Protective effect of linoleic acid on liver toxicity induced by methotrexate / Efecto protector del ácido linoleico sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato

SUMMARY: We aimed to investigate the protective effect of linoleic acid on liver toxicity induced by methotrexate. The study was carried out in partnership with the Department of Anatomy and Department of Medical Pharmacology of Çukurova University Faculty of Medicine, using the laboratory facilities of the Department of Medical Pharmacology. Human hepatocyte cell line (CRL- 11233) cells obtained from the American Type Culture Collection Organization (ATCC) were used. Expressions of apoptotic pathway markers, apoptosis inducing factor (AIF), BAX, BCL 2, GADD 153, 78-kDa glucose-regulated protein (GRP78), and CASPASE-3 were evaluated. All analyzes were examined in four groups (Group 1; control, Group 2; linoleic acid given, Group 3; methotrexate given and Group 4; linoleic acid and methotrexate given). The mean ± standard error values of the obtained results as nanogram / milliliter (ng / ml) are in Group I, Group II, Group III and Group IV, respectively; AIF values, 0.4150 ± 0.1208, 0.3633 ± 0.2389, 1.792 ± 0.3611 and 1.077 ± 0.1646, BAX values, 0.900 ± 0.1864, 1.002 ± 0.2098, 8.352 ± 1.467 and 4.295 ± 1.522, BCL 2 values, 13.93 ± 1.198, 13.92 ± 1.739, 2.938 ± 1.059 and 9.250 ± 1.492, GADD 153, 0.7333 ± 0.1751, 0.7067 ± 0.2115, 1.650 ± 0.2950 and 1.237 ± 0.1805, GRP78, 0.4767 ± 0.1804, 0.5233 ± 0.1590, 2.183 ± 0.2639 and 1.112 ± 0.2693, CASPASE-3 values , 1.127 ± 0.2033, 0.8317 ± 0.3392, 13.50 ± 1.871 and 8.183 ± 1.030. It was determined that linoleic acid has a protective effect on methotrexate-induced liver toxicity.

Nuestro objetivo fue investigar el efecto protector del ácido linoleico sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato. El estudio se llevó a cabo en colaboración con el Departamento de Anatomía y el Departamento de Farmacología Médica de la Facultad de Medicina de la Universidad de Çukurova, utilizando las instalaciones del laboratorio del Departamento de Farmacología Médica. Se usaron células de la línea celular de hepatocitos humanos (CRL-11233) obtenidas de la American Type Culture Collection Organisation (ATCC). Se evaluaron las expresiones de marcadores de vías apoptóticas, factor inductor de apoptosis (AIF), BAX, BCL 2, GADD 153, proteína regulada por glucosa de 78 kDa (GRP78) y CASPASE-3. Todos los análisis se examinaron en cuatro grupos (Grupo 1; control, Grupo 2; se administró ácido linoleico, Grupo 3; se administró metotrexato y Grupo 4; se administró ácido linoleico y metotrexato). Los valores medios ± error estándar de los resultados obtenidos como nanogramo/mililitro (ng/ml) se encuentran en el Grupo I, Grupo II, Grupo III y Grupo IV, respectivamente; Valores de AIF, 0,4150 ± 0,1208, 0,3633 ± 0,2389, 1,792 ± 0,3611 y 1,077 ± 0,1646, valores de Bax, 0,900 ± 0,1864, 1,002 ± 0,2098, 8,352 ± 1,467 y 4,295 ± 1,522, BCL 2 valores, 13,93 ± 1,199. 2,938 ± 1,059 y 9,250 ± 1,492, GADD 153, 0,7333 ± 0,1751, 0,7067 ± 0,2115, 1,650 ± 0,2950 y 1,237 ± 0,1805, Grp78, 0,4767 ± 0,1804, 0,5233 ± 0,1590, 2,183, ± 1,263. 1,127 ± 0,2033, 0,8317 ± 0,3392, 13,50 ± 1,871 y 8,183 ± 1,030. Se determinó que el ácido linoleico tiene un efecto protector sobre la toxicidad hepática inducida por metotrexato.

Research progress in lineage tracing to explore hepatic parenchymal cell regeneration and repair mechanisms / 中华肝脏病杂志

Hepatic parenchymal cells are a type of liver cells that performs important functions such as metabolism and detoxification. The contribution of hepatic parenchymal cells, bile duct cells, and hepatic stem/progenitor cells to new hepatic parenchymal cells in the process of liver injury repair has become a controversial issue due to their strong proliferation ability. Lineage tracing technology, which has emerged in the past decade as a new method for exploring the origin of cells, can trace specific type of cells and their daughter cells by labeling cells that express the specific gene and their progeny. The article reviews the current literature on the origin and contribution of hepatic parenchymal cells by this technique. About 98% of new hepatic parenchymal cells originate from the existing hepatic parenchymal cells during liver homeostasis and after acute injury. However, under conditions of severe liver injury, such as inhibition of hepatic parenchymal cell proliferation, bile duct cells (mainly liver stem/progenitor cells) become the predominant source of hepatic parenchymal cells, contributing a steady increased hepatocyte regeneration with the extension of time.

