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Vafaei S, Alkhrait S, Yang Q, Ali M, Al-Hendy A. Empowering Strategies for Lifestyle Interventions, Diet Modifications, and Environmental Practices for Uterine Fibroid Prevention; Unveiling the LIFE UP Awareness. Nutrients 2024; 16:807. [PMID: 38542717 PMCID: PMC10975324 DOI: 10.3390/nu16060807] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2024] [Revised: 02/28/2024] [Accepted: 03/07/2024] [Indexed: 04/01/2024] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are the most common prevalent benign tumor among women of reproductive age, disproportionately affecting women of color. This paper introduces an innovative management strategy for UFs, emphasizing the curbing of disease prevention and progression. Traditionally, medical intervention is deferred until advanced stages, necessitating invasive surgeries such as hysterectomy or myomectomy, leading to high recurrence rates and increased healthcare costs. The strategy, outlined in this review, emphasizes UF disease management and is named LIFE UP awareness-standing for Lifestyle Interventions, Food Modifications, and Environmental Practices for UF Prevention. These cost-effective, safe, and accessible measures hold the potential to prevent UFs, improve overall reproductive health, reduce the need for invasive procedures, and generate substantial cost savings for both individuals and healthcare systems. This review underscores the importance of a proactive UF management method, paving the way for future research and policy initiatives in this domain.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (S.A.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (S.A.); (Q.Y.)
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2
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Colhado Arêas DRP, Porto C, Cabral MRP, Ramos AVG, Peixoto JLB, Barrotto do Carmo MR, da Costa WF, Baldoqui DC, Sarragiotto MH. Hirsutinolide- and Cadinanolide-type Sesquiterpene Lactones from Lessingianthus rubricaulis (Vernonieae, Asteraceae). Chem Biodivers 2024; 21:e202302023. [PMID: 38314937 DOI: 10.1002/cbdv.202302023] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2023] [Revised: 01/26/2024] [Accepted: 01/29/2024] [Indexed: 02/07/2024]
Abstract
Sesquiterpene lactones are an important class of secondary metabolites frequently isolated from Lessingianthus genus that present a variety of biological properties, such as antimalarial, anti-inflammatory, antileishmanial, antitrypanosomal and anticancer. The limited phytochemical studies and the importance of this class of compounds isolated from Lessingianthus led us to study this genus. In this work, we focused on the phytochemical investigation and dereplication based on UHPLC-HRMS/MS and molecular networking of L. rubricaulis. Chemical investigation resulted in the isolation of several hirsutinolide-type sesquiterpene lactones including a new hirsutinolide derivative, 8,10α-hydroxy-1,13-bis-O-methylhirsutinolide, besides a cadinanolide and flavonoids. The dereplication study resulted in the identification of three known flavonoids, six known hirsutinolides and two known cadinanolides. Moreover, a fragmentation pathway for cadinanolide-type sesquiterpene lactones was proposed. These results contribute to chemotaxonomic studies and demonstrates the potential of Lessingianthus genus.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Carla Porto
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
| | - Márcia R P Cabral
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
| | - Anderson V G Ramos
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
| | - Juliana L B Peixoto
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
| | - Marta R Barrotto do Carmo
- Departamento de Biologia, Universidade Estadual de Ponta Grossa, 84030-900, Ponta Grossa - PR, Brasil
| | - Willian F da Costa
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
| | - Debora C Baldoqui
- Departamento de Química, Universidade Estadual de Maringá, 87020-900, Maringá - PR, Brasil
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Asadizade S, Hatami M, Salehipour Bavarsad S, Kabizade B, Shakerian E, Rashidi M. Curcumin Modulates NOX Gene Expression and ROS Production via P-Smad3C in TGF-β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. IRANIAN BIOMEDICAL JOURNAL 2024; 28:31-7. [PMID: 38468370 PMCID: PMC10994637 DOI: 10.61186/ibj.4005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2023] [Accepted: 10/25/2023] [Indexed: 03/13/2024]
Abstract
