Herb medicine Inchin-ko-to (TJ-135) regulates PDGF-BB-dependent signaling pathways of hepatic stellate cells in primary culture and attenuates development of liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide administration in rats

A comprehensive review of emodin in fibrosis treatment

Emodin is the main pharmacodynamic components of rhubarb, with significant pharmacological effects and clinical efficacy.Emodin has a variety of therapy effects, such as anti-cancer, anti-fibrosis effects, and is widely used to treat encephalitis, diabetic cataract and organ fibrosis. Several studies have shown that emodin has a good treatment effect on organ fibrosis, but the mechanism is complex. Moreover, the evidence of some studies is conflicting and confusing. This paper reviewed the mechanism, pharmacokinetics and toxicology of emodin in fibrosis treatment, and briefly discussed relevant cutting-edge new formulations to improve the efficacy, the result can provide some reference for future study.

The herbal medicines Inchinkoto and Saireito improved hepatic fibrosis via aquaporin 9 in the liver of a rat bile duct ligation model

OBJECTIVE

To determine if the administration of the Japanese herbal medicines Inchinkoto (ICKT) and Saireito (SRT) ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and derangement of hepatocyte aquaporins (AQPs) following bile duct ligation (BDL) in a rat model of obstructive cholestasis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Five groups of Wistar rats were used, and the groups included sham surgery (Sham group), BDL with no treatment (NT group), BDL plus ICKT (ICKT group), BDL plus SRT (SRT group), and BDL plus ICKT and SRT (SRT/ICKT group). Each herbal medicine was administered at 1 g/kg/day on the first postoperative day. The serum levels and various clinical markers were measured with real-time polymerase chain reaction. Staining was used to evaluate the degree of fibrosis and the inflammatory responses.

RESULTS

Serum aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase in the ICKT and SRT/ICKT groups were significantly lower than those in the NT group. NF-κB mRNA expression was significantly decreased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. AQP9 mRNA expression was significantly increased in the ICKT group and the SRT/ICKT group compared with the NT group. The degree of Masson's trichrome staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT group. The degree of NF-κB staining in the SRT/ICKT group was significantly lower than that in the NT, ICKT, or SRT group.

CONCLUSIONS

The postoperative administration of ICKT and SRT induced synergistic beneficial effects, resulting in the reduction of hepatic fibrosis via mechanisms involving the inhibition of NF-κB expression and the improvement of AQP9 downregulation.

What we already know about rhubarb: a comprehensive review

Rhubarb (also named Rhei or Dahuang), one of the most ancient and important herbs in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), belongs to the Rheum L. genus from the Polygonaceae family, and its application can be traced back to 270 BC in "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing". Rhubarb has long been used as an antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, anti-fibrotic and anticancer medicine in China. However, for a variety of reasons, such as origin, variety and processing methods, there are differences in the effective components of rhubarb, which eventually lead to decreased quality and poor efficacy. Additionally, although some papers have reviewed the relationship between the active ingredients of rhubarb and pharmacologic actions, most studies have concentrated on one or several aspects, although there has been great progress in rhubarb research in recent years. Therefore, this review aims to summarize recent studies on the geographic distribution, taxonomic identification, pharmacology, clinical applications and safety issues related to rhubarb and provide insights into the further development and application of rhubarb in the future.

The Pharmacological Targets and Clinical Evidence of Natural Products With Anti-hepatic Inflammatory Properties

Inflammation contributes heavily to the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatocellular carcinoma. Inflammation is probably a promising target for treatment of liver diseases. The natural products are considered as the potential source of new drug discovery and their pharmacological effects on hepatic inflammation have been widely reported. In this review, the natural products with anti-hepatic inflammatory properties are summarized based on their pharmacological effects and mechanisms, which are related to the suppression on the inflammation mediators including cytokines and chemokines, pattern recognition receptors, the activated transcriptional factors, and the potential regulatory factors. The clinical evidence is also summarized.

Role of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 in liver fibrosis with transient myeloproliferative disorder in down syndrome

Liver fibrosis is a common complication associated with transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in Down syndrome (DS). The exact molecular pathogenesis that regulates disease progression is largely unknown. We recently found serum and/or urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein‐1 (MCP‐1) as a novel biomarker of liver fibrosis. This study was an in vitro analysis to investigate the fibrogenic activity of MCP‐1 using the collagen‐producing LX‐2 human hepatic stellate cell line. We also examined the fibrogenic activity of serum from a male neonate with DS in whom late‐onset liver fibrosis developed even after the resolution of TMD. MCP‐1 stimulated both cell growth and collagen synthesis of LX‐2 in a dose‐dependent manner. Patient serum obtained during the active disease phase significantly up‐regulated fibrogenic activity, which was suppressed in the presence of MCP‐1‐blocking antibody. Transient transforming growth factor beta 1 stimulation primed LX‐2 to induce prolonged hypersecretion of MCP‐1 in the culture supernatant and in collagen synthesis, which was suppressed with MCP‐1 blocking antibody as well. Conclusion: MCP‐1 accounts for the prolonged activation of collagen‐producing hepatic stellate cells in both a paracrine and autocrine manner, thereby promoting liver fibrosis. Anti‐cytokine therapy targeting the fibrogenic cytokines of MCP‐1, for example, herbal medicine, could provide a new therapeutic intervention for liver fibrosis associated with TMD in DS. (Hepatology Communications 2018;2:230‐236)

Exploration of serum biomarkers for predicting the response to Inchinkoto (ICKT), a Japanese traditional herbal medicine

INTRODUCTION

In patients with obstructive jaundice, biliary drainage sometimes fails to result in improvement. A pharmaceutical-grade choleretic herbal medicine, Inchinkoto (ICKT), has been proposed to exert auxiliary effects on biliary drainage; however, its effects are variable among patients.

OBJECTIVES

The aim of this study is to explore serum biomarkers that are associated with pharmaceutical efficacy of ICKT.

METHODS

Obstructive jaundice patients who underwent external biliary decompression were enrolled (n = 37). ICKT was given orally 3 times a day at daily dose of 7.5 g. Serum and bile samples were collected before, 3 h after, and 24 h after ICKT administration. The concentrations of total bilirubin, direct bilirubin, and total bile acid in bile specimens were measured. Metabolites in serum samples were comprehensively profiled using LC-MS/MS and GC-MS/MS. Pharmacokinetic analysis of major ICKT components was also performed.

RESULTS

ICKT administration significantly decreased serum ALT and increased bile volume after 24 h. The serum concentrations of ICKT components were not well correlated with the efficacy of ICKT. However, the ratio of 2-hydroxyisobutyric acid to arachidonic acid and the ratio of glutaric acid to niacinamide, exhibited good performance as biomarkers for the efficacy of ICKT on bile flow and ALT, respectively. Additionally, comprehensive correlation analysis revealed that serum glucuronic acid was highly correlated with serum total bilirubin, suggesting that this metabolite may be deeply involved in the pathogenesis of jaundice.

CONCLUSIONS

The present study indicates that ICKT is efficacious and provides candidates for predicting ICKT efficacy. Further validation studies are warranted.