YAP regulates the liver size during the fasting-refeeding transition in mice

Liver is the central hub regulating energy metabolism during feeding-fasting transition. Evidence suggests that fasting and refeeding induce dynamic changes in liver size, but the underlying mechanisms remain unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) is a key regulator of organ size. This study aims to explore the role of YAP in fasting- and refeeding-induced changes in liver size. Here, fasting significantly reduced liver size, which was recovered to the normal level after refeeding. Moreover, hepatocyte size was decreased and hepatocyte proliferation was inhibited after fasting. Conversely, refeeding promoted hepatocyte enlargement and proliferation compared to fasted state. Mechanistically, fasting or refeeding regulated the expression of YAP and its downstream targets, as well as the proliferation-related protein cyclin D1 (CCND1). Furthermore, fasting significantly reduced the liver size in AAV-control mice, which was mitigated in AAV Yap (5SA) mice. Yap overexpression also prevented the effect of fasting on hepatocyte size and proliferation. Besides, the recovery of liver size after refeeding was delayed in AAV Yap shRNA mice. Yap knockdown attenuated refeeding-induced hepatocyte enlargement and proliferation. In summary, this study demonstrated that YAP plays an important role in dynamic changes of liver size during fasting-refeeding transition, which provides new evidence for YAP in regulating liver size under energy stress.

Regulation of osteogenic differentiation under hypoxia by EphrinB2/EphB4 in MC3T3-E1 cells / 口腔疾病防治

Objective @# To investigate the effect of erythropoietin producing hepatocyte kinase receptor ligand B2-erythropoietin producing hepatocyte kinase receptor B4 (EphrinB2/EphB4) on the osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells in a hypoxic environment to provide experimental evidence for hypoxia regulation of osteoblast differentiation.@*Methods @# Control groups and cobalt chloride (CoCl2)-induced hypoxia groups were set up first. qRT-PCR was used to detect the mRNA expression of the osteogenic markers alkaline phosphatase (ALP), collogen1 (COL I), runt-related transcription factor 2 (RUNX2) and osteocalcin (OCN). ALP staining was used to detect the activity of cell alkaline phosphatase after osteogenic induction. The mRNA and protein expression levels of hypoxia inducible factor-1α (HIF-1α), EphrinB2 and EphB4 in the two groups were detected via qRT-PCR and Western blot. Then, the CoCl2 + inhibitor group was established. NVP-BHG712, an EphB4 phosphorylation inhibitor, was added to this group to prevent EphrinB2 from binding to EphB4 and producing signals. qRT-PCR and Western blot were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression of osteogenic markers, including ALP, RUNX2, COL I, and OCN. ALP staining and Alizarin red S staining were used to measure osteoblast differentiation and mineralization. @*Results @# Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of the osteogenic differentiation markers ALP, RUNX2, COL-1, and OCN in MC3T3-E1 cells increased, and ALP activity and mineralization were enhanced under CoCl2-induced hypoxia in vitro (P<0.05). Additionally, the expression of HIF-1α, EphrinB2 and EphB4 was upregulated at the mRNA and protein levels under hypoxia (P<0.05). When NVP-BHG712 was used to block the connection between EphrinB2 and EphB4, the expression of osteogenic markers and ALP activity and mineralization were decreased (P<0.05).@*Conclusion@#EphrinB2/EphB4 can promote osteogenic differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells and increase the expression of osteogenic markers and tissue mineralization in a hypoxic environment.

Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles enhance the regenerative capability of fibrotic liver / 器官移植

