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Lv G, Yang M, Gai K, Jia Q, Wang Z, Wang B, Li X. Multiple functions of HMGB1 in cancer. Front Oncol 2024; 14:1384109. [PMID: 38725632 PMCID: PMC11079206 DOI: 10.3389/fonc.2024.1384109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/12/2024] Open
Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a nuclear DNA-binding protein with a dual role in cancer, acting as an oncogene and a tumor suppressor. This protein regulates nucleosomal structure, DNA damage repair, and genomic stability within the cell, while also playing a role in immune cell functions. This review comprehensively evaluates the biological and clinical significance of HMGB1 in cancer, including its involvement in cell death and survival, its potential as a therapeutic target and cancer biomarker, and as a prosurvival signal for the remaining cells after exposure to cytotoxic anticancer treatments. We highlight the need for a better understanding of the cellular markers and mechanisms involved in the involvement of HMGB1in cancer, and aim to provide a deeper understanding of its role in cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyao Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Menglin Yang
- Quality Management Department, Marine Biomedical Research Institute of Qingdao, Qingdao, China
| | - Keke Gai
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Qiong Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Zhenzhen Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Binzhou Medical University Hospital, Binzhou, Shandong, China
| | - Xueying Li
- School of Health, Binzhou Polytechnic, Binzhou, China
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Mou Y, Liao W, Li Y, Wan L, Liu J, Luo X, Shen H, Sun Q, Wang J, Tang J, Wang Z. Glycyrrhizin and the Related Preparations: An Inspiring Resource for the Treatment of Liver Diseases. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:315-354. [PMID: 38553799 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500149] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Liver diseases and their related complications endanger the health of millions of people worldwide. The prevention and treatment of liver diseases are still serious challenges both in China and globally. With the improvement of living standards, the prevalence of metabolic liver diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease and alcoholic liver disease, has increased at an alarming rate, resulting in more cases of end-stage liver disease. Therefore, the discovery of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver diseases is urgently needed. Glycyrrhizin (GL), a triterpene glycoside from the roots of licorice plants, possesses a wide range of pharmacological and biological activities. Currently, GL preparations (GLPs) have certain advantages in the treatment of liver diseases, with good clinical effects and fewer adverse reactions, and have shown broad application prospects through multitargeting therapeutic mechanisms, including antisteatotic, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammatory, immunoregulatory, antifibrotic, anticancer, and drug interaction activities. This review summarizes the currently known biological activities of GLPs and their medical applications in the treatment of liver diseases, and highlights the potential of these preparations as promising therapeutic options and their alluring prospects for the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Mou
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Wenhao Liao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Yuchen Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Lina Wan
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Jingwen Liu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Xialing Luo
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Hongping Shen
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, P. R. China
| | - Qin Sun
- National Traditional Chinese Medicine Clinical Research Base of the Affiliated Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, P. R. China
| | - Jing Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Bishan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing 402760, P. R. China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
| | - Zhilei Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
- TCM Regulating Metabolic Diseases Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 610072, P. R. China
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Chen L, Gong J, Yong X, Li Y, Wang S. A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6557-6597. [PMID: 38390501 PMCID: PMC10882267 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08025k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, exhibits noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Despite these commendable effects, its further advancement and application, especially in clinical use, have been hindered by its limited druggability, including challenges such as low solubility and bioavailability. To enhance its biological activity and pharmaceutical efficacy, numerous research studies focus on the structural modification, associated biological activity data, and underlying mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. This review endeavors to systematically compile and organize glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives that have demonstrated outstanding biological activities over the preceding decade, delineating their molecular structures, biological effects, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects for assisting researchers in finding and designing novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives, foster the exploration of structure-activity relationships, and aid in the screening of potential candidate compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Jingwen Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Xu Yong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Youbin Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Shuojin Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
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Chen J, Wang C, Pan X, Zhan Y, Zhou W, Peng S, Chen C, Zhang M, Lan R, Wu J, Huang F, Hong J. Glycyrrhetinic Acid Mitigates Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis via Inhibiting the Secretion of TGF-β1 by Treg Cells. Int J Radiat Oncol Biol Phys 2024; 118:218-230. [PMID: 37586613 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijrobp.2023.08.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 08/02/2023] [Accepted: 08/03/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis (RIPF) is a common side effect of radiation therapy for thoracic tumors without effective prevention and treatment methods at present. The aim of this study was to explore whether glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) has a protective effect on RIPF and the underlying mechanism. METHODS AND MATERIALS A RIPF mouse model administered GA was used to determine the effect of GA on RIPF. The cocultivation of regulatory T (Treg) cells with mouse lung epithelial-12 cells or mouse embryonic fibroblasts and intervention with GA or transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) inhibitor to block TGF-β1 was conducted to study the mechanism by which GA alleviates RIPF. Furthermore, injection of Treg cells into GA-treated RIPF mice to upregulate TGF-β1 levels was performed to verify the roles of TGF-β1 and Treg cells. RESULTS GA intervention improved the damage to lung tissue structure and collagen deposition and inhibited Treg cell infiltration, TGF-β1 levels, epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT), and myofibroblast (MFB) transformation in mice after irradiation. Treg cell-induced EMT and MFB transformation in vitro were prevented by GA, as well as a TGF-β1 inhibitor, by decreasing TGF-β1. Furthermore, reinfusion of Treg cells upregulated TGF-β1 levels and exacerbated RIPF in GA-treated RIPF mice. CONCLUSIONS GA can improve RIPF in mice, and the corresponding mechanisms may be related to the inhibition of TGF-β1 secreted by Treg cells to induce EMT and MFB transformation. Therefore, GA may be a promising therapeutic candidate for the clinical treatment of RIPF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinmei Chen
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Caihong Wang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaoxian Pan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Yuping Zhan
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Weitong Zhou
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shaoli Peng
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Chun Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Mingwei Zhang
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Ruilong Lan
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Central Lab, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jiandong Wu
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fei Huang
- Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Central Lab, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
| | - Jinsheng Hong
- Department of Radiotherapy, Cancer Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Key Laboratory of Radiation Biology of Fujian Higher Education Institutions, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Department of Radiotherapy, National Regional Medical Center, Binhai Campus of the First Affiliated Hospital of Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China; Provincial Key Laboratory of Precision Medicine for Cancer, the First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China.
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Turek M, Różycka-Sokołowska E, Owsianik K, Bałczewski P. New Perspectives for Antihypertensive Sartans as Components of Co-crystals and Co-amorphous Solids with Improved Properties and Multipurpose Activity. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:18-37. [PMID: 38108281 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.3c00959] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
Sartans (angiotensin II receptor blockers, ARBs), drugs used in the treatment of hypertension, play a principal role in addressing the global health challenge of hypertension. In the past three years, their potential use has expanded to include the possibility of their application in the treatment of COVID-19 and neurodegenerative diseases (80 clinical studies worldwide). However, their therapeutic efficacy is limited by their poor solubility and bioavailability, prompting the need for innovative approaches to improve their pharmaceutical properties. This review discusses methods of co-crystallization and co-amorphization of sartans with nonpolymeric, low molecular, and stabilizing co-formers, as a promising strategy to synthesize new multipurpose drugs with enhanced pharmaceutical properties. The solid-state forms have demonstrated the potential to address the poor solubility limitations of conventional sartan formulations and offer new opportunities to develop dual-active drugs with broader therapeutic applications. The review includes an in-depth analysis of the co-crystal and co-amorphous forms of sartans, including their properties, possible applications, and the impact of synthetic methods on their pharmacokinetic properties. By shedding light on the solid forms of sartans, this article provides valuable insights into their potential as improved drug formulations. Moreover, this review may serve as a valuable resource for designing similar solid forms of sartans and other drugs, fostering further advances in pharmaceutical research and drug development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marika Turek
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Ewa Różycka-Sokołowska
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
| | - Krzysztof Owsianik
- Division of Organic Chemistry, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland
| | - Piotr Bałczewski
- Institute of Chemistry, Faculty of Science and Technology, Jan Długosz University in Częstochowa, Armii Krajowej 13/15, 42-200 Częstochowa, Poland
- Division of Organic Chemistry, Center of Molecular and Macromolecular Studies, Polish Academy of Sciences, Sienkiewicza 112, 90-363 Łódź, Poland
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Qianshi Y, Huang L, Jin J, Li Y, Li Y, Hao X, Yuan C. Three rare nor-sesquiterpenoids with lipid-lowering activity from Belamcanda chinensis. Org Biomol Chem 2023; 21:9640-9646. [PMID: 38019684 DOI: 10.1039/d3ob01724a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/01/2023]
Abstract
Belchinoids A-C (1-3), three unusual nor-sesquiterpenoids, along with a new isoflavone (4), were isolated from the roots of Belamcanda chinensis, a traditional Chinese medicine. To the best of our knowledge, compound 1 represents the first C13 nor-sesquiterpenoid with a five membered carbon ring. Compounds 2 and 3 are rare C14 chained nor-sesquiterpenoids. Their structures were fully characterized based on extensive spectroscopic data and quantum chemistry calculation. Three compounds (1, 2, and 4) showed potent inhibitory effects on lipid accumulation in an oleic acid-treated HepG2 cell model. In particular, compound 2 exhibited the most potent inhibitory effect on triglyceride accumulation at a low concentration of 2.5 μM, better than the positive control atorvastatin. The plausible biosynthetic pathway of the three nor-sesquiterpenoids (1-3) is also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yunhua Qianshi
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guizhou University, Huaxi Avenue 2708, Guiyang 550025, China
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
| | - Lei Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
| | - Jun Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanmei Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
| | - Yanan Li
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaojiang Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
- State Key Laboratory of Phytochemistry and Plant Resources in West China, Kunming Institute of Botany, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Kunming 650201, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunmao Yuan
- State Key Laboratory of Functions and Applications of Medicinal Plants, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China.