Monocyte Chemoattractant Protein-1 (MCP-1) as a Potential Therapeutic Target and a Noninvasive Biomarker of Liver Fibrosis Associated With Transient Myeloproliferative Disorder in Down Syndrome

Liver fibrosis is one of the common complications of transient myeloproliferative disorder (TMD) in Down syndrome (DS), but the exact molecular pathogenesis is largely unknown. We herein report a neonate of DS with liver fibrosis associated with TMD, in which we performed the serial profibrogenic cytokines analyses. We found the active monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 expression in the affected liver tissue and also found that both serum and urinary monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 concentrations are noninvasive biomarkers of liver fibrosis. We also showed a prospective of the future anticytokine therapy with herbal medicine for the liver fibrosis associated with TMD in DS.

Molecular mechanism of (18)F-FDG uptake reduction induced by genipin in T47D cancer cell and role of uncoupling protein-2 in cancer cell glucose metabolism

INTRODUCTION

Compounds that modulate cancer cell glucose metabolism could open new opportunities for antitumor therapy and for monitoring response using (18)F-FDG PET. Genipin, a natural dietary compound that blocks uncoupling protein 2 (UCP2)-mediated mitochondrial proton leakage, is a potential anticancer agent. We investigated the effect of genipin on glucose metabolism and the mitochondrial function of cancer cells.

METHODS

Breast and colon cancer cells were assessed for effects of genipin on (18)F-FDG uptake. T47D breast cancer cells were further evaluated for time-dependent and dose-dependent effects on (18)F-FDG uptake, lactate release, oxygen consumption rate (OCR), reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and mitochondrial membrane potential. The effects of UCP2 knockdown were evaluated using specific siRNA.

RESULTS

Cancer cells displayed significant reductions in (18)F-FDG uptake by genipin. T47D cells showed the greatest reduction to 32.6±1.0% of controls by 250μM genipin. The effect occurred rapidly, reaching a plateau by 1h that lasted up to 24h. The effect was dose-dependent with a half-inhibitory concentration of 60.8μM. An accompanying decrease in lactate release was consistent with reduced glycolytic flux. OCR was significantly decreased by genipin to 82.2±11.4% of controls, and ROS generation was increased to 156.7±16.0%. These effects were largely reproduced by UCP2 knockdown with specific siRNA.

CONCLUSIONS

Genipin decreased cancer cell (18)F-FDG uptake by reducing both glycolytic flux and mitochondrial oxidative respiration. This effect appeared to occur by blocking the ability of UCP2 to dissipate energy and restrict ROS production through proton leakage.

Does inchinkoto, a herbal medicine, have hepatoprotective effects in major hepatectomy? A prospective randomized study

OBJECTIVES

This randomized clinical trial was designed to investigate whether inchinkoto has a hepatoprotective effect on postoperative outcome after major hepatectomy.

METHODS

Sixty-one patients scheduled for major hepatectomy were randomly assigned to one of two groups in which preoperative inchinkoto was (inchinkoto group, n = 30) or was not (non-inchinkoto group, n = 31) administered. Inchinkoto was administered for at least 7 days before surgery. The primary endpoint was the incidence of post-hepatectomy liver damage. The expression of nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and other oxygen stress-related markers in the liver were also determined.

RESULTS

There was no significant difference in clinical characteristics between the inchinkoto and non-inchinkoto groups. Serum levels in liver function tests and incidences of post-hepatectomy liver failure did not differ significantly between the two groups. However, there was a significantly higher induction of antioxidant factors in the liver, such as Nrf2 protein and heme oxygenase-1 mRNA, after hepatectomy in the inchinkoto group than in the non-inchinkoto group.

CONCLUSIONS

The preoperative administration of inchinkoto did not have a significant impact on the overall outcome of major hepatectomy. However, inchinkoto induced the expression of Nrf2 during hepatectomy and may have exerted an antioxidative effect on the liver.

Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang alleviates biliary obstructive cirrhosis in rats by inhibiting biliary epithelial cell proliferation and activation

Background:

Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) consists of three aqueous extracts from Artemisia capillaris, Gardenia sp., and prepared Rheum rhabarbarum (rhubarb) (3:2:1). YCHT is characterized by its anti-inflammatory properties in liver regulation and relief of jaundice. We aimed to study the effects and mechanisms of action of YCHT on biliary obstructive cirrhosis.

Materials and Methods:

Secondary biliary fibrosis was induced in rats by bile duct ligation (BDL) and scission. One week after BDL, rats were randomly divided into a saline-treated BDL or YCHT-treated BDL group for 4 weeks. Liver function and hepatic hydroxyproline (Hyp) content were assessed. Types I and IV collagen (Col-IV), laminin, fibronectin, alpha smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and proliferating cell nuclear antigen protein and messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) expression were assessed with immunohistochemistry and real-time polymerase chain reaction.

Results:

In the YCHT-treated BDL group, serum total bilirubin, total bile acids, aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase, and γ-glutamyl transferase were lower than those in the sham-operated BDL group. The proliferation of bile ducts in hepatic tissues and the Hyp content and Col deposition were also significantly lower than those in control rats. In addition, α-SMA and Col-IV staining was less obvious, and mRNA expression of Procol-α1 (IV), platelet derived growth factor subunit B (PDGF)-B, connective tissue growth factor, and transforming growth factor-beta in proliferative biliary epithelial cells (BECs) in the YCHT-treated BDL group was significantly lower than those in controls.

Conclusions:

YCHT effectively reduces the formation of biliary obstructive cirrhosis mainly via inhibition of BEC proliferation by down-regulation of PDGF-B mRNA expression, inhibition of BEC profibrogenic paracrines, and the epithelial-mesenchymal transition pathological process.

Identification and pharmacokinetics of the major constituents of Fugan Fang in rat plasma

The major constituents and their pharmacokinetics of FGF, an TCM prescribed for the treatment of hepatic diseases in rat plasma.

Proteomic investigation of signatures for geniposide-induced hepatotoxicity

Evaluating the safety of traditional medicinal herbs and their major active constituents is critical for their widespread usage. Geniposide, a major active constituent with a defined structure from the traditional medicinal herb Gardenia jasminoides ELLIS fruit, exhibits remarkable anti-inflammatory, antiapoptotic, and antifibrotic properties and has been used in a variety of medical fields, mainly for the treatment of liver diseases. However, geniposide-induced hepatotoxicity and methods for the early detection of hepatotoxicity have yet to be reported. In this study, geniposide-induced hepatotoxicity was investigated. In addition, candidate biomarkers for the earlier detection of geniposide-induced hepatotoxicity were identified using a label-free quantitative proteomics approach on a geniposide overdose-induced liver injury in a rat model. Using an accurate intensity-based, absolute quantification (iBAQ)-based, one-step discovery and verification approach, a candidate biomarker panel was easily obtained from individual samples in response to different conditions. To determine the biomarkers' early detection abilities, five candidate biomarkers were selected and tested using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISAs). Two biomarkers, glycine N-methyltransferase (GNMT) and glycogen phosphorylase (PYGL), were found to indicate hepatic injuries significantly earlier than the current gold standard liver biomarker. This study provides a first insight into geniposide-induced hepatotoxicity in a rat model and describes a method for the earlier detection of this hepatotoxicity, facilitating the efficient monitoring of drug-induced hepatotoxicity.

