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Liu XY, Zhang W, Ma BF, Sun MM, Shang QH. Advances in Research on the Effectiveness and Mechanism of Active Ingredients from Traditional Chinese Medicine in Regulating Hepatic Stellate Cells Autophagy Against Hepatic Fibrosis. Drug Des Devel Ther 2024; 18:2715-2727. [PMID: 38974122 PMCID: PMC11227309 DOI: 10.2147/dddt.s467480] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 06/10/2024] [Indexed: 07/09/2024] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a pathological process of structural and functional impairment of the liver and is a key component in the progression of chronic liver disease. There are no specific anti-hepatic fibrosis (anti-HF) drugs, and HF can only be improved or prevented by alleviating the cause. Autophagy of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is closely related to the development of HF. In recent years, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has achieved good therapeutic effects in the prevention and treatment of HF. Several active ingredients from TCM (AITCM) can regulate autophagy in HSCs to exert anti-HF effects through different pathways, but relevant reviews are lacking. This paper reviewed the research progress of AITCM regulating HSCs autophagy against HF, and also discussed the relationship between HSCs autophagy and HF, pointing out the problems and limitations of the current study, in order to provide references for the development of anti-HF drugs targeting HSCs autophagy in TCM. By reviewing the literature in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, CNKI and other databases, we found that the relationship between autophagy of HSCs and HF is currently controversial. HSCs autophagy may promote HF by consuming lipid droplets (LDs) to provide energy for their activation. However, in contrast, inducing autophagy in HSCs can exert the anti-HF effect by stimulating their apoptosis or senescence, reducing type I collagen accumulation, inhibiting the extracellular vesicles release, degrading pro-fibrotic factors and other mechanisms. Some AITCM inhibit HSCs autophagy to resist HF, with the most promising direction being to target LDs. While, others induce HSCs autophagy to resist HF, with the most promising direction being to target HSCs apoptosis. Future research needs to focus on cell targeting research, autophagy targeting research and in vivo verification research, and to explore the reasons for the contradictory effects of HSCs autophagy on HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xin-Yu Liu
- College of First Clinical Medicine, Shandong University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Wei Zhang
- Department of Liver Disease, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Bao-Feng Ma
- The third department of encephalopathy, Jinan Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, Jinan, Shandong, 271100, People’s Republic of China
| | - Mi-Mi Sun
- Diagnosis and Treatment Center for Liver Diseases, Tai’an 88 Hospital, Tai’an, Shandong, 271000, People’s Republic of China
| | - Qing-Hua Shang
- Department of Liver Disease, The 960th Hospital of the PLA Joint Logistics Support Force, Jinan, Shandong, 250000, People’s Republic of China
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Xiu AY, Ding Q, Zhu CP, Zhang CQ. The α-1 Adrenergic Receptor Antagonist Doxazosin Attenuates Liver Fibrosis by Alleviating Sinusoidal Capillarization and Liver Angiogenesis. Adv Biol (Weinh) 2024; 8:e2300513. [PMID: 38494421 DOI: 10.1002/adbi.202300513] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/24/2023] [Revised: 02/02/2024] [Indexed: 03/19/2024]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, which are caused by chronic liver injury, represent common and intractable clinical challenges of global importance. However, effective therapeutics are lacking. Therefore, the study examines the effect of doxazosin on liver fibrosis. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) is injected into mice to establish a liver fibrosis model. Doxazosin (5 and 10 mg/kg) is administered daily by gavage. HE staining, Masson staining, Sirius Red staining, scanning electron microscopy, western blotting, real-time PCR, and immunofluorescence analysis are performed to estimate liver fibrosis and sinusoidal capillarization in mice. Cell Counting Kit-8 assays, western blotting, immunofluorescence analysis, tube formation, and transwell migration assays are performed on human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) and human hepatic sinusoidal endothelial cells (HHSECs) to elucidate the potential mechanism of doxazosin. Doxazosin alleviates liver fibrosis and sinusoidal capillarization in CCl4-induced mice. Angiogenesis is attenuated by doxazosin in HUVECs and HHSECs. This study demonstrates that doxazosin attenuated liver fibrosis by alleviating sinusoidal capillarization and liver angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ai-Yuan Xiu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Qian Ding
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
| | - Chang-Peng Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Changzheng Hospital, Naval Medical University, Shanghai, 200003, China
| | - Chun-Qing Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital, Cheeloo College of Medicine, Shandong University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shandong Provincial Hospital Affiliated to Shandong First Medical University, Jinan, Shandong, 250021, China
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Adhikari M, Biswas C, Mazumdar P, Sarkar S, Pramanick K. Evaluating the potential of daily intake of polystyrene microplastics via drinking water in inducing PCOS and its ovarian fibrosis progression using female zebrafish. NANOIMPACT 2024; 34:100507. [PMID: 38663500 DOI: 10.1016/j.impact.2024.100507] [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: 02/16/2024] [Revised: 04/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 05/06/2024]
Abstract
Polystyrene microplastics, extensively considered endocrine disrupting chemicals, disturb the reproductive system of living organisms. Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), the reproductive endocrinopathy, is longstanding concern due to its eternal impacts as reproductive disorder and infertility. Despite several reports in reproductive and endocrine toxicity, there is inadequate literature regarding the daily intake of polystyrene-microplastics via drinking water in causing PCOS and leading to ovarian fibrosis in long-term. The present study investigated whether daily consumption of polystyrene-microplastics at doses equivalent to human exposure can cause PCOS and progress to ovarian fibrosis, using female zebrafish as model. Resembling letrozole-PCOS zebrafish model, daily intake of polystyrene-microplastics displayed hallmark PCOS pathophysiology; like excess body weight and %Gonadosomatic index, decreased Follicle Stimulating Hormone and β-estradiol, increased Luteinising Hormone, brain and ovarian Testosterone (39.3% and 75% respectively). Correspondingly, ovarian histology revealed more developing (stage I and II) oocytes and less mature oocytes alongwith cystic lesions; like follicular membrane disorganization, zona pellucida invagination, theca hypertrophy, basophilic granular accumulation and oocyte buddings. Lipid deposition in intestinal and ovarian tissues was evidenced and increased fasting blood glucose manifesting insulin resistance. The expression of PCOS biomarkers (tox3, dennd1a, fem1a) was significantly disturbed. Polystyrene microplastics played vital role in inducing PCOS further enhancing oxidative stress, which positively influences inflammation and aggravate ovarian mitophagy, shedding light on its ability to harshen PCOS into ovarian fibrosis, which is characterized by collagen deposition and upregulation of pro-fibrogenic biomarker genes. These findings illustrate the potential of daily microplastics intake via drinking water in triggering PCOS and its progression to ovarian fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Madhuchhanda Adhikari
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Chayan Biswas
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Piyali Mazumdar
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Shampa Sarkar
- Reproductive Endocrinology and Stem Cell Biology Laboratory, Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India
| | - Kousik Pramanick
- Integrative Biology Research Unit (IBRU), Department of Life Sciences, Presidency University, Kolkata 700073, India.
