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Ouyang H, Miao H, Li Z, Wu D, Gao SC, Dai YY, Gao XD, Chai HS, Hu WY, Zhu JF. Yinhuang granule alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:264-278. [PMID: 38495271 PMCID: PMC10941736 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i2.264] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/18/2023] [Revised: 01/09/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/27/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis is a formidable global medical challenge, with no effective clinical treatment currently available. Yinhuang granule (YHG) is a proprietary Chinese medicine comprising Scutellariae Radix and Lonicerae Japonicae Flos. It is frequently used for upper respiratory tract infections, pharyngitis, as well as acute and chronic tonsillitis. AIM To investigate the potential of YHG in alleviating carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. METHODS To induce a hepatic fibrosis model in mice, this study involved intraperitoneal injections of 2 mL/kg of CCl4 twice a week for 4 wk. Meanwhile, liver fibrosis mice in the low dose of YHG (0.4 g/kg) and high dose of YHG (0.8 g/kg) groups were orally administered YHG once a day for 4 wk. Serum alanine/aspartate aminotransferase (ALT/AST) activity and liver hydroxyproline content were detected. Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining assay were conducted. Real-time polymerase chain reaction, western-blot and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were conducted. Liver glutathione content, superoxide dismutase activity level, reactive oxygen species and protein carbonylation amount were detected. RESULTS The administration of YHG ameliorated hepatocellular injury in CCl4-treated mice, as reflected by decreased serum ALT/AST activity and improved liver histological evaluation. YHG also attenuated liver fibrosis, evident through reduced liver hydroxyproline content, improvements in Sirius red and Masson's trichrome staining, and lowered serum hyaluronic acid levels. Furthermore, YHG hindered the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and ameliorated oxidative stress injury and inflammation in liver from CCl4-treated mice. YHG prompted the nuclear accumulation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and upregulated the expression of Nrf2-dependent downstream antioxidant genes. In addition, YHG promoted mitochondrial biogenesis in liver from CCl4-treated mice, as demonstrated by increased liver adenosine triphosphate content, mitochondrial DNA levels, and the expression of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma coactivator 1 alpha and nuclear respiratory factor 1. CONCLUSION YHG effectively attenuates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, reducing inflammation, alleviating liver oxidative stress damage through Nrf2 activation, and promoting liver mitochondrial biogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hao Ouyang
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hui Miao
- State Key Laboratory of Bioreactor Engineering, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Zhen Li
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Duan Wu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Si-Cheng Gao
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yao-Yao Dai
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiao-Di Gao
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Hai-Sheng Chai
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Wei-Ye Hu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jun-Feng Zhu
- Department of Liver, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Ghafouri‐Fard S, Askari A, Shoorei H, Seify M, Koohestanidehaghi Y, Hussen BM, Taheri M, Samsami M. Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis. J Cell Mol Med 2024; 28:e18052. [PMID: 38041559 PMCID: PMC10826439 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.18052] [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: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 11/01/2023] [Accepted: 11/14/2023] [Indexed: 12/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis refers to excessive build-up of scar tissue and extracellular matrix components in different organs. In recent years, it has been revealed that different cytokines and chemokines, especially Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) is involved in the pathogenesis of fibrosis. It has been shown that TGF-β is upregulated in fibrotic tissues, and contributes to fibrosis by mediating pathways that are related to matrix preservation and fibroblasts differentiation. There is no doubt that antioxidants protect against different inflammatory conditions by reversing the effects of nitrogen, oxygen and sulfur-based reactive elements. Oxidative stress has a direct impact on chronic inflammation, and as results, prolonged inflammation ultimately results in fibrosis. Different types of antioxidants, in the forms of vitamins, natural compounds or synthetic ones, have been proven to be beneficial in the protection against fibrotic conditions both in vitro and in vivo. In this study, we reviewed the role of different compounds with antioxidant activity in induction or inhibition of TGF-β/SMAD signalling pathway, with regard to different fibrotic conditions such as gastro-intestinal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, skin fibrosis, renal fibrosis and also some rare cases of fibrosis, both in animal models and cell lines.
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Affiliation(s)
- Soudeh Ghafouri‐Fard
- Department of Medical Genetics, School of MedicineShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Arian Askari
- Phytochemistry Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Hamed Shoorei
- Cellular and Molecular Research CenterBirjand University of Medical SciencesBirjandIran
- Clinical Research Development Unit of Tabriz Valiasr HospitalTabriz University of Medical SciencesTabrizIran
| | - Mohammad Seify
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Yeganeh Koohestanidehaghi
- Research and Clinical Center for Infertility, Yazd Reproductive Sciences InstituteShahid Sadoughi University of Medical SciencesYazdIran
| | - Bashdar Mahmud Hussen
- Department of Clinical Analysis, College of PharmacyHawler Medical UniversityErbilIraq
| | - Mohammad Taheri
- Institute of Human GeneticsJena University HospitalJenaGermany
- Urology and Nephrology Research CenterShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
| | - Majid Samsami
- Cancer Research Center, Loghman Hakim HospitalShahid Beheshti University of Medical SciencesTehranIran
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Ma M, Wei N, Yang J, Ding T, Song A, Chen L, Zheng S, Jin H. Schisandrin B promotes senescence of activated hepatic stellate cell via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2023; 61:621-629. [PMID: 37010139 PMCID: PMC10071970 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2189908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active ingredient from Schisandrae chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Schisandraceae) Fructus, possesses diverse pharmacological activities including antitumor, anti-inflammation, and hepatoprotection. OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Sch B on activated HSCs senescence in hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms implicated. MATERIALS AND METHODS ICR mice with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis were supplemented with Sch B (40 mg/kg) for 30 d and LX2 cells were treated with Sch B (5, 10 and 20 μM) for 24 h. Cellular senescence was assessed by senescence-related indicators senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and the expression of p16, p21, p53, γ-H2AX, H3K9me3, TERT, TRF1, and TRF2. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and NCOA4 siRNA were used to evaluate the mechanisms underlying Sch B's regulation of cellular senescence. RESULTS Sch B (40 mg/kg) reduced serum levels of AST and ALT (53.2% and 63.6%), alleviated hepatic collagen deposition, and promoted activated HSCs senescence in mice. Treatment with Sch B (20 μM) decreased cell viability to 80.38 ± 4.87% and elevated SA-β-gal activity, with the levels of p16, p21 and p53 increased by 4.5-, 2.9-, and 3.5-fold and the levels of TERT, TRF1 and TRF2 decreased by 2.4-, 2.7-, and 2.6-fold in LX2 cells. FAC (400 μM) enhanced Sch B's effect mentioned above. NCOA4 siRNA weakened the effects of Sch B on iron deposition and HSCs senescence. CONCLUSIONS Sch B could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis through the promotion of activated HSCs senescence, which might be attributed to its induction of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and subsequent iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Jieren Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Anping Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Lerong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Shuguo Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
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Li X, Jiang F, Hu Y, Lang Z, Zhan Y, Zhang R, Tao Q, Luo C, Yu J, Zheng J. Schisandrin B Promotes Hepatic Stellate Cell Ferroptosis via Wnt Pathway-Mediated Ly6C lo Macrophages. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023. [PMID: 37922022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
A key event in liver fibrosis is the activation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC). Schisandrin B (Sch B), a major component extracted from Schisandra chinensis, has been shown to inhibit HSC activation. Recently, ferroptosis (FPT) has been reported to be involved in HSC activation. However, whether Sch B has an effect on the HSC FPT remains unclear. Herein, we explored the effects of Sch B on liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro and the roles of Wnt agonist 1 and ferrostatin-1 in the antifibrotic effects of Sch B. Sch B effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, with decreased collagen deposition and α-SMA level. Additionally, Sch B resulted in an increase in lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus C low (Ly6Clo) macrophages, contributing to a reduced level of TIMP1 and increased MMP2. Notably, the Wnt pathway was involved in Sch B-mediated Ly6C macrophage phenotypic transformation. Further studies demonstrated that Sch B-treated macrophages had an inhibitory effect on HSC activation, which was associated with HSC FPT. GPX4, a negative regulator of FPT, was induced by Sch B and found to be involved in the crosstalk between macrophage and HSC FPT. Furthermore, HSC inactivation as well as FPT induced by Sch B-treated macrophages was blocked down by Wnt pathway agonist 1. Collectively, we demonstrate that Sch B inhibits liver fibrosis, at least partially, through mediating Ly6Clo macrophages and HSC FPT. Sch B enhances Wnt pathway inactivation, leading to the increase in Ly6Clo macrophages, which contributes to HSC FPT. Sch B may be a promising drug for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qiqi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chengchu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jinglu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital,Lishui 323020, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Li Y, Lu Y, Nian M, Sheng Q, Zhang C, Han C, Dou X, Ding Y. Therapeutic potential and mechanism of Chinese herbal medicines in treating fibrotic liver disease. Chin J Nat Med 2023; 21:643-657. [PMID: 37777315 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(23)60443-1] [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: 12/07/2022] [Indexed: 10/02/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological condition characterized by replacement of normal liver tissue with scar tissue, and also the leading cause of liver-related death worldwide. During the treatment of liver fibrosis, in addition to antiviral therapy or removal of inducers, there remains a lack of specific and effective treatment strategies. For thousands of years, Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used to treat liver fibrosis in clinical setting. CHMs are effective for liver fibrosis, though its mechanisms of action are unclear. In recent years, many studies have attempted to determine the possible mechanisms of action of CHMs in treating liver fibrosis. There have been substantial improvements in the experimental investigation of CHMs which have greatly promoted the understanding of anti-liver fibrosis mechanisms. In this review, the role of CHMs in the treatment of liver fibrosis is described, based on studies over the past decade, which has addressed the various mechanisms and signaling pathways that mediate therapeutic efficacy. Among them, inhibition of stellate cell activation is identified as the most common mechanism. This article provides insights into the research direction of CHMs, in order to expand its clinical application range and improve its effectiveness.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanwei Li
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yunrui Lu
- Liaoning University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Mozuo Nian
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Qiuju Sheng
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Chao Han
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Xiaoguang Dou
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Yang Ding
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Shengjing Hospital of China Medical University, Shenyang 110000, China.
