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Huang BH, Guo ZW, Lv BH, Zhao X, Li YB, Lv WL. A role for curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animals: a systematic review and meta-analysis. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1396834. [PMID: 38855740 PMCID: PMC11157132 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1396834] [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: 03/06/2024] [Accepted: 04/30/2024] [Indexed: 06/11/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective This meta-analysis aimed to determine the efficacy of curcumin in preventing liver fibrosis in animal models. Methods A systematic search was conducted on studies published from establishment to November 2023 in PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library, and other databases. The methodological quality was assessed using Sycle's RoB tool. An analysis of sensitivity and subgroups were performed when high heterogeneity was observed. A funnel plot was used to assess publication bias. Results This meta-analysis included 24 studies involving 440 animals with methodological quality scores ranging from 4 to 6. The results demonstrated that curcumin treatment significantly improved Aspartate aminotransferase (AST) [standard mean difference (SMD) = -3.90, 95% confidence interval (CI) (-4.96, -2.83), p < 0.01, I2 = 85.9%], Alanine aminotransferase (ALT)[SMD = - 4.40, 95% CI (-5.40, -3.40), p < 0.01, I2 = 81.2%]. Sensitivity analysis of AST and ALT confirmed the stability and reliability of the results obtained. However, the funnel plot exhibited asymmetry. Subgroup analysis based on species and animal models revealed statistically significant differences among subgroups. Furthermore, curcumin therapy improved fibrosis degree, oxidative stress level, inflammation level, and liver synthesis function in animal models of liver fibrosis. Conclusion Curcumin intervention not only mitigates liver fibrosis but also enhances liver function, while concurrently modulating inflammatory responses and antioxidant capacity in animal models. This result provided a strong basis for further large-scale animal studies as well as clinical trials in humans in the future. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42024502671.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bo-Hao Huang
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
- Graduate school, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Zi-Wei Guo
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Bo-Han Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Xin Zhao
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Yan-Bo Li
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Wen-Liang Lv
- Department of Infection, Guang’an Men Hospital, China Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Beijing, China
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Geng Q, Xu Y, Huang W, Hu Y, Jin H, Hua H, Kong D. The Potential Mechanism of the Anti-Liver Fibrotic Effect of Curcumin in the Gut-Liver Axis. J Med Food 2024; 27:404-418. [PMID: 38669311 DOI: 10.1089/jmf.2023.k.0273] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/28/2024] Open
Abstract
This study aimed to explore the curative effect of curcumin on liver fibrosis and its correlation with the gut-liver axis in animal models. Histological staining was utilized to conduct histological analysis of the liver and intestine. An automatic biochemical analyzer or enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay system was utilized for analyzing the biochemical indexes in mice. Western blotting was employed to examine the level of relevant proteins. Furthermore, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing was performed to explore the impact of curcumin on intestinal microorganisms in rats with liver fibrosis. Ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography with quadrupole-orbitrap mass spectrometry was utilized to analyze the effect of curcumin on rat feces metabolites. Our results showed that curcumin reduced the formation of collagen fibers caused by carbon tetrachloride in a dose-dependent manner. In addition, curcumin was able to restore intestinal permeability in rats with liver fibrosis. By adopting α diversity analysis (Chao 1 index, Shannon index, and Simpson index), we observed that both the diversity and the abundance of intestinal flora in rats with liver fibrosis were increased. The principal component analysis diagram demonstrated that curcumin could enhance the abundance and diversity of intestinal flora, and also restore the composition of model rat flora, which was similar to that in normal rats, thereby correcting the imbalance of flora in rats with liver fibrosis. In addition, curcumin regulated feces metabolites and their signaling pathways, including glycerophospholipid metabolism, pantothenate and CoA biosynthesis. Our findings suggest that curcumin exhibits antiliver fibrosis effects, and its antiliver fibrosis effects might correlate with gut-liver axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiao Geng
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yanyan Xu
- Department of colorectal surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Weifang Huang
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yang Hu
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Heiying Jin
- Department of colorectal surgery, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Haibing Hua
- Department of Gastroenterology, Jiangyin Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Jiangyin, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Chinese Medicine Modernization and Big Data Research Center, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated with Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu Province, China
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Liang D, Liu L, Zhao Y, Luo Z, He Y, Li Y, Tang S, Tang J, Chen N. Targeting extracellular matrix through phytochemicals: a promising approach of multi-step actions on the treatment and prevention of cancer. Front Pharmacol 2023; 14:1186712. [PMID: 37560476 PMCID: PMC10407561 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2023.1186712] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 07/11/2023] [Indexed: 08/11/2023] Open
Abstract
Extracellular matrix (ECM) plays a pivotal and dynamic role in the construction of tumor microenvironment (TME), becoming the focus in cancer research and treatment. Multiple cell signaling in ECM remodeling contribute to uncontrolled proliferation, metastasis, immune evasion and drug resistance of cancer. Targeting trilogy of ECM remodeling could be a new strategy during the early-, middle-, advanced-stages of cancer and overcoming drug resistance. Currently nearly 60% of the alternative anticancer drugs are derived from natural products or active ingredients or structural analogs isolated from plants. According to the characteristics of ECM, this manuscript proposes three phases of whole-process management of cancer, including prevention of cancer development in the early stage of cancer (Phase I); prevent the metastasis of tumor in the middle stage of cancer (Phase II); provide a novel method in the use of immunotherapy for advanced cancer (Phase III), and present novel insights on the contribution of natural products use as innovative strategies to exert anticancer effects by targeting components in ECM. Herein, we focus on trilogy of ECM remodeling and the interaction among ECM, cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs) and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), and sort out the intervention effects of natural products on the ECM and related targets in the tumor progression, provide a reference for the development of new drugs against tumor metastasis and recurrence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Liang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Lu Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yunjie Zhao
- Key Laboratory of Marine Fishery Resources Exploitment and Utilization of Zhejiang Province, College of Pharmaceutical Science and Collaborative Innovation Center of Yangtze River Delta Region Green Pharmaceuticals, Zhejiang University of Technology, Hangzhou, China
| | - Zhenyi Luo
- Graduate School, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Yadi He
- College of Acupuncture and Tuina, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Yanping Li
- School of Basic Medical Sciences, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shiyun Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jianyuan Tang
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Nianzhi Chen
- State Key Laboratory of Ultrasound in Medicine and Engineering, College of Biomedical Engineering, Chongqing Medical University, Chongqing, China
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4
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Sun Y, Weng J, Chen X, Ma S, Zhang Y, Zhang F, Zhang Z, Wang F, Shao J, Zheng S. Oroxylin A activates ferritinophagy to induce hepatic stellate cell senescence against hepatic fibrosis by regulating cGAS-STING pathway. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 162:114653. [PMID: 37086511 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114653] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2023] [Revised: 03/31/2023] [Accepted: 03/31/2023] [Indexed: 04/24/2023] Open
Abstract
In recent study, the pathological mechanism of liver fibrosis has been associated with hepatic stellate cell (HSC) senescence. Targeted induction of HSC senescence is considered as a new strategy to remove activated HSC. Nevertheless, little is known about the role of ferritinophagy in cell senescence. In this study, we reported that Oroxylin A from Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi can regulate HSC senescence induced by ferritinophagy through the cGAS-STING pathway to reduce liver fibrosis. We first found that Oroxylin A treatment alleviated the pathological changes of liver fibrosis, reduced collagen deposition, and significantly inhibited liver fibrosis. Interestingly, Oroxylin A treatment can activate HSC ferritinophagy and further induce HSC senescence. It is noteworthy that ferritinophagy is mediated by nuclear receptor coactivator 4 (NCOA4), an important selective mediator for ferritin degradation. NCOA4 siRNA causes Oroxylin A to reduce the degree of telomerase activity in HSCs and induce the expression of senescence markers, such as SA-β-Gal and related marker proteins. Importantly, the cGAS-STING pathway is crucial to the activation of HSC ferritinophagy by Oroxylin A. Specifically, Oroxylin A can promote the secretion of cytokines like IFN-β by the cGAS-STING pathway to regulate ferritinophagy. cGAS siRNA resulted in a dose-dependent decrease in the expression of NCOA4, a significant reduction in the expression level of autophagy-related phenotype, and a decrease in the content of ROS and iron ions in HSCs. In conclusion, we identified the new role of ferritinophagy and the GAS-STING pathway in Oroxylin A -mediated anti-hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying Sun
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jingdan Weng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiaolei Chen
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shuyao Ma
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuxin Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Abstract
Liver fibrosis has a high incidence worldwide and is the common pathological basis of many chronic liver diseases. Liver fibrosis is caused by the excessive deposition of extracellular matrix and concomitant collagen accumulation in livers and can lead to the development of liver cirrhosis and even liver cancer. A large number of studies have provided evidence that liver fibrosis can be blocked or even reversed by appropriate medical interventions. However, the antifibrosis drugs with ideal clinical efficacy are still insufficient. The edible plant-derived natural compounds have been reported to exert effective antifibrotic effects with few side-effects, representing a kind of promising source for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this article, we reviewed the current progress of the natural compounds derived from dietary plants in the treatment of liver fibrosis, including phenolic compounds (capsaicin, chlorogenic acid, curcumin, ellagic acid, epigallocatechin-3-gallate, resveratrol, sinapic acid, syringic acid, vanillic acid and vitamin E), flavonoid compounds (genistein, hesperidin, hesperetin, naringenin, naringin and quercetin), sulfur-containing compounds (S-allylcysteine, ergothioneine, lipoic acid and sulforaphane) and other compounds (betaine, caffeine, cucurbitacin B, lycopene, α-mangostin, γ-mangostin, ursolic acid, vitamin C and yangonin). The pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of these compounds in in-vivo and in-vitro models of liver fibrosis are focused.
