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Zheng S, Xue C, Li S, Zao X, Li X, Liu Q, Cao X, Wang W, Qi W, Zhang P, Ye Y. Chinese medicine in the treatment of non-alcoholic fatty liver disease based on network pharmacology: a review. Front Pharmacol 2024; 15:1381712. [PMID: 38694920 PMCID: PMC11061375 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2024.1381712] [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: 02/04/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 05/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological syndrome characterized by abnormalities in hepatic fat deposition, the incidence of which has been increasing year by year in recent years. It has become the largest chronic liver disease globally and one of the important causes of cirrhosis and even primary liver cancer formation. The pathogenesis of NAFLD has not yet been fully clarified. Modern medicine lacks targeted clinical treatment protocols for NAFLD, and most drugs lack efficacy and have high side effects. In contrast, Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) has significant advantages in the treatment and prevention of NAFLD, which have been widely recognized by scholars around the world. In recent years, through the establishment of a "medicine-disease-target-pathway" network relationship, network pharmacology can explore the molecular basis of the role of medicines in disease prevention and treatment from various perspectives, predicting the pharmacological mechanism of the corresponding medicines. This approach is compatible with the holistic view and treatment based on pattern differentiation of TCM and has been widely used in TCM research. In this paper, by searching relevant databases such as PubMed, Web of Science, and Embase, we reviewed and analyzed the relevant signaling pathways and specific mechanisms of action of single Chinese medicine, Chinese medicine combinations, and Chinese patent medicine for the treatment of NAFLD in recent years. These related studies fully demonstrated the therapeutic characteristics of TCM with multi-components, multi-targets, and multi-pathways, which provided strong support for the exact efficacy of TCM exerted in the clinic. In conclusion, we believe that network pharmacology is more in line with the TCM mindset of treating diseases, but with some limitations. In the future, we should eliminate the potential risks of false positives and false negatives, clarify the interconnectivity between components, targets, and diseases, and conduct deeper clinical or experimental studies.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shihao Zheng
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Chengyuan Xue
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Size Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaobin Zao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Key Laboratory of Chinese Internal Medicine of Ministry of Education and Beijing, Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xiaoke Li
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Qiyao Liu
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Xu Cao
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wei Wang
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Wenying Qi
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Peng Zhang
- Dongfang Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Yongan Ye
- Dongzhimen Hospital, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
- Liver Diseases Academy of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
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Yan BF, Pan LF, Quan YF, Sha Q, Zhang JZ, Zhang YF, Zhou LB, Qian XL, Gu XM, Li FT, Wang T, Liu J, Zheng X. Huangqin decoction alleviates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by triggering Sirt1/NF-κB pathway. World J Gastroenterol 2023; 29:4744-4762. [PMID: 37664157 PMCID: PMC10473922 DOI: 10.3748/wjg.v29.i31.4744] [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: 04/27/2023] [Revised: 07/23/2023] [Accepted: 07/31/2023] [Indexed: 08/18/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a clinicopathological entity characterized by intrahepatic ectopic steatosis. As a consequence of increased consumption of high-calorie diet and adoption of a sedentary lifestyle, the incidence of NAFLD has surpassed that of viral hepatitis, making it the most common cause of chronic liver disease globally. Huangqin decoction (HQD), a Chinese medicinal formulation that has been used clinically for thousands of years, has beneficial outcomes in patients with liver diseases, including NAFLD. However, the role and mechanism of action of HQD in lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD remain poorly understood. AIM To evaluate the ameliorative effects of HQD in NAFLD, with a focus on lipid metabolism and insulin resistance, and to elucidate the underlying mechanism of action. METHODS High-fat diet-induced NAFLD rats and palmitic acid (PA)-stimulated HepG2 cells were used to investigate the effects of HQD and identify its potential mechanism of action. Phytochemicals in HQD were analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) to identify the key components. RESULTS Ten primary chemical components of HQD were identified by HPLC analysis. In vivo, HQD effectively prevented rats from gaining body and liver weight, improved the liver index, ameliorated hepatic histological aberrations, decreased transaminase and lipid profile disorders, and reduced the levels of pro-inflammatory factors and insulin resistance. In vitro studies revealed that HQD effectively alleviated PA-induced lipid accumulation, inflammation, and insulin resistance in HepG2 cells. In-depth investigation revealed that HQD triggers Sirt1/NF-κB pathway-modulated lipogenesis and inflammation, contributing to its beneficial actions, which was further corroborated by the addition of the Sirt1 antagonist EX-527 that compromised the favorable effects of HQD. CONCLUSION In summary, our study confirmed that HQD mitigates lipid metabolism disorders and insulin resistance in NAFLD by triggering the Sirt1/NF-κB pathway.
