Aristolochic acid I promoted clonal expansion but did not induce hepatocellular carcinoma in adult rats.

Aristolochic acid I (AAI) is a well-known nephrotoxic carcinogen, which is currently reported to be also associated with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Whether AAI is a direct hepatocarcinogen remains controversial. In this study we investigated the association between AAI exposure and HCC in adult rats using a sensitive rat liver bioassay with several cofactors. Formation of glutathione S-transferase placental form-positive (GST-P+) foci was used as the marker for preneoplastic lesions/clonal expansion. We first conducted a medium-term (8 weeks) study to investigate whether AAI had any tumor-initiating or -promoting activity. Then a long-term (52 weeks) study was conducted to determine whether AAI can directly induce HCC. We showed that oral administration of single dose of AAI (20, 50, or 100 mg/kg) in combination with partial hepatectomy (PH) to stimulate liver proliferation did not induce typical GST-P+ foci in liver. In the 8-week study, only high dose of AAI (10 mg · kg-1 · d-1, 5 days a week for 6 weeks) in combination with PH significantly increased the number and area of GST-P+ foci initiated by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in liver. Similarly, only high dose of AAI (10 mg· kg-1· d-1, 5 days a week for 52 weeks) in combination with PH significantly increased the number and area of hepatic GST-P+ foci in the 52-week study. No any nodules or HCC were observed in liver of any AAI-treated groups. In contrast, long-term administration of AAI (0.1, 1, 10 mg· kg-1· d-1) time- and dose-dependently caused death due to the occurrence of cancers in the forestomach, intestine, and/or kidney. Besides, AAI-DNA adducts accumulated in the forestomach, kidney, and liver in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Taken together, AAI promotes clonal expansion only in the high-dose group but did not induce any nodules or HCC in liver of adult rats till their deaths caused by cancers developed in the forestomach, intestine, and/or kidney. Findings from our animal studies will pave the way for further large-scale epidemiological investigation of the associations between AA and HCC.

1,2:5,6-dianhydrogalactitol inhibits human glioma cell growth in vivo and in vitro by arresting the cell cycle at G2/M phase.

1,2:5,6-dianhydrogalactitol (DAG) is a hexitol epoxide with marked antitumor activity against multiple types of cancer cells, but the molecular mechanisms by which DAG functions as an antitumor agent is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the inhibitory effects of DAG on human glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo and uncovered the underlying molecular mechanisms. Treatment with DAG (120 µmol/L) dose-dependently inhibited the proliferation and colony formation in human glioma cell lines LN229, U251, and U87MG in vitro. DAG (1, 2, 5 µmol/L) induced cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase in the 3 glioma cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The signaling pathways involved in DAG-caused cell cycle arrest was further analyzed in LN229 cells, which revealed that DAG dose-dependently activated two parallel signaling cascades, ie, the p53-p21 cascade and the CDC25C-CDK1 cascade. DAG also significantly enhanced the radiosensitivity of LN229 cells as shown in the clonogenic assay. In nude mice bearing subcutaneously xenografted LN229 glioma, administration of DAG (5 mg/kg, iv, twice per week for 6 weeks) effectively suppressed the growth of xenografted tumors: the relative tumor growth rate (T/C) was reduced to 22.38%, and the tumor growth inhibitory rate (TGI) was 83.58% (P<0.01). In addition, DAG administration significantly activated the CDC25C-CDK1 cascade in the xenografted tumors. In conclusion, DAG inhibited human glioma cell growth in vitro and in vivo by inducing cell cycle arrest at G2/M phase. Two parallel cascades are activated and involved in the cell cycle arrest.

Dicer1/miR-29/HMGCR axis contributes to hepatic free cholesterol accumulation in mouse non-alcoholic steatohepatitis.

