Malvidin induces hepatic stellate cell apoptosis via the endoplasmic reticulum stress pathway and mitochondrial pathway

The possible pathogenesis of liver fibrosis: therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols

Liver fibrosis is the formation of a fibrous scar resulting from chronic liver injury, independently from etiology. Although many of the mechanical details remain unknown, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of liver fibrosis. Extracellular mechanisms such as apoptotic bodies, paracrine stimuli, inflammation, and oxidative stress are critical in activating HSCs. The potential for liver fibrosis to reverse after removing the causative agent has heightened interest in developing antifibrotic therapies. Polyphenols, the secondary plant metabolites, have gained attention because of their health-beneficial properties, including well-recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in the setting of liver fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis with a specific focus on the activation of resident HSCs. We highlight the therapeutic potential and promising role of natural polyphenols to mitigate liver fibrosis pathogenesis, focusing on HSCs activation. We also discuss the translational gap from preclinical findings to clinical treatments involved in natural polyphenols in liver fibrosis.

Advancements in Plant-Based Therapeutics for Hepatic Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems

Chronic liver injuries often lead to hepatic fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia. Without effective treatment, hepatic fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments, including liver transplantation, are limited by donor shortages and high costs. As such, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the potential of plant-based therapeutics, particularly polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, in treating hepatic fibrosis. These compounds have demonstrated anti-fibrotic activities through various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, AMPK/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and hedgehog pathways. Additionally, this review highlights the advancements in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems that enhance the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Methodologically, this review synthesizes findings from recent studies, providing a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms and benefits of these plant-based treatments. The integration of novel drug delivery systems with plant-based therapeutics holds significant promise for developing effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis.

High-Temperature-Induced Differential Expression of miRNA Mediates Liver Inflammatory Response in Tsinling Lenok Trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis)

High-temperature stress poses a significant environmental challenge for aquatic organisms, including tsinling lenok trout (Brachymystax lenok tsinlingensis). This study aimed to investigate the role of microRNAs (miRNAs) in inducing liver inflammation in tsinling lenok trout under high-temperature stress. Tsinling lenok trout were exposed to high-temperature conditions (24 °C) for 8 h, and liver samples were collected for analysis. Through small RNA sequencing, we identified differentially expressed miRNAs in the liver of high-temperature-stressed tsinling lenok trout compared to the control group (maintained at 16 °C). Several miRNAs, including novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x, showed significant changes in expression levels. Additionally, we conducted bioinformatics analysis to explore the potential target genes of these differentially expressed miRNAs. Our findings revealed that these miRNA target genes are involved in inflammatory response pathways, such as NFKB1 and MAP3K5. The downregulation of novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x in the liver of high-temperature-stressed tsinling lenok trout suggests their role in regulating liver inflammatory responses. To validate this, we performed a dual-luciferase reporter assay to confirm the regulatory relationship between miRNAs and target genes. Our results demonstrated that novel-m0105-5p and miR-8159-x enhance the inflammatory response of hepatocytes by promoting the expression of NFKB1 and MAP3K5, respectively. In conclusion, our study provides evidence that high-temperature stress induces liver inflammation in tsinling lenok trout through dysregulation of miRNAs. Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying the inflammatory response in tsinling lenok trout under high-temperature stress is crucial for developing strategies to mitigate the negative impacts of environmental stressors on fish health and aquaculture production.

