Graptopetalum paraguayense Inhibits Liver Fibrosis by Blocking TGF-β Signaling In Vivo and In Vitro

The Role of HSP90 and TRAP1 Targets on Treatment in Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC) is the predominant form of liver cancer and arises due to dysregulation of the cell cycle control machinery. Heat Shock Protein 90 (HSP90) and mitochondrial HSP90, also referred to as TRAP1 are important critical chaperone target receptors for early diagnosis and targeting HCC. Both HSP90 and TRAP1 expression was found to be higher in HCC patients. Hence, the importance of HSP90 and TRAP1 inhibitors mechanism and mitochondrial targeted delivery of those inhibitors function is widely studied. This review also focuses on importance of protein-protein interactions of HSP90 and TRAP1 targets and association of its interacting proteins in various pathways of HCC. To further elucidate the mechanism, systems biology approaches and computational biology approach studies are well explored in the association of inhibition of herbal plant molecules with HSP90 and its mitochondrial type in HCC.

Repurposing pitavastatin and atorvastatin to overcome chemoresistance of metastatic colorectal cancer under high glucose conditions

BACKGROUND

Colorectal cancer (CRC) poses a significant clinical challenge because of drug resistance, which can adversely impact patient outcomes. Recent research has shown that abnormalities within the tumor microenvironment, especially hyperglycemia, play a crucial role in promoting metastasis and chemoresistance, and thereby determine the overall prognosis of patients with advanced CRC.

METHODS

This study employs data mining and consensus molecular subtype (CMS) techniques to identify pitavastatin and atorvastatin as potential agents for targeting high glucose-induced drug resistance in advanced CRC cells. CRC cells maintained under either low or high glucose conditions were established and utilized to assess the cytotoxic effects of pitavastatin and atorvastatin, both with and without 5-fluorouracil (5-FU). CRC 3D spheroids cultured were also included to demonstrate the anti-drug resistance of pitavastatin and atorvastatin.

RESULTS

A bioinformatics analysis identified pitavastatin and atorvastatin as promising drug candidates. The CMS4 CRC cell line SW480 (SW480-HG) was established and cultured under high glucose conditions to simulate hyperglycemia-induced drug resistance and metastasis in CRC patients. Pitavastatin and atorvastatin could inhibit cell proliferation and 3D spheroid formation of CMS4 CRC cells under high glucose conditions. In addition, both pitavastatin and atorvastatin can synergistically promote the 5-FU-mediated cytotoxic effect and inhibit the growth of 5-FU-resistant CRC cells. Mechanistically, pitavastatin and atorvastatin can induce apoptosis and synergistically promote the 5-FU-mediated cytotoxic effect by activating autophagy, as well as the PERK/ATF4/CHOP signaling pathway while decreasing YAP expression.

CONCLUSION

This study highlights the biomarker-guided precision medicine strategy for drug repurposing. Pitavastatin and atorvastatin could be used to assist in the treatment of advanced CRC, particularly with CMS4 subtype CRC patients who also suffer from hyperglycemia. Pitavastatin, with an achievable dosage used for clinical interventions, is highly recommended for a novel CRC therapeutic strategy.

Harnessing nature's arsenal: Targeting the TGF-β/Smad Cascade with novel natural anti-fibrotic agents

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is a wound healing response that leads to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) due to sustained liver injury. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are key players in ECM synthesis, with the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway being central to their activation. Despite advances in understanding the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis, effective anti-fibrotic therapies are still lacking.

METHODS

This treatise conducts a comprehensive review of the literature on the hepatoprotective effects of natural products, including natural medicine compounds, herbal extracts, and polysaccharides. The focus is on their ability to modulate the TGF-β pathway, which is critical in the activation of HSCs and ECM synthesis in hepatic fibrosis.

RESULTS

The review identifies a variety of natural products that have shown promise in inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad signaling cascade, thereby reducing the activation of HSCs and ECM accumulation. These findings highlight the potential of these natural products as therapeutic agents in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSIONS

The exploration of natural products as modulators of the TGF-β pathway presents a novel avenue for both clinical and preclinical research into hepatic fibrosis. Further investigation is warranted to fully understand the mechanisms of action and to develop these compounds into effective anti-fibrotic pharmaceuticals.

