The role of PI3k/AKT signaling pathway in attenuating liver fibrosis: a comprehensive review

Vinpocetine Alleviates Valproic Acid-Induced Hepatotoxicity and Neurotoxicity Through Activation of cAMP and PI3K/AKT/CREB Pathway in Rats

Valproic acid (VPA) is a frequently prescribed treatment for many psychiatric disorders, particularly for epilepsy. However, it has been associated with possible side effects including hepatotoxicity and neurotoxicity. The present study investigated the protective effect of vinpocetine (Vinpo) against VPA-induced hepatotoxicity and hippocampal neurotoxicity in rats. Vinpo (5 and 10 mg/kg/day; p.o) was given for 14 days, with/without VPA (500 mg/kg/day; p.o) in adult male Wistar rats. VPA showed marked increase in hepatic and hippocampal MDA levels with increased liver function enzymes as well as a marked decline in serum total antioxidant capacity (TAC). Simultaneously, VPA administration resulted in a significant reduction in cAMP, cAMP response element binding protein (CREB), and PI3K/AKT protein levels in liver tissue and hippocampus. These results were confirmed by histological degenerative changes in both tissues. VPA also associated with increased hepatic and dentate gyrus nuclear factor kappa (NF-κB) immunoexpression with increased Glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) expression in the dentate gyrus. Administration of Vinpo markedly attenuated VPA-induced toxicity in rats by its anti-oxidant effect on MDA and TAC levels. Vinpo resulted in a significant increase in the levels of cAMP/CREB and PI3K/AKT in liver and hippocampus tissues, together with significant decrease in NF-κB nuclear expression. Vinpo ameliorated astrogliosis as indicated by reduction in the expression of GFAP. Vinpo exerted a hepatoprotective and neuroprotective role against VPA-induced toxicity by cAMP and PI3K/AKT dependent activation of CREB and this hold a promise as a safe and effective adjuvant while treating psychiatric patients with VPA.

Montelukast alleviates thioacetamide-induced hepatic encephalopathy in rats

Hepatic encephalopathy (HE) is a serious neuropsychiatric dysfunction associated with acute and chronic liver disease. Montelukast (Mon) is a cysteinyl leukotriene receptor 1 (CysLT1R) antagonist approved as adjuvant therapy for asthma. The antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects of montelukast have been reported in previous studies. To the best of our knowledge, Mon therapeutics' efficacy against thioacetamide-induced HE has not been investigated. This study aims to detect the protective effects of Mon (5 and 10 mg/kg, orally for seven consecutive days) on TAA (200 mg/kg, i.p., at three alternative days) induced HE in rats and to demonstrate its hepato/neuroprotective effects mechanisms. Results showed that Mon significantly improved hepatic and brain function, suppressed the release of inflammatory factors (brain and liver levels of NF-κB and TNF-α), and reduced oxidative stress (MDA and NO levels in both the brain and liver). Moreover, Mon activated PI3K/Akt expression in the brain and suppressed TAA-induced brain caspase-3 expression. Finally, TAA-induced histopathological changes in brain and liver sections were markedly normalized by Mon. Mon shows promise as a therapeutic agent in experimental HE models, and its mechanism of action involves the upregulation of PI3K/Akt expression, thereby inhibiting the expression of caspase-3 and the activity of TNF-α and NF-κB.

Exploring the Hepatoprotective Effects of Naringin: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Evidence

This study aimed to perform a systematic review and meta-analysis on the hepatoprotective effects of naringin based on the pre-clinical evidence.A detailed literature search was performed using online databases such as Google Scholar, PubMed, Scopus, and EMBASE. Based on the predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria, 20 studies were considered for meta-analysis.The outcomes of the meta-analysis revealed that naringin improved liver function by reducing the elevated levels of ALT, AST, GGT, LDH, ALP, and bilirubin. It improved the enzymatic and non-enzymatic antioxidants, such as SOD, catalase, GSH, GST, GR, and GPx (p < 0.05 for all the parameters), while reducing the LPO/MDA levels (p < 0.05). NAR treatment also alleviated the levels of inflammatory mediators (IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-α, p < 0.001 for all the parameters; NF-κB, p = 0.29) in various animal models of liver injury. In addition, NAR significantly reduced the caspase-3 and Bax/Bcl-2 ratio (p < 0.05) compared to the control group. Furthermore, naringin treatment has normalised the liver and body weights compared to the disease control group.This systematic review and meta-analysis demonstrate that naringin significantly improved the liver function in various animal models of liver injury, via potent antioxidant and anti-inflammatory mechanisms.