Objective To investigate the role of human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (hUC-MSC-EV) in the regeneration of fibrotic liver. Methods C57BL/6 mice were randomly divided into the 70% normal liver resection group (Oil+PHx group), 70% liver fibrosis resection group (CCl4+PHx group) and 70% liver fibrosis resection+mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicle (MSC-EV) treatment group (CCl4+PHx+MSC-EV group), with 8 mice in each group. LX-2 cell lines were assigned into the phosphate buffer solution (PBS) group, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β group and TGF-β+MSC-EV group. The serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) in mice after partial liver resection were detected in each group. The expression levels of liver fibrosis and proliferation-related parameters were analyzed in each group. The messenger RNA (mRNA) expression levels of epidermal growth factor (EGF), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) in LX-2 cells were detected in each group, and their effects on HGF expression in mouse liver were observed. Results Compared with the Oil+PHx group, the serum levels of AST, ALT and LDH were up-regulated, and the degree of fibrosis was more severe, the positive area of Sirius red and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) staining was larger, and the expression level of α-SMA protein was up-regulated in the CCl4+PHx group. Compared with the CCl4+PHx group, the serum levels of AST, ALT and LDH were decreased, the degree of fibrosis was slighter, the positive area of Sirius red and α-SMA staining was decreased, and the expression level of α-SMA protein was down-regulated in the CCl4+PHx+MSC-EV group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the Oil+PHx group, the protein expression levels of Ki67 and proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) were lower in the CCl4+PHx group. Compared with the CCl4+PHx group, the protein expression levels of Ki67 and PCNA were increased in the CCl4+PHx+MSC-EV group, and the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). Compared with the PBS group, the expression level of CollagenⅠ mRNA in LX-2 cells was increased, the expression level of α-SMA protein was up-regulated and the expression level of HGF protein was decreased in the TGF-β group. Compared with the TGF-β group, the expression level of CollagenⅠ mRNA in LX-2 cells was decreased, the expression levels of HGF mRNA and protein were increased, and the expression level of α-SMA protein was decreased in the TGF-β+MSC-EV group, the differences were statistically significant (all P < 0.05). The expression level of HGF protein in the CCl4+PHx group was lower than that in the Oil+PHx group, whereas the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The expression level of HGF protein in the CCl4+PHx+MSC-EV group was higher than that in the CCl4+PHx group, and the difference was statistically significant (P < 0.05). Conclusions The regenerative capacity of fibrotic liver is weaker than that of normal liver. hUC-MSC-EV may alleviate liver fibrosis and improve liver regeneration by promoting HGF secretion from actived hepatic stellate cells and effectively enhancing the regenerative capacity of fibrotic liver.

The effect of ALPL on liver regeneration after partial hepatectomy in mice / 西安交通大学学报(医学版)

【Objective】 To observe the role of liver/bone/kidney alkaline phosphatase gene (ALPL) in liver regeneration following 70% hepatectomy (partial hepatectomy, PH). 【Methods】 A knock-out mouse model (ALPL+/-) was established, and a 70% hepatectomy was performed. Changes in liver weight and liver function were measured at PH 1 day, PH 3 day, and PH 7 day (PH1d、PH3d、PH7d) after surgery. In addition, cell proliferation, hepatocyte growth factor (HGF), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) were performed by Western blotting, immunofluorescence staining, and enzyme linked immunosorbent assay. 【Results】 ALPL knockout mice at PH7d exhibited a lower ratio of liver/total body weight than normal control mice. An analysis of liver function showed no significant difference between the ALPL knockout group and the WT (ALPL+/+) group when the ALPL gene was deleted. While Ki67 staining and PCNA analysis indicated that liver cell proliferation was decreased in ALPL+/- mice at PH1d and increased at PH7d compared to that in ALPL+/+group. Additionally, knockouts of ALPL decreased serum and liver HGF and VEGF levels at PH1d compared to WT controls, but increased at PH7d. 【Conclusion】 The knockout of ALPL leads to a delayed liver regeneration following hepatectomy, which provides theoretical support for exploring the mechanisms underlying liver regeneration after hepatectomy.

Effect of Compound Phyllanthus urinaria Ⅱ on Growth and Expression of miR-122 and IGF-1R of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells in Nude Mice / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the inhibitory effects and mechanism of the compound Phyllanthus urinaria Ⅱ （CPU Ⅱ）on the growth of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B2.1-7 （Short for Hep3R） cells in nude mice. MethodAfter the establishment of a xenograft model of hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells in mice， the model mice were randomly divided into a model group， a high-dose CPU Ⅱ group （57.5 g·kg-1）， a low-dose CPU Ⅱ group （28.75 g·kg-1）， and a 5-fluorouracil （5-FU） group （0.025 g·kg-1）， with eight mice in each group. The mice in the high- and low-dose CPU Ⅱ groups were treated with drugs by gavage， once per day， and those in the model group were treated with the same volume of normal saline. The mice in the 5-FU group were treated by 5-FU by intraperitoneal injection， once every other day. After 28 days of administration， mice were sacrificed， and transplanted tumors were collected. Immunohistochemistry （IHC） was used to detect the expression of proliferating cell nuclear antigen （PCNA） of tumor tissues. Terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated nick end labeling （TUNEL） was used to detect cell apoptosis of tumor tissues. The mRNA expression of miR-122 and insulin-like growth factor 1 receptor （IGF-1R） in tumor tissues was detected by Real-time quantitative PCR （Real-time PCR）. The protein expression of CCAAT/enhancer-binding protein α （C/EBPα）， hepatocyte nuclear factor-4α （HNF-4α）， and IGF-1R in tumor tissues was detected by Western blot. ResultThe tumor suppression rates of the high- and low-dose CPU Ⅱ groups and the 5-FU group were 74.90%， 63.62%， and 64.15%， respectively. Compared with the model group， the CPU Ⅱ groups and the 5-FU group showed reduced weight （P<0.01） and volume of tumors （P<0.01）， decreased PCNA positive cells， shallow staining， increased apoptosis cells of transplanted tumor tissues （P<0.05， P<0.01）， increased expression of mRNA expression of miR-122 （P<0.01）， down-regulated mRNA expression of IGF-1R （P<0.01）， and up-regulated protein expression of C/EBPα and HNF-4α in nude mouse transplanted tumor tissues （P<0.01）. The expression of IGF-1R protein in the high-dose CPU Ⅱ group was down-regulated （P<0.05）. Compared with the low-dose CPU Ⅱ group， the high-dose CPU Ⅱ group showed increased apoptotic cells （P<0.01）， up-regulated mRNA expression of miR-122 （P<0.01）， and increased expression of C/EBPα and HNF-4α proteins （P<0.01）. ConclusionCPU Ⅱ has an obvious inhibitory effect on the growth of transplanted hepatocellular carcinoma Hep3B cells in nude mice. The mechanism of action is related to enhancing the expression of transcription factors HNF-4α and C/EBPα， thereby promoting the expression of miR-122 and inhibiting the expression of its target gene IGF-1R.

