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Liu M, Di YM, May B, Zhang AL, Zhang L, Chen J, Wang R, Liu X, Xue CC. Renal protective effects and mechanisms of Astragalus membranaceus for diabetic kidney disease in animal models: An updated systematic review and meta-analysis. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2024; 129:155646. [PMID: 38733903 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2024.155646] [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: 01/28/2024] [Revised: 04/03/2024] [Accepted: 04/15/2024] [Indexed: 05/13/2024]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Astragalus membranaceus (AM) shows potential therapeutic benefits for managing diabetic kidney disease (DKD), a leading cause of kidney failure with no cure. However, its comprehensive effects on renal outcomes and plausible mechanisms remain unclear. PURPOSE This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to synthesize the effects and mechanisms of AM on renal outcomes in DKD animal models. METHODS Seven electronic databases were searched for animal studies until September 2023. Risk of bias was assessed based on SYRCLE's Risk of Bias tool. Standardized mean difference (SMD) or mean difference (MD) were estimated for the effects of AM on serum creatinine (SCr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), albuminuria, histological changes, oxidative stress, inflammation, fibrosis and glucolipids. Effects were pooled using random-effects models. Heterogeneity was presented as I2. Subgroup analysis investigated treatment- and animal-related factors for renal outcomes. Publication bias was assessed using funnel plots and Egger's test. Sensitivity analysis was performed to assess the results' robustness. RevMan 5.3 and Stata MP 15 software were used for statistical analysis. RESULTS Forty studies involving 1543 animals were identified for analysis. AM treatment significantly decreased SCr (MD = -19.12 μmol/l, 95 % CI: -25.02 to -13.23), BUN (MD = -6.72 mmol/l, 95 % CI: -9.32 to -4.12), urinary albumin excretion rate (SMD = -2.74, 95 % CI: -3.57, -1.90), histological changes (SMD = -2.25, 95 % CI: -3.19 to -1.32). AM treatment significantly improved anti-oxidative stress expression (SMD = 1.69, 95 % CI: 0.97 to 2.41), and decreased inflammation biomarkers (SMD = -3.58, 95 % CI: -5.21 to -1.95). AM treatment also decreased fibrosis markers (i.e. TGF-β1, CTGF, collagen IV, Wnt4 and β-catenin) and increased anti-fibrosis marker BMP-7. Blood glucose, lipids and kidney size were also improved compared with the DM control group. CONCLUSION AM could improve renal outcomes and alleviate injury through multiple signaling pathways. This indicates AM may be an option to consider for the development of future DKD therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meifang Liu
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia; Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Yuan Ming Di
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Brian May
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Anthony Lin Zhang
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia
| | - Lei Zhang
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China
| | - Junhui Chen
- Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Ruobing Wang
- Second Clinical College of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510405, China
| | - Xusheng Liu
- Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510120, China; State Key Laboratory of Dampness Syndrome of Chinese Medicine, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510120, China.
| | - Charlie Changli Xue
- China-Australia International Research Centre for Chinese Medicine, School of Health and Biomedical Sciences, RMIT University, Melbourne, 3083, Australia.
