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Abo-El-Sooud K, Abd-Elhakim YM, Hashem MMM, El-Metwally AE, Hassan BA, El-Nour HHM. Ameliorative effects of quercetin against hepatic toxicity of oral sub-chronic co-exposure to aluminum oxide nanoparticles and lead-acetate in male rats. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2022; 396:737-747. [PMID: 36472630 PMCID: PMC10042903 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-022-02351-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2022] [Accepted: 11/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
AbstractThe present study was designed to evaluate the probable ameliorative role of quercetin (QCN) against oxidative hepatotoxicity induced by aluminum oxide nanoparticles (Al2O3NPs) with a diameter < 30 nm and lead acetate (Pb) co-exposure in adult male Sprague–Dawley rats. Rats were weighed and allocated to seven groups (n = 10 each) and were treated orally via orogastric gavage for 60 successive days: rats of the 1st group were kept as control given distilled water (1 ml/kg), rats of the 2nd group received 2 ml/kg BW/day corn oil; rats of the 3rd group were administered 20 mg/kg BW QCN/day; rats of the 4th group received 100 mg/kg BW Al2O3NPs; rats of the 5th group received 50 mg/kg BW Pb; rats of the 6th group co-received Al2O3NPs and Pb at the same previous doses; and rats of the 7th group were co-administered Al2O3NPs, Pb, and QCN at the same previous doses. At the end of the experiment, serum levels of alkaline phosphatase (ALP), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), total, direct, indirect bilirubin, triglycerides, total cholesterol, HDL, VLDL, and LDL were estimated. The hepatic oxidative stress biomarkers as superoxide dismutase (SOD), malondialdehyde (MDA), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx), were also evaluated. Finally, the histopathological and histomorphometric evaluations and the residues of Al and Pb in hepatic tissues were assessed. Al2O3NPs and/or Pb exposure significantly elevated lipid peroxidation levels and considerably altered the hepatic biochemical parameters; nevertheless, QCN significantly reduced hepatic enzymes compared to toxicant exposed groups. Additionally, QCN significantly improved Al2O3NPs-afforded liver tissue damage, as established in microscopic findings on the liver in the group treated with Al2O3NPs + Pb. Conclusively, QCN could be a candidate natural agent to safeguard the liver versus the co-harmful impacts of Al2O3NPs and Pb toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Khaled Abo-El-Sooud
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | - Yasmina M Abd-Elhakim
- Department of Forensic Medicine and Toxicology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
| | - Mohamed M M Hashem
- Department of Pharmacology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Cairo University, Giza, Egypt
| | | | - Bayan A Hassan
- Pharmacology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Future University, Cairo, Egypt
| | - Hayat H M El-Nour
- Biology of Reproduction Department, Animal Reproduction Research Institute, Giza, Egypt
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Long P, Xia Y, Yang Y, Cao J. Network-based pharmacology and molecular docking exploring the "Bupleuri Radix-Scutellariae Radix" mechanism of action in the viral hepatitis B treatment. Medicine (Baltimore) 2022; 101:e31835. [PMID: 36482557 PMCID: PMC9726313 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000031835] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Viral hepatitis B is caused by the hepatitis B virus, which is characterized by liver lesions. Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix are the main traditional medicine pairs with remarkable efficacy in hepatitis B. However, their molecular mechanisms are incompletely understood. The main active components of Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix, as well as therapeutic targets for the treatment of hepatitis B, were identified through network pharmacology techniques. We identified viral hepatitis B targets using the GeneCards, online mendelian inheritance in man, and therapeutic target databases. We discovered the active components of Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix as well as therapeutic targets using the encyclopedia of traditional Chinese medicine, HERB, traditional Chinese medicine systems pharmacology database, and a bioinformatics analysis tool for molecular mechanism of traditional Chinese medicine databases. VENNY obtained the intersections. Cytoscape and STRING were used to create the "active ingredient-potential target" network and protein interaction network. The DAVID database was used to enrich GO and KEGG pathways. The results were confirmed using the molecular docking method. There were 1827 viral hepatitis B targets, and 37 active ingredients for Bupleuri and Scutellariae Radix, with the main components being quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, and kaempferol. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF), mitogen-activated protein kinase 3 (MAPK3), interleukin-6 (IL-6), vascular endothelial growth factor A, cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinase 3, transcription factor AP-1 (JUN), RAC-alpha serine/threonine-protein kinase, and cellular tumor antigen p53 are among the 78 common targets of Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix intervention in viral hepatitis B. KEGG enrichment resulted in 107 pathways, including cancer, hepatitis B, and TNF signaling pathways. According to the molecular docking technique, quercetin, wogonin, baicalein, and kaempferol had strong binding activities with TNF, MAPK3, and IL-6. In this study, we initially identified various molecular targets and multiple pathways involved in hepatitis B treatment with Bupleuri Radix and Scutellariae Radix.
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Affiliation(s)
- Piao Long
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yu Xia
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Yuying Yang
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
| | - Jianzhong Cao
- Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, Yuelu District, Changsha, Hunan, China
- * Correspondence: Jianzhong Cao, Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory of Diagnostics in Chinese Medicine, Hunan University of Chinese Medicine, No. 300, Xueshi Road, Yuelu District, Changsha 410208, Hunan, China (e-mail: )
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Li ZX, Sheng XD, Wang YL, Wen Lv X. Blocking P2X4 purinergic receptor attenuates alcohol-related liver fibrosis by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109326. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109326] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/08/2022] [Revised: 09/22/2022] [Accepted: 10/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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Xu Z, Wu FW, Niu X, Lu XP, Li YR, Zhang ST, Ou JZ, Wang XM. Integrated strategy of RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology for exploring the protective mechanism of Shen-Shi-Jiang-Zhuo formula in rat with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2022; 60:1819-1838. [PMID: 36124995 PMCID: PMC9518293 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2022.2106250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2021] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 07/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/15/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Shen-Shi-Jiang-Zhuo formula (SSJZF) exhibits a definite curative effect in the clinical treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). OBJECTIVE To explore the therapeutic effect and mechanism of SSJZF on NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sprague Dawley rats were randomly divided into control, NAFLD, positive drug (12 mg/kg/day), SSJZF high-dose (200 mg/kg/day), SSJZF middle-dose (100 mg/kg/day), and SSJZF low-dose (50 mg/kg/day) groups. After daily intragastric administration of NAFLD rats for 8 weeks, lipid metabolism and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated by biochemical indices and histopathology. Then we uncovered the main active compounds and mechanism of SSJZF against NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology, and PI3K/AKT pathway activity was verified by western blot. RESULTS High dose SSJZF had the best inhibitory effect on hepatic lipid accumulation and fibrosis in rats with NAFLD, which significantly down-regulated total triglycerides (58%), cholesterol (62%), aspartate aminotransferase (57%), alanine aminotransferase (41%) andγ-glutamyl transpeptidase (36%), as well as the expression of ACC (5.3-fold), FAS (12.1-fold), SREBP1C (2.3-fold), and CD36 (4.4-fold), and significantly reduced collagen deposition (67%). Then we identified 23 compounds of SSJZF that acted on 25 key therapeutic targets of NAFLD by integrating RNA-sequencing and network pharmacology. Finally, we also confirmed that high dose SSJZF increased p-PI3K/PI3K (1.6-fold) and p-AKT/AKT (1.6-fold) in NAFLD rats. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION We found for first time that SSJZF improved NAFLD in rats by activating the PI3K/Akt pathway. These findings provide scientific support for SSJZF in the clinical treatment of NAFLD and contribute to the development of new NAFLD drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Xu
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Fan-Wei Wu
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xuan Niu
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiao-Peng Lu
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
| | - Yan-Rong Li
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shu-Ting Zhang
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Guangdong Agriculture and Reclamation Central Hospital, Zhanjiang, Guangdong
| | - Jun-Zhao Ou
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xue-Mei Wang
- Liu Pai Chinese Medical Center, The Seventh Clinical Medical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Shenzhen, China
- Graduate School, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, China
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Qu B, Liu X, Liang Y, Zheng K, Zhang C, Lu L. Salidroside in the Treatment of NAFLD/NASH. Chem Biodivers 2022; 19:e202200401. [PMID: 36210339 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202200401] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2022] [Accepted: 10/03/2022] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the commonest reason for chronic liver diseases in the world and is commonly related to the hepatic manifestation of the metabolic syndrome. Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a deteriorating form of NAFLD, which can eventually develop into fibrosis, cirrhosis, and liver cancer. The reason for NAFLD/NASH development is complicated, such as liver lipid metabolism, oxidative stress, inflammatory response, apoptosis and autophagy, liver fibrosis and gut microbiota. Apart from bariatric surgery and lifestyle changes, officially approved drug therapy for NAFLD/NASH treatment is lacking. Salidroside (SDS) is a phenolic compound extensively distributed in the tubers of Rhodiola plants, which possesses many significant biological activities. This review summarized the related targets regulated by SDS in treating NAFLD/NASH. It is indicated that SDS could improve the status of NAFLD/NASH by ameliorating abnormal lipid metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, regulating apoptosis and autophagy, reducing inflammatory response, alleviating fibrosis and regulating gut microbiota. In conclusion, although the multiple bioactivities of SDS have been confirmed, the clinical data are inadequate and need to become the focus of attention in the later study.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baozhen Qu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, 127 Siliunan Road, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Xuemao Liu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, 127 Siliunan Road, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Yanjiao Liang
- Department of Oncology Center, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Keke Zheng
- Department of Oncology Center, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Chunling Zhang
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, 127 Siliunan Road, Qingdao, 266042, China
| | - Linlin Lu
- Qingdao Cancer Prevention and Treatment Research Institute, Qingdao Central Hospital, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Medical College of Qingdao University, 127 Siliunan Road, Qingdao, 266042, China
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Pharmacological Activity of Quercetin: An Updated Review. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:3997190. [PMID: 36506811 PMCID: PMC9731755 DOI: 10.1155/2022/3997190] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/17/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 12/04/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin, a natural flavonoid compound with a widespread occurrence throughout the plant kingdom, exhibits a variety of pharmacological activities. Because of the wide spectrum of health-promoting effects, quercetin has attracted much attention of dietitians and medicinal chemists. An updated review of the literature on quercetin was performed using PubMed, Embase, and Science Direct databases. This article presents an overview of recent developments in pharmacological activities of quercetin including anti-SARS-CoV-2, antioxidant, anticancer, antiaging, antiviral, and anti-inflammatory activities as well as the mechanism of actions involved. The biological activities of quercetin were evaluated both in vitro and in vivo, involving a number of cell lines and animal models, but metabolic mechanisms of quercetin in the human body are not clear. Therefore, further large sample clinical studies are needed to determine the appropriate dosage and form of quercetin for the treatment of the disease.
