Salvianolic acid B attenuates liver fibrosis by targeting Ecm1 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis

Salvianolic acid B drives gluconeogenesis and peroxisomal redox remodeling in cardiac ischemia/reperfusion injury: A metabolism regulation by metabolite signal crosstalk

Cardiac metabolism relies on glycogen conversion by glycolysis. Glycolysis intersects fatty acid oxidation and often directs a signal crosstalk between redox metabolites. Myocardium with ischemia/reperfusion significantly diverts from normal metabolism. Prospectively, peroxisome lies central to metabolism and redox changes, but mechanisms underlying in ischemia/reperfusion remain undefined. This work aims at investigating the potential effects and mechanisms of Salvianolic acid B (Sal B) in cardioprotection through metabolic remodeling. Following experiments, we found that Sal B is absorbed in blood and rat hearts and its cardiac absorption prevents ischemia/reperfusion injury. Sal B cardioprotection relates to gluconeogenesis activation and peroxisomal redox remodeling. Gluconeogenesis compensates glycogen synthesis through upregulating pyruvate carboxylase (PC) and phosphoenolpyruvate carboxykinase. Gluconeogenic PC activity drives peroxisomal Pex2/Pex3 expressions and promotes the proliferation of peroxisome. Peroxisome quality control is enhanced with Pex5/Pex14/Pex13/Pex2 transcriptions. Nono, a non-POU domain-containing octamer-binding protein, promotes upregulation of gluconeogenic PC and peroxisomal gene transcripts through transcriptionally splicing their pre-RNAs at octamer duplex. Nono also controls the expression of SARM1/PARP1/sirtuin1 for catalyzing nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide (NAD+) consumption, leading to endurable redox capacities of peroxisome. Peroxisomal redox remodeling alters reactive oxygen species (ROS) and NAD+ contents, following which NAD+ affects cardiac accumulation of physiologically harmful glucocorticoid. In the tests of Sal B combinational treatments, results indicate ROS upregulation whereas NAD+ downregulation with glucocorticoid, ROS scavenging and glucocorticoid elimination with NAD+ precursor, and NAD+ promotion with ROS scavenger, respectively. This metabolite signal crosstalk alternatively antagonizes/agonizes Sal B cardioprotective functions on electrocardiographic output and infarction. Taken together, we reported a cardiac metabolism regulation with Sal B, capable of preventing myocardium from ischemia/reperfusion injury. The metabolite signal crosstalk was achieved by coupling reaction cascades between gluconeogenesis and peroxisomal redox remodeling.

GAMG alleviates liver fibrosis through inducing ferroptosis in inflammatory macrophages via the IRF1/SLC7A11 signaling pathway

The activation of inflammatory macrophages plays a pivotal role in the development of liver fibrosis (LF). Ferroptosis contributes to the clearance of inflammatory macrophages and the release of profibrotic factors. Glycyrrhetic Acid 3-O-Mono-β-d-glucuronide (GAMG) is a natural compound, the potential role of which on LF remains uncertain. In this study, GAMG treatment significantly reduced hepatocyte steatosis, fibroplasia, inflammatory cell infiltration, and collagen fiber deposition in LF mice. In addition, GAMG remarkably decreased the content of collagen protein and improved liver function indicators. Single-cell RNA sequencing revealed that GAMG significantly affected the changes of macrophage subsets in LF, and Funrich analysis identified IRF1 as a key transcription factor regulating the macrophage genome. IRF1 was significantly increased while ferroptosis related SLC7A11 was significantly down-regulated in GAMG treated inflammatory macrophages. Mass spectrometry metabolomics analysis showed that GAMG significantly affected metabolites associated with LF. In vivo and in vitro experiments further verified that GAMG induced ferroptosis of inflammatory macrophages through the IRF1/SLC7A11 axis, and ultimately alleviated LF. Therefore, GAMG induces ferroptosis of inflammatory macrophages by activating the IRF1/SLC7A11 axis, which provides a new strategy for the treatment of LF.

