1
|
Jaroszewski B, Jelonek K, Kasperczyk J. Drug Delivery Systems of Betulin and Its Derivatives: An Overview. Biomedicines 2024; 12:1168. [PMID: 38927375 PMCID: PMC11200571 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines12061168] [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: 04/23/2024] [Revised: 05/17/2024] [Accepted: 05/20/2024] [Indexed: 06/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Natural origin products are regarded as promising for the development of new therapeutic therapies with improved effectiveness, biocompatibility, reduced side effects, and low cost of production. Betulin (BE) is very promising due to its wide range of pharmacological activities, including its anticancer, antioxidant, and antimicrobial properties. However, despite advancements in the use of triterpenes for clinical purposes, there are still some obstacles that hinder their full potential, such as their hydrophobicity, low solubility, and poor bioavailability. To address these concerns, new BE derivatives have been synthesized. Moreover, drug delivery systems have emerged as a promising solution to overcome the barriers faced in the clinical application of natural products. The aim of this manuscript is to summarize the recent achievements in the field of delivery systems of BE and its derivatives. This review also presents the BE derivatives mostly considered for medical applications. The electronic databases of scientific publications were searched for the most interesting achievements in the last ten years. Thus far, it is mostly nanoparticles (NPs) that have been considered for the delivery of betulin and its derivatives, including organic NPs (e.g., micelles, conjugates, liposomes, cyclodextrins, protein NPs), inorganic NPs (carbon nanotubes, gold NPs, silver), and complex/hybrid and miscellaneous nanoparticulate systems. However, there are also examples of microparticles, gel-based systems, suspensions, emulsions, and scaffolds, which seem promising for the delivery of BE and its derivatives.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Bartosz Jaroszewski
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
| | - Katarzyna Jelonek
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| | - Janusz Kasperczyk
- Department of Biopharmacy, Faculty of Pharmaceutical Sciences in Sosnowiec, Medical University of Silesia, Jedności 8, 41-200 Sosnowiec, Poland;
- Centre of Polymer and Carbon Materials, Polish Academy of Sciences, Curie-Skłodowska 34 St., 41-819 Zabrze, Poland
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Wang S, Wang R, Li R, Li Y. Research Progress on Application of Inonotus obliquus in Diabetic Kidney Disease. J Inflamm Res 2023; 16:6349-6359. [PMID: 38161352 PMCID: PMC10756068 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s431913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/22/2023] [Accepted: 12/03/2023] [Indexed: 01/03/2024] Open
Abstract
Diabetic kidney disease (DKD) is one of the prime causes of end-stage renal disease. At present, the treatment of DKD is mainly confined to inhibiting the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system, but the therapeutic effects is not satisfactory. As a kind of very rare and precious medicinal fungi, Inonotus obliquus has a very high medicinal value. Due to its special hypoglycemic and pharmacological effect, researchers currently have attached great importance to it. In this paper, the biological activities, pharmacological effects and application status in the treatment of DKD-related diseases of Inonotus obliquus and the latest progress of metabolites isolated from it in DKD were summarized, thus providing detailed insights and basic understanding of the potential application prospects in DKD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shuyue Wang
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Ruihua Wang
- The Third Clinical College, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030002, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rongshan Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, People’s Republic of China
| | - Yafeng Li
- Department of Nephrology, Shanxi Provincial People’s Hospital, Taiyuan, Shanxi, 030012, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Mei L, Xu L, Wu S, Wang Y, Xu C, Wang L, Zhang X, Yu C, Jiang H, Zhang X, Bai F, Xie C. Discovery, structural optimization, and anti-tumor bioactivity evaluations of betulinic acid derivatives as a new type of RORγ antagonists. Eur J Med Chem 2023; 257:115472. [PMID: 37236000 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejmech.2023.115472] [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: 03/16/2023] [Revised: 04/26/2023] [Accepted: 05/07/2023] [Indexed: 05/28/2023]
Abstract
