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Sun T, Li S, Li X, Lei Y, Wang B, Liu X, Yu S, Li N. Apigenin intervenes in liver fibrosis by regulating PKM2-HIF-1α mediated oxidative stress. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2024; 721:150130. [PMID: 38761750 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2024.150130] [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] [Received: 04/11/2024] [Revised: 05/08/2024] [Accepted: 05/14/2024] [Indexed: 05/20/2024]
Abstract
Apigenin (API) is a natural flavonoid compound with antioxidant, anti fibrotic, anti-inflammatory and other effects, but there is limited research on the effect of API on liver fibrosis. This study aims to explore the effect and potential mechanism of API on liver fibrosis induced by CCl4 in mice. The results indicate that API reduces oxidative stress levels, inhibits hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, and exerts anti liver fibrosis effects by regulating the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway. We observed that API alleviated liver tissue pathological damage and collagen deposition in CCl4 induced mouse liver fibrosis model, promoting the recovery of liver function in mice with liver fibrosis. In addition, the API inhibits the transition of Pyruvate kinase isozyme type M2 (PKM2) from dimer to tetramer formation by regulating the EGFR-MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway, thereby preventing dimer from entering the nucleus and blocking PKM2-HIF-1α access. This change leads to a decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and Catalase (CAT) levels and an increase in glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) levels, as well as total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC) in the liver of liver fibrosis mice. At the same time, API downregulated the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), Vimentin and Desmin in the liver tissue of mice with liver fibrosis, inhibited the activation of HSC, and reduced collagen deposition. These results indicate that API can inhibit HSC activation and alleviate CCl4 induced liver fibrosis by inhibiting the PKM2-HIF-1α pathway and reducing oxidative stress, laying an important foundation for the development and clinical application of API as a novel drug for treating liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tao Sun
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Saifei Li
- Henan University of Chinese Medicine, School of Pharmacy, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xiaoying Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Yanfei Lei
- Department of Internal Medicine, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Baoying Wang
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Xianghua Liu
- Academy of Chinese Medical Sciences, Henan University of Chinese Medicine, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Shanfa Yu
- School of Public Health, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China
| | - Ningning Li
- Department of Pathology, Henan Medical College, Zhengzhou, China.
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Fu X, Zhang F, Zhen F, Duan L, Zhou J, Ma J. A chemiluminescence immunoassay for type IV collagen as a promising marker for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. ANALYTICAL METHODS : ADVANCING METHODS AND APPLICATIONS 2024; 16:2248-2255. [PMID: 38568684 DOI: 10.1039/d3ay02240d] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/19/2024]
Abstract
Herein, a magnetic bead-based chemiluminescence assay is reported to detect type IV collagen (col-IV) in serum samples. Magnetic beads (MBs) exhibit biocompatibility. Taking advantage of this property, they were conjugated with the col-IV antibody. For the determination of col-IV, the interaction of the col-IV sample, anti-(col-IV)-alkaline phosphatase (anti-(col-IV)-ALP) and anti-col-IV-magnetic beads (anti-(col-IV)-MBs) was performed to generate chemiluminescence. Under the optimized conditions, the developed method displayed good linearity in the concentration range of 20-2000 ng mL-1 with the limit of 0.79 ng mL-1. The repeatability coefficient of variation (CV) for col-IV detection ranged from 3.16% to 7.50%. The col-IV level in samples collected from a hospital was assessed by the chemiluminescence assay. Satisfactory recoveries were obtained ranging from 93.30% to 100.14%. In conclusion, the magnetic bead-based chemiluminescence assay may be used as a routine and efficient tool to detect type IV collagen in clinical diagnosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiaoling Fu
- The Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, Nanchang 330006, China
| | - Fan Zhang
- Dalian Public Health Clinical Center, Dalian 116031, China
| | - Fangda Zhen
- The Fourth People's Hospital of Shenyang, Shenyang 110000, China
| | - Lian Duan
- The Chinese PLA General Hospital, Beijing 100026, China
| | - Jian Zhou
- Yulin Testing and Research Institute, Yulin 537000, China
| | - Jianguo Ma
- Shuyang Zhongxing Hospital, Jiangsu 223600, China.
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Yang S, Liu X, Wang H, Wang H, Sun D, Han Y, Li H, Li X. Wuhu decoction combined with azithromycin for treatment of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in Asian children: a systematic review and meta analysis of randomized controlled trials. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1329516. [PMID: 38633618 PMCID: PMC11021718 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1329516] [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: 10/29/2023] [Accepted: 03/18/2024] [Indexed: 04/19/2024] Open
Abstract
Objective: This study constitutes a pioneering systematic review and meta analysis delving into the clinical efficacy and safety of the combined therapy involving Wuhu Decoction and azithromycin for treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in pediatric patients. Methods: This study conducted a comprehensive computerized search, covering 6 Chinese databases and 6 English databases, to collect randomized controlled trials related to the combined use of Wuhu Decoction and azithromycin for treating Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia in pediatric patients. The search was extended until August 2023. Two independent researchers were involved in literature screening, data extraction, and bias risk assessment. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 and RevMan 5.4 software. Additionally, meta-regression analysis and subgroup analysis were carried out on primary outcomes to identify potential sources of heterogeneity and confounding factors. Results: A total of 22 randomized controlled trials involving 2,026 patients were included in this study. The combined therapy of Wuhu Decoction and azithromycin demonstrated superior efficacy compared to azithromycin alone (RR = 1.17, 95% CI [1.13, 1.21], p < 0.00001; low certainty of evidence). Additionally, patients receiving the combination therapy experienced significantly reduced the disappearance time of fever (MD = -1.42, 95% CI [-1.84, -1.00], p < 0.00001; very low certainty of evidence), disappearance time of cough (MD = -2.08, 95% CI [-2.44, -1.71], p < 0.00001; very low certainty of evidence), disappearance of pulmonary rales (MD = -1.97, 95% CI [-2.31, -1.63], p < 0.00001; very low certainty of evidence), and disappearance time of wheezing (MD = -1.47, 95% CI [-1.72, -1.22], p < 0.00001; very low certainty of evidence). Meta-regression analysis suggested that course of disease, sample size, and age might be sources of heterogeneity. Subgroup and sensitivity analyses reaffirmed the stability of these results. Furthermore, analyses of secondary outcomes such as T lymphocytes, serum inflammatory factors, and the incidence rate of adverse reactions consistently favored the combination therapy of WHD and azithromycin over azithromycin alone, with statistically significant differences. Conclusion: Based on our meta-analysis findings, the combined therapy of Wuhu Decoction and azithromycin for treating pediatric Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia exhibited superior overall efficacy in comparison to azithromycin monotherapy. However, in the included 22 studies, the majority of evaluated factors showed unclear bias risks, and a persistent bias risk was consistently present within one category. Moreover, due to the low quality of evidence, interpreting these results should be approached with caution. Hence, we emphasize the necessity for future high-quality, multicenter, and large-sample clinical randomized controlled trials. These trials are essential to provide more robust data for evidence-based research and to establish higher-quality evidence support. Systematic Review Registration: https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/, identifier CRD42023465606.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shuo Yang
