Total Flavone of Abelmoschus manihot Ameliorates TNBS-Induced Colonic Fibrosis by Regulating Th17/Treg Balance and Reducing Extracellular Matrix

The Role of Gut Microbiota on Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Traditional Chinese Medicine Intervention

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a chronic, relapsing inflammatory disorder of the intestine, frequently complicated by intestinal fibrosis. As fibrosis progresses, it can result in luminal stricture and compromised intestinal function, significantly diminishing patients' quality of life. Emerging evidence suggests that gut microbiota and their metabolites contribute to the pathogenesis of IBD-associated intestinal fibrosis by influencing inflammation and modulating immune responses. This review systematically explores the mechanistic link between gut microbiota and intestinal fibrosis in IBD and evaluates the therapeutic potential of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) interventions. Relevant studies were retrieved from PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP databases. Findings indicate that TCM, including Chinese herbal prescriptions and bioactive constituents, can modulate gut microbiota composition and microbial metabolites, ultimately alleviating intestinal fibrosis through anti-inflammatory, immunemodulatory, and anti-fibrotic mechanisms. These insights highlight the potential of TCM as a promising strategy for targeting gut microbiota in the management of IBD-associated fibrosis.

Protective Effect of Hibifolin on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury Through Akt Phosphorylation and NFκB Pathway

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a difficult condition to manage, especially when it is complicated by bacterial sepsis. Hibifolin, a flavonoid glycoside, has anti-inflammatory properties that make it a potential treatment for ALI. However, more research is needed to determine its effectiveness in LPS-induced ALI. In this study, male ICR mice were treated with hibifolin before LPS-induced ALI. Protein content and neutrophil count in bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) fluid were measured by BCA assay and Giemsa staining method, respectively. The levels of proinflammatory cytokines and adhesive molecules were detected by ELISA assay. The expression of NFκB p65 phosphorylation, IκB degradation, and Akt phosphorylation was assessed by western blot assay. Hibifolin pre-treatment significantly reduced pulmonary vascular barrier dysfunction and neutrophil infiltration into the BAL fluid in LPS-induced ALI mice. In addition, LPS-induced expression of proinflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) and adhesive molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1) within the BAL fluid were markedly reduced by hibifolin in LPS-induced ALI mice. More, hibifolin inhibited LPS-induced phosphorylation of NFκB p65, degradation of IκB, and phosphorylation of Akt in lungs with ALI mice. In conclusion, hibifolin shows promise in improving the pathophysiological features and proinflammatory responses of LPS-induced ALI in mice through the NFκB pathway and its upstream factor, Akt phosphorylation.

Exploring the therapeutic potential of Abelmoschi Corolla in psoriasis: Mechanisms of action and inflammatory pathway disruption

BACKGROUND

Psoriasis is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin condition for which existing treatments often fall short of fully addressing patient needs. Abelmoschi Corolla (AC), a traditional Chinese medicine, and its ethanol extract, huangkui capsule, are well established for the treatment of chronic kidney diseases. The therapeutic mechanisms of AC include anti-inflammatory effects and immune modulation, which align with psoriasis treatment strategies. Nevertheless, the potential of AC as a therapeutic agent for psoriasis remains unexplored.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of AC in treating psoriasis and, if effective, to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which AC exerts its therapeutic effects.

METHODS

To assess the therapeutic potential of AC, an imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like mouse model was utilized. Bioinformatics and machine learning approaches were employed to predict the targets and mechanisms of AC in psoriasis. Further validation was performed using targeted metabolite quantification, immunohistochemistry, polymerase chain reaction, and western blotting.

RESULTS

AC treatment significantly improved psoriasis-like skin lesions, as indicated by enhancements in appearance, PASI scores, a reduction in epidermal hyperproliferation, and decreased immune cell infiltration. Bioinformatics and machine learning analyses identified arginase 1 (ARG1) as a key target of AC in psoriasis. Experimental validation demonstrated that AC reduced ARG1 expression, arginine metabolism, and polyamine production by upregulating PP6 expression and inhibiting C/EBP-β activation in psoriatic keratinocytes, resulting in the suppression of dendritic cell infiltration and a reduction in the expression of inflammatory cytokines, including IL-23, IL-6, IL-1β, IL-17A, and TNF-α.

CONCLUSIONS

AC disrupted the inflammatory pathways associated with psoriasis and alleviated imiquimod-induced psoriasis-like skin inflammation by inhibiting ARG1 overexpression and arginine metabolism in psoriatic keratinocytes. These findings suggest that AC has significant potential as a therapeutic agent for psoriasis and warrants further research and development.

