Gossypol ameliorates liver fibrosis in diabetic rats induced by high-fat diet and streptozocin

Integrated transcriptomics and metabolomics unravel the key metabolic pathways involved in the therapeutic mechanism of Salvianic acid A against hepatic fibrosis

Effective drugs for the clinical treatment of hepatic fibrosis have not yet been identified. Salvianic acid A (SAA) protective mechanisms primarily include anti-inflammation, anti-oxidative stress, and modulation of immune system function. Metabolic dysfunction is well recognized as the driver for hepatic fibrosis. However, the precise action mode and underlying mechanism of SAA in modulating hepatic metabolism to combat hepatic fibrosis remain incompletely understood. This study aimed to investigate the metabolic mechanism by which SAA improves hepatic fibrosis based on metabolomics and transcriptomics profiling. A mouse model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model was established, and protective effects of SAA were evaluated through pathological characteristics. Integrated metabolomics and transcriptomics analysis revealed three key altered metabolic pathways: bile secretion, carbohydrate digestion and absorption, and regulation of lipolysis in adipocytes. SAA modulated the bile secretion pathway, dependent on reducing water channel protein Aqp1, cholesterol synthesis enzyme Hmgcr and Na+/K+-ATPase enzyme Atp1a3, accompanied by up-regulating metabolites glutathione and glucose levels. SAA also regulated carbohydrate digestion and absorption by decreasing the glucose homeostasis-related Akt3, essential enzyme G6pc for gluconeogenesis/glycogenolysis and glucose transporter Atp1a3 with a concomitant increase of metabolites D-galactose, maltose, and sucrose levels. Moreover, SAA improved lipolysis in adipocytes in liver fibrosis through inhibiting lipolysis related Prkg1, lipid transporter Fabp4, lipolysis-associated Akt3 and increasing lipolysis mediator Adrb3, along with upregulated levels of metabolites adenosine monophosphate and norepinephrine. In conclusion, SAA alleviates hepatic fibrosis through modulating metabolic disorders, mainly relying on the metabolic improvements of bile secretion, carbohydrate digestion and absorption and adipocyte lipolysis.

Effect of biotin on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles, and histomorphological changes in acetate gossypol-treated mice

The objective of this study was to determine the effects of biotin on growth performance, serum biochemical profiles, and morphology of acetate gossypol-treated mice. Seventy-five healthy male Kunming mice were randomly assigned to five treatment groups: the control group (C), the biotin control group (BC), the acetate gossypol control group (AGC), the biotin prevention group (BP) and the biotin treatment group (BT). The study examined the growth performance, visceral index, serum biochemical profiles and histomorphological changes of mice. The results showed that compared with AGC group mice, the average daily feed intake of BP group and BT group increased by 40.47 and 45.69% (p < 0.05). Biotin prevention reduced the elevated blood urea nitrogen (BUN) levels in acetate gossypol-treated mice, biotin treatment reduced the elevated serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total protein (TP) and BUN levels in acetate gossypol-treated mice (p < 0.05). Biotin increase the values of villus height/crypt depth in duodenum and jejunum (p < 0.05). In conclusion, biotin potentially increase the growth performance of acetate gossypol-treated mice, it also has a positive effect on serum biochemical profiles, and histomorphological of acetate gossypol-treated mice.

Gossypol Inhibits Metastasis of Lung Cell Carcinoma by Reversing Epithelial to Mesenchymal Transition and Suppressing Proteases Activity

Gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound, possesses antivirus activity and induces cell death of different types of tumors. However, the efficacy of gossypol on lung carcinoma metastases and epithelial to mesenchymal transition remains unknown. The aim of the present work was to determine the cellular and molecular mechanism of the anti-cancer and anti-metastatic efficacies of gossypol on human lung carcinoma cells. Gossypol showed a marked suppression of the viability, motility, and invasion in H1299 and A549 cells. Zymography assay showed that gossypol was sufficient to suppress the activities of urokinase-type plasminogen activator and matrix metalloproteinase-2. Gossypol reversed TGF-β-induced epithelial to mesenchymal transition. Gossypol reduced vimentin, p-FAK, p-Src and p-paxillin. In vivo studies of gossypol were performed using subcutaneous inoculation and tail vein injection of A549 into immunodeficient BALB/c nude mice and severe combined immunodeficient mice.