Betulinic acid (BA) is a natural pentacyclic triterpenoid that has a wide range of biological and pharmacological effects. Here, computational methods such as pharmacophore screening and reverse docking were used to predict the potential target for BA. Retinoic acid receptor-related orphan receptor gamma (RORγ) was confirmed as its target by several molecular assays as well as crystal complex structure determination. RORγ has been the focus of metabolic regulation, but its potential role in cancer treatment has only recently come to the fore. In this study, rationale optimization of BA was performed and several new derivatives were generated. Among them, the compound 22 showed stronger binding affinity with RORγ (KD = 180 nM), good anti-proliferative activity against cancer cell lines, and potent anti-tumor efficacy with a TGI value of 71.6% (at a dose of 15 mg/kg) in the HPAF-II pancreatic cancer xenograft model. Further RNA-seq analysis and cellular validation experiments supported that RORγ antagonism was closely related to the antitumor activity of BA and 22, resulting in suppression of the RAS/MAPK and AKT/mTORC1 pathway and inducing caspase-dependent apoptosis in pancreatic cancer cells. RORγ was highly expressed in cancer cells and tissues and positively correlated with the poor prognosis of cancer patients. These results suggest that BA derivatives are potential RORγ antagonists worthy of further exploration.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lianghe Mei
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Drug Discovery and Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Lansong Xu
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; The First Affiliated Hospital of USTC (Anhui Provincial Hospital), Division of Life Sciences and Medicine, University of Science and Technology of China, Hefei, Anhui, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Sanan Wu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Yafang Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Chao Xu
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Lin Wang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xingyu Zhang
- China Suzhou Institute of Drug Innovation, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Suzhou, Jiangsu, 215123, China
| | - Chengcheng Yu
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China
| | - Hualiang Jiang
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Drug Discovery and Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China
| | - Xianglei Zhang
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Fang Bai
- Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; Shanghai Clinical Research and Trial Center, Shanghai, 201210, China.
| | - Chengying Xie
- Drug Discovery and Development Center, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, 555 Zuchongzhi Road, Shanghai, 201203, China; Shanghai Institute for Advanced Immunochemical Studies, ShanghaiTech University, 393 Middle Huaxia Road, Shanghai, 201210, China; School of Life Science and Technology, ShanghaiTech University, Shanghai, 201210, China; Lingang Laboratory, Shanghai, 200031, China.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
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.
Collapse
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.)
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
23-hydroxybetulinic acid reduces tumorigenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression in a mouse model of hepatocellular carcinoma via disruption of the MAPK signaling pathway. Anticancer Drugs 2022; 33:815-825. [PMID: 36136986 DOI: 10.1097/cad.0000000000001325] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/25/2022]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) shows recurrence and lung metastasis even after treatment. 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (23-HBA), a major active constituent of Pulsatilla chinensis, exhibits potent antitumor activities. We herein investigate the biological effect of 23-HBA on metastasis and immunosuppression in a mouse model of HCC. Microarray-based gene expression profiling was employed to identify the target genes of 23-HBA in the treatment of HCC. The effect of 23-HBA on the progression of HCC was evaluated by in-vitro cell function measurements along with in-vivo xenograft implantation, lung metastasis and CD11b+Gr1+ staining experiments. The potential mechanism involving target signaling pathway was investigated by western blot analysis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that matrix metalloproteinase 2 (MMP2) was a key target gene mediated by 23-HBA in HCC, whereas Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) enrichment analysis demonstrated that MMP2 mainly affects the development and metastasis of HCC. 23-HBA significantly reduced cell malignant functions in vitro while delaying the HCC growth and metastasis in vivo. In addition, the number of myeloid-derived suppressor cells was shown to be reduced following administration of 23-HBA in mice. Mechanistic analysis indicated that these effects of 23-HBA during HCC were involved with the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) signaling pathway inactivation and resulted in decreased phosphorylation of both mitogen-activated protein kinases 1/2 and extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2. Our study reveals that 23-HBA acts as a tumor suppressor agent and suppresses HCC tumorigenesis, metastasis and immunosuppression via blockade of the MAPK signaling pathway, suggesting that 23-HBA may serve as a promising drug target to treat HCC.
