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Cervello M, Augello G, Cocco L, Ratti S, Follo MY, Martelli AM, Cusimano A, Montalto G, McCubrey JA. The potential of the nutraceutical berberine in the treatment of hepatocellular carcinoma and other liver diseases such as NAFLD and NASH. Adv Biol Regul 2024; 92:101032. [PMID: 38693042 DOI: 10.1016/j.jbior.2024.101032] [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: 01/20/2024] [Revised: 03/04/2024] [Accepted: 04/17/2024] [Indexed: 05/03/2024]
Abstract
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is a common cancer which unfortunately has poor outcomes. Common anti-cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and targeted therapy have not increased patient survival significantly. A common treatment for HCC patients is transplantation, however, it has limitations and complications. Novel approaches are necessary to more effectively treat HCC patients. Berberine (BBR) is a nutraceutical derived from various fruits and trees, which has been used for centuries in traditional medicine to treat various diseases such as diabetes and inflammation. More recently, the anti-proliferation effects of BBR have been investigated in the treatment of patients with various cancers, especially colorectal cancer, and in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). In this review, we will focus on studies with BBR in liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Melchiorre Cervello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppa Augello
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Lucio Cocco
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Stefano Ratti
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Matilde Y Follo
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alberto M Martelli
- Dipartimento di Scienze Biomediche e Neuromotorie, Università di Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Antonella Cusimano
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Montalto
- Institute for Biomedical Research and Innovation, National Research Council (CNR), Palermo, Italy; Department of Health Promotion Sciences, Maternal and Infant Care, Internal Medicine and Medical Specialties, PROMISE, University of Palermo School of Medicine, Palermo, Italy
| | - James A McCubrey
- Department of Microbiology and Immunology, Brody School of Medicine at East Carolina University, Greenville, NC 27858, USA.
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Coppinger C, Pomales B, Movahed MR, Marefat M, Hashemzadeh M. Berberine: A Multi-Target Natural PCSK9 Inhibitor with the Potential to Treat Diabetes, Alzheimer's, Cancer and Cardiovascular Disease. Curr Rev Clin Exp Pharmacol 2024; 19:312-326. [PMID: 38361373 DOI: 10.2174/0127724328250471231222094648] [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: 08/25/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/24/2023] [Indexed: 02/17/2024]
Abstract
Berberine is a natural product with a wide range of pharmacological effects. It has antimicrobial, anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, anti-hyperlipidemic, neuroprotective, and cholesterollowering properties, among others. It has been used in traditional Chinese and Ayurvedic medicine for 3000 years and is generally well-tolerated with few side effects. Its main drawback is low oral bioavailability, which has hindered widespread clinical use. However, recent interest has surged with the emergence of evidence that berberine is effective in treating cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer's disease, and cardiovascular disease via multiple mechanisms. It enhances insulin sensitivity and secretion by pancreatic β-cells in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus in addition to reducing pro-inflammatory cytokines such as IL-6, IL-1β, TLR4 and TNF-α. These cytokines are elevated in Alzheimer's disease, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Reductions in pro-inflammatory cytokine levels are associated with positive outcomes such as improved cognition, reduced cardiovascular events, and improved glucose metabolism and insulin sensitivity. Berberine is a natural PCSK9 inhibitor, which contributes to its hypolipidemic effects. It also increases low-density lipoprotein receptor expression, reduces intestinal cholesterol absorption, and promotes cholesterol excretion from the liver to the bile. This translates into a notable decrease in LDL cholesterol levels. High LDL cholesterol levels are associated with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Novel synthetic berberine derivatives are currently being developed that optimize LDL reduction, bioavailability, and other pharmacokinetic properties.
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Affiliation(s)
- Caroline Coppinger
- Department of Chemistry, Pima College, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Briana Pomales
- Department of Chemistry, Pima College, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
| | - Mohammad Reza Movahed
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA
| | | | - Mehrnoosh Hashemzadeh
- Department of Chemistry, Pima College, Tucson, AZ, USA
- Department of Medicine, University of Arizona College of Medicine, Phoenix, USA
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Peng Z, Chen L, Wang M, Yue X, Wei H, Xu F, Hou W, Li Y. SREBP inhibitors: an updated patent review for 2008-present. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2023; 33:669-680. [PMID: 38054657 DOI: 10.1080/13543776.2023.2291393] [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: 07/18/2023] [Accepted: 11/22/2023] [Indexed: 12/07/2023]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Sterol regulatory element-binding proteins (SREBPs) are a family of membrane-binding transcription factors that activate genes encoding enzymes required for cholesterol and unsaturated fatty acid synthesis. Overactivation of SREBP is related to the occurrence and development of diabetes, nonalcoholic fatty liver, tumor, and other diseases. In the past period, many SREBP inhibitors have been found. AREAS COVERED This manuscript is a patent review of SREBP inhibitors. We searched 2008 to date for all data from the US patent database (https://www.uspto.gov/) and the European patent database (https://www.epo.org/) with 'SREBP' and 'inhibitor' as keywords and analyzed the search results. EXPERT OPINION Both synthetic and natural SREBP inhibitors have been reported. Despite the lack of cocrystal structure of SREBP inhibitor, the mechanisms of several compounds have been clarified. Importantly, some SREBP inhibitors have been proved to have good activity in preclinical studies. As the characteristics of lipid metabolism reprogramming in cardio-cerebrovascular diseases and tumors are gradually revealed, more and more attention will be focused on SREBP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhenyu Peng
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Leyuan Chen
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Manjiang Wang
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Xufan Yue
- Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Huiqiang Wei
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Feifei Xu
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Wenbin Hou
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
| | - Yiliang Li
- Institute of Radiation Medicine, Peking Union Medical College & Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences, Tianjin, China
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Li X, Geng-Ji JJ, Quan YY, Qi LM, Sun Q, Huang Q, Jiang HM, Sun ZJ, Liu HM, Xie X. Role of potential bioactive metabolites from traditional Chinese medicine for type 2 diabetes mellitus: An overview. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:1023713. [PMID: 36479195 PMCID: PMC9719995 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.1023713] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/07/2022] [Indexed: 11/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is a metabolic disease with persistent hyperglycemia primarily caused by insulin resistance (IR). The number of diabetic patients globally has been rising over the past decades. Although significant progress has been made in treating diabetes mellitus (DM), existing clinical drugs for diabetes can no longer fully meet patients when they face complex and huge clinical treatment needs. As a traditional and effective medical system, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a unique understanding of diabetes treatment and has developed many classic and practical prescriptions targeting DM. With modern medicine and pharmacy advancements, researchers have discovered that various bioactive metabolites isolated from TCM show therapeutic on DM. Compared with existing clinical drugs, these bioactive metabolites demonstrate promising prospects for treating DM due to their excellent biocompatibility and fewer adverse reactions. Accordingly, these valuable metabolites have attracted the interest of researchers worldwide. Despite the abundance of research works and specialized-topic reviews published over the past years, there is a lack of updated and systematic reviews concerning this fast-growing field. Therefore, in this review, we summarized the bioactive metabolites derived from TCM with the potential treatment of T2DM by searching several authoritative databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, and Springer Link. For the convenience of readers, the content is divided into four parts according to the structural characteristics of these valuable compounds (flavonoids, terpenoids, alkaloids, and others). Meanwhile, the detailed mechanism and future directions of these promising compounds curing DM are also summarized in the related sections. We hope this review inspires increasingly valuable and significant research focusing on potential bioactive metabolites from TCM to treat DM in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia-Jia Geng-Ji
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yun-Yun Quan
- Translational Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Academy of Chinese Medicine Sciences, Sichuan Institute for Translational Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Lu-Ming Qi
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Qiang Sun
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Qun Huang
- Department of Ophthalmology, Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hai-Mei Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Zi-Jian Sun
- Sichuan Ant Recommendation Biotechnology Co., Ltd., Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Hong-Mei Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Personalized Drug Therapy Key Laboratory of Sichuan Province, Sichuan Provincial People’s Hospital, School of Medicine, University of Electronic Science and Technology of China, Chengdu, China
| | - Xin Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Medicine Regimen and Health, School of Pharmacy and College of Medical Technology, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Martinez-Martin F, Corbella E, Sarasa I, Trias F, Petitbò D, Licerán M, Sánchez-Hernández R, Martin D, Sánchez A, Arnás C, de Dios S, Florido M, Pintó X. Effects of treatment with monacolin K, berberine and coenzyme Q10 on lipid metabolism in patients with moderate cardiovascular risk. Semergen 2022; 48:403-410. [DOI: 10.1016/j.semerg.2022.04.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/19/2022] [Revised: 03/31/2022] [Accepted: 04/15/2022] [Indexed: 11/29/2022]
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Expatiating the Pharmacological and Nanotechnological Aspects of the Alkaloidal Drug Berberine: Current and Future Trends. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 27:molecules27123705. [PMID: 35744831 PMCID: PMC9229453 DOI: 10.3390/molecules27123705] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/03/2022] [Revised: 06/03/2022] [Accepted: 06/07/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Traditionally, herbal compounds have been the focus of scientific interest for the last several centuries, and continuous research into their medicinal potential is underway. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid extracted from plants that possess a broad array of medicinal properties, including anti-diarrheal, anti-fibrotic, antidiabetic, anti-inflammatory, anti-obesity, antihyperlipidemic, antihypertensive, antiarrhythmic, antidepressant, and anxiolytic effects, and is frequently utilized as a traditional Chinese medicine. BBR promotes metabolisms of glucose and lipids by activating adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase, stimulating glycolysis and inhibiting functions of mitochondria; all of these ameliorate type 2 diabetes mellitus. BBR has also been shown to have benefits in congestive heart failure, hypercholesterolemia, atherosclerosis, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, Alzheimer’s disease, and polycystic ovary syndrome. BBR has been investigated as an interesting pharmacophore with the potential to contribute significantly to the research and development of novel therapeutic medicines for a variety of disorders. Despite its enormous therapeutic promise, the clinical application of this alkaloid was severely limited because of its unpleasant pharmacokinetic characteristics. Poor bioavailability, limited absorption, and poor water solubility are some of the obstacles that restricted its use. Nanotechnology has been suggested as a possible solution to these problems. The present review aims at recent updates on important therapeutic activities of BBR and different types of nanocarriers used for the delivery of BBR in different diseases.
