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Updated: Jan 17, 2026

Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides
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Experimental Protocol for Detecting Mitochondrial Function in Hepatocytes Exposed to Organochlorine Pesticides

Published on: September 16, 2020

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Dietary antioxidants alleviate antibiotic-induced mitochondrial dysfunction through protein kinase AMP-activated

Jingyan Zhao1,2,3, Bing Shang2,3, Sha Xu2,3

  • 1Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Zhengda Guangming International Eye Research Center, Qingdao Medicine College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China.

British Journal of Pharmacology
|September 17, 2025
PubMed
Abstract

Insights

Dietary antioxidants coniferaldehyde and raspberry ketone protect against antibiotic-induced mitochondrial damage and liver injury by modulating key cellular pathways. These compounds offer a potential therapeutic strategy for mitigating drug-induced toxicity.

Area of Science:

  • Cell Biology
  • Pharmacology
  • Toxicology

Background:

  • Antibiotic and ibuprofen combinations can induce mitochondrial and liver toxicity.
  • The underlying mechanisms involve mitochondrial dysfunction and oxidative stress.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the protective effects of dietary antioxidants against antibiotic-induced mitochondrial and hepatotoxicity.
  • To explore the involvement of protein kinase AMP-activated alpha (AMPKα) and nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) pathways.

Main Methods:

  • Human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were treated with antibiotics and ibuprofen, with or without antioxidants.
  • Mice models were used to evaluate drug-induced hepatotoxicity.
  • Mitochondrial parameters and key signaling proteins (AMPKα, GSK3B, NRF2, HO1) were analyzed.

Main Results:

  • Antibiotic/ibuprofen combinations led to mitochondrial fission, reactive oxygen species (ROS) overproduction, and mitofusin 2 downregulation.
  • Coniferaldehyde and raspberry ketone restored mitochondrial function and morphology in vitro.
  • These antioxidants prevented in vivo hepatotoxicity and inflammation by activating NRF2/HO1 and restoring AMPKα/GSK3B signaling.

Conclusions:

  • Coniferaldehyde and raspberry ketone demonstrate significant protective effects against antibiotic-induced hepatotoxicity.
  • The mechanism involves modulation of the AMPKα-GSK3B and NRF2-HO1 signaling pathways.
  • These antioxidants exhibit favorable safety profiles, suggesting therapeutic potential.
Keywords:
AMPKαNRF2 signallinghepatoprotectionmitochondrial dynamicsnatural antioxidantsoxidative stress

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