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Zhang X, Zhou S, Yu H, Zhu Y, Zhang L, Niu FJ, Zhou C, Wan X, Gao L. Investigating the antiviral activity of Erigeron annuus (L.) pers extract against RSV and examining its active components. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 334:118581. [PMID: 39019415 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118581] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2024] [Revised: 07/10/2024] [Accepted: 07/12/2024] [Indexed: 07/19/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The plants in the genus Erigeron are known to exhibit antiviral activities, including those against the respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). In traditional medicine Erigeron annuus (L.) Pers (EA) has been used in the treatment of pulmonary diseases and acute infectious hepatitis. AIM OF THIS STUDY The aim of this study is to determine the optimum extraction method to produce the most potent anti-RSV extract, elucidate its mode and mechanisms of antiviral activity in both in vitro and in vivo models, and identify the chemical structures of the bioactive compounds. MATERIALS AND METHODS The whole plant of EA was extracted with ethyl acetate, methanol, ethanol, water, aqueous methanol (60, 80% and 100%) and aqueous ethanol (50, 75% and 95%) using maceration, reflux, and ultrasound-assisted extraction methods. The antiviral activities of the extracts were determined in vitro. The in vitro antiviral activities of the extracts were determined using Hep-2 cells. Four in vitro experiments were performed to determine the mode of antiviral activity of the most active extract, ethyl acetate fraction (EAE) of Erigeron annuus whole plant extract prepared by refluxing with 50% ethanol, by examining its ability to inactivate the virus directly, inhibit viral adsorption and penetration, inhibit viral replication and preventive effect. The effect of temperature and duration of treatment on these modes of action was also determined. The antiviral activity of the EAE was also assessed in vivo in a mouse model. The lung index, viral load, and lung tissue histology were measured. qRT-PCR and ELISA studies were performed to determine the expression of key genes (TLR-3 and TLR-4) and proteins (IL-2, IFN-γ, and TNF-α) related to RSV infection. The most active antiviral compound was isolated using chromatography techniques, and its chemical structure was identified through electrospray triple quadrupole mass spectroscopy and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. RESULTS The EAE was the most active on RSV. In vitro experiments showed that the antiviral activity of EAE is via direct inactivation, inhibition of entry, and inhibition of the proliferation of the virus. In vivo experiments showed that the EAE effectively inhibited the proliferation of RSV in the lungs and alleviated the lung tissue lesions in RSV-infected mice. The antiviral activity of the EAE is mediated by downregulating the expression of TLR3 and TLR4 in the lung, upregulating the expression of IL-2 and IFN-γ, and downregulating the expression of TNF-α. Apigenin 7-O-methylglucuronide was found to be a major bioactive compound in EAE. CONCLUSIONS The results of this study confirmed the antiviral activity of EA by inactivating, inhibiting the entry, and inhibiting the proliferation of RSV. The activity is mediated by regulating the immunity and inflammatory mediators. Apigenin 7-O-methylglucuronide is the bioactive compound present in EA.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoxu Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China
| | - Shengjun Zhou
- Affiliated Hospital of Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250013, China
| | - Hongyu Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China
| | - Yuzhuo Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China
| | - Li Zhang
- The Fifth Affiliated Hospital of Xinjiang Medical University, Urumqi, 830011, China
| | - Feng Jv Niu
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China
| | - Changzheng Zhou
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Xinhuan Wan
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
| | - Lina Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ji'nan, 250355, China.
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Wang D, Wang Y. Identification of protein partners for small molecules reshapes the understanding of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis and drug discovery. Life Sci 2024; 356:123031. [PMID: 39226989 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2024.123031] [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: 05/31/2024] [Revised: 08/16/2024] [Accepted: 08/30/2024] [Indexed: 09/05/2024]
Abstract
AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the severe subtype of nonalcoholic fatty diseases (NAFLD) with few options for treatment. Patients with NASH exhibit partial responses to the current therapeutics and adverse effects. Identification of the binding proteins for the drugs is essential to understanding the mechanism and adverse effects of the drugs and fuels the discovery of potent and safe drugs. This paper aims to critically discuss recent advances in covalent and noncovalent approaches for identifying binding proteins that mediate NASH progression, along with an in-depth analysis of the mechanisms by which these targets regulate NASH. MATERIALS AND METHODS A literature search was conducted to identify the relevant studies in the database of PubMed and the American Chemical Society. The search covered articles published from January 1990 to July 2024, using the search terms with keywords such as NASH, benzophenone, diazirine, photo-affinity labeling, thermal protein profiling, CETSA, target identification. KEY FINDINGS The covalent approaches utilize drugs modified with diazirine and benzophenone to covalently crosslink with the target proteins, which facilitates the purification and identification of target proteins. In addition, they map the binding sites in the target proteins. By contrast, noncovalent approaches identify the binding targets of unmodified drugs in the intact cell proteome. The advantages and limitations of both approaches have been compared, along with a comprehensive analysis of recent innovations that further enhance the efficiency and specificity. SIGNIFICANCE The analyses of the applicability of these approaches provide novel tools to delineate NASH pathogenesis and promote drug discovery.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danyi Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China
| | - Yibing Wang
- School of Exercise and Health, Shanghai University of Sport, Shanghai 200438, China; Shanghai Frontiers Science Research Base of Exercise and Metabolic Health, China.
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Yan XH, Zhu YN, Zhu YT. USP19 Stabilizes TAK1 to Regulate High Glucose/Free Fatty Acid-induced Dysfunction in HK-2 Cells. Curr Med Sci 2024; 44:707-717. [PMID: 38967891 DOI: 10.1007/s11596-024-2906-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/17/2024] [Accepted: 04/16/2024] [Indexed: 07/06/2024]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Obesity-induced kidney injury contributes to the development of diabetic nephropathy (DN). Here, we identified the functions of ubiquitin-specific peptidase 19 (USP19) in HK-2 cells exposed to a combination of high glucose (HG) and free fatty acid (FFA) and determined its association with TGF-beta-activated kinase 1 (TAK1). METHODS HK-2 cells were exposed to a combination of HG and FFA. USP19 mRNA expression was detected by quantitative RT-PCR (qRT-PCR), and protein analysis was performed by immunoblotting (IB). Cell growth was assessed by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) viability and 5-ethynyl-2'-deoxyuridine (EdU) proliferation assays. Cell cycle distribution and apoptosis were detected by flow cytometry. The USP19/TAK1 interaction and ubiquitinated TAK1 levels were assayed by coimmunoprecipitation (Co-IP) assays and IB. RESULTS In HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells, USP19 was highly expressed. USP19 knockdown attenuated HG+FFA-triggered growth inhibition and apoptosis promotion in HK-2 cells. Moreover, USP19 knockdown alleviated HG+FFA-mediated PTEN-induced putative kinase 1 (PINK1)/Parkin pathway inactivation and increased mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in HK-2 cells. Mechanistically, USP19 stabilized the TAK1 protein through deubiquitination. Importantly, increased TAK1 expression reversed the USP19 knockdown-mediated phenotypic changes and PINK1/Parkin pathway activation in HG+FFA-challenged HK-2 cells. CONCLUSION The findings revealed that USP19 plays a crucial role in promoting HK-2 cell dysfunction induced by combined stimulation with HG and FFAs by stabilizing TAK1, providing a potential therapeutic strategy for combating DN.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Hui Yan
- Kidney Disease and Dialysis Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China
| | - Yin-Na Zhu
- Department of Nephrology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Xi'an Medical University, Xi'an, 710000, China
| | - Yan-Ting Zhu
- Nephrology and Hemodialysis Center, Shaanxi Provincial People's Hospital, Xi'an, 710068, China.
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Banerjee T, Sarkar A, Ali SZ, Bhowmik R, Karmakar S, Halder AK, Ghosh N. Bioprotective Role of Phytocompounds Against the Pathogenesis of Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease to Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis: Unravelling Underlying Molecular Mechanisms. PLANTA MEDICA 2024; 90:675-707. [PMID: 38458248 DOI: 10.1055/a-2277-4805] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/10/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), with a global prevalence of 25%, continues to escalate, creating noteworthy concerns towards the global health burden. NAFLD causes triglycerides and free fatty acids to build up in the liver. The excessive fat build-up causes inflammation and damages the healthy hepatocytes, leading to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Dietary habits, obesity, insulin resistance, type 2 diabetes, and dyslipidemia influence NAFLD progression. The disease burden is complicated due to the paucity of therapeutic interventions. Obeticholic acid is the only approved therapeutic agent for NAFLD. With more scientific enterprise being directed towards the understanding of the underlying mechanisms of NAFLD, novel targets like lipid synthase, farnesoid X receptor signalling, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors associated with inflammatory signalling, and hepatocellular injury have played a crucial role in the progression of NAFLD to NASH. Phytocompounds have shown promising results in modulating hepatic lipid metabolism and de novo lipogenesis, suggesting their possible role in managing NAFLD. This review discusses the ameliorative role of different classes of phytochemicals with molecular mechanisms in different cell lines and established animal models. These compounds may lead to the development of novel therapeutic strategies for NAFLD progression to NASH. This review also deliberates on phytomolecules undergoing clinical trials for effective management of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tanmoy Banerjee
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Arnab Sarkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Sk Zeeshan Ali
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Rudranil Bhowmik
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Sanmoy Karmakar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
| | - Amit Kumar Halder
- Dr. B. C. Roy College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Sciences, Dr. Meghnad Saha Sarani, Bidhannagar, Durgapur, West Bengal, India
| | - Nilanjan Ghosh
- Department of Pharmaceutical Technology, Jadavpur University, West Bengal, Kolkata, India
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Mei XL, Wu SY, Wu SL, Luo XL, Huang SX, Liu R, Qiang Z. Hepatoprotective effects of Xiaoyao San formula on hepatic steatosis and inflammation via regulating the sex hormones metabolism. World J Hepatol 2024; 16:1051-1066. [PMID: 39086531 PMCID: PMC11287615 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v16.i7.1051] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/15/2024] [Revised: 05/23/2024] [Accepted: 06/11/2024] [Indexed: 07/26/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The modified Xiaoyao San (MXS) formula is an adjuvant drug recommended by the National Health Commission of China for the treatment of liver cancer, which has the effect of preventing postoperative recurrence and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma and prolonging patient survival. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying that remain unclear. AIM To investigate the role and mechanisms of MXS in ameliorating hepatic injury, steatosis and inflammation. METHODS A choline-deficient/high-fat diet-induced rat nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model was used to examine the effects of MXS on lipid accumulation in primary hepatocytes. Liver tissues were collected for western blotting and immunohistochemistry (IHC) assays. Lipid accumulation and hepatic fibrosis were detected using oil red staining and Sirius red staining. The serum samples were collected for biochemical assays and NMR-based metabonomics analysis. The inflammation/lipid metabolism-related signaling and regulators in liver tissues were also detected to reveal the molecular mechanisms of MXS against NASH. RESULTS MXS showed a significant decrease in lipid accumulation and inflammatory response in hepatocytes under metabolic stress. The western blotting and IHC results indicated that MXS activated AMPK pathway but inhibited the expression of key regulators related to lipid accumulation, inflammation and hepatic fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH. The metabonomics analysis systemically indicated that the arachidonic acid metabolism and steroid hormone synthesis are the two main target metabolic pathways for MXS to ameliorate liver inflammation and hepatic steatosis. Mechanistically, we found that MXS protected against NASH by attenuating the sex hormone-related metabolism, especially the metabolism of male hormones. CONCLUSION MXS ameliorates inflammation and hepatic steatosis of NASH by inhibiting the metabolism of male hormones. Targeting male hormone related metabolic pathways may be the potential therapeutic approach for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Li Mei
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of New Chinese Medicine Creation Laboratory, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400061, China
| | - Shu-Yi Wu
- College of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinses Medicine, Chongqing 402760, China
| | - Si-Lan Wu
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of New Chinese Medicine Creation Laboratory, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400061, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Luo
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of New Chinese Medicine Creation Laboratory, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400061, China
| | - Si-Xing Huang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of New Chinese Medicine Creation Laboratory, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400061, China
| | - Rui Liu
- Department of Oncology, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- Department of Pharmacology and Toxicology, Sichuan-Chongqing Joint Key Laboratory of New Chinese Medicine Creation Laboratory, Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing 400061, China
- College of Chinese Medicine, Chongqing College of Traditional Chinses Medicine, Chongqing 402760, China
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400010, China.