Ferroptosis in organ fibrosis: Mechanisms and therapeutic approaches

Ferroptosis, a form of iron-dependent regulated cell death, has emerged as a critical mechanism in the pathogenesis of organ fibrosis. This review aims to provide an overview of the molecular mechanisms underlying ferroptosis and its contribution to fibrosis in various organs, including the liver, lung, heart, and kidneys. We explore how dysregulated iron metabolism, lipid peroxidation, and oxidative stress contribute to ferroptosis and subsequent tissue damage, promoting the progression of fibrosis. In addition, we highlight the complex interplay between ferroptosis and other cellular processes such as apoptosis, necrosis, and inflammation in the fibrotic microenvironment. Furthermore, this review discusses current therapeutic strategies targeting ferroptosis, including iron chelation, antioxidants, and modulators of lipid peroxidation. We also examine ongoing clinical and preclinical studies aimed at translating these findings into viable treatments for fibrotic diseases. Understanding the role of ferroptosis in organ fibrosis offers novel therapeutic opportunities, with the potential to mitigate disease progression and improve patient outcomes.

Total Sanghuangporus vaninii extract inhibits hepatocyte ferroptosis and intestinal microbiota disturbance to attenuate liver fibrosis in mice

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Sanghuangporus, the dried fruiting body of Sanghuangporus vaninii (Ljub) L.W.Zhou et Y.C.Dai. As the main species of Sanghuang, it has been well-known and used commonly as a traditional medicinal and edible macrofungi for thousands of years in many countries, including China, Korea and Japan. Although it has good hepatoprotective activity, its potential efficacy and mechanism on liver fibrosis remain elusive.

AIM OF THE STUDY

Total Sanghuangporus vaninii extract (TSH) was prepared by ethanol extraction to investigate its chemical components and to conduct an initial assessment of its efficacy and underlying mechanism in a murine model of liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

The chemical components of TSH were initially analyzed by UHPLC-Q-Orbitrap HRMS. To elucidate the effects of TSH, an in vivo model of fibrosis was established in mice using carbon tetrachloride (CCl4), followed by assessments of serum liver function and histopathological analysis. Besides, indicators related to liver fibrosis, hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation, inflammation response and ferroptosis related indicators were detected by western blotting, immunohistochemistry and real-time quantitative PCR (RT-qPCR) analysis. Additionally, the 16S rDNA sequencing and untargeted metabolomics analysis of intestinal microbiota were employed to investigating the role of TSH in gut microbiome. In vitro, the human hepatocyte line L02 was stimulated with erastin and treated with or without TSH to elucidate its underlying mechanism.

RESULTS

The administration of TSH significantly improved serum indicators of liver injury in CCl4-induced fibrosis mice, reduced HSCs activation and collagen deposition, while inhibiting the expressions of transforming growth factor-β1(TGF-β1)/Smad signaling pathway. Notably, TSH treatment attenuated hepatocyte ferroptosis and lipid peroxidation both in vivo and in vitro, as evidenced by a marked decrease in liver iron and malondialdehyde (MDA) contents. In particular, TSH was demonstrated to activate the nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2)-glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) signaling pathway, thereby protecting hepatocytes from ferroptosis with a particular enhancement of Nrf2 nuclear transcription. Furthermore, TSH influenced gut microbiota composition and ameliorated intestinal metabolic disorders. The increased abundance of Parasutterella and Olsenellas due to TSH treatment was significantly positively correlated with elevated phosphatidylcholines involved in linoleic acid metabolism, and negatively correlated with the reduction of fatty acyls. And the enrichment of intestinal linoleic acid metabolism presented a negative correlation in the reduction of liver fibrosis biomarkers.

CONCLUSIONS

Our findings indicate that the TSH treatment exerts a significantly protective effect on CCl4-induced mice by ameliorating hepatic injury and ferroptosis damage, inhibiting HSCs activation and collagen deposition, and remodeling gut microbiota homeostasis and metabolic imbalance. Notably, TSH attenuated hepatocyte ferroptosis in liver fibrosis and exhibited upregulation of the Nrf2-GPX4 signaling pathway. Furthermore, TSH could enrich the abundance of Parasutterella and Olsenellas, which may contribute to intestinal linoleic acid metabolism, thereby contributing to the reduction of liver fibrosis damage. Our study provides more effective and unreported evidence of TSH in anti-fibrosis activity.