Extraction of flavonoids from black mulberry wine residues and their antioxidant and anticancer activity in vitro

Enhancing the valorization of fruit processing by-products is pivotal for advancing the industry. Black mulberry wine residues, a by-product, contains some bioactive compounds, yet its antioxidant and anticancer potentials remain unverified. In this study, ultrasound-assisted enzymatic extraction was optimized by response surface methodology to obtain the flavonoids extracts from black mulberry wine residues, whose antioxidant capacity and anti-cancer activity in vitro was investigated. The results showed that under the optimal extraction conditions (enzyme ratio at pectinase:cellulose = 2:1, mixed enzyme concentration 0.31 mg/mL, enzymatic hydrolysis temperature 55.35 °C, enzymatic hydrolysis time 79.03 min, and ultrasonic time 22.71 min), the extracts from black mulberry wine residues (BMWR-E) reached 5.672 mg/g. At a concentration of 1.2 mg/mL, BMWR-E exhibited strong DPPH and hydroxyl radical scavenging activities. At a concentration of 2.5 mg/mL, BMWR-E showed a strong superoxide anion radical scavenging capacity, with no significant distinction compared to the positive control group (Vitamin C) (p > 0.05). Cell viability assay results showed that BMWR-E was non-toxic to normal BRL-3A cells when applied at concentrations of 0.1-0.3 mg/mL for an incubation period of 24 h, but BMWR-E exhibited the ability to inhibit the proliferation of HepG2 cells. At concentrations of 0.2 mg/mL and above, BMWR-E could induce late apoptosis of HepG2 cells by increasing the protein expression levels of Bax, caspase-3, and caspase-12, reducing the protein expression levels of Bcl-2, inducing cell cycle arrest at G0/G1 phase, thereby inhibiting the proliferation of HepG2 cells. The bioactive properties make BMWR-E possess potential in developing new antioxidants and anti-cancer agents, which would significantly enhance the economic worth of agricultural by-products in product processing. This research can improve the utilization rate of agricultural product processing by-products and protect the environment.

Effect of Blueberry Supplementation on a Diet-Induced Rat Model of Prediabetes-Focus on Hepatic Lipid Deposition, Endoplasmic Stress Response and Autophagy

Blueberries, red fruits enriched in polyphenols and fibers, are envisaged as a promising nutraceutical intervention in a plethora of metabolic diseases. Prediabetes, an intermediate state between normal glucose tolerance and type 2 diabetes, fuels the development of complications, including hepatic steatosis. In previous work, we have demonstrated that blueberry juice (BJ) supplementation benefits glycemic control and lipid profile, which was accompanied by an amelioration of hepatic mitochondrial bioenergetics. The purpose of this study is to clarify the impact of long-term BJ nutraceutical intervention on cellular mechanisms that govern hepatic lipid homeostasis, namely autophagy and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress, in a rat model of prediabetes. Two groups of male Wistar rats, 8-weeks old, were fed a prediabetes-inducing high-fat diet (HFD) and one group was fed a control diet (CD). From the timepoint where the prediabetic phenotype was achieved (week 16) until the end of the study (week 24), one of the HFD-fed groups was daily orally supplemented with 25 g/kg body weight (BW) of BJ (HFD + BJ). BW, caloric intake, glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity were monitored throughout the study. The serum and hepatic lipid contents were quantified. Liver and interscapular brown and epidydimal white adipose tissue depots (iBAT and eWAT) were collected for histological analysis and to assess thermogenesis, ER stress and autophagy markers. The gut microbiota composition and the short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs) content were determined in colon fecal samples. BJ supplementation positively impacted glycemic control but was unable to prevent obesity and adiposity. BJ-treated animals presented a reduction in fecal SCFAs, increased markers of arrested iBAT thermogenesis and energy expenditure, together with an aggravation of HFD-induced lipotoxicity and hepatic steatosis, which were accompanied by the inhibition of autophagy and ER stress responses in the liver. In conclusion, despite the improvement of glucose tolerance, BJ supplementation promoted a major impact on lipid management mechanisms at liver and AT levels in prediabetic animals, which might affect disease course.

