1
|
Chen L, Gong J, Yong X, Li Y, Wang S. A review of typical biological activities of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. RSC Adv 2024; 14:6557-6597. [PMID: 38390501 PMCID: PMC10882267 DOI: 10.1039/d3ra08025k] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/27/2023] [Accepted: 02/01/2024] [Indexed: 02/24/2024] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhetinic acid, a triterpenoid compound primarily sourced from licorice root, exhibits noteworthy biological attributes, including anti-inflammatory, anti-tumor, antibacterial, antiviral, and antioxidant effects. Despite these commendable effects, its further advancement and application, especially in clinical use, have been hindered by its limited druggability, including challenges such as low solubility and bioavailability. To enhance its biological activity and pharmaceutical efficacy, numerous research studies focus on the structural modification, associated biological activity data, and underlying mechanisms of glycyrrhetinic acid and its derivatives. This review endeavors to systematically compile and organize glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives that have demonstrated outstanding biological activities over the preceding decade, delineating their molecular structures, biological effects, underlying mechanisms, and future prospects for assisting researchers in finding and designing novel glycyrrhetinic acid derivatives, foster the exploration of structure-activity relationships, and aid in the screening of potential candidate compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liang Chen
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Jingwen Gong
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Xu Yong
- Department of Thoracic Surgery, Shanghai Pulmonary Hospital, School of Medicine, Tongji University Shanghai 200433 China
| | - Youbin Li
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| | - Shuojin Wang
- Hainan Provincial Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Tropical Herbs, Key Laboratory of Tropical Translational Medicine of Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy Hainan Medical University No. 3, XueYuan Road, LongHua District Haikou City Hainan Province 571199 China
| |
Collapse
|
2
|
Li JZ, Chen N, Ma N, Li MR. Mechanism and Progress of Natural Products in the Treatment of NAFLD-Related Fibrosis. Molecules 2023; 28:7936. [PMID: 38067665 PMCID: PMC10707854 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28237936] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2023] [Revised: 11/22/2023] [Accepted: 11/29/2023] [Indexed: 12/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has emerged as the most prevalent chronic liver disorder worldwide, with liver fibrosis (LF) serving as a pivotal juncture in NAFLD progression. Natural products have demonstrated substantial antifibrotic properties, ushering in novel avenues for NAFLD treatment. This study provides a comprehensive review of the potential of natural products as antifibrotic agents, including flavonoids, polyphenol compounds, and terpenoids, with specific emphasis on the role of Baicalin in NAFLD-associated fibrosis. Mechanistically, these natural products have exhibited the capacity to target a multitude of signaling pathways, including Hedgehog, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β1, and NF-κB. Moreover, they can augment the activities of antioxidant enzymes, inhibit pro-fibrotic factors, and diminish fibrosis markers. In conclusion, this review underscores the considerable potential of natural products in addressing NAFLD-related liver fibrosis through multifaceted mechanisms. Nonetheless, it underscores the imperative need for further clinical investigation to authenticate their effectiveness, offering invaluable insights for future therapeutic advancements in this domain.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jin-Zhong Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Ning Chen
- General Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Nan Ma
- Center for Bioactive Natural Molecules and Innovative Drugs Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
- JNU-HKUST Joint Laboratory for Neuroscience and Innovative Drug Research, College of Pharmacy, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| | - Min-Ran Li
- Division of Infectious Disease, The First Affiliated Hospital, Jinan University, Guangzhou 510632, China
| |
Collapse
|
3
|
Ruiz de Galarreta M, Arriazu E, Pérez de Obanos MP, Ansorena E, Iraburu MJ. Antifibrogenic and apoptotic effects of Ocoxin in cultured rat hepatic stellate cells. J Physiol Biochem 2023; 79:881-890. [PMID: 35239161 PMCID: PMC10635942 DOI: 10.1007/s13105-022-00878-5] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/02/2021] [Accepted: 01/25/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Ocoxin is a nutritional supplement that has been shown to exert antioxidant and immunomodulatory responses in patients with chronic hepatitis C. The present work aimed to determine the effects of Ocoxin on activated hepatic stellate cells (HSC), the cell type mainly responsible for collagen deposition in the fibrotic liver. Ocoxin was found to reduce the survival of a cell line of immortalized non-tumoral rat HSC in a dose-response fashion and to diminish collagen type I levels. This latter effect was observed even at doses not affecting cell survival, pointing to an antifibrogenic action for the supplement. The decrease in viability exerted by Ocoxin on HSC correlated with an increase in histone-associated fragments in the cytoplasm and with increased activity of caspase-3, indicating the induction of apoptosis. To determine the molecular mechanisms mediating Ocoxin-induced apoptosis, the activation of members of the MAPK family was analyzed. Incubation of HSC with Ocoxin caused a transient and dramatic enhancement on ERK, JNK, and p38 MAPK phosphorylation levels. Using specific inhibitors for these enzymes, p38 MAPK was identified as a key mediator of the apoptotic effect of Ocoxin on HSC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
| | - Elena Arriazu
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | | | - Eduardo Ansorena
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain
| | - María J Iraburu
- Department of Biochemistry and Genetics, University of Navarra, 31008, Pamplona, Spain.
| |
Collapse
|
4
|
Wang K, Chen H, Qin S, Chen S, Zhang Q, Chen J, Di D, Su G, Yuan Y. Co-delivery of pirfenidone and siRNA in ZIF-based nanoparticles for dual inhibition of hepatic stellate cell activation in liver fibrotic therapy. Colloids Surf B Biointerfaces 2023; 231:113567. [PMID: 37797465 DOI: 10.1016/j.colsurfb.2023.113567] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/20/2023] [Revised: 09/07/2023] [Accepted: 09/26/2023] [Indexed: 10/07/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic fibrosis, as a destructive liver disease, occurs due to activated hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) producing excessive extracellular matrix deposition. If left untreated, it could further deteriorate into cirrhosis and hepatoma with high morbidity and mortality. Currently, to break the dilemma of poor targeting efficiency on HSCs and limited effect of monotherapy, it is urgent to explore a precise and efficient treatment against liver fibrosis. In the present work, a novel multifunctional nanoplatform based on vitamin A (VA) modified zeolitic imidazolate framework-8 (ZIF-8) nanoparticles was designed for co-delivery of chemical drug (Pirfenidone) and genetic drug (TGF-β1 siRNA) to achieve HSCs targeting mediated synergistic chemo-gene therapy against liver fibrosis. With the large specific surface area and acid-responsive degradation characteristics, ZIF-8 nanoparticles have great advantages to achieve high loading efficiency of Pirfenidone and enable acid-reactive drug release. After complexing siRNA, the prepared chemo-gene drug co-delivered nanocomplex (GP@ZIF-VL) proved excellent serum stability and effectively protected siRNA from degradation. Importantly, in vitro cell uptake and in vivo biodistribution demonstrated that VA functionalization markedly enhanced the delivery efficiency of GP@ZIF-VL nanocomplex into HSCs. As expected, GP@ZIF-VL significantly reduced extracellular matrix deposition and ameliorated hepatic fibrosis, as evidenced by decreased levels of liver enzymes in serum and a reduction in the hydroxyproline content in liver tissue. Therefore, GP@ZIF-VL nanocomplex displayed a bright future on the treatment of liver fibrosis with HSCs-targeting mediated chemo-gene synergetic therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kaili Wang
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Hao Chen
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Si Qin
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Shuhui Chen
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Qian Zhang
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Jiali Chen
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Donghua Di
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China
| | - Guangyue Su
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| | - Yue Yuan
- Shenyang Key Laboratory of Functional Drug Carrier Materials, Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, 103 Wenhua Road, Shenyang 110016, PR China.
| |
Collapse
|
5
|
Gao W, Zhao Y, Guo L, Wang Y, Gong H, Zhang B, Yan M. Comparative effectiveness of glycyrrhizic acid preparations aimed at improving liver function of patients with chronic hepatitis B: A network meta-analysis of 53 randomized controlled trials. PHYTOMEDICINE : INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF PHYTOTHERAPY AND PHYTOPHARMACOLOGY 2023; 116:154883. [PMID: 37224775 DOI: 10.1016/j.phymed.2023.154883] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2023] [Revised: 04/27/2023] [Accepted: 05/15/2023] [Indexed: 05/26/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Entecavir (ETV) has disadvantages, such as poor improvement in liver function, during the treatment of Chronic hepatitis B (CHB). Thus ETV is often used in clinical therapy with glycyrrhizic acid (GA) preparations. However, due to the lack of reliable and direct clinical studies, it remains controversial whether glycyrrhizic acid preparations have the best efficacy in CHB. Therefore, we aimed to compare and rank the different GA preparations in the treatment of CHB using network meta-analysis (NMA). METHODS We systematically searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, China national knowledge internet (CNKI), Wanfang, VIP, and SinoMed databases as of August 4, 2022. Literature was screened according to predefined inclusion and exclusion criteria to extract meaningful information. A Bayesian approach was used for random effects model network meta-analysis, and Stata 17 software was used for data analysis. RESULTS From 1074 papers, we included 53 relevant randomized clinical trials (RCTs). For the primary outcome, we used the overall effective rate in assessing the effectiveness of treatment for CHB (31 RCTs including 3007 patients): CGI, CGT, DGC and MgIGI significantly reduced the incidence of overall response compared to controls (RRs range from 1.16 to 1.24); SUCRA results showed that MgIGI was the best (SUCRA 0.923). In terms of secondary outcomes, we assessed the effect of treatment for CHB according to the level of reduction in ALT and AST: for ALT (37 RCTs including 3752 patients), CGI, CGT, DGC, DGI and MgIGI significantly improved liver function index compared to controls (MD range from 14.65 to 20.41); SUCRA results showed that CGI was the best (SUCRA 0.87); for AST, GI, CGT, DGC, DGI and MgIGI significantly improved liver function index compared to the control group (MD range from 17.46 to 24.42); SUCRA results showed that MgIGI was the best (SUCRA 0.871). CONCLUSION In this study, we verified that the combination of GA and Entecavir is more effective than entecavir monotherapy in the treatment of hepatitis B. MgIGI and CGI showed clinically significant effects on liver function recovery compared with other GA preparations. MgIGI appeared to be the best choice among all GA preparations for the treatment of CHB. Our study provides some references for the treatment of CHB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Wen Gao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China; Xiangya School of Medicine, Central South University, Changsha, Hunan 410013, China
| | - Yichang Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Lin Guo
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Yikun Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Hui Gong
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Bikui Zhang
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China
| | - Miao Yan
- Department of Pharmacy, The Second Xiangya Hospital, Central South University, Changsha 410011, China.
| |
Collapse
|
6
|
Pandey B, Baral R, Kaundinnyayana A, Panta S. Promising hepatoprotective agents from the natural sources: a study of scientific evidence. EGYPTIAN LIVER JOURNAL 2023. [DOI: 10.1186/s43066-023-00248-w] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 03/31/2023] Open
Abstract
Abstract
Background
Natural bioactive components derived from plant secondary metabolites have been pronounced as valuable alternatives for anticipating and subsiding hepatotoxic effects and its chronic complications based on experimental verification. The focus of this review is to elucidate the commonly used modern medicine for the treatment of liver disease and how major phytoconstituents have been tested for hepatoprotective activity, mechanism of action of some promising agents from natural sources, and clinical trial data for treating in patients with different liver diseases by the aid of natural phytoconstituents.