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Chen YJ, Cheng HW, Yen WY, Tsai JH, Yeh CY, Chen CJ, Liu JT, Chen SY, Chang SJ. The Treatment of Keloid Scars via Modulating Heterogeneous Gelatin-Structured Composite Microneedles to Control Transdermal Dual-Drug Release. Polymers (Basel) 2022; 14:4436. [PMID: 36298014 PMCID: PMC9607586 DOI: 10.3390/polym14204436] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/31/2022] [Revised: 10/02/2022] [Accepted: 10/15/2022] [Indexed: 07/29/2023] Open
Abstract
Keloid scarring is an abnormal scar disease characterised by excessive proliferation of fibroblasts and over-deposition of collagen during wound healing. Although various treatments for keloid scars have been developed, preventive medicine is believed to be a promising strategy. The skin barrier limits the gentle topical administration of medicaments such as creams and hydrogel dressings, resulting in reduced therapeutic efficacy. In recent years, microneedles (MNs) have been regarded as an appreciable device for topical administration without inducing side effects, and they are painless and do not cause bleeding. In this study, an MN patch with controlled transdermal dual-drug release was developed to achieve combinatory treatment of keloid scars using a heterogeneous gelatin-structured composite MN. Gelatin hydrogel was used as a substrate to load gallic acid (GA) and quercetin-loaded amphiphilic gelatin nanoparticles to fabricate dual-drug heterogeneous composite MNs. The results of the insertion test and mechanical properties of the MNs showed that the heterogeneous composite MN patches could be self-pressed into the stratum corneum and control dual-drug release at different time periods. GA was released at an earlier stage to retard the proliferation of fibroblasts, and quercetin was released at a later stage as a strong antioxidant to erase the generation of reactive oxygen species. Furthermore, real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction data indicated that the gene expression of fibroblasts (such as Col I and III) was downregulated in the dual-drug system. The above results demonstrate that using heterogeneous composite MNs with the combination of dual-drug pharmacology is beneficial for preventing keloid scar formation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong-Ji Chen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Hung-Wei Cheng
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
| | - Wan-Yu Yen
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Jen-Hao Tsai
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Chin-Yi Yeh
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
| | - Ching-Jung Chen
- Research Center for Materials Science and Opti-Electronic Technology, School of Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - Jen Tsai Liu
- Research Center for Materials Science and Opti-Electronic Technology, College of Materials Science and Opto-Electronic Technology, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing 100049, China
| | - San-Yuan Chen
- Department of Materials Science and Engineering, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Hsinchu 30010, Taiwan
- Graduate Institute of Biomedical Science, China Medical University, Taichung 406040, Taiwan
- School of Dentistry, College of Dental Medicine, Kaohsiung Medical University, Kaohsiung 80708, Taiwan
| | - Shwu-Jen Chang
- Department of Biomedical Engineering, I-Shou University, Kaohsiung 82445, Taiwan
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Jiao Y, Wang Y, Jiang T, Wen K, Cong P, Chen Y, He Z. Quercetin protects porcine oocytes from in vitro aging by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining the mitochondrial functions. Front Cell Dev Biol 2022; 10:915898. [PMID: 36274842 PMCID: PMC9581393 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2022.915898] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2022] [Accepted: 09/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin (QUE) is a component of the flavonoid family that shows various therapeutic properties, such as antioxidant effects. However, whether QUE affects porcine oocyte in vitro aging has not yet been investigated. Therefore, in this study, we applied various doses of QUE to freshly isolated porcine oocytes and found that 10 µM QUE improved the oocyte maturation rate in vitro, as reflected by the increased degree of cumulus cell expansion and first polar body extrusion. More importantly, we found that QUE reduced in vitro aging and improved the maturity level of porcine oocytes after another 24 h of culturing, accompanied by the upregulated expression levels of bone morphogenetic protein 15, growth differentiation factor 9, Moloney sarcoma oncogene, and cyclin-dependent kinase 2. In addition, we found that QUE treatment significantly reduced the intracellular reactive oxygen species levels, apoptosis, and autophagy and upregulated the expression levels of superoxide dismutase 2 and catalase in aged porcine oocytes. In addition, QUE restored impaired mitochondrial membrane potential and spindle assembly in aged porcine oocytes. Our findings demonstrate that QUE can protect porcine oocytes from in vitro aging by reducing oxidative stress and maintaining mitochondrial function.
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Li C, Ru YJ, Lin QY, Gao GC, Yang YD, Zhang XQ, Gao JL, Liu SH, Zheng CW, Wang L, Zheng YX, Wu JM. Schisantherin D from Schisandra chinensis (Turcz.) Baill. exhibits anti-liver fibrosis capacity via modulating ETBR involved signaling, an in vitro and in vivo study. Fitoterapia 2022; 162:105290. [PMID: 36064152 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2022.105290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/16/2022] [Revised: 08/24/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/04/2022]
Abstract
Excess levels of chemical hepatotoxicants (alcohol, aflatoxin B1), oxidative drugs (acetaminophen) and some cytokines (ET-1, TGF-β1) can induce chronic or acute liver injury. After these, the severe hepatic disease, especially the liver fibrosis (LF) occurs without taking measures, which brings threat to human health. The dibenzocyclooctadiene lignans of S. chinensis (SCDLs) were found to act as the hepatoprotective components via blocking endothelin B receptor (ETBR). While study on its anti-LF mechanisms especially for its refined compound of schisantherin D (SC-D) is still a lack. So this study aims to investigate the anti-fibrosis effect of SC-D with in vitro and in vivo assays. Bioinformatics analysis revealed the close relations of ETBR to Smad2, Smad3, Nrf2, etc. in LF-related signaling pathways (such as TGF-β/Smad and Nrf2/ARE). Histopathological staining on livers showed the recovery trend in SC-D treated LF mice. SC-D also modulated expressions of ETBR and fibrosis or anti-oxidative related proteins (such as TIMP1, p-Smad2/3, Nrf2, Smad7, etc.) in LF mice livers. Serum levels of TNF-α, COLI, ALT, AST and LDH in SC-D treated mice were also downregulated compared with LF mice, and upregulated expression of GSH. In vitro studies, SC-D also modulated expressions of LF-related proteins to the normal tendency in LX-2 cell, while weakened its anti- LX-2 proliferation effect by transfections of si-Smad7 or si-Nrf2. Accordingly the anti-LF approach of SC-D showed relations with modulating ETBR linked fibrosis and anti-oxidative related signaling. Also, Smad7 and Nrf2 might be the key factors for SC-D mediated anti-LF effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chi Li
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yang-Jie Ru
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Quan-Yue Lin
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Guang-Chun Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Yu-Die Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Xiao-Qin Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Jin-Lai Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Shi-Hui Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Chu-Wei Zheng
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Jiaxing, Jiaxing 314001, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, China Three Gorges University, Yichang 610500, China
| | - Ya-Xin Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province for Specific Structure of Small Molecule Drugs, Chengdu Medical College, Chengdu 610500, China
| | - Ji-Ming Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, Jiaxing University, Jiaxing 314001, China.
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Zhang JB, Jin HL, Feng XY, Feng SL, Zhu WT, Nan HM, Yuan ZW. The combination of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus herb-pair alleviated inflammation in liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:984611. [PMID: 36059967 PMCID: PMC9437263 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.984611] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Objective: To explore the active components and epigenetic regulation mechanism underlying the anti-inflammatory effects of Lonicerae Japonicae Flos and Forsythiae Fructus herb-pair (LFP) in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced rat liver fibrosis. Methods: The main active ingredients and disease-related gene targets of LFP were determined using TCMSP and UniProt, and liver fibrosis disease targets were screened in the GeneCards database. A network was constructed with Cytoscape 3.8.0 and the STRING database, and potential protein functions were analyzed using bioinformatics analysis. Based on these analyses, we determined the main active ingredients of LFP and evaluated their effects in a CCl4-induced rat liver fibrosis model. Serum biochemical indices were measured using commercial kits, hepatocyte tissue damage and collagen deposition were evaluated by histopathological studies, and myofibroblast activation and inflammation were detected by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blotting. High-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry was performed to determine the levels of homocysteine, reduced glutathione, and oxidized glutathione, which are involved in inflammation and oxidative stress. Results: The main active components of LFP were quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin, and its main targets were α-smooth muscle actin, cyclooxygenase-2, formyl-peptide receptor-2, prostaglandin-endoperoxide synthase 1, nuclear receptor coactivator-2, interleukinβ, tumor necrosis factor α, CXC motif chemokine ligand 14, and transforming growth factor β1. A combination of quercetin, kaempferol, and luteolin alleviated the symptoms of liver fibrosis. Conclusion: The results of this study support the role of LFP in the treatment of liver fibrosis, and reveal that LFP reduces collagen formation, inflammation, and oxidative stress. This study suggests a potential mechanism of action of LFP in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Bei Zhang
- Collage of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
| | - Hong-Liu Jin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiao-Ying Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sen-ling Feng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wen-Ting Zhu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Hong-Mei Nan
- Collage of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
- Department of Encephalopathy, Affiliated Hospital of Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Jilin, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Mei Nan, ; Zhong-Wen Yuan,
| | - Zhong-Wen Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Major Obstetric Diseases, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
- *Correspondence: Hong-Mei Nan, ; Zhong-Wen Yuan,
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Guo X, Li Y, Wang W, Wang L, Hu S, Xiao X, Hu C, Dai Y, Zhang Y, Li Z, Li J, Ma X, Zeng J. The construction of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis with quercetin: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Phytother Res 2022; 36:3774-3791. [PMID: 35918855 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2021] [Revised: 07/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/06/2022] [Indexed: 12/09/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin (3,3',4',5,7-pentahydroxyflavone), a flavonoid, is widely found in fruits and vegetables and exerts broad-spectrum pharmacological effects in the liver. Many studies have explored the bioactivity of quercetin in the treatment of liver fibrosis. Hence, through a systematic review and biological mechanism evaluation, this study aimed to construct a body of preclinical evidence for the treatment of liver fibrosis using quercetin. The literature used in this study was mainly obtained from four databases, and the SYRCLE list (10 items) was used to evaluate the quality of the included literature. A meta-analysis of HA, LN, and other indicators was performed via STATA 15.0 software. Subgroup analyses based on animal species and model protocol were performed to further obtain detailed results. Moreover, the therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was summarized in a directed network form based on a comprehensive search of the literature. After screening, a total of 14 articles (comprising 15 studies) involving 254 animals were included. The results from the analysis showed that the corresponding liver function indexes, such as the levels of HA and LN, were significantly improved in the quercetin group compared with the model group, and liver function, such as the levels of AST and ALT, were also improved in the quercetin group. The species- and model-based subgroup analyses of AST and ALT revealed that quercetin exerts a significant effect. The therapeutic mechanism of quercetin was shown to be related to multiple pathways involving anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities and lipid accumulation, including regulation of the TGF-β, α-SMA, ROS, and P-AMPK pathways. The results showed that quercetin exerts an obvious effect on liver fibrosis, and more prominent improvement effects on liver function and liver fibrosis indicators were obtained with a dose of 5-200 mg during a treatment course ranging from 4 to 8 weeks. Quercetin might be a promising therapeutic for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaochuan Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanyuan Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Weizheng Wang
- School of Clinical Medicine, Tsinghua University, Beijing, China
| | - Luyao Wang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Sihan Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaolin Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Caiyu Hu
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yao Dai
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yiheng Zhang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ziyu Li
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Junlin Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiao Ma
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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62
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ZHANG D, WEI M, CHEN L, WU H, WANG T, ZHANG Z, ZHANG Y, YU J, HUANG J, ZHU J, QIN S. Drug response biomarkers of Pien Tze Huang treatment for hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride. J TRADIT CHIN MED 2022; 42:530-538. [PMID: 35848969 PMCID: PMC9924746 DOI: 10.19852/j.cnki.jtcm.2022.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore biomarkers of Pien Tze Huang that ameliorated the symptoms of hepatic fibrosis. METHODS Two groups of carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis (HF) mice model were constructed in our study: one group received PZH treatment and another group received no treatment. We performed this study to investigate the role of PZH in the regulation process of hepatic fibrosis. RESULTS We identified 31 down-regulated and 39 up-regulated miRNAs using small RNA-seq analysis. Combining RNA-Seq data analysis, our study revealed 7 significant target genes (Sp4, Slc2a6, Tln2, Hmga2, Ank3, Pax9, Fgf9). The results of real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction analysis suggested that the expression level of 6 genes (Sp4, Tln2, Hmga2, Ank3, Pax9, Fgf9) were down-regulated compared to control group. On the other hand, the expression level of Slc2a6 appeared to be up-regulated. The protein mass spectrometry showed that PZH group had lower protein expression of Tln2 compared to control group. CONCLUSION We identified 7 genes that were significantly related to PZH response in HF mice using multiple conjoint analysis methods. These genes could participate in underlying regulation mechanism of hepatic fibrosis during PZH treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Di ZHANG
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Muyun WEI
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Luan CHEN
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Hao WU
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ting WANG
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Zhiruo ZHANG
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Ying ZHANG
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
| | - Juan YU
- 3 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pien Tze Huang Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 350000, China
| | - Jinming HUANG
- 3 Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of Pien Tze Huang Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou Pien Tze Huang Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., Zhangzhou 350000, China
| | - Jinhang ZHU
- 1 School of Life Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Dr. ZHU Jinhang, Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China.
| | - Shengying QIN
- 2 Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200030, China
- Prof. QIN Shengying, Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200000, China.