Chronic Stress as a Risk Factor for Type 2 Diabetes: Endocrine, Metabolic, and Immune Implications

BACKGROUND

Chronic stress is a condition of pressure on the brain and whole body, which in the long term may lead to a frank disease status, even including type 2 diabetes (T2D). Stress activates the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal axis with release of glucocorticoids (GCs) and catecholamines, as well as activation of the inflammatory pathway of the immune system, which alters glucose and lipid metabolism, ultimately leading to beta-cell destruction, insulin resistance and T2D onset. Alteration of the glucose and lipid metabolism accounts for insulin resistance and T2D outcome. Furthermore, stress-related subversion of the intestinal microbiota leads to an imbalance of the gut-brain-immune axis, as evidenced by the stress-related depression often associated with T2D. A condition of generalized inflammation and subversion of the intestinal microbiota represents another facet of stress-induced disease. In fact, chronic stress acts on the gut-brain axis with multiorgan consequences, as evidenced by the association between depression and T2D. Oxidative stress with the production of reactive oxygen species and cytokine-mediated inflammation represents the main hallmarks of chronic stress. ROS production and pro-inflammatory cytokines represent the main hallmarks of stress-related disorders, and therefore, the use of natural antioxidant and anti-inflammatory substances (nutraceuticals) may offer an alternative therapeutic approach to combat stress-related T2D. Single or combined administration of nutraceuticals would be very beneficial in targeting the neuro-endocrine-immune axis, thus, regulating major pathways involved in T2D onset. However, more clinical trials are needed to establish the effectiveness of nutraceutical treatment, dosage, time of administration and the most favorable combinations of compounds. Therefore, in view of their antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, the use of natural products or nutraceuticals for the treatment of stress-related diseases, even including T2D, will be discussed. Several evidences suggest that chronic stress represents one of the main factors responsible for the outcome of T2D.

Novel Curcumin Analogue L6H4 in Treating Liver Fibrosis and Type 2 Diabetes

Purpose

The objective of this study was to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of the curcumin analogue L6H4 in attenuating liver fibrosis and alleviating insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.

Methods

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were fed a high-fat diet to induce insulin resistance, followed by streptozotocin injection to induce diabetes. The rats were then treated with L6H4 for eight weeks. Body weight, metabolic parameters, liver function, and liver histopathology were evaluated. Immunohistochemistry was performed to assess the expression of TGF-β1, TIMP-2, and MMP-2 in liver tissues. Statistical analysis was conducted using one-way ANOVA and Spearman rank correlation test.

Results

L6H4 treatment effectively reversed the weight gain associated with a high-fat diet and improved metabolic parameters in diabetic rats. Liver function markers, such as ALT and AST, were reduced after L6H4 treatment. Histological analysis showed improved liver morphology and reduced fibrosis in L6H4-treated rats. Electron microscopy revealed improved ultrastructural features of hepatocytes. Immunohistochemistry demonstrated downregulation of TGF-β1 and TIMP-2 expression and restoration of MMP-2 expression in the liver tissue of L6H4-treated rats. Correlation analysis showed a significant positive correlation between TGF-β1 and TIMP-2 expression.

Conclusion

The findings suggest that L6H4 has therapeutic potential in attenuating liver fibrosis and alleviating insulin resistance in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. The hepatoprotective effect of L6H4 may be attributed to its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to target molecules involved in fibrosis. Further research is warranted to explore the potential of L6H4 as a treatment option for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and type 2 diabetes.

Hepatocyte-secreted FAM3D ameliorates hepatic steatosis by activating FPR1-hnRNP U-GR-SCAD pathway to enhance lipid oxidation