Main text
The review shows fifteen major isolated phytoconstituents, their biological sources, chemical structures, utilized plant parts, type of extracts used, hepatoprotective assay method, and their possible mechanism of action on the hepatoprotection. Nine promising hepatoprotective leads from natural sources with their chemistry and hepatoprotective mechanism are mentioned briefly. The review further includes the recent clinical trial studies of some hepatoprotective leads and their clinical outcome with different liver disease patients. Scientific studies revealed that antioxidant properties are the central mechanism for the phytoconstituents to subside different disease pathways by upsurging antioxidant defense system of cells, scavenging free radicals, down surging lipid peroxidation, improving anti-inflammatory potential, and further protecting the hepatic cell injury. In this review, we summarize recent development of natural product-based hepatoprotective leads and their curative potential for various sort of liver diseases. Furthermore, the usefulness of hit and lead molecules from natural sources for significant clinical benefit to discover new drug molecule and downsizing the problems of medication and chemical-induced hepatotoxic effects is extrapolated.
Conclusion
Further research are encouraged to elucidate the pharmacological principle of these natural-based chemical agents which will stimulate future pharmaceutical development of therapeutically beneficial hepatoprotective regimens.
Collapse
|
7
|
Singh S, Sharma N, Shukla S, Behl T, Gupta S, Anwer MK, Vargas-De-La-Cruz C, Bungau SG, Brisc C. Understanding the Potential Role of Nanotechnology in Liver Fibrosis: A Paradigm in Therapeutics. Molecules 2023; 28:molecules28062811. [PMID: 36985782 PMCID: PMC10057127 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28062811] [Citation(s) in RCA: 6] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/25/2023] [Revised: 03/15/2023] [Accepted: 03/17/2023] [Indexed: 03/30/2023] Open
Abstract
The liver is a vital organ that plays a crucial role in the physiological operation of the human body. The liver controls the body's detoxification processes as well as the storage and breakdown of red blood cells, plasma protein and hormone production, and red blood cell destruction; therefore, it is vulnerable to their harmful effects, making it more prone to illness. The most frequent complications of chronic liver conditions include cirrhosis, fatty liver, liver fibrosis, hepatitis, and illnesses brought on by alcohol and drugs. Hepatic fibrosis involves the activation of hepatic stellate cells to cause persistent liver damage through the accumulation of cytosolic matrix proteins. The purpose of this review is to educate a concise discussion of the epidemiology of chronic liver disease, the pathogenesis and pathophysiology of liver fibrosis, the symptoms of liver fibrosis progression and regression, the clinical evaluation of liver fibrosis and the research into nanotechnology-based synthetic and herbal treatments for the liver fibrosis is summarized in this article. The herbal remedies summarized in this review article include epigallocathechin-3-gallate, silymarin, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, glycyrrhetinic acid, salvianolic acid, plumbagin, Scutellaria baicalnsis Georgi, astragalosides, hawthorn extract, and andrographolides.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Sukhbir Singh
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Neelam Sharma
- Department of Pharmaceutics, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Saurabh Shukla
- Chitkara College of Pharmacy, Chitkara University, Punjab 140401, India
| | - Tapan Behl
- School of Health Sciences &Technology, University of Petroleum and Energy Studies, Dehradun 248007, Uttarakhand, India
| | - Sumeet Gupta
- Department of Pharmacology, MM College of Pharmacy, Maharishi Markandeshwar (Deemed to be University), Mullana-Ambala 133207, Haryana, India
| | - Md Khalid Anwer
- Department of Pharmaceutics, College of Pharmacy, Prince Sattam Bin Abdulaziz University, Alkharj 11942, Saudi Arabia
| | - Celia Vargas-De-La-Cruz
- Department of Pharmacology, Bromatology and Toxicology, Faculty of Pharmacy and Biochemistry, Universidad Nacional Mayor de San Marcos, Lima 150001, Peru
- E-Health Research Center, Universidad de Ciencias y Humanidades, Lima 15001, Peru
| | - Simona Gabriela Bungau
- Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410028 Oradea, Romania
- Doctoral School of Biomedical Sciences, University of Oradea, 410087 Oradea, Romania
| | - Cristina Brisc
- Department of Medical Disciplines, Faculty of Medicine and Pharmacy, University of Oradea, 410073 Oradea, Romania
| |
Collapse
|
8
|
Zhou L, Liang Q, Li Y, Cao Y, Li J, Yang J, Liu J, Bi J, Liu Y. Collagenase-I decorated co-delivery micelles potentiate extracellular matrix degradation and hepatic stellate cell targeting for liver fibrosis therapy. Acta Biomater 2022; 152:235-254. [PMID: 36087869 DOI: 10.1016/j.actbio.2022.08.065] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/03/2022] [Revised: 08/25/2022] [Accepted: 08/29/2022] [Indexed: 11/01/2022]
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a pathological process of multiple chronic liver diseases progressing to cirrhosis for which there are currently no effective treatment options. During fibrosis progression, the overproduction of extracellular matrix (ECM) collagen secreted by hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) greatly impedes drug delivery and reduces drug therapeutic effects. In this study, a glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug micellar system with collagenase I (COL) decoration (COL-HA-GA, abbreviated as CHG) was designed to codelivery sorafenib (Sora/CHG, abbreviated as S/CHG) for potentiating ECM degradation and HSCs targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models established in vitro or in vivo, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated enormous ECM penetration abilities as well as superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, CHG micelles exhibited more Sora & GA accumulations and activated HSCs targeting efficiencies in the fibrotic livers than those in the normal livers. More importantly, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating the fibrosis-related factors, leading to reverse the fibrotic liver to normal liver through the multi-mechanisms including angiogenesis reduction, liver fibrosis microenvironment regulation, and epithelial-mesenchymal transition inhibition. In conclusion, the developed COL decorated nano-codelivery system with fibrotic ECM collagen degradation and activated HSCs targeting dual-functions exhibited great potential for liver fibrosis therapy. STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE: A glycyrrhetinic acid (GA)-conjugated prodrug with collagenase I (COL) decoration (CHG) was designed for codelivery with sorafenib (S/CHG), potentiating extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation-penetration and hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) targeting on liver fibrosis therapy. In ECM barrier models, CHG micelles efficiently degraded pericellular collagen and demonstrated ECM penetration abilities, as well as displayed superior HSCs internalization. Moreover, S/CHG micelles were more effective in anti-liver fibrosis by lowering the collagen content, inhibiting the HSCs activation, as well as down-regulating cytokines, reversing the fibrotic liver to normal through various mechanisms. In conclusion, the developed fibrotic ECM degradation and HSCs targeting dual-functional nano-codelivery system provided a prospective potentiality in liver fibrosis therapy.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Liyue Zhou
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Qiangwei Liang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yifan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yongjing Cao
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Juan Li
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiayu Yang
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jinxia Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Jiawei Bi
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China
| | - Yanhua Liu
- Department of Pharmaceutics, School of Pharmacy, Ningxia Medical University, No. 1160, Shengli Street, Yinchuan, 750004, China.
| |
Collapse
|
9
|
Mohammed EAH, Peng Y, Wang Z, Qiang X, Zhao Q. Synthesis, Antiviral, and Antibacterial Activity of the Glycyrrhizic Acid and Glycyrrhetinic Acid Derivatives. RUSSIAN JOURNAL OF BIOORGANIC CHEMISTRY 2022; 48:906-918. [PMID: 35919388 PMCID: PMC9333650 DOI: 10.1134/s1068162022050132] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/14/2021] [Revised: 12/28/2021] [Accepted: 12/31/2021] [Indexed: 11/28/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid and its primary metabolite glycyrrhetinic acid, are the main active ingredients in the licorice roots (glycyrrhiza species), which are widely used in several countries of the world, especially in east asian countries (China, Japan). These ingredients and their derivatives play an important role in treating many diseases, especially infectious diseases such as COVID-19 and hepatic infections. This review aims to summarize the different ways of synthesising the amide derivatives of glycyrrhizic acid and the main ways to synthesize the glycyrrhitinic acid derivatives. Also, to determine the main biological and pharmacological activity for these compounds from the previous studies to provide essential data to researchers for future studies. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1134/S1068162022050132.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- E. A. H. Mohammed
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Y. Peng
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Z. Wang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - X. Qiang
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| | - Q. Zhao
- Institute of Medicinal Chemistry, School of Pharmacy of Lanzhou University, 730000 Lanzhou, China
| |
Collapse
|
10
|
CHEN LP, WU XQ, ZHANG ZL, WANG L, ZHANG F, ZHENG SZ, KONG DS. Evaluate the effect of licorice on anti-liver fibrosis: a systematic review and meta-analysis. FOOD SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY 2022. [DOI: 10.1590/fst.103321] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/22/2022]
Affiliation(s)
| | | | - Zi-Li ZHANG
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Ling WANG
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Feng ZHANG
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | - Shi-Zhong ZHENG
- Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China; Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, China
| | | |
Collapse
|
11
|
Chen K, Yang R, Shen FQ, Zhu HL. Advances in Pharmacological Activities and Mechanisms of Glycyrrhizic Acid. Curr Med Chem 2021; 27:6219-6243. [PMID: 31612817 DOI: 10.2174/0929867325666191011115407] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/06/2019] [Revised: 09/09/2019] [Accepted: 09/18/2019] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) is widely regarded as an important medicinal plant and has been used for centuries in traditional medicine because of its therapeutic properties. Studies have shown that metabolites isolated from licorice have many pharmacological activities, such as antiinflammatory, anti-viral, participation in immune regulation, anti-tumor and other activities. This article gives an overview of the pharmacological activities and mechanisms of licorice metabolites and the adverse reactions that need attention. This review helps to further investigate the possibility of licorice as a potential drug for various diseases. It is hoped that this review can provide a relevant theoretical basis for relevant scholars' research and their own learning.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Kun Chen
- The Joint Research Center of Guangzhou University and Keele Univeristy for Gene Interference and
Application, School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University,
Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Rong Yang
- The Joint Research Center of Guangzhou University and Keele Univeristy for Gene Interference and
Application, School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University,
Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Fa-Qian Shen
- The Joint Research Center of Guangzhou University and Keele Univeristy for Gene Interference and
Application, School of Life Science, Guangzhou University, Guangzhou 510006, People’s Republic of China,State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University,
Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| | - Hai-Liang Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University,
Nanjing 210023, People’s Republic of China
| |
Collapse
|
12
|
Wu SY, Wang WJ, Dou JH, Gong LK. Research progress on the protective effects of licorice-derived 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against liver injury. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2021; 42:18-26. [PMID: 32144337 PMCID: PMC7921636 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0383-9] [Citation(s) in RCA: 35] [Impact Index Per Article: 11.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/24/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
The first description of the medical use of licorice appeared in "Shennong Bencao Jing", one of the well-known Chinese herbal medicine classic books dated back to 220-280 AD. As one of the most commonly prescribed Chinese herbal medicine, licorice is known as "Guo Lao", meaning "a national treasure" in China. Modern pharmacological investigations have confirmed that licorice possesses a number of biological activities, such as antioxidation, anti-inflammatory, antiviral, immune regulation, and liver protection. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid is one of the most extensively studied active integrants of licorice. Here, we provide an overview of the protective effects of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid against various acute and chronic liver diseases observed in experimental models, and summarize its pharmacological effects and potential toxic/side effects at higher doses. We also make additional comments on the important areas that may warrant further research to support appropriate clinical applications of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid and avoid potential risks.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shou-Yan Wu
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Wen-Jie Wang
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China
| | - Jin-Hui Dou
- National Center for Natural Products Research, School of Pharmacy, University of Mississippi, University, Oxford, MS, 38677, USA
| | - Li-Kun Gong
- Center for Drug Safety Evaluation and Research, State Key Laboratory of Drug Research, Shanghai Institute of Materia Medica, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shanghai, 201203, China.
