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Bai Y, Liang S, Zhou Y, Zhou B. Transcriptomic analysis reveals pharmacological mechanisms mediating efficacy of Yangyinghuoxue Decoction in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1364023. [PMID: 38813108 PMCID: PMC11133554 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1364023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/01/2024] [Accepted: 04/23/2024] [Indexed: 05/31/2024] Open
Abstract
Background and purpose As a traditional Chinese medicine formula, Yangyinghuoxue Decoction (YYHXD) is used clinically for therapy of hepatic fibrosis. The pharmacological profile of YYHXD comprises multiple components acting on many targets and pathways, but the pharmacological mechanisms underlying its efficacy have not been thoroughly elucidated. This study aimed at probing the pharmacological mechanisms of YYHXD in the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Methods YYHXD aqueous extract was prepared and quality control using HPLC-MS fingerprint analysis was performed. A CCl4-induced rat model of hepatic fibrosis was established, and animals were randomly assigned to six groups: control, low-dose YYHXD (L-YYHXD), medium-dose YYHXD (M-YYHXD), high-dose YYHXD (H-YYHXD), CCl4 model, and colchicine group. Rats in the treatment groups received daily oral administration of YYHXD (5, 10, or 20 g/kg) or colchicine (0.2 mg/kg) for 6 weeks, while the control and model groups received distilled water. Histological analysis, including hematoxylin and eosin (HE) and Masson's trichrome staining, was performed to evaluate hepatic fibrosis. Serum biochemical markers, such as AST, ALT, HA, and LN, were measured. Inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and oxidative stress indicators (SOD, GSH-Px, and MDA) in hepatic tissue were also assessed. Additionally, transcriptomic analysis using RNA-sequencing was conducted to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the control, CCl4 model, and H-YYHXD groups. Bioinformatics analysis, including differential expression analysis, protein-protein interaction analysis, and functional enrichment analysis, were performed to probe the pharmacological mechanisms of YYHXD. The regulatory effects of YYHXD on fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis were further confirmed by Oil Red O staining, enzyme activity assays, qPCR, and Western blotting. Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining also validated the involvement of the AMPK signaling pathway in the occurrence and progression of hepatic fibrosis. Results HE and Masson's trichrome staining revealed reduced collagen deposition and improved liver architecture in YYHXD groups compared to the CCl4 model group. Serum biochemical markers, including AST, ALT, HA, and LN, were significantly improved in the YYHXD-treated groups compared to the CCl4 model group. The levels of inflammatory cytokines (IL-6 and TNF-α) and oxidative stress indicators (decreased SOD and GSH-Px, increased MDA) in hepatic tissue were significantly ameliorated by YYHXD treatment compared to the CCl4 model group. Moreover, 96 genes implicated in YYHXD therapy of hepatic fibrosis were screened from the transcriptomic data, which were principally enriched in biological pathways such as fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis, and the AMPK signaling pathway. Oil Red O staining showed reduced hepatic lipid accumulation by YYHXD in a dose-dependent manner, along with decreased serum TG, TC, and LDL-C levels. Additionally, qPCR and Western blot analyses demonstrated upregulated mRNA and protein expression of key enzymes involved in fatty acid metabolism and biosynthesis, Fasn and Fads2, modulated by YYHXD. YYHXD also dose-dependently enhanced phosphorylation of AMPK as evidenced by Western blotting and immunofluorescence assays. Conclusion YYHXD ameliorated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats through pharmacological mechanisms that involved manifold targets and pathways, including aliphatic acid synthesis and metabolism pathways and the AMPK signaling pathway. This study provided a reference and basis for further research and clinical utilization of YYHXD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yanming Bai
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Shuang Liang
- Yinchuan Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yanhao Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Bo Zhou
- School of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
- Ningxia Regional Key Laboratory of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine for Prevention and Treatment of High Incidence, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Thilakarathna WPDW, Rupasinghe HPV. Proanthocyanidins-Based Synbiotics as a Novel Strategy for Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Risk Reduction. Molecules 2024; 29:709. [PMID: 38338453 PMCID: PMC10856248 DOI: 10.3390/molecules29030709] [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: 12/23/2023] [Revised: 01/29/2024] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/12/2024] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), the most common liver disease worldwide, is a spectrum of liver abnormalities ranging from steatosis to nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) characterized by excessive lipid accumulation. The prevalence of NAFLD is predicted to increase rapidly, demanding novel approaches to reduce the global NAFLD burden. Flavonoids, the most abundant dietary polyphenols, can reduce the risk of NAFLD. The majority of dietary flavonoids are proanthocyanidins (PACs), which are oligomers and polymers of the flavonoid sub-group flavan-3-ols. The efficacy of PAC in reducing the NAFLD risk can be significantly hindered by low bioavailability. The development of synbiotics by combining PAC with probiotics may increase effectiveness against NAFLD by biotransforming PAC into bioavailable metabolites. PAC and probiotic bacteria are capable of mitigating steatosis primarily through suppressing de novo lipogenesis and promoting fatty acid β-oxidation. PAC and probiotic bacteria can reduce the progression of steatosis to NASH mainly through ameliorating hepatic damage and inflammation induced by hepatic oxidative stress, endoplasmic reticulum stress, and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Synbiotics of PAC are superior in reducing the risk of NAFLD compared to independent administration of PAC and probiotics. The development of PAC-based synbiotics can be a novel strategy to mitigate the increasing incidence of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wasitha P. D. W. Thilakarathna
