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Luo Z, Zhou W, Xie T, Xu W, Shi C, Xiao Z, Si Y, Ma Y, Ren Q, Di L, Shan J. The role of botanical triterpenoids and steroids in bile acid metabolism, transport, and signaling: Pharmacological and toxicological implications. Acta Pharm Sin B 2024; 14:3385-3415. [PMID: 39220868 PMCID: PMC11365449 DOI: 10.1016/j.apsb.2024.04.027] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/22/2023] [Revised: 03/28/2024] [Accepted: 04/22/2024] [Indexed: 09/04/2024] Open
Abstract
Bile acids (BAs) are synthesized by the host liver from cholesterol and are delivered to the intestine, where they undergo further metabolism by gut microbes and circulate between the liver and intestines through various transporters. They serve to emulsify dietary lipids and act as signaling molecules, regulating the host's metabolism and immune homeostasis through specific receptors. Therefore, disruptions in BA metabolism, transport, and signaling are closely associated with cholestasis, metabolic disorders, autoimmune diseases, and others. Botanical triterpenoids and steroids share structural similarities with BAs, and they have been found to modulate BA metabolism, transport, and signaling, potentially exerting pharmacological or toxicological effects. Here, we have updated the research progress on BA, with a particular emphasis on new-found microbial BAs. Additionally, the latest advancements in targeting BA metabolism and signaling for disease treatment are highlighted. Subsequently, the roles of botanical triterpenoids in BA metabolism, transport, and signaling are examined, analyzing their potential pharmacological, toxicological, or drug interaction effects through these mechanisms. Finally, a research paradigm is proposed that utilizes the gut microbiota as a link to interpret the role of these important natural products in BA signaling.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zichen Luo
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Wei Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Tong Xie
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Weichen Xu
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Chen Shi
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Zihan Xiao
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Yu Si
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Medicine Innovation Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Yan Ma
- National Institute of Biological Sciences, Beijing 102206, China
| | - Qingling Ren
- Jiangsu CM Clinical Medicine Innovation Center for Obstetrics, Gynecology, and Reproduction, Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210001, China
| | - Liuqing Di
- Jiangsu Engineering Research Center for Efficient Delivery System of TCM, School of Pharmacy, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
| | - Jinjun Shan
- Medical Metabolomics Center, Institute of Pediatrics, Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Children’s Health and Chinese Medicine, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210023, China
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2
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Ding C, Wang Z, Dou X, Yang Q, Ning Y, Kao S, Sang X, Hao M, Wang K, Peng M, Zhang S, Han X, Cao G. Farnesoid X receptor: From Structure to Function and Its Pharmacology in Liver Fibrosis. Aging Dis 2024; 15:1508-1536. [PMID: 37815898 PMCID: PMC11272191 DOI: 10.14336/ad.2023.0830] [Citation(s) in RCA: 1] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/15/2023] [Accepted: 08/30/2023] [Indexed: 10/12/2023] Open
Abstract
The farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a ligand-activated transcription factor, plays a crucial role in regulating bile acid metabolism within the enterohepatic circulation. Beyond its involvement in metabolic disorders and immune imbalances affecting various tissues, FXR is implicated in microbiota modulation, gut-to-brain communication, and liver disease. The liver, as a pivotal metabolic and detoxification organ, is susceptible to damage from factors such as alcohol, viruses, drugs, and high-fat diets. Chronic or recurrent liver injury can culminate in liver fibrosis, which, if left untreated, may progress to cirrhosis and even liver cancer, posing significant health risks. However, therapeutic options for liver fibrosis remain limited in terms of FDA-approved drugs. Recent insights into the structure of FXR, coupled with animal and clinical investigations, have shed light on its potential pharmacological role in hepatic fibrosis. Progress has been achieved in both fundamental research and clinical applications. This review critically examines recent advancements in FXR research, highlighting challenges and potential mechanisms underlying its role in liver fibrosis treatment.
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Affiliation(s)
- Chuan Ding
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Zeping Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xinyue Dou
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Qiao Yang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Yan Ning
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shi Kao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Xianan Sang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Min Hao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Kuilong Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Mengyun Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
| | - Shuosheng Zhang
- College of Chinese Materia Medica and Food Engineering, Shanxi University of Chinese Medicine, Jinzhong, China.
| | - Xin Han
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
| | - Gang Cao
- School of Pharmacy, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Hangzhou, China.
- Jinhua Institute, Zhejiang Chinese Medical University, Jinhua, China.
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Wang J, Yang N, Xu Y. Natural Products in the Modulation of Farnesoid X Receptor Against Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. THE AMERICAN JOURNAL OF CHINESE MEDICINE 2024; 52:291-314. [PMID: 38480498 DOI: 10.1142/s0192415x24500137] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 04/18/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a global health concern with a high prevalence and increasing economic burden, but official medicine remains unavailable. Farnesoid X receptor (FXR), a nuclear receptor member, is one of the most promising drug targets for NAFLD therapy that plays a crucial role in modulating bile acid, glucose, and lipid homeostasis, as well as inhibits hepatic inflammation and fibrosis. However, the rejection of the FXR agonist, obecholic acid, by the Food and Drug Administration for treating hepatic fibrosis raises a question about the functions of FXR in NAFLD progression and the therapeutic strategy to be used. Natural products, such as FXR modulators, have become the focus of attention for NAFLD therapy with fewer adverse reactions. The anti-NAFLD mechanisms seem to act as FXR agonists and antagonists or are involved in the FXR signaling pathway activation, indicating a promising target of FXR therapeutic prospects using natural products. This review discusses the effective mechanisms of FXR in NAFLD alleviation, and summarizes currently available natural products such as silymarin, glycyrrhizin, cycloastragenol, berberine, and gypenosides, for targeting FXR, which can facilitate development of naturally targeted drug by medicinal specialists for effective treatment of NAFLD.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jing Wang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Hospital of Chinese Medicine Affiliated to Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing 210022, P. R. China
| | - Na Yang
- Department of Pharmacy, Nanjing Drum Tower Hospital Affiliated Hospital of Medical School, Nanjing University, Nanjing 210008, P. R. China
| | - Yu Xu
- School of Pharmacy, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Cailun Road 1200, Shanghai 201203, P. R. China
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Kim JT, Chen J, Zhou Y, Son MJ, Jeon DH, Kwon JW, Lee GY, Lee HJ. Cycloastragenol inhibits adipogenesis and fat accumulation in vitro and in vivo through activating Hedgehog signaling. Food Sci Biotechnol 2024; 33:711-720. [PMID: 38274180 PMCID: PMC10805729 DOI: 10.1007/s10068-023-01403-0] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/21/2023] [Revised: 07/20/2023] [Accepted: 07/24/2023] [Indexed: 01/27/2024] Open
Abstract
In this study, we investigated the effect of cycloastragenol (CAG), a triterpenoid isolated from Astragalus membranaceus roots, on regulating the adipogenesis and fat accumulation in vitro and in vivo. During the adipogenesis of 3T3-L1 cells, CAG inhibited lipid accumulation and the expression of key adipogenic factors, proliferator-activated receptor γ (PPARγ) and CCAAT enhancer binding protein α (C/EBPα) and increased the expression of Gli1, a key mediator in Hedgehog (Hh) signaling. In HFD-induced animal experiment, CAG significantly reduced body weight gain without affecting brown fat weight. In addition, CAG regulated the expression of PPARγ, C/EBPα, and Gli1 in visceral white adipose tissue (vWAT). We also confirmed the inhibitory effect of CAG on specifically targeting white adipose tissue (WAT) formation in stromal vascular fraction (SVF) cell differentiation. Taken together, these results suggest that CAG may be a potent phytochemical preventing adipogenesis and obesity via Hh signaling. Supplementary Information The online version contains supplementary material available at 10.1007/s10068-023-01403-0.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jin Tae Kim
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Jing Chen
- Institute for Advanced and Applied Chemical Synthesis, Jinan University, Guangzhou, 510632 China
| | - Yimeng Zhou
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Moon Jeong Son
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Dong Hyeon Jeon
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Jung Won Kwon
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Ga Yeon Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
| | - Hong Jin Lee
- Department of Food Science and Biotechnology, Chung-Ang University, Anseong, 456-756 South Korea
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Yao Z, Chen L, Hu M, Meng F, Chen M, Wang G. The discovery of a new potent FXR agonist based on natural product screening. Bioorg Chem 2024; 143:106979. [PMID: 37995646 DOI: 10.1016/j.bioorg.2023.106979] [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: 08/21/2023] [Revised: 11/07/2023] [Accepted: 11/15/2023] [Indexed: 11/25/2023]
Abstract
FXR agonistic activity screening was conducted based on natural product resources containing 38 structurally diverse sesquiterpenoids isolated from Xylopia vielana. Among them, 34 undescribed sesquiterpenoids with 5 different skeleton types were first characterized by HRESIMS, NMR data, ECD calculations and X-ray crystallographic analysis. High-content screening for FXR agonistic activity of these compounds demonstrated that 13 compounds could activate FXR. Then molecular docking results suggested that hydrogen bonding and hydrophobic interactions might contribute to the main interaction of active compounds with FXR. The preliminary structure-activity relationships (SARs) of those isolates were also discussed. The most potent compound 27 significantly elevated the transcriptional activity of the FXR target gene BSEP promoter (EC50 = 14.26 μM) by a dual-luciferase reporter assay. Western blotting indicated that compound 27 activated the FXR-associated pathway, thereby upregulating SHP and BSEP expression, and downregulating CYP7A1 and NTCP expression. We further revealed that FXR was the target protein of compound 27 through diverse target validation methods, including CETSA, SIP, and DARTS under the intervention of temperature, organic reagents and protease. Pharmacological in vivo experiments showed that compound 27 effectively ameliorated α-naphthyl isothiocyanate (ANIT)-induced cholestasis in mice, as evidenced by the ameliorative histopathology of the liver and the decrease in biochemical markers: alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), total bilirubin (TBIL), direct bilirubin (DBIL), and total bile acid (TBA). This work showed a practical strategy for the discovery of new FXR agonists from natural products and provided potential insights for sesquiterpenoids as FXR agonist lead compounds.
