Study on effects of extracts fromSalvia Miltiorrhiza andCurcuma Longa in inhibiting phosphorylated extracellular signal regulated kinase expression in rat’s hepatic stellate cells

Curcumin and analogues in mitigating liver injury and disease consequences: From molecular mechanisms to clinical perspectives

BACKGROUND

Liver injury is a prevalent global health concern, impacting a substantial number of individuals and leading to elevated mortality rates and socioeconomic burdens. Traditional primary treatment options encounter resource constraints and high costs, prompting exploration of alternative adjunct therapies, such as phytotherapy. Curcumin demonstrates significant therapeutic potential across various medical conditions, particularly emerging as a promising candidate for liver injury treatment.

PURPOSE

This study aims to provide current evidence maps of curcumin and its analogs in the context of liver injury, covering aspects of biosafety, toxicology, and clinical trials. Importantly, it seeks to summarize the intricate mechanisms modulated by curcumin.

METHODS

We conducted a comprehensive search of MEDLINE, Web of Science, and Embase up to July 2023. Titles and abstracts were reviewed to identify studies that met our eligibility criteria. The screening process involved three authors independently assessing the potential of curcumin mitigating liver injury and its disease consequences by reviewing titles, abstracts, and full texts.

RESULTS

Curcumin and its analogs have demonstrated low toxicity in vitro and in vivo. However, the limited bioavailability has hindered their advanced use in liver injury. This limitation can potentially be addressed by nano-curcumin and emerging drug delivery systems. Curcumin plays a role in alleviating liver injury by modulating the antioxidant system, as well as cellular and molecular pathways. The specific mechanisms involve multiple pathways, such as NF-κB, p38/MAPK, and JAK2/STAT3, and the pro-apoptosis Bcl-2/Bax/caspase-3 axis in damaged cells. Additionally, curcumin targets nutritional metabolism, regulating the substance in liver cells and tissues. The microenvironment associated with liver injury, like extracellular matrix and immune cells and factors, is also regulated by curcumin. Initial evaluation of curcumin and its analogs through 12 clinical trials demonstrates their potential application in liver injury.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin emerges as a promising phytomedicine for liver injury owing to its effectiveness in hepatoprotection and low toxicity profile. Nevertheless, in-depth investigations are warranted to unravel the complex mechanisms through which curcumin influences liver tissues and overall physiological milieu. Moreover, extensive clinical trials are essential to determine optimal curcumin dosage forms, maximizing its benefits and achieving favorable clinical outcomes.

Medical Therapy of Hearing Impairment and Tinnitus with Chinese Medicine: An Overview

The current review gives a comprehensive overview of the recent development in Chinese medicine (CM) for treating several kinds of acquired nerve deafness and tinnitus, as well as links the traditional principle to well-established pharmacological mechanisms for future research. To date, about 24 herbal species and 40 related ingredients used in CM to treat hearing loss and tinnitus are reported for the treatment of endocochlear potential, endolymph growth, lowering toxic and provocative substance aggregation, inhibiting sensory cell death, and retaining sensory transfer. However, there are a few herbal species that can be used for medicinal purposes. Nevertheless, clinical studies have been hampered by a limited population sample, a deficiency of a suitable control research group, or contradictory results. Enhanced cochlear blood flow, antiinflammatory antioxidant, neuroprotective effects, and anti-apoptotic, as well as multi-target approach on different auditory sections of the inner ear, are all possible benefits of CM medications. There are numerous unknown natural products for aural ailment and tinnitus identified in CM that are expected to be examined in the future utilizing various aural ailment models and processes.

Protocatechuic aldehyde from Salvia miltiorrhiza exhibits an anti-inflammatory effect through inhibiting MAPK signalling pathway

Background

The aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, which was considered to be the waste part and discarded during the root harvest, is rich in protocatechuic aldehyde (PAI). This study investigated the health-promoting effects of extracts and PAI from the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza, including its anti-inflammatory effects and the underlying mechanisms of action in vitro and in vivo.

