Liquiritigenin inhibits hepatic fibrogenesis and TGF-β1/Smad with Hippo/YAP signal

Liquiritigenin protects against cadmium-induced testis damage in mice by inhibiting apoptosis and activating androgen receptor

Cadmium (Cd) is a prevalent contaminant in both dietary and drinking water sources, posing harm to multiple tissues and disrupting reproductive function. Recent evidence indicates that natural products derived from plants may offer a mitigating Cd-induced tissue damage. However, the protective role of Liquiritigenin (LQ) and its underlying mechanism remain unclear. The present study was to investigate the protective effect of LQ against short-term, low-dose Cd-induced multi-organ damage. Notably, Cd exposure had no significant impact on body or tissue weight but did induce damage to the heart, liver, lungs, kidneys and testes of mice, while also reducing sperm quality. These adverse effects were reversed by LQ treatment, suggesting that LQ alleviates Cd toxicity. Mechanistically, LQ inhibited testicular apoptosis by modulating the protein levels of Bad, Caspase-3, Bax, Bcl-2, and NF-κB. Furthermore, molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations provided insights into the interaction between LQ and the androgen receptor (AR). Further studies indicate that LQ increases AR level and further prevent testicular damage. Collectively, these findings support the potential of LQ in preventing Cd-induced tissue damage, particularly in the context of reproductive toxicity.

From Traditional Efficacy to Drug Design: A Review of Astragali Radix

Astragali Radix (AR), a traditional Chinese herbal medicine, is derived from the dried roots of Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge. var. mongholicus (Bge.) Hsiao (A. membranaceus var. mongholicus, AMM) or Astragalus membranaceus (Fisch.) Bge (A. membranaceus, AM). According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) theory, AR is believed to tonify qi, elevate yang, consolidate the body's surface to reduce sweating, promote diuresis and reduce swelling, generate body fluids, and nourish the blood. It has been widely used to treat general weakness and chronic illnesses and to improve overall vitality. Extensive research has identified various medicinal properties of AR, including anti-tumor, antioxidant, cardiovascular-protective, immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory, anti-diabetic, and neuroprotective effects. With advancements in technology, methods such as computer-aided drug design (CADD) and artificial intelligence (AI) are increasingly being applied to the development of TCM. This review summarizes the progress of research on AR over the past decades, providing a comprehensive overview of its traditional efficacy, botanical characteristics, drug design and distribution, chemical constituents, and phytochemistry. This review aims to enhance researchers' understanding of AR and its pharmaceutical potential, thereby facilitating further development and utilization.

Tryptanthrin alleviate lung fibrosis via suppression of MAPK/NF-κB and TGF-β1/SMAD signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive interstitial lung disease of unknown etiology, remains a therapeutic challenge with limited treatment options. This study investigates the therapeutic potential and molecular mechanisms of Tryptanthrin, a bioactive indole quinazoline alkaloid derived from Isatis tinctoria L., in pulmonary fibrosis. In a bleomycin-induced murine IPF model, Tryptanthrin administration (5 and 10 mg/kg/day for 28 days) significantly improved pulmonary function parameters and attenuated histological evidence of fibrosis. Mechanistic analysis revealed dual pathway modulation: Tryptanthrin suppressed MAPK/NF-κB signaling through inhibition of phosphorylation events, subsequently reducing pulmonary levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6). Concurrently, it attenuated TGF-β1/Smad pathway activation by decreasing TGF-β1 expression and Smad2/3 phosphorylation, thereby downregulating fibrotic markers including COL1A1, α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), and fibronectin in lung tissues. Complementary in vitro studies using Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or TGF-β1-stimulated NIH3T3 fibroblasts confirmed these anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrotic effects through analogous pathway inhibition. Our findings demonstrate that Tryptanthrin exerts therapeutic effects against pulmonary fibrosis via coordinated modulation of both inflammatory (MAPK/NF-κB) and fibrotic (TGF-β1/Smad) signaling cascades, suggesting its potential as a novel multi-target therapeutic agent for IPF management.

Chondroitin Sulfate-Based Imatinib Nanoparticles Targeting Activated Hepatic Stellate Cells Against Hepatic Fibrosis

Background: Activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) play a significant role during the onset of hepatic fibrosis, ultimately leading to excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM) and other typical pathological features, and thus have become a popular target for the treatment of hepatic fibrosis. However, current aHSC-centric therapy strategies achieve unsatisfactory results, mainly due to the lack of approved anti-fibrosis drugs and sufficiently efficient aHSC-targeted delivery systems. In this study, our aim was to develop an Imatinib-loaded nanoparticle delivery system based on a chondroitin sulfate derivative to enhance aHSC targeting efficiency, improve the therapeutic effect for hepatic fibrosis, and investigate the underlying mechanism. Methods: The carboxyl group of chondroitin sulfate and the amino group of 1-hexadecylamine were linked by an amide bond in this study to produce the amphiphilic carrier CS-HDA. Then, the Imatinib-loaded nanoparticles (IM-CS NPs) were designed to efficiently target aHSCs through CD44-mediated endocytosis and effectively inhibit HSC overactivation via PDGF and TGF-β signaling pathways. Results: Both in vitro cellular uptake experiments and in vivo distribution experiments demonstrated that CS-HDA-modified nanoparticles (IM-CS NPs) exhibited a better targeting ability for aHSCs, which were subsequently utilized to treat carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse models. Finally, significant fibrosis resolution was observed in the carbon tetrachloride-induced hepatic fibrosis mouse models after tail vein injection of the IM-CS NPs, along with their outstanding biocompatibility and biological safety. Conclusions: IM-loaded NPs based on an amphiphilic CS derivative have remarkable antifibrotic effects, providing a promising avenue for the clinical treatment of advanced hepatic fibrosis.

YAP/TAZ as master regulators in liver regeneration and disease: insights into mechanisms and therapeutic targets

Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are key downstream effectors of the Hippo pathway that regulate organ size, tissue homeostasis, and cancer development. YAP/TAZ play crucial regulatory roles in organ growth, cell proliferation, cell renewal, and regeneration. Mechanistically, YAP/TAZ influence the occurrence and progression of liver regeneration (LR) through various signaling pathways, including Notch, Wnt/β-catenin, TGF-β/Smad. While the activation of YAP/TAZ can promote the regeneration of damaged liver tissue, their mechanisms of action may differ under various LR conditions. Furthermore, excessive activation of YAP/TAZ may also lead to severe liver damage, manifesting as alcoholic hepatitis, liver fibrosis, and even liver cancer. Here, we review the role and mechanisms of YAP/TAZ in LR and liver disease, highlighting the potential for advancements in clinical diagnosis and treatment targeting YAP/TAZ in these contexts.

The potential of flavonoids in hepatic fibrosis: A comprehensive review

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is a pathophysiological process of extracellular matrix abnormal deposition induced by multiple pathogenic factors. Currently, there is still a lack of effective and non-toxic drugs for treating fibrosis in clinic. Flavonoids are polyphenolic compounds synthesized in plants and modern pharmacological studies confirmed flavonoids exhibit potent hepatoprotective effect.

PURPOSE

Summarize literature to elaborate the mechanism of HF and evaluate the potential of flavonoids in HF, aiming to provide a new perspective for future research.

METHODS

The literatures about hepatic fibrosis and flavonoids are collected via a series of scientific search engines including Google Scholar, Elsevier, PubMed, CNKI, WanFang, SciFinder and Web of Science database. The key words are "flavonoids", "hepatic fibrosis", "pharmacokinetic", "toxicity", "pathogenesis" "traditional Chinese medicine" and "mechanism" as well as combination application.

RESULTS

Phytochemical and pharmacological studies revealed that about 86 natural flavonoids extracted from Chinese herbal medicines possess significantly anti-fibrosis effect and the mechanisms maybe through anti-inflammatory, antioxidant, inhibiting hepatic stellate cells activation and clearing activated hepatic stellate cells.

CONCLUSIONS

This review summarizes the flavonoids which are effective in HF and the mechanisms in vivo and in vitro. However, fewer studies are focused on the pharmacokinetics of flavonoids in HF model and most studies are limited to preclinical studies, therefore there is no reliable data from clinical trials for the development of new drugs. Further in-depth research related it can be conducted to improve the bioavailability of flavonoids and serve the development of new drugs.

