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Jin M, Yi X, Zhu X, Hu W, Wang S, Chen Q, Yang W, Li Y, Li S, Peng Q, Pan M, Gao Y, Xu S, Zhang Y, Zhou S. Schisandrin B promotes hepatic differentiation from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells. iScience 2024; 27:108912. [PMID: 38323006 PMCID: PMC10844828 DOI: 10.1016/j.isci.2024.108912] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 01/11/2024] [Indexed: 02/08/2024] Open
Abstract
Human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells (UC-MSCs)-derived hepatocyte-like cells (HLCs) have shown great promise in the treatment of liver diseases. However, most current induction protocols yield hepatocyte-like cells with limited function as compared with primary hepatocytes. Schisandrin B (Sch B) is one of the main components of Schisandra chinensis, which can prevent fibrosis progression and promote liver cell regeneration. Herein, we investigated the effects of Sch B on hepatic differentiation of UC-MSCs. We found that treatment with 10 μM Sch B from the second stage of the differentiation process increased hepatic marker levels and hepatic function. Additionally, RNA-seq analysis revealed that Sch B promoted hepatic differentiation via activating the JAK2/STAT3 pathway. When transplanted HLCs into mice with CCL4-induced liver fibrosis, Sch B-treated HLCs exhibited significant therapeutic effects. This study provides an optimized hepatic differentiation protocol for UC-MSCs based on Sch B, yielding functioning cells for liver disease treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meixian Jin
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xiao Yi
- Department of Gynecology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Xiaojuan Zhu
- Department of Anesthesiology, First People’s Hospital of Kashi, Kashi 844000, China
| | - Wei Hu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Simin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Qi Chen
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Wanren Yang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yang Li
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shao Li
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Qing Peng
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Mingxin Pan
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Yi Gao
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shiyuan Xu
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- General Surgery Center, Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery II, Guangdong Provincial Research Center for Artificial Organ and Tissue Engineering, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Viral Hepatitis Research, Institute of Regenerative Medicine, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
| | - Shuqin Zhou
- Department of Anesthesiology, Zhujiang Hospital, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou 510000, China
- Anesthesiology Department of The Second Affiliated Hospital, School of Medicine, The Chinese University of Hong Kong, Shenzhen & Longgang District People’s Hospital of Shenzhen, Shenzhen 518172, China
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Ma M, Wei N, Yang J, Ding T, Song A, Chen L, Zheng S, Jin H. Schisandrin B promotes senescence of activated hepatic stellate cell via NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy. Pharm Biol 2023; 61:621-629. [PMID: 37010139 PMCID: PMC10071970 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2023.2189908] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/22/2022] [Revised: 01/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/07/2023] [Indexed: 06/19/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Schisandrin B (Sch B), an active ingredient from Schisandrae chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. (Schisandraceae) Fructus, possesses diverse pharmacological activities including antitumor, anti-inflammation, and hepatoprotection. OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Sch B on activated HSCs senescence in hepatic fibrosis and the mechanisms implicated. MATERIALS AND METHODS ICR mice with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis were supplemented with Sch B (40 mg/kg) for 30 d and LX2 cells were treated with Sch B (5, 10 and 20 μM) for 24 h. Cellular senescence was assessed by senescence-related indicators senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-gal) activity and the expression of p16, p21, p53, γ-H2AX, H3K9me3, TERT, TRF1, and TRF2. Ferric ammonium citrate (FAC) and NCOA4 siRNA were used to evaluate the mechanisms underlying Sch B's regulation of cellular senescence. RESULTS Sch B (40 mg/kg) reduced serum levels of AST and ALT (53.2% and 63.6%), alleviated hepatic collagen deposition, and promoted activated HSCs senescence in mice. Treatment with Sch B (20 μM) decreased cell viability to 80.38 ± 4.87% and elevated SA-β-gal activity, with the levels of p16, p21 and p53 increased by 4.5-, 2.9-, and 3.5-fold and the levels of TERT, TRF1 and TRF2 decreased by 2.4-, 2.7-, and 2.6-fold in LX2 cells. FAC (400 μM) enhanced Sch B's effect mentioned above. NCOA4 siRNA weakened the effects of Sch B on iron deposition and HSCs senescence. CONCLUSIONS Sch B could ameliorate hepatic fibrosis through the promotion of activated HSCs senescence, which might be attributed to its induction of NCOA4-mediated ferritinophagy and subsequent iron overload.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingyue Ma
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Na Wei
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Jieren Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Tingting Ding
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Anping Song
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Lerong Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Shuguo Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
- Laboratory of Pharmacology of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, Anhui, P.R. China
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Li X, Jiang F, Hu Y, Lang Z, Zhan Y, Zhang R, Tao Q, Luo C, Yu J, Zheng J. Schisandrin B Promotes Hepatic Stellate Cell Ferroptosis via Wnt Pathway-Mediated Ly6C lo Macrophages. J Agric Food Chem 2023. [PMID: 37922022 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c03409] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2023]
Abstract
A key event in liver fibrosis is the activation of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC). Schisandrin B (Sch B), a major component extracted from Schisandra chinensis, has been shown to inhibit HSC activation. Recently, ferroptosis (FPT) has been reported to be involved in HSC activation. However, whether Sch B has an effect on the HSC FPT remains unclear. Herein, we explored the effects of Sch B on liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro and the roles of Wnt agonist 1 and ferrostatin-1 in the antifibrotic effects of Sch B. Sch B effectively alleviated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, with decreased collagen deposition and α-SMA level. Additionally, Sch B resulted in an increase in lymphocyte antigen 6 complex locus C low (Ly6Clo) macrophages, contributing to a reduced level of TIMP1 and increased MMP2. Notably, the Wnt pathway was involved in Sch B-mediated Ly6C macrophage phenotypic transformation. Further studies demonstrated that Sch B-treated macrophages had an inhibitory effect on HSC activation, which was associated with HSC FPT. GPX4, a negative regulator of FPT, was induced by Sch B and found to be involved in the crosstalk between macrophage and HSC FPT. Furthermore, HSC inactivation as well as FPT induced by Sch B-treated macrophages was blocked down by Wnt pathway agonist 1. Collectively, we demonstrate that Sch B inhibits liver fibrosis, at least partially, through mediating Ly6Clo macrophages and HSC FPT. Sch B enhances Wnt pathway inactivation, leading to the increase in Ly6Clo macrophages, which contributes to HSC FPT. Sch B may be a promising drug for liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmiao Li
