Liver Markers Research Articles

Ameliorative effect of Ononis natrix against chronic lead poisoning in mice: neurobehavioral, biochemical, and histological study.

Lead (Pb) is one of the most common heavy metals with toxicological effects on many tissues in humans as well as animals. In order to counteract the toxic effects of this metal, the administration of synthetic or natural antioxidants is thus required. The aim of this study was to examine the beneficial effect of the aqueous extract of Ononis natrix (AEON) against lead acetate-induced damage from a behavioral, biochemical, and histological point of view. Forty-eight male mice were divided into four equal groups: Ctr (control); Pb (lead acetate 1g/l); Pb + On 100 mg/kg (lead acetate 1 g/l + AEON 100 mg/kg); Pb + On 500 mg/kg (lead acetate 1 g/l + AEON 500 mg/kg). AEON was administered orally from day 21 after the start of lead exposure up to the end of the experiment. The results revealed that lead induced behavioral disorders, increased serum levels of liver markers (AST, ALT, and bilirubin), as well as kidney markers (urea and creatinine). At the same time, levels of thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) increased significantly. Moreover, Pb caused structural changes in the liver and kidneys of Pb-exposed mice. However, AEON administration significantly improved all lead-induced brain, liver, and kidney dysfunctions. Our results suggest that AEON could be a source of molecules with therapeutic potential against brain, liver, and kidney abnormalities caused by lead exposure.

Potential Hepatoprotective Effect of Matricaria Pubescens on High-Fat Diet-Induced Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Rats.

This study aimed to identify the phytochemical compounds of Matricaria pubescens by LC-MS/MS and evaluate the potential protective effect of its supplementation in high-fat diet (HFD)-induced non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in adult rats through modulation of oxidative stress and histopathological changes. Twenty-four male rats were randomly divided into four groups. The first group served as control and received the standard diet. The second group (HFD) received a high-fat diet only (30 % of sheep fat). The third group's (control+MP) animals received a standard diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens (w/w). The fourth group (HFD+MP) received a high-fat diet supplemented with 5 % M. pubescens for 16 weeks. LC-MS/MS analysis showed that M. pubescens contains many phytochemical compounds. It was observed that the ethanolic extract of M. pubescens has a higher phenolic content than the aqueous extract. The supplementation of M. pubescens (5 % w/w) to HFD rats decreased significantly (p<0.01) body weight, liver and epididymal adipose tissue relative weights, glycemia, triglycerides (TG), insulin resistance, liver markers, TNF-α, malondialdehyde (MDA), protein carbonyl (PCO), advanced oxidation protein products (AOPP) level, and increased reduced glutathione (GSH) level, glutathione peroxidase (GPx), glutathione-S-transferase (GST), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase activities as well as ameliorated histological alterations through the reduction hepatic lipid deposition and adipocytes hypertrophy compared to the HFD group. We conclude that M. pubescens powder may be effective for correcting hyperglycemia, hypertriglyceridemia, insulin resistance, and liver markers while decreasing inflammation and oxidative stress in the liver of high-fat diet-fed rats.

Point-of-care ultrasound to inform antiviral treatment initiation in chronic hepatitis B virus infection in low-resource settings – the PUSH protocol

BackgroundChronic Hepatitis B (CHB) is prevalent worldwide and most related deaths occur in low-resource settings. Antiviral treatment of CHB is indicated in those with significant liver disease and markers of viral replication. However, recommended diagnostics such as elastography (a non-invasive imaging measure of fibrosis/cirrhosis) or HBV viral load are often lacking in these settings, which creates barriers to treatment. Point-of-care clinical B-mode ultrasound (US) has potential to overcome implementation barriers in HBV care programs in low-resource settings.MethodsWe describe a Point-of-care US protocol for Hepatitis (“PUSH”) to check for signs of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the liver of people with CHB. We performed a prospective observational study applying the protocol, first by trainee clinicians and then by trainers, in consecutive patients referred to our clinic for CHB treatment eligibility assessment. All patients additionally underwent physical examination, liver function tests (LFTs) and platelet counts. We describe the PUSH training approach and performance of the protocol.ResultsFour clinicians and 111 adult patients with HBV infection were included in the development of PUSH. Using US, liver complications of HBV were documented in 31 (27.9%) patients; including cirrhosis in 15 patients, HCC with cirrhosis in 13, and HCC without cirrhosis in 3. Patients with sonographic findings had significantly more clinical symptoms also their LFTs were higher and more frequently indicative for HBV treatment. Of 28 patients with sonographic diagnosis of cirrhosis, 23 (82.1%) showed a nodular liver surface, 24 (85.7%) a coarse echotexture, 20 (71.4%) scarce vessels, and 9 (32.1%) an enlarged caudate lobe. Overall concordance of the findings between assessment of trainees and experienced sonographers was high, ranging from 90 to 95%; trainees were not blinded to clinical and laboratory findings.ConclusionUltrasound can facilitate same-day initiation of antiviral therapy for chronic HBV monoinfection in a resource-limited setting and a streamlined protocol-driven liver ultrasound can be feasibly used by front line clinicians managing HBV.