Research progress on sex hormone-binding globulin involved in the occurrence and development of diabetes mellitus / 中国基层医药

Sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG) is significantly associated with abnormal glucose metabolism. Low SHBG level is a risk factor for insulin resistance and the occurence of diabetes mellitus. SHBG is negatively correlated with the risk of type 2 diabetes mellitus and plays an important role in regulating insulin resistance while predicting its development. The genotype of SHBG has been found to be closely related to the occurrence of diabetes mellitus. Fatty liver and DNA methylation are also important factors mediating the relationship between SHBG and type 2 diabetes mellitus. The change in SHBG level may be related to insulin resistance by influencing hepatocyte nuclear factor 4a and regulating glucose transporter.

Advances in in vitro induction of hepatocyte-like cells and the application of small-molecule compounds in inducing hepatocyte-like cells / 临床肝胆病杂志

The induction of hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) in vitro is one of the effective ways to obtain a large number of useful hepatocyte, and these HLCs can be used in disease modeling, drug design, and toxicological evaluation. At present, the induction of HLCs in vitro is mainly achieved by introducing exogenous transcription factors, cytokines or small-molecule compounds. Since small-molecule compounds have the advantages of structural diversity, controllable time and dose, and convenient and safe operation, scientists are devoted to screening out the small-molecule compounds to replace exogenous transcription factors and cytokines, and such compounds have a promising application prospect in the field of regenerative medicine. This article reviews the studies on the in vitro induction of HLCs from pluripotent stem cells and other adult stem cells and summarizes the application of small-molecule compounds in the in vitro induction of HLCs, in order to provide ideas and references for the in vitro induction of HLCs.

Forkhead box A1 expression in thyroid carcinoma based on bioinformatics andclinical significance

Thyroid cancer, known to be common in women than men, accounts for 12% all types of cancers and ranks 9th with5,86,202 cases worldwide. Role of forkhead box A1 (FOXA1), also known as hepatocyte nuclear factor 3? and involved inthe oncogenesis and progression of several tumors such as gliomas, breast, stomach, lung, ovarian, and esophageal cancers,has not been elucidated well in thyroid carcinoma until now. Here, we analyzed the expression of FOXA1 in thyroidcarcinoma tissues and its effects on the biological characteristics of papillary thyroid carcinoma TPC-1 cells. The expressionlevels of FOXA1 in normal thyroid and thyroid carcinoma tissues were analyzed using UALCAN database(http://ualcan.path.uab.edu/index.html), and the correlations between FOXA1 expression levels and survival time of patientswith thyroid carcinoma were analyzed. Si-FOXA1 and si-NC were transfected into cells that were then divided into si-FOXA1 (transfected si-FOXA1), si-NC (transfected si-NC), and control (TPC-1) groups. Cell proliferation was determinedwith MTT assay, and invasion ability was measured by Transwell assay. Early apoptotic rate was detected by flowcytometry. The mRNA expression levels of p27Kip1, Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E were measured by qRT-PCR. The expressionlevel of FOXA1 was significantly higher in thyroid carcinoma tissues than that in normal thyroid tissues. UALCAN-basedanalysis indicated that patients with low expression level of FOXA1 had longer survival time than those with highexpression level of FOXA1 (P <0.05). The cell proliferation rate was significantly lower in si-FOXA1 group than those insi-NC group and control group at 24 h, 48 h and 72 h (P <0.05). The early apoptotic rate was significantly higher andnumber of invading cells was lower in si-FOXA1 group than those in si-NC and control groups (P <0.05). Si-FOXA1 grouphad higher mRNA expression level of p27Kip1 and lower expression levels of Cyclin D1 and Cyclin E than those of si-NCand control groups (P <0.05). Targeted inhibition of FOXA1 suppresses the proliferation and invasion and promotes theapoptosis of thyroid carcinoma cells, probably by regulating activation of the p27Kip1 pathway.