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Wang L, Wang J, Yang Z, Wang Y, Zhao T, Luo W, Liang T, Yang Z. Traditional herbs: mechanisms to combat cellular senescence. Aging (Albany NY) 2023; 15:14473-14505. [PMID: 38054830 PMCID: PMC10756111 DOI: 10.18632/aging.205269] [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: 06/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/15/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
Cellular senescence plays a very important role in the ageing of organisms and age-related diseases that increase with age, a process that involves physiological, structural, biochemical and molecular changes in cells. In recent years, it has been found that the active ingredients of herbs and their natural products can prevent and control cellular senescence by affecting telomerase activity, oxidative stress response, autophagy, mitochondrial disorders, DNA damage, inflammatory response, metabolism, intestinal flora, and other factors. In this paper, we review the research information on the prevention and control of cellular senescence in Chinese herbal medicine through computer searches of PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct and CNKI databases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lei Wang
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Jiahui Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Zhihui Yang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Yue Wang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Tiejian Zhao
- Department of Physiology, College of Basic Medicine, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Weisheng Luo
- Ruikang Hospital Affiliated to Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530000, China
| | - Tianjian Liang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
| | - Zheng Yang
- Department of Medicine, Faculty of Chinese Medicine Science Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, Guangxi 530222, China
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Wu Y, Zhang J, Wang X, Xu Y, Zheng J. Saikosaponin-d regulates angiogenesis in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis through angiopoietin/Tie-2 pathway. Acta Histochem 2023; 125:152100. [PMID: 37837833 DOI: 10.1016/j.acthis.2023.152100] [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: 04/12/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/16/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is considered as a chronic interstitial lung disease with underlying mechanism of IPF remaining unclear, while there are no definitive treatment options. In recent years, scientists have gradually paid attention to the influence of angiogenesis on IPF. Because IPF is a progressive with microvascular remodeling disorder, scientists have postulated that angiogenesis may also be one of the initiating and contributing factors of the disease. Bupleurum is a common natural Chinese herbal medicine with antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor and other pharmacological effects. As the most important active monomer of Bupleurum, Saikosaponin-d (SSd) is a new discovery with anti-pulmonary fibrosis (PF) activity. This study attempts to investigate the role of SSd in the interference of PF through regulation of angiogenesis in IPF through Angiopoietin (Angpt) /Tie receptor 2 (Tie2) pathway. METHODS Randomly, we allocated C57BL/6 mice into four groups (n = 20 in each group). Afterwards, establishment of IPF model was accomplished via intratracheal administration of bleomycin (BLM, 5 mg/kg), while corresponding drug intervention was given accordingly. On 3rd, 7th, 14th and 28th days after modeling, we performed histopathological examination through staining. Meanwhile, immunohistochemistry (IHC) of PF and the expression of related factors were observed, while Ang/Tie2 pathway was assessed by ELISA with the effect of SSd on angiogenesis related proteins in IPF being explored with IHC and Western Blot technique. RESULTS Our results showed that SSd could reduce inflammation and PF levels in lung tissue of experimental mice, while levels of angiogenesis-related factors, namely Tie-2, Ang-1 and ANGPT2 (Ang-2), fibrosis- associated factors like Alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen-I and hydroxyproline in SSd and dexamethasone (DXM) mice were significantly reduced at each time point compared to BLM (p < 0.01). Additionally, we discovered substantial decreased expressions of Ang-1, Ang-2, Tie-2, α-SMA and collagen-I at protein level in SSd and DXM mice at each time point compared to BLM (p < 0.05). Besides, insignificant differences were observed between SSd and DXM groups (p > 0.05). CONCLUSION This study has demonstrated that SSd could down-regulate the expression of ANG-1, Ang-2 and Tie2 in the Ang/Tie2 pathway, and may reduce lung inflammation and PF in BLM-induced mice via inhibition of angiogenesis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Wu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangnan University, 1000 Hefeng Road, Binhu District, Wuxi City, Jiangsu 214122, China
| | - Jun Zhang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Aoyang Hospital Affiliated to Jiangsu University, 279 Jingang Dadao, Zhangjiagang City, Jiangsu 215631, China
| | - Xintian Wang
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, 438 Jiefang Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Yuncong Xu
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, 438 Jiefang Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu 212000, China
| | - Jinxu Zheng
- Department of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jiangsu University, 438 Jiefang Road, Jingkou District, Zhenjiang City, Jiangsu 212000, China.
