Liver Biochemical Parameters Research Articles

Mentha rotundifolia (L.) Huds. and Salvia officinalis L. hydrosols mitigate aging related comorbidities in rats.

Aging is often linked to oxidative stress, where the body experiences increased damage from free radicals. Plants are rich sources of antioxidants, playing a role in slowing down aging and supporting the proper functioning and longevity of cells. Our study focuses on exploring the impact of Mentha rotundifolia (MR) and Salvia officinalis (SO) hydrosols on aging-related comorbidities. The chemical composition of MR and SO hydrosols was analyzed by gas chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry. 2,2-Diphenyl 1-picrylhydrazyl and 2,20-azino-bis 3-ethylbenzothiazoline-6-sulfonic acid radicals scavenging assays were used to assess their in vitro antioxidant activity, and heat induced albumin denaturation test was used to evaluate their anti-inflammatory activity. Subsequently, we administered 5% of each plant hydrosol in the drinking water of 18-month-old rats for six months. We then conducted behavioral tests, including open field, dark/light box, rotarod, and Y-maze assessments, and measured biochemical parameters in plasma, liver and brain tissues. At two years old, animals treated with MR and SO hydrosols displayed fewer physical and behavioral impairments, along with well-preserved redox homeostasis in comparison with animals in the control group. These results highlighted the significance of MR and SO hydrosols in addressing various aspects of age-related comorbidities. The study suggests that these plant-derived hydrosols may have potential applications in promoting healthy aging and mitigating associated health challenges.

The protective effect of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharide on alcoholic liver injury in C57BL/6 mice

An alcohol-induced liver injury model was induced in C57BL/6 mice to assess the protective efficacy of Enteromorpha prolifera polysaccharides (EP) against liver damage. Histological alterations in the liver were examined following hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Biochemical assay kits and ELISA kits were employed to analyze serum and liver biochemical parameters, as well as the activity of antioxidant enzymes and alcohol metabolism-related enzymes. The presence of oxidative stress-related proteins in the liver was detected using western blotting. Liquid chromatography and mass spectrometry were used to profile serum metabolites in mice. The findings demonstrated that EP-H (100 mg/Kg) reduced serum ALT and AST activity by 2.31-fold and 2.32-fold, respectively, when compared to the alcohol-induced liver injury group. H&E staining revealed a significant attenuation of microvesicular steatosis and ballooning pathology in the EP-H group compared to the model group. EP administration was found to enhance alcohol metabolism by regulating metabolite-related enzymes (ADH and ALDH) and decreasing CYP2E1 expression. EP also modulated the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway to bolster hepatic antioxidant capacity. Furthermore, EP restored the levels of lipid metabolites (Glycine, Butanoyl-CoA, and Acetyl-CoA) to normalcy. In summary, EP confers protection to the liver through the regulation of antioxidant activity and lipid metabolites in the murine liver.

Protective effects of Tinospora cordifolia miers extract against hepatic and neurobehavioral deficits in thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats via modulating hyperammonemia and glial cell activation