SARS-CoV-2 and dialysis: humoral response, clinical and laboratory impacts before vaccination

BackgroundPatients with kidney disease on Hemodialysis (HD) are susceptible to Coronavirus Disease (COVID-19) due to multiple risk factors. AimThis study aims to report the prevalence of antibodies against SARS-CoV-2 among patients on hemodialysis before vaccination in Brazil and to compare with clinical, demographic, and laboratory data. MethodsBlood samples from 398 Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) patients treated in three different private institutions in Rio de Janeiro State, Brazil were submitted to the total anti-SARS-CoV-2 testing. Kidney, liver, and hematological markers were also determined. Respiratory samples were tested by real-time PCR for SARS-CoV-2 RNA and positive samples were subjected to high-throughput sequencing on the MinION device. ResultsOverall, anti-SARS-CoV-2 prevalence was 54.5 % (217/398) and two individuals had SARS-CoV-2 RNA with variant B.1.1. High anti-SARS-CoV-2 seroprevalence was found in male gender and those with hospital admission in the last 3-months before the inclusion in the study. Lower red blood cell count was observed in the anti-SARS-CoV-2 seropositive group. High levels of anti-SARS-CoV-2 were found in those who reported symptoms, had low levels of eosinophils and low hematocrit, and who practiced physical activity. ConclusionHigh prevalence of anti-SARS-CoV-2 was found in CKD patients before the universal immunization in Brazil suggesting that dialysis patients were highly exposed to SARS-CoV-2.

Smoke Signals: Unraveling the Link between Cigarette Smoking and Serum Liver Markers

Introduction: Cigarette smoking is a major cause of global mortality and morbidity. It exposes the body to many harmful substances, such as cytotoxic, carcinogenic and free radicals, that can damage various organs. This study aims to investigate the effects of different levels of tobacco exposure on liver tissue, by measuring some serum biochemical markers of liver function.&#x0D; Materials and Methods: The project conducted at T.N.M.C Mumbai from January to December 2021 involved 60 male participants (18–35 years old), divided into smokers (30) and non-smokers (30). Smokers had varying smoking durations (1-5 years). Excluded participants with diseases affecting liver enzymes. Groups were age-matched for analysis. Smokers defined as those smoking &gt;20 cigarettes daily for &gt;1 month. Collected 5.0 ml venous blood, processed in heparinized tubes, and centrifuged for plasma separation. Enzymes SGOT, SGPT, ALP, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin were measured, and statistical analysis revealed significant differences.&#x0D; Results: In the study, age comparison between smokers and non-smokers showed no significant difference (p = 0.71). However, smokers exhibited significantly higher mean serum concentrations of SGOT and SGPT compared to non-smokers (p = 0.002 and p &lt; 0.0001, respectively). Smokers also had elevated levels of ALP and total bilirubin with mean differences of 16.3 IU/L and 0.392 mg/dl, supported by 95% confidence intervals (6.72, 26.18) and (0.28, 0.504) and p values of 0.003 and 0.0004, respectively. No significant difference was observed in direct bilirubin levels (mean difference: 0.084 mg/dl, 95% CI: 0.065, 0.103, p = 0.191)&#x0D; Conclusion: In summary, the study suggests a correlation between smoking and elevated serum levels of liver enzymes and damage markers, indicating a potential adverse impact on liver function and increased susceptibility to liver diseases.

Acute Toxicity Assessment of Orally Administered Microplastic Particles in Adult Male Wistar Rats.

