Amelioration of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by Qushi Huayu decoction is associated with inhibition of the intestinal mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway

Hedan tablet ameliorated non-alcoholic steatohepatitis by moderating NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways via regulating hepatic metabolites

Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a severe form of fatty liver disease. If not treated, it can lead to liver damage, cirrhosis and even liver cancer. However, advances in treatment have remained relatively slow, and there is thus an urgent need to develop appropriate treatments. Hedan tablet (HDP) is used to treat metabolic syndrome. However, scientific understanding of the therapeutic effect of HDP on NASH remains limited. We used HDP to treat a methionine/choline-deficient diet-induced model of NASH in rats to elucidate the therapeutic effects of HDP on liver injury. In addition, we used untargeted metabolomics to investigate the effects of HDP on metabolites in liver of NASH rats, and further validated its effects on inflammation and lipid metabolism following screening for potential target pathways. HDP had considerable therapeutic, anti-oxidant, and anti-inflammatory effects on NASH. HDP could also alter the hepatic metabolites changed by NASH. Moreover, HDP considerable moderated NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways. The present study found that HDP had remarkable therapeutic effects in NASH rats. The therapeutic efficacy of HDP in NASH mainly associated with regulation of NF-κB and lipid metabolism-related pathways via arachidonic acid metabolism, glycine-serine-threonine metabolism, as well as steroid hormone biosynthesis.

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

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

Association between the traditional Chinese medicine constitution and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease in older people: A cross-sectional study

Background

Few studies have focused on the relationship between the traditional Chinese medicine constitution (TCMC) and metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in older populations. We sought to investigate the distribution of MAFLD and the TCMC in older people, and provide a theoretical basis for TCMC-based management of MAFLD in this population.

Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted among older (≥65 years) individuals in Zhongshan, China. Information on common sociodemographic characteristics, medical history, anthropometric measurements, and the TCMC was collected. The chi-square test, multivariable logistic regression analysis, subgroup analysis, and inverse probability weighting of the propensity score were used to explore the relationship between MAFLD and the TCMC.

Results

Of 7085 participants, 1408 (19.9 %) had MAFLD. The three most common TCMC types in MAFLD patients were "phlegm-dampness", "gentleness", and "yin-deficiency". After adjustment for gender, age, tobacco smoking, alcohol consumption, body mass index, abnormal waist-to-hip ratio, hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and dyslipidemia, MAFLD was positively associated with the phlegm-dampness constitution (PDC) (ORadjusted (95 % CI) = 1.776 (1.496-2.108), P < 0.001), and negatively correlated with the qi-depression constitution (0.643 (0.481-0.860), 0.003). A stronger correlation between the PDC and MAFLD was observed in men compared with women (ORadjusted = 2.04 (95%CI = 1.47-2.84) vs. 1.70 (95%CI = 1.39-2.08), Pinteraction = 0.003) as well as between people who smoked tobacco and non-tobacco-smoking individuals (2.11 (1.39-3.21) vs. 1.75 (1.45-2.12), 0.006).

Conclusions

A positive relationship was observed between MAFLD and the PDC in older people living in Zhongshan. Early detection and treatment of the PDC (especially in men and smokers) could prevent the occurrence and development of MAFLD.

Integrated traditional Chinese and Western medicine in the prevention and treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: future directions and strategies

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been widely used for several centuries for metabolic diseases, including non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). At present, NAFLD has become the most prevalent form of chronic liver disease worldwide and can progress to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. However, there is still a lack of effective treatment strategies in Western medicine. The development of NAFLD is driven by multiple mechanisms, including genetic factors, insulin resistance, lipotoxicity, mitochondrial dysfunction, endoplasmic reticulum stress, inflammation, gut microbiota dysbiosis, and adipose tissue dysfunction. Currently, certain drugs, including insulin sensitizers, statins, vitamin E, ursodeoxycholic acid and betaine, are proven to be beneficial for the clinical treatment of NAFLD. Due to its complex pathogenesis, personalized medicine that integrates various mechanisms may provide better benefits to patients with NAFLD. The holistic view and syndrome differentiation of TCM have advantages in treating NAFLD, which are similar to the principles of personalized medicine. In TCM, NAFLD is primarily classified into five types based on clinical experience. It is located in the liver and is closely related to spleen and kidney functions. However, due to the multi-component characteristics of traditional Chinese medicine, its application in the treatment of NAFLD has been considerably limited. In this review, we summarize the advances in the pathogenesis and treatment of NAFLD, drawn from both the Western medicine and TCM perspectives. We highlight that Chinese and Western medicine have complementary advantages and should receive increased attention in the prevention and treatment of NAFLD.