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6
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Li S, Liu R, Xia S, Wei G, Ishfaq M, Zhang Y, Zhang X. Protective role of curcumin on aflatoxin B1-induced TLR4/RIPK pathway mediated-necroptosis and inflammation in chicken liver. ECOTOXICOLOGY AND ENVIRONMENTAL SAFETY 2022; 233:113319. [PMID: 35189522 DOI: 10.1016/j.ecoenv.2022.113319] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 20.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/08/2021] [Revised: 01/30/2022] [Accepted: 02/14/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
This study set out to assess the mitigative effects of curcumin on AFB1-induced necroptosis and inflammation in chicken liver. Ninety-six one-day-old AA broiler chickens were separated into four groups, including control group, AFB1 (1 mg/kg) group, curcumin (300 mg/kg) + AFB1 (1 mg/kg) group and curcumin (300 mg/kg) group. After 28 days treatment, livers were collected for different experimental analyses. The morphological observation results showed obvious necrotic characteristics, including cell swelling, rupture of cell and mitochondrial membranes and inflammation in chicken livers. AFB1 exposure increased oxidative stress index (ROS and MDA) and decreased the antioxidant activity markers (SOD, CAT and GSH) and ATPase activities in chickens' liver. ELISA results showed that AFB1 exposure significantly induced the cytokines (TNF-α, iNOS, IL-6 and IL-1β) release from the liver tissues. While, western blot and qRT-PCR results showed that the protein and mRNA expressions of inflammatory (TLR4/myd88/NF-κB) and necroptosis (RIPK1/RIPK3/MLKL) genes were up-regulated by AFB1 exposure. We suspect that signal crosstalk between TLR4 and TNF-α triggers inflammation and RIPK1/RIPK3 mediating necroptosis in AFB1-induced chicken liver injury. Curcumin can regulate the TLR4/RIPK signaling pathway, reduced oxidative stress biomarkers and inflammatory cytokines levels and attenuated the expression of necroptosis and inflammation genes altered by AFB1 to reduce necroptosis of chicken liver tissue. In conclusion, curcumin can protect against AFB1-induced necroptosis and inflammation by TLR4/RIPK pathway in chicken liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sihong Li
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China; Animal Genome Engineering Research Team, College of Animal Science and Technology, College of Veterinary Medicine, Zhejiang A&F University, Hangzhou 311300, China
| | - Ruimeng Liu
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China
| | - Shun Xia
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China
| | - Gaoqiang Wei
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China
| | - Muhammad Ishfaq
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China; Huanggang Normal University, 438000 Huanggang, China
| | - Yixin Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China
| | - Xiuying Zhang
- Heilongjiang Key Laboratory for Animal Disease Control and Pharmaceutical Development, Faculty of Basic Veterinary Science, College of Veterinary Medicine, Northeast Agricultural University, 600 Changjiang Road, Xiangfang District, Harbin, China.
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7
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Zhou L, Li Y, Liang Q, Liu J, Liu Y. Combination therapy based on targeted nano drug co-delivery systems for liver fibrosis treatment: A review. J Drug Target 2022; 30:577-588. [PMID: 35179094 DOI: 10.1080/1061186x.2022.2044485] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the hallmark of liver disease and occurs prior to the stages of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. Any type of liver damage or inflammation can result in fibrosis. Fibrosis does not develop overnight, but rather as a result of the long-term action of injury factors. At present, however, there are no good treatment methods or specific drugs other than removing the pathogenic factors. Drug application is still limited, which means that drugs with good performance in vitro cannot achieve good therapeutic effects in vivo, owing to various factors such as poor drug targeting, large side effects, and strong hydrophobicity. Hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are the primary effector cells in liver fibrosis. The nano-drug delivery system is a new and safe drug delivery system that has many advantages which are widely used in the field of liver fibrosis. Drug resistance and side effects can be reduced when two or more drugs are used in combination drug delivery. Combination therapy of drugs with different targets has emerged as a novel approach to treating liver fibrosis, and the nano co-delivery system enhances the benefits of combination therapy. While nano co-delivery systems can maximize benefits while avoiding drug side effects, this is precisely the advantage of the nano co-delivery system. This review briefly described the pathogenesis and current treatment strategies, the different co-delivery systems of combination drugs in the nano delivery system, and targeting strategies for nano delivery systems on liver fibrosis therapy. Because of their superior performance, nano delivery systems and targeting drug delivery systems have received a lot of attention in the new drug delivery system. The new delivery systems offer a new pathway in the treatment of liver fibrosis, and it is believed that it can be a new treatment for fibrosis in the future. Nano co-delivery system of combination drugs and targeting strategies has proven the effectiveness of anti-fibrosis at the experimental level.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China.,Key Laboratory of Hui Ethnic Medicine Modernization, Ministry of Education, Ningxia Medical University, Yinchuan, China
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Identification of G protein-coupled receptor 55 (GPR55) as a target of curcumin. NPJ Sci Food 2022; 6:4. [PMID: 35031622 PMCID: PMC8760322 DOI: 10.1038/s41538-021-00119-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/18/2021] [Accepted: 12/13/2021] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
The identification of molecular targets of bioactive food components is important to understand the mechanistic aspect of their physiological functions. Here, we have developed a screening system that enables us to determine the activation of G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) by food components and have identified GPR55 as a target for curcumin. Curcumin activated GPR55 and induced serum-response element- and serum-response factor-mediated transcription, which were inhibited by Rho kinase and GPR55 antagonists. Both the methoxy group and the heptadienone moiety of curcumin were required for GPR55 activation. The F1905.47 residue of GPR55 was important for the interaction with curcumin. The curcumin-induced secretion of glucagon-like peptide-1 in GLUTag cells was inhibited by a GPR55 antagonist. These results indicate that expression screening is a useful system to identify GPCRs as targets of food components and strongly suggest that curcumin activates GPR55 as an agonist, which is involved in the physiological function of curcumin.
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de Melo Reis RA, Isaac AR, Freitas HR, de Almeida MM, Schuck PF, Ferreira GC, Andrade-da-Costa BLDS, Trevenzoli IH. Quality of Life and a Surveillant Endocannabinoid System. Front Neurosci 2021; 15:747229. [PMID: 34776851 PMCID: PMC8581450 DOI: 10.3389/fnins.2021.747229] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/26/2021] [Accepted: 10/01/2021] [Indexed: 12/11/2022] Open
Abstract
The endocannabinoid system (ECS) is an important brain modulatory network. ECS regulates brain homeostasis throughout development, from progenitor fate decision to neuro- and gliogenesis, synaptogenesis, brain plasticity and circuit repair, up to learning, memory, fear, protection, and death. It is a major player in the hypothalamic-peripheral system-adipose tissue in the regulation of food intake, energy storage, nutritional status, and adipose tissue mass, consequently affecting obesity. Loss of ECS control might affect mood disorders (anxiety, hyperactivity, psychosis, and depression), lead to drug abuse, and impact neurodegenerative (Alzheimer's, Parkinson, Huntington, Multiple, and Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis) and neurodevelopmental (autism spectrum) disorders. Practice of regular physical and/or mind-body mindfulness and meditative activities have been shown to modulate endocannabinoid (eCB) levels, in addition to other players as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF). ECS is involved in pain, inflammation, metabolic and cardiovascular dysfunctions, general immune responses (asthma, allergy, and arthritis) and tumor expansion, both/either in the brain and/or in the periphery. The reason for such a vast impact is the fact that arachidonic acid, a precursor of eCBs, is present in every membrane cell of the body and on demand eCBs synthesis is regulated by electrical activity and calcium shifts. Novel lipid (lipoxins and resolvins) or peptide (hemopressin) players of the ECS also operate as regulators of physiological allostasis. Indeed, the presence of cannabinoid receptors in intracellular organelles as mitochondria or lysosomes, or in nuclear targets as PPARγ might impact energy consumption, metabolism and cell death. To live a better life implies in a vigilant ECS, through healthy diet selection (based on a balanced omega-3 and -6 polyunsaturated fatty acids), weekly exercises and meditation therapy, all of which regulating eCBs levels, surrounded by a constructive social network. Cannabidiol, a diet supplement has been a major player with anti-inflammatory, anxiolytic, antidepressant, and antioxidant activities. Cognitive challenges and emotional intelligence might strengthen the ECS, which is built on a variety of synapses that modify human behavior. As therapeutically concerned, the ECS is essential for maintaining homeostasis and cannabinoids are promising tools to control innumerous targets.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ricardo Augusto de Melo Reis
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Alinny Rosendo Isaac
- Laboratory of Neurochemistry, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Hércules Rezende Freitas
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Mariana Macedo de Almeida
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Patricia Fernanda Schuck
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | - Gustavo Costa Ferreira
- Laboratory of Neuroenergetics and Inborn Errors of Metabolism, Institute of Medical Biochemistry Leopoldo de Meis, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
| | | | - Isis Hara Trevenzoli
- Laboratory of Molecular Endocrinology, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
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Dimmito MP, Stefanucci A, Della Valle A, Scioli G, Cichelli A, Mollica A. An overview on plants cannabinoids endorsed with cardiovascular effects. Biomed Pharmacother 2021; 142:111963. [PMID: 34332376 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2021.111963] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2021] [Revised: 07/14/2021] [Accepted: 07/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/01/2022] Open
Abstract
Nowadays cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the major causes for the reduction of the quality of life. The endocannabinoid system is an attractive therapeutic target for the treatment of cardiovascular disorders due to its involvement in vasomotor control, cardiac contractility, blood pressure and vascular inflammation. Alteration in cannabinoid signalling can be often related to cardiotoxicity, circulatory shock, hypertension, and atherosclerosis. Plants have been the major sources of medicines until modern eras in which researchers are experiencing a rediscovery of natural compounds as novel therapeutics. One of the most versatile plant is Cannabis sativa L., containing phytocannabinoids that may play a role in the treatment of CVDs. The aim of this review is to collect and investigate several less studied plants rich in cannabinoid-like active compounds able to interact with cannabinoid system; these plants may play a pivotal role in the treatment of disorders related to the cardiovascular system.