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Liu G, Wang YH, Zhang T, Li YQ, Chen XY, Dong W, Li W, Miao QX, Qiao WB, Tian HQ, Yin SL. Astragaloside-IV promotes autophagy via the Akt/mTOR pathway to improve cellular lipid deposition. Medicine (Baltimore) 2024; 103:e37846. [PMID: 38640324 PMCID: PMC11030007 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000037846] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2024] [Revised: 02/22/2024] [Accepted: 03/19/2024] [Indexed: 04/21/2024] Open
Abstract
The current study aimed to investigate the potential role of astragaloside IV (AS-IV) in improving cellular lipid deposition and its underlying mechanism. A fatty liver cell model was established by treating hepatoma cells with palmitic acid. AS-IV and SC79 were used for treatment. Oil Red O staining was applied to detect intracellular lipid deposition, and transmission electron microscopy was utilized to assess autophagosome formation. Immunofluorescence double staining was applied to determine microtubule-associated proteins 1A/1B light chain 3 (LC3) expression. Western blot analysis was performed to detect the expression of LC3, prostacyclin, Beclin-1, V-akt murine thymoma viral oncogene homolog (Akt), phosphorylated Akt, mTOR, and phosphorylated mTOR. Oil Red O staining revealed that AS-IV reduced intracellular lipid accumulation. Further, it increased autophagosome synthesis and the expression of autophagy proteins LC3 and Beclin-1 in the cells. It also reduced the phosphorylation levels of Akt and mTOR and the levels of prostacyclin. However, the effects of AS-IV decreased with SC79 treatment. In addition, LC3B + BODIPY493/503 fluorescence double staining showed that AS-IV reduced intracellular lipid deposition levels by enhancing autophagy. AS-IV can reduce lipid aggregation in fatty liver cells, which can be related to enhanced hepatocyte autophagy by inhibiting the Akt/mTOR signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guo Liu
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ye-Hui Wang
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Sichuan Province Orthopedic Hospital, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ting Zhang
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Ya-Qiong Li
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xin-Yue Chen
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Dong
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wei Li
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Qi-Xiang Miao
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Wen-Bo Qiao
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hui-Qiang Tian
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shi-Long Yin
- Qionglai Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Qionglai, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
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Sun YD, Zhang H, Li YM, Han JJ. Abnormal metabolism in hepatic stellate cells: Pandora's box of MAFLD related hepatocellular carcinoma. Biochim Biophys Acta Rev Cancer 2024; 1879:189086. [PMID: 38342420 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbcan.2024.189086] [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: 09/25/2023] [Revised: 12/25/2023] [Accepted: 02/06/2024] [Indexed: 02/13/2024]
Abstract
Metabolic associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a significant risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), as key mediators in liver injury response, are believed to play a crucial role in the repair process of liver injury. However, in MAFLD patients, the normal metabolic and immunoregulatory mechanisms of HSCs become disrupted, leading to disturbances in the local microenvironment. Abnormally activated HSCs are heavily involved in the initiation and progression of HCC. The metabolic disorders and abnormal activation of HSCs not only initiate liver fibrosis but also contribute to carcinogenesis. In this review, we provide an overview of recent research progress on the relationship between the abnormal metabolism of HSCs and the local immune system in the liver, elucidating the mechanisms of immune imbalance caused by abnormally activated HSCs in MAFLD patients. Based on this understanding, we discuss the potential and challenges of metabolic-based and immunology-based mechanisms in the treatment of MAFLD-related HCC, with a specific focus on the role of HSCs in HCC progression and their potential as targets for anti-cancer therapy. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of the importance of HSCs in maintaining normal liver function and highlights the significance of HSCs in the progression of MAFLD-related HCC.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuan-Dong Sun
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Hao Zhang
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China
| | - Yuan-Min Li
- NHC Key Laboratory of Transplant Engineering and Immunology, Frontiers Science Center for Disease-related Molecular Network, West China Hospital of Sichuan University, China
| | - Jian-Jun Han
- Department of Interventional Radiology, Shandong Cancer Hospital and Institute Affiliated Shandong First Medical University, Shandong Academy of Medical Sciences, China.
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Ji B, Xuan L, Zhang Y, Zhang G, Meng J, Mu W, Liu J, Paek KY, Park SY, Wang J, Gao W. Advances in Biotechnological Production and Metabolic Regulation of Astragalus membranaceus. PLANTS (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2023; 12:plants12091858. [PMID: 37176916 PMCID: PMC10180874 DOI: 10.3390/plants12091858] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/12/2023] [Revised: 04/13/2023] [Accepted: 04/26/2023] [Indexed: 05/15/2023]
Abstract
Legume medicinal plants Astragalus membranaceus are widely used in the world and have very important economic value, ecological value, medicinal value, and ornamental value. The bioengineering technology of medicinal plants is used in the protection of endangered species, the rapid propagation of important resources, detoxification, and the improvement of degraded germplasm. Using bioengineering technology can effectively increase the content of secondary metabolites in A. membranaceus and improve the probability of solving the problem of medicinal plant resource shortage. In this review, we focused on biotechnological research into A. membranaceus, such as the latest advances in tissue culture, including callus, adventitious roots, hairy roots, suspension cells, etc., the metabolic regulation of chemical compounds in A. membranaceus, and the research progress on the synthetic biology of astragalosides, including the biosynthesis pathway of astragalosides, microbial transformation of astragalosides, and metabolic engineering of astragalosides. The review also looks forward to the new development trend of medicinal plant biotechnology, hoping to provide a broader development prospect for the in-depth study of medicinal plants.
