Jiawei Taohe Chengqi Decoction attenuates hepatic fibrosis by preventing activation of HSCs through regulating Src/ERK/Smad3 signal pathway

Shugan Jianpi Formula attenuate liver fibrosis via regulation of miR-193a-3p/TGF-β2 in hepatic stellate cells: An in vivo and in vitro study

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

The Chinese herbal medicine Shugan Jianpi Formula (SGJPF) has traditionally been used to treat various chronic liver disorders. Previous studies have indicated that SGJPF inhibits hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation in rats with liver fibrosis (LF) and that miR-193a-3p may be a crucial molecule in LF. However, the mechanisms by which SGJPF regulates HSCs activation through miR-193a-3p remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aimed to determine whether the effect of SGJPF on LF is related to its regulation of miR-193a-3p and TGF-β2, both in a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced LF mouse model and in TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A CCl4-induced LF mouse model was established to evaluate the anti-fibrotic efficacy of SGJPF by examining liver histopathological changes, collagen deposition, and the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and collagen-I. To investigate the role of miR-193a-3p in HSCs activation, miR-193a-3p mimics and inhibitors were transfected into TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells. The potential targets of miR-193a-3p were identified using miRDB, TargetScan 8.0, RNA-seq, and dual-luciferase reporter assays. Finally, the effects of SGJPF on HSCs activation and the miR-193a-3p/TGF-β2 axis were assessed in TGF-β1-treated JS-1 cells using CCK-8, EDU, scratch, RT-qPCR, and Western blotting assays.

RESULTS

SGJPF significantly reduced liver damage and fibrosis, inhibited HSCs activation, decreased TGF-β2 levels, and increased miR-193a-3p expression in CCl4-induced LF tissue. Additionally, miR-193a-3p was upregulated in HSCs transfected with miR-193a-3p mimics and downregulated in those with miR-193a-3p inhibitors. High levels of miR-193a-3p, combined with miRNA mimics, inhibited HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration. TGF-β2, a target negatively regulated by miR-193a-3p, partially reversed the effects of miR-193a-3p on TGF-β1-induced HSCs activation. SGJPF also reduced HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration in TGF-β1-treated JS-1 cells. Moreover, treatment with SGJPF-containing serum and miR-193a-3p inhibition restored HSCs activation, proliferation, and migration in TGF-β1-induced JS-1 cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This study demonstrates that SGJPF ameliorates CCl4-induced liver fibrosis, which is associated with the regulation of miR-193a-3p and TGF-β2 in HSCs. These findings provide a new pharmacological basis for SGJPF and suggest a novel strategy for treating LF through TCM by regulating miRNAs.

Jiawei Taohe Chengqi Decoction attenuates CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis by inhibiting HSCs activation via TGF-β1/CUGBP1 and IFN-γ/Smad7 pathway

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is an essential stage in the progression of different chronic liver conditions to cirrhosis and even hepatocellular carcinoma. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) plays a crucial role in the progression of HF. IFN- γ/Smad7 pathway can inhibit HSCs activation, while TGF-β1/CUGBP1 pathway can inhibit IFN-γ/Smad7 pathway transduction and promote HSCs activation. Thus, inhibiting the TGF-β1/CUGBP1 pathway and activating the IFN-γ/Smad7 pathway reverses HSCs activation and inhibits HF. Jiawei Taohe Chengqi Decoction (JTCD) was derived from the Taohe Chengqi Tang in the ancient Chinese medical text titled "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". We found several anti-HF components in JTCD including ginsenoside Rb1 and others, but the specific mechanism of anti-HF in JTCD is not clear.

PURPOSE

To elucidate the specific mechanism by which JTCD reverses HF by inhibiting the activation of HSCs, and to establish a scientific foundation for treating HF with Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM).

METHODS

We constructed a CCl4-induced mice HF model in vivo and activated human hepatic stellate cell line (LX-2) with TGF-β1 in vitro, after which they were treated with JTCD and the corresponding inhibitors. We examined the expression of pivotal molecules in the two pathways mentioned above by immunofluorescence staining, Western blotting and RT-PCR.

RESULTS

JTCD attenuated liver injury and reduced serum ALT and AST levels in mice. In addition, JTCD attenuated CCl4-induced HF by decreasing the expression of α-SMA, COL1A1 and other markers of HSCs activation in mice liver tissue. Moreover, JTCD effectively suppressed the levels of TGF-β1, p-Smad3, p-p38MAPK, p-ATF2, and CUGBP1 in vivo and in vitro and upregulated the levels of IFN-γ, p-STAT1, and Smad7. Mechanically, after using the inhibitors of both pathways in vitro, we found that JTCD inhibited the activation of HSCs by restoring the balance of the TGF-β1/CUGBP1 and IFN-γ/Smad7 pathways.

CONCLUSION

We demonstrated that JTCD inhibited HSCs activation and reversed HF by inhibiting the TGF-β1/CUGBP1 signalling pathway and upregulating the IFN-γ/Smad7 signalling pathway. Moreover, we have identified specific links where JTCD interferes with both pathways to inhibit HSCs activation. JTCD is an effective candidate for the clinical treatment of HF.

