Exploration of potential mechanism of Rougan formula against hepatic fibrosis by network analysis and experimental assessment

Ba-Qi-Rougan formula alleviates hepatic fibrosis by suppressing hepatic stellate cell activation via the MSMP/CCR2/PI3K pathway

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Ba-Qi-Rougan formula (BQRGF) is a traditional and effective compound prescription from Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) utilized in treating hepatic fibrosis (HF).

AIM OF THE STUDY

We aimed to evaluate the therapeutic efficacy of BQRGF on HF and explore the underlying mechanisms of action.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

UPLC-Q-TOF-MS technology was employed to identify the material basis of BQRGF. Mice with carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced HF received BQRGF at three doses (3.87, 7.74, and 15.48 g/kg per day). We examined serum and liver biochemical indicators and liver histology to assess the therapeutic impact. Primary mouse cells were isolated and utilized for experimental analysis. MSMP expression levels were examined in vitro and in vivo experimental models, including human and mouse tissue. Furthermore, lentivirus and small interfering RNA (siRNA) transfections were employed to manipulate microseminoprotein (MSMP) expression in LO2 cells (human normal liver cells). These manipulated LO2 cells were then co-cultured with LX2 human hepatic stellate cells (HSCs). Through the modulation of MSMP expression in co-cultured cells, administering recombinant MSMP (rMSMP) with or without BQRGF-medicated serum, and using specific pathway inhibitors or agonists in LX2 cells, we elucidated the underlying mechanisms.

RESULTS

A total of 48 compounds were identified from BQRGF, with 12 compounds being absorbed into the bloodstream and 9 compounds being absorbed into the liver. Four weeks of BQRGF treatment in the HF mouse model led to significant improvements in biochemical and molecular assays and histopathology, particularly in the medium and high-dose groups. These improvements included a reduction in the level of liver injury and fibrosis-related factors. MSMP levels were elevated in human and mouse fibrotic liver tissues, and this increase was mitigated in HF mice treated with BQRGF. Moreover, primary cells and co-culture studies revealed that BQRGF reduced MSMP expression, decreased the expression of the hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation markers, and suppressed critical phosphorylated protein levels in the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway. These findings were further validated using CCR2/PI3K/AKT signaling inhibitors and agonists in MSMP-activated LX2 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

Collectively, our results suggest that BQRGF combats HF by diminishing MSMP levels and inhibiting MSMP-induced HSC activation through the CCR2/PI3K/AKT pathway.

Wuling capsule modulates macrophage polarization by inhibiting the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway to relieve liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE

Wuling capsule (WL) has good efficacy in the clinical treatment of chronic hepatitis B and liver injury. Liver fibrosis is a common pathological feature of chronic liver disease and may progress to irreversible cirrhosis and liver cancer. Accumulating evidence reveals that modulating macrophage polarization contribute to the therapy of liver fibrosis. However, the effects of WL on modulating macrophage polarization to relive liver fibrosis remain unclear. This study investigated the anti-liver fibrosis effects of WL in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in rats, and the modulation effects and underlying molecular mechanism on macrophage polarization.

METHODS

A rat liver fibrosis model was constructed by intraperitoneal injection of 40 % CCl4 olive oil mixture. At 2, 4, 6, and 8 weeks, the histopathological status of the liver was assessed by hematoxylin-eosin (HE) and Masson staining; the liver biochemical indexes were measured in rat liver tissue. The expression levels of inflammatory cytokines in liver tissue were detected by ELISA. The mRNA levels and proteins expression of macrophage markers of different phenotypes, TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway indicators were detected independently by ELISA, immunofluorescence, RT-PCR and western blotting.

RESULTS

In vivo, WL treatment attenuated abnormal changes in weight, organ indices and biochemical indices, alleviated pathological changes, and reduced collagen fiber deposition as well as the expression of α-SMA in liver tissues. Further studies revealed that WL decreased the expression of the macrophage M1 polarization markers inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS), TNF-α, IL-6, and CD86, promoted the expression of the M2 macrophage polarization markers IL-10, CD206, and arginase-1 (Arg-1), and inhibited the activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway via several key signaling proteins. In vitro, WL significantly suppressed macrophage M1 polarization, and promoted M2 polarization while boosted M1 polarization transform to M2 polarization in LPS-activated RAW264.7 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrated that WL modulated macrophage polarization against liver fibrosis mainly by inhibiting the activation of the TLR4-NF-κB signaling pathway.