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Liu SQ, Yang YP, Hussain N, Jian YQ, Li B, Qiu YX, Yu HH, Wang HZ, Wang W. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the family Schisandraceae: A review of phytochemistry, structure-activity relationship, and hepatoprotective effects. Pharmacol Res 2023; 195:106872. [PMID: 37516152 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106872] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2023] [Revised: 07/25/2023] [Accepted: 07/27/2023] [Indexed: 07/31/2023]
Abstract
Liver injury is a common pathological process characterized by massive degeneration and abnormal death of liver cells. With increase in dead cells and necrosis, liver injury eventually leads to nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), hepatic fibrosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Consequently, it is necessary to treat liver injury and to prevent its progression. The drug Bicylol is widely employed in China to treat chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) and has therapeutic potential for liver injury. It is the derivative of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans extracted from Schisandra chinensis (SC). The Schisandraceae family is a rich source of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans, which possesses potential liver protective activity. This study aimed to comprehensively summarize the phytochemistry, structure-activity relationship and molecular mechanisms underlying the liver protective activities of dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from the Schisandraceae family. Here, we had discussed the analysis of absorption or permeation properties of 358 compounds based on Lipinski's rule of five. So far, 358 dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans have been reported, with 37 of them exhibited hepatoprotective effects. The molecular mechanism of the active compounds mainly involves antioxidative stress, anti-inflammation and autophagy through Kelch-like ECH-associating protein 1/nuclear factor erythroid 2 related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Keap1/Nrf2/ARE), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-кB), and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad 2/3 signaling pathways. This review is expected to provide scientific ideas for future research related to developing and utilizing the dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans from Schisandraceae family.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Qi Liu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yu-Pei Yang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Nusrat Hussain
- Department of Chemistry, University of Baltistan Skardu, Skardu 16100, Pakistan
| | - Yu-Qing Jian
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Bin Li
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Yi-Xing Qiu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Huang-He Yu
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Hui-Zhen Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China
| | - Wei Wang
- TCM and Ethnomedicine Innovation & Development International Laboratory, School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha 410208, China.
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Kim JS, Jegal KH, Park HR, Choi BR, Kim JK, Ku SK. A Mixture of Fermented Schizandrae Fructus Pomace and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus Extracts Synergistically Protects against Oxidative Stress-Mediated Liver Injury. Antioxidants (Basel) 2023; 12:1556. [PMID: 37627551 PMCID: PMC10451536 DOI: 10.3390/antiox12081556] [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: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 07/26/2023] [Accepted: 08/02/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Schizandrae Fructus (SF) and Hoveniae Semen cum Fructus (HSCF) have long been used as medicinal herbs for treating various diseases in Asian traditional medicine. In the current study, we investigated the protective effect of fermented SF pomace and HSCF extract 1:1 (w:w) combination mixture (MSH) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced acute liver injury mice. After MSH (50-200 mg/kg) oral administration for 7 consecutive days, animals were injected intraperitoneally with CCl4 (0.5 mL/kg). Histopathological observation revealed that administration of MSH synergistically decreased the degeneration of hepatocytes and the infiltration of inflammatory cells induced by CCl4. Moreover, MSH administration reduced the activities of alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transpeptidase in serum, and mitigated apoptotic cell death in hepatic parenchyma. In addition, MSH alleviated CCl4-mediated lipid peroxidation by restoring endogenous antioxidants capacities including glutathione contents, superoxide dismutase, and catalase activities. In vitro assessments using tert-butyl hydroperoxide-induced oxidative stress in HepG2 cells revealed that MSH protects hepatocytes by lowering ROS generation and lipid peroxidation via upregulating the transcriptional activity of nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 and the expression of antioxidant genes. Furthermore, MSH synergistically attenuated the expression of proinflammatory cytokines in CCl4-injured liver and lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW 264.7 cells. Taken together, these findings suggest that MSH has the potential to prevent acute liver damage by effectively suppressing oxidative stress and inflammation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jang-Soo Kim
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Republic of Korea; (J.-S.K.); (H.-R.P.)
| | - Kyung-Hwan Jegal
- Department of Korean Medical Classics, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Republic of Korea;
| | - Hye-Rim Park
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Republic of Korea; (J.-S.K.); (H.-R.P.)
- Nutracore Co., Ltd., Suwon-si 16514, Republic of Korea;
| | - Beom-Rak Choi
- Nutracore Co., Ltd., Suwon-si 16514, Republic of Korea;
| | - Jae-Kwang Kim
- Department of Physiology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Republic of Korea
| | - Sae-Kwang Ku
- Department of Anatomy and Histology, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan-si 38610, Republic of Korea; (J.-S.K.); (H.-R.P.)
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Song A, Ding T, Wei N, Yang J, Ma M, Zheng S, Jin H. Schisandrin B induces HepG2 cells pyroptosis by activating NK cells mediated anti-tumor immunity. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2023; 472:116574. [PMID: 37271225 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2023.116574] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/27/2023] [Revised: 05/07/2023] [Accepted: 05/29/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Pyroptosis, an inflammatory programmed cell death, has been suggested as a novel molecular mechanism for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) with chemotherapeutic agents. Recent studies showed that natural killer (NK) cells could inhibit apoptosis and regulate the progression of pyroptosis in tumor cells. Schisandrin B (Sch B), a lignan isolated from Schisandrae chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Schisandraceae) Fructus, has various pharmacological activities including anti-cancer effects. The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of NK cells on Sch B's regulation of pyroptosis in HCC cells and the molecular mechanisms implicated. The results showed that Sch B alone could decrease cell viability and induce apoptosis in HepG2 cells. However, Sch B induced apoptosis in HepG2 cells was transformed into pyroptosis in the presence of NK cells. The mechanisms underlying NK cell's effect on pyroptosis in Sch B-treated HepG2 cells was related to its activation of caspase 3-Gasdermin E (GSDME). Further studies revealed that NK cell induced caspase 3 activation was derived from its activation of perforin-granzyme B pathway. This study explored the effect of Sch B and NK cells on pyroptosis in HepG2 cells and revealed that perforin-granzyme B-caspase 3-GSDME pathway is involved in the process of pyroptosis. These results proposed an immunomodulatory mechanism of Sch B on HepG2 cells pyroptosis and suggested Sch B as a promising immunotherapy combination partner for the treatment of HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Anping Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Tingting Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Jieren Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Mingyue Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China
| | - Shuguo Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China.
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China; Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, China.
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Lam HYP, Liang TR, Peng SY. Prevention of the Pro-Aggressive Effects of Ethanol-Intoxicated Mice by Schisandrin B. Nutrients 2023; 15:nu15081909. [PMID: 37111128 PMCID: PMC10146817 DOI: 10.3390/nu15081909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2023] [Accepted: 04/12/2023] [Indexed: 04/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Excessive alcohol consumption can lead to serious health complications, with liver and neurological complications being the most important. In Western nations, alcoholic liver disease accounts for 50% of mortality from end-stage liver disease and is the second most common cause of liver transplants. In addition to direct damage, hepatic encephalopathy may also arise from alcohol consumption. However, effective treatment for liver disease, as well as neurological injury, is still lacking today; therefore, finding an efficacious alternative is urgently needed. In the current study, the preventive and therapeutic effects of Schisandrin B (Sch B) against ethanol-induced liver and brain injuries were investigated. By using two treatment models, our findings indicated that Sch B can effectively prevent and ameliorate alcoholic liver diseases, such as resolving liver injuries, lipid deposition, inflammasome activation, and fibrosis. Moreover, Sch B reverses brain damage and improves the neurological function of ethanol-treated mice. Therefore, Sch B may serve as a potential treatment option for liver diseases, as well as subsequential brain injuries. Furthermore, Sch B may be useful in preventive drug therapy against alcohol-related diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Pekkle Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ruei Liang
- PhD Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien 970, Taiwan
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Li X, Yao Y, Wei L. Indirubin alleviates CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by regulation of TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF BASIC MEDICAL SCIENCES 2023; 26:1047-1052. [PMID: 37605732 PMCID: PMC10440143 DOI: 10.22038/ijbms.2023.70476.15319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 05/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023]
Abstract
Objectives Liver fibrosis is a common liver disease caused by chronic liver damage. However, there are currently no approved drugs available to treat it. Therefore, the therapeutic effect of indirubin on liver fibrosis was evaluated. This study investigated the protective effect and related molecular mechanism of indirubin against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Materials and Methods We first detected the effect of indirubin on liver fibrosis in mice (n=8 per group, 32 mice total) by ELISA, HE, and Masson staining. Subsequently, the proliferation of activated HSCs was detected by MTT and EdU. Finally, the changes of related proteins and signaling pathways in mice treated with indirubin were investigated by qRT-PCR and Western blot. One-way ANOVA or two-tailed student's t-test was used for comparison between groups. Results Firstly, we found that indirubin (25 mg/kg) therapy could attenuate liver injury and significantly down-regulate α-SMA (P=0.0038) and collagen 1 (P=0.0057) in the liver using CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. Secondly, we showed that indirubin (25 μM) could significantly inhibit hepatic stellate cell (HSC) trans-differentiation into myofibroblasts and proliferation (P=0.0063) in HSC-T6 cells treated by TGF-β. Finally, we showed that indirubin could greatly reduce the protein levels of p-Smad2/3, p38, p-ERK, and p-JNK in vivo and in vitro. Conclusion Our results suggested that indirubin alleviated liver fibrosis and HSC activation mainly through TGF-β-mediated signaling pathways in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, our data showed that indirubin could be a promising clinical therapeutic drug for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoying Li
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huaihua University. Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Hunan, 418000, China
| | - Yuanzhi Yao
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huaihua University. Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Hunan, 418000, China
| | - Lin Wei
- College of Biology and Food Engineering, Huaihua University. Key Laboratory of Research and Utilization of Ethnomedicinal Plant Resources of Hunan Province, Hunan, 418000, China
- College of Basic Medicine, Guizhou University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Guiyang, 550025, China
- Daosheng Biology (Shenzhen) Co., Ltd, Shenzhen, 518107, China
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11
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Bukke VN, Moola A, Serviddio G, Vendemiale G, Bellanti F. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-mediated signaling and metabolic associated fatty liver disease. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:6909-6921. [PMID: 36632321 PMCID: PMC9827579 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i48.6909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 26] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/18/2022] [Revised: 11/05/2022] [Accepted: 11/23/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Oxidative stress is a key driver in the development and progression of several diseases, including metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). This condition includes a wide spectrum of pathological injuries, extending from simple steatosis to inflammation, fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Excessive buildup of lipids in the liver is strictly related to oxidative stress in MAFLD, progressing to liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. The nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (NRF2) is a master regulator of redox homeostasis. NRF2 plays an important role for cellular protection by inducing the expression of genes related to antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and cytoprotective response. Consistent evidence demonstrates that NRF2 is involved in every step of MAFLD deve-lopment, from simple steatosis to inflammation, advanced fibrosis, and ini-tiation/progression of hepatocellular carcinoma. NRF2 activators regulate lipid metabolism and oxidative stress alleviating the fatty liver disease by inducing the expression of cytoprotective genes. Thus, modulating NRF2 activation is crucial not only in understanding specific mechanisms underlying MAFLD progression but also to characterize effective therapeutic strategies. This review outlined the current knowledge on the effects of NRF2 pathway, modulators, and mechanisms involved in the therapeutic implications of liver steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis in MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vidyasagar Naik Bukke
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Archana Moola
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Gaetano Serviddio
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Gianluigi Vendemiale
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
| | - Francesco Bellanti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, University of Foggia, Foggia 71122, Italy
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12
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Shams F, Azeem A, Shams A, Tawab A, Rehman S, Tariq S, Latief N, Ijaz B. Flavonoid rich extract of Trigonella foenum-graecum leaves ameliorate liver fibrosis. FOOD BIOSCI 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.fbio.2022.102046] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
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13
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Ramos-Tovar E, Muriel P. Free radicals, antioxidants, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 and liver damage. VITAMINS AND HORMONES 2022; 121:271-292. [PMID: 36707137 DOI: 10.1016/bs.vh.2022.09.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
The liver performs various biochemical and molecular functions. Its location as a portal to blood arriving from the intestines makes it susceptible to several insults, leading to diverse pathologies, including alcoholic liver disease, viral infections, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, and hepatocellular carcinoma, which are causes of death worldwide. Illuminating the molecular mechanism underlying hepatic injury will provide targets to develop new therapeutic strategies to fight liver maladies. In this regard, reactive oxygen species (ROS) are well-recognized mediators of liver damage. ROS induce nuclear factor-κB and the nucleotide-binding oligomerization domain (NOD)-like receptor protein 3 inflammasome, which are the main proinflammatory signaling pathways that upregulate several proinflammatory and profibrogenic mediators. Additionally, oxygen-derived free radicals induce hepatic stellate cell activation to produce exacerbated quantities of extracellular matrix proteins, leading to fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Exogenous and endogenous antioxidants counteract the harmful effects of ROS, preventing liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis. Therefore, several researchers have demonstrated that the administration of antioxidants, mainly derived from plants, affords beneficial effects on the liver. Notably, nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) is a major factor against oxidative stress in the liver. Increasing evidence has demonstrated that Nrf2 plays an important role in liver necroinflammation and fibrogenesis via the induction of antioxidant response element genes. The use of Nrf2 inducers seems to be an interesting approach to prevent/attenuate hepatic disorders, particularly under conditions where ROS play a causative role.