Inflammation-fibrosis interplay in inflammatory bowel disease: mechanisms, progression, and therapeutic strategies

Background

The incidence of intestinal fibrosis in Inflammatory bowel disease has increased in recent years, and the repair process is complex, leading to substantial economic and social burdens. Therefore, understanding the pathogenesis of intestinal fibrosis and exploring potential therapeutic agents is crucial.

Purpose

This article reviews the pathogenesis of IBD-related intestinal fibrosis, potential therapeutic targets, and the progress of research on Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in inhibiting intestinal fibrosis. It also provides foundational data for developing innovative drugs to prevent intestinal fibrosis.

Methods

This article reviews the literature from the past decade on advancements in the cellular and molecular mechanisms underlying intestinal fibrosis. Data for this systematic research were obtained from electronic databases including PubMed, CNKI, SciFinder, and Web of Science. Additionally, a comprehensive analysis was conducted on reports regarding the use of TCM for the treatment of intestinal fibrosis. The study synthesizes and summarizes the research findings, presenting key patterns and trends through relevant charts.

Results

This study reviewed recent advancements in understanding the cellular and molecular mechanisms of intestinal fibrosis, the active ingredients of TCM that inhibit intestinal fibrosis, the efficacy of TCM formulae in preventing intestinal fibrosis, and dietary modification that may contribute to the inhibition of intestinal fibrosis.

Conclusion

This article examines the cellular and molecular mechanisms that promote the development of intestinal fibrosis, as well as potential therapeutic targets for its treatment. It also provides a theoretical basis for exploring and utilizing TCM resources in the management of intestinal fibrosis. Through the analysis of various TCM medicines, this article underscores the clinical significance and therapeutic potential of TCM and dietary modifications in treating intestinal fibrosis.

Traditional Chinese Medicine: A Promising Treatment Option for Intestinal Fibrosis

Intestinal fibrosis, a common complication of inflammatory bowel disease, in particular in Crohn's disease, arises from chronic inflammation, leading to intestinal narrowing, structural damage, and functional impairment that significantly impact patients' quality of life. Current treatment options for intestinal fibrosis are limited, with surgery being the primary intervention. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has emerged as a promising approach in preventing and treating intestinal fibrosis. However, there is a scarcity of literature summarizing the mechanisms underlying TCM's efficacy in this context. To address this gap, we conducted a comprehensive review, uncovering multiple mechanisms through which TCM mitigates intestinal fibrosis. These mechanisms include immune cell balance regulation, suppression of inflammatory responses, reduction of inflammatory mediators, alleviation of colon tissue damage, restoration of intestinal function, modulation of growth factors to inhibit fibroblast activation, dynamic regulation of TIMPs and MMPs to reduce extracellular matrix deposition, inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition and endothelial-mesenchymal transition, autophagy modulation, maintenance of the intestinal mucosal barrier, prevention of tissue damage by harmful factors, and regulation of cell proliferation and apoptosis. This study aims to bridge existing knowledge gaps by presenting recent evidence supporting the utilization of TCM in both clinical and experimental research settings.

Phytochemical Compounds as Promising Therapeutics for Intestinal Fibrosis in Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Critical Review

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE

Intestinal fibrosis, a prominent consequence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), presents considerable difficulty owing to the absence of licensed antifibrotic therapies. This review assesses the therapeutic potential of phytochemicals as alternate methods for controlling intestinal fibrosis. Phytochemicals, bioactive molecules originating from plants, exhibit potential antifibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activities, targeting pathways associated with inflammation and fibrosis. Compounds such as Asperuloside, Berberine, and olive phenols have demonstrated potential in preclinical models by regulating critical signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad and NFκB, which are integral to advancing fibrosis.

RESULTS

The main findings suggest that these phytochemicals significantly reduce fibrotic markers, collagen deposition, and inflammation in various experimental models of IBD. These phytochemicals may function as supplementary medicines to standard treatments, perhaps enhancing patient outcomes while mitigating the adverse effects of prolonged immunosuppressive usage. Nonetheless, additional clinical trials are necessary to validate their safety, effectiveness, and bioavailability in human subjects.

CONCLUSIONS

Therefore, investigating phytochemicals may lead to crucial advances in the formulation of innovative treatment approaches for fibrosis associated with IBD, offering a promising avenue for future therapeutic development.

Radiation-induced fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies from an immune microenvironment perspective

Radiation-induced fibrosis (RIF) is a severe chronic complication of radiotherapy (RT) manifested by excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) components deposition within the irradiated area. The lung, heart, skin, jaw, pelvic organs and so on may be affected by RIF, which hampers body functions and quality of life. There is accumulating evidence suggesting that the immune microenvironment may play a key regulatory role in RIF. This article discussed the synergetic or antagonistic effects of immune cells and mediators in regulating RIF's development. Several potential preventative and therapeutic strategies for RIF were proposed based on the immunological mechanisms to provide clinicians with improved cognition and clinical treatment guidance.

