Protective Effects and Mechanisms of Yinchen Linggui Zhugan Decoction in HFD-Induced Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Rats Based on Network Pharmacology and Experimental Verification

Mechanistic Insights into T-2 Toxin-Induced Thymic Epithelial Cell Injury and Immunotoxicity via the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 Signaling Axis

Thymic epithelial cells (TECs) are critical for thymic structure and function, yet the impact of T-2 toxin (T-2) on TECs and related molecular pathways remains unclear. This study sheds light on the mechanisms of T-2-induced TEC damage, focusing on the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 signaling axis. The in vivo and in vitro analyses suggest that T-2 induces TEC injury through ROS-driven NLRP3 inflammasome activation, NF-κB signaling, inflammation, and apoptosis. Molecular docking analysis verified the binding of T-2 to critical components involved in oxidative stress, inflammatory signaling pathways, and apoptosis. These findings were further supported by therapeutic interventions targeting ROS and NLRP3. N-acetylcysteine (NAC) effectively reduced ROS levels, suppressed NF-κB signaling, inhibited NLRP3 activation, and mitigated inflammation and apoptosis, effects mirrored by the NLRP3 inhibitor MCC950, emphasizing the critical role of ROS-mediated NLRP3 inflammasome activation through NF-κB signaling in T-2-induced TEC damage. Concurrently, inhibition of the NF-κB signaling further suppressed ROS levels, NLRP3 inflammasome activation, and apoptosis in MTEC1 cells, emphasizing the pivotal function of the ROS-NF-κB-NLRP3 axis in the pathogenesis of T-2-induced thymic injury. Our study offers an in-depth insight into the mechanisms driving T-2-induced immunotoxicity and identifies potential therapeutic strategies targeting these pathways to mitigate thymic injury and preserve immune function.

Anthraquinones and Aloe Vera Extracts as Potential Modulators of Inflammaging Mechanisms: A Translational Approach from Autoimmune to Onco-Hematological Diseases

Inflammaging is a chronic, low-grade inflammatory state that contributes to age-related diseases, including cardiovascular disorders, osteoporosis, neurodegeneration, and cancer. This process involves immunosenescence, oxidative stress, and immune aging, all of which contribute to the breakdown of immune tolerance and the onset of autoimmune disorders. Aloe vera (AV) has recently gained attention for its immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. This review explores the effects of AV extracts and anthraquinones (e.g., aloe-emodin, emodin, aloin) on key inflammaging-driven mechanisms in autoimmunity. Our analysis highlights AV's ability to regulate hormone balance, autoantibody production, and cytokine/chemokine signaling (such as interleukin-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, and interferon-γ). It modulates inflammatory pathways, including mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT), thereby inhibiting nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B-cell (NF-κB) activation. Additionally, AV enhances antioxidant defenses and restores immune balance by reducing Th1/Th17 subsets while promoting Th2-mediated regulation. Notably, AV also modulates inflammasome-mediated mechanisms and counteracts immunosenescence, which is driven by autophagy-related processes. These effects position AV as a potential integrative approach to mitigating inflammaging-driven autoimmunity. Furthermore, as inflammaging is increasingly recognized in onco-hematological diseases, AV-based strategies may offer novel therapeutic avenues. Future studies should focus on clinical validation, optimizing formulations, and expanding applications to broader age-related and immune-mediated disorders.

Impact of Linggui Zhugan decoction on microwave ablation outcomes and recurrence in liver cancer

BACKGROUND

Liver cancer is one of the most common malignant tumors of the digestive system, and early detection and effective treatment are crucial for improving the prognosis. Microwave ablation (MWA) has shown promising results as a local therapeutic method for liver cancer; however, further improvement of its efficacy remains a key focus of current research.

AIM

To evaluate the clinical efficacy of Linggui Zhugan decoction combined with MWA for the treatment of primary liver cancer.

METHODS

Data were collected from 164 patients with primary liver cancer who underwent MWA at our hospital between March 2019 and April 2021. Among them, 79 patients (control group) received routine treatments and 85 patients (research group) received Linggui Zhugan decoction in addition to routine treatment. The clinical efficacy, incidence of adverse reactions, and levels of serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP), des-γ-carboxy prothrombin (DCP), AFP-L3, total bilirubin (TBil), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), CD4 cell count, CD8 cell count, and CD4/CD8 ratio were compared between the two groups, before and after treatment. The three-year recurrence rates between the two groups were compared, and independent prognostic factors for recurrence were identified.