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Feng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yuhang Hu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Zhichao Lang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Yating Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Rongrong Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Qiqi Tao
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Chengchu Luo
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
| | - Jinglu Yu
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, Lishui Municipal Central Hospital,Lishui 323020, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Clinical Laboratory Diagnosis and Translational Research of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, China
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Hong QL, Ding YH, Chen JY, Shi SS, Liang RS, Tu XK. Schisandrin B Protects against Ischemic Brain Damage by Regulating PI3K/AKT Signaling in Rats. Chin J Integr Med 2023; 29:885-894. [PMID: 37357242 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-023-3596-1] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 12/13/2022] [Indexed: 06/27/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect and mechanism of schisandrin B (Sch B) in the treatment of cerebral ischemia in rats. METHODS The cerebral ischemia models were induced by middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) and reperfusion. Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into 6 groups using a random number table, including sham, MCAO, MCAO+Sch B (50 mg/kg), MCAO+Sch B (100 mg/kg), MCAO+Sch B (100 mg/kg)+LY294002, and MCAO+Sch B (100 mg/kg)+wortmannin groups. The effects of Sch B on pathological indicators, including neurological deficit scores, cerebral infarct volume, and brain edema, were subsequently studied. Tissue apoptosis was identified by terminal transferase-mediated dUTP nick end-labeling (TUNEL) staining. The protein expressions involved in apoptosis, inflammation response and oxidative stress were examined by immunofluorescent staining, biochemical analysis and Western blot analysis, respectively. The effect of Sch B on phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (AKT) signaling was also explored. RESULTS Sch B treatment decreased neurological deficit scores, cerebral water content, and infarct volume in MCAO rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Neuronal nuclei and TUNEL staining indicated that Sch B also reduced apoptosis in brain tissues, as well as the Bax/Bcl-2 ratio and caspase-3 expression (P<0.01). Sch B regulated the production of myeloperoxidase, malondialdehyde, nitric oxide and superoxide dismutase, as well as the release of cytokine interleukin (IL)-1 β and IL-18, in MCAO rats (P<0.05 or P<0.01). Sch B promoted the phosphorylation of PI3K and AKT. Blocking the PI3K/AKT signaling pathway with LY294002 or wortmannin reduced the protective effect of Sch B against cerebral ischemia (P<0.05 or P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS Sch B reduced apoptosis, inflammatory response, and oxidative stress of MCAO rats by modulating the PI3K/AKT pathway. Sch B had a potential for treating cerebral ischemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Quan-Long Hong
- Department of Neurology, The First Hospital of Quanzhou Affiliated to Fujian Medical University, Quanzhou, Fujian Province, 362000, China
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Yi-Hang Ding
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Jing-Yi Chen
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Song-Sheng Shi
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Ri-Sheng Liang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China
| | - Xian-Kun Tu
- Department of Neurosurgery, Fujian Medical University Union Hospital, Fuzhou, 350001, China.
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Tithi TI, Tahsin MR, Anjum J, Zaman TS, Aktar F, Bahar NB, Tasnim S, Sultana A, Jahan I, Afrin SS, Akter T, Sen P, Koly FJ, Reza MS, Chowdhury JA, Kabir S, Chowdhury AA, Amran MS. An in vivo and in silico evaluation of the hepatoprotective potential of Gynura procumbens: A promising agent for combating hepatotoxicity. PLoS One 2023; 18:e0291125. [PMID: 37713406 PMCID: PMC10503776 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0291125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2022] [Accepted: 08/22/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023] Open
Abstract
INTRODUCTION The liver, the most important metabolic organ of the body, performs a wide variety of vital functions. Hepatic cell injury occurs by the activation of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that are generated by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), xenobiotics, and other toxic substances through cytochrome P450-dependent steps resulting from the covalent bond formation with lipoproteins and nucleic acids. Observing the urgent state of hepatotoxic patients worldwide, different medicinal plants and their properties can be explored to combat such free radical damage to the liver. In vivo and in silico studies were designed and conducted to evaluate the antioxidant and hepatoprotective properties of Gynura procumbens in rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS Gynura procumbens leaves were collected and extracted using 70% ethanol. The required chemicals CCl4, standard drug (silymarin), and blood serum analysis kits were stocked. The in vivo tests were performed in 140 healthy Wister albino rats of either sex under well-controlled parameters divided into 14 groups, strictly maintaining Institutional Animal Ethics Committee (IEAC) protocols. For the histopathology study, 10% buffered neutral formalin was used for organ preservation. Later the specimens were studied under a fluorescence microscope. In silico molecular docking and absorption, distribution, metabolism, excretion, and toxicity (ADMET) studies were performed, and the results were analyzed statistically. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION Gynura procumbens partially negate the deleterious effect of carbon tetrachloride on normal weight gain in rats. The elevated level of serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (SGPT), serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (SGOT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), creatinine, LDH, total cholesterol (TC), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), triglycerides (TG), malondialdehyde (MDA), deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) fragmentation ranges, gamma-glutamyl transferase (γ-GT) in CCl4 treated groups were decreased by both standard drug silymarin and G. procumbens leaf extract. We have found significant & highly significant changes statistically for different doses, here p<0.05 & p<0.01, respectively. On the other hand, G. procumbens and silymarin displayed Statistically significant (p<0.05) and high significant(p<0.01) increased levels of HDL, CAT SOD (here p<0.05 & p<0.01 for different doses) when the treatment groups were compared with the disease control group. Because the therapeutic activity imparted by plants and drugs accelerates the movement of the disturbed pathophysiological state toward the healthy state. In the molecular docking analysis, G. procumbens phytoconstituents performed poorly against transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) compared to the control drug silymarin. In contrast, 26 phytoconstituents scored better than the control bezafibrate against peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor alpha (PPAR-α). The top scoring compounds for both macromolecules were observed to form stable complexes in the molecular dynamics simulations. Flavonoids and phenolic compounds performed better than other constituents in providing hepatoprotective activity. It can, thus, be inferred that the extract of G. procumbens showed good hepatoprotective properties in rats.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanzia Islam Tithi
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Rafat Tahsin
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, North South University, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Juhaer Anjum
