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Perazza F, Leoni L, Colosimo S, Musio A, Bocedi G, D’Avino M, Agnelli G, Nicastri A, Rossetti C, Sacilotto F, Marchesini G, Petroni ML, Ravaioli F. Metformin and the Liver: Unlocking the Full Therapeutic Potential. Metabolites 2024; 14:186. [PMID: 38668314 PMCID: PMC11052067 DOI: 10.3390/metabo14040186] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2024] [Revised: 03/20/2024] [Accepted: 03/22/2024] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
Metformin is a highly effective medication for managing type 2 diabetes mellitus. Recent studies have shown that it has significant therapeutic benefits in various organ systems, particularly the liver. Although the effects of metformin on metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease and metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis are still being debated, it has positive effects on cirrhosis and anti-tumoral properties, which can help prevent the development of hepatocellular carcinoma. Furthermore, it has been proven to improve insulin resistance and dyslipidaemia, commonly associated with liver diseases. While more studies are needed to fully determine the safety and effectiveness of metformin use in liver diseases, the results are highly promising. Indeed, metformin has a terrific potential for extending its full therapeutic properties beyond its traditional use in managing diabetes.
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Affiliation(s)
- Federica Perazza
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Laura Leoni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Santo Colosimo
- Doctorate School of Nutrition Science, University of Milan, 20122 Milan, Italy;
| | | | - Giulia Bocedi
- U.O. Diabetologia, Ospedale C. Magati, Scandiano, 42019 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Michela D’Avino
- S.C. Endocrinologia Arcispedale Santa Maria Nuova, 42123 Reggio Emilia, Italy;
| | - Giulio Agnelli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Alba Nicastri
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Chiara Rossetti
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Federica Sacilotto
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Giulio Marchesini
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Maria Letizia Petroni
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
| | - Federico Ravaioli
- Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy; (F.P.); (L.L.); (G.A.); (A.N.); (C.R.); (F.S.); (G.M.); (M.L.P.)
- Division of Hepatobiliary and Immunoallergic Diseases, Department of Internal Medicine, IRCCS Azienda Ospedaliero, Universitaria di Bologna, 40138 Bologna, Italy
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Ruan G, Wu F, Shi D, Sun H, Wang F, Xu C. Metformin: update on mechanisms of action on liver diseases. Front Nutr 2023; 10:1327814. [PMID: 38192642 PMCID: PMC10773879 DOI: 10.3389/fnut.2023.1327814] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/25/2023] [Accepted: 11/27/2023] [Indexed: 01/10/2024] Open
Abstract
Substantial attention has been paid to the various effects of metformin on liver diseases; the liver is the targeted organ where metformin exerts its antihyperglycemic properties. In non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), studies have shown that metformin affects the ATP/AMP ratio to activate AMPK, subsequently governing lipid metabolism. The latest research showed that low-dose metformin targets the lysosomal AMPK pathway to decrease hepatic triglyceride levels through the PEN2-ATP6AP1 axis in an AMP-independent manner. Metformin regulates caspase-3, eukaryotic initiation factor-2a (eIF2a), and insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) in palmitate-exposed HepG2 cells, alleviating endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress. Recent observations highlighted the critical association with intestinal flora, as confirmed by the finding that metformin decreased the relative abundance of Bacteroides fragilis while increasing Akkermansia muciniphila and Bifidobacterium bifidum. The suppression of intestinal farnesoid X receptor (FXR) and the elevation of short-chain fatty acids resulted in the upregulation of tight junction protein and the alleviation of hepatic inflammation induced by lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Additionally, metformin delayed the progression of cirrhosis by regulating the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) via the TGF-β1/Smad3 and succinate-GPR91 pathways. In hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), metformin impeded the cell cycle and enhanced the curative effect of antitumor medications. Moreover, metformin protects against chemical-induced and drug-induced liver injury (DILI) against hepatotoxic drugs. These findings suggest that metformin may have pharmacological efficacy against liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
- Gaoyi Ruan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fangquan Wu
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Dibang Shi
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Hongxia Sun
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Fangyan Wang