Method

Purification of the sample paste of Salvia miltiorrhiza was accomplished using HPLC analysis. TheMTT (Methylthiazolyldiphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assay was employed to determine the cell viability. The production of inflammatory factors was detected by ELISA assays. The histopathological analysis was used to analyse the lungs and livers of mice treated with PAI. Western blot was performed to reveal the mechanism of PAI in anti-inflammatory.

Results

The extracts and PAI from the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza inhibited TNF-α, IL-6 production and promoted the production of IL-10 in vivo in mice and in vitro in the macrophage cell line RAW264.7. NF-κB and MAPKs kinase phosphorylation were also suppressed by PAI in vivo and in vitro, indicating that PAI exhibited an anti-inflammatory effect.

Conclusion

These findings suggest that the aerial parts of Salvia miltiorrhiza extract may serve as potential protective agents for inflammatory.

Supplementary information

Supplementary information accompanies this paper at 10.1186/s12906-020-03090-4.

Effect of medicated serum of Curcumae Radix extract on mRNA expression of TIMP-1, MMPs-13 and aI-collagen of HSC-T6 cell

To study the effect of medicated serum of Curcumae Radix (Yujin) on the mRNA expression of Tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), Matrix metalloproteinases-13 (MMPs-13) and aI-collagen of Hepatic stellate cell-T6 (HSC-T6) cell. Twenty SD rats were randomly divided into 4 groups: high dose of Yujin group (16.2 g kg⁻¹), medium dose of Yujin group (8.1 g kg⁻¹), low dose of Yujin group (4.05 g kg⁻¹) and blank control group (with the same volume of 0.9% saline). Yujin extract or 0.9% saline were administered daily by gavage to rats for 4d, after once administration of full-day dose for 1 h on the fourth day, ether anaesthesia was given, and blood was taken from abdominal aortic in asepsis condition for preparation of medicated serum. HSC-T6 cells were divided into 5 groups: high dose medicated serum of Yujin group, medium dose medicated serum of Yujin group, low dose medicated serum of Yujin group, medicated serum of blank control group and negative control group (added with the same volume of PBS instead of rat serum), after 48 h of simultaneous acting on HSC-T6 cells in all groups by the medicated serum with a concentration of 10%, the mRNA expression level of TIMP-1, MMPs-13 and aI-collagen was analyzed with RT-PCR. Compared with the negative control group, the mRNA expression level of TIMP-1, MMPs-13 and aI-collagen in all experimental groups increased significantly. Compared with the control group, the mRNA expression of aI-collagen and TIMP-1 was obviously inhibited in all medicated serum of Yujin groups (P < 0.01), meanwhile, the mRNA expression level of MMPs-13 was effectively improved (P < 0.05). The medicated serum of Yujin had an effect on the production and degradation of Extracellular matrix (ECM) of HSC-T6 cell.

Protective mechanisms of medicinal plants targeting hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition in liver fibrosis

During chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are activated and proliferate, which causes excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, leading to scar formation and fibrosis. Medicinal plants are gaining popularity as antifibrotic agents, and are often safe, cost-effective, and versatile. This review aims to describe the protective role and mechanisms of medicinal plants in the inhibition of HSC activation and ECM deposition during the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. A systematic literature review on the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of hepatoprotective plants was performed in PubMed, which yielded articles about twelve relevant plants. Many of these plants act via disruption of the transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling pathway, possibly through reduction in oxidative stress. This reduction could explain the inhibition of HSC activation and reduction in ECM deposition. Medicinal plants could be a source of anti-liver fibrosis compounds.

New trends for the medical treatment of endometriosis

INTRODUCTION

Endometriosis is a benign sex hormone-dependent gynecological disease, characterized by the presence and growth of endometrial tissue outside the uterus; it affects 10% of women of reproductive age and is associated with infertility and pain. Treatment of endometriosis involves conservative or radical surgery, or medical therapies. The goals for endometriosis treatment may be the relief of pain and/or a successful pregnancy achievement in infertile patients. Treatment must be individualized with a multidisciplinary approach. The classical treatments carry adverse side effects and in some cases a negative impact on quality of life. New agents promise a distinct perspective in endometriosis treatment.