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Affiliation(s)
- Erika Ramos-Tovar
- Postgraduate Studies and Research Section, School of Higher Education in Medicine-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
| | - Pablo Muriel
- Laboratory of Experimental Hepatology, Department of Pharmacology, Cinvestav-IPN, Mexico City, Mexico.
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14
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Exploration of the Potential Targets and Molecular Mechanism of Carthamus tinctorius L. for Liver Fibrosis Based on Network Pharmacology and Molecular Docking Strategy. Processes (Basel) 2022. [DOI: 10.3390/pr10091735] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Carthamus tinctorius L. (Honghua, HH) is an herbal medicine and functional food widely used to treat chronic liver diseases, including liver fibrosis. By using network pharmacology and molecular docking experiments, the present study aims to determine the bioactive components, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of HH for treating liver fibrosis. The components of HH were screened from the Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform and literature, and the SwissTargetPrediction database was used to predict the treatment targets of HH. Genecards and DisGeNET databases contained targets for liver fibrosis, and the STRING database provided networks of protein–protein interactions. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses were performed using the Database of Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery. The protein–protein interactive network and drug–component–major target–pathway interactive network were visualized and analyzed by Cytoscape software. Finally, Autodock Vina and Discovery Studio software were used for molecular docking Validation. A total of 23 candidate bioactive compounds with 187 treatment targets of HH were acquired from the databases and literature. A total of 121 overlapping targets between HH and liver fibrosis were found to provide the molecular basis for HH on liver fibrosis. Quercetin, beta carotene, and lignan were identified as key components with targeting to ESR1, PIK3CA, and MTOR. HH is engaged in the intervention of various signaling cascades associated with liver fibrosis, such as PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway, MAPK pathway, and PPAR pathway. In conclusion, HH treats liver fibrosis through multi-component, multi-target, and multi-pathway mechanisms.
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15
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [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: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
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16
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Calotropis gigantea stem bark extracts inhibit liver cancer induced by diethylnitrosamine. Sci Rep 2022; 12:12151. [PMID: 35840761 PMCID: PMC9287404 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-16321-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022] Open
Abstract
Several fractions of Calotropis gigantea extracts have been proposed to have potential anticancer activity in many cancer models. The present study evaluated the anticancer activity of C. gigantea stem bark extracts in liver cancer HepG2 cells and diethylnitrosamine (DEN)-induced primary liver cancer in rats. The carcinogenesis model induced by DEN administration has been widely used to study pathophysiological features and responses in rats that are comparable to those seen in cancer patients. The dichloromethane (CGDCM), ethyl acetate, and water fractions obtained from partitioning crude ethanolic extract were quantitatively analyzed for several groups of secondary metabolites and calactin contents. A combination of C. gigantea stem bark extracts with doxorubicin (DOX) was assessed in this study to demonstrate the enhanced cytotoxic effect to cancer compared to the single administration. The combination of DOX and CGDCM, which had the most potential cytotoxic effect in HepG2 cells when compared to the other three fractions, significantly increased cytotoxicity through the apoptotic effect with increased caspase-3 expression. This combination treatment also reduced ATP levels, implying a correlation between ATP and apoptosis induction. In a rat model of DEN-induced liver cancer, treatment with DOX, C. gigantea at low (CGDCM-L) and high (CGDCM-H) doses, and DOX + CGDCM-H for 4 weeks decreased the progression of liver cancer by lowering the liver weight/body weight ratio and the occurrence of liver hyperplastic nodules, fibrosis, and proliferative cells. The therapeutic applications lowered TNF-α, IL-6, TGF-β, and α-SMA inflammatory cytokines in a similar way, implying that CGDCM had a curative effect against the inflammation-induced liver carcinogenesis produced by DEN exposure. Furthermore, CGDCM and DOX therapy decreased ATP and fatty acid synthesis in rat liver cancer, which was correlated with apoptosis inhibition. CGDCM reduced cleaved caspase-3 expression in liver cancer rats when used alone or in combination with DOX, implying that apoptosis-inducing hepatic carcinogenesis was suppressed. Our results also verified the low toxicity of CGDCM injection on the internal organs of rats. Thus, this research clearly demonstrated a promising, novel anticancer approach that could be applied in future clinical studies of CGDCM and combination therapy.
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17
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Ghanim M, Amer J, Salhab A, Jaradat N. Ecballium elaterium improved stimulatory effects of tissue-resident NK cells and ameliorated liver fibrosis in a thioacetamide mice model. Biomed Pharmacother 2022; 150:112942. [PMID: 35429743 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2022.112942] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2022] [Revised: 03/26/2022] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Ecballium elaterium (EE), widely used plant in Mediterranean medicine, showed anticancer activity. This study aimed to investigate EE effects on liver fibrosis in an animal model of thioacetamide (TAA). Intraperitoneal administration of TAA was performed twice weekly for four weeks in C57BL6J mice. Livers were extracted and serum were evaluated for inflammatory markers (H&E staining, ALT, AST, ALP), pro-inflammatory cytokines, fibrosis (Sirius red staining, Masson's trichrome, α-smooth muscle actin and collagen III), and metabolic (cholesterol, triglyceride, C-peptide, and fasting-blood-sugar) profiles. Glutathione, glutathione peroxidase, and catalase liver antioxidant markers were assessed. Tissue-resident NK cells from mice livers were functionally assessed for activating receptors and cytotoxicity. Compared to vehicle-treated mice, the TAA-induced liver injury showed attenuation in the histopathology outcome following EE treatment. In addition, EE-treated mice resulted in decreased serum levels of ALT, AST, and ALP, associated with a decrease in IL-20, TGF-β, IL-17, IL-22 and MCP-1 concentrations. Moreover, EE-treated mice exhibited improved lipid profile of cholesterol, triglycerides, C-peptide, and FBS. EE treatment maintained GSH, GPX, and CAT liver antioxidant activity and led to elevated counts of tissue-resident NK (trNK) cells in the TAA-mice. Consequently, trNK demonstrated an increase in CD107a and IFN-γ with improved potentials to kill activated hepatic-stellate cells in an in vitro assay. EE exhibited antifibrotic and antioxidative effects, increased the number of trNK cells, and improved metabolic outcomes. This plant extract could be a targeted therapy for patients with advanced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mustafa Ghanim
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Johnny Amer
- Department of Allied and Applied Medical Sciences, Division of Anatomy Biochemistry and Genetics, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine.