Lithocarpus polystachyus (Sweet Tea) water extract promotes human hepatocytes HL7702 proliferation through activation of HGF/AKT/ERK signaling pathway / 中草药·英文版

Objective: Sweet Tea (ST), derived from the leaves of Lithocarpus polystachyus, is a Chinese folk medicine with wide pharmacological activities. However, the promotive effects of ST water extract on hepatocytes proliferation and its underlying mechanism remains still unknown. In the present study, the beneficial effects of ST water extract on human hepatocytes and its possible mechanism were investigated. Methods: MTT assay was used to detect the safety range of ST; HL7702 cells were divided into four groups: control group, ST low- (50 μg/mL), medium- (200 μg/mL) and high-concentration (800 μg/mL) groups; BrdU ELISA and EDU staining were used to observe DNA content and cell proliferation; Moreover, flow cytometry was applied to analyze the distribution of cell cycle. Furthermore, the expression of cyclin D1, CDK4, HGF/c-Met, Akt, Erk1/2 were detected by Western blot. Results: It was found that ST water extract concentration-dependent promoted human hepatocytes HL7702 cell proliferation within 72 h through accumulating the cells in S phase and G2/M phase. Furthermore, ST water extract up-regulated expression of Cyclin D1 and CDK4 proteins. Moreover, ST water extract not only increased HGF expression and phosphorylation of c-Met level, but also activated the phosphorylation levels of AKT, ERK1/2. Interestingly, both of AKT inhibitor A6730 and ERK1/2 inhibitor U0126 reversed the promotive effects of ST water extract, which further confirmed that activation of AKT and ERK1/2 were involved. Conclusion: The findings reveal that ST water extract promoted HL7702 cells proliferation through the stimulation of cell cycle mediated by activating the AKT- and ERK1/2-related pathway.

Effect and Mechanism of Wumeiwan Against Lewis Lung Cancer in Mice with Syndrome of Cold and Heat in Complexity Based on HGF/C-Met Signaling Pathway / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo investigate the effect and mechanism of Wumeiwan against Lewis lung cancer in mice with syndrome of cold and heat in complexity based on hepatocyte growth factor/mesenchymal-epithelial transition factor （HGF/C-Met） signaling pathway. MethodTwenty healthy male mice were classified into blank group， model group （equivalent volume of distilled water， ig）， cisplatin group （4.0 mg·kg-1 cisplatin， ip）， and Wumeiwan group （12.5 mL·kg-1 Wumeiwan， ig）， with 5 in each group. Lewis lung cancer with the syndrome of cold and heat in complexity was induced in mice except the blank group by gavage of propylthiouracil， Zhimu Shigaotang， and Fanxieye， ice-water swimming， and subcutaneous injection of dry yeast suspension and Lewis cell suspension under the right armpit. After modeling， administration began and lasted 6 weeks. After the experiment， the tumor weight， tumor volume， tumor inhibition rate， and lung cancer metastasis-inhibiting proportion were measured and calculated. The pathological morphology of lung tissue was observed based on hematoxylin and eosin （HE） staining. The growth state of tumor tissue was analyzed by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of HGF and C-Met was detected by Real-time polymerase chain reaction （PCR）， and the protein expressions of HGF， C-Met， survivin， and X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis protein （XIAP） by Western blot. ResultCompared with the blank group， the model group showed high mRNA expression of HGF and C-Met and protein expression of HGF， C-Met， surviving， and XIAP （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， Wumeiwan group displayed low proportion of positive cells， positive cell density， positive score （P<0.05）， histochemical score， tumor weight， tumor volume （P<0.01）， mRNA expression of HGF and C-Met （P<0.01）， and protein expression of HGF， C-Met， surviving， and XIAP （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， the cisplatin group displayed decrease in the proportion of positive cells， density of positive cells （P<0.05）， positive score， tumor weight， tumor volume （P<0.01）， mRNA expression of HGF and C-Met （P<0.01）， and protein expression of HGF， C-Met， surviving， and XIAP （P<0.01）， and insignificant variation in the histochemical score. Wumeiwan group had high mRNA expression of HGF （P<0.01）， and insignificant variation in the proportion of positive cells， positive cell density， histochemical score， positive score， tumor weight， tumor volume， mRNA expression of C-Met， and protein expression of HGF， C-Met， surviving， and XIAP. ConclusionWumeiwan can slow down the progression of Lewis lung cancer in mice with syndrome of cold and heat I complexicity by inhibiting HGF/C-Met signaling pathway.

