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Jin Y, Wang X, Chen K, Chen Y, Zhou L, Zeng Y, Zhou Y, Pan Z, Wang D, Li Z, Liang Y, Ling W, Li D. Silymarin decreases liver stiffness associated with gut microbiota in patients with metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Lipids Health Dis 2024; 23:239. [PMID: 39097726 PMCID: PMC11297656 DOI: 10.1186/s12944-024-02220-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: 03/08/2024] [Accepted: 07/16/2024] [Indexed: 08/05/2024] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Despite centuries of traditional use of silymarin for hepatoprotection, current randomized controlled trial (RCT) studies on the effectiveness of silymarin in managing metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD) are limited and inconclusive, particularly when it is administered alone. The low bioavailability of silymarin highlights the possible influence of gut microbiota on the effectiveness of silymarin; however, no human studies have investigated this aspect. OBJECTIVE To determine the potential efficacy of silymarin in improving MASLD indicators and to investigate the underlying mechanisms related to gut microbiota. METHOD In this 24-week randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial, 83 patients with MASLD were randomized to either placebo (n = 41) or silymarin (103.2 mg/d, n = 42). At 0, 12, and 24 weeks, liver stiffness and hepatic steatosis were assessed using FibroScan, and blood samples were gathered for biochemical detection, while faecal samples were collected at 0 and 24 weeks for 16S rRNA sequencing. RESULTS Silymarin supplementation significantly reduced liver stiffness (LSM, -0.21 ± 0.17 vs. 0.41 ± 0.17, P = 0.015) and serum levels of γ-glutamyl transpeptidase (GGT, -8.21 ± 3.01 vs. 1.23 ± 3.16, P = 0.042) and ApoB (-0.02 ± 0.03 vs. 0.07 ± 0.03, P = 0.023) but had no significant effect on the controlled attenuation parameter (CAP), other biochemical indicators (aminotransferases, total bilirubin, glucose and lipid parameters, hsCRP, SOD, and UA), physical measurements (DBP, SBP, BMI, WHR, BF%, and BMR), or APRI and FIB-4 indices. Gut microbiota analysis revealed increased species diversity and enrichment of Oscillospiraceae in the silymarin group. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that silymarin supplementation could improve liver stiffness in MASLD patients, possibly by modulating the gut microbiota. TRIAL REGISTRATION The trial was registered at the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (ChiCTR2200059043).
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Affiliation(s)
- Yufeng Jin
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Xin Wang
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Ke Chen
- Shunde Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Yu Chen
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Lixin Zhou
- Shunde Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Southern Medical University, Foshan, China
| | - Yupeng Zeng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Yuqing Zhou
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Zhijun Pan
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China
| | - Di Wang
- BYHEALTH Institute of Nutrition & Health, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Zhongxia Li
- BYHEALTH Institute of Nutrition & Health, Guangzhou, 510663, China
| | - Yongqian Liang
- Shunde Hospital (The First People's Hospital of Shunde), Southern Medical University, Foshan, China.
| | - Wenhua Ling
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- School of Public Health and Management, Ningxia Medical University, Xingqing District, Yinchuan, China.
| | - Dan Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Food, Nutrition and Health, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
- Guangdong Engineering Technology Center of Nutrition Transformation, Guangzhou, 510080, China.
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Mao D, Guo J, Yang K, Yang F, Peng J, Jia X, Luo Z, Liu L, Yang E, Tang R, Lan H, Zheng Q. Mechanism of epigallocatechin gallate in treating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: Insights from network pharmacology and experimental validation. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 734:150424. [PMID: 39083974 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150424] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/26/2024] [Revised: 07/11/2024] [Accepted: 07/17/2024] [Indexed: 08/02/2024]
Abstract
To explore the therapeutic effects along with the molecular mechanisms of epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) treatment using network pharmacology as well as animal experiments. Firstly, the Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Systems Pharmacology Database was searched to identify the potential targets of EGCG. The DisGeNET Database was used to screen the potential targets of NAFLD. The GeneCards Database was searched to identify related genes involved in pyroptosis. Subsequently, the intersecting genes of EGCG targeting pyroptosis to regulate NAFLD were obtained using a Venn diagram. Simultaneously, the aforementioned intersecting genes were used to construct a drug-disease target protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. The DAVID database was adopted for Gene Ontology (GO) as well as Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) analyses. The main pathway-target network was determined. Next, the potential mechanism of EGCG targeting pyroptosis to regulate NAFLD was investigated and validated through in vivo experiments. 626 potential targets of EGCG, 447 target genes of NAFLD, and 568 potential targets of pyroptosis were identified. The number of common targets between EGCG, NAFLD, and pyroptosis was 266. GO biological process items and 92 KEGG pathways were determined based on the analysis results. Animal experiments demonstrated that EGCG could ameliorate body weight, glucolipid metabolism, steatosis, and liver injury, enhance insulin sensitivity, and improve glucose tolerance in NAFLD mice through the classical pathway of pyroptosis. EGCG could effectively treat NAFLD through multiple targets and pathways. It was concluded that EGCG ameliorates hepatocyte steatosis, pyroptosis, dyslipidemia, and inflammation in NAFLD mice fed a high-fat diet (HFD), and the protective mechanism could be associated with the NLRP3-Caspase-1-GSDMD classical pyroptosis pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Danting Mao
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Jianwei Guo
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Kunli Yang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Fan Yang
- Department of Radiology, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Jiaojiao Peng
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Xu Jia
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Ziren Luo
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Lu Liu
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Enjie Yang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Rui Tang
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Haitao Lan
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
| | - Qian Zheng
- Institute of Basic Medicine and Forensic Medicine, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, 637000, China.