Ethnopharmacological relevanceTinospora cordifolia (TC) a potential medicinal herb, has been ethnobotanically used as an eco-friendly supplement to manage various diseases, including cerebral fever. Earlier studies have shown that TC exhibits diverse beneficial effects, including hepatoprotective and neuroprotective effects. However, the effects of TC remain unexplored in animal models of encephalopathy including hepatic encephalopathy (HE). Aim of the studyTo evaluate the effects of TC stem extract against thioacetamide (TAA)-induced behavioural and molecular alterations in HE rats. Methods and materialsThe extract was preliminarily screened through phytochemical and HR-LC/MS analysis. Animals were pre-treated with TC extract at doses 30 and 100 mg/kg, orally. Following 7 days of TC pre-treatment, HE was induced by administering TAA (300 mg/kg, i. p. thrice). Behavioural assessments were performed after 56 h of TAA first dose. The animals were then sacrificed to assess biochemical parameters in serum, liver and brain. Liver tissue was used for immunoblotting and histological studies to evaluate inflammatory and fibrotic signalling. Moreover, brain tissue was used to evaluate brain edema, activation of glial cells (GFAP, IBA-1) and NF-κB/NLRP3 downstream signalling via immunoblotting and immunohistochemical analysis in cortex and hippocampus. ResultsThe pre-treatment with TC extract effective mitigated TAA-induced behavioural alterations, lowered serum LFT (AST, ALT, ALP, bilirubin) and oxidative stress markers in liver and brain. TC treatment significantly modulated hyperammonemia, cerebral edema and preserved the integrity of BBB proteins in HE animals. TC treatment attenuated TAA-induced histological changes, tissue inflammation (pNF-κB (p65), TNF-α, NLRP3) and fibrosis (collagen, α-SMA) in liver. In addition, immunoblotting analysis revealed TC pre-treatment inhibited fibrotic proteins such as vimentin, TGF-β1 and pSmad2/3 in the liver. Our study further showed that TC treatment downregulated the expression of MAPK/NF-κB inflammatory signalling, as well as GFAP and IBA-1 (glial cell markers) in cortex and hippocampus of TAA-intoxicated rats. Additionally, TC-treated animals exhibited reduced expression of caspase3/9 and BAX induced by TAA. ConclusionThis study revealed promising insights on the protective effects of TC against HE. The findings clearly demonstrated that the significant inhibition of MAPK/NF-κB signalling and glial cell activation could be responsible for the observed beneficial effects of TC in TAA-induced HE rats.

Ameliorative Efficacy of Honey On Liver Biochemical Parameters of Albino Rat After Exposure to Rice Straw Smoke Exposure

Ameliorative Efficacy of Honey On Liver Biochemical Parameters of Albino Rat After Exposure to Rice Straw Smoke Exposure

Prevalence of Sarcopenia in Liver Cirrhosis Patients and Determinants of Survival in Cirrhotic Population: A Prospective Cohort Study

Introduction: Chronic liver diseases are the leading cause of mortality and are associated with a significant reduction in health-related quality of life, as well as being a major complication in cirrhosis. There is a high risk of reduced muscle mass, muscle strength, or function, known as sarcopenia, in patients with liver cirrhosis. Sarcopenia is a major determinant of survival in cirrhosis patients, along with the Child-Turcotte Pugh (CTP) score and the Model for End-stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores. Aim: To study the prevalence of sarcopenia in patients with liver cirrhosis by assessing skeletal muscle mass using the third lumbar level Skeletal Muscle Index (SMI) through Computed Tomography (CT) and to determine the survival analysis of the cohort using a Cox regression model. Materials and Methods: The present study was a prospective cohort study conducted in the Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology at Sree Gokulam Medical College and Research Foundation in Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala, India South India, from October 2018 to October 2022. A total of 209 patients with cirrhosis were evaluated. Liver biochemical parameters, CTP score, and the MELD score were studied. Age, gender, and aetiology were noted. All subjects were assessed for sarcopenia using CT at the third lumbar vertebrae level SMI, and all subjects were followed up every six months for survival. Survival curves and survival probability were evaluated for all the subjects recruited in the present study. Cumulative survival rates were estimated by the Kaplan-Meier method for sarcopenia, CTP score, and the MELD scores after categorisation into the aetiology of cirrhosis, and the groups were compared using the Log-rank test. Independent factors associated with mortality were identified using Cox proportional hazards models. A p-value <0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age±Standard Deviation of the subjects was 58.24±9.9 years. Among the subjects, males accounted for 161 (77%), while 48 (23%) were females. In subjects with sarcopenia (n=77), the survival rate was 53 (68.8%), and in subjects without sarcopenia (n=132), the survival rate was significantly higher at 110 (83.3%) with a p-value <0.05 (p=0.027). Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that sarcopenia was a statistically significant predictor of survival. The mortality risk was higher in individuals with sarcopenia, with a Hazard Ratio (HR) of 1.9 and a 95% Confidence Interval (CI) ranging from 1.1-1.4. In the Cox regression model, CTP class B/C had a 2.4 times higher risk for mortality than CTP class A (p<0.05). Individuals with sarcopenia had a 1.76 times higher risk of mortality compared to those without (HR=1.765, 95% CI: 0.983-3.17) in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Aetiology and CTP class scores were independently associated with mortality (p<0.05) after adjusting for multiple prognostic factors in the multivariate Cox regression analysis. Conclusion: Univariate Cox regression analysis indicated that sarcopenia was a statistically significant predictor of survival, with a higher mortality risk in individuals with sarcopenia. The multivariate Cox regression model for survival concluded that CTP class B/C posed a higher risk for mortality compared to CTP class A.

