scholarly journals Astragalus Polysaccharides and Saponins Alleviate Liver Injury and Regulate Gut Microbiota in Alcohol Liver Disease Mice

Foods ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 10 (11) ◽  
pp. 2688
Author(s):  
Jingxuan Zhou ◽  
Nanhai Zhang ◽  
Liang Zhao ◽  
Wei Wu ◽  
Liebing Zhang ◽  
...  

Astragalus, a medical and edible plant in China, shows several bioactive properties. However, the role of astragalus in attenuating alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is less clear. The objective of this project is to investigate the improving effect of astragalus saponins (AS) and astragalus polysaccharides (AP), which are the two primary constituents in astragalus on hepatic injury induced by alcohol, and the potential mechanisms of action. Different doses of AS (50 and 100 mg/kg bw) and AP (300 and 600 mg/kg bw) were orally given to alcohol-treated mice for four weeks. The results demonstrated that both AP and AS could reverse the increase of the levels of TC, TG, FFA, and LDL-C in serum, and the decrease of serum HDL-C content, as well as the elevation of hepatic TC and TG levels induced by alcohol. The activities of AST, ALT, ALP, and γ-GT in ALD mice were raised after AP and AS supplementation. The antioxidant markers (SOD, CAT, GSH, and GSH-Px) were obviously augmented and the pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β) and hepatic histological variations were alleviated by AP and AS, which was in line with the levels of oxidative stress-associated genes (Keap1, Nfe2l2, Nqo1, and Hmox1) and inflammation-associated genes (Tlr4, Myd88 and Nfkb1). In addition, AS exerted a more efficient effect than AP and the results presented dose proportionality. Moreover, AS and AP could modulate the intestinal microbiota disturbance induced by alcohol. Overall, AS and AP administration could ameliorate lipid accumulation in the serum and liver, as well as hepatic function, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, and gut flora disorders in mice as a result of alcohol.

2020 ◽  
Vol 25 (40) ◽  
pp. 4310-4317 ◽  
Author(s):  
Lichao Sun ◽  
Shouqin Ji ◽  
Jihong Xing

Background/Aims: Central pro-inflammatory cytokine (PIC) signal is involved in neurological deficits after transient global ischemia induced by cardiac arrest (CA). The present study was to examine the role of microRNA- 155 (miR-155) in regulating IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α in the hippocampus of rats with induction of CA. We further examined the levels of products of oxidative stress 8-isoprostaglandin F2α (8-iso PGF2α, indication of oxidative stress); and 8-hydroxy-2’-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG, indication of protein oxidation) after cerebral inhibition of miR-155. Methods: CA was induced by asphyxia and followed by cardiopulmonary resuscitation in rats. ELISA and western blot analysis were used to determine the levels of PICs and products of oxidative stress; and the protein expression of NADPH oxidase (NOXs) in the hippocampus. In addition, neurological severity score and brain edema were examined to assess neurological functions. Results: We observed amplification of IL-1β, IL-6 and TNF-α along with 8-iso PGF2α and 8-OHdG in the hippocampus of CA rats. Cerebral administration of miR-155 inhibitor diminished upregulation of PICs in the hippocampus. This also attenuated products of oxidative stress and upregulation of NOX4. Notably, inhibition of miR-155 improved neurological severity score and brain edema and this was linked to signal pathways of PIC and oxidative stress. Conclusion: We showed the significant role of blocking miR-155 signal in improving the neurological function in CA rats likely via inhibition of signal pathways of neuroinflammation and oxidative stress, suggesting that miR-155 may be a target in preventing and/or alleviating development of the impaired neurological functions during CA-evoked global cerebral ischemia.


Biomedicines ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 9 (6) ◽  
pp. 687
Author(s):  
Daniela Gabbia ◽  
Luana Cannella ◽  
Sara De De Martin

A peculiar role for oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its transition to the inflammatory complication non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), as well as in its threatening evolution to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), is supported by numerous experimental and clinical studies. NADPH oxidases (NOXs) are enzymes producing reactive oxygen species (ROS), whose abundance in liver cells is closely related to inflammation and immune responses. Here, we reviewed recent findings regarding this topic, focusing on the role of NOXs in the different stages of fatty liver disease and describing the current knowledge about their mechanisms of action. We conclude that, although there is a consensus that NOX-produced ROS are toxic in non-neoplastic conditions due to their role in the inflammatory vicious cycle sustaining the transition of NAFLD to NASH, their effect is controversial in the neoplastic transition towards HCC. In this regard, there are indications of a differential effect of NOX isoforms, since NOX1 and NOX2 play a detrimental role, whereas increased NOX4 expression appears to be correlated with better HCC prognosis in some studies. Further studies are needed to fully unravel the mechanisms of action of NOXs and their relationships with the signaling pathways modulating steatosis and liver cancer development.