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Wei C, Wu L, Wu Y, Xu C, Hu H, Wang Z. Selection and evaluation of quality markers (Q-markers) of vladimiriae radix extract for cholestatic liver injury based on spectrum-effect relationship, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 329:118151. [PMID: 38588988 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2024.118151] [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: 12/12/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2024] [Accepted: 04/02/2024] [Indexed: 04/10/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE As a representative local medicinal herb produced in China, Vladimiriae Radix (VR) has been proven to exert hepatoprotective and choleretic effects, with particular therapeutic efficacy in cholestatic liver injury (CLI), as demonstrated by the VR extract (VRE). However, the quality markers (Q-markers) of VRE for the treatment of CLI remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY A new strategy based on the core element of "efficacy" was proposed, using a combination of spectrum-effect relationship, pharmacokinetics, and molecular docking methods to select and confirm Q-markers of VRE. MATERIAL AND METHODS First, the HPLC fingerprinting of 10 batches of VRE was studied, and the in vivo pharmacological index of anti-CLI in rats was determined. The spectrum-effect relationship was utilized as a screening method to identify the Q-markers of VRE. Secondly, Q-markers were used as VRE pharmacokinetic markers to measure their concentrations in normal and CLI rat plasma, and to analyze their disposition. Finally, molecular docking was utilized to predict the potential interaction between the identified Q-markers and crucial targets of CLI. RESULTS The fingerprints of 10 batches of VRE was established. The in vivo pharmacological evaluation of rats showed that VRE had a significant therapeutic effect on CLI. The spectrum-effect correlation analysis showed that costunolide (COS) and dehydrocostus lactone (DEH) were the Q-markers of VRE anti-CLI. The pharmacokinetic results showed that AUC(0-t), Cmax, CLZ/F, and VZ/F of COS and DEH in CLI rats had significant differences (P < 0.01). They were effectively absorbed into the blood plasma of CLI rats, ensuring ideal bioavailability, and confirming their role as Q-markers. Molecular docking results showed that COS, DEH had good affinity with key targets (FXR, CAR, PXR, MAPK, TGR5, NRF2) for CLI treatment (Binding energy < -4.52 kcal mol-1), further verifying the correctness of Q-marker selection. CONCLUSIONS In this study, through the combination of experimental and theoretical approaches from the aspects of pharmacodynamic expression, in vivo process rules, and interaction force prediction, the therapeutic effect of VRE and Q-markers (COS、DEH) were elucidated. Furthermore, a new idea based on the principle of "efficacy" was successfully proposed for screening and evaluating Q-markers.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Lingjiao Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Yuyi Wu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Chunyi Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China
| | - Huiling Hu
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611130, China.
| | - Zhanguo Wang
- Holistic Integrative Medicine Industry Collaborative Innovation Research Center, Qiang Medicine Standard Research Promotion Base and Collaborative Innovation Research Center, School of Preclinical Medicine, Chengdu University, Chengdu, 610106, China.
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Qiu P, Mi A, Hong C, Huang S, Ma Q, Luo Q, Qiu J, Jiang H, Chen Y, Chen F, Yan H, Zhao J, Kong Y, Du Y, Li C, Kong D, Efferth T, Lou D. An integrated network pharmacology approach reveals that Ampelopsis grossedentata improves alcoholic liver disease via TLR4/NF-κB/MLKL pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 132:155658. [PMID: 38981149 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155658] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2023] [Revised: 03/22/2024] [Accepted: 04/19/2024] [Indexed: 07/11/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Alcohol-related liver damage is the most prevalent chronic liver disease, which creates a heavy public health burden worldwide. The leaves of Ampelopsis grossedentata have been considered a popular tea and traditional herbal medicine in China for more than one thousand years, and possess anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, hepatoprotective, and antiviral activities. PURPOSE We explored the protective effects of Ampelopsis grossedentata extract (AGE) against chronic alcohol-induced hepatic injury (alcoholic liver disease, ALD), aiming to elucidate its underlying mechanisms. METHODS Firstly, UPLC-Q/TOF-MS analysis and network pharmacology were used to identify the constituents and elucidate the potential mechanisms of AGE against ALD. Secondly, C57BL/6 mice were pair-fed the Lieber-DeCarli diet containing either isocaloric maltodextrin or ethanol, AGE (150 and 300 mg/kg/d) and silymarin (200 mg/kg) were administered to chronic ethanol-fed mice for 7 weeks to evaluate the hepatoprotective effects. Serum biochemical parameters were determined, hepatic and ileum sections were used for histologic examination, and levels of inflammatory cytokines and oxidative stress in the liver were examined. The potential molecular mechanisms of AGE in improving ALD were demonstrated by RNA-seq, Western blotting analysis, and immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS Ten main constituents of AGE were identified using UPLC-Q/TOF-MS and 274 potential ALD-related targets were identified. The enriched KEGG pathways included Toll-like receptor signaling pathway, NF-κB signaling pathway, and necroptosis. Moreover, in vivo experimental studies demonstrated that AGE significantly reduced serum aminotransferase levels and improved pathological abnormalities after chronic ethanol intake. Meanwhile, AGE improved ALD in mice by down-regulating oxidative stress and inflammatory cytokines. Furthermore, AGE notably repaired damaged intestinal epithelial barrier and suppressed the production of gut-derived lipopolysaccharide by elevating intestinal tight junction protein expression. Subsequent RNA-seq and experimental validation indicated that AGE inhibited NF-κB nuclear translocation, suppressed IκB-α, RIPK3 and MLKL phosphorylation and alleviated hepatic necroptosis in mice. CONCLUSION In this study, we have demonstrated for the first time that AGE protects against alcoholic liver disease by regulating the gut-liver axis and inhibiting the TLR4/NF-κB/MLKL-mediated necroptosis pathway. Therefore, our present work provides important experimental evidence for AGE as a promising candidate for protection against ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ping Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Ai Mi
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Chunlan Hong
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Shuo Huang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Qing Ma
- The First School of Clinical Medicine, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China
| | - Qihan Luo
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Jiang Qiu
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - He Jiang
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Yufan Chen
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Fangming Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Honghao Yan
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Jinkai Zhao
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing 311800, China
| | - Yu Kong
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing 311800, China
| | - Yu Du
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, 310053, China
| | - Changyu Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou 310000, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangsu, China.
| | - Thomas Efferth
- Department of Pharmaceutical Biology, Institute of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Sciences, Johannes Gutenberg University, Mainz, Germany.
| | - Dayong Lou
- Zhuji People's Hospital of Zhejiang Province, Shaoxing 311800, China.