Potential therapeutic target for polysaccharide inhibition of colon cancer progression

In recent years, colon cancer has become one of the most common malignant tumors worldwide, posing a great threat to human health. Studies have shown that natural polysaccharides have rich biological activities and medicinal value, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-cancer, anti-oxidation, and immune-enhancing effects, especially with potential anti-colon cancer mechanisms. Natural polysaccharides can not only protect and enhance the homeostasis of the intestinal environment but also exert a direct inhibition effect on cancer cells, making it a promising strategy for treating colon cancer. Preliminary clinical experiments have demonstrated that oral administration of low and high doses of citrus pectin polysaccharides can reduce tumor volume in mice by 38% (p < 0.02) and 70% (p < 0.001), respectively. These results are encouraging. However, there are relatively few clinical studies on the effectiveness of polysaccharide therapy for colon cancer, and ensuring the effective bioavailability of polysaccharides in the body remains a challenge. In this article, we elucidate the impact of the physicochemical factors of polysaccharides on their anticancer effects and then reveal the anti-tumor effects and mechanisms of natural polysaccharides on colon cancer. Finally, we emphasize the challenges of using polysaccharides in the treatment of colon cancer and discuss future applications.

Upregulation of ATG9b by propranolol promotes autophagic cell death of hepatic stellate cells to improve liver fibrosis

Proranolol has long been recommended to prevent variceal bleeding in patients with cirrhosis. However, the mechanisms of propranolol in liver fibrosis have not yet been thoroughly elucidated. Autophagic cell death (ACD) of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is important in the alleviation of liver fibrosis. Our study aims to assess the mechanisms of propranolol regulating HSC ACD and liver fibrosis. ACD of HSCs was investigated using lentivirus transfection. The molecular mechanism was determined using a PCR profiler array. The role of autophagy-related protein 9b (ATG9b) in HSC ACD was detected using co-immunoprecipitation and co-localization of immunofluorescence. Changes in the signalling pathway were detected by the Phospho Explorer antibody microarray. Propranolol induces ACD and apoptosis in HSCs. ATG9b upregulation was detected in propranolol-treated HSCs. ATG9b upregulation promoted ACD of HSCs and alleviated liver fibrosis in vivo. ATG9b enhanced the P62 recruitment to ATG5-ATG12-LC3 compartments and increased the co-localization of P62 with ubiquitinated proteins. The PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway is responsible for ATG9b-induced ACD in activated HSCs, whereas the p38/JNK pathway is involved in apoptosis. This study provides evidence for ATG9b as a new target gene and propranolol as an agent to alleviate liver fibrosis by regulating ACD of activated HSCs.

Qushi Huayu decoction ameliorates non-alcoholic fatty liver disease in rats by modulating gut microbiota and serum lipids

Introduction

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a multifactorial disease. As a clinical empirical prescription of traditional Chinese medicine, Qushi Huayu decoction (QHD) has attracted considerable attention for its advantages in multi-target treatment of NAFLD. However, the intervention mechanism of QHD on abnormal lipid levels and gut microbiota in NAFLD has not been reported.

Methods

Therefore, we verified the therapeutic effect of QHD on high-fat diet (HFD)-induced NAFLD in rats by physiological parameters and histopathological examination. In addition, studies on gut microbiota and serum lipidomics based on 16S rRNA sequencing and ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS) were conducted to elucidate the therapeutic mechanism of NAFLD in QHD.

Results

The changes in gut microbiota in NAFLD rats are mainly reflected in their diversity and composition, while QHD treated rats restored these changes. The genera Blautia, Lactobacillus, Allobaculum, Lachnoclostridium and Bacteroides were predominant in the NAFLD group, whereas, Turicibacter, Blautia, Sporosarcina, Romboutsia, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, Allobaculum, and Psychrobacter were predominant in the NAFLD+QHD group. Lipid subclasses, including diacylglycerol (DG), triglycerides (TG), phosphatidylethanolamine (PE), phosphatidylcholine (PC), phosphatidic acid (PA), phosphatidylserine (PS), lysophosphatidylinositol (LPI), and phosphatidylglycerol (PG), were significantly different between the NAFLD and the control groups, while QHD treatment significantly altered the levels of DG, TG, PA, lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC), lysophosphatidylethanolamine (LPE), and platelet activating factor (PAF). Finally, Spearman's correlation analysis showed that NAFLD related differential lipid molecules were mainly associated with the genera of Bacteroides, Blautia, Lachnoclostridium, Clostridium_sensu_stricto_1, and Turicibacter, which were also significantly correlated with the biological parameters of NAFLD.

Discussion

Taken together, QHD may exert beneficial effects by regulating the gut microbiota and thus intervening in serum lipids.