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Affiliation(s)
- Marilisa Pia Dimmito
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Azzurra Stefanucci
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy.
| | - Alice Della Valle
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Giuseppe Scioli
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Angelo Cichelli
- Department of Medical, Oral and Biotechnological Sciences, "G. d'Annunzio" University Chieti-Pescara, Via dei Vestini 31, 66100 Chieti, Italy
| | - Adriano Mollica
- Department of Pharmacy, G. d'Annunzio University of Chieti-Pescara, 66100 Chieti, Italy
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11
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Yarmohammadi F, Hayes AW, Karimi G. Protective effects of curcumin on chemical and drug-induced cardiotoxicity: a review. NAUNYN-SCHMIEDEBERG'S ARCHIVES OF PHARMACOLOGY 2021; 394:1341-1353. [PMID: 33666716 DOI: 10.1007/s00210-021-02072-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2020] [Accepted: 02/18/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Cardiotoxicity is a major adverse effect that can be induced by both therapeutic agents and industrial chemicals. The pathogenesis of such cardiac damage is multifactorial, often injuring the cardiac tissue by generating free radicals, oxidative stress, and/or inflammation. Curcumin (CUR) is a bright yellow chemical produced by Curcuma longa plants. It is the principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), a member of the ginger family, Zingiberaceae. Administration of CUR has been reported to ameliorate the chemical and drug-induced cardiac injury in several studies. CUR has been suggested to act as an effective candidate against oxidative stress and inflammation in heart tissue via regulation of Nrf2 and suppression of p38 MAPK/NF-κB and NLRP3 inflammasomes. The anti-apoptotic properties of CUR have also been reported to modulate the AMPK, Akt, JNK, and ERK signaling pathways. This review explores the potential protective effects of CUR regarding the detrimental effects often observed in cardiac tissue following exposure to several chemicals including drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Fatemeh Yarmohammadi
- Student Research Committee, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - A Wallace Hayes
- Center for Environmental Occupational Risk Analysis and Management, College of Public Health, University of South Florida, Tampa, FL, 33617, USA
| | - Gholamreza Karimi
- Department of Pharmacodynamics and Toxicology, School of Pharmacy, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
- Pharmaceutical Research Center, Pharmaceutical Technology Institute, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran.
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Cai S, Wu L, Yuan S, Liu G, Wang Y, Fang L, Xu D. Carvacrol alleviates liver fibrosis by inhibiting TRPM7 and modulating the MAPK signaling pathway. Eur J Pharmacol 2021; 898:173982. [PMID: 33647257 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2021.173982] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/15/2021] [Revised: 02/15/2021] [Accepted: 02/23/2021] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a compensatory response to the tissue repair process. The activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are thought to be related to the occurrence of hepatic fibrosis. Therefore, inhibiting the activation and proliferation of HSCs is a key step in alleviating liver fibrosis. As a non-specific inhibitor of transient receptor potential melastatin 7 (TRPM7), carvacrol has anti-tumor, anti-inflammatory and anti-hepatic fibrosis activities. This study aimed to explore the protective effect of carvacrol on liver fibrosis and related molecular mechanisms. A CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mouse model and platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF-BB)-activated HSC-T6 cells (a rat hepatic stellate cell line) were employed for in vivo and in vitro experiments. C57BL/6J mice were orally administered different concentrations of carvacrol every day for 6 weeks during the development of CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. The results show that carvacrol could effectively reduce liver damage and the progression of liver fibrosis in mice, which are expressed as fibrotic markers levels were reduced and histopathological characteristics were improved. Moreover, carvacrol inhibited the proliferation and activation of HSC-T6 cells induced by PDGF-BB. In addition, it was found that carvacrol inhibits the expression of TRPM7 and mediated through mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK). Collectively, our study shows that carvacrol can reduce liver fibrosis by inhibiting the activation and proliferation of hepatic stellate cells, and the MAPK signaling pathway might be involved in this process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shiyi Cai
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Lijun Wu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Siyu Yuan
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Guofang Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China
| | - Yalu Wang
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Ling Fang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
| | - Dujuan Xu
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui, Province, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Medical University, China; The Key Laboratory of Anti-inflammatory and Immune Medicines, Ministry of Education, Hefei, China; Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China; Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, China.
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Debieu S, Solier S, Colombeau L, Versini A, Sindikubwabo F, Forrester A, Müller S, Cañeque T, Rodriguez R. Small Molecule Regulators of Ferroptosis. ADVANCES IN EXPERIMENTAL MEDICINE AND BIOLOGY 2021; 1301:81-121. [PMID: 34370289 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-030-62026-4_6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is a dedicated mode of cell death involving iron, reactive oxygen species and lipid peroxidation. Involved in processes such as glutathione metabolism, lysosomal iron retention or interference with lipid metabolism, leading either to activation or inhibition of ferroptosis. Given the implications of ferroptosis in diseases such as cancer, aging, Alzheimer and infectious diseases, new molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and small molecules regulators that target those mechanisms have prompted a great deal of interest. Here, we discuss the current scenario of small molecules modulating ferroptosis and critically assess what is known about their mechanisms of action.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sylvain Debieu
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Stéphanie Solier
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Ludovic Colombeau
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Antoine Versini
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Fabien Sindikubwabo
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Alison Forrester
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Sebastian Müller
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Tatiana Cañeque
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France
| | - Raphaël Rodriguez
- Institut Curie, 26 rue d'Ulm, 75248 Paris Cedex 05, France.
- PSL Université Paris, Paris, France.
- Chemical Biology of Cancer Laboratory, CNRS UMR 3666, INSERM U1143, Paris, France.
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Nathwani R, Mullish BH, Kockerling D, Forlano R, Manousou P, Dhar A. A Review of Liver Fibrosis and Emerging Therapies. EUROPEAN MEDICAL JOURNAL 2020. [DOI: 10.33590/emj/10310892] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
With the increasing burden of liver cirrhosis, the most advanced stage of hepatic fibrosis, there is a need to better understand the pathological processes and mechanisms to target specific treatments to reverse or cease fibrosis progression. Antiviral therapy for hepatitis B and C has effectively treated underlying causes of chronic liver disease and has induced fibrosis reversal in some; however, this has not been targeted for the majority of aetiologies for cirrhosis including alcohol or nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Fibrosis, characterised by the accumulation of extracellular matrix proteins, is caused by chronic injury from toxic, infectious, or metabolic causes. The primary event of fibrogenesis is increased matrix production and scar formation mediated by the hepatic stellate cell, which is the principal cell type involved. Experimental models using rodent and human cell lines of liver injury have assisted in better understanding of fibrogenesis, especially in recognising the role of procoagulant factors. This has led to interventional studies using anticoagulants in animal models with reversal of fibrosis as the primary endpoint. Though these trials have been encouraging, no antifibrotic therapies are currently licenced for human use. This literature review discusses current knowledge in the pathophysiology of hepatic fibrosis, including characteristics of the extracellular matrix, signalling pathways, and hepatic stellate cells. Current types of experimental models used to induce fibrosis, as well as up-to-date anticoagulant therapies and agents targeting the hepatic stellate cell that have been trialled in animal and human studies with antifibrotic properties, are also reviewed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rooshi Nathwani
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Benjamin H. Mullish
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - David Kockerling
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Roberta Forlano
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Pinelopi Manousou
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
| | - Ameet Dhar
- Integrative Systems Medicine and Digestive Disease, Imperial College London, London, UK
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A Comprehensive Review of Natural Products against Liver Fibrosis: Flavonoids, Quinones, Lignans, Phenols, and Acids. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2020; 2020:7171498. [PMID: 33082829 PMCID: PMC7556091 DOI: 10.1155/2020/7171498] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/24/2020] [Revised: 07/23/2020] [Accepted: 07/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/18/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis resulting from continuous long-term hepatic damage represents a heavy burden worldwide. Liver fibrosis is recognized as a complicated pathogenic mechanism with extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation. A series of drugs demonstrate significant antifibrotic activity in vitro and in vivo. No specific agents with ideally clinical efficacy for liver fibrosis treatment have been developed. In this review, we summarized the antifibrotic effects and molecular mechanisms of 29 kinds of common natural products. The mechanism of these compounds is correlated with anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic activities. Moreover, parenchymal hepatic cell survival, HSC deactivation, and ECM degradation by interfering with multiple targets and signaling pathways are also involved in the antifibrotic effects of these compounds. However, there remain two bottlenecks for clinical breakthroughs. The low bioavailability of natural products should be improved, and the combined application of two or more compounds should be investigated for more prominent pharmacological effects. In summary, exploration on natural products against liver fibrosis is becoming increasingly extensive. Therefore, natural products are potential resources for the development of agents to treat liver fibrosis.