- Key Laboratory of Chemistry for Natural Products of Guizhou Province, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guiyang 550014, People's Republic of China
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Alanazi HH, Elasbali AM, Alanazi MK, El Azab EF. Medicinal Herbs: Promising Immunomodulators for the Treatment of Infectious Diseases. Molecules 2023; 28:8045. [PMID: 38138535 PMCID: PMC10745476 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28248045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/02/2023] [Revised: 11/10/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Humans are constantly at high risk of emerging pandemics caused by viral and bacterial infections. The emergence of new pandemics is mainly caused by evolved viruses and bacteria that are highly resistant to existing medications. The rapid evolution of infectious agents demands the urgent investigation of new therapeutic strategies to prevent and treat these infections at an early stage. One of these therapeutic strategies includes the use of medicinal herbs for their antibacterial and antiviral properties. The use of herbal medicines as remedies is very ancient and has been employed for centuries. Many studies have confirmed the antimicrobial activities of herbs against various pathogens in vitro and in vivo. The therapeutic effect of medicinal herbs is mainly attributed to the natural bioactive molecules present in these plants such as alkaloids, flavonoids, and terpenoids. Different mechanisms have been proposed for how medicinal herbs enhance the immune system and combat pathogens. Such mechanisms include the disruption of bacterial cell membranes, suppression of protein synthesis, and limitation of pathogen replication through the inhibition of nucleic acid synthesis. Medicinal herbs have been shown to treat a number of infectious diseases by modulating the immune system's components. For instance, many medicinal herbs alleviate inflammation by reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α), interleukin-1, IL-6) while promoting the production of anti-inflammatory cytokines (e.g., IL-10). Medicinal herbs also play a role in defense against viral and intracellular infections by enhancing the proliferation and functions of natural killer cells, T-helper-1 cells, and macrophages. In this review, we will explore the use of the most common herbs in preventing and treating infectious and non-infectious diseases. Using current and recently published studies, we focus on the immunomodulatory and therapeutic effects induced by medicinal herbs to enhance immune responses during diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hamad H. Alanazi
- Department of Clinical Laboratory Science, College of Applied Medical Sciences-Qurayyat, Jouf University, Al-Qurayyat 77455, Saudi Arabia; (A.M.E.); (E.F.E.A.)
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Li X, Du Y, Huang S, Yang Y, Lu D, Zhang J, Chen Y, Zhang L, Nan Y, Yuan L. Exploring the molecular mechanism of glycyrrhetinic acid in the treatment of gastric cancer based on network pharmacology and experimental validation. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:3839-3856. [PMID: 37171392 PMCID: PMC10449304 DOI: 10.18632/aging.204718] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/25/2023] [Indexed: 05/13/2023]
Abstract
There is a wide range of pharmacological effects for glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA). Previous studies have shown that GRA could inhibit the proliferation of tumor cells, showing a promising value in the treatment of gastric cancer (GC). Nonetheless, the precise mechanism of the effect of GRA on GC remains unclear. We explored cellular and molecular mechanisms of GRA based on network pharmacology and in vitro experimental validation. In this study, we predicted 156 potential therapeutic targets for GC with GRA from public databases. We then screened the hub targets using protein-protein interaction network (PPI) and conducted clinical correlation analysis. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment showed that GRA made anti-GC effects through multiple targets and pathways, particularly the MAPK signaling pathway. Next, molecular docking results revealed a potential interaction between GRA and MAPK3. In addition, qRT-PCR experiments revealed that 18β-GRA was able to suppress mRNA expression of KRAS, ERK1 and ERK2 in AGS cells. Western blotting results also revealed that 18β-GRA was able to suppress the expression of KRAS and p-ERK1/2 proteins in AGS cells. Additionally, immunofluorescence assays revealed that 18β-GRA inhibited p-ERK1/2 nuclear translocation in AGS cells. These results systematically reveal that 18β-GRA may have anti-tumor effects on GC by modulating the MAPK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xia Li
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yuhua Du
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shicong Huang
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Yang
- College of Basic Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Doudou Lu
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Junfei Zhang
- College of Clinical Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Yi Nan
- Traditional Chinese Medicine College, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
- Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization of Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
| | - Ling Yuan
- College of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan 750004, Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region, China
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9
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Zhang H, Xu Z, Gao H, Zhang Q. Systematic analysis on the mechanism of Zhizi-Bopi decoction against hepatitis B via network pharmacology and molecular docking. Biotechnol Lett 2023; 45:463-478. [PMID: 36807721 DOI: 10.1007/s10529-023-03359-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 11/28/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 02/21/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE Zhizi-Bopi decoction (ZZBPD) is a classic herbal formula with wide clinical applications in treating liver diseases including hepatitis B. However, the mechanism needs to be elucidated. METHODS Chemical components of ZZBPD were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UHPLC-TOF-MS). Then we used network pharmacology to identify their potential targets. Network construction, coupled with protein-protein interaction and enrichment analysis was used to identify representative components and core targets. Finally, molecular docking simulation was conducted to further refine the drug-target interaction. RESULTS One hundred and forty-eight active compounds were identified in ZZBPD, targeting 779 genes/proteins, among which 174 were related to hepatitis B. ZZBPD mainly influences the progression of hepatitis B through the hepatitis B pathway (hsa05161) via core anti-HBV targets (AKT1, PIK3CA, PIK3R1, SRC, TNF, MAPK1, and MAPK3). Enrichment analysis indicated that ZZBPD can also potentially regulate lipid metabolism and enhance cell survival. Molecular docking suggested that the representative active compounds can bind to the core anti-HBV targets with high affinity. CONCLUSION The potential molecular mechanisms of ZZBPD in hepatitis B treatment were identified using network pharmacology and molecular docking approaches. The results serve as an important basis for the modernization of ZZBPD.
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Affiliation(s)
- He Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, University Road, Changqing District, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong Province, China
| | - Zhouyi Xu
- School of Aerospace Engineering, Xiamen University, Xiamen, 361000, China
| | - Haojun Gao
- New Zhonglu Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Ji'nan, 250011, China
| | - Qinyuan Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4655, University Road, Changqing District, Ji'nan, 250355, Shandong Province, China.
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10
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Broni E, Ashley C, Adams J, Manu H, Aikins E, Okom M, Miller WA, Wilson MD, Kwofie SK. Cheminformatics-Based Study Identifies Potential Ebola VP40 Inhibitors. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076298. [PMID: 37047270 PMCID: PMC10094735 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076298] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2023] [Accepted: 03/24/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The Ebola virus (EBOV) is still highly infectious and causes severe hemorrhagic fevers in primates. However, there are no regulatorily approved drugs against the Ebola virus disease (EVD). The highly virulent and lethal nature of EVD highlights the need to develop therapeutic agents. Viral protein 40 kDa (VP40), the most abundantly expressed protein during infection, coordinates the assembly, budding, and release of viral particles into the host cell. It also regulates viral transcription and RNA replication. This study sought to identify small molecules that could potentially inhibit the VP40 protein by targeting the N-terminal domain using an in silico approach. The statistical quality of AutoDock Vina’s capacity to discriminate between inhibitors and decoys was determined, and an area under the curve of the receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC) curve of 0.791 was obtained. A total of 29,519 natural-product-derived compounds from Chinese and African sources as well as 2738 approved drugs were successfully screened against VP40. Using a threshold of −8 kcal/mol, a total of 7, 11, 163, and 30 compounds from the AfroDb, Northern African Natural Products Database (NANPDB), traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), and approved drugs libraries, respectively, were obtained after molecular docking. A biological activity prediction of the lead compounds suggested their potential antiviral properties. In addition, random-forest- and support-vector-machine-based algorithms predicted the compounds to be anti-Ebola with IC50 values in the micromolar range (less than 25 μM). A total of 42 natural-product-derived compounds were identified as potential EBOV inhibitors with desirable ADMET profiles, comprising 1, 2, and 39 compounds from NANPDB (2-hydroxyseneganolide), AfroDb (ZINC000034518176 and ZINC000095485942), and TCM, respectively. A total of 23 approved drugs, including doramectin, glecaprevir, velpatasvir, ledipasvir, avermectin B1, nafarelin acetate, danoprevir, eltrombopag, lanatoside C, and glycyrrhizin, among others, were also predicted to have potential anti-EBOV activity and can be further explored so that they may be repurposed for EVD treatment. Molecular dynamics simulations coupled with molecular mechanics Poisson–Boltzmann surface area calculations corroborated the stability and good binding affinities of the complexes (−46.97 to −118.9 kJ/mol). The potential lead compounds may have the potential to be developed as anti-EBOV drugs after experimental testing.
