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Zheng Y, Xie L, Yang D, Luo K, Li X. Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 113:154721. [PMID: 36870824 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154721] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/07/2022] [Revised: 02/07/2023] [Accepted: 02/17/2023] [Indexed: 06/18/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response. PURPOSE The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review. METHODS The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF. CONCLUSION The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yu Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Long Xie
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Dejun Yang
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Kaipei Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China
| | - Xiaofang Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu 611137, China.
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Gong P, Yin K, Luo X, Gu J, Tan R, Wu Y, Li D. Tandem mass tag-based proteomics analysis reveals the multitarget mechanisms of Phyllanthus emblica against liver fibrosis. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:989995. [PMID: 36313326 PMCID: PMC9606415 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.989995] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/09/2022] [Accepted: 09/27/2022] [Indexed: 11/21/2022] Open
Abstract
Phyllanthus emblica (PE), a traditional multiethnic herbal medicine, is commonly applied to treat liver diseases. Our previous study demonstrated that aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) could alleviate carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in vivo, but the underlying molecular mechanisms are still unclear. The present study was undertaken to clarify the multitarget mechanisms of PE in treating liver fibrosis by proteomics clues. A CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model was established. The anti-liver fibrosis effects of chemical fractions from AEPE were evaluated by serum biochemical indicators and pathological staining. Additionally, tandem mass tag (TMT) - based quantitative proteomics technology was used to detect the hepatic differentially expressed proteins (DEPs). The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment, gene ontology (GO) enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network were used to perform bioinformatics analysis of DEPs. Western blot analysis was used to verify the key potential targets regulated by the effective fraction of AEPE. The low-molecular-weight fraction of AEPE (LWPE) was determined to be the optimal anti-liver fibrosis active fraction, that could significantly improve ALT, AST, HA, Col IV, PCIII, LN, Hyp levels and reduce the pathological fibrotic lesion of liver tissue in model rats. A total of 195 DEPs were screened after LWPE intervention. GO analysis showed that the DEPs were related mostly to extracellular matrix organization, actin binding, and extracellular exosomes. KEGG pathway analysis showed that DEPs are mainly related to ECM-receptor interactions, focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. Combined with the GO, KEGG and Western blot results, COL1A2, ITGAV, TLR2, ACE, and PDGFRB may be potential targets for PE treatment of liver fibrosis. In conclusion, LWPE exerts therapeutic effects through multiple pathways and multiple targets regulation in the treatment of liver fibrosis. This study may provide proteomics clues for the continuation of research on liver fibrosis treatment with PE.
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Affiliation(s)
- Puyang Gong
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Kehuan Yin
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Xiaomin Luo
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
| | - Jian Gu
- College of Pharmacy, Southwest Minzu University, Chengdu, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Gu, ; Yan Wu,
| | - Rui Tan
- College of Life Science and Engineering, Southwest Jiaotong University, Chengdu, China
| | - Yan Wu
- College of Pharmacy, Shenzhen Technology University, Shenzhen, China
- *Correspondence: Jian Gu, ; Yan Wu,
| | - Dapeng Li
- West China School of Pharmacy, Sichuan University, Chengdu, China
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Study on the mechanism of anti-hepatic fibrosis of Glycyrrhiza Uralensis-Salvia miltiorrhiza prescription based on serum and urine metabolomics and network pharmacology. J Chromatogr B Analyt Technol Biomed Life Sci 2022; 1209:123416. [PMID: 36027704 DOI: 10.1016/j.jchromb.2022.123416] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/17/2022] [Revised: 07/08/2022] [Accepted: 08/09/2022] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis (HF) is a kind of chronic epidemic liver disease. Glycyrrhiza Uralensis and Salvia Miltiorrhiza (GUSM), traditional Chinese medicine, has the obvious clinical treatment of liver fibrosis. This study aimed to investigate the mechanisms of GUSM against HF by an integrated strategy combining untargeted metabolomics with network pharmacology. The results showed that GUSM prescription can improve the morphology and structure of liver tissue, inhibit the proliferation of collagen fibers and reducing the inflammatory response of the liver and so on. Endogenous metabolites and HF-related potential biomarkers in serum and urine were detected by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole-time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-Q-TOF/MS). The metabolic pathways were enriched by MetaboAnalyst. GUSM prescription showed an antifibrotic effect on rats by regulating metabolic pathways, mainly pentose and glucuronate interconversions and arachidonic acid metabolism. Network pharmacology was then applied to find 42 overlapping targets of GUSM-HF. Quercetin was found to be the main active component and STAT3 was the main active target in GUSM prescription. Molecular docking showed high affinities between quercetin and STAT3. Therefore, GUSM has protective effects on HF by regulating the metabolism and different signaling pathways. The work also shows that the metabolomic and network pharmacology methods are promising tools to gain insight into the efficacy and mechanism research of traditional Chinese medicines.