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Lei C, Gao Z, Lv X, Zhu Y, Li R, Li S. Saikosaponin-b2 Inhibits Primary Liver Cancer by Regulating the STK4/IRAK1/NF-κB Pathway. Biomedicines 2023; 11:2859. [PMID: 37893233 PMCID: PMC10604266 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11102859] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2023] [Revised: 10/11/2023] [Accepted: 10/19/2023] [Indexed: 10/29/2023] Open
Abstract
The development of primary liver cancer (PLC) is associated with chronic liver inflammation and the loss of associated tumor suppressor genes, which characterizes inflammation-related tumors. In this study, we aimed to explore the effect of saikosaponin-b2 (SS-b2) on the development of PLC and its effect of the STK4 expression and IRAK1/NF-κB signaling axis. In vitro and in vivo experiments showed that SS-b2 exerted potent anti-inflammatory and antitumor effects. A PLC model was induced in vivo by treating male BALB/c mice with diethylnitrosamine, while an inflammatory model was induced in vitro by exposing RAW 264.7 macrophages to lipopolysaccharides (LPS). After treating cancer mice with SS-b2, the serum levels of alpha-fetoprotein, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and lactate dehydrogenase significantly reduced. Ki67 expression also decreased. The carcinomatous lesions of the liver were attenuated. Similar results were observed in liver tissue and RAW 264.7 macrophages, where SS-b2 significantly elevated serine/threonine protein kinase 4 (STK4) expression and decreased the expression of interleukin-1 receptor-associated kinase 1 (IRAK1), nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-κB), and downstream inflammatory cytokines, thus exerting anti-cancer and anti-inflammatory effects. Moreover, we employed siRNA to silence the STK4 expression in HepG2 to investigate the anti-tumor effect of SS-b2 in vitro. The STK4 knockdown would upregulate IRAK1 and thus the activation of NF-κB activity revealed by the increase in the levels of proinflammatory cytokines, consequently impairing SS-b2-induced inhibition of liver cancer development. Consequently, SS-b2 effectively inhibited PLC by upregulating STK4 to suppress the IRAK1/NF-κB signaling axis and is a promising agent for treating this disease.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Ruifang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, KaiYuan Avenue 263, Luoyang 471023, China; (C.L.); (Z.G.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.)
| | - Sanqiang Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Basic Medical College, Henan University of Science and Technology, KaiYuan Avenue 263, Luoyang 471023, China; (C.L.); (Z.G.); (X.L.); (Y.Z.)
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Dwivedi NV, Datta S, El-Kersh K, Sadikot RT, Ganti AK, Batra SK, Jain M. GPCRs and fibroblast heterogeneity in fibroblast-associated diseases. FASEB J 2023; 37:e23101. [PMID: 37486603 PMCID: PMC10916681 DOI: 10.1096/fj.202301091] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/01/2023] [Accepted: 07/06/2023] [Indexed: 07/25/2023]
Abstract
G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) are the largest and most diverse class of signaling receptors. GPCRs regulate many functions in the human body and have earned the title of "most targeted receptors". About one-third of the commercially available drugs for various diseases target the GPCRs. Fibroblasts lay the architectural skeleton of the body, and play a key role in supporting the growth, maintenance, and repair of almost all tissues by responding to the cellular cues via diverse and intricate GPCR signaling pathways. This review discusses the dynamic architecture of the GPCRs and their intertwined signaling in pathological conditions such as idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis, cardiac fibrosis, pancreatic fibrosis, hepatic fibrosis, and cancer as opposed to the GPCR signaling of fibroblasts in physiological conditions. Understanding the dynamics of GPCR signaling in fibroblasts with disease progression can help in the recognition of the complex interplay of different GPCR subtypes in fibroblast-mediated diseases. This review highlights the importance of designing and adaptation of next-generation strategies such as GPCR-omics, focused target identification, polypharmacology, and effective personalized medicine approaches to achieve better therapeutic outcomes for fibrosis and fibrosis associated malignancies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Nidhi V Dwivedi
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Souvik Datta
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Karim El-Kersh
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Ruxana T Sadikot