Collapse
|
6
|
Wu ZC, Liu XY, Liu JY, Piao JS, Piao MG. Preparation of Betulinic Acid Galactosylated Chitosan Nanoparticles and Their Effect on Liver Fibrosis. Int J Nanomedicine 2022; 17:4195-4210. [PMID: 36134203 PMCID: PMC9484277 DOI: 10.2147/ijn.s373430] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/06/2022] [Accepted: 08/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/23/2022] Open
Abstract
Aim Liver fibrosis is mainly characterized by the formation of fibrous scars. Galactosylated chitosan (GC) has gained increasing attention as a liver-targeted drug carrier in recent years. The present study aimed to investigate the availability of betulinic acid-loaded GC nanoparticles (BA-GC-NPs) for liver protection. Covalently-conjugated galactose, recognized by asialoglycoprotein receptors exclusively expressed in hepatocytes, was employed to target the liver. Materials and Methods Galactose was coupled to chitosan by chemical covalent binding. BA-GC-NPs were synthesized by wrapping BA into NPs via ion-crosslinking method. The potential advantage of BA-GC-NP as a liver-targeting agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis has been demonstrated in vivo and in vitro. Results BA-GC-NPs with diameters <200 nm were manufactured in a virtually spherical core-shell arrangement, and BA was released consistently and continuously for 96 h, as assessed by an in vitro release assay. According to the safety evaluation, BA-GC-NPs demonstrated good biocompatibility at the cellular level and did not generate any inflammatory reaction in mice. Importantly, BA-GC-NPs showed an inherent liver-targeting potential in the uptake behavioral studies in cells and bioimaging tests in vivo. Efficacy tests revealed that administering BA-GC-NPs in a mouse model of liver fibrosis reduced the degree of liver injury in mice. Conclusion The findings showed that BA-GC-NPs form a safe and effective anti-hepatic fibrosis medication delivery strategy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Zi Chao Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China.,Research Institute, Shijiazhuang Yiling Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd, Shijiazhuang, 050035, People's Republic of China
| | - Xin Yu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jia Yan Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing Shu Piao
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| | - Ming Guan Piao
- School of Pharmacy, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China.,Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines of the Changbai Mountain, Ministry of Education, Yanbian University, Yanji, 133002, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Lin X, Zhu L, Gao X, Kong L, Huang Y, Zhao H, Chen Y, Wen L, Li R, Wu J, Yuan Z, Yi J. Ameliorative effect of betulinic acid against zearalenone exposure triggers testicular dysfunction and oxidative stress in mice via p38/ERK MAPK inhibition and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense activation. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 238:113561. [PMID: 35489292 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113561] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/07/2022] [Revised: 04/14/2022] [Accepted: 04/20/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
Zearalenone (ZEA) is a nonsteroidal estrogenic mycotoxin, which mainly contaminates grains and has estrogen-like effects on the reproductive system. Betulinic acid (BA), a natural lupane-type pentacyclic triterpene, has anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties. This study aimed to investigate whether BA alleviates ZEA-induced testicular damage and explore the possible mechanism. Here, BA ameliorated testicular damage by mitigating the disordered arrangement of seminiferous tubules, the exfoliation of lumen cells, and the increase of cell apoptosis caused by ZEA. Meanwhile, BA alleviated ZEA-triggered testicular damage by restoring hormone levels and sperm motility, and reconstructing the blood-testis-barrier. Moreover, BA alleviated ZEA-exposed testicular oxidative stress by activating Nrf2 pathway. Furthermore, BA moderated ZEA-evoked testicular inflammation by inhibiting p38/ERK MAPK pathway. Overall, our results revealed that BA has a therapeutic protective effect on ZEA-induced testicular injury and oxidative stress via p38/ERK MAPK inhibition and Nrf2-mediated antioxidant defense activation, which provides a viable alternative to alleviate ZEA-induced male reproductive toxicology.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xing Lin
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Xinyu Gao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Li Kong
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - You Huang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Haoqiang Zhao
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Yazhi Chen
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Lixin Wen
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Rongfang Li
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Jing Wu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China
| | - Zhihang Yuan
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
| | - Jine Yi
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha 410128, China.