Cells ◽  
2022 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 288
Author(s):  
Julie Massart ◽  
Karima Begriche ◽  
Jessica H. Hartman ◽  
Bernard Fromenty

Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) is pivotal in hepatotoxicity induced by alcohol abuse and different xenobiotics. In this setting, CYP2E1 generates reactive metabolites inducing oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction and cell death. In addition, this enzyme appears to play a role in the progression of obesity-related fatty liver to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Indeed, increased CYP2E1 activity in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is deemed to induce reactive oxygen species overproduction, which in turn triggers oxidative stress, necroinflammation and fibrosis. In 1997, Avadhani’s group reported for the first time the presence of CYP2E1 in rat liver mitochondria, and subsequent investigations by other groups confirmed that mitochondrial CYP2E1 (mtCYP2E1) could be found in different experimental models. In this review, we first recall the main features of CYP2E1 including its role in the biotransformation of endogenous and exogenous molecules, the regulation of its expression and activity and its involvement in different liver diseases. Then, we present the current knowledge on the physiological role of mtCYP2E1, its contribution to xenobiotic biotransformation as well as the mechanism and regulation of CYP2E1 targeting to mitochondria. Finally, we discuss experimental investigations suggesting that mtCYP2E1 could have a role in alcohol-associated liver disease, xenobiotic-induced hepatotoxicity and NAFLD.


Biomolecules ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 9 (11) ◽  
pp. 703 ◽  
Author(s):  
Ahlam Alhusaini ◽  
Laila Fadda ◽  
Iman H. Hasan ◽  
Enas Zakaria ◽  
Abeer M. Alenazi ◽  
...  

Lead (Pb) is a toxic heavy metal pollutant with adverse effects on the liver and other body organs. Curcumin (CUR) is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric and possesses strong antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. This study explored the protective effect of CUR on Pb hepatotoxicity with an emphasis on oxidative stress, inflammation and Akt/GSK-3β signaling. Rats received lead acetate and CUR and/or ascorbic acid (AA) for seven days and samples were collected for analyses. Pb(II) induced liver injury manifested by elevated serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), as well as histopathological alterations, including massive hepatocyte degeneration and increased collagen deposition. Lipid peroxidation, nitric oxide, TNF-α and DNA fragmentation were increased, whereas antioxidant defenses were diminished in the liver of Pb(II)-intoxicated rats. Pb(II) increased hepatic NF-κB and JNK phosphorylation and caspase-3 cleavage, whereas Akt and GSK-3β phosphorylation was decreased. CUR and/or AA ameliorated liver function, prevented tissue injury, and suppressed oxidative stress, DNA damage, NF-κB, JNK and caspase-3. In addition, CUR and/or AA activated Akt and inhibited GSK-3β in Pb(II)-induced rats. In conclusion, CUR prevents Pb(II) hepatotoxicity via attenuation of oxidative injury and inflammation, activation of Akt and inhibition of GSK-3β. However, further studies scrutinizing the exact role of Akt/GSK-3β signaling are recommended.


2004 ◽  
Vol 287 (1) ◽  
pp. G264-G273 ◽  
Author(s):  
Atul Sahai ◽  
Padmini Malladi ◽  
Hector Melin-Aldana ◽  
Richard M. Green ◽  
Peter F. Whitington

The pathogenesis of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is poorly defined. Feeding mice a diet deficient in methionine and choline (MCD diet) induces experimental NASH. Osteopontin (OPN) is a Th1 cytokine that plays an important role in several fibroinflammatory diseases. We examined the role of OPN in the development of experimental NASH. A/J mice were fed MCD or control diet for up to 12 wk, and serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), liver histology, oxidative stress, and the expressions of OPN, TNF-α, and collagen I were assessed at various time points. MCD diet-fed mice developed hepatic steatosis starting after 1 wk and inflammation by 2 wk; serum ALT increased from day 3. Hepatic collagen I mRNA expression increased during 1–4 wk, and fibrosis appeared at 8 wk. OPN protein expression was markedly increased on day 1 of MCD diet and persisted up to 8 wk, whereas OPN mRNA expression was increased at week 4. TNF-α expression was increased from day 3 to 2 wk, and evidence of oxidative stress did not appear until 8 wk. Increased expression of OPN was predominantly localized in hepatocytes. Hepatocytes in culture also produced OPN, which was stimulated by transforming growth factor-β and TNF-α. Moreover, MCD diet-induced increases in serum ALT levels, hepatic inflammation, and fibrosis were markedly reduced in OPN−/− mice when compared with OPN+/+ mice. In conclusion, our results demonstrate an upregulation of OPN expression early in the development of steatohepatitis and suggest an important role for OPN in signaling the onset of liver injury and fibrosis in experimental NASH.