- Department of Pathophysiology, School of Basic Medicine Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
| | - Changlong Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Affiliated Hospital and Yuying Children’s Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, China
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Shen L, Lee S, Joo JC, Yuan Tian J, Ge Chen M, Liu Y, Baek JI, Jeon BM, Kim SC, Ha KC, Park YK, Baek HI, Park SJ. Effectiveness and safety of SGL 121(ginsenoside F2-enhanced mixture) in hepatic dysfunction: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. J Funct Foods 2022. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2022.105290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/31/2022] Open
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Ma Y, Li S, Ye S, Tang S, Hu D, Wei L, Xiao F. Hexavalent chromium inhibits the formation of neutrophil extracellular traps and promotes the apoptosis of neutrophils via AMPK signaling pathway. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2021; 223:112614. [PMID: 34385063 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2021.112614] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/04/2021] [Indexed: 06/13/2023]
Abstract
As the most common heavy metal pollutant, hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] has caused serious environmental pollution and health damage. Although the toxic effect of Cr(VI) has been widely studied, and oxidative stress has been confirmed to be the main mechanism of its cytotoxicity, the toxicity of Cr(VI) to human immune system remains to be elucidated. Neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) participate in the innate immune response, and the release of NETs is considered to be the most important part of the extracellular killing mechanism. We demonstrated in this study that Cr(VI) inhibited the formation of NETs in rat peripheral blood and induced neutrophils apoptosis by inhibiting the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway. Cr(VI)-induced inhibition of NETs was accompanied by down-regulated myeloperoxidase (MPO)/Histones-3 (H3) protein expressions and decreased NETs-associated intracellular and extracellular DNA levels in the neutrophils. Metformin (Met), as an AMPK activator, triggered autophagy and thus alleviated the inhibitory effect of Cr(VI) on NETs. At the same time, Met can reduce the intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS) level by activating the AMPK/nuclear factor erythroid-2 related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway, thus alleviating Cr(VI)-induced neutrophils apoptosis. In conclusion, this study elucidated the mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced neutrophils toxicity and the role of AMPK as a key regulatory signal, which could provide valuable experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of related diseases in Cr(VI)-exposed populations.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Ma
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China.
| | - Siwen Li
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China.
| | - Shuzi Ye
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Sixuan Tang
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Die Hu
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Lai Wei
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China
| | - Fang Xiao
- Xiangya School of Public Health, Central South University, Changsha 410078, PR China.
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Protective effect of metformin against palmitate-induced hepatic cell death. Biochim Biophys Acta Mol Basis Dis 2020; 1866:165621. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbadis.2019.165621] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/05/2019] [Revised: 10/31/2019] [Accepted: 11/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
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Hepatoprotective activity of metformin: A new mission for an old drug? Eur J Pharmacol 2019; 850:1-7. [PMID: 30753869 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2019.02.004] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2018] [Revised: 02/02/2019] [Accepted: 02/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Metformin, as a dimethyl biguanide prescribed as the first-line medication for treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus, is one of the most frequently used drugs, worldwide. However, the beneficial effects of metformin are not limited to insulin sensitizing and blood glucose lowering effects as recent clinical trials deciphered lower cancer risk in metformin users. In addition, metformin protected the liver against chemical or viral hepatotoxicants through various mechanisms including activation of AMPK via inhibition of mitochondrial complex I, inhibition of mitogen activated protein kinase (MAPK) and inhibition of Smads phosphorylation. Clinical trials are under way to assess possible additive effects of metformin when co-administered along with the standard regimen for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) treatment. This review outlines the molecular mechanisms behind protective activity of metformin against different liver diseases.