Garcinia Biflavonoid 1 from Garcinia kola Ameliorates Glycolipid Metabolism Disorder in Type 2 Diabetic db/db Mice

Background: Garcinia kola is recommended in African folk medicine for the treatment of diabetes and its associated complications. In this study, we investigated the effects of Garcinia biflavonoid 1 (GB1), an active chemical component of Garcinia kola, on blood glucose and lipid in db/db mice with type 2 diabetes. Methods: Db/db mice were divided into 4 groups: vehicle, low-dose GB1 (50 mg/kg), high-dose GB1 (100 mg/kg), and rosiglitazone, and treated for 4 weeks. Body weight, fasting blood glucose (FBG), fasting insulin, oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), insulin tolerance test (ITT), hepatic glycogen, serum and liver biochemical parameters, and histological morphology of the pancreas, heart, and kidneys were evaluated. Results: GB1 significantly reduced FBG, the area under the curve value of OGTT and ITT, and the homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance, increased the homeostasis model assessment of β-cell function, quantitative insulin sensitivity check index, and the level of hepatic glycogen. Lower triglyceride and free fatty acid level, and a lower triglyceride-glucose index were also observed in the GB1 groups. In addition, no significant changes in alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase levels, or in the histopathology of the pancreas, heart, or kidney were observed after GB1 treatment. Conclusion: These findings indicate that GB1 exerts an antidiabetic effect in db/db mice, by improving hyperglycemia, insulin resistance, and lipid dysregulation without evidence of adverse reactions.

Three different oils improve HFD‐induced lipid metabolism disorders via driving gut microbiota

AbstractSchizochytrium sp. L. oil (SO), fish oil (FO), and sacha inchi oil (SIO) can regulate high‐fat diet‐induced obesity, but the effect on gut microbiota and the mechanism remain unclear. This study aimed to find out the different effects of the three oils mediated the gut microbiota on lipid metabolism. In comparison with the high‐fat diet (HFD) group, SO, FO, and SIO could reduce fat mass accumulation and decrease the levels of the serum and liver biochemical parameters in mice. The regulatory effect on gut microbiota in mice is determined by 16S rRNA gene high‐throughput sequencing. Caulobacter, Acetatifactor, and Mucispirillum as dominant bacterial genus are enriched in intervention groups. SO, SIO, and FO could distinctly decrease interleukin 6, nuclear factor‐kappa B, tumor necrosis factor‐alpha, sterol regulatory element‐binding protein 1c, FAS, and HMGCR expressions in liver, upregulate the expression of acyl‐coenzyme A oxidase 1 and A acetyltransferases and regulate the thermogenesis. SO, SIO, and FO has a comprehensive impact on lipid metabolism by the expression of genes related to fat synthesis, cholesterol synthesis, inflammation, energy consumption, the structure of intestinal flora, abundance of beneficial bacteria, and intestinal diversity. Based on these results, SO, SIO, and FO may be used as functional food to drive beneficial changes in gut microbiota and then regulate the lipid metabolism disorders.Practical Applications: Obesity‐related diseases caused by lipid metabolism disorders have driven the rapid development of the diet drug market. However, the side effects of diet drugs on the human body also make the majority of consumers worried. Natural oil products that regulate lipid metabolism disorders and dietary obesity provide a substitute. Schizochytrium sp. L. oil (SO), fish oil (FO), and sacha inchi oil (SIO) are rich in high‐quality unsaturated fatty acids and are not suitable for high temperature cooking but can be eaten in low temperature cooking and sauces and so on. SO, FO, and SIO can be used to develop functional food that could reduce lipid metabolism disorders.

Evaluation of the Antiparasitic, Antihepatotoxicity, and Antioxidant Efficacy of Quercetin and Chitosan, Either Alone or in Combination, against Infection Induced by Giardia lamblia in Male Rats.