| | - Ahmad Salhab
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
| | - Nidal Jaradat
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, An-Najah National University, P.O. Box 7, Nablus, Palestine
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18
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Green Synthesis of Silymarin-Chitosan Nanoparticles as a New Nano Formulation with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Effects against Liver Fibrosis. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105420. [PMID: 35628233 PMCID: PMC9141191 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105420] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/20/2022] [Revised: 05/03/2022] [Accepted: 05/08/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background: Silymarin (SIL) has long been utilized to treat a variety of liver illnesses, but due to its poor water solubility and low membrane permeability, it has a low oral bioavailability, limiting its therapeutic potential. Aim: Design and evaluate hepatic-targeted delivery of safe biocompatible formulated SIL-loaded chitosan nanoparticles (SCNPs) to enhance SIL’s anti-fibrotic effectiveness in rats with CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Methods: The SCNPs and chitosan nanoparticles (CNPs) were prepared by ionotropic gelation technique and are characterized by physicochemical parameters such as particle size, morphology, zeta potential, and in vitro release studies. The therapeutic efficacy of successfully formulated SCNPs and CNPs were subjected to in vivo evaluation studies. Rats were daily administered SIL, SCNPs, and CNPs orally for 30 days. Results: The in vivo study revealed that the synthesized SCNPs demonstrated a significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic injury in rats when compared to treated groups of SIL and CNPs. SCNP-treated rats had a healthy body weight, with normal values for liver weight and liver index, as well as significant improvements in liver functions, inflammatory indicators, antioxidant pathway activation, and lipid peroxidation reduction. The antifibrotic activities of SCNPs were mediated by suppressing the expression of the main fibrosis mediators TGFβR1, COL3A1, and TGFβR2 by boosting the hepatic expression of protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a, respectively. The anti-fibrotic effects of SCNPs were supported by histopathology and immunohistochemistry (IHC) study. Conclusions: According to the above results, SCNPs might be the best suitable carrier to target liver cells in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Ge C, Tan J, Lou D, Zhu L, Zhong Z, Dai X, Sun Y, Kuang Q, Zhao J, Wang L, Liu J, Wang B, Xu M. Mulberrin confers protection against hepatic fibrosis by Trim31/Nrf2 signaling. Redox Biol 2022; 51:102274. [PMID: 35240537 PMCID: PMC8891817 DOI: 10.1016/j.redox.2022.102274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/20/2022] [Revised: 02/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/22/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Mulberrin (Mul) is a key component of the traditional Chinese medicine Romulus Mori with various biological functions. However, the effects of Mul on liver fibrosis have not been addressed, and thus were investigated in our present study, as well as the underlying mechanisms. Here, we found that Mul administration significantly ameliorated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and dysfunction in mice. Furthermore, CCl4-triggerd collagen deposition and liver fibrosis were remarkably attenuated in mice with Mul supplementation through suppressing transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1)/SMAD2/3 signaling pathway. Additionally, Mul treatments strongly restrained the hepatic inflammation in CCl4-challenged mice via blocking nuclear factor-κB (NF-κB) signaling. Importantly, we found that Mul markedly increased liver TRIM31 expression in CCl4-treated mice, accompanied with the inactivation of NOD-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome. CCl4-triggered hepatic oxidative stress was also efficiently mitigated by Mul consumption via improving nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) activation. Our in vitro studies confirmed that Mul reduced the activation of human and mouse primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) stimulated by TGF-β1. Consistently, Mul remarkably retarded the inflammatory response and reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation both in human and murine hepatocytes. More importantly, by using hepatocyte-specific TRIM31 knockout mice (TRIM31Hep-cKO) and mouse primary hepatocytes with Nrf2-knockout (Nrf2KO), we identified that the anti-fibrotic and hepatic protective effects of Mul were TRIM31/Nrf2 signaling-dependent, relieving HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. Therefore, Mul-ameliorated hepatocyte injury contributed to the suppression of HSCs activation by improving TRIM31/Nrf2 axis, thus providing a novel therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chenxu Ge
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Jun Tan
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China.
| | - Deshuai Lou
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Liancai Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Zixuan Zhong
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Xianling Dai
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Yan Sun
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Qin Kuang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China
| | - Junjie Zhao
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Longyan Wang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Jin Liu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China
| | - Bochu Wang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China.
| | - Minxuan Xu
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Medicinal Resources in the Three Gorges Reservoir Region, School of Biological and Chemical Engineering, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China; Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology (Chongqing University), Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing, 400030, PR China; Research Center of Brain Intellectual Promotion and Development for Children Aged 0-6 Years, Chongqing University of Education, Chongqing, 400067, PR China.
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20
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Qi Y, Fu S, Pei D, Fang Q, Xin W, Yuan X, Cao Y, Shu Q, Mi X, Luo F. Luteolin attenuated cisplatin-induced cardiac dysfunction and oxidative stress via modulation of Keap1/Nrf2 signaling pathway. Free Radic Res 2022; 56:209-221. [PMID: 35468014 DOI: 10.1080/10715762.2022.2067042] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Cardiovascular complications are a well-documented limitation of cancer chemotherapy. Cisplatin-induced cardiotoxicity threatens the health and life of patients, and limits the application of cisplatin. Oxidative stress is the main mechanism underlying cisplatin-induced cardiac toxicity. Luteolin (Lut) has been reported to possess cardioprotective properties by activating nuclear factor-E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) -mediated antioxidant response. However, the effect of Lut on cisplatin-induced cardiac damage remains unclear. In this study, we revealed that Lut exerted a protective effect against cisplatin-induced cardiac dysfunction and injury in vivo. In HL-1 cells, Lut was observed to dramatically reduce cisplatin-induced apoptosis and oxidative stress by modulating the Kelch-like epichlorohydrin-associated protein 1 (Keap1)/Nrf2 pathway. Altogether, these findings suggested that Lut showed promise in attenuating cisplatin-induced cardiac injury and might be considered a protective drug candidate for chemotherapy-associated cardiovascular complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yajun Qi
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shuang Fu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Donggen Pei
- Department of Pharmacy, Children's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Qilu Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wenxiu Xin
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiaohong Yuan
- Department of Anesthesiology, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Anesthesiology, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yingying Cao
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Qi Shu
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiufang Mi
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fang Luo
- Department of Pharmacy, Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China.,Department of Pharmacy, Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine (IBMC), Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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Forsythiaside A Regulates Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells by Inhibiting NOX4-Dependent ROS. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:9938392. [PMID: 35035671 PMCID: PMC8754607 DOI: 10.1155/2022/9938392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2021] [Revised: 07/27/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is an important step in the process of hepatic fibrosis. NOX4 and reactive oxygen species expressed in HSCs play an important role in liver fibrosis. Forsythiaside A (FA), a phenylethanoid glycoside extracted and isolated from Forsythiae Fructus, has significant antioxidant activities. However, it is not clear whether FA can play a role in inhibiting the HSCs activation through regulating NOX4/ROS pathway. Therefore, our purpose is to explore the effect and mechanism of FA on HSCs activation to alleviate liver fibrosis. LX2 cells were activated by TGF-β1 in vitro. MTT assay and Wound Healing assay were used to investigate the effect of FA on TGF-β1-induced LX2 cell proliferation and migration. Elisa kit was used to measure the expression of MMP-1 and TIMP-1. Western blot and RT-qPCR were used to investigate the expression of fibrosis-related COLI, α-SMA, MMP-1 and TIMP-1, and inflammation-related TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β. The hydroxyproline content was characterized using a biochemical kit. The mechanism of FA to inhibit HSCs activation and apoptosis was detected by DCF-DA probe, RT-qPCR, western blot and flow cytometry. NOX4 siRNA was used to futher verify the effect of FA on NOX4/ROS pathway. The results showed that FA inhibited the proliferation and migration of LX2 cells and adjusted the expression of MMP-1, TIMP-1, COLI, α-SMA, TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β as well as promoted collagen metabolism to show potential in anti-hepatic fibrosis. Mechanically, FA down-regulated NOX4/ROS signaling pathway to improve oxidation imbalances, and subsequently inhibited PI3K/Akt pathway to suppress proliferation. FA also promoted the apoptosis of LX2 cells by Bax/Bcl2 pathway. Furthermore, the effects of FA on TGF-β1-induced increased ROS levels and α-SMA and COLI expression were weaken by silencing NOX4. In conclusion, FA had potential in anti-hepatic fibrosis at least in part by remolding of extracellular matrix and improving oxidation imbalances to inhibit the activation of HSCs and promote HSCs apoptosis.
