Huangqi decoction attenuates renal interstitial fibrosis transforming growth factor-β1/mitogen-activated protein kinase signaling pathways in 5/6 nephrectomy mice

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effect of Huangqi decoction on renal interstitial fibrosis and its association with the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) / mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway.

METHODS

120 C57/BL mice were randomly divided into six groups: sham group, Enalapril (20 mg/kg) group, 5/6 nephrectomy model group, and 5/6 nephrectomy model plus Huangqicoction (0.12, 0.36 and 1.08 g/kg respectively) groups. Detecting 24hours urinary protein, blood pressure, serum creatinine, urea nitrogen content changes. Periodic Acid-Schiff stain (PAS) and Masson's trichrome staining was used to observe the renal tissue pathological changes. Protein expression of TGF-β1, Phosphorylated P38 mitogen activated protein kinases (P-P38), Phosphorylated c-jun N-terminal kinase (P-JNK), Phosphorylated extracellular regulated proteinhnase (P-ERK), Fibroblast-specific protein-1 (FSP-1), Alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Type III collagen (Collagen III), Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), Bcl-2 Assaciated X protein (Bax) and B cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl-2) were measured with western blot and immunohistochemical.

RESULTS

Both Huangqi decoction and Enalapril improved the kidney function, 24 h urinary protein and the fibrosis in 5/6 nephrectomy mice, Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of TGF-β1, FSP-1, α-SMA, Collagen III and CTGF in a dose-dependent manner, and it has a significant difference ( 0.01) compared with model group.Huangqi decoction downregulated the expressions of P-P38, P-JNK, P-ERK and Bcl-2 in a dose-dependent manner, while upregulated the expression of Bax.

CONCLUSIONS

The protective effect of Huangqi decoction for renal interstitial fibrosis in 5/6 nep-hrectomized mice the inhibition of Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transitions and downregulating the TGF-β1/ MAPK signaling pathway.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Huangqi decoction on liver fibrosis via computational systems pharmacology approaches

BACKGROUND

The traditional Chinese medicine Huangqi decoction (HQD) consists of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae in a ratio of 6: 1, which has been used for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we tried to elucidate its action of mechanism (MoA) via a combination of metabolomics data, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.

METHODS

Firstly, we collected prototype components and metabolic products after administration of HQD from a publication. With known and predicted targets, compound-target interactions were obtained. Then, the global compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network and the HQD-liver fibrosis protein-protein interaction network were constructed, separately. KEGG pathway analysis was applied to further understand the mechanisms related to the target proteins of HQD. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of compounds with targets. Finally, considering the concentrations of prototype compounds and metabolites of HQD, the critical compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network was constructed.

RESULTS

68 compounds including 17 prototype components and 51 metabolic products were collected. 540 compound-target interactions were obtained between the 68 compounds and 95 targets. Combining network analysis, molecular docking and concentration of compounds, our final results demonstrated that eight compounds (three prototype compounds and five metabolites) and eight targets (CDK1, MMP9, PPARD, PPARG, PTGS2, SERPINE1, TP53, and HIF1A) might contribute to the effects of HQD on liver fibrosis. These interactions would maintain the balance of ECM, reduce liver damage, inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, and alleviate liver inflammation through five signaling pathways including p53, PPAR, HIF-1, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a new way to understand the MoA of HQD on liver fibrosis by considering the concentrations of components and metabolites, which might be a model for investigation of MoA of other Chinese herbs.

Pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy to identify multiple effective components in Huangqi decoction against liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Huangqi decoction (HQD) has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century, but the effective components in HQD against liver fibrosis have not been definitively clarified.

PURPOSE

To investigate and identify multiple effective components in HQD against liver fibrosis using a pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy.

METHODS

The absorbed representative components in HQD and their metabolites were detected in human plasma and urine using high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with a database-directed method, and then pharmacokinetics in multiple HQD components in human plasma was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadruple mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the anti-fibrotic effect of potential effective HQD components was studied in LX-2 cells and that of a multi-component combination of HQD (MCHD) was verified in a mouse CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model.