Hepatitis C virus NS5A and core protein induce fibrosis-related genes regulation on Huh7 cells through activation of LX2 cells

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES

Liver fibrosis remains a complication derived from a chronic Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection even when it is resolved, and no liver antifibrotic drug has been approved. Molecular mechanisms on hepatocytes and activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) play a central role in liver fibrogenesis. To elucidate molecular mechanisms, it is important to analyze pathway regulation during HSC activation and HCV infection.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

We evaluate the fibrosis-associated molecular mechanisms during a co-culture of human HSCs (LX2), with human hepatocytes (Huh7) that express HCV NS5A or Core protein. We evaluated LX2 activation induced by HCV NS5A or Core expression in Huh7 cells during co-culture. We determined a fibrosis-associated gene expression profile in Huh7 that expresses NS5A or Core proteins during the co-culture with LX2.

RESULTS

We observed that NS5A induced 8.3-, 6.7- and 4-fold changes and that Core induced 6.5-, 1.8-, and 6.2-fold changes in the collagen1, TGFβ1, and timp1 gene expression, respectively, in LX2 co-cultured with transfected Huh7. In addition, NS5A induced the expression of 30 genes while Core induced 41 genes and reduced the expression of 30 genes related to fibrosis in Huh7 cells during the co-culture with LX2, compared to control. The molecular pathways enriched from the gene expression profile were involved in TGFB signaling and the organization of extracellular matrix.

CONCLUSIONS

We demonstrated that HCV NS5A and Core protein expression regulate LX2 activation. NS5A and Core-induced LX2 activation, in turn, regulates diverse fibrosis-related gene expression at different levels in Huh7, which can be further analyzed as potential antifibrotic targets during HCV infection.

Unearthing the Potential Therapeutic Effects of Oxyresveratrol Based on Intrinsic Links between Pharmacological Effects: Implications for the Gut-Liver-Brain Axis

Oxyresveratrol is a stilbene compound with a simple chemical structure and various therapeutic potentials. This study summarized and analyzed the multiple pharmacological effects and mechanisms of oxyresveratrol, identifying its prominent performance in neuroprotection, hepatoprotection, and anti-inflammatory activities in the intestines. By integrating the pharmacological effects of oxyresveratrol with insights from the network pharmacology and molecular docking of its interactions with targets linked to gut-liver-brain axis disorders, it has been shown that oxyresveratrol may hold promise for the treatment of gut-liver-brain axis-related disorders. The synergistic effect between various mechanisms has inspired further research and the development of oxyresveratrol's application value.

Plant-derived flavonoids are a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is a dynamic pathological process that can be triggered by any chronic liver injury. If left unaddressed, it will inevitably progress to the severe outcomes of liver cirrhosis or even hepatocellular carcinoma. In the past few years, the prevalence and fatality of hepatic fibrosis have been steadily rising on a global scale. As a result of its intricate pathogenesis, the quest for pharmacological interventions targeting liver fibrosis has remained a formidable challenge. Currently, no pharmaceuticals are exhibiting substantial clinical efficacy in the management of hepatic fibrosis. Hence, it is of utmost importance to expedite the development of novel therapeutics for the treatment of this condition. Various research studies have revealed the ability of different natural flavonoid compounds to alleviate or reverse hepatic fibrosis through a range of mechanisms, which are related to the regulation of liver inflammation, oxidative stress, synthesis and secretion of fibrosis-related factors, hepatic stellate cells activation, and proliferation, and extracellular matrix synthesis and degradation by these compounds. This review summarizes the progress of research on different sources of natural flavonoids with inhibitory effects on liver fibrosis over the last decades. The anti-fibrotic effects of natural flavonoids have been increasingly studied, making them a potential source of drugs for the treatment of liver fibrosis due to their good efficacy and biosafety.

Interpreting the Mechanism of Active Ingredients in Polygonati Rhizoma in Treating Depression by Combining Systemic Pharmacology and In Vitro Experiments

Polygonati Rhizoma (PR) has certain neuroprotective effects as a homology of medicine and food. In this study, systematic pharmacology, molecular docking, and in vitro experiments were integrated to verify the antidepressant active ingredients in PR and their mechanisms. A total of seven compounds in PR were found to be associated with 45 targets of depression. Preliminarily, DFV docking with cyclooxygenase 2 (COX2) showed good affinity. In vitro, DFV inhibited lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced inflammation of BV-2 cells, reversed amoeba-like morphological changes, and increased mitochondrial membrane potential. DFV reversed the malondialdehyde (MDA) overexpression and superoxide dismutase (SOD) expression inhibition in LPS-induced BV-2 cells and decreased interleukin-1β (IL-1β), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and IL-6 mRNA expression levels in a dose-dependent manner. DFV inhibited both mRNA and protein expression levels of COX2 induced by LPS, and the activation of NACHT, LRR, and PYD domains-containing protein 3 (NLRP3) and caspase1 was suppressed, thus exerting an antidepressant effect. This study proves that DFV may be an important component basis for PR to play an antidepressant role.

LncRNA-SNHG5 mediates activation of hepatic stellate cells by regulating NF2 and Hippo pathway

Long noncoding RNA small nucleolar RNA host gene 5 (SNHG5) is an oncogene found in various human cancers. However, it is unclear what role SNHG5 plays in activating hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) and liver fibrosis. In this study, SNHG5 was found to be upregulated in activated HSCs in vitro and in primary HSCs isolated from fibrotic liver in vivo, and inhibition of SNHG5 suppressed HSC activation. Notably, Neurofibromin 2 (NF2), the main activator for Hippo signalling, was involved in the effects of SNHG5 on HSC activation. The interaction between SNHG5 and NF2 protein was further confirmed, and preventing the combination of the two could effectively block the effects of SNHG5 inhibition on EMT process and Hippo signaling. Additionally, higher SNHG5 was found in chronic hepatitis B patients and associated with the fibrosis stage. Altogether, we demonstrate that SNHG5 could serve as an activated HSCs regulator via regulating NF2 and Hippo pathway.

Nobiletin Alleviated Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition of Hepatocytes in Liver Fibrosis Based on Autophagy-Hippo/YAP Pathway

SCOPE

The current researches indicated that the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of hepatocytes plays a crucial role in the development of liver fibrosis. To date, there is a paucity of literature regarding the impact of nobiletin (NOB) on liver fibrosis. This study investigates the inhibitory effect of NOB on EMT in hepatocytes during the progression of liver fibrosis and its underlying mechanism.

METHODS AND RESULTS

The findings demonstrated that NOB significantly suppresses liver fibrosis in carbon tetrachloride (CCl4 )-induced mice by reducing inflammation and fiber deposition in the liver. Moreover, NOB mitigates EMT in hepatocytes, concurrently alleviating inflammatory status and reducing the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation. The comprehensive investigation reveals that the hepatoprotective effect of NOB in liver fibrosis is attributed to autophagy activation, as evidenced by a significant increase in LC3 II expression and p62 degradation upon NOB treatment. Additionally, NOB activates the Hippo/YAP pathway by downregulating YAP and its downstream targets in liver fibrosis, which is regulated by autophagy based on experiments with chloroquine (CQ), 3-methyladenine (3-MA), and siYAP intervention.

CONCLUSION

Therefore, this study provides evidences that NOB can protect hepatocytes from undergoing EMT during liver fibrosis by inducing autophagy and subsequently modulating the Hippo/YAP pathway.

The SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway mediates the anti-pulmonary fibrosis effect of liquiritigenin

BACKGROUND

At present, the treatment options available for idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis are both limited and often come with severe side effects, emphasizing the pressing requirement for innovative therapeutic alternatives. Myofibroblasts, which hold a central role in pulmonary fibrosis, have a close association with the Smad signaling pathway induced by transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and the transformation of myofibroblasts driven by oxidative stress. Liquiritigenin, an active compound extracted from the traditional Chinese herb licorice, boasts a wide array of biomedical properties, such as anti-fibrosis and anti-oxidation. The primary objective of this study was to examine the impact of liquiritigenin on bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis in mice and the underlying mechanisms.