While the effects of chronic exposure to microplastic particles (MPs) are extensively studied, the outcomes of a single treatment have received relatively less attention. To investigate MPs' potential acute toxicity, including their impact on general health status (victual consumption, sensorimotor deficits, and clinical toxicity signs) and serum biochemical parameters (markers of organ/tissue function and oxidative stress indicators), we administered thoroughly characterized MPs (1.4, 35, or 125 mg/kg), generated from polyethylene terephthalate (PET) bottles, to adult male Wistar rats via oral gavage. The MPs' short-term effects were assessed with well-established tests and methods. The results point to the absence of sensorimotor deficits and clinical toxicity signs, while levels of markers of liver, heart, and kidney function were altered in all MP groups. Decreased victual consumption and increased levels of oxidative stress indicators were evident following treatment with the two higher MP doses. Presented data indicate that examined MPs are able to initiate the development of local changes in tissues and organs within a short time frame, potentially leading to their damage and dysfunction. This study may increase the awareness of the detrimental effects of plastic contamination, as even a single exposure to MPs may provoke adverse health outcomes.

Biosorption and Bioprotective Potential of Levilactobacillus brevis in Mice Challenged by Lead-Induced Oxidative Stress.

Lead (Pb) poisoning is a widespread issue in both developed and developing countries that poses a significant public health challenge. Our study aimed to explore the impact of Levilactobacillus brevis strains on inflammatory and antioxidant gene expression in the liver and brain of mice exposed to oxidative stress caused by Pb. We began by evaluating Pb absorption by Levilactobacillus brevis strains (ARKA-CH-1 (A1) and ARKA-CH-6 (A6)) using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in vitro to identify the most effective strain. We then divided four groups of BALB/c mice into control and experimental groups and treated them for 30days. The control group received a normal diet, while the experimental groups consumed lead-containing water (0.6g/L) with or without Levilactobacillus brevis strains. Following the experiments, we collected blood samples to test liver markers, antioxidant enzymes, and immunoglobulins. We also used real-time PCR to examine the expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD) and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) genes. The results showed that the A1 strain was the most effective in absorbing Pb. The Pb exposure led to an increase in liver enzyme values and a decrease in antioxidant enzyme activity and immunoglobulin factors. However, the combination of A1 and A6 strains had a greater effect in reducing inflammatory enzymes and increasing antioxidant enzymes. Furthermore, we observed a significant increase in iNOS gene expression and a notable decrease in SOD gene expression with Pb consumption. However, the combination of A1 and A6 strains had a synergistic effect in reducing iNOS and increasing SOD gene expression. In conclusion, Levilactobacillus brevis A1 strain alone or in combination with the A6 strain could be a promising strategy to mitigate the oxidative stress symptoms in mice challenged by lead-induced toxicity.

Contrasted Antibiotics and Pesticides Occurrence in Fish Exposed In Situ to Urban Effluents: A 20-Day Caging Experiment.

Urban freshwater ecosystems receive a wide array of organic pollutants through wastewater-treatment plant (WWTP) discharges and agricultural runoff. Evaluating the fate and effects of antibiotics and pesticides can be a challenging task, especially the effects on freshwater vertebrates because of their abilities to metabolize and excrete these chemicals and because of their high mobility and escape behavior when exposed to stressful environmental conditions. In the present study, 37 wild gudgeons (Gobio gobio) were caged for a period of up to 20 days, upstream and downstream of a WWTP effluent discharge in the Orge River (a tributary of the Seine River, France). Levels of pesticides and antibiotics in fish muscles were monitored weekly and compared with environmental contamination (water and sediments). Our results highlighted a slight bioaccumulation of pesticides in the gudgeon muscles at the downstream site after 20 days of exposure. Concerning antibiotics, ofloxacin was the most detected compound in fish muscles (85% of occurrence) and ranged from undetectable to 8 ng g-1 dry weight. Antibiotic levels in fish muscle were not higher at the downstream site and did not increase with exposure duration, despite high levels in the water (up to 29 times greater than upstream). Potential ecotoxicological effects were also evaluated: Body condition did not differ between the caging location and exposure time. Three oxidative status markers in the fish livers showed significant shifts after 14 days of caging. Our results suggest a high clearance rate of antibiotics and, to a lesser extent, of pesticides in wild gudgeons, which could be explained by changes in xenobiotic metabolism with pollutant exposure. Environ Toxicol Chem 2024;43:701-711. © 2023 SETAC.