Critical Signaling Transduction Pathways and Intestinal Barrier: Implications for Pathophysiology and Therapeutics

The intestinal barrier is a sum of the functions and structures consisting of the intestinal mucosal epithelium, mucus, intestinal flora, secretory immunoglobulins, and digestive juices. It is the first-line defense mechanism that resists nonspecific infections with powerful functions that include physical, endocrine, and immune defenses. Health and physiological homeostasis are greatly dependent on the sturdiness of the intestinal barrier shield, whose dysfunction can contribute to the progression of numerous types of intestinal diseases. Disorders of internal homeostasis may also induce barrier impairment and form vicious cycles during the response to diseases. Therefore, the identification of the underlying mechanisms involved in intestinal barrier function and the development of effective drugs targeting its damage have become popular research topics. Evidence has shown that multiple signaling pathways and corresponding critical molecules are extensively involved in the regulation of the barrier pathophysiological state. Ectopic expression or activation of signaling pathways plays an essential role in the process of shield destruction. Although some drugs, such as molecular or signaling inhibitors, are currently used for the treatment of intestinal diseases, their efficacy cannot meet current medical requirements. In this review, we summarize the current achievements in research on the relationships between the intestinal barrier and signaling pathways. The limitations and future perspectives are also discussed to provide new horizons for targeted therapies for restoring intestinal barrier function that have translational potential.

Gut Microbiota and Aging: Traditional Chinese Medicine and Modern Medicine

The changing composition of gut microbiota, much like aging, accompanies people throughout their lives, and the inextricable relationship between both has recently attracted extensive attention as well. Modern medical research has revealed that a series of changes in gut microbiota are involved in the aging process of organisms, which may be because gut microbiota modulates aging-related changes related to innate immunity and cognitive function. At present, there is no definite and effective method to delay aging. However, Nobel laureate Tu Youyou's research on artemisinin has inspired researchers to study the importance of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). TCM, as an ancient alternative medicine, has unique advantages in preventive health care and in treating diseases as it already has formed an independent understanding of the aging system. TCM practitioners believe that the mechanism of aging is mainly deficiency, and pathological states such as blood stasis, qi stagnation and phlegm coagulation can exacerbate the process of aging, which involves a series of organs, including the brain, kidney, heart, liver and spleen. Our current understanding of aging has led us to realise that TCM can indeed make some beneficial changes, such as the improvement of cognitive impairment. However, due to the multi-component and multi-target nature of TCM, the exploration of its mechanism of action has become extremely complex. While analysing the relationship between gut microbiota and aging, this review explores the similarities and differences in treatment methods and mechanisms between TCM and Modern Medicine, in order to explore a new approach that combines TCM and Modern Medicine to regulate gut microbiota, improve immunity and delay aging.

Inhibition on XBP1s-driven lipogenesis by Qushi Huayu Decoction contributes to amelioration of hepatic steatosis induced by fructose

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Qushi Huayu Decoction (QHD) is a traditional Chinese medicine formula consisting of five herbs, which has been used for non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment in clinic for decades in China and validated in several NAFLD animal models. The hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL) is enhanced greatly to contribute to steatosis in NAFLD. The spliced form of X-box binding protein 1 (XBP1s) initiates DNL independently of sterol regulatory element-binding protein (SREBP) and carbohydrate-responsive element-binding protein (ChREBP).

AIM OF THE STUDY

To disclose the mechanism of inhibition on hepatic DNL by QHD and the responsible compounds.

METHODS

The effects of QHD on hepatic DNL were evaluated in mice induced by high-fructose diet (HFru). The effects of the serum-absorbed compounds of QHD on XBP1s were evaluated in HepG2 cells induced by tunicamycin. Hepatic histology, triglyceride (TG) and nonesterified fatty acids were observed. Hepatic apolipoprotein B100 and very low-density lipoprotein were measured to reflect lipid out-transport. The mRNA expression of XBP1s and its target genes were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The protein expression of TG synthetases and DNL enzymes, and inositol requirement enzyme 1 alpha (IRE1α), phosphorylated IRE1α and XBP1s were detected in liver tissue and HepG2 cells by western-blot. The binding activity of SREBP1, protein expression of ChREBP and XBP1s were detected in the nuclear extracts of liver tissue.

RESULTS

Dynamical observing suggested feeding with HFru for 2 weeks was sufficient to induce hepatic lipogenesis and XBP1s. QHD ameliorated liver steatosis without enhancing out-transport of lipids, accompanied with more inhibitory effects on DNL enzymes than TG synthetases. QHD inhibits the nuclear XBP1s without affecting ChREBP and SREBP1. In QHD, chlorogenic acid, geniposide and polydatin inhibit lipogenesis initiated by XPB1s.

CONCLUSION

QHD probably decreases hepatic DNL by inhibiting XBP1s independent of SREBP1 and ChREBP. Chlorogenic acid, geniposide and polydatin are the potential responsible compounds.