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Wei Y, Zhang X, Wen S, Huang S, Huang Q, Lu S, Bai F, Nie J, Wei J, Lu Z, Lin X. Methyl helicterate inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation through downregulating the ERK1/2 signaling pathway. J Cell Biochem 2019; 120:14936-14945. [PMID: 31009108 DOI: 10.1002/jcb.28756] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/12/2018] [Revised: 12/22/2018] [Accepted: 01/07/2019] [Indexed: 11/11/2022]
Abstract
The present study was to investigate the inhibitory effect of methyl helicterate (MH) on hepatic stellate cells (HSC-T6), primarily elucidating the underlying mechanism of MH against liver fibrosis. HSC-T6 cells were activated by platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) stimulation, and then the effects of MH on cell viability, cytomembrane integrity, colony, migration, apoptosis, and cell cycle were detected. Moreover, the regulative mechanism of MH on HSCs was investigated by detecting the activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK1/2) signaling pathway. The results showed that MH significantly inhibited HSC-T6 cell viability and proliferation in a concentration-dependent manner. It notably promoted the release of lactate dehydrogenase, destroying cell membrane integrity. MH also markedly inhibited HSC-T6 cell clonogenicity and migration. Moreover, MH treatment significantly induced cell apoptosis and arrested cell cycle at the G2 phase. The further study showed that MH inhibited the expression of ERK1, ERK2, c-fos, c-myc, and Ets-1, blocking the ERK1/2 pathway. In conclusion, this study demonstrates that MH significantly inhibits HSC activation and promotes cell apoptosis via downregulation of the ERK1/2 signaling pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yuanyuan Wei
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Xiaolin Zhang
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shujuan Wen
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Shaode Huang
- Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Agricultural Vocational College, Nanning, China
| | - Quanfang Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
| | - Shengjuan Lu
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Facheng Bai
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinlan Nie
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Jinbin Wei
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
| | - Zhongpeng Lu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning, China
- Pharmaceutical College, University of Arkansas Medical School, Little Rock, Arkansas
| | - Xing Lin
- Life Sciences Institute and Pharmaceutical College, Guangxi Medical University, Nanning, China
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Ban D, Hua S, Zhang W, Shen C, Miao X, Liu W. Costunolide reduces glycolysis-associated activation of hepatic stellate cells via inhibition of hexokinase-2. Cell Mol Biol Lett 2019; 24:52. [PMID: 31428167 PMCID: PMC6694499 DOI: 10.1186/s11658-019-0179-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 08/08/2019] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Background Hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation is a central event during hepatic fibrosis. Aerobic glycolysis is one of its metabolic hallmarks. Blocking glycolysis is a novel therapeutic option for liver fibrosis. This study investigated the effects of costunolide, a natural product demonstrated to have hepatoprotective effects, on HSC activation and glycolysis. Methods Primary HSCs were isolated from rats and cultured through 5 to 6 passages. Cell viability, activation markers, and glycolytic metabolism were examined in primary HSCs using various cellular and molecular approaches. Results At 30 μM, costunolide reduced the viability of HSCs and inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin and collagen I, two key markers of HSC activation. It also decreased glucose uptake and consumption, and reduced the intracellular levels of lactate in HSCs. At 10 mM, the glycolysis inhibitor 2-DG had a similar impact to costunolide at 30 μM: it significantly downregulated the expression of HSC activation markers. The combination of the two compounds produced more remarkable effects. Furthermore, costunolide repressed the expression and activity of hexokinase 2 (HK2), a pivotal rate-limiting enzyme that regulates glycolysis. However, overexpression of HK2 via plasmid transfection significantly reversed the costunolide-mediated downregulation of activation markers in HSCs, indicating that suppression of HK2 was required for costunolide to inhibit glycolysis-associated HSC activation. Conclusions Our results show that costunolide can suppress HSC activation, and this is associated with inhibition of HK2, which blocks aerobic glycolysis. This suggests that costunolide is an antifibrotic candidate with potential for further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dujing Ban
- 1Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023 China.,3The Nanjing Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Shangbo Hua
- 2The Kunshan Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300 China
| | - Wen Zhang
- 3The Nanjing Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Chao Shen
- 3The Nanjing Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Xuehua Miao
- 3The Nanjing Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210014 China
| | - Wensheng Liu
- 3The Nanjing Integrative Medicine Hospital Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210014 China
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Qiu S, Xu H, Lin Z, Liu F, Tan F. The blockade of lipophagy pathway is necessary for docosahexaenoic acid to regulate lipid droplet turnover in hepatic stellate cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2019; 109:1841-1850. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.11.035] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/20/2018] [Revised: 11/02/2018] [Accepted: 11/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
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Lou LL, Li W, Zhou BH, Chen L, Weng HZ, Zou YH, Tang GH, Bu XZ, Yin S. (+)-Isobicyclogermacrenal and spathulenol from Aristolochia yunnanensis alleviate cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting transforming growth factor β/small mother against decapentaplegic signaling pathway. Phytother Res 2018; 33:214-223. [PMID: 30375049 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6219] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/28/2018] [Revised: 09/03/2018] [Accepted: 09/30/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Cardiac fibrosis contributes to both systolic and diastolic dysfunction in many cardiac pathophysiologic conditions. Antifibrotic therapies are likely to be a crucial strategy in curbing many fibrosis-related cardiac diseases. In our previous study, an ethyl acetate extract of a traditional Chinese medicine Aristolochia yunnanensis Franch. was found to have a therapeutic effect on myocardial fibrosis in vitro and in vivo. However, the exact chemicals and their mechanisms responsible for the activity of the crude extract have not been illustrated yet. In the current study, 10 sesquiterpenoids (1-10) were isolated from the active extract, and their antifibrotic effects were systematically evaluated in transforming growth factor β 1 (TGFβ1)-stimulated cardiac fibroblasts and NIH3T3 fibrosis models. (+)-Isobicyclogermacrenal (1) and spathulenol (2) were identified as the main active components, being more potent than the well-known natural antifibrotic agent oxymatrine. Compounds 1 and 2 could inhibit the TGFβ1-induced cardiac fibroblasts proliferation and suppress the expression of the fibrosis biomarkers fibronectin and α-smooth muscle actin via down-regulation of their mRNA levels. The mechanism study revealed that 1 and 2 could inhibit the phosphorylation of TGFβ type I receptor, leading to the decrease of the phosphorylation levels of downstream Smad2/3, then consequently blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad2/3 in the TGFβ/Smad signaling pathway. These findings suggest that 1 and 2 may serve as promising natural leads for the development of anticardiac fibrosis drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lan-Lan Lou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Wei Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Bin-Hua Zhou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Lin Chen
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Han-Zhuang Weng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yi-Hong Zou
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Gui-Hua Tang
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xian-Zhang Bu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Sheng Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou, China
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Xu XY, Meng X, Li S, Gan RY, Li Y, Li HB. Bioactivity, Health Benefits, and Related Molecular Mechanisms of Curcumin: Current Progress, Challenges, and Perspectives. Nutrients 2018; 10:E1553. [PMID: 30347782 PMCID: PMC6213156 DOI: 10.3390/nu10101553] [Citation(s) in RCA: 171] [Impact Index Per Article: 28.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/27/2018] [Revised: 10/08/2018] [Accepted: 10/16/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Curcumin is a principal curcuminoid of turmeric (Curcuma longa), which is commonly used as a spice in cooking and a yellow pigment in the food processing industry. Recent studies have demonstrated that curcumin has a variety of biological activities and pharmacological performances, providing protection and promotion of human health. In addition to presenting an overview of the gut metabolism of curcumin, this paper reviews the current research progress on its versatile bioactivity, such as antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and immune-regulatory activities, and also intensively discusses its health benefits, including the protective or preventive effects on cancers and diabetes, as well as the liver, nervous system, and cardiovascular systems, highlighting the potential molecular mechanisms. Besides, the beneficial effects of curcumin on human are further stated based on clinical trials. Considering that there is still a debate on the beneficial effects of curcumin, we also discuss related challenges and prospects. Overall, curcumin is a promising ingredient of novel functional foods, with protective efficacy in preventing certain diseases. We hope this comprehensive and updated review will be helpful for promoting human-based studies to facilitate its use in human health and diseases in the future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao-Yu Xu
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Xiao Meng
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong 999077, China.
| | - Ren-You Gan
- Department of Food Science & Technology, School of Agriculture and Biology, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, Shanghai 200240, China.
| | - Ya Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
| | - Hua-Bin Li
- Department of Nutrition, School of Public Health, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510080, China.
- South China Sea Bioresource Exploitation and Utilization Collaborative Innovation Center, Sun Yat-Sen University, Guangzhou 510006, China.
