1
|
Zheng Y, Ji S, Li X, Wen L. Qijia rougan formula ameliorates ECM deposition in hepatic fibrosis by regulating the JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a feedback loop in macrophage M2 polarization. Biomed Pharmacother 2023; 168:115794. [PMID: 37922651 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2023.115794] [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: 08/08/2023] [Revised: 10/15/2023] [Accepted: 10/26/2023] [Indexed: 11/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis is the critical pathological stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no approved anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs are available currently. Qijia Rougan Formula (QRF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with significant clinical efficacy on hepatic fibrosis. It was derived from Sanjiasan, a famous decoction documented in the Book of Treatise on the Pestilence in the Ming Dynasty of China. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. This study further confirmed the therapeutic effects of QRF on hepatic fibrosis and dissected its underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of macrophage M2 polarization, one of the critical events in hepatic fibrosis. Experimentally, QRF significantly improved extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and fibrosis in the liver of model rats. QRF diminished the proportion of M2 macrophages, decreased the levels of TGF-β, PDGFB and IL-10, and regulated the expression of p-JAK1, p-STAT6, JAK1 and microRNA-23a both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, it was confirmed that QRF effectively improves liver function and hepatocyte damage, and reduces ECM deposition. QRF ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a negative feedback loop to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization and thus reduce ECM deposition. Our study illustrates the potential of QRF for hepatic fibrosis therapy, suggesting that QRF is a promising anti-hepatic fibrosis drug candidate.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yanfeng Zheng
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Shaoxiu Ji
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Xia Li
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China
| | - Li Wen
- Basic Medical College, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, Sichuan, China.
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Xia S, Li Y, You P, Hu C. Screening of anti-liver fibrosis peptides from turtle shell protein using two-enzyme hydrolysis by molecular docking. Food Funct 2023; 14:1476-1483. [PMID: 36648420 DOI: 10.1039/d2fo03307k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Turtle shell as a food residue of Pelodiscus sinensis (a type of edible aquatic animal) is widely used in Traditional Chinese Medicine for hepatic fibrosis therapy. Previous studies have demonstrated that the peptides (<6 kDa) derived from turtle shells are considered effective components. The protein of turtle shells has important potential as a source of bioactive peptides which may play a role as ingredients in functional foods. In the present study, the protein of turtle shell was hydrolyzed using a two-enzyme combination. It was found that the hydrolysates obtained by a combination of pepsin and trypsin showed the highest anti-liver fibrosis activity relative to other combinations in a cell viability assay. The hydrolysates were separated and purified by ultra-filtration (<6 kDa), gel filtration chromatography (GFC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Subsequently, the sequences of purified peptides were analyzed by liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). Molecular docking was used to analyze the interaction of these peptides with the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) receptor. Two (GPPGVPGPGPL, TSLPVPAPV) of these novel peptides displayed lower binding energies to the TGF-β1 receptor (-8.18 kcal mol-1, -8 kcal mol-1). Finally, the above two peptides were synthesized chemically and their in vitro anti-liver fibrosis activity was verified by MTT assay. Among them, GPPGVPGPGPL showed a better in vitro anti-liver fibrosis activity (IC50: 80.13 μM). We established a method to obtain anti-liver fibrosis peptides from turtle shells by using bioactivity-guided isolation with molecular docking. Turtle shell protein is an excellent source of anti-liver fibrosis peptides which can offer therapeutic and commercial benefits as an ingredient in functional foods.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shufan Xia
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Huangjiahu Road West, Wuhan, 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Yao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Huangjiahu Road West, Wuhan, 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Pengtao You
