1
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Cellular and Molecular Mechanisms and Effects of Berberine on Obesity-Induced Inflammation. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10071739. [PMID: 35885044 PMCID: PMC9312506 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10071739] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2022] [Revised: 07/11/2022] [Accepted: 07/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity represents chronic low-grade inflammation that precipitates type 2 diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and cancer. Berberine (BBR) has been reported to exert anti-obesity and anti-inflammatory benefits. We aimed to demonstrate the underlying immune-modulating mechanisms of anti-obesity effects of BBR. First, we performed in silico study to identify therapeutic targets, describe potential pathways, and simulate BBR docking at M1 and M2 adipose tissue macrophages (ATMs), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), C-C motif chemokine ligand 2 (CCL2), CCL4, CCL5, and C-X-C motif chemokine receptor 4 (CXCR4). Next, in vivo, we divided 20 C58BL/6 mice into four groups: normal chow, control (high fat diet (HFD)), HFD + BBR 100 mg/kg, and HFD + metformin (MET) 200 mg/kg. We evaluated body weight, organ weight, fat area in tissues, oral glucose and fat tolerance tests, HOMA-IR, serum lipids levels, population changes in ATMs, M1 and M2 subsets, and gene expression of TNF-α, CCL2, CCL3, CCL5, and CXCR4. BBR significantly reduced body weight, adipocyte size, fat deposition in the liver, HOMA-IR, triglycerides, free fatty acids, ATM infiltration, all assessed gene expression, and enhanced the CD206+ M2 ATMs population. In conclusion, BBR treats obesity and its associated metabolic dysfunctions, by modulating ATM recruitment and polarization via chemotaxis inhibition.
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2
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Shao G, Liu Y, Lu L, Zhang G, Zhou W, Wu T, Wang L, Xu H, Ji G. The Pathogenesis of HCC Driven by NASH and the Preventive and Therapeutic Effects of Natural Products. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:944088. [PMID: 35873545 PMCID: PMC9301043 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.944088] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/14/2022] [Accepted: 06/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a clinical syndrome with pathological changes that are similar to those of alcoholic hepatitis without a history of excessive alcohol consumption. It is a specific form of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) that is characterized by hepatocyte inflammation based on hepatocellular steatosis. Further exacerbation of NASH can lead to cirrhosis, which may then progress to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). There is a lack of specific and effective treatments for NASH and NASH-driven HCC, and the mechanisms of the progression of NASH to HCC are unclear. Therefore, there is a need to understand the pathogenesis and progression of these diseases to identify new therapeutic approaches. Currently, an increasing number of studies are focusing on the utility of natural products in NASH, which is likely to be a promising prospect for NASH. This paper reviews the possible mechanisms of the pathogenesis and progression of NASH and NASH-derived HCC, as well as the potential therapeutic role of natural products in NASH and NASH-derived HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoxuan Shao
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ying Liu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lu Lu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guangtao Zhang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Wu
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Biomedical Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hanchen Xu
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hanchen Xu, , ; Guang Ji, ,
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Hanchen Xu, , ; Guang Ji, ,
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3
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Lin CH, Li HY, Wang SH, Chen YH, Chen YC, Wu HT. Consumption of Non-Nutritive Sweetener, Acesulfame Potassium Exacerbates Atherosclerosis through Dysregulation of Lipid Metabolism in ApoE -/- Mice. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13113984. [PMID: 34836239 PMCID: PMC8618357 DOI: 10.3390/nu13113984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/25/2021] [Revised: 10/29/2021] [Accepted: 11/04/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Obesity is associated with the risk of cardiovascular disease, and non-nutritive sweetener, such as acesulfame potassium (AceK) has been used to combat obesity. However, the effects of AceK on cardiovascular disease are still unclear. In this study, high cholesterol diet (HCD)-fed ApoE-/- mice had dysregulated plasma lipid profile, and developed atherosclerosis, determined by atherosclerotic plaque in the aorta. Supplement of AceK in HCD worsened the dyslipidemia and increased atherosclerotic plaque, as compared with HCD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Since treatment of AceK in RAW264.7 macrophages showed no significant effects on inflammatory cytokine expressions, we then investigated the impacts of AceK on lipid metabolism. We found that AceK consumption enhanced hepatic lipogenesis and decreased β-oxidation in ApoE-/- mice. In addition, AceK directly increased lipogenesis and decreased β-oxidation in HepG2 cells. Taken together, a concurrent consumption of AceK exacerbated HCD-induced dyslipidemia and atherosclerotic lesion in ApoE-/- mice, and AceK might increase the risk of atherosclerosis under HCD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cheng-Hsin Lin
- Department of Surgery, Shuang Ho Hospital, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
