Saikosaponin D: A potential therapeutic drug for osteoarthritis

Transcriptome analysis revealing the effect of Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd association with endophytic fungi CHS3 on the production of saikosaponin D

Saikosaponin D (SSd) is a naturally active product with strong pharmacological activity found in Bupleurum scorzonerifolium Willd. Studies have shown that endophytic fungi have great potential as sources of natural medicines. Fusarium acuminatum (CHS3), an SSd-producing endophytic fungus, was isolated from B. scorzonerifolium. To elucidate the effect of host plants on the production of SSd in CHS3, CHS3 was co-cultured with suspension cells of B. scorzonerifolium and SSd was detected using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Transcriptome sequencing (RNA-Seq) of CHS3 before and after co-culture was performed using an Illumina HiSeq 2500 platform. The results indicated that the content of SSd synthesised by CHS3 increased after co-culture with suspension cells of B. scorzonerifolium. Transcriptome analysis of CHS3 with differentially expressed genes (DEGs) showed that 1202 and 1049 genes were upregulated and downregulated, respectively, after co-culture. Thirty genes associated with SSd synthesis and 11 genes related to terpene backbone biosynthesis were annotated to the Kyoto Encyclopaedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). Combined with transcriptome data, it was speculated that the mevalonate (MVA) pathway is a possible pathway for SSd synthesis in CHS3, and the expression of key enzyme genes (HMGR, HMGCS, GGPS1, MVK, FDFT1, FNTB) was validated by qRT-PCR. In conclusion, the endophytic fungus CHS3 can form an interactive relationship with its host, thereby promoting SSd biosynthesis and accumulation by upregulating the expression of key enzyme genes in the biosynthesis pathway.

Saikosaponin D alleviates inflammatory response of osteoarthritis and mediates autophagy via elevating microRNA-199-3p to target transcription Factor-4

OBJECTIVE

This study was to investigate the underlying mechanism by which Saikosaponin D (SSD) mitigates the inflammatory response associated with osteoarthritis (OA) and regulates autophagy through upregulation of microRNA (miR)-199-3p and downregulation of transcription Factor-4 (TCF4).

METHODS

A mouse OA model was established. Mice were intragastrically administered with SSD (0, 5, 10 μmol/L) or injected with miR-199-3p antagomir into the knee. Then, pathological changes in cartilage tissues were observed. Normal chondrocytes and OA chondrocytes were isolated and identified. Chondrocytes were treated with SSD and/or transfected with oligonucleotides or plasmid vectors targeting miR-199-3p and TCF4. Cell viability, apoptosis, inflammation, and autophagy were assessed. miR-199-3p and TCF4 expressions were measured, and their targeting relationship was analyzed.

RESULTS

In in vivo experiments, SSD ameliorated cartilage histopathological damage, decreased inflammatory factor content and promoted autophagy in OA mice. miR-199-3p expression was downregulated and TCF4 expression was upregulated in cartilage tissues of OA mice. miR-199-3p expression was upregulated and TCF4 expression was downregulated after SSD treatment. Downregulation of miR-199-3p attenuated the effect of SSD on OA mice. In in vitro experiments, SSD inhibited the inflammatory response and promoted autophagy in OA chondrocytes. Downregulation of miR-199-3p attenuated the effect of SSD on OA chondrocytes. In addition, upregulation of miR-199-3p alone inhibited inflammatory responses and promoted autophagy in OA chondrocytes. miR-199-3p targeted TCF4. Upregulation of TCF4 attenuated the effects of miR-199-3p upregulation on OA chondrocytes.

CONCLUSIONS

SSD alleviates inflammatory response and mediates autophagy in OA via elevating miR-199-3p to target TCF4.

Efficacy and safety of the traditional herbal medication Chai-Ling-Tang (in China), Siryung-tang (in Republic of Korea) or Sairei-To (in Japan)

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The herbal medicine designated Chai-Ling-Tang in China, Siryung-tang in South Korea, and Sairei-To (or Tsumura Saireito extract granules, TJ-114) in Japan is a complex polyherbal formulations with 12 plant components. It is used historically to treat Shaoyang syndrome, recorded in an ancient Chinese medical text "Treatise on Cold Damage Disorder" (Shanghan Lun). Chai-Ling-Tang formula combines two traditional Chinese herbal medicine prescriptions: Xiao-Chai-Hu-Tang and Wu-Ling-San (known as Sho-Saiko-To and Goreisan in Japan, and So Shi Ho Tang and Oreonsang in Korea, respectively). These traditional Chinese/Korean medicines and Kampo medicine have been used for more than 2000 years in East Asia, notably as regulators of body fluid homeostasis.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to evaluate clinical uses, pharmacological effects and unwanted effects of Sairei-To through a narrative literature survey. The main active phytoconstituents and their mechanism of actions are also collated based on the literature.