A network toxicology and molecular docking-based approach revealed shared hepatotoxic mechanisms and targets between the herbicide 2,4-D and its metabolite 2,4-DCP

The herbicide 2,4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid (2,4-D) and its major environmental metabolite 2,4-dichlorophenol (2,4-DCP) are pollutants associated with hepatotoxicity, whose molecular mechanisms remain poorly understood. This study investigated the molecular pathways and targets involved in 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP-induced hepatotoxicity using protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analyses and molecular docking. Target genes were identified using PharmMapper and SwissTargetPrediction, and cross-referenced with hepatotoxicity-related genes from GeneCards and OMIM databases. The PPI network, constructed via STRING and visualized in Cytoscape, revealed 12 critical hub nodes, including HSP90AA1, RXRA, EGFR, SRC, CREBBP, PIK3R1, ESR1, AKT1, RAF1, IGF1R, MDM2, and MAPK14. Gene Ontology (GO) analysis indicated processes such as apoptosis, oxidative stress, mitochondrial dysfunction, and lipid metabolism impairment, while Reactome pathway analysis highlighted disruptions in PI3K/AKT and nuclear receptors signaling. Molecular docking confirmed significant interactions of 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP with key proteins, including SRC, AKT, RXRA, MDM2, and HSP90AA1. These results suggest that 2,4-D and 2,4-DCP share similar toxic mechanisms, providing new insights into their hepatotoxicity pathways for the first time.

Machine Learning Approach and Bioinformatics Analysis Discovered Key Genomic Signatures for Hepatitis B Virus-Associated Hepatocyte Remodeling and Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatitis B virus (HBV) causes liver cancer, which is the third most common cause of cancer-related death worldwide. Chronic inflammation via HBV in the host hepatocytes causes hepatocyte remodeling (hepatocyte transformation and immortalization) and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Recognizing cancer stages accurately to optimize early screening and diagnosis is a primary concern in the outlook of HBV-induced hepatocyte remodeling and liver cancer. Genomic signatures play important roles in addressing this issue. Recently, machine learning (ML) models and bioinformatics analysis have become very important in discovering novel genomic signatures for the early diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of HBV-induced hepatic cell remodeling and HCC. We discuss the recent literature on the ML approach and bioinformatics analysis revealed novel genomic signatures for diagnosing and forecasting HBV-associated hepatocyte remodeling and HCC. Various genomic signatures, including various microRNAs and their associated genes, long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs), and small nucleolar RNAs (snoRNAs), have been discovered to be involved in the upregulation and downregulation of HBV-HCC. Moreover, these genetic biomarkers also affect different biological processes, such as proliferation, migration, circulation, assault, dissemination, antiapoptosis, mitogenesis, transformation, and angiogenesis in HBV-infected hepatocytes.

Comprehensive evaluation on nutritional characteristics and anti-hyperglycemic active ingredients of different varieties of Yam

Yam is a versatile economic crop that serves both medicinal and dietary purposes. Dehua County, located in Fujian Province, China, is renowned as one of the major yam production areas, with a cultivation history spanning over 600 years. It has successfully cultivated Qingfeng yam and Ziyu yam, both of which have been recognized with China's "Geographical Indications for Agricultural Products." However, no comprehensive studies have been conducted to evaluate their quality. This study meticulously utilized the authentic medicinal material "Iron yam" as a benchmark, employing advanced techniques such as high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), ultraviolet spectrophotometry, and flame atomic absorption spectrometry to systematically analyze the nutritional and hypoglycemic active components of three distinct yam varieties. In order to interpret the data, descriptive statistics, correlation analysis, principal component analysis (PCA), partial least squares discriminant analysis (PLS-DA), cluster analysis and multiple linear regression analysis were systematically applied. The results revealed significant variations in the concentrations of various indicators across the three yam types. Correlation analysis identified 65 pairs of indicators with exceptionally strong correlations and 39 pairs with statistically significant associations. Additionally, the principal component analysis demonstrated that Iron yam exhibited the most favorable overall quality. Notably, Ziyu yam, characterized by its high concentration of hypoglycemic active compounds, emerged as a promising raw material for the production of hypoglycemic products, showcasing significant potential in this field.