THBS1 in macrophage-derived exosomes exacerbates cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury by inducing ferroptosis in endothelial cells

Macrophages play a critical role in the development of acute ischemic stroke (AIS). Cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury (CIRI) is a pivotal pathological process that exacerbates AIS, with exosomes act as crucial mediators. However, the effects and mechanisms of action of macrophage-derived exosomes on CIRI remain unclear. This study demonstrated that macrophage-derived exosomes induce endothelial ferroptosis and barrier disruption during CIRI. Through proteomic sequencing and the reanalysis of transcriptomic and single-cell sequencing data, thrombospondin-1 (THBS1) was identified as a key exosomal molecule. Elevated THBS1 was observed in exosomes and monocytes from the peripheral blood of patients with AIS in oxygen-glucose deprivation/reoxygenation (OGD/R)-stimulated THP-1 and RAW264.7, in their secreted exosomes, and in macrophages within the brains of transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (tMCAO) mice. Additionally, THBS1 expression in exosomes was positively correlated with vascular barrier injury biomarkers, including MMP-9 and S100B. Modulation of THBS1 in macrophage-derived exosomes affected exosome-induced ferroptosis in endothelial cells. The mechanism by which THBS1 binds directly to OTUD5 and promotes GPX4 ubiquitination was elucidated using RNA interference, adeno-associated virus transfection, and endothelial-specific Gpx4 knockout mice. High-throughput screening of small-molecule compounds targeting THBS1 was performed. Molecular docking, molecular dynamics simulations, and cellular thermal shift assays further confirmed that salvianolic acid B (SAB) has a potent binding affinity for THBS1. SAB treatment inhibited the interaction between THBS1 and OTUD5, leading to reduced GPX4 ubiquitination. Further research revealed that SAB treatment enhanced the cerebral protective effects of THBS1 inhibition. In conclusion, this study explored the role of exosome-mediated signaling between macrophages and cerebral vascular endothelial cells in CIRI, highlighting the THBS1-OTUD5-GPX4 axis as a driver of endothelial ferroptosis and brain injury. Targeting this signaling axis represents a potential therapeutic strategy for treating CIRI.

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles attenuate ferroptosis in aged hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury by transferring miR-1275

With an aging global population, the proportion of aged donor livers in graft pools is steadily increasing. Compared to young livers, aged livers exhibit heightened susceptibility to hepatic ischemia/reperfusion injury (HIRI), which significantly limits their utilisation in liver transplantation (LT) and exacerbates organ shortages. Our previous study demonstrated that ferroptosis is a pivotal trigger for HIRI vulnerability in aged livers. However, effective clinical strategies for the inhibition of ferroptosis remain elusive. Utilizing an aged mouse HIRI model, primary hepatocytes, and human liver organoids, this study provides hitherto undocumented evidence that mesenchymal stem cell-derived extracellular vesicles (MSC-EVs) effectively alleviate HIRI in aged livers by inhibiting ferroptosis. Mechanistically, miR-1275, which was significantly enriched within MSC-EVs, was transferred to hepatocytes. Subsequently, miR-1275 downregulated the expression of SLC39A14, a crucial iron transporter that is upregulated in aged livers and plays a pivotal role in promoting ferroptosis. Furthermore, we found a negative correlation between SLC39A14 levels and prognosis of aged donor liver recipients using clinical LT samples. Silencing miR-1275 in MSC-EVs or modulating SLC39A14 levels in aged livers reversed MSC-EV-mediated mitigation of ferroptosis. Collectively, these findings revealed the novel therapeutic potential of MSC-EVs in attenuating aged HIRI, suggesting a promising treatment for improving prognosis and preventing serious complications in recipients of aged liver grafts during LT.

CAV1 promotes epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and chronic renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by activating the ferroptosis pathway

Background

Chronic allograft dysfunction (CAD) stands as a critical factor that limits the long-term viability of transplanted kidneys. Ferroptosis is an iron-dependent form of programmed cell death increasingly linked to chronic fibrosis. However, the mechanism by which ferroptosis contributes to the onset and progression of CAD remains unclear.

Methods

This study analyzed transcriptome data from renal transplant biopsy samples in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), through clinical samples, animal models, and cell experiments, this study investigated the mechanism by which Caveolin-1 (CAV1) promotes CAD through the regulation of the ferroptosis pathway.

Results

The elevated levels of CAV1 were found to positively correlate with CAD incidence. Clinical and animal model validation confirmed heightened CAV1 expression in CAD. In vitro experiments demonstrated that CAV1 can directly promote chronic renal allograft interstitial fibrosis by regulating ferroptosis in renal tubular epithelial cells; additionally, it can promote epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by secreting Interleukin- 6 (IL-6), thereby further contributing to CAD.

