Rhubarb hydroxyanthraquinones act as antiobesity agents to inhibit adipogenesis and enhance lipolysis

Tangzhiping Decoction Improves Glucose and Lipid Metabolism and Exerts Protective Effects Against White Adipose Tissue Dysfunction in Prediabetic Mice

Background

Prediabetes, characterized by a series of metabolic abnormalities, increases the risk of diabetes and cardiovascular diseases. Tangzhiping (TZP), a clinically validated traditional Chinese medicine formula, is used to treat impaired glucose tolerance. However, the underlying mechanism of TZP in intervening prediabetes is not fully elucidated.

Purpose

The current study aimed to evaluate the protective effect of TZP against prediabetes mice and explore its potential mechanism.

Methods

After establishing a prediabetic animal model through 12 weeks of high-fat diet (HFD) feeding, mice were subjected to TZP for 8 weeks. Various parameters related to body weight, glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin sensitivity were measured. Histopathological examinations observed adipose cell size and liver lipid deposition. The Sable Promethion system assessed energy metabolism activity. Transcriptomic analysis of Epididymal white adipose tissue (EWAT) identified enriched pathways and genes. The key genes in the enriched pathways were identified through RT-PCR.

Results

Our data revealed that the administration of TZP reduced body weight and fat mass in a prediabetes mouse model. TZP normalized the glucose and insulin levels, improved insulin resistance, and decreased plasma TC and FFA. The alleviation of adipose tissue hypertrophy and lipid deposition by TZP was demonstrated through pathological examination. Indirect calorimetry measurements indicated a potential increase in VO2 and EE levels with TZP. The results of EWAT transcription showed that TZP reversed pathways and genes related to inflammation and catabolic metabolism. RT-PCR demonstrated that the mRNA expression of inflammation and lipolysis, including Tlr2, Ccr5, Ccl9, Itgb2, Lipe, Pnpla2, Cdo1, Ces1d, Echs1, and Acad11, were changed by TZP treatment.

Conclusion

TZP effectively alleviates obesity, impaired glucose and lipid metabolism, and insulin resistance. The effect of TZP might be associated with the regulation of gene expression in dysfunctional adipose tissue.

Aloe vera-An Extensive Review Focused on Recent Studies

Since ancient times, Aloe vera L. (AV) has attracted scientific interest because of its multiple cosmetic and medicinal properties, attributable to compounds present in leaves and other parts of the plant. The collected literature data show that AV and its products have a beneficial influence on human health, both by topical and oral use, as juice or an extract. Several scientific studies demonstrated the numerous biological activities of AV, including, for instance, antiviral, antimicrobial, antitumor, and antifungal. Moreover, its important antidepressant activity in relation to several diseases, including skin disorders (psoriasis, acne, and so on) and prediabetes, is a growing field of research. This comprehensive review intends to present the most significant and recent studies regarding the plethora of AV's biological activities and an in-depth analysis exploring the component/s responsible for them. Moreover, its morphology and chemical composition are described, along with some studies regarding the single components of AV available in commerce. Finally, valorization studies and a discussion about the metabolism and toxicological aspects of this "Wonder Plant" are reported.

Topical rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan/silk fibroin sponge scaffold for the repair of diabetic ulcers improves hepatic lipid deposition in db/db mice via the AMPK signalling pathway

BACKGROUND

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is closely linked to metabolic syndrome, characterised by insulin resistance, hyperglycaemia, abnormal lipid metabolism, and chronic inflammation. Diabetic ulcers (DUs) comprise consequential complications that arise as a result of T2DM. To investigate, db/db mice were used for the disease model. The findings demonstrated that a scaffold made from a combination of rhubarb charcoal-crosslinked chitosan and silk fibroin, designated as RCS/SF, was able to improve the healing process of diabetic wounds in db/db mice. However, previous studies have primarily concentrated on investigating the impacts of the RSC/SF scaffold on wound healing only, while its influence on the entire body has not been fully elucidated.

