Bile acids metabolism involved in the beneficial effects of Danggui Shaoyao San via gut microbiota in the treatment of CCl4 induced hepatic fibrosis

Lactucin alleviates liver fibrosis by regulating the TLR4-MyD88-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway through intestinal flora

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Cichorium glandulosum (CG) is a kind of traditional Chinese medicine, mainly produced in Xinjiang and Inner Mongolia, and its medicinal part is mainly the dried root of CG. CG is a commonly used medicine in Uygur medicine, which has good pharmacological effects. Lactucin (LC) in this study is the main sesquiterpene monomer compound obtained from the ethyl acetate extract of CG. The purity of LC obtained by our research group in the previous stage reached 98.1 %, which met the purity requirements of chemical control of traditional Chinese medicine. At present, the research on the pharmacological action of CG mainly focuses on the extract of CG, and there is little research on the monomer compounds and exact pharmacological action mechanism in CG.

AIM OF THE STUDY

The aim of this study is to investigate the mechanism of lactucin (LC) in alleviating liver fibrosis by regulating TLR4-related inflammatory pathway through intestinal flora-intestine-liver axis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Firstly, the content of LC was determined by HPLC. In vitro, hepatic fibrosis cell model was induced and cytotoxicity was detected by MTT assay. QRT-PCR and Western Blot were used to detect the effect of LC on the expression of proteins related to TLR4-MyD88-MAPK/NF-κB signaling pathway. In vivo, carbon tetrachloride and dextran sodium sulfate were used to induce liver fibrosis and enteritis in rats. Detection of liver fibrosis index, H&E staining, Sirius red staining, immunofluorescence and Western Blot were used to detect the degree and action pathway of liver fibrosis. 16S rRNA analysis and bile acid targeted metabolism were used to explore the role of intestinal flora in liver fibrosis.

RESULTS

In vitro, LC can significantly inhibit the mRNA levels of TLR4 and related inflammatory factors, inhibit the expression of TLR4-MyD88-MAPK/NF-κB pathway protein, and reduce the level of intracellular reactive oxygen species, with the same effect as TLR4 inhibitors. In vivo, experimental results show that LC can reduce the degree of liver fibrosis and colitis, significantly reduce the levels of MDA and MPO in colon tissue, increase the level of SOD, reduce the activities of HYP, AKP, AST, ALT, TBA and γ-GT in serum, and increase the level of Alb. LC can also inhibit the expression of TLR4-MyD88-MAPK/NF-κB pathway, and inhibit the expression of TLR4 protein in liver and increase the expression of ZO-1 protein in colon. In addition, LC can regulate the flora composition of liver fibrosis and improve bile acid metabolism.

CONCLUSION

This study found that LC can alleviate liver fibrosis, and suggested that the beneficial effect of LC on liver fibrosis may be achieved by regulating TLR4-MyD88-MAPK pathway and improving intestinal flora through intestinal liver axis. At the same time, it is revealed that LC is the main component of CG for treating liver fibrosis, which lays a theoretical foundation for the research and development of new drugs and clinical research of CG in the later period.

Lactobacillus plantarum reduces polystyrene microplastic induced toxicity via multiple pathways: A potentially effective and safe dietary strategy to counteract microplastic harm

Plastic materials, ubiquitous in daily life, degrade into microplastics (MPs) that can accumulate in humans through the food chain, leading to health issues. While some antioxidants have been shown to mitigate the toxicity caused by MPs exposure, they are only effective at high doses, which can be harmful to human health when ingested in excess. Concurrently, Lactobacillus species have demonstrated the ability to adsorb onto micro- and nano-plastics (MNPs), with certain strains exhibiting high antioxidant activity. In this study, Lactobacillus plantarum strains with varying antioxidant capacities and affinities for polystyrene nanoparticles (PS-NPs) were utilized to investigate their effects on toxicity induced by exposure to PS-MPs. The results indicated that the antioxidant capabilities of Lactobacillus plantarum can reduce oxidative damage caused by PS-MPs exposure, and their ability to bind with PS-MNPs can reduce the body's PS-MPs content and increase fecal PS-MPs content, thereby reducing toxicity. Notably, the strain 89-L1, which possesses low antioxidant activity and low binding affinity for PS-MNPs, also reduced toxicity, potentially through repairing the intestinal barrier and modulating bile acid (BAs) metabolism. Our findings suggest that the mechanisms by which Lactobacillus plantarum reduces PS-MPs-induced toxicity extend beyond antioxidant and binding capabilities; the repair of the intestinal barrier and modulation of BAs metabolism also play significant roles in reducing toxicity caused by PS-MPs exposure and may act partially independently of these capacities. This study provides a theoretical basis for the future development of strategies for Lactobacillus plantarum to reduce toxicity caused by exposure to MPs.