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease worldwide; however, the underlying mechanisms remain poorly understood. FAM3D is a member of the FAM3 family; however, its role in hepatic glycolipid metabolism remains unknown. Serum FAM3D levels are positively correlated with fasting blood glucose levels in patients with diabetes. Hepatocytes express and secrete FAM3D, and its expression is increased in steatotic human and mouse livers. Hepatic FAM3D overexpression ameliorated hyperglycemia and steatosis in obese mice, whereas FAM3D-deficient mice exhibited exaggerated hyperglycemia and steatosis after high-fat diet (HFD)-feeding. In cultured hepatocytes, FAM3D overexpression or recombinant FAM3D protein (rFAM3D) treatment reduced gluconeogenesis and lipid deposition, which were blocked by anti-FAM3D antibodies or inhibition of its receptor, formyl peptide receptor 1 (FPR1). FPR1 overexpression suppressed gluconeogenesis and reduced lipid deposition in wild hepatocytes but not in FAM3D-deficient hepatocytes. The addition of rFAM3D restored FPR1's inhibitory effects on gluconeogenesis and lipid deposition in FAM3D-deficient hepatocytes. Hepatic FPR1 overexpression ameliorated hyperglycemia and steatosis in obese mice. RNA sequencing and DNA pull-down revealed that the FAM3D-FPR1 axis upregulated the expression of heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoprotein U (hnRNP U), which recruits the glucocorticoid receptor (GR) to the promoter region of the short-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase (SCAD) gene, promoting its transcription to enhance lipid oxidation. Moreover, FAM3D-FPR1 axis also activates calmodulin-Akt pathway to suppress gluconeogenesis in hepatocytes. In conclusion, hepatocyte-secreted FAM3D activated the FPR1-hnRNP U-GR-SCAD pathway to enhance lipid oxidation in hepatocytes. Under obesity conditions, increased hepatic FAM3D expression is a compensatory mechanism against dysregulated glucose and lipid metabolism.

Inhibition of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 relieves fibrosis through depolarizing of hepatic stellate cell in NASH

11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase type 1 (11βHSD1) is a key enzyme that catalyzes the intracellular conversion of cortisone to physiologically active cortisol. Although 11βHSD1 has been implicated in numerous metabolic syndromes, such as obesity and diabetes, the functional roles of 11βHSD1 during progression of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and consequent fibrosis have not been fully elucidated. We found that pharmacological and genetic inhibition of 11βHSD1 resulted in reprogramming of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation via inhibition of p-SMAD3, α-SMA, Snail, and Col1A1 in a fibrotic environment and in multicellular hepatic spheroids (MCHSs). We also determined that 11βHSD1 contributes to the maintenance of NF-κB signaling through modulation of TNF, TLR7, ITGB3, and TWIST, as well as regulating PPARα signaling and extracellular matrix accumulation in activated HSCs during advanced fibrogenesis in MCHSs. Of great interest, the 11βHSD1 inhibitor J2H-1702 significantly attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation and ameliorated liver fibrosis in diet- and toxicity-induced NASH mouse models. Together, our data indicate that J2H-1702 is a promising new clinical candidate for the treatment of NASH.

Inferring mammalian tissue-specific regulatory conservation by predicting tissue-specific differences in open chromatin

BACKGROUND

Evolutionary conservation is an invaluable tool for inferring functional significance in the genome, including regions that are crucial across many species and those that have undergone convergent evolution. Computational methods to test for sequence conservation are dominated by algorithms that examine the ability of one or more nucleotides to align across large evolutionary distances. While these nucleotide alignment-based approaches have proven powerful for protein-coding genes and some non-coding elements, they fail to capture conservation of many enhancers, distal regulatory elements that control spatial and temporal patterns of gene expression. The function of enhancers is governed by a complex, often tissue- and cell type-specific code that links combinations of transcription factor binding sites and other regulation-related sequence patterns to regulatory activity. Thus, function of orthologous enhancer regions can be conserved across large evolutionary distances, even when nucleotide turnover is high.

RESULTS

We present a new machine learning-based approach for evaluating enhancer conservation that leverages the combinatorial sequence code of enhancer activity rather than relying on the alignment of individual nucleotides. We first train a convolutional neural network model that can predict tissue-specific open chromatin, a proxy for enhancer activity, across mammals. Next, we apply that model to distinguish instances where the genome sequence would predict conserved function versus a loss of regulatory activity in that tissue. We present criteria for systematically evaluating model performance for this task and use them to demonstrate that our models accurately predict tissue-specific conservation and divergence in open chromatin between primate and rodent species, vastly out-performing leading nucleotide alignment-based approaches. We then apply our models to predict open chromatin at orthologs of brain and liver open chromatin regions across hundreds of mammals and find that brain enhancers associated with neuron activity have a stronger tendency than the general population to have predicted lineage-specific open chromatin.