Effects of thymoquinone on alpha-amanitin induced hepatotoxicity in human C3A hepatocytes

Abstract Thymoquinone (TQ) has shown hepatoprotective effects in various experimental studies. We aimed to investigate the possible beneficial effects of TQ regarding its prevention of alpha-amanitin induced hepatotoxicity in human C3A hepatocytes. After administering alpha-amanitin in a concentrations of 1 and 10µg/mL on the cells in a hepatocyte cell line, TQ was administered in various concentrations (10, 5, 1, 0.5, 0.1, 0.05, 0.01, 0.005 µg/mL). The MTT test was used to determine cell viability. For the groups given only TQ at various concentrations, the cell viability rates at 48 hours post-administration were found at 82.6, 98.3, 102.1, 102.5, 99.4, 99.4, 101.9 and 106.3%, respectively. For the group with 1μg/mL alpha-amanitin and various TQ concentrations, the cell viability rates were found at 74.6, 88.5, 87.4, 88.7, 85.7, 86.8, 88.4, and 92.9%, respectively. For the group with 10μg/mL alpha-amanitin and various TQ concentrations, the cell viability rates for each TQ subgroup were found at 65.2, 79.2, 81.4, 81.1, 81.8, 81.8, 82.2 and 91.9%, respectively. Our study is the first in vitro study that investigates TQ's effects on alpha-amanitin induced hepatotoxicity. Although TQ had beneficial effect in low doses did not significantly increase cell viability in liver damage due to alpha-amanitin toxicity.

Induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells and preliminary study of cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen / 中华肝脏病杂志

Objective: To establish a method for the induction of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to hepatocyte-like cells, and preliminarily investigate cell response to injury under the effect of acetaminophen (APAP). Methods: The surface marker CD45 of peripheral blood mononuclear cells wase detected cells by using flow cytometry and immunofluorescence methods. The cellular morphology of induced hepatocyte-like cells was observed under an inverted microscope. Real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression level of hepatocyte-specific genes, such as cytochrome (CY) P1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, albumin (ALB), alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), and hepatocyte nuclear factor (HNF)4α mRNA. Immunofluorescence method was used to detect intracellular hepatocyte markers AFP, HNF4α, and ALB expression at the protein level. Biochemical analyzer was used to detect hepatocyte-specific secretory functions of AFP, ALB, and urea. Luciferase chemiluminescence method was used to detect the activity of key drug metabolizing enzyme CYP3A4. Colorimetric assay was used to detect the effect of the drug acetaminophen on hepatocyte-like cells, and alanine aminotransferase (ALT) was used as an indicator of liver cell injury. The statistical differences between the data were compared with t-test and rank-sum test. Results: The positive expression rate of CD45 cell surface markers isolated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells was about 98%, and hepatocyte-like cell morphology changes appeared on 15th day of induction. Compared with isolated mononuclear cells, CYP1A2, CYP3A4, CYP2C9, ALB, AFP and HNF4α mRNA was markedly elevated. The expression level of AFP, ALB and HNF4α protein were equally increased, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB and urea were enhanced. Compared with primary hepatocytes, CYP1A2, CYP2C9, AFP, HNF4α mRNA, and CYP3A4 mRNA did not decrease. The expression levels of AFP, ALB, and HNF4α proteins in the cells did not decrease, and the secretory function of AFP, ALB, and urea did not decrease. In addition, the CYP3A4 enzyme activity produced by hepatocyte-like cells was similar to that of primary hepatocytes. Compared with hepatocyte-like cells incubated without APAP, hepatocyte-like cells incubated with APAP had higher ALT level. Under the effect of APAP, the ALT level of hepatocyte-like cells was higher than isolated mononuclear cells. Conclusion: Peripheral blood mononuclear cells can be induced into hepatocyte-like cells with partial characteristics of hepatocytes, including the activity of CYP3A4, a key enzyme of hepatocyte drug metabolism. Additionally, preliminarily ALT secretory features reflect the hepatocytes injury under the effect of acetaminophen.

Clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma / 中国基层医药

Objective:To investigate the clinical value of contrast-enhanced ultrasonography in the diagnosis of inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma.Methods:100 patients with inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma who received treatment in the Department of Oncology, Zhejiang Quhua Hospital, between March 2018 and March 2021, were included in this study. These patients were divided into < 5 cm group (control group, n = 65) and ≥ 5 cm group (observation group, n = 35) according to maximum tumor diameter. Routine ultrasonography and contrast-enhanced ultrasonography findings were compared between the two groups. Results:Pathological findings and immunohistochemical staining results confirmed all patients had inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma. There were 65 patients with maximum tumor diameter < 5 cm in the control group and 35 patients with maximum tumor diameter ≥ 5 cm in the observation group. Routine ultrasonography findings revealed there were no significant differences in internal echo, border, shape, and blood flow distribution between control and observation groups ( χ2 = 0.45, 0.08, 3.12, 3.54, all P > 0.05). In the control group, 56 (86.15%) patients had a uniform echo and 9 (13.85%) patients had an uneven echo. In the observation group, 19 (54.29%) patients had a uniform echo and 16 (45.71%) patients had an uneven echo. There were significant differences in the number of patients having a uniform echo or an uneven echo between the two groups ( χ2 = 12.32, P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in contrast-enhanced ultrasonography results in terms of arterial phase enhancement mode, portal phase enhancement performance, delayed phase enhancement performance, and presence of a vessel sign under the capsule between the two groups ( χ2 = 0.65, 0.40, 1.75, 2.07, all P > 0.05). In the control group, 55 (84.62%) patients had a uniformly contrast-enhanced area, and 10 (15.38%) patients had a non-uniformly contrast-enhanced area, in the arterial phase at the peak intensity. In the observation group, 16 (45.71%) patients had a uniformly contrast-enhanced area, and 19 (54.29%) patients had a non-uniformly contrast-enhanced area, in the arterial phase at the peak intensity. There was a significant difference between the two groups ( χ2 = 16.52, P < 0.05). No patients from the control group had an internal perfusion defect, and 12 (34.29%) patients from the observation group had an internal perfusion defect. There was significant difference in the number of patients having an internal perfusion defect ( χ2 = 25.32, P < 0.05). High contrast enhancement in the arterial phase appeared in two groups. Conclusion:Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can display the imaging features of inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma, which reflects the hemodynamic differences among foci of different sizes and helps diagnose and treat inflammatory hepatocellular adenoma.

Mechanism of hepatocyte growth factor in childhood respiratory diseases / 中华实用儿科临床杂志

Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) is a mesenchymal-derived growth factor, which is widely used in the basic and clinical research of pediatric multi-system due to various biological functions.As a protective factor for lung tissues, HGF has significant biological effects on enhancing lung tissue development, stimulating DNA production of lung epithelial cells, repairing lung microvascular endothelial cells, inhibiting apoptosis induced by lung injury, and delaying pulmonary fibrosis.HGF is closely related to the occurrence and development of respiratory diseases in children.This study aims to review the physiological characteristics of HGF and the mechanism in children′s respiratory diseases.

Protective Effect of Water Extract of Citri Grandis Exocarpium on Alcohol-induced Acute Liver Injury / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacodynamic effect of the water extract of Citri Grandis exocarpium （WEC） on mice with alcohol-induced acute liver injury and provide data support for the development of this medicinal for anti-alcoholism and liver protection. MethodThe main components of WEC were determined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. Sixty Balb/c mice were randomized into 6 groups： control group （equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution）， model group （equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution）， low-， medium-， and high-dose WEC groups （0.5， 1.0， 2.0 g·kg-1）， and Haiwang Jinzun tablet positive control group （2.0 g·kg-1）. The administration lasted 14 days. One day before the end of the administration， mice were fasted for 12 h with free access to water. The mice， except the control group， were given 56° Chinese liquor （13 mL·kg-1）. After 2 h， blood was taken from eyeballs and the liver was dissected and weighed. Automatic biochemical analyzer was employed to detect the expression of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alcohol dehydrogenase （ADH）. The pathological changes of liver tissues were observed based on hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and apoptosis of hepatocytes based on TUNEL/DAB staining. The expression of proteins related to apoptosis was detected by Western blot. ResultAccording to the HPLC fingerprint， the main components of WEC were rhoifolin and naringin. Compared with the control group， the model group showed increase in liver/body weight ratio （P<0.01） and the expression of ALT and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decrease in the expression of ADH （P<0.05）， blurred structure of hepatic lobules， pathological changes of liver tissue， loose cytoplasm with edema， severe steatosis， rise of the TUNEL-positive rate （P<0.01）， reduction in expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.01）， and increase in Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium-dose WEC lowered liver/body weight ratio （P<0.05）. All doses of WEC depressed the activity of ALT and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the expression of ADH （P<0.05）， significantly improved the pathological features of alcohol-induced cytoplasmic porosity， edema， and steatosis， down-regulated the TUNEL-positive rate （P<0.05， P<0.01）， enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.05）， and decreased Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. ConclusionWEC regulates the expression of ALT， AST， and ADH and improves hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte apoptosis to fight against acute liver injury.

Protective Effect of Water Extract of Citri Grandis Exocarpium on Alcohol-induced Acute Liver Injury / 中国实验方剂学杂志

