Astragaloside IV suppresses migration and invasion of TGF-β1-induced human hepatoma HuH-7 cells by regulating Nrf2/HO-1 and TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways

Astragaloside IV as a promising therapeutic agent for liver diseases: current landscape and future perspectives

Astragaloside IV (C41H68O14, AS-IV) is a naturally occurring saponin isolated from the root of Astragalus membranaceus, a widely used traditional Chinese botanical drug in medicine. In recent years, AS-IV has attracted considerable attention for its hepatoprotective properties, which are attributed to its low toxicity as well as its anti-inflammatory, antioxidant and antitumour effects. Numerous preclinical studies have demonstrated its potential in the prevention and treatment of various liver diseases, including multifactorial liver injury, metabolic-associated fatty liver disease, liver fibrosis and liver cancer. Given the promising hepatoprotective potential of AS-IV and the growing interest in its research, this review provides a comprehensive summary of the current state of research on the hepatoprotective effects of AS-IV, based on literature available in databases such as CNKI, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Web of Science. The hepatoprotective mechanisms of AS-IV are multifaceted, encompassing the inhibition of inflammatory responses, reduction of oxidative stress, improvement of insulin and leptin resistance, modulation of the gut microbiota, suppression of hepatocellular carcinoma cell proliferation and induction of tumour cell apoptosis. Notably, key molecular pathways involved in these effects include Nrf2/HO-1, NF-κB, NLRP3/Caspase-1, JNK/c-Jun/AP-1, PPARα/FSP1 and Akt/GSK-3β/β-catenin. Toxicity studies indicate that AS-IV has a high level of safety. In addition, this review discusses the sources, physicochemical properties, and current challenges in the development and clinical application of AS-IV, providing valuable insights into its potential as a hepatoprotective agent in the pharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.

The protection of bisphenol A-modulated miRNAs and targets by natural products

Bisphenol A (BPA) is a ubiquitous environmental pollutant with endocrine-disrupting functions. Identifying protective drugs and exploring the mechanisms against BPA are crucial in healthcare. Natural products exhibiting antioxidant properties are considered to be able to protect against BPA toxicity. Although BPA-modulated targets and miRNAs have been individually reported, their connections to natural products were rarely organized. With the help of a protein-protein interaction database (STRING), the relationship between individual BPA-modulated targets was interconnected to provide a systemic view. In this review, BPA-downregulated and -upregulated targets are classified, and their interactive network was innovatively analyzed using the bioinformatic database (STRING). BPA-modulated miRNAs were also retrieved and ingeniously connected to BPA-modulated targets. Moreover, a novel connection between BPA-countering natural products was integrated into BPA-modulated miRNAs and targets. All these targets-associated natural products and/or miRNAs were incorporated into the STRING network, providing systemic relationships. Overall, the BPA-modulated target-miRNA-protecting natural product axis was innovatively constructed, providing a straightforward direction for exploring the integrated BPA-countering effects and mechanisms of natural products.

The NRF-2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway: A Promising Therapeutic Target for Metabolic Dysfunction-Associated Steatotic Liver Disease

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) is a progressive liver disorder with a rising prevalence. It begins with lipid accumulation in hepatocytes and gradually progresses to Metabolic-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), fibrosis, cirrhosis, and potentially hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). The pathophysiology of MASLD is complex and involves multiple factors, with oxidative stress playing a crucial role. Oxidative stress drives the progression of MASLD by causing cellular damage, inflammatory responses, and fibrosis, making it a key pathogenic mechanism. The Nuclear Factor Erythroid 2-Related Factor 2 / Heme Oxygenase-1 (Nrf2/HO-1) signaling axis provides robust multi-organ protection against a spectrum of endogenous and exogenous insults, particularly oxidative stress. It plays a pivotal role in mediating antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic responses. Many studies indicate that activating the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway can significantly mitigate the progression of MASLD. This article examines the role of the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in MASLD and highlights natural compounds that protect against MASLD by targeting Nrf2/HO-1 activation. The findings indicate that the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway holds great promise as a therapeutic target for MASLD.