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Affiliation(s)
- Zongwen Yao
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Lin Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Hu
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Fancheng Meng
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China
| | - Min Chen
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
| | - Guowei Wang
- College of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southwest University, Chongqing, China.
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Wang R, Mao Y, Yu C, Rong Z, Wang R, Wang Y, Lv L, Gao Y, Wang Z, Zhang H. Research Progress of Natural Products with the Activity of Anti-nonalcoholic Steatohepatitis. Mini Rev Med Chem 2024; 24:1894-1929. [PMID: 38752645 DOI: 10.2174/0113895575306598240503054317] [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: 01/26/2024] [Revised: 03/19/2024] [Accepted: 03/29/2024] [Indexed: 10/16/2024]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), a multi-target disease, is becoming a global epidemic. Although several anti-NASH drug candidates are being evaluated in late-stage clinical trials, none have been approved by the FDA to date. Given the global prevalence of the disease, the lack of effective drugs, and the very limited therapeutic efficacy of most of the existing synthetic drugs focusing on a single target, there is an urgent need to continue to develop new therapeutic agents. In contrast, many natural products, including pure compounds and crude extracts, possess hepatoprotective activities. Usually, these natural components are characterized by multi-targeting and low side effects. Therefore, natural products are important resources for the development of new anti- NASH drugs. In this paper, we focus on reviewing the anti-NASH potential, structure, and some of the side effects of natural products based on structural classification. We hope this mini-review will help researchers design and develop new anti-NASH drugs, especially based on the structure of natural products.
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Affiliation(s)
- Rui Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yuheng Mao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Chunping Yu
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhenji Rong
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Ruyue Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yixin Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Linjin Lv
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Yang Gao
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
| | - Zhigang Wang
- Department of Pharmaceutical Analysis, Heilongjiang University of Chinese Medicine, Harbin 150040, China
| | - Hailong Zhang
- School of Pharmacy, Health Science Center, Xi'an Jiaotong University, Xi'an 710061, China
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Wang L, Yan Y, Wu L, Peng J. Natural products in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD): Novel lead discovery for drug development. Pharmacol Res 2023; 196:106925. [PMID: 37714392 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2023.106925] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/19/2023] [Revised: 09/06/2023] [Accepted: 09/12/2023] [Indexed: 09/17/2023]
Abstract
With changing lifestyles, non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most prevalent liver disease worldwide. A substantial increase in the incidence, mortality, and associated burden of NAFLD-related advanced liver disease is expected. Currently, the initial diagnosis of NAFLD is still based on ultrasound and there is no approved treatment method. Lipid-lowering drugs, vitamin supplementation, and lifestyle improvement treatments are commonly used in clinical practice. However, most lipid-lowering drugs can produce poor patient compliance and specific adverse effects. Therefore, the exploration of bio-diagnostic markers and active lead compounds for the development of innovative drugs is urgently needed. More and more studies have reported the anti-NAFLD effects and mechanisms of natural products (NPs), which have become an important source for new drug development to treat NAFLD due to their high activity and low side effects. At present, berberine and silymarin have been approved by the US FDA to enter clinical phase IV studies, demonstrating the potential of NPs against NAFLD. Studies have found that the regulation of lipid metabolism, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation-related pathways may play important roles in the process. With the continuous updating of technical means and scientific theories, in-depth research on the targets and mechanisms of NPs against NAFLD can provide new possibilities to find bio-diagnostic markers and innovative drugs. As we know, FXR agonists, PPARα agonists, and dual CCR2/5 inhibitors are gradually coming on stage for the treatment of NAFLD. Whether NPs can exert anti-NAFLD effects by regulating these targets or some unknown targets remains to be further studied. Therefore, the study reviewed the potential anti-NAFLD NPs and their targets. Some works on the discovery of new targets and the docking of active lead compounds were also discussed. It is hoped that this review can provide some reference values for the development of non-invasive diagnostic markers and new drugs against NAFLD in the clinic.
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Affiliation(s)
- Lu Wang
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Yonghuan Yan
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Linfang Wu
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China
| | - Jinyong Peng
- School of Pharmacy, Anhui University of Chinese Medicine, Hefei 230012, China; College of Pharmacy, Dalian Medical University, Western 9 Lvshunnan Road, Dalian 116044, China.
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Li H, Guan T, Qin S, Xu Q, Yin L, Hu Q. Natural products in pursuing novel therapies of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease and steatohepatitis. Drug Discov Today 2023; 28:103471. [PMID: 36610488 DOI: 10.1016/j.drudis.2022.103471] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/30/2021] [Revised: 12/04/2022] [Accepted: 12/21/2022] [Indexed: 01/06/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) and steatohepatitis (NASH) are hepatic manifestations of systemic metabolic dysfunction, which affect one-quarter of the adult population worldwide as estimated, and exhibit high risk in progressing to hepatic fibrosis, cirrhosis, and hepatocellular carcinoma. Current drug discovery focuses on modifying homeostasis of lipids, carbohydrates, and cholesterol, as well as inhibiting inflammation and fibrogenesis. Many natural products show promising activities on various molecular targets involving these mechanisms; however, they have not been fully exploited. Since some compounds are components of healthy food, they may be employed in chemoprevention as adjuvants to lifestyle modification, while natural products such as alkaloids and sesquiterpenoids could serve as promising starting points for structural modifications and deserve further development.
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Affiliation(s)
- Haiyan Li
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China
| | - Ting Guan
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China
| | - Shi Qin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China
| | - Qihao Xu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Lina Yin
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China.
| | - Qingzhong Hu
- School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, 232 East Waihuan Road, Panyu, Guangzhou, China.
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Hepatoprotective Efficacy of Cycloastragenol Alleviated the Progression of Liver Fibrosis in Carbon-Tetrachloride-Treated Mice. Biomedicines 2023; 11:biomedicines11010231. [PMID: 36672739 PMCID: PMC9855659 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines11010231] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2022] [Revised: 01/12/2023] [Accepted: 01/13/2023] [Indexed: 01/19/2023] Open
Abstract
The continuous death of hepatocytes induced by various etiologies leads to an aberrant tissue healing process and promotes the progression of liver fibrosis and ultimately chronic liver diseases. To date, effective treatments to delay this harmful process remain an unmet clinical need. Cycloastragenol is an active phytochemical substance isolated from Astragalus membranaceus, a plant used in traditional Chinese medicine to protect the liver. Therefore, our study aimed to elucidate the efficacy of cycloastragenol on carbon-tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice. We found that cycloastragenol at 200 mg/kg dosage exhibited anti-fibrotic efficacy as demonstrated by a decrease in collagen deposition, downregulation of mRNA expression of collagen type 1, and a reduction in the content of total collagens. In addition, cycloastragenol further augmented the levels of anti-fibrotic matrix metalloproteinases (Mmps), that is, Mmp8, proMmp9, and Mmp12, which play a pivotal role in fibrosis resolution. According to histological analysis and serum markers of hepatotoxicity, cycloastragenol protected the livers from damage and mitigated the increment of serum alanine aminotransferase and bilirubin implicating hepatoprotective efficacy against CCl4. Moreover, cycloastragenol upregulated the mRNA expression of interleukin 6, a pleiotropic cytokine plays a vital role in the promotion of hepatocyte regeneration. In conclusion, cycloastragenol alleviated the progression of liver fibrosis in CCl4-treated mice and its anti-fibrotic efficacy was mainly due to the hepatoprotective efficacy.