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Wang L, Zhang Z, Li M, Wang F, Jia Y, Zhang F, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. P53-dependent induction of ferroptosis is required for artemether to alleviate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. IUBMB Life 2018; 71:45-56. [PMID: 30321484 DOI: 10.1002/iub.1895] [Citation(s) in RCA: 115] [Impact Index Per Article: 19.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/26/2018] [Revised: 05/14/2018] [Accepted: 06/12/2018] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Ferroptosis is recently reported as a new mode of regulated cell death. Its essential characteristics are disturbed redox homeostasis, overloaded iron, and increased lipid peroxidation. However, the role of ferroptosis in liver fibrosis remains poorly understood. In this study, we attempted to investigate the effect of artemether (ART) on ferroptosis in hepatic fibrosis and to further clarify the possible mechanisms. Our data showed that ART treatment markedly attenuated liver injury and reduced fibrotic scar formation in the mouse model of liver fibrosis. Moreover, experiments in vitro also confirmed that ART treatment significantly decreased expression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers. Interestingly, HSCs treated by ART presented morphological features of ferroptosis. Furthermore, ART remarkably triggered ferroptosis by promoting the accumulation of iron and lipid peroxides, whereas inhibition of ferroptosis by specific inhibitor ferrostatin-1 (Fer-1) completely abolished ART-induced antifibrosis effect. More importantly, our discovery determined that tumor suppressor P53 was an upstream molecule in the facilitation of ART-induced HSC ferroptosis. Conversely, knockdown of P53 by siRNA evidently blocked ART-induced HSC ferroptosis in turn exacerbated liver fibrosis. Overall, our findings revealed that P53-dependent induction of ferroptosis is necessary for ART to ameliorate CCl4 -induced hepatic fibrosis and inhibit HSC activation. © 2018 IUBMB Life, 71(1):45-56, 2019.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Mengmeng Li
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feixia Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yan Jia
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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Zhang Y, Sun Q, Li X, Ma X, Li Y, Jiao Z, Yang XD. Apigenin suppresses mouse peritoneal fibrosis by down-regulating miR34a expression. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:373-380. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.138] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/19/2018] [Revised: 06/20/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
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The inhibition of Hippo/Yap signaling pathway is required for magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate to ameliorate hepatic stellate cell inflammation and activation. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 106:83-91. [PMID: 29957470 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.06.102] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/11/2018] [Revised: 06/17/2018] [Accepted: 06/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathological process accompanied by abnormal inflammation, and its end-stage cirrhosis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. This study was to investigate the effect of Magnesium isoglycyrrhizinate (MgIG) on liver fibrosis and inflammation, and to further clarify molecular mechanism. We found that MgIG treatment significantly alleviated carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis and HSC activation by regulating TGF-β signaling and MMP/TIMP systems. In addition, MgIG treatment significantly inhibited the inflammatory response of liver fibrosis in mice characterized by reduced pro-inflammatory factors expression and increased anti-inflammatory factors expression. Interestingly, experiments in vitro also showed that MgIG treatment significantly reduced the expression of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers. Besides, MgIG treatment not only inhibited the expression of pro-inflammatory factors, but also promoted the production of anti-inflammatory factors in activated HSCs. Importantly, treatment with MgIG inhibited Hippo/Yap signaling pathway, which was a potential mechanism for MgIG-induced anti-inflammatory effects. The overexpression of Hippo/Yap signaling effector YAP completely impaired MgIG-induced anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects. Taken together, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of the anti-inflammatory properties induced by MgIG, by which points to the possibility of using MgIG to treat liver fibrosis.
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Ezhilarasan D, Sokal E, Najimi M. Hepatic fibrosis: It is time to go with hepatic stellate cell-specific therapeutic targets. Hepatobiliary Pancreat Dis Int 2018; 17:192-197. [PMID: 29709350 DOI: 10.1016/j.hbpd.2018.04.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 77] [Impact Index Per Article: 12.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/26/2017] [Accepted: 03/29/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a pathological lesion, characterized by the progressive accumulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) in the perisinusoidal space and it is a major problem in chronic liver diseases. Phenotypic activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) plays a central role in the progression of hepatic fibrosis. Retardation of proliferation and clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver is an appropriate therapeutic strategy for the resolution and treatment of hepatic fibrosis. Clearance of activated HSCs from the injured liver by autophagy inhibitors, proapoptotic agents and senescence inducers with the high affinity toward the activated HSCs may be the novel therapeutic strategy for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis in the near future.
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Affiliation(s)
- Devaraj Ezhilarasan
- Biomedical Research Unit and Laboratory Animal Centre, Saveetha Dental College and Hospitals, Saveetha Institute of Medical and Technical Sciences, Chennai 600 077, Tamil Nadu, India.
| | - Etienne Sokal
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
| | - Mustapha Najimi
- Institut de Recherche Expérimentale et Clinique (IREC), Laboratory of Pediatric Hepatology and Cell Therapy, Université Catholique de Louvain, Brussels 1200, Belgium
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25
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Chen W, Zhang Z, Yao Z, Wang L, Zhang F, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. Activation of autophagy is required for Oroxylin A to alleviate carbon tetrachloride-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation. Int Immunopharmacol 2018; 56:148-155. [PMID: 29414645 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2018.01.029] [Citation(s) in RCA: 55] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/14/2017] [Revised: 01/15/2018] [Accepted: 01/18/2018] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a reversible pathophysiological process correlated with intense repair and cicatrization mechanisms, and its end-stage cirrhosis is responsible for high morbidity and mortality worldwide. Interestingly, the use of natural products as a realistic option for the treatment of liver fibrosis has broadly been accepted. Oroxylin A, a safe and natural product, shows a wide range of pharmacological activities such as anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidant, and anti-tumor properties. However, the effects of Oroxylin A on liver fibrosis remain poorly understood. In the present study, we sought to determine the effect of Oroxylin A on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis, and to further examine the molecular mechanisms. We found that treatment with Oroxylin A markedly decreased the level of liver injury markers, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alanine aminotransferase (ALT), in a dose dependent manner. Moreover, Oroxylin A treatment remarkably inhibited extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, and significantly down-regulated the mRNA and protein expression of liver fibrosis markers including α1(I)collagen, fibronectin, alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), PDGF-βR, and TGF-βR1 in CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis. Furthermore, experimental results in vitro showed that Oroxylin A treatment reduced the mRNA and protein expression of HSC activation markers, α-SMA, desmin, α1 (I) collagen, fibronectin, TGF-β, and TNF-α, in a dose dependent manner. Attractively, Oroxylin A treatment also markedly up-regulated the expression of autophagy makers, LC3-B, Atg3, Atg4, Atg5, Beclin1/Atg6, Atg7, Atg9, ATG12, and Atg14, and apparently reduced the expression of autophagy substrate p62 in both CCl4-induced murine model of liver fibrosis and PDGF-BB-treated HSCs. Importantly, inhibition of autophagy by specific inhibitor 3-methyladenine (3-MA) completely abolished Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis effect, indicating that activation of autophagy was required for Oroxylin A to alleviate liver fibrosis. Overall, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of Oroxylin A-induced anti-fibrosis properties, by which points to the possibility of using Oroxylin A for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Weiwei Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; School of Pharmacy, Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine, Nanning 530200, China
| | - Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Ling Wang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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Zhang F, Lu S, He J, Jin H, Wang F, Wu L, Shao J, Chen A, Zheng S. Ligand Activation of PPARγ by Ligustrazine Suppresses Pericyte Functions of Hepatic Stellate Cells via SMRT-Mediated Transrepression of HIF-1α. Am J Cancer Res 2018; 8:610-626. [PMID: 29344293 PMCID: PMC5771080 DOI: 10.7150/thno.22237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 54] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/05/2017] [Accepted: 10/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/31/2022] Open
Abstract
Rationale: Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are liver-specific pericytes regulating vascular remodeling during hepatic fibrosis. Here, we investigated how ligustrazine affects HSC pericyte functions. Methods: Rat HSC-T6 and human HSC-LX2 cells were cultured, and multiple molecular experiments including real-time PCR, Western blot, flow cytometry, immunofluorescence, electrophoretic mobility shift assay and co-immunoprecipitation were used to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. Molecular simulation and site-directed mutagenesis were performed to uncover the target molecule of ligustrazine. Rats were intoxicated with CCl4 for evaluating ligustrazine's effects in vivo. Results: Ligustrazine inhibited angiogenic cytokine production, migration, adhesion and contraction in HSCs, and activated PPARγ. Selective PPARγ inhibitor GW9662 potently abrogated ligustrazine suppression of HSC pericyte functions. Additionally, HIF-1α inhibitor PX-478 repressed HSC pericyte functions, and ligustrazine inhibited the transcription of HIF-1α, which was diminished by GW9662. Moreover, ligustrazine downregulation of HIF-1α was rescued by knockdown of SMRT, and ligustrazine increased PPARγ physical interaction with SMRT, which was abolished by GW9662. These findings collectively indicated that activation of PPARγ by ligustrazine led to transrepression of HIF-1α via a SMRT-dependent mechanism. Furthermore, molecular docking evidence revealed that ligustrazine bound to PPARγ in a unique double-molecule manner via hydrogen bonding with the residues Ser289 and Ser342. Site-directed mutation of Ser289 and/or Ser342 resulted in the loss of ligustrazine transrepression of HIF-1α in HSCs, indicating that interactions with both the residues were indispensable for ligustrazine effects. Finally, ligustrazine improved hepatic injury, angiogenesis and vascular remodeling in CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats. Conclusions: We discovered a novel ligand activation pattern for PPARγ transrepression of the target gene with therapeutic implications in HSC pericyte biology and liver fibrosis.
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Li X, Zhu L, Wang B, Yuan M, Zhu R. Drugs and Targets in Fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:855. [PMID: 29218009 PMCID: PMC5703866 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00855] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/28/2017] [Accepted: 11/08/2017] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrosis contributes to the development of many diseases and many target molecules are involved in fibrosis. Currently, the majority of fibrosis treatment strategies are limited to specific diseases or organs. However, accumulating evidence demonstrates great similarities among fibroproliferative diseases, and more and more drugs are proved to be effective anti-fibrotic therapies across different diseases and organs. Here we comprehensively review the current knowledge on the pathological mechanisms of fibrosis, and divide factors mediating fibrosis progression into extracellular and intracellular groups. Furthermore, we systematically summarize both single and multiple component drugs that target fibrosis. Future directions of fibrosis drug discovery are also proposed.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoyi Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Lixin Zhu
- Department of Pediatrics, Digestive Diseases and Nutrition Center, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
- Genome, Environment and Microbiome Community of Excellence, State University of New York at Buffalo, Buffalo, NY, United States
| | - Beibei Wang
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Meifei Yuan
- Center for Drug Discovery, SINO High Goal Chemical Technology Co., Ltd., Shanghai, China
| | - Ruixin Zhu
- Department of Gastroenterology, School of Life Sciences and Technology, Shanghai East Hospital, Tongji University, Shanghai, China
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Guo M. Cellular senescence and liver disease: Mechanisms and therapeutic strategies. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 96:1527-1537. [PMID: 29174037 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.11.075] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2017] [Revised: 11/13/2017] [Accepted: 11/13/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Cellular senescence is a fundamental cell fate caused by several cellular injuries which results in irreversible cell cycle arrest yet remaining metabolically active across all species. Cellular senescence not only can prevent tumor occurrence by inhibiting the proliferation of injured cells, but also can affect the surrounding cells through the senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP). Attractively, accumulating evidence shows that cellular senescence is closely related to various liver diseases. Therapeutic opportunities based on targeting senescent cells and the SASP are considered to be potential strategy for liver diseases. However, although research on cell senescence has attracted widespread attention, the overview on detailed mechanism and biological function of cell senescence in liver disease is still largely unknown. The present review summarizes the specific role of cell senescence in various liver diseases, and updates the molecular mechanisms underlying cell senescence. Moreover, the review also explores new strategies for prevention and treatment of liver disease through promoting senescence or counteracting excessive pathological senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mei Guo
- Department of Pathogenic Biology and Immunology of Medical School, Southeast University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, 210009, China.