RESULTS

Twenty-four prototype components in HQD and 17 metabolites were identified in humans, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 14 components were elucidated. Among these components, astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA; cycloastragenol, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, formononetin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, and isoliquiritin downregulated the mRNA expression of Col I; and calycosin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, cycloastragenol, and glycyrrhetinic accelerated the apoptosis of LX-2 cells. MCHD reduced serum aminotransferase activity and hepatic collagen fibril deposition in mice with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Using the pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy, we revealed that multiple effective HQD components act together against liver fibrosis.

Metabolomics analysis delineates the therapeutic effects of Huangqi decoction and astragalosides on α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) -induced cholestasis in rats

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cholestasis caused by bile secretion and excretion disorders is a serious manifestation of liver disease. With limited treatment methods, it affects millions of people worldwide. Huangqi decoction (HQD), an effective traditional Chinese medicine, is used to treat chronic cholestatic liver diseases. However, the action mechanisms of it were not fully elucidated.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aim to investigate the therapeutic effect of HQD, and its active component, astragalosides, against α-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis in rats based on targeted metabolomics analysis and revel the potential mechanism.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The therapeutic effect of HQD and astragalosides on ANIT-induced cholestasis model rats were evaluated by serum biochemical analysis. Liver damage was identified by histopathology. The levels of bile acids (BAs) and free fatty acids (FFAs) in serum and liver tissues were measured by ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (UPLC-TQMS). qRT-PCR and Western blot analysis were used to measure the expression of nuclear hormone receptor, membrane receptor and BA transporter protein in cholestatic rats before and after HQD and astragalosides treatment.

RESULTS

The obtained data showed that the administration of ANIT caused obvious cholestasis with significantly increased intrahepatic retention of hydrophobic BAs and altered FFAs, which were consistent with the liver histopathological and serum biochemical findings. HQD and astragalosides treatment were able to attenuate ANIT-induced BAs and FFAs perturbation, ameliorate the impaired liver function, histopathological ductular reaction, and lipid peroxidation damage by ANIT. Elevated mRNA and protein expression of transporters related to BA metabolism and genes related to lipogenesis and lipid oxidation metabolism in cholestasis were attenuated or normalized by HQD and astragalosides treatment.

CONCLUSIONS

Intervention by ANIT can significantly change the homeostasis of BAs and FFAs. HQD and astragalosides exerted a hepatoprotective effect against cholestatic liver injury by restoring the altered BA and FFA metabolism through the improvement of BA transporter, nucleus hormone receptor, and membrane receptor.

Hepatoprotective effects of Huangqi decoction (Astragali Radix and Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma) on cholestatic liver injury in mice: Involvement of alleviating intestinal microbiota dysbiosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Gut microbiome dysbiosis is closely associated with cholestatic liver disease. Huangqi decoction (HQD), a traditional herbal formula, has protection against cholestatic liver injury. However, the effect of HQD on gut microbiome remains unknown.

AIM OF THE STUDY

To investigate the effect of HQD on 3, 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC) induced cholestatic liver injury and its effect on the gut microbiome profiles.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice with DDC-induced cholestatic liver injury were treated with low and high doses of HQD for 8 weeks. Fecal samples were analyzed by 16 S ribosomal DNA sequencing. Barrier function as well as intestinal and hepatic inflammation was analyzed by real-time PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

HQD treatment ameliorated the DDC-induced liver injury and collagen deposition around hepatic bile ducts. Moreover, decreased diversity, reduced richness, and abnormal composition of intestinal microbiota of cholestatic mice were remarkably attenuated by HQD supplementation. Differences in bacterial abundance, including levels of Prevotellaceae_NK3B31_group, Alistipes, and Gordonibacter, were increased in DDC-induced mice, as compared with control mice, and were decreased after HQD treatment. Moreover, intestinal dysbiosis promoted disruption of the intestinal barrier in cholestatic mice. However, HQD treatment alleviated intestinal barrier dysfunction. Importantly, increased hepatic expression of pro-inflammatory factors and the NLRP3 inflammasome, which have a positive correlation with differential bacteria, were characteristics found in DDC-induced cholestatic mice that were alleviated upon treatment with HQD.

CONCLUSION

HQD treatment alleviated gut microbiota dysbiosis, ameliorated the intestinal barrier dysfunction, inhibited liver inflammation, and protected against DDC-induced cholestatic liver injury.