METHODS

The anti-pulmonary fibrosis and anti-oxidant effects of liquiritigenin in vivo were tested by HE staining, Masson staining, DHE staining and bio-chemical methods. In vitro, primary mouse lung fibroblasts were treated with TGF-β1 with or without liquiritigenin, the effects of liquiritigenin in inhibiting differentiation of myofibroblasts and facilitating the translocation of Nrf2 were valued using Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (Q-PCR), western blotting and immunofluorescence. Nrf2 siRNA and SIRT1 siRNA were used to investigate the mechanism underlies liquiritigenin's effect in inhibiting myofibroblast differentiation.

RESULTS

Liquiritigenin displayed a dose-dependent reduction effect in bleomycin-induced fibrosis. In laboratory experiments, it was evident that liquiritigenin possessed the ability to enhance and activate sirtuin1 (SIRT1), thereby facilitating the nuclear translocation of Nrf2 and mitigating the oxidative stress-induced differentiation of primary mouse myofibroblasts. Moreover, our investigation unveiled that SIRT1 not only regulated myofibroblast differentiation via Nrf2-mediated antioxidant responses against oxidative stress but also revealed liquiritigenin's activation of SIRT1, enabling direct binding to Smad. This led to decreased phosphorylation of the Smad complex, constrained nuclear translocation, and suppressed acetylation of the Smad complex, ultimately curtailing the transcription of fibrotic factors. Validation in live subjects provided substantial evidence for the anti-fibrotic efficacy of liquiritigenin through the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings imply that targeting myofibroblast differentiation via the SIRT1/Nrf2 signaling pathway may constitute a pivotal strategy for liquiritigenin-based therapy against pulmonary fibrosis.

Natural Products in Liver Fibrosis Management: A Five-year Review

Liver fibrosis, characterized by the overproduction of extracellular matrix proteins within liver tissue, poses a rising global health concern. However, no approved antifibrotic drugs are currently available, highlighting the critical need for understanding the molecular mechanisms of liver fibrosis. This knowledge could not only aid in developing therapies but also enable early intervention, enhance disease prediction, and improve our understanding of the interaction between various underlying conditions and the liver. Notably, natural products used in traditional medicine systems worldwide and demonstrating diverse biochemical and pharmacological activities are increasingly recognized for their potential in treating liver fibrosis. This review aims to comprehensively understand liver fibrosis, emphasizing the molecular mechanisms and advancements in exploring natural products' antifibrotic potential over the past five years. It also acknowledges the challenges in their development and seeks to underscore their potency in enhancing patient prognosis and reducing the global burden of liver disease.

Development of a Chimeric Protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII for Improving the Anti-Fibrotic Activity in Vivo by Targeting Fibrotic Liver and Dual Inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad Signaling Pathway

Excessive production of transforming growth factor β1 (TGF-β1) in activated hepatic stellate cells (aHSCs) promotes liver fibrosis by activating the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway. Thus, specifically inhibiting the pro-fibrotic activity of TGF-β1 in aHSCs is an ideal strategy for treating liver fibrosis. Overexpression of platelet-derived growth factor β receptor (PDGFβR) has been demonstrated on the surface of aHSCs relative to normal cells in liver fibrosis. Interferon-gamma peptidomimetic (mIFNγ) and truncated TGF-β receptor type II (tTβRII) inhibit the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway by different mechanisms. In this study, we designed a chimeric protein by the conjugation of (1) mIFNγ and tTβRII coupled via plasma protease-cleavable linker sequences (FNPKTP) to (2) PDGFβR-recognizing peptide (BiPPB), namely BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII. This novel protein BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII was effectively prepared using Escherichia coli expression system. The active components BiPPB-mIFNγ and tTβRII were slowly released from BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII by hydrolysis using the plasma protease thrombin in vitro. Moreover, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII highly targeted to fibrotic liver tissues, markedly ameliorated liver morphology and fibrotic responses in chronic liver fibrosis mice by both inhibiting the phosphorylation of Smad2/3 and inducing the expression of Smad7. Meanwhile, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII markedly reduced the deposition of collagen fibrils and expression of fibrosis-related proteins in acute liver fibrosis mice. Furthermore, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII showed a good safety performance in both liver fibrosis mice. Taken together, BiPPB-mIFNγ-tTβRII improved the in vivo anti-liver fibrotic activity due to its high fibrotic liver-targeting potential and the dual inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad signaling pathway, which may be a potential candidate for targeting therapy on liver fibrosis.

Liquiritigenin regulates insulin sensitivity and ameliorates inflammatory responses in the nonalcoholic fatty liver by activation PI3K/AKT pathway

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is a prevalent long-term disease in the world. Liquiritigenin (LQ) is protective against a variety of hepatotoxins. Herein, we report the potential mechanism of LQ on a high-fat diet (HFD) induced NAFLD. NAFLD mice model was established by HFD for 12 weeks, and LQ treatment for 1 week. Commercially available assay kits measure liver triglycerides (TG) and total cholesterol (TC) levels. Plasm TC, TG, high-density-lipoprotein (HDL-C), and low-density-lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels were also monitored by biochemistry. Enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits were performed to analyze the pro-inflammatory factors, and intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test (IPGTT), insulin tolerance test (IPITT), and serum insulin were also determined. GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis was employed to analyze the overlapping genes of LQ targets and NAFLD development-related targets. Western blot was performed on key proteins of the enriched signaling pathway. HFD mice showed significant increases in hepatic TG and TC, and plasm TC, TG, and LDL-C in blood lipids, while HDL-C significantly decreased, and LQ treatment reversed their levels (p < 0.05). LQ also alleviated HFD-induced elevated levels of IPGTT, IPITT, and homeostasis model assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR). And serum levels of the pro-inflammatory factor were also suppressed by LQ. PI3K/AKT pathway was enriched by KEGG pathway enrichment, and its key proteins p-PI3K and p-AKT were elevated after LQ treatment (p < 0.05). We found for the first time that LQ improves lipid accumulation, alleviates insulin resistance, and suppresses inflammatory responses in NAFLD mice, which might be associated with the activation of the PI3K/AKT pathway.

Targeting Hippo signaling in cancer: novel perspectives and therapeutic potential

As highly conserved among diverse species, Hippo signaling pathway regulates various biological processes, including development, cell proliferation, stem cell function, tissue regeneration, homeostasis, and organ size. Studies in the last two decades have provided a good framework for how these fundamental functions of Hippo signaling are tightly regulated by a network with numerous intracellular and extracellular factors. The Hippo signaling pathway, when dysregulated, may lead to a wide variety of diseases, especially cancer. There is growing evidence demonstrating that dysregulated Hippo signaling is closely associated with tumorigenesis, cancer cell invasion, and migration, as well as drug resistance. Therefore, the Hippo pathway is considered an appealing therapeutic target for the treatment of cancer. Promising novel agents targeting the Hippo signaling pathway for cancers have recently emerged. These novel agents have shown antitumor activity in multiple cancer models and demonstrated therapeutic potential for cancer treatment. However, the detailed molecular basis of the Hippo signaling-driven tumor biology remains undefined. Our review summarizes current advances in understanding the mechanisms by which Hippo signaling drives tumorigenesis and confers drug resistance. We also propose strategies for future preclinical and clinical development to target this pathway.

Utilizing a Combination of Network Pharmacology and Experimental Validation to Unravel the Mechanism by Which Kuanxiongzhuyu Decoction Ameliorates Myocardial Infarction Damage

Background and Objectives: With the growing incidence and disability associated with myocardial infarction (MI), there is an increasing focus on cardiac rehabilitation post-MI. Kuanxiongzhuyu decoction (KXZY), a traditional Chinese herbal formula, has been used in the rehabilitation of patients after MI. However, the chemical composition, protective effects, and underlying mechanism of KXZY remain unclear. Materials and Methods: In this study, the compounds in KXZY were identified using a high-performance liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (HPLC-MS) analytical method. Based on the compounds identified in the KXZY, we predictively selected the potential targets of MI and then constructed a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network to identify the key targets. Furthermore, the DAVID database was used for the GO and KEGG analyses, and molecular docking was used to verify the key targets. Finally, the cardioprotective effects and mechanism of KXZY were investigated in post-MI mice. Results: A total of 193 chemical compounds of KXZY were identified by HPLC-MS. In total, 228 potential targets were obtained by the prediction analysis. The functional enrichment studies and PPI network showed that the targets were largely associated with AKT-pathway-related apoptosis. The molecular docking verified that isoguanosine and adenosine exhibited excellent binding to the AKT. In vivo, KXZY significantly alleviated cardiac dysfunction and suppressed AKT phosphorylation. Furthermore, KXZY significantly increased the expression of the antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2 and Bcl-xl and decreased the expression of the proapoptotic protein BAD. Conclusions: In conclusion, the network pharmacological and experimental evidence suggests that KXZY manifests anti-cardiac dysfunction behavior by alleviating cardiomyocyte apoptosis via the AKT pathway in MI and, thus, holds promising therapeutic potential.

