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Niu C, Zhang J, Okolo PI. The possible pathogenesis of liver fibrosis: therapeutic potential of natural polyphenols. Pharmacol Rep 2024; 76:944-961. [PMID: 39162986 DOI: 10.1007/s43440-024-00638-w] [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: 03/13/2024] [Revised: 08/08/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 08/21/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the formation of a fibrous scar resulting from chronic liver injury, independently from etiology. Although many of the mechanical details remain unknown, activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a central driver of liver fibrosis. Extracellular mechanisms such as apoptotic bodies, paracrine stimuli, inflammation, and oxidative stress are critical in activating HSCs. The potential for liver fibrosis to reverse after removing the causative agent has heightened interest in developing antifibrotic therapies. Polyphenols, the secondary plant metabolites, have gained attention because of their health-beneficial properties, including well-recognized antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, in the setting of liver fibrosis. In this review, we present an overview of the mechanisms underlying liver fibrosis with a specific focus on the activation of resident HSCs. We highlight the therapeutic potential and promising role of natural polyphenols to mitigate liver fibrosis pathogenesis, focusing on HSCs activation. We also discuss the translational gap from preclinical findings to clinical treatments involved in natural polyphenols in liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chengu Niu
- Internal medicine residency program, Rochester General Hospital, 1425 Portland Avenue, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA.
| | - Jing Zhang
- Rainier Springs Behavioral Health Hospital, 2805 NE 129th St, Vancouver, WA, 98686, USA
| | - Patrick I Okolo
- Division of Gastroenterology, Rochester General Hospital, Rochester, NY, 14621, USA
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Jeliński T, Przybyłek M, Różalski R, Romanek K, Wielewski D, Cysewski P. Tuning Ferulic Acid Solubility in Choline-Chloride- and Betaine-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents: Experimental Determination and Machine Learning Modeling. Molecules 2024; 29:3841. [PMID: 39202918 PMCID: PMC11357058 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29163841] [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: 07/22/2024] [Revised: 08/04/2024] [Accepted: 08/09/2024] [Indexed: 09/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Deep eutectic solvents (DES) represent a promising class of green solvents, offering particular utility in the extraction and development of new formulations of natural compounds such as ferulic acid (FA). The experimental phase of the study undertook a systematic investigation of the solubility of FA in DES, comprising choline chloride or betaine as hydrogen bond acceptors and six different polyols as hydrogen bond donors. The results demonstrated that solvents based on choline chloride were more effective than those based on betaine. The optimal ratio of hydrogen bond acceptors to donors was found to be 1:2 molar. The addition of water to the DES resulted in a notable enhancement in the solubility of FA. Among the polyols tested, triethylene glycol was the most effective. Hence, DES composed of choline chloride and triethylene glycol (TEG) (1:2) with added water in a 0.3 molar ration is suggested as an efficient alternative to traditional organic solvents like DMSO. In the second part of this report, the affinities of FA in saturated solutions were computed for solute-solute and all solute-solvent pairs. It was found that self-association of FA leads to a cyclic structure of the C28 type, common among carboxylic acids, which is the strongest type of FA affinity. On the other hand, among all hetero-molecular bi-complexes, the most stable is the FA-TEG pair, which is an interesting congruency with the high solubility of FA in TEG containing liquids. Finally, this work combined COSMO-RS modeling with machine learning for the development of a model predicting ferulic acid solubility in a wide range of solvents, including not only DES but also classical neat and binary mixtures. A machine learning protocol developed a highly accurate model for predicting FA solubility, significantly outperforming the COSMO-RS approach. Based on the obtained results, it is recommended to use the support vector regressor (SVR) for screening new dissolution media as it is not only accurate but also has sound generalization to new systems.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomasz Jeliński
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-096 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Maciej Przybyłek
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-096 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Rafał Różalski
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Karłowicza 24, 85-950 Bydgoszcz, Poland;
| | - Karolina Romanek
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-096 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Daniel Wielewski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-096 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.J.); (M.P.)
| | - Piotr Cysewski
- Department of Physical Chemistry, Faculty of Pharmacy, Collegium Medicum in Bydgoszcz, Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Kurpińskiego 5, 85-096 Bydgoszcz, Poland; (T.J.); (M.P.)
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Shan Y, Yu M, Dai H, Zhu X, Wang F, You Y, Cao H, Sheng L, Zhao J, Tang L, Shi J, Sheng M. The role of macrophage-derived Exosomes in reversing peritoneal fibrosis: Insights from Astragaloside IV. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155683. [PMID: 38701543 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155683] [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: 12/25/2023] [Revised: 04/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/24/2024] [Indexed: 05/05/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a successful renal replacement therapy for end-stage renal disease. Long-term PD causes mesothelial-mesenchymal transition (MMT) of peritoneal mesothelial cells (PMCs), leading to peritoneal fibrosis (PF), which reduces the efficiency of PD. Macrophages are thought to play a role in the onset and perpetuation of peritoneal injury. However, the mechanisms by which macrophages-PMCs communication regulates peritoneal fibrosis are not fully understood resulting in a lack of disease-modifying drugs. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) possessed anti-fibrotic effect towards PF in PD whereas the mechanistic effect of AS-IV in PD is unknown. METHODS The primary macrophages were extracted and treated with LPS or AS-IV, then co-cultured with primary PMCs in transwell plates. The macrophage-derived exosomes were extracted and purified by differential centrifugation, then co-cultured with primary PMCs. Small RNA-seq was used to detect differential miRNAs in exosomes, and then KEGG analysis and q-PCR were performed for validation. In vivo PD rat models were established by inducing with high-glucose peritoneal dialysis fluid and different concentrations of AS-IV and exosomes were intraperitoneal injection. Through qRT-PCR, western blotting, and luciferase reporting, candidate proteins and pathways were validated in vivo and in vitro. The functions of the validated pathways were further investigated using the mimic or inhibition strategy. PF and inflammatory situations were assessed. RESULTS We found AS-IV reversed the MMT of PMCs caused by LPS-stimulated macrophages and the improving effect was mediated by macrophage-derived exosomes in vitro. We also demonstrated that AS-IV significantly reduced the MMT of PMCs in vitro or PF in a rat PD model via regulating exosome-contained miR-204-5p which targets Foxc1/β-catenin signaling pathway. CONCLUSION AS-IV attenuates macrophage-derived exosomes induced fibrosis in PD through the miR-204-5p/Foxc1 pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yun Shan
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Manshu Yu
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China
| | - Huibo Dai
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhu
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Funing Wang
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yongqing You
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Huimin Cao
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Li Sheng
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,; Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Junyi Zhao
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Tang
- Key Laboratory for Metabolic Diseases in Chinese Medicine, First College of Clinical Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jun Shi
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Meixiao Sheng
- Department of nephrology, Jiangsu Province Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210029, China,.