METHODS

Several databases including SciFinder and PubMed were searched in sourcing information using keywords corresponding to the medicinal treatment names and the corresponding plants and phytochemicals. Relevant textbooks, reviews, and digital documents (mostly in English) were consulted to collate all available scientific literature and to provide a complete science-based survey of the topic.

RESULTS

Sairei-To derives from ten plants and two fungi. The three major components are Bupleuri radix (Saiko), Pinelliae rhizoma (Hange), and Alismatis rhizoma (Takusha). The rest includes the species Scutellariae radix, Zizyphi fructus, Ginseng radix, Glycyrrhizae radix, Zingiberis rhizoma, Cinnamomi cortex, Atractylodis lanceae rhizoma, Poria sclerotium, and Polyporus sclerotium. The therapeutic uses of Sairei-To are very diversified, ranging from the treatment of autoimmune diseases, intestinal inflammatory disorders, edema, intestinal and kidney diseases, cancers, inflammatory skin pathologies, and other conditions such as reproductive failure. Sairei-To is considered as a safe and efficient medication, with potential rare unwanted side effects, notably lung injuries (pneumonitis essentially). Marked anti-inflammatory and immune-modulatory effects of Sairei-To have been reported, generally associated to the action of saponins (saikosaponins, glycyrrhizin), terpenoids (alisols) and flavonoids (baicalin, oroxylin A).

CONCLUSION

Sairei-To is commonly used to treat inflammatory diseases and appears efficient to decrease the side effects of corticosteroids. Its immune-regulatory action is well recognized and exploited to treat certain skin lesions and chemotherapy-related toxic effects. The activity of the Sairei-To product relies on the synergistic action of its individual ingredients. Further studies are warranted to quantify the synergy of action inherent to this interesting botanical medication.

Saikosaponin D attenuates inflammatory response and cell apoptosis of lipopolysaccharide-induced lung epithelial cells

BACKGROUND

Acute lung injury (ALI) is a prevalent complication of sepsis with high mortality rate. Saikosaponin D (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin that has been reported to alleviate sepsis-triggered renal injury in mice. Nonetheless, the therapeutic effect of SSD on sepsis-evoked ALI is unclarified.

METHODS

Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) from Escherichia coli 055:B5 was utilized to stimulate lung epithelial cell line MLE-12. A mouse model of sepsis was established. CCK-8 assay was employed for determining cytotoxicity. ELISA was utilized for determining proinflammatory cytokine production. Flow cytometry and western blotting were implemented for evaluating cell apoptosis. Hematoxylin-eosin staining was conducted for histologic analysis of murine lung tissues.

RESULTS

SSD alleviated LPS-triggered inflammation and cell apoptosis of MLE-12 cells. SSD treatment ameliorated the pathological damages, inflammatory response, and cell apoptosis in the lungs of septic mice.

CONCLUSION

SSD protects against sepsis-triggered ALI by inhibiting inflammation and cell apoptosis in MLE-12 cells and septic mouse mice.

Saikosaponin d modulates the polarization of tumor-associated macrophages by deactivating the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway in murine models of pancreatic cancer

