Jiangzhi granule attenuates non-alcoholic steatohepatitis through modulating bile acid in mice fed high-fat vitamin D deficiency diet

Application and mechanism of Chinese herb medicine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a chronic liver condition closely associated with metabolic syndrome, with its incidence rate continuously rising globally. Recent studies have shown that the development of NAFLD is associated with insulin resistance, lipid metabolism disorder, oxidative stress and endoplasmic reticulum stress. Therapeutic strategies for NAFLD include lifestyle modifications, pharmacological treatments, and emerging biological therapies; however, there is currently no specific drug to treat NAFLD. However Chinese herb medicine (CHM) has shown potential in the treatment of NAFLD due to its unique therapeutic concepts and methods for centuries in China. This review aims to summarize the pathogenesis of NAFLD and some CHMs that have been shown to have therapeutic effects on NAFLD, thus enriching the scientific connotation of TCM theories and facilitating the exploration of TCM in the treatment of NAFLD.

Gan-jiang-ling-zhu decoction improves steatohepatitis by regulating gut microbiota-mediated 12-tridecenoic acid inhibition

Introduction: Gan-jiang-ling-zhu (GJLZ) decoction is a classical traditional Chinese medicine prescription. Through invigorating yang, activating qi and dissipating dampness, GJLZ decoction is widely applied for the treatment of chronic digestive disease, including nonalcoholic fatty liver disease. However, efficacy and mechanism of GJLZ decoction behind nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) treatment remains unelucidated. Methods: NASH was induced in mice, followed by treatment with GJLZ decoction. Various methods including hematoxylin-eosin, oil red O staining, and triglyceride analysis were employed to evaluate the treatment effects of GJLZ decoction on NASH. Gut microbiota, metabolomics, cell viability assays, immunofluorescence and Western blotting were performed to unveil the mechanism behind GJLZ decoction. Results: GJLZ decoction treatment significantly improved hepatic steatosis in mice with NASH. It led to remodeling of gut flora and metabolite structures, including the 12-tridecenoic acid level. 12-Tridecenoic acid aggravated hepatic steatosis by promoting acetyl-coenzyme A carboxylase alpha (ACC) expression and inhibiting carnitine palmitoyltransferase 1A (CPT1A) expression. GJLZ decoction treatment reduced the 12-tridecenoic acid level, inhibited ACC activity and promoted CPT1A expression. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that 12-tridecenoic acid aggravated hepatic steatosis by affecting the ACC-CPT1A axis and GJLZ decoction treatment effectively reduced the 12-tridecenoic acid level and improved steatosis.

An herbal formulation "Shugan Xiaozhi decoction" ameliorates methionine/choline deficiency-induced nonalcoholic steatohepatitis through regulating inflammation and apoptosis-related pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Shugan Xiaozhi (SGXZ) decoction is a traditional Chinese medicine used for treating nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH). It has been used clinically for over 20 years and proved to be effective; however, the molecular mechanism underlying the effects of SGXZ decoction remains unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

We analyzed the chemical components, core targets, and molecular mechanisms of SGXZ decoction to improve NASH through network pharmacology and in vivo experiments.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components, core targets, and related signaling pathways of SGXZ decoction intervention in NASH were predicted using network pharmacology. Molecular docking was performed to verify chemical components and their core targets. The results were validated in the NASH model treated with SGXZ decoction. Mouse liver function was assessed by measuring ALT and AST levels. TC and TG levels were determined to evaluate lipid metabolism, and lipid deposition was assessed via oil red O staining. Mouse liver damage was determined via microscopy following hematoxylin and eosin staining. Liver fibrosis was assessed via Masson staining. Western blot (WB) and immunohistochemical (IHC) analyses were performed to detect inflammation and the expression of apoptosis-related proteins, including IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, TNF-α, MCP1, p53, FAS, Caspase-8, Caspase-3, Caspase-9, Bax, Bid, Cytochrome c, Bcl-2, and Bcl-XL. In addition, WB and IHC were used to assess protein expression associated with the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway.