Conclusion

CAV1 plays a critical role in the development of CAD by promoting EMT and chronic renal allograft interstitial fibrosis through the ferroptosis pathway. Adjusting ferroptosis by altering the expression abundance of CAV1 may become an important method for the prevention and treatment of CAD in the future.

Hinokitiol ameliorates MASH in mice by therapeutic targeting of hepatic Nrf2 and inhibiting hepatocyte ferroptosis

BACKGROUND

Metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis (MASH), an advanced stage of metabolic dysfunction-associated steatotic liver disease (MASLD), still lacks approved effective clinical drugs. Ferroptosis, a form of regulated cell death driven by excessive iron accumulation and uncontrollable lipid peroxidation, has been proven to be a trigger of inflammation and initiation of steatohepatitis. The pathogenic interplay is modulated by oxidative stress, while the Nrf2-mediated antioxidant response plays a regulatory role in ferroptosis. Phytochemical hinokitiol (Hino) has demonstrated positive efficacy in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in the reported work, but it remains unknown whether its therapeutic effect attributes to delaying the progress of steatohepatitis to HCC.

PURPOSE

This work aimed to systemically investigate the significance of ferroptosis in the pathogenesis of MASH and to demonstrate that Hino, a bioactive monoterpene compound, attenuates the primary pathological characteristics of MASH via promotion of Nrf2/GPX4 signaling.

METHODS

In this work, a MASH model was established using the high-fat/high-cholesterol (HFHC) diet-fed in vivo and palmitic acid/oleic acid (PO)-stimulated hepatocytes in vitro. Biochemical indexes, pathological analysis, western blot, PCR assay, energy metabolic phenotype, molecular docking, and confirmatory assays were performed comprehensively to reveal the key link between the Nrf2/GPX4 axis and the treatment of MASH.

RESULTS

Under MASH conditions with increased oxidative stress, we show that Nrf2 was remarkable downregulated in HFHC diet-fed mice and PO-managed hepatocytes. Mechanistically, hepatic upregulation of Nrf2 through phytochemical Hino supplementation inhibited ferroptosis, enhanced lipid metabolism, and thereby alleviated hepatic steatosis, inflammation, and fibrosis. Conversely, silencing Nrf2 in hepatocytes further promoted the accumulation of key markers of ferroptosis and aggravated MASH phenotypes.

CONCLUSION

Increased ferroptosis promoted steatosis which further drove inflammation and hepatic fibrosis. Our results suggested the significance of Nrf2 in ameliorating MASH, which was regulated through Hino. Thus, targeted inhibition of ferroptosis through Hino administration is a feasible and effective approach for treating MASH.

Functionalized biomimetic nanoparticles loaded with salvianolic acid B for synergistic targeted triple-negative breast cancer treatment

The therapeutic effect of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) in triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is unsatisfactory. The immune "cold" microenvironment caused by tumor-associated fibroblasts (TAFs) has an adverse effect on the antitumor response. Therefore, in this study, mixed cell membrane-coated porous magnetic nanoparticles (PMNPs) were constructed to deliver salvianolic acid B (SAB) to induce an antitumor immune response, facilitating the transition from a "cold" to a "hot" tumor and ultimately enhancing the therapeutic efficacy of immune checkpoint inhibitors. PMNP-SAB, which is based on a mixed coating of red blood cell membrane and TAF membrane (named PMNP-SAB@RTM), can simultaneously achieve the dual effects of "immune escape" and "homologous targeting". Under the influence of an external magnetic field (MF), SAB can be targeted and concentrated at the tumor site. The SAB released in tumors can effectively inhibit the production of extracellular matrix (ECM) by TAFs, promote T-cell infiltration, and induce antitumor immune responses. Ultimately, the combination of PMNP-SAB@RTM and BMS-1 (PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitor 1) effectively inhibited tumor growth. Finally, this study presents a precise and effective new strategy for TNBC immunotherapy on the basis of the differentiation of "cold" and "hot" microenvironments.