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinying Liu
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Huizhe Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Haokai Wang
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Dan Sun
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Yaowei Han
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Huanmin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
| | - Xinmin Li
- Department of Pediatrics, First Teaching Hospital of Tianjin University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Tianjin, China
- National Clinical Research Center for Chinese Medicine Acupuncture and Moxibustion, Tianjin, China
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Sun D, Du X, Cao X, Wu B, Li S, Zhao Y, Liu T, Xu L, Huang H. Neutrophil-Based Bionic Delivery System Breaks Through the Capillary Barrier of Liver Sinusoidal Endothelial Cells and Inhibits the Activation of Hepatic Stellate Cells. Mol Pharm 2024; 21:2043-2057. [PMID: 38471114 DOI: 10.1021/acs.molpharmaceut.4c00173] [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: 03/14/2024]
Abstract
The capillarization of hepatic sinusoids resulting from the activation of hepatic stellate cells poses a significant challenge, impeding the effective delivery of therapeutic agents to the Disse space for liver fibrosis treatment. Therefore, overcoming these barriers and achieving efficient drug delivery to activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) are pressing challenge. In this study, we developed a synergistic sequential drug delivery approach utilizing neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome@atorvastatin/amlisentan (NCM@AtAm) and vitamin A-neutrophil membrane hybrid liposome @albumin (VNCM@Bai) nanoparticles (NPs) to breach the capillary barrier for targeted HSC cell delivery. Initially, NCM@AtAm NPs were successfully directed to the site of hepatic fibrosis through neutrophil-mediated inflammatory targeting, resulting in the normalization of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and restoration of fenestrations under the combined influence of At and Am. Elevated tissue levels of the p-Akt protein and endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) indicated the normalization of LSECs following treatment with At and Am. Subsequently, VNCM@Bai NPs traversed the restored LSEC fenestrations to access the Disse space, facilitating the delivery of Bai into aHSCs under vitamin A guidance. Lastly, both in vitro and in vivo results demonstrated the efficacy of Bai in inhibiting HSC cell activation by modulating the PPAR γ/TGF-β1 and STAT1/Smad7 signaling pathways, thereby effectively treating liver fibrosis. Overall, our designed synergistic sequential delivery system effectively overcomes the barrier imposed by LSECs, offering a promising therapeutic strategy for liver fibrosis treatment in clinical settings.
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Affiliation(s)
- Dan Sun
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Xiao Du
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital, The Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University Medical School, Nanjing Medical Center for Clinical Pharmacy, Nanjing 210008, China
| | - Xinyu Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Bingyu Wu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Shanshan Li
- School of Pharmacy, Bengbu Medical College, Bengbu, Anhui Province 233030,China
| | - Yongmei Zhao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Tianqing Liu
- NICM Health Research Institute, Western Sydney University, Westmead, NSW 2145, Australia
| | - Lixing Xu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
| | - Haiqin Huang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226001, China
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Guo X, Qu FX, Zhang JD, Zheng F, Xin Y, Wang R, Li JY, Li HY, Lu CH. Amygdalin and exercise training exert a synergistic effect in improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of myocardial infarction. Appl Physiol Nutr Metab 2024; 49:360-374. [PMID: 37944128 DOI: 10.1139/apnm-2023-0135] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/12/2023]
Abstract
This study investigated the effects of amygdalin (AMY, a cyanogenic glycoside widely distributed in the fruits and seeds of Rosaceae plants) on cardiac performance and ventricular remodeling in a rat model of myocardial infarction (MI). We also investigated whether the combination of AMY with exercise training (ExT) has a beneficial synergistic effect in treating MI rats. MI was induced by the ligation of the left anterior descending coronary artery in male SD rats. ExT or AMY treatment was started 1 week after MI and continued for 1 week (short-term) or 8 weeks (long-term). Cardiac function was evaluated by echocardiographic and hemodynamic parameters. Heart tissues were harvested and subjected to 2,3,5-triphenyl-tetrazolium chloride, Masson's trichrome, hematoxylin-eosin, and immunohistochemical staining. Gene expression was determined by quantitative polymerase chain reaction. Western blot gave a qualitative assessment of protein levels. AMY or ExT improved cardiac function and reduced infarct size in MI rats. AMY or ExT also suppressed myocardial fibrosis and attenuated inflammation in the infarct border zone of hearts from MI rats, as evidenced by inhibition of collagen deposition, inflammatory cell infiltration, and pro-inflammatory markers (interleukin 1β, interleukin 6, tumor necrosis factor-α, and cyclooxygenase 2). Notably, the effects of AMY combined with ExT were superior to those of AMY alone or ExT alone. Mechanistically, these beneficial functions were correlated with the inhibition of MI-induced activation of the transforming growth factor-β/Smad pathway. Collectively, AMY and ExT exert a synergistic effect on improving cardiac performance and ameliorating cardiac inflammation and fibrosis after MI, and the effects of long-term intervention were better than short-term intervention.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Guo
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Feng-Xia Qu
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Ji-Dong Zhang
- Department of Cardiology, the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University, Qingdao 266000, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Fa Zheng
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Yue Xin
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Rong Wang
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Jing-Yuan Li
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Hai-Ying Li
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
| | - Chang-Hong Lu
- Heart Center, Qingdao Fuwai Cardiovascular Hospital, Qingdao 266034, Shandong, People's Republic of China
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Fan JH, Luo N, Liu GF, Xu XF, Li SQ, Lv XP. Mechanism of annexin A1/N-formylpeptide receptor regulation of macrophage function to inhibit hepatic stellate cell activation through Wnt/β-catenin pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:3422-3439. [PMID: 37389234 PMCID: PMC10303517 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i22.3422] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2023] [Revised: 04/10/2023] [Accepted: 05/11/2023] [Indexed: 06/06/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis is a common pathological process of chronic liver diseases with various causes, which can progress to cirrhosis.
AIM To evaluate the effect and mechanism of action annexin (Anx)A1 in liver fibrosis and how this could be targeted therapeutically.
METHODS CCl4 (20%) and active N-terminal peptide of AnxA1 (Ac2-26) and N-formylpeptide receptor antagonist N-Boc-Phe-Leu-Phe-Leu-Phe (Boc2) were injected intraperitoneally to induce liver fibrosis in eight wild-type mice/Anxa1 knockout mice, and to detect expression of inflammatory factors, collagen deposition, and the role of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in hepatic fibrosis.