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22
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LIU L, GUO H, SHAO C, WANG L, XU Y, ZHOU Y. Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:65-72. [PMID: 35294124 PMCID: PMC10164635 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.20210624.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism by which Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang (SGHXHYF) ameliorates liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in peanut oil solution (40%, 3 mL/kg body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. A normal control group received the same volume of peanut oil alone. During weeks 5-8, the CCl4-injected rat groups were administered saline (vehicle control), colchicine (0.1 mg/mL, 1 mg/kg, positive control), or SGHXHYF (0.1 mg/mL; 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ levels. Liver samples were analyzed by histopathological staining, Masson's staining of extracellular matrix proteins, and immune-ohistochemical staining of αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA). TGF-β1/Smad protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. In vitro experiments were also performed using rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS Compared with the control animals, CCl4-exposed rats exhibited elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, collagen I, and collagen III; reduced serum levels of ALB; and increased collagen deposition and αSMA expression in liver sections, reflecting liver fibrosis. CCl4 also increased expression of TGF-β1 and the activated (phosphorylated) forms of Smad2 and Smad3 but reduced expression of the negative regulator Smad7 in the liver. Notably, concomitant administration of SGHXHYF to CCl4-exposed rats was found to significantly reverse or abolish the pro-fibrotic effects of CCl4 in the liver and reduced serum transferase levels. Analysis of HSCs in vitro confirmed that, mechanistically, SGHXHYF inhibited activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by downregulating phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 and upregulating Smad7 levels. CONCLUSION SGHXHYF ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that SGHXHYF may have clinical utility for the treatment or prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei LIU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Hanbin GUO
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Cuiping SHAO
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Lin WANG
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Youqing XU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yiming ZHOU
- 2 Department of Hepatology, the seventh medical center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100700, China
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LIU L, GUO H, SHAO C, WANG L, XU Y, ZHOU Y. Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang attenuates carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by inhibiting transforming growth factor-β1/Smad signaling. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:65-72. [PMID: 35294124 PMCID: PMC10164635] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2021] [Accepted: 05/07/2021] [Indexed: 05/10/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the potential mechanism by which Shugan Huoxue Huayu Fang (SGHXHYF) ameliorates liver fibrosis. METHODS Liver fibrosis was induced in rats by intraperitoneal injection of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in peanut oil solution (40%, 3 mL/kg body weight) twice a week for 8 weeks. A normal control group received the same volume of peanut oil alone. During weeks 5-8, the CCl4-injected rat groups were administered saline (vehicle control), colchicine (0.1 mg/mL, 1 mg/kg, positive control), or SGHXHYF (0.1 mg/mL; 0.3, 0.6 and 1.2 mg/kg) once daily by oral gavage. Rats were sacrificed 24 h after the last treatment. Blood samples were collected for measurement of serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), albumin (ALB), collagen Ⅰ and collagen Ⅲ levels. Liver samples were analyzed by histopathological staining, Masson's staining of extracellular matrix proteins, and immune-ohistochemical staining of αsmooth muscle actin (α-SMA). TGF-β1/Smad protein and mRNA levels were analyzed by Western blot and quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analysis, respectively. In vitro experiments were also performed using rat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). RESULTS Compared with the control animals, CCl4-exposed rats exhibited elevated serum levels of ALT, AST, ALP, collagen I, and collagen III; reduced serum levels of ALB; and increased collagen deposition and αSMA expression in liver sections, reflecting liver fibrosis. CCl4 also increased expression of TGF-β1 and the activated (phosphorylated) forms of Smad2 and Smad3 but reduced expression of the negative regulator Smad7 in the liver. Notably, concomitant administration of SGHXHYF to CCl4-exposed rats was found to significantly reverse or abolish the pro-fibrotic effects of CCl4 in the liver and reduced serum transferase levels. Analysis of HSCs in vitro confirmed that, mechanistically, SGHXHYF inhibited activation of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by downregulating phosphorylated Smad2 and Smad3 and upregulating Smad7 levels. CONCLUSION SGHXHYF ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that SGHXHYF may have clinical utility for the treatment or prevention of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei LIU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Hanbin GUO
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Cuiping SHAO
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Lin WANG
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Youqing XU
- 1 Department of Gastroenterology, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing 100070, China
| | - Yiming ZHOU
- 2 Department of Hepatology, the seventh medical center of the People's Liberation Army General Hospital, Beijing 100700, China
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24
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Fakhri S, Abbaszadeh F, Moradi SZ, Cao H, Khan H, Xiao J. Effects of Polyphenols on Oxidative Stress, Inflammation, and Interconnected Pathways during Spinal Cord Injury. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2022; 2022:8100195. [PMID: 35035667 PMCID: PMC8759836 DOI: 10.1155/2022/8100195] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 12/11/2021] [Indexed: 02/05/2023]
Abstract
Despite the progression in targeting the complex pathophysiological mechanisms of neurodegenerative diseases (NDDs) and spinal cord injury (SCI), there is a lack of effective treatments. Moreover, conventional therapies suffer from associated side effects and low efficacy, raising the need for finding potential alternative therapies. In this regard, a comprehensive review was done regarding revealing the main neurological dysregulated pathways and providing alternative therapeutic agents following SCI. From the mechanistic point, oxidative stress and inflammatory pathways are major upstream orchestras of cross-linked dysregulated pathways (e.g., apoptosis, autophagy, and extrinsic mechanisms) following SCI. It urges the need for developing multitarget therapies against SCI complications. Polyphenols, as plant-derived secondary metabolites, have the potential of being introduced as alternative therapeutic agents to pave the way for treating SCI. Such secondary metabolites presented modulatory effects on neuronal oxidative stress, neuroinflammatory, and extrinsic axonal dysregulated pathways in the onset and progression of SCI. In the present review, the potential role of phenolic compounds as critical phytochemicals has also been revealed in regulating upstream dysregulated oxidative stress/inflammatory signaling mediators and extrinsic mechanisms of axonal regeneration after SCI in preclinical and clinical studies. Additionally, the coadministration of polyphenols and stem cells has shown a promising strategy for improving post-SCI complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sajad Fakhri
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Fatemeh Abbaszadeh
- Department of Neuroscience, Faculty of Advanced Technologies in Medical Sciences, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Neurobiology Research Center, Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Zachariah Moradi
- Pharmaceutical Sciences Research Center, Health Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
- Medical Biology Research Center, Health Technology Institute, Kermanshah University of Medical Sciences, Kermanshah 6734667149, Iran
| | - Hui Cao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo-Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
| | - Haroon Khan
- Department of Pharmacy, Abdul Wali Khan University Mardan, 23200, Pakistan
| | - Jianbo Xiao
- Nutrition and Bromatology Group, Department of Analytical Chemistry and Food Science, Faculty of Food Science and Technology, University of Vigo-Ourense Campus, E-32004 Ourense, Spain
- Institute of Food Safety and Nutrition, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
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25
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Pan SY, Zhang Y, Song XL, Lin ZH, Yu Q, Tai HC, Luo G, Wang XY, Zhu PL, Sun N, Chu ZS, Yu ZL, Ko KM, Zhang Y. Schisandrae Fructus oil-induced elevation in serum triglyceride and lipoprotein concentrations associated with physiologic hepatomegaly in mice. Asian Pac J Trop Biomed 2022. [DOI: 10.4103/2221-1691.335694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/04/2022] Open
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26
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Lam HYP, Cheng PC, Peng SY. Resolution of systemic complications in Schistosoma mansoni-infected mice by concomitant treatment with praziquantel and Schisandrin B. Int J Parasitol 2021; 52:275-284. [PMID: 34875254 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijpara.2021.11.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/17/2021] [Revised: 11/01/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is a tropical parasitic disease, in which the major clinical manifestation includes hepatosplenomegaly, portal hypertension, and organs fibrosis. Clinically, treatment of schistosomiasis involves the use of praziquantel (PZQ) and supportive care, which does not improve the patient's outcome as liver injuries persist. Here we show the beneficial effects of using PZQ in combination with Schisandrin B (Sch B). Concomitant treatment with PZQ and Sch B resulted in a significant improvement of hepatosplenomegaly and fibrosis, compared with single-agent treatment. We also demonstrated that PZQ-Sch B treatment ameliorates injuries in the lungs and intestine better than the sole use of PZQ or Sch B. In addition, PZQ-Sch B treatment improves the survival of S. mansoni-infected mice, and the treatment combination yields better therapeutic outcomes, as indicated by a partial improvement in neurological function. These results were accompanied by a reduction in neurological injuries. Collectively, we suggest that PZQ-Sch B concomitant therapy may be useful to alleviate schistosomiasis-associated liver injuries and prevent systemic complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Pekkle Lam
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Po-Ching Cheng
- Department of Molecular Parasitology and Tropical Diseases, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan; Center for International Tropical Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan; Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
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Dai W, Qin Q, Li Z, Lin L, Li R, Fang Z, Han Y, Mu W, Ren L, Liu T, Zhan X, Xiao X, Bai Z. Curdione and Schisandrin C Synergistically Reverse Hepatic Fibrosis via Modulating the TGF-β Pathway and Inhibiting Oxidative Stress. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:763864. [PMID: 34858986 PMCID: PMC8631446 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.763864] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Accepted: 10/12/2021] [Indexed: 11/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the final pathway of several chronic liver diseases, which is characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix due to chronic hepatocyte damage. Activation of hepatic stellate cells and oxidative stress (OS) play an important role in mediating liver damage and initiating hepatic fibrosis. Hence, hepatic fibrosis can be reversed by inhibiting multiple channels such as oxidative stress, liver cell damage, or activation of hepatic stellate cells. Liuwei Wuling Tablets is a traditional Chinese medicine formula with the effect of anti- hepatic fibrosis, but the composition and mechanism of reversing hepatic fibrosis are still unclear. Our study demonstrated that one of the main active components of the Chinese medicine Schisandra chinensis, schisandrin C (Sin C), significantly inhibited oxidative stress and prevented hepatocyte injury. Meanwhile one of the main active components of the Chinese medicine Curdione inhibited hepatic stellate cell activation by targeting the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. The further in vivo experiments showed that Sin C, Curdione and the combination of both have the effect of reversing liver fibrosis in mice, and the combined effect of inhibiting hepatic fibrosis is superior to treatment with Sin C or Curdione alone. Our study provides a potential candidate for multi-molecular or multi-pathway combination therapies for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis and demonstrates that combined pharmacotherapy holds great promise in the prevention and treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenzhang Dai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China
| | - Qin Qin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Li Lin
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhie Fang
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanzhong Han
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Lutong Ren
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Tingting Liu
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Changsha, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Senior Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Wu Q, Liu C, Zhang J, Xiao W, Yang F, Yu Y, Li T, Wang Y. Schisandra chinensis polysaccharide protects against cyclosporin A-induced liver injury by promoting hepatocyte proliferation. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2021.104799] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
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Preparation and Characterization of Silymarin-Conjugated Gold Nanoparticles with Enhanced Anti-Fibrotic Therapeutic Effects against Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats: Role of MicroRNAs as Molecular Targets. Biomedicines 2021; 9:biomedicines9121767. [PMID: 34944582 PMCID: PMC8698929 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines9121767] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2021] [Revised: 11/10/2021] [Accepted: 11/15/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The main obstacles of silymarin (SIL) application in liver diseases are its low bioavailability, elevated metabolism, rapid excretion in bile and urine, and inefficient intestinal resorption. The study aimed to synthesize and characterize silymarin-conjugated gold nanoparticles (SGNPs) formulation to improve SIL bioavailability and release for potentiating its antifibrotic action. METHODS Both SGNPs and gold nanoparticles (GNPs) were prepared and characterized using standard characterization techniques. The improved formulation was assessed for in vitro drug release study and in vivo study on rats using CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis model. SIL, SGNPs, and GNPs were administered by oral gavage daily for 30 days. At the end of the study, rats underwent anesthesia and were sacrificed, serum samples were collected for biochemical analysis. Liver tissues were collected to measure the genes and microRNAs (miRNAs) expressions. Also, histopathological and immunohistochemistry (IHC) examinations of hepatic tissues supported these results. RESULTS The successful formation and conjugation of SGNPs were confirmed by measurements methods. The synthesized nanohybrid SGNPs showed significant antifibrotic therapeutic action against CCl4-induced hepatic damage in rats, and preserved normal body weight, liver weight, liver index values, retained normal hepatic functions, lowered inflammatory markers, declined lipid peroxidation, and activated the antioxidant pathway nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (NRF2). The antifibrotic activities of SGNPs mediated through enhancing the hepatic expression of the protective miRNAs; miR-22, miR-29c, and miR-219a which results in suppressed expression of the main fibrosis mediators; TGFβR1, COL3A1, and TGFβR2, respectively. The histopathology and IHC analysis confirmed the anti-fibrotic effects of SGNPs. CONCLUSIONS The successful synthesis of SGNPs with sizes ranging from 16 up to 20 nm and entrapment efficiency and loading capacity 96% and 38.69%, respectively. In vivo studies revealed that the obtained nano-formulation of SIL boosted its anti-fibrotic effects.
