Fagonia indica Repairs Hepatic Damage through Expression Regulation of Toll-Like Receptors in a Liver Injury Model

Abstract

Fagonia indica is a traditionally used phytomedicine to cure hepatic ailments. However, efficient validation of its hepatoprotective effect and molecular mechanisms involved are not yet well established. Therefore, the present study was designed to evaluate the hepatoprotective activity of Fagonia indica and to understand the molecular mechanisms involved in the reversal of hepatic injury. The liver injury mouse model was established by thioacetamide followed by oral administration of plant extract. Serum biochemical and histological analyses were performed to assess the level of hepatic injury. Expression analysis of proinflammatory, hepatic, and immune regulatory genes was performed with RT-PCR. Results of serological and histological analyses described the restoration of normal liver function and architecture in mice treated with plant extract. In addition, altered expression of proinflammatory (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, and TGF-β) and hepatic (krt-18 and albumin) markers further strengthens the liver injury reversal effects of Fagonia indica. Furthermore, a significant expression regulation of innate immunity components such as toll-like receptors 4 and 9 and MyD-88 was observed suggesting an immune regulatory role of the plant in curing liver injury. In conclusion, the current study not only proposes Fagonia indica, a strong hepatoprotective candidate, but also recommends an immune regulatory toll-like receptor pathway as an important therapeutic target in liver diseases.

Effect of Short-Term Tacrolimus Exposure on Rat Liver: An Insight into Serum Antioxidant Status, Liver Lipid Peroxidation, and Inflammation

“…Histopathological alterations from three fields, selected randomly, were analyzed by an independent pathologist to assess changes in liver architecture in all TAC-treated groups. PAS-D staining indicated intact liver architecture in the control but dilation of liver sinusoids; deranged hepatocyte with cytoplasmic swelling was evident as described previously [ 27 ] in all treatment groups. Furthermore, the presence of glycogen globules highlighted liver injury in all treatment groups ( Figure 1(a) ).…”

“…Formalin-fixed and paraffin-embedded (FFPE) tissue slides were subjected to PAS-D staining using a kit (Sigma-Aldrich Periodic Acid-Schiff (PAS) Staining System 395) according to the manufacturer's protocol, as described previously [ 27 ].…”

“…DNA damage in all experimental groups was analysed using TUNEL assay (ab66108) according to the instructions provided, as described previously [ 27 ]. Three stained slides were observed, and the image was captured using a fluorescent microscope to observe the TUNEL-positive cells, and ImageJ software was used to count the cells.…”

The Ameliorative Effects of Fucoidan in Thioacetaide-Induced Liver Injury in Mice

“…Therefore, beneficial anti-inflammatory molecules may be considered as potential therapeutic agents for liver diseases [ 40 ]. Natural products present fewer side effects and are often associated with greater biocompatibility [ 41 ]. The main impediments to employing natural products involve establishing a comprehensive knowledge of medicinal plants, purifying their components, and identifying their mechanisms of action.…”

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