RESULTS Compared with the control group, AnxA1, transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, interleukin (IL)-1β and IL-6 expression in the liver of mice with hepatic fibrosis induced by CCl4 was significantly increased, which promoted collagen deposition and expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), and increased progressively with time. CCl4 induced an increase in TGF-β1, IL-1β and IL-6 in liver tissue of AnxA1 knockout mice, and the degree of liver inflammation and fibrosis and expression of α-SMA, collagen I and CTGF were significantly increased compared with in wild-type mice. After treatment with Ac2-26, expression of liver inflammatory factors, degree of collagen deposition and expression of a-SMA, collagen I and CTGF were decreased compared with before treatment. Boc2 inhibited the anti-inflammatory and antifibrotic effects of Ac2-26. AnxA1 downregulated expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis. In vitro, lipopolysaccharide (LPS) induced hepatocyte and hepatic stellate cell (HSC) expression of AnxA1. Ac2-26 inhibited LPS-induced RAW264.7 cell activation and HSC proliferation, decreased expression of α-SMA, collagen I and CTGF in HSCs, and inhibited expression of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway after HSC activation. These therapeutic effects were inhibited by Boc2.
CONCLUSION AnxA1 inhibited liver fibrosis in mice, and its mechanism may be related to inhibition of HSC Wnt/β-catenin pathway activation by targeting formylpeptide receptors to regulate macrophage function.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jun-Hua Fan
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Na Luo
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Geng-Feng Liu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Fang Xu
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Shi-Quan Li
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
| | - Xiao-Ping Lv
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Guangxi Medical University, Nanning 530021, Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, China
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Shan L, Wang F, Zhai D, Meng X, Liu J, Lv X. Matrix metalloproteinases induce extracellular matrix degradation through various pathways to alleviate hepatic fibrosis. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 161:114472. [PMID: 37002573 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.114472] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2022] [Revised: 02/20/2023] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is the common consequence of various chronic liver injuries and is mainly characterized by the imbalance between the production and degradation of extracellular matrix, which leads to the accumulation of interstitial collagen and other matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors, that is, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), play a crucial role in collagen synthesis and lysis. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies of our laboratory found repressing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by restoring the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can alleviate liver fibrosis. We conducted a review of articles published in PubMed and Science Direct in the last decade until February 1, 2023, which were searched for using these words "MMPs/TIMPs" and "Hepatic Fibrosis." Through a literature review, this article reviews the experimental studies of liver fibrosis based on MMPs/TIMPs, summarizes the components that may exert an anti-liver fibrosis effect by affecting the expression or activity of MMPs/TIMPs, and attempts to clarify the mechanism of MMPs/TIMPs in regulating collagen homeostasis, so as to provide support for the development of anti-liver fibrosis drugs. We found the MMP-TIMP-ECM interaction can result in better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis from a different angle, and targeting this interaction may be a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. Additionally, we summarized and analyzed the drugs that have been found to reduce liver fibrosis by changing the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs, including medicine natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Liang Shan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China
| | - Fengling Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Dandan Zhai
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Xiangyun Meng
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China
| | - Jianjun Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second People's Hospital of Hefei, Hefei Hospital Affiliated to Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui 230011, China.
| | - Xiongwen Lv
- Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Anhui Medical University, Hefei 230032, China; Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, Hefei 230032, China; The Key Laboratory of Major Autoimmune Diseases, Hefei 230032, Anhui, China.
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Guo M, Wang Z, Dai J, Fan H, Yuan N, Gao L, Peng H, Cheng X. Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates liver fibrosis in vitro and in vivo via activating CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 pathway. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 112:154587. [PMID: 36805480 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154587] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/11/2022] [Revised: 11/21/2022] [Accepted: 12/04/2022] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatic fibrosis, a common pathological feature of chronic liver injuries, is a serious public health problem and lacks effective therapy. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA) is a bioactive ingredient in the root of traditional Chinese medicine licorice, and exhibits remarkable anti-viral, anti-inflammatory and hepatoprotective actions. PURPOSE Here we aimed to investigated whether GA provided a therapeutic efficacy in hepatic fibrosis and uncover its molecular mechanisms. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS We investigated the anti-fibrosis effects of GA using CCl4-induced mouse mode of liver fibrosis as well as TGF-β1-activated human LX-2 cells and primary hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signaling was examined with immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis. We designed and studied the binding of GA to CUGBP1 using in silico docking, and validated by microscale thermophoresis (MST) assay. RESULTS GA obviously attenuated CCl4-induced liver histological damage, and reduced serum ALT and AST levels. Meanwhile, GA decreased liver fibrogenesis markers such as α-SMA, collagen α1, HA, COL-III, and LN in the hepatic tissues. Mechanistically, GA remarkably elevated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, Smad7, and decreased CUGBP1 in vivo and in vitro. Over-expression of CUGBP1 completely abolished the anti-fibrotic effect of GA and regulation on IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 pathway in LX-2 cells and primary HSCs, confirming CUGBP1 played a pivotal role in the protection by GA from liver fibrosis. Further molecular docking and MST assay indicated that GA had a good binding affinity with the CUGBP1 protein. The dissociation constant (Kd) of GA and CUGBP1 was 0.293 μM. CONCLUSION Our study demonstrated for the first time that GA attenuated liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by promoting CUGBP1-mediated IFN-γ/STAT1/Smad7 signalling pathways. GA may be a potential candidate compound for preventing or reliving liver fibrosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Manman Guo
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Zhongda Wang
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Jinya Dai
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Haizhen Fan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Ningning Yuan
- Affiliated Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210028, China
| | - Liming Gao
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Huiping Peng
- Department of Gastroenterology, Kunshan Hospital affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Kunshan, 215300, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaolan Cheng
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory for Pharmacology and Safety Evaluation of Chinese Materia Medica, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China; School of Chinese Medicine & School of Integrated Chinese and Western Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, 210023, China.
