardiac tissues, the protein content in the aforementioned tissues in treated rats was significantly different from the control. Glutathione (GSH) levels in the kidneys of experimental rats were not significantly lower (7.946 ± 0.781) compared to controls (8.06 ± 0.74) but there was a non-significant increase in GSH levels in the liver (17.095 ± 1.066) compared to controls (13.8 ± 1.3). In addition, the mean GSH levels in doxorubicin-treated hearts were significantly lower (7.9462 ± 0.781) compared to controls (8.06 ± 0.74). Lipid peroxidation (Lpx) and malondialdehyde content (MDA), a marker of lipid peroxidation, were found in much lower concentrations in the liver organ of the doxorubicin-treated group (0.0162 ± 0.00086) as compared to (0.20 ± 0.02) controls, and MDA content in the kidney was decreased (0.0239 ± 0.0003) compared to control rats (0.31 ± 0.03), as well as heat production (0.0398 ± 0.00097) compared to (47.451 ± 1.708) controls. Glutathione reductase (GR) levels were significantly elevated in the same tissue treatment group. Glutathione-S-Transferase (G-S-T) activity was assessed and significantly increased in all tissues in the doxorubicin model. Glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity showed a significant decrease in all the above tissues after doxorubicin injection. The catalase (CAT) activity of doxorubicin was greatly increased in one treated rat. In the doxorubicin-treated group, levels of cytochrome p450 (CYTp450) were significantly decreased in liver and kidney tissue and significantly elevated in heart tissue. After doxorubicin treatment, cytochrome b5 (CYTb5) levels in liver tissues increased significantly (837.177± 61.197) compared to controls (615 ± 37.0), and the contents of cytochrome b5 in rats' kidneys increased significantly (447.685 ± 35.215) compared to controls (2605.5± 259.2). and cytochrome b5 in heart tissues was lower (165.352± 8.7) when compared to controls (88± 0.4). The results showed that there were few obvious changes in histological, ultrastructural, and biochemical changes in liver tissue in the doxorubicin model. Long-term doxorubicin treatment in kidney tissue results in no significant changes at the light microscopic level, but the electron microscopic level reveals no change from a histological point of view.

Antioxidant activity of raw and cooked onions in rabbit doe nutrition

The aim of this research is to examine how raw and cooked onions affect some antioxidant enzymes and some tissues in female rabbits. Twenty-four female albino rabbits weighing (1-1.5 Kg), (5-6 months age), non-pregnant, were used for the experiment, and they were divided into three groups for a duration of 28 days. A 20 g/kg raw onion and same amount of cooked onion were added to the second and third groups’ diets respectively for comparison of results with control groups without any addition of onion. Results showed that diets supplemented with raw and cooked onion significantly increased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity. The cooked onion group showed normal and no pathological changes in liver, kidney, and heart tissues, while liver tissues of both control and raw onion groups suffered extreme congestion in the central veins of the liver lobules and in kidney tissues of only control rabbits, developed hemorrhagic foci was observed. In the control and raw onion groups, the heart tissue showed the development of hemorrhagic foci and necrosis in the heart muscle fibers. In conclusion, both raw and cooked onions boosted the activity of SOD enzyme, but the cooked onions showed to be more effective than raw at protecting liver, kidney, and heart tissues against cell necrosis caused by oxidative processes.

Pathomorphological changes in the organs of laboratory animals with experimental liver cirrhosis