Serum CircCSPP1 is Correlated with the Occurrence and Severity of NAFLD in a Chinese Population

The relationship between serum circCSPP1, circNIPSNAP3A, or circRFX8 and the occurrence and severity of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has yet to be fully elucidated. A total of 494 participants were divided into NAFLD and control groups, and clinical data, including demographic, physiological and biochemical parameters, were collected. Serum levels of circCSPP1, circNIPSNAP3A, and circRFX8 were measured using quantitative real-time PCR, and the severity of NAFLD was assessed by ultrasonography and quantitative computed tomography. The NAFLD group exhibited significantly higher levels of serum circCSPP1 compared to the control group (p=0.04). CircCSPP1 is significantly and independently associated with NAFLD. Participants with high serum circCSPP1 levels (>66th percentile) had a greater prevalence of mild and advanced NAFLD, as well as higher triglyceride levels, compared to those with low circCSPP1 levels (<33rd percentile) (p<0.05 for all). No significant correlations were observed between circNIPSNAP3A or circRFX8 and the occurrence or severity of NAFLD. These findings suggest that serum circCSPP1 is associated with the occurrence and severity of NAFLD, potentially mediated by hypertriglyceridemia.

Indole-3-propionic acid promotes hepatic stellate cells inactivation

BACKGROUND & AIMS

We have previously reported that the serum levels of gut-derived tryptophan metabolite indole-3-propionic acid (IPA) are lower in individuals with liver fibrosis. Now, we explored the transcriptome and DNA methylome associated with serum IPA levels in human liver from obese individuals together with IPA effects on shifting the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) phenotype to inactivation in vitro.

METHODS

A total of 116 obese individuals without type 2 diabetes (T2D) (age 46.8 ± 9.3 years; BMI: 42.7 ± 5.0 kg/m2) from the Kuopio OBesity Surgery (KOBS) study undergoing bariatric surgery were included. Circulating IPA levels were measured using LC-MS, liver transcriptomics with total RNA-sequencing and DNA methylation with Infinium HumanMethylation450 BeadChip. Human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) where used for in vitro experiments.

RESULTS

Serum IPA levels were associated with the expression of liver genes enriched for apoptosis, mitophagy and longevity pathways in the liver. AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) was the shared and topmost interactive gene from the liver transcript and DNA methylation profile. IPA treatment induced apoptosis, reduced mitochondrial respiration as well as modified cell morphology, and mitochondrial dynamics by modulating the expression of genes known to regulate fibrosis, apoptosis, and survival in LX-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, these data support that IPA has a plausible therapeutic effect and may induce apoptosis and the HSC phenotype towards the inactivation state, extending the possibilities to suppress hepatic fibrogenesis by interfering with HSC activation and mitochondrial metabolism.

Exploring the Effects of Pterocarpus Soyauxii Against Menopause-Related NAFLD Based on Network Pharmacology, Molecular Docking, and Experimental Validation

Pterocarpus soyauxii (P. soyauxii) is a Fabaceae family traditionally used to treat menopausal disorders. This study aims to investigate the effect of P. soyauxii on menopause-related non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and to determine its mechanisms of action and signaling pathways. The pharmacokinetic and dynamic properties and the toxicological profile of P. soyauxii compounds were assessed using the SwissADME and Protox III databases. A pharmacology network was constructed to identify active compound targets and corresponding genes. Compound target and protein-protein interaction networks were created using Cytoscape software. Molecular docking studies were conducted to assess the binding affinity of P. soyauxii compounds with specific proteins. In vitro experiments evaluated the antioxidant properties of P. soyauxii. In vivo studies using ovariectomized (Ovx) rat models underlined pathways and effects of P. soyauxii on biochemical and histological features linked with NAFLD. Findings suggest that P. soyauxii compounds are readily absorbed through the intestine and exhibit a relatively low level of toxicity. Protein-protein interaction, compound-target networks, and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analysis revealed several pathways and target proteins of P. soyauxii compounds. Indeed, they target specific proteins such as estrogen receptor alpha/beta ERα/β, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate oxidase (NADPH-O), epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR), MAPK1, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors alpha/gamma (PPARα/G), and HMG-CoA reductase. Molecular docking revealed that P. soyauxii compounds demonstrate high binding affinity to various proteins. In vitro, P. soyauxii inhibits the oxidative power of OH, H2O2, and NO. In vivo, P. soyauxii significantly (p < 0.01, p < 0.001, and p < 0.01, respectively) reduces ALAT (25.14%), hepatic cholesterol (15.27%), and malondialdehyde (MDA) (26.78%) levels at 200 mg/kg and prevents steatosis in the liver. These findings suggest that P. soyauxii may have a protective role against menopause-related NAFLD.