The interplay between herbal medicines and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases

Globally, metabolic diseases are becoming a major public health problem. Herbal medicines are medicinal materials or preparations derived from plants and are widely used in the treatment of metabolic diseases due to their good curative effects and minimal side effects. Recent studies have shown that gut microbiota plays an important role in the herbal treatment of metabolic diseases. However, the mechanisms involved are still not fully understood. This review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the interactions between herbal medicines and gut microbiota in metabolic diseases. Mechanisms by which herbal medicines treat metabolic diseases include their effects on the gut microbial composition, the intestinal barrier, inflammation, and microbial metabolites (e.g., short-chain fatty acids and bile acids). Herbal medicines can increase the abundance of beneficial bacteria (e.g., Akkermansia and Blautia), reduce the abundance of harmful bacteria (e.g., Escherichia-Shigella), protect the intestinal barrier, and alleviate inflammation. In turn, gut microbes can metabolize herbal compounds and thereby increase their bioavailability and bioactivity, in addition to reducing their toxicity. These findings suggest that the therapeutic effects of herbal medicines on metabolic diseases are closely related to their interactions with the gut microbiota. In addition, some methods, and techniques for studying the bidirectional interaction between herbal medicines and gut microbiota are proposed and discussed. The information presented in this review will help with a better understanding of the therapeutic mechanisms of herbal medicines and the key role of gut microbiota.

Qushi Huayu decoction attenuated hepatic lipid accumulation via JAK2/STAT3/CPT-1A-related fatty acid β-oxidation in mice with non-alcoholic steatohepatitis

CONTEXT

Qushi Huayu decoction (QHD) has been clinically used for treating non-alcoholic steatohepatits (NASH). However, little is known about the effect of QHD on fatty acid β-oxidation (FAO)-dependent lipid consumption.

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the mechanism of QHD on FAO-related hepatic lipid accumulation.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into 5 groups (n = 8): normal diet and drinking water (CON), high-fat and high-carbohydrate diet (HFHC), QHD-L (2.875 g/kg), QHD-H (11.5 g/kg) and obeticholic acid (OCA) (10 mg/kg/day) groups. All mice freely consumed an appropriate diet for 18 weeks, and QHD was orally administered in the last 6 weeks. Measurements of general condition, hepatic histopathology, and JAK2/STAT3 signalling pathway were taken.

RESULTS

QHD significantly improved NASH in mice, as reflected by improving serum glucolipid metabolism, decreasing enzymes activities, reducing hepatic triglyceride (HFHC: 70.07 ± 2.81 mg/g; QHD-H: 34.06 ± 5.74 mg/g) and ameliorating hepatic steatosis, inflammation in pathology. Further, both the mRNA and protein level of hepatic CPT-1A (p < 0.05), a rate-limiting enzyme of FAO, increased drastically following QHD treatment. Meanwhile, the content of hepatic ATP (p < 0.05) increased significantly after treatment with QHD. Further mechanistic results revealed that both the total protein and nuclear p-STAT3 in the liver were significantly down-regulated after QHD treatment. The protein level of hepatic p-JAK2 was significantly inhibited by QHD (p < 0.05 or p < 0.01).

CONCLUSIONS

QHD could attenuate lipid accumulation by increasing JAK2/STAT3/CPT-1A-related FAO, which provides a scientific basis for the clinical application of QHD in treating NASH.

Danhe granule ameliorates nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and fibrosis in rats by inhibiting ceramide de novo synthesis related to CerS6 and CerK

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Danhe granule (DHG) is used by Chinese doctors to treat blood stasis, phlegm and dampness. Its lipid-lowering ability has been investigated in our previous research. However, the anti-liver inflammatory and fibrotic effects and mechanism of action of DHG in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) have not been explored.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To evaluate the ameliorative effects of DHG on liver inflammation and fibrosis in a methionine/choline-deficient (MCD) diet-induced NASH rat model, and its underlying mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Sprague-Dawley rats were fed an MCD diet for two weeks and then treated with or without DHG by oral gavage for eight weeks. Their body weight and liver index were measured. The serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST) activities as well as the liver triglyceride (TG) and free fatty acid (FFA) levels were tested using reagent kits. Inflammatory cytokines, including Tnf-α, Il-β and Il-6, and fibrosis genes, including Acta2, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Tgf-β were examined by real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Oil Red O, Masson's and Sirius Red staining were used to observe liver changes. The plasma and liver ceramide levels were analyzed using HPLC-QQQ-MS/MS. The expression of serine palmitoyl-CoA transferase (Spt), ceramide synthase 6 (Cers6), dihydroceramide desaturase 1 (Des1), glucosylceramide synthase (Gcs), and ceramide kinase (Cerk) mRNA was assayed by RT-qPCR, while the protein expression of CerS6, DES1, GCS, CerK, and casein kinase 2α (CK2α) was tested by western blotting (WB). CerS6 degradation was evaluated using a cycloheximide (CHX) assay in vitro.

