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(Reference retrieved automatically from Web of Science through information on FAPESP grant and its corresponding number as mentioned in the publication by the authors.)

Cellular and molecular effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia DC and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews medicinal plant extracts on retinoid metabolism in the human hepatic stellate cell LX-2

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Author(s):
da Silva, Caio Mateus [1] ; Caetano, Flavio Henrique [1] ; Campos Pereira, Franco Dani [2] ; Marin Morales, Maria Aparecida [2] ; Sakane, Kumiko Koibuchi [3] ; Moraes, Karen C. M. [1]
Total Authors: 6
Affiliation:
[1] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Biol, Lab Biol Mol, Campus Rio Claro, BR-13506900 Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[2] UNESP Univ Estadual Paulista, Inst Biociencias, Dept Biol, Lab Mutagenese Ambiental, Rio Claro, SP - Brazil
[3] Univ Vale Paraiba, Inst Pesquisa & Desenvolvimento, Sao Jose Dos Campos, SP - Brazil
Total Affiliations: 3
Document type: Journal article
Source: BMC COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE; v. 19, n. 1 AUG 22 2019.
Web of Science Citations: 0
Abstract

Background Chronic hepatic diseases are serious problems worldwide, which may lead to the development of fibrosis and eventually cirrhosis. Despite the significant number of people affected by hepatic fibrosis, no effective treatment is available. In the liver, hepatic stellate cells are the major fibrogenic cell type that play a relevant function in chronic liver diseases. Thus, the characterization of components that control the fibrogenesis in the hepatic stellate cells is relevant in supporting the development of innovative therapies to treat and/or control liver fibrosis. The present study investigated the effects of Baccharis dracunculifolia D.C. and Plectranthus barbatus Andrews medicinal plant extracts in LX-2 transdifferentiation. Methods LX-2 is a human immortalized hepatic stellate cell that can transdifferentiate in vitro from a quiescent-like phenotype to a more proliferative and activated behavior, and it provides a useful platform to assess antifibrotic drugs. Then, the antifibrotic effects of hydroalcoholic extracts of Baccharis dracunculifolia and Plectranthus barbatus medicinal plants on LX-2 were evaluated. Results The results in our cellular analyses, under the investigated concentrations of the plant extracts, indicate no deleterious effects on LX-2 metabolism, such as toxicity, genotoxicity, or apoptosis. Moreover, the extracts induced changes in actin filament distribution of activated LX-2, despite not affecting the cellular markers of transdifferentiation. Consistent effects in cellular retinoid metabolism were observed, supporting the presumed activity of the plant extracts in hepatic lipids metabolism, which corroborated the traditional knowledge about their uses for liver dysfunction. Conclusion The combined results suggested a potential hepatoprotective effect of the investigated plant extracts reinforcing their safe use as coadjuvants in treating imbalanced liver lipid metabolism. (AU)

FAPESP's process: 13/21186-5 - Molecular networks regulated by small non-coding RNAs in hepatic fibrosis process and their modulatory effect of the vasoactive peptide angiotensin-(1-7)
Grantee:Karen Cristiane Martinez de Moraes
Support Opportunities: Regular Research Grants