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Chen Q, Bao L, Lv L, Xie F, Zhou X, Zhang H, Zhang G. Schisandrin B regulates macrophage polarization and alleviates liver fibrosis via activation of PPARγ. ANNALS OF TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2021; 9:1500. [PMID: 34805362 PMCID: PMC8573433 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Schisandrin B (Sch B), the main ingredient of Schisandra chinensis, displays many bioactivities. This study aimed to identify the drug target of Sch B against liver fibrosis and describe the related molecular mechanisms. Methods The effects of Sch B on liver fibrosis and macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we analyzed the regulatory effect of Sch B on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Results Our data showed that Sch B dramatically alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis and inhibited macrophage activation via PPARγ. Sch B binds with PPARγ by molecular docking. Immunofluorescence double staining showed that PPARγ was mainly expressed in macrophages rather than hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrosis. Importantly, Sch B strongly inhibited macrophage polarization in fibrotic livers compared with the model group. Further, the results revealed that Sch B efficiently inhibited macrophage polarization and also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Knockdown of PPARγ by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the effect of Sch B on macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, Sch B regulated macrophage polarization through inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway via PPARγ both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions These results suggested that Sch B alleviated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage polarization via targeting PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyuan Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuwei Zhou
- Department of Basic Medicine, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tong Ji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Xu G, Lv X, Feng Y, Li H, Chen C, Lin H, Li H, Wang C, Chen J, Sun J. Study on the effect of active components of Schisandra chinensis on liver injury and its mechanisms in mice based on network pharmacology. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174442. [PMID: 34492285 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174442] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/12/2021] [Revised: 07/30/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The aim of this study was to analyze the active components of Schisandra chinensis on liver injury and its mechanism in mice by network pharmacology. The active components of S. chinensis were found through Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP) and their corresponding targets were predicted. The targets of liver injury were searched through Therapeutic Targets Database (TTD), DisGeNET and drugbank databases, and the Venn diagram was constructed to obtain the action targets. The "drug-active component-target" network and protein-protein interaction network (PPI) were constructed by using STRING database and Cytoscape software, and the key targets were further screened by the enrichment analysis of relevant KEGG pathways. Finally, a CCl4-induced mouse liver injury model was established to verify the efficacy and related targets of S. chinensis and clarify its mechanism. Eight active components and 56 related targets of S. chinensis were screened out based on their oral bioavailability (OB) and drug likeness (DL). Five targets of S. chinensis related to liver injury were found by using the Venn diagram. The key targets, namely Ptgs2 and Nos2 genes, were further screened out by constructing a PPI network, and Schisandrol B (SCB) was considered the key component most closely related to the liver injury in S. chinensis. The results indicate that SCB may play a role in the treatment of the CCl4-induced liver injury by down-regulating the expression of iNOS and COX-2, and regulating the expression of NF-κB and IL-17 signaling pathway to inhibit the expression of proinflammatory factors.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangyu Xu
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Xi Lv
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Yanbo Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Han Li
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Cong Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Hao Lin
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - He Li
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Chunmei Wang
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Jianguang Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China
| | - Jinghui Sun
- College of Pharmacy, Beihua University, 3999 Binjiang East Road, Jilin, Jilin, 132013, China.
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Fu K, Wang C, Ma C, Zhou H, Li Y. The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771459. [PMID: 34803712 PMCID: PMC8600187 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Ala M, Eftekhar SP. Target Sestrin2 to Rescue the Damaged Organ: Mechanistic Insight into Its Function. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2021; 2021:8790369. [PMID: 34765085 PMCID: PMC8577929 DOI: 10.1155/2021/8790369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/05/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Sestrin2 is a stress-inducible metabolic regulator and a conserved antioxidant protein which has been implicated in the pathogenesis of several diseases. Sestrin2 can protect against atherosclerosis, heart failure, hypertension, myocardial infarction, stroke, spinal cord injury neurodegeneration, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), liver fibrosis, acute kidney injury (AKI), chronic kidney disease (CKD), and pulmonary inflammation. Oxidative stress and cellular damage signals can alter the expression of Sestrin2 to compensate for organ damage. Different stress signals such as those mediated by P53, Nrf2/ARE, HIF-1α, NF-κB, JNK/c-Jun, and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathways can induce Sestrin2 expression. Subsequently, Sestrin2 activates Nrf2 and AMPK. Furthermore, Sestrin2 is a major negative regulator of mTORC1. Sestrin2 indirectly regulates the expression of several genes and reprograms intracellular signaling pathways to attenuate oxidative stress and modulate a large number of cellular events such as protein synthesis, cell energy homeostasis, mitochondrial biogenesis, autophagy, mitophagy, endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, apoptosis, fibrogenesis, and lipogenesis. Sestrin2 vigorously enhances M2 macrophage polarization, attenuates inflammation, and prevents cell death. These alterations in molecular and cellular levels improve the clinical presentation of several diseases. This review will shed light on the beneficial effects of Sestrin2 on several diseases with an emphasis on underlying pathophysiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Moein Ala
- School of Medicine, Tehran University of Medical Sciences (TUMS), Tehran, Iran
| | - Seyed Parsa Eftekhar
- Student Research Committee, Health Research Center, Babol University of Medical Sciences, Babol, Iran
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Hepatoprotective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Aqueous Extract from Phyllanthus emblica on Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5345821. [PMID: 34712342 PMCID: PMC8548103 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5345821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological variation caused by almost all chronic liver injuries. As an edible and medicinal natural resource, Phyllanthus emblica (PE) has been reported to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and may have an ameliorating effect on hepatic fibrosis. To investigate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) against liver fibrosis and to uncover its related mechanisms, the chemical profile of AEPE was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and sulfuric acid-phenol method. Ameliorative effects of different doses of AEPE were investigated in carbon-tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis rats by analyzing biochemical markers, morphologic pathology, and related proteins expression in liver tissue. The results indicated that AEPE (1.8, 3.6 g/kg) could significantly reduce levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), collagen IV (Col IV), type III precollagen (PCIII), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl (PC), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) and increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson staining showed AEPE-treated improved fibrotic lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, AEPE treatment also significantly downregulates the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the liver tissue and serum, respectively. In conclusion, AEPE possesses curative efficacy against liver fibrosis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.
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Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of NOXs and P-Smad3C in TGF-Β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell Line LX-2. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.116875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a primary role in liver fibrogenesis. NOXs are the main origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver. Among them, NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 are expressed more in HSCs and are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. Quercetin, an abundant citrus flavonoid, is known to have beneficial effects on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. Objectives: In this study, the effect of quercetin on NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β in the human hepatic LX2 cell line was investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of quercetin on the cells were determined by MTT assay. The cells were activated with 2 ng/mL of TGF-β for 24 h and then treated with different concentrations of Quercetin. The mRNA expression rates of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and phosphorylated Smad 3C (p-Smad3C) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays. Results: TGF-β increased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 and the protein level of p-Smad3C in the LX2 cell line. Quercetin significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 in the LX-2 cells. Moreover, quercetin significantly diminished the p-Smad3C level in the LX-2 cell line activated with TGF-β. Conclusions: Quercetin may be effective in improving hepatic fibrosis via the reduction of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression in activated HSCs. The main mechanism through which quercetin reduces the expression of these target genes may be related to the reduction of the p-Smad3C level.
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Ma JQ, Zhang YJ, Tian ZK. Anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects of ganoderic acid A on carbon tetrachloride induced nephrotoxicity by regulating the Trx/TrxR and JAK/ROCK pathway. Chem Biol Interact 2021; 344:109529. [PMID: 34029542 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2021.109529] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2020] [Revised: 04/03/2021] [Accepted: 05/14/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Ganoderic acid A (GAA), one of the major triterpenoid components extracted from Ganoderma mushroom has been shown to possess numerous important pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of GAA on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced kidney inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice. The male mice were treated with 25 and 50 mg/mg GAA after stimulated with CCl4. Our results showed that GAA improved renal damage by decreasing the serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and alleviating kidney fibrosis. GAA ameliorated CCl4-induced indices of inflammation. GAA suppressed oxidative stress by regulating the glutathione antioxidant system and the thioredoxin antioxidant system. GAA increased the activations of thioredoxin reductase (TrxR), Trx, GSH, SOD, GPx. Furthermore, GAA supplementation inhibited the JAK and STAT3 pathway. GAA inhibited the activations of RhoA, ROCK, NF-κB, TGF-β and Smad3. Thus, this study demonstrated that GAA possesses immune-protective properties through regulating the Trx/TrxR, JAK2/STAT3 and RhoA/ROCK pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Qiong Ma
- School of Chemistry Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, No. 180, Huixing Road, 643000, Zigong City, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Yu-Jia Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No.101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Kai Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No.101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116, Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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Lam HYP, Liang TR, Peng SY. Ameliorative effects of Schisandrin B on Schistosoma mansoni-induced hepatic fibrosis in vivo. PLoS Negl Trop Dis 2021; 15:e0009554. [PMID: 34161342 PMCID: PMC8259995 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pntd.0009554] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/11/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2021] [Accepted: 06/09/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Schistosomiasis is second only to malaria as the most devastating parasitic disease in the world. It is caused by the helminths Schistosoma mansoni (S. mansoni), S. haematobium, or S. japonicum. Typically, patients with schistosomiasis suffer from symptoms of liver fibrosis and hepatosplenomegaly. Currently, patients were treated with praziquantel. Although praziquantel effectively kills the worm, it cannot prevent re-infection or resolve liver fibrosis. Also, current treatment options are not ample to completely cure liver fibrosis and splenic damages. Moreover, resistance of praziquantel has been reported in vivo and in vitro studies. Therefore, finding new effective treatment agents is urgently needed. Schisandrin B (Sch B) of Schisandra chinensis has been shown to protect against different liver injuries including fatty liver disease, hepatotoxicity, fibrosis, and hepatoma. We herein investigate the potential of using Sch B to treat S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis. Results from the present study demonstrate that Sch B is beneficial in treating S. mansoni-induced liver fibrosis and splenic damages, through inhibition of inflammasome activation and apoptosis; and aside from that regulates host immune responses. Besides, Sch B treatment damages male adult worm in the mice, consequently helps to reduce egg production and lessen the parasite burden.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Pekkle Lam
