Hepatic Protective Effects Research Articles

Schisandrin A alleviates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by improving liver metabolic disorders and suppressing the GSK3β signaling pathway

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinical pathological syndrome characterized by excessive fat deposition in liver cells, posing a new challenge in the field of contemporary medicine. Schisandrin A (SchA) is a lignan derived from the fruit of Schisandra chinensis, a functional food and also a traditional herbal medicine known for its hepatic protective effects. The study aims to identify potential target and regulation mechanism of SchA on NAFLD treatment. Metabolomics analysis revealed that SchA improved the abnormal metabolic profile of the liver in NAFLD mice. In addition to ameliorating lipid metabolism, SchA showed potential in elevating the levels of amino acids such as L-tryptophan, beta-alanine, L-aspartic acid, and L-tyrosine, which were deficient in NAFLD mouse livers, as well as restored the metabolism of abnormal vitamins like vitamin B6. Network pharmacology research and molecular docking suggested that GSK3β was a direct target of SchA, which was experimentally validated as well. These findings highlight the potential value of the active component SchA from Schisandra chinensis in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Saudi Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) DC. Essential oil: Insights into antioxidant, analgesic, and hepatorenal protective effects

Lately, the herb's essential oils have received the intense attention of researchers and pharmaceutical agencies. The chemical composition, antioxidant, analgesic activity, anti-hyperpyrexia, and hepatorenal protective effects of the Kleinia anteuphorbium (L.) DC. Essential oil (KAEO) were evaluated. The KAEO was yanked by steam distillation and subjected to a GC/MS system. The antioxidant powers of KAEO were evaluated by DPPH, NO, and FRAP tests. Besides the anti-hyperpyrexia, the analgesic effects were assessed. Moreover, the hepatorenal curative effects were evaluated in a carbon tetrachloride-rat model. Sixty-eight active components were identified by GC/MS. α-pinene was the most dominant monoterpene in KAEO. KAEO showed anti-hyperpyrexia, anti-captive, and great antioxidant powers through DPPH, NO, and FRAP. The oral LD50 of KAEO was 187.5 mg/kg in rats. Furthermore, KAEO treatment succeeded in reliving the adverse effects of CCL4 in rats as a standard toxic model through reliving the hepatic pathological and oxidative stress and restoring the hepatic and renal functions. Overall, the obtained results demonstrated that KAEO might be used as a potential natural medicine to relieve a variety of modern symptoms and hepatorenal disorders associated with oxidative stress.

Carthamus tinctorius L. (Safflower) Flower Extract Attenuates Hepatic Injury and Steatosis in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus via Nrf2-Dependent Hypoglycemic, Antioxidant, and Hypolipidemic Effects.

This study aimed to examine the hepatic and anti-steatotic protective effects of methanolic extract from Carthamus tinctorius (safflower) flowers (SFFE), using a rat model of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), and to examine the molecular mechanisms underlying these effects. Adult male Wistar rats were used for this study. First, T2DM was induced in some rats by feeding them a high-fat diet (HFD) for 4 weeks, followed by a single dose of streptozotocin (STZ) (35 mg/kg, i.p.). Experimental groups included the following five groups (n = 8 in each): control, control + SFFE, T2DM, T2DM + SFFE, and T2DM + SFFE + brusatol (an Nrf2 inhibitor, 2 mg/kg, i.p.). SFFE was administered at a concentration of 300 mg/kg, and all experiments concluded after 8 weeks. Treatments with SFFE significantly reduced fasting blood glucose levels, free fatty acids (FFAs), cholesterol, triglycerides, and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol in both the control and T2DM rats, but they failed to reduce fasting insulin levels in these groups. SFFE treatments also improved the liver structure and reduced hepatocyte vacuolization and hepatic levels of triglycerides and cholesterol in T2DM rats, in addition to increasing the hepatic mRNA levels of keap1 and the cytoplasmic levels and nuclear activities of Nrf2 in both the control and T2DM rats. SFFE also stimulated the expression levels of PPARα and CPT-1 but reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA), mRNA levels of SREBP1, fatty acid synthase, and acetyl CoA carboxylase in both the control and T2DM rats; meanwhile, it reduced hepatic mRNA and the nuclear activities of NF-κB and increased levels of glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 in the livers of both groups of treated rats. Furthermore, SFFE suppressed the levels of caspase-3, Bax, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interleukin-6 in the T2DM rats. Treatment with brusatol prevented all of these effects of SFFE. In conclusion, SFFE suppresses liver damage and hepatic steatosis in T2DM through Nrf2-dependent hypoglycemic, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and hypolipidemic effects.