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Paliwal VM, Kundu S, Kulhari U, Jala A, Ishteyaque S, Borkar RM, Mugale MN, Murty US, Sahu BD. Alternanthera brasiliana L. extract alleviates carbon tetrachloride-induced liver injury and fibrotic changes in mice: Role of matrix metalloproteinases and TGF-β/Smad axis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115992. [PMID: 36509261 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115992] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2022] [Revised: 11/20/2022] [Accepted: 11/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Alternanthera brasiliana L. is a flowering plant belonging to the family Amaranthaceae and is popularly known as "penicillin". It is used in folk medicine to treat infections, coughs, wound healing, and inflammatory diseases. AIM OF THE STUDY We investigated the effect of Alternanthera brasiliana L. leaves hydroalcoholic extract (AB) against oxidative stress, inflammation, and fibrotic changes in an experimental model of carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury and fibrosis in mice. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-six male Balb/C mice were randomized into five groups: normal control, AB control, CCl4 control, CCl4 + AB-200 mg/kg, and CCl4 + AB-400 mg/kg. In mice, liver injury was induced by intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 (20% in corn oil, 5 ml/kg body weight) thrice a week for six consecutive weeks. AB extract at two doses (200 mg/kg and 400 mg/kg body weight) was administered orally for six consecutive weeks. Liver injury-related serum markers (ALT, AST, ALP), antioxidants (GSH, GST, SOD, and vitamin C), pro-inflammatory cytokines including tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), interleukin (IL)-1β, and IL-18, ultrasonographic and histological alterations, proteins of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1), nuclear factor-κB (p65) (NF-κB), nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3), and TGF-β/Smad signaling were accessed. LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis of AB was performed. RESULTS AB treatment significantly decreased the CCl4-induced rise in serum ALT, AST, and ALP activities and improved the histological alterations. Compared with the CCl4-treated group, treatment with AB significantly restored the hepatic antioxidants and reduced the pro-inflammatory cytokines in the liver. The antioxidant activity of AB may be attributed to its terpenoid constituents, which was confirmed by LC-Q-TOF-MS/MS analysis. The CCl4-induced rise in expression of MMP-2 and MMP-9 and decrease in TIMP-1 were markedly restored in the AB-treated groups. Further findings revealed a significant reduction in the protein levels of phospho-NF-κB (p65), NLRP3, TGF-β, pSmad2/3, collagen I, and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in the AB treatment groups. CONCLUSIONS The hepatoprotective effect of AB may be attributed to the high content of terpenoid compounds and alleviates liver injury and associated fibrotic changes through modulating MMPs, NF-κB (p65), and the TGF-β/Smad axis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Vinay M Paliwal
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sourav Kundu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Uttam Kulhari
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Aishwarya Jala
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Sharmeen Ishteyaque
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Roshan M Borkar
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Madhav Nilakanth Mugale
- Toxicology & Experimental Medicine, CSIR- Central Drug Research Institute (CDRI), Lucknow, 226 031, India
| | - Upadhyayula Suryanarayana Murty
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India
| | - Bidya Dhar Sahu
- Department of Pharmacology & Toxicology, National Institute of Pharmaceutical Education and Research (NIPER)-Guwahati, Changsari, PIN-781101, Assam, India.
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10
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Alwan AM, Rokaya D, Kathayat G, Afshari JT. Onco-immunity and therapeutic application of amygdalin: A review. J Oral Biol Craniofac Res 2023; 13:155-163. [PMID: 36618007 PMCID: PMC9816781 DOI: 10.1016/j.jobcr.2022.12.010] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/21/2022] [Revised: 12/23/2022] [Accepted: 12/27/2022] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Background Amygdalin is known as a chemical compound derived from various fruits. The glycosides existing in this plant have been historically utilized as an anticancer agent. This review presented an overview of amygdalin and its onco-immunity and other therapeutic medical applications. Method A literature search for studies relating to amygdalin and cancer treatment was carried out using PubMed and Google Scholar. Combinations of the following terms were used in the search strategies: "amygdalin," "rhodanese," "cyanide," "cyanogenic," "hypothiocyanite," "mandelonitrile," "glucosides," "cancer," "apoptosis," and "cytotoxicity," combined with a cancer term such as "seed," "almond," or "apricot," "cancer + cell line, antiproliferation or inhibition," "BAX From the March 3, 1981 until the April 15, 2021, all of the English-language papers were evaluated based on the inclusion criteria. Publications included reviews, chapters from books, and original research papers. Results The FDA prohibits Amygdalin from medical usage as an anticancer treatment due to a lack of proof of cure in cancer cases. When this natural-based compound is used with conditional chemotherapeutic medicines causes synergistic effects. Besides, amygdalin is used to manage asthma, improve the immune system, induce apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibit hyperglycemia. Conclusion Various medical uses of amygdalin have been found such as managing asthma, improving the immune system, inducing apoptosis in human renal fibroblasts, and inhibiting hyperglycemia. More effective in vitro and review studies are required to elucidate the exact role of this herb in medical applications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ahmed Mohammed Alwan
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
| | - Dinesh Rokaya
- Department of Clinical Dentistry, Walailak University International College of Dentistry, Walailak University, Bangkok 10400, Thailand
| | - Goma Kathayat
- Department of Biochemistry, Manipal College of Medical Sciences and Teaching Hospital, Pokhara, Nepal
| | - Jalil Tavakol Afshari
- Department of Immunology and Allergy, Faculty of Medicine, Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran
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11
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Jiang M, Huang C, Wu Q, Su Y, Wang X, Xuan Z, Wang Y, Xu F, Ge C. Sini San ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice by inhibiting AKT-mediated hepatocyte apoptosis. JOURNAL OF ETHNOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 303:115965. [PMID: 36460296 DOI: 10.1016/j.jep.2022.115965] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/06/2022] [Revised: 11/12/2022] [Accepted: 11/21/2022] [Indexed: 06/17/2023]
Abstract
ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE Sini San (SNS) is recorded in Zhang Zhongjing's "Treatise on Typhoids" and is used in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, hepatitis, and other liver diseases, with good efficacy in liver fibrosis. However, its anti-liver fibrosis mechanism remains unclear. AIM OF THE STUDY This study aimed to evaluate the ameliorative effect of SNS on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice and the underlying mechanisms. MATERIALS AND METHODS The active ingredients in the water extract of SNS were determined using high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). CCl4-induced liver fibrosis mice were subsequently treated with different doses of SNS for 3 weeks, and AST, ALT, and T-BIL were detected in the serum. The pathological characteristics of the liver were observed using hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and Masson's staining. Hepatocyte apoptosis was assessed using terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling (TUNEL) staining. The proteins expression of PI3K, p-PI3K, AKT, p-AKT, FXR, caspase-8, Bax, and Bcl-2 was analyzed using western blotting and immunofluorescence. FXR mRNA expression was measured using quantitative real-time reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Using network pharmacology and bioinformatics to search for active ingredients that regulate PI3K/AKT signaling in the SNS. The material basis for regulating PI3K/AKT signaling in SNS was searched using network pharmacology and bioinformatics. Based on the network pharmacology results, isorhamnetin or SNS-containing serum was added to HepG2 cells stimulated with TNF-α. The Cell Counting Kit (CCK)-8 assay was used to analyze cell viability and apoptosis of HepG2 cells was detected using flow cytometry. RESULTS SNS reduced serum levels of AST, ALT and T-BIL, down-regulated caspase-8 protein expression and the ratio of Bcl-2/Bax protein expression, and improved apoptosis in liver fibrosis mice. In addition, SNS downregulated the ratio of p-PI3K/PI3K and p-AKT/AKT protein expression and increased FXR expression. Network pharmacology studies showed that quercetin, kaempferol and isorhamnetin in SNS can bind to AKT. In vitro experiments showed that isorhamnetin inhibited HepG2 cell apoptosis, upregulated FXR expression and suppressed AKT activity, whereas AKT inhibitors blocked the effects of isorhamnetin. The effect of the SNS-containing serum was similar to that of isorhamnetin. CONCLUSION SNS ameliorated the progression of fibrosis and improved hepatocyte apoptosis in liver fibrosis mice. The anti-apoptotic mechanism was related to the inhibition of AKT-mediated down-regulation of FXR expression by its active ingredient, isorhamnetin.
