Beneficial Effects of Carvacrol on In Vitro Models of Metabolically-Associated Liver Steatosis and Endothelial Dysfunction: A Role for Fatty Acids in Interfering with Carvacrol Binding to Serum Albumin

Abstract

Background: Carvacrol, a plant phenolic monoterpene, is largely employed as food additive and phytochemical. Objective: We aimed to assess the lipid lowering and protective effects of carvacrol in vitro using cellular models of hepatic steatosis and endothelial dysfunction. We also investigated if and how the binding of carvacrol to albumin, the physiological transporter for small compounds in the blood, might be altered by the presence of high levels of fatty acids (FAs). Methods: Hepatic FaO cells treated with exogenous FAs mimic hepatosteatosis; endothelial HECV cells exposed to hydrogen peroxide are a model of endothelial dysfunction. In these models, we measured spectrophotometrically lipid accumulation and release, lipoperoxidation, free radical production, and nitric oxide release before and after treatment with carvacrol. The carvacrol binding to albumin in the presence or absence of high levels of FAs was assessed by absorption and emission spectroscopies. Results: Carvacrol counteracted lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes and protected endothelial cells from oxidative stress and dysfunction. Moreover, high levels of FAs reduced the binding of carvacrol to albumin. Conclusion: The results suggest the good potential of carvacrol in ameliorating dysfunction of hepatic and endothelial cells in vitro. High levels of circulating FAs might compete with carvacrol for binding to albumin thus influencing its transport and bio-distribution.

Hepatoprotective effect of Artemisia Argyi essential oil on bisphenol A‐induced hepatotoxicity via inhibition of ferroptosis in mice

“…41 Carvone might exert hepatoprotective effects by competing with fatty acids for binding to albumin, thereby reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes. 42 1,8-Cineole could treat steatosis and fibrosis in mice liver by inactivating the Akt/PI3-kinase pathway. 43 In addition, α-Terpineol could reduce the content of malondialdehyde in liver tissue in a dose-dependent manner, reducing oxidative stress and histopathology of the liver.…”

“…β‐Caryophyllene reduced pro‐inflammatory mediators such as TNF‐α, IL‐1β, IL‐6, chain enhancers of NF‐κB, thereby improving liver disease characterized by inflammation and oxidative stress 41 . Carvone might exert hepatoprotective effects by competing with fatty acids for binding to albumin, thereby reducing lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in hepatocytes 42 . 1,8‐Cineole could treat steatosis and fibrosis in mice liver by inactivating the Akt/PI3‐kinase pathway 43 .…”

Protective effects of carvacrol on lipid profiles, oxidative stress, hypertension, and cardiac dysfunction – A comprehensive review

“…The protective and lipid‐lowering effects of carvacrol in hepatic steatosis (cellular models) and endothelial dysfunction indicated that exposure of cells (endothelial HECV cells) with carvacrol counteracted lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and secured endothelial cells from dysfunction and oxidative stress (Khalil et al., 2022 ). Treatment with carvacrol (0.03–3 μM) remarkably inhibited platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF)‐BB‐stimulated rat aortic smooth muscle cells proliferation and migration.…”

“…The protective and lipid-lowering effects of carvacrol in hepatic steatosis (cellular models) and endothelial dysfunction indicated that exposure of cells (endothelial HECV cells) with carvacrol counteracted lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and secured endothelial cells from dysfunction and oxidative stress (Khalil et al, 2022).…”

Nutritional and Physiological Properties of Thymbra spicata: In Vitro Study Using Fecal Fermentation and Intestinal Integrity Models

“…CVL has gained attention among the scientific community due to its diverse biological activities and its potential health benefits [ 21 , 22 , 23 ]. CVL exerts antimicrobial [ 24 ], antioxidant [ 25 ], anti-inflammatory [ 26 ], and antisteatotic effects [ 27 ], and is being explored for various pharmacological and nutraceutical applications.…”