Objective. Develop an experimental model of liver cirrhosis and describe pathomorphological changes in organs and tissues of laboratory animals.Materials and methods. Liver cirrhosis was simulated on 11 sexually mature Wistar male white rats. The control group consisted of 12 healthy laboratory animals. Acute toxic liver injury resulting in cirrhosis was induced by intraperitoneal injection of 50% tetrachloromethane (CCl4) solution on olive oil on the first day of the experiment in the dosage of 0.1 ml CCl4 + 0.4 ml olive oil per 100 g of the animal body weight, on the second day of the experiment 0.3 ml CCl4 + 0.2 ml olive oil per 100 g of the animal body weight. To synergize and potentiate the hepatotoxic effect of CCl4, animals had 10% ethanol solution freely available daily. The duration of the experiment was 65 days. Clinical and laboratory parameters were evaluated, histological evaluation of the preparations was performed. The obtained data were compared with the control group of animals.Results. Reproducibility of the model was 82% (9 animals). The indicator of lymphocyte blabbing index showed the development of liver cirrhosis in animals of the experimental group. Comprehensive morphological confirmation of the developed liver cirrhosis was obtained.Conclusion. The proposed methodology of liver cirrhosis formation correlates with pathomorphological changes in lymphocyte cell wall, changes in liver tissue and internal organs in human liver cirrhosis.

Morphological changes in the liver of rats after administration of chlorpromazine, depending on the dose and duration of administration

Chlorpromazine (CPZ) remains a widely used drug in psychiatric practice today. The drug has a hepatotoxic effect, but the possible mechanisms of this side effect have not yet been fully elucidated. The aim of the study was to determine morphological changes in rat liver tissue under chronic toxic effects of chlorpromazine, depending on the dose and duration of its administration. The study was conducted on 60 sexually mature male rats. CPP was administered intragastrically at different doses (3.5, 7.0, 14.0 and 21.0 mg/kg) for 30 and 60 days. The material was fixed in a 10 % solution of neutral formalin (pH 7.2-7.4) for 24-48 hours, then passed through alcohols of increasing concentration and embedded in paraffin. Serial sections (6-7 µm thick) were prepared from the paraffin blocks and stained with hematoxylin-eosin and picrofuchsin by Van Gieson to determine the degree of fibrotic changes in liver tissue, as well as with Giemsa III to detect fatty degeneration of hepatocytes. The microscopic structure of the hepatic parenchyma was studied using an OLIMPUS BX41 light microscope at 100, 200 and 400x magnification. Morphometric parameters of structural changes were determined using an ocular grid and Image Tulsa 3.6 software. The data were statistically processed by descriptive statistics using the Microsoft Office Excel 2010 spreadsheet processor. When CPZ was administered in different doses and duration, pathological changes of varying severity developed in the liver tissue of rats. In the liver tissue, signs of intracellular and intra-tubular cholestasis are found mainly in the central lobes, accompanied by focal desquamation and proliferation of the biliary epithelium, formation of small-focal, less frequently zonal necrosis of hepatocytes, inflammatory infiltration of portal tracts with its spread to the interlobular stroma and parenchyma. Mitotically active binucleated hepatocytes are the key to the reparative process. Periductal fibrosis develops in the portal sections, marginal proliferation of the bile ducts, hepatocytes with signs of granular and/or fatty dystrophy are noted. In the central veins and vessels of the portal areas, moderate initial sclerotic changes were found, signs of their capillarisation in sinusoids, and the endothelium of the vessels had focal destructive changes. In all portal zones, proliferation of bile ducts and formation of bile pseudo-ducts were observed. Thus, the analysis of the morphometric study data showed that within 60 days of CPZ administration there is a significant increase in the relative volume of connective tissue and stromal-parenchymal index due to a significant decrease in the volume of hepatocytes.

Bicyclol attenuates high fat diet-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease/non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through modulating multiple pathways in mice.