The association between dietary inflammatory index (DII) scores and c-reactive protein (CRP) and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) in a general population cohort

Although there is extensive literature showing the ability of the dietary inflammation index (DII®) to predict concentrations of plasma inflammatory markers, few studies are testing the association between DII scores and nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Considering the high prevalence of NAFLD and its complications, we conducted a validation study of DII scores and examined its association with NAFLD in the general adult population of Iran. This cross-sectional study was conducted on 3110 adult participants in the Amol Cohort Study (AmolCS) who underwent abdominal ultrasonography to diagnose NAFLD. DII and energy-adjusted DII (E-DII™) scores were computed using data from a valid semi-quantitative 168-item food frequency questionnaire (FFQ). Multivariable logistic regression adjusting for socio-demographic, lifestyle, and health-related factors was used to assess association. The EDII was associated with CRP inflammatory biomarker. Participants in the highest, i.e., most pro-inflammatory tertile had the highest odds of NAFLD by ultrasound in all models [fully adjusted model: OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1:1.54 (1.05-2.05); Ptrend=0.04, and 1.63 (1.19-2.21); Ptrend=0.03 in women and men, respectively]. The highest tertile had the highest OR for NAFLD by fatty liver index (FLI) only in men [fully adjusted model OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1: 1.77 (1.15-2.71); Ptrend=0.01]. Similar results were also obtained for NAFLD by hepatic steatosis index (HSI) in women [fully adjusted model: OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1: 1.70 (1.12-2.58); Ptrend=0.03]. The results of the fully adjusted multivariable model of liver markers and NAFLD status, stratified by gender and abdominal obesity, revealed that the highest tertiles had the highest OR for NAFLD by ultrasound and NAFLD by FLI only in men without abdominal obesity [fully adjusted model: OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1: 1.83 (1.17-2.84); Ptrend=0.03, and, respectively]. NAFLD by FLI tended to increase strongly with tertile E-DII scores in men without abdominal obesity in crude and three adjusted models [full-adjusted model: OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1: 3.64 (1.56-8.46); Ptrend=0.005]. By contrast, women with abdominal obesity in the highest tertile had the highest OR for NAFLD by ultrasound in all models [full-adjusted model: OR (95% CI) tertile3vs.1: 1.67 (1.07-2.62); Ptrend=0.02]. Our results suggest that diet plays a role in regulating inflammation. Additionally, we observed an inflammatory diet predicts the risk of NAFLD in Iranian adults. However, longitudinal studies are required in order to further substantiate the utility of the DII in the development of more effective dietary interventions among populations at risk of chronic disease.

Collinsella aerofaciens as a predictive marker of response to probiotic treatment in non-constipated irritable bowel syndrome

ABSTRACT Probiotics are exploited for adjuvant treatment in IBS, but reliable guidance for selecting the appropriate probiotic to adopt for different forms of IBS is lacking. We aimed to identify markers for recognizing non-constipated (NC) IBS patients that may show significant clinical improvements upon treatment with the probiotic strain Lacticaseibacillus paracasei DG (LDG). To this purpose, we performed a post-hoc analysis of samples collected during a multicenter, double-blind, parallel-group, placebo-controlled trial in which NC-IBS patients were randomized to receive at least 24 billion CFU LDG or placebo capsules b.i.d. for 12 weeks. The primary clinical endpoint was the composite response based on improved abdominal pain and fecal type. The fecal microbiome and serum markers of intestinal (PV1 and zonulin), liver, and kidney functions were investigated. We found that responders (R) in the probiotic arm (25%) differed from non-responders (NR) based on the abundance of 18 bacterial taxa, including the families Coriobacteriaceae, Dorea spp. and Collinsella aerofaciens, which were overrepresented in R patients. These taxa also distinguished R (but not NR) patients from healthy controls. Probiotic intervention significantly reduced the abundance of these bacteria in R, but not in NR. Analogous results emerged for C. aerofaciens from the analysis of data from a previous trial on IBS with the same probiotic. Finally, C. aerofaciens was positively correlated with the plasmalemmal vesicle associated protein-1 (PV-1) and the markers of liver function. In conclusion, LDG is effective on NC-IBS patients with NC-IBS with a greater abundance of potential pathobionts. Among these, C. aerofaciens has emerged as a potential predictor of probiotic efficacy.

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.