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Liu X, Wang L, Tan S, Chen Z, Wu B, Wu X. Therapeutic Effects of Berberine on Liver Fibrosis are associated With Lipid Metabolism and Intestinal Flora. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:814871. [PMID: 35308208 PMCID: PMC8924518 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.814871] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/14/2021] [Accepted: 01/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver cirrhosis is a form of liver fibrosis resulting from chronic hepatitis caused by various liver diseases, such as viral hepatitis, alcoholic liver damage, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis, autoimmune liver disease, and by parasitic diseases such as schistosomiasis. Liver fibrosis is the common pathological base and precursors of cirrhosis. Inflammation and disorders of lipid metabolism are key drivers in liver fibrosis. Studies have determined that parts of the arachidonic acid pathway, such as its metabolic enzymes and biologically active products, are hallmarks of inflammation, and that aberrant peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma (PPARγ)-mediated regulation causes disorders of lipid metabolism. However, despite the ongoing research focus on delineating the mechanisms of liver fibrosis that underpin various chronic liver diseases, effective clinical treatments have yet to be developed. Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid with multiple biological activities, such as anti-inflammatory, anti-bacterial, anti-cancer, and anti-hyperlipidemic activities. Many studies have also found that BBR acts via multiple pathways to alleviate liver fibrosis. Furthermore, the absorption of BBR is increased by nitroreductase-containing intestinal flora, and is strengthened via crosstalk with bile acid metabolism. This improves the oral bioavailability of BBR, thereby enhancing its clinical utility. The production of butyrate by intestinal anaerobic bacteria is dramatically increased by BBR, thereby amplifying butyrate-mediated alleviation of liver fibrosis. In this review, we discuss the effects of BBR on liver fibrosis and lipid metabolism, particularly the metabolism of arachidonic acid, and highlight the potential mechanisms by which BBR relieves liver fibrosis through lipid metabolism related and intestinal flora related pathways. We hope that this review will provide insights on the BBR-based treatment of liver cirrhosis and related research in this area, and we encourage further studies that increase the ability of BBR to enhance liver health.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xianzhi Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Lifu Wang
- KingMed School of Laboratory Medicine, Guangzhou Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Siwei Tan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Zebin Chen
- Department of Hepatic Surgery, The First Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
| | - Xiaoying Wu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangzhou, China.,Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of Liver Disease Research, Guangzhou, China.,Department of Laboratory Medicine, The Third Affiliated Hospital of Sun Yat-sen University, Guangdong, China
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Mohtashaminia F, Amini MR, Sheikhhossein F, Djafarian K, Shab-Bidar S. Effects berberine–silymarin on liver enzymes: A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Clin Nutr ESPEN 2022; 49:181-186. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnesp.2022.01.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/10/2021] [Revised: 01/14/2022] [Accepted: 01/31/2022] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
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Nutraceuticals in Paediatric Patients with Dyslipidaemia. Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14030569. [PMID: 35276928 PMCID: PMC8840379 DOI: 10.3390/nu14030569] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/19/2021] [Revised: 01/13/2022] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 12/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the main cause of death and morbidity in the world. Childhood is a critical period during which atherosclerosis may begin to develop; in the presence of familial hypercholesterolaemia (FH), the lifelong elevation of LDL cholesterol levels greatly accelerates atherosclerosis. Lowering LDL-C levels is associated with a well-documented reduction in cardiovascular disease risk. Current guidelines support the dietary and lifestyle approach as the primary strategy of intervention in children and adolescents with FH. Nutraceuticals (functional foods or dietary supplements of plant or microbial origin) are included in the EU guidelines as lifestyle interventions and may provide an additional contribution in reducing LDL levels when pharmacological therapy is not yet indicated. Meta-analyses of randomised clinical trials have demonstrated that the same nutraceuticals improve lipid profile, including lowering LDL-C, total cholesterol and triglyceride levels. In this narrative review, starting from current scientific evidence, we analyse the benefits and limitations of the nutraceuticals in children and adolescents with dyslipidaemia, and we try to evaluate their use and safety in clinical practice.
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Rogers MA, Hutcheson JD, Okui T, Goettsch C, Singh SA, Halu A, Schlotter F, Higashi H, Wang L, Whelan MC, Mlynarchik AK, Daugherty A, Nomura M, Aikawa M, Aikawa E. Dynamin-related protein 1 inhibition reduces hepatic PCSK9 secretion. Cardiovasc Res 2021; 117:2340-2353. [PMID: 33523181 PMCID: PMC8479802 DOI: 10.1093/cvr/cvab034] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2020] [Revised: 12/29/2020] [Accepted: 01/27/2021] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
AIMS Proteostasis maintains protein homeostasis and participates in regulating critical cardiometabolic disease risk factors including proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9). Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) remodeling through release and incorporation of trafficking vesicles mediates protein secretion and degradation. We hypothesized that ER remodeling that drives mitochondrial fission participates in cardiometabolic proteostasis. METHODS AND RESULTS We used in vitro and in vivo hepatocyte inhibition of a protein involved in mitochondrial fission, dynamin-related protein 1 (DRP1). Here, we show that DRP1 promotes remodeling of select ER microdomains by tethering vesicles at ER. A DRP1 inhibitor, mitochondrial division inhibitor 1 (mdivi-1) reduced ER localization of a DRP1 receptor, mitochondrial fission factor, suppressing ER remodeling-driven mitochondrial fission, autophagy, and increased mitochondrial calcium buffering and PCSK9 proteasomal degradation. DRP1 inhibition by CRISPR/Cas9 deletion or mdivi-1 alone or in combination with statin incubation in human hepatocytes and hepatocyte-specific Drp1-deficiency in mice reduced PCSK9 secretion (-78.5%). In HepG2 cells, mdivi-1 increased low-density lipoprotein receptor via c-Jun transcription and reduced PCSK9 mRNA levels via suppressed sterol regulatory binding protein-1c. Additionally, mdivi-1 reduced macrophage burden, oxidative stress, and advanced calcified atherosclerotic plaque in aortic roots of diabetic Apoe-deficient mice and inflammatory cytokine production in human macrophages. CONCLUSIONS We propose a novel tethering function of DRP1 beyond its established fission function, with DRP1-mediated ER remodeling likely contributing to ER constriction of mitochondria that drives mitochondrial fission. We report that DRP1-driven remodeling of select ER micro-domains may critically regulate hepatic proteostasis and identify mdivi-1 as a novel small molecule PCSK9 inhibitor.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maximillian A Rogers
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Joshua D Hutcheson
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Takehito Okui
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Claudia Goettsch
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Sasha A Singh
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Arda Halu
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Florian Schlotter
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Hideyuki Higashi
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Lixiang Wang
- Department of Medical Biochemistry, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Mary C Whelan
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Andrew K Mlynarchik
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Alan Daugherty
- Saha Cardiovascular Research Center and Department of Physiology, University of Kentucky, Lexington, KY 40536, USA
| | - Masatoshi Nomura
- Division of Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Kurume University School of Medicine, Kurume 830-0011, Japan
| | - Masanori Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
| | - Elena Aikawa
- Center for Interdisciplinary Cardiovascular Sciences, Cardiovascular Medicine, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Center for Excellence in Vascular Biology, Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Harvard Medical School, Boston, MA 02115, USA
- Department of Human Pathology, Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University, Moscow 119992, Russia
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Nutraceutical Combinations in Hypercholesterolemia: Evidence from Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trials. Nutrients 2021; 13:nu13093128. [PMID: 34579005 PMCID: PMC8470433 DOI: 10.3390/nu13093128] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/06/2021] [Revised: 09/04/2021] [Accepted: 09/06/2021] [Indexed: 12/27/2022] Open
Abstract
There is an increasing number of nutraceutical combinations (NCs) on the market for hypercholesterolemia, although clinical trials to verify their safety and efficacy are scarce. We selected fourteen randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials (RCTs) on different lipid-lowering NCs in hypercholesterolemic subjects. We described each compound's mechanism of action and efficacy in the mixtures and summarized the clinical trials settings and NCs safety and efficacy results. Almost all NCs resulted efficient against hypercholesterolemia; only one reported no changes. Interestingly, red yeast rice (RYR) was present in eleven mixtures. It is not clear whether the lipid-lowering efficacy of these combinations derives mainly from the RYR component monacolin K "natural statin" single effect. Up to now, few RCTs have verified the efficacy of every single compound vs. NCs to evaluate possible additive or synergistic effects, probably due to the complexity and the high resources request. In conclusion, to manage the arising nutraceutical tide against hypercholesterolemia, it could be helpful to increase the number and robustness of clinical studies to verify the efficacy and safety of the new NCs.