MATERIAL AND METHODS

The silk fibroin/chitosan sponge scaffold containing rhubarb charcoal was fabricated in the present study using a freeze-drying approach. Subsequently, an incision with a diameter of 8 mm was made on the dorsal skin of the mice, and the RCS/SF scaffold was applied directly to the wound for 14 days. Subsequently, the impact of RCS/SF scaffold therapy on hepatic lipid metabolism was assessed through analysis of serum and liver biochemistry, histopathology, quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR), immunohistochemistry, and Western blotting.

RESULTS

The use of the RCS/SF scaffold led to an enhancement in the conditions associated with serum glucolipid metabolism in db/db mice. An assessment of hepatic histopathology further confirmed this enhancement. Additionally, the qRT-PCR analysis revealed that treatment with RCS/SF scaffold resulted in the downregulation of genes associated with fatty acid synthesis, fatty acid uptake, triglyceride (TG) synthesis, gluconeogenesis, and inflammatory factors. Moreover, the beneficial effect of the RCS/SF scaffold on oxidative stress was shown by assessing antioxidant enzymes and lipid peroxidation. Additionally, the network pharmacology analysis verified that the adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signalling pathway had a vital function in mitigating non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) by utilizing R. officinale. The measurement of AMPK, sterol regulatory element binding protein 1 (SREBP1), fatty acid synthase (FASN), and acetyl CoA carboxylase (ACC) gene and protein expression provided support for this discovery. Furthermore, the molecular docking investigations revealed a robust affinity between the active components of rhubarb and the downstream targets of AMPK (SREBP1 and FASN).

CONCLUSION

By regulating the AMPK signalling pathway, the RCS/SF scaffold applied topically effectively mitigated hepatic lipid accumulation, decreased inflammation, and attenuated oxidative stress. The present study, therefore, emphasises the crucial role of the topical RCS/SF scaffold in regulating hepatic lipid metabolism, thereby confirming the concept of "external and internal reshaping".

Role of anthraquinones in combating insulin resistance

Insulin resistance presents a formidable public health challenge that is intricately linked to the onset and progression of various chronic ailments, including diabetes, cardiovascular disease, hypertension, metabolic syndrome, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease, and cancer. Effectively addressing insulin resistance is paramount in preventing and managing these metabolic disorders. Natural herbal remedies show promise in combating insulin resistance, with anthraquinone extracts garnering attention for their role in enhancing insulin sensitivity and treating diabetes. Anthraquinones are believed to ameliorate insulin resistance through diverse pathways, encompassing activation of the AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) signaling pathway, restoration of insulin signal transduction, attenuation of inflammatory pathways, and modulation of gut microbiota. This comprehensive review aims to consolidate the potential anthraquinone compounds that exert beneficial effects on insulin resistance, elucidating the underlying mechanisms responsible for their therapeutic impact. The evidence discussed in this review points toward the potential utilization of anthraquinones as a promising therapeutic strategy to combat insulin resistance and its associated metabolic diseases.

Mechanism of rhubarb in the treatment of hyperlipidemia: A recent review

Hyperlipidemia is a metabolic disorder, which is a major risk factor for atherosclerosis, stroke, and coronary heart disease. Although lipid-lowering treatments have been extensively studied, safer treatments with fewer adverse effects are needed. Rhubarb is a traditional Chinese medicine that has lipid-lowering, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Disturbance in lipid metabolism is the basis of tissue damage caused by hyperlipidemia and plays a key role in the development of hyperlipidemia; however, the molecular mechanisms by which rhubarb regulates lipid metabolism to lower lipid levels are yet to be elucidated. We conducted this study to summarize the phytochemical constituents of Rheum officinale and provide a comprehensive review of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of lipid metabolism during hyperlipidemia treatment. It was found that rhubarb extracts, including emodin, rhubarb acid, and rhubarb phenol, regulate total cholesterol, triglyceride, TNF-α, and IL-1β levels through signaling pathways such as C/EBP α, 3T3-L1, PPAR α, and AMPK, thereby improving the hyperlipidemic state. This suggests that rhubarb is a natural drug with lipid-lowering potential, and an in-depth exploration of its lipid-lowering mechanism can provide new ideas for the prevention and treatment of hyperlipidemia.