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Dan L, Hao Y, Song H, Wang T, Li J, He X, Su Y. Efficacy and potential mechanisms of the main active ingredients of astragalus mongholicus in animal models of liver fibrosis: A systematic review and meta-analysis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 319:117198. [PMID: 37722514 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2023.117198] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 08/14/2023] [Accepted: 09/14/2023] [Indexed: 09/20/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus mongholicus (AM) is a Qi-tonifying and immune-regulating herb widely used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), which is increasingly regarded as a profound complementary medication in the treatment of fibrosis disease. Astragaloside (AS), astragaloside flavonoids (AF) and astragaloside polysaccharides (APS) are the main active ingredients of Astragalus Mongholicus (AM) that have a significant therapeutic effect on liver fibrosis. AIM OF THE STUDY This systematic review and meta-analysis aims to evaluate the effects and possible mechanisms of the main active ingredients of AM including astragaloside (AS), astragalus flavone (AF) and astragalus polysaccharide (APS) in animal models of liver fibrosis. MATERIALS AND METHODS We systematically searched ten databases PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus, CINAHL, ProQuest database, China National Knowledge Internet (CNKI), VIP Information Chinese Periodical Service Platform (VIP), WangFang database and China Biology Medicine Disc (CBM) to identify relevant animal studies from inception to November 2022. The SYRCLE's risk of bias tool was used to assess the methodological quality. The statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.4 software. RESULTS Twenty-three studies involving 482 animals were included. Studies quality scores ranged from 4 to 5. Alanine aminotransferase (ALT) (SMD, -3.87; 95% CI, -5.09 to -2.65; P < 0.00001) aminotransferase (AST) (SMD, -4.43; 95% CI, -5.77 to -3.08; P < 0.00001), hydroxyproline (HYP) (SMD, -2.94; 95% CI, -3.83 to -2.05; P < 0.00001) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) (SMD, -2.82; 95% CI, -3.57 to -2.06; P < 0.00001) were the main outcome measures to be analyzed. The meta-analysis revealed that the main active ingredients of AM lowered the levels of known risk factors including liver index (SMD, -1.25; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.87; P < 0.00001), degree of liver fibrosis (SMD, -1.93; 95% CI, -2.57 to -1.28; P < 0.00001), collagen α type I (Col)-1 (SMD, -3.71; 95% CI, -5.63 to -1.79; P = 0.0001), hyaluronic acid (HA) (SMD, -2.65; 95% CI, -3.69 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), laminin (LN) (SMD, -2.06; 95% CI, -2.51 to -1.61; P < 0.00001), type IV collagen (CIV) (SMD, -3.04; 95% CI, -4.34 to -1.74; P < 0.00001), procollagen typeIII (PCIII) (SMD, -2.60; 95% CI, -3.15 to -2.05; P < 0.00001), albumin (ALB) (SMD, -1.19; 95% CI, -1.63 to -0.75; P < 0.00001), total bilirubin (TBiL) (SMD, -3.63; 95% CI, -5.39 to -1.88; P < 0.0001), α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) (SMD, -5.27; 95% CI, -6.94 to -3.61; P < 0.00001) and Smad3 (SMD, -4.11; 95% CI, -7.17 to -1.05; P = 0.009) level. CONCLUSION Our meta-analysis demonstrates the effective role of the main active ingredients of AM in preclinical studies of liver fibrosis. The underlying mechanisms may be related to attenuation of oxidative stress, modulation of inflammatory response and inhibition of collagen production. However, due to the significant heterogeneity and poor quality of included studies, positive findings should be treated cautiously. REGISTRATION PROSPERO ID CRD42023382282.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lijuan Dan
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yanwei Hao
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hongfei Song
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Tianyuan Wang
- The Affiliated Chengdu 363 Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Jia Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xiaoyan He
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Yue Su
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
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Liang Y, Chen B, Liang D, Quan X, Gu R, Meng Z, Gan H, Wu Z, Sun Y, Liu S, Dou G. Pharmacological Effects of Astragaloside IV: A Review. Molecules 2023; 28:6118. [PMID: 37630371 PMCID: PMC10458270 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28166118] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2023] [Revised: 08/11/2023] [Accepted: 08/16/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the main active components extracted from the Chinese medicinal herb Astragali and serves as a marker for assessing the herb's quality. AS-IV is a tetracyclic triterpenoid saponin in the form of lanolin ester alcohol and exhibits various biological activities. This review article summarizes the chemical structure of AS-IV, its pharmacological effects, mechanism of action, applications, future prospects, potential weaknesses, and other unexplored biological activities, aiming at an overall analysis. Papers were retrieved from online electronic databases, such as PubMed, Web of Science, and CNKI, and data from studies conducted over the last 10 years on the pharmacological effects of AS-IV as well as its impact were collated. This review focuses on the pharmacological action of AS-IV, such as its anti-inflammatory effect, including suppressing inflammatory factors, increasing T and B lymphocyte proliferation, and inhibiting neutrophil adhesion-associated molecules; antioxidative stress, including scavenging reactive oxygen species, cellular scorching, and regulating mitochondrial gene mutations; neuroprotective effects, antifibrotic effects, and antitumor effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yutong Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Biqiong Chen
- Institute of Chinese Medicine, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China;
| | - Di Liang
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Xiaoxiao Quan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
- Scientific Experimental Center of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Ruolan Gu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Zhiyun Meng
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Hui Gan
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Zhuona Wu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Yunbo Sun
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Shuchen Liu
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
| | - Guifang Dou
- Beijing Institute of Radiation Medicine, Beijing 100091, China; (Y.L.); (D.L.); (X.Q.); (R.G.); (Z.M.); (H.G.); (Z.W.); (Y.S.)