Ciliary and Non-Ciliary Roles of IFT88 in Development and Diseases

Cilia are highly specialized cellular projections emanating from the cell surface, whose defects contribute to a spectrum of diseases collectively known as ciliopathies. Intraflagellar transport protein 88 (IFT88) is a crucial component of the intraflagellar transport-B (IFT-B) subcomplex, a protein complex integral to ciliary transport. The absence of IFT88 disrupts the formation of ciliary structures; thus, animal models with IFT88 mutations, including the oak ridge polycystic kidney (ORPK) mouse model and IFT88 conditional allelic mouse model, are frequently employed in molecular and clinical studies of ciliary functions and ciliopathies. IFT88 plays a pivotal role in a variety of cilium-related processes, including organ fibrosis and cyst formation, metabolic regulation, chondrocyte development, and neurological functions. Moreover, IFT88 also exhibits cilium-independent functions, such as spindle orientation, planar cell polarity establishment, and actin organization. A deeper understanding of the biological events and molecular mechanisms mediated by IFT88 is anticipated to advance the development of diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for related diseases.

A Comprehensive Review on Graptopetalum paraguayense's Phytochemical Profiles, Pharmacological Activities, and Development as a Functional Food

Graptopetalum paraguayense (G. paraguayense) is a succulent plant that has been used in traditional Chinese and Taiwanese medicine, mainly for antihypertensive and hepatoprotective activities. G. paraguayense is also used as an edible vegetable, which is considered a functional food. Different in vitro, in vivo, and clinical studies have highlighted the multiple pharmacological activities of G. paraguayense, which include anticancer, antibacterial, antiviral, antiasthma, antihypertensive, skin-whitening and anti-aging, anti-Alzheimer, neuroprotective, and hepatoprotective activities. Numerous studies revealed the antioxidant and anti-inflammatory potential of G. paraguayense, which may be the major contributing factor for multiple pharmacological activities and the protective effect of G. paraguayense on pancreatic, liver, lung, colon, and brain diseases. Initial safety studies on animal models also support the therapeutic candidature of G. paraguayense. The presence of numerous bioactive phytochemicals, especially polyphenols, and the identification of important disease targets of G. paraguayense emphasize its high therapeutic potential. The lack of a directional approach and limited in vivo studies limit the development of G. paraguayense against important diseases. Still, a compilation of pharmacological activities and target pathways of G. paraguayense is missing in the literature. The current review not only compiles pharmacological activities and phytochemicals but also highlights gaps and proposes future directions for developing G. paraguayense as a candidate against important diseases.

XIAP-mediated degradation of IFT88 disrupts HSC cilia to stimulate HSC activation and liver fibrosis

Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a critical role in liver fibrosis. However, the molecular basis for HSC activation remains poorly understood. Herein, we demonstrate that primary cilia are present on quiescent HSCs but exhibit a significant loss upon HSC activation which correlates with decreased levels of the ciliary protein intraflagellar transport 88 (IFT88). Ift88-knockout mice are more susceptible to chronic carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis. Mechanistic studies show that the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) functions as an E3 ubiquitin ligase for IFT88. Transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β), a profibrotic factor, enhances XIAP-mediated ubiquitination of IFT88, promoting its proteasomal degradation. Blocking XIAP-mediated IFT88 degradation ablates TGF-β-induced HSC activation and liver fibrosis. These findings reveal a previously unrecognized role for ciliary homeostasis in regulating HSC activation and identify the XIAP-IFT88 axis as a potential therapeutic target for liver fibrosis.

Antioxidant therapy against TGF-β/SMAD pathway involved in organ fibrosis

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.

Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis

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.