Giardia lamblia (G. lamblia) is one of the most common protozoal infections and a key cause of malabsorption, some cases of mental developmental issues in children, and reduced body weight. The known antiparasitic medications, which are the standard drugs used for parasitic treatment, have several side effects and sometimes exhibit low efficacy. Therefore, the current study aimed to evaluate the treatment with quercetin (QC) or chitosan (CH), either alone or in combination, as possible alternative therapeutic agents that may alleviate the side effects of G. lamblia infections and restore the normal architecture of the intestinal muscles. They are investigated as alternatives to other routinely administered drugs that may gradually lose their efficacy due to human resistance to therapeutic agents. This study was carried out on 50 male albino rats that were divided into five groups with 10 rats in each group: the control group (Group I), the infected non-treated group (Group II), the infected group treated with QC (Group III), the infected treated group with CH (Group IV), and the infected group treated with a combination of QC and CH (Group V). The effect was first evaluated by counting the G. lamblia fecal cysts in the stool, examining histopathological sections of the intestine with the appearance of trophozoites in the infected group, and conducting a transmission electron microscopic examination of the tissues of the small intestine. Alterations in the biochemical parameters of liver and kidney function and the antioxidant enzymes in the liver tissues of SOD, CAT, and GSH, and non-enzymatic markers of lipid peroxidation (MDA) were evaluated. The results showed a significant decline in the number of parasites in the stool samples, with a marked elevation in the number of trophozoites in the intestinal sections of the infected non-treated group as compared to the infected treated groups. The last group, which was treated with a combination of QC and CH, showed the best results in terms of a decline in the infection rate of G. lamblia in stool samples, with a marked and clear improvement in the intestinal mucosa, regular muscles with normal enteric ganglions, and reduced rates of intestinal injuries caused by G. lamblia trophozoites. Both QC and CH had non-toxic effects on the biochemical parameters of the liver and kidneys, as well as pronounced antioxidant activities due to the elevation of SOD, CAT, and GSH in conjunction with a decline in the levels of MDA. A combination of QC and CH can be considered a potent antiparasitic, anti-hepatotoxic, and antioxidant therapeutic agent; it could constitute a promising alternative treatment agent against G. lamblia infection.

Antidiabetic Activity and HPTLC Analysis of a Classical Indian Herbomineral Formulation – Vidangadilouham

Background:: Vidangalilouham (VDL) is an Ayurveda classical Indian herbomineral preparation prescribed for its effective antidiabetic activity. Among the official formulations of Ayurveda, five different compositions are available by the same name. The particular composition used in this study is only marketed but has yet to be evaluated. Aim and Objective:: The study aimed to assess and validate the antihyperglycemic activity of VDL in high-fat and low-dose streptozotocin (STZ)-induced diabetic animal models. Methods:: High-fat diet-induced animal model of hyperglycemia was generated by a single intraperitoneal injection of STZ (35 mg/kg body weight) into the rats fed with high fat for the previous 30 days. Seven days after STZ induction, the hyperglycemic rats were treated with VDL orally at 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight daily for 28 days. The fasting blood glucose levels (FBG) were measured every 7th day during the 28 days of treatment. The glycosylated hemoglobin levels, liver and serum biochemical parameters, and histopathological findings were estimated and compared. Results and Discussion:: VDL-treated animals significantly exhibited reduced FBG levels compared to the diabetic control group. The lipid peroxidation and antioxidant enzyme levels, such as CAT, GSH, and SOD, in the VDL-treated groups, were restored toward normal levels compared to diabetic control groups, and the values were comparable with the standard group (metformin). The critical diabetic marker, i.e., glycosylated hemoglobin levels were significantly (*p<0.05) decreased when treated with VDL. Conclusion:: Improvement in the FBG and the restoration of all other biomarkers observed in this study indicate VDL to have excellent antidiabetic activity with meager side effects, and thus, the findings provide a scientific rationale for its use as an antidiabetic agent.