- Hubei Key Laboratory of Resources and Chemistry of Chinese Medicine, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Huangjiahu Road West, Wuhan 430065, People's Republic of China
| | - Chunling Hu
- College of Pharmacy, Hubei University of Chinese Medicine, 16 Huangjiahu Road West, Wuhan, 430065, People's Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Chen TY, Mai JY, Zhang P, Xue JH, He SL, Xi J, Chen JJ, Cheng Y. Efficacy of erzhu jiedu recipe on hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia: A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. Medicine (Baltimore) 2021; 100:e27231. [PMID: 34559118 PMCID: PMC10545361 DOI: 10.1097/md.0000000000027231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/10/2021] [Revised: 08/02/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/09/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Hepatitis B cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia is the intermediate stage of liver cirrhosis progressing to hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), there is no effective way to treat precancerous lesions of liver in modern medicine. In recent decades, clinical and experimental evidence shows that Chinese medicine (CM) has a certain beneficial effect on Hepatitis B Cirrhosis. Therefore, this trial aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of a CM erzhu jiedu recipe (EZJDR) for the treatment of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with Hyperalphafetoproteinemia. METHODS We designed a randomized, double blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial. A total of 72 patients of Hepatitis B Cirrhosis with hyperalphafetoproteinemia were randomized in 2 parallel groups. Patients in the control group received placebo granules similar to the EZJDR. In the EZJDR group, patients received EZJDR twice a day, after meals, for 48 weeks. The primary efficacy measures were changes in serum alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) and alpha-fetoprotein alloplasm (AFP-L3); The secondary indicators of efficacy are changes in liver function indicators, HBV-DNA level; Liver stiffness measurement (LSM); Hepatic portal vein diameter; T lymphocyte subgroup indexes during treatment. All data will be recorded in case report forms and analyzed by Statistical Analysis System software. Adverse events will also be evaluated. RESULTS The results showed that EZJDR can significantly inhibit the levels of AFP and AFP-L3 in patients with hepatitis B cirrhosis and hyperalphafetoproteinemia and have good security. ETHICS AND DISSEMINATION The study protocol was approved by the Medical Ethics Committee of Shuguang Hospital, affiliated with University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai (NO.2018-579-08-01). TRIAL REGISTRATION This trial was registered on Chinese Clinical Trial Center (NO.ChiCTR1800017165).
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tian-Yang Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jing-Yin Mai
- Shanghai Guanghua Integrated Traditional Chinese and Western Medicine Hospital, No.40 Xinhua Road, Changning District, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Zhang
- Foreign Language Center of Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.1200 Cailun Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Hua Xue
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Sheng-Li He
- Minhang Branch of Tumor Hospital Affiliated to Fudan University, No.106 Ruili Road, Minhang District, Shanghai, China
| | - Jun Xi
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Jian-Jie Chen
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Cheng
- Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, No.528 Zhangheng Road, Pudong District, Shanghai, China
- Department of Liver Disease, Hospital for Infectious Diseases of Pudong District, No.46 East Huaxia Road, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Chen X, Wang S, Chen G, Wang Z, Kan J. The immunomodulatory effects of Carapax Trionycis ultrafine powder on cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression in Balb/c mice. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2021; 101:2014-2026. [PMID: 32949169 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10819] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/05/2020] [Revised: 08/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/19/2020] [Indexed: 06/11/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND There are abundant resources of Carapax Trionycis from soft-shelled turtle processing wastes each year in China. Our preliminary work showed that Carapax Trionycis ultrafine powder (CTUP) obtained using ball-milling with a particle size of 2.24 μm (D0.025) contained more active ingredients. The CTUP D0.025 has a good bioaccessibility, but there has been no report about the immunomodulatory function of CTUP. Therefore, using a cyclophosphamide-induced immunosuppression mice model, we investigated the immunomodulatory effects of CTUP D0.025. RESULTS The results indicated that CTUP D0.025 administration significantly improved the immune organ (bone marrow, thymus and spleen) indices, ameliorated spleen tissue morphology and increased the capacity of splenocyte proliferation and the activity of macrophage phagocytosis. CTUP D0.025 also significantly promoted the secretion of cytokines (IL-2, IL-4, IL-10, IFN-γ and TNF-α), improved the related mRNA expression levels of IL2, IFN-γ, T-bet and GATA3 in immunosuppressed mice and increased the production of serum hemolysin and the levels of IgG, IgM as well as complement C3 . Moreover, CTUP D0.025 administration enhanced the antioxidant capacity of mice, exhibited a moderating effect on the damage of bone and skeletal muscle and improved the recovery of bone mineral density and calcium metabolism. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrated that CTUP D0.025 had an effective immune-enhancing function in immunosuppressive Balb/c mice and also exhibited anti-osteoporosis properties. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xuhui Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, PR China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Shasha Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, PR China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Guangjing Chen
- College of Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering, Guiyang University, Guiyang, PR China
| | - Zhirong Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, PR China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, PR China
| | - Jianquan Kan
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, PR China
- Laboratory of Quality & Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, PR China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, PR China
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Wang S, Chen G, Chen K, Kan J. Bioavailability and prebiotic potential of Carapax Trionycis, a waste from soft-shelled turtle processing. JOURNAL OF THE SCIENCE OF FOOD AND AGRICULTURE 2020; 100:2554-2567. [PMID: 31975408 DOI: 10.1002/jsfa.10281] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/15/2019] [Revised: 01/19/2020] [Accepted: 01/24/2020] [Indexed: 06/10/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Carapax Trionycis is the shell of the soft-shelled turtle. It is rich in minerals, amino acid, peptides, and other nutrients. Current processing and consumption of soft-shelled turtle leads to the waste of huge quantities of Carapax Trionycis in the form of spent materials. In this study, the bioavailability, prebiotic activity, and physicochemical properties of Carapax Trionycis using different processing methods were investigated. The vinegar-quenched Carapax Trionycis (V-CT), fine powders (D0.18, D0.10), and superfine powders (D0.05, D0.025) of Carapax Trionycis were prepared by the vinegar-quenching method, common grinding, and the superfine grinding method. RESULTS The average particle sizes of D0.18, D0.10, D0.05, and D0.025 were 147.82, 77.35, 36.65, and 2.24 μm, respectively. Superfine grinding changed the surface morphology of Carapax Trionycis and promoted the release of active ingredients. D0.025 had the highest polypeptide (8.15%), polysaccharide (1.21%), total free amino acid (232.36 mg 100 g-1 ) and water-soluble extract content (10.74%), and showed the highest calcium release rate (55.64%) after in vitro digestion. The apparent permeability (PAPP ) of the resulting Carapax Trionycis samples in the dialysis tubing model and the everted intestinal sac model increased significantly with the decrease in the Carapax Trionycis particle sizes. Furthermore, the five Carapax Trionycis samples significantly stimulated the growth of the tested probiotics and increased lactic acids production after 48 h fermentation compared to the control. The Carapax Trionycis powder prepared by superfine grinding displayed better prebiotic activity than other samples as it significantly induced a greater proliferation of probiotic bacteria and higher production of lactic acid, as well as greater release of free calcium. CONCLUSIONS The results showed that Carapax Trionycis superfine powder D0.025 had the highest active ingredient content, calcium bioavailability, and prebiotic activity. Our approach of developing Carapax Trionycis superfine powder as natural calcium supplement or potential prebiotic would therefore broaden the scope of soft-shelled turtle processing waste utilization in an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and sustainable approach in the future. © 2020 Society of Chemical Industry.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shasha Wang