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Ting-Ruei Liang
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- Ph.D. Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan
- * E-mail:
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Tao XM, Li D, Zhang C, Wen GH, Wu C, Xu YY, Kan Y, Lu WP, Ding HY, Yang Y. Salvianolic acid B protects against acute and chronic liver injury by inhibiting Smad2C/L phosphorylation. Exp Ther Med 2021; 21:341. [PMID: 33732314 PMCID: PMC7903446 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2021.9772] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2019] [Accepted: 03/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) has strong antioxidant and anti-fibrosis effects, which are related to the transforming growth factor β/Smad signaling pathway. However, how Sal B affects this antioxidant pathway and the phosphorylation (p-) of Smad2 at both the COOH-terminal (pSmad2C) and linker region (pSmad2L) are unknown. The aims of the present study were to investigate the underlying mechanisms of Sal B on acute and chronic liver injury induced by CCl4 and H2O2, and its effects on p-Smad2C/L. In in vivo experiments, acute and chronic liver injury models were induced by CCl4, and the oxidative damage cell model was established in vitro with H2O2. Liver histopathology was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin and Van Gieson's staining. Moreover, serum biochemical indicators were analyzed using specific assay kits. Furthermore, the present study evaluated the oxidant/antioxidant status in acute and chronic liver injury models by oxidative stress parameters such as malondialdehyde, glutathione and superoxide dismutase. In addition, western blot analysis was performed to analyze the protein expression levels of pSmad2C, pSmad2L, nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). It was found that Sal B improved liver histology, decreased the levels of aminotransferase and attenuated oxidative stress in acute and chronic liver injury models. Additionally, the protein expression levels of pSmad2C and pSmad2L were decreased, but Nrf2 and HO-1 expression levels were increased both in vivo and in vitro. Collectively, the present results suggested that Sal B may protect against acute and chronic liver injury via inhibition of Smad2C/L phosphorylation, and the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway may play an important role in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang-Ming Tao
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Dong Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Guang-Hua Wen
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Chao Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yuan-Yuan Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yue Kan
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Wan-Peng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Han-Yan Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei, Anhui 230032, P.R. China
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Lam HYP, Hung MY, Liang TR, Peng SY. An In-vivo Study into the Effects of Schisandrin B in the Liver, Spleen, Kidney, and Brain of Acute Thioacetamide-intoxicated Mice. IRANIAN JOURNAL OF PHARMACEUTICAL RESEARCH : IJPR 2021; 20:300-314. [PMID: 35194448 PMCID: PMC8842593 DOI: 10.22037/ijpr.2021.115154.15225] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
Currently, there are no effective treatments for liver diseases. Treatment usually involves controlling complications and supportive care. As liver injuries also affect other organs such as the spleen, kidney, and brain due to their anatomical and physiological relationships, finding an effective treatment is urgently needed. This research aimed to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Schisandrin B (Sch B) in the liver and other organs in thioacetamide (TAA)-intoxicated mice. In this study, mice were exposed to a single intraperitoneal injection of 200 mg/kg TAA to induce hepatitis. Following Sch B (20 mg/kg/day, 28 consecutive days) treatment, biochemistry analysis and histopathological examination of different organs were performed, in addition to western blotting and flow cytometry to evaluate the involvement of inflammasomes and apoptotic proteins. Our results showed that administration of Sch B protected against TAA-induced damages, and it disparately affected inflammasome activation and apoptosis in different organs. Furthermore, Sch B treatment improved organ function, as indicated by the improvement of serum biochemical parameters. Collectively, our findings reveal a beneficial effect of Sch B on different organ damages in mice intoxicated with TAA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ho Yin Pekkle Lam
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan. ,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Meng-Yun Hung
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Ting-Ruei Liang
- Ph.D. Program in Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.
| | - Shih-Yi Peng
- Institute of Medical Sciences, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan. ,Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Tzu Chi University, Hualien, Taiwan.,Corresponding author: E-mail:
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Ma JQ, Zhang YJ, Tian ZK, Liu CM. Bixin attenuates carbon tetrachloride induced oxidative stress, inflammation and fibrosis in kidney by regulating the Nrf2/TLR4/MyD88 and PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2021; 90:107117. [PMID: 33162346 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2020.107117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/12/2020] [Revised: 09/13/2020] [Accepted: 10/15/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Bixin, an natural carotenoid extracted from the seeds of the Bixa orellana has been shown to possess numerous important pharmacological activities. The present study was aimed to investigate the mechanisms of Bixin on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced kidney inflammation, fibrosis and oxidative stress in mice. Our results showed that Bixin improved renal damage by decreasing the serum levels of creatinine, urea, uric acid and alleviating kidney fibrosis. Bixin ameliorated CCl4-induced inflammation in kidneys by reducing the levels of TNF-α and IL-1β. Bixin suppressed oxidative stress by decreasing the MDA level and increasing the activation of SOD, CAT and GPx. Furthermore, Bixin increased the levels of PPAR-γ, NQO1, HO-1 and the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 in the kidneys of mice. Bixin supplementation inhibited the activation of TLR4, MyD88, NF-κB, TGF-β and Smad3. Thus, this study demonstrated that Bixin possesses anti-oxidant, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis properties through regulating the Nrf2/TLR4/MyD88 and PPAR-γ/TGF-β1/Smad3 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie-Qiong Ma
- School of Chemistry Engineering, Sichuan University of Science and Engineering, No. 180, Huixing Road, 643000 Zigong City, Sichuan Province, PR China.
| | - Yu-Jia Zhang
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No. 101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116 Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Zhi-Kai Tian
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No. 101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116 Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
| | - Chan-Min Liu
- School of Life Science, Jiangsu Normal University, No. 101, Shanghai Road, Tongshan New Area, 221116 Xuzhou City, Jiangsu Province, PR China
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Zhou Y, Men L, Sun Y, Wei M, Fan X. Pharmacodynamic effects and molecular mechanisms of lignans from Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.), a current review. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 892:173796. [PMID: 33345853 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173796] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2020] [Revised: 12/08/2020] [Accepted: 12/11/2020] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Fruit of Schisandra chinensis Turcz. (Baill.) (S. chinensis) is a traditional herbal medicine widely used in China, Korea, and many other east Asian countries. At present, S. chinensis commonly forms Chinese medicinal formulae with other herbal medicines to treat liver disease and neurological disease in clinical. Modern researches indicated that lignans were the main active ingredients of S. chinensis with high content and novel dibenzocyclooctadiene skeletal structure, exhibited considerable antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and neuroprotective properties. Additionally, some of these lignans also showed certain potentials in anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis, and other effects. In the current review, we summarize literature reported lignans from S. chinensis in the past five years, and highlight the molecular mechanisms of lignans in exerting their biological functions. Also, we point out some deficiencies of existing researches and discuss the future direction of lignans study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Zhou
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
| | - Lihui Men
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, 130021, China
| | - Yunxia Sun
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Mengying Wei
- Natural Medicine Institute of Zhejiang YangShengTang Co., Hangzhou, 310000, China
| | - Xiang Fan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China.
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Novel Heme Oxygenase-1 (HO-1) Inducers Based on Dimethyl Fumarate Structure. Int J Mol Sci 2020; 21:ijms21249541. [PMID: 33333908 PMCID: PMC7765375 DOI: 10.3390/ijms21249541] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/02/2020] [Revised: 12/10/2020] [Accepted: 12/12/2020] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Novel heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1) inducers based on dimethyl fumarate (DMF) structure are reported in this paper. These compounds are obtained by modification of the DMF backbone. Particularly, maintaining the α, β-unsaturated dicarbonyl function as the central chain crucial for HO-1 induction, different substituted or unsubstituted phenyl rings are introduced by means of an ester or amide linkage. Symmetric and asymmetric derivatives are synthesized. All compounds are tested on a human hepatic stellate cell line LX-2 to assay their capacity for modifying HO-1 expression. Compounds 1b, 1l and 1m stand out for their potency as HO-1 inducers, being 2–3 fold more active than DMF, and for their ability to reverse reactive oxygen species (ROS) production mediated using palmitic acid (PA). These properties, coupled with a low toxicity toward LX-2 cell lines, make these compounds potentially useful for treatment of diseases in which HO-1 overexpression may counteract inflammation, such as hepatic fibrosis. Docking studies show a correlation between predicted binding free energy and experimental HO-1 expression data. These preliminary results may support the development of new approaches in the management of liver fibrosis.
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Cuiqiong W, Chao X, Xinling F, Yinyan J. Schisandrin B suppresses liver fibrosis in rats by targeting miR-101-5p through the TGF-β signaling pathway. ARTIFICIAL CELLS NANOMEDICINE AND BIOTECHNOLOGY 2020; 48:473-478. [PMID: 31975615 DOI: 10.1080/21691401.2020.1717507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Schisandrin B (Sch B) and miR-101 family members play critical roles in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. However, the relationship between them has not been reported yet. Thus, this study aims to fill this research gap. Results showed that Sch B significantly upregulated the expression of miR-101-5p in HSC-T6 cells. Sch B also increased the expression of miR-101-5p by combined administration of TGF-β1 and Sch B. Using miR-101-5p inhibitor, we demonstrated that Sch B can target miR-101-5p through the TGF-β signalling pathway to regulate the proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells. A rat model of carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis was established, and results indicated that Sch B can attenuate liver fibrosis by upregulating the expression of miR-101-5p. In conclusion, Sch B can directly target miR-101 to suppress liver fibrosis. Sch B or miR-101-5p may be used as a therapeutic approach for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wang Cuiqiong
- Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Hunan Oriented Fundamental and Applied Research of Innovative Pharmaceutics, Department of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Xu Chao
- Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Hunan Oriented Fundamental and Applied Research of Innovative Pharmaceutics, Department of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Fu Xinling
- Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Hunan Oriented Fundamental and Applied Research of Innovative Pharmaceutics, Department of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
| | - Jiang Yinyan
- Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Hunan Oriented Fundamental and Applied Research of Innovative Pharmaceutics, Department of Basic Medical Science, Changsha Medical University, Changsha, China
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A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7171498. [PMID: 33082829 PMCID: PMC7556091 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.