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Olechno E, Puścion-Jakubik A, Zujko ME. Chokeberry (A. melanocarpa (Michx.) Elliott)—A Natural Product for Metabolic Disorders? Nutrients 2022; 14:nu14132688. [PMID: 35807867 PMCID: PMC9268775 DOI: 10.3390/nu14132688] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/29/2022] [Revised: 06/25/2022] [Accepted: 06/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Abnormal metabolism of substances in the body can result in metabolic disorders which include obesity, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, hypertension, chronic kidney disease, liver disease, or cancer. Foods rich in antioxidants can help to prevent and treat various types of disorders. Chokeberry fruits are rich in polyphenols, especially cyanidins, and therefore, can show a beneficial health effect. The aim of this study was to summarize and systematize reports about the effects of chokeberry on various metabolic parameters. Studies from 2000 to 2021, published in the PubMed and Google Scholar databases, were reviewed. The review of studies shows that chokeberry may have a positive effect in dyslipidemia and hypertension and may increase the body’s antioxidant defense mechanisms. The anti-inflammatory effect, in turn, may translate into a reduction in the risk of metabolic disorders over a longer period of use. Changes in glucose levels were reported by studies in which the intervention lasted more than 10 weeks in patients with carbohydrate metabolism disorders. The effects of protecting the liver, inhibiting platelet aggregation, lowering uric acid levels, and having a protective effect on the kidneys require additional confirmation in human clinical trials. Consumption of chokeberry fruit did not impact on anthropometric measurements; however, it seems that chokeberry fruit can be recommended in many metabolic disorders due to the richness of bioactive ingredients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ewa Olechno
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
| | - Anna Puścion-Jakubik
- Department of Bromatology, Faculty of Pharmacy with the Division of Laboratory Medicine, Medical University of Białystok, Mickiewicza 2D Street, 15-222 Białystok, Poland
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +48-85-748-54-69
| | - Małgorzata Elżbieta Zujko
- Department of Food Biotechnology, Faculty of Health Science, Medical University of Białystok, Szpitalna 37 Street, 15-295 Białystok, Poland; (E.O.); (M.E.Z.)
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Hepatoprotective Effect and Potential Mechanism of Aqueous Extract from Phyllanthus emblica on Carbon-Tetrachloride-Induced Liver Fibrosis in Rats. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2021; 2021:5345821. [PMID: 34712342 PMCID: PMC8548103 DOI: 10.1155/2021/5345821] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/02/2021] [Accepted: 10/05/2021] [Indexed: 12/29/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological variation caused by almost all chronic liver injuries. As an edible and medicinal natural resource, Phyllanthus emblica (PE) has been reported to possess hepatoprotective, antioxidant, and anti-inflammatory activities and may have an ameliorating effect on hepatic fibrosis. To investigate the protective effect of the aqueous extract of PE (AEPE) against liver fibrosis and to uncover its related mechanisms, the chemical profile of AEPE was characterized by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) and sulfuric acid-phenol method. Ameliorative effects of different doses of AEPE were investigated in carbon-tetrachloride- (CCl4-) induced liver fibrosis rats by analyzing biochemical markers, morphologic pathology, and related proteins expression in liver tissue. The results indicated that AEPE (1.8, 3.6 g/kg) could significantly reduce levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), collagen IV (Col IV), type III precollagen (PCIII), hyaluronic acid (HA), laminin (LN), malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), protein carbonyl (PC), tumor necrosis factor-α(TNF-α), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and hydroxyproline (Hyp) and increase the levels of superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione (GSH), and catalase (CAT). Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E), Sirius red, and Masson staining showed AEPE-treated improved fibrotic lesions and inflammatory cell infiltration. Meanwhile, AEPE treatment also significantly downregulates the expression of α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) and transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) in the liver tissue and serum, respectively. In conclusion, AEPE possesses curative efficacy against liver fibrosis through its antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, and antifibrotic effects.
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Kim NY, Thomas SS, Hwang DI, Lee JH, Kim KA, Cha YS. Anti-Obesity Effects of Morus alba L. and Aronia melanocarpa in a High-Fat Diet-Induced Obese C57BL/6J Mouse Model. Foods 2021; 10:foods10081914. [PMID: 34441691 PMCID: PMC8391742 DOI: 10.3390/foods10081914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 3] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/30/2021] [Revised: 08/03/2021] [Accepted: 08/16/2021] [Indexed: 12/25/2022] Open
Abstract
The present study investigated the synergic effect of extracts of Morus alba (MA) and Aronia melanocarpa (Michx.) (AR) against high-fat diet induced obesity. Four-week-old male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups that were fed for 14 weeks with a normal diet (ND), high-fat diet (HD), HD with M. alba 400 mg/kg body weight (MA), HD with A. melanocarpa 400 mg/kg body weight (AR), or HD with a mixture (1:1, v/v) of M. alba and A. melanocarpa (400 mg/kg) (MA + AR). Treatment with MA, AR, and MA + AR for 14 weeks reduced high fat diet-induced weight gain and improved serum lipid levels, and histological analysis revealed that MA and AR treatment markedly decreased lipid accumulation in the liver and adipocyte size in epididymal fat. Furthermore, micro-CT images showed MA + AR significantly reduced abdominal fat volume. Expression levels of genes involved in lipid anabolism, such as SREBP-1c, PPAR-γ, CEBPα, FAS, and CD36 were decreased by MA + AR treatment whereas PPAR-α, ACOX1, and CPT-1a levels were increased by MA + AR treatment. Protein expression of p-AMPK and p-ACC were increased in the MA + AR group, indicating that MA + AR ameliorated obesity by upregulating AMPK signaling. Together, our findings indicate that MA and AR exert a synergistic effect against diet-induced obesity and are promising agents for managing obesity.