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Li L, Guan J, Lin R, Wang F, Ma H, Mao C, Guo X, Qu Z, Guan R. Astragaloside IV alleviates lung inflammation in Klebsiella pneumonia rats by suppressing TGF-β1/Smad pathway. Braz J Med Biol Res 2023; 56:e12203. [PMID: 37493767 PMCID: PMC10361639 DOI: 10.1590/1414-431x2023e12203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2023] [Accepted: 05/18/2023] [Indexed: 07/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV is a biologically active substance derived from the traditional Chinese medicine Astragalus mambranaceus Bunge, and has antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic properties. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of astragaloside IV on Klebsiella pneumonia rats and the underlying mechanisms. Klebsiella pneumoniae (K. pneumoniae) rats were treated with different dosages of astragaloside IV (5, 10, and 20 mg/kg) by intragastric administration. The levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines interleukin (IL)-6, IL-1β, and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were determined. Pathological changes of lung tissue were inspected by HE staining. The expression of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 in lung tissue was determined with immunohistochemistry, and the expression levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad2/Smad2, p-Smad3/Smad3, IκBα/p-IκBα, and p65/p-p65 in lung tissue were determined by western blot. The mechanism was further investigated with TGF-β1 inhibitor SB-431542. Astragaloside IV reduced the elevated levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines caused by K. pneumoniae and improved lung tissue damage in a dose-dependent manner. Astragaloside IV also decreased the expression of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins and decreased the protein levels of inflammation-related p-IκBα and p65 in lung tissues induced by K. pneumoniae. Additionally, it was found that the effects of 20 mg/kg astragaloside IV were similar to SB-431542, which could improve pulmonary fibrosis induced by K. pneumoniae, decrease the levels of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway-related proteins in lung, and reduce inflammation at the same time. Astragaloside IV could alleviate the inflammation of rat pneumonia induced by K. pneumoniae through suppressing the TGF-β1/Smad pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Li
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Jie Guan
- Department of Neurology, Qingdao Hiser Hospital Affiliated to Qingdao University (Qingdao Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital), Qingdao, China
| | - Rongjun Lin
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Fang Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Hui Ma
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Chenggang Mao
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Xingqing Guo
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Zhenghai Qu
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
| | - Renzheng Guan
- Department of Pediatrics, The Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao, China
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Shi Y, Shi L, Liu Q, Wang W, Liu Y. Molecular mechanism and research progress on pharmacology of ferulic acid in liver diseases. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1207999. [PMID: 37324465 PMCID: PMC10264600 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1207999] [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: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/19/2023] [Indexed: 06/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA) is a natural polyphenol, a derivative of cinnamic acid, widely found in Angelica, Chuanxiong and other fruits, vegetables and traditional Chinese medicine. FA contains methoxy, 4-hydroxy and carboxylic acid functional groups that bind covalently to neighbouring adjacent unsaturated Cationic C and play a key role in many diseases related to oxidative stress. Numerous studies have shown that ferulic acid protects liver cells and inhibits liver injury, liver fibrosis, hepatotoxicity and hepatocyte apoptosis caused by various factors. FA has protective effects on liver injury induced by acetaminophen, methotrexate, antituberculosis drugs, diosbulbin B and tripterygium wilfordii, mainly through the signal pathways related to TLR4/NF-κB and Keap1/Nrf2. FA also has protective effects on carbon tetrachloride, concanavalin A and septic liver injury. FA pretreatment can protect hepatocytes from radiation damage, protects the liver from damage caused by fluoride, cadmium and aflatoxin b1. At the same time, FA can inhibit liver fibrosis, inhibit liver steatosis and reduce lipid toxicity, improve insulin resistance in the liver and exert the effect of anti-liver cancer. In addition, signalling pathways such as Akt/FoxO1, AMPK, PPAR γ, Smad2/3 and Caspase-3 have been shown to be vital molecular targets for FA involvement in improving various liver diseases. Recent advances in the pharmacological effects of ferulic acid and its derivatives on liver diseases were reviewed. The results will provide guidance for the clinical application of ferulic acid and its derivatives in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingying Shi
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Lu Shi
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Qi Liu
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - Wenbo Wang
- Department of Immunology, School of Medicine, Jianghan University, Wuhan, Hubei, China
| | - YongJuan Liu
- Department of Central Laboratory, The Affiliated Lianyungang Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Lianyungang, Jiangsu, China
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Fang Gong Y, Hou S, Xu JC, Chen Y, Zhu LL, Xu YY, Chen YQ, Li MM, Li LL, Yang JJ, Yang Y. Amelioratory effects of astragaloside IV on hepatocarcinogenesis via Nrf2-mediated pSmad3C/3L transformation. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 117:154903. [PMID: 37301185 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154903] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2022] [Revised: 04/18/2023] [Accepted: 05/23/2023] [Indexed: 06/12/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Phosphorylated Smad3 isoforms are reversible and antagonistic, and the tumour-suppressive pSmad3C can shift to an oncogenic pSmad3L signal. In addition, Nrf2 has a two-way regulatory effect on tumours, protecting normal cells from carcinogens and promoting tumour cell survival in chemotherapeutics. Accordingly, we hypothesised that the transformation of pSmad3C/3L is the basis for Nrf2 to produce both pro- and/or anti-tumourigenic effects in hepatocarcinogenesis. Astragaloside IV (AS-IV), the major component of Astragalus membranaceus, exerts anti-fibrogenic and carcinogenic actions. Lately, AS-IV administration could delay the occurrence of primary liver cancer by persistently inhibiting the fibrogenesis and regulating pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways synchronously. However, effect of AS-IV on hepatocarcinogenesis implicated in the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, especially which one contributes palpably than the other still remains unclear. PURPOSE This study aims to settle the above questions by using in vivo (pSmad3C+/- and Nrf2-/- mice) and in vitro (plasmid- or lentivirus- transfected HepG2 cells) models of HCC. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS The correlation of Nrf2 to pSmad3C/pSmad3L in HepG2 cells was analysed by Co-immunoprecipitation and dual-luciferase reporter assay. Pathological changes of Nrf2, pSmad3C, and pSmad3L in human HCC patients, pSmad3C+/- mice, and Nrf2-/- mice were gauged by immunohistochemical, haematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson, and immunofluorescence assays. Finally, western blot and qPCR were used to verify the bidirectional cross-talking of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 signalling protein and mRNA in vivo and in vitro models of HCC. RESULTS Histopathological manifestations and biochemical indicators revealed that pSmad3C+/- could abate the ameliorative effects of AS-IV on fibrogenic/carcinogenic mice with Nrf2/HO-1 deactivation and pSmad3C/p21 transform to pSmad3L/PAI-1//c-Myc. As expected, cell experiments confirmed that upregulating pSmad3C boosts the inhibitory activity of AS-IV on phenotypes (cell proliferation, migration and invasion), followed by a shift of pSmad3L to pSmad3C and activation of Nrf2/HO-1. Synchronously, experiments in Nrf2-/- mice and lentivirus-carried Nrf2shRNA cell echoed the results of pSmad3C knockdown. Complementarily, Nrf2 overexpression resulted in the opposite result. Furthermore, Nrf2/HO-1 contributes to AS-IV's anti-HCC effect palpably compared with pSmad3C/3L. CONCLUSION These studies highlight that harnessing the bidirectional crosstalk pSmad3C/3 L and Nrf2/HO-1, especially Nrf2/HO-1 signalling, acts more effectively in AS-IV's anti-hepatocarcinogenesis, which may provide an important theoretical foundation for the use of AS-IV against HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yong Fang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China; School of Nursing, Anhui Medical University, No.15, feicui Road, Economic and Technological Development Zone, Hefei, China
| | - Shu Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Jia-Cheng Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Le-Le Zhu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Ying-Ying Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Yu-Qing Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Miao-Miao Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Li-Li Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China
| | - Jing-Jing Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacology, The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Basic Medicine, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, 230032, 81 Meishan Road, Hefei, China.
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9
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Wang Y, Zhang Z, Cheng Z, Xie W, Qin H, Sheng J. Astragaloside in cancer chemoprevention and therapy. Chin Med J (Engl) 2023; 136:1144-1154. [PMID: 37075760 PMCID: PMC10278710 DOI: 10.1097/cm9.0000000000002661] [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: 03/14/2023] [Indexed: 04/21/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Tumor chemoprevention and treatment are two approaches aimed at improving the survival of patients with cancers. An ideal anti-tumor drug is that which not only kills tumor cells but also alleviates tumor-causing risk factors, such as precancerous lesions, and prevents tumor recurrence. Chinese herbal monomers are considered to be ideal treatment agents due to their multi-target effects. Astragaloside has been shown to possess tumor chemoprevention, direct anti-tumor, and chemotherapeutic drug sensitization effects. In this paper, we review the effects of astragaloside on tumor prevention and treatment and provide directions for further research.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yaning Wang
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Zhuo Zhang
- Department of Orthopedics, China-Japan Union Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 13033, China
| | - Zhaohua Cheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Wei Xie
- Department of Ophthalmology, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Hanjiao Qin
- Department of Radiotherapy, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
| | - Jiyao Sheng
- Department of Hepatobiliary and Pancreatic Surgery, Second Hospital of Jilin University, Changchun, Jilin 130041, China
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10
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Zhai Y, Wang T, Fu Y, Yu T, Ding Y, Nie H. Ferulic Acid: A Review of Pharmacology, Toxicology, and Therapeutic Effects on Pulmonary Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:ijms24098011. [PMID: 37175715 PMCID: PMC10178416 DOI: 10.3390/ijms24098011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/13/2023] [Revised: 04/14/2023] [Accepted: 04/27/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Ferulic acid (FA), a prevalent dietary phytochemical, has many pharmacological effects, including anti-oxidation and anti-inflammation effects, and has been widely used in the pharmaceutical, food, and cosmetics industries. Many studies have shown that FA can significantly downregulate the expression of reactive oxygen species and activate nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor-2/heme oxygenase-1 signaling, exerting anti-oxidative effects. The anti-inflammatory effect of FA is mainly related to the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase and nuclear factor-kappaB signaling pathways. FA has demonstrated potential clinical applications in the treatment of pulmonary diseases. The transforming growth factor-β1/small mothers against decapentaplegic 3 signaling pathway can be blocked by FA, thereby alleviating pulmonary fibrosis. Moreover, in the context of asthma, the T helper cell 1/2 imbalance is restored by FA. Furthermore, FA ameliorates acute lung injury by inhibiting nuclear factor-kappaB and mitogen-activated protein kinase pathways via toll-like receptor 4, consequently decreasing the expression of downstream inflammatory mediators. Additionally, there is a moderate neuraminidase inhibitory activity showing a tendency to reduce the interleukin-8 level in response to influenza virus infections. Although the application of FA has broad prospects, more preclinical mechanism-based research should be carried out to test these applications in clinical settings. This review not only covers the literature on the pharmacological effects and mechanisms of FA, but also discusses the therapeutic role and toxicology of FA in several pulmonary diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yiman Zhai