Therapeutic application of norursodeoxycholic acid in normothermic machine perfusion reduces perfusate apoptosis markers in livers rejected for transplantation

Therapeutic application of norursodeoxycholic acid in normothermic machine perfusion reduces perfusate apoptosis markers in livers rejected for transplantation

Evaluation of Articular Manifestations in Hepatitis C Virus Infected Patients and its Association with Liver Fibrosis: A Cross-sectional Study from Rural Indian State of Manipur

Introduction: Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) is the main culprit for liver diseases worldwide. In Manipur its incidence is increasing, mainly due to blood borne transmission through intravenous drugs users. Among the extrahepatic manifestations of HCV infection-arthropathy (joint pain, swelling and stiffness) is most common. Exact mechanism of arthropathy are not well elucidated but are probably connected with the participation of the immune system and due to the replicating virus in the affected tissues, organ systems. Aim: To determine the articular manifestations in HCV infected patients and to study the association between articular manifestations and liver fibrosis. Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 100 hepatitis C infected patients above 18 years of age who attended Medicine OPD, gastroenterology and liver clinic or admitted in the General Medicine wards, Regional institute of Medical Sciences (RIMS), Imphal, Manipur, India. Blood samples were collected for Complete Blood Count, Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate, C Reactive Protein, Liver function test, Renal function test, HCV, Rheumatoid Factor (RF), Antinuclear Antibody (ANA), anti-ds DNA. Ultrasound (USG) whole abdomen and X-rays of involved joints were done when indicated. Markers for liver stiffness/fibrosis, {Aspartate Aminotransferases (AST) to Platelet Ratio Index (APRI)} score, The fibrosis-4 (FIB-4) score and AST/Alanine Transaminase (ALT) ratio were calculated and compared. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences(SPSS) (IBM) version 21.0 was used for statistical analysis. Chi-square and Fischer’s-exact test were used. Results: A total of 100 hepatitis C infected patients were enrolled in the present study. Majority of the study subjects were males (63%) under 40 years of age (69%). Eighty-four (84%) patients were intravenous drug users. Joint pain, swelling and stiffness was present in 37 (37%), 31 (31%) and 24 (24%), respectively. Around 36 (36%), 45 (45%) and 29 (29%) of the participants had significant fibrosis with respect to FIB 4 score, APRI and USG finding, respectively. Conclusion: The prevalence of joint pain was 37% in this study. Females and younger age group were more associated with articular manifestation. The present study concluded that patient with articular manifestation were seen to have significant fibrosis with respect to FIB 4 score, APRI and USG finding, AST/ALT.

Comparative Effects of the Aqueous Extracts of Gongronema Latifolium and Tetrapleura Tetraptera on Serum Liver and Kidney Markers as well as Glucose Tolerance Test of Albino Rat

The study investigated the effect of aqueous extract of G. latifolum and T. tetraplura on serum liver and kidney markers as well as glucose tolerance test of albino Rat. A total of twenty five male albino rats were randomly grouped into five groups. Group 1 served as control, Group 2 and 4 received 200 and 400mg/kg G. latifolium respectively. Animals in Group 3 and 5 received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg T. tetraplura respectively for 28days. Result for AST was significantly (P&lt;0.05) higher in group 5 (43.000±3.033) when compared to the control group (30.400±2.158). ALT concentration was also significantly (P&lt;0.05) in group 5 (34.600±1.077) when compared to the control (22.400±1.326). Result for kidney function parameters showed a significant (p˂0.05) increase in urea concentration of the group 5 (26.962±0.6340) when compared to the control (24.242±1.875) From the obtained results, it could be concluded that T. tetraplura could induce hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity. Also, from obtained results, the spices possess hypolipidemic and antioxidant activity. These ability of the spices to carry out these activities can be attributed to it rich phytochemical constituents.