CONCLUSION

The framework presented here provides a mechanism to annotate tissue-specific regulatory function across hundreds of genomes and to study enhancer evolution using predicted regulatory differences rather than nucleotide-level conservation measurements.

Curcumin, novel application in reversing myocardial fibrosis in the treatment for atrial fibrillation from the perspective of transcriptomics in rat model

In order to explore the possible mechanism of curcumin in the treatment of AF, we focused on the myocardial fibrosis in the pathogenesis of atrial fibrillation to explore whether curcumin could play a role in the treatment of AF by reducing myocardial fibrosis.Rats were given daily gavage of saline (control and AF groups) or curcumin (4 mL/kg, concentration: 50 mg/mL, curcumin groups) during days 4-28. The rat model of AF was induced by Ach - CaCl₂, and evaluate the therapeutic effect of curcumin on the duration of AF rhythm, the degree of myocardial fibrosis and the secretion of inflammatory factors in serum. RNA-seq to explore the possible mechanism of curcumin alleviating myocardial fibrosis of AF. curcumin significantly inhibits the duration of AF and reduces the degree of left atrial fibrosis. ELISA results showed curcumin could significantly reduce the secretion of IL-17A, IL-1β, IL -6 and TGF-β1. Bioinformatics analyses revealed that the IL-17 signaling pathway are involved in the therapeutic mechanism of curcumin. Furthermore, The genes encoding Col1a1, Fasn, Pck1, Bmp10, IL33 and Figf were pivotal and possible key genes for the therapeutic mechanisms of curcumin.Curcumin can reduce the degree of left atrial fibrosis of AF and the secretion of inflammatory factors. The therapeutic effect of curcumin on AF was attributed to its effect on the IL-17 signaling pathway. Besides, COL1A1, FASN, PCK1, BMP10, IL33 and FIGF were the pivotal genes associated with mechanisms of action of curcumin on AF.

Glucocorticoid Receptor Signaling in Diabetes

Stress and depression increase the risk of Type 2 Diabetes (T2D) development. Evidence demonstrates that the Glucocorticoid (GC) negative feedback is impaired (GC resistance) in T2D patients resulting in Hypothalamic-Pituitary-Adrenal (HPA) axis hyperactivity and hypercortisolism. High GCs, in turn, activate multiple aspects of glucose homeostasis in peripheral tissues leading to hyperglycemia. Elucidation of the underlying molecular mechanisms revealed that Glucocorticoid Receptor (GR) mediates the GC-induced dysregulation of glucose production, uptake and insulin signaling in GC-sensitive peripheral tissues, such as liver, skeletal muscle, adipose tissue, and pancreas. In contrast to increased GR peripheral sensitivity, an impaired GR signaling in Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells (PBMCs) of T2D patients, associated with hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, and increased inflammation, has been shown. Given that GR changes in immune cells parallel those in brain, the above data implicate that a reduced brain GR function may be the biological link among stress, HPA hyperactivity, hypercortisolism and hyperglycemia. GR polymorphisms have also been associated with metabolic disturbances in T2D while dysregulation of micro-RNAs—known to target GR mRNA—has been described. Collectively, GR has a crucial role in T2D, acting in a cell-type and context-specific manner, leading to either GC sensitivity or GC resistance. Selective modulation of GR signaling in T2D therapy warrants further investigation.

The emerging role of metabolism in fibrosis

The metabolic shift that cancer cells undergo towards aerobic glycolysis was identified as a defining feature in tumours almost 100 years ago; however, it has only recently become apparent that similar metabolic reprogramming is a key feature in other diseases - with fibrosis now entering the fray. In this perspective, an overview of the recent evidence implicating increased glycolysis and glutaminolysis as mediators of fibrosis is presented, with a particular emphasis on the novel therapeutic possibilities this introduces. Furthermore, the impact that metabolic reprogramming has on redox homeostasis is discussed, providing an insight into how this often-overlooked mechanism may drive the pathogenesis.