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He Y, Zhang Y, Li Z. Optimization and preparation of a compound cod liver oil film former agent: an orthogonal design. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1296448. [PMID: 38495097 PMCID: PMC10940503 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1296448] [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: 09/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/08/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Background: Cod liver oil has anti-inflammatory properties and could help regulate recurrent aphthous stomatitis (RAS). An orthogonal experiment was used to evaluate and improve the dosage form of compound cod liver oil, which has replaced the previously used liniment preparation based on film method. Methods: An orthogonal experiment was adopted, and the appearance and film-forming time of the film coating agents were used as indicators. The optimal ratio in the preparation process for the compound cod liver oil film agent was then optimized. A method for determination of compound cod liver oil film was established using High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Results: The results indicate that the blank films prepared using 55 mg polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) (PVA low), 45 mg of PVA (PVA medium), and 10 mg glycerol had the optimal performance, which was defined as PVAa. The drug-carrying film prepared from 3 mL PVAa (i.e., film-forming material with the optimal proportion), 30 mg dexamethasone acetate, and 30 mg metronidazole had the optimal performance. The verified sample has a complete and smooth appearance, uniform thickness and color, and no evident bubbles, which meets the requirements for a film agent defined in the Chinese Pharmacopoeia, 2020 edition. HPLC was used to determine the major components: dexamethasone acetate, metronidazole, and dyclonine hydrochloride, and the optimal separation effect was obtained. The method has advantages of good specificity, good linear results, high recovery rate, and good repeatability. Conclusion: This study proposes an optimized compound cod liver oil film former agent and preparation method. The results indicate that the compound cod liver oil film former agent had good performance, reflecting the high feasibility of this research method. The detection method of compound cod liver oil film was established by HPLC. The method was feasible, and the validity and stability of the formulation and preparation technology were guaranteed. The role of the newly developed agent in patients with RAS should be investigated further.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yao He
- Pharmacy Department, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Ying Zhang
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of Emergency Medicine, Chongqing Emergency Medical Center, Chongqing University Central Hospital, Chongqing, China
| | - Zheng Li
- Pharmacy Department, The Fifth People’s Hospital of Chongqing, Chongqing, China
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Wang J, Jin B, Chen Y, Chen Y, Zuo W, Huang L, Lin J, Jiang Y, Xie L, Lian X, Wang Y. Costunolide attenuates high-fat diet-induced inflammation and oxidative stress in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease. Drug Dev Res 2024; 85:e22150. [PMID: 38349256 DOI: 10.1002/ddr.22150] [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: 10/01/2023] [Revised: 11/24/2023] [Accepted: 01/02/2024] [Indexed: 02/15/2024]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a progressive disease that can further evolve towards liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma in the end stage. Costunolide (Cos) is a natural sesquiterpene lactone that exhibits both anti-inflammatory and antioxidant properties. However, the therapeutic effect of Cos on NAFLD is not clear. In this study, we explored the potential protective effect and mechanism of Cos on NAFLD. C57BL/6 mice were fed with high-fat diet (HFD) to induce NAFLD. Cos was administered by gavage to observe the effect of Cos on NAFLD. We demonstrated that oral administration of Cos reduced HFD-induced hepatic fibrosis and the release of inflammatory cytokines, limiting the generation of reactive oxygen species. In vitro experiments revealed that pretreatment with Cos significantly decreased PA-induced production of inflammatory cytokines and fibrosis in AML-12 cells. Mechanism study showed that the effect of Cos was correlated to the induction of Nrf-2 and inhibition of NF-κB pathways. Collectively, these findings indicated that Cos exerts hepatoprotective effect against NAFLD through blocking inflammation and oxidative stress. Our study suggested that Cos might be an effective pharmacotherapy for the treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiong Wang
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Bo Jin
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yanghao Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wei Zuo
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lijiang Huang
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jianjun Lin
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yongsheng Jiang
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Longteng Xie
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiang Lian
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Joint Research Centre on Medicine, The Affiliated Xiangshan Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Ningbo, Zhejiang, China
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Wang C, Fu RJ, Xu DQ, Zuo Q, Liu JP, Tang YP. A study integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology to investigate the effects of Shicao in alleviating acute liver injury. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117369. [PMID: 38380571 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117369] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/29/2023] [Revised: 10/27/2023] [Accepted: 10/27/2023] [Indexed: 02/22/2024]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Shicao is the aerial part of Achillea alpina L., a common herb found mainly in Europe, Asia, and North America. Traditional Chinese medicine has a history of thousands of years and is widely used to treat various diseases. AIM OF STUDY To explore the hepatoprotective effects of Shicao on CCl4-induced acute liver injury. METHODS A rat model of acute liver injury was established and liver function indices were assessed to evaluate the protective effect of Shicao on the liver. Untargeted metabolomics of the serum and liver tissues was conducted using UPLC-Q-TOF/MS to identify differential metabolites related to acute liver injury. A network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene constituents was constructed using network pharmacology. Hub targets and key components of the effect of Shicao on acute liver injury were screened from the network. RESULTS Compared to the model group, Shicao improved the degree of liver damage through the assessment of the liver index, ALT and AST levels, and hepatic pathology slices, demonstrating its hepatoprotective effect against acute liver injury in rats. 10 and 38 differential metabolites involved in acute liver injury were identified in serum and liver tissues, respectively. Most of these were regulated or restored following treatment with Shicao, which mainly consisted of bile acids, lipids, and nucleotides such as taurocholic acid, LysoPC (17:0), and adenosine diphosphate ribose. Through the network of metabolite-reaction-enzyme-gene-constituents, 10 key components and 5 hub genes, along with 7 crucial differential metabolites, were mainly involved in glycerophospholipid metabolism, purine metabolism, biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, and primary bile acid biosynthesis, which may play important roles in the prevention of acute liver injury by Shicao. CONCLUSION This study revealed that Shicao had protective effects against CCl4-induced liver injury in rats. It was speculated that the ingredients of Shicao might be closely related to the hub targets, thereby regulating the levels of key metabolites, affecting inflammatory response and oxidative stress and attenuate the liver injury consequently. This study provides a basis for further investigation of its therapeutic potential and the mechanism of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chao Wang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Rui-Jia Fu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China.