Early growth response protein 2 promotes partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition by phosphorylating Smad3 during renal fibrosis

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) is a serious health problem worldwide, which ultimately leads to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Renal fibrosis is the common pathway and major pathological manifestation for various CKD proceeding to ESRD. However, the underlying mechanisms and effective therapies are still ambiguous. Early growth response 2 (EGR2) is reportedly involved in organ formation and cell differentiation. To determine the role of EGR2 in renal fibrosis, we respectively confirmed the increased expression of EGR2 in kidney specimens from both CKD patients and mice with location in proximal tubules. Genetic deletion of EGR2 attenuated obstructive nephropathy while EGR2 overexpression further promoted renal fibrosis in mice subjected to unilateral ureteral obstruction (UUO) due to extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition mediating by partial epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) as well as imbalance between matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMPs). We found that EGR2 played a critical role in Smad3 phosphorylation, and inhibition of EGR2 reduced partial EMT leading to blockade of ECM accumulation in cultured human kidney 2 cells (HK2) treated with transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1). In addition, the transcription co-stimulator signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT3) phosphorylation was confirmed to regulate the transcription level of EGR2 in TGF-β1-induced HK2 cells. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that EGR2 played a pathogenic role in renal fibrosis by a p-STAT3-EGR2-p-Smad3 axis. Thus, targeting EGR2 could be a promising strategy for CKD treatment.

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.

Taohe Chengqi decoction alleviated metabolic-associated fatty liver disease by boosting branched chain amino acids catabolism in the skeletal muscles of type 2 diabetes mellitus

OBJECTIVE

Metabolic-associated fatty liver disease (MAFLD) is the most prevalent liver disease, whereas type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) is considered an independent risk factor for MAFLD incidence. Taohe Chengqi decoction (THCQ) is clinically prescribed for T2DM treatment; however, the hepatoprotective effect of THCQ against MAFLD is still unknown. This study intended to elucidate the therapeutic effect of THCQ on T2DM-associated MAFLD and to investigate the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

THCQ lyophilized powder was prepared and analyzed by UHPLC-MS/MS. A stable T2DM mouse model was established by high-fat diet (HFD) feeding combined with streptozotocin (STZ) injection. The T2DM mice were administered THCQ (2.5 g/kg or 5 g/kg) to explore the pharmacological effects of THCQ on T2DM-associated MAFLD. Liver tissue transcriptome was analyzed and the participatory roles of PPARα/γ pathways were verified both in vivo and in vitro. Serum metabolome analysis was used to explore the metabolome changes and skeletal muscle branched chain amino acid (BCAA) catabolic enzymes were further detected. Moreover, an AAV carrying BCKDHA shRNA was intramuscularly injected to verify the impact of THCQ on skeletal muscle BCAA catabolism and the potential therapeutic outcome on hepatic steatosis.

RESULTS

THCQ improved hepatic steatosis in MAFLD. RNA-sequencing analysis showed dysregulation in the hepatic PPARγ-related fatty acid synthesis, while PPARα-dependent fatty acid oxidation was elevated following THCQ treatment. Interestingly, in vitro analyses of these findings showed that THCQ had minor effects on fatty acid oxidation and/or synthesis. The metabolomic study revealed that THCQ accelerated BCAA catabolism in the skeletal muscles, in which knockdown of the BCAA catabolic enzyme BCKDHA diminished the THCQ therapeutic effect on hepatic steatosis.

CONCLUSION

This study highlighted the potential therapeutic effect of THCQ on hepatic steatosis in MALFD. THCQ upregulated fatty acid oxidation and reduced its synthesis via restoration of PPARα/γ pathways in HFD/STZ-induced T2DM mice, which is mediated through augmenting BCKDH activity and accelerating BCAA catabolism in the skeletal muscles. Overall, this study provided in-depth clues for "skeletal muscles-liver communication" in the therapeutic effect of THCQ against hepatic steatosis. These findings suggested THCQ might be a potential candidate against T2DM-associated MAFLD.

Jiawei Taohe Chengqi decoction inhibition of the notch signal pathway affects macrophage reprogramming to inhibit HSCs activation for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Jiawei Taohe Chengqi Tang (JTCD) is a modified formulation of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) known as Taohe Chengqi Decoction, which has been described in the ancient TCM literature "Treatise on Febrile Diseases". As a formula that can activate blood circulation and eliminate blood stasis and regulate Yin and Yang in traditional Chinese medicine applications, JTCD has been reported to be effective in the treatment of chronic liver disease and hepatic fibrosis (HF).

AIM OF STUDY

The current study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of JTCD in modulating hepatic macrophages by regulating the Notch signal pathway, and to further investigate the mechanisms underlying macrophage reprogramming that leads to HF.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Molecular assays were performed using in vitro cultures of human mononuclear THP-1 cells and human-derived hepatic stellate cells LX-2. CCl4-induced mice were utilized as an in vivo model to simulate HF.

RESULTS

Our results demonstrated that JTCD exhibited dual effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell (HSCs) activation and modulating the polarisation of macrophages towards the M2 phenotype while decreasing the M1 phenotype. Network pharmacological analyses and molecular docking studies revealed that the Notch signal pathway was significantly enriched and played a crucial role in the therapeutic response of JTCD against HF. Moreover, through the establishment of a co-culture model, we validated that JTCD inhibited the Notch signal pathway in macrophages, leading to alterations in macrophage reprogramming, subsequent inhibition of HSC activation, and ultimately exerting anti-HF effects.

CONCLUSION

In conclusion, our findings provide solid evidence for JTCD in treating HF, as it suppresses the Notch signal pathway in macrophages, regulates macrophage reprogramming, and inhibits HSC activation.