Antimicrobial and toxicological evaluation of Origanum vulgare: an in vivo study

Origanum vulgare has been of great interest in academia and pharma industry due to its antioxidant, antifungal and antitumor properties. The present study aimed to find the anti-MRSA potential and in vivo toxicity assessments of O. vulgare. O. vulgare extract was used to monitor anti-MRSA activity in mice. Following MRSA established infection in mice (Mus musculus), treatment with O. vulgare was continued for 7 days. Autopsies were performed and re-isolation, gross lesion scoring and bacterial load in various organs were measured. Additionally, blood sample was analysed for hematological assays. Toxicity assessment of O. vulgare potential as medicine was done at 200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg by evaluating liver and kidney functions. Bacterial load and gross lesion in lungs and heart were significantly low compared to positive control following O. vulgare treatment. Likewise, O. vulgare treated groups had hematological, neutrophil and TLC values similar to control groups. Increased AST, ALP and total bilirubin alongwith marked hepatocellular degeneration and distortion around the central vein, inflammatory cell infiltration, and cytoplasmic vacuolization of hepatic cells was observed at higher dose. It is concluded that crude extract of O. vulgare may contain beneficial secondary metabolites and in future may be explored for curing infectious diseases.

Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-Gamma Reduces ER Stress and Inflammation via Targeting NGBR Expression

Increased Nogo-B receptor (NGBR) expression in the liver improves insulin sensitivity by reducing endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER stress) and activating the AMPK pathway, although it remains elusive the mechanisms by which NGBR is induced. In this study, we found that PPARγ ligands (rosiglitazone or pioglitazone) increased NGBR expression in hepatic cells and HUVECs. Furthermore, promoter analysis defined two PPREs (PPARγ-responsive elements) in the promoter region of NGBR, which was further confirmed by the ChIP assay. In vivo, using liver-specific PPARγ deficient (PPARγLKO) mice, we identified the key role of PPARγ expression in pioglitazone-induced NGBR expression. Meanwhile, the basal level of ER stress and inflammation was slightly increased by NGBR knockdown. However, the inhibitory effect of rosiglitazone on inflammation was abolished while rosiglitazone-inhibited ER stress was weakened by NGBR knockdown. Taken together, these findings show that NGBR is a previously unrecognized target of PPARγ activation and plays an essential role in PPARγ-reduced ER stress and inflammation.

S ilencing of SCD and SREBP1 Genes by Short Hairpin RNAs in Chicken Hepatic Cells in Vitro

RNA interference by short hairpin RNAs (shRNAs) is a widely used post transcriptional silencing mechanism for suppressing expression of the target gene. In the current study, five shRNA molecules each against SCD and SREBP1 genes involved in denovo lipid biosynthesis were designed upon considering parameters such as secondary structures of shRNAs, mRNA target regions, GC content and thermodynamic properties (ΔG overall, ΔG duplex and ΔG break-target), synthesized and cloned in pENTR/U6 entry vector to knockdown the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes. After transfection of these shRNA constructs into the chicken embryonic hepatocytes, expressions of the target genes were monitored by real time PCR. Significant reduction (P<0.05) in the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes was observed in hepatocytes. The shRNAs against SCD gene showed the knock down efficiency ranged from 20.4% (shRNA5) to 74.2% (shRNA2). In case of SREBP1 gene, the shRNAs showed knock-down efficiency ranging from 26.8% (shRNA4) to 95.85% (shRNA1). The shRNAs against both the genes introduced in chicken hepatocyte cells did not show any significant impact on expression of immune response genes (IFNA and IFNB) in those cells. These results clearly demonstrated the successful down regulation of the expression of SCD and SREBP1 genes by the shRNA molecules against both the target genes under in vitro condition. It is concluded that the shRNA molecules against SCD and SREBP1 genes showed great potential to silence the expression of these genes under in vitro chicken embryonic hepatocyte cells.