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63
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Geng F, Xu M, Zhao L, Zhang H, Li J, Jin F, Li Y, Li T, Yang X, Li S, Gao X, Cai W, Mao N, Sun Y, Liu H, Xu H, Wei Z, Yang F. Quercetin Alleviates Pulmonary Fibrosis in Mice Exposed to Silica by Inhibiting Macrophage Senescence. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:912029. [PMID: 35959439 PMCID: PMC9360590 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.912029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Quercetin exerts anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant and other protective effects. Previous studies have shown that senescent cells, such as fibroblasts and type II airway epithelial cells, are strongly implicated in the development of pulmonary fibrosis pathology. However, the role of senescent macrophages during silicosis remains unclear. We investigated the effects of quercetin on macrophage senescence and pulmonary fibrosis, and explored underlying mechanisms. Mice were randomized to six model groups. Vitro model was also established by culturing RAW264.7 macrophages with silica (SiO2). We examined the effects of quercetin on fibrosis, senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) activity, and senescence-specific genes (p16, p21, and p53). We showed that quercetin reduced pulmonary fibrosis and inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. Quercetin also attenuated macrophage senescence induced by SiO2 both in vitro and in vivo. In addition, quercetin significantly decreased the expressions of the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP), including proinflammatory factors (interleukin-1α (Il-1α), Il-6, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)) and matrix metalloproteinases (MMP2, MMP9, and MMP12). In conclusion, quercetin mediated its anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting macrophage senescence, possibly via SASP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fei Geng
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Mengying Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Lan Zhao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Haoming Zhang
- Jitang College, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Jiarui Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Fuyu Jin
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Yaqian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Tian Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xinyu Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Shifeng Li
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Xuemin Gao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Wenchen Cai
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Na Mao
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Ying Sun
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Heliang Liu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Hong Xu
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
| | - Zhongqiu Wei
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Chronic Diseases, School of Basic Medical Sciences, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongqiu Wei, ; Fang Yang,
| | - Fang Yang
- Hebei Key Laboratory for Organ Fibrosis Research, School of Public Health, North China University of Science and Technology, Tangshan, China
- *Correspondence: Zhongqiu Wei, ; Fang Yang,
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Sangweni NF, van Vuuren D, Mabasa L, Gabuza K, Huisamen B, Naidoo S, Barry R, Johnson R. Prevention of Anthracycline-Induced Cardiotoxicity: The Good and Bad of Current and Alternative Therapies. Front Cardiovasc Med 2022; 9:907266. [PMID: 35811736 PMCID: PMC9257015 DOI: 10.3389/fcvm.2022.907266] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/29/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Doxorubicin (Dox)-induced cardiotoxicity (DIC) remains a serious health burden, especially in developing countries. Unfortunately, the high cost of current preventative strategies has marginalized numerous cancer patients because of socio-economic factors. In addition, the efficacy of these strategies, without reducing the chemotherapeutic properties of Dox, is frequently questioned. These limitations have widened the gap and necessity for alternative medicines, like flavonoids, to be investigated. However, new therapeutics may also present their own shortcomings, ruling out the idea of “natural is safe”. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has stipulated that the concept of drug-safety be considered in all pre-clinical and clinical studies, to explore the pharmacokinetics and potential interactions of the drugs being investigated. As such our studies on flavonoids, as cardio-protectants against DIC, have been centered around cardiac and cancer models, to ensure that the efficacy of Dox is preserved. Our findings thus far suggest that flavonoids of Galenia africana could be suitable candidates for the prevention of DIC. However, this still requires further investigation, which would focus on drug-interactions as well as in vivo experimental models to determine the extent of cardioprotection.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nonhlakanipho F Sangweni
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Derick van Vuuren
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Lawrence Mabasa
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Kwazi Gabuza
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa
| | - Barbara Huisamen
- Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Sharnay Naidoo
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
| | - Reenen Barry
- Research and Development Department, BioPharm, Hamilton, New Zealand
| | - Rabia Johnson
- Biomedical Research and Innovation Platform, South African Medical Research Council, Cape Town, South Africa.,Division of Medical Physiology, Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, Centre for Cardio-metabolic Research in Africa, Stellenbosch University, Stellenbosch, South Africa
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65
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Exploring mechanisms of Chaihu-Shugan-San against liver fibrosis by integrated multi-omics and network pharmacology approach. Biosci Rep 2022; 42:231546. [PMID: 35791909 PMCID: PMC9301292 DOI: 10.1042/bsr20221030] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/15/2022] [Revised: 06/19/2022] [Accepted: 07/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Chaihu-Shugan-San (CHSGS), a noted traditional Chinese medicine formula, has been used as a complementary and alternative therapy for liver fibrosis. However, the antifibrotic mechanisms of CHSGS still remain unclear. Thus, we used network pharmacology approach in combination with single cell and bulk transcriptomics to elucidate the antifibrotic mechanisms of CHSGS. We first screened out 134 bioactive ingredients of CHSGS through the defined criteria. Then, 1,150 genes were predicted to be targets for CHSGS, while 625 liver fibrosis-associated genes were identified by single cell transcriptomics analysis. Next, 71 intersecting genes of CHSGS and liver fibrosis were defined as the therapeutic targets in CHSGS against liver fibrosis. Further, 21 core targets and 12 core ingredients of CHSGS against liver fibrosis were also identified. Meanwhile, enrichment analyses of core targets highlighted that the key mechanisms of CHSGS against liver fibrosis include modulation of inflammation responses, inhibition of angiogenesis, and regulation of ECM remodeling, of which the most important mechanism was the regulation of ECM remodeling. The molecular docking simulation validated strong binding affinity between the core targets and core ingredients. Furthermore, 62-gene signature may be used for determining the prognosis in cirrhotic patients based on the results of ssGSEA-Cox analysis. In conclusion, this study revealed the multiple pharmacological targets and therapeutic mechanisms of CHSGS against liver fibrosis, which may thus serve as an effective antifibrotic therapy. Meanwhile, CHSGS may improve survival of patients with liver cirrhosis by the interaction of 62-gene signature.
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Protective Mechanism of Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz. Polysaccharide on Liver Fibrosis by HFD-Induced Liver Fat Synthesis and Oxidative Stress. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:1745244. [PMID: 35836833 PMCID: PMC9276475 DOI: 10.1155/2022/1745244] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2022] [Revised: 05/21/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022]
Abstract
Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz. polysaccharide (NSKP) is one of the main components of Nostoc sphaeroides Kütz. and is often used as health food. We investigated whether NSKP interferes with the progression of liver fibrosis. Male mice were randomly divided into 4 groups: control (C), high-fat diet (M), high-fat diet + 0.4 g/kg NSKP (L), and high-fat diet + 0.8 g/kg NSKP (H). C was fed standard diet, M was fed high-fat diet, and L and H were fed high-fat diet in addition to gavage of 0.4 g/kg or 0.8 g/kg NSKP, respectively, for 22 weeks. At the end of the experiment, the serum and liver oxidative stress, fat accumulation, and fibrosis indexes were detected. The histopathology of liver was also observed. The results showed that the rice of NSKP, compared with M, improved blood lipid level, liver total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), and liver antioxidant capacity and effectively interfered with liver fibrosis related indicators. So it is interesting to note that NSKP appeared to be effective in liver injury; further experiments are necessary to clarify the exact mechanisms involved.
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67
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Hou LS, Zhang YW, Li H, Wang W, Huan ML, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. The regulatory role and mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108117. [PMID: 35077761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a key pathological process of chronic liver diseases, caused by alcohol, toxic and aberrant energy metabolism. It progresses to cirrhosis or even hepatic carcinoma without effective treatment. Studies have shown that autophagy has important regulatory effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) energy metabolism, and then affect the activation state of HSCs. Autophagy maintains hepatic energy homeostasis, and the dysregulation of autophagy can lead to the activation of HSCs and the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. It is necessary to explore the mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Herein, the current study summarizes the regulating mechanisms of autophagy through different targets and signal pathways in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis, and discusses the regulatory effect of autophagy by natural plant-derived, endogenous and synthetic compounds for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. A better comprehension of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis may provide effective intervention of hepatic fibrosis, explore the potential clinical strategies and promote the drug treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Meng-Lei Huan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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68
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Sánchez-Jaramillo EA, Gasca-Lozano LE, Vera-Cruz JM, Hernández-Ortega LD, Gurrola-Díaz CM, Bastidas-Ramírez BE, Vargas-Guerrero B, Mena-Enríquez M, Martínez-Limón FDJ, Salazar-Montes AM. Nanoparticles Formulation Improves the Antifibrogenic Effect of Quercetin on an Adenine-Induced Model of Chronic Kidney Disease. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms23105392. [PMID: 35628203 PMCID: PMC9140764 DOI: 10.3390/ijms23105392] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 05/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/09/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Renal fibrosis is the final stage of chronic kidney injury characterized by glomerulosclerosis and tubulointerstitial fibrosis with parenchymal destruction. Quercetin belongs to the most studied flavonoids with antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antifibrogenic, and antitumor activity. It modifies the TGF-β/Smad signaling pathway, decreasing profibrogenic expression molecules and inducing the expression of antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrogenic molecules. However, quercetin exhibits poor water solubility and low absorption and bioavailability. This limitation was solved by developing a nanoparticles formulation that improves the solubility and bioavailability of several bioactive compounds. Therefore, we aimed to investigate the in vivo antifibrogenic effect of a quercetin nanoparticles formulation. Male C57BL/6 mice were induced into chronic renal failure with 50 mg/kg of adenine for four weeks. The animals were randomly grouped and treated with 25, 50, or 100 mg/kg of quercetin, either macroparticles or nanoparticles formulation. We performed biochemical, histological, and molecular analyses to evaluate and compare the effect of macroparticles versus nanoparticles formulation on kidney damage. Here, we demonstrated that smaller doses of nanoparticles exhibited the same beneficial effect as larger doses of macroparticles on preventing kidney damage. This finding translates into less quercetin consumption reaching the desired therapeutic effect.
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Affiliation(s)
- Esteban Andrés Sánchez-Jaramillo
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
| | - Luz Elena Gasca-Lozano
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
| | - José María Vera-Cruz
- Instituto de Nutrigenética y Nutrigenómica Traslacional, Centro Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico;
| | - Luis Daniel Hernández-Ortega
- Centro de Investigación Multidisciplinario en Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Nuevo Periférico 555, Tonalá 45425, Jalisco, Mexico; (L.D.H.-O.); (M.M.-E.)
| | - Carmen Magdalena Gurrola-Díaz
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
| | - Blanca Estela Bastidas-Ramírez
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
| | - Belinda Vargas-Guerrero
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
| | - Mayra Mena-Enríquez
- Centro de Investigación Multidisciplinario en Salud, Centro Universitario de Tonalá, Universidad de Guadalajara, Av. Nuevo Periférico 555, Tonalá 45425, Jalisco, Mexico; (L.D.H.-O.); (M.M.-E.)
| | | | - Adriana María Salazar-Montes
- Instituto de Investigación en Enfermedades Crónico-Degenerativas, Centro de Universitario de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad de Guadalajara, Sierra Mojada 950, Guadalajara 44340, Jalisco, Mexico; (E.A.S.-J.); (L.E.G.-L.); (C.M.G.-D.); (B.E.B.-R.); (B.V.-G.)