AREAS COVERED

The aim of this paper is to systematically review the literature evidence of new medical treatments for endometriosis, defined as pharmacological treatments not yet commonly available and currently under investigation.

EXPERT OPINION

These new medical therapies would be used associated with surgical treatment and, in the future, will render possible the association of hormone therapy with non-hormonal treatment for endometriosis.

Current progress of research on pharmacologic actions of salvianolic acid B

As one of the main water-soluble composites of Radix Salviae, salvianolic acid B is a phenolic acid ingredient of the Chinese drug, which is rich content in the herb and has strong pharmaceutical activity. It is used to treat cardiocerebral vascular diseases, antagonize hepatic/renal fibrosis, prevent cancer, and promote stem cell proliferation and differentiation. In the researches of its acting mechanisms, rather deepened studies have been carried out for its application on cardiocerebral vascular diseases, but that for others are rather fewer.

Curcumin inhibits fibrosis-related effects in IPF fibroblasts and in mice following bleomycin-induced lung injury

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a progressive and typically fatal lung disease for which no effective therapy has been identified. The disease is characterized by excessive collagen deposition, possibly in response to dysregulated wound healing. Mediators normally involved in would healing induce proliferation of fibroblasts and their differentiation to myofibroblasts that actively secrete collagen. Curcumin, a polyphenolic compound from turmeric, has been shown to exert a variety of biological effects. Effects on IPF and associated cell types remain unclear, however. We accordingly tested the ability of curcumin to inhibit proliferation and differentiation to myofibroblasts by human lung fibroblasts, including those from IPF patients. To further examine the potential usefulness of curcumin in IPF, we examined its ability to reduce fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice. We show that curcumin effectively reduces profibrotic effects in both normal and IPF fibroblasts in vitro and that this reduction is accompanied by inhibition of key steps in the transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) signaling pathway. In vivo, oral curcumin treatment showed no effect on important measures of bleomycin-induced injury in mice, whereas intraperitoneal curcumin administration effectively inhibited inflammation and collagen deposition along with a trend toward improved survival. Intraperitoneal curcumin reduced fibrotic progression even when administered after the acute bleomycin-induced inflammation had subsided. These results encourage further research on alternative formulations and routes of administration for this potentially attractive IPF therapy.

Curcumin, a potential inhibitor of up-regulation of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by palmitate in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through NF-kappaB and JNK pathway

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the attenuating effect of curcumin, an anti-inflammatory compound derived from dietary spice turmeric (Curcuma longa) on the pro-inflammatory insulin-resistant state in 3T3-L1 adipocytes.

METHODS

Glucose uptake rate was determined with the [3H] 2-deoxyglucose uptake method. Expressions of tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) and interleukin-6 (IL-6) were measured by quantitative RT-PCR analysis and ELISA. Nuclear transcription factor kappaB p65 (NF-kappa p65) and mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPKs) were detected by Western blot assay.

RESULTS

The basal glucose uptake was not altered, and curcumin increased the insulin-stimulated glucose uptake in 3T3-L1 cells. Curcumin suppressed the transcription and secretion of TNF-alpha and IL-6 induced by palmitate in a concentration-dependent manner. Palmitate induced nuclear translocation of NF-kappaB. The activities of Jun NH2-terminal kinase (JNK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase1/2 (ERK1/2) and p38MAPK decreased in the presence of curcumin. Moreover, pretreatment with SP600125 (inhibitor of JNK) instead of PD98059 or SB203580 (inhibitor of ERK1/2 or p38MAPK, respectively) decreased the up-regulation of TNF-alpha induced by palmitate.

CONCLUSION

Curcumin reverses palmitate-induced insulin resistance state in 3T3-L1 adipocytes through the NF-kappaB and JNK pathway.

Salvianolic acid B inhibits hydrogen peroxide-induced endothelial cell apoptosis through regulating PI3K/Akt signaling

Background

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is one of the most bioactive components of Salvia miltiorrhiza, a traditional Chinese herbal medicine that has been commonly used for prevention and treatment of cerebrovascular disorders. However, the mechanism responsible for such protective effects remains largely unknown. It has been considered that cerebral endothelium apoptosis caused by reactive oxygen species including hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂) is implicated in the pathogenesis of cerebrovascular disorders.