Mechanism of action of quercetin in regulating cellular autophagy in multiple organs of Goto-Kakizaki rats through the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

This experimental study investigated the protective function of quercetin on the liver, spleen, and kidneys of Goto-Kakizaki (GK) rats and explores its mechanism of action on autophagy-related factors and pathways. GK rats were randomly divided into three groups: DM, DM + L-Que, and DM + H-Que, with age-matched Wistar rats serving as the control group. The control and DM groups were gavaged with saline, and the quercetin-treated group was gavaged with quercetin for 8 weeks each. Weekly blood glucose levels were monitored. Upon conclusion of the experiment, blood samples were gathered for lipid and hepatic and renal function analyses. The histopathologic morphology and lipid deposition in rats were examined. Disease-related targets were identified using molecular docking methods and network pharmacology analysis. Subsequently, immunohistochemical analysis was performed, followed by Western blotting to evaluate the levels of autophagy-related proteins and proteins in the AKT/PI3K/mTOR pathway, as well as their phosphorylation levels. The results showed that, compared with the control group, the DM group exhibited significant increases in blood glucose, serum liver and kidney markers, liver fat vacuoles, and inflammatory cell infiltration. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) results indicated that quercetin reduced the extensive expression of AKT, P62, and mTOR in the liver and spleen of diabetic rats. The expression of autophagy and pathway-related proteins, such as P62, PI3K, P-PI3K, Akt, P-AKT, mTOR, and P-mTOR, was upregulated, while the expression of LC3A/LC3B, Beclin-1, Pink-1, and Parkin was downregulated. Conversely, the quercetin group showed a reduction in liver and kidney injury serum markers by decreasing lipid deposition and cell necrosis, indicating that quercetin has protective effects on the liver, spleen, and kidneys of GK rats. Additionally, in the quercetin group, the expression of autophagy and pathway-related proteins such as LC3A/LC3B, Beclin-1, Pink-1, and Parkin was upregulated, while the expression of P62, PI3K, P-PI3K, Akt, P-AKT, mTOR, and P-mTOR was downregulated, with statistically significant correlations. Quercetin markedly ameliorates liver, spleen, and kidney damage in GK rats, potentially through the inhibition of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway, promoting autophagy. This research offers a rationale to the therapeutic potential of quercetin in mitigating organ damage associated with diabetes.

Interaction between the oxidative balance score and serum per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) on liver health: analysis of the NHANES 2007-2018 dataset.

Per- and poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFASs) are pervasive synthetic compounds, prompting investigations into their intricate interactions with lifestyle factors and health indicators because of their enduring environmental presence and bioaccumulation. This study aimed to explore the effects of the oxidative balance score (OBS) and PFAS on liver-related indices. Twenty dietary and lifestyle factors were used to calculate the OBS. The serum concentrations of PFASs were measured, and their sum was calculated for analysis. The levels of liver markers were also evaluated. Linear regression models and interaction analyses were used to assess the associations between OBS, PFAS concentrations, and liver indices. The results revealed an inverse association between high OBS and perfluorooctane sulfonic acid concentration, as well as the sum of PFAS concentrations. OBS was positively associated with liver markers. The PFAS concentrations were positively associated with total bilirubin, alanine aminotransferase (ALT), and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) levels. Interaction analyses revealed significant interactions between OBS and specific PFASs for alkaline phosphatase (interaction P < 0.05). Possible interactions were also found between OBS and specific PFASs for ALT, and AST levels (interaction P < 0.10). This study clarified the association between total PFAS and OBS. This association was significant mainly for diet-related OBS. PFAS and OBS are associated with liver-related indicators in the blood.

Disrupting the gut microbiota/metabolites axis by Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate drives intestinal inflammation via AhR/NF-κB pathway in mice

Di-(2-ethylhexyl) phthalate (DEHP) is a widely used plasticizer known for its environmental endocrine-disrupting properties, posing potential risks to various organs. However, the precise impact of DEHP on intestinal health and its contribution to the initiation of intestinal inflammation remains elucidated. This study aims to investigate the underlying mechanisms of DEHP-induced intestinal inflammation in mice, specifically focusing on the complex interplay between the gut microbiota-metabolite axis and associated pathophysiological alterations. Our findings showed that DEHP-induced damage of multiple organs systemically, as indicated by abnormal liver and kidney biochemical markers, along with a disrupted ileum morphology. Additionally, DEHP exposure disrupted gut barrier function, causing intestinal inflammation characterized by bacterial translocation and alterations in defense and inflammation-related gene expressions. Moreover, 16S rRNA analysis suggested that DEHP-induced gut microbial remodeling is characterized by an upregulation of detrimental bacteria (Erysipelotrichaceae) and a downregulation of beneficial bacteria (Muribaculaceae, Ruminococcaceae, and Lachnospiraceae). Metabolomics analysis revealed DEHP perturbed gut metabolic homeostasis, particularly affecting the degradation of aromatic compounds, which generated an aberrant activation of the AhR and NF-κB, subsequently causing intestinal inflammation. Consequently, our results elucidate the mechanistic link between disrupted gut microbiota and metabolome and the initiation of DEHP-induced intestinal inflammation, mediated through the AhR/NF-κB signaling pathway.