Hepato-renal protective impact of nanocapsulated Petroselinum crispum and Anethum graveolens essential oils added in fermented milk against some food additives via antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects: In silico and in vivo studies

The study assessed the efficacy of parsley and dill essential oils (EOs) nanocapsules incorporated into fermented milk in hepato-renal protection against specific food additives. A molecular docking assay was conducted between parsley and dill EOs bioactive molecules and inflammatory cytokines. Freeze-dried parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules were developed, characterized for their morphological structure, particle size, zeta potential, polydispersity index and encapsulation efficiency and assessed in fast green dye and sodium benzoate (SB) combination-treated rats. The docking results revealed that the primary constituents of parsley and dill EOs (apiol, myristicin, α-pinene, (−)-carvone, and d-limonene) interacted with the active sites of TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-1β cytokines with hydrophobic and hydrogen bond interactions. D-limonene had the highest binding affinity (6.4 kcal/mol) for the TNF-α. Apiol and myristicin had the highest binding affinity (5.1, 5.0, 5.0 and 5.0 kcal/mol, respectively) for the IL-1β and TGF-β1 receptors. Biochemically and histopathologically, the excessive co-administration of fast green and SB revealed adverse effects on the liver and the kidney. Whereas the treatment with parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules afford hepato-renal protective effects as manifested by suppression the elevated liver and kidney functions. Parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules showed a significant reduction of the liver (64.08 and 80.5 pg/g, respectively) and kidney (59.3 and 83.6 pg/g, respectively) ROS. Moreover, parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules down-regulated the liver and the kidney inflammatory cytokines (IL-6, TNF-α, IL-1β and TGF-1β) and lipid peroxidation and up-regulated the antioxidant enzymes. In conclusion, the data suggest a potential hepato-renal protective effects of parsley and dill EOs nanocapsules.

Protective effect of tert-butylhydroquinone against cisplatin-induced hepatorenal injury via modulating oxidative stress, inflammation, and apoptosis

Context Cisplastin (CDDP) is a chemotherapeutic drug frequently used to manage a variety of cancers. However, its use is associated with hepatorenal toxicity resulting from elevated reactive oxygen species production. Objective Herein, the hepatorenal protective effect of tert-butylhydroquinone (tBHQ) in cisplatin (CDDP)-treated rats was examined. Methods Wistar male rats randomly divided into four groups: normal control, tBHQ, CDDP and tBHQ + CDDP received 50 mg/kg b.w./day of tBHQ orally for 14 days while 7 mg/kg b.w of CDDP was administered intraperitoneally on Day 8. Results CDDP increased serum biomarkers of hepatic (AST, ALP, ALT, GGT) and renal (creatinine, urea, uric acid, kidney injury molecule 1) function. The levels of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 protein and the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione peroxidase and glutathione reductase activities were decreased in liver and kidney. Also, CDDP increased hepatic and renal levels of NF-κB, TNFα, Bax and caspase-3 proteins and decreased hepatorenal levels of Bcl-2 protein in the liver and kidney. Pre-treatment with tBHQ prevented these negative effects. Significance Pre-intervention with tBHQ attenuates hepatorenal toxicity of CDDP by dampening oxidative stress, inflammation and apoptosis.