| | - Ding-Qiao Xu
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Qian Zuo
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Ji-Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacodynamic Mechanism and Material Basis of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China
| | - Yu-Ping Tang
- Key Laboratory of Shaanxi Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine for TCM Compatibility, State Key Laboratory of Research & Development of Characteristic Qin Medicine Resources (Cultivation), Shaanxi Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicine Fundamentals and New Drugs Research, Shaanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Xi'an, 712046, Shaanxi Province, China.
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Mao J, Tan L, Tian C, Wang W, Zhang H, Zhu Z, Li Y. Hepatoprotective effect of syringin combined with costunolide against LPS-induced acute liver injury in L-02 cells via Rac1/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:11994-12020. [PMID: 37916984 PMCID: PMC10683587 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205161] [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: 08/10/2023] [Accepted: 10/02/2023] [Indexed: 11/03/2023]
Abstract
Acute liver injury (ALI) leads to abnormal liver function and damage to liver cells. Syringin (syr) and costunolide (cos) are the major extracts from Dolomiaea souliei (Franch.) C.Shih (D. souliei), showing diverse biological functions in various biological processes. We explored the underlying hepatoprotective effects of syr+cos against LPS-induced ALI. Cell viability and proliferation were assessed using an MTT assay and immunofluorescence staining. Flow cytometry analysis was used to detect cell cycle distribution and apoptosis. ELISA was utilized to measure liver function and antioxidant stress indexes. qRT-PCR and western blotting was performed to determine mRNA and protein levels respectively. Using shRNA approach to Rac1 analyzed transcriptional targets. The results showed that syr+cos promoted L-02 cell proliferation, inhibiting the cell apoptosis and blocking cell cycle in G1 and G2/M phase. Syr+cos decreased the production of ALT, AST, LDH, MDA and ROS while increased SOD and CAT activities. Pretreated with syr+cos may decrease expressions of caspase-3,7,9, NF-κB, TNF-α proteins, Cyclin B, CDK1 and p-IκB proteins while p-IκB increased. Silencing of Rac-1 may protect the liver by increasing AKT, S473, T308 and reducing p-AKT proteins. Syr+cos exhibits anti-ALI activity via Rac1/AKT/NF-κB signaling pathway which might act as an effective candidate drug for the treatment of ALI.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jingxin Mao
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Lihong Tan
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Cheng Tian
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Wenxiang Wang
- Chongqing Three Gorges Medical College, Chongqing 404120, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Zhaojing Zhu
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
| | - Yan Li
- Chongqing Medical and Pharmaceutical College, Chongqing 400030, China
- Chongqing Key Laboratory of High Active Traditional Chinese Drug Delivery System, Chongqing 400030, China
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Naghipour A, Amini-Salehi E, Orang Gorabzarmakhi M, Shahdkar M, Fouladi B, Alipourfard I, Sanat ZM. Effects of gut microbial therapy on lipid profile in individuals with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease: an umbrella meta-analysis study. Syst Rev 2023; 12:144. [PMID: 37605283 PMCID: PMC10441764 DOI: 10.1186/s13643-023-02299-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/28/2023] [Indexed: 08/23/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease, is closely associated with metabolic conditions such as obesity and diabetes mellitus, which significantly impact human health outcomes. The impaired lipid profiles observed in NAFLD individuals can further contribute to cardiovascular events. Despite the high prevalence of NAFLD, there is currently no confirmed intervention approved for its treatment. This study aimed to summarize the results of meta-analysis studies of randomized control trials assessing the impact of gut microbial therapy (probiotics, synbiotics, and prebiotics) on the lipid profile of individuals with NAFLD. METHODS A systematic search was conducted on PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane Library up to November 1, 2022. Meta-analyses surveying the impact of microbial therapy on lipid profile parameters (triglyceride (TG), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), low-density lipoprotein (LDL), and total cholesterol (TC)) in the NAFLD population were included in our umbrella review. The final effect size (ES) was estimated, and sensitivity and subgroup analyses were performed to explore heterogeneity. RESULTS Fifteen studies were included in this umbrella review. Microbial therapy significantly reduced TG (ES - 0.31, 95% CI - 0.51, - 0.11, P < 0.01), TC (ES - 1.04, 95% CI - 1.46, - 0.61, P < 0.01), and LDL (ES - 0.77, 95% CI - 1.15, - 0.39, P < 0.01) in individuals with NAFLD. However, the effect on HDL was not statistically significant (ES - 0.06; 95% CI - 0.19, 0.07, P = 0.39). CONCLUSION Considering the absence of approved treatments for NAFLD and the promising role of microbial therapies in improving the three lipid profiles components in individuals with NAFLD, the use of these agents as alternative treatment options could be recommended. The findings underscore the potential of gut microbial therapy, including probiotics, synbiotics, and prebiotics, in managing NAFLD and its associated metabolic complications. TRIAL REGISTRATION PROSPERO ( CRD42022346998 ).
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Naghipour
- Department of Pharmaceutics, Faculty of Pharmacy, Kerman University of Medical Sciences, Kerman, Iran
| | - Ehsan Amini-Salehi
- Gastrointestinal and Liver Diseases Research Center, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
- Student Research Committee, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran
| | | | | | - Bahman Fouladi
- Pediatric Gastroenterology and Hepatoloy Research center, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
- Department of Parasitology and Mycology, School of Medicine, Zabol University of Medical Sciences, Zabol, Iran
| | - Iraj Alipourfard
- Institute of Physical Chemistry, Polish Academy of Sciences, Marsaw, Poland
| | - Zahra Momayez Sanat
- Digestive Disease Research Institute, Tehran University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran.