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Tingyu Wang
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yunmei Fu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Tong Yu
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Yan Ding
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
| | - Hongguang Nie
- Department of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine, College of Basic Medical Science, China Medical University, Shenyang 110122, China
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11
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Wang W, Zhang Y, Jiang Y, Wang Y, Zhu J, Wang C, Han X, Wang J. Exploration of potential mechanism of Rougan formula against hepatic fibrosis by network analysis and experimental assessment. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 304:115960. [PMID: 36565772 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115960] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 11/04/2022] [Accepted: 11/18/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Rougan Formula (RG) has long been clinically applied to treat hepatic fibrosis in patients with different chronic liver diseases. However, the core active substances and the potential pharmacological mechanisms of RG remain unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY The purpose of this study is to explore bioactive components, key targets, and potential mechanisms of RG by performing network pharmacological analyses and experimental model validation. MATERIALS AND METHODS All chemical components in RG extract were identified using ultraperformance liquid chromatography-quadrupole/time-of-flight tandem mass technology. The candidate components and drug targets of RG, as well as disease-related genes, were extracted from TCMSP and GeneCards databases. The potential pathways related to genes were predicted by Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway enrichment analyses. The core bioactive components, key targets, and signaling pathways were ultimately obtained by analyzing protein-protein interaction (PPI) and component-target-pathway (C-T-P) networks. Subsequently, the efficacy and underlying mechanisms of RG on hepatic fibrosis were experimentally validated in transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced hepatic stellate cell activation model and CCL4-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model. RESULTS A total of 52 components in RG extract were obtained, and 22 of them were selected as the core bioactive components. Five hundred and thirty-nine overlapped targets were determined by matching drug targets with disease-related targets. The results of PPI and C-T-P network analyses revealed 100 key targets and 19 signaling pathways associated with RG efficacy. In vitro and in vivo studies further verified that RG exerted a significant anti-hepatic fibrotic effect by suppressing the activation of hepatic stellate cells by downregulating the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway. CONCLUSIONS These results may provide some evidence for further clinical research and development of RG formula as an effective and safe drug for hepatic fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenyi Wang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China; Department of Liver Disease, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yu Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yue Jiang
- Engineering Research Center of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Yujie Wang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Junfeng Zhu
- Department of Liver Disease, Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Chunli Wang
- Engineering Research Center of Modernization of Traditional Chinese Medicine, East China University of Science and Technology, Shanghai, China.
| | - Xianghui Han
- Institute of Chinese Traditional Surgery, Longhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
| | - Jianyi Wang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shanghai Yueyang Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.
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12
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Xue T, Yue L, Zhu G, Tan Z, Liu H, Gan C, Fan C, Su X, Xie Y, Ye T. An oral phenylacrylic acid derivative suppressed hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorated liver fibrosis by blocking TGF-β1 signalling. Liver Int 2023; 43:718-732. [PMID: 36448910 DOI: 10.1111/liv.15488] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/30/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Liver fibrosis is an excessive wound-healing response governed by activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). To date, there is no drug available for liver fibrosis. Although ferulic acid (FA) has multiple pharmacological functions, its anti-hepatic fibrosis activity is weak. Based on the activity modification of the FA structure, we synthesized a series of phenylacrylic derivatives and found a superior compound, FA11. In this study, we investigated its antifibrotic effect and mechanism. METHODS Activated HSC and CCl4 -induced mouse liver fibrosis were established and followed by FA11 treatment. Cell viability was measured by CCK-8 assay. Apoptosis and cell cycle analysis were conducted by flow cytometry. Western blot and Real-time qPCR were used to examine the expression of fibrotic and M1/M2-type macrophages markers. Degree of liver fibrosis was shown by histological staining. RESULTS In vitro, FA11 inhibited TGF-β1-induced LX-2 proliferation and led to apoptosis and cycle arrest. Furthermore, elevation of fibrotic markers in TGF-β1-induced LX-2 and primary activated HSC was reversed by FA11. In vivo, FA11 administration alleviated collagen deposition and blocked HSC activation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Additionally, FA11 reduced macrophage infiltration in fibrotic liver and prevented macrophage polarization to a profibrotic phenotype. Meanwhile, the systemic toxicity of CCl4 was also ameliorated by FA11. Mechanistically, FA11 reversed the phosphorylation of canonical and noncanonical TGF-β1 signalling, as well as FGFR1 signalling. CONCLUSIONS We reported an oral phenylacrylic acid derivative, FA11, which showed excellent antifibrotic activity and was expected to be an anti-hepatic fibrosis candidate.