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Lee YJ, Shu MS, Kim JY, Kim YH, Sim KH, Sung WJ, Eun JR. Cilostazol protects hepatocytes against alcohol-induced apoptosis via activation of AMPK pathway. PLoS One 2019; 14:e0211415. [PMID: 30695051 PMCID: PMC6350983 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0211415] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2018] [Accepted: 01/14/2019] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Alcoholic liver disease (ALD) is a worldwide health problem and hepatocyte apoptosis has been associated with the development/progression of ALD. However, no definite effective pharmacotherapy for ALD is currently available. Cilostazol, a selective type III phosphodiesterase inhibitor has been shown to protect hepatocytes from ethanol-induced apoptosis. In the present study, the underlying mechanisms for the protective effects of cilostazol were examined. Primary rat hepatocytes were treated with ethanol in the presence or absence of cilostazol. Cell viability and intracellular cAMP were measured. Apoptosis was detected by Hoechst staining, TUNEL assay, and caspase-3 activity assay. The roles of cAMP and AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) pathways in the action of CTZ were explored using pharmacological inhibitors and siRNAs. Liver from mice received ethanol (5 g/kg body weight) by oral gavage following cilostazol treatment intraperitoneally was obtained for measurement of apoptosis and activation of AMPK pathway. Cilostazol inhibited ethanol-induced hepatocyte apoptosis and potentiated the increases in cAMP level induced by forskolin. However, the anti-apoptotic effect of cilostazol was not reversed by an inhibitor of adenylyl cyclase. Interestingly, cilostazol activated AMPK and increased the level of LC3-II, a marker of autophagy. The inhibition of AMPK abolished the effects of cilostazol on LC3-II expression and apoptosis. Moreover, the inhibition of LKB1 and CaMKK2, upstream kinases of AMPK, dampened cilostazol-inhibited apoptosis as well as AMPK activation. In conclusion, cilostazol protected hepatocytes from apoptosis induced by ethanol mainly via AMPK pathway which is regulated by both LKB1 and CaMKK2. Our results suggest that cilostazol may have potential as a promising therapeutic drug for treatment of ALD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Youn Ju Lee
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Mi-Sun Shu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jong-Yeon Kim
- Deparment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Yun-Hye Kim
- Deparment of Physiology, School of Medicine, Yeungnam University, Daegu, Korea
| | - Kyeong Hwa Sim
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Woo Jung Sung
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Catholic University of Daegu, Daegu, Korea
| | - Jong Ryeol Eun
- Department of Internal medicine, Myongj Hospital, Hanyang University College of Medicine, Goyang, Korea
- * E-mail:
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Huang J, Zhang D, Lin L, Jiang R, Dai J, Tang L, Yang Y, Ge P, Wang B, Zhang L. Potential roles of AMP-activated protein kinase in liver regeneration in mice with acute liver injury. Mol Med Rep 2018; 17:5390-5395. [PMID: 29393448 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2018.8522] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/03/2017] [Accepted: 01/19/2018] [Indexed: 11/05/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver regeneration post severe liver injury is crucial for the recovery of hepatic structure and function. The energy sensor AMP‑activated protein kinase (AMPK) has a crucial role in the regulation of nutrition metabolism in addition to other energy‑intensive physiological and pathophysiological processes. Cellular proliferation requires intensive energy and nutrition support, therefore the present study investigated whether AMPK is involved in liver regeneration post carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)‑induced acute hepatic injury. The experimental data indicated that phosphorylation level of AMPK increased 48 h post‑CCl4 exposure, which was accompanied with upregulation of proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and recovery of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) level. Pretreatment with the AMPK inhibitor compound C had no obvious effects on ALT elevation in plasma and histological abnormalities in liver 24 h post CCl4 exposure. However, treatment with compound C 24 h post CCl4 exposure significantly suppressed CCl4‑induced AMPK phosphorylation, PCNA expression and ALT recovery. These data suggest that endogenous AMPK was primarily activated at the regeneration stage in mice with CCl4‑induced acute liver injury and may function as a positive regulator in liver regeneration.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Huang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Daijuan Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Weifang Medical University, Weifang, Shandong 261053, P.R. China