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
| | - Apar K. Ganti
- VA Nebraska Western Iowa Health Care System
- Division of Oncology and Hematology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Surinder K Batra
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
| | - Maneesh Jain
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
- Fred and Pamela Buffett Cancer Center, Eppley Institute for Research in Cancer and Allied Diseases, University of Nebraska Medical Center, Omaha, Nebraska, USA
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Zhu Y, Lai Y. Pharmacological properties and derivatives of saikosaponins-a review of recent studies. J Pharm Pharmacol 2023:7194607. [PMID: 37307427 DOI: 10.1093/jpp/rgad052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2022] [Accepted: 05/16/2023] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Saikosaponins (SSs) constitute a class of medicinal monomers characterised by a triterpene tricyclic structure. Despite their potential therapeutic effects for various pathological conditions, the underlying mechanisms of their actions have not been systematically analysed. Here, we mainly review the important anti-inflammatory, anticancer, and antiviral mechanisms underlying SS actions. METHODS Information from multiple scientific databases, such as PubMed, the Web of Science, and Google Scholar, was collected between 2018 and 2023. The search term used was saikosaponin. KEY FINDINGS Numerous studies have shown that Saikosaponin A exerts anti-inflammatory effects by modulating cytokine and reactive oxygen species (ROS) production and lipid metabolism. Moreover, saikosaponin D exerts antitumor effects by inhibiting cell proliferation and inducing apoptosis and autophagy, and the antiviral mechanisms of SSs, especially against SARS-CoV-2, have been partially revealed. Interestingly, an increasing body of experimental evidence suggests that SSs show the potential for use as anti-addiction, anxiolytic, and antidepressant treatments, and therefore, the related molecular mechanisms warrant further study. CONCLUSIONS An increasing amount of data have indicated diverse SS pharmacological properties, indicating crucial clues for future studies and the production of novel saikosaponin-based anti-inflammatory, efficacious anticancer, and anti-novel-coronavirus agents with improved efficacy and reduced toxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yingchao Zhu
- Clinical Medical College of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yu Lai
- School of Basic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Xiang Q, Liu Y, Chen L. Saikosaponin d (SSD) alleviates diabetic peripheral neuropathy by regulating the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats. Acta Diabetol 2023; 60:805-815. [PMID: 36920548 DOI: 10.1007/s00592-023-02060-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2023] [Accepted: 02/20/2023] [Indexed: 03/16/2023]
Abstract
AIMS Diabetic peripheral neuropathy (DPN) is one of the most important complications of diabetes with a poor prognosis. Saikosaponin d (SSD) is a triterpenoid saponin isolated from Radix Bupleuri that has multiple pharmacological activities. However, whether SSD affects DPN is unclarified. METHODS Sprague Dawley rats were treated with streptozotocin (STZ) and high-fat diet (HFD) to induce DPN, in the presence or absence of SSD, with or without transfection of lentivirus vectors carrying siRNA targeting aquaporin 1 (si-AQP1). The body weight, plasma glucose levels, mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, and nerve conductive velocity (NCV) of rats were measured. Hematoxylin-Eosin staining was used for histopathological observation of sciatic nerves. RT-qPCR and western blotting were utilized for measuring expression levels of AQP1 and ras homolog family member A/Rho-associated protein kinase (RhoA/ROCK) signaling pathway-related markers in dorsal root ganglion (DRG) of rats. RESULTS SSD increased the body weight, decreased plasma glucose levels, attenuated mechanical and thermal hyperalgesia, enhanced NCV and reduced proinflammatory cytokine levels in DPN rats. AQP1 displayed a high level in DPN rats and SSD treatment repressed the expression of AQP1. SSD enhanced the protective effect of AQP1 knockdown on the pathological changes of DPN. AQP1 depletion suppressed the activation of RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway in DPN rats. CONCLUSION SSD alleviates STZ/HFD-induced DPN in rats by inhibiting the AQP1/RhoA/ROCK signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qingwei Xiang
- Department of Geriatrics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4, Huayuan Mountain, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China.