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Terpenoids: Natural Compounds for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) Therapy. MOLECULES (BASEL, SWITZERLAND) 2022; 28:molecules28010272. [PMID: 36615471 PMCID: PMC9822439 DOI: 10.3390/molecules28010272] [Citation(s) in RCA: 15] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/11/2022] [Revised: 12/15/2022] [Accepted: 12/26/2022] [Indexed: 01/01/2023]
Abstract
Natural products have been the most productive source for the development of drugs. Terpenoids are a class of natural active products with a wide range of pharmacological activities and therapeutic effects, which can be used to treat a variety of diseases. Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD), a common metabolic disorder worldwide, results in a health burden and economic problems. A literature search was conducted to obtain information relevant to the treatment of NAFLD with terpenoids using electronic databases, namely PubMed, Web of Science, Science Direct, and Springer, for the period 2011-2021. In total, we found 43 terpenoids used in the treatment of NAFLD. Over a dozen terpenoid compounds of natural origin were classified into five categories according to their structure: monoterpenoids, sesquiterpenoids, diterpenoids, triterpenoids, and tetraterpenoids. We found that terpenoids play a therapeutic role in NAFLD, mainly by regulating lipid metabolism disorder, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, and inflammation. The AMPK, PPARs, Nrf-2, and SIRT 1 pathways are the main targets for terpenoid treatment. Terpenoids are promising drugs and will potentially create more opportunities for the treatment of NAFLD. However, current studies are restricted to animal and cell experiments, with a lack of clinical research and systematic structure-activity relationship (SAR) studies. In the future, we should further enrich the research on the mechanism of terpenoids, and carry out SAR studies and clinical research, which will increase the likelihood of breakthrough insights in the field.
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11
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Cycloastragenol suppresses M1 and promotes M2 polarization in LPS-stimulated BV-2 cells and ischemic stroke mice. Int Immunopharmacol 2022; 113:109290. [DOI: 10.1016/j.intimp.2022.109290] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/08/2022] [Revised: 09/21/2022] [Accepted: 09/24/2022] [Indexed: 11/05/2022]
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12
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Zhang L, Hu Y, Qi S, Zhang C, Zhou Q, Zhang D, Mu Y, Zhang H, Chen G, Liu P, Chen J, Liu W. Astragalus saponins and its main constituents ameliorate ductular reaction and liver fibrosis in a mouse model of DDC-induced cholestatic liver disease. Front Pharmacol 2022; 13:965914. [PMID: 36339578 PMCID: PMC9632275 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2022.965914] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/10/2022] [Accepted: 10/11/2022] [Indexed: 11/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Cholestatic liver disease (CLD) is a chronic liver disease characterized by ductular reaction, inflammation and fibrosis. As there are no effective chemical or biological drugs now, majority of CLD patients eventually require liver transplantation. Astragali radix (AR) is commonly used in the clinical treatment of cholestatic liver disease and its related liver fibrosis in traditional Chinese medicine, however its specific active constituents are not clear. Total astragalus saponins (ASTs) were considered to be the main active components of AR. The aim of this study is to investigate the improvement effects of the total astragalus saponins (ASTs) and its main constituents in cholestatic liver disease. The ASTs from AR was prepared by macroporous resin, the content of saponins was measured at 60.19 ± 1.68%. The ameliorative effects of ASTs (14, 28, 56 mg/kg) were evaluated by 3, 5-Diethoxycarbonyl-1, 4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced CLD mouse model. The contents of hydroxyproline (Hyp), the mRNA and protein expression of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in liver tissue were dose-dependently improved after treatment for ASTs. 45 astragalus saponins were identified in ASTs by UHPLC-Q-Exactive Orbitrap HRMS, including astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside III, astragaloside IV, isoastragaloside I, isoastragaloside II, cycloastragenol, etc. And, it was found that ductular reaction in sodium butyrate-induced WB-F344 cell model were obviously inhibited by these main constituents. Finally, the improvement effects of astragaloside I, astragaloside II, astragaloside IV and cycloastragenol (50 mg/kg) were evaluated in DDC-induced CLD mice model. The results showed that astragaloside I and cycloastragenol significantly improved mRNA and protein expression of CK19 and α-SMA in liver tissue. It suggested that astragaloside I and cycloastragenol could alleviate ductular reaction and liver fibrosis. In summary, this study revealed that ASTs could significantly inhibit ductular reaction and liver fibrosis, and astragaloside I and cycloastragenol were the key substances of ASTs for treating cholestatic liver disease.
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Affiliation(s)
- Linzhang Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yonghong Hu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Shenglan Qi
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Congcong Zhang
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Qun Zhou
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Dingqi Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Yongping Mu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Hua Zhang
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Gaofeng Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
| | - Ping Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
| | - Jiamei Chen
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
| | - Wei Liu
- Key Laboratory of Liver and Kidney Diseases (Ministry of Education), Shanghai Key Laboratory of Traditional Chinese Clinical Medicine, Institute of Liver Diseases, Shuguang Hospital Affiliated to Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- The MOE Key Laboratory for Standardization of Chinese Medicines and the SATCM Key Laboratory for New Resources and Quality Evaluation of Chinese Medicines, Institute of Chinese Materia Medica, Shanghai University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Shanghai, China
- *Correspondence: Ping Liu, ; Jiamei Chen, ; Wei Liu,
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Deng G, Zhou L, Wang B, Sun X, Zhang Q, Chen H, Wan N, Ye H, Wu X, Sun D, Sun Y, Cheng H. Targeting cathepsin B by cycloastragenol enhances antitumor immunity of CD8 T cells via inhibiting MHC-I degradation. J Immunother Cancer 2022; 10:e004874. [PMID: 36307151 PMCID: PMC9621195 DOI: 10.1136/jitc-2022-004874] [Citation(s) in RCA: 20] [Impact Index Per Article: 10.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Grants] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Accepted: 09/22/2022] [Indexed: 11/07/2022] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND The loss of tumor antigens and depletion of CD8 T cells caused by the PD-1/PD-L1 pathway are important factors for tumor immune escape. In recent years, there has been increasing research on traditional Chinese medicine in tumor treatment. Cycloastragenol (CAG), an effective active molecule in Astragalus membranaceus, has been found to have antiviral, anti-aging, anti-inflammatory, and other functions. However, its antitumor effect and mechanism are not clear. METHODS The antitumor effect of CAG was investigated in MC38 and CT26 mouse transplanted tumor models. The antitumor effect of CAG was further analyzed via single-cell multiomics sequencing. Target responsive accessibility profiling technology was used to find the target protein of CAG. Subsequently, the antitumor mechanism of CAG was explored using confocal microscopy, coimmunoprecipitation and transfection of mutant plasmids. Finally, the combined antitumor effect of CAG and PD-1 antibodies in mice or organoids were investigated. RESULTS We found that CAG effectively inhibited tumor growth in vivo. Our single-cell multiomics atlas demonstrated that CAG promoted the presentation of tumor cell-surface antigens and was characterized by the enhanced killing function of CD8+ T cells. Mechanistically, CAG bound to its target protein cathepsin B, which then inhibited the lysosomal degradation of major histocompatibility complex I (MHC-I) and promoted the aggregation of MHC-I to the cell membrane, boosting the presentation of the tumor antigen. Meanwhile, the combination of CAG with PD-1 antibody effectively enhanced the tumor killing ability of CD8+ T cells in xenograft mice and colorectal cancer organoids. CONCLUSION Our data reported for the first time that cathepsin B downregulation confers antitumor immunity and explicates the antitumor mechanism of natural product CAG.