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Affiliation(s)
- Bao-Fei Yan
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Lan-Fen Pan
- Department of Pathology, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Fang Quan
- Department of Education and Science, The First People's Hospital of Taicang, Kunshan 215400, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Qian Sha
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Hospital of Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou 221006, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jing-Zheng Zhang
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Yi-Feng Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Nantong University, Nantong 226019, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Li-Bing Zhou
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xi-Long Qian
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xiao-Mei Gu
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Feng-Tao Li
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Ting Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Jia Liu
- College of Pharmacy, Jiangsu Health Vocational College, Nanjing 211800, Jiangsu Province, China
| | - Xian Zheng
- Department of Pharmacy, Affiliated Kunshan Hospital of Jiangsu University, Kunshan 215300, Jiangsu Province, China
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Guan X, Shen S, Liu J, Song H, Chang J, Mao X, Song J, Zhang L, Liu C. Protective effecs of baicalin magnesium on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis rats are based on inhibiting NLRP3/Caspase-1/IL-1β signaling pathway. BMC Complement Med Ther 2023; 23:72. [PMID: 36879310 PMCID: PMC9987046 DOI: 10.1186/s12906-023-03903-2] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/17/2022] [Accepted: 02/28/2023] [Indexed: 03/08/2023] Open
Abstract
Baicalin magnesium is a water-soluble compound isolated from the aqueous solution by Scutellaria baicalensis Georgi. Preliminary experiments have demonstrated that baicalin magnesium can exert protective effects against acute liver injury in rats induced by carbon tetrachloride or lipopolysaccharide combined with d-galactose by regulating lipid peroxidation and oxidative stress. The aim of this study was to investigate the protective effect of baicalin magnesium on non-alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) in rats and to elucidate the underlying mechanisms. NASH was induced through a high-fat diet (HFD) for 8 weeks, and Sprague-Dawley rats were intravenously injected with baicalin magnesium, baicalin, and magnesium sulfate for 2 weeks, respectively. Serum was obtained for biochemical analyses and the determination of oxidative stress indicators. Liver tissues were collected for use in liver index assessment, histopathological examination, inflammatory factor analysis, and protein and gene expression analysis. The results revealed that baicalin magnesium markedly improved HFD-induced lipid deposition, inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and histopathological impairments. And baicalin magnesium may exert a protective effect on NASH rats by inhibiting the NLR family pyrin domain involving the 3 (NLRP3)/caspase-1/interleukin (IL)-1β inflammatory pathway. Additionally, the effect of baicalin magnesium was remarkably superior to that of equimolar baicalin and magnesium sulfate in regard to ameliorating NASH symptoms. In conclusion, the findings suggested that baicalin magnesium may represent a potential drug for the treatment of NASH.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xiulu Guan
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Shiyuan Shen
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Hongru Song
- Heibei North University, Zhangjiakou, 075000, China
| | - Jinhua Chang
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Xiaoxia Mao
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Jingyu Song
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China
| | - Lin Zhang
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China.
| | - Cuizhe Liu
- Hebei Province Key Laboratory of Research and Development for Chinese Medicine, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengde Medical College, Anyuan Road, Shuangqiao District, Chengde, 067000, Hebei Province, China.
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Abstract
The epidemic of obesity, type 2 diabetes and nonalcoholic liver disease (NAFLD) favors drug consumption, which augments the risk of adverse events including liver injury. For more than 30 years, a series of experimental and clinical investigations reported or suggested that the common pain reliever acetaminophen (APAP) could be more hepatotoxic in obesity and related metabolic diseases, at least after an overdose. Nonetheless, several investigations did not reproduce these data. This discrepancy might come from the extent of obesity and steatosis, accumulation of specific lipid species, mitochondrial dysfunction and diabetes-related parameters such as ketonemia and hyperglycemia. Among these factors, some of them seem pivotal for the induction of cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1), which favors the conversion of APAP to the toxic metabolite N-acetyl-p-benzoquinone imine (NAPQI). In contrast, other factors might explain why obesity and NAFLD are not always associated with more frequent or more severe APAP-induced acute hepatotoxicity, such as increased volume of distribution in the body, higher hepatic glucuronidation and reduced CYP3A4 activity. Accordingly, the occurrence and outcome of APAP-induced liver injury in an obese individual with NAFLD would depend on a delicate balance between metabolic factors that augment the generation of NAPQI and others that can mitigate hepatotoxicity.
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