Abrupt Photoperiod Changes Differentially Modulate Hepatic Antioxidant Response in Healthy and Obese Rats: Effects of Grape Seed Proanthocyanidin Extract (GSPE)

Disruptions of the light/dark cycle and unhealthy diets can promote misalignment of biological rhythms and metabolic alterations, ultimately leading to an oxidative stress condition. Grape seed proanthocyanidin extract (GSPE), which possesses antioxidant properties, has demonstrated its beneficial effects in metabolic-associated diseases and its potential role in modulating circadian disruptions. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the impact of GSPE administration on the liver oxidant system of healthy and diet-induced obese rats undergoing a sudden photoperiod shift. To this end, forty-eight photoperiod-sensitive Fischer 344/IcoCrl rats were fed either a standard (STD) or a cafeteria diet (CAF) for 6 weeks. A week before euthanizing, rats were abruptly transferred from a standard photoperiod of 12 h of light/day (L12) to either a short (6 h light/day, L6) or a long photoperiod (18 h light/day, L18) while receiving a daily oral dose of vehicle (VH) or GSPE (25 mg/kg). Alterations in body weight gain, serum and liver biochemical parameters, antioxidant gene and protein expression, and antioxidant metabolites were observed. Interestingly, GSPE partially ameliorated these effects by reducing the oxidative stress status in L6 through an increase in GPx1 expression and in hepatic antioxidant metabolites and in L18 by increasing the NRF2/KEAP1/ARE pathway, thereby showing potential in the treatment of circadian-related disorders by increasing the hepatic antioxidant response in a photoperiod-dependent manner.

Bisphenol A (BPA) exposure aggravates hepatic oxidative stress and inflammatory response under hypertensive milieu – Impact of low dose on hepatocytes and influence of MAPK and ER stress pathways

Human exposure to the hazardous chemical, Bisphenol A (BPA), is almost ubiquitous. Due to the prevalence of hypertension (CVD risk factor) in the aged human population, it is necessary to explore its adverse effect in hypertensive subjects. The current study exposed the Nω-nitro-l-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME) induced hypertensive Wistar rats to human exposure relevant low dose of BPA (50 μg/kg) for 30 days period. The liver biochemical parameters, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, gene expression (RT-qPCR), trace elements (ICP-MS), primary rat hepatocytes cell culture and metabolomic (1H NMR) assessments were performed. Results illustrate that BPA exposure potentiates/aggravates hypertension induced tissue abnormalities (hepatic fibrosis), oxidative stress, ACE activity, malfunction of the antioxidant system, lipid abnormalities and inflammatory factor (TNF-α and IL-6) expression. Also, in cells, BPA increased ROS generation, mitochondrial dysfunction and lipid peroxidation without any impact on cytotoxicity and caspase 3 and 9 activation. Notably, BPA exposure modulate lipid metabolism (cholesterol and fatty acid) in primary hepatocytes. Finally, the influence of ERK1/2, p38MAPK, ER stress and oxidative stress during relatively high dose of BPA elicited cytotoxicity was observed. Therefore, a precise hazardous risk investigation of BPA exposure in hypertensive populations is highly recommended.

Prophylactic Efficacy of <i>Allium sativum</i> Essential Oil on Hepatic Tissues of Mice Model Exposed to Inorganic Lead Salt

Hypothesis: Lead is a pervasive environmental pollutant that is major threat for human health. Allium sativum essential oil could impart possible protection from Lead Nitrate (LN) as it contains organosulfur compounds which possess various pharmacological potential including antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anticancer, anti-apoptotic and other activities as well. Parameters Studied: The ameliorative role of Allium sativum essential oil on hepatic tissue damage caused by Lead nitrate was evaluated through oxidative stress, biochemical parameters, oxidative Stress Index (OSI) and hepatic biomarkers. Methodology and Results: In this study, six groups of animals were taken. These groups were: control animals, toxicant treated animals (LN), LN + plant oil low and high dose treated animals, LN + silymarin treated animals and LN + vehicle oil control group. Lead nitrate exposure significantly decreased the antioxidant molecules mainly SOD, CAT, Gpx, GSH, GST, TPC and increased the lipid peroxidation content, Oxidative Stress Index (OSI), liver indices, Total Cholesterol Content (TCC) and biochemical parameters [ALT, AST, ALP] In addition to this, Lead nitrate increased the level of hepatic biomarkers such as cytp4502E1, 5’-nucleotidase, and γ-glutamyltranspeptidase and decreased the cytb5 content in hepatic tissues. Conclusion: Antioxidant activity of Allium sativum Essential Oil (ASEO) prevented oxidative stress and restored the level of liver indices, biochemical parameters, and hepatic biomarkers in Lead nitrate-intoxicated mice. Therefore, ASEO can be considered as a promising protective strategy against Lead nitrate-induced hepatotoxicity.

