Blockade of periostin-dependent migration and adhesion by curcumol via inhibition of nuclear factor kappa B signaling in hepatic stellate cells

Curcumol: a review of its pharmacology, pharmacokinetics, drug delivery systems, structure-activity relationships, and potential applications

Curcumol (Cur), a guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid hemiketal, is an important and representative bioactive component extracted from the essential oil of the rhizomes of Curcumae rhizoma which is also known as "Ezhu" in traditional Chinese medicine. Recently, Cur has received considerable attention from the research community due to its favorable pharmacological activities, including anti-cancer, hepatoprotective, anti-inflammatory, anti-viral, anti-convulsant, and other activities, and has also exerted therapeutic effect on various cancers, liver diseases, inflammatory diseases, and infectious diseases. Pharmacokinetic studies have shown that Cur is rapidly distributed in almost all organs of rats after intragastric administration with high concentrations in the small intestine and colon. Several studies focusing on structure-activity relationship (SAR) of Cur have shown that some Cur derivatives, chemically modified at C-8 or C-14, exhibited more potent anti-cancer activity and lower toxicity than Cur itself. This review aims to comprehensively summarize the latest advances in the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic properties of Cur in the last decade with a focus on its anti-cancer and hepatoprotective potentials, as well as the research progress in drug delivery system and potential applications of Cur to date, to provide researchers with the latest information, to highlighted the limitations of relevant research at the current stage and the aspects that should be addressed in future research. Our results indicate that Cur and its derivatives could serve as potential novel agents for the treatment of a variety of diseases, particularly cancer and liver diseases.

Qijia rougan formula ameliorates ECM deposition in hepatic fibrosis by regulating the JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a feedback loop in macrophage M2 polarization

Hepatic fibrosis is the critical pathological stage in the progression of chronic liver disease to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, no approved anti-hepatic fibrosis drugs are available currently. Qijia Rougan Formula (QRF) is a traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) with significant clinical efficacy on hepatic fibrosis. It was derived from Sanjiasan, a famous decoction documented in the Book of Treatise on the Pestilence in the Ming Dynasty of China. However, the underlying regulatory mechanisms remain elusive. This study further confirmed the therapeutic effects of QRF on hepatic fibrosis and dissected its underlying molecular mechanisms from the perspective of macrophage M2 polarization, one of the critical events in hepatic fibrosis. Experimentally, QRF significantly improved extracellular matrix (ECM) deposition and fibrosis in the liver of model rats. QRF diminished the proportion of M2 macrophages, decreased the levels of TGF-β, PDGFB and IL-10, and regulated the expression of p-JAK1, p-STAT6, JAK1 and microRNA-23a both in vitro and in vivo. Collectively, it was confirmed that QRF effectively improves liver function and hepatocyte damage, and reduces ECM deposition. QRF ameliorates hepatic fibrosis by regulating JAK1/STAT6-microRNA-23a negative feedback loop to inhibit macrophage M2 polarization and thus reduce ECM deposition. Our study illustrates the potential of QRF for hepatic fibrosis therapy, suggesting that QRF is a promising anti-hepatic fibrosis drug candidate.

Curcumol alleviates cardiac remodeling via the AKT/NF-κB pathway

Cardiac remodeling is the final stage of almost all cardiovascular diseases, leading to heart failure and arrhythmias. However, the pathogenesis of cardiac remodeling is not fully understood, and specific treatment schemes are currently unavailable. Curcumol is a bioactive sesquiterpenoid that has anti-inflammatory, anti-apoptotic, and anti-fibrotic properties. This study aimed to investigate the protective effect of curcumol on cardiac remodeling and elucidate its relevant underlying mechanism. Curcumol significantly attenuated cardiac dysfunction, myocardial fibrosis, and hypertrophy in the animal model of isoproterenol (ISO)-induced cardiac remodeling. Curcumol also alleviated cardiac electrical remodeling, thereby reducing the risk of ventricular fibrillation (VF) after heart failure. Inflammation and apoptosis are critical pathological processes involved in cardiac remodeling. Curcumol inhibited the inflammation and apoptosis induced by ISO and TGF-β1 in mouse myocardium and neonatal rat cardiomyocytes (NRCMs). Furthermore, the protective effects of curcumol were found to be mediated through the inhibition of the protein kinase B (AKT)/nuclear factor-kappa B (NF-κB) pathway. The administration of an AKT agonist reversed the anti-fibrotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-apoptotic effects of curcumol and restored the inhibition of NF-κB nuclear translocation in TGF-β1-induced NRCMs. Our study suggests that curcumol is a potential therapeutic agent for the treatment of cardiac remodeling.