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zheng LY, Zou X, Wang YL, Zou M, Ma F, Wang N, Li JW, Wang MS, Hung HY, Wang Q. Betulinic acid-nucleoside hybrid prevents acute alcohol -induced liver damage by promoting anti-oxidative stress and autophagy. Eur J Pharmacol 2022; 914:174686. [PMID: 34883073 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.174686] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2021] [Revised: 12/03/2021] [Accepted: 12/03/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Alcoholic abuse is one of the most serious causes of liver diseases worldwide. Although detailed molecular pathogenesis of alcohol-induced liver damages remains elusive with intensive debates, it has been widely recognized that hepatic damage caused by free radicals generated from alcohol metabolism is one of the most critical factors for alcohol-induced liver diseases. Betulinic acid is a potent antioxidant with additional known pharmacological safety characteristics and minimal toxicity. However, poor solubility limited its usage. In this study, we assessed the efficacy of BAN, a betulinic acid and nucleoside hybrid with good water solubility, in reversing acute liver damages using an established alcohol overdose animal model. The results indicated that BAN is an extremely promising therapeutic agent against acute alcohol-induced liver damage. BAN effectively protects liver from alcohol damage by reducing serum ALT level by up to 47%, as well as liver oxidative stress indicated by significantly increased SOD, CAT, and GSH-Px levels. Moreover, hepatic FXR activation and a corresponding downstream anti-oxidative stress transcriptional cascade including Nrf2, HO-1, and NOQ1 induce the protective role of BAN. On the other hand, BAN administration also leads to increase cellular autophagy response, as indicated by the key ATG protein activation. We concluded that BAN, comparing with Betulinic acid, prevents acute alcohol-induced liver damages more effectively, with the dual mechanisms of neutralizing oxidative stress and promoting autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Li-Yun Zheng
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xi Zou
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yan-Li Wang
- National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention, Henan Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Min Zou
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Fang Ma
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ning Wang
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Jia-Wen Li
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ming-Sheng Wang
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; Henan Key Laboratory for Pharmacology of Liver Diseases, Henan Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Hsin-Yi Hung
- School of Pharmacy, College of Medicine, National Cheng Kung University, 701, Tainan, Taiwan.