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering Institute, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, China
| | - Guangjing Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Food and Pharmaceutical Engineering Institute, Guiyang University, Guiyang, China
| | - Kewei Chen
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, China
| | - Jianquan Kan
- College of Food Science, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
- Laboratory of Quality and Safety Risk Assessment for Agro-products on Storage and Preservation (Chongqing), Ministry of Agriculture, Chongqing, China
- Chinese-Hungarian Cooperative Research Centre for Food Science, Chongqing, China
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Cheng Q, Li C, Yang CF, Zhong YJ, Wu D, Shi L, Chen L, Li YW, Li L. Methyl ferulic acid attenuates liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation through the TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS pathways. Chem Biol Interact 2018; 299:131-139. [PMID: 30543783 DOI: 10.1016/j.cbi.2018.12.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 84] [Impact Index Per Article: 14.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/13/2018] [Revised: 11/24/2018] [Accepted: 12/10/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological wound-healing response caused by chronic liver damage due to a virus, autoimmune disorder, or drugs. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play an essential role in the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. Methyl ferulic acid (MFA), a biologically active monomer, has a protective effect on liver injury. However, the effects and roles of MFA in liver fibrosis remain unknown. The purpose of the current study was to investigate the effect of MFA on hepatic fibrosis and the underlying mechanisms. Human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells were exposed to 5 μg/L TGF-β1 for 48 h to stimulate liver fibrosis in vitro. Using MTT, RT-PCR and Western blot analysis, we revealed that MFA significantly inhibited the proliferation of LX-2 cells as well as decreased the expressions of α-SMA and type I collagen in LX-2 cells. SD rats were fed with ethanol, and this combined with the intraperitoneal injection of CCl4 induced liver fibrosis in vivo. We found that the administration of MFA markedly decreased the levels of hyaluronic acid (HA), procollagen type III (PC-III), type IV collagen (CIV) and laminin (LN) in the serum, inhibited the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) as well as type I and type III collagen, and up-regulated the ratio of MMP-2/TIMP-1 in rats. The antifibrotic effects of MFA were also evaluated by H&E staining and Masson's trichrome staining. In addition, further studies suggested that this protection by MFA from liver fibrosis was possibly related to the inhibition of TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS signalling. In conclusion, our results demonstrate that MFA attenuated liver fibrosis and hepatic stellate cell activation by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad and NOX4/ROS signalling pathways.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qi Cheng
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Chen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Cheng-Fang Yang
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yu-Juan Zhong
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Dan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Lin Shi
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Li Chen
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China
| | - Yong-Wen Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| | - Li Li
- College of Pharmacy, Guilin Medical University, Guilin, 541004, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
7
|
Liao P, Lan X, Liao D, Sun L, Zhou L, Sun J, Tong Z. Isolation and Characterization of Angiotensin I-Converting Enzyme (ACE) Inhibitory Peptides from the Enzymatic Hydrolysate of Carapax Trionycis (the Shell of the Turtle Pelodiscus sinensis). JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2018; 66:7015-7022. [PMID: 29916239 DOI: 10.1021/acs.jafc.8b01558] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/08/2023]
Abstract