Background Liver fibrosis, associated with hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), occurs when a healthy liver sustains damage, thereby impairing its function. NADPH oxidases (NOXs), specifically isoforms 1, 2, and 4, play a role in reactive oxygen species (ROS) production during hepatic injuries, resulting in fibrosis. Curcumin has shown strong potential in mitigating liver fibrosis. Our research aimed to investigate the effects of curcumin on lowering NOX and ROS levels. This compound was also studied for its effects on NOXs, ROS concentrations through the inhibition of Smad3 phosphorylation in transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β)-activated human HSCs. Methods MTT assay investigated the cytotoxic effects of curcumin on HSCs. The cells were activated by exposure to TGF-β (2 ng/mL) for 24 hours. After activating, the cells were treated with curcumin at 25-150 μM concentrations. After administering curcumin to the cells, we employed RT-PCR and Western blot techniques to evaluate the related gene and protein expression levels. This evaluation was primarily focused on the mRNA expression levels of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4 and phosphorylated Smad3C. Results The mRNA expression level of aforesaid NOXs as well as α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1-α, and ROS levels were significantly reduced following 100 μM curcumin treatment. Furthermore, curcumin significantly decreased the p-Smad3C protein level in TGF-β-activated cells, with fold changes of 3 and 2 observed at 75 and 100 μM, respectively. Conclusion Curcumin decreased the levels of ROS and NOX, as well as the expression of α-SMA and collagen1-α. The primary mechanism for this reduction could be linked to the level of p-Smad3C. Hence, curcumin could serve as an effective therapeutic agent for liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | | | - Mojtaba Rashidi
- Cellular and Molecular Research Center, Medical Basic Sciences Research Institute, Ahvaz Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran
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Vafaei S, Ciebiera M, Omran MM, Ghasroldasht MM, Yang Q, Leake T, Wolfe R, Ali M, Al-Hendy A. Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention of Uterine Fibroids (The ESCAPE Approach). Int J Mol Sci 2023; 24:15972. [PMID: 37958957 PMCID: PMC10648339 DOI: 10.3390/ijms242115972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/23/2023] [Revised: 10/30/2023] [Accepted: 10/30/2023] [Indexed: 11/15/2023] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) are common tumors in women of reproductive age. It is imperative to comprehend UFs' associated risk factors to facilitate early detection and prevention. Simple relying on surgical/pharmacological treatment of advanced disease is not only highly expensive, but it also deprives patients of good quality of life (QOL). Unfortunately, even if the disease is discovered early, no medical intervention is traditionally initiated until the disease burden becomes high, and only then is surgical intervention performed. Furthermore, after myomectomy, the recurrence rate of UFs is extremely high with the need for additional surgeries and other interventions. This confused approach is invasive and extremely costly with an overall negative impact on women's health. Secondary prevention is the management of early disease to slow down its progression or even halt it completely. The current approach of watchful observation for early disease is considered a major missed opportunity in the literature. The aim of this article is to present an approach named the ESCAPE (Evidence-Based Approach for Secondary Prevention) of UF management. It comprises simple, inexpensive, and safe steps that can arrest the development of UFs, promote overall reproductive health, decrease the number of unnecessary surgeries, and save billions of health care systems' dollars worldwide.
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Affiliation(s)
- Somayeh Vafaei
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 00-189 Warsaw, Poland;
- Warsaw Institute of Women’s Health, 00-189 Warsaw, Poland
- Development and Research Center of Non-Invasive Therapies, Pro-Familia Hospital, 35-302 Rzeszow, Poland
| | - Mervat M. Omran
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Mohammad Mousaei Ghasroldasht
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Qiwei Yang
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Tanya Leake
- The White Dress Project, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA; (T.L.); (R.W.)
| | - Rochelle Wolfe
- The White Dress Project, Atlanta, GA 30309, USA; (T.L.); (R.W.)
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Chicago, Chicago, IL 60637, USA; (S.V.); (M.M.O.); (M.M.G.); (Q.Y.)