| | - Qiang Wang
- Institute of Medical and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou, China; National Health Commission Key Laboratory of Birth Defect Prevention, Henan Institute of Reproductive Health Science and Technology, Zhengzhou, China; High& New Technology Research Center, Henan Academy of Sciences, Zhengzhou, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
He E, Ma Y, Kong L, Huang Y, Huang C, Yang W, Yi J, Zhu L. Suppression of endoplasmic reticulum stress-associated pathways and hepatocyte apoptosis participates in the attenuation of betulinic acid on alcohol-provoked liver injury in mice. Food Funct 2022; 13:11489-11502. [DOI: 10.1039/d2fo01042a] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/21/2022]
Abstract
BA protects against alcohol-induced liver damage through the alleviation of oxidative stress and suppression of ERS-induced apoptosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Enqi He
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- College of Food Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Yurong Ma
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
- Changsha University of Science & Technology, Changsha 410114, China
| | - Li Kong
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - You Huang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Chunlin Huang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Wenjiang Yang
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Jine Yi
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| | - Lijuan Zhu
- Hunan Engineering Research Center of Livestock and Poultry Health Care, College of Veterinary Medicine, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, 410128, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
Fu K, Wang C, Ma C, Zhou H, Li Y. The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771459. [PMID: 34803712 PMCID: PMC8600187 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| |
Collapse
|
11
|
Dokumacioğlu E, Iskender H, Terim Kapakin KA, Yenice G, Mokthare B, Bolat İ, Hayırlı A. Effect of betulinic acid administration on TLR-9/NF-κB /IL-18 levels in experimental liver injury. Turk J Med Sci 2021; 51:1544-1553. [PMID: 33773522 PMCID: PMC8283446 DOI: 10.3906/sag-2004-184] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2020] [Accepted: 03/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Background/aim Acetaminophen (APAP), used in the composition of thousands of preparations, is the most commonly used analgesic and antipyretic drug. The present study aimed to investigate the potential protective effects of the betulinic acid (BA) treatment through an APAP-induced hepatotoxicity rat model, using inflammatory, biochemical, and histopathological parameters. Materials and methods The study consisted of four groups: control group, APAP group, BA group, and APAP+BA group. Experimental studies continued for fifteen days. Serum samples were analysed for glucose, total cholesterol (TChol), triglyceride (TG), low density lipoprotein (LDL), high density lipoprotein (HDL), aspartate amino transferase (AST), malondialdehyde (MDA), toll-like receptor-9 (TLR-9), nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), and interleukin-18 (IL-18). Results TLR9, IL-18, NF-κB, and MDA levels increased significantly in liver injury groups. These increases considerably decreased by the BA treatment. All groups showed immunopositivity for 8-hydroxy-2’–deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) and interleukin (IL-1β) in the hepatocytes, inflammatory cells, and epithelial cells of bile ducts. Conclusion BA can be used as an effective agent in the prevention and treatment of acute liver diseases due to its inhibitory properties in multiple pathways and its potent antioxidant effects.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Eda Dokumacioğlu
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Healthy Sciences, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | - Hatice Iskender
- Department of Nutrition and Dietetics, Faculty of Healthy Sciences, Artvin Çoruh University, Artvin, Turkey
| | | | - Güler Yenice
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Behzat Mokthare
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - İsmail Bolat
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| | - Armağan Hayırlı
- Department of Animal Nutrition and Nutritional Disorders, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Atatürk University, Erzurum, Turkey
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Betulinic Acid Ameliorates the Severity of Acute Pancreatitis via Inhibition of the NF-κB Signaling Pathway in Mice. Int J Mol Sci 2021; 22:ijms22136871. [PMID: 34206763 PMCID: PMC8268208 DOI: 10.3390/ijms22136871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2021] [Revised: 06/21/2021] [Accepted: 06/24/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Acute pancreatitis (AP) is an inflammatory disorder, involving acinar cell death and the release of inflammatory cytokines. Currently, there are limited effective therapeutic agents for AP. Betulinic acid (BA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid extracted from Betula platyphylla that has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects. In this study, we aimed to investigate the effects of BA on AP and elucidate the potential underlying mechanisms. AP was induced in mice through six intraperitoneal injections of cerulein. After the last cerulein injection, the mice were sacrificed. Our results revealed that pre- and post-treatment with BA significantly reduced the severity of pancreatitis, as evidenced by a decrease in histological damage in the pancreas and lung, serum amylase and lipase activity and pancreatic myeloperoxidase activity. Furthermore, BA pretreatment reduced proinflammatory cytokine production, augmentation of chemokines, and infiltration of macrophages and neutrophils in the pancreas of AP mice. In addition, mice that were pretreated with BA showed a reduction in Iκ-Bα degradation and nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) binding activity in the pancreas. Moreover, BA reduced the production of proinflammatory cytokines and NF-κB activation in pancreatic acinar cells (PACs). These findings suggest that BA may have prophylactic and therapeutic effects on AP via inhibition of the NF-κB signaling pathway.