Dicer1 is an enzyme essential for microRNA (miRNA) maturation. The loss of miRNAs resulted from Dicer1 deficiency greatly contributes to the progression of many diseases, including lipid dysregulation, but its role in hepatic accumulation of free cholesterol (FC) that is critical in the development of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains elusive. In this study, we used the liver-specific Dicer1-knockout mice to identify the miRNAs involved in hepatic FC accumulation. In a widely used dietary NASH model, mice were fed a methionine-choline-deficient (MCD) diet for 3 weeks, which resulted in significant increase in hepatic FC levels as well as decrease of Dicer1 mRNA levels in livers. The liver-specific Dicer1-knockout induced hepatic FC accumulation at 5-6 weeks, accompanied by increased mRNA and protein levels of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase (HMGCR), a rate-limiting enzyme of cholesterol synthesis in livers. Eleven predicted miRNAs were screened, revealing that miR-29a/b/c significantly suppressed HMGCR expression by targeting the HMGCR mRNA 3'-UTR. Overexpression of miR-29a in SMMC-7721 cells, a steatosis hepatic cell model, significantly decreased HMGCR expression and the FC level. Furthermore, the expression levels of miR-29a were inversely correlated with HMGCR expression levels in the MCD diet mouse model in vivo and in 2 steatosis hepatic cell models (SMMC-7721 and HL-7702 cells) in vitro. Our results show that Dicer1/miR-29/HMGCR axis contributes to hepatic free cholesterol accumulation in mouse NASH, and miR-29 may serve as an important regulator of hepatic cholesterol homeostasis. Thus, miR-29a could be utilized as a potential therapeutic target for the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease as well as for other liver diseases associated with FC accumulation.

MicroRNA-1304 suppresses human non-small cell lung cancer cell growth in vitro by targeting heme oxygenase-1.

Previous studies have shown that microRNA-1304 (miR-1304) is dysregulated in certain types of cancers, including non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and might be involved in tumor survival and/or growth. In this study we investigated the direct target of miR-1304 and its function in NSCLC in vitro. Human lung adenocarcinoma cell lines (A549 and NCI-H1975) were studied. The cell proliferation and survival were investigated via cell counting, MTT and colony-formation assays. Cell apoptosis and cell cycle were examined using annexin V-PE/7-AAD and PI staining assays, respectively. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to verify post-transcriptional regulation of heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) by miR-1304. CRISPR/Cas9 was used to deplete endogenous miR-1304. Overexpression of MiR-1304 significantly decreased the number and viability of NSCLC cells and colony formation, and induced cell apoptosis and G0/G1 phase cell cycle arrest. HO-1 was demonstrated to be a direct target of miR-1304 in NSCLC cells. Restoration of HO-1 expression by hemin (20 µmol/L) abolished the inhibition of miR-1304 on cell growth and rescued miR-1304-induced apoptosis in A549 cells. Suppression of endogenous miR-1304 with anti-1304 significantly increased HO-1 expression and promoted cell growth and survival in A549 cells. In 17 human NSCLC tissue samples, miR-1304 expression was significantly decreased, while HO-1 expression was significantly increased as compared to normal lung tissues. MicroRNA-1304 is a tumor suppressor and HO-1 is its direct target in NSCLC. The results suggest the potential for miR-1304 as a therapeutic target for NSCLC.

Timosaponin A3 induces hepatotoxicity in rats through inducing oxidative stress and down-regulating bile acid transporters.

AIM: To investigate the mechanisms underlying the hepatotoxicity of timosaponin A3 (TA3), a steroidal saponin from Anemarrhena asphodeloides, in rats. METHODS: Male SD rats were administered TA3 (100 mg·kg(-1)·d(-1), po) for 14 d, and the blood and bile samples were collected after the final administration. The viability of a sandwich configuration of cultured rat hepatocytes (SCRHs) was assessed using WST-1. Accumulation and biliary excretion index (BEI) of d8-TCA in SCRHs were determined with LC-MS/MS. RT-PCR and Western blot were used to analyze the expression of relevant genes and proteins. ROS and ATP levels, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were measured. F-actin cytoskeletal integrity was assessed under confocal microscopy. RESULTS: TA3 administration in rats significantly elevated the total bile acid in serum, and decreased bile acid (BA) component concentrations in bile. TA3 inhibited the viability of the SCRHs with an IC50 value of 15.21±1.73 µmol/L. Treatment of the SCRHs with TA3 (1-10 µmol/L) for 2 and 24 h dose-dependently decreased the accumulation and BEI of d8-TCA. The TA3 treatment dose-dependently decreased the expression of BA transporters Ntcp, Bsep and Mrp2, and BA biosynthesis related Cyp7a1 in hepatocytes. Furthermore, the TA3 treatment dose-dependently increased ROS generation and HO-1 expression, decreased the ATP level and MMP, and disrupted F-actin in the SCRHs. NAC (5 mmol/L) significantly ameliorated TA3-induced effects in the SCRHs, whereas mangiferin (10-200 µg/mL) almost blocked TA3-induced ROS generation. CONCLUSION: TA3 triggers liver injury through inducing ROS generation and suppressing the expression of BA transporters. Mangiferin, an active component in Anemarrhena, may protect hepatocytes from TA3-induced hepatotoxicity.