The miR-139-5p/peripheral myelin protein 22 axis modulates TGF-β-induced hepatic stellate cell activation and CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice

Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the major source of extracellular matrix (ECM)-producing myofibroblasts. When activated by multiple injuries, HSCs become proliferative, contractile, inflammatory and chemotactic and are characterized by enhanced ECM production, which plays a central role in hepatic fibrosis initiation and progression. In the present study, through bioinformatics analysis, we identified the abnormal upregulation of Peripheral Myelin Protein 22 (PMP22) in fibrotic murine liver. In CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice and TGF-β-activated hHSCs, PMP22 was observed remarkably upregulated. In TGF-β-stimulated hHSCs, PMP22 silencing hindered, whereas PMP22 overexpression aggravated TGF-β-induced hHSC activation. In CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice, PMP22 silencing improved CCl₄-caused liver damage and fibrotic changes. Through online tools prediction and experimental validation, miR-139-5p was found to bind to the 3'UTR of PMP22 and negatively regulate the expression of PMP22. In contrast to PMP22 silencing, miR-139-5p inhibition enhanced TGF-β-induced hHSC activation; the effects of miR-139-5p inhibition on TGF-β-induced hHSC activation were partially reversed by PMP22 silencing. In conclusion, we identify the abnormal upregulation of PMP22 in TGF-β-activated HSCs and CCl₄-induced hepatic fibrosis model in mice, as well as the pro-fibrotic role of PMP22 through aggravating TGF-β-induced HSCs activation. miR-139-5p targets the 3'UTR of PMP22 and inhibits PMP22 expression; miR-139-5p hinders TGF-β-induced HSCs activation through targeting PMP22.

Diosmin ameliorates inflammation, insulin resistance, and fibrosis in an experimental model of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis in rats

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming of increasing significance due to its growing global prevalence and risk of progression to end-stage liver disease. This study was carried out to investigate the potential anti-inflammatory, insulin sensitizing, and antifibrotic effects of diosmin in an experimental model of NASH induced in rats using high-fat diet (HFD) and 30 mg/kg streptozotocin (STZ). Diosmin was administered orally at dose of 100 mg/kg for 8 weeks. Stained tissue sections were examined for histopathological signs of NASH, collagen deposition, and alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. In addition, insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, inflammation, and fibrosis markers were assessed. HFD/STZ successfully induced different NASH features such as insulin resistance seen by elevated fasting blood glucose levels and homeostasis model assessment for insulin resistance. Moreover, induced rats demonstrated dyslipidemia, a significant elevation in tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 levels, and an imbalance in the oxidative status of the liver. Those events altogether precipitated initiation of liver fibrosis as confirmed by elevated transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) levels. Treatment with diosmin demonstrated multiple beneficial effects as it significantly ameliorated histopathological NASH findings, lowered TNF-α, interleukin-6, and malondialdehyde levels, improved lipid and glucose metabolism, and lowered hepatic TGF-β, α-SMA, and collagen content compared to untreated rats. The present study represents a drug repositioning scenario as diosmin is widely used for management of blood vessel disorders and is known to be well tolerated. This encourages the extension of our study to the clinical setting to explore diosmin effects in NASH patients.

11β‑hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase‑1 is associated with the activation of hepatic stellate cells in the development of hepatic fibrosis

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a common complication of numerous chronic liver diseases, but predominantly results from persistent liver inflammation or injury. If left untreated, HF can progress and develop into liver cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of HF remain unknown. The present study aimed to investigate the role of 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase-1 (11β-HSD1) during the development of hepatic fibrosis. An experimental rat model of liver fibrosis was induced using porcine serum. 11β-HSD1 gene expression levels and enzyme activity during hepatic fibrogenesis were assessed. 11β-HSD1 gene knockdown using small interfering RNA and overexpression were performed in LX2-human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). HSCs were stimulated with transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1). Cell cycle distribution, proliferation, collagen secretion and 11β-HSD1 gene activity in HSCs were compared before and after stimulation. As hepatic fibrosis progressed, 11β-HSD1 gene expression and activity increased, indicating a positive correlation with typical markers of liver fibrosis. 11β-HSD1 inhibition markedly reduced the degree of fibrosis. The cell proliferation was increased, the number of cells in the G₀/G₁ phase decreased and the number of cells in the S and G₂/M phases increased in the pSuper transfected group compared with the N group. In addition, the overexpression of 11β-HSD1 enhanced the TGF-β1-induced activation of LX2-HSCs and enzyme activity of connective tissue growth factor. 11β-HSD1 knockdown suppressed cell proliferation by blocking the G₀/G₁ phase of the cell cycle, which was associated with HSC stimulation and inhibition of 11β-HSD1 enzyme activity. In conclusion, increased 11β-HSD1 expression in the liver may be partially responsible for hepatic fibrogenesis, which is potentially associated with HSC activation and proliferation.