Current scenario for the hepatoprotective effects of Inchinkoto, a traditional herbal medicine, and its clinical application in liver surgery: A review

Inchinkoto (ICKT) is one of the most commonly used herbal medicines as a hepatoprotective agent. Among the numerous chemical compounds included in ICKT, geniposide is the most abundant component. Geniposide, after p.o. intake, is converted to the active metabolite genipin by intestinal bacteria and is absorbed in the portal circulation. The biological properties of ICKT and genipin have been studied in numerous experiments. Administration of ICKT or genipin exerts choleretic effects through upregulation of multidrug resistance-associated protein 2 in hepatocytes. ICKT also exerts an anti-apoptotic action through inhibition of transforming growth factor-β1- or tumor necrosis factor-α-dependent signaling pathways. The excessive inflammatory response induced by various hepatic stresses is also attenuated by ICKT pre-administration. Moreover, ICKT upregulates antioxidant enzymes in the liver under conditions of oxidative stress. These experimental results suggest potential benefit of ICKT in liver disease and particularly in hepatic surgery, which justify further well-designed controlled clinical study. To date, however, clinical data regarding the benefit of ICKT for liver surgery are rare. This review article summarized and discussed recent evidence relating to the hepatoprotective effects of ICKT in the field of basic and clinical science.

[Formula-syndrome correlation study of three classical anti-jaundice formulas in inhibition of liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine in rats]

OBJECTIVE

To investigate the effects of three classical anti-jaundice formulas Yinchenhao Decoction (YCHD). Yinchen Wuling San (YCWLS) and Zhizi Baipi Decoction (ZZBPD) on liver fibrosis induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN) in rats and explore the formula-syndrome relationship.

METHODS

Forty-eight rats were weighted, and divided into five groups: normal control, DMN, YCHD, YCWLS and ZZBPD groups using stratified random method. Liver fibrosis in rats was induced by intraperitoneal injection of DMN for 4 weeks at the dosage 10 mg/kg body weight, once per day for 3 consecutive days in each week. Each groups was gavaged with distilled water (control or model group), YCHD, YCWLS and ZZBPD respectively in the last 2-week modeling period. At the end of the 4th week, rats were sacrificed and their blood sample and liver tissue were taken for detecting pathology and analyzing of hydroxyproline (Hyp) and liver function.

RESULTS

Compared with the normal control group, DMN model group showed liver damage and liver fibrosis with remarkably increased Hyp content (P<0.01) and abnormal liver function (P<0.01). Liver fibrosis induced by DMN in rats was improved by administration of YCHD. Compared with DMN model group, content of Hyp was decreased remarkably (P<0.01) and liver function and hepatic histology were improved significantly after 2 weeks of YCHD treatment (P<0.05 or P<0.01)., and content of hepatic Hyp was decreased in the ZZBPD groups. Comparison of various parameters between groups showed that content of serum total bilirubin was decreased significantly in the YCWLS group (P<0.01), and content of hepatic Hyp was decreased in the ZZBPD group.

CONCLUSION

Efficacy of YCHD in inhibition of liver fibrosis induced by DMN in rats is far better than YCWLS and ZZBPD. The pathogenesis of the liver fibrosis induced by DMN is mainly damp-heat. In addition, both damp and heat pathogenic factors play very important role in this model. The syndrome is highly correlated with the prescription YCHD.

Emodin induces human T cell apoptosis in vitro by ROS-mediated endoplasmic reticulum stress and mitochondrial dysfunction

AIM

To elucidate the molecular mechanisms underlying the immunosuppressive effects of emodin isolated from Rheum palmatum L.

METHODS

Human T cells were isolated from the peripheral venous blood of 10 healthy adult donors. Cell viability was analyzed with MTT assay. AO/EB and Annexin V/PI staining and DNA damage assay were used to detect cell apoptosis. Fluorescence staining was used to detect the levels of ROS, the mitochondrial membrane potential and intracellular Ca(2+). Colorimetry was used to detect the levels of MDA and total SOD and GSH/GSSG ratio. The expression and activity of caspase-3, -4, and -9 were detected with Western blotting and a fluorometric assay. Western blotting was also used to detect the expression of Bcl-2, Bax, cytochrome C, and endoplasmic reticulum (ER) markers.

RESULTS

Emodin (1, 10, and 100 μmol/L) inhibited the growth of human T cells and induced apoptosis in dose- and time dependent manners. Emodin triggered ER stress and significantly elevated intracellular free Ca(2+) in human T cells. It also disrupted mitochondrial membrane potential, and increased cytosolic level of cytochrome C, and the levels of activated cleavage fragments of caspase-3, -4, and -9 in human T cells. Furthermore, emodin significantly increased the levels of ROS and MDA, inhibited both SOD level and GSH/GSSG ratio in human T cells, whereas co-incubation with the ROS scavenger N-acetylcysteine (NAC, 20 μmol/L) almost completely blocked emodin-induced ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction in human T cells, and decreased the caspase cascade-mediated apoptosis.

CONCLUSION

Emodin exerts immunosuppressive actions at least partly by inducing apoptosis of human T cells, which is triggered by ROS-mediated ER stress and mitochondrial dysfunction.

Emodin regulates glucose utilization by activating AMP-activated protein kinase

AMP-activated protein kinase has been described as a key signaling protein that can regulate energy homeostasis. Here, we aimed to characterize novel AMP-activated kinase (AMPK)-activating compounds that have a much lower effective concentration than metformin. As a result, emodin, a natural anthraquinone derivative, was shown to stimulate AMPK activity in skeletal muscle and liver cells. Emodin enhanced GLUT4 translocation and [(14)C]glucose uptake into the myotube in an AMPK-dependent manner. Also, emodin inhibited glucose production by suppressing the expression of key gluconeogenic genes, such as phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase and glucose-6-phosphatase, in hepatocytes. Furthermore, we found that emodin can activate AMPK by inhibiting mitochondrial respiratory complex I activity, leading to increased reactive oxygen species and Ca(2+)/calmodulin-dependent protein kinase kinase activity. Finally, we confirmed that a single dose administration of emodin significantly decreased the fasting plasma glucose levels and improved glucose tolerance in C57Bl/6J mice. Increased insulin sensitivity was also confirmed after daily injection of emodin for 8 days using an insulin tolerance test and insulin-stimulated PI3K phosphorylation in wild type and high fat diet-induced diabetic mouse models. Our study suggests that emodin regulates glucose homeostasis in vivo by AMPK activation and that this may represent a novel therapeutic principle in the treatment of type 2 diabetic models.

Gardenia jasminoides attenuates hepatocellular injury and fibrosis in bile duct-ligated rats and human hepatic stellate cells

AIM: To investigate the anti-hepatofibrotic effects of Gardenia jasminoides in liver fibrosis.

METHODS: Male Sprague-Dawley rats underwent common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 14 d and were treated with Gardenia jasminoides by gavage. The effects of Gardenia jasminoides on liver fibrosis and the detailed molecular mechanisms were also assessed in human hepatic stellate cells (LX-2) in vitro.