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Fahima Aktar
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Nasiba Binte Bahar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Sabiha Tasnim
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Arifa Sultana
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Ishrat Jahan
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Asia Pacific, Farmgate, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | | | - Tahmina Akter
- Department of Physiology, Dhaka Medical College, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Priyanka Sen
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Pharmacology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Fahima Jannat Koly
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Selim Reza
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Jakir Ahmed Chowdhury
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Shaila Kabir
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Abu Asad Chowdhury
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Shah Amran
- Molecular Pharmacology and Herbal Drug Research Laboratory, Department of Pharmaceutical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Dhaka, Dhaka, Bangladesh
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Pei Q, Yi Q, Tang L. Liver Fibrosis Resolution: From Molecular Mechanisms to Therapeutic Opportunities. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24119671. [PMID: 37298621 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24119671] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2023] [Revised: 05/25/2023] [Accepted: 05/30/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a critical system for metabolism in human beings, which plays an essential role in an abundance of physiological processes and is vulnerable to endogenous or exogenous injuries. After the damage to the liver, a type of aberrant wound healing response known as liver fibrosis may happen, which can result in an excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) and then cause cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), seriously endangering human health and causing a great economic burden. However, few effective anti-fibrotic medications are clinically available to treat liver fibrosis. The most efficient approach to liver fibrosis prevention and treatment currently is to eliminate its causes, but this approach's efficiency is too slow, or some causes cannot be fully eliminated, which causes liver fibrosis to worsen. In cases of advanced fibrosis, the only available treatment is liver transplantation. Therefore, new treatments or therapeutic agents need to be explored to stop the further development of early liver fibrosis or to reverse the fibrosis process to achieve liver fibrosis resolution. Understanding the mechanisms that lead to the development of liver fibrosis is necessary to find new therapeutic targets and drugs. The complex process of liver fibrosis is regulated by a variety of cells and cytokines, among which hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are the essential cells, and their continued activation will lead to further progression of liver fibrosis. It has been found that inhibiting HSC activation, or inducing apoptosis, and inactivating activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) can reverse fibrosis and thus achieve liver fibrosis regression. Hence, this review will concentrate on how HSCs become activated during liver fibrosis, including intercellular interactions and related signaling pathways, as well as targeting HSCs or liver fibrosis signaling pathways to achieve the resolution of liver fibrosis. Finally, new therapeutic compounds targeting liver fibrosis are summarized to provide more options for the therapy of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiying Pei
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
| | - Qian Yi
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Science, Southwest Medical University, Luzhou 646000, China
| | - Liling Tang
- Key Laboratory of Biorheological Science and Technology, Ministry of Education, College of Bioengineering, Chongqing University, Chongqing 400044, China
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Sun X, Zheng Y, Tian Y, Xu Q, Liu S, Li H, Cheng K, Yuan J, Liu H, Zhu P. Astragalus polysaccharide alleviates alcoholic-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting polymerase I and transcript release factor and the TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. J Ethnopharmacol 2023; 314:116662. [PMID: 37207880 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/12/2023] [Revised: 05/16/2023] [Accepted: 05/17/2023] [Indexed: 05/21/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragali Radix (AR), the root of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao, known as Huangqi in traditional Chinese medicine, has been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine prescriptions for acute and chronic liver injury. AR was the most important medicine in a Chinese traditional prescription called Huangqi Decoction (HQD), has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century. In particular, its major active ingredient, Astragalus polysaccharide (APS), has demonstrated promising effects on inhibiting hepatic fibrosis. However, to date, the effect of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis and its underlying molecular mechanisms remains unknown. AIMS OF THE STUDY This study aimed to explore the effect and potential molecular mechanisms of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by using network pharmacology and experimental validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The potential targets and underling mechanism of AR in alcoholic liver fibrosis was first predicted using network pharmacology, followed by experimental validation using SD rat model with alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Further, the predicted candidate signaling pathways and potential target polymerase I and transcript release factor (PTRF) were combined to explore the multifaceted mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. Finally, overexpression of PTRF was explored to reveal the role of PTRF in the mechanism of APS against alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. RESULT APS exerted potent anti-hepatic fibrosis effects by downregulating genes involved in the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway. Notably, APS treatment ameliorated the hepatic damage by inhibiting the overexpression of PTRF and decreasing the co-localisation of TLR4/PTRF. Overexpression of PTRF induced reversal of the protective effects of APS on alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis. CONCLUSION This study indicated that APS may alleviate alcohol-induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting the activation of PTRF/TLR4/JNK/NF-κB/MyD88 pathway, which provides a scientific elucidation for the mechanisms of APS on the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity and presents a promising therapeutic approach for treating hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xu Sun
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Yongqiu Zheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China.
| | - Yaqing Tian
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Qixiang Xu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Shuochuan Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Huahua Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China
| | - Kunming Cheng
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jianan Yuan
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China
| | - Huaimin Liu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Henan Breast Cancer Centre, Affiliated Cancer Hospital of Zhengzhou University and Henan Cancer Hospital, Zhengzhou, 450008, People's Republic of China.
| | - Peng Zhu
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Wannan Medical College, Wuhu, 241002, People's Republic of China.