Blood-Based Biomarkers Reflecting Protease 3 and MMP-12 Catalyzed Elastin Degradation as Potential Noninvasive Surrogate Markers of Endoscopic and Clinical Disease in Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Chronic inflammation in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) triggers significant extracellular matrix remodeling, including elastin remodeling, leading to severe clinical complications. Novel methods to assess intestinal tissue destruction may act as surrogate markers of endoscopic disease activity, relieving patients of invasive endoscopy. We explored the noninvasive blood-based biomarkers ELP-3 and ELM-12, measuring elastin degradation in IBD. In a study involving 104 Crohn's disease (CD), 39 ulcerative colitis (UC), and 29 healthy donors, we assessed these biomarkers' association with endoscopic and clinical disease activity using ELISA. Patients were evaluated based on the SES-CD and CDAI for CD patients and modified MES and partial Mayo for UC patients. ELP-3 and ELM-12 were elevated in patients with IBD. Discerning CD patients in endoscopic remission and mild from moderate to severe, ELP-3 provided an AUC of 0.69 and ELM-12 an AUC of 0.73. The ELP-3 biomarker was associated with UC patients and provided the highest diagnostic power of 0.87 for remission vs. active clinical disease. The data suggest an association of ELP-3 with active CD and ELM-12 with endoscopic remission in CD patients. Additionally, ELP-3 could identify UC patients with active clinical disease from patients in remission. The noninvasive biomarkers ELP-3 and ELM-12 could be potential surrogate biomarkers of elastin degradation and endoscopic and clinical disease markers.

IL-10-dependent Effect of Chinese Medicine Abelmoschus manihot on Alleviating Intestinal Inflammation and Modulating Gut Microbiota

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a recurrent disease associated with a potential risk of colorectal cancer. Abelmoschus manihot (AM), a Chinese herbal medicine, is known to alleviate IBD. However, its mechanism of action requires further clarification. Here, we focused on the role of IL-10 and the gut microbiota in the mechanism of action of AM. The effects of AM on intestinal inflammation, mucus production, and gut microbes were evaluated in dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced acute and chronic IBD models and in IL-10-deficient mice (IL-10[Formula: see text]). AM exhibited protective effects on acute and chronic models of IBD in wild-type mice by restoring body weight and colon length, promoting IL-10 secretion, and decreasing TNF-[Formula: see text] levels. Moreover, AM alleviated inflammatory infiltration, increased mucin 2 transcription, and increased the number of goblet cells in the colon. On the contrary, these effects were diminished in IL-10[Formula: see text] mice, which implied that the effect of AM on intestinal inflammation is IL-10-dependent. A gut microbial sequencing analysis showed that gut microbial dysbiosis was modulated by AM intervention. The regulatory effects of AM on Eggerthellaceae, Sutterellaceae, Erysipelotrichaceae, Burkholderiaceae, Desulfovibrionaceae, and Enterococcaceae were dependent on IL-10. These results revealed that AM ameliorated IBD and modulated gut microbes by promoting IL-10 secretion, indicating that AM has the potential to improve IBD and that AM is IL-10-dependent.

Total flavone of flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) Medic inhibits the expression of adhesion molecules in primary mesenteric arterial endothelial cells and ameliorates dextran sodium sulphate-induced ulcerative colitis in mice

BACKGROUND

Flowers of Abelmoschus manihot (L.) medic (AM) is a traditional Chinese medicine used to treat chronic nephritis, nephrotic syndrome, diabetic nephropathy, and colonic inflammation.

PURPOSE

This study aimed to explore the influence of the total flavone of AM flowers (TFA) on acute ulcerative colitis (UC) and the potential underlying mechanism.

METHODS

Efficacy of TFA (30, 60, 120 mg/kg) on UC was evaluated in a dextran sodium sulphate (DSS)-induced colonic inflammatory mouse model by analyzing disease activity index (DAI), histopathological score, colon length, and cytokine expression. Expression levels of critical adhesion molecules and nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB) were examined by qRT-PCR, Western blotting, or immunofluorescence labeling. Myeloperoxidase activity was examined using ELISA. In vitro THP-1 adhesion assay was used to evaluate monocyte adhesion.