- University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, 100049, China.
| |
Collapse
|
13
|
Ma X, Jiang Y, Wen J, Zhao Y, Zeng J, Guo Y. A comprehensive review of natural products to fight liver fibrosis: Alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and other compounds. Eur J Pharmacol 2020; 888:173578. [PMID: 32976828 DOI: 10.1016/j.ejphar.2020.173578] [Citation(s) in RCA: 12] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2020] [Revised: 09/14/2020] [Accepted: 09/15/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
The discovery of drugs to treat liver fibrosis has long been a challenge over the past decades due to its complicated pathogenesis. As a primary approach for drug development, natural products account for 30% of clinical drugs used for disease treatment. Therefore, natural products are increasingly important for their medicinal value in liver fibrosis therapy. In this part of the review, special focus is placed on the effect and mechanism of natural compounds, including alkaloids, terpenoids, glycosides, coumarins and others. A total of 36 kinds of natural compounds demonstrate significant antifibrotic effects in various liver fibrosis models in vivo and in hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) in vitro. Revealing the mechanism will provide further basis for clinical conversion, as well as accelerate drug discovery. The mechanism was further summarized with the finding of network regulation by several natural products, such as oxymatrine, paeoniflorin, ginsenoside Rg1 and taurine. Moreover, there are still improvements needed in investigating clinical efficacy, determining mechanisms, and combining applications, as well as semisynthesis and modification. Therefore, natural products area promising resource for agents that protect against liver fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Xiao Ma
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Yinxiao Jiang
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China
| | - Jianxia Wen
- School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 611137, China; Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China
| | - Yanling Zhao
- Department of Pharmacy, Fifth Medical Center of PLA General Hospital, Beijing, 100039, China.
| | - Jinhao Zeng
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| | - Yaoguang Guo
- Hospital of Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, 610072, China.
| |
Collapse
|
14
|
Chan YT, Wang N, Tan HY, Li S, Feng Y. Targeting Hepatic Stellate Cells for the Treatment of Liver Fibrosis by Natural Products: Is It the Dawning of a New Era? Front Pharmacol 2020; 11:548. [PMID: 32425789 PMCID: PMC7212390 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2020.00548] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/21/2019] [Accepted: 04/09/2020] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a progressive liver damage condition that is worth studying widely. It is important to target and alleviate the disease at an early stage before turning into later cirrhosis or liver cancer. There are currently no direct medicines targeting the attenuation or reversal of liver fibrosis, and so there is an urgent need to look into this area. Traditional Chinese Medicine has a long history in using herbal medicines to treat liver diseases including fibrosis. It is time to integrate the ancient wisdom with modern science and technology to look for the best solution to the disease. In this review, the principal concept of the pathology of liver fibrosis will be described, and then some of the single compounds isolated from herbal medicines, including salvianolic acids, oxymatrine, curcumin, tetrandrine, etc. will be discussed from their effects to the molecular mechanism behind. Molecular targets of the compounds are analyzed by network pharmacology approach, and TGFβ/SMAD was identified as the most common pathway. This review serves to summarize the current findings of herbal medicines combining with modern medicines in the area of fibrosis. It hopefully provides insights in further pharmaceutical research directions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yau-Tuen Chan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Ning Wang
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Hor Yue Tan
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Sha Li
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| | - Yibin Feng
- School of Chinese Medicine, The University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong, Hong Kong
| |
Collapse
|
15
|
Wang C, Chen L, Xu C, Shi J, Chen S, Tan M, Chen J, Zou L, Chen C, Liu Z, Liu X. A Comprehensive Review for Phytochemical, Pharmacological, and Biosynthesis Studies on Glycyrrhiza spp. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2020; 48:17-45. [PMID: 31931596 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x20500020] [Citation(s) in RCA: 70] [Impact Index Per Article: 17.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
Licorice is extensively applied in food as well as herbal medicine across the world, possessing a substantial share in the global market. It has made great progress in chemical and pharmacological research in recent years. Currently, Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch., Glycyrrhiza inflata Bat., and Glycyrrhiza glabra L. were officially used as Gan-Cao according to the Chinese Pharmacopoeia. Accumulating evidence demonstrated three varieties of licorice have their own special compounds except for two quality markers set by Pharmacopoeia, providing great possibility for better understanding their characteristics, evaluating quality of each species and studying biosynthesis mechanisms of species-specific compounds. As a special "guide drug" in clinic, licorice plays an important role in Chinese herbal formulas. The interaction between licorice with other ingredients and their metabolism in vivo should also be taken into consideration. In addition, draft genome annotation, and success of the final step of glycyrrhizin biosynthesis have paved the way for biosynthesis of other active constituents in licorice, a promising beginning of solving source shortage. Accordingly, we comprehensively explored the nearly 400 chemical compounds found in the three varieties of licorice so far, systematically excavated various pharmacological activities, including metabolism via CYP450 system in vivo, and introduced the complete biosynthesis pathway of glycyrrhizin in licorice. The review will facilitate the further research toward this herbal medicine.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Chengcheng Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lihong Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Chaoqie Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jingjing Shi
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Shuyu Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Mengxia Tan
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Jiali Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Lisi Zou
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Cuihua Chen
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Zixiu Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| | - Xunhong Liu
- School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.,Collaborative Innovation Center of Chinese, Medicinal Resources Industrialization, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China.,National and Local Collaborative Engineering, Center of Chinese Medicinal Resources Industrialization and Formulae Innovative Medicine, Nanjing 210023, P. R. China
| |
Collapse
|
16
|
Qian Y, Yang Y, Wang K, Zhou W, Dang Y, Zhu M, Li F, Ji G. 2'-Hydroxychalcone Induced Cytotoxicity via Oxidative Stress in the Lipid-Loaded Hepg2 Cells. Front Pharmacol 2019; 10:1390. [PMID: 31824319 PMCID: PMC6880759 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2019.01390] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2019] [Accepted: 10/31/2019] [Indexed: 12/14/2022] Open
Abstract
Licorice is a common herb used in traditional Chinese medicine, and has been widely used clinically. Physiologically, although it is relatively safe, licorice-induced hepatotoxicity in the presence of other diseases needs to be evaluated. The present study was conducted to investigate the toxicological effects of the bioactive components of licorice in HepG2 cells cultured with or without free fatty acid (FFA). The compounds, isoliquiritigenin, licorice chalcone A, bavachalcone, and 2′-hydroxy chalcone (2′-HC) inhibited cell proliferation at certain concentrations in lipid loaded cells with limited effects on the normal cells. The representative compound 2′-HC (at a concentration of ≥ 20µM) increased the oxygen consumption rate, ATP production, mitochondrial membrane potential, generation of total and mitochondrial reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and expression of inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-8) and Caspase-9 protein; and reduced the expression of SOD1. In addition, we found exaggerated lipid accumulation in HepG2 cells treated with FFA. Our results suggest that 2′-HC at a concentration of ≥ 20µM might cause damage to the hepatocytes. The toxicity may be related to excess ROS production and inadequate SOD1 expression, leading to apoptosis, inflammation, and cellular dysfunctions.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Yun Qian
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases (ccCRDD), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China.,Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yang Yang
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Kai Wang
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Wenjun Zhou
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases (ccCRDD), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yanqi Dang
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases (ccCRDD), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Mingzhe Zhu
- School of Public Health, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Fenghua Li
- Experiment Center for Science and Technology, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Guang Ji
- Institute of Digestive Diseases, Longhua Hospital, China-Canada Center of Research for Digestive Diseases (ccCRDD), Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| |
Collapse
|
17
|
Antifibrotic Effects of High-Mobility Group Box 1 Protein Inhibitor (Glycyrrhizin) on Keloid Fibroblasts and Keloid Spheroids through Reduction of Autophagy and Induction of Apoptosis. Int J Mol Sci 2019; 20:ijms20174134. [PMID: 31450620 PMCID: PMC6747471 DOI: 10.3390/ijms20174134] [Citation(s) in RCA: 14] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/01/2019] [Revised: 08/20/2019] [Accepted: 08/21/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023] Open
Abstract
Overabundance of extracellular matrix resulting from hyperproliferation of keloid fibroblasts (KFs) and dysregulation of apoptosis represents the main pathophysiology underlying keloids. High-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) plays important roles in the regulation of cellular death. Suppression of HMGB1 inhibits autophagy while increasing apoptosis. Suppression of HMGB1 with glycyrrhizin has therapeutic benefits in fibrotic diseases. In this study, we explored the possible involvement of autophagy and HMGB1 as a cell death regulator in keloid pathogenesis. We have highlighted the potential utility of glycyrrhizin as an antifibrotic agent via regulation of the aberrant balance between autophagy and apoptosis in keloids. Higher HMGB1 expression and enhanced autophagy were observed in keloids. The proliferation of KFs was decreased following glycyrrhizin treatment. While apoptosis was enhanced in keloids after glycyrrhizin treatment, autophagy was significantly reduced. The expressions of ERK1/2, Akt, and NF-κB, were enhanced in HMGB1-teated fibroblasts, but decreased following glycyrrhizin treatment. The expression of extracellular matrix (ECM) components was reduced in glycyrrhizin-treated keloids. TGF-β, Smad2/3, ERK1/2, and HMGB1 were decreased in glycyrrhizin-treated keloids. Treatment with the autophagy inhibitor 3-MA resulted in a decrease of autophagy markers and collagen in the TGF-β-treated fibroblasts. The results indicated that autophagy plays an important role in the pathogenesis of keloids. Because glycyrrhizin appears to reduce ECM and downregulate autophagy in keloids, its potential use for treatment of keloids is indicated.