Hepatic cytochrome P450s play a major role in monocrotaline-induced renal toxicity in mice.

AIM: Monocrotaline (MCT) in plants of the genus Crotalaria induces significant toxicity in multiple organs including the liver, lung and kidney. Metabolic activation of MCT is required for MCT-induced toxicity. In this study, we attempted to determine whether the toxicity of MCT in kidney was a consequence of the metabolic activation of MCT in the liver. METHODS: Liver-specific cytochrome P450 reductase-null (Null) mice, wild-type (WT) mice and CYP3A inhibitor ketoconazole-pretreated WT (KET-WT) mice were examined. The mice were injected with MCT (300, 400, or 500 mg/kg, ip), and hepatotoxicity and nephrotoxicity were examined 24 h after MCT treatment. The levels of MCT and its metabolites in the blood, liver, lung, kidney and bile were determined using LC-MS analysis. RESULTS: Treatment of WT mice with MCT increased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase, hyaluronic acid, urea nitrogen and creatinine in a dose-dependent manner. Histological examination revealed that MCT (500 mg/kg) caused severe liver injury and moderate kidney injury. In contrast, these pathological abnormalities were absent in Null and KET-WT mice. After injection of MCT (400 and 500 mg/kg), the plasma, liver, kidney and lung of WT mice had significantly lower MCT levels and much higher N-oxide metabolites contents in compared with those of Null and KET-WT mice. Furthermore, WT mice had considerably higher levels of tissue-bound pyrroles and bile GSH-conjugated MCT metabolites compared with Null and KET-WT mice. CONCLUSION: Cytochrome P450s in mouse liver play a major role in the metabolic activation of MCT and thus contribute to MCT-induced renal toxicity.

ROS generated by CYP450, especially CYP2E1, mediate mitochondrial dysfunction induced by tetrandrine in rat hepatocytes.

AIM: Tetrandrine, an alkaloid with a remarkable pharmacological profile, induces oxidative stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in hepatocytes; however, mitochondria are not the direct target of tetrandrine, which prompts us to elucidate the role of oxidative stress in tetrandrine-induced mitochondrial dysfunction and the sources of oxidative stress. METHODS: Rat primary hepatocytes were isolated by two-step collagenase perfusion. Mitochondrial function was evaluated by analyzing ATP content, mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) and the mitochondrial permeability transition. The oxidative stress was evaluated by examining changes in the levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and glutathione (GSH). RESULTS: ROS scavengers largely attenuated the cytotoxicity induced by tetrandrine in rat hepatocytes, indicating the important role of ROS in the hepatotoxicity of tetrandrine. Of the multiple ROS inhibitors that were tested, only inhibitors of CYP450 (SKF-525A and others) reduced the ROS levels and ameliorated the depletion of GSH. Mitochondrial function assays showed that the mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) induced by tetrandrine was inhibited by SKF-525A and vitamin C (VC), both of which also rescued the depletion of ATP levels and the mitochondrial membrane potential. Upon inhibiting specific CYP450 isoforms, we observed that the inhibitors of CYP2D, CYP2C, and CYP2E1 attenuated the ATP depletion that occurred following tetrandrine exposure, whereas the inhibitors of CYP2D and CYP2E1 reduced the ROS induced by tetrandrine. Overexpression of CYP2E1 enhanced the tetrandrine-induced cytotoxicity. CONCLUSION: We demonstrated that CYP450 plays an important role in the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by the administration of tetrandrine. ROS generated by CYP450, especially CYP2E1, may contribute to the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by tetrandrine.

Critical role of organic anion transporters 1 and 3 in kidney accumulation and toxicity of aristolochic acid I.