RESULTS

TFA significantly reduced DAI score, prevented colon shortening, and ameliorated histological injuries of colons in DSS-treated mice. TFA inhibited the expression of cytokines (IL-1β and TNF-α) and adhesion molecules (ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MAdCAM-1) in colon tissues of DSS mice. In vitro studies on mesenteric arterial endothelial cells (MAECs) showed that TFA attenuated TNF-α-induced upregulation of ICAM-1, VCAM-1, and MAdCAM-1, as well as THP-1 cell adhesion to MAECs. TFA also suppressed the phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of NF-κB in MAECs.

CONCLUSION

TFA efficaciously ameliorates UC possibly by inhibiting monocyte adhesion through blocking TNF-α-induced NF-κB activation, which in turn suppresses the upregulation of adhesive molecules in colon endothelial cells. Inhibiting the expression of adhesion molecule in MAECs may represent a useful strategy for therapeutic development to treat UC, with TFA being a safe and efficacious therapeutic agent.

The role of Th17 cells in inflammatory bowel disease and the research progress

Th17 cells play an important role in the abnormal immune response in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and are involved in the development and progression of inflammation and fibrosis. An increasing amount of data has shown that gut microbes are important parts of intestinal immunity and regulators of Th17 cellular immunity. Th17 cell differentiation is regulated by intestinal bacteria and cytokines, and Th17 cells regulate the intestinal mucosal immune microenvironment by secreting cytokines, such as IL-17, IL-21, and IL-26. Solid evidence showed that, regarding the treatment of IBD by targeting Th17 cells, the therapeutic effect of different biological agents varies greatly. Fecal bacteria transplantation (FMT) in the treatment of IBD has been a popular research topic in recent years and is safe and effective with few side effects. To further understand the role of Th17 cells in the progression of IBD and associated therapeutic prospects, this review will discuss the progress of related research on Th17 cells in IBD by focusing on the interaction and immune regulation between Th17 cells and gut microbiota.

Biometabolites of Citrus unshiu Peel Enhance Intestinal Permeability and Alter Gut Commensal Bacteria

Flavanones in Citrus unshiu peel (CUP) have been used as therapeutic agents to reduce intestinal inflammation; however, the anti-inflammatory effects of their biometabolites remain ambiguous. Here, we identified aglycone-type flavanones, such as hesperetin and naringenin, which were more abundant in the bioconversion of the CUP than in the ethanol extracts of the CUP. We found that the bioconversion of the CUP induced the canonical nuclear factor-κB pathway via degradation of IκB in Caco-2 cells. To check the immune suppressive capacity of the aglycones of the CUP in vivo, we orally administered the bioconversion of the CUP (500 mg/kg) to mice for two weeks prior to the 3% dextran sulfate sodium treatment. The CUP-pretreated group showed improved body weight loss, colon length shortage, and intestinal inflammation than the control mice. We also found a significant decrease in the population of lamina propria Th17 cells in the CUP-pretreated group following dextran sodium sulfate (DSS) treatment and an increase in mRNA levels of occludin in CUP-treated Caco-2 cells. Pyrosequencing analysis revealed a decreased abundance of Alistipes putredinis and an increased abundance of Muribaculum intestinale in the feces of the CUP-pretreated mice compared to those of the control mice. Overall, these findings suggest that the pre-administration of CUP biometabolites may inhibit the development of murine colitis by modulating intestinal permeability and the gut microbiome.

Iron Restriction Alleviates Atherosclerosis in ApoE KO Mice: An iTRAQ Proteomic Analysis

The "iron hypothesis" of atherosclerosis has long been controversial. Several studies have shown that dietary iron restriction or low-iron diets can effectively alleviate atherosclerosis in rabbits and mice. However, the underlying molecular mechanisms of these phenomena remain to be elucidated. In this study, we further evaluated possible correlations between a low-iron diet and atherosclerosis alleviation by using a quantitative proteomic approach. For this purpose, apolipoprotein E knockout (ApoE KO) mice were divided into three groups and fed a normal diet (ND), a high-fat diet (HFD), or a high-fat +low-iron diet (HFD + LI). Our results showed that the HFD-LI improved atherosclerosis by decreasing en face lesions of the aorta and reducing the accumulation of macrophages and disordered smooth muscle cells. HFD-LI also decreased iron levels, serum hepcidin levels and the serum concentration of low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C). The use of the isobaric tag for absolute quantification (iTRAQ) proteomic method and subsequent multi-technique molecular validation indicated that many of the proteins involved in atherosclerotic inflammation, vascular remodeling, and focal adhesion had significant changes in their expression among the diet groups. Importantly, the proteins Gal-3 and VCAM1, which are key participants of atherosclerosis pathogenesis, revealed lower expression after a low-iron diet. The present findings widely support the "iron hypothesis" of atherosclerosis. Further studies are suggested to fully understand the implications of these results.