Dual role of Nrf2 signaling in hepatocellular carcinoma: promoting development, immune evasion, and therapeutic challenges

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and ranks as the third leading cause of cancer-related mortality globally. The liver performs a wide range of tasks and is the primary organ responsible for metabolizing harmful substances and foreign compounds. Oxidative stress has a crucial role in growth and improvement of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Nuclear factor erythroid 2 (1)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an element that regulates transcription located in the cytoplasm. It controls the balance of redox reactions by stimulating the expression of many genes that depend on antioxidant response elements. Nrf2 has contrasting functions in the normal, healthy liver and HCC. In the normal liver, Nrf2 provides advantageous benefits, while in HCC it promotes harmful effects that support the growth and survival of HCC. Continuous activation of Nrf2 has been detected in HCC and promotes its advancement and aggressiveness. In addition, Activation of Nrf2 may lead to immune evasion, weakening the immune cells' ability to attack tumors and thereby promoting tumor development. Furthermore, chemoresistance in HCC, which is considered a form of stress response to chemotherapy medications, significantly impedes the effectiveness of HCC treatment. Stress management is typically accomplished by activating specific signal pathways and chemical variables. One important element in the creation of chemoresistance in HCC is nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2). Nrf2 is a transcription factor that regulates the activation and production of a group of genes that encode proteins responsible for protecting cells from damage. This occurs through the Nrf2/ARE pathway, which is a crucial mechanism for combating oxidative stress within cells.

Astragali radix (Huangqi): a time-honored nourishing herbal medicine

Astragali radix (AR, namded Huangqi in Chinese) is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. As a widely used ethnomedicine, the biological activities of AR include immunomodulatory, anti-hyperglycemic, anti-oxidant, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-tumor, cardioprotective, and anti-diabetic effects, with minimum side effects. Currently, it is known that polysaccharides, saponins, and flavonoids are the indispensable components of AR. In this review, we will elaborate the research advancements of AR on ethnobotany, ethnopharmacological practices, phytochemicals, pharmacological activities, clinical uses, quality control, production developments, and toxicology. The information is expected to assist clinicians and scientists in developing useful therapeutic medicines with minimal systemic side effects.

Homologous-magnetic dual-targeted metal-organic framework to improve the Anti-hepatocellular carcinoma efficacy of PD-1 inhibitor

The insufficient abundance and weak activity of tumour-infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) are two important reasons for the poor efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. The combined administration of tanshinone IIA (TSA) and astragaloside IV (As) can up-regulate the abundance and activity of TILs by normalising tumour blood vessels and reducing the levels of immunosuppressive factors respectively. For enhancing the efficacy of PD-1 antibody, a magnetic metal-organic framework (MOF) with a homologous tumour cell membrane (Hm) coating (Hm@TSA/As-MOF) is established to co-deliver TSA&As into the HCC microenvironment. Hm@TSA/As-MOF is a spherical nanoparticle and has a high total drug-loading capacity of 16.13 wt%. The Hm coating and magnetic responsiveness of Hm@TSA/As-MOF provide a homologous-magnetic dual-targeting, which enable Hm@TSA/As-MOF to counteract the interference posed by ascites tumour cells and enhance the precision of targeting solid tumours. Hm coating also enable Hm@TSA/As-MOF to evade immune clearance by macrophages. The release of TSA&As from Hm@TSA/As-MOF can be accelerated by HCC microenvironment, thereby up-regulating the abundance and activity of TILs to synergistic PD-1 antibody against HCC. This study presents a nanoplatform to improve the efficacy of PD-1 inhibitors in HCC, providing a novel approach for anti-tumour immunotherapy in clinical practice.

Astragaloside IV regulates TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway to affect inflammation in necrotizing enterocolitis

AIM

This study aims to explore the possible effect of Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) on necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) neonatal rat models and verify the possible implication of TNF-like ligand 1 A (TL1A) and NF-κB signal pathway.