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Cheng Z, Chu H, Seki E, Lin R, Yang L. Hepatocyte programmed cell death: the trigger for inflammation and fibrosis in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis. Front Cell Dev Biol 2024; 12:1431921. [PMID: 39071804 PMCID: PMC11272544 DOI: 10.3389/fcell.2024.1431921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2024] [Accepted: 06/28/2024] [Indexed: 07/30/2024] Open
Abstract
By replacing and removing defective or infected cells, programmed cell death (PCD) contributes to homeostasis maintenance and body development, which is ubiquitously present in mammals and can occur at any time. Besides apoptosis, more novel modalities of PCD have been described recently, such as necroptosis, pyroptosis, ferroptosis, and autophagy-dependent cell death. PCD not only regulates multiple physiological processes, but also participates in the pathogenesis of diverse disorders, including metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD). MASLD is mainly classified into metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver (MASL) and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), and the latter putatively progresses to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Owing to increased incidence and obscure etiology of MASH, its management still remains a tremendous challenge. Recently, hepatocyte PCD has been attracted much attention as a potent driver of the pathological progression from MASL to MASH, and some pharmacological agents have been proved to exert their salutary effects on MASH partly via the regulation of the activity of hepatocyte PCD. The current review recapitulates the pathogenesis of different modalities of PCD, clarifies the mechanisms underlying how metabolic disorders in MASLD induce hepatocyte PCD and how hepatocyte PCD contributes to inflammatory and fibrotic progression of MASH, discusses several signaling pathways in hepatocytes governing the execution of PCD, and summarizes some potential pharmacological agents for MASH treatment which exert their therapeutic effects partly via the regulation of hepatocyte PCD. These findings indicate that hepatocyte PCD putatively represents a new therapeutic point of intervention for MASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zilu Cheng
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Huikuan Chu
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ekihiro Seki
- Karsh Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
- Samuel Oschin Comprehensive Cancer Institute, Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Los Angeles, CA, United States
| | - Rong Lin
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Division of Gastroenterology, Union Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology, Wuhan, Hubei, China
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Niu W, Feng Y, Peng M, Cai J. A narrative review on the mechanism of natural flavonoids in improving glucolipid metabolism disorders. Phytother Res 2024. [PMID: 38924256 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.8276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2024] [Revised: 05/29/2024] [Accepted: 06/07/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024]
Abstract
Glucolipid metabolism disorder (GLMD) is a complex chronic disease characterized by glucose and lipid metabolism disorders with a complex and diverse etiology and rapidly increasing incidence. Many studies have identified the role of flavonoids in ameliorating GLMD, with mechanisms related to peroxisome proliferator-activated receptors, nuclear factor kappa-B, AMP-activated protein kinase, nuclear factor (erythroid-derived 2)-like 2, glucose transporter type 4, and phosphatidylinositol-3-kinase/protein kinase B pathway. However, a comprehensive summary of the flavonoid effects on GLMD is lacking. This study reviewed the roles and mechanisms of natural flavonoids with different structures in the treatment of GLMD reported globally in the past 5 years and provides a reference for developing flavonoids as drugs for treating GLMD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenjing Niu
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yongshi Feng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Minwen Peng
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, China
| | - Jinyan Cai
- Guangdong Metabolic Diseases Research Centre of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, China
- Guangdong Provincial TCM Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases, Guangzhou, China
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Cun Y, Guo C, Jin Y, Zhou L, Zhang C, Chen N, Peng Y, Zhang P, Guo Y. Breviscapine ameliorates autophagy by activating the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway in a transient cerebral ischemia rat model. J Neuropathol Exp Neurol 2024; 83:615-625. [PMID: 38804899 DOI: 10.1093/jnen/nlae045] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/29/2024] Open
Abstract
Breviscapine (Bre), an extract from Erigeron breviscapus, has been widely used to treat cerebral ischemia but the mechanisms of its neuroprotective effects need to be clarified. The present study investigated whether Bre could alleviate excessive autophagy induced by cerebral ischemia in the rat middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) ischemia model via activating the Janus kinase 2 (JAK2)/signal transducer and activator of transcription 5 (STAT5)/B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2) pathway. Rats were randomly divided into 5 groups, i.e. Sham group, MCAO+saline group, MCAO+Bre group, MCAO+DMSO (Dimethyl sulfoxide) group, and MCAO+Bre+AG490 (Tyrphostin AG490, the inhibitor of STAT5) group. The model was established and neuroprotection was evaluated by determining infarct volumes and conducting neurological behavioral tests. Autophagy levels in the infarct penumbra were detected using transmission electron microscopy and Western blotting. The expression of proteins in the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 pathway was tested by Western blotting. Compared to the MCAO+saline group, the infarct volumes in the MCAO+Bre group were significantly reduced and neurological behavior improved. Breviscapine administration also significantly increased p-JAK2, p-STAT5, and BCL2 expression but decreased autolysosome numbers; it also downregulated Beclin-1 expression and the LC3II/LCI ratio. The JAK2 inhibitor AG490 reversed these effects. These findings indicate that breviscapine can improve neural recovery following ischemia through alleviating excessive autophagy and activation of the JAK2/STAT5/BCL2 axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongdan Cun
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
- Yunnan College of Business Management, Kunming, China
| | - Cunxiao Guo
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yaju Jin
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Li Zhou
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Chengcai Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Na Chen
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yicheng Peng
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Pengyue Zhang
- Yunnan Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Chronic Disease in Prevention and Treatment, Key Laboratory of Acupuncture and Massage for Treatment of Encephalopathy, College of Acupuncture, Tuina and Rehabilitation, Yunnan University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, China
| | - Yiting Guo
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, The 920th Hospital of the PLA Joint Service Support Force, Kunming, China
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Ma P, Wang X, Wen X, Pu L, Ou Y. Protective effects of dopamine against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis via inhibiting p65 pathways in vivo and in vitro. Toxicol Res (Camb) 2024; 13:tfae068. [PMID: 38737340 PMCID: PMC11082461 DOI: 10.1093/toxres/tfae068] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/19/2023] [Revised: 03/21/2024] [Indexed: 05/14/2024] Open
Abstract
Introduction Currently, the role and mechanism of dopamine in non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) remains unclear. Methods In vitro experiments utilized FFA and LPS to establish NASH cell models, while a fibrotic cell model was created using TGFβ1 to investigate the impact of dopamine on cellular lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. In vivo experiments involved the use of MCD and HFD diets to induce NASH in mouse models for observing the effects of dopamine on NASH disease progression. Results Our study showed that dopamine significantly downregulated the expression levels of Caspase 1, IL-1β and IL18 in the HepG2 NASH cell model. In addition, dopamine could inhibit the TGF-β1-induced accumulation of collagen I and α-SMA in LX2 cells. In vivo experiments have shown that dopamine attenuation in mice is associated with MCD diet-induced and HFD-induced steatohepatitis. Mechanically, dopamine inhibits the p65 signaling pathway in NASH. Conclusion In conclusion, the present study demonstrates the role of dopamine in ameliorating the symptoms of NASH and provides a direction for future research on the application of the dopaminergic system to liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xu Wang
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Xiuqi Wen
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Lingyun Pu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
| | - Yu Ou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing, Jiangsu 211198, China
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Bao Y, Zhu L, Wang Y, Liu J, Liu Z, Li Z, Zhou A, Wu H. Gualou-Xiebai herb pair and its active ingredients act against atherosclerosis by suppressing VSMC-derived foam cell formation via regulating P2RY12-mediated lipophagy. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 128:155341. [PMID: 38518636 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155341] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/23/2023] [Revised: 12/28/2023] [Accepted: 01/06/2024] [Indexed: 03/24/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Atherosclerosis (AS) is a chronic disease characterized by lipid accumulation in the aortic wall and the formation of foam cells overloaded with large lipids inclusions. Currently, Western medicine is primarily used to improve lipid metabolism disorders and reduce inflammatory reactions to delay AS progression, but these medicines come with serious side effects and drug resistance. Gualou-Xiebai (GLXB) is a renowned herb pair that has been proven effective against AS. However, the potential molecular mechanism through which GLXB exerts the anti-atherosclerotic effects of increasing lipophagy in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) remains unknown. PURPOSE This study aims to explore the role of lipophagy and the therapeutic mechanism of GLXB in AS. METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS for the determination of the main components of GLXB-containing serum. An AS mouse model was established by feeding a high-fat diet (HFD) to ApoE-/- mice for 12 weeks. Ultrasonography monitoring was used to confirm the successful establishment of the AS model. Plaque areas and lipid deposition were evaluated using HE staining and aorta imagingafter GLXB treatment. Immunofluorescence staining and Western blotting were utilized to observe the P2RY12 and lipophagy levels in AS mice. VSMCs were stimulated with oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) to induce foam cell formation. The degree of lipophagy and the related molecular mechanisms were assessed after treating the VSMCs with GLXB-containing serum or si-P2RY12 transfection. The active components of GLXB-containing serum that act on P2RY12 were screened and verified by molecular docking and dual-luciferase reporter assays. RESULTS Seventeen components of GLXB were identified in rat serum by UPLC-Q-TOF-MS. GLXB significantly reduced lipid deposition in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice and ox-LDL-induced VSMCs. GLXB strikingly increased lipophagy levels by downregulating P2RY12, p62, and plin2, upregulating LC3Ⅱ protein expression, and increasing the number of autophagosomes. Notably, the lipophagy inhibitor CQ and the P2RY12 receptor agonist ADPβ abolished the GLXB-induced increase in lipophagy. Last, we confirmed that albiflorin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and hesperetin from GLXB significantly inhibited P2RY12. CONCLUSION GLXB activates lipophagy and inhibits lipid accumulation-associated VSMC-derived foam cell formation through suppressing P2RY12 activation, resulting in anti-atherosclerotic effects. The GLXB components albiflorin, apigenin, luteolin, kaempferol, 7,8-dihydroxyflavone, and hesperetin are the potential active effectors against P2RY12.