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29
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Zhang Z, Yao Z, Chen Y, Qian L, Jiang S, Zhou J, Shao J, Chen A, Zhang F, Zheng S. Lipophagy and liver disease: New perspectives to better understanding and therapy. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 97:339-348. [PMID: 29091883 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.07.168] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Revised: 07/10/2017] [Accepted: 07/30/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Intracellular lipid droplets (LDs) are remarkably dynamic and complex organelles that enact regulated storage and release of lipids to fulfil their fundamental roles in energy metabolism, membrane synthesis and provision of lipid-derived signaling molecules. The recent finding that LDs can be selectively degraded by the lysosomal pathway of autophagy through a process termed lipophagy has opened up a new understanding of how lipid metabolism regulates cellular physiology and pathophysiology. Many new functions for autophagic lipid metabolism have now been defined in various diseases including liver disease. Lipophagy was originally described in hepatocytes, where it is critical for maintaining cellular energy homeostasis in obesity and metabolic syndrome. In vitro and in vivo studies have demonstrated the selective uptake of LDs by autophagosomes, and inhibition of autophagy has been shown to reduce the β-oxidation of free fatty acids due to the increased accumulation of lipids and LDs. The identification of lipophagy as a new process dedicated to cellular lipid removal has mapped autophagy as an emerging player in cellular lipid metabolism. Pharmacological or genetic modulation of lipophagy might point to possible therapeutic strategies for combating a broad range of liver diseases. This review summarizes recent work focusing on lipophagy and liver disease as well as highlighting challenges and future directions of research. On the other hand, it also offers a glimpse into different strategies that have been used in experimental models to counteract excessive pathological lipophagy in the prevention and treatment of liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zili Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zhen Yao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yifan Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Lei Qian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shuoyi Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jingyi Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Anping Chen
- Department of Pathology, School of Medicine, Saint Louis University, St Louis, MO 63104, USA
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Therapeutic Material of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.
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30
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Guan T, Zhao G, Duan H, Liu Y, Zhao F. Activation of type 2 cannabinoid receptor (CB2R) by selective agonists regulates the deposition and remodelling of the extracellular matrix. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1704-1709. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.09.085] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 09/14/2017] [Accepted: 09/18/2017] [Indexed: 02/05/2023] Open
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Nrf2 activation is required for curcumin to induce lipocyte phenotype in hepatic stellate cells. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:1-10. [PMID: 28826090 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2017] [Revised: 07/20/2017] [Accepted: 08/07/2017] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is a reversible scarring response that commonly occurs with chronic liver injury. During hepatic fibrogenesis, the major effector hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) become activated, featured by disappeared intracellular lipid droplets, decreased retinoid storage, and dysregulated expression of genes associated with lipid and retinoid metabolism. Compelling evidence suggested that recovery of retinoid droplets could inhibit HSC activation, while the precise molecular basis underlying the phenotypical switch still remained unclear. In this study, curcumin increased the abundance of lipid droplets and content of triglyceride in activated HSCs. In addition, curcumin could concentration-dependently regulate genes associated with lipid and retinoid metabolism. Further, consistent results were obtained from in vivo experiments. Curcumin increased Nrf2 expression and nuclear translocation, and its binding activity to DNA, which might be associated with suppression of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 in HSCs. Of interest was that Nrf2 overexpression plasmids, in contract to Nrf2 siRNA, strengthened the effect of curcumin on induction of lipocyte phenotype. In in vivo system, Nrf2 knockdown mediated by Nrf2 shRNA lentivirus not only accelerated the lipid degradation in HSCs but also promoted the progression of CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in mice. Noteworthily, Nrf2 knockdown abolished the protective effect of curcumin. In conclusion, curcumin could induce lipocyte phenotype of activated HSCs via activating Nrf2. Nrf2 could be a target molecule for antifibrotic strategy.
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Interaction between autophagy and senescence is required for dihydroartemisinin to alleviate liver fibrosis. Cell Death Dis 2017; 8:e2886. [PMID: 28617435 PMCID: PMC5520911 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2017.255] [Citation(s) in RCA: 71] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/29/2016] [Revised: 04/17/2016] [Accepted: 05/03/2017] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Autophagy and cellular senescence are stress responses essential for homeostasis. Therefore, they may represent new pharmacologic targets for drug development to treat diseases. In this study, we sought to evaluate the effect of dihydroartemisinin (DHA) on senescence of activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), and to further elucidate the underlying mechanisms. We found that DHA treatment induced the accumulation of senescent activated HSCs in rat fibrotic liver, and promoted the expression of senescence markers p53, p16, p21 and Hmga1 in cell model. Importantly, our study identified the transcription factor GATA6 as an upstream molecule in the facilitation of DHA-induced HSC senescence. GATA6 accumulation promoted DHA-induced p53 and p16 upregulation, and contributed to HSC senescence. By contrast, siRNA-mediated knockdown of GATA6 dramatically abolished DHA-induced upregulation of p53 and p16, and in turn inhibited HSC senescence. Interestingly, DHA also appeared to increase autophagosome generation and autophagic flux in activated HSCs, which was underlying mechanism for DHA-induced GATA6 accumulation. Autophagy depletion impaired GATA6 accumulation, while autophagy induction showed a synergistic effect with DHA. Attractively, p62 was found to act as a negative regulator of GATA6 accumulation. Treatment of cultured HSCs with various autophagy inhibitors, led to an inhibition of DHA-induced p62 degradation, and in turn, prevented DHA-induced GATA6 accumulation and HSC senescence. Overall, these results provide novel implications to reveal the molecular mechanism of DHA-induced senescence, by which points to the possibility of using DHA based proautophagic drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis.
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Chen Q, Chen L, Kong D, Shao J, Wu L, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin alleviates bile duct ligation-induced liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by interfering with the PDGF-βR/ERK signaling pathway. Int Immunopharmacol 2016; 34:250-258. [PMID: 27038258 DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2016.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 33] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 03/10/2016] [Accepted: 03/10/2016] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis represents a frequent event following chronic insult to trigger wound healing responses in the liver. Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs), which is a pivotal event during liver fibrogenesis, is accompanied by enhanced expressions of a series of marker proteins and pro-fibrogenic signaling molecules. Artemisinin, a powerful antimalarial medicine, is extracted from the Chinese herb Artemisia annua L., and can inhibit the proliferation of cancer cells. Dihydroartemisinin (DHA), the major active metabolite of artemisinin, is able to attenuate lung injury and fibrosis. However, the effect of DHA on liver fibrosis remains unclear. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of DHA on bile duct ligation-induced injury and fibrosis in rats. DHA improved the liver histological architecture and attenuated collagen deposition in the fibrotic rat liver. Experiments in vitro showed that DHA inhibited the proliferation of HSCs and arrested the cell cycle at the S checkpoint by altering several cell-cycle regulatory proteins. Moreover, DHA reduced the protein expressions of a-SMA, α1 (I) collagen and fibronectin, being associated with interference of the platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGF-βR)-mediated ERK pathway. These data collectively revealed that DHA relieved liver fibrosis possibly by targeting HSCs via the PDGF-βR/ERK pathway. DHA may be a therapeutic antifibrotic agent for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lianyun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China; Department of Science, Technology and Education, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China; National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China; Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Material Medical, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China.
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Lian N, Jin H, Zhang F, Wu L, Shao J, Lu Y, Zheng S. Curcumin inhibits aerobic glycolysis in hepatic stellate cells associated with activation of adenosine monophosphate-activated protein kinase. IUBMB Life 2016; 68:589-96. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1518] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/03/2016] [Revised: 05/16/2016] [Accepted: 05/16/2016] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Naqi Lian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Departemt of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Yin Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
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Huang SS, Chen DZ, Wu H, Chen RC, Du SJ, Dong JJ, Liang G, Xu LM, Wang XD, Yang YP, Yu ZP, Feng WK, Chen YP. Cannabinoid receptors are involved in the protective effect of a novel curcumin derivative C66 against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis. Eur J Pharmacol 2016; 779:22-30. [PMID: 26945822 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2016.02.067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/17/2015] [Revised: 02/26/2016] [Accepted: 02/29/2016] [Indexed: 12/26/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is one of the major causes of morbidity and mortality worldwide and lacks efficient therapy. Recent studies suggest the curcumin protects liver from fibrosis. However, curcumin itself is in low bioavailable concentration when administered orally, and the protective mechanism remains poorly understood. The current study aimed to investigate whether a more stable derivative of curcumin, C66, protects against CCl4-inudced liver fibrosis and examine the underlying mechanism involving cannabinoid receptor (CB receptor). At a dose lower than curcumin itself, C66 displayed a superior anti-fibrotic effect. C66 significantly reduced collagen deposition, pro-inflammatory cytokine expression, and liver enzyme activities. Mechanistic study revealed that C66 treatment decreased CCl4-induced cannabinoid receptor 1 (CB1 receptor) expression and increased cannabinoid receptor 2 (CB2 receptor) expression, along with an inhibition of JNK/NF-κB-mediated inflammatory signaling. In conclusion, this curcumin derivative attenuates liver fibrosis likely involving a CB/JNK/NF-κB-mediated pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Si-Si Huang
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Da-zhi Chen
- Li Ka Shing Faculty of Medicine, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China; Collaborative Innovation Center for Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Disease, Zhejiang University, Hangzhou, China
| | - He Wu
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Rui-Cong Chen
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Shan-Jie Du
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Jia-Jia Dong
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Guang Liang
- Chemical Biology Research Center, School of Pharmaceutical Science, Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Lan-Man Xu
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Xiao-Dong Wang
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Yong-Ping Yang
- Liver Cancer Therapy and Research Center, People's Liberation Army 302 Hospital, Beijing 100039, China
| | - Zhen-Ping Yu
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China
| | - Wen-Ke Feng
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China; Department of Medicine, University of Louisville School of Medicine, Louisville, KY 40202, USA.
| | - Yong-Ping Chen
- Hepatology Institute of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou Key Laboratory of Hepatology, Department of Infectious Diseases, the First Affiliated Hospital of Wenzhou Medical University, Wenzhou, Zhejiang, China.