The tumor microenvironment (TME) of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) poses a major obstacle to traditional and immunomodulatory cancer therapies and is closely associated with macrophage polarization. Saikosaponin d (SSd), a major active component of triterpene saponins derived from Bupleurum falcatum, has anti-inflammatory and antitumor activities. However, whether SSd can regulate immune cells during the development of the TME in PDAC remains unknown. In the present study, we aimed to analyze the role of SSd in regulating immune cells in the PDAC TME, especially the polarization of macrophages, and examine the related mechanisms. An orthotopic PDAC cancer model was used to investigate the antitumor activities and the regulation of immune cells in vivo. In vitro, bone marrow mononuclear (BM-MNC) cells and RAW 264.7 cells were used to induce the M2 macrophage phenotype and examine the effects and molecular mechanism of SSd on M2 macrophage polarization. The results revealed that SSd could directly inhibit the apoptosis and invasion of pancreatic cancer cells, modulate the immunosuppressive microenvironment and reactivate the local immune response, especially by decreasing the shift toward M2 macrophage polarization by downregulating phosphorylated STAT6 levels and the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Furthermore, 740-Y-P (PI3K activator) was used to verify that SSd inhibited M2 polarization in RAW264.7 cells via the PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. In conclusion, this study provided experimental evidence of the antitumor effect of SSd, especially in the regulation of M2 macrophage polarization, and demonstrated that SSd may be a promising therapeutic agent in PDAC.

The potential role of plant secondary metabolites on antifungal and immunomodulatory effect

With the widespread use of antibiotic drugs worldwide and the global increase in the number of immunodeficient patients, fungal infections have become a serious threat to global public health security. Moreover, the evolution of fungal resistance to existing antifungal drugs is on the rise. To address these issues, the development of new antifungal drugs or fungal inhibitors needs to be targeted urgently. Plant secondary metabolites are characterized by a wide variety of chemical structures, low price, high availability, high antimicrobial activity, and few side effects. Therefore, plant secondary metabolites may be important resources for the identification and development of novel antifungal drugs. However, there are few studies to summarize those contents. In this review, the antifungal modes of action of plant secondary metabolites toward different types of fungi and fungal infections are covered, as well as highlighting immunomodulatory effects on the human body. This review of the literature should lay the foundation for research into new antifungal drugs and the discovery of new targets. KEY POINTS: • Immunocompromised patients who are infected the drug-resistant fungi are increasing. • Plant secondary metabolites toward various fungal targets are covered. • Plant secondary metabolites with immunomodulatory effect are verified in vivo.

Saikosaponin d (SSD) alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by regulating the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats

AIMS

Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes with a poor prognosis. Saikosaponin d (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Radix Bupleuri that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, whether SSD affects DPN is unclarified.

METHODS

Sprague Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD) to induce DPN, in the presence or absence of SSD, with or without transfection of lentivirus vectors carrying siRNA targeting aquaporin 1 (si-AQP1). The body weight, plasma glucose levels, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and nerve conductive velocity (NCV) of rats were measured. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used for histopathological observation of sciatic nerves. RT-qPCR and western blotting were utilized for measuring expression levels of AQP1 and ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling pathway-related markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats.

RESULTS

SSD increased the body weight, decreased plasma glucose levels, attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, enhanced NCV and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in DPN rats. AQP1 displayed a high level in DPN rats and SSD treatment repressed the expression of AQP1. SSD enhanced the protective effect of AQP1 knockdown on the pathological changes of DPN. AQP1 depletion suppressed the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in DPN rats.

CONCLUSION

SSD alleviates STZ/HFD-induced DPN in rats by inhibiting the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.

Saikosaponin D alleviates cancer cachexia by directly inhibiting STAT3

Cancer cachexia is a metabolic syndrome that is characterized by progressive loss of skeletal muscle mass, and effective therapeutics have yet to be developed. Saikosaponin D (SSD), a major bioactive component of Radix Bupleuri, exhibits antiinflammatory, anti-tumor, anti-oxidant, anti-viral, and hepatoprotective effects. In this study, we demonstrated that SSD is a promising agent for the treatment of cancer cachexia. SSD could alleviate TCM-induced myotube atrophy and inhibit the expression of E3 ubiquitin ligases muscle RING-finger containing protein-1 (MuRF1) and muscle atrophy Fbox protein (Atrogin-1/MAFbx) in vitro. Moreover, SSD suppressed the progression of cancer cachexia, with significant improvements in the loss of body weight, gastrocnemius muscle, and tibialis anterior muscle mass in vivo. Mechanism investigations demonstrated that SSD could directly bind to STAT3 and specifically inhibit its phosphorylation as well as its transcriptional activity. Overexpression of STAT3 partially abolished the inhibitory effect of SSD on myotube atrophy, indicating that the therapeutic effect of SSD was attributed to STAT3 inhibition. These findings provide novel strategies for treatment of cancer cachexia by targeting STAT3, and SSD may be a promising drug candidate for cancer cachexia.

