Cucurbitacin E glucoside alleviates concanavalin A-induced hepatitis through enhancing SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1 and inhibiting NF-ĸB/NLRP3 signaling pathways. (28th June 2022)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mohamed, Gamal A.; Ibrahim, Sabrin R.M.; El-Agamy, Dina S.; Elsaed, Wael M.; Sirwi, Alaa; Asfour, Hani Z.; Koshak, Abdulrahman E.; Elhady, Sameh S.
• Is Part Of: Journal of ethnopharmacology. Volume 292(2022)
• Publication Date: 2022-06-28
• Subjects: Cucurbitacin E glucoside -- Citrullus colocynthis -- Cucurbitaceae -- Autoimmune hepatitis -- Concanavalin A -- Nrf2 -- NF-κB -- NLRP3; Ethnopharmacology -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Herbs -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosy -- Periodicals; Pharmacognosie -- Périodiques; Herbes -- Périodiques; 615.1
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115223
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0378-8741

Abstract

Abstract: Ethnopharmacological relevance: Cucurbitacins are highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpenoids, that represent the major metabolites reported from C. colocynthis (L.) Schrad.. Cucurbitacin E glucoside (CuE) is a tetracyclic triterpene glycoside separated from Cucurbitaceae plants. CuE has potent anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and anti-tumor properties. Aim of the study: The current study aimed at examining the hepatoprotective effect of CuE against concanavalin A (Con A)-produced hepatitis. Materials and methods: Mice were intravenously administered Con A (15 mg/kg) to induce AIH. CuE was orally administered at two different doses for five days preceding Con A injection. Results: The results revealed that CuE pretreatment markedly attenuated the serum indices of hepatotoxicity and the severity of hepatic lesions. CuE depressed Con A-provoked increment in CD4 + T-cells in hepatic tissue. The antioxidant activity of CuE was evident through its ability to decrease markers of Con A-induced oxidative stress (malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxyenonanal, and protein carbonyl) and intensified the antioxidants in the hepatic tissue (SOD, GSH, and TAC). CuE increased mRNA expression of SIRT1 and Nrf2 as well as its binding capacity. Subsequently, CuE augmented mRNA expression of Nrf2 targeted genes as NQO1, GCL, and HO-1 and recovered its normal level. CuE inhibited the activation of NF-κB/downstream pro-inflammatory mediators signaling. Furthermore, CuE attenuated the mRNA expression of NLRP3 and its associated genes. Conclusion: Collectively, these results demonstrated the remarkable hepatoprotective potential of CuE towards Con A-induced AIH which was mediated via suppression of oxidative stress, enhancing SIRT1/Nrf2/HO-1, and prohibition of the NF-κB/NLRP3 signaling. CuE could be a candidate for hepatitis patients. Graphical abstract: Image 1 Highlights: Cucurbitacin E glucoside (CuE) is a potent hepatoprotective agent against concanavalin A-induced hepatitis. CuE attenuated all indices of Con A-induced hepatic injury. Hepatoprotective activity was mediated through the enhancement of Sirt1/Nrf2 signaling. CuE inhibited NF-κB/NLRP3 activation and the levels of downstream pro-inflammatory mediators.