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12
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Li DD, Yu P, Xiao W, Wang ZZ, Zhao LG. Berberine: A Promising Natural Isoquinoline Alkaloid for the Development of Hypolipidemic Drugs. Curr Top Med Chem 2021; 20:2634-2647. [PMID: 32901585 DOI: 10.2174/1568026620666200908165913] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/22/2020] [Revised: 05/28/2020] [Accepted: 06/10/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
Berberine, as a representative isoquinoline alkaloid, exhibits significant hypolipidemic activity in both animal models and clinical trials. Recently, a large number of studies on the lipid-lowering mechanism of berberine and studies for improving its hypolipidemic activity have been reported, but for the most part, they have been either incomplete or not comprehensive. In addition, there have been a few specific reviews on the lipid-reducing effect of berberine. In this paper, the physicochemical properties, the lipid-lowering mechanism, and studies of the modification of berberine all are discussed to promote the development of berberine as a lipid-lowering agent. Subsequently, this paper provides some insights into the deficiencies of berberine in the study of lipid-lowering drug, and based on the situation, some proposals are put forward.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dong-Dong Li
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Pan Yu
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
| | - Wei Xiao
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang South Road, Lianyungang 222001, China
| | - Zhen-Zhong Wang
- Jiangsu Kanion Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., 58 Haichang South Road, Lianyungang 222001, China
| | - Lin-Guo Zhao
- Jiangsu Co-Innovation Center of Efficient Processing and Utilization of Forest Resources, Nanjing Forestry University, Nanjing 210037, China,College of Chemical Engineering, Nanjing Forestry University, 159 Long Pan Road, Nanjing 210037, China
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Li D, Cao M, Li Y, Qu C. Regulatory Effects of Berberine on Adipogenic Differentiation in Porcine Intramuscular Preadipocytes Through the Multi-Gene Pattern. INT J PHARMACOL 2021. [DOI: 10.3923/ijp.2021.103.112] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/15/2022]
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14
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Khodarahmi A, Javidmehr D, Eshaghian A, Ghoreshi ZAS, Karimollah A, Yousefi H, Moradi A. Curcumin exerts hepatoprotection via overexpression of Paraoxonase-1 and its regulatory genes in rats undergone bile duct ligation. J Basic Clin Physiol Pharmacol 2020; 32:969-977. [PMID: 34592082 DOI: 10.1515/jbcpp-2020-0067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2020] [Accepted: 08/14/2020] [Indexed: 01/08/2023]
Abstract
OBJECTIVES Curcumin is described as an antioxidant, hepato-protective and antifibrotic in liver fibrosis, although its mechanism is still not known. One of the models of the chronic liver disease stemming from oxidative stress and the generation of free radical has been considered to be bile duct ligation (BDL). Paraoxonase 1 (PON1) is a prominent antioxidant enzyme. Therefore, the objective of the present research is to assess the effects of curcumin on upregulation of PON1 in BDL rats. METHODS As predicted, the rats have been divided into the four groups of Sham, Sham + Cur (curcumin), BDL and BDL + Cur. We evaluated the efficacy of curcumin (100 mg/kg/day) on protein and gene expression of PON1 and regulatory genes contributed to the gene expression PON1 such as Sp1, PKCα, SREBP-2, AhR, JNK and regulation PON1 activity gene expression of Apo A1. RESULTS Curcumin attenuated alterations in liver histology, hepatic enzymes and the mRNA expression of fibrotic markers (p<0.05). In addition, curcumin increased significantly mRNA, protein expression of PON1 and mRNA of the genes that are contributed to the expression of PON1 such as Sp1, PKCα, SREBP-2, AhR, JNK and increased PON1 activity through upregulation of Apo A1 (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Cirrhosis progression may be inhibited by treatment with curcumin through the increased influence the expression and activity of PON1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ameneh Khodarahmi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Davoud Javidmehr
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Azam Eshaghian
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Zohreh-Al-Sadat Ghoreshi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Alireza Karimollah
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences, Yazd, Iran
| | - Hamidreza Yousefi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
| | - Ali Moradi
- Department of Biochemistry, School of Medicine, Shahid Sadoughi University of Medical Sciences and Health Services, Yazd, Iran
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Xu X, Yi H, Wu J, Kuang T, Zhang J, Li Q, Du H, Xu T, Jiang G, Fan G. Therapeutic effect of berberine on metabolic diseases: Both pharmacological data and clinical evidence. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 133:110984. [PMID: 33186794 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110984] [Citation(s) in RCA: 86] [Impact Index Per Article: 21.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2020] [Revised: 11/01/2020] [Accepted: 11/03/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The increased incidence of metabolic diseases (e.g., diabetes and obesity) has seriously affected human health and life safety worldwide. It is of great significance to find effective drugs from natural compounds to treat metabolic diseases. Berberine (BBR), an important quaternary benzylisoquinoline alkaloid, exists in many traditional medicinal plants. In recent years, BBR has received widespread attention due to its good potential in the treatment of metabolic diseases. In order to promote the basic research and clinical application of BBR, this review provides a timely and comprehensive summary of the pharmacological and clinical advances of BBR in the treatment of five metabolic diseases, including type 2 diabetes mellitus, obesity, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hyperlipidemia, and gout. Both animal and clinical studies have proved that BBR has good therapeutic effects on these five metabolic diseases. The therapeutic effects of BBR are based on regulating various metabolic aspects and pathophysiological procedures. For example, it can promote insulin secretion, improve insulin resistance, inhibit lipogenesis, alleviate adipose tissue fibrosis, reduce hepatic steatosis, and improve gut microbiota disorders. Collectively, BBR may be a good and promising drug candidate for the treatment of metabolic diseases. More studies, especially clinical trials, are needed to further confirm its molecular mechanisms and targets. In addition, large-scale, long-term and multi-center clinical trials are necessary to evaluate the efficacy and safety of BBR in the treatment of these metabolic diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xinmei Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Huan Yi
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jiasi Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tingting Kuang
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jing Zhang
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Qi Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Huan Du
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Tong Xu
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Guihua Jiang
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
| | - Gang Fan
- School of Ethnic Medicine, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China.
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Cao S, Xu P, Yan J, Liu H, Liu L, Cheng L, Qiu F, Kang N. Berberrubine and its analog, hydroxypropyl-berberrubine, regulate LDLR and PCSK9 expression via the ERK signal pathway to exert cholesterol-lowering effects in human hepatoma HepG2 cells. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:1340-1349. [PMID: 30335889 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.27102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2017] [Accepted: 04/27/2018] [Indexed: 01/24/2023]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR), the major isoquinoline alkaloid in Chinese herb Rhizoma coptidis, has significant lipid-lowering effect by upregulating hepatic low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression. In a previous study, we have indicated that berberrubine (M3), a major metabolite of BBR in vivo, displays the most potential hypolipidemic effects via upregulating LDLR expression in human hepatoma (HepG2) cells compared with BBR and 3 other metabolites. Accordingly, 9 M3 analogs (A1-A9) were modified at the C9 position. We aimed to find a new promising agent by evaluating the cholesterol-lowering effect and clarifying the related molecular mechanism. In the current study, the cellular cholesterol content was assayed with a commercial cholesterol assay kit. Real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot assay were used to explore the molecular mechanism of M3 and its analogs on the hypolipidemic effect. Among M3 and its analogs, hydroxypropyl-berberrubine (A8) exhibited the highest potential effects on the upregulation of LDLR expression, which was accompanied by a steady decline of proprotein convertase subtilisin/kexin type 9 (PCSK9) messenger RNA and protein levels. Furthermore, inhibition of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) activity with PD98059 prevented the upregulation of LDLR and downregulation of PCSK9 induced by A8. The current study revealed that M3 and its structurally modified analog, A8, could regulate hepatic LDLR and PCSK9 expression to exert lipid-lowering effects via the ERK signal pathway, while A8 showed a stronger effect and might be a promising drug candidate against hyperlipidemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shijie Cao
- Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Peixiang Xu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Jiankun Yan
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,College of Science and Technology, Agricultural University of Hebei, Huanghua, China
| | - Hui Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, Shenyang, China
| | - Lu Liu
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Lina Cheng
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Feng Qiu
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
| | - Ning Kang
- School of Integrative Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China.,Tianjin State Key Laboratory of Modern Chinese Medicine, Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
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17
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Add-on therapy with traditional Chinese medicine: An efficacious approach for lipid metabolism disorders. Pharmacol Res 2018; 134:200-211. [PMID: 29935947 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2018.06.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 17] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/17/2018] [Revised: 05/28/2018] [Accepted: 06/05/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Add-on therapy with traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been extensively researched in the intractable diseases, such as asthma, cancer, and Alzheimer's disease. As an entirely new concept, add-on therapy of TCM has been also used to prevent and treat hyperlipidemia via lowering cholesterol level. However, the efficacy of add-on therapy with TCM for mediating lipid metabolism disorders remains controversial. In this review, we summarize and provide strong evidence that add-on therapy of TCM as a novel approach is efficacious and safe for hyperlipidemia associated diseases based on the mediation of lipid metabolism disorders.
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The Ameliorating Effect of Berberine-Rich Fraction against Gossypol-Induced Testicular Inflammation and Oxidative Stress. OXIDATIVE MEDICINE AND CELLULAR LONGEVITY 2018; 2018:1056173. [PMID: 29849861 PMCID: PMC5903196 DOI: 10.1155/2018/1056173] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 02/17/2018] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
Abstract
This study was aimed at evaluating the efficacy of berberine-rich fraction (BF) as a protective and/or a therapeutic agent against inflammation and oxidative stress during male infertility. Sexually mature Sprague-Dawley male rats were divided into five groups treated with either corn oil, BF (100 mg/kg BW, orally, daily for 30 days), gossypol acetate (5 mg/kg BW, i.p.) eight times for 16 days, BF alone for 14 days then coadministered with gossypol acetate for the next 16 days (protected group), or gossypol acetate for 16 days then treated with BF for 30 days (treated group). All animals completed the experimental period (46 days) without obtaining any treatments in the gap period. Sperm parameters, oxidative index, and inflammatory markers were measured. Gossypol injection significantly decreased the semen quality and testosterone level that resulted from the elevation of testicular reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (TBARS and NO), TNF-α, TNF-α-converting enzyme, and interleukins (IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-18) by 230, 180, 12.5, 97.9, and 300%, respectively, while interleukin-12 and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases-3 were significantly decreased by 59 and 66%, respectively. BF (protected and treated groups) significantly improved the semen quality, oxidative stress, and inflammation associated with male infertility. It is suitable to use more advanced studies to validate these findings.