RESULTS

The study results revealed that the objective response rate (ORR) in the research group was significantly higher than that in the control group (P = 0.005). After treatment, the CD4 cell count and CD4/CD8 ratio significantly increased, whereas the CD8 cell count and TBil, ALT, AFP, DCP, and AFP-L3 Levels were significantly lower in the research group than in the control group (P < 0.001). The Cox regression analysis revealed that the treatment regimen (P = 0.003), presence of cirrhosis (P = 0.019), tumor diameter (P = 0.037), Child-Pugh score (P = 0.003), pretreatment AFP level (P = 0.006), and AFP-L3 Level (P = 0.002) were independent prognostic factors for disease-free survival.

CONCLUSION

The combination of Linggui Zhugan decoction with MWA significantly improved the clinical efficacy and long-term prognosis of patients with primary liver cancer.

Application and mechanism of Chinese herb medicine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver condition closely associated with metabolic syndrome, with its incidence rate continuously rising globally. Recent studies have shown that the development of NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therapeutic strategies for NAFLD include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and emerging biological therapies; however, there is currently no specific drug to treat NAFLD. However Chinese herb medicine (CHM) has shown potential in the treatment of NAFLD due to its unique therapeutic concepts and methods for centuries in China. This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis of NAFLD and some CHMs that have been shown to have therapeutic effects on NAFLD, thus enriching the scientific connotation of TCM theories and facilitating the exploration of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD.

Mechanism investigation of anti-NAFLD of Shugan Yipi Granule based on network pharmacology analysis and experimental verification

As a classical traditional Chinese patent medicine, Shugan Yipi Granule is widely used in China to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) recently. Our previous study confirmed that Shugan Yipi Granule are effective in NAFLD. However, its underlying mechanism is still unknown. This study aims to investigate the mechanism of Shugan Yipi Granule on NAFLD based on network pharmacology prediction, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) analysis and in vitro verification. We obtained the active ingredients and targets of Shugan Yipi Granule and NAFLD from 6 traditional Chinese medicine databases, and the crucial components and targets screened by protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used for molecular docking. Plasma metabolomics of NAFLD patients treated with Shugan Yipi Granule for one month was analyzed using LC-MS methods and MetaboAnalyst 4.0 to obtain significant differential metabolites and pathways. Finally, free fatty acid (FFA) induced HepG2 cells were treated with different concentrations of quercetin and kaempferol, then oil red o (ORO) and triglyceride (TG) level were tested to verify the lipid deposition of the cell. Network pharmacology analysis showed that the main active ingredients of Shugan Yipi Granule include quercetin, kaempferol and other 58 ones, as well as 188 potential targets. PI3K/Akt signaling pathway was found to be the most relevant pathway for the treatment of NAFLD. Non-targeted metabolomics showed that quercetin and kaempferol were significantly up-regulated differential metabolites and were involved in metabolic pathways such as thyroid hormone signaling. In vitro results showed that quercetin, kaempferol were effective in reducing lipid deposition and TG content by inhibiting cellular fatty acid uptake. Ultimately, with the network pharmacology and serum metabolomics analysis, quercetin and kaempferol were found to be the important active ingredients and significantly up-regulated differential metabolites of Shugan Yipi Granule against NAFLD, which we inferred that they may regulate NAFLD through PI3K/Akt signaling pathway and thyroid hormone metabolism pathway. The in vitro experiment verification results showed that quercetin and kaempferol attenuated the lipid accumulation and TG content by inhibiting the fatty acid uptake in the FFA-induced HepG2 cell. Current study provides the necessary experimental basis for subsequent in-depth mechanism research.