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10
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Gao Y, Xu X, Zhang X. Targeting different phenotypes of macrophages: A potential strategy for natural products to treat inflammatory bone and joint diseases. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 118:154952. [PMID: 37506402 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154952] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2023] [Revised: 06/27/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/30/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Macrophages, a key class of immune cells, have a dual role in inflammatory responses, switching between anti-inflammatory M2 and pro-inflammatory M1 subtypes depending on the specific environment. Greater numbers of M1 macrophages correlate with increased production of inflammatory chemicals, decreased osteogenic potential, and eventually bone and joint disorders. Therefore, reversing M1 macrophages polarization is advantageous for lowering inflammatory factors. To better treat inflammatory bone disorders in the future, it may be helpful to gain insight into the specific mechanisms and natural products that modulate macrophage polarization. OBJECTIVE This review examines the impact of programmed cell death and different cells in the bone microenvironment on macrophage polarization, as well as the effects of natural products on the various phenotypes of macrophages, in order to suggest some possibilities for the treatment of inflammatory osteoarthritic disorders. METHODS Using 'macrophage polarization,' 'M1 macrophage' 'M2 macrophage' 'osteoporosis,' 'osteonecrosis of femoral head,' 'osteolysis,' 'gouty arthritis,' 'collagen-induced arthritis,' 'freund's adjuvant-induced arthritis,' 'adjuvant arthritis,' and 'rheumatoid arthritis' as search terms, the relevant literature was searched using the PubMed, the Cochrane Library and Web of Science databases. RESULTS Targeting macrophages through different signaling pathways has become a key mechanism for the treatment of inflammatory bone and joint diseases, including HIF-1α, NF-κB, AKT/mTOR, JAK1/2-STAT1, NF-κB, JNK, ERK, p-38α/β, p38/MAPK, PI3K/AKT, AMPK, AMPK/Sirt1, STAT TLR4/NF-κB, TLR4/NLRP3, NAMPT pathway, as well as the programmed cell death autophagy, pyroptosis and ERS. CONCLUSION As a result of a search of databases, we have summarized the available experimental and clinical evidence supporting herbal products as potential treatment agents for inflammatory osteoarthropathy. In this paper, we outline the various modulatory effects of natural substances targeting macrophages in various diseases, which may provide insight into drug options and directions for future clinical trials. In spite of this, more mechanistic studies on natural substances, as well as pharmacological, toxicological, and clinical studies are required.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuhe Gao
- Graduate School, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, 24 Heping Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150040, China
| | - Xilin Xu
- The Third Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China.
| | - Xiaofeng Zhang
- Teaching and Research Section of Orthopedics and Traumatology, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, Heilongjiang 150000, China.
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11
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Zhang H, Wei Z, Tong Y, Song X, Li S, Sun Y, Liu C, Han F, Yu J. Spectrum-effect relationship study to reveal the pharmacodynamic substances in Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae medicine pair for the treatment of alcohol-induced liver damage. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 314:116628. [PMID: 37196817 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.116628] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/07/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/08/2023] [Indexed: 05/19/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is the most serious and irreversible liver damage associated with alcohol consumption. Flos Puerariae and Semen Hoveniae are traditional Chinese medicines (TCM) for dispelling the effects of alcohol. Many studies have shown that the combination of two medicinal materials has the enhanced effect of treating ALD. AIM OF THE STUDY The aim of this study is to assess the pharmacological effects of Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae medicine pair, to elucidate its action mechanism in the treatment of alcohol-induced BRL-3A cells, and to reveal the active ingredients in the medicine pair that exerted pharmacological effects by spectrum-effect relationship study. MATERIALS AND METHODS Firstly, MTT assays, ELISA, fluorescence probe analysis, and Western blot were employed to study the underlying mechanisms of the medicine pair in alcohol-induced BRL-3A cells by examining pharmacodynamic indexes and related protein expression. Secondly, HPLC method was established for chemical chromatograms of the medicine pair with different ratios and the sample extracted by different solvents. Then, principal component analysis, pearson bivariate correlation analysis and grey relational analysis were applied for development of the spectrum-effect correlation between pharmacodynamic indexes and HPLC chromatograms. Moreover, prototype components and their metabolites in vivo were identified by the HPLC-MS method. RESULTS Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae medicine pair remarkably increased cell viability, decreased the activity of ALT, AST, TC and TG, reduced the generation of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, MDA and ROS, increased the activity of SOD and GSH-Px, reduced protein expression of CYP2E1, compared with alcohol-induced BRL-3A cells. The medicine pair modulated the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways by up-regulating the levels of phospho-PI3K, phospho-AKT and phospho-mTOR. Also, the results of the spectrum-effect relationship study showed that P1 (chlorogenic acid), P3 (daidzin), P4 (6″-O-xylosyl-glycitin), P5 (glycitin), P6 (unknown), P7 (unknown), P9 (unknown), P10 (6″-O-xylosyl-tectoridin), P12 (tectoridin) and P23 (unknown) can be considered as the main components of the medicine pair in the treatment of ALD. Furthermore, 6″-O-xylosyl-tectoridin, tectoridin, daidzin, 6″-O-xylosyl-glycitin and glycitin can be absorbed into the blood and showed clear metabolic and excretion behaviors in rats. CONCLUSION In this study, the hepatoprotective effects and the pharmacology mechanism of Flos Puerariae-Semen Hoveniae medicine pair in alcohol-induced BRL-3A cells were initially investigated and revealed. Through the spectrum-effect relationship study, the potential pharmacodynamic constituents such as daidzin, 6″-O-xylosyl-glycitin, 6″-O-xylosyl-tectoridin, glycitin, and tectoridin exert pharmacological effects on alcohol-induced oxidative stress and inflammation by modulating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathways. This study provided experimental basis and data support for revealing the pharmacodynamic substance basis and pharmacology mechanism in the treatment of ALD. Moreover, it provides a robust mean of exploring the primary effective components responsible for the bioactivity of complicated TCM.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haotian Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Ziyun Wei
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yichen Tong
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Xiuping Song
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Siyue Li
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Yuanfang Sun
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China
| | - Chun Liu
- Hainan Institute for Drug Control, Haikou, 570311, China
| | - Fei Han
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China.
| | - Jia Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, No.103 Wenhua Road, Shenhe District, Shenyang, 110016, China.