Autophagy: An important target for natural products in the treatment of bone metabolic diseases

Bone homeostasis depends on a precise dynamic balance between bone resorption and bone formation, involving a series of complex and highly regulated steps. Any imbalance in this process can cause disturbances in bone metabolism and lead to the development of many associated bone diseases. Autophagy, one of the fundamental pathways for the degradation and recycling of proteins and organelles, is a fundamental process that regulates cellular and organismal homeostasis. Importantly, basic levels of autophagy are present in all types of bone-associated cells. Due to the cyclic nature of autophagy and the ongoing bone metabolism processes, autophagy is considered a new participant in bone maintenance. Novel therapeutic targets have emerged as a result of new mechanisms, and bone metabolism can be controlled by interfering with autophagy by focusing on certain regulatory molecules in autophagy. In parallel, several studies have reported that various natural products exhibit a good potential to mediate autophagy for the treatment of metabolic bone diseases. Therefore, we briefly described the process of autophagy, emphasizing its function in different cell types involved in bone development and metabolism (including bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, osteoblasts, osteocytes, chondrocytes, and osteoclasts), and also summarized research advances in natural product-mediated autophagy for the treatment of metabolic bone disease caused by dysfunction of these cells (including osteoporosis, rheumatoid joints, osteoarthritis, fracture nonunion/delayed union). The objective of the study was to identify the function that autophagy serves in metabolic bone disease and the effects, potential, and challenges of natural products for the treatment of these diseases by targeting autophagy.

Antidepressant Active Components of Bupleurum chinense DC-Paeonia lactiflora Pall Herb Pair: Pharmacological Mechanisms

Depression is a serious psychological disorder with a rapidly increasing incidence in recent years. Clinically, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the main therapy. These drugs, have serious adverse reactions, however. Traditional Chinese medicine has the characteristics of multiple components, targets, and pathways, which has huge potential advantages for the treatment of depression. The antidepressant potential of the herbal combination of Bupleurum chinense DC (Chaihu) and Paeonia lactiflora Pall (Baishao) has been extensively studied previously. In this review, we summarized the antidepressant active components and mechanism of Chaihu-Baishao herb pair. We found that it works mainly through relieving oxidative stress, regulating HPA axis, and protecting neurons. Nevertheless, current research of this combined preparation still faces many challenges. On one hand, most of the current studies only stay at the level of animal models, lacking of sufficient clinical double-blind controlled trials for further verification. In addition, studies on the synergistic effect between different targets and signaling pathways are scarce. On the other hand, this preparation has numerous defects such as poor stability, low solubility, and difficulty in crossing the blood-brain barrier.

Mechanism of saikogenin G against major depressive disorder determined by network pharmacology

Many classic decoctions of Chinese medicine including Radix Bupleuri are used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD). Saikosaponin D is a representative bioactive ingredient discovered in Radix Bupleuri. The mechanism of saikogenin G (SGG) as a metabolite in MDD remains unclear to date. This study aims to elucidate the mechanism of SGG in treating MDD with network pharmacology. We evaluated the drug likeness of SGG with SwissADME web tool and predicted its targets using the SwissTargetPrediction and PharmMapper. MDD-related targets were identified from the following databases: DisGeNET, DrugBank, Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man, and GeneCards. The common targets of SGG and MDD were imported to the STRING11.0 database, and then a protein-protein interaction network was constructed. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment were analyzed with DAVID 6.8 database. The molecular weight of SGG was 472.7 g/mol, the topological polar surface area was 69.92 A2 <140 A2, the octanol/water partition coefficient (Consensus LogP0/W) was 4.80, the rotatable bond was 1, the hydrogen bond donors was 3, and the hydrogen bond acceptors was 4. A total of 322 targets of SGG were obtained and there were 1724 MDD-related targets. A total of 78 overlapping genes were selected as targets of MDD treatment including albumin, insulin-like growth factor I, mitogen-activated protein kinase 1, proto-oncogene tyrosine-protein kinase Src, and epidermal growth factor receptor. Gene ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes enrichment analysis suggested that proteoglycans in cancer, pathways in cancer, prostate cancer, hypoxia-inducible factor-1, central carbon metabolism in cancer, estrogen, PI3K-Akt, ErbB, Rap1, and prolactin signaling pathways played an important role(P < .0001). This study showed that SGG exhibits good drug-like properties and elucidated the potential mechanisms of SGG in treating MDD with regulating inflammation, energy metabolism, monoamine neurotransmitters, neuroplasticity, phosphocreatine-creatine kinase circuits, and so on.