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Hirbo JB, Pasutto F, Gamazon ER, Evans P, Pawar P, Berner D, Sealock J, Tao R, Straub PS, Konkashbaev AI, Breyer MA, Schlötzer-Schrehardt U, Reis A, Brantley MA, Khor CC, Joos KM, Cox NJ. Analysis of genetically determined gene expression suggests role of inflammatory processes in exfoliation syndrome. BMC Genomics 2023; 24:75. [PMID: 36797672 PMCID: PMC9936777 DOI: 10.1186/s12864-023-09179-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2022] [Accepted: 02/09/2023] [Indexed: 02/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Exfoliation syndrome (XFS) is an age-related systemic disorder characterized by excessive production and progressive accumulation of abnormal extracellular material, with pathognomonic ocular manifestations. It is the most common cause of secondary glaucoma, resulting in widespread global blindness. The largest global meta-analysis of XFS in 123,457 multi-ethnic individuals from 24 countries identified seven loci with the strongest association signal in chr15q22-25 region near LOXL1. Expression analysis have so far correlated coding and a few non-coding variants in the region with LOXL1 expression levels, but functional effects of these variants is unclear. We hypothesize that analysis of the contribution of the genetically determined component of gene expression to XFS risk can provide a powerful method to elucidate potential roles of additional genes and clarify biology that underlie XFS. RESULTS Transcriptomic Wide Association Studies (TWAS) using PrediXcan models trained in 48 GTEx tissues leveraging on results from the multi-ethnic and European ancestry GWAS were performed. To eliminate the possibility of false-positive results due to Linkage Disequilibrium (LD) contamination, we i) performed PrediXcan analysis in reduced models removing variants in LD with LOXL1 missense variants associated with XFS, and variants in LOXL1 models in both multiethnic and European ancestry individuals, ii) conducted conditional analysis of the significant signals in European ancestry individuals, and iii) filtered signals based on correlated gene expression, LD and shared eQTLs, iv) conducted expression validation analysis in human iris tissues. We observed twenty-eight genes in chr15q22-25 region that showed statistically significant associations, which were whittled down to ten genes after statistical validations. In experimental analysis, mRNA transcript levels for ARID3B, CD276, LOXL1, NEO1, SCAMP2, and UBL7 were significantly decreased in iris tissues from XFS patients compared to control samples. TWAS genes for XFS were significantly enriched for genes associated with inflammatory conditions. We also observed a higher incidence of XFS comorbidity with inflammatory and connective tissue diseases. CONCLUSION Our results implicate a role for connective tissues and inflammation pathways in the etiology of XFS. Targeting the inflammatory pathway may be a potential therapeutic option to reduce progression in XFS.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jibril B. Hirbo
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Francesca Pasutto
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Eric R. Gamazon
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,grid.5335.00000000121885934Clare Hall and MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SL UK
| | - Patrick Evans
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Priyanka Pawar
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Daniel Berner
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Julia Sealock
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Ran Tao
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Biostatistics, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Peter S. Straub
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Anuar I. Konkashbaev
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Max A. Breyer
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Ursula Schlötzer-Schrehardt
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Department of Ophthalmology, Universitätsklinikum Erlangen, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - André Reis
- grid.5330.50000 0001 2107 3311Institute of Human Genetics, Friedrich-Alexander-Universität Erlangen-Nürnberg FAU, 91054 Erlangen, Germany
| | - Milam A. Brantley
- grid.5335.00000000121885934Clare Hall and MRC Epidemiology Unit, University of Cambridge, Cambridge, CB2 0SL UK
| | - Chiea C. Khor
- grid.418377.e0000 0004 0620 715XGenome Institute of Singapore, 60 Biopolis St, Singapore, 138672 Singapore
| | - Karen M. Joos
- grid.412807.80000 0004 1936 9916Vanderbilt Eye Institute, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
| | - Nancy J. Cox
- grid.152326.10000 0001 2264 7217Genetic Medicine, Vanderbilt University School of Medicine, Nashville, TN 37232 USA ,Vanderbilt Genetics Institute, Nashville, TN 37232 USA