ObjectiveTo explore the pharmacodynamic effect of the water extract of Citri Grandis exocarpium （WEC） on mice with alcohol-induced acute liver injury and provide data support for the development of this medicinal for anti-alcoholism and liver protection. MethodThe main components of WEC were determined by high performance liquid chromatography （HPLC）. Sixty Balb/c mice were randomized into 6 groups： control group （equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution）， model group （equal volume of 0.5% carboxymethyl cellulose sodium solution）， low-， medium-， and high-dose WEC groups （0.5， 1.0， 2.0 g·kg-1）， and Haiwang Jinzun tablet positive control group （2.0 g·kg-1）. The administration lasted 14 days. One day before the end of the administration， mice were fasted for 12 h with free access to water. The mice， except the control group， were given 56° Chinese liquor （13 mL·kg-1）. After 2 h， blood was taken from eyeballs and the liver was dissected and weighed. Automatic biochemical analyzer was employed to detect the expression of alanine aminotransferase （ALT）， aspartate aminotransferase （AST）， and alcohol dehydrogenase （ADH）. The pathological changes of liver tissues were observed based on hematoxylin-eosin （HE） staining， and apoptosis of hepatocytes based on TUNEL/DAB staining. The expression of proteins related to apoptosis was detected by Western blot. ResultAccording to the HPLC fingerprint， the main components of WEC were rhoifolin and naringin. Compared with the control group， the model group showed increase in liver/body weight ratio （P<0.01） and the expression of ALT and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01）， decrease in the expression of ADH （P<0.05）， blurred structure of hepatic lobules， pathological changes of liver tissue， loose cytoplasm with edema， severe steatosis， rise of the TUNEL-positive rate （P<0.01）， reduction in expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.01）， and increase in Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. Compared with the model group， medium-dose WEC lowered liver/body weight ratio （P<0.05）. All doses of WEC depressed the activity of ALT and AST （P<0.05， P<0.01）， up-regulated the expression of ADH （P<0.05）， significantly improved the pathological features of alcohol-induced cytoplasmic porosity， edema， and steatosis， down-regulated the TUNEL-positive rate （P<0.05， P<0.01）， enhanced the expression of Bcl-2 （P<0.05）， and decreased Bax and Caspase-3 （P<0.01）. ConclusionWEC regulates the expression of ALT， AST， and ADH and improves hepatic steatosis and hepatocyte apoptosis to fight against acute liver injury.

Molecular pathogenesis of acetaminophen-induced liver injury and its treatment options / 浙江大学学报（英文版）（B辑：生物医学和生物技术）

Acetaminophen, also known as N-acetyl-p-aminophenol (APAP), is commonly used as an antipyretic and analgesic agent. APAP overdose can induce hepatic toxicity, known as acetaminophen-induced liver injury (AILI). However, therapeutic doses of APAP can also induce AILI in patients with excessive alcohol intake or who are fasting. Hence, there is a need to understand the potential pathological mechanisms underlying AILI. In this review, we summarize three main mechanisms involved in the pathogenesis of AILI: hepatocyte necrosis, sterile inflammation, and hepatocyte regeneration. The relevant factors are elucidated and discussed. For instance, N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI) protein adducts trigger mitochondrial oxidative/nitrosative stress during hepatocyte necrosis, danger-associated molecular patterns (DAMPs) are released to elicit sterile inflammation, and certain growth factors contribute to liver regeneration. Finally, we describe the current potential treatment options for AILI patients and promising novel strategies available to researchers and pharmacists. This review provides a clearer understanding of AILI-related mechanisms to guide drug screening and selection for the clinical treatment of AILI patients in the future.

PXR activation impairs hepatic glucose metabolism partly via inhibiting the HNF4α-GLUT2 pathway

Drug-induced hyperglycemia/diabetes is a global issue. Some drugs induce hyperglycemia by activating the pregnane X receptor (PXR), but the mechanism is unclear. Here, we report that PXR activation induces hyperglycemia by impairing hepatic glucose metabolism due to inhibition of the hepatocyte nuclear factor 4-alpha (HNF4α)‒glucose transporter 2 (GLUT2) pathway. The PXR agonists atorvastatin and rifampicin significantly downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α expression, and impaired glucose uptake and utilization in HepG2 cells. Overexpression of PXR downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α expression, while silencing PXR upregulated HNF4α and GLUT2 expression. Silencing HNF4α decreased GLUT2 expression, while overexpressing HNF4α increased GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. Silencing PXR or overexpressing HNF4α reversed the atorvastatin-induced decrease in GLUT2 expression and glucose uptake. In human primary hepatocytes, atorvastatin downregulated GLUT2 and HNF4α mRNA expression, which could be attenuated by silencing PXR. Silencing HNF4α downregulated GLUT2 mRNA expression. These findings were reproduced with mouse primary hepatocytes. Hnf4α plasmid increased Slc2a2 promoter activity. Hnf4α silencing or pregnenolone-16α-carbonitrile (PCN) suppressed the Slc2a2 promoter activity by decreasing HNF4α recruitment to the Slc2a2 promoter. Liver-specific Hnf4α deletion and PCN impaired glucose tolerance and hepatic glucose uptake, and decreased the expression of hepatic HNF4α and GLUT2. In conclusion, PXR activation impaired hepatic glucose metabolism partly by inhibiting the HNF4α‒GLUT2 pathway. These results highlight the molecular mechanisms by which PXR activators induce hyperglycemia/diabetes.