Synthesized diterpene lactone derivative attenuated Freund's complete adjuvant-induced arthritis in Wistar rats.

In this study, the SP-38 (Diterpene Lactone derivative) was designed, synthesized from clerodane diterpene (lactone) isolated from Polyanthia longifolia var. pendula, and tested for anti-arthritic activity using the FCA-induced arthritic rat model. This study examined the in vivo effects of SP-38 using three different doses (20, 10, and 5 mg/kg) by oral administration for 21 days from day 8 after 0.1 ml FCA sub-planter injection until day 28. Arthritis index, paw swelling, ankle diameter, body weight as well as biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and radiological parameters were examined. Administered SP-38 reduced arthritis index, paw volume, and joint swelling compared to the arthritic control group. Accordingly, rats treated with SP-38 showed a remarkable increase in body weight and improved biochemical, hematological, histopathological, and radiological parameters. Furthermore, it reduced the increased production of CRP and RF while simultaneously decreasing ESR in all SP-38-treated rats. However, SP-38 showed promising liver protection by reducing elevated serum levels of liver and kidney function markers SGOT, SGPT, and ALP. Furthermore, splenic index, TNF-α, and IL-6 levels were significantly reduced compared to arthritic control rats at certain doses. The result of the present study concludes that SP-38 has significant anti-arthritic potential in FCA-induced arthritis in Wistar rats. SP-38 therefore showed promising anti-arthritic activity, as evidenced by attenuation of inflammation, inflammatory markers, and pro-inflammatory cytokine levels.

Biochemical and histopathological alterations of liver and kidney of Japanese quails due to lead toxicity and effects of vitamin C

Lead (Pb) is the most dangerous xenobiotic causing variety of negative impacts on human and animal health.The current study intended to investigate the effect of different doses of Pb on biochemical and histological abnormalities in the kidney and liver of quail and the beneficial effects of vitamin C. A total of 72 male quail, aged 12 days were allotted in four groups with four replications. Control group (T0) received normal diet, group T1 and T2 received Pb at a dose of 70 mg and 700 mg/kg body weight (bw) respectively for 21 days, while T3 had 700 mg Pb /kg bw for 10 days followed by only vitamin C supplementation at a dose of 70 mg/kg bw without any Pb for next 10 days. After end of treatment, blood serum was collected, and the kidney and liver were taken for a histoarchitecture study. Significant (p&lt;0.05) Pb-induced elevations of biochemical markers of liver and kidney were observed in different periods of treatment (except d21-period of T3) and decreased following vitamin C supplementation in d21 of T3 (except creatinine).The effect of Pb treatment included congestion, necrotic foci in different organs, reactive cells in central vein, degeneration of hepatocytes, necrosis in the portal area as well as renal tubular degeneration, all of which were slightly improved by vitamin C in group T3. So, the findings suggest that the use of vitamin C could be a potential preventative agent against Pb-induced toxicity.

Hydrophobic functionalization of a metal-organic framework as an ammonia visual sensing material under high humidity conditions.

Since exhaled ammonia (NH3) is one of the metabolic markers of liver and kidney diseases, ammonia visual sensing materials in humid environments have received extensive attention and investigation. Herein, through a tailor-made pore environment provided by metal-organic framework (MOF) materials (CH3-Cu(BDC)), we achieved NH3 anti-interference sensing with apparent color changing under humid conditions. With methyl (CH3-) functionalization, CH3-Cu(BDC) demonstrated a strong response for trace ammonia and showed high selectivity under a humid environment. Grand canonical Monte Carlo (GCMC) simulations indicated that CH3-Cu(BDC) showed stronger attraction towards NH3 molecules than H2O. Benefiting from the target changing coordination environment, CH3-Cu(BDC) showed a rapid response and simple analysis properties for patients' exhaled air. The strategy used in this study not only provides a demonstration case for NH3 colorimetric sensing with high humidity and anti-interference but also introduces a new method for painless and quick exhaled breath analysis for diagnosis of patients with kidney and liver diseases.