RESULTS

The liver index decreased by 20% in DHG groups and the serum ALT and AST decreased by approximately 50% and 30%, respectively in the DHG-H group. The liver Oil Red O staining, TG, and FFA changes showed that DHG reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by approximately 30% in NASH rats. H&E, Masson's and Sirius Red staining and the mRNA levels of Tnf-α, Il-β, Il-6, Acta2, Col1a1, Col1a2 and Tgf-β revealed that DHG alleviated liver inflammation and fibrosis in NASH rats. The ceramide (Cer 16:0), and hexosylceramide (HexCer 16:0, HexCer 18:0, HexCer 22:0, HexCer 24:0 and HexCer 24:1) levels decreased by approximately 17-56% in the plasma of the DHG-M and H rats. The Cer 16:0 content in the liver decreased by 20%, 50%, and 70% with the DHG-L, M, and H treatments; additionally, the dhCer 16:0, Cer 18:0, HexCer 18:0, HexCer 20:0 Cer 22:0-1P, Cer 24:0-1p, Cer 24:1-1p, and Cer 26:1-1p levels decreased in the DHG groups. The mRNA and protein expression levels of DES1, GCS, Cerk, CerS6, and CHX assay indicated that DHG decreased the mRNA and protein expression levels of CerK and reduced CerS6 protein expression by promoting its degradation. Additionally, DHG attenuated the protein expression of CK2α which could increase CerS6 enzymatic activity by phosphorylating its C-terminal region.

CONCLUSION

DHG ameliorated the levels of liver FFA and TG and inflammation and fibrosis in MCD-induced rats, which were associated with decreasing ceramide species in the plasma and liver by reducing the expression levels of CerS6 and CerK.

Amelioration of Non-Alcoholic Steatohepatitis by Atractylodes macrocephala Polysaccharide, Chlorogenic Acid, and Geniposide Combination Is Associated With Reducing Endotoxin Gut Leakage

Gut-derived lipopolysaccharide (LPS) leaking through the dysfunctional intestinal barrier contributes to the onset of non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) by triggering inflammation in the liver. In the present study, a combination consisting of Atractylodes macrocephala polysaccharide (A), chlorogenic acid (C), and geniposide (G) (together, ACG), was shown to ameliorate NASH in mice and reduce hepatic LPS signaling and endotoxemia without decreasing the abundance of identified Gram-negative bacteria through restoring the intestinal tight junctions. Our data indicated that inhibition of LPS gut leakage by the ACG combination contributed to its amelioration of NASH.

The Invasive Species Reynoutria japonica Houtt. as a Promising Natural Agent for Cardiovascular and Digestive System Illness

Polygoni Cuspidati Rhizoma et Radix, the dry roots and stems of Reynoutria japonica Houtt (called Huzhang, HZ in Chinese), is a traditional and popular chinese medicinal herb for thousands of years. As a widely used ethnomedicine in Asia including China, Japan, and Korea, HZ can invigorate the blood, cool heat, and resolve toxicity, which is commonly used in the treatment of favus, jaundice, scald, and constipation. However, HZ is now considered an invasive plant in the United States and many European countries. Therefore, in order to take advantage of HZ and solve the problem of biological invasion, scholars around the world have carried out abundant research studies on HZ. Until now, about 110 compounds have been isolated and identified from HZ, in which anthraquinones, stilbenes, and flavonoids would be the main bioactive ingredients for its pharmacological properties, such as microcirculation improvement, myocardial protective effects, endocrine regulation, anti-atherosclerotic activity, anti-oxidant activity, anti-tumor activity, anti-viral activity, and treatment of skin inflammation, burns, and scalds. HZ has a variety of active ingredients and broad pharmacological activities. It is widely used in health products, cosmetics, and even animal husbandry feed and has no obvious toxicity. Efforts should be made to develop more products such as effective drugs, health care products, cosmetics, and agricultural and animal husbandry products to benefit mankind.

Therapeutic Potential of Natural Plants Against Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease: Targeting the Interplay Between Gut Microbiota and Bile Acids

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) remains a common disease with a significant health and economic burden worldwide. The gut microbiota (GM) and bile acids (BAs), which play important roles in the gut-liver axis, have been confirmed to jointly participate in the development of NAFLD. GM not only regulate bile acids’ synthesis, transport, and reabsorption by regulating other metabolites (such as trimetlyl amine oxide, butyrate), but also regulate dehydrogenation, dehydroxylation and desulfurization of bile acids. Meanwhile, disordered bile acids influence the gut microbiota mainly through promoting the bacterial death and lowering the microbial diversity. Although weight loss and lifestyle changes are effective in the treatment of NAFLD, the acceptability and compliance of patients are poor. Recently, increasing natural plants and their active ingredients have been proved to alleviate NAFLD by modulating the joint action of gut microbiota and bile acids, and considered to be promising potential candidates. In this review, we discuss the efficacy of natural plants in treating NAFLD in the context of their regulation of the complex interplay between the gut microbiota and bile acids, the crosstalk of which has been shown to significantly promote the progression of NAFLD. Herein, we summarize the prior work on this topic and further suggest future research directions in the field.

