Moringa oleifera Improves MAFLD by Inducing Epigenetic Modifications.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS: Metabolic Associated Fatty Liver Disease (MAFLD) encompasses a spectrum of diseases from simple steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Here, we investigated the hepatoprotective role of Moringa oleifera aqueous extract on hepatic miRNAs, genes and protein expression, as well as histological and biochemical parameters in an experimental model of NASH. METHODS: Male C57BL/6J mice were fed with a high fat diet (HFD, 60% lipids, 42 gr/L sugar in water) for 16 weeks. Moringa extract was administered via gavage during the final 8 weeks. Insulin Tolerance Test (ITT) and HOMA-IR were calculated. Serum levels of insulin, resistin, leptin and PAI-1 and hepatic expression of miR-21a-5p, miR-103-3p, miR-122-5p, miR-34a-5p and SIRT1, AMPKα and SREBP1c protein were evaluated. Alpha-SMA immunohistochemistry and hematoxylin-eosin, Masson's trichrome and sirius red staining were made. Hepatic transcriptome was analyzed using microarrays. RESULTS: Animals treated with Moringa extract improved ITT and decreased SREBP1c hepatic protein, while SIRT1 increased. Hepatic expression of miR-21a-5p, miR-103-3p and miR-122-5p, miR34a-5p was downregulated. Hepatic histologic analysis showed in Moringa group (HF + MO) a significant decrease in inflammatory nodules, macro steatosis, fibrosis, collagen and αSMA reactivity. Analysis of hepatic transcriptome showed down expression of mRNAs implicated in DNA response to damage, endoplasmic reticulum stress, lipid biosynthesis and insulin resistance. Moringa reduced insulin resistance, de novo lipogenesis, hepatic inflammation and ER stress. CONCLUSIONS: Moringa prevented progression of liver damage in a model of NASH and improved biochemical, histological and hepatic expression of genes and miRNAs implicated in MAFLD/NASH development.

Topical Pirfenidone-Loaded Liposomes Ophthalmic Formulation Reduces Haze Development after Corneal Alkali Burn in Mice.

Corneal chemical burns (CCBs) frequently result in corneal fibrosis or haze, an opacity of the cornea that obstructs vision and induces corneal blindness. Diverse strategies have been employed to prevent or reduce CCB-related corneal haze. In this study, we evaluated the physicochemical characteristics and biologic effects of a topical pirfenidone (PFD)-loaded liposomal formulation (PL) on a corneal alkali burn mice model. We found that PL was appropriate for ocular application due to its physiologic tear pH, osmolarity and viscosity suitable for topical ophthalmic use. Regarding its therapeutic activity, PL-treated mice had significantly reduced haze size and density, corneal edema, corneal thickness, and corneal inflammatory infiltration, in contrast to PFD in aqueous solution (p < 0.01). Importantly, the antifibrotic activity of PL (reduction of corneal haze) was associated with modulation of transforming growth factor (TGF)-ß and Interleukin (IL)-1ß genes. PL suppressed TGF-ß expression and restored normal IL-1ß expression in corneal tissue more efficiently in contrast to PFD in aqueous solution. In conclusion, PFD showed essential anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects in the treatment of alkali burns. Noteworthy, a new formulation of PFD-loaded liposomes remarkably improved these effects, standing out as a promising treatment for corneal haze.

Fibrosis regression is induced by AdhMMP8 in a murine model of chronic kidney injury.

Adenoviral vector AdhMMP8 (human Metalloproteinase-8 cDNA) administration has been proven beneficial in various experimental models of liver injury improving liver function and decreasing fibrosis. In this study, we evaluated the potential therapeutic AdhMMP8 effect in a chronic kidney damage experimental model. Chronic injury was induced by orogastric adenine administration (100mg/kg/day) to Wistar rats for 4 weeks. AdhMMP8 (3x1011vp/kg) was administrated in renal vein during an induced-ligation-ischemic period to facilitate kidney transduction causing no-additional kidney injury as determined by histology and serum creatinine. Animals were sacrificed at 7- and 14-days post-Ad injection. Fibrosis, histopathological features, serum creatinine (sCr), BUN, and renal mRNA expression of αSMA, Col-1α, TGF-ß1, CTGF, BMP7, IL-1, TNFα, VEGF and PAX2 were analyzed. Interestingly, AdhMMP8 administration resulted in cognate human MMP8 protein detection in both kidneys, whereas hMMP8 mRNA was detected only in the left kidney. AdhMMP8 significantly reduced kidney tubule-interstitial fibrosis and glomerulosclerosis. Also, tubular atrophy and interstitial inflammation were clearly decreased rendering improved histopathology, and down regulation of profibrogenic genes expression. Functionally, sCr and BUN were positively modified. The results showed that AdhMMP8 decreased renal fibrosis, suggesting that MMP8 could be a possible therapeutic candidate for kidney fibrosis treatment.