Carapax Trionycis (the shell of the turtle Pelodiscus sinensis) was hydrolyzed by six different commercial proteases. The hydrolysate prepared from papain showed stronger inhibitory activity against angiotensin I-converting enzyme (ACE) than other extracts. Two noncompetitive ACE inhibitory peptides were purified successively by ultrafiltration, gel filtration chromatography, ion exchange column chromatography, and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The amino acid sequences of them were identified as KRER and LHMFK, with IC50 values of 324.1 and 75.6 μM, respectively, confirming that Carapax Trionycis is a potential source of active peptides possessing ACE inhibitory activities. Besides, both enzyme kinetics and isothermal titration calorimetry (ITC) assay showed that LHMFK could form more stable complex with ACE than KRER, which is in accordance with the better inhibitory activity of LHMFK.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pengying Liao
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
- College of Pharmacy , Guangxi University of Chinese Medicine , Nanning 530200 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Xiongdiao Lan
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Dankui Liao
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Lixia Sun
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Liqin Zhou
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Jianhua Sun
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| | - Zhangfa Tong
- Guangxi Colleges and Universities Key Laboratory of New Technology and Application in Resource Chemical Engineering, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering , Guangxi University , Nanning 530004 , Guangxi , P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Sun H, Chen G, Wen B, Sun J, An H, Pang J, Xu W, Yang X, He S. Oligo-peptide I-C-F-6 inhibits hepatic stellate cell activation and ameliorates CCl 4 -induced liver fibrosis by suppressing NF-κB signaling and Wnt/β-catenin signaling. J Pharmacol Sci 2018; 136:133-141. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jphs.2018.01.003] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/16/2017] [Revised: 12/20/2017] [Accepted: 01/09/2018] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
|
9
|
Balancing Effect of Biejiajian Oral Liquid () on ACE-Ang II-AT1R Axis and ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas Axis in Rats with CCl 4-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis. Chin J Integr Med 2018; 24:853-859. [PMID: 29335866 DOI: 10.1007/s11655-017-2909-7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 11/27/2015] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Biejiajian Oral Liquid (, BOL) on CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis in rats by detecting the changes in the levels of angiotensin II (Ang II), angiotensin-(1-7) [Ang-(1-7)], angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE), ACE2, angiotensin II type 1 receptor (AT1R), Mas, etc. METHODS: A total of 180 Wistar rats were randomly divided into two groups by random digital table method: prevention experiment and treatment experiment. Each group was further subdivided into the following 6 subgroups: normal control group, model group, vitamin E [100 mg/(kg·d), VE] group, enalapril [10 mg/(kg·g), Ena] group, high-dosage [20 g/(kg·d)] BOL group, and low-dosage [10 g/(kg·d)] BOL group. The hepatic fibrosis rat model was established by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 for 6 weeks. Prevention experiment and treatment experiment were administered with specific drugs at different times. At the end of treatment experiment, the pathological changes of liver were observed after hematoxylin-eosin staining. The expressions of ingredients in renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS) such as AngII, Ang-(1-7), ACE, ACE2, AT1R, Mas, renin, CYP11B2 and angen in liver were detected by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay, immunohistochemistry method or reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, respectively. RESULTS The levels of AngII and Ang-(1-7) at the 6th week increased by 496.10% and 73.64%, respectively, compared with those at the 2nd week in the model group (P<0.01). With prevention or treatment with high-dosage BOL, there was an evident reduction of AngII level but an improvement of Ang-(1-7) level. Specifically, AngII level of high-dosage group decreased by 77.50% in prevention experiment (P=0.000) and by 76.93% in treatment experiment (P=0.002) compared with that in the model group. Ang-(1-7) level increased by 91.69% in prevention experiment (P=0.006) and by 70.77% in the treatment experiment (P=0.010) compared with that in the model group. The expression levels of mRNA of renin, ACE, CYP11B2, angen and AT1R decreased by 58.15%, 99.90%, 99.84%, 99.99% and 99.99% (all P<0.01), respectively. CONCLUSIONS BOL could help resist liver fibrosis in rats by enhancing the level of each ingredient in ACE2-Ang-(1-7)-Mas axis, while decreasing the level of each ingredient in ACE-AngII-AT1R axis. To some extent, BOL could enhance the regulation of RAAS in rats with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