Liquiritigenin Confers Liver Protection by Enhancing NRF2 Signaling through Both Canonical and Non-canonical Signaling Pathways

Oxidative stress plays a critical role in drug-induced liver injury. In recent years, liquiritigenin (LQ), a natural flavonoid distributed in Glycyrrhizae Radix et Rhizoma (Gan Cao), shows protective effects against oxidative hepatotoxicity. However, the underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we mainly investigated the role of NRF2, a core transcription factor in oxidative stress, in LQ-induced hepatoprotection. Our results indicated that the function of LQ to eliminate reactive oxygen species in liver cells was dependent on NRF2 activation. Both a canonical signaling pathway and a non-canonical signaling pathway are involved in LQ-induced NRF2 activation. LQ induced NRF2 activation in a KEAP1-C151-dependent manner partially. Meanwhile, LQ led to the blockage of autophagic flux and upregulation of p62, which competitively bound with KEAP1 and conferred NRF2 activation in a KEAP1-C151-independent manner. Totally, our study reveals a novel molecular mechanism underlying the hepatoprotection of LQ, providing a new insight into the pathogenesis and therapeutic strategy of oxidative liver injury.

YAP/TAZ: Molecular pathway and disease therapy

The Yes-associated protein and its transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (YAP/TAZ) are two homologous transcriptional coactivators that lie at the center of a key regulatory network of Hippo, Wnt, GPCR, estrogen, mechanical, and metabolism signaling. YAP/TAZ influences the expressions of downstream genes and proteins as well as enzyme activity in metabolic cycles, cell proliferation, inflammatory factor expression, and the transdifferentiation of fibroblasts into myofibroblasts. YAP/TAZ can also be regulated through epigenetic regulation and posttranslational modifications. Consequently, the regulatory function of these mechanisms implicates YAP/TAZ in the pathogenesis of metabolism-related diseases, atherosclerosis, fibrosis, and the delicate equilibrium between cancer progression and organ regeneration. As such, there arises a pressing need for thorough investigation of YAP/TAZ in clinical settings. In this paper, we aim to elucidate the signaling pathways that regulate YAP/TAZ and explore the mechanisms of YAP/TAZ-induce diseases and their potential therapeutic interventions. Furthermore, we summarize the current clinical studies investigating treatments targeting YAP/TAZ. We also address the limitations of existing research on YAP/TAZ and propose future directions for research. In conclusion, this review aims to provide fresh insights into the signaling mediated by YAP/TAZ and identify potential therapeutic targets to present innovative solutions to overcome the challenges associated with YAP/TAZ.

Combined Inhibition of the TGF-β1/Smad Pathway by Prevotella copri and Lactobacillus murinus to Reduce Inflammation and Fibrosis in Primary Sclerosing Cholangitis

Primary sclerosing cholangitis (PSC) is a chronic cholestatic disease characterized by inflammation and fibrosis of the bile ducts. Cholestasis may lead to hepatic inflammation and fibrosis, and amelioration of cholestasis may allow recovery from inflammatory and fibrotic pathological damage. Prevotella copri (P. copri) interventions have been reported to significantly improve cholestasis and liver fibrosis in 3,5-diethoxycarbonyl-1,4-dihydrocollidine (DDC)-induced PSC mouse models. Even though P. copri treatment alone cannot bring about recovery from DDC-induced inflammation, it increases the abundance of Lactobacillus murinus (L. murinus) compared with DDC treatment, which has been reported to have anti-inflammatory effects. The abundance of L. murinus still not recovering to a normal level may underlie hepatic inflammation in P. copri + DDC mice. Separate or combined interventions of P. copri and L. murinus were used to investigate the molecular mechanism underlying the improvement in PSC inflammation and fibrosis. P. copri and L. murinus significantly reduced the hepatic inflammatory cell aggregation and inflammatory factor expression as well as the hepatic collagen content and fibrin factor expression in the PSC mice. Further analysis of phosphorylation and dephosphorylation levels revealed that treating the PSC mice with the P. copri and L. murinus combined intervention inhibited the activity of the DDC-activated TGF-β1/Smad pathway, thereby reducing liver inflammation and fibrosis. The combination of P. copri and L. murinus inhibits the TGF-β1/Smad pathway and reduces inflammation and fibrosis in PSC.

Knockdown of Yap attenuates TAA-induced hepatic fibrosis by interaction with hedgehog signals

Liver fibrosis is an aberrant wound healing response to tissue injury characterized by excessive extracellular matrix deposition and loss of normal liver architecture. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is regards to be the major process in liver fibrogenesis which is dynamic and reversible. Both Hippo signaling core factor Yap and Hedgehog (Hh) signaling promote HSCs transdifferentiation thereby regulating the repair process of liver injury. However, the molecular function of YAP and the regulation between Yap and Hh during fibrogenesis remain uncertain. In this study, the essential roles of Yap in liver fibrosis were investigated. Yap was detected to be increased in liver fibrotic tissue by the thioacetamide (TAA)-induced zebrafish embryonic and adult models. Inhibition of Yap by both embryonic morpholino interference and adult's inhibitor treatment was proved to alleviate TAA-induced liver lesions by and histology and gene expression examination. Transcriptomic analysis and gene expression detection showed that Yap and Hh signaling pathway have a cross talking upon TAA-induced liver fibrosis. In addition, TAA induction promoted the nuclear colocalization of YAP and Hh signaling factor GLI2α. This study demonstrates that Yap and Hh play synergistic protective roles in liver fibrotic response and provides new theoretical insight concerning the mechanisms of fibrosis progression.

Matrix metalloproteinases induce extracellular matrix degradation through various pathways to alleviate hepatic fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is the common consequence of various chronic liver injuries and is mainly characterized by the imbalance between the production and degradation of extracellular matrix, which leads to the accumulation of interstitial collagen and other matrix components. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and their specific inhibitors, that is, tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMPs), play a crucial role in collagen synthesis and lysis. Previous in vivo and in vitro studies of our laboratory found repressing extracellular matrix (ECM) accumulation by restoring the balance between MMPs and TIMPs can alleviate liver fibrosis. We conducted a review of articles published in PubMed and Science Direct in the last decade until February 1, 2023, which were searched for using these words "MMPs/TIMPs" and "Hepatic Fibrosis." Through a literature review, this article reviews the experimental studies of liver fibrosis based on MMPs/TIMPs, summarizes the components that may exert an anti-liver fibrosis effect by affecting the expression or activity of MMPs/TIMPs, and attempts to clarify the mechanism of MMPs/TIMPs in regulating collagen homeostasis, so as to provide support for the development of anti-liver fibrosis drugs. We found the MMP-TIMP-ECM interaction can result in better understanding of the pathogenesis and progression of hepatic fibrosis from a different angle, and targeting this interaction may be a promising therapeutic strategy for hepatic fibrosis. Additionally, we summarized and analyzed the drugs that have been found to reduce liver fibrosis by changing the ratio of MMPs/TIMPs, including medicine natural products.

