Catalpol ameliorates liver fibrosis via inhibiting aerobic glycolysis by EphA2/FAK/Src signaling pathway

Multifaceted therapeutic potentials of catalpol, an iridoid glycoside: an updated comprehensive review

Catalpol, classified as an iridoid glucoside, is recognized for its significant role in medicine, particularly in the treatment of various conditions such as diabetes mellitus, neuronal disorders, and inflammatory diseases. This review aims to evaluate the biological implications of catalpol and the mechanisms underlying its diverse pharmacological effects. A thorough exploration of existing literature was conducted utilizing the keyword "Catalpol" across prominent public domains like Google Scholar, PubMed, and EKB. Catalpol has demonstrated a diverse array of pharmacological effects in experimental models, showcasing its anti-diabetic, cardiovascular-protective, neuroprotective, anticancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. In summary, catalpol manifests a spectrum of biological effects through a myriad of mechanisms, prominently featuring its anti-inflammatory and antioxidant capabilities. Its diverse pharmacological profile underscores its potential for therapeutic applications across a range of conditions. Further research is warranted to fully elucidate the clinical implications of catalpol and optimize its use in medical practice.

ALOX15-Driven Ferroptosis: The key target in Dihydrotanshinone I's epigenetic Battle in hepatic stellate cells against liver fibrosis

BACKGROUND

It is known that ferroptosis promotes hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) inactivation. Arachidonate 15-Lipoxygenase (ALOX15), a ferroptosis driver gene, participates in disease progression.

PURPOSE

Dihydrotanshinone I (DHI), an active compound from Salvia miltiorrhiza, effectively regulates HSC inactivation. Nonetheless, there still needs to be clear understanding of how DHI affects HSC ferroptosis.

METHODS

This study primarily investigates DHI's protective effects on liver fibrosis in vivo and in vitro. Additionally, we explored the molecular mechanisms by which DHI promotes ferroptosis in HSCs. The relationship between ALOX15 level and methylation was examined. Molecular docking was performed to confirm the targeting between early growth response protein 1 (EGR1) and DHI.

RESULTS

DHI exhibited a mitigating effect on liver fibrosis in vivo. DHI-induced inactivation of HSC by promoting ferroptosis, accompanied by an elevation in intracellular iron and reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Results of transcriptome sequencing and quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) confirmed the elevation of ALOX15 (a ferroptosis driver gene) in HSCs with DHI. Loss of ALOX15 inhibited DHI-induced ferroptosis. Interestingly, DNA methyltransferase 1 (DNMT1), an essential DNA methyltransferase, was downregulated by DHI. Overexpression of DNMT1 resulted in decreased ALOX15 expression in cells with DHI. Notably, transcription factor EGR1 was demonstrated to regulate DNMT1 expression. EGR1 deficiency led to an increase in DNMT1 expression, which inhibited DHI-induced ferroptosis. Molecular docking confirmed that EGR1 could serve as a direct pharmacological target of DHI.

CONCLUSION

DHI upregulates EGR1 level, leading to decreased DNMT1 expression and increased ALOX15 demethylation, thereby promoting HSC ferroptosis and inactivation.