HBeAg mediates inflammatory functions of macrophages by TLR2 contributing to hepatic fibrosis

BACKGROUND

We and others have confirmed activation of macrophages plays a critical role in liver injury and fibrogenesis during HBV infection. And we have also proved HBeAg can obviously induce the production of macrophage inflammatory cytokines compared with HBsAg and HBcAg. However, the receptor and functional domain of HBeAg in macrophage activation and its effects and mechanisms on hepatic fibrosis remain elusive.

METHODS

The potentially direct binding receptors of HBeAg were screened and verified by Co-IP assay. Meanwhile, the function domain and accessible peptides of HBeAg for macrophage activation were analyzed by prediction of surface accessible peptide, construction, and synthesis of truncated fragments. Furthermore, effects and mechanisms of the activation of hepatic stellate cells induced by HBeAg-treated macrophages were investigated by Transwell, CCK-8, Gel contraction assay, Phospho Explorer antibody microarray, and Luminex assay. Finally, the effect of HBeAg in hepatic inflammation and fibrosis was evaluated in both human and murine tissues by immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, ELISA, and detection of liver enzymes.

RESULTS

Herein, we verified TLR-2 was the direct binding receptor of HBeAg. Meanwhile, C-terminal peptide (122-143 aa.) of core domain in HBeAg was critical for macrophage activation. But arginine-rich domain of HBcAg hided this function, although HBcAg and HBeAg shared the same core domain. Furthermore, HBeAg promoted the proliferation, motility, and contraction of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in a macrophage-dependent manner, but not alone. PI3K-AKT-mTOR and p38 MAPK signaling pathway were responsible for motility phenotype of HSCs, while the Smad-dependent TGF-β signaling pathway for proliferation and contraction of them. Additionally, multiple chemokines and cytokines, such as CCL2, CCL5, CXCL10, and TNF-α, might be key mediators of HSC activation. Consistently, HBeAg induced transient inflammation response and promoted early fibrogenesis via TLR-2 in mice. Finally, clinical investigations suggested that the level of HBeAg is associated with inflammation and fibrosis degrees in patients infected with HBV.

CONCLUSIONS

HBeAg activated macrophages via the TLR-2/NF-κB signal pathway and further exacerbated hepatic fibrosis by facilitating motility, proliferation, and contraction of HSCs with the help of macrophages.

Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis

Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common chronic liver disease in clinical practice. It has been considered that NASH is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and carcinoma. The mechanism of the NASH progression is complex, including lipid metabolism dysfunction, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Except for lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery, there has been no pharmacological therapy that is being officially approved in NASH treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a conventional and effective therapeutic strategy, has been proved to be beneficial in treating NASH in numbers of studies. In the light of this, TCM may provide a potential therapy for treating NASH. In this review, we summarized the associated mechanisms of action TCM treating NASH in preclinical studies and systematically analysis the effectiveness of TCM treating NASH in current clinical trials.

Herbal therapy for ameliorating nonalcoholic fatty liver disease via rebuilding the intestinal microecology

The worldwide prevalence of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is increasing, and this metabolic disorder has been recognized as a severe threat to human health. A variety of chemical drugs have been approved for treating NAFLD, however, they always has serious side effects. Chinese herbal medicines (CHMs) have been widely used for preventing and treating a range of metabolic diseases with satisfactory safety and effective performance in clinical treatment of NAFLD. Recent studies indicated that imbanlance of the intestinal microbiota was closely associated with the occurrence and development of NAFLD, thus, the intestinal microbiota has been recognized as a promising target for treatment of NAFLD. In recent decades, a variety of CHMs have been reported to effectively prevent or treat NAFLD by modulating intestinal microbiota to further interfer the gut-liver axis. In this review, recent advances in CHMs for the treatment of NAFLD via rebuilding the intestinal microecology were systematically reviewed. The key roles of CHMs in the regulation of gut microbiota and the gut-liver axis along with their mechanisms (such as modulating intestinal permeability, reducing the inflammatory response, protecting liver cells, improving lipid metabolism, and modulating nuclear receptors), were well summarized. All the knowledge and information presented here will be very helpful for researchers to better understand the applications and mechanisms of CHMs for treatment of NAFLD.