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Affiliation(s)
- Baoyu Ji
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Liangshuang Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Yunxiang Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Guoqi Zhang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Jie Meng
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenrong Mu
- School of Pharmacy, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou 450046, China
| | - Jingjing Liu
- School of Graduate, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin 301617, China
| | - Kee-Yoeup Paek
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - So-Young Park
- Department of Horticultural Science, Chungbuk National University, Cheongju 28644, Republic of Korea
| | - Juan Wang
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
| | - Wenyuan Gao
- School of Pharmaceutical Science and Technology, Tianjin University, Tianjin 300072, China
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An EK, Zhang W, Kwak M, Lee PCW, Jin JO. Polysaccharides from Astragalus membranaceus elicit T cell immunity by activation of human peripheral blood dendritic cells. Int J Biol Macromol 2022; 223:370-377. [PMID: 36368354 DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2022.11.048] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/16/2022] [Revised: 11/02/2022] [Accepted: 11/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/09/2022]
Abstract
Astragalus membranaceus is a widely used herbal medicine in Asia. It has been recognized as possessing various biological properties, however, studies on the activity of the A. membranaceus polysaccharide (AMP), a major component of A. membranaceus, on human peripheral blood dendritic cells (PBDCs) have not been thoroughly investigated. In this study, we found that AMP induced changes in dendritic morphology and the upregulation of activation marker expression and inflammatory cytokine production in human blood monocyte-derived dendritic cells (MDDCs). The AMP promoted the activation of both blood dendritic cell antigen 1+ (BDCA1+) and BDCA3+ PBDCs. AMP-induced secretion of cytokines in the peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) was mainly due to PBDCs. Finally, activated BDCA1+ and BDCA3+ PBDCs by AMP elicited proliferation and activation of autologous T cells, respectively. Hence, these data demonstrated that AMPs could activate dendritic and T cells in human blood, and may provide a new direction for the application of AMPs in the regulation of human immunity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Eun-Koung An
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea; Department of Medical Biotechnology, Yeungnam University, Gyeongsan 38541, Republic of Korea
| | - Wei Zhang
- Shanghai Public Health Clinical Center, Shanghai Medical College, Fudan University, Shanghai 201508, China
| | - Minseok Kwak
- Department of Chemistry, Pukyong National University, Busan, 48513, South Korea
| | - Peter Chang-Whan Lee
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, South Korea.
| | - Jun-O Jin
- Department of Microbiology, University of Ulsan College of Medicine, Asan Medical Center, Seoul 05505, Republic of Korea.
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Chen XF, Wang Y, Ji S, Sun X, Feng Q, Yu H, Liu C. Hepatoprotective Efficacy and Interventional Mechanism of Qijia Rougan Decoction in Liver Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:911250. [PMID: 35846987 PMCID: PMC9283647 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.911250] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/02/2022] [Accepted: 05/24/2022] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a leading contributor to chronic liver diseases such as cirrhosis and liver cancer, which pose a serious health threat worldwide, and there are no effective drugs to treat it. Qijia Rougan decoction was modified from Sanjiasan, a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) described in the “Wenyilun” manuscript. Qijia Rougan decoction possesses hepatoprotective and antifibrotic effects for clinical applications. However, its underlying mechanisms remain largely unknown. In this study, fibrotic rats induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) were treated with two doses of Qijia Rougan decoction. Histopathological and serum biochemical analyses were carried out to assess liver structure and function, respectively. High-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) coupled with mass spectrometry (MS) was performed to identify bioactive compositions in Qijia Rougan decoction. Transcriptome analysis using mRNA-sequencing (mRNA-Seq) was used to explore the underlying mechanisms and verified by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting. Qijia Rougan decoction significantly attenuated CCl4-induced hepatic fibrotic injury, supported by promoted liver function and improved liver fibrosis. Eight main representative components originating from raw materials in the Qijia Rougan decoction were found to possess an antifibrotic role. Mechanistically, Qijia Rougan decoction regulated biological processes such as oxidation–reduction, fatty acid metabolism, cell adhesion, and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) signaling. We determined that Qijia Rougan decoction reversed the expression of inflammatory cytokines and inhibited the activation of fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling. It also reversed the deterioration of liver structure and function in rats induced by CCl4. Overall, Qijia Rougan decoction significantly mediated metabolism-associated processes, inhibited inflammatory reactions, and repressed fibrosis-related TGFβ signaling, which prevented liver fibrosis deterioration. Our study deepens our understanding of TCM in the diagnosis and treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Han Yu
- *Correspondence: Han Yu, ; Chao Liu,
| | - Chao Liu
- *Correspondence: Han Yu, ; Chao Liu,