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MESH Headings
- Animals
- Atherosclerosis/drug therapy
- Foam Cells/drug effects
- Foam Cells/metabolism
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/drug effects
- Muscle, Smooth, Vascular/metabolism
- Male
- Mice
- Drugs, Chinese Herbal/pharmacology
- Receptors, Purinergic P2Y12/metabolism
- Diet, High-Fat
- Mice, Inbred C57BL
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/drug effects
- Myocytes, Smooth Muscle/metabolism
- Rats
- Disease Models, Animal
- Autophagy/drug effects
- Rats, Sprague-Dawley
- Lipid Metabolism/drug effects
- Aorta/drug effects
- Lipoproteins, LDL/metabolism
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Affiliation(s)
- Youli Bao
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Li Zhu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Yuting Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Jiahui Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Zijian Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - Zhenglong Li
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China
| | - An Zhou
- The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China.
| | - Hongfei Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; The Experimental Research Center, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230038, China.
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11
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Zhang X, Zhang J, Zhou Z, Xiong P, Cheng L, Ma J, Wen Y, Shen T, He X, Wang L, Zhang Y, Xiao C. Integrated network pharmacology, metabolomics, and transcriptomics of Huanglian-Hongqu herb pair in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 325:117828. [PMID: 38325669 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.117828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2023] [Revised: 01/18/2024] [Accepted: 01/23/2024] [Indexed: 02/09/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE The Huanglian-Hongqu herb pair (HH) is a synergistic drug combination used to treat non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the molecular mechanism underlying the therapeuticeffects of HH requires further elucidation. AIM OF THE STUDY The present study explored the potential mechanism of HH in treating NAFLD. MATERIALS AND METHODS UPLC-Q-TOF-MS was employed to identify the drug constituents in HH. A NAFLD rat model was induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) and treated with different doses of HH. The functional mechanism of HH in NAFLD rats was predicted using network pharmacology, metabolomics and transcriptomics. Immunohistochemistry, real-time PCR, and Western blot were performed to validate the key mechanisms. RESULTS Pharmacodynamic assessment demonstrated that HH exhibited improvements in lipid deposition and reduced hepatic oxidative stress in NAFLD rats. Hepatic wide-target metabolomics revealed that HH primarily modulated amino acids and their metabolites, fatty acids, organic acids and their derivatives, bile acids, and other liver metabolites. The enriched pathways included metabolic pathways, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and bile secretion. Network pharmacology analysis indicated that HH regulated the key pathways in NAFLD, notably PPAR, AMPK, NF-κB and other signaling pathways. Furthermore, hepatic transcriptomics, based on Illumina RNA-Seq sequencing analyses, suggested that HH improved NAFLD through metabolic pathways, the PPAR signaling pathway, primary bile acid biosynthesis, and fatty acid metabolism. Further mechanistic studies indicated that HH could regulate the genes and proteins associated with the PPAR signaling pathway. CONCLUSION Our findings demonstrated that the potential therapeutic benefits of HH in ameliorating NAFLD by targeting the PPAR signaling pathway, thereby facilitating a more extensive use of HH in NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaobo Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jie Zhang
- School of Nursing, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Zubing Zhou
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Peiyu Xiong
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Li Cheng
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jingru Ma
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yueqiang Wen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tao Shen
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- College of Public Health, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Long Wang
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Ningxia, 750004, China
| | - Yong Zhang
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Chong Xiao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610075, China.
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12
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Zhang Z, Shi F, Ai Y, Li X, Zhang D, Wang L, Sun W. Portable wireless electrochemical sensing of breviscapine using core-shell ZIFs-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra-modified electrode. Mikrochim Acta 2024; 191:290. [PMID: 38683258 DOI: 10.1007/s00604-024-06298-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2023] [Accepted: 03/04/2024] [Indexed: 05/01/2024]
Abstract
A core-shell ZIF-67@ZIF-8-derived Co nanoparticles embedded in N-doped carbon nanotube polyhedra (Co/C-NCNP) hybrid nanostructure was prepared by a pyrolysis method. The synthesized Co/C-NCNP was modified on the screen-printed carbon electrode and used for the portable wireless sensitive determination of breviscapine (BVC) by differential pulse voltammetry. The Co/C-NCNP had a large surface area and excellent catalytic activity with increasing Co sites to combine with BVC for selective determination, which led to the improvement of the sensitivity of the electrochemical sensor. Under optimized conditions, the constructed sensor had linear ranges from 0.15 to 20.0 µmol/L and 20.0 to 100.0 µmol/L with the limit of detection of 0.014 µmol/L (3S0/S). The sensor was successfully applied to BVC tablet sample analysis with satisfactory results. This work provided the potential applications of zeolitic imidazolate framework-derived nanomaterials in the fabrication of electrochemical sensors for the sensitive detection of drug samples.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zejun Zhang
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Hainan International Joint Research Center of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
- College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Zhaotong University, Zhaotong, 657000, China
| | - Fan Shi
- College of Mechanical Engineering, Chongqing University of Technology, Chongqing, 400054, China
| | - Yijing Ai
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Hainan International Joint Research Center of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Xiaoqing Li
- College of Health Sciences, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, 250355, China
| | - Dan Zhang
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Hainan International Joint Research Center of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
| | - Lisi Wang
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Hainan International Joint Research Center of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China
| | - Wei Sun
- Hainan Engineering Research Center of Tropical Ocean Advanced Optoelectronic Functional Materials, Hainan International Joint Research Center of Marine Advanced Photoelectric Functional Materials, Key Laboratory of Laser Technology and Optoelectronic Functional Materials of Hainan Province, Key Laboratory of Functional Materials and Photoelectrochemistry of Haikou, College of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering, Hainan Normal University, Haikou, 571158, China.
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13
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Li Y, Yang P, Ye J, Xu Q, Wu J, Wang Y. Updated mechanisms of MASLD pathogenesis. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:117. [PMID: 38649999 PMCID: PMC11034170 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02108-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/20/2023] [Accepted: 04/11/2024] [Indexed: 04/25/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) has garnered considerable attention globally. Changing lifestyles, over-nutrition, and physical inactivity have promoted its development. MASLD is typically accompanied by obesity and is strongly linked to metabolic syndromes. Given that MASLD prevalence is on the rise, there is an urgent need to elucidate its pathogenesis. Hepatic lipid accumulation generally triggers lipotoxicity and induces MASLD or progress to metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH) by mediating endoplasmic reticulum stress, oxidative stress, organelle dysfunction, and ferroptosis. Recently, significant attention has been directed towards exploring the role of gut microbial dysbiosis in the development of MASLD, offering a novel therapeutic target for MASLD. Considering that there are no recognized pharmacological therapies due to the diversity of mechanisms involved in MASLD and the difficulty associated with undertaking clinical trials, potential targets in MASLD remain elusive. Thus, this article aimed to summarize and evaluate the prominent roles of lipotoxicity, ferroptosis, and gut microbes in the development of MASLD and the mechanisms underlying their effects. Furthermore, existing advances and challenges in the treatment of MASLD were outlined.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuxuan Li
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China
- Translational Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Peipei Yang
- Translational Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Jialu Ye
- Translational Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qiyuan Xu
- Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jiaqi Wu
- Translational Medicine Center, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Affiliated Hospital of Hangzhou Normal University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yidong Wang
- Department of Cardiology, State Key Laboratory of Transvascular Implantation Devices, The Second Affiliated Hospital, Zhejiang University School of Medicine, Hangzhou, China.
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14
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Ma P, Ou H, Sun Z, Lu Y, Li M, Xu L, Liang Y, Zheng J, Ou Y. IAVPGEVA: Orally Available DPP4-Targeting Soy Glycinin Derived Octapeptide with Therapeutic Potential in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2024; 72:7167-7178. [PMID: 38511978 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.3c08932] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/22/2024]
Abstract
IAVPGEVA, an octapeptide derived from soybean 11S globulin hydrolysis, also known as SGP8, has exhibited regulatory effects on lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis in vitro. Studies using MCD and HFD-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) models in mice show that SGP8 attenuates hepatic injury and metabolic disorders. Mechanistic studies suggest that SGP8 inhibits the JNK-c-Jun pathway in L02 cells and liver tissue under metabolic stress and targets DPP4 with DPP4 inhibitory activity. In conclusion, the results suggest that SGP8 is an orally available DPP4-targeting peptide with therapeutic potential in NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Ma
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hao Ou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongkan Sun
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yunbiao Lu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Mengdan Li
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Liuxin Xu
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yan Liang
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jiawei Zheng
- School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yu Ou
- School of Life Science and Technology, China Pharmaceutical University, 639 Longmian Avenue, Nanjing 211198, Jiangsu, China
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15
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Li J, Ma Z, Yang Z, Yang M, Li C, Li M, Li X, Chen X, Ma H, Chen W, Ye X, Li X. Integrating transcriptomics and network pharmacology to reveal the mechanisms of total Rhizoma Coptidis alkaloids against nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 322:117600. [PMID: 38103844 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117600] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2023] [Revised: 11/28/2023] [Accepted: 12/13/2023] [Indexed: 12/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has emerged as a major cause of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma, posing a significant threat to public health. Rhizoma Coptidis, a traditional Chinese medicinal herb has been shown to have significant curative effects on liver diseases. Total Rhizoma Coptidis Alkaloids (TRCA) is a primarily alkaloid mixture extracted from Rhizoma Coptidis, and its constituents are widely accepted to have hepatoprotective effects. AIM OF THE STUDY This work aimed to investigate the efficacy and potential mechanisms of TRCA in ameliorating NASH through both in vitro experiments and in vivo mouse models. MATERIALS AND METHODS The study employed a mice model induced by a high-fat diet (HFD) to evaluate the effectiveness and pharmacological mechanisms of TRCA in alleviating NASH. Transcriptomic sequencing and network pharmacology were used to explore the possible targets and mechanisms of TRCA to ameliorate NASH. Further validation was performed in free fatty acid (FFA)-induced human hepatocytes (LO2) and human hepatocellular carcinoma cells (HepG2). RESULTS TRCA effectively ameliorated the main features of NASH such as lipid accumulation, hepatitis and hepatic fibrosis in the liver tissue of mice induced by HFD, as well as improved glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in mice. Combined with transcriptomic and network pharmacological analyses, 68 core targets associated with the improvement of NASH by TRCA were obtained. According to the KEGG results, the core targets were significantly enriched in the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway whereas TRCA ameliorated the aberrant down-regulation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway induced by HFD. Furthermore, the five highest-ranked genes were obtained by PPI network analysis. Moreover, our findings suggest that TRCA may impede the progression of HFD-induced NASH by regulating the expression of PPARG, MMP9, ALB, CCL2, and EGFR. CONCLUSIONS TRCA can ameliorate HFD-induced liver injury by modulating aberrant downregulation of the PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Key proteins such as PPARG, MMP9, ALB, CCL2, and EGFR may be critical targets for TRCA to ameliorate NASH. This finding supports using Rhizoma Coptidis, a well-known herbal medicine, as a potential therapeutic agent for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Juan Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Zhengcai Ma
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Zhipeng Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Maochun Yang
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Changsheng Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Mengmeng Li
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiaoduo Li
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xiantao Chen
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Hang Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Wanqun Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400000, China.
| | - Xiaoli Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
| | - Xuegang Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization (Ministry of Education), College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, 400715, China.