|
10
|
Liu H, Wang X, Han R, Zuo K, Yuan X, Li Y, Zhou J, Yan L, Chu Y. Isolation and molecular cloning of hepatocyte growth factor from guinea pig (gHGF), and expression of truncated variant of gHGF with improved anti-fibrotic activity in Escherichia coli. Int J Biol Macromol 2018; 106:908-916. [DOI: 10.1016/j.ijbiomac.2017.08.087] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/23/2017] [Revised: 08/12/2017] [Accepted: 08/14/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
|
11
|
Hu Z, You P, Xiong S, Gao J, Tang Y, Ye X, Xia Y, Zhang D, Liu Y. Carapax Trionycis extracts inhibit fibrogenesis of activated hepatic stellate cells via TGF-β1/Smad and NFκB signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2017; 95:11-17. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2017.08.011] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2017] [Revised: 07/17/2017] [Accepted: 08/02/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
|
12
|
Ma L, Zhang Z, Xue X, Wan Y, Ye B, Lin K. A potent peptide as adiponectin receptor 1 agonist to against fibrosis. J Enzyme Inhib Med Chem 2017; 32:624-631. [PMID: 28260395 PMCID: PMC6010020 DOI: 10.1080/14756366.2017.1284067] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
Fibrotic diseases have become a major cause of death in the developed world. AdipoR1 agonists are potent inhibitors of fibrotic responses. Here, we focused on the in silico identification of novel AdipoR1 peptide agonists. A homology model was constructed to predict the 3D structure of AdipoR1. By docking to known active peptides, the putative active site of the model was further explored. A virtual screening study was then carried out with a set of manually designed peptides using molecular docking. Peptides with high docking scores were then evaluated for their anti-fibrotic properties. The data indicated that the novel peptide Pep70 significantly inhibited the proliferation of hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and NIH-3T3 cells (18.33% and 27.80%) and resulted in favouring cell-cycle arrest through increasing the accumulation of cells in the G0/G1 phase by 17.08% and 15.86%, thereby reducing the cell population in the G2/M phase by 11.25% and 15.95%, respectively. Additionally, Pep70 exhibited the most marked suppression on the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), collagen type I alpha1 (COL1A1) and TGF-β1. Therefore, the peptide Pep70 was ultimately identified as an inhibitor of fibrotic responses and as a potential AdipoR1 agonist.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lingman Ma
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry , School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China.,b School of Life Science and Technology , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Zhen Zhang
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry , School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China.,c Department of Pharmacy , First People's Hospital of Changde City , Changde , Hunan , China
| | - Xiaowen Xue
- b School of Life Science and Technology , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Yumeng Wan
- b School of Life Science and Technology , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Boping Ye
- b School of Life Science and Technology , China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| | - Kejiang Lin
- a Department of Medicinal Chemistry , School of Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University , Nanjing , China
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Lv PY, Feng H, Huang WH, Tian YY, Wang YQ, Qin YH, Li XH, Hu K, Zhou HH, Ouyang DS. Aucubin and its hydrolytic derivative attenuate activation of hepatic stellate cells via modulation of TGF-β stimulation. ENVIRONMENTAL TOXICOLOGY AND PHARMACOLOGY 2017; 50:234-239. [PMID: 28199906 DOI: 10.1016/j.etap.2017.02.012] [Citation(s) in RCA: 19] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/12/2016] [Revised: 02/03/2017] [Accepted: 02/07/2017] [Indexed: 06/06/2023]
Abstract