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Zhou X, Zhang X, Zhao N, Zhang L, Qiu W, Song C, Chai J, Cai S, Chen W. Gut Microbiota Deficiency Exacerbates Liver Injury in Bile Duct Ligated Mice via Inflammation and Lipid Metabolism. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24043180. [PMID: 36834588 PMCID: PMC9960910 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24043180] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/12/2022] [Revised: 01/18/2023] [Accepted: 01/30/2023] [Indexed: 02/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Bile components play a critical role in maintaining gut microbiota homeostasis. In cholestasis, bile secretion is impaired, leading to liver injury. However, it remains to be elucidated whether gut microbiota plays a role in cholestatic liver injury. Here, we performed a sham operation and bile duct ligation (BDL) in antibiotic-induced microbiome depleted (AIMD) mice and assessed liver injury and fecal microbiota composition in these mice. Significant reductions in gut microbiota richness and diversity were found in AIMD-sham mice when compared to sham controls. Three-day BDL leads to great elevation of plasma ALT, ALP, total bile acids, and bilirubin where reduced diversity of the gut microbiota was also found. AIMD further aggravated cholestatic liver injury evidenced by significantly higher levels of plasma ALT and ALP, associated with further reduced diversity and increased Gram-negative bacteria in gut microbiota. Further analyses revealed increased levels of LPS in the plasma of AIMD-BDL mice where elevated expression of inflammatory genes and decreased expression of hepatic detoxification enzymes were also found in liver when compared to the BDL group. These findings indicate that gut microbiota plays a critical role in cholestatic liver injury. Maintaining its homeostasis may alleviate liver injury in patients with cholestasis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueqian Zhou
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Xiaoxun Zhang
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Nan Zhao
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Liangjun Zhang
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Wen Qiu
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Chunwei Song
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Jin Chai
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
| | - Shiying Cai
- The Liver Center, Yale University School of Medicine, 333 Cedar Street, New Haven, CT 06520, USA
| | - Wensheng Chen
- Cholestatic Liver Diseases Center, Department of Gastroenterology, Southwest Hospital, Third Military Medical University (Army Medical University), Chongqing 400038, China
- Correspondence: or ; Tel.: +86-23-68765191; Fax: +86-23-65410853
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Hao J, Shen X, Lu K, Xu Y, Chen Y, Liu J, Shao X, Zhu C, Ding Y, Xie X, Wu J, Yang Q. Costunolide alleviated DDC induced ductular reaction and inflammatory response in murine model of cholestatic liver disease. J Tradit Complement Med 2023. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2023.02.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/03/2023] Open
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Huang ZQ, Luo W, Li WX, Chen P, Wang Z, Chen RJ, Wang Y, Huang WJ, Liang G. Costunolide alleviates atherosclerosis in high-fat diet-fed ApoE -/- mice through covalently binding to IKKβ and inhibiting NF-κB-mediated inflammation. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2023; 44:58-70. [PMID: 35710877 PMCID: PMC9813247 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-022-00928-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/25/2022] [Accepted: 05/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Costunolide (CTD) is a sesquiterpene lactone isolated from costus root and exhibits various biological activities including anti-inflammation. Since atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease, we herein investigated the anti-atherosclerotic effects of CTD and the underlying mechanism. Atherosclerosis was induced in ApoE-/- mice by feeding them with a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, followed by administration of CTD (10, 20 mg ·kg-1·d-1, i.g.) for 8 weeks. We showed that CTD administration dose-dependently alleviated atherosclerosis in HFD-fed ApoE-/- mice. Furthermore, we found that CTD dose-dependently reduced inflammatory responses in aortas of the mice, as CTD prevented infiltration of inflammatory cells in aortas and attenuated oxLDL uptake in macrophages, leading to reduced expression of pro-inflammatory and pro-fibrotic molecules in aortas. Similar results were observed in oxLDL-stimulated mouse primary peritoneal macrophages (MPMs) in vitro. We showed that pretreatment with CTD (2.5, 5. 10 μM) restrained oxLDL-induced inflammatory responses in MPMs by blocking pro-inflammatory NF-κB/p65 signaling pathway. We further demonstrated that CTD inactivated NF-κB via covalent binding to cysteine 179 on IKKβ, a canonical upstream regulator of NF-κB, reducing its phosphorylation and leading to conformational change in the active loop of IKKβ. Our results discover IKKβ as the target of CTD for its anti-inflammatory activity and elucidate a molecular mechanism underlying the anti-atherosclerosis effect of CTD. CTD is a potentially therapeutic candidate for retarding inflammatory atherosclerotic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhu-Qi Huang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wu Luo
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wei-Xin Li
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Pan Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Zhe Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Rui-Jie Chen
- Department of Pharmacy, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325000, China
| | - Yi Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China
| | - Wei-Jian Huang
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, 311399, China.
- Department of Cardiology and Medical Research Center, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, 325035, China.