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Abstract
Metabolic Syndrome (MetS), affecting at least 30% of adults in the Western World, is characterized by three out of five variables, from high triglycerides, to elevated waist circumference and blood pressure. MetS is not characterized by elevated cholesterolemia, but is rather the consequence of a complex interaction of factors generally leading to increased insulin resistance. Drug treatments are of difficult handling, whereas well-characterized nutraceuticals may offer an effective alternative. Among these, functional foods, e.g. plant proteins, have been shown to improve insulin resistance and reduce triglyceride secretion. Pro- and pre-biotics, that are able to modify intestinal microbiome, reduce absorption of specific nutrients and improve the metabolic handling of energy-rich foods. Finally, specific nutraceuticals have proven to be of benefit, in particular, red-yeast rice, berberine, curcumin as well as vitamin D. All these can improve lipid handling by the liver as well as ameliorate insulin resistance. While lifestyle approaches, such as with the Mediterranean diet, may prove to be too complex for the single patient, better knowledge of selected nutraceuticals and more appropriate formulations leading to improved bioavailability will certainly widen the use of these agents, already in large use for the management of these very frequent patient groups. Key messages Functional foods, e.g. plant proteins, improve insulin resistance. Pro- and pre-biotics improve the metabolic handling of energy-rich foods. Nutraceutical can offer a significant help in handling MetS patients being part of lifestyle recommendations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cesare R Sirtori
- a Centro Dislipidemie , A.S.S.T. Grande Ospedale Metropolitano Niguarda , Milan , Italy
| | - Chiara Pavanello
- b Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Centro E. Grossi Paoletti , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Laura Calabresi
- b Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari, Centro E. Grossi Paoletti , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
| | - Massimiliano Ruscica
- c Dipartimento di Scienze Farmacologiche e Biomolecolari , Università degli Studi di Milano , Milan , Italy
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Pirro M, Vetrani C, Bianchi C, Mannarino MR, Bernini F, Rivellese AA. Joint position statement on "Nutraceuticals for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia" of the Italian Society of Diabetology (SID) and of the Italian Society for the Study of Arteriosclerosis (SISA). Nutr Metab Cardiovasc Dis 2017; 27:2-17. [PMID: 27956024 DOI: 10.1016/j.numecd.2016.11.122] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/27/2016] [Revised: 11/17/2016] [Accepted: 11/17/2016] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
AIM Evidence showed that LDL-cholesterol lowering is associated with a significant cardiovascular risk reduction. The initial therapeutic approach to hypercholesterolemia includes dietary modifications but the compliance to recommendations is often inadequate. Some dietary components with potential cholesterol-lowering activity are present in small amounts in food. Therefore, in recent years the use of "nutraceuticals" (i.e., nutrients and/or bioactive compounds with potential beneficial effects on human health) has become widespread. Such substances may be added to foods and beverages, or taken as dietary supplements (liquid preparations, tablets, capsules). In the present manuscript, the cholesterol-lowering activity of some nutraceuticals (i.e. fiber, phytosterols, soy, policosanol, red yeast rice and berberine) will be discussed along with: 1) the level of evidence on the cholesterol-lowering efficacy emerging from clinical trial; 2) the possible side effects associated with their use; 3) the categories of patients who could benefit from their use. DATA SYNTHESIS Based on the current literature, the cholesterol-lowering effect of fiber, phytosterols and red yeast rice is consistent and supported by a good level of evidence. Over berberine, there is sufficient evidence showing significant cholesterol-lowering effects, although the results come from studies carried out almost exclusively in Asian populations. Data on the effects of soy are conflicting and, therefore, the strength of recommendation is quite low. The evidence on policosanol is inconclusive. CONCLUSION Although health benefits may arise from the use of nutraceuticals with cholesterol-lowering activity, their use might be also associated with possible risks and pitfalls, some of which are common to all nutraceuticals whereas others are related to specific nutraceuticals.
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Affiliation(s)
- M Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy; Italian Society for the Study of Arteriosclerosis (SISA), Italy
| | - C Vetrani
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italy
| | - C Bianchi
- Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italy; Unit of Diabetology and Metabolic Diseases, Department of Medical Area "Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria Pisana", Pisa, Italy
| | - M R Mannarino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy; Italian Society for the Study of Arteriosclerosis (SISA), Italy
| | - F Bernini
- Italian Society for the Study of Arteriosclerosis (SISA), Italy; Department of Pharmacy, University of Parma, Parma, Italy
| | - A A Rivellese
- Department of Clinical Medicine and Surgery, "Federico II" University, Naples, Italy; Italian Society of Diabetology (SID), Italy.
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21
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Kartawijaya M, Han HW, Kim Y, Lee SM. Genistein upregulates LDLR levels via JNK-mediated activation of SREBP-2. Food Nutr Res 2016; 60:31120. [PMID: 27211318 PMCID: PMC4876195 DOI: 10.3402/fnr.v60.31120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/26/2016] [Revised: 04/20/2016] [Accepted: 04/20/2016] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Genistein has been proved in vitro and in vivo to lower LDLR level. It is also widely consumed and implicated for its anti-atherogenic effects. However, the molecular mechanism by which genistein lowers the LDL level is still unknown. Objective To understand the anti-atherogenic molecular mechanism of action, genistein was investigated for its impact on the expression of LDLR, the receptor for LDL cholesterol, and related signaling pathways in a human hepatoma cell line. Design HepG2 cell was used for the experiments. Genistein with different concentrations was diluted in media and was incubated for 24 h or more as indicated. Protein levels were measured by western blotting, and mRNA expression was detected by RT-qPCR. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay (CHIP) assay was used to determine protein binding levels, and luciferase assay was used to measure promoter activity. Result Genistein increased the mRNA and protein levels of LDLR in a time-dependent manner. Genistein increased the transcriptional activity of the LDLR promoter containing the reporter gene (pLDLR-luc, −805 to +50). But the sterol regulatory element deletion mutant construct failed to be activated by genistein. Genistein increased the nuclear fraction of SREBP-2 and the DNA-binding activity of SREBP-2 to LDLR promoter, as assessed by CHIP. The genistein-phosphorylated JNK inhibitor (SP600126) abolished the genistein-stimulated levels of LDLR and the nuclear SREBP-2. The addition of cholesterol up to 5 µg/mL for 24 h did not affect the effect of genistein on LDLR protein expression. Even the addition of 40 µM genistein increased the cholesterol uptake by more than 10% in the human hepatoma cell line. Conclusion Our data support the idea that genistein may have anti-atherogenic effects by activating JNK signals and SREBP-2 processing, which is followed by the upregulation of LDLR.
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Affiliation(s)
- Medicia Kartawijaya
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Hye Won Han
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Yunhye Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea
| | - Seung-Min Lee
- Department of Food and Nutrition, College of Human Ecology, Yonsei University, Seoul, South Korea;
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Sahebkar A, Serban MC, Gluba-Brzózka A, Mikhailidis DP, Cicero AF, Rysz J, Banach M. Lipid-modifying effects of nutraceuticals: An evidence-based approach. Nutrition 2016; 32:1179-92. [PMID: 27324061 DOI: 10.1016/j.nut.2016.04.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 131] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/03/2015] [Revised: 04/04/2016] [Accepted: 04/17/2016] [Indexed: 01/14/2023]
Abstract
The present review provides an up-to-date summary of the findings on the lipid-lowering effects of the most important nutraceuticals and functional foods. Based on current knowledge, nutraceuticals might exert significant lipid-lowering, and their use has several advantages: A number of important questions remain to be addressed, including whether longer durations of therapy would result in a better response and the exact safety profile of nutraceuticals, especially at doses higher than those consumed in an average diet. Additionally, data regarding the effects of nutraceutical supplementation on the incidence of cardiovascular outcomes are lacking, and it is not clear whether additional lipid lowering by nutraceuticals can modify the residual cardiovascular risk that remains after statin therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Amirhossein Sahebkar
- Biotechnology Research Center, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran; Metabolic Research Centre, Royal Perth Hospital, School of Medicine and Pharmacology, University of Western Australia, Perth, Australia
| | - Maria-Corina Serban
- Department of Functional Sciences, Discipline of Pathophysiology, "Victor Babes" University of Medicine and Pharmacy, Timisoara, Romania
| | - Anna Gluba-Brzózka
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Dimitri P Mikhailidis
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry, Royal Free Campus, University College London Medical School, University College London, London, United Kingdom
| | - Arrigo F Cicero
- Medical and Surgical Sciences Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Jacek Rysz
- Department of Nephrology, Hypertension and Family Medicine, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland
| | - Maciej Banach
- Department of Hypertension, Medical University of Lodz, Lodz, Poland.
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Adil M, Kandhare AD, Dalvi G, Ghosh P, Venkata S, Raygude KS, Bodhankar SL. Ameliorative effect of berberine against gentamicin-induced nephrotoxicity in rats via attenuation of oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis and mitochondrial dysfunction. Ren Fail 2016; 38:996-1006. [DOI: 10.3109/0886022x.2016.1165120] [Citation(s) in RCA: 73] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
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24
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Chang W, Chen L, Hatch GM. Berberine treatment attenuates the palmitate-mediated inhibition of glucose uptake and consumption through increased 1,2,3-triacyl-sn-glycerol synthesis and accumulation in H9c2 cardiomyocytes. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Cell Biol Lipids 2016; 1861:352-62. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbalip.2015.12.017] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2015] [Revised: 12/23/2015] [Accepted: 12/24/2015] [Indexed: 01/22/2023]
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Lam P, Cheung F, Tan HY, Wang N, Yuen MF, Feng Y. Hepatoprotective Effects of Chinese Medicinal Herbs: A Focus on Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidative Activities. Int J Mol Sci 2016; 17:465. [PMID: 27043533 PMCID: PMC4848921 DOI: 10.3390/ijms17040465] [Citation(s) in RCA: 93] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/28/2016] [Revised: 03/21/2016] [Accepted: 03/21/2016] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
The liver is intimately connected to inflammation, which is the innate defense system of the body for removing harmful stimuli and participates in the hepatic wound-healing response. Sustained inflammation and the corresponding regenerative wound-healing response can induce the development of fibrosis, cirrhosis and eventually hepatocellular carcinoma. Oxidative stress is associated with the activation of inflammatory pathways, while chronic inflammation is found associated with some human cancers. Inflammation and cancer may be connected by the effect of the inflammation-fibrosis-cancer (IFC) axis. Chinese medicinal herbs display abilities in protecting the liver compared to conventional therapies, as many herbal medicines have been shown as effective anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative agents. We review the relationship between oxidative stress and inflammation, the development of hepatic diseases, and the hepatoprotective effects of Chinese medicinal herbs via anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative mechanisms. Moreover, several Chinese medicinal herbs and composite formulae, which have been commonly used for preventing and treating hepatic diseases, including Andrographis Herba, Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma, Ginseng Radix et Rhizoma, Lycii Fructus, Coptidis Rhizoma, curcumin, xiao-cha-hu-tang and shi-quan-da-bu-tang, were selected for reviewing their hepatoprotective effects with focus on their anti-oxidative and ant-inflammatory activities. This review aims to provide new insight into how Chinese medicinal herbs work in therapeutic strategies for liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puiyan Lam
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Fan Cheung
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Man Fung Yuen
- Division of Gastroenterology and Hepatology, Queen Mary Hospital and Department of Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China.