- Correspondence:
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69
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Pathogenesis of Liver Fibrosis and Its TCM Therapeutic Perspectives. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2022; 2022:5325431. [PMID: 35529927 PMCID: PMC9071861 DOI: 10.1155/2022/5325431] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/30/2021] [Accepted: 03/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of abnormal tissue proliferation in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors, which will further develop into cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma if liver injury is not intervened in time. As a diffuse progressive liver disease, its clinical manifestations are mostly excessive deposition of collagen-rich extracellular matrix resulting in scar formation due to liver injury. Hepatic fibrosis can be caused by hepatitis B and C, fatty liver, alcohol, and rare diseases such as hemochromatosis. As the metabolic center of the body, the liver regulates various vital activities. During the development of fibrosis, it is influenced by many other factors in addition to the central event of hepatic stellate cell activation. Currently, with the increasing understanding of TCM, the advantages of TCM with multiple components, pathways, and targets have been demonstrated. In this review, we will describe the factors influencing liver fibrosis, focusing on the effects of cells, intestinal flora, iron death, signaling pathways, autophagy and angiogenesis on liver fibrosis, and the therapeutic effects of herbal medicine on liver fibrosis.
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hMSCs-derived exosome circCDK13 inhibits liver fibrosis by regulating the expression of MFGE8 through miR-17-5p/KAT2B. Cell Biol Toxicol 2022:10.1007/s10565-022-09714-4. [PMID: 35484432 DOI: 10.1007/s10565-022-09714-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/02/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs)-derived exosome circCDK13 on liver fibrosis and its mechanism. METHODS Exosomes derived from hMSCs were extracted and identified by flow cytometry and osteogenic and adipogenic induction, and the expressions of marker proteins on the surface of exosomes were detected by western blot. Cell proliferation was measured by CCK8 assay, the expression of active markers of HSCs by immunofluorescence, and the expressions of fibrosis-related factors by western blot. A mouse model of liver fibrosis was established by intraperitoneal injection of thioacetamide (TAA). Fibrosis was detected by HE staining, Masson staining, and Sirius red staining. Western blot was utilized to test the expressions of PI3K/AKT and NF-κB pathway related proteins, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay to validate the binding between circCDK13 and miR-17-5p as well as between miR-17-5p and KAT2B, and ChIP to validate the effect of KAT2B on H3 acetylation and MFGE8 transcription. RESULTS hMSCs-derived exosomes inhibited liver fibrosis mainly through circCDK13. Dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP assay demonstrated the binding between circCDK13 and miR-17-5p as well as between miR-17-5p and KAT2B. Further experimental results indicated that circCDK13 mediated liver fibrosis by regulating the miR-17-5p/KAT2B axis, and KAT2B promoted MFGE8 transcription by H3 acetylation. Exo-circCDK13 inhibited PI3K/AKT and NF-κB signaling pathways activation through regulating the miR-17-5p/KAT2B axis. CONCLUSION hMSCs-derived exosome circCDK13 inhibited liver fibrosis by regulating the expression of MFGE8 through miR-17-5p/KAT2B axis.
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Supriono S, Kalim H, Permatasari N, Susianti H. Moringa oleifera Prevents In vivo Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis through Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells. Open Access Maced J Med Sci 2022. [DOI: 10.3889/oamjms.2022.9119] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Moringa oleifera (MO) exhibits hepatoprotective properties and provides an anti-liver fibrosis effect. However, its mechanism related to the anti-liver fibrosis effect was still unclear.
AIM: The objective of this study was to explain the mechanism of liver fibrosis prevention by MO through hepatic stellate cells (HSCs).
MATERIALS AND METHODS: The liver fibrosis model was induced by the intraperitoneal injection of 10% CCl4 twice a week at a one cc/kg BW dose for 12 weeks and followed by a quantity of 2 cc/kg BW for the past 2 weeks. Ethanol extract of MO leaves (150, 300, and 600 mg/kg) was orally administered daily. Double immunofluorescence staining and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling analysis were applied to analyze the markers involved in HSCs activation and a-HSC apoptosis.
RESULTS: The results showed that the administration of MO could reduce transforming growth factor-β and nuclear factor-kappa B (NFκB), increase the expression of tumor necrosis factor-related apoptosis-inducing ligand-receptor 2 and caspase-3, and increase the number of apoptosis a-HSCs.
CONCLUSION: This study showed that the ethanol extract of MO leaves could inhibit liver fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation and inducing of a-HSCs apoptosis through the extrinsic pathway.
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Izak-Shirian F, Najafi-Asl M, Azami B, Heidarian E, Najafi M, Khaledi M, Nouri A. Quercetin exerts an ameliorative effect in the rat model of diclofenac-induced renal injury through mitigation of inflammatory response and modulation of oxidative stress. EUR J INFLAMM 2022. [DOI: 10.1177/1721727x221086530] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Diclofenac (DIC) is administrated to treat pain, inflammatory disorders, and dysmenorrhea but kidney problems are the main worries of the agent. The literature has revealed that quercetin (QR) has anti-inflammatory and antioxidant attributes. This study aims to highlight the possible nephroprotective effects of QR on DIC-exposed rats. In this study, the animals after exposure to DIC (50 mg/kg, i.p) were administrated to QR (100 mg/kg, p.o). Then, the levels, as well as the activity of several oxidant and anti-oxidant mediators, were evaluated. Our results showed that DIC treatment was coupled with the elevation in the levels of malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and some pro-inflammatory factors such as TNF-α, NF-κB, and IL-1β, suggesting that probably this agent exert its toxicity in the kidney tissue through inducing both oxidative stress and inflammation. Interestingly, QR was successful in restoring the activity of antioxidant compounds such as GSH, GPx, SOD, and CAT in the kidney tissue of DIC-treated rats. Moreover, in the presence of QR, DIC was unable to increase the expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, suggesting that perhaps QR might have anti-inflammatory properties. In agreement with this, the results of the histopathological evaluation also showed that while DIC increased the lymphocyte infiltration into the kidney tissue, QR reduced the number of lymphocytes in DIC-treated rats. The results revealed that QR exerted a supportive effect against diclofenac-induced renal injury in male rats through modulation of oxidative stress and mitigation of inflammatory response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Farzad Izak-Shirian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Maryam Najafi-Asl
- Department of Phathobiology, Faculty of Veterinary Sciences, Bu-Ali Sina University, Hamedan, Iran
| | - Behzad Azami
- School of Medicine, Arak University of Medical Sciences, Arak, Iran
| | - Esfandiar Heidarian
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
| | - Mohammad Najafi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
| | - Mansoor Khaledi
- Department of Medical Microbiology, Faculty of Medicine, Shahed University of Medical Science, Tehran, Iran
| | - Ali Nouri
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Iran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran
- Clinical Biochemistry Research Center, Basic Health Sciences Institute, Shahrekord University of Medical Sciences, Shahrekord, Iran
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73
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Huang HC, Hsu SJ, Chang CC, Kao YC, Chuang CL, Hou MC, Lee FY. Lycopene treatment improves intrahepatic fibrosis and attenuates pathological angiogenesis in biliary cirrhotic rats. J Chin Med Assoc 2022; 85:414-420. [PMID: 35120355 DOI: 10.1097/jcma.0000000000000699] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/26/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver cirrhosis is characterized by liver fibrosis and pathological angiogenesis, which results in hyperdynamic circulation, portal-systemic collateral vascular formation, and abnormal angiogenesis. Lycopene is a nutrient mostly found in tomatoes. The beneficial effects of lycopene include anti-inflammation, anti-oxidation, anti-fibrosis, and anti-angiogenesis; however, the association between liver cirrhosis and pathological angiogenesis has yet to be studied. This study aimed to investigate the effects of lycopene on biliary cirrhotic rats. METHODS The efficacy of lycopene treatment in common bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced biliary cirrhotic rats was evaluated. Sham-operated rats served as surgical controls. Lycopene (20 mg/kg/day, oral gavage) or vehicle was administered to BDL or sham-operated rats for 4 weeks, after which the hemodynamics, liver biochemistry, portal-systemic shunting, liver and mesenteric angiogenesis, and hepatic angiogenesis-related protein expressions were examined. RESULTS Lycopene alleviated hyperdynamic circulation as evidenced by decreased cardiac index and increased peripheral vascular resistance (p < 0.05), but it did not affect portal pressure or liver biochemistry in the BDL rats (p > 0.05). Lycopene significantly diminished the shunting degree of portal-systemic collaterals (p = 0.04) and mesenteric vascular density (p = 0.01), and also ameliorated intrahepatic angiogenesis and liver fibrosis. In addition, lycopene upregulated endothelial nitric oxide synthase, protein kinase B (Akt) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinases (PI3K), and downregulated vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 2 (VEGFR-2) protein expressions (p < 0.05) in the livers of the BDL rats. CONCLUSION Lycopene ameliorated liver fibrosis, hyperdynamic circulation, and pathological angiogenesis in biliary cirrhotic rats, possibly through the modulation of intrahepatic Akt/PI3K/eNOS and VEGFR-2 pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hui-Chun Huang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Shao-Jung Hsu
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ching-Chih Chang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Yun-Chieh Kao
- Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Chiao-Lin Chuang
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Ming-Chih Hou
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
| | - Fa-Yauh Lee
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang-Ming University School of Medicine, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Faculty of Medicine, National Yang Ming Chiao Tung University, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Department of Medicine, Taipei Veterans General Hospital, Taipei, Taiwan, ROC
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Banik S, Yamada K, Sato H, Onoue S. Development of Poly(lipoic acid) Nanoparticles with Improved Oral Bioavailability and Hepatoprotective Effects of Quercetin. Mol Pharm 2022; 19:1468-1476. [PMID: 35353535 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.2c00009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin (QUE)-loaded poly(lipoic acid) nanoparticles (QUE/pLA) were developed to improve chemical stability in the gastrointestinal (GI) tract, oral bioavailability (BA), and pharmacological properties of QUE. QUE/pLA was prepared by emulsion solvent evaporation with ultrasonication followed by freeze-drying. Its mean particle size was 185 nm, with a high encapsulation efficiency of QUE (84.8%). QUE/pLA exhibited sustained release of QUE with improved dissolution compared with crystalline QUE and significantly enhanced chemical stability under physiological pH in the GI tract. Orally dosed QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) in rats exhibited significantly prolonged systemic exposure, possibly due to the sustained release of QUE. The oral BAs of QUE in QUE/pLA and crystalline QUE groups were 29 and 0.19%, respectively, suggesting significant enhancement of oral absorbability, likely due to the improved stability and dissolution property of QUE in the GI tracts. In hepatic injury model rats, QUE/pLA (50 mg QUE/kg) led to marked reductions in the plasma biomarker levels of alanine aminotransferase and aspartate aminotransferase by 70 and 46%, respectively, compared with the vehicle group. QUE/pLA also showed improved antioxidant potential as evidenced by the enhanced activities of hepatic glutathione, superoxide dismutase, and a decrease in the level of malondialdehyde, a marker of lipid peroxidation. Based on these findings, QUE/pLA might be a promising option to improve both the nutraceutical and pharmaceutical properties of QUE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sujan Banik