Introduction: The pathological progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is driven by multiple factors, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) represents its progressive form. In our previous studies, we found that bicyclol had beneficial effects on NAFLD/ NASH. Here we aim to investigate the underlying molecular mechanisms of the bicyclol effect on NAFLD/NASH induced by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding. Methods: A mice model of NAFLD/NASH induced by HFD-feeding for 8weeks was used. As a pretreatment, bicyclol (200mg/kg) was given to mice by oral gavage twice daily. Hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) stains were processed to evaluate hepatic steatosis, and hepatic fibrous hyperplasia was assessed by Masson staining. Biochemistry analyses were used to measure serum aminotransferase, serum lipids, and lipids in liver tissues. Proteomics and bioinformatics analyses were performed to identify the signaling pathways and target proteins. Data are available via Proteome X change with identifier PXD040233. The real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analyses were performed to verify the proteomics data. Results: Bicyclol had a markedly protective effect against NAFLD/NASH by suppressing the increase of serum aminotransferase, hepatic lipid accumulation and alleviating histopathological changes in liver tissues. Proteomics analyses showed that bicyclol remarkably restored major pathways related to immunological responses and metabolic processes altered by HFD feeding. Consistent with our previous results, bicyclol significantly inhibited inflammation and oxidative stress pathway related indexes (SAA1, GSTM1 and GSTA1). Furthermore, the beneficial effects of bicyclol were closely associated with the signaling pathways of bile acid metabolism (NPC1, SLCOLA4 and UGT1A1), cytochrome P450-mediated metabolism (CYP2C54, CYP3A11 and CYP3A25), biological processes such as metal ion metabolism (Ceruloplasmin and Metallothionein-1), angiogenesis (ALDH1A1) and immunological responses (IFI204 and IFIT3). Discussion: These findings suggested that bicyclol is a potential preventive agent for NAFLD/NASH by targeting multiple mechanisms in future clinical investigations.

Liver tissues oxidative status, epigenetic and molecular characteristics in rats administered magnetic and microwave treated water

Physical and chemical changes in the natural of water may affect biological organisms. In this study, we highlight the effect of magnetized-water and microwave-water on rats’ liver tissues. Three groups of albino rats were separated. The first, rats were administered tap-water. The second, rats were administered magnetized-water. The third, rats were administered microwave-water. After two months, the results revealed a significant increase in liver functioning enzymes’ levels and bilirubin in rats administered microwave-water, compared to tap- and magnetic-water. In relation to oxidative stress, there was a significant increase and decrease in oxidative and antioxidant parameters respectively in liver tissues of rat's administrated microwave-water. At the molecular level, there was a significant down-regulation in Metallothionein, CYP genes in magnetic-water compared to tap-water. Rats administered microwave-water have shown a significant down-regulation in GST, Metallothionein and CYP genes’ expression, however, Amylase and HDAC3 genes were significantly up-regulated, compared to the other groups. The intake of microwave-water resulted in notable histopathological changes in liver tissues. Rats administered magnetic-water showed no clear changes in their liver tissues. In summary, microwave-water induced stress and epigenetic effects compared with magnetic-water and tap-water. Also, magnetic-water produced from the higher magnetic power had no side effect on liver tissues.

Protective effects of butylated hydroxytoluene on the initiation of N-nitrosodiethylamine-induced hepatocellular carcinoma in albino rats.

Diethylnitrosamine (DEN), a hepatocarcinogen, is found in a variety of smoked and fried foods and was reported to be hepatotoxic in mice. Butylated hydroxytoluene (BHT) is a potent antioxidant used in cosmetic formulations and as a food additive and preservative. As a result, BHT was studied as a potential inhibitor in the early stages of diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced HCC. Male Wistar albino rats (n = 24) were equally subdivided. Group 1 was the negative control; Group 2 and 3 administered BHT and DEN, respectively; Group 4 received BHT followed by DEN. Blood samples and rat livers were taken for biochemical and histological investigation. Hepatotoxicity was assessed by increased liver enzymes and HCC indicators, along with reduced antioxidant and pro-apoptotic factors. AFP, AFPL3, GPC3, GSH, SOD, MDA, CASP3 and BAX expression increased significantly after DEN treatment. DEN also reduced GPx, CAT, and CYP2E1 activity, and BCl-2 expression. Moreover, in the hepatic parenchyma, the DEN caused histological alterations. Pretreatment with BHT enhanced antioxidant status while preventing histopathological and most biochemical alterations. BHT pretreatment suppresses DEN-initiated HCC by decreasing oxidative stress, triggering intrinsic mitotic apoptosis, and preventing histopathological changes in liver tissue.