WKYMVm ameliorates obesity by improving lipid metabolism and leptin signalling

Obesity is a metabolic disorder that results from an imbalance of energy intake and consumption. As low-grade chronic inflammation caused by obesity can lead to various complications, it is important to develop effective treatments against obesity. In this study, we investigate the effects of WKYMVm, a strong anti-inflammatory agent, against obesity. Administration of WKYMVm into high fat diet (HFD)-induced obese mice significantly attenuated body weight gain, food intake and increased insulin sensitivity. HFD-induced hepatic steatosis and adipose tissue hypertrophy were also markedly ameliorated by WKYMVm. During the maturation of adipocytes, WKYMVm improves lipid metabolism by increasing lipolysis, adipogenesis, mitochondrial biogenesis and fat browning. WKYMVm administration also elicited a decrease in leptin levels, but an increase in leptin sensitivity via regulation of hypothalamic endoplasmic reticulum stress and the leptin receptor cascade. Taken together, our results show that WKYMVm ameliorates obesity by improving lipid metabolism and leptin signalling, suggesting that WKYMVm can be a useful molecule for the development of anti-obesity agents.

Modern and Non-Invasive Methods of Fat Removal

Adipocytes accumulate triacylglycerols as an energy store, thereby causing an increase in the adipose tissue volume. Weight gain can be prevented through damage to the adipocyte structure or an increase in the body's metabolic rate. Commonly used methods to disintegrate the cell membrane of adipocytes include injection lipolysis, cryolipolysis, ultrasonic lipolysis, radiofrequency lipolysis, laser lipolysis, carboxytherapy, and lipolysis using an electromagnetic field. The names of these methods suggest which substances are being used, and their main advantages are a very low invasiveness, as well as effectiveness. However, new discoveries in medicine, along with individuals' desire to improve their appearance, have resulted in numerous studies on more ways of reducing body fat. Great potential is seen in beige adipocytes, which can be transformed, i.e., "recruited" from white adipocytes, or synthesized de novo; they also show thermogenic properties. One of the stimuli inducing the formation of beige adipocytes is cold and B3-adrenergic stimulation. Based on these findings, the researchers created, for example, cooling clothing. Additionally, curcumin and natural anthocyanins have proven to be helpful in the treatment of obesity and diabetes, by stimulating the secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1, and inducing the formation of beige adipocytes. Another study showed that the conversion of white adipose tissue is indirectly influenced by interleukin-6 secreted by the muscles, the expression of which is increased in people actively exercising. Moreover, there is potential in adenosine analogs, fenoldopam, rhubarb, the herbal extract Ephedra sinica Stapf, electroacupuncture simulation, and the drug CBL-514. Despite knowledge and experience, the ideal method for a quick and noticeable, but safe and non-invasive reduction of body fat has not been found yet. The research conducted nowadays may bring us closer to the development of a universal method, and turn out to be a breakthrough in the fight against overweight and obesity.

Prediction and verification of the active ingredients and potential targets of Erhuang Quzhi Granules on non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Erhuang Quzhi Granules (EQG) is a compound composed of 13 traditional Chinese medicines developed by the First Affiliated Hospital of Shihezi University. In clinical practice, EQG has been applied to the treatment of hyperlipidemia and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), and could significantly improve the serum biochemical indicators of NAFLD patients.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to explore the bioactive compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of EQG against NAFLD through network pharmacology, molecular docking, and experimental verification.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components of EQG came from the literature and quality standard. Bioactive compounds were screened based on the absorption, distribution, metabolism, and excretion (ADME) feature, and their potential targets were predicted using the substructure-drug-target network-based inference (SDTNBI). The core targets and signaling pathways were obtained through the analysis of protein-protein interaction (PPI), gene ontology (GO) function, and Kyoto encyclopedia of genes and genomes (KEGG) pathway. The results were further confirmed by literature retrieval, molecular docking, and in vivo experiments.