Etiology Exploration of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease From Traditional Chinese Medicine Constitution Perspective: A Cross-Sectional Study

Background: From the traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) constitution theory perspective, the phlegm-dampness constitution is thought to be closely related to the occurrence of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, this viewpoint still lacks rigorous statistical evidence. This study aimed to test the association between the phlegm-dampness constitution and NAFLD. Methods: We conducted a cross-sectional study. Participants were residents living in Chengdu, China, undergoing health checkups at the health management center of Affiliated Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine between December 2018 and September 2020. TCM constitution type was diagnosed by DAOSH four examinations instrument, NAFLD was diagnosed according to the liver ultrasonography and medical history. Multivariate logistic regression and propensity score matching (PSM) were used to analyze a total of 1,677 qualified data. Results: 1,037 participants had biased constitution(s), 67.8% of which had mixed constitutions (with at least two constitutions). Among 1,677 participants, the phlegm-dampness constitution was associated with the yang-deficiency, yin-deficiency, dampness-heat, qi-depression, and blood-stasis constitutions. The correlation coefficients were 0.11, 0.32, 0.42, 0.20, 0.14, respectively. Between the phlegm-dampness constitution and NAFLD, the odds ratio (OR) and the 95% confidence interval (CI) was 2.05 (1.57-2.69) in the crude model. After adjusting for age, gender, Body mass index (BMI), other biased constitutions, smoking, high blood pressure, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, the OR reduced to 1.51 (1.04-2.18). The associations of seven other biased TCM constitutions and NAFLD were not statistically significant in the fully adjusted model. The PSM analysis showed consistent results with the logistic regression. Conclusions: Among eight biased TCM constitutions, the phlegm-dampness constitution is independently associated with NAFLD. We speculate the phlegm-dampness constitution is a risk factor of NAFLD. Longitudinal studies are needed to confirm this causal relationship in the future. In addition, inconsistent with some TCM practitioners' experience, we disagree that the blood-stasis constitution is associated with NAFLD.

Geniposide and Chlorogenic Acid Combination Improves Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Involving the Potent Suppression of Elevated Hepatic SCD-1

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), characterized by the excessive accumulation of hepatic triglycerides (TGs), has become a worldwide chronic liver disease. But efficient therapy keeps unsettled. Our previous works show that geniposide and chlorogenic acid combination (namely the GC combination), two active chemical components combined with a unique ratio (67.16:1), presents beneficial effects on high-fat diet-induced NAFLD rodent models. Notably, microarray highlighted the more than 5-fold down-regulated SCD-1 gene in the GC combination group. SCD-1 is an essential lipogenic protein for monounsaturated fatty acids’ biosynthesis and serves as a key regulatory enzyme in the last stage of hepatic de novo lipogenesis (DNL).

Methods: NAFLD mice model was fed with 16 weeks high-fat diet (HFD). The pharmacological effects, primarily on hepatic TG, TC, FFA, and liver enzymes, et al. of the GC combination and two individual components were evaluated. Furthermore, hepatic SCD-1 expression was quantified with qRT-PCR, immunoblotting, and immunohistochemistry. Finally, the lentivirus-mediated over-expressed cell was carried out to confirm the GC combination’s influence on SCD-1.

Results: The GC combination could significantly reduce hepatic TG, TC, and FFA in NAFLD rodents. Notably, the GC combination presented synergetic therapeutic effects, compared with two components, on normalizing murine hepatic lipid deposition and disordered liver enzymes (ALT and AST). Meanwhile, the robust SCD-1 induction induced by HFD and FFA in rodents and ALM-12 cells was profoundly blunted, and this potent suppression was recapitulated in lentivirus-mediated SCD-1 over-expressed cells.

Conclusion: Taken together, our data prove that the GC combination shows a substantial and synergetic anti-lipogenesis effect in treating NAFLD, and these amelioration effects are highly associated with the potent suppressed hepatic SCD-1 and a blunted DNL process.

Intestinal Microbiota and Liver Diseases: Insights into Therapeutic Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine

Liver disease is a leading cause of global morbidity and mortality, for which inflammation, alcohol use, lipid metabolic disorders, disturbance to bile acid metabolism, and endotoxins are common risk factors. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with its "holistic approach" is widely used throughout the world as a complementary, alternative therapy, due to its clinical efficacy and reduced side effects compared with conventional medicines. However, due to a lack of reliable scientific evidence, the role of TCM in the prevention and treatment of liver disease remains unclear. Over recent years, with the rapid development of high-throughput sequencing, 16S rRNA detection, and bioinformatics methodology, it has been gradually recognized that the regulation of intestinal microbiota by TCM can play a substantial role in the treatment of liver disease. To better understand how TCM regulates the intestinal microbiota and suppresses liver disease, we have reviewed and analyzed the results of existing studies and summarized the relationship and risk factors between intestinal microbiota and liver disease. The present review summarizes the related mechanisms by which TCM affects the composition and metabolites of the intestinal microbiome.