Qizhu Rougan Granules suppress liver fibrosis by inhibiting the expression of the P2Y14 receptor on hepatic stellate cells

Introduction

Liver fibrosis is a globally prevalent chronic liver disease, often representing the advanced stage of various chronic liver conditions. Despite its widespread occurrence, there is currently no widely accepted or effective treatment for liver fibrosis. However, increasing evidence supports the efficacy of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) in inhibiting the progression of fibrosis. In this study, we explored the effects and potential mechanisms of Qizhu-Ruogan-Granules (QZRG), a formulation from the Affiliated Hospital of the Chengdu University of TCM, on carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced liver fibrosis in mice.

Methods

A total of 40 male C57BL/6J mice were randomly divided into five groups (n = 8 per group), with liver fibrosis induced by injecting 10% CCl4 for 15 weeks. From the 7th week onward, QZRG granules were administered orally to the treatment groups at low, medium, and high doses. To assess liver function, serum levels of alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), and alkaline phosphatase (ALP) were measured. Liver morphology and fibrosis were evaluated using hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) and Masson's trichrome staining, while gene and protein expression levels were analyzed through quantitative reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and western blot techniques.

Results

The results showed that QZRG granules significantly reduced serum levels of AST, ALT, and ALP in CCl4-treated mice, alleviated liver damage, and reduced collagen accumulation. Furthermore, QZRG granules inhibited the expression of apoptosis-related proteins BAX, Caspase9, Caspase8, and Caspase3, while reducing P2Y14 expression in fibrotic liver tissues. Additionally, QZRG granules suppressed the proliferation of activated hepatic stellate cells.

Conclusion

Our findings suggest that QZRG granules may exert anti-fibrotic effects by downregulating P2Y14 expression and effectively slowing the progression of liver fibrosis.

Progress of cGAS-STING signaling pathway-based modulation of immune response by traditional Chinese medicine in clinical diseases

The cGAS-STING signaling pathway is a critical component of the innate immune response, playing a significant role in various diseases. As a central element of this pathway, STING responds to both endogenous and exogenous DNA stimuli, triggering the production of interferons and pro-inflammatory cytokines to enhance immune defenses against tumors and pathogens. However, dysregulated activation of the STING pathway is implicated in the pathogenesis of multiple diseases, including autoinflammation, viral infections, and cancer. Traditional Chinese Medicines (TCMs), which have a long history of use, have been associated with positive effects in disease prevention and treatment. TCM formulations (e.g., Lingguizhugan Decoction, Yi-Shen-Xie-Zhuo formula) and active compounds (e.g., Glabridin, Ginsenoside Rd) can modulate the cGAS-STING signaling pathway, thereby influencing the progression of inflammatory, infectious, or oncological diseases. This review explores the mechanisms by which TCMs interact with the cGAS-STING pathway to regulate immunity, focusing on their roles in infectious diseases, malignancies, and autoimmune disorders.

Calpain-1 Up-Regulation Promotes Bleomycin-Induced Pulmonary Fibrosis by Activating Ferroptosis

Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) is a chronic, progressive, and fatal disease. Calpain-1 is an effective therapeutic target for vascular endothelial dysfunction and pulmonary hypertension. However, the role of calpain-1 in bleomycin (BLM)-induced IPF has not been defined. The aim of this study was to assess the targeting of calpain-1 by activating ferroptosis in BLM-treated knockout mice and murine lung epithelial-12 cells. The role of calpain-1 in the regulation of IPF was investigated using a BLM-induced IPF mouse model. The results of this study showed that increased expression of calpain-1 was accompanied by increased fibrosis, lipid peroxidation, iron ion accumulation, and Yes-associated protein (YAP) levels and decreased levels of phosphorylated adenosine 5'-monophosphate-activated protein kinase (p-AMPK) in BLM-induced IPF. MDL-28170 (calpain-1 inhibition) treatment and calpain-1 knockdown alleviated ferroptosis and IPF induced by BLM. Overexpression of calpain-1 in murine lung epithelial-12 cells further exacerbated iron accumulation and IPF. Mechanistically, lentivirus-mediated up-regulation of calpain-1 inhibited AMPK activity and promoted the nuclear translocation of YAP, leading to high levels of acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 4 and transferrin receptor protein 1 and triggering a ferroptosis response that ultimately exacerbated BLM-induced lung fibrosis. Calpain-1 inhibition reversed these results and ameliorated BLM-induced IPF. In conclusion, these findings suggest that the calpain-1-acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family 4-transferrin receptor protein 1-ferroptosis-positive regulatory axis contributes to BLM-induced IPF, which indicates that calpain-1 has potential therapeutic value for the treatment of IPF.