RESULTS: Treatment with Gardenia jasminoides decreased serum alanine aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 146.6 ± 15 U/L vs 77 ± 6.5 U/L, P = 0.0007) and aspartate aminotransferase (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 188 ± 35.2 U/L vs 128 ± 19 U/L, P = 0.005) as well as hydroxyproline (BDL vs BDL + 100 mg/kg Gardenia jasminoides, 438 ± 40.2 μg/g vs 228 ± 10.3 μg/g liver tissue, P = 0.004) after BDL. Furthermore, Gardenia jasminoides significantly reduced liver mRNA and/or protein expression of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1), collagen type I (Col I) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA). Gardenia jasminoides significantly suppressed the upregulation of TGF-β1, Col I and α-SMA in LX-2 exposed to recombinant TGF-β1. Moreover, Gardenia jasminoides inhibited TGF-β1-induced Smad2 phosphorylation in LX-2 cells.

CONCLUSION: Gardenia jasminoides exerts antifibrotic effects in the liver fibrosis and may represent a novel antifibrotic agent.

Fructus Gardenia (Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis) phytochemistry, pharmacology of cardiovascular, and safety with the perspective of new drugs development

The phytochemistry, cardiovascular pharmacology, toxicology, side effect, and further development prospects of Gardenia jasminoides J. Ellis (GJE) and its main constituents crocins and iridoid glycosides were studied. Numerous studies have confirmed that crocins and iridoid glycosides had effects of antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, anti-atherosclerosis, anti-ischemic brain injuries, anti-platelet aggregation, anti-hyperglycemia, anti-hyperlipidemia, anti-hypertension, and so on. Some of them might be related to several attractive pharmacodynamic actions of GJE such as promoting endothelium growth, protecting neurons, and inducing their differentiation. Both of them make it possible for GJE to prevent and cure thromboembolism and cardiovascular diseases well. From our own basic pharmacological research of GJE extract on several rat models, it has been known that GJE extract markedly prolonged bleeding time and inhibited platelet aggregation and thrombosis. It has significant proliferation effect on both endothelial cells and endothelial progenitor cells as well. As the mechanisms of GJE on those diseases were discussed and summarized, questions about its genetoxicity and hepatotoxicity were also discussed during its safety study to make the foundation for long-term medication and clinical research in the near future.

Evaluation of the Chinese Medicinal Herb, Graptopetalum paraguayense, as a Therapeutic Treatment for Liver Damage in Rat Models

The incidence of cirrhosis is rising due to the widespread occurrence of chronic hepatitis, as well as the evident lack of an established therapy for hepatic fibrosis. In the search for hepatoprotective therapeutic agents, Graptopetalum paraguayense (GP) showed greater cytotoxicity toward hepatic stellate cells than other tested herbal medicines. Histopathological and biochemical analyses suggest that GP treatment significantly prevented DMN-induced hepatic inflammation and fibrosis in rats. Microarray profiling indicated that expression of most of metabolism- and cell growth and/or maintenance-related genes recovered to near normal levels following GP treatment as classified by gene ontology and LSM analysis, was observed. ANOVA showed that expression of 64% of 256 liver damage-related genes recovered significantly after GP treatment. By examining rat liver samples with Q-RT-PCR, five liver damage-related genes were identified. Among them, Egr1 and Nrg1 may serve as necroinflammatory markers, and Btg2 may serve as a fibrosis marker. Oldr1 and Hmgcs1 were up- and down-regulated markers, respectively. A publicly accessible website has been established to provide access to these data Identification of 44 necroinflammation-related and 62 fibrosis-related genes provides useful insight into the molecular mechanisms underlying liver damage and provides potential targets for the rational development of therapeutic drugs such as GP.

The herbal medicine Inchinko-to reduces hepatic fibrosis in cholestatic rats

PURPOSE

Several studies have reported the herbal medicine Inchinko-to (ICKT) to have an antifibrotic effect which thus leads to an improvement of hepatic injury. However, there are still few reports of its use in the treatment of cholestatic liver disorder. The aim of this study was to clarify whether the administration of ICKT will ameliorate hepatic fibrosis and injury in cholestatic rats.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We performed bile duct ligation on 7-week-old male cholestatic Wistar rats and assigned them to one of three groups according to the method of treatment: (1) the SHAM group, (2) the NT-group (non-treatment group), and (3) the T-group (treatment-group). Rats in the T-group were orally administered ICKT (TJ-135) at a dose of 1 g/kg/day and were killed on the 17th postoperative day. We subsequently investigated the levels of fibrosis and various clinical markers through measurement of the following: serum levels of AST and ALT; tissue transforming growth factor-beta 1 (TGF-beta1); tissue inhibitor metalloprotease-1 mRNA (TIMP-1 mRNA) through real-time PCR analysis; and Azan staining and immunohistochemical staining of alfa-smooth muscle actin (alfa-SMA) to evaluate the degree of fibrosis.

RESULTS

The levels of serum AST, serum ALT, and TGF-bata1 in the T-Group were significantly lower than those in the NT-Group. In addition, staining of Azan and alfa-SMA in the T-Group was significantly lower than those in the NT-Group.

CONCLUSION

ICKT may help reduce hepatic fibrosis and injury by controlling stellate cell activation.

Sparse logistic regression for diagnosis of liver fibrosis in rat by using SCAD-penalized likelihood

The objective of the present study is to find out the quantitative relationship between progression of liver fibrosis and the levels of certain serum markers using mathematic model. We provide the sparse logistic regression by using smoothly clipped absolute deviation (SCAD) penalized function to diagnose the liver fibrosis in rats. Not only does it give a sparse solution with high accuracy, it also provides the users with the precise probabilities of classification with the class information. In the simulative case and the experiment case, the proposed method is comparable to the stepwise linear discriminant analysis (SLDA) and the sparse logistic regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) penalty, by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) with bayesian bootstrap estimating area under the curve (AUC) diagnostic sensitivity for selected variable. Results show that the new approach provides a good correlation between the serum marker levels and the liver fibrosis induced by thioacetamide (TAA) in rats. Meanwhile, this approach might also be used in predicting the development of liver cirrhosis.

Effect of genipin on cholestasis induced by estradiol-17beta-glucuronide and lithocholate-3-O-glucuornide in rats

AIM

Genipin is reported to stimulate the insertion of multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) in the bile canalicular membrane, thereby causing choleresis by the increased the biliary excretion of glutathione, which has been considered to be a substrate of Mrp2. In the present study, we examined the effect of genipin on cholestasis induced by estradiol-17beta-glucuronide and lithocholate-3-O-glucuronide, Mrp2 substrates, in rats. Further, the effect of genipin on the biliary excretion of substrates of P-glycoprotein (P-gp), vinblastine and erythromycin, was also studied.

METHODS

The effect of genipin infusion at the rate of 0.5 micromol/min/100 g on cholestasis induced by estradiol-17beta-glucuronide (0.075 micromol/min/100 g for 20 min) and lithocholate-3-O-glucuronide (0.15 micromol/min/100 g for 40 min) was studied. The effect of genipin infusion on the biliary excretion of a tracer dose of vinblastine and erythromycin infused at the rate of 0.1 micromol/min/100 g was also studied.