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Rahman MDH, Biswas P, Dey D, Hannan MA, Sahabuddin M, Araf Y, Kwon Y, Emran TB, Ali MS, Uddin MJ. An In-Silico Identification of Potential Flavonoids against Kidney Fibrosis Targeting TGFβR-1. Life (Basel) 2022; 12:1764. [PMID: 36362919 PMCID: PMC9694304 DOI: 10.3390/life12111764] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/08/2022] [Revised: 10/25/2022] [Accepted: 10/27/2022] [Indexed: 09/01/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis is a hallmark of progressive kidney diseases. The overexpression of profibrotic cytokine, namely transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) due to excessive inflammation and tissue damage, induces kidney fibrosis. The inhibition of TGF-β signaling is markedly limited in experimental disease models. Targeting TGF-β signaling, therefore, offers a prospective strategy for the management of kidney fibrosis. Presently, the marketed drugs have numerous side effects, but plant-derived compounds are relatively safer and more cost-effective. In this study, TGFβR-1 was targeted to identify the lead compounds among flavonoids using various computational approaches, such as ADME/T (absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion/toxicity) analysis, molecular docking, and molecular dynamics simulation. ADME/T screening identified a total of 31 flavonoids with drug-like properties of 31 compounds, a total of 5 compounds showed a higher binding affinity to TGFβR-1, with Epicatechin, Fisetin, and Luteolin ranking at the top three (-13.58, -13.17, and -10.50 kcal/mol, respectively), which are comparable to the control drug linagliptin (-9.074 kcal/mol). The compounds also exhibited outstanding protein-ligand interactions. The molecular dynamic simulations revealed a stable interaction of these compounds with the binding site of TGFβR-1. These findings indicate that flavonoids, particularly Epicatechin, Fisetin, and Luteolin, may compete with the ligand-binding site of TGFβR-1, suggesting that these compounds can be further evaluated for the development of potential therapeutics against kidney fibrosis. Further, in-vitro and in-vivo studies are recommended to support the current findings.
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Affiliation(s)
- MD. Hasanur Rahman
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Partha Biswas
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology and Bioinformatics, Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, Jashore University of Science and Technology, Jashore 7408, Bangladesh
| | - Dipta Dey
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Abdul Hannan
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Department of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Bangladesh Agricultural University, Mymensingh 2202, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sahabuddin
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Yusha Araf
- Department of Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Shahjalal University of Science and Technology, Sylhet 3114, Bangladesh
| | - Youngjoo Kwon
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
| | - Talha Bin Emran
- Department of Pharmacy, BGC Trust University Bangladesh, Chittagong 4381, Bangladesh
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Daffodil International University, Dhaka 1207, Bangladesh
| | - Md. Sarafat Ali
- Department of Biotechnology and Genetic Engineering, Faculty of Life Sciences, Bangabandhu Sheikh Mujibur Rahman Science and Technology University, Gopalganj 8100, Bangladesh
| | - Md Jamal Uddin
- ABEx Bio-Research Center, East Azampur, Dhaka 1230, Bangladesh
- Graduate School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, College of Pharmacy, Ewha Womans University, Seoul 03760, Korea
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Quercetin Reduces Hepatic Fibrogenesis by Inhibiting TGF-β/Smad3 Signaling Pathway in LX-2 Cell Line. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/jjnpp.113484] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Background: Liver fibrosis has become one of the leading causes of morbidity and mortality in the world. Liver fibrosis progresses to cirrhosis and can eventually lead to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). During fibrogenesis, the hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) remain active and continuously produce more extracellular matrix (ECM). Quercetin, one of the main flavonoids in vegetables, has shown hepatoprotective potential, but its effects on liver fibrosis are not apparent. Objectives: In this study, we investigated the antifibrotic activity of quercetin following stimulation of TGF-β in the LX-2 cell line (a type of HSC-derived cell line) and its underlying mechanism in vitro. Methods: The LX-2 cells were treated with TGF-β1 (2 ng/mL) for 24 h. Next, the cells were treated with quercetin for 24 h, and the mRNA expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen1α1, and p-Smad3 protein levels were measured. Results: The results showed that the expression of α-SMA, collagen 1α1 (COL1α1) genes, and also the level of p-Smad3 