The therapeutic effects of salvianolic acids on ischemic stroke: From molecular mechanisms to clinical applications

Ischemic stroke (IS), primarily caused by cerebrovascular occlusion, poses a significant public health challenge with limited effective therapeutic options. Evidence suggests that salvianolic acids (SAs), mainly from Salvia miltiorrhiza Bunge, have been formulated into injections and are widely used in clinical treatments for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases, including stroke. The pharmacological properties of SAs include reducing neuroinflammation, alleviating oxidative stress injury, inhibiting cellular apoptosis, preserving endothelial function, maintaining blood-brain barrier integrity, and promoting angiogenesis. Salvianolic acids for injection (SAFI) serve as a safe and effective treatment option for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular conditions by influencing various signaling pathways and molecular targets associated with these diseases. In this review, we first discuss the pathogenesis of IS, then summarize the classification of SAs, elaborate detailed molecular mechanisms of their efficacy, and the related clinical applications of SAFI. We also emphasize the recent pharmacological advancements and therapeutic possibilities of this promising drug preparation derived from herbs for cerebrovascular conditions.

Advancements in Plant-Based Therapeutics for Hepatic Fibrosis: Molecular Mechanisms and Nanoparticulate Drug Delivery Systems

Chronic liver injuries often lead to hepatic fibrosis, a condition characterized by excessive extracellular matrix accumulation and abnormal connective tissue hyperplasia. Without effective treatment, hepatic fibrosis can progress to cirrhosis or hepatocellular carcinoma. Current treatments, including liver transplantation, are limited by donor shortages and high costs. As such, there is an urgent need for effective therapeutic strategies. This review focuses on the potential of plant-based therapeutics, particularly polyphenols, phenolic acids, and flavonoids, in treating hepatic fibrosis. These compounds have demonstrated anti-fibrotic activities through various signaling pathways, including TGF-β/Smad, AMPK/mTOR, Wnt/β-catenin, NF-κB, PI3K/AKT/mTOR, and hedgehog pathways. Additionally, this review highlights the advancements in nanoparticulate drug delivery systems that enhance the pharmacokinetics, bioavailability, and therapeutic efficacy of these bioactive compounds. Methodologically, this review synthesizes findings from recent studies, providing a comprehensive analysis of the mechanisms and benefits of these plant-based treatments. The integration of novel drug delivery systems with plant-based therapeutics holds significant promise for developing effective treatments for hepatic fibrosis.

Targeting the regulation of iron homeostasis as a potential therapeutic strategy for nonalcoholic fatty liver disease

With aging and the increasing incidence of obesity, nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has become the most common chronic liver disease worldwide. NAFLD mainly includes simple hepatic steatosis, nonalcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH), liver fibrosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). An imbalance in hepatic iron homeostasis is usually associated with the progression of NAFLD and induces iron overload, reactive oxygen species (ROS) production, and lipid peroxide accumulation, which leads to ferroptosis. Ferroptosis is a unique type of programmed cell death (PCD) that is characterized by iron dependence, ROS production and lipid peroxidation. The ferroptosis inhibition systems involved in NAFLD include the solute carrier family 7 member 11 (SLC7A11)/glutathione (GSH)/glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) and ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1)/coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10)/nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) regulatory axes. The main promotion system involved is the acyl-CoA synthetase long-chain family (ACSL4)/arachidonic lipoxygenase 15 (ALOX15) axis. In recent years, an increasing number of studies have focused on the multiple roles of iron homeostasis imbalance and ferroptosis in the progression of NAFLD. This review highlights the latest studies about iron homeostasis imbalance- and ferroptosis-associated NAFLD, mainly including the physiology and pathophysiology of hepatic iron metabolism, hepatic iron homeostasis imbalance during the development of NAFLD, and key regulatory molecules and roles of hepatic ferroptosis in NAFLD. This review aims to provide innovative therapeutic strategies for NAFLD.