RESULTS

Genipin relieved estradiol-17beta-glucuronide-induced cholestasis, and cumulative biliary estradiol-17beta-glucuronide excretion for 120 min was increased from 50 +/- 20%-81 +/- 20% dose. In contrast, genipin had no effect on lithocholate-3-O-glucuronide-induced cholestasis. Biliary excretion of a tracer dose of vinblastine and the maximum biliary excretion of erythromycin were significantly decreased by genipin.

CONCLUSIONS

Genipin protected estradiol-17beta-glucuronide-induced cholestasis. The mechanism of the protection of cholestasis by genipin is unknown, but it is speculated to be due to a conformational change of P-gp by genipin, in addition to the stimulation of Mrp2 insertion into the bile canaliculi.

Targeting liver fibrosis: strategies for development and validation of antifibrotic therapies

We have made striking progress in our understanding of the biochemistry and cell biology that underlies liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, including the development of strategies and agents to prevent and reverse fibrosis. However, translation of this knowledge into clinical practice has been hampered by (1) the limitation of many in vitro and in vivo models to confirm mechanisms and to test antifibrotic agents, and (2) the lack of sensitive methodologies to quantify the degree of liver fibrosis and the dynamics of fibrosis progression or reversal in patients. Furthermore, whereas cirrhosis and subsequent decompensation are accepted hard clinical endpoints, fibrosis and fibrosis progression alone are merely plausible surrogates for future clinical deterioration. In this review we focus on an optimized strategy for preclinical antifibrotic drug development and highlight the current and future techniques that permit noninvasive assessment and quantification of liver fibrosis and fibrogenesis. The availability of such noninvasive methodologies will serve as the pacemaker for the clinical development and validation of potent antifibrotic agents.

Chinese medicines as a resource for liver fibrosis treatment

Liver fibrosis is a condition of abnormal proliferation of connective tissue due to various types of chronic liver injury often caused by viral infection and chemicals. Effective therapies against liver fibrosis are still limited. In this review, we focus on research on Chinese medicines against liver fibrosis in three categories, namely pure compounds, composite formulae and combination treatment using single compounds with composite formulae or conventional medicines. Action mechanisms of the anti-fibrosis Chinese medicines, clinical application, herbal adverse events and quality control are also reviewed. Evidence indicates that some Chinese medicines are clinically effective on liver fibrosis. Strict quality control such as research to identify and monitor the manufacturing of Chinese medicines enables reliable pharmacological, clinical and in-depth mechanism studies. Further experiments and clinical trials should be carried out on the platforms that conform to international standards.

Comparative study on the protective effects of Yinchenhao Decoction against liver injury induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate and carbon tetrachloride

OBJECTIVE

To optimize the animal model of liver injury that can properly represent the pathological characteristics of dampness-heat jaundice syndrome of traditional Chinese medicine.

METHODS

The liver injury in the model rat was induced by alpha-naphthylisothiocyanate (ANIT) and carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4) ) respectively, and the effects of Yinchenhao Decoction (, YCHD), a proved effective Chinese medical formula for treating the dampness-heat jaundice syndrome in clinic, on the two liver injury models were evaluated by analyzing the serum level of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), asparate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), malondialchehyche (MDA), total bilirubin (T-BIL), superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-PX) as well as the ratio of liver weight to body weight. The experimental data were analyzed by principal component analytical method of pattern recognition.

RESULTS

The ratio of liver weight to body weight was significantly elevated in the ANIT and CCl(4) groups when compared with that in the normal control (P<0.01). The contents of ALT and T-BIL were significantly higher in the ANIT group than in the normal control (P<0.05,P<0.01), and the levels of AST, ALT and ALP were significantly elevated in CCl(4) group relative to those in the normal control P<0.01). In the YCHD group, the increase in AST, ALT and ALP levels was significantly reduced (P<0.05, P<0.01), but with no significant increase in serum T-BIL. In the CCl(4) intoxicated group, the MDA content was significantly increased and SOD, GSH-PX activities decreased significantly compared with those in the normal control group, respectively (P<0.01). The increase in MDA induced by CCl(4) was significantly reduced by YCHD P<0.05).

CONCLUSION

YCHD showed significant effects on preventing liver injury progression induced by CCl(4), and the closest or most suitable animal model for damp-heat jaundice syndrome may be the one induced by CCl(4).

Stephania tetrandra prevents and regresses liver fibrosis induced by carbon tetrachloride in rats

BACKGROUND AND AIM

There is currently no safe and effective treatment for liver fibrosis. We have previously shown that Stephania tetrandra (ST) and Salvia miltiorrhiza (SM) suppress cell proliferation and enhance apoptosis of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) in vitro. In this study, we aimed to investigate the anti-fibrotic effect of these two herbs in vivo.

METHODS

Liver fibrosis was induced by carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) injection in rats for 5 weeks. SM, ST or SM + ST was gavaged on day 1 of CCl(4) administration to study the preventive effects of herbs on hepatic fibrosis. In a separate study designed to assess possible fibrosis regression, rats were randomly allocated to be treated with SM, ST or SM + ST when fibrosis was established. Liver injury and collagen content were assessed. HSC activation and apoptosis were determined.

RESULTS

As compared with the CCL(4)-only rats, serum ALT was significantly lower in CCl(4)-treated rats that received either SM (P < 0.01) or ST (P < 0.01). Administration of ST significantly prevented (P < 0.01) or reversed the hepatic fibrosis (P < 0.01) induced by CCL(4). Moreover, rats treated with ST had reduced protein expression of alpha-SMA both in prevention (P < 0.05) and in regression (P < 0.01) experiments. The double-color staining of alpha-SMA and TUNEL showed that ST increased HSC apoptosis. However, co-treatment of SM + ST did not increase the antifibrotic effect of ST.

CONCLUSIONS

Stephania tetrandra safely and effectively prevents and reverses hepatic fibrosis through activating HSC apoptosis in rats.

Effects of rhubarb on migration of rat hepatic stellate cells

BACKGROUND AND AIMS

In chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) acquire an activated phenotype, migrate to the injured region in response to chemotactic factors, and produce extracellular matrix proteins including collagen. In this study, we investigated the effects of rhubarb (Rheum palmatum L.) on transforming growth factor (TGF)-beta1-induced expressions of alpha-smooth-muscle actin (SMA) and collagen, and the migration of HSCs.

METHODS

HSC-T6, a cell line of rat HSCs, was used in the in vitro experiments. An enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and Sircol red assay were used to detect the expressions of alpha-SMA and collagen, respectively. HSC-T6 migration was assayed with a transwell apparatus. Phosphorylations of Smad2/3 and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), including extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, p38, and c-jun N-terminal kinase (JNK), were analyzed with Western blotting. Matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-2 activity was examined by gelatin zymography.

RESULTS

The results revealed that a rhubarb extract concentration-dependently attenuated TGF-beta1-induced alpha-SMA and collagen expressions and migration of HSCs. The inhibitory effect of rhubarb was associated with (i) down-regulation of the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and JNK, and (ii) attenuation of MMP-2 activity. Within the working concentrations used, the rhubarb extract did not affect cell viability of HSCs.

CONCLUSION

The results suggest that rhubarb attenuated TGF-beta1-mediated migration of HSCs possibly by interfering with Smad2/3 phosphorylation, the MAPK pathway, and MMP-2 activity.