Decreased collagen type III synthesis in skin fibroblasts is associated with parastomal hernia following colostomy

Parastomal hernia (PH) is a common complication following stoma formation. Abnormal collagen synthesis has been suggested to be involved in PH. The aim of the present study is to explore the effect and mechanism of the collagen synthesis on PH. Data from 157 patients with rectal cancer who received permanent colostomy were retrospectively collected and analyzed to identify the risk factors for PH. Primary culture of skin fibroblasts from patients with or without PH were performed. Cell viability, migration and invasion levels were detected by Cell Counting Kit‑8, and wound healing and Transwell assays, respectively. Reverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blot analysis assays were performed to measure the gene and protein expression levels, respectively. The risk factors of sex, body mass index, aperture size and collagen expression were closely associated with the occurrence of PH. α1 (III) procollagen expression levels were significantly increased in patients with PH, while no marked difference in α1 (I) procollagen mRNA expression levels were observed in patients with or without PH. The viability and motility of fibroblasts from the patients with hernia were suppressed. The expression levels of matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)‑2 and MMP‑9 were decreased while the levels of collagen III and metalloproteinase inhibitor 1 (TIMP‑1) were increased in the fibroblasts from the patients with PH. Silencing TIMP‑1 expression promoted fibroblast migration and invasion and reversed the patterns of MMP‑2, MMP‑9 and collagen III expression in fibroblasts from the patients with PH. Decreased collagen III may inhibit the development of PH, potentially through decreases in TIMP‑1 expression. Therefore, the results from the present study may provide a novel target for PH therapy.

Molecular and Pathological Events Involved in the Pathogenesis of Diabetes-Associated Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Diabetes mellitus is a rising epidemic in most part of the world and is often associated with multiple organ disorders such as kidney, liver, and cardiovascular diseases. Liver is a major metabolic hub, and the metabolic disorders associated with diabetes result in liver dysfunctions culminating in spectrum of liver diseases such as fatty liver disorders, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. The intervention strategies to prevent diabetes-associated liver injury require an overall understanding of the key factors and molecular pathways which can be strategically targeted. The present review focuses on some of the key aspects of fatty acid metabolism, fetuin-A regulation, inflammatory pathways, and genetic factors associated with insulin resistance, dyslipidemia, hyperglycemia, oxidative stress, and so on involved in the nexus between diabetes and liver injury. Further recent interventions, pharmacological target, and newer therapeutic agents are discussed briefly for the better clinical management of diabetes-associated hepatic disorders.

Anti-inflammatory Effects of Gossypol on Human Lymphocytic Jurkat Cells via Regulation of MAPK Signaling and Cell Cycle

Gossypol, a natural polyphenolic compound extracted from cottonseed oil, has been reported to possess pharmacological properties via modulation cell cycle and immune signaling pathway. However, whether gossypol has anti-inflammatory effects against phytohemagglutinin (PHA)-induced cytokine secretion in T lymphocytes through similar mechanism remains unclear. Using the T lymphocytes Jurkat cell line, we found that PHA exposure caused dramatic increase in interleukin-2 (IL-2) mRNA expression as well as IL-2 secretion. All of these PHA-stimulated reactions were attenuated in a dose-dependent manner by being pretreated with gossypol. However, gossypol did not show any in vitro cytotoxic effect at doses of 5-20 μM. As a possible mechanism underlying gossypol action, such as pronounced suppression IL-2 release, robust decreased PHA-induced phosphorylation of p38 and c-Jun N-terminal kinase expressions was found with gossypol pretreatment, but not significant phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase expression. Furthermore, gossypol could suppress the Jurkat cells' growth, which was associated with increased percentage of G1/S phase and decreased fraction of G2 phase in flow cytometry test. We conclude that gossypol exerts anti-inflammatory effects probably through partial attenuation of mitogen-activated protein kinase (phosphorylated JNK and p38) signaling and cell cycle arrest in Jurkat cells.