| | - Ling Lin
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Rong Jiang
- Laboratory of Stem Cell and Tissue Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Jie Dai
- Hospital of Chongqing University of Arts and Sciences, Chongqing 402160, P.R. China
| | - Li Tang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Yongqiang Yang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Pu Ge
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Bin Wang
- Department of Anesthesiology, The First Affiliated Hospital, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
| | - Li Zhang
- Department of Pathophysiology, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing 400016, P.R. China
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Li J, Chen B, Zhong L, Gao F, Zhu H, Wang F. AMP-activated protein kinase agonist N 6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)adenosine protects against fulminant hepatitis by suppressing inflammation and apoptosis. Cell Death Dis 2018; 9:37. [PMID: 29348606 PMCID: PMC5833387 DOI: 10.1038/s41419-017-0118-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/23/2017] [Revised: 10/18/2017] [Accepted: 11/02/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Both AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) agonist and inhibitor have been reported to protect against fulminant hepatitis, implying that AMPK may play a complicated role in the development of fulminant hepatitis. In this study, we exploited whether the novel AMPK agonist N6-(3-hydroxyphenyl)adenosine (named as M1) exerted protective effects on fulminant hepatitis and whether its beneficial effects were AMPK-dependent. Results showed that intraperitoneal injection of M1 improved liver function, ameliorated liver injury and finally raised the survival rate in d-galactosamine/lipopolysaccharide (GalN/LPS)-treated mice. These beneficial effects of M1 may attribute to the suppression of pro-inflammatory cytokines production and the prevention of hepatocyte apoptosis. Furthermore, M1 pretreatment mitigated LPS-stimulated TLR4 expression and NFκB activation in murine peritoneal macrophages and prevented actinomycin D (Act D)/tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα)-induced apoptosis by promoting protective autophagy in primary hepatocytes. Additionally, M1-induced AMPK activation was responsible both for its anti-inflammatory action in macrophages and for its anti-apoptotic action in hepatocytes. To our surprise, compared with the control AMPKα1lox/lox/AMPKα2lox/lox mice, liver-specific AMPKα1 knockout (AMPKα1LS−/−) mice were more sensitive to GalN/LPS administration but not AMPKα2LS−/−mice, and the beneficial effects of M1 on acute liver failure and the production of pro-inflammatory factors were dampened in AMPKα1LS−/− mice. Therefore, our study may prove that M1 could be a promising therapeutic agent for fulminant hepatitis, and targeting AMPK may be useful therapeutically in the control of LPS-induced hepatotoxicity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Li
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 100193, Beijing, China
| | - Bo Chen
- Institute of Medicinal Biotechnology, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Liping Zhong
- Life Science College of Tarim University, 843300, Xinjiang, China
| | - Feng Gao
- State Key Laboratory for Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China
| | - Haibo Zhu
- State Key Laboratory for Bioactive Substances and Functions of Natural Medicines and Beijing Key Laboratory of New Drug Mechanisms and Pharmacological Evaluation Study, Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College, 100050, Beijing, China.
| | - Fengzhong Wang
- Institute of Food Science and Technology, Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences (CAAS), 100193, Beijing, China.