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Affiliation(s)
- Meijie Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Chunmei Huang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Qiong Wu
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Yong Su
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Xinming Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China
| | - Zihua Xuan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Yunlai Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, PR China
| | - Fan Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei, 230012, PR China; Anhui Province Key Laboratory of Chinese Medicinal Formula, Hefei, 230012, PR China.
| | - Chaoliang Ge
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, Anhui, 230022, PR China.
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12
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Wen Q, Yu S, Wang S, Qin Y, Xia Q, Wang S, Chen G, Shen C, Song S. Impact of intestinal microbiota on metabolic toxicity and potential detoxification of amygdalin. Front Microbiol 2022; 13:1030516. [PMID: 36504787 PMCID: PMC9730245 DOI: 10.3389/fmicb.2022.1030516] [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: 08/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/20/2022] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
Amygdalin (Amy) is metabolized into cyanide in vivo, which may lead to fatal poisoning after oral administration. The defense mechanisms against toxic cyanide have not yet been adequately studied. In this study, comparative toxicokinetics study of Amy was performed in normal and pseudo germ-free rats. The efficiency of cyanide release was significant higher in normal group when given a single oral dose of 440 mg/kg (50% median lethal dose). Thiocyanate, the detoxification metabolite, was firstly detected in feces, caecum, and intestinal microbiota incubation enzymic system. The results suggest intestinal microbiota is involved in bidirectional regulation of toxicity and detoxification of Amy. We further identified the species related to cyanogenesis of Amy with metagenomic sequencing, such as Bifidobacterium pseudolongum, Marvinbryantia formatexigens, and Bacteroides fragilis. Functional analysis of microbiota reveals the detoxification potential of intestinal microbiota for cyanide. Sulfurtransferase superfamily, such as rhodanese, considered as main detoxification enzymes for cyanide, are largely found in Coriobacteriaceae bacterium, Butyricicoccus porcorum, Akkermansia muciniphila, etc. Besides, cyanoamino acid metabolism pathway dominated by Escherichia coli may contribute to the detoxification metabolism of cyanide. In summary, intestinal microbiota may be the first line of defense against the toxicity induced by Amy.
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Affiliation(s)
- Qiuyu Wen
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shen Yu
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Yan Qin
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Quan Xia
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjun Chen
- Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenlin Shen
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shuai Song
- School of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
- The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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13
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Barakat H, Aljutaily T, Almujaydil MS, Algheshairy RM, Alhomaid RM, Almutairi AS, Alshimali SI, Abdellatif AAH. Amygdalin: A Review on Its Characteristics, Antioxidant Potential, Gastrointestinal Microbiota Intervention, Anticancer Therapeutic and Mechanisms, Toxicity, and Encapsulation. Biomolecules 2022; 12:biom12101514. [PMID: 36291723 PMCID: PMC9599719 DOI: 10.3390/biom12101514] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/05/2022] [Revised: 09/29/2022] [Accepted: 10/06/2022] [Indexed: 11/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Bioactive amygdalin, found in high concentrations in bitter almonds, has been recognized as a symbol of the cyanogenic glycoside chemical organic substance, which was initially developed as a pharmaceutical for treating cancer after being hydrolyzed to hydrogen cyanide (HCN). Regrettably, research has shown that HCN can also damage normal cells, rendering it non-toxic to the human body. Extreme controversy surrounds both in vivo and in vitro studies, making its use risky. This review provides an extensive update on characteristics, antioxidant potential, gastrointestinal microbiota intervention, anticancer therapeutic, mechanisms, toxicity, and encapsulation of amygdalin. Antioxidant, anti-tumor, anti-fibrotic, antiatherosclerosis, anti-inflammatory, immunomodulatory, and analgesic characteristics, and the ability to improve digestive and reproductive systems, neurodegeneration, and cardiac hypertrophy are just some of the benefits of amygdalin. Studies verified the HCN-produced amygdalin to be harmful orally, but only at very high doses. Although intravenous treatment was less effective than the oral method, the oral route has a dose range of 0.6 to 1 g daily. Amygdalin’s toxicity depends heavily on the variety of bacteria in the digestive tract. Unfortunately, there is currently no foolproof method for determining the microbial consortium and providing a safe oral dosage for every patient. Amygdalin encapsulation in alginate-chitosan nanoparticles (ACNPs) is a relatively new area of research. Amygdalin has an enhanced cytotoxic effect on malignant cells, and ACNPs can be employed as an active drug-delivery system to release this compound in a regulated, sustained manner without causing any harm to healthy cells or tissues. In conclusion, a large area of research for a substance that might be the next step in cancer therapy is opened up due to unverified and conflicting data.
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Affiliation(s)
- Hassan Barakat
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Food Technology Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Benha University, Moshtohor 13736, Egypt
- Correspondence: or
| | - Thamer Aljutaily
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Mona S. Almujaydil
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Reham M. Algheshairy
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Raghad M. Alhomaid
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Abdulkarim S. Almutairi
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Saleh I. Alshimali
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition, College of Agriculture and Veterinary Medicine, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
| | - Ahmed A. H. Abdellatif
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Qassim University, Buraydah 51452, Saudi Arabia
- Department of Pharmaceutics and Pharmaceutical Technology, Faculty of Pharmacy, Al-Azhar University, Assiut 71524, Egypt
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Wang B, Sun T, Sun L, Li L, Wan H, Ding Z, Ye X. Amygdalin attenuates PM2.5-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell injury via the TLR4/NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways. Acta Biochim Biophys Sin (Shanghai) 2022; 54:1476-1485. [PMID: 36178164 PMCID: PMC9828314 DOI: 10.3724/abbs.2022136] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/29/2022] Open
Abstract
Mounting evidence supports that long-term exposure to fine particle pollutants (PM2.5) is closely implicated in cardiovascular diseases, especially atherosclerosis. Amygdalin is reported to attenuate external stimuli-induced cardiovascular diseases. However, the underlying mechanisms are still not understood. In this study, we aim to explore the protective effects of amygdalin on PM2.5-induced human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) injury and unravel the specific mechanisms by MTT, DCFH-DA, biochemical, immunofluorescence, ELISA, RT-qPCR, flow cytometry, TUNEL and western blot analysis. The results reveal that amygdalin reverses PM2.5-induced cytotoxicity and attenuates intracellular ROS production. Moreover, amygdalin increases the levels of SOD and GSH and alleviates the MDA content. Additionally, amygdalin causes a decline of IL-6, IL-1β, TNF-α and COX-2 levels. Moreover, amygdalin inhibits NF-κB p50 and TLR4 protein expressions and NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. Concomitantly, a decline of phospho-NF-κB p65/NF-κB p65 and phospho-IκB-α/IκB-α is detected. Meanwhile, amygdalin pretreatment reduces HUVEC apoptosis. In addition, amygdalin triggers an upregulation of Bcl-2 and a downregulation of Bax after stimulation with PM2.5. Collectively, these results suggest that amygdalin suppresses PM2.5-induced HUVEC injury by regulating the TLR4/NF-κB and Bcl-2/Bax signaling pathways, indicating that amygdalin may be a novel target for atherosclerosis treatments.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bixu Wang
- School of Medical Technology and Information EngineeringZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Tong Sun
- School of Medical Technology and Information EngineeringZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Ling Sun
- School of Medical Technology and Information EngineeringZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Lan Li
- School of Life SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Haitong Wan