| | - Hung-Yuan Li
- Department of Internal Medicine, National Taiwan University Hospital, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Shu-Huei Wang
- Department of Anatomy and Cell Biology, College of Medicine, National Taiwan University, Taipei 100, Taiwan;
| | - Yue-Hwa Chen
- School of Nutrition and Health Sciences, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- School of Food Safety, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Yang-Ching Chen
- Department of Family Medicine, Taipei Medical University Hospital, Taipei 110, Taiwan;
- Department of Family Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, Taipei Medical University, Taipei 110, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Tsung Wu
- Department of Internal Medicine, School of Medicine, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, Tainan 701, Taiwan
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +886-6-2353535 (ext. 5205); Fax: +886-6-2353660
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Ren S, Ma X, Wang R, Liu H, Wei Y, Wei S, Jing M, Zhao Y. Preclinical Evidence of Berberine on Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Animal Studies. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:742465. [PMID: 34566663 PMCID: PMC8458904 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.742465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/16/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
As lifestyle and diet structure impact our health, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is prevalent all over the world. Some phytomedicines containing berberine (BBR) have been extensively used for centuries in Ayurvedic and traditional Chinese medicine. The goal of this systematic review is to investigate the preclinical evidence of BBR on NAFLD models. The following relevant databases, including Web of Science, PubMed, the Cochrane Library, and Embase, were retrieved from inception to May 2021. The content involved BBR on different animal models for the treatment of NAFLD. The SYstematic Review Center for Laboratory animal Experimentation (SYRCLE) Animal Experiment Bias Risk Assessment Tool was used to assess the methodological quality and RevMan 5.4 software was used to conduct the meta-analysis based on the Cochrane tool. A total of 31 studies involving 566 animals were included, of which five models and five animal breeds were reported. The results showed that TC, TG, ALT, AST, HDL-C, LDL-C, FBG, FINS, and FFA in the group treated with BBR were significantly restored compared with those in the model group. HOMA-IR had a significant downward trend, but the result was not significantly different (P = 0.08). The subgroup analysis of the different models and different animal breeds indicated that BBR could ameliorate the aforementioned indicator levels, although some results showed no significant difference. Finally, we summarized the molecular mechanisms by which berberine regulated NAFLD/NASH, mainly focusing on activating the AMPK pathway, improving insulin sensitivity and glucose metabolism, regulating mitochondrial function, reducing inflammation and oxidative stress, regulating cell death and ER stress, reducing DNA methylation, and regulating intestinal microenvironment and neurotoxicity. The preclinical evidence suggested that BBR might be an effective and promising drug for treating NAFLD/NASH. In addition, further studies with more well-designed researches are needed to confirm this conclusion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sichen Ren
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ruilin Wang
- Integrative Medical Center, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Honghong Liu
- Integrative Medical Center, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ying Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shizhang Wei
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Manyi Jing
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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Bansod S, Saifi MA, Godugu C. Molecular updates on berberine in liver diseases: Bench to bedside. Phytother Res 2021; 35:5459-5476. [PMID: 34056769 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7181] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/16/2020] [Revised: 04/05/2021] [Accepted: 05/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Liver diseases are life-threatening illnesses and are the major cause of mortality and morbidity worldwide. These may include liver fibrosis, liver cirrhosis, and drug-induced liver toxicity. Liver diseases have a wide prevalence globally and the fifth most common cause of death among all gastrointestinal disorders. Several novel therapeutic approaches have emerged for the therapy of liver diseases that may provide better clinical outcomes with improved safety. The use of phytochemicals for the amelioration of liver diseases has gained considerable popularity. Berberine (BBR), an isoquinoline alkaloid of the protoberberine type, has emerged as a promising molecule for the treatment of gastrointestinal disorders. Accumulating studies have proved the hepatoprotective effects of BBR. BBR has been shown to modulate multiple signaling pathways implicated in the pathogenesis of liver diseases including Akt/FoxO2, PPAR-γ, Nrf2, insulin, AMPK, mTOR, and epigenetic pathways. In the present review, we have emphasized the important pharmacological activities and mechanisms of BBR in liver diseases. Further, we have reviewed various pharmacokinetic and toxicological barriers of this promising phytoconstituent. Finally, formulation-based novel approaches are also summarized to overcome the clinical hurdles for BBR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sapana Bansod
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Mohd Aslam Saifi
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
| | - Chandraiah Godugu