Collapse
|
18
|
Gut microbial transformation, a potential improving factor in the therapeutic activities of four groups of natural compounds isolated from herbal medicines. Fitoterapia 2019; 138:104293. [PMID: 31398447 DOI: 10.1016/j.fitote.2019.104293] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/05/2019] [Revised: 08/04/2019] [Accepted: 08/05/2019] [Indexed: 12/19/2022]
Abstract
Herbal medicines (HMs) have attracted widespread attention because of their significant contributions to the prevention and treatment of many human diseases. Recently, gut microbiota has become an important frontier to understand the therapeutic mechanisms of medicines. Gut microbiota-mediated transformation is a microbial metabolic form after oral administrations of HMs compounds. A great number of studies showed that gut microbiota could transform some HMs compounds by the variation of chemical structures into several active metabolites, which exerted better bioavailabilities and therapeutic activities than their parent compounds. Among these HMs compounds, alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenoids were the representative ones. However, there is no systemic review focusing on the potential improved therapeutic activities of these natural compounds caused by gut microbial transformation. Here, this review summarizes the therapeutic activities that are more potent in microbial transformed metabolites than in their parent compounds (alkaloids, flavonoids, polyphenols and terpenoids) from HMs. We hope this review will be conducive to deepening the understanding of the relationship between gut microbial transformation and therapeutic activities of HMs compounds.
Collapse
|
19
|
Natural products in licorice for the therapy of liver diseases: Progress and future opportunities. Pharmacol Res 2019; 144:210-226. [PMID: 31022523 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2019.04.025] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 32.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/21/2019] [Revised: 04/18/2019] [Accepted: 04/21/2019] [Indexed: 12/16/2022]
Abstract
Liver diseases related complications represent a significant source of morbidity and mortality worldwide, creating a substantial economic burden. Oxidative stress, excessive inflammation, and dysregulated energy metabolism significantly contributed to liver diseases. Therefore, discovery of novel therapeutic drugs for the treatment of liver diseases are urgently required. Licorice is one of the most commonly used herbal drugs in Traditional Chinese Medicine for the treatment of liver diseases and drug-induced liver injury (DILI). Various bioactive components have been isolated and identified from the licorice, including glycyrrhizin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, Isoliquiritigenin, licochalcone A, and glycycoumarin. Emerging evidence suggested that these natural products relieved liver diseases and prevented DILI through multi-targeting therapeutic mechanisms, including anti-steatosis, anti-oxidative stress, anti-inflammation, immunoregulation, anti-fibrosis, anti-cancer, and drug-drug interactions. In the current review, we summarized the recent progress in the research of hepatoprotective and toxic effects of different licorice-derived bioactive ingredients and also highlighted the potency of these compounds as promising therapeutic options for the treatment of liver diseases and DILI. We also outlined the networks of underlying molecular signaling pathways. Further pharmacology and toxicology research will contribute to the development of natural products in licorice and their derivatives as medicines with alluring prospect in the clinical application.
Collapse
|
20
|
Glycyrrhizic acid improving the liver protective effect by restoring the composition of Lactobacillus. J Funct Foods 2019. [DOI: 10.1016/j.jff.2018.11.001] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/16/2023] Open
|
21
|
The Effects of the Honey-Roasting Process on the Pharmacokinetics of the Six Active Compounds of Licorice. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2018; 2018:5731276. [PMID: 30034498 PMCID: PMC6033295 DOI: 10.1155/2018/5731276] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/04/2018] [Revised: 04/03/2018] [Accepted: 05/31/2018] [Indexed: 12/02/2022]
Abstract
A convenient UPLC-MS/MS method was established to determine the contents of six bioactive compounds, namely, liquiritin apioside, liquiritin, isoliquiritin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, and glycyrrhetinic acid, in rat plasma and their pharmacokinetics. By comparing the pharmacokinetic parameters of these compounds in rats by orally administering raw and honey-roasting licorice, the Cmax of isoliquiritin showed a significant decrease, while the AUC0-24h showed no significant differences. The Cmax and AUC0-24h of isoliquiritigenin were increased by 49.3% and 42.7% over those of the raw licorice group, respectively. These results indicate that the absorption of isoliquiritin in rats was reduced while the absorption of isoliquiritigenin was promoted in the honey-roasting process. These results may provide one explanation as to why licorice is more able to relieve cough, while honey-roasting licorice is better at invigorating qi and restoring pulse. Furthermore, the Cmax of glycyrrhetinic acid was increased, suggesting that it may enhance the tonic effect of licorice. Additionally, the amount of honey added in the honey-roasting process influenced the pharmacokinetic parameters of the six compounds whose absorption decreased when the 50% honey-roasting licorice water decoction was administered. These results provide an experimental basis for studying the influence of licorice processing on bioactive compound pharmacokinetics.
Collapse
|
22
|
High-Mobility Group Box 1 Mediates Fibroblast Activity via RAGE-MAPK and NF-κB Signaling in Keloid Scar Formation. Int J Mol Sci 2017; 19:ijms19010076. [PMID: 29283384 PMCID: PMC5796026 DOI: 10.3390/ijms19010076] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/11/2017] [Revised: 12/22/2017] [Accepted: 12/22/2017] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Emerging studies have revealed the involvement of high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) in systemic fibrotic diseases, yet its role in the cutaneous scarring process has not yet been investigated. We hypothesized that HMGB1 may promote fibroblast activity to cause abnormal cutaneous scarring. In vitro wound healing assay with normal and keloid fibroblasts demonstrated that HMGB1 administration promoted the migration of both fibroblasts with increased speed and a greater traveling distance. Treatment of the HMGB1 inhibitor glycyrrhizic acid (GA) showed an opposing effect on both activities. To analyze the downstream mechanism, the protein levels of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) 1/2, protein kinase B (AKT), and nuclear factor kappa-light-chain-enhancer of activated B cells (NF-κB) were measured by western blot analysis. HMGB1 increased the expression levels of ERK1/2, AKT, and NF-κB compared to the control, which was suppressed by GA. HMGB1 promoted both normal and keloid fibroblasts migration to a degree equivalent to that achieved with TGF-β. We concluded that HMGB1 activates fibroblasts via the receptor for advanced glycation end product (RAGE)—mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-κB interaction signaling pathways. Further knowledge of the relationship of HMGB1 with skin fibrosis may lead to a promising clinical approach to manage abnormal scarring.
Collapse
|
23
|
Chen J, Chen Y, Cheng Y, Gao Y, Zheng P, Li C, Tong Y, Li Z, Luo W, Chen Z. Modifying glycyrrhetinic acid liposomes with liver-targeting ligand of galactosylated derivative: preparation and evaluations. Oncotarget 2017; 8:102046-102066. [PMID: 29254224 PMCID: PMC5731934 DOI: 10.18632/oncotarget.22143] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/18/2017] [Accepted: 08/26/2017] [Indexed: 11/25/2022] Open
Abstract
In this study, novel glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) liposomes modified with a liver-targeting galactosylated derivative ligand (Gal) were prepared using a film-dispersion method. To characterize the samples, particle size, zeta potential, drug loading, and encapsulation efficiency were performed. Moreover, plasma and tissues were pre-treated by liquid-liquid extraction and analyzed by high-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The results showed that the mean residence times (MRTs) and the area under the curve (AUC) of GA liposomes with Gal (Gal-GA-LP), and GA liposomes (GA-LP) were higher than the GA solution (GA-S) in plasma. The tissue (liver) distribution of Gal-GA-LP was significantly different in contrast to GA-LP. The relative intake rate (Re) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 4.752 and 2.196, respectively. The peak concentration ratio (Ce) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 2.796 and 1.083, respectively. The targeting efficiency (Te) of Gal-GA-LP and GA-LP in the liver was 48.193% and 34.718%, respectively. Taken together, the results indicate that Gal-GA-LP is an ideal complex for liver-targeting, and has great potential application in the clinical treatment of hepatic diseases. Drug loading and releasing experiments also indicated that most liposomes are spherical structures and have good dispersity under physiologic conditions, which could prolong GA release efficiency in vitro.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Jing Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Yuchao Chen
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Yi Cheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Youheng Gao
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Pinjing Zheng
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Chuangnan Li
- The Second School of Clinic Medicine, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Yidan Tong
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao Li
- School of Chinese Materia Medica, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangdong, China
| | - Wenhui Luo
- Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Guangdong Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Engineering Technology), Guangdong, China
| | - Zhao Chen
- Guangdong Second Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital (Guangdong Research Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine Engineering Technology), Guangdong, China
| |
Collapse
|
24
|
Latief U, Ahmad R. Herbal remedies for liver fibrosis: A review on the mode of action of fifty herbs. J Tradit Complement Med 2017; 8:352-360. [PMID: 29992106 PMCID: PMC6035307 DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcme.2017.07.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 56] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/09/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/18/2017] [Indexed: 12/15/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological condition which can be slowed down in its initial phases. Without proper clinical management of fibrosis, progressive liver damage may lead to cirrhosis and ultimately to liver failure or primary liver cancer, which are irreversible conditions. Therefore, in order to cure fibrotic damage to liver, its early stages should be the centre of attention. In this context, some supplements and ‘complementary and alternative medicine (CAM)’ deserve specific mention, because of their already recognized natural way of healing and long lasting curative effects. Moreover, CAM display negligible side effects and hence it is gaining worldwide importance in clinical practices. In particular, herbal medicines are now replacing synthetic pharmaceuticals and looked upon as the sources of novel bioactive substances. To develop satisfactory herbal combinations for treating liver fibrosis, phytoproducts need to be systematically evaluated for their potency as anti-fibrotic, anti-hepatotoxic and antioxidant agents. More importantly, the identified herb/agent should have the remarkable tendency to stimulate hepatocytes regeneration. The present review is a systematic account of at least fifty medicinal herbs and their products which in experimental models have demonstrated antifibrotic activity and thus, most likely candidates to offer therapeutic protection to liver. Nevertheless, much additional work is still needed to explore molecular pathways to discover potential applications of these medicines so as to open up new vistas in biomedical research.