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Zhang J, Feng Q. Pharmacological Effects and Molecular Protective Mechanisms of Astragalus Polysaccharides on Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:854674. [PMID: 35308224 PMCID: PMC8929346 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.854674] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 02/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has been renamed metabolic dysfunction-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD), a condition for which there is now no authorized treatment. The search for new medications to treat MAFLD made from natural substances is gaining traction. The function of anti-oxidant, anti-inflammation, hypoglycaemic, antiviral, hypolipidemic, and immunomodulatory actions of Astragalus polysaccharides (APS), a chemical molecule isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, has become the focus of therapeutic attention. We have a large number of papers on the pharmacological effects of APS on NAFLD that have never been systematically reviewed before. According to our findings, APS may help to slow the progression of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFL) to non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). Lipid metabolism, insulin resistance (IR), oxidative stress (OS), endoplasmic reticulum stress (ERS), inflammation, fibrosis, autophagy, and apoptosis are some of the pathogenic pathways involved. SIRT1/PPARα/FGF21, PI3K/AKT/IRS-1, AMPK/ACC, mTOR/4EBP-1/S6K1, GRP78/IRE-1/JNK, AMPK/PGC-1/NRF1, TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB, and TGF-β/Smad pathways were the most common molecular protective mechanisms. All of the information presented in this review suggests that APS is a natural medication with a lot of promise for NAFLD, but more study, bioavailability studies, medicine type and dosage, and clinical proof are needed. This review could be useful for basic research, pharmacological development, and therapeutic applications of APS in the management of MAFLD.
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Zhang C, Li L, Hou S, Shi Z, Xu W, Wang Q, He Y, Gong Y, Fang Z, Yang Y. Astragaloside IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis and regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2021; 279:114350. [PMID: 34157326 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2021.114350] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/28/2021] [Revised: 06/02/2021] [Accepted: 06/17/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Astragalus is a medicinal herb used in China for the prevention and treatment of diseases such as diabetes and cancer. As one of the main active ingredients of astragalus, Astragaloside IV (AS-IV) has a wide range of pharmacological effects, including anti-inflammation and anti-cancer effects. AIM OF THE STUDY Different phosphorylated forms of Smad3 differentially regulate the progression of hepatic carcinoma. The phosphorylation of the COOH-terminal of Smad3 (pSmad3C) and activation of the Nrf2/HO-1 pathway inhibits hepatic carcinoma, while phosphorylation of the linker region of Smad3 (pSmad3L) promotes progression. Thus, pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways are potential targets for drug of anti-cancer development. AS-IV is anti-apoptotic and can inhibit hepatocellular carcinoma cell (HCC) proliferation, invasion, and tumor growth in nude mice. However, it is not clear whether AS-IV has a therapeutic effect on inhibiting the progression of primary liver cancer by regulating the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. The purpose of this study is to investigate whether AS-IV inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma by regulating pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway. MATERIALS AND METHODS primary liver cancer in mice induced by DEN/CCl4/C2H5OH (DCC) and HSC-T6/HepG2 cell models activated by TGF-β1 was investigated for the mechanisms of AS-IV. In vivo assays included liver biopsy, histopathology and post-mortem analysis included immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis, and in vitro assays included immunofluorescent, and Western blotting analysis. RESULTS AS-IV significantly inhibited the development of primary liver cancer, reflecting improved liver biopsy, histopathology. The incidence and multiplicity of primary liver cancer were markedly decreased by AS-IV treatment at the 20th week. AS-IV had observable effects on the TGF-β1/Smad and Nrf2/HO-1 expression in vivo, especially up-regulated pSmad3C, pNrf2, HO-1, and NQO1, while it down-regulated pSmad2C, pSmad2L, pSmad3L, PAI-1, and α-SMA at the 12th week and the 20th week. Furthermore, in vitro analysis further confirmed that AS-IV regulated the expression of pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathway in HSC-T6 and HepG2 cells activated by TGF-β1. CONCLUSION AS-IV administration delays the occurrence of primary liver cancer by continually suppressing the development of fibrosis, the mechanism of the therapeutic effect involving the regulation of the pSmad3C/3L and Nrf2/HO-1 pathways, especially in regulation reversibility and antagonism of pSmad3C and pSmad3L and promoting the phosphorylation of Nrf2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chong Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Lili Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Shu Hou
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhenghao Shi
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Wenjing Xu
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Qin Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yinghao He
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yongfang Gong
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Zhirui Fang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China
| | - Yan Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Anhui Medical University, Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immunopharmacology, Ministry of Education, Hefei 230032, China.