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Jin H, Lian N, Zhang F, Chen L, Chen Q, Lu C, Bian M, Shao J, Wu L, Zheng S. Activation of PPARγ/P53 signaling is required for curcumin to induce hepatic stellate cell senescence. Cell Death Dis 2016; 7:e2189. [PMID: 27077805 PMCID: PMC4855671 DOI: 10.1038/cddis.2016.92] [Citation(s) in RCA: 111] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/16/2016] [Revised: 03/06/2016] [Accepted: 03/14/2016] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Activation of quiescent hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the major event in hepatic fibrogenesis, along with enhancement of cell proliferation and overproduction of extracellular matrix. Although inhibition of cell proliferation and induction of apoptosis are potential strategies to block the activation of HSCs, a better understanding of the senescence of activated HSCs can provide a new therapeutic strategy for prevention and treatment of liver fibrosis. The antioxidant curcumin, a phytochemical from turmeric, has been shown to suppress HSC activation in vitro and in vivo. The current work was aimed to evaluate the effect of curcumin on senescence of activated HSCs and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. In this study, curcumin promoted the expression of senescence marker Hmga1 in rat fibrotic liver. In addition, curcumin increased the number of senescence-associated β-galactosidase-positive HSCs in vitro. At the same time, curcumin induced HSC senescence by elevating the expression of senescence markers P16, P21 and Hmga1, concomitant with reduced abundance of HSC activation markers α-smooth muscle actin and α1(I)-procollagen in cultured HSCs. Moreover, curcumin affected the cell cycle and telomerase activity. We further demonstrated that P53 pharmacological inhibitor pifithrin-α (PFT-α) or transfection with P53 siRNA abrogated the curcumin-induced HSC senescence in vitro. Meanwhile, curcumin disruption of P53 leading to increased senescence of activated HSCs was further verified in vivo. Further studies indicated that curcumin promoted the expression of P53 through a PPARγ activation-dependent mechanism. Moreover, promoting PPARγ transactivating activity by a PPARγ agonist 15d-PGJ2 markedly enhanced curcumin induction of senescence of activated HSCs. However, the PPARγ antagonist PD68235 eliminated curcumin induction of HSC senescence. Taken together, our results provided a novel insight into the mechanisms underlying curcumin inhibition of HSC activation through inducing senescence.
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Affiliation(s)
- H Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - N Lian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - F Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - L Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Q Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - C Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - M Bian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - J Shao
- Department of Pharmacy, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - L Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - S Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China.,Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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Ma J, Ma SY, Ding CH. Curcumin reduces cardiac fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation and decreasing transforming growth factor β1 and matrix metalloproteinase 9 / tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase 1. Chin J Integr Med 2016; 23:362-369. [PMID: 26956464 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-015-2159-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/11/2014] [Indexed: 11/24/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To study the effect of curcumin on fibroblasts in rats with cardiac fibrosis. METHODS The rats were randomly divided into 4 groups (n=12 in each group): the normal control, isoproterenol (ISO), ISO combined with low-dose curcumin (ISO+Cur-L), and ISO combined with high-dose curcumin (ISO+Cur-H) groups. ISO+Cur-L and ISO+Cur-H groups were treated with curcumin (150 or 300 mg•kg-1•day-1) for 28 days. The primary culture of rat cardiac fibroblast was processed by trypsin digestion method in vitro. The 3rd to 5th generation were used for experiment. Western blot method was used to test the expression of collagen type I/III, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-9 and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1. 3-(4,5-Dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2,5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) assay was applied to test the proliferation of fibroblast. RESULT Curcumin significantly decreased interstitial and perivascular myocardial collagen deposition and cardiac weight index with reducing protein expression of collagen type I/III in hearts (P<0.05). In addition, curcumin directly inhibited angiotensin (Ang) II-induced fibroblast proliferation and collagen type I/III expression in cardiac fibroblasts (P<0.05). Curcumin also inhibited fibrosis by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation, decreased TGF-β1, MMP-9 and TIMP-1 expression (P<0.05) but had no effects on Smad3 in Ang II incubated cardiac fibroblasts. CONCLUSIONS Curcumin reduces cardiac fibrosis in rats and Ang II-induced fibroblast proliferation by inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation, decreasing collagen synthesis and accelerating collagen degradation through reduction of TGF-β1, MMPs/TIMPs. The present findings also provided novel insights into the role of curcumin as an antifibrotic agent for the treatment of cardiac fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Ma
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Research Lab, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Shi-Yu Ma
- Department of Critical Care Medicine, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China
| | - Chun-Hua Ding
- Cardiac Electrophysiology Research Lab, Guangdong Provincial Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Guangzhou, 510006, China. .,Arrhythmia Center, Guangdong Provincial Hospital of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, 510006, China.
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Chen Q, Chen L, Wu X, Zhang F, Jin H, Lu C, Shao J, Kong D, Wu L, Zheng S. Dihydroartemisinin prevents liver fibrosis in bile duct ligated rats by inducing hepatic stellate cell apoptosis through modulating the PI3K/Akt pathway. IUBMB Life 2016; 68:220-31. [DOI: 10.1002/iub.1478] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/14/2015] [Accepted: 01/05/2016] [Indexed: 12/17/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Qin Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Lianyun Chen
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Xiafei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Material Medical; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Jiangjuan Shao
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Desong Kong
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- Department of Science; Technology and Education, the Third Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
| | - Li Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing Jiangsu Province China
- National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Material Medical; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine; Nanjing China
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Sharma C, Sadek B, Goyal SN, Sinha S, Kamal MA, Ojha S. Small Molecules from Nature Targeting G-Protein Coupled Cannabinoid Receptors: Potential Leads for Drug Discovery and Development. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE : ECAM 2015; 2015:238482. [PMID: 26664449 PMCID: PMC4664820 DOI: 10.1155/2015/238482] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 08/24/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
The cannabinoid molecules are derived from Cannabis sativa plant which acts on the cannabinoid receptors types 1 and 2 (CB1 and CB2) which have been explored as potential therapeutic targets for drug discovery and development. Currently, there are numerous cannabinoid based synthetic drugs used in clinical practice like the popular ones such as nabilone, dronabinol, and Δ(9)-tetrahydrocannabinol mediates its action through CB1/CB2 receptors. However, these synthetic based Cannabis derived compounds are known to exert adverse psychiatric effect and have also been exploited for drug abuse. This encourages us to find out an alternative and safe drug with the least psychiatric adverse effects. In recent years, many phytocannabinoids have been isolated from plants other than Cannabis. Several studies have shown that these phytocannabinoids show affinity, potency, selectivity, and efficacy towards cannabinoid receptors and inhibit endocannabinoid metabolizing enzymes, thus reducing hyperactivity of endocannabinoid systems. Also, these naturally derived molecules possess the least adverse effects opposed to the synthetically derived cannabinoids. Therefore, the plant based cannabinoid molecules proved to be promising and emerging therapeutic alternative. The present review provides an overview of therapeutic potential of ligands and plants modulating cannabinoid receptors that may be of interest to pharmaceutical industry in search of new and safer drug discovery and development for future therapeutics.