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15
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Zhu LR, Li SS, Zheng WQ, Ni WJ, Cai M, Liu HP. Targeted modulation of gut microbiota by traditional Chinese medicine and natural products for liver disease therapy. Front Immunol 2023; 14:1086078. [PMID: 36817459 PMCID: PMC9933143 DOI: 10.3389/fimmu.2023.1086078] [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: 11/01/2022] [Accepted: 01/16/2023] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
Abstract
The gut microbiota not only constitutes intestinal microenvironment homeostasis and human health but also exerts indispensable roles in the occurrence and progression of multiple liver diseases, including alcohol-related liver disease, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, autoimmune liver disease and liver cancer. Given the therapeutic status of these diseases, their prevention and early therapy are crucial, and the detailed mechanism of gut microbiota in liver disease urgently needs to be explored. Meanwhile, multiple studies have shown that various traditional Chinese medicines, such as Si Miao Formula, Jiangzhi Granules, Liushen Capsules, Chaihu-Shugan Power, Cassiae Semen and Gynostemma, as well as some natural products, including Costunolide, Coprinus comatus polysaccharide, Antarctic krill oil, Oridonin and Berberine, can repair liver injury, improve fatty liver, regulate liver immunity, and even inhibit liver cancer through multiple targets, links, and pathways. Intriguingly, the aforementioned effects demonstrated by these traditional Chinese medicines and natural products have been shown to be closely related to the gut microbiota, directly driving the strategy of traditional Chinese medicines and natural products to regulate the gut microbiota as one of the breakthroughs in the treatment of liver diseases. Based on this, this review comprehensively summarizes and discusses the characteristics, functions and potential mechanisms of these medicines targeting gut microbiota during liver disease treatment. Research on the potential effects on gut microbiota and the regulatory mechanisms of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products provides novel insights and significant references for developing liver disease treatment strategies. In parallel, such explorations will enhance the comprehension of traditional Chinese medicine and natural products modulating gut microbiota during disease treatment, thus facilitating their clinical investigation and application.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Ran Zhu
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Medical Physics and Technology, Institute of Health and Medical Technology, Hefei Institutes of Physical Science, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Shan-Shan Li
- Department of Scientific Research and Education, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wan-Qun Zheng
- Department of Chinese Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Wei-Jian Ni
- Department of Pharmacy, Anhui Provincial Hospital, The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC, Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory of Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Ming Cai
- Department of Pharmacy, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China.,Anhui Acupuncture and Moxibustion Clinical Medicine Research Center, Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Hai-Peng Liu
- Anhui Institute of Pediatric Research, Anhui Provincial Children's Hospital, Hefei, Anhui, China
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16
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Ye B, Chen X, Chen Y, Lin W, Xu D, Fang Z, Chattipakorn N, Huang W, Wang X, Wu G, Liang G. Inhibition of TAK1/TAB2 complex formation by costunolide attenuates obesity cardiomyopathy via the NF-κB signaling pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 108:154523. [PMID: 36332385 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154523] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 10/08/2022] [Accepted: 10/22/2022] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Chronic and persistent obesity can lead to various complications, including obesity cardiomyopathy. Inhibition of the inflammatory response is an effective measure for the intervention of obesity cardiomyopathy. Numerous studies indicate that costunolide (Cos) can reduce inflammation. However, the role of Cos in obesity cardiomyopathy and its molecular targets remains unknown. HYPOTHESIS/PURPOSE We aimed to clarify potential cardioprotective effects and mechanism of Cos against obesity cardiomyopathy. METHODS The model of obesity cardiomyopathy was established by feeding mice with a high-fat diet for 24 weeks. Cos at 10 and 20 mg/kg or vehicle (1% CMCNa solution) was administered once every two days via oral gavage from the 17th to 24th week. Body weight, heart weight/tibia length, cardiac function, myocardial injury markers, pathological morphology of the heart, hypertrophic and fibrotic markers, inflammatory factors were assessed. The targets of Cos were predicted through molecular docking. Pull-down assay and biolayer interferometry were used to confirm the target of Cos. RESULTS Cos effectively reduces obesity-induced cardiomyocyte inflammation, cardiac hypertrophy and fibrosis, thereby improving cardiac function. We confirmed that Cos can interact with TAK1 and inhibit downstream NF-κB pathway activation by blocking the formation of the TAK1/TAB2 complex, thus inhibiting inflammatory cytokine release in cardiomyocytes. CONCLUSION Our results demonstrated that Cos significantly improved myocardial remodeling and cardiac dysfunction against obesity cardiomyopathy by reducing myocardial inflammation. Therefore, Cos may serve as a promising therapeutic agent in obesity cardiomyopathy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bozhi Ye
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xudong Chen
- Department of Cardiology, Ningbo Hangzhou Bay Hospital, Ningbo, Zhejiang, 315000, China
| | - Yanghao Chen
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Wante Lin
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Diyun Xu
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Zimin Fang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Nipon Chattipakorn
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Research and Training Center, Faculty of Medicine, Chiang Mai University, Chiang Mai, Thailand
| | - Weijian Huang
- Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Xu Wang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China
| | - Gaojun Wu
- Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China.
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; Department of Cardiology and the Key Laboratory of Cardiovascular Disease of Wenzhou, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang 325035, China; School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Hangzhou Medical College, Hangzhou, Zhejiang 311399, China.
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17
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Zhang M, Li H, Zhang L, Li J, Wang X, Luo L, Zhang J, Liu D. Formulation of Aucklandiae Radix Extract-Loaded Nanoemulsions and Its Characterization and Evaluations In Vitro and In Vivo. Appl Biochem Biotechnol 2022; 195:3156-3179. [PMID: 36564675 DOI: 10.1007/s12010-022-04232-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/08/2022] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
This study aimed to screen, design, and evaluate an optimal nanoemulsion formulation for Aucklandiae Radix extraction (ARE). A simple lattice design (SLD) method was used to determine the preparation process of Aucklandiae Radix extract-nanoemulsions (ARE-NEs). After optimization, the average particle size of ARE-NEs was 14.1 ± 1.1 nm, polydispersity index was 0.2376, and pH was 6.92. In vitro penetration tests verified that the permeability ratios of costunolide (CE), dehydrocostus lactone (DE), and ARE-NEs were approximately 6.33 times and 8.20 times higher, respectively, than those of the control group. The results of the pharmacokinetic study indicated that after topical administration, the content of the index components of ARE-NEs increased in vivo, with a longer release time and higher bioavailability in vivo than in vitro. The index components were CE and DE, respectively. In addition, a skin irritation test was conducted on normal and skin-damaged rabbits, aided by HE staining and scanning electron microscopy, to reveal the transdermal mechanism of ARE-NEs and proved that NEs are safe for topical application. ARE-NEs energetically developed the properties of skin and penetration through the transdermal route, which were secure when applied via the transdermal delivery system .