Ultrasonic-assisted nanofiltration separation recovering salvianolic acid B from ethanol wastewater

The transformation of salvianolic acid B brought on by heat treatment recovery of ethanol eluent, which is a difficult problem in pharmaceutical technology, affects the purity of raw material when the medicinal raw material salvianolic acid B is purified by resin. Ultrasonic-assisted nanofiltration separation (UANS) was first employed to improve efficiency of resource utilization by regulating rejection and separating salvianolic acid B and rosmarinic acid from organic pharmaceutical wastewater. The rejection was related to three variables: ultrasonic power, pH, and ethanol concentration. But there were differences in the effects of variables on the rejections of salvianolic acid B and rosmarinic acid. The rejections of rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B showed a decreasing trend with an increase in ultrasonic power or a decrease in pH; however, when the concentration of ethanol was increased from 5 % to 35 %, the salvianolic acid B rejection increased from 84.96 % to 96.60 % and the rosmarinic acid rejection decreased from 35.09 % to 17.51 %. On the basis of response surface methodology (RSM), the optimal UANS parameters for solution conditions involving different ethanol concentrations are as follows: 10 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 500 W and pH 6.15), 20 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 500 W and pH 6.54), and 30 % ethanol solution (ultrasonic power 460 W and pH 6.34). The molecular proportions of salvianolic acid B were 10.75 %, 7.13 %, and 8.27 % in 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % ethanol wastewater, while the molecular proportions of rosmarinic acid were 40.52 %, 33.83 %, and 69.87 %, respectively. And the recoveries of salvianolic acid B in 10 %, 20 %, and 30 % ethanol wastewater were 93.56 %, 95.04 %, and 97.30 %, respectively, while the recoveries of rosmarinic acid were 3.19 %, 2.27 %, and 0.56 %. The molecular proportion and the rejection are correlated exponentially. In comparison with conventional nanofiltration separation (CNS), UANS is able to resolve the conflict between rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B in pharmaceutical wastewater, as well as enhance resource recycling and separation efficiency to prevent pollution of the environment from pharmaceutical wastewater. Experiments using UANS at different power intensities suggest that the ultrasonic at a power intensity of 46-50 W/L and the power density of 0.92-1.00 W/cm2 may resolve the separation conflict between rosmarinic acid and salvianolic acid B. This work suggests that UANS may be a significant advancement in the field of ultrasonic separation and has several potential uses in the water treatment industry.

Progress in clinical and basic research of fuzheng Huayu formula for the treatment of liver fibrosis

ETHNOPHARMACOLOGICAL RELEVANCE

Traditional Chinese medicine has great potential and advantages in the treatment of liver fibrosis, with Fuzheng Huayu formula (FZHY) serving as a prime example due to its remarkable efficacy in delaying and reversing liver fibrosis while simultaneously improving clinical symptoms for patients.

AIM OF THE REVIEW

In this paper, we present a comprehensive review of recent studies on the therapeutic potential of FZHY and its components/ingredients in the treatment of liver fibrosis and cirrhosis, with the aim of providing insights for future research endeavors.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A comprehensive literature search was conducted on FZHY, TCM319, traditional Chinese medicine 319, liver fibrosis and cirrhosis using multiple internationally recognized databases including PubMed, Embase, Springer, Web of science, SciVerse ScienceDirect, Clinical Trails. Gov, CNKI, Wanfang, and VIP.

RESULTS

FZHY is widely used clinically for liver fibrosis and cirrhosis caused by various chronic liver diseases, with the effects of improving serum liver function, liver pathological histology, serological indices related to liver fibrosis, decreasing liver stiffness values and portal hypertension, as well as reducing the incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma and morbidity/mortality in patients with cirrhosis. Numerous in vivo and in vitro experiments have demonstrated that FZHY possesses anti-fibrotic effects by inhibiting hepatic stellate cell activation, reducing inflammation, protecting hepatocytes, inhibiting hepatic sinusoidal capillarization and angiogenesis, promoting extracellular matrix degradation, and facilitating liver regeneration. In recent years, there has been a growing focus on investigating the primary active components/ingredients of FZHY, and significant strides have been made in comprehending their synergistic mechanisms that enhance efficacy.

CONCLUSION

FZHY is a safe and effective drug for treating liver fibrosis. Future research on FZHY should focus on its active components/ingredients and their synergistic effects, as well as the development of modern cocktail drugs based on its components/ingredients. This will facilitate a more comprehensive understanding of the molecular mechanisms and targets of FZHY in treating liver fibrosis, thereby further guide clinical applications and drug development.