Collapse
|
13
|
Bailly C. Acankoreagenin and acankoreosides, a family of lupane triterpenoids with anti-inflammatory properties: an overview. Ann N Y Acad Sci 2021; 1502:14-27. [PMID: 34145915 DOI: 10.1111/nyas.14623] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/10/2021] [Revised: 05/12/2021] [Accepted: 05/21/2021] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Acankoreagenin (ACK, also known as acankoreanogenin and HLEDA) and impressic acid are two lupane-type triterpenes that can be isolated from various Acanthopanax and Schefflera species. They efficiently block activation of the NF-κB signaling pathway and the release of proinflammatory cytokines and/or the action of inflammation mediators (HMGB1, iNOS, and NO). These effects are the basis for the antiviral and anticancer activities reported with these pentacyclic compounds or their various glycoside derivatives. More than 15 acankoreosides (Ack-A to -O, and -R) and a few other mono- and bidesmosidic saponins (acantrifoside A and acangraciliside S) derive from the ACK aglycone. Compounds like Ack-A and -B are remarkable anti-inflammatory agents, inhibiting cytokine release from activated macrophages. Despite their effectiveness, ACK and impressic acid are far much less known and studied than the structurally related compounds betulinic acid and 23-hydroxybetulinic acid (anemosapogenin). The structural differences (notably the R/S stereoisomerism of the 3-hydroxyl group) and functional similarities of these compounds are discussed. The complete series of acankoreosides is presented for the first time. These natural products deserve further attention as anti-inflammatory agents, and ACK is recommended as a template for the design of new anticancer and antiviral drugs.
Collapse
|
14
|
Liu Y, Bi YM, Pan T, Zeng T, Mo C, Sun B, Gao L, Lyu ZP. Ethyl Acetate Fraction of Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. Ameliorates Liver Fibrosis by Inducing Autophagy via PI3K/AKT/mTOR/p70S6K Signaling Pathway. Chin J Integr Med 2021; 28:60-68. [PMID: 34105096 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-021-3298-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/17/2020] [Indexed: 12/01/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the anti-hepatic fibrosis activity of ethyl acetate fraction Dicliptera chinensis (L.) Juss. (EDC) in human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro and in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse model in vivo. METHODS For in vitro study, HSCs were pre-treated with platelet-derived growth factor (10 ng/mL) for 2 h to ensure activation and treated with EDC for 24 h and 48 h, respectively. The effect of EDC on HSCs was assessed using cell counting kit-8 assay, EdU staining, transmission electron microscopy, immunofluorescence staining, and Western blot, respectively. For in vivo experiments, mice were intraperitoneally injected with CCl4 (2 ° L/g, adjusted to a 25% concentration in olive oil), 3 times per week for 6 weeks, to develop a hepatic fibrosis model. Forty 8-week-old male C57BL/6 mice were divided into 4 groups using a random number table (n=10), including control, model, positive control and EDC treatment groups. Mice in the EDC and colchicine groups were intragastrically administered EDC (0.5 g/kg) or colchicine (0.2 mg/kg) once per day for 6 weeks. Mice in the control and model groups received an equal volume of saline. Biochemical assays and histological examinations were used to assess liver damage. Protein expression levels of α -smooth muscle actin (α -SMA) and microtubule-associated protein light chain 3B (LC3B) were measured by Western blot. RESULTS EDC reduced pathological damage associated with liver fibrosis, downregulated the expression of α -SMA and upregulated the expression of LC3B (P<0.05), both in HSCs and the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model. The intervention of bafilomycin A1 and rapamycin in HSCs strongly supported the notion that inhibition of autophagy enhanced α -SMA protein expression levels (P<0.01). The results also found that the levels of phosphoinositide (PI3K), p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, mammalian target of rapamycin (mTOR), p-mTOR, and p-p70S6K all decreased after EDC treatment (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS EDC has anti-hepatic fibrosis activity by inducing autophagy and might be a potential drug to be further developed for human liver fibrosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yuan Liu
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, 272000, China.,School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Yan-Meng Bi
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, 272000, China.,Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Affiliated Hospital of Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, 272000, China
| | - Ting Pan
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Ting Zeng
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Chan Mo
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Bing Sun
- College of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Jining Medical University, Jining, Shandong Province, 272000, China