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Affiliation(s)
- Meng Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Modern Innovation Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China
| | - Huimin Li
- Department of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing, 100850, People's Republic of China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, 300309, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingyang Li
- Department of Pharmacy, Logistics College of Chinese People's Armed Police Forces, Tianjin, 300309, People's Republic of China
| | - Xinrui Wang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Modern Innovation Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China
| | - Lifei Luo
- Tianjin Modern Innovation Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China
| | - Jingze Zhang
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China.,Tianjin Modern Innovation Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China
| | - Dailin Liu
- Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, 301617, People's Republic of China. .,Tianjin Modern Innovation Chinese Medicine Technology Co., Ltd, Tianjin, 300380, People's Republic of China.
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18
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Zhan H, Pu Q, Long X, Lu W, Wang G, Meng F, Liao Z, Lan X, Chen M. Oxybaphus himalaicus Mitigates Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Kidney Injury by Inhibiting TLR4/MD2 Complex Formation. Antioxidants (Basel) 2022; 11:antiox11122307. [PMID: 36552516 PMCID: PMC9774781 DOI: 10.3390/antiox11122307] [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: 10/22/2022] [Revised: 11/14/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute kidney injury (AKI) is described as the abrupt decrease in kidney function always accompanied by inflammation. The roots of Oxybaphus himalaicus Edgew. have long been used in Tibetan folk medicine for the treatment of nephritis. Nevertheless, modern pharmacological studies, especially about the underlying mechanism of O. himalaicus medications, are still lacking. Here, in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced RAW264.7 macrophages, the O. himalaicus extract (OE) showed significant anti-inflammatory activity with the dose dependently reducing the LPS-stimulated release of nitric oxide and the mRNA level and protein expression of inflammatory cytokines and reversed the activation of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). Co-immunoprecipitation assay indicated that OE inhibited Toll-like receptor 4/myeloid differentiation factor 2 (TLR4/MD2) complex formation and further suppressed both myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)-dependent and TIR-domain-containing adapter-inducing interferon-β (TRIF)-dependent cascades activation. In addition, OE could restrain NADPH oxidase 2 (NOX2) endocytosis by blocking TLR4/MD2 complex formation to prevent reactive oxygen species production. In LPS-induced AKI mice, OE treatment mitigated renal injury and inflammatory infiltration by inhibiting TLR4/MD2 complex formation. UPLC-MS/MS analysis tentatively identified 41 components in OE. Our results indicated that OE presented significant anti-inflammatory activity by inhibiting TLR4/MD2 complex formation, which alleviated LPS-induced AKI in mice.
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Affiliation(s)
- Honghong Zhan
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Qingxiu Pu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaoliang Long
- School of Life Sciences, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City and Southwest University, The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R&D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, TAAHC-SWU Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Wei Lu
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Guowei Wang
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Fancheng Meng
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Zhihua Liao
- School of Life Sciences, Integrative Science Center of Germplasm Creation in Western China (CHONGQING) Science City and Southwest University, The Provincial and Ministerial Co-Founded Collaborative Innovation Center for R&D in Tibet Characteristic Agricultural and Animal Husbandry Resources, TAAHC-SWU Medicinal Plant Joint R&D Centre, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
| | - Xiaozhong Lan
- TAAHC-SWU Medicinal Plant R&D Center, Tibet Agricultural and Animal Husbandry University, Nyingchi 860000, China
| | - Min Chen
- Key Laboratory of Luminescence Analysis and Molecular Sensing (Southwest University), Ministry of Education; College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing 400715, China
- Correspondence:
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19
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Chen Y, Zhu S, Chen Z, Liu Y, Pei C, Huang H, Hou S, Ning W, Liang J. Gingerenone A Alleviates Ferroptosis in Secondary Liver Injury in Colitis Mice via Activating Nrf2-Gpx4 Signaling Pathway. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2022; 70:12525-12534. [PMID: 36135333 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.2c05262] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/16/2023]
Abstract
Patients with ulcerative colitis (UC) have been found to be frequently associated with secondary liver injury (SLI). In this study, we investigated the protective effect of GA on dextran sodium sulfate (DSS)-induced SLI in mice and its mechanism. The SLI was established by adding 4% DSS in the drinking water of mice, and the effects of GA (5, 20 mg/kg, p.o., once a day for 7 days) in hepatic tissues were analyzed. HepG2 cells were induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) to detect the effect of GA on ferroptosis and the underlying mechanism. Pathological damage was determined by H&E. Liver parameters (AST and ALT), antioxidant enzyme activities (MDA and SOD), and the level of Fe2+ in the liver were detected by kits. Cytokine levels (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and Gpx4 activity in the liver were detected by ELISA. Finally, the activation of nuclear factor erythroid 2-like 2 (Nrf2) was detected to explore the mechanism. The results indicated that GA significantly attenuated DSS-induced hepatic pathological damage, liver parameters, and cytokine levels and increased the antioxidant enzyme activities. Moreover, GA attenuated ferroptosis in DSS-induced liver injury and upregulated Gpx4 expression in DSS-induced mice. Mechanistic experiments revealed that GA activated Nrf2 in mice. Taken together, this study demonstrates that GA can alleviate ferroptosis in SLI in DSS-induced colitis mice, and its protective effects are associated with activating the Nrf2-Gpx4 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yonger Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shumin Zhu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Zongwen Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Ying Liu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Chaoying Pei
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Haiyang Huang
- Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, 523000 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Shaozhen Hou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Weimin Ning
- Dongguan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Dongguan, 523000 Guangdong, P. R. China
| | - Jian Liang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006 Guangdong, P. R. China
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