Lnc027912 Reduces Lipid Accumulation Through Akt/MTOR/SREBP1C Axis in Hepatic Cells

Background: Various metabolism diseases are closely related to lipid metabolism disorder, but long noncoding-RNAs (lncRNA) involve in regulating function of lipid was limited elucidated. Previous our work have found that lnc027912 involve in cholesterol metabolism. Here, we further explore the role of lipid metabolism-associated lncRNA-lnc027912 in oleic acid- (OA) and palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatic cells. Methods: The overexpression of lnc027912 cell model was constructed by using virus particles transfection, and the level of lnc027912 in AML12 cells were detected by RT-qPCR. High fat cell model was established by treating AML12 cells with OA and PA, and the level of lipid drops was detected by Oil red O staining and triglyceride analyze Kit. The lipid metabolism related-genes, such as SREBP1C, FAS, PPARγ, MTTP, ApoE and ApoC3 level, was detected using RT-qPCR and Western blot. The role of SREBP1C in lipid metabolism was further analyzed using double luciferase reporter gene assay and Immunofluorescence. The Akt/mTOR signal pathway related genes was detected by Western blot. Results: We found that TG level was inhibited in overexpression of lnc027912 cell. Upregulated lnc027912 of AML12 cells treated with OA and PA showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and TG levels. Furthermore, overexpression of lnc027912, the lipid biosynthesis genes of SREBP1C, FAS and PPARγ was significantly decreased and a significant increase in expression of MTTP and ApoE. Interestingly, lnc027912 inhibited Akt/mTOR signaling axis and decreased SREBP1C transit into nucleus and the promoter activity of SREBP1C and regulated expression of its targets. Conclusions: Our study revealed a new insights into the molecular function of lnc027912 in lipid metabolism by Akt/mTOR/SREBP1C signaling axis and highlights the potential of lnc027912 as a new therapeutic target for lipid disorder diseases (such as, NAFLD).

Isoform-dependent lysosomal degradation and internalization of Apolipoprotein E requires autophagy proteins

The human Apolipoprotein E4 isoform (APOE4) is the strongest genetic risk factor for late-onset Alzheimer's disease (AD), and lysosomal dysfunction has been implicated in AD pathogenesis. We found in cells stably expressing each APOE isoform that APOE4 increases lysosomal trafficking, accumulates in enlarged lysosomes and late endosomes, alters autophagic flux and the abundance of autophagy proteins and lipid droplets, and alters the proteomic contents of lysosomes following internalization. We investigated APOE-related lysosomal trafficking further in cell culture, and found that APOE from the post-golgi compartment is degraded by autophagy. We found that this autophagic process requires the lysosomal membrane protein LAMP2 in immortalized neuron-like and hepatic cells and in mouse brain tissue. Several macroautophagy-associated proteins were also required for autophagic degradation and internalization of APOE in hepatic cells. The dysregulated autophagic flux and lysosomal trafficking of APOE4 that we observed suggest a possible novel mechanism that may contribute to AD pathogenesis.

In vivo study of Rasa Bhasma on CCL4 induced Hepato-toxicity in Albino rats

India stands 27th in rank with 25.8% of death rate due to Liver diseases in 2016. In spite of scientific advancement in the field of Hepatology, Bio-medical science is clueless in finding out an effective drug against Hepatic Disorders. Detailed description on liver disorders and their management are given by all the three prominent Acharyas of Ayurveda. Rasa Bhasma is one such preparation that can be used to treat Hepatic Disorders. In present work an attempt has been made to evaluate the efficacy of Rasa Bhasma in the management of liver disorders. 24 animals were allocated into 4 groups having six animals in each group namely Group I (Normal/Control), Group II (Intoxicated Control) Toxicated Group, Group III (lower dose of Rasa Bhasma) and Group IV (Higher dose of Rasa Bhasma). All the four group were assessed for various biochemical Parameters viz. Alkaline phosphatase, SGOT (Serum glutamate oxalacetate transaminase)/AST, SGPT (Serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase)/ALT, Total Bilirubin, Direct Bilirubin and Total Proteins. Finally, the animals from all the four groups were sacrificed for Histo-pathological studies. The results were expressed as mean ± SE and One way ANOVA by using statistical software SPSS version 16.0. Results revealed that the values of Group 4 are closer to the Normal Group1 than Group 3 meaning Rasa Bhasma in Higher dose is more effective than that in lower dose. Therefore, it can be concluded that Rasa Bhasma is a potent Herbo-mineral formulation for protection of hepatic cells.