Guizhi Fuling pill attenuates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via inhibiting TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and activating IFN-γ/Smad7 signaling pathways

Liver fibrosis resulting from chronic liver injuries (CLI) is a common health problem globally. Guizhi Fuling pill (GZFL), a modern preparation from traditional Chinese medicine, exhibited anti-dysmenorrhea, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulative effects. However, the effect of GZFL on liver fibrosis remains unknown. In this research, LX-2 cells were stimulated with acetaldehyde for mimicking liver fibrosis progression in vitro. In addition, carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced mouse model of liver fibrosis was established as well. The data revealed GZFL obviously suppressed the proliferation and triggered the apoptosis of acetaldehyde-stimulated LX-2 cells. In addition, GZFL prevented acetaldehyde-induced activation of LX-2 cells via downregulation of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, CUGBP1, and upregulation of p-STAT1 and Smad7. Meanwhile, GZFL significantly alleviated CCl₄‑induced liver fibrosis, as evidenced by the decrease of ALT and AST levels. Moreover, GZFL downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, p-Smad2, p-Smad3, and CUGBP1 in CCl₄-treated mice. Furthermore, GZFL remarkably elevated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, and Smad7 in CCl₄-treated mice. To sum up, GZFL was able to inhibit liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo through suppressing TGF-β1/Smad2/3-CUGBP1 signaling and activating IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signaling. Thus, GZFL might have a potential to act as a therapeutic agent for anti-fibrotic therapy.

Potential of hydroxybenzoic acids from Graptopetalum paraguayense for inhibiting of herpes simplex virus DNA polymerase – metabolome profiling, molecular docking and quantum-chemical analysis

According to our previous investigation the total methanol extract from Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther demonstrates a significant inhibitory effect on herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1). To clarify what causes this inhibitory activity on HSV-1, a metabolic profile of the plant was performed. Three main fractions: non-polar substances, polar metabolites and phenolic compounds were obtained and gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC-MS) analysis was carried out. Since it is well known that phenolic compounds show a significant anti-herpes effect and that viral DNA polymerase (DNApol) appears to play a key role in HSV virus replication, we present a docking and quantum-chemical analysis of the binding of these compounds to viral DNApol amino acids. Fourteen different phenolic acids found by GC-MS analyses, were used in molecular docking simulations. According to the interaction energies of all fourteen ligands in the DNApol pockets based on docking results, density functional theory (DFT) calculations were performed on the five optimally interacting with the receptor acids. It was found that hydroxybenzoic acids from phenolic fraction of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther show a good binding affinity to the amino acids from the active site of the HSV DNApol, but significantly lower than that of acyclovir. The mode of action on virus replication of acyclovir (by DNApol) is different from that of the plant phenolic acids one, probably.

Graptopetalum paraguayense Extract Ameliorates Proteotoxicity in Aging and Age-Related Diseases in Model Systems

Declines in physiological functions are the predominant risk factors for age-related diseases, such as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. Therefore, delaying the aging process is believed to be beneficial in preventing the onset of age-related diseases. Previous studies have demonstrated that Graptopetalum paraguayense (GP) extract inhibits liver cancer cell growth and reduces the pathological phenotypes of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in patient IPS-derived neurons. Here, we show that GP extract suppresses β-amyloid pathology in SH-SYS5Y-APP₆₉₅ cells and APP/PS1 mice. Moreover, AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activity is enhanced by GP extract in U87 cells and APP/PS1 mice. Intriguingly, GP extract enhances autophagy in SH-SYS5Y-APP₆₉₅ cells, U87 cells, and the nematode Caenorhabditis elegans, suggesting a conserved molecular mechanism by which GP extract might regulate autophagy. In agreement with its role as an autophagy activator, GP extract markedly diminishes mobility decline in polyglutamine Q35 mutants and aged wild-type N2 animals in C. elegans. Furthermore, GP extract significantly extends lifespan in C. elegans.

The Gut Microbiota: How Does It Influence the Development and Progression of Liver Diseases

The gut–liver axis plays important roles in both the maintenance of a healthy liver and the pathogenesis of liver diseases, where the gut microbiota acts as a major determinant of this relationship. Gut bacteria-derived metabolites and cellular components are key molecules that affect the function of the liver and modulate the pathology of liver diseases. Accumulating evidence showed that gut microbiota produces a myriad of molecules, including lipopolysaccharide, lipoteichoic acid, peptidoglycan, and DNA, as well as short-chain fatty acids, bile acids, trimethylamine, and indole derivatives. The translocation of these components to the liver exerts beneficial or pathogenic effects by interacting with liver immune cells. This is a bidirectional relationship. Therefore, the existence of crosstalk between the gut and liver and its implications on host health and diseases are essential for the etiology and treatment of diseases. Several mechanisms have been proposed for the pathogenesis of liver diseases, but still, the mechanisms behind the pathogenic role of gut-derived components on liver pathogenesis remain elusive and not understandable. This review discusses the current progress on the gut microbiota and its components in terms of the progression of liver diseases, and in turn, how liver diseases indirectly affect the intestinal function and induce intestinal inflammation. Moreover, this paper highlights the current therapeutic and preventive strategies used to restore the gut microbiota composition and improve host health.

Resveratrol Modulates Transforming Growth Factor-Beta (TGF-β) Signaling Pathway for Disease Therapy: A New Insight into Its Pharmacological Activities

Resveratrol (Res) is a well-known natural product that can exhibit important pharmacological activities such as antioxidant, anti-diabetes, anti-tumor, and anti-inflammatory. An evaluation of its therapeutic effects demonstrates that this naturally occurring bioactive compound can target different molecular pathways to exert its pharmacological actions. Transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β) is an important molecular pathway that is capable of regulating different cellular mechanisms such as proliferation, migration, and angiogenesis. TGF-β has been reported to be involved in the development of disorders such as diabetes, cancer, inflammatory disorders, fibrosis, cardiovascular disorders, etc. In the present review, the relationship between Res and TGF-β has been investigated. It was noticed that Res can inhibit TGF-β to suppress the proliferation and migration of cancer cells. In addition, Res can improve fibrosis by reducing inflammation via promoting TGF-β down-regulation. Res has been reported to be also beneficial in the amelioration of diabetic complications via targeting the TGF-β signaling pathway. These topics are discussed in detail in this review to shed light on the protective effects of Res mediated via the modulation of TGF-β signaling.

Antioxidant Activity of Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther Leaf Extract Counteracts Oxidative Stress Induced by Ethanol and Carbon Tetrachloride Co-Induced Hepatotoxicity in Rats

(1) Background: Graptopetalum paraguayense E. Walther is a traditional Chinese herbal medicine. In our previous study, 50% ethanolic G. paraguayense extracts (GE50) demonstrated good antioxidant activity. (2) Methods: To investigate the hepatoprotective effects of GE50 on ethanol and carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄) co-induced hepatic damage in rats, Sprague–Dawley rats were randomly divided into five groups (Control group; GE50 group, 0.25 g/100 g BW; EC group: Ethanol + CCl₄, 1.25 mL 50% ethanol and 0.1 mL 20% CCl₄/100 g BW; EC + GE50 group: Ethanol + CCl₄ + GE50; EC + silymarin group: ethanol + CCl₄ + silymarin, 20 mg/100 g BW) for six consecutive weeks. (3) Results: Compared with the control group, EC group significantly elevated the serum aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminitransferase (ALT), and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH). However, GE50 or silymarin treatment effectively reversed these changes. GE50 had a significant protective effect against ethanol + CCl₄ induced lipid peroxidation and increased the levels of glutathione (GSH), vitamin C, E, total antioxidant status (TAS), and the activities of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GPx), catalase (CAT), and glutathione S-transferases (GST). Furthermore, in EC focal group, slight fat droplet infiltration was observed in the livers, while in the GE50 or silymarin treatment groups, decreased fat droplet infiltration. HPLC phytochemical profile of GE50 revealed the presence of gallic acid, flavone, genistin, daidzin, and quercetin. (4) Conclusions: The hepatoprotective activity of GE50 is proposed to occur through the synergic effects of its chemical component, namely, gallic acid, flavone, genistin, daidzin, and quercetin. Hence, G. paraguayense can be used as a complementary and alternative therapy in the prevention of alcohol + CCl₄-induced liver injury.