- Laboratory of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Kohei Yamada
- Laboratory of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Hideyuki Sato
- Laboratory of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
| | - Satomi Onoue
- Laboratory of Biopharmacy, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, University of Shizuoka, 52-1 Yada, Suruga-ku, Shizuoka 422-8526, Japan
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Shang Q, Yang Y, Li H. LINC01605 knockdown induces apoptosis in human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts by inhibiting autophagy. Exp Ther Med 2022; 23:343. [PMID: 35401799 PMCID: PMC8988162 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2022.11273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/06/2022] Open
Abstract
Glaucoma is an irreversible disease that causes blindness. Formation of a hypertrophic scar (HS) is the main cause of failure of glaucoma surgery. The long non-coding RNA LINC01605 is closely associated with the formation of HS; however, the function of LINC01605 in the formation and development of HS remains unclear. For this study, firstly, human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs) and corneal epithelial cells (control cells) were collected from patients (n=5) with POAG who underwent glaucoma filtration surgery at Fuyang People's Hospital. Immunofluorescence analysis was performed to detect the expression levels of vimentin (one of the main components of medium fiber and plays an important role in the cytoskeleton and motility), keratin (the main component of cytoskeletal proteins) and LC3 (an autophagy marker). In addition, reverse transcription-quantitative PCR analysis was performed to detect LINC01605 expression. Besides, the Cell Counting Kit-8 assay was performed to assess the viability of human Tenon's capsule fibroblasts (HTFs). Next, flow cytometry was performed to detect HTF apoptosis. Furthermore, western blot analysis was performed for Bax, Bcl-2, Pro-caspase-3, cleaved caspase-3, phosphorylated (p-)Smad2, Smad2, α-SMA, MMP9, ATG7, p62, beclin 1, p-AMPK and AMPK in HTFs to determine the mechanism by which LINC01605 regulates the formation and development of HS. Moreover, a Transwell assay was performed to detect the migratory ability of HTFs. The results demonstrated that LINC01605 was significantly upregulated in HS tissues compared with that in normal (control/healthy) tissues. In addition, vimentin was highly expressed in HTFs, whereas keratin was expressed at a low level. Also, in HTFs, LINC01605 knockdown inhibited cell viability by inducing apoptosis, decreasing Smad2 activation and inhibiting autophagy. Furthermore, LINC01605 knockdown significantly inhibited the migratory ability of HTFs. Transfection with LINC01605 small interference RNAs significantly downregulated the expression levels of p-Smad2, α-SMA and MMP9 in HTFs. Furthermore, LINC01605 knockdown notably inhibited the viability and migration, and induced the apoptosis of HTFs, the effects of which were reversed following treatment with TGF-β. Taken together, the results of the present study suggested that LINC01605 knockdown may inhibit the viability of HTFs by inducing the apoptotic pathway. These findings may provide novel directions for the treatment of HS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qifei Shang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, P.R. China
| | - Yanhua Yang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, P.R. China
| | - Hangzhu Li
- Department of Ophthalmology, Fuyang People's Hospital, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311400, P.R. China
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Hafez DA, Abdelmonsif DA, Aly RG, Samy WM, Elkhodairy KA, Abo Aasy NK. Role of fennel oil/ quercetin dual nano-phytopharmaceuticals in hampering liver fibrosis: Comprehensive optimization and in vivo assessment. J Drug Deliv Sci Technol 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jddst.2022.103177] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/04/2023]
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Quercetin Regulates Key Components of the Cellular Microenvironment during Early Hepatocarcinogenesis. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11020358. [PMID: 35204240 PMCID: PMC8868318 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11020358] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/28/2021] [Revised: 02/03/2022] [Accepted: 02/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a health problem worldwide due to its high mortality rate, and the tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a key role in the HCC progression. The current ineffective therapies to fight the disease still warrant the development of preventive strategies. Quercetin has been shown to have different antitumor activities; however, its effect on TME components in preneoplastic lesions has not been fully investigated yet. Here, we aimed to evaluate the effect of quercetin (10 mg/kg) on TME components during the early stages of HCC progression induced in the rat. Histopathological and immunohistochemical analyses showed that quercetin decreases the size of preneoplastic lesions, glycogen and collagen accumulation, the expression of cancer stem cells and myofibroblasts markers, and that of the transporter ATP binding cassette subfamily C member 3 (ABCC3), a marker of HCC progression and multi-drug resistance. Our results strongly suggest that quercetin has the capability to reduce key components of TME, as well as the expression of ABCC3. Thus, quercetin can be an alternative treatment for inhibiting the growth of early HCC tumors.
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78
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Liu S, Yang Q, Dong B, Qi C, Yang T, Li M, He S, Liu B, Wu J. Gypenosides Attenuate Pulmonary Fibrosis by Inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc Pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:806312. [PMID: 35095515 PMCID: PMC8795913 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.806312] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/31/2021] [Accepted: 12/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Gypenosides (Gyps), the major active constituents isolated from Gynostemma pentaphyllum, possess anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities. Previous studies have demonstrated that Gyps displayed potent ameliorative effects on liver fibrosis and renal fibrosis. In this study, we found that Gyps significantly reduced the mortality of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis mice (40% mortality rate of mice in the model group versus 0% in the treatment group). Masson staining showed that Gyps could reduce the content of collagen in the lung tissue of pulmonary fibrosis mice Masson staining and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the expression of the collagen gene α-SMA and fibrosis gene Col1 markedly decreased after Gyps treatment. The active mitosis of fibroblasts is one of the key processes in the pathogenesis of fibrotic diseases. RNA-seq showed that Gyps significantly inhibited mitosis and induced the G2/M phase cell cycle arrest. The mTOR/c-Myc axis plays an important role in the pathological process of pulmonary fibrosis. RNA-seq also demonstrated that Gyps inhibited the mTOR and c-Myc signaling in pulmonary fibrosis mice, which was further validated by Western blot and immunohistochemistry. AKT functions as an upstream molecule that regulates mTOR. Our western blot data showed that Gyps could suppress the activation of AKT. In conclusion, Gyps exerted anti-pulmonary fibrosis activity by inhibiting the AKT/mTOR/c-Myc pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Suqing Liu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qingqing Yang
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China.,Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Binbin Dong
- Department of Pediatrics, Huashan Hospital North, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Chunhui Qi
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, Qingpu District Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Institute of Integrative Medicine, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Tao Yang
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Institute of Cardiovascular Disease of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ming Li
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Shan He
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Baojun Liu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinfeng Wu
- Department of Dermatology, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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79
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Comprehensive analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics to illustrate the underlying mechanism of helenalin against hepatic fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 919:174770. [PMID: 35120860 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2022.174770] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2021] [Revised: 01/11/2022] [Accepted: 01/12/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to investigate the protective mechanisms of helenalin on hepatic fibrosis. In brief, rats were intragastrically administrated with 50% CCl4 for 9 weeks to induce liver fibrosis, followed by treatment with various agents for 6 weeks. The effects of helenalin on hepatic injury were assessed by pathological examinations. The potential targets were predicted by the "Drug-Disease" bioinformatic analysis and then verified by multiple experiments. Moreover, the underlying mechanism was investigated by transcriptomics and metabolomics as a whole. The results showed that helenalin significantly alleviated hepatocyte necrosis and hepatic injury, as proved by the pathological examinations. Also, helenalin markedly attenuated hepatocyte apoptosis by regulating the expression of caspase-3 and Bcl-2 families. Besides, helenalin could significantly reduce collagen accumulation, as evidenced by the decreased contents of collagen, hyaluronic acid and laminin. Moreover, helenalin significantly down-regulated the phosphorylation of PI3K, Akt, FAK, mTOR and P70S6K, and PTEN protein expression, suggesting that helenalin inhibited the PI3K/Akt signaling cascade. Meanwhile, helenalin inhibited the NF-κB signaling pathway by reducing the phosphorylation of IκBα, NF-κB p65 and IKKα/β, alleviating inflammation response. Interestingly, the analysis of transcriptomics and metabolomics indicated that helenalin inhibited the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway by down-regulating the target genes (CHKA, ETNPPL, LYPLA1, PCYT2, PLD4 and PNPLA6), ultimately ameliorating hepatocyte damage. In conclusion, helenalin ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating the PI3K/Akt and NF-κB signaling pathways and the glycerophospholipid metabolism pathway.
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Colares JR, Hartmann RM, Schemitt EG, Fonseca SRB, Brasil MS, Picada JN, Dias AS, Bueno AF, Marroni CA, Marroni NP. Melatonin prevents oxidative stress, inflammatory activity, and DNA damage in cirrhotic rats. World J Gastroenterol 2022; 28:348-364. [PMID: 35110954 PMCID: PMC8771613 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v28.i3.348] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/05/2021] [Revised: 06/24/2021] [Accepted: 01/10/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cirrhosis is an important health problem characterized by a significant change in liver parenchyma. In animals, this can be reproduced by an experimental model of bile duct ligation (BDL). Melatonin (MLT) is a physiological hormone synthesized from serotonin that has been studied for its beneficial properties, including its antioxidant potential.
AIM To evaluate MLT’s effects on oxidative stress, the inflammatory process, and DNA damage in an experimental model of secondary biliary cirrhosis.
METHODS Male Wistar rats were divided into 4 groups: Control (CO), CO + MLT, BDL, and BDL + MLT. MLT was administered (20 mg/kg) daily beginning on day 15 after biliary obstruction. On day 29 the animals were killed. Blood samples, liver tissue, and bone marrow were collected for further analysis.
RESULTS BDL caused changes in biochemical and histological parameters and markers of inflammatory process. Thiobarbituric acid (0.46 ± 0.01) reactive substance levels, superoxide dismutase activity (2.30 ± 0.07) and nitric oxide levels (2.48 ± 0.36) were significantly lower (P < 0.001) n the groups that received MLT. DNA damage was also lower (P < 0.001) in MLT-treated groups (171.6 ± 32.9) than the BDL-only group (295.5 ± 34.8). Tissue damage and the expression of nuclear factor kappa B, interleukin-1β, Nrf2, NQO1 and Hsp70 were significantly lower in animals treated with MLT (P < 0.001).
CONCLUSION When administered to rats with BDL-induced secondary biliary cirrhosis, MLT effectively restored the evaluated parameters.