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada;
| | - H. P. Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Plant, Food, and Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Truro, NS B2N 5E3, Canada;
- Department of Pathology, Faculty of Medicine, Dalhousie University, Halifax, NS B3H 4H7, Canada
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Rao G, Peng X, Li X, An K, He H, Fu X, Li S, An Z. Unmasking the enigma of lipid metabolism in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease: from mechanism to the clinic. Front Med (Lausanne) 2023; 10:1294267. [PMID: 38089874 PMCID: PMC10711211 DOI: 10.3389/fmed.2023.1294267] [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: 09/14/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 06/21/2024] Open
Abstract
Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), formerly defined as non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), is a disorder marked by the excessive deposition of lipids in the liver, giving rise to a spectrum of liver pathologies encompassing steatohepatitis, fibrosis/cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Despite the alarming increase in its prevalence, the US Food and Drug Administration has yet to approve effective pharmacological therapeutics for clinical use. MASLD is characterized by the accretion of lipids within the hepatic system, arising from a disarray in lipid provision (whether through the absorption of circulating lipids or de novo lipogenesis) and lipid elimination (via free fatty acid oxidation or the secretion of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins). This disarray leads to the accumulation of lipotoxic substances, cellular pressure, damage, and fibrosis. Indeed, the regulation of the lipid metabolism pathway is intricate and multifaceted, involving a myriad of factors, such as membrane transport proteins, metabolic enzymes, and transcription factors. Here, we will review the existing literature on the key process of lipid metabolism in MASLD to understand the latest progress in this molecular mechanism. Notably, de novo lipogenesis and the roles of its two main transcription factors and other key metabolic enzymes are highlighted. Furthermore, we will delve into the realm of drug research, examining the recent progress made in understanding lipid metabolism in MASLD. Additionally, we will outline prospective avenues for future drug research on MASLD based on our unique perspectives.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guocheng Rao
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xi Peng
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Affiliated Hospital of North Sichuan Medical College, North Sichuan Medical College, Nanchong, China
| | - Xinqiong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Kang An
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Multimorbidity Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - He He
- Department of Laboratory Medicine, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xianghui Fu
- State Key Laboratory of Biotherapy and Cancer Center, West China Hospital, Sichuan University and Collaborative Innovation Center of Biotherapy, Chengdu, China
| | - Shuangqing Li
- General Practice Ward/International Medical Center Ward, General Practice Medical Center, National Clinical Research Center for Geriatrics, Multimorbidity Laboratory, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
| | - Zhenmei An
- Department of Endocrinology and Metabolism, West China Hospital, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Vitulo M, Gnodi E, Rosini G, Meneveri R, Giovannoni R, Barisani D. Current Therapeutical Approaches Targeting Lipid Metabolism in NAFLD. Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:12748. [PMID: 37628929 PMCID: PMC10454602 DOI: 10.3390/ijms241612748] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2023] [Revised: 08/07/2023] [Accepted: 08/10/2023] [Indexed: 08/27/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD, including nonalcoholic fatty liver (NAFL) and nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH)) is a high-prevalence disorder, affecting about 1 billion people, which can evolve to more severe conditions like cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. NAFLD is often concomitant with conditions of the metabolic syndrome, such as central obesity and insulin-resistance, but a specific drug able to revert NAFL and prevent its evolution towards NASH is still lacking. With the liver being a key organ in metabolic processes, the potential therapeutic strategies are many, and range from directly targeting the lipid metabolism to the prevention of tissue inflammation. However, side effects have been reported for the drugs tested up to now. In this review, different approaches to the treatment of NAFLD are presented, including newer therapies and ongoing clinical trials. Particular focus is placed on the reverse cholesterol transport system and on the agonists for nuclear factors like PPAR and FXR, but also drugs initially developed for other conditions such as incretins and thyromimetics along with validated natural compounds that have anti-inflammatory potential. This work provides an overview of the different therapeutic strategies currently being tested for NAFLD, other than, or along with, the recommendation of weight loss.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manuela Vitulo
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (E.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Elisa Gnodi
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (E.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Giulia Rosini
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56021 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (R.G.)