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Affiliation(s)
- Guoliang Deng
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Lisha Zhou
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Binglin Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Bioinformatics Department of Predictive Medicine, Institute of Biomedical Informatics, Cell Signal Transduction Laboratory, School of Basic Medical Sciences, Henan University, Kaifeng, Henan, People's Republic of China
| | - Xiaofan Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Qinchang Zhang
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hongqi Chen
- Department of General Surgery, Shanghai Jiao Tong University Affiliated Sixth People's Hospital, Shanghai, People's Republic of China
| | - Ning Wan
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Hui Ye
- Jiangsu Provincial Key Laboratory of Drug Metabolism and Pharmacokinetics, State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Xiaoqi Wu
- Genergy Bio-technology (Shanghai) Co. Ltd, Shanghai, China
| | - Dongdong Sun
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
| | - Yang Sun
- State Key Laboratory of Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, Chemistry and Biomedicine Innovation Center (ChemBIC), Department of Biotechnology and Pharmaceutical Sciences, School of Life Sciences, Nanjing University, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
- Jiangsu Key Laboratory of New Drug Research and Clinical Pharmacy, Xuzhou Medical University, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, China
| | - Haibo Cheng
- Jiangsu Collaborative Innovation Center of Traditional Chinese Medicine in Prevention and Treatment of Tumor, The First Clinical College, Nanjing University of Chinese Medicine, Nanjing, Jiangsu, China
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TAK-242 Ameliorates Hepatic Fibrosis by Regulating the Liver-Gut Axis. BIOMED RESEARCH INTERNATIONAL 2022; 2022:4949148. [PMID: 36017390 PMCID: PMC9398794 DOI: 10.1155/2022/4949148] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/06/2022] [Revised: 07/15/2022] [Accepted: 07/25/2022] [Indexed: 11/17/2022]
Abstract
Objective. The aims of this study were to investigate the impact of TAK-242 on the Toll-like receptor 4 (TLR4)/myeloid differentiation factor 88 (MyD88)/nuclear transcription factor-κB (NF-κB) signal transduction pathway in rats with hepatic fibrosis (HF) using the liver gut axis and to investigate the molecular mechanism of its intervention on HF. Methods. SPF grade SD male rats were randomly allocated to the control, model, and TAK-242 groups. For 8 weeks, the model and TAK-242 groups received 3 mL·kg-1 (the initial dose 5 mL·kg-1) intraperitoneal injections of 40% CCL4 olive oil solution. TAK-242 (5 mg·kg-1) was administered once a day for 5 days after modeling. The pathological alterations of liver and small intestine tissues in each group were observed using H&E and Masson staining. ELISA was used to measure serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), direct bilirubin (DBIL), total bilirubin (TBIL), interleukin-1β (IL-1β), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α). RT-qPCR was utilized to identify the mRNA expression level of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB in rat liver and small intestine tissues. The protein level of IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB protein in rat liver and small intestine tissues was determined utilizing Western blot and IHC. Results. TAK-242 significantly reduced AST, ALT, TBIL, and DBIL expression in HF rats’ serum (
) and alleviated liver tissue injury. Hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson staining revealed inflammatory cell infiltration and fibrous proliferation in the liver and small intestine tissue in the model group and partial cell swelling in the TAK-242 group, which indicated a considerable improvement compared to the model group. RT-qPCR, Western blot, and IHC data indicated that TAK-242 reduced the IL-1β, IL-6, TNF-α, TLR4, MyD88, and NF-κB expression in the liver and small intestine tissues of HF rats. Conclusion. TAK-242 might downregulate the TLR4/MyD88/NF-κB signal pathway through the liver-gut axis, suppress the inflammatory response, and eventually alleviate HF in rats.
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Yilmaz S, Bedir E, Ballar Kirmizibayrak P. The role of cycloastragenol at the intersection of NRF2/ARE, telomerase, and proteasome activity. Free Radic Biol Med 2022; 188:105-116. [PMID: 35718303 DOI: 10.1016/j.freeradbiomed.2022.06.230] [Citation(s) in RCA: 0] [Impact Index Per Article: 0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 06/02/2022] [Revised: 06/09/2022] [Accepted: 06/14/2022] [Indexed: 10/18/2022]
Abstract
Aging is well-characterized by the gradual decline of cellular functionality. As redox balance, proteostasis, and telomerase systems have been found to be associated with aging and age-related diseases, targeting these systems with small compounds has been considered a promising therapeutic approach. Cycloastragenol (CA), a small molecule telomerase activator obtained from Astragalus species, has been reported to positively affect several age-related pathophysiologies, but the mechanisms underlying CA activity have yet to be reported. Here, we presented that CA increased NRF2 nuclear localization and activity leading to upregulation of cytoprotective enzymes and attenuation of oxidative stress-induced ROS levels. Furthermore, CA-mediated induction of telomerase activity was found to be regulated by NRF2. CA not only increased the expression of hTERT but also its nuclear localization via upregulating the Hsp90-chaperon complex. In addition to modulating nuclear hTERT levels at unstressed conditions, CA alleviated oxidative stress-induced mitochondrial hTERT levels while increasing nuclear hTERT levels. Concomitantly, H2O2-induced mitochondrial ROS level was found to be significantly decreased by CA administration. Our data also revealed that CA strongly enhanced proteasome activity and assembly. More importantly, the proteasome activator effect of CA is dependent on the induction of telomerase activity, which is mediated by NRF2 system. In conclusion, our results not only revealed the cross-talk among NRF2, telomerase, and proteasome systems but also that CA functions at the intersection of these three major aging-related cellular pathways.
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Affiliation(s)
- Sinem Yilmaz
- Department of Biotechnology, Graduate School of Natural and Applied Sciences, Ege University, Bornova, Izmir, Turkey; Department of Bioengineering, Faculty of Engineering, University of Alanya Aladdin Keykubat, Antalya, Turkey
| | - Erdal Bedir
- Department of Bioengineering, Izmir Institute of Technology, 35430, Urla, Izmir, Turkey.
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16
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Melin LG, Dall JH, Lindholt JS, Steffensen LB, Beck HC, Elkrog SL, Clausen PD, Rasmussen LM, Stubbe J. Cycloastragenol Inhibits Experimental Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm Progression. Biomedicines 2022; 10:biomedicines10020359. [PMID: 35203568 PMCID: PMC8962318 DOI: 10.3390/biomedicines10020359] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/23/2021] [Revised: 01/24/2022] [Accepted: 01/30/2022] [Indexed: 02/04/2023] Open
Abstract
The pathogenesis of abdominal aortic aneurysm involves vascular inflammation and elastin degradation. Astragalusradix contains cycloastragenol, which is known to be anti-inflammatory and to protect against elastin degradation. We hypothesized that cycloastragenol supplementation inhibits abdominal aortic aneurysm progression. Abdominal aortic aneurysm was induced in male rats by intraluminal elastase infusion in the infrarenal aorta and treated daily with cycloastragenol (125 mg/kg/day). Aortic expansion was followed weekly by ultrasound for 28 days. Changes in aneurysmal wall composition were analyzed by mRNA levels, histology, zymography and explorative proteomic analyses. At day 28, mean aneurysm diameter was 37% lower in the cycloastragenol group (p < 0.0001). In aneurysm cross sections, elastin content was insignificantly higher in the cycloastragenol group (10.5% ± 5.9% vs. 19.9% ± 16.8%, p = 0.20), with more preserved elastin lamellae structures (p = 0.0003) and without microcalcifications. Aneurysmal matrix metalloprotease-2 activity was reduced by the treatment (p = 0.022). Messenger RNA levels of inflammatory- and anti-oxidative markers did not differ between groups. Explorative proteomic analysis showed no difference in protein levels when adjusting for multiple testing. Among proteins displaying nominal regulation were fibulin-5 (p = 0.02), aquaporin-1 (p = 0.02) and prostacyclin synthase (p = 0.007). Cycloastragenol inhibits experimental abdominal aortic aneurysm progression. The suggested underlying mechanisms involve decreased matrix metalloprotease-2 activity and preservation of elastin and reduced calcification, thus, cycloastragenol could be considered for trial in abdominal aortic aneurysm patients.
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Affiliation(s)
- Leander Gaarde Melin
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Julie Husted Dall
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Jes S. Lindholt
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Department of Cardiothoracic and Vascular Surgery, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Lasse B. Steffensen
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Hans Christian Beck
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Sophie L. Elkrog
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Pernille D. Clausen
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
| | - Lars Melholt Rasmussen
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Department of Clinical Biochemistry and Pharmacology, Odense University Hospital, 5000 Odense, Denmark
| | - Jane Stubbe
- Centre for Individualized Medicine in Arterial Diseases (CIMA), Odense University Hospital (OUH), 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.G.M.); (J.H.D.); (J.S.L.); (H.C.B.); (L.M.R.)
- Cardiovascular and Renal Research Unit, Institute for Molecular Medicine, University of Southern Denmark, 5000 Odense, Denmark; (L.B.S.); (S.L.E.); (P.D.C.)