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Lan S, Duan J, Zeng N, Yu B, Yang X, Ning H, Huang Y, Rao Y. Network pharmacology-based screening of the active ingredients and mechanisms of Huangqi against aging. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e25660. [PMID: 33907130 PMCID: PMC8084007 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000025660] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2020] [Revised: 02/20/2021] [Accepted: 04/04/2021] [Indexed: 01/23/2023] Open
Abstract
ABSTRACT Studies have shown that Huangqi (HQ) has anti-aging efficacy. However, its active ingredients and mechanisms for anti-aging are still unclear. In this study, we will systematically screen the active ingredients of HQ and explore the possible mechanism of HQ in prevention from aging through network pharmacology technology.The main active ingredients of HQ were obtained from Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology Database and Analysis Platform (TCMSP). The possible targets were predicted by TCMSP. The related targets for aging were obtained from GeneCards (The Human Gene Database) and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM) database. The common targets of HQ and aging were obtained using R 3.6.3 software. The protein-protein interaction (PPI) network and the ingredient-target-disease network were constructed using Cytoscape 3.7.2 software for visualization. In addition, the Gene Ontology (GO) functional enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway annotation of potential targets were performed using R 3.6.3 software.Based on the screening conditions, 16 active ingredients and 28 drug targets were obtained. The PPI network contained 29 proteins, including PTGS2, AR, NOS2, and so on. GO functional enrichment analysis obtained 40 GO items (P < .05). KEGG pathway enrichment analysis obtained 110 aging related pathways (P < .05), including hypoxia inducible factor 1 signaling pathway, PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complication, among others.Sixteen effective ingredients of HQ and 28 targets against aging were identified through network pharmacology. Multiple pathways were involved in the effect of HQ on preventing aging.
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Affiliation(s)
- Siyu Lan
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang
| | - Jie Duan
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy, Pidu District People's Hospital
| | - Nan Zeng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu
| | - Bin Yu
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang
| | - Xuping Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Hong Ning
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang
| | - Yilan Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Hospital of Southwest Medical University, Luzhou, China
| | - Youyi Rao
- Department of Pharmacy, Mianyang Central Hospital, Mianyang
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Ny V, Houška M, Pavela R, Tříska J. Potential benefits of incorporating Astragalus membranaceus into the diet of people undergoing disease treatment: An overview. J Funct Foods 2021. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2020.104339] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
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Yang N, Chen H, Gao Y, Zhang S, Lin Q, Ji X, Li N, Xu W, Liu Y, Jin S. Tanshinone IIA exerts therapeutic effects by acting on endogenous stem cells in rats with liver cirrhosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 132:110815. [PMID: 33113421 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110815] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2020] [Revised: 09/18/2020] [Accepted: 09/25/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Liver cirrhosis (LC), the major pathway for the progression and development of chronic liver disease, is an advanced stage of liver disease. It is the third most common chronic noncommunicable disease after cardiovascular diseases and malignant tumors. Tanshinone IIA (Tan), an extract of Salvia miltiorrhiza (S. miltiorrhiza), has been proven to promote the proliferation and differentiation of stem cells. Moreover, its protective effect in liver injury has received widespread attention. The present study investigated whether Tan plays a therapeutic role in LC by promoting endogenous stem cell proliferation and differentiation. MATERIALS AND METHODS LC models were established by intraperitoneal injection of an olive oil solution containing 50 % carbon tetrachloride (CCL4) combined with 10 % alcohol in the drinking water. After successful model establishment, the animals were randomly divided into four groups and injected with physiological saline or low-, medium-, or high-dose (10, 20, or 40 mg/kg) Tan for seven consecutive days. The protective effect of Tan on LC was observed by western blotting, serological examination and histopathological staining. Furthermore, immunofluorescence double-labeling of 5-bromo-2-deoxyuridine (BrdU) and the liver cell markers