Small-molecule natural plants for reversing liver fibrosis based on modulation of hepatic stellate cells activation: An update

BACKGROUND

Liver fibrosis (LF) is a trauma repair process carried out by the liver in response to various acute and chronic liver injuries. Its primary pathological characteristics are excessive proliferation and improper dismissal of the extracellular matrix, and if left untreated, it will progress into cirrhosis, liver cancer, and other diseases. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) activation is intimately associated to the onset of LF, and it is anticipated that addressing HSCs proliferation can reverse LF. Plant-based small-molecule medications have anti-LF properties, and their mechanisms of action involve suppression of extracellular matrix abnormally accumulating as well as anti-inflammation and anti-oxidative stress. New targeting HSC agents will therefore be needed to provide a potential curative response.

PURPOSE

The most recent HSC routes and small molecule natural plants that target HSC described domestically and internationally in recent years were examined in this review.

METHODS

The data was looked up using resources including ScienceDirect, CNKI, Web of Science, and PubMed. Keyword searches for information on hepatic stellate cells included "liver fibrosis", "natural plant", "hepatic stellate cells", "adverse reaction", "toxicity", etc. RESULTS: We discovered that plant monomers can target and control various pathways to prevent the activation and proliferation of HSC and promote the apoptosis of HSC in order to achieve the anti-LF effect in this work by compiling the plant monomers that influence many common pathways of HSC in recent years. It demonstrates the wide-ranging potential of plant monomers targeting different routes to combat LF, with a view to supplying new concepts and new strategies for natural plant therapy of LF as well as research and development of novel pharmaceuticals. The investigation of kaempferol, physalin B, and other plant monomers additionally motivated researchers to focus on the structure-activity link between the main chemicals and LF.

CONCLUSION

The creation of novel pharmaceuticals can benefit greatly from the use of natural components. They are often harmless for people, non-target creatures, and the environment because they are found in nature, and they can be employed as the starting chemicals for the creation of novel medications. Natural plants are valuable resources for creating new medications with fresh action targets because they feature original and distinctive action mechanisms.

Periostin: an emerging activator of multiple signaling pathways

Matricellular proteins are responsible for regulating the microenvironment, the behaviors of surrounding cells, and the homeostasis of tissues. Periostin (POSTN), a non-structural matricellular protein, can bind to many extracellular matrix proteins through its different domains. POSTN usually presents at low levels in most adult tissues but is highly expressed in pathological sites such as in tumors and inflamed organs. POSTN can bind to diverse integrins to interact with multiple signaling pathways within cells, which is one of its core biological functions. Increasing evidence shows that POSTN can activate the TGF-β, the PI3K/Akt, the Wnt, the RhoA/ROCK, the NF-κB, the MAPK and the JAK pathways to promote the occurrence and development of many diseases, especially cancer and inflammatory diseases. Furthermore, POSTN can interact with some pathways in an upstream and downstream relationship, forming complicated crosstalk. This article focuses on the interactions between POSTN and different signaling pathways in diverse diseases, attempting to explain the mechanisms of interaction and provide novel guidelines for the development of targeted therapies.

Curcumae rhizoma and its major constituents against hepatobiliary disease: Pharmacotherapeutic properties and potential clinical applications

BACKGROUND

Hepatobiliary disease currently serves as an urgent health issue in public due to health-modulating factors such as extension of life expectancy, increasingly sedentary lifestyles and over-nutrition. A definite treatment remains lacking owing to different stages of the disease itself and its intricate pathogenesis. Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) has been gradually popularized in clinic with the satisfactory efficacy and good safety. Curcumae Rhizoma (called E Zhu, EZ in Chinese) is a representative herb, which has been used to treat hepatobiliary disease for thousands of years.