- Correspondence: ; Tel.: +45-6550-3709
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She J, Gu T, Pang X, Liu Y, Tang L, Zhou X. Natural Products Targeting Liver X Receptors or Farnesoid X Receptor. Front Pharmacol 2022; 12:772435. [PMID: 35069197 PMCID: PMC8766425 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.772435] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/08/2021] [Accepted: 11/22/2021] [Indexed: 12/18/2022] Open
Abstract
Nuclear receptors (NRs) are a superfamily of transcription factors induced by ligands and also function as integrators of hormonal and nutritional signals. Among NRs, the liver X receptors (LXRs) and farnesoid X receptor (FXR) have been of significance as targets for the treatment of metabolic syndrome-related diseases. In recent years, natural products targeting LXRs and FXR have received remarkable interests as a valuable source of novel ligands encompassing diverse chemical structures and bioactive properties. This review aims to survey natural products, originating from terrestrial plants and microorganisms, marine organisms, and marine-derived microorganisms, which could influence LXRs and FXR. In the recent two decades (2000-2020), 261 natural products were discovered from natural resources such as LXRs/FXR modulators, 109 agonists and 38 antagonists targeting LXRs, and 72 agonists and 55 antagonists targeting FXR. The docking evaluation of desired natural products targeted LXRs/FXR is finally discussed. This comprehensive overview will provide a reference for future study of novel LXRs and FXR agonists and antagonists to target human diseases, and attract an increasing number of professional scholars majoring in pharmacy and biology with more in-depth discussion.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jianglian She
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China
| | - Tanwei Gu
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xiaoyan Pang
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China
| | - Yonghong Liu
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,College of Earth and Planetary Sciences, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
| | - Lan Tang
- NMPA Key Laboratory for Research and Evaluation of Drug Metabolism, Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, China
| | - Xuefeng Zhou
- CAS Key Laboratory of Tropical Marine Bio-resources and Ecology, Guangdong Key Laboratory of Marine Materia Medica, South China Sea Institute of Oceanology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Guangzhou, China.,Southern Marine Science and Engineering Guangdong Laboratory (Guangzhou), Guangzhou, China
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18
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Fu K, Wang C, Ma C, Zhou H, Li Y. The Potential Application of Chinese Medicine in Liver Diseases: A New Opportunity. Front Pharmacol 2021; 12:771459. [PMID: 34803712 PMCID: PMC8600187 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2021.771459] [Citation(s) in RCA: 16] [Impact Index Per Article: 5.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 09/06/2021] [Accepted: 10/19/2021] [Indexed: 12/12/2022] Open
Abstract
Liver diseases have been a common challenge for people all over the world, which threatens the quality of life and safety of hundreds of millions of patients. China is a major country with liver diseases. Metabolic associated fatty liver disease, hepatitis B virus and alcoholic liver disease are the three most common liver diseases in our country, and the number of patients with liver cancer is increasing. Therefore, finding effective drugs to treat liver disease has become an urgent task. Chinese medicine (CM) has the advantages of low cost, high safety, and various biological activities, which is an important factor for the prevention and treatment of liver diseases. This review systematically summarizes the potential of CM in the treatment of liver diseases, showing that CM can alleviate liver diseases by regulating lipid metabolism, bile acid metabolism, immune function, and gut microbiota, as well as exerting anti-liver injury, anti-oxidation, and anti-hepatitis virus effects. Among them, Keap1/Nrf2, TGF-β/SMADS, p38 MAPK, NF-κB/IκBα, NF-κB-NLRP3, PI3K/Akt, TLR4-MyD88-NF-κB and IL-6/STAT3 signaling pathways are mainly involved. In conclusion, CM is very likely to be a potential candidate for liver disease treatment based on modern phytochemistry, pharmacology, and genomeproteomics, which needs more clinical trials to further clarify its importance in the treatment of liver diseases.
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Affiliation(s)
| | | | | | | | - Yunxia Li
- State Key Laboratory of Southwestern Chinese Medicine Resources, Key Laboratory of Standardization for Chinese Herbal Medicine, Ministry of Education, School of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
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Zhu X, Cao Y, Su M, Chen M, Li C, Yi L, Qin J, Tulake W, Teng F, Zhong Y, Tang W, Wang S, Dong J. Cycloastragenol alleviates airway inflammation in asthmatic mice by inhibiting autophagy. Mol Med Rep 2021; 24:805. [PMID: 34542166 PMCID: PMC8477186 DOI: 10.3892/mmr.2021.12445] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/09/2021] [Accepted: 08/11/2021] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cycloastragenol (CAG), a secondary metabolite from the roots of Astragalus zahlbruckneri, has been reported to exert anti-inflammatory effects in heart, skin and liver diseases. However, its role in asthma remains unclear. The present study aimed to investigate the effect of CAG on airway inflammation in an ovalbumin (OVA)-induced mouse asthma model. The current study evaluated the lung function and levels of inflammation and autophagy via measurement of airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), lung histology examination, inflammatory cytokine measurement and western blotting, amongst other techniques. The results demonstrated that CAG attenuated OVA-induced AHR in vivo. In addition, the total number of leukocytes and eosinophils, as well as the secretion of inflammatory cytokines, including interleukin (IL)-5, IL-13 and immunoglobulin E were diminished in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid of the OVA-induced murine asthma model. Histological analysis revealed that CAG suppressed inflammatory cell infiltration and goblet cell secretion. Notably, based on molecular docking simulation, CAG was demonstrated to bind to the active site of autophagy-related gene 4-microtubule-associated proteins light chain 3 complex, which explains the reduced autophagic flux in asthma caused by CAG. The expression levels of proteins associated with autophagy pathways were inhibited following treatment with CAG. Taken together, the results of the present study suggest that CAG exerts an anti-inflammatory effect in asthma, and its role may be associated with the inhibition of autophagy in lung cells.
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Affiliation(s)
- Xueyi Zhu
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yuxue Cao
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Mingyue Su
- Department of Pulmonary Diseases and Oncology, Pu'er Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Kunming, Yunnan 665000, P.R. China
| | - Mengmeng Chen
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Congcong Li
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - La Yi
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jingjing Qin
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Wuniqiemu Tulake
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Fangzhou Teng
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Yuanyuan Zhong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Weifeng Tang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Shiyuan Wang
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
| | - Jingcheng Dong
- Department of Integrative Medicine, Huashan Hospital, Fudan University, Shanghai 200040, P.R. China
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Chen M, Xie Y, Gong S, Wang Y, Yu H, Zhou T, Huang F, Guo X, Zhang H, Huang R, Han Z, Xing Y, Liu Q, Tong G, Zhou H. Traditional Chinese medicine in the treatment of nonalcoholic steatohepatitis. Pharmacol Res 2021; 172:105849. [PMID: 34450307 DOI: 10.1016/j.phrs.2021.105849] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 7.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/03/2021] [Revised: 08/21/2021] [Accepted: 08/22/2021] [Indexed: 02/07/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common chronic liver disease in clinical practice. It has been considered that NASH is one of the main causes of chronic liver disease, cirrhosis and carcinoma. The mechanism of the NASH progression is complex, including lipid metabolism dysfunction, insulin resistance, oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, fibrosis and gut microbiota dysbiosis. Except for lifestyle modification and bariatric surgery, there has been no pharmacological therapy that is being officially approved in NASH treatment. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), as a conventional and effective therapeutic strategy, has been proved to be beneficial in treating NASH in numbers of studies. In the light of this, TCM may provide a potential therapy for treating NASH. In this review, we summarized the associated mechanisms of action TCM treating NASH in preclinical studies and systematically analysis the effectiveness of TCM treating NASH in current clinical trials.
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Affiliation(s)
- Mingtai Chen
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Ying Xie
- School of Pharmacy and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Macao, PR China
| | - Shenglan Gong
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Yunqiao Wang
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China
| | - Hao Yu
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China
| | - Tianran Zhou
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Furong Huang
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Xin Guo
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China
| | - Huanhuan Zhang
- Guangzhou University of Chinese Medicine, Guangzhou, Guangdong, PR China
| | - Ruolan Huang
- Department of Neurology, Shenzhen University Clinical Research Center for Neurological Diseases, Shenzhen University General Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Zhiyi Han
- Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Yufeng Xing
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Qiang Liu
- Department of Cardiovascular Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China
| | - Guangdong Tong
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Department of Liver Disease, Shenzhen Traditional Chinese Medicine Hospital, Shenzhen, PR China.
| | - Hua Zhou
- Faculty of Chinese Medicine and State Key Laboratory of Quality Research in Chinese Medicine, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China; Joint Laboratory for Translational Cancer Research of Chinese Medicine of the Ministry of Education of the People's Republic of China, Macau University of Science and Technology, Taipa, Macao, PR China.