The Antidiabetic Effect and Mechanism of JinXiaoXiaoKe Decoction in Type 2 Diabetic Goto–Kakizaki Rats

Modern research and clinical practice have proved that Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has unique advantages in the treatment of diabetes. JinXiaoXiaoKe decoction (JXXKD) is a prescription for treating diabetes used in ancient China and still has a good clinical effect today. However, the mechanism of JXXKD against T2DM is unclear. The purpose of this study is to screen the targets through network pharmacology, and to explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of JXXKD on diabetic rats. The JXXKD's active components, related targets and T2DM targets were obtained from the public database, and Venny 2.1 was used to determine the common targets of JXXKD in the treatment of T2DM, and PPI, GO and KEGG analysis were performed. The core components and targets are verified by molecular docking. The diabetic Goto–Kakizaki rat model was established by high-sugar and high-fat diet, Wistar rats were used as a blank control group. The diabetic rats were randomized into three groups and administered saline (MO), metformin (MET), or JXXKD once a day for 4 weeks. Fasting blood glucose (FBG), Fasting serum insulin (FINS) , and HOMA-IR were detected, hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining was used to observe the pathological changes of liver tissue; and qPCR was used to detect the expression of relevant genes screened by network pharmacology. 93 active components and 296 targets of JXXKD were identified, of which 156 overlapped with T2DM-related targets. PPI network showed that APP, AKT1, ANXA1, RXRA, C3, EGFR, ESR1, RELA, IL-6 , and MAPK8 were the top 10 relevant targets. GO analysis showed the common targets are mainly involved in oxidative stress, lipid metabolism, and nutrient levels, while KEGG analysis showed these targets may regulate lipids and atherosclerosis, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, and TNF signaling pathway. Molecular docking suggested a satisfactory potential for key components to bind to these significant targets. The animal experiments showed that JXXKD significantly improved the symptoms of polyuria, decreased the levels of FBG and HOMA-IR, improved liver fat deposition, and decreased the expressions of foxO1, PPARγ and Akt in diabetic rats. The mechanism of JXXKD treat T2DM may be achieved by modulating the expression of foxO1, PPARγ, and Akt, regulating the glucose and lipids metabolism.

The Metabolites and Mechanism Analysis of Genistin against Hyperlipidemia via the UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometer and Metabolomics.

Genistin, an isoflavone, has been reported to have multiple activities. However, its improvement of hyperlipidemia is still unclear, and the same is true with regard to its mechanism. In this study, a high-fat diet (HFD) was used to induce a hyperlipidemic rat model. The metabolites of genistin in normal and hyperlipidemic rats were first identified to cause metabolic differences with Ultra-High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Quadrupole Exactive Orbitrap Mass Spectrometry (UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap MS). The relevant factors were determined via ELISA, and the pathological changes of liver tissue were examined via H&E staining and Oil red O staining, which evaluated the functions of genistin. The related mechanism was elucidated through metabolomics and Spearman correlation analysis. The results showed that 13 metabolites of genistin were identified in plasma from normal and hyperlipidemic rats. Of those metabolites, seven were found in normal rat, and three existed in two models, with those metabolites being involved in the reactions of decarbonylation, arabinosylation, hydroxylation, and methylation. Three metabolites, including the product of dehydroxymethylation, decarbonylation, and carbonyl hydrogenation, were identified in hyperlipidemic rats for the first time. Accordingly, the pharmacodynamic results first revealed that genistin could significantly reduce the level of lipid factors (p < 0.05), inhibited lipid accumulation in the liver, and reversed the liver function abnormalities caused by lipid peroxidation. For metabolomics results, HFD could significantly alter the levels of 15 endogenous metabolites, and genistin could reverse them. Creatine might be a beneficial biomarker for the activity of genistin against hyperlipidemia, as revealed via multivariate correlation analysis. These results, which have not been reported in the previous literature, may provide the foundation for genistin as a new lipid-lowering agent.