Author(s):  
Farouk Kamel Elbaz ◽  
Hanan F Aly ◽  
Wagdy Kb Khalil ◽  
Gamila H Ali ◽  
Hoda F Booles

ABSTRACTObjective: The present study was conducted to investigate the role of Haematococcus pluvialis extract against oxidative damage, the inflammatory,and apoptotic impacts characterizing the neurodegenerative disorders.Methods: Oxidative stress, B-cell lymphoma 2, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, the inflammation, apoptotic and antiapoptotic impacts in Alzheimer’sdisease (AD) rats were determined through assessment of glutathione reduced (GSH), GSH peroxidase (GPx), lipid peroxide (malondialdehyde), thecytokines level such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukins (IL-6 and IL-1β), and macrophage inflammation protein (MIP1α) in AD rats.Moreover, the expression of phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K) and serine-threonine protein kinase (Akt) genes regulating the apoptosis in AD ratswas measured.Results: The results revealed that levels of TNF-α, IL-6, IL-1β, and MIP1α were significantly increased in AD rats. Moreover, the expression of PI3Kand Akt genes was downregulated which it was coincided with the increase of apoptosis in AD rats. On the other hand, treatment of AD rats withH. pluvialis extract decreased the oxidative stress of AD in the form of prevention the inflammatory and apoptotic impacts.Conclusion: H. pluvialis could be used for ameliorating AD due to its role in decreases the oxidative stress of AD in the form of prevention theinflammatory and apoptotic impacts. H. pluvialis is a very attractive candidate for uses against neurodegenerative disorders that are caused byincreases oxidative stress inducing neuroinflammation and apoptosis.Keywords: Haematococcus pluvialis, Oxidative stress, Inflammation biomarkers, Apoptotic and antiapoptotic impacts.


2008 ◽  
Vol 294 (1) ◽  
pp. F62-F72 ◽  
Author(s):  
Daisuke Son ◽  
Ichiro Kojima ◽  
Reiko Inagi ◽  
Makiko Matsumoto ◽  
Toshiro Fujita ◽  
...  

Accumulating evidence suggests a pathogenic role of chronic hypoxia in various kidney diseases. Chronic hypoxia in the kidney was induced by unilateral renal artery stenosis, followed 7 days later by observation of tubulointerstitial injury. Proteomic analysis of the hypoxic kidney found various altered proteins. Increased proteins included lipocortin-5, calgizzarin, ezrin, and transferrin, whereas the decreased proteins were α2u-globulin PGCL1, eukaryotic translation elongation factor 1α2, and Cu/Zn superoxide dismutase (SOD1). Among these proteins, we focused on Cu/Zn-SOD, a crucial antioxidant. Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative PCR analysis confirmed the downregulation of Cu/Zn-SOD in the chronic hypoxic kidney. Furthermore, our laser capture microdissection system showed that the expression of Cu/Zn-SOD was predominant in the tubulointerstitium and was decreased by chronic hypoxia. The tubulointerstitial injury estimated by histology and immunohistochemical markers was ameliorated by tempol, a SOD mimetic. This amelioration was associated with a decrease in levels of the oxidative stress markers 4-hydroxyl-2-nonenal and nitrotyrosine. Our in vitro studies utilizing cultured tubular cells revealed a role of TNF-α in downregulation of Cu/Zn-SOD. Since the administration of anti-TNF-α antibody ameliorated Cu/Zn-SOD suppression, TNF-α seems to be one of the suppressants of Cu/Zn-SOD. In conclusion, our proteomic analysis revealed a decrease in Cu/Zn-SOD, at least partly by TNF-α, in the chronic hypoxic kidney. This study, for the first time, uncovered maladaptive suppression of Cu/Zn-SOD as a mediator of a vicious cycle of oxidative stress and subsequent renal injury induced by chronic hypoxia.


2014 ◽  
Vol 962-965 ◽  
pp. 1231-1234
Author(s):  
Hui Huang ◽  
Bo Qi

The objective of this study was to investigate the protective role of polysaccharide fromGynostemma pentaphyllumMakino (PGP) supplementation against exhaustive swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress. A total of 48 mice were randomly divided into four groups: control, low-dose, medium-dose, and high-dose PGP supplementation groups. The control group received distilled water and the supplementation groups received different doses of PGP (50, 100 and 200 mg/kg body weight) by gavage once a day for 28 consecutive days. After 28 days, the mice performed an exhaustive swimming exercise, and some biochemical parameters related to oxidative stress, including superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT) and malondialdehyde (MDA), were measured. The results showed that PGP supplementation could increase SOD, GPx and CAT contents, as well as decrease MDA contents in the liver and skeletal muscle of mice, which suggests that PGP supplementation has a protective role against exhaustive swimming exercise-induced oxidative stress.


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