Pivotal Role of the Interaction Between Herbal Medicines and Gut Microbiota on Disease Treatment

With the recognition of the important role of gut microbiota in both health and disease progression, attempts to modulate its composition, as well as its co-metabolism with the organism, have attracted special attention. Abundant studies have demonstrated that dysfunction or imbalance of gut microbiota is closely related to disease progression, including endocrine diseases, neurodegenerative diseases, tumors, cardiovascular diseases, etc. Herbal medicines have been applied to prevent and treat diseases worldwide for hundreds of years. Although the underlying mechanism seems to be complex, one of the important ones is through modulating gut microbiota. In this review, co-metabolism between herbal medicines and microbiota, as well as the potential pathways are summarized from most recent published papers.

QSHY Granules Promote White Adipose Tissue Browning and Correct BCAAs Metabolic Disorder in NAFLD Mice

PURPOSE

White adipose tissue (WAT) has positive effects on peripheral metabolism parameters and liver energy metabolism. This study aimed to explain the pharmacological mechanism of Qushi Huayu (QSHY) granules in the treatment of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NALFD) mice based on branched-chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolism and WAT browning.

PATIENTS AND METHODS

Thirty C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into a (Ctrl) control group, fed with a control diet, a NAFLD model group, fed with a high-fat and high-sugar (HFHS) diet, and a QSHY granules treatment (HFHS+QSHY) group, administered with QSHY granules. After 14 weeks of feeding, HFHS+QSHY group mice were administered QSHY granules through oral gavage for 6 weeks. The metabolic parameters were assessed, the circular and fecal BCAA content was observed, and liver and epididymal WAT (eWAT) were collected for pathological, quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction, and Western blotting analyses.

RESULTS

Compared with the HFHS group, mice in the HFHS+QSHY group demonstrated restored liver histological changes, ameliorated hepatocyte steatosis, and alleviated inflammatory cell infiltration. Consistent with the pathological changes, QSHY granules significantly reduced the elevated levels of liver triglycerides, and serum alanine aminotransferase, and it relieved hypercholesterolemia and insulin resistance in mice with HFHS-induced NAFLD. Furthermore, it corrected BCAA metabolic disorders in serum and feces and promoted the expression of BCAA catabolic genes in the eWAT of HFHS mice. QSHY granules also increased the expression of phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) protein, up-regulating the protein expression of the AMPK/SIRT1/UCP-1 pathway in the eWAT.

CONCLUSION

QSHY granules improved hepatic steatosis and corrected the BCAA disorder in NAFLD mice, and the related mechanisms regulated the AMPK/SIRT1/UCP-1 pathway and promoted WAT browning.

Baicalein ameliorates ionizing radiation-induced injuries by rebalancing gut microbiota and inhibiting apoptosis

AIMS

Ionizing radiation (IR) induces injuries to the hematopoietic and intestinal systems, which are the leading cause of death. Baicalein, a plant-derived flavonoid, shows anti-oxidative stress, anti-apoptosis, anti-inflammation effects in many diseases. In this study, we evaluated the effects and mechanism of baicalein on IR induced intestinal and hematopoietic injuries.

MAIN METHODS

Mice were divided into three groups: Control, IR and IR + Baicalein. All of mice were intraperitoneally administered with 100 mg/kg baicalein or normal saline for 1 h before IR, and then a day post-IR. The changes in intestinal structure, function and molecular expression were observed by pathological experiments and western blot. 16S rRNA gene sequencing was performed to analyze gut microbiota and further predicted metabolic pathways through Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analysis. Hematopoietic function was evaluated by peripheral blood cells count and by flow cytometry analysis of hematopoietic cells composition.

KEY FINDINGS

Baicalein improved intestinal structure and the ability of proliferation and regeneration after mice exposed to IR, in which the rebalance of gut microbial composition played an important role. KEGG results showed that p53-related apoptotic pathways played important roles in the composition changes of gut microbiota. Then we observed that baicalein inhibited the activation of p53 and p53 mediated mitochondrial apoptosis and death receptor apoptosis in the intestine. In addition, IR induced injuries to hematopoietic system also could be ameliorated by baicalein.

SIGNIFICANCE

These results provide new insights into the mechanism of baicalein and support the potential of baicalein as a radioprotective medicine.

Role of gut microbiota in identification of novel TCM-derived active metabolites

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has been extensively used to ameliorate diseases in Asia for over thousands of years. However, owing to a lack of formal scientific validation, the absence of information regarding the mechanisms underlying TCMs restricts their application. After oral administration, TCM herbal ingredients frequently are not directly absorbed by the host, but rather enter the intestine to be transformed by gut microbiota. The gut microbiota is a microbial community living in animal intestines, and functions to maintain host homeostasis and health. Increasing evidences indicate that TCM herbs closely affect gut microbiota composition, which is associated with the conversion of herbal components into active metabolites. These may significantly affect the therapeutic activity of TCMs. Microbiota analyses, in conjunction with modern multiomics platforms, can together identify novel functional metabolites and form the basis of future TCM research.