Human diet-derived polyphenolic compounds and hepatic diseases: From therapeutic mechanisms to clinical utilization

This review focuses on the potential ameliorative effects of polyphenolic compounds derived from human diet on hepatic diseases. It discusses the molecular mechanisms and recent advancements in clinical applications. Edible polyphenols have been found to play a therapeutic role, particularly in liver injury, liver fibrosis, NAFLD/NASH, and HCC. In the regulation of liver injury, polyphenols exhibit anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects, primarily targeting the TGF-β, NF-κB/TLR4, PI3K/AKT, and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. In the regulation of liver fibrosis, polyphenolic compounds effectively reverse the fibrotic process by inhibiting the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC). Furthermore, polyphenolic compounds show efficacy against NAFLD/NASH by inhibiting lipid oxidation and accumulation, mediated through the AMPK, SIRT, and PPARγ pathways. Moreover, several polyphenolic compounds exhibit anti-HCC activity by suppressing tumor cell proliferation and metastasis. This inhibition primarily involves blocking Akt and Wnt signaling, as well as inhibiting the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, clinical trials and nutritional evidence support the notion that certain polyphenols can improve liver disease and associated metabolic disorders. However, further fundamental research and clinical trials are warranted to validate the efficacy of dietary polyphenols.

Microcapsules and Nanoliposomes Based Strategies to Improve the Stability of Blueberry Anthocyanins

Blueberry anthocyanins are water-soluble natural pigments that can be used as both natural antioxidants and natural colorants. However, their structural instability greatly limits their application in the food, pharmaceutical, and cosmetic industries. In this study, blueberry anthocyanin microcapsules (BAM) and blueberry anthocyanin liposomes (BAL) were fabricated based on blueberry anthocyanins. Film dispersion methods were used to prepare the BAL. Their preparation processes were optimized and compared to improve the stability of the blueberry anthocyanins following exposure to light and high temperatures. The BAM were prepared through complex phase emulsification. The blueberry anthocyanins were protected by the shell materials composed of sodium alginate after being formed into BAM. Under the optimal conditions, the embedding rate of BAM and BAL can reach as high as 96.14% and 81.26%, respectively. In addition, the particle size, zeta potential, microtopography, and structure feature information of the BAM and BAL were compared. The average particle sizes of the BAM and BAL were 9.78 μm and 290.2 nm, respectively, measured using a laser particle size analyzer, and the zeta potentials of the BAM and BAL were 34.46 mV and 43.0 mV, respectively. In addition, the optimal preparation processes were determined through single-factor and response surface optimization experiments. The most important factors in the single-factor experiment for the preparation of microcapsules and liposomes were the content of CaCl2 and the amount of anthocyanin. The preservation rates in the light and dark were also compared, and the thermal stabilities of the BAM and BAL were characterized through differential thermal scanning. The results showed that both the BAM and BAL maintained the stability of blueberry anthocyanins, and no significant difference was found between the indices used to evaluate their stability. The results of this study provide theoretical support for the development of effective systems to maintain the stability of anthocyanins, thereby improving their bioavailability after ingestion by humans.

Computer-aided drug design approaches applied to screen natural product's structural analogs targeting arginase in Leishmania spp

Introduction: Leishmaniasis is a disease with high mortality rates and approximately 1.5 million new cases each year. Despite the new approaches and advances to fight the disease, there are no effective therapies. Methods: Hence, this study aims to screen for natural products' structural analogs as new drug candidates against leishmaniasis. We applied Computer-aided drug design (CADD) approaches, such as virtual screening, molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulation, molecular mechanics-generalized Born surface area (MM-GBSA) binding free estimation, and free energy perturbation (FEP) aiming to select structural analogs from natural products that have shown anti-leishmanial and anti-arginase activities and that could bind selectively against the Leishmania arginase enzyme. Results: The compounds 2H-1-benzopyran, 3,4-dihydro-2-(2-methylphenyl)-(9CI), echioidinin, and malvidin showed good results against arginase targets from three parasite species and negative results for potential toxicities. The echioidinin and malvidin ligands generated interactions in the active center at pH 2.0 conditions by MM-GBSA and FEP methods. Conclusions: This work suggests the potential anti-leishmanial activity of the compounds and thus can be further in vitro and in vivo experimentally validated.

Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response.

PURPOSE

The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review.

METHODS

The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF.

CONCLUSION

The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.

Characterization of Highbush Blueberry (Vaccinium corymbosum L.) Anthocyanin Biosynthesis Related MYBs and Functional Analysis of VcMYB Gene

As one of the most important transcription factors regulating plant anthocyanin biosynthesis, MYB has attracted great attentions. In this study, we identified fifteen candidate anthocyanin biosynthesis related MYB (ABRM) proteins, including twelve R2R3-MYBs and three 1R-MYBs, from highbush blueberry. The subcellular localization prediction results showed that, with the exception of VcRVE8 (localized in chloroplast and nucleus), all of the blueberry ABRMs were nucleus-localized. The gene structure analysis revealed that the exon numbers of the blueberry ABRM genes varied greatly, ranging between one and eight. There are many light-responsive, phytohormone-responsive, abiotic stress-responsive and plant growth and development related cis-acting elements in the promoters of the blueberry ABRM genes. It is noteworthy that almost all of their promoters contain light-, ABA- and MeJA-responsive elements, which is consistent with the well-established results that anthocyanin accumulation and the expression of MYBs are influenced significantly by many factors, such as light, ABA and JA. The gene expression analysis revealed that VcMYB, VcMYB6, VcMYB23, VcMYBL2 and VcPH4 are expressed abundantly in blueberry fruits, and VcMYB is expressed the highest in the red, purple and blue fruits among all blueberry ABRMs. VcMYB shared high similarity with functionally proven ABRMs from many other plant species. The gene cloning results showed that VcMYB had three variable transcripts, but only the transient overexpression of VcMYB-1 promoted anthocyanin accumulation in the green fruits. Our study can provide a basis for future research on the anthocyanin biosynthesis related MYBs in blueberry.

Gallic acid suppresses the progression of triple-negative breast cancer HCC1806 cells via modulating PI3K/AKT/EGFR and MAPK signaling pathways

Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a severe threat to women’s health because of its aggressive nature, early age of onset, and high recurrence rate. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor effects of Gallic acid (GA) on the TNBC HCC1806 cells in vitro. The cell proliferation was detected by MTT and plate clone formation assays, cell apoptosis, cell cycle, and mitochondrial membrane potential (MMP) were analyzed by flow cytometry and Hoechst 33258 staining assays, and the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation were also investigated. Real-Time PCR and western blot were examined to explore the mechanism of action. The results indicated that GA suppressed HCC1806 cells proliferation and promoted HCC1806 cells apoptosis. Meanwhile, GA treatment changed the morphology of the HCC1806 cells. In addition, GA blocked the HCC1806 cells cycle in the S phase, and it induced cells apoptosis accompanied by ROS accumulation and MMP depolarization. Real-Time PCR results suggested that GA increased Bax, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, P53, JINK and P38 mRNA expression, and decreased Bcl-2, PI3K, AKT and EGFR mRNA expression. Western blotting results suggested that GA increased Bax, cleaved-Caspase-3, cleaved-Caspase-9, P53, P-ERK1/2, P-JNK, P-P38 proteins expression, and decreased Bcl-2, P-PI3K, P-AKT, P-EGFR proteins expression. Furthermore, molecular docking suggested that GA has the high affinity for PI3K, AKT, EGFR, ERK1/2, JNK, and P38. In conclusion, GA could suppress HCC1806 cells proliferation and promote HCC1806 cells apoptosis through the mitochondrial apoptosis pathway and induces ROS generation which further inhibits PI3K/AKT/EGFR and activates MAPK signaling pathways. Our study will provide some new references for using GA in the treatment of TNBC.