Liquiritigenin Attenuated Collagen-Induced Arthritis and Cardiac Complication <i>via</i> Inflammation and Fibrosis Inhibition in Mice

Rheumatoid arthritis (RA) is a common autoimmune disease with increased cardiovascular disease risk. Liquiritigenin (LG) is a triterpene with anti-inflammatory properties. Our study aimed to explore the effect of LG on RA and the cardiac complication. Collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) mice with LG treatment exhibited obvious alleviation in histopathological changes, accompanied by the decreased expression of tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-17A in synovium and serum. LG attenuated cartilage destruction by reducing matrix metalloproteinase (MMP)-3 and MMP-13 expression in the synovium of CIA mice. The echocardiography results proved the alleviation of cardiac dysfunction in CIA mice. The electrocardiogram, biochemical, and histochemical analysis proved the cardioprotection effect of LG against RA. The decreased expression of inflammatory factors (TNF-α, IL-1β, and IL-6) and fibrotic markers (fibronectin, Collagen I, and Collagen III) in cardiac tissues of CIA mice further corroborated the attenuation of myocardial inflammation and fibrosis by LG. Mechanistic studies showed that LG could inhibit transforming growth factor β-1 (TGF-β1) and phos-Smad2/3 expression in cardiac tissues of CIA mice. Our study suggested that LG could relieve RA and its cardiac complication probably by inhibiting the TGF-β1/Smad2/3 pathway. All these suggested that LG might be a potential candidate for RA and its cardiac complication therapy.

Salvianolic acid B exerts an anti-hepatocellular carcinoma effect by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway and promoting pSmad3L to pSmad3C simultaneously

Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) is a component obtained from Salvia miltiorrhiza and is empirically used for liver diseases. The TGF-β/Smad and Hippo/YAP pathways may interact with each other in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Previously, we found that Sal B mediates the TGF-β/Smad pathway in mice and delays liver fibrosis-carcinoma progression by promoting the conversion of pSmad3L to pSmad3C, but the effect of Sal B on the Hippo/YAP pathway has not been determined. Therefore, we used a DEN/CCl₄/C₂H₅OH-induced liver cancer model in mice to analyze liver index and tumor incidence, detect AST and ALT serological markers, observe liver pathology and the number of Ki67-positive cells to evaluate the anti-HCC effect of Sal B in vivo. We used a TGF-β₁-induced HepG2 cell model, and applied an MST1/2 inhibitor, XMU-MP-1, to detect the changes in pSmad3C/pSmad3L signaling induced by MST1/2 inhibition. Sal B significantly inhibited tumorigenesis in DEN/CCl₄/C₂H₅OH-induced mice in vivo, and suppressed the growth of HepG2 cells by inhibiting cell proliferation and migration in vitro. Here, our study also validated the role of Sal B in reversing XMU-MP-1-induced proliferation and migration of HepG2 cells in vitro. Most importantly, we elucidated for the first time the potential mechanism of Sal B against HCC via the Hippo/YAP pathway, which may be specifically related to upregulation of MST1 and inhibition of its downstream effector protein YAP. In conclusion, these findings indicate that Sal B possesses anti- HCC effects both in vivo and in vitro by regulating the Hippo/YAP pathway and promoting pSmad3L to pSmad3C synchronously.

Mammary Fibrosis Tendency and Mitochondrial Adaptability in Dairy Cows with Mastitis

Dairy cow mammary gland fibrosis causes huge economic losses to livestock production, however, research on dairy cow mammary gland fibrosis is in its infancy and it lacks effective treatments. Therefore, the purpose of this experiment was to explore the correlation between mastitis and fibrosis and mitochondrial damage, and to further explore its pathogenesis. In vivo, mammary tissue and milk samples were collected from healthy cows (n = 10) and mastitis cows (n = 10). The results of the study showed that compared with the control group, the mastitis tissue showed tissue damage, accumulation of collagen fibers, and the content of TGF-β1 in mammary tissue and milk was significantly increased; the level of inflammatory mediators was significantly increased; the fibrotic phenotype, collagen 1, α-SMA, vimentin gene, and protein levels were significantly increased, while the E-cadherin gene and protein levels were significantly decreased. In vitro, based on TGF-β1-induced bMECs, the above experimental results were further confirmed, and TGF-β1 significantly promoted the fibrotic phenotype of bMECs. On the other hand, in vivo results showed that fibrotic mammary tissue had a significantly stronger mitochondrial damage phenotype and significantly higher ROS than the control group. In vitro, the results also found that TGF-β1 induced a significant increase in the mitochondrial damage phenotype of bMECs, accompanied by a large amount of ROS production. Furthermore, in a TGF-β1-induced bMEC model, inhibiting the accumulation of ROS effectively alleviated the elevated fibrotic phenotype of TGF-β1-induced bMECs. In conclusion, the fibrotic phenotype of mammary gland tissue in dairy cows with mastitis was significantly increased, and mastitis disease was positively correlated with mammary fibrotic lesions. In an in vitro and in vivo model of cow mammary fibrosis, bMECs have impaired mitochondrial structure and dysfunction. Inhibiting the accumulation of ROS effectively alleviates the elevated fibrotic phenotype, which may be a potential therapeutic approach to alleviate mammary fibrosis.

Rapid identification of chemical components in Zhizi Baipi decoction by ultra performance liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry coupled with a novel informatics UNIFI platform

Zhizi Baipi Decoction is a classic traditional Chinese medicine formula for the treatment of jaundice and various liver diseases. The chemical components of Zhizi baipi decoction were not clear resulting from the paucity of relevant studies, which hindered the elucidation of the pharmacological mechanism, the comprehensive development and utilization of Zhizi baipi decoction in clinical. In this study, ultra performance liquid chromatography-quadrupole-time of flight mass spectrometry combined with UNIFI natural product information analysis platform was used to rapidly analyze and identify the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction. A total of 122 chemical components, including 53 flavonoids, 16 alkaloids, 25 terpenoids, 5 phenylpropanoids, 14 organic acids, and 7 others, were identified from Zhizi baipi decoction. These compounds may be the active components of Zhizi baipi decoction. The method established in this study can systematically, rapidly, and accurately resolve the chemical components in Zhizi baipi decoction, which lays the foundation for further establishment of the pharmacodynamic substance basis and quality control of Zhizi baipi decoction. This article is protected by copyright. All rights reserved.

Roles of Yes-associated protein and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif in non-neoplastic liver diseases

The prevalence of liver disease has been increasing worldwide. Moreover, the burden of end-stage liver disease, including cirrhosis and liver cancer, is high because of high mortality and suboptimal treatment. The pathological process of liver disease includes steatosis, hepatocyte death, and fibrosis, which ultimately lead to cirrhosis and liver cancer. Clinical and preclinical evidence indicates that non-neoplastic liver diseases, particularly cirrhosis, are major risk factors for liver cancer, although the mechanism underlying this association remains unclear. Yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) are transcriptional activators that regulate organ size and cancer development. YAP and TAZ play important roles in liver development, regeneration, and homeostasis. Abnormal YAP and TAZ levels have also been implicated in non-neoplastic liver diseases (e.g., non-alcoholic fatty liver disease, alcoholic liver disease, liver injury, and liver fibrosis). Here, we review recent findings on the roles of YAP and TAZ in non-neoplastic liver diseases and discuss directions for future research. This review provides a basis for the study of non-neoplastic liver diseases.

[Preparation of purified proteins from fresh Pheretima and their inhibitory effect against pulmonary fibrosis in mice]

OBJECTIVE

To develop a convenient method for rapid purification of fresh Pheretima proteins and assess the inhibitory effect of these proteins against pulmonary fibrosis.

METHODS

The crude extract of fresh Pheretima was obtained by freeze-drying method and then purified by size exclusion chromatography. The composition of the purified proteins was analyzed by mass spectrometry. MRC-5 cells were treated with 5 ng/mL TGF-β1 alone (model group) or in combination with SB431542 (2 μmol/L) or the purified proteins (13.125 μg/mL), and the cytotoxicity of purified proteins and their inhibitory effects on cell proliferation were detected with CCK8 assay. Flow cytometry was used to detect the changes in cell apoptosis, and the cellular expressions of α-SMA, Vimentin, E-cadherin, collagen I, Smad2/3 and P-Smad2/3 were detected using RT-PCR and Western blotting. In the animal experiment, adult male C57BL/6 mice were subjected to intratracheal instillation of bleomycin followed by treatment with the purified proteins (5 mg/mL) for 21 days, after which HE and Masson staining was used to observe the pathological changes in the lung tissue of the mice.

RESULTS

We successfully obtained purified proteins from fresh Pheretima protein by size exclusion chromatography. Treatment with the purified proteins significantly inhibited TGF-β1-induced proliferation of MRC-5 cells (P < 0.01), reduced the cellular expressions of α-SMA, Vimentin and collagen I (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01), increased the expression of E-cadherin (P < 0.01), and inhibited the expressions of Smad2/3 and P-Smad2/3 (P < 0.001 or P < 0.01). In male C57BL/6 mice models of bleomycin-induced pulmonary fibrosis, treatment with the purified proteins obviously reduced the number of inflammatory cells and fibrotic area in the lungs.