- School of Life SciencesZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Zhishan Ding
- School of Medical Technology and Information EngineeringZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China
| | - Xiaoqing Ye
- School of Medical Technology and Information EngineeringZhejiang Chinese Medical UniversityHangzhou310053China,Correspondence address. +86-571-86633307;
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15
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Yang Y, Zhu J, Yao CL, Guo DA, He N, Mei QX, Feng GJ, Chen QH, Yang GY. Determination of six core components from Mahuang Xuanfei Zhike syrup in rat plasma and tissues by UPLC-MS/MS: Application to the pharmacokinetics and tissue distribution study. Biomed Chromatogr 2022; 36:e5496. [PMID: 36047933 DOI: 10.1002/bmc.5496] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/17/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/28/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022]
Abstract
Mahuang Xuanfei Zhike (MXZ) syrup, a Chinese patent medicine, has been widely used in clinical treatment of cough. However, there is no reported method for quantitative analysis of the effective components of MXZ syrup in biological samples. In this study, the effective components of MXZ syrup were screened by network pharmacology and molecular docking technology, a sensitive and rapid method of ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was established to test the active components of MXZ syrup in rat plasma and tissue homogenates, including ephedrine, amygdalin, chlorogenic acid, harpagoside, forsythin and forsythoside A. Chromatographic separation was performed on a Waters Acquity UPLC HSS T3 column (2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 μm) and the mass analysis was conducted in a Waters Xevo TQ mass spectrometer using multiple reaction positive and negative ion simultaneous monitoring mode (MRM). The results expounded that the linearity ranged from 0.3 ng/mL to 409.4 ng/mL, The extraction recoveries were all less than 8.33%, and the matrix effects were all less than 8.45, which met the requirements. The pharmacokinetic and tissue distribution results indicated that the main active components of MXZ syrup were absorbed quickly and eliminated slowly in vivo, and there may be a reabsorption process.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yang Yang
- Shenzhen Bao'an Authentic TCM Therapy Hospital
| | - Jing Zhu
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Chang-Liang Yao
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - De-An Guo
- Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences
| | - Na He
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
| | - Quan-Xi Mei
- Shenzhen Bao'an Authentic TCM Therapy Hospital
| | | | | | - Guang-Yi Yang
- Shenzhen Bao'an Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine
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Li WQ, Liu WH, Qian D, Liu J, Zhou SQ, Zhang L, Peng W, Su L, Zhang H. Traditional Chinese medicine: An important source for discovering candidate agents against hepatic fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:962525. [PMID: 36081936 PMCID: PMC9445813 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.962525] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Accepted: 07/28/2022] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) refers to the pathophysiological process of connective tissue dysplasia in the liver caused by various pathogenic factors. Nowadays, HF is becoming a severe threat to the health of human being. However, the drugs available for treating HF are limited. Currently, increasing natural agents derived from traditional Chinese medicines (TCMs) have been found to be beneficial for HF. A systemic literature search was conducted from PubMed, GeenMedical, Sci-Hub, CNKI, Google Scholar and Baidu Scholar, with the keywords of “traditional Chinese medicine,” “herbal medicine,” “natural agents,” “liver diseases,” and “hepatic fibrosis.” So far, more than 76 natural monomers have been isolated and identified from the TCMs with inhibitory effect on HF, including alkaloids, flavones, quinones, terpenoids, saponins, phenylpropanoids, and polysaccharides, etc. The anti-hepatic fibrosis effects of these compounds include hepatoprotection, inhibition of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) activation, regulation of extracellular matrix (ECM) synthesis & secretion, regulation of autophagy, and antioxidant & anti-inflammation, etc. Natural compounds and extracts from TCMs are promising agents for the prevention and treatment of HF, and this review would be of great significance to development of novel drugs for treating HF.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Qing Li
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wen-Hao Liu
- Department of Pharmacy, Tenth People’s Hospital of Tongji University, Shanghai, China
| | - Die Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Jia Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Shi-Qiong Zhou
- Hospital of Nursing, The Second Affiliated Hospital of Guilin Medical University, Guilin, China
| | - Lei Zhang
- Department of Vascular Surgery, Yueyang Hospital of Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wei Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Li Su
- Institute of Translational Medicine, Shanghai University, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
| | - Hong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
- Institute of Interdisciplinary Integrative Medicine Research, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Wei Peng, ; Li Su, ; Hong Zhang,
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Zhang C, Zhang D, Wang Y, Zhang L, Qi S, Fang Q, Xu Y, Chen J, Cheng X, Liu P, Wang C, Liu W. Pharmacokinetics and anti-liver fibrosis characteristics of amygdalin: Key role of the deglycosylated metabolite prunasin. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2022; 99:154018. [PMID: 35247668 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2022.154018] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 02/25/2022] [Indexed: 06/14/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Amygdalin (Amy) is a cyanoside and is one of the chief active ingredients in Persicae Semen, Armeniacae Semen Amarum, and Pruni Semen. Amy has extensive and remarkable pharmacological activities, including against anti-hepatic fibrosis. However, the pharmacokinetic and anti-liver fibrosis effects of Amy and its enzyme metabolite prunasin (Pru) in vivo have not been studied and compared, and studies on Pru are limited. PURPOSE To investigate the pharmacokinetic characteristics and anti-liver fibrosis effect of Amy and its metabolite Pru in vivo and in vitro, and elucidate whether the metabolism of Amy in vivo for Pru is activated. METHODS Pru was prepared from Amy via the enzymatic hydrolysis of β-glucosidase, and isolated by silica gel column chromatography. An efficient and sensitive ultrahigh-performance liquid chromatography-Q exactive hybrid quadrupole orbitrap high-resolution accurate mass spectrometry was developed and validated to determine simultaneously Amy and Pru in rat plasma after dosing intravenously and orally for pharmacokinetic studies. The affinities of Amy and Pru for β-glucosidase were compared by enzyme kinetic experiments to explain the possible reasons for the differences in pharmacokinetic behavior. In vitro, the inhibitory effects of Amy and Pru on hepatic stellate cell activation and macrophage inflammation on JS1 and RAW 264.7 cells were determined. In vivo, the ameliorative effects of Amy and Pru on liver fibrosis effects were comprehensively evaluated by CCl4-induced liver fibrosis model in mice. RESULTS The standard curves of Amy and Pru in rat plasma showed good linearity within the concentration range of 1.31-5000.00 ng/ml, with acceptable selectivity, carry-over, detection limit and quantification limits, intra- and inter-day precision, accuracy, matrix effect, and stability. The Cmax and AUC(0-∞) of Pru (Cmax = 1835.12 ± 268.09 ng/ml, AUC(0-∞) = 103,913.17 ± 14,202.48 ng•min/ml) were nearly 79.51- and 66.22-fold higher than those of Amy (Cmax = 23.08 ± 5.08 ng/ml, AUC(0-∞) = 1569.22 ± 650.62 ng•min/ml) after the oral administration of Amy. The oral bioavailability of Pru (64.91%) was higher than that of Amy (0.19%). The results of enzyme hydrolysis kinetics assay showed that the Vmax and Km of Pru were lower than those of Amy in commercial β-glucosidase and intestinal bacteria. In vitro cellular assays showed that Amy and Pru were comparable in inhibiting the NO production in the RAW264.7 cell supernatant and the mRNA expression of α-SMA and Col1A1 in JS1 cells. Amy and Pru were also showed comparable activity in ameliorating CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in mice. CONCLUSION The pharmacokinetic characteristics of Amy and Pru in rat plasma were significantly different. After the separate gavage of Amy and Pru, Amy was absorbed predominantly as it's metabolite Pru, whereas Pru was absorbed predominantly as a prototype. The anti-liver fibrosis effects of Amy and its deglycosylated metabolite Pru were comparable in vivo and in vitro. The deglycosylated activated metabolite Pru of Amy plays an important role in anti-liver fibrosis. These findings will facilitate the further exploitation of Amy and Pru.