Collapse
|
25
|
Protective effects of hepatocyte-specific glycyrrhetic derivatives against carbon tetrachloride-induced liver damage in mice. Bioorg Chem 2017; 72:42-50. [PMID: 28346874 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2017.03.009] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 01/05/2017] [Revised: 02/10/2017] [Accepted: 03/17/2017] [Indexed: 01/31/2023]
Abstract
Glycyrrhetic acid (GA), the main hydrolysate of glycyrrhizic acid extracted from the roots of the Chinese herb Glycyrrhiza glabra, was reported to be accumulated in hepatocytes due to the extensive distribution of GA receptors in liver. A series of hepatocyte-specific derivatives on the basis of anetholtrithione and glycyrrhizic were designed and synthesized. The potential beneficial effect was evaluated in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver injury model. In addition, the hepatoprotective activity of these derivatives was assessed by measuring levels of serum marker enzymes, including serum glutamate oxaloacetate transaminase (GOT), serum glutamate pyruvate transaminase (GPT), alkaline phosphatase (AKP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and the ratio of GSH to GSSG. Gratifyingly, compounds 5a-c (100mg/kg, p.o.) markedly prevented CCl4-induced elevation of levels of serum GPT, GOT. A comparative histopathological study of liver exhibited almost a normal liver lobular architecture and cell structure of the livers, as compared to CCl4-treated group. These findings were confirmed with the histopathological observations, where hepatocyte-specific glycyrrhetic acid derivatives 5a-c were capable of reversing the toxic effects of CCl4 on hepatocytes.
Collapse
|
26
|
Partial protection by 18β Glycrrhetinic acid against Cisplatin induced oxidative intestinal damage in wistar rats: Possible role of NFkB and caspases. Pharmacol Rep 2017; 69:1007-1013. [PMID: 28939345 DOI: 10.1016/j.pharep.2017.02.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 21] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/15/2016] [Revised: 01/28/2017] [Accepted: 02/09/2017] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
BACKGROUND Cisplatin (CP) is a potent chemotherapeutic agent commonly used for the treatment of various malignancies. It has varied undesirable effects such as nephrotoxicity, intestinal toxicity which limit its wide and extensive clinical usage. 18β-Glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) is a pentacyclic triterpenoid derivative, obtained from the herb liquorice having pharmacological properties such as anti-inflammatory, hepatoprotective and antioxidant. The present study was designed to investigate in vivo efficacy of GA against CP induced small intestinal toxicity. METHODS Rats were subjected to prophylactic oral treatment of GA (50 and 100mg/kg body weight) for 21days against intestinal toxicity induced by single intra peritoneal injection of CP (10mg/kg body weight) on day 18th and sacrificed on 21st day. RESULTS The plausible mechanism of CP induced small intestinal toxicity is via deficit in anti-oxidant armory, induction of oxidative stress; TNF-α, NFkB, activation of apoptotic pathway proteins by up regulation of caspases. However prophylactic treatment of GA diminished oxidative stress markers, TNF-α, NFkB expression and enhanced anti-oxidant status, down regulated apoptosis, recovered histopatholgical alterations in small intestine. CONCLUSION Therefore, results of the present finding provide strong evidence that GA may be a useful modulator in alleviating CP induced intestinal toxicity.
Collapse
|
27
|
Pharmacological Activities and Phytochemical Constituents. LIQUORICE 2017. [PMCID: PMC7120246 DOI: 10.1007/978-3-319-74240-3_7] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
Abstract
Glycyrrhiza glabra is one of the most popular medicinal plants and it has been used in traditional herbal remedy since ancient times (Blumenthal et al. in Herbal medicine: expanded commission E monographs. Integrative Medicine Communications, Newton, 2000; Parvaiz et al. in Global J Pharmocol 8(1):8–13, 2014; Altay et al. in J Plant Res 129(6):1021–1032, 2016). Many experimental, pharmacological and clinical studies show that liquorice has antimicrobial, antibacterial, antiviral, antifungal, antihepatotoxic, antioxidant, antiulcer, anti-hemorrhoid antihyperglycemic, antidiuretic, antinephritic, anticarcinogenic, antimutagenic, anticytotoxic, anti-inflammatory, and blood stopper activity.
Collapse
|
28
|
Hosseini SY, Kalantar K, Shahin K, Ghayour M, Rajabi Bazl M, Fattahi MR, Moini M, Amirghofran Z. Comparison of the In Vitro Antifibrogenic Effects of Silymarin, Silybin A and 18α-Glycyrrhizin on Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells. Jundishapur J Nat Pharm Prod 2016. [DOI: 10.17795/jjnpp-40285] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/30/2022] Open
|
29
|
Glycyrrhizin Ameliorates Fibrosis, Vasculopathy, and Inflammation in Animal Models of Systemic Sclerosis. J Invest Dermatol 2016; 137:631-640. [PMID: 27777101 DOI: 10.1016/j.jid.2016.08.037] [Citation(s) in RCA: 25] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/27/2016] [Revised: 08/06/2016] [Accepted: 08/17/2016] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Systemic sclerosis (SSc) is a multisystem inflammatory and vascular disease resulting in extensive tissue fibrosis. Glycyrrhizin, clinically used for chronic hepatic diseases and itching dermatitis, modulates the pathological processes of inflammation, vasculopathy, and fibrosis in human diseases and their animal models. Therefore, we investigated a potential impact of glycyrrhizin on the key pathological manifestations of SSc, including inflammation, vasculopathy, and tissue fibrosis, with bleomycin-treated mice mimicking the fibrotic and inflammatory components of SSc and endothelial cell-specific Fli1-knockout mice recapitulating SSc vasculopathy. Glycyrrhizin significantly ameliorated dermal fibrosis in bleomycin-treated mice, which was partly attributable to blockade of transforming growth factor-β signaling in dermal fibroblasts through the down-regulation of thrombospondin 1, a latent transforming growth factor-β receptor, and transcription factors Smad3 and Ets1. Furthermore, bleomycin-dependent induction of T helper type 2-skewed immune polarization, M2 macrophage infiltration, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition were greatly suppressed in mice administered glycyrrhizin. Glycyrrhizin also improved vascular permeability of endothelial cell-specific Fli1-knockout mice by increasing the expression of molecules regulating vascular integrity. These results indicate that glycyrrhizin ameliorates bleomycin-induced dermal fibrosis through the inhibition of fibroblast activation, T helper type 2-skewed immune polarization, M2 macrophage infiltration, and endothelial-to-mesenchymal transition and improves endothelial Fli1 deficiency-dependent vascular disintegrity, implying its potential as a disease-modifying drug for SSc.