The Ameliorating Effect of Berberine-Rich Fraction against Gossypol-Induced Testicular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress

This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of berberine-rich fraction (BF) as a protective and/or a therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress during male infertility. Sexually mature Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups treated with either corn oil, BF (100 mg/kg BW, orally, daily for 30 days), gossypol acetate (5 mg/kg BW, i.p.) eight times for 16 days, BF alone for 14 days then coadministered with gossypol acetate for the next 16 days (protected group), or gossypol acetate for 16 days then treated with BF for 30 days (treated group). All animals completed the experimental period (46 days) without obtaining any treatments in the gap period. Sperm parameters, oxidative index, and inflammatory markers were measured. Gossypol injection significantly decreased the semen quality and testosterone level that resulted from the elevation of testicular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (TBARS and NO), TNF-α, TNF-α-converting enzyme, and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) by 230, 180, 12.5, 97.9, and 300%, respectively, while interleukin-12 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-3 were significantly decreased by 59 and 66%, respectively. BF (protected and treated groups) significantly improved the semen quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation associated with male infertility. It is suitable to use more advanced studies to validate these findings.

Anti-fibrotic activity of polyphenol-enriched sugarcane extract in rats via inhibition of p38 and JNK phosphorylation

Sugarcane (Saccharum officinarum L.), which is one of the most important sources of sugar, is also rich in polyphenolic compounds.

Ziram inhibits aromatase activity in human placenta and JEG-3 cell line

Placenta produces progesterone and estradiol for maintaining pregnancy. Two critical enzymes are responsible for their production: 3β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase 1 (HSD3B1) that catalyzes the formation of progesterone from pregnenolone and aromatase that catalyzes the production of estradiol from testosterone. Fungicide ziram may disrupt the placental steroid production. In the present study, we investigated the effects of ziram on steroid formation in human placental cell line JEG-3 cells and on HSD3B1 and aromatase in the human placenta. Ziram did not inhibit progesterone production in JEG-3 cells and HSD3B1 activity at 100μM. Ziram was a potent aromatase inhibitor with the half maximal inhibitory concentration (IC₅₀) value of 333.8nM. When testosterone was used to determine the mode of action, ziram was found to be a competitive inhibitor. Docking study showed that ziram binds to the testosterone binding pocket of the aromatase. In conclusion, ziram is a potent inhibitor of human aromatase.

Lingguizhugan decoction improves non-alcoholic fatty liver disease by altering insulin resistance and lipid metabolism related genes: a whole trancriptome study by RNA-Seq

Lingguizhugan decoction, a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), however, the underlying mechanisms remains unclear. In the present study, we compared the phenotype of the normal rats (fed with chow diet), high-fat-diet (HFD) induced NAFLD rats and Lingguizhugan decoction (LGZG, comprises four Chinese herbs: Poria, Ramulus Cinnamomi, Rhizoma Atractylodis Macrocephalae, and Radix Glycyrrhizae.) intervened rats, and detected whole genome gene expression by RNA-Seq. Our results demonstrated that LGZG decoction attenuated phenotypic characteristics of NAFLD rats. RNA-Seq data analysis revealed that gene expression profiles exerted differential patterns between different groups. 2690 (1445 up-regulated, 1245 down-regulated) genes in NAFLD versus (vs) normal group, 69 (16 up-regulated, 53 down-regulated) genes in LGZG vs NAFLD group, and 42 overlapped (12 up- regulated, 30 down-regulated) genes between NAFLDvs normal group and LGZG vs NAFLD group were identified as differentially expressed. GO, pathway enrichment and PPI networks analysis of the overlapped genes revealed that LGZG decoction might attenuate NAFLD possibly by affecting insulin resistance and lipid metabolism related pathways (e.g., PI3K-Akt, AMPK). Differentially expressed genes involved in these pathways such as Pik3r1, Foxo1, Foxo3, Scd1, Col3a1 and Fn1 might be candidate targets for treating NAFLD.