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Han DH, Shin MK, Oh JW, Lee J, Sung JS, Kim M. Chronic Exposure to TDI Induces Cell Migration and Invasion via TGF-β1 Signal Transduction. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24076157. [PMID: 37047129 PMCID: PMC10093867 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24076157] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/23/2023] [Revised: 03/13/2023] [Accepted: 03/22/2023] [Indexed: 04/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Toluene diisocyanate (TDI) is commonly used in manufacturing, and it is highly reactive and causes respiratory damage. This study aims to identify the mechanism of tumorigenesis in bronchial epithelial cells induced by chronic TDI exposure. In addition, transcriptome analysis results confirmed that TDI increases transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1) expression and regulates genes associated with cancerous characteristics in bronchial cells. Our chronically TDI-exposed model exhibited elongated spindle-like morphology, a mesenchymal characteristic. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) was evaluated following chronic TDI exposure, and EMT biomarkers increased concentration-dependently. Furthermore, our results indicated diminished cell adhesion molecules and intensified cell migration and invasion. In order to investigate the cellular regulatory mechanisms resulting from chronic TDI exposure, we focused on TGF-β1, a key factor regulated by TDI exposure. As predicted, TGF-β1 was significantly up-regulated and secreted in chronically TDI-exposed cells. In addition, SMAD2/3 was also activated considerably as it is the direct target of TGF-β1 and TGF-β1 receptors. Inhibiting TGF-β1 signaling through blocking of the TGF-β receptor attenuated EMT and cell migration in chronically TDI-exposed cells. Our results corroborate that chronic TDI exposure upregulates TGF-β1 secretion, activates TGF-β1 signal transduction, and leads to EMT and other cancer properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Hee Han
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kyoung Shin
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jin Wook Oh
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Junha Lee
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung-Suk Sung
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
| | - Min Kim
- Department of Life Science, Dongguk University-Seoul, Biomedi Campus, 32 Dongguk-ro, Ilsandong-gu, Goyang 10326, Gyeonggi-do, Republic of Korea
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9
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Banerjee A, Sriramulu S, Catanzaro R, He F, Chabria Y, Balakrishnan B, Hari S, Ayala A, Muñoz M, Pathak S, Marotta F. Natural Compounds as Integrative Therapy for Liver Protection against Inflammatory and Carcinogenic Mechanisms: From Induction to Molecular Biology Advancement. Curr Mol Med 2023; 23:216-231. [PMID: 35297348 DOI: 10.2174/1566524022666220316102310] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/11/2021] [Revised: 10/20/2021] [Accepted: 12/25/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
The liver is exposed to several harmful substances that bear the potential to cause excessive liver damage ranging from hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease to extreme cases of liver cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Liver ailments have been effectively treated from very old times with Chinese medicinal herbal formulations and later also applied by controlled trials in Japan. However, these traditional practices have been hardly well characterized in the past till in the last decades when more qualified studies have been carried out. Modern advances have given rise to specific molecular targets which are specifically good candidates for affecting the intricate mechanisms that play a role at the molecular level. These therapeutic regimens that mainly affect the progression of the disease by inhibiting the gene expression levels or by blocking essential molecular pathways or releasing cytokines may prove to play a vital role in minimizing the tissue damage. This review, therefore, tries to throw light upon the variation in the therapies for the treatment of benign and malignant liver disease from ancient times to the current date. Nonetheless, clinical research exploring the effectiveness of herbal medicines in the treatment of benign chronic liver diseases as well as prevention and treatment of HCC is still warranted.
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Affiliation(s)
- Antara Banerjee
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Sushmitha Sriramulu
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Roberto Catanzaro
- Dept of Clinical and Experimental Medicine, Section of Gastroenterology, University of Catania, Catania, Italy
| | - Fang He
- Dept of Nutrition, West China School of Public Health, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yashna Chabria
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | | | - Sruthi Hari
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Antonio Ayala
- Biochemistry and Clinical Biochemistry Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Seville, Spain
| | - Mario Muñoz
- Centre for Innovative Biomedicine and Biotechnology, University of Coimbra, Portugal
| | - Surajit Pathak
- Department of Medical Biotechnology, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Chettinad Academy of Research and Education (CARE), Chettinad Hospital and Research Institute (CHRI), Chennai 603103, India
| | - Francesco Marotta
- ReGenera R&D International for Aging Intervention, Milano, Italy and Vitality and Longevity Medical Science Commission, FEMTEC World Federation
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10
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Dong BS, Liu FQ, Yang WN, Li XD, Shi MJ, Li MR, Yan XL, Zhang H. Huangqi Decoction, a compound Chinese herbal medicine, inhibits the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating the long noncoding RNA-C18orf26-1/microRNA-663a/transforming growth factor-β axis. J Integr Med 2023; 21:47-61. [PMID: 36456413 DOI: 10.1016/j.joim.2022.11.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a valid treatment for alleviating liver fibrosis; however, the underlying molecular mechanism is still unknown. Although our previous studies showed that microRNA-663a (miR-663a) suppresses the proliferation and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the transforming growth factor-β/small mothers against decapentaplegic (TGF-β/Smad) pathway, whether long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) are involved in HSC activation via the miR-663a/TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway has not yet reported. The present study aimed to investigate the roles of lncRNA lnc-C18orf26-1 in the activation of HSCs and the mechanism by which HQD inhibits hepatic fibrosis. METHODS The expression levels of lnc-C18orf26-1, miR-663a and related genes were measured by quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction. HSCs were transfected with the miR-663a mimic or inhibitor and lnc-C18orf26-1 small interfering RNAs. The water-soluble tetrazolium salt-1 assay was used to assess the proliferation rate of HSCs. Changes in lncRNA expression were evaluated in miR-663a-overexpressing HSCs by using microarray to identify miR-663a-regulated lncRNAs. RNA hybrid was used to predict the potential miR-663a binding sites on lncRNAs. Luciferase reporter assays further confirmed the interaction between miR-663a and the lncRNA. The expression levels of collagen α-2(I) chain (COL1A2), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins were determined using Western blotting. RESULTS Lnc-C18orf26-1 was upregulated in TGF-β1-activated HSCs and competitively bound to miR-663a. Knockdown of lnc-C18orf26-1 inhibited HSC proliferation and activation, downregulated TGF-β1-stimulated α-SMA and COL1A2 expression, and inhibited the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. HQD suppressed the proliferation and activation of HSCs. HQD increased miR-663a expression and decreased lnc-C18orf26-1 expression in HSCs. Further studies showed that HQD inhibited the expression of COL1A2, α-SMA, TGF-β1, TGF-β type I receptor (TGF-βRI) and phosphorylated Smad2 (p-Smad2) in HSCs, and these effects were reversed by miR-663a inhibitor treatment. CONCLUSION Our study identified lnc-C18orf26-1 and miR-663a as promising therapeutic targets for hepatic fibrosis. HQD inhibits HSC proliferation and activation at least partially by regulating the lnc-C18orf26-1/miR-663a/TGF-β1/TGF-βRI/p-Smad2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ben-Sheng Dong
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Fu-Qun Liu
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Wen-Na Yang
- Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Nanjing Lishui District Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 211299, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Rheumatology and Immunology, Yangzhou University Medical College, Yangzhou 225000, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Li
- Department of Cardiovascular Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Kagawa University, Kita-gun, Kagawa 761-0793, Japan
| | - Miao-Juan Shi
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Mao-Rong Li
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xiu-Li Yan
- Department of Gastroenterology, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200437, China.