protein in the presence of TGF-β increased significantly compared to the control group. Moreover, quercetin in concentrations of 75 and 100 μM inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of α-SMA and COL1α1 genes and the p-Smad3 protein in LX-2 cells. Conclusions: We conclude that quercetin inhibits further activation of HSCs by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway and reduces ECM accumulation during liver fibrosis in vitro, and may prevent the progression of liver fibrosis. Thus, the use of quercetin is suggested as a potential therapeutic agent in the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Effect of Quercetin on the Expression of NOXs and P-Smad3C in TGF-Β-Activated Hepatic Stellate Cell Line LX-2. HEPATITIS MONTHLY 2021. [DOI: 10.5812/hepatmon.116875] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/13/2023]
Abstract
Background: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a primary role in liver fibrogenesis. NOXs are the main origin of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the liver. Among them, NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 are expressed more in HSCs and are involved in the development of liver fibrosis. Quercetin, an abundant citrus flavonoid, is known to have beneficial effects on liver injury and hepatic fibrosis. Objectives: In this study, the effect of quercetin on NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression and Smad3 phosphorylation induced by TGF-β in the human hepatic LX2 cell line was investigated. Methods: The cytotoxic effects of quercetin on the cells were determined by MTT assay. The cells were activated with 2 ng/mL of TGF-β for 24 h and then treated with different concentrations of Quercetin. The mRNA expression rates of NOX1, NOX2, NOX4, and phosphorylated Smad 3C (p-Smad3C) were analyzed using real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and western blot assays. Results: TGF-β increased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 and the protein level of p-Smad3C in the LX2 cell line. Quercetin significantly decreased the mRNA expression of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 in the LX-2 cells. Moreover, quercetin significantly diminished the p-Smad3C level in the LX-2 cell line activated with TGF-β. Conclusions: Quercetin may be effective in improving hepatic fibrosis via the reduction of NOX1, NOX2, and NOX4 expression in activated HSCs. The main mechanism through which quercetin reduces the expression of these target genes may be related to the reduction of the p-Smad3C level.
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Tran CL, Tri MD, Tien-Trung N, Phan NM, Phan CTD, Tran TN, Do TH, Tran NMA, Tran TNM, Duong TH. Nervione, a new benzofuran derivative from Nervilia concolor. Nat Prod Res 2021; 36:5148-5154. [PMID: 33970720 DOI: 10.1080/14786419.2021.1920585] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 10/21/2022]
Abstract
A new benzofuran derivative, nervione (1), was isolated from Nervilia concolor (Blume) Schltr. (Orchidaceae). Eight previously reported compounds were also isolated: 5,7-dimethoxyflavone (2), 3,5,7-trimethoxyflavone (3), 7-methoxyflavone (4), 3,7-dimethoxy-5-hydroxyflavone (5), tetramethylscutellarein (4',5,6,7-tetramethoxyflavone) (6), 5,7-dimethoxy-4'-hydroxyflavone (7), rhamnetin (8), and 5,7-dihydroxy-3',4'-dimethoxyflavone (9). The structures were elucidated by 1D, 2D NMR, and HRESIMS spectroscopy in addition to the literature. The relative configuration of 1 was defined using DP4+ probability while its absolute configuration was defined by comparison of the ECD spectrum of 1 with those of previously reported compounds. All isolated compounds were evaluated for alpha-glucosidase inhibition, revealing weak or no activity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Cong-Luan Tran
- Faculty of Pharmacy and Nursery, Tay Do University, Can Tho, Vietnam
| | - Mai Dinh Tri
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay, Ha noi, Vietnam.,Institute of Chemical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen Tien-Trung
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Modelling (LCCM), Quy Nhon University, Vietnam
| | - Nhat-Minh Phan
- Graduate University of Science and Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Cau Giay, Ha noi, Vietnam.,Institute of Chemical Technology, Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Cam-Tu D Phan
- Laboratory of Computational Chemistry and Modelling (LCCM), Quy Nhon University, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Nha Tran
- Department of Chemistry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thanh-Hung Do
- NTT Hi-Tech Institute, Nguyen Tat Thanh University, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Nguyen-Minh-An Tran
- Faculty of Chemical Engineering, Industrial University of Ho Chi Minh City, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thi-Ngoc-Mai Tran
- Institute of Applied Sciences, Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology (HUTECH), Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