| | - Raffaella Meneveri
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (E.G.); (R.M.)
| | - Roberto Giovannoni
- Department of Biology, University of Pisa, 56021 Pisa, Italy; (G.R.); (R.G.)
| | - Donatella Barisani
- School of Medicine and Surgery, University of Milano-Bicocca, 20900 Monza, Italy; (M.V.); (E.G.); (R.M.)
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Fang X, Song J, Zhou K, Zi X, Sun B, Bao H, Li L. Molecular Mechanism Pathways of Natural Compounds for the Treatment of Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Molecules 2023; 28:5645. [PMID: 37570615 PMCID: PMC10419790 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28155645] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/03/2023] [Revised: 07/21/2023] [Accepted: 07/21/2023] [Indexed: 08/13/2023] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most common chronic liver disease in the world, and its incidence continues to increase each year. Yet, there is still no definitive drug that can stop its development. This review focuses mainly on lipotoxicity, oxidative stress, inflammation, and intestinal flora dysbiosis to understand NAFLD's pathogenesis. In this review, we used NCBI's PubMed database for retrieval, integrating in vivo and in vitro experiments to reveal the therapeutic effects of natural compounds on NAFLD. We also reviewed the mechanisms by which the results of these experiments suggest that these compounds can protect the liver from damage by modulating inflammation, reducing oxidative stress, decreasing insulin resistance and lipid accumulation in the liver, and interacting with the intestinal microflora. The natural compounds discussed in these papers target a variety of pathways, such as the AMPK pathway and the TGF-β pathway, and have significant therapeutic effects. This review aims to provide new possible therapeutic lead compounds and references for the development of novel medications and the clinical treatment of NAFLD. It offers fresh perspectives on the development of natural compounds in preventing and treating NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | | | - Lijing Li
- College of Pharmacy, Changchun University of Chinese Medicine, Changchun 130117, China; (X.F.)
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Lu Y, Yang X, Kuang Q, Wu Y, Tan X, Lan J, Qiang Z, Feng T. HBx induced upregulation of FATP2 promotes the development of hepatic lipid accumulation. Exp Cell Res 2023:113721. [PMID: 37437769 DOI: 10.1016/j.yexcr.2023.113721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/16/2023] [Revised: 07/05/2023] [Accepted: 07/09/2023] [Indexed: 07/14/2023]
Abstract
The hepatitis B Virus X (HBx) protein plays a crucial role in the HBV-induced hepatic steatosis. Fatty acid transport protein 2 (FATP2) is a key protein that is involved in hepatic lipogenesis, and it was found to be highly expressed in various metabolic diseases. However, Whether FATP2 is a key factor in the pathogenesis of HBx-induced hepatic steatosis remains unclear. In this study, we found that FATP2 was up-regulated by HBx in vitro and in vivo and participated in HBx-induced hepatic lipid accumulation. Treatment of HBx-expressing cell lines and mice with FATP2 inhibitor (FATP2i) lipofermata ameliorated HBx-induced lipid accumulation and reduced oxidative stress and inflammation caused by lipid accumulation. Moreover, the liver injury of mouse was restored after FATP2i treatment. In summary, our results reveal that FATP2 is a key driver factor for HBx-induced hepatic lipid accumulation, and inhibition of FATP2 can ameliorates lipid accumulation caused by HBx. This study provides new insights into the mechanism of HBV-induced hepatic steatosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Lu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xinyue Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Qin Kuang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Yong Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Xin Tan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Jizhong Lan
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Key Laboratory of Biochemistry and Molecular Pharmacology of Chongqing, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China
| | - Zhe Qiang
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Chongqing Academy of Chinese Materia Medica, Chongqing, 400065, China.
| | - Tao Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China; Molecular Medicine and Cancer Research Center, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, 400016, China.
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