A comprehensive review of emodin in fibrosis treatment

Pharmacological mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi decoction in diabetic cardiovascular complications: A systematic review, network pharmacology and molecular docking

Background

Diabetic cardiovascular complications are the leading cause of diabetes-related deaths. These complications place an enormous and growing burden on global health systems and economies. The objective of this study was to conduct a systematic review on the therapeutic mechanisms of Taohe Chengqi Decoction (THCQD) in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. To predict the potential mechanisms of action of THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications using network pharmacology, and to validate these predictions through molecular docking analysis.

Methods

To collect relevant animal experiments, we searched a total of 6 databases. Eligibility for the study was determined based on inclusion and exclusion criteria. Data extraction was then performed on the literature. Methodological quality of animal studies was assessed using SYRCLE criteria. Based on network pharmacology, intersecting genes for THCQD and diabetic cardiovascular complications were obtained using Venny, PPI analysis and topology analysis of intersecting genes were performed; GO and KEGG were used for enrichment analysis and prediction of new targets of action. Molecular docking techniques were employed to model the interactions between drug components and target genes, thereby validating the results of network pharmacology predictions.

Results

A total of 16 studies were finally identified that fit the direction of this review. Included 6 studies of the myocardium, 1 study of the aortic arch, 5 studies of the femoral artery, 4 studies of the thoracic aorta. THCQD exhibited anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anti-atherosclerotic effects on cardiovascular complications in diabetic rats. Network pharmacology results showed that C0363 (Resveratrol), C0041 (Emodin), and C1114 (Baicalein) were the key components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications by THCQD. PPI results showed that INS, AKT1, TNF, ALB, IL6, IL1B as the genes that interact with the top 6. KEGG enrichment analysis identified the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as the most prominent pathway enriched by THCQD for diabetic cardiovascular complications genes. The results of molecular docking showed that the key active components demonstrated favorable interactions with their corresponding target genes.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the results of both basic and web-based pharmacological studies support the beneficial effects of the natural herbal formulation THCQD on diabetic cardiovascular complications. This decoction has anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic properties and is effective in ameliorating diabetic cardiovascular disease. The network pharmacology results further support these ideas and identify the AGE-RAGE signaling pathway in diabetic complications as possibly the most relevant pathway for THCQD in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular complications. The extent of the therapeutic potential of all-natural herbal components in the treatment of diabetic cardiovascular disease merits further investigation.

Emodin improves renal fibrosis in chronic kidney disease by regulating mitochondrial homeostasis through the mediation of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α)

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a leading public health issue associated with high morbidity worldwide. However, there are only a few effective therapeutic strategies for CKD. Emodin, an anthraquinone compound from rhubarb, can inhibit fibrosis in tissues and cells. Our study aims to investigate the antifibrotic effect of emodin and the underlying molecular mechanism. A unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO)-induced rat model was established to evaluate the effect of emodin on renal fibrosis development. Hematoxylin and eosin staining, Masson's trichrome staining, and immunohistochemistry staining were performed to analyze histopathological changes and fibrotic features after emodin treatment. Subsequently, a transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-β1)-induced cell model was used to assess the inhibition of emodin on cell fibrosis in vitro. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and real-time quantitative reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction were performed to validate the regulatory mechanism of emodin on renal fibrosis progression. As a result, emodin significantly improved histopathological abnormalities in rats with UUO. The expression of fibrosis biomarkers and mitochondrial biogenesis-related proteins also decreased after emodin treatment. Moreover, emodin blocked TGF-β1-induced fibrotic phenotype, lipid accumulation, and mitochondrial homeostasis in NRK-52E cells. Conversely, peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-gamma coactivator-1 alpha (PGC-1α) silencing significantly reversed these features in emodin-treated cells. Collectively, emodin plays an important role in regulating PGC-1α-mediated mitochondria function and energy homeostasis. This indicates that emodin exhibits great inhibition against renal fibrosis and acts as a promising inhibitor of CKD.

Potential of Plant-Derived Compounds in Preventing and Reversing Organ Fibrosis and the Underlying Mechanisms

Increased production of extracellular matrix is a necessary response to tissue damage and stress. In a normal healing process, the increase in extracellular matrix is transient. In some instances; however, the increase in extracellular matrix can persist as fibrosis, leading to deleterious alterations in organ structure, biomechanical properties, and function. Indeed, fibrosis is now appreciated to be an important cause of mortality and morbidity. Extensive research has illustrated that fibrosis can be slowed, arrested or even reversed; however, few drugs have been approved specifically for anti-fibrotic treatment. This is in part due to the complex pathways responsible for fibrogenesis and the undesirable side effects of drugs targeting these pathways. Natural products have been utilized for thousands of years as a major component of traditional medicine and currently account for almost one-third of drugs used clinically worldwide. A variety of plant-derived compounds have been demonstrated to have preventative or even reversal effects on fibrosis. This review will discuss the effects and the underlying mechanisms of some of the major plant-derived compounds that have been identified to impact fibrosis.

Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.

Advances in autophagy modulation of natural products in cervical cancer

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Natural products play a critical role in drug development and is emerging as a potential source of biologically active metabolites for therapeutic intervention, especially in cancer therapy. In recent years, there is increasing evidence that many natural products may modulate autophagy through various signaling pathways in cervical cancer. Understanding the mechanisms of these natural products helps to develop medications for cervical cancer treatments.

AIM OF THE STUDY

In recent years, there is increasing evidence that many natural products may modulate autophagy through various signaling pathways in cervical cancer. In this review, we briefly introduce autophagy and systematically describe several classes of natural products implicated in autophagy modulation in cervical cancer, hoping to provide valuable information for the development of cervical cancer treatments based on autophagy.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We searched for studies on natural products and autophagy in cervical cancer on the online database and summarized the relationship between natural products and autophagy modulation in cervical cancer.

RESULTS

Autophagy is a lysosome-mediated catabolic process in eukaryotic cells that plays an important role in a variety of physiological and pathological processes, including cervical cancer. Abnormal expression of cellular autophagy and autophagy-related proteins has been implicated in cervical carcinogenesis, and human papillomavirus infection can affect autophagic activity. Flavonoids, alkaloids, polyphenols, terpenoids, quinones, and other compounds are important sources of natural products that act as anticancer agents. In cervical cancer, natural products exert the anticancer function mainly through the induction of protective autophagy.

CONCLUSIONS

The regulation of cervical cancer autophagy by natural products has significant advantages in inducing apoptosis, inhibiting proliferation, and reducing drug resistance in cervical cancer.