Hepatic adverse events associated with anaplastic lymphoma kinase tyrosine kinase inhibitors: a disproportionality analysis based on FAERS database and analysis of drug-gene interaction network

BACKGROUND

Anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) are vital for treating ALK-positive cancers but have been associated with liver injury, necessitating further safety investigation. This study examines hepatic adverse event (AE) signals related to ALK TKIs using the U.S. FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) and explores potential mechanisms of liver injury.

RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS

AE reports from FAERS (Q3 2011 to Q1 2024) related to liver injury were analyzed using the reporting odds ratio (ROR) and multi-item gamma Poisson shrinker (MGPS) methods. Pathway enrichment and drug-gene network analyses were performed to investigate underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

This study identified 2,132 AE reports from the FAERS database linking hepatic AEs to ALK TKIs therapy. Significant signals were detected by ROR and MGPS methods, with common AEs including aminotransferase abnormalities, hyperbilirubinemia, and increased blood alkaline phosphatase, mainly occurring within the first 30 days of treatment. Gene analysis revealed key nodes in the protein-protein interaction (PPI) network, such as PIK3CA, SRC, and PTK2. Enriched KEGG pathways included the MAPK, PI3K-Akt, and Ras signaling.

CONCLUSION

This pharmacovigilance study identifies significant AE signals linking ALK TKIs to liver injury, highlighting potential mechanisms and providing insights for clinical management and patient outcomes.

Comparative Efficacy of β-Carotene and Losartan Against Isoproterenol-Induced Cardiac Fibrosis: An Experimental and Computational Studies

OBJECTIVE

β-carotene, a vitamin A precursor is reported to inhibit molecular pathways cardinal to pathogenesis of fibrotic tissue alterations and in this study, the effectiveness of 14 days oral administration of β-carotene (10, 20, and 40 mg/kg/day) in the cardiac fibrosis (CF) in rats was studied and explored the mechanisms through network pharmacology.

METHODS

CF was induced by isoproterenol (ISO) 6 mg/kg/SC from day 1 to day 7. Losartan (LOS) 10 mg/kg/day/p.o. served as the standard. Both β-carotene and LOS were administered from day 1 to 14. On the 15th day, ECG and blood pressure (systolic, diastolic and mean) were recorded in the anesthetized rats followed by their euthanasia. The extent of cardiac fibrosis in the isolated hearts was determined using heart coefficient, tissue levels of hydroxyproline, histological examination. The oxidative stress in cardiac tissue was estimated, as GSH, SOD, catalase, MDA and NO. β-carotene targeted proteins pathway, process, and functional enrichment analysis were explored through network pharmacology.

RESULTS

β-carotene dose-dependently mitigated the biochemical and histological changes induced by ISO in heart tissues. In ECG, it restored ST height, QT, and QRS intervals. Additionally, it normalized systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial pressures. The reduction in heart coefficient suggests β-carotene's potential to inhibit collagen deposition in heart tissue. β-carotene normalized oxidative stress markers, and hydroxyproline levels. All other biochemical parameters were restored to normal levels with β-carotene treatment. β-carotene 40 mg/kg dose showed comparable effect to that of LOS 10 mg/kg. β-carotene modulated IL-17, TNF, NF-kappa B, HIF-1, Sphingolipid, Relaxin, Adipocytokine, cAMP, Toll-like receptor, MAPK, PI3K-Akt, cGMP-PKG, VEGF, Ras, and PPAR signaling pathways.

CONCLUSIONS

β-carotene dose-dependently protects against ISO-induced CF in rats, with 40 mg/kg as an effective antifibrotic dose.

Integrated network pharmacology, transcriptomics and metabolomics to explore the material basis and mechanism of Danggui-Baishao herb pair for treating hepatic fibrosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Danggui-Baishao herb pair (DB) is commonly used as Chinese herbal formulas for treating hepatic fibrosis (HF). However, there are few research on the combined application of the two drugs in treating HF, and the precise mechanisms and fundamental components of DB in addressing HF are still unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The intention of this research is to identify the molecular foundation and functional targets of DB to elucidate the mechanisms for treating HF.