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16
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Zhang F, Ju J, Diao H, Song J, Bian Y, Yang B. Innovative pharmacotherapy for hepatic metabolic and chronic inflammatory diseases in China. Br J Pharmacol 2024. [PMID: 38514420 DOI: 10.1111/bph.16342] [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: 11/16/2023] [Revised: 01/04/2024] [Accepted: 01/27/2024] [Indexed: 03/23/2024] Open
Abstract
Liver disease constitutes a significant global health concern, particularly in China where it has distinctive characteristics. China grapples with a staggering 300 million cases, predominantly due to hepatitis B and metabolic non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Additionally, hepatocellular carcinoma has become a prevalent which is a lethal type of cancer. Despite the scarcity of innovative treatment options, Chinese hepatologists and researchers have achieved notable breakthroughs in the prevention, diagnosis, management and treatment of liver diseases. Traditional Chinese medicines have found widespread application in the treatment of various liver ailments owing to their commendable pharmacological efficacy and minimal side effects. Furthermore, there is a growing body of research in extracellular vesicles, cell therapy and gene therapy, offering new hope in the fight against liver diseases. This paper provides a comprehensive overview of the epidemiological characteristics of liver diseases and the diverse array of treatments that Chinese scholars and scientists have pursued in critical field.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jiaming Ju
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Hongtao Diao
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Jinglun Song
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Yu Bian
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
| | - Baofeng Yang
- Department of Pharmacology (State Key Laboratory of Frigid Zone Cardiovascular Diseases, the State-Province Key Laboratories of Biomedicine-Pharmaceutics of China, Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Research, Ministry of Education), College of Pharmacy, Harbin Medical University, Harbin, China
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17
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Lv T, Lou Y, Yan Q, Nie L, Cheng Z, Zhou X. Phosphorylation: new star of pathogenesis and treatment in steatotic liver disease. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:50. [PMID: 38368351 PMCID: PMC10873984 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02037-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2023] [Accepted: 01/31/2024] [Indexed: 02/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Steatotic liver disease poses a serious threat to human health and has emerged as one of the most significant burdens of chronic liver disease worldwide. Currently, the research mechanism is not clear, and there is no specific targeted drug for direct treatment. Phosphorylation is widely regarded as the most common type of protein modification, closely linked to steatotic liver disease in previous studies. However, there is no systematic review to clarify the relationship and investigate from the perspective of phosphorylation. Phosphorylation has been found to mainly regulate molecule stability, affect localization, transform molecular function, and cooperate with other protein modifications. Among them, adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK), serine/threonine kinase (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-B (NF-kB) are considered the core mechanisms in steatotic liver disease. As to treatment, lifestyle changes, prescription drugs, and herbal ingredients can alleviate symptoms by influencing phosphorylation. It demonstrates the significant role of phosphorylation as a mechanism occurrence and a therapeutic target in steatotic liver disease, which could be a new star for future exploration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tiansu Lv
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Lou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Qianhua Yan
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Lijuan Nie
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhe Cheng
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiqiao Zhou
- Department of Endocrinology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
- The First Clinical Medical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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18
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Bai L, Qu W, Cheng X, Yang H, Huang YP, Wang Z, Han C, Tian RF, Hu F, Yang L, Tian S, Tian H, Cai Z, Wan J, Jiang J, Fu J, Zhou J, Hu Y, Ma T, Zhang X, Ji YX, Cai J, She ZG, Wang Y, Zhang P, Huang L, Li H, Zhang XJ. Multispecies transcriptomics identifies SIKE as a MAPK repressor that prevents NASH progression. Sci Transl Med 2024; 16:eade7347. [PMID: 38354227 DOI: 10.1126/scitranslmed.ade7347] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2022] [Accepted: 01/24/2024] [Indexed: 02/16/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) remains relatively benign, but high-risk to end-stage liver diseases become highly prevalent when it progresses into nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Our current understanding of the development of NAFL to NASH remains insufficient. In this study, we revealed MAP kinase (MAPK) activation as the most notable molecular signature associated with NASH progression across multiple species. Furthermore, we identified suppressor of IKKε (SIKE) as a conserved and potent negative controller of MAPK activation. Hepatocyte-specific overexpression of Sike prevented NASH progression in diet- and toxin-induced mouse NASH models. Mechanistically, SIKE directly interacted with TGF-β-activated kinase 1 (TAK1) and TAK1-binding protein 2 (TAB2) to interrupt their binding and subsequent TAK1-MAPK signaling activation. We found that indobufen markedly up-regulated SIKE expression and effectively improved NASH features in mice and macaques. These findings identify SIKE as a MAPK suppressor that prevents NASH progression and provide proof-of-concept evidence for targeting the SIKE-TAK1 axis as a potential NASH therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan Bai
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Weiyi Qu
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Department of Cardiology, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Xu Cheng
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Hailong Yang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Yong-Ping Huang
- College of Life Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430072, China
| | - Zhenya Wang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Cuijuan Han
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Rui-Feng Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Fengjiao Hu
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Ling Yang
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Song Tian
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Han Tian
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Zhiwei Cai
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Juan Wan
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Jingwei Jiang
- Jiangsu Key Lab of Drug Screening, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jiajun Fu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Junjie Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Yufeng Hu
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Tengfei Ma
- Department of Neurology, Huanggang Central Hospital, Huanggang 438000, China
| | - Xin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Prevention and Treatment of Cardiovascular and Cerebrovascular Diseases, Ministry of Education, Gannan Medical University, Ganzhou 341000, China
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
| | - Yan-Xiao Ji
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Jingjing Cai
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- Department of Cardiology, Third Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Zhi-Gang She
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
| | - Yibin Wang
- Signature Research Program in Cardiovascular and Metabolic Diseases, Duke-NUS Medical School, Singapore 169857, Singapore
| | - Peng Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Lingli Huang
- Department of Veterinary Medicine, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
- Frontiers Science Center for Animal Breeding and Sustainable Production, Huazhong Agricultural University, Wuhan 430070, China
| | - Hongliang Li
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- Department of Cardiology, Renmin Hospital, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430060, China
- Medical Science Research Center, Zhongnan Hospital of Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
| | - Xiao-Jing Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of New Targets Discovery and Drug Development for Major Diseases, Gannan Innovation and Translational Medicine Research Institute, Ganzhou 341008, China
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Wuhan University, Wuhan 430071, China
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Huang W, Cao Z, Wang W, Yang Z, Jiao S, Chen Y, Chen S, Zhang L, Li Z. Discovery of LH10, a novel fexaramine-based FXR agonist for the treatment of liver disease. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:107071. [PMID: 38199141 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.107071] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2023] [Revised: 12/14/2023] [Accepted: 12/25/2023] [Indexed: 01/12/2024]
Abstract
Farnesoid X receptor (FXR) was considered as a promising drug target in the treatment of cholestasis, drug-induced liver injury, and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). However, the existing FXR agonists have shown different degrees of side effects in clinical trials without clear interpretation. MET-409 in clinical phase Ⅲ, has been proven significantly fewer side effects than that of other FXR agonists. This may be due to the completely different structure of FEX and other non-steroidal FXR agonists. Herein, the structure-based drug design was carried out based on FEX, and the more active FXR agonist LH10 (FEX EC50 = 0,3 μM; LH10 EC50 = 0.14 μM)) was screened out by the comprehensive SAR studies. Furthermore, LH10 exhibited robust hepatoprotective activity on the ANIT-induced cholestatic model and APAP-induced acute liver injury model, which was even better than positive control OCA. In the nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) model, LH10 significantly improved the pathological characteristics of NASH by regulating several major pathways including lipid metabolism, inflammation, oxidative stress, and fibrosis. With the above attractive results, LH10 is worthy of further evaluation as a novel agent for the treatment of liver disorders.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wanqiu Huang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhijun Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Wenxin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Zhongcheng Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Shixuan Jiao
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Ya Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Siliang Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China
| | - Luyong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Construction and Application of New Drug Screening Model Systems, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China.
| | - Zheng Li
- School of Pharmacy, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Specialty of Clinical Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China; Center for Drug Research and Development, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Key Laboratory of New Drug Discovery and Evaluation of the Guangdong Provincial Education Department, Guangdong Pharmaceutical University, Guangzhou 510006, PR China; Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Design and Evaluation, Guangzhou, 510006, PR China.
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Guan Y, Tang G, Li L, Shu J, Zhao Y, Huang L, Tang J. Herbal medicine and gut microbiota: exploring untapped therapeutic potential in neurodegenerative disease management. Arch Pharm Res 2024; 47:146-164. [PMID: 38225532 PMCID: PMC10830735 DOI: 10.1007/s12272-023-01484-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2023] [Accepted: 12/29/2023] [Indexed: 01/17/2024]
Abstract
The gut microbiota that exists in the human gastrointestinal tract is incredibly important for the maintenance of general health as it contributes to multiple aspects of host physiology. Recent research has revealed a dynamic connection between the gut microbiota and the central nervous system, that can influence neurodegenerative diseases (NDs). Indeed, imbalances in the gut microbiota, or dysbiosis, play a vital role in the pathogenesis and progression of human diseases, particularly NDs. Herbal medicine has been used for centuries to treat human diseases, including NDs. These compounds help to relieve symptoms and delay the progression of NDs by improving intestinal barrier function, reducing neuroinflammation, and modulating neurotransmitter production. Notably, herbal medicine can mitigate the progression of NDs by regulating the gut microbiota. Therefore, an in-depth understanding of the potential mechanisms by which herbal medicine regulates the gut microbiota in the treatment of NDs can help explain the pathogenesis of NDs from a novel perspective and propose novel therapeutic strategies for NDs. In this review, we investigate the potential neuroprotective effects of herbal medicine, focusing on its ability to regulate the gut microbiota and restore homeostasis. We also highlight the challenges and future research priorities of the integration of herbal medicine and modern medicine. As the global population ages, access to this information is becoming increasingly important for developing effective treatments for these diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yueyue Guan
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Guohua Tang
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Lei Li
- Department of Anorectal Surgery, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine and Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China
| | - Jianzhong Shu
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Yuhua Zhao
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China
| | - Li Huang
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China.
| | - Jun Tang
- Department of Brain Disease, Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chongqing, 400021, China.