| | - Hui Zhang
- Traditional Chinese Medicine Epigenomics Research Center, Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 201203, China.
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11
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Yan J, Feng Y, Fang X, Cui X, Xia X, Li F, Luo W, Liang J, Feng J, Yu K. Anti-liver fibrosis effects of the total flavonoids of litchi semen on CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis in rats associated with the upregulation of retinol metabolism. Pharm Biol 2022; 60:1264-1277. [PMID: 35787093 PMCID: PMC9262366 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2086584] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/23/2021] [Revised: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 06/01/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT The litchi semen are traditional medications for treating liver fibrosis (LF) in China. The mechanism remains unclear. OBJECTIVE This study investigates the anti-liver fibrotic mechanism of the total flavonoids of litchi semen (TFL). MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague-Dawley rats with carbon tetrachloride-induced LF were treated with TFL (50 and 100 mg/kg) for 4 weeks. The anti-liver fibrotic effects of TFL were evaluated and the underlying mechanisms were investigated via histopathological analysis, proteomic analysis and molecular biology technology. RESULTS Significant anti-LF effects were observed in the high-TFL-dose group (TFL-H, p < 0.05). Five hundred and eighty-five and 95 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were identified in the LF rat model (M group) and TFL-H group, respectively. The DEPs were significantly enriched in the retinol metabolism pathway (p < 0.0001). The content of 9-cis-retinoic acid (0.93 ± 0.13 vs. 0.66 ± 0.10, p < 0.05, vs. the M group) increased significantly in the TFL-H group. The upregulation of RXRα (0.50 ± 0.05 vs. 0.27 ± 0.13 protein, p < 0.05), ALDH2 (1.24 ± 0.09 vs. 1.04 ± 0.08 protein, p < 0.05), MMP3 (0.89 ± 0.02 vs. 0.61 ± 0.12 protein, p < 0.05), Aldh1a7 (0.20 ± 0.03 vs. 0.03 ± 0.00 mRNA, p < 0.05) and Aox3 (0.72 ± 0.14 vs. 0.05 ± 0.01 mRNA, p < 0.05) after TFL treatment was verified. CONCLUSIONS TFL exhibited good anti-liver fibrotic effects, which may be related to the upregulation of the retinol metabolism pathway. TFL may be promising anti-LF agents with potential clinical application prospects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiongyi Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- School of Health, Wuzhou Vocational College, Wuzhou, China
| | - Yinyi Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xuewan Fang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaojuan Cui
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Xing Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Fang Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Weisheng Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianqin Liang
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Jianfang Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Kai Yu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Guangxi University, Nanning, China
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12
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Min Kim, Seung-Cheol Jee, Min-Kyoung Shin, Dong-Hee Han, Kyung-Bin Bu, Seung-Cheol Lee, Bo-Young Jang, Jung-Suk Sung. Quercetin and Isorhamnetin Reduce Benzo[a]pyrene-Induced Genotoxicity by Inducing RAD51 Expression through Downregulation of miR−34a. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:13125. [PMID: 36361910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232113125] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2022] [Revised: 10/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/25/2022] [Indexed: 01/24/2023] Open
Abstract
Benzo[a]pyrene (B[a]P) is metabolized in the liver into highly reactive mutagenic and genotoxic metabolites, which induce carcinogenesis. The mutagenic factors, including B[a]P-7,8-dihydrodiol-9,10-epoxide (BPDE) and reactive oxygen species, generated during B[a]P metabolism can cause DNA damage, such as BPDE-DNA adducts, 8-oxo-dG, and double-strand breaks (DSBs). In this study, we mechanistically investigated the effects of quercetin and its major metabolite isorhamnetin on the repair of B[a]P-induced DNA DSBs. Whole-transcriptome analysis showed that quercetin and isorhamnetin each modulate the expression levels of genes involved in DNA repair, especially those in homologous recombination. RAD51 was identified as a key gene whose expression level was decreased in B[a]P-treated cells and increased by quercetin or isorhamnetin treatment. Furthermore, the number of γH2AX foci induced by B[a]P was significantly decreased by quercetin or isorhamnetin, whereas RAD51 mRNA and protein levels were increased. Additionally, among the five microRNAs (miRs) known to downregulate RAD51, miR-34a level was significantly downregulated by quercetin or isorhamnetin. The protective effect of quercetin or isorhamnetin was lower in cells transfected with a miR-34a mimic than in non-transfected cells, and the B[a]P-induced DNA DSBs remained unrepaired. Our results show that quercetin and isorhamnetin each upregulates RAD51 by downregulating miR-34a and thereby suppresses B[a]P-induced DNA damage.