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Affiliation(s)
- Josieli R Colares
- Medical Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Renata M Hartmann
- Medical Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Elizângela G Schemitt
- Medical Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Sandielly R B Fonseca
- Medical Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Marilda S Brasil
- Biological Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Jaqueline N Picada
- Cellular and Molecular Biology Program, Lutheran University of Brazil (ULBRA), Canoas 92425-900, Brazil
| | - Alexandre S Dias
- Pneumological Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Aline F Bueno
- Pneumological Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Cláudio A Marroni
- Posgraduate Program in Hepatology, Universidade Federal de Ciências da Saúde de Porto Alegre, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
| | - Norma P Marroni
- Medical Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
- Biological Sciences Program, Universidade Federal do Rio Grande do Sul, Porto Alegre 90050-170, Brazil
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81
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Wang J, Hu K, Cai X, Yang B, He Q, Wang J, Weng Q. Targeting PI3K/AKT signaling for treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis. Acta Pharm Sin B 2022; 12:18-32. [PMID: 35127370 PMCID: PMC8799876 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2021.07.023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 112] [Impact Index Per Article: 56.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2021] [Revised: 06/13/2021] [Accepted: 07/09/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic progressive fibrotic interstitial pneumonia with unknown causes. The incidence rate increases year by year and the prognosis is poor without cure. Recently, phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein kinase B (PKB/AKT) signaling pathway can be considered as a master regulator for IPF. The contribution of the PI3K/AKT in fibrotic processes is increasingly prominent, with PI3K/AKT inhibitors currently under clinical evaluation in IPF. Therefore, PI3K/AKT represents a critical signaling node during fibrogenesis with potential implications for the development of novel anti-fibrotic strategies. This review epitomizes the progress that is being made in understanding the complex interpretation of the cause of IPF, and demonstrates that PI3K/AKT can directly participate to the greatest extent in the formation of IPF or cooperate with other pathways to promote the development of fibrosis. We further summarize promising PI3K/AKT inhibitors with IPF treatment benefits, including inhibitors in clinical trials and pre-clinical studies and natural products, and discuss how these inhibitors mitigate fibrotic progression to explore possible potential agents, which will help to develop effective treatment strategies for IPF in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jincheng Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Kaili Hu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Xuanyan Cai
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Bo Yang
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qiaojun He
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Jiajia Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
| | - Qinjie Weng
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
- Hangzhou Institute of Innovative Medicine, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou 310058, China
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El-Sayed SS, Shahin RM, Fahmy A, Elshazly SM. Quercetin ameliorated remote myocardial injury induced by renal ischemia/reperfusion in rats: Role of Rho-kinase and hydrogen sulfide. Life Sci 2021; 287:120144. [PMID: 34785193 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.120144] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2021] [Revised: 10/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/09/2021] [Indexed: 10/24/2022]
Abstract
AIMS This study was designated to investigate the means through which quercetin confers its cardioprotective action against remote cardiomyopathy elicited by renal ischemia/reperfusion (I/R). Potential involvement of hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and its related mechanisms were accentuated herein. MAIN METHODS In anesthetized male Wistar rats, renal I/R was induced by bilateral renal pedicles occlusion for 30 min (ischemia) followed by 24 h reperfusion. Quercetin (50 mg/kg, gavage) was administered at 5 h post reperfusion initiation and 2 h before euthanasia. Cystathionine β-synthase (CBS) inhibitor, amino-oxyacetic acid (AOAA; 10 mg/kg, i.p) was given 30 min prior to each quercetin dose. KEY FINDINGS Quercetin reversed renal I/R induced derangements; as quercetin administration improved renal function and reversed I/R induced histopathological changes in both myocardium and kidney. Further, quercetin enhanced renal CBS content/activity, while mitigated myocardial cystathionine ɤ-lyase (CSE) content/activity as well as myocardial H2S. On the other hand, quercetin augmented myocardial nitric oxide (NO), nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and its nuclear trasnslocation, glutamate cysteine ligase (GCL), reduced glutathione (GSH) and peroxiredoxin-2 (Prx2), while further reduced lipid peroxidation measured as malondialdehyde (MDA) as well as nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB), caspase-3 content and activity, and Rho-kinase activity. SIGNIFICANCE Cardioprotective effects of quercetin may be mediated through regulation of Rho-kinase pathway and H2S production.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shaimaa S El-Sayed
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Rania M Shahin
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Ahmed Fahmy
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
| | - Shimaa M Elshazly
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Zagazig University, Zagazig 44519, Egypt.
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83
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Cui Y, Wang Q, Chang R, Aboragah A, Loor JJ, Xu C. Network Pharmacology-Based Analysis of Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth Beneficial Effects to Alleviate Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:789430. [PMID: 34899351 PMCID: PMC8652055 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.789430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/04/2021] [Accepted: 11/08/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common cause of chronic liver disease and is associated with high morbidity and mortality. Pogostemon cablin (Blanco) Benth/Huo Xiang (HX) is a perennial herb with unique anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, and thus, can positively affect liver function. In this study, we used network pharmacology to predict the potential mechanism of HX on NAFLD. Pharmacological experiments were used to verify the effect of HX on the functions of NAFLD. Network pharmacology identified nine components that interacted with 82 NAFLD-related targets, revealing four target genes: TNF, IL6, TP53, and AKT1. HX prevents the development and progression of NAFLD through different pathways and targets with quercetin-regulated lipid metabolism, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant pathways playing an essential role in the treatment of NAFLD. Compared with feeding HFD, HX significantly attenuated lipid accumulation in vivo with mice and also in vitro with mouse liver cells. A high dose of HX decreased hepatocyte lipid accumulation and the abundance of SREBF1 and FASN. Validation experiments revealed that HX inhibited the activation of NF-κB/IκB signaling and decreased the release and levels of pro-inflammatory factors (TNF-α and IL-6). These data suggest that HX can attenuate abnormal lipid metabolic responses and enhance antioxidant mechanisms. Thus, the pharmacological effects from plants used in traditional Chinese medicine are achievde through a multi-level response.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yizhe Cui
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Qiuju Wang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Renxu Chang
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
| | - Ahmad Aboragah
- Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Juan J Loor
- Department of Animal Sciences, Division of Nutritional Sciences, University of Illinois, Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Chuang Xu
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China.,Heilongjiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Prevention and Control of Bovine Diseases, Heilongjiang Bayi Agricultural University, Daqing, China
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84
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Fan C, Ma Y, Chen S, Zhou Q, Jiang H, Zhang J, Wu F. Comprehensive Analysis of the Transcriptome-Wide m6A Methylation Modification Difference in Liver Fibrosis Mice by High-Throughput m6A Sequencing. Front Cell Dev Biol 2021; 9:767051. [PMID: 34869362 PMCID: PMC8635166 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2021.767051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/30/2021] [Accepted: 11/01/2021] [Indexed: 01/01/2023] Open
Abstract
N6-Methyladenosine (m6A), a unique and common mRNA modification method in eukaryotes, is involved in the occurrence and development of many diseases. Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common response to chronic liver injury and may lead to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. However, the involvement of m6A methylation in the development of LF is still unknown. In this study, we performed a systematic evaluation of hepatic genome-wide m6A modification and mRNA expression by m6A-seq and RNA-seq using LF mice. There were 3,315 genes with significant differential m6A levels, of which 2,498 were hypermethylated and 817 hypomethylated. GO and KEGG analyses illustrated that differentially expressed m6A genes were closely correlated with processes such as the endoplasmic reticulum stress response, PPAR signaling pathway and TGF-β signaling pathway. Moreover, a total of 90 genes had both a significant change in the m6A level and mRNA expression shown by joint analysis of m6A-seq and RNA-seq. Hence, the critical elements of m6A modification, including methyltransferase WTAP, demethylases ALKBH5 and binding proteins YTHDF1 were confirmed by RT-qPCR and Western blot. In an additional cell experiment, we also observed that the decreased expression of WTAP induced the development of LF as a result of promoting hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. Therefore, this study revealed unique differential m6A methylation patterns in LF mice and suggested that m6A methylation was associated with the occurrence and course of LF to some extent.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chang Fan
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yanzhen Ma
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sen Chen
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Qiumei Zhou
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Hui Jiang
- Experimental Center of Clinical Research, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China.,Key Laboratory of Xin'an Medicine of the Ministry of Education, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Jiafu Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Furong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, China
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85
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Wang H, Jiang W, Hu Y, Wan Z, Bai H, Yang Q, Zheng Q. Quercetin improves atrial fibrillation through inhibiting TGF-β/Smads pathway via promoting MiR-135b expression. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 93:153774. [PMID: 34656066 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2021.153774] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/25/2020] [Revised: 09/12/2021] [Accepted: 09/21/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
PURPOSE To investigate the role and mechanism of quercetin in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced atrial fibrillation (AF). STUDY DESIGN Rat cardiac fibroblasts (RCFs) models and RCFs were used to explore the effect and underlying mechanism of quercetin in isoprenaline (ISO)-induced atrial fibrillation (AF) in vivo and in vitro by a series of experiments. METHODS Differentially expressed microRNAs were screened from human AF tissues using the GEO2R and RT-qPCR. The expressions of TGF-β/Smads pathway molecules (TGFβ1, TGFBR1, Tgfbr1, Tgfbr2, Smad2, Smad3, Smad4) in AF tissues were detected by RT-qPCR and Western blot. The relationships between miR-135b and genes (Tgfbr1, Tgfbr2, Smad2) were analyzed by Pearson correlation, TargetScan and dual-luciferase activity assay. RCFs induced by ISO were treated with quercetin (20 or 50 μM), miR-135b mimic and inhibitor, siTgfbr1 and their corresponding controls, then the cell viability was determined by MTT and the expressions of cyclin D1, α-SMA, collagen-related molecules, TGF-β/Smads pathway molecules, and miR-135b were measured by RT-qPCR and Western blot. ISO-induced rats were treated with quercetin (25 mg/kg/day) via gavage, miR-135b antagomir, agomir and their corresponding controls. The treated rats were used for the detection of miR-135b expression by RT-qPCR, histopathological observation by HE and Masson staining, and the detection of Col1A1 and fibronectin contents by immunohistochemical technique. RESULTS The expression of miR-135b was downregulated, and those of TGFBR1, TGFBR2, target genes of miR-135b were upregulated in human AF tissues and negatively regulated by miR-135b in RCFs. Through inhibiting TGF-β/Smads pathway via promoting miR-135b expression, quercetin treatment inhibited proliferation, myofibroblast differentiation and collagen deposition in ISO-treated RCFs, as evidenced by reduced expressions of cyclin D1, α-SMA, collagen-related genes and proteins, and alleviated fibrosis and collagen deposition of atrial tissues in ISO-treated rats. CONCLUSION Quercetin may alleviate AF by inhibiting fibrosis of atrial tissues through inhibiting TGF-β/Smads pathway via promoting miR-135b expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hongtao Wang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Yanchao Hu
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Zhaofei Wan
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Hongyuan Bai
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Qiang Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China
| | - Qiangsun Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an JiaoTong University, China.
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86
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Miao Z, Miao Z, Wang S, Shi X, Xu S. Quercetin antagonizes imidacloprid-induced mitochondrial apoptosis through PTEN/PI3K/AKT in grass carp hepatocytes. ENVIRONMENTAL POLLUTION (BARKING, ESSEX : 1987) 2021; 290:118036. [PMID: 34488159 DOI: 10.1016/j.envpol.2021.118036] [Citation(s) in RCA: 47] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2021] [Revised: 07/22/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Imidacloprid (IMI) is widely used in agriculture, and is toxic to non-target aquatic species. Quercetin (Que) is a flavonoid abundant in fruits and vegetables that exhibits anti-oxidant activity. In the present study, we treated grass carp hepatocytes (L8824) with 0.1 μM Que and/or 1 mM IMI for 24 h to explore the effect of Que on IMI-induced mitochondrial apoptosis. We found that IMI exposure enhanced reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation, inhibiting the activities of SOD, CAT and T-AOC, exacerbating the accumulation of MDA, aggravating the expression of mitochondrial apoptosis pathway (Cyt-C, BAX, Caspase9 and Caspase3) related genes and decreased the expression of anti-apoptosis gene B-cell lymphoma-2 (Bcl-2). In addition, Que and IMI co-treatment significantly restored the activity of anti-oxidant enzymes, downregulated ROS level and apoptosis rate, thereby alleviating the depletion of mitochondrial membrane potential (ΔΨm) and the expression of cytochrome c (Cyt-C), Bcl-2-associated X (BAX), and cysteinyl aspartate specific proteinases (Caspase9 and 3), increasing the Bcl-2 level. Furthermore, we elucidated that Que could inhibit the expression of phosphatase and tensin homolog deleted on chromosome 10 (PTEN), thus activating phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/protein kinase B (PI3K/AKT) pathway to attenuate IMI-induced apoptosis. Molecular docking provides assertive evidence for the interaction between Que ligand and PTEN receptor. Consequently, these results indicate that Que effectively antagonizes IMI-induced mitochondrial apoptosis in grass carp hepatocytes via regulating the PTEN/PI3K/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhiruo Miao
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Zhiying Miao
- College of Animal Science and Technology, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Shengchen Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Xu Shi
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China
| | - Shiwen Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, Harbin, 150030, PR China.