PURPOSE

To systematically summarize the recent research advances on the pharmacological activities of EZ and its constituents, explain the underlying mechanisms of preventing and treating hepatobiliary diseases, and assess the shortcomings of existing work. Besides, ethnopharmacology, phytochemicals, and toxicology of EZ have been researched.

METHODS

The information about EZ was collected from various sources including classic books about Chinese herbal medicine, and scientific databases including Web of Science, PubMed, ScienceDirect, Springer, ACS, SCOPUS, CNKI, CSTJ, and WANFANG using keywords given below and terms like pharmacological and phytochemical details of this plant.

RESULTS

The chemical constituents isolated and identified from EZ, such as terpenoids including β-elemene, furanodiene, germacrone, etc. and curcuminoids including curcumin, demethoxycurcumin, bisdemethoxycurcumin, etc. prove to have hepatoprotective effect, anti-liver fibrotic effect, anti-fatty liver effect, anti-liver neoplastic effect, and cholagogic effect through TGF-β1/Smad, JNK1/2-ROS, NF-κB and other anti-inflammatory and antioxidant signaling pathways. Also, EZ is often combined with other Chinese herbs in the treatment of hepatobiliary diseases with good clinical efficacy and no obvious adverse reactions.

CONCLUSION

It provides a preclinical basis for the efficacy of EZ as an effective therapeutic agent for the prevention and treatment of hepatobiliary diseases. Even so, the further studies still needed to alleviate hepatotoxicity and expand clinical application.

Non-coding RNAs regulating epithelial-mesenchymal transition: Research progress in liver disease

Chronic liver injury could gradually progress to liver fibrosis, cirrhosis, and even hepatic carcinoma without effective treatment. The massive production and activation of abnormal cell differentiation is vital to the procession of liver diseases. Epithelial-mesenchymal transformation (EMT) is a biological process in which differentiated epithelial cells lose their epithelial characteristics and acquire mesenchymal cell migration capacity. Emerging evidence suggests that EMT not only occurs in the process of hepatocellular carcinogenesis, but also appears in liver cells transforming to myofibroblasts, a core event of liver disease. Non-coding RNA (ncRNA) such as microRNA (miRNA), long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) and circular RNA (circRNA) are important regulatory factors in EMT, which can regulate target gene expression by binding with RNA single-stranded. Various studies had shown that ncRNA regulation of EMT plays a key role in liver disease development, and many effective ncRNAs have been identified as promising biomarkers for the diagnosis and treatment of liver disease. In this review, we focus on the relationship between the different ncRNAs and EMT as well as the specific molecular mechanism in the liver diseases to enrich the pathological progress of liver diseases and provide reference for the treatment of liver diseases.

Network Pharmacology-Based Approach Combined with Bioinformatic Analytics to Elucidate the Potential of Curcumol against Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Purpose: Modern, open-source databases provide an unprecedented wealth of information to help drug development. By combining data available in these databases with the proper bioinformatical tools, we can elucidate the molecular targets of natural compounds. One such molecule is curcumol, a guaiane-type sesquiterpenoid hemiketal isolated from Rhizoma Curcumae, which is used for a broad range of diseases in traditional Chinese and Indian medicine. It has been reported to exert anti-tumor activity, but the intrinsic molecular mechanism in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is unclear. Therefore, the present study was designed to reveal the predictive targets and biological mechanisms of curcumol against HCC via a network pharmacology-based approach combined with bioinformatic analytics and to provide proof of concept for further similar investigations. Methods: Data available from open-source databases (Traditional Chinese Medicine Systems Pharmacology, Comparative Toxicogenomic Database, The Cancer Genome Atlas, the Human Protein Atlas project) was processed with the help of a variety of open-source tools (SwissADME, SwissTargetPrediction, JVenn, Gene Ontology, Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, GeneMANIA, Cytoscape). Results: In the present study, the potential of curcumol against HCC was unraveled by network pharmacology-based elucidation. It suggests that curcumol shows exciting druggability with 44 potent homo sapiens biotargets against HCC. The GO terms and KEGG pathways enrichment analyses, curcumol-targets-pathways-HCC network, PPI network, and corresponding in-depth topological analyses, as well as survival analysis, molecular docking simulation indicate that the potential mechanism of curcumol against HCC is complicated, as it may act in various ways, mainly by inducing apoptosis and modulating the inflammatory response, increasing presentation of HCC-specific protein. Conclusion: The present study highlights the potential of curcumol against HCC, giving reference to further experimental study. It also presents a roadmap that can be followed to conduct in silico prescreening of other compounds of interest.