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13
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Wang HQ, Wan Z, Zhang Q, Su T, Yu D, Wang F, Zhang C, Li W, Xu D, Zhang H. Schisandrin B targets cannabinoid 2 receptor in Kupffer cell to ameliorate CCl 4-induced liver fibrosis by suppressing NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathway. Phytomedicine 2022; 98:153960. [PMID: 35121391 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.153960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/12/2021] [Revised: 01/18/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Lignans, the major bioactive components of Schisandra chinensis, displays an anti-liver fibrosis effect. However, which one is the most effective lignan and what is its molecular mechanisms are still unclear. PURPOSE This research aimed to screen the most effective components of lignans, identify and verify its pharmacological target, and investigate its molecular mechanism against liver fibrosis. METHODS First, the most effective lignans were screened by a comprehensive RAW264.7/CMC system and LPS-induced RAW264.7. Second, the potential targets were predicted by a liver fibrosis domain-specific chemo-genomics knowledgebase and further verified by competition binding assay. Third, the effect of anti-liver fibrosis was evaluated by employing RAW264.7, co-cultured hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and CCl4-induced liver fibrosis CB2-/- mice. The qPCR, ELISAs, western blot analyses, and immunofluorescence were used to evaluate the expression of main inflammatory factors and key proteins in NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathway. RESULTS Schisandrin B was identified as the most effective component for attenuating liver fibrosis, and CB2 was proven to be a potential target for anti-liver fibrosis. The in vitro and in vivo assays indicated that schisandrin B ameliorated CCl4-induced liver fibrosis through suppressing NF-κB and p38 MAPK pathway in Kupffer cells by targeting CB2 receptor CONCLUSION: Schisandrin B targets CB2 receptor to inhibit Kupffer cell polarization by downregulating the NF-κB and p38 MAPK signaling pathways for ameliorating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hai-Qiao Wang
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ren Ji Hospital, Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine, Shanghai 201112, China
| | - Zhong Wan
- Department of Urology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China
| | - Qiqiang Zhang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China
| | - Tong Su
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Dan Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Fei Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Chao Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan 250355, China
| | - Dongliang Xu
- Department of Urology, Shuguang Hospital, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai 200120, China.
| | - Hai Zhang
- Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University, Shanghai 200092, China.
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14
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Lin X, Wei Y, Li Y, Xiong Y, Fang B, Li C, Huang Q, Huang R, Wei J. Tormentic Acid Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis in vivo by Inhibiting Glycerophospholipids Metabolism and PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB Pathways: Based on Transcriptomics and Metabolomics. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:801982. [PMID: 35359829 PMCID: PMC8963336 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.801982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/26/2021] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the effects and underlying mechanisms of tormentic acid (TA) on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats. The rats were intragastrically administered with 50% CCl4 for 9 weeks to induce hepatic fibrosis, followed by various agents for 6 weeks. Transcriptomic analysis was carried out to predict the potential targets, and then multiple examinations were performed to verify the prediction. The results showed that TA significantly alleviated liver injury and fibrosis, as evidenced by the ameliorative pathological tissue, low transaminase activity, and decreased collagen accumulation. Besides, TA markedly reduced hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 families. The transcriptomic analysis revealed 2,173 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the TA and model groups, which could be enriched in the metabolic pathways and the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways. The metabolomics analysis showed that TA could regulate the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by regulating the synthesis of phosphatidylserines, phosphatidylethanolamines and phosphatidylcholines. Moreover, the integrative analysis of the transcriptomics and metabolomics data indicated that TA inhibited the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by inhibiting the expression of LPCAT4, PTDSS2, PLA2G2A and CEPT1. In addition, the relevant signaling pathways analysis confirmed that TA inhibited HSCs activation by blocking the PI3K/Akt/mTOR pathway and ameliorated inflammatory injury by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway. In conclusion, TA significantly alleviates liver fibrosis in vivo by inhibiting the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway and the PI3K/Akt/mTOR and NF-κB signaling pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wei
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Yan Li
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Yuhua Xiong
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Bin Fang
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Cuiyu Li
- Guangxi Medical University Life Sciences Institute, Nanning, China
| | - Quanfang Huang
- The Pharmaceutical Department, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine First Affiliated Hospital, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
| | - Renbin Huang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
| | - Jinbin Wei
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
- *Correspondence: Jinbin Wei, ; Quanfang Huang, ; Renbin Huang,
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Yang K, Qiu J, Huang Z, Yu Z, Wang W, Hu H, You Y. A comprehensive review of ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, and pharmacokinetics of Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. and Schisandra sphenanthera Rehd. et Wils. J Ethnopharmacol 2022; 284:114759. [PMID: 34678416 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114759] [Citation(s) in RCA: 49] [Impact Index Per Article: 24.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 10/15/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Schisandra chinensis (called bei-wuweizi in Chinese, S. chinensis) and Schisandra sphenanthera (called nan-wuweizi in Chinese, S. sphenanthera) are two highly similar plants in the Magnoliaceae family. Their dried ripe fruits are commonly used as traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of coughs, palpitation, spermatorrhea, and insomnia. They also are traditionally used as tonics in Russia, Japan, and Korea. AIM OF THE REVIEW S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera are similar in appearance, traditional applications, ingredient compositions, and therapeutic effects. This review, therefore, aims to provide a systematic insight into the botanical background, ethnopharmacology, phytochemistry, pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, quality control, and toxicology of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, and to explore and present the similarities and differences between S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera. MATERIALS AND METHODS A comprehensive literature search regarding S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera was collected by using electronic databases including PubMed, SciFinder, Science Direct, Web of Science, CNKI, and the online ethnobotanical database. RESULTS In the 2020 Edition of Chinese Pharmacopoeia (ChP), there were 100 prescriptions containing S. chinensis, while only 11 contained S. sphenanthera. Totally, 306 and 238 compounds have been isolated and identified from S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera, respectively. Among these compounds, lignans, triterpenoids, essential oils, phenolic acid, flavonoids, phytosterols are the major composition. Through investigation of pharmacological activities, S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have similar therapeutic effects including hepatoprotection, neuroprotection, cardioprotection, anticancer, antioxidation, anti-inflammation, and hypoglycemic effect. Besides, S. chinensis turns out to have more effects including reproductive regulation and immunomodulatory, antimicrobial, antitussive and antiasthmatic, anti-fatigue, antiarthritic, and bone remodeling effects. Both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have inhibitory effects on CYP3A and P-gp, which can mediate metabolism or efflux of substrates, and therefore interact with many drugs. CONCLUSIONS S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera have great similarities. Dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans are regarded to contribute to most of the bioactivities. Schisandrin A-C, schisandrol A-B, and schisantherin A, existing in both S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera but differing in the amount, are the main active components, which may contribute to the similarities and differences. Study corresponding to the traditional use is needed to reveal the deep connotation of the use of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera as traditional Chinese medicine. In addition, a joint study of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera can better show the difference between them, which can provide a reference for clinical application. It is worth mentioning that the inhibition of S. chinensis and S. sphenanthera on CYP3A and P-gp may lead to undesirable drug-drug interactions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ke Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Jing Qiu