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Lv X, Gao F, Zhang S, Zhang S, Zhou X, Ding F, Wang J, Chen Q, Chen M, Liu Q. Maladjustment of β-CGRP/α-CGRP Regulation of AQP5 Promotes Transition of Alveolar Epithelial Cell Apoptosis to Pulmonary Fibrosis. J Interferon Cytokine Res 2020; 40:377-388. [PMID: 32746702 DOI: 10.1089/jir.2019.0184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
This study explored the triggering mechanism of interstitial lung disease (ILD). We established the effects of immunogenic and neurogenic calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) imbalance on the regulation of aquaporin 5 (AQP5) expression and the repair responses that promote the transition from alveolar epithelial cell (AEC) apoptosis to pulmonary fibrosis. Newly diagnosed ILD patients (n = 60) were enrolled, whose serological levels of β-CGRP, α-CGRP, AQP5, receptor activity modifying protein 1, and receptor component protein were detected by ELISA. Th1 and Th2 cytokines and CD4+ and CD8+ cells were measured by flow cytometry method. In vivo, bleomycin (BLM) was set for modeling pulmonary fibrosis. A CALCA-HET model was set as a chronic pulmonary fibrosis model. Hematoxylin-eosin, immunohistochemistry, and Masson's trichrome staining were performed to assess the role of apoptosis in the injured lung. The concentrations of cytokines were determined by cytokine antibody arrays. Abnormal activation of serological CD4+ T lymphocytes and predominant Th2 response was established in the patients with ILD. Moreover, the ratio of β-CGRP/α-CGRP positively correlated with the increased level of AQP5 in patients with ILD. In vivo, a significant increase of AQP5 and β-CGRP at the chronic stage of pulmonary fibrosis was induced by BLM in the mice model, whereas the expression of AQP5 protein was generally lower in the acute alveolitis phase. Moreover, the levels of AQP5 and α-CGRP in the CALCA-HET rats were lower than those of the normal saline group. The high ratio β-CGRP/α-CGRP enhanced the expression of AQP5, inhibited transforming growth factor-β1 (TGFβ1)/P-Smad1/Smad4 pathway, and upregulated the NRF2 signal, whereas the apoptosis of AECs was significantly reduced in late-stage pulmonary fibrosis. The imbalance of β-CGRP/α-CGRP may be associated with the predominance of Th2 response and participate in the process of AEC apoptosis in lung fibrosis. The high ratio of β-CGRP/α-CGRP may elevate the level of AQP5 through inactivation of the TGF-β1/smad1 signaling pathway and upregulation of the Nrf2 signaling in the chronic stage of pulmonary fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoting Lv
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Research Laboratory of the Respiratory System Diseases, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Feng Gao
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Shuyu Zhang
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Sheng Zhang
- Department of Pathology, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Xiaohui Zhou
- Department of Clinical Skill Training Center, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Fadian Ding
- Department of Hepatopancreatobiliary Surgery and Institute of Abdominal Surgery, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Jingwen Wang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qingquan Chen
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Min Chen
- College of Medical Technology and Engineering, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
| | - Qicai Liu
- Department of Reproductive Medicine Centre, First Affiliated Hospital, Fujian Medical University, Fuzhou, China
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McMillin M, Grant S, Frampton G, Petrescu AD, Williams E, Jefferson B, DeMorrow S. The TGFβ1 Receptor Antagonist GW788388 Reduces JNK Activation and Protects Against Acetaminophen Hepatotoxicity in Mice. Toxicol Sci 2020; 170:549-561. [PMID: 31132129 DOI: 10.1093/toxsci/kfz122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute liver failure is a serious consequence of acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxic liver injury with high rates of morbidity and mortality. Transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGFβ1) is elevated during liver injury and influences hepatocyte senescence during APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. This study investigated TGFβ1 signaling in the context of inflammation, necrotic cell death, and oxidative stress during APAP-induced liver injury. Male C57Bl/6 mice were injected with 600 mg/kg APAP to generate liver injury in the presence or absence of the TGFβ receptor 1 inhibitor, GW788388, 1 h prior to APAP administration. Acetaminophen-induced liver injury was characterized using histological and biochemical measures. Transforming growth factor beta 1 expression and signal transduction were assessed using immunohistochemistry, Western blotting and ELISA assays. Hepatic necrosis, liver injury, cell proliferation, hepatic inflammation, and oxidative stress were assessed in all mice. Acetaminophen administration significantly induced necrosis and elevated serum transaminases compared with control mice. Transforming growth factor beta 1 staining was observed in and around areas of necrosis with phosphorylation of SMAD3 observed in hepatocytes neighboring necrotic areas in APAP-treated mice. Pretreatment with GW788388 prior to APAP administration in mice reduced hepatocyte cell death and stimulated regeneration. Phosphorylation of SMAD3 was reduced in APAP mice pretreated with GW788388 and this correlated with reduced hepatic cytokine production and oxidative stress. These results support that TGFβ1 signaling plays a significant role in APAP-induced liver injury by influencing necrotic cell death, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hepatocyte regeneration. In conclusion, targeting TGFβ1 or downstream signaling may be a possible therapeutic target for the management of APAP-induced liver injury.
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Affiliation(s)
- Matthew McMillin
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712.,Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504
| | - Stephanie Grant
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504.,Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Gabriel Frampton
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712.,Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504
| | - Anca D Petrescu
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504.,Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Elaina Williams
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504.,Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
| | - Brandi Jefferson
- Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504
| | - Sharon DeMorrow
- Department of Internal Medicine, Dell Medical School, The University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas 78712.,Central Texas Veterans Health Care System, Austin, Texas, 78712.,Department of Medical Physiology, College of Medicine, Texas A&M University Health Science Center, Temple, Texas, 76504.,Division of Pharmacology and Toxicology, College of Pharmacy, University of Texas at Austin, Austin, Texas, 78712
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47
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Gong Y, Yang Y. Activation of Nrf2/AREs-mediated antioxidant signalling, and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway: a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis - A review. Life Sci 2020; 256:117909. [PMID: 32512009 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2020.117909] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2020] [Revised: 05/19/2020] [Accepted: 06/01/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a wound-healing response that occurs during chronic liver injury and features by an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) components. Activation of hepatic stellate cell (HSC), the leading effector in HF, is responsible for overproduction of ECM. It has been documented that transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) stimulates superfluous accumulation of ECM and triggers HSCs activation mainly via canonical Smad-dependent pathway. Also, the pro-fibrogenic TGF-β1 is correlated with generation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of antioxidant mechanisms. Moreover, involvement of oxidative stress (OS) can be clearly elucidated as a fundamental event in liver fibrogenesis. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2-antioxidant response elements (Nrf2-AREs) pathway, a group of OS-mediated transcription factors with diverse downstream targets, is associated with the induction of diverse detoxifying enzymes and the most pivotal endogenous antioxidative system. More specifically, Nrf2-AREs pathway has recently assigned as a new therapeutic target for cure of HF. The overall goal of this review will focus on recent findings about activation of Nrf2-AREs-mediated antioxidant and suppression of profibrotic TGF-β1/Smad3 pathway in the liver, providing an overview of recent advances in transcriptional repressors that dislocated during HF formation, and highlighting possible novel therapeutic targets for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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Zhao J, Shi J, Shan Y, Yu M, Zhu X, Zhu Y, Liu L, Sheng M. Asiaticoside inhibits TGF-β1-induced mesothelial-mesenchymal transition and oxidative stress via the Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathway in the human peritoneal mesothelial cell line HMrSV5. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2020; 25:33. [PMID: 32514269 PMCID: PMC7257216 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-020-00226-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2020] [Accepted: 05/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) is a frequent complication caused by peritoneal dialysis (PD). Peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), the first barrier of the peritoneum, play an important role in maintaining structure and function in the peritoneum during PD. Mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) and oxidative stress of PMCs are two key processes of PF. Purpose To elucidate the efficacy and possible mechanism of asiaticoside inhibition of MMT and ROS generation in TGF-β1-induced PF in human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). Methods MMT and ROS generation of HPMCs were induced by TGF-β1. To explain the anti-MMT and antioxidant role of asiaticoside, varied doses of asiaticoside, oxygen radical scavenger (NAC), TGF-β receptor kinase inhibitor (LY2109761) and Nrf2 inhibitor (ML385) were used separately. Immunoblots were used to detect the expression of signaling associated proteins. DCFH-DA was used to detect the generation of ROS. Transwell migration assay and wound healing assay were used to verify the capacity of asiaticoside to inhibit MMT. Immunofluorescence assay was performed to observe the subcellular translocation of Nrf2 and expression of HO-1. Results Asiaticoside inhibited TGF-β1-induced MMT and suppressed Smad signaling in a dose-dependent manner. Migration and invasion activities of HPMCs were decreased by asiaticoside. Asiaticoside decreased TGF-β1-induced ROS, especially in a high dose (150 μM) for 6 h. Furthermore, ML385 partly abolished the inhibitory effect of asiaticoside on MMT, ROS and p-Smad2/3. Conclusions Asiaticoside inhibited the TGF-β1-induced MMT and ROS via Nrf2 activation, thus protecting the peritoneal membrane and preventing PF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Junyi Zhao
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jun Shi
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Yun Shan
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Manshu Yu
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Yilin Zhu
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Li Liu
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
| | - Meixiao Sheng
- Renal Division, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, 155 Hanzhong Road, Nanjing, 210029 Jiangsu Province China
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49
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Yang J, Gao J, Yu W, Hao R, Fan J, Wei J. The effects and mechanism of Aronia melanocarpa Elliot anthocyanins on hepatic fibrosis. J Funct Foods 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.103897] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
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50
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He X, Chen J, Mu Y, Zhang H, Chen G, Liu P, Liu W. The effects of inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells by lignan components from the fruits of Schisandra chinensis and the mechanism of schisanhenol. J Nat Med 2020; 74:513-524. [PMID: 32193805 DOI: 10.1007/s11418-020-01394-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2019] [Accepted: 03/06/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological manifestation induced by chronic liver injury and may cause cirrhosis and liver cancer with the chronic progression of fibrosis. During the onset and progression of liver fibrosis, the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the core mechanism for the secretion of many extracellular matrices to induce fibrosis. Lignans are reportedly the main effective components of Schisandra chinensis with good anti-fibrosis effects. In this study, we compared the inhibiting effects of the seven lignan components from S. chinensis on HSC activation. We found that the seven lignans inhibited the activation of human HSCs (LX-2) in various degrees. Among all lignans, schisanhenol showed the best effect in inhibiting the activation of LX-2 with a dose-effect relationship. Sal also inhibited the phosphorylations of Smad1, Smad2, Smad3, extracellular regulated protein kinase (ERK), c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), p38, and nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB), as well as downregulated Smad4. All these findings suggested that schisanhenol may ameliorate liver fibrosis by inhibiting the transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)/Smad and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathways. Remarkably, schisanhenol may be a potential anti-liver fibrosis drug and warrants further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoli He
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,TCM Department, Ningbo Huamei Hospital Affiliated to Chinese Academy of Sciences, 41 Xibei Road, Ningbo, 315010, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China. .,Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai, 201203, China.
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