Protective effect of herbal medicine Huangqi decoction against chronic cholestatic liver injury by inhibiting bile acid-stimulated inflammation in DDC-induced mice

BACKGROUND

Huangqi decoction (HQD), a classic traditional herbal medicine, has been used for liver fibrosis, but its effect on intrahepatic chronic cholestatic liver injury remains unknown.

PURPOSE

In the present study, we investigated the hepatoprotective effect of HQD and the underlying molecular mechanisms in 3, 5-diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydroxychollidine (DDC)-induced chronic cholestatic mice.

METHODS

The DDC-induced cholestatic mice were administrated HQD for 4 or 8 weeks. Serum biochemistry and morphology were investigated. The serum and liver bile acid (BA) levels were detected by ultra performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. The liver expression of BA metabolizing enzymes and transporters, and inflammatory and fibrotic markers was measured by real-time polymerase chain reaction, western blotting, and immunohistochemistry.

RESULTS

HQD treatment for 4 or 8 weeks ameliorated DDC-induced liver injury by improving impaired hepatic function and tissue damage. HQD treatment for 8 weeks further decreased the liver expression of cytokeratin 19, tumor growth factor (TGF)-β, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin, and ameliorated ductular reaction and liver fibrosis. HQD markedly decreased the accumulation of serum and liver BA. The expression of BA-metabolizing enzymes, cytochrome P450 2b10 and UDP glucuronosyltransferase 1 A1, and multidrug resistance-associated protein 2, Mrp3, and Mrp4 involved in BA homeostasis was increased by 4 weeks of HQD treatment. The expression of BA uptake transporter Na⁺-taurocholate cotransporting polypeptide was decreased and that of Mrp4 was increased after 8 weeks of HQD treatment. Nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2) was remarkably induced by HQD treatment. Additionally, HQD treatment for 8 weeks decreased the liver expression of inflammatory factors, interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, tumor necrosis factor-α, monocyte chemoattractant protein-1, and intracellular adhesion molecule-1. HQD suppressed the nuclear factor (NF)-κB pathway.

CONCLUSION

HQD protected mice against chronic cholestatic liver injury and biliary fibrosis, which may be associated with the induction of the Nrf2 pathway and inhibition of the NF-κB pathway, ameliorating BA-stimulated inflammation.

Huangqi decoction inhibits hyperglycemia-induced podocyte apoptosis by down-regulated Nox4/p53/Bax signaling in vitro and in vivo

BACKGROUND

Podocyte dysfunction is associated with the progression of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Huangqi decoction (HQD), a traditional Chinese medical formula, has been used to improve diabetes-related syndrome in China. The present study was to investigate the protective effect of HQD on podocyte apoptosis and the underlying molecular mechanism.

METHODS

Podocyte was used to measure the efficacy of HQD on cell apoptosis, activities of NADPH oxidases, ROS generation and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP), and the activation of Nox4/p53/Bax signaling pathway with HQD treatment were also investigated in vitro. Renal pathological morphology, renal function, podocyte apoptosis and Nox4/p53/Bax signaling pathway were investigated with STZ-induced diabetic mice in vivo.

RESULTS

HQD increased the cell proliferation and MMP level, while the ROS production and activities of NADPH oxidases were decreased. Meanwhile, Nox4/p53/Bax signaling was down-regulated. Contrarily, overexpression of Nox4 or p53 significantly abolished those efficacies of HQD. Accordingly, in vivo study showed that the progressive albuminuria, glomerulosclerosis and loss of podocytes were significantly alleviated with HQD treatment in diabetic mice, which paralleled by the marked inhibition of Nox4/p53/Bax signaling.

CONCLUSION

Collectively, we provide further evidence that HQD had a renoprotective effect in preventing podocyte apoptosis, which was mediated at least in part by down-regulation of Nox4/p53/Bax signaling.