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Affiliation(s)
- Taixiong Xue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Lin Yue
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Guonian Zhu
- Institute of Respiratory Health, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zui Tan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongyao Liu
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Cailing Gan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Chen Fan
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China.,Hospital of Chengdu Office of People's Government of Tibetan Autonomous Region (Hospital.C.T.), Chengdu, China
| | - Xingping Su
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuting Xie
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Tinghong Ye
- Sichuan University-University of Oxford Huaxi Joint Centre for Gastrointestinal Cancer, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-Related Molecular Network, State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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13
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Zhu Y, Chai Y, Xiao G, Liu Y, Xie X, Xiao W, Zhou P, Ma W, Zhang C, Li L. Astragalus and its formulas as a therapeutic option for fibrotic diseases: Pharmacology and mechanisms. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1040350. [PMID: 36408254 PMCID: PMC9669388 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1040350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/09/2022] [Accepted: 10/18/2022] [Indexed: 09/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is the abnormal deposition of extracellular matrix, characterized by accumulation of collagen and other extracellular matrix components, which causes organ dysfunction and even death. Despite advances in understanding fibrosis pathology and clinical management, there is no treatment for fibrosis that can prevent or reverse it, existing treatment options may lead to diarrhea, nausea, bleeding, anorexia, and liver toxicity. Thus, effective drugs are needed for fibrotic diseases. Traditional Chinese medicine has played a vital role in fibrotic diseases, accumulating evidence has demonstrated that Astragalus (Astragalus mongholicus Bunge) can attenuate multiple fibrotic diseases, which include liver fibrosis, pulmonary fibrosis, peritoneal fibrosis, renal fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, and so on, mechanisms may be related to inhibition of epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT), reactive oxygen species (ROS), transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1)/Smads, apoptosis, inflammation pathways. The purpose of this review was to summarize the pharmacology and mechanisms of Astragalus in treating fibrotic diseases, the data reviewed demonstrates that Astragalus is a promising anti-fibrotic drug, its main anti-fibrotic components are Calycosin, Astragaloside IV, Astragalus polysaccharides and formononetin. We also review formulas that contain Astragalus with anti-fibrotic effects, in which Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, Astragalus and Angelica sinensis (Oliv.) Diels are the most commonly used combinations. We propose that combining active components into new formulations may be a promising way to develop new drugs for fibrosis. Besides, we expect Astragalus to be accepted as a clinically effective method of treating fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yi Zhu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yilu Chai
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Guojin Xiao
- Nursing Department, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yufei Liu
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaohong Xie
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Pengcheng Zhou
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wei Ma
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Chuantao Zhang
- Department of Respiratory, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Liuying Li
- Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Department of Heart Disease of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zigong First People’s Hospital, Zigong, China
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14
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He L, Guo C, Peng C, Li Y. Advances of natural activators for Nrf2 signaling pathway on cholestatic liver injury protection: a review. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 910:174447. [PMID: 34461126 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174447] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/22/2021] [Revised: 08/15/2021] [Accepted: 08/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Cholestasis is a common manifestation of obstruction of bile flow in various liver diseases. If the bile acid accumulation is not treated in time, it will further lead to hepatocyte damage, liver fibrosis and ultimately to cirrhosis, which seriously affects human life. The pathogenesis of cholestatic liver injury is very complicated, mainly including oxidative stress and inflammation. Nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) is an important transcription factor responsible for upregulating expression of various genes with cytoprotective functions. Nrf2 activation has been proved to inhibit oxidative stress and inflammatory reaction, modulate bile acid homeostasis, and alleviate fibrosis during cholestasis. Therefore, Nrf2 emerges as a potential therapeutic target for cholestatic liver injury. In recent years, natural products with various biological activities including anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, anti-tumor and anti-fibrotic effects have received growing attention for being hepatoprotective agents. Natural products like asiatic acid, diosmin, rutin, and so forth have shown significant potential in activating Nrf2 pathway which can lead to attenuate cholestatic liver injury. Therefore, this paper emphasizes the effect of Nrf2 signaling pathway on alleviating cholestasis, and summarizes recent evidence about natural Nrf2 activators with hepatoprotective effect in various models of cholestatic liver injury, thus providing theoretical reference for the development of anti-cholestatic drug.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linfeng He
- National Key Laboratory of Southwest Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Chaocheng Guo
- National Key Laboratory of Southwest Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- National Key Laboratory of Southwest Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yunxia Li
- National Key Laboratory of Southwest Characteristic Chinese Medicine Resources, Chengdu, 611137, China; School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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15
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Ferulic acid: A review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics and derivatives. Life Sci 2021; 284:119921. [PMID: 34481866 DOI: 10.1016/j.lfs.2021.119921] [Citation(s) in RCA: 160] [Impact Index Per Article: 53.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 08/17/2021] [Accepted: 08/25/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Ferulic acid, a kind of phenolic substance widely existing in plants, is an important active component of many traditional Chinese medicines. So far, it has been proved that ferulic acid has a variety of biological activities, especially in oxidative stress, inflammation, vascular endothelial injury, fibrosis, apoptosis and platelet aggregation. Many studies have shown that ferulic acid can inhibit PI3K/AKT pathway, the production of ROS and the activity of aldose reductase. The anti-inflammatory effect of ferulic acid is mainly related to the levels of PPAR γ, CAM and NF-κ B and p38 MAPK signaling pathways. Ferulic acid not only protects vascular endothelium by ERK1/2 and NO/ET-1 signal, but also plays an anti-fibrosis role by TGF-β/Smad and MMPs/TIMPs system. Moreover, ferulic acid has ant-apoptotic and anti-platelet effects. In addition to the pharmacological effects of ferulic acid, its pharmacokinetics and derivatives were also discussed in this paper. This review provides the latest summary of the latest research on ferulic acid.