The Effect of Anthocyanins from Dioscorea alata L. on Antioxidant Properties of Perinatal Hainan Black Goats and Its Possible Mechanism in the Mammary Gland

(1) Background: The mammary glands of the perinatal goats are susceptible to reactive oxygen species (ROS) leading to oxidative injury. Although Dioscorea alata L. is rich in anthocyanins with high safety and excellent free-radical-scavenging ability, the effect and mechanism of Dioscorea alata L. anthocyanins (DAC) on the antioxidant capacity of the black Hainan goat has been the subject of few studies to date; (2) Methods: For this reason, feeding experiments were performed by feeding experimental diets, and the pre-protective capacity of DAC on goat mammary epithelial cells was explored on the basis of the established model of H₂O₂ injury; (3) Results: As well as altering rumen fermentation parameters in perinatal female goats, dietary challenge also improves antioxidant capacity in their blood and milk. thereby enhancing children's antioxidant capacity and increasing their resistance to oxidative stress. However, we also found that DAC pretreatment was capable of activating both Nrf2 and MAPK/JNK pathways, which results in enhanced antioxidase activity and elimination of ROS; (4) Conclusions: Together, these findings suggest that DAC may have a pre-protective role on perinatal Hainan black goats through the regulation of Nrf2 and MAPK/JNK pathways in GMEC.

Dried Bilberry (Vaccinium myrtillus L.) Alleviates the Inflammation and Adverse Metabolic Effects Caused by a High-Fat Diet in a Mouse Model of Obesity

Obesity is an increasing problem worldwide. It is often associated with co-morbidities such as type II diabetes, atherosclerotic diseases, and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. The risk of these diseases can be lowered by relieving the systemic low-grade inflammation associated with obesity, even without noticeable weight loss. Bilberry is an anthocyanin-rich wild berry with known antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. In the present study, a high-fat-diet-induced mouse model of obesity was used to investigate the effects of air-dried bilberry powder on weight gain, systemic inflammation, lipid and glucose metabolism, and changes in the gene expression in adipose and hepatic tissues. The bilberry supplementation was unable to modify the weight gain, but it prevented the increase in the hepatic injury marker ALT and many inflammatory factors like SAA, MCP1, and CXCL14 induced by the high-fat diet. The bilberry supplementation also partially prevented the increase in serum cholesterol, glucose, and insulin levels. In conclusion, the bilberry supplementation alleviated the systemic and hepatic inflammation and retarded the development of unwanted changes in the lipid and glucose metabolism induced by the high-fat diet. Thus, the bilberry supplementation seemed to support to retain a healthier metabolic phenotype during developing obesity, and that effect might have been contributed to by bilberry anthocyanins.

Resveratrol Alleviates Hepatic Fibrosis in Associated with Decreased Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress-Mediated Apoptosis and Inflammation

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is the typical response to chronic liver disease and is characterized by deposition of abundant extracellular matrix. The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of resveratrol (RSV) in a CCl₄-induced rat model of HF. We demonstrate that the administration of RSV effectively improves liver function and ameliorates liver fibrosis by reducing collagen deposition and reversing the expression of COL1A1 and PPAR-γ. Treatment efficacy of RSV could be attributed to reversed epithelial-mesenchymal transition progress with upregulated expression of E-cadherin and downregulated N-cadherin, vimentin, and α-SMA. Moreover, RSV significantly decreased the levels of endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS)-related proteins CHOP; Bip; cleaved caspase-3, caspase-7, and caspase-12; Bax; and Bak while promotes the expression of anti-apoptosis protein Bcl2. The important role of ERS in HF was confirmed by using 4-PBA, an ERS inhibitor, which markedly ameliorated CCl₄-induced HF. Further, mechanistic studies demonstrated that RSV significantly decreased CCl₄-induced transforming growth factor-β synthesis and inflammatory factor (tumor necrosis factor-α and interleukin-6) expression and reduced the inflammation of hepatic stellate cells by inhibiting the NF-κB pathway in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, the results suggested that RSV ameliorated HF in associated with decreased ERS-induced apoptosis and inflammation in rats.