METHODS

The ingredients absorbed from DB in rat plasma were analyzed using UPLC-QE-MS. Therapeutic efficacy of DB in a rat model of CCl4-induced HF assessed using biochemical indices, pathological tissue observations, immunohistochemical and western blotting. An integrated strategy of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology was then utilized to explain the possible material basis and mechanisms of DB for treating HF. Western blotting was carried out to verify the critical mechanism.

RESULTS

DB reduced the level of liver function and inflammation related indicators in CCl4-induced HF (P < 0.05 or P < 0.01), as well as ameliorated pathological histological changes, and reduced the expressions of collagen type I (Col-I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Nineteen ingredients absorbed from DB were identified. Comprehensive investigations of transcriptomics, metabolomics, and network pharmacology revealed that DB modulated the PI3K/Akt/NF-κB signaling pathway to ameliorate fibrosis induced by CCl4 in HF rats. According to the molecular docking results, core tagets were highly favored by kaempferol, benzoylpaeoniflorin, albiflorin, paeoniflorin, and levistilide A.

CONCLUSIONS

The possible mechanisms for DB treatment of HF include decreasing the activity of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), decreasing collagen synthesis and deposition, attenuating the hepatic inflammatory response, inhibiting hepatocyte apoptosis, and increasing the level of niacinamide (NAM), thus exerting its anti-HF effect.

Characterization of rectus femoris lesions in knee osteoarthritis at different stages and the effect of ultrasound-guided acupotomy

Introduction

Chronic injury to the rectus femoris muscle induces and exacerbates the progression of knee osteoarthritis (KOA). However, the lesion characteristics of the rectus femoris muscle in KOA at different stages have not been fully characterized. The aim of this study was to analyze the pattern of lesion characteristics of the rectus femoris muscle at different stages of KOA and to investigate the mechanism by which ultrasound-guided acupotomy operations can prevent and control KOA.

Methods

Early, middle, and late-stage rabbit KOA models were constructed using the modified Videman method. Ultrasonography was used to record the elastic modulus and cross-sectional area of the rectus femoris muscle, and morphology was used to observe the ultramicroscopic changes in the rectus femoris muscle and assess the degree of fibrosis. Additionally, ultrasound-guided acupotomy operations were performed on the rabbit model of late-stage KOA, and alterations in the key molecular markers of rectus femoris fibrosis were determined using Western Blot and qPCR methods.

Results

As the disease progressed, the elastic modulus of the rectus femoris muscle in KOA rabbits gradually increased, the cross-sectional area gradually decreased, and the degree of fibrosis increased. In contrast, the degree of fibrosis in the rectus femoris muscle improved after ultrasound-guided acupotomy intervention.

Conclusion

These findings highlight the gradual increase in the modulus of elasticity, the gradual decrease in cross-sectional area, and the increased fibrosis of the rectus femoris muscle in KOA rabbits as the disease progressed. Ultrasoundguided acupotomy operations have been shown to have a protective effect on KOA cartilage and to delay the progression of KOA by ameliorating pathological changes in the rectus femoris muscle. The mechanism may involve reducing chronic injury to the rectus femoris muscle and protecting joint homeostasis by attenuating the degree of rectus femoris fibrosis.

hAMSCs regulate EMT in the progression of experimental pulmonary fibrosis through delivering miR-181a-5p targeting TGFBR1

BACKGROUND

Pulmonary fibrosis (PF) is a common and multidimensional devastating interstitial lung disease. The development of novel and more effective interventions for PF is an urgent clinical need. A previous study has found that miR-181a-5p plays an important role in the development of PF, and human amniotic mesenchymal stem cells (hAMSCs) exert potent therapeutic potential on PF. However, whether hAMSCs act on PF by delivering miR-181a-5p and its detailed mechanism still remain unknown. Thus, this study was designed to investigate the underlying possible mechanism of hAMSCs on PF in bleomycin (BLM)-induced mouse PF model, and a co-culture system of hAMSCs and A549 cells epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) model, focusing on its effects on collagen deposition, EMT, and epithelial cell cycle regulation.

METHODS

hAMSCs with different miR-181a-5p expression levels were constructed. BLM (4 mg/kg) was used to create a PF model, while TGF-β1 was used to induce A549 cells to construct an EMT model. Furthermore, the effects of different miR-181a-5p expression in hAMSCs on collagen deposition and EMT during lung fibrosis were assessed in vivo and in vitro.