RESULTS

Quercetin, luteolin, kaempferol, naringenin, and nobiletin in SGXZ decoction were effective chemical components in improving NASH, and TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-1β were the major core targets. Molecular docking indicated that these chemical components and major core targets might interact. KEGG pathway analysis showed that the pathways affected by SGXZ decoction, primarily including apoptosis and TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathways, interfere with NASH. In vivo experiments indicated that SGXZ decoction considerably ameliorated liver damage, fibrosis, and lipid metabolism disorder in MCD-induced NASH mouse models. In addition, WB and IHC verified the underlying molecular mechanisms of SGXZ decoction as predicted via network pharmacology. SGXZ decoction inhibited the activation of apoptosis-related pathways in MCD-induced NASH mice. Moreover, SGXZ decoction suppressed the activation of TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB pathway in MCD-induced NASH mice.

CONCLUSION

SGXZ decoction can treat NASH through multiple targets and pathways. These findings provide new insights into the effective treatment of NASH using SGXZ decoction.

Effects of plant natural products on metabolic-associated fatty liver disease and the underlying mechanisms: a narrative review with a focus on the modulation of the gut microbiota

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by the excessive accumulation of fat in hepatocytes. However, due to the complex pathogenesis of MAFLD, there are no officially approved drugs for treatment. Therefore, there is an urgent need to find safe and effective anti-MAFLD drugs. Recently, the relationship between the gut microbiota and MAFLD has been widely recognized, and treating MAFLD by regulating the gut microbiota may be a new therapeutic strategy. Natural products, especially plant natural products, have attracted much attention in the treatment of MAFLD due to their multiple targets and pathways and few side effects. Moreover, the structure and function of the gut microbiota can be influenced by exposure to plant natural products. However, the effects of plant natural products on MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota and the underlying mechanisms are poorly understood. Based on the above information and to address the potential therapeutic role of plant natural products in MAFLD, we systematically summarize the effects and mechanisms of action of plant natural products in the prevention and treatment of MAFLD through targeting of the gut microbiota. This narrative review provides feasible ideas for further exploration of safer and more effective natural drugs for the prevention and treatment of MAFLD.

Modulation of the vitamin D receptor by traditional Chinese medicines and bioactive compounds: potential therapeutic applications in VDR-dependent diseases

The Vitamin D receptor (VDR) is a crucial nuclear receptor that plays a vital role in various physiological functions. To a larger extent, the genomic effects of VDR maintain general wellbeing, and its modulation holds implications for multiple diseases. Current evidence regarding using vitamin D or its synthetic analogs to treat non-communicable diseases is insufficient, though observational studies suggest potential benefits. Traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) and bioactive compounds derived from natural sources have garnered increasing attention. Interestingly, TCM formulae and TCM-derived bioactive compounds have shown promise in modulating VDR activities. This review explores the intriguing potential of TCM and bioactive compounds in modulating VDR activity. We first emphasize the latest information on the genetic expression, function, and structure of VDR, providing a comprehensive understanding of this crucial receptor. Following this, we review several TCM formulae and herbs known to influence VDR alongside the mechanisms underpinning their action. Similarly, we also discuss TCM-based bioactive compounds that target VDR, offering insights into their roles and modes of action.

The Effect of Lithocholic Acid on the Gut-Liver Axis

Lithocholic acid (LCA) is a monohydroxy bile acid produced by intestinal flora, which has been found to be associated with a variety of hepatic and intestinal diseases. LCA is previously considered to be toxic, however, recent studies revealed that LCA and its derivatives may exert anti-inflammatory and anti-tumor effects under certain conditions. LCA goes through enterohepatic circulation along with other bile acids, here, we mainly discuss the effects of LCA on the gut-liver axis, including the regulation of gut microbiota, intestinal barrier, and relevant nuclear receptors (VDR, PXR) and G protein-coupled receptor five in related diseases. In addition, we also find that some natural ingredients are involved in regulating the detoxification and excretion of LCA, and the interaction with LCA also mediates its own biological activity.