Shenling Baizhu San ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in mice by modulating gut microbiota and metabolites

Purpose: The prevalence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its related mortality is increasing at an unprecedented rate. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been shown to offer potential for early prevention and treatment of NAFLD. The new mechanism of "Shenling Baizhu San" (SLBZS) is examined in this study for the prevention and treatment of NAFLD at the preclinical level. Methods: Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into three groups: normal diet (ND), western diet + CCl4 injection (WDC), and SLBZS intervention (WDC + SLBZS). Body weights, energy intake, liver enzymes, pro-inflammatory factors, and steatosis were recorded in detail. Meanwhile, TPH1, 5-HT, HTR2A, and HTR2B were tested using qRT-PCR or ELISA. Dynamic changes in the gut microbiota and metabolites were further detected through the 16S rRNA gene and untargeted metabolomics. Results: SLBZS intervention for 6 weeks could reduce the serum and liver lipid profiles, glucose, and pro-inflammatory factors while improving insulin resistance and liver function indexes in the mice, thus alleviating NAFLD in mice. More importantly, significant changes were found in the intestinal TPH-1, 5-HT, liver 5-HT, and related receptors HTR2A and HTR2B. The 16S rRNA gene analysis suggested that SLBZS was able to modulate the disturbance of gut microbiota, remarkably increasing the relative abundance of probiotics (Bifidobacterium and Parvibacter) and inhibiting the growth of pro-inflammatory bacteria (Erysipelatoclostridium and Lachnoclostridium) in mice with NAFLD. Combined with metabolomics in positive- and negative-ion-mode analyses, approximately 50 common differential metabolites were selected via non-targeted metabolomics detection, which indicated that the targeting effect of SLBZS included lipid metabolites, bile acids (BAs), amino acids (AAs), and tryptophan metabolites. In particular, the lipid metabolites 15-OxEDE, vitamin D3, desoxycortone, and oleoyl ethanol amide were restored by SLBZS. Conclusion: Integrating the above results of multiple omics suggests that SLBZS ameliorates NAFLD via specific gut microbiota, gut-derived 5-HT, and related metabolites to decrease fat accumulation in the liver and inflammatory responses.

Effects of plant natural products on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and the underlying mechanisms: a narrative review with a focus on the modulation of the gut microbiota

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of MAFLD, there are no officially approved drugs for treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-MAFLD drugs. Recently, the relationship between the gut microbiota and MAFLD has been widely recognized, and treating MAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic strategy. Natural products, especially plant natural products, have attracted much attention in the treatment of MAFLD due to their multiple targets and pathways and few side effects. Moreover, the structure and function of the gut microbiota can be influenced by exposure to plant natural products. However, the effects of plant natural products on MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Based on the above information and to address the potential therapeutic role of plant natural products in MAFLD, we systematically summarize the effects and mechanisms of action of plant natural products in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota. This narrative review provides feasible ideas for further exploration of safer and more effective natural drugs for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.

Role of anthraquinones in combating insulin resistance

Insulin resistance presents a formidable public health challenge that is intricately linked to the onset and progression of various chronic ailments, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Effectively addressing insulin resistance is paramount in preventing and managing these metabolic disorders. Natural herbal remedies show promise in combating insulin resistance, with anthraquinone extracts garnering attention for their role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and treating diabetes. Anthraquinones are believed to ameliorate insulin resistance through diverse pathways, encompassing activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, restoration of insulin signal transduction, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of gut microbiota. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate the potential anthraquinone compounds that exert beneficial effects on insulin resistance, elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic impact. The evidence discussed in this review points toward the potential utilization of anthraquinones as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance and its associated metabolic diseases.

Rutin alleviates ventilator-induced lung injury by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation

Whether rutin relieves ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI) remains unclear. Here, we used network pharmacology, bioinformatics, and molecular docking to predict the therapeutic targets and potential mechanisms of rutin in the treatment of VILI. Subsequently, a mouse model of VILI was established to confirm the effects of rutin on VILI. HE staining showed that rutin alleviated VILI. TUNEL staining showed that rutin reduced apoptosis in the lung tissue of mice with VILI, and the same change was observed in the ratio of Bax/Bcl2. Furthermore, rutin reduced the expression of NLRP3, ASC, Caspase1, IL1β, and IL18 in the lung tissues of mice with VILI. Mechanistically, rutin suppressed the TLR4/NF-κB-P65 pathway, which promoted the M1 to M2 macrophage transition and alleviated inflammation in mice with VILI. Rutin relieved NLRP3 inflammasome activation by regulating M1/M2 macrophage polarization and inhibiting the activation of the TLR4/NF-κB-P65 pathway, resulting in the amelioration of VILI in mice.