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Affiliation(s)
- Congcong Zhang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Dingqi Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Yongli Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Linzhang Zhang
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Qinqin Fang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ying Xu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Xuemei Cheng
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Changhong Wang
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China.
| | - Wei Liu
- Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and The SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 1200 Cailun Rood, Shanghai 201203, China; Institute of Liver Diseases, Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 528 Zhangheng Road, Shanghai 201203, China.
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Amygdalin potentiates the anti-cancer effect of Sorafenib on Ehrlich ascites carcinoma and ameliorates the associated liver damage. Sci Rep 2022; 12:6494. [PMID: 35444229 PMCID: PMC9021277 DOI: 10.1038/s41598-022-10517-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 04/06/2022] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
The burden of cancer diseases is increasing every year, therefore, the demands to figure out novel drugs that can retain antitumor properties have been raised. This study aimed to investigate the anti-tumor properties of amygdalin (Amy) against Ehrlich ascites carcinoma (EAC) bearing mice and its protective properties against liver damage. Amy and the standard anticancer drug Sorafenib (Sor) were given alone or in combination to Swiss albino female mice that had been injected with EAC cells. Biochemical parameters of liver function (AST, ALT, GGT, total protein, albumin), tumor volume, oxidative stress [malondialdehyde, (MDA)] and antioxidative [superoxide dismutase (SOD), and reduced glutathione (GSH)] markers were measured. The hepatic expression of the antioxidant-related gene [nuclear factor erythroid-2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)], the migration-related gene [matrix metalloprotease 9 (MMP9)], and the angiogenesis-related gene [vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)] were evaluated by qPCR. The results revealed that EAC-bearing mice treated with Amy and/or Sor showed a decrease in the tumor burden and hepatic damage as evidenced by (1) decreased tumor volume, number of viable tumor cells; (2) increased number of dead tumor cells; (3) restored the liver function parameters; (4) reduced hepatic MDA levels; (5) enhanced hepatic GSH and SOD levels; (6) upregulated expression of Nrf2; (7) downregulated expression of MMP9 and VEGF, and (8) improved hepatic structure. Among all treatments, mice co-treated with Amy (orally) and Sor (intraperitoneally) showed the best effect. With these results, we concluded that the Amy improved the antitumor effect of Sor and had a protective role on liver damage induced by EAC in mice.
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Zhang C, Lin J, Zhen C, Wang F, Sun X, Kong X, Gao Y. Amygdalin protects against acetaminophen-induced acute liver failure by reducing inflammatory response and inhibiting hepatocyte death. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2022; 602:105-112. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2022.03.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/25/2022] [Accepted: 03/01/2022] [Indexed: 12/28/2022]
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20
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Qin Y, Wang S, Wen Q, Xia Q, Wang S, Chen G, Sun J, Shen C, Song S. Interactions Between Ephedra sinica and Prunus armeniaca: From Stereoselectivity to Deamination as a Metabolic Detoxification Mechanism of Amygdalin. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:744624. [PMID: 34899298 PMCID: PMC8661500 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.744624] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/20/2021] [Accepted: 10/18/2021] [Indexed: 01/14/2023] Open
Abstract
Mahuang–Xingren (MX, Ephedra sinica Stapf-Prunus armeniaca L.) is a classic herb pair used in traditional Chinese medicine. This combined preparation reduces the toxicity of Xingren through the stereoselective metabolism of its main active ingredient amygdalin. However, whether stereoselectivity is important in the pharmacokinetic properties of amygdalin either in the traditional decoction or in the dispensing granules is unclear. Amygdalin is hydrolyzed to its metabolite, prunasin, which produces hydrogen cyanide by degradation of the cyano group. A comprehensive study of the metabolic pathway of amygdalin is essential to better understand the detoxification process. In this article, the potential detoxification pathway of MX is further discussed with regard to herb interactions. In this study, the pharmacokinetic parameters and metabolism of amygdalin and prunasin were investigated by comparing the traditional decoction and the dispensing granule preparations. In addition, several potential metabolites were characterized in an incubation system with rat liver microsomes or gut microbial enzymes. The combination of Xingren with Mahuang reduces exposure to D-amygdalin in vivo and contributes to its detoxification, a process that can be further facilitated in the traditional decoction. From the in vitro co-incubation model, 15 metabolites were identified and classified into cyanogenesis and non-cyanogenesis metabolic pathways, and of these, 10 metabolites were described for the first time. The level of detoxified metabolites in the MX traditional decoction was higher than that in the dispensing granules. The metabolism of amygdalin by the gut microbial enzymes occurred more rapidly than that by the rat liver microsomes. These results indicated that combined boiling both herbs during the preparation of the traditional decoction may induce several chemical changes that will influence drug metabolism in vivo. The gut microbiota may play a critical role in amygdalin metabolism. In conclusion, detoxification of MX may result 1) during the preparation of the decoction, in the boiling phase, and 2) from the metabolic pathways activated in vivo. Stereoselective pharmacokinetics and deamination metabolism have been proposed as the detoxification pathway underlying the compatibility of MX. Metabolic detoxification of amygdalin was quite different between the two combinations, which indicates that the MX decoctions should not be completely replaced by their dispensing granules.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yan Qin
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Shanshan Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Qiuyu Wen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Quan Xia
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
| | - Sheng Wang
- Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Guanjun Chen
- Center for Scientific Research of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Jiayin Sun
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China
| | - Chenlin Shen
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Hefei Kaifan Analytical Technology Co., Ltd., Hefei, China
| | - Shuai Song
- Inflammation and Immune Mediated Diseases Laboratory of Anhui Province, School of Pharmacy, Anhui Institute of Innovative Drugs, Institute for Liver Diseases of Anhui Medical University, Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,Department of Pharmacy, The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Hefei, China.,The Grade 3 Pharmaceutical Chemistry Laboratory of State Administration of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Hefei, China
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21