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Zecheng Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Ziwei Yu
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Wenjun Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Huiling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Yu You
- State Key Laboratory of Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources in Southwest China,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wenjiang, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Ma R, Zhan Y, Zhang Y, Wu L, Wang X, Guo M. Schisandrin B ameliorates non-alcoholic liver disease through anti-inflammation activation in diabetic mice. Drug Dev Res 2021; 83:735-744. [PMID: 34927282 PMCID: PMC9299884 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.21905] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2021] [Revised: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 12/01/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic risk factor associated with non‐alcoholic liver disease (NAFLD). Schisandrin B (Sch B) is a promising agent for NAFLD. However, the actions of Sch B on diabetes‐associated NAFLD and the underlying mechanisms are not characterized. This study aimed to assess whether Sch B has beneficial effects on T2DM‐associated NAFLD. Sch B (50 mg/kg, gavage) was administrated to C57BL/KSJ db/db mice for 2 weeks. Body weight, liver weight, blood glucose, and insulin resistance were measured. Serum lipid level and liver function were detected using the biochemistry analyzer. Quantitative Real‐Time PCR assay was used to evaluate mRNA levers of lipid metabolism genes. Terminal‐deoxynucleoitidyl Transferase Mediated Nick End Labeling (TUNEL) staining was performed to measure apoptosis in the liver. Pathological analysis and immunohistochemistry assessment were used to analyze hepatic steatosis and inflammatory infiltration. Sch B supplementation significantly decrease body weight, related liver weight, blood glucose, and serum insulin, and improved insulin resistance in db/db mice. Sch B obviously corrected NAFLD phenotypes including lipid deposition, steatohepatitis, and high levels of hepatic enzymes and serum lipid. In addition, mRNA levels of Sterol response element‐bind protein 1c (SREBP‐1c), fatty acid synthetase (Fasn), and acetyl‐CoA carboxylase (ACC) were markedly downregulated by Sch B treatment. TUNEL‐positive cells were also decreased by Sch B. Furthermore, Sch B inhibited the Kupffer cells, IL‐1β, and TNF‐α infiltration to the liver. Sch B ameliorated insulin resistance and lipid accumulation under high glucose conditions, which was partly associated with its inhibition of apoptosis and anti‐inflammatory actions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ruojia Ma
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Yike Zhan
- Department of Cardiology, Jieyang People's Hospital (Jieyang Affiliated Hospital, Sun Yat-sen University), Jieyang, China
| | - Yamei Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Liangan Wu
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Xing Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Ming Guo
- Department of Cardiology, Affiliated Xiaoshan Hospital, Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
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Chen Q, Bao L, Lv L, Xie F, Zhou X, Zhang H, Zhang G. Schisandrin B regulates macrophage polarization and alleviates liver fibrosis via activation of PPARγ. Ann Transl Med 2021; 9:1500. [PMID: 34805362 PMCID: PMC8573433 DOI: 10.21037/atm-21-4602] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Accepted: 09/27/2021] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
Background Schisandrin B (Sch B), the main ingredient of Schisandra chinensis, displays many bioactivities. This study aimed to identify the drug target of Sch B against liver fibrosis and describe the related molecular mechanisms. Methods The effects of Sch B on liver fibrosis and macrophage polarization was investigated in vivo and in vitro. Furthermore, we analyzed the regulatory effect of Sch B on peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ). Results Our data showed that Sch B dramatically alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis and inhibited macrophage activation via PPARγ. Sch B binds with PPARγ by molecular docking. Immunofluorescence double staining showed that PPARγ was mainly expressed in macrophages rather than hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in liver fibrosis. Importantly, Sch B strongly inhibited macrophage polarization in fibrotic livers compared with the model group. Further, the results revealed that Sch B efficiently inhibited macrophage polarization and also decreased the levels of inflammatory cytokines in vitro. Knockdown of PPARγ by small interfering RNA (siRNA) inhibited the effect of Sch B on macrophage polarization. Mechanistically, Sch B regulated macrophage polarization through inhibition of the nuclear factor (NF)-κB signaling pathway via PPARγ both in vivo and in vitro. Conclusions These results suggested that Sch B alleviated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver inflammation and fibrosis by inhibiting macrophage polarization via targeting PPARγ.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingshan Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Leilei Bao
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lei Lv
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fangyuan Xie
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
| | - Xuwei Zhou
- Department of Basic Medicine, Fudan University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hai Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Shanghai First Maternity and Infant Hospital, Tong Ji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guoqing Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Third Affiliated Hospital of Naval Military Medical University, Shanghai, China
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Yin K, Li X, Luo X, Sha Y, Gong P, Gu J, Tan R. Hepatoprotective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Aqueous Extract from Phyllanthus emblica on Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2021; 2021:5345821. [PMID: 34712342 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5345821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological variation caused by almost all chronic liver injuries. As an edible and medicinal natural resource, Phyllanthus emblica (PE) has been reported to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and may have an ameliorating effect on hepatic fibrosis. To investigate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) against liver fibrosis and to uncover its related mechanisms, the chemical profile of AEPE was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and sulfuric acid-phenol method. Ameliorative effects of different doses of AEPE were investigated in carbon-tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis rats by analyzing biochemical markers, morphologic pathology, and related proteins expression in liver tissue. The results indicated that AEPE (1.8, 3.6 g/kg) could significantly reduce levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), collagen IV (Col IV), type III precollagen (PCIII), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl (PC), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) and increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson staining showed AEPE-treated improved fibrotic lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, AEPE treatment also significantly downregulates the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the liver tissue and serum, respectively. In conclusion, AEPE possesses curative efficacy against liver fibrosis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.