Essential oil from the raw and vinegar-processed Rhizoma Curcumae ameliorate CCl4-induced liver fibrosis: integrating network pharmacology and molecular mechanism evaluation

Liver fibrosis, caused by multiple chronic liver injuries, is a known contributor to cirrhosis and even liver cancer. As a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), Rhizoma curcumae has been extensively used in the treatment of liver fibrosis with satisfying therapeutic effects; however, its mechanism is unclear. The essential oil is the main bioactive component. The purpose of this study was to investigate the chemical profile and the pharmacological mechanisms of the essential oil of Rhizoma curcumae (EORC) against liver fibrosis by combining network pharmacology and transcriptomic technologies. A total of 37 active compounds were identified using the GC/MS system and literature mining, and the corresponding putative targets were predicted. Then, network pharmacology method was applied to identify the 168 candidate targets of EORC-alleviated liver fibrosis. String database and Cytoscape software were used to build the herb-compound-target network and protein-protein interactions (PPIs) network. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis indicated that EORC significantly influenced TGF-β1/Smads and PI3K/AKT pathways. Experimentally, we verified that EORC attenuated the severity and pathological changes during liver fibrosis progression based on the CCl4-induced liver fibrosis rat model. Transcriptomic technologies demonstrated that EORC ameliorated liver fibrosis partially by regulating the TGF-β1/Smads and PI3K/AKT pathways. In addition, the effect of vinegar-processed EORC was more significant than that of the raw one. Therefore, EORC can alleviate the severity of liver fibrosis through mechanisms predicted by network pharmacology and provide a basis for the further understanding of the application of EORC in the treatment of liver fibrosis.

Curcumol inhibits KLF5-dependent angiogenesis by blocking the ROS/ERK signaling in liver sinusoidal endothelial cells

AIMS

Liver fibrosis is a difficult problem in the medical field. We previously reported that curcumol, a bioactive substance, may inhibit the pathological angiogenesis of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LSECs) and play a good anti-hepatic fibrosis effect. However, the mechanism of curcumol inhibiting angiogenesis in LSEC needs to be further clarified. Here, we focus on how curcumol inhibits LSEC angiogenesis in liver fibrosis.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Primary rat LSECs were cultured in vitro, and various molecular experiments including real-time PCR, western blot, immunofluorescence, tube formation assay and transwell migration assay were used to clarify the potential mechanism of curcumol. Carbon tetrachloride (CCl4) was applied to create a mouse liver fibrosis model. Blood and livers were taken to elucidate the efficacy of curcumol in vivo.

KEY FINDINGS

We found that curcumol could effectively inhibit LSEC angiogenesis in vitro. Interestingly, this process may depend on curcumol's inhibition of the expression of transcription factor KLF5. Mice experiment also showed that curcumol could alleviate chronic liver injury by reducing KLF5 expression. In addition, we suggested that curcumol could reduce the production of mitochondrial ROS and improve mitochondrial morphology in LSEC. More importantly, we proved that curcumol could suppress KLF5-mediated LSEC angiogenesis by inhibiting ROS/ERK signaling.

SIGNIFICANCE

We suggested that transcription factor KLF5 could be considered as a new target molecule of curcumol in improving liver fibrosis, and pointed out that curcumol targeted ROS/ERK-mediated KLF5 expression could inhibit LSEC angiogenesis. This provided a new theoretical basis for curcumol to ameliorate liver fibrosis.