Antidiabetic, Antihyperlipidemic, Antioxidant Effects and Regulation of miRNA Expression by Dianthus orientalis Adams Extract in Diabetic rat Model

Background: The Mediterranean area is a diversity center for the genus Dianthus. However, species belonging to this genus, including Dianthus orientalis Adams (DOA), have not been investigated for their medicinal activities. Objectives: To investigate antidiabetic, antihyperlipidemic, antioxidant effects and molecular mechanism of D. orientalis Adams leaf extract (DOAE) in an animal model. Materials and methods: The plant leaves were collected from July to August 2021 from Penjween district, Sulaimaniyah, Iraq and then identified, authenticated, shadow-dried, and extracted using pure methanol. Thirty rats were divided randomly into 5 groups of 6 animals each. Group 1 was control negative (CN) and received distilled water (DW). Group 2 was diabetic control (DC) that received DW, while group 3 was control positive (CP) treated with Glibenclamide (GLB, 0.6 mg/kg body weight). Groups 4 and 5 were diabetic rats who received a low-dose (30 mg/kg) and a high-dose (90 mg/kg) of DOAE orally for 4 weeks. Then, lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, histopathological examinations, and molecular studies were conducted. Results: DOAE was more effective than GLB in reducing blood glucose, lipid parameters, liver enzymes, and renal function. Micromorphological assay of livers, kidneys, and pancreas revealed significant restoration in diabetic groups treated with DOAE (90 mg/kg) and GLB compared to the DC group. Microribonuclic acid-21 (miR-21) was significantly expressed in DC but markedly lowered in both DOAE groups, while miR-24 and miR-126 were significantly suppressed in DC and expressed in the DOAE-treated groups. Conclusions: DOAE exerted significant antihyperglycemic, anti-dyslipidemic, antioxidant, and hepatorenal protective effects in diabetic rats.

Hypoglycemic and hypolipidemic effects of Lippia origanoides Kunth in diabetic rats.

Diabetes mellitus is a metabolic disorder commonly associated with atherosclerosis. Plants with therapeutic potential, such as Lippia origanoides Kunth, emerge as effective alternatives for treating these diseases. Therefore, this work aims to analyze the antihyperglycemic and antidyslipidemic potential of the hydroalcoholic extract of Lippia origanoides Kunth (ELo) in alloxan-diabetic rats. Animals were treated orally: normal control, hyperglycemic control, positive control glibenclamide (5 mg/kg), and groups treated with ELo (75, 150, and 250 mg/kg). Preclinical evaluation of ELo showed hypoglycemic, hypolipidemic, hepatic, and renal protective effects. At all doses, ELo significantly reduced hyperglycemia, triglycerides, total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein, atherogenic index, atherogenic coefficient, and cardiovascular risk index (p < .05). Elo at different doses promoted an increase in insulin release compared to untreated animals (p < .05) and showed α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (p < .05). Also, ELo (250 mg/kg group) showed maximum reduction of hyperglycemia, alanine transaminase, aspartate aminotransferase, malonaldehyde, and urea compared to the hyperglycemic and glibenclamide groups, and creatinine only compared to the hyperglycemic groups (p < .05). The promising action of ELo in the context of diabetes may be related to the synergistic action of flavonoid compounds identified in liquid chromatography, whose pharmacological capabilities have already been documented in previous studies. The mechanisms may be the stimulation of insulin release; the inhibitory activity of α-glucosidase; improving general clinical conditions; and the antioxidant effects of the extract. These findings pave the way for the future development of an herbal presentation of L. origanoides Kunth as a hypoglycemic and cardiovascular protector with a lipid-lowering effect.

Doenjang Ameliorates Diet-Induced Hyperlipidemia and Hepatic Oxidative Damage by Improving Lipid Metabolism, Oxidative Stress, and Inflammation in ICR Mice.

Hyperlipidemia, characterized by elevated cholesterol, lipids, and triglycerides in the bloodstream, is linked to hepatic oxidative damage. Doenjang, a traditional Korean condiment made from fermented soybeans, is known for its health benefits, yet its anti-hyperlipidemic effects remain understudied. Our study aimed to assess the hypolipidemic and hepatic protective effects of Doenjang on male ICR mice fed a high-fat cholesterol diet for 8 weeks. Mice were divided into three groups: the normal diet (ND), the high-fat cholesterol diet (HD), and the Doenjang-supplemented HD diet (DS) group. Doenjang supplementation significantly regulated total cholesterol, triglycerides, LDL cholesterol, and HDL cholesterol levels compared to the HD group. It also downregulated lipogenic genes, including PPARγ, FAS, and ACC, and positively influenced the cholesterol metabolism-related genes HMGCR and LXR. Moreover, Doenjang intake increased serum glutathione levels, activated oxidative stress defense genes (NRF2, SOD, GPx1, and CAT), positively modulated inflammation genes (NF-kB and IL6) in hepatic tissue, and reduced malondialdehyde levels. Our findings highlight the effectiveness of traditional Doenjang in preventing diet-induced hyperlipidemia and protecting against hepatic oxidative damage.