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Zheng P, Ding Y, Lu F, Liu N, Wu H, Bian Z, Chen X, Yang D. Atorvastatin reverses high cholesterol-induced cardiac remodelling and regulates mitochondrial quality-control in a cholesterol-independent manner: An experimental study. Clin Exp Pharmacol Physiol 2021; 48:1150-1161. [PMID: 33891707 DOI: 10.1111/1440-1681.13507] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 12/27/2020] [Revised: 04/09/2021] [Accepted: 04/17/2021] [Indexed: 01/03/2023]
Abstract
Mitochondria are key regulators of cell fate, maintaining self-stability by a fine-tuned quality-control network including mitophagy, biogenesis, fission and fusion processes. Myocardial mitochondria can be impaired by hypercholesterolemia. Statins, such as atorvastatin, are considered the cornerstone in the management of hypercholesterolaemia primarily due to their marked cholesterol-lowering ability. The direct effect of atorvastatin on myocardial mitochondria remains unclear. We aimed to explore whether atorvastatin could attenuate myocardial mitochondrial defects induced by high cholesterol, and whether cycloastragenol, a potent telomerase activator, could be used as a potential complementary bioactive compound for obesity and hypercholesterolaemia treatment. We found that atorvastatin at a low dose (3 mg/kg) did not reduce elevated serum cholesterol, but reversed cardiac remodelling and dysfunction in C57BL/6J mice fed with high-fat diet (HFD). Atorvastatin reversed the upregulated mitophagy, mitochondrial fission and fusion, accompanied by mitochondrial biogenesis activation in HFD-fed mice hearts. Mitochondrial structural impairments were attenuated by atorvastatin in HFD-fed mice and oxidized low-density lipoprotein (ox-LDL) exposed HL-1 cardiomyocytes. The depolarized mitochondrial membrane potential and increased mitochondrial oxygen consumption rates in ox-LDL exposed HL-1 cells were recovered by atorvastatin. Furthermore, atorvastatin co-treated with cycloastragenol had better effects on reducing body weight, improving cardiac remodelling and dysfunction, and protecting mitochondria in high cholesterol. Conclusively, low-dose atorvastatin exhibited a cholesterol-independent cardioprotective effect through improving the mitochondrial quality-control network and repairing mitochondrial ultrastructure in high cholesterol. Atorvastatin plus cycloastragenol supplement therapy has a better effect on treating obesity and hypercholesterolaemia.
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Affiliation(s)
- Peng Zheng
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Yanzi Ding
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Feiyan Lu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Nannan Liu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Hengfang Wu
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Zhiping Bian
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Xiangjian Chen
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
| | - Di Yang
- Department of Cardiology, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
- Department of Science and Technology Office, The First Affiliated Hospital of Nanjing Medical University, Nanjing, China
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Leng YR, Zhang MH, Luo JG, Zhang H. Pathogenesis of NASH and Promising Natural Products. Chin J Nat Med 2021; 19:12-27. [PMID: 33516448 DOI: 10.1016/s1875-5364(21)60002-x] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.7] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/23/2020] [Indexed: 02/08/2023]
Abstract
Nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is a common clinical condition that can lead to advanced liver diseases. The mechanism of the diaease progression, which is lacking effective therapy, remains obsure. Therefore, there is a need to understand the pathogenic mechanisms responsible for disease development and progression in order to develop innovative therapies. To accomplish this goal, experimental animal models that recapitulate the human disease are necessary. Currently, an increasing number of studies have focused on natural constituents from medicinal plants which have been emerged as a new hope for NASH. This review summarized the pathogenesis of NASH, animal models commonly used, and the promising targets for therapeutics. We also reviewed the natural constituents as potential NASH therapeutic agents.
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Affiliation(s)
- Ying-Rong Leng
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Mei-Hui Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China
| | - Jian-Guang Luo
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
| | - Hao Zhang
- State Key Laboratory of Natural Medicines and Jiangsu Key Laboratory of Bioactive Natural Product Research, School of Traditional Chinese Pharmacy, China Pharmaceutical University, Nanjing 210009, China.
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Wu J, Zeng Z, Li Y, Qin H, Zuo C, Zhou C, Xu D. Cycloastragenol protects against glucocorticoid-induced osteogenic differentiation inhibition by activating telomerase. Phytother Res 2020; 35:2034-2044. [PMID: 33165990 DOI: 10.1002/ptr.6946] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 07/15/2020] [Revised: 10/17/2020] [Accepted: 10/25/2020] [Indexed: 12/25/2022]
Abstract
Glucocorticoid-induced osteoporosis (GIOP) that is mainly featured as low bone density and increased risk of fracture is prone to occur with the administration of excessive glucocorticoids. Cycloastragenol (CAG) has been verified to be a small molecule that activates telomerase. Studied showed that up-regulated telomerase was associated with promoting osteogeneic differentiation, so we explored whether CAG could promote osteogenic differentiation to protect against GIOP and telomerase would be the target that CAG exerted its function. Our results demonstrated that CAG prominently increased the ALP activity, mineralization, mRNA of runt-related transcription factor 2, osteocalcin, osteopontin, collagen type I in both MC3T3-E1 cells and dexamethasone (DEX)-treated MC3T3-E1 cells. CAG up-regulated telomerase reverse transcriptase and the protective effect of CAG was blocked by telomerase inhibitor TMPyP4. Moreover, CAG improved bone mineralization in DEX-induced bone damage in a zebrafish larvea model. Therefore, the study showed that CAG could alleviate the osteogenic differentiation inhibition induced by DEX in vitro and in vivo, and CAG might be considered as a candidate drug for the treatment of GIOP.
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Affiliation(s)
- Jiahuan Wu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Public Service Platform of South China Sea for R&D Marine Biomedicine Resources, Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Zhanwei Zeng
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Public Service Platform of South China Sea for R&D Marine Biomedicine Resources, Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Yuyun Li
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Public Service Platform of South China Sea for R&D Marine Biomedicine Resources, Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Huiyi Qin
- Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Changqing Zuo
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Public Service Platform of South China Sea for R&D Marine Biomedicine Resources, Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Chenhui Zhou
- School of Nursing, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
| | - Daohua Xu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, The Public Service Platform of South China Sea for R&D Marine Biomedicine Resources, Marine Biomedical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, China.,Department of Pharmacology, Institute of Traditional Chinese Medicine and New Pharmacy Development, Guangdong Medical University, Dongguan, China
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Li M, Li SC, Dou BK, Zou YX, Han HZ, Liu DX, Ke ZJ, Wang ZF. Cycloastragenol upregulates SIRT1 expression, attenuates apoptosis and suppresses neuroinflammation after brain ischemia. Acta Pharmacol Sin 2020; 41:1025-1032. [PMID: 32203080 PMCID: PMC7471431 DOI: 10.1038/s41401-020-0386-6] [Citation(s) in RCA: 63] [Impact Index Per Article: 15.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 11/09/2019] [Accepted: 02/19/2020] [Indexed: 12/19/2022] Open
Abstract
Cycloastragenol (CAG) is the active form of astragaloside IV isolated from Astragalus Radix, which displays multiple pharmacological effects. Silent information regulator 1 (SIRT1), a class III histone deacetylase, has been shown to play an important role in neuroprotection against cerebral ischemia. In this study, we investigated whether CAG protected against ischemic brain injury and, if so, whether the beneficial effects were associated with the regulation of SIRT1 in the ischemic brain. Mice were subjected to 45 min of middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) followed by reperfusion. CAG (5, 10, 20 mg/kg) was injected intraperitoneally at the onset of reperfusion, 12 h later and then twice daily for up to three days. CAG dose-dependently reduced brain infarct volume, significantly ameliorated functional deficits, and prevented neuronal cell loss in MCAO mice. Meanwhile, CAG significantly reduced matrix metalloproteinase-9 activity, prevented tight junction degradation and subsequently ameliorated blood-brain barrier disruption. Moreover, CAG significantly upregulated SIRT1 expression in the ischemic brain but did not directly activate its enzymatic activity. Concomitant with SIRT1 upregulation, CAG reduced p53 acetylation and the ratio of Bax to Bcl-2 in the ischemic brain. CAG also inhibited NF-κB p65 nuclear translocation. As a result, CAG suppressed the mRNA expression of pro-inflammatory cytokines, including TNF-α and IL-1β, and inhibited the activation of microglia and astrocytes in the ischemic brain. Our findings suggest that CAG is neuroprotective against ischemic brain injury in mice and that its beneficial effect may involve SIRT1 upregulation and the inhibition of apoptosis and neuroinflammation in the ischemic brain.