Study of Effect of Vitamin D Supplementation on Selected Hepatic and Renal Parameters in T2DM with Vitamin D Deficiency

Introduction:- Vitamin D has been studied as modifiable risk factor in DM. Apart from its role in glucose homeostasis, the anti-inflammatory effect of vitamin D is claimed to have important effect on beta cell survival and on hepatic cells. Vitamin D is said to have anti-inflammatory, anti-proliferative and anti-fibrotic actions in liver. VDD is more prevalent in T2DM, obese and NAFLD even when these conditions occur separately. Literature states the protective effective of vitamin D on kidney. Association of VDD with albuminuria and chronic kidney disease in diabetics has also been reported. Material and Methods:- This is a type of comparative and interventional study. 63 T2DM patients aged 30 – 60 years with VDD were included. Baseline investigations determined blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and serum creatitine. Patients received vitamin D intervention orally in the dose of 2000 IU daily for 12 weeks. After 12 weeks blood levels of vitamin D, calcium, phosphate, liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP) and serum creatitine were determined. Results:- There was no correlation of vitamin D with urea, creatinine, calcium, phosphate, AST, ALT and ALP. There was extremely significant rise in vitamin D, significant fall in phosphate level, non-significant fall in creatinine, AST, ALT, ALP and non-significant rise in calcium, urea after 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation. Conclusion:- There was no correlation of vitamin D with hepatic and renal parameters. Also 12 weeks of vitamin D supplementation had no significant improvement in these parameters in T2DM.

Cell Death in Hepatocellular Carcinoma: Pathogenesis and Therapeutic Opportunities

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most prevalent primary liver cancer and the third leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Closely associated with liver inflammation and fibrosis, hepatocyte cell death is a common trigger for acute and chronic liver disease arising from different etiologies, including viral hepatitis, alcohol abuse, and fatty liver. In this review, we discuss the contribution of different types of cell death, including apoptosis, necroptosis, pyroptosis, or autophagy, to the progression of liver disease and the development of HCC. Interestingly, inflammasomes have recently emerged as pivotal innate sensors with a highly pathogenic role in various liver diseases. In this regard, an increased inflammatory response would act as a key element promoting a pro-oncogenic microenvironment that may result not only in tumor growth, but also in the formation of a premetastatic niche. Importantly, nonparenchymal hepatic cells, such as liver sinusoidal endothelial cells, hepatic stellate cells, and hepatic macrophages, play an important role in establishing the tumor microenvironment, stimulating tumorigenesis by paracrine communication through cytokines and/or angiocrine factors. Finally, we update the potential therapeutic options to inhibit tumorigenesis, and we propose different mechanisms to consider in the tumor microenvironment field for HCC resolution.

Efficiently generate functional hepatic cells from human pluripotent stem cells by complete small-molecule strategy

Background: Various methods have been developed to generate hepatic cells from human pluripotent stem cells (hPSCs) that rely on the combined use of multiple expensive growth factors, limiting industrial-scale production and widespread applications. Small molecules offer an attractive alternative to growth factors for producing hepatic cells since they are more economical and relatively stable. Methods: We dissect small-molecule combinations and identify the ideal cocktails to achieve an optimally efficient and cost-effective strategy for hepatic cells differentiation, expansion, and maturation.Results: We demonstrated that small-molecule cocktail CIP efficiently induced definitive endoderm (DE) formation via increased endogenous TGF-β/Nodal signaling. Furthermore, we identified that combining Vitamin C, Dihexa, and Forskolin (VDF) could substitute growth factors to induce hepatic specification. The obtained hepatoblasts (HBs) could subsequently expand and mature into functional hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) by the established chemical formulas. Thus, we established a stepwise strategy with complete small molecules for efficiently producing scalable HBs and functionally matured HLCs. The small-molecule derived HLCs displayed typical functional characteristics as mature hepatocytes in vitro and repopulating injured liver in vivo. Conclusion: Our current small-molecule based hepatic generation protocol presents an efficient and cost-effective platform for the large-scale production of functional human hepatic cells for cell-based therapy and drug discovery using.