RESUMO
Trimethylamine N-oxide (TMAO) is an intestinal flora metabolite produced in the liver by the oxidation of trimethylamine (TMA) by hepatic enzymes. Recently, it has been found that plasma TMAO levels play an important role in the development and progression of osteoporosis. This review has presented the physiological functions and metabolic processes of TMAO, and its effects on the development and progression of osteoporosis through oxidative stress and inflammation. Plasma TMAO levels are influenced by diet as well as medications, which provides a new perspective and target for the treatment and prevention of osteoporosis.
RESUMO
This study was undertaken to examine the possible effects of Artesunate(Art) on the hepatic reduced glutathione(GSH) content in normal and hepatotoxin - poisoned mice. It was demonstrated that Art given ip( 100mg?kg-1or 200mg?kg-1 ? 3)to mice had a signifcant protection against hepatic GSH deplection induced by acetaminophen and yellow phosphorus, andthat Art also caused a marked increase of the hepatic GSH content in fasting mice at the dose of 200mg ? kg-1. These results indicate that Art can help the liver detoxication of toxic metabolits in mice.
RESUMO
Artesunate ( Art ) is one of the derivatives of Qinghaosu ( Arte-misinin ), an effective and nontoxic new drug from the traditional Chinese medicine Qinghao ( Artemisia annua L. ).We observed a striking protection of Art against acute liver inju-ries induced by Acetaminophen(AAP)and CC14 in mice. The elevated serum transminase levels and liver lesions were reduced by Art given 100mg/kg or 200mg/kg ip to mice. Art also inhibited AAP-induced decrease of liver glycogen and reduced mortality in AAP-treated mice. In addition, Art markedly decreased the duration of the hypnosis of sodium pen tobarbital in mice, suggesting a stimulatory effect of Art on hepatic-metabolizing enzymes.