| | - Thuc-Huy Duong
- Department of Chemistry, Ho Chi Minh City University of Education, Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
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Chen Q, Wang Y, Ma F, Han M, Wang Z, Xue P, Lu J. Systematic profiling of the effective ingredients and mechanism of Scabiosa comosa and S. tschilliensis against hepatic fibrosis combined with network pharmacology. Sci Rep 2021; 11:2600. [PMID: 33510287 PMCID: PMC7843997 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-021-81399-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/06/2020] [Accepted: 12/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Scabiosa comosa and S. tschilliensis (SCST) are traditionally used for liver diseases in Mongolian medicine. However, their active ingredients and molecular mechanisms are unknown. The present study employed network pharmacology and experimental verification approaches to decipher the common pharmacological mechanisms of SCST on liver fibrosis, which is the key step in liver diseases. We predicted the targets of all available SCST ingredients with the SWISS and SuperPred servers and clustered the targets related to liver fibrosis from DrugBank, the OMIM database and the literature. We further evaluated the links between the herbal ingredients and pharmacological actions to explore the potential mechanism of action of SCST. We found that the PPARG signalling pathway could be regulated by SCST for liver fibrosis through enrichment analysis. The key targets included 8 co-targets, including HSP90AA1, PPARG, HSP90AB1, STAT1, etc., which play pivotal roles in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Additionally, the top 15 key compounds included flavonoids and phenylpropanoids. Central to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis is trans-differentiation or activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Therefore, LX2 cells, an immortalized human HSC line, were studied. Here, a total 37 components were isolated and identified from the inflorescences of SCST, including the new compound tschilliensisin, and the first separated components, β-sitosterol and luteolin, and these compounds were assessed against anti-hepatic fibrosis. An MTT assay and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blotting analyses demonstrated that the flavonoids of SCST revealed anti-hepatic fibrosis effects via anti-proliferation and increases in the Stat1, Pparg, Hsp90aa1 genes and STAT1 and PPARG proteins in LX-2 cells. In conclusion, these results indicate that SCST has multi-targeted and multi-component synergistic anti-hepatic fibrosis effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qianwen Chen
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Yuanyuan Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Feixiang Ma
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Mengdi Han
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Zhen Wang
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China
| | - Peifeng Xue
- Department of Basic Medicine, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
| | - Jingkun Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, Medical University of Inner Mongolia, Jinshan Development Zone, Hohhot, Inner Mongolia, China.
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11
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Docampo-Palacios ML, Alvarez-Hernández A, Adiji O, Gamiotea-Turro D, Valerino-Diaz AB, Viegas LP, Ndukwe IE, de Fátima Â, Heiss C, Azadi P, Pasinetti GM, Dixon RA. Glucuronidation of Methylated Quercetin Derivatives: Chemical and Biochemical Approaches. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2020; 68:14790-14807. [PMID: 33289379 PMCID: PMC8136248 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.0c04500] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/05/2023]
Abstract
Botanical supplements derived from grapes are functional in animal model systems for the amelioration of neurological conditions, including cognitive impairment. Rats fed with grape extracts accumulate 3'-O-methyl-quercetin-3-O-β-d-glucuronide (3) in their brains, suggesting 3 as a potential therapeutic agent. To develop methods for the synthesis of 3 and the related 4'-O-methyl-quercetin-7-O-β-d-glucuronide (4), 3-O-methyl-quercetin-3'-O-β-d-glucuronide (5), and 4'-O-methyl-quercetin-3'-O-β-d-glucuronide (6), which are not found in the brain, we have evaluated both enzymatic semisynthesis and full chemical synthetic approaches. Biocatalysis by mammalian UDP-glucuronosyltransferases generated multiple glucuronidated products from 4'-O-methylquercetin, and is not cost-effective. Chemical synthetic methods, on the other hand, provided good results; 3, 5, and 6 were obtained in six steps at 12, 18, and 30% overall yield, respectively, while 4 was synthesized in five steps at 34% overall yield. A mechanistic study on the unexpected regioselectivity observed in the quercetin glucuronide synthetic steps is also presented.