Salvia officinalis flowers extract ameliorates liver and kidney injuries induced by simultaneous intoxication with ethanol/castor oil.

The current study investigated the possible mechanisms of aqueous extract Salvia officinalis flowers (SF-AE) and its protective effects against hepatorenal toxicities produced by simultaneous acute administration of ethanol (EtOH)/castor oil (CO). Healthy male rats (N = 50) were separated into five equal groups: control, Ethanol (EtOH) + Castor oil (CO), doses of increasing orders of SF-AE (50, 100, and 200 mg/kg, b.w., p.o.) during 15 days. Liver and kidney injuries were induced by EtOH (4 g/kg, b.w., p.o.) combined with CO (5 mL/kg, b.w., p.o.). Compared to the control group, SF-AE pretreatment protected against simultaneous administration of EtOH and CO-caused serious histological alterations in liver and kidney tissues. SF-AE also reversed liver and kidney biochemical parameters and lipid profile alterations. More importantly, SF-AE significantly reduced the malondialdehyde (MDA) level and counteracted the depletion of both enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants. SF-AE also prevents against inflammation induced by EtOH combined with CO, expressed by the rise of inflammation biomarkers (C-reactive protein: CRP and alkaline phosphatase: ALP). Additionally, combined EtOH intoxication and CO poisoning exerted an increase in H2 O2 , free iron and calcium levels. Impressively, SF-AE treatment regulated levels of these studied intracellular mediators in a dose-dependent manner. In conclusion, SF-AE can potentially improve liver and kidney injuries associated with biochemical parameter deregulations, possibly by controlling oxidative stress and inflammation.

Phytochemical composition, toxicological profiling and effect on pup birth weight of Corchorus olitorius leaf extract in rats: Implications for fetal macrosomia control

Ethnopharmacological relevanceCorchorus olitorius is used in ethnomedicine to arrest threatened miscarriage, ease labour, and promote smooth childbirth. Aim of the studyTo evaluate the phytochemical composition, toxicity profile, and effect of Corchorus olitorius L. leaf extract (COLE) on fetal macrosomia control in rats. Materials and methodsThe chemical constituents of COLE were determined using gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (GC-MS). A single dose of up to 5000 mg/kg was administered in the acute toxicity test, and the rats were monitored for 14 days. In the sub-acute toxicity study, rats were treated with the extract for 28 days, and liver function, renal function, lipid profile, and serum antioxidant parameters, coupled with liver and kidney histology, were used to assess the toxicity potential of the extract. In the pup birth weight study, treatment of pregnant rats lasted until the birth of pups and continued for an extra 4 weeks. Rats in group 1 served as a control, whereas rats in groups 2, 3, and 4 received daily doses of 200, 400, and 800 mg/kg body weight of COLE, respectively, via oral gavage. ResultsBioactive compounds such as D-limonene, phytol, hexadecanoic acid, 9-octadecenoic acid (Z), dodecanoic acid, and ethyl 9,12,15-octadecatrienoate with well-known pharmacological activities were detected. LD50 of COLE was >5000 mg/kg. COLE decreased body weight and increased red blood cell, packed cell volume, and haemoglobin values when compared with the control (p < 0.05). COLE significantly decreased alkaline phosphatase, alanine aminotransferase, and aspartate aminotransferase but did not cause any significant (p > 0.05) changes in other biochemical (liver and kidney) parameters when compared to control. COLE decreased total cholesterol, triglycerides, low-density lipoprotein cholesterol, and increased high-density lipoprotein cholesterol when compared with the control (p < 0.05). Birth weights of pups were significantly decreased in the COLE-treated groups when compared with the control (p < 0.05), but the observed difference terminated by the fourth week of weaning. ConclusionThe results showed that COLE is not toxic but has several bioactive compounds with known pharmacological activities and therefore may be a safe oral agent for fetal macrosomia control.