Histological and histochemical changes in liver tissue of young rats with hyperhomocysteinemia

Annotation. The decisive place in the synthesis and subsequent metabolism of homocysteine (Hcy) belongs to the liver, where, in particular, transsulfation and remethylation processes take place. It has been proven that organ tissue damage can cause hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy). Changes in the structural and functional parameters of the liver tissue under the conditions of a significant and long-term increase in blood serum Hcy are still insufficiently studied. Modeling the state of chronic HHcy and studying the features of histological changes in liver tissue at different levels of structural organization is an urgent task. The aim of the research is to study morphological and histochemical changes in the liver tissue of young rats with HHcy. The experiment was carried out on 22 white non-linear young – aged 1-2 months, male rats. During the study, the animals were divided into two groups – control and experimental. Chronic persistent HHcy was modeled by administering thiolactone Hcy in a dose of 200 mg/kg of body weight intragastrically for 60 days to the rats of the experimental group. Histological preparations were studied using a SEO SСAN light microscope and photo-documented using a Vision CCD Camera. Succinate dehydrogenase was detected histochemically according to the Nakhlas method. To study the specifics of glycogen accumulation in hepatocytes, sections were stained using Schiff's reagent, after preliminary treatment with iodic acid (PAS reaction) in the Shabadash modification. It was established that the administration of thiolactone Hcy to young rats at a dose of 200 mg/kg led to impaired blood supply, destructive changes and growth of connective tissue in the liver. Moderate changes in the hepatocyte plates organization, a decrease in the mitotic activity of hepatocytes, and the development of fatty and vacuole-hydropic dystrophy were recorded. Histochemical studies of the liver of animals of the research group established a decrease in the activity of the succinate dehydrogenase enzyme and glycogen content in hepatocytes.

Aspartate Reduces Liver Inflammation and Fibrosis by Suppressing the NLRP3 Inflammasome Pathway via Upregulating NS3TP1 Expression.

Aspartate (Asp) can act on liver Kupffer cells, inhibit NOD-like receptor-P 3 (NLRP3) inflammatory bodies, and improve liver inflammation in acute hepatitis. However, the effect of Asp on the role of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis in chronic liver injury remains unexplored. This study aimed to investigate the effects of Asp on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice and HSCs via the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway. Liver fibrosis was induced in C57BL/6J mice by intraperitoneally (IP) injecting 0.5 mL/kg 2% CCl4 three times weekly for 8 weeks. Asp was administered to mice by gavage once every morning for 4 weeks. Masson's trichrome staining, Sirius red staining and hematoxylin and eosin staining were used to detect and analyze the pathological changes in liver tissues. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry were applied to determine the protein expression levels of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen Ⅲ (COL III), NLRP3, and IL-1β. In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR was performed to detect the mRNA expression levels. In the liver fibrosis model, the pathological changes in liver tissues improved following treatment with Asp. A marked decrease was observed in protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA, COL III, NLRP3, and IL-1β. In addition, HSCs were treated with Asp. The expression levels of α-SMA, COL III, NLRP3, and IL-1β reduced in dose- and time-dependent manners. Furthermore, Asp upregulated the expression of NS3TP1 in vivo and in vitro, and NS3TP1 had a significant inhibitory effect on liver fibrosis. Asp attenuated liver fibrosis and reduced collagen production by suppressing the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling pathway via upregulating the expression of NS3TP1.