Collapse
|
30
|
Gao L, Tang H, He H, Liu J, Mao J, Ji H, Lin H, Wu T. Glycyrrhizic acid alleviates bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in rats. Front Pharmacol 2015; 6:215. [PMID: 26483688 PMCID: PMC4589765 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2015.00215] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/29/2015] [Accepted: 09/14/2015] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis is a progressive and lethal form of interstitial lung disease that lacks effective therapies at present. Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a natural compound extracted from a traditional Chinese herbal medicine Glycyrrhiza glabra, was recently reported to benefit lung injury and liver fibrosis in animal models, yet whether GA has a therapeutic effect on pulmonary fibrosis is unknown. In this study, we investigated the potential therapeutic effect of GA on pulmonary fibrosis in a rat model with bleomycin (BLM)-induced pulmonary fibrosis. The results indicated that GA treatment remarkably ameliorated BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis and attenuated BLM-induced inflammation, oxidative stress, epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and activation of transforming growth factor-beta signaling pathway in the lungs. Further, we demonstrated that GA treatment inhibited proliferation of 3T6 fibroblast cells, induced cell cycle arrest and promoted apoptosis in vitro, implying that GA-mediated suppression of fibroproliferation may contribute to the anti-fibrotic effect against BLM-induced pulmonary fibrosis. In summary, our study suggests a therapeutic potential of GA in the treatment of pulmonary fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lili Gao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Haiying Tang
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Huanyu He
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Jia Liu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Jingwei Mao
- Department of Gastroenterology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Hong Ji
- Department of Pediatrics, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Hongli Lin
- Department of Nephrology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| | - Taihua Wu
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The First Affiliated Hospital of Dalian Medical University, Dalian China
| |
Collapse
|
31
|
Domitrović R, Potočnjak I. A comprehensive overview of hepatoprotective natural compounds: mechanism of action and clinical perspectives. Arch Toxicol 2015; 90:39-79. [DOI: 10.1007/s00204-015-1580-z] [Citation(s) in RCA: 74] [Impact Index Per Article: 8.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/04/2015] [Accepted: 08/11/2015] [Indexed: 12/22/2022]
|
32
|
Zhang Y, Qu H, Zeng W, Zhao Y, Shan W, Wang X, Wang Q, Zhao Y. Development of an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay and immunoaffinity chromatography for glycyrrhizic acid using an anti-glycyrrhizic acid monoclonal antibody. J Sep Sci 2015; 38:2363-70. [DOI: 10.1002/jssc.201500242] [Citation(s) in RCA: 9] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/02/2015] [Revised: 04/08/2015] [Accepted: 04/15/2015] [Indexed: 11/12/2022]
Affiliation(s)
- Yue Zhang
- Department of Biopharmaceutics, School of Chinese Materia Medica; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Huihua Qu
- Department of Molecular Biology, Centre of Scientific Experiment; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Wenhao Zeng
- Department of Chemistry of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Basic TCM Clinical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Wenchao Shan
- Department of Chemistry of TCM, School of Chinese Materia Medica; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Xueqian Wang
- Department of Basic TCM Clinical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Qingguo Wang
- Department of Basic TCM Clinical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| | - Yan Zhao
- Department of Basic TCM Clinical Science, School of Basic Medical Sciences; Beijing University of Chinese Medicine; Beijing China
| |
Collapse
|
33
|
Duval F, Moreno-Cuevas JE, González-Garza MT, Rodríguez-Montalvo C, Cruz-Vega DE. Protective mechanisms of medicinal plants targeting hepatic stellate cell activation and extracellular matrix deposition in liver fibrosis. Chin Med 2014; 9:27. [PMID: 25606051 PMCID: PMC4299307 DOI: 10.1186/s13020-014-0027-4] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/16/2014] [Accepted: 11/26/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
During chronic liver injury, hepatic stellate cells (HSC) are activated and proliferate, which causes excessive extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition, leading to scar formation and fibrosis. Medicinal plants are gaining popularity as antifibrotic agents, and are often safe, cost-effective, and versatile. This review aims to describe the protective role and mechanisms of medicinal plants in the inhibition of HSC activation and ECM deposition during the pathogenesis of liver fibrosis. A systematic literature review on the anti-fibrotic mechanisms of hepatoprotective plants was performed in PubMed, which yielded articles about twelve relevant plants. Many of these plants act via disruption of the transforming growth factor beta 1 signaling pathway, possibly through reduction in oxidative stress. This reduction could explain the inhibition of HSC activation and reduction in ECM deposition. Medicinal plants could be a source of anti-liver fibrosis compounds.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Florent Duval
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
| | - Jorge E Moreno-Cuevas
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
| | | | | | - Delia Elva Cruz-Vega
- Cell Therapy Department, School of Medicine, Tecnológico de Monterrey, Monterrey, NL CP 63710 Mexico
| |
Collapse
|
34
|
Expression of TβR-2, Smad3 and Smad7 in the vaginal anterior wall of postpartum rats with stress urinary incontinence. Arch Gynecol Obstet 2014; 291:869-76. [DOI: 10.1007/s00404-014-3495-y] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/26/2014] [Accepted: 09/23/2014] [Indexed: 12/24/2022]
|
35
|
Okazaki I, Noro T, Tsutsui N, Yamanouchi E, Kuroda H, Nakano M, Yokomori H, Inagaki Y. Fibrogenesis and Carcinogenesis in Nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis (NASH): Involvement of Matrix Metalloproteinases (MMPs) and Tissue Inhibitors of Metalloproteinase (TIMPs). Cancers (Basel) 2014; 6:1220-55. [PMID: 24978432 PMCID: PMC4190539 DOI: 10.3390/cancers6031220] [Citation(s) in RCA: 36] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/07/2014] [Revised: 04/24/2014] [Accepted: 05/15/2014] [Indexed: 01/18/2023] Open
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is emerging worldwide because life-styles have changed to include much over-eating and less physical activity. The clinical and pathophysiological features of NASH are very different from those of HBV- and HCV-chronic liver diseases. The prognosis of NASH is worse among those with nonalcoholic fatty liver diseases (NAFLD), and some NASH patients show HCC with or without cirrhosis. In the present review we discuss fibrogenesis and the relationship between fibrosis and HCC occurrence in NASH to clarify the role of MMPs and TIMPs in both mechanisms. Previously we proposed MMP and TIMP expression in the multi-step occurrence of HCC from the literature based on viral-derived HCC. We introduce again these expressions during hepatocarcinogenesis and compare them to those in NASH-derived HCC, although the relationship with hepatic stem/progenitor cells (HPCs) invasion remains unknown. Signal transduction of MMPs and TIMPs is also discussed because it is valuable for the prevention and treatment of NASH and NASH-derived HCC.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Isao Okazaki
- Department of Internal Medicine, Sanno Hospital, International University of Health and Welfare, Tokyo 107-0052, Japan.
| | - Takuji Noro
- Department of Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Tochigi 329-2763, Japan.
| | - Nobuhiro Tsutsui
- Department of Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Tochigi 329-2763, Japan.
| | - Eigoro Yamanouchi
- Department of Radiology, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Tochigi 329-2763, Japan.
| | - Hajime Kuroda
- Department of Pathology, International University of Health and Welfare Hospital, Tochigi 329-2763, Japan.
| | - Masayuki Nakano
- Department of Pathology, Ofuna Chuo Hospital, Kanagawa 247-0056, Japan.
| | - Hiroaki Yokomori
- Department of Internal Medicine, Kitasato University Medical Center, Saitama 364-8501, Japan.
| | - Yutaka Inagaki
- Department of Regenerative Medicine, Tokai University School of Medicine and Institute of Medical Sciences, Isehara 259-1193, Japan.
| |
Collapse
|
36
|
Tsubouchi H, Yanagi S, Miura A, Iizuka S, Mogami S, Yamada C, Hattori T, Nakazato M. Rikkunshito ameliorates bleomycin-induced acute lung injury in a ghrelin-independent manner. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 2014; 306:L233-45. [DOI: 10.1152/ajplung.00096.2013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/20/2022] Open
Abstract
Acute lung injury (ALI) is a critical syndrome consisting of acute respiratory failure associated with extensive pulmonary infiltrates. The pathological characterization of ALI includes injuries of alveolar epithelial cells (AECs), alveolar neutrophilic infiltration, and increases in proinflammatory cytokines, which cause destruction of the alveolar capillary barrier and subsequent devastating lung fibrosis. Rikkunshito (RKT), a traditional Japanese herbal medicine, is widely used for the treatment of patients with gastrointestinal symptoms and is known to stimulate ghrelin secretion. The therapeutic effects of RKT on organ inflammation and fibrosis remain unknown. We investigated the pharmacological potential of RKT in the treatment of ALI by using a bleomycin-induced ALI model in mice. RKT or distilled water (DW) was given to mice daily starting 12 h after bleomycin administration. The RKT-treated mice showed a definitively higher survival rate than the DW-treated mice after injury. They also had smaller reductions in body weight and food intake. The amelioration of neutrophil alveolar infiltration, pulmonary vascular permeability, induction of proinflammatory cytokines, activation of the NF-κB pathway, apoptosis of AECs, and subsequent lung fibrosis were notable in the RKT-treated mice. RKT administration increased the plasma ghrelin levels in wild-type mice, and it also mitigated the ALI response in both ghrelin-deficient mice and growth hormone secretagogue receptor-deficient mice after lung injury. Our results indicate that RKT administration exerts protective effects against ALI by protecting the AECs and regulating lung inflammation independently of the ghrelin system, and they highlight RKT as a promising therapeutic agent for the management of this intractable disease.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hironobu Tsubouchi
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan; and
| | - Shigehisa Yanagi
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan; and
| | - Ayako Miura
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan; and
| | - Seiichi Iizuka
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Sachiko Mogami
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Chihiro Yamada
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Tomohisa Hattori
- Tsumura Research Laboratories, Tsumura, Ami-machi, Inashiki-gun, Ibaraki, Japan
| | - Masamitsu Nakazato
- Division of Neurology, Respirology, Endocrinology and Metabolism, Department of Internal Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, University of Miyazaki, Kiyotake, Miyazaki, Japan; and
| |
Collapse
|
37
|
Kao TC, Wu CH, Yen GC. Bioactivity and potential health benefits of licorice. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:542-53. [PMID: 24377378 DOI: 10.1021/jf404939f] [Citation(s) in RCA: 164] [Impact Index Per Article: 16.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/08/2023]
Abstract
Licorice is an herbal plant named for its unique sweet flavor. It is widely used in the food and tobacco industries as a sweetener. Licorice is also used in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and complementary medicine. Because the use of licorice has long been a part of TCM, the details of its therapeutic applications have been thoroughly established. In modern science, licorice is of interest because of its broad range of applications. Extracts of and compounds isolated from licorice have been well studied and biologically characterized. In this review, we discuss the nutraceutical and functional activities of licorice as well as those of the extracts of and the isolated compounds from licorice, including agents with anti-inflammatory activity, cell-protective abilities, and chemopreventive effects. The side effects of licorice are also enumerated. A comparison of the activities of licorice described by modern science and TCM is also presented, revealing the correspondence of certain characteristics.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Tzu-Chien Kao