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87
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Primary coenzyme Q10 nephropathy, a potentially treatable form of steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome. Pediatr Nephrol 2021; 36:3515-3527. [PMID: 33479824 PMCID: PMC8295399 DOI: 10.1007/s00467-020-04914-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2020] [Revised: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 12/31/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Steroid-resistant nephrotic syndrome (SRNS) is a genetically heterogeneous kidney disease that is the second most frequent cause of kidney failure in the first 2 decades of life. Despite the identification of mutations in more than 39 genes as causing SRNS, and the localization of its pathogenesis to glomerular podocytes, the disease mechanisms of SRNS remain poorly understood and no universally safe and effective therapy exists to treat patients with this condition. Recently, genetic research has identified a subgroup of SRNS patients whose kidney pathology is caused by primary coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) deficiency due to recessive mutations in genes that encode proteins in the CoQ10 biosynthesis pathway. Clinical and preclinical studies show that primary CoQ10 deficiency may be responsive to treatment with CoQ10 supplements bypassing the biosynthesis defects. Coenzyme Q10 is an essential component of the mitochondrial respiratory chain, where it transports electrons from complexes I and II to complex III. Studies in yeast and mammalian model systems have recently identified the molecular functions of the individual CoQ10 biosynthesis complex proteins, validated these findings, and provided an impetus for developing therapeutic compounds to replenish CoQ10 levels in the tissues/organs and thus prevent the destruction of tissues due to mitochondrial OXPHOS deficiencies. In this review, we will summarize the clinical findings of the kidney pathophysiology of primary CoQ10 deficiencies and discuss recent advances in the development of therapies to counter CoQ10 deficiency in tissues.
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88
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Quercetin Reduces Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway in LX-2 Cell Line. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.113484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis and can eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During fibrogenesis, the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain active and continuously produce more extracellular matrix (ECM). Quercetin, one of the main flavonoids in vegetables, has shown hepatoprotective potential, but its effects on liver fibrosis are not apparent. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic activity of quercetin following stimulation of TGF-β in the LX-2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods: The LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 (2 ng/mL) for 24 h. Next, the cells were treated with quercetin for 24 h, and the mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1α1, and p-Smad3 protein levels were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of α-SMA, collagen 1α1 (COL1α1) genes, and also the level of p-Smad3 protein in the presence of TGF-β increased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, quercetin in concentrations of 75 and 100 μM inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA and COL1α1 genes and the p-Smad3 protein in LX-2 cells. Conclusions: We conclude that quercetin inhibits further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduces ECM accumulation during liver fibrosis in vitro, and may prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Thus, the use of quercetin is suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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89
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Zhao W, Zhang X, Hou M, Zhang Y, Tang Y, Li L, Dong S, Liu L, Zhao D, Li W, Nan Y. Traditional Chinese medicine Yiqi Huoxue recipe attenuates hepatic fibrosis via YAP/TAZ signaling. Histol Histopathol 2021; 36:967-979. [PMID: 34490599 DOI: 10.14670/hh-18-373] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/30/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND/AIMS The Yiqi Huoxue (YQHX) recipe has been shown to attenuate liver fibrosis, but precise mechanisms have not yet been elucidated. Recently, Yes-associated protein (YAP)/transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) signaling has been implicated in liver fibrogenesis. This study investigated whether the YAP/TAZ signaling is involved in the therapeutic effect of YQHX on hepatic fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS Wistar rats were used to generate a model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)-induced liver fibrosis. Chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients with liver fibrosis were enrolled and assigned to receive either nucleoside/nucleotide analogues (NAs) or NAs plus YQHX. Histology, immunohistochemistry, qRT-PCR, and western blotting were conducted to mechanistically assess the therapeutic effects of YQHX on liver fibrosis. RESULTS YQHX markedly alleviated morphological alterations in CCl₄-induced liver fibrosis and decreased markers of hepatic fibrosis in rats. Furthermore, YQHX significantly suppressed CCl₄-meidated activation of the transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β)/Smad signaling pathway. Notably, CCl₄ induced up-regulation of YAP, TAZ, and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), which were significantly abrogated by YQHX. Consistent with the above major findings in rats, CHB patients treated with NAs plus YQHX had greater improvement in liver fibrosis than those given NAs alone (71.4% vs. 28.6%; P = 0.057). In addition, hepatic and plasma levels of YAP were significantly decreased after YQHX treatment in CHB patients with liver fibrosis. CONCLUSION YAP/TAZ signaling plays a role, at least in part, in the anti-fibrotic activity of YQHX. The findings may help to better understand the mechanisms of YQHX in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen Zhao
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Xiaoxiao Zhang
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Mengmeng Hou
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuguo Zhang
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuhui Tang
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lu Li
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Shiming Dong
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Lingdi Liu
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Dandan Zhao
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Wencong Li
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China
| | - Yuemin Nan
- Department of Traditional and Western Medical Hepatology, Third Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Hebei Provincial Key Laboratory of liver fibrosis in chronic liver diseases, Shijiazhuang, China.
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90
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Perspective: The Mechanobiology of Hepatocellular Carcinoma. Cancers (Basel) 2021; 13:cancers13174275. [PMID: 34503085 PMCID: PMC8428343 DOI: 10.3390/cancers13174275] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2021] [Revised: 08/20/2021] [Accepted: 08/23/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the second most deadly primary cancer in the world and is thus a major global health challenge. HCC primarily develops in patients with an underlying chronic liver disease, the vast majority with advanced cirrhosis, characterized by increased matrix deposition and liver stiffness. Liver stiffness is highly associated with cancer development and poor patient outcome and is measured clinically to assess cancer risk; cirrhotic livers greatly exceed the threshold stiffness shown to alter hepatocyte cell behavior and to increase the malignancy of cancer cells. Recent studies have shown that cirrhotic liver cells have highly irregular nuclear morphologies and that nuclear deformation mediates mechanosensitive signaling. Separate research has shown that nuclear deformation can increase genetic instability and the accumulation of DNA damage in migrating cancer cells. We hypothesize that the mechanical changes associated with chronic liver disease are drivers of oncogenesis, activating mechanosensitive signaling pathways, increasing rates of DNA damage, and ultimately inducing malignant transformation.
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91
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Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of NOXs and P-Smad3C in TGF-Β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell Line LX-2. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.116875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a primary role in liver fibrogenesis. NOXs are the main origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver. Among them, NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 are expressed more in HSCs and are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. Quercetin, an abundant citrus flavonoid, is known to have beneficial effects on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. Objectives: In this study, the effect of quercetin on NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β in the human hepatic LX2 cell line was investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of quercetin on the cells were determined by MTT assay. The cells were activated with 2 ng/mL of TGF-β for 24 h and then treated with different concentrations of Quercetin. The mRNA expression rates of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and phosphorylated Smad 3C (p-Smad3C) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays. Results: TGF-β increased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 and the protein level of p-Smad3C in the LX2 cell line. Quercetin significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 in the LX-2 cells. Moreover, quercetin significantly diminished the p-Smad3C level in the LX-2 cell line activated with TGF-β. Conclusions: Quercetin may be effective in improving hepatic fibrosis via the reduction of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression in activated HSCs. The main mechanism through which quercetin reduces the expression of these target genes may be related to the reduction of the p-Smad3C level.
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92
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Long C, Xie N, Shu Y, Wu Y, He P, Zhou Y, Xiang Y, Gu J, Yang L, Wang Y. Knockout of the Cannabinoid Receptor 2 Gene Promotes Inflammation and Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation by Promoting A20/Nuclear Factor-κB (NF-κB) Expression in Mice with Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis. Med Sci Monit 2021; 27:e931236. [PMID: 34413280 PMCID: PMC8409143 DOI: 10.12659/msm.931236] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/28/2022] Open
Abstract
Background This study aimed to investigate the effect of deleting the cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2) gene on the development of hepatic fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) in mice via regulating inflammation. Material/Methods The DNA was extracted from the tails of mice to identify whether the cannabinoid receptor 2 gene was successfully knocked out. A liver fibrosis model was established by an intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 into mice. Hepatic damage and hepatic fibrosis were evaluated by detecting serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and staining paraffin sections of liver tissue with hematoxylin-eosin (HE). The secretion and distribution of collagen in liver tissue were observed by Masson staining. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1), tumor necrosis factor alpha-induced protein 3 (A20), phosphorylated nuclear factor-κB p65 (p-NF-κB p65), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), and interleukin-6 (IL-6) in liver tissue. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) was used to detect the expression of IL-6 and TNF-α mRNA in liver tissue. Results Compared with the control mice, the mice with CB2 knockout that were exposed to CCl4 exhibited increased liver damage, liver fibrosis, and upregulated α-SMA, TGF-β1, A20, and p-NF-κB p65 protein levels. IL-6 and TNF-α protein levels and mRNA levels were upregulated. Conclusions The deletion of the CB2 gene promoted the activation of hepatic stellate cells in mice with liver fibrosis and aggravated liver fibrosis by up-regulating the protein expression of A20 and p-NF-κB p65 and inducing inflammatory response, potentially providing new insight into the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cuizhen Long
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,Medical Laboratory Department, The Second Nanning People's Hospital, Nanning, Guangxi, China (mainland)
| | - Na Xie
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yuanhui Shu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yafeng Wu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,Department of Clinical Laboratory, The Fourth People's Hospital of Ya'an City, Ya'an, Sichuan, China (mainland)
| | - Ping He
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yan Zhou
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yining Xiang
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Junying Gu
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Lei Yang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
| | - Yuping Wang
- Center for Clinical Laboratories, The Affiliated Hospital of Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland).,School of Clinical Laboratory Science, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang, Guizhou, China (mainland)
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93
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Zhu J, Zhang D, Wang T, Chen Z, Chen L, Wu H, Huai C, Sun J, Zhang N, Wei M, Hong F, Qin S. Target identification of hepatic fibrosis using Pien Tze Huang based on mRNA and lncRNA. Sci Rep 2021; 11:16980. [PMID: 34417500 PMCID: PMC8379174 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-96459-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2021] [Accepted: 07/26/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a spontaneous wound-healing response triggered by chronic liver injury. Pien Tze Huang (PZH), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, has been widely used to treat various hepatic diseases in Asia. We used a CCl4-induced mouse model to establish a PZH group of hepatic fibrosis mice treated with PZH and a control group of hepatic fibrosis mice without any treatment. We performed RNA-seq and mass spectrometry sequencing to investigate the mechanism of the PZH response in hepatic fibrosis and identified multiple differentially expressed transcripts (DETs) and proteins (DEPs) that may be drug targets of PZH. Liver functional indices, including serum albumin (ALB), alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST), were significantly decreased in the PZH treatment group (P < 0.05) in the eighth week. Hematoxylin-eosin (HE), Masson and Sirius red staining demonstrated that PZH significantly inhibited infiltration of inflammatory cells and collagen deposition. A total of 928 transcripts and 138 proteins were differentially expressed in PZH-treated mice compared to the control group. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment analysis suggested that PZH may alleviate liver injury and fibrosis by enhancing the immune process. Taken together, our results revealed that multiple DETs and DEPs may serve as drug targets of PZH in hepatic fibrosis patient in future clinical practice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jinhang Zhu
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Di Zhang
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Zhiliang Chen
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of PTH Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou PTH Pharmaceutical CO., LTD, Zhangzhou, China
| | - Luan Chen
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hao Wu
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Cong Huai
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing Sun
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Na Zhang
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Muyun Wei
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China
| | - Fei Hong
- Fujian Provincial Key Laboratory of PTH Natural Medicine Research and Development, Zhangzhou PTH Pharmaceutical CO., LTD, Zhangzhou, China.
| | - Shengying Qin
- Department of Physiology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, 230032, China.
- Bio-X Institutes, Key Laboratory for the Genetics of Developmental and Neuropsychiatric Disorders, Ministry of Education, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai, China.