Zinc Oxide Nanoparticles and Vitamin C Ameliorate Atrazine-Induced Hepatic Apoptosis in Rat via CYP450s/ROS Pathway and Immunomodulation

Atrazine, as an herbicide, is used widely worldwide. Because of its prolonged persistence in the environment and accumulation in the body, atrazine exposure is a potential threat to human health. The present study evaluated the possible protective effects of zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C against atrazine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. Atrazine administered to rats orally at a dose of 300 mg/kg for 21 days caused liver oxidative stress as it increased malondialdehyde (MDA) formation and decreased reduced glutathione (GSH) contents. Atrazine induced inflammation accompanied by apoptosis via upregulation of hepatic gene expression levels of NF-κB, TNF-α, BAX, and caspase-3 and downregulation of Bcl-2 gene expression levels. Additionally, it disturbed the metabolic activities of cytochrome P450 as it downregulated hepatic gene expression levels of CYP1A1, CYP1B1, CYP2E1. The liver function biomarkers were greatly affected upon atrazine administration, and the serum levels of AST and ALT were significantly increased, while BWG%, albumin, globulins, and total proteins levels were markedly decreased. As a result of the above-mentioned influences of atrazine, histopathological changes in liver tissue were recorded in our findings. The administration of zinc oxide nanoparticles or vitamin C orally at a dose of 10 mg/kg and 200 mg/kg, respectively, for 30 days prior and along with atrazine, could significantly ameliorate the oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis induced by atrazine and regulated the hepatic cytochrome P450 activities. Furthermore, they improved liver function biomarkers and histopathology. In conclusion, our results revealed that zinc oxide nanoparticles and vitamin C supplementations could effectively protect against atrazine-induced hepatotoxicity.

ADSCs-exo attenuates hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury after hepatectomy by inhibiting endoplasmic reticulum stress and inflammation.

Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury commonly occurs during liver surgery. Exosomes from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs-exo) induce a hepatoprotective effect during hepatic I/R injury. This study aimed to investigate the possible mechanism by which ADSCs-exo attenuates hepatic I/R injury in rats. Rats were randomly divided into four groups: Sham, I30R + PH, ADSCs, and ADSCs-exo groups. Liver tissues were collected immediately after 24 h of reperfusion for further analyses. The content of inflammatory factors in liver tissue was detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The pathological changes in liver tissue were analyzed using HE staining. Transmission electron microscopy was used to visualize the ultrastructural changes of hepatocytes. Real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction(RT-qPCR) and western blot analysis were used to detect the expression of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related genes and proteins. Liver histomorphology and hepatocyte ultrastructure changes improved after ADSCs-exo treatment. Moreover, ADSCs-exo treatment significantly downregulated tumor necrosis factor-α,interleukin-1β(IL-1β), and IL-6 levels while upregulating IL-10 levels. Western blot analysis suggested that the protein expressions of GRP78, p-PERK, p-eIF2α, p-IRE1α, XBP1s, ATF-6, ATF-4, CHOP, p-JNK, cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved Caspase-9, and cleaved Caspase-12 significantly decreased after ADSCs-exo treatment. RT-qPCR results demonstrated that mRNA expression of GRP78, IRE1α, XBP1, ATF-6, ATF-4, CHOP, JNK, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, and Caspase-12 markedly reduced after ADSCs-exo treatment. In conclusion,ADSCs-exo protects against hepatic I/R injury after hepatectomy by inhibiting ERS and inflammation. Therefore, ADSCs-exo can be considered as a viable option for the treatment of hepatic I/R injury.

The effect of a drug Cisplatin and Thymoquinone material in the liver of rats after the induced of cancer in laboratary

Cisplatin drug is one of platinum compounds and it is in common use world wide for the treatment of a variety of human neoplasms. However in high doses it can produceundesirable toxic side effects on liver, so in this study we investigated whether Thymoqunion has protective effect on hepatotoxicity induced by cisplatin or not. Four equal-sized groups(four rats each) of adult female rats with colon cancer induced in two group unless control group by used azoxymethane carcinogen were used as (control group, AOM group cisplatin group, Thymoqunion group (TQ)). It was detected for tumor by measuring the concentration CEA in serum, it was observed significant increase (P&lt;0.05) when injected article carcinogen totals compared with the control group. when the transaction ad these two articles focusing decreased response to treatment user. Histological examination of livers were carried out using light microscopy. Results showed that cisplatin produced histopathological changes in liver tissue, congestion and expansion of central veins, dilatation and congestion of sinusoids, with necrosis of liver cells and endothelial cells, severe fatty infiltration and necrotic foci in large areas from liver cells, congestion of sinusoids, while Thymoqunion not appear any side effect on liver tissue

