Liposome Extract of Stachys pilifera Benth Effectively Improved Liver Damage due to Bile Duct Ligation Rats

Abstract

Herbal medicines harbor essential therapeutic agents for the treatment of cholestasis. In this study, we have assessed the anticholestatic potential of Stachys pilifera Benth’s (SPB’s) hydroalcoholic extract encapsulated into liposomes using bile duct ligation- (BDL-) induced hepatic cholestasis in rats. Aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialdehyde (MDA), total thiol (T-SH) content, protein carbonyl (PCO), total bilirubin (TBIL), albumin (ALB), and nitric oxide (NO) metabolite levels were measured in either liver tissue or plasma to assess liver damage. Moreover, expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-β and SM-α) which are driving forces of many liver disorders was also determined. The activity of AST, ALT, and ALP was significantly enhanced in the BDL group in comparison to the control group; however, treatment with liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract significantly reduced AST and ALT’s activity. Increases in MDA, TBIL, and NO levels and T-SH content due to BDL were restored to control levels by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Similarly, hepatic and plasma oxidative marker MDA levels, significantly enhanced by BDL, were significantly decreased by liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment. Moreover, histopathological findings further demonstrated a significant decrease in hepatic damage in the liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract-treated BDL group. In addition, liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment decreased the liver expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, TNF-α) and liver fibrosis markers (TGF-β and SM-α). Since liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract treatment alleviated the BDL-induced injury of the liver and improved the hepatic structure and function more efficiently in comparison to free SPB hydroalcoholic extract, probable liposomal (SPB) hydroalcoholic extract exhibits required potential therapeutic value in protecting the liver against BDL-caused oxidative injury.

Influence of ursodeoxycholic acid on blood glucose, insulin and GLP-1 in rats with liver fibrosis induced by bile duct ligation

“…Serum biochemical analysis indicated that the levels of AST, ALT and TBA were not changed significantly. These biochemical changes are similar to previous findings in humans [ 24 ], but these results are different from Shakerinasab et al and Moslemi et al’s reports [ 25 , 26 ] that SD rats after BDL for 7 days, AST, ALT and TBA were increased, also Nasehi Z, et al [ 27 ] found the levels of serum AST, ALT and TBA were increased in SD rats after BDL for three weeks. Ghallab A, et al[ 28 ] found that ALT, AST and TBA increased in the acute phase, reaching a peak on days 1 and 2 after BDL, but decreased significantly below control levels in the chronic phase, with normalization on day 21.…”

Protective Effect of Liposomal Epigallocatechin-Gallate in Experimental Gentamicin-Induced Hepatotoxicity

“…NO molecules are highly reactive mediators released mostly by endothelial and Kuppfer cells of the liver to respond to various liver injuries [ 53 ]. Previous studies have shown that NOx significantly increases in gentamicin treated rats [ 2 ] and various nutraceutical molecules have proven to have beneficial effects [ 54 , 55 , 56 ]. Palm fruit extract also was proven to have protective effects against liver cytoarchitecture damage by gentamicin administration [ 57 ].…”

Folic Acid-Functionalized Albumin/Graphene Oxide Nanocomposite to Simultaneously Deliver Curcumin and 5-Fluorouracil into Human Colorectal Cancer Cells: An In Vitro Study

“…Cur has effects such as anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and anticoagulant activities. Cur is a hydrophobic drug that is usually used in nanocarriers such as nanoliposomes to increase its solubility, absorption, and efficacy [9,17,25,40]. In recent years, several efforts have been made to develop GO-based nanocarriers, which have been widely used in gene and drug delivery.…”