IF1 Knockout Protects Against Doxorubicin-Induced Cardiac Dysfunction by Improving Cardiomyocyte Energetics

Doxorubicin (DOX), a member of the Anthracycline antibiotics class, has been used as a potent chemotherapy agent against solid tumors. However, its use is limited by its cardiotoxicity. It is well-documented that mitochondrial dysfunction is one of the main mechanisms of DOX-induced cardiotoxicity. ATP synthase inhibitory subunit 1 (ATPIF1, or IF1) is an endogenous inhibitor of mitochondrial ATP synthase. Recent studies indicate that IF1 may suppress mitochondrial respiration via inhibiting ATP synthase. Others and our previous studies demonstrated that IF1 inactivation exerts hepatic and cardiac protective effects. We hypothesize that the absence of IF1 protects the heart from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by improving mitochondrial energy metabolism. We first investigate the impact of IF1 KO on mitochondrial respiration using the high-resolution respirometer (OROBOROS) on freshly isolated cardiac mitochondria from IF1 KO and WT mice. IF1 KO mitochondria did show substantially increased state 2, state 3, and state 4 respiration rates compared with those of WT. We then investigated if WT and IF1 KO mice respond differently to DOX treatment. WT and IF1 KO mice at the ages of 12-16 weeks either received DOX 3mg/kg/every other day or vehicle intraperitoneally for two weeks. In vivo, cardiac function was evaluated using the VEVO F2 Echocardiographic system (Visual Sonic) 4 and 6 weeks after initiation of DOX and vehicle administration. Compared with the vehicle-treated WT mice, left ventricular ejection fraction (LVEF) was substantially decreased in DOX-treated WT mice compared with vehicle-treated WT mice. In contrast, LVEF in DOX-IF1 KO mice was substantially less reduced compared with vehicle-treated IF1 KO mice. We next investigated if improving cellular energetics is the critical mechanism underlying the protective effects of IF1 KO. Mouse neonatal cardiomyocyte (NMCM) isolated from WT and IF1 KO mice were cultured and treated with 0.5 and 1mM Dox for 24 hours. Cellular energetics were measured with the Mito stress assay using the Seahorse Bioanalyzer (96Xpro, Agilent). Basal, maximal, and ATP production-linked oxygen consumption rates were markedly decreased in DOX-treated-NMCM but not in DOX-treated IF1 KO NMCM compared with Vehicle-treated NMCM. In summary, the above in vivo and in vitro investigations support that IF1 inactivation is protective against DOX cardiac toxicity, at least partly, via improving cellular energetics; therefore, inactivating IF1 may be a potential therapeutic target to prevent and mitigate DOX-induced cardiomyopathy in patients. This research was supported by project number 5R01HL160969 from the National Heart Lung and Blood Institute at the NIH. This is the full abstract presented at the American Physiology Summit 2024 meeting and is only available in HTML format. There are no additional versions or additional content available for this abstract. Physiology was not involved in the peer review process.