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Affiliation(s)
- Na-Yeon Kim
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition & Obesity Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea;
| | - Shalom Sara Thomas
- Department of Nutrition, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Amherst, MA 02204, USA;
| | - Dae-Il Hwang
- Institute of Jinan Red Ginseng, Jinan-gun 55442, Korea; (D.-I.H.); (J.-H.L.)
| | - Ji-Hye Lee
- Institute of Jinan Red Ginseng, Jinan-gun 55442, Korea; (D.-I.H.); (J.-H.L.)
| | - Kyung-Ah Kim
- Department of Food and Nutrition, Chungnam National University, Daejeon 34134, Korea;
| | - Youn-Soo Cha
- Department of Food Science and Human Nutrition & Obesity Research Center, Jeonbuk National University, Jeonju 54896, Korea;
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +82-63-270-3822
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Jurendić T, Ščetar M. Aronia melanocarpa Products and By-Products for Health and Nutrition: A Review. Antioxidants (Basel) 2021; 10:antiox10071052. [PMID: 34209985 PMCID: PMC8300639 DOI: 10.3390/antiox10071052] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2021] [Revised: 06/23/2021] [Accepted: 06/26/2021] [Indexed: 11/16/2022] Open
Abstract
Due to factors such as cultivar, fertilization, maturation or climate conditions, as well as the date of their harvest, chokeberries (Aronia melanocarpa) differ in their content of minerals, vitamins, carbohydrates, amino acids, organic acids, fats, aroma compounds and especially polyphenols, substances exerting a beneficial impact on health. The total content of the most important ingredients, polyphenolic compounds, influence many proven chokeberry activities like antioxidative, anti-inflammatory, hypotensive, antiviral, anticancer, antiplatelet, antidiabetic and antiatherosclerotic, respectively. Polyphenolic compounds such as anthocyanins, flavonoids, procyanidins and phenolic acids in different rates and amounts are responsible for all mentioned activities. In the human body, they undergo different biotransformative processes strengthening their bioactivity inside and outside cells. The popularity of chokeberry has been significant lately because of its effects on human health and not just because of its nutritional value. The main interest in this review has been refocused on the chokeberry benefits to human health, nutritional contribution of its components, particularly polyphenolic compounds, and its physiological effects.
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Affiliation(s)
- Tomislav Jurendić
- Bioquanta Ltd. for Research and Development, Trg Zlate Bartl 11/A, 48000 Koprivnica, Croatia
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +385-48-863-467
| | - Mario Ščetar
- Faculty of Food Technology and Biotechnology, University of Zagreb, Pierottijeva 6, 10000 Zagreb, Croatia;
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Kozłowska M, Brzóska MM, Rogalska J, Galicka A. The Impact of a Polyphenol-Rich Extract from the Berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. on Collagen Metabolism in the Liver: A Study in an In Vivo Model of Human Environmental Exposure to Cadmium. Nutrients 2020; 12:E2766. [PMID: 32927885 PMCID: PMC7551016 DOI: 10.3390/nu12092766] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/18/2020] [Revised: 09/06/2020] [Accepted: 09/07/2020] [Indexed: 12/21/2022] Open
Abstract
This study examined whether a polyphenol-rich extract from the berries of Aronia melanocarpa L. (AE; chokeberries) may protect from the impact of cadmium (Cd) on the metabolism of collagen in the liver. The study was conducted in an experimental model (rats that were fed a diet containing 1 or 5 mg Cd/kg for 3-24 months) of human exposure to this xenobiotic during a lifetime. The concentration of total collagen and the expression of collagen types I and III at the mRNA and protein levels, as well as the concentrations of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP-1 and MMP-2) and their tissue inhibitors (TIMP-1 and TIMP-2), were assayed. The administration of Cd and/or AE had only a slight and temporary impact on the concentration of total collagen in the liver. The supplementation with AE significantly prevented Cd-mediated changes in the expression of collagen types I and III at the mRNA and protein levels and their ratio (collagen III/collagen I), as well as a rise in the concentrations of MMPs and TIMPs in this organ. The results allow the conclusion that the intake of chokeberry products in the case of Cd intoxication may be effective in prevention from this xenobiotic-induced disturbance in collagen homeostasis in the liver.
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Affiliation(s)
- Magdalena Kozłowska
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Bialystok, Adama Mickiewicza 2C street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Małgorzata M. Brzóska
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Bialystok, Adama Mickiewicza 2C street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Joanna Rogalska
- Department of Toxicology, Medical University of Bialystok, Adama Mickiewicza 2C street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
| | - Anna Galicka
- Department of Medical Chemistry, Medical University of Bialystok, Adama Mickiewicza 2A street, 15-222 Bialystok, Poland;
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