- Department of Regulatory Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER), Hyderabad, India
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Li X, Su C, Jiang Z, Yang Y, Zhang Y, Yang M, Zhang X, Du Y, Zhang J, Wang L, Jiang J, Hong B. Berberine attenuates choline-induced atherosclerosis by inhibiting trimethylamine and trimethylamine-N-oxide production via manipulating the gut microbiome. NPJ Biofilms Microbiomes 2021; 7:36. [PMID: 33863898 PMCID: PMC8052457 DOI: 10.1038/s41522-021-00205-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Accepted: 03/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Trimethylamine-N-oxide (TMAO), a derivative from the gut microbiota metabolite trimethylamine (TMA), has been identified to be an independent risk factor for promoting atherosclerosis. Evidences suggest that berberine (BBR) could be used to treat obesity, diabetes and atherosclerosis, however, its mechanism is not clear mainly because of its poor oral bioavailability. Here, we show that BBR attenuated TMA/TMAO production in the C57BL/6J and ApoE KO mice fed with choline-supplemented chow diet, and mitigated atherosclerotic lesion areas in ApoE KO mice. Inhibition of TMA/TMAO production by BBR-modulated gut microbiota was proved by a single-dose administration of d9-choline in vivo. Metagenomic analysis of cecal contents demonstrated that BBR altered gut microbiota composition, microbiome functionality, and cutC/cntA gene abundance. Furthermore, BBR was shown to inhibit choline-to-TMA conversion in TMA-producing bacteria in vitro and in gut microbial consortium from fecal samples of choline-fed mice and human volunteers, and the result was confirmed by transplantation of TMA-producing bacteria in mice. These results offer new insights into the mechanisms responsible for the anti-atherosclerosis effects of BBR, which inhibits commensal microbial TMA production via gut microbiota remodeling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingxing Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Chunyan Su
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.,CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Zhibo Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yuxin Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yue Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Mengxia Yang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Xiumin Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Yu Du
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China
| | - Li Wang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Jiandong Jiang
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
| | - Bin Hong
- NHC Key Laboratory of Biotechnology of Antibiotics, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China. .,CAMS Key Laboratory of Synthetic Biology for Drug Innovation, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, Beijing, China.
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7
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Lu Z, Lu F, Wu L, He B, Chen Z, Yan M. Berberine attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by regulating chemerin/CMKLR1 signalling pathway and Treg/Th17 ratio. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:383-390. [PMID: 32524150 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-020-01914-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2020] [Accepted: 05/28/2020] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
To observe the therapeutic effect of berberine (BBR) on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats and the underlying mechanism. A rat model of NASH was established by a high-fat diet, and BBR was used as treatment. Haematoxylin-eosin staining and Oil Red O staining were used to observe the pathological changes in the liver tissue. Western blotting and real-time PCR were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels in the liver. Flow cytometry was performed to detect the number of intrahepatic lymphocyte subtypes. The expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines in the peripheral blood was measured by ELISA. An automatic biochemical method was used to examine the level of blood lipids in the blood. Compared with the rats in the model group, the rats in the BBR group showed significantly improved liver histopathology and serum pro-inflammatory cytokines and free fatty acid (FFA) levels. Moreover, the protein and mRNA expression of chemerin, CMKLR1 and CCR2 in the liver were obviously reduced by BBR treatment. In addition, the high-fat diet remarkably reduced the intrahepatic Treg/Th17 ratio, which could be recovered by BBR treatment. Berberine can ameliorate non-alcoholic steatohepatitis, and its mechanism may be related to restoring the Treg/Th17 ratio, regulating the chemerin/CMKLR1 signalling pathway to reduce liver inflammation and reducing lipid deposition.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zengsheng Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Fengbin Lu
- Department of Infectious Diseases, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China
| | - Liyan Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Tongde Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Hangzhou, 310012, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Beihui He
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Circulatory Diseases in Combination with Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhiyun Chen
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Circulatory Diseases in Combination with Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
| | - Maoxiang Yan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Circulatory Diseases in Combination with Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine of Zhejiang Province, Zhejiang Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hangzhou, 310006, Zhejiang, China