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, National Chung Hsing University , 250 Kuokuang Road, Taichung 402, Taiwan
| | | | | |
Collapse
|
38
|
Chen HJ, Kang SP, Lee IJ, Lin YL. Glycyrrhetinic acid suppressed NF-κB activation in TNF-α-induced hepatocytes. JOURNAL OF AGRICULTURAL AND FOOD CHEMISTRY 2014; 62:618-625. [PMID: 24386942 DOI: 10.1021/jf405352g] [Citation(s) in RCA: 29] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/03/2023]
Abstract
Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) is a crucial inflammatory cytokine when hepatocytes are damaged. Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. (Chinese licorice) has been widely used in Chinese herbal prescriptions for the treatment of liver diseases and as a food additive. Nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) reporter gene assay in TNF-α-induced HepG2 was used as a screening platform. IκBα phosphorylation and p65 translocation were measured by Western blotting, and nitric oxide (NO) production and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) gene expression were further confirmed in rat primary hepatocytes. Results showed that TNF-α enhanced NF-κB activity was significantly attenuated by glycyrrhetinic acid in a concentration-dependent manner in the NF-κB reporter gene assay. Glycyrrhetinic acid decreased the gene expression of iNOS through inhibited IκBα phosphorylation and p65 translocation in protein level. Furthermore, NO production and iNOS expression were reduced by glycyrrhetinic acid in TNF-α-induced rat primary hepatocytes. These results suggest that glycyrrhetinic acid may provide hepatoprotection against chronic liver inflammation through attenuating NF-κB activation to alleviate the inflammation.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hong-Jhang Chen
- National Research Institute of Chinese Medicine, Ministry of Health and Welfare , Taipei, Taiwan
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
39
|
Wang Y, Xu R, Xiao J, Zhang J, Wang X, An R, Ma Y. Quantitative analysis of flavonoids, alkaloids and saponins of Banxia Xiexin decoction using ultra-high performance liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry. J Pharm Biomed Anal 2013; 88:525-35. [PMID: 24189040 DOI: 10.1016/j.jpba.2013.10.002] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/04/2013] [Revised: 08/22/2013] [Accepted: 10/03/2013] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Banxia Xiexin decoction (BXD) is an effective Chinese Medicinal Prescription in treating gastroenteritis diseases. In this study an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry (UPLC-MS/MS) method was developed to separate and determine 18 major active ingredients of BXD in order to guarantee quality. The separation of ten flavonoids, four alkaloids and four saponins was accomplished on an Acquity BEH C18 (2.1mm×100mm, 1.7μm) column using gradient elution with 0.1% (v/v) formic acid water (A) and 0.1% (v/v) formic acid in methanol (B). All the analytes were detected in positive electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry by selective reaction monitoring (SRM) mode. A good linear regression relationship for each analyte was obtained over the range from 2.41-438ng/ml to 20.75-4150ng/ml. The precision was evaluated by intra- and inter-day assays with relative standard deviation (RSD) less than 7.7%. The recovery measured at three concentration levels varied from 92.4% to 107.8%. The method sensitivity expressed as LOQ was typically 0.97-4.15ng/ml. The assay was successfully applied for determination of the 18 bioactive compounds in BXD. The results indicated that the new UPLC-MS/MS method was rapid and accurate, and could be reliably utilized as a quality control method for BXD.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying Wang
- Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine School of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai 201203, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
40
|
Yarnell E, Abascal K. Antifibrotic Herbs: Indications, Mechanisms of Action, Doses, and Safety Information. ACTA ACUST UNITED AC 2013. [DOI: 10.1089/act.2013.19203] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 01/29/2023]
Affiliation(s)
- Eric Yarnell
- Chief medical officer of Northwest Naturopathic Urology, in Seattle, Washington, and is a faculty member at Bastyr University in Kenmore, Washington
| | - Kathy Abascal
- Executive director of the Botanical Medicine Academy in Vashon, Washington
| |
Collapse
|
41
|
Chen S, Zou L, Li L, Wu T. The protective effect of glycyrrhetinic acid on carbon tetrachloride-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice via upregulation of Nrf2. PLoS One 2013; 8:e53662. [PMID: 23341968 PMCID: PMC3544925 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0053662] [Citation(s) in RCA: 103] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.4] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2012] [Accepted: 12/03/2012] [Indexed: 12/22/2022] Open
Abstract
This study was designed to investigate the potentially protective effects of glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) and the role of transcription factor nuclear factor-erythroid 2(NF-E2)-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling in the regulation of Carbon Tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice. The potentially protective effects of GA on CCl4-induced chronic liver fibrosis in mice were depicted histologically and biochemically. Firstly, histopathological changes including regenerative nodules, inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrosis were induced by CCl4.Then, CCl4 administration caused a marked increase in the levels of serum aminotransferases (GOT, GPT), serum monoamine oxidase (MAO) and lipid peroxidation (MDA) as well as MAO in the mice liver homogenates. Also, decreased nuclear Nrf2 expression, mRNA levels of its target genes such as superoxide dismutase 3 (SOD3), catalase (CAT), glutathione peroxidase 2 (GPX2), and activity of cellular antioxidant enzymes were found after CCl4 exposure. All of these phenotypes were markedly reversed by the treatment of the mice with GA. In addition, GA exhibited the antioxidant effects in vitro by on FeCl2-ascorbate induced lipid peroxidation in mouse liver homogenates, and on DPPH scavenging activity. Taken together, these results suggested that GA can protect the liver from oxidative stress in mice, presumably through activating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2, enhancing the expression of its target genes and increasing the activity of the antioxidant enzymes. Therefore, GA may be an effective hepatoprotective agent and viable candidate for treating liver fibrosis and other oxidative stress-related diseases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Shaoru Chen
- The Pharmacy of GuangDong Medical College, DongGuan, GuangDong, China
| | - Liyi Zou
- The Pharmacy of GuangDong Medical College, DongGuan, GuangDong, China
| | - Li Li
- The Pharmacy of GuangDong Medical College, DongGuan, GuangDong, China
| | - Tie Wu
- The Pharmacy of GuangDong Medical College, DongGuan, GuangDong, China
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
42
|
Kuang P, Zhao W, Su W, Zhang Z, Zhang L, Liu J, Ren G, Yin Z, Wang X. 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma development by reversing hepatic stellate cell-mediated immunosuppression in mice. Int J Cancer 2012; 132:1831-41. [PMID: 22991231 DOI: 10.1002/ijc.27852] [Citation(s) in RCA: 42] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/08/2012] [Accepted: 09/05/2012] [Indexed: 01/16/2023]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) have immunosuppressive capabilities and contribute to the occurrence and development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Thus, activated HSCs may be a suitable target for HCC therapy. Our study used mixed leukocyte reactions (MLR) in vitro to demonstrate that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GA) could reverse HSC-mediated immunosuppression by reducing T-cell apoptosis and regulatory T (Treg) cells expression, thereby enhancing the ability of T cells to attack tumor cells and attenuating HCC cell invasiveness. Moreover, we established a HCC orthotopic implantation model in immunocompetent C57BL/6 mice, which suggested that GA played a protective role in HCC development by reducing immunosuppression mediated by HSCs in the tumor microenvironment.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Penghao Kuang
- Department of Hepatobiliary Surgery, Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian, China
| | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
43
|
Herbal products: benefits, limits, and applications in chronic liver disease. EVIDENCE-BASED COMPLEMENTARY AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE 2012; 2012:837939. [PMID: 22991573 PMCID: PMC3443820 DOI: 10.1155/2012/837939] [Citation(s) in RCA: 40] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/02/2012] [Accepted: 07/30/2012] [Indexed: 12/14/2022]
Abstract
Complementary and alternative medicine soughts and encompasses a wide range of approaches; its use begun in ancient China at the time of Xia dynasty and in India during the Vedic period, but thanks to its long-lasting curative effect, easy availability, natural way of healing, and poor side-effects it is gaining importance throughout the world in clinical practice. We conducted a review describing the effects and the limits of using herbal products in chronic liver disease, focusing our attention on those most known, such as quercetin or curcumin. We tried to describe their pharmacokinetics, biological properties, and their beneficial effects (as antioxidant role) in metabolic, alcoholic, and viral hepatitis (considering that oxidative stress is the common pathway of chronic liver diseases of different etiology). The main limit of applicability of CAM comes from the lacking of randomized, placebo-controlled clinical trials giving a real proof of efficacy of those products, so that anecdotal success and personal experience are frequently the driving force for acceptance of CAM in the population.
Collapse
|
44
|
Zhang YB, Dong HY, Zhao XM, Fan L, Zou Y, Zhang C, Li G, Liu JC, Niu YC. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A Attenuates Carbon Tetrachloride-Induced Hepatic Fibrosis in Rats by Inhibiting Erk5 Signaling. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2012; 40:481-94. [DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x12500371] [Citation(s) in RCA: 13] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/21/2022]
Abstract
Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) undergo activation during the development of liver fibrosis. Transcription factor myocyte enhancer factor (MEF2) 2C plays a key role in this process. In the present study, we investigated the effect of hydroxysafflor yellow A (HSYA) on hepatic fibrosis and further investigated potential mechanisms in vivo. Sprague-Dawley rats were administered with CCl4 together with or without HYSA for 12 weeks. The effect of HYSA on hepatic fibrosis was evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin and Van Gieson staining. Messenger RNA expression was quantified by real-time polymerase chain reaction, and protein was quantified by Western blot or immunohistochemistry. Our results revealed that CCl4 treatment induced micronodular hepatic fibrosis with a pronounced deposition of collagen fibers. Treatment with HYSA resulted in a significant decrease in fibrosis, protein expression of α-SMA, and MEF-2C gene expression. This was accompanied by a decreased expression of Tβ-RI, Tβ-RII, MEKK3, MEK5, and phosphorylation of ERk5. HYSA alone had no effect on the measured parameters. Our findings demonstrate that HSYA protected, at least in part, the rat liver from CCl 4-caused fibrogenesis through inhibition of hepatic stellate cell (HSC) activation, attenuation of transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) signaling. HSYA may become a novel and promising agent for the inhibition of hepatic fibrosis.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Bo Zhang
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Han-Ying Dong
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Xue-Ming Zhao
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Li Fan
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Yu Zou
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Chun Zhang
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Gang Li
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Ji-Cheng Liu
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| | - Ying-Cai Niu
- Institute of Medicine, Qiqihar Medical University, Qiqihar 161006, China
| |
Collapse
|
45
|
Zong L, Qu Y, Xu MY, Dong YW, Lu LG. 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid down-regulates expression of type I and III collagen via TGF-Β1/Smad signaling pathway in human and rat hepatic stellate cells. Int J Med Sci 2012; 9:370-9. [PMID: 22811611 PMCID: PMC3399217 DOI: 10.7150/ijms.4395] [Citation(s) in RCA: 18] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/22/2012] [Accepted: 06/18/2012] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