Hepatoprotective agents in the management of intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy: current knowledge and prospects.

Intrahepatic cholestasis of pregnancy (ICP) is characterized by unexplained distressing pruritus in the mother and poses significant risk to the fetus of perinatal mortality. Occurring in the second and third trimester, the serum bile acid and aminotransferase are usually elevated in ICP patients. Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is the first line drug for ICP but the effectiveness for hepatoprotection is to a certain extent. In ICP patients with severe liver damage, combination use of hepatoprotective agents with UDCA is not uncommon. Herein, we reviewed the current clinical evidence on application of hepatoprotective agents in ICP patients. The underlying physiological mechanisms and their therapeutic effect in clinical practice are summarized. The basic pharmacologic functions of these hepatoprotective medications include detoxification, anti-inflammation, antioxidation and hepatocyte membrane protection. These hepatoprotective agents have versatile therapeutic effects including anti-inflammation, antioxidative stress, elimination of free radicals, anti-steatohepatitis, anti-fibrosis and anti-cirrhosis. They are widely used in hepatitis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, drug induced liver injury and cholestasis. Evidence from limited clinical data in ICP patients demonstrate reliable effectiveness and safety of these medications. Currently there is still no consensus on the application of hepatoprotective agents in ICP pregnancies. Dynamic monitoring of liver biochemical parameters and fetal condition is still the key recommendation in the management of ICP pregnancies.

The effect of methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius on some kidney and liver functional indices of Albino rats

The use of medicinal plants has over the years gained wide acceptance among the populace globally and Corchorus olitorius is inclusive. This study is aimed at evaluating the effect of methanolic extract of Corchorus olitorius on some Kidney and Liver functional indices of albino rats. Through the exhaustive maceration technique, 80 % methanolic extract of this plant was prepared and used throughout the study. The acute and subacute effects of the extract following oral administration in the animal were studied. The LD50 of the extract was estimated to be higher than 5000 mg/kg. Oral administration of 100, 1000, 1600, 2900 and 5000 mg/kg doses daily for 14 days did not produce any mortality among the rats. There was no significant difference at P&gt;0.05 in weight before and after administration of the methanolic extract. However, there was a significant (P&lt;0.05) and dose-dependent increase in the haematological, renal and liver biochemical parameters supported by histological evidence like mild periportal inflammation and mild congestion of the liver as well renal tubular necrosis by Corchorus olitorius at 5000 mg/kg body weight dose. From this study, Corchorus olitorius has a high degree of safety at a low concentration and the plant is relatively safe for consumption.

Alterations in histomorphology, biochemical parameters and gross morphometry in liver of albino rats following administration of rifampicin and isoniazid

Background: Rifampicin (RIF) and Isoniazid (INH) are two main medicinal drugs used as first line regimen in the treatment of Tuberculosis. These drugs have shown to induce hepatotoxicity and alteration of liver parenchyma upon their administration. The aim of this study was to investigate the gross morphometric, histomorphological and biochemical effect of INH and RIF on the liver architecture. Methods: Adult albino rats with an average weight of between 150g to 250g were used in the study. A total of 12 rats were randomly assigned into 2 groups each group containing 6 rats. Group one was the control group (no intervention). Group two was the experimental group, given INH (50mg/kgbwt) and RIF (50mg/kgbwt). At the end of the experiment, after 21 days, the albino rats were sacrificed humanely, liver harvested, weighed and the gross parameters measured using a ruler and caliper. Blood samples were taken for liver serum biomarkers analysis. Thereafter, the livers were processed and stained with Haematoxylin and Eosin for histological examination. Results: There was a significant (p value &lt; 0.0001) decrease in gross morphometric measurements of the weight, length, width, thickness in experimental group. The three selected liver biochemical parameters (ALT, AST and ALP) were observed to be high above their normal ranges. The liver sections in positive control group showed deranged histomorphological features. Conclusion: co-administration of Rifampicin and Isoniazid can have effect on gross morphometric, histomorphology and liver biochemical parameters of the liver therefore, their administration should be done in caution.