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Wang Y, Tai YL, Zhao D, Zhang Y, Yan J, Kakiyama G, Wang X, Gurley EC, Liu J, Liu J, Liu J, Lai G, Hylemon PB, Pandak WM, Chen W, Zhou H. Berberine Prevents Disease Progression of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis through Modulating Multiple Pathways. Cells 2021; 10:210. [PMID: 33494295 PMCID: PMC7912096 DOI: 10.3390/cells10020210] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/10/2020] [Revised: 01/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The disease progression of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) from simple steatosis (NAFL) to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is driven by multiple factors. Berberine (BBR) is an ancient Chinese medicine and has various beneficial effects on metabolic diseases, including NAFLD/NASH. However, the underlying mechanisms remain incompletely understood due to the limitation of the NASH animal models used. Methods: A high-fat and high-fructose diet-induced mouse model of NAFLD, the best available preclinical NASH mouse model, was used. RNAseq, histological, and metabolic pathway analyses were used to identify the potential signaling pathways modulated by BBR. LC-MS was used to measure bile acid levels in the serum and liver. The real-time RT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to validate the RNAseq data. Results: BBR not only significantly reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by modulating fatty acid synthesis and metabolism but also restored the bile acid homeostasis by targeting multiple pathways. In addition, BBR markedly inhibited inflammation by reducing immune cell infiltration and inhibition of neutrophil activation and inflammatory gene expression. Furthermore, BBR was able to inhibit hepatic fibrosis by modulating the expression of multiple genes involved in hepatic stellate cell activation and cholangiocyte proliferation. Consistent with our previous findings, BBR's beneficial effects are linked with the downregulation of microRNA34a and long noncoding RNA H19, which are two important players in promoting NASH progression and liver fibrosis. Conclusion: BBR is a promising therapeutic agent for NASH by targeting multiple pathways. These results provide a strong foundation for a future clinical investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanyan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qianjiang, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Yun-Ling Tai
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Derrick Zhao
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Yuan Zhang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Junkai Yan
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Genta Kakiyama
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (G.K.); (W.M.P.)
| | - Xuan Wang
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Emily C. Gurley
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - Jinze Liu
- Department of Biostatistics, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Jinpeng Liu
- Department of Computer Science, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40506, USA;
| | - Jimin Liu
- Department of Pathology and Molecular Medicine, McMaster University, Hamilton, ON L6M0L8, Canada;
| | - Guanhua Lai
- Department of Pathology, Medical College of Virginia, 23298 Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA;
| | - Phillip B. Hylemon
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
| | - William M. Pandak
- Department of Internal Medicine, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (G.K.); (W.M.P.)
| | - Weidong Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Qianjiang, Hefei 230012, China;
| | - Huiping Zhou
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Medical College of Virginia and McGuire Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Virginia Commonwealth University, 1220 East Broad Street, MMRB-5044, Richmond, VA 23298, USA; (Y.W.); (Y.-L.T.); (D.Z.); (Y.Z.); (J.Y.); (X.W.); (E.C.G.); (P.B.H.)
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Mukherjee S, Haubner J, Chakraborty A. Targeting the Inositol Pyrophosphate Biosynthetic Enzymes in Metabolic Diseases. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25061403. [PMID: 32204420 PMCID: PMC7144392 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25061403] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2020] [Revised: 03/09/2020] [Accepted: 03/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
In mammals, a family of three inositol hexakisphosphate kinases (IP6Ks) synthesizes the inositol pyrophosphate 5-IP7 from IP6. Genetic deletion of Ip6k1 protects mice from high fat diet induced obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver. IP6K1 generated 5-IP7 promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic β-cells, whereas it reduces insulin signaling in metabolic tissues by inhibiting the protein kinase Akt. Thus, IP6K1 promotes high fat diet induced hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance in mice while its deletion has the opposite effects. IP6K1 also promotes fat accumulation in the adipose tissue by inhibiting the protein kinase AMPK mediated energy expenditure. Genetic deletion of Ip6k3 protects mice from age induced fat accumulation and insulin resistance. Accordingly, the pan IP6K inhibitor TNP [N2-(m-trifluorobenzyl), N6-(p-nitrobenzyl)purine] ameliorates obesity, insulin resistance and fatty liver in diet induced obese mice by improving Akt and AMPK mediated insulin sensitivity and energy expenditure. TNP also protects mice from bone loss, myocardial infarction and ischemia reperfusion injury. Thus, the IP6K pathway is a potential target in obesity and other metabolic diseases. Here, we summarize the studies that established IP6Ks as a potential target in metabolic diseases. Further studies will reveal whether inhibition of this pathway has similar pleiotropic benefits on metabolic health of humans.