CONCLUSION

The purified proteins from fresh Pheretima obtained by size exclusion chromatography can inhibit pulmonary fibrosis in mice by regulating the TGF-β/ Smad pathway.

Antifibrotic effect of Gancao Ganjiang decoction is mediated by PD-1 / TGF-β1 / IL-17A pathway in bleomycin-induced idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Firstly prescribed in the ancient Chinese book Jingui Yaolue, Gancao Ganjiang decoction (GGD) is a traditional Chinese herbal formula that has been widely used to treat "atrophic lung disease". GGD is a popular and widely used traditional Chinese medicine. The decoction is extracted from the dried rhizomes and roots of Glycyrrhiza uralensis Fisch. and Zingiber officinale Roscoe (2:1).

AIM OF STUDY

To investigate the therapeutic effect of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) of GGD, a bleomycin-induced IPF murine model was used in this study.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Mice were induced by bleomycin instillation and GGD was orally administered. Changes on mice weight were recorded during the experiment. Lung weight was recorded on days 14 and 28, and pulmonary index was calculated accordingly. Pathological evaluation, including fibrosis analysis of lung tissue, was assessed by H&E and Masson staining. The expression of PD-1, p-STAT3 and IL-17A were detected by immunohistochemistry (IHC). The expression of p-STAT3 in lung tissues of mice were detected by Western blot. The level of IL-17A in lung tissue were detected by ELISA. The expression of PD-1 in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood of mice was detected by flow cytometry. The levels of hydroxyproline and TGF-β1 in lung tissue were detected by ELISA. The expression of E-cadherin, vimentin and α-SMA in lung tissues of mice were detected by qRT-PCR and Western blot.

RESULTS

GGD can increase body weight and reduce pulmonary index in mice with pulmonary fibrosis. As such, GGD can significantly improve the inflammatory and alleviate IPF in the lung tissue of mice. GGD treatment was capable of reducing the content of PD-1 in lung tissue as well as the expression of PD-1 in CD4+ T cells in peripheral blood. Likewise, GGD was able to reduce the content of p-STAT3, IL-17A and TGF-β1. In addition, GGD stimulation could inhibit epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) by increasing the expression of E-cadherin and reducing vimentin and α-SMA, thus reducing extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition.

CONCLUSION

Our results indicate that GGD positively affects IPF by regulating PD-1/TGF-β1/IL-17A pathway.

Novel Therapeutic Targets in Liver Fibrosis

Liver fibrosis is end-stage liver disease that can be rescued. If irritation continues due to viral infection, schistosomiasis and alcoholism, liver fibrosis can progress to liver cirrhosis and even cancer. The US Food and Drug Administration has not approved any drugs that act directly against liver fibrosis. The only treatments currently available are drugs that eliminate pathogenic factors, which show poor efficacy; and liver transplantation, which is expensive. This highlights the importance of clarifying the mechanism of liver fibrosis and searching for new treatments against it. This review summarizes how parenchymal, nonparenchymal cells, inflammatory cells and various processes (liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cell activation, cell death and proliferation, deposition of extracellular matrix, cell metabolism, inflammation and epigenetics) contribute to liver fibrosis. We highlight discoveries of novel therapeutic targets, which may provide new insights into potential treatments for liver fibrosis.

Resveratrol Inhibits Hepatic Stellate Cell Activation via the Hippo Pathway

Liver fibrosis, which results from chronic liver injury due to factors such as chronic alcohol consumption, hepatitis virus infections, and immune attacks, is marked by excessive deposition of extracellular matrix (ECM). Resveratrol (Res), a polyphenol phytoalexin, has been demonstrated to show anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, antiproliferative, and chemopreventive activities. In recent years, Res has been found to inhibit liver fibrosis. Enhanced Hippo pathway activation has also been reported to inhibit tumor progression and liver fibrosis. In the present study, the role of the Hippo pathway in mediating the effects of Res on hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) was examined. We found that Res significantly suppresses HSC proliferation, reducing the cell index. Res induced HSC inactivation, reducing collagen deposition and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression. In addition, Res contributed to HSC apoptosis, upregulating Bax and downregulating Bcl-2 expression. Notably, the Hippo pathway was involved in the Res-mediated suppression of HSC activation. Res enhanced the activation of the Hippo pathway and reduced yes-associated protein (YAP) and transcriptional coactivator with the PDZ-binding motif (TAZ) expression. Interestingly, the YAP overexpression inhibited Res-induced HSC inactivation and apoptosis. In conclusion, these results demonstrate that Res inhibits HSC activation, at least in part, via the Hippo pathway. The present study indicates a new antifibrotic mechanism of Res and provides novel insights into Hippo-mediated HSC apoptosis and HSC activation in liver fibrosis.

Dendrobium Mixture Ameliorates Diabetic Nephropathy in db/db Mice by Regulating the TGF-β1/Smads Signaling Pathway

Dendrobium mixture (DMix) is an effective treatment for diabetic nephropathy (DN), but the molecular mechanism underlying its action remains unclear. In this study, we investigated whether DMix regulates the transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)/Smads signal transduction pathway. Twenty-four db/db mice were randomly divided into three groups: the model, DMix, and gliquidone groups, while eight db/m mice were selected as the normal control group. The drug was administered by continuous gavage for 8 weeks. Body weight (BW), kidney weight (KW), kidney index, fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood lipid, 24-hour urinary albumin excretion rate, blood urea nitrogen, and serum creatinine levels were measured. Pathological changes in the renal tissue were observed under a light microscope. Real-time quantitative PCR and immunohistochemical staining were used to detect the mRNA and protein expression levels of TGF-β1 and alpha-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA), respectively, in renal tissues. TGF-β1, Smad2, p-Smad2, Smad3, p-Smad3, and α-SMA expression levels were measured using western blotting. The results showed that DMix significantly reduced the FBG level, BW, KW, and blood lipid level and improved renal function in db/db mice. Histopathology showed that DMix alleviated glomerular mesangial cell proliferation and renal interstitial fibrosis in db/db mice. Additionally, DMix reduced the protein and mRNA expression levels of TGF-β1 and α-SMA and inhibited Smad2 and Smad3 phosphorylation. We conclude that DMix may inhibit renal fibrosis and delay the progression of DN by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads signaling pathway.

Liquiritigenin attenuates isoprenaline‑induced myocardial fibrosis in mice through the TGF‑β1/Smad2 and AKT/ERK signaling pathways

Myocardial fibrosis is a pathological process characterized by excessive accumulation of extracellular matrix in myocardial interstitial spaces. Myocardial fibrosis is a fundamental process in ventricular remodeling and a primary contributor to the progression of heart failure. Liquiritigenin (LQ) is a flavanone compound with anti‑oxidative, anti‑carcinogenic, anti‑inflammatory and estrogenic properties. The present study aimed to investigate the regulatory potential of LQ treatment in a mouse model of isoprenaline (ISO)‑induced cardiac fibrosis and in cultured H9C2 cardiomyocytes stimulated with angiotensin II (Ang II). The treatment of ISO‑induced mice with LQ significantly decreased the levels of cardiac injury‑related proteins in the serum and ECM accumulation in mouse heart tissues. LQ treatment also effectively alleviated cardiac dysfunction in ISO‑treated mice. Further analyses revealed that LQ inhibited ISO‑induced collagen formation and activation of the transforming growth factor‑β1 (TGF‑β1)/Smad2 and protein kinase B (AKT)/extracellular signal‑regulated kinase (ERK) signaling pathways. As a major pathological event in myocardial fibrosis, the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes has been considered a key mechanism contributing to impaired left ventricle performance. The pretreatment of rat cardiomyocytes with LQ significantly reduced the apoptosis of H9C2 cells, and inhibited Ang II‑induced activation of the TGF‑β1/Smad2 and AKT/ERK pathways. In conclusion, the present study revealed that LQ ameliorated ISO‑induced myocardial fibrosis in mice and inhibited the apoptosis of cardiomyocytes in vitro by inhibiting the TGF‑β1/Smad2 and AKT/ERK signaling pathways. These results suggested the anti‑fibrotic and cardioprotective potential of LQ in fibrosis, thus supporting the use of LQ for the management of cardiomyocyte injury and myocardial fibrosis in patients with cardiac diseases.