Protective role of thymoquinone in hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury in LDL-R−/−mice

BackgroundHyperlipidemia, a heterogeneous group of disorders characterized by elevated plasma lipids in the blood, causes severe health problems, leading to fatty liver disease and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Thymoquinone, the major active chemical component of Nigella sativa, reportedly exerts a vast array of biological effects. Various studies have reported that Thymoquinone protects against liver injury.AimsThe aim of this study was to investigate the possible protective effects of Thymoquinone against liver injury in hyperlipidemia-induced LDL-R−/− mice.MethodsEight-week-old male LDL-R−/− mice were randomly divided into three groups: a control group fed a normal diet and two groups fed a high-cholesterol diet or high-cholesterol diet mixed with Thymoquinone. All groups were fed different diets for 8 weeks. Blood samples were obtained from the inferior vena cava and collected in serum tubes. The samples were then stored at − 80 °C until used. Longitudinal sections of liver tissues were fixed in 10% formalin and then embedded in paraffin for histological evaluation. The remainder of the liver tissues were snap-frozen in liquid nitrogen for reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction or western blotting.ResultsOur results demonstrated that Thymoquinone administration significantly reduced liver histological alterations by hyperlipidemia. Thymoquinone mitigated hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury as indicated by the suppression of metabolic characteristics, liver biochemical parameters, pyroptosis indicators, a macrophage marker, and the phosphatidylinositide 3-kinase signaling pathway.ConclusionsThymoquinone is a potential therapeutic agent for hyperlipidemia-induced liver injury.

Uricosuric effect of dandelion root extract on oxonate-induced hyperuricemia in rats

This research aimed to investigate the uricosuric effect of dandelion plant extracts in hyperuricemic rats induced by potassium oxonate (PO).&#x0D; Methods. Hyperuricemia was induced in rats using PO, and dandelion root extracts were administered to observe their impact on uric acid (UA) levels. The study involved adult male Swiss rats weighing approximately 150–180 grams, randomly divided into five groups (n = 6). Group 1 served as the normal control group with no treatment. Group 2 received PO only. Group 3 received oral administration of 50 mg/kg of dandelion extract in 0.5 ml of distilled water (DW) daily. Group 4 was orally administered 100 mg/kg of dandelion powder in 0.5 ml of DW daily. Group 5 was orally treated with allopurinol.&#x0D; After 12 days, the rats were euthanized using chloroform inhalation, and their sera were collected directly from the heart for biochemical analysis of serum UA, urinary uric acid (UUA), as well as other liver and renal biochemical parameters.&#x0D; Results. The study revealed that hyperuricemic rats treated with the dandelion solution experienced a significant decrease in blood UA levels and a significant increase in UUA levels. Dandelion treatment also influenced xanthine oxidase activity, with no significant differences observed in liver and kidney functions.&#x0D; Conclusion. Based on the findings of this study, it can be concluded that dandelion extract significantly reduces UA levels through uricosuric activity and demonstrates significant XO inhibitory effects.

Comparison of nickel oxide nano and microparticles toxicity in rat liver: molecular, biochemical, and histopathological study.

The unique properties of nickel oxide nanoparticles distinguish it from classical nickel compounds, increasing its use in agriculture, industry, and many industrial areas. The aim of this study is to investigate the possible toxicity of nickel oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles in the liver. For this purpose, Wistar rats were given nickel oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles orally, intraperitoneally, and intravenously for 21days. Liver organ weight, biochemical and hematological parameters, oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, catalase, superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase, and glutathione S transferase), acetylcholinesterase activities, inflammation levels, apoptotic markers, and histopathological changes were evaluated comparatively. When the data obtained were examined in general, it was observed that nickel oxide nanoparticles caused more hepatotoxicity in liver tissue than nickel oxide in terms of oxidative stress parameters, apoptotic markers, inflammation indicators, and other parameters examined. The results suggest that toxicity induced by both nickel oxide and nickel oxide nanoparticles plays an important role in hepatocyte apoptosis.