METHODS

NEC neonatal rat models were established through formula feeding, cold/asphyxia stress and Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) gavage method. The appearance, activity and skin as well as the pathological status of rats subjected to NEC modeling were assessed. The intestinal tissues were observed after H&E staining. The expression of oxidative stress biomarkers (SOD, MDA and GSH-Px) and inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β and IL-6) were detected by ELISA and qRT-PCR. Western blotting and immunohistochemistry were applied to detect expressions of TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway-related proteins. Cell apoptosis was assessed by TUNEL.

RESULTS

NEC neonatal rat models were established successfully, in which TL1A was highly expressed and NF-κB signal pathway was activated, while TL1A and NF-κB signal pathway can be suppressed by AS-IV treatment in NEC rats. Meanwhile, inflammatory response in intestinal tissues was increased in NEC rat models and AS-IV can attenuate inflammatory response in NEC rats through inhibiting TL1A and NF-κb signal pathway.

CONCLUSION

AS-IV can inhibit TL1A expression and NF-κb signal pathway to attenuate the inflammatory response in NEC neonatal rat models.

Amelioratory effects of astragaloside IV on hepatocarcinogenesis via Nrf2-mediated pSmad3C/3L transformation

BACKGROUND

Phosphorylated Smad3 isoforms are reversible and antagonistic, and the tumour-suppressive pSmad3C can shift to an oncogenic pSmad3L signal. In addition, Nrf2 has a two-way regulatory effect on tumours, protecting normal cells from carcinogens and promoting tumour cell survival in chemotherapeutics. Accordingly, we hypothesised that the transformation of pSmad3C/3L is the basis for Nrf2 to produce both pro- and/or anti-tumourigenic effects in hepatocarcinogenesis. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the major component of Astragalus membranaceus, exerts anti-fibrogenic and carcinogenic actions. Lately, AS-IV administration could delay the occurrence of primary liver cancer by persistently inhibiting the fibrogenesis and regulating pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways synchronously. However, effect of AS-IV on hepatocarcinogenesis implicated in the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, especially which one contributes palpably than the other still remains unclear.

PURPOSE

This study aims to settle the above questions by using in vivo (pSmad3C^+/- and Nrf2^-/- mice) and in vitro (plasmid- or lentivirus- transfected HepG2 cells) models of HCC.

STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS

The correlation of Nrf2 to pSmad3C/pSmad3L in HepG2 cells was analysed by Co-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Pathological changes of Nrf2, pSmad3C, and pSmad3L in human HCC patients, pSmad3C^+/- mice, and Nrf2^-/- mice were gauged by immunohistochemical, haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson, and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, western blot and qPCR were used to verify the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling protein and mRNA in vivo and in vitro models of HCC.

RESULTS

Histopathological manifestations and biochemical indicators revealed that pSmad3C^+/- could abate the ameliorative effects of AS-IV on fibrogenic/carcinogenic mice with Nrf2/HO-1 deactivation and pSmad3C/p21 transform to pSmad3L/PAI-1//c-Myc. As expected, cell experiments confirmed that upregulating pSmad3C boosts the inhibitory activity of AS-IV on phenotypes (cell proliferation, migration and invasion), followed by a shift of pSmad3L to pSmad3C and activation of Nrf2/HO-1. Synchronously, experiments in Nrf2^-/- mice and lentivirus-carried Nrf2shRNA cell echoed the results of pSmad3C knockdown. Complementarily, Nrf2 overexpression resulted in the opposite result. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 contributes to AS-IV's anti-HCC effect palpably compared with pSmad3C/3L.

CONCLUSION

These studies highlight that harnessing the bidirectional crosstalk pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1, especially Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, acts more effectively in AS-IV's anti-hepatocarcinogenesis, which may provide an important theoretical foundation for the use of AS-IV against HCC.