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Affiliation(s)
- Emmanuel Broni
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Carolyn Ashley
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Joseph Adams
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
| | - Hammond Manu
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Ebenezer Aikins
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Mary Okom
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
| | - Whelton A. Miller
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
- Department of Molecular Pharmacology and Neuroscience, Loyola University Medical Center, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
- Department of Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering, School of Engineering and Applied Science, University of Pennsylvania, Philadelphia, PA 19104, USA
- Correspondence: (W.A.M.III); (S.K.K.); Tel.: +1(708)-2168451 (W.A.M.III); +23-320-3797922 (S.K.K.)
| | - Michael D. Wilson
- Department of Parasitology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR), College of Health Sciences (CHS), University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 581, Ghana
- Department of Medicine, Loyola University Medical Center, Loyola University Chicago, Maywood, IL 60153, USA
| | - Samuel K. Kwofie
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, School of Engineering Sciences, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Legon, Accra LG 77, Ghana
- Department of Biochemistry, Cell and Molecular Biology, West African Centre for Cell Biology of Infectious Pathogens, College of Basic and Applied Sciences, University of Ghana, Accra LG 54, Ghana
- Correspondence: (W.A.M.III); (S.K.K.); Tel.: +1(708)-2168451 (W.A.M.III); +23-320-3797922 (S.K.K.)
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Bhat SA, Hasan SK, Parray ZA, Siddiqui ZI, Ansari S, Anwer A, Khan S, Amir F, Mehmankhah M, Islam A, Minuchehr Z, Kazim SN. Potential antiviral activities of chrysin against hepatitis B virus. Gut Pathog 2023; 15:11. [PMID: 36895013 PMCID: PMC9995728 DOI: 10.1186/s13099-023-00531-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2022] [Accepted: 01/26/2023] [Indexed: 03/11/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Interferon and nucleos(t)ide analogues are current therapeutic treatments for chronic Hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection with the limitations of a functional cure. Chrysin (5, 7-dihydroxyflavone) is a natural flavonoid, known for its antiviral and hepatoprotective activities. However, its anti-HBV activity is unexplored. METHODS In the present study, the anti-hepatitis B activity of chrysin was investigated using the in vitro experimental cell culture model, HepG2 cells. In silico studies were performed where chrysin and lamivudine (used here as a positive control) were docked with high mobility group box 1 protein (HMGB1). For the in vitro studies, wild type HBV genome construct (pHBV 1.3X) was transiently transfected in HepG2. In culture supernatant samples, HBV surface antigen (HBsAg) and Hepatitis B e antigen (HBeAg) were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Secreted HBV DNA and intracellular covalently closed circular DNA (cccDNA) were measured by SYBR green real-time PCR. The 3D crystal structure of HMGB1 (1AAB) protein was developed and docked with the chrysin and lamivudine. In silico drug-likeness, Absorption, Distribution, Metabolism, Excretion and Toxicity (ADMET) properties of finest ligands were performed by using SwissADME and admetSAR web servers. RESULTS Data showed that chrysin significantly decreases HBeAg, HBsAg secretion, supernatant HBV DNA and cccDNA, in a dose dependent manner. The docking studies demonstrated HMGB1 as an important target for chrysin as compared to lamivudine. Chrysin revealed high binding affinity and formed a firm kissing complex with HMGB1 (∆G = - 5.7 kcal/mol), as compared to lamivudine (∆G = - 4.3 kcal/mol), which might be responsible for its antiviral activity. CONCLUSIONS The outcome of our study establishes chrysin as a new antiviral against HBV infection. However, using chrysin to treat chronic HBV disease needs further endorsement and optimization by in vivo studies in animal models.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Ahmad Bhat
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Syed Kazim Hasan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Zahoor Ahmad Parray
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Zaheenul Islam Siddiqui
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Shabnam Ansari
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.,Department of Biotechnology, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Ayesha Anwer
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Saniya Khan
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Fatima Amir
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.,Department of Biosciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, India
| | - Mahboubeh Mehmankhah
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Asimul Islam
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India
| | - Zarrin Minuchehr
- National Institute of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Tehran, Iran
| | - Syed Naqui Kazim
- Centre for Interdisciplinary Research in Basic Sciences, Jamia Millia Islamia, New Delhi, 110025, India.
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12
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Singh KP, Pallett LJ, Singh H, Chen A, Otano I, Duriez M, Rombouts K, Pinzani M, Crane M, Fusai G, Avihingsanon A, Lewin SR, Maini MK. Pro-fibrogenic role of alarmin high mobility group box 1 in HIV-hepatitis B virus coinfection. AIDS 2023; 37:401-411. [PMID: 36384811 DOI: 10.1097/qad.0000000000003435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/18/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Liver disease is accelerated in people with HIV (PWH) with hepatitis B virus (HBV) coinfection. We hypothesized that liver fibrosis in HIV-HBV is triggered by increased hepatocyte apoptosis, microbial translocation and/or HIV/HBV viral products. DESIGN Sera from PWH with HBV coinfection versus from those with HBV only or putative mediators were used to examine the pathogenesis of liver disease in HIV-HBV. METHODS We applied sera from PWH and HBV coinfection versus HBV alone, or putative mediators (including HMGB1), to primary human hepatic stellate cells (hHSC) and examined pro-fibrogenic changes at the single cell level using flow cytometry. High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels in the applied sera were assessed according to donor fibrosis stage. RESULTS Quantitative flow cytometric assessment of pro-fibrogenic and inflammatory changes at the single cell level revealed an enhanced capacity for sera from PWH with HBV coinfection to activate hHSC. This effect was recapitulated by lipopolysaccharide, HIV-gp120, hepatocyte conditioned-media and the alarmin HMGB1. Induction of hepatocyte cell death increased their pro-fibrogenic potential, an effect blocked by HMGB1 antagonist glycyrrhizic acid. Consistent with a role for this alarmin, HMGB1 levels were elevated in sera from PWH and hepatitis B coinfection compared to HBV alone and higher in those with HIV-HBV with liver fibrosis compared to those without. CONCLUSIONS Sera from PWH and HBV coinfection have an enhanced capacity to activate primary hHSC. We identified an increase in circulating HMGB1 which, in addition to HIV-gp120 and translocated microbial products, drove pro-fibrogenic changes in hHSC, as mechanisms contributing to accelerated liver disease in HIV-HBV.
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Affiliation(s)
- Kasha P Singh
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Laura J Pallett
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Harsimran Singh
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Antony Chen
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Itziar Otano
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Marion Duriez
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
| | - Krista Rombouts
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Massimo Pinzani
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | - Megan Crane
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
| | - Giuseppe Fusai
- Institute for Liver and Digestive Health, University College London, London, UK
| | | | - Sharon R Lewin
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The University of Melbourne at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Victorian Infectious Diseases Service, Royal Melbourne Hospital at the Peter Doherty Institute for Infection and Immunity
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Alfred Health and Monash University, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
| | - Mala K Maini
- Division of Infection and Immunity, University College London, London, UK
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Shinu P, Gupta GL, Sharma M, Khan S, Goyal M, Nair AB, Kumar M, Soliman WE, Rahman A, Attimarad M, Venugopala KN, Altaweel AAA. Pharmacological Features of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid: A Pentacyclic Triterpenoid of Therapeutic Potential. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:1086. [PMID: 36903944 PMCID: PMC10005454 DOI: 10.3390/plants12051086] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/29/2023] [Revised: 02/16/2023] [Accepted: 02/22/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
Glycyrrhiza glabra L. (belonging to the family Leguminosae), commonly known as Licorice, is a popular medicinal plant that has been used in traditional medicine worldwide for its ethnopharmacological efficacy in treating several ailments. Natural herbal substances with strong biological activity have recently received much attention. The main metabolite of glycyrrhizic acid is 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (18βGA), a pentacyclic triterpene. A major active plant component derived from licorice root, 18βGA has sparked a lot of attention due to its pharmacological properties. The current review thoroughly examines the literature on 18βGA, a major active plant component obtained from Glycyrrhiza glabra L. The current work provides insight into the pharmacological activities of 18βGA and the potential mechanisms of action involved. The plant contains a variety of phytoconstituents such as 18βGA, which has a variety of biological effects including antiasthmatic, hepatoprotective, anticancer, nephroprotective, antidiabetic, antileishmanial, antiviral, antibacterial, antipsoriasis, antiosteoporosis, antiepileptic, antiarrhythmic, and anti-inflammatory, and is also useful in the management of pulmonary arterial hypertension, antipsychotic-induced hyperprolactinemia, and cerebral ischemia. This review examines research on the pharmacological characteristics of 18βGA throughout recent decades to demonstrate its therapeutic potential and any gaps that may exist, presenting possibilities for future drug research and development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pottathil Shinu
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Girdhari Lal Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy and Technology Management, SVKM’s NMIMS University, Shirpur 425405, India
| | - Manu Sharma
- Department of Chemistry, National Forensic Sciences University Delhi Campus, New Delhi 110085, India
| | - Shahzad Khan
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manoj Goyal
- Department of Anesthesia Technology, College of Applied Medical Sciences in Jubail, Imam Abdul Rahman Bin Faisal University, Jubail 35816, Saudi Arabia
| | - Anroop B. Nair
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Manish Kumar
- Department of Pharmaceutics, M. M. College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to Be University), Ambala 133201, India
| | - Wafaa E. Soliman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Delta University for Science and Technology, Mansoura 11152, Egypt
| | - Aminur Rahman
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mahesh Attimarad
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
| | - Katharigatta N. Venugopala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Clinical Pharmacy, King Faisal University, Al-Ahsa 31982, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Biotechnology and Food Science, Faculty of Applied Sciences, Durban University of Technology, Durban 4000, South Africa
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Cai M, Xu YC, Deng B, Chen JB, Chen TF, Zeng KF, Chen S, Deng SH, Tan ZB, Ding WJ, Zhang SW, Liu B, Zhang JZ. Radix Glycyrrhizae extract and licochalcone a exert an anti-inflammatory action by direct suppression of toll like receptor 4. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 302:115869. [PMID: 36309116 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115869] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2022] [Revised: 10/18/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Radix Glycyrrhizae (GL), a herbal medicine that is widely available, has shown advantages for a variety of inflammatory diseases. Toll like receptor 4 (TLR4) pathway has been shown to play a key role in the progression of inflammation. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study was to investigate the involvement of TLR4 in the anti-inflammatory mechanism of GL extract and its active constituent on acute lung injury (ALI). MATERIALS AND METHODS A model of inflammation produced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) was established in C57BL/6 mice and macrophages derived from THP-1. To screen the active components of GL, molecular docking was used. Molecular dynamics and surface plasmon resonance imaging (SPRi) were used to study the interaction of a specific drug with the TLR4-MD2 complex. TLR4 was overexpressed by adenovirus to confirm TLR4 involvement in the anti-inflammatory activities of GL and the chosen chemical. RESULTS We observed that GL extract significantly reduced both LPS-induced ALI and the production of pro-inflammatory factors including TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. Additionally, GL inhibited the binding of Alexa 488-labeled LPS (LPS-488) to the membrane of THP-1 derived macrophages. GL drastically reduce on the expression of TLR4 and the activation of mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and nuclear factor-B (NF-κB). Furthermore, molecular docking revealed that Licochalcone A (LicoA) docked into the LPS binding site of TLR4-MD2 complex. MD2-LicoA binding conformation was found to be stable using molecular dynamic simulations. SPRi indicated that LicoA bound to TLR4-MD2 recombinant protein with a KD of 3.87 × 10-7 M. LicoA dose-dependently reduced LPS-488 binding to the cell membrane. LicoA was found to significantly inhibit LPS-induced lung damage and inflammation. Furthermore, LicoA inhibited TLR4 expression, MAPK and NF-κB activation in a dose-dependent manner. The inhibitory effects of GL and LicoA on LPS-induced inflammation and TLR4 signaling activation were partly eliminated by TLR4 overexpression. CONCLUSION Our findings imply that GL and LicoA exert inhibitory effects on inflammation by targeting the TLR4 directly.