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21
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Jiang X, Tang N, Liu Y, Wang Z, Chen J, Liu F, Zhang P, Sui M, Xu W. Integrating network analysis and pharmacokinetics to investigate the mechanisms of Danzhi Tiaozhi Decoction in metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 318:117008. [PMID: 37549861 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2023] [Revised: 07/24/2023] [Accepted: 08/04/2023] [Indexed: 08/09/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Based on ancient classics, Danzhi Tiaozhi Decoction has been successfully used to treat nonalcoholic fatty liver disease for decades. However, its therapeutic mechanisms remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to investigate the effects of Danzhi Tiaozhi Decoction (DZTZD) on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD). MATERIALS AND METHODS First, we identified the active ingredients of DZTZD and their potential targets in the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology database. Using the overlapped genes, we selected the key MAFLD-associated genes, then conducted GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses. Furthermore, DZTZD was administered orally to rats, and their serum and liver tissues were examined for absorbed compounds using pharmacochemistry. UPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap/MS was used to determine the main compounds. Then, we validated the binding association of the key targets with their active compounds with AutoDock Tools and other software. Finally, the predicted hub targets were experimentally validated. RESULTS We found 254 active compounds in DZTZD corresponding to 208 targets. Sixteen key genes were identified, and the enrichment analysis revealed multiple signaling pathways, including the AGE-RAGE pathway in diabetic complications and the lipid and atherosclerosis signaling pathway. Next, 160 absorbed components and metabolites were characterized in vivo, and 53 absorbed components and metabolites were characterized in liver tissue. Thirteen parent compounds were identified, including coptisine, quercetin, luteolin, and aloe-emodin. The molecular docking data demonstrated the strongest binding between the active compounds and the core proteins. Moreover, the animal experiments showed that DZTZD decreased body weight, liver weight, lipid accumulation, and ALT, AST, CRP, FFA, IL-6, PEPCK, G6P, TG, TC, and LDL-c serum levels, and increased serum HDL-c levels compared to high-fat induced rats. Besides, the RT-PCR and Western blot showed that DZTZD inhibited the SREBP1c and FAS and increased hyperlipidemia-induced CPT-1A levels. In the high-fat group, JNK phosphorylation increased, and AKT protein phosphorylation decreased, while DZTZD reversed these effects. CONCLUSION Based on the pharmacological network analysis, pharmacochemistry, and experimental validation, DZTZD can potentially improve MAFLD via the JNK/AKT pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaofei Jiang
- Department of Gynecology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Nannan Tang
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Yuyu Liu
- Graduate School of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230000, Anhui, China
| | - Zhiming Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Jun Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Fang Liu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China
| | - Miao Sui
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou City Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Wei Xu
- Department of Endocrinology, Xuzhou Central Hospital, Xuzhou Institute of Medical Sciences, Xuzhou Clinical School of Nanjing Medical University, Affiliated Hospital of Medical School of Southeast University, Xuzhou, 221003, Jiangsu, China.
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Lan T, Geng XJ, Zhang SJ, Zeng XX, Ying JJ, Xu Y, Liu SY, Li P, Tong YH, Wang W, Mao ZJ, Wang SW. Si-Ni-San inhibits hepatic Fasn expression and lipid accumulation in MAFLD mice through AMPK/p300/SREBP-1c axis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 123:155209. [PMID: 37984123 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.155209] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/04/2023] [Revised: 10/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/09/2023] [Indexed: 11/22/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Soothing the liver and regulating qi is one of the core ideas of traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) in the treatment of fatty liver. Si-Ni-San (SNS) is a well-known herbal formula in TCM for liver soothing and qi regulation in fatty liver treatment. However, its efficacy lacks modern scientific evidence. PURPOSE This study was aimed to investigate the impact of SNS on metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) in mice and explore the underlying molecular mechanisms, particularly its effects on lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. METHODS The therapeutic effect of SNS was evaluated using in vivo and in vitro models of high-fat/high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet-induced mice and palmitic acid (PA)-induced hepatocytes, respectively. Molecular biological techniques such as RNA-sequencing (RNA-seq), co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP), and western blotting were employed to elucidate the molecular mechanism of SNS in regulating lipid metabolism in hepatocytes. RESULTS Our findings revealed that SNS effectively reduced lipid accumulation in the livers of HFHC diet-induced mice and PA-induced hepatocytes. RNA-seq analysis demonstrated that SNS significantly down-regulated the expression of fatty acid synthase (Fasn) in the livers of HFHC-fed mice. Mechanistically, SNS inhibited Fasn expression and lipid accumulation by activating adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). Activation of AMPK suppressed the activity of the transcriptional coactivator p300 and modulated the protein stability of sterol regulatory element-binding protein-1c (SREBP-1c). Importantly, p300 was required for the inhibition of Fasn expression and lipid accumulation by SNS. Furthermore, SNS activated AMPK by decreasing adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production in hepatocytes. CONCLUSION This study provided novel evidence on the regulatory mechanisms underlying the effects of SNS on Fasn expression. Our findings demonstrate, for the first time, that SNS exerts suppressive effects on Fasn expression through modulation of the AMPK/p300/SREBP-1c axis. Consequently, this regulatory pathway mitigates excessive lipid accumulation and ameliorates MAFLD in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tian Lan
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Xiao-Juan Geng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Si-Jia Zhang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Xi-Xi Zeng
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Jun-Jie Ying
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Yi Xu
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Shi-Yu Liu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Ping Li
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China
| | - Yu-Hua Tong
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China
| | - Wen Wang
- Preventive Treatment Center, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University Affiliated Four-provinces Marginal Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quzhou Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Quzhou 324000, China.
| | - Zhu-Jun Mao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310053, China; Department of Ophthalmology, The Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China.
| | - Si-Wei Wang
- The Joint Innovation Center for Health & Medicine, the Quzhou Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Quzhou People's Hospital, Quzhou 324000, China.
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Chen HJ, Huang TX, Jiang YX, Chen X, Wang AF. Multifunctional roles of inflammation and its causative factors in primary liver cancer: A literature review. World J Hepatol 2023; 15:1258-1271. [PMID: 38223416 PMCID: PMC10784815 DOI: 10.4254/wjh.v15.i12.1258] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/06/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 12/25/2023] Open
Abstract
Primary liver cancer is a severe and complex disease, leading to 800000 global deaths annually. Emerging evidence suggests that inflammation is one of the critical factors in the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Patients with viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis symptoms are at higher risk of developing HCC. However, not all inflammatory factors have a pathogenic function in HCC development. The current study describes the process and mechanism of hepatitis development and its progression to HCC, particularly focusing on viral hepatitis, alcoholic hepatitis, and steatohepatitis. Furthermore, the roles of some essential inflammatory cytokines in HCC progression are described in addition to a summary of future research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Ting-Xiong Huang
- School of Clinical Medical, Translational Medicine Research Center, Guizhou Medical University, Guiyang 550025, Guizhou Province, China
| | - Yu-Xi Jiang
- Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Medical Genetics, Key Laboratory of Laboratory Medicine, Ministry of Education, Wenzhou 325035, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Xiong Chen
- Department of Endocrinology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou 325000, Zhejiang Province, China
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Yuhuan, The Yuhuan Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yuhuan 317600, Zhejiang Province, China
| | - Ai-Fang Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, The People's Hospital of Yuhuan, The Yuhuan Branch of The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Yuhuan 317600, Zhejiang Province, China.
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Yang Z, Jiang W, Xiong C, Shang J, Huang Y, Zhou X, Zhang S. Calcipotriol suppresses GPX4-mediated ferroptosis in OA chondrocytes by blocking the TGF-β1 pathway. Cytokine 2023; 171:156382. [PMID: 37782985 DOI: 10.1016/j.cyto.2023.156382] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2023] [Revised: 09/02/2023] [Accepted: 09/25/2023] [Indexed: 10/04/2023]
Abstract
Globally, tens of millions of individuals experience osteoarthritis (OA), a degenerative joint condition for which a definitive cure is currently lacking. This condition is characterized by joint inflammation and the progressive deterioration of articular cartilage. In this study, western blotting, quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, and immunofluorescence analysis were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanisms by which calcipotriol alleviates chondrocyte ferroptosis. The effect of calcipotriol on reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation levels in chondrocytes was assessed using dihydroethidium staining and the fluorescent dye BODIPY. To replicate OA, the destabilized medial meniscus model was employed, followed by the injection of calcipotriol into the knee articular cavity. Morphological analysis was conducted through hematoxylin and eosin staining, safranin O-Fast green staining, and micro-computed tomography analysis. Immunohistochemical analysis was performed to validate the effect of calcipotriol in vivo. Our results demonstrate that the expression of SOX9, col2a1, and Aggrecan, as well as MMP13 and ADAMTS5 protein expression levels, decrease upon treatment with calcipotriol in interleukin-1β stimulated chondrocytes. Despite these promising outcomes, the exact mechanism underlying calcipotriol's therapeutic effect on OA remains uncertain. We discovered that calcipotriol inhibits chondrocyte GPX4-mediated ferroptosis by suppressing the expression of transforming growth factor-β1. Furthermore, our study established an in vivo model of OA using rats with medial meniscus instability. Our experiments on rats with OA revealed that intra-articular calcipotriol injection significantly reduces cartilage degradation caused by the disease. Our findings suggest that calcipotriol can mitigate OA by impeding GPX4-mediated ferroptosis of chondrocytes, achieved through the suppression of the TGF-β1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhicheng Yang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China; Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Wei Jiang
- Department of Orthopedics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, 218 Jixi Road, Shushan District, Hefei, Anhui 230022, China
| | - Chenwei Xiong
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China; Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China; Department of Orthopedics, Zhangjiajie People's Hospital, Zhangjiajie 427000, China
| | - JingJing Shang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, China
| | - Yong Huang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China; Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China
| | - Xindie Zhou
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China; Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China; Department of Orthopedics, Gonghe County Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hainan Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, Qinghai Province 811800, China.
| | - Su Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, The Affiliated Changzhou Second People's Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, China; Changzhou Medical Center, Nanjing Medical University, Changzhou, 213000, China.