Yinchen Linggui Zhugan decoction ameliorates high fat diet-induced nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and gut microbiota

Yinchen Linggui Zhugan decoction (YLZD) is an effective and classical traditional herbal prescription for treating the nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and has been proven to be effective in the regulation of lipid metabolism disorder and attenuate inflammation for a NAFLD rat model. However, the exact underlying mechanism has not been elucidated. In the current study, a NAFLD rat model was established using a high-fat diet (HFD) for 10 weeks, followed by YLZD treatment with 1.92 g/kg/day for 4 weeks to explore the mechanisms of YLZD. Our results showed that YLZD decreased the hepatic lipid deposition, restored the liver tissue pathological lesions, inhibited the expression of oxidative stress, and decreased the inflammatory cytokines levels. Meanwhile, the genes and proteins expressions of SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway together with downstream factors including HO-1 and NQO1 were elevated in the YLZD treated NAFLD rats. For further elaborating the upstream mechanism, short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) in serum and feces were measured by liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer and gas chromatograph mass spectrometer, and the differences in gut microbiota of rats in each group were analyzed through high-throughput sequencing of 16S rRNA. The results demonstrated that the contents of butyric acid (BA) and total SCFAs in YLZD-treated NAFLD rats were significantly increased in serum and feces. 16S rRNA sequencing analysis illustrated that YLZD intervention led to a modification of the gut microbiota composition, with a decrease of Oribacterium, Lactobacillus and the ratio of Firmicutes/Bacteroides, as well as the increase in SCFAs-producing bacteria such as Christensenellaceae, Clostridia, Muribaculaceae, and Prevotellaceae. Spearman rank correlation analysis indicated that BA and total SCFAs were negatively co-related with oxidative stress-related factors and inflammatory cytokines, while they were positively co-related with SIRT1/Nrf2 pathway related genes and proteins. Furthermore, in vitro study confirmed that BA effectively reduced oxidative stress by activating SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway in L02 cells. Together, the present data revealed YLZD could ameliorate HFD-induced NAFLD in rats by the modulation of SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway and gut microbiota.

Aqueous extract of Artemisia capillaris improves non-alcoholic fatty liver and obesity in mice induced by high-fat diet

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the most common chronic liver diseases and is a nutritional metabolic disease. Artemisia capillaris (AC) is the above-ground dried part of Artemisia capillaris Thunb. or Artemisia scoparia Waldst. et Kit., a natural medicinal plant with pharmacological effects of heat-clearing and biliary-promoting. In order to evaluate the therapeutic effect of Artemisia capillaris on NAFLD and obesity, experiments were conducted using aqueous extracts of Artemisia capillaris (WAC) to intervene in NAFLD models in vivo and in vitro. In vivo experiments were performed using HFD-fed (high fat diet) C57BL/6 mice to induce NAFLD model, and in vitro experiments were performed using oleic acid to induce HepG2 cells to construct NAFLD cell model. H.E. staining and oil red O staining of liver tissue were used to observe hepatocytes. Blood biochemistry analyzer was used to detect serum lipid levels in mice. The drug targets and mechanism of action of AC to improve NAFLD were investigated by western blotting, qRT-PCR and immunofluorescence. The results showed that C57BL/6 mice fed HFD continuously for 16 weeks met the criteria for NAFLD in terms of lipid index and hepatocyte fat accumulation. WAC was able to reverse the elevation of serum lipid levels induced by high-fat diet in mice. WAC promoted the phosphorylation levels of PI3K/AKT and AMPK in liver and HepG2 cells of NAFLD mice, inhibited SREBP-1c expression, reduced TG and lipogenesis, and decreased lipid accumulation. In summary, WAC extract activates PI3K/AKT pathway, reduces SREBP-1c protein expression by promoting AMPK phosphorylation, and decreases fatty acid synthesis and TG content in hepatocytes. AC can be used as a potential health herb to improve NAFLD and obesity.