Carnosine Alleviates Knee Osteoarthritis and Promotes Synoviocyte Protection via Activating the Nrf2/HO-1 Signaling Pathway: An In-Vivo and In-Vitro Study

The most common joint disease in the elderly is knee osteoarthritis (OA). It is distinguished by cartilage degradation, subchondral bone loss, and a decrease in joint space. We studied the effects of carnosine (CA) on knee OA in male Wistar rats. OA is induced by anterior cruciate ligament transection combined with medial meniscectomy (ACLT+MMx) method and in vitro studies are conducted in fibroblast-like synoviocyte cells (FLS). The pain was assessed using weight-bearing and paw-withdrawal tests. CA supplementation significantly reduced pain. The enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used to detect inflammatory proteins in the blood and intra-articular synovial fluid (IASF), and CA reduced the levels of inflammatory proteins. Histopathological studies were performed on knee-tissue samples using toluidine blue and hematoxylin and eosin (H and E) assays. CA treatment improved synovial protection and decreased cartilage degradation while decreasing zonal depth lesions. Furthermore, Western blotting studies revealed that the CA-treated group activated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase (HO-1) and reduced the expression of cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2). FLS cells were isolated from the knee joints and treated with IL-1β to stimulate the inflammatory response and increase reactive oxygen species (ROS). The matrix metalloproteinase protein (MMP's) levels (MMP-3, and MMP-13) were determined using the reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), and CA treatment reduced the MMP's expression levels. When tested using the 2',7'-dicholorodihydrofluroscene diacetate (DCFDA) assay and the 5,5',6,6'-tetracholoro-1,1',3,3'-tertraethylbenzimidazolcarboc janine iodide (JC-1) assay in augmented ROS FLS cells, CA reduced the ROS levels and improved the mitochondrial membrane permeability. This study's investigation suggests that CA significantly alleviates knee OA both in vitro and in vivo.

Network Pharmacological Analysis and Experimental Study of the Antipharyngitis Mechanism of the Chaiqin Qingning Capsule

Objective

The study aimed to explore the active composition and mechanism of the Chaiqin Qingning capsule (CQQN) against pharyngitis based on the network pharmacology and through using a pharyngitis rat model.

Methods

The active ingredients and targets of CQQN were queried using the TCMSP database. Disease-related target genes were queried in the DrugBank, GeneCards, OMIM, and DisGeNEt databases using “pharyngitis” as the search term. The STRING database was used to establish a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network. GO function enrichment and KEGG pathway enrichment analyses were performed to identify active components and key targets. Cytoscape software (version 3.7.2) was used to construct an active component/target gene/enrichment pathway network. AutoDock software was used to select the best binding target for molecular docking. The effect of CQQN was verified in the pharyngitis rats.

Results

Network pharmacology showed 30 active compounds in CQQN with 240 targets, including 54 for the treatment of pharyngitis. Potential active ingredients included quercetin, kaempferol, stigmasterol, saikosaponin D, and isorhamnetin. The key targets involved were AKT1, TNF, IL-6, and IL-1β. Signaling pathways included virus infection, TNF, IL-17, and cancer pathways. The molecular docking results showed that the critical components in CQQN had good potential for binding to key target genes. Animal experiments showed that CQQN could significantly reduce the expression of TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-17 in the serum of rats with pharyngitis (P < 0.05). Hematoxylin and eosin staining showed that the inflammatory state of pharyngeal tissue in rats was significantly reduced compared to that in the model group.

Conclusion

CQQN can improve pharyngitis by regulating the TNF and IL-17 signaling pathways. The study makes a positive exploration and provides a new idea for a more comprehensive and in-depth excavation of CQQN with an intervention effect on pharyngitis and other upper respiratory diseases in the future.