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16
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Zhang C, Li L, Hou S, Shi Z, Xu W, Wang Q, He Y, Gong Y, Fang Z, Yang Y. Astragaloside IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis and regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 279:114350. [PMID: 34157326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus is a medicinal herb used in China for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. As one of the main active ingredients of astragalus, Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. AIM OF THE STUDY Different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 differentially regulate the progression of hepatic carcinoma. The phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal of Smad3 (pSmad3C) and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway inhibits hepatic carcinoma, while phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 (pSmad3L) promotes progression. Thus, pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways are potential targets for drug of anti-cancer development. AS-IV is anti-apoptotic and can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC) proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in nude mice. However, it is not clear whether AS-IV has a therapeutic effect on inhibiting the progression of primary liver cancer by regulating the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether AS-IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS primary liver cancer in mice induced by DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH (DCC) and HSC-T6/HepG2 cell models activated by TGF-β1 was investigated for the mechanisms of AS-IV. In vivo assays included liver biopsy, histopathology and post-mortem analysis included immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis, and in vitro assays included immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS AS-IV significantly inhibited the development of primary liver cancer, reflecting improved liver biopsy, histopathology. The incidence and multiplicity of primary liver cancer were markedly decreased by AS-IV treatment at the 20th week. AS-IV had observable effects on the TGF-β1/Smad and Nrf2/HO-1 expression in vivo, especially up-regulated pSmad3C, pNrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, while it down-regulated pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3L, PAI-1, and α-SMA at the 12th week and the 20th week. Furthermore, in vitro analysis further confirmed that AS-IV regulated the expression of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in HSC-T6 and HepG2 cells activated by TGF-β1. CONCLUSION AS-IV administration delays the occurrence of primary liver cancer by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis, the mechanism of the therapeutic effect involving the regulation of the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, especially in regulation reversibility and antagonism of pSmad3C and pSmad3L and promoting the phosphorylation of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shu Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhenghao Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhirui Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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Abstract
Introduction: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are essential for physiological homeostasis of the liver extracellular matrix (ECM). Excessive transdifferentiation of HSC from a quiescent to an activated phenotype contributes to disrupt this balance and can lead to liver fibrosis. Accumulating evidence has suggested that nuclear receptors (NRs) are involved in the regulation of HSC activation, proliferation, and function. Therefore, these NRs may be therapeutic targets to balance ECM homeostasis and inhibit HSC activation in liver fibrosis.Areas covered: In this review, the authors summarized the recent progress in the understanding of the regulatory role of NRs in HSCs and their potential as drug targets in liver fibrosis.Expert opinion: NRs are still potential therapy targets for inhibiting HSCs activation and liver fibrosis. However, the development of NRs agonists or antagonists to inhibit HSCs requires fully consideration of systemic effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyun Pu
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Hongjing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Jiao Liu
- Department of Interventional Therapy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Yuanxin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
| | - Houfeng Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Chengdu Fifth People's Hospital, Chengdu University of TCM, Chengdu, China
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Lee GS, Jeong HY, Yang HG, Seo YR, Jung EG, Lee YS, Nam KW, Kim WJ. Astragaloside IV Suppresses Hepatic Proliferation in Regenerating Rat Liver after 70% Partial Hepatectomy via Down-Regulation of Cell Cycle Pathway and DNA Replication. Molecules 2021; 26:2895. [PMID: 34068164 PMCID: PMC8152973 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26102895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2021] [Revised: 05/06/2021] [Accepted: 05/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Abstract
Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) is one of the major bio-active ingredients of huang qi which is the dried root of Astragalus membranaceus (a traditional Chinese medicinal plant). The pharmacological effects of AS-IV, including anti-oxidative, anti-cancer, and anti-diabetic effects have been actively studied, however, the effects of AS-IV on liver regeneration have not yet been fully described. Thus, the aim of this study was to explore the effects of AS-IV on regenerating liver after 70% partial hepatectomy (PHx) in rats. Differentially expressed mRNAs, proliferative marker and growth factors were analyzed. AS-IV (10 mg/kg) was administrated orally 2 h before surgery. We found 20 core genes showed effects of AS-IV, many of which were involved with functions related to DNA replication during cell division. AS-IV down-regulates MAPK signaling, PI3/Akt signaling, and cell cycle pathway. Hepatocyte growth factor (HGF) and cyclin D1 expression were also decreased by AS-IV administration. Transforming growth factor β1 (TGFβ1, growth regulation signal) was slightly increased. In short, AS-IV down-regulated proliferative signals and genes related to DNA replication. In conclusion, AS-IV showed anti-proliferative activity in regenerating liver tissue after 70% PHx.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gyeong-Seok Lee
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
| | - Hee-Yeon Jeong
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
| | - Hyeon-Gung Yang
- Soonchunhyang Institute of Medi-bio Science (SIMS), Soonchunhyang University, Cheonan 31151, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea;
| | - Young-Ran Seo
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
| | - Eui-Gil Jung
- Seoul Center, Korea Basic Science Institute, Seoul 02855, Korea;
| | - Yong-Seok Lee
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
| | - Kung-Woo Nam
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
| | - Wan-Jong Kim
- Department of Life Science and Biotechnology, College of Natural Sciences, Soonchunhyang University, Asan 31538, Chungcheongnam-do, Korea; (G.-S.L.); (H.-Y.J.); (Y.-R.S.); (Y.-S.L.); (K.-W.N.)
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Sui YB, Zhang KK, Ren YK, Liu L, Liu Y. The role of Nrf2 in astragaloside IV-mediated antioxidative protection on heart failure. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2020; 58:1192-1198. [PMID: 33253607 PMCID: PMC7717863 DOI: 10.1080/13880209.2020.1849319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/05/2019] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 11/04/2020] [Indexed: 05/27/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Heart failure is one of the most serious diseases worldwide. Astragaloside IV (ASI) is widely used in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. OBJECTIVE To elucidate the antioxidative mechanism of ASI in a rat model of left coronary artery ligation. MATERIALS AND METHODS Left coronary artery of Sprague-Dawley rats was ligated to establish the model of heart failure, and then vehicle (saline) or ASI (1 mg/kg/day) was orally administered to the rats (n = 15) for 6 weeks. Echocardiography was used to evaluate the cardiac function. Myocardial infarct size was measured by triphenyltetrazolium chloride staining. Oxidative stress in the ventricular myocardium was determined. Molecular mechanisms were investigated by Western blot and chromatin immunoprecipitation. RESULTS ASI improved the cardiac function, especially ejection fraction (75.27 ± 5.75% vs. 36.26 ± 4.14%) and fractional shortening (45.39 ± 3.66% vs. 17.88 ± 1.32%), and reduced the infarct size of left ventricle (20.69 ± 2.98% vs. 39.11 ± 3.97%). ASI maintained the levels of glutathione, catalase and superoxide dismutase and prevented the leakage of creatine kinase. In addition, ASI induced the protein expression of Nrf2 (1.97-fold) and HO-1 (2.79-fold), while reduced that of Keap-1 (0.77-fold) in the ventricular myocardium. In H9c2 cells, a rat cardiomyocyte cell line, ASI induced the translocation of Nrf2 from cytoplasm to nucleus, followed by transcriptional activation of NQO-1 (8.27-fold), SOD-2 (3.27-fold) and Txn-1 (9.83-fold) genes. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSIONS ASI prevented heart failure by counteracting oxidative stress through the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. Application in clinical practice warrants further investigation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan-Bo Sui