| | - Lei Gao
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China
| | - Zhi-Ping Lyu
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, 510515, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Astragali Radix Contributes to the Inhibition of Liver Fibrosis via High-Mobility Group Box 1-Mediated Inflammatory Signaling Pathway. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5574010. [PMID: 33790974 PMCID: PMC7984916 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5574010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2021] [Revised: 02/26/2021] [Accepted: 03/02/2021] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Astragali Radix (AR), the dried root of Astragali Radix membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. or Astragali Radix membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge) Hsiao, is a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine for the treatment of liver diseases. This study aimed to comprehensively evaluate the pharmacological action and explore the potential mechanism of AR on liver fibrosis. Rats were administered with carbon tetrachloride for eight weeks, followed by oral treatment with AR for six weeks. The efficacy was confirmed by measuring liver function and liver fibrosis levels. The underlying mechanisms were explored by detecting the expression of related proteins. AR significantly decreased the serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), collagen IV (COL-IV), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), and precollagen type III (PCIII). In addition, AR inhibited the deposition of collagen and the activation of hepatic stellate cells. Those data strongly demonstrated that AR alleviated liver fibrosis by CCl4. In order to illustrate the potential inflammatory, the mRNA levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-1β were detected. Subsequently, immunohistochemistry analysis was performed to further verify the expression of type I collagen. Finally, the expression of key proteins in the inflammatory signaling pathway was detected. AR significantly reduced the expression of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1), TLR4, Myd88, RAGE, and NF-κ B p65 genes and proteins. In addition, western blotting showed AR decreased the protein expression of RAGE, p-MEK1/2, p-ERK1/2, and p-c-Jun. Taken together, our data reveal that AR significantly inhibits liver fibrosis by intervening in the HMGB1-mediated inflammatory signaling pathway and secretion signaling pathway. This study will provide valuable references for the in-depth research and development of Astragali Radix against liver fibrosis.
Collapse
|
16
|
Shu Y, Liu X, Huang H, Wen Q, Shu J. Research progress of natural compounds in anti-liver fibrosis by affecting autophagy of hepatic stellate cells. Mol Biol Rep 2021; 48:1915-1924. [PMID: 33609264 PMCID: PMC7925445 DOI: 10.1007/s11033-021-06171-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2020] [Accepted: 01/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022]
Abstract
Chronic liver diseases caused by various pathogenesis are marked by inflammatory infiltration and wound healing reaction, while their normal regeneration ability is impaired. The unbalance between the generation and the degradation of extracellular matrix (ECM) leads to collagen accumulation and develops into liver fibrosis. Inflammation, oxidative stress, and autophagy interact closely in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) can not only stimulate Kupffer cells to release massive inflammatory factors, but induce autophagy. However, the latter may suppress inflammatory reaction by inhibiting proinflammatory complex formation directly, and removing damaged organelles or pathogenic microorganism indirectly. At present, effective anti-fibrosis drugs are still lacking. Previous studies have found various natural compounds enabled liver protection through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, and other mechanisms. In recent years, autophagy, a vital life activity, has been found to be involved in the mechanism of liver fibrosis. As a new target, developing anti-liver fibrosis drugs that regulate the activity of autophagy is very promising. In this review, we summarize the latest studies about natural compounds in the treatment of liver fibrosis by regulating autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yongxiang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Xuyou Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Haifeng Huang
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Qi Wen
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| | - Jianchang Shu