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Ji S, Ye L, Yuan J, Feng Q, Dai J. Integrative Transcriptome and Proteome Analyses Elucidate the Mechanism of Lens-Induced Myopia in Mice. Invest Ophthalmol Vis Sci 2023; 64:15. [PMID: 37819745 PMCID: PMC10584019 DOI: 10.1167/iovs.64.13.15] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2023] [Accepted: 09/16/2023] [Indexed: 10/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the underlying molecular mechanism of lens-induced myopia (LIM) through transcriptome and proteome analyses with a modified mouse myopia model. Methods Four-week-old C57BL/6J mice were treated with a homemade newly designed -25 diopter (D) lens mounting by a 3D printing pen before right eyes for 4 weeks. Refraction (RE) and axial dimensions were measured every 2 weeks. Retinas were analyzed by RNA-sequencing and data-independent acquisition liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) annotation, and STRING databases were used to identify significantly affected pathways in transcriptomic and proteomic data sets. Western blot was used to detect the expression of specific proteins. Results The modified model was accessible and efficient. Mice displayed a significant myopic shift (approximately 8 D) following 4 weeks' of lens treatment. Through transcriptomics and proteomics analysis, we elucidated 175 differently expressed genes (DEGs) and 646 differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) between binoculus. The transcriptomic and proteomic data showed a low correlation. Going over the mRNA protein matches, insulin like growth factor 2 mRNA binding protein 1 (Igf2bp1) was found to be a convincing biomarker of LIM, which was confirmed by Western blot. RNA-seq and proteome profiling confirmed that these two "omics" data sets complemented one another in KEGG pathways annovation. Among these, metabolic and human diseases pathways were considered to be correlated with the LIM forming process. Conclusions The newly constructed LIM model provides a useful tool for future myopia research. Combining transcriptomic and proteomic analysis may potentially brighten the prospects of novel therapeutic targets for patients with myopia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shunmei Ji
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lin Ye
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Ophthalomolgy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiayue Yuan
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Qianhong Feng
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
| | - Jinhui Dai
- Department of Ophthalmology, Zhongshan Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, Shanghai, China
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Wang L, Yan Y, Wu L, Peng J. Natural products in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Novel lead discovery for drug development. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106925. [PMID: 37714392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
With changing lifestyles, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide. A substantial increase in the incidence, mortality, and associated burden of NAFLD-related advanced liver disease is expected. Currently, the initial diagnosis of NAFLD is still based on ultrasound and there is no approved treatment method. Lipid-lowering drugs, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle improvement treatments are commonly used in clinical practice. However, most lipid-lowering drugs can produce poor patient compliance and specific adverse effects. Therefore, the exploration of bio-diagnostic markers and active lead compounds for the development of innovative drugs is urgently needed. More and more studies have reported the anti-NAFLD effects and mechanisms of natural products (NPs), which have become an important source for new drug development to treat NAFLD due to their high activity and low side effects. At present, berberine and silymarin have been approved by the US FDA to enter clinical phase IV studies, demonstrating the potential of NPs against NAFLD. Studies have found that the regulation of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways may play important roles in the process. With the continuous updating of technical means and scientific theories, in-depth research on the targets and mechanisms of NPs against NAFLD can provide new possibilities to find bio-diagnostic markers and innovative drugs. As we know, FXR agonists, PPARα agonists, and dual CCR2/5 inhibitors are gradually coming on stage for the treatment of NAFLD. Whether NPs can exert anti-NAFLD effects by regulating these targets or some unknown targets remains to be further studied. Therefore, the study reviewed the potential anti-NAFLD NPs and their targets. Some works on the discovery of new targets and the docking of active lead compounds were also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide some reference values for the development of non-invasive diagnostic markers and new drugs against NAFLD in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yonghuan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Linfang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jinyong Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China.
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Chen X, Shi W, Xie Y, Wang Y, Yao Q, Ke H, Xu X, Liu H, Liu P, Zhou X. Hepatic Krüppel-like factor 14 regulates lipid metabolism in nonalcoholic steatohepatitis mice. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23070. [PMID: 37389939 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202300448r] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2023] [Revised: 05/31/2023] [Accepted: 06/20/2023] [Indexed: 07/01/2023]
Abstract
Excessive lipid accumulation is a critical characteristic in the development of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). The underlying molecular mechanism, however, is unclear. In this study, we explored whether and how Krüppel-like factor 14 (KLF14) affects hepatic lipid metabolism in NASH. KLF14 expression was detected in NASH patients and mice fed a choline-deficient, L-amino acid-defined, high-fat diet (CDAHFD). Adeno-associated viruses and adenoviruses were used to alter hepatic KLF14 expression in vivo or in vitro to investigate how KLF14 functions in lipid regulation. The molecular mechanisms were explored using RNA-seq, luciferase reporter, and ChIP assays. The fatty liver phenotype was analyzed histopathologically, and serum and hepatocyte biochemical parameters were measured. The NASH mouse model developed quickly in C57BL/6J mice fed a CDAHFD for 8 weeks. We found that KLF14 expression was decreased in NASH patients and CDAHFD mice. Oleic acid and palmitic acid treatment also reduced KLF14 levels in hepatocytes. KLF14 knockdown downregulated the genes involved in fatty acid oxidation, promoting the progression of hepatic steatosis. In contrast, hepatic KLF14 overexpression alleviated lipid accumulation and oxidative stress in CDAHFD mice. These effects resulted from direct activation of the PPARα signaling pathway. PPARα inhibition diminished the KLF14 overexpression-reduced protective effects against steatosis in OA&PA-treated MPHs and AAV-KLF14-infected CDAHFD mice. These data reveal that hepatic KLF14 regulates lipid accumulation and oxidative stress through the KLF14-PPARα pathway as NASH progresses. KLF14 may be a novel therapeutic target for hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Wenjie Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Yong Xie
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Yunwu Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Qian Yao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Huajing Ke
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
| | - Xuan Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Hui Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Gastroenterology Institute of Jiangxi Province, Nanchang, China
| | - Pi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The People's Hospital of Longhua, Shenzhen, China
| | - Xiaojiang Zhou
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang, China
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Yan M, Li H, Xu S, Wu J, Li J, Xiao C, Mo C, Ding BS. Targeting Endothelial Necroptosis Disrupts Profibrotic Endothelial-Hepatic Stellate Cells Crosstalk to Alleviate Liver Fibrosis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:11313. [PMID: 37511074 PMCID: PMC10379228 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241411313] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/08/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023] Open
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases affect over a billion people worldwide and often lead to fibrosis. Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a disease paralleling a worldwide surge in metabolic syndromes, is characterized by liver fibrosis, and its pathogenesis remains largely unknown, with no effective treatment available. Necroptosis has been implicated in liver fibrosis pathogenesis. However, there is a lack of research on necroptosis specific to certain cell types, particularly the vascular system, in the context of liver fibrosis and NASH. Here, we employed a mouse model of NASH in combination with inducible gene knockout mice to investigate the role of endothelial necroptosis in NASH progression. We found that endothelial cell (EC)-specific knockout of mixed lineage kinase domain-like protein (MLKL), a critical executioner involved in the disruption of cell membranes during necroptosis, alleviated liver fibrosis in the mouse NASH model. Mechanistically, EC-specific deletion of Mlkl mitigated the activation of TGFβ/Smad 2/3 pathway, disrupting the pro-fibrotic crosstalk between endothelial cells and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Our findings highlight endothelial MLKL as a promising molecular target for developing therapeutic interventions for NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mengli Yan
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Hui Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Shiyu Xu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jinyan Wu
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Jiachen Li
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Chengju Xiao
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Chunheng Mo
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
| | - Bi-Sen Ding
- Key Laboratory of Birth Defects and Related Diseases of Women and Children of MOE, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Second University Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu 610064, China
- Fibrosis Research Program, Division of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine, Division of Liver Diseases, Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai, New York, NY 10029, USA
- Division of Regenerative Medicine, Weill Cornell Medicine, New York, NY 10065, USA
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Hu L, Xu T, Wang X, Qian M, Jin Y. Exposure to the fungicide prothioconazole and its metabolite prothioconazole-desthio induced hepatic metabolism disorder and oxidative stress in mice. PESTICIDE BIOCHEMISTRY AND PHYSIOLOGY 2023; 193:105452. [PMID: 37248020 DOI: 10.1016/j.pestbp.2023.105452] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2023] [Revised: 04/24/2023] [Accepted: 05/02/2023] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
Prothioconazole (PTC), as a popular triazole fungicide, with its main metabolite prothioconazole desthio (PTC-d), have attracted widespread concern due to their widely use and toxicological effects on non-target organisms. However, toxic effects of study analyzed PTC and PTC-d on the hepatic metabolism of mammalian still remains unclear. In this study, we conducted the study of the C57BL/6 mice which oral exposure to 30 mg/kg PTC and PTC-d via metabolomic analysis. In the liver, the metabolomics profile unveiled that exposure to 30 mg/kg PTC and PTC-d led to significantly altered 13 and 28 metabolites respectively, with 6 metabolites in common including significant decreased d-Fructose, Glutathione, showing the change of carbohydrate, lipid and amino acid metabolism. Via the further exploration of genes related to hepatic glycolipid metabolism and the biomarkers of oxidative stress, we found that liver was potentially damaged after exposure to 5 and 30 mg/kg PTC and PTC-d. Particularly, it was proved that PTC-d caused more adverse effect than its parent compound PTC on hepatotoxicity, and high concentration PTC or PTC-d exposure is more harmful than low concentration exposure.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lingyu Hu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Ting Xu
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China
| | - Xiaofang Wang
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China; Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China
| | - Mingrong Qian
- Key Laboratory of Pollution Exposure and Health Intervention of Zhejiang Province, Interdisciplinary Research Academy, Zhejiang Shuren University, Hangzhou 310015, China.
| | - Yuanxiang Jin
- College of Biotechnology and Bioengineering, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou 310014, China.