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Metformin ameliorates the Phenotype Transition of Peritoneal Mesothelial Cells and Peritoneal Fibrosis via a modulation of Oxidative Stress. Sci Rep 2017; 7:5690. [PMID: 28720775 PMCID: PMC5515908 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-017-05836-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 52] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2016] [Accepted: 06/05/2017] [Indexed: 01/09/2023] Open
Abstract
Phenotype transition of peritoneum is an early mechanism of peritoneal fibrosis. Metformin, 5′-adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) activator, has recently received a new attention due to its preventive effect on organ fibrosis and cancer metastasis by inhibiting epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT). We investigated the effect of metformin on EMT of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMC) and animal model of peritoneal dialysis (PD). TGF-β1-induced EMT in HPMC was ameliorated by metformin. Metformin alleviated NAPDH oxidase- and mitochondria-mediated ROS production with an increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity and SOD2 expression. Metformin inhibited the activation of Smad2/3 and MAPK, GSK-3β phosphorylation, nuclear translocalization of β-catenin and Snail in HPMCs. Effect of metformin on TGF-β1-induced EMT was ameliorated by either AMPK inhibitor or AMPK gene silencing. Another AMPK agonist, 5-amino-1-β-D-ribofuranosyl-imidazole-4-carboxamide partially blocked TGF-β1-induced EMT. In animal model of PD, intraperitoneal metformin decreased the peritoneal thickness and EMT with an increase in ratio of reduced to oxidized glutathione and the expression of SOD whereas it decreased the expression of nitrotyrosine and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine. Therefore, a modulation of AMPK in peritoneum can be a novel tool to prevent peritoneal fibrosis by providing a favorable oxidant/anti-oxidant milieu in peritoneal cavity and ameliorating phenotype transition of peritoneal mesothelial cells.
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Park SM, Jung EH, Kim JK, Jegal KH, Park CA, Cho IJ, Kim SC. 20 S-Protopanaxadiol, an aglycosylated ginsenoside metabolite, induces hepatic stellate cell apoptosis through liver kinase B1-AMP-activated protein kinase activation. J Ginseng Res 2017; 41:392-402. [PMID: 28701883 PMCID: PMC5489770 DOI: 10.1016/j.jgr.2017.01.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/09/2016] [Revised: 12/07/2016] [Accepted: 01/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/27/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Previously, we reported that Korean Red Ginseng inhibited liver fibrosis in mice and reduced the expressions of fibrogenic genes in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). The present study was undertaken to identify the major ginsenoside responsible for reducing the numbers of HSCs and the underlying mechanism involved. METHODS Using LX-2 cells (a human immortalized HSC line) and primary activated HSCs, MTT (3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyl-tetrazolium bromide) assays were conducted to examine the cytotoxic effects of ginsenosides. H2O2 productions, glutathione contents, lactate dehydrogenase activities, mitochondrial membrane permeabilities, apoptotic cell subpopulations, caspase-3/-7 activities, transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining, and immunoblot analysis were performed to elucidate the molecular mechanism responsible for ginsenoside-mediated cytotoxicity. Involvement of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK)-related signaling pathway was examined using a chemical inhibitor and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfection. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Of the 11 ginsenosides tested, 20S-protopanaxadiol (PPD) showed the most potent cytotoxic activity in both LX-2 cells and primary activated HSCs. Oxidative stress-mediated apoptosis induced by 20S-PPD was blocked by N-acetyl-l-cysteine pretreatment. In addition, 20S-PPD concentration-dependently increased the phosphorylation of AMPK, and compound C prevented 20S-PPD-induced cytotoxicity and mitochondrial dysfunction. Moreover, 20S-PPD increased the phosphorylation of liver kinase B1 (LKB1), an upstream kinase of AMPK. Likewise, transfection of LX-2 cells with LKB1 siRNA reduced the cytotoxic effect of 20S-PPD. Thus, 20S-PPD appears to induce HSC apoptosis by activating LKB1-AMPK and to be a therapeutic candidate for the prevention or treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sang Mi Park
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Eun Hye Jung
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Jae Kwang Kim
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Kyung Hwan Jegal
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Chung A Park
- College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Daegu, Republic of Korea
| | - Il Je Cho
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
| | - Sang Chan Kim
- MRC-GHF, Department of Herbal Formulation, College of Korean Medicine, Daegu Haany University, Gyeongsan, Republic of Korea
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