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Affiliation(s)
- Charu Sharma
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Bassem Sadek
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
| | - Sameer N. Goyal
- Department of Pharmacology, R. C. Patel Institute of Pharmaceutical Education & Research, Shirpur, Mahrastra 425405, India
| | - Satyesh Sinha
- Department of Internal Medicine, College of Medicine, Charles R. Drew University of Medicine and Science, Los Angeles, CA 90059, USA
| | - Mohammad Amjad Kamal
- King Fahd Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
- Enzymoics, 7 Peterlee Place, Hebersham, NSW 2770, Australia
| | - Shreesh Ojha
- Department of Pharmacology and Therapeutics, College of Medicine and Health Sciences, United Arab Emirates University, P.O. Box 17666, Al Ain, Abu Dhabi, UAE
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40
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Curcumin and hemopressin treatment attenuates cholestasis-induced liver fibrosis in rats: role of CB1 receptors. Naunyn Schmiedebergs Arch Pharmacol 2015; 389:103-16. [DOI: 10.1007/s00210-015-1181-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/14/2015] [Accepted: 10/05/2015] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
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Domitrović R, Potočnjak I. A comprehensive overview of hepatoprotective natural compounds: mechanism of action and clinical perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:39-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
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42
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Lian N, Jiang Y, Zhang F, Jin H, Lu C, Wu X, Lu Y, Zheng S. Curcumin regulates cell fate and metabolism by inhibiting hedgehog signaling in hepatic stellate cells. J Transl Med 2015; 95:790-803. [PMID: 25938627 DOI: 10.1038/labinvest.2015.59] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2014] [Revised: 02/13/2015] [Accepted: 02/23/2015] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Accumulating evidence indicates that Hedgehog (Hh) signaling becomes activated in chronic liver injury and plays a role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are Hh-responsive cells and activation of the Hh pathway promotes transdifferentiation of HSCs into myofibroblasts. Targeting Hh signaling may be a novel therapeutic strategy for treatment of liver fibrosis. We previously reported that curcumin has potent antifibrotic effects in vivo and in vitro, but the underlying mechanisms are not fully elucidated. This study shows that curcumin downregulated Patched and Smoothened, two key elements in Hh signaling, but restored Hhip expression in rat liver with carbon tetrachloride-induced fibrosis and in cultured HSCs. Curcumin also halted the nuclear translocation, DNA binding, and transcription activity of Gli1. Moreover, the Hh signaling inhibitor cyclopamine, like curcumin, arrested the cell cycle, induced mitochondrial apoptosis, reduced fibrotic gene expression, restored lipid accumulation, and inhibited invasion and migration in HSCs. However, curcumin's effects on cell fate and fibrogenic properties of HSCs were abolished by the Hh pathway agonist SAG. Furthermore, curcumin and cyclopamine decreased intracellular levels of adenosine triphosphate and lactate, and inhibited the expression and/or function of several key molecules controlling glycolysis. However, SAG abrogated the curcumin effects on these parameters of glycolysis. Animal data also showed that curcumin downregulated glycolysis-regulatory proteins in rat fibrotic liver. These aggregated data therefore indicate that curcumin modulated cell fate and metabolism by disrupting the Hh pathway in HSCs, providing novel molecular insights into curcumin reduction of HSC activation.
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Affiliation(s)
- Naqi Lian
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yuanyuan Jiang
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Feng Zhang
- 1] Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [2] Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [3] The National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Huanhuan Jin
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Chunfeng Lu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiafei Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Yin Lu
- 1] Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [2] Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [3] The National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
| | - Shizhong Zheng
- 1] Department of Pharmacology, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [2] Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China [3] The National First-Class Key Discipline for Traditional Chinese Medicine of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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43
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Potent natural products and herbal medicines for treating liver fibrosis. Chin Med 2015; 10:7. [PMID: 25897319 PMCID: PMC4403904 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-015-0036-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2014] [Accepted: 04/01/2015] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a wound-healing response to chronic liver injury characterized by progressive inflammation and deposition of extracellular matrix components. The pathological condition of liver fibrosis involves secretion of extracellular matrix proteins and formation of scar tissue. The major regulators involved in hepatic fibrogenesis are the transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1/SMAD and toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)-initiated myeloid differentiation primary response 88 gene (MyD88)/NF-ĸB cell signaling pathways. This article reviews natural products and herbal medicines that have demonstrated activity against liver fibrosis through different mechanisms of action, including anti-hepatitis B and C virus activity, anti-inflammation, inhibition of cytokine production and nuclear receptor activation, and free radical scavenging.
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Li X, Li P, Chang Y, Xu Q, Wu Z, Ma Q, Wang Z. The SDF-1/CXCR4 axis induces epithelial–mesenchymal transition in hepatocellular carcinoma. Mol Cell Biochem 2015; 392:77-84. [PMID: 24658853 DOI: 10.1007/s11010-014-2020-8] [Citation(s) in RCA: 39] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/25/2013] [Accepted: 03/05/2014] [Indexed: 01/13/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells play a role in the migration process of hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Here, we address the role of the stromal-derived factor-1/CXC chemokine receptor 4 (SDF-1/CXCR4) axis on hepatocellular carcinoma progression. The expression of the SDF-1 and the CXCR4 was determined through western blotting and real-time PCR analysis using hepatic stellate (LX02) and hepatocellular carcinoma (MHCC97, SMMC7721, Hep3B, and HepG2) cell lines depleted of CXCR4 using shRNA. The migration of hepatocellular carcinoma cells following exogenous treatment with SDF-1 or in co-culture cell systems was measured using the Transwell assay. In parallel, the expression of epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers was also determined. We found that SDF-1 is highly expressed in the hepatic stellate cell line LX02 and that the hepatocellular carcinoma cells express high levels of CXCR4. Co-culturing hepatocellular carcinoma cells with LX02 or exogenous treatment with SDF-1 induced an EMT as shown by increased migration. In contrast, ablation of CXCR4 expression in HepG2 cells attenuated the migration of HepG2 cells and suppressed the EMT. Thus, hepatic stellate cells can promote hepatocellular carcinoma cell invasion through the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis.
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Lee PJ, Woo SJ, Jee JG, Sung SH, Kim HP. Bisdemethoxycurcumin Induces apoptosis in activated hepatic stellate cells via cannabinoid receptor 2. Molecules 2015; 20:1277-92. [PMID: 25594342 PMCID: PMC6272607 DOI: 10.3390/molecules20011277] [Citation(s) in RCA: 22] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/21/2014] [Accepted: 01/09/2015] [Indexed: 01/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells (HSCs), major fibrogenic cells in the liver, undergo apoptosis when liver injuries cease, which may contribute to the resolution of fibrosis. Bisdemethoxycurcumin (BDMC) is a natural derivative of curcumin with anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer activities. The therapeutic potential of BDMC in hepatic fibrosis has not been studied thus far in the context of the apoptosis in activated HSCs. In the current study, we compared the activities of BDMC and curcumin in the HSC-T6 cell line and demonstrated that BDMC relatively induced a potent apoptosis. BDMC-induced apoptosis was mediated by a combinatory inhibition of cytoprotective proteins, such as Bcl2 and heme oxygenase-1 and increased generation of reactive oxygen species. Intriguingly, BDMC-induced apoptosis was reversed with co-treatment of sr144528, a cannabinoid receptor (CBR) 2 antagonist, which was confirmed with genetic downregulation of the receptor using siCBR2. Additionally, incubation with BDMC increased the formation of death-induced signaling complex in HSC-T6 cells. Treatment with BDMC significantly diminished total intracellular ATP levels and upregulated ATP inhibitory factor-1. Collectively, the results demonstrate that BDMC induces apoptosis in activated HSCs, but not in hepatocytes, by impairing cellular energetics and causing a downregulation of cytoprotective proteins, likely through a mechanism that involves CBR2.
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Affiliation(s)
- Phil Jun Lee
- School of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Korea.
| | - Seung Je Woo
- School of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Korea.
| | - Jun-Goo Jee
- College of Pharmacy, Kyungbuk National University, Daegu 702-701, Korea.
| | - Sang Hyun Sung
- College of Pharmacy, Seoul National University, Seoul 151-742, Korea.
| | - Hong Pyo Kim
- School of Pharmacy, Ajou University, Suwon 443-749, Korea.
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Duval F, Moreno-Cuevas JE, González-Garza MT, Rodríguez-Montalvo C, Cruz-Vega DE. Protective mechanisms of medicinal plants targeting hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition in liver fibrosis. Chin Med 2014; 9:27. [PMID: 25606051 PMCID: PMC4299307 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-014-0027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are activated and proliferate, which causes excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, leading to scar formation and fibrosis. Medicinal plants are gaining popularity as antifibrotic agents, and are often safe, cost-effective, and versatile. This review aims to describe the protective role and mechanisms of medicinal plants in the inhibition of HSC activation and ECM deposition during the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. A systematic literature review on the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of hepatoprotective plants was performed in PubMed, which yielded articles about twelve relevant plants. Many of these plants act via disruption of the transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling pathway, possibly through reduction in oxidative stress. This reduction could explain the inhibition of HSC activation and reduction in ECM deposition. Medicinal plants could be a source of anti-liver fibrosis compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Florent Duval
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
| | - Jorge E Moreno-Cuevas
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
| | | | | | - Delia Elva Cruz-Vega
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
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Zhang F, Zhang Z, Chen L, Kong D, Zhang X, Lu C, Lu Y, Zheng S. Curcumin attenuates angiogenesis in liver fibrosis and inhibits angiogenic properties of hepatic stellate cells. J Cell Mol Med 2014; 18:1392-406. [PMID: 24779927 PMCID: PMC4124023 DOI: 10.1111/jcmm.12286] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2013] [Accepted: 02/17/2014] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is concomitant with sinusoidal pathological angiogenesis, which has been highlighted as novel therapeutic targets for the treatment of chronic liver disease. Our prior studies have demonstrated that curcumin has potent antifibrotic activity, but the mechanisms remain to be elucidated. The current work demonstrated that curcumin ameliorated fibrotic injury and sinusoidal angiogenesis in rat liver with fibrosis caused by carbon tetrachloride. Curcumin reduced the expression of a number of angiogenic markers in fibrotic liver. Experiments in vitro showed that the viability and vascularization of rat liver sinusoidal endothelial cells and rat aortic ring angiogenesis were not impaired by curcumin. These results indicated that hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) that are characterized as liver-specific pericytes could be potential target cells for curcumin. Further investigations showed that curcumin inhibited VEGF expression in HSCs associated with disrupting platelet-derived growth factor-β receptor (PDGF-βR)/ERK and mTOR pathways. HSC motility and vascularization were also suppressed by curcumin associated with blocking PDGF-βR/focal adhesion kinase/RhoA cascade. Gain- or loss-of-function analyses revealed that activation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) was required for curcumin to inhibit angiogenic properties of HSCs. We concluded that curcumin attenuated sinusoidal angiogenesis in liver fibrosis possibly by targeting HSCs via a PPAR-γ activation-dependent mechanism. PPAR-γ could be a target molecule for reducing pathological angiogenesis during liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Feng Zhang
- Department of Pharmacology, College of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, China
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