Polysaccharide from Hericium erinaceus improved laying performance of aged hens by promoting yolk precursor synthesis and follicle development via liver-blood-ovary axis

Little information is available on the effect of Hericium erinaceus polysaccharides (HEP) on laying hens, especially on improving liver and ovarian health and function. Therefore, this study was conducted to investigate the impacts of HEP on liver and ovarian function to delay the decline in the laying performance of aged hens. A total of 360 fifty-eight-wk-old laying hens were randomly allocated to 4 treatments, with 6 replicates of 15 birds each. After 2 wk of adaptation, the birds were fed basal diet (CON) or basal diets supplemented with 250, 500, and 750 mg/kg of HEP (HEP250, HEP500, and HEP 750, respectively) for 12 wk. The results showed that, compared with CON, hens fed HEP had significantly increased laying performance (P < 0.05) and promoted follicle development, as evidenced by the increased numbers of hierarchical follicles, small follicles, and total follicles (P < 0.05). Birds fed 500 mg/kg of HEP improved the liver function by increasing T-AOC activity (P < 0.05) and decreasing hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory responses (inflammatory cell infiltration) caused by aging. The lipid metabolism was improved, and yolk precursor synthesis was promoted in the liver of HEP-treated laying hens by upregulating the mRNA expression of FAS, MTTP, PPAR-α, APOVLDL-Ⅱ, and VTG-Ⅱ (P < 0.05). In addition, HEP significantly decreased ovarian inflammation by regulating the mRNA levels of NF-κB, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α (P < 0.05). As a result, the contents of E2, LH, and FSH in serum and the gene expression of ERα of the liver and FSHR of the ovary increased in HEP-treated hens (P < 0.05). In conclusion, dietary HEP supplementation exhibited potential hepatic and ovarian protective effects, thereby increasing the laying performance of aged hens by enhancing reproductive hormone secretion hormone secretion and promoting yolk precursor synthesis and follicle development via the liver-blood-ovary axis. The optimal supplementation level of HEP in aged hens was 500 mg/kg.

Hepatoprotective Activity of &lt;i&gt;Flueggea virosa&lt;/i&gt; Against d-Galactosamine Induced Liver Damage in Rats

Flueggea virosa belonging to the family Phyllanthaceae, commonly known as White berry bush was traditionally used for the treatment of rheumatism, sterility, and rashes, and an infusion of the root is taken to relieve malaria. The study was intended to evaluate the hepatoprotective effect of hydroethanolic extract of the roots of Flueggea virosa (200, 400, and 600 mg/kg) against d-Galactosamine-induced liver damage in rats. Silymarin (100 mg/kg) was used as a reference drug. Blood samples were collected after 24 h for haematological and biochemical investigation before the rats were euthanized, and liver samples were taken for histopathology. Oral administration of the HEFV at a dose of 200 mg/kg displayed a significant hepatorenal protective effect against d-Galactosamine by lowering liver biomarkers (SGPT, SGOT, and ALP), kidney biomarker levels (urea and creatinine) and hematological parameters when compared with the disease control group. These findings were strongly supported by the histopathological results of liver sections with fewer pathological changes in comparison with the group treated by the standard drug silymarin and verified the protective effect of the plant extract. The LCMS report of the extract revealed the presence of hepatoprotective ingredients like Tocopherol, Fraxetin, Glaucine, Kaempferol, Methicillin, Capsaicin, and Austinol in the hydroethanolic extract of Flueggea virosa root. The results show that the selected dose of Flueggea virosa (200 and 400 mg/kg) showed dose-dependent hepatoprotective effects on d-Galactosamine-induced hepatotoxicity in rats. The protection of Flueggea virosa against d-Galactosamine-induced liver damage and restoration of biochemical values could result from the content of tocopherols and tetrahydroxy flavones.

Tomato Extract Antagonizes Cadmium-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Nephrotoxicity in Mice and HepG2 Cells: Inhibition of Oxidative Damage and Apoptosis