Phytochemicals Mediate Autophagy Against Osteoarthritis by Maintaining Cartilage Homeostasis

Osteoarthritis (OA) is a common degenerative joint disease and is a leading cause of disability and reduced quality of life worldwide. There are currently no clinical treatments that can stop or slow down OA. Drugs have pain-relieving effects, but they do not slow down the course of OA and their long-term use can lead to serious side effects. Therefore, safe and clinically appropriate long-term treatments for OA are urgently needed. Autophagy is an intracellular protective mechanism, and targeting autophagy-related pathways has been found to prevent and treat various diseases. Attenuation of the autophagic pathway has now been found to disrupt cartilage homeostasis and plays an important role in the development of OA. Therefore, modulation of autophagic signaling pathways mediating cartilage homeostasis has been considered as a potential therapeutic option for OA. Phytochemicals are active ingredients from plants that have recently been found to reduce inflammatory factor levels in cartilage as well as attenuate chondrocyte apoptosis by modulating autophagy-related signaling pathways, which are not only widely available but also have the potential to alleviate the symptoms of OA. We reviewed preclinical studies and clinical studies of phytochemicals mediating autophagy to regulate cartilage homeostasis for the treatment of OA. The results suggest that phytochemicals derived from plant extracts can target relevant autophagic pathways as complementary and alternative agents for the treatment of OA if subjected to rigorous clinical trials and pharmacological tests.

Saikosaponin D alleviates DOX-induced cardiac injury in vivo and in vitro

ABSTRACT

As a highly efficient anticancer agent, Doxorubicin (DOX) is used for various cancers' treatment, but DOX-induced oxidative damages contribute to a degenerative irreversible cardiac toxicity. Saikosaponin D (SSD), which is a triterpenoid saponin with many biological activities including anti-inflammatory effects and antioxidant properties, provides protection against pathologic cardiac remodeling and fibrosis. In present study, we investigated the work of SSD for DOX-induced cardiotoxicity and the involved mechanisms. We observed that DOX injection induced cardiac injury, malfunction and decreased survival rate. Besides, DOX treatment increased lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) leakage, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, myocardium fibrosis and decrease of cardiomyocytes' sizes. Meanwhile, all the effects were notably attenuated by SSD treatment. In vitro, we found that 1μM SSD could enhance the proliferation of H9c2 cells, and inhibit DOX-induced apoptosis. It was found that the levels of MDA and reactive oxygen species (ROS) were significantly reduced by improving the activities of the endogenous antioxidative enzymes including catalase (CAT), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px). Furthermore, SSD treatment could downregulate the DOX-induced p38 phosphorylation. Our results suggested that SSD efficiently protected the cardiomyocytes from DOX-induced cardiotoxicity by inhibiting the excessive oxidative stress via p38 MAPK signaling pathway.

Development of Saikosaponin D Liposome Nanocarrier with Increased Hepatoprotective Effect Against Alcoholic Hepatitis Mice

The mortality rate of ethanol induced liver disease has substantially raised to alert level with an increasing use of alcohol, but development of definite hepatoprotective drug is still challenging. The efficacy of Saikosaponin D, one of the natural herbal medicine has been studied in different diseases. Nonetheless, its clinical application is restricted by poor bioavailability, stability and solubility. This study sought to develop a Saikosaponin D loaded liposome via thin film hydration method. The surface morphology, encapsulation efficiency and drug loading capacity were detected with transmission electron microscopy and HPLC, in vitro dissolution was via dialysis method, but efficacy and safety evaluation was through pharmacokinetics, while the assessment of hepatoprotective activity on alcohol induced acute hepatitis mice models was conducted. The optimized liposomes showed significant greater therapeutic effect on liver, through decreased serum levels of alanine transaminase (ALT) and aspartate transaminase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), total cholesterol (TC) and triglyceride (TG) in liver homogenate. In contrast, levels of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and total superoxide dismutase (T-SOD) were increased significantly. Pathological study exhibited remarkable alteration of hepatitis liver architecture to almost normal state after administration of Saikosaponin D liposome. The increased hepatoprotective effect of Saikosaponin D liposome was observed during the attenuation of alcoholic hepatitis in mice, which might be ascribable to the anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties of the drug. This study provides a theoretical basis for developing advanced system of Saikosaponin D delivery for the promotion of the therapeutic effects of the liposome against various kinds of diseases.