Eucommia ulmoides is an important traditional Chinese medicine and has been used as a tonic with a long history. Aucubin is an active component extracted from Eucommia ulmoides, which has liver-protection effects. However the mechanisms are still unclear. To investigate the inhibitory effects and the underlying mechanisms of aucubin on TGF-β1-induced activation of hepatic stellate cells and ECM deposition, Human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2 cells) were incubated with TGF-β1 to evaluate the anti-fibrotic effect of aucubin. Western blot was used to investigate the expression of α-SMA, Col I, Col III, MMP-2 and TIMP-1. ROS production was monitored using DCFH-DA probe, and NOX4 expression was detected by Real-time PCR. Results indicated that TGF-β1 stimulated the activation and ECM deposition of LX-2 cells. Compared with the control group, aucubin and aucubigenin both reduced the protein expression of α-SMA, Col I, Col III and MMP-2 in LX-2 cells. Aucubin and aucubigenin also suppressed the generation of ROS and down-regulated the NOX4 mRNA expression. Taken together, aucubin and aucubigenin both inhibit the activation and ECM deposition of LX-2 cells activated by TGF-β1. Aucubin and aucubigenin are potential therapeutic candidate drugs for liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Pei-Yu Lv
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China; Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Fujian 361004, China
| | - Han Feng
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China; Department of Pharmacy, Henan Province People's Hospital, People's Hospital of Zhengzhou University, Zhengzhou 450003, China
| | - Wei-Hua Huang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ying-Ying Tian
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Ya-Qin Wang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Yu-Hua Qin
- Department of Pharmacy, The Affiliated Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Fujian 361004, China
| | - Xiao-Hui Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Central South Univesity, Changsha 410013, China
| | - Kai Hu
- Department of Neurology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China
| | - Hong-Hao Zhou
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China
| | - Dong-Sheng Ouyang
- Department of Clinical Pharmacology, Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410008, China; Institute of Clinical Pharmacology, Central South University, Hunan Key Laboratory of Pharmacogenetics, Changsha 410078, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Wang G, Li Z, Li H, Li L, Li J, Yu C. Metabolic Profile Changes of CCl₄-Liver Fibrosis and Inhibitory Effects of Jiaqi Ganxian Granule. Molecules 2016; 21:molecules21060698. [PMID: 27248993 PMCID: PMC6273034 DOI: 10.3390/molecules21060698] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/17/2016] [Revised: 05/18/2016] [Accepted: 05/20/2016] [Indexed: 01/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Jiaqi Ganxian Granule (JGG) is a famous traditional Chinese medicine, which has been long used in clinical practice for treating liver fibrosis. However, the mechanism underlying its anti-hepatic fibrosis is still not clear. In this study, an Ultra-Performance Liquid Chromatography-Time-Of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (UPLC-TOF-MS)-based metabolomics strategy was used to profile the metabolic characteristic of serum obtained from a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatic fibrosis model in Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with JGG treatment. Through Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Partial Least Square Discriminant Analysis (PLS-DA), it was shown that metabolic perturbations induced by CCl4 were inhibited after treatment of JGG, for 17 different metabolites related to CCl4. Among these compounds, the change tendency of eight potential drug targets was restored after the intervention with JGG. The current study indicates that JGG has a significant anti-fibrosis effect on CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats, which might be by regulating the dysfunction of sphingolipid metabolism, glycerophospholipid metabolism, N-acylethanolamine biosynthesis, fat digestion and absorption, while glycerophospholipid metabolism played vital roles in the inhibitory effects of JGG on hepatic fibrosis according to Metabolic Pathway Analysis (MetPA). Our findings indicated that the metabolomics approach may provide a useful tool for exploring potential biomarkers involved in hepatic fibrosis and elucidate the mechanisms underlying the action of therapies used in traditional Chinese medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ge Wang
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Zehao Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Hao Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Lidan Li
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Jian Li
- School of Basic Medical Science, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing 100029, China.
| | - Changyuan Yu
- College of Life Science and Technology, Beijing University of Chemical Technology, Beijing 100029, China.