RESULTS

We found that hAMSCs exerted anti-fibrotic effect in BLM-induced mouse PF model. Moreover, hAMSCs also exerted protective effect on TGFβ1-induced A549 cell EMT model. Furthermore, hAMSCs ameliorated PF by promoting epithelial cell proliferation, reducing epithelial cell apoptosis, and attenuating EMT of epithelial cells through paracrine effects. hAMSCs regulated EMT in PF through delivering miR-181a-5p targeting TGFBR1.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings reveal for the first time that hAMSCs inhibit PF by promoting epithelial cell proliferation, reducing epithelial cell apoptosis, and attenuating EMT. Mechanistically, the therapeutic effect of hMASCs on PF is achieved through delivering miR-181a-5p targeting TGFBR1.

A multi-purpose dressing based on resveratrol-loaded ionic liquids/gelatin methacryloyl hydrogel for enhancing diabetic wound healing

Diabetic wound (DW) is a multifaceted challenge, characterized by persistent bacterial infections and compromised angiogenesis. To address these issues and enhance DW healing, we developed a novel strategy using a photo-crosslinked hydrogel system composed of ionic liquids (ILs) and gelatin methacryloyl (GelMA) loaded with resveratrol (Res). The ILs/GelMA hydrogel was fabricated via a simple photo-crosslinking process, resulting in desirable mechanical properties, biocompatibility, and controlled release kinetics. Res was incorporated into the hydrogel matrix (ILs/GelMA@Res) to ensure sustained release, facilitating angiogenesis and accelerating wound healing. In vitro studies demonstrated that the ILs/GelMA@Res hydrogel exhibited potent antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli, inhibiting bacterial growth and biofilm formation. Furthermore, the sustained release of Res from the hydrogel promoted angiogenesis by activating the PI3K/AKT signaling pathways associated with VEGF and FGF, enhancing endothelial cell proliferation, migration, and tube formation. In a DW mice model, the ILs/GelMA@Res hydrogel demonstrated accelerated wound closure, reduced inflammation, and robust neovascularization. This multifunctional hydrogel-based delivery system holds considerable potential for clinical translation, offering a safe and effective treatment modality for diabetic patients with chronic wounds.

Magnoflorine ameliorates hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by regulating ferroptosis signaling pathway

Liver fibrosis is a chronic liver disease that brings a heavy economic burden to the world and has attracted global attention. Although the pathological mechanisms and treatment strategies of liver fibrosis have been extensively studied, there are currently no effective targeted drugs for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis in clinical practice. Therefore, it is imperative to seek and develop effective treatment strategies and drugs for liver fibrosis. Magnoflorine (MAG) is a natural product with multiple pharmacological activities. Thus, in this study, we will explore the effect of MAG on alleviating liver fibrosis in mice and its mechanism of action. Our study indicates that MAG can alleviate liver damage, improve liver collagen deposition, and significantly reduced the expression levels of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation markers in vivo. Additionally, the findings of this study indicate that MAG can inhibit the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway. Bioinformatics analysis suggests that the alleviating effect of MAG on liver fibrosis may be associated with ferroptosis. Interestingly, in vitro experiments have demonstrated that MAG slows down the progression of liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, and further confirms that MAG promotes ferroptosis in ROS-mediated activated HSCs. In short, MAG has a good alleviating effect on liver fibrosis and will be a potential candidate drug for the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Carthamus tinctorius L. inhibits hepatic fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by targeting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a process that occurs during the progression of several chronic liver diseases, for which there is a lack of effective treatment options. Carthamus tinctorius L. (CTL) is often used in Chinese or Mongolian medicine to treat liver diseases. However, its mechanism of action remains unclear. In the present study, CTL was used to treat rats with CCl4‑induced HF. The histopathological, biochemical and HF markers of the livers of the rats were analyzed, and CTL‑infused serum was used to treat hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in order to detect the relevant markers of HSC activation. Protein expression pathways were detected both in vitro and in vivo. Histopathological results showed that CTL significantly improved CCl4‑induced liver injury, reduced aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase levels, promoted E‑cadherin expression, and decreased α‑smooth muscle actin (SMA), SOX9, collagen I and hydroxyproline expression. Moreover, CTL‑infused serum was found to decrease α‑SMA and collagen I expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that CTL inhibited the activity of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway in the rat livers. Following the administration of the PI3K agonist 740Y‑P to HSCs, the inhibitory effect of CTL on the PI3K/Akt//mTOR pathway was blocked. These results suggested that CTL can inhibit HF and HSC activation by inhibiting the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway.