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Chang W, Li K, Guan F, Yao F, Yu Y, Zhang M, Hatch GM, Chen L. Berberine Pretreatment Confers Cardioprotection Against Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury in a Rat Model of Type 2 Diabetes. J Cardiovasc Pharmacol Ther 2016; 21:486-94. [PMID: 26846272 DOI: 10.1177/1074248415627873] [Citation(s) in RCA: 46] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/19/2015] [Accepted: 11/28/2015] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Preclinical and clinical studies have demonstrated that berberine (BBR) improves diabetic complications and reduces mortality of patients with congestive heart failure. The therapeutic effects of BBR have been reported to be mediated by its regulation of adenosine monophosphate (AMP)-activated protein kinase (AMPK). We previously reported that BBR protects against ischemia-reperfusion injury via regulating AMPK activity in both ischemic and nonischemic areas of the rat heart. Since diabetic hearts are more sensitive to ischemia-reperfusion injury, we examined whether BBR treatment exhibited cardioprotective effects in the diabetic heart. Type 2 diabetic rats were pretreated plus or minus BBR for 7 days and subjected to 30-minute ischemia followed by 120-minute reperfusion. Pretreatment of type 2 diabetic rats with BBR reduced ischemia-reperfusion injury infarct size and attenuated arrhythmia compared to untreated diabetic controls. Subsequent to ischemia-reperfusion, serum triglyceride, total cholesterol, and malondialdehyde levels were reduced by pretreatment of type 2 diabetic rats with BBR compared to untreated diabetic controls. In contrast, serum glucose and superoxide dismutase levels were unaltered. The mechanism for the BBR-mediated cardioprotective effect was examined. Pretreatment with BBR did not alter AMPK activity in ischemic areas at risk but increased AMPK activity in nonischemic areas compared to untreated diabetic controls. The increased AMPK activity in nonischemic areas was due an elevated ratio of AMP to adenosine triphosphate (ATP) and adenosine diphosphate to ATP. In addition, pretreatment with BBR increased protein kinase B (AKT) phosphorylation and reduced glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK3β) activity in nonischemic areas compared to untreated diabetic controls. These findings indicate that BBR protects the diabetic heart from ischemia-reperfusion injury. In addition, BBR may mediate this cardioprotective effect through AMPK activation, AKT phosphorylation, and GSK3β inhibition in the nonischemic areas of the diabetic heart.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Center for Research and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada DREAM Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Kun Li
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fengying Guan
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Fan Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Yang Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
| | - Ming Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Center for Research and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada DREAM Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Grant M Hatch
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, Center for Research and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada DREAM Children's Hospital Research Institute of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Center for Research and Treatment of Atherosclerosis, University of Manitoba, Winnipeg, Manitoba, Canada
| | - Li Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Basic Medical Sciences, School of Nursing, Jilin University, Changchun, China
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Jin Y, Khadka DB, Cho WJ. Pharmacological effects of berberine and its derivatives: a patent update. Expert Opin Ther Pat 2015; 26:229-43. [PMID: 26610159 DOI: 10.1517/13543776.2016.1118060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 100] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/27/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION A number of plant-derived agents are used in many therapeutic areas. Berberine, an important protoberberine alkaloid, is present in a number of medicinal plants that have been widely used in traditional Chinese medicine for hundreds of years. Modern research has shown that berberine and its derivatives display several pharmacological effects through various mechanisms. AREAS COVERED This review discusses recent and mostly Chinese patents that report the synthesis of berberine, berberine derivatives and berberine salts, and methods of preparation for formulations (traditional Chinese medicine) containing herbal components rich in berberine, along with their applications. The review covers several therapeutic effects of berberine, its derivatives and pharmaceutical formulations against cancer, obesity, diabetes, inflammation, atherosclerosis, Alzheimer's disease, rheumatoid arthritis and cardiovascular diseases. In addition, the mechanisms underlying the pharmacological effects are discussed. EXPERT OPINION Modification of the functional groups of berberine has a significant effect on the pharmacological activity. However, studies on altering the atoms and size of the berberine skeleton are rare. Thus, it may be beneficial to initiate a drug development program focused on inserting heterocyclic rings of different sizes into berberine. Furthermore, structural modification to improve the safety, efficacy and selectivity is necessary to promote the use of berberine-based drugs in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yifeng Jin
- a College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Daulat B Khadka
- a College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
| | - Won-Jea Cho
- a College of Pharmacy and Research Institute of Drug Development , Chonnam National University , Gwangju , Republic of Korea
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Casey SC, Amedei A, Aquilano K, Azmi AS, Benencia F, Bhakta D, Bilsland AE, Boosani CS, Chen S, Ciriolo MR, Crawford S, Fujii H, Georgakilas AG, Guha G, Halicka D, Helferich WG, Heneberg P, Honoki K, Keith WN, Kerkar SP, Mohammed SI, Niccolai E, Nowsheen S, Vasantha Rupasinghe HP, Samadi A, Singh N, Talib WH, Venkateswaran V, Whelan RL, Yang X, Felsher DW. Cancer prevention and therapy through the modulation of the tumor microenvironment. Semin Cancer Biol 2015; 35 Suppl:S199-S223. [PMID: 25865775 PMCID: PMC4930000 DOI: 10.1016/j.semcancer.2015.02.007] [Citation(s) in RCA: 249] [Impact Index Per Article: 27.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/22/2014] [Revised: 02/26/2015] [Accepted: 02/27/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Cancer arises in the context of an in vivo tumor microenvironment. This microenvironment is both a cause and consequence of tumorigenesis. Tumor and host cells co-evolve dynamically through indirect and direct cellular interactions, eliciting multiscale effects on many biological programs, including cellular proliferation, growth, and metabolism, as well as angiogenesis and hypoxia and innate and adaptive immunity. Here we highlight specific biological processes that could be exploited as targets for the prevention and therapy of cancer. Specifically, we describe how inhibition of targets such as cholesterol synthesis and metabolites, reactive oxygen species and hypoxia, macrophage activation and conversion, indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase regulation of dendritic cells, vascular endothelial growth factor regulation of angiogenesis, fibrosis inhibition, endoglin, and Janus kinase signaling emerge as examples of important potential nexuses in the regulation of tumorigenesis and the tumor microenvironment that can be targeted. We have also identified therapeutic agents as approaches, in particular natural products such as berberine, resveratrol, onionin A, epigallocatechin gallate, genistein, curcumin, naringenin, desoxyrhapontigenin, piperine, and zerumbone, that may warrant further investigation to target the tumor microenvironment for the treatment and/or prevention of cancer.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stephanie C Casey
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States
| | - Amedeo Amedei
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence, Italy
| | - Katia Aquilano
- Department of Biology, University of Rome "Tor Vergata", Rome, Italy
| | - Asfar S Azmi
- Department of Oncology, Wayne State University School of Medicine, Detroit, MI, United States
| | - Fabian Benencia
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, Ohio University, Athens, OH, United States
| | - Dipita Bhakta
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | - Alan E Bilsland
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Chandra S Boosani
- Department of Biomedical Sciences, School of Medicine, Creighton University, Omaha, NE, United States
| | - Sophie Chen
- Ovarian and Prostate Cancer Research Laboratory, Guildford, Surrey, United Kingdom
| | | | - Sarah Crawford
- Department of Biology, Southern Connecticut State University, New Haven, CT, United States
| | - Hiromasa Fujii
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - Alexandros G Georgakilas
- Physics Department, School of Applied Mathematics and Physical Sciences, National Technical University of Athens, Athens, Greece
| | - Gunjan Guha
- School of Chemical and Biotechnology, SASTRA University, Thanjavur 613401, Tamil Nadu, India
| | | | - William G Helferich
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Petr Heneberg
- Charles University in Prague, Third Faculty of Medicine, Prague, Czech Republic
| | - Kanya Honoki
- Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Nara Medical University, Kashihara, Japan
| | - W Nicol Keith
- Institute of Cancer Sciences, University of Glasgow, Glasgow, United Kingdom
| | - Sid P Kerkar
- Center for Cancer Research, National Cancer Institute, National Institutes of Health, Bethesda, MD, United States
| | - Sulma I Mohammed
- Department of Comparative Pathobiology, Purdue University Center for Cancer Research, West Lafayette, IN, United States
| | | | - Somaira Nowsheen
- Medical Scientist Training Program, Mayo Graduate School, Mayo Medical School, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, MN, United States
| | - H P Vasantha Rupasinghe
- Department of Environmental Sciences, Faculty of Agriculture, Dalhousie University, Nova Scotia, Canada
| | | | - Neetu Singh
- Advanced Molecular Science Research Centre (Centre for Advanced Research), King George's Medical University, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India
| | - Wamidh H Talib
- Department of Clinical Pharmacy and Therapeutics, Applied Science University, Amman, Jordan
| | | | - Richard L Whelan
- Mount Sinai Roosevelt Hospital, Icahn Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York City, NY, United States
| | - Xujuan Yang
- University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, Champaign-Urbana, IL, United States
| | - Dean W Felsher
- Division of Oncology, Departments of Medicine and Pathology, Stanford University School of Medicine, Stanford, CA, United States.