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Li SZ, Zhang NN, Yang X, Huang TQ, Lin Y, Jiang ZM, Yi Y, Liu EH. Nobiletin Ameliorates Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease by Regulating Gut Microbiota and Myristoleic Acid Metabolism. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2023; 71:7312-7323. [PMID: 37139957 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c08637] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Disturbance of the gut microbiota plays a critical role in the development of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Increasing evidence supports that natural products may serve as prebiotics to regulate the gut microbiota in the treatment of NAFLD. In the present study, the effect of nobiletin, a naturally occurring polymethoxyflavone, on NAFLD was evaluated, and metabolomics, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, and transcriptomics analysis were performed to determine the underlying mechanism of nobiletin, and the key bacteria and metabolites screened were confirmed by in vivo experiment. Nobiletin treatment could significantly reduce lipid accumulation in high-fat/high-sucrose diet-fed mice. 16S rRNA analysis demonstrated that nobiletin could reverse the dysbiosis of gut microbiota in NAFLD mice and nobiletin could regulate myristoleic acid metabolism, as revealed by untargeted metabolomics analysis. Treatment with the bacteria Allobaculum stercoricanis, Lactobacillus casei, or the metabolite myristoleic acid displayed a protective effect on liver lipid accumulation under metabolic stress. These results indicated that nobiletin might target gut microbiota and myristoleic acid metabolism to ameliorate NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shang-Zhen Li
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Ning-Ning Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Xing Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tian-Qing Huang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yang Lin
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Zheng-Meng Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Yongxiang Yi
- The Second Hospital of Nanjing, Affiliated Hospital to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210003, China
| | - E-Hu Liu
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, No. 24 Tongjia Lane, Nanjing 210009, China
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He H, Chai X, Li J, Li C, Wu X, Ye X, Ma H, Li X. LCN2 contributes to the improvement of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis by 8-Cetylberberine. Life Sci 2023; 321:121595. [PMID: 36940908 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2023.121595] [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: 02/02/2023] [Revised: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 03/15/2023] [Indexed: 03/23/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is becoming one of the most common causes of liver transplantation and hepatocellular carcinoma, but no specific drugs are FDA-approved to treat it. 8-cetylberberine (CBBR), which is a long-chain alkane derivative of berberine, exhibits potent pharmacological activities and improves metabolism performance. The aim of this study is to explore the function and mechanism of CBBR against NASH. MATERIALS AND METHODS L02 and HepG2 hepatocytes were treated with the medium containing palmitic acids and oleic acids (PO) and incubated with CBBR for 12 h, then the levels of lipid accumulation were tested by kits or western blots. C57BL/6 J mice were fed with a high-fat diet or a high-fat/high-cholesterol diet. CBBR (15 mg/kg or 30 mg/kg) was orally administered for 8 weeks. Liver weight, steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis were evaluated. Transcriptomic indicated the target of CBBR in NASH. KEY FINDINGS CBBR significantly reduced lipid accumulation, inflammation, liver injury, and fibrosis in NASH mice. CBBR also decreased lipid accumulation and inflammation in PO-induced L02 and HepG2 cells. RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis indicated that CBBR inhibited the pathways and key regulators associated with lipid accumulation, inflammation, and fibrosis in the pathogenesis of NASH. Mechanically, CBBR may prevent NASH via inhibiting LCN2, as proved by the finding that the anti-NASH effect of CBBR was more obvious in PO-stimulated HepG2 cells treated with LCN2 overexpression. SIGNIFICANCE Our work provides an insight into the effectiveness of CBBR in improving metabolic-stress-caused NASH as well as the mechanism by regulating LCN2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Huan He
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xue Chai
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Juan Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Changsheng Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xinran Wu
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Xiaoli Ye
- School of Life Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Hang Ma
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Xuegang Li
- Engineering Research Center of Coptis Development and Utilization, Ministry of Education, College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Sun L, Ding M, Chen F, Zhu D, Xie X. Breviscapine alleviates podocyte injury by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis in diabetic nephropathy. PeerJ 2023; 11:e14826. [PMID: 36815984 PMCID: PMC9933739 DOI: 10.7717/peerj.14826] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/16/2023] Open
Abstract
Podocyte injury is a critical factor in the pathogenesis of diabeticnephropathy (DN). Emerging evidence has demonstrated that breviscapine (Bre) exerts a renoprotective effect on diabetic rats. However, the effects of Bre on regulating podocyte injury under high glucose (HG) conditions remain unclear. In this study, an experimental mouse model of DN was induced by intraperitoneal injections of streptozotocin (STZ) in vivo. The effects of Bre on podocyte injury were assessed using cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay, TdT-mediated dUTPnick-endlabelling (TUNEL) staining, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT‒PCR) and western blot analysis. We found that renal function was significantly decreased in diabetic mice, and this effect was blocked by Bre treatment. Bre effectively increased podocyte viability and inhibited HG-induced cell apoptosis. Furthermore, Bre ameliorated HG-induced podocyte injury, as evidenced by decreased α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression and increased podocin and synaptopodin expression. Mechanistically, Bre inhibited HG-induced nuclear factorkappaB (NF-κB) signalling activation and subsequently decreased NLR family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome activation, resulting in a decrease in pyroptosis. Pharmacological inhibition of NLRP3 decreased HG-induced podocyte injury, whereas the NLRP3 agonist abrogated the effects of Bre on inhibiting podocyte injury. In summary, these results demonstrate that Bre alleviates HG-induced podocyte injury and improves renal function in diabetic mice, at least in part by inhibiting NF-κB/NLRP3-mediated pyroptosis.
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Chen F, Huang Y, Luo L, Wang Q, Huang N, Zhang Z, Li Z. Comprehensive Comparisons between Grafted Kynam Agarwood and Normal Agarwood on Traits, Composition, and In Vitro Activation of AMPK. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28041667. [PMID: 36838655 PMCID: PMC9961698 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28041667] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2023] [Revised: 01/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2023] [Indexed: 02/12/2023] Open
Abstract
Agarwood, a highly valuable resin/wood combination with diverse pharmacological activities but scarce supply, has a long history of being used as a medicine in several medical systems. Grafted Kynam agarwood (GKA) has been cultivated successfully recently and has the qualities meeting the definition of premium Kynam agarwood. However, there are few comprehensive comparisons between GKA and normal agarwood in terms of traits, global composition, and activity, and some key issues for GKA to be adopted into the traditional Chinese medical (TCM) system have not been elaborated. The two types of agarwood samples were evaluated in terms of trait characteristics, physicochemical indicators, key component groups, and global compositional profile. Furthermore, a molecular docking was performed to investigate the active ingredients. In vitro activity assays were performed to evaluate the activation of adenosine 5'-monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK) by GKA and normal agarwood. The results revealed that, overall, the traits, microscopic characteristics, chemical composition types, and bioactivity between GKA and normal agarwood were similar. The main differences were the content of resin (ethanolic extract content), the content of key component groups, and the composition of the different parent structural groups of 2-(2-phenethyl) chromones (PECs). The contents of total PEC and ethanol extract content of GKA were significantly higher than those of normal agarwood. The MS-based high-throughput analysis revealed that GKA has higher concentrations of sesquiterpenes and flindersia-type 2-(2-phenylethyl) chromones (FTPECs) (m/z 250-312) than normal agarwood. Molecular docking revealed that parent structural groups of FTPECs activated multiple signaling pathways, including the AMPK pathway, suggesting that FTPECs are major active components in GKA. The aim of this paper is to describe the intrinsic reasons for GKA as a high-quality agarwood and a potential source for novel drug development. We combined high-throughput mass spectrometry and multivariate statistical analysis to infer the different components of the two types of agarwood. Then we combined virtual screening and in vitro activity to construct a component/pharmacodynamic relationship to explore the causes of the activity differences between agarwood with different levels of quality and to identify potentially valuable lead compounds. This strategy can also be used for the comprehensive study of other TCMs with different qualities.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fengming Chen
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
| | - Yu Huang
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
| | - Lu Luo
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Qiaochu Wang
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Nanxi Huang
- Georgetown University Medical Center, Washington, DC 20057, USA
| | - Zhijie Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100700, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (Z.L.)
| | - Zhen Li
- MOE Key Laboratory of Bioinformatics, School of Life Sciences, Tsinghua University, Beijing 100084, China
- Correspondence: (Z.Z.); (Z.L.)
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Wang W, Yang L, Hu M, Yang Y, Ma Q, Chen J. Network Pharmacology to Reveal the Molecular Mechanisms of Rutaceous Plant-derived Limonin Ameliorating Non-alcoholic Steatohepatitis. Crit Rev Immunol 2023; 43:11-23. [PMID: 37831520 DOI: 10.1615/critrevimmunol.2023050080] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Limonin shows promise in alleviating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. We investigated the mechanisms of limonin against non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) using network pharmacology and molecular docking. METHODS Public databases provided NASH- and limonin-associated targets. VennDiagram identified potential limonin targets for NASH. Enrichment analysis explored the limonin-NASH relationship. PPI network analysis, CytoHubba models, and bioinformatics identified hub genes for NASH treatment. Molecular docking assessed limonin's binding ability to hub targets. RESULTS We found 37 potential limonin targets in NASH, involved in oxidative stress, inflammation, and signaling pathways. PPI network analysis revealed seven hub genes (STAT3, NFKBIA, MTOR, TLR4, CASP8, PTGS2, NFKB1) as NASH treatment targets. Molecular docking confirmed limonin's binding to STAT3, CASP8, and PTGS2. Animal experiments on high-fat diet mice showed limonin reduced hepatic steatosis, lipid accumulation, and expression of p-STAT3/STAT3, CASP8, and PTGS2. CONCLUSION Limonin's therapeutic effects in NASH may stem from its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. STAT3, CASP8, and PTGS2 are potential key targets for NASH treatment, warranting further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, 940th Hospital of Joint Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Li Yang
- Northwest Minzu University, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Minjie Hu
- Department of Gastroenterology, 940th Hospital of Joint Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Yonglin Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology, 940th Hospital of Joint Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Qiang Ma
- Department of Gastroenterology, 940th Hospital of Joint Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
| | - Jiayu Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology, 940th Hospital of Joint Support Force, Lanzhou, Gansu, China
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Guo J, Huang X, Dou L, Yan M, Shen T, Tang W, Li J. Aging and aging-related diseases: from molecular mechanisms to interventions and treatments. Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:391. [PMID: 36522308 PMCID: PMC9755275 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01251-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 266] [Impact Index Per Article: 133.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2022] [Revised: 11/03/2022] [Accepted: 11/10/2022] [Indexed: 12/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aging is a gradual and irreversible pathophysiological process. It presents with declines in tissue and cell functions and significant increases in the risks of various aging-related diseases, including neurodegenerative diseases, cardiovascular diseases, metabolic diseases, musculoskeletal diseases, and immune system diseases. Although the development of modern medicine has promoted human health and greatly extended life expectancy, with the aging of society, a variety of chronic diseases have gradually become the most important causes of disability and death in elderly individuals. Current research on aging focuses on elucidating how various endogenous and exogenous stresses (such as genomic instability, telomere dysfunction, epigenetic alterations, loss of proteostasis, compromise of autophagy, mitochondrial dysfunction, cellular senescence, stem cell exhaustion, altered intercellular communication, deregulated nutrient sensing) participate in the regulation of aging. Furthermore, thorough research on the pathogenesis of aging to identify interventions that promote health and longevity (such as caloric restriction, microbiota transplantation, and nutritional intervention) and clinical treatment methods for aging-related diseases (depletion of senescent cells, stem cell therapy, antioxidative and anti-inflammatory treatments, and hormone replacement therapy) could decrease the incidence and development of aging-related diseases and in turn promote healthy aging and longevity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun Guo
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Xiuqing Huang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Lin Dou
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Mingjing Yan
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China
| | - Tao Shen
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Weiqing Tang
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China.
| | - Jian Li
- The Key Laboratory of Geriatrics, Beijing Institute of Geriatrics, Institute of Geriatric Medicine, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Beijing Hospital/National Center of Gerontology of National Health Commission, Beijing, 100730, China.