Protective Effects of Bogijetong Decoction and Its Selected Formula on Neuropathic Insults in Streptozotocin-Induced Diabetic Animals

Bogijetong decoction (BGJTD) is a mixture of herbal formulation which is used in the traditional Korean medicine for the treatment of neuropathic pain caused by diabetes. Here, we investigated the regulatory effects of BGJTD and its reconstituted decoction subgroups on the neuropathic responses in streptozotocin- (STZ-) induced diabetic animals. Be decoction (BeD) was formulated by selecting individual herbal components that induced neurite outgrowth most efficiently in each subgroup. BeD induced the neurite outgrowth in DRG neurons most efficiently among decoction subgroups and downregulated the production of TNF-α from the sciatic nerves in STZ-diabetic animals. While the levels of phospho-Erk1/2 were elevated in the sciatic nerves of STZ-diabetic animals by BGJTD and BeD treatments, p38 level was downregulated by BGJTD and BeD. A single herbal component of BeD induced neurite outgrowth comparable to BeD and was involved in the regulation of Erk1/2 activation and TNF-α production in DRG neurons. Oral administration of BGJTD and BeD in STZ-diabetic animals reduced the latency time responding to thermal stimulation. Our results suggest that the reconstituted formulation is as effective as conventional BGJTD in inducing biochemical and behavioral recoveries from the neuropathy in peripheral nerves and thus the experimental reductionism may be applied to develop the methodology for compositional analysis of herbal decoctions.

The Lactate Dehydrogenase Inhibitor Gossypol Inhibits Radiation-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis

Exposure of the lung to ionizing radiation that occurs in radiotherapy, as well as after accidental or intentional mass casualty incident can result in pulmonary fibrosis, which has few treatment options. Pulmonary fibrosis is characterized by an accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins that create scar tissue. Although the mechanisms leading to radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis remain poorly understood, one frequent observation is the activation of the profibrotic cytokine transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β). Our laboratory has shown that the metabolite lactate activates latent TGF-β by a reduction in extracellular pH. We recently demonstrated that lactate dehydrogenase-A (LDHA), the enzyme that produces lactate, is upregulated in patients with radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. Furthermore, genetic silencing of LDHA or pharmacologic inhibition using the LDHA inhibitor gossypol prevented radiation-induced extracellular matrix secretion in vitro through inhibition of TGF-β activation. In the current study, we hypothesized that LDHA inhibition in vivo prevents radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis. To test this hypothesis, C57BL/6 mice received 5 Gy total-body irradiation plus 10 Gy thoracic irradiation from a ¹³⁷Cs source to induce pulmonary fibrosis. Starting at 4 weeks postirradiation, mice were treated with 5 mg/kg of the LDHA inhibitor gossypol or vehicle daily until sacrifice at 26 weeks postirradiation. Exposure to radiation resulted in pulmonary fibrosis, characterized by an increase in collagen content, fibrosis area, extracellular matrix gene expression and TGF-β activation. Irradiated mice treated with gossypol had significantly reduced fibrosis outcomes, including reduced collagen content in the lungs, reduced expression of active TGF-β, LDHA and the transcription factor hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α). These findings suggest that inhibition of LDHA protects against radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis, and may be a novel therapeutic strategy for radiation-induced pulmonary fibrosis.

Influences of innate immunity, autophagy, and fibroblast activation in the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive interstitial lung disease characterized by accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and impaired gas exchange. The pathobiological mechanisms that account for disease progression are poorly understood but likely involve alterations in innate inflammatory cells, epithelial cells, and fibroblasts. Thus we seek to review the most recent literature highlighting the complex roles of neutrophils and macrophages as both promoters of fibrosis and defenders against infection. With respect to epithelial cells and fibroblasts, we review the data suggesting that defective autophagy promotes the fibrogenic potential of both cell types and discuss new evidence related to matrix metalloproteinases, growth factors, and cellular metabolism in the form of lactic acid generation that may have consequences for promoting fibrogenesis. We discuss potential cross talk between innate and structural cell types and also highlight literature that may help explain the limitations of current IPF therapies.