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Affiliation(s)
- Min Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China; Guangzhou Emergency Medical Command Center, Guangzhou, 510030, China.
| | - You-Cai Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Bo Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Jun-Bang Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Ting-Fang Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Ke-Feng Zeng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Si Chen
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Sui-Hui Deng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Zhang-Bin Tan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Wen-Jun Ding
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Shuang-Wei Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Bin Liu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
| | - Jing-Zhi Zhang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Institute of Integration of Traditional and Western Medicine of Guangzhou Medical University, State Key Laboratory of Respiratory Disease, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, 510260, China.
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Wulandari S, Hartono, Wibawa T. The role of HMGB1 in COVID-19-induced cytokine storm and its potential therapeutic targets: A review. Immunology 2023; 169:117-131. [PMID: 36571562 PMCID: PMC9880760 DOI: 10.1111/imm.13623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/22/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Hyperinflammation characterized by elevated proinflammatory cytokines known as 'cytokine storms' is the major cause of high severity and mortality seen in COVID-19 patients. The pathology behind the cytokine storms is currently unknown. Increased HMGB1 levels in serum/plasma of COVID-19 patients were reported by many studies, which positively correlated with the level of proinflammatory cytokines. Dead cells following SARS-CoV-2 infection might release a large amount of HMGB1 and RNA of SARS-CoV-2 into extracellular space. HMGB1 is a well-known inflammatory mediator. Additionally, extracellular HMGB1 might interact with SARS-CoV-2 RNA because of its high capability to bind with a wide variety of molecules including nucleic acids and could trigger massive proinflammatory immune responses. This review aimed to critically explore the many possible pathways by which HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes mediate proinflammatory responses in COVID-19. The contribution of these pathways to impair host immune responses against SARS-CoV-2 infection leading to a cytokine storm was also evaluated. Moreover, since blocking the HMGB1-SARS-CoV-2 RNA interaction might have therapeutic value, some of the HMGB1 antagonists have been reviewed. The HMGB1- SARS-CoV-2 RNA complexes might trigger endocytosis via RAGE which is linked to lysosomal rupture, PRRs activation, and pyroptotic death. High levels of the proinflammatory cytokines produced might suppress many immune cells leading to uncontrolled viral infection and cell damage with more HMGB1 released. Altogether these mechanisms might initiate a proinflammatory cycle leading to a cytokine storm. HMGB1 antagonists could be considered to give benefit in alleviating cytokine storms and serve as a potential candidate for COVID-19 therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sri Wulandari
- Doctorate Program of Medicine and Health Science, Faculty of MedicinePublic Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah MadaYogyakartaIndonesia,Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Sebelas MaretSurakartaIndonesia
| | - Hartono
- Department of Physiology, Faculty of MedicineUniversitas Sebelas MaretSurakartaIndonesia
| | - Tri Wibawa
- Department of Microbiology, Faculty of MedicinePublic Health and Nursing Universitas Gadjah MadaYogyakartaIndonesia
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Lu PD, Yuan MC, Quan XP, Chen JF, Zhao YH. Preclinical studies of licorice in ulcerative colitis: A systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 296:115444. [PMID: 35671864 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115444] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/16/2022] [Revised: 05/15/2022] [Accepted: 06/02/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Licorice, as a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, possessing the efficacies of invigorating spleen and replenishing qi, heat-clearing and detoxicating, phlegm-resolving and cough suppressant, relieving spasm and pain, and hamonizing actions of various medicines. AIM OF THE STUDY The goal of this systematic review, which includes meta-analysis and network pharmacology in preclinical studies, is to investigate the multiple efficacies of licorice on ulcerative colitis (UC). MATERIALS AND METHODS We searched several databases, e.g., Web of Science, Elsevier ScienceDirect and PubMed until Januanry 2022 for literature collection, and the Review Manager 5.3 was used to analyze the data. To synthesize the retrieved data, the fixed and random-effects models were utilized, respectively, and network pharmacology was applied to confirm the mechanisms. RESULTS Based on the result of meta-analysis, it suggested that the treatments of licorice extract and its active compounds showed strong therpeutic effects, which not only reflected the declining histological score, a index of the colitis severity [SMD = -2.86, 95% CI (-3.65, -2.08); P < 0.00001], but also reversed colonic shortness [WMD = 1.67, 95% CI (1.16, 2.19); P < 0.00001] between experimental UC model and licorice-treatment groups. In addition, it suggested the significant reduction of TNF-α level [SMD = -2.70, 95% CI (-3.23, -2.16); P < 0.00001], which acted as a crucial role in inflammatory response. Furthermore, from the results of network pharmacology, it indicated that anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, immunomodulatory effect and microbiota homeostasis were the predominant therapeutic mechanisms of licorice extract and its active compounds treating UC. CONCLUSION This systematic review with meta-analysis and network pharmacology demonstrates an efficient role of licorice extract and its active compounds in preclinical studies of UC, which provides supporting evidence for clinical trial implementation. However, there exist some limitations, such as technique quality decificency, missed reports due to negative outcome, failure to calculate sample size, and the risk of bias.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng-De Lu
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China.
| | - Meng-Chen Yuan
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Xing-Ping Quan
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Jin-Fen Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China
| | - Yong-Hua Zhao
- Institute of Chinese Medical Sciences, State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China; Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Joint Lab on Chinese Medicine and Immune Disease Research, University of Macau, Taipa, Macao SAR, China.
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Chen J, Lin Y, Wu M, Li C, Cen K, Liu F, Liao Y, Zhou X, Xu J, Cheng Y. Glycyrrhetinic acid proliposomes mediated by mannosylated ligand: Preparation, physicochemical characterization, environmental stability and bioactivity evaluation. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2022; 218:112781. [PMID: 36007313 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2022.112781] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2022] [Revised: 08/11/2022] [Accepted: 08/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid is a bioactive compound extracted from licorice that exhibits inhibition effect on various cancers. However, its hydrophobicity results in low bioavailability that limits application. We aim to overcome this barrier, the present research was performed to prepare glycyrrhetinic acid proliposomes mediated mannosylated ligand (mannose-diester lauric diacid-cholesterol, MDC) and to evaluate its physicochemical characterizations, environmental stability and bioactivity. In preliminary optimization studies of glycyrrhetinic acid proliposomes mediated MDC (MDC-GA-PL), four optimum operating parameters, cryoprotectant of glucose and mannitol, the mixed cryoprotectant ratio (glucose/mannitol) of 1:1, a cryoprotectant/egg phosphatidylcholine mass ratio of 10/1, and -60 ℃ pre-freezing temperature, were obtained after investigation. Under the optimum lyophilization conditions, MDC-GA-PL was freeze-dried and reconstituted proliposomes were characterized. These proliposomes showed that MDC-GA-PL were well-dispersible spherical particles with an average particle size of 120.80 nm, a polydispersity index about 0.095, a zeta potential of -33.15 mV, encapsulation efficiency of 85.9% and drug loading of 6.38%. In vitro drug release study showed that glycyrrhetinic acid release of MDC-GA-PL conforms to the Higuchi release model. In addition, these proliposomes were stable during six months at 4 ℃. Moreover, acute toxicity assay revealed no substantial safety concern for MDC-GA-PL. Finally, in vitro bioactivity of proliposomes was evaluated. Cytotoxicity effect and apoptosis efficiency of MDC-GA-PL by HepG2 cells was significantly higher than that of glycyrrhetinic acid proliposomes without MDC, demonstrating that MDC has a desirable effect on liver target. Overall, we have reason to believe that MDC-GA-PL would be a promising target delivery to improve therapeutic against hepatic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China.