Ingestion of aristolochic acid (AA), especially its major constituent aristolochic acid I (AAI), results in severe kidney injury known as aristolochic acid nephropathy (AAN). Although hepatic cytochrome P450s metabolize AAI to reduce its kidney toxicity in mice, the mechanism by which AAI is uptaken by renal cells to induce renal toxicity is largely unknown. In this study, we found that organic anion transporters (OATs) 1 and 3, proteins known to transport drugs from the blood into the tubular epithelium, are responsible for the transportation of AAI into renal tubular cells and the subsequent nephrotoxicity. AAI uptake in HEK 293 cells stably transfected with human OAT1 or OAT3 was greatly increased compared to that in the control cells, and this uptake was dependent on the AAI concentration. Administration of probenecid, a well-known OAT inhibitor, to the mice reduced AAI renal accumulation and its urinary excretion and protected mice from AAI-induced acute tubular necrosis. Further, AAI renal accumulation and severe kidney lesions induced by AAl in Oat1 and Oat3 gene knockout mice all were markedly suppressed compared to those in the wild-type mice. Together, our results suggest that OAT1 and OAT3 have a critical role in AAl renal accumulation and toxicity. These transporters may serve as a potential therapeutic target against AAN.

The relationship between diphenylamine structure and NSAIDs-induced hepatocytes injury.

OBJECTIVE: Many nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) with diphenylamine structure induce severe hepatotoxicities. We evaluated the role of diphenylamine structure in liver injuries induced by these NSAIDs. METHODS: Effects of diphenylamine, diclofenac and tolfenamic acid on mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT) and efflux of calcium in isolated liver mitochondria as well as on cellular ATP content and mitochondrial membrane depolarization in rat primary hepatocyte cultures were examined. RESULTS: Diclofenac and tolfenamic acid induced cyclosporine A (CsA)-sensitive mitochondrial swelling and membrane depolarization in isolated liver mitochondria. Only diclofenac caused the release of calcium in isolated liver mitochondria. Diphenylamine had no effects on isolated liver mitochondria. All three compounds decreased ATP content and induced mitochondrial membrane depolarization. CsA attenuated these effects, suggesting MPT might be involved in the hepatotoxicities caused by diphenylamine, diclofenac and tolfenamic acid. SKF-525A, a general inhibitor of CYP450, markedly inhibited the injury induced by diphenylamine, but not diclofenac or tolfenamic acid. CONCLUSION: The hepatotoxicities caused by diclofenac and tolfenamic acid may be attributed to the mitochondrial dysfunction induced by these drugs instead of the diphenylamine structure per se.

The cytotoxicity of lingshuiol: a comparative study with amphidinol 2 on membrane permeabilizing activities.

The cytotoxicity of lingshuiol, a novel polyhydroxy compound with a linear carbon-chain isolated from the cultured marine dinoflagellate Amphidinium sp., and that of amphidinol 2 (AM2) was compared with hepatocytes. Both lingshuiol and AM2 were toxic to primary rat hepatocytes with IC(50) values of 0.21 and 6.4muM, respectively. Meanwhile, lingshuiol or AM2 caused a rapid mitochondrial swelling and leakage of Ca(2+), underlying the change in permeability of mitochondria. Cyclosporin A, a specific inhibitor of mitochondrial permeability transition (MPT), could not affect these effects, indicating that CsA-sensitive MPT was not involved in the permeabilizing effects of lingshuiol or AM2. Sytox green tests further demonstrated that lingshuiol had a much stronger permeabilizing activity than AM2. Taken together, these results disclosed that lingshuiol had potent membrane permeabilizing activities, which might account for its cytotoxic effect.

Effect of Feitai on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

The current therapeutic approaches for pulmonary fibrosis, which is characterized by fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix remodeling, are unsatisfactory. Feitai, consisting of several herbs, is a folk formula for pulmonary tuberculosis therapy in China. To investigate the effects of Feitai on pulmonary fibrosis, Feitai was administered orally to bleomycin (BLM)-treated rats, and the lung toxicity effects were evaluated according to inflammatory cell count, protein concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) activity in the bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF), malondialdehyde level and hydroxyproline content in lung tissue 28 days post-BLM. Serial sections of the lung were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson trichrome, respectively. The degree of fibrosis was assessed quantitatively using LEICA QWin image analyzer. Results showed that Feitai inhibited BLM-induced lung fibrotic lesions in a dose-dependent manner as reflected by decreased the lung hydroxyproline content and lung fibrosis fraction 28 days after BLM instillation. Treatment with Feitai also significantly ameliorated the BLM-induced lung toxicity effects detected in BALF and lung tissue. The effects in vitro on WI-38 human lung fibroblast cell line showed that Feitai significantly reduced the cell proliferation and transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta stimulated type I collagen synthesis. These results strongly demonstrate that Feitai may be useful in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Baicalin inhibits macrophage activation by lipopolysaccharide and protects mice from endotoxin shock.