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Shu G, Yusuf A, Dai C, Sun H, Deng X. Piperine inhibits AML-12 hepatocyte EMT and LX-2 HSC activation and alleviates mouse liver fibrosis provoked by CCl 4: roles in the activation of the Nrf2 cascade and subsequent suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad axis. Food Funct 2021; 12:11686-11703. [PMID: 34730139 DOI: 10.1039/d1fo02657g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022]
Abstract
Piperine (PIP) is an alkaloid derived from peppercorns. Herein, we assessed its effects on hepatocyte EMT and HSC activation in vitro and CCl4-elicited liver fibrosis in mice. Further experiments were performed to unveil the molecular mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective activity of PIP. We found that PIP inhibited TGF-β1-provoked AML-12 hepatocyte EMT and LX-2 HSC activation. Mechanistically, in AML-12 and LX-2 cells, PIP evoked Nrf2 nuclear translocation and increased transcriptions of Nrf2-responsive antioxidative genes. These events decreased TGF-β1-induced production of ROS. Moreover, PIP increased the expression of Smad7, suppressed phosphorylation and nuclear translocation of Smad2/3, and decreased the transcriptions of Smad2/3-downstream genes. Knockdown of Nrf2 abrogated the protective activity of PIP against TGF-β1. Modulatory effects of PIP on the TGF-β1/Smad cascade were also crippled, which suggested that activation of Nrf2 played critical roles in the regulatory effects of PIP on TGF-β1/Smad signaling. Experiments in vivo unveiled that PIP ameliorated mouse liver fibrosis provoked by CCl4. PIP modulated the intrahepatic contents of the markers of EMT and HSC activation. In mouse livers, PIP activated Nrf2 signaling and reduced Smad2/3-dependent gene transcriptions. Our findings collectively suggested PIP as a new chemical entity with the capacity of alleviating liver fibrosis. The activation of the Nrf2 cascade and subsequent suppression of the TGF-β1/Smad axis are implicated in the hepatoprotective activity of PIP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guangwen Shu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Arslan Yusuf
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Chenxi Dai
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Hui Sun
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
| | - Xukun Deng
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, South-Central University for Nationalities, Wuhan, Hubei, China.
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22
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Fu K, Wang C, Ma C, Zhou H, Li Y. The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771459. [PMID: 34803712 PMCID: PMC8600187 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Figurová D, Tokárová K, Greifová H, Knížatová N, Kolesárová A, Lukáč N. Inflammation, It's Regulation and Antiphlogistic Effect of the Cyanogenic Glycoside Amygdalin. Molecules 2021; 26:5972. [PMID: 34641516 PMCID: PMC8512454 DOI: 10.3390/molecules26195972] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/13/2021] [Revised: 09/27/2021] [Accepted: 09/29/2021] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
The inflammatory reaction accompanies in part or in full any disease process in the vascularized metazoan. This complicated reaction is controlled by regulatory mechanisms, some of which produce unpleasant symptomatic manifestations of inflammation. Therefore, there has been an effort to develop selective drugs aimed at removing pain, fever, or swelling. Gradually, however, serious adverse side effects of such inhibitors became apparent. Scientific research has therefore continued to explore new possibilities, including naturally available substances. Amygdalin is a cyanogenic glycoside present, e.g., in bitter almonds. This glycoside has already sparked many discussions among scientists, especially about its anticancer potential and related toxic cyanides. However, toxicity at different doses made it generally unacceptable. Although amygdalin given at the correct oral dose may not lead to poisoning, it has not yet been accurately quantified, as its action is often affected by different intestinal microbial consortia. Its pharmacological activities have been studied, but its effects on the body's inflammatory response are lacking. This review discusses the chemical structure, toxicity, and current knowledge of the molecular mechanism of amygdalin activity on immune functions, including the anti-inflammatory effect, but also discusses inflammation as such, its mediators with diverse functions, which are usually targeted by drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
| | - Katarína Tokárová
- Department of Animal Physiology, Faculty of Biotechnology and Food Science, Slovak University of Agriculture in Nitra, Trieda Andreja Hlinku 2, 949 76 Nitra, Slovakia; (D.F.); (H.G.); (N.K.); (A.K.); (N.L.)
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Yu WY, Cai W, Ying HZ, Zhang WY, Zhang HH, Yu CH. Exogenous Plant gma-miR-159a, Identified by miRNA Library Functional Screening, Ameliorated Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation and Inflammation via Inhibiting GSK-3β-Mediated Pathways. J Inflamm Res 2021; 14:2157-2172. [PMID: 34079325 PMCID: PMC8163999 DOI: 10.2147/jir.s304828] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/04/2021] [Accepted: 04/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Purpose Plant-derived exogenous microRNAs (miRNAs) regulate human physiological functions by blocking the translation of target mRNAs. Although several computational approaches have been developed to elucidate the interactions of cross-species miRNAs and their targets in mammals, the number of verified plant miRNAs is still limited, and the biological roles of most exogenous plant miRNAs remain unknown. Methods A miRNA mimic library-based phenotypic screening, which contained 8394 plant mature miRNAs published in the official database miRbase, was performed to identify more novel bioactive plant miRNAs for the prevention of hepatic fibrosis. Inhibition of candidates for the activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and the underlying mechanisms were evaluated in TGF-β1- and PDGF-exposed HSC models. The protective effects of the candidates against CCl4-induced liver fibrosis were evaluated in a mouse model. Results Among the 8394 plant mature miRNAs reported in the official database miRBase, five candidates were found to effectively inhibit the differentiation of HSCs. gma-miR-159a (miR159a) exerted the strongest inhibitory activities on both TGF-β1- and PDGF-induced HSC activation and proliferation by inhibiting the GSK-3β-mediated NF-κB and TGF-β1 pathways. Moreover, miR159a was mainly accumulated in the liver after intravenous injection, and it reduced CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis and inflammation in mice. Conclusion Results indicated that miR159a has the therapeutic potential for preventing hepatic fibrosis. This study provides a novel strategy for achieving natural nucleic acid drugs.
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Affiliation(s)
- Wen-Ying Yu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wei Cai
- Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Zhejiang Pharmaceutical College, Ningbo, People's Republic of China
| | - Hua-Zhong Ying
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Wen-You Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Huan-Huan Zhang
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
| | - Chen-Huan Yu
- Zhejiang Key Laboratory of Experimental Animal and Safety Evaluation, Zhejiang Academy of Medical Sciences (Hangzhou Medical College), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Institute of Cancer and Basic Medicine, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Hangzhou, People's Republic of China.,Cancer Hospital of the University of Chinese Academy of Sciences (Zhejiang Cancer Hospital), Hangzhou, People's Republic of China
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