RESULTS

The results of network pharmacology showed 12 active ingredients and 10 core targets for EQG in treating NAFLD. And EQG mainly regulates lipid and atherosclerosis-related pathways to improve NAFLD. The collected literature verified the regulatory effect of the active components of EQG on core targets TP53, PPARG, EGFR, HIF1A, PPARA, and MTOR. Molecular docking results showed that Aloe-Emodin (AE), Emodin, Physcion, and Rhein (RH) had stable binding structures with the core targets HSP90AA1. In vivo experiment showed that AE and RH reduced aspartate transaminase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, IL18, and tumor necrosis factor α (TNF-α) in the serum or liver of NAFLD mice, improved liver lipid deposition and fibrosis, and inhibit gene expression of nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB), NOD-like receptor thermal protein domain associated protein 3 (NLRP3), IL-1β, TNF-α and protein expression of HSP90, NF-κB and Cleaved caspase-1.

CONCLUSIONS

This study comprehensively revealed the biological compounds, potential targets, and molecular mechanisms of EQG in the treatment of NAFLD, providing a reference basis for the promotion of EQG in the clinic.

Rhein for treating diabetes mellitus: A pharmacological and mechanistic overview

With the extension of life expectancy and changes in lifestyle, the prevalence of diabetes mellitus is increasing worldwide. Rheum palmatum L. a natural botanical medicine, has been used for thousands of years to prevent and treat diabetes mellitus in Eastern countries. Rhein, the main active component of rhubarb, is a 1, 8-dihydroxy anthraquinone derivative. Previous studies have extensively explored the clinical application of rhein. However, a comprehensive review of the antidiabetic effects of rhein has not been conducted. This review summarizes studies published over the past decade on the antidiabetic effects of rhein, covering the biological characteristics of Rheum palmatum L. and the pharmacological effects and pharmacokinetic characteristics of rhein. The review demonstrates that rhein can prevent and treat diabetes mellitus by ameliorating insulin resistance, possess anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative stress properties, and protect islet cells, thus providing a theoretical basis for the application of rhein as an antidiabetic agent.

A Review on Rhubarb-Derived Substances as Modulators of Cardiovascular Risk Factors—A Special Emphasis on Anti-Obesity Action

The currently available anti-obesity therapies encounter many associated risks and side effects often causing the ineffectiveness of treatment. Therefore, various plant-derived substances have been extensively studied as a promising support or even an alternative for existing anti-obesity therapies. This review is dealing with the anti-obesity potential of edible and ethnomedicinal rhubarb species and emerging possible role of the rhubarb-derived extracts or individual compounds in the prevention of obesity and perspectives for their use in an anti-obesity treatment. A special emphasis is put on the most popular edible specimens, i.e., Rheum rhabarbarum L. (garden rhubarb) and Rheum rhaponticum L. (rhapontic rhubarb, Siberian rhubarb); however, the anti-obesity potential of other rhubarb species (e.g., R. officinale, R. palmatum, and R. emodi) is presented as well. The significance of rhubarb-derived extracts and low-molecular specialized rhubarb metabolites of diversified chemical background, e.g., anthraquinones and stilbenes, as potential modulators of human metabolism is highlighted, including the context of cardiovascular disease prevention. The available reports present multiple encouraging rhubarb properties starting from the anti-lipidemic action of rhubarb fibre or its use as purgative medicines, through various actions of rhubarb-derived extracts and their individual compounds: inhibition of enzymes of cholesterol and lipid metabolism, targeting of key molecular regulators of adipogenesis, regulators of cell energy metabolism, the ability to inhibit pro-inflammatory signalling pathways and to regulate glucose and lipid homeostasis contributing to overall in vivo and clinical anti-obesity effects.