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94
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Huang J, Li Y, Xu D, Zhang X, Zhou X. RUNX1 regulates SMAD1 by transcriptionally activating the expression of USP9X, regulating the activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 903:174137. [PMID: 33933467 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2021] [Revised: 04/21/2021] [Accepted: 04/26/2021] [Indexed: 01/12/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common pathological process with high morbidity and mortality. Runt-related transcription factor 1 (RUNX1) is a transcription factor that could cause nephropathy and renal fibrosis, but its role in LF is unclear. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the role RUNX1 in LF. Briefly, hepatic fibrosis was detected by Sirius Red staining. Transcript levels were quantified by qPCR, and proteins were assessed by western blotting or immunofluorescence. Cell viability and cell migration were measured by CCK8 assays and wound healing assays, respectively. The binding of RUNX1 and ubiquitin-specific protease 9X (USP9X) promoter was validated by ChIP assays and luciferase report assays, while the binding of USP9X and SMAD1 was confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation (Co-IP). Our studies found that the expression of RUNX1 was upregulated in LF mice, and RUNX1 knockdown alleviated CCl4-induced LF. RUNX1 silencing reduced the viability and migration of HSCs. Besides, RUNX1, as a transcription factor, bound to the promoter of USP9X and regulated the expression of USP9X. USP9X is a deubiquitination enzyme and was found to be up-regulated in LF mice. USP9X silencing reduced the viability and migration of HSCs, thereby inhibiting LF. Further studies showed that USP9X could stabilize downstream Smad1 expression. Furthermore, we also found that RUNX1 regulated the expression of SMAD1 by transcriptionally activating the expression of USP9X, thereby regulating the activation of hepatic stellate cells and liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jie Huang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunan Province, 650101, China.
| | - Yan Li
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunan Province, 650101, China
| | - Dingwei Xu
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunan Province, 650101, China
| | - Xiao Zhang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunan Province, 650101, China
| | - Xiaoyang Zhou
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Kunming Medical University, Kunming City, Yunan Province, 650101, China
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95
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Zhao X, Wang J, Deng Y, Liao L, Zhou M, Peng C, Li Y. Quercetin as a protective agent for liver diseases: A comprehensive descriptive review of the molecular mechanism. Phytother Res 2021; 35:4727-4747. [PMID: 34159683 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.7104] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/18/2021] [Revised: 03/12/2021] [Accepted: 03/19/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin is the major representative of the flavonoid subgroup of flavones, with good pharmacological activities for the treatment of liver diseases, including liver steatosis, fatty hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and liver cancer. It can significantly influence the development of liver diseases via multiple targets and multiple pathways via antifat accumulation, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant activity, as well as the inhibition of cellular apoptosis and proliferation. Despite extensive research on understanding the mechanism of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases, there are still no targeted therapies available. Thus, we have comprehensively searched and summarized the different targets of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases and concluded that quercetin inhibited inflammation of the liver mainly through NF-κB/TLR/NLRP3, reduced PI3K/Nrf2-mediated oxidative stress, mTOR activation in autophagy, and inhibited the expression of apoptotic factors associated with the development of liver diseases. In addition, quercetin showed different mechanisms of action at different stages of liver diseases, including the regulation of PPAR, UCP, and PLIN2-related factors via brown fat activation in liver steatosis. The compound inhibited stromal ECM deposition at the liver fibrosis stage, affecting TGF1β, endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERs), and apoptosis. While at the final liver cancer stage, inhibiting cancer cell proliferation and spread via the hTERT, MEK1/ERK1/2, Notch, and Wnt/β-catenin-related signaling pathways. In conclusion, quercetin is an effective liver protectant. We hope to explore the pathogenesis of quercetin in different stages of liver diseases through the review, so as to provide more accurate targets and theoretical basis for further research of quercetin in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xingtao Zhao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jing Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Ying Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Liao
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Mengting Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Ministry of Education, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China.,National Key Laboratory Breeding Base of Systematic Research, Development and Utilization of Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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96
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Sun M, Tan L, Hu M. The role of autophagy in hepatic fibrosis. Am J Transl Res 2021; 13:5747-5757. [PMID: 34306323 PMCID: PMC8290830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/28/2020] [Accepted: 04/08/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver injury process, and its continuous development can lead to cirrhosis, hepatic failure and even hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Autophagy has attracted much attention because of its controversial role in the course of hepatic fibrosis. In this review, we introduce the mechanism related to noncoding RNAs and some of the signaling pathways that promote or inhibit fibrosis by affecting autophagy. Finally, we list some targets related to autophagy that enable hepatic fibrosis therapy and forecast its prospect in hepatic fibrosis. This review will provide new ideas in diagnosing and treating hepatic fibrosis, which will be helpful to reduce the incidence of cirrhosis and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Sun
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Li Tan
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
| | - Min Hu
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University Changsha 410011, Hunan, China
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97
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Ai Y, Shi W, Zuo X, Sun X, Chen Y, Wang Z, Li R, Song X, Dai W, Mu W, Ding K, Li Z, Li Q, Xiao X, Zhan X, Bai Z. The Combination of Schisandrol B and Wedelolactone Synergistically Reverses Hepatic Fibrosis Via Modulating Multiple Signaling Pathways in Mice. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:655531. [PMID: 34149411 PMCID: PMC8211319 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.655531] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2021] [Accepted: 05/12/2021] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis represents an important event in the progression of chronic liver injury to cirrhosis, and is characterized by excessive extracellular matrix proteins aggregation. Early fibrosis can be reversed by inhibiting hepatocyte injury, inflammation, or hepatic stellate cells activation, so the development of antifibrotic drugs is important to reduce the incidence of hepatic cirrhosis or even hepatic carcinoma. Here we demonstrate that Schisandrol B (SolB), one of the major active constituents of traditional hepato-protective Chinese medicine, Schisandra sphenanthera, significantly protects against hepatocyte injury, while Wedelolactone (WeD) suppresses the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and inflammation, the combination of the two reverses hepatic fibrosis in mice and the inhibitory effect of the combination on hepatic fibrosis is superior to that of SolB or WeD treatment alone. Combined pharmacotherapy represents a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongqiang Ai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Shi
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zuo
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoming Sun
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Chen
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhilei Wang
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Ruisheng Li
- Research Center for Clinical and Translational Medicine, The Fifth Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xueai Song
- China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenzhang Dai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Wenqing Mu
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Kaixin Ding
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhiyong Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Qiang Li
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaohe Xiao
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoyan Zhan
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
| | - Zhaofang Bai
- Department of Hepatology, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China.,China Military Institute of Chinese Materia, The Fifth Medical Centre, Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing, China
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98
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Quercetin and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: A review based on experimental data and bioinformatic analysis. Food Chem Toxicol 2021; 154:112314. [PMID: 34087406 DOI: 10.1016/j.fct.2021.112314] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/01/2020] [Revised: 05/18/2021] [Accepted: 05/29/2021] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Quercetin, a polyphenol widely present in the plant kingdom, has received great interest due to pleiotropic effects. As evidenced by animal and cellular studies, quercetin exerts hepatoprotection against non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), particularly in hepatic steatosis and hepatitis. Mechanically, various hypotheses of such protective effects have been actively proposed, including improving fatty acid metabolism, anti-inflammation, anti-oxidant, modulating gut microbiota and bile acid, etc. Here, the role of quercetin in NAFLD was summarized. With a particular focus on molecular mechanism, we comprehensively discussed the pathways of quercetin on NAFLD based on the analysis from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database and experimental evidence.
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99
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Lucantoni F, Martínez-Cerezuela A, Gruevska A, Moragrega ÁB, Víctor VM, Esplugues JV, Blas-García A, Apostolova N. Understanding the implication of autophagy in the activation of hepatic stellate cells in liver fibrosis: are we there yet? J Pathol 2021; 254:216-228. [PMID: 33834482 DOI: 10.1002/path.5678] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/02/2021] [Revised: 03/29/2021] [Accepted: 04/07/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis (LF) occurs as a result of persistent liver injury and can be defined as a pathologic, chronic, wound-healing process in which functional parenchyma is progressively replaced by fibrotic tissue. As a phenomenon involved in the majority of chronic liver diseases, and therefore prevalent, it exerts a significant impact on public health. This impact becomes even more patent given the lack of a specific pharmacological therapy, with LF only being ameliorated or prevented through the use of agents that alleviate the underlying causes. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are fundamental mediators of LF, which, activated in response to pro-fibrotic stimuli, transdifferentiate from a quiescent phenotype into myofibroblasts that deposit large amounts of fibrotic tissue and mediate pro-inflammatory effects. In recent years, much effort has been devoted to understanding the mechanisms through which HSCs are activated or inactivated. Using cell culture and/or different animal models, numerous studies have shown that autophagy is enhanced during the fibrogenic process and have provided specific evidence to pinpoint the fundamental role of autophagy in HSC activation. This effect involves - though may not be limited to - the autophagic degradation of lipid droplets. Several hepatoprotective agents have been shown to reverse the autophagic alteration present in LF, but clinical confirmation of these effects is pending. On the other hand, there is evidence that implicates autophagy in several anti-fibrotic mechanisms in HSCs that stimulate HSC cell cycle arrest and cell death or prevent the generation of pro-fibrotic mediators, including excess collagen accumulation. The objective of this review is to offer a comprehensive analysis of published evidence of the role of autophagy in HSC activation and to provide hints for possible therapeutic targets for the treatment and/or prevention of LF related to autophagy. © 2021 The Authors. The Journal of Pathology published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd. on behalf of The Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federico Lucantoni
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | | | - Aleksandra Gruevska
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Ángela B Moragrega
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
| | - Víctor M Víctor
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Juan V Esplugues
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
| | - Ana Blas-García
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
- Departamento de Fisiología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
| | - Nadezda Apostolova
- Departamento de Farmacología, Facultad de Medicina, Universidad de Valencia, Valencia, Spain
- FISABIO - Hospital Universitario Doctor Peset, Valencia, Spain
- Centro de Investigación Biomédica en Red de Enfermedades Hepáticas y Digestivas (CIBERehd), Valencia, Spain
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100
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Park YJ, Jeon MS, Lee S, Kim JK, Jang TS, Chung KH, Kim KH. Anti-fibrotic effects of brevilin A in hepatic fibrosis via inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2021; 41:127989. [PMID: 33794317 DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2021.127989] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/15/2020] [Revised: 03/14/2021] [Accepted: 03/20/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a chronic liver disease characterized by the accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM). Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) after repetitive liver damage is a key event in hepatic fibrogenesis. As part of ongoing research projects to identify pharmacologically effective natural products, the phytochemical investigation of a MeOH extract of Centipeda minima led to the isolation of a sesquiterpene lactone, brevilin A, which was explored to elucidate potential anti-fibrotic effects by reversing HSC activation. First, we observed that transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 treatment significantly increased the expression levels of HSC activation marker, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and ECM protein such as collagen and fibronectin. Then, we demonstrated that brevilin A reversed the TGF-β1-induced increase in protein and mRNA expression levels of α-SMA and collagen. To investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of brevilin A, we evaluated the effects of brevilin A on the STAT3 signaling pathway. STAT3 phosphorylation, increased by TGF-β1 treatment, was strongly inhibited by brevilin A; the expression levels of fibronectin and connective tissue growth factor were also significantly decreased by brevilin A. The present study indicated that brevilin A has a preventive and therapeutic potential against hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Joo Park
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea; College of Pharmacy, Kyungsung University, Busan 48434, Republic of Korea
| | - Mi Seon Jeon
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Seulah Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea; Division of Life Sciences, Korea Polar Research Institute, KIOST, Incheon 21990, Republic of Korea
| | - Jung Kyu Kim
- School of Chemical Engineering, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Tae Su Jang
- Department of Medicine, Dankook University, Cheonan, Chungnam 31116, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyu Hyuck Chung
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea
| | - Ki Hyun Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Sungkyunkwan University, Suwon, Gyeonggi-do 16419, Republic of Korea.
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