| | - Yuan Lin
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Min Wu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Chuangnan Li
- Neurosurgery Department, Jiangmen Wuyi Hospital of TCM, Affiliated Jiangmen TCM Hospital of Jinan University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Kaijie Cen
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Fujin Liu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Yazhi Liao
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Xiaoqing Zhou
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Jucai Xu
- School of Biotechnology and Health Sciences, Wuyi University, Jiangmen 529020, PR China
| | - Yi Cheng
- School of Chinese Material Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
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Recent Advances Regarding the Molecular Mechanisms of Triterpenic Acids: A Review (Part II). Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23168896. [PMID: 36012159 PMCID: PMC9408012 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23168896] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2022] [Revised: 08/04/2022] [Accepted: 08/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Triterpenic acids are a widespread class of phytocompounds which have been found to possess valuable therapeutic properties such as anticancer, anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective, cardioprotective, antidiabetic, neuroprotective, lipolytic, antiviral, and antiparasitic effects. They are a subclass of triterpenes bearing a characteristic lipophilic structure that imprints unfavorable in vivo properties which subsequently limit their applications. The early investigation of the mechanism of action (MOA) of a drug candidate can provide valuable information regarding the possible side effects and drug interactions that may occur after administration. The current paper aimed to summarize the most recent (last 5 years) studies regarding the MOA of betulinic acid, boswellic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, madecassic acid, moronic acid, and pomolic acid in order to provide scientists with updated and accessible material on the topic that could contribute to the development of future studies; the paper stands as the sequel of our previously published paper regarding the MOA of triterpenic acids with therapeutic value. The recent literature published on the topic has highlighted the role of triterpenic acids in several signaling pathways including PI3/AKT/mTOR, TNF-alpha/NF-kappa B, JNK-p38, HIF-α/AMPK, and Grb2/Sos/Ras/MAPK, which trigger their various biological activities.
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Wang Q, Song GC, Weng FY, Zou B, Jin JY, Yan DM, Tan B, Zhao J, Li Y, Qiu FR. Hepatoprotective Effects of Glycyrrhetinic Acid on Lithocholic Acid-Induced Cholestatic Liver Injury Through Choleretic and Anti-Inflammatory Mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:881231. [PMID: 35712714 PMCID: PMC9194553 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.881231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2022] [Accepted: 04/26/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestasis is a clinical syndrome triggered by the accumulation and aggregation of bile acids by subsequent inflammatory responses. The present study investigated the protective effect of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) on the cholestatic liver injury induced by lithocholic acid (LCA) from both anti-inflammatory and choleretic mechanistic standpoints. Male C57BL/6 mice were treated with LCA twice daily for 4 days to induce intrahepatic cholestasis. GA (50 mg/kg) and pregnenolone 16α-carbonitrile (PCN, 45 mg/kg) were intraperitoneally injected 3 days before and throughout the administration of LCA, respectively. Plasma biochemical indexes were determined by assay kits, and hepatic bile acids were quantified by LC-MS/MS. Hematoxylin and eosin staining of liver sections was performed for pathological examination. Protein expression of the TLRs/NF-κB pathway and the mRNA levels of inflammatory cytokines and chemokines were examined by Western blotting and PCR, respectively. Finally, the hepatic expression of pregnane X receptor (PXR) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and their target genes encoding metabolic enzymes and transporters was evaluated. GA significantly reversed liver necrosis and decreased plasma ALT and ALP activity. Plasma total bile acids, total bilirubin, and hepatic bile acids were also remarkably preserved. More importantly, the recruitment of inflammatory cells to hepatic sinusoids was alleviated. Additionally, the protein expression of TLR2, TLR4, and p-NF-κBp65 and the mRNA expression of CCL2, CXCL2, IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α were significantly decreased. Moreover, GA significantly increased the expression of hepatic FXR and its target genes, including BSEP, MRP3, and MRP4. In conclusion, GA protects against LCA-induced cholestatic liver injury by inhibiting the TLR2/NF-κB pathway and upregulating hepatic FXR expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qian Wang
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guo-Chao Song
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Feng-Yi Weng
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bin Zou
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yi Jin
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dong-Ming Yan
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Bo Tan
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Zhao
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yue Li
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fu-Rong Qiu
- Laboratory of Clinical Pharmacokinetics, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Pan PH, Wang YY, Lin SY, Liao SL, Chen YF, Huang WC, Chen CJ, Chen WY. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid Protects against Cholestatic Liver Injury in Bile Duct-Ligated Rats. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11050961. [PMID: 35624826 PMCID: PMC9138139 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11050961] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2022] [Revised: 05/11/2022] [Accepted: 05/12/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid is a nutraceutical agent with promising hepatoprotective effects. Its protective mechanisms against cholestatic liver injury were further investigated in a rodent model of extrahepatic cholestasis caused by Bile Duct Ligation (BDL) in rats. The daily oral administration of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid improved liver histology, serum biochemicals, ductular reaction, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and fibrosis. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid alleviated the BDL-induced hepatic and systemic retention of bile acids, matrix-producing cell activation, hepatic collagen deposition, Transforming Growth Factor beta-1/Smad activation, malondialdehyde elevation, glutathione reduction, High Mobility Group Box-1/Toll-Like Receptor-4 activation, NF-κB activation, inflammatory cell infiltration/accumulation, Interleukin-1β expression, Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription-1 activation, Endoplasmic Reticulum stress, impairment autophagy, and caspase 3 activation. Conversely, the protein expression of Sirt1, Farnesoid X Receptor, nuclear NF-E2-Related Factor-2, Transcription Factor EB, bile acid efflux transporters, and LC3-II, as well as the protein phosphorylation of AMP-Activated Protein Kinase, was promoted in 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid-treated BDL rats. The hepatoprotective effects of 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid in the present investigation correlated well with co-activation and possible interactions among Sirt, FXR, and Nrf2. The concurrent or concomitant activation of Sirt1, FXR, and Nrf2 not only restored the homeostatic regulation of bile acid metabolism, but also alleviated oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, impaired autophagy, and fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Pin-Ho Pan
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan; (P.-H.P.); (W.-C.H.)
- Department of Pediatrics, Tungs’ Taichung MetroHarbor Hospital, Taichung City 435, Taiwan
| | - Ya-Yu Wang
- Department of Family Medicine, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan;
| | - Shih-Yi Lin
- Center for Geriatrics and Gerontology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan;
- Institute of Clinical Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei City 112, Taiwan
| | - Su-Lan Liao
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan;
| | - Yu-Fang Chen
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung City 840, Taiwan;
| | - Wei-Chi Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan; (P.-H.P.); (W.-C.H.)
| | - Chun-Jung Chen
- Department of Medical Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung City 407, Taiwan;
- Department of Medical Laboratory Science and Biotechnology, China Medical University, Taichung City 404, Taiwan
- Correspondence: (C.-J.C.); (W.-Y.C.); Tel.: +886-4-23592525 (ext. 4022) (C.-J.C.); +886-4-2284-0368 (W.-Y.C.)
| | - Wen-Ying Chen
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung Hsing University, Taichung City 402, Taiwan; (P.-H.P.); (W.-C.H.)
- Correspondence: (C.-J.C.); (W.-Y.C.); Tel.: +886-4-23592525 (ext. 4022) (C.-J.C.); +886-4-2284-0368 (W.-Y.C.)