Cadmium (Cd), a highly toxic heavy metal, accumulates in the liver and kidneys in the human body by several routes. Tomatoes and related processed food possess multiple physiological functions such as antioxidation, antiinflammation, and anticancer. Herein, to investigate whether tomato extract (TE) can protect against cadmium chloride (CdCl2)-induced oxidative damage in the liver and kidneys, the oxidative damage models were established in vitro and in vivo, and the control group and TE intervention groups were also set up. A significant elevation was observed in Cd concentration and the level of alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), creatinine (CR), and uric acid (UA) in the serum of CdCl2-treated rats compared with the control group, by contrast, these values were reduced following TE intervention. Moreover, it was found that exposure to CdCl2 decreased the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity, glutathione (GSH) level, and catalase (CAT) activity and raised the malondialdehyde (MDA) level in serum, liver tissues, kidney tissues, and HepG2 cells, which can be reversed by TE to mitigate the oxidative damage. In addition, TE exerted an inhibitory effect on cell apoptosis in both liver and kidneys brought on by CdCl2 intoxication, as manifested by the downregulation of Caspase-3 protein and the up-regulation of B-cell lymphoma gene 2 (Bcl-2) protein after TE treatment. Altogether, our study reinforces previous findings that CdCl2 exposure disrupted the redox homeostasis, leading to oxidative damage in both liver and kidneys. More importantly, our findings suggest that the hepatorenal protective effect of TE against CdCl2 toxicity is implicated in the inhibition of oxidative stress and apoptosis.

Effect of oral silymarin on liver function in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia in the maintenance phase: a double-blind randomized clinical trial.

Introduction: Liver dysfunction is one of the most common disorders in patients with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). In recent studies, silymarin has been observed to have hepatic protective effects. Therefore, in this study, the effect of oral silymarin on the hepatic functions of patients with ALL was investigated. Methods: In the present double-blind clinical trial study, 121 patients with ALL over 5years of age were divided into two groups after obtaining informed consent. The subjects were randomly divided into a silymarin-treatment group and a placebo group. In the silymarin-treatment group, patients received 70mg oral capsules of silymarin twice daily or syrup of silymarin three times a day (each 5ml of syrup contains 50mg of silymarin). Patients were examined once a month for 9months to receive capsules and measure the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate transferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), gamma-glutamyl transferase (GGT), bilirubin, albumin, and cholesterol. Results: Comparison of changes before and after treatment in the two groups showed that receiving oral silymarin resulted in a slight significant decrease in the levels of ALT, AST, GGT, and bilirubin (p < 0.05), but had no effect on ALP, albumin, and cholesterol (p > 0.05). Discussion: The results of the present study showed that in pediatric patients with ALL, silymarin intake improves liver function. The very strong antioxidant effect of silymarin may explain its protective effect on the liver. Clinical Trial Registration: IRCT20150119020715N10.

Antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective effects of medicinal plants in STZ induced diabetic rats.

The antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective effects of Citrullus colocynthis and Momordica charantia ethanol extracts were investigated in streptozotocin (STZ) induced diabetic male albino rats. Diabetic rats were treated with C. colocynthis, M. charantia or C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract at a dose of 250 mg /kg body weight per oral per day for 21 days. The mean body weight of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly lower than the normal control rat group (P<0.05). The blood glucose level of all the diabetic rat groups on day 1 of treatment (day 10 of diabetes) was significantly (P<0.05) higher (> 200 mg/dl) than the normal control rat group (95.5 ± 2.7). At the end of treatment (day 21), the diabetic rats treated with plant extracts showed significant increase (P<0.05) in body weight and significant (P<0.05) reduction in blood glucose level when compared to diabetic control animals. Significant increase (< 0.05) was observed in the serum bilirubin, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea and creatinine levels of diabetic control rat group. The serum levels of these liver and kidney-related parameters of diabetic rats treated with plant extract were significantly lower when compared to diabetic control rat group (p < 0.05). Photomicrographs of liver and kidney microsections from diabetic rats treated with these plant extracts showed amelioration in the hepato-renal histoarchitectures. It was concluded that the C. colocynthis and M. charantia methanol extracts are antidiabetic and hepato-renal protective in STZ induced diabetic male rats. Treatment of the diabetic rats with C. colocynthis + M. charantia mixed extract is more effective in the amelioration of diabetes and hepato-renal injuries in STZ induced diabetic male rats.