Genipin Cross-Linked Polymeric Alginate-Chitosan Microcapsules for Oral Delivery: In-Vitro Analysis

We have previously reported the preparation of the genipin cross-linked alginate-chitosan (GCAC) microcapsules composed of an alginate core with a genipin cross-linked chitosan membrane. This paper is the further investigation on their structural and physical characteristics. Results showed that the GCAC microcapsules had a smooth and dense surface and a networked interior. Cross-linking by genipin substantially reduced swelling and physical disintegration of microcapsules induced by nongelling ions and calcium sequestrants. Strong resistance to mechanical shear forces and enzymatic degradation was observed. Furthermore, the GCAC membranes were permeable to bovine serum albumin and maintained a molecular weight cutoff at 70 KD, analogous to the widely studied alginate-chitosan, and alginate-poly-L-lysine-alginate microcapsules. The release features and the tolerance of the GCAC microcapsules in the stimulated gastrointestinal environment were also investigated. This GCAC microcapsule formulation offers significant potential as a delivery vehicle for many biomedical applications.

Pharmacokinetic studies of a Chinese triple herbal drug formula

Yin Chen Hao Tang preparation (YCHTP) is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula, which is commonly used for clinical treatment of hepatological diseases. In this study, a rapid and validated high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) method was developed to simultaneously identify 6,7-dimethylesculetin and geniposide in rat plasma. This assay was performed on a Dikma Diamonsil RP(18) column (200 mm×4.6 mm, 5 μm) with acetonitrile-methanol-water (0.1% formic acid) as the mobile phase, showing acceptable linearity, intra- and inter-day precision and accuracy (R.S.D.=5%), and absolute recovery for two analytes (74%); the limits of quantitation were 0.4 and 1.12 μg/ml, and the limits of detection were 0.06 and 0.09 μg/ml for two analytes. The developed method was successfully applied to study the effect of formula compatibility on the pharmacokinetics of 6,7-dimethylesculetin and geniposide in YCHTP when orally administrating an effective human daily dose of YCHTP to rats. We surmise that formula compatibility can significantly influence the pharmacokinetics of YCHTP, and we have elucidated and validated the compatible administration of YCHTP.

Relationship Between San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang and its herbal components on the gene expression profiles in HepG2 cells

Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been used for thousands of years. Most Chinese herbal formulae consist of several herbal components and have been used to treat various diseases. However, the mechanisms of most formulae and the relationship between formulae and their components remain to be elucidated. Here we analyzed the putative mechanism of San-Huang-Xie-Xin-Tang (SHXXT) and defined the relationship between SHXXT and its herbal components by microarray technique. HepG2 cells were treated with SHXXT or its components and the gene expression profiles were analyzed by DNA microarray. Gene set enrichment analysis indicated that SHXXT and its components displayed a unique anti-proliferation pattern via p53 signaling, p53 activated, and DNA damage signaling pathways in HepG2 cells. Network analysis showed that most genes were regulated by one molecule, p53. In addition, hierarchical clustering analysis showed that Rhizoma Coptis shared a similar gene expression profile with SHXXT. These findings may explain why Rhizoma Coptis is the principle herb that exerts the major effect in the herbal formula, SHXXT. Moreover, this is the first report to reveal the relationship between formulae and their herbal components in TCM by microarray and bioinformatics tools.

Inhibitory effect of emodin on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice

1. Currently, there is no satisfactory treatment for pulmonary fibrosis. Emodin, a component in Chinese herbs, has been shown to have an antifibrotic effect on pancreatic fibrosis and liver fibrosis. In the present study, we tested the hypothesis that emodin may attenuate the development of pulmonary fibrosis. 2. Mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 16 in each). One group was a control group; the remaining four groups were treated with intratracheal instillation of 3 mg/kg bleomycin (BLM). The following day, emodin (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg per day, p.o.) treatment was started for three of the BLM-treated groups and was continued for 21 days. The fourth BLM-treated group (and the control group) received daily 0.5% sodium carboxymethyl cellulose (placebo) by gavage over the same period. 3. Bleomycin challenge provoked severe pulmonary fibrosis, with marked increases in fibrosis fraction, hydroxyproline content and myeloperoxidase activity in lung tissue. Emodin treatment (10 and 20 mg/kg per day, p.o.) attenuated all these biochemical indices, as well as histopathological alterations induced by BLM. Furthermore, in mice injected with BLM, elevated levels of transforming growth factor-beta1, interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13 were found in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. These increases were significantly inhibited by 10 and 20 mg/kg per day emodin. 4. In cell culture, exposure of cells to 6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 micromol/L emodin for 24 h decreased fibroblast proliferation. Treatment of cells with the same concentrations of emodin for 72 h decreased collagen production by fibroblasts. In addition, emodin (6.25, 12.5, 25 or 50 micromol/L) inhibited the steady state expression of alpha1 (I) procollagen and alpha2 (I) procollagen mRNA in a dose-dependent manner. 5. The results of the present study suggest that emodin may be effective in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.

Inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation following Yinchenhao decoction administration to dimethylnitrosamine-treated rats

AIM

In an effort to investigate the mechanism by which Yinchenhao decoction (YCHD) acts on liver injury, we investigated the potential antifibrogenic effects of YCHD in an experimental liver fibrosis rat model, with special focus on the mechanisms inhibiting the activation and promoting apoptosis of hepatic stellate cells (HSC).

METHODS

The rats were initially randomized into two groups: the control (n = 10) and dimethylnitrosamine-treated (DMN; n = 30) groups. DMN (10 mg/kg body weight) was administered intraperitoneally to the DMN-treated rats for three consecutive days each week. At the end of the second week, three rats from the control and six rats from the DMN-treated groups were killed for the fibrosis development assessment. The remaining DMN rats were further randomized into two groups: the DMN-water group (n = 12) and the DMN-YCHD group (n = 12). Both groups continued to receive weekly DMN treatment for another 2 weeks in addition to daily administration of either water or YCHD, which were given intragastrically at a dose of 0.418 g/100 g body weight.

RESULTS

Hepatic hydroxyproline content decreased and had improved histopathology in the DMN-YCHD rats. Compared to the DMN group, alpha-smooth muscle actin (SMA) and CD68 expression in the DMN-YCHD group was reduced significantly; however, alpha-SMA-positive HSC apoptosis was not observed by confocal microscopy; Fibrogenic proteins (tissue inhibitor matrix proteinases-1 and 2 and matrix metalloproteinase [MMP]-2/14) and cytokines (tumor necrosis factor-alpha and transforming growth factor-beta(1)) were decreased; MMP-9 was significantly upregulated.

CONCLUSION

Yinchenhao administration attenuates liver fibrosis at least in part by inhibiting HSC activation directly, rather than promoting cell apoptosis of activated HSC, and the suppressive activation of Kupffer cells.

Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract exerts anti-fibrosis by mediating TGF-beta/Smad signaling in myofibroblasts

Previous studies showed that Compound Astragalus and Salvia miltiorrhiza Extract (CASE) has a protective effect against liver fibrosis. We hypothesized that CASE exerts the anti-fibrosis effect by mediating transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-beta)/Smad signaling pathway. To test this hypothesis, we induced fibrosis in rats by twice weekly injections of carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4)) and Smad2 phosphorylation was measured by immunohistochemical method; protein expression in myofibroblasts (MFBs) induced by TGF-beta1 was analyzed by western blotting and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) transcriptional activity in MFBs was evaluated. The present study showed that, in vivo, CASE has protective effects against liver fibrosis in rats generated by CCl(4), and that CASE inhibits Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and expression of alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-SMA). Our experiment further demonstrated that, in vitro, (1) CASE inhibits TGF-beta(1)-dependent Smad2 phosphorylation at C-terminal region and Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation at linker region in MFBs in a dose-dependent manner; (2) CASE decreases the level of Smad 2/3/4 complex in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; (3) CASE inhibits PAI-1 transcriptional activity in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1) in a dose-dependent manner; and (4) CASE markedly decreases c-Jun N-terminal kinase (JNK) phosphorylation in MFBs induced by TGF-beta(1). Our results suggest that CASE's anti-fibrosis effect in chronically injured liver was exerted by inhibiting TGF-beta/Smads signal transduction.

Simultaneous determination by UPLC-ESI-MS of scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin in rat urine after oral administration of Yin Chen Hao Tang preparation

A simple, sensitive, and validated method was developed for simultaneous determination of scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin in rat urine by ultra-performance liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization quadruple time-of-flight mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS). The urinary samples were analyzed on an Acquity UPLC BEH C18 1.7 microm 2.1x50 mm column. Scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin in rat urine were simultaneously analyzed with good separation. The lower limits of detection were 6.0, 9.0, 7.0, and 3.0 ng/mL, and the lower limits of quantification were 20.0, 33.0, 24.0, and 12.0 ng/mL for scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin, respectively. The intra- and inter-day precisions (RSD) were less than 9%. The intra- and inter-accuracies were found to be in the range of 94.14-104.54% for scoparone, 101.72-107.34% for capillarisin, 95.24-103.59% for rhein, and 101.32-107.82% for emodin at three concentration levels. The absolute recoveries for scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin were not less than 77.0%. The developed method has been applied to determine scoparone, capillarisin, rhein, and emodin in rat urine after oral administration of Yin Chen Hao Tang preparation, a traditional Chinese medicine formulation widely used in China for treatment of jaundice and liver disorders.

Effect of genipin on the biliary excretion of cholephilic compounds in rats

AIM

Genipin, a metabolite of geniposide, is reported to stimulate the insertion of multidrug resistance protein 2 (Mrp2) in the bile canalicular membrane, and to cause choleresis by increasing the biliary excretion of glutathione, which has been considered to be a substrate of Mrp2. In the present study, the effect of colchicine on the choleretic effect of genipin was investigated. The effect of genipin on the biliary excretion of the substrates of bile salt export pump and Mrp2 was also studied.

METHODS

After bile duct cannulation into rats, genipin was administered at the rate of 0.2 mumol/min/100 g, and the effect of colchicine pretreatment (0.2 mg/100 g) was examined. Metabolites of genipin in the bile were examined by a thin layer chromatography. Taurocholate (TC), sulfobromophthalein (BSP), and pravastatin were infused at the rate of 1.0, 0.2 and 0.3 mumol/min/100 g, respectively, and the effect of genipin co-administration was examined.

RESULTS

Genipin increased bile flow and the biliary glutathione excretion, and those increases were not inhibited by colchicine. The biliary excretion of genipin glucuronide was less than 10% of the genipin excreted into bile. The biliary excretion of TC, BSP, and pravastatin was unchanged by genipin co-administration.

CONCLUSION

It was indicated that colchicine-sensitive vesicular transport has no role on the genipin-induced insertion of Mrp2 to the canalicular membrane. Choleresis of genipin is considered to be mainly due to the increased biliary glutathione excretion by genipin, not by the biliary excretion of glucuronide. TC had no effect on the biliary glutathione excretion.

Quality evaluation of Yin Chen Hao Tang extract based on fingerprint chromatogram and simultaneous determination of five bioactive constituents

A completely validated method based on HPLC coupled with photodiode array detector (HPLC-UV) was described for evaluating and controlling quality of Yin Chen Hao Tang extract (YCHTE). First, HPLC-UV fingerprint chromatogram of YCHTE was established for preliminarily elucidating amount and chromatographic trajectory of chemical constituents in YCHTE. Second, for the first time, five mainly bioactive constituents in YCHTE were simultaneously determined based on fingerprint chromatogram for furthermore controlling the quality of YCHTE quantitatively. The developed method was applied to analyze 12 batches of YCHTE samples which consisted of herbal drugs from different places of production, showed acceptable linearity, intraday (RSD <5%), interday precision (RSD <4.80%), and accuracy (RSD <2.80%). As a result, fingerprint chromatogram determined 15 representative general fingerprint peaks, and the fingerprint chromatogram resemblances are all better than 0.9996. The contents of five analytes in different batches of YCHTE samples do not indicate significant difference. So, it is concluded that the developed HPLC-UV method is a more fully validated and complete method for evaluating and controlling the quality of YCHTE.

Effects of Yinchenhao Tang and related decoctions on DMN-induced cirrhosis/fibrosis in rats

BACKGROUND

Chinese medicine decoctions such as Yinchenhao Tang (YCHT), Xiayuxue Tang (XYXT), Huangqi Tang (HQT), Yiguan Jian (YGJ) and Xiaochaihu Tang (XCHT)) were used to treat liver cirrhosis. The present study evaluates the effects of these decoctions on fibrosis in rats induced by dimethylnitrosamine (DMN).

METHODS

DMN solution (0.5%) was injected to rats for three consecutive days per week for four weeks. At the beginning of week 3, rats were randomly divided into 4-week DMN control group, YCHT, XYXT, HQT, YGJ, XCHT and vehicle groups. Each group was orally administered with specific decoctions daily for two weeks. Rats in the vehicle group were orally administered with only water.

RESULTS

Liver fibrosis and cirrhosis were observed in weeks 2 and 4 in DMN-intoxicated rats. Compared with normal rats, alanine transaminase (ALT), aspartate transaminase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activities and level of total bilirubin acid (TBA) in serum and content of Hydroxyproline (Hyp) in liver tissue of model group rats rose significantly. However, the albumin (Alb) level in serum decreased significantly. Compared with the 4-week DMN group, the pathological conditions and functions of the liver in the YCHT group improved significantly, and the content of Hyp decreased remarkably: only one rat in this group developed liver cirrhosis and the ratio of cirrhosis was only 8.3%. On the other hand, the other decoctions did not show remarkable effects. YCHT inhibited alpha-SMA activation, including its gene expression into mRNA and protein.

CONCLUSION

Among the five Chinese medicine decoctions, YCHT exerted the most significant therapeutic effects on DMN-induced cirrhosis/fibrosis in rats.

Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang ameliorates obstruction-induced hepatic apoptosis in rats

The accumulation of hydrophobic bile acids in the liver is considered to play a pivotal role in the induction of apoptosis of hepatocytes during cholestasis. Thus, factors that affect apoptosis may be used to modulate liver fibrosis. Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) decoctions have been recognised as a hepatoprotective agent for jaundice and various types of liver diseases. We used an experimental rat model of bile-duct ligation (BDL) to test whether YCHT plays a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of hepatic apoptosis. BDL-plus-YCHT groups received 250 or 500 mg kg (-1) YCHT by gavage once daily for 27 days. YCHT significantly ameliorated the portal hypertensive state and serum TNF-alpha compared with the vehicle-treated control group. In BDL-plus-YCHT-treated rats, hepatic glutathione contents were significantly higher than than in BDL-only rats. BDL caused a prominent liver apoptosis that was supported by an increase in Bax and cytochrome c protein and increased expression of Bax and Bcl-2 messenger RNA. The normalising effect of YCHT on expression of Bax and Bcl-2 mRNA was dependent on the dose of YCHT, 500 mg kg (-1) having the greater effect on both Bax and Bcl-2 of mRNA levels. Additionally, YCHT treatment down-regulated both hepatic caspase-3 and -8 activities of BDL rats. This study demonstrates the anti-apoptotic properties of YCHT and suggests a potential application of YCHT in the clinical management of hepatic disease resulting from biliary obstruction.

Prevention of hepatic oxidative injury by Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang in mice

The three purgative Cheng-Chi-Tang decoctions (CCTDs) including Ta-Cheng-Chi-Tang (TCCT), Xiao-Chen-Chi-Tang (XCCT), and Tiao-Wei-Chen-Chi-Tang (TWCCT) are used for treating gastrointestinal disorders, including liver diseases in traditional Chinese medicine. However, the underlying mechanisms as liver disease remedies are far from fully clarified. The objective of the study is to investigate and compare the antioxidant activity of the three purgative CCTDs in order to delineate their hepatic protective potential and mechanism. Antioxidant activity measured with the 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging test indicated XCCT as the most potent preparation (IC(50) 8.94 microg/ml). In tert-butylhydroperoxide (TBH, 50mM)-induced lipid peroxidation in ICR mice liver homogenates, XCCT also showed stronger and dose-dependent inhibitory activity against TBH-induced malondialdehyde (MDA, a marker of lipid peroxidation) production (IC(50) 53.66 microg/ml). In addition, XCCT showed dose-dependent protective effect against TBH-induced cytotoxicity in normal human Chung liver cells Furthermore, in carbon tetrachloride (CCl(4))-induced acute liver injury model, mice pretreated with 0.2g/kg and 0.4 g/kg of XCCT extracts showed a decrease of 59.8 and 43.1% in serum glutamic oxaloactetic transaminase (GOT) level, 51.4 and 52% in glutamic pyruvate transaminase (GPT) level, along with a reduction of 31 and 15% in MDA level, respectively, similar to the effects exerted by silymarin. XCCT pretreated mice also showed milder necrotic changes in the microscopic picture of the liver. The results suggest that XCCT has significant antioxidant activity and hepatic protection potential.

Effect of emodin on pancreatic fibrosis in rats

AIM: To establish the rats model of chronic fibrosing pancreatitis and to prove the anti-fibrotic effect of emodin in chronic pancreatitis with fibrosis.

METHODS: Fifty rats were randomly divided into five groups, 10 rats in each group. Trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) was infused into the pancreatic duct to induce chronic pancreatitis in rats (except for normal group). Emodin-treated rats were fed with different doses of emodin (20, 40 and 80 mg/kg body weight) for 28 d, while normal group and control group received 0.9% sodium chloride solution. Serum levels of hyaluronic acid (HA) and laminin (LN) were determined by radioimmunoassay. Histopathological alterations were studied by optical microscopy. Expression of collagen was also examined while transforming growth factor-beta-1 (TGF-β₁) was localized by immunochemistry.

RESULTS: In emodin-treated rats, the serum levels of HA and LN were decreased significantly (HA, 62.2 ± 19.3 μg/L vs 112.7 ± 26.5 µg/L, P < 0.05; LN 44.3 ± 10.4 μg/L vs 86.2 ± 16.5 µg/L, P < 0.05); the degree of fibrosis was ameliorated observably; the expression of collagen in pancreatic tissue was reduced especially in high-dose emodin-treated group (36% ± 5% vs 42% ± 6%, P < 0.05); with the increased doses of emodin, the expression of TGF-β₁ was declined, compared with those in control group.

CONCLUSION: Emodin has an anti-fibrotic effect on pancreatic fibrosis in rats. Because of its anti-fibrotic effect, it could be a potential herb for the treatment of chronic pancreatitis.

Herb medicine Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang ameliorates hepatic fibrosis in bile duct ligation rats

The accumulation of hydrophilic bile acids in the liver is considered to play a pivotal role in the induction of hepatic injury. Yin-Chen-Hao-Tang (YCHT) decoction is an aqueous extract from three different herbs: Artemisia capillaries Thunb (Compositae), Gardenia jasminoides Ellis (Rubiaceae), Rheum officinale Baill (Polygonaceae), which has been recognized as a hepatoprotective agent for various types of liver diseases. Therefore, we used an experimental of biliary atresia model to test that YCHT plays a regulatory role in the pathogenesis of hepatic fibrosis. Hepatic damage with fibrosis was produced by common bile duct ligation (BDL) for 27 days in experimental cholestasis animal model. After surgery, YCHT (250 and 500mg/kg BW) oral administration once a day continued for 27 days. BDL caused a prominent liver collagen deposition that was supported by the increased alpha-SMA protein and mRNA expression of procollagen I. YCHT significantly decreased hepatic alpha-SMA protein levels and decreased in hydroxyproline and thiobarbituric acid reactive substances (TBARS) levels of BDL rats. On the other hand, the normalizing effect of YCHT (250mg/kg) on the TGF-beta1mRNA expression was independent on the dose of YCHT, 500mg/kg was not effectively changed the quantitative composition of mRNA levels. The study shows that hepatic hydroxyproline accumulation caused by hydrophilic bile acids accompanied by elevated hepatic lipid peroxidation, and hepatic collagen levels can be decreased in the presence of YCHT. In conclusion, long-term administration of YCHT in rats ameliorated the hydropholic bile acids induced hepatic injury that probably related to a reduced oxidant stress and degree of hepatic fibrosis.

Inhibitory effect of emodin on tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) expression in rat hepatic stellate cells

Emodin inhibited expression of both transforming growth factor beta1 (TGFbeta1)- and phorbol ester (PMA)-induced tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) in an immortalized rat hepatic stellate cell line, HSC-T6, by Western blot and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction. Reporter gene assays showed that emodin reduced both basal and PMA-induced activated protein-1 (AP-1) promoter activities. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay revealed that emodin reduced AP-1 DNA binding activities in HSC-T6 cells. AP-1 components analysis showed that emodin also attenuated JunD mRNA expression. Furthermore, emodin markedly inhibited TGFbeta1-induced p42/p44 mitogen-activated protein kinase phosphorylation but did not alter PMA induction. We conclude that emodin effectively inhibits PMA- and TGFbeta1-stimulated TIMP-1 expression in hepatic stellate cells by suppressing the AP-1 signaling pathway and extracellular signal-regulated kinase activation, respectively. These data provide new insight into the cellular and molecular mechanisms of emodin against liver fibrosis.