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Xia LM, Luo MH. Study progress of berberine for treating cardiovascular disease. Chronic Dis Transl Med 2015; 1:231-235. [PMID: 29063012 PMCID: PMC5643735 DOI: 10.1016/j.cdtm.2015.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2015] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is a natural alkaloid isolated from the Coptis chinensis. While this plant has been used in Chinese medicine for more than 2500 years, interest in its effects in treating cardiovascular disease has been growing in the last decade. Recent researches showed that BBR had the effect of anti-heart failure, anti-hypertension, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-insulin resistance, anti-arrhythmias, and anti-platelet aggregation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Le-Min Xia
- Department of Hematology, Baoshan Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese Medicine and Western Medicine, Shanghai 201900, China
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Gentile M, Calcaterra I, Strazzullo A, Pagano C, Pacioni D, Speranza E, Rubba P, Marotta G. Effects of Armolipid Plus on small dense LDL particles in a sample of patients affected by familial combined hyperlipidemia. CLINICAL LIPIDOLOGY 2015; 10:475-480. [PMID: 27066111 PMCID: PMC4821502 DOI: 10.2217/clp.15.37] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 02/01/2023]
Abstract
AIM The aim of this study was to test small dense LDL changes with Armolipid Plus treatment in patients with familial combined hyperlipidemia (FCHL). METHODS After 4 weeks, 30 patients with FCHL were included in an 8-week, randomized, double-blind study and were taking, in addition to the standard diet, either placebo or Armolipid Plus. RESULTS The placebo group showed no statistically significant differences in the studied parameters; instead, in the Armolipid Plus group, statistically significant reduction differences were detected in BMI (p = 0.010), LDL score (p = 0.035) and an increase in mean LDL particle diameter (p = 0.040). CONCLUSION The combination of a standard diet with Armolipid Plus is able to reduce LDL score and increase LDL particle diameter in a group of FCHL after 8 weeks of treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marco Gentile
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Ilenia Calcaterra
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Alfonso Strazzullo
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Carmen Pagano
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Delia Pacioni
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Enza Speranza
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Paolo Rubba
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
| | - Gennaro Marotta
- Dipartimento di Medicina Clinica e Chirurgia, Università Federico II di Napoli, Napoli, Italy
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Pirillo A, Catapano AL. Berberine, a plant alkaloid with lipid- and glucose-lowering properties: From in vitro evidence to clinical studies. Atherosclerosis 2015; 243:449-61. [DOI: 10.1016/j.atherosclerosis.2015.09.032] [Citation(s) in RCA: 154] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2015] [Revised: 09/01/2015] [Accepted: 09/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
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Lammi C, Zanoni C, Arnoldi A. IAVPGEVA, IAVPTGVA, and LPYP, three peptides from soy glycinin, modulate cholesterol metabolism in HepG2 cells through the activation of the LDLR-SREBP2 pathway. J Funct Foods 2015. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2015.02.021] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
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Tsay JCJ, Li Z, Yie TA, Wu F, Segal L, Greenberg AK, Leibert E, Weiden MD, Pass H, Munger J, Statnikov A, Tchou-Wong KM, Rom WN. Molecular characterization of the peripheral airway field of cancerization in lung adenocarcinoma. PLoS One 2015; 10:e0118132. [PMID: 25705890 PMCID: PMC4338284 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0118132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2014] [Accepted: 01/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Field of cancerization in the airway epithelium has been increasingly examined to understand early pathogenesis of non-small cell lung cancer. However, the extent of field of cancerization throughout the lung airways is unclear. Here we sought to determine the differential gene and microRNA expressions associated with field of cancerization in the peripheral airway epithelial cells of patients with lung adenocarcinoma. We obtained peripheral airway brushings from smoker controls (n=13) and from the lung contralateral to the tumor in cancer patients (n=17). We performed gene and microRNA expression profiling on these peripheral airway epithelial cells using Affymetrix GeneChip and TaqMan Array. Integrated gene and microRNA analysis was performed to identify significant molecular pathways. We identified 26 mRNAs and 5 miRNAs that were significantly (FDR <0.1) up-regulated and 38 mRNAs and 12 miRNAs that were significantly down-regulated in the cancer patients when compared to smoker controls. Functional analysis identified differential transcriptomic expressions related to tumorigenesis. Integration of miRNA-mRNA data into interaction network analysis showed modulation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase/mitogen-activated protein kinase (ERK/MAPK) pathway in the contralateral lung field of cancerization. In conclusion, patients with lung adenocarcinoma have tumor related molecules and pathways in histologically normal appearing peripheral airway epithelial cells, a substantial distance from the tumor itself. This finding can potentially provide new biomarkers for early detection of lung cancer and novel therapeutic targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Chieh J. Tsay
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- * E-mail:
| | - Zhiguo Li
- Center for Health Informatics and Bioinformatics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Ting-An Yie
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Feng Wu
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Leopoldo Segal
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alissa K. Greenberg
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Eric Leibert
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Michael D. Weiden
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Harvey Pass
- Division of Thoracic Surgery, Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - John Munger
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Alexander Statnikov
- Center for Health Informatics and Bioinformatics, New York University Langone Medical Center, New York, New York, United States of America
- Division of Translational Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - Kam-Meng Tchou-Wong
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
| | - William N. Rom
- Division of Pulmonary, Critical Care, and Sleep Medicine, Department of Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
- Department of Environmental Medicine, New York University School of Medicine, New York, New York, United States of America
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Pang B, Zhao LH, Zhou Q, Zhao TY, Wang H, Gu CJ, Tong XL. Application of berberine on treating type 2 diabetes mellitus. Int J Endocrinol 2015; 2015:905749. [PMID: 25861268 PMCID: PMC4377488 DOI: 10.1155/2015/905749] [Citation(s) in RCA: 144] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2014] [Accepted: 02/24/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) performs a good clinical practice and is showing a bright future in the treatment of diabetes mellitus (DM). TCM treatment has certain advantages of less toxicity and/or side effects, and herbs could provide multiple therapeutic effects. Berberine (BBR) is a classical natural medicine. In this review, we summarize the application of BBR in the treatment of DM from two aspects. First, modern pharmacological effects of BBR on glucose metabolism are summarized, such as improving insulin resistance, promoting insulin secretion, inhibiting gluconeogenesis in liver, stimulating glycolysis in peripheral tissue cells, modulating gut microbiota, reducing intestinal absorption of glucose, and regulating lipid metabolism. BBR is used to treat diabetic nephropathy (DPN), diabetic neuropathy (DN), and diabetic cardiomyopathy due to its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Second, the clinical application of BBR is reviewed, such as listing some clinical trials on the effectiveness and safety of BBR, explaining applicable stage and syndrome, the reasonable dose and dose formulation, and the toxicity and/or side effects. This review provides scientific evidence about BBR, as well as introducing some traditional Chinese medical theory and clinical experience, in order to guide clinician to use BBR more suitably and reasonably.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bing Pang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Lin-Hua Zhao
- Laboratory of Molecular and Biology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Qiang Zhou
- Department of Digestion, Beijing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Capital University of Medicine Sciences, Beijing 100010, China
| | - Tian-Yu Zhao
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Han Wang
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Cheng-Juan Gu
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
| | - Xiao-Lin Tong
- Department of Endocrinology, Guang'anmen Hospital of China, Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing 100054, China
- *Xiao-Lin Tong:
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Chang W, Chen L, Hatch GM. Berberine as a therapy for type 2 diabetes and its complications: From mechanism of action to clinical studies. Biochem Cell Biol 2014; 93:479-86. [PMID: 25607236 DOI: 10.1139/bcb-2014-0107] [Citation(s) in RCA: 101] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
The incidence of type 2 diabetes is increasing rapidly worldwide, and the development of novel anti-diabetic drugs is emerging. However, most anti-diabetic drugs cannot be used in patients with hepatic dysfunction, renal disease, and heart disease, which makes pharmacological therapy of type 2 diabetes complicated. Despite continued introduction of novel agents, the search for an ideal drug that is useful as both a hypoglycemic agent and to reduce diabetes-related complications remains elusive. Berberine is an isoquinoline alkaloid extract that has shown promise as a hypoglycemic agent in the management of diabetes in animal and human studies. Mechanistic studies have revealed beneficial effects of berberine on diabetes-related complications. Although there have been few clinical reports of the anti-diabetic effects of berberine, little documentation of adverse effects in humans positions it as a potential candidate drug to treat type 2 diabetes. In the present review, the anti-diabetic mechanism of berberine, its effect on diabetes-related complications, and its recent use in human clinical studies is highlighted. In addition, we summarize the different treatments for type 2 diabetes in adults and children.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wenguang Chang
- a Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 501C John Buhler Research Center, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0P4, Canada
| | - Li Chen
- b Department of Pharmacology, Norman Bethune Medical College, Jilin University, Changchun 130021, China
| | - Grant M Hatch
- a Department of Pharmacology & Therapeutics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, 501C John Buhler Research Center, 715 McDermot Avenue, Winnipeg, MB, R3E 0P4, Canada.,c Department of Biochemistry and Medical Genetics, Faculty of Health Sciences, University of Manitoba, DREAM Theme, Manitoba Institute of Child Health, Winnipeg, MB R3E 0T6, Canada
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Mannarino MR, Ministrini S, Pirro M. Nutraceuticals for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia. Eur J Intern Med 2014; 25:592-9. [PMID: 24997485 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejim.2014.06.008] [Citation(s) in RCA: 57] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/13/2013] [Revised: 04/07/2014] [Accepted: 06/10/2014] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Hypercholesterolemia is a well-established modifiable cardiovascular risk factor and its treatment is an essential aim in preventing cardiovascular disease. Current guidelines highlight lifestyle intervention as a primary issue in the treatment of the patient with hypercholesterolemia. Therapeutic lifestyle changes are often insufficient to achieve desirable cholesterol levels. This is particularly true for high risk patients; however, also low risk patients, whose cholesterol levels are not necessarily far from recommended targets, have either sub-optimal or even significantly increased lipid levels. Nutraceuticals are borderline devices between nutrients and drugs providing a supplementation of particular nutrients with beneficial effects on health. Several nutraceuticals have been suggested to improve plasma lipid profile. The literature counted over 40 nutraceutical substances with a supposed beneficial effect on lipid metabolism; for some of them a number of clinical trials highlighted a cholesterol lowering effect and a possible positive influence on cardiovascular prognosis. The aim of this article is to review the main evidences supporting or denying the efficacy and safety of some of the most commonly used nutraceuticals with supposed cholesterol lowering activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Massimo R Mannarino
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy.