albumin and CK-18 or the liver stem cell markers EPCAM and OV-6 was used to evaluate the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous liver stem cells. RESULTS We confirmed successful establishment of the LC model by observing transaminase levels and hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining of liver sections in CCL4-treated and healthy rats. After Tan treatment, HE and Masson staining of paraffin sections of liver tissue showed that Tan treatment significantly improved histological injury to the liver. Serological tests showed that albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) scores and models for end-stage liver disease (MELD) were lower. Immunofluorescence and immunohistochemical staining showed that the newly proliferated cells were colocalized with ALB, OV-6, EPCAM, and CK-18, indicating that new expression of these markers occurred after Tan injection. All results were most significant in the medium-dose treatment group. CONCLUSION Tan can alleviate liver injury induced by CCL4 combined with alcohol in rats and plays a therapeutic role in LC by promoting the proliferation and differentiation of endogenous liver stem cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ningning Yang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Haoyuan Chen
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Yang Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Sijia Zhang
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Qiuchi Lin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Xuechun Ji
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Ning Li
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Wanying Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Ying Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
| | - Shizhu Jin
- Department of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University, 246 Xuefu Street, Nan Gang District, Harbin, Heilongjiang Province, 150081, China.
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Ran M, Cha C, Xu Y, Zhang H, Yang Z, Li Z, Wang S. Traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex supplementation improves reproductive performance, serum biochemical parameters, and anti-oxidative capacity in periparturient dairy cows. Anim Biotechnol 2020; 33:647-656. [PMID: 32930627 DOI: 10.1080/10495398.2020.1819823] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/23/2022]
Abstract
This study was conducted to investigate the effects of a traditional Chinese herbal medicine complex (TCHMC) on the productive performance of periparturient dairy cows. Eighteen non-lactating pregnant Holstein dairy cows with similar body conditions with 1 to 2 parity were randomly divided into three groups (n = 6), receiving a basal diet with 0 (CON group), 200 (T-200 group), and 300 (T-300 group) g TCHMC per day from 14 to 9 days prepartum. The results demonstrated that TCHMC treatments decreased the days of gestation, calving to first service, and calving to first visible estrus. Compared with CON at specific time points, TCHMC treatments increased the concentrations of follicle-stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizing hormone (LH), and estradiol (E2), whereas progesterone (P4) and E2 concentrations decreased. Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and creatine kinase (CK) concentrations were downregulated, whereas that of globulin (GLB) and immunoglobulin G (IgG) were upregulated by TCHMC treatments around the time of calving. Compared with CON and T-200 treatments, the T-300 treatment increased the serum concentrations of glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) and decreased the malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration from 7 d prepartum to 21 d postpartum when. In addition, although TCHMC treatment had no effect on average birth weight, heart rate, respiratory rate, and body temperature of calves, the T-300 treatment increased serum albumin (ALB) and IgG concentrations in calves from 3 to 14 days postpartum. The addition of TCHMC used in the present study could serve as a potential effective strategy to improve the health and productive performance of periparturient dairy cows, and the optimal dose should be set at 300 g per day.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maoliang Ran
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Provincial Key Laboratory for Genetic Improvement of Domestic Animal, Changsha, China
| | - Cheng Cha
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Youtao Xu
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Hongliang Zhang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zecao Yang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China
| | - Zhicai Li
- Hunan Deren Husbandry Company Ltd, Changsha, China
| | - Shuilian Wang
- College of Veterinary Medicine and College of Animal Science and Technology, Hunan Agricultural University, Changsha, China.,Hunan Engineering Technology Research Center of Veterinary Drugs, Changsha, China
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