Astragaloside in cancer chemoprevention and therapy

ABSTRACT

Tumor chemoprevention and treatment are two approaches aimed at improving the survival of patients with cancers. An ideal anti-tumor drug is that which not only kills tumor cells but also alleviates tumor-causing risk factors, such as precancerous lesions, and prevents tumor recurrence. Chinese herbal monomers are considered to be ideal treatment agents due to their multi-target effects. Astragaloside has been shown to possess tumor chemoprevention, direct anti-tumor, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitization effects. In this paper, we review the effects of astragaloside on tumor prevention and treatment and provide directions for further research.

Exploring the target and molecular mechanism of Astragalus membranaceus in the treatment of vascular cognitive impairment based on network pharmacology and molecular docking

Astragalus membranaceus (AM) is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine extensively utilized in vascular cognitive impairment (VCI) treatment. However, due to the complex components of AM, its exact molecular mechanism remains unclear. Therefore, this study investigated the target and molecular mechanism of AM to treat VCI based on network pharmacology and molecular docking. Firstly, the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform, STITCH, and SwissTargetPrediction were utilized to gather the primary active ingredients of AM. The potential therapeutic targets of VCI were collected through GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNET databases. Secondly, the protein-protein interaction network was built using the STRING database. The enrichment analysis of gene ontology and the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genome pathways was carried out in the R language. Finally, The network topology calculation of Cytoscape software was combined with module analysis to predict the binding properties of its active ingredients and targets. Twenty effective compounds and 733 targets were screened from AM, among which 158 targets were seen as possible targets of AM to treat VCI. MAPK3 and MMP9 were the critical targets of AM intervention in VCI. The crucial pathways include PI3K/Akt, MAPK, Rap1, and Ras signaling pathways. Besides, calycosin and quercetin might be the potential active compounds of AM for VCI treatment. AM intervenes in VCI through a multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway coordination mechanism. These findings provide a foundation for a deeper understanding of the molecular mechanisms by which AM is effective in treating VCI.

Low dose TGF-β1 can improve vohwinkel syndrome by promoting the proliferation of keratinocytes

Vohwinkel syndrome (VS) is a very rare autosomal dominant disorder that can cause disability and deformity in severe cases. Mutations of the LOR (loricrin) and GJB2 (Cx26) genes have been found in VS so far. Many studies have indicated that the differentiation and growth of epidermal keratinocytes are regulated by mutant Cx26, and it may explain the pathogenesis of VS. It has been found that transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) expression was lower in G130V (OE1) and D66H (OE2) mutant keratinocytes in the VS model with GJB2 mutation as compared to normal keratinocytes (NC). TGF-β is a cytokine involved in the regulation of processes like cell proliferation and differentiation in different types of cells. At present, many in vitro studies focus on TGF- β 1 inhibition of keratinocyte growth.However, the relationship between TGF-β1 and VS remains unknown. This study aimed at elucidating the role and potential pathogenic mechanism of TGF-β in VS. The results indicated that the down-regulation expression of TGF-β1 in VS was linked to cell proliferation inhibition through p-Smad3/c-myc. In contrast, low-dose TGF-β1 treatment of VS keratinocytes can improve their proliferation inhibition and up-regulate the expression Cyclin D1. This suggests that low doses of TGF-β1 can improve the proliferation of VS and provide new insights into its treatment.

Research progress on the antitumor effects of astragaloside IV

One of the most important and effective components of Astragalus membranaceus is astragaloside IV (AS-IV), which can exert anti-tumor effects through various pathways. For instance, AS-IV exerts an anti-tumor effect by acting at the cellular level, regulating the phenotype switch of tumor-associated macrophages, or inhibiting the development of tumor cells. Furthermore, AS-IV inhibits tumor cell progression by enhancing its sensitivity to antitumor drugs or reversing the drug resistance of tumor cells. This article reviews the different mechanisms of AS-IV inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), migration, proliferation, and invasion of tumor cells, inducing apoptosis and improving the sensitivity of anti-tumor drugs. This review summarizes recent progress in the current research into AS-IV anti-tumor effect and provides insight on the next anti-tumor research of AS-IV.