Gardenia jasminoides extract mitigates acetaminophen-induced liver damage in mice

BACKGROUND

Acetaminophen (APAP)-induced hepatotoxicity is a potentially life-threatening condition. Gardenia jasminoides fruit extract (GJE), which contains geniposide (Gen) as its major active constituent, possesses anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties and may help address the underlying pathogenesis of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of GJE in a mouse model of APAP-induced hepatotoxicity.

METHODS

Twenty-four male ICR mice were divided into 4 groups (n = 6/group): [1] Control group, mice were given distilled water; [2] APAP group, mice received a single dose of 600 mg/kg APAP; [3] APAP + low-dose GJE group, mice received APAP followed 30 min later by 2 doses of low-dose GJE (0.44 g/kg/dose, containing Gen 100 mg/kg/dose) 8 h apart; [4] APAP + high-dose GJE group, mice received APAP followed by 2 doses of high-dose GJE (0.88 g/kg/dose, containing Gen 200 mg/kg/dose). All mice were euthanized 24 h after APAP administration. Liver tissue was used for histological examination and to measure glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) levels. Serum was used to determine levels of ALT and inflammatory cytokines (tumor necrosis factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6 (IL-6)).

RESULTS

Liver histopathology showed moderate to severe hepatic necroinflammation in the APAP group, whereas only mild necroinflammation was observed in both treatment groups. Serum ALT levels were significantly elevated in the APAP group compared to the control group but were significantly reduced after low- and high-dose GJE treatment. Serum TNF- α levels were significantly higher in the APAP group than in the control group and were significantly lower after high-dose GJE treatment (135.5 ± 477.2 vs. 35.5 ± 25.8 vs. 74.7 ± 47.2 vs. 41.4 ± 50.8 pg/mL, respectively). Serum IL-6 followed a similar pattern. Hepatic GSH levels were significantly lower in the APAP group compared to the control group but significantly increased after both low- and high-dose GJE treatment (19.9 ± 4.5 vs. 81.5 ± 12.4 vs. 71.4 ± 7.8 vs. 82.6 ± 6.6 nmol/mg protein, respectively). Conversely, hepatic MDA levels were significantly elevated in the APAP group compared with the control group but significantly decreased after high-dose GJE treatment (108.6 ± 201.5 vs. 40.5 ± 18.0 vs. 40.5 ± 16.8 nmol/mg protein, respectively).

CONCLUSIONS

Treatment with G. jasminoides fruit extract can alleviate APAP-induced hepatotoxicity, likely through its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties.

Novel Dual PPAR δ/γ Partial Agonist Induces Hepatic Lipid Accumulation through Direct Binding and Inhibition of AKT1 Phosphorylation, Mediating CD36 Upregulation

ZLY06 is a dual agonist of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) δ/γ, showing potential therapeutic effects on metabolic syndrome. However, our research has revealed that ZLY06 exhibits hepatotoxicity in normal C57BL/6J mice, though the precise mechanism remains unclear. This study aims to investigate the manifestations and mechanisms of ZLY06-induced hepatotoxicity. We administered ZLY06 via oral gavage to C57BL/6J mice (once daily for six weeks) and monitored various indicators to preliminarily explore its hepatotoxicity. Additionally, we further investigate the specific mechanisms of ZLY06-induced hepatotoxicity using PPAR inhibitors (GW9662 and GSK0660) and the Protein kinase B (AKT) activator (SC79). Results showed that ZLY06 led to increased serum ALP, ALT and AST, as well as elevated liver index and hepatic lipid levels. There was upregulation in the gene and protein expression of lipid metabolism-related molecules Acc, Scd1, Cd36, Fabp1 and Fabp2 in hepatocytes, with Cd36 showing the most significant change. Furthermore, cotreatment with SC79 significantly reduced ZLY06-induced hepatotoxicity in AML12 cells, evidenced by decreased intracellular TG levels and downregulation of CD36 expression. Specific knockdown of CD36 also mitigated ZLY06-induced hepatotoxicity. The study found that ZLY06 may bind to AKT1, inhibiting its phosphorylation activation, with the downregulation of p-AKT1 preceding the upregulation of CD36. In summary, ZLY06 mediates the upregulation of CD36 by potentially binding to and inhibiting the phosphorylation of AKT1, leading to hepatic lipid metabolism disorder and inducing liver toxicity.