| | - Stefano Ministrini
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
| | - Matteo Pirro
- Unit of Internal Medicine, Angiology and Arteriosclerosis Diseases, Department of Medicine, University of Perugia, Perugia, Italy
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Xiao J, Fai So K, Liong EC, Tipoe GL. Recent advances in the herbal treatment of non-alcoholic Fatty liver disease. J Tradit Complement Med 2014; 3:88-94. [PMID: 24716162 PMCID: PMC3924972 DOI: 10.4103/2225-4110.110411] [Citation(s) in RCA: 62] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/17/2022] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is one of the leading causes of chronic liver injury across the world. It is also strongly related to other pathological conditions, including obesity, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and symptoms of metabolic syndrome. Pathogenesis of NAFLD remains not fully characterized but is generally attributed to the occurrence of insulin resistance, lipid metabolism dysfunction,0 oxidative stress, inflammation, and necro-apoptosis. Every potential therapeutic strategy should target one or some of these pathological events in the liver. Over the past decades, application of herbal treatment for NAFLD has received increasing attention due to its wide availability, low side effects, and proven therapeutic mechanisms and benefits. In recent years, some monomers and certain functional mixtures of herbs have been extensively examined for their potential uses in NAFLD treatment. In the present review, we selected several herbal derivatives under intense basic and/or clinical investigations by carrying out a PubMed search of English language articles relevant to herbal derivatives and NAFLD, such as polysaccharide portion of wolfberry, garlic-derived monomers, red grape-derived resveratrol, and milk thistle-derived substances. They have been shown to target the pathological events during NAFLD initiation and progression both in pre-clinical studies and clinical trials. Although more detailed mechanistic researches and long-term clinical evaluations are needed for their future applications, they offer unanticipated and great health benefits without obvious adverse effects in NAFLD therapy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jia Xiao
- Center for Gene and Cell Engineering, Shenzhen Institute of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, China. ; Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Kwok Fai So
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. ; Brain Hormone Healthy Aging Centre, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. ; State Key Laboratory of Brain and Cognitive Science, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - Emily C Liong
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
| | - George L Tipoe
- Department of Anatomy, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China. ; Brain Hormone Healthy Aging Centre, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong SAR, China
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Tanaka Y, Shimada M, Nagaoka S. L-Cysteine-induced up-regulation of the low-density lipoprotein receptor is mediated via a transforming growth factor-alpha signalling pathway. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2014; 444:401-5. [PMID: 24472543 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2014.01.095] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/09/2014] [Accepted: 01/19/2014] [Indexed: 11/16/2022]
Abstract
Sulphur-containing amino acids regulate plasma cholesterol levels in animals and humans. However, their mechanism of action remains unclear. Low-density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) plays an important role in cholesterol metabolism. We therefore investigated the effects of sulphur-containing amino acids on the expression of LDLR in hepatocytes. HepG2 cells were cultured in Dulbecco's Modified Eagle's Medium with or without sulphur-containing amino acids and cysteine-containing compounds. We found that L-cysteine increased LDLR mRNA and enhanced LDLR gene promoter activity through the extracellular-signal-related kinase and p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase signalling pathways in HepG2 cells. Moreover, we observed that L-cysteine stimulated the release of transforming growth factor-alpha (TGF-α) and that TGF-α increased the LDLR mRNA levels. This study provides a report of the L-cysteine mediated up-regulation of the LDLR expression via TGF-α signalling pathway. Our findings provide insights into cholesterol homeostasis and amino acid signalling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuma Tanaka
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Masaya Shimada
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan
| | - Satoshi Nagaoka
- Department of Applied Life Science, Faculty of Applied Biological Sciences, Gifu University, Gifu 501-1193, Japan.
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Li Z, Jiang JD, Kong WJ. Berberine Up-Regulates Hepatic Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor through Ras-Independent but AMP-Activated Protein Kinase-Dependent Raf-1 Activation. Biol Pharm Bull 2014; 37:1766-75. [DOI: 10.1248/bpb.b14-00412] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Zheng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College
| | - Jian-Dong Jiang
- State Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Products and Function, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College
| | - Wei-Jia Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences and Peking Union Medical College
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Zhou Y, Cao S, Wang Y, Xu P, Yan J, Bin W, Qiu F, Kang N. Berberine metabolites could induce low density lipoprotein receptor up-regulation to exert lipid-lowering effects in human hepatoma cells. Fitoterapia 2013; 92:230-7. [PMID: 24321576 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2013.11.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 58] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/02/2013] [Revised: 11/27/2013] [Accepted: 11/30/2013] [Indexed: 11/26/2022]
Abstract
Berberine (BBR) is an isoquinoline alkaloid isolated from several Chinese herbal medicines, such as Coptis chinensis, Berberis aristata, and Coptis japonica. It exhibits a lipid-lowering effect by up-regulating the hepatic low density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) expression. However, the plasma concentration of BBR is very low after oral administration for the reason that BBR is poorly absorbed and rapidly metabolized. Therefore, it is hard to explain the pharmacological effects of BBR in vivo. Here, RT-PCR, Western blotting and Oil Red O staining were used to investigate the effects of four BBR metabolites on LDLR expression and lipid accumulation in human hepatoma Hep G2 cells. Our results suggested that BBR increased the LDLR mRNA and protein levels in a time- and dose-dependent manner. Four metabolites of BBR, jatrorrhizine, columbamine, berberrubine and demethyleneberberine, were found to be able to up-regulate LDLR mRNA and protein expression. Moreover, almost all the metabolites had potent effects on inhibiting cellular lipid accumulation. These results suggest that both BBR and its metabolites exhibit lipid-lowering effects by up-regulating LDLR expression, and BBR and its metabolites might be the in vivo active forms of BBR produced after oral administration. This study provides information to help us understand the mechanisms underlying the hypolipidemic effects of BBR in vivo.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Zhou
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China; Department of Neurology, Xuzhou Medical College, 209 Tongshan Road, Xuzhou 221004, PR China
| | - Shijie Cao
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Ying Wang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Peixiang Xu
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiankun Yan
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Wen Bin
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Feng Qiu
- Department of Natural Products Chemistry, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Ning Kang
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
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Berberine improves reproductive features in obese Caucasian women with polycystic ovary syndrome independently of changes of insulin sensitivity. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1016/j.clnme.2013.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/19/2022]
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Cicero AF, Tartagni E, Ferroni A, De Sando V, Grandi E, Borghi C. Combined Nutraceutical Approach to Postmenopausal Syndrome and Vascular Remodeling Biomarkers. J Altern Complement Med 2013; 19:582-7. [DOI: 10.1089/acm.2011.0624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/12/2023] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Arrigo F.G. Cicero
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Tartagni
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Alienor Ferroni
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Valeria De Sando
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Elisa Grandi
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
| | - Claudio Borghi
- Internal Medicine, Aging and Kidney Disease Department, University of Bologna, Bologna, Italy
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Chen XW, Di YM, Zhang J, Zhou ZW, Li CG, Zhou SF. Interaction of herbal compounds with biological targets: a case study with berberine. ScientificWorldJournal 2012; 2012:708292. [PMID: 23213296 PMCID: PMC3504405 DOI: 10.1100/2012/708292] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/07/2012] [Accepted: 07/08/2012] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Berberine is one of the main alkaloids found in the Chinese herb Huang lian (Rhizoma Coptidis), which has been reported to have multiple pharmacological activities. This study aimed to analyze the molecular targets of berberine based on literature data followed by a pathway analysis using the PANTHER program. PANTHER analysis of berberine targets showed that the most classes of molecular functions include receptor binding, kinase activity, protein binding, transcription activity, DNA binding, and kinase regulator activity. Based on the biological process classification of in vitro berberine targets, those targets related to signal transduction, intracellular signalling cascade, cell surface receptor-linked signal transduction, cell motion, cell cycle control, immunity system process, and protein metabolic process are most frequently involved. In addition, berberine was found to interact with a mixture of biological pathways, such as Alzheimer's disease-presenilin and -secretase pathways, angiogenesis, apoptosis signalling pathway, FAS signalling pathway, Hungtington disease, inflammation mediated by chemokine and cytokine signalling pathways, interleukin signalling pathway, and p53 pathways. We also explored the possible mechanism of action for the anti-diabetic effect of berberine. Further studies are warranted to elucidate the mechanisms of action of berberine using systems biology approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Wu Chen
- Department of General Surgery, The First People's Hospital of Shunde, Southern Medical University, Shunde, Guangdong 528300, China
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Derosa G, Maffioli P, Cicero AFG. Berberine on metabolic and cardiovascular risk factors: an analysis from preclinical evidences to clinical trials. Expert Opin Biol Ther 2012; 12:1113-24. [PMID: 22780092 DOI: 10.1517/14712598.2012.704014] [Citation(s) in RCA: 125] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/31/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Type 2 diabetes mellitus and hypercholesterolemia have proven to give an increased incidence of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). Recent studies have suggested that the natural alkaloid berberine could have pharmacological activities potentially useful in diabetes and hypercholesterolemia management. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review is to evaluate the metabolic properties of the natural alkaloid berberine, and its potential application to the treatment of diabetes and CVD prevention. EXPERT OPINION Berberine proved to be effective in improving glycemic control and lipid profile. The modern investigation on berberine pharmacological activity is actually developing and numerous scientific evidences are actually in progress and reported in international congresses. The near future perspective is the isolation or neo-synthesis of berberine analogs with a higher bioavailability. The anti-hyperlipidemic and anti-diabetic effects of berberine have to be related to markers of improvement in organ damage in humans; longer trials are needed to better evaluate the safety profile of the molecule, when administered alone or in association with other anti-hyperlipidemic or anti-diabetic drugs, especially in the European population.
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Affiliation(s)
- Giuseppe Derosa
- University of Pavia, Department of Internal Medicine and Therapeutics, Fondazione IRCCS Policlinico S. Matteo, P.le C. Golgi, 2-27100 Pavia, Italy.