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Liu T, Guo Q, Zheng S, Liu Y, Yang H, Zhao M, Yao L, Zeng K, Tu P. Cephalotaxine Inhibits the Survival of Leukemia Cells by Activating Mitochondrial Apoptosis Pathway and Inhibiting Autophagy Flow. Molecules 2021; 26:molecules26102996. [PMID: 34070111 PMCID: PMC8158396 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102996] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/22/2021] [Revised: 05/11/2021] [Accepted: 05/13/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Cephalotaxine (CET) is a natural alkaloid with potent antileukemia effects. However, its underlying molecular mechanism has not been well understood. In this study, we verified that CET significantly inhibited the viability of various leukemia cells, including HL-60, NB4, Jurkat, K562, Raji and MOLT-4. RNA-sequencing and bioinformatics analysis revealed that CET causes mitochondrial function change. Mechanism research indicated that CET activated the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway by reducing the mitochondrial membrane potential, downregulating anti-apoptotic Bcl-2 protein and upregulating pro-apoptotic Bak protein. In addition, the autophagy signaling pathway was highly enriched by RNA-seq analysis. Then, we found that CET blocked the fluorescence colocation of MitoTracker Green and LysoTracker Red and upregulated the level of LC3-II and p62, which indicated that autophagy flow was impaired. Further results demonstrated that CET could impair lysosomal acidification and block autophagy flow. Finally, inhibiting autophagy flow could aggravate apoptosis of HL-60 cells induced by CET. In summary, this study demonstrated that CET exerted antileukemia effects through activation of the mitochondria-dependent pathway and by impairing autophagy flow. Our research provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of CET in the treatment of leukemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tingting Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Qiang Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Shuze Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Yang Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Heng Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Meimei Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Lu Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
| | - Kewu Zeng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.Z.); (P.T.)
| | - Pengfei Tu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China;
- State Key Laboratory of Natural and Biomimetic Drugs, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Peking University, Beijing 100191, China; (Q.G.); (S.Z.); (Y.L.); (H.Y.); (M.Z.); (L.Y.)
- Correspondence: (K.Z.); (P.T.)
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Pan X, Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Yang L, Chen D, Cao X, Peng C. A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids. Evid Based Complement Alternat Med 2020; 2020:7171498. [PMID: 33082829 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.
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Liu Y, Yang H, Guo Q, Liu T, Jiang Y, Zhao M, Zeng K, Tu P. Cucurbitacin E Inhibits Huh7 Hepatoma Carcinoma Cell Proliferation and Metastasis via Suppressing MAPKs and JAK/STAT3 Pathways. Molecules 2020; 25:molecules25030560. [PMID: 32012950 PMCID: PMC7037518 DOI: 10.3390/molecules25030560] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2019] [Revised: 01/16/2020] [Accepted: 01/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cucurbitacin E (CuE), a highly oxygenated tetracyclic triterpene from Cucurbitaceae, has shown to exhibit potent cytotoxic and anti-proliferative properties against several human cancer cells. However, the underlying effects and mechanisms of CuE regarding hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) have not been well understood. In the current study, unbiased RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq) and bioinformatics analysis was applied to elucidate the underlying molecular mechanism. CuE could significantly inhibit cell proliferation and migration of Huh7 cells, meanwhile CuE exhibited potent anti-angiogenic activity. RNA-seq analysis revealed that CuE negatively regulated 241 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) involved in multiple processes including cytoskeleton formation, angiogenesis and focal adhesion. Further analysis revealed that CuE effectually regulated diversified pharmacological signaling pathways such as MAPKs and JAK-STAT3. Our findings demonstrated the role of CuE in inhibiting proliferation and migration, providing an insight into the regulation of multiple signaling pathways as a new paradigm for anti-cancer treatment strategy.
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Cao G, Li S, Shi H, Yin P, Chen J, Li H, Zhong Y, Diao LT, Du B. Schisandrin B attenuates renal fibrosis via miR-30e-mediated inhibition of EMT. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2019; 385:114769. [PMID: 31697999 DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2019.114769] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [What about the content of this article? (0)] [Affiliation(s)] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/06/2019] [Revised: 09/22/2019] [Accepted: 09/26/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Tubulointerstitial fibrosis (TIF) is the main pathologic feature of end-stage renal disease. Epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of proximal tubular cells (PTCs) is one of the most significant features of TIF. MicroRNAs play critical roles during EMT in TIF. However, whether miRNAs can be used as therapeutic targets in TIF therapy remains undetermined. We found that miR-30e, a member of the miR-30 family, is deregulated in TGF-β1-induced PTCs, TIF mice and human fibrotic kidney tissues. Moreover, transcription factors that induce EMT, such as snail, slug, and Zeb2, were direct targets of miR-30e. Using a cell-based miR-30e promoter luciferase reporter system, Schisandrin B (Sch B) was selected for the enhancement of miR-30e transcriptional activity. Our results indicate that Sch B can decrease the expression of snail, slug, and Zeb2, thereby attenuating the EMT of PTCs during TIF by upregulating miR-30e, both in vivo and in vitro. This study shows that miR-30e can serve as a therapeutic target in the treatment of patients with TIF and that Sch B may potentially be used in therapy against renal fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangxu Cao
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Shuang Li
- Henan Provincial People's Hospital, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Hezhan Shi
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Peidi Yin
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Jialing Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Huifeng Li
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ying Zhong
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Li-Ting Diao
- Biotherapy Center, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou 510630, China.
| | - Bin Du
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China.
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