Insights into the molecular mechanisms of Huangqi decoction on liver fibrosis via computational systems pharmacology approaches

BACKGROUND

The traditional Chinese medicine Huangqi decoction (HQD) consists of Radix Astragali and Radix Glycyrrhizae in a ratio of 6: 1, which has been used for the treatment of liver fibrosis. In this study, we tried to elucidate its action of mechanism (MoA) via a combination of metabolomics data, network pharmacology and molecular docking methods.

METHODS

Firstly, we collected prototype components and metabolic products after administration of HQD from a publication. With known and predicted targets, compound-target interactions were obtained. Then, the global compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network and the HQD-liver fibrosis protein-protein interaction network were constructed, separately. KEGG pathway analysis was applied to further understand the mechanisms related to the target proteins of HQD. Additionally, molecular docking simulation was performed to determine the binding efficiency of compounds with targets. Finally, considering the concentrations of prototype compounds and metabolites of HQD, the critical compound-liver fibrosis target bipartite network was constructed.

RESULTS

68 compounds including 17 prototype components and 51 metabolic products were collected. 540 compound-target interactions were obtained between the 68 compounds and 95 targets. Combining network analysis, molecular docking and concentration of compounds, our final results demonstrated that eight compounds (three prototype compounds and five metabolites) and eight targets (CDK1, MMP9, PPARD, PPARG, PTGS2, SERPINE1, TP53, and HIF1A) might contribute to the effects of HQD on liver fibrosis. These interactions would maintain the balance of ECM, reduce liver damage, inhibit hepatocyte apoptosis, and alleviate liver inflammation through five signaling pathways including p53, PPAR, HIF-1, IL-17, and TNF signaling pathway.

CONCLUSIONS

This study provides a new way to understand the MoA of HQD on liver fibrosis by considering the concentrations of components and metabolites, which might be a model for investigation of MoA of other Chinese herbs.

Oxyresveratrol: Sources, Productions, Biological Activities, Pharmacokinetics, and Delivery Systems

Oxyresveratrol has recently attracted much research attention due to its simple chemical structure and diverse therapeutic potentials. Previous reviews describe the chemistry and biological activities of this phytoalexin, but additional coverage and greater accessibility are still needed. The current review provides a more comprehensive summary, covering research from 1955 to the present year. Oxyresveratrol occurs in both gymnosperms and angiosperms. However, it has never been reported in plants in the subclass Sympetalae, and this point might be of both chemotaxonomic and biosynthetic importance. Oxyresveratrol can be easily obtained from plant materials by conventional methods, and several systems for both qualitative and quantitative analysis of oxyresveratrol contents in plant materials and plant products are available. Oxyresveratrol possesses diverse biological and pharmacological activities such as the inhibition of tyrosinase and melanogenesis, antioxidant and anti-inflammatory activities, and protective effects against neurological disorders and digestive ailments. However, the unfavorable pharmacokinetic properties of oxyresveratrol, including low water solubility and poor oral availability and stability, have posed challenges to its development as a useful therapeutic agent. Recently, several delivery systems have emerged, with promising outcomes that may improve chances for the clinical study of oxyresveratrol.

Network Pharmacological Analysis and Experimental Validation of the Mechanisms of Action of Si-Ni-San Against Liver Fibrosis

Background: Si-Ni-San (SNS), a commonly used traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) formula, has potency against liver diseases, such as hepatitis and non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, the therapeutic efficacy and pharmacological mechanisms of action of SNS against liver fibrosis remain largely unclear. Methods: A carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis mouse model was adopted for the first time to investigate the beneficial effects of SNS on liver fibrosis. The potential mechanisms of action of SNS were explored using the network pharmacology-based strategy and validated with the aid of diverse assays. Results: SNS treatment reduced collagen and ECM deposition, downregulated fibrosis-related factor (hyaluronic acid and laminin) contents in serum, maintained the morphological structure of liver tissue, and improved liver function in the liver fibrosis model. Based on network pharmacology results, apoptosis, inflammation and angiogenesis, together with the associated pathways (including VEGF, TNF, caspase, PPAR-γ and NF-κB), were identified as the mechanisms underlying the effects of SNS on liver fibrosis. Further in vivo experiments validated the significant mitigatory effects of SNS on inflammatory infiltration and pro-inflammatory cytokine contents (IFNγ, IL-1β and TGF-β1) in liver tissues of mice with liver fibrosis. SNS suppressed pathologic neovascularization as well as levels of VEGFR1, VEGF and VEGFR2 in liver tissues. SNS treatment additionally inhibited hepatic parenchyma cell apoptosis in liver tissues of mice with liver fibrosis and regulated apoptin expression while protecting L02 cells against apoptosis induced by TNF-α and Act D in vitro. Activation of hepatic stellate cells was suppressed and the balance between MMP13 and TIMP1 maintained in vitro by SNS. These activities may be associated with SNS-induced NF-κB suppression and PPAR-γ activation. Conclusion: SNS effectively impedes liver fibrosis progression through alleviating inflammation, ECM accumulation, aberrant angiogenesis and apoptosis of hepatic parenchymal cells along with inhibiting activation of hepatic stellate cells through effects on multiple targets and may thus serve as a novel therapeutic regimen for this condition.

Network Pharmacology-Based Strategy for Elucidating the Molecular Basis Forthe Pharmacologic Effects of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.)

Licorice (Glycyrrhiza spp.) is used widely in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) due to its numerous pharmacologic effects. However, the mechanisms of action of the chemical constituents of licorice and their structure–function relationships are not fully understood. To address these points, we analyzed the chemical compounds in licorice listed in the TCM Systems Pharmacology database and TCM Integrated database. Target proteins of the compounds were predicted using Integrative Pharmacology-based Research Platform of TCM v2.0. Information on the pharmacologic effects of licorice was obtained from the 2020 Chinese Pharmacopoeia, and disease-related genes that have been linked to these effects were identified from the Encyclopedia of TCM database. Pathway analyses using the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes database were carried out for target proteins, and pharmacologic networks were constructed based on drug target–disease-related gene and protein–protein interactions. A total of 451 compounds were analyzed, of which 211 were from the medicinal parts of the licorice plant. The 241 putative targets of 106 bioactive compounds in licorice comprised 52 flavonoids, 47 triterpenoids, and seven coumarins. Four distinct pharmacologic effects of licorice were defined: 61 major hubs were the putative targets of 23 compounds in heat-clearing and detoxifying effects; 68 were targets of six compounds in spleen-invigorating and qi-replenishing effects; 28 were targets of six compounds in phlegm-expulsion and cough-suppressant effects; 25 compounds were targets of six compounds in spasm-relieving and analgesic effects. The major bioactive compounds of licorice were identified by ultra-high-performance liquid chromatography–quadrupole time-of-flight–tandem mass spectrometry. The anti-inflammatory properties of liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, glycyrrhizic acid and isoliquiritin apioside were demonstrated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and Western blot analysis. Liquiritin apioside, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritin, isoliquiritin apioside, kaempferol, and kumatakenin were the main active flavonoids, and 18α- and 18β-glycyrrhetinic acid were the main active triterpenoids of licorice. The former were associated with heat-clearing and detoxifying effects, whereas the latter were implicated in the other three pharmacologic effects. Thus, the compounds in licorice have distinct pharmacologic effects according to their chemical structure. These results provide a reference for investigating the potential of licorice in treatment of various diseases.

Pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy to identify multiple effective components in Huangqi decoction against liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

Huangqi decoction (HQD) has been used to treat chronic liver diseases since the 11th century, but the effective components in HQD against liver fibrosis have not been definitively clarified.

PURPOSE

To investigate and identify multiple effective components in HQD against liver fibrosis using a pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy.

METHODS

The absorbed representative components in HQD and their metabolites were detected in human plasma and urine using high-resolution mass spectrometry combined with a database-directed method, and then pharmacokinetics in multiple HQD components in human plasma was analyzed by ultra-performance liquid chromatography coupled with triple-quadruple mass spectrometry. Furthermore, the anti-fibrotic effect of potential effective HQD components was studied in LX-2 cells and that of a multi-component combination of HQD (MCHD) was verified in a mouse CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis model.

