Resveratrol promotes liver regeneration in drug-induced liver disease in mice.

Studies suggest that the bioactive polyphenolic compound resveratrol (RESV, trans-isomer), found naturally in certain foods such as red grapes and peanuts, may be able to ameliorate liver damage. However, the effects and efficacy of long-term treatment with RESV remain unclear. Here, we used an acetaminophen (APAP; 400 mg/kg/d for 15 days) overdose model to induce liver damage in C56BL/6 mice. Three days after the intoxication was stopped, we observed biochemical, histological and ultrastructural alterations in the livers of these mice. The APAP-treated animals were then given RESV (10 mg/kg/d) for 60 days. Blood and tissue were analyzed at days 7, 30 and 60. Our data show that long-term RESV treatment (60 days) ameliorates the liver injury caused by APAP intoxication, restoring histological features, ultrastructural organization and serum biochemical parameters (albumin, alanine aminotransferase). Ck18- and F4/80-positive cells (indicators of hepatocyte recovery) were reestablished and the number of α-SMA positive cells was normalized after long-term RESV treatment. Additionally, downregulation of the drug transporter BCRP was observed. Electron microscopy revealed that treatment with RESV was effective in restoring the shape and size of hepatic microvilli and normalizing both the number and viability of mitochondria. Taken together, these results indicate that long-term treatment with RESV is effective in alleviating liver injury caused by APAP administration.

Radiotherapy-Induced Skin Reactions Induce Fibrosis Mediated by TGF-ß1 Cytokine.

PURPOSE: This study aimed to investigate radiation-induced lesions on the skin in an experimental animal model. Methods and Materials: Cutaneous wounds were induced in Wistar rats by 4 MeV energy electron beam irradiation, using a dose rate of 240 cGy/min, for 3 different doses (10 Gy, 40 Gy, and 60 Gy). The skin was observed 5, 10, and 25 days (D) after ionizing radiation exposition. RESULTS: Infiltrate inflammatory process was observed in D5 and D10, for the 40 Gy and 60 Gy groups, and a progressive increase of transforming growth factor ß1 is associated with this process. It could also be noted a mischaracterization of collagen fibers at the high-dose groups. CONCLUSION: It was observed that the lesions caused by ionizing radiation in rats were very similar to radiodermatitis in patients under radiotherapy treatment. ADVANCES IN KNOWLEDGE: This study is important to develop strategies to prevent radiation-induced skin reactions.