| | - Yu Liu
- Department of Geriatrics, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No. 4, Huayuan Mountain, Wuchang District, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Hubei Provincial Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hubei Province Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Wuhan, 430061, Hubei, China
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11
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Fan G, Li F, Wang P, Jin X, Liu R. Natural-Product-Mediated Autophagy in the Treatment of Various Liver Diseases. Int J Mol Sci 2022; 23:ijms232315109. [PMID: 36499429 PMCID: PMC9739742 DOI: 10.3390/ijms232315109] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/01/2022] [Revised: 11/11/2022] [Accepted: 11/15/2022] [Indexed: 12/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Autophagy is essential for the maintenance of hepatic homeostasis, and autophagic malfunction has been linked to the pathogenesis of substantial liver diseases. As a popular source of drug discovery, natural products have been used for centuries to effectively prevent the progression of various liver diseases. Emerging evidence has suggested that autophagy regulation is a critical mechanism underlying the therapeutic effects of these natural products. In this review, relevant studies are retrieved from scientific databases published between 2011 and 2022, and a novel scoring system was established to critically evaluate the completeness and scientific significance of the reviewed literature. We observed that numerous natural products were suggested to regulate autophagic flux. Depending on the therapeutic or pathogenic role autophagy plays in different liver diseases, autophagy-regulative natural products exhibit different therapeutic effects. According to our novel scoring system, in a considerable amount of the involved studies, convincing and reasonable evidence to elucidate the regulatory effects and underlying mechanisms of natural-product-mediated autophagy regulation was missing and needed further illustration. We highlight that autophagy-regulative natural products are valuable drug candidates with promising prospects for the treatment of liver diseases and deserve more attention in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guifang Fan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Fanghong Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Ping Wang
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
| | - Xuejing Jin
- Center for Evidence-Based Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: (X.J.); (R.L.); Tel.: +86-15632374331 (X.J.); +86-10-53912122 (R.L.)
| | - Runping Liu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, 11 Bei San Huan Dong Lu, Beijing 100029, China
- Correspondence: (X.J.); (R.L.); Tel.: +86-15632374331 (X.J.); +86-10-53912122 (R.L.)
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12
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Hou LS, Zhang YW, Li H, Wang W, Huan ML, Zhou SY, Zhang BL. The regulatory role and mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Pharmacol Ther 2022; 234:108117. [PMID: 35077761 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharmthera.2022.108117] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/30/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/18/2022] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a key pathological process of chronic liver diseases, caused by alcohol, toxic and aberrant energy metabolism. It progresses to cirrhosis or even hepatic carcinoma without effective treatment. Studies have shown that autophagy has important regulatory effects on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) energy metabolism, and then affect the activation state of HSCs. Autophagy maintains hepatic energy homeostasis, and the dysregulation of autophagy can lead to the activation of HSCs and the occurrence and development of hepatic fibrosis. It is necessary to explore the mechanism of autophagy in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis. Herein, the current study summarizes the regulating mechanisms of autophagy through different targets and signal pathways in energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis, and discusses the regulatory effect of autophagy by natural plant-derived, endogenous and synthetic compounds for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. A better comprehension of autophagy in hepatic stellate cells energy metabolism-related hepatic fibrosis may provide effective intervention of hepatic fibrosis, explore the potential clinical strategies and promote the drug treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Li-Shuang Hou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Yao-Wen Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Hua Li
- Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Department of Natural Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Meng-Lei Huan
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Si-Yuan Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China
| | - Bang-Le Zhang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China; Key Laboratory of Pharmacology of the State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Fourth Military Medical University, Xi'an 710032, China.
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