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Pisciotta L, Bellocchio A, Bertolini S. Nutraceutical pill containing berberine versus ezetimibe on plasma lipid pattern in hypercholesterolemic subjects and its additive effect in patients with familial hypercholesterolemia on stable cholesterol-lowering treatment. Lipids Health Dis 2012; 11:123. [PMID: 22998978 PMCID: PMC3477057 DOI: 10.1186/1476-511x-11-123] [Citation(s) in RCA: 60] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/27/2012] [Accepted: 09/21/2012] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Although statins (STs) are drugs of first choice in hypercholesterolemic patients, especially in those at high cardiovascular risk, some of them are intolerant to STs or refuse treatment with these drugs. In view of this, we have evaluated the lipid-lowering effect of a nutraceutical pill containing berberine (BBR) and of ezetimibe, as alternative treatments, in monotherapy or in combination, in 228 subjects with primary hypercholesterolemia (HCH), with history of STs intolerance or refusing STs treatment. In addition, since PCSK9 was found up-regulated by STs dampening their effect through an LDL receptors (LDLRs) degradation, and BBR suppressed PCSK9 expression in cellular studies, we supplemented the stable lipid-lowering therapy of 30 genotype-confirmed Familial Hypercholesterolemia heterozygotes (HeFH) with BBR, searching for a further plasma cholesterol reduction. Plasma lipid pattern was evaluated at baseline and during treatments. Results In HCH subjects the nutraceutical pill resulted more effective than EZE in lowering LDL cholesterol (−31.7% vs −25.4%, P < 0.001) and better tolerated. On treatment, LDL-C level below 3.36 mmol/L (≤130 mg/dl) was observed in 28.9% of subjects treated with the nutraceutical pill and 11.8% of those treated with EZE (P <0.007). In the group treated with EZE the subjects carrying the G allele of the g.1679 C > G silent polymorphism of NPC1L1 gene showed a higher response to EZE than homozygous for the common allele (GG + CG: LDL-C −29.4±5.0%, CC −23.6±6.5%, P <0.001). Combined treatment with these drugs was as effective as STs in moderate doses (LDL cholesterol −37%, triglycerides −23%). In HeFH patients the addition of BBR resulted in LDL cholesterol reductions inversely related to those induced by the stable therapy (r = −0.617, P <0.0001), with mean 10.5% further decrease. Conclusions The alternative treatments tested in our HCH subjects were rather effective and safe. The findings in HeFH patients suggest that BBR might act in vivo increasing expression and stability of LDLRs and/or suppressing PCSK9 expression.
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Affiliation(s)
- Livia Pisciotta
- Department of Internal Medicine, University of Genoa, Viale Benedetto XV n. 6, 16132, Genoa, Italy
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Berberine-induced inhibition of adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 attenuates oxidized low-density lipoprotein accumulation and foam cell formation in phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced macrophages. Eur J Pharmacol 2012; 690:164-9. [PMID: 22796454 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2012.07.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 30] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/20/2012] [Revised: 06/23/2012] [Accepted: 07/02/2012] [Indexed: 11/20/2022]
Abstract
The phagocytosis of oxidized low-density lipoprotein (oxLDL) by monocyte-derived macrophages and the subsequent differentiation of macrophages into foam cells are the key steps in atherogenesis. Scavenger receptors, such as CD36 and lectin-like low-density lipoprotein receptor 1 (LOX-1), are responsible for the uptake of oxLDL. Adipocyte enhancer-binding protein 1 (AEBP1) regulates many key genes associated with intracellular cholesterol efflux. The present study investigated the function of berberine, a compound isolated from Rhizoma coptidis, on foam cell formation, and explored the possible underlying mechanism. We found that berberine inhibited the oxLDL uptake of macrophages and reduced foam cell formation in a dose-dependent manner. Moreover, AEBP1 expression in macrophages increased and decreased after oxLDL and berberine treatments in a dose-dependent manner, respectively. Berberine reduced the expression of scavenger receptors CD36 and LOX-1, but did not affect the expression of CD68 in oxLDL-stimulated macrophages. Overall, berberine reduced foam cell formation by a dual mechanism, which decreased oxLDL internalization via the suppression of CD36 and LOX-1, and increased cholesterol efflux by inhibiting AEBP1 expression in macrophages.
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Meng S, Wang LS, Huang ZQ, Zhou Q, Sun YG, Cao JT, Li YG, Wang CQ. Berberine ameliorates inflammation in patients with acute coronary syndrome following percutaneous coronary intervention. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2012; 39:406-11. [PMID: 22220931 DOI: 10.1111/j.1440-1681.2012.05670.x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 67] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
Abstract
1. Inflammation is central to the pathogenesis of acute coronary syndrome (ACS) and is associated with adverse clinical outcomes after percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Recent in vitro work has demonstrated the anti-inflammatory effect of berberine, a primary component of the traditional Chinese medicine 'umbellatine'. In the present study, we further tested whether berberine had any beneficial effects on ACS patients following PCI. 2.In all, 130 ACS patients undergoing PCI were recruited to the present study. Sixty-one patients were treated with berberine (300 mg, t.i.d., for 30 days) in addition to standard therapy, whereas the remaining patients received standard therapy alone. Circulating inflammatory markers were measured by ELISA, whereas serum lipid profiles were measured by routine chemical assays. 3.In the berberine-treated group, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)-1, vascular cell adhesion molecule (VCAM)-1, C-reactive protein, interleukin-6 and monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 were significantly reduced relative to baseline values. Furthermore, the changes in MMP-9, ICAM-1 and VCAM-1 from baseline to after 1 month of treatment differed significantly between the two patient groups. There was a tendency for berberine to induce a slightly greater reduction in low-density lipoprotein cholesterol and triglycerides than standard therapy alone, without affecting high-density lipoprotein cholesterol, but the differences failed to reach statistical significance. No severe adverse effects of berberine were observed. 4.The results of the present study provide the first clinical evidence of the anti-inflammatory action of berberine in ACS patients following PCI. Berberine may become adjunct therapy to further improve clinical outcomes via its anti-inflammatory effect in ACS patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shu Meng
- Department of Cardiology, Xinhua Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai Jiaotong University, School of Medicine
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Moon J, Lee SM, Do HJ, Cho Y, Chung JH, Shin MJ. Quercetin up-regulates LDL receptor expression in HepG2 cells. Phytother Res 2012; 26:1688-94. [PMID: 22388943 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.4646] [Citation(s) in RCA: 32] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2011] [Revised: 01/25/2012] [Accepted: 01/29/2012] [Indexed: 11/08/2022]
Abstract
Quercetin, an abundant flavonol found in fruits and vegetable, has been implicated in lowering the risk of cardiovascular disease that is often associated with high plasma levels of low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol. Here we investigated whether quercetin could modulate the expression of LDL receptors (LDLR) in HepG2 cells and the possible underlying mechanisms to exert quercetin's effects. We found that quercetin was able to induce LDLR expression with at least a 75 µ m concentration, which was accompanied by an increase in nuclear sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2). This effect was mediated by activation of c-jun-N-terminal kinase (JNK) and extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) signalling pathways as implicated by experiments using chemical inhibitors of each pathway. When cells were challenged with protein synthesis inhibitors in quercetin-activated LDLR transcription, LDL mRNA levels were not significantly affected by cycloheximide but puromycin abolished quercetin-induced LDLR transcription. Taken together, we conclude that quercetin can initiate LDLR transcription by enhancing SREBP2 processing, but new protein synthesis might be necessary to exert a maximum effect of quercetin in the up-regulation of the LDLR gene. Our findings demonstrate that quercetin strongly up-regulated LDLR gene expression, which might elicit hypolipidemic effects by increasing the clearance of circulating LDL cholesterol levels from the blood.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiyoung Moon
- Department of Food and Nutrition and Institute of Health Sciences, Korea University, Seoul, Republic of Korea
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Ying Z, Desikan R, Xu X, Maiseyeu A, Liu C, Sun Q, Ziouzenkova O, Parthasarathy S, Rajagopalan S. Modified methylenedioxyphenol analogs lower LDL cholesterol through induction of LDL receptor expression. J Lipid Res 2012; 53:879-887. [PMID: 22355094 DOI: 10.1194/jlr.m022806] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Although statin therapy is a cornerstone of current low density lipoprotein (LDL)-lowering strategies, there is a need for additional therapies to incrementally lower plasma LDL cholesterol. In this study, we investigated the effect of several methylenedioxyphenol derivatives in regulating LDL cholesterol through induction of LDL receptor (LDLR). INV-403, a modified methylenedioxyphenol derivative, increased LDLR mRNA and protein expression in HepG2 cells in a dose- and time-dependent fashion. These effects were apparent even under conditions of HMG-CoA reductase inhibition. Electrophoresis migration shift assays demonstrated that INV-403 activates SREBP2 but not SREBP1c, with immunoblot analysis showing an increased expression of the mature form of SREBP2. Knockdown of SREBP2 reduced the effect of INV-403 on LDLR expression. The activation of SREBP2 by INV-403 is partly mediated by Akt/GSK3β pathways through inhibition of phosphorylation-dependent degradation by ubiquitin-proteosome pathway. Treatment of C57Bl/6j mice with INV-403 for two weeks increased hepatic SREBP2 levels (mature form) and upregulated LDLR with concomitant lowering of plasma LDL levels. Transient expression of a LDLR promoter-reporter construct, a SRE-mutant LDLR promoter construct, and a SRE-only construct in HepG2 cells revealed an effect predominantly through a SRE-dependent mechanism. INV-403 lowered plasma LDL cholesterol levels through LDLR upregulation. These results indicate a role for small molecule approaches other than statins for lowering LDL cholesterol.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zhekang Ying
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | | | - Xiaohua Xu
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Andrei Maiseyeu
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Cuiqing Liu
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Qinghua Sun
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | - Ouiliana Ziouzenkova
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and
| | | | - Sanjay Rajagopalan
- Davis Heart and Lung Research Institute, Ohio State University, Columbus, OH; and.
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