Responses of Intestinal Antioxidant Capacity, Morphology, Barrier Function, Immunity, and Microbial Diversity to Chlorogenic Acid in Late-Peak Laying Hens

This study examined the influence of chlorogenic acid (CGA) on gut antioxidant status, morphology, barrier function, immunity, and cecal microbiota in late-peak laying hens. A total of 240 Hy-Line Brown hens, aged 43 weeks, were randomly assigned to four groups, the basal diet +0, 400, 600, and 800 mg/kg CGA, for 12 weeks. The results revealed that CGA significantly reduced ileal H2O2 and malondialdehyde levels; increased duodenal height, ileal villus height, and villus height-to-crypt depth ratio; while decreasing jejunal crypt depth. The 600 and 800 mg/kg CGA significantly upregulated the duodenal, jejunal, and ileal ZO-1 and occludin gene expression; increased IgG levels in serum and ileum; and upregulated ileal IgA gene expression. The 600 mg/kg CGA significantly upregulated CD3D and CD4 gene expression, while downregulating IL-1β gene expression in duodenum, jejunum, and ileum. Moreover, CGA changed the gut microbiota structure. The SCFA-producing bacteria unclassified_f__Peptostreptococcaceae, unclassified_f_Oscillospiraceae, Pseudoflavonifractor, Lachnospiraceae_FCS020_group, Oscillospira, Elusimicrobium, Eubacterium_ventriosum_group, Intestinimonas, and norank_f_Coriobacteriales_Incertae_Sedis were significantly enriched in the 400, 600, and/or 800 mg/kg CGA groups. The bacteria Lactobacillus, Bacillus, and Akkermansia were significantly enriched in the 600 mg/kg CGA group. Conclusively, dietary CGA (600-800 mg/kg) improved intestinal antioxidant status, morphology, barrier and immune function, and beneficial microbiota growth in late-peak laying hens.

Liver cirrhosis: molecular mechanisms and therapeutic interventions

Liver cirrhosis is the end-stage of chronic liver disease, characterized by inflammation, necrosis, advanced fibrosis, and regenerative nodule formation. Long-term inflammation can cause continuous damage to liver tissues and hepatocytes, along with increased vascular tone and portal hypertension. Among them, fibrosis is the necessary stage and essential feature of liver cirrhosis, and effective antifibrosis strategies are commonly considered the key to treating liver cirrhosis. Although different therapeutic strategies aimed at reversing or preventing fibrosis have been developed, the effects have not be more satisfactory. In this review, we discussed abnormal changes in the liver microenvironment that contribute to the progression of liver cirrhosis and highlighted the importance of recent therapeutic strategies, including lifestyle improvement, small molecular agents, traditional Chinese medicine, stem cells, extracellular vesicles, and gut remediation, that regulate liver fibrosis and liver cirrhosis. Meanwhile, therapeutic strategies for nanoparticles are discussed, as are their possible underlying broad application and prospects for ameliorating liver cirrhosis. Finally, we also reviewed the major challenges and opportunities of nanomedicine‒biological environment interactions. We hope this review will provide insights into the pathogenesis and molecular mechanisms of liver cirrhosis, thus facilitating new methods, drug discovery, and better treatment of liver cirrhosis.

The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling

Introduction

As a widely used traditional Chinese medicine with hot property, aconite can significantly promote energy metabolism. However, it is unclear whether the gut microbiota and bile acids contribute to the energy metabolism-promoting properties of aconite. The aim of this experiment was to verify whether the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite aqueous extract (AA) is related to gut microbiota and bile acid (BA) metabolism.

Methods

The effect of AA on energy metabolism in rats was detected based on body weight, body temperature, and adipose tissue by HE staining and immunohistochemistry. In addition, 16S rRNA high-throughput sequencing and targeted metabolomics were used to detect changes in gut microbiota and BA concentrations, respectively. Antibiotic treatment and fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) were also performed to demonstrate the importance of gut microbiota.

Results

Rats given AA experienced an increase in body temperature, a decrease in body weight, and an increase in BAT (brown adipose tissue) activity and browning of WAT (white adipose tissue). Sequencing analysis and targeted metabolomics indicated that AA modulated gut microbiota and BA metabolism. The energy metabolism promotion of AA was found to be mediated by gut microbiota, as demonstrated through antibiotic treatment and FMT. Moreover, the energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with the bile acid receptor TGR5 (Takeda G-protein-coupled receptor 5)-UCP1 (uncoupling protein 1) signaling pathway.

Conclusion

The energy metabolism-promoting effect of aconite is associated with gut microbiota and bile acid receptor TGR5-UCP1 signaling.

Yinchen gongying decoction mitigates CCl4-induced chronic liver injury and fibrosis in mice implicated in inhibition of the FoxO1/TGF-β1/ Smad2/3 and YAP signaling pathways

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a common reversible consequence of chronic liver damage with limited therapeutic options. Yinchen Gongying decoction (YGD) composed of two homologous plants: (Artemisia capillaris Thunb, Taraxacum monochlamydeum Hand.-Mazz.), has a traditionally application as a medicinal diet for acute icteric hepatitis. However, its impact on LF and underlying mechanisms remain unclear.

AIM OF THE STUDY

This study aims to assess the impact of YGD on a carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) induced liver fibrosis and elucidate its possible mechanisms. The study seeks to establish an experimental foundation for YGD as a candidate drug for hepatic fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

LC-MS/MS identified 11 blood-entry components in YGD, and network pharmacology predicted their involvement in the FoxO signaling pathway, insulin resistance, and PI3K-AKT signaling pathway. Using a CCl4-induced LF mouse model, YGD's protective effects were evaluated in comparison to a positive control and a normal group. The underlying mechanisms were explored through the assessments of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, fibrotic signaling, and inflammation.

RESULTS

YGD treatment significantly improved liver function, enhanced liver morphology, and reduced liver collagen deposition in CCl4-induced LF mice. Mechanistically, YGD inhibited HSC activation, elevated MMPs/TIMP1 ratios, suppressed the FoxO1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and YAP pathways, and exhibited anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Notably, YGD improved the insulin signaling pathway.

CONCLUSION

YGD mitigates LF in mice by modulating fibrotic and inflammatory pathways, enhancing antioxidant responses, and specifically inhibiting FoxO1/TGF-β1/Smad2/3 and YAP signal pathways.