RESULTS

Twenty-four prototype components in HQD and 17 metabolites were identified in humans, and the pharmacokinetic characteristics of 14 components were elucidated. Among these components, astragaloside IV, cycloastragenol, glycyrrhizic acid, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritigenin, and isoliquiritigenin downregulated the mRNA expression of α-SMA; cycloastragenol, calycosin-7-O-β-D-glucoside, formononetin, glycyrrhetinic acid, liquiritin, and isoliquiritin downregulated the mRNA expression of Col I; and calycosin, liquiritigenin, isoliquiritigenin, cycloastragenol, and glycyrrhetinic accelerated the apoptosis of LX-2 cells. MCHD reduced serum aminotransferase activity and hepatic collagen fibril deposition in mice with CCl4-induced hepatic fibrosis.

CONCLUSION

Using the pharmacokinetics-based comprehensive strategy, we revealed that multiple effective HQD components act together against liver fibrosis.

Physalin D attenuates hepatic stellate cell activation and liver fibrosis by blocking TGF-β/Smad and YAP signaling

BACKGROUND

Hepatic fibrosis is considered integral to the progression of chronic liver diseases, as it leads to the development of cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma. The activation of hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) is the dominant event in hepatic fibrogenesis. The transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1) and Yes-associated protein (YAP) pathways play a pivotal role in HSC activation, hepatic fibrosis and cirrhosis progression. Therefore, targeting the TGF-β/Smad and YAP signaling pathways is a promising strategy for antifibrotic therapy.

PURPOSE

The present study investigated the protective effects of Physalin D (PD), a withanolide isolated from Physalis species (Solanaceae), against liver fibrosis and further elucidated the mechanisms involved in vitro and in vivo.

STUDY DESIGN/METHODS

We conducted a series of experiments using carbon tetrachloride (CCl₄)- and bile duct ligation (BDL)-induced fibrotic mice and cultured LX-2 cells. Serum markers of liver injury, and the morphology, histology and fibrosis of liver tissue were investigated. Western blot assays and quantitative real-time PCR were used to investigate the mechanisms underlying the antifibrotic effects of PD.

RESULT

PD decreased TGF-β1-induced COL1A1 promoter activity. PD inhibited TGF-β1-induced expression of Collagen I and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) in human hepatic stellate LX-2 cells. PD significantly ameliorated hepatic injury, including transaminase activities, histology, collagen deposition and α-SMA, in CCl₄- or BDL-induced mice. Moreover, PD markedly decreased the expression of phosphorylated Smad2/3 in vitro and in vivo. Furthermore, PD significantly decreased YAP protein levels, and YAP knockdown did not further enhance the effects of PD, namely α-SMA inhibition, Collagen I expression and YAP target gene expression in LX-2 cells.

CONCLUSION

These results clearly show that PD ameliorated experimental liver fibrosis by inhibiting the TGF-β/Smad and YAP signaling pathways, indicating that PD has the potential to effectively treat liver fibrosis.

Pharmacodynamic and Metabolomics Studies on the Effect of Kouyanqing Granule in the Treatment of Phenol-Induced Oral Ulcer Worsened by Sleep Deprivation

Oral ulcers are the most prevalent oral mucosal diseases globally, and no specific treatment schemes are currently available due to the complexity of oral ulcer diseases. Sleep deprivation increases the risk of a deterioration in oral health. Kouyanqing Granule (KYQG) has been used for decades in China to treat inflammatory diseases of the mouth and throat associated with the hyperactivity of fire due to yin deficiency syndrome. However, the mechanisms underlying the effects of KYQG in the treatment of oral ulcers are still unclear. The aims of this study were to investigate whether KYQG treatment could attenuate the symptoms of oral ulcers worsened by sleep deprivation and identify the involved metabolic pathways. First, we conducted chemical profiling of KYQG via UPLC–MS analysis. We then combined pharmacological and metabolomics approaches in a phenol-induced rat model of oral ulcers worsened by sleep deprivation. A total of 79 compounds were initially identified. Our observations showed that KYQG treatment induced a significantly higher healing rate in oral ulcers worsened by sleep deprivation. KYQG significantly reduced the levels of 5-HT and GABA in serum, and only decreased the 5-HT level in brain tissue after phenol injury followed by sleep deprivation. Moreover, KYQG administration significantly suppressed systemic inflammation by inhibiting TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-18, and MCP-1. Immunohistochemical analysis further revealed that KYQG inhibited IL-6 expression in buccal mucosa tissues. KYQG treatment also significantly decreased the serum levels of ACTH, CORT, IgM, and 8-OHdG. Serum metabolomics analysis showed that a total of 30 metabolites showed significant differential abundances under KYQG intervention, while metabolic pathway analysis suggested that the altered metabolites were associated with the dysregulation of eight metabolic pathways. Taken together, our results indicated that KYQG attenuates the symptoms of oral ulcers worsened by sleep deprivation probably through the regulation of the neuroimmunoendocrine system, oxidative stress levels, and tryptophan metabolism. This study also provides a novel approach for addressing the increased health risks resulting from sleep deficiency using an herbal medicine formula.

Targeting Hippo signaling pathway by phytochemicals in cancer therapy

The current era of cancer research has been continuously advancing upon identifying novel aspects of tumorigenesis and the principal mechanisms behind the unleashed proliferation, invasion, drug resistance and immortality of cancer cells in hopes of exploiting these findings to achieve a more effective treatment for cancer. In pursuit of this goal, the identification of the first components of an extremely important regulatory pathway in Drosophila melanogaster that largely determines cell fate during the developmental stages, ended up in the discovery of the highly sophisticated Hippo signaling cascade. Soon after, it was revealed that deregulation of the components of this pathway either via mutations or through epigenetic alterations can be observed in a vast variety of tumors and these alterations greatly contribute to the neoplastic transformation of cells, their survival, growth and resistance to therapy. As more hidden aspects of this pathway such as its widespread entanglement with other major cellular signaling pathways are continuously being uncovered, many researchers have sought over the past decade to find ways of therapeutic interventions targeting the major components of the Hippo cascade. To date, various approaches such as the use of exogenous targeting miRNAs and different molecular inhibitors have been recruited herein, among which naturally occurring compounds have shown a great promise. On such a basis, in the present work we review the current understanding of Hippo pathway and the most recent evidence on targeting its components using natural plant-derived phytochemicals.

Arctigenin alleviates TGF-β1-induced epithelial-mesenchymal transition and PAI-1 expression via AMPK/NF-κB pathway in peritoneal mesothelial cells

Peritoneal fibrosis (PF) caused by long-term peritoneal dialysis is closely associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) of human peritoneal mesothelial cells (HPMCs). Moreover, the anti-fibrotic role of Arctigenin (Arc) has been reported in several fibrosis disorders. Therefore, the preventive effect of Arc on transforming growth factor-β1 (TGF-β1)-induced EMT and the underlying mechanisms in HPMCs was investigated in this study. Firstly, the PD model was established by TGF-β1 stimulation in cultured HPMCs in vitro, we found that TGF-β1 significantly increased the EMT markers (α-SMA, vimentin, and fibronectin) and plasminogen activator inhibitor type 1 (PAI-1) expressions, but decreased epithelial marker (E-cadherin). Co-treatment with Arc (10, 20, 40 μM) ameliorated TGF-β1-induced EMT in a dose-dependent manner, and the expression of PAI-1 was also inhibited by Arc, which was abrogated by restoration of PAI-1. Moreover, Arc enhanced the phosphorylated AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK), but inhibited the phosphorylated IκBα level and nuclear translocation of nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) p65 in TGF-β1-induced HPMCs. ChIP and Luciferase reporter assays verified that the increased binding capacity of NF-κB to the promoter of PAI-1 induced by TGF-β1 was reversely attenuated by Arc in HPMCs. However, the effect of Arc on TGF-β1-induced NF-κB activation, PAI-1 expression and EMT in HPMCs was attenuated by AMPK agonist Compound C. In conclusion, these data demonstrated that Arc suppressed TGF-β1-induced EMT by activating the AMPK/NF-κB pathway to inhibit PAI-1 expression in HPMCs. Therefore, Arc might act as a potential therapeutic agent for PD treatment.