OBJECTIVE To investigate the effects of 18α-glycyrrhetinic acid (18α-GA) on the expression of type I and III collagen in human and rat hepatic stellate cells (HSC) and to explore the role of TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway involved. METHODS Following 18α-GA treatment, the cell viability and cell growth were detected to determine the optimal concentration of 18α-GA. The expressions of TGF-β1/Smad signaling-related genes including type I and III collagen in human and rat HSCs before and after 18α-GA treatment were measured by real time PCR. The expression of related proteins was verified by western blot assay. The phosphorylation level of Smad2 and Smad3 was detected by immunocytochemistry. The DNA binding activities of SP-1, AP-1 and NF-κB were measured by both EMSA and ArrayStar transcription factor activity assay. RESULTS 18α-GA could decrease the mRNA and protein expression of Smad3, type I and III collagen, increase the Smad7 expression in human and rat HSCs (P<0.05), and reduce phosphorylation level of Smad3 at 24 h and 48 h after treatment. The DNA binding activities of transcription factors were suppressed by 18α-GA in human and rat HSCs at 24 h, and the activities reduced in a time dependent manner with the lowest activities at 48 h, especially for SP-1. CONCLUSION 18α-GA could inhibit the mRNA and protein expression of type I and III collagen in human and rat HSCs, which may be attributed to down-regulation of Smad3, up-regulation of Smad7, and inhibition of DNA binding activities of SP-1, AP-1 and NF-κB.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Lei Zong
- Department of Gastroenterology, Shanghai First People's Hospital, Shanghai Jiaotong University School of Medicine, No.100 Haining Road, Shanghai, China
| | | | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
46
|
Ukil A, Kar S, Srivastav S, Ghosh K, Das PK. Curative effect of 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid in experimental visceral leishmaniasis depends on phosphatase-dependent modulation of cellular MAP kinases. PLoS One 2011; 6:e29062. [PMID: 22194991 PMCID: PMC3237588 DOI: 10.1371/journal.pone.0029062] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/21/2011] [Accepted: 11/20/2011] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
We earlier showed that 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid (GRA), a pentacyclic triterpenoid from licorice root, could completely cure visceral leishmaniasis in BALB/c mouse model. This was associated with induction of nitric oxide and proinflammatory cytokine production through the up regulation of NF-κB. In the present study we tried to decipher the underlying cellular mechanisms of the curative effect of GRA. Analysis of MAP kinase pathways revealed that GRA caused strong activation of p38 and to a lesser extent, ERK in bone marrow-derived macrophages (BMDM). Almost complete abrogation of GRA-induced cytokine production in presence of specific inhibitors of p38 and ERK1/2 confirmed the involvement of these MAP kinases in GRA-mediated responses. GRA induced mitogen- and stress-activated protein kinase (MSK1) activity in a time-dependent manner suggested that GRA-mediated NF-κB transactivation is mediated by p38, ERK and MSK1 pathway. As kinase/phosphatase balance plays an important role in modulating infection, the effect of GRA on MAPK directed phosphatases (MKP) was studied. GRA markedly reduced the expression and activities of three phosphatases, MKP1, MKP3 and protein phosphatase 2A (PP2A) along with a substantial reduction of p38 and ERK dephosphorylation in infected BMDM. Similarly in the in vivo situation, GRA treatment of L. donovani-infected BALB/c mice caused marked reduction of spleen parasite burden associated with concomitant decrease of individual phosphatase levels. However, activation of kinases also played an important role as the protective effect of GRA was significantly abrogated by pharmacological inhibition of p38 and ERK pathway. Curative effect of GRA may, therefore, be associated with restoration of proper cellular kinase/phosphatase balance, rather than modulation of either kinases or phosphatases.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Anindita Ukil
- Department of Biochemistry, Calcutta University, Kolkata, India
| | - Susanta Kar
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Supriya Srivastav
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
| | - Kuntal Ghosh
- Department of Biochemistry, Calcutta University, Kolkata, India
| | - Pijush K. Das
- Molecular Cell Biology Laboratory, Infectious Diseases and Immunology Division, Indian Institute of Chemical Biology, Kolkata, India
- * E-mail:
| |
Collapse
|
47
|
Kang H, Lieberman PM. Mechanism of glycyrrhizic acid inhibition of Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus: disruption of CTCF-cohesin-mediated RNA polymerase II pausing and sister chromatid cohesion. J Virol 2011; 85:11159-69. [PMID: 21880767 PMCID: PMC3194953 DOI: 10.1128/jvi.00720-11] [Citation(s) in RCA: 43] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/08/2011] [Accepted: 08/22/2011] [Indexed: 12/24/2022] Open
Abstract
Glycyrrhizic acid (GA), a derivative of licorice, selectively inhibits the growth of lymphocytes latently infected with Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus. The mechanism involves the deregulation of the multicistronic latency transcript, including the failure to generate the mature forms of viral mRNA encoding LANA. We show here that GA disrupts an RNA polymerase II (RNAPII) complex that accumulates at the CTCF-cohesin binding site within the first intron of the latency transcript. GA altered the enrichment of the RNAPII pausing complex, along with pausing factors SPT5 and NELF-A, at the intragenic CTCF-cohesin binding sites. GA blocked the interaction of cohesin subunit SMC3 with another cohesin subunit, RAD21, and reduced SPT5 interaction with RNAPII. Covalent coupling of GA to a solid support revealed that GA interacts with several cellular proteins, including SMC3 and SPT5, but not their respective interaction partners RAD21 and RNAPII. GA treatment also inhibited the transcription of some cellular genes, like c-myc, which contain a similar CTCF-cohesin binding site within the first intron. We also found that GA leads to a more general loss of sister chromatid cohesion for cellular chromosomes. These findings suggest that RNAPII pauses at intragenic CTCF-cohesin binding sites and that abrogation of this pausing by GA leads to loss of proper mRNA production and defects in sister chromatid cohesion, a process important for both viral and cellular chromosome stability.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Hyojeung Kang
- The Wistar Institute, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19104
- Kyungpook National University, Daegu, South Korea
| | | |
Collapse
|
48
|
Kuttan G, Pratheeshkumar P, Manu KA, Kuttan R. Inhibition of tumor progression by naturally occurring terpenoids. PHARMACEUTICAL BIOLOGY 2011; 49:995-1007. [PMID: 21936626 DOI: 10.3109/13880209.2011.559476] [Citation(s) in RCA: 81] [Impact Index Per Article: 6.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 05/31/2023]
Abstract
CONTEXT Cancer is a major public health problem in India and many other parts of the world. Its two main characteristics are uncontrolled cell growth and metastasis. Natural products represent a rich source of compounds that have found many applications in various fields of medicines and therapy including cancer therapy. Effective ingredients in several plant-derived medicinal extracts are terpenoid compounds and many terpenes have biological activities and are used for the treatment of human diseases. OBJECTIVES This review attempted to collect all available published scientific literature of eight naturally occurring terpenoids and their effect on inhibition of tumor progression. METHODS The present review is about eight potent naturally occurring terpenoids that have been studied for their pharmacological properties in our lab and this review includes 130 references compiled from all major databases. RESULTS Literature survey revealed that triterpenoids, such as glycyrrhizic acid, ursolic acid, oleanolic acid, and nomilin, the diterpene andrographolide, and the monoterpenoids like limonene and perillic acid had shown immunomodulatory and antitumor activities. All of them could induce apoptosis in various cancer cells by activating various proapoptotic signaling cascades. Many of these terpenoids found to inhibit metastatic progression and tumor-induced angiogenesis. The molecular mechanisms that involved in these activities include inhibition of various oncogenic and anti-apoptotic signaling pathways and suppression or nuclear translocation of various transcription factors including nuclear factor kappa B (NF-κB). CONCLUSION The chemopreventive and chemoprotective effects of these compounds point toward their possible role in modern anticancer therapies.
Collapse
Affiliation(s)
- Girija Kuttan
- Department of Immunology, Amala Cancer Research Centre, Amala Nagar, Thrissur, Kerala, India.
| | | | | | | |
Collapse
|
49
|
Ai ZB, Zhang RH, Yan GH. A modified recipe of Turtle Shell Decoction reduces experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats. Shijie Huaren Xiaohua Zazhi 2011; 19:13-18. [DOI: 10.11569/wcjd.v19.i1.13] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/06/2023] Open
Abstract
AIM: To investigate the effects of treatment with a modified recipe of Turtle Shell Decoction (MRTSD) on the expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 3/7 in experimental hepatic fibrosis in rats, and to explore its anti-fibrotic mechanism.
METHODS: Ninety Sprague-Dawley adult rats were used in this study, 10 of which were randomly selected as normal controls (A), and the rest were used to induce hepatic fibrosis by multiple subcutaneous injections of 40% carbon tetrachloride (CCl4, 3 mL/kg) for 8 wk. At week 2, five rats were executed to confirm the formation of liver fibrosis, and the rest of rats were randomly and equally divided into pathological model group (B), high-dose [28.4 g/(kg•d)] MRTSD group (C), medium-dose [14.2 g/(kg•d)] MRTSD group (D), low-dose [7.1 g/(kg•d)] MRTSD group, and Fufang Biejia Ruangan Tablet-treated group [F, 0.6 g/(kg•d)]. Drugs were intragastrically administrated at a volume of 10 mL/(kg•d) in groups C-E, whereas the rats of groups A and B were given the same volume of physiological saline. At week 8, serum levels of ALT, AST, albumin, and globulin were measured. The formation of hepatic fibrosis was confirmed by HE staining. The protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 3/7 in liver tissue was detected by Western blot.
RESULTS: In groups C-F at week 8, the structure of liver lobules was almost restored to normal; HF score was obviously reduced; the contents of ALT and AST were significantly decreased (P < 0.01); the content of albumin was significantly increased (37.85 g/L ± 3.08 g/L, 38.25 g/L ± 1.90 g/L, 38.13 g/L ± 1.50 g/L, 38.09 g/L ± 3.27 g/L vs 27.05 g/L ± 4.81 g/L, all P < 0.01); the protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 3 was remarkably down-regulated (TGF-β1: 0.127 ± 0.014, 0.122 ± 0.051, 0.126 ± 0.027, 0.119 ± 0.020 vs 0.332 ± 0.074, all P < 0.01; Smad 3: 0.415 ± 0.057, 0.427 ± 0.074, 0.425 ± 0.080, 0.432 ± 0.075 vs 0.527 ± 0.054, all P < 0.01); and the expression of Smad 7 was significantly up-regulated (0.308 ± 0.077, 0.326 ± 0.086, 0.315 ± 0.071, 0.348 ± 0.065 vs 0.185 ± 0.059, all P < 0.01) when compared with group B. There were no significant differences in the above parameters between MRTSD- and Fufang Biejia Ruangan Tablet-treated groups.
CONCLUSION: MRTSD can reverse CCl4-induced liver fibrosis in rats possibly by regulating the protein expression of TGF-β1 and Smad 3/7.
Collapse
|
50
|
Pan HC, Yang DY, Ou YC, Ho SP, Cheng FC, Chen CJ. Neuroprotective Effect of Atorvastatin in an Experimental Model of Nerve Crush Injury. Neurosurgery 2010; 67:376-88; discussion 388-9. [DOI: 10.1227/01.neu.0000371729.47895.a0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 41] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.9] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/13/2022] Open
Affiliation(s)
- Hung-Chuan Pan
- Department of Neurosurgery, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan Chung Hwa University of Medical Technology, Tainan, Taiwan
- Institute of Medical Technology, National Chung-Hsing University, and Department of Veterinary Medicine, National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Dar-Yu Yang
- Department of Neurosurgery, Chang Bing Chwan Memorial Hospital, Changhua, Taiwan
| | - Yen-Chuan Ou
- Division of Urology, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Shu-Peng Ho
- Department of Veterinary Medicine National Chung-Hsing University, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Fu-Chou Cheng
- Institute of Medical Technology, National Chung-Hsing University, and Department of Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| | - Chun-Jung Chen
- Institute of Medical Technology, National Chung-Hsing University, and Department of Education and Research, Taichung Veterans General Hospital, Taichung, Taiwan
| |
Collapse
|