Macrophages in intestinal fibrosis and regression

Intestinal macrophages are heterogenous cell populations with different developmental ontogeny and tissue anatomy. The concerted actions of intestinal macrophage subsets are critical to maintaining tissue homeostasis. However, the dysregulation of macrophages following tissue injury or chronic inflammation could also lead to intestinal fibrosis, with few treatment options in the clinic. In this review, we will characterize the features of intestinal macrophages in light of the latest advances in lineage tracing and single-cell sequencing technology. The roles of macrophages in distinct stages of intestinal fibrosis would be also elaborated. Finally, based on the reciprocal interaction between macrophages and intestinal fibrosis, we will propose the potential macrophage targeting anti-intestinal fibrosis therapies.

Comprehensive analysis of the differential expression and prognostic value of COL1A2 in colon adenocarcinoma

Background: Colon adenocarcinoma (COAD) is a highly heterogeneous disease, which is the second most common cancer in females and third in males. Collagen type I alpha 2 (COL1A2) has been documented to be involved in the carcinogenesis of multiple tumors; however, the expression and prognostic significance of COL1A2 and its underlying mechanism in COAD remains unclarified.

Materials and Methods: The general profile of COL1A2, its expression pattern, and prognostic value were systematically assessed through various bioinformatics tools. The protein level of COL1A2 was verified in COAD patients using immunohistochemistry analysis. In addition, enrichment analyses were performed to explore the possible regulatory pathways of COL1A2 in COAD.

Results: The mRNA and protein levels of COL1A2 were significantly increased in COAD than that in normal tissues (P < 0.05). The COL1A2 expression tended to increase along with cancer stages and nodal metastasis status in COAD, while the promoter methylation levels of COL1A2 might negatively related to its mRNA expression. Survival analysis showed that COL1A2 was a reliable predictor for distinguishing the status of disease-specific survival (DSS), overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS), and might serve as a robust independent prognostic biomarker for DSS and OS in COAD patients (P < 0.05). The enrichment analysis showed focal adhesion as the most possible regulatory pathway by COL1A2.

Conclusion: Collectively, COL1A2 functioned as an independent prognostic biomarker and might be a potential therapeutic target in COAD.

Network pharmacology and molecular docking reveal zedoary turmeric-trisomes in Inflammatory bowel disease with intestinal fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is a complex chronic IBD that is closely associated with risk factors such as environment, diet, medications and lifestyle that may influence the host microbiome or immune response to antigens. At present, with the increasing incidence of IBD worldwide, it is of great significance to further study the pathogenesis of IBD and seek new therapeutic targets. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment of diseases is characterized by multiple approaches and multiple targets and has a long history of clinical application in China. The mechanism underlying the effect of zedoary turmeric-trisomes on inducing mucosal healing in IBD is not clear.

AIM

To explore the effective components and potential mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD with intestinal fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking techniques.

METHODS

The chemical constituents and targets of Rhizoma zedoary and Rhizoma sanarum were screened using the TCMSP database. The GeneCards database was searched to identify targets associated with intestinal fibrosis in IBD. The intersection of chemical component targets and disease targets was obtained using the Venny 2.1 online analysis platform, and the common targets were imported into the STRING 11.0 database to construct a protein interaction regulatory network. A "zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease" network diagram was subsequently constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software, and the topological properties of the network were analyzed using the "Network Analysis" plug-in. Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analyses of the common targets were performed using the DAVID 6.8 database to elucidate the mechanism of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of IBD. Subsequently, molecular docking of the compounds and targets with the highest intermediate values in the "zedoary turmeric-trisomes-chemical composition-target-disease" network was performed using Sybyl-x 2.1.1 software.

RESULTS

A total of 5 chemical components with 60 targets were identified, as well as 3153 targets related to IBD and 44 common targets. The protein-protein interaction network showed that the core therapeutic targets included JUN, MAPK14, CASP3, AR, and PTGS2. The GO enrichment analysis identified 759 items, and the KEGG enrichment analysis yielded 52 items, including the cancer pathway, neuroactive ligand-receptor interaction, hepatitis B, and the calcium signaling pathway, reflecting the complex biological processes of the multicomponent, multitarget and multipathway treatment of diseases with zedoary turmeric-trisomes. Molecular docking showed that the compound bonded with the target through hydrogen bond interactions and exhibited good docking activity.

CONCLUSION

This study identified the potential mechanism of action of zedoary turmeric-trisomes in the treatment of inflammatory bowel fibrosis using network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, providing a scientific basis for further expansion of their clinical use.