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Yu Y, Wu J, Li J, Liu Y, Zheng X, Du M, Zhou L, Yang Y, Luo S, Hu W, Li L, Yao W, Liu Y. Cycloastragenol prevents age-related bone loss: Evidence in d-galactose-treated and aged rats. Biomed Pharmacother 2020; 128:110304. [PMID: 32497865 DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2020.110304] [Citation(s) in RCA: 10] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 03/24/2020] [Revised: 05/10/2020] [Accepted: 05/20/2020] [Indexed: 02/07/2023] Open
Abstract
BACKGROUND AND AIMS Aging-induced bone loss is a multifactorial, age-related, and progressive phenomenon among the general population and may further progress to osteoporosis and increase the risk of fractures. Cycloastragenol (CAG), currently the only compound reported that activates human telomerase, is thought to be able to alleviate or delay the symptoms of aging and chronic diseases. Previous research has suggested that CAG may have the potential to alleviate age-related bone loss. However, to date, no research has specifically focused on this aspect. In this study, we aimed to investigate whether CAG could prevent senile osteoporosis, and further reveal its underlying mechanism. METHODS CAG treatment was administrated into two bone loss rat models (D-galactose administration and aging) for 20 weeks and 33 weeks, respectively. Serum biomarkers analyses, bone biomechanical tests, micro-computed tomography assessment, and bone histomorphometry analyses were performed on the bone samples collected at the endpoint, to determine whether CAG could prevent or alleviate age-related bone loss. Proteomic analysis was performed to reveal the changes in protein profiles of the bones, and western blot was used to further verify the identity of the key proteins. The viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization of MC3T3-E1 cells were also evaluated after CAG treatment in vitro. RESULTS The results suggest that CAG treatment improves bone formation, reduces osteoclast number, alleviates the degradation of bone microstructure, and enhances bone biomechanical properties in both d-galactose- and aging-induced bone loss models. CAG treatment promotes viability, osteoblastic differentiation, and mineralization in MC3T3-E1 cells. Proteomic and western blot analyses revealed that CAG treatment increases osteoactivin (OA) expression to alleviate bone loss. CONCLUSION The results revealed that CAG alleviates age-related bone loss and improves bone microstructure and biomechanical properties. This may due to CAG-induced increase in OA expression. In addition, the results support preclinical investigations of CAG as a potential therapeutic medicine for the treatment of senile osteoporosis.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Jingkai Wu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Jin Li
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Yanzhi Liu
- Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Marine Medical Research Institute, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China; Translational Medicine R&D Center, Institute of Biomedical and Health Engineering, Shenzhen Institutes of Advanced Technology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Shenzhen, 518000, PR China
| | - Xiaoyan Zheng
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Mingzhu Du
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Limin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Shiying Luo
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Wenjia Hu
- Institute of Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China
| | - Lin Li
- Guangdong Provincial Key Laboratory of New Drug Screening, Guangzhou Key Laboratory of Drug Research for Emerging Virus Prevention and Treatment, School of Pharmaceutical Sciences, Southern Medical University, Guangzhou, Guangdong, 510515, PR China
| | - Weimin Yao
- Department of Respiratory Medicine, The Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524000, PR China.
| | - Yuyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong, 524023, PR China.
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Enzymatic Bioconversion of Cycloastragenol-6-O-β-D-glucoside into Cycloastragenol by a Novel Recombinant β-Glucosidase from Phycicoccus sp. Soil748. Process Biochem 2020. [DOI: 10.1016/j.procbio.2019.11.006] [Citation(s) in RCA: 4] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 02/02/2023]
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Identification of isotschimgine as a novel farnesoid X receptor agonist with potency for the treatment of obesity in mice. Biochem Biophys Res Commun 2020; 521:639-645. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bbrc.2019.10.169] [Citation(s) in RCA: 8] [Impact Index Per Article: 2.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 10/09/2019] [Accepted: 10/24/2019] [Indexed: 01/07/2023]
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De Marino S, Festa C, Sepe V, Zampella A. Chemistry and Pharmacology of GPBAR1 and FXR Selective Agonists, Dual Agonists, and Antagonists. Handb Exp Pharmacol 2019; 256:137-165. [PMID: 31201554 DOI: 10.1007/164_2019_237] [Citation(s) in RCA: 24] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 06/09/2023]
Abstract
In the recent years, bile acid receptors FXR and GPBAR1 have attracted the interest of scientific community and companies, as they proved promising targets for the treatment of several diseases, ranging from liver cholestatic disorders to metabolic syndrome, inflammatory states, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), and diabetes.Consequently, the development of dual FXR/GPBAR1 agonists, as well as selective targeting of one of these receptors, is considered a hopeful possibility in the treatment of these disorders. Because endogenous bile acids and steroidal ligands, which cover the same chemical space of bile acids, often target both receptor families, speculation on nonsteroidal ligands represents a promising and innovative strategy to selectively target GPBAR1 or FXR.In this review, we summarize the most recent acquisition on natural, semisynthetic, and synthetic steroidal and nonsteroidal ligands, able to interact with FXR and GPBAR1.
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Affiliation(s)
- Simona De Marino
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Carmen Festa
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Valentina Sepe
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy
| | - Angela Zampella
- Department of Pharmacy, University of Naples "Federico II", Naples, Italy.
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Cycloastragenol ameliorates experimental heart damage in rats by promoting myocardial autophagy via inhibition of AKT1-RPS6KB1 signaling. Biomed Pharmacother 2018; 107:1074-1081. [DOI: 10.1016/j.biopha.2018.08.016] [Citation(s) in RCA: 23] [Impact Index Per Article: 3.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 07/19/2018] [Accepted: 08/06/2018] [Indexed: 01/17/2023] Open
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31
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Qiu R, Luo G, Li X, Zheng F, Li H, Zhang J, You Q, Xiang H. Lipid accumulation inhibitory activities of novel isoxazole-based chenodeoxycholic acids: Design, synthesis and preliminary mechanism study. Bioorg Med Chem Lett 2018; 28:2879-2884. [DOI: 10.1016/j.bmcl.2018.07.026] [Citation(s) in RCA: 2] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.3] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 04/11/2018] [Revised: 06/29/2018] [Accepted: 07/16/2018] [Indexed: 10/28/2022]
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32
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Wei Y, Lu Y, Zhu Y, Zheng W, Guo F, Yao B, Xu S, Wang Y, Jin L, Li Y. Structural basis for the hepatoprotective effects of antihypertensive 1,4-dihydropyridine drugs. Biochim Biophys Acta Gen Subj 2018; 1862:2261-2270. [PMID: 30048741 DOI: 10.1016/j.bbagen.2018.07.022] [Citation(s) in RCA: 5] [Impact Index Per Article: 0.8] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [MESH Headings] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/10/2018] [Revised: 07/18/2018] [Accepted: 07/20/2018] [Indexed: 12/12/2022]
Abstract
BACKGROUND The 1,4-dihydropyridines (DHPs) are one of the most frequently prescribed classes of antihypertensive monotherapeutic agents worldwide. In addition to treating hypertension, DHPs also exert other beneficial effects, including hepatoprotective effects. However, the mechanism underlying the hepatoprotection remains unclear. METHODS Biochemical AlphaScreen and cell-based reporter assays were employed to detect the activities of DHPs towards FXR. A crystallographic analysis was adopted to study the binding modes of four DHPs in complex with FXR. Acetaminophen (APAP)-treated wild-type and FXR knockout mice were used to investigate the functional dependence of the effects of the selected DHPs on FXR. RESULTS A series of DHPs were uncovered as FXR ligands with different activities for FXR, suggesting FXR might serve as an alternative drug target for DHPs. The structural analysis illustrated the specific three-blade propeller binding modes of four DHPs to FXR and explained the detailed mechanisms by which DHPs bind to and are recognized by FXR. The results in mice demonstrated that cilnidipine protected the liver from APAP-induced injury in an FXR-dependent manner. CONCLUSIONS This study reports the crystal structures of FXR in complex with four DHPs, and confirms that DHPs exert hepatoprotection by targeting FXR. GENERAL SIGNIFICANCE Our research not only reveals valuable insight for the design and development of next-generation Ca2+ blocker drugs to provide safer and more effective treatments for cardiovascular disorders but also provides a novel and safe structural template for the development of drugs targeting FXR. Moreover, DHPs might be potentially repurposed to treat FXR-mediated diseases other than hypertension.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yijuan Wei
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yi Lu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yanlin Zhu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Weili Zheng
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Fusheng Guo
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Benqiang Yao
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Shuangshuang Xu
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Yumeng Wang
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China
| | - Lihua Jin
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
| | - Yong Li
- State Key Laboratory of Cellular Stress Biology, School of Life Sciences, Innovation Center for Cell Signaling Network, Xiamen University, Xiamen, Fujian 361005, China.