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21
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Xiao Y, Zhang Z, Liang W, Gao B, Wang Y, Chang J, Zhu D. Endophytic fungi from Dongxiang wild rice ( Oryza rufipogon Griff .) show diverse catalytic potential for converting glycyrrhizin. 3 Biotech 2022; 12:79. [PMID: 35251882 PMCID: PMC8882211 DOI: 10.1007/s13205-022-03138-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 02/02/2022] [Indexed: 11/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Endophytic fungi inhabiting niche environments are novel biocatalyst resources that need to be exploited urgently. In this study, 63 endophytic fungi isolated from Dongxiang wild rice (Oryza rufipogon Griff.) were tested to assess their potentials to transform glycyrrhizin (GL) into glycyrrhetinic acid monoglucuronide (GAMG) or glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), of which 12 strains were shown to have β-d-glucuronidase activity. Based on morphological characteristics and rDNA ITS sequence analysis, the strains S59, L138, L55 and R57 with high GL molar conversion rates (55%, 45%, 65% and 89%) were further identified as Microsphaeropsis arundinis S59, Penicillium rubens L138, Aspergillus flavus L55 and Eupenicillium javanicum R57, respectively. These four strains with four different types of GL conversion processes were identified, i.e., (1) GL → GAMG in M. arundinis S59, (2) GL → GAMG and GA in A. flavus L55, (3) GL → GA in P. rubens L138, and (4) GL → GAMG → GA in E. javanicum R57, in which the bioconversion type (4) is reported for the first time. The study not only provided abundant and diverse β-d-glucuronidase resources that can be used for GL bioconversion, especially for GAMG biosynthesis from endophytic fungi, but also expanded our knowledge of potential roles of endophytes as new biocatalysts in biotransformation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiwen Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022 China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
| | - Zhibin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022 China
| | - Weizhong Liang
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
| | - Boliang Gao
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
| | - Ya Wang
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
| | - Jun Chang
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
| | - Du Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Protection and Utilization of Subtropic Plant Resources of Jiangxi Province, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Jiangxi Normal University, Nanchang, 330022 China
- Key Laboratory of Bioprocess Engineering of Jiangxi Province, College of Life Sciences, Jiangxi Science and Technology Normal University, Nanchang, 330013 China
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Miranda RDS, Jesus BDSM, Silva Luiz SR, Viana CB, Adão Malafaia CR, Figueiredo FDS, Carvalho TDSC, Silva ML, Londero VS, Costa‐Silva TA, Lago JHG, Martins RCC. Antiinflammatory activity of natural triterpenes—An overview from 2006 to 2021. Phytother Res 2022; 36:1459-1506. [DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/22/2021] [Revised: 11/29/2021] [Accepted: 12/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Rodrigo de Souza Miranda
- Institute of Natural Products Research Walter Mors Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | - Sandra Regina Silva Luiz
- Institute of Microbiology Paulo de Góes Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (IMPG‐UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Cristina Borges Viana
- Institute of Natural Products Research Walter Mors Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Camila Rodrigues Adão Malafaia
- Laboratory of Natural Products and Biological Assays, Natural Products and Food Department, Faculty of Pharmacy Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | - Fabiana de Souza Figueiredo
- Institute of Natural Products Research Walter Mors Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
| | | | - Matheus Lopes Silva
- Center of Human and Natural Sciences Federal University of ABC (UFABC) Santo André Brazil
| | - Vinicius Silva Londero
- Institute of Environmental, Chemical and Pharmaceutical Sciences Federal University of São Paulo (UNIFESP) Diadema Brazil
| | | | | | - Roberto Carlos Campos Martins
- Institute of Natural Products Research Walter Mors Federal University of Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Rio de Janeiro Brazil
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23
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Jain R, Hussein MA, Pierce S, Martens C, Shahagadkar P, Munirathinam G. Oncopreventive and oncotherapeutic potential of licorice triterpenoid compound glycyrrhizin and its derivatives: Molecular insights. Pharmacol Res 2022; 178:106138. [PMID: 35192957 PMCID: PMC8857760 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2022.106138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/28/2021] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/17/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is a well-known natural herb used to treat different ailments since ancient times. Glycyrrhizin (GL), which is the primary triterpenoid compound of licorice extract, has been known to have broad-spectrum pharmacological effects. GL is cleaved into glucuronide and the aglycone, glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), which exists in two stereoisomeric forms: 18α- and 18β-GA. It is well documented that GL and GA have great potential as anti-inflammatory, anticancer, antiviral, anti-diabetic, antioxidant, and hepatoprotective agents. Studies undertaken during the coronavirus disease 2019 pandemic suggest that GL is effective at inhibiting the viral replication of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2. The anticancer effects of GL and GA involve modulating various signaling pathways, such as the phosphatase and tensin homolog/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase, and the mammalian target of rapamycin/signal transducer and activator of transcription 3, which are mainly involved in regulating cancer cell death, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The potential of GL and GA in preventing cancer development and suppressing the growth and invasion of different cancer types has been reviewed in this paper. This review also provides molecular insights on the mechanism of action for the oncopreventive and oncotherapeutic effects of GL and its derivative, GA, which could help develop more specific forms of these agents for clinical use.
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Hylemon PB, Su L, Zheng PC, Bajaj JS, Zhou H. Bile Acids, Gut Microbiome and the Road to Fatty Liver Disease. Compr Physiol 2021; 12:2719-2730. [PMID: 34964117 DOI: 10.1002/cphy.c210024] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/02/2023]
Abstract
This article describes the complex interactions occurring between diet, the gut microbiome, and bile acids in the etiology of fatty liver disease. Perhaps 25% of the world's population may have nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and a significant percentage (∼20%) of these individuals will progress to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Currently, the only recommended treatment for NAFLD and NASH is a change in diet and exercise. A Western-type diet containing high fructose corn syrup, fats, and cholesterol creates gut dysbiosis, increases intestinal permeability and uptake of LPS causing low-grade chronic inflammation in the body. Fructose is a "lipogenic" sugar that induces long-chain fatty acid (LCFA) synthesis in the liver. Inflammation decreases the oxidation of LCFA, allowing fat accumulation in hepatocytes. Hepatic bile acid transporters are downregulated by inflammation slowing their enterohepatic circulation and allowing conjugated bile acids (CBA) to increase in the serum and liver of NASH patients. High levels of CBA in the liver are hypothesized to activate sphingosine-1-phosphate receptor 2 (S1PR2), activating pro-inflammatory and fibrosis pathways enhancing NASH progression. Because inflammation appears to be a major physiological driving force in NAFLD/NASH, new drugs and treatment protocols may require the use of anti-inflammatory compounds, such as berberine, in combination with bile acid receptor agonists or antagonists. Emerging new molecular technologies may provide guidance in unraveling the complex physiological pathways driving fatty liver disease and better approaches to prevention and treatment. © 2021 American Physiological Society. Compr Physiol 11:1-12, 2021.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phillip B Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Lianyong Su
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Po-Cheng Zheng
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Jasmohan S Bajaj
- Department of Medicine/Division of Gastroenterology, Hepatology and Nutrition, Medical College of Virginia, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, Virginia, USA.,Central Virginia Veterans Healthcare System, Richmond, Virginia, USA
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25
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Wang X, Xie F, Zhou X, Chen T, Xue Y, Wang W. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits the apoptosis of cells infected with rotavirus SA11 via the Fas/FasL pathway. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2021; 59:1098-1105. [PMID: 34411493 PMCID: PMC8382007 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2021.1961821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 06/01/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (18β-GA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid saponin metabolite of glycyrrhizin, exhibits several biological activities. OBJECTIVE We investigated the effects of 18β-GA on MA104 cells infected with rotavirus (RV) and its potential mechanism of action. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cell Counting Kit-8 was used to assess tissue culture infective dose 50 (TCID50) and 50% cellular cytotoxicity (CC50) concentration. MA104 cells infected with RV SA11 were treated with 18β-GA (1, 2, 4, and 8 μg/mL, respectively). Cytopathic effects were observed. The virus inhibition rate, concentration for 50% of maximal effect (EC50), and selection index (SI) were calculated. Cell cycle, cell apoptosis, and mRNA and protein expression related to the Fas/FasL pathway were detected. RESULTS TCID50 of RV SA11 was 10-4.47/100 µL; the CC50 of 18β-GA on MA104 cells was 86.92 µg/mL. 18β-GA showed significant antiviral activity; EC50 was 3.14 μg/mL, and SI was 27.68. The ratio of MA104 cells infected with RV SA11 in the G0/G1 phase and the G2/M phase decreased and increased, respectively, after 18β-GA treatment. 18β-GA significantly induced apoptosis in the infected cells. Furthermore, after 18β-GA treatment, the mRNA and protein expression levels of Fas, FasL, caspase 3, and Bcl-2 decreased, whereas the expression levels of Bax increased. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS The study demonstrates that 18β-GA may be a promising candidate for the treatment of RV SA11 infection and provides theoretical support for the clinical development of glycyrrhizic acid compounds for the treatment of RV infection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Wang
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Fang Xie
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Xiaofeng Zhou
- Linyi Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital-Endoscopic Centre, Linyi, China
| | - Ting Chen
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Ye Xue
- The First Clinical Medical College, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Spleen and Stomach Diseases, The Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, China
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26
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Baranwal M, Gupta Y, Dey P, Majaw S. Antiinflammatory phytochemicals against virus-induced hyperinflammatory responses: Scope, rationale, application, and limitations. Phytother Res 2021; 35:6148-6169. [PMID: 34816512 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7222] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/14/2021] [Revised: 06/26/2021] [Accepted: 07/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Uncontrolled inflammatory responses or cytokine storm associated with viral infections results in deleterious consequences such as vascular leakage, severe hemorrhage, shock, immune paralysis, multi-organ failure, and even death. With the emerging new viral infections and lack of effective prophylactic vaccines, evidence-based complementary strategies that limit viral infection-mediated hyperinflammatory responses could be a promising approach to limit host tissue injury. The present review emphasizes the potentials of antiinflammatory phytochemicals in limiting hyperinflammatory injury caused by viral infections. The predominant phytochemicals along with their mechanism in limiting hyperimmune and pro-inflammatory responses under viral infection have been reviewed comprehensively. How certain phytochemicals can be effective in limiting hyper-inflammatory response indirectly by favorably modulating gut microbiota and maintaining a functional intestinal barrier has also been presented. Finally, we have discussed improved systemic bioavailability of phytochemicals, efficient delivery strategies, and safety measures for effective antiinflammatory phytotherapies, in addition to emphasizing the requirement of tightly controlled clinical studies to establish the antiinflammatory efficacy of the phytochemicals. Collectively, the review provides a scooping overview on the potentials of bioactive phytochemicals to mitigate pro-inflammatory injury associated with viral infections.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manoj Baranwal
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India
| | - Yogita Gupta
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India
| | - Priyankar Dey
- Department of Biotechnology, Thapar Institute of Engineering & Technology, Patiala, India
| | - Suktilang Majaw
- Department of Biotechnology & Bioinformatics, North-Eastern Hill University, Shillong, India
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27
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Wu Z, Wang Z, Xie Z, Zhu H, Li C, Xie S, Zhou W, Zhang Z, Li M. Glycyrrhizic Acid Attenuates the Inflammatory Response After Spinal Cord Injury by Inhibiting High Mobility Group Box-1 Protein Through the p38/Jun N-Terminal Kinase Signaling Pathway. World Neurosurg 2021; 158:e856-e864. [PMID: 34838764 DOI: 10.1016/j.wneu.2021.11.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 11/19/2021] [Accepted: 11/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Neuroinflammation is an important secondary aggravating factor in spinal cord injury (SCI). Inhibition of the inflammatory response is critical for SCI treatment. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is an anti-inflammatory drug, but its utility for SCI is unclear. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GA on inflammation after SCI and the underlying mechanism. METHODS Cell counting kit-8 assays were performed to assess the viability of highly aggressively proliferating immortalized cells that had been treated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and/or GA. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting were performed to assess expression of high mobility group box-1 protein (HMGB1), ionized calcium binding adaptor molecule 1, and inflammatory factors in vitro and in vivo. GA (100 mg/kg) was intraperitoneally injected into rats. Anti-inflammatory effects of GA were analyzed in SCI tissues. p38/Jun N-terminal kinase signaling pathway proteins were analyzed by Western blotting. RESULTS Cell counting kit-8 assay results showed that treatment with 100 ng/mL LPS for 12 hours was optimal. After LPS treatment, highly aggressively proliferating immortalized cells were activated; messenger RNA expression levels of HMGB1 and inflammatory factors were increased. GA significantly inhibited LPS-induced HMGB1 expression and inflammatory responses, as determined by reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting. Transfection with an HMGB1-overexpression plasmid reversed the anti-inflammatory effects of GA. In addition, intraperitoneal injection of GA (100 mg/kg) into rats for 3 days significantly reduced expression levels of HMGB1 and inflammatory factors after SCI in vivo. GA reduced phosphorylation, but not levels, of p38 and Jun N-terminal kinase proteins. CONCLUSIONS GA attenuates the inflammatory response after SCI by inhibiting HMGB1 through the p38/JNK signaling pathway and thus has therapeutic potential for SCI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiwu Wu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhihua Wang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhiping Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Huaxin Zhu
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Chengcai Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Shenke Xie
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Wu Zhou
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Zhixiong Zhang
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Meihua Li
- Department of Neurosurgery and Jiangxi Key Laboratory of Neurosurgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China.