Methodology and Principal Findings

By examining the effect of Sal B on H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rat cerebral microvascular endothelial cells (rCMECs), we found that Sal B pretreatment significantly attenuated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis in rCMECs. We next examined the signaling cascade(s) involved in Sal B-mediated anti-apoptotic effects. We showed that H₂O₂ induces rCMECs apoptosis mainly through the PI3K/ERK pathway, since a PI3K inhibitor (LY294002) blocked ERK activation caused by H₂O₂ and a specific inhibitor of MEK (U0126) protected cells from apoptosis. On the other hand, blockage of the PI3K/Akt pathway abrogated the protective effect conferred by Sal B and potentated H₂O₂-induced apoptosis, suggesting that Sal B prevents H₂O₂-induced apoptosis predominantly through the PI3K/Akt (upstream of ERK) pathway.

Significance

Our findings provide the first evidence that H₂O₂ induces rCMECs apoptosis via the PI3K/MEK/ERK pathway and that Sal B protects rCMECs against H₂O₂-induced apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway.

Curcumin: potential for hepatic fibrosis therapy?

The beneficial antioxidative, anti-inflammatory and antitumorigenic effects of curcumin have been well documented in relation to cancer and other chronic diseases. Recent evidence suggests that it may be of therapeutic interest in chronic liver disease. Hepatic fibrosis (scarring) occurs in advanced liver disease, where normal hepatic tissue is replaced with collagen-rich extracellular matrix and, if left untreated, results in cirrhosis. Curcumin inhibits liver cirrhosis in a rodent model and exerts multiple biological effects in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which play a central role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. In response to liver injury, these cells proliferate producing pro-inflammatory mediators and extracellular matrix. Curcumin induces apoptosis and suppresses proliferation in HSCs. In addition, it inhibits extracellular matrix formation by enhancing HSC matrix metalloproteinase expression via PPARgamma and suppressing connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) expression. In this issue, Chen and co-workers propose that curcumin suppresses CTGF expression in HSC by inhibiting ERK and NF-kappaB activation. These studies suggest that curcumin modulates several intracellular signalling pathways in HSC and may be of future interest in hepatic fibrosis therapy.

Synergistic effect of a novel oxymatrine-baicalin combination against hepatitis B virus replication, α smooth muscle actin expression and type I collagen synthesis in vitro

AIM: To study the effect of oxymatrine-baicalin combination (OB) against HBV replication in 2.2.15 cells and α smooth muscle actin (α SMA) expression, type I, collagen synthesis in HSC-T6 cells.

METHODS: The 2.2.15 cells and HSC-T6 cells were cultured and treated respectively. HBsAg and HBeAg in the culture supernatants were detected by ELISA and HBV DNA levels were determined by fluorescence quantitative PCR. Total RNA was extracted from HSC-T6 cells and reverse transcribed into cDNA. The cDNAs were amplified by PCR and the quantities were expressed in proportion to β actin. The total cellular proteins extracted from HSC-T6 cells were separated by electrophoresis. Resolved proteins were electrophoretically transferred to nitrocellulose membrane. Protein bands were revealed and the quantities were corrected by β actin.

RESULTS: In the 2.2.15 cell culture system, the inhibitory rate against secretion of HBsAg and HBeAg in the OB group was significantly stronger than that in the oxymatrine group (HBsAg, P = 0.043; HBeAg, P = 0.026; respectively); HBV DNA level in the OB group was significantly lower than that in the oxymatrine group (P = 0.041). In HSC-T6 cells the mRNA and protein expression levels of α SMA in the OB group were significantly lower as compared with those in the oxymatrine group (mRNA, P = 0.013; protein, P = 0.042; respectively); The mRNA and protein expression levels of type I collagen in the OB group were significantly lower as compared with those in the oxymatrine group (mRNA, P < 0.01; protein, P < 0.01; respectively).

CONCLUSION: OB combination has a better effect against HBV replication in 2.2.15 cells and is more effective against α SMA expression and typeI collagen synthesis in HSC-T6 cells than oxymatrine in vitro.