- Department of Gastroenterology, GuangZhou Red Cross Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510220 China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Yu F, Dong B, Dong P, He Y, Zheng J, Xu P. Hypoxia induces the activation of hepatic stellate cells through the PVT1-miR-152-ATG14 signaling pathway. Mol Cell Biochem 2019; 465:115-123. [PMID: 31893334 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-019-03672-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2019] [Accepted: 12/01/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Increasing studies have indicated that hypoxia serves as a pivotal microenvironmental factor that facilitates activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). However, the mechanism by which hypoxia activates HSCs is not clear. Here, we demonstrated that plasmacytoma variant translocation 1 (PVT1) and autophagy were overexpressed in liver fibrotic specimens. In primary mouse HSCs, both PVT1 and autophagy were induced by hypoxia. Further study showed that hypoxia-induced autophagy depended on expression of PVT1 and miR-152 in HSCs. Luciferase reporter assay indicated that autophagy-related gene 14 (ATG14) was a direct target of miR-152. In addition, inhibition of autophagy by 3-methyladenine and Beclin-1 siRNA impeded activation of HSCs cultured in 1% O2. Taken together, autophagy induction via the PVT1-miR-152-ATG14 signaling pathway contributes to activation of HSCs under hypoxia condition.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Fujun Yu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Preparatory Stage), Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Buyuan Dong
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Peihong Dong
- Department of Infectious Diseases, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Yanghuan He
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China
| | - Jianjian Zheng
- Key Laboratory of Diagnosis and Treatment of Severe Hepato-Pancreatic Diseases of Zhejiang Province, The First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Nanbaixiang, Ouhai District, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
| | - Ping Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang District Central Hospital, Shanghai, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Songjiang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiao Tong University School of Medicine (Preparatory Stage), Shanghai, China.
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai Songjiang Clinical Medical College of Nanjing Medical University, Shanghai, China.
| |
Collapse
|
18
|
Li J, Bao G, ALyafeai E, Ding J, Li S, Sheng S, Shen Z, Jia Z, Lin C, Zhang C, Lou Z, Xu H, Gao W, Zhou K. Betulinic Acid Enhances the Viability of Random-Pattern Skin Flaps by Activating Autophagy. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1017. [PMID: 31572190 PMCID: PMC6753397 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/24/2019] [Accepted: 08/09/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Random-pattern skin flap replantation is commonly used to repair skin defects during plastic and reconstructive surgery. However, flap necrosis due to ischemia and ischemia-reperfusion injury limits clinical applications. Betulinic acid, a plant-derived pentacyclic triterpene, may facilitate flap survival. In the present study, the effects of betulinic acid on flap survival and the underlying mechanisms were assessed. Fifty-four mice with a dorsal random flap model were randomly divided into the control, betulinic acid group, and the betulinic acid + 3-methyladenine group. These groups were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide, betulinic acid, and betulinic acid plus 3-methyladenine, respectively. Flap tissues were acquired on postoperative day 7 to assess angiogenesis, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and autophagy. Betulinic acid promoted survival of the skin flap area, reduced tissue edema, and enhanced the number of microvessels. It also enhanced angiogenesis, attenuated apoptosis, alleviated oxidative stress, and activated autophagy. However, its effects on flap viability and angiogenesis, apoptosis, and oxidative stress were reversed by the autophagy inhibitor 3-methyladenine. Our findings reveal that betulinic acid improves survival of random-pattern skin flaps by promoting angiogenesis, dampening apoptosis, and alleviating oxidative stress, which mediates activation of autophagy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jiafeng Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Guodong Bao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Eman ALyafeai
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Jian Ding
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shihen Li
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Shimin Sheng
- The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zitong Shen
- Renji College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhenyu Jia
- School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chen Lin
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Chenxi Zhang
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Zhiling Lou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Huazi Xu
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Weiyang Gao
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Kailiang Zhou
- Department of Orthopaedics, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children's Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China.,Zhejiang Provincial Key Laboratory of Orthopaedics, Wenzhou, China.,The Second Clinical Medical College of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|