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Affiliation(s)
- Maite L Docampo-Palacios
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, Texas, United States
| | - Anislay Alvarez-Hernández
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, Texas, United States
| | - Olubu Adiji
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, Texas, United States
| | - Daylin Gamiotea-Turro
- Chemistry Institute-Araraquara, UNESP-São Paulo State University, São Paulo 01049-010, Brazil
| | | | - Luís P Viegas
- Coimbra Chemistry Center, Chemistry Department, University of Coimbra, Coimbra 3004-531, Portugal
| | - Ikenna E Ndukwe
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Rd, Athens 30602, Georgia, United States
| | - Ângelo de Fátima
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, Texas, United States
- Department of Chemistry, Federal University of Minas Gerais, Belo Horizonte 31270-901, Minas Gerais, Brazil
| | - Christian Heiss
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Rd, Athens 30602, Georgia, United States
| | - Parastoo Azadi
- Complex Carbohydrate Research Center, University of Georgia, 315 Riverbend Rd, Athens 30602, Georgia, United States
| | - Giulio M Pasinetti
- Department of Psychiatry, The Mount Sinai School of Medicine, New York 10029, New York, United States
| | - Richard A Dixon
- BioDiscovery Institute and Department of Biological Sciences, University of North Texas, Denton 76203, Texas, United States
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12
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Ciebiera M, Ali M, Prince L, Jackson-Bey T, Atabiekov I, Zgliczyński S, Al-Hendy A. The Evolving Role of Natural Compounds in the Medical Treatment of Uterine Fibroids. J Clin Med 2020; 9:E1479. [PMID: 32423112 PMCID: PMC7290481 DOI: 10.3390/jcm9051479] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/21/2020] [Revised: 05/11/2020] [Accepted: 05/11/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Uterine fibroids (UFs) remain a significant health issue for many women, with a disproportionate impact on women of color, likely due to both genetic and environmental factors. The prevalence of UFs is estimated to be approximately 70% depending on population. UF-derived clinical symptoms include pelvic pain, excessive uterine bleeding, gastrointestinal and voiding problems, as well as impaired fertility. Nowadays numerous methods of UF treatment are available-from conservative treatment to invasive surgeries. Selecting an appropriate treatment option should be individualized and adjusted to the patient's expectations as much as possible. So far, the mainstay of treatment is surgery, but their negative impact of future fertility is clear. On the other hand, emerging new pharmaceutical options have significant adverse effects like liver function impairment, hot flashes, bone density loss, endometrial changes, and inability to attempt conception during treatment. Several natural compounds are found to help treat UFs and relieve their symptoms. In this review we summarize all the current available data about natural compounds that may be beneficial for patients with UFs, especially those who want to preserve their future fertility or have treatment while actively pursuing conception. Vitamin D, epigallocatechin gallate, berberine, curcumin, and others are being used as alternative UF treatments. Moreover, we propose the concept of using combined therapies of natural compounds on their own or combined with hormonal agents to manage UFs. There is a strong need for more human clinical trials involving these compounds before promoting widespread usage.
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Affiliation(s)
- Michał Ciebiera
- Second Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, The Center of Postgraduate Medical Education, 01-809 Warsaw, Poland;
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Mohamed Ali
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
- Clinical Pharmacy Department, Faculty of Pharmacy, Ain Shams University, 11566 Cairo, Egypt
| | - Lillian Prince
- School of Public Health, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Tia Jackson-Bey
- Division of Reproductive Endocrinology and Infertility, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
| | - Ihor Atabiekov
- Moscow Region Cancer Center, Balashikha 143900, Russian;
| | - Stanisław Zgliczyński
- Department of Internal Diseases and Endocrinology, Central Teaching Clinical Hospital, Medical University of Warsaw, 02-097 Warsaw, Poland;
| | - Ayman Al-Hendy
- Department of Surgery, University of Illinois at Chicago, Chicago, IL 60612, USA;
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13
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Chan YT, Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis by Natural Products: Is It the Dawning of a New Era? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:548. [PMID: 32425789 PMCID: PMC7212390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition that is worth studying widely. It is important to target and alleviate the disease at an early stage before turning into later cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are currently no direct medicines targeting the attenuation or reversal of liver fibrosis, and so there is an urgent need to look into this area. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in using herbal medicines to treat liver diseases including fibrosis. It is time to integrate the ancient wisdom with modern science and technology to look for the best solution to the disease. In this review, the principal concept of the pathology of liver fibrosis will be described, and then some of the single compounds isolated from herbal medicines, including salvianolic acids, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, etc. will be discussed from their effects to the molecular mechanism behind. Molecular targets of the compounds are analyzed by network pharmacology approach, and TGFβ/SMAD was identified as the most common pathway. This review serves to summarize the current findings of herbal medicines combining with modern medicines in the area of fibrosis. It hopefully provides insights in further pharmaceutical research directions.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
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