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Kui-Kui Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yu-kun Ren
- Department of Dermatology, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Li Liu
- Department of Cardiology, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
| | - Yan Liu
- Department of Scientific Research Management, First Affiliated Hospital of Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin, China
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Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Zhao Y, Zeng J, Guo Y. A comprehensive review of natural products to fight liver fibrosis: Alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and other compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173578. [PMID: 32976828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of drugs to treat liver fibrosis has long been a challenge over the past decades due to its complicated pathogenesis. As a primary approach for drug development, natural products account for 30% of clinical drugs used for disease treatment. Therefore, natural products are increasingly important for their medicinal value in liver fibrosis therapy. In this part of the review, special focus is placed on the effect and mechanism of natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and others. A total of 36 kinds of natural compounds demonstrate significant antifibrotic effects in various liver fibrosis models in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Revealing the mechanism will provide further basis for clinical conversion, as well as accelerate drug discovery. The mechanism was further summarized with the finding of network regulation by several natural products, such as oxymatrine, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1 and taurine. Moreover, there are still improvements needed in investigating clinical efficacy, determining mechanisms, and combining applications, as well as semisynthesis and modification. Therefore, natural products area promising resource for agents that protect against liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yaoguang Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
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21
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Yu C, Zhang J, Li X, Liu J, Niu Y. Astragaloside IV-induced Nrf2 nuclear translocation ameliorates lead-related cognitive impairments in mice. BIOCHIMICA ET BIOPHYSICA ACTA-MOLECULAR CELL RESEARCH 2020; 1868:118853. [PMID: 32941941 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbamcr.2020.118853] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/16/2020] [Revised: 09/03/2020] [Accepted: 09/08/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Recently, oxidative stress is a common denominator in the pathogenesis of metal-induced neurotoxicity. Thus, antioxidant therapy is considered as a promising strategy for treating lead-related cognitive impairment. Here, we tested the hypothesis that astragaloside IV (AS-IV) ameliorates lead-associated cognitive deficits through Nrf2-dependent antioxidant mechanisms. Male Nrf2-KO and WT mice received drinking water with 2000 ppm lead and/or AS-IV by gavage for 8 weeks starting at 4 weeks of age. Morris water maze test and biochemical assays were employed to study cognition-enhancing and antioxidant effects of AS-IV. The signaling pathways involved were analyzed using RT-PCR and western blot technology. Significantly, AS-IV attenuated Morris water maze-based cognitive impairment in lead-intoxicated mice. Importantly, cognition-enhancing effect of AS-IV was lost in Nrf2-KO mice. In parallel, AS-IV suppressed lead acetate (PbAc)-induced oxidative stress, as measured by MDA. Mechanistically, AS-IV can up-regulate the expressions of the GCLc and HO-1 at the level of transcription and translation, but not SOD, TrxR activity, GCLm, Trx1, and NQO1 expression. Interestingly, AS-IV induced accumulation of Nrf2 in the nucleus, whereas Nrf2 mRNA levels were unchanged. Furthermore, AS-IV treatment resulted in elevated levels of phosphorylated Akt (active form) and phosphorylated GSK-3β (inactive forms) but decreased level of phosphorylated Fyn. Collectively, our findings indicate that AS-IV may target Nrf2 to attenuate lead-triggered oxidative stress and subsequent cognitive impairments, suggesting that AS-IV is a potential candidate for the treatment of lead-associated cognitive diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chunlei Yu
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- Department of Hematology, the First Affiliated Hospital, Harbin Medical University, Harbin 150001, China
| | - Xiaoming Li
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Jicheng Liu
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Yingcai Niu
- The Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China.
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Salama RM, Nasr MM, Abdelhakeem JI, Roshdy OK, ElGamal MA. Alogliptin attenuates cyclophosphamide-induced nephrotoxicity: a novel therapeutic approach through modulating MAP3K/JNK/SMAD3 signaling cascade. Drug Chem Toxicol 2020; 45:1254-1263. [PMID: 32869669 DOI: 10.1080/01480545.2020.1814319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Cyclophosphamide (CP) is widely used as a chemotherapy against various types of cancers. However, CP is accompanied with multiple organ toxicity due to production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), induction of inflammation and consequently apoptosis. Alogliptin (Alo) is a dipeptidyl peptidase 4 (DPP-IV) inhibitor, which is booming as an antidiabetic agent. Interestingly, gliptins are currently studied for their counter-regulatory effects against oxidative stress and inflammation via multiple pathways, among which is the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK)/c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) pathway. This cascade can reduce inflammation via mitigating the activity of mothers against decapentaplegic homolog 3 (SMAD3) and c-Jun. However, Alo effect against CP-induced kidney injury has not been previously elucidated. This tempted us to investigate the possible beneficial effect of Alo against CP-induced kidney injury via modulating the MAP3K/JNK/SMAD3 signaling cascade. Thirty-two male Wistar rats were randomly allocated into four groups. CP-treated group received a single dose of CP (200 mg/kg; i.p.). Alo-treated group received Alo (20 mg/kg/day; p.o.) for 7 days with single CP injection on day 2. Marked decrease in renal injury was observed upon Alo treatment, as evidenced through declined serum kidney function markers, oxidative stress and apoptosis markers, MAP3K expression, phospho (p)-SMAD3, p-JNK, and p-c-Jun levels. These cellular effects were reflected in reduced transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) fibrotic and inflammatory mediators, coinciding with improved histopathological portrait. In conclusion, the current study provides novel application of Alo as a therapeutic modality against CP-induced nephrotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rania M Salama
- Pharmacology and Toxicology Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt.,Translational and Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Merihane M Nasr
- Translational and Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt.,Pharmacy Practice and Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Jannatullah I Abdelhakeem
- Translational and Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Omar K Roshdy
- Translational and Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
| | - Mohamed A ElGamal
- Translational and Clinical Research Unit, Faculty of Pharmacy, Misr International University (MIU), Cairo, Egypt
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