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Yu Y, Zhou L, Yang Y, Liu Y. Cycloastragenol: An exciting novel candidate for age-associated diseases. Exp Ther Med 2018; 16:2175-2182. [PMID: 30186456 PMCID: PMC6122403 DOI: 10.3892/etm.2018.6501] [Citation(s) in RCA: 27] [Impact Index Per Article: 4.5] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 02/15/2018] [Accepted: 06/25/2018] [Indexed: 12/26/2022] Open
Abstract
Cycloastragenol (CAG) is a triterpenoid saponin compound and a hydrolysis product of the main active ingredient in Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bunge. An increasing body of evidence has indicated that CAG has a wide spectrum of pharmacological functions, which are attracting attention in the research community. The aim of the present review paper was to review and elucidate the advanced study of CAG. The focus was on advanced studies of CAG in English and Chinese databases; the literature was collected and reviewed to summarize the latest efficacy, pharmacokinetics and adverse reactions of CAG. Extensive pharmacological effects have been attributed to CAG, including telomerase activation, telomere elongation, anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidative properties; CAG has also been reported to improve lipid metabolism. Clinical research has demonstrated that CAG activates telomerase in humans and ameliorates various biomarkers. CAG is absorbed through the intestinal epithelium via passive diffusion and undergoes first-pass hepatic metabolism. Within a certain dose range, oral CAG is relatively safe; however, underlying mechanisms associated with CAG are not clear, and thus, we should be aware of potential adverse reactions associated with CAG. According to existing studies and clinical trials, CAG is safe and has broad application prospects. However, further studies are required to fully understand its efficacy and potential adverse reactions, and to ensure the proper use of CAG is applied to treat diseases clinically.
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Affiliation(s)
- Yongjie Yu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Limin Zhou
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Yajun Yang
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
| | - Yuyu Liu
- Department of Pharmacology, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China.,Guangdong Key Laboratory for Research and Development of Natural Drugs, Guangdong Medical University, Zhanjiang, Guangdong 524023, P.R. China
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Gitto S, Guarneri V, Sartini A, Andreone P. The use of obeticholic acid for the management of non-viral liver disease: current clinical practice and future perspectives. Expert Rev Gastroenterol Hepatol 2018; 12:165-171. [PMID: 29082798 DOI: 10.1080/17474124.2018.1399060] [Citation(s) in RCA: 7] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.2] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Submit a Manuscript] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Indexed: 12/15/2022]
Abstract
Farnesoid X nuclear receptor is involved in the regulation of lipid and glucose metabolism, though mainly in the homeostasis of bile acids. Indeed, the agonists of farnesoid X nuclear receptor represent promising drugs. Areas covered: Obeticholic acid, a novel semisynthetic analogue of the naturally occurring bile acid, has led to encouraging preliminary results in both cholestatic and metabolic liver disease. In patients with primary biliary cholangitis, obeticholic acid determines a significant biochemical improvement although the effects on liver fibrosis are lacking. Obeticholic acid has been suggested for the treatment of nonalcoholic liver disease with good laboratory results. In cirrhotic animal models, the drug seems to reduce both portal hypertension and gut bacterial translocation. Expert commentary: The use of obeticholic acid for the treatment of primary biliary cholangitis shows satisfying results. However, some open questions remain unresolved. Herein, we provide an overview of the current knowledge about the use of obeticholic acid in the field of nonviral chronic liver diseases. We tried to give a global point of view using a translational approach.
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Affiliation(s)
- Stefano Gitto
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , University of Bologna and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,b Centro di Ricerca per lo Studio delle Epatiti, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Valeria Guarneri
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , University of Bologna and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,b Centro di Ricerca per lo Studio delle Epatiti, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
| | - Alessandro Sartini
- c Department of Gastroenterology , University of Modena and Reggio Emilia and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Modena , Modena , Italy
| | - Pietro Andreone
- a Department of Medical and Surgical Sciences , University of Bologna and Azienda Ospedaliero-Universitaria di Bologna , Bologna , Italy.,b Centro di Ricerca per lo Studio delle Epatiti, Dipartimento di Scienze Mediche e Chirurgiche , University of Bologna , Bologna , Italy
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Natural modulators of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease: Mode of action analysis and in silico ADME-Tox prediction. Toxicol Appl Pharmacol 2017; 337:45-66. [DOI: 10.1016/j.taap.2017.10.013] [Citation(s) in RCA: 11] [Impact Index Per Article: 1.6] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Track Full Text] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/19/2017] [Revised: 10/13/2017] [Accepted: 10/16/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
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Yue SJ, Liu J, Feng WW, Zhang FL, Chen JX, Xin LT, Peng C, Guan HS, Wang CY, Yan D. System Pharmacology-Based Dissection of the Synergistic Mechanism of Huangqi and Huanglian for Diabetes Mellitus. Front Pharmacol 2017; 8:694. [PMID: 29051733 PMCID: PMC5633780 DOI: 10.3389/fphar.2017.00694] [Citation(s) in RCA: 91] [Impact Index Per Article: 13.0] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Journal Information] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 08/07/2017] [Accepted: 09/19/2017] [Indexed: 01/02/2023] Open
Abstract
The rapidly increasing diabetes mellitus (DM) is becoming a major global public health issue. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has a long history of the treatment of DM with good efficacy. Huangqi and Huanglian are one of the most frequently prescribed herbs for DM, and the combination of them occurs frequently in antidiabetic formulae. However, the synergistic mechanism of Huangqi (Radix Astragali) and Huanglian (Rhizoma Coptidis) has not been clearly elucidated. To address this problem, a feasible system pharmacology model based on chemical, pharmacokinetic and pharmacological data was developed via network construction approach to clarify the synergistic mechanisms of these two herbs. Forty-three active ingredients of Huangqi (mainly astragalosides and isoflavonoids) and Huanglian (primarily isoquinoline alkaloids) possessing favorable pharmacokinetic profiles and biological activities were selected, interacting with 50 DM-related targets to provide potential synergistic therapeutic actions. Systematic analysis of the constructed networks revealed that these targets such as GLUT2, NOS2, PTP1B, and IGF1R were mainly involved in PI3K-Akt signaling pathway, insulin resistance, insulin signaling pathway, and HIF-1 signaling pathway, and were mainly located in retina, pancreatic islet, smooth muscle, immunity-related organ tissues, and whole blood. The contribution index of every active ingredient also indicated five compounds, including berberine (BBR), astragaloside IV (AIV), quercetin, palmatine, and astragalus polysaccharides, as the principal components of this herb combination. These results successfully explained the polypharmcological and synergistic mechanisms underlying the efficiency of Huangqi and Huanglian for the treatment of DM and its complications.
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Affiliation(s)
- Shi-Jun Yue
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ministry of Education of China), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Juan Liu
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China.,College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Wu-Wen Feng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Fei-Long Zhang
- Information Center, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Jian-Xin Chen
- Information Center, Beijing University of Chinese Medicine, Beijing, China
| | - Lan-Ting Xin
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ministry of Education of China), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Cheng Peng
- College of Pharmacy, Chengdu University of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Chengdu, China
| | - Hua-Shi Guan
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ministry of Education of China), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Chang-Yun Wang
- Key Laboratory of Marine Drugs (Ministry of Education of China), School of Medicine and Pharmacy, Ocean University of China, Qingdao, China.,Laboratory for Marine Drugs and Bioproducts, Qingdao National Laboratory for Marine Science and Technology, Qingdao, China
| | - Dan Yan
- Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, Beijing, China
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Gut-Liver Axis Derangement in Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease. CHILDREN-BASEL 2017; 4:children4080066. [PMID: 28767077 PMCID: PMC5575588 DOI: 10.3390/children4080066] [Citation(s) in RCA: 64] [Impact Index Per Article: 9.1] [Reference Citation Analysis] [Abstract] [Key Words] [Track Full Text] [Download PDF] [Figures] [Subscribe] [Scholar Register] [Received: 05/13/2017] [Revised: 07/18/2017] [Accepted: 07/21/2017] [Indexed: 02/06/2023]
Abstract
Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is the most frequent type of chronic liver disease in the pediatric age group, paralleling an obesity pandemic. A “multiple-hit” hypothesis has been invoked to explain its pathogenesis. The “first hit” is liver lipid accumulation in obese children with insulin resistance. In the absence of significant lifestyle modifications leading to weight loss and increased physical activity, other factors may act as “second hits” implicated in liver damage progression leading to more severe forms of inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. In this regard, the gut–liver axis (GLA) seems to play a central role. Principal players are the gut microbiota, its bacterial products, and the intestinal barrier. A derangement of GLA (namely, dysbiosis and altered intestinal permeability) may promote bacteria/bacterial product translocation into portal circulation, activation of inflammation via toll-like receptors signaling in hepatocytes, and progression from simple steatosis to non-alcoholic steato-hepatitis (NASH). Among other factors a relevant role has been attributed to the farnesoid X receptor, a nuclear transcriptional factor activated from bile acids chemically modified by gut microbiota (GM) enzymes. The individuation and elucidation of GLA derangement in NAFLD pathomechanisms is of interest at all ages and especially in pediatrics to identify new therapeutic approaches in patients recalcitrant to lifestyle changes. Specific targeting of gut microbiota via pre-/probiotic supplementation, feces transplantation, and farnesoid X receptor modulation appear promising.
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