Baicalin (BA) exhibits anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and in vitro and is used to treat inflammatory diseases. Here, we report that BA inhibits the activation of macrophage and protects mice from macrophage-mediated endotoxin shock. The experiments in vitro showed BA suppressed the increased generation of nitric oxide (NO) and expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) induced by LPS or Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) without directly affecting iNOS activity in RAW264.7 cells and peritoneal macrophages. Similarly, BA inhibited the production of reactive oxidative species (ROS), whereas augmented the level of intracellular superoxide dismutase (SOD). Moreover, BA inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators including tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha, endothelin (ET)-1 and thromboxane A2 (TXA2) induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) in RAW264.7 cells. In animal model, BA protected mice from endotoxin shock induced by d-galactosamine (D-GalN)/LPS possibly through inhibiting the production of cytokine and NO. Collectively, BA inhibited the production of inflammatory mediators by macrophage and may be a potential target for treatment of macrophage-mediated diseases.

Early lung injury contributes to lung fibrosis via AT1 receptor in rats.

AIM: Angiotensin II is believed to play an important role in tissue repair and remodeling in lungs by the angiotensin type I (AT1) receptor via a number of potential mechanisms. However, the role of the AT1 receptor in early lung injury has not been characterized. METHODS: Bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis (PF) in rats was utilized to value the treatment with valsartan, an AT1 receptor antagonist, by measurement of body weight, wet weight of the left lung, hydroxy-proline content, mRNA expression of collagen I/III, and the degree of fibrosis in lung tissues on d 21. Tissue injury in the early phase was assessed on d 1, 3 and 7 by apoptosis, malondialdehyde content, myeloperoxidase activity, inflammatory cell count and protein content. Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) activity and the AT1 receptor in lung tissues were analyzed by biochemistry method and Western blotting, respectively. RESULTS: Valsartan ameliorated PF induced by bleomycin in the rats on d 21. After bleomycin was injected intratracheally, increases in the lung AT1 receptor and ACE activity were observed by d 1, 3 and 7. Lung injury deteriorated in the early phase. Valsartan reduced the increase of the AT1 receptor, ACE activity and lung injury induced by bleomycin in the early phase. CONCLUSION: These observations suggest that angiotensin II may play a potent role in early lung injury via the AT1 receptor. AT1 receptor antagonists should be assessed as potential new therapies for fibrotic lung disease.

Baicalin protects mouse from Concanavalin A-induced liver injury through inhibition of cytokine production and hepatocyte apoptosis.

BACKGROUND: Baicalin (BA) exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect in vivo and in vitro and is used to treat chronic hepatitis. However, the mechanism by which BA exerts the liver-protective effect remains largely unknown. AIMS: The present study reports that BA inhibits cytokine production and hepatocyte apoptosis to protect mice from liver injury induced by concanavalin A (Con A), a T-cell-dependent liver injury model. RESULTS: Con A injection of mice induced severe immune responses and extensive hepatocellular apoptosis within 24 h. Pretreatment of 200 or 100 mg/kg BA markedly reduced serum aminotransferase activities, protected hepatoycte apoptosis and reduced the increase of plasma cytokine levels, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha), interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and interleukin-6 (IL-6). Furthermore, BA pretreatment decreased tissue myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxidation, but increased the superoxide dismutase level. In vitro studies indicated that the beneficial effect of BA was associated with reduced cytokine production from lymphocytes and reduced TNF-alpha-induced hepatocyte apoptosis. CONCLUSION: These results suggest that BA has therapeutic potential for T-cell-mediated liver injury.

Apoptosis initiated by carbon tetrachloride in mitochondria of rat primary cultured hepatocytes.