Passive immune protection against Singapore grouper iridovirus in groupers by oral feeding of egg yolk antibody

Singapore grouper iridovirus (SGIV) is a major infectious virus in fish, which causes high mortality and considerable economic damage to cultured groupers. However, effective drugs and commercialized vaccines for SGIV are lacking. The main aim of this study was to evaluate the protective effect of immunoglobulin of yolk (IgY) against SGIV infection in groupers. In this study, specific anti-SGIV IgY was produced by immunizing hens with formalin-inactivated SGIV. IgY was extracted and purified from egg yolk using water dilution, two-step salt precipitation, and dialysis. The titers of specific IgY increased significantly after the third immunization, peaking at week 10 until week 12 after the first immunization. Western blotting and indirect immunofluorescence showed that anti-SGIV IgY recognized the SGIV major capsid protein and SGIV virions. In addition, in vitro antibody neutralization assays showed that IgY could effectively neutralize SGIV and significantly inhibit SGIV infection in grouper spleen cells. Before SGIV infection, the groupers were continuously fed with standard feed mixed with specific or nonspecific IgY. The relative protection rate in the specific IgY group was approximately 40% compared with the nonspecific IgY group. Histopathological analysis showed that specific IgY prevented pathological changes in the groupers' liver and head kidney tissues. IgY exerted protective effects probably by reducing the infection of target organ cells and attenuating the inflammatory response, as indicated by the reduced copy numbers of SGIV and the reduced expression levels of tumor necrosis factor-α, cluster of differentiation 8-α, interleukin-8, cluster of differentiation 4–1, interferon-induced protein 35, interferon-γ, and MX protein in the spleen, liver, trunk kidney, and head kidney tissues. These results suggest that anti-SGIV IgY is a promising strategy for preventing SGIV infection in groupers.

Upregulated microRNA-450b-5p represses the development of acute liver failure via modulation of liver function, inflammatory response, and hepatocyte apoptosis.

It has been evidenced that microRNAs (miRs) exert crucial effects on acute liver failure (ALF), while the detailed function of miR-450b-5p in ALF progression remained obscure. The purpose of this research was to unravel the regulatory mechanism of miR-450b-5p in ALF via modulating Mouse Double Minute 2 protein (MDM2). ALF was induced in mice by intraperitoneal injection of d-galactosamine ( d-GalN) and lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Adenoviruses containing overexpressed miR-450b-5p, MDM2 shRNA, and overexpressed MDM2 sequences were utilized to manipulate miR-450b-5p and MDM2 expression in the liver before the mice were treated with d-GalN/LPS-induced ALF. Subsequently, miR-450b-5p and MDM2 expression levels in liver tissues of ALF mice were examined. Serum biochemical parameters of liver function were tested, serum inflammatory factors were assessed, and the histopathological changes and hepatocyte apoptosis in liver tissues were observed. The relation between miR-450b-5p and MDM2 was verified. In ALF mice, miR-450b-5p was low-expressed while MDM2 was high-expressed. The upregulation of miR-450b-5p or downregulation of MDM2 could alleviate liver function, mitigate the serum inflammatory response and pathological changes in liver tissues, as well as inhibit the apoptosis of hepatocytes. MiR-450b-5p targeted MDM2. MDM2 overexpression reversed the repressive effects of elevated miR-450b-5p on ALF. The upregulated miR-450b-5p blocks the progression of ALF via targeting MDM2. This study contributes to affording novel therapeutic targets for ALF treatment.