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Glycyrrhizic Acid and Its Hydrolyzed Metabolite 18β-Glycyrrhetinic Acid as Specific Ligands for Targeting Nanosystems in the Treatment of Liver Cancer. Pharmaceutics 2021; 13:pharmaceutics13111792. [PMID: 34834206 PMCID: PMC8621092 DOI: 10.3390/pharmaceutics13111792] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/11/2021] [Revised: 09/28/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 01/10/2023] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid and its hydrolyzed metabolite 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid, obtained from the plant Glycyrrhiza glabra, have numerous pharmacological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-ulcerative, antiallergic, immunomodulatory, antiviral, antitumor, hepatoprotective, and antioxidant effects, and others. In addition to the pharmacological activities, in the 1980s, an interaction and uptake of these molecules by the liver was verified, which was later confirmed by other studies through the discovery of specific receptors in the hepatocytes. The presence of these specific receptors in the liver led to vectorization and delivery of drugs, by the introduction of glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on the surface of nanosystems, for the treatment of liver diseases. This review describes experimental evidence of vectorization by conjugating glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid to nanosystems and delivery of antitumor drugs for the treatment of liver cancer and also describes the techniques used to perform this conjugation. We have shown that due to the existence of specific receptors for these molecules, in addition to the targeting of nanosystems to hepatocytes, nanosystems having glycyrrhizic acid or glycyrrhetinic acid on their surface had the same therapeutic effect in a significantly lower dose compared to the free drug and unconjugated nanosystems, with consequent reduction of side effects and toxicity.
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Yan M, Guo L, Yang Y, Zhang B, Hou Z, Gao Y, Gu H, Gong H. Glycyrrhetinic Acid Protects α-Naphthylisothiocyanate- Induced Cholestasis Through Regulating Transporters, Inflammation and Apoptosis. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:701240. [PMID: 34630081 PMCID: PMC8497752 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.701240] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2021] [Accepted: 08/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA), the active metabolic product of Glycyrrhizin (GL) that is the main ingredient of licorice, was reported to protect against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)- induced cholestasis. However, its protective mechanism remains unclear. In our work, the cholestatic liver injury in mice was caused by ANIT and GA was used for the treatment. We assessed cholestatic liver injury specific indexes, histopathological changes, bile acid transporters, inflammation and apoptosis. The results of liver biochemical index and histopathological examination showed that GA markedly attenuated ANIT-induced liver injury. Mechanism research suggested that GA could activate the expression of farnesoid x receptor (FXR) and its downstream bile acids transporters Na+/taurocholate co-transporting polypeptide (NTCP), bile salt export pump (BSEP) and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (MRP2), as well as the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its downstream proteins MRP3, MRP4. These transporters play a vital role in mediating bile acid homeostasis in hepatocytes. Moreover, GA could significantly inhibit the ANIT-induced activation of the nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) inflammatory pathway and the increase of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) concentration in serum. Also, GA protected against ANIT-induced mitochondrial apoptosis by regulating the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cleaved caspase 3 and cleaved caspase 9. In conclusion, GA alleviates the hepatotoxicity caused by ANIT by regulating bile acids transporters, inflammation and apoptosis, which suggests that GA may be a potential therapeutic agent for cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Miao Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Bikui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhenyan Hou
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Yue Gao
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Hongmei Gu
- Chia Tai Tianqing Pharmaceutical Group Co. Ltd., Lianyungang, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha, China
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Gomaa AA, Abdel-Wadood YA. The potential of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19 and associated conditions. PHYTOMEDICINE PLUS : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 1:100043. [PMID: 35399823 PMCID: PMC7886629 DOI: 10.1016/j.phyplu.2021.100043] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 18.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/08/2021] [Revised: 02/02/2021] [Accepted: 02/05/2021] [Indexed: 04/28/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Several recent studies have stated that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract are present in most traditional Chinese medicine formulas used against SARS-CoV-2 in China. Significant data are showing that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have multiple beneficial activities in combating most features of SARS-CoV-2. PURPOSE The aim of current review was to highlight recent progresses in research that showed the evidence of the potential use of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against COVID-19. METHODOLOGY We have reviewed the information published from 1979 to October 2020. These studies demonstrated the effects , use and safety of glycyrrhizin and icorice extract against viral infections,bacterial infections, inflammatory disorders of lung ( in vitro and in vivo). These studies were collated through online electronic databases research (Academic libraries as PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Egyptian Knowledge Bank). RESULTS Pooled effect size of articles provides information about the rationale for using glycyrrhizin and licorice extract to treat COVID-19. Fifty studies demonstrate antiviral activity of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract. The most frequent mechanism of the antiviral activity is due to disrupting viral uptake into the host cells and disrupting the interaction between receptor- binding domain (RBD) of SARS-COV2 and ACE2 in recent articles. Fifty studies indicate that glycyrrhizin and licorice extract have significant antioxidant, anti-inflammatory and immunomodulatory effects. Twenty five studies provide evidence for the protective effect of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract against inflammation-induced acute lung injury and cardiovascular disorders. CONCLUSION The current study showed several evidence regarding the beneficial effects of glycyrrhizin and licorice extract in combating COVID-19. More randomized clinical trials are needed to obtain a precise conclusion.