Hepatoprotective Effects of Carissa spinarum Extract on Carbon Tetra Chloride Induced Liver Damage in Zebrafish (Danio rerio)

Objectives: A study was performed to check if the leaf extract of the plant Carissa spinarum exhibits a hepatoprotective effect. As there is an increase in demand for hepatoprotective drugs, this study was an attempt to introduce an alternative to hepatoprotective drugs. Material and Methods: An acute toxicity study was performed on adult wild strain Zebrafish (Danio rerio), and carbon tetra chloride (5 ppm) (parts per million) was utilized to induce hepatic damage. A preliminary study was also performed for the standardization of doses. Animals were divided into seven groups, consisting of 10 each, and treated with an aqua-alcoholic extract prepared from the shadow dried leaves of the plant Carissa spinarum at doses of 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, and 2 ppm. Silymarin (50 ppm) was used as a standard hepatoprotective drug. Results: Groups received plant extract at doses of 0.5 ppm, 1 ppm, and 2 ppm; a hepatic-protective effect was seen in all these groups. The most hepatic-protective effect was seen at the highest dose (2 ppm). Phytochemical studies also verified the presence of various plant secondary metabolites. Conclusions: The whole experiment was aimed at finding out the hepatoprotective effect of an extract prepared from the leaves of the plant Carissa spinarum. After the administration of the plant extract, it helped the liver and other organs heal faster, which proves it also exhibits regenerative properties.

Hematopoietic effect of echinochrome on phenylhydrazine-induced hemolytic anemia in rats

Background Hemolytic anemia (HA) is a serious health condition resulting from reduced erythrocytes’ average life span. Echinochrome (Ech) is a dark-red pigment found in shells and spines of sea urchins. Aim Studying the potential therapeutic effect of Ech on phenylhydrazine (PHZ)-induced HA in rats. Methods Eighteen rats were divided into three groups (n = 6): the control group, the phenylhydrazine-induced HA group and the Ech group, injected intraperitoneally with PHZ and supplemented with oral Ech daily for 6 days. Results Ech resulted in a considerable increase in RBCs, WBCs, and platelets counts, hemoglobin, reduced glutathione, catalase, and glutathione-S-transferase levels, and a significant decrease in aspartate &amp; alanine aminotransferases, alkaline phosphatase, gamma-glutamyl transferase, bilirubin, creatinine, urea, urate, malondialdehyde &amp; nitric oxide levels in anemic rats. Histopathological examination of liver and kidney tissue samples showed marked improvement. Conclusion Ech ameliorated phenylhydrazine-induced HA with a hepatorenal protective effect owing to its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Hepatorenal Protective Effects of Walnut Oil against Anticancer Drug Methotrexate in Experimentally Induced Liver and Kidney Toxicity in Rats

The aim of this study was to investigate the hepatorenal protective effects of walnut oil (WO) against anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX)-induced kidney and liver toxicity. In our study, 40 male Sprague Dawley rats weighing between 200–250 g were used. The rats were randomly divided into four groups; Group 1, control group (corn oil by gavage for 14 days and intraperitoneal (i.p.) physiological saline on the third day, $$n=10$$), Group 2, WO group (2 ml/kg WO by gavage for 14 days and i.p. physiological saline on the third day, $$n=10$$), Group 3, MTX group (corn oil by gavage for 14 days and 20 mg/kg MTX single dose i.p. on the third day, $$n=10$$), Group 4, MTX+WO group (2 ml/kg WO by gavage for 14 days and 20 mg/kg MTX single dose i.p. on the third day, $$n=10$$). At the end of the experiment, the rats were decapitated. Kidney and liver were preserved at –86 °C and biochemical measurements were performed. Thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels increased and superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and catalase (CAT) activities decreased in kidney and liver tissues in the methotrexate alone group compared to the control group. In the MTX+WO treated group, TBARS level decreased and GSH, CAT, SOD and GPx activities increased significantly compared to the MTX alone treated group. It was found that MTX caused oxidative damage in kidney and liver tissues and WO prevented this damage. Walnut oil is protective against MTX-induced kidney and liver toxicity.

Anti-Inflammatory Activity of Fucan from Spatoglossum schröederi in a Murine Model of Generalized Inflammation Induced by Zymosan.