Simultaneous quantification of multiple components in rat plasma by UPLC-MS/MS and pharmacokinetic study after oral administration of Huangqi decoction

A rapid, sensitive and accurate UPLC-MS/MS method was developed for the simultaneous quantification of components of Huangqi decoction (HQD), such as calycosin-7-O-β-d-glucoside, calycosin-glucuronide, liquiritin, formononetin-glucuronide, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, ononin, calycosin, isoliquiritigenin, formononetin, glycyrrhizic acid, astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, and glycyrrhetinic acid, in rat plasma. After plasma samples were extracted by protein precipitation, chromatographic separation was performed with a C₁₈ column, using a gradient of methanol and 0.05% acetic acid containing 4mm ammonium acetate as the mobile phase. Multiple reaction monitoring scanning was performed to quantify the analytes, and the electrospray ion source polarity was switched between positive and negative modes in a single run of 10 min. Method validation showed that specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, extraction recovery, matrix effect and stability for 14 components met the requirements for their quantitation in biological samples. The established method was successfully applied to the pharmacokinetic study of multiple components in rats after intragastric administration of HQD. The results clarified the pharmacokinetic characteristics of multiple components found in HQD. This research provides useful information for understanding the relation between the chemical components of HQD and their therapeutic effects.

Huangqi Decoction Alleviates Alpha-Naphthylisothiocyanate Induced Intrahepatic Cholestasis by Reversing Disordered Bile Acid and Glutathione Homeostasis in Mice

Intrahepatic cholestasis is a serious symptom of liver disorders with limited therapies. In this study, we investigated the efficacy of Huangqi decoction (HQD), a two-herb classic traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), in the treatment of alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced intrahepatic cholestasis in mice. HQD treatment ameliorated impaired hepatic function and tissue damage. A metabolomics study revealed that the endogenous metabolites significantly affected by HQD were related to bile acid (BA) biosynthesis and glutathione metabolism pathways. HQD treatment decreased the intrahepatic accumulation of cytotoxic BAs, normalized serum BA levels, and increased biliary and urinary BA excretion. Additionally, HQD restored the hepatic glutathione content and suppressed reactive oxygen species (ROS) in cholestatic mice. Protein and gene analysis revealed that HQD increased the expression of the hepatic metabolizing enzymes cytochrome P450 (CYP) 2B10 and UDP glucuronosyltransferase family 1 member A1 (UGT1A1), as well as multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 (Mrp2), Mrp3, and Mrp4, which play crucial roles in BA homeostasis. Further, HQD increased the protein expression of glutamate-cysteine ligase, which is involved in the synthesis of glutathione. Importantly, HQD increased the nuclear expression of nuclear factor-E2-related factor-2 (Nrf2). In conclusion, HQD protects against intrahepatic cholestasis by reversing the disordered homeostasis of BAs and glutathione.

Huangqi decoction alleviates dimethylnitrosamine-induced liver fibrosis: An analysis of bile acids metabolic mechanism

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Huangqi Decoction (HQD), a classical traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, is used to treating liver injury in China. The aim of the study is to investigate mechanisms of HQD against dimethylnitrosamine (DMN)-induced liver fibrosis underlying metabolic profiles of bile acids.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

DMN-induced liver fibrosis rats were administrated HQD and its compounds, astragalosides (AS), glycyrrhizic acid (GA) and their combination. The anti-fibrosis effects were evaluated and targeted metabolomics by UPLC-MS was used to examine whether HQD had an influence on bile acid metabolism. The levels of mRNAs associated with bile acid metabolism were expressed by RT-PCR. Chenodeoxycholic acid (CDCA)-induced hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) proliferation and activation were examined using MTS assay and Western blot.

RESULTS

Histopathological changes and serum liver function in HQD group had significant improvements (P<0.01). Concentrations of free bile acids and taurine conjugates were significantly increased in DMN group (P<0.05). HQD and its compounds restored the increased bile acids to normal levels, and HQD was more effected on parts of bile acids. Furthermore, the levels of mRNAs related bile acid synthesis and reabsorption such as CYP7A1, CYP8B1, CYP27A1, OATP2, OATP3, OATP4 and NTCP were significantly down-regulated in DMN group (P<0.05), mRNAs related excretion such as MRP3 and BESP were up-regulated (P<0.01), and CYP7A1, CYP8B1, OATP3, OATP4, NTCP and MRP3 restored to normal levels by HQD treatment. Moreover, CDCA-induced HSCs proliferation and activation were weaken by HQD (P<0.05) with down-regulated α-SMA, TGF-β1, p-Smad2 and p-Smad3 expressions.

CONCLUSIONS

HQD alleviated DMN-induced liver fibrosis with a better effect than its compounds, which may be involved in the regulation of bile acid metabolism enzyme. Moreover, HQD may inhibit CDCA-induced HSCs proliferation and activation.