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang Q, Wen R, Lin Q, Wang N, Lu P, Zhu X. Wogonoside Shows Antifibrotic Effects in an Experimental Regression Model of Hepatic Fibrosis. Dig Dis Sci 2015; 60:3329-39. [PMID: 26130019 DOI: 10.1007/s10620-015-3751-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 28] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/08/2015] [Accepted: 06/06/2015] [Indexed: 01/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUD Wogonoside (WO), a flavonoid extracted from Huangqin, plays multiple physiological roles. However, it has remained elusive how WO regulates hepatic fibrogenesis until now. AIM The purpose of the study was to investigate the potential protective effects of WO against liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl4). METHODS In this study, male rats were randomly allocated into four groups: a control group, the CCl4 group, the CCl4 and WO (4 mg/kg) group, and CCl4 and WO (8 mg/kg) group. Hepatic fibrosis was induced by subcutaneous injection of CCl4 twice a week for a continuous 6-week period. Then the rats were intragastrically administrated with WO daily for 4 weeks before being killed. RESULTS As expected, histopathological assessment, Masson trichrome staining, and Sirius red staining demonstrated that WO drastically ameliorated the hepatic fibrosis caused by CCl4. WO significantly attenuated the CCl4-induced upregulations of liver indices including alanine aminotransferase, aspartate aminotransferase, tumor necrosis factor-α, interleukin-1β, IL-6, hexadecenoic acid and laminin in serum, as well as hydroxyproline, malondialdehyde and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K)/protein Kinase B(Akt)/mechanistic target of rapamycin (mTOR)/nuclear factor-kappa B signalings in liver. Meanwhile, WO also effectively recovered the depletions of superoxide dismutase, glutathione and IL-10. Furthermore, we evaluated the effects of WO on the alpha smooth muscle actin, type I collagen expressions, and PI3K/Akt/ mTOR/ribosomal protein S6 kinase 70 kDa (p70S6K) signaling in transforming growth factor (TGF-β) stimulated hepatic stellate cell-T6 cells. CONCLUSIONS These results suggested that WO had significant protective effects against liver fibrosis induced by CCl4.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Qichao Wang
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Rui Wen
- Department of Resources Science of Traditional Chinese Medicines, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Qinghua Lin
- Department of Natural Medicinal Chemistry, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, 210009, China
| | - Na Wang
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Ping Lu
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China
| | - Xianmin Zhu
- Translational Center for Stem Cell Research, Tongji Hospital, Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tongji University School of Medicine, Shanghai, 200065, China.
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Tao W, Su Q, Wang H, Guo S, Chen Y, Duan J, Wang S. Platycodin D attenuates acute lung injury by suppressing apoptosis and inflammation in vivo and in vitro. Int Immunopharmacol 2015; 27:138-47. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2015.05.005] [Citation(s) in RCA: 44] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2015] [Accepted: 05/04/2015] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
|
17
|
Ferulic acid suppresses activation of hepatic stellate cells through ERK1/2 and Smad signaling pathways in vitro. Biochem Pharmacol 2015; 93:49-58. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bcp.2014.10.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/30/2014] [Revised: 10/30/2014] [Accepted: 10/30/2014] [Indexed: 01/25/2023]
|
18
|
Yang JJ, Tao H, Li J. Hedgehog signaling pathway as key player in liver fibrosis: new insights and perspectives. Expert Opin Ther Targets 2014; 18:1011-21. [PMID: 24935558 DOI: 10.1517/14728222.2014.927443] [Citation(s) in RCA: 50] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022]
Abstract
INTRODUCTION Activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is a pivotal cellular event in liver fibrosis. Therefore, improving our understanding of the molecular pathways that are involved in these processes is essential to generate new therapies for liver fibrosis. Greater knowledge of the role of the hedgehog signaling pathway in liver fibrosis could improve understanding of the liver fibrosis pathogenesis. AREAS COVERED The aim of this review is to describe the present knowledge about the hedgehog signaling pathway, which significantly participates in liver fibrosis and HSC activation, and look ahead on new perspectives of hedgehog signaling pathway research. Moreover, we will discuss the different interactions with hedgehog signaling pathway-regulated liver fibrosis. EXPERT OPINION The hedgehog pathway modulates several important aspects of function, including cell proliferation, activation and differentiation. Targeting the hedgehog pathway can be a promising direction in liver fibrosis treatment. We discuss new perspectives of hedgehog signaling pathway activation in liver fibrosis and HSC fate, including DNA methylation, methyl CpG binding protein 2, microRNA, irradiation and metabolism that influence hedgehog signaling pathway transduction. These findings identify the hedgehog pathway as a potentially important for biomarker development and therapeutic targets in liver fibrosis. Future studies are needed in order to find safer and more effective hedgehog-based drugs.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing-Jing Yang
- The Second Hospital of Anhui Medical University, Department of Pharmacology , Hefei 230601 , China
| | | | | |
Collapse
|