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Key Words
- 18β-GA, 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid
- : ACE2, angiotensin-converting enzyme 2
- ALI, acute lung injury
- ARDS, acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
- Acute lung injury protector
- COVID-19
- COVID-19, Coronavirus disease 2019
- COX-2, cyclooxygenase-2
- DCs, dendritic cells
- Gl, glycyrrhizin
- Glycyrrhizin and licorice extract;Antiviral and antimicrobial, Anti-inflammatory and antioxidant
- HBsAg, hepatitis B surface antigen
- HCV, hepatitis C virus
- HMGB1, high-mobility group box 1
- IL, interleukin
- Immunododulator
- MAPKs, mitogen-activated protein kinases
- MERS, Middle East respiratory syndrome
- MR, mineralocorticoid receptor
- MRSA, Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus
- NO, nitric oxide
- RBD, receptor-binding domain
- ROS, reactive oxygen species
- S, Spike
- SARS, severe acute respiratory syndrome
- TCM, traditional Chinese medicine
- TLR, toll-like receptor
- TMPRSS2, type 2 transmembrane serine protease
- TNF-α, tumor necrosis factor alpha
- h, hour
- iNOS, inducible nitric oxide synthase
- licorice extract, LE
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Affiliation(s)
- Adel A Gomaa
- Department of Medical Pharmacology, Faculty of Medicine, Assiut Universitya, Beni-Suif, Egypt
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31
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Huan C, Xu Y, Zhang W, Guo T, Pan H, Gao S. Research Progress on the Antiviral Activity of Glycyrrhizin and its Derivatives in Liquorice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:680674. [PMID: 34295250 PMCID: PMC8290359 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.680674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Liquorice is a traditional medicine. Triterpenoids such as glycyrrhizin and glycyrrhetinic acid are the main active constituents of liquorice. Studies have revealed that these compounds exert inhibitory effects on several viruses, including SARS-CoV-2. The main mechanisms of action of these compounds include inhibition of virus replication, direct inactivation of viruses, inhibition of inflammation mediated by HMGB1/TLR4, inhibition of β-chemokines, reduction in the binding of HMGB1 to DNA to weaken the activity of viruses, and inhibition of reactive oxygen species formation. We herein review the research progress on the antiviral effects of glycyrrhizin and its derivatives. In addition, we emphasise the significance of exploring unknown antiviral mechanisms, structural modifications, and drug combinations in future studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Changchao Huan
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Avian Bioproduct Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou, China
| | - Yao Xu
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Avian Bioproduct Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou, China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Avian Bioproduct Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou, China
| | - Tingting Guo
- College of Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China
| | - Haochun Pan
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Avian Bioproduct Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou, China
| | - Song Gao
- Institutes of Agricultural Science and Technology Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, Yangzhou University, Yangzhou, China.,Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center for Prevention and Control of Important Animal Infectious Diseases and Zoonoses, Yangzhou, China.,Key Laboratory of Avian Bioproduct Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Yangzhou, China
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Zhang M, Cheng J, Luo J, Hu J, Zhang Y, Sun Z, Cao P, Kong H, Qu H, Zhao Y. Development of Ecofriendly Carbon Dots for Improving Solubility and Antinociceptive Activity of Glycyrrhizic Acid. J Biomed Nanotechnol 2021; 17:640-651. [DOI: 10.1166/jbn.2021.3058] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
The therapeutic potential of glycyrrhizic acid (GA) with various pharmacological properties is extremely limited owing to its poor water solubility. To solve this problem, nanocarrier-nontoxic Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma-derived carbon dots (GRR-CDs) with a narrow particle
distribution of (1.90 ±0.44) nm were developed by an ecofriendly, simple and low-cost calcination method using GRR as the sole precursor. Then, the solubility of GA was shown to be prominently improved up to 27 times by GRR-CDs via a convenient and cost-effective ultrasonic dispersion
method without needing to add any organic reagent. Various technologies were further used to demonstrate the interaction between GA and GRR-CDs. In addition, a release study in vitro exhibited a sustained release of GA for 24 h with a higher release ratio of up to 92.87% compared with
that of pure GA. A significantly higher antinociceptive activity of the GRR-CDs-GA complexes compared to unprocessed GRR-CDs and GA was further demonstrated in both hot-plate model and acetic acid-induced writhing model. These results support the promising application of GRR-CDs as a potential
tool for improving the solubility and antinociceptive activity of poorly water-soluble drugs, such as GA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meiling Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jinjun Cheng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Juan Luo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Jie Hu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- School of Life Sciences, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ziwei Sun
- National Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution and Preventive Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Peng Cao
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine Third Affiliated Hospital, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Hui Kong
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Huihua Qu
- Center of Scientific Experiment, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Yan Zhao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China
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Wang G, Hiramoto K, Ma N, Yoshikawa N, Ohnishi S, Murata M, Kawanishi S. Glycyrrhizin Attenuates Carcinogenesis by Inhibiting the Inflammatory Response in a Murine Model of Colorectal Cancer. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22052609. [PMID: 33807620 PMCID: PMC7961658 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22052609] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2021] [Revised: 02/22/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizin (GL), an important active ingredient of licorice root, which weakens the proinflammatory effects of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) by blocking HMGB1 signaling. In this study, we investigated whether GL could suppress inflammation and carcinogenesis in an azoxymethane (AOM)/dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced murine model of colorectal cancer. ICR mice were divided into four groups (n = 5, each)—control group, GL group, colon cancer (CC) group, and GL-treated CC (CC + GL) group, and sacrificed after 20 weeks. Plasma levels of interleukin (IL)-6 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α were measured using an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The colonic tissue samples were immunohistochemically stained with DNA damage markers (8-nitroguanine and 8-oxo-7,8-dihydro-2′-deoxy-guanosine), inflammatory markers (COX-2 and HMGB1), and stem cell markers (YAP1 and SOX9). The average number of colonic tumors and the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α in the CC + GL group were significantly lower than those in the CC group. The levels of all inflammatory and cancer markers were significantly reduced in the CC + GL group. These results suggest that GL inhibits the inflammatory response by binding HMGB1, thereby inhibiting DNA damage and cancer stem cell proliferation and dedifferentiation. In conclusion, GL significantly attenuates the pathogenesis of AOM/DSS-induced colorectal cancer by inhibiting HMGB1-TLR4-NF-κB signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifeng Wang
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Sakuranomori Shiroko Home, Social Service Elderly Facilities, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 513-0816, Japan
| | - Keiichi Hiramoto
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 513-8670, Japan; (K.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Ning Ma
- Graduate School of Health Science, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 513-8670, Japan;
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 510-0226, Japan
| | - Nobuji Yoshikawa
- Matsusaka R&D Center, Cokey Co., Ltd., Matsusaka, Mie 515-0041, Japan;
| | - Shiho Ohnishi
- Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 513-8670, Japan; (K.H.); (S.O.)
| | - Mariko Murata
- Department of Environmental and Molecular Medicine, Mie University Graduate School of Medicine, Tsu, Mie 514-8507, Japan;
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.K.); Tel.: +81-59-231-5011 (M.M.); +81-59-340-0550 (S.K.)
| | - Shosuke Kawanishi
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Suzuka University of Medical Science, Suzuka, Mie 513-8670, Japan
- Correspondence: (M.M.); (S.K.); Tel.: +81-59-231-5011 (M.M.); +81-59-340-0550 (S.K.)
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Richard SA. Exploring the Pivotal Immunomodulatory and Anti-Inflammatory Potentials of Glycyrrhizic and Glycyrrhetinic Acids. Mediators Inflamm 2021; 2021:6699560. [PMID: 33505216 PMCID: PMC7808814 DOI: 10.1155/2021/6699560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 23.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/05/2020] [Revised: 12/09/2020] [Accepted: 12/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice extract is a Chinese herbal medication most often used as a demulcent or elixir. The extract usually consists of many components but the key ingredients are glycyrrhizic (GL) and glycyrrhetinic acid (GA). GL and GA function as potent antioxidants, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antitumor agents, and immuneregulators. GL and GA have potent activities against hepatitis A, B, and C viruses, human immunodeficiency virus type 1, vesicular stomatitis virus, herpes simplex virus, influenza A, severe acute respiratory syndrome-related coronavirus, respiratory syncytial virus, vaccinia virus, and arboviruses. Also, GA was observed to be of therapeutic valve in human enterovirus 71, which was recognized as the utmost regular virus responsible for hand, foot, and mouth disease. The anti-inflammatory mechanism of GL and GA is realized via cytokines like interferon-γ, tumor necrotizing factor-α, interleukin- (IL-) 1β, IL-4, IL-5, IL-6, IL-8, IL-10, IL-12, and IL-17. They also modulate anti-inflammatory mechanisms like intercellular cell adhesion molecule 1 and P-selectin, enzymes like inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), and transcription factors such as nuclear factor-kappa B, signal transducer and activator of transcription- (STAT-) 3, and STAT-6. Furthermore, DCs treated with GL were capable of influencing T-cell differentiation toward Th1 subset. Moreover, GA is capable of blocking prostaglandin-E2 synthesis via blockade of cyclooxygenase- (COX-) 2 resulting in concurrent augmentation nitric oxide production through the enhancement of iNOS2 mRNA secretion in Leishmania-infected macrophages. GA is capable of inhibiting toll-like receptors as well as high-mobility group box 1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Seidu A. Richard
- Department of Medicine, Princefield University, P. O. Box MA 128, Ho, Ghana
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Abstract
High mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) is a non-histone chromatin-associated protein widely distributed in eukaryotic cells and is involved in DNA damage repair and genomic stability maintenance. In response to stimulus like bacteria or chemoradiotherapy, HMGB1 can translocate to extracellular context as a danger alarmin, activate the immune response, and participate in the regulation of inflammation and cancer progression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shumin Wang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China
| | - Yi Zhang
- Biotherapy Center & Cancer Center, The First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,State Key Laboratory of Esophageal Cancer Prevention & Treatment, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, 450052, China. .,Henan Key Laboratory for Tumor Immunology and Biotherapy, Zhengzhou, 450052, China.
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Glycyrrhizin: An alternative drug for the treatment of COVID-19 infection and the associated respiratory syndrome? Pharmacol Ther 2020; 214:107618. [PMID: 32592716 PMCID: PMC7311916 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2020.107618] [Citation(s) in RCA: 174] [Impact Index Per Article: 43.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2020] [Accepted: 06/16/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Safe and efficient drugs to combat the current COVID-19 pandemic are urgently needed. In this context, we have analyzed the anti-coronavirus potential of the natural product glycyrrhizic acid (GLR), a drug used to treat liver diseases (including viral hepatitis) and specific cutaneous inflammation (such as atopic dermatitis) in some countries. The properties of GLR and its primary active metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid are presented and discussed. GLR has shown activities against different viruses, including SARS-associated Human and animal coronaviruses. GLR is a non-hemolytic saponin and a potent immuno-active anti-inflammatory agent which displays both cytoplasmic and membrane effects. At the membrane level, GLR induces cholesterol-dependent disorganization of lipid rafts which are important for the entry of coronavirus into cells. At the intracellular and circulating levels, GLR can trap the high mobility group box 1 protein and thus blocks the alarmin functions of HMGB1. We used molecular docking to characterize further and discuss both the cholesterol- and HMG box-binding functions of GLR. The membrane and cytoplasmic effects of GLR, coupled with its long-established medical use as a relatively safe drug, make GLR a good candidate to be tested against the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus, alone and in combination with other drugs. The rational supporting combinations with (hydroxy)chloroquine and tenofovir (two drugs active against SARS-CoV-2) is also discussed. Based on this analysis, we conclude that GLR should be further considered and rapidly evaluated for the treatment of patients with COVID-19.
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