Fucans from marine algae have been the object of many studies that demonstrated a broad spectrum of biological activities, including anti-inflammatory effects. The aim of this study was to verify the protective effects of a fucan extracted from the brown algae Spatoglossum schröederi in animals submitted to a generalized inflammation model induced by zymosan (ZIGI). BALB/c mice were first submitted to zymosan-induced peritonitis to evaluate the treatment dose capable of inhibiting the induced cellular migration in a simple model of inflammation. Mice were treated by the intravenous route with three doses (20, 10, and 5 mg/kg) of our fucan and, 1 h later, were inoculated with an intraperitoneal dose of zymosan (40 mg/kg). Peritoneal exudate was collected 24 h later for the evaluation of leukocyte migration. Doses of the fucan of Spatoglossum schröederi at 20 and 10 mg/kg reduced peritoneal cellular migration and were selected to perform ZIGI experiments. In the ZIGI model, treatment was administered 1 h before and 6 h after the zymosan inoculation (500 mg/kg). Treatments and challenges were administered via intravenous and intraperitoneal routes, respectively. Systemic toxicity was assessed 6 h after inoculation, based on three clinical signs (bristly hair, prostration, and diarrhea). The peritoneal exudate was collected to assess cellular migration and IL-6 levels, while blood samples were collected to determine IL-6, ALT, and AST levels. Liver tissue was collected for histopathological analysis. In another experimental series, weight loss was evaluated for 15 days after zymosan inoculation and fucan treatment. The fucan treatment did not present any effect on ZIGI systemic toxicity; however, a fucan dose of 20 mg/kg was capable of reducing the weight loss in treated mice. The treatment with both doses also reduced the cellular migration and reduced IL-6 levels in peritoneal exudate and serum in doses of 20 and 10 mg/kg, respectively. They also presented a protective effect in the liver, with a reduction in hepatic transaminase levels in both doses of treatment and attenuated histological damage in the liver at a dose of 10 mg/kg. Fucan from S. schröederi presented a promising pharmacological activity upon the murine model of ZIGI, with potential anti-inflammatory and hepatic protective effects, and should be the target of profound and elucidative studies.

Chia (Salvia Hispanica): An Overview of Its Botany, Uses, Reproductive, Biology, Pharmacological Properties and Industrial Potentials

The consumption of chia seed (Salvia hispanica L.) has increased in recent years due to its high content of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and dietary fibre. This seed also has a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, becoming a promising source of bioactive compounds such as chlorogenic acid, caffeic acid, myricetin, quercetin and kaempferol with the major phenolic acid being rosmarinic acide. Owing to the rich nutritional profile, chia seeds provide numerous health benefits such as cardiac and hepatic protective effects, anti-aging and anti-carcinogenic properties. The high amounts of dietary fibres present in the seeds also confer benefits by preserving good glycemic control thus helping in controlling diabetes mellitus. In addition to the food industry for the development of various baked products, production of biodegradable edible films, use as emulsifiers and stabilizers among other uses. In this article we have focused on drafting a technical description of the chia.

Compensatory Increase of Serum Hepassocin Protects Hyperthyroidism-Induced Hepatic Dysfunction.

Hepatic dysfunction is commonly observed in subjects with hyperthyroidism. Hepassocin is a hepatokine playing an important role in metabolic diseases and exhibiting a hepatic protective effect. Nevertheless, the relationship between hepassocin and hyperthyroidism was still unknown. In the present study, a total of 36 subjects with Graves' disease were enrolled, and we found that the alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels were significantly decreased in parallel with the decrement in serum hepassocin concentrations at 6 months after standard treatment for hyperthyroidism. In addition, HepG2 cell line was used to investigate the role of hepassocin in hyperthyroidism-induced hepatic dysfunction. Treatment of hepassocin recombinant protein in HepG2 cells dose-dependently decreased triiodothyronine (T3)-induced ALT and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) elevation. Moreover, hepassocin significantly increased the expression of phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase (PEPCK) in a dose-dependent manner. Deletion of hepassocin in HepG2 cells reversed the effects of T3 on PEPCK expressions. Furthermore, we found that T3 increased the expression of hepassocin through a hepatocyte nuclear factor 1α-dependent pathway. Taken together, these results indicated a compensatory increase in serum hepassocin might have a protective role in hyperthyroidism-induced hepatic dysfunction.