AIM: To investigate the mitochondria-initiated apoptosis pathway involved in Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) hepatotoxicity in vitro. METHODS: Several cytotoxicity endpoints, including WST-8 metabolism, lactate dehydrogenase leakage and morphological changes, were examined. The 5,5'-dithio-bis(2-nitrobenzoic acid) reaction was used to measure reduced glutathione level, and the malondialdehyde level was determined using the thiobarbituric acid assay. The release of cytochrome c and Bcl-X(L) was detected by Western blot. Caspase-3 activity was measured using the fluorogenic substrate Ac-DEVD-AMC. DNA fragmentation was used to evaluate cell apoptosis. RESULTS: A time- and dose-dependent decrease in cellular glutathione content was observed, along with a concomitant increase in malondialdehyde levels following the application of CCl4. Caspase 3 activity was stimulated at all doses of CCl4, with the most significant activation at 3 mmol/L. Cytochrome c was released obviously after CCl4 treatment. A time-dependent decrease in Bcl-X(L) expression was observed. DNA fragmentation results revealed apoptosis and necrosis following CCl4 treatment. CONCLUSION: Oxidative damage is one of the essential mechanisms of CCl4 hepatotoxicity, which triggers apoptosis via the mitochondria-initiated pathway.

Altered expression of cytochrome P450 and possible correlation with preneoplastic changes in early stage of rat hepatocarcinogenesis.

AIM: Correlation of cytochrome P450 (CYPs) with preneoplastic changes in the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis is still unclear. To detect the expression of carcinogen-metabolizing related microsomal P450 enzymes, namely the CYP1A1, CYP1A2, CYP2B1/2, CYP2E1, and CYP3A, we performed the medium-term bioassay of Ito's model in Sprague-Dawley rats. METHODS: The amount and activity of CYP were assessed by biochemical and immunohistochemical methods in week 8. The correlation between CYP expression and microsomal oxidative stress was investigated by comparing the generation of microsomal lipid peroxidation in the presence or absence of specific CYP inhibitor. RESULTS: In the DEN-2-AAF and 2-AAF alone groups, the expression of CYP1A1 and CYP2E1 were up-regulated and the expression of CYP2B1/2 and CYP1A2 were quite the contrary. Strong staining of CYP2E1 and CYP2B1/2 was found around the centrolobular vein and weak staining in the altered hepatic foci revealed by immunohistochemical procedure. There was no significant change in the activity of CYP3A among the 4 groups. Altered hepatic tissue bore more microsomal NADPH (nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate,reduced form)-dependent lipid peroxidation than normal tissue. And the difference among the 4 groups disappeared when CYP2E1 was inhibited. More microsomal lipid peroxidation was generated when incubated with CYP1A inhibitor a-naphthoflavone. CONCLUSION: CYP altered their expression levels and these alterations can play important roles in the alteration of cell redox status of preneoplastic tissue in the early stage of hepatocarcinogenesis.

Feitai attenuates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats.

Pulmonary fibrosis is a common consequence of numerous pulmonary diseases. The current therapeutic approaches for this condition are unsatisfactory. Feitai, a composite formula consisting of several herbs, is used in China as a folk remedy for treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. In this study, we extensively investigate the effects and mechanisms of Feitai on bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. One hundred and twenty male Sprague-Dawley rats were randomly divided into four groups, referred to as the saline-water, saline-Feitai, BLM-water, and BLM-Feitai groups. Following a single instillation of BLM (5 mg/kg) or saline, rats were orally administered Feitai at a dose of 3 g/kg body weight or sterilized distilled water once daily. Rats were killed at 7, 14, or 28 d post-BLM. Inflammatory cell count, protein concentration, and lactate dehydrogenase activity in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid were measured, and myeloperoxidase activity and lipid peroxide content in lung homogenates were analyzed. Treatment with Feitai inhibited lung fibrotic progression induced by BLM, as indicated by the decrease in lung hydroproline content and lung fibrosis score at 28 d post-BLM. This was accompanied by significant amelioration of BLM-induced body weight loss, lung edema, and inflammatory response during the development of lung injury in the acute phase. The results strongly indicate the beneficial effects of Feitai in protecting against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, the inflammatory response and lipid peroxidation were inhibited by Feitai, suggesting that the effect of this formula on BLM-induced lung injury and fibrosis is associated with antiinflammatory and antioxidant properties.