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He J, Yang Y, Zhang F, Li Y, Li X, Pu X, He X, Zhang M, Yang X, Yu Q, Qi Y, Li X, Yu J. Effects of Poria cocos extract on metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease via the FXR/PPARα-SREBPs pathway. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1007274. [PMID: 36278226 PMCID: PMC9581278 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1007274] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2022] [Accepted: 09/05/2022] [Indexed: 11/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Despite the increase in the global prevalence of metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), no approved drug currently exists for the disease. Poria cocos (Schw.) Wolf (P. cocos) is a medicinal mushroom belonging to a family of polyporaceae widely used in TCM clinics to protect the liver and treat obesity. However, its efficacy, practical components, and underlying mechanism against MAFLD are yet to be determined. In this study, we evaluated the effects of Poria cocos (P. cocos) ethanol extract (EPC) on hepatic dyslipidemia, steatosis, and inflammation by both bioinformatics analysis and MAFLD rats induced by HFD feeding. We found EPC treatment dramatically reduced lipid accumulation, inflammatory cell infiltration, and liver injury. EPC reduced serum TC, TG levels, and hepatic TG, TBA, and NEFA contents. UHPLC Q-Trap/MS examination of BA profiles in serum and feces showed that EPC increased fecal conjugated BAs, decreased free BAs, and improved BA metabolism in HFD-fed rats. Western blot and RT-qPCR analysis showed that EPC could activate hepatic FXR and PPARα expression and reduce CYP7A1 and SREBP-1c expression. Systemic pharmacology combined with molecular docking suggested that poricoic acid B and polyporenic acid C, the major active compounds in EPC, could ameliorate lipid homeostasis by activating the nuclear receptor PPARα. We further confirmed their inhibition effects of lipid droplet deposition in steatized L-02 hepatocytes. In summary, EPC alleviated HFD-induced MAFLD by regulating lipid homeostasis and BA metabolism via the FXR/PPARα-SREBPs signaling pathway. P. cocos triterpenes, such as poricoic acid B and polyporenic acid C, were the characteristic substances of P. cocos for the treatment of MAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | - Yan Qi
- *Correspondence: Yan Qi, ; Xuefang Li, ; Jie Yu,
| | - Xuefang Li
- *Correspondence: Yan Qi, ; Xuefang Li, ; Jie Yu,
| | - Jie Yu
- *Correspondence: Yan Qi, ; Xuefang Li, ; Jie Yu,
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of "traditional Chinese medicine," "herbal medicine," "natural agents," "liver diseases," and "hepatic fibrosis." So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
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Xu X, Poulsen KL, Wu L, Liu S, Miyata T, Song Q, Wei Q, Zhao C, Lin C, Yang J. Targeted therapeutics and novel signaling pathways in non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH). Signal Transduct Target Ther 2022; 7:287. [PMID: 35963848 PMCID: PMC9376100 DOI: 10.1038/s41392-022-01119-3] [Citation(s) in RCA: 114] [Impact Index Per Article: 57.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/12/2022] [Revised: 06/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/08/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcohol-associated fatty liver/steatohepatitis (NAFL/NASH) has become the leading cause of liver disease worldwide. NASH, an advanced form of NAFL, can be progressive and more susceptible to developing cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Currently, lifestyle interventions are the most essential and effective strategies for preventing and controlling NAFL without the development of fibrosis. While there are still limited appropriate drugs specifically to treat NAFL/NASH, growing progress is being seen in elucidating the pathogenesis and identifying therapeutic targets. In this review, we discussed recent developments in etiology and prospective therapeutic targets, as well as pharmacological candidates in pre/clinical trials and patents, with a focus on diabetes, hepatic lipid metabolism, inflammation, and fibrosis. Importantly, growing evidence elucidates that the disruption of the gut-liver axis and microbe-derived metabolites drive the pathogenesis of NAFL/NASH. Extracellular vesicles (EVs) act as a signaling mediator, resulting in lipid accumulation, macrophage and hepatic stellate cell activation, further promoting inflammation and liver fibrosis progression during the development of NAFL/NASH. Targeting gut microbiota or EVs may serve as new strategies for the treatment of NAFL/NASH. Finally, other mechanisms, such as cell therapy and genetic approaches, also have enormous therapeutic potential. Incorporating drugs with different mechanisms and personalized medicine may improve the efficacy to better benefit patients with NAFL/NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaohan Xu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
| | - Kyle L Poulsen
- Department of Anesthesiology, McGovern Medical School, University of Texas Health Science Center, Houston, TX, USA
| | - Lijuan Wu
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Shan Liu
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Tatsunori Miyata
- Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kumamoto University, Kumamoto, Japan
| | - Qiaoling Song
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Qingda Wei
- School of Medicine, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Chenyang Zhao
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chunhua Lin
- Department of Urology, The Affiliated Yantai Yuhuangding Hospital of Qingdao University, Yantai, China
| | - Jinbo Yang
- School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.
- Innovation Center of Marine Drug Screening & Evaluation, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China.
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Wei L, Wang Z, Jing N, Lu Y, Yang J, Xiao H, Guo H, Sun S, Li M, Zhao D, Li X, Qi W, Zhang Y. Frontier progress of the combination of modern medicine and traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma. Chin Med 2022; 17:90. [PMID: 35907976 PMCID: PMC9338659 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-022-00645-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2022] [Accepted: 07/20/2022] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC, accounting for 90% of primary liver cancer) was the sixth most common cancer in the world and the third leading cause of cancer death in 2020. The number of new HCC patients in China accounted for nearly half of that in the world. HCC was of occult and complex onset, with poor prognosis. Clinically, at least 15% of patients with HCC had strong side effects of interventional therapy (IT) and have poor sensitivity to chemotherapy and targeted therapy. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a multi-target adjuvant therapy, had been shown to play an active anti-tumor role in many previous studies. This review systematically summarized the role of TCM combined with clinically commonly used drugs for the treatment of HCC (including mitomycin C, cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, 5-fluorouracil, sorafenib, etc.) in the past basic research, and summarized the efficacy of TCM combined with surgery, IT and conventional therapy (CT) in clinical research. It was found that TCM, as an adjuvant treatment, played many roles in the treatment of HCC, including enhancing the tumor inhibition, reducing toxic and side effects, improving chemosensitivity and prolonging survival time of patients. This review summarized the advantages of integrated traditional Chinese and modern medicine in the treatment of HCC and provides a theoretical basis for clinical research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lai Wei
- College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Zeyu Wang
- Department of Scientific Research, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Niancai Jing
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Yi Lu
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Jili Yang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Hongyu Xiao
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Huanyu Guo
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Shoukun Sun
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Mingjing Li
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China
| | - Daqing Zhao
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Xiangyan Li
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China
| | - Wenxiu Qi
- Northeast Asia Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Key Laboratory of Active Substances and Biological Mechanisms of Ginseng Efficacy, Ministry of Education, Jilin Provincial Key Laboratory of Bio-Macromolecules of Chinese Medicine, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun, 130117, Jilin, China.
| | - Yue Zhang
- Department of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Jilin Cancer Hospital, Changchun, 130000, Jilin, China.
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Exploring and Verifying the Mechanism and Targets of Shenqi Pill in the Treatment of Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis via Network Pharmacology and Experiments. J Immunol Res 2022; 2022:6588144. [PMID: 35733920 PMCID: PMC9207021 DOI: 10.1155/2022/6588144] [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: 02/09/2022] [Revised: 04/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/30/2022] Open
Abstract
Shenqi pill (SQP), a famous traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) herbal formula derived from Jinguiyaolue (Synopsis of Prescriptions of the Golden Chamber), has long been used to treat kidney yang deficiency syndrome. According to the TCM treatment principle that the liver and kidney are homologies, the clinical use of SQP in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) has achieved a good effect. However, the active targeted genes and underlying mechanism remain unclear. In this study, we aimed to explore the treatment mechanism of SQP in NASH rats, which may further contribute to the in-depth exploration of SQP in clinical applications. Network pharmacology analysis was used to screen the target genes of SQP for NASH treatment based on public databases. Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis, and protein–protein interaction (PPI) analysis were used to search for crucial target genes and mechanisms. UPLC–MS/MS was used to verify the active compounds of the SQP screened. The hepatic pathology and biochemical indicators of rats were used to judge the modeling results and the curative effect of SQP. Western blotting and qRT–PCR were used to verify the expression of crucial target genes at the protein and RNA levels, respectively. Network pharmacology analysis and bioinformatics analysis showed that PTGS2, JUN, MYC, and CDKN1A might be crucial target genes in the primary mechanism of SQP in treating NASH and improving the inflammatory response. The UPLC–MS/MS results confirmed that the hub active compound, quercetin, screened out through the TCMSP database, is indeed present in SQP. Hepatic injury and lipid metabolism indicators of NASH rats were significantly improved after SQP treatment. The results of WB and qRT–PCR showed that the expression of PTGS2, JUN, MYC, and CDKN1A was higher in NASH rats than in normal rats and decreased after SQP treatment. The expression of inflammatory cytokines (IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α) was reduced after SQP treatment, which confirmed that SQP could improve hepatic inflammation in rats. These results suggested that SQP could ameliorate NASH in rats, and that quercetin may be the critical active compound that exerts the therapeutic effect.
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Wang Y, Liu X, Chen B, Liu W, Guo Z, Liu X, Zhu X, Liu J, Zhang J, Li J, Zhang L, Gao Y, Zhang G, Wang Y, Choudhary MI, Yang S, Jiang H. Metabolic engineering of Yarrowia lipolytica for scutellarin production. Synth Syst Biotechnol 2022; 7:958-964. [PMID: 35756963 PMCID: PMC9184295 DOI: 10.1016/j.synbio.2022.05.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/19/2022] [Revised: 05/26/2022] [Accepted: 05/27/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Scutellarin related drugs have superior therapeutic effects on cerebrovascular and cardiovascular diseases. Here, an optimal biosynthetic pathway for scutellarin was constructed in Yarrowia lipolytica platform due to its excellent metabolic potential. By integrating multi-copies of core genes from different species, the production of scutellarin was increased from 15.11 mg/L to 94.79 mg/L and the ratio of scutellarin to the main by-product was improved about 110-fold in flask condition. Finally, the production of scutellarin was improved 23-fold and reached to 346 mg/L in fed-batch bioreactor, which was the highest reported titer for de novo production of scutellarin in microbes. Our results represent a solid basis for further production of natural products on unconventional yeasts and have a potential of industrial implementation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yina Wang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiaonan Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Corresponding author. Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
| | - Bihuan Chen
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Zhaokuan Guo
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Xiangyu Liu
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Xiaoxi Zhu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jiayu Liu
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jin Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Jing Li
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- College of Life Science and Technology, Wuhan Polytechnic University, Wuhan, Hubei, 430023, China
| | - Yadi Gao
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
| | - Guanghui Zhang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
| | - Yan Wang
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - M. Iqbal Choudhary
- H. E. J. Research Institute of Chemistry, International Center for Chemical and Biological Sciences, University of Karachi, Karachi, 75270, Pakistan
| | - Shengchao Yang
- National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- State Key Laboratory for Conservation and Utilization of Bio-Resources in Yunnan, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China
- Corresponding author. National and Local Joint Engineering Research Center on Germplasm Innovation and Utilization of Chinese Medicinal Materials in Southwest China, Yunnan Agricultural University, Yunnan, Kunming, 650201, China.
| | - Huifeng Jiang
- Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
- National Center of Technology Innovation for Synthetic Biology, Tianjin, 300308, China
- Corresponding author. Key Laboratory of Systems Microbial Biotechnology, Tianjin Institute of Industrial Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Tianjin, 300308, China.
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Screening Potential Drugs for the Development of NAFLD Based on Drug Perturbation Gene Set. COMPUTATIONAL AND MATHEMATICAL METHODS IN MEDICINE 2022; 2022:7606716. [PMID: 35469222 PMCID: PMC9034918 DOI: 10.1155/2022/7606716] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/18/2021] [Accepted: 02/16/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become one of the problems affecting the health of the population worldwide. The progressive disease includes nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) and fibrosis, which with no approved therapy, system identification of effective drugs remains challenging. In this work, we applicated drug perturbation gene set enrichment analysis to screen drugs for the development of NAFLD. A total 15490 small-molecule compounds were analyzed in our study; based on the p value of enrichment score, 7 small-molecule compounds were found to have a potential role in NASH and fibrosis. After pathway analyses, we found indoximod had effects on nonalcoholic fatty liver disease through regulated TNFa, AP-1, AKT, PI3K, etc. Furthermore, we established the NAFLD cell model with LO2 cells induced using PA; ELISA showed that the levels of TG, ALT, and AST were significantly improved by indoximod. In summary, our study offers optimal therapeutic drugs, which may provide novel insight into the precise treatment of NAFLD and promote researches.
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