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10
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Yan T, Yan N, Wang P, Xia Y, Hao H, Wang G, Gonzalez FJ. Herbal drug discovery for the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. Acta Pharm Sin B 2020; 10:3-18. [PMID: 31993304 PMCID: PMC6977016 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2019.11.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 122] [Impact Index Per Article: 30.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/24/2019] [Revised: 09/23/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
Few medications are available for meeting the increasing disease burden of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and its progressive stage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Traditional herbal medicines (THM) have been used for centuries to treat indigenous people with various symptoms but without clarified modern-defined disease types and mechanisms. In modern times, NAFLD was defined as a common chronic disease leading to more studies to understand NAFLD/NASH pathology and progression. THM have garnered increased attention for providing therapeutic candidates for treating NAFLD. In this review, a new model called “multiple organs-multiple hits” is proposed to explain mechanisms of NASH progression. Against this proposed model, the effects and mechanisms of the frequently-studied THM-yielded single anti-NAFLD drug candidates and multiple herb medicines are reviewed, among which silymarin and berberine are already under U.S. FDA-sanctioned phase 4 clinical studies. Furthermore, experimental designs for anti-NAFLD drug discovery from THM in treating NAFLD are discussed. The opportunities and challenges of reverse pharmacology and reverse pharmacokinetic concepts-guided strategies for THM modernization and its global recognition to treat NAFLD are highlighted. Increasing mechanistic evidence is being generated to support the beneficial role of THM in treating NAFLD and anti-NAFLD drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Yan
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Corresponding authors.
| | - Nana Yan
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yangliu Xia
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- School of Life Science and Medicine, Dalian University of Technology, Panjin 124221, China
| | - Haiping Hao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Guangji Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Frank J. Gonzalez
- Laboratory of Metabolism, Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD 20892, USA
- Corresponding authors.
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Luo Y, Tian G, Zhuang Z, Chen J, You N, Zhuo L, Liang B, Song Y, Zang S, Liu J, Yang J, Ge W, Shi J. Berberine prevents non-alcoholic steatohepatitis-derived hepatocellular carcinoma by inhibiting inflammation and angiogenesis in mice. Am J Transl Res 2019; 11:2668-2682. [PMID: 31217846 PMCID: PMC6556646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2019] [Accepted: 04/25/2019] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most malignant and poor prognosis tumors, which was increasingly caused by nonalcoholic fatty liver disease/nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NAFLD/NASH) in western countries. In this study, we aimed to investigate the mechanism and therapeutic prospect of berberine in the treatment of NASH-HCC mice. Combination of STZ injection and high fat and high-cholesterol diet (HFHC) was used to establish NASH-HCC model. The effect of berberine intervention is studied from histology, biochemistry and molecular level. Our results showed that administration of berberine to NASH-HCC mice reduced the incidence of tumors and mitigated NASH. Berberine significantly reduced the levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), glucose (GLU), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL) and total cholesterol (TC). Transcriptome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis identified numberous genes and various pathways may participate in the favorite effect of berberine. Specifically, berberine suppressed the expressions of genes related to lipogenesis, inflammation, fibrosis and angiogenesis. Moreover, our results showed that berberine suppressed phosphorylation of p38MAPK and ERK as well as COX2 expression significantly. This suggested berberine achieved its biological functions mainly by regulating inflammation and angiogenesis genes involving p38MAPK/ERK-COX2 pathways. This study demonstrated the anti-tumor effects of berberine and its possible mechanism, providing a potential drug for treating NASH-HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Luo
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guoyan Tian
- Department of Oncology and Hematology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Zhenjie Zhuang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Chen
- Fourth Clinical Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Ningning You
- Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lili Zhuo
- Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bingtian Liang
- Fourth Clinical Medicine College, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yu Song
- Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shufei Zang
- Department of Endocrinology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
- Department of Endocrinology, Shanghai Fifth People’s Hospital Affiliated to Fudan UniversityShanghai, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Department of Pathology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jin Yang
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Weihong Ge
- College of Pharmaceutical Science, Zhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Junping Shi
- Institute of Translational Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal UniversityHangzhou, Zhejiang, China
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12
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Protective effect of surface-modified berberine nanoparticles against LPS-induced neurodegenerative changes: a preclinical study. Drug Deliv Transl Res 2019; 9:906-919. [PMID: 30868509 DOI: 10.1007/s13346-019-00626-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
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13
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Deng Y, Tang K, Chen R, Nie H, Liang S, Zhang J, Zhang Y, Yang Q. Berberine attenuates hepatic oxidative stress in rats with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease via the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway. Exp Ther Med 2019; 17:2091-2098. [PMID: 30867696 PMCID: PMC6396022 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2019.7208] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2018] [Accepted: 12/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the effects of berberine (BBR) on hepatic oxidative stress and the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2/antioxidant response element (Nrf2/ARE) signalling pathway in rats in which non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) was induced by a high-fat diet. Rats were randomly divided into three groups: The normal control (NC), high-fat diet (HFD) and BBR groups. The NC group received a normal diet, while the other two groups were fed a high-fat diet. The rats in the BBR group were also fed BBR (100 mg/kg body weight) daily. A total of 8 weeks later, serum and liver lipid levels were measured. Hepatic histopathological changes were observed with haematoxylin and eosin and Oil Red O staining. Transmission electron microscopy was performed to observe the ultrastructural changes of the liver. The levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH) and malondialdehyde (MDA) in the liver were measured. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction and western blotting were performed to investigate the expression of genes in the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway in the liver. Histopathological results demonstrated that rats fed a high-fat diet for 8 weeks developed NAFLD, characterized by hepatic steatosis. BBR significantly decreased the body weight and liver weight. BBR markedly reduced hepatic steatosis, and the serum and liver lipid levels. Hepatic SOD and GSH levels were increased, while MDA levels were decreased by BBR co-administered with a high-fat diet. Additionally, the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway was revealed to be involved in the protective effect of BBR on rats fed a high-fat diet. In conclusion, BBR may alleviate hepatic oxidative stress in rats with NAFLD, which may be partly attributed to the activation of the Nrf2/ARE signalling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanjun Deng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Kairui Tang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Runsen Chen
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Huan Nie
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Shu Liang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Jinwen Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Yupei Zhang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
| | - Qinhe Yang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou, Guangdong 510632, P.R. China
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Zhang Y, Li M, Li X, Zhang T, Qin M, Ren L. Isoquinoline Alkaloids and Indole Alkaloids Attenuate Aortic Atherosclerosis in Apolipoprotein E Deficient Mice: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Front Pharmacol 2018; 9:602. [PMID: 29922166 PMCID: PMC5996168 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2018.00602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/30/2018] [Accepted: 05/21/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Several studies have attempted to relate the bioactive alkaloid with atherosclerotic cardiovascular diseases prevention in animal models, providing inconsistent results. Moreover, the direct anti-atherosclerotic effects of alkaloid have hardly been studied in patients. Therefore, the aim of this systematic review was to assess the reported effects of alkaloids on aortic atherosclerosis in ApoE−/− mouse models. Methods: Pubmed and Embase were searched to identify studies which estimated the effect of isolated alkaloids on atherosclerosis in apolipoprotein E deficient mice. Study quality was assessed using SYRCLE's risk of bias tool. We conducted a meta-analysis across 14 studies using a random-effect model to determine the overall effect of the alkaloids, and performed subgroup analyses to compare the effects of the isoquinolone alkaloids and indole alkaloids. Results: The quality of the included studies was low in the majority of included studies. We clarified that alkaloid administration was significantly associated with reduced aortic atherosclerotic lesion area (SMD −3.19, 95% CI −3.88, −2.51). It is important to remark that the experimental characteristics of studies were quite diverse, and the methodological variability could also contribute to heterogeneity. Subgroup analyses suggested that the isoquinoline alkaloids (SMD −4.19, 95% CI −5.18, −3.20), and the indole alkaloids (SMD −2.73, 95% CI −3.56, −1.90) obviously decreased atherosclerotic burden. Conclusion: Isoquinoline alkaloids and indole alkaloids appear to have a direct anti-atherosclerotic effect in ApoE−/− mice. Besides the limitations of animal modal studies, this systematic review could provide an important reference for future preclinical animal trials of good quality and clinical